*PRACTICE ROOM - NIJIGASAKI HIGH SCHOOL - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
AKI: "Your live stream yesterday was really fun, Ayu."
AYUMU: *Giggle* "Thanks."
SHIZUKU: "I watched it too! I always find myself looking forward to them!"
SHIORIKO: "Me too. Whenever I see Ayu-pyon's accessory-making segment, I start wanting to make something as well."
SHIZUKU: "Ah, that sounds nice! Can I make something with you too?"
SHIORIKO: "Of course."
AKI: "Your streams have been getting a lot more viewers lately, so I was worried about whether you'd see my comments or not."
AYUMU: "I'd never miss yours."
AKI: "Really?"
AYUMU: "Yes, really! They always catch my eye."
AKI: *Chuckle* "That's reassuring. It is fun to see all the comments that everyone posts too, though."
AYUMU: "Yeah. I wasn't expecting so many people to watch."
AKI: "It's because you put so much effort into it, Ayu."
AYUMU: "I wonder... It'd be nice if that was it. But I really think it's more of a case of all the viewers being really nice."
AKI: "Hm?"
AYUMU: "Y-You know, the truth is..."
YU: "Ayumu! It's almost time for the scheduled jog."
AYUMU: "Oh, right..."
AKI: "Can I rely on you to update me with their progress, Yu?"
YU: "No problem!"
...
*P.O.V SWITCH - AYUMU*
*COURTYARD - NIJIGASAKI HIGH SCHOOL - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
AYUMU: *Huff* *Puff* "I need a quick break..."
Phew...
There really are a lot of viewers on my streams now. I have to work even harder!
But how far can I go alone?
I started off wanting to do it alone, but I'm also kind of lost by myself...
Ughhh! No, stay positive, Ayumu!
I have to give it my all so I won't be relying on him for everything!
...
*MEANWHILE*
*S.I.D TRAINING HALL - GOLDEN CALF HEADQUARTERS - AKIHABARA - CHIYODA - TOKYO*
SUMIRE: "Doesn't it bother you?"
NATSUMI: "Meh, VTubing is so yesterday's news! It was all just a ploy to boost my LTube numbers.
Subscribers equals money!"
SUMIRE: "I know if anyone tried to steal my spotlight, I'd be very annoyed."
NATSUMI: "Ayumu is Kanon's problem. There's another member of Nijigasaki who rubs me the wrong way."
SUMIRE: "Hmm... If it's who I'm thinking of, then I'll leave her to you. I'm too much of a Showbiz megastar to worry about her."
NATSUMI: "That's right, you're an actress, aren't you?"
SUMIRE: "Seriously? I know you're new here but I thought that would have been obvious!"
NATSUMI: "Whatever, acting is old news. LTube is where the money is!"
SUMIRE: "No, wrong! Stage acting is a relic of the past, it's all about the cameras and TV!"
NATSUMI: "Only Grandmas watch TV today. Enjoy your ancient demographic."
SUMIRE: "Why you...!"
OKUDA: "I see a lot of talking, but not enough training."
SUMIRE, NATSUMI: "?!"
OKUDA: "Disgusting."
SUMIRE, NATSUMI: "W-We're sorry! It won't happen again!"
OKUDA: "Oh really now?"
SUMIRE: "I'm sorry. It's my fault, I told her about Ayumu Uehara's recent success as a VTuber.
It won't happen again."
NATSUMI: "Sumire?!"
OKUDA: "Are you sure?"
SUMIRE: "I promise."
OKUDA: "...Such a mature girl. Thank you, Sumire. You're free to go."
SUMIRE: "R-Really?"
OKUDA: "Go ahead."
SUMIRE: "Thank you, I'll work twice as hard!"
OKUDA: "I believe you."
SUMIRE: "Let's go, Nats-"
*KICK*
NATSUMI: "SUMIRE!!"
OKUDA: "You really think that my forgiveness is earned THAT easily?
You disgusting little brat..."
SUMIRE: "Ow! P-Please! I said I'm sorry!"
NATSUMI: "Stop, you're hurting her! ACK!"
*CHOKE*
OKUDA: "I don't recall an Empress ever taking orders from a lowly sewer rat."
NATSUMI: *COUGH*
OKUDA: "The two of you are going out there, and you're going to prove yourselves to me.
Prove that you belong here and maybe I'll pay you some forgiveness.
If you don't, then there will be consequences. I'm not a pushover like Kamijou, I will royally fuck you up if you disappoint me!"
SUMIRE, NATSUMI: "..."