Returning Transcendent Opens an Idol Agency

Chapter 418: – Independence Day(?)

It was the Fourth of July in the United States. Technically, it was already the Fifth in Japan, so it had already passed.

But John didn't care about that. What mattered was...

"It's time for fireworks."

For the first time in countless eons, he had an excuse to legally, morally, and ethically(?) launch explosions into the air.

And John was not about to miss that. So...

xxx

"That's why we're going to go on a trip to the U.S."

John stepped away from the whiteboard and finished up his presentation.

An historical recreation and elaboration on the origin of Independence Day, why Americans shot fireworks into the air... the whole nine yards.

After deciding it was going to be a thing, and since J4 landed on a Friday this year, he dragged his entire family into the studio at Myth Inc. HQ to educate them and explain just how important it was that they take this trip.

...But they didn't look impressed or understanding.

Meggie looked unphased, clearly not understanding how important it was.

Alphy looked confused, but she seemed happy to go along with John.

Betty looked like she felt it was a waste of time.

Yue... was still processing.

Rory looked like she was up for it though!

Then again, John knew that his youngest daughter would be up for it. She was the one who brought about the heavenly tribulations and was born amidst a bunch of chaotic events, after all.

...But clearly his presentation needed refinement. It was good that he tried it out on his close family first before trying to convince his adopted sisters and his friends.

Meggie stared at the whiteboard for a while and then shook her head. "I still don't get it." She frowned and then looked at John. "What's the big deal about some explosions?"

John spread out his arms and said, "It's the symbolism!" He pumped a fist in the air and then said, "The bombs bursting in air! The rocket's red glare! Even after everything else, the flag was still there!"

"...I mean, I guess?" Meggie frowned. "But what does that have to do with explosions? It's not that special, is it?"

Okay, she was a lost cause.

John frowned and then looked at Alphy. "You get it, right, Alphy?"

Alphy nodded, letting out a bright smile. "I get it, Papa! You like explosions a lot, so it's a perfect holiday for you, right?"

"Yes! Wait, I mean, no!" John frowned and said, "I don't like explosions! I like fireworks displays!"

Betty crossed her arms and hummed. "I suppose fireworks displays can be entertaining and romantic... But there is one for Mt. Fuji on Sunday, is there not? Could we not have just taken a trip then?" She frowned and said, "It seems a waste to go through so much effort to head to the United States just for a few hours of sending up explosions."

...She was a lost cause too.

John turned to Yue and said, "Wifey! You get it, right?"

Yue hummed, idly holding Rory in her arms. Carefully analyzing the presentation on the whiteboard, she eventually said, "I honestly do not, Husband. But it appears to be a tradition from your home country, so I will be happy to experience it with you."

Rory stuck up her hand and giggled. "Babu babu!" (Me too!)

John stuck a thumb up and said, "Excellent!" He pulled out his phone to check the time and said, "It's 8 AM here, so... Hm. Too hazardous on the West coast, too late in the East coast... Probably best to hit up a place down south, so we'll be in Central Time. In that case..." He fiddled around a bit, converting time zones. "...6 PM. Perfect. Two hours to set things up and then get ready for nightfall at 9 PM."

Meggie raised her hand. "Uh, Dad?"

"Yes, Meggie?" John nodded and said, "What's up?"

"Do I have to go? It's the weekend, so Tsuki, Emma, and I were going to go compete in a game tournament in Akiba-"

"It's mandatory." John nodded and said, "I don't do it often, but I am exercising my full right as head of this household to take all of you with me."

Meggie blinked. And then she let out a deep suffering sigh.

Betty hummed. "Well, I suppose I am not doing anything particularly important..."

Alphy frowned. "...Um. I'm streaming later today, Papa. Will that be fine?"

John waved his hand. "Don't worry about it. We'll head out this morning and be back by noon. Plenty of time. But great! I've gotta prep then, so get ready and I'll grab you all soon. K bye!"

With that, John left.

Meggie stared at the empty space where her father had been for a few moments and then let out a deep sigh. "Why is Dad so randomly FU-"

Betty cleared her throat.

"Freaking weird?!"

Yue laughed and said, "Let your father have his fun, Meggie."

Rory waved her hand and nodded. "Babu babu!"

Meggie glared at Rory and said, "Can't you talk already? How much longer are you going to pretend to be a baby, Rory?"

Rory stuck out her tongue at Meggie. "Baka."

Meggie let out a strangled sound and then jumped out of her seat. "You little- W-Whoa?!" She suddenly tripped and slammed her face against the ground.

Rory giggled.

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Betty sighed. "You should not use your powers against your big sister, Rory."

"Kay~!"

Yue poked Rory's cheek and said, "No being mean to your sister, Rory."

Alphy giggled. "Papa is going to be in sooo much trouble when you grow up, Rory."

Rory giggled back.

xxx

While John's wife and his daughters were talking, he was heading out to convince the rest of his family to come on a trip with him back to the U.S.

And of course, the first person he had to ask was his older brother.

But...

"I'll pass." Gray waved his hand and said, "I'm taking my wives and kids out on a road trip already."

"But you're American!" John pointed at Gray and said, "It's tradition! Family tradition!" He patted his chest and said, "It's in our blood! Our history!"

Gray gave John a blank stare and said, "...It's just fireworks. If you want to watch those, there's one for Mt. Fuji on Sunday."

John gasped and placed his hand over his heart. "The betrayal! I thought you of all people would understand, Aniki!"

"A-Aniki?" Gray blinked and said, "Have you been drinking already?"

John pulled out a can of American craft beer and then gave Gray a thumbs up. "Yep!" He cracked it open and drained it in one go before saying, "Tradition, my man!"

"...You have spent WAY too much time abroad."

"Bah." John flung his hand out and said, "Whatever! I'll go ask someone else then."

Tossing the empty can back into his Heavenly Realm, he pulled out a list and moved to the next target.

xxx

A small home office space in a rented apartment near Myth Inc. HQ. Jenny's home.

John had called ahead of time to chat with his sister there to convince her of the time-honored American tradition. But...

"I wish I could, John." Jenny sighed and shook her head. "But since we're setting up Pro-Gamers for Meggie, Tsuki, and Emma, I'm too busy to leave."

"It's literally just from 8-10 though! Two hours! Maybe three, tops!"

Jenny let out a wry smile and scratched her cheek. "I know. But two hours is two hours."

"It's FRIDAY!"

"Which means that I have to work even harder to get off the clock on time."

"You're HR! You LITERALLY decide when the workday ends! And this is a national holiday!"

Jenny nodded. "Yes. Which means that we also have to organize fun events for the girls to stream later. Chi-chan and Shu planned to do an off-collab of 'Explosive Art,' so I have to find a place for them to do that, get the licenses, etcetera..."

John slumped to his knees and then said, "Why has God forsaken us...?"

"God LITERALLY doesn't exist in this plane of existence, Bro. You're literally him."

John hopped to his feet and sighed. "Thanks anyway, Jenny."

Jenny said, "Thanks for asking, Bro. But if you want, we could get the girls and the family together to watch the fireworks on-"

"IT'S NOT THE SAME!"

"...Okay, sheesh."

John sighed and then pulled out his list again.

Next...

xxx

"Sorry, Father." Little Xuan bowed her head.

"I apologize, Father!" Little Wu bowed her head as well.

John let out a blank smile.

It was the fancy penthouse apartment that his adopted sisters Zhaojun, Xuannu, and Daji had rented and lived with Little Xuan and Little Wu.

Since they were family, John wanted to bring them along to experience J4, but...

Zhaojun shook her head. "I apologize, Senior Brother."

Xuannu let out a deep sigh. "I'm sorry too, John. If we knew, we wouldn't have made arrangements."

Daji bowed her head. "I'm so sorry, Big Brother... But we scheduled this fishing trip months in advance."

Right. Since it was summer, it was also the perfect time to go fishing.

So John's adopted sisters had arranged a fishing expedition near Okinawa island, complete with a boat rental, local tour guide, and even a UTube collaboration with a famous free-diving UTuber named Rumasu.

Which meant they couldn't come, since they were leaving at 9 AM... which was ten minutes from now.

John stood up with a stiff expression and said, "It's fine..."

Little Xuan walked over and reached up to pat John's left shoulder. "There, there."

Little Wu walked over to pat John's right shoulder. "We will come next year, Father! For sure!"

John smiled and ruffled Xuan and Wu's hair. "Then I'll take videos to show you two. Have fun fishing."

Little Xuan nodded. "We will!"

Little Wu pumped a fist in the air. "I will catch lots of delicious fish for you, Father! Rest assured!"

John let out a wry smile and then pulled out his list again.

Next...

xxx

Kai's house in Kichijoji.

Fortunately, John had caught his pal just as he was about to leave the house.

Unfortunately...

"Sorry, John." Kai shook his head and said, "Elise and I already made plans- Wait." He paused and then said, "Is Meggie going with you then?"

"Yes... But I guess if Tsuki doesn't have anyone to watch her..."

Kai waved his hand. "It's no big deal." He smiled and said, "Spending time with your family is important. Although I had planned to do a trip with my family later in summer, we can take a weekend trip together instead."

John frowned and said, "Are you sure? I don't want to disturb your plans..."

Kai laughed. "You being considerate is rare... But I appreciate it." He paused and then said, "We were actually going to catch a flight to America, actually to secure Tsuki's inheritance-"

"THEN WHY CAN'T YOU COME WITH US NOW!?!?!?!"

Kai blinked.

John coughed. "...Never mind. Have fun with your family." After saying that, John left before Kai could respond.

But dammit!

The point was enjoying fireworks with friends and family! And grilling too, relaxing, eating food and drinking!

What was the point then if all his friends were busy?!

Wait. There was still a chance that SOMEONE was free...

John pulled out his list on his phone and started making phone calls.

xxx

"My apologies, John." Akira.

"Sorry, John. But I'm taking Chi-chan out with some of the guys to teach her how to shoot..." Takashi.

"No can do, Boss! A bunch of American expats reserved our restaurant, so we're busy all day!" Maji, Saji, and Kiri.

"I'm going on a d-date with Fey, Boss. Sorry..." Mars.

"Apologies, Employer. But Qing, Bai, myself, and my friends already have plans to celebrate later this evening." Toby.

No matter who John called, all his guy friends were busy or already had plans.

In fact, out of all his friends and acquaintances, the only ones who agreed to come...

"Fireworks? Yeah, Alphy told me about it. I'll come if you want me to, John. ...You're cooking too? And free drinks? Hell freaking yeah I'm coming then!" Asako.

"A trip to America to view fireworks? Ah, Betty mentioned that. Sure, I'll come- Oh, and Rin says she wants to come too. Is that fine? Great! Then we'll meet you at your house." Sakura and Rin.

So like that, the final party was settled.

John, his daughters (Alphy, Betty, Meggie, Rory), his wife, Asako, Sakura, and Rin.

He had tried asking Titor, Amadeus, and his Father-in-law Yudi, but...

"I'm DYING here playing Dad and you want ME to go to America to watch some damned fireworks? !@#! OFF!" Titor.

"Sorry about that, John. Titor's been a bit stressed... We'd love to come, but Christina's been fussy..." Amadeus.

"Ohoho. I am honored that you would ask me to visit your homeland, Son. But This One has already scheduled a subathon to earn the funds to pay for This One's grandchildren's college tuitions." Yudi.

...Yeah.

But anyway!

After pulling strings, convincing Asako, Sakura, and Rin that they were totally using a high-tech space-bending teleportation device and not that he was just literally bending space to get them there...

It was time.

A ranch-styled home across a hundred acres of land in Northern Texas.

The time was precisely 8:45 PM after running around setting up the grill, prepping food, and stockpiling alcohol.

And now...

John stood in front of a practical armory of fireworks. Making sure they were all properly staged to go off in order, he turned around to look at his (totally not captive) audience.

"You guys ready?!"

Red-faced, Asako raised a bottle of Colona while leaning against Alphy. "FUCK YEAH! MURICA!"

Rin giggled, her face a bit red as well.

...Definitely not because she accidentally drank a can of hard lemonade. It was definitely just from the atmosphere.

Her mother, on the other hand...

"YEAH! Amelika! Besto!" Sakura chugged a Nike's Hard Lemonade can before cracking open a bottle of Gin-Next beer and raising it into the air, her face completely red.

Meggie sipped on an orange soda can and rolled her eyes. "Stop showboating and just get on with it, Dad."

Betty munched on a hotdog with her left hand while holding a glass of wine with her right. Staring at the array of fireworks, she nodded and said, "Alright, Father. Show us this 'incarnation of freedom' you insist upon so much."

John pointed at Betty and said, "Watch closely! And Wifey!" He pointed at Yue, who was holding Rory. "Protective gear on Rory!"

Yue nodded and slipped on a pair of pink earmuffs on Rory.

Rory frowned and waved her hand. "Babu! Babu ba babu babu babubu!" (No! I don't want to wear earmuffs!"

John pulled out a classic Zip-Oh lighter and then said, "Then here!"

He flicked the spark wheel, starting up a flame. "WE!"

Then he moved the flame towards the fuse and lit it. "GO!"

After lighting it, he immediately ran away and dove to the ground.

A giant explosion. The first fusillade of fireworks flying into the sky like machine gun spray before exploding into the American flag.

Another volley and explosion, showing Rin and Hana standing on a stage with fireworks behind them.

John managed to get up to his feet and proudly looked up at the sky at his handiwork.

A cute chibi display of Alfi and Aoko singing on stage.

Betty, Sakura, and the others at Ars Nova Productions celebrating their game release.

A big portrait of Yue holding Rory.

Fun American symbols, like a big football, a bald eagle, and then a giant hamburger.

It was a fully designed and timed display to last for an hour, like a full-feature film.

Something John spent a year in a pocket time bubble prepping, planning, and designing as well as making.

...They were definitely not up to government regulations, but who cared?! This was Texas, his own private property, and also miles away from any aircraft lines or other people.

Yes.

A grand display of freedom and fireworks.

A fun time with his family and friends (even if most couldn't come).

Then there was great food, strong alcohol, and loud explosions. Everything that represented American tradition barring guns.

Now, how was everyone else enjoying-

xxx

-it?

John blinked and then realized that he was in his office.

It was late at night, and the lights had automatically dimmed.

John shook his head and then pulled out his phone.

1 AM, April 10, 2025. A Wednesday.

John let out a deep sigh. "A dream, huh?"

It seemed like even Transcendent beings could dream when they did overtime and knocked out. Still...

John nodded and pulled out his calendar. Marking July 4th, he made a note to make sure to plan things ahead of time with everyone.

Glaring at the date, he said, "This time, I'm taking everyone with me."

Forget the grand fireworks display. It'd be more fun just shooting fireworks with everyone around and grilling all day.

...And it totally wasn't because he had a minor trauma of how bored everyone looked in his dream. Definitely not.

John nodded and then reached up to stretch. "Alright... Now, what was I doing again? ...Right."

He'd done enough to gather the evidence Hiroyuki and Co. needed to build their case, so they could shelf that until the very much public trial in May.

"Let's see." Since John had his calendar open already, he could check what else he was scheduled.

"Prototype girls will speedrun World Line on Saturday, Prodigy is doing an off-collab on Friday, got a meeting with Bai and Qing on Thursday about Project MirAI EN, and today... Oh. Babysitting duty. Which starts in... five hours since Yue's heading off to work at 6 AM."

John sighed and then got up to head towards the elevator. As he did, the doors slid open by themselves.

A soft chime echoed, and then the elevator automatically selected the lounge floor with the coffee machines.

John walked in the elevator and yawned. "Thanks, Mira-chan. Appreciate you lots."

At that time, a cutesy but artificial female voice echoed from the speaker. "No problem, Mister John! I'll get started on the coffee so you can take over the world!"

"Appreciate it. But no taking over the world today."

"...Tomorrow?"

"I'll think about it."

"Yay!"

...Maybe it wasn't a good idea to let the girls marathon the Terminator series in the studio...