A super great writer in the second dimension

　“Of course I know, they’re a national-level group,” Nozomi Tojo said. Even if she wasn’t interested, the publicity was still everywhere.

　"Arashi-kun wants to bring AKB48 members into School Idol? There are definitely some students among them..."

　Eli Ayase was also secretly alarmed, realizing that this person was truly serious.

　Just like herself, she was taking this matter very seriously, and her gaze couldn't help but be fixed on Sanzenin Arashi's face.

　Hearing such words from a group that leads the development of School Idol truly feels like a talented horse meeting its discerning owner.

　Sanzenin Arashi surprised everyone by shaking his head. "That's not what I meant. I'm talking about the AKB economic circle, their social influence. That's my goal, to be specific."

　Sanzenin Arashi paused for a moment: "My goal is to squeeze the AKB economic circle out of School Idol and non-mainstream idol fields, gradually integrate this group, and then let them stand on the top and replace the AKB economic circle."

　Upon hearing this, Tojo Nozomi showed a look of understanding but not quite, and Ayase Eli was the same, as she didn't really grasp the meaning of those words.

　Arashi Sanzenin laughed and said, "Let me put it this way, AKB48 has several hundred members, and they can generate nearly 300 billion yen in economic output for the Japanese entertainment industry every year. My goal is to surpass them. Do you think I'm exaggerating?"

　Upon hearing the specific number, Nozomi Tojo couldn't help but cover her mouth to hide her surprise.

　Eli Ayase wasn't much better off; she was also shocked by the number.

　AKB48 performs hundreds of shows and participates in thousands of variety shows every year, generating over 100 billion yen in revenue from these activities alone.

　Then, the nearly ten million album sales each year further boosted this economic sector.

　Then came thousands more advertisements, various handshake events, and merchandise sales, creating an entertainment empire built by young girls.

　Sanzenin Arashi didn't go into such detail, but even so, she still left the two girls speechless with shock.

　Hearing such words on TV, the two might just have a casual thought of "Wow, that's amazing!" But now this person is sitting right in front of them.

　The magazine covers nearby, with Sanzenin Arashi's slightly sunny smile, made them realize that this was no joke.

　..

342. Girls should absolutely not stay up all night, otherwise...

　As an idol group formed under capitalism, AKB48 members lead polarized lives. Taking concerts as an example, the parent company, led by Yasushi Akimoto, prepared two dressing rooms. The sixteen most popular members, such as Rino Sashihara, used one dressing room, while the other eighty-plus members used the second one.

　The two lounges are the same size. The first-line members have their own makeup artists, while the second-line members not only have to do their own makeup, but they don't even have a place to sit.

　This is what being an idol is all about. The profession seems glamorous, but it's actually quite realistic. It takes a lot of skill to play a role that can attract an audience, and you can tell just by looking at the sheer number of idols. Take fantasy novels, for example; they're one in ten thousand geniuses. It's no exaggeration. There are at least tens of thousands of idols in the Japanese entertainment industry, but only a handful are truly famous.

　AKB48 has hundreds of girls, and compared to palace dramas, the internal power struggles are like a fairy tale. It's impossible for there not to be all sorts of scheming and backstabbing.

　When those lesser-known members eat the pickled vegetables and white rice prepared by the company, while watching the frontline members carrying lunchboxes delivered from high-end restaurants, it's impossible to know what their inner thoughts are.

　Sanzenin Arashi's explanation of the idol industry was concise and to the point, without mentioning any dark side. The term "AKB economic circle" entered Ayase Eli's ears for the first time. What the girl was thinking at that moment was too much to care to investigate, but one thing was certain: this girl had no idea of ​​the dangers involved.

　In Japan, the economic sector always reports total revenue, never mentioning gross profit. This can be seen from the case of Takaaki Kitani, president of Bushiroad, the parent company of LoveLive. Capital is just like that: 100 yen can become 10 billion yen by changing hands 100 million times.

　After finishing her foie gras steak, Sanzenin Arashi prepared to enjoy dessert.

　At this moment, Eli Ayase's sense of curiosity was fully aroused, and she couldn't help but feel anxious when she saw that Arashi Sanzenin had suddenly stopped talking.

　Can't we all finish speaking properly?

　Sanzenin Arashi then said, half-jokingly, "The best embodiment of capitalism: the AKB economic circle."

　"Isn't this great?" Tojo Nozomi didn't catch the metaphor in those words.

　'When you find out that Akimoto Yasushi earns billions a year, while the highest-paid member under his command doesn't even earn a hundred million...' Sanzenin Arashi was looking forward to seeing what kind of expression the girl would make.

　Just then, Sanzenin Arashi raised her head again.

　"You're Sister Xi's friend, right?"

　“Huh? Ah, yes.” Eli Ayase was taken aback.

　Sanzenin Arashi tapped her phone: "Let's exchange phone numbers. By the way, what's your name again?"

　Nozomi Tojo laughed, "Little Eri is both smart and cute."

　"Nozomi?!" Eli Ayase said reproachfully, "What are you saying to others...?"

　“Eri? That’s a nice name.” Sanzenin Arashi suppressed a laugh and said, “Let me give you my phone number. The food at this restaurant is pretty good. I’ll call you next time I come.”

　"Then let's keep one..."

　"Very good." Sanzenin Arashi smiled as she entered the information into Ayase Eli's phone. With Tojo Nozomi around today, it's best not to let anything else develop.

　With that in mind, she finished her meal uneventfully, and after returning home, Sanzenin Arashi sat in front of her computer to finalize the outline of A Certain Magical Index before going to bed early.

　……

　Sanzenin Arashi was fast asleep, but Ayase Eli couldn't fall asleep.

　The term "AKB economic circle" lingered in her mind, and her childhood dream was recalled. She sat down, turned on her computer, and inexplicably typed in a website address. A moment later, the word "NICONICO" and a small TV logo appeared on the screen.

　Eli Ayase clicked on a few videos, and finally navigated to the gaming section. After seeing the title "[Slave Girl]", she clicked on it out of curiosity.

　The next morning, the girl sitting in front of the computer had red eyes. She stared intently at the screen as if a switch had been flipped, showing a scene of a slave girl's BedEnd, where little Sylvie had died from poisoning.

　First of all, the producer of this game is Aoyama Arashi.

　Ayase Eli believed that she could see the author's shadow through the game, but after playing all night—the first time in her life she had stayed up all night on the computer—and after several hours of thinking, she simply couldn't connect the game with that elegant and cheerful boy, and her curiosity grew stronger.

　'Oh right, I need to call Xi.' Only then did she stand up from her computer and dial her best friend's number.

　After ringing twice, the call was connected.

　"Xiao Xi, are you and Qing... are you and that person siblings?" Ayase Eli asked, yawning as she spoke.

　"Grandpa's sister, so that's how it is..."

　After hanging up the phone, Ayase Eli sighed. She only had Sanzenin Arashi's number saved in her phone, but she didn't dare to call him. How could such a busy person have time to care about an ordinary girl like her? Besides, she probably only left her number because they were "relatives and friends".

　The girl sighed, thinking she should just go to sleep. She figured she was a loser who'd never had any hope anyway, so she might as well give up...

　But at this time.

　A cheerful bell rang out.

　Someone called.

　'Who?' Her mind was a little blank after staying up all night... Ayase Eli glanced at her phone screen, and then...

　"Eh? Eh?"

　The flip phone screen displayed the name "Qingshan Lan".

　"Eh...?" Eli Ayase couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

　"Should I answer?" This kind of obsessive-compulsive feeling welled up inside me.

　While hesitating... the ringing suddenly stopped.

　Missed calls X1

　The girl's face darkened visibly, but before much time had passed...

　Another phone rang, and the name on it was still [Qingshan Lan].

　However, this time it was a text message.

　Eli Ayase swallowed, feeling a mixture of pain and pleasure.

　After opening the email, the girl looked at it with great anticipation.

　'What if they're interested in me?' Her fingers were even trembling slightly with anticipation.

　A simple line of text was displayed on the screen.

　[Ms. Ayase, would you be free to grab lunch? Lunchtime, any place is fine, okay?]

　In most people's minds, this would be considered flirting, but Ayase Eli couldn't wait to respond.

　Don't worry about me, Mr. Aoyama, just say whatever you want.

　After thinking for a moment, the girl felt that something was missing, and on a whim, she added an emoticon. However, because her fingers were not very obedient after staying up all night, she accidentally typed the wrong thing.

　Eli Ayase added this emoji: ＆>_＆<(shy~)

　She didn't pay much attention to it and sent it out without even looking at it carefully.

　Then the girl began to pay a heavy price for staying up all night...

　..

343. unオーエンは他女なのか

　Upon seeing the emoticon on the screen, Sanzenin Arashi was stunned.

　What a huge, embarrassed face!

　When did our old Russian scoundrel become like this...?

　I just can't accept it!

　After quickly brushing her teeth and washing her face, Sanzenin Arashi arrived at the company. At the end of January, all the companies across the country were to do something.

　...That is to publish their financial income on the official website. This move is used to appease people and greatly promotes the building of brand value. The figures are all over 100 million, which looks very impressive.

　What is being released here is not fiscal revenue, but rather the economic impact.

　In Japan, unless your job involves finance, most people won't understand the meaning of the word "capital".

　Therefore, this economic effect is deceiving the audience.

　Minami Kotori earned 1,000 yen and lent it to a friend.

　The fiscal revenue here is 1000 yen.

　What about economic effects?

　That's 2000 yen. She lent the money to Honoka Kousaka, and then Honoka bought a loaf of bread, so the economic effect became 3000 yen.

　Inflated capital and a bubble economy—it's all a lie anyway, so I don't care too much about it.

　Early in the morning, Sanzenin Arashi was sitting in her office, waiting for Yono to bring over the financial statements.

　Should it be released publicly? Of course, NICONICO will release this data.

　Not only will we announce it, but we'll also make it into a video!

　Sanzenin Arashi wants to show the otaku world the power of anime and manga, and elevate this community from being commonplace to being sophisticated and highbrow!

　Therefore, pleasing data is essential.

　While waiting, Sanzenin Arashi began writing the score, the score for a piano piece.

　He also posted a tweet about the sheet music he would use to perform on the show that evening.

　[I will be playing a piano piece on TV Asahi tonight, so please look forward to it... This piece will appear in an anime, that's right... it's an anime song, and I will be playing it at 7 PM.]

　After posting the tweet, Sanzenin Arashi began writing the score.

　Firstly, there are quite a few piano pieces in anime, but few that truly showcase technical skill.

　However, there is one piece that is even more difficult than some normal performance pieces.

　UNオーエンは比女なのか——This is the song.

　This song is generally referred to as "The Ultimate Demon Girl".

　It's the boss song for Flandre Luscaret in the Touhou Project series of games. It requires a small rock band to play, and when it turns into a piano piece, something very interesting happens.

　When playing ordinary pieces, it's not about playing as fast as possible. Piano music is about conveying a mood or atmosphere. The notes and scales are like two mirrors that are constantly reflecting each other, and the sound can give people a feeling of a picture.

　However, the faster the arrangement of this "Final Demon Girl" is, the better. The faster you play it, the more exciting it is. The dense cross notes and leaping notes make this piece adaptable to various versions.

　The violin can be played beautifully.

　A piano, a guitar, or even a piccolo can all be used to play this piece very well.

　The prerequisite is that you have to have that level of skill.

　Starting with a slow tempo, it gradually speeds up, the faster the better, reaching its limit, making it deafening to listen to.

　Most of the songs by the original "Kichiku-chan" were around four minutes long, but Sanzenin Arashi adapted them to five minutes, adding over a thousand syllables. The first part was slower, and the song became truly "Kichiku" from the middle onwards. The latter part was perfectly suited to highlight the theme – "The Ultimate Kichiku-chan".

　Tonight's performance will ultimately feature the original music by the "Ghost Girl," but it remains to be seen how it will be received.

　At this point, Yukinoshita Haruno had already brought the financial statements.