Tokyo: Oreimo

Chapter 105 Amway

Takashiro Ryouno bought the entire set without hesitation and paid for it readily.

Opportunities to recommend things that interest her friends are rare. Although she would prefer her friends to play serious games, there are inappropriate contents involved. The last incident left a deep impression on her, so she was hesitant to step into any sensitive areas.

But for Fate/Zero, it doesn't matter at all.

This is a legitimate light novel, with absolutely no 18+ content.

"You absolutely have to watch this, Ruri."

Without giving her a chance to refuse, Takashiro Ryouno simply stuffed four brand-new volumes of light novels into her friend's bag.

'This must be related to the game your older brother made, right?'

Although Ruri Aragaki hadn't actually played the game yet, she could still recognize the female character on the packaging cover.

The exact same character design—was it adapted from a game into a light novel?

How can an R18 game have this kind of power?

She noticed that there was a sign standing on the counter selling this light novel that read 'Dengeki Bunko Award Gold Prize Winner'.

"Although that guy is annoying, he's really good at writing."

"Huh? So, this novel was written by my older brother?"

Ruri Aragaki realized that since Ayano had always referred to "that guy," there was no one else but Ryosuke.

She noticed the author's name at the end of the poster.

"Gen Urobuchi?"

"A pen name, that guy has several, supposedly to prevent readers from sending him death threats."

Takashiro Ryouno tilted her head and continued, "People like Gen Urobuchi and Kinoko Nasu, you'll know once you've seen them."

"There seems to be another one, that's what the female giant always calls him, but it's not important. Anyway, this novel is quite wonderful."

Nasu Kinoko... Aragaki Ruri remembered this name because she was too scared to play that R18 game. When she was flipping through the CD case, she saw the credits.

The name was mentioned above.

So, these two are your pen names, elder brother?

But what puzzled Aragaki Ruri was that it seemed like the other person had been writing books for a long time.

'He seems to be a newcomer who debuted around the same time as Shigaze, but we still don't know what his debut work was.'

......

Ryosuke suddenly sneezed.

"Is it the season of change? Or is someone eyeing it?"

The game has been released for some time now, and a lot of criticism has appeared on the official website, with many expressing dissatisfaction with the overly dark tone of the Heaven's Feel route. Among them are also many fans who have read Fate/Zero, who have joined the fray.

They claimed they would send the author razor blades.

Ryosuke's opinion on this is,

Send it anywhere, but if you can uncover his real identity and address, you're really something.

These were all expected; there are always people who can't accept an imperfect ending and want a happy ending for the whole family.

But whether or not one can accept it is one thing, and whether the work sells well is another.

The F/Z novel sold unexpectedly well, with the first issue selling over 10,000 copies and selling out immediately. Kadokawa Shoten urgently reprinted it, distributing another 50,000 copies.

They took fourteen million in royalties alone.

This is thanks to the efforts of game fans. It would be quite difficult for a gold award-winning game to achieve this level of success. During the same period, sales of the game "FSN" also saw a boost.

Several sales channels have reported increased sales.

This also shows that although the otaku group says no, their actions tell a different story.

...

"Takashiro-kun should get some exercise."

A playful laugh reached his ears, pulling him back to reality.

Ryosuke is in a coffee shop in Shibuya, Tokyo, with two girls wearing masks sitting in front of him.

The speaker was a girl with brown twin ponytails, her eyes narrowed to slits, her hands supporting her chin on the table, curiously observing Ryosuke.

Her companion gently nudged her, causing her blue bangs to sway slightly, conveying a sense of reproach.

"Don't say anything rude, Mirai-chan."

"Oh dear, Takashiro-kun wouldn't mind something like this, right? I was just trying to be helpful."

Asakura Mirai playfully clung to Hayakawa Shizuka's arm, then averted her gaze and stuck out her tongue.

"Well, it's okay."

Ryosuke smiled and shook his head.

There's nothing wrong with talking about this; if you catch a cold this time of year, your body definitely needs exercise.

For the past six months or so, I've spent a lot of time staying at home and staying up late, which definitely can't go on like this.

Ryosuke himself was aware of this, and once the script for Clannad was finished, he might be able to relax a little.

"Hehe, I knew Takashiro-kun wouldn't mind. He's such a kind person. No wonder Shizuka... *sobs*"

Asakura Mirai glanced at Hayakawa Shizuka beside her, wanting to say something, but before she could finish speaking, the other girl shoved a piece of cake into her mouth, almost making her choke.

so close!

Hayakawa Shizuka was startled; she knew perfectly well what her teammate was about to say.

We've spent so much time together at the company, we've become quite familiar with each other, and we're friends who can joke around with each other.

That's why you can reflexively interrupt someone when they're only halfway through their sentence.

"No wonder what?"

Ryosuke was a little confused and quite curious about what Asakura Mirai was going to say.

Don't worry about those things.

Hayakawa Shizuka blushed slightly and quickly changed the subject.

"Takashiro-kun, is it because you have another song you want me to compose music for? That's why you specifically asked me to come out."

Speaking of serious matters, Ryosuke had sent the other party a few days ago, asking when they would be free.

After all, this idol is much busier now than before, with performances one after another. Although he hasn't become a huge star yet, he's already quite well-known in the industry.

After confirming that I was available on Sunday, I made a special appointment to meet.

I didn't expect her to bring her teammates with her this time.

"That's true, because a new project has been put on the agenda."

"Is it the same as last time?"

"No, it's a completely different type, it might not be suitable for you to sing."

"Huh? Shizuka isn't allowed to sing this time?"

Asakura Mirai swallowed the cake in her mouth, somewhat surprised.

She came with Shizuka this time because she received instructions from Shinpei Ito to see if she could get a glimpse of the new song.

After their last meeting, the group received a job singing the theme song for "Cardcaptor Sakura," which is now very popular and has greatly boosted their fame.

For this, Shinpei Ito happily gave them a substantial bonus.

Shizuka Hayakawa was not disappointed by this; she was already very happy to be entrusted with composing music.

"It's alright, Takashiro-kun. I'll contact Mr. Kudo to produce a few songs this time."

"Most of it is light music, and two songs. Although it's not really suitable for you, it would be best if SP Company could find a suitable singer to perform it..."

At this point, Ryosuke seemed to suddenly remember something, paused for a moment, and then asked Shizuka Hayakawa a question.

"Speaking of which, has SP Company ever expressed any interest in participating in animation production?"

He currently doesn't have any channels to collaborate with record companies or music production companies, otherwise he wouldn't have specifically asked Shizuka Hayakawa for help.

As far as he knew, SP Company seemed to have gained some fame in the ACG field now.

Hayakawa Shizuka was taken aback, not understanding why Ryosuke would bring up animation production. Weren't they just talking about games?

But Asakura Mirai, standing to the side, had a sudden flash of inspiration and gave a direct answer.

"Takashiro-kun, are you referring to joining the animation production committee? If so, then yes, that's possible."

In terms of company business, the outgoing girl knew more than Shizuka Hayakawa and had heard Shinpei Ito talk about such things.

"If that's the case, I'll visit you when I have time."

"My current company is planning to produce an animation. If SP Company is interested in investing in it, I can also license two songs to you."

"Huh?"

"Well, one of those two songs is one you could sing, or rather, it's quite suitable for you."

"It's called 'Connect'."

......

"As expected, Shizuka always gets a good song every time she meets Takashiro-kun!"

Asakura Mirai held tightly to her teammate's arm as they walked back to the company, feeling slightly excited.

While at the coffee shop, Ryosuke hummed a song, and Ryosuke's entertainment radar immediately went off.

The melody of the song itself is outstanding, bright and full of hope, which is perfect for their group's image. If it weren't for the lyrics having a bit of an anime theme song feel, she would even suspect that Ryosuke wrote it specifically for them.

"But speaking of which, it's strange that such a talented person can't compose music, isn't it, Shizuka-chan?"

Asakura Mirai always found it strange that Ryosuke would repeatedly ask Hayakawa Shizuka to compose music, but he would always mention the main melody, some of the arrangements, and even the instruments used.

To say that someone who has achieved this level of understanding music would seem highly illogical.