Otaku Translation: Absolute Number One C106

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Chapter 106: The Talk Show

"Chihara-sensei, I’m so sorry for causing trouble for everyone!"

Sugano Makoto bowed deeply as soon as he entered the office and remained frozen in that position. He clearly understood the gravity of his past scandal resurfacing at such a critical time for the show. Chihara Rinto quickly walked around the desk, helped him up, and guided him to the sofa with a smile. "It’s not really trouble, no need to apologize. It’s still unclear who this is targeting."

His words weren’t entirely polite formalities. As the saying goes, fame attracts scrutiny, and success invites envy. Chihara suspected foul play from within TEB or even rival networks like , , or Fuji TV. The sudden surge in ’s ratings made it a prime target for underhanded competition. Sugano Makoto was merely being used as a pawn to exploit.

Moreover, this situation wasn’t truly troublesome. During his studies, Chihara had taken a course titled , which taught leveraging various promotional channels and strategies to boost a work’s visibility and shape favorable public opinion. —turning adversity into opportunity through strategic publicity—was a common practice in the industry. By the 21st century, it had even become a university-level subject. So, this wasn’t anything extraordinary.

Once seated on the sofa, Sugano finished apologizing without a trace of self-pity, maintaining composure while bowing slightly again. Chihara poured him some tea and continued with a smile, "That said, while it’s not a major issue, we still need to resolve this quickly—the sooner, the better. We can’t let public opinion spiral out of control. I hope you’ll cooperate, Sugano-san."

"Of course, I understand, Chihara-sensei," Sugano replied earnestly. This was his responsibility after all. "Even a public apology wouldn’t be out of the question."

"Do you think you did something wrong back then?"

"No, I don’t regret hitting that person."

"Then why are you willing to apologize publicly?"

"I can’t let such a phenomenal drama be ruined because of me." Sugano smiled candidly. "This is the result of many people’s hard work. I don’t have the right to destroy it."

Chihara chuckled inwardly. This guy really had a sense of responsibility and undeniable charisma. He’d have to keep an eye on him to prevent any romantic entanglements with women around him. Handing over a document, he said, "No need to go that far. Just follow this plan."

Sugano glanced at the paper and hesitated momentarily. "Participate in an NHK talk show?"

"That’s correct," Chihara confirmed with a grin. "And it would be best if Komori-san joins too. She’s also involved in this matter."

The resurrection of this old incident was undoubtedly damaging. However, Sugano hadn’t assaulted someone out of inherent cruelty or a penchant for violence—it was situational. Moreover, he had already paid a heavy price by being blacklisted for nearly seven years. These facts needed to be communicated effectively to the public, reframing his image from a violent entertainer to a redeemed individual who learned from shame and grew stronger. Once the public embraced this narrative, the controversy would naturally subside—and might even elevate Hanzawa Naoki’s profile further.

As for appearing on NHK’s talk show, it was purely coincidental. Initially, Chihara had arranged interviews on several Kanto United TV programs. But due to Hanzawa Naoki’s social impact, NHK expressed interest in interviewing him about the creative process behind the series. Seizing the opportunity, Chihara coordinated with them to include Sugano Makoto as well.

Unlike commercial stations, NHK prioritized public awareness and societal issues over ratings. Often dormant, it sprang into action during major events or election seasons. As Japan’s taxpayer-funded neutral voice, NHK enjoyed far greater credibility than Kanto United TV, which was notorious for hawking non-stick pans. Chihara believed airing their message via NHK was more effective. Additionally, since the program was pre-recorded with a script, negotiations were possible to ensure mutual benefit. Even if NHK deviated from the script mid-recording, attempting ambush tactics, they could simply walk away—with minimal repercussions.

After briefly explaining the plan, Chihara handed the document to Sugano, who nodded silently, showing no objections. In fact, Sugano felt it might actually be beneficial to ease his girlfriend’s long-standing guilt—Komori Hinako had always blamed herself for her boyfriend’s career struggles, frequently overwhelmed by remorse over the incident.

Continuing to scan the document, he noticed a string of upcoming talk show appearances, including one peculiar entry that caught his attention. "You’re also planning to have Hinako appear on ?" he asked in confusion.

Chihara Rinto smirked mischievously. "It’ll deepen your bond—a nice bonus."

Just as Komori Hinako was included in the NHK interview plan, Chihara believed the key to resolving this issue didn’t lie with him or Sugano Makoto but rather with Komori Hinako herself. She was the reasonable justification for Sugano’s momentary lapse in judgment—the root cause behind his public altercation. If she performed convincingly, public opinion could shift dramatically. The audience would sympathize with Sugano’s seven-year industry exile, dismissing the past scandal as trivial.

Thus, not only would she publicly clarify the facts on NHK, but she’d also join nearly every program they arranged, showcasing her relationship with Sugano while subtly boosting ratings for Human Observation. While Hanzawa Naoki remained their primary focus, Human Observation deserved some attention too—it could ride the wave of publicity, achieving two goals at once.

The plan contained numerous additional steps, including identifying the local police station responsible for handling the original case. Their archived records would serve as evidence to support Sugano’s redemption narrative. Chihara doubted whoever orchestrated this smear campaign possessed enough influence to tamper with official police documentation.

Once everything was settled, Sugano quickly called Komori Hinako, who arrived with tear-streaked eyes. Without hesitation, she agreed to help, eager to do anything for her boyfriend. Her expression suggested she’d willingly hang herself live on NHK if it meant resolving this crisis for him.

Sugano comforted her gently, a scene that made Chihara Rinto feel a twinge of discomfort—and perhaps a touch of envy. He found himself longing for a partner like that—someone loyal, steadfast, and unwavering through thick and thin. Would Hakuba Neiko stand by him similarly if he ever faced misfortune? From what he knew of her, her kind-hearted nature seemed even stronger than Komori Hinako’s.

"Probably," he thought to himself. "She seems like the type who would."

---

Once discussions concluded, they acted swiftly, aiming to quell the growing storm before it escalated further. Chihara remained preoccupied, pondering who orchestrated this scheme. He doubted coincidence, suspecting either the tabloid seeking attention or deliberate sabotage. His primary suspects were TEB, owing to past grievances, and Nippon TV, whose top spot Hanzawa Naoki usurped. Ishii Jiro and his sister also came to mind, though he lacked the resources to investigate thoroughly. For now, he maintained suspicion, vowing retaliation should evidence emerge. A firm believer in the adage "kindness invites exploitation," he staunchly defended his interests, refusing to endure injustice silently.

Retaliation, he reasoned, was essential—even if circumstances dictated temporary restraint, vengeance would inevitably come. Yet anger was unnecessary; rage signified weakness. While confident in resolving matters calmly, the disruption to filming schedules irked him.

By late afternoon, they headed to NHK, meeting with the producer of a prominent current affairs talk show. After verifying evidence, the producer expressed cooperation, fostering goodwill with Chihara. Filming commenced the next day, with Chihara meticulously overseeing every detail—from rehearsed lines to reviewing raw footage—to ensure no harmful edits could arise. Satisfied, he thanked the producer sincerely.

NHK’s neutrality stemmed from its focus on news rather than entertainment. Having ceded the latter domain to commercial rivals, it concentrated on investigative journalism, often scrutinizing politicians more zealously than producing dramas. Its indifference to entertainment ratings minimized animosity toward Kanto United TV. Internally, NHK’s complexity mirrored its intense internal politics, with diverse factions holding varied stances.

Subsequently, Chihara escorted Sugano and Komori to various Kanto United TV interviews, including taping for Human Observation. Their goal was a concentrated media blitz before Episode Five aired, ensuring no adverse impact on its anticipated high ratings.

After two hectic days, their efforts bore fruit when NHK’s current affairs segment aired first. News production typically moved swiftly, and NHK spared no expense in crafting polished content.

Sugano Makoto’s crisis management campaign had officially begun!

............

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