Previous thread:
>>5587603

Cont:
>>5625384
-------------

Nagata sends a quick message to Matsui to try and get Kaiba an audition for a part in Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works.
Ufotable Animation is a well-known company with quite a bit of renown, so there’s likely to be a ton of competition.
Then again, Kaiba has been practicing her acting for months now so she should be able to keep up with the other applicants.

It’s only 9 AM at the moment and there’s several hours left before the first new idol comes in for an interview.
Nagata’s second and third idol. The privilege to manage up to three idols was acquired after her successful performance review.
The other two managers, Yukimori Kyoden and Matsuno Kojiro, weren’t that lucky.

Nagata can’t help but wonder what those two have been up to these past few weeks.
She’s been so busy with everything that she barely had any time to keep track of those who should’ve been her competition.

Well, there’s one easy way to find out, but that requires a trip to HR.
It requires meeting up with Kitabayashi Yui. The two of them have barely spoken since the karaoke night.

Nagata sighs, “Well,” she proclaims to the empty office, “I’ll have to face her at some point.”
She begins the short journey to the HR office.

Once there Nagata idles in front of the door, she’s strangely nervous.
Even though she usually doesn’t, she decides to knock.

Perhaps Mori Kotone is in today, rather tha…
“Come on in,” replies the voice of Kitabayashi Yui.

Nagata cracks open the door a bit and pokes her head inside, “Good morning,” she says.

Kitabayashi blinks, “Good morning,” she says, returning her attention to the computer, “Nagata-san.”

Nagata sheepishly walks into the room, “How…” she begins, “Have you been?”

“I’ve been well,” replies Kitabayashi, “Thank you for asking. Can I help you with something?”

Nagata winces. There’s obviously some kind of wall between the both of them.
She rubs the back of her own neck, “Well,” she says, “I was hoping you could let me have another peek at the other managers. To see what they’ve been up to?”

Kitabayashi replies with a flat stare, “Nagata-san,” she says, “I can’t allow non-HR personnel to view restricted company records.”

“Of course,” replies Nagata, feigning a chuckle, “I was just… you know… like last time?”

Kitabayashi offers Nagata little more than a glance, “I do hope you won’t press the matter and force me to put this violation on record?”

Nagata freezes up, “No, ah, that won’t be necessary,” she says, “…I’ll be going now…”

>>5625865

She turns towards the door and makes it halfway there before Kitabayashi bursts out laughing.

“Mihooo!” she cries, between laughs, “I can’t believe you fell for that!”

Face flush, Nagata stomps in place, eyes downcast, “You almost made me cry!” she says, “I was going to walk out that door thinking I lost a friend!”

Kitabayashi recovers from her laughing fit and wags a finger, “Tch, tch, tch,” she says, clicking her tongue, “Like I’d ever treat you like that for real.”

Nagata sniffles, “I wouldn’t have blamed you,” she says, “After what happened…”

Kitabayashi rolls her eyes, gets up, and walks over, placing her hands on Nagata’s shoulders, “Should I be mad because you’re straight?”
She waves a dismissive hand, “Was I disappointed?" she says, "Yes, but I’m not mad or anything!”

Kitabayashi bellows out an exaggerated sigh, “Paaaah, we would’ve been so cute together,” she cries, head tilted towards the ceiling, “You could be making me miso soup every day.”

Relief washing over her, Nagata smiles. This is the Kitabayashi that she knows.
Nagata raises a playful eyebrow, “I see, so that was your endgame,” she says, “Using me as your soup servant.”

“Not gonna lie, that was a pretty big part of it,” replies Kitabayashi, nodding sagely.
She pats Nagata on the shoulders before letting go, “Let’s spy on people, yeah?”

Never before has Nagata been so happy to engage in borderline criminal activity, “mMmm,” she says, nodding eagerly.
The both of them move towards the computer where Kitabayashi sits down.

“Let’s see…” begins Kitabayashi, clicking away at the computer, “I heard that Matsuno-kun acquired himself a fancy idol…”

“Eh?” replies Nagata, “I didn’t know he had auditions done?”

“He didn’t,” says Kitabayashi, “His dad pulled some strings and swiped away a fancy idol from some other agency. Veeeerrrry expensive. The company had to buy out her contract.”

Suppose that’s one of the perks of being related to the owner of the company.

“Can I see her file?” asks Nagata.

“Yep, yep,” says Kitabayashi.
One flurry of keystrokes later, the new idol’s file appears on the screen.

File: WataseYoko.jpg (79 KB, 667x1000)

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>>5625871

Watase Yoko (Age 22, Rank B)

Looks: 66 (77)
Vocals: 75 (88)
Dance: 53 (58)
Acting: 35 (43)
Personality: 39 (61)

Trait: Job-hopper
Quick to leave the agency if a better offer appears.
Requires constant boosts in salary to retain.

Fame: 5 (Celebrity (B))
This idol is recognized in public at times.

Costs $21,000 per month

>>5625873
She hot.
Hot to handle, too. Poor nepo-baby's in over his head with that one, I'd wager

File: YukimoreBudget2.png (81 KB, 1018x810)

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>>5625873

“Uwwwaaa,” says Kitabayashi with a open mouth, “She looks intense.”
She stares at the screen for a long moment, “I bet her nipples are pierced.”

“Yui-chan!” says Nagata with a gasp.

“What? Oh, it seems like she’s pretty famous,” says Kitabayashi, “But since she’s twenty-two she’s probably been at it for a while.”
”Seems like she started at Matsuno Inc. only a few days ago,” adds Kitabayashi.

Nagata nods along. This is the oldest idol she’s seen on file.
”What age idols typically retire?” she asks.

Kitabayashi shrugs, “Usually in their late twenties,” she says, “If no scandals or stuff force them out …haha.”

Nagata leans in towards Kitabayashi and strokes her head briefly, “There, there,” she says, then stops.

“Ah,” says Kitabayashi as the hand is lifted away, “I’m still very sad! More!”

Nagata leans away, her face sporting a undisguised look of disgust.

Kitabayashi pouts, “…how about the other managers…”
Her typing speed is noticeably less energetic.
”Here’s Yukimori Kyoden's budget,” she says.
>pic related

File: MatsunoKojiroBudget2.png (56 KB, 1005x606)

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>>5625880

Nothing seems out of the ordinary.
Then again Nagata hasn’t heard from Ichihara Riko in a while and she’s not sure how to feel about it.
Did Yukimori finally gain a measure of control over her or is she still plotting?

“….and here’s the golden boy himself, Matsuno Kojiro,” says Kitabayashi.
With a final, hard tap of the 'Enter' key, Matsuno's budget appears on screen.
>pic related

Nagata glances over the list of income and expenses.
“Hmm,” she says, “Can you go back to Yukimori’s budget for a moment?”

“Aye, aye,” replies Kitabayashi and does so.

Nagata’s eyes narrow, “Both managers took a job at the same studio at the same time.”

Kitabayashi stretches her arms above her head for a moment, making a small noise, “Maybe it was a group thing. Isn’t that strange for a job to feature multiple idols.”

“I suppose you’re right,” says Nagata, then faces Kitabayashi, “Thanks again, Yui.”

Kitabayashi smiles, “You’re welcome,” she says, “Anything else?”

Decision
>1 - Nope, that’s all.
>2 - Confide what you saw in Kaiba’s chatlogs to Kitabayashi
>3 - Write-in

>>5625884
No further updates today.
I'm hoping to do the new idol introductions tomorrow and close off week 15/16

>>5625884
>2 - Confide what you saw in Kaiba’s chatlogs to Kitabayashi
Yui-chan is our friend. We need one of those.

>>5625884
>2 - Confide what you saw in Kaiba’s chatlogs to Kitabayashi
Advice is desperately needed.

>>5625884
no fucking way. those snakes are 2x1'ing us and abusing nepotism

>1 - Nope, that’s all.

>>5625884
>2 - Confide what you saw in Kaiba’s chatlogs to Kitabayashi
I’m somewhat willing to be talked out of this now that the decision is here.

On one hand, we can request help even without spilling details but I assume Yui has her own life and won’t make it a priority unless she understands it’s not just our nerves taking over. She’s also likely to avoid discussing sexuality (which Kaiba is being gaslit over) unless we give her a reason. On the other hand, she could spill the beans to someone. On the other other hand, if we didn’t have the self-control to avoid peeking at her texts, should we have the self-control to keep our concerns bottled up?

>>5625909
The answer is easy, we don't need Yui anymore.
Kaiba seems to be very happy with the possibility of becoming a senpai so that should get her head away from ErikoDesu55. Telling Yui about our little trolling would just backfire at us at some point, so it's best to play safe

>>5625884
>2 - Confide
She IS from HR after all

>>5625884
>1 - Nope, that’s all.

>>5625884
>>5626032
Actually I change my mind and put my vote in the right format the right format
>1 - Nope, that’s all.

>>5626039
goddammit

>"Hey, Kaiba, HR told me they know from Tech that you are having too many echanges with some accounts. While replying to your fans is not that big of a deal it would be better if you do so with moderation"

Would something like this make Kaiba stop talking wtih the toxic woman or making an alternative account to keep in touch?

>>5626044
She would instantly make an alt.

>>5625884
>1 - Nope, that’s all.
No, this is a bad idea

>>5626044
>'Hey Kaiba! Yakuza murdered ErikoDesu55 last night and dumped her lifeless body in a river. I ordered them to do that and I will do it again if someone tries to get in the way of my... no, our success. Anyways I hope you get along with your kouhais!'

Kaiba's face when?

>>5625884
>2 - Confide what you saw in Kaiba’s chatlogs to Kitabayashi

>>5625884

Winner
>2 - Confide what you saw in Kaiba’s chatlogs to Kitabayashi

>>5626451

There’s of course the matter of Kaiba’s chat logs.
Whether or not it’s a good idea to share that Nagata has been violating her idol’s privacy is a different matter entirely.

Nagata presses the tips of her fingers together, her lips a thin line, "Well…”

Recognizing the first signs of a juicy secret, Kitabayashi’s eyes nearly sparkle, “…Yes…?”

Nagata looks away, it feels like confessing a crime, “It’s about Kaiba-san…”

Kitabayashi gets up, “Miho, stop teasing and just tell me!” she cries, “My heart can’t take this!”

“I think a fan is trying to be lewd with Kaiba-chan!” shouts Nagata, far louder than she intentioned.
That’s perhaps a bit of an oversimplification, but that seems to be ErikoDesu55’s goal.

Kitabayashi stares for a long moment, “Yes,” she says eventually, “That’s, like, half the fanbase. Probably. No, no. More like most of the fanbase.”

“This fan has been chatting with Kaiba-san a lot and I’m not sure what to do!” says Nagata.

After taking a moment to chuckle knowingly, Kitabayashi shakes her head, “Just have her block him. Really, Miho. I know you’re a big softie, but really?”

“But I think Kaiba-san might be really into it, she’s been responding from her official account each time,” says Nagata, “And it’s a girl!”

Kitabayashi eyes widen, “No way!” she cries.

“Yes!” shouts Nagata, “I think it might’ve been a fan she met at the handshaking event! They’ve been chatting a lot ever since!”

Office chair creaking as Kitabayashi sags wide-eyed into her chair, she quiets for just a moment.
“I never figured her the type,” she says, then side-eyes Nagata, “Then again my … sense for that has been kinda off lately.”

Kitabayashi exhales noisily, “I can’t believe a timid girl like Kitabayashi would come forward and share this sort of stuff with you. The two of you must be close.”

Nagata scratches her cheek, then chuckles quietly, “Eh-heh-he, actually…”

Her face a mask of disappointment, Kitabayashi speaks, “Miho… no…”

The jig is up. Confronted with the moral crime, Nagata blushes fiercely.
”I didn’t mean to!” she cries, “At first! It was just …there on the screen.”
”After I clicked it,” she says quietly, pressing her index fingers together.

File: Admonished.png (534 KB, 512x768)

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>>5626777

“I can’t believe you’d spy on your own idol like that,” says Kitabayashi, shaking her head.

Nagata turns away, “Aaargh, I’m sorry!” she says.

“Now, I, well, I would spy in a heartbeat,” continues Kitabayashi, then points an accusing finger at Nagata, “But I expected better from you!”

“I knooww,” says Nagata, swaying from side-to-side under the torment of guilt, “I’m sorry!”

“How does it feel?” says Kitabayashi, “Knowing you’re as bad as me?”

Nagata’s only response is a whimper.

“On your knees,” shouts Kitabayashi, “Repent!”

The weight of sin and shame too much to bear, Nagata buckles at the knees and uses her hands to hide her face.
It must’ve been years since she was reprimanded like this.

“What has this world come to,” says Kitabayashi as she continues to admonish Nagata, “That I have to talk sense into YOU instead of the other way around.”

Kitabayashi taps a foot impatiently. “Did you really think you could do something like that and keep it a secret?” she continues, “You can’t even call in sick without feeling guilty! …And that’s when you’re actually sick!”

“I’m sorry…” mumbles Nagata.

“Say it like you mean it!” cries Kitabayashi.

Eyes closed, Nagata tilts her head upwards, “I’M SORRY!” she shouts, then returns her gaze to the office floor.

Kitabayashi sighs, “That’ll have to do,” she says, walking over to her desk, “You’re lucky you confessed this to me. Knowing you you’d try so hard to help Kaiba-chan you’d accidentally reveal that you know more than you should.”

There’s a click and a brief flash. (pic related)
Nagata’s jaw drops as she looks up to see Kitabayashi with her phone in hand.

“Don’t look at me like that,” says Kitabayashi, motioning for Nagata to get up, “You’re not getting off that easy. Consider it payment for making me keep a secret and helping you with this.”

“Help?” asks Nagata, hastily getting up and adjusting her clothing, “How?”

Kitabayashi winces, “Let’s just say I have some experience with potential scandals.”
”You said she used her official account, yeah?” she asks.

Nagata nods, “KaibaAoiOfficial”

“We’re on the clock then,” says Kitabayashi, “Social media wasn’t as big back when I was an idol, but even then marketing used my official accounts to promote events and stuff. It’s only a matter of time before somebody logs into her account and clicks on the wrong thing and sees her chat history.”

>>5626779

Kitabayashi walks over to her computer, retrieves Kaiba’s account credentials from the company records, and locks the screen.
“First I need to see the complete chat to see how bad things really are,” she says, “We’ll use your computer to check the chat.”

Nagata fidgets, “But I thought you said looking at her private chat was bad…”

“You’ve already seen it,” says Kitabayashi, “So at the very least we should try and make something good happen because of it. Kaiba-chan’s career could be in danger.”

Kitabayashi ushers Nagata out of the room and they both exit into the hallway and set off towards Nagata’s office.

They walk with quiet determination until Nagata breaks the silence.
“…I’m gonna be seeing that picture you took a lot, aren’t I?” asks Nagata.

“Yes,” replies Kitabayashi, “Yes, you are.”

------------

Once in Nagata’s office, Kitabayashi logs into Kaiba’s account and slowly reads through the chat logs.
Kitabayashi presses her back into the chair and makes a sharp whistling noise.

“What a creep,” says Kitabayashi, wrinkling her nose, “There’s good and bad news.”
”The good news, if you wanna call it that, is that Kaiba-san is probably not a lesbian,” she says.

“How can you tell?” replies Nagata.

“She’s just very lonely, I think,” replies Kitabayashi, “I’ve seen it happen all the time. First in the all-girls school I went to and then later during my time as an idol. It happens in prisons a lot, too.”
”People get isolated away from people they would ordinarily be into and instead turn to whatever is available,” she adds, “Throw in the fact that this girl is swinging Kaiba-chan from highs to lows and I’m not surprised Kaiba-chan is so eager to please her. This EmikoDesu’s approval makes the happy chemicals flow and Kaiba’s not used to those. It probably feels special to her.”

Nagata blinks, “You seem to know a lot about this.”

Kitabayashi sighs, then frowns, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“So, eh,” tries Nagata, “When you say … during your time as an idol…?”

Kitabayashi nods, “Idols get put on a pedestal, out of reach of fans, and the only people on the pedestal with you are the other idols. Throw in the fact that they usually spend a lot of time together, are forbidden from outside relationships, and you can probably imagine where a lonely girl will turn.”

>>5626782

“Kaiba-san has some new idols joining her soon,” says Nagata, “Perhaps that’ll help with the loneliness, but I do hope nothing has, er, awakened inside Kaiba-san because of this. I shouldn’t be worried for the new idols, right?”

Kitabayashi flashes a smug smile, “Even if it did, I wouldn't worry. She’s not the type to chase after anyone.”

Talking about her idol like this is honestly making Nagata uncomfortable.
”So the good news is that Kaiba-san’s just painfully lonely,” she says, “What’s the bad news?”

“It seems like they’re about to meet,” says Kitabayashi, “That’ll be the end of Kaiba-san.”
”Even the best-case scenario is horrible for her career,” she says, “What if they like each other and kiss? You think Kaiba-chan will be able to walk away from that if you demand they stop meeting?”

“K-kiss?” replies Nagata, blushing like a maiden, “They barely know each other!”

Kitabayashi raises an eyebrow, “You read the same chat I did, yes?” she says, “This EmikoDesu clearly has some kind of plan. Constantly pushing Kaiba-chan, putting ideas in her head and trying to make her think they were her own, being nice and then cold?”

The consequences are nerve-wracking. Kaiba-san doesn’t deserve any of this.
“Yui-chan, what do I do?” asks Nagata, hands shaking.

Kitabayashi taps the desk with a finger to emphasize each word, “They. Cannot. Meet.”
She watches Nagata panic in silence, not mentioning the fact that the worst-case scenario would probably end Kaiba Aoi’s career in an instant.

Arms folded tightly, Nagata paces the room, “It’s in the weekend,” she says, “If there was a special thing going on like the handshaking event then I might be able to keep her from the meeting, but there isn’t one.”

>>5626784

“Then make one up,” says Kitabayashi, shrugging, “You have two new idols coming in, right? Host a 'Welcome event' party somewhere far away from this Sarutahiko Café.”

Nagata pouts, “Wouldn’t Kaiba-san simply go to the meeting afterwards?”

Kitabayashi throws up her hands, “Then plan an event that takes the entire day!” she cries, “Take all the idols, put them in a bus, then move them somewhere else. You can even take the new idol, Watase Yoko, and Ichihara Riko and say it’s a company event. All the idols get to meet each other. Huray.”

Nagata frowns, “That’d be very short notice though… and expensive…”

Kitabayashi clicks her tongue, “Tch, just call it a surprise,” she says, her face stern, “You gonna come up with some ideas yourself or just keep breaking down mine?”
She seems to be taking this all very seriously. Her usual playful attitude is nowhere to be seen.

“Ah,” says Nagata, taken aback by the sudden harsh tone, “I’m sorry…”
”It’s just…” she continues, trembling, “Yui… I’m so scared for Kaiba-san!”

Swivelling her desk chair to face Nagata, Kitabayashi's face is the picture of pity as she opens her arms wide as Nagata hurries forward to accept the hug.
”This is all part of the life of an idol,” says Kitabayashi, as she embraces Nagata tightly, “I know it’s all new to you, but this was my life for several years, y’know?”

“I don’t like it,” replies Nagata, her voice strained, “Why couldn’t this EmikoDesu just be nice?”

“That’d be even worse,” says Kitabayashi, “It would be your job to destroy that happiness. Idols can’t have relationships, remember? Being a manager can be hard, too.”

“I tried to tell Kaiba-san to be careful around people like EmikoDesu in a roundabout way after I saw the chat,” says Nagata, “I didn’t want to say that I peeked at her private chat.”

“Well,” says Kitabayashi, “I still think you should confess what you did, but I can understand that you don’t want to damage her trust. I mean, you already did, but she just doesn’t know it.”

“Yui-chan,” says Nagata, sniffling, “Not helping.”

>>5626786

“Suppose you can tell her that somebody that has access to her business-issued account noticed the chat and made an anonymous call to HR. Which would mean it would get to me and I, with you being Kaiba-chan’s manager, would’ve told it to you,” she says.

It feels a bit like running away, but pinning the blame on a faceless employee from marketing might be an option.

“Or…” says Kitabayashi with a sly grin, “If you do the whole idol ‘welcome party’ and make Kaiba-chan miss the first meet-up, we can keep an eye on the chat and see if there’s gonna be a next one.”

Nagata tilts her head slightly, “And then…?”

Kitabayashi reaches for a notebook on the desk and holds it front of her face, her eyes barely peeking over, “Spy on them,” she says, “Or get somebody to spy on them.”

For the first time since what feels like forever, Nagata laughs, “Yui,” she says, laughing, “Spying on a date? That’s something high school girls do! I’ve never heard of adults spying on people.”

Kitabayashi raises her eyebrows, the lower part of her face still hidden by the notebook, “Exactly,” she says, “That’s because we’re a lot better at it than high schoolgirls.”
She puts the notebook away, ”They shouldn’t meet, but if we can’t prevent it, then we should at least be ready help if needed,” she adds.

That decision will have to wait until EmikoDesu55 suggest a future meet-up date.

Replacement Event on Saturday
>1 - Find a small restaurant within Tokyo to introduce your idols to each other. (-$200, very short event)
>2 - Rent a bus and take your idols on a weekend trip to Mt. Fuji + Onsen (-$2,000, long event)
>3 - Rent a bus and take your idols on a day trip to an Amusement Park (-$1,000, very short event)
>4 - Rent a bus and take your idols on a day trip to a nearby beach (-$1,000, short event)
>5 - Rent a bus and take ALL the idols on a weekend trip to an Mt. Fuji + Onsen (-$5,000, long event)
>6 - Rent a bus and take ALL the idols on a day trip to an Amusement Park (-$2,000, very short event)
>7 - Rent a bus and take ALL the idols on a day trip to a nearby beach (-$2,000, short event)

Meta Vote on Writing
>1 - Keep using Third Person Perspective
>2 - Return to Second Person Perspective

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>>5626790
>>2 - Rent a bus and take your idols on a weekend trip to Mt. Fuji + Onsen (-$2,000, long event)
>2 - Return to Second Person Perspective
HAVE FUN KAIBA, WE'RE CLIMBING 3776 METERS

>>5626782
I thought Yui only realized she's into women last year? Maybe she's remembering something another idol did.

>>5626790
>3 - Rent a bus and take your idols on a day trip to an Amusement Park (-$1,000, very short event)

Meta Vote on Writing
With the amount of characterization you've started to give Nagato, I think the 3rd person is better. 2nd person requires letting the players have the most input into her character. Imo.
>1 - Keep using Third Person Perspective

>>5626790
>4 - Rent a bus and take your idols on a day trip to a nearby beach (-$1,000, short event)
>2 - Return to Second Person Perspective

>>5626790
>2 - Rent a bus and take your idols on a weekend trip to Mt. Fuji + Onsen (-$2,000, long event)
>2 - Return to Second Person Perspective

>>5626790
Huh. She didn't say anything we already didn't knew but I guess that having someone to spy on Kaiba was something good (albeit... unethical? imoral?) to come out of this guilt show.
Anyways
>5 - Rent a bus and take ALL the idols on a weekend trip to an Mt. Fuji + Onsen (-$5,000, long event)
Rare will be the opportunity that we'll get to speak and observe the other manager's idols. We should grab this chance while we can and extract whatever information we can get our hands on.

>2 - Return to Second Person Perspective

>>5626839
Anon’s reasoning convinced me, changing my vote, >>5626835, to
>5 - Rent a bus and take ALL the idols on a weekend trip to an Mt. Fuji + Onsen (-$5,000, long event)

>>5626790
>5 - Rent a bus and take ALL the idols on a weekend trip to an Mt. Fuji + Onsen (-$5,000, long event)
Might make the idols a bit less inclined to attack us. Or make the other managers paranoid on what we’re accomplishing by inviting their idols and paying for the trip.

>2 - Return to Second Person Perspective

>>5626790
>7 - Rent a bus and take ALL the idols on a day trip to a nearby beach (-$2,000, short event)
>2 - Return to Second Person Perspective

>“I don’t like it,” replies Nagata, her voice strained, “Why couldn’t this EmikoDesu just be nice?”
>“That’d be even worse,” says Kitabayashi, “It would be your job to destroy that happiness. Idols can’t have relationships, remember? Being a manager can be hard, too.”

How long till we encounter a case like this? I would call this foreshadowing, but considering the position of idols, it's a downright inevitability. So maybe Kitabayashi can be another source of advice when telling us how harsh or soft we must be when we face a situation like this.

On a side note, what was Kitabayashi's idol rank, A? S? Certainly was good enough that the company back in the day put its hopes and dreams on her shoulders till it broke the camel's back.

>>5626807
>I thought Yui only realized she's into women last year? Maybe she's remembering something another idol did.
It's mentioned by Yui in Week-9/10 that she first "awakened" to women, because she was battered with a purse by a angry housewife (Yukimori's wife).

Spoiler: Is using consistency "errors" to hint at a character lying / telling half-truths something I shouldn't do? Should I be instead be telling the full truth all the time?

>>5626960
>Spoiler
It's a hard question. On one hand, finding these inconsistencies is fun. On the other hand, it only works if we're can be sure it's intended and not just a mistake. I'd say try it and see how it goes.
I'll take this as a confirmation that the purse beating story was Yui joking around.

As an aside, Yui is a bro (sis) and we'll definitely have to set her up with someone who'll make her happy.

>>5626973
>I'll take this as a confirmation that the purse beating story was Yui joking around.
Not so much joking around as it did happen, but (since it was sorta already spoiled) not what made Yui walk down that path
I enjoy placing hints and stuff in the story. Most never got found. There's even info hidden in the wiki since I like alternate reality games (ARGs).
You might've noticed that the story is placed in the past. This is so I can make real-life references that foreshadow or hint stuff yet to happen.

>>5626986
You're going to make KyoAni burn, you mfer?!

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>>5626986

Example
>>5590329

>>5626990
That'd be cruel.

>>5626960
>Spoiler
If we take the 3rd person omniscient then, imo, the narrator should always be telling the full truth (i.e anything that isn't a character speech should not contain lies).

Otherwise, having not only the characters but also the narrator as a unreliable source of info would be a PITA.

On a 2nd person narrative though, since it's normally what *Nagato* feels and interprets then you could simply wave inconsistencies as Nagato misremembering things or not paying too much attention on the big picture.

>>5626995
I'm gonna disagree. Even in 2nd person narrative, I think Nagato's perception should be accurate. It's the only thing the players have to go on, and messing with it is best left to psychological thrillers rather than managing simulators.

>>5626995
>If we take the 3rd person omniscient then, imo, the narrator should always be telling the full truth (i.e anything that isn't a character speech should not contain lies).
I think this is a good take. I've only had a character lie or obfuscate things in character speech thus far.

>>5627002
Back when we did 2nd person narrative (and we seem to be returning to that) I only went as far as Nagata being unclear about somebody's motivations or intentions.
I plan to stick to that.

>>5626790

I'll close the vote and keep writing before we get too off-topic.

Winner
>5 - Rent a bus and take ALL the idols on a weekend trip to an Mt. Fuji + Onsen (-$5,000, long event)
>2 - Return to Second Person Perspective

>>5626790
>5 - Rent a bus and take ALL the idols on a weekend trip to an Mt. Fuji + Onsen (-$5,000, long event)
>1 - Keep using Third Person Perspective

>>5626986
>I enjoy placing hints and stuff in the story. Most never got found. There's even info hidden in the wiki since I like alternate reality games (ARGs).
Oh man, I have to reread the first thread and come up with crazy conclusions. Though, if there are cultural references to animation companies and such, I am totally going to miss them.

Out of curiosity, QM, will you ever adopt a name and trip?

>>5626960
>Spoiler
I’m fine with it. In a case like Yui and purse lady, I can assume a story like that is either true, a joke, or an exaggeration. I figured an exaggeration, a real story that happened and she found pretty hot afterward that she now plays it up for fun.

I probably won’t get many references. Mentally I peg this in the land of “anime” and I always assume there’s a touch of the fantastical even in “ordinary” plots and places. I’m too accepting of weirdness as a result.

Like others said, we should always know what Nagato is thinking. We are Nagato after all! Everything else is up in the air.

No more updates today. This one is taking a while.
I'll post it tomorrow.

>>5627044
>Out of curiosity, QM, will you ever adopt a name and trip?
Feel no real need to. I like the anonymity.

>>5626790
>5 - Rent a bus and take ALL the idols on a weekend trip to an Mt. Fuji + Onsen (-$5,000, long event)

>2 - Return to Second Person Perspective
Though only if this won't temper your own enjoyment. It's no big deal -- it's just what I'm used to around these parts.

>>5627252
It does make it easier to scan for updates in archive.

>>5627018
No update today. Sorry.

>>5628109
No worries. Thanks for the update!

Working on the update, but I can't find a good place to offer a question or prompt, so I just sorta keep going.

>>5629164
That'll happen, sometimes! It's okay to have a long one.

>>5629164
I like those, they make the upcoming decision-making way more thoughtful since we end up having a lot to digest and consider
Keep up the good work, QM

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This might take a while.

If you're that one anon that stayed up last time, don't wait up.
The post will be waiting for you in the morning.

>>5629385
...Well then.

>>5629385
>40159 characters
My God.

>>5629385

As voted on, we’ll be returning to the second person (you) perspective.
I apologize for the whiplash I caused by switching the writing style so often.
Now sit back as I slowly inflate the word count of this set of weeks even further and become painfully aware that the actual management parts of the quest are turning into a distant memory.

Pinching your chin between your fingers, you think it over for a moment.
Allowing all the idols to meet up as suggested might actually be a good idea.
It’ll allow both you and Kaiba-san to get to know the new idols in a casual environment and might even speed them through that initial awkwardness that comes with meeting new co-workers.

You look at Kitabayashi for a long moment, then smile, “You’re right, I’m sorry, Yui-chan,” you say, “These are all good ideas, well maybe not the spying…but the welcome party, at least.”

Kitabayashi places her hands in her side, “Obviously,” she says, confidence radiating from her.
She leans forward, her mouth hidden behind a hand, “Impressed?” she says, smugly, “Fallen deeply in love with me? Ready to elope?”

“Not so much, no,” you reply, “Sorry.”

Kitabayashi snaps her fingers, “Dang,” she says, “Someday.”

You sigh, then shake your head dryly, leaving the comment for what it is.
“Where do you think we should go?” you ask, “Mountains? Beach? Somewhere in the city, maybe?”

Kitabayashi shrugs, “Bit cold for the beach this time of year,” she says, “And taking a group of idols into the busiest city in the world is probably asking for trouble.”

“Mountains it is then,” you reply, “Can’t go wrong with Mt. Fuji, I suppose. Find a place with a hot spring, maybe. Just relax. You think I should ask the other managers and idols, too?”

“Miho,” says Kitabayashi with a small laugh, “You know they’re your competition, right?”She sighs, “That’s so like you, but I suppose you could. You’re all part of the same generation of idols.”

Although you understand the perks of healthy competition, you’d rather wish everybody got along.
There’s no need for bullying, backstabbing, or sabotaging each other, right?
Perhaps meeting eachother face to face will make the other idols less likely to undermine yours.

A deep, deep sigh floods out from Kitabayashi, “Aaaah…” she says dreamily, “Going with Miho-chan to a hot spring… wish I was still an idol.”

>>5629392

You wrap your hands around your body, turning away slightly, “Geh,” you say, frowning, “I might go to HR if you keep at it like that…”

“What a coincidence,” says Kitabayashi.
She smirks, then walks over and pats an empty chair, “Nagata-san,” she says, “Please tell me everything you think this sexy, green-haired woman wants to do to you. Leave out no details.”

You roll your eyes, knowing Kitabayashi would happily continue this back and forth for another hour, you return to the earlier discussion.
“Putting that aside…” you say, with a motion of your hands.

“Putting it aside,” repeats Kitabayashi, mimicking your motion.

“Jeesh, Yui-chan,” you shout, “This is serious, y’know? I want my idols to like each other.”

“Okay, okay,” says Kitabayashi, putting up a warding gesture.

“You think, it’ll be hard to get a place at this time of year on such short notice?” you ask.

“Well, it’s not the busy season and if you simply sell out a little then it should be fine,” replies Kitabayashi.

“Sell out?” you ask.

“Just promise that you’ll ask your idols to mention the resort you end up staying at in an interview if it ever comes up,” says Kitabayashi, with a shrug of the shoulders, “Bit of marketing.”

That doesn’t sound too bad. You might even do the owners of the resort a big favour.
There’s a lot of small hot springs and hotels that dot the surroundings of the mountain and they’re all competing for the same set of tourists.
The best course of action is probably to ask your assistant, Matsui-san, to make a few calls while you ask the other managers and their idols if they feel like attending.

“Thanks, Yui-chan,” you say, “I guess I should get to work!”
You turn and make for the exit, ready to head to your own office.

“You’re gonna tell Kaiba-chan you know about her conversation, right?” asks Kitabayashi from behind.

You look over your shoulder like a deer caught in the headlights, “Y-yeah,” you say, “Eventually. Once all this trouble with EmikoDesu is over with. Yeah. I need to sorta know what she’s up to if I want to have a handle on this whole thing. As her manager, y’know? If she knows she might stick to phone calls or use a different account…”

>>5629398

“Having her private chats in private,” says Kitabayashi in a mocking tone, “How dare she.”
She graces you with a forgiving smile, “I’ll look away for now because this Emiko is such a creep and Kaiba-chan doesn’t know any better, but you better tell her eventually!”

“I know,” you reply sheepishly, “I will.”

“You better,” says Kitabayashi stern, holding up her phone, “Or a certain embarrassing picture is going to do it for you.”
”The Miho I know would’ve never spied like that,” she adds, her face softening, “I won’t let this job change you for the worse. What kind of friend would I be if I did?”

Knowing there’s nothing you can say to excuse what you’ve done, you simply nod and leave.
Talking to Kitabayashi did lessen your feeling of guilt somewhat, but she’s right and what you did was wrong.
You know you’re acting in the best interests of your idol, but does the goal justify the means?
Kitabayashi doesn’t seem to think so and now she’s put a timer on you to come clean.
As the saying goes: If you do something for the right reasons, you’ll eventually do it for the wrong ones.

Still, you feel like you needed that conversation. To talk about the things that have been happening.
All the uncertainty, the dubious future of your idol, the unknown intentions of this fan.
It felt like something had an iron grip on your guts.
Like a weight in your stomach that was getting heavier the more you thought about this whole development.

Talking about these problems doesn’t fix them, but they do seem a bit more manageable now.
As you walk back to your office, you feel all the stress you ware scarcely aware off begin to dissipate, and you walk a little taller.

-------

Once there you get to work.
Matsui Tomo will call to various hotels on Mt. Fuji and try and get you a reservation for eight people, three managers and five idols.
If somebody opts-out, you can always call in and make the change.

You type out a quick email to Yukimori Kyoden and Matsuno Kojiro asking if they’d like to join and to extend this invitation to their respective idols.
Some minutes later, you receive a reply from the both of them.

Matsuno Kojiro mentions that his idol, Watase Yoko, is very eager and can’t wait to join.
Kojiro himself only plans to join himself if Yukimori also joins as he would otherwise be the only man and he says he’s too young to sit in an empty room by himself and drink.

Yukimori tells you in a very polite, office-appropriate way that this invitation is annoyingly short notice.
However, he says he will talk it over with his wife this evening as he ordinarily spends the weekend with his family.

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>>5629403

You glance at the clock. Is it already this late?
Suppose you can ask your new idols about their attendance in person soon enough.
Rolling your shoulder, you become aware of your fatigue.
Walking on eggshells as you try to help Kaiba without tipping her off and getting guilt-tripped by Kitabayashi is tiring.
Hopefully a coffee and something sweet out of a vending machine will help your energy levels.
You set on off toward the break room.

-------

It seems like you weren’t the only person we could use a pick-me-up.
You haven’t met in person, but a young girl with two long twin-drills is currently trying to bully the coffee machine into giving her the beverage she wants.
Though, bullying might be too strong a word for it, she’s practically pleading with the machine.

“Stop adding cream,” the girls shouts, “Please!”
The machine finishes what seems to be the wrong order and the girl grumbles.
She only notices you when she turns to pour the coffee down the drain.

Ichihara Riko is a girl that unceremoniously ended a different idol’s career.
It was chalked up to mistakes and youthful ignorance, but the fact she later skulked around Kaiba’s chatrooms tells a different story.
Naturally, you expected somebody haughty or full of themselves.

The girl in front of you is nothing like that at all, instead she’s struggling to retain eye-contact with you.
”Ah,” she says, “N-nagata-san, right?”

“Yes,” you reply, folding your arms, “If I’m not mistaken, you’re Ichihara Riko, right?”

There are no pleasantries here, you both know what she did.

She nods, then bows a little, “Nice to meet you,” she says, “I apologize for my past behaviour, I’ve been working on myself since and I’m hoping we can leave the past in the past.”

An apology won’t bring back Maki Sumi’s career, but you suppose it’s a start.
You’re not one to hold a grudge, but you can’t get yourself to simply forgive the girl – even if she seems to regret her actions.

Perhaps she’s only sorry because you caught her on her second account and tipped off her manager.
Stil, whatever the reason, she seems far more timid than anticipated.

“Just try and do better from here on out, “you say, then sigh and relax, “I look forward to working with you.”
You glance at the small stack of empty paper cups on the counter next to her, “Coffee machine giving you trouble?”

Ichihara Riko nods, “I’m trying to get an espresso with a bunch of sugar and no milk,” she says, “But the machine is being difficult…”
It’s not a big deal, but you can actually see the girl tremble.

>>5629406


You should tell her to sort it out herself. Or maybe tell her to get Maki Sumi to help her.
That’s what she deserves, right? Somebody’s lifelong dream was destroyed because of her.
But you can’t bring yourself to do it. You WANT to be petty, but you’re just not.
Maybe Kitabayashi was right – you are too soft.

“Let me help you,” you say instead, “The machine can be a pain sometimes.”

Ichihara smiles, but it’s one of relief more than happiness.

The coffee machine is an older model that should’ve been replaced years ago.
Sometimes it gets stuck on the previous drink setup and you need to perform a series of commands to reset it.
It’s one of those things that should’ve been fixed, but the work-around has become so ingrained in the long-time workers that it only trips up newer employees.

Ichihara Riko might’ve been an idol here at Matsuno Inc. for a few months, but she’s only sixteen and probably spends most of her time at school or on jobs.
Still, it’s somewhat odd that you’re only running into her for the first time now.

You explain how to reset the machine and watch her form that tell-tale frown that basically screams ‘Why hasn’t this been fixed yet?'.
But she’ll remember the workaround, will become so used to it that she forgets the initial problem, and eventually pass it on the next fresh employee.
It is the cycle.

“…And there you go,” you say, pressing the final button and watching the espresso drip into the cup.

Ichihara Riko sighs in relief, “I was worried for a while,” she says, “Watase-sama will be happy.”

The new girl? Well, you did learn today the both of them having been working together.

You press some buttons and get some coffee of your own, no sugar with a touch of milk.
“Watasa-san? That’s the new girl, right?” you ask, stirring your coffee, “Are you working together?”
Once again caught in a situation where you know but have to pretend that you don’t.
At least this is safe information now. Something you have a valid reason for knowing.
~Ah, keeping track of the all the lies and the sneaking is so tiresome.

“In a way,” replies Ichihara, then opens her mouth to say something, but instead falls silent.
"I s-should go,” she says, picking up the espresso, “Before the coffee gets cold.”

You take a sip of your coffee and nod, “Alright,” you say, “Do your best.”

Ichihara Riko seems to leave in a hurry.

Ah, you forget to invite her to the welcome party.
Oh, well. Her manager will tell her.
You finish your coffee and then get an energy bar from the break room vending machine before walking back to your office.

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>>5629409

Unwrapping the energy bar as you go, you take a glance at the clock in the hallway.
There’s still a fair bit of time left until your first interview. Enough time to prepare.
Putting the snack into your mouth to free your hands to open a door – you stop dead.

A girl is sitting in the waiting room close to your office.
Her posture is perfect with no clear emotions on her face.

Your eyebrow twitches as the both of you lock eyes while the energy bar is still in your mouth.
There’s almost an hour left until the interview! Why is she here already?

Slow and carefully, like a prey eyed by a predator, you close the door.
You swallow down the bite you’ve taken and toss the rest of the energy bar in the bin.
After wiping your hands on your skirt, you open the door with a smile.

“My~” you say, “Chigusa Iki-san? You’re here early.”

She picks up a small purse, gets up with practiced grace, and bows at the waist, “Nagata-san, I presume?” she says, “It is as you said, I am Chigusa Iki. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“I apologize for my early arrival,” she continues, “It seems I caught you at a bad time. I don’t mind waiting here until the scheduled time. I did not want to risk arriving late.”

You wave her concerns aside, “No need, no need, we can do the interview now,” you say, bowing as well, “I am Nagata Miho, I work as an idol manager here at the Matsuno Inc. Idol Agency and will be conducting your interview.”

Chigusa Iki bows again, “Thank you for accommodating me,” she says.

You walk on towards the door of your office and hold it open for Chigusa, “Welcome to the Matsuno Inc. Idol Agency,” you say as Chigusa walks through the door.

Chigusa Iki bobs her head as she walks through the door, “Thank you for having me.”
She takes in the chair opposing yours at the desk.

>>5629424

“Thank you for this opportunity,” she says, “I understand from Matsui-san that I’ve already been accepted as a prospective idol and this interview is to get to know each other and help you put together a plan for my idol journey, yes?”

“Eh, yes,” you say, “That’s correct.”
The overly formal speech by a sixteen-year-old is throwing you off a bit.
Perhaps it’s just nerves. Surely, nobody can be like this all the time.

“That is a relief,” answers Chigusa Iki, “I appreciate the clarification.”
Her face is still as impassive as ever.

You tap away at the keyboard for a short moment to print the list of questions you had prepared the prior day.
“Can I get you anything?” you ask as you prepare to head out retrieve the sheet at the printer.

“A cup of tea would be nice,” replies Chigusa, “Thank you.”

You return a short while later with the tea and the print-out.

“Thank you,” says Chigusa Iki as you put down the cup.

If there’s an informal record for saying “Thanks” then Chigusa might just hit it during this interview.

“Let’s get right into it,” you say, pouring over the list of questions.
“Out of all career options, why idol?” you ask with a questioning hand, “Surely there are more dependable career options?”

“Growing up idols have always granted me much joy,” replies Chigusa, her face not showing any of that joy as she speaks about it.
“I’ve aspired to be like them for as long as I remember. I’ve taken dance lessons, seen vocal coaches, practiced the violin, and meticulously followed a healthy diet combined with exercises targeting muscles most necessary for a career as an idol.”

“I’d like to provide future generations with the same enjoyment I had, to be there for them even if nobody else is,” she adds, “Being an idol is less a career to me than a calling. This is the only thing I want.”

“~Eh?” you say, somewhat charmed by the straightforward response, “I suppose your parents were taking you to dance classes all the way through elementary school?”

“My grandparents,” corrects Chigusa, “But yes, they have and I am very grateful to them. Everything I am now I owe to them.”

“I see,” you say with a small smile, “Be sure to tell them that!”

>>5629428

Chigusa nods, “I do. Daily. However, my grandparents are very sensitive to praise and have to spend at least several minutes recovering from a compliment. So, I try to spare them somewhat.
“My grandfather in particular will pretend to get mad whilst blushing fiercely."

Was that a joke or just a statement?
She managed to say it without a hint of emotion on her face.
Probably just a statement then?

“Good, good,” you say, spying at the next question."
”What kind of people would you say you like or dislike?” you ask.

Chigusa’s eyes roll up while her head stays in place, like she’s trying to stare at her own eyebrows.
”I like,” she says, after thinking it over for a moment, “Hard-working, responsible people that keep their word and I dislike people that are not like that and don’t keep their word.”

Well.That’s a given. Moving on.

“Okay,” you say, “So, I noticed on your audition file that something went wrong during your audition, can you expand on that?”

For the first time, the mask break.
A wince that lasts barely a second. Almost a twitch.
However, she quickly recovers, though exhales heavily before answering.

“My intention was to play my violin and sing during the audition,” she says, “But it appeared that all the time I spent practicing wore down a string and it snapped during the audition.”
She swallows, “I had to take a moment to recover myself and settle for just doing vocals.”

It was probably a bit more severe than “taking a moment” considering the talent scouts put “Defeatist” down as her observed personality trait.

“Well, setbacks and accidents happen,” you try to say as casually as you can, your finger browsing the print-out for the next question, “All we can do is make the best of it.”

“I understand your point, but I disagree,” says Chigusa, “The accident during the audition was a failing on my part.I take responsibility. I failed to consider the wear extensive use would inflict on my instrument.”
She suddenly stands at bows at the waist, “I have my inexperience to blame. I apologize. I should've been able to provide a greater performance.”

You put forward a set of warding hands, “It’s okay,” you say, throwing in a chuckle, “Let’s move on.”

>>5629431
Chigusa nods and sits back down, “I apologize for acting out.”

You clear your throat before speaking, “What do you expect from Matsuno Inc. during your time here?”

“I hope for your cooperation in making me the best idol I can be and to be brutal and honest with any criticism you may have,” says Chigusa.

Maybe not too brutal and honest you think to yourself.

You nod, “We will aid you to the best of our ability every step of the way!”

“Thank you,” replies Chigusa, bowing slightly.

“Any hobbies?” you say.

“I enjoy playing the violin, dancing, and signing,” replies Chigusa.

“No, I meant like things outside of practice,” you say.

Chigusa cocks her head slightly, confused, “I only do those things and study.”
This is the most emotion she has shown thus far.

“But, like, friends and stuff?” you ask somewhat carefully.

“I am part of a study group,” says Chigusa, “We do homework together and practice for exams.”
She takes her phone out of purse and shows you a chat log of this study group like it is supposed to serve as evidence that she has friends.
It’s a long list of the chat group leader stating a time and place to study and the others saying variations of Yes.

You give her a quick smile and browse the question list.
There’s stuff on here like if she’s willing to put work before pleasure, but it’s become clear that those are the same thing to this girl.
There’s only one real question left to ask her.

“Sadly, an idol’s career doesn’t last forever,” you say, “Have you given any thought or planned towards what you’ll be doing once this part of your life is over? Many idols successfully combine their career with college.”

Chigusa is quiet for a long moment.
”I haven’t thought about it,” she says, “This is all I want.”

“But if you HAD to pick something?” you say.

“I don’t want to think about it,” says Chigusa, “Having a back-up plan feels like planning for failure.”

“Humour me?” you say, almost pleading.

There’s a pause again.
”I suppose I would try to make myself useful,” says Chigusa, “A position where people depend on me. Teacher maybe?”

“I see,” you say, “Thank you.”

The both of you spend a good half hour talking.
Most of it explaining how Matsuno Inc. operates.
How jobs work, where she’ll be expected to go for practice, and who the other idols are that you manage.
Plenty those sorts of things before you arriving at the end of your interview.

>>5629432

“One final question,” you say.
”You are aware that romantic relationships are forbidden as an idol?” you say, “It’s all smoke and mirrors, but you have to seem accessible. Allow the fans to dream.”

“I understand,” says Chigusa, stoically, “I have no interest in relationships, they cut into practice time.”

“…I s-see,” you say, then try to laugh it off, “Well, that makes my job easier!”
You extend a hand over the desk towards Chigusa, “Thank you for time and, once again, welcome to the Matsuno Inc. Idol Agency. Matsui-san will provide you with a business email and get you settled.”

“Thank you,” replies Chigusa as she shakes your hand, “I look forward to working with you.”

“As do I,” you say, then remember something important, “There will be a welcome party this weekend. Lasting from Saturday into Sunday."
"We’ll take a bus from Matsuno HQ to a hotspring in the mountains so you can spend some time and get to know your co-workers and fellow idols.” you add.

Chigusa nods, “Is it mandatory?”

Not the response you were hoping for, but then again it was short notice.
”No,” you say, “Just a friendly get together.”

“I suppose it would be wise to attend,” says Chigusa, “Early-stage networking is vital to one’s career.”
She reaches into her purse and pulls out a paper agenda and pen, before flipping through the pages.
”I’ll adjust,” she says, using a pen to scratch out some stuff and scribble it down elsewhere, “I’ll be there.”

Chigusa gets up, walks to the door, bows, then exits.

You sigh and glance at the clock. More than an hour till the next one.
“At least I have plenty of time to get ready for the that one…” you say to the empty room.

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>>5629435

The time of the next meeting arrives…and goes.
Five extra minutes pass before you hear the footfalls of somebody dashing down the hallway.
The door swings open wildly and reveals a dishevelled looking girl with sweat pouring down the sides of her face.

“I AM HERE!” cries the girl, “DID I MAKE IT?”

You glance at the clock. She’s late.
This probably wouldn’t fly with some of the other managers.
Good thing for her that you’re not those managers.

Judging by her state she clearly made an effort to try and arrive on time, that’s enough.
”Close enough,” you say with a smile.

The girl squeezes her eyes tight and pumps both hands into the air, “YATAA!”
Then collapses to her knees immediately after, panting in exhaustion.

“Ena-tsu. Maa…ha…ri,” she manages between gasps, “Inter…view.”

You send a quick message to Matsui-san to ask her to bring some water.
Afterwards, you get up and walk towards Enatsu Mari, “Are you okay?” you ask, “What happened?”

Still kneeling on the ground with her legs bent outward, she lets out a self-deprecating chuckle.
”I was like watching some videos at home and then I was late,” she says, lightly tapping herself on the side of head with a fist, “Eh-he?”

“Only watched a few, but time went sooooooo fast” she says, nodding knowingly.
Clearly, it’s the fault of the videos for being too entertaining.

Now that she seems to have caught her breath, she continues.
”So I run out of the house, I got on my bike, right?” she says, “Pedal. Pedal. Pedal. To the bus station!”
She seems to be pausing for dramatic effect, “But then I missed the bus!”
”I go by bus, to train, to here,” she says, she seems to talk faster as the story goes on, “But no bus, so instead I pedal, pedal, pedal to the train station.”

It’s honestly exhausting just hearing about it.

“But THEN,” continues Enatsu Mari, “Panic! I left my train card and money at home!”
She clutches her head like she’s reliving the moment, “If I go back I’ll be late for real!”
”Instead,” she says, smirking like mankind’s smartest scientists couldn’t have come up with the idea, “I decide I can just get on my bike again and ride here!”

You lean back a little and glance over your shoulder at her audition form.
Rough guess places Enatsu Mari’s house over twenty miles from here, at the outskirts of the city.
How hard did she pedal? What time did she leave from home?

>>5629453

Matsui Tomo enters and hands the girl a glass of water which she empties in three large gulps.
”Pwoah!” she says after finishing the drink, then explains after seeing Matsui’s raised eyebrow, “You gotta make the noise to let people know it tasted good! Thank you!”

“No problem at all,” replies Matsui.

You gesture towards Matsui Tomo, “This is Matsui-san, she’s the person who spoke to you on the phone and will be working closely with you.”

“Waaaah,” says Enatsu Mari, then quickly bows, like three bows in rapid succession, “I was very happy when you called, Matsui-san! Everybody at home was very happy for me. We even celebrated! With cake and everything!”

“My, how nice of them,” says Matsui, reaching for the cup, “I’ll go and get you some more water and then get out of your way, okay?”

“Okay!” says Enatsu Mari, bowing at the departing figure of Matsui, “Thank you, Matsui-san!”

You wave a hand towards the chair in front of you desk, “Please, take a seat, Enatsu-san.”

Enatsu makes a small sound of acknowledgement and drops herself into the seat, “Woah,” she says, “These are crazy comfortable. The office looks nice, too!”

You sit down in your own chair, “Thank you, Enatsu-san,” you say, “My name is Nagata Miho. I will be your manager here at the Matsuno Inc. Idol Agency.”

“Ah, nice to meetcha!” she says, finishing the sentence with a smile that could force sunshine into a rainy day, “I never had a manager before!”

Her cheerful attitude is somewhat contagious and you find yourself smiling, “Well, that’s a relief. Won’t have to worry about somebody from your past making me look bad by comparison.”

“Eeeeh~” says Enatsu Mari, somewhat disappointed, “Don’t say that Nagata-chan! I’m sure you’ll do great!”

“-chan? Huh? Why, I’m feeling younger by the minute,” you say somewhat teasingly.

“I’m not allowed to?” asks Enatsu Mari, she says as she cocks her head slightly.
You wicked person. Extinguishing her bright attitude like that makes you feel like a criminal.

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” you say defensively.

>>5629455

Enatsu blasts you with a wide-eyed smile, “You can just call me by my first name if you like,” she says.
“Mari or Mari-chan.It means truth and reason, but depending on the kanji it can also mean clever, village, and….” she adds.
She pauses to place her hands together in the shape of a heart, “Love!”

A sense of relief that washes over you. For once it doesn’t have to be a struggle.
It feels like all you have to do is place this girl in front of an audience and she’ll become an idol all by herself.

However, there’s still a list of questions to get through, so you pull yourself together.
You utter a small cough to clear your throat and reach for the printed sheet, “I see,” you say, “Well, Mari-chan. Are you ready for some questions.”

“Yes!” she says, then begins to frown and look serious as if this is something she’ll be graded on.

“Why did you want to become an idol?” you ask.

“It seems fun, no?” she says, like the answer is a given, “They get to do LOADS of different stuff and go all these places and have fans and get to sing and get to dance and star in funny commercials. Like the one with the panda that sells gummies!”

“And if you couldn’t be an idol? What would you do then?” you ask.

Enatsu Mari frowns and folds her arms as she thinks it over, “Probably work with animals. Or on the beach. Or work on the beach with animals. Like a sea zookeeper. My brother says I should keep trying hard at the track and field club, so probably that as well.”

“That’s a lot of things,” you reply.

“It’s no fun to do only one thing!” shouts Enatsu Mari, “I wanna do loads of things. That’s why idol is such a fun thing to do. You get to model, do cool poses, sing, dance, concerts…”
She’s counting off things on her fingers as the list goes on.

“I see, I see,” you say, “It does seem very fun, doesn’t it?”

“It does!” replies Enatsu Mari, fists raised up in front of her chest in excitement.

You glance at your sheet for the next question.
There’s one on hobbies.”So, what else do you do for fun?” you ask.

“I like to ride my bike, practice with the track and field club, play with my little brother and sisters, visit friends, go to the playground with them, walk our big dog, Hancho…”

“Hancho?” you ask, interrupting her, “As in group or squad leader?”

>>5629457

Enatsu Mari nods eagerly, “Uhm!” she says, then moves her hands in a wide arc above her head, “He’s a biiiig dog. When we were younger me and my siblings were only allowed to go somewhere if Hancho came with! We had to follow him. He’s the leader! Hancho!”

Taking a brief moment to entertain the mental image of a big dog leading a line of happy children, you smile.

“What kind of dog is he?” you ask.

“A Great Pyrenees with a big fluffy, white coat!” says Enatsu Mari.

“He sounds like a great dog,” you say, “Any other hobbies?”

Enatsu Mari shrugs, “Just fun things?” she says, “I watch funny videos on the internet sometimes. I play games on my phone, but you can’t play those very long because you have to have hearts to play and those run out super quick and if you wanna play more then you have to pay and I dont have much money so I go outside instead and play with sticks with my younger brothers and sisters. I have to do chores sometimes, too, but those aren’t very fun.”

You nod, “Sometimes things aren’t very fun, but need to be done anyway.”

Enatsu Matsui sighs, “Yeah, like homework and stuff. If I don’t do it then my brother gets angry with me, so I do it. And chores aren’t very fun, but I get to play after and it makes that seem more fun, so it’s fine – I guess.”

“You mentioned your brothers and sisters a lot, but what about your parents, what do they do?” you ask.

“My dad’s a fisherman!” she says, pride radiating from her, “But that means he’s away from home a lot. My mom does cleaning at people’s houses. They both work hard so I feel like I have to work hard, too! They usually get home late, so we take turns cooking dinner.”

“But they’re good parents, right?” you ask.

“The best!” she practically shouts, once again a picture of joy.

You make a mental note to ease Kaiba-san into meeting this girl.
Kaiba-san’s social battery would drain within a minute and she’d probably develop an inferiority complex on the spot.

“Two more questions,” you say, “What kind of people do you like?”

“Fun people?” she says, “People that wanna go to places and have fun. I don’t like being inside. Like when it rains I mostly play games on my phone or watch videos.”

“What kind of fun things do you do with your friends?” you ask.

>>5629458

She takes a moment to adjust her seat, actually opting to put her legs in the lotus position on the chair.
“Well, we used to go and catch bugs and go into the forest,” she says, then her excitement dims somewhat, “Ah, but these days they want to shop for expensive clothes and eat cake in cafés and those are expensive, so I can’t go…”

Having a big, loving family does come with its own set of challenges.
Expensive ones. Everyone needs clothes, food, school supplies, the list goes on.
Shinzo Abe rip salutes this family for single-handedly propping up the birth rate.

“Ehehe,” you laugh nervously, not sure how to respond, “You’ll get paid a salary soon, Mari-chan. So if you keep up the good work you’ll be able to join them as much as you want.”

“Uwaaa,” shouts Enatsu Mari, “That’s right. I get to make my own money.”

“Yes, yes,” you say, somewhat relieved she cheered up again, “Now the last question.”

“An idol belongs to her fans,” you say, “So, you can’t get in any romantic relationships. It’ll be dangerous for your career if you do.”

Enatsu Mari’s face goes beet-red in the span of seconds.
She presses index fingers together carefully, “T-that’s okay,” she says, “I don’t have anyone I like right now anyway.”

That’ll have to do for now.
You lean over the desk with an extended hand, “Very well,” you say, “Welcome to the Matsuno Inc.Idol Agency! I look forward to working with you!”

Enatsu Mari takes the hand and shakes it eagerly, “I’ll work hard!”

“Actually,” you say, “There’s a surprise. This weekend we plan to go on a company trip with all the idols and their managers. We go to a hotspring near Mt. Fuji. The bus leaves from Matsuno HQ and the trip will take the entire weekend. A short holiday.”

Enatsu Mari explodes out of her seat, “Waaaaaaah,” she shouts, “Being an idol is great!”

“I’ll take it you’ll come?” you ask in confirmation.

“For sure, for sure!” says Enatsu Mari.

Afterwards, you direct Enatsu Mari to Matsui-san so she can get settled in.

Once she leaves you sag in your seat.
”Ah~, I wonder if I ever had that much energy,” you say, exhausted, “I regret tossing out that energy bar…”

It’s been a long day and you’re grateful you get to go home at the end of it.

>>5629461
April 17, 2015 (Friday)

There’s only one day left until the company trip.
You receive confirmation from Yukimori Kyoden that he’ll attend after discussing the matter with his wife.
Which means that Matsuno Kojiro will also be in attendance.
Matsui-san has managed to acquire both a bus and eight reservation in a nearby hotel with adjoining hot spring.

Decision
There’s nothing much left to do until the company trip.
So, this is a free space where you can suggest whatever you want that Nagata Miho might want to do on this final day before the trip.
She can investigate stuff, talk to people, whatever you want.

>Write-in
>Skip to company trip

>>5629467
No further updates today.

>>5629467
I don't know what to suggest, but I think this could be an opportunity to either delve into our manager's background stuff like family, or the company's history; they got to have some skeletons in the closet, which can be learned from.

Gloomy girl, genki girl, and groomed girl.
Kaiba will either crumble before these two or find some backbone. These gals are basically opposites of her in some respects.

>>5629406
>Riko's pic
okay anons, I can fix her... if evil why cute?
>>5629424
>>5629453
One hell of a trio, huh. A Kantian girl, laser focused on her goal letting zero emotions take over her, the energy of about 300 suns inside of one highschool girl and Kaiba, the "call of the void" personified. This group sure is bound to succeed, no doubt about it.

>>5629467
>Skip to company trip
Not much that can be done, unless we want to spy on Kaiba's chat again but I *guess* that doesn't matter rn since the trip is confirmed

>>5629467
>Sit with Kaiba and go over a bit about the others and what you think they (or she) needs help with. Chigusa will take failure harder than she takes fan interactions, and… Kaiba will need to put up with the inexhaustible ray of sunshine that is Mari.
>Work with Marketing and Kaiba on initial drafts of how to market the other two idols and fit them into an idol group. Mari playing opposite of Kaiba is a no-brainer. Chigusa… will be harder.
Given how exposed she’s been to marketing, I envision that’s a good cuture career for her after she has enough of being an idol. May as well see if any of it has stuck, and encourage it if it has.

>>5629476
>unless we want to spy on Kaiba's chat again
The wiki contains a chat log that I update each passing quest day, but acting on the information will mean you spied again

>>5629496
>The new chat log
Red flags everywhere with that gal.

>>5629496
>new chat log
Holy shit. I'm glad that Kaiba isn't having any of that bullshit anymore.
Alright, the yakuza plan might not be a joke decision anymore.

>>5629428
>I’ve taken dance lessons...
From her stats I can tell that singing is what she likes the most!! And she has tried her hardest on it and that she is frustrated about it. We have to point her to the right direction, which is dancing. Of course, she can definitely complement the two, but she needs a little nudge in order to feel more fulfilled.

>>5629435
I wanna transfer Chigusa over to Yukimori already

File: 1654340269911516.png (52 KB, 285x380)

52 KB PNG

>>5629457
>She pauses to place her hands together in the shape of a heart, “Love!”
>pic related

>>5629496
>chat log
Wait. QM, I have a question: Kaiba sent a screenshot of the email that contained the invitation to the idol trip. Does the email have any information on where we will be staying? Emiko might try something stupid, like... showing up there.

Yeah I know that I might be paranoid but this might be a security hazard not only to Kaiba but for everyone else - if Emiko leaks this shit tons of fans might try to storm the hotel trying to see their idols.

>>5629467
>>Write-in
>Go shopping for something cute to wear during the trip. Maybe invite your Assitant or Kaiba. Or meet up with a surprise male character.
We gotta de-stress before the onsen, even though it's supposed to be relaxing... It won't be relaxing amirite... what's best for relaxing besides wasting money!? Nothing!!

>Chat log
Holy shit Emiko has company's e-mail now... now THAT will be bothersome

Y’all are apparently the Yui to my Nagato. I’m not going to look at the chat logs unless Kaiba shares them.

>>5629467
>Spy on chat logs
>Go shopping for something cute to wear during the trip.
>>Invite Kaiba. Discuss the other idols and prepare her for what they're like, as wella s how she's doing

>>5629632
>>5629467
Having read the chatlogs, it's now time, I think, to say "hey, I was alerted to some activity on your official account... Can we talk about this 'EmikoDesu'?
>Talk with Kaiba about her manipulative 'fan'

>>5629632
>>5629641
If we’re going to talk the chat logs, ask Yui to read them for us and summarize them instead of peeping ourself. It’s not actually better, but Nagato should feel less guilty over it.

Besides, not knowing the details makes it easier for us to speak like we didn’t read the logs directly. We asked for details at first, got them, then got too squeamish and had HR summarize the latest logs.

You guys don't understand what makes Kaiba tick. There are many emotions she doesn't understand and is barely experiencing them now, but there is a simple trick that will make everything fall back in place.
>Kaiba, I got a message from tech and they told me they detected suspicious activity in your account. It's company policy to avoid looking at chatlogs unless they have to, but they must see what files are being sent and recieved. They saw that you messaged a picture to EmikoDesu55 that contained company information

BOOM we are not saying we snooped on her mails, we are saying we DON'T snoop into conversations AND we are saying that she made a mistake that may endarger the jobs of both of us. She will feel guilty and it will be justified, since it was a wrong she should've avoided. She knows that sending sensitive stuff is wrong but she doesn't think that messaging is wrong. This way she will associate talking to fans with trouble, so she will avoid it. In fact, the best scenario and the one that is likely to happen is that she will block EmikoDesu55 by her own volition.

>>5629689
>Greentext
I actually like this idea because... It makes sense and unironically might happen since Kaiba DID share sensitive company information that could even be a breach of contract. I'm changing my vote to your write-in.
Supporting.

>>5629467
Supporting
>>5629689

>>5629689
+1, shift blame onto the imaginary HR technician.

>>5629689
>+1
This will escalate if we don't do something soon.

>>5629409
Yeesh. Watase seems to have made Riko her slave. We will need to protect our idols.

>>5629431
That's almost too much kuudere! Did we hire an alien interface?

>>5629453
Are those weird tan lines significant or just an AI artifact?

>>5629496
>The new chat log
It's nice to see Kaiba isn't completely caught into Emiko's web. But holy fuck, that fucking fucker.
We need to be careful she or her ally Keyszzz don't show up at the resort. Note to self: ask Matsui to find some akuza for us

>>5629467
Supporting >>5629598

>>5629689
It's not the first time Kaiba has sent images to Emiko (she sent photos). This will imply the IT read the chat before. Also is spreads the web of lies wider and increases the chances something goes wrong. I'm not sure this is a good idea.
The best thing, I think, would be to tell her that we logged into her account for some legit reason, like some announcement.

>>5629689
And why it's not a good idea: sending photos to fans should be against the company policy, so if the IT reacts to images they should've told us long ago. If Kaiba catches up on that, she'll know we lied to her.

>>5629689
+1 support

>>5629836
>Are those weird tan lines significant or just an AI artifact?
They are supposed to be "light reflections", but even after spending ten minutes in GIMP I couldn't manage to find a nice way to blur them well enough to make them seem like normal art's rendering.
Forgive me, it was past midnight at the time and I was weak.

>Or meet up with a surprise male character.
This actually brings to mind a question I had of my own.

Should Matsuno Inc. exclusively represent female idols?
This doesn't mean male characters / idols won't be part of the story.

Those male characters / idols would simple originate from outside sources like other talent agencies and be met during jobs and the like.
Or ...any other random place, I guess. They're just guys, not some kind of exotic creature.

Going by what Kitabayashi Yui has said, Matsuno Inc. (that female idols have nobody to romantically turn to but each other) has only managed female idols thus far, but perhaps there'll be / has been a policy change.

Meta Decision
>1 - Matsuno Inc. should only represent female idols
>2 - Matsuno Inc. should represent both male and female idols, but Nagata Miho only manages female idols (Male idols are a new audition)
>3 - Matsuno Inc. should represent both male and female idols and male idols should show up in Nagata's audition results. (Male idols are a new audition)
>4 - Matsuno Inc. should represent both male and female idols, but Nagata Miho only manages female idols (Male idols have been represented for a number of years)
>5 - Matsuno Inc. should represent both male and female idols and male idols should show up in Nagata's audition results. (Male idols have been represented for a number of years)

With both option 2 and 3 male idols will begin appearing in the office.
They're simply represented by other managers not mentioned in the story thus far.
I should probably also share a map of the full layout of the building.

>>5629864
>(Male idols are a new audition)
audition > addition

>>5629864
>3 - Matsuno Inc. should represent both male and female idols and male idols should show up in Nagata's audition results. (Male idols are a new audition)

>>5629864
>3
New market baybeee!

>>5629864
>3 - Matsuno Inc. should represent both male and female idols and male idols should show up in Nagata's audition results. (Male idols are a new audition)
I am for more drama

>>5629864
Hmmm
I'm all in for male idols, but I don't know if having the perms to manage male idols would make sense business wise. Like... If I were a CEO, I'd give the job of new market penetration to an experienced manager and not a newly promoted one.

Well, I'll be voting

>2 - Matsuno Inc. should represent both male and female idols, but Nagata Miho only manages female idols (Male idols are a new audition

But I'm curious to see this new addition to the quest/company

>>5629467
This vote is closed
Since I wanna write the new part.
I'll include stuff with a bunch of support like >>5629689
and other stuff I saw suggested that I simply like

>>5629843
>Ah, yeah I knew about the selfie but I let it slide because I am such a good manager :3c
However, I want my lie to say that the problem is the content of the pictures, not that idols are forbiddent to chat with fans nor send images.

>>5629864
>5 - Matsuno Inc. should represent both male and female idols and male idols should show up in Nagata's audition results. (Male idols have been represented for a number of years)

Winner
>3 - Matsuno Inc. should represent both male and female idols and male idols should show up in Nagata's audition results. (Male idols are a new audition)

It'll be a while before this is pops up in the quest though since I've just introduced a bunch of new characters.
I'm thinking after the next performance review. Something along those lines.

File: Hate.jpg (23 KB, 480x360)

23 KB JPG

You fuckers really voted for Miho to be hetero. I haven't felt such anger for a long time.

>>5630032
Into the bodybag you go.

File: images.jpg (13 KB, 244x207)

13 KB JPG

>>5630032
You were too slow, yurianon. One thread too late.

>>5629864
>2 - Matsuno Inc. should represent both male and female idols, but Nagata Miho only manages female idols (Male idols are a new audition)

>>5630025
>>5629467

You stare at the clock: 9:40 AM
The mere idea that you could be soaking in a hot spring at this time tomorrow is enough to bring a smile to your face.

There’s not a lot to do at the moment.

Both Chigusa Iki and Enatsu Mari are starting next week so there’s little you can do for them.
You’ve already talked things over with Matsui-san earlier today that it’s probably for the best to have the both of them start with inhouse training.
Enatsu Mari will be working on her vocals and Chigusa Iki is getting a make-over.

You haven’t really decided on an image for the both of them or discussed such things with marketing, but you’ll get to that later.
You look at the clock again: 9:41 AM.
Geh! Why is it going so slow! Why isn’t it tomorrow yet?

Kaiba should be at her marketing meeting now.
After yesterday’s talk with Kaiba-san you can only hope she followed your advice.

You glance left and right in your private office. Nobody is here, obviously. You’re thinking of spying again…
Even your own body knows it’s a bad thing to do!
Your shoulders went up when you checked if anybody was looking!
You sneaky devil! But you have to know…right?

Just a final peek to see if Kaiba-chan followed your advice!
You won’t make it a habit! You swear!

Slowly, your mouse cursor hovers towards “Kaiba’s Chatlogs” on your desktop…
The door opens and you jolt up like a teen caught watching a dirty video.

“I got you some coffee,” says the smiling face of Matsui-san, both hands carrying a cup, “…Everything okay?”

“Yes, yes,” you say, “Of course, A-hahaha. You just scared me, that’s all.”

Matsui-san raises an eyebrow, “Well, I’d normally knock, but…” she says, nodding down at both of her filled hands.
She places a cup on your desk.

“It’s fine, fine,” you say, “Thank you, Matsui-san.”

Matsui walks back to the door but idles in the door opening where the look of concern she had slowly shifts into a wry smile.
”Alright then,” she says. The door closes.

You sigh.

Kaiba-san was right. Matsui-san is, in a weird way, like a cat.
But if Matsui-san is a cat, then what does that make you?
A struggling bird doing their best to escape while the cat watches you squirm?
You shake your head. Begone thoughts. The guilt is messing with your head.

Matsui-san is your assistant! Stop seeing enemies everywhere!

“Just this one last time,” you say, double-clicking on the Kaiba’s chat logs.
There’s a bunch of new messages. You swallow and lean in towards the monitor a bit.
Although a good try, making yourself seem small and inconspicuous like that does nothing other than making you seem even more shady.

>>5630283

== April 15, 2015 (Wednesday)


[11:08] @EmikoDesuu55: Heyyy, Kaiba-chan
[11:08] @EmikoDesuu55: I just got off the phone with my part-time job and I should be good to meet up this Saturday at Sarutahiko Café.
[11:10] @EmikoDesuu55: knowing you you’re probably nervous and stuff, but I just wanna help you make a better show okay? the show might fall apart at this rate, all my friends say so. Like I said those marketing people are just hiding the truth from you, they don’t want you to know how bad things are. Sharing our suggestions with them won’t help, but don’t worry -- we’ll fix it together~~ (ㅅ´ ˘ `) wear something nice (no sweaters)
[12:10] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Emiko-chan, good news! The stream is actually not doing bad at all.
[12:11] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I saw the graphs myself and everything, it’s actually going really good
[12:12] @KaibaAoiOfficial: So we won’t have to meet up to discuss plans anymore, everything is ok!
[12:55] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Emiko-chan? Hello?
[16:44] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Was a good stream today, yeah :D?
[17:08] @KaibaAoiOfficial: talk to you tomorrow maybe?

[…0 messages not shown.]

== April 16, 2015 (Thursday)

[12:17] @EmikoDesuu55: (ノдヽ) what did I tell you about the marketing people…
[12:18] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Hello, Emiko-chan <3
[12:18] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Manager-san showed me. I can see the stats myself now
[12:17] @EmikoDesuu55: <3
[12:17] @EmikoDesuu55: oh, that’s good to hear, are you okay to meet up Saturday?
[12:18] @KaibaAoiOfficial: actually… I don’t think meeting up is a good idea (ーー;)
[12:18] @EmikoDesuu55: ???????
[12:19] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Turns out the live vlog is doing fine… and, well…
[12:19] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Manager-san reminded me of something scary that happened…
[12:19] @KaibaAoiOfficial: with a fan, I mean…
[12:20] @EmikoDesuu55: I see… you think I’m like that?
[12:20] @EmikoDesuu55: Kaiba-chan, I used a day off and everything…
[12:20] @EmikoDesuu55: we’ve been talking for so long, even on the phone and everything…
[12:20] @EmikoDesuu55: and you still think of me as some random scary fan? (T▽T)
[12:19] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I know you’re different, but still… I’m sorry…
[12:20] @EmikoDesuu55: How cruel…
[12:21] @KaibaAoiOfficial: …some other time maybe? After we talk some more?
[12:37] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Emiko-chan, please.

[12:58] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I’m sorry, okay?
[13:25] @KaibaAoiOfficial: …why do you always do this, Emiko-chan, I feel so bad…
[13:29] @KaibaAoiOfficial: you’re not a bad person, right…?
[13:32] @KaibaAoiOfficial: It’s just that I had a talk with manager-san today
[13:35] @KaibaAoiOfficial: that I had to be careful and stuff with online people
[13:35] @KaibaAoiOfficial: how they could make me feel like I’m always putting in the effort…
[13:36] @EmikoDesuu55: YOU’RE PUTTING IN THE EFFORT? WHAT ABOUT ME?
[13:36] @EmikoDesuu55: I CANCELLED ALL MY STUFF, TOOK A DAY OFF, AND EVERYTHING
[13:36] @EmikoDesuu55: AND NOW YOU’RE SAYING YOU DON’T WANT TO ANYMORE?
[13:36] @EmikoDesuu55: THIS WAS YOUR IDEA
[13:36] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Eh? You suggested it!
[13:37] @EmikoDesuu55: YOU WANTED IT TOO AND NOW SUDDENLY YOU DONT?
[13:37] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I said I was sorry!
[13:37] @EmikoDesuu55: YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU, RIGHT?
[13:37] @KaibaAoiOfficial: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHH?
[13:37] @EmikoDesuu55: WHY ELSE WOULD I GOT THIS FAR FOR YOU?
[13:38] @EmikoDesuu55: BUT I FEEL LIKE I’M WASTING MY TIME!
[13:38] @EmikoDesuu55: YOU’RE JUST PLAYING AROUND WITH ME, AREN’T YOU? (つ﹏⊂)
[13:37] @KaibaAoiOfficial: It’s not like that at all! I really like talking to you!
[13:37] @KaibaAoiOfficial: You’re my best friend! I love spending time with you!
[13:38] @EmikoDesuu55: You better show on Saturday or I’m never talking to you again
[13:39] @KaibaAoiOfficial: EMIKO PLEASE DON’T
[13:40] @KaibaAoiOfficial: PLEASE (This line x5. 4chan flags it as spam)
[13:40] @KaibaAoiOfficial: PLEASE
[13:40] @KaibaAoiOfficial: PLEASE
[13:40] @KaibaAoiOfficial: PLEASE
[13:45] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Emiko-chan……..
[14:22] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I’ll think about it, okay?
[14:50] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Maybe I can ask manager-san if she thinks its okay…?
[14:50] @EmikoDesuu55: She won’t allow it… don’t bother asking…
[14:50] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I just need some time to think, okay?
[14:50] @EmikoDesuu55: See you Saturday
[14:50] @KaibaAoiOfficial: …
[14:55] @KaibaAoiOfficial: …I’ll try

>>5630289

[16:50] @KaibaAoiOfficial: WAIT, I REALLY CAN’T
[16:50] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I swear I got an email from my manager that there’s a company trip!
[16:51] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Emiko, please believe me! I swear! It’s a job thing, I can’t go!
[16:59] @EmikoDesuu55: …Show me
[17:01] @KaibaAoiOfficial: (screenshot of invitation.jpg)
[17:15] @EmikoDesuu55: Tsk. This is just a way for you to weasel out of it >_>
[17:01] @KaibaAoiOfficial: It isn’t. I swear. Next time I’ll be there!
[17:15] @EmikoDesuu55: If there will even be a next time…
[17:15] @EmikoDesuu55: I’ll think about it…
[17:16] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Thank you, thank you, thank you!
[17:17] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I’ll let you know how the trip went!
[17:15] @EmikoDesuu55: Don’t bother
[17:44] @KaibaAoiOfficial: :(

[…0 messages not shown.]

---------

You wince. Kaiba-chan is probably a wreck.
A rollercoaster of emotions, even for you – and it doesn’t even involve you!
This EmikoDesu55 must be pretending. She’s not actually in love with Kaiba-san… right?

How does a confession like that affect Kaiba-san? Happy, you suppose. Perhaps confusion.
Or the fact that it was immediately tied to an ultimatum.
That’s cruel – even for EmikoDesu55.

Nevertheless, it seems like Kaiba-san stuck to your advice for now.

This EmikoDesu55 is a danger and the sooner you get her away from Kaiba, the better.
With two new idols coming in, Kaiba-san will hopefully forget about this girl in no time at all.

Put somewhat at ease, you let your shoulders sag, take a sip of warm coffee, close your eyes, and almost choke on your drink.
Hold on. What was that in there? Did this girl accidentally share company information???

You don’t have to be a former HR rep to know how serious this is!
But you are! That makes it worse! Nobody can know!
Should you delete the messages? No, that wouldn’t help. Also, Kaiba-san would notice.
The information is already out there. It would just be erasing evidence…

What to do!? Should you involve Yui-chan again?
No. That’s not an option either. You’d have to admit you’ve been spying again!
She’d be disappointed, but you can deal with being a disappointment if it means saving your idol.
Though that’s only if Kitabayashi Yui would be willing to help you – and you doubt that.
That’s not true, she would absolutely help.

>>5630292

But the cost would be terrible and she’d only do it to help Kaiba-san, not you.
You don’t want to end up sitting on the office floor and getting reprimanded again.
This is also your second offence and Kitabayashi might not even leave at just a harsh talking to.
Simply imaging the kind of things Kitabayashi would do sends shivers down your spine.

No choice. You have to talk to Kaiba-san and tell her how serious this is.
Maybe you can do what Kitabayashi suggested and say somebody else noticed it.
No, that’d be too embarrassing for her! She’d self-destruct!

If Kaiba-san knew a person has been spying on this chat and all the lovey-dovey stuff she said she would hide under the covers of her bed for a week!

Not a person, but a robot then?
Automated network monitoring?

Yes, that’s a thing and you actually make use of it here! Good, that’ll work.
Honestly, the new platform that Kaiba-san uses for chat and streaming might not actually be monitored at the moment, the monitoring only checks a handful of websites and email attachments as far as you know.

But Kaiba-san doesn’t know that! This’ll work! Haha!
Hold strong my web of lies! Only a little while longer. Work hard!

You find your hands tapping your desk. Calm down.
Clock!? 9:45 AM. AAAAAAAA.
Like two hours until the end of Kaiba’s meeting!

At least tomorrow’s hot spring will feel heavenly if you manage to survive today.

Not knowing what to do with yourself and having very little actual work to do you opt to watch cat videos.
Most are cute and funny, but there’s one where a black cat watches a small bird struggle before swatting it out of the sky as it tries to take flight.

You don’t like this one. You click a button to dislike the video.

File: panic.png (384 KB, 512x768)

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>>5630294

Slowly, but surely nearly two hours crawl by. 11:35 AM.
Surely, that meeting is done now.

You try to walk to Kaiba-san’s video room as casually as you can manage and at least two people ask with concern if you hurt your back recently.

Once arrived at Kaiba's ofifce, you knock, but open the door so quickly you might as well not have bothered.

There’s a sharp yelp as Kaiba-san almost bounces in her seat before shakily turning her head towards you.
”M-m-manager-san,” she says, blushing fiercely, “H-hello?”

Uwaaaa. She looks like you caught her committing a crime.
Hold on a moment. That’s probably how you looked earlier today!

“Everything, okay?” you say, “I didn’t mean to scare you…”

Kaiba-san shakes her head aggressively, “It’s okay,” she says with a thin-lipped smile that seems plastered there, “Aaalll good~”

“Good,” you repeat, walking a few steps towards her, “I came by t---”

The sharp noise of a message notification rings through the small office.
Kaiba-san’s eyes widen as if the sound is an alarm that’s echoes through the entire building.

You glance towards the monitor.

A small menu in the taskbar blinks a helpful orange.
Chat - EmikoDesu55.

Decision
>1 - Ask about this EmikoDesu55 with a smile on your face. Is it a fan? How great that she’s interacting with her fans like that.
Perhaps you can read the chat? Just genuine interest from her manager. Perhaps you don’t need to use the “network monitoring” plan…

>2 - Something is clearly going on, but it can wait. Go with the “Network Monitor” plan.
>3 - Write-in

>>5630310
>3 - Write-in
"Come with me, please. I'd like to take you shopping for some clothes for our trip this weekend."
If she comes with us, get her comfy, make it clear how proud we are and how happy we are, then then...
"I noticed a lot of activity on your official account, recently, with one user. I want to talk about EmikoDesu55."
Pretend we JUST noticed, don't let on HOW we were made aware except in vague and authoritative managerial "it is the agency's job to know" terms.
If Kaiba tries to dodge shopping, skip right to phase 2. Remember: sympathetic, empathetic, but still STERN. this is a job, for both of us.

>>5630310
>>2 - Something is clearly going on, but it can wait. Go with the “Network Monitor” plan.
Cut the string before it explodes.

>>5630292
Even if Emiko somehow does really love Kaiba, she's a really toxic person.

>>5630310
>3
>Ask about this EmikoDesu55 with a smile on your face.
>Regardless of what Kaiba answers, ask her whether she remembers the rules - no fraternizing, no disclosing company information...
>Kaiba will react at this moment.
>Pretend to notice her reaction and ask to see the chat. Disclosing company information is serious business. Be firm and stern if needed.
>After seeing the chat, forgive and console the probably devastated Kaiba. Search for a solution together.
>After that, we'll be able to discuss Emiko without disclosing our spying.

>>5630310
I don’t think we can hold together long, and the robot thing could be checked on. I’d rather lean on a lesser faceless peon.

>3 - Write-in
>”So… I have some questions, and it’s related to that.”
>”I got a message from IT about your work account being used during unusual times. The flag was that images were being transferred.”
>”They, uh took a peek at the latest image. And saw it was for the meeting we’re on all going on. Which… okay, that’s a MAJOR security problem.”
>”So they let me know so I could look into it. And since this was a surprise I… kinda looked at the messages it was included with to get context. And then a couple random ones in the hope the anxiety would go away. It did not.”
>”Kaiba I’m kinda freaking out here how long have you been talking to her why didn’t you say anything when she was hurting you what’s going oooooon?!” (Allow your nerves to take over so you whine/meltdown appropriately) (Hug her as you go into meltdown mode)

Beat her to the meltdown and do a partial confession of viewing the logs. She’s not allowed to fall apart if we do it first!

>>5630310
>3 - Write-in. We. Are. Shopping. Now.
At midnight.

For those keeping track of the chatlog in the wiki:
>Clock!? 9:45 AM. AAAAAAAA.
9:45 AM was the last time Nagata saw the logs

KAIBA IS NOW LEAKING COMPANY INFORMATION SUCH AS REVEALING THE NEW IDOLS

Holy shit >>5630456 changing my vote to
>Write in: Look, we have to talk.
We have to delete those messages. I am hoping Bitchiko is not smart enough to keep a separate log to use as incriminating info.
Good job on creating trouble QM, you create situations where the implications are rather huge

>>5630310
>3 - Write-In
"Kaiba-san, you have been disclosing confidential information to unauthorized personnel. This is a grave violation of the company's standards and of your contract, which can result in immediate termination. We need to talk, now."
>>5630611
Supporting this in an event of a tie, since this option is similar to my own

>>5630368
Changing vote to this guy, >>5630611
Kaiba fucked up big time.

>>5630611
Supporting

Winner
>3 - Write-in
I'll try and do my best to combine the suggestions above.
However, I'll probably skip the shopping for now since its been 27 (real life) days since the last actual job (Sakura Perfumes).
Also 16 days since the last time Kaiba improved any actual skill.

And we still have to do to the weekend trip event.

I'm trying to find an event / mechanics balance as it is kinda gone right now.

We can always do the shopping after.

>>5630887
The Fate/Stay Night job will be done after the trip I assume? We still haven't rolled for that one

>>5630943
Yes, we also still need to roll for Enatsu and Chigusa's skill rolls .

You sigh, “Kaiba, look,” you begin, then opt to retrieve the chair standing at the other side of the room to sit down.
“An idol company is, at all times, in a love/hate relationship with the media,” you say, adjusting your jacket as you sit.

Kaiba-san cocks her head slightly, not sure where you’re going with this, but seemingly relieved you’re not mentioning the chat.

“Matsuno Inc. can’t exist as a business without companies that are willing to hire idols to star in their shows, commercials, game shows, and such,” you continue, “Those companies hire idols because the fans like those idols and want to keep an eye on them, thereby allowing themselves to be exposed to the products the idols endorse.”

You’re stringing words together as you go, trying to find a way to a way to tell Kaiba-san how badly she messed up without performing the equivalent of a mental suplex on her fragile mind.

“The fans love keeping track of their idols, supporting them, seeing what they’re up to,” you say.

“I’m aware,” replies Kaiba, somewhat confused, “The entire live vlog is just that, no?”

You pull your lips into a thin line. ”Well, yes,” you reply, then go quiet as you try to think of what to say next.
Kaiba-san is blissfully unaware that what she’s been doing are grounds for direct termination.
Most of the idols in this generation are new and don’t have many fans yet, but then again it doesn’t take many fans.

Actually, one of the new idols, Watase Yoko, is quite famous.
Knowledge of her location might cause a few fans to show up.

Or just one.

One fan with a car with too much time on their hands and the knowledge that SOMEWHERE around Mt. Fuji there’s a rented bus carrying his favourite idol to a hot spring that he can take a picture of.
Luckily the email didn’t contain information on the exact location or what you’d be doing.
Point is that if Kaiba keeps leaking this kind of information then she would endanger the other idols and there’s zero-tolerance on that.

It’s a good thing people don’t know yet that Matsuno Inc. signed a bunch of new idols.

You clap your hands together softly, then continue, “You took a different path than most and, honestly, the media hasn’t quite adjusted,” you say, “Usually the only way for a fan to learn about an idol is through interviews and gossip websites run by paparazzi, but your fans see you every day and can even talk to you!”

“Nagata-san,” replies Kaiba, looking uncomfortable, “I don’t understand where you’re going with this…What’s going on?”

>>5631125

Where are you going with this?
Your own mental state is hanging on by a thread. Everything could end.
However, a good manager is the barrier between their employees and outside concerns.
So that the idols can focus on the job.

You clasp your hands together to stop them from shaking.

There’s all these what-ifs raging through your mind.
What if EmikoDesu55 sells all this information to the highest bidder?
What if she’s actually paparazzi herself and this whole thing has been nothing but a way to milk gossip from the agency?
What if she tries to show-up in person at the resort?

Is Kaiba-san’s career going to end just because she wanted a friend?
The chat logs should be purged after this chat, even if it is illegal to remove evidence of something that could harm the company.

As long as EmikoDesu55 doesn’t do anything with the information – it’ll be fine.
Kitabayashi will probably be willing to help you cover any fallout. Maybe.
You can think of some ways to tempt her, at least. If need be. She likes you, right?
She'll help. Yeah, she'll help. Everything will be fine.

File: TalkingWithKaiba.jpg (244 KB, 800x754)

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>>5631127

All these concerns, they weigh on you.
Your face goes slack, eyes slowly growing vacant.
Yesterday’s words of Kitabayashi’s bounce around in your empty mind: You’re a big softie
It’s cold in this room, you’re not sure how Kaiba manages it.

How would Yukimori Kyoden handle this?
He seems like the kind of person that would simply do what was needed.

The thick skin required to be a manager is something you’ll have to develop with time.
You take a breath and try to focus your thoughts, locking eyes with Kaiba.

Kaiba’s face is a picture of concern, with her hands defensively hovering before her.
It seems like she has caught on and knows why you’re he--

“Are you okay, Nagata-san?” says Kaiba instead, “Y-you kinda looked like you were about to cry.”

“Eh?” you reply, “I’m fine. I was just …thinking.”
Allowing your worries to stew while watching cat videos for two hours probably wasn’t the greatest idea.
Everyone procrastinates sometimes, right? Besides, Kaiba-san was in a meeting.

What were you doing?
The trip is tomorrow and you’re talking to Kaiba-san at the moment.
Oh, right. You have to lie to Kaiba-san to breach the subject of the chat.

“I was,” you begin, then try again, “…The people from IT, they monitor network traffic for safety reasons and to avoid leaking stuff to the press, they told me you send images to somebody. Images about the trip.”

“Eeeeeh,” shouts Kaiba, blushing, “…People know? Did other people, like, read everything?”

What’s one more lie? This bothers Kaiba-san. You can shoulder it.
"I don’t think so,” you say, “But they forwarded an image to me which had information on the trip on it. Like that it's a trip for idols and managers and that we’re leaving by bus from the office.”
"Can you explain why?” you ask, “You’re sharing company information, it’s dangerous.”

Kaiba-san looks embarrassed, she’s squirming in her seat, “I was just chatting with a f-friend, I didn’t mean to create trouble,” she says, “I had to cancel plans with her and she wanted to know what I was doing instead…”
”Emiko-chan wouldn’t do anything bad with it,” she adds.

Finally. Emiko-chan by name. Check that off the list, that’s safe information now.
You now have cause to discuss it. Though you still don’t have reason to suspect this Eriko of anything bad.

“I’m sure this Eriko-chan is a good girl,” you say, the biggest lie you’ve said today, “But if she tells a friend, who then gossips it to somebody else, and so on, then it might get to somebody bad eventually.”

>>5631128

It feels foul to keep digging up this memory, but Kaiba-san scares easily -- it'll work.
"What if somebody like the man from the handshaking event found out,” you say, “And followed the bus that leaves from Matsuno HQ in his car? That much was in the email.”

Kaiba pales, it seems like things are finally registering with her.

You point at the monitor standing on the desk beside the both of you, “This Emiko-chan you mentioned is EmikoDesu55? The person you shared the image with?”

Kaiba nods severely, “Y-yes,” she says, her mind elsewhere.
She needed to be made aware of the possible consequences of her actions.

You already know what’s in there, but if you get a look with her next to you then you’ll at least no longer have to lie about not knowing and begin discussing the contents of the chat with her without five layers of pretence.

“Can I have a look?” you ask, then quickly invent a reason, “I need to know how much you shared, we might have to hire additionally security.”

Kaiba is hiding her face and curling into a small ball on her chair, “But, I…” says a small voice, “…It’s a sort of private chat...I.. ah…”

This could be a moment where you remind Kaiba about how she shouldn’t have any sort of relationships.
And if she says that she knows then you can counter with the fact that this should be a harmless fan interaction then.
It would be very easy to manipulate her into willingly giving up her privacy.

Sure, that’s just an illusion since you already know, but that illusion is all she has left.
Just break down that final wall and you can start solving problems.

In fact, why be subtle about it?

You can just threaten her livelihood by saying she could lose her job over this.
Remind her that your own job is at stake, too, since you’re her manager and ultimately responsible.
Add guilt to the pile. That’ll surely cause her to cave and consent!

If you want to make it as a manager, you’ll have to be stern sometimes.
Kitabayashi said she didn’t want this job to change you, but it’s unavoidable, isn’t it?
One final push and you’ll make it through the web of lies – victorious.

Decision
>1 - If she stuck to the rules she accepted to then she has nothing to hide!
>2 - You could both end up fired! Is that what she wants?
>3 - Actually, IT showed the chat already since she uses the official account which is on public record.
>4 - Confess. You spied on the chat and even added access to your own computer afterwards.

Current stress level can always be found in the wiki under character's sheet. (Only idols / Nagata are tracked)

>>5631129
>2 - You could both end up fired! Is that what she wants?
>3 - Actually, IT showed the chat already since she uses the official account which is on public record.

>>5631129
Hmm, rereading it kinda reads like I (the QM) am trying to push or discredit certain options while my intention was this to seem like Nagata's thought pattern.
I'll reflect on the effects of the stress mechanic a bit.

>1 - If she stuck to the rules she accepted to then she has nothing to hide!
>2 - You could both end up fired! Is that what she wants?

Voting for either one of those. Kaiba, despite her social inabilities, is an adult already. There are some mistakes that have terminal consequences and the sooner the learns/remembers that, the sooner she can open her eyes for how detrimental Emiko has has being to her.

Thousands of (dollars? yens?) haven been poured on Kaiba and IIRC we still haven't even broke even on her investment - the true, cold reality is that so far she hasn't much going for her besides the vlog - it might be harsh to say this but she is disposable, just like we are... In a Japanese company, especially an idol one, a mistake like breaking NDA wouldn't fly even if it was done by a valuable employee and/or asset and we are neither.

This ordeal might have killed us inside, and it might kill Kaiba too but its the only path forward.

>>5631129
This is too intense!
Options 1 and 2 are both manipulative and in fact very similar to what Emiko does.
Options 3 and 4 will irrevocably break Kaiba's trust and our relationship with her. Forever. And for someone like her it'll be doubly, if not triply devastating. This option should never, ever be taken, even if it seems like a morally correct one and despite whatever Yui wants from us. We must take this secret to our grave.

Ultimately, I'll vote for
>2 - You could both end up fired! Is that what she wants?

>>5631129
>You could both end up fired! Is that what she wants?

>>5631143
Hmmm, nah - I think you're doing fine. I can see why these posts were written as they are: these are thoughts are the result of a extremely stressed Nagata trying to be many things at once while the world crumbles down around her. It's pitiful, but this is what reality truly is - things won't always turn out for the better and the only certainty that we have is that it can always get worse. I commend you for giving us these moments in the quest, managing idols must be one hell of a tough job and so far you are presenting that very well.

>>5631129
Y’know, people kept voting to look at the chats directly when Nagato is clearly taking this hard. Glad to see that’s now reflected in her astronomical stress levels making it difficult for us to get her to approach this rationally.

Should have had Yui screen it, anons. We’re not playing a character know for taking stress well.

So, onto the vote. Nagato is clearly not in her right mind and she’s on the verge of crying. I see this as fine! You’re allowed to be a human in front of employees, especially ones that respect you. You don’t want to make a boss you like cry. It’s an indicator you have well and truly fucked up.

So I’ll say
> 5 - Just start crying.

We can ask again to please see the logs for our own personal sanity afterward. We don’t want anyone to end up like Maki.

If it fails, we can mention the public record and that someone will see it when they go to scrub it. Better us than someone else.

>>5631129
>2 - You could both end up fired! Is that what she wants?
This is an OFFICIAL channel. We need to know what's being shared on it, especially after a data breach.

Winner
>2 - You could both end up fired! Is that what she wants?

>>5631129
>5 - Just start crying.

>>5631224
Man, I can see where you are coming from but I think that if we started crying in front of Kaiba she'd just kill herself right there just from the implied guilt alone

>>5631379
Sounds like a plan

>>5631224
>>5631350
We have a responsibility, as her manager, to be strong and to offer her steadiness, support, and guidance.

We can cry in private, later, with our not-romantic-sorry pansexual life-partner, over drinks.

>>5631472
Maybe what Nagata needs to find is a man.....

>>5631571
Add the stress of dating to the stress of idol management, and she keels over. So unless Kaiba gets her shit together, we die alone and unloved.

>>5631585
>unloved
Yui loves us. We just can't reciprocate the way she'd like.

>>5631587
Right, add the stress of matchmaking for Yui to everything

>>5631585
>we die alone and unloved
nah dw, that bartender from the karaoke will be Nagato's husbando.

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>>5631253

In the end, Kaiba being embarrassed for a bit is preferable to her losing her trust in you.
Besides, you’ve already seen it, right?
As long as you keep your reaction tame, you’ll be able to limit the emotional damage you inflict on Kaiba.

“Kaiba-san,” you say as gently as possible, “I’m not sure if you heard, but before I worked as your manager, I actually worked at human resources here at Matsuno Inc.”

Kaiba peeks between her fingers, glancing at you, “Is that how you know HR-san? The green-haired girl?”

“Yes, I used to work with Kitabayashi Yui-san,” you say, nodding, “But that’s not why I mentioned it.”
You make your best effort at a no-nonsense expression, “Because I worked at HR, I know that sharing the location of your fellow idols like you did could put them in harm’s way. Endangering a fellow idol like this are grounds for immediate termination. You could lose your job as an idol over this.”

“Even I, being responsible for you, could lose my job over this,” you add for emphasis.

Whatever embarrassment she still felt is immediately replaced with pure dread.
”N-no,” she says, eyes widening and tearing up, “That…c-cant, please, I didn’t mean to…”

Face stern, you nod, “It’s true,” you say, “The best I can do for you now is damage control, that’s why I need to see the chat. I need to know what else you said.”

Kaiba’s tears are flowing freely now and sitting in her chair is nothing but a scared, little girl.
She makes eye contact with you for a brief moment, nods, props her knees up, hides her face in her arms, and sobs quietly.
Whether she cries because her job is at risk or because she thinks she’ll almost assuredly be forced to cut ties with EmikoDesu you don’t know.

Having her consent to read the private chat you’ve already read in secret, you spend a few minutes slowly re-reading the chatlog to make it seem like you’re reading it all for the first time.
It’s a long, grim tale in chat message format about somebody making a lonely girl feel special only to then constantly threaten to take that feeling away if they put up a fight to any suggestions.

Having read it this morning, most of it is known to you and you try to gasp and frown where appropriate.
Scrolling through this all completely stone-faced would probably seem suspicious.
However, much to your surprise you eventually hit upon a block of chat messages you haven’t seen before.
The timestamps puts them between 10:15 AM and 11:39 AM, with the last message being responsible for the noise that tipped you off on the chat at the start of this confrontation.

These all happened a short time after you read the chat and began watching cat videos.

>>5631643

== April 16, 2015 (Friday)

[10:15] @EmikoDesuu55: I’ve thought about it…
[10:15] @EmikoDesuu55: I’ve been too hard on you… I’m sorry (pained-face emote)
[10:15] @EmikoDesuu55: I was just mad you didn't wanna hang out with me! T_T
[10:16] @EmikoDesuu55: Forgive me <3 ?
[10:24] @KaibaAoiOfficial: <3
[10:25] @KaibaAoiOfficial: of course
[10:25] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I thought you hated me for real!
[10:33] @EmikoDesuu55: Never!
[10:33] @EmikoDesuu55: Don’t you usually have a meeting now?
[10:33] @KaibaAoiOfficial: It ended early and we have the trip tomorrow so no big plans.
[10:33] @EmikoDesuu55: Have fun on the trip!
[10:34] @EmikoDesuu55: You gotta make sure you make memories with the other idol
[10:34] @EmikoDesuu55: Take many pictures and share them with me!
[10:35] @EmikoDesuu55: I know you said on the phone she was shady, but maybe if you’re friends with her she wont try that stuff on you
[10:35] @EmikoDesuu55: and if she does pull something you just tell me (smug emote)
[10:36] @EmikoDesuu55: I’ll ruin her life lol
[10:39] @KaibaAoiOfficial: please dont :P
[10:39] @KaibaAoiOfficial: But thanks Emiko-chan <3
[10:36] @EmikoDesuu55: Do you know what place you’re going yet?
[10:39] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I asked Matsui-san, but she can’t say for safety reasons
[10:39] @KaibaAoiOfficial: All I know is that it’s a place near mt fuji with a hotspring
[10:40] @EmikoDesuu55: DEFINITELY take pictures
[10:40] @KaibaAoiOfficial: You want me to get fired? lol
[10:40] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Not gonna take pictures of the others in the hotspring
[10:41] @EmikoDesuu55: Who said anything about the others? (cute wink emote)
[10:41] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Pff, pervert :P
[10:41] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I’m kinda nervous since there’ll be a lot of people
[10:42] @EmikoDesuu55: wasn’t it just the idols and the managers like the mail said?
[10:44] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Yes, but new idols are joining that I haven’t met yet
[10:44] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I don’t think they were tagged in the mail
[10:44] @EmikoDesuu55: O_o
[10:45] @EmikoDesuu55: I thought you only had 1 other idol in your gen atm?
[10:45] @KaibaAoiOfficial: three more have joined that I haven’t met
[10:45] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I don’t think they’ve been announced on insta yet
[10:45] @KaibaAoiOfficial: That’s probably why you don’t know about them
[10:46] @EmikoDesuu55: Eh…unannounced idols…?

Had to remove all emotes because 4chan

>>5631647

[10:46] @EmikoDesuu55: I see, I see … well, make sure to get pictures with them, too!
[10:47] @EmikoDesuu55: I wanna know everything that happened!
[10:47] @EmikoDesuu55: Post everything here!
[10:47] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I will after the weekend, I only really use this account during work
[10:48] @EmikoDesuu55: …then use it outside of work?
[10:48] @KaibaAoiOfficial: It’s a work account
[10:49] @EmikoDesuu55: So? Just get the app on your phone
[10:49] @KaibaAoiOfficial: can’t we just text or call?
[10:52] @EmikoDesuu55: T_T
[10:52] @EmikoDesuu55: Not all of us are fancy idols rolling in cash! D:
[10:52] @EmikoDesuu55: My bundle is basically gone two days into the month
[10:52] @EmikoDesuu55: Gotta use wi-fi
[10:52 @EmikoDesuu55: To reach my wi-fu
[10:54] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Dork :P
[10:54] @KaibaAoiOfficial: <3
[10:54] @EmikoDesuu55: <3
[10:55] @EmikoDesuu55: I wanna help in any way I can, so if you have the app I can
[10:55] @EmikoDesuu55: If something happens you can ask me for help!
[10:55] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Okay, okay I’ll get the app
[10:58] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Installed
[10:58] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I’m glad you’re not mad anymore, Emiko-chan
[10:58] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I missed just chatting like this…
[10:59] @EmikoDesuu55: Dork :P
[10:59] @EmikoDesuu55: <3
[10:59] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Eheheh <3
[11:02] @EmikoDesuu55: Have you bought the clothes I linked you?
[11:03] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Yeah and I’ve been wearing them
[11:03] @KaibaAoiOfficial: But I dunno, it feels weird
[11:03] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I’m not used to frilly and girly stuff like this
[11:04] @EmikoDesuu55: you’ll get used to it
[11:04] @KaibaAoiOfficial: manager-san said I should just keep being me :P
[11:04] @KaibaAoiOfficial: that I don’t need to dress different or try being a normal idol
[11:05] @EmikoDesuu55: >_> manager-san, manager-san
[11:05] @EmikoDesuu55: but the clothes are cute, right? I think you look cute in them
[11:07] @KaibaAoiOfficial: (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)
[11:07] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I don’t mind wearing them
[11:08] @EmikoDesuu55: <3
[11:08] @EmikoDesuu55: I hope you wear them to our date as well
[11:08] @KaibaAoiOfficial: >///<
[11:09] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I thought it was just a normal meetup!
[11:11] @EmikoDesuu55: Kaiba-san… I basically confessed earlier, right?
[11:11] @EmikoDesuu55: So it’s not like I can pretend anymore…

>>5631648

[11:12] @KaibaAoiOfficial: …like a relationship date…? as in girlfriend?
[11:12] @KaibaAoiOfficial: …I dunno if I’m ready for that, Eriko-chan
[11:12] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I’m not even sure I like girls yet…
[11:13] @EmikoDesuu55: Let me help you find out ( ಠ‿<)
[11:15] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Relationships are also illegal for idols, you know that right?
[11:15] @EmikoDesuu55: We can be sneaky~~
[11:15] @EmikoDesuu55: Come on! Makes your heart go crazy fast, no?
[11:19] @KaibaAoiOfficial: >_> <_< >_> they’ll catch us
[11:19] @EmikoDesuu55: Uwwwaaa, but that means you want to, right???
[11:20] @KaibaAoiOfficial: …I’m very happy you’re saying these things.
[11:20] @KaibaAoiOfficial: really am.
[11:20] @KaibaAoiOfficial: feels like a dream that somebody would want to go out with me.
[11:20] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I didn't think I would ever feel happy like this.
[11:20] @KaibaAoiOfficial: ……
[11:20] @KaibaAoiOfficial: But I shouldn’t, very dangerous for my career >_>
[11:20] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Manager-san has said so over and over
[11:20] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I kinda want to try, to see what it's like, but….sorry
[11:22] @EmikoDesuu55: Pffff, manager-san, manager-san
[11:22] @EmikoDesuu55: I bet she’s single and lonely
[11:24] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I’m not sure, I think she is single at least…yeah
[11:24] @EmikoDesuu55: You wanna end up like that?
[11:24] @EmikoDesuu55: Telling others they should be single and lonely like you?
[11:26] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I think she just works too much for dating
[11:26] @EmikoDesuu55: So she wants you to be married to the job just like she is
[11:26] @EmikoDesuu55: We can just go on a single date and if you dont like it then we can stop
[11:26] @EmikoDesuu55: Besides, we’re both girls, right? They’ll think you’re meeting a friend
[11:29] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I guess so… yeah
[11:29] @KaibaAoiOfficial: We can meet just once
[11:29] @KaibaAoiOfficial: But dont do anything weird!
[11:31] @EmikoDesuu55: Like hug you or kiss you or…?
[11:31] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Eriko-chan! I mean it!
[11:32] @EmikoDesuu55: We can just have a coffee somewhere, okay?
[11:32] @KaibaAoiOfficial: That sounds fine
[11:32] @EmikoDesuu55: And if it goes well we can go to the bathroom and… ಠ ‿
[11:33] @KaibaAoiOfficial: !!!!!!
[11:33] @KaibaAoiOfficial: STOP THAT. I’M AT WORK

>>5631650

[11:33] @KaibaAoiOfficial: STOP THAT. I’M AT WORK
[11:33] @KaibaAoiOfficial: What if somebody looked at my screen!
[11:34] @EmikoDesuu55: like you should be chatting at work in the first place :P
[11:34] @KaibaAoiOfficial: I am simply interacting with a loyal fan ^^
[11:35] @EmikoDesuu55: Ooooooo, I see, I see
[11:35] @EmikoDesuu55: I hope you don’t treat all your fans the same way!
[11:36] @KaibaAoiOfficial: Only you <3
[11:36] @EmikoDesuu55: <3
[11:37] @KaibaAoiOfficial: alwdjkawdlajwkd
[11:37] @KaibaAoiOfficial: manage ra here gotta gog
[11:39] @EmikoDesuu55: I’ll be quiet!

------

Your stern facade breaks away as you read through these final messages and you can’t help but glance over your shoulder at Kaiba – who had been peeking to observe your reaction, but quickly hides her face between her arms again.

This is a lot.

Most importantly, it seems like Kaiba-san accidentally shared the existence of the new idols with this girl.
Not only is the proper announcement of a new idol vital to jumpstart their career, it’s also a major marketing event for the agency to show that the business is healthy and able to acquire and support new talent.

If ErikoDesu55 truly has malicious intentions and sold off the info for a quick buck, then you she’d do more than just spoil the new idols out of a proper start.
You could then also expect paparazzi to show up in front of Matsuno HQ tomorrow to catch a glance of these new idols.

You might even have to cancel the trip entirely; it could be too risky.
However, people will want to know why you suddenly cancelled and you’d better have a good excuse.
You certainly can’t tell the truth – that’d be the end of Kaiba’s career.
There’s also no doubt you’ll lose face within the company, but that’s the least of your concerns.

The whole intention behind the trip was to covertly waylay Kaiba’s meet-up, but since you’ve now visibly read Kaiba’s chat messages you can try to bar her exposure to EmikoDesu55 in a different way.
Hell, you could even respond to EmikoDesu55 yourself here and now.

Furthermore, EmikoDesu55 seems to try and press Kaiba-san into taking pictures.
There’s nothing wrong with taking pictures of fun, company events, but they shouldn’t be shared with outsiders who can then publish them in something like a gossip article called: “A Steamy Encounter - A Hidden Peek Into Matsuno Inc’s Hot Spring Getaway.”

It seems like this EmikoDesu55 has even been trash talking you as well. The nerve.
“I have friends, y’know,” you say without taking your eyes from the screen, “I’m not lonely.”
You’re really not. You do fun stuff sometimes. Honest. You own a cat. (Which is planned to stay with Yui during the trip)

>>5631655

The shameless grooming continues unabated, EmikoDesu55 seems determined to twist Kaiba-san into somebody conforming to her liking like some sort of dress-up doll.
Oddly, This is the only bit that’s hard to place.

If Emiko’s true intention is to acquire internal info from Matsuno Inc, then why would she risk alienating Kaiba with complaints or suggestions about her appearance?

The entire conversation carries flirty undertones and even a outright confession.
Though you wouldn’t be surprised if it’s completely fake and simply used to emotionally shake-up Kaiba with something a girl like her probably considered monumental.
What is surprising is that Kaiba-san was ready to participate in this farce even if it meant risking her career.

Is she really in love? They haven’t even met!
She might be in love with the idea of love.
Eager to experience something she has never had before.
You might need to move-up an appointment, this girl needs therapy.

There’s also a chance, however unlikely it may seem, that Kaiba-san is actually romantically interested in girls.
Good for her if she is, but idols shouldn’t be dating to begin with, so it should be inconsequential.

That hornet’s nest will have to wait for another time.
You have to try and save Kaiba’s career first.

>>5631658

The Trip
>1 - Cancel it. It’s too risky. If EmikoDesu55 leaks data, there’ll be press everywhere.
>2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.

The Leak
>1 - Mention the possibility of a leak to marketing. Maybe they can do a rush job for a proper announcement for the new idols.
>2 - Keep quiet about a potential leak and hope for the best.

Talking with EmikoDesu55 yourself
>1 - Contact EmikoDesu55 using the chat and ask for her intentions and perhaps bargain with her.
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.

Kaiba’s Contact with EmikoDesu55
>1 - Outright ban it. Shaken up like she is, she might actually stick to it.
>2 - Allow it, but warn her to never meet up and to no longer engage with fans like she did prior
>3 - Ask her to minimize contact to string Emiko along so she doesn’t get mad and do something stupid
>4 - Allow her to do whatever she feels is right. If she wants to risk her career for love, so be it.

File: SadKaibaNowWithHalfTheEyebrows.jpg (514 KB, 800x1200)

514 KB JPG

>>5631643
>double eyebrows
goddammit, fixed

>>5631666
No further updates today.
Not certain if I'll do an update tomorrow, got easter stuff

>>5631661
>1 - Cancel it. It’s too risky. If EmikoDesu55 leaks data, there’ll be press everywhere.
>1 - Mention the possibility of a leak to marketing. Maybe they can do a rush job for a proper announcement for the new idols.
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.
>1 - Outright ban it. Shaken up like she is, she might actually stick to it.

>>5631661
This is just too intense! I expected Idolmaster, not Oshi no Ko.

>2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.
I believe Emiko is after Kaiba herself, not the company secrets. The weird grooming might be to shape Kaiba according to her fetishes. I don't think she'll leak the info immediately, though she might do it later out of spite.

>2 - Keep quiet about a potential leak and hope for the best.
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.
>5 - Explain to Kaiba that Emiko is stringing her up, with examples right from the chat. Make it clear we're not angry nor judging her. Ban further contact.

Ah, the price of delaying.

>>5631661
>2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.
>1 - Mention the possibility of a leak to marketing. Maybe they can do a rush job for a proper announcement for the new idols.
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.
>5 - Explain to Kaiba that Emiko is stringing her up, with examples right from the chat. Make it clear we're not angry nor judging her. Ban further contact.

>>5631681
I maintain that we should've bullied the fuck out of Kaiba when we first discovered the chats.

>>5631681
Emiko works fucking fast.

>>5631683
Agreed, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Also, our character might freaking keel over from the stress. It’s gotten high.

>>5631661
I think we can mitigate the risk a bit by not picking up people at the studio. Meet up in a different place, or have the bus pick them up at their homes. Justify with convenience.

>>5631661
The trip
>2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.
>Arrange another bus and make another email signaling a change in plans for the amusement park due to sudden idol schedule changes. Have Kaiba pass it along. Yui should have some friends that are willing to hop on a bus on Saturday, right?
Best I can do to mitigate it.

The leak
>1 - Mention the possibility of a leak to marketing. Maybe they can do a rush job for a proper announcement for the new idols.
>Tell Kaiba she’ll need to help more as their senpai. They won’t get the initial boost they deserve due to the rush job, so they’ll be leaning harder on her fame.

Emiko and Nagato
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.
Nothing to gain for it now.

Emiko and Kaiba
>Tell Kaiba you’re instituting a blanket ban on contact during the trip. Afterwards, she can explain to Emiko that we found out and are banning any further contact unless we meet later.
>”Yui and I have never treated each other like that. I’m more inclined to strangle her for talking to you like this, but I will give her one chance to prove me wrong. Later.”

Final suggestion
>Order a sleepover at your place. It’s bad given the awkwardness, but Kaiba’s parents aren’t supporting her, Emiko is toxic, she has no other friends, her fellow idols don’t know her yet, and she’s gloomy by nature. She’ll be a wreck by tomorrow if she can’t talk to anyone, and that leaves you. Push through and open up about your own past if needed.
At this point, she could be a damn suicide risk. With all the other shit QM has thrown out here, I can’t say it wouldn’t fit the quest.

>>5631683
>>5631694
Yukimori tried shutting down Rika. He failed and we had to get involved. The person who discovered Kaiba was breaking our rules may not have been us, and may not have been as friendly as we were.

At least this time we can wave at how she’s impacted the other idols now and go “there is no excuse”.

The best way would probably have been to have Yui pull us both in for a royal reaming earlier. It would have kept our credibility with Kaiba and Yui could have gone her own past to convince Kaiba to drop this relationship.

Too many anons don’t seem willing to use her though, and we’ve paid for it with stress.

>>5631661
>2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.
>1a - Mention the possibility of a leak to marketing. Suggest that they take advantage of it to drum up nyatwry around tge new idols: "Who are Matsuno Inc's new mystery girls??"
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.
>2 - Allow it, but warn her to never meet up and to no longer engage with fans like she did prior

>>5631661
Now, I'll try to convince some of you guys of changing your votes. You see...

Options A: Our stress is pretty high. Even though the mood for relaxation is gone, the trip might be valuable for lowering even the tiniest bit of stress of Nagata. ...and, you know. This might be a good farewell party for Kaiba and us! We can pretty much get fired soon lmao

Options B: We absolutely cannot tell anyone from the company that there has been a leak, since that's basically dropping the ball and giving up on both Kaiba and Nagata. after all the bullshit that this fucking -100 IQ gloomy girl has put us through, I'm keeping her. Even if we have to brute force her stay.

Options C: No point in contacting Emiko. We aren't with a good hand of cards to bluff or bargain with her.

Options D: Let's think about it for a second: now that Emiko has ammo, the moment that Kaiba cuts her ties with her its the moment she presses the switch - exploding this entire bomb in our faces. Our best option right now is extracting every bit of information of Emiko. Let's play her game, make Kaiba minimize contact and pull the strings closer and closer until we can break this snake's neck.

Therefore, I'm hoping we can vote on:

>2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.
>2 - Keep quiet about a potential leak and hope for the best.
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.
>3 - Ask her to minimize contact to string Emiko along so she doesn’t get mad and do something stupid

>>5631681

Oh well. I was one of the anons that voted for us admitting that we read the chat log and ask Kaiba to break all contact with Emiko back then. I saw 10 seconds in the future us being checkmated, and I tried to convince you guys: I knew that all hell would break loose if we didn't dealt with that ASAP. And I know what you are going to say: that Kaiba could've just kept contact with her from her private account but not only that would be unlikely but if she did do that, the leaks would have less credibility since they wouldn't come from a freaking official idol acc. Hell, she might've not even leaked anything since she wouldn't have received the trip invitation on her personal account but on her company email, which I assume she doesn't have access too on her personal devices.

Once more I'm asking that you guys trust me - I know that I might sound like a schizoid but trust me - Kaiba's professional life (and ours!) is on the line.

>>5631661
frick...
>Hope for the best
Frick.... frickety frick. I hope Nagata doesn't get fired but transfered back to HR
>Keep quiet. There hasn't been any leaks lmao
>Don't respond to Bitchiko
>Ban further contact, but DELAY that for now. Take a taxi and accompany Kaiba home, then tell her to avoid talking to emiko until we "get this sorted out" which is delaying even more...
I want to scheme even more... how about we send emiko a message saying
>"Damn, it looks like IT will do some maintenance to the company's intranet while we are going to the trip"
So we can have some excuse for the radio silence... plus we say
>"It seems we will have lunch at the office to break the ice and travel later to get to the Onsen at night"
BUT THE BUS DEPARTS AT 10 AM

>>5631719
>>5631719
*drum up mystery around
Sorry, mobile.

>>5631747
>I might sound like a schizoid but trust me
You get my vote! Switching >>5631673 to this.
If this fails, well, then we really got to really start practicing an iron fist in a velvet glove.

>>5631661
>2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.
>2 - Keep quiet about a potential leak and hope for the best.
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.
>3 - Ask her to minimize contact to string Emiko along so she doesn’t get mad and do something stupid

>>5631661

Winners

The Trip
2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.

The Leak
>2 - Keep quiet about a potential leak and hope for the best.

Talking with EmikoDesu55 yourself
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.

Kaiba’s Contact with EmikoDesu55
>1 - Outright ban it. Shaken up like she is, she might actually stick to it
>Explain to Kaiba that Emiko is stringing her up, with examples right from the chat. Make it clear we're not angry nor judging her

frikety frick

The stringing the manipulator didn't go forward and the marketers weren't warned. We’ve startled the grass and I fear the snake’s response.

File: Seeyoudie.gif (984 KB, 500x213)

984 KB GIF

>>5632374
>>5632379
>Emiko when she strikes

>>5632379
And between the iron gates of fate, we have sown the seeds of time. Soon, we shall sing our (and Kaiba's) eulogy - a poem or song that praises those who have recently died:

Confusion will be my epitaph
As I crawl a cracked and broken path
If we make it, we call sit back and laugh
But I fear, tomorrow, I'll be crying
Yes, I fear, tomorrow, I'll be crying...

It was fun while it lasted, gloomy girl.

>>5631661
>2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.
>1 - Mention the possibility of a leak to marketing. Maybe they can do a rush job for a proper announcement for the new idols.
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.
>3 - Ask her to minimize contact to string Emiko along so she doesn’t get mad and do something stupid

If it isn't too late

>>5631661
>2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.

>2 - Keep quiet about a potential leak and hope for the best.

>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.

>3 - Ask her to minimize contact to string Emiko along so she doesn’t get mad and do something stupid

>>5631661
>2 - Hope for the best. You can’t cancel, there would be too many questions.
>2 - Keep quiet about a potential leak and hope for the best.
>2 - Don’t respond to EmikoDesu55.
>3 - Ask her to minimize contact to string Emiko along so she doesn’t get mad and do something stupid

>>5632935
I don't need another good new quest to die in a fucking week.

>>5632938
Don't panic, anon.

>>5632943
Too late. I'm traumatized.

>>5632947
Good headspace for understanding Kaiba at least!

>>5632413
>>5632537
>>5632935

Man, unfortunately the votes closed earlier but its good to see that some anons had a change of mind or had a line of thought similar to mine.

I have no hopes of Kaiba surviving this last round of votes, we literally decided the worst possible combo - which was doing nothing + aggroing Emiko with the ban. I think that might really be the end...

One anon mentioned Kaiba being on the verge of suicide - I don't know about that, she doesn't seem to be one of those people but I'll admit that that wasn't a possibility I've thought of when I tried to change y'all votes... We'll see.