Chapter 3: The New B-Komachi
To say that Ruby was excited was an understatement. She was practically screaming from both excitement and joy after Ai delivered the news that not only would she be an idol, but her okaasan, the best idol who ever lived, would be her manager.
Not only that, but Ruby would also be an idol in the next generation of B-Komachi, which completely solidified her dreams. Imagining herself dancing as Ai did, performing the same songs and living in her okassan's shadow was the greatest feeling she could imagine.
She imagined, that if she did get big, how many little girls in hospital beds could she inspire, the same way that Ai inspired her.
"Ruby-Chan, pay attention." Ai said as they went over the contract.
"I'm ready to sign mama, we can just skip this." She smiled.
"Ruby-Chan, we need to make sure we fully understand our roles, compensations, and legal responsibilities." Ai said.
"Saitou-San would never do anything bad to us mama." Ruby said.
"It doesn't matter, we still need to take this seriously." Ai said. "The lawyer explained it to me in detail and we need to make sure we understand it."
"How did you ever convince papa to give you the money for a lawyer?" Ruby asked.
Ai smirked at her daughter, a cute knowing smirk and placed her finger to her lips and winked at Ruby.
"A mama has her ways." Ai giggled.
Ai knew that she'd need to convince Eren to give her the money for a lawyer since Saitou wouldn't pay for it. However, they can be expensive, and Ai knew that it would cost them a lot.
"So, we need to get her a lawyer, but the money needs to come from us." Ai said to Eren.
"You mean me?" Eren said.
"Yup." Ai said, keeping her smiling persona and ready to manipulate Eren if she needed to.
"It'll probably cost us that Hawaii trip we've been talking about." Eren said.
Not like that trip would matter since Eren is too preoccupied with the ocean instead of her every time they go to a beach. Ai views it as a win, win for her.
"It's for our daughter." Ai reminded him.
Getting Eren to choose something over the beach would be hard. Especially since he's been wanting to go to Hawaii for some time now. Ai had a few ways she planned to convince him.
One way she decided was using her body to convince him. Since Ai was a sweet and innocent girl, she'd be very reluctant to do so. She'd have to reluctantly sell her body to him for the money, to forfeit her dignity and let her husband take advantage of her. Eren was still a man after all, so a bit of seduction should be enough to-
"Ok." Eren said.
Seriously!?
"I mean... don't you want to maybe think about it first." Ai said.
"You make a good point, it's for our daughter." Eren said.
"I know... but there could be arguments you have. Or something that can counter my points." Ai tried to say.
"No, it's fine." Eren shrugged.
Well, that's disappointing, Ai thought to herself. This was supposed to lead into a fun bit of roleplay, but he decides to be a good papa instead. She just wanted to give him an excuse to take advantage of her.
"You're so clueless sometimes." Ai crossed her arms and pouted.
"What?" Eren asked, not understanding why Ai was upset.
Ai went over the details of the contract with Ruby and showed her some of the potential traps she could fall into. Their lawyer said he was a bit surprised since the contract was pretty relaxed and didn't have the typical pitfalls he'd see in order to trap idols.
Saitou never was someone who intentionally trapped his idols. He was strict in what he expected but fair with compensating them. Infact, there were times where he would go to great lengths to protect her and the other girls. That's why Ai felt comfortable with Ruby pursuing her dream of being an idol since Eren would physically protect her, Ai can teach her what to do, and Saitou wouldn't try to legally trap her.
"So, we'll need to recruit other girls." Ai said.
"Well, our performing arts school has a lot of candidates, I can see if anyone is interested." Ruby said.
"That would be difficult." Ai pointed out.
"How so?" Ruby asked.
"Sadly, since your situation is too controversial, many aspiring idols may pass us up so as not to be in the fallout if we decline." Ai explained. "Finding help will be tough to start with, unless we find someone as desperate as us sadly."
"So, we need me to go out and search for potential idols at the school?" Ruby asked.
"We could also send Aqua to help." Ai said.
"Nani?" Aqua asked from the couch, hearing his name.
Aqua was reading a medical book on the couch. He told Ruby he's trying to fresh up on his old knowledge and try to become a doctor again, something that surprised Ruby. He never said he was a doctor till a few years ago to her.
Mikasa was sitting on the couch too, though her eyes were firmly glued to the TV. Ai had a smart TV that had access to YouTube, since her younger kids rarely watched normal TV. Right now, she was watching her favorite YouTube channel about exploration or something.
"Aqua-Chan, do you mind scouting some talent for us?" Ai asked.
"Why?" Aqua asked.
"Because you're going to Ruby's school, right?" Ai asked.
"Yes, I am." Aqua said.
"Wait, he is? I thought he was going to a different one." Ruby said.
"Aqua-Chan said he changed his mind last minute." Ai said.
"Is this his sister complex again?" Ruby asked.
"No." Aqua sighed.
"Then why change your mind?" Ruby asked. "It's not because I'm actually an idol now, is it?"
Well, that was the reason. Aqua did promise to protect the family, to include his annoying sister. So, he decided that he'd go to her school in order to keep an eye on her and make sure she didn't do anything stupid.
If Ruby didn't end up actually becoming an idol, he would have joined a school that would be better for his plans to be a doctor again. But, since she did, he decided to go to keep an eye on her.
"You're overthinking it." Aqua lied.
"Mama, oniichan is being a creepy stalker." Ruby said to Ai.
"Aqua, you shouldn't stalk your successful sister." Ai joked.
"Successful okaasan? I think you're giving her too much credit." Aqua smirked.
"Oh?" Ruby said, actually offended. "You'll see. I'll light up an entire stadium with red glowsticks!"
"Red?" Ai asked in excitement.
"Of course, mama. Just like you." Ruby smiled.
"I'll make sure to avoid that color." Aqua joked.
"Who would want a weirdo like you as a fan anyway." Ruby said with a giggle.
Ai noticed how they always joked around with each other. They bickered like siblings, but Ai knew that they did care for each other. Ruby was the one who initiated most of the teasing, but Aqua did fire back occasionally.
"Enough you two, you'll need to get ready for school tomorrow. So, make sure you both prepare. I don't care about you being an idol Ruby, you will continue to do well at school." Ai said sternly.
"Yes mama." Ruby said with a sigh.
What was the point of schoolwork anyway when she was going to be a famous idol?
"But mama, I am almost done the video." Mikasa whined.
"No buts Mika-Chan." Ai said. "You need sleep to prepare for school."
"But it's almost over." She said.
Ai looked over at the YouTube channel to see what her daughter was watching. Mikasa inherited her otosans love of exploration and watched so many travel channels. A lot of them expeditions to mountains, forests, cave diving, and other unique activities.
Her favorite one was made by a teenage boy; Ai could barely remember what the channel was called. Beyond the something. He was about Ruby's age and made a lot of money traveling the world and exploring. He was some British foreigner from what Ai could tell from his accent.
"He announced he's coming to Japan." Mikasa said.
"Really?" Ai asked.
"Yea, he's auditioning for LoveNow apparently."
"What is that?" Ai asked.
"It's a reality dating show for teenagers." Mikasa said. "I just know he'll be the most popular."
"Why would they hire a foreigner?" Ai asked.
"Apparently, they needed one more boy for the show and decided to get a well-known foreigner for ratings." Mikasa said. "Besides, I can't wait. They picked a perfect choice. Byond the Walls Expeditions is the best channel."
"Interesting." Ai said.
Watching the video, the blonde boy was currently dangling off a cliffside and climbing his way up while talking into a camera that she assumed a friend was holding. He was covered in ropes and harnesses that secured him to the verticle cliff wall, incase he fell.
Ai couldn't understand why any parent would allow their fourteen-year-old son to do something so dangerous.
"He's so amazing." Mikasa sighed.
Oh no, her nine-year-old daughter is having her first celebrity crush. Ai giggled at the little crush. Ai never really had any celebrity crushes since she became a celebrity very quick, though she assumed it was normal for young girls. Miyako-San even said Ayane-Chan was developing her own celebrity crush at a young age already.
"Anyway, it's YouTube and you can watch it whenever you want." Ai said.
"But-"
"Don't make me get your otosan." Ai said as she placed her hands on her hips.
"Fine." Mikasa said, finally listening once Eren was involved.
Ai took the remote and shut the TV off, getting ready for bed herself. Eren said it was going to be another late night so he wouldn't be back for a while.
It had been a few days since Ruby and Ai signed their contracts. Ruby had called saying that she found an idol candidate, or more accurately, Aqua managed to convince the girl to join the new B-Komachi group. Apparently, it was some girl Aqua acted with the one time he acted in that movie Ai was a part of.
Ai rewatched the movie, slightly cringing at her old performance, and checked out the scene that had the new girl. Arima Kana, who was a child prodigy that ended up going nowhere in her career. Her acting was good for someone so young, but Aqua gave a chilling performance that still made Ai nervous.
If Ai remembered right, the two hated each other. So why would Arima-San agree to working with Ruby? Especially since from what she researched; Arima-San had desires to become an actor and not an idol. Both career fields overlapped sometimes, but it was difficult to completely jump from one profession to the next. Especially since any mistakes in the idol industry could bar you from any form of entertainment.
"Where do you want these boxes?" Eren asked as he helped carry stuff into their new studio.
"Over there please." Ai pointed at the corner as she continued typing in her laptop.
The studio was a small dance studio building that Ai rented using Saitou's funding. It was a simple space with one common area and a dance practice room, perfect for a small upcoming idol group. So far though, she had to divert resources and funding to buying essentials, like furniture, tables, and studio equipment.
Thankfully, she had her husband, who was more than willing to help, along with Kawachi who wanted to help his papa.
"Excellent, that should do it for now." Ai gave Eren and Kawachi a wide mouthed smile.
"You said the new girl is supposed to be coming." Eren said.
"Yes, Arima Kana. Aqua managed to convince her." Ai said.
"Not surprising." Eren said.
"Oh, and why is that?" Ai narrowed her eyes at Eren.
Because Aqua is an adult in a teenager's body, meaning he has enough life experience to convince a teenager to join an opportunity and how to effectively communicate that deal.
"He's charming." Eren said, which wasn't really a lie.
"She better watch herself around my baby boy." Ai said with a bit of venom in her voice.
Aqua was her sweet innocent baby boy. He needed to be protected and if Arima-San had any intentions of dating her son, Ai would have to extensively vet her.
Knock, knock, knock
"I got it." Eren said.
Eren walked over to the door and opened it, showing the smiling face of Ruby, the serious face of Aqua, and a red headed girl he didn't recognize. Eren assumed this was that Arima girl Ai talked about but wasn't sure.
"Hi papa!" Ruby yelled out with a waved.
"Papa?" The red head asked. "He's your otosan?"
"Eren's related by marriage." Aqua said. "He's not our real otosan."
"He is mine." Kawachi said after putting the last box down.
"Welcome Arima-San, I'm the manager, but please call me Ai." Ai said.
"It's nice to meet you Ai-San." Kana said.
Kana looked curiously at both Eren and Ai, as if she felt like she should recognize them. Something about both of them looked very familiar.
"Forgive me for saying, but aren't you too young to be a manager?" Kana asked.
"Oh, you flatter me." Ai giggled. "I'm only seventeen."
"Nani!?" Kana looked at her in shock. A manager at seventeen, how was that possible?
"Mama, you're not seventeen." Ruby said.
"Mama!?" Kana yelled out. "That's impossible, you look like you're Ruby-San's age!"
Flattery will get you nowhere, Ai thought to herself... but she was extremely happy that she could still pass for a teenager.
"Oh, thank you." Ai blushed.
"Seriously, how old are you? You must have great skincare routine." Kana asked.
"I already said, I'm seventeen." She smiled again.
"Huh?" Kawachi asked. "Okaasan, I thought you were thi- Itai!" Kawachi hopped on his leg. Did his okaasan just kick him in the shin!?
"So, this is your husband?" Kana looked at the foreigner, hoping to change the subject before someone was killed.
"Yes, this is my husband. Since family names are last, he introduces himself as Eren Yeager." Ai greeted for her husband.
Kana's breath just halted in her chest. Eren Yeager... she without a doubt remembered that name now. Of course, she should remember. Hoshino Aqua, being the son of the idol Hoshino Ai... who was married to Eren Yeager... the Akuma no Ko.
Truthfully, most of the media coverage of Eren died down years ago, but he was still well known. Kana just didn't put things together until now. She was standing in front of the most dangerous man in Tokyo. The man who was so good at killing, the government hired him so he could kill for them. At least, that's what a YouTube channel said when she would watch it years ago.
"H-h-hi E-Eren-S-san." Kana was a stuttering mess, truly fearing for her life.
"Arima, right?" Eren asked, remaining polite.
"Y-you can call m-me whatever you l-like." She stuttered.
Eren sighed, annoyed that another person was acting like he was getting ready to kill them. He actually hasn't illegally killed anyone since he joined Naicho. People in this country really never let things go.
Ai was worried though, she hoped that this didn't cause Arima to run away since she felt she could be in danger. Obviously, everyone in the room knew Eren would never hurt her, but apparently Arima-San didn't see it that way.
"Sure, Arima." Eren said. "Are you excited to work for B-Komachi?" Eren tried to make small talk.
"Of course, B-Komachi is probably the best idol group in the world." She said in a rushed tone.
"Are you saying that because you're scared of me or is that your actual opinion?" Eren asked.
"Nope, it's m-my real opinion." Kana lied. She'll say anything to live to see tomorrow, and insulting a former Yakuza killer is a quick way to die.
Eren shook his head, knowing that there's no way she'd be comfortable enough to be honest with him. He might as well leave since he was scaring the young girl.
"I'm going to leave." Eren said to Ai.
"Of course, darin." Ai gave him a warm smile.
Eren bent down to give Ai a kiss on the cheek, who blushed and covered her face with her hands, as if she was embarrassed by the affection her husband showed. She had a look of shyness about her, as if she was still a teenager who was shy of her first kiss.
In reality, she wasn't shy, but any time there were people around, Ai pretended to be shy any time Eren showed affection. Aqua assumed this was because in Japan, it was expected that a woman should be shy and innocent when it came to any kinds of displayed affection.
Though this didn't typically extend to married women, Aqua assumed that Ai took it to the next level since she still maintained some of her idol persona. So even though she was a married woman with four kids, she still acted in public as if she had yet to have her first kiss.
"Goodbye darin." She waved as Eren began to leave.
"Welcome to B-Komachi Arima." Eren said gently as he left.
Kana breathed a sigh of relief, feeling safe now that the dangerous man was no longer here.
"Please don't be scared around my husband." Ai said. "I know he can seem scary, but he is a good man."
"I'm sorry, it's just that..." Kana began. "I still never understood why an idol like you could possibly fall in love with a lowlife criminal." Kana suddenly remembered that she was talking to the wife and children of said lowlife. "N-no offense."
"Oh, don't worry." Ai waved her off. "I can understand how people feel about Eren. They only know what they saw on the news or social media. No one really sees him as a loving otosan or a husband."
"Honestly, I don't know why people are scared." Kawachi said. "Otosan only ever gets violent when someone attacks us."
"It's just... I don't know what he'd do to me if I messed up your idol business." Kana said in a worried tone.
"My husband never cared for idol work." Ai giggled. "He doesn't even really care for this outside of it being Ruby's dream. He'd never get upset with you if you ever messed up."
"Unless you hurt my oneesan, at which point he'd break your face-" A hand wrapped around Kawachi's face.
"Your otosan would never hurt a teenage girl." Ai said.
"Yea, you don't have to worry at all loli senpai." Ruby said.
Ai and Kawachi had to stop themselves from laughing at the ridiculous nickname, though Aqua remained neutral since he heard it already.
"Stop calling me that!" Kana yelled, holding a fist up to her new coworker.
"So Arima-San, what made you decide to join B-Komachi?" Ai asked. "I hope the revelation of who me and my husband are didn't change your mind." Ai said.
That was a concern for Ai. It was very likely that Kana would end up leaving, recognizing that this new idol agency already had to fight a controversy before they even had a chance to perform. Afterall, Kana needed to prioritize her career as well, so it may be smarter to seek another agency. Ai had no doubt that her career would be successful with how beautiful and exotic she looked with that red hair.
Kana did start to think about what this revelation meant though. To be sure, it would put her in a dangerous position for her career. Idols can suffer the brunt of the fallout from the agencies as well, so the very fact that she's working with the wife of the Akuma no Ko could end her career before she had a chance to perform.
However...
If she rejected the offer... would Eren try to kill her? Is she now trapped in a fabricated deal, where she has no choice but to join or else Eren will hire some Yakuza thugs to attack her? If he did, how could she fight that? Eren is now basically in the government and he'd probably get away with doing anything he want-
"If you're worried about backlash from me or my husband, please don't." Ai said, able to easily read the girls thoughts.
Ai was a teenage idol once too, and if she was in Kana's position, with the potential of working for a boss that had criminal ties, Ai's mind would have wandered to the worst possible scenario as well. She was hopeless growing up, but she was still aware of dangerous situations.
"I promise that nothing will happen if you say no. My husband has absolutely no care for this industry outside of his daughter's safety. So, I promise you, this is entirely your choice, and nothing will happen to you." Ai reaffirmed Kana.
"I mean, it is a surprise to be sure, to learn that I'll be working with not only a failed idol, but the wife of a former criminal... no offense." Kana remembered that she didn't want to insult Ai.
"It's alright." Ai waved her off. "I am a failed idol, and the thing that cost me my career was my own mistakes and the people I associated with." Specifically, that bastard Kamiki, who Ai only thanks him for his "donation" of sperm and nothing else. A bastard that would harm his own child.
"If I'm to make my decision, I need to know if you have a plan to handle the backlash of your previous controversies." Kana said. "Since B-Komachi crashed as hard as it did, you can't simply be using the same name for no reason. The moment you debut, people will end up drawing parallels to the past, especially with you managing it. I assume you have a plan to deal with that."
"That's correct." Ai said. "People will naturally assume I'm trying to use my daughter to relive my glory days. Hopefully, it'll create sympathy for Ruby that we could exploit to at least give her a chance to be judged by her own merits instead of because of mine or my husband's past."
"It's a decent idea." Kana said. "However, what about the other idols?"
"Well, I looked into your career a bit, I hope you don't mind." Ai said.
"I understand, it's your job as a manager." Kana understood.
"With how your career fizzled out, we can use that to gain you sympathy as well. Using this as a way to create a narrative where you're seeking a second chance as well." Ai explained.
"It's a good idea, though sadly true." Kana said. "I really don't have many options in my acting career."
Unlike Ruby, Kana was much smarter when it came to the business aspects of being an entertainer in the industry. Ruby was still very naive in how entertainment works, so Ai was glad that Kana had more experience since it would only help to guide Ruby.
"Basically, we're creating a narrative where B-Komachi gives second chances to washed up entertainers. Any negative attention should fall on me while you girls can gain sympathy as being desperate enough to join a doomed to fail agency. If we do everything right, we should be able to build this narrative so you girls can succeed." Ai explained.
"At the cost of your reputation." Kana noted.
"Fans don't love you Arima-San." Ai said. "Being an idol, I learned, is very transactional. You create a persona that people enjoy, and they pay you for your talents, beauty, and merchandise. Once you can no longer provide that, people turn on you for lying to them."
"Even though the persona is a lie." Kana nodded her head in agreement.
"The love I had from my fans was not real. So, I really don't care anymore what people think of me." Ai shrugged. "All I need, is the love and happiness of my family. Because that love is not a lie. That love is real, and a love I had to create. I don't care for my old fans anymore."
Kana noticed that there wasn't any negativity in how Ai spoke. She didn't sound angry or spiteful, but simply stating a fact. It told Kana that whatever happened to her when her career fell apart made her realize something about herself that let her come to terms with her insecurities.
She wondered if that mindset came with age and experience and was jealous that Ai was so contempt with her life while she still struggled. However, if she learned from Ai, Kana felt that she would learn the same lessons.
Ruby though, she disagreed with everything her mother said. Sure, some fans were bad people... but... Ruby remembered her time in the hospital in her old life. How Ai gave her a reason to hope and dream of something more outside of that damned room. How Ai inspired her to keep moving forward.
Even if she died in the end, her new life, thanks to Ai, gave her an opportunity to pay Ai back for the inspiration she gave her.
Sarina, before she was the daughter of Ai, truly did love the teenage idol. Her love was so strong, it even made Doctor Goro fall in love with Ai as well.
"You make very valid points." Kana nodded. "I suppose this would be a risky, but potentially smart move in my career."
"Is that the only reason you decided to join B-Komachi?" Ai asked.
Ai noticed Kana glance at her son, Aqua, for just a moment. Ai noticed a very faint blush appear on her cheeks, showing Ai exactly the reason why Kana decided to join B-Komachi.
Ai was a bit torn. On one hand, some girl had a crush on her innocent little baby boy. On the other hand, Ai actually found herself liking Kana. She seemed polite, intelligent, and seemed like she had good morals, so Ai found herself liking the young woman.
"Your talent scout-" She began.
"You mean Aqua." Ai giggled as Kana tried not to blush when mentioning him.
"Yes, Aqua, made a good point at how this would be a good move for my career." She said.
"Oh?" Ai smirked knowingly. "What exactly did you say Aqua-Chan?" Ai asked.
"He said nothing!" Kana tried to deflect Ai's question. "He simply said I had the talent to-"
"I said she was cuter than any run of the mill idol." Aqua said nonchalantly.
Ai noticed Kana go as red as her hair, embarrassed at having him say that out loud.
Ai remembered reading a psychology book to learn more about raising children when the twins were born. How the concept of nature versus nurture was such a debated topic. She wondered just how much of Aqua's personality was shaped by how he saw Eren since sometimes he acted exactly as if he was Eren's son.
Especially with how he can just say something so embarrassing without a care in the world. That level of confidence made Ai truly admire Eren, and she wondered if it would have the same effect on poor Kana.
Who was currently looking down and blushing from what he said.
Kana was mortified. To have the okaasan of that idiot know that he complimented her like that... and it was because of that compliment that compelled her to want to give this idol thing a try, was hard for her to bear.
"Well, my son is correct. You are very pretty and I'm sure you're very talented as well." Ai smiled sweetly.
Just let me die, Kana thought to herself.
"So, we have two idols now." Ruby said. "When can we start performing?"
"It's not so simple." Kana said.
"Why not?" Ruby asked.
"We have no way to actually become known, so no one will let us perform until we get some kind of recognition. With how many idols there are, we need some way to stand out and get our name out there." Kana said.
"Exactly loli senpai." Ai said, giggling at the name.
Kana just blushed and looked down. Now her manager was calling her that, and she was too scared to say anything against her incase her husband got mad. The last thing she wanted to do was insult not only her new boss, but the wife of Japan's most dangerous ex criminal.
"So, what do we do?" Ruby asked. "Maybe I can start commenting on social media. Like my favorite brands or something. That can generate traffic."
"And lose out on potential marketing deals." Kana said. "If you say anything negative of a brand, they may blacklist us."
"Yes." Ai nodded. "Typically, most of my social media back then was monitored and controlled by President Saitou, so we'll need to do the same with you girls."
"Aw~" Ruby whined.
"No whining, it's important so we don't mess up." Kana said.
"Aqua can help with that, right?" Ai asked.
"When did I become an official employee?" Aqua asked.
"When you were born." Ai said.
"Don't backstage staff get paid?" Aqua asked.
"You have a roof and food, right?" Ai asked. "Besides, I can't legally pay you until you're at least sixteen."
"Funny how child labor laws allow for us to work but not get paid." Aqua groaned.
"Wait, isn't this a good chance to start your own career?" Kana asked.
"My oniichan wants to be a doctor." Ruby said.
"But then why go to a performance arts high school?" Kana asked.
"Because he has a sister complex and can't stand to be apart from me." Ruby shook her head.
Kana looked at Aqua, disgusted at the thought.
"Because that airhead wouldn't survive being an idol for more than a week without help." Aqua said, glaring at his twin sister.
"He just wants an excuse to stalk his successful sister." Ruby said with a slight shrug.
"If B-Komachi is successful, it'll be due to Kana and not you." Aqua fired back, though his tone was serious there was the slightest hint of a smile on his face.
Though he was bickering with Ruby, this did cause Kana to blush as he complimented her, making Ai smile as she once again saw the crush the red head had for her son.
"Back on topic, I have a way to get both recognition and also get you girls in shape." Ai said.
"In shape?" Ruby asked. "I'm already in shape."
"True, but you need to be near athlete levels to be an idol." Ai said. "Not only do you need the stamina and coordination to dance, but you also need to develop your body to be both sexy and cute."
"Sexy and cute?" Kana asked.
"Not only do you need a thin frame, but you need to develop your hips, legs, and rear." Ai explained. "You need to find a balance between a girlish frame but have slight muscle tone in your legs to show curves."
"That sounds like a lot." Kana said.
"Don't worry I have someone lined up to help with both." Ai said.
"Who?" Ruby asked.
"At first, I called the star Pieyon to help, but considering his reluctance to help due to me and my husband, I had to get another star." Ai said.
"Who?" Kana asked.
"He's a German Mixed Martial Artist who recently transferred schools in Japan." Ai said. "He's famous in the junior division and is competing nationally in Japan. Not only will he help train you girls, but he will also help us with cheer performances at some of his fights."
Kawachi peaked up as he heard that. It couldn't be.
"Okaasan, do you mean Sulze?" Kawachi asked.
"Who?" Ruby asked.
"Yup, Sulze." Ai said.
"No way!" Kawachi yelled, excited to meet his favorite MMA star.
"Who's he?" Kana asked.
"He's considered the best MMA fighter in the international junior leagues!" Kawachi said in excitement. "He's currently undefeated and never even went to the final round. He's actually had to start holding back so he doesn't win too fast in a match."
"How do you know so much?" Kana asked.
"It's his biggest hero." Ai giggled. "He inherited his otosan's fighting spirit."
Kana hoped that was all he inherited. Last thing she wanted was for him to grow up and be like his otosan ten years ago.
"He's also your age." Ai said to the teenagers. "So, I think it'll be good to make friends in the entertainment business your own age."
"I mean, sure, but how does fighting and idol work mix?" Ruby asked.
"It's all entertainment." Ai said. "There are rare instances of idols going into sports too. Plus, idols often times promote other forms of entertainment. So it'll be a good chance to get some recognition."
"By being a cheer girl at one of his fights?" Kana asked.
"Yup." Ai giggled.
"So, cheer on a big sweaty and bloody guy." Ruby stuck her tongue out in disgust.
"Don't insult Sulze!" Kawachi yelled.
"What even does that name mean?" Kana asked.
"It's a German word I think." Ai said. "We can ask him when he comes over."
Knock, knock, knock.
"That's probably him." Ai said.
Ruby walked over to the door and looked through the peep hole. Ai always made sure they understood basic safety when opening the door in case there was someone that intended to hurt them. Ruby saw a blonde guy through the door and opened it, assuming he was the German fighter.
The guy was tall, maybe as tall as her papa. He had short blonde hair and was built like an ox. He was very broad, and no doubt had large muscles under his collared button up shirt. Ruby barely came up to the bottom of his neck.
The blonde guy just stared at her, his mouth slightly open, which confused Ruby. He seemed surprised, though there's no way this wasn't who they were expecting. No foreigner would be here unless it was this Sulze guy.
Ai though, noticed how familiar that expression was. Looking down at her daughter, his mouth slightly open, unable to speak, and a slight blush on his cheeks. It seems Ruby had someone crushing on her.
Ai gave a knowing smirk, already sizing the tall German up to see if he was a fit for her daughter. How he acted in the next few minutes would decide whether Ai liked him or didn't like him.
"Hello?" Ruby asked, getting the stunned mans attention.
Why was he just standing there, not saying anything? Ruby didn't know why he looked surprised, or why he had averted his eyes away from hers. Did he think she looked weird or something?
"Hi." He said. "Nice to meet you."
Interesting, Ai thought to herself. Ai read his social media and knew that he was born and raised in Germany, specifically a town called Noerdlingen. He started out in his local schools Mixed Martial Arts program and made his way to becoming the best fighter in German, eventually competing internationally.
However, his Japanese accent was... off. Ai expected a German accent since that would naturally be his first language. He should sound like a German trying to speak Japanese; however, he sounded like an English speaker who learned Japanese. With a similar accent to her husband. That was odd.
"Hello, welcome to B-Komachi." Ruby smiled. "I'm Hoshino Ruby, this is Arima Kana, Hoshino Aqua, and our manager, Hoshina Ai."
"And I'm Kawachi!" Kawachi yelled out in excitement, finally meeting his hero.
"Right, family name first, right?" He asked.
"That is the proper Japanese greeting." Ruby said.
Ai noted that his Japanese was decent, aside from the clear English accent, which was still strange to her. He was understandable, but he should have a German accent.
"Well, I guess I'd introduce myself as Braun Reiner." He said.
Surprise! lol.
Bet that takes people by surprise. Another example of the butterfly effect.
Interesting fact, Noerdlingen, Germany is the city that the style of AoT was based on. So, it was interesting to include it in some way lol.
Obviously, there'll be a lot of questions, but none of those will be answered until they are revealed lol. No spoilers.
Hope you guys enjoy.