[Detecting suitable host, bind system?]
'System? So suddenly? Well, whatever. Bind!'
[System binding successful!]
After Hiko obtained the system, he operated it mentally to understand its functions.
It was a [Celebrity Training System] with only one slot.
The bound target could gain popularity points through performances. These points could be used to purchase items from the system store or for a lottery draw.
Since no binding had occurred yet, he couldn't view the items sold in the store.
Training a celebrity, huh.
Hiko looked up at Ai in front of him.
When he learned that his uncle's name was Saito Ichigo, the only thought that crossed his mind was how similar it sounded to Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach.
After all, the anime's fleeting introduction and plot didn't have any key points that required him to remember the name. He was always referred to as "President."
And in Tokyo, any company could have a "President."
So, until now, Hiko had lived an ordinary life.
The reason he hadn't recognized her immediately was because Ai at this moment was a far cry from the shining idol she would become on stage.
"I grew up in an orphanage."
"I was already from a single-parent family. My mom was arrested for theft when I was little, and then I was placed in an orphanage."
"But even after my mom's release date passed, she never came to pick me up."
"But that's fine too. It's much better to stay in the orphanage than to be picked up, beaten, and abused at home."
"In my memory, I've never loved anyone, nor have I been loved by anyone..."
Hiko suddenly recalled Ai's words from the anime.
Then he remembered how, later on, just as she decided to love her children, was about to reach the peak of her career, and planned to live happily with them, she was stabbed to death by an extremist fan.
The thought reignited his anger.
'Use the slot. Target: Hoshino Ai.' Hiko felt he lacked judgment when it came to people, and with his lingering regret over Ai's fate from his past life's memories, he decided to use the system slot.
Since I can't let it go, I'll rewrite her destiny!
[Slot usage successful. Newbie gift pack received.]
'Use newbie gift pack!'
[You have obtained Elementary Music Theory Knowledge.]
[You have obtained Idol Trainer Aura.]
[You have obtained a Glow Stick (Colored).]
[You have obtained ten million yen.]
[You have obtained a bottle of Stamina Potion.]
[You have obtained two peace talismans.]
"Saito-kun? What's wrong?" Ai's voice pulled Hiko back.
"I just thought it was a bit of a coincidence."
Hiko masked his surprise at getting the system and the lingering sadness from recalling his unresolved regret, then smiled and changed the subject.
"What coincidence?" Ai followed his lead and asked.
"Wasn't yesterday Saturday?"
Hiko lied: "So I went to a nearby temple to play, hoping to get a fortune slip for academic success. But the person interpreting the slips insisted on giving me this."
He took out the peace talisman he had just received from the system and said earnestly, "They also said that if I didn't give this talisman to a girl my age whom I met at home tomorrow, something terrifying would happen."
"Is it fake?" Ai eyed the folded yellow paper charm dangling from a red string in Hiko's hand with suspicion, then looked at the President beside her.
"Why are you only saying this now!" The President, hearing their conversation, immediately sat up straight.
"I also hope it's fake." Hiko shrugged. "If you hadn't really brought her home, I would've just thought he was a fraud."
The President became serious and advised Ai, "It's better to believe it than not. Besides, they even predicted you would come here, so just accept it."
"This is too unbelievable, isn't it?" Ai still didn't accept it right away.
Hiko unfolded the peace talisman, completely opening the paper strip.
He let Ai and the President see the complex traditional characters drawn on the paper.
"Why would you be the one giving me a peace talisman to ward off disaster? It wouldn't be you..." Ai thought of some stories about finding scapegoats and asked again.
It's so hard just to give her a talisman; her guard is too high, isn't it?
Although Hiko knew his impromptu lie had big loopholes, her reaction still felt a bit over the top.
He opened the browser on his phone and handed it to her. "Search it up and you'll know what kind of charm this is."
"I don't recognize this character," Ai replied bluntly.
"You know how to search for 'how to write peace talisman incantation,' don't you?"
Hiko felt utterly exasperated, then added, "The real world is about science; how could there be unscientific powers?"
"But your explanation is even less scientific." Ai took the phone and compared the symbols on the screen with those on the talisman.
Did I choose the wrong method?
Hiko watched her diligently searching, already doubting his quick-witted idea from a moment ago.
Or would it be less suspicious if I just gave it to her as a gift?
He tried to put himself in the shoes of someone who had never been loved.
If I had never received love from anyone, and suddenly a stranger gave me a gift... wouldn't I think he had some ulterior motive?
Hiko immediately concluded: Even if he gave her a gift, she would still be suspicious—just a little less than now.
"Aren't you going to find things and tell Miyako-san during this time?" Hiko looked at the President, who was still nearby.
"Oh, right, I'll make a call." Ichigo took out his phone and walked into the room.
Hiko used the free moment to recheck the items he had obtained.
[Elementary Music Theory Knowledge: Gain corresponding knowledge after use.]
[Idol Trainer Aura: When the bound target is near you, their learning ability will be greatly enhanced.]
[Glow Stick (Colored): A specially made colored glow stick. When used to cheer in the audience, the person on stage will definitely look at it once.]
[Stamina Potion: Quickly restores stamina after drinking.]
[Peace Talisman: Resolves one calamity.]
Because he had received two peace talismans, Hiko gave one of them to Ai.
He didn't know the full extent of the talisman's ability, maybe it could even save her life?
'Use Music Theory Knowledge.'
[Usage successful.]
A flood of memories poured into his mind, and Hiko suddenly felt he understood music much more clearly.
"It really is a peace talisman, but... is this okay?"
Ai confirmed its authenticity and asked again.
Seeing her doubt, Hiko took out the second talisman. "I have another one. I'm not giving you mine."
"Oh, I see. Then I can accept it with peace of mind."
Ai accepted the talisman and looked at Hiko with a faint smile. "This is the first time anyone has given me something, even if it's just a peace talisman."
"This isn't a gift from me to you."
Hiko felt embarrassed under her gaze and answered awkwardly.
"Eh? Really not~" Ai looked at the shy Saito Hiko with a playful smile.
"I actually hope it never has to be used," Hiko said softly.