Volume 13 Chapter 356 Shirogane Aqua, The Final Live Tour of the Year
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Having safely finished the second day’s performance, we welcome the final day of the national live tour in Okinawa. Since the tour final is a Tokyo performance after the New Year, today is our last live activity as part of the national tour.
”I wonder what that incident from the other day was about,” I muttered.
The incident that occurred the night before last wasn’t reported on any news. For the time being, I consulted with Prime Minister Habu and reported it to the police, but seeing as there’s no contact, there’s likely been no progress in solving the case at all. Still, that woman dressed as a man was strong. Not just her technique, but her pure muscle strength easily surpassed that of an ordinary woman. I still don’t know for what purpose she was chasing Lena-san, or why Lena-san was being pursued.
”…Well, there’s no point in thinking about it, I guess.”
I pick myself up from the bed and get ready. Today is the day for BERYL¹ to learn about Okinawan history. As I leave the room, Toa, who was sleeping in the room next door, also comes out at the same time.
”Morning, Aqua!”
”Yeah, morning, Toa.”
I head toward the hotel lobby with Toa. There, Tenga-senpai and Shintaro were sitting on a sofa at the edge of the lobby. We exchange brief morning greetings.
”Mornin’-ssu, Shintaro. You two are early.”
”Yeah, I woke up early. Tenga-senpai and I went for a walk around the hotel,” Shintaro replied.
A morning walk… Come to think of it, I haven’t been able to run since coming to Okinawa. I should have woken up earlier to run too. While the four of us are having an idle conversation, a Beryl staff member comes running up.
”Everyone, sorry to keep you waiting. The car is ready, so please follow me.”
”Looking forward to it!”
We leave the hotel lobby while chatting and climb into the van Beryl provided. Since I haven’t had breakfast yet, I’m starting to get hungry.
”Hey, everyone. What should we do for breakfast?”
”Ah, in that case, I want to eat pancakes!”
Toa holds out his smartphone in front of my face. Hm? Oh, it’s the social media for that shop. Tenga-senpai and Shintaro, who were nearby, also peer into the smartphone screen.
”A bacon steak, fried egg, and pancake morning set, huh? Nice. Looks delicious,” Shintaro said.
”Yeah, sounds good, doesn’t it?”
”I think it’s good too!!”
Tenga-senpai, with his arms crossed, nods repeatedly. Tenga-senpai, who has completely immersed himself in Okinawa, has been eating Goya Chanpuru², Sata Andagi³, and Umi Budo⁴ in a demonic rotation for the past few days.
”Then it’s decided! Excuse me! Could you stop by this cafe on the way?”
”Yes, certainly!”
Stopping at the cafe along the way, we take our seats and order. Shintaro and I get the Agu Pork⁵ bacon and fried egg morning set. Tenga-senpai, perhaps because he was hungry, ordered an Agu Pork Hamburger set.
”Wait? Toa, what’s that?”
”It’s Coconut pancakes,” Toa replied.
Huh, so that white, gooey stuff is coconut. It suddenly occurred to me, but the Japan in this world hasn’t experienced war, nor have atomic bombs been dropped. Despite that, Okinawa in this world still has parts where you can feel the influence of the States, like the Ender Burger⁶. If I go to the historical museum we’re heading to, will I understand that in detail? After finishing breakfast, we get back in the van and head straight to the Okinawa Historical Museum.
”We’re in your care today!!”
”Yes, likewise, I look forward to working with you.”
We tour the facility guided by a female staff member. I feel like the initial parts aren’t that different from the Okinawan history I learned in my previous world. What I’m curious about is further ahead, from the 1800s onward.
”Shirogane Aqua-san, who appears in the Taiga drama, might already know, but in 1853, ships from the States arrived in Naha. That’s exactly 14 years before the Six-House Talks⁷,” the staff member said.
I nod at the woman’s words. Since it’s a story before the Six-House Talks, which serves as ‘Episode Zero,’ I only know it briefly, but I know those facts existed from the dialogue in the play.
”The rulers of the Ryukyu Dynasty⁸ at the time, who made contact with the States before the Six-House Talks were held, saw a business opportunity and concluded several agreements to build their own routes with the States.”
I see, so Okinawa tried to use its granted administrative rights to act as a transit point for distribution and exchange between the States and the mainland. Thinking about the historical background of the time, I thought it wasn’t a bad move.
”However, it was also a double-edged sword. Do you all know what this place was actually used for in the past?”
We look at each other and shake our heads. Then, the staff woman showed a sad expression.
”A long time ago, this was a place where the States secretly conducted a certain illegal experiment.”
”Eh?”
We follow behind the woman as she moves forward.
”As you know, the gender ratio in this world is completely skewed. In the past, various things were done to try to prevent that. One of those experiments actually took place here in Okinawa.”
Stopping abruptly, the woman points her palm toward a nearby exhibit. As if drawn to it, we turn our gazes there.
[Experiment Record No. 1 / Commenced masculinization experiment with 100 female volunteers residing in Okinawa]
[Experiment Record No. 2 / Subjects No. 3 and No. 6 died after their condition suddenly changed following male hormone injection]
[Experiment Record No. 3 / Progress is smooth. We hope that if the experiment succeeds like this, we can change the tide of the world]
[Experiment Record No. 4 / The condition of half the test subjects suddenly changes. We may have miscalculated somewhere]
[Experiment Record No. 5 / All 20 people who were injected with male hormones in the earliest stage have died]
[Experiment Record No. 6 / Results of verification. Hormone administration is discontinued; transitioning to spermatogonial stem cell transplant experiments]
[Experiment Record No. 7 / Reproductive functions and spermatogonial stem cells were transplanted from male corpses, but 10 people died during the transplant surgery]
[Experiment Record No. 8 / Of the 10 who succeeded in surgery, only 5 are in stable condition. Praying for this experiment to go well]
[Experiment Record No. 9 / Of the 5 whose condition was not stable, No. 31 and No. 37 have died]
[Experiment Record No. 10 / Of the 5 in stable condition, No. 23, No. 26, and No. 29 have sudden changes]
[Experiment Record No. 13 / Everyone who underwent transplant surgery has died. We will continue the experiment so as not to let their deaths be in vain]
[Experiment Record No. 22 / Of the 100 volunteers gathered, 80—80% of them—have died. Entrusting hope to the final 20]
[Experiment Record No. 26 / Why! Theoretically, it should work, so why won’t it succeed!!]
[Experiment Record No. 28 / All 100 test subjects in our care have died. If time could be turned back, I would want to turn it back]
[Experiment Record No. 29 / All verifications completed. It is regrettable that we could not identify the cause of the experimental failure]
[Experiment Record No. 30 / I am leaving here today, but praying that those who follow will make this experiment a success, I leave all these records behind]
Toa and the others turn their faces away from the remaining documents and photos. I learned briefly in history class that experiments were being done to change females into males. But we weren’t told that such things were being done in Okinawa. I ask the staff woman a question.
”Um… is this experiment, now…”
At my question, the staff woman shakes her head.
”Not just in Japan, many women’s lives were taken in this experiment. Therefore, each government views this as a negative legacy shared by the whole world, and I hear that nowhere is doing it now.”
I exhale slowly upon hearing those words. Thinking of the people who died, I don’t know if it’s okay to say ‘I’m glad…’ but I want to think it was a good thing that no further victims were created. For just a moment, the woman I fought on equal terms with the other day flickered in the back of my mind. No, that person had breasts and a feminine body line. Besides, this experiment was from nearly 100 years ago. Seeing our expressions, the woman speaks brightly on purpose to change the atmosphere.
”I’m sorry. The talk got a bit heavy, didn’t it? But I wanted at least you members of BERYL to know about it.”
”Yes. It was really good for us to know that such things happened.”
That’s why… yes, that’s exactly why! I want to believe that a bright future awaits what we are trying to do. Even just one or two things is fine; to pull a better future closer, I felt even more strongly that I want to do what I can.
”That’s right. Yeah… It was only written in one line in history class, but I’m glad I found out here today too,” Toa said.
”Yeah, I feel the same way. I averted my eyes earlier because I couldn’t bear it, but I thought it’s something we, of all people, need to know,” Shintaro added.
”Umu! What we must achieve, the future we strive for, has become clearer. Thank you, Miss,” Tenga-senpai said.
When we return her a powerful gaze, the woman, her eyes slightly teary, smiles gently. She returned words of gratitude, saying “thank you” in a small voice.
”Now, shall we change the mood? This way, please.”
We continued to learn about Okinawan history and then left the museum. Everyone was silent in the van on the way back, but I think the things each of us was thinking were the same, even without putting them into words. Afterward, we handled some filming and such, and after eating a slightly late lunch, we entered the live venue and did a light rehearsal. Before the live started, we formed a huddle behind the buzzing stage as usual.
”Everyone, today is the last live tour of the year. We’re going to put our spirits into it today just like always!”
”Yeah! Of course!!”
”Yeah! Let’s go!!”
”Umu! Let’s go, BERYL!”
Finally, we fire ourselves up to Tenga-senpai’s shout. I exchange fist bumps with the backstage crew.
”You’re quite fired up today, aren’t you?”
”Same to you, Moja-san.”
After exchanging a fist bump with Moja-san too, I head under the sub-stage on a trolley installed beneath the stage. Every time the trolley moves forward, I immerse myself in my identity as an idol. The buzzing heard from the audience seats. The voices of the staff heard through the earphones. Combined with the elation of the live performance, my switch was completely flipped. Arriving at the narrow standby space, a standby staff member approaches holding a paper.
”Aqua-san! Before the show starts, please let me double-check once more!!”
”Yes!”
From the venue, along with a great cheer from the audience, the intro of a song is heard. Today’s lead-off is Toa. Toa’s beautiful, translucent singing voice can be heard.
”Aqua-san’s turn is fourth. When the intro plays, the elevator will move according to the timing. After that, perform the Driver⁹ songs with the four of you, and after the medley, get back on the elevator and return here. Since there are no markers where the elevator is and the gaps are hard to see, please be very careful where you place your feet!”
”Yes!”
I nod at the staff member’s words. That guy Toa… just because it’s the last day, his voice is really racing from the start. The stretch of his voice is better than usual. ‘Going full throttle from the beginning, huh,’ I thought with a grin. Good. Toa, that’s it. Keep going. Don’t hold back. Lay yourself completely bare. The ‘you’ who couldn’t even come out of the room that day is nowhere to be found anymore. Aiming for the ‘you’ you want to be, go forward as far as you can, Toa.
’Aqua-kun, can you hear me?’
’Ako-san, I can hear you.’
I overlap my palm on my earphone to make it easier to hear Ako-san’s voice. After Toa, it’s Shintaro’s turn. Perhaps Shintaro was influenced by Toa too, because he’s more immersed in the start today than usual. Shintaro’s recent challenge was how far he could get immersed and carry his feelings at the start of a live, but today it seems he’s fired up from the beginning.
’Everyone seems to be in good shape today, doesn’t it?’
’Yes. Thanks to you, I, Toa, Shintaro, and Tenga-senpai have all reconfirmed what we need to do.’
Ako-san giggles at my reply.
’I see. That’s good then. By the way, I have a proposal. How about going with a non-stop high-speed version for the Driver medley part? It didn’t succeed in rehearsal, but I feel like we can do it today.’
Ako-san is usually easy-going, but she has a bit of a gambler’s streak. Many of the Driver songs are high-tempo with a sense of speed. Because of that, if we did all the songs non-stop, someone would definitely give out in the middle or at the end. That’s why we’ve kept it sealed during the actual performances until now.
’What did the other three say?’
’They said the same answer as Aqua-kun.’
Everyone… you guys are the best. That’s right. I’m not alone. Even if it’s impossible for one person, I have comrades who have the same thoughts as me. And there are people who support that. If that’s the case, then I’ll take everyone who’s there with me. To the future beyond, which no one had imagined.
’Let’s do it.’
’Got it. I’ll tell Moja-san too.’
I exhale lightly. In the venue, the fans in the audience were getting excited over Shintaro’s solo. Shintaro… you’re really amazing. I’m always expecting things from you. But you always exceed those expectations. That’s why I’m always serious with you. Even when I show you such an unkind reality, you’ve been trying to snap at me the whole time. I’m really glad I met you. Shintaro, I’m going to live a long time. So, you live a long time too. And by the time I retire, someday, please surpass me.
’Hey, I heard from the President. Are you for real?’
’Of course. Or is Moja-san getting cold feet?’
Moja-san laughs at my reply.
’I don’t hate that cheeky, bratty side of yours either.’
’I love the easy-going Moja-san too.’
When I reply like that, Moja-san laughs a bit shyly. Moja-san said, “Cut it out, idiot,” but those words sounded happy somehow. On the stage, Shintaro’s singing ended, and it switched to Tenga-senpai’s singing.
’Well then, I’ll leave that side to you, Commander-in-Chief of the brats.’
’No, no, rather, the Commander-in-Chief is Moja-san, who made that proposal to Ako-san, isn’t it?’
Ah, perhaps it became inconvenient, because Moja-san cut off the communication unilaterally. It seems my guess was right. I close my eyes and concentrate my spirit. Tenga-senpai is calmer than anyone else on stage, despite how he looks. Even his pace distribution is solid, second only to mine, yet was he influenced by Toa and Shintaro? He’s flying at full power from the start as if he’s prepared to collapse.
”Thank you both, truly,” I muttered to myself.
I’ve never said it to the two of them face-to-face, but I’m glad that the first people I met when I went to the studio for the first time in this world were Moja-san and Tenga-senpai. I tap out a light rhythm with my foot. As I thought, Tenga-senpai’s beat feels comfortable. The one carving out the beat that serves as the core of BERYL is also Tenga-senpai. With a sense of security like being at home, my elated feelings tightened together. When I open my eyes, a nearby staff member gives a go-sign with their hand.
”I’m off.”
Slowly, the place where I am standing rises toward the stage. Perhaps my figure became visible from the outside, because the cheers grow even louder.
Everyone… drunk on the singing voices of those three, have you forgotten who the ace of BERYL is?
Along with the start of the intro, I fly at full throttle from the beginning. Thanks to the three of them warming up the stage until then, the voltage of the audience seats was at max from the start. Even so, aiming further beyond, I stir up the audience.
”Let’s go, everyone! It’s not over yet, is it!!”
Just like that, involving the audience as well, we perfectly finished singing the non-stop Driver medley. However, doing it without thinking about what came after might have been a mistake. Still, thanks to the backstage crew led by Moja-san successfully rotating the subsequent setlist, we managed to pull through to the end in 100% condition. Returning to the dressing room, the three others besides me collapse onto the tatami mats.
”Dammit~. I’ve got to build up more lung capacity. I mean, why is Aqua so energetic!?” Toa asked while panting.
”I think I’ll increase my dance practice a bit more. Singing while dancing is tough after all,” Shintaro said.
”True. I might have spent all my time on dancing and performing, and neglected my singing,” Tenga-senpai added.
I feel happy seeing the three of them voicing their points for reflection one after another. Thank you. It’s because you guys were here that I’m able to do what I want to do.
”Then, after we get back, we’ll do special training toward the tour final.”
”Yeah!”
”Yeah!”
”Umu!”
Toa, Shintaro, and Tenga-senpai nod powerfully at my words. Thus, the final live tour of the year came to a close in the best possible state.
—
Summary:
The idol group BERYL finishes their second-to-last tour stop in Okinawa with a visit to a local history museum. They learn about dark, illegal gender-reassignment experiments conducted on women a century ago. This grim history fuels their determination to succeed as male idols in a female-dominated world. During their final performance of the year, they successfully pull off a high-speed ‘Driver’ medley that they had never perfected in rehearsal. The chapter ends with the group resolving to train even harder for their upcoming Tokyo tour final.
—
Character Insight:
This chapter highlights the deep synergy and mutual inspiration within BERYL. Toa’s explosive start influences Shintaro to overcome his immersion issues, which in turn pushes Tenga-senpai to abandon his usual pacing for raw effort. Aqua, as the ‘ace,’ feels a profound sense of gratitude for his teammates and mentors (Moja-san and Tenga-senpai), realizing that his individual strength is amplified by their collective ambition. His inner monologue regarding Shintaro shows a mentor-rival dynamic where he desires to be surpassed, indicating his growth from a solo performer to a true leader.
—
Behind the Scene:
The author notes clarify that the ‘masculinization’ experiments were historically conducted by the ‘Women’s Mutual Aid Society’ rather than the ‘States.’ This piece of lore explains the existence of rare, high-performance ‘combat-ready’ women (like the one Aqua fought recently). The author also plugs several spin-offs and extra stories involving romantic interests like Toa and Kohina-senpai.
—
T/L:
Notes:
• Lena – A beautiful young woman with long eyelashes and grey eyes, suggesting foreign (possibly Nordic) ancestry. She has a playful, slightly mischievous personality and appears to be around Aqua’s age.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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