I was only joking," Dazai Osamu said, puffing out his cheeks while leaning against the bar counter. "Our values are just too different!
By the way." Sakaguchi Ango suddenly remembered something and pulled a folder out of his bag. "Oda Sakunosuke, the identity information you asked me to help create last time—could it be this person?
That's right." Oda Sakunosuke took the file with excitement, "Thank you!
"What kind of person is that?" Sakaguchi Ango asked curiously; it was rare to see someone make Dazai lose his composure.
Oda Sakunosuke thought for a moment, "Just like a cat, I suppose!"
"A cat?" X2
They look gentle and beautiful on the outside, but they are actually incredibly arrogant. If you get too close, you'll easily be scratched. They are full of vigilance toward the outside world and require a long time of patient treatment before they can be trusted.
Sounds like a lot of trouble," Sakaguchi Ango sighed. "It's a good thing we met you, Oda. If it had been me and Dazai..
"One of us would definitely die!" Dazai Osamu summarized succinctly.
After returning home, Uchiha Izuna began searching for news about the entertainment industry.
Looking at the image on the screen, he rested his chin in his hand and fell into deep thought.
"Hmm, isn't he a male celebrity who's been quite popular lately?" Passing behind him, Oda Sakunosuke saw the man occupying the entire computer screen.
Yeah." Uchiha Izuna nodded. "What kind of person do you think he is?
It seems like ever since he became famous, I've been constantly hearing negative news about him," Oda Sakunosuke commented. "Perhaps it's just because fame brings trouble.
"Is that so?" Uchiha Izuna gave an noncommittal smile.
"Eh, looking at it this way, you look a bit like him," Oda Sakunosuke said, suddenly observing him with a hint of surprise. "However, Izuna, your features are more delicate than his, he looks a bit.. well, a bit.." Oda Sakunosuke pondered which word to use to describe him.
"Hypocritical," Uchiha Izuna said nonchalantly.
"Yes, that's the word!" Oda Sakunosuke stole a glance at Uchiha Izuna. Actually, this celebrity seemed quite decent, but compared to Uchiha Izuna, he was clearly far behind. Perhaps it was related to his profession, but his smile always gave off a somewhat sycophantic impression.
"Can you do me a favor?" Uchiha Izuna looked up.
What?
"I want to try my luck in the entertainment industry, but I need an identity," Uchiha Izuna said candidly.
"Izuna, why do you suddenly want to become a star?" Oda Sakunosuke frowned. No matter how elegant Uchiha Izuna's aura was, he could never mistake the scent of the underworld. Generally speaking, people who lived in the darkness like them would never appear under the spotlight to be scrutinized by others.
Uchiha Izuna smiled. "Celebrity salaries are high. I can't just keep mooching food and drinks at your place, Oda."
Although he knew that given Oda Sakunosuke's character, he would never feel any resentment about him mooching off him this whole time, his pride as an Uchiha would not allow him to live under someone else's wing indefinitely. He had looked into it, the salary levels in the entertainment industry were significantly higher than those of ordinary people, not to mention the income of some top stars.
It's true that celebrities earn very high salaries," Oda Sakunosuke affirmed Uchiha Izuna's words, before abruptly changing the subject, "But there are other jobs with high pay. Given your personality, there must be other reasons for you entering the entertainment industry, right?
“Alright! To be honest, it's because celebrities are so famous. If I become a successful star, my name will be known in many places,” Uchiha Izuna said, revealing his considerations.
Deep in his heart, he held a secret hope. He had come to this world, perhaps Madara would come here too. As long as he became famous enough, Madara would be able to see him as soon as he arrived in this world, becoming a celebrity was the most cost-effective way to increase his fame.
Later, this idea did come true, but the person he saw was not the one Uchiha Izuna had been thinking of.
Oda Sakunosuke's expression turned serious as he thought about the injuries the other person had sustained before. Perhaps, for Izuna, the greater the fame, the safer he would be; there were still very few people who would dare to strike someone in public.
"I'll go ask for you." He didn't say directly that he had already prepared the identification for the other party; since Uchiha Izuna wanted to become a star, perhaps those identity documents would need a few minor modifications.
“Ono, don't you already have three newcomers in your hands? If you take any more, you won't be able to handle it. Why not just leave this one to me!”
Those three are very easy to manage and have been quite idle lately, so it's a perfect time to take someone new under my wing.
Why are you two making such a fuss? You both have plenty of talented newcomers in your hands, while the one I'm training has no potential at all. You might as well leave him to me!
Oh my, sister, you shouldn't say that!
..
"Can I choose for myself?" Uchiha Izuna looked calmly at the crowd, who were on the verge of a fight.
He hadn't expected this kind of scene. After checking that the person he was looking for happened to be at Tenxin Company, he had come directly for an interview. He had only played and sung a song as the interviewer requested, but he hadn't expected a crowd to suddenly appear out of nowhere, after he performed a dance, this crowd began to act frenziedly excited.
It turned out the company was having a meeting today, a group of agents had passed by after their meeting. Hearing someone singing and playing an instrument quite well, their professional instincts kicked in and they rushed over to take a look. Once they saw him, they realized his looks and temperament were impeccable, he was also a jack-of-all-trades who could do a bit of everything.
The proportion of handsome men in the entertainment industry was already lower than that of beautiful women, let alone someone so undeniably perfect; he was clearly a top-tier handsome man. Who wouldn't want to pull him under their management?
"Of course!" A crowd rushed in front of him, watching him with hungry eyes, waiting for him to announce whom he would choose.
Who is it? Who will he ultimately choose? Into whose hands will such a fine talent fall?
The other staff members also stared at Uchiha Izuna. It had always been the agents choosing the artists, but they didn't expect to witness such a spectacle today—so many agents fighting over a single person. They just didn't know who would succeed.
Uchiha Izuna uttered a few words, everyone else was stunned.
"Are you sure you want her?" someone asked him, unable to suppress an expression of astonishment.
"Yes, I want her to be my manager," Uchiha Izuna said firmly.
Koizumi Yuri heard the girls from several neighboring companies discussing how a new male artist had arrived today; he was exceptionally handsome, possessed an outstanding temperament, was skilled in everything from singing to dancing, causing a group of agents to argue uncontrollably over him.
Hearing such news, she subconsciously began to analyze it, then gave a self-deprecating laugh. She remembered that she was no longer the company's gold-medal agent and currently had not a single artist under her management. Looking at the resignation letter in her hand, she had struggled in the industry for so many years, yet she never expected it to end in such a way.
Knock, knock, knock.
Come in.
"Hello, Mr. Ono.." I am here to resign.
"Oh, Koizumi, you're here. It's perfect, I actually have something I need to discuss with you," Oda Sakunosuke said happily the moment he saw her.
"Huh?" Koizumi Yuri was bewildered by his enthusiastic attitude; ever since that incident, she had never received such a genial attitude from her supervisor, Ono Hyogawa, then she was shocked by what he said.
A newcomer just arrived, their ratings in every category are the highest. Several gold-tier agents in the company were fighting tooth and nail over them, but it turns out they specifically requested you to be their agent.
“You must be mistaken!” Koizumi Yuri said, stunned. “Specifically asking for me?”
No, I also watched the interview video of that person just now; they are indeed a very promising talent," Ono Hyogawa said earnestly. "Everyone knows your situation, it isn't your fault. This is an opportunity the company is giving you, so you must make the most of it.
Koizumi Yuri opened her mouth, but she still couldn't bring herself to mention the matter of her resignation. "Yes, I will definitely work hard."
You really specifically requested me.
Koizumi Yuri sized up the person opposite her, indeed, even in the entertainment industry where handsome men and beautiful women were common, his appearance could be considered top-tier.
"Yes." Uchiha Izuna nodded.
May I ask why you chose me?" Koizumi Yuri asked hesitantly. "You must have heard those rumors, right?
Oh, if you're referring to the rumors about being inexperienced, lacking a moral compass, being overbearing with business partners, being so perfunctory regarding the personal issues of artists that their subordinates eventually reached their breaking point and left in a group to join other agencies," Uchiha Izuna listed them one by one, "then yes, I have heard them.
"Then why are you still??" Koizumi Yuri asked in confusion.
"I don't usually listen to what others say; I only look at facts and data," Uchiha Izuna said, handing over a pile of materials. Investigating information and analyzing facts was his specialty.
Koizumi Yuri flipped through them and found that it was indeed the most popular star at the moment, who was also her former artist, Watanabe Kamibayashi.
“This is his past experience. It can be seen that he was perfect in every aspect, with almost no scandals. Every project he participated in was carefully selected; although they might not have been that famous, they were all guaranteed in quality. However, after a certain period, although he remained very popular, his behavior became noticeably less sensible than before. He stopped being careful with his reputation and began exploiting his fame for money, participating in some low-quality productions, his scandals began to increase. If this continues, he won't stay famous for long, he might even face total ruin.”
Uchiha Izuna said indifferently, "And that turning point was when he changed agents."
So, one could probably draw an interesting conclusion: perhaps the public rumors and the truth are opposites.
Only if your manager is vilified by everyone can you, in desperation, strike back and leap cleanly into a better company." Uchiha Izuna looked directly into Koizumi Yuri's eyes. "But are you content to be stepped on by him forever, to carry such a stigma forever?!
Of course she was unwilling to accept it! Koizumi Yuri felt as if a raging fire were burning in her heart. She had entered the industry right after graduation and had struggled through it for over a decade. As a woman in a country where gender discrimination was severe, she had finally managed to build the career she had today, only to have it completely ruined. Just thinking about it made her heart bleed with hatred.
Koizumi Yuri gave Uchiha Izuna a long, deep look. With her perception, she could naturally see that this person's temperament and appearance shared similarities with Watanabe Kamibayashi, yet were far more outstanding. If he wanted to rise in status, Watanabe Kamibayashi would inevitably act to suppress him.
She tucked her long hair behind her ear. "What do you want me to do?"
Do whatever you want to do!
Fine!" Koizumi Yuri curled her lips. "From this day on, I am your manager!
Chapter 4
"Since I am your agent, there are some things you need to report to me." Now that their relationship was established, Koizumi Yuri adopted a professional attitude.
First of all, do you have a girlfriend or a boyfriend?
Uchiha Izuna was caught off guard by this question??
That face rarely showed such a stunned expression.
Koizumi Yuri saw this usually composed person make such an expression, she couldn't help but let out a laugh. "It's fine even if there isn't one; I'm just reporting it."
Why is this the first thing you ask?
"This is very important; it will determine the direction of your future development," Koizumi Yuri explained to him.
“'Star' is a broad term; most can be divided into two types: idols and actors. An idol can be described as someone who provides a fantasy object for others. As long as they are good-looking and single, they will have a massive following. Therefore, if you have a partner, I wouldn't suggest you pursue this path. Even if you hide your partner well, once something happens, people will find out; secrets can't be kept forever, the backlash will be even more severe. If you become an actor, there are far fewer concerns. As long as your professional skills are solid and your influence is strong, you have no major scandals, things will basically go smoothly."
Uchiha Izuna nodded thoughtfully.
No." He first gave Koizumi Yuri a definitive denial, then added vaguely, "Those who were related to me are not in this world.
Not in this world.. does that mean he passed away?" Koizumi Yuri gave him a surprised look, thinking she had touched upon Uchiha Izuna's sore spot, so she changed the subject. "In that case, developing your career as an idol would be the fastest way given your looks and abilities, an idol's income is basically the highest in the industry.
Uchiha Izuna saw Koizumi Yuri's expression and knew she had misunderstood, but he didn't correct her. In his view, both meanings were more or less the same; could Senju Tobirama really chase him all the way to another world?!
"Let's just go with an actor," Uchiha Izuna said, "it'll be less of a headache." It wasn't like he was in a hurry to make money.
“Company contracts are generally divided into three grades, A, B, C, contracts for newcomers are usually Grade C.” Koizumi Yuri took out a stack of papers. “Grade B is the best treatment I could fight for.”
Uchiha Izuna glanced at it; for a newcomer, this contract could indeed be considered very favorable.
Aren't you going to take a closer look?" Koizumi Yuri watched as Uchiha Izuna signed it without the slightest hesitation. "What if there are some conditions that will screw you over later?
"There's no need." Uchiha Izuna rested his chin on one hand and flashed a smile. The consequences of playing someone with a Mangekyou Sharingan.. Heh.
Koizumi Yuri suddenly felt a chill down her spine. Could the air conditioning have been set too low? she muttered to herself.
Oda Sakunosuke opened the door and saw a capable woman with long hair following behind Uchiha Izuna.
Oda, this is my manager, Koizumi Yuri." Uchiha Izuna introduced the two of them. "And this is my friend, Oda Sakunosuke.
Hello, I am Uchiha Izuna's manager." Koizumi Yuri greeted Oda Sakunosuke warmly. "Izuna has already signed with our company and will be moving into the company dormitory in the future. Thank you very much for taking care of him during this time.
Uchiha Izuna explained his situation to Koizumi Yuri, though he kept it vague and summarized, saying only that due to certain circumstances, he was penniless and had no choice but to stay at a friend's house.
After hearing this, Koizumi Yuri suggested that she could help him apply for the company's staff dormitory. This way, he could save money, since the company operated in the celebrity industry, its protection capabilities were quite strong.
"It's nothing, Izuna and I are friends." Oda Sakunosuke suddenly had an indescribable feeling, as if he had picked up a cat and raised it for a long time, only for someone to suddenly run up to him and say that they were the cat's owner, thanking him for his care during that time, that they were taking the cat away.