Chapter 73

"Naoki, the Neko Band is in trouble!"

A few days later, Yoshimura Daoyou called to inform him of some bad news.

Naoki was at home, passing the time by watching a Monday night drama, and was at a loss when he heard the news.

He hurried to the studio.

"Daoyou, what exactly happened?" Naoki asked before even sitting down.

Yoshimura Daoyou was looking down at a copy of *Shukan Bunshun*. Upon hearing the question, he handed the magazine over.

"Take a look first, Naoki. We'll talk after that."

On the second page of the magazine was a photo of the band's sexy member, Akiyama Hisa, being slapped by a man at a hotel entrance, with a shocking headline: "Bed Business? Neko Band's PR Failure? Sexy Member Akiyama Hisa Slapped in Public!"

Naoki was surprised by the headline and the photo.

Is *Shukan Bunshun* being so aggressive this time? Even BURNING Agency can't stop them?

In reality, PR activities for female artists in RB are almost a rule. Not just struggling and outdated artists, but even popular ones might be asked to accompany drinks.

Usually, before such exposés are published, the major agencies would get wind of it and pay to keep the peace.

Especially for articles like "Unknown artists forced into bed business," *Shukan Bunshun* wouldn't be too insistent on publishing them. So, the focus this time is on the man who slapped her?

"It looks like an internal struggle!" Naoki looked at Yoshimura Daoyou. "Daoyou, this Kikuchi Etsuro in the article, is he the one who initially acquired the band?"

"Right, Kikuchi Etsuro, the PR director of BURNING Agency. Although the initial negotiations were handled by Araki Masahito, it was this man who initiated the acquisition behind the scenes."

"Revealing such a scandal, it seems not only that he has offended the powerful, but his position is also unstable?"

"I've heard from within the industry that he has had a very poor relationship with the head of the planning department. Several attempts to launch idols have failed."

"It seems this is a final assault~"

Ito Shuichi pushed the door open: "Naoki, it looks like the Neko Band's lineup will change."

"It's probably more than just a lineup change. The head of the planning department at BURNING Agency, even if I haven't met him, I've heard of his ruthless reputation."

Yoshimura Daoyou agreed: "Yes, Oda Masahito, known as BURNING's Hyena, has a style of seizing opportunities and never letting go. Anyone who becomes his enemy will be completely destroyed."

He added: "He is an old-school agent, a loyal supporter of mainstream idols. The remaining members of the Neko Band will likely be dismantled~"

Naoki said to Yoshimura Daoyou: "Daoyou, it seems the Neko Band might not survive this~"

"Yes..." The middle-aged man with a receding hairline sighed, clearly having put a lot of effort into it.

"But, it might also be an opportunity~"

"An opportunity?" Ito Shuichi and Yoshimura Daoyou were both taken aback.

If BURNING Agency doesn't want the scandal to continue and potentially expose internal conflicts,

besides having the PR director Kikuchi Etsuro hold a press conference to apologize, there is one more thing:

Make the spark of this scandal disappear!

Of course, it's not like they would throw her into Tokyo Bay... it hasn't come to that point yet,

But forcing Akiyama Hisa to retire is certain, and other members of the Neko Band might also be affected.

"Daoyou, why don't you inquire about the handling of the Neko Band? It's normal for a former producer to be concerned." Naoki looked at Yoshimura Daoyou, "If they are released from their contracts, sign them to Girl's Group."

Ito Shuichi was puzzled: "Is that wise, Naoki? Signing artists who are being released by BURNING Agency could offend them."

"Haha, after all, it's Daoyou's hard work. If we can help, it's not a big deal." Naoki wasn't worried; a large and powerful agency like BURNING wouldn't care about such tainted artists.

From the moment Yoshimura Daoyou called with the news, Naoki knew this old man still had feelings for the Neko Band.

Yoshimura Daoyou seemed to breathe a sigh of relief: "They are artists I signed and debuted, and it's hard to see them end up like this..."

After all, they haven't reached the point where large agencies treat artists purely as commodities.

...

At BURNING Agency, Shuho Ikusei was looking at Kikuchi Etsuro, who was bowing in front of him, with a calm tone:

"Kikuchi, admit defeat gracefully."

He was well aware of the power struggle between the PR director and the planning director,

And he was happy to see it.

This scandal isn't that big and won't affect BURNING Agency's reputation or business,

It's just a sign, a sign that the PR director has lost.

Kikuchi Etsuro's hands tightened, feeling reluctant: "President..."

"Kikuchi!" Shuho Ikusei's tone grew heavier, "Hold a press conference!"

Kikuchi Etsuro felt bitter but understood the president's meaning, silently leaving the office.

His position might not change immediately,

But he would gradually fade from the core of power, eventually being transferred to a retirement department like administration,

The best outcome might be to set up an independent agency.

But is a general who goes out to conquer new territories the same as a defeated soldier kicked out the door?

"Damn it!!!"

Thinking of the past ten years of hard work, and Oda Masahito's smug smile, Kikuchi Etsuro didn't dare to vent his anger at Shuho Ikusei. He could only take it out on someone weaker.

Back in his department, Kikuchi Etsuro called his trusted subordinate: "Masahito, contact the media. I want to hold a press conference."

"Really?!!" Araki Masahito clearly understood the significance of holding a press conference at this time. It was a surrender, a white flag.

But seeing his superior's expression, "Yes, I understand!"

Just as he was about to leave, he heard Kikuchi Etsuro say softly: "Dissolve the Neko Band."

"Huh?" He knew his PR director's style well. This "dissolve" didn't mean the band would break up and the members would go solo; it meant all members would retire and the Neko Band would disappear from the entertainment industry.

After all, the agency had invested a lot of resources and money in acquiring the band. Araki Masahito wanted to say something,

But seeing Kikuchi Etsuro's dark, almost dripping face, he quickly replied: "Yes!"

Although he had admitted defeat, Kikuchi Etsuro was still the PR director, and more importantly, he would remain Araki Masahito's superior for the next one or two years.

For the current PR director of BURNING Agency to want a band to retire,

It should be completely possible... right?