Four Hundred And Eighty-Two / Side One Hundred And Seventy-One – Kanzaki Keiko

Four Hundred And Eighty-Two / Side One Hundred And Seventy-One – Kanzaki Keiko

The music died down, the lights dimming, and Kanzaki Keiko stood there pridefully, sweat beads glittering on her face and arms, the idol costume she wore, the short red skirt, with flashes of black and silver cloth sewn through it, as well as the silver shirt partially covered with a red and black waistcoat covered with sparkling sequins, catching the eye of the crowd. “And that song was Sentimental Train! Now, Matsui-chan hasn’t been well, as you all know, but she wishes she could be here to sing for you all.” Keiko continued. “But who knows...” she addressed one of her colleagues beside her, who was wearing the same outfit, her hair bunched into braids with cute pink ribbons. “...maybe our fans will get a nice surprise next Saturday, don’t you think Yoshino-chan?”

Spoiler

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“Oh definitely, Kan-za-ki-chan!” Yoshino-chan replied into her microphone in a singsong, cutesy voice. “I just know everyone is super excited for the charity concert at the Tokyo Dome next Saturday!” She paused to allow the crowd here at the AKB48 Café in Akihabara to cheer, before continuing. “But to those of you who couldn’t get tickets, don’t despair!”

“That’s right!” Keiko grinned, her smile lighting up the room. “Our very own café will be hosting a live viewing event, and there will even be some of our ex-members coming back for a special live performance. So you can cheer us on from here!”

“And what do we have planned?” a third idol said, this one a cute younger girl with her black hair tied with a single white ribbon.

“That’s a se-cr-et!” Keiko copied Yoshino-chan’s inflections from earlier. “But...” she lowered her voice conspiratorially, a clear act considering she was speaking into a microphone. “...we’ll be playing our newest single, and announcing our new centre. And that’s not all... we’ll also be having a collaboration song with an up-and-coming local idol group. Let your speculation commence!”

“You forgot that there’ll be special international guests too!” the younger member broke in. “Though don’t let these foreign idols turn your heads. Who do you love?”

“AKB48! AKB48! AKB48!” The crowd in the café chanted, waving their glowsticks frantically, much to the bemusement of some foreign tourists who had been drawn in by the noise earlier, or had just come in because it was a café and they wanted something to eat or drink.Geett the latest novels at novelhall.com

“In that case...” Keiko grinned. “If you can all keep a secret, here’s a brief taste of happiness! In fact, this next song is called Tsukiakari no shita de shiawasena ai! May you all find happiness and love under moonlight! A one, two, three!”

The lights of the café dimmed, leaving the glowsticks of the fans the only light apart from a few by the bar, and then spotlights, brilliant white like the moon, highlighted Keiko, who had moved to the centre of the trio. As the members began to dance, the routine they had painstakingly learned through hard work and endless repetition, her voice rose in song, and she was glad the lights were so bright, as it hid the scattering of tears glimmering in her eyes. I’ve finally done it. I’ve been voted number one and I’m the centre on this single! And it’s not just any single, but it’s a single that we’ll perform first at the biggest musical event in Japanese history.

Her thoughts a whirl, they sung and danced, though it was only half the song and their first chorus, before they switched to several different songs in a medley. As their dance came to a close, the lights came up again, and the chants of the fans finally stopped. Tossing back her head, beads of sweat scattering, Keiko spoke again. “You didn’t get the full song, as not everyone’s here, and let me tell you, the later verses are real bangers.” As the crowd cheered, she placed one hand at her mouth, to show she was sharing another secret. “The last verse we’ve actually rewritten in tribute to someone that’s done AKB48 a huge favour. I think it’s even better now.”

“But you’ll have to wait and see!” Yoshino-chan giggled. “Since you who come to our café are our biggest fans, we gave you a brief taste. But the full meal is served next Saturday! Anyway, I know you’re all eager for the handshake event, but give us fifteen minutes to freshen up first, okay?” She winked, and the crowd waved their glowsticks in response. A curtain came down over the stage, and the idols relaxed.

“Whoa, you were on fire there, Keiko.” Yoshino Asuka said, taking a towel and wiping her sweat. Now the audience was hidden, they relaxed, addressing each other by their given names. “You’ve certainly blossomed recently. You’ve even shrugged off the backlash from your interview.”

“Maybe she really does have a thing for him.” Ema, the younger idol, grinned.

“Oh you!” Keiko laughed wryly, also drying herself off. “You know the way things are. If I seriously did date anyone I’d have to drop out of being an idol. You know what the fans are like... I mean, I love them, we all do, but there are some bad apples...”

“No kidding!” Asuka hugged her, until she pushed her away. “It’s like these handshake events. I have to respect how the fans spend their hard-earned money supporting us, buying multiple copies of our albums and tickets just to get more votes, but... well, it’s a good job that they are forced to wash their hands before they are allowed to come up. If it’s just that they are nervous and sweaty, that’s to be expected, but...”

Ema spoke up, curious. She had only been a member of AKB48 a short time, and the upcoming single was her first major appearance, so she was a little naive about things. “...Really? I thought that was an urban myth.” She flushed, embarrassed and morbidly curious. “There’s no way a fan would... you know... in the toilet beforehand?” She couldn’t even say it, and Keiko found her blush adorable. Ema’s a born idol, though she’s got a different style to Asuka and me.

“I wish it was.” Keiko sighed. “It never happened to me, but some of our founding members ended up with sticky hands. Fortunately we’ve far better security and rules now. The worst we have to worry about is some slander online and having to remember the names or nicknames of all our wotaku. Although when it crosses the line into stalking that can be scary...” She brightened up then, reaching for her phone. “...though if any of you get hassled, just tell me. I’ll get it sorted.”

“You’re not supposed to have your phone at work.” Ema said, and Keiko playfully flickered her forehead.

“Everyone does it. I know you have yours, right?”

“Guilty as charged!” Ema flourished her own hot pink phone. “So, by getting it sorted, do you mean you’ll call him?” She inquired, brown eyes sparkling.

“I have another question. Do you really think Juu-chan...” Asuka referred to Matsui by her nickname, as she was a senpai in AKB48 “...will be able to perform? When she had to be replaced as centre on her single due to illness she was devastated. I’d love to see her come back strong!”

“I think so. It’s all hush-hush, but the promoters of the concert are powerful, important people. The government, big business and more.” Keiko pointed out, having done more research on the powers behind Akio-kun after their stint on the talk show together with Arisu-chan. Now she was a frightening woman, but so powerful and elegant. I wish I could be like her someday. “I know management suggested it without much hope, to make things go with a bang but... I met her. The bar-bar my way girl, Shaeula-chan. She’s the reason we rewrote the last verse. She brought hope and happiness to Juu-chan. I believe it.”

“That’d be amazing!” Ema raised her fists to the sky, excited. “Injury and illness is scary. And we’ll get to dance with her in front of all of Tokyo Dome. It’s unbelievable. I’m so lucky!” She hugged Keiko, rubbing her cheek on her. “I’m still a newbie, but thanks to being put in your trio I’m flying!”

“It’s not just Tokyo Dome, this is going out worldwide!” Asuka laughed, and Ema froze, before her hug tightened.

“I’m suddenly scared! Help me Keiko-senpai!” Ema cried, and everyone laughed.

“Oh, now you respect me as a senpai?” Keiko said with mock severity. “Anyway, time is up, we need to get out there and make the day for our fans. After all, we’re idols! We may not be heroes saving the world like some, but we do brighten the lives of our fans!”

“That’s right!” they agreed, and placing their hands over each other’s, they then raised them to the sky. “Fight! Fight! Fight!”

After quickly freshening up, the curtain was drawn back on the stage, and they took their positions behind their individual tables, lines of fans in front of each one, clutching CDs, posters and other merchandise ready for signing. With a practised smile, Keiko greeted her first fan warmly. “A-kun, good to see you!”

“You remembered me...” the man who was nicknamed A-kun said, scratching at his slightly chubby cheeks with delighted embarrassment. It was only his second time visiting her, so he was impressed.

“Of course, who could forget you? Oh, you’ve got my limited edition poster where I’m dressed as an Akiba maid. That one’s premium!” Keiko praised him. “Do you want a signature?”

“Yes, if you could sign it with the name of the new single...” he said slyly, and Keiko couldn’t help but giggle.

“You bastaaaaaaaaaaaard!” the man yelled, one hand clutching his destroyed eye. Moments later he fell to the ground, his other eye exploding too. Blinded, he flailed around and tripped over the fallen idol, landing on his knees, even as screams started around us. Kanzaki-chan leapt up, despite her injuries, and raced towards me, shouting out for calm.

“It’s all right!” she shouted. “Don’t panic, stay composed! Help has arrived!”

As she did so, my feet suddenly started to feel a pressure, and I looked down to see the leather boots I wore were starting to shrink. Guess there’s no cheating the Geas. I tossed my phone to Kanzaki-chan, who fumbled but caught it. Looking at me puzzled, I spoke rapidly. “Call the local police, as I had to take on a cheat to get here in time. I was in Kyoto a couple of minutes ago.” I snorted, the situation painful but also amusing. “Unless you want my feet to tear off in front of you...”

“No, ah.. okay!” She dialled hurriedly, and I ignored the growing pain to help up the crying girl, another idol running over. “Ema, are you all right? I’m sorry, I was frozen, I couldn’t do anything?”

Ema-san, the girl I had pulled up and helped cover herself, draping my coat over her and pulling it over her torn shirt, shook, sobbing silently. I could hear Kanzaki-chan reporting the situation to the police, and at that moment the boots stopped constricting my feet. Moments later Ema-san blew her nose, and with a shuddering breath, looked at me, eyes widening.

“Hey, you’re Oshiro-san!” she managed. “Where did you come from? Oh... no, no...” She looked ready to cry again, and I looked down to see that my boots and trousers were covered in liquid where I had bent down. She blushed as red as a tomato, and in a mosquito-like voice whispered she was sorry.

“No problem!” I said, aether surging, extracting the liquid from my legs and also the floor, before flame element evaporated it. “Now I’m sure this was just a spillage from a bucket that got kicked over in the struggle, but it must be uncomfortable...”

“Please.” Ema-san whispered, understanding my consideration, and she shivered as she felt the unusual sensations of aether and flame element cleansing her shame.

“The police are on the way.” Kanzaki-chan handed me my phone back, looking down at the writhing man clutching his face. “They’ll take Sora-kun away... but can he be contained? He’s not normal.”

“His strength is still a problem, but he won’t be able to do much with his ability.” My Eye glowed as I confirmed that it was indeed an eye-related ability, and I had blinded him. “They’ll call for special police from the Ministry for Spiritual Matters, and they have specific holding cells. Though, maybe I should help them out, just in case.”

At that, the man, Sora-san, let out a bitter, wheezing laugh, cackling madly. “I’m glad I can’t see this! Kanzaki-chan, you slut, you...”

“That’s enough out of you.” I growled, my League surging. I tried to direct it, though everyone around me fell silent under the strain of my presence. Sora-san was barely able to speak, pale from more than pain, and with a swift motion I broke his wrists and ankles with an audible snapping sound. He bellowed inarticulately, and I advised him to be silent. “I suggest you choose your words carefully. I was meeting some people I’ve now worried severely before this...”

As if on cue, Eri’s voice spiked into my mind. Akio, are you all right? Shiro came back in a panic, and Tsukiko called saying it was an emergency?

I’m fine. Though the fallout is going to be a pain. You can reassure everyone and handle it for me... I explained what had occurred, and Eri, pumped up to be of help, agreed to coordinate everyone. Turning back to Kanzaki-chan, I smiled reassuringly. “It’s not your fault though, and nobody would care about being a bit worried over this.”

“Excuse me...” the third idol said cheerfully, though I could tell she was shocked by the sudden violence and putting on a brave face. “Can I... have your autograph? I’m a big fan... especially now!”

I paused, a little surprised, and Kanzaki-chan burst out laughing, as she hugged Ema-san close. “That’s a role reversal, Asuka. Anyway...” she took a deep breath, calming herself. Security for the venue had reacted, and some of the idol fans had also regained their own calm and were making sure everyone was all right. Several people had fainted and one was having a panic attack, but my Eye could see there were no life-threatening injuries anywhere. “...Akio-kun, thanks. For keeping your promise.”

“Of course. Though when I gave it, I never thought this would happen.” I snorted.

“No, I know. But still... thank you.” She smiled, and I raised a hand, aether flowing, and her cheeks and lips healed up. She touched them, surprised. “I guess I should thank you again.”

“Hey, you’re an idol, the show must go on, right? Besides...” I began, only for Kanzaki-chan to interrupt me.

“I know this one. Your sister is an idol fan, right? So you did it for her.” She remembered our conversation from before. “Don’t worry, we plan on giving her the full backstage experience on Saturday.” She took a deep breath. “Anyway, please call me Keiko. I’m Kanzaki-chan to the fans, but... to my friends I’m Keiko.”

“All right, Keiko-chan.” I nodded, and she looked down, face red. Asuka-san started teasing her, and Ema-san joined in, trying hard not to see or hear Sora-san who was muttering and cursing in between his roars of pain. Soon, the police and some paramedics arrived, and several minutes after that a special team from the Ministry joined them, accompanied by Detective Kato and Officer Usui. On seeing me, Usui-san rolled her eyes, addressing me rather familiarly.

“Why is it whenever there’s trouble, especially involving girls, you’re always there?”

“That’s a hurtful accusation.” I sighed, though I knew she was joking. “Anyway... his power is in his eyes, so I blinded him. But be careful, he’s gained a few Levels recently so he’s likely stronger than you can handle. I’ve broken his limbs to make it easier to control him, but even so, be careful.”

“You could have been gentler. This is going to be problematic.” The Detective sighed, before his expression hardened. “Though I’ve no time or remorse for scum who abuse those weaker than themselves. All right, interview everyone and get the CCTV footage...” He ordered his detachment to work, and as the café bustled into life, Keiko-chan thanked me again.

“I’m...” Emotion was getting to her now, the relief uncorking her shock and fear. “...so glad you came. If I had... to watch Ema... hurt because of me...” Ema-san started to sniffle and shiver again, and Asuka-san started to console them.

“It’s not your fault. Trust me. I know. But...” I had an idea. “...if you’re grateful, then make the concert a real success, okay? That’ll help me a lot. Arisu-san would appreciate it too.”

“I am grateful.” Her fellow idols echoed her, Ema-san wiping her tears, taking a deep breath and trying to calm down. Keiko-chan then paused, before managing a genuine smile. “I guess it really was lucky that I was chosen to go on the talk show with you, otherwise...”

“Maybe.” Although there’s no guarantee that wasn’t what provoked that bastard to attack. “Anyway, I have to go, now that the situation is under control.” As I said that, Ema-san grabbed one arm, while Asuka-san grabbed my other.

“No way!” Asuka-san protested. “You can’t just show up like a knight in shining armour in our hour of need and not let us thank you properly! Words aren’t good enough!”

“That’s right! You even...” Ema-san looked down at my coat she was wearing, before her eyes narrowed. “...helped me out of trouble. You came here for Keiko, if you go without letting her express her gratitude, she’ll be devastated!”

“Yes, she will be!” Asuka-san agreed, giving her a sly thumbs-up she thought I couldn’t see. Keiko-chan rolled her eyes, but she did seem to want me to stay.

“Honestly, we’re all really shaken up. It would be good if you could explain to us how you deal with such things. Oh, but you said you were worrying people, if you can’t stay I’ll understand...”

Seeing her look pitiful, the others hanging onto my arms, I gave a rueful smile, listening to Usui-san chuckling at my discomfort. Directing some thoughts at Eri for her to pass onto the others, I conceded. “Fine. You can let me go, I won’t run off. I don’t have long, but there’s a bar near here I frequent...” I can console them a little, and I could use a drink after this mess...