I Joined the Agency as a Manager to Support a Vtuber, but Somehow I Ended up Becoming the Face of the Company as an Official Staff Member? - 3

Chapter 3: Long Story Short, I’ve Rejoined the Workforce at a Major VTuber Company

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“Alright, got everything I need! Check, check, and check!”

In my tiny 1K apartment, I double-checked the required documents.

It had been two weeks since I filled out my application form while reminiscing about my university days. I passed the document screening, then the online interview, and finally made it to the final interview.

“Phew…”

The final interview. The last hurdle, where the style of questioning varied depending on the company. Most job seekers would spend this time reviewing their application form, studying their resumes, and digging deep into their motivations for applying. But I didn’t think that was necessary.

If you truly want the job, the reasons will come to you naturally.

“Alright, time to go.”

I stood up from the bed, opened the door energetically, and headed for the interview venue. The interview was held at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo. I arrived about 20 minutes before the scheduled time.

I reviewed the flow of the interview in my head to kill time, then made my way into the building. After informing the receptionist that I was here for an interview, I was shown to the designated room. I knocked precisely three times.

“Excuse me.”

With those words, I opened the door. Inside were chairs, a long desk, and a bunch of merchandise featuring various talents spread across the table.

So it’s finally happening…

This was the final interview for Hollow Echo, the largest VTuber talent agency in the country—nicknamed HoloEco. They had numerous VTubers regularly pulling in over 10,000 concurrent viewers and were pioneers who led the VTuber industry from the front lines. Truly, the kings of the VTuber world.

After a short wait, the interviewers entered.

“My name is Ren Hiori. Thank you for taking the time today.”

“Ah, no need to be so stiff. Please, have a seat.”

“Excuse me, then.”

There were three interviewers. The two seated on either side of the center were likely from talent management or in similar roles. All three were dressed casually. And in the center—

“I’m Junya Iketani, CEO of Hollow Echo, Inc. Thank you for joining us today.”

“Thank you for having me.”

“Alright, let’s get started. You’re Hiori-san, right? Could you tell us what motivated you to apply to our company?”

His tone wasn’t formal. Using overly polite language would probably backfire here.

“Yes. The reason I applied here is because I want to support the talents who join your agency, who are chasing their dreams.”

“Can you be more specific?”

“Your company places a strong emphasis on giving talents creative freedom, more than most other agencies. Rather than being bound by precedent or norms, your talents can freely pursue projects in line with their dreams. I want to help support that.”

I looked Iketani-san directly in the eyes as I spoke.

He founded this company. In other words, he is this company. Unless I could convince him, the chance of me getting the job is zero. 

“The name ‘Hollow Echo’ symbolizes a ‘hollow space’ where an ‘echo’ resonates. I want to help make sure their unique voices reach as many people as possible.”

“According to your resume, you worked at a trading company before. Why switch industries to work here?”

“Originally, I joined the trading company because I wanted to do work that connected people. After being laid off due to restructuring, I was planning to find another position in the same industry.”

I recalled the elderly man I’d met recently.

“But nothing felt quite right. You know what I mean? That vague sense of frustration—like there’s a mismatch between what the talent wants to express and how I perceive it.”

“Yeah, I get that.”

The interviewer on the right nodded in agreement.

“Around that time, an old man told me to ‘reevaluate my life.’ That made me remember how, back in college, I used to watch a lot of VTuber streams.”

I still remembered it vividly. A VTuber who shone so brightly on-screen.

“That’s when my goal became clear. I wanted to help build connections and since the person who introduced me to VTubers belongs to this agency, I decided I wanted to work here.”

“Which VTuber was that?”

“Kodama Toyama-san, from the first generation.”

“Since when have you been watching her streams?”

“Since her debut stream, back when I was a sophomore in college.”

“Wow, you’re a real OG fan.”

“Yes, and if I may brag a little—I was the first to send her a Super Chat.”

“Whoa, seriously? You’re a hardcore senior then!”

The interviewer on the left blurted it out instinctively. He looked like he was about to apologize, but Iketani-san stopped him.

“No, forget the formalities. I want to hear your real thoughts.”

And so began an otaku talk more intense than any I’d had before. Which VTuber was doing well lately. How indie VTubers were gaining momentum. Grown men chatting about their oshi like teenagers. The sight was simply surreal.

“Phew… I think I understand your mindset well now. Just one last question—if the talent you manage said they wanted to quit, what would you do?”

“…I would respect their decision. Even if it meant causing inconvenience to fans or corporate partners.”

“By the way, if we were to offer you the position, when would you be able to start?”

“I’m available as early as the next day.”

“Thank you. That was a very meaningful conversation.”

With that, Iketani-san opened the door.

“Thank you very much.”

I bowed and stepped out of the room. I’d done all I could. Now all that was left was to see the results.

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“Man, that one had some serious passion.”

After Ren left the room, the three interviewers shared their impressions.

“The way he spoke… It felt like he was standing right beside you. He made sure the listener understood his message in the clearest way possible.”

“When he mentioned the disconnect between the talent’s vision and his own, I couldn’t help reacting out loud.”

“Yeah, that part really stood out.”

“…Still, with his background, he could easily find work at another big trading firm. Why do you think he came to us?”

To that, the CEO responded seriously.

“Isn’t it obvious? It’s love—for his oshi.”

He said it with a straight face, and the other two interviewers fell into awkward silence.

“…What should we do? From the company’s perspective, someone like that could pose a risk to the talents…”

At that moment, a certain painful incident flashed through Iketani’s mind. A case from another agency, where a manager became a stalker.

“But his eyes—there was a sincerity in them. Not the kind of look you’d see in a creep. I could tell he genuinely wanted to support the talents. I don’t think he’ll cause any trouble.”

A few days later, an email arrived in Ren’s inbox, informing him that he had received the job..

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