Chapter 126: “A Brainwashing Song”.

…

On Ai's side…

Ai: "Phew… this… this is exhausting…" said a panting Ai.

Today she had dance and choreography practice.

Even though it was exhausting, the effort was worth it.

Her movements were becoming more graceful and smooth.

Her instructor was fascinated and praised her for her quick progress.

Ai puffed her chest with pride and bragged about the teachings of her big brother Tadano and her sister Otori.

Beep

While taking a short break and drinking some water, she saw a message arrive.

When she checked, it was a video sent by her big brother.

Ai: "… Pfft HAHAHA! How cute… but this… this is too much… HAHAHA!" said the girl while trying to hold back her laughter.

The video showed Yamai singing a few phrases on a loop while doing some kind of strange dance, but it was really catchy.

Seeing her always elegant sister Yamai in such a cute and funny state made her laugh even more.

While Ai held her stomach with her small hands, her phone continued playing the peculiar song from the video.

"Maitake～ Maitake～ Guru… Guru… Guru～"

…

A few minutes later, the instructor noticed that his student was singing a peculiar lyric while practicing her dance, so much so that he unconsciously began repeating it too…

…

Some time later, Tadano and Yamai entered through the door.

Upon seeing them, Ai ran toward them like a small animal eager to see its owner.

Yamai affectionately ruffled her hair with a motherly smile on her face.

Tadano: "Haha, you look like an abandoned puppy. Did you miss us that much?" he joked.

The little Ai jumped like a cat whose tail was stepped on, and she looked at Tadano with a slightly annoyed expression.

Ai: "W-Who missed you! I only missed sister Yamai!" she said in an annoyed tone, sticking out her tongue teasingly.

The brown-haired girl laughed, amused by their exchange, and then said in a caring tone.

Yamai: "Haha, don't mind this big fool. Ai-Chan doesn't know, but before we got here, your big brother has been carefully planning everything for your upcoming performance in Akihabara…" she said, giving Tadano a teasing look.

Tadano: "That was supposed to be a secret!" he said, somewhat aggrieved.

Hearing that, Ai's heart warmed, and when she saw her big brother in a rare moment of weakness, she smiled with a mischievous grin and playfully kicked him while he was on the ground, filled with joy.

Tadano endured Ai's teasing for a while until he begged for mercy.

…

A little later…

Ai: "Hehe, so I have to sing that little song too?" she asked, looking at Yamai with playful eyes.

Tadano: "Yes, I already have your outfit, and I want you to sing it while performing that little dance your sister Yamai did in the video. I'll draw and create a short video that you can post on your social media."

Ai looked at him, surprised and excited, knowing that she would be drawn by her big brother Tadano.

Yamai: "According to our calculations, that video will be a big boost for your upcoming concert in Akihabara and will greatly increase your popularity…"

Ai: "Is it really necessary? I think I'm already popular enough," added the little girl.

Tadano: "While you're still at the top and very searched thanks to your songs and performances, this is mainly because we're taking advantage of your current wave of attention. If you don't establish a solid foundation, you could lose a lot of popularity at best, and at worst, you could be forgotten. And I don't think that's what you want, right?"

Ai paled at the thought of being forgotten, and small tears formed in her big eyes.

Yamai: "Come on, don't scare her…" she said, somewhat annoyed, as she hugged little Ai.

Tadano: "Haha, I'm just telling the truth. Though, that would be the case with a regular idol. But an idol carefully nurtured by me? There's no way she could face such a fate! This father is confident that even if you're forgotten, I could make you a sensation again in less than a week!" he said arrogantly.

Yamai rolled her eyes, but Ai's eyes sparkled with excitement.

…

Some time later…

Tadano: "Alright, everything's ready…" he said, presenting the video he had created.

Ai and Yamai watched it with curiosity.

Ai: "Wow, what a cute animation!" she said excitedly.

Yamai: "Haha, you even added a psychedelic design. I wouldn't be surprised if many people fall into a trance." she said with amusement.

Tadano: "Haha, that's the point… Alright, Ai-Chan, it's time for you to post it on your social media." said the young man, giving her space to use the computer.

However, Ai remained in her spot and looked at Tadano with starry eyes.

Tadano: "Eh? What's the matter?" he asked, a little confused.

Ai: "Can I have those drawings?" she asked, playing with her fingers.

Tadano: "Eh? Oh! Well, if you want them…" he said as he handed her the sketchbook.

Ai took it and looked inside.

Inside were adorable chibi designs of her doing that little dance, and she smiled happily, holding the notebook to her chest.

Tadano was a bit surprised but let it go.

…

A few hours later…

Yamai lovingly stroked Ai-Chan's purple hair, who had already fallen sound asleep.

Tadano, on the other hand, was working at the computer.

Without taking his eyes off the screen, he asked,

Tadano: "How are things going with Ado and the Nakano sisters?"

Yamai: "Ado-San is practicing the songs and choreography you provided. Regarding her role in the upcoming movie adaptation of Oda-sama's manga, filming is estimated to start at the end of the month." she said calmly while still stroking Ai's hair.

Tadano: "Good, make sure to give it the necessary attention. If possible, promote it on our social media or Ai's. This will be the project that catapults her to stardom…" he said as he continued typing.

Yamai: "Understood. As for the Nakano sisters, they've been given the basic instructions and are currently practicing in the programming area. According to my estimates, their debut can be announced by mid-next month…"

Tadano: "Great, any updates on the project the programming department is working on?"

Yamai: "The girl with the eyepatch says she'll need a little more manpower to have at least a usable demo…" she said, slightly irritated.

Tadano's typing stopped, and he looked at Yamai.

Yamai pouted and avoided his gaze, a slight blush forming on her cheeks.

Tadano let out a sigh and got up from his desk.

When he reached Yamai, he took the sleeping Ai into his arms and headed for the door.

Tadano: "Let's drop little Ai off in the rest room first." he said as he opened the door.

…

Due to Ai's growing popularity, she has had to give many concerts and performances lately. To further improve her popularity, Ai spent most of her time at the company practicing and honing her skills.

Because of this, Ai now spends a considerable amount of time at the company while practicing and occasionally playing pranks on others.

Poor Ichigo once discovered his hair had turned pink after falling asleep in his office.

However, there were times when Ai or Ado finished their practice very late at night.

For these and other reasons, a couple of small rooms were built to serve as conventional dormitories.

Ichigo or Yamai more than once found Ai sleeping in the room after a long night of hard work.

…

After leaving Ai in the room, both returned to Tadano's office.

Tadano: "Is this really what you want?" he asked, giving the young woman in front of him a strange look.

Yamai didn't respond and simply sat on his lap. She silently guided the young man's hands all over her body.

Tadano: "Yamai…" the young man's tone was complicated.

Tadano felt conflicted about this woman.

While he had once hated her passionately and even committed those despicable acts, he wasn't made of stone. The girl spent almost 75% of the day by his side for one reason or another, not to mention when she satisfied him in other ways.

However, he remembered perfectly well what kind of person she was when they first met, so it was hard for him to be genuinely affectionate with her.

The girl in his lap saw the young man's complicated expression and smiled slightly. Then, not wanting to ruin the moment, she spoke.

Yamai: "You don't have to worry. This is just so I can get along with Nakanaka, right? Don't complicate things, just go ahead." the young woman whispered sweetly.

That seemed to hit the mark, and the young man's eyes lit up.

She smiled as a certain friend below began to poke her.

…

Author's note: "Here's another chapter, hehe, if you know where the song is from, then you are people of culture. That said, remember to drink plenty of water, and I love you very much. Sincerely, your favorite depressed author."

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