Tokyo Unnatural Forensics

Chapter 469, Once the palace is opened, there is no turning back!

At the same time, backstage at the theater.

YKC48's senior manager, who is also in charge of Maho Yamaguchi, Imazaki, with a Marlboro cigarette in his mouth, threw his phone on the table.

"We've received news that Yamaguchi has left the 'God's Hand' program, and Hirate Sarana from Akashirosaka will take her place."

Ichikawa, one of the theater managers, sighed, whether with regret or relief, "As expected... it was only a two-term connection. For someone like Mr. Uesugi to remember her twice is already a miracle. I was hoping she could say a few more words and bring back some topics for the troupe."

Imazaki scoffed: "Topic? It's good enough that she didn't cause any negative news. She's never been the type to know how to get things done. She's just a pretty vase on the show. She has no jokes and doesn't know how to build a relationship with Uesugi Shiraishi. You could have just shamelessly tried to get on her good side! Now that she's lost her value, it's actually less of a hassle. The reason those rich girls made such a fuss before was because she got this resource. Now it's balanced."

Ichikawa nodded: "That's true. Let's inform her and reassure the others. The key is to let Nakai and Sugawara know that resources will still be given priority to 'our own people'. As for Yamaguchi... let's just ignore him for now, and put him on the back list for the next single selection."

The conversation between the two was as bland as discussing how to deal with an expired product.

This is what female idols are all about.

Every day, countless young women come to Tokyo to pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry. However, only a very small number of them succeed. The vast majority of them become expendable resources or human mines. Those with clear minds see the situation as hopeless and quickly withdraw, while those without clear minds are drained of all their value and youthful vitality by the cold metropolis and then discarded.

However, Imazaki's complexion seemed off, which caught Ichikawa's attention: "Imazaki, are you alright?"

"No... I haven't been resting well lately." Imazaki's expression was a bit unpleasant: "Is Miyawaki back?"

Before Ichikawa could ask any more questions, Imazaki shook his head: "Right, let's reschedule. Since Yamaguchi can't make it the day after tomorrow, let's continue with the performance."

"Okay." Japanese people are very particular about propriety both in public and at work, so Ichikawa didn't ask the question at the moment, and therefore couldn't ask any further.

As expected, Yamaguchi's schedule was changed because he was originally scheduled to participate in the filming and therefore would be absent from the performance the day after tomorrow. This immediately caused a shock within the entire group, especially among the idols who joined the group at the same time as Yamaguchi.

The news spread like wildfire among the members.

The atmosphere in the lounge was subtle.

Nakai Rika, one of her classmates, deliberately raised her voice as she touched up her makeup in front of the mirror, a barely suppressed smile playing on her lips: "Oh dear, it still doesn't work. Some things, even if you get them temporarily, you can't hold onto them. It's like shoes that don't fit; if you force yourself to wear them, you'll only fall and hurt yourself."

Riko Sugawara immediately chimed in, her tone sarcastic: "Rika-chan is right. A place like a TV station isn't a place where you can survive just by having a pretty face. You need real talent and charisma. Sakura-senpai would be no problem at all, after all, she's been through the big stage of the general election."

Another member, Rena Hasegawa, feigned innocence and asked, "Eh? So Maho-chan isn't going anymore? That's so sudden."

Nakai Rika sneered: "Suddenly? Not at all. It was just a borrowed spot, and now it's back to its rightful owner. I thought I could climb the social ladder and fly to the top, but it turns out that the other party just fed me a little and teased me. How funny."

Their voices were neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for the entire lounge, including the pale-faced Yamaguchi Maho in the corner, to hear clearly. Some of the other members either lowered their heads and pretended not to hear, or exchanged knowing glances.

Just then, a sound suddenly came from outside.

"Miyawaki-san is here!"

As her manager called out her name, Sakura quickly returned to the dressing room from outside. She had already changed into her signature stage outfit—a white and dark blue short skirt that blended nautical style with sweetness. The hem of the skirt swayed gently, creating a youthful and neat arc.

Her legs were tightly encased in finely textured, pure white stockings. The white wasn't a harsh, stark white, but a warm, pearly white, as if coated with a delicate glaze, perfectly outlining the slender yet powerful lines of her legs. The tops of the stockings disappeared into the absolute territory beneath her skirt, leaving a subtle, alluring shadow.

On her feet were a pair of knee-high black boots, the glossy patent leather reflecting sharp and dazzling spots of light under the bright lounge lights, creating a wonderful contrast with the fresh and sweet look of her upper body.

The boots are structured, and the heels tap the floor with a crisp, vibrant rhythm, but the skin covered by white silk on the boot shaft reveals an unparalleled softness and purity amidst the toughness.

Her pure and innocent charm, emanating from Kagoshima, Kyushu, shines through on her sweet face. Strands of her flowing hair brush against her energetic cheeks, her eyes are bright and focused, and her lips curve into her signature hardworking yet sweet smile. This outfit is both weapon and armor, perfectly blending girlish innocence with the brilliance of an idol, radiating a unique radiance that belongs only to Sakura with every note.

As soon as she appeared, a group of idols rushed up to her: "Sakura-chan! You're back! You've worked so hard! I saw you on TV, you're really amazing! Mai-chan's interactions were so much fun!"

The members who had been being sarcastic earlier immediately surrounded them, speaking in a friendly tone as if they were old friends: "Exactly! I understood that 'Uesugi lame joke' gag, and you picked it up so cleverly! As expected, only someone as experienced as you, Sakura-chan, can handle such a big stage!"

Every word they said seemed to be whipping Yamaguchi Maho in the corner, implying that she was "boring," "inexperienced," and "unable to handle it."

The other members also crowded around, offering their "admiration" and "congratulations" all at once, as if their previous jealousy and mockery of Yamaguchi Maho had never happened. Whether their enthusiasm was genuine or not was irrelevant; what mattered was that they had accurately sensed a new trend—Miyawaki Sakura was now a true favorite in the eyes of the management and "big shots," and currying favor with her was far more valuable than suppressing a washed-up Yamaguchi Maho.

If Sakura could say a word for them in front of Uesugi Shiraishi and get a role, even just a tiny bit, it would be incredibly beneficial and bring them endless good fortune!

Sakura was already used to this kind of scene. She responded with a smile, thanking everyone for their support. Her attitude was humble but carried a hint of imperceptible distance. Her sharp eyes swept across the bustling crowd and finally landed on Yamaguchi Maho, who was sitting alone in the corner organizing her things.

Sakura already knew about Yamaguchi Maho's "removal from the show." Her expression was somewhat complicated. Although she was young, she knew how lucky she was and how dark the idol industry was. There wasn't a single bit of "sincerity" in all the fake compliments and congratulations she was receiving.

Hate those who have, laugh at those who don't; hug in public, shoot an arrow in private; a shared stage, yet each on their own; "four people, five groups, eight hundred schemes."

The term "plastic besties" is all too familiar to Sakura, who has been immersed in her idol career for many years.

My only real older sister is Mai!

Hehe, you guys... I've been invited to dinner with Uesugi-san and Mai-sama the night after tomorrow!

Do not get too close to these foot-washing maids, or you will be tainted by their stench and become unfortunate. Also, do not keep too much distance from them, or you will easily incur their resentment.

Sakura knows exactly how to maintain a proper distance.

Fortunately, Sakura is very busy and doesn't have much time to touch up her makeup right away. Moreover, because she is now extremely important in the group, the management has assigned her a full-time manager and assistant, so she rarely appears in the theater anymore.

This poses no threat to the existing fans who are still watching the show, and they wouldn't dare to touch them anyway.

Just like when Yamaguchi Maho was still able to appear on "God's Hand," everyone was envious and jealous, but they didn't dare to really ostracize her. Otherwise, if she could talk to Uesugi and get him to ask what was going on, everyone would be doomed!
And so, the power struggles and intrigues, each with their own hidden agendas, continued to unfold within the girl idol group.

Late at night, in a private room at a coffee shop.

After work, Nakai Rika, Sugawara Riko, and one or two other close confidants gathered together.

"That's so satisfying!" Sugawara Riko took a sip of her milk tea. "I was disgusted by her cautious yet smug look before. Now she's back to her old self."

Nakai Rika's eyes grew even colder and more venomous: "That's not enough. Does she think it's over? Because she's lost her value, the management won't give her any extra 'care' anymore, which makes things easier for us."

"What does Rika-chan mean...?"

"Didn't a few 'friends' (referring to some extreme fans) want to 'care' about her before?" Nakai Rika lowered her voice, a malicious smile on her face. "Before, we were worried that she would go on TV shows and cause a big scene. Now... anyway, nobody cares about her anymore. Shouldn't we let her experience the 'enthusiasm' of the fans more 'intimately'?"

Riko Sugawara immediately understood: "Yes... how about suddenly showing up on her way home from get off work to 'encourage' her? Or letting her know that things that don't belong to her shouldn't be touched, and that touching them will have consequences. I can 'tell' her new route and time home from get off work to her 'friends' who care about her."

The group exchanged a dark, knowing glance. The venomous fire of jealousy, once they realized their target had lost protection, finally ignited into a concrete, criminal plan.

No longer content with verbal mockery, they began to extend their reach into reality, plotting how to "teach a lesson." Their core motivation was: what we cannot have, you once possessed; that is your original sin, and you must be punished.

"Cheers!"

"Cheeeeeers"

"Hey, do you guys think that if such a scandal happens, it might cause Miyawaki Sakura to also leave 'God's Hand'?" Suddenly, one of the members said with anticipation.

Her words made the other members' expressions light up.

"It's possible! It's really possible!!!"

The scene freezes on the moment when the maids clinking glasses, their innocent, youthful, and radiant smiles reflected in the glass.

This is what teenage idols are like!
Open the palace!
Palace supervisor, release the prisoner! ! !

(End of this chapter)