Tokyo: Are you even a proper lawyer?

Nakamura's agent then took out a tablet computer and opened several video files.

The video is a clip from surveillance footage.

The first one appears to be the entrance to the underground parking lot of a high-end apartment building. Sakurai Aya's van drove in, and a male figure wearing a hoodie and a mask, whose face was obscured, quickly stepped out from the shadows. He seemed to want to approach the vehicle, but was stopped by security personnel. He struggled a few times and then quickly ran away.

The date was two weeks ago.

The second video is taken in the lobby of the building where Aya Sakurai's personal studio is located.

A man in the same hoodie, holding a large bouquet of bright red roses, tried to break through the front desk and security guards' obstruction, seemingly shouting something and appearing agitated.

The date was one week ago.

The third video is the most disturbing.

It was a seemingly dark street when Sakurai Aya, accompanied by two assistants, hurried towards a waiting car. Suddenly, the man in the hoodie rushed out of the alleyway, seemingly holding a bottle, and splashed water in Sakurai Aya's direction!

Although her quick-thinking assistant blocked most of the liquid with her bag, some still splashed onto Aya Sakurai's skirt and her assistant.

The man was immediately subdued by security guards who arrived at the scene.

The video was posted just three days ago.

"What did you splash?" Akiyama Masashi asked, his gaze shifting from the tablet to Sakurai Aya's slightly pale face.

"...It's paint." It was Sakurai Aya herself who answered. Her voice was colder than expected, but with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor!

She subconsciously tugged at the hem of her skirt, as if it were still stained.

"Luckily, my assistant reacted quickly... otherwise..." She didn't finish her sentence, but a hint of lingering fear flashed in her eyes.

"This has seriously threatened Ms. Sakurai's personal safety!" Nakamura's manager said, his tone becoming more serious. "This is not just ordinary harassment from obsessive fans; it's stalking, taking photos without permission, and attempted assault! We have already called the police, and they have arrested the person. However, he insists that he just 'likes Aya-chan too much and wants to get her attention,' and that no actual serious harm was caused. Plus, it seems like his family has some connections. The police's current attitude seems to be... to give him a warning and he might be released after a few days in custody."

Sakurai Aya suddenly raised her head, her beautiful face filled with anger.

"He almost threw paint in my face! He stalked me for three months! He secretly filmed me! And he posted those disgusting things online! Isn't that a crime?! If we let him go, what will he do next? Throw sulfuric acid? Or just grab a knife?!"

She was a little agitated, her chest heaving, and her manager, Nakamura, quickly patted her shoulder reassuringly.

"Ms. Sakurai, calm down. That's why we need the help of a professional lawyer."

Nakamura looked at Masashi Akiyama. "Attorney Akiyama, we've contacted several large law firms, but they either advised us to handle the situation quietly and not escalate the conflict, or their legal fees were outrageously high. Moreover... we feel that they may not really understand the seriousness of this matter, or they may be concerned about the possible connections of the harasser's family."

He paused, his gaze sharp as he looked at Masashi Akiyama.

"We've heard that you're skilled at handling cases that others are unwilling to take on or find difficult. And you're not afraid of offending people. In Ms. Sakurai's case, although the other party may have some connections, the evidence is conclusive, and the social impact is severe. We believe we should pursue this to the end, file a criminal lawsuit, demand civil compensation, and apply for an injunction to completely eliminate any future problems! We hope you can become our lawyer."

Masashi Akiyama listened quietly, his fingers slowly tracing over the secretly taken photos and surveillance screenshots.

The chain of evidence appears complete, escalating from unauthorized filming and stalking to the final attempted attack, clearly constituting serious harassment and a threat. Cases involving celebrity privacy and safety, if handled properly, can effectively deter potential imitators and secure maximum protection for the client.

However, as Nakamura's agent said, the other party's family may have some connections.

This means that the litigation process may not go smoothly, and may even encounter resistance from the police, prosecutors, or the courts.

Moreover, Aya Sakurai herself is a controversial figure. Once a lawsuit is formally filed, it will inevitably trigger a media frenzy, placing her and her agency at the center of public opinion.

There are pros and cons.

"Are the lawyer's fees calculated by the hour or on a contingency fee basis?" Masashi Akiyama asked a practical question.

Nakamura's agent seemed to have anticipated this, immediately offering a rather substantial hourly rate and indicating that there would be a generous bonus if the case was won or a favorable settlement was reached.

"Money is not the issue. What matters is the results and efficiency."

Sakurai Aya also looked at Akiyama Masashi, "Attorney Akiyama, if you can help me deal with that pervert, put him in jail, and make sure he never dares to come near me again, I'll negotiate the price. This place..."

She glanced around the simple reception room, pursed her lips, and said, "It's a bit run-down, but as long as you're capable, I don't mind."

Masashi Akiyama remained noncommittal about her attitude. He didn't particularly care about his client's personality or attitude as long as it didn't affect the case handling or the payment of legal fees.

He was more concerned with the feasibility and potential risks of the case itself.

"I need to see all the materials the police currently have, as well as detailed background information on the harasser."

Also, Ms. Sakurai, I need you to provide a detailed timeline and record of events from the first time you felt harassed until now, including all suspicious letters, gifts, online messages, etc. that you have received.

Masashi Akiyama stated clearly, "After evaluating all the materials and communicating with the police, I will provide advice on whether to accept the case and specific litigation strategies."

"No problem! We've brought all the materials!" Nakamura's agent quickly took out a thick stack of documents from the file bag, including the police report, the police's initial interrogation record, the list of seized items, and even a simple background report they had privately gathered about the harasser.

The preparations were quite thorough, showing that they were indeed eager to resolve the matter and had high expectations for Masashi Akiyama.

Masashi Akiyama quickly flipped through the documents.

The police's initial handling of the case did seem somewhat lenient. The statement focused on Yuya Takahashi's claim that he was a fanatical fan who was obsessed with his idol and wanted to get his attention, but did not emphasize the danger and illegality of his behavior enough.

While the Takahashi family's construction company isn't top-tier in scale, it seems to have some roots within the Metropolitan Police Department.

"Okay." Masashi Akiyama closed the documents and looked at Aya Sakurai and Nakamura's manager. "I'll take this commission, but there are a few things I need to explain in advance."

"First, the litigation process may be lengthy and will expose more privacy. The media will continue to pay attention, so you should be prepared."

"Second, I will take all possible legal measures to hold the other party accountable, but the final outcome depends on the evidence, the judge's judgment, and the countermeasures that the other party may take."

"Third, during the trial, you must fully cooperate with my work, including appearing in court, providing evidence, and answering necessary questions. You must not make any statements to the media that may affect the case."

"Fourth, my legal fees will be paid in advance, based on the agreed-upon standard, for 50 hours, with subsequent settlement based on actual expenses incurred. I will not accept post-hoc price negotiations or delays in payment."

Sakurai Aya frowned, seemingly unaccustomed to being told what to do, but Nakamura's manager immediately stopped her and nodded to Akiyama Masashi.

"Yes, we all agree. As long as Takahashi receives the punishment he deserves, nothing is a problem. I can arrange to pay the advance payment today."

"Very good." Masashi Akiyama stood up. "Well then, it's a pleasure doing business with you. Arimura, prepare the commission contract. Uchida, take Ms. Sakurai and Mr. Nakamura to the conference room for a short while to sign the documents."

"yes!"