Chapter 106: It’s not that we are weird, It’s just that the world is so bleak

A 3D model debut holds a very special meaning for VTubers.

Of course, people unfamiliar with the industry might ask:

“Wait, aren’t VTubers already using 3D models from the start?”

But that’s not the case.

Sure, back in the early days of VTubers, starting with the creator of the term “Virtual YouTuber”—our ‘Boss’—most of

them did begin their careers using 3D models.

However, 3D models have a significant downside: they’re expensive.

Creating a model costs money, the equipment to use the model costs more, and even preparing a space to fully utilize

the model requires additional funds.

In fact, during the early VTuber era, many creators followed scripted scenarios and uploaded pre-recorded videos,

which often required entire production teams.

In short, launching a VTuber career with a 3D model was a huge financial risk—especially without guaranteed profit.

Then came a game-changer: one VTuber agency began using moving 2D illustrations, or Live2D technology, for

their VTubers.

This breakthrough significantly reduced both the costs and time required for VTuber activities. Live2D VTubers also

needed far fewer pieces of equipment, and with the shift from pre-recorded videos to live streams—where anything

could happen—the need for production teams also decreased.

Nowadays, the majority of VTubers use Live2D illustrations instead of 3D models.

Still, 3D models remain the essence of VTubing.

That’s why a 3D model debut is a monumental milestone for any VTuber.

While Live2D is cheaper and more convenient, it comes with limitations. In contrast, a 3D model debut signifies

the freedom to do much more. It’s a statement:

“From now on, I can show you even more—so look forward to it!”

Though we’re far from the early days or the first golden era of VTubers, and while technology and costs have evolved

significantly, the impact of a VTuber transitioning from Live2D to 3D still holds emotional significance for both

the creator and their viewers.

After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s so meaningful that many fans consider it on par with an

anniversary stream.

Getting emotional over something like this—isn’t that a bit much?

What are you talking about? Otakus are people with rich emotional sensitivity.

We’re not weird. The world is just too harsh and emotionless.

[Manager: I think it’s time for your 3D model debut, Izumi.]

It seemed that moment had finally arrived for me.

[Izumi’s been taking lessons, so I figured it’d happen soon.]

[Well, they couldn’t postpone it forever. The company must have adjusted the schedule to make it happen quickly

after Izumi’s lessons began.]

Yeah… I guess that makes sense.

Naturally, the others received texts about their 3D debuts too.

And the order, as the manager informed us, would be the reverse of our debut streams: Me, Akabane, Koga, Aki, and Utsumi.

Why am I first?! I hate being the first to get hit by the stick!

I understood there wasn’t much I could do about it, but… I was really jealous of Koga, who got to go third for both

the debut stream and the 3D model debut.

[Hey… Have you all decided what songs to sing?]

[Of course! But it’s still a secret!]

[I’ve chosen mine too. It’s not final yet, but I’m discussing it.]

[My manager sent me a list of songs that fit my character’s RP, so I’m trying to decide.]

A 3D model debut broadcast usually involves singing one or two songs.

In other words, my 3D debut stream would be the first time I’d sing in front of the Izutomo fanbase.

Seriously? My first-ever singing stream will be during my 3D debut?

I once saw a comment in the community:

[Mei-chan’s such a shy loser that she’s probably delaying her 3D debut because she’s too embarrassed to sing. LOL.]

I never thought that joke would turn into reality…

I do have a song in mind, but whether I’ll be allowed to sing it is another question entirely.

Just because I want to sing it doesn’t mean I’ll get the chance.

[3D debut… It still doesn’t feel real. Is it just me?]

[We all expected it, but feeling it is another story.]

At Utsumi’s words, I nodded vigorously in response instead of giving a verbal answer.

Of course, no one else could see me nodding, but I believed my feelings would get across somehow.

Everyone in my group was kind, and I knew that me speaking up wouldn’t ruin the mood. But still, you never know.

If I said something weird and made the atmosphere awkward, I might just end up biting my tongue out of

embarrassment.

It’s not that I still get flustered and freeze up when I’m in a group setting like this.

I’m just being considerate, that’s all.

[It’s about time for my stream, so I’ll head out now.]

[Fighting, Yukari.]

[I should get going too. It’s dinner time.]

“Ah, goodbye…”

Several notification sounds from Misscord echoed as people left the call, and soon, only Koga and I remained in the chatroom.

“K-Koga, aren’t you leaving…?”

[I could say the same for you, Izumi. But actually, I have something I wanted to talk about.]

Something she wanted to talk about? I had no idea what it could be.

[As you know, our 3D model debut streams aren’t the end of our schedules.]

“…Huh?”

What… does she mean by that?

[…According to the schedule we were given, I have a birthday celebration stream coming up right after my 3D debut,

and your birthday stream is about a month after that.]

“…Ah!”

[…Wait, did you seriously not know?]

“Uh, well… I kind of forgot…”

My birthday is June 12. And Koga’s birthday is May 24. Just as Koga said, we both have back-to-back events coming

up right after the 3D debut streams.

Forgetting both a friend’s birthday and my own? How could that even happen?

Anyone would ask that. But I swear, it wasn’t intentional.

It’s just that Koga’s birthday—no, the birthday of the person behind Koga, ‘Yuika’—was February 1, and we already

celebrated it then. So, naturally, it slipped my mind.

Of course, both my real birthday as Kayano Mina and my virtual birthday as Kayano Izumi are on June 12. But when

birthdays overlap like that, wouldn’t anyone prioritize their real birthday?

So, it’s not like I’m the bad one here.

[…Well, it happens. But still, since our schedules overlap like this, we’ll be a bit busier than the others. I’ve done

similar things before, so I can handle it. But you… are you going to be okay?]

“Ah…”

To be honest, no, I wasn’t okay.

Hearing Koga’s words made my stomach churn just thinking about it.

But.

“…I’m fine.”

This is the time to say I’m okay, no matter what.

“I-I mean, it’s not like I can run away from it…”

Most importantly, hadn’t I set a clear goal for myself?

I wanted to stand on stage and do a live stream.

The 3D debut stream might not be a real live performance, but the birthday celebration stream would definitely be

considered a live broadcast.

So, there’s no way I can back out now.

[Really? I’m glad to hear that. But if things get too tough, don’t hesitate to ask for help. I’ll do everything I can to

support you.]

“T-Thank you, Koga…”

[Yeah. Let’s do our best to prepare for everything we’ve got coming up!]

“…!”

With those final words, Koga left the chatroom, and after closing Misscord, I stretched my arms.

According to our manager, our 3D debut stream would be in mid-May, leaving us about a month to prepare.

Then, the birthday streams would follow about a month later.

It could be seen as a short time or a long time, depending on how you look at it.

Would I be able to achieve something I could be satisfied with during this preparation period?

I wasn’t sure.

All I could do was work hard to ease my worries.

“So that everyone can be happy.”

“And more than anything, so that I can be satisfied.”

[【Big Announcement Incoming!】 I’m Reading Maikaron Messages! Big Announcement at the End! #KainoIzumi

#StarsFlow]

[Marry me.]

“You, you guys… Seriously… Every time I, I stream, you always tease me like this… sending messages like Marry me in Maikaron…”

I shook my head and sighed, a faint blush creeping across my face.

“Aren’t you embarrassed to send that kind of thing?”

– Not embarrassed at all! ≥0

– Teasing the girl you like is a basic skill for boys.

“What are you, middle school boys or something…?”

Still, compared to before, I feel like there are fewer viewers who just come to mess with me.

– But Mei-chan looks the cutest when she’s teary-eyed!

Wait… is that true?

Or am I just getting used to it?

This feels dangerous, doesn’t it?

“W-Well… Anyway, sorry to break it to you, but there’s no way I’m marrying any of you… If, if you want to marry me,

you’ll have to reincarnate as a beautiful girl like Nacchan and come find me.”

– There it is! Mei-chan’s signature yuri move!

– Is this how she naturally charms the girls around her?

– Mei-chan is a true femme fatale.

“Ugh… A-Anyway, since I’ve read through most of the Maikaron messages now… It’s time to finally… make that

announcement!”

– Is it finally happening?!

“Three…”

– My heart is pounding!

“Two…”

– We all know what it is~ (川

“One…”

Here it comes!

“Zero!”

As soon as I said that, the broadcast screen switched to an illustration of my avatar.

In the center of the screen, a bold announcement appeared:

[Kaino Izumi 3D Reveal!]

[Saturday, Second Week of May, 8:00 PM~]

– It’s finally happening!!! (TVT)/

– I’m so emotional right now.

Just as everyone had anticipated, it was the announcement of my 3D model reveal.