Chapter 41: The Shinomiya Family's Banquet
Although Nanami Kento was no longer a Jujutsu Sorcerer, making a Cursed User disappear from the world was still simple for him.
That guy always complained, but he was actually very reliable, which is why Hikigaya Hachiman entrusted the matter to him.
Therefore, Nanami Kento's advice to the unfamiliar young girl was truly heartfelt, even though he didn't know why she was so fixated on Hikigaya Hachiman.
The water was too deep here; she couldn't possibly manage it.
That man's existence was both a blessing and a disaster for the world.
As long as his heart inclined toward good, the world would be safe.
But if he turned to evil, he would be the world's most extreme malevolence.
At that time, everyone who approached him would be consumed by the flames inherent in his own existence.
There were too many such examples.
The Senpai Nanami Kento once respected had completely broken ties with the Jujutsu Sorcerer Association and stood against them.
Jujutsu Sorcerers were horrible; don't go near them, or you will become miserable.
Nanami Kento gained no benefit after joining the Jujutsu world, only witnessing the death of a close friend and a world that grew increasingly insane.
It was this realization that allowed him to pull himself out of the abyss of sorcery.
Now, seeing such a talented girl, Nanami Kento truly couldn't bear to see her embark on the same path he once trod.
It was a good thing this promising talent hadn't been discovered by Satoru Gojo; otherwise, she would surely be immediately packaged up and sent to Jujutsu High.
"Hachiman, what was that just now?"
Hearing Misumi Uika's question, Hikigaya Hachiman said plainly,
"You must be disappointed, seeing a childhood friend turn out like that."
Thanks to the non-visible nature of the Cursed Technique to ordinary people, Hikigaya Hachiman knew that his actions towards Ogino Ko would look to a regular person as if he merely spoke a few words, and the man immediately broke down and fainted from anger.
One would wonder how offensive his words were.
Hikigaya Hachiman did not try to hide from Misumi Uika. If their friendship was so easily compromised, it meant it was not strong to begin with.
Take his own demeanor, for example. The contrast between his childhood self and his current self was night and day.
Having survived the Great Crusade and the Great Heresy, his maintenance of polite humility and human "humanity" was the result of the constant guidance and personal example set by the Primarch "Great Angel," Sanguinius.
Hikigaya Hachiman still remembered the angelically warm man kneeling before them—a group of "ghouls" with blood on their hands—and swearing he would always love them.
It was Sanguinius who, through his compassion and respect, saved them, a group of wretched people deeply affected by the Black Rage and teetering on the brink of corruption.
Otherwise, in the culture of most other Legions, Hikigaya Hachiman would never be able to integrate into peaceful society even if he lived a hundred years in this world.
Ten years was a long time, but for an Astartes Brother who had undergone the Space Marine modification surgery, it was like a fleeting moment.
"No, Hachiman is Hachiman."
Misumi Uika shook her head. Based on her own experience as an idol, she felt that verbal reprimand was already merciful for that kind of harassment.
Many Idol fans constantly tried to pry into idols' lives, forcing Uika to rely on bodyguards to intervene forcefully.
"If anything, Hachiman has completely become the impressive adult I imagined him to be in my childhood.
Gentle and strong..."
And... very handsome.
"Very handsome"—Misumi Uika couldn't bring herself to say the words out loud as she spoke, so she stopped.
Literally speaking, Misumi Uika had thought her friend was incredibly amazing since childhood.
Misumi Uika admired him greatly.
Hachiman knew the names of all the many stars in the sky.
The reason Misumi Uika loved visiting the planetarium now was that Hachiman had once pointed out and named the stars for her under the vast galaxy, allowing her to relive those childhood memories.
Now that he had become a great author, Misumi Uika thought: It's just as I expected of him.
He effortlessly achieved something she could never accomplish in her lifetime.
Somehow, Misumi Uika seemed to admire him even more.
"My apologies."
Hikigaya Hachiman thought it was the filter of childhood friendship that was too strong, never suspecting her sincere devotion.
The words Hikigaya Hachiman spoke earlier had, conversely, become disrespectful to her.
"It's fine."
Misumi Uika smiled shyly, then suddenly remembered something.
"Can we take a picture together?"
"Uika, don't use polite language between friends."
Hikigaya Hachiman found Misumi Uika to be very cautious. Was it necessary to be so tentative with a friend?
He was quite comfortable sassing Miyuki Shirogane whenever he wanted.
"Drop the 'can we,' let's take a picture.
There's a fountain in the flower bed up ahead."
Misumi Uika nodded forcefully, her smile becoming even brighter.
Since their company was an idol agency, the landscaping downstairs was quite well done.
Meanwhile Sumita Mana, who was still in the company, was prevented from leaving by the unfamiliar personnel (Sorcerers) Hikigaya Hachiman had summoned because she noticed Uika was gone.
The anxious look on little Uika's face earlier was quite worrying.
When Sumita Mana stepped outside the company door to look for her, she suddenly saw a familiar blonde silhouette in the distant garden.
She was about to rush over, but then stopped her steps.
"Is that Uika-chan?"
Sumita Mana walked closer, inching in discreetly.
It really was Uika-chan!
Sumita Mana's expression was one of disbelief as she saw the smiling Misumi Uika. Her mouth dropped open, wide enough to fit a donut.
Uika-chan was actually very close with a man whose face she couldn't see, right downstairs from the company!!!
As partners who debuted together, the two had a very close relationship, but Sumita Mana had never seen Misumi Uika wear such a bright smile for her.
"Ah, they're standing so close and making a peace sign."
That's going too far!
She confirmed that this was a privilege she did not share.
Sumita Mana suddenly recalled an angry remark Uika-chan had once made in front of her.
"I never thought being an idol was a happy thing."
The agency strictly forbade their idols from dating; it was absolutely prohibited.
Because if the fans found out, there would inevitably be a massive drop in followers.
Not being an idol removed this restriction.
She felt exasperated.
While she was mourning the end of Uika-chan's performance career, the girl had already started a sweet romance.
"Date him! Cut ties completely with the past!"
What seamless transition?
.
.
.
Misumi Uika was visibly happy, unable to stop smiling.
The photo from ten years ago finally got an update.
Uika loved taking pictures because photos were a form of record, capable of carrying her thoughts.
It was something she could pull out and look at when she was feeling exhausted alone—a pillar of spiritual support.
"Sorry, Hachiman, I got a little carried away."
Misumi Uika felt slightly embarrassed looking at the over 150 new photos she took with Hachiman on her phone.
The midday sun was a bit strong.
Hikigaya Hachiman indulged Uika's antics. It was easy and pleasant to be around a friend with whom there was no distance.
"By the way, Uika, send me some of the photos. I want to show Komachi."
Komachi would surely be thrilled to learn that their childhood playmate had been found.
"Okay."
Misumi Uika put her cap back on, her eyes curved in a smile.
"I'll send them to you later."
With that, the two walked into the company building together.
Sumita Mana, who had been standing there with a long face, finally saw the beloved Uika end her display of affection. God knew she thought the sky had fallen.
"I can't even eat my donuts today."
She immediately rushed forward and hugged Misumi Uika, rubbing her head against her.
She looked like an abandoned puppy.
"Uika-chan, don't leave me! I'll give you all my donuts."
"Jeez, Mana-chan."
Misumi Uika could only pat her head, looking slightly helpless.
"I never said I was going to leave you."
She turned to Hikigaya Hachiman next to her and said,
"Hachiman, this is Mana. She's my partner in the group."
Hikigaya Hachiman's impression of Sumita Mana came from her earlier questioning of their company president in front of so many people about the unfair treatment of Misumi Uika.
'Their bond must be incredibly strong.'
Hikigaya Hachiman felt a bit resigned.
'And stop staring at me secretly. Staring won't help.'
From his perspective, he could clearly see Sumita Mana, who was embracing Misumi Uika, glaring fiercely with her black eyes.
This inexplicable hostility only made Hikigaya Hachiman laugh more.
'I wasn't planning on stealing your Uika-chan.'
Sumita Mana held onto Misumi Uika's arm and whispered,
"Uika-chan, who is he?"
Sumita Mana, now seeing Hikigaya Hachiman up close, remembered him as the kind person who forcefully interrupted their president's tirade earlier.
"He's my friend."
Misumi Uika found it a bit funny. She could sense that Sumita Mana was somewhat "jealous" of Hachiman.
"Hmph.
Why didn't Mana know him?"
As partners who debuted together, they had practically eaten and slept together since the beginning. They were both very familiar with each other's social circles.
Why had a boy with such a close relationship with little Hatsu suddenly appeared out of nowhere?
Misumi Uika whispered a gentle lie.
"We mostly chat online, and only occasionally meet in person."
Misumi Uika felt apologetic inside. She couldn't very well say that Hachiman came first, could she?
Although Hikigaya Hachiman overheard the two girls' whispering, he wasn't intentionally listening.
He just happened to hear it.
Indeed, this kind of close female friendship was more interesting.
Misumi Uika noticed Sumita Mana looked confused about Hachiman walking into the company's restricted area with them, so she clarified beforehand,
"He is the president's guest, and he has business with the president."
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In the company president's office, President Takamura rubbed his eyes. Others might think his job was easy.
But as his company grew in size, it meant he was more likely to come into the sights of certain mega-corporations.
He only became more cautious.
If he didn't comply, the opposing party could easily swallow their company whole, like a big fish eating a small one.
And the Shinomiya Group was an existence they couldn't afford to provoke.
If it weren't under duress, who would willingly sideline their company's leading talent?
Misumi Uika and Sumita Mana's group was the most outstanding one among their agencies.
The incident started when a product Misumi Uika was originally endorsing had a schedule that overlapped with a product the Shinomiya Group later wanted her to endorse.
Out of contractual integrity, Misumi Uika certainly couldn't abandon her original endorsement to work with the Shinomiya Group's product.
It should have been a minor issue; endorsement schedule conflicts were common and could be resolved by simply pushing back the date slightly.
But the situation escalated beyond President Takamura's expectations. The Shinomiya Group actually took offense, believing this rookie was looking down on them.
Thus, the message conveyed to him privately by their company representative was:
'If this newcomer won't obey, then make her suffer a bit.'
So overbearing.
Yet, President Takamura had no choice but to comply.
Regardless of the vast difference in scale with the Shinomiya Group, they were the rule-makers of the money game in Japan. Being both a player and a referee, he simply couldn't win.
However, President Takamura largely suspected they were trying to poach his talent.
He had received news that Shinomiya's second son, Shinomiya Seiryū, was consolidating several of his entertainment companies.
He needed marketable idols to hold the fort, and Misumi Uika clearly had considerable potential as an idol.
Given the Shinomiya Group's scale, promoting an idol would be exceptionally easy.
President Takamura was convinced that this was a deliberate attempt to force him, the former employer, to abandon Misumi Uika, making it easier for her to transfer to the Shinomiya Group.
Especially after receiving a notice from the Shinomiya family, he was even more certain of his theory.
Use dirty tactics to make her life difficult, then pretend to be helpful by throwing her a bone, making her grateful.
Isn't that the standard tactic of large families for managing subordinates?
"Miss Misumi and the others have arrived."
President Takamura heard his secretary's communication and immediately said,
"Let them in."
His role today was just as a messenger.
In short, he was delivering a final ultimatum from the Shinomiya Group to Misumi Uika.
"President."
Initially, President Takamura wanted to keep a stern face, looking angry.
But he was surprised to see that following Misumi Uika was not just Sumita Mana.
There was also another individual, a lord whom he absolutely couldn't afford to offend.
Before President Takamura could speak, Hikigaya Hachiman directly addressed him.
"President Takamura, I hope the incident just now didn't frighten you too much?"
"Thank you for your concern, I am fine."
President Takamura was shaking like a sieve, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
He now understood why there were rumors in the industry that this great author was not to be trifled with. It was clearly true.
The man was associated with Japan's largest privileged organization, and his background was staggeringly powerful.
His small company's size and social status did not entitle him to know the man's name.
But President Takamura knew that this person could crush their company just as easily as the Shinomiya Group.
"May I ask what business you have with me?"
"I have just found an excellent song, and I need you to organize musicians to further refine the score and have the band members produce the song as quickly as possible."
Hikigaya Hachiman thought that to improve work efficiency, he needed to get this company moving.
The Donut Lady beside him was stunned.
What was the background of little Uika-chan's boyfriend?
Even their company president was acting submissive.
The president even took out a pen and paper, meticulously recording every word Uika-chan's boyfriend said.
Recalling the scene where their president was speechless after being confronted by him earlier, her curiosity grew even more.
"Thank you for your hard work, President Takamura, that's all I needed to discuss."
"Uika, thank you for your warm hospitality today."
After finishing his official business, Hikigaya Hachiman didn't forget to mention Uika.
"President Takamura, I now understand why your company is developing so well; it's inseparable from your excellent artists."
"No, you flatter me."
President Takamura sighed internally. The compliment was clearly a roundabout way of focusing on Misumi Uika.
Misumi Uika and Mr. Hikigaya knew each other and were close.
President Takamura would be blind not to see that.
The subconscious implication just now was that Misumi Uika belonged to him.
'Oh my god, Miss Misumi, if your boyfriend has such a powerful background, why didn't you let us know sooner?'
It would have prevented the situation from becoming so complicated.
President Takamura could only offer a forced smile.
Hikigaya Hachiman left the office after speaking.
"I apologize, President. I said things I shouldn't have in public earlier."
Once only the three of them were left in the office, Sumita Mana immediately apologized.
Looking back, she realized she had been impulsive.
Too many outsiders were present. If word got out, it would severely affect Uika and their group, Sumimi.
"It's fine, it's all in the past."
With Hikigaya Hachiman's "advice," President Takamura could only swallow his bitterness and pretend nothing happened.
"Sumita, you may leave."
This conversation was primarily for Misumi Uika and did not concern Sumita Mana.
"Mana-chan, I'll be fine."
Misumi Uika smiled at Sumita Mana, reassuring her.
"Misumi, you have a good friend."
President Takamura looked at Misumi Uika.
"Yes, President, I will cherish him."
Misumi Uika hadn't expected Hachiman to speak on her behalf after finishing his official business.
"The company also has its difficulties. We absolutely did not intend to cut off your resources."
Misumi Uika didn't hold any grudges against the company; they had provided significant help when she first debuted.
She simply wanted to honor her contract. The situation was truly an undeserved disaster.
"Just as your friend said, you are an excellent artist. In fact, I called you here today because I want you to seize an opportunity."
President Takamura took out a white, gold-embossed envelope from his drawer.
The symbol on it was the Shinomiya family crest.
"You will find a bigger stage there."
Misumi Uika opened the envelope and read the letter. However, it read more like a notice than an invitation, filled with a condescending tone.
The Shinomiya family was hosting a banquet tomorrow evening, inviting socialites from all walks of life.
The invitation instructed Misumi Uika to perform as part of the entertainment, along with artists from Seiryu Entertainment Co., to sing for the esteemed guests.
As Hikigaya Hachiman walked out of the company building, he received a text message from a mysterious source.
"Hachiman, I'll pick you up tomorrow at seven in the evening.
By the way, remember to wear formal attire."
Going to kill a Curse in formal attire? Was it to let them go out with dignity?
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