Chapter 6: Little Shinobu

Chapter 6: Little Shinobu

The last rays of the setting sun cast a bronze glow upon the skin—tender yet resilient, brimming with the vitality of youth. A girl dressed in a sailor uniform shielded her eyes with her hand, gazing toward the distant sunset. The slight urgency in her posture seemed to say: if I don’t watch now, it will be gone.

Her face was round, framed by large, bright eyes; she was beautiful and fond of smiling. The sailor uniform was an ordinary type, but it was clear she was a middle school student—neatly washed and paired with polished leather shoes. This hinted that her family background was likely respectable.

At last, a look of melancholy crossed her features as the sun disappeared from view. Her gaze fell upon a round, dumpling-like dome—the golden roof of the martial arts hall, dazzling under the sunlight. This martial arts hall was the very place many performers dreamed of holding their concerts.

Just then, someone tapped her on the back. “Shinobu, what are you looking at?”

“Oh, nothing much.”

“Really?”

“Well, alright, I’m watching the sunset.”

“What’s so interesting about that?”

“True enough.”

“Haha… come on, let’s check out the latest scoops in Weekly Bunshun…”

“Sure.”

The girl named Shinobu quickly joined her classmates on their gossip adventure. Weekly Bunshun, nicknamed the “Bunshun Cannon,” was one of the most notorious rumor mills in the entertainment world. Yet originally, this magazine had a literary air, once called “Literary Spring and Autumn.” Now, however, it mostly dealt in juicy celebrity scandals—because such “fruit” was far from cheap in this industry.

Nowadays, idol obsession was commonplace among young people. Although Shinobu and her classmates were middle schoolers, they were about to enter high school. Following idols, being fans, making snide comments—it was all part of the fun.

Passing by a newsstand showcasing this magazine, voices bubbled with admiration. “Wow, she’s so pretty.”

“Really, I adore Miho Nakayama.”

“She’s a seasoned face. Though young, she often plays older roles.”

“But that doesn’t stop her from being beautiful.”

“She’s fine as an actress, but her singing is just so-so.”

“Still, her sales aren’t bad. Not as good as Akina, but impressive.”

“All thanks to her looks.”

“Okay, I admit that.”

The cover featured a stunning beauty—lovely eyes, brows, nose, lips—truly exquisite. Unlike her classmates, Shinobu had a secret: that beautiful woman was her older sister.

Should she reveal this? Probably not—no one would believe her. After all, she was nowhere near as pretty as her sister. And as for singing...

“Well then, shall we go feast next?”

“Or maybe karaoke?”

“Sounds great!”

“Shinobu, come with us.”

“Yeah, I don’t think Shinobu has ever sung with us before.”

“Well… um.”

Despite hesitation, she nodded and, before leaving, glanced once more at her sister’s magazine. “I’ll do my best too!” she told herself, then couldn’t help but steal a look toward the martial arts hall.

***

“The Violent Man?”

Inside the bookstore café run by Iwanami Publishing, Akira Yamaguchi was captivated. As the manager, he was well-read, but never had he imagined being so gripped by a script today.

What was the magic in this screenplay?

It was filled with violence—but not just violence. The opening scenes with several young men portrayed a brutal reality of contemporary society.

Almost anyone from this industry, upon seeing the violence depicted here, couldn’t help but reflect. To endure such a life—could they still bear it?

“Mr. Iwata, you should turn this into a novel. I’m sure it could get published.”

“Please call me Take.”

“No, Mr. Iwata is better. If all goes well, I’ll soon be calling you ‘Teacher Iwata.’”

“Is that so?”

Honestly, Take Iwata felt a bit proud of the compliment, even though he had written a screenplay, not a novel.

He had to keep calm—he couldn’t scare off Manager Yamaguchi. Without this man, his distribution plan would fall apart.

Yamaguchi, unaware of Iwata’s thoughts, grew increasingly enthusiastic.

“Really, if this script were a novel, it would be superb. The protagonist is so compelling. May I suggest adding more sibling dynamics? Although the sister has her issues, more depth there would be good…”

But as he spoke, Yamaguchi faltered, overcome by the intensity.

This man was terrifying!

Yet, seeing such a remarkable work, he momentarily forgot the fierce expression of the man before him. To be precise, though the man looked harsh at first glance, on closer inspection his appearance wasn’t unattractive—perhaps even somewhat handsome.

Could it be the power of the work enhancing his aura?

Iwata studied Yamaguchi’s expression and considered a possibility...

“Mr. Yamaguchi, I might write a novel in the future, but now, I’m determined to make this screenplay into a film.”

“…”

Yamaguchi dared not speak further, sensing the man’s resolve.

“Why? Simply because I love cinema. In fact, would you think I should play the lead role?”

The lead?

Yamaguchi suddenly realized, “That suits you perfectly.”

The man’s features matched the lead character in the script remarkably well.

***

“So, this screenplay was tailor-made for you, Mr. Iwata?”

Upon hearing this, Take nodded immediately.

Then he said, “Mr. Yamaguchi, may I ask you to be honest?”

“Of course.”

Yamaguchi sensed the sincerity in the question and responded seriously.

“Given my looks, do you think it’s possible for me to find a girlfriend and get married?”

Ah...

Without hesitation, Yamaguchi gripped Iwata’s hand solemnly. “I understand.”

What did he understand?

Simply this: if the film succeeds, even with average box office returns, isn’t it essentially a grand marriage proposal? If dating is fishing, then starring in a movie is casting a wide net.

This man looked fierce, but was also cunning? After all, the essence of humanity is to reproduce!

Making a movie and tying the knot—there’s no shame in that.

Did Iwata notice Yamaguchi’s changing expression?

Damn! This bastard actually thinks that way!

Yet, Take Iwata had no such matrimonial intentions. His sole focus was to complete the film and make big money.

At least for now, the idea of women was far from his thoughts.

So his question about finding a girlfriend was merely a ploy to charm Yamaguchi—and surprisingly, the man really believed it.

Seems like with this face, finding a partner would be tough after all.

“But about the screening…”

“Mr. Yamaguchi, I’m not trying to pressure you. Here’s my idea: I hope Iwanami Cinema will give me a chance. I will return and make the film. If it’s good enough and you agree to screen it, that would be fantastic. But if you refuse—”

At that moment, Yamaguchi’s heart skipped a beat.

You wouldn’t, by any chance, harm me if we refuse, would you?

“I’d still be very grateful.”

So, this fierce-faced man was actually very sincere.

Yamaguchi exhaled in relief. “Mr. Iwata, the script is excellent, and I trust your earnestness. But what I can guarantee is only to introduce your film to our company after it’s made. Beyond that, I cannot promise anything. Please understand. Also, the judging panel will be professional, and we will not lower our standards.”

“I understand!”

This was precisely the chance Iwata needed—the key to his ‘distribution plan.’

With that, their conversation concluded, as much time had passed.

As Iwata was leaving, Yamaguchi suddenly remembered to ask him to leave a copy of the script. Iwata agreed, having prepared backups.

The fierce-looking man stepped out of the Iwanami Bookstore, an unmistakable look of pride on his face. Unnoticed nearby, a girl in a sailor uniform puckered her once-cute lips...

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(End of chapter)