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Chapter 28. This Blond Guy is Suspicious
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"Is anyone there?"
"I happen to have a new job."
This conversation was happening in a private chat group for content creators.
"If anyone is interested, please DM me. By the way, the payment from the sponsor this time is very generous."
Hata Kousaku, who had also joined this chat and was active on video platforms as a content creator, saw this message immediately. Thinking about Kusakabe Yuka's concert scheduled for next month and lacking the funds for the event, Kousaku did not hesitate to send a private message.
"May I ask what kind of job this is?"
Kousaku asked curiously, "I remember there shouldn't be any hot new anime airing recently, right?"
In this era where even good wine fears being hidden deep in an alley, creators had to consider how to successfully get their works in front of the audience despite numerous obstacles from industry peers. Meanwhile, viewers had to figure out how to find the works they wanted to watch among a mix of quality.
Although the simplest method was for viewers to watch all the works themselves to naturally know which ones suited their tastes, this method had issues beyond just time costs. Accidentally following a bad show could spoil their mood for several days, deterring them from wanting to watch more.
Moreover, even if viewers encountered a bad show, they couldn't be sure whether the early flaws were setup for a later payoff or if the story would have a dramatic turnaround later on. These possibilities existed in works that hadn't finished airing yet.
Under these circumstances, following works featuring certain actors, produced by specific studios, or directed by particular supervisors became the common choice for most viewers. Additionally, selecting works based on online reviews was another viable method. This latter approach was the job of anime review content creators like them.
Whether they wanted to simply promote their favorite works or were paid to either discredit or hype up a certain show, it was within their scope of work.
"It's you, Kousaku. You've asked the right person. Have you seen the recently aired 'Phantom Blood'?"
The reply was quick. Perhaps due to being old acquaintances, the response was direct and to the point: "Although it's an advance-released work, it seems very popular, so someone has commissioned a few videos specifically to criticize it."
"How about it? Interested? The payment this time is 100,000 yen!"
These tempting words made Kousaku's heart pound even through the phone screen.
100,000 yen could potentially cover the concert ticket costs. Plus, this job wasn't particularly difficult. In an industry rife with homogeneity, finding a work's strengths might be hard, but spotting its flaws was incredibly easy!
Especially for an early-released work. It seemed like the sudden popularity was due to the other side hiring people like them to create a buzz.
Thus, already very interested in the job, Kousaku quickly replied in the chat: "Are there still spots for this job? Count me in!"
"Alright, consider yourself in."
Having received the advance payment, Kousaku started watching the anime.
"As expected, another clichéd romance."
Approaching with a critical mindset, Kousaku quickly picked up on key points in "Phantom Blood"'s first episode, especially the distinct character introductions. With his many years of anime-watching experience, he easily recognized the plot where JoJo saves Erina.
Despite JoJo claiming it wasn't to earn Erina's gratitude but to become a true gentleman who helps the weak, in reality...
Even if JoJo genuinely believed this, the scriptwriter would steer the story towards a romantic direction between them, which was a basic plot formula.
"So, the blond guy opposite the protagonist is the second male lead?"
"Becoming the Joestar family's adopted son through his father's connections, this spoiled blond and the kind-hearted protagonist becoming brothers, both falling for the same woman... Hmm, I can already imagine how the story will develop."
It couldn't be helped since this plot was a staple in romance dramas.
In other works, he might have just made a few comments, but since he was paid for this job, he had to thoroughly criticize it.
Just as Kousaku decided on his upcoming script in his mind, Dio arrived at the Joestar household in a strange yet captivating manner, jumping off the carriage. Then, he suddenly kicked JoJo's beloved dog, Danny, hard to the ground.
"...Huh?"
Something wasn't right!
"Listen, JoJo. Don't put on airs in front of me just because I moved into your house. I like being the best, and I love being number one! So no one is allowed to show off in front of me!"
"And one more thing, I hate dogs."
"Not that I'm afraid of them; seeing them fawning over people makes me want to puke! Keep that dumb dog Danny away from me!"
"..."
"Huh?!"
This blond guy was really suspicious!
"Although there were some unexpected developments, the essence of a romance drama hasn't changed."
Seeing Dio's arrival ruining JoJo's life and leaving him dejected, Kousaku began doubting his initial guess. Was this not a romance drama but a melodramatic family saga?
However, when Erina reappeared and successfully helped JoJo out of Dio's shadow while catching Dio's attention, he realized his guess was correct. Despite the strange twists, the scriptwriter had steered the story back to a romance drama...
"KONO DIO DA!!"