>>5677921
Get hype!

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>>5677921

Note: I am aware that we voted to spend some time in the music store, but I’m so horribly stuck on AI image generation that I need to move past the store bit or I’ll waste another day before I put up the thread.

You open the door and return the little wave of the cashier.
Ordinarily you would stop by the counter for a short chat since it’s been a while since you’ve last been here, but a set of other customers seem to be vying for her attention.

With a brief bob of the head, you simply decide to beeline for the j-rock section, but not before glancing into the aisle quickly to ensure you don’t spot any familiar faces.

Relief. Nobody you recognize.

You check out the new albums and manage to find the album you’ve been looking for, purchase it, and call it a day.
The last thing to do before you can fully enjoy the remainder of your weekend is deliver the groceries you’ve bought to Kitabayashi’s house.

After a little detour you arrive at Kitabayashi’s door and hand over the groceries.

>>5677924


“Oh, Miho,” says Kitabayashi with a smile, “Thanks, but I buy my own groceries, y’know?”

“Sure, but you’re already taking care of Kaiba-san for me, I didn’t want you to shoulder double the food cost and all that,” you say, “I checked in with Kaiba’s dietician from work, everything in her diet should be in there.”

Kitabayashi looks alarmed for a moment, “Ah… Of course, she has a diet, haha,” she says, “Active idol, I mean, it’s a given.”

You squint a little, “Yui-chan…”

“Just a small bucket of ice cream!” she says defensively, “To celebrate her moving in! She had it rough, y’know?”

The comment reminds you of the fortune reading from earlier that day.
You swivel left and right in an effort to look over Kitabayashi’s shoulder and peek into the house, “How’s Kaiba-san doing?” you ask.

“Still asleep,” replies Kitabayashi.

Eh? It’s mid-afternoon.

Then again, it must’ve been like getting home after a long vacation for her – finally able to get some long-needed rest without any questions or concerns.

“I see,” you say, then hesitate, “…Tell me if anything strange happens, alright?”

Kitabayashi raises an eyebrow, “Sure?” she says, “Are you expecting strange things to happen?”

“Ah, well, not really,” you say.

“Miho…” says Kitabayashi with soft disappointment, “Really? You think that level of secrecy works against me? I’ve known you for years. What’s this about?”

There’s not a chance that you’ll confess that the random fortune told by a teenage mystic has you on edge.

“She’s just had a harsh time, that’s all,” you say.

“Fine, keep your secrets,” says Kitabayashi, “Don’t you wanna come in? Say hi?”

You hold up your hands defensively, “No, no,” you say, “I saw her yesterday and I see her every day at work. I’m still her boss, she should be able to have some time away from me. So she can relax.”

“Alright,” says Kitabayashi with a shrug, “You’re welcome anytime.”

You nod, “Thanks again, Kitabayashi.”

“Nothing’s free, girlie,” says Kitabayashi with a smug grin, “You owe me and I’ve already got some plans how to use that favour.”

As you open your mouth to speak, Kitabayashi interrupts.

>>5677925

“It’s a surprise,” she says, winking.

You sigh, then smile back, “Fine,” you say, “Just don’t get me in any trouble.”
“I should probably get going,” you add, “See you on Monday.”

As you turn to leave you make it only a few steps before turning back, “Send me a message if anything happens, okay? Just anything strange. Anything at all.”

“Jeesh, Miho,” says Kitabayashi, amused, “Calm down. She’s fine.”

“Okay,” you say, turn around, then turn back, “…anything odd, just tell me…”

“Bye, bye, mother hen,” says Kitabayashi, as she gradually closes the door, “I’ll take good care of your little girl!”

Geh.

You didn’t mean it like that.

Back in your car you take a deep breath, then sigh. It’s time to forgot about work for a bit and just relax.

A new week awaits.

>>5677927

Budget: $72.100
Date: May 11, 2015 (Monday, Week 20)
Calendar event: It’s Kitabayashi’s Birthday today

Time ticks forever onwards.
What’s your plan for the next week?

Every week an idol’s stress is automatically reduced by 30.

Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>1 - Write-in

Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (80 Stress)
>1 - Have Kaiba work on her SKILL_HERE using the office’s in-house tools (40 stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi
>3 - Tell her to take a week off (-50 stress)
>3 - Write-in

Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (50 Stress)
>1 - Have Enatsu work on her SKILL_HERE using the office’s in-house tools (40 stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Enatsu Mari
>3 - Write-in

Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (10 Stress)
>1 - Have Chigusa work on her SKILL_HERE using the office’s in-house tools (40 stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki
>3 - Write-in

>>5677931
Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>Help organize a birthday surprise for Kitabayashi

Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (80 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi

Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (50 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Enatsu Mari

Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (10 Stress)
>1 - Have Chigusa work on her Dance using the office’s in-house tools (40 stress)

Hype!

>>5677924
>skipping over an event because we couldn't AI generate a dude
We don't NEED images, QM.

>>5677954
Supporting. Sensible enough.

>>5677931
See above.

>>5677962
Right, we don't need good images for the boys. Even simple non AI generated ones are fine!

>>5677931
Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>Help organize a birthday surprise for Kitabayashi

Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (80 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi

Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (50 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Enatsu Mari

Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (10 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki

Work work work, we need $$$

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>>5678000
Supporting.
Also...
LETS FUCKING GOOOO

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>>5678000
I support this, only because I don't feel like typing it all out.
also EHEM I smell a stress reduction in the oven

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>>5678000
Supporting

Finally we are so back, I was checking the catalog everyday

>>5677931
Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>Help organize a birthday surprise for Kitabayashi

Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (80 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi

Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (50 Stress)
>1 - Have Mari work on her Dance using the office’s in-house tools (40 stress)

Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (10 Stress)
>1 - Have Chigusa work on her Dance using the office’s in-house tools (40 stress)

>>5677931

Winner

Manager Task: Nagata Miho
>Help organize a birthday surprise for Kitabayashi

Idol Task: Kaiba Aoi (80 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Kaiba Aoi

Idol Task: Enatsu Mari (50 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Enatsu Mari

Idol Task: Chigusa Iki (10 Stress)
>2 - Ask Matsui to find some work appropriate for Chigusa Iki

>>5678221

Blink twice and the weekend has gone by, per usual.
At least you managed to relax knowing that Kaiba is in good hands.

It’s another warm summer day and you’re sitting in your kitchen, enjoying a small breakfast.
As you swipe through the calendar to see what tasks await you at work – you spot something else.

Today’s Kitabayashi’s birthday.

If memory serves, then she’ll be turning twenty-six today.
Yui has been a great help these past weeks and you owe her in more ways than one.
The least you can do is celebrate her birthday.

However, you’re not really certain how you plan to celebrate it just yet.
At her home with friends? Dining at some restaurant? Dancing the night away at a club?
You decide to keep the birthday in mind and hope that ideas will come to you.

Breakfast finished, you leave home and set off towards the office in your trusty Renault Twingo.

Once there it’s time to fill the schedules of your idols.
Although you understand the importance of nurturing your idols, you can’t help but keep a wary eye on your budget which has been slowly sliding down over the past few months.
Some financial breathing room would be a nice thing to have before you start investing into your idols.

The door clicks open and Matsui bows in, “Good morning, Nagata-san,” she says.
Wearing a pressed blue suit with tie, her hair in a single, short braid swung over her shoulder, and carrying her clipboard, as always, to make note of this week’s plans.

“Good morning,” you reply, smiling.

Matsui tilts her head, “You seem in a good mood,” she says, “Had a nice weekend?”

Did you?

You’ve had plenty of worries this past week, but most of them have disappeared.
Kaiba’s housing situation is being taken care of, according to a fortune reading the concerns you had about your love life are unfounded as long as you put in the effort, and two of your idols are about to debut this week after both successfully completing their first jobs.

It seems silly to get chipper about the contents of a fortune reading, but you’re not about to sabotage your own happiness by overanalysing those thoughts.

“In a way,” you say vaguely, “How about you?”

“Same as always,” says Matsui, then goes right back to business, “Have you given any thought on how you’d like to debut your new idols?”

“I’m still thinking about it,” you say, “I’m planning on sending all the girls out on jobs this week, we’ll brainstorm ideas on the debut while they’re busy on those.”

“Very well,” replies Matsui, tucking her clipboard under an arm, “Short meeting then. I’ll get you a list of jobs.”

“Thank you, Matsui-san,” you say.

Matsui departs, then returns half an hour later with a list of jobs.

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>>5678262

Jobs generated using “Fame 1 (Local legend)”
Some jobs might carry-over from the previous week if the company happens to be randomly selected, but those jobs don’t stick around much longer than a week because by then somebody else will have taken it.

----------

Modelling a new line of designer swimwear - (DC 80, E Rank)

Ichida Swimwear is launching a new line of swimwear that is meant to go on sale this summer.
Models are expected to be slim, young-looking, with a generous breast size.

Energy: 70
Payment: $13.300
Skill: Looks

About:
Ichida Swimwear is known to be a company with no morals.

----------

One-day Marriage (DC 80, Rank E)

Starscape Entertainment is looking for girls to participate in our hit tv-series: One-day Marriage.
In this “Reality” show you’ll be paired up with a man of similar age and, after a very brief wedding ceremony (not binding), spend twenty-four hours together in a wonderful home.

Stress: 40
Payment: $14.400
Skill: Personality

About:
Starscape Entertainment is known to be a respected company.

----------

Need actors for a Sailing Commercial (DC 60, Rank F)

Summer’s here and the proud island nation of Japan should be taking to the seas!
We’re looking for fit looking models to star in a commercial to emphasize to people how great sailing is.

Stress: 50
Payment: $7.500
Skill: Acting

About:
Yoshikawa Sailing is known to be a company with decent morals.

----------

Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)

We’re looking for some voice actresses for the sequel to Noragami.
You’ll get to work alongside actors such as Hiroshi Kamiya of Owarimonogatari and Attack on Titan fame.

Stress: 50
Payment: $25.000
Skill: Personality

About:
Studio Bones Animation is known to be a respected company.

----------

>>5678263

Hiring a spokesperson to represent Fair Maiden Clothing (DC 60, Rank F Rank)

There’s a large fashion event happening in Tokyo in the week of May 11.
We’d like to hire some good-looking, personable girls to represent our brand at our booth.
Lunch will be provided.

Stress: 60
Requirement: 40+ looks
Payment: $12.900
Skill: Personality

About:
Fair Maiden Clothing is known to be a virtuous company.

----------

Maido Café Momoi - Advertising (DC 100, Rank D)

Maido Café Momoi is looking to open a new store in the upper Tokyo area.
We’re looking for some girls to star in the advertisement campaign.

Stress: 60
Payment: $12.500
Skill: Looks

About:
Maido Café Momoi is known to be a respected company.

----------

Background character actors required for music video (DC 60, Rank F)

BaseBeat music is working on a music video for an undisclosed artist.
We’re looking for seven people to feature in this video to performing various roles.

Stress: 40
Payment: $6.600
Skill: Acting

About:
BaseBeat Music is known to be a virtuous company.

----------

Model required for Haute couture fashion showing (DC 120, Rank C)

If you’re anyone at all then you’re familiar with Zeezy Fashion.
We dress only the most important members of your nation in the finest clothing.
We’re putting together a fashion catalogue to remind people what they’re missing out on.

Don’t get ahead of yourself, you’ll only show off some minor items.

Stress: 30
Payment: $15.500
Skill: Looks

About:
Zeezy Fashion is known to be a company with a decent reputation.

----------

Dancers required for 3D animation (DC 80, Rank E)

We’re doing internal experimenting with live-tracked suits for 3D animation.
For the next set of tests, we require some girls with the stamina and skill to perform several sets of extensive choreography so we can test how well these translates to animation.

Stress: 70
Payment: $11.500
Skill: Dancing

About:
Kyoto Animation is known to be a company with a virtuous reputation.

----------

Blitz! A Sour-Sweet Candy (DC 80, Rank E)

We’re bringing a great line of sweets to the market: Blitz!
This flavour-packed treat is sure to provide you the energy to make it through those boring school days.

Stress: 60
Payment: $17.500
Skill: Looks

About:
Sugar! Tokyo is a company with sleazy morals.

>>5678265

See >>5678263 for stats or the wiki

Decision

All jobs that mention that they’re looking for multiple girls can be taken by more than one idol.

Kaiba Aoi

>1 - Modelling a new line of designer swimwear - (DC 80, E Rank)
>2- One-day Marriage (DC 80, Rank E)
>3 - Need actors for a Sailing Commercial (DC 60, Rank F)
>4 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)
>5 - Hiring a spokesperson to represent Fair Maiden Clothing (DC 60, Rank F)
>6 - Maido Café Momoi - Advertising (DC 100, Rank D)
>7 - Background character actors required for music video (DC 60, Rank F)
>8 - Model required for Haute couture fashion showing (DC 120, Rank C)
>9 - Dancers required for 3D animation (DC 80, Rank E)
>10 - Blitz! A Sour-Sweet Candy (DC 80, Rank E)

Enatsu Mari

>1 - Modelling a new line of designer swimwear - (DC 80, E Rank)
>2- One-day Marriage (DC 80, Rank E)
>3 - Need actors for a Sailing Commercial (DC 60, Rank F)
>4 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)
>5 - Hiring a spokesperson to represent Fair Maiden Clothing (DC 60, Rank F)
>6 - Maido Café Momoi - Advertising (DC 100, Rank D)
>7 - Background character actors required for music video (DC 60, Rank F)
>8 - Model required for Haute couture fashion showing (DC 120, Rank C)
>9 - Dancers required for 3D animation (DC 80, Rank E)
>10 - Blitz! A Sour-Sweet Candy (DC 80, Rank E)

Chigusa Iki

>1 - Modelling a new line of designer swimwear - (DC 80, E Rank)
>2- One-day Marriage (DC 80, Rank E)
>3 - Need actors for a Sailing Commercial (DC 60, Rank F)
>4 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)
>5 - Hiring a spokesperson to represent Fair Maiden Clothing (DC 60, Rank F)
>6 - Maido Café Momoi - Advertising (DC 100, Rank D)
>7 - Background character actors required for music video (DC 60, Rank F)
>8 - Model required for Haute couture fashion showing (DC 120, Rank C)
>9 - Dancers required for 3D animation (DC 80, Rank E)
>10 - Blitz! A Sour-Sweet Candy (DC 80, Rank E)

>>5678263
Is the Studio Bones job the one we've been training Kaiba for?
Good thing we never told her, or she'd be even more crushed.

>Kaiba: Need actors for a Sailing Commercial (DC 60, Rank F)
>Chigusa: Blitz! A Sour-Sweet Candy (DC 80, Rank E)
>Enatsu: Dancers required for 3D animation (DC 80, Rank E)

I want to see what a sleazy company can throw at us to know what to expect in the future, and Chigusa seems like someone who can defend her boundaries.

>>5678276
I swear, if Kaiba fails a 1% roll again, I'll cry.
Don't think I won't cry.

>>5678276
>Is the Studio Bones job the one we've been training Kaiba for?
No. The owner mentioned that was an anime with superheroes.

>>5678266
Kaiba Aoi
>3 - Need actors for a Sailing Commercial (DC 60, Rank F)

Enatsu Mari
>1 - Modelling a new line of designer swimwear - (DC 80, E Rank)

Chigusa Iki
>2- One-day Marriage (DC 80, Rank E)

>>5678296
Please don't send Mari to a company with no morals.

>>5678266
Kaiba
>3 - Need actors for a Sailing Commercial (DC 60, Rank F)

Mari
Very high DCs remaining for a character that doesn't have anything above 50 - maybe we (and by extension, I) should've voted for some training cuz the rolls will be hard for her. The same applies to Chigusa somewhat.

>9 - Dancers required for 3D animation (DC 80, Rank E)

Chigusa
>5 - Hiring a spokesperson to represent Fair Maiden Clothing (DC 60, Rank F)

Low DC for a stat she has not a lot of potential on. Also, its a virtuous company (and the payment is good) so why not.

>>5678276
>I want to see what a sleazy company can throw at us
No thanks, bro!

>>5678303
It'll be fun

>>5678318
I very much doubt it.

>>5678266
Kaiba Aoi
>4 - Supporting voice-actors needed for Noragami Arigato (DC 120, Rank C)
A risky one, but the other acting jobs suck and it would be nice for her VA career if it goes well Shouldn't this one be acting instead of personality?

Enatsu Mari
>6 - Maido Café Momoi - Advertising (DC 100, Rank D)
A total objective pick without any bias towards cute maids

Chigusa Iki
>6 - Maido Café Momoi - Advertising (DC 100, Rank D)
or
>5 - Hiring a spokesperson to represent Fair Maiden Clothing (DC 60, Rank F)

>>5678362
>Shouldn't this one be acting instead of personality?
>Skill: Personality

Yeah, you're right. Missed that.
I'll just tag it as either "Personality" or "Acting" for now.

If anyone wants to change their vote, just reply below

>>5678266
Kaiba
>3 - Need actors for a Sailing Commercial (DC 60, Rank F)

Enatsu
>9 - Dancers required for 3D animation (DC 80, Rank E)

Chigusa
>2- One-day Marriage (DC 80, Rank E)

>>5678362
>Acting instead of personality
Wondered about that too but risking a job with 120DC? After that miraculous 1 on the previous thread? No fucking way

>>5678398
She'll come back from it

>>5678399
>80 stress

>>5678266

Winners

Kaiba Aoi
>3 - Need actors for a Sailing Commercial (DC 60, Rank F)

Enatsu Mari
>9 - Dancers required for 3D animation (DC 80, Rank E)

Chigusa Iki: Tie-breaker needed
>2 - One-day Marriage (DC 80, Rank E)
>5 - Hiring a spokesperson to represent Fair Maiden Clothing (DC 60, Rank F)

>>5678450
>2 - One-day Marriage (DC 80, Rank E)
More fame to her

>>5678462
Good call. I should probably mention how fame increases are dependant on job rank in comparison to current idol fame.
I've done so previously, but its been a long while since then.

Kaiba gotta roll higher than 2 so she has a whopin' 98% chance to succed.
Mari gotta roll higher than 33 so she has a 67% chance to succed
Iki gotta roll higher than 36 so she has a 64% chance to succed.

Mari and Iki shoud's gone to the same dancing job, since both their dances are great for the gig. They gotta cultivate their Duo damn it!!

>>5678513
>Kaiba gotta roll higher than 2 so she has a whopin' 98% chance to succed.
ohno...

>>5678517
Not again amirite

>>5678450
I support sending Chigusa to teh dancing one as well, but Fair Maiden Clothing is fine, as well.

Consider this my vote. Damn! Too busy at my work to keep up. :(

Rolled 87 (1d100)

It's not like this roll will be a 1 lmao

>>5678513
>so she has a whopin' 98% chance to succed.
lightning never strikes the same place twice, right fellas?

>>5678595
Not today! >>5678574
Kaiba-chan ganbare!

>>5678598
Doesn't count anon

>>5678574
>a random roll made before the QM even called shots is somehow a proof of victory
anonchama....

Rolled 27, 77, 62, 65, 53, 89, 59, 33, 38, 59, 13, 77, 97, 50, 59, 74, 72, 35, 71, 49, 66, 88 = 1313 (22d100)

>>5678641
¡¡We gotta burn the evil die!!

>>5678450

Your brow furrows as you read over the various jobs.
Kaiba could really, really use a win at this point.
If she would fail another job, then there’d be absolutely nothing left of her self-esteem.

The job for Yoshikawa Sailing seems like a decent fit.
Not too stressful and they’re asking for a skill that Kaiba is fairly proficient in.

“Let’s send Kaiba on the acting job by Yoshikawa Sailing,” you say to Matsui, “It’s low-risk for her and the change of scenery will probably do her some good – get away from the city for a bit.”

“Noted,” says Matsui, “How about the other two?”

“We’ll send Chigusa Iki to the reality show ‘One-day Marriage’,” you reply.

Shows like ‘One-day Marriage’ are reality shows in name only, most of it is loosely scripted.
Success in the show largely hinges on whether or not your personality appeals to the audience, so Chigusa should be fine as long as she isn’t forced to improvise as she isn’t much of a natural actor that can bounce-off whatever hints the fellow participants are putting out.

She probably wouldn’t notice those hints in the first place.

“Enatsu Mari…” you say, sliding your gaze over the sheet of jobs, “We’ll send her to the in-house dancing experiment by Kyoto Animation. It probably won’t result in much visible publicity, but these kinds of things are a perfect networking opportunity.”

“Thinking ahead,” says Matsui, somewhat impressed.

“Matsui-san, I am a professional idol manager,” you say somewhat smugly.
Perhaps you’re allowing your good mood to get the better of you.

“Very well, I’ll contact the respective companies,” says Matsui, scribbling down some final notes, “Let me know when you’ve decide on a plan for Chigusa’s and Enatsu’s debut.”

With a shallow bow, Matsui returns back to work.

Their idol debut, huh?
That’s certainly something to consider.

Chigusa’s chosen idol persona is that of a ‘Stern childhood friend' and Enatsu’s persona is almost identical to her own a ‘Sporty, fun-loving girl’.

Ideally, you’d debut idols in a way that firmly imprints their persona in people’s minds.
There’s more to an idol than their persona, but in most cases the persona serves as a first impression.
Somebody on the lookout for an idol similar to Watase Yoko is probably not going to be interested in Enatsu Mari’s fun-loving idol persona.

>>5679068

Individual debuts are the norm, but you could also debut an idol as a pairing.
You could even debut an idol group if you wanted, which has its own perks and cons.

An idol group often outlives the idols within it.
World-famous idol group AKB48 is constantly adding and retiring idols within the group.

An idol group essentially serves as its own brand and takes on a life of its own.
Scandals affecting idols within the group hurt everyone involved in the group, but success is equally enjoyed by all.

Newer idols that enter a famous group can get carried to stardom through the power of the group alone.
They themselves might be unknown, but being involved with a famous group will have companies throwing jobs at them left and right.
Even the most recent addition to a group is always at least as famous as the group itself.

There is no idol more important to a group than its headliner, the face of the group.
The person that immediately springs to mind when fans mention the group by name.
A talented headliner can carry all other idols to a level of fame normally unreachable for them.

The beating heart of your dazzling idol group.

Nevertheless, there are also cases where a single idol is so instrumental to the success of the group that the retirement of said idol is a death sentence to the group.
Without that idol the group doesn’t have the necessary skills to succeed at the jobs associated with its fame and slowly withers away into obscurity.

Being the headliner is an envied position that comes with a lot of stress.
Matsui Tomo mentioned back when you went out drinking alongside her and Kitabayashi that Kitabayashi was being prepped to be the headliner for a group, but caved to the pressure before it ever took off.

However, for those that have the talent, willpower, and skill, being a headliner is a one-way ticket to stardom.
They gain fame faster, are paid far more when participating in individual jobs, and are in way higher demand than their peers.

Those are definite perks, but you have to remember that your chosen headliner might be unable to handle it -- like Kitabayashi who subsequently retired.
Closely monitoring your headliner’s stress-levels will help them avoid burn-out, but in the end, you need somebody that can cope with high stress levels to begin with.

The headliner will either have your idols reach for the stars or bury the others alongside them when the headliner crashes and burns.

>>5679069

Summary on Idol Groups
>Perk: An individual idol within a group can never have a lower fame level than the group itself.
>Perk: Idol groups have access to special jobs unavailable to individual idols
>Perk: If the group gains fame, all idols enjoy the success
>Perk: You can pick an idol as a headliner, gaining them various perks

>Con: Failure by an individual within the group might reflect badly on the rest
>Con: When a scandal hurts the group, all idols suffer for it
>Con: The high stakes group-based environment might result in competition or bullying
>Con: If the group fails to meet expectations and disbands, all idols lose fame
>Con: Headliners are more prone to high stress and retirement

Note: If you choose to start a group then there’ll be follow-up questions like “Who is in the group?” and “What kind of group is it?”
An idol group featuring dancers and singers is the norm, but (just as you did with the livestream concept), you can start a group for anything so long as it revolves around entertainment.

Decision
>1 - Independant debuts for all idols
>2 - Start an idol group
>3 - Write-in

>>5679072
>2 - Start an idol group
I will not abandon this plan. The group can be centered around dancing. Mari can be the headliner - her dancing potential is the highest and she has a good support system in her family. Though I'd prefer going as a duo without a headliner.

>>5679072
>2 - Start an idol group
Sure, why not

>>5679072
>1 - Independant debuts for all idols

>>5679072
3 - Debut Mari and Iki as a duo
Let's let Kaiba find her footing before we spring an idol group on our little NEET

>>5679072
>1 - Independant debuts for all idols
Not yet. We still have to hit some Rank-C idols to even start thinking about an idol group. The overall potential stats of the girls aren't good enough to compliment themselves and Mari would be too much of a carrier, the other two (or just Chigusa if this were a duo) wouldn't add much to the group on the long term.

Patience is a virtue, anons. And
..remind yourselves that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer

>>5679072
>1 - Independant debuts for all idols

The idols we have don’t lend themselves well to a ‘group’ - maybe we can do it in the future

>>5679072
>1 - Independant debuts for all idols

>>5679072
>1 - Independant debuts for all idols
As ugly as it is, it wouldn't work, not without a good headliner.
What I think would be the best right now is try and get kaiba somewhere else, and try and get a new fresh idol that can handle it, and then we can do a group with all 3 of them.

>>5679072
>Start an idol group
>No headliner

Winner
>1 - Independant debuts for all idols

You've destroyed my dream, anons.

>>5679800
We don't have a headliner. Wait until we get higher ranked idols.

>>5679800
I am also saddened by this turn of events

>>5679800
Don't worry, it would be a very bad dream/wish so we saved you from inexorable disappointment!
You should be grateful, anon.

>>5679796

Although running an idol group has its upsides, you don’t really think any of your idols are ready for such a demanding task.

Considering she just recovered from a stretch of homelessness, Kaiba Aoi isn’t in the right frame of mind to take on such a burden.
Your other idols have only completed a single job and lack experience.

It might be best to keep things simple for now.
You can always start an idol group at a later time.

Nothing’s simpler than a plain idol announcement on the company’s Instagram page and while it gets the job done, it doesn’t provide any extra merits.

Marketing mentioned that Kaiba’s live vlog is starting back up again this week.
Perhaps you can talk to Kaiba and ask if she can do a sort of collaboration with one of your idols.
You could get marketing involved and make it a special event: the announcement of a new streaming idol.

The live vlog has worked well for Kaiba, but you’re not sure if Enatsu Mari and Chigusa Iki are suited to sit in a small room and stare at a screen the entire day.

Then again, they don’t have to. Do they?
There’s plenty of daily vlogs out there with people travelling, visiting stores, engaging in extreme sports, and plenty of other activities that they showcase.

Live vlogging has kind of been Kaiba’s “thing”, but you know it has great potential.
Hundreds of people showed up to the handshaking event despite Kaiba only have a handful of jobs under her belt.
You could make a name as a manager that dedicates herself to idols that livestream, each with their own stream, but with the occasional collaboration between them.

>>5680077

However, what would the new idols even vlog about?
Perhaps you can draw inspiration from the jobs they completed last week?
That’d work surprisingly well for Enatsu Mari, but a little less so for Chigusa Iki.

According to her datasheet, Enatsu Mari has great potential in both her dancing ability and her appearance.
Meanwhile, Chigusa Iki is more of an all-rounder, but her highest potential is also in her looks and dancing ability.

Enatsu Mari could easily double-down on her sporty idol persona and become a live streamer that dedicates herself to sports and fitness.
With the release of the “Genki Clothing” shoot around the corner, it’d be a great fit.
A dedicated stream for dance and fashion wouldn’t be a bad choice either, that would play to her strengths, but isn’t as good a fit for her idol persona.

Chigusa Iki has mentioned at several points that she takes meticulous care of her body.
For example, she mentioned during the initial interview that she exercises specific muscles to increase her appeal as an idol while following a very strict diet.
Something like a streamer dedicated to cooking and general health wouldn’t be a bad choice.
It’d fit moderately well with her “Strict Childhood Friend” persona as such a person would want their friends to be healthy.

She could even wear cosplay during her debut stream to pull strength from the Isekai Cosplay photoshoot that’ll release soon.
Though you’re not sure how happy she’d be with that.

Alternatively, you could simply have the live vlog remain something exclusive to Kaiba and have both the newer idols take the more traditional idol route.

A proper debut matters.
If things go well, they’ll might even get some extra fame out of it.*

If either or both idols go with the livestream route, then I’ll try to make the streaming a more prominent part of the quest rather than background stuff. You’d get the option to pick jobs that centre around the livestream, like endorsing a product or promoting an activity on stream.

*Yes, I know Kaiba didn’t get to enjoy this same luxury, but I feel like I’ve spent so much time during the “Hot spring” event saying how important a proper debut is that I want it to be a bit more impactful.

-----

Solo debut: Enatsu Mari
>1 - A simple announcement on the company’s Instagram page
>2 - Livestream: Debut Enatsu Mari as a sport and fitness streamer
>3 - Livestream: Debut Enatsu Mari as a dance and fashion streamer
>4 - Make an idol announcement video about…
>5 - Write-in

Solo debut: Chigusa Iki
>1 - A simple announcement on the company’s Instagram page
>2 - Livestream: Debut Chigusa Iki as a cooking and health streamer
>3 - Livestream: Debut Chigusa Iki as a cooking and health streamer that wears cosplay
>4 - Make an idol announcement video about…
>5 - Write-in

>>5680080
Mari:
>2 - Livestream: Debut Enatsu Mari as a sport and fitness streamer

But especially sports ATTIRE, perhaps reviewing its functionality and aesthetic? that would allow her to still have some fashion focus,allowing hr to occasionally cross over with...

Iki:
>3 - Livestream: Debut Chigusa Iki as a cooking and health streamer that wears cosplay

They can collab on videos about diet and exercise, and show off different sorts of fashion and approaches! if Kaiba ever gets in on it, perhaps it can be with her trying out different routines they suggest to inspiring (or comical) effect? Could be a cute group dynamic to sell them all as an odd band of mismatched friends, which could nicely segue into an idol group down the line.

>>5680095
I will support this. It's well thought out.

>>5680080
Enatsu Mari
>>4 about... how she's poor as fuck and her family has like 5 kids. Honcho is important. You know, the whole "she's a girl from the countryside that looks to support her family but also to have the time of her life...
Chigusa Iki
>>Instagram. Maybe have Mari take a selfie with her, so it looks like Iki is shy and/or she is pissed off. That will go well with her cosplay

>>5680080
Solo debut: Enatsu Mari
>2 - Livestream: Debut Enatsu Mari as a sport and fitness streamer

The glove fits perfectly.

Solo debut: Chigusa Iki
>3 - Livestream: Debut Chigusa Iki as a cooking and health streamer that wears cosplay

This is an otaku magnet.

>Perhaps you can talk to Kaiba and ask if she can do a sort of collaboration with one of your idols.

Had we not lost all of our fame to the scandal, that would be a very, very great opportunity for both of our new idols. Alas...

>>5680080
>2 - Livestream: Debut Enatsu Mari as a sport and fitness streamer

>3 - Livestream: Debut Chigusa Iki as a cooking and health streamer that wears cosplay

>>5680080
>1 - A simple announcement on the company’s Instagram page

>1 - A simple announcement on the company’s Instagram page

>>5680095
Supporting

>>5680080

Winner
>2 - Livestream: Debut Enatsu Mari as a sport and fitness streamer
>3 - Livestream: Debut Chigusa Iki as a cooking and health streamer that wears cosplay

Wait, are we actually just going to make them all into streamers? I feel like Kaiba will feel like we're talking her unique schtick and letting other girls profit from it. What happens to proper idols?

>>5680512
Streaming is just for promotion, they all will be proper idols. Kaiba isn't just streaming as well.

>>5680512
And when everyone is super... no one will be

>>5680512
Isn't this just how they are being introduced? We're not going to make Mari and Iki streamers. That would be a waste of their talents.

>>5680486

Radio shows and TV appearances are a fairly standard way for people to get a dose of their favourite idol, but a livestream where they can see them on the daily is fairly novel.

If Kaiba’s live vlogging was an experiment, then you can safely say that it was a success.
It’s time to see how far you can take this.

Enatsu Mari will debut as a sport and fitness streamer.
A channel where she visits various places, sports, and stores.

If she gets popular enough, then there’s even a chance proper sport associations might pay her big money to highlight and endorse their sport on her channel in an effort to draw new members.
Stores might hire her to showcase new equipment.

And all of that is done while Enatsu Mari engages in what she probably loves most.
A ton of highly varied, athletic activities – she’ll have loads of fun.

Chigusa Iki will perform in a health and cooking stream.
Her idol persona as a “Strict Childhood Friend” lends itself well to a show where the character fusses over the health of their viewers.
Sit up straight! No slouching! Are you drinking plenty of water?

Although people might tire of getting called out like that constantly.

You looks left and right, then write a small note to ensure viewer retention – it’ll all be done in cosplay.
Chigusa probably isn’t going to like it, but she’s a professional idol, right?
Those dancers and singers she used to see on TV growing up must’ve worn costumes as well.

Perhaps you can get Isekai Cosplay to sponsor the stream.
Or maybe that one Maid Café you saw a few jobs for.

With these ideas solidified, you send a message to Matsui Tomo to get some feedback.
She says doubling down on the novel streaming part is a wise decision, but that you should probably be a bit more hands-on if it’s going to take up such a large part of your idols' time.

Matsui sends some messages to marketing since they seem to work closely with Kaiba on her streams.
Marketing will then work out the details and get other departments involved to get everything set up.

You sigh loudly in the privacy of your office.
That’s one less thing to worry about.

Having picked the jobs for this week and decided on how your new idols will debut, there’s only one decision left to make before you can get to work – Kitabayashi’s birthday.
Not really a work decision in the strictest sense, but an important and short-notice one.

After all, her birthday is today.

>>5680662

A surprise party at her home is a safe bet and you can chat, celebrate, and drink in the privacy of her own apartment.

However, Kitabayashi did mention she already knew a way to utilize the favour you owe her.
It could be that she already has some plans of her own.
Perhaps it’s best to avoid any surprises and simply call her, congratulate her, and ask if there’s somewhere she’d like to go.
Leaving things to her probably means you're in for a wild time, but you could indulge her -- it's her birthday after all.

You could also opt for the usual work-friend routine where you take some coworkers and go out drinking after work and celebrate at a nomikai.

As you glance over your agenda, you do notice it’s become a bit crowded after including all the new job events.
Just as you’re thinking it, more meeting requests suddenly pop-up in your calendar from marketing to discuss the specifics of your idols' debut.
It’s Kitabayashi’s birthday and you owe her a lot, but mid-week celebration that’ll likely involve drinks might not be the best idea.
Enatsu Mari and Chigusa Iki might not invest as much time into streaming as Kaiba does, but they'll still need plenty of help.
Perhaps you can put off the celebration until the weekend?


Event: Kitabayashi’s Birthday
>1 - Work with Kaiba Aoi to set up a surprise party with friends at Kitabayashi’s apartment.
>2 - Call Kitabayashi, congratulate her, and ask if she wants to celebrate anywhere.
>3 - Make some rounds at the office to see who is up for some after-work drinking at a nomikai.
>4 - Congratulate Kitabayashi on her birthday and promise to celebrate it in the weekend as you’re busy right now.
>5 - Write-in

>>5680663
>2 - Call Kitabayashi, congratulate her, and ask if she wants to celebrate anywhere.

>>5680663
>1 - Work with Kaiba Aoi to set up a surprise party with friends at Kitabayashi’s apartment.
This will also be a good distraction for Kaiba.

>>5680644
Even Kaiba isn't a full streamer. The streams are only a popularity-boosting measure.
That being said, they could be the one innovation that cements our success as a manager.

>>5680663
>2 - Call Kitabayashi, congratulate her, and ask if she wants to celebrate anywhere.
I’m sure she has something in mind already

>>5680663
>1 - Work with Kaiba Aoi to set up a surprise party with friends at Kitabayashi’s apartment

>>5680663
>4 - Congratulate Kitabayashi on her birthday and promise to celebrate it in the weekend as you’re busy right now.

>>5680663
>1 - Work with Kaiba Aoi to set up a surprise party with friends at Kitabayashi’s apartment.
>4a - ALSO promise to celebrate it in the weekend as you’re busy right now.

>>5680769
Supporting

I'll leave the poll open until tomorrow.
I should be able to put out a few updates tomorrow.

>>5677921
Holy shit its back

>>5680663
>1 - Work with Kaiba Aoi to set up a surprise party with friends at Kitabayashi’s apartment.

>>5680663
>2 - Call Kitabayashi, congratulate her, and ask if she wants to celebrate anywhere.

>>5680663
>2 - Call Kitabayashi, congratulate her, and ask if she wants to celebrate anywhere.

>>5680663
>>4 - Congratulate Kitabayashi on her birthday and promise to celebrate it in the weekend as you’re busy right now.
We are adults here. In fact, why isn't SHE organizing a birthday party with her many friends

File: file.png (534 KB, 1130x743)

534 KB PNG

>>5680663
>1 - Work with Kaiba Aoi to set up a surprise party with friends at Kitabayashi’s apartment.

Party time!

>>5680663

>>5681146
missed this one, redoing count

I'm counting >>5680769 and >>5680878 as "4" votes since it involves pushing the celebration to the weekend.

Which means I need a tie-breaker for
>1 - Work with Kaiba Aoi to set up a surprise party with friends at Kitabayashi’s apartment.
>2 - Call Kitabayashi, congratulate her, and ask if she wants to celebrate anywhere.
>4 - Congratulate Kitabayashi on her birthday and promise to celebrate it in the weekend as you’re busy right now.

>>5681419
>1 - Work with Kaiba Aoi to set up a surprise party with friends at Kitabayashi’s apartment.

>>5681420
But anon, you already voted

>>5681422
I thought that's how the tiebreaker works. If not, disregard my vote.

>>5681419
Just roll for it QM.

>>5681425
QM's waiting for someone to change their vote or someone who hasn't yet voted to back one of the horses in this race.

>>5681419
I just wanted to do something small and nice for her today, but promise her (because I know she'll want to do something bigger and more raucous) that we WILL... As soon as it doesn't interfere with work.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>5681489
Probably for the best.

Rolling a 1d3
>1 - Work with Kaiba Aoi to set up a surprise party with friends at Kitabayashi’s apartment.
>2 - Call Kitabayashi, congratulate her, and ask if she wants to celebrate anywhere.
>3 - Congratulate Kitabayashi on her birthday and promise to celebrate it in the weekend as you’re busy right now.

>>5681498
dangerous

File: KaibaOfficeDoor.jpg (436 KB, 504x800)

436 KB JPG

>>5681498

A surprise party at her home is probably the best course of action.
Since Kaiba is currently staying at Kitabayashi’s place, you can work with her to try and get Kitabayashi out of the house.
She can make up an excuse like wanting to go to the store to so you can sneak in and set things up.

You send a quick message to Kaiba Aoi to meet you in your office since you have some other stuff to talk about beside the birthday party anyway.
Right before you’re about to hit send you stop, think, and make sure to include the reason for the chat to avoid any unnecessary anxiety.

She arrives in your office before long.

“A surprise birthday party?” says Kaiba as she pokes her head into the room.

Seeing Kaiba again, you can’t help but smile.
It’s obvious that Kitabayashi has been helping Kaiba out with her clothing and make-up.
Kitabayashi called you a mother then, but it’s abundantly clear that she’s been fawning over Kaiba herself.

“Yes,” you say, “Take a seat, but we have to discuss the debut of Enatsu Mari and Chigusa Iki first.”

“I did see the calendar that it was Yui-chan’s birthday today, but I felt awkward celebrating it since I haven’t known her that long…” says Kaiba, “But I do want to do something nice for her, she’s been helping me a lot…”
She then notices your expression at the casual way she refers to Kitabayashi, “She told me to call her that. I didn’t want to at first, but she got mad that I kept being so formal with her…”

That sounds like Yui-chan, yeah.

“Fine, we’ll discuss the birthday party first,” you say, “Do you happen to know if she had anything planned yet?”

“She does,” says Kaiba, “But she didn’t say what. I asked, but she would just … sort of.. smirk?… and then go 'Fufufu~'. She did say it involved you, manager-san, but also that I was too young to join… “

Uwaa… You might’ve just escaped a very dangerous night.
Considering that Kaiba-san was too young it must’ve involved some heavy drinking.
The best thing to do is pre-emptively cancel on Kitabayashi with an excuse.

>>5681950


“I see,” you say, trying to hide your concern as you wonder what she might’ve had planned, “Do you have a key to the apartment?”

Kaiba nods, “I do, she gave me a spare key shortly after I moved in. So I could get in if she had to work late.”

“Good,” you say. That solves one thing. “I need you to help me, Aoi-chan,” you say, “Can you think of a reason to get Kitabayashi out of the house for a while? So I can put up some decorations?”

“Ehh…” says Kaiba, nervously considering her options, “I don’t know…”

“Just lure her to a small café or something to celebrate her birthday, I’ll need like thirty minutes,” you say, “Some grocery shopping. Browsing clothes at the mall. Anything will do.”

Kaiba nods, somewhat determined, “I’ll try,” she says.

You fold your arms as you think.

Considering that Kitabayashi wanted to go somewhere with you today then that must’ve meant she didn’t have any other plans.
If she has any friends other than you, then it seems she was prepared to celebrate her birthday with those friends some other day – possibly the weekend.
This works out great for you, because you would’ve had to track down and contact all those potential friends.

Now you can just have a small gathering at her apartment with some people you both know.
At least that reduces the chances of things getting out of hand.

You pull up a word processor on your computer to compile a guest list when, suddenly, your phone rings.

After glancing at the screen, you look towards Kaiba. “It’s Yui-chan,” you say, “I’ll put it on speaker, but don’t say anything, alright?”

Kaiba nods.

“Hey, hey~” says the voice of Kitabayashi, “Miho, how are you?”

“Hello, Yui-chan,” you say, leaning in slightly towards the phone, “I’m good. Happy Birthday.”

On the other side of the phone Kitabayashi squeals with delight.
“Eehh, you remembered,” she says, her voice somewhat giddy, “Thank you!”

“Of course, I did,” you say, giving Kaiba a thumbs-up, “I don’t wanna cut our chat short, Yui-chan, but I have a meeting soon. Can I ask why you called?”

“Fufufu~” says the voice of Kitabayashi, trying her hardest to sound menacing.

Kaiba silently points at the phone, then nods.
That’s the noise she made, officer.

>>5681951


“I’ve come to call in my favour… Tonight. You and I,” says Kitabayashi.

Kaiba looks somewhat taken aback and eyes you suspiciously.

You dismiss her concerns with a shake of the head and a wave before turning your attention back to Kitabayashi.

“Eh? Tonight? Sorry, can’t make that. I’ve got some other plans,” you reply casually.
Those other plans being organizing Kitabayashi’s surprise party.

There’s a long moment of quiet.

“….Ah, I see,” says the voice of Kitabayashi carrying obvious disappointment, “I mean, I should’ve asked earlier…”

“I’m sorry, Yui-chan,” you say, “I hope you didn’t make reservations or anything?”

“Hmm… Ah, no. No, not really,” replies the voice of Kitabayashi, “Don’t worry about it.”

“We can go some other time, okay?” you say, “But I have to hang up now.”

“Sounds good,” says Kitabayashi, forcing some cheer in her voice, “Talk to you later~”

Click.

Kaiba gives you a look. ”She sounded sad,” she says.

“I know,” you reply, “She probably wanted to go out drinking.”

Kaiba tilts her head, “I didn’t know Yui-chan drank.”

Oi. Oi.

You remember Kitabayashi saying she should stock the fridge with something other than beer in preparation of Kaiba’s arrival.
Did she clear it all out and stop drinking at home completely?

“Well, sometimes,” you say, trying not to destroy Yui’s carefully crafted image, “What’s she like at home?”

Kaiba thinks for a moment, pressing a finger to her lip as she does so.
That’s one of Kitabayashi’s mannerisms. It’s like when she copied EmikoDesu55’s speech patterns.
Does Kaiba unconsciously copy others?

”Very… caring?” says Kaiba.

Hah?

Miss nothing-but-beer-in-the-fridge?
Madam spend-all-her-money-on-host-clubs?
The same Kitabayashi that survives on take-out meals?

“She makes breakfast in the morning and dinner at night,” says Kaiba, “She helps me with my hair, clothes, and make-up… I tell her she doesn’t need to, that I can help out as well, but she always refuses saying she likes doing it…”

You lean back in your chair, dumb founded.
It seems that when it’s just her, Kitabayashi is content to subsist on the bare minimum, but when there’s somebody else to care for then she goes above and beyond.

It’s conflicting.

>>5681952


On the one hand it feels bad that Kitabayashi puts in all this effort to accommodate Kaiba, but at the same time …. it’s probably a good thing for her, right?
Ordering take-out and drinking every day couldn’t have been healthy for Kitabayashi.
Still, it has you wondering which lifestyle was preferable to her.

“We’ve only known each other for a short while, but she’s very kind and easy to get along with,” says Kaiba, then balls up her fists, “That’s why I was so happy you asked me to help you with the party. Yui-chan does so much for me, I want to return the favour somehow!”

“Great,” you say, pulling up the guest list again, “I can manage to get some things for the party. Decorations, snacks, and those sorts of things. As you’ve lived with Yui-chan for a few days, does she mention any people from work at all? I don’t want to accidentally invite somebody she doesn’t like…”

Kaiba thinks for a moment, “She mentions Mori Kotone sometimes…”

Ah. Mori Kotone. The other HR worker.

The Enemy.

“Good things or…?” you say, doubting that.

“Mostly complaints, how she already works part-time and got pregnant on top of that,” says Kaiba somewhat apologetically, “…Is this Mori-san a bad person?”

“No. Not, really,” you say, scratching a cheek, “I’ll explain some other time, when Mori-san gets back to the office.”
“So, who do invite?” you say.

“…Matsui-san?” says Kaiba.

They used to work together, but as far as you know they don’t really talk outside of work.
As their relationship is mostly professional, formality would probably slip into the celebration.
Besides, it seems like Kitabayashi has made it a point not to drink in front of Kaiba so you can’t expect booze to loosen them up either.

Kitabayashi used to be an idol, right?
She’s nice, supportive, and a great friend!
This sort of list should’ve been one where you have to cross people out instead because of capacity issues.

You tap the desk a few times with a finger.
Maybe it’s a good idea to involve some of those non-work friends.

“Anyone else she mentions?” you ask, “From outside of work?”

Kaiba shakes her head, “Not really… manager-san, I’ve only been living with her for a few days. I wish I could be of more help, but I really don’t know her all that well yet.”

“Yes, of course. I’m sorry, Aoi-chan. I just…” you say.

>>5681954

You just don’t know Kitabayashi that well either.
It was only recently that you found out that Kitabayashi isn’t even her original name.
According to Matsui-san there was entire other life she has closed the door on.

A few weeks ago, when you dragged her into her apartment after a night of drinking, you remember a large wall of her apartment being entirely covered with photos of her time as an idol.
Dozens of photos featuring her standing next to all these people in the industry.
Dozens of photos which she then hid away when Kaiba moved in.

All these people she either willingly, or was forced to, cut contact with.

It’s clear that she’s trying to hide her previous life from you and you might’ve never found out if Matsui hadn’t revealed it during that karaoke night as Kitabayashi hid it from you for years.

Which begs the question – Why did Matsui reveal it to you?
She must’ve known how important it was to Kitabayashi that that secret was kept.

“…anger-san,” says Kaiba, “Hello?”

“Eh? Ah, sorry, Aoi-chan, did you say something?” you say, returning to reality.

“I mean, we can just celebrate with the three of us? No?” she says, carefully.

“Well…” you begin, then pause. You can. You totally can.
Kitabayashi was satisfied with just heading off with you somewhere.
For some reason you felt a need to throw Kitabayashi this big party, but that was never what she wanted to begin with.

“You’re right, Aoi-chan,” you say, “I’ve been overthinking things… I just wanted to throw Yui-chan the big party she deserves, but she probably doesn’t want that anyway…”

Should you ask Kitabayashi about this hidden past of her?
You have to assume she hid it for a reason.
It’ll have to wait.

You lean from side to side in your chair, “Hmmm, I just feel like I should be something more…” you say, “Maybe we can include something that Yui-chan likes. Like a certain cake or snack… A movie, I don’t know… Just something extra…”

Suddenly, Kaiba’s face flushes, and she looks away. ”Well,” says Kaiba quietly, “There is something…”

>>5681955

“…What is it…?” you ask.

“Last weekend… No, I shouldn’t say…” says Kaiba, hiding her face between her hands.

“Aoi-chan, please. You want to make it a great party for Yui-chan as well, right?” you ask, “I need ideas. Any ideas!”

Struggling to retain eye-contract, Kaiba speaks, “You know how last week… Chigusa-san did a photoshoot with, like, cosplay… and, well, it seems like some people in the office got the images for internal approval and they got shared… Yui-chan seemed to really like those…”

“Are you suggesting that I…” you ask carefully.

Kaiba nods severely, “…She’ll never forget…”

Decision
>1 - No. Not on your life. It might be Kitabayashi’s birthday, but this is too far.
>2 - Agree to dress up in cat girl cosplay for Kitabyashi’s birthday
>3 - Agree to dress up in cat girl cosplay, but only if Kaiba joins you
>4 - Think of something else to make the birthday special (Write-in)

>>5681957
Yui seems to really long for companionship. Poor woman.
With how much she's been helping us, this is the least we could do.
>3 - Agree to dress up in cat girl cosplay, but only if Kaiba joins you

>>5681967
>Oh, and get Yui a pair of cat ears too.

>>5681957
>being capable of getting not only Miho but Kaiba's catgirl art
>mfw given such a choice
https://youtu.be/NYjZnI9_kg8

Yes, I will vote for fanservice. I know my priorities.

>3 - Agree to dress up in cat girl cosplay, but only if Kaiba joins you

>>5681969
Supporting. Everyone is catgirls, or nobody is.

>>5681957
>>5681967

+1

>>5681957
>3 - Agree to dress up in cat girl cosplay, but only if Kaiba joins you

>>5681957
>1 - No. Not on your life. It might be Kitabayashi’s birthday, but this is too far.

>>5681954
>They used to work together, but as far as you know they don’t really talk outside of work.
>As their relationship is mostly professional, formality would probably slip into the celebration.
But that time when the three girls got drunk at the karaoke?

>>5681957
>>3 - Agree to dress up in cat girl cosplay, but only if Kaiba joins you
LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOO
>inb4 that was Kitabayashi's big idea

>>5681957
>2 - Agree to dress up in cat girl cosplay for Kitabyashi’s birthday
>Get Yui a pair of cat ears, too
>Kaiba can join in IF she wants to

>>5681957
>1 - No. Not on your life. It might be Kitabayashi’s birthday, but this is too far.
Nonononononooooo

>>5682087
>>5682014
What's your problem

>>5681957
>1 - No. Not on your life. It might be Kitabayashi’s birthday, but this is too far.
The cat idea feels wrong to me. Not only have we already rejected Yui and the weird state that is Kabia's preference due to Emilie, but it feels like sending a mixed signal, like we're dressing up as eye candy for a friend we know is attracted to us, but we rejected.

>>5682144
women do it all the time

>>5682163
Guess we did see that with Emiko. Though the cat vote seems to be winning so we’ll see if my fears are founded or not.

>>5682144
Eh, that's valid. Got carried away by how funny/sexy/cute it was. I wish I could think of something else to make it special, though. Without that, just saying "no" seems like a letdown.

>>5681957
>2 - Agree to dress up in cat girl cosplay for Kitabyashi’s birthday
or
>3 - Agree to dress up in cat girl cosplay, but only if Kaiba joins you
It's the same to me, I know it not in character but c'mon

Winner
>3 - Agree to dress up in cat girl cosplay, but only if Kaiba joins you
>Oh, and get Yui a pair of cat ears too.

>>5682144
That's why I proposed getting Yui cat ears as well. This way it's not us dressing up for her, it's everyone dressing up together.

>>5682144
>>5682171
>>5682256
>overanalyzing a fun little joke/"prank" between friends, during a birthday party of all things
anons... social life reps?having a circle of fun, close friends? no? alright I guess I am on 4chan after all.

>>5682224

It’s true. She’ll probably never forget.
She probably won’t ever stop reminding you either.

But…

You wouldn’t ever admit this, but…

You’ve always kind of wanted to dress up like that.
Trying on clothes is fun and dressing like that always seemed a lot of fun, too.
Back when Chigusa Iki was doing the cosplay shop you browsed some of the shelves while you waited and wanted to try it.

You didn’t, of course.
You were there as her manager – a professional.
A girl in her late twenties like you shouldn’t do such a thing, right?

Such luxuries are reserved for teenagers and college girls.
Not that you ever indulged that curiosity when you were that age.

But now you have an excuse…

“I suppose it would make it a party to remember…” you say.

“If you don’t want to, then we can think of something else…” replies Kaiba.

“No!” you say, then cough into your fist, “Ehum. No, it’s fine. It can’t be helped. After everything Yui-chan has done for us, this much is fine…”

Kaiba stares at you in silence. “…You want to, don’t you?” she says.

Well, yes, but you don’t want to get called out on it!
“Eh? I mean, it’s for Yui-cha--” you try, but then Kaiba interrupts you.

“…M-me too…” she says, as she hides her face, “When other girls dressed at things like the cultural event during high school, I also wanted to, but I…”
She then goes quiet.

The silence lingers.

“…Dressing up seems fun, doesn’t it?” you say in an effort to break the silence.

Kaiba nods solemnly, “I want to try…”

Seems like Kaiba is a lot braver than you are, being able to voice her desires like that.
It brings to mind your very first conversation with her, so many months ago.
She said she wasn’t happy being her shy and reserved self, that she could be more like other people and unapologetically have fun.

Despite being Kaiba’s manager and being almost a decade older than her, it seems like you can learn a thing or two from her, too.

Youth is fleeting. You have to enjoy it while it lasts.
It’d be terrible to waste those years sitting idle because you’re afraid of what others may think.

If only you had been able to shoulder past that mental block when you were younger.
You might’ve been able to actually enjoy your youth instead of sitting inside and judging others.

…

But you’re not going to get those years back.
There’s only the here and now.

“Let’s do it,” you say, “It’ll be fun.”
That’s all the justification you need.

>>5682486


The fact that you’ll dress up in private setting does make it a little easier though.
You should probably get some things for Kitabayashi as well.
It’s her birthday after all, she should be able to have fun, too.

“We’ll pop by Isekai Cosplay after work to get some things,” you say.

Kaiba nods eagerly, “I’m looking forward to it!”
It seems like having you in her corner has allowed Kaiba to be a little more honest with herself.

That matter settled, you continue on to share what you have planned for the debut of Enatsu Mari and Chigusa Iki.
Any concerns that Kaiba feels threatened by others entering her niche are swept aside, if anything she seems happy to have people to talk with about streaming.
However, you still press that it’s mostly their debut that’ll be streamed live.
Whether or not it’ll be a reoccurring thing for them will depend on the success of the streams.

Finally, you mention that Kaiba will be sent out to Yoshikawa Sailing for this week’s job to star in a short commercial to promote sailing.

She looks uncomfortable for a moment and then asks if she’ll have to be in a bikini for such a shoot.

Luckily, you can mention that Yoshikawa Sailing is a company with a decent standing, so you doubt something like that will be necessary for a promotion video of a sport like that.

With that, the meeting is over and Kaiba leaves to attend the meeting with marketing on her “comeback” stream.

A short while later receive word from Matsui that all the jobs of your respective idols have been scheduled and noted down on your weekly schedule.

-------

All events will be summarized by default, but the ones with the most support will be written out, get some art, and you might be able to micromanage them a bit.
Previously I tried to hard-cap it at one or two, but you can vote for as many as you want now. I'll figure it out.

Events
>1 - Kitabayashi’s surprise party (Monday evening)
>2 - “One-day Marriage” shoot at Starscape Entertainment’s studio (Tuesday)
>3 - Enatsu Mari’s job at Kyoto Animation for 3D tracking dance choreography (Wednesday)
>4 - Kaiba Aoi’s job over at Yoshikawa Sailing (Thursday, morning)
>5 - Enatsu Mari’s idol debut as a sport and fitness streamer (Thursday, late afternoon)
>6 - Chigusa Iki’s idol debut as a cooking and health streamer (Friday)>7 - Write-in

>>5682487
>2 - “One-day Marriage” shoot at Starscape Entertainment’s studio (Tuesday)
>4 - Kaiba Aoi’s job over at Yoshikawa Sailing (Thursday, morning)
>6 - Chigusa Iki’s idol debut as a cooking and health streamer (Friday)
If I may put forth a proposal, let's target Chigusa's stream towards total cooking noobs, the kind that get stumped by an instruction to "salt to taste". There's definitely a lot of cooking videos designed for more experienced cooks, but incompetent NEETs are probably an untapped audience in this respect.

>>5682487
>2 - “One-day Marriage” shoot at Starscape Entertainment’s studio (Tuesday)
>5 - Enatsu Mari’s idol debut as a sport and fitness streamer (Thursday, late afternoon)
>6 - Chigusa Iki’s idol debut as a cooking and health streamer (Friday)

>>5682487
>2 - “One-day Marriage” shoot at Starscape Entertainment’s studio (Tuesday)
>3 - Enatsu Mari’s job at Kyoto Animation for 3D tracking dance choreography (Wednesday)

>>5682487
>[...] the ones with the most support will be written out, get some art [...]
>1 - Kitabayashi’s surprise party (Monday evening)
But of fucking course I want the art for those. Insta-voted.

>4 - Kaiba Aoi’s job over at Yoshikawa Sailing (Thursday, morning)
I'm actually really interested on how they're gonna promote sailing of all things - on the modern age, you don't really have a default image of a sailor since they mostly move around like construction workers. If they aren't gonna shove a bikini on Kaiba then I don't really have an idea on what they might do honestly

>>5682487
>1 - Kitabayashi’s surprise party (Monday evening)
>2 - “One-day Marriage” shoot at Starscape Entertainment’s studio (Tuesday)

>>5682487
>1 - Kitabayashi’s surprise party (Monday evening)

We have to get a write up of this!

>4 - Kaiba Aoi’s job over at Yoshikawa Sailing (Thursday, morning)

I hope they do put her in a bikini honestly

>5 - Enatsu Mari’s idol debut as a sport and fitness streamer (Thursday, late afternoon)

>>5682487
>3 - Enatsu Mari’s job at Kyoto Animation for 3D tracking dance choreography (Wednesday)
>5 - Enatsu Mari's debut

>>5682497
>If I may put forth a proposal, let's target Chigusa's stream towards total cooking noobs, the kind that get stumped by an instruction to "salt to taste". There's definitely a lot of cooking videos designed for more experienced cooks, but incompetent NEETs are probably an untapped audience in this respect.
you are smart

>>5682487
>1 - Kitabayashi’s surprise party (Monday evening)
>2 - “One-day Marriage” shoot at Starscape Entertainment’s studio (Tuesday)
>5 - Enatsu Mari’s idol debut as a sport and fitness streamer (Thursday, late afternoon)
The ones I'm most interested in, to be desu.

>>5682487
>1 - Kitabayashi’s surprise party (Monday evening)
>2 - “One-day Marriage” shoot at Starscape Entertainment’s studio (Tuesday)
>5 - Enatsu Mari’s idol debut as a sport and fitness streamer (Thursday, late afternoon)

>>5682487

Winners
>2 - “One-day Marriage” shoot at Starscape Entertainment’s studio (Tuesday)
>5 - Enatsu Mari’s idol debut as a sport and fitness streamer (Thursday, late afternoon)
>1 - Kitabayashi’s surprise party (Monday evening)

>>5682497
>let's target Chigusa's stream towards total cooking noobs
good proposition
>a lot of cooking videos designed for more experienced cooks, but incompetent NEETs are probably an untapped audience in this respect.
Non-sequitur logic.

For example, Yui is a wagie and yet survived on take-out meals (she is cooking now that Kaiba is living with her but we don't know the extent of her abilities). I think that cooking is both a hobby that requires a good time investment and a innate talent that some might not have at the beginning, it has nothing to do if a person is or isnt a NEET imo

>>5683056
But NEETs and other oddballs are the sort who are likely to beocme unheahily (profitably, for us) attached to a cosplay catgirl cooking streamer.

>>5682858

With the schedule set, it’s time to get to work.
You call Enatsu Mari and Chigusa Iki into your office and relay the plans for this week.
They’ll both have jobs coming up in the days to come with their formal idol debut at the end of the week.

You spend the remainder of the day sending back and forth emails with various departments.

Marketing is going to ensure there’ll be proper promotion for the new arrival of two “Mystery Idols” and have publicized the time of the respective debut streams.

Your emails are forwarded, replied to, CC’d , and end up reaching all corners of the company.

In one of your emails, you mention that they could contact Isekai Cosplay for some possible cosplay outfits for Chigusa to wear during the stream, which is met with loud complaints by the in-house stylists and costume designers.
There’s no chance in hell they will outsource such an interesting job to a third party.
It’s short notice, but Chigusa Iki’s outfit will be made by them from scratch.

One of the higher-ups, a production designer, with contacts at a recording studio pulls some strings on your behalf.
Chigusa’s show, which was supposed to be a simple camera recording a girl working in a kitchen, will end up being recorded in a studio setting where they will build up a set featuring a kitchen and will be shot by proper studio cameras.

A different employee mentions how Enatsu Mari’s debut should be recorded outside somewhere.
Perhaps some kind of sports festival or open tournament. Some sport she can promote or participate in.
If Kaiba Aoi’s entire show happens indoors, then Enatsu’s should be the opposite of that.

Being the original sender, you end up being CC’d in all their replies.

----

“I suppose people will listen to anything as long as it’s being told by a cute girl…”

“Kukuku, teaching them about health while feeding them sugar~”

“Chigusa-san’s file states she has a fairly plain idol-persona. Isn’t regular, fashionable clothing with an apron fine?”

“IT’S A COSPLAY SHOOT. A COSPLAY SHOOT. THIS IS LIKE A FREE-PASS!!!”

“Maybe like a maid uniform?”

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>>5683122
“GEH! THAT’S SO BASIC. IT’S EDUCTIONAL, RIGHT? IT HAS TO BE A CUTE SCIENTIST OUTFIT.”

“Can we dye her hair? Maybe like a few strands? If its dye that washes out then it should be fine, right?”

“No. It’s a debut. People will expect certain features to remain the same. It should suit her idol persona.”

“HAH? POOR TASTE!!!! WHY DON’T YOU JUST SLAP CAT EARS ON HER AND BE DONE WITH IT???”

“No, she just had a shoot featuring those. It’s too soon.”

“I WAS BEING S A R C A S T I C”

“Hmm. Sent by Sawada Izumi… from costume design, right? Please report to my office.”

“I suppose this is some kind of health-promotion duo? It can work.”

----

People are getting really into this.

After replying to every mail you’re mentioned in, you’re in need of a breather.
Some coffee and a snack will do you good, so you make your way tot he break room.
When you arrive in the break room you spot someone there you haven’t seen in a long time.

“Tachibana-san,” you say, “How have you been?”

The older gentleman in the overcoat looks up from his cup of coffee.
A cane rests against the counter next to him.
“Nagata-san,” he says, “It’s been a while. Things have been kind of quiet for me lately, so I figured I’d come and bother people at the office.”

Previously a private investigator, Tachibana Ichiro now works as a talent scout at Matsuno Inc.
He’s one of the people responsible for noting down the statistics and observed traits of people coming to auditions.
His job typically keeps him away from the office, so It’s been a long time since you’ve last spoken.

“A welcome break, I’d say,” you reply.

Tachibana sighs, “I guess,” he says, “Still, I get antsy when I’m not doing anything.”
“If I linger for too long, I might end up acting my age,” he adds with a chuckle.

“Well, if that’s the case then I hope they’ll soon be overworking you again!” you say with a playful smile.

The man bellows a hardy chuckle, “If only!” he says, then sighs. He takes a sip from his coffee.
“I heard you’ve been promoted to idol manager,” he says.

You no, “Yeah, this and that happened and I’m in charge of several wonderful idols now,” you say, “Some of the girls working for me right now might even have been screened by you.”

>>5683123


“That so?” he says, “I hope it works out, Nagata-san. You’ve always been a kind girl, but the world of show business can be harsh.”

“I’m working hard, Tachibana-san. Doing the best I can,” you say.

“As you should,” he says, taking another sip of his coffee, “But don’t overwork yourself. Delegate tasks when you should.”

He goes quiet for a moment as he considers something, then seems to make up his mind.
“In fact, as your senior, let me help you a bit,” he says, “I’ve got some time as I’m not on any assignments right now. Is there anything you’re curious about? I can screen somebody for their potential as an idol or investigate something if you like. Pro bono, of course. I’m not one for office politics or owing favours.”

Tachibana has decades of experience as a private investigator and it allowed him to cultivate an eye for people that he now puts to use as a talent scout.
That being said, his skills as a PI are probably as sharp as ever.

Perhaps there’s a matter you’d like to have investigated?
Or maybe you’ve met some girls you feel may have potential as an idol that he can screen?
As a major agency, Matsuno Inc. mostly does their scouting through large, formal auditions, but a lot of talented individuals may never appear at those.

----------

This prompt will be rather open-ended, but any person or location is a viable option.
I have a lot of stuff to write, so I’m basically hoping this will foster some discussion to buy a bit of time.

The top voted item will be scouted / investigated.

Decision
>1 - Send him to scout at...
>2 - Investigate...
>3 - Write-in

>3 - write in.
>some dirt on the guys we own a favour to. Fuck that magazine bitch

>>5683124
>1 - Send him to scout at...
Young fresh high potential high school graduates.

>>5683122
>>5683123
It's nice to know at least some of the staff like their work.

>>5683128
Shit, I completely forgot about the magazine. We could've leaked something about the upcoming debuts to them and be done with the debt

>>5683124
>2 - Investigate...
Emiko's blackmail ring.

>>5683124
>2 - Investigate...
Ichihara Riko.

>>5683124
>Investigate the potential of that girl we met at the audition, and gave our card to, and what she's up to

>>5683128
Supporting this, let’s get out from under their thumb

No update today, I've been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis so I'm going to take a day to be sad.
Updates will continue tomorrow.

I spend my time writing idol fan fiction on a mongolian basketweaving forum so, naturally, I should've expected a brain disease.

>>5683586
Shit. I'm so sorry to hear that.

>>5683586
Very sorry to hear QM. I pray it will be minor.

>>5683586
Eesh... Good luck, QM. Take the time you need.

>>5683586
My sincere condolences. Stay strong.

>>5683586
I don't know why I let out a giggle so sorry for laughing at such a serious matter lmao

Take your time, QM and GWS!
And if you were to die, I hope it ends up being a quick, painless death

>>5683586
HOLY SHIT THE QM CURSE

>>5683800
Jesus fucking christ, anon.

>>5683800
Why would honest to god post this bro.

>>5683586
Jesus man, hope it ends up being minor, take all the time you need

>>5684047
it's seriously like some Emiko-style shit.

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>>5684047
it isn't.
The survival rates of the disease are great however, but the quality of life associated with it is not good.
QM, the team of reaumathology + neurology that is going to take care of you will go great lenghts to explain the diagnosis (gotta say WHICH MS you have), management and prognosis. If you have any doubts or you want some extra information of any particular you can ask here. I will say anything you want, IDGAF and I can't be held accountable for handing medical information as it were napkins. Technically. Anonymous board and all that.

https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/2146/expanded-disability-status-scale-edss-functional-systems-score-fss
Fill this out for example. Knowing what is your EDSS score is a great way to have an objective measurement of what you are right now. Because holy shit I feel like shit I wanna die is subjective

Thanks for the kind words, folks.
From what I've gathered I should have a few good years left so the quest isn't in any danger.

Winner
>Write-in - Some dirt on the guys we own a favour to. Fuck that magazine bitch

>>5684200
The quest is great, but your life is more important.

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>>5684202
It is what it is.
If anything, it just makes me want to try a little harder since I have a soft (and hard) deadline of sorts.

>>5684200

It’s a great offer and you have no reason to turn it down.

“Well,” you say, “I suppose there is something…”
Back when you were dealing with Kaiba’s scandal you had to make some unfavourable deals with various companies for some last-minute damage control.

One of them with a variety show, Cupid-san Shintaro, that was about to have a gossip episode where they would discuss the scandal.
You managed to stop that segment from airing by pledging Enatsu Mari to have a dating episode earing in the near future.

Another deal was with a magazine hoping to trade you one scoop for another, larger one.

“Oh?” says Tachibana, finishing off his coffee as he notices your expression.
“This feels like it could get interesting…” he says.

You look left and right.
This isn’t the kind of conversation you should be having in the break room.

“Let’s discuss it in my office,” you say, gesturing towards a corridor.

Tachibana shrugs and follows.

Once there, you share the details.

Everything Idol is a gossip magazine that bought the details of Kaiba’s scandals from an unknown source, probably EmikoDesu55, and was going to publish a piece that would tear Kaiba apart.
Luckily, Matsui managed to learn of the company’s intentions before they published it and you made a deal with them.

Rather than their previous piece, they would rewrite their article to paint Kaiba as the victim in an unfortunate scenario way beyond her control.
However, they’re expecting that you deliver them a different, even juicier secret in the near future.

You did what you thought was best at the time, but knowing there’s a company out there impatiently waiting for you to deliver it some career-ending gossip is anything but pleasant.

You reveal as much to Tachibana and ask if there’s anything he can do.

“Hmm,” he says, stroking his small beard, “I’ll see what I can find. Do you want me to look for a piece of gossip that’ll satisfy them or would you rather have me find something to threaten them so that they cancel the deal?”

In the first scenario the victim will probably be some unknown idol and her scandal.
If you deliver details about such a scandal on a silver platter, then Everything Idol will shout it from high heaven.

In the latter scenario the victim will be your relationship with Everything Idol.
If Tachibana manages to find something then you’re in the clear for now, but they’re almost certain to hold a grudge and will be difficult to work with in the future.

There's also a small chance that Tachibana finds something so devestating that Everything Idol has no choice but to submit to you.

Decision
>1 - Find a piece of information to satisfy Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success
>2 - Ask Tachibana to find a way to blackmail Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success)

>>5684230
>2 - Ask Tachibana to find a way to blackmail Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success)
Guilt

>>5684230
>1 - Find a piece of information to satisfy Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success

>>5684230
>1 - Find a piece of information to satisfy Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>5684230
>>2 - Ask Tachibana to find a way to blackmail Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success)
the first vote offers a degree of screwing someone over. The second offers a degree of blackmailing the magazine so hard it becomes our bitch.
Just look at my dice

>>5684368
I know exactly what I will vote for after your dice, anon. And that is:

>>5684230
>1 - Find a piece of information to satisfy Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success)

I feel like some anons didn't get the implication of this choice. You DO know that you'll be potentially ending someone else's career, right? What, if it is an unknown person then thats alright with you? Man oh man, so much for the high-ground morality of previous threads.

I am still voting for N°2, I won't be ruinning a girls career because I don't know her. Or maybe him, you never know when the QM will finally get the models right and start with maes

>>5684230
>2 - Ask Tachibana to find a way to blackmail Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success)

>>5684230
>1 - Find a piece of information to satisfy Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success

Winner
>1 - Find a piece of information to satisfy Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success

>>5684204
I deeply respect your commitment and your creative drive, friend.

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>5684466
This sucks...

>>5684368
>>5684482
With these kind of rolls it's probably better this way

It is a good thing all these rolls do not count

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>5684527
Oh yeah? How about THIS ONE

>>5684591
We're so back

>>5684230
>1 - Find a piece of information to satisfy Everything Idol. (1d100, degrees of success

>>5684368
I did

>>5684466

“I don’t want to make Everything Idol my enemy at this point,” you say, sigh, “If I antagonize them, they might end up publishing every random rumour about my idols just to spite me.”

“More likely than not,” says Tachibana with a shrug, “So, just try and throw the dog a bone?”

“Yes,” you say, with a nod, “Try and find something to get them out of my hair.”

Tachibana takes his cane that had been resting against a nearby counter.
“Will do,” he says, “I’ll be off then. You have a good one, Nagata-san. I’ll get back to you once I find something.”

“Thanks, Tachibana-san. I appreciate it,” you reply.

With that Tachibana leaves and you get your coffee and snack.
It might be a while until Tachibana returns with results.

But he always does.

-----

Once back in your office you carefully navigate your way through the newly arrived emails and impromptu meetings.
Work ends before you know it and there’s a hesitant knock at the door.

After the telling the person to enter, Kaiba Aoi pokes her head in.
She looks nervous, but at the same time a little excited.

“Ah, manager-san,” she says, “Are… are you ready to buy outfits…?”

You nod. “Sure,” you say, “Let me get my purse and we’ll head to Isekai Cosplay.”

And so, the both of you head out.

The plan is simple.

You’ll get cat girl outfits at Isekai Cosplay after which you’ll shop for some groceries and decorations.
Once that’s done, you’ll drop off Kaiba near Kitabayashi’s apartment and wait for the signal that confirms that she managed to get Kitabayashi out of their home.

Then you’ll sneak in using Kaiba’s key and decorate the place, put out snacks, and wear the purchased costume.

>>5685970
-----------

“…This one is fairly popular right now,” says the saleswoman as she holds up a costume with less fabric than a pair of socks.

Kaiba is hiding behind you, blushing fiercely and her face hidden in her hands.

“…Do you maybe have other ones…?” you ask carefully, you glance left and right, “Are we in the right section?”

The costume in front of you is particularly lacking some fabric around the area where the chest would go.
You’re trying to celebrate Kitabayashi’s birthday and would like it if she went on to have many more.
Whatever this woman is trying to sell you might just kill her on the spot.

The saleswoman sighs, “Well, I suppose we have some other stuff,” she says, “But I figured… what’s the occasion again?”

“A themed birthday party,” you say flatly.

The saleswoman winces, then sucks in air through clenched teeth, “Ehhh, well, this way then…” she says, then seems to reconsider, “…we have this other kind which has parts that tear-off…?”

“Just regular cosplay, please,” you say, feeling a blush come on.

“Ah, sure,” says the saleswoman, “Sometimes I forget that people buy this kind of stuff for other occasions as well…”

Well, suppose you now know what this random store employee gets up to in her spare time.
Eventually, after only offering you a handful of questionable items, she guides you to the other side of the store.

It’s a good thing you and Kaiba came here together.
If Kaiba had been by herself, she might’ve been pressured into getting the more extreme versions.

In the end you buy three simple sets of cat ears and some tails with a clip-on that you can attach to your pants or skirt.
The quality is nothing like what Chigusa has been wearing during the photoshoot, but the price-tag on that kind of stuff is a bit excessive for a gag gift.

Just as you prepare to leave, the man you recognize as the owner stops you at the exit.
You worked with him last week during Chigusa’s shoot and know that he’s, to put mildly, a big fan of cat girls.
Though you didn’t speak much, you did learn that his name is Sakimoto Tetsuyuki.

“Nagata-san,” says Sakimoto, smirking, “I don’t fault you for developing an interest to this sort of thing. In fact, I applaud it. One might even say it was inevitable.”
He chuckles quietly to himself, then holds out a shopping bag, “On the house,” he says, “From one connoisseur to another…”

The fact that this man spied on you while you were shopping for embarrassing outfits is a bit…
However, he’s a business relation.

>>5685971


If Chigusa’s cooking and cosplay streams are going to be a regular thing, then you can’t afford to offend him.
You gratefully accept the bag with both hands, and bow, “Thank you, Sakimoto-san,” you say.
Truth be told, you’re curious about what kind of gift a man like him would bestow on you but opening it in front of him would be terribly rude.

“Last week’s photoshoot was very entertaining,” says Sakimoto, offering a shallow bow, “I hope to work with you again.”

You bow again, “Likewise, Sakimoto-san,” you say, then eye the exit, “I apologize, but we should be on our way.”

Sakimoto nods knowingly, “Of course,” he says, then smiles knowingly, “Until next time!”

Ah, the smug smile of a person who thinks they’ve found a kindred spirit…

“Until next time,” you repeat, bob your head as Kaiba does likewise, then leave.

-----

Both you and Kaiba return to the car, where both of you sigh at the same time.

“Manager-san,” begins Kaiba, “…I-is there a hidden meaning behind dressing up for somebody like this?”

There isn’t. Besides, it’s just cat ears and a tail. Small stuff.
This is just a bit of fun around friends. Right?
The interaction with that saleswoman must’ve put some ideas in Kaiba’s head.

“No,” you say, then become unsure, “No… I don’t think so…?”

Kaiba sighs in relief, “That’s alright then… I wasn’t sure how to feel about this for a moment…”

“It’s just cat ears and a clip-on tail,” you say, flashing a reassuring smile, “Just for fun.”

“Yeah, I must’ve been overthinking it,” says Kaiba, then looks towards the gift bag, “What did the owner of the store gift you there at the end?”

“Hmm, not sure,” you say, revealing the contents of the gift bag, then reel back in shock, “Geh!”

A large garment, frilly in all kinds of places.
Stockings and cufflets included.
It’s a black and wite maid uniform.

A small note is included.

“Of all cat girl attire, the maid costume stands at the pinnacle! Awaken, my child!”
It includes a really rough illustration of the owner with a thumbs-up.

Kaiba eyes you uncertainly, “…this seems like a strange gift…”

You nod, “It’s a bit… much…” you say, sliding it back into the bag.

“…Will you wear it?” asks Kaiba, eyeing you uncertainly.

“What!?” you cry, “No! No… This is…”
There’s no doubt that it’s over the top, but will you ever get another excuse to wear something like this?

>>5685972

You shake your head to clear your thoughts, “We need to get some groceries,” you say, starting the car.

Kaiba nods, going quiet.

After a few minutes of driving, Kaiba slowly speaks up, “Manager-san…” she says.

“Yeah?” you reply, glancing at her direction before returning your eyes to the road.

“I know you and Yui-chan have gone out drinking in the past,” says Kaiba carefully as if she’s speaking about a taboo.

“Sometimes,” you say, “What about it?”

Kaiba revealed earlier today that Kitabayashi has emptied the entire house of alcohol.
In fact, Kaiba wasn’t even aware that Kitabayashi drank.

“I don’t want her to feel like she has to… you know… act different because I’m there…” says Kaiba.

“I’m sure she doesn’t mind,” you say, trying to uphold the virtuous image that Kitabayashi is trying to project.

“Do you think we should get some …drinks for the party?” says Kaiba, then suddenly holds up her hands defensively, “Not for me! For you and Yui-chan. To let Yui-chan know it’s okay… I won’t think any different of her or anything.”

----

Decision: Maid Uniform
>1 - Wear the maid uniform.
>2 - Ask if Kaiba wants to wear the maid uniform.
>3 - Nobody wears the maid uniform.

Decision: Alcohol
>1 - Buy some beer.
>2 - Buy some beer and hard liquor for shots.
>3 - No alcohol at the party.

>>5685973
>1 - Wear the maid uniform.

She deserves a reward, plus when else will we wear it?

>1 - Buy some beer.
6 pack of beer won’t hurt

>>5685973
>3 - Nobody wears the maid uniform.
That is going outside of a simple birthday surprise. Yui does indeed deserve a reward, but her reward should not be *us*, or this will send a wrong signal.

>1 - Buy some beer.

>>5685973
>3 - Nobody wears the maid uniform.
>1 - Buy some beer.
Wonder what’s the general state of people’s livers in the company.

>>5685973
>2 - Ask if Kaiba wants to wear the maid uniform.
>2 - Buy some beer and hard liquor for shots.

>>5685973
>coherse kaiba into wearing the uniform
>buy some beer and teach Kaiba what drinking is like
>ib4 she has a stomach of steel

>>5685973
>3 - Nobody wears the maid uniform.
>2 - Buy some beer and hard liquor for shots.

>>5685973

Winner
>3 - Nobody wears the maid uniform.
>1 - Buy some beer.

fuk.....

>>5686110
Don't worry, anon. The outfit has become Chekhov's maid uniform waiting for someone to wear it eventually.

>>5686147
We shall use it to seduce our future husbando.

>>5686073
Curses! Missed it! But, yes, the maid outfit might have been a bit much for Yui if we don't want to lead her on.

>>5686147
I guess

Sometimes I wonder if people are samefagging for the sake of getting their choices picked up.

I've started a new job so I couldn't vote for the previous decisions but it seems that votes are held close to my lunch time so I'll try to sneak on 4chin to participate on my favorite quest and make the most based votes ever seen on this board

>>5686430
>Sometimes I wonder if people are samefagging for the sake of getting their choices picked up.
They do, but by counting with and without suspect votes you can rapidly deduce such patterns and mitigate the effects of such fraud.

>>5685975
+1

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No... Not the maid outfit...

>>5686813
It's fine anon, the outfit isn't going anywhere

>>5686854
It's especially not going on Miho, lol.

Update in a few hours.

>>5687846
Or not. Tomorrow, hopefully.

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>>5688000
Alrighty then

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I'll use this time we have to ask what do you guys think, I've been thinking about this and I think we should make some kind of big event for Kaiba (after she has somewhere to live and is not stressed) and let her go, maybe keep her close but not under our management anymore and search for fresh talent. I just think Kaiba doesn't have that much more to offer anymore in terms of growth. For the event I was thinking maybe a small concert with Iki and Mari, since Kaiba's dancing skill isn't that good she could just sing.

>>5688241
I think she will easily serve as a foil for the self improvement schemes that may yet center the personas and vlogs of our other idols, as detailed in >>5680095

>>5688241
We don't have to let Kaiba go to look for fresh talent.
And I want to try and still get her that Bones job. That'd set her up to be a full-time voice actress and safeguard her future (and bring us the big bucks)

Sometimes I think it might be faster to learn how to draw sketch-tier characters rather than waste time on all the AI stuff

>>5688316
It's not
>t. a person who tried

>>5688317
I mean, yeah. Wouldn't have settled for AI if drawing was an actual option.
But with drawing you can at least work towards what you have in mind rather than press "Generate" 50 times and hoping to get somewhat close.

>>5688318
There's a phase when you can draw something decent looking, but can't draw what you want to draw. It's incredibly frustrating and very hard to get out of.

>>5686073

“We can get some beer,” you say, glancing at her, “That should be fine.”
Your eyes briefly linger on the shopping bag between the both of you, containing the maid costume.

“…As far as the maid outfit is concerned… I think it’s probably for the best if we just leave it in the bag,” you say.

“Are you sure?” replies Kaiba, “I figured that sort of thing would make Yui-chan happy…?”

You gently sway your head from side-to-side, “Eh, well, you’re not wrong,” you say, “But you have to draw the line somewhere. I like Yui-chan and I want nothing more than for her to be happy, but…”

“But… what?” says Kaiba, “If it makes her happy …and we sort of already shared that we want to dress up… then why not do it?”

You tap the steering wheel a few times with a finger as you think over how to put this. “Boundaries,” you say, toggling your turn signal as you enter a roundabout, “Boundaries are important.”

Pulling into the parking lot of the mall, you draw your lips into a line.
There are probably a dozen ways to phrase what you tried to say in a better way.
Respect yourself. Don’t let others take advantage of you.

If you don’t draw a hard line in the sand, then somebody else will draw it for you and that line is probably a few dozen steps further than what you’re comfortable with.

As a serial people-pleaser notorious for putting others first you’ve often found yourself doing things you shouldn’t be.
Taking on additional work, stress, and problems just to help somebody else.
Sometimes it’s worth it, sometimes it isn’t. You get to decide whether or not it is.

Mainly though, despite how close you’ve gotten, you’re not about to explain to your idol that the girl you’ll be dressing up as cat girls for would absolutely drag you into her bedroom at the earliest sign of anything that even vaguely resembles consent.

Serving yourself up in a maid uniform with cat ears would be crossing any previously established boundaries.

With a turn of the key, you stop the car.

“Let’s get some supplies for the party,” you say.

>>5688359
---------

Thirty minutes later, both you and Kaiba return to the car.
Other than a grocery store, this small mall contains a variety of other stores so you were able to get everything you needed.
The trunk of your car filled with party decorations, a small cake, two six-packs of beer, and some other snacks.
You also brought a simple fresh shirt and skirt, so you don’t have to arrive at Kitabayashi’s party in office clothing.

The both of you even bought small gifts.
Giving gifts at a birthday isn’t a Japanese tradition, but more one that has blown over from the west.
Truth be told, Kaiba turned up with a gift, so you felt like you had to get one as well.

All supplies gathered; you make your way to Kitabayashi’s apartment.

“Have you thought of a way to get Yui-chan out of the house?” you ask Kaiba.

Kaiba nods, “I’ll ask if she wants to go to this small bistro near the apartment to get some dinner since it’s her birthday.”

A restaurant? That should buy you around an hour – more than enough.

“Ah,” says Kaiba, “Do you want me to bring you anything from the restaurant…?”

You smile, but shake your head, “Have fun.”
If you do end up hungry, then you’ll just gorge on the sushi you bought for the party.

And so, your plan unfolds.

After leaving her apartment key with you and armed with the lame of excuse of leaving her key at the office, Kaiba enters the apartment complex.
Five minutes later she texts you a thumbs-up emoji.

After a while, you duck down a bit in your car as you spot both Kaiba and Kitabayashi leaving the apartment complex.
Kitabayashi has dolled herself up a bit and seems in happy to have somebody to celebrate her birthday with.

You patiently wait for them to disappear from sight so you can make your move.
Grab the supplies. Up the stairs. Door. Key. Open. Shut. Lock. Mission accomplished.

You breathe a sigh of relief and glance about the room.
Some little things have been added since you were here last week.
A few houseplants. Small decorations. A wide painting on the wall where all the photos used to be.

Using a chair to reach higher spots, you decorate the house as well as you can.
Balloons, banners, cake – the works. You have a party popper at the ready for when Kitabayashi walks through the door.

Everything is set!

You’re ready for Kitabayashi to arrive any moment in the next…. thirty minutes.

Well then.

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>>5688361


You pull out your phone and, like the workaholic you are, pray for an email to respond to.
There is one! A moment of quiet to reflect on things?
No way! That’s what those five minutes before you fall asleep are for.

It’s an email from “Cupid-san Shintaro”, the variety show you made a deal with.

---------

Hello Nagata-san,

Recordings for the celebrity games segment on “Cupid-san Shintaro” will occur on May 28th.
You’ll be happy to know we’ve managed to acquire a high-profile cast with renowned actors, up-and-coming models, and longtime voice-over artists.

We hope you and the participant, Enatsu Mari, will be in attendance at that time.
Per our agreement, there will be no payment, but considering we managed to unexpectedly get so many celebrities to sign up… perhaps you should be paying us instead?

Haha! Just kidding!

See you there!

Shintaro Akira

---------

In just over two weeks from now.
Well, they did say it would be near the end of May.

You’re feeling slightly guilty that you need Enatsu participate in such a sleazy show, but if Tachibana manages to find something to satisfy 'Everything Idol' then all the deals you made during the fallout of Kaiba’s scandal will be taking care of.

Minutes tick by as you spend some time on your phone.
Then you remember – you still need to change clothing!
You tiptoe into the bathroom and put on the simple clothing you bought at the mall.

Finally, you hesitantly reach into the bag from Isekai Clothing and lift out the cat ears.
You hold it at arm’s length, like it might jump out of your hands at any moment and force itself on your head.
Despite today’s earlier bravado – it’s a little embarrassing, really.

Be strong, Miho! Everybody will be wearing it soon!

Slowly and with great care, you don the cat ears.
You already feel a blush coming on, but determinately peek towards the mirror.

Uwaaa….

As you stand there in front of the mirror, your hands gingerly feel up the cat ears.
It… it doesn’t look bad, maybe you should’ve gotten the complete se--

Then – voices and the telltale sound of a key scratching against a lock.

You clip the tail to the back of your skirt and hurry to the living room.
As you do, the tail bounces up and down, pulling at your skirt.
There’s no time, you’ll just have to pray the zipper holds.

Party popper in hand, you hide behind the couch.
The door opens, there’s a gasp and you cringe internally as you miss the proper timing by a second, but bounce up anyway and pull the string – pop!
Confetti flies across the room, raining down on both Kaiba and Kitabayashi.

“Surprise!” you shout, grinning as you quickly hold up a slice of cake, “Happy birthday, Yui-chan!”