Tokyo Wingman King

Motoi Nakaoka, a 48-year-old unmarried man from Kagoshima.

Right after graduating from junior high school, he took a ferry to Tokyo to make his way in the world.

In that era, many people aspired to become music superstars like Keisuke Kuwata.

He entered the Japanese music scene smoothly thanks to his talent for humming random tunes in his spare time, but his music career was not as smooth as he had imagined.

At the age of 16, realizing his limited connections, Nakaoka worked as an unpaid apprentice for six months. To save money to study music theory and vocal music, he slept only 3 hours a day, ate one meal a day, and worked two unpaid jobs.

At 26, realizing his limited looks and singing ability, Nakaoka gave up his enka career and focused on composing music behind the scenes, earning a chance to provide soundtracks for a television station. Unfortunately, the television executive who appreciated him was soon dismissed due to a sex scandal, leaving him once again an unappreciated employee.

At 36, realizing his limited business acumen, Nakaoka abandoned his dream of starting his own music studio after two failed entrepreneurial ventures. He returned to his former employer, barely scraping by on meager earnings.

At 46, realizing his limited musical talent, Nakaoka changed course again, switching jobs to try his hand at business operations. He was responsible for organizing music festivals, operating livehouses, and producing music programs for the new company. Unfortunately, the president successfully absconded with the funds the following year, leaving Nakaoka to waste three months on projects that were on the verge of failure.

At less than 50 years old, an age when he should be taking risks, Nakaoka finally began to consider retiring.

He felt that his life was like a string of out-of-tune, chaotic notes played by an exhausted monkey. It seemed that he was the only one in the entire Japanese music industry who had experienced the lost thirty years.

Perhaps returning to Kagoshima to become a music teacher would be more suitable for him.
However, on the very day he bought his Shinkansen ticket back to Kyushu, he received an offer he couldn't refuse—to become the manager of a yakuza heiress.

The total contract amount is 2 million yen, with an annual salary of approximately 3000 million yen. For someone who has been in the music industry for 31 years without any well-known works or experience working with any big-name artists, this is an irresistible opportunity.

As for the yakuza, he wasn't worried about what kind of threats or difficulties he might face. He wasn't a gang member, but because of his ugly face, which was comparable to Takeshi Kitano's, and his past experiences, most people assumed that he had a close relationship with the yakuza.

When he was 16 and so poor he couldn't even afford to eat, he saved up for tuition by working as a bouncer and moving goods at a nightclub. He worked for 450 yen an hour for six months straight—this nightclub was run by the third generation of the Shinazugawa family.

At 26, he had gained some fame by providing music for television programs. Through a friend of his former boss, he was put in charge of producing the first album for a teenage idol. Although he knew it was a fourth-hand subcontract and he wouldn't make any money from it, he still poured his heart and soul into it. Unfortunately, the album received a lukewarm reception, and the idol went into adult entertainment a year later—this artist was rumored to be heavily promoted by the second generation of the Shinazugawa family.

At 36, before being reduced to penniless, he earned most of the money for his company by taking on freelance projects. For example, he wrote theme songs for a hotel brand and designed ambient music systems for various areas of a resort—both of which belonged to the Shinazugawa family.

He realized early on that he had been benefiting from the Shinazugawa family's influence, but this most famous yakuza clan in Kanto had never controlled him under the guise of "helping".

Throughout, knowing his own limitations as a minor figure, he never used this relationship to cause trouble for the Shinazugawa family.

Therefore, when the task of becoming Rize Shinazugawa's manager was presented to him, he accepted it without any hesitation.

This might be his only chance to repay the kindness of the Shinazugawa family.

The Shinazugawa family had only one request of him: to accompany the eldest daughter of the Shinazugawa family in venting her vast, chaotic, and turbulent passion—like a school of sardines in the ocean—before she got married.

But he and everyone else underestimated the girl.

Whether it's talent, passion, or the energy behind it.

Nakaoka took two heart medication pills before he recovered.

Even someone who has done nothing wrong would inevitably scream if someone suddenly stood by their bedside in the middle of the night.

The balcony door was open. It's impossible for someone to enter the room from the 17th-floor balcony. Perhaps they thought the room smelled too bad? So they left the door open to let in some fresh air?

Nakaoka changed his clothes and followed tonight's uninvited guest into the living room.

Anyone with eyes can see that Asama Shizumi is Rize's sweetheart.

Some well-informed people knew a little about the inside story—this boy who attended the same prestigious school as Rise Shinazugawa was the heir of a powerful family and a guest of honor of the Shinazugawa family.

Last week, he heard a rumor, whether true or false, that during the summer vacation this year, the head of the Shinazugawa family stood at his doorstep waiting for him for 40 minutes.

This is the Shinazugawa family! I heard that even when the former president of the Tokyo real estate tycoon Mori Group visited the Shinazugawa family two years ago, he didn't receive this kind of treatment.

This shows just how terrifying the true identity of this seemingly approachable yet aloof and serious young nobleman who has participated in several performances is!
So there's no need to be surprised.

Isn't it perfectly natural for someone like that to find their place and sneak in unnoticed?

People in the lower classes have always been unguarded and unable to guard against those in the upper classes.

As for why young master Asama is so concerned about young lady Shinazugawa, frequently seeking her out for information and offering various suggestions...
Perhaps he is the legendary betrothed?
I heard last year that she had a fiancé.

I initially thought she was resistant to the engagement, which is why she ran away from home, busking on the streets and forming a rock band.

Unexpectedly, it was a two-way street: the young drummer who showed his face in public, and the young lady who was the lead singer of the band, or rather, the yakuza lady who was now the guitarist.

They are indeed a good match.

However, if we're talking about being engaged, Asama-sama and Rise are a bit too far apart, while Asama-sama is a bit too close to other wealthy young ladies.

Surely the man in front of me isn't the type of fiancé who's fickle, controlling, and enjoys playing mind games?
"Why are you dazed?"

"Oh, I'll go make some tea right away."

Nakaoka's suggestion to make tea was rejected. The young man sat imposingly on the sofa and asked...
"Are you aware of Shinazugawa's schedule for today?"

The boy's voice was much more mature than his face, and he had a strange air of authority about him.

The speeches of those high-ranking politicians and incredibly wealthy businessmen who frequently appear on television are not as convincing as a few words from a teenager.

Last time, Nakaoka discovered that looking directly into a boy's eyes makes one unable to help but admire and believe him.

But the boy didn't seem to like being stared at for too long; it seemed that more than 10 seconds was an offense to him.

Perhaps this is a habit of those in positions of power.

"Rize is attending classes as usual today. This afternoon she will be helping to film the commercial that you recommended, young master Asama."

"What about tonight?"

"Evenings are her personal time, I'm not sure about that. I'll ask her for you tomorrow?"

"Never mind if you don't know. When will the mineral water ad go live?"

Nakaoka knew that this advertisement was a resource that Asama had obtained from the Sumitomo family, with the aim of further boosting Rise Shinazugawa's popularity.

This made Nakaoka even more curious about the identity of this young master Asama and what price he paid to get Asahi Corporation, or rather Sumitomo Corporation, to agree to sign that exorbitant charity contract.

Nobles and commoners live in two different worlds. Perhaps, such a contract worth hundreds of millions is just as polite as an ordinary person going to a friend's house to pick up two boxes of milk.

I heard from an acquaintance at Asahi TV that many prominent aristocratic classmates went to support the young lady of the Shinazugawa family on the day she filmed the commercial.

Unfortunately, due to his limited knowledge and connections, he was unaware of how many other figures like Asama were standing behind Rise and supporting her.

Nakaoka steadied himself.

"It can be launched next Monday. The latest outdoor ads will be on display this weekend." "Hmm, any progress on the interviews with *ViVi* and *SPUR*?"

"I won't be able to make it to the September issue the day after tomorrow, but everyone says that the October issue might be even more popular than the September issue. It's mainly because your suggestions were a great help."

The magazine interview also seemed to have been arranged by this young master Asama, but Miss Rize was unaware of it.

Although Nakaoka was on the fringes of the music industry, he was well-versed in the fashion world. This was the first time he had ever seen such big-name magazines so eager and humble, offering their space to seek collaborations.

It's hard to believe that all these record companies, entertainment companies, media companies, production companies, and event companies have recently given the Death Samurai band the green light. Snack sellers, musical instrument sellers, outdoor equipment sellers, travel agencies, restaurants, and various advertisers have all come knocking on their door, specifically asking Ms. Rize to be their spokesperson.

Nakaoka became even more convinced of one thing—

Asama Shizusui is indeed the man behind Shinazugawa Rize!
Even if 80% of these were arranged by the head of the Shinazugawa family, they are still inextricably linked to Asama, who visited the Shinazugawa family at the end of last month!

Otherwise, why weren't these resources provided when Death Warriors released their first album?

“Young Master Asama, if you are interested in carrying out these matters, I will submit a detailed report to you tomorrow. Your health is not good; staying up late would be harmful.”

Nakaoka once thought of himself as an arrogant and aloof person who disdained social niceties.

Looking back now, it turns out I just hadn't met a benefactor.

Things that were once too embarrassing to say become as easy as drinking water when spoken in front of important people.

"Dead Samurai has been doing well lately, but one person's success doesn't guarantee a bright future. I've drafted a few suggestions for the development of the others; you and your team should discuss them carefully."

"Okay, okay! I'll call a meeting tomorrow."

"Mr. Nakaoka, I heard that someone in the band isn't feeling well. As a manager, isn't it my duty to help the band members with their problems?"

"Of course, of course. Young Master Asama, the state you described doesn't seem right. You wouldn't be referring to Shiina, would you?"

"Do you know why?"

"It seems she recently bought a counterfeit product, and her efforts to seek redress haven't been successful. I've advised her many times to avoid buying musical instruments from Mercari and never to confirm payment in advance."

Nakaoka glanced at the expressionless Asama and added with a hint of regret,
"If all else fails, I'll give her a free one."

"Do as you please. Letting her pay for her lesson isn't out of the question. What about Shinazugawa? Is she feeling unwell?"

"Rise is doing well. It's just that she seems to be working on a new album recently, which has taken up a lot of her practice time. Normally, even if the quality doesn't decline, releasing albums frequently is reckless. It's even more detrimental to the sales of existing albums. Even an EP should be released at the end of the year."

Death Samurai's second album just surpassed 10 physical copies sold this week, while the digital album, priced at 1000 yen, has sold an even larger 130 million copies, making double platinum status imminent.

The company's top priority is to capitalize on the album's popularity with follow-up promotions such as livehouse events, music festivals, concerts, and fan meetings.

We already included a charity album today.

Nakaoka believes that it would be wise to release "Plan A," which Shinazugawa mentioned, at the earliest in the second half of next year.

Unfortunately, the entire Death Samurai band obeyed Rize Shinazugawa's every word and completely disregarded the company's arrangements.

This undoubtedly added more pressure to those members who weren't geniuses—like Ms. Majima, who always stayed in the practice room for two extra hours and had a pale face.

"How about Asama-sama tries to persuade Rise?"

"Yes, I will. How are Okubo and Koyanagi doing?"

"Ms. Majima asked you to ask, right? Tell her not to worry. They're just having trouble getting famous lately. They'll get used to it. Being treated like an ATM by friends and family, being approached by a bunch of people who can't tell good from bad, being criticized online, and being spied on by paparazzi—when I was their age, I couldn't even get these kinds of treatments."

"Is it possible that they don't want to be famous, they just want to play music?"

"Are you worried that they might drop the ball at the most crucial stage of Rise's career, or are you advising them to withdraw as soon as possible?"

"I'd like to hear your opinion on the two of them."

"Excuse my bluntness, but in any band, there's only one truly watchable member. If there are two or more, they'll definitely break up. Koyanagi and Okubo are the kind of bands that are unlikely to break up. Of course, I'm not saying they're not good, but there are at least a three-digit list of bands with similar skill levels, not just nationwide, but even in Tokyo alone."

But I believe your and Rise's talents are extremely rare, even worldwide.

"Is that all the evaluation of them?"

"It's no wonder I think that way. If it weren't for Rize, Okubo would be rehearsing in the church choir, and Koyanagi would be drumming for those damn gay guys in a jazz bar."

"It seems you don't have any ideas about their future. If you have limited abilities, after reading my development suggestions, find some time to talk to the band's leader. She should know what to do."

Upon hearing Asama's words, Nakaoka nearly fainted from fright.

While criticizing Okubo and Koyanagi for being mediocre, aren't I just as mediocre as they are?
"Young Master Asama...it's me."

"Any comments?"

"No good one yet. I'll call a meeting in a bit and give you the plan by noon tomorrow."

"No need to rush, let's balance work and rest. Just give me the proposal by 6 pm tomorrow. By the way, you mentioned before that some old fogies from the Shinazugawa family didn't seem willing to provide resources for the Death Samurai Band, what happened to that?"

"This was resolved a long time ago, but as you know, Ms. Rize herself doesn't want to do too many endorsements, and she's even less interested in promoting her own brand. If it weren't for you, I don't think Rize would have accepted the mineral water advertisement either."

"Understood, get some rest."

"Hi!"

When Zhonggang looked up, the young nobleman opposite him had vanished.

Nakaoka looked up at the chandelier on the ceiling, patted his face, and wondered if he had encountered a ghost tonight.

Seeing that the files on his phone were indeed there, Nakaoka, who was preparing to stay up all night, breathed a sigh of relief.

Not yet 50, it's the perfect age to strive!
After jumping three times, Asama returned to the ground from Nakaoka's balcony.

It's time to find a hotel to sleep. I didn't get enough sleep yesterday, and the [Calm and Composed] buff that I'd been maintaining for so long just disappeared, leaving me feeling confused.

The problem between Koyanagi and Okubo is not theoretically solved, but it is essentially resolved.

Hopefully, Mr. Nakaoka will put in the effort and not let him down.

Then the phone rang again—judging from the ringtone, it should be Takishima calling.

Are you on American time? Do you know what time it is?

"Master, that inspector has already confessed." (End of Chapter)