Translator: Flowingcloud Editor: Arocks141
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Theater 5: Genius Child Actor and Genius Child Actor! – Opening
Lowell residence.
Tsugumi wakes up in her own room.
Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I asked Koharu-san to help me get ready. I washed my face, changed my clothes, combed my hair, brushed my teeth, then yawned once. I straightened my back and my field of vision widened in a flash.
I thanked Koharu-san and sat down for breakfast. I was a little sad that Daddy and Mommy were not here today, so I asked Mikado-san (Koharu-san’s mother) and Koharu-san to sit with me.
“Yesterday morning, a serial girl rape incident—”1
“That’s a disturbing incident. Would you like me to change the channel?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Koharu-san asked me softly as I was watching the TV that looked like a large monitor. But, it would be good to at least watch the news. Stuffing myself with bacon and eggs, I replied to Koharu with a smile.
“The police believes from the photos left behind at the scene may suggest that the perpetrator is solo—”
“That’s kind of scary, isn’t it?”
“Yes, however, do not worry. This house’s servants are stationed around Tsugumi-sama.”
“Yes, thank you, Koharu-san.”
After eating, Mikado-san wiped my mouth. This time of the morning felt carefree, but I like this time of the day the most. Daddy and Mommy are not here today, but when they are here, I like those mornings even more.
I wonder what will happen when I start going to school. School life for Kirio Tsugumi was a matter of life-or-death survival and it felt quite scary, but I’ll probably be fine. If only Rin-chan and the rest were in the same grade as me, then I wouldn’t worry so much.
“Hehe, you look sleepy. Did you stay up late last night?”
As I rubbed my sleepy eyes, Mikado-san got worried. Gotta hold back the urge to rub.
“Yeah… When Mommy read me a book, I couldn’t stop imagining fun dreams.”
“Oh my. Then, would you like to postpone your morning plans?”
“No, I’m fine. Thanks for your concern, Mikado-san.”
Various people do their best in various ways to make plans—Kirio Tsugumi’s memories taught me so I understood, but if I do not follow the planned schedule, I would lose to my sleepiness and behave like a spoiled child. I need to be careful.
Incidentally, what are the plans for this morning? It’s been raining so much lately, so all we’ve been doing is shooting what can be shot indoors. This afternoon, I’m going to the countryside again for the first time in a while to shoot a scene of Lilia, which can only be shot outside.
“Koharu-san, Koharu-san.”
“—Yes, what is the matter?”
“Um, what do you mean by “morning plans”?”
“Oh, I have yet to explain it. I am sorry.”
As usual, we moved to my room. Today I was wearing a simple one-piece dress, a thick coat, and boots with a cute frog on it. On the way to the car, Koharu-san accompanied me, reviewing today’s schedule.
“Yesterday, the agency’s facility was finally set up, so today we will give you a brief tour of the facility and take some promo photos.”
“Agency’s facility?”
“Yes. Master had planned to build the facility from scratch but realized that it would not be ready in time, so he bought the building from a company that had gone bankrupt, though it has the latest equipment. The staff has been hired from the ground up. This is Tsugumi-sama’s entertainment production company.”
“Woah…”
If I remember correctly, Kirio Tsugumi was a member of a small family-run agency that consisted of only the president’s family and manager, Tsujiguchi-san. There were actors at one point, but when they were poached away, only one actor—Tsugumi—joined the agency to take their place. Although he and his wife were the business owners, the president’s family were very laid-back. When Kirio Tsugumi joined the office when she was 13, she took care of their five-year-old daughter while she studied to be an actress.
This time, the situation of me being the only one was quite different from Kirio Tsugumi’s. After all, this was a production company that Daddy and Mommy had set up for me. The fact that it was a family business was the only part that I currently shared with Kirio Tsugumi’s past.
“Ah, Makabe-san, good morning.”
“Yes, good morning, Tsugumi-sama.”
The driver Makabe-san greeted me respectfully, as we boarded the company car. Makabe-san were a father-son chauffeur pair and today was the older Makabe-san. Koharu-san got into the car beside me, so I wasn’t lonely. 2
“Fuwa…” (yawning sounds)
I yawned heavily, and Koharu-san gently spoke.
“I will wake you up when we get close to the facility. How about taking a short rest?”
“…Is that okay?”
“Yes, of course. Additionally, it is an unexpected pleasure for Tsugumi-sama to borrow my lap.”
“Hehehe, you’re exaggerating, Koharu-san. But, thanks. Good night…”
“Yes, good night, Tsugumi-sama.”
While being wrapped in a fluffy happiness, my consciousness slowly faded away. Then, reading the situation, Makabe-san played some gentle music.
Ahh, what bliss.
In front of a brand new designed building.
Tsugumi is flabbergasted, her mouth wide open.
Sky Star Thrush Production. 3
I wonder if I should call it SST Pro? In front of a futuristic building that stood imposingly in Tokyo’s prime district, my morning’s happy, dreamy sensation was blown away. The fluffy feeling I had earlier flew off somewhere due to my astonishment. 4
Sora is sky. I get it, I get it. Hoshi is star. Yup, that’s right. What’s slash? Slash as in to cut down? When I looked it up on my smartphone to make sure, the English spelling is “slash”. Also, to whip someone or something is spelled “thrash”. 5
“Hehe, you can translate using the camera scan function.”
“Huhh… this is some sci-fi stuff…” [/note]Flowingcloud: And boomer Tsugumi strikes again.[/note]
I did as Koharu-san suggested and held up the screen to get a direct translation. What’s with this? It’s kinda scary.
“Thrush… Thrush (Tsugumi)… Tsugumi!?” 6
Dad… I never thought you would use your daughter’s name to name the agency. What should I do? This is embarrassing.
Now I know how the president’s daughter, Tamami-chan, felt when the name of the agency was changed to Tamami Pro in my previous life. I’m sorry I said that that name was good, Tamami-chan. This is too embarrassing… 7
As I looked up, as if imploring, Koharu-san was there with a pleasant smile on her face. It’s not as if I could tell her to change the name since it’s too embarrassing now. Changing the name would take a tremendous amount of money and I would feel guilty for betraying my parent’s expectations. My actress spirit inside of me held back my face from stiffening.
“How do you like it, Tsugumi-sama?”
“W-Wow, I’m so happy…”
“That’s good. Master will be pleased to know.
Phew. My choice of reply was correct.
“In fact, the Madam had instructed me to change it immediately if Tsugumi-sama was embarrassed, but by the looks of it, the name should not be a problem.” 8
…Koharu-san’s expression showed that she was relieved from the bottom of her heart, and I was at a loss for words. Ehh, I could have changed the name? Then please do so—I realized I missed the opportunity to do so whether I liked it or not.
I see….Sorahoshi Tsugumi Productions, huh? I was never the one to give up ever since my previous life, so this might’ve been my first resignation.
“Well then, allow me to show you around the facility.”
“Yes, please do so, Koharu-san…”
I kept my shoulders from slumping with extra effort and followed Koharu-san. I made a small vow to make sure to have at least my promo photo perfect so I wouldn’t have any regrets.
A single camera and a slender shadow in a beautiful, white-polished photography studio. Dark brown short-cut hair. Denim pants and a black T-shirt with a printed logo. A “cool” woman with a silver earring on her left ear.
She stopped adjusting the camera and raised her hand to us with a sunny smile.
“Ahh, we’ve been waiting for you. You must be SST’s star.”
A slightly low husky voice. A “young man” style and feminine legs. She quickly stepped forward preemptively to stop her long legs from stretching out towards us.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I am Tsugumi Sorahoshi. I look forward to working with you today!”
“No, not at all. I was the one who arrived too early. I’m probably nervous since this is a job from Minako-senpai.”
“Minako-senpai?”
I was slightly confused by her words. Minako is my mother’s name.
“Yes. I was often in her care during my student days… Oh, excuse me. Starting today, I am your exclusive photographer. The name is Shigaragi Shizuko.”
“Shigaragi-san?”
“Yes. But, my first and last name don’t suit each other, so please call me Ragi.” 9
Her tone of voice did not match her appearance. The smile on her face was out of character with her punk atmosphere and so was her name now that I mention it. But what was it? Her attitude of facing things without fear and her neutral and calm atmosphere made her look exquisite and mysterious as an individual life-form. 10
She’s a person living life to its fullest. She’s different from any other person I have met in this life, living boldly and aloofly in the present moment for herself.
“Okay, Ragi-san. I look forward to working with you!”
“Yes, I look forward to working with you, Tsugumi-chan.”
Rather, mmm, exclusive. Exclusive, huh? As one would expect, I’ve never had anyone attached to me like an exclusive photographer before. But, I’ll have to get used to it. At any rate, I bet the stylist will also be exclusive… For some reason, Koharu-san skillfully did the styling for me this time though.
The studio was lit up against a white scrim (a thin cloth to soften the light quality). We’re using the dress that I came wearing as is… rather, that outfit was probably prepared in advance for my promo photo. My clothes were kept the way they were and I only changed into cute white loafers.
“Nervous?”
“A little…”
“I see, it is your first time.”
As the shooting began, she adopted a more informal tone. A switch obvious even from an outsider’s perspective. A stage setting that made her seem more neutral.
“First, just act normal. As you always do. I’ll take a few shots for you to get used to it, but you don’t have to worry about it.”
“Okay.”
“Yes, that’s good.”
The sound of the shutter snapping along with the flash. A rhythmic sound similar to shaking a bottle of sand, like ripples in combination with her atmosphere.
A rhythmic sound of her timbre. A voice that carries a good tempo. A natural performance that put my mind at ease, as if she was playing on a stage by the sea.
“Seems like you’re calm now.”
“…Yeah.”
Dreamy and slumbering.
“Okay, now imagine your favorite thing.”
My favorite thing.
“Daddy and Mommy.”
“I see. Then, they’re holding out their hands to embrace you. Respond back to them.”
“Okay—Got it.”
Dad and Mom are looking at me. How can I respond to them? First, I should convey to them how I feel. Let’s show them that I am happy. Let’s show them that I am happier than anyone else.
Please let the warmth in my heart be conveyed to them.
“Tsugumi-chan?”
“Fuee?”
“It’s over, Princess.”
I looked at Ragi-san in surprise when she called out to me. Ragi-san gave me a friendly, kind smile towards me.
“I’ll send it over when they’re ready.”
“Yes! Thank you very much!”
“That’s a good reply.”
I bowed to Ragi-san. Then, Koharu-san took me by the hand and we decided to take a short break.
I walked out of the photography studio and into a small room nearby, Koharu-san prepared some tea and cookies for me.
“These look delicious!”
“Yes. I used the best of my ability.”
“Koharu-san made these? Let me try them!”
“Well then, please excuse me—ahhh.”
“Mmm. MMMMM, they’re delicious!”
While Koharu-san fed me, I asked her about my plans for the day. After this shoot, she will bring me around to the training studio and other places, take my physical body measurements, and create a training menu accordingly.
“We will take it slow, so please don’t worry.”
“Really? Ah, then, can I call Rin-chan?”
“Yes, of course.”
I asked Rin-chan if I could call her on Line, then, she replied immediately, so I called her.
“Hello, Rin-chan?”
“Here, it’s Tsugumi’s Rin.”
“If that’s the case, then I’m Rin-chan’s Tsugumi, aren’t I?”
“Brother, did you hear!? Brother!!”
“Shut up! Why’d you think I’d be able to hear your phone conversation!?”
A voice echoed from the phone. Kou-kun is here right now. Then, Rin-chan must be at home.
“Kou-kun’s here too, isn’t he? Seems a bit fun.”
“He’s just here. Nothing else… Tsugumi, hasn’t your attitude changed a little?”
“You think so? I don’t really think so…”
“I might be imagining it. But, you seem to be a bit softer than before.”
I tilted my head to the side, wondering if Rin-chan’s words were true. However, being soft is surely a good thing, so I gave her a short thanks.
“Ah, that’s right. I forgot to tell you. I’m taking promo photos right now.”
“Ohhh!”
“I’ll let you know when they’re ready, okay?”
“I bet you’ll be really cute.”
“Not as cute as Rin-chan.”
“Geez, there you go again. Then, am I cool?”
“Not as cool as Kou-kun.”
“Brother, Brother! Tsugumi said you’re cool!!”
“She’s just flattering me, you idiot!”
They seem as lively and fun as ever. Kou-kun’s voice was transmitted so well that, even over the phone, I can picture what expression he’s making.
“Flattering? Here, Brother, try swapping places with me.”
“Don’t push me! Hey!”
“Ah, hello.”
“H-Hey…”
I’m sure they’re pushing the smartphone onto each other on the other side. When I recall the two of them quarreling, I wished I had a brother or sister. They must have been so cute, just like Daddy and Mommy. Maybe I should try asking for one next time. 11
“I wasn’t flattering you.”
“What?”
“Kou-kun is cool. Really cool!”
“Wha—ha? You, shit! I’m hanging up now!”
Ah, he snapped. Haha, I’m sure they’re squabbling right now. I’ll apologize later. It must be very lively over there. Thinking about them made me feel happy and warm inside for some reason.
“Tsugumi-sama—You look much lovelier than usual. Ahh, no, of course you are always lovely, but how should I put it?”
“Hm? Ehehe, thank you, Koharu-san.”
“——I am extremely delighted, filled with emotion, form is emptiness.”
K-Koharu-san, why are you pinching your nose? Are you all right? 12
And then, I looked at the screen of my phone that suddenly received a notification. It was a picture of Rin-chan and Kou-kun fighting each other. Maho-san was exasperated on my screen, so the person taking the picture must be Kazuma-san.
“Hehe, ahahaha.”
I was cheered up somehow.
I felt a warmth in my heart when I thought about them. I hope today will be another fun day.
- Arocks141: MAYDAY MAYDAY!!! Someone call the Bishoujo Protection Detail! We need complete, 360 degree 24/7 protection for Tsugumin!!!…
Oh and for her friends too, I guess. - Flowingcloud: “Makabe” is a family name, and if anyone has a good memory, the father-son pair were introduced in Theater 1 and 2 respectively. They are recurring extras.
- Flowingcloud: Japanese naming abilities… Holy. Also, this is in English.
Arocks141: Sky Star… Is it because it’s ‘Sora’ ‘hoshi’? And Thrush must be because ‘Tsugumi’, right? So, the name of the company is literally “Sorahoshi Tsugumi Production” in English. Holy indeed. - Flowingcloud: If anyone plays/watched IdolM@ster, agencies are shortened to XXX Pro. In IdolM@aster, it’s 765 Production, aka 765 Pro, etc.
- Flowingcloud: For those confused, Tsugumi looks at the name of the agency which is completely in English, and she tries to use katakana to look up the word. She tries to figure out what “thrush” means using katakana (スラッシュ), but she misspelled it in katakana, thus why she’s getting these weird results.
- Flowingcloud: Yes, chad dad named the company after her.
- Arocks141: So technically, this is karmic retribution? Wow, Tsugumin sure has a lot of good karma saved up.
- Flowingcloud: UNO REVERSE CARD! KEKW
Arocks141: Non non non! This name is favored by fortune, trust me. - Flowingcloud: Weird Japanese naming things I don’t want to get into. Her name is 志賀良木 志津子, not a very common name. If you noticed, the first character of her surname and given name are the same, which has to do with the whole thing.
Arocks141: Also, looks like we got another Shizuko in Yado Inn. This time, she’s a side character, though. - Flowingcloud: Her name is very “traditional”-like (old-school). Thus, it doesn’t match her punk, modern look.
- Arocks141: I second Tsugumin’s idea. Another Sorahoshi cutie is a must!
- Flowingcloud: If you don’t get it, she has a nosebleed.
Arocks141: She isn’t the only one. Luckily, I have tissues.
Yay it’s back
Thanks for the chapter!