*KAMIJOU'S OFFICE - GOLDEN CALF HEADQUARTERS - AKIHABARA - CHIYODA - TOKYO*
*P.O.V - KATSUO TOGO*
KAMIJOU: "The current generation of entertainers have grown old and bothersome. Nobody wants to see has-beens seize a fading spotlight.
No.
Instead these Twenty Torchbearers will be the new blood rising through the veins of this great industry, revitalizing it, reviving and moving it to heights never before imagined!"
KATSUO: "Only twenty names? You call me narrow minded, but there are thousands, if not millions of entertainers out there.
You're telling me that you can only condense it all down to twenty?"
KAMIJOU: "That's not entirely true. There are certain individuals who may prove to be interesting, although their success is not guaranteed.
These Twenty Torchbearers are destined for greatness."
KATSUO: "What other names can you give?"
KAMIJOU: "For starters, Frill Shiranui. One of the best multi-talented performers of your generation."
KATSUO: "I'll admit, she's good. Why didn't she make your list?"
KAMIJOU: "Because for all the talent she has, I find her rather transparent. While her flame may burn bright now, it's very unlikely that she will see the same levels of success in the future.
Her shine will fade away. But if she continues this same momentum of success into her later years, then she will definitely prove to be interesting."
KATSUO: "I see."
KAMIJOU: "The School Idol Festival's Main Stage participants. Any of the members from μ's, Aqours, Nijigasaki, or even the rest of the girls from Liella! can make a breakthrough."
KATSUO: "Pfft, yeah right."
KAMIJOU: "You doubt your own colleagues?"
KATSUO: "Only one who has what it takes is Sumire, but she can't get out of her own way."
KAMIJOU: "If you're a fan of blond-haired entertainers, then I'm most certain that you're aware of a multi-talented seamstress, influencer, and guitarist... Touko Kirigaya."
KATSUO: "No."
KAMIJOU: "Not only her, but the rest of her band, Morfonica are interesting to me. Maybe I'll pay them a visit if the Torchbearers won't budge."
KATSUO: "So there's more people on your radar than I thought."
KAMIJOU: "Make no mistake, those Twenty Torchbearers are crucial. But it's always important to have a Plan B.
The board demands as such."
KATSUO: "How many members does the board have? For a company of this size, the shares must be impressive."
KAMIJOU: "The percentage of the company is divided between the ten board members. I myself own 50% of the company."
KATSUO: "What about the rest?"
KAMIJOU: "I'm not going to disclose that to you."
KATSUO: "Why? Because you don't trust me?"
KAMIJOU: "Because not even QUASAR knows that information. Only that I'm the majority shareholder and own half the company."
KATSUO: "Well, guess you're right. I don't really care for business logistics, so don't bore me with them."
KAMIJOU: "Then why even ask me?"
KATSUO: "I don't know. Curiosity, perhaps?"
KAMIJOU: "This company is in safe hands boy, I'll do whatever I can to keep it that way.
So, do not try to tarnish this agency's reputation any further. Or else, there will be severe consequences."
KATSUO: "Understood."
KAMIJOU: "That's...if you can acquire a Main Stage placement by the end of the month.
If I were you, I would begin scheming immediately, the sands of time are cruel and wait for no man.
Not even a king."
KATSUO: "..."
KAMIJOU: "Fail, and you're no different from the trash who opposes us. You will be excommunicated, and I will personally ensure that your career never sees the light of day again.
You will be in hell."
KATSUO: "Shit... Shit!"
KAMIJOU: "You can either fight to accomplish your mission, or I will give you a head start in running away from me."
...
*MEANWHILE*
*SAITO/HOSHINO RESIDENCE - SHIBUYA - TOKYO*
AQUA: "..."
RUBY-H: "..."
AQUA: "..."
RUBY-H: "Hm? Why are you staring at me? Have I got ice cream on my face or something?"
AQUA: "No."
RUBY-H: "Oh. Then what's up?"
AQUA: "You came home late the other night."