"That's really going too far…"
After being untied by the group, the man flicked his long bangs and complained,
"Why didn't you let me, Your Highness, talk to the representative from Rinpo? Maybe they'd be captivated by my charm and give us an extra ten million for the budget!"
"Shut up. If you talked to them, we'd be lucky if they didn't cut ten million from the budget!"
Nanaya was already immune to the delusions coming out of this guy's mouth, but the domestic manager of Rinpo certainly wasn't. If this idiot frightened someone and created a grudge, losing part of the film's budget would be a real problem.
The man who called himself "Your Highness" wore a pure white jacket and trousers, a deep purple shirt, and a gold necklace he looked exactly like a Ginza host. His name was Rantarou Shounan.
Although his name sounded like an outdated online handle, it was, regrettably, his real name.
Shounan was known throughout the crew as a carefree slacker; whenever he had a free moment, he'd take out his handheld console and play games. But compared to Momokusa Toshinobu the true good-for-nothing Shounan wasn't just excellent at sound work. He was skilled at lighting, camera operation, and editing too: a genuine all-rounder.
Judging by looks alone, Shounan was popular with women. Nanaya always thought the phrase "disgustingly handsome" fit him perfectly.
And unlike the sleazy guy on the team who actually harassed women, Shounan only looked and talked like one. He was all bark and no bite. Despite constantly bragging about "making all the girls in the world swoon," Nanaya knew Shounan was still a virgin.
But
"Honestly, Nanaya-san should just let me find the female lead, right? Maybe under my charm she'll even beg for a free role~ Wouldn't that be something?"
Shounan flicked his bangs again, speaking in a tone lighter than hydrogen.
"He's going to become a laughingstock! This guy has no common sense can't he at least show some restraint?!""
Nanaya raised a fist at the idiot in front of him. If the others hadn't held him back, he swore he would've chopped off Shounan's bangs on the spot.
A boyish young man patted Nanaya's back, trying to calm him down.
"Now, now, Mr. Nanaya. Let's all take a breath. It's rare for all of us to get the chance to make a film together. We should work as a team."
This submissive-looking young man was Subaru Ikeda. Despite his youthful face, he was actually a few years older than Nanaya and already married with children.
"Exactly, Nanaya. Instead of wasting your energy on this chuunibyou behavior, shouldn't you focus on more important things right now?"
A plump, middle-aged woman propped her chin on one hand and sighed dramatically.
"Why didn't you cast Ori as the lead instead of this completely unattractive guy? You two senior and junior one directing and one acting… a perfect match!"
Her name was Katsura Mako, affectionately called Mama Katsura, the makeup artist Nanaya had hired. The "Ori" she meant
"Um… Sister Katsura, I'm a boy."
Ryougi Ori, the one she'd praised, clenched his fists and corrected her with a pained expression. He was Nanaya's junior and the prop-and-costume designer for the production team.
By appearance alone, Ori's slender figure and delicate, intellectual features made him stand out even among a cast full of handsome men and beautiful women. Nanaya was certain that if Ori simply walked down the street, people would stop to admire him.
No wonder the manager had subconsciously mistaken him for the female lead.
Unfortunately as mentioned earlier Ori is a male.
That's right.
Hes beautiful.
But he's a boy.
He's a boy!
He's a boy!
He's a boy!
(Nanaya insisted three times because its important!!!.)
Nanaya still struggled to accept the gender of his adorable junior. If it hadn't been for Ori's name catching his attention more than anything when they first met, Nanaya might've even suggested a gender check.
(PS.he looks like ryogi shiki)
Because Ori always wore a black kimono, it was even harder to believe he was male.
What was worse, however, was Katsura Mako's reaction.
In response to Ori's protest, she nodded enthusiastically.
"I know! It's because you're both boys that I'm even more excited! That experimental video you made was so well done!"
"Stop saying that!" Ori, on the verge of tears, grabbed her sleeve.
"I already regret agreeing to be in your experimental short!"
Shounan, planting one foot on the table like he was about to set sail, declared,
"So! Why don't I go flirt with the real heroine? I'll find you an incredible woman!"
"Shut up! You'd be better off preparing the sound effects!" Nanaya yelled, grabbing the idiot by the neck.
"No worries, Nanaya-san! You can trust my abilities~!"
"YOU are exactly why I don't trust you!"
Looking at the office collapsing into chaos, Nanaya muttered,
"…Is this really going to work?"
---
Later --Outside the Gate
Ryuichi Hanai escorted Kaichi Chimu, the production manager, all the way to the school gate. Before parting, Hanai shook Kaichi's hand tightly.
"Kaichi, thank you so much for your help."
"Well, we're old acquaintances. The first time I worked as a production manager was under you, Director Hanai. You helped me a lot back then. Don't worry I'll do what I can for your protégé."
Hanai listened respectfully. Although Rinpo was the nominal investor, both men knew the true investor's influence lay with Kaichi.
Still, Kaichi voiced concern about Nanaya's age.
"I'm a little worried about Nanaya's age," he admitted. Japan's workplace culture favors seniority, and seniors can give juniors an enormous amount of work. Unless things go too far, juniors often must silently endure it.
While this latter path is somewhat rigid, it provides directors with a solid foundation and helps them avoid basic mistakes during filming. However, it is also a very long route most directors only take on the role once they've reached middle age.
As a completely unknown newcomer, Hanai had no doubt about Nanaya's talent, but experience is something that must be accumulated before it can lead to real breakthroughs. After all, not everyone is Michael Bay, who managed to debut with a wildly successful commercial film like Bad Boys.
Even Michael Bay only moved into filmmaking after establishing himself through commercials and music videos. Nanaya's experience, by comparison, is far too limited. And although the crew members are all from his own circle, there is no guarantee the actors will actually listen to him.
There are generally only two ways to escape that cycle: accumulate seniority until you become the boss, or show extraordinary talent or connections that let you jump into management. In the entertainment industry this is even tougher without connections, you grind through lighting, sound, cinematography, scriptwork, and more just to get a chance to direct. That path takes years.
Hanai nodded calmly.
"I know he's young. But since he joined my crew in university, Nanaya has devoted nearly all his free time to work. In terms of dedication, no one matches him. I know his talent and work ethic better than anyone. As his mentor, I want to give him this opportunity. Even if he fails, the experience will be invaluable."
Kaichi remained concerned.
"If a newcomer fails, it can ruin their future. He might never attract investment again."
Hanai smiled with quiet certainty.
"If he fails, he'll stay with me and continue learning. When I retire, he can take over my work. I believe he'll become a great director."
"I understand." Kaichi bowed.
"You can count on me. I'll do my best."
"Thank you. I'm counting on you."
···
"Damn it!"
In the distance, Momokusa Toshinobu watched Hanai and Kaichi part. Rumors were already buzzing that Nanaya was about to debut as a director even if the project was a TV movie. Everyone who knew Nanaya's work believed it could be his rise.
Those praises infuriated Momokusa Toshinobu
In his eyes, Nanaya that country bumpkin could not possibly succeed. He had openly declared Nanaya unfit to direct. If the film succeeded, it would be an insult. Worse, a Nanaya success would humiliate him personally something Momokusa Toshinobu's pride would not tolerate.
"I absolutely cannot let that guy succeed!"
Gritting his teeth,Momokusa Toshinobu formed a plan and picked up his phone to call his agent.
"Hello? It's me. I need you to look into something"