By the time Maria's official statement finishes making its way across television broadcasts, online news portals, and social media, the chaos surrounding NSN has begun to settle. It doesn't erase the fans' disappointment, but at least it puts an end to the endless speculation.
Throughout Tokyo, conversations continue long after office hours. Some people discuss the newly announced chusen system. Many simply accept that securing a seat inside the Tokyo Dome will now depend as much on luck as determination.
As the evening rush begins, those conversations naturally spill into restaurants, bars, and neighborhood izakaya where office workers gather to unwind after another exhausting day.
One such place sits only a few blocks away from NovaLink Media headquarters. Keisuke Ando and Kengo Hoshino occupy their usual seats at the counter while the owner silently places two glasses of draft beer in front of them.
"Tough day?" the owner asks with a grin.
