The majority of the audience had been too busy losing their minds over the plot to notice the credits at first. But now, as the "One-Man Army" list went viral, the internet felt like it was suffering from a collective brain melt.
Are we absolutely sure there aren't just six different people named Leo Vance in the guild?How does one guy know how to do everything from stunt coordination to music production?!
...
While the digital world was in a state of chaotic fermentation, the scene in a high-end West Hollywood penthouse was much more grounded.
Steam rose from a spread of artisanal birria tacos and street corn. The unique, spicy aroma of a Los Angeles feast filled the room.
"Leo, you're trending again!"
Riley Evans had already eaten her fill. She was curled up in a designer chair, scrolling through her phone with wide, glowing eyes.
Leo Vance picked up a taco, dipped it in the consommé, and took a large bite. "Riley," he said while chewing, "is it really news when a legend trends?"
Riley squinted her eyes into little crescents and let out a giggle. "Actually, it is! This is the first time you've trended without a 'Public Nuisance' tag or a police report attached. I think we should pop some champagne to celebrate the new 'Positive Image' Leo!"
"You little brat," Leo said, pointing a finger at her. "Three days without a reality check and you're already trying to run the show, huh?"
He aimed a flick at her forehead. Riley closed her eyes in mock terror, but felt only a gentle, cold touch. Leo withdrew his hand and went back to his food.
He had anticipated this. In his previous life, he'd seen actors go from "literally who" to "global icon" with a single prestige project like The Bear or Succession. This was just the prelude.
The real peak would hit when Episode 4 aired. And even then, that was nothing compared to the hype that would come later, like the "Heaven and Earth" declaration after Gojo's eventual return.
Leo was already thinking ahead to his next move. He had a few options:
A 'Jujutsu Kaisen 0' Movie: A prequel focusing on the relationship between Gojo and Robert Sterling's character (Suguru Geto). This would build the emotional stakes before the "Shibuya Incident" arc.
A New Series: He was eyeing three major properties from his memories: The Outcast, One Piece, and Re Zero: Starting Life in Another World.
One Piece was a massive undertaking, but he could serialize it into "Sagas." And Re Zero? That was a psychological masterpiece. The Natsuki Subaru character was a tragic hero who experienced endless death loops. It was explosive, dark, and perfectly fit the "Healing" tag Leo loved to troll his audience with.
His thoughts were interrupted by his phone buzzing.
"Hey, Lauren?" Leo answered.
"Leo," his sister's voice crackled with energy. "I'll admit it, I was wrong. I thought you were just playing around, but you've actually exploded."
"Cough... Lauren, I don't recall you being a skeptic. I recall you being my #1 fan," Leo teased.
"Don't push it. Listen, I have something important. I just got a memo from the NAC (National Arts Council). They're pushing for a 'Cultural Heritage' initiative for prime-time television. This summer, they're hosting a National Media & Arts Tournament with the theme: [Exploring and Promoting the Folklore and Cultural Roots]. The first-place winner gets three massive rewards:
A $50 million production grant.
A guaranteed Prime Time slot on the National Network (ABC/PBS equivalent) with an above-market licensing fee.
A guaranteed 'Greenlight' for the champion's next project, regardless of the budget.
Do you want in? All you have to do is submit a pilot script and a production plan."
Leo was stunned. The NAC is going all out!
The $50 million was great, but the second and third points were the real game-changers. In Hollywood, there's a hierarchy: YouTube/Web shows are the bottom, Streaming is the middle, and National Network TV is the peak.
Being on a national broadcast meant "Long-Tail" revenue. You sell the first-run rights to the National Network, then secondary rights to cable, then international syndication. If a show becomes a "legacy" series like The Office or Friends, you're set for life.
Plus, with the rating system in this world, he could go as dark as he wanted. He could do The Outcast with zero censorship. It would crush the industry.
"Sign me up, Lauren. I'm in."
"I thought you'd say that. Oh, by the way, Vance Media is entering two of our own 'Heritage' dramas into the contest. Don't expect me to go easy on you just because we share DNA."
"Hehe, no problem. I'll just have to make sure I'm the one handing you the consolation prize."
"You're a brat. Check your bank account, by the way. The $120 million licensing check cleared."
...
Leo hung up and checked his mobile banking app.
[Account Ending in 6722: Deposit of $120,000,000.00. Balance: $121,500,000.00...]
Leo stared at the string of zeros. Even as a "Hollywood Scion," seeing that much money earned through his own sweat and blood made the tacos taste three times better. He didn't need the money, but he certainly liked having it.
He began planning to open his own production company. He wanted to scout "hidden gem" actors who hadn't been discovered yet, the character actors and the theater geeks who were waiting for a break.
Ping!
A notification popped up on his phone. A new DM request on Instagram.
[@DellaRose_Official: Is this actually Leo Vance? The Director? This is crazy! I have to talk to you about the script!]
Leo looked at the verification badge, then at the thirsty-sounding message. He promptly swiped left and hit Block.
"Scammers are getting so lazy these days," Leo muttered. "As if Della Rose would DM the 'Hollywood Hellraiser' in the middle of the night."
Three days later. While Leo was perfecting the script for his NAC entry, The Outcast, the clock hit 7:00 PM.
Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 4 was officially live.