Sasaki Reiji, a staff leader beloved by Hololive members and some other idols. Why is he so adored? What sparked their affection? This is the story of their fateful encounters.
1. Shirakami Fubuki
I was eight when a family moved in next door—a turning point that changed my life.
"Reiji, can you come here?" Mom called.
"What's up?" I asked, reading in the living room.
"New neighbors came to greet us. They have a kid. Join us?"
"Me? Why not just you?"
"I want you to meet their child and get along."
Fair enough. I put down my book and headed to the entrance.
"Hello, we're the Shirakamis, your new neighbors. Pleased to meet you," a beautiful fox-eared woman said.
"Likewise! Any questions, just ask," Mom replied.
I was mesmerized by her beauty, even as a kid.
"Is this your son?" Mrs. Shirakami asked.
"Yes, my daughter's at club activities. Reiji, say hi."
"Uh, Sasaki Reiji. Nice to meet you," I said.
"Nice to meet you, Reiji-kun! Oh, Fubuki, come greet them," she called.
A tiny girl peeked from behind her, shyly. "H-Hi… Shirakami Fubuki…" she mumbled, blushing.
"Cute name! How old is she?" Mom asked.
"Just turned three last month. She's very shy, Reiji-kun, but please be her friend," Mrs. Shirakami said.
"Sure, Fubuki-chan," I said.
She hid again, face red. Can we even get along?
One Week Later
Our parents became fast friends. Today, Fubuki and her mom visited. Fubuki stayed by her mom, drawing, avoiding me despite my attempts to play. I gave up, reading alone.
"Fubuki, why not play with Reiji-kun?" her mom urged.
"No! I want Mama!" Fubuki refused.
"She's so shy…" Mrs. Shirakami sighed.
"Forcing it might make it worse. Take it slow," Mom advised.
Will this cause problems? I want to help, but how?
I dozed off reading. My favorite book got crumpled—damn. Fubuki was napping too, her sleeping face adorable. Where's everyone? A note on the table read:
"Going shopping with Mrs. Shirakami. Watch the house. Take care of Fubuki-chan~♪"
"Leaving an eight-year-old and a three-year-old alone?" I groaned. Mom trusts me too much.
"…Ugh… Where's Mama?" Fubuki stirred.
"Morning, Fubuki. You slept well?"
"Eek!" She bolted behind the sofa, blushing.
"M-Mama… where'd she go?" she whimpered.
"She's shopping with my mom. We're watching the house."
Fubuki dashed to the door, jumping to reach the handle. "I'm going to Mama!"
"Fubuki, stop! We don't know where they are. It's dangerous alone. They'll be back soon, so—"
"No! I want Mama!" She slipped, fell, and curled up, crying.
"Fubuki, you okay?" I asked.
"Wah… Mama…" she sobbed.
No one else is here. I ran to the altar, grabbed some snacks—sorry, Grandpa, I'll replace them—and offered Fubuki a manju.
"Here, eat this."
She sniffled, eyeing it. I broke it into small pieces. "We can't go out alone. Let's eat and wait, okay?"
"…Okay," she mumbled.
She ate happily, smiling fully when done. "Good, you stopped crying. Wanna play or—"
"…Read me a story…" she said, tugging my sleeve and handing me a picture book.
"Sure." I sat, and she climbed onto my lap. She's warming up fast.
I read, "The evil witch fled, and peace returned. The knight became a princess and lived happily with the prince. The end."
"Yay!" Fubuki clapped, beaming. Like a little sister.
"…Reiji-kun, I'm sorry," she said suddenly.
"For what?"
"I only stayed with Papa and Mama… I was shy and avoided you…"
"It's fine. Everyone has things they're bad at. You'll get used to it." I patted her head.
"Fmyu…" She blushed, tail wagging.
Two Hours Later
"Thanks, Reiji-kun! Fubuki never warms up to others like this!" Mrs. Shirakami said.
"It was fun," I replied.
"I had fun!" Fubuki chirped.
Mom and Mrs. Shirakami were shocked seeing us play. "Time to go, Fubuki," her mom said.
"Go home?" Fubuki looked at me, reluctant.
"We'll play tomorrow. Go home for now," I said, patting her head.
"Okay…" She left with her mom, blushing.
One Month Later
"Fubuki, it's dinner time. Let's go!" Mrs. Shirakami called.
"No! I wanna stay with Rei-kun!" Fubuki clung to me.
"Again…" I sighed.
She became so attached, sticking to me more than her parents, even following me to the bathroom. She stayed over twice a week. Our parents thought we'd make a great couple someday. Decades away, right?
Present
"Didn't expect this back then…" I muse, flipping through an old album.
"Rei-san, is that you and Fubuki? So cute!" Mio says.
"Just feeling nostalgic," I reply.
Now we live together—not as a couple, but with many others. "She was so cute… What happened?" I sigh.
"Mufu~ This steamy doujin is perfect~♪" Fubuki lounges, reading adult manga with a creepy grin.
"Fubuki-san! Not in the living room! There are minors!" Mishiro scolds, cleaning.
Where did I go wrong with her?
Shirakami Fubuki Arc - Complete
2. Tokino Sora
My first meeting with Reiji-kun? It's a bit of a bad memory—not because of him, but what happened before. It was the day I joined Hololive.
Six Years Ago
Rattle-rattle
(What do I do? Should I say something? I don't want trouble…) I stood in a crowded train, a man deliberately touching my butt. It wasn't an accident. Should I confront him? But I have an important meeting soon…
Tap-tap
A man beside me tapped my shoulder, showing his phone: [Are you being molested?]
He noticed! I nodded slightly. He typed again: [Catch him or keep it quiet? Nod for the first, shake for the second.]
He's considering my feelings. I shook my head. He smiled, shifted to the molester's side, and—
Stomp!
"Argh!" the molester yelped.
As the train stopped, he grabbed my hand, and we fled to the station. My heart raced.
"Sorry, that was a bit rough," he said.
"No, thank you!" I replied.
We rested on a park bench, sipping sports drinks he bought. "Sorry for dragging you off. Where were you headed? I'll cover your fare."
"No, this was my stop! Thanks for the drink. Let me repay you!"
"No need—"
"Please! I insist!" I interrupted.
"Fine. I'll give you my LINE. Contact me when you think of something."
He shared his LINE and left. I hope we meet again…
"Oh no, I'm late!" I ran to my destination.
Hololive Production
Panting "Made it…" I arrived, slightly lost. Here, I'd start as a new idol. "Let's do this!"
"Hey, you're that girl," a voice said.
I turned—him! "Why are you here?"
"I had business here. You too?"
What a coincidence! He worked at the same agency. Is this fate?
In the president's office, we learned he, Sasaki Reiji, joined as a staff member—my colleague. I thought he was an idol, so cool!
"What a rough first day," the president said.
"Disgusting perverts," Reiji added.
"Reiji-kun, Sora-san, work hard. We'll support you," the president said.
"Yes, sir!" we replied.
My idol life began, alongside Reiji-kun, my destined one. I'd reach the top with him!
Later, learning about Fubuki and Botan, I nearly gave up, but new rivals reignited my resolve.
Tokino Sora Arc - Complete
3. Shishiro Botan
My first meeting with Rei-chi? Not that exciting. Still wanna hear? Fine. It was in high school, first year…
Ten Years Ago
Chime
After school, while others went to clubs or home, I read manga alone. No friends, thanks to my hometown—Gang Town, full of rough types. Rumors spread: I'm backed by a gang, carry drugs, or sleep with anyone for money. All lies, but denying them was a hassle. Only delinquents or creeps approached me.
Why am I here? Oyassan said to finish high school, but it's not fun. I'd rather play FPS.
Slide
"Someone's here?" a voice said.
"Sasaki? What're you doing here after school?" I asked.
Reiji, a loner like me but popular, entered. "Teacher asked me to collect printouts. You're the last. Can I have yours?"
"This?" I handed him the picnic printout. What is this, elementary school?
"Thanks. All done," he said.
"You're so diligent, doing whatever the teacher asks."
"Not really. You're more diligent, Botan."
"Me? You kidding?"
"You help lost old ladies or kids find their moms, right?"
How'd he know?! I help people, sure, but didn't think anyone noticed. "I… Those rumors say I'm trouble."
"Rumors? People just parrot nonsense. If they were true, you wouldn't be here. Teachers know you're good."
True, teachers never mentioned the rumors, even scolded kids spreading them. "I don't judge by rumors. Ignore idiots like that. Gotta go, bye."
He left. He's… different. So mature for our age.
As I left, a guy appeared—Kinman, a rich kid. "Botan-san, a request!"
"What?"
He offered cash. "Spend a night with me!"
Ugh, again. Reiji said to brush them off, but they keep coming. "I hate money-driven jerks. Leave."
"Please! I heard you'd do anything for cash!"
"Nope. Get lost."
I'm well-off; I don't need his money. "I just wanna date! Use my money!"
"God, you're annoying! I hate rich brats like you!" I snapped.
He knelt, begging. I was ready to ditch him when Reiji returned. "Kinman, here you are."
"Sasaki? What's up?"
"A girl's looking for you at the gate."
"Really?!" Kinman ran off, ecstatic.
"Like I said, brush 'em off," Reiji said.
"Thanks," I mumbled.
"There really was a girl. Just a coincidence. Later."
He's… intriguing. "Hey, Sasaki, you free?"
"Nope, but…"
"Wanna grab ramen? I know a great spot."
"Why so sudden?"
"I'm curious about you. You'd make a great buddy."
"Buddy? Fine, I was gonna eat out anyway."
I dragged him to the ramen shop.
That's how I met Rei-chi. Spending time together, I fell for him. I'll make him mine—lions don't let prey escape.
"Who was that girl?"
"D-class's Saruyama-san."
"The judo fourth-dan gorilla beastman?"
"Yup, she's smitten with Kinman."
Poor guy.
Shishiro Botan Arc - Complete
4. Nakiri Ayame
My meeting with Reiji-sama? A fateful encounter! It was when I was sealed…
Four Years Ago
How long has it been? Called a man-eating demon, hunted, and sealed in a rock by a monk. Ten years? A hundred? Longer?
I never ate humans. I just wanted to live peacefully with them and my kin. Why was I sealed?
My consciousness fades and returns, trapped forever. I don't want this! Someone, find me! Save me!
"…Did I hear something?"
A voice! I'm here! Save me!
"This rock… a voice?"
It's clear now! Here! Save me!
"Save you? How?" Touch
Flash!
Light flooded my dark world, cracks forming, and—
Crash!
I was free, collapsing into a man's arms, fainting from relief.
"…Ugh… Where am I?" I woke in an unfamiliar place—soft bedding, strange boxes, glass walls.
Click
"You're awake," the man said, carrying food.
"You're…"
"Sorry, I only had cup noodles." He peeled a lid, poured hot water from a silver bag, and stirred. Soba?
"Here."
I tried it. Slurp "Delicious!" I'd never tasted such soba. I ate three more, each different and amazing.
"Sealed for being a demon? That's rough," he said after I explained.
"If the monument's right, you were sealed for 1500 years."
"1500 years?!" My family, friends, home—gone.
"What do I do? This world's so different…" I despaired.
"Hmm… Hold on." He pulled out a thin board, talking to it. What's he doing?
"Hey, Mio. Can you take in a girl for a bit? I'll explain in person. Meet at the café in an hour?"
He turned to me. "You'll have food and shelter for now."
"That board…?"
"Not talking to myself. It's a smartphone—calling a friend to take you in."
Smartphone? "You're helping me?"
"You can't navigate this era alone. My friend Mio will house you temporarily."
"You'd do that?"
"I can't abandon someone crying for help. I'll support you."
His kindness overwhelmed me. I hugged him, crying. "No one's been this kind since my parents…"
"Cry as long as you need."
I sobbed, then met Mio, a wolf beastman, at a building. She took me in, teaching me about this era. I adapted, even meeting Poyo-Ayame, my doppelgänger, at my sealing site with Reiji-sama.
Thanks to Reiji-sama and Mio, I'm happy. I hope these days last forever.
Nakiri Ayame Arc - Complete
5. Shirayuki Mishiro
Why I adore Master? Why ask? Just curious? Fine. It was when I joined NoriPro…
One Year Ago
Two weeks into NoriPro, getting used to idol life, I rested in the office.
"Great job, Mishiro-chan!" Tamaki, my senior and NoriPro founder's son, said.
"Thanks," I replied.
"Loosen up! We're colleagues."
"Sorry, still adjusting…" Why's he cross-dressing?
Tamaki grabbed his bag from a locker, revealing a photo of him arm-in-arm with a man. A couple?
"Who's that?" I asked.
"Sasaki Reiji, a Hololive staff friend," Tamaki said, blushing.
More than friends?
After lessons, I hit an electronics store for the new HG Heavyarms. Gunpla's my hobby, and with the boom, I hoped it wasn't sold out.
Phew, one left. As I reached—
"Got the last one!" a man snatched it.
My heart sank. Resign and leave…
"You wanted this?" he asked.
"Uh…"
"Here. I know another shop." He handed me the Heavyarms.
"No, I'll find another!"
"It's fine. This kit'll be happy with you." He left.
Wait… Tamaki's photo! "Are you Sasaki Reiji?!"
"How'd you know my name?"
We bought the Heavyarms and chatted at a café. He found one at a secret shop. "Don't tell anyone about that store. It's a hidden gem."
"Got it. I'll use it too. Thanks for the tea and cake."
"You're Tamaki's junior, like my junior. Dig in."
So kind. No wonder Tamaki likes him.
"My family's been maids for generations, trained to serve a worthy master," I shared.
"Lifetime service? Doesn't that limit your freedom?"
"I don't mind. I want to find my master."
"That's noble."
Talking with him was fun. Could he be my master? No, too soon.
"By the way, can you talk to Tamaki? His touchiness—arm-linking, body contact—is a bit much. He's a guy, so…"
"I'll speak to him." Tamaki's overdoing it. Why am I annoyed?
As I stood to leave, I tripped. "Eek!"
He caught me. So close! My heart raced.
"Sorry, was that uncomfortable?" he asked.
Not at all! "Reiji-sama!"
"Reiji-sama?"
"Please… be my master!"
"What?!"
I blurted it in a crowded café. Embarrassing…
He later agreed, and I became his maid, to serve fully after my idol career. "Here's to us, Master~♪"
Shirayuki Mishiro Arc - Complete
Bonus
"You seem happy, Mishiro-chan," Tamaki said.
"I found my master~♪"
"Who?"
"A kind, caring man. I'm so lucky~♪"
"Nice! Cherish him." I dropped something as I left.
Mishiro dropped a photo… with Reiji?! "Mishiro, stealing my Reiji-kun?! Unforgivable!"
Tamaki dashed to Reiji, declaring himself a maid too, bewildering him.
Author's Note Fubuki, Sora, Botan, Ayame, and Mishiro's past stories. Bit long, huh? Next, the angelic devil girl's tale. Stay tuned!