Mash-up Anime World: Creating the SCP Foundation to Contain Anomalies

Did Haruto bring money with him?

Of course, he did.

The amount of yen stored within his Kamui Space was more than enough to buy that dessert shop on the spot.

But Bocchi was just too cute, how could he resist teasing her a little?

Clutching the two concert tickets in his hand, Haruto thought for a moment before turning toward the headquarters of the "Umbrella" talent agency.

He pressed the intercom button at the company's entrance.

A moment later, the call connected, and a sweet, adorable voice came through, it was Ai Hoshino.

"Moshi moshi? May I ask who's calling? If you're a client here for an appointment, press 1. If you're here for business cooperation, press 2. If you're a certain Mr. Haruto here to see Ai Hoshino, please say: Ai-chan is the cutest in the world!"

Hearing Ai Hoshino's playful voice, Haruto narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Ai-chan..."

"Mm-mm! Just like that!" Her voice sounded excited and expectant through the intercom.

"Ai-chan, tell me, who's been teaching Nao all these weird things?"

Haruto asked with a sly smile.

"Cough..." A cough came from the other end, clearly catching her off guard.

A moment later—

"Moshi moshi? Why can't I hear anything? Could it be that the intercom is broken? Kyoko-san, come fix the intercom!"

Following her frantic yelling, hurried footsteps could be heard fading into the distance.

Clearly, Ai-chan had run away.

Shortly after, the doors of Umbrella swung open.

Saito Miyako greeted him with an apologetic expression.

"Apologies, President. Ai was just fooling around. I'll be sure to discipline her later."

Haruto waved his hand dismissively, indicating that it wasn't a big deal.

As he stepped inside, his sharp gaze quickly spotted Ai Hoshino peeking out from a corner, watching him cautiously.

In the next instant, Haruto's figure flickered, vanishing from sight.

A startled scream rang out from the corner.

Then, Ai Hoshino was dragged out by Haruto and taken straight to the top-floor conference room.

"Miyako-san, come along as well. I have something to discuss with you," Haruto called back as he walked.

And so...

Now seated on the sofa, Ai Hoshino looked slightly uneasy. Every now and then, she nudged Saito beside her, hoping for rescue.

However, Miyako looked utterly confused, she had no idea what trouble Ai had gotten herself into this time.

Did Ai really do something to anger the President?

Miyako wondered nervously.

She had been overseeing Ai Hoshino's training for nearly a year now.

As her direct manager and mentor, Miyako had developed a deep bond with Ai, almost like a mother caring for her child.

The idol industry in Japan often worked this way. A good manager was like a second parent, and the artists they nurtured were like their daughters.

And now, seeing her "daughter" sitting stiffly with little fidgeting motions, Miyako felt like a guardian being called in for a parent-teacher meeting.

"Um... President, did Ai do something to upset you?"

Miyako asked cautiously.

"No."

Haruto waved his hand.

Not only was Ai's little mischief unimportant, but he also wasn't here to reprimand her. He was merely having some fun scaring her a bit, this kid was too mischievous.

"Next month... Ai has a performance at the Dome, doesn't she?"

Haruto changed the subject.

Hearing that, Ai Hoshino immediately relaxed. She puffed out her chest with pride, as if to say, Impressive, huh?

Miyako nodded in confirmation.

"Thanks to the President's investment, we were finally able to secure a Dome performance slot. The timing was set to align with Ai's debut anniversary, making it a performance of great significance."

Speaking of which, even Miyako felt a bit dazed.

A debut idol performing at the Tokyo Dome within a year of debut?

That was practically unheard of in the industry.

Every great idol, even those destined for superstardom, had to struggle for years before they ever set foot in the Dome.

The Dome referred to the Tokyo Dome, a massive stadium capable of holding 55,000 spectators.

It was the ultimate dream of every Japanese artist.

Securing a performance there wasn't just a matter of money.

The artist also needed substantial influence, widespread popularity, and a clean public image.

Only after meeting these criteria would they be approved to perform at the Dome.

And yet, Ai Hoshino, just one year after debuting, was already set to perform at the Tokyo Dome. It was nothing short of a miracle in the industry.

Sure, Umbrella had poured in funding, but Ai's own talent played a significant role as well.

That dazzling stage presence, the ability to command the entire audience's gaze, had allowed Ai Hoshino to reach heights that other idols could only dream of.

Haruto reached out and ruffled Ai's head, chuckling softly.

"Money alone wouldn't have been enough to secure a Dome performance. Ai, you're just naturally gifted."

"Hehe..." Enjoying the head pats, Ai Hoshino giggled happily.

Compared to the girl in the original timeline who had built her career upon a foundation of lies, the Ai before him, while still using deception on stage, was refreshingly genuine in private.

Happiness, nervousness, whatever she felt, she showed it honestly.

Seeing how much Haruto doted on Ai, Miyako finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Of course—Ai was personally brought in by the President and entrusted to my care. Why would he ever be hostile toward her?

Miyako scolded herself for overthinking things. Being too deeply involved in industry power plays had made her suspicious of everyone's motives.

At that moment, Haruto suddenly shifted gears.

"By the way, have you settled on an opening act for the Dome performance?"

Miyako expression stiffened.

Clearly, they hadn't.

Over the past year, Umbrella had spent a fortune hiring composers to create songs tailored specifically for Ai.

They had approached all the big names, commissioning pieces to boost her career.

Now, however, they had exhausted their options.

Most renowned composers had already written at least one song for her. Expecting them to create a second, equally fitting yet distinct piece was a difficult task.

Miyako had been worrying about this issue for days.

She just hadn't expected Haruto to bring it up so suddenly, leaving her feeling utterly embarrassed.

"Haruto, do you have a good song?"

At this moment, Ai suddenly asked.

Miyako was a beat slow to react. By the time she realized it, it was too late to stop Ai. She could only look at the President nervously.

Isn't this putting the President on the spot?

He's not a professional composer…

But to her shock, Haruto smiled and nodded.

"I do have one. I think it would suit you well."

Ai's starry eyes blinked, then lit up with joy.

To her, performing a song composed by Haruto at her anniversary concert would be the greatest happiness!

(T/N: Except that song he 'composed' is plagiarize, tho you can't plagiarize something that don't exist.)

Miyako, however, was dumbfounded.

Since when did the President have an interest in composing?!

"Miyako-san, please bring me some blank sheet music and a pen."

Haruto said.

Despite her confusion, she retrieved the requested items.

Taking the paper and pen, Haruto swiftly began writing.

Curious, Ai leaned over to peek.

Then, she simply climbed onto Haruto, resting her chin on his shoulder as she watched.

Moments later, Ai's starry eyes shone even brighter.

She wasn't a professional songwriter, but the moment she saw the notes, she instinctively knew, this was an incredible piece.

Soon, Haruto finished writing and titled it:

"Gokuraku Jodo" (Paradise Lost)

Hoshino Ai eagerly snatched up the sheet music, holding it in her hands and examining it over and over.

"Auntie Miyako, this is it! Haruto's song is the best!"

She exclaimed with immense joy.

Seeing this, Miyako stood up and bowed deeply to Haruto.

"Thank you, President, for taking care of Ai."

Since she wasn't a professional, she decided not to scrutinize the score too much. But since Ai liked it so much, it must be an outstanding song.

Ai's intuition in this area was always spot on.

Haruto helped Miyako up and smiled.

"No need for that. Ai is someone I personally brought in, so of course, I should take good care of her. By the way, does Ai have a band to accompany her?"

Miyako was momentarily stunned, then shook her head.

"Ai has always been an independent idol. The instrumentals are recorded in the studio and then played directly on stage."

Haruto nodded.

"For an anniversary stage, live music would definitely have a better effect. Coincidentally, I've noticed a promising band. They have a performance next week. I bought tickets, Miyako-san, come with me to check them out. Maybe we can collaborate with them."

Saying that, Haruto took a ticket out of his pocket and directly placed it in her hand.

Miyako: !?

Staring at the ticket in her hand, she was stunned.

Wasn't this a ticket for an underground band?

Was their president... really digging through the unknown to find talent?

It wasn't that she looked down on underground bands. The issue was that there were so many of them, and the quality varied wildly.

Finding the right collaborators among them was basically like playing the lottery.

But...

Since the president had already handed her the ticket, she knew she had no choice but to go.

Hoshino Ai also leaned in excitedly.

"An underground band? I want to go! I want to go too!"

Haruto flicked her forehead.

"You're not allowed. You're an idol heading for the Tokyo Dome now. Do you even realize the chaos it would cause if you showed up at an underground live house?"

Hoshino Ai pouted upon hearing this.

Then, Haruto continued,

"Besides, we still haven't settled the matter with Nao. As punishment, stay put at the company."

This time, feeling guilty, Hoshino Ai had no way to argue back.

Seeing her obediently fall in line, Miyako couldn't help but admire Haruto.

The president was amazing.

As Ai's manager, she had exhausted herself trying to keep Ai in check. Every day was a battle of wits.

As Miyako was lost in thought, Haruto suddenly asked,

"By the way, how is Kamiki Hikaru doing now?"

Miyako was momentarily stunned. After thinking for a moment, she replied,

"Pretty bad. A violent incident broke out on a variety show's live broadcast, and rumors of a death-related scandal surfaced."

"Although the police later confirmed it was self-defense, the previous case has been reopened for investigation."

"Because of this, Kamiki Hikaru has been caught in an unprecedented online firestorm (cyberbullying) and is almost completely unable to work."

4o