After school, the two of them were relaxing while going shopping. They entered a second-hand clothing store and began chatting leisurely while checking out clothes they liked, exclaiming “Oh, this is nice,”.

Matsumoto: Isn’t this the first time the two of us have gone shopping together like this? We’re always together for work and stuff, but we haven’t really gone out together that often.
Aiba: That’s true. But, you know, there was a time that I went over to your house to hang out. I remember buying a seaweed bento from a bento shop and eating it at Matsujun’s house.
Matsumoto: I remember that well.
Aiba: By the way, that was the first time I had ever eaten seaweed bento. I remember it because it was so delicious. But what we did after that I can’t remember at all (laughs).
Matsumoto: It was probably karaoke. We have completely different tastes in clothes, so that’s why we haven’t gone shopping together. For example, I’m wearing a windbreaker and Aiba is wearing a coat. Although it’s a different style, I like Aiba-kun’s fashion.
Aiba: I’d like to see Matsujun wear folk clothing. For example, how about this? (He suddenly hands him an ethnic-style shirt).
Matsumoto: I wonder if it would suit me… I like outdoor-style clothes so I probably wouldn’t ever wear that type of clothing.
Aiba: Seriously, you’re always wearing clothes that look like you’re about to go climb a mountain! For me, if I had to pick, I’d say I like indoor clothes.
Matsumoto: Eh, what are ‘indoor clothes’?
Aiba: Maybe pajamas (laughs). But you know, it’s not just clothes, we’re complete opposites in everything. Our personalities are completely different too.
Matsumoto: I like things lively, and you like things quiet. I think because of these differences we get along well.
Aiba: Oh, actually I’ve been feeling kind of lively lately.

Matsumoto: Why~ I guess that kind of suits you (lol)! The first time I met you I thought “This guy is making a funny face”. I still feel that way (lol). I haven’t really ever seen anyone that looks like you.
Aiba: I doubt that.
Matsumoto: Aiba-kun, you make me laugh at least once a day. Earlier when you got asked you what sport you like, you answered “Squash.” Then when everyone was like “Wait, you play squash?” you said “Eh, I’ve never played before”. I laughed so hard.
Aiba: I said that because it’s a sport I want to get into! Matsumoto, today you’re being too uptight (tsukkomi). You used to be so small and cute but now….
Matsumoto: I guess that means I’ve grown up too (lol). Aiba-kun, you’ve been really good at making jokes lately (boke). You have good timing, too.
Aiba: I’m still working on my material (laughs). Ever since you entered Johnny’s we have been together, huh? We did the drama “Bokura no Yuuki” and the movie “Shinuku Boy Detectives”. That’s right, we never had a wrap up party. Let’s go out to eat. How about a hotpot party?
Matsumoto: No way! I don’t wanna go with just the two of us.
Aiba: Baka! We’ll invite everyone. There’s no point for just the two of us.
Matsumoto: Anyhow, what about trying snowboarding? I’m not very good with the cold but it looks fun.
Aiba: Good idea, I wanna go. But actually, I just want to use snowboarding as an excuse to go to the hotspring at the ski resort.
Matsumoto: Well, I LOVE “hot water” (I LOVE is written in English)
Aiba: Omg, so cold……..

Aiba and Ohno say they had never really spoken to each other before they became members of Arashi. The conversation between the two, who are “Arashi’s Representative Fools” (boke) began in the studio’s makeup room. Ohno was holding cotton candy, and Aiba was enjoying blowing hot air from a hair dryer on Ohno. They say they “have the same vibe” so check out their conversation.

Aiba: Ohno-kun is exactly as he appears. My impression of him hasn’t changed at all since we first met. He’s a warm and silly guy. But recently, he’s also been saying more serious things. Just casually….
Ohno: Hmmm. I don’t remember doing that (for some reason that pisses me off).
Aiba: Please don’t get mad (laughs). I’m not listening to it consciously, but I’m like, “Oh, you’re being serious.” I noticed this recently.
Ohno: We had no contact with each other until now. The other four members worked together, but I was the only one who was separate. I bet there will be a lot more new discoveries in the future!
Aiba: I think you forgot but I went to Kyoto a few times. Without Ohno knowing. I was also in ‘Kyo to Kyo’. We were also on location together.
Ohno: I guess you’re right….we stayed together at an inn, didn’t we?
Aiba: I have a photo of the two of us taken at that time. I had forgotten about it, but the other day while looking for childhhood photos I came across it in an album. I was like, “What is this?” I was surprised. Oh-chan is so young (laughs).
Ohno: Was it taken at the inn?
Aiba: Yeah. You were wearing big black-rimmed glasses. What happened to them?!
Ohno: Ah, I wear those so people won’t recognize me when I’m walking around. I used to wear them often. Speaking of which, I remember at that time we had to leave at 5:30AM. And we played the “Parman Game” game until 5AM.
Aiba: That’s right. The person who lost would get slapped. My hands hurt so much. In the end I feel like we didn’t sleep at all…
Ohno: Nino was there too.
Aiba: Takizawa-kun and Tsubasa-kun were also there. Considering that you remember all that it seems like you have a great memory, Ohno-kun.
Ohno: I’m detailed when I’m recollecting~

Aiba: By the way, Ohno-kun you’re eating cotton candy like crazy. Oh no, the whole bag is gone. How many calories are in that? It seems like a lot.
Ohno: Isn’t this okay? It says it’s just sugar. And there’s not even that much.
Aiba: That’s dangerous! You’re such a goofball (laughs)! You don’t seem to worry about calories these days….
Ohno: It’s too much trouble so I gave up. By the way, that manga was interesting.
Aiba: The one I gave you for your birthday?
Ohno: Yes. I’ve already read all 10 volumes. It’s amazing that the manga “のぞき屋” is only 10 volumes. You even gave me a pair of jeans.
Aiba: I wasn’t wearing those jeans at all. The other day I heard Oh-chan casually say “I want some jeans” and I thought I should give them to someone who would actually wear them.
Ohno: I’ll wear jeans next time. Aiba-chan. Your birthday is in December, right?
Aiba: I’m looking forward to it (lol). By the way, don’t you think we should go somewhere together? I was talking to Matsujun, too. I want to go to a hot spring. Hot springs in winter are so nice. Ku~
Ohno: I want to go to a quiet place. I hate crowds. For some reason, I always give way to others when I walk. I want to walk straight, but when someone comes towards me, I have to move out of the way. I can’t help but get pissed off. Why am I the one who always moves over?
Aiba (laughs). Ohno-kun is such a nice guy! Let’s choose a hot spring where there aren’t many people, then. We can play table tennis and then go to bed. That kind of overnight trip. It’s the best. You’re good at table tennis, maybe because you used to play badminton?
Ohno: Yeah, I guess so. I like table tennis quite a bit. A long time ago there was a time I played it until morning.
Aiba: Wow, that’s amazing. Why don’t we all go together? Ohno-kun, please invite Sho-kun. Sho-kun seems to be good at skiing, so tell him we’re going to a ski resort with a hot spring.
Ohno: Got it. I’ll let him know, if I don’t forget (laughs).
Aiba: Ah, I’m worried!

The older brother duo talk battle took place while riding in a taxi on their way to the venue. It was a lively affair with a good mix of funny and blunt comments. Are Arashi commutes always like this?

Sakurai: Usually Ohno-kun says something, and I respond with a joke that’s even better than what he said. That’s the repetition. It’s always lively in the dressing room and while we’re traveling
Ohno: The later it gets, the more excited we get. Aiba and the others look like they want to sleep but try to keep up (laughs). By the way, Aiba said we should all go to a hot spring and ski. (Ohno remembered to tell Sho)
Sakurai: Sounds good. I’m good at skiing. I skied from about age 4 until I was in sixth grade. I don’t really like mogul slopes, though.
Ohno: Well, that settles it.
Sakurai: This is a bit sudden, but Ohno-kun, do you remember the first time we met?
Ohno: Of course. Sho-kun was so cute. I wanted to eat him (laughs).
Sakurai: What the! Eat me!!…I had a strange feeling like I’d met Ohno-kun somewhere before. Is it deja vu? But because you were my senior, I couldn’t talk to you. You were quite fond of me, weren’t you?
Ohno: Was that so?
Sakurai: So, when we went on our first tour, Ohno-kun and Matsumoto Junichi burst into my room. I was like, “Huh, Ohno-kun, are you really this playful?” I had a quiet image of him…but he was with Matsumoto Junichi, he would go wild. So we became friends just before Ohno-kun went to Kyoto. After that, I went to Kyoto too…
Ohno: Right. And that’s when we finally opened up to each other.

Sakurai: At that time, I often went to Ohno’s room to hang out. When we went to Hawaii for our debut press conference, we shared a room together and were always together. Hey, but wasn’t it super awkward for you at first!? Suddenly, you got put with the 4 of us in Arashi. I don’t know about Nino, but I don’t think you’d ever really talked to Matsujun or Aiba, right?
Ohno: Well that’s a straightforward question. But actually it wasn’t awkward at all. It’s not like I I hadn’t EVER talked to them.
Sakurai: Compared to before, you’ve become motivated huh. Before, you gave off an aura of being lazy, but recently you seem more motivated.
Ohno: Hey hey, I’ve been motivated for a while now! But more importantly, Sho-kun, you’re impressive! You’re working but you’re also going to school….incredible. I could never do that!
Sakurai: Speaking of which, Ohno-kun is amazing too. No matter what you say, you can make people laugh. That’s amazing. Your timing is perfect. The destructive power of that one blow, that one word you mutter, is incredible.
Ohno: I wonder if that’s a compliment….
Sakurai: And when we’re together, all we do is joke around.
Ohno: It’s not like we’re thinking up jokes together, it just comes out naturally. I don’t think other people would find it funny. It’s like we’re both satisfied just laughing together.
Sakurai: It’s all based on the mood and momentum of the moment, so if we recorded it and listened later I don’t think it would be that entertaining.
Ohno: But Nino listens to our jokes and laughs with us. He understands.
Sakurai: He’s also a total idiot! I mean, everyone in Arashi is weird! It’s pretty funny.
Ohno: You’re just saying stupid things. In the future we want our own show. A variety show. Wouldn’t it be great if we could make it ourselves?
Sakurai: Something like “Let’s go to school!” I need to start polishing up my sense of humor now!!

He leans over Nino as he lies down and reads a magazine, teasing him. Perhaps their sensibilities are similar, as the two get along well and have a lovey-dovey(?) conversation.

Sakurai: The other day, I was talking to Ohno about wanting to do a variety show.
Ninomiya: You want to do something a little more niche, right?
Sakurai: Right, you totally get it. When we’re together, we’re both so silly. Or rather, like we’re in love. We’re like a lovey-dovey couple (lol). Sometimes Ohno and I are talking and Nino is laughing and saying, “You’re so dumb” Other times Nino and I are playing together and Ohno is laughing next to us. So… does that mean I’m the idiot?
Ninomiya: I guess you knew (laughs) Just kidding. More importantly, when we first met, Sho-kun was like this (He uses his index finger and thumb to indicate the size. It’s about 3cm.) I thought you were tiny.
Sakurai: What are you talking about. You joined way after me (angry)! When you joined……
Ninomiya: You don’t remember, do you!
Sakurai: Hmm… I remember when it was Matsujun and Aiba. Ah, I remember. You were the pitcher at the NHK rehearsal.
Ninomiya: That’s right. For the Johnny’s Baseball tournament, at the announcement of the catcher audition, it was decided I would be the pitcher.
Sakurai: I think when Ninomiya came in, I was taking tests and was absent. I saw it on TV, though. Then right after that, we were in PLAYZONE. When it was announced that I would be in PLAYZONE, and I was in charge of the J-team, and that’s when you came I guess.
Ninomiya: The way you’re saying it, it sounds like it was a nuisance?
Sakurai: No, I was happy to have my first junior.
Ninomiya: I see. I’m glad. I remember a lot of the things you used to say, since it was coming from you as a sempai. “He’s strong”, for example (laughs).
Sakurai: It’s because I say that a lot (laughs). Hehe~
Ninomiya: But we didn’t have much contact after that.
Sakurai: I was close with Ikuta, but not so much with you….I never really talked to Aiba properly either.

Ninomiya: When did I start talking to you?
Sakurai: Probably since last summer. I was in charge so it was hard for you to talk to me.
Ninomiya: When I shaved my head, Sho-kun called me. Do you remember?
Sakurai: Ah, I remember! I called and said “Nice job.” I was touched. During my Jr days, I felt like I had the shortest hair of anyone. Ninomiya’s hair was much shorter, completely shaved, so I thought “You did well, Ninomiya!” (laughs). You remember it well, huh.
Ninomiya: Of course, it was a call from my sempai.
Sakurai: Sempai…it was the same for me with like Machida-kun or Tokoyuki-Kun. But there comes a time when those boundaries are broken down. As for me, I became good friends with Machida and the others after they started going on concert tours together, and I think Ninomiya probably had a similar experience. Before you knew it, you were talking to each other a lot, you were able to speak casually, and there was always a sense of camaraderie, so it was easy for that to happen.
Ninomiya: I started calling you “Sakurai” when we went to Los Angeles (last August)!
Sakurai: What? I didn’t hear you call me that!
Ninomiya: Then, when we got back from Los Angeles, I heard about Arashi. Then we started talking about our future plans together.
Sakurai: At that time, I hadn’t heard anything about debuting, they were just saying we were going to form a group, we were super nervous together.
Ninomiya: There were times like that. Hey, next time, I want to do a drama like “Abunai Hougako”.
Sakurai: I’ll play Nino’s role, so Nino should play Subaru’s role. But I’ve never seen that show (laughs).
Ninomiya: WTF!!

The final duo in Arashi’s Real Talk Battle will be Nino and Matsujun. They joined the agency just one month apart. They’re the same age and often do things together, so they sat on a footbridge on their way home from work and talked about everything from their first meeting to their recent fights.

Ninomiya: In the beginning, I got scolded. By MatsuJun….You don’t remember, do you !?
Matsumoto: (flustered) What did I get mad about? Was I sulking (laugh)?
Ninomiya: When I had just joined the agency and didn’t know anything, I did something that I had been told not to do at the time, without knowing it. Matsujun saw me and said, “You can’t do that!”
Matsumoto: Haha, so that’s what happened…I was a bit arrogant back then. I’ll admit it. I definitely just wanted to act like a sempai. That’s the kind of guy Nino was, even though he was completely obsessed with playing Tetris. He’d been a gamer since back then.
Ninomiya: That’s right. People don’t change that easily.
Matsujun: I was told by Nino that him and Koba Ken were twin brothers and I thought it was true. Do you remember that?
Ninomiya: Yep. Koba Ken and I were together a lot during that time. I wanted to mess with you. Even though our names and appearance were completely different, you still believed me. Maybe it’s because you’re innocent, or maybe just a simpleton….
Matsumoto: After that, Nino and Aiba-kun once splashed pepper in my eyes while I was sleeping!
Ninomiya: Yes, I remember that very well. But I didn’t do it! It was at the hotel during tour when we shared a room, right? At night, Yuki-kun, Aiba-chan and I were talking and we were playing a game of rock-paper-scissors, and whoever lost would have to make Matsumoto sneeze in his sleep. I remember that I won rock-paper-scissors and Aiba-chan did it. At first, we tried using a tissue to tickle your nose, but it wasn’t working at all, so Yuki said, “Try using that pepper over there.” So Aiba-chan poured pepper on Matsujun. Then Matsujun woke up saying “Ouch…” and we all immediately pretended to go back to sleep.
Matsumoto: Seriously, it really hurt. I told everyone to quit it!

Ninomiya: Aiba-chan got scoled by the agency after that (laughs).
Matsumoto: You didn’t get scolded?
Ninomiya: I told you, I didn’t do anything!
Matsumoto: Well, since that time, we’ve always been together for work, so we don’t really interfere in each other’s private lives. For example, even if Nino had a girlfriend, I wouldn’t know about it, and even if I had one, I don’t think Nino would notice. We don’t really hang out, either.
Ninomiya: Come to think of it, that’s true. Since we became Arashi, all five of us have started spending our private time separately. Since we see each other every day, it’s natural.
Matsumoto: Since we’re the two youngest, how about we form a junior alliance?
Ninomiya: Strawberry Alliance, you say (lol)?
Matsumoto: Wow, that’s a cheesy name! Anyway, if there’s something we don’t like about each other…we can talk properly, right? The other day was pretty quarrelsome. When it comes to work, it’s best to be clear about what you think.
Ninomiya: Yeah, that has also happened. But, we can just let it go. We’re always together, so dragging it out will only make things worse. Usually. The fight is only relevant for the people involved. It’s just a misunderstanding between two people. If you keep dragging it around, it’ll just be troublesome. For those around you.
Matsumoto: When people disagree on something, it’s natural that they might not get along. No matter how close they might be. So, as friends who can say anything to each other, I hope we can continue to be friends for a long time to come.
Ninomiya: What are you summarizing?! (laughs)