Hoshino Suisei... The idol?
Zuihou is staring wide-eyed at the cool blue haired girl standing in front of us.
"Phew. I'm sweaty. Why must I hide my identity, Onee-chan?" (Suisei)
"It was your idea in the first place!" (Makina)
"Sui-chan?!" (Yuito)
"Oh great." (Zuikaku)
Yuito stood up abruptly while a disgruntled Zuikaku rolled her eyes. Looks like Yuito is a fan of her too.
"Oh my. This is a surprise." (Ise)
"Hoshino Suisei?" (Marshal Admiral)
"The idol our dear daughter has been obsessed with since last year." (Ise)
Misaki-chan is a fan of her as well?
"Urm... Erm... Can I..." (Zuihou)
Zuihou looked at me, as if wanting to say something. She looks nervous and excited at the same time. I think I know what she wants. I reached into her bag and passed her the album she just bought.
"Here. Go on."
Her face beamed up and she grabbed the album from my hands. Zuihou tore out the plastic wrapping. She walked nervously towards her idol and offered the album while bowing.
"Um... Suisei...-chan... P-pwease give your autograph!" (Zuihou)
She tripped over her words...
"Oh my. You are my fan? Eheh~ Sure." (Suisei)
"Really? Yay!" (Zuihou)
"Your name is Zuihou, right? I saw your name in that promo video. Let's see... Can I write your name in Hiragana? I'm not really good with kanji." (Suisei)
"Y-yes!" (Zuihou)
"Sui-chan is good at everything except kanji." (Makina)
"Onee-chan, you're exaggerating. I'm not good at everything." (Suisei)
Suisei-san took out a black marker and signed on the cover of the album. She passed it back to Zuihou, who stared at it with starry eyes.
"Wow~ Thank you so much! Thank you so much!" (Zuihou)
Zuihou kept bowing and thanking the idol.
"Gh! You're so cute!" (Suisei)
"Sui-chan, don't think about it." (Makina)
"I know that." (Suisei)
...
"Um... Me too!" (Yuito)
Yuito stood up and walked towards the idol. He bowed deeply and stretched out his right hand,
"Sui-chan, I'm a huge fan of yours! Please shake my hand!" (Yuito)
Suisei blinked a few times. She is probably surprised by this random dude's behavior. Nevertheless, she smiled and took his hand,
"Thank you for your continuous support." (Suisei)
Yuito had this blissful face as he clutched the hand Suisei just touched,
"I'm never gonna wash this hand." (Yuito)
"Gross."
"Gross." (Zuikaku)
Zuikaku and I looked at each other. Looks like we agreed on the same thing.
"Maybe we should get something for Misaki as well." (Marshal Admiral)
"But... If she finds out Suisei-san is here, she will brag to her class. That will trouble Suisei-san." (Ise)
"Oh. That won't be a problem. During my next live, I plan to announce that I have been the founder of Hoshimachik." (Suisei)
"Founder? Not CEO?"
Those two terms are vastly different.
"Hmm... Kinda a bit of both, I guess? I will explain it later. But revealing my identity now won't be much of a problem. In fact, rumors about me being in charge of Hoshimachik have been circulating for quite a while now." (Suisei)
"That's because you wore a yet to be unreleased product a week before its release during one of your live performances. And the number of times you talked about your company during radio interviews." (Makina)
"I was helping to advertise the company." (Suisei)
"Ahem. Excuse me but I think we should go ahead and get this meeting started."
I can see the Marshal Admiral giving a nod.
"You're right. We should get it started." (Suisei)
Makina-san placed some files in front of each of us, before joining her sister on the other side of the table.
"Let's start with proper introductions." (Suisei)
Zuihou is still staring at her new precious item with stars in her eyes. I poked her cheek to get her attention. Nothing. I stroked her hair and gave her head a few light taps. That got her attention. Zuihou looked at me, before snapping back to reality. She dug through her bag and found a plastic bag to put her signed album in. For Yuito... looks like he is in pain. He is clutching his leg.
"I am Hoshino Suisei. Founder and CEO of HoshimaChik. Although my title in the company is CEO, Onee-chan usually manages the company for me. I just dabble in it every now and then."
"Every now and then? On top of recording sessions, live performances, drama series and interviews, you handle most of the business decisions and fashion designs in the company. Even though I told you to leave the company to me. Ah. Ahem. My name is Hoshino Makina. I'm somewhat of a PA to my overworked sister." (Makina)
"I'm not overworked. It is a little tiring but I enjoy doing these things." (Suisei)
"That's amazing, Suisei-san." (Zuihou)
"Gosh. Zuihou-chan, don't encourage her." (Makina)
"If only my Admiral can do the same thing, that would be awesome." (Zuikaku)
Argh! Why do I feel like I got hit by a stray bullet? I know that was a jab at Yuito but it feels like I took some damage as well.
"Looks like the two of you need to better yourselves. If you are interested, I can train you myself." (Marshal Admiral)
Oh, hell no! As much as I respect the Marshal Admiral, who knows what his training regime is going to be. I prefer to stay alive and keep my sanity.
"Thank you for the offer, Marshall Admiral. But they say personal development and self-improvement is key to growing up."
"Hmph! Well then, if you say so. I look forward to seeing more results from you two." (Marshal Admiral)
I don't know if I escaped the jaws of death or set myself up for a worse fate...
"Apologies. Let's get back on track. I'm Kirihara Makoto. I'm in charge of the entire IJN. I'm the one who approves the major operations this organization is involved in. The IJN specifically handles any threats from the sea monsters we call Abyssals and ensures the well-being of the Shipgirls under our care. I leave the more minor operations to the Grand Admirals and Admirals in each Naval Base. Like these two young 'uns." (Marshal Admiral)
He gestured to us.
"1st ship of the Ise-class Battleships, Ise. Pleased to meet you." (Ise)
Looks like it's our turn for introductions.
"My name is Tokoyami Keita, Admiral in charge of the Maizuru Naval Base. And Zuihou's chaperone."
"Erm... I'm Zuihou. 2nd ship of the Shouhou-class. I'm so glad to meet you, Suisei-chan!" (Zuihou)
Suisei-san smiled,
"I'm glad to meet you too." (Suisei)
"I'M HIRASAWA YUITO! ADMIRAL OF SASEBO NAVAL BASE! Ouch!" (Yuito)
"You're too loud!"
"So noisy!"(Zuikaku)
Zuikaku and I smacked the crazy fanboy on his head. Christ. I couldn't even hear myself think during that.
Why is it so cold all of a sudden?
"You guys..." (Marshal Admiral)
Oh shit...!
Zuikaku stiffened up as well.
The Marshal Admiral's glare is burning a hole through my skull!
"I know I gave you a level of independence as to how things are being done back in your own bases, but this is HQ. At the very least, show some discipline in front of me and our guests." (Marshal Admiral)
"Yes, Marshal Admiral. I'm sorry." (Zuikaku)
"I'm sorry, sir."
That was scary!
"Umm... 2nd Ship of the Shoukaku-class Aircraft Carriers, Zuikaku. Pleased to meet you. And sorry about my loud-mouthed Admiral." (Zuikaku)
"It's no biggie. I'm glad to meet my fans here." (Suisei)
With introductions settled, it's time for the main agenda of the meeting.
"HoshimaChik is a fashion brand, specializing in streetwear for teens and young adults. We are planning a line of products that caters to the older folks, but that's still on drawing board. The agenda for today's meeting is to invite the IJN for a collaborative event. More specifically, we would like Zuikaku-chan and Zuihou-chan to be models for our new line of products scheduled to be released during our Valantine's Day Special Event." (Suisei)
"The files in front of you contain more details about our company. Please give it a read-through and feel free to ask any questions." (Makina)
I opened the file Makina had passed earlier. The first few pages contained the company profile, mission, company statement, the standard corporate stuff. Brings me back to those days why I studied these in class. Next, it's their financial statement from the previous year. That's a lot of numbers. They are making profits by the millions!
"The outfits are back at our studio. We didn't put it in the files since we want it to be a surprise for you girls." (Makina)
"I would really love to have you girls' model for me!" (Suisei)
"Please let me do it!" (Zuihou)
Zuihou stood up and raised her hand.
"Hold it right there!"
I placed a hand on her head and pushed her right back on the seat.
"Don't get too excited."
I pulled her cheeks.
"Before we move on, what's the reason Zuikaku and Zuihou were specifically chosen?"
Out of all the girls, these two were chosen. I'm glad Zuihou was picked but it doesn't make sense.
"The reason, huh. Hmm... When I saw the PV, I was touched. Such young girls risking their lives to fight those scary sea monsters without any recognition. I thought to myself, what can I do to help them? So that's when it hit me. I can't help in the war effort but I could provide an avenue to promote their image and maybe give them future job opportunities. One which can help them once the war is over. I can recruit them into my company. They could learn skills such as accounting, designing, modelling, sales, the possibilities are endless. Such skills can help them reintegrate into society as well." (Suisei)
"Suisei-san..." (Zuihou)
"You... are a good person, aren't you?" (Zuikaku)
Zuihou looks like she is about to cry. Zuikaku is blushing.
Her words sound genuine but I'm still not convinced.
"And the real reason?"
"Teehee. You caught me~" (Suisei)
Suisei stuck out her tongue and playfully hit her head. I knew it!
"While it is true I want to provide the shipgirls an job opportunity in my company once the war is over, Zuihou and Zuikaku caught my eye because of their names and how cute they are! The moment I saw them; a new outfit design came into my head. One that is perfect of the both of them and by extension, my customer base. That's why I want ZuiZui to model for me!" (Suisei)
ZuiZui? What kind of nickname is that?
"I'm sorry for my eccentric little sister." (Makina)
Makina-san looks embarrassed. Suzuya was right. As the supposed CEO of a fashion company, she is one eccentric person.
"Hey. Isn't that enough?" (Zuihou)
Zuihou is tugging on my sleeve. She is extremely eager to do this modelling job. But that is not enough for me to accept.
"While I won't say that your offer to provide them with a job opportunity, that will only take place after the war, The way I see it, this war won't anytime soon. Although, do add that into our contract. Our girls could use the potential employment opportunity."
"Consider it done." (Makina)
"But that's not all. In a business collaboration, the most important part are the benefits received on both sides, be it long-term or short-term."
"Yep. Of course. That is the way of business. This collaboration is no doubt a short-term one. But should it be approved, it can and will open up more opportunities for a collaboration in the near future. So, it can potentially become a long-term business collaboration." (Suisei)
"Then, since this collaboration is for short-term special event of yours, let's discuss how this will benefit our organization in the short-term."
Suisei-san flashed a confident smile.
"Sure. I was hoping you would say that." (Suisei)
"Oi. Do you know what you are doing?" (Zuikaku)
"Relax. I got this."
If I still remember how I was taught during my days as a university student, I should be able to get more benefits out of this.
"So, what can you offer besides a potential long-term employment?"
This is the question which can give me the opportunity to strike.
"Hehe. First, this." (Suisei)
Suisei-san slid a card across the table. It's a light blue card with stars scattered all over and a blue comet streaking across at the corner.
"What is this?" (Zuihou)
"A special discount card that can be used at all branches belonging to my brand to get up to 35% off all purchases. You can use it at my online store as well and get free shipping. I can only give five for each base so the girls will have to share." (Suisei)
"If every shipgirls had one, the board of directors are sure to protest." (Makina)
"We can just threaten them with an axe again." (Suisei)
Excuse me?!
"No! Don't you know how long it took me to get them to drop those charges and keep that incident under wraps?! They are still calling you 'Suicopath'. Oops. I shouldn't talk about that here. Please ignore what Sui-chan and I just said." (Makina)
Okay. Now I'm curious.
"Next, this. Ta-dah!" (Suisei)
The idol took out four tickets out of her purse.
"Ahh!" (Zuihou)
"Oh my god! Is that...?!" (Yuito)
"Yep. Hehe. Two pairs of VIP tickets to my next live concert happening in March. It's a good thing I kept a few tickets just in case." (Suisei)
"Sui-chan's concert tickets are extremely popular. Even the normal one get sold out in seconds, let alone VIP ones." (Yuito)
"Oh, yeah. So that's why you were so depressed that time." (Zuikaku)
I look at Zuihou. Her eyes are practically sparkling at this point. It's obvious she wants to go to Suisei's concert.
"Tell us more about this modelling job."
"Don't worry. I'm not the type to overwork others. The modelling work will take place tomorrow. We will start preparation at 10am in the morning and will be done by the end of the day. There will be other models there as well. ZuiZui will just have to put on some outfits and do some poses. I will be there to teach and direct them. The whole thing shouldn't take more than 6 hours." (Suisei)
Hmm... The benefits she is giving us are good. A discount on her products which everyone can use and tickets for Zuihou, all for a six-hour modelling job. Moreover, Suisei-san and Makina-san seem like decent people. I feel like I can trust them.
"Of course. If this event were to be a success, which I'm confident it will be since you two are so cute, I will invite the other shipgirls to model for my brand in the near future." (Suisei)
"Admiral, let's take it..." (Zuihou)
"I will include that long-term employment opportunity into our contract clause as well. So? How about it? This is a good deal, no?" (Suisei)
Kh... I can't argue or nitpick about anything. She is completely prepared for this.
"You win. You got yourself a dea- Ah."
Only the Marshal Admiral can approve this. I nearly overstepped my authority.
"Marshal Admiral, what do you think? Although not monetary, this is a rather attractive deal."
I look at the Marshal Admiral.
"Throw in another autograph and three more VIP tickets and you get yourselves a deal." (Marshal Admiral)
"Done." (Suisei)
Suisei-san stood up and walked towards the Marshal Admiral, hand outstretched. The Marshal Admiral stood up as well and shook Suisei-san's hand.
Zuihou is bouncing up and down gleefully. Yuito is pumping his fist up in the air. Zuikaku just let out a small sigh and smiled a little as she shook her head a little while looking at her little idiot.
"Wonderful. Give me some time. I will write up and print out the contract." (Makina)
Makina took out a laptop and the clickidy-clack of a keyboard filled the meeting room.
"I really appreciate your offer to provide jobs for our shipgirls after the war." (Marshal Admiral)
"No no. It's no big deal. I'm glad that your organization is willing to collaborate with me. But, I'm curious. Why is it taking so long to end the war?" (Suisei)
"As embarrassing as it is, right now, we lack the means to effectively exterminate the Abyssals. They are like cockroaches, endlessly spewing out from some unknown crack." (Marshal Admiral)
I can see Suisei-san visibly flinch just as the Marshal Admiral mentioned the word 'cockroaches'. I know. I can't stand those disgusting bugs as well.
"Th-that's troublesome." (Suisei)
"Troublesome doesn't begin to describe it. Just when you think you killed all of them in the area, more of them show up and re-infest the whole place again." (Zuikaku)
"Right now, we are at the stage where we are just controlling the enemy population and making sure the current situation doesn't get out of hand." (Marshal Admiral)
"Done!" (Makina)
That's fast!
"Ah! I forgot to bring the portable printer. I will be right back." (Makina)
"Do you need help?" (Suisei)
"I can handle it myself. Wait for me here." (Makina)
And she gone.
"Do you have anything in mind for me to write you that autograph?" (Suisei)
"Oh. It's not for me. It's for my daughter. She is a big fan of yours." (Marshal Admiral)
"Oh my. I'm so happy to hear that." (Suisei)
"Maybe I can find something in her room." (Ise)
"It's alright. I will prepare something for tomorrow." (Suisei)
"Then, do you mind if I drop by to collect it from you tomorrow?" (Ise)
"Not at all. I was thinking of passing it to either Hirasawa-san or Tokoyami-san so they can hand it over to you." (Suisei)
"Thank you, Ise-san."
"Fufu~ You're welcome. Misaki-chan will be so surprised." (Ise)
I pet the head of the girl who hasn't stopped bouncing since the deal went through. Zuihou looked at me and smiled gleefully. She is so happy about this.
"I'm counting on you two tomorrow, ZuiZui!" (Suisei)
"Heh. No choice but to do our best tomorrow. Right, Zuihou?" (Zuikaku)
The taller aircraft carrier walked behind the smaller girl and placed both hands on her shoulders.
"I will do my best!" (Zuihou)