Volume 13 Chapter 349 Shirogane Kanon, Is Too Much For My Tastes! The Aqua Drama Prologue
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
It was unusual for me to lock myself in my own room, but there I was, waiting in front of the TV. The entire reason was to watch the historical epic written by Tsukasa-sensei, which was about to begin. It was actually supposed to start back in January, but after countless delays, the broadcast was finally set to begin at the end of the year. Today, they were premiering the ‘Prologue Zero,’ the prequel to the main story.
I was buzzing with anticipation in front of the screen when my smartphone received a message.
”Hmm? Who could that be?”
The sender was Emily-senpai… A tiny, awful premonition flickered through me, but I opened her message anyway.
Yukishiro Emily:
[Yo, Tashinami. You wearing your pantsu¹ like I told you? I put some in the top drawer of your closet just for you, so make sure you put ’em on!!]
Ugh! Seriously! Stop putting weird stuff in my drawers without permission! I immediately checked the top drawer of my closet. Sure enough, tucked in with my regular rotation of underwear, there really was a pair of pantsu.
”Huh? What’s this note?”
I picked up the note placed on top of the pantsu.
[To Tashinami. Aren’t the panties in your closet getting a little Super Lewd²? Mom (Okaa-san) is worried because you have so few of your childish undies left…. I added striped panties and bear-patterned ones for you.]
Who are you calling ‘Mother’?! And she really did add more underwear! Ugh! I quickly scanned the rest of the note.
[It might be embarrassing to wear pantsu now that you’re a mom, but Aqua-sama is merciless to us watching on TV. Before a massive accident happens, please wear your pantsu, even if you’re shy. From your Mother of your Heart³. Giggle-snicker!]
’Mother of your Heart’—what even is that?! I closed the closet drawer and tossed the note into the trash.
I’m not a child anymore, and I’ve grown up a bit since becoming a mother! Besides… Aqua and I do much more, um, forbidden things, so I don’t think I’ll soil my panties over a mere TV show at this point.
”That’s right. I’m a mom now.”
I pulled myself together and sat down in front of the television. Just as the broadcast time started, the national broadcaster’s screen switched.
[WARNING: This drama contains extremely stimulating content. Please steel your resolve and prepare yourselves before viewing.]
Th-this kind of warning is common for dramas starring Aqua, so it’s fine, totally fine.
Once the warning text disappeared, the screen changed, showing someone walking down the corridor of a large manor.
‘The year is 1867… Japan, forced to open its ports by the Western States, stood at a crossroads.’
Kaede-senpai’s polished narration kicked off the program. Hm… I remember correctly that the States were pressuring Japan, who had already established diplomacy with the Stars. The woman on screen formally knelt in front of a sliding fusuma door, bowed, and entered the room. Inside, women in kimono were facing each other with tense, serious expressions.
’We’ve been waiting for you. What is the Princess’s decision?’
’The Princess is inclined to open the ports.’
The women who were already in the room murmured and showed various reactions.
’What?!’
’Hmm… Is the Princess truly in favor of opening the ports?’
’No, perhaps it is merely a matter of necessity?’
The scene cut to Kukuri-chan sitting on a bed in a darkened room. I guess Kukuri-chan is playing the role of the ‘Princess’ they were just talking about? Because of her natural aristocratic aura, she exudes an incredible presence just sitting there on screen. I figure Kukuri-chan must be playing one of her own ancestors, Sumeragi Ichiya. Since the story is based on historical fact and a direct descendant of the Sumeragi family is playing the role, the level of dramatic conviction transmitted through the screen is instantly different.
The screen then switched back to the room where the women were gathered.
’And what did Ichiya-sama say?’
’In order to consolidate the opinions of the various feudal lords regarding future policy, she will be convening the Six-Family Council, which represents the top houses.’
At those words, the room stirred again.
’The Six Families… Yukishiro, Kokucho, Kuga, Fuji, Amakusa.’
’I hear Fuji, who likes trade, is in favor of opening the ports.’
’I hear Amakusa, who manages the agricultural production, is also in favor of opening the ports, considering future famine countermeasures.’
’Kuga is the Princess’s dog. They will follow Ichiya-sama’s will.’
’Then it comes down to Kokucho, doesn’t it? Kokucho will likely oppose it because it risks undermining their clan’s dominance.’
At that comment, everyone exchanged glances. Huh, so Kokucho was operating in the shadows even back then…
’Kokucho is one thing, but this time, we might be able to win over Yukishiro. As you know, Yukishiro has always been on the side of the people. If they listen to the anxieties of the public regarding a rapid opening of the country, they will voice their opposition, even to the Princess. That is the kind of clan the Yukishiro are.’
’If the two arms of the Sumeragi family—no, of this entire Japan—Kokucho and Yukishiro, join forces, their power is equal to that of Sumeragi herself. The Kuga, who are nothing more than Sumeragi’s lackeys, and the Fuji, who rose from merchants, or the Amakusa, who are only great farmers, will not be able to sway the discussion.’
At the words of one woman, an enraged woman stood up, hand on her sword. The two others around her immediately stood up, hands also on their swords.
’Hey! That is rude!’
’What are you saying! Sumeragi’s glory is all thanks to her two wings: Kokucho and Yukishiro!!’
Clutching their swords, the women glared at each other. Given how well-dressed they were, everyone here must have been of significant status. So, they’ve been happily enjoying the benefits for ages, and now they’re checking each other, worried that their vested interests might be encroached upon by dealing with the States. I think I’m starting to get the full picture. The person observing from the back of the room slowly and heavily stood up.
’Calm down. Now is not the time for us to be fighting amongst ourselves, is it?’
It was Mutsumiya Seijuu-san… Whose role could he be playing? As expected of a veteran actor, his kimono carried a real sense of prestige.
’Enoki-sama. What did the Shogun say?’
’He says, “I leave everything to you.” He is always like that.’
If I recall correctly, the leader of Japan at that time was Shogun Tokumoto Kimi. About 300 years before this era, high-status people across the world, not just in Japan, began monopolizing men, which led to a revolt by the disgruntled populace. In Japan, to quell the ‘Male Uprising,’ the representative of the Sumeragi family at the time asked various regional powers for help, and those who suppressed the uprisings became the self-proclaimed rulers of their respective regions. That was the beginning of Japan’s Warring States period.
Afterward, the Tokumoto family, who won the Warring States period, reigned as the leaders of Japan for a long time, having been formally delegated power by the Sumeragi family. Tokumoto Kimi was, if I remember correctly, the last Shogun. Come to think of it, she’s the ancestor of Tokumoto Kaori-san from the former Kokucho Group, who works at Beryl Entertainment. I learned that Shogun Tokumoto Kimi, after being stripped of her position, was sheltered by the Kokucho family after her fall.
’Enoki-sama, what should we do?’
’Well… First, let’s make that sheltered Princess understand reality.’
Mutsumiya Seijuu-san showed a knowing smile. Watching that, I realized why people say he’s the best when Kohina Yukari-san needs someone to play a villain.
The scene cut to a carriage accompanied by soldiers moving down a well-maintained road. Japan, having traded with the Stars for nearly 300 years before this era, immediately began building roads for carriage travel after the Warring States period ended. The camera panned inside the carriage, showing Kukuri-chan sitting in Western-style clothing. Then, the shadow of someone appeared on the curtain covering the window.
’Ichiya-sama. I apologize for disturbing you while you rest. May I have a moment?’
’Yes, certainly.’
The curtain on the carriage window opened, and one of the guards protecting the carriage spoke to her. What on earth happened?
’It seems there has been an accident up ahead. May I proceed in advance to check the situation?’
’Yes, of course. Also… this is my personal request, but please, if there is anyone crying out for help, extend a hand to them.’
’Understood!’
’Please be careful. May you and those involved in the accident be safe.’
Kukuri-chan pressed her hands together and offered a prayer. Aww, she’s such a good girl! Kukuri-chan is probably the protagonist or the heroine, and you really should cheer for the good ones!
The scene switched to several of the guards, following the order, galloping ahead on their horses. The scene then cut again, showing a famous temple in Kyoto, the venue for the meeting. From there, the screen changed once more to Kuga Reira-san pacing anxiously in a room.
’Is the Princess still not here?’
’No, it seems she’s delayed.’
Sitting on a chair, Kuga Reira-san covered her face with both hands.
’She’s clearly much later than planned. If this is how it is, I really should have…!’
A caption appeared at the bottom of the screen. I see, Reira-san is the representative of the Kuga family. I nodded emphatically, satisfied with the casting choice. Kuga Reira-san, looking regretful, stood up and sat down repeatedly.
’Kuga, if you’re so worried about Ichiya-sama, shall I arrange for one of mine to check on her?’
’R-really?!’
Ah, it’s Mikuni-sama! Mikuni-sama, on screen, offered Reira-san a gentle smile. Ha-wa-wa-wa, the Yukishiro family aura is intense. She rivals the Sumeragi family! And wait, the successors of Sumeragi, Kuga, and Yukishiro are all playing their respective family heads?! That casting is absolutely unfair!! I immediately checked the internet Bulletin Board and saw a post from someone in our circle saying, ‘The national broadcaster is cheating! They’re using Beryl’s full power!!’ Ugh, it’s too much trouble. I don’t need to reply with ‘Boomerang’ to Chinsuki and Hagetoru, do I?
’However, if it’s just any person…’
’In that case, it’s fine. Isn’t that right?’
Mikuni-sama glanced to the side, and Reira-san’s face followed hers. Then, with steady footsteps, the cuts changed rapidly: feet, waist, chest. This lewd screen cutting is definitely Director Hongou!
’Kuga. Are you dissatisfied with me going to check on the Princess?’
Aqua! That’s his voice! I gripped the TV panel tightly with both hands and leaned forward.
’No. You are the perfect choice. Yukishiro’s, no, the next head of the Yukishiro family, Yukishiro Touya.’
The screen switched, and Aqua appeared, dressed in a Western-style military uniform. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! HE’S SO COOL! SO COOL! I screamed internally with a noise that could rival a baby’s cry.
”Aba-baba-baba-baba-baba!”
At the same moment, I heard the sound of Hakuryuu-sensei meeting her instantaneous doom from a distant room. It’s okay! She’s a professional! Wait, no, Sensei is pregnant, so she absolutely shouldn’t be watching a work starring Aqua! He’s the worst thing for a girl’s body in this whole world!
’In return, promise me this. That you will protect the Princess even if it costs you your life.’
’…Very well. I promise that I will bring her here safely, even if it costs me my own life.’
Oh… I’m in trouble. Maybe I really should have worn the pantsu without trying to act tough. Even though I see him all the time, Aqua on screen has a different kind of coolness that makes my body react instinctively.
The scene cut back to the carriage carrying Sumeragi Ichiya, played by Kukuri-chan. Wait, is she being attacked by someone?!
’Princess, we can no longer hold them off here. Please, flee!’
’Ichiya-sama, we will draw the enemy away. Please, please, survive!’
Ichiya showed a pained expression before tightly clenching her fist.
’I am deeply grateful for your loyalty.’
Ichiya seized a gap and jumped out of the carriage, with her guards covering her escape.
The scene cut to the sight of the guards who had gone to check on the accident lying defeated. I see, the ‘accident’ was a trap. They were attacked when the number of guards was reduced, making them vulnerable.
’Hah, hah…’
Ichiya, with a wound on the back of her hand and her clothes dirtied, ran through the pitch-black forest, pushing aside the grass. The attackers followed close behind. R-run away! I clenched my hands and cheered for Ichiya in my heart.
’This place is…?’
Ichiya emerged into a clearing, captivated by a mystical place bathed in the light of the moon and stars.
’Has the game of chase ended here? Regrettably, there is no one left to protect you now, Princess.’
Overtaken by her pursuers, Ichiya turned to face them, stepping backward, step by step. Ugh, this is bad! It’s a desperate pinch! Aqua, please hurry and come save her!
’Why are you doing this?!’
’Oh, we have no intention of harming you, Princess. You just need to be quiet for a little while. Yes, until this Six-Family Council is over.’
I see, they said they wanted to scare her, but their goal isn’t to injure her. Ichiya backed up further, only to find a large tree blocking her way. Several of the pursuers immediately spread out left and right to surround her.
’Now, you lot, seize the Princess!’
’Kuh! I can’t be captured here…’
At that very moment, the sound of a horse galloping through the darkness reached them.
’It is good that you fled to a place where the light shines. Thanks to that, I was able to find you.’
HE CAME! HE CAME! HE CAME! HEEEE CAMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
I could hear screams from the rooms to my left and right.
’What?!’
The enemy pursuers opened their eyes wide at the sight of Aqua on horseback emerging from the grass. I get it! He’s just too cool! The image of Aqua silhouetted against the moon was reflected in Ichiya’s eyes. Oh, no. This is definitely the moment she falls in love!
’Gwah!’
’Whoa!’
Yukishiro Touya—not Aqua—jumped from his horse and struck down two men who were trying to grab Ichiya.
’Ah… And you are?’
’We can worry about that later. First, these ruffians.’
Hawawa-wa-wa-wa-wa! His Japanese sword combined with the Western military uniform was so incredibly cool that I nearly foamed at the mouth and was about to scream from excitement⁴. Maybe it was a good thing that Hakuryuu-sensei was already down for the count. Seeing this might truly prevent her from ever returning to normal.
’A man?!’
’Th-this guy! He’s strong!’
Aqua swung his sword in a sweeping motion, killing one man, and for the next opponent, he deflected the blade during a parry to take the man’s life. He punched an opponent who came at him from a blind spot in the solar plexus with his free hand, knocking him unconscious, then deflected a projectile with his sword. I was nearly overwhelmed by the incredible choreography of Aqua’s sword fight. Director Hongou is truly deserving of the title of the director who can film Aqua in the coolest way possible!
’Damn it, why would a man…’
Hmph. As expected, Aqua has to be strong even in a drama! Touya defeated all the pursuers and slowly approached Ichiya.
’First, I thank you for saving me. My name is Sumeragi Ichiya… and you are?’
Touya knelt on one knee before Ichiya. I could hear Grandma Mary desk-slamming⁵ downstairs.
’My name is Yukishiro Touya. I was given the mission to protect you and came here.’
’One of the Yukishiro clan…’
Ichiya hesitated before Touya. Huh? I would have taken his hand in a second, so why is she hesitating?
’While I am grateful for your rescue, may I truly put my faith in you?’
Ah, right. The Yukishiro clan’s opinion is supposedly the opposite of Ichiya’s. Given that, there’s a chance that even this rescue was scripted from the beginning. This is where Tsukasa Kei’s script pulls us, the viewers, into the drama. The fact that Sensei makes us think, ‘That’s plausible, actually, that’s definitely going to happen!’ makes me feel like we are all just rolling around in the palm of the production team’s hand.
’…I will protect you, even if it costs me this life. I promised I would.’
Touya lowered the sword in his hand, took a small knife from its sheath, and cut the thin braid that held his back hair together. WAAAHHHHHHH! A-A-A-Aqua! You can’t just casually cut your hair like that!
Aqua offered the cut hair and the small knife, engraved with the Yukishiro family crest, to Ichiya.
’I hear that in the West, one cuts their hair to swear an oath to their sovereign. Please, accept this.’
’…I have certainly witnessed your vow. Yukishiro Touya, would you please deliver me safely to the meeting place?’
In the mystical place lit by the moon and stars, Touya took Ichiya’s hand.
’All as you command.’
At that moment, the ending song began, and the staff roll appeared.
Wait, it’s already over?!
Ah… Right. It was just the prologue, so it was only 30 minutes. Anyway, Aqua as a knight for a princess is guaranteed to be a hit! I thrashed around on my bed, utterly consumed by the experience.
Then, another message arrived on my smartphone.
”Yeah, yeah, it’s probably Emily-senpai again!”
I opened Emily-senpai’s message.
[Tashinami, I’m sorry. I was an idiot to think pantsu would be enough. Me? What did I do? I’ve been naked from the start so it wouldn’t matter if I soiled myself, duh! ACHOO!!]
H-hold on! Are you forgetting you’re pregnant?! I jumped off my bed and rushed toward Emily-senpai’s room. Honestly! It’s fine because it was a joke, but when Emily-senpai makes jokes like that, I take them all seriously, so please stop!
—
Summary:
Tashinami’s long-awaited historical drama, ‘Prologue Zero,’ begins, plunging her into fan-girl hysterics. She’s first defensive against Emily-senpai’s underwear teasing, only to be completely obliterated by Aqua’s heroic entrance as Yukishiro Touya, a knight swearing a sacred oath to the Princess Ichiya. The prologue is a perfect, dramatic setup that leaves the audience, and Tashinami, utterly wrecked with excitement. After the short episode, Emily’s final, teasing message—claiming she was naked—sends a worried Tashinami running to her aid.
—
Character Insight:
Tashinami’s internal life is a hilarious mix of new motherhood dignity and uncontrollable, passionate fan-girl behavior. She desperately wants to be the mature ‘mom’ but instantly reverts to an excited, screaming mess the second Aqua is on screen, showing her emotional core is still driven by her love for him. Emily-senpai’s teasing is her way of showing affection and bonding over their shared obsession, even while heavily pregnant.
—
Behind the Scene:
This chapter is a ‘show within a show’—a meta-narrative focusing on the characters’ reaction to a fictional historical drama starring Aqua. The historical context is a gender-reversed Warring States period, where women hold the power (Shogun Tokumoto Kimi, Princess Sumeragi Ichiya). The drama’s casting of real-life family descendants (Kukuri-chan as Sumeragi Ichiya, Aqua as Yukishiro Touya) adds a layer of in-universe authenticity and buzz, which is a common trope in this world’s media.
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T/L:
¹ [pantsu] ↩ – This is a Japanese portmanteau for underwear designed for men (pantsu), usually worn by women for a sense of security, or sometimes for fun/fetish. Emily’s teasing is a commentary on how exciting Aqua’s performance will be.
² [Super Lewd] ↩ – The original Japanese is ‘dosukebe,’ an intense slang term for something extremely perverted or lewd. Emily is implying Tashinami’s current underwear collection is too erotic.
³ [Mother of your Heart] ↩ – The original ‘kokoro no haha’ is an overly dramatic and teasing self-title used by Emily to mock Tashinami’s recent motherhood and fan-girl anxiety.
⁴ [about to scream from excitement] ↩ – The Japanese ‘hogerisou ni naru’ describes being so overwhelmed by excitement, adoration, or shock that one is about to make an incoherent noise, cry, or pass out.
⁵ [desk-slamming] ↩ – The term ‘daipan’ literally means to slam a desk or table in frustration, anger, or extreme excitement/adoration. In this context, Grandma Mary is clearly thrilled.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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