Every week, we at Ultraman Connection are translating the diary of Shu Ishido from Ultraman Arc — and this week’s, just like the episode it’s tied to, is a bit of a fun one! Read on, reader, and let’s delve into the magical world of FINANCE!
Date: xx/xx
The other day I was called to the GDF headquarters to discuss the livestream incident.
Mr.Takeda, our deputy unit chief officer from the Special Investigation Unit was in charge of the hearing. All videos from my stream with Yuma, “US Brothers”, had been saved and honestly, seeing them with my boss standing next to me was a hellish experience.
As there were no information leaks, it was not considered a transgression, however, considering my position, I was asked to refrain from engaging in activities that might lead to misunderstandings among the civilians. Bottom line: They ordered me to stop the streams.
If Mr. Nibuya was in charge of the hearing, it would have been much worse. So I accepted the order and kept my mouth shut.
Even so, I don’t think I have ever been this embarrassed in my life.
Now that I think about it, I was a bit out of control when I first started streaming. I was worried so much about the lack of subscribers that I even considered using SKIP’s name officially and releasing kaiju information to the public. Insane.
If Yuma and Chief had not stopped me, I might have gone through with it. Though it’s a bit late, my heart is aching with regret and gratitude towards them.
The original reason for all this was the sudden inflation which forced us to reduce our expenses. (I could only drink 3 cups of coffee a day!) From that, I realized something very important: Healthy economy, healthy mind.
From there, it seems I started to try to win people over, much like in a live stream, and I was unable to stop. It’s like some sort of devilish attractive trait. This experience too has become a great learning opportunity.
Internet Kanegon, the virtual kaiju, is still popular, and has been called to numerous events and collaborations. Since Arc fed it learning data, Kanegon now doesn’t accumulate the coins it receives, but gives it back to the community, participating in Hoshimoto City’s economy.
The CEO of HoshiPay, Miss Dogane, regrets the mess she caused and is now focusing on creating a plan to assist in Kanegon’s studies.
I have no doubt there might be another virtual kaiju in the future, but SKIP has definitely gained some experience from this incident, especially Rin and YouPi. If this sort of incident were to happen again, they should be more than ready to face it.
Of course, us at the GDF will also need to take preemptive measures towards the many virtual kaiju that may appear around the world, by creating and improving tactics.
There are some who argue the validity of applying the word “kaiju” to a being that has no physical body, and that it may not even be the GDF’s job to handle it in the first place.
However, our duty is to prepare for all possibilities and prevent unknown disasters.
Especially considering our current society, where all sense of normality has fallen apart, we could say that our world is out of balance.
…By the way, if I’m being honest, the days we spent as the “US Brothers” were really fun.
Up until now, I’ve written about my remorse for my actions, so it feels like I’m contradicting myself. However, creating a show that mixed the latest digital technology to practical work felt like the exciting school presentations from my childhood.
Alpha and Omega’s, no, Yuma and my techniques improved every day, and the reactions of the audience increased remarkably. After a satisfying performance, it was thrilling to see the response in a form of sparkling rush of tips raining down! I even had an urge to bite into the coins. (Oops, I’m just like Kanegon now)
It was also really fun planning the show with Yuma during breaks and on our way to work.
Speaking of which, when I was having trouble with the material, I asked him about his hobbies but Yuma simply said he did not have any in particular, which left an impression on me. The only thing he does is check new information about kaiju. He only reads academic books and doesn’t listen to music or play sports. He did say that he likes to ride his bike, though. Apparently, he’s the happiest when he’s working with everyone at SKIP.
When I think about it, he is somewhat of a workaholic like myself. I at least read mystery novels and drink coffee for a break, though.
Oh, I got it! I’ll try introducing Detective Bon Hebon to Yuma next time.
No, introducing an international novel all of a sudden might be too much…
