Tokyo: The evil god doesn't want to be the top star

Chapter 328: Ready-made Villain

The trainees had already heard Xia Fan's fast and fluent rap countless times during the rehearsal last night and had long been numb to it.

The vote gap was originally too big, so they had no competitive spirit towards Xia Fan. Now they were convinced and just wanted to "couch up to him".

"Not bad. Compared with the previous ones, they are not even on the same level..."

"Especially the speaking speed, it feels like 17 SPS, right?!"

But Kato, who was inspecting Xia Fan's "cultivation results" for the first time, seemed to clearly see bullets with smoke trailing across the battlefield slowly but quickly...

In addition to his stable high-speed rap performance, Xia Fan's expression was obviously practiced in front of the mirror. It was colder and more indifferent than usual, with a hint of mischief.

"He's made so much progress in just one night. This kid is so talented. If he came to my studio, maybe he could create a 'handsome rap' show. Unfortunately, he's already signed to the Burning Department..."

"However, this kind of performance is good enough for an idol audition. But according to the standards of a rapper, it always feels like something is missing."

Looking at Xia Fan's performance which was above his level, Kato fell into deep thought.

"It is said that villains gather here and are causing trouble today..."

But the next second, Yayoi Tsuki's charming voice composed an ethereal chorus that captured his heart...

"This terrifying voice that makes people sink into it and cannot extricate themselves has to be Yayoi!"

"Is your hearing really damaged? Your singing ability has improved a lot since you recorded this song two years ago, right?!"

Immersed in the chorus of Yayoi Tsuki, Kato looked intoxicated...

No matter how many times you listen to her singing, it always has an irresistible appeal, a gift that cannot be described by technique, timbre or emotion.

"Ahem, with Yayoi singing the chorus herself, I think your performance is a good enough 'bottom line'."

"But there is still a lot of room for improvement in the rap part..."

"You, you can adjust the rhythm and punctuation, like this..."

"And you, speak more naturally and more coolly, and pay attention to the tone of my rap!"

"I know I'm starting to speak faster at this point, but at least don't spit on your teammates' faces! Today's cameras are all high-definition, and they can capture even the smallest hair. I once had a problem..."

After the rehearsal, Kato flipped through the questions written in his notebook and began one-on-one guidance to the trainees.

"Fast-talking boy... from the perspective of rap itself, there's not much to criticize about your performance..."

"But, after all, you are the center, and your opponent is someone like Yayoi who is a 'conspicuous person', so I will have higher requirements."

"Your performance just now is still far behind Yayoi's. You can't create enough stage tension through 'confrontation'."

When it was Xia Fan's turn, Kato was also a little troubled.

Xia Fan's performance far surpassed that of several other trainees, but he spent most of his time dancing or singing duets with Yayoi Tsuki.

Although his appearance, temperament and charm are not inferior to Yayoi Tsukishima, standing together is even more "talented man and beautiful woman"...

However, Yayoi Tsuki's chorus was too stunning, which made Xia Fan's rap seem ineffective. He was unable to create the composite stunning feeling of the original stage, where the rap and chorus competed with each other, one wave after another.

"I said it yesterday, you're singing 'Villain Role', so you have to become a villain first!"

"Although you have managed your eyes and expression, your whole demeanor seems even more evil and rebellious than yesterday..."

"But your emotions, attitude, and body language are totally inadequate!"

Kato gathered his thoughts and expressed his feelings.

“So, which part should I start with to improve my rap performance?”

"Refine your expression, movements, and tone?"

Xia Fan sincerely asked Kato for advice. He listened to his own rap repeatedly during rehearsal. Even though the rhythm and speed were exactly the same, it still didn't have the lazy, self-centered and rebellious flavor of Kato...

"From my understanding, it's just like acting. The expressions, movements, tone, and emotions when rapping are all natural expressions from the inside out. If you don't have a real attitude and soul in your heart, no matter how you act, it will be fake."

“That’s why I always emphasize that rappers must stay real and be themselves.”

"If people are all fake, how can we convey our inner truth to the audience through rap..."

Perhaps because he recognized Xia Fan's rap talent, Kato rarely showed his calm side and gave a heartfelt lecture.

"What I just said applies to you as well. I hope you can all tap into your emotions a little more."

"Another point is that the lyrics of this song were created by me by rhyming the lyrics written by Yayoi at that time, but this does not completely fit your current mood and artistic conception..."

"So, I encourage you to change the lyrics. Before the official rehearsal, if you have suggestions for changes to your part of the lyrics, you can discuss it with me."

"Of course, I will mercilessly shoot down any creation that is too low quality."

Kato walked to the center of the rehearsal room and loudly reminded the trainees...

"If a person is fake, then he cannot convey the 'truth'?"

Sitting in the corner, silently thinking about Kato's words, Xia Fan seemed to have realized something.

If I use singing as an analogy, my rap is of the type that is "all technique without emotion" and "only body without soul".

"If Xia Fan isn't a villain enough, maybe someone else can..."

Thinking of this, he subconsciously spread out his palms...

Translucent faces flashed across my palm...

It was one of the divine blessings he possessed, the Noh False Face.

"There is no suitable person to create the mask at the moment, and there is no time to create a new mask."

"But speaking of villains, isn't there a ready-made one here?"

The mask flickered a few times before transforming into a handsome male face...

The young master of the ghost clan, Kazama Manye.

"For now, let's give it a try."

As he said this, Xia Fan pressed the fake mask onto his face...

Of course, to others, it looked like he was just rubbing his face in distress.

"Tsk..."

The moment his hand left, Xia Fan's eyes had become evil...

"How dare they let me, the young master, perform Kabuki on stage with this bunch of weaklings, and let them pick and choose me like a commodity..."

He looked around at the "weaklings" in the rehearsal room with an arrogant look as if he were looking at an ant.

"I always feel that Xia Jun's eyes have become so scary..."

"I performed well enough, but OG Kato still criticized me. I would be angry too."

"If you are not crazy, you can't live."

Many trainees who had unconsciously made eye contact with him subconsciously retracted their gazes.

(End of this chapter)