The Stand User Of The Daily World

Chapter 118: Measuring Physical Data

"Seriously, Senpai, being this passionate all of a sudden is a bit overwhelming, even for me."

Marin twirled the crimson-dyed tips of her hair around her finger, spinning it in circles.

—What are you even talking about? I don't get it at all.

"And besides, guys with overly strong possessive tendencies aren't in fashion these days. Being too controlling won't win girls over." After twisting her straight hair into curls, Marin finally let her hair go. "But... but I don't mind. If you think it's better for me not to become an idol, Senpai, then I'll listen to you."

—What is this? What is this? WHAT IS THIS?! She's way too cute!

What's the universal cheat code and first attribute of perfection?

It's contrast.

Whether it's the now-outdated archetype of the tsundere that once ruled supreme, the rising popularity of young wives, loli moms, or the now Tier 1 archetype of bratty little demons. Or, a housewife at home, and... uh... something else in bed." And of course, there's the innocent starlet type represented by Marin.

What do they all have in common?

Contrast.

And right now, Marin was so irresistibly cute that Shunsuke felt like using Star Platinum to punch out a diamond and propose to her on the spot.

"Se-Senpai, don't just stare at me without saying anything like that—it's embarrassing." Marin turned slightly away, avoiding Shunsuke's gaze.

"Ah, couldn't help it."

Shunsuke made up a flimsy excuse.

"Ahem. So, let's put the idol idea on hold for now. Since we're not short on money, the initial motivation doesn't exist anymore. There's no need to pursue it further."

"But aren't you really busy, Senpai? You're writing novels, managing Sakurajima-senpai, helping Mashiro-senpai with manga, and cooking for the boss lady at night. If I ask you to help with photography too, won't it be too much trouble?"

"Is that why you haven't asked me to help with your cosplay costumes?"

"Mm, so I ended up making them myself."

—A girl like this is just too thoughtful!

—Wait, is that what Kotori thinks too? Is that why she hasn't contacted me? That won't do! I still want her to make the skirt longer!

—No, no, thinking about another girl at a time like this is way too disrespectful to Kitagawa. I'll think about Kotori later.

Shunsuke shook his head, pushing thoughts of his muse aside. "It's decided."

"Eh?"

"From now on, all your cosplay costumes and photoshoots have to be handled by me. The conditions are that I get to be the first to see the finished product, decide which photos can be shared, and determine which cosplay outfits you can wear outside and which ones you can't."

"Senpai, you're so overbearing."

"Don't like it?"

"It's not about like or dislike…" Marin puffed up her cheeks. "Senpai, you're so mean!"

—To think she can pull off one of Chitanda Eru's signature moves so flawlessly, despite being a completely different type of character. Kitagawa Marin is terrifying.

—But this scene... this is pure bliss.

"When do you need Shizuku's cosplay outfit ready?"

"Ah? Oh, let me think... there's a convention in about half a month. If I could wear it then, that'd be perfect."

Marin seemed entirely unaware of what that timeframe meant for normal people, but luckily, Shunsuke wasn't a normal person.

"Half a month, huh? Alright. Tonight, let's go to Mrs. Izumi's house for dinner. After that, I'll take you to see the way to my new place, and we'll measure your body data while we're at it."

"Ah, o-okay! But for the measurements, I've actually already taken them before. I can just give you—"

"No."

"Huh?" Marin paused mid-motion, her hand halfway to her pocket to pull out her phone.

"Those measurements won't be accurate enough. To make a truly form-fitting costume, the person making it needs to take precise measurements themselves. That's how it works for high-society clothing, and it's the same for cosplay. So I'll need to measure you personally. Don't overthink it, Kitagawa."

"Oh, I see. Senpai, you really know a lot about this stuff."

Shunsuke wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic or sincere, but since it didn't sound negative, he decided to take it as a compliment.

"It's nothing to be proud of. Oh, by the way, Eriri's club has something going on today, so after school, you'll need to take Mashiro to Mrs. Izumi's house. I'll be late because of some errands."

With Aoyama Nanami not in the picture for now, Eriri had more or less taken her place. But since Eriri's route home wasn't convenient, it wasn't ideal to always rely on her.

—So, Rita, when are you going to show up already? I've cleaned my room and everything—just waiting for you!

As Marin agreed to take on this task, the bell signaling the end of lunch break rang.

"That wraps up everything. You'd better get back to class, Kitagawa, or you'll be late."

"Okay, see you later, Senpai."

Despite her flashy appearance, Marin was a diligent student in every way except for her fashion choices. Realizing she was about to be late, she hurriedly prepared to leave.

"No running in the hallway."

Slowing her pace, Marin briskly walked away.

Yep, still as adorable as ever.

...

Japan Sunrise Inc.

President's Office.

"Mr. Fujii, it's already April. Starting a new project now, even with all the preparations and coordination, the earliest it could air would be during the fall season in October. If you're thinking—"

"1 billion yen per episode. A total of 24 episodes."

Shunsuke cut him off directly, placing all his available funds on the table.

It wasn't a big gamble for him.

After all, the students in the Hyakkaou Academy Student Council were full of talent.

Itsuki alone could provide 2 billion yen. Yuriko's Traditional Culture Research Club could be squeezed for a few billion. And Kaede? He could easily contribute at least 3 billion. Shunsuke really liked that place.

The president gulped audibly.

"I'll handle the script, storyboards, music, voice acting, choreography, promotion, and coordination. The production budget will be 1 billion yen per episode. You won't get the rights, but you can keep all the broadcasting fees from the TV networks. All I need is for you to work as fast as you can. The first three episodes must be ready by May 1st—within half a month. After that, starting in July, one episode will air weekly. Any issues with that?"

"N-No issues."

With such favorable terms, what could the president possibly object to? 24 billion yen—just for production! And he wouldn't even have to lift a finger. This deal alone could save—

"If the quality doesn't meet expectations, you know what the consequences will be."

—Well, even if we make just 1 billion yen in profit, it'll be worth it.

As the president of a small animation studio, he decided to play it safe.

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