Aqua's Agency Contract Crisis

Lore & Background

Ultimately, the crisis forces Aqua to make a calculated decision: submit to the agency's control in exchange for resources and a platform, or remain independent and powerless. This contract becomes the first step in his long game of revenge, binding him to an industry he despises while giving him the tools to dismantle it from within.

Reader's Guide

The event begins when Aqua attempts to secure representation after gaining initial attention as a child actor. He faces skepticism and aggressive negotiation tactics from multiple agencies who sense his lack of genuine passion for stardom. Executives try to trap him in clauses that would give them total control over his image, earnings, and future decisions, effectively turning him into a corporate puppet. They leverage the memory of his mother's fame against him, suggesting he is only valuable because of her name. Aqua, realizing he cannot fight the system alone yet, strategically agrees to the terms but keeps his true intentions hidden. This signing allows him to enter the industry under the radar of his enemies while securing a position close enough to investigate his mother's death and protect Ruby from similar exploitation.

Did You Know?

• Aqua uses this contract as a strategic foothold rather than a career milestone, viewing it purely as a tool for revenge.
• The crisis highlights the stark contrast between Aqua's cold calculation and Ruby's genuine love for performing.
• This event establishes Aqua's willingness to sacrifice his own happiness to achieve his goals.
• The specific agency involved is never named in the early chapters, emphasizing the universality of industry exploitation.
• Aqua never used the stage name 'Ayu' at any point in the canon story.