Chapter 22
However, before that, he needed a lesson.
After a few busy days, Eto Yoshimura's first promotional event began.
However, this was not a book launch, just a warm-up event.
That's why the location chosen wasn't very grand.
After all, it wouldn't be good if the warm-up session stole the spotlight from the main event.
But even so, a great number of readers came.
"Takatsuki Sen is really popular," the pot-bellied investor remarked. "This popularity rivals that of some famous idols."
"Why don't you consider it, Editor Minato?" the investor joked. "Switch from an editor to an agent and make Takatsuki Sen an idol!"
Upon hearing this, Minato Namikaze's expression turned strange.
Letting Eto Yoshimura wear those idol costumes.
Hmm... honestly, he was a bit tempted.
Just thinking about Eto Yoshimura acting cute on stage.
Oh my, oh my.
"Uh... you don't actually intend for that to happen, do you?"
Seeing Minato's look of yearning, the investor's brow twitched.
If, just because he said that, Minato dragged Takatsuki Sen off to become an idol, he would be criticized by all the people of Japan.
To let a promising genius writer become some kind of idol...
"That's, of course, impossible."
Minato Namikaze realized what he was thinking and laughed awkwardly.
The investor looked at him suspiciously; why did he feel like this guy really had that intention?
"By the way, do you know which manufacturer makes those idol performance costumes?"
Minato glanced at Eto Yoshimura, who was meeting with readers, then leaned in and whispered to the investor.
The investor's eyes widened.
This guy really did have that idea.
"Don't look at me like that, I just want to expand the business and learn about it."
Minato defended himself.
"I understand."
The investor gave him a look that only men would understand.
Afterward, Minato and the investor had a very serious discussion.
Anyone who didn't know better would have thought they were discussing national policy.
The investor happened to have connections in that field, so Minato took the opportunity to order a few sets.
Hmm...
Editor Minato was surprisingly playful.
Eto Yoshimura looked up at Minato Namikaze, who was acting suspiciously in the background, and sighed helplessly.
She had heard everything.
After all these years, she hadn't expected Minato to have such a hobby.
It truly broadened her horizons.
Men really were men.
However, an idol?
Eto Yoshimura found herself somewhat interested.
The promotional event continued until noon.
At that moment, a few familiar faces appeared.
Kaneki Ken, Touka Kirishima, and the manager of Anteiku.
Seeing the three of them, Minato could no longer remain relaxed.
Kaneki Ken was one thing.
But Touka Kirishima and that coffee shop manager were another matter entirely.
Did Kaneki coming with them mean he had already become a Ghoul?
Although he had many questions, now was not the time to investigate.
Minato quietly entered the preparation room and brought out two white cases.
Inside were quinques.
Having learned his lesson from previous incidents, Minato now carried them everywhere.
Most Ghouls could be handled barehanded, but having a weapon made things much faster and easier.
Not to mention that each quinque possessed unique properties.
"Mr. Minato?"
Eto Yoshimura looked at him in confusion as he set one of the cases beside her.
Minato leaned close to her ear.
"There's a quinque inside. If anything goes wrong, take it out and protect yourself."
It wasn't that Minato didn't want to stop the event immediately.
He simply couldn't.
Not only would it negatively affect Eto Yoshimura, but if he startled them and caused them to go berserk, things would become much worse.
Furthermore, based on what he remembered, the Ghouls of Anteiku weren't the type to cause trouble recklessly.
"What?"
Eto Yoshimura was startled.
Then, from the corner of her eye, she saw Touka Kirishima and Kuzen Yoshimura.
Her brows immediately furrowed.
Why were they here?
And judging from Minato's reaction...
Could it be that he already knew the employees of Anteiku were Ghouls?
"Are there Ghouls here?"
Eto asked quietly.
Minato glanced toward Touka Kirishima and Kuzen Yoshimura, who were standing in line.
"Probably."
Eto's expression darkened.
So Minato really did know about Anteiku.
Then had he already investigated enough to discover that she was Kuzen Yoshimura's daughter?
It didn't seem like it yet.
But there was no guarantee he wouldn't figure it out eventually.
Eto felt that she might need to take action sooner rather than later.
The line steadily shortened.
Soon, it was Kaneki Ken's turn.
Minato carefully observed Kaneki's complexion.
His face was healthy and rosy.
Although his eyes looked somewhat tired, it was likely due to staying up late.
There was no scent of human flesh on him.
For now, Kaneki still appeared completely normal.
"Takatsuki Sen!"
Seeing Eto Yoshimura in person, Kaneki became visibly excited and handed over one of her previously published books for an autograph.
That reaction was understandable.
After all, she was his idol.
"Thank you for your support."
Eto displayed her perfectly practiced professional smile.
This could be considered her third smile.
One belonged to the One-Eyed King of Aogiri Tree.
Another belonged to the mischievous troublemaker around Minato Namikaze.
And this was the professional smile she reserved for readers.
"Keep up the great work, Sensei."
Kaneki looked at the signature and bowed respectfully.
Then he noticed Minato.
"Hello, Mr. Minato."
"Hello, Kaneki-kun."
Minato nodded.
It seemed the story had not begun yet.
Kaneki's life was still no different from before.
"You know each other?"
Eto asked curiously.
Minato nodded.
"One of the major promotional locations for your next book is Kamii University. Kaneki-kun showed me around the campus."
"I see."
Eto nodded in understanding.
"Then thank you, Kaneki-kun."
"N-No problem."
Kaneki became so excited that he stuttered.
Seeing his reaction, Minato and Eto exchanged amused smiles.
People this shy were always interesting.
Kaneki didn't stay long afterward.
He left without interacting with Touka Kirishima or Kuzen Yoshimura.
It seemed he had truly come only for the signing event.
Finally, it was the turn of those two.
Kuzen Yoshimura stepped forward and handed Eto a book.
"Thank you."
Both Eto Yoshimura and Minato Namikaze's expressions changed.
Eto's gaze turned cold.
Her attitude toward Kuzen Yoshimura was far from friendly.
Meanwhile, Minato tightened his grip on the white case beside him.
His body tensed.
If Kuzen made even the slightest suspicious move, Minato would immediately draw his weapon and attack.
"Thank you for your support."
As though she didn't know him at all, Eto signed the book with a flawless smile.
"In the future... please continue moving forward."
In the end, those were the only words Kuzen Yoshimura spoke.
"Of course."
Eto maintained the same smile as before.
Throughout the entire exchange, Minato remained on guard.
According to everything he knew, Kuzen Yoshimura's combat ability was absurdly high.
High enough that even Minato couldn't afford to lower his guard for a single second.