[Oshi No Ko] Episode 2: Third Option

On a quiet fishing trip, Ruby Hoshino corners Ichigo Saito, demanding answers about her mother's death and her father's identity. Saito claims ignorance, but Ruby's resolve is absolute; she promises to become a star so big he cannot ignore her. Seeing her unshakeable will, Saito offers cynical but practical advice: craft a calculated persona and cultivate low-level industry contacts. His words are a blueprint for her ascension, a chilling echo of what it takes to survive.

On the variety show 'Dig Deep,' Ruby debuts her new, deliberately 'dumb and disrespectful' character. She spins a ridiculous tale of boiling hand soap and nearly setting her house on fire, captivating the panel with her absurdity. From afar, Aqua Hoshino watches, noting the unnerving perfection of her act. He understands this is not natural silliness, but a meticulously constructed performance, and it troubles him deeply.

Following Saito's strategic counsel, Ruby begins to cultivate Shun Yoshizumi, an assistant director, with deliberate kindness. She brings him tea, offers her towel, and engages him in personal conversation, making him feel uniquely seen. Shun, visibly flustered, starts to wonder if a rising idol could truly be interested in him. He remains unaware that his admiration is a calculated outcome, a pawn in Ruby's larger game.

The brutal reality of television production quickly surfaces as Director Urushibara publicly humiliates Shun for his editing speed. He shouts threats, calling Shun an idiot while other staff stand by silently. Later, at home, Aqua explains the complex, often exploitative hierarchy of variety show production to Ruby, with assistant directors like Shun bearing the brunt of the grunt work. A montage then shows Shun's relentless, unglamorous tasks, from scouting to cleaning toilets, highlighting the sheer exhaustion of his role.

Director Urushibara assigns Shun a new segment, explicitly instructing him to find cosplayers willing to sell provocative content for online engagement. Shun is visibly uncomfortable with this demand to sensationalize and exploit, but feels powerless to refuse. He spends his nights sending countless direct messages, only to face a barrage of rejections from wary cosplayers. The screen fills with their refusals, illustrating the industry's tarnished reputation.

Aqua Hoshino and Akane Kurokawa share an umbrella in the pouring rain, a moment of quiet intimacy. Akane, in her thoughts, acknowledges Aqua's lingering feelings for Kana Arima, yet takes comfort in his current devotion to her. As they part ways at her home, Akane's expression shifts, a possessive darkness taking hold. She silently warns herself that any infidelity from Aqua would bring dire consequences, a chilling glimpse into her true nature.

Ruby Hoshino, now fully inhabiting her calculated persona, attempts to recruit her friend Minami Kotobuki for the controversial cosplay segment. Ruby pressures Minami, framing the exploitative opportunity as a crucial career step. Minami expresses legitimate concerns about violating cosplay community rules and damaging her reputation. Ruby, however, dismisses these worries, her ambition blinding her to the potential harm.

At his wit's end, Shun returns to his apartment, only for his sister, Mimi Yoshizumi, to enter wearing a cat-eared hoodie. He sees her professional-grade equipment and virtual avatar, instantly realizing she is the famous VTuber, Suzune Komimi. Seizing on this, Shun blackmails his sister into appearing on the show, using her secret identity as leverage. Mimi is terrified of exposure but is cornered by her brother's desperation, forced to betray her own privacy for his career.

Ruby shares a van ride with Shun, excitedly discussing the upcoming cosplay segment and praising the talent he secured. She believes association with a popular IP like 'Tokyo Blade' will boost her own popularity. Shun, however, remains anxious. He is relieved to have found talent, but the ethical shortcuts taken and his director's unpredictability weigh heavily on him.

Director Urushibara reviews Shun's recruited cosplayers, pleased with their attractive appearances. Shun seeks final confirmation on copyright permits for the 'Tokyo Blade' costumes, a critical legal detail. Urushibara becomes evasive, finally admitting they failed to secure the rights, claiming the situation is 'complicated.' He then shifts blame onto Shun, ordering him to instruct the cosplayers to wear 'slightly different' costumes to skirt copyright infringement. Shun is horrified by the blatant demand to commit intellectual property theft.

In a brief scene after the credits, Melt Narushima arrives at a bustling train station. He carries a bag, his expression focused and purposeful. As he steps out into the city, his presence hints at his imminent involvement in the story. His arrival signals the unfolding of new narratives, particularly those connected to the 'Tokyo Blade' stage play.