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Chapter 48. He Gave Way Too Much.jpg
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Of course, what effect Pucci's post would have was a matter for later.
For Pucci and his team now, finishing the remaining episodes of "Phantom Blood" was the most important task.
Everything else had to be put aside.
After all, the uproar on the internet over Zeppeli's death happened precisely because everyone loved "Phantom Blood," liked the characters, and couldn't bear to see them die in such a manner.
Otherwise, if it was just an ordinary character being written off, or someone detestable like Makoto Ito, everyone would be cheering rather than feeling sad and upset.
This was why Pucci's few small accounts could quell the uproar so easily.
It wasn't that the audience of this parallel world hadn't encountered Pucci's despicable tactics and didn't know how to guard against them.
The core issue was simply that.
Jolyne Cujoh had previously told them not to worry about the outside noise and to focus on shooting the rest of the plot… Maybe she realized this too, which was why she said it.
Pucci thought to himself.
Jolyne Cujoh: I did not! I wasn't thinking that! Don't jump to conclusions!!
But before this...
"Don't be nervous, Shiroyasha-san."
Pucci pushed a fully packed, devilishly intimidating Supreme Strawberry Ice Cream Parfait across the table. "Have something to calm your nerves."
"Nervous? ...Hahaha, what are you talking about, Pucci-san!?"
Shivering, he picked up the spoon placed beside the parfait and, after much effort, managed to get a scoop of ice cream to his mouth, spilling a lot in the process. Shiroyasha, covered in sweat and patting his still trembling thigh, said, "Surely you're not misinterpreting this?"
Still unable to stop his thigh from shaking despite constantly patting it, Shiroyasha said with a straight face, "As you can see, it's a rare kind of rheumatism."
"?"
"Whenever I get excited, my Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon activates its powerful engine, making my thigh move! In other words…"
At this point, Shiroyasha spoke with a serious expression, "It's instinct!"
-- Instinct!? What instinct!?
Internally, Shiroyasha, not as serious as he looked, was in turmoil.
-- And what's with the Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon!?
-- Is this rheumatism thing even related to what I said above!?
-- And why am I talking about my Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon having rheumatism!? Isn't that implying something else!?
Shiroyasha was in despair, especially since he could overhear faint chuckles from the next table.
-- No! I'm still young, I don't want rumors about me having erectile dysfunction spreading!!
"I see..."
"Yes, that's it."
Shiroyasha replied coolly but was internally collapsing.
-- That's it… What the hell is that!?
-- What on earth am I babbling about!?
-- Forget it, just apologize! Forget male pride, just apologize!!
Yes, the cause of all this had to be traced back to a short while ago.
As usual.
With the ID "Shiroyasha," real name Gintoki Sakata, he was happily surfing the internet at home, watching videos, and occasionally taking a side gig to bash the popular "Phantom Blood."
Though he liked the work deep down.
Unfortunately, his wallet didn't allow him to impose his preferences on his job.
So, without much guilt, Gintoki finished the task.
After receiving the client's final payment, he joyfully went to the pachinko parlor to indulge himself.
Then, back on his account, he received a new private message…
"A big business deal, requiring a face-to-face meeting?"
Yes, a message that, no matter how you look at it, seemed suspicious.
Normally, Gintoki wouldn't respond to such a message.
When taking side gigs, they usually communicate through private messages online; there's no need for a face-to-face meeting.
Actually, people in this line of work never meet in person.
So, Gintoki took the side gig again…
Because the amount offered was simply too much, including travel and meal expenses.
For Gintoki, who had just lost all his recently earned money at the pachinko parlor and urgently needed funds, it was irresistible.
So, holding the travel expense sent by the other party, Gintoki arrived at this restaurant, ordered the Supreme Strawberry Ice Cream Parfait he couldn't afford before, and waited for the client.
Now, seeing and recognizing who this "client" really was, he finally understood…
Why this reward was so generous?
Why he had to meet in person and not just chat online.
It turned out to be a trap.
Realizing he had likely fallen into a trap set by this terrifying man in front of him, and might even get axed if he gave the signal, Gintoki resigned himself and said, "I'm sor..."
"Well, would you be interested in becoming the main character in our new work?"
"..."
"...!!?"