Bottom-tier voice actress wants to become a big star on VTuber.

Well-known producers like Pi Laoban and Diekou don't have this problem. They have so many hit songs, they don't need one or two more.

In addition to the Hatsune Miku version, Shimizu Toru also released his own version with his own vocals.

After all, even before deciding to copy Shukou Qu, this was his plan—to release these overly eccentric works as a vocal artist.

Some songs simply can't be released directly like "Willing to Serve" or "Ovdose," otherwise people would definitely think he's a psychopath.

For example, Rabbit Hole, Peeping, Rouge—if one didn't take a detour, people would start to doubt whether Shimizu Toru's mental state was still normal.

Volume 1: Chapter 92 BML Invitation

When Shimizu Toru woke up the next day, he gently pulled his right hand out of Yuhi Lily's arms.

It's unclear what people would do first thing after opening their eyes in the past, but since the invention of the mobile phone, it's definitely to grab the phone from the bedside table.

Rubbing his eyes, Shimizu Toru checked the number of views for "Like a God" on YouTube. Both versions had gained hundreds of thousands of views overnight, clearly thanks to his popularity.

As for N Station... In the original timeline, Pinocchio P took 83 days to reach the legendary achievement, and he hadn't even broken through to the mythical level before he traveled through time.

As a relatively unknown producer, ElP might take longer to use it, but that has little to do with Shimizu Tomo.

Besides this song, he also has another work that is going viral.

It was that viral short video he co-starred in with Mamoru Miyano, titled "Carrying a Gun and Herding Sheep," that, once released, was like a depth charge dropped into a calm lake.

In just one day, the number of followers on Shimizu Toru's newly created alternate account skyrocketed.

The video's views grew exponentially, the comment section was completely flooded, and Japanese netizens were utterly shocked.

What's MAMO-san up to now? It's certainly funny!

[Who's that handsome guy in the back? Is he a newly debuted artist? His looks are amazing!]

[Found it! It's Toru Shimizu, a new voice actress from ARTSVION! She voices Roddy in "Carole & Tuesday"!]

[What?! He's the most handsome voice actor in Twitter history?! He's even more handsome in person than in photos!]

This video is addictive! I've watched it on repeat for ten times already!

[Their interaction is so cute! MAMO is bullying his junior again www]

[The way Shimizu-kun looked utterly dejected and walked away in despair cracked me up!]

The video not only swept TikTok, but clips and screenshots also began to be shared wildly on Twitter.

#MiyanoMamoruShimizuToru# and #HoldingAGunAndHerdingSheep# quickly climbed the trending charts, and ShimizuToru's Twitter followers also increased accordingly.

Many fans who originally only paid attention to animation or voice actors have also begun to develop a strong interest in this newcomer who has both good looks and a talent for variety shows—albeit under duress.

Qingshui Tou had just finished taking care of his personal hygiene and hadn't even come out of the toilet when his phone rang.

"Shimizu! Did you see Twitter? Your video with Miyano-san is trending! It's a huge hit!"

Sure enough, it was Daisuke Sakazaki. His voice cracked with excitement: "The agency's phones have been ringing off the hook! Variety show offers, magazine interviews, commercials... My God! You're so lucky!"

After all, there are countless voice actors and even celebrities who shoot short videos and post on TikTok, but only a few actually become popular.

Not to mention the two of them, who clearly have the potential to create a trend. It's only because there's no such thing as "auspicious smoke rising from ancestral graves" in Japan that Daisuke Sakazaki would definitely tell him to hurry back to his hometown and check if his grave is on fire.

Shimizu rubbed her temples, looking at the constant stream of new fan notifications and private messages on her phone, feeling a mix of emotions.

He's certainly generated buzz, but it seems he's one step closer to being exposed. That damned Shimazaki Nobunaga, why is he rambling on about VTubers with Miyano Mamoru? Can't he talk about something serious?

"Sakazaki-san, please help me filter them. Prioritize those related to voice acting and music, and temporarily decline variety shows."

He doesn't want to be typecast as a comedian so quickly, and frankly, the invitations he's receiving are all just trying to ride on his popularity.

Just kidding, he's always the one who rides on other people's coattails, when did it become someone else's turn to ride on his popularity?

After Yuhi Lily and Takamiya Rion woke up, they quickly came across the video.

Rion Takamiya laughed so hard she rolled around on the bed: "Pfft, hahaha! Tou, that expression of yours looks like you've been kidnapped by MAMO-san! So cute!"

Lily in the evening watched the video repeatedly on her phone, a cryptic smile playing on her lips: "Tohru and MAMO-san are really close, aren't they? They've managed to make such a fun video together so quickly. But... next time, it won't be some female voice actress, will it?"

A tingling sensation ran down his scalp as he rinsed the water, and he immediately felt the familiar buzzing of the "battlefield warning radar."

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! I never talk to women in the recording studio, so you two can rest assured!"

Besides, in the voice acting industry, who knows how shady things people who seem glamorous actually do behind the scenes?

Even just cheating or having an affair is considered mild. If someone were to visit a cesspool, the pure water would be disgusted to death!

Compared to those people, Minase Inori, who only uses a smurf account to argue with haters, is a breath of fresh air—not to mention that this is supposedly a rumor.

Upon hearing this, Lily put down her phone, walked to his side, and gently brushed her fingers across his shoulder: "Don't be so nervous~ Liyin and I aren't actually that easily jealous, right~ Liyin?"

“That’s right, that’s right. Lily and I are very generous. As long as you tell us in advance, we guarantee that we will not only not cause you any trouble, but we can also help you as a wingman.”

Hearing their obviously blatant lies, Shimizu Toru's lips twitched involuntarily: "Then I'm so lucky to have such understanding girlfriends like you."

If it weren't for the fact that Lily's hand on his arm was pinching a piece of flesh, preparing to do a 180-degree twist, he would have truly believed it.

"You guys go wash up first, I'll go to the vegetable garden to pick some vegetables to make noodles."

After hastily leaving with a single sentence, Shimizu Tou stepped into the morning light, picked some small green vegetables still covered in dew, and pulled out a number of weeds that had sprouted up again.

As for managing the vegetable garden, the three of them mainly rely on clearing away the newly sprouted weeds whenever they come to pick vegetables.

Otherwise, it will be time-consuming and laborious to deal with them once they have taken root. There is no need to suffer in vain, right?

After finishing breakfast, Shimizu Toru, who hadn't been attending classes much lately, was teaching herself on the guitar while Takamiya Rion was taking her vocal lesson when her phone rang again.

"Tou-kun~ Bilibili has invited you to attend this year's BML, you should be fine with that, right?"

"BML? Isn't it scheduled for July? Why are they sending out invitations so early?"

Holding my phone in my left hand and soaking the vegetables in a basin of clear water with my right, it's not surprising that Bilibili invited me.

After all, my uncle really understands anime and manga, knows what everyone wants to see, and even organized a VR special session at BML.

Even without Shimizu Tomo, Tsukino Mito would still attend BML with Kizuna AI and HimeHina.

Lize will also be going to Shanghai in September to watch "Life on a String" and have barbecue with Nanami and Ruki from the Rainbow VR group.

"It's probably because you're so popular lately. We were worried you wouldn't have time if it was too late, so we decided to book in advance."

"...Isn't this a bit too early? It's only the end of April."

"Who knows what they're thinking? Anyway, Tou-kun, you agreed, right?"

"Hmm, by the way, could we add a few more people? We could treat it as a trip together."

"OK~"

Rion Takamiya and Lily Yuhi will definitely be willing to go to Shanghai with him. As for the others, I'll ask in the group later.

Volume 1: Chapter 93 Another Top Comic Con Invitation

The short video she filmed with Mamoru Miyano sparked a wave of popularity that swept through Toru Shimizu's life like a tsunami.

His Twitter followers have skyrocketed at an unprecedented rate, and searches for the name "Toru Shimizu" have remained high for days.

The agency's phones were ringing off the hook, and Daisuke Sakazaki's voice, though tired, couldn't hide his excitement as he relayed various invitations.

"Shimizu, NHK's morning news program would like to invite you and MAMO-san for a lighthearted interview, just to talk about the fun behind that video's creation! This is national-level exposure!"

"The magazine 'Seiyuu Grand Prix' would like to do an exclusive interview and cover shoot with you!"

"Several commercial brands are in contact with you, including food, beverage, and even sports brands... They're drawn to your exceptional image and current popularity!"

"Regarding variety shows, the production team of 'Chat 007' has also extended an offer. They think your chemistry with MAMO-san is very interesting..."

As Shimizu listened to Daisuke Sakazaki recount his experiences on the other end of the phone, he rubbed his temples, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden surge of attention.

He knew, of course, that these were excellent opportunities to greatly enhance his fame and commercial value, but that would also bring greater exposure and stricter scrutiny.

“Sakazaki-san,” Shimizu interrupted him, his voice tinged with weariness but firm: “Interviews and magazine appearances are worth considering, with priority given to those related to voice acting and music.”

"Please politely decline variety shows for me, especially the purely comedic ones. For commercials, please also screen the brand's image and the product itself first. I don't want to take on any random stuff."

"Huh? Why? This is a prime-time hit variety show!" Daisuke Sakazaki was clearly puzzled. "So many people are desperate to get on, now's the time to capitalize on our momentum, Shimizu!"

“I know.” Shimizu Toru sighed, “But I’m a voice actress first, and then I’m VTuber Toru Hanyu.”

—After Mamoru Miyano learned of his identity, and considering that he probably wouldn't be able to keep it a secret from his closest manager in the future, he told Daisuke Sakazaki about becoming a VTuber.

"While variety shows can quickly boost popularity, they can also easily label people as comedians or variety show personalities, which can affect the credibility of their characters, especially serious ones."

Shimizu Toru listed the risks one by one, and finally bluntly stated: "Moreover... frequent exposure will increase the risk of my identity being exposed. Don't forget, the identity of Yuzuru Toru is my main source of income."

"...Okay, you're right. I'll filter and reply according to your instructions." There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, as Daisuke Sakazaki was clearly processing his words.

Finally, he compromised, saying, "But Shimizu, popularity comes and goes quickly, and some opportunities, once missed, may never come again."

“I understand, Sakazaki-san, but there are some paths I want to walk more carefully.” Shimizu Toru looked out the window at the lush greenery of the backyard, his sanctuary of peace.

"Help me get that magazine interview. Also, if there are any suitable radio programs related to animation or music, we can consider those too."

“Okay, leave it to me.” Daisuke Sakazaki readily agreed.

As soon as she hung up the phone, Takamiya Rion and Yuhi Riri came over. They had also noticed the explosive discussion that followed the short video.

"Tohru—you're really famous!" Rion Takamiya's eyes sparkled, even happier than if she were famous herself: "So many people are praising how handsome you are, and some are saying that your interactions with MAMO-san are super interesting!"

Lily, leaning against the doorframe, smiled knowingly: "Our Tou-kun is in high demand right now~ Variety shows, magazines, commercials...tsk tsk, with that kind of clout, any offers to co-host with a pretty female host or actress?"

Shimizu felt a chill run down her spine and immediately said seriously, "No! Absolutely not! Besides, I've already told Sakazaki-san to turn down those purely comedic variety shows. I just want to focus on voice acting and making VTB videos."

"Oh?" Sunset Lily raised an eyebrow, clearly not quite believing it. "What about a magazine interview? Will there be a pretty female editor or photographer?"

"Lily..." Shimizu Toru sighed helplessly, almost raising his hand to swear, "I promise, work is work! Besides, do you think I have the energy to deal with other people right now?"

He rubbed his waist meaningfully, earning him a coquettish eye roll from Yuhi Lily and a giggle from Takamiya Rion.

"You know what I mean~"

Lily walked over and poked his cheek: "But seriously, Tou, it's good to be popular, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. Liyin and I will always be your strongest support."

"Yes, yes, I'm so glad you're here." Shimizu Toru raised his hands in surrender, but his heart was warm.

After living in this foreign land for several months, these past few days have been the most peaceful time for him, and he finally has a home of his own.

Just then, my phone's Line notification rang again; it was a small group chat from Eutpe.

[Green Fairy: @All members, breaking news! Our song "If We Can Shine" has been selected as one of the performance pieces for next month's Anime Expo! The organizers have invited us to perform live in LA (Los Angeles Convention Center)!!!]

This message was like a little boy dropped into a group chat, instantly drawing everyone out.

[Machida Chima: Eh?! Really?! LA? America?!]

[Dragon's Gentleman: I'm not seeing things, am I? Anime Expo? That's the biggest anime convention in North America!]

Upon seeing the message, Lily in the Sunset jumped onto Toru Shimizu: "Oh my god! That's amazing! Toru! Did you see that?"

"I saw it, I saw it. Get off me first." He patted her shapely buttocks and typed with one hand, "Green Fairy, is the information accurate?"

[Green Fairy: Absolutely true! I just received the official email. The organizers highly praised our cover version, feeling it perfectly fits the theme! The performance will be in early July, about a week's worth of material!]

The overwhelming surprise instantly dispelled my previous worries—Anime Expo! This is a top-tier stage for anime lovers worldwide!

For Eutpe, which was just starting out, this was a dream opportunity!

[Sunset Lily: Go! We have to go! This is the first step towards the world!]

[Machida Chima: Waaaaah, I'm so excited! I need to hurry and get my visa! Time to practice singing!]

[Gentian Lord: I am also deeply honored. It seems I need to prepare a few more performance outfits that are more suitable for the international stage.]

[戌亥床: Performance costume? The audience probably won't be able to see it, right?]

[Gentian Casserole: Even if you can't see it, you have to buy it; such a historic moment can't be without a sense of ceremony!]

In his excitement, Shimizu Toru keenly noticed a time discrepancy and immediately messaged Midori: "By the way, what is the exact date of Anime Expo?"

【绿仙：AX是7月4号到7号，我们表演安排在5号或6号，怎么了？你有其它安排吗？】

Shimizu Toru breathed a sigh of relief and quickly replied, "That's great! Bilibili has also invited us to BML. We Eutpe can go to LA to compete first, and then collectively head to Shanghai for BML! A double international debut!"

That's right, Uncle finally agreed to pack them all up. Perhaps this suggestion was exactly what he wanted, and he might even be hoping that the entire Nijisanji would come.

[Green Fairy: This idea is brilliant! Yuzuru, you're a genius!]

Putting down his phone, Shimizu Toru's face beamed with excitement. One in LA, one in Shanghai, two international stages at once!