~~April 22, 2021 3 PM~~
"Shiro Ishijin is in the building, y'all!" The main emcee, J Cruz, said as everybody in the background screamed, and Shiro's cardboard cutout was there on the screen.
Due to the agreement by Shiro's manager, Daijo, and Power 106, Shiro was physically in another room where he could speak and freestyle while using his iPhone for his avatar. The others in the studio would put that feed onto the chair where he would normally be in, and they would talk as if he was actually there. It's similar to how Trash Taste handled Calli's episode
"So for those of you who never knew Shiro, he's a Virtual YouTuber! Did I get that right?" J Cruz laughed.
"Yeah, yeah. That's correct."
"Yeah, and he's here to rap for us live. But before that, we would like to ask a few questions from him. So, Shiro, how is your stay in America so far?"
"Ah, it's been nice. This morning, I woke up and had a nice meal of steak. Ya know, just treating myself to some nice meals before I eat ramen again back in Japan." They all laughed.
"You're from Japan, right? Tell us why you're quite fluent in English. I-I feel like you sound a bit too American to be Asian." J Cruz giggled a bit. "Just saying."
"Ah yeah, I get that a lot. In my company, I'm actually under the Japanese branch, so I'm supposedly speaking Japanese and all, which is true, but most of my content is actually done in English. It stemmed from my love for hip-hop when I first heard Eminem." Shiro said, earning the amazement of the emcees there.
"Yeah, and you, like, learned English from that?"
"Yeah. My...mother also used to play a lot of songs from different countries. Russian, English, Korean, you get the thing." Can't mention China, unfortunately. Shiro sweat dropped.
"Damn, and like...you learned it quickly?"
"Ah nah, it was quite the rough learning process." Shiro laughed, with the others following after. "It was very intense, not to mention the other things I had to do aside from learning languages, but it was worth it. Now I sound very American when speaking English, and nobody could even tell that I speak English if I were back in Japan."
"Wait, learning languages?"
"Yeah, I'm multilingual. I know about five."
"Woah, so like...songs make you learn all types of languages?" J Cruz joked.
"Well, maybe? It does help with learning." Shiro laughed a bit.
"Are there any artists you look up to?"
"Yeah. If we're talking about the West, I look up to Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. Actually, I also look up to Harry Mack. He went into Power 106 a couple times to rap, yeah?"
"Ah, damn, you love that guy? He was such a chill dude! Yeah, I can see that. You're gonna freestyle like him?"
"We'll see." Shiro chuckled.
"Alright, alright, y'all, so we got Shiro Ishijin in the building. He's from Hololive, a popular group from Japan, bringing Vtuber rap culture into the West, and we're coming to bring you some great Japanese rap into the radio. Shiro, take it away!" J Cruz said as he played C.R.E.A.M. by Wu-Tang Clan.
~~Misogynistic Hololiver~~
"Hey, guys! Look! It's Shiro!" Calli said as she pointed at her phone.
"Let me see!" Amelia said. "Woah! They did something like when you talked with Joey and Connor."
"Yeah. Wanna watch it on TV?"
"Sure!"
"What's happening?" Kira asked.
"Ah, Shiro rapped for a famous American radio show. Do you want to watch with us?" Calli explained in Japanese.
"Oh, really? I'd love to!"
There were a couple of other Holostars too, so together with HoloEN, they all watched the episode. A few Hololivers also came in to drop by and see what was happening on the TV.
"Damn, has this man even breathed once?!" Kiara asked.
"Wait, now that I think about it, he really has been rapping nonstop." Calli giggled.
"I don't understand anything. All I know is that he's amazing." Kira smiled.
"You can say that again." Aruran chuckled.
Until the time Shiro stopped rapping, none of them said a word and kept their eyes glued to the screen. Claps could be heard in the background. The camera switched, and it showed Cruz and his team stunned from the words that Shiro pulled out of thin air, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. This is a huge achievement for the Virtual world and shows the potential that Vtuber music can bring to the table.
"Man, he's so amazing! It won't be long until he becomes like Kuzuha-san. Actually...maybe he can even surpass him." Aruran mumbled the last part.
"Well, that'll be a nice balance, right? Nijisanji has Kuzuha-san, Holostars has Shiro-kun." Kira said.
"Yahallo!"
"Oh, Miko-senpai!" Kira looked at her going down the stairs.
"What's happening?"
"Shiro-kun rapped in the American radio show everybody talked about! Uh...Power 106, was it?"
"Ooh, really? Then I should also watch it to support him!"
"Definitely! I promise, it's amazing!"
~~Misogynistic Hololiver~~
"Phew, done taking a shower." Shiro wiped his hair dry. When he looked at the mirror, his hair looked like a sea urchin.
"Well, ain't that a bitch?" Shiro said as he looked at his past scars. Not his mouth, but on the other parts of his body. A bullet shot to the shoulder, and a slice to the stomach were barely visible — enough to be made out. The recent scar, aside from his mouth, was on his left leg. "Man...those times were not fun, but hey, thank the Lord I survived."
He wore a black dri-fit tanktop, and laid in bed. As he plopped down, it was as if a huge load finally bounced off of him.
That was fun though, I won't lie. Shiro smiled.
His phone rang. It was a distinct ringtone, not from his phone's default sounds, but from Discord. It showed a name on top, "Mori Calliope", and it showed the text, "incoming video call".
"Calls?" Shiro went to get his mask quickly, and accepted the call.
The camera turned on, and he saw Calli, Kiara, and Amelia. "Hey, Shi! (Hey, Shiro!)"
"Woah, looking quite muscly there, Shiro!" Kiara remarked.
"Yeah, I know. A massive dreamboat." He chuckled. "Jokes aside, what's up?"
"We just saw you freestyle in Power 106. We finished watching it a while ago, and thought we should call you later. Dude, that was such a cool freestyle!" Calli smiled.
"Ah, thanks! Ya know, my brain was going on overdrive there." Shiro laughed. "But nonetheless, I pulled through, and...I had a lot of fun freestyling off the top."
"Yeah, we knew. Oh, and by the way, here's Aruran and Kira. Along with a couple Hololivers." Calli turned the phone around and showed the two Holostars, with the others in the background.
"Yo!" They said in unison.
"Well, look at Mr. International here. Your rap was so good!" Aruran said.
"Thanks." Shiro chuckled. "How've y'all been?"
"We've been fine. Kira and I watched you with Calliope-chan and the others. Don't you think you should leave some space for us to take the spotlight?" Aruran said as the three laughed.
"That's true!" Kira said. "Well...I've graduated, but don't you think you're overqualified for being a Holostars?"
"Not overqualified...more like my talents are for a different goal." Shiro chuckled. "I do appreciate you all supporting me."
"No problemo." Aruran chuckled. "Anyway, me and Kira will hang out for a bit more. I'll be giving it back to Calli-chan."
Shiro saw Calli and the other two on the screen again. "Hey, Shi."
"Ey."
"So, what're ya gonna do after this?"
"I guess...I'll just write songs and maybe kill time before I go back in a few days? I'll just enjoy my time here in America and maybe indulge myself in heart attacks we call 'McDonald's Cheeseburgers'." Shiro said as they all laughed.
"Hey, there are other restaurants, you know?"
"Yeah, yeah." Maybe I might find a Jollibee restaurant and go there. I liked their chicken more. Shiro chuckled and stood up. "You know, along the way, I looked at the prices of phones here. My God, have they gotten cheaper over the years."
"Yeah. Are you gonna buy one?"
"Nah, I'm not too into mobile gaming, nor am I into gacha games." Shiro put his phone on the table as he went to dress up. His camera was pointing at the ceiling.
"My my, Shiro. You're in a fancy hotel?" Kiara asked.
"Fancy? Girl, it's just an inn. I'm surprised this room isn't as big as an iPhone. Then again, those are for apartments."
"Shiro, where are you?" Calli asked.
"Getting clothes. What, you wanna see me in my boxers?"
"Hell no, dude!" Calli blushed. Shiro could be heard laughing in the background.
"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I'm done. Sorry to cut it short, but I'd like to have some me time. I'll also eat outside. Get some fresh air and see the sights, you know?"
"Dude, it's just a concrete jungle there if you're in the cities."
"Yeah, fair point." They all laughed. "But anyway, I'll be going now. Sorry to cut it short, again." Shiro went out to the hallway and started going down the stairs.
"It's fine, Shi. We just wanted to see how you were doing."
"Yup! Glad to know y'all have been fine. I think I should send a quick tweet to update my fans too on what's happening right now. With that said, I'll be going now. See ya!"
"Bye! (Goodbye!)" The three said before the call officially ended.
~~Misogynistic Hololiver~~
Shiro walked through the streets, hoping that there was any shop that could catch his attention, preferably a coffee shop. He wasn't much of a coffee drinker, but he felt like spending on luxuries right now.
There was one that looked calming, one that reminded him of Japan. It had yellow ceiling lights that gave a sense of calmness — like relaxing and taking one's time on a table. Chatter could be heard inside — friends bonding, businessmen talking, and people going solo, just wanting a nice cup of coffee.
Shiro ordered a Flat White, and found a quiet seat to wait. It's soft foam made him comfortable instantly, and the table's grainy texture as he ran his fingers over it settled him into the mood of the shop.
He planned to kill time by scrolling through Twitter when a man called out to him. "Hello there!"
Shiro looked to his left, and he saw a man sitting next to his table. "You look like a young kid in the military. Am I right?"
Shiro squinted a bit. That was a random question. Well, the guy is an old one. He lookin' like he's in his 50s. "What makes you say that, sir?"
"I can just sense it. A kid who's got some muscle in him, one who's got that type of 'face', alert of his surroundings."
Shiro chuckled. "And who are you, sir?"
"I'm a father who just wants to spend time with his wife and kids." He smiled.
It was at this moment Shiro got to observe his features better. He's quite tall — looks to be a three inches taller than Shiro. He's got gray eyes, a low fade hairstyle slicked back, and tattoos on his arms — one prominent tattoo which is a Christian cross. He's wearing a dark blue shirt with black jeans.
There's no gun visible, at least in the front. Both his arms are on the table, and he doesn't seem to be tense. I should keep my guard up for now.
"Was I wrong, kid?"
Shiro paused a bit before replying. "Nah, you're right. That's quite the odd question though, isn't it, sir?"
"Well, when I looked at you, I remembered the time when I was young. It wasn't pleasant, I tell you." He said, taking a sip of his coffee. "But my time with my comrades was nice. You from around here?"
"No, I just visited from Japan."
"Japan? Your parents are foreigners?"
"Nope. I'm pure Japanese."
He chuckled. "Funny. You don't sound like it. Oh, err, sorry if it sounds like I'm prying into your personal life. You just have the 'accent', kid."
"Don't worry. I get that a lot."
"Well, kid, do make the most of your time here. Other Americans aren't that welcome to 'other people', if you get what I'm saying."
Shiro chuckled. A bit of a blunt thing to say in public, dude.
"Speaking of Japan, kid. What do you think of the whole Russia-Japan thing?"
"Hmm?"
"I don't know about you. Honestly, I only know about Russian and American gun laws, but I did hear from my wife that Japan laws are heavy on firearms. Is that right?"
"Yeah. I found it weird too. The most you can see there are makeshift guns made out of wooden sticks and pencils."
"Russia and Japan are also one of the biggest countries, you know? To think this would happen is scary. I heard my friends going on about how this can lead to World War 3. Well, it's not like it's unlikely anyway. Don't you worry about how this would go for your country?"
"Heh, you talk as if you're a citizen of the two, sir."
"That's because my parents live in Russia."
Shiro widened his eyes. "Oh...Sorry to hear they got involved in quite a crappy circumstance."
"No worries...However, because of that, the economy in Japan is going through bad times, right? Gas, first and foremost, metals, and I'm also assuming food?"
"Yeah. Kinda sucks that sanctions have to be made. My local sushi shops had to raise the price. I love sushi." Shiro chuckled. This made the old man laugh.
"But think about it, right? How could mere Russian citizens cause such a big problem? Of course, if somebody like Elon Musk were to die, that would gain a lot of press, but national security is involved, right? I heard Russia was currently investigating who instigated it. They thought those guys were puppets."
Shiro stared at his coffee, or rather, through it. Hmm...he's sorta right though. The news explained the sanctions were because of how Russia had poor security in their airports and caused the deaths of innocent lives in Japan, but I doubt that. How the hell can that even happen? Even if that's the case, that'd mean Japan also did a shit job if they couldn't check those guys too...Well, I don't have records on the flights, so I wouldn't know if they were even passengers in the first place...Could they have possibly snuck into Japan illegally?
Shiro thought about what Sakura and his squadmates said in their call before.
"Those guys who went after you were announced in the news, right?"
"Yeah. Apparently some big shots who worked in Russia, at least that's what it was in the articles. Why?"
"We know you know already, but watch your back, okay? It'd be a waste to see a kid like you who's got his whole life ahead of him die out of nowhere."
"What do you think, sir?"
"Well, unfortunately, I'm not too well-versed in politics nor contemporary issues. What I can say is that I really think Russia hasn't done anything wrong. Sure, they were Russian citizens, but don't you think they would have a reason for going there? You saw the footage, right? They were targeting one guy only, and not the civilians..."
"...Are you saying it was like mercenary work?"
"More or less." The man chuckled. "But that's my theory though. What do you think?"
"Well, I'm sort of like you, sir. I'm not that informed either about what's going on in the world right now." Shiro chuckled.
"I pray for you and your family, kid." The man said as he took one final sip. "Man, the coffee here is good." He stood up.
"I'm concerned for my parents in Russia, and you've got your own problems in Japan. Let's hope it gets resolved, kid. Don't you die in a war now, you hear?" The man laughed a bit and waved.
Shiro chuckled. "Welp, he's not a bad person, it seems..." I just hope he's not one of those "hired mercenaries" like last time. He sweat dropped.
~~April 24, 2021 9:00 AM~~
It was a typical sunny day in the Holohouse. The girls talked about eating at a pastry cafe later, playing games, or going out for their side gigs. The boys talked about practicing singing and dancing, and also wanting to play Super Mario Party or Apex. However, they all talked about one important event coming up.
"I wonder who you're calling for Golden Week, Mio-chan?~" Okayu asked.
"I'm quite excited for what we're gonna do for Hololive Golden Week, Subaru-senpai." Marine said.
"I'm also excited! We'll play some Monster Hunter apparently." Subaru added.
She looked outside the glass doors of the Holohouse. "Oh, wait a minute, is that...Shiro-kun?!"
Subaru stepped outside and squinted at the figure in the distance. It waved, and she could make out a hint of white hair and a dark green hoodie. She would know that outfit anywhere — her heart leapt.
"Hey, it's Shiro-kun! Welcome back!" Subaru called out and smiled widely.
"Jeez, not so loud, Suba-chan. But it seems Shiro-kun returned safely!" Sora said.
"Shiro-kun is here?" Astel stood up from the dining tables and went out.
"Yo!" Shiro waved his hand while holding a big plastic bag.
"Oh? What is that on his hand?" Subaru pointed out.
Once Shiro stepped inside the Holohouse and settled down at the dining tables, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Glad to see y'all again. By the way, take whatever you guys like, these are snacks that I brought back. I apologize if I couldn't buy any for some of you. Oh, and I also bought some souvenirs."
"YOU BOUGHT SNACKS AND SOUVENIRS FOR US?!" Subaru was shocked and sweat dropped.
"Wait wait wait, you can't be serious. Is this for everybody?" Astel sweat dropped too.
"Yup."
"You didn't have to, you know?! What the hell, man! You're the type to give 100% of yourself to people and have nothing left when they leave you."
"Hey, you all won't leave me though." Shiro blankly stared.
"Well, yeah. But don't you think you should save some money for yourself?"
"The views I racked up from my music, pension money, and getting paid for doing other events gave me a huge sum of cash, so I thought it'd be worth sharing around eighth of my money's worth to y'all." Shiro said as he put his bag on the table and searched for something in one of the pockets. "By the way, where is Ayame?"
"Ah, Ayame is in her bedroom right now, probably doing nothing." Subaru giggled. "Want me to get her?"
"Please do." Shiro smiled.
"Hey, you better not regret this." Astel said.
Shiro looked at the other Hololivers, and frankly, they looked a bit too embarrassed to approach him. It wasn't in a way where they're disappointed, but that was a free snack given away for more than forty talents each. Taking one like they bought it themselves sounded too awkward for them — albeit they appreciated the thought. Then again, Shiro did admit that it was quite the distance to go this far for everyone.
"It's okay, guys. Just consider it my gift to all of you for treating me well so far."
"S-Shiro-kun..." Sora looked at her.
"Yeah?"
"Don't you think you're going a bit too far for us?"
"Ah, well, if you're concerned about it, I'll try not to bring as much next time."
"That's not the problem!" Sora pouted.
"Oh? Well...is it the money?-"
"What Sora-senpai is trying to say is that you didn't have to buy this much for us. It almost looks like we're extorting a junior for free snacks or something." Okayu chuckled.
"Ah, well, it does make sense...sorry."
"D-Don't be!" Sora panicked and waved her hands. "Just please refrain from doing it again next time. Really, we appreciate the thought, but it's sort of embarrassing when we have to take this much from you..."
"Okay, okay." Shiro chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind. Well, it'd be rude too on your part if you don't accept my offering, so please, be my guest."
With hesitation, the other Hololivers took one and talked about sharing it with each other. On the other hand, Subaru and Ayame went out of the elevator.
"Shiro-kun! Ayame is here!"
"Ah, perfect. Ayame!" Shiro went to them.
"Hmm?"
"Here, a souvenir I brought for you." Shiro showed a golden necklace with a four-leaf clover at the end of it.
"E-EH?!" Ayame blushed, surprised to see him gift her when she clearly hasn't interacted with him that much.
"Can I not give a souvenir to my oshi?"
"Y-You can, but like..." Ayame looked away. "Why would you give me something?"
"Because I want to." Shiro smiled.
"W-What if I never gave you anything in return?"
"Do you need to? Besides, I think this'd look cute on you."
"E-Eh?!" Ayame blushed bright red.
"Ooh...flirting with Ayame, are we?" Subaru squinted.
"Eh? N-No...Oh yeah, we're Japanese." Shiro laughed. "Well, do please take it." He said as Shiro placed the necklace on Ayame's hand.
She pouted, but nonetheless said, "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Oh, and Subaru, I bought something for you too."
"Oh?"
Shiro blushed and showed a ring. It shone very brightly, even brighter than a diamond, and was crystal clear. Subaru's eyes lit up, attracted to the beauty of the ring. She leaned in closer, her eyes glued on it. Shiro blushed even more, seeing her clear skin and soft, plush cheeks. He fought the urge to squish it.
"I-Is that a diamond ring?"
"It's actually a moissanite ring. Does it look nice?"
"I love it! It looks very pretty!" Subaru said as she got it. "Is this really for me?"
"Yeah. I-I thought it'd look good on you."
"I'll wear it right now." Subaru said as she put it on her right ring finger. "...It's so beautiful!"
Shiro smiled and his eyes lit up. "Thank God you like it." He blushed more. "Anyway, Subaru, Ayame. I brought snacks for all of you. I'll be giving a bit more souvenirs to some others and then I'll be in my room."
"Wait, so all of that is for us?" Subaru sweat dropped.
"Yup."
"SHIRO, WHY WOULD YOU SPEND ALL THAT MONEY FOR US?!" Subaru scolded him.
"E-Err...don't worry, I talked about that with Sora, and she scolded me too. Regardless, I won't do it again, so please, do indulge yourselves. It's all yours."
Subaru pouted. "Okay...but make sure to not bring too many snacks next time, okay?"
"Sure, sure." Shiro chuckled.
~~Misogynistic Hololiver~~
Ayame sighed in relief. "Well...that Shiro guy is too nice for his own good, isn't he?" Ayame blushed and looked down at the necklace on her neck.
"...It does look pretty though." Ayame blushed.
She went to her table, got the mirror, and put it on.
Ayame looked at it, and thought it matched her style. Cute face, white porcelain skin, and a cute necklace. For Shiro, it may have been some simple, cheap necklace he bought for a souvenir, but for her, it felt special, like it became a part of her identity now.
She smiled. "Well, his gift isn't bad though. I'll give him that."
Ayame went to her fridge and opened it. "...Oh, I need some food for this evening...and a couple of groceries." She giggled nervously.
"Hmm...I'll ask Mio-chan if she can help me. She's not busy streaming, right?" Ayame went through her phone for a moment. "...Ah! Perfect! She's free."
Ayame called her through LINE. After a while, Mio picked up. "Mio-chan, hello!"
"Hello! What is it, Ayame-chan?"
"You see, I ran out of groceries. Is it okay if you come with me so I can buy some? Are you also able to cook dinner for me? I'll buy you a treat outside too!" Ayame's eyes glistened.
"Ah...I'm really sorry, Ayame-chan. I can't exactly go since I'll be practicing some singing. What about the others?"
"The others? Erm..." She looked at the channels that were streaming right now. "No, it seems they're busy..."
"Well, I'd worry too if you went outside right now, especially with all these soldiers around, I'd think you would want someone who you feel safe with...Oh! I know!"
"Mio-chan?"
"How about you let Shiro-kun accompany you like he did with Aqua?"
"...Huh?" Ayame blankly stared off into space.