*KAMIJOU'S OFFICE - GOLDEN CALF HEADQUARTERS - AKIHABARA - CHIYODA - TOKYO*
*P.O.V - KATSUO*
Twenty Torchbearers...
What the hell is he talking about?
KAMIJOU: "Before we begin, dear boy, let it be known that these are in no particular order of preference."
KATSUO: "Heh, of course not. Because I'd be at the top of that list."
KAMIJOU: "SHIGA!"
KATSUO: "I-IT WAS A JOKE! Please don't kick me..."
KAMIJOU: "Hmph."
KATSUO: "Okay, so what's so special about these Twenty Torchbearers?"
KAMIJOU: "Our research team has searched far and wide to assemble this list.
It is in our best belief that these twenty souls will be the ones who carry this country's entertainment industry into the future.
In that very future, these Twenty Torchbearers will outshine and outlast all others their age."
KATSUO: "Interesting. So you're saying that they're the new generation of Japan's entertainment industry?"
KAMIJOU: "Exactly."
KATSUO: "Okay, so twenty names will control the industry."
KAMIJOU: "If even one of them were opposed to Golden Calf, it will create problems for us in the future. Our talents wouldn't stand a chance in the same scene.
So it's in my best interest to possibly seal all twenty of them under contract."
KATSUO: "How many do you have so far?"
KAMIJOU: "Two. That is one tenth of our quota."
KATSUO: "Okay... Enough dancing around the topic, who are they."
KAMIJOU: "In no particular order..."
KATSUO: "Ugh."
TORCHBEARER ONE - KATSUO TOGO
KAMIJOU: "Yourself."
KATSUO: "I figured as much."
KAMIJOU: "A five time junior Shogi champion.
A 15-year veteran in acting.
A member of Shujin Academy's rhythmic gymnastics team.
Currently the number one ranked male school idol in the country, and has never been defeated."
KATSUO: "Thanks, but care to tell me something that I don't know?"
KAMIJOU: "I know that I am stating the obvious, your potential speaks for itself.
You have what it takes to be the nation's number one male entertainer... IF you defeat your competition that is. And believe me, it's not going to be simple for you."
KATSUO: "..."
TORCHBEARER TWO - AQUAMARINE HOSHINO
KATSUO: "Oh, this guy..."
KAMIJOU: "What is there to say that hasn't been said already?
TV and Stage Actor.
Model.
Handsome.
Television Personality.
Extensive knowledge of editting and production.
Highly intelligent.
A man of determination and focus."
KATSUO: "Ugh..."
KAMIJOU: "There was a failed television adaptation of the popular manga, 'I'll Go With Sweet Today'.
It was terrible, universally hated. That was until the last episode in which Aqua made an appearance. His spacial awareness turned that episode into a hit.
He became the admiration of many girls his age with his appearance in the LoveNow reality dating show.
Then there was his impressive performance in the Tokyo Blade 2.5D manga stage adaptation.
His recent appearance on the internet TV variety show Dig Deep! One Chance has made him a mainstay personality."
KATSUO: "I get it! So what if he's talented, so am I! We're both Torchbearers, and I won't lose to someone like him!"
KAMIJOU: *Chuckle* "He is merely one half of a package deal."
KATSUO: "What's that supposed to mean?"
KAMIJOU: "Let's just say that his genetics are very impressive."
KATSUO: "Huh?"
TORCHBEARER THREE - RUBY HOSHINO
KAMIJOU: "Which brings me to his twin sister, Ruby Hoshino.
One of the most in demand young talents in the industry right now.
A member of the revived B-Komachi.
Some have even referred to her as the second coming of legendary star idol 'Ai' herself.
She even bears a strong resemblance to the woman, almost as if they were related, don't you think?"
KATSUO: "I don't know."
KAMIJOU: "But I do."
KATSUO: "Hm?"
KAMIJOU: "I'll leave that to your own interpretation."
KATSUO: "Enough of the cryptic stuff..."
KAMIJOU: "Aquamarine and Ruby Hoshino are a pair of prodigious twins. Both are remarkably talented and have the combined potential to take over not only Japan's entertainment scene, but the whole world's."
KATSUO: "..."
TORCHBEARER FOUR - AKIHIKO SUZUKI
KATSUO: "Ugh..."
KAMIJOU: "You look disgusted, but it is the truth. I may not like the boy, but to have his level of skill in idol production at his age is extraordinary.
The last person in the scene to possess that level of talent in production at that age was me.
And look what I grew up to become, and I didn't even have guidance. My father knew very little about idols, so I mostly taught myself.
Could you imagine what heights Suzuki could reach with the correct guidance?!"
KATSUO: "I do not care, if it was up to me, his career would be dead and buried."
KAMIJOU: "He is a stubborn boy, but I am certain that he will come around sooner or later.
Why settle for the nation when I can give him the universe?!"
KATSUO: "Give it to me instead, I'll know what to do with it."
KAMIJOU: "Suzuki isn't the only boy at Nijigasaki High School who has potential..."
KATSUO: "Hm?"
TORCHBEARER FIVE - SHIRO KOSAKA
KATSUO: "...?!"
KAMIJOU: "Oh? You know him?"
KATSUO: "I thought I did... But not anymore..."
KAMIJOU: "Shiro Kosaka's network of school idol fan clubs and his recent launch of the School Idol Fansite have made him a notable asset in idol promotion.
Had Suzuki not existed, I would have no doubt that he would have been the one to take his place.
Not only is Kosaka skilled in promotion, but he has an exceedingly high IQ, his mother owns a very prolific genetics lab, in which thousands send their tests to.
No lab in the country has higher than the 99.7% accuracy rate this one has.
His cousins are μ's leader Honoka Kosaka, and notable target of Liella!'s recruitment Yukiho Kosaka-"
KATSUO: "Can we move on? I don't care about him..."
KAMIJOU: "Oh?"
KATSUO: "I said move on! He's dead to me..."
KAMIJOU: "Very well."
TORCHBEARER SIX - HONOKA KOSAKA
KATSUO: "Brilliant... Another member of that crooked family."
KAMIJOU: "Honoka Kosaka has transformed the school idol industry. What was once bland and boring is now eventful and exciting.
μ's have never experienced defeat once in their existence, making them the undisputed greatest school idol group in history.
If they were to go pro, they would make a major impact. However, they are too prideful, too emotional to do that.
While μ's will remain a name in the history books, Honoka Kosaka has all the potential in the world to become a brilliant solo singer.
Many of our scouts have reported to me that she has been sighted holding solo performances in the street, using a simple microphone and speaker setup.
School idol fans view her as a goddess when she's at her best, and with a few more years of experience she can become a major player in the entertainment industry."
KATSUO: "μ's aren't the only ones who are undefeated. Look at me! If I stood on the same stage as them, they wouldn't stand a chance!"
KAMIJOU: "But you're not standing on the same stage as them. And at this rate, I doubt you will ever."
KATSUO: "..."
TORCHBEARER SEVEN - SEKIRO 'WOLF' OKAMI
KATSUO: "Wolf? Seriously? I put his ass to sleep."
KAMIJOU: "Need I remind you that he himself was undefeated before you stopped him?"
KATSUO: "I know, but still, I stopped him. His career is over!"
KAMIJOU: "His school idol career, yes. But as a professional idol, he will have the image.
He's had everything taken from him, you don't know what that does to a man. He'll be back hungrier than ever to make it big.
His anger, his raw passion and rage on the stage is unmatched. Now he has lost, he will let all that frustration out in his future performances tenfold."
KATSUO: "He's all bark and no bite. Moving on..."
TORCHBEARER EIGHT - YUKINA MINATO
KATSUO: "Who?"
KAMIJOU: "Leader of popular band Roselia.
Her impressive vocals and drive to succeed have built her a career in the junior band industry.
Her father is an impressive singer himself, but his daughter exceeds everything he ever did at that age.
If Golden Calf were to form a Junior Band Division, she would be the foundation stone.
Minato has the cutthroat attitude, the drive for perfection, the cold-blooded demeanor that I seek in an entertainer.
She has no shame, no fear in voicing her opinions of those who perform at a lower standard than her."
KATSUO: "If she's so great then why haven't you tried to sign her?"
KAMIJOU: "Many have tried, including myself, all have failed.
The Lone-Wolf Songstress resents talent agencies and prefers to work alone.
Though with her recent ventures as part of Roselia, I wonder if I can sign all of them as a package deal.
Even so, she's not the only band leader who interests me."
TORCHBEARER NINE - KASUMI TOYAMA
KATSUO: "......"
KAMIJOU: "You look like you've just seen a ghost."
KATSUO: "I would prefer it if you refused to say that name. Please just refer to her as Toyama going forward.
Not...the other name."
KAMIJOU: "Kasumi?"
KATSUO: "Stop..."
KAMIJOU: "Kasumi!"
KATSUO: "STOP!"
KAMIJOU: "HITOMI!"
KATSUO: "NO!"
*KICK*
KATSUO: "ARGH!"
KAMIJOU: "I hate censorship Togo. I won't be silenced by you. Instead, I will describe things the way that I want to."
KATSUO: "..."
KAMIJOU: "KASUMI Toyama is a very bright and cheerful girl. You could say that her radiance compares to the stars in the night sky.
She is the leader of another popular band, Poppin'Party, in which she plays the rhythm guitar 'ESP Random Star' and provides the lead vocals.
She and her fellow friends from Hanasakigawa High School can be seen performing at the live house CiRCLE on weekends, and practicing at live house SPACE during the week.
While she may not have the raw talent that Yukina Minato possesses, Kasumi Toyama has an aura and a love for her music that will carry her to accomplish great things in the future.
Poppin'Party has tasted success lately, and I wouldn't just attribute that to them."
KATSUO: "Why?"
KAMIJOU: "Because there's someone behind the scenes working hard for them."
TORCHBEARER TEN - KATSUHIKO NATSUKI
KAMIJOU: "The boy in blue, the manager of Poppin'Party. Nobody in the entertainment industry can ignore how much of an impact young Natsuki has had in such a short amount of time.
While yes, Akihiko Suzuki succeeds as a school idol Producer, he still has his weaknesses.
The areas in which Suzuki fails in, Natsuki far exceeds in band management.
He has all the grit and determination needed to succeed whilst keeping a level head at all times, not letting emotions consume him.
While most men would crumble under pressure or forfeit to their selfish desires when being enrolled in an all girls school, Katsuhiko Natsuki has maintained his composure to make the most out of that situation.
Yes he may be short, but do not let-"
KATSUO: "How short?"
KAMIJOU: "Our scouts have reported he is at most 140cm tall."
KATSUO: "HA! Really?! You think this midget stands a chance in a tall man's world?"
KAMIJOU: "Surely you are not so ignorantly narrow-minded that you would believe height somehow correlates with talent."
KATSUO: "Excuse me?"
KAMIJOU: "His height does not matter. One of the greatest commanders in history, Napoleon Bonaparte was short. But did his height reflect his military prowess?"
KATSUO: "No..."
KAMIJOU: "OF COURSE NOT! Besides, he has trained under the wing of the Tsurumaki family's elite bodyguards. So even if you were to attempt the same stunt you pulled on your movie set, I doubt you would survive to live another day."
KATSUO: *Gulp*
KAMIJOU: "Mark my words... Katsuhiko Natsuki is going to take control of the entire band industry within the next ten years.
I've sent talent scouts to his day job at the Yamabuki bakery, offering him their business cards. All that we get in return is sass!
I myself have paid the bakery a visit before, and I am quite fond of their chocolate cornets. Though he was not interested in discussing professional matters... Instead he asked me if I was going to buy something or stand around all day."
KATSUO: "Do you think he'll come around?"
KAMIJOU: "He may be more of a stubborn challenge than Suzuki. So, I am unsure...
But if we acquire the services of Kasumi Toyama, he will have no choice but to follow her!
He thinks he's so smart, but what he fails to realize is that I have had scouts watching his every move!
I know his weakness, and I will take advantage of that.
Though, on the subject of a certain family..."
TORCHBEARER ELEVEN - KOKORO TSURUMAKI
KATSUO: "Isn't she the heiress to the Tsurumaki family?"
KAMIJOU: "Indeed, but it's not her family or her impressive wealth that interests me."
KATSUO: "Then what's so exciting about her?"
KAMIJOU: "I've been in this industry for a long time... Too long even. I've become warped beyond my wildest imagination.
Even so, this heart of stone can still acknowledge when someone else's happiness is so contagious that it even touches me."
KATSUO: "Happiness... So what?! That's not a talent!"
KAMIJOU: "Maybe not a talent, but it is still a powerful and endearing personality trait.
Tsurumaki is the leader of popular junior band Hello Happy World!
It's reported that her goal in life is to make the entire world smile. Personally, I do not care what makes people happy, all I care about is what they will buy.
To be brutally honest...a nation of high suicide rates such as Japan would be willing to pay high amounts of yen for their daily boost of seretonin.
If that means acquiring Tsurumaki under contract and monopolizing her talents, squeezing every last yen out of the depressed masses, then I will do it."
KATSUO: "Even I can admit how fucked up that is..."
KAMIJOU: "The pharmacies that raise the prices of antidepressants already do it.
What is so wrong about giving the people the chance to witness the personification of contagious happiness?
We will save millions!"
KATSUO: "But what about the people who can't afford to watch her live?"
KAMIJOU: "Then they can kill themselves for all I care. They're not worth my time in this cutthroat world."
KATSUO: "Fuck..."
KAMIJOU: "Don't act so disgusted, you know deep down that you feel the same way."
KATSUO: "Maybe I do, but I'm not as open to admitting it as you are..."
KAMIJOU: "Yet you'll ruin relationships without blinking an eye?"
KATSUO: "That's different. If I can't be happy then nobody can."
KAMIJOU: "You sound like one of those deranged fans my security team would beat to a bloody pulp, if they ever tried to lay a hand on one of the QUASARs."
KATSUO: "But I know better not to try something like that."
KAMIJOU: "You say that now, but let's see what happens when desperation takes over your body."
KATSUO: "..."
TORCHBEARER TWELVE - CHIYU 'CHU2' TAMADE
KAMIJOU: "Are you a fan of classical music, Togo?"
KATSUO: "No, that's for old people."
KAMIJOU: "CULTURED people. I'm particularly fond of world famous violinist Miu Tamade. I have frequented her performances in America many times."
KATSUO: "I know exactly how this story goes... Her daughter is some brilliant violinist with skills in classical music.
Whoop dee fucking doo."
KAMIJOU: "WRONG. She is actually as far opposite from classical music that you can get! While Miu Tamade was the past, Chiyu Tamade is the future!
The future is not classical, the future is Desktop Music!"
KATSUO: "She uses a desktop to produce music or something like that?"
KAMIJOU: "Precisely. She's the leader, producer, and DJ for popular band RAISE A SUILEN, I'm certain you have seen their posters around the city before."
KATSUO: "I don't care for posters that aren't my own."
KAMIJOU: "CHU2 is her stage name. She has the professionalism, intelligence, and confidence to make a substantial impact in this scene.
She dreams of changing the world with the strongest music, and she has the skills to turn those dreams into a reality!"
KATSUO: "What's the catch?"
KAMIJOU: "IF she decides to work with Golden Calf. Otherwise, we'll crush the Ankle-biting Child of the Revolution. Albeit if it may be difficult to keep her down..."
TORCHBEARER THIRTEEN - KANA ARIMA
KAMIJOU: "Oh look, someone you're very familiar with!"
KATSUO: "..."
KAMIJOU: "The genius child actor who can flick a crying switch. During her earliest days she was a prodigy who would steal the spotlight of any movie or show she was a part of.
Arima's name carried so much weight that any agency was willing to give her any role she wanted.
Even her brief venture into B-grade advertising proved to be successful. Her 'Bell Pepper Workout' song reached high in the Billboard charts and became an instant classic for that generation of children.
Though for all the talent she had, her greatest enemy was herself. She would let her ego get the better of her and would disregard the feelings of her co-workers, belittling them and acting like a big shot.
Does that sound familiar to you?"
KATSUO: "Oh..."
KAMIJOU: "This created a drastic decline in her career as she got older. It was like she was some desperate has-been pathetically clutching to any last traces of lost fame."
KATSUO: "Is that why she became some lowly intern?"
KAMIJOU: "Gotanda told me she was doing that for extra credit as part of the elite Performing Arts course she is enrolled in at Yotou Academy.
This past year, Kana Arima has seen a vast career resurgence.
The same attitude that let her down in her childhood has now been refined into a professional and well-spoken demeanour, even if she may let her sharp tongue slip occasionally.
From her stunning performance in the final episode of 'I'll Go With Sweet Today', to her fantastic portrayal of Tokyo Blade's Tsurugi, to becoming the first center of B-Komachi since the days of 'Ai'!
Kana Arima's career revival can be compared to a phoenix, laying dormant in the ashes, waiting for the right opportunity to resurface, rise, and burn brighter than they ever did before!
If only I could have signed her under contract...
If only someone didn't fuck it all up for me..."
KATSUO: "I'm sorry."
KAMIJOU: "Alongside Ruby Hoshino, Kana Arima makes an interesting idol in the new B-Komachi.
But it wouldn't be complete without their third member..."
TORCHBEARER FOURTEEN - MEM-CHO
KATSUO: "Even I've heard of her. She's that annoying internet personality."
KAMIJOU: 500k subscribers on YouTube.
1,000,000 followers on Tik Tok.
Annoying? These numbers say otherwise.
I've not seen a talent with a more versatile mindset with the internet than Mem-Cho.
She is a genius at going viral, and it is thanks to her promotional efforts that the new B-Komachi has such a substantial popularity on the web.
It's intriguing that she has this knowledge at the same age as you."
KATSUO: "18."
KAMIJOU: "Even so, I am doubtful that she is speaking the truth. Many idols lie about their age, and she always dances around the topic rather than providing an answer.
Any idol over the age of 20 is entering their last days, unless you can reach the same heights that Shiro Okuda reached before retiring at 25."
KATSUO: "So this Mem-Cho is going to be a big star on the internet for a while?"
KAMIJOU: "Yes."
KATSUO: "Ugh. How annoying..."
KAMIJOU: "She knows how to go viral. And judging by your recent performance, YOU DON'T."
KATSUO: "..."
TORCHBEARER FIFTEEN - AKANE KUROKAWA
KATSUO: "Her? But didn't she go through some controversy or something?"
KAMIJOU: "Ah yes, her infamous appearance on the LoveNow reality dating show. She was the number one trend on Twitter for an entire week, mostly from the cruel vocal minority of viewers harassing her.
Even pushing her to the point of almost killing herself."
KATSUO: "Disgusting. Fans should know their place before they try to bring people like us down!
Even so, why would you want someone with that level of notoriety?"
KAMIJOU: "The scandal has passed. People have moved on to harassing other stars.
Meanwhile, Akane Kurokawa has proven exactly why she is the star actress of the famous Lalalie Theatrical Company."
KATSUO: "She's...with Lalalie?!"
KAMIJOU: "Their star actress."
KATSUO: "I'll admit, that's impressive. Only the best of the best can get a spot on that Troupe.
Well...ALMOST best, because they don't stand a chance against me."
KAMIJOU: "Even if her experience on that show was a disaster, it wasn't all bad. Because she walked out of it as the new girlfriend of Aqua Hoshino.
A true power couple in the world of acting. Their relationship projected Tokyo Blade's 2.5D production to new heights.
Though.... This picture is rather outdated. Her recent change in hairstyle and attitude has made many compare her to the legendary star idol 'Ai'."
KATSUO: "Ai, Ai, Ai, Ai! What are you, some pirate?! I'm sick and tired of hearing about some dead girl. Move on!"
KAMIJOU: "Then perhaps you would prefer to hear more about the living?"
KATSUO: "Go on."
KAMIJOU: "Akane is the greatest young method actor I have ever seen. Her skills in understanding a character and becoming them are unparalleled, unmatched.
She can take the smallest of details of a character and piece them all together, even if she looks at someone she can understand their thoughts and feelings.
Her perception...exceeds my own. Those trained eyes of hers are a force to be reckoned with.
If someone with her talent, and her perception were to oppose Golden Calf, it would be a disaster for us.
Akane Kurokawa is a terrifying woman, much like her boyfriend is a terrifying man."
KATSUO: "...I messed up."
KAMIJOU: "You think?! If Aquamarine Hoshino decides to oppose Golden Calf, then of course his dedicated and devoted girlfriend would follow suit!"
KATSUO: "But that's hypothetical! Relax, nothing has happened yet..."
KAMIJOU: "YET."
KATSUO: "..."
TORCHBEARER SIXTEEN - MIA TAYLOR
KATSUO: "One of the Nijigasaki members?"
KAMIJOU: "Yes."
KATSUO: "And?"
KAMIJOU: "Prodigious composer would be an understatement when referring to Mia Taylor.
Not only is she part of the prestigious Japanese-American Taylor family, she has made herself a star in music production.
Thirty songs she wrote reached the global billboard top 100 last year, and that's at the age of thirteen!
Now she's fourteen, a rising school idol as part of the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, and is living up to her family's name."
KATSUO: "Taylor... They can all go to hell for what her Mom and Dad did to PRISMATIC."
KAMIJOU: "Yes, yes, Mio Saotome, George Taylor, and Tao Zhong. All three of them protested against the direction of PRISMATIC and split the group in half."
KATSUO: "My dad was the drummer... Kaito Togo. He sided with the two other members...
What a stupid decision. If only he could see what a spineless son those two spawned!
Takehiko Suzuki, Aiko Takasaki, they can both go to hell too.
It's because of the group's disbandment that my dad turned to the bottle!"
KAMIJOU: "Now you're on some selfish mission to exact retribution?"
KATSUO: "No, you're wrong... My dad was an alcoholic, sure. But I still loved him like a father, even if he pushed me into this industry.
He wanted to see me become a top idol, so that's what I'm going to do.
But he's dead... That idiot... That bastard... He took everything from me...
So, I'm going to become a top idol in spite of him!
Like I'm saying 'YOU'RE NOT AROUND TO SEE THIS! I BET YOU WISH YOU COULD! BUT YOU CAN'T!'
Even if I still love him like family, I fucking hate him for what he did..."
KAMIJOU: "What did he do exactly?"
KATSUO: "He got drunk, he got behind the wheel of his car and crashed it. Taking his own life. But he took two souls down with him that day..."
KAMIJOU: "Tell me some other time, let me finish my list. I'm a busy man."
TORCHBEARER SEVENTEEN - KOTORI MINAMI
KATSUO: "Another member of μ's, what makes her so special?"
KAMIJOU: "It's not her singing, nor her dancing that screams potential. Her stage career will be short-lived.
Instead, what she will succeed at is being the top seamstress in the industry."
KATSUO: "Seamstress... That's the person who makes the costumes for performances, right?"
KAMIJOU: "Correct. Even technological advancements in beta testing such as the Metaverse's Aikatsu system has acknowledged the talent of Minami.
She has even been called into their labs before to provide prototype drawings for costumes."
KATSUO: "The hell is an Aikatsu system?"
KAMIJOU: "Imagine... You're in the crowd, your favorite idol is standing on a stage. But that stage is boring...
Now, you put on an augmented reality system that transforms the stage to be as extravagant as you want!
The days of stage hands and high production costs will be a distant memory. It is augmented reality that will be the future!"
KATSUO: "And what do costumes have to do with that?"
KAMIJOU: "Imagine as an idol that you need to change clothes...
You have an outfit printed onto key cards. You insert those key cards into a machine and a door opens.
You step through the curtain, and the machine dresses you in your chosen costume.
Imagine how quickly idols can change their outfits in between song sets! It's incredible! It's the future!"
KATSUO: "Looks like someone has a hard-on for technology. Is that why you tried to build a robot idol once?"
KAMIJOU: "...Okay, you hit me deeply with that one. Just for that, I won't tell Shiga to kick you."
KATSUO: "Continue."
TORCHBEARER EIGHTEEN - TSUZURI YUGIRI
KATSUO: "I've at least heard of most of the other Torchbearers, but who the hell is that?"
KAMIJOU: "Recently, Shiki Wakana entered a national science contest.
She finished second."
KATSUO: "Someone with that many gadgets and that big of a brain came second?
Whoever was first must be a real monster."
KAMIJOU: "In first place was Tsuzuri Yugiri. A quiet girl from Kanzawa City in the Ishikawa Prefecture. She attends a school called...Hasunosora. Her knowledge of movement is unbelievable. She is often branded a genius.
If someone like her were to put their time into working with scientists to create inventions for the entertainment world, then anything will be possible.
Think about how far technology will advance with a brainiac like her providing intel!
I want her signed to the Golden Calf Research Department as soon as possible!
It's frustrating that Hasunosora are so reserved about their students... She needs to put her skills to good use!
Not only is she smart, but she towers above most women!
I know a lot of men love tall women."
KATSUO: "Probably masochistic perverts, let's face it.
If I'm in bed then I want to be the one in control!"
KAMIJOU: "That makes the two of us. But sex isn't something that excites me anymore.
I'd advise that you give up banging your fans and focus on the real objectives at hand, before you are ruined by a scandal."
KATSUO: "I don't tell you how to play with your toys, so don't tell me how to handle mine."
KAMIJOU: "Such a brat..."
TORCHBEARER NINETEEN - RINKU AIMOTO
KAMIJOU: "A young DJ, leader of the quartet called Happy Around.
Odd? Yes.
Aihead? Definitely.
But for all her flaws she has a sense of rhythm that will take her far in music production.
Not only is her rhythm impressive, but she has an impressive ability of rallying people together. She can subconsciously control any crowd she performs in front of.
While many DJs will have their time in the sun, there is no doubt in my mind that Rinku Aimoto will be a top talent for years to come."
KATSUO: "DJs... Ugh, if only music producers knew how to stay behind the curtains instead of trying to steal the spotlight of talented performers.
Know your place, Aimoto...
Trash."
KAMIJOU: "You won't be saying that when she eventually produces one of your songs, will you?"
KATSUO: "..."
KAMIJOU: "I have opened this list with the best, and I will close it with the best."
TORCHBEARER TWENTY - KANON SHIBUYA
KAMIJOU: "It says a lot when I, the greatest producer in idol history, have personally endorsed Kanon Shibuya as the future of this business.
Not since I first scouted Shiro Okuda have I found such a raw untapped vein of potential waiting to burst.
In two months, look at what the correct guidance has led Shibuya to accomplish!
At this rate, she will be QUASAR's new center in no time, and finally, we will see the second coming of the Empress of Entertainment!
But..."
KATSUO: "But?"
KAMIJOU: "This cannot be accomplished while that foul old man is QUASAR's Producer."
KATSUO: "You hate Mr. Oda?"
KAMIJOU: "More than anyone in the world."
KATSUO: "Why?"
KAMIJOU: "I won't explain. Let yourself interpret that as you want. I've said too much."
KATSUO: "Hmph..."
KAMIJOU: "Now you see that these are the twenty names that will rule Japan's entertainment industry for many years to come.
They are the next generation.
The Twenty Torchbearers."