{"id":4275,"date":"2025-04-17T18:15:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T09:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/episode-9moment-of-destiny\/"},"modified":"2025-10-26T18:52:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-26T09:52:55","slug":"viw-s1-ep9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/en\/viw-s1-ep9\/","title":{"rendered":"Episode 9: Proof of Fermentation"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2\"]{margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xl, 4rem);margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2\"]{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:24px;}}<\/style>\n<h1 class=\"kt-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_5f0213-d2\">Viw: Whispers and the Beautiful Challenge<\/h1>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42\"]{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-md, 1.25rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42\"]{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_0e7994-42\">Season 1 \u2013 The First Whisper<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88\"]{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88\"]{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);font-size:20px;}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading4275_ca6e0f-88\">Episode 9: Proof of Fermentation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-1-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"[Illustration 1: Naomi calls Takano Natsumi on the phone]\" class=\"wp-image-6231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-1-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-1-1-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-1-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHo\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just that one low syllable through the receiver\u2014<br>and tears slipped down Naomi\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not scolding. Not surprise.<br>A calm acceptance.<br>It straightened her spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI figured it might be so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Warmth spread through her chest. Her breath shook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-2-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"[Illustration 2: Kodama Takano answering the call]\" class=\"wp-image-6233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-2-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-2-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-2-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-2-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-2-1-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-2-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe still have a little powder left here.<br>Tonight is a full moon.<br>We\u2019ll ferment it on our side and send it to you right away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naomi gripped the phone with both hands, nodding as silently as she could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSorry for the worry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That single gentle phrase loosened the taut wire in her heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c\u2026Please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her voice trembled; tears traced her cheek again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\uff0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The team checked schedules. Courier wouldn\u2019t make it in time.<br>The raw material had to reach Tokyo by the next morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naomi called Yusuke. Spoke softly, firmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYusuke\u2014go to Kyoto and pick up the fermented liquid.<br>I\u2019ll coordinate with Takano-san.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cUnderstood!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No hesitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-3-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"[Illustration 3: Bellasfida\u2019s car \u2014 Yusuke driving through the night to Kyoto]\" class=\"wp-image-6235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-3-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-3-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-3-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-3-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-3-1-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-3-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Yusuke left Tokyo at night.<br>City lights fell away; red taillights and amber streetlamps cut the dark.<br>He pressed down sleep and fatigue and drove on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before dawn\u2014Kyoto.<br>A staff member, not Takano, opened the lab door and nodded in silence.<br>He rolled out a temperature-controlled box on a dolly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFull-moon fermentation just finished.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yusuke bowed, again and again, took the box to his chest, and turned the car back toward Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\uff0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-4-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"[Illustration 4: Yusuke returning to Tokyo, carrying the box inside]\" class=\"wp-image-6237\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-4-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-4-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-4-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-4-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-4-1-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-4-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Late morning.<br>He stepped into the lobby; the team turned toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve got it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exhaustion roughened his voice\u2014<br>but fire burned beneath it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Measurement began in the lab.<br>The printer fed out paper; a researcher\u2019s eyes flew wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c\u2026What is this\u2026!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the monitor\u2014figures off the chart.<br>Not zero.<br>Beyond the scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-5-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"[Illustration 5: The readout shocks the lab]\" class=\"wp-image-6239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-5-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-5-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-5-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-5-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-5-1-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-5-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve never seen data like this.\u201d<br>\u201cJust by starting on the full moon\u2026 this much\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even the skeptical ones drew breath\u2014then bowed their heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c\u2026I\u2019m sorry. I was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naomi smiled\u2014quiet, steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat matters is what we do next.<br>Let\u2019s make it in time\u2014together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lab became a workshop.<br>They tuned the final formula with the fermented base and filled dropper vials.<br>Applied labels. Compiled inserts.<br>Hands moved in silence; the clock slid past midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\uff0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as the results were confirmed, Naomi left for the exhibition hall.<br>On site. Face-to-face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She swept her eyes over the booth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis won\u2019t do. It\u2019s too faint.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In her mind, the giant tree rose again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe need a life-size olive at the center.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Silence.<br>The chief designer shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt would be a stunning anchor\u2014something no one else can do.<br>But for tomorrow? It\u2019s impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c\u2026You\u2019re right.<br>Then what do we\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A small voice cut through from behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cUm\u2026<br>I actually\u2026 already ordered it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-6-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"[Illustration 6: The rookie designer, Yuki, speaking up]\" class=\"wp-image-6241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-6-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-6-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-6-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-6-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-6-1-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-6-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Okamura Yuki, the newest in-house designer, had barely more than a whisper.<br>Every head turned toward her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c\u2026What?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cS-sorry.<br>I jumped the gun. I thought we\u2019d already decided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You said\u2026 that an olive tree was essential.<br>So I thought\u2026 it was final.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naomi walked toward her. Spoke gently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOkamura-san\u2014<br>Normally, this would mean paperwork and apology.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yuki went pale, eyes cast down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBut\u2014this time\u2014thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The air broke open; laughter tumbled out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSo it\u2019s really coming?\u201d<br>\u201cWe\u2019ll make it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The build entered its second day\u2014rigging, walls, crews rushing.<br>Naomi moved through the hall, checking samples, collateral, graphics, fixtures\u2014tightening the details one by one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her steps drifted\u2014inevitably\u2014toward the rival booth.<br>A black shroud covered the space from ceiling to floor.<br>Everything hidden.<br>Ready to reveal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-8-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"[Illustration 7: The rival booth sealed under black sheets]\" class=\"wp-image-6245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-8-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-8-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-8-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-8-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-8-1-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-8-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The shape of the shroud didn\u2019t fit the hall\u2014wrong, ominous.<br>Memory flashed\u2014two defeats.<br>A heavy energy pulsed beneath the sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unease scraped her chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(What are they building in there\u2026?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She stepped back, and away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\uff0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By evening, a massive shipment arrived.<br>Workers cut through layers of packing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe olive is here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heads turned as one.<br>Design sprinted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The crate opened\u2014<br>and the size stunned everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-7-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-7-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-7-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-7-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-7-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-7-2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s huge!\u201d<br>\u201cAnd\u2026 expensive\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYuki\u2014how much was the quote?\u201d<br>The chief designer lifted a brow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cUm\u2014q-quote?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yuki flushed crimson. Eyes scattering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOh, come on\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Laughter\u2014exasperated, relieved\u2014broke around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naomi stepped forward. Calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cUnbelievable.<br>But\u2026 just this once.<br>I\u2019ll get the budget from the division head.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The air softened\u2014<br>a mix of laughter and relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They watched as the giant olive rose at the center of the booth.<br>With it, morale rose too\u2014swift, and high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\uff0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Late that night, Naomi entered Hiraki\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe numbers are proven.<br>We\u2019ll be ready for the exhibition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He leaned back in his chair.<br>\u201c\u2026Well done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\uff0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Past midnight, the office still glowed\u2014lab and design alike.<br>Hands aligned dropper vials, folded inserts, tweaked slides.<br>Every person moving, quiet and exact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outside the window, the last light of the full moon lingered.<br>Naomi paused and closed her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-9-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"[Illustration 9: Naomi holding the cream\u2014gratitude and resolve]\" class=\"wp-image-6247\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-9-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-9-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-9-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-9-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-9-1-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/reviw-s1-ep9-9-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>(The rhythm of nature gave us power.<br>We\u2019ll give this light a form.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The exhibition stood right before them.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns4275_0f20c2-d8, .site .entry-content .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns4275_0f20c2-d8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns4275_0f20c2-d8, .site .entry-content .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns4275_0f20c2-d8{margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxl, 5rem);margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xl, 4rem);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns4275_0f20c2-d8{gap:var(--global-kb-gap-xs, 0.5rem );justify-content:center;align-items:center;}.kt-btns4275_0f20c2-d8 .kt-button{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;}.kt-btns4275_0f20c2-d8 .kt-btn-wrap-0{margin-right:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns4275_0f20c2-d8 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button{color:#555555;border-color:#555555;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns4275_0f20c2-d8 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns4275_0f20c2-d8 .kt-btn-wrap-0 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#3182CE);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn4275_435c59-f5 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-auto kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/en\/viw\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Back to Saga List<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn4275_7ae375-e4.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn4275_7ae375-e4.kb-button{font-size:16px;border-top-left-radius:6px;border-top-right-radius:6px;border-bottom-right-radius:6px;border-bottom-left-radius:6px;border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);margin-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn4275_7ae375-e4.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn4275_7ae375-e4.kb-button:focus{box-shadow:inset 0px 10px 10px -5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn4275_7ae375-e4.kb-button{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn4275_7ae375-e4.kb-button{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn4275_7ae375-e4 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-auto kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/beauty-saga.com\/en\/viw-s1-ep10\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Read the Next Episode<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Viw: Whispers and the Beautiful Challenge Season 1 \u2013 The First Whisper Episode 9: Proof of Fermentation \u201cHo\u2026\u201d Just that one low syllable through the receiver\u2014and tears slipped down Naomi\u2019s face. Not scolding. Not surprise.A calm acceptance.It straightened her spine. \u201cI figured it might be so.\u201d Warmth spread through her chest. Her breath shook. \u201cWe still have a little powder left here.Tonight is a full moon.We\u2019ll ferment it on our side and send it to you right away.\u201d Naomi gripped the phone with both hands, nodding as silently as she could. \u201cSorry for the worry.\u201d That single gentle phrase loosened the taut wire in her heart. \u201c\u2026Please.\u201d Her voice trembled;&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5947,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"disable","_kad_post_title":"hide","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[95,100,101],"tags":[119,120,126,127,136,142,144,147,155,165],"class_list":["post-4275","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-saga-en","category-viws-whisper","category-viws-whisper-s1","tag-viw-en","tag-the-whisper-of-viw","tag-skincare-2-en","tag-season-1-en","tag-viws-whisper-and-the-beautiful-challenge","tag-what-remains-en","tag-naomi-en","tag-emotional-renewal-en","tag-full-moon-en","tag-fragrance-en"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":95,"label":"Saga"},{"value":100,"label":"Viw\u2019s 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