Besides helping Shion build practical experience, it was about time to start looking for a suitable seiyuu agency.
Choosing an agency wasn't as simple as picking a publisher based on reputation. He'd need a thorough look into their workplace culture, business practices, and especially their revenue splits. A shady agency would cut deeply into Shion's earnings—and by extension, his own—making things tricky right from the start.
It'd be perfect if he could just establish an agency himself. With such a direct channel, his cheat-like ability to gauge Talents and Skill Proficiencies would truly shine. Unfortunately, Kuroba Akira was flat broke with zero resources. Starting an agency from scratch was a distant dream at best.
For now, building industry connections seemed like a better bet—like how meeting Mori Keima from Hurricane Bunko had opened up a valuable network in publishing.
Surely there'd be someone sharp enough in the voice-acting world to recognize Shion's immense potential as well.
But Akira's real priority remained the same: speeding up Shion's Skill Proficiency growth to graduate her quickly into a genuinely skilled seiyuu.
Of course, this strategy of gaining real-world experience was just an educated guess. He'd need actual data to confirm it. That meant checking her current proficiency levels first, then comparing them after she went through auditions to see if this method truly worked.
After finishing applying ointment for Benika, Akira turned to Shion.
"Shion, hands."
"Right."
Onee-san Benika watched, astonished. She knew Akira had a unique ability, but she'd never imagined he'd openly request Shion's hand without even bothering to come up with an excuse.
Even more shocking was that Shion obeyed without a single question.
Did she already know? Wait, no…
Seeing Shion's serene, unquestioning expression, Onee-san Benika realized the truth—Shion had already fully submitted herself to Akira, practically placing herself in the role of a willing servant who'd follow her master's orders unconditionally.
Earlier, she'd assumed they were merely teenagers flirting lightly, but clearly, she'd underestimated the situation.
Kuroba Akira had completely conquered Shiginomiya Shion, body and soul. He held her leash firmly in his hand.
But Shion had only been at Kobayashi House for a month. How on earth had Akira managed to tame a pure-hearted girl so thoroughly?
Does he have some kind of hypnotic power?
But if he did, he wouldn't have bothered persuading me so patiently…
Unable to comprehend fully, Benika reluctantly concluded it was simply Akira's overwhelming charisma. But she was wrong—the issue wasn't Akira. It was Shion herself.
Akira had only wanted to keep her affection meter high enough for easier management. He'd never intended to actively capture her heart. After all, his goal was to raise a top-tier seiyuu, not groom his future wife.
Aside from daily foot massages, he'd never made any overt romantic moves. Yet Shion had somehow completed her own romantic conquest.
And the secret behind her bizarre behavior lay hidden in her Skill Proficiency list—which Akira was currently examining with great confusion.
First up was Voice Acting. After reaching lv1, her proficiency growth had slowed to a crawl—just 1% per day, sometimes even taking two or three days per percentage point. This frustrating stagnation was exactly why he'd grown impatient.
By today, at the end of September, Shion's Voice Acting was sitting at lv1—20%.
It was still impressive growth, but Akira wanted even faster progress.
Surprisingly, Acting had risen significantly faster—now lv1 at 80%, soon to break into lv2.
Is she actually better suited for acting…? Too bad acting was far harder to break into without experience.
Other proficiencies were steadily rising too: Bel Canto had climbed to about lv1—60%, and a newly appeared Running proficiency was making solid progress…
All fairly normal—but then came proficiencies even Akira couldn't comprehend.
Like "Basic Gymnastics lv1." When had she practiced gymnastics? Was just daily jogging enough to level up gymnastics proficiency? Was this the power of an S-rank Talent?
But it wasn't as exaggerated as Akira imagined. Even an S-rank physical talent couldn't magically grant proficiency without practice. Shion had definitely been practicing something in secret behind Akira's back.
Though even she probably hadn't expected her private nighttime activities to count as gymnastics training.
This proficiency didn't involve advanced moves like artistic gymnastics—it was more like basic flexibility exercises, stretching, seated forward bends, standing toe-touches, or splits.
In truth, Shion's "training" came from twisting and stretching sensually on Akira's bed—something he'd never notice.
For instance, the "little bridge" yoga pose: lying flat, knees bent, lifting hips upward. But Shion wasn't doing it for yoga; it was purely to indulge her youthful desires.
Because no one could see her, Shion grew bolder every night. With her naturally gifted body, she easily bent herself into challenging positions, gradually loosening every joint as she sank deeper into this nightly madness of passion.
In short, she was having plenty of fun by herself.
Previously, as a sheltered, innocent daughter, Shion had never explored anything remotely sexual. But after falling in love and discovering personal gratification, she'd become utterly addicted—rewarding herself multiple times a day.
Plus, Akira's daily foot massages always teased her senses without ever going further. He always stopped just short of touching anywhere too sensitive, leaving her constantly on edge and burning with frustration.
This endless teasing meant Shion could barely endure half a day without needing release. Marking Akira's bed with her scent had become a daily necessity.
Lately, she'd even progressed to sneaking into the bathroom on weekends when Akira was home, desperately suppressing her voice as she indulged herself in secret.
Afterward, she'd casually stroll back to the bedroom wrapped only in a bath towel, sweetly asking Akira to dry her hair.
Since Shion's hair was long, Akira carefully took his time drying it to avoid damaging it. Shion luxuriated in his gentle touches, recharging her desire yet again.
Then, after Akira had fallen asleep, she'd secretly reward herself once more. To prevent the bed from creaking and waking him, she'd tense her body tightly—further raising her proficiency.
Rewarding herself multiple times a day, her proficiency naturally skyrocketed.
Most teenagers would damage their bodies and suffer exhaustion from overindulging, but Shion's S-rank physique granted extraordinary recovery. Even fully immersed in her secret hobby, she remained energetic and refreshed.
Plus, sleeping near Akira provided her the ultimate calming scent, ensuring deep, restful nights.
Enjoy foot massages, build up desire, secretly release and gain proficiency, cuddle closer to Akira, repeat desire buildup, release again, gain more proficiency…
Shion had created a dangerously pleasurable training loop.
Due to her strict upbringing, she'd never had the courage to pursue personal desires openly, so discovering this "hobby" felt incredibly liberating. She felt zero shame, fully embracing her new obsession.
Besides, no one would ever know.
Her soaring affection and rapid proficiency growth weren't mysterious at all—but since Akira never caught her, he was completely baffled.
Well, isn't this fine too?
To him, Shion's triple-S-rank Talent was terrifyingly overpowered. Even left alone, her proficiency rose effortlessly. It was precisely why he could never let go of her.
It was just like playing Final Fantasy XIV back in the day—leveling up every job and crafting class and watching the numbers rapidly tick upward. Wasn't that insanely satisfying?
The only possible risk was Shion's uncontrollable accumulation of affection and desire toward Akira…
She was secretly transforming into a succubus with eyes only for him.
And Akira remained utterly clueless.
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T/N: ehuaheuhuehauehu i prob have gymnastics 10