Chapter 28: The Darkness Behind The Opportunity


TL: Akabane


***


The selection for the intercollegiate university student theater troupe was to be held at a fairly large theater in Shibuya. As a modern kid who is a video-service-oriented person, I felt more away from the theater than a bright person.


"Recently, video sites are becoming popular, right? But I think acting is a live performance. I want more people to go to the theater and enjoy live performances by actors. You can't see it on the Internet or on the screen."


Milan said with deep emotion. Today she's wearing a sexy suit with high heels. I'm wearing a business suit to match hers. This is today's outfit. The script for this assignment is very thin. Not only is it thin, it doesn't even say what the situation is. Apparently, this is to test the imagination of the actors. In fact, the other aspiring actors are crowded in the waiting room, all dressed in different ways. Some were dressed in period-style kimono, some in Western-style dresses, and some in swimsuits, perhaps for the beach setting. Is it enough to be strange? I think that normal clothes like ours are just out of place.


"Wow, I've never seen a play before. Maybe I should go to the audience after our turn."


The performers' relatives had come to cheer them on, so all of the more than 100 seats in the auditorium were full. Ayashiro and Yuzuriha also came to see the show. The media was also there, which showed the high level of attention. I guess they are also discovering future stars. This intercollegiate student theater troupe has produced a number of famous actors in the past. So today is a very important day for Milan's future.


"That's great. I hope you'll be able to see it. I'm sure it will be interesting, because this time there are people who went to national theater competitions in high school and won awards and stuff like that. Maybe this will be a good opportunity for you to get into theater too. Hahaha!"


Milan did not seem overly nervous or anxious. To be honest, I wasn't anxious. In my former life, I gave a presentation of a building I designed in front of more people than are here today, and I've also participated in international competitions. I think I'm familiar with the stage.


"It hasn't started yet. Let's moisten our throats and such while we're at it. Your voice is vital on stage! Maybe Tokiwa's voice will get a little better too! Hahaha!"


"Ugh! I wonder why my voice didn't get that much better by the end!"


We left the waiting room and headed for the coffee corner at the entrance of the theater.


"I quite like this kind of pre-show atmosphere. The right amount of tension makes the drinks, onigiri (rice balls), and sandwiches taste better. I think it's the best moment for food in the world!"


"Yeah, I think I know a little bit about that. The water you drink during the long breaks between center exams and the onigiri (rice balls), you feel like they really soak into your body."


"Oh no, the center exam was tough. I was so close in math! Trigonometric functions are useless on stage! Hmmm..."


There was no nervousness in our conversation. We were having fun as usual. But then, the guy who ruined the "good atmosphere" we had created came into view.


"Ah! Milan, yoo-hoo! And...Tokiwa? Why are you here?"


That's my line!


"Eh? Igarashi and Hagiri...? No way...why..."


Surprised, Milan covered her mouth with both hands. Even I was terribly surprised. There at the counter of the coffee corner at the entrance are the two doomed (lol) my wife and the interloper...!


"I heard from Chusho! Milan! Open selection? Audition? You're going to have an audition today, right?! You should have told me! I'm here to cheer you on! Haha!"


My wife is gut-punching and smiling happily. She was like a JK who came to cheer for a club game. Or rather, she said something that bothered me. Did you hear about this from the other guy? I look at Hagiri. Hagiri was leisurely sipping his coffee. I felt a sense of dignity in his demeanor, as if he had a lot of people under his command. In another word, it could be called pompous.


"Hey, Izumi. I heard about you from a rumor. I came to support you. Well, I'm sure your acting ability will be fine. Good luck."


"Eh. Oh, yeah. Thanks."


Milan was puzzled. Why was Hagiri here? I can't read what his intentions are at all. Did he come to put pressure on us? But neither Milan nor I are so weak that seeing the two of you will ruin our performance. In fact, it even motivates us.


"Should I have brought a cheer flag or something? Should I wear cheerleading clothes and wave pom-poms?"


My wife talks about cheering very happily. I think it's because she feels a proper friendship with Milan.


"No, I don't think you should do that, it's too distracting. Ah, yes. Riri, I have some money from the scratch lottery I won earlier, so use it to buy drinks and snacks for the two of us."


Hagiri took out two thousand yen from his pocket and handed it to my wife.


"Eh? Am I your errand boy? Boo!"


"You're so disappointed that you missed the lottery that you want to collect the winning money from me, right? Then go ahead and do it."


"Tsk. I'm going! I'll go!"


My wife got up from her seat and walked to the counter.


"Well, since Riri isn't here, I've got one very good news for Izumi."


Hagiri grinned. I can sense some hint of gloom there. Both Milan and I waited anxiously for the next words.


"That Tenketsu Kishou-sensei is in the audience today. You know what I mean, right?"


"No way! That Tenketsu Kishou-sensei? Oh no!"


Milan's eyes are wide open and her mouth is tight. It's like she's scared of something.


"Who's that? Is he famous?"


I ask Milan. Milan looks so upset that he looks like zhe's about to cry.


"He's not famous in the theater world! But he's a world-class stage play director! He's also the artistic director of that Broadway theater, the best director in Japan."


"Huh...? Why would such a famous person be selected by a student group...Hagiri...! Was it you?"


I glare at Hagiri. There's no doubt that this is his handiwork. With a cool face, Hagiri said 


"I have a high opinion of Izumi's acting ability. She has great talent. That's why. I really wanted to show that talent to the world-famous and influential Tenketsu-sensei! All of the actors who have been recognized by him for their talent have become stars under his tutelage! Haha! What! Don't thank me! With your talent, you'll even be able to meet the eyes of Tenketsu-sensei You'll get a chance to make your way in the world at once today!"


"...Hagiri...you even have connections to Tenketsu-sensei...then I'm sure you're familiar with his bad stories..."


"Bad stories? Oh, that. The one about the untalented actors who didn't meet his expectations and were dried up until they were kicked out of the industry? But that's the fault of the untalented actors themselves. In fact, everyone recognizes his eye for acting talent. I'm sure you'll be fine, Izumi! I'm sure you'll make it! Wahaha! Hahahaha!"


Hagiri laughs amusedly. It's extremely vicious. In other words, we're instantly driven to the edge. This selection is just a chance. Even if we fail, there are other ways. But because of Hagiri, in an instant, this selection became something on which Milan's life as an entertainer itself depended. Milan's enthusiasm for performing arts is genuine. For her, acting is a dream worth devoting her life to. This selection will determine Milan's future. It is a gamble with her life on the line.


"Well, maybe, just maybe, you will fail. In that case, please rely on me. I'll make it happen."


And in return, Milan will surely lose something to this man.


"And what are you going to make Milan do? What do you want from her?"


"Demand? Ha! I'm only helping her out of friendship! Well, I'm hoping that in return, you can help me fulfill my dream a little! Kukuku."


I had forgotten all about this. Both Milan and Yuzuriha were in this man's sights. I had underestimated him. The obsession that this man showed in the previous world. I had not even imagined it. I felt only frustration that I had not even imagined it.



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