I hope the anime will be back soon. Tenn is still waiting outside. He has to wait until their birthday comes lol. But yeah, I want to return to anime as soon as everything has calmed down. This is a tough situation for all of us. Praying that it doesn't last too long. Stay safe everyone.
During her meeting with Momo, Natsume was feeling somewhat worried. Being undercover as a manager for Tsukumo is a dangerous place. It was like she stepped into a lion den while the others are being caged like animals. She just has to sit like a good tiger and listen to the master's dangerous words.
That feeling is going to leave a sour taste. Although, Tsukumo already did leave her with a sour taste before. He isn't afraid to say it. He feels confident with his slaved animals helping his plans. Now, they are trying to disband TRIGGER for what reason. Natsume needs to research more. There are people watching like Minami. He is the only one that knows she is being suspicious.
But he's observing her for the time being. A lot of eyes are watching her no matter where she is. Suddenly, she didn't pay attention and bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I'm going." She apologized.
"Sorry," Natsume looked up to see who she bumped into. It was Toma. "N-Natsu!? Umm... what are you doing?" He rubbed the back of his head.
The empress was surprised. Although, Toma is supposed to be the bad guy. He is worried about her. Maybe there is hope for Toma to come back to his old self. She just has to open him up. He seems to enjoy her company.
"Oh... I wasn't doing much," she lied. Natsume continued. "I want to see you guys on stage singing and dancing. It would be amazing to see. I can't wait!"
Toma felt happy from the inside, but what can he tell her? He did lie to her. He doesn't want to lie to her. Natsume was confused about what Toma is feeling. Although, Tsukumo did say that they are warming up for the big opening.
"Umm... thanks."
"So, when does it start?" Natsume started to get persistent.
"It starts tonight!" Toma said excitedly. He started to feel all happy and smiling. "I can't wait anymore. I want to hear the fans screaming for us!"
"You sound all happy and smiling. How cute." Toma blushed lightly. Natsume chuckles. "The most important thing as an idol is to make all of the fans happy. They will be happy if you can make them feel themselves and understand what they are feeling wrong."
"Yeah. You're right. I want to make the fans happy." He forgot what his purpose was. He immediately changed his personality. "W-wait! No! They are blinded with lies! TRIGGER can drown with their lies! Using dirty tricks with the fans!" He didn't notice that he was still with Natsume. He was blurting all of these out while she was there...
Natsume narrowed her eyes as she frowned. She wasn't fond of Toma saying all of this. She can't show the expression towards Toma. He might think that she is being suspicious.
She tilted her head as she was pretending to be confused. "TRIGGER? Dirty tricks? What are you talking about?"
The dark red-haired flinched. He forgot that Natsume is here. Now, he needed to make up another lie to her. "Don't worry about it. TRIGGER is a strong group. No dirty tricks at all." He laughed nervously.
The empress knows that Toma is lying. Staying out of character isn't going to be fun for her. "If you say so. Anyways, should I be there when you guys are performing on the stage tonight? Or should I not come?"
"You should come. It would help us to have some support from behind. After all, you are our manager. Once the opening is over, we'll be introducing ourselves to the world. I can't help but hate the world of lies." Toma clenched his fist.
"World of lies? Do you mean the entire world is nothing but lies to you?" Natsume crossed her arms on her chest.
"Of course! This is why I choose this path! To crush anyone who lies to the people here!" Toma exclaimed.
This is where Natsume wanted to correct him, but she can't. It was hurting Natsume more than Toma. It reminded her a lot in the past. Toma is being brainwashed by the one person who made him like this. Not just him, Torao, Minami, and Haruka as well. She is slowly understanding what is going on just by Toma's reactions and attitude.
"But... aren't you doing the same thing as them?" She pointed out his lies. Toma was sweating bullets from his face. "You're right that the world is nothing but lies. But people lie to cover up their secrets. They don't want no one to know what it is. It would be painful for them more than the people who hate lies. As long as you are making people happy, then you don't need to wear the mask."
Toma was impressed by Natsume's words. It feels like he was about to open up from her speech. He hates to lie to his fans and Natsume, but he wants to stick with the plan on TRIGGER. He had no words to say.
"Would you hate someone if they lie to you?" He asked.
"It depends on the situation or the atmosphere. They can say a lot of bullshit, but it doesn't change the facts that they are complete lies. That expressions them as a human being and not being caged up." She answered.
Toma widens his eyes. He feels guilty now for what he is doing now. Hiding lies forever isn't going to last long. He can't stay in the shadows forever. He is going to get bitten by someone in the future.
"I see." Those were the only words he could say.
It was getting dark. It was time for them to start their big opening today. Natsume was curious about what this big opening is. Maybe it's to introduce the new group into the world of idols.
"It's time for you to go. The opening is about to start. Make sure you make the fans go wild with your smile." Natsume smiled.
Toma just nodded. He turns to leave for his big opening today. He didn't stop to look at Natsume. He continues to walk farther and farther away. The white empress turned her smile into a frown.
"Did you hear all of that, Tsukasa?" She called as she knew he was listening.
Tsukasa walked out of the alley and chuckled. Tsukasa has short dark brown hair with yellow eyes. He has a black coat that hangs around his shoulders, a white button shirt, blue pants, and black and blue shoes. "That was... interesting. I didn't think he would say all of that. He too is lying. He doesn't want to admit he is around you, because you're too nice and beautiful." He teased.
Natsume huffed. "Shut your mouth, Tsukasa. This isn't the time for that. We still need to lay low until I know what is going. Well, I only got the gesture of it."
Tsukasa placed his hand on his chest like he was bowing to her. "Shall we return then, my empress?"
She nodded as she walked past Tsukasa. "There's a lot to discuss when we return."
"Of course." He said trailing her from behind.
Natsume and Tsukasa walk into the streets and see the area glowing multicolored. They see people gathering around a stage on the streets wondering what is going on. Two silhouettes appeared on stage. Minami and Torao walked on stage staring at the people.
"Are those the ones you were talking about?" Tsukasa asked, frowning. Natsume nods. He didn't like how they were looking at the people. "This is disgusting to see. Where are the other two?"
Haruka and Toma finally arrived on stage.
"So, this is the big opening Tsukumo was talking about. Is this where they are going to introduce who they are?" Natsume crossed her arms.
"Should we watch them until the end?" Tsukasa crossed his arms on his chest.
"I would like to know who they are first before we leave. They can have their fun with the audiences." She doesn't know their group name.
Haruka started to talk on stage. "You want us to sing?! You want us to dance?! Then you got your wish! We'll destroy everything! We're going to purify every single soul into ease! Remember us! Remember who we are! ZOOL! Poisonous Gangster!"
The audiences started to cheer for them. The performance and songs were good. Natsume and Tsukasa were not impressed with the words chosen by ZOOL.
"They're called ZOOL. What an interesting name. Nothing more than circus animals putting on a show." Tsukasa feels disgusted by watching them.
"And the words from Haruka aren't pleasant either. They will do anything to fool the audiences with their fake performance, dance, and smile. They're not even trying and singing seriously." Natsume didn't want to see the rest of the show. She leaves the area. "I'm not going to watch the rest. Come. Let's go home."
Tsukasa watched ZOOL for a few minutes then followed Natsume back home.
ZOOL finished their performance. The audiences cheered for them even more. Minami caught something on the corner of his eyes. He sees Natsume leaving the area with Tsukasa behind her. He started to be more suspicious.
Torao looked at Minami. "Is there something wrong, Minami?" He asked curiously.
"No," Minami replied smiling as he turned to Torao.
"Don't get too excited."
Minami chuckled blandly. "Don't worry. I won't be."
Tsukasa and Natsume returned to the apartment for the day. They were disappointed about what happened on the street. It was almost like it was disgraced to watch any further. Shinobu sees them home.
"Did you two see what happened?" He asked, frowning.
Tsukasa crossed his arms and sighs. "We did. On the streets. It wasn't pleasant to watch, but the dancing and singing are good. That is the only thing I'm going to say about ZOOL."
The empress looked around the main room and noticed some people weren't here. "Where's Hayate, Minato, Takumi, and Akatsuki?"
Shinobu shrugged. "I haven't seen them. They are probably on the streets watching them as well. Now, ZOOL was on TV too. A new debut idols under Tsukumo Production. I can see why Ryo-san needs another manager to deal with them."
"I didn't do anything special to catch his attention. He saw me and took me away to Tsukumo Production." Natsume said as she walked towards the window and stared at the scene behind the window.
"Maybe he saw some potential in you, Natsume. Luckily, he doesn't know yet." Tsukasa leaned on the wall.
"What would happen if they found out?" Shinobu sat down on the couch.
"I'll be immediately removed as manager. He will do anything to start a war against me. Tsukumo knows how to control the media. Momo told me that. So, I have to be careful while being the manager of ZOOL." The white-haired empress sighed lightly.
Tsukasa laughed softly. "It seems that the empress doesn't like her new job. Do you hate to pretend to play this role?" Natsume nods. Shinobu chuckled. "You will be fine. Just be careful around them."
"I know, but Minami has eyes on me." She turned to the boys.
"Oooh. That's one turn of an event. I didn't know he was on to you." Tsukasa teased.
Natsume pouted. "Stop teasing me. Minami has no interest in me. I can tell by looking at his eyes."
"Looks can be deceiving. You'll never know in the future. If you can change him then he will probably grow to attach to you. I mean you got Toma already attached to you." The dark brown-haired smirked on the end of his lips.
"I don't know what is in that mind of yours. I think it is best that I see it until the end. And no, Toma is not attached to me." She rubbed her temples.
Tsukasa kept smiling. "I don't know. I see him follow you everywhere you go like a lost dog. So, good luck with that, my empress."
"Tsukasa. You don't need to do that to her. She is just a thirsty predator looking for delicious prey. That's why she needed to suck all of the thirst in." Shinobu said as he smirked, leaning on the couch.
"And I thought Shinobu would save me, but that was the worst." Natsume walked past Tsukasa. She felt a little uncomfortable. Shinobu isn't the type to say that. It was rare to hear that from him. "I'm going back to my apartment to sleep. Tomorrow, it is going to be hell." She opened the door to walk out then closed it from behind.
Tsukasa chuckled softly as he turned to the red-haired. "Since when did you start talking like that, Shinobu?"
Shinobu shrugged. "It's not my fault that the empress taught us. She did say it is important if things like that happen."
"You're right. Sadly, Minato doesn't know anything about that. He would learn a lot."
"Minato is just too cute to know anything. That is why we have to not tell him anything until he is at the right age."
"I'm surprised that Hayate understood all of that even though he is the second youngest."
"He is no idiot, Tsukasa. Natsume wanted Hayate to learn that just in case he is in that kind of situation. There are girls who do that. Minato can just walk away with ease." Shinobu stood from the couch and yawned. He cracked his neck to feel more comfortable. "I'm going to bed now. Natsume is going to be busy again. We have to stay low until we can make a move. Another boring day again."
Tsukasa chuckled darkly. "You know. You do have permission to do so."
The red-haired blinked then chuckles. He didn't know he was allowed to do such a measurement. "Ooh, that would make my day even more funner."
"Don't do anything rough. We don't want them to know who we are, even Natsume." Tsukasa stated.
"I won't. You know me." Shinobu assured as he waved his hand in the air.
At the entrance of Tsukumo's company, Natsume was standing in front of the entrance. She was remembered last night with ZOOL's performance. The audiences did enjoy their debut on the street. It didn't just catch the audiences..., TVs, cameras, and the media were pouring about ZOOL's first appearances on stage.
"Where were you last night?" A voice from behind called.
She sighed lightly. She didn't expect to see him early in the morning. "Were you expecting me to come to see ZOOL's debut, Minami?" She almost felt like she was threatening him.
He smiled blandly. "Were you the one who wanted to see us at our big opening?" He backfired.
"That's true. I did watch you guys do your debut on the street. It was... very interesting. I didn't expect to see good dancing and singing for your first time." Natsume turned around to Minami to look at his eyes. Minami starts to beware of Natsume. He doesn't know what she is going to do. "Has anyone told you that you have beautiful eyes?"
He can't tell if that was a compliment or an insult. He kept his composure. "Why thank you. I shall take it as no context."
"You think that was an insult? You should say it was a compliment, but I understand. You guys don't trust me. That's fine." Natsume tilted her head sideways.
"You're taking things too lightly, Hayabusa-chan. You will never know what would happen." Minami continued. "If you like, I can give you a fortune. I'm very good at fortune telling."
The empress didn't know Minami could do fortune telling. Although, she doesn't know what kind of fortune he makes. "Do tell." She was curious to know what it is.
"You have an interesting fortune. You have that erotic side you use to tease, to have fun, or being seductive if someone caught your interest. You have that hidden dark side. That smile makes everyone happy and attracts any man. You will do anything to prove anyone's abilities to be better. Those eyes are like a tiger hunting its prey down coldly. I didn't know you have that kind of eating habit." Minami told Natsume's fortune. Natsume was surprised that the snake was able to see through her personality. "How long are you going to stay hidden, Hayabusa-chan?"
"You're really a sly snake. I'll give you that." Natsume gives Minami some credit for knowing her personality. Not everyone will guess it correctly. "Why? Are you going to tell Tsukumo? After all, you are his circus animal for show."
Minami didn't say anything back. Ryo is indeed using them, but it doesn't change the fact they are doing this for revenge and hate. "Who knows. I'm just using this method against the people I disgust. And you are one of them. You and I have different taste."
"What kind of method?" She crossed her arms on her chest, frowning.
He chuckled. "That is something you have to figure out yourself. Well, I shall see you in the office with the others." Minami walked past Natsume to go inside of Tsukumo's company.
She watched Minami as he walked inside of Tsukumo's Production then sighs deeply. "And he wants me to watch him. I guess his prediction was right. He did say that I am the one who can change him, but how? He isn't going to be an easy one. I did keep that promise to him after all." She muttered.
"Why are you standing here, Natsu?" A voice from behind called. "Are you feeling ill?"
"I'm feeling upset." She answered. Natsume didn't turn around to look at Toma.
"Did someone bully you? If someone bullies you, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll deal with them for hurting you. I don't like people picking on the weak." Toma was worried about Natsume. The empress was shocked to hear Toma being all worried about her. Maybe he does care about the people who are important to him.
"I'm fine. No one bullied me. Thanks for worrying about me, Toma." She smiled softly as she turned around to face him.
Toma blushed softly as he waved his hands back and forth. "N-No problem. I'm glad that you're fine. So, did you say something earlier? Something about a promise?"
"Don't worry about it. I was thinking about something else." Natsume walked towards the entrance into Tsukumo's Company. "Let's go. Everyone is waiting for us." Toma nodded then trail behind her.
"Did you see us do our debut last night? But you weren't there to see us. I thought you forgot about us." Toma wanted to know if she watched them perform. He felt sad that she wasn't there.
Natsume sighed lightly. She has to answer the same question. "I did. It was very interesting. Although, I want ZOOL to sing more seriously. It's not showing enough passion for the song itself."
He flinched as she said that. He moves his eyes back and forth nervously. "W-We were serious. We want the show to the audiences... our debut first before we went serious."
"You know you're really bad at lying." She chuckled.
He was happy to hear her laugh. He didn't need to worry about her. "It's nice to hear you laugh."
She stopped. She forgot that she wasn't supposed to interact with ZOOL too nicely. "Yeah. Thanks. Forget that laugh."
The dark red-haired was surprised. He didn't know why she said that. "What do you mean forget it? Your laugh is so... cu- I mean nice. It's the same with your smile."
Natsume knows that being too nice with them will cause many problems. She has to invade it. "If we don't hurry, Tsukumo is going to be mad."
Toma wanted to know why she is acting like that. She was nice and friendly. Now, she is being spiteful and stubborn. It was making him worried. What is causing her to act like that? He might need to do some research to know. Of course, Ryo won't allow such a thing. He needs to do it in secret.
They arrived in Tsukumo's office. Everyone was present while Tsukumo was sitting on his chair behind the desk. He was smiling when they arrived at his office. He quickly stood up and walked up to Natsume. She could feel chills up her spine.
"I have a job for you, Natsume-chan," Tsukumo said as he gives a devilish smile.
She doesn't know what he is planning. "What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to handle Re:vale." He replied as he leaned closer to her. "They are in our way and I want you to distract them for me."
"Are you expecting me to do the job right?" Natsume asked. She was against Tsukumo's decision. Of course, he doesn't know that she is an undercover manager. "Re:vale will be suspicious of me. Not only that, but I also haven't started anything with ZOOL."
"Don't worry. If you play your cards right, they won't find out." Tsukumo said.
Natsume doesn't mind being with Re:vale for a while. She was getting bored. "If that is what you want then I shall take my leave." She turns around and leaves the office.
"You think she can do it, Ryo-san?" Torao asked, worrying.
"She just started as a manager for ZOOL. So, I don't think it would be a problem if she is an innocent person. As long, she isn't in the way. We should be fine. Besides, I don't like her." Haruka frowned.
"Correct. Our plan to extinguish TRIGGER is still going on. We are going to take some extreme measure." Tsukumo smirked.
"As long as we still eliminate TRIGGER, I'm fine with Natsu doing whatever." Toma frowned, though he was worried about Natsume. He wants to follow her to find what she is hiding.
"Besides, we should be careful. She might be innocent from the outside, but she is a beast from the inside." Minami said as he warned them. "Stay alerted around her."
They were dumbfounded by what Minami was talking about. They thought he was making it up.
Tsukumo smiled. "Don't make up some silly lies, Minami. Natsume doesn't look like the type to do that kind of thing. She's pure innocent. She's like a white tiger showing her shiny fur coat to attract many people."
"Is that why you chose her to be our manager?" Torao asked.
"Of course. There was something special about her that made me want ZOOL to destroy the world. Fufu." He laughed.
Minami was getting a little worried. "You take this too lightly, Ryo-san. If you don't see the beast release its inner self, then you will get pounced on. You will regret it when you see it."
"Minami. I already got you guys caged in. So, I can do the same thing to her as well. Caged animals should stay in a cage and tame under their masters orders. Then you caged animals will be abandoned after I'm done with the plan. So, don't underestimate me." Tsukumo frowned but kept his composure. Minami didn't want to anger Tsukumo anymore. It would make it worse. "Now, we got that out of the way. We should plan a crime on TRIGGER."
"Crime? What would that be?" Torao asked curiously.
"We're going to seize them." Tsukumo grinned as he clasped his hands together.
Toma was shocked by Tsukumo's extreme measure of kidnapping TRIGGER. "Whoa! Don't get me involved in any crime!"
"Don't worry. We won't get involved. I have some friends that can do the job for us. We just need to lure them and force them to capture them." Tsukumo assured.
Haruka scoffed. "As long as he suffers, I'm good with that. I want him to suffer more and break him apart. No one will accept him once he is done being rejected by the world." Haruka hates Tenn with a passion. He just wants to see him burn with a lot of pain and hate from the fans.
As on cue, Natsume was on the other side of the room listening to the entire conversation. Of course, she was surprised they are planning something extremely dangerous. Luckily, she was able to hear this on the other side of the room. That was enough information for her to hate ZOOL and Tsukumo. How long does she need to be with them? She has to wait until she meets with Momo.
She leaves the room and continues to go to Re:vale to tell them everything about the plan. It's going to be one hell of the day for TRIGGER.
Natsume arrived at Zero Arena where Re:vale and Idolish7 was gathering around. Sadly, TRIGGER was supposed to arrive at their concert. They were late. She was too late to tell Momo. Everything is falling into the hands of Tsukumo and ZOOL's plan. She felt so worthless to help.
"Momo." She turned to the source of the voice. "Natsume-chan, something important is happening."
"I know. I heard it from them. They were talking about abducting TRIGGER when their concert is today." Natsume told him. She feels so guilty to do anything. "But it seems I was too late. They already started their plan."
Momo shook his head. "No. You're fine. We need to get them in time for the concert." He tried to lift her spirit.
The empress blinked then chuckled. "You're right, Momo. There is still some time left before it is too late."
"Momo-san, who is this?" The orange-haired asked.
Momo turns to Idolish7 and smiles. "This is Natsume Hayabusa. She is an old friend of mine and Yuki's too."
Natsume bowed to them. "Hello there. You guys must be Idolish7." They were amazed to see Natsume. "We don't have time to glare at me. We have TRIGGER to save. We can save the introduction later."
They agreed."We should split into groups to search for them." The dark green-haired said.
"We're saving them."
"Let's go."
Idolish7 goes out to find TRIGGER before the concert starts. Momo and Natsume looked at each other and nodded.
"We can't expose you yet, Natsume-chan. Not only that, but I'll also be going to Tsukumo Production. For now, we'll discuss more after all of this is over." Momo promised.
"Of course. I'll see you later. I'll go back home and talk to my boys. They know what to do." The empress smirked.
"Just make sure they aren't too rough on them." Momo was worried.
"They won't. You know them, Momo."
Momo leaves Zero Arena to go to Tsukumo Production. Natsume knows Momo isn't a fool to fall over Tsukumo's trap. They were old friends in the past, but now it is different from the two.
Natsume leaves Zero Arena to go back home for the day. It is going to be a serious talk when she gets back.
As she leaves the Zero Arena, Toma sees her walking out. Now, this is an opportunity to follow her. He starts to follow her from behind. He has to be careful about not being caught by her.
The white empress returned to the apartment. She walked into her boys' apartment. They see her coming into their apartment. They can tell she doesn't look too unhappy about something.
"You look upset. What happened, Natsume?" Tsukasa asked, crossing his arms on his chest.
"You won't like it." Natsume frowned.
She told them everything that happened. ZOOL's and Tsukumo's plans, TRIGGER got abducted, Idolish7 is searching for TRIGGER before the concert starts and more. They don't look happy at all.
Shinobu punched the wall out of frustration. "Damn! They are scum bags for doing this! I won't forgive them!" He hissed.
"What do you want us to do, Natsume?" Hayate asked, curiously. He was sitting on the couch.
"We're going to teach them a lesson." She answered.
"How are we going to do that?" Takumi was a little confused.
"We play with them," Minato replied as he bites another rainbow pudding in his mouth. "I want to make friends like Haru-chan then destroy him!" He smug.
Akatsuki sighed. "Minato is scary when he is showing his devil side. How should we proceed?"
Natsume shrugged. "Do whatever. I don't care. Just don't do anything rough on them. Momo needs them for something. And don't show too much. It's going to expose us. Tsukumo doesn't know that Clash exists. He is too busy playing with his caged animals, Riku Nanase, and Momo."
Tsukasa frowned. "That doesn't seem too pleased. He is a stalker indeed. That is why he chose you to be their manager. If he saw something special about you. After all, you are The White Empress."
"He disgusts me. It was sending chills up on my spine." Natsume remembered something. "Oh, Shinobu, don't get too rough on Toma. He's soft and I think he grew attached to me. Tsukasa was right."
Tsukasa chuckled softly. "Didn't I tell you that looks can be deceiving. Toma is a good boy for hanging out with the empress in secret."
"But do you think he will tell Ryo everything?" Hayate stood up from the couch.
"I don't think so. I think deep inside. Toma isn't a bad person. He's just bad being a bad guy. I also heard rumors that he was the vocalist of NO_MAD." The empress crossed her arms.
"NO_MAD? Oh, that group. No wonder why I haven't seen any new release songs." Shinobu remembered. "If Toma is with ZOOL then that means NO_MAD was disbanded."
Minato finished his pudding. "Ah, Shin is a big fan of NO_MAD."
"So, we're starting tomorrow?" Takumi wanted to confirm.
"As I said, do whatever. Just don't be rough. I'm an undercover manager for Momo. It won't be long until I'm set free from pretending to be innocent." Natsume pouted.
Clash started to laugh. "That's our empress for you," Tsukasa said.
"Anyways, TRIGGER is already done for, but they will come back. They just need to play their cards right."
Akatsuki yawned. "It's getting late. We can deal with them tomorrow."
Natsume nodded. "Yes, you are right. I'm going to my apartment. I think it is when ZOOL starts to show themselves on shows. Good night." The empress leaves Clash's apartment.
Toma came out of the hiding watching her leaving. He heard everything. Now, he knows her secrets. It would be hard for him to tell her anything. He could tell Tsukumo, but he feels comfortable when Natsume is around him. There's no point telling Tsukumo all of this. He would start attacking her from being an undercover manager.
Minami was right about Natsume. She is a beast from the inside. Tsukumo is going to be pounced on sooner or later once he gets the truth. Toma has to stay low around Natsume. He doesn't want to wake the beast inside of her.
I have completed the chapter. I needed to do a scene with Natsume and Minami. I can't Toma take all of the spotlight. The Mitsuki is probably the next chapter, but I can't promise that.
Thanks for reading. I'll see you in the next chapter.
