Chapter 113

The friend who composed the music for Junko Arai is named Kana Yano, who is also one of the composers preparing for Junko Arai's new album.

Since Gojo Satoru and Hato Kazuma didn't understand the album release process, Arai Junko also took the opportunity to explain the workflow to them.

For singers in the fiercely competitive Japanese entertainment industry, maintaining exposure throughout the year is extremely important.

They can't be like those famous singers abroad, spending years producing an album, then releasing the title track for promotion and sales, and then moving on to the preparation process for the next album.

Aside from holding concerts or attending other events, there has been absolutely no news about a new album during this period.

Therefore, taking Junko Arasena as an example, she needs to release a new single every three months or so, first promoting it on TV and in record stores, and then performing it live on variety shows—the more popular a singer is, the better the variety show resources they can access.

Then, she would take advantage of the momentum to release a single, continue to appear on various programs to promote it, and prepare for the release of her next new single in the next one to two months.

During this period, they may also hold concerts, take photoshoots, accept performance invitations for programs, and participate in other promotional activities in cooperation with the agency.

After repeating this process about three or four times, Junko Araki would need to release a full-length album—not only including the first three or four singles, but also adding eight or nine new songs.

After releasing her album, Junko Arashi could choose to continue performing her new songs on television programs, but she would also have to immediately begin preparations for her next single.

The album will also be divided into "first edition" and "regular edition". Not only will the contents be slightly different, but the covers will also be basically different. The first edition will also include many free gifts, such as artist cards, calendars, keychains and other small items.

These free gifts will be made in different styles, and fans will need to make repeated purchases to collect them all, which can be considered a form of indirect promotion.

These singles and albums will be included in Oricon, Japan's most well-known music chart, and their sales rankings will be released every Wednesday.

Singles and albums that reach the top of the Oricon charts are those that fans have genuinely bought with their own money, with no element of data manipulation.

Given Junko Arashi's enormous workload each year, it means that during extremely busy periods, she cannot guarantee that every song on the album will be written and composed by herself. She will need to ask others to assist in composing the music, while Junko Arashi writes the lyrics herself.

Even if someone else assisted in composing the music, the proportion of that music in an album should never be too high; only one or two songs appearing occasionally is acceptable to the general public.

After all, she is a singer, and if she doesn't have the ability to create music, the industry will question whether her level can be considered professional.

If she were an idol or a singer who specializes in singing other people's lyrics and compositions, the public's expectations of her would be much lower; as long as her singing ability is up to par, there wouldn't be any problem.

"But singers who can only sing don't have much potential for development."

Araki Junko picked up the steaming hot coffee, quite happy to satisfy Gojo Satoru's curiosity as he took off his sunglasses and blinked his blue eyes at her, sending waves of cuteness through his eyes.

"In the entertainment industry, you can't really make much money just by singing. Even if you're popular for a while, you'll immediately lose your source of income once the hype dies down. So, they need to take advantage of their popularity to transition into acting, hosting, or try their best to write lyrics for songs."

“Lyricists and composers can earn a steady and long-term income from karaoke, since they own the copyright to the songs.”

“Singers who can only sing don’t even have the right to change the lyrics. For example, when I hold a concert in Osaka, I can sing [Osaka LOVE]; when I hold a concert in Miyagi, I can change it to [Miyagi LOVE]. It’s all my freedom.”

"But non-singer-songwriters can't do that. Even if they change just one word during a performance, they might be scolded by the original producer until they have to come and apologize in person."

Listening to the new knowledge he had never encountered before, Gojo Satoru's eyes sparkled, and he kept throwing several sugar cubes into his coffee and stirring it well.

"Wow, I see! What happened to Runzi's friend?"

Upon discovering that Kazuma Hatori's coffee was also dark and bitter, Satoru Gojo casually tossed three or four sugar cubes into his cup, then nudged him with his elbow, signaling him to stir his coffee as well.

Even with his expression remaining cold, Kazuma Hatori obediently picked up a spoon and began stirring, showing no objection whatsoever to the fact that his black coffee had turned into sweet coffee.

Araki Junko watched the interaction between the two, her smile widening, only to be quietly hidden by her coffee cup.

"I'm releasing my first edition album next month, and I need Kana's help to compose one of my new songs. The elements have already been decided."

She spoke with a smile, but her brow furrowed slightly, showing concern for Yano Kana's condition.

"But the demo tape that Kana recently gave me has a very subtle background noise in it."

“When I called her to explain the situation, she expressed confusion and insisted that she did not make any strange noises during the recording.”

Gojo Satoru's expression also turned serious.

"What kind of subtle noise is it?"

Araki Junko pondered for a moment before answering with considerable hesitation.

"It might be my imagination... I sound like a baby crying."

But she makes a living through music, so her hearing sensitivity is definitely much higher than that of the average person.

Gojo Satoru: "What about that demo tape?"

Araki Junko: "It's a little embarrassing to say... because it felt a bit weird, I threw it in the trash and threw it away."

Gojo Satoru thought for a moment: "Then... Kana's house doesn't have a baby?"

Araki Junko shook her head: "She's still single. And the baby's crying sounded like several babies crying at the same time."

It's impossible that Kana Yano suddenly had multiple babies at home at the same time...

“Moreover,” Junko Araki added, “I also vaguely heard the crying when I called her.”

"Has anything happened to Kana so far?" Gojo Satoru thought for a moment. "Could I give her a call?"

Since he could hear it on the phone, Gojo Satoru immediately said he wanted to listen to what the background noise was.

The key point is that he did indeed clearly see a small amount of residual curse power on Araki Junko's body.

However, there are indeed many level four cursed spirits, and since they do not pose much of a threat to ordinary people, the higher education institutions will either arrange for auxiliary supervision to help capture them, or they will leave them alone and prioritize dealing with the more serious incidents.

No matter how active the spirits are, the number of sorcerers is limited, so they must prioritize tasks.

Therefore, Gojo Satoru was not quite sure whether the lingering curse power wrapped around Araki Junko was just an ordinary low-level curse spirit that happened to pass by and brushed against her, or whether it was truly affected by the [Puyou Curse Incident].

According to Mr. Gujing, the assistant supervisor, Pu You, the curse master in the [Pu You Curse Incident], was a renowned sorcerer in his early years. Later, for some unknown reason, he suddenly caused a large-scale accident that resulted in the deaths of ordinary people, and then disappeared without a trace until now.

Of course, Pu You is just a pseudonym.

Some sorcerers who practice magic do not use their real names for various reasons—just like Mingming.

In short, "voice" is just an external manifestation of her spells. According to previous records, she uses illusions that can affect the mind of the target.

The sound of something like a baby crying was heard on the phone or playback device. This was reported not only by Junko Arase, but also by several other similar incidents occurring in various parts of Tokyo.

There were even victims found dead at home—the only information that could be gathered was that they had complained to family or friends before their death that they seemed to have tinnitus recently and felt like they were hearing strange noises.

Analyzing the timeline, Arasena Junko was actually the first to mention hearing background noise, and it's quite fortunate that nothing bad has happened to her yet.

However, it is still unclear whether the victim is Junko Arase, who could hear the baby crying, or Kana Yano, who insists that she heard nothing.

Therefore, Gojo Satoru needs Arase Junko to make a phone call to Yano Kana.

This was not only to verify the "baby's cry," but also so that he could use [Six Eyes] to observe whether the phone would exhibit any magical fluctuations.

Even through new media like telephones that transmit information remotely, the intense power of this unfinished curse can be clearly seen.

"Of course, no problem."

Araki Junko nodded, took out her phone to call Yano Kana—and pressed the speakerphone button, then placed it on the coffee table.

[Junzi?]

The call connected normally, and Araki Junko pretended to discuss the new song with her, her voice sounding perfectly normal.

"It's me! Sorry, but I suddenly have a new idea about the elements of the new song..."

Gojo Satoru stared intently at the phone that was making a sound, while Sora Hitomi was serious and focused.

Kazuma Hatake also brought up his inventory, ready to take out [Kyousou] at any moment.

When Kana Yano first started speaking, the phone only carried a normal amount of residual cursed power, and there was nothing unusual about it.

But just after a noise, as if caused by a jump in electricity, appeared, the curse power wrapped around the phone suddenly changed.

Moreover, it is exactly the same as the residual curse power remaining on Arase Junko's body!

Gojo Satoru's blue eyes widened instantly, and he gave Arase Junko a look with his brows furrowed.

Araki Junko immediately understood.

"It's a bit hard to explain over the phone, I'll come find you later."

Araki Junko laughed as she spoke into the phone, making her excuse sound plausible.

"By the way, I'd like to introduce you to some new talent. That's why I wanted to change my song style—yes, they're juniors that Mr. Tomoya has taken a liking to and wants me to mentor them."

As soon as the call was disconnected, Gojo Satoru suddenly stood up.

"Let's go! The curse must be with Kana Yano!"

What is a curse?

Araki Junko stood up as well, blinking her eyes in confusion.

When she came over, she was only told to tell the truth, no matter who was sitting opposite her.

When she arrived, she discovered that it was actually the new duo of Gojo Satoru and Hato Kazuma, whom she had previously been very optimistic about but who had suddenly disappeared.

"...I'm sorry, I only briefly told her that your identities are unusual."

Sitting next to him, Tomoya Tsutsuji quietly spoke up, "Um, I thought those things were supposed to be kept secret..."

“It’s alright, it’s alright,” Gojo Satoru waved to Tsuji Tomoya. “We don’t have such strict confidentiality rules either. At least we allow the parties involved to know how dangerous this thing is.”

So, on the way to Kana Yano's residence, Junko Arase was given a basic lesson on curses, curse power, and cursed spirits, which left her completely bewildered.

Gojo Satoru even demonstrated the application of his curse power, twisting and flattening an empty water bottle to the size of a thumb.

"This is really a bit unbelievable, but..."

After listening to Gojo Satoru's explanation, she rested her chin on her hand and pondered for a long time before hesitantly speaking.

"Such dangerous work, even children under 16 are required to participate? What about the Labor Standards Act and the Youth Labor Protection Act?"

Gojo Satoru paused for a moment: "...Then probably not?"

Araki Junko: "Do you receive extra bonuses every time you go on a mission?"

Gojo Satoru: "No, we get paid monthly... Ah, Miss Meimei seems to get paid. She charges the high school an extra appearance fee for each mission, and it's quite expensive."

After those words were spoken, the car fell silent.

Gojo Satoru: "...Wait a minute, thinking about it this way, aren't we at a bit of a loss?"

Even though I have so many tasks to do every month, my salary is always the same – isn't that the same as working overtime without getting paid?

Although he, as the heir of the three founding families, doesn't care much about money, how can non-family magicians like Kazuma and Kitsu do dangerous missions without any extra compensation?

They should at least change the billing method from time-based to billing based on the difficulty and number of times the task is completed.

Ah, it's decided. After he inherits the Gojo family and gains absolute power, he will make this suggestion to the management department.

…………

As the car came to a stop and gradually came to a smoother stop in front of Yano Kana's residence, Gojo Satoru's blue eyes could already see an overwhelming amount of cursed energy spreading outwards.

It lingers around this detached house, and even if it spills out a little, it will be immediately replenished.

This building may even have been tainted by a cursed spirit.

If you were to say that Kana Yano was the curse master named Yuu, Satoru Gojo wouldn't even doubt it.

He opened the car door and was about to rush to Yano Kana's house when he was met with the bright afternoon sun—which suddenly reminded Gojo Satoru of something.

"You all need to stay away, at least a hundred meters away from here. I need to put down the tent to isolate this building, in case there's too much noise."

He turned to Tomoya Tsukichi and Junko Araki and said, then put two fingers together, his eyes fixed on the building that exuded an ominous aura.

While doing so, I mentally stuck out my tongue.

Thank goodness, I almost forgot.

He didn't have the habit of keeping accounts, and he was kept at SS Agency as an assistant supervisor.

"Won't setting up the tent alert that curse master?"

Hato Kazuma lowered his voice and asked Gojo Satoru, [Karma] was already being held in his right hand and hanging at his side.

This is also why Xia Youjie didn't set up a tent when he and Xia Youjie went on the mission last time, but instead planned a sneak attack directly - the location just happened to be remote enough, with no ordinary people living nearby, and the darkness could also help provide cover.

However, the two curse masters were obviously extremely cautious and immediately realized their plan.

"Even if they find out, it's fine—"

Unlike before, Gojo Satoru's smile was flamboyant and unrestrained, his eyes brimming with confident arrogance.

"I'm definitely the stronger one."

In the blink of an eye, the pitch-black curtain, like flowing ink, completely isolated this space, centered on Kana Yano's residence.

Within the [tent], every vestige of the curse becomes clearer, and the hidden cursed spirits reveal themselves—

squeak-!

Before Gojo Satoru and Hato Kazuma could even knock on the door, a sharp scream rang out, as if amplifying the sound of a baby crying a thousand times, and instantly assaulted them!

"[Azure]!"

Gojo Satoru immediately raised his hand, and an invisible force of attraction instantly tore apart a corner of the wooden building. Countless fragments were violently squeezed and collided, producing a deafening roar as they were overwhelmed.

The piercing sound vanished instantly, replaced by a short, mournful wail.

As soon as Gojo Satoru put down the [tent], he activated the [No Limits] technique as a defensive measure, so even if an enemy suddenly launched a sneak attack, he wouldn't need to worry too much.

He turned to look at Kazuma Hagoromo, making sure that the other man was still standing beside him.

Then, Gojo Gosai cautiously stepped forward up the stairs, and with a wave of his hand, used his magical power to send the entire door flying several meters away.

A woman stood in the center of the living room, her expression indifferent, her eyes blank and unfocused, like a puppet being manipulated.

She must be Kana Yano.

Gojo Satoru immediately continued to channel his incantation power into the spell—

"[Azure]!"

"Wait, Wu!"

Kazuma Hatori rolled on the spot, narrowly avoiding Satoru Gojo's attack by brushing against the hem of his clothes.

He was caught off guard and took a hit from Pretty Little Wu's [Azure] attack, his health instantly dropping to below half!

But at this moment, Gojo Satoru's blue eyes were quite sharp, and his offensive did not relax at all—in his view, Yano Kana blocked his attack with an incredible method!

This infuriated him. He had just confidently assured Ichijin that he could definitely be stronger than the enemy!

Gojo Satoru spread his arms wide, then gently cupped them together to form a ball, pouring in even more magical power without hesitation.

"[Azure], maximum output—!"

In an instant, the entire house seemed to be swept away by an extremely violent storm. The roof, walls, and all the furniture were completely destroyed, until they themselves became the storm, crushing everything in sight.

Except for Kazuma Hatori, who was still standing behind him.

Those cold, azure eyes darted about, chasing only the source of the curse, causing [Azure] to move continuously according to the direction of the gesture, determined to strike Yano Kana—

"".

[Ye Shuang] is held at both ends and twisted open, transforming into sharp double blades.

One of them was flung out of his hand and plunged straight into the center of the storm.

--bite.

Like a slowly rippling wave, countless transparent cracks rapidly spread outwards from the tip of the blade that had pierced into a certain place, as if countless transparent fragments were falling and constantly generating new ones in the same spot.

Immediately, the massive "storm" abruptly ceased, completely dissipating without any warning, like a clear sky after a thunderstorm, with everything returning to calm.

Gojo Satoru was stunned.

His [Azure] was not completely released, but no matter how much he poured his spell power into it and aimed it at the still unharmed target, there was no reaction.

What's going on? He clearly felt that his [Azure] was still in motion, but that space seemed to have died, and the distance between coordinates no longer produced a negative infinite attraction effect.

Is this an enemy technique?!

The thought had just popped into Gojo Satoru's mind when it was immediately rejected—no, according to the intelligence, the enemy's technique was a sound-related illusion, just like now, deceiving him that the technique had suddenly failed!

……wrong.

Gojo Satoru's incantation power suddenly stopped, and he finally realized something was wrong.

He heard the sound just before he entered the room.

[No Lower Limit] allows any object to become increasingly stationary the closer it gets to him.

This does not include sound.

He can hear.

If sound is used as a medium to deceive his vision... has he already fallen into an illusion?

After a moment of silence, Gojo Satoru turned to ask the black-haired boy standing behind him, his tone crisp and decisive.

"do you like me?"

The other party was stunned for a moment.

While using his technique to dodge Gojo Satoru's attack, Hagoromo Kazuma's earlobe suddenly felt burning hot, and he almost dropped his [Karma Double] sword.

"So it really was you who did this."

Gojo Satoru let out a soft hum, and [Azure]'s hand gesture instantly aimed at this pretentious imposter.

squeak--!

This time, the sound was like a mournful cry before the morning mist dissipated, much weaker than the previous shrill one.

After the sound dissipated, Gojo Satoru, no longer affected by the spell, finally saw the true scene.

His first instinct was to find out where Kazuma Hatake was. He found the man standing in a corner, silently retracting his two short blades into a black staff. He even looked a little awkward.

Yeah, it looks super silly, it must be his real black Shiba Inu.

Gojo Satoru breathed a sigh of relief upon confirming that Hagoromo Kazuma himself had not been accidentally injured by his [Azure].

As for the house, he did indeed dismantle it to pieces with [Azure]. The place where the imposter had been standing was now empty, and there was no enemy corpse as he had expected.

"Where's Yano Kana?" Gojo Satoru asked.

What did I just kill?

“I don’t know,” Kazuma Hato shook his head. “The moment you released [Azure] in that direction, I saw a cursed spirit in the shape of an infant suddenly appear from a place where there was nothing.”

"Hmm...it's probably the principle behind the technique."

Gojo Satoru nodded thoughtfully, "No technique is perfect. This is the [flaw] that guy had to leave behind."

Even if it's an illusion, there has to be a point that can be broken—perhaps the spell was broken the moment he realized that the real Hatake was an imposter.

"As for Yano Kana,"

Kazuma Hatori pointed outside and continued answering Satoru Gojo's question.

The heat on his face hadn't completely subsided, and he unconsciously lowered his voice when he spoke.

To think that they would use that question to determine whether he was telling the truth or not...

"While I was dodging your skills, I noticed she had collapsed to the side, so I kicked her into the yard."