Chapter 5

Page 1 (of 3)
Fourteen Years Old (Part 5)

“The single topped the daily charts on its release day, quickly becoming the number one on the Public Trust Ranking, and maintained the champion position for the following three consecutive weeks.”

“As of now, total sales have surpassed two million copies.”

Selling over a million copies of a single CD is enough to be considered a top-tier artist. The sales of *Butterfly in the Labyrinth* not only exceeded that standard but blew it away. As the songwriter and performer, Utae naturally soared to stardom overnight.

And this was just her very first song.

Ryosuke Nanami had worked in the entertainment industry for years and believed he could calmly handle most situations. Yet, when the company’s business department reported the latest sales figures of *Butterfly in the Labyrinth*, he still felt a shiver run down his spine. Along with that came a surge of immense excitement, joy, and a pride that came from shared glory.

This was a child he had discovered, and at no moment was Ryosuke Nanami more certain than now that in his hands, he was cultivating a new diva—just like the once national-level actor and PR officer he had guided before.

At first, when Osamu Dazai insisted on putting a young girl under his wing, Ryosuke Nanami had felt a grudging resentment, reluctant to resist. Now, however, his heart was filled only with gratitude.

“Contact the media outlets that are friendly with us. I want this news to be broadcast as widely as possible. I want the whole of Japan to see Utae’s grassroots rise.” Ryosuke Nanami found the company’s operations department, slammed his palm on the table, his eyes burning with fiery determination. “Since this star has fallen into our hands, I will make sure everyone witnesses her brilliance!”

Don’t think he was unaware—several big-name companies in the industry had already caught wind of her success and were slyly trying to poach her!

Understandable, of course. Who wouldn’t envy such a diamond?

Thinking of this, Ryosuke Nanami felt a surge of pride.

But it was too late. Utae belonged to STORM Company!

Now, when he thought of Osamu Dazai, Ryosuke Nanami no longer saw him as a ruthless mafia figure but rather as a bringer of fortune, radiating light.

This kindness and achievement deserved sincere thanks!

He had already decided to buy the most expensive gift to properly thank this great benefactor!

As for the rivalry with the other two top-tier agents, that was needless to say.

With such overwhelming strength, any other schemes or ideas would seem laughably futile.

Ryosuke Nanami felt energized and eager—more than anyone else—to see Utae ascend to even greater heights.

Moreover, numerous commercial endorsements, brand ambassador roles, and variety show invitations awaited him as her manager, along with countless media requests for interviews. His days were packed and hectic—but for him, such busy times were nothing but blissful troubles.

Compared to her manager, Utae herself appeared far more relaxed and at ease.

The entire Oda household of seven was bustling with preparations for moving.

Of course, the main labor came from Osamu Oda and the moving crew, while Utae stayed with Ko to watch over the younger children.

The whole affair began one day after the album’s release and its explosive success, when Osamu Oda came to visit the children and was suddenly asked an unexpected question by Utae.

Page 2 (of 3)

“Oda, when do you have time? Let’s go look at some houses together.”

“...What?” Osamu Oda asked, somewhat bewildered, unable to immediately grasp what Utae was saying.

“I want to buy a house.” The blonde girl turned the page of the book she was reading and repeated herself.

Her expression and tone were calm and matter-of-fact, as if she were asking something ordinary, like “What shall we eat today?” or “How’s the weather?”

Continuing to live in the cramped second floor of the curry shop owner’s place wasn’t a long-term solution. Besides, the children were growing up, and the shared bedroom with just one study was clearly insufficient.

“When we buy a house, Oda, you can quit Port Mafia and write as you want.”

She clearly didn’t realize the true nature of Osamu Oda’s procrastination and naiveté, innocently believing that he was simply caught up in trivial daily matters and feeling guilty about it.

Osamu Oda had no intention of opposing Utae’s decision, but living with the children was still something he needed to carefully consider.

“But I’m still working at Port Mafia...” Osamu Oda showed a worried expression. “If I live with you all, it’ll be troublesome.”

Utae understood exactly what he meant. Even if Osamu was just a low-level employee, the job—tied to the Mafia—was inherently dangerous. This was why, even after meeting and adopting the children, Osamu had not chosen to raise them personally.

But to the girl, this didn’t seem like a problem. “Can’t you quit?”

“I know, there’s a penalty fee, right? I’ll pay it for you.”

The royalties from the album had already been deposited into Utae’s account. Even after multiple deductions and hefty taxes, the amount she received was astronomical.

All thanks to the industry-shaking sales figures.

Thanks to Osamu Dazai’s negotiations, as both the songwriter and singer, Utae received a 6.2% royalty share.

Though as a newcomer and a single CD, the pricing was modest—only 1500 yen per copy, relatively low—combined with the terrifying sales volume, it became a staggering sum.

1500 yen × 6.2% × 2 million copies meant Utae earned 186 million yen.

Even after paying significant taxes, this remained an enormous sum.

Not considering the top ten, making the list of the top thirty highest earners in Japan’s entertainment industry this year was a breeze.

Even in Yokohama—a part of the Tokyo metropolitan area and a renowned economically developed city with Japan’s largest port, where sky-high real estate prices are the norm—Utae’s income was more than enough to buy any property she desired.

As for paying Osamu’s hefty penalty fee, that was a mere trifle.

Osamu Oda was easily persuaded by Utae.

“I’ll look into the quitting procedures.”

Once the money was secured, buying a house would be even faster than Osamu’s resignation. Today was moving day, and the children were all excited, barely able to sleep the night before.

Page 3 (of 3)

“Utae-neechan!” The youngest child and the only girl, Sakura, ran over, tugging at Utae’s sleeve. “I want to hear you sing!”

Their new home was a villa in a wealthy neighborhood. From the balcony, one could see the entire coastline, and it had a spacious garden.

Sakura, being a little girl, was delighted upon seeing the garden. She ran around excitedly and, upon spotting a butterfly, was inspired and came to find Utae.

She wanted to hear her big sister sing!

In the whole household, no one else could rival Sakura as Utae’s most devoted fan.

“Which song do you want to hear?” Utae asked.

“*Butterfly in the Labyrinth*!” Sakura raised her hand enthusiastically.

No need for accompaniment, professional microphones, speakers, or lighting. This was a song sung just for the little sister at home. Moreover, Utae’s skill and talent were such that even a cappella singing sounded as if bathed in natural reverb, full of infectious emotion.

Yet beside her, Osamu Oda’s face showed puzzlement.

It was his first time hearing Utae sing live, and as her voice rose to a climax, Osamu felt his own supernatural ability stir like boiling water.

What?

Before he could analyze this change, he felt a sudden lightness as if something was being peeled away from his body—not just a sensation, but an actual event. Before his eyes appeared a rust-red glowing silver needle, about the length of a palm, attached to a long white cotton thread.

Without anyone explaining, he immediately recognized it as *Seamless Heaven*—his supernatural ability.

Now, it had been extracted and appeared before him in this form.

The change was subtle, but significant enough that Utae stopped singing and looked over, a hint of surprise on her face.

“Oda?” The girl who had unknowingly triggered all this asked, clueless about what she had done.

“What is this?”

For a moment, even Osamu Oda felt a headache coming on.

If he weren’t here but his friend Sakaguchi Ango—the one forced to be sharp-tongued—he was sure Ango would have bluntly said:

“This is a huge problem!”