Chapter 44

———— Today's Second Update ————

Kasuga Hane gave Shinoda Mariko a half-smile, "What, feeling a bit embarrassed?"

Shinoda Mariko walked to the window and looked down at the AKB48 theater across the street, "Mr. Kasuga, will you become a rival to AKB48 in the future?"

"Why do you ask that?" Kasuga Hane looked deeply at Shinoda Mariko, who seemed uneasy.

Shinoda Mariko blushed under Kasuga Hane's gaze.

"AKB48 is just a stepping stone... No one can be an idol forever... Do you understand?" Kasuga Hane didn't say it outright, but Shinoda Mariko, being very intelligent, couldn't fail to understand his meaning. However, she still found it hard to accept this viewpoint.

Kasuga Hane didn't force her to accept it immediately. Like her, Aimi, Manatsu Hoshino, even Nana Kitade and Maki Horikita, they hadn't yet realized the harshness of the entertainment industry... They were still striving for their dreams, still very pure... As their manager, Kasuga Hane could only try his best to help them adapt to the entertainment industry...

...

Inside the theater, the K team members were performing "Sakura Petals."

They were dressed exactly the same as the A team's first performance.

Although the show lasted less than an hour, some fans had already started to leave...

These were fans who had come out of curiosity to watch the K team's performance. Perhaps they were used to the A team's performances... After the initial excitement, they felt that the K team's performance was significantly different from the A team's...

Togasaki Tomonobu in the backstage noticed this phenomenon and his expression became serious... But he soon relaxed. The A team had gone through even tougher tests... The K team was just experiencing that process...

"It's almost over... Their performance was very successful." Togasaki Tomonobu smiled and clapped for the girls on stage.

After the last song, the girls, drenched in sweat, returned to the backstage. Natsuyuki Miku quickly led the staff to bring them hot water and towels.

The members sat together in small groups, resting, drinking water, and discussing their feelings about the performance.

Natsuyuki Miku walked over to Okada Manami, who seemed a bit isolated.

"How do you feel?" Natsuyuki Miku gently wiped the sweat off the youngest member, Okada Manami.

"Thank you, Natsuyuki-sensei... It was great... Just a bit tiring..." Okada Manami could feel Natsuyuki Miku's deep concern and care.

"If you're tired, get plenty of rest... Don't forget, you're just starting out..." Natsuyuki Miku affectionately patted Okada Manami's head.

Ono Erika looked at Okada Manami enviously. Natsuyuki Miku rarely showed such kindness to the members... She didn't expect him to be so caring towards Okada Manami.

"Are you tired?" Akimoto Sayaka plopped down next to Ono Erika.

"Not really... How about you, Akimoto-san?" Ono Erika wiped her sweat, a smile appearing on her pale face.

"What do you think?" Akimoto Sayaka flexed her muscles.

"This brute..." Kashiwagi Yuki looked at Akimoto Sayaka with disdain.

Akimoto Sayaka turned around and glared at Kashiwagi Yuki.

"I'm a girl too, you know..." Akimoto Sayaka put on a shy expression.

Kashiwagi Yuki and Ono Erika were speechless...

"Everyone, gather around," Togasaki Tomonobu said, walking in.

The girls quickly got up and stood neatly in front of Togasaki Tomonobu.

"I have something to tell you. The management has decided to sign contracts with you to protect your rights... You will receive a contract shortly, which is a management contract. After signing, you will receive a monthly salary from the management... Of course, for your external activities, after 30% is given to the agency, the rest will be your personal income... Do you have any questions?"

The girls were all excited and thrilled, as if they had already received the salaries; only a few older members, who had some knowledge of the entertainment industry, were deep in thought.

"Mr. Togasaki, what kind of external activities are there?" Kashiwagi Yuki asked timidly.

"Many kinds, including advertisements, TV dramas, movies, and photo shoots," Togasaki Tomonobu smiled.

"Teacher, does that mean the agency will assign us managers?" asked Umeda Ayaka.

"Yes," Togasaki Tomonobu nodded slightly.

"Will each of us have our own manager?" Sawa Erika asked hopefully.

Togasaki Tomonobu hesitated. "In principle, yes."

"Mr. Togasaki, once we sign with the agency, is it fixed?" asked Miyazawa Sae, who had been deep in thought.

"Not necessarily... If there's a suitable agency for you, you can transfer."

Togasaki Tomonobu was paying close attention to the expressions of Ono Erika and Ohsima Yūko.

These two girls were the foundation of AKB48's K team. Only they had the ability to compete with the A team members...

But it was clear that these two girls had their own thoughts...

"Mr. Togasaki... I have no objections," Ono Erika finally made her decision after a long time.

Ohsima Yūko looked at Ono Erika in disbelief and lowered her head without saying a word.

She had her own ideas about her life... Although she had joined AKB48, she didn't want to become a money-making machine for others... Although Togasaki Tomonobu had painted a beautiful picture, she knew that many things were exaggerated...

Togasaki Tomonobu also focused his attention on Ohsima Yūko. Her decision was crucial...

"Mr. Togasaki, can we choose our own agency and manager?" After a long time, Ohsima Yūko asked her question, and the girls looked at her in surprise.

Togasaki Tomonobu frowned. He hadn't expected this question from her... Although her question was not unreasonable...

"That's not possible... You are AKB48's most valuable resource... We cannot allow you to sign with other agencies at will," Togasaki Tomonobu looked at Ohsima Yūko expressionlessly.

Ohsima Yūko, who was mentally prepared, didn't say anything more. She lowered her head slightly...

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