Chapter 99

——————Today's third update, seeking recommendations, seeking collections————————

Akihabara, which had become quiet due to the AKB48 "skirt flap" incident, suddenly became bustling again. A large number of reporters surrounded the office of Kōkawa Hane, making it impossible to move. In the eyes of many media outlets, Kōkawa Hane would surely be pressured by external forces and would be somewhat worried. However, when Kōkawa Hane appeared before them, they were surprised to find that he was as radiant as ever, seemingly unaffected by the public opinion.

"Mr. Kōkawa, what are your thoughts on the public's evaluation of you?" At this moment, a reporter from *Shūkan Bunshun*, which had gradually become Kōkawa Hane's mouthpiece, stepped forward without hesitation.

"What can I think... People have their own mouths, and this is a democratic country... everyone has freedom of speech. However, this has made me realize one thing: there's a Chinese saying, 'birds of a feather flock together, and people of the same sort gather together.' Indeed, those who speak up for someone like Shimada Shinji are not good people... I truly feel sad for the entertainment industry. No wonder it's being invaded by so-called 'Korean Wave'... The entertainment industry is full of such people... and such things are impossible."

The reporters instantly became as excited as if they had been injected with chicken blood. This man was indeed a madman, maintaining his character amidst the criticism from so many people and agencies, truly a role model for us all...

"Mr. Kōkawa, are you really not concerned about their comments? After all, they are Watanabe Agency and Yoshimoto Kogyo..." A reporter kindly reminded him.

Kōkawa Hane glanced at the reporter, "What? Are Watanabe Agency and Yoshimoto Kogyo so great? They committed a mistake and don't want anyone to say anything... However, if they can apologize, I can forgive them."

The reporters drew in a sharp breath. This man was truly someone who wouldn't back down, even against Watanabe Agency and Yoshimoto Kogyo, he wouldn't bow his head... Looking at the reporters who were stunned by him, Kōkawa Hane revealed a faint smile.

"By the way, there's one more thing to tell everyone... Yamada has signed with HORIPRO."

If this news had come at any other time, it would have been a very eye-catching piece of news. But today, with Kōkawa Hane's big mouth, other news seemed trivial... even Yamada Takayuki was no exception...

...

The girls preparing for the theater performance saw a large number of reporters rushing to Kōkawa Hane's office across the street, and their faces showed unprecedented envy. Yes, envy... For these girls who harbored various dreams of stardom, being interviewed by such a media outlet would make them very happy. But Kōkawa Hane received so much attention from the reporters... Even when the reporters passed by their place, they barely even glanced at them, which made the girls feel a bit disappointed...

"Yuko... Is Mr. Kōkawa across the street the one who gave you his business card at the recruitment site?" Akimoto Saya asked enviously.

"Yes, I didn't expect Mr. Kōkawa to be so popular now." Ōshima Yuko's tone was filled with envy and regret. If she had been more persistent back then, she might have signed with Kōkawa Hane... Although her current agent, Watanabe Ichirō, was also very good to her... and she had received some commercial endorsements... there was always a feeling she couldn't quite describe...

"Yuko, do you think Mr. Kōkawa will back down to Shimada-senpai this time?" Miyazaki Sae asked in a low voice.

"I don't think so... A young and outstanding agent like him... wouldn't easily back down..." Ōshima Yuko's voice was very low, as if she was speaking to Miyazaki Sae, or to herself.

"That's true... I really hope to meet an agent like Mr. Kōkawa..."

In Akimoto Yasushi's office, Akimoto Yasushi had a smile on his face. He had no idea how to handle the AKB48 "skirt flap" incident, but he didn't expect his neighbor to be so righteous, sacrificing himself to protect AKB48!

Tōga Sakitomu entered and saw Akimoto Yasushi's smiling face, feeling slightly surprised.

"Mr. Akimoto, what's so happy today?"

"Nothing... Have the members been calmed down?" Akimoto Yasushi reined in his smile, returning to his usual calm demeanor.

"Well, the members are fine... But do you think Mr. Kōkawa can hold up?" Tōga Sakitomu asked.

"If it was before, I wouldn't be sure if he could hold up, but this time I think he will definitely win..." For some reason, Akimoto Yasushi was full of confidence in Kōkawa Hane.

"Should we do something?" Tōga Sakitomu asked.

Akimoto Yasushi thought for a moment, "Let's do this... I'll publish a statement on the AKS official website, praising Kōkawa's strengths and the impact of his drama and two songs... I believe he will understand my meaning."

"I understand..."

Before Akimoto Yasushi's statement could be published, Iijima Mami, the agent of Kōkimura Takuya, a powerful figure in Johnny's & Associates, came out to explicitly support Kōkawa Hane!

"Regarding certain artists with poor character, I believe everyone is clear. I think Mr. Kōkawa's comments are completely justified... Certain agencies and artists should focus on their own affairs... Mr. Kōkawa deserves more respect than you!"

If Iijima Mami's support was partly due to the poor relationship between Johnny's & Associates and Yoshimoto Kogyo, then the support from Oguri Shun, an artist known for his "burning" style, was worth much deeper consideration...

"Mr. Kōkawa is a very elegant and reserved person. On the set, he helps solve all the problems for the staff. When we perform poorly, he always speaks to us kindly and never scolds us... Regarding this incident, I won't comment... but I believe in Mr. Kōkawa's character... I stand by him!"

Compared to Oguri Shun's reserved statement, the attitude of Okada Naoyumi, the female president of SWEETPOWER, was even more direct and strong.

"What is Shimada Shinji? Mr. Kōkawa is our partner... He has no right to speak about Mr. Kōkawa. Don't think that just because you've been in the entertainment industry for a long time, you are a senior! You should focus on yourself!"

Page break for AD start

Page break for AD end