Nagae Estate – Golf Range
July 18, 2021 – Sunday – 2:00 P.M.
Two days had passed since the NFO overhaul. Between sessions of explaining patch mechanics and helping Ako-chan rediscover her hotkeys, I felt like a part-time tutor. But the effort paid off—Rinko and Ako's characters were back to peak form, and our first dungeon run with the new systems was a success.
The Soul Imprint system turned out to be a monster. Activating it gave five of my main skills a ridiculous boost, and my Chaser Skill practically turned me into a one-man army. The whole update blurred the line between casual and hardcore. It was exhilarating—and exhausting.
After clearing our run, we called it a night. Rinko and Ako promised to teach Lisa, Sayo, and Yukina the new systems when the whole Roselia squad logged in together.
By morning, my focus shifted from gaming to training. The elders had learned about my push to achieve Balance Breaker—and decided to "support" me by turning it into a full-scale operation.
Eirin-san was the first to intervene. "To advance, you must face the twin Moon Rabbits—Ringo and Seiran."
The names alone carried weight. Both were former Lunarian officers, decorated veterans of countless battles. On Earth, though, they ran rival dango shops—arguably the best in Japan—and their competitive streak somehow extended to combat.
Our match was... chaotic. Their danmaku patterns bounced around the field like pinballs, multicolored energy orbs colliding mid-air before bursting into swirls of light. Worse, they buffed themselves by eating dango mid-fight. I still don't know if that was strategy or snack time.
But after several grueling exchanges, I managed to win—relying entirely on Divine Dividing to deflect their energy while conserving stamina. My body felt like lead by the end, but the victory was clean.
Now, the afternoon sun burned gently over the estate's private golf range. The lake shimmered nearby, its calm surface occasionally broken by a leaping koi. Tina and Mafuyu stood by the tees, both holding clubs with an awkward seriousness that was almost comical.
It was their first time playing, and the energy was contagious. Tina had turned it into a full-blown competition, insisting Nazuna act as their scorekeeper.
Tina and Mafuyu were getting a few swings, of course it's without using any magic after all. For a while, it was just a simple swing-off, but now it has turned into a full on contest. Even with Tina's sleepy expression and Mafuyu's stoic face, I can feel the fire from them.
I smiled quietly, leaning on my club. Seeing Mafuyu pick up new interests always hit differently. Each new hobby was a small sign—she was healing, bit by bit, building herself back piece by piece.
Before we started, Tina had worried about hitting golf balls into the lake. I told her not to stress—the estate used eco balls made from fish food. Once they hit water, they dissolved harmlessly, feeding the koi below.
Now, watching them play, I stayed back and let the laughter roll through the air. The rhythm of swings, splashes, and soft cheers painted an easy afternoon.
Then a familiar voice broke the moment.
"Riku-sama."
I turned to see Mitsuri, her expression uncharacteristically serious. "Eli-sama requests your presence. She said it's... urgent."
The tone caught me off guard. Mitsuri didn't usually wear that kind of face unless it mattered.
"Understood," I said, setting the club back into the bag. "Nazuna—keep an eye on those two, alright?"
Nazuna saluted playfully. "Of course. I'll make sure Tina-sama and Mafuyu-sama don't start a golf war."
"Good," I said, half-smiling. "Lead the way, Mitsuri."
We walked along the stone path that stretched from the range toward the main mansion. The air was humid, heavy with the scent of pine and wet grass. My mind ticked quietly through possibilities—if Eli was calling mid-day, it couldn't just be casual talk.
Mitsuri stayed silent beside me, steps measured and graceful. That alone confirmed it—something was moving behind the scenes again.
The peaceful weekend air suddenly felt thinner.
Nagae Estate – Living Room
The quiet hum of the air conditioning greeted me as I stepped into the living room, freshly changed from the golf range. The scent of polished wood and tea still lingered — Mitsuri had said Eli was waiting for me here, but as I entered, I found more than just her.
Eli sat upright, arms crossed, while the rest of μ's crowded around the low table. Even Aichi was there, the only calm face among them. The tension was sharp enough to taste, especially from Nico, whose glare could probably shatter glass.
I let out a low whistle.
"Whoa... what happened here?"
Eli turned to me, her expression heavy. "Riku, we got a message from the Love Live Committee this morning and..." She trailed off.
"And?" I asked, though I could already feel something was wrong.
Nozomi silently slid a sealed envelope across the table. "You might want to read this yourself."
I took it, broke the seal, and unfolded the letter. The formal stamp of the Committee was printed across the top — but the words beneath it made my chest tighten. My eyes darted down the page, disbelief mounting with every line. When I finally reached the end, I set the letter down and exhaled through my nose.
"This is... a lot to take in." I raked a hand through my hair. "So what happens to the Love Live qualifiers?"
Eli's lips pressed into a thin line. "The qualifiers no longer count. The new regulation states that the main selection for WORLDS will be on the twentieth of August. Only sixteen groups will compete for Japan's single slot."
I frowned. "And to even qualify?"
"You have to join an organization," she finished for me. "Only those under an official org will be ranked for popularity and considered for the sixteen spots."
A silence spread across the room. The change was brutal. Every idol group that had been fighting tooth and nail for the qualifiers had just been shoved back to square one.
I leaned against the table, voice calm but measured. "Even so, you girls are still performing at CiRCLE with MORE MORE JUMP. That performance can still give you momentum."
Nico, however, wasn't buying it. Her voice came out sharp. "That's if we even get an org to sign us."
"Right..." I nodded, piecing the situation together. "So to join Love Live officially, you have to secure a contract first."
Umi added quietly, "A majority of the idol groups have already withdrawn from the competition because of this."
Hanayo clasped her hands nervously. "A-RISE already joined RRQ. Their manager had some connections, so they managed to get a spot."
Eli sighed. "I asked Shizuku-san about her group's plans. She said they were being recruited by Aurora."
Maki flipped through her phone. "And according to the current tally... thirty-two idol groups already have orgs backing them."
Honoka's voice cracked with panic. "What are we gonna do, Riku-san?!"
Thirty-two. That meant more than half the field was already secured. Aurora's name, though — that one rang alarms in my head the moment Eli said it.
If I remembered correctly... Aurora was a branch under—
"Oh no," I muttered before I could stop myself.
The girls turned toward me instantly. Concern flickered in their eyes. Even Aichi straightened in his seat.
"Riku?" he asked, brow furrowing. "Is something wrong?"
I looked at him squarely. "Aichi, where are MORE MORE JUMP right now? You've been working closely with them lately, right?"
"Uh, yeah. They're on their way to sign with Aurora. Why do you ask?"
"Call them. Now." My tone came out sharper than intended, the words edged with urgency. "They can't sign with Aurora."
The whole room froze. The weight of my voice sank in before Nico broke the silence. "Why are you panicking about them joining Aurora? What aren't you telling us?"
"Just trust me," I said. "You'll understand soon enough. Aichi, call Minori and tell her to bring MORE MORE JUMP to CiRCLE — this involves Miku."
Aichi blinked. "Miku? Alright... I'll call her right now."
"Good." I turned to Mitsuri, who had been quietly standing near the doorway, observing. "Get the circle ready."
Her brows drew together. "Are you sure, Riku-sama? The circle hasn't been tested yet."
"There's no time like the present," I replied. "If something happens, I'll take responsibility."
She hesitated, then bowed slightly. "Understood. I'll inform Oyakata-sama first."
She left swiftly, her steps echoing down the corridor. A moment later, another voice chimed from behind.
"Is something wrong, nya?"
I turned. Kuroka had just returned from her trip, suitcase still in hand. Her golden eyes studied me curiously.
"Kuroka," I greeted. "You're back."
Honoka's eyes went wide. "Whoa! Who's the beautiful onee-san?!"
"Honoka!" Umi hissed, mortified.
I sighed. "Everyone, meet Tōjō Kuroka."
The moment I said her surname, the μ's girls turned toward Nozomi, confusion written all over their faces.
Rin tilted her head. "Nozomi-chan, I didn't know you had a sister?"
Kuroka blinked. "Eh? Sister?"
Nozomi looked equally flustered. "Eto... I'm Tōjō Nozomi."
Kuroka smiled faintly. "Oya? We share the same family name? Nozomi-chan, can you write yours for me?"
Nozomi pulled out her phone, typing her family name before showing it to her. Kuroka leaned forward, studying the screen carefully before nodding.
"We may share a name, but the kanji's different. Here, let me show you mine."
She took Nozomi's phone and typed her own version. The characters glowed on the screen — and the difference was clear.
Rin chuckled softly. "I see now, nya~"
Maki crossed her arms. "Riku, who is she exactly?"
I exhaled. "Kuroka's the one Aichi and I rescued a month ago. She's been staying here since then. And before you ask — yeah, they already know."
Kuroka grinned. "Well, that makes this easier~"
With a snap of her fingers, two black cat ears and twin tails shimmered into view. Gasps rippled through the room as the realization sank in.
Hanayo's voice came out small. "She's a... youkai?"
"Bingo~" Kuroka purred. "A Nekoshou, to be exact. But I prefer this form."
A small, violet magic circle bloomed beside her. She stepped through it gracefully, and in a flash of dark light, a sleek black cat emerged — landing neatly on my shoulder.
"Much better~" she murmured, curling her tail lazily.
Kotori leaned forward, awe in her voice. "You can talk while you're a cat?"
Kuroka's whiskers twitched. "Takes some practice, but yes~" Her tone shifted, a hint of concern seeping in. "So, Riku. What's got you so worked up? I can feel it from here."
"I'll explain once we get to CiRCLE," I said firmly. "We're waiting for Mitsuri to—"
"Riku-sama," Mitsuri's voice cut through the air as she re-entered the room. "Oyakata-sama has approved your request."
I straightened. "Good. Call Aya and Hatate to prepare for our arrival at CiRCLE."
She bowed again and departed swiftly.
I turned to the group. "Alright, everyone. Follow me."
Aichi, Kuroka, and μ's gathered behind me as we made our way down the long hall toward the teleportation chamber. The lights along the corridor dimmed as we approached — ancient wards flickering alive in response to our presence.
Grandfather was already there when we arrived. His tall frame and calm demeanor grounded the tension humming through me.
"I got the details from Mitsuri," Kyoya said, his deep voice steady. "I've made the necessary adjustments. You'll arrive at CiRCLE safely."
I met his gaze. "Thank you, Grandfather."
He gave a single nod. "Go. Do what you must."
I stepped onto the circle. The rest followed. As we stood together, the etched runes along the stone began to glow faintly, resonating with my energy. A holographic panel flickered before me, displaying the available coordinates for teleportation.
I navigated the list until I found the one tagged CiRCLE – Main Hall. My fingertip hovered briefly, then pressed the icon.
Eiji's voice came through the comms. "Location confirmed. Commencing teleportation."
The circle beneath us began to hum. Light gathered at our feet, rising in rippling waves of azure. The air thickened with mana, pulling tight like a drawn bowstring.
"Transport!" Eiji's voice commanded.
The world dissolved into light.
For a fleeting moment, everything was silent — weightless — before the magic seized us and the estate vanished behind a wash of brilliance.
----------
Live House CiRCLE – Riku's Office
2:45 P.M.
The familiar hum of the teleportation circle faded as light dissolved around us. Aya and Hatate were already waiting, both tengu standing with folded arms, feathers stirring faintly in the air. A shimmering barrier enclosed the office floor — precautionary, so no one saw us appear out of thin air. Always efficient, those two.
Once they confirmed the spell's stability, they turned to me for instructions.
"Check on the organizations recruiting idols here in Japan," I told them. "I need everything — who's backing who, who's independent, who's making quiet moves."
Aya adjusted her glasses, eyes sharp. "That might take some time, Riku."
"Take it," I said. "Accuracy over speed."
They both nodded and disappeared through the door, wings unfolding as they shot upward in twin streaks of black and silver light. The barrier flickered once, then sealed shut again.
Now it was just me, μ's, Aichi, and Kuroka, who lounged lazily on my shoulder like a particularly smug ornament. The quiet tick of the clock filled the space as we waited for MORE MORE JUMP to arrive.
Umi crossed her arms, tapping one finger against her sleeve. "They're taking quite a while."
Kotori glanced at Aichi. "Aichi-kun, did they say where they were when you called?"
"They told me they were already at the station," he said. "So they should be close to CiRCLE by now."
Nozomi tilted her head. "Then what's taking them so long?"
I blinked, then groaned softly. "Right... I forgot. Shizuku has zero sense of direction."
Aichi frowned. "Wait, what?"
"Shiho told me," I said with a small shrug. "Apparently her sister's spatial awareness is so bad, she forgets places she's already been. Gets lost with or without a map."
Maki raised a brow. "Even with a phone?"
"Especially with a phone." I leaned back on my desk. "Shiho said that when Shizuku bought a new one, three days later it was already riddled with viruses."
Nico's expression went flat. "What the fuck?"
The others looked equally dumbfounded. Shizuku always gave off that serene, polished aura — finding out she could barely navigate her own city somehow made the world tilt a little.
Hanayo's voice was hesitant. "Isn't Shizuku-chan with Haruka-chan and the others, though?"
"She is," I said. "But if she wandered off by herself for even five minutes..." I rubbed my temples. "I might need Hatate to track her down—"
"Sorry we're late!!!"
The door burst open before I could finish. Minori stumbled in, flushed and breathless, followed by Haruka, Airi, and Shizuku — who stood behind them with her head bowed, cheeks red with shame.
I sighed. "Let me guess... Shizuku got lost again?"
She nodded meekly, blush deepening. Honestly, it was almost adorable — but I didn't say that out loud.
Then I noticed Airi inching backward, her expression twitchy.
"Airi? You alright?"
Minori followed her gaze, then suddenly clapped her hands in realization. "Ah, I see! Riku-san, Airi's allergic to cats."
The entire room collectively went, "Ahhh..." in unison. I felt Kuroka's tail flick against my cheek.
"Well, don't worry," I said, half-grinning. "Kuroka's not the type to invade someone's personal space."
Kuroka turned her head and gave me the deadliest, slowest stare imaginable — then lightly smacked my temple with her paw.
I cleared my throat. "Anyway."
Haruka stepped forward, still catching her breath. "I-I see... anyway, why the sudden call? Aichi-san said it was urgent."
"It is," I said, voice leveling. "And it concerns your plan to sign with Aurora."
Shizuku blinked, confusion mixing with her lingering embarrassment. "Is something wrong with us signing with them?"
"I don't mind you joining an organization," I replied. "What concerns me is the country they represent."
The room went still.
"Like Hanayo mentioned earlier," I continued, "A-RISE signed with RRQ — a Thai organization. Aurora, on the other hand..." I let the words hang. "...is Russian."
Airi frowned. "And what's wrong with them being Russian?"
I gave her a look. "Have you forgotten the war between Russia and Ukraine?"
Silence dropped heavy and sudden. The reality hit them like a slow tide. Then Eli's eyes widened, realization flashing through them.
"Of course..." she murmured. "Since Aurora's a Russian org... they must've known about Miku."
Airi turned pale. "Wait — how would they even know?"
"Remember when Leo/need performed here at CiRCLE?" I said. "They probably looked you up afterward — traced connections, cross-checked faces, voices, digital footprints. Miku's influence isn't exactly subtle."
The dread that passed over Haruka and the others was unmistakable. The realization that Aurora's recruitment might've been nothing more than a data grab — an attempt to get closer to a digital entity — made their stomachs drop.
Haruka's voice trembled. "Oh no..."
"Exactly," I said quietly. "Oh no. Good thing I got Aichi to call you before you signed anything."
Airi clutched her arm, frustration and worry mixing on her face. "Then what are we supposed to do? Drop out of Love Live? We can't compete without an organization backing us."
Before I could answer, the room dimmed. The large monitor behind my desk flickered to life on its own, and Miku's image filled the screen.
Her expression — guilt-ridden, fragile — silenced the room.
She looked different from how she had appeared with Leo/need. Her usual teal twin-tails were adorned with two ribbons on the right — one black patterned with stars, the other white with diamonds — and a cone-shaped tie on the left. A white dress hugged her frame, heart-shaped neckline trimmed with gold lace. A star pendant glinted at her collar, and a large ribbon cascaded behind her like a comet's tail. The diamond patterns across her vest shimmered faintly, gold chains linking star-shaped buttons.
Even her iconic "01" mark was there — not on her arm, but as a scarlet band around her thigh.
Miku's voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "So in the end, it's my fault. First it was my creator... now Shizuku and the girls can't compete in Love Live. Maybe... maybe me existing was a mistake."
"Hey." Minori's voice cracked, but she forced herself forward. "That's not true, Miku-chan! It's just... the situation is unfair, that's all!"
Haruka nodded firmly. "Minori's right. Don't blame yourself. You've done nothing wrong."
Miku's image flickered faintly, the corners of her mouth trembling as she tried to smile. But the guilt lingered, deep and heavy, like static before a storm.
While the girls tried to comfort her, I caught low voices murmuring near the back. μ's and Aichi were whispering among themselves — their tones sharp but quiet, like people trying not to wake something sleeping.
The air inside the office grew heavier the moment Aichi finished explaining. Every face in μ's shifted from curiosity to disbelief, their eyes darting between me and the floating projection of Miku on the monitor.
Nico leaned forward, frowning. "Oi, Aichi, what the hell's going on right now?"
Aichi sighed, folding his arms. "It'd take too long to explain everything, but to keep it simple—Miku is an A.I. created by Riku's mother."
The words hit like a thunderclap. For a moment, no one said a thing.
Kotori was the first to speak, her tone hesitant. "Riku-kun... your mother made an A.I.? How come we've never heard about that before?"
I looked down at the desk, fingers drumming softly on the wood. "Mother had plenty of enemies—people who wanted her research for their own gain. So she kept Miku's creation under wraps. Only a few knew. And... that was one of the reasons she was killed."
The room fell silent again. Even Kuroka, perched lazily on my shoulder, lowered her tail in quiet sympathy.
Umi frowned. "She was targeted because of Miku?"
I nodded slowly. "Miku wasn't just an idol A.I. She was built to help people discover their true selves through music—to bridge the gap between humanity and artificial intelligence. But if she fell into the wrong hands..." My voice trailed off. "The damage could be catastrophic. That's why I refused to let MORE MORE JUMP sign with Aurora."
Nozomi leaned forward, her tone softer but probing. "So that's the reason, huh? But tell me, Rikucchi... the Miku who's with MORE MORE JUMP feels different from the one with Leo/need. What's up with that?"
I offered a faint smile. "The Miku they have is their own version—born from their SEKAI."
Maki tilted her head, frowning. "SEKAI? What's a SEKAI supposed to be?"
"It's... another world," I explained. "An alternate plane separated from reality. A SEKAI manifests from powerful emotions—usually from the hearts of those who can't express their true selves. Inside these worlds, the Virtual Singers exist. When the person connected to that SEKAI comes to terms with their feelings, it manifests fully... usually through song. Each SEKAI has its own Miku, shaped by the emotions and themes of the people tied to it."
Umi exhaled softly. "So... it's not just complicated. It's personal."
"Exactly." I looked at each of them. "That's why I'm asking you all to keep this to yourselves. The last thing I want is for Miku—or my sister Mafuyu—to have targets on their backs."
Honoka blinked. "Wait, Mafuyu-san has a SEKAI too?"
"Yeah," I said quietly. "Though I haven't seen hers yet."
The conversation slowed after that. Shizuku and the others had managed to calm Miku down, though the guilt in her expression lingered on the monitor. Airi was the one who finally broke the silence.
"Riku-san... is there another way for us to join Love Live without signing to an organization?"
"There is," I replied, reaching for a stack of documents on my desk. "The Committee recently changed a few rules. I read through them earlier, and there's one clause that might help you."
Aichi turned to me, brow raised. "There's another rule?"
I gave him a flat look. "Don't tell me you didn't read the entire packet?"
He laughed awkwardly.
"Anyway," I continued, "if your group gets endorsed by a company—one that's reputable and recognized—you can still compete."
Haruka crossed her arms, skeptical. "Who would even endorse us? Me, Airi, and Shizuku already left the idol world years ago. We only came back for Minori's sake. The industry probably sees us as... used goods by now."
That phrase hit harder than I expected. Aichi's expression darkened beside me, and I felt my jaw tighten. "Used goods," huh? I made a mental note to bring that up with Grandfather later.
Before the mood could sink further, Miku's voice chimed brightly through the speakers. "I have an idea! What if the Nagae family endorses MORE MORE JUMP?"
All eyes turned toward the monitor.
Airi blinked. "The Nagae family? As in... your family, Riku-san?"
Eli smiled faintly. "Not a bad idea. The Nagae Conglomerate is one of the biggest names in Japan. With that kind of backing, they could pass the committee's standards easily."
Haruka scratched her cheek, a little lost. "Sorry to ask, but... what exactly does your family do?"
I couldn't help but chuckle at her honesty. "We're... deeply rooted in Japan's food industry. My grandfather controls most of the nation's food and agriculture sectors—roughly seventy percent of the market. Mother built the food science division, though her true passion was her independent research on the SEKAI. My father's a restaurateur; he owns several restaurants and fish markets across the country. As for me, I handle the baking industry."
Nico's eyes went wide. "What the fuck? You guys are loaded!"
Kuroka flicked her tail, amused, while I just smirked. "That's one way to put it."
Hanayo leaned in. "Wait, Riku-san—you said you handle the baking industry. What do you mean by that?"
"Besides being a musician, I'm also a baker," I admitted. "Though I focus more on music now. Still, my family owns several bakeries across Japan under my name. Pantasia is our flagship store."
Honoka's jaw dropped. "Wait—you own Pantasia?!"
Umi frowned. "But isn't Pantasia run by the Asuzagawa family?"
"They're one of our vassal families," I explained. "I hold sixty percent of the shares. They run operations, I handle management and oversight."
Maki folded her arms. "So, you're the majority owner."
Eli added, "And the Nagae are also retainers of the royal family. That kind of heritage is rare—if not perfect—for endorsement."
Aichi nodded. "If we're talking about lineage, the Hinanawi are royal retainers as well. On behalf of the Hinanawi family, you have our support."
Miku clapped her hands. "See? It's settled! Riku and the Celestial Families will help you."
Haruka turned to Minori. "You're the leader. It's your call."
Minori hesitated for a heartbeat, then straightened with a bright, hopeful look. "If it's okay with you, Riku-san—we'll be in your care!"
I smiled. "Alright then. I'll discuss it with Grandfather. The deadline's at the end of the month, so you have time."
Minori bowed deeply, followed by the rest of the group. "Thank you so much, Riku-san! We're really grateful!"
Even Miku mirrored their gesture through the monitor, her hands pressed together.
"There's no need to bow," I said gently. "Just perform like you always do. That's more than enough."
Haruka chuckled. "That's kind of a low bar coming from you."
"Maybe," I said with a faint grin. "But I'd rather you perform freely than force yourselves into something unnatural."
Shizuku nodded. "Then we'll do our best. Thank you again, Riku."
Her words caught me slightly off guard—not because of what she said, but how she said it. No honorifics. Just Riku.
After they left, Kotori glanced at me curiously. "Riku-kun... are you sure there's nothing between you and Shizuku-san?"
I rubbed the back of my neck. "Nothing like that. I don't know why she dropped the honorifics, but as long as no one calls me by my family name, I don't mind."
Rin smirked. "Still, it kinda looked like she was eyeing you, nya~"
Kuroka purred in agreement. "Rin-chan's right, nya~ I can sense admiration from her. And its a strong one, too."
I gave Kuroka a look. "You too? Took you long enough to talk."
She stretched lazily. "Can't exactly interrupt humans mid-drama. Would've made things more complicated."
"Fair enough."
Nico leaned back on the couch. "So MORE MORE JUMP's situation's handled. What about us?"
I met her gaze, letting a slow smirk form. "Hmm... your case is simpler. How about μ's joins OG?"
The reactions were priceless.
Honoka: "Heh?"
Umi: "Ha?"
Kotori: "Chun?"
Maki: "Fueh?"
Rin: "Nya?"
Hanayo: "W-What?"
Nozomi: "Oya?"
Nico: "What the f—"
Only Eli managed to stay composed. "Riku... are you serious about this?"
Aichi frowned. "She's right. You don't have the authority to recruit anyone to OG."
I leaned back in my chair. "Maybe not. But he does."
Right on cue, the door opened.
Ceb walked in—his usual calm expression paired with that faint European confidence that made everyone in the room sit up straight. I nodded to him as he entered.
"Riku filled me in on the details," Ceb said, his tone firm yet relaxed.
Aichi blinked. "Ceb? You're here?"
Honoka turned to Aichi, whispering. "Um... who exactly is he?"
Aichi smiled faintly. "Sébastien Debs. Riku's bandmate—and the co-owner of OG."
Nozomi's eyes widened. "Then that means..."
Ceb nodded. "I have the authority to recruit whoever I see fit. And I think it's time OG entered the idol scene." He looked at them all with an evaluating smile. "That is, if you want to join us."
The girls exchanged nervous glances. Then their eyes all turned to Honoka—their leader, their light.
After a moment of quiet, she rose from her seat and walked toward Ceb, her expression calm but determined.
"Our choice..."
Her voice steadied. The air in the office seemed to tighten, the moment just before something big happens.
----------
Nagae Estate – Kyoya's Office
9:30 P.M.
Third POV
Honoka's decision had left the room stunned. She didn't waver, even when Nico immediately objected, her voice echoing with disbelief. Everyone knew what it meant — joining OG would mean letting go of μ's. The name, the legacy, the symbol they'd built together from scratch.
Honoka understood that better than anyone. Yet, if they wanted to reach Love Live, there was no other path. OG offered the resources and global reach they needed — and she couldn't risk watching her friends' dreams crumble for the sake of sentimentality.
Ceb and Riku had stepped in before the tension could escalate. Calm, collected, convincing. They promised to find a way to keep μ's identity alive even under OG's banner. Riku had used Peakey P-key as an example — how they maintained their individuality while representing a larger group.
It wasn't an easy sell, but it worked. Bit by bit, the resistance faded. By the time Ceb left the room, μ's had accepted. Negotiations would begin soon. The deal wasn't sealed yet, but a new chapter was clearly on its way.
–––
Hours later, the storm had settled into quiet professionalism inside the Nagae Estate.
Kyoya's office, a large room filled with old wooden furniture and quiet authority, glowed with the amber hue of a single desk lamp. Shelves lined the walls — trophies, vintage photographs, and relics from decades of the family's influence. Riku stood before his grandfather's desk, posture firm but relaxed, as he finished his report.
Riku closed his tablet. "And that's what happened."
Kyoya leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled under his chin. "Hm. Good work on handling the MORE MORE JUMP situation. I'll take care of the negotiations myself — I'd like to make sure everything goes smoothly."
Riku smirked faintly. "If you say so. Just don't pressure them too much."
The old man chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that filled the room. "No promises. But tell me, μ's joining OG... is there something going on with that organization I should know about?"
Riku crossed his arms, gaze sliding toward the window. "There is. And if the stars align, we might pull it off this year."
Kyoya's eyes narrowed, interest piqued. "You're talking about the treble, aren't you?"
Riku nodded. "Yeah. If OG manages to win TI, Worlds, and the Major all in the same year... we'll be the first organization to ever do it. Three of the biggest international titles — in bands, idols, and DJs — all under one name."
Kyoya let out a low whistle. "No one's ever managed that before, have they?"
"Not quite," Riku replied. "Fnatic came close — they won the first Worlds in 2011 and the Columbus Major in 2014. Na'Vi did it too, with TI1 in 2011 and the Stockholm Major just last month. Invictus grabbed TI2 and Worlds in 2018. But none have ever taken all three."
Kyoya leaned back with a faint grin. "Ambitious. And you really think this year's your best shot?"
"With the timing, yeah," Riku said. "TI11's happening here in Tokyo in October. Worlds will run from September through November in San Francisco, and the next Major's in Sydney right after that. It's tight, but OG's going all-in. The signings this year aren't just bold — they're a gamble on history."
Kyoya studied him for a moment, noting the quiet fire in his grandson's eyes. "You really want to spread Japan's music to the world, don't you?"
Riku's lips curved slightly, though the smile didn't reach his eyes. "I don't just want to spread it, Grandfather. I want to make a statement. For too long, Japanese music's been treated as something lesser — ignored, brushed aside. People abroad still look down on it because of what our country did decades ago."
Kyoya's expression darkened. "Surely it hasn't gone that far anymore."
Riku met his gaze. "You'd be surprised. I heard it myself — people still talk that way. I overheard it last year, right after I took over from Johan."
Kyoya's brow furrowed. "And you took that personally."
Riku exhaled through his nose, a wry smirk tugging at his lips. "A bit... yeah. I did."
Kyoya chuckled softly. "No wonder you went on a rampage at TI last year."
That made Riku pause — his mind flashing back to the deafening roar of the crowd, the blinding lights, the sheer momentum that OG carried through every match. Undefeated. Untouchable. Every round was a statement, every victory was a message. For the world, it was dominance. For him, it was defiance.
Kyoya could see that faraway look in his grandson's eyes — the one that surfaced whenever Riku's mind slipped back to the stage. "You've come a long way from that boy who used to hide in the garden to write lyrics," he said quietly.
Riku chuckled, shaking off the memory. "Guess so."
Kyoya cleared his throat and shifted the topic. "Now then, about those dreams you used to have... have they returned lately?"
Riku's expression softened. "Recently? No. The last one was... Koishi. I finished writing the song already. Just need to finalize the composition." He reached into his pocket and handed his phone to his grandfather. "I've kept the draft on my phone, just in case."
Kyoya took the phone, his sharp eyes scanning the screen. The image that filled it was haunting — a girl with wavy green hair and a dark green hat adorned with yellow trims. Her dress was a soft green, her sleeves pale yellow, her skirt patterned with roses. Black shoes with small, purple heart-shaped ornaments peeked from beneath the hem.
But what drew his gaze wasn't her appearance — it was what surrounded her. Cables, twisting in shades of violet and crimson, looping around her like serpents. One end connected to a red, unblinking eye, eerily similar to Satori's. The other to a closed violet one — its eyelid stitched shut. Perched atop the red eye sat a small, white cat with fur like snow, serene and unbothered by the surreal world below it.
Kyoya lowered the phone slowly, his tone thoughtful. "So this is the version of Koishi you saw in your dream."
Riku nodded once. "Yeah."
"Have you decided on a name for the song?"
A faint smile curved his lips. "I have."
Kyoya leaned forward, expectant.
"I'm calling it..." Riku paused, his voice dropping into a quiet reverence, "...Moon Reverie."
For a moment, the room fell still. The soft ticking of the antique clock was the only sound between them.
Kyoya looked at his grandson — the boy who had carried both the weight of a legacy and the rhythm of a dream — and gave a slow, approving nod. "Fitting name. There's a calm to it... but an ache, too."
Riku chuckled faintly, sliding his hands into his pockets. "That's Koishi for you."
The moonlight caught his expression — half-shadowed, half-serene — as if he were already lost in the melody of a song that didn't yet exist, but was waiting for him just beyond the horizon.
Narita Airport – 9:45 P.M.
The wind at Narita carried the faint scent of rain and kerosene. Under the pale glow of the runway lights, a sleek white jet settled to a quiet halt. Its door opened with a hiss, followed by the rhythmic sound of polished shoes on metal steps.
Ning Fengzhi appeared first, immaculate as always, adjusting his glasses as his gaze swept over Tokyo's skyline in the distance. Behind him, Ning Rongrong followed, her long pink hair lifting in the cool night breeze like silk threads catching the light.
"Japan," Fengzhi murmured, his tone caught somewhere between nostalgia and calculation. "It's been far too long."
Rongrong looked up at him, a hint of concern in her expression. "Papa, are you sure we should be here this early? The meeting isn't until next week."
Fengzhi's voice softened, though his composure never wavered. "Grandpa Sword has already spoken with the Celestial Families. They've granted their approval. And besides—" his eyes flickered with a rare warmth, "I'd like you to reacquaint yourself with this country. You were still a child the last time we came."
Rongrong tilted her head. "Then... where are we staying?"
"The Saigyouji family was gracious enough to offer rooms at the Hakugyoku Inn," he said. "Grandpa Sword handled the arrangements personally."
Rongrong hesitated for a moment before asking, "And what about Grandpa Bone? Was it alright to leave him behind?"
Her father gave a light chuckle. "He insisted. Someone needs to oversee the clan while we're gone. You know how he is—too stubborn to let anyone else handle it."
Their conversation paused when they noticed a familiar shimmer of light approaching. A figure in a gold and cream kimono appeared at the edge of the tarmac, her long tails swaying with every measured step. The air around her hummed faintly with spiritual energy.
"Welcome to Japan, Fengzhi-sama, Rongrong-sama," the woman said, bowing deeply. "I am Yakumo Ran. I will serve as your guide during your stay."
Fengzhi returned the bow slightly. "I see. I had expected Lady Yukari herself to greet us."
Ran straightened, her expression calm but alert. "Nee-sama wanted to, but the preparations for the upcoming gathering demand much of her time. She sends her apologies."
"Understandable," Fengzhi replied, lips curving faintly. "Still, I am surprised to be welcomed by a direct member of the Yakumo line."
Ran's golden eyes flicked toward the edges of the runway. "With the current tensions in Japan, it is only logical. There are whispers of radicals slipping through the cracks. My presence ensures your safety—and sends a message to those watching."
Fengzhi's smile deepened, almost amused. "Fufufu... very well then, Ran-dono. We'll be in your care."
Rongrong took a step closer, curiosity glinting in her gaze. "Ran-sama, may I ask—how is Riku doing lately?"
Ran glanced at her, her expression softening. "Riku is... occupied. CiRCLE's second live event is only a few days away."
"CiRCLE?" Rongrong echoed.
"It's a live house Riku owns," Ran explained. "One of Tokyo's most renowned. I can tell you're eager to see him, but patience will serve you better. You'll meet him during the assembly. For now, please enjoy your stay."
Rongrong nodded lightly. "I will. Thank you, Ran-sama."
Ran offered a small, knowing smile before signaling toward the road. Moments later, a sleek black car pulled up beside them. With a wave of her hand, several shikigami appeared, their ethereal forms swiftly gathering the luggage. Once everything was secured, Ran guided father and daughter into the car, taking the front seat as their escort.
The hum of the engine blended with the soft patter of drizzle as they left the airport behind, the city lights gradually swallowing them.
But high above—on the rooftop of a nearby building—two silhouettes crouched in the dark, their gazes locked on the departing vehicle. Their voices carried in low, sharp tones.
"Target is on the move," one whispered in Chinese. "Formation's ready?"
"Almost. Once they reach the intersection, I'll trigger it. One snap—boom. No one survives."
They weren't ordinary assassins. Both bore the markings of Martial Souls—warriors of the Chinese Radical Faction. Orders had come from above: eliminate Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong, and spark chaos between China and Japan. A clean strike. No survivors.
The car neared the intersection. The second man raised his hand, fingers poised to snap.
And then—crystalline frost bloomed from the ground.
Before either could react, both were frozen solid in pillars of glittering ice. The sound was instantaneous, sharp, and absolute.
From the shadowed rooftops across the street, two figures descended gracefully—Ursula and Nino, the cold light of the moon reflecting off their coats.
Ursula landed first, the wind bending around her as if afraid to touch her. "Your control over ice magic is improving. That was near-master level," she said, her tone carrying a hint of approval.
Nino scratched the back of her head, still staring at the frozen assassins. "Heh, thanks. Honestly, I just copied the spell from a game I played last week. I wasn't even sure it'd work."
Ursula's lips curved faintly. "That makes it even more impressive. How long will the spell hold?"
Nino tilted her head, thinking. "Ten, maybe twelve hours? Depends on the temperature."
"That's plenty," Ursula replied. "Our extraction's here."
A violet portal, trimmed with white ribbons of light, unfurled behind them like a tear in the night. The frozen bodies hovered briefly before Ursula raised her hand, summoning a gust of wind that pushed them through.
As the portal began to close, Nino gave one last glance toward the distant car where Ran and the Nings traveled safely. "Guess that's that."
"Mm," Ursula said softly. "Let's go before anyone notices."
And with that, the two stepped through the portal, their silhouettes dissolving into light as the city lights of Tokyo flickered quietly below—unaware that, for tonight, disaster had brushed past and vanished without leaving a trace.
To be Continued...