Makes sense! I wouldn't say every pair of jeans with rips in them looks like it was pulled from a dumpster, though. But it took me a while to get used to that sort of look myself! When I first encountered such clothes, I thought, "It seems strange that they're already pre-ripped! Is this really how the commoners dress?"
But anyway, I'm glad we can both agree on the importance of dressing well. Looking good helps you feel good~😊✨
And no! I will not, because I won't need it! A good diet, good skincare, moderate exercise, and cosmetics can help you look good into old age, or so I hear.
[Does he really have all those things, though...? Mostly, but he could probably stand to cut back on the cake and quiche.]
Keep pretending to be an idiot and I'll treat you like one.
[That's a threat.]
You know what I'm talking about. It's a stupid look. Even high profile fashion designers put out shit like that.
Yeah? And how many of those are you following? Exercise means sweating.
[He hasn't really seen Hiyori eating poorly, so has no reason to bring it up. Hell, even though he gave him the quiche, he assumes the guy ate them with judicial portions.]
Rude! That's no way to talk to the Sunvenger Aristocrat!
True, they do! And while not every expensive outfit looks good, I do think you could stand to broaden your outlook a bit. Even ripped clothes could be stylish. Just like someone who's rough-looking could still make a good idol! Or like how an odd-looking cake can still taste good. There's this one person in my Tea Circle who likes to make terrifying-looking desserts - cakes that ooze red filling, and are so black they almost look burnt. But his stuff always comes out tasting good.
I get enough exercise through dance practice! And also through our self-defense training. You'd have to agree about the latter, no?
[It's true, he has been putting in effort!
Even though he sometimes asks for breaks and complains about sweating. And he's still terrible at breaking karate boards.]
What? I've seen a lot of styles, dammit! I'll wear the ones I like; it something looks like shit, I'm not gonna wear it!No one's gonna think I'm some slob dumpster diving for clothes.
For Halloween or every time he cooks?
I've seen your dance practice and your self-defense training. [Look, he's not joined Hiyori on one yet, but he's at least watched him do a few routines.] Duh. I make you sweat when you work out with me. You're learning pressure points next week.
[As long as his breaks are obnoxious, Bakugo usually lets him take them. For the record, he's not the one making Hiyori break karate boards. Break an ankle? Yeah, he taught him how to do that.]
I'm not saying you shouldn't wear styles you like. Dress however you want! That's one of the few freedoms they haven't stolen from us, and that's why I'll always shop to my heart's content!
[Actually, he shopped to his heart's content back home, too, even though he had more freedom there...]
Every time he bakes, unless there's someone else helping him with the decorating.
Pressure points? You mean like "If you press the right spot on someone's neck, they'll faint"? That kind of lesson? That does sound handy, so I'd like to learn that!
[Hiyori, ever the dramatic one. But he's right about their relative freedom here to dress as wanted. Minus the times the place tries to shove them into more risque items.]
You're gonna be stuck shopping to your wallet's bottom.
[Doesn't bother stopping a smirk on his side, even if Hiyori can't see it. He knows you blew a big chunk last Christmas!]
Tch. You handle that if it ever happens here.
No. That kind of shit's mostly made up. Pressure points are used to make a body part go numb or react a certain way in pain. There's one between your thumb and forefinger that makes a pinch grip release.
That wasn't a speech. It was two sentences of texts! Surely Baku-kun has time to read that much, no? You were able to read just fine at the Halloween party!
[Yep, he's teasing him about the smut novel he accidentally picked up...]
I'm not stuck, since I can choose to stop shopping at any time. I'd just rather not unless I have to!
[Spoken like a true shopaholic. "I can stop at any time" is what they all say.]
I don't suspect it will happen here. Unlike with your world, no one else from mine has shown up since Jun-kun and I arrived.
It's not that simple, hmm? I thought so, but that's still a pity!
I suppose making body parts go numb could still be useful, though, so I'll allow you to teach me!
[Some people are way more verbose than others, and Hiyori falls right into that damn category! There's a huge difference between reading sprawling text walls and reading a physical book with pages.
IT WASN'T A SMUT NOVEL, DAMMIT!!]
Yeah, but how often do you stop versus get stopped.
[Running out of money. His current shopping partner drags him away. The store's closing. A fire. Definitely calling him out on his tendencies.]
Hmph. No one's arrived from mine for several months now.
[And even then, the was a big lull between his arrival and someone else. Very infrequent.]
Aa. They're useful regardless. I'm not gonna teach you the dangerous ones.
[Specifically dealing with the head and neck. While he does want Hiyori to be safe, he doesn't ever want the guy to worry over accidentally doing something he'll regret. Even in self-defense.]
No one really tried to stop me from shopping back at home. It wouldn't make sense to, since it was my own money I was spending. I guess back in the day, there was a certain busybody who'd try to get me to leave the shopping district and do something more productive, though.
The most recent arrival is still Hawks, right? How's he holding up these days?
So there are safe pressure points and dangerous pressure points? I'm not sure I get it, but I'll be sure to learn diligently!
How the hell did you manage to get through idol school?
[Hiyori comes across as self-indulgent and undisciplined, though maybe this was before he was inducted into the idol school? Because if it was after, Bakugo wonders how much time he spent as an idol and how much was spent enjoying himself however he wanted...]
Aa. No clue.
[Bakugo doesn't have any real contact with his fellow world mates. They tend to stay in their own lanes. unfortunately it's an ooc thing]
Yeah. There's a pressure point in your hand that'll make your fingers open. But there's one in your neck that can cause serious brain damage.
With flying colors, of course! ✨😊 I did attend most of my classes, just so you know. Barring times when I had a job that took precedence over class, of course.
[Saying "most" implies he did skip sometimes, though...]
None at all, huh? I suppose you *do* belong to different age groups.
[Gotcha.]
So dangerous pressure points *are* real!
I'd love to learn all about the second one. That way if someone tries to kill me here, I can simply break their brain first!
[Though despite all of Hiyori's flippancy and carefree nature, Bakugo's never found hard proof to suggest he isn't diligent with things he's personally invested in. Similar to himself...]
Classes are more important than you job. That's so fucked up in your world.
[Ignoring the "most" for now.]
Sure, go with that.
[He keeps the occasional eye on them at least. And yeah, if any of them were in trouble if he was around them, he'd step in. Bitch at them, but step in. Anyways, yeet the topic.]
You're not learning about that until you understand the others. I don't need you accidentally braining someone flailing around.
Then perhaps you have a skewed opinion of me. I may be the "free-spirited second son," but I'm also "the hard-working idol Hiyori Tomoe." Some might see me as frivolous, but others see me as hardworking and dedicated. All of these are "me" - or rather, they're different sides of me!
Just like Baku-kun might be "that angry boy" to some, but to others, he's a valiant hero!
And that's pretty much what going to a training school is like. Studying is important, but our work as idols is also important, or we wouldn't have enrolled in an idol course.
[Yumenosaki (Hiyori's first school, and the one he transferred from) has actually gotten more lax with its attendance policy since he graduated, not more stringent. You can blame that on ES opening.]
I wouldn't do something like that accidentally. Or at all, if I can help it. "With great power comes great responsibility," after all.
But I also figured brain damage is the lesser of two evils, between that and killing someone. And if a villain's brain broke, perhaps they'd become a better person!
All right, all right! Jeeze! You talk so fucking much on any point!
[He does have an opinion about Hiyori, but it's multi-faceted and he often finds himself taunting the guy simply because it's fun to do. Of course he knows the idol's hard working; he wouldn't be where he is without that ethic. But he also gives himself a lazy air too...]
There's a difference in doing idol work as part of your schooling and skipping academics to do idol work on the side. Which is it?
[Because U.A. obviously has heroics classes; they spend half their day doing courses directly involved with heor work. Weeks are set aside for them to intern at hero agencies. And more. If that's what Hiyori means, then never mind.]
You're learning the basics first.
[End of discussion.]
No one's a "better person" with a broken brain, Parrot.
True, that's your perspective! But as for others, their perspective might be, "He's quite the engaging conversationalist!"
At Yumenosaki, participating in the "DreamFes" system that Eichi-kun made counted towards your academic score. That was a system where units put on lives and competed against each other for points. Reimei had a different system, but it was sort of similar in that working as an idol or working behind the scenes could earn you academic credits. You *can* also get held back if you fail, or so I've heard. But in general, our idol work took precedence.
Those who graduate from Reimei are all-but-guaranteed a spot at CosPro or our affiliated companies, by the way. Which is handy, since it means you have a back-up plan even if you can't make it as an idol.
Not that that was ever a concern for me, of course!
Fine, I'll learn the basics!
And I see your point, but I do think *some* people would be better off empty-headed. If their head is full of nothing but malicious thoughts and poor intentions, it's better to wipe it all out and start clean if you ask me!
Oh yeah? Your school has work-study style programs and competitions on top of your academics. Who won the last year's systems?
[That's completely fine in Bakugo's mind, though he still thinks Hiyori's description earlier wasn't the most flattering. Made it sound like he skipped classes rather than working as a sort of class. And maybe that's really what happened, but... don't go messing up his improved viewpoint.]
What kind of jobs are at those companies if you're not gonna be an idol?
[Hiyori listed some in earlier conversations, but he's curious about specifics.]
That's what a lobotomy was supposed to do, Parrot. They're illegal now.
[He gets what Hiyori means and is saying, and many people would indeed say the same, but...]
We placed second in the big year-end competition last year, I'm sorry to say. Though that was a national competition and not a school one. Jun-kun and I were handily the top two idols at Reimei last year, though. There were others who had some luck, but none who could hold a candle to our success. Our closest competitor at Reimei would've been Tatsumi-kun, but he was on a medical leave.
Mostly jobs in the business or production side of things. Managers, administrators, publicists, financers, and so on. That's not the side of things that interests me the most, but it's stable, honest work.
Yep, I heard, which is why I was talking in hypotheticals!
Though I don't think the House cares about what's legal and not legal. So I wonder if the staff have all been lobotomized at the clinic? It would certainly explain quite a lot.
How the hell did you lose if you two are the top?! Figure out what those other bastards had that you didn't and slaughter them this year!!
[Most violent pep talk ever.]
So everything else supporting idols. Like agency workers in hero offices. Che, most people aren't interested in clerical work.
[Oh no, there are a lot of people who prefer to work in the office, given their Quirks aren't strong enough, they like a quieter life, or they're smart about their own mortality.]
A lot of villains could have been prevented if someone had been there for them earlier.
Tch, no shit. Some people say if you stay here too long, you eventually become part of the staff.
Hey, for your information, there was a LOT going on back then. For example, did you know someone tried to sabotage the whole show? No? Well now you do know!
I won't say our opponents didn't deserve the win, or that it was an unfair fight, exactly. But it also wasn't very normal.
Anyway, we intended to take the win this year, but then Jun-kun and I woke up here right when the main competition was about to start. So it's a little late to follow that advice.
Perhaps so, but that's the sort of work most people end up doing. Society wouldn't function properly if we were all idols, despite what Eichi-kun seems to believe. Nor would it function if we were all heroes!
True! And that's exactly why I hope to make a difference for people. Hearing my voice and listening to my songs might just purify someone's soul~✨✨✨
Though I know that's only for some people. Others are too far gone, I'm afraid.
Well, I know Jin Mingming had to ask permission before opening her bar. Suppose you use your wish on something other than returning home, though - then you're either an eternal guest, or you can become staff. I guess it depends on how you feel like spending your time. But both options are incredibly awful to think about, so let's both do our best to ensure neither happens to us, alright?
You mentioned something like that when I first met you.
[One of the reasons Hiyori thought this place was an elaborate trick or prank by people out to get him. Bakugo has a vague recollection of the idol mentioning sabotage as well.]
It wasn't normal? What the hell does that mean? If they were involved with the sabotage, they didn't deserve shit!
Che! You'll still take the win this year when you and Jun go back.
[Hopefully without a random boner out of nowhere from being in sex bird for however long.]
Yeah, yeah. Don't state the obvious at me. A lot of people aren't able to cut it as heroes, or don't want to be one. This stupid bastard's Quirk could make anyone laugh for two damn hours just by smiling at them.
[And yet despite the obscenely ridiculous power of that Quirk, Mr. Smiley didn't want to be a hero. He was an artist who wanted to paint and share his unique brand of art.]
Start with that shitty ES corporation or whatever those behind the scenes bastards are.
Maybe.
Che! I already know my wish and it's not gonna change. I'll make sure everyone in this shitty bird has the option to go back home whenever they fucking want!
That was actually a different incident. Different year, different sabotage!
[Why is there so much sabotage in the idol world?? We just don't know!]
And our rivals weren't responsible. It was some higher-ups at our company: they tried to sabotage our opponents using cheap, dirty tactics. Even though none of us wanted that.
[That would make them, Eden, the "villains," in other words. At least at last year's SS.]
We publicly denounced them, and they all got fired afterwards, but our company still took a hit. They lost a lot of clients after that. Joining ES helped restore their reputation, though.
Anyway, thanks for the vote of confidence! 😊✨
There was some funny business going on at this year's SS as well. But I'll try to take a leaf from Baku-kun's book and vanquish the bad guys using my sun powers! ☀️
2 whole hours? Perhaps he should've become a clown! I'll pass on laughing for 2 hours, though, since that just seems like it'd leave my muscles aching.
Not everyone who works at ES is evil, you know. If that were true, all our producers and assistants would be evil! And some of my fellow idols, since several of us also dabble in the production side of things. But as I stated above, I *do* agree with your point about weeding out corruption.
Baku-kun has a will made of steel, hmm?
From the bottom of my heart, I hope your wish comes true. For your sake, my sake, and the sake of all our futures.
I think they just got fired, since I'm not sure what they did was technically illegal. None of them should ever be able to find work in the industry again, however.
[It's hard to explain precisely what happened. But basically: all they did was play a video talking about a scandal from the past. One that concerned the family of a boy from the opposing unit. It was made to paint their opponents in a negative light, of course. Yet they didn't succeed in turning the audience against him—and, if anything, only helped him shine brighter in the face of all that adversity.]
They're certainly a lot more careful now! Though I don't think Eichi-kun is exercising the same caution, since he got some even shadier characters involved with SS this year. This is *exactly* why I'm so hard on him.
Pretty much! But it's a little late at this point, since ES just keeps growing and growing. And I can't exactly say no to all the opportunities ES provides for us, either.
The same way people from your world use their powers! But not the *exact* same way you use yours. My sun powers are NOT triggered by sweat!
And obviously the first step is getting home, of course. Which means our goals are aligned! I'm still not completely clear on how I'll do it, but I'll be wishing Baku-kun good luck on his game of 52.
[As skeevy as the whole thing feels.]
Just remember there are loopholes, alright? And that you shouldn't push yourself too hard to get cards. I know you'll wave away my concern, but I wouldn't want you to get hurt.
[Shit enough fate in his opinion, even if the law part of heroics would demand some jail time.
... okay so perhaps if that was all they did, then yeah, likely no jail time would be required, but a fine and some punishment would definitely be demanded. As well as their inability to work in the industry again. So yeah, fitting punishment for those actions. Even if the scandal potentially was a bigger can of worms.]
How the fuck did he manage to get WORSE people this year?! Fire him and get someone better at the job, dammit! You need a perceptive screener to weed out those bastards.
Tch, you're not gonna stop them with that attitude.
[Even if realistically, Hiyori's right. In this case, he'd be trying to stop a train already picked up speed and barreling down the path. It'll take more than a few boycotts to stop that empire.]
I meant realistically, Parrot. How do you plan to stop the ES from getting larger when you're working under them? Sabotage? Gutting the board of directors? Forcing a company breakup?
[Some companies get too big and monopolies form, eventually forcing the government to step in for the safety and well-being of a diverse economy.]
I'm pretty damn sure we'll find a different way before someone completes a full deck.
[Because it is skeevy and as much as Bakugo wants to win, there are SOME GAMES he's not as ready to play. He'll play this one at his own pace, while looking for other ways to escape.]
Che. I'll do it my way, without fucking up. This place doesn't control me no matter how much it wants to.
Don't know, but it's complicated! Annoyingly so, since it all has to do with "that" man's underworld connections.
["That man" meaning "the Godfather" he told Bakugo about. Truly so many layers here.]
Anyway, I'm not even sure who'd fire Eichi-kun, since he's basically head honcho at StarPro. He has the Tenshouin Conglomerate backing him, and he's the one whose idea it was to build ES in the first place.
Which is why I don't really have a plan to undermine their influence. I suppose I'm a "rebel" here, and I was on the same side as a so-called "revolutionary" once, but I don't have a taste for war. I'd prefer to keep helping Eden grow big, so we'll always have a place to shine, no matter what might befall ES or the idol industry.
You're sure, huh?
[He wishes he had that much confidence. He's been here so long, and he's spent a lot of time info-gathering, but he still hasn't come close to finding a way out.]
I guess that's a hero's determination for you!
I do think it's odd that no one's filled their deck yet, though. At least not that we know of. Some people here are totally indiscriminate. This one man, whose username was "swords," recently told me he can go to bed with up to three people per day!
[Sorry, Rokurou. He's ratting you out!]
Yet he doesn't seem to be done yet. So it all goes back to that theory we've discussed: that the game is rigged against us.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 4/3/25 16:52 (UTC)[Yes, he really is this annoying. Condolences.]
It was, but I had a different image of it!
Makes sense! I wouldn't say every pair of jeans with rips in them looks like it was pulled from a dumpster, though. But it took me a while to get used to that sort of look myself! When I first encountered such clothes, I thought, "It seems strange that they're already pre-ripped! Is this really how the commoners dress?"
But anyway, I'm glad we can both agree on the importance of dressing well. Looking good helps you feel good~😊✨
And no! I will not, because I won't need it! A good diet, good skincare, moderate exercise, and cosmetics can help you look good into old age, or so I hear.
[Does he really have all those things, though...? Mostly, but he could probably stand to cut back on the cake and quiche.]
no subject
Date: 4/4/25 02:03 (UTC)[That's a threat.]
You know what I'm talking about. It's a stupid look. Even high profile fashion designers put out shit like that.
Yeah? And how many of those are you following? Exercise means sweating.
[He hasn't really seen Hiyori eating poorly, so has no reason to bring it up. Hell, even though he gave him the quiche, he assumes the guy ate them with judicial portions.]
no subject
Date: 4/5/25 18:55 (UTC)True, they do! And while not every expensive outfit looks good, I do think you could stand to broaden your outlook a bit. Even ripped clothes could be stylish. Just like someone who's rough-looking could still make a good idol! Or like how an odd-looking cake can still taste good. There's this one person in my Tea Circle who likes to make terrifying-looking desserts - cakes that ooze red filling, and are so black they almost look burnt. But his stuff always comes out tasting good.
I get enough exercise through dance practice! And also through our self-defense training. You'd have to agree about the latter, no?
[It's true, he has been putting in effort!
Even though he sometimes asks for breaks and complains about sweating. And he's still terrible at breaking karate boards.]
no subject
Date: 4/6/25 03:20 (UTC)What? I've seen a lot of styles, dammit! I'll wear the ones I like; it something looks like shit, I'm not gonna wear it!No one's gonna think I'm some slob dumpster diving for clothes.
For Halloween or every time he cooks?
I've seen your dance practice and your self-defense training. [Look, he's not joined Hiyori on one yet, but he's at least watched him do a few routines.] Duh. I make you sweat when you work out with me. You're learning pressure points next week.
[As long as his breaks are obnoxious, Bakugo usually lets him take them. For the record, he's not the one making Hiyori break karate boards. Break an ankle? Yeah, he taught him how to do that.]
no subject
Date: 4/8/25 15:47 (UTC)[Actually, he shopped to his heart's content back home, too, even though he had more freedom there...]
Every time he bakes, unless there's someone else helping him with the decorating.
Pressure points? You mean like "If you press the right spot on someone's neck, they'll faint"? That kind of lesson? That does sound handy, so I'd like to learn that!
no subject
Date: 4/9/25 03:16 (UTC)[Hiyori, ever the dramatic one. But he's right about their relative freedom here to dress as wanted. Minus the times the place tries to shove them into more risque items.]
You're gonna be stuck shopping to your wallet's bottom.
[Doesn't bother stopping a smirk on his side, even if Hiyori can't see it. He knows you blew a big chunk last Christmas!]
Tch. You handle that if it ever happens here.
No. That kind of shit's mostly made up. Pressure points are used to make a body part go numb or react a certain way in pain. There's one between your thumb and forefinger that makes a pinch grip release.
no subject
Date: 4/10/25 14:09 (UTC)[Yep, he's teasing him about the smut novel he accidentally picked up...]
I'm not stuck, since I can choose to stop shopping at any time. I'd just rather not unless I have to!
[Spoken like a true shopaholic. "I can stop at any time" is what they all say.]
I don't suspect it will happen here. Unlike with your world, no one else from mine has shown up since Jun-kun and I arrived.
It's not that simple, hmm? I thought so, but that's still a pity!
I suppose making body parts go numb could still be useful, though, so I'll allow you to teach me!
no subject
Date: 4/11/25 00:19 (UTC)[Some people are way more verbose than others, and Hiyori falls right into that damn category! There's a huge difference between reading sprawling text walls and reading a physical book with pages.
IT WASN'T A SMUT NOVEL, DAMMIT!!]
Yeah, but how often do you stop versus get stopped.
[Running out of money. His current shopping partner drags him away. The store's closing. A fire. Definitely calling him out on his tendencies.]
Hmph. No one's arrived from mine for several months now.
[And even then, the was a big lull between his arrival and someone else. Very infrequent.]
Aa. They're useful regardless. I'm not gonna teach you the dangerous ones.
[Specifically dealing with the head and neck. While he does want Hiyori to be safe, he doesn't ever want the guy to worry over accidentally doing something he'll regret. Even in self-defense.]
no subject
Date: 4/13/25 18:05 (UTC)No one really tried to stop me from shopping back at home. It wouldn't make sense to, since it was my own money I was spending. I guess back in the day, there was a certain busybody who'd try to get me to leave the shopping district and do something more productive, though.
The most recent arrival is still Hawks, right? How's he holding up these days?
So there are safe pressure points and dangerous pressure points? I'm not sure I get it, but I'll be sure to learn diligently!
no subject
Date: 4/14/25 04:19 (UTC)How the hell did you manage to get through idol school?
[Hiyori comes across as self-indulgent and undisciplined, though maybe this was before he was inducted into the idol school? Because if it was after, Bakugo wonders how much time he spent as an idol and how much was spent enjoying himself however he wanted...]
Aa. No clue.
[Bakugo doesn't have any real contact with his fellow world mates. They tend to stay in their own lanes.
unfortunately it's an ooc thing]Yeah. There's a pressure point in your hand that'll make your fingers open. But there's one in your neck that can cause serious brain damage.
[If he wants a clear example.]
no subject
Date: 4/17/25 01:12 (UTC)[Saying "most" implies he did skip sometimes, though...]
None at all, huh? I suppose you *do* belong to different age groups.
[
Gotcha.]So dangerous pressure points *are* real!
I'd love to learn all about the second one. That way if someone tries to kill me here, I can simply break their brain first!
no subject
Date: 4/17/25 15:11 (UTC)[Though despite all of Hiyori's flippancy and carefree nature, Bakugo's never found hard proof to suggest he isn't diligent with things he's personally invested in. Similar to himself...]
Classes are more important than you job. That's so fucked up in your world.
[Ignoring the "most" for now.]
Sure, go with that.
[He keeps the occasional eye on them at least. And yeah, if any of them were in trouble if he was around them, he'd step in. Bitch at them, but step in. Anyways, yeet the topic.]
You're not learning about that until you understand the others. I don't need you accidentally braining someone flailing around.
[Great power, great responsibility, remember?]
no subject
Date: 4/18/25 17:27 (UTC)Just like Baku-kun might be "that angry boy" to some, but to others, he's a valiant hero!
And that's pretty much what going to a training school is like. Studying is important, but our work as idols is also important, or we wouldn't have enrolled in an idol course.
[Yumenosaki (Hiyori's first school, and the one he transferred from) has actually gotten more lax with its attendance policy since he graduated, not more stringent. You can blame that on ES opening.]
I wouldn't do something like that accidentally. Or at all, if I can help it. "With great power comes great responsibility," after all.
But I also figured brain damage is the lesser of two evils, between that and killing someone. And if a villain's brain broke, perhaps they'd become a better person!
no subject
Date: 4/21/25 20:57 (UTC)[He does have an opinion about Hiyori, but it's multi-faceted and he often finds himself taunting the guy simply because it's fun to do. Of course he knows the idol's hard working; he wouldn't be where he is without that ethic. But he also gives himself a lazy air too...]
There's a difference in doing idol work as part of your schooling and skipping academics to do idol work on the side. Which is it?
[Because U.A. obviously has heroics classes; they spend half their day doing courses directly involved with heor work. Weeks are set aside for them to intern at hero agencies. And more. If that's what Hiyori means, then never mind.]
You're learning the basics first.
[End of discussion.]
No one's a "better person" with a broken brain, Parrot.
no subject
Date: 4/24/25 17:35 (UTC)At Yumenosaki, participating in the "DreamFes" system that Eichi-kun made counted towards your academic score. That was a system where units put on lives and competed against each other for points. Reimei had a different system, but it was sort of similar in that working as an idol or working behind the scenes could earn you academic credits. You *can* also get held back if you fail, or so I've heard. But in general, our idol work took precedence.
Those who graduate from Reimei are all-but-guaranteed a spot at CosPro or our affiliated companies, by the way. Which is handy, since it means you have a back-up plan even if you can't make it as an idol.
Not that that was ever a concern for me, of course!
Fine, I'll learn the basics!
And I see your point, but I do think *some* people would be better off empty-headed. If their head is full of nothing but malicious thoughts and poor intentions, it's better to wipe it all out and start clean if you ask me!
no subject
Date: 4/24/25 21:52 (UTC)[Hiyori's vocally energetic.]
Oh yeah? Your school has work-study style programs and competitions on top of your academics. Who won the last year's systems?
[That's completely fine in Bakugo's mind, though he still thinks Hiyori's description earlier wasn't the most flattering. Made it sound like he skipped classes rather than working as a sort of class. And maybe that's really what happened, but... don't go messing up his improved viewpoint.]
What kind of jobs are at those companies if you're not gonna be an idol?
[Hiyori listed some in earlier conversations, but he's curious about specifics.]
That's what a lobotomy was supposed to do, Parrot. They're illegal now.
[He gets what Hiyori means and is saying, and many people would indeed say the same, but...]
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Date: 5/5/25 01:21 (UTC)We placed second in the big year-end competition last year, I'm sorry to say. Though that was a national competition and not a school one. Jun-kun and I were handily the top two idols at Reimei last year, though. There were others who had some luck, but none who could hold a candle to our success. Our closest competitor at Reimei would've been Tatsumi-kun, but he was on a medical leave.
Mostly jobs in the business or production side of things. Managers, administrators, publicists, financers, and so on. That's not the side of things that interests me the most, but it's stable, honest work.
Yep, I heard, which is why I was talking in hypotheticals!
Though I don't think the House cares about what's legal and not legal. So I wonder if the staff have all been lobotomized at the clinic? It would certainly explain quite a lot.
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Date: 5/5/25 03:37 (UTC)How the hell did you lose if you two are the top?! Figure out what those other bastards had that you didn't and slaughter them this year!!
[Most violent pep talk ever.]
So everything else supporting idols. Like agency workers in hero offices. Che, most people aren't interested in clerical work.
[Oh no, there are a lot of people who prefer to work in the office, given their Quirks aren't strong enough, they like a quieter life, or they're smart about their own mortality.]
A lot of villains could have been prevented if someone had been there for them earlier.
Tch, no shit. Some people say if you stay here too long, you eventually become part of the staff.
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Date: 5/5/25 17:43 (UTC)I won't say our opponents didn't deserve the win, or that it was an unfair fight, exactly. But it also wasn't very normal.
Anyway, we intended to take the win this year, but then Jun-kun and I woke up here right when the main competition was about to start. So it's a little late to follow that advice.
Perhaps so, but that's the sort of work most people end up doing. Society wouldn't function properly if we were all idols, despite what Eichi-kun seems to believe. Nor would it function if we were all heroes!
True! And that's exactly why I hope to make a difference for people. Hearing my voice and listening to my songs might just purify someone's soul~✨✨✨
Though I know that's only for some people. Others are too far gone, I'm afraid.
Well, I know Jin Mingming had to ask permission before opening her bar. Suppose you use your wish on something other than returning home, though - then you're either an eternal guest, or you can become staff. I guess it depends on how you feel like spending your time. But both options are incredibly awful to think about, so let's both do our best to ensure neither happens to us, alright?
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Date: 5/6/25 03:44 (UTC)[One of the reasons Hiyori thought this place was an elaborate trick or prank by people out to get him. Bakugo has a vague recollection of the idol mentioning sabotage as well.]
It wasn't normal? What the hell does that mean? If they were involved with the sabotage, they didn't deserve shit!
Che! You'll still take the win this year when you and Jun go back.
[Hopefully without a random boner out of nowhere from being in sex bird for however long.]
Yeah, yeah. Don't state the obvious at me. A lot of people aren't able to cut it as heroes, or don't want to be one. This stupid bastard's Quirk could make anyone laugh for two damn hours just by smiling at them.
[And yet despite the obscenely ridiculous power of that Quirk, Mr. Smiley didn't want to be a hero. He was an artist who wanted to paint and share his unique brand of art.]
Start with that shitty ES corporation or whatever those behind the scenes bastards are.
Maybe.
Che! I already know my wish and it's not gonna change. I'll make sure everyone in this shitty bird has the option to go back home whenever they fucking want!
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Date: 5/7/25 17:52 (UTC)[Why is there so much sabotage in the idol world?? We just don't know!]
And our rivals weren't responsible. It was some higher-ups at our company: they tried to sabotage our opponents using cheap, dirty tactics. Even though none of us wanted that.
[That would make them, Eden, the "villains," in other words. At least at last year's SS.]
We publicly denounced them, and they all got fired afterwards, but our company still took a hit. They lost a lot of clients after that. Joining ES helped restore their reputation, though.
Anyway, thanks for the vote of confidence! 😊✨
There was some funny business going on at this year's SS as well. But I'll try to take a leaf from Baku-kun's book and vanquish the bad guys using my sun powers! ☀️
2 whole hours? Perhaps he should've become a clown! I'll pass on laughing for 2 hours, though, since that just seems like it'd leave my muscles aching.
Not everyone who works at ES is evil, you know. If that were true, all our producers and assistants would be evil! And some of my fellow idols, since several of us also dabble in the production side of things. But as I stated above, I *do* agree with your point about weeding out corruption.
Baku-kun has a will made of steel, hmm?
From the bottom of my heart, I hope your wish comes true. For your sake, my sake, and the sake of all our futures.
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Date: 5/7/25 22:38 (UTC)Did those bastards get arrested for it?
[Criminals enough. Don't tell him they were too high up to get prosecuted and slammed in jail for their actions. He'll get pissed if that's the case.]
Good. Your company's probably gonna vet people a lot harder when they hire to replace them.
Wait, isn't ES the conglomerate you're trying not to give total control of the idol world to?
[Lots of moving parts in this story...]
Yeah? How're you gonna do that?
[No, he's genuinely curious how Hiyori plans to pull it off.]
Yeah, you, the cops, and any hero who showed up to stop him.
[A fucking stupid Quirk, but it's ridiculously powerful if you think about it.]
Could've fooled me... If the company has the reputation for corruption, everyone involved is gonna be stained by association or taken down with them.
What kind of shitty hero would I be if I was weak?
I'll make it happen.
[Even if that has the... questionable requirement of fucking 52 people.]
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Date: 5/13/25 16:11 (UTC)[It's hard to explain precisely what happened. But basically: all they did was play a video talking about a scandal from the past. One that concerned the family of a boy from the opposing unit. It was made to paint their opponents in a negative light, of course. Yet they didn't succeed in turning the audience against him—and, if anything, only helped him shine brighter in the face of all that adversity.]
They're certainly a lot more careful now! Though I don't think Eichi-kun is exercising the same caution, since he got some even shadier characters involved with SS this year. This is *exactly* why I'm so hard on him.
Pretty much! But it's a little late at this point, since ES just keeps growing and growing. And I can't exactly say no to all the opportunities ES provides for us, either.
The same way people from your world use their powers! But not the *exact* same way you use yours. My sun powers are NOT triggered by sweat!
And obviously the first step is getting home, of course. Which means our goals are aligned! I'm still not completely clear on how I'll do it, but I'll be wishing Baku-kun good luck on his game of 52.
[As skeevy as the whole thing feels.]
Just remember there are loopholes, alright? And that you shouldn't push yourself too hard to get cards. I know you'll wave away my concern, but I wouldn't want you to get hurt.
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Date: 5/14/25 01:22 (UTC)[Shit enough fate in his opinion, even if the law part of heroics would demand some jail time.
... okay so perhaps if that was all they did, then yeah, likely no jail time would be required, but a fine and some punishment would definitely be demanded. As well as their inability to work in the industry again. So yeah, fitting punishment for those actions. Even if the scandal potentially was a bigger can of worms.]
How the fuck did he manage to get WORSE people this year?! Fire him and get someone better at the job, dammit! You need a perceptive screener to weed out those bastards.
Tch, you're not gonna stop them with that attitude.
[Even if realistically, Hiyori's right. In this case, he'd be trying to stop a train already picked up speed and barreling down the path. It'll take more than a few boycotts to stop that empire.]
I meant realistically, Parrot. How do you plan to stop the ES from getting larger when you're working under them? Sabotage? Gutting the board of directors? Forcing a company breakup?
[Some companies get too big and monopolies form, eventually forcing the government to step in for the safety and well-being of a diverse economy.]
I'm pretty damn sure we'll find a different way before someone completes a full deck.
[Because it is skeevy and as much as Bakugo wants to win, there are SOME GAMES he's not as ready to play. He'll play this one at his own pace, while looking for other ways to escape.]
Che. I'll do it my way, without fucking up. This place doesn't control me no matter how much it wants to.
[But he appreciates the concern.]
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Date: 5/20/25 17:27 (UTC)["That man" meaning "the Godfather" he told Bakugo about. Truly so many layers here.]
Anyway, I'm not even sure who'd fire Eichi-kun, since he's basically head honcho at StarPro. He has the Tenshouin Conglomerate backing him, and he's the one whose idea it was to build ES in the first place.
Which is why I don't really have a plan to undermine their influence. I suppose I'm a "rebel" here, and I was on the same side as a so-called "revolutionary" once, but I don't have a taste for war. I'd prefer to keep helping Eden grow big, so we'll always have a place to shine, no matter what might befall ES or the idol industry.
You're sure, huh?
[He wishes he had that much confidence. He's been here so long, and he's spent a lot of time info-gathering, but he still hasn't come close to finding a way out.]
I guess that's a hero's determination for you!
I do think it's odd that no one's filled their deck yet, though. At least not that we know of. Some people here are totally indiscriminate. This one man, whose username was "swords," recently told me he can go to bed with up to three people per day!
[Sorry, Rokurou. He's ratting you out!]
Yet he doesn't seem to be done yet. So it all goes back to that theory we've discussed: that the game is rigged against us.
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