Elysian's Monogatari

Chapter 76: Tatsumi's Real Reason for Success

"Do you think it'd unfounded worry? Do you think that people, in general, aren't that foolish, that they won't hold any prejudices? Do you believe that if we reveal our true identities, we won't be treated with disdain?" Tatsumi asked.

"I really hope so. But in my family's church we have many relics of those who were brutally executed simply for their beliefs." He then said. "...You mean those hidden Christians?" Kaname asked. "Hai. Jun-san, Shiro-san you two grew up in an unconventional family so you might not know this. This country has a history of persecuting religions." Tatsumi said.

"The black stains and scorch marks on the ceiling of the room my parents gave me serve as clear evidence. I know it may sound ridiculous and you may laugh at me but I used to fear being senselessly killed like those martyrs of the past. At least when I was a child." He added.

"I think everyone was afraid of something when they were young. Like ghosts, speeding cars, or big, barking dogs. And for me the fear of being killed loomed just as prominently in my life as those other fears." He then said as Kaname said nothing.

"And so to overcome that fear I aspired to become a person who would earn the love and acceptance of everyone. At least, at the very least I wanted to be someone who wouldn't be trampled upon or senselessly killed." Tatsumi continued.

"I don't want to become a martyr. I don't want to hated, despised and crushed like some abominable creature." He then said. "Hmm no offense but this just feels like a made-up story. Is it really true?" Jun asked. "Although I suppose my family's situation is also unbelievable to others as well." He added.

"What's with a father who trains his son to become an idol just to beat this rival? Shiro-senpai you and Ren-kun sure have it nice huh? I'm not sure about your father but you two have a famous mother that's known worldwide. Must be comfortable living such a great life without worries." He then said.

This causes Shiro to not say anything as his eyebrows furrowed a little. "Haha. Our cases are extreme examples but fundamentally each family has its own issues. I'm sure the brothers have it too no matter what it is." Tatsumi said.

"Each family is like a world unto itself with its own rules, norms and vibe. It's not just families. The same might apply to schools, companies, and even nations. What's important is not to blindly believe that your way is the only right way and to make sure you don't intrude on other people's worlds." He added.

"That's definitely the fundamental principle underlying everything." He then said as Kaname continues to be quiet. "Haha. I think HiMERU-san is getting impatient so let's leave the chit chat behind and get back to it." Tatsumi said.

"Luckily I had enough talent to be recognized as an honored student. It's weird to say it myself but I seem to have the intelligence and skills so I managed to work quite smoothly. Perhaps it's because I take on any job without complaint and always give my best that I gained a reputation for being competent. Thus various opportunities started coming my way." He added.

"Well institutions like TV stations are quite keen on working with someone who puts in the effort." Jun said. "Indeed. Given that graduates of the Yumenosaki are notorious for being lazy that negative impression seems to have worked in my favor as well." Tatsumi said.

"Because of my diligent work I was presented with numerous job opportunities. To the point that the workload was too have for me to handle alone. When the whole industry is in a recession this is a pleasant problem to have to be honest." He added.

"And so I turned to my friends are Reimei Academy and asked them to help with my work. After all I'd prefer not to turn down any job offers if possible. I'm still a rookie in this industry and I can't be picky about what jobs to take like those veterans." He then said.

"And with everyone's assistance I could handle the workload much more efficiently. Especially those so called non-honored students who couldn't achieve their dreams despite enrolling to become idols, all became reliable helpers for me. Thankfully though they were all delighted to work with me." Tatsumi said.

"...Hmph of course they were." Shiro who has been quiet this whole time finally spoke. "We, the non-honored students can't even make their debut, let alone work as idols. We all came here because we wanted to be idols. And yet we were stuck doing meaningless chores every day. So it's obvious they'd be happy to be doing actual idol-like work even if it's helping you, Kazehaya-san." He then said.

"Indeed. Everyone was motivated and enthusiastic when they worked with me. Thanks to our collective efforts, all the work we did together was successful. Perhaps everyone was happy because they were doing the things they truly wanted to do. Their enthusiasm contributed to the achievement of many incredible results." Tatsumi said.

"However all of these job offers had to be accepted under the name of 'Kazehaya Tatsumi' and so I ended up receiving all the credit." He added. "Yeah to the TV station they were only extending offers to you Tatsumi. Everyone else was just assisting you." Kaname said.

"I see so that's your secret to success. You exploited the non-honored students to your advantage so you could claim all the achievements to boost your own reputation." He then said.

"The way you put it is somewhat misleading but it is also not completely inaccurate so I can't really deny it. In reality it was all thanks to everyone who helped me that I achieved my current position. I'm more like an organization or a company named 'Kazehaya Tatsumi'. And TV stations and other companies are willing to work with this company." Tatsumi said.

"Every time a job comes in I gather my employees so we can work together to deliver good results. To achieve this we're actively investing in the necessary equipment and conducting ongoing employee training." He then said.

"For example I provide those who'll be my backup dancers with basic dancing training. I'm still a student so it might make me sound presumptuous. However I believe enhancing the skills of my employees will yield better results for future opportunities." He added.

"Those good results and a growing reputation will lead to more and better opportunities. By establishing a cycle of success like this we can build an impressive track record over time." He then said.

"So that's the true identity of Kazehaya Tatsumi, the top idol at Reimei Academy." Kaname said. "Hai. I'm just an ordinary idol by myself. However I've become something huge with the help of everyone around me.As an idol I work more like a corporation or in Hobbes' term, a 'Levithan'." Tatsumi said.

....What a drag. I really shouldn't have came along. Great now I have to listen to Kazehaya-san long ass talk. No offense but I rather go back to the dorm now. I left Ren by himself for too long. Besides...no matter what he says I can't bring myself to trust him. Right. This has always been my problem. Ever since 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆. Shiro thought.