PROTOSTAR released their debut CD and won the New Men's Idol Festival. Akira and the group discover from their agency that they'll compete in a New Music Release Battle against fellow sMiLea Production's LEGIT and JAXX/JAXX. Although Akira doesn't know what this battle will entail, he's excited since life as an idol is fun. But Akira's best friend, Kacchan, seems to be brooding over something...

Lin and Maoto announce the Release Battle, and the three idol groups, PROTOSTAR, LEGIT, and JAXX/JAXX discuss what motif they plan to use for their live performances. Daiki and Eishiro argue due to their different opinions concerning the direction of the band, but Fuga says something offhand that settles the matter.

Fuga asks to change the motif for the Release Battle and for some reason, he's also avoiding Daiki and Eishiro.

LEGIT has finished their live concert, PROTOSTAR has yet to decide on a motif for the Release Battle.

Gakuto receives an offer to perform at a jazz concert in the US. While Gakuto can perform the way he wants to overseas, Homare, Izumi, Jun, and Kanata can't do the things they want to work on. The four other members are aware that Gakuto is important to the group and thus put in more effort to make up for the fact that Gakuto isn't around at the moment. While this is happening, all of JAXX/JAXX's five members have an upcoming shoot for a live Buzz Variety dance project. They are determined to do their best as a group when Lin informs them about something.

Homare, Izumi, Jun, and Kanata do their best for the live Buzz Variety project, and put on an exciting show that goes beyond their imaginations. Although Kanata is happy that this has generated some hype, he wonders if Gakuto has mixed feelings about the situation. For some reason, one day Jun starts to play pranks on Kanata. Kanata doesn't seem to have any idea why, but it seems like Jun wants Kanata to realize something...!

PROTOSTAR is the only group that hasn't had their live release concert. Lin and Maoto look at the metrics of the LEGIT and JAXX/JAXX performances, and talk in anticipation about what sort of show PROTOSTAR will put on for them. They imagine it will be a performance that was unthinkable when sMiLea Production first started up as an agency. The unknown past of the once legendary idols' transition to becoming producers is revealed. Meanwhile, Akira and the other idols in the group are showing some unsettling behavior behind Lin, Maoto, and Harumi's backs.

PROTOSTAR prepares for their next tour destination, the "Lantern Festival." Although the local people loved the festival long ago, something happened that changed it forever. Banri and Chihiro take a closer look at their fans and at the locals who feel removed from the festival as PROTOSTAR looks for a way to bring laughter and smiles to those coming. How exactly will they do this!?

With the Lantern Festival experience under their belt, PROTOSTAR finally decide on a motif for the upcoming Release Battle. Each group and its members reflect upon themselves and each other. Which group will shine brightest on that Release Battle stage, which they've so passionately prepared for? What do Lin and Maoto want to convey to the three idol groups through the Release Battle?

The sMiLea Production idols are suddenly sent to an overnight training camp by Lin and Maoto. Although they're enjoying their stay by having snowball fights and doing other activities, PROTOSTAR began feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility and pressure of leading the joint live performance. When Daiki sees the three members of PROTOSTAR lack the confidence to direct the senior groups, LEGIT and JAXX/JAXX, he begins venting about his frustrations.

PROTOSTAR, LEGIT, and JAXX/JAXX form a deeper bond with the overnight training camp. As they work on improving for the joint performance, Akira strangely shows up late to practice. Banri and Chihiro are worried about Akira, who isn't acting like himself. They head to Kikunoyu Hot Springs to talk to him when they realize Akira's mother isn't there. After wondering if there is any way they can support Akira, what will Banri and Chihiro do?!

With the help of all the idols at sMiLea Production, Akira is able to perform at the joint concert.