"I'm in Tokyo, and this is some kind of movie star comeback system?!"

It's still that same jazz cafe in Shinjuku.

After not seeing each other for a few days, Sakamoto Yu didn't expect the two to meet again so soon.

As always, she was dressed in a well-tailored dark suit. As soon as she sat down, she lightly tapped the table with her fingertips and pushed an audition invitation directly in front of Sakamoto Yu.

"I have found a script that meets your requirements."

Watanabe Mayumi got straight to the point, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible smugness.

"So fast?"

Sakamoto Yu paused for a moment, leaned forward slightly, and reached out to pick up the script.

On the white title page, several large characters stood out prominently:

One-Eyed Masamune

"Taiga drama?"

Sakamoto Yu frowned, looked up at Watanabe Mayumi who had a calm expression, his Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and then he couldn't wait to open his mouth.

Character: Date Kojiro

Date Terumune's second son, and Date Masamune's younger brother.

A character with an inherent tragic quality.

The role he was auditioning for was the character's youth.

How did you get this audition?

While quickly flipping through the script, Sakamoto Yu couldn't help but ask a question.

"Don't worry about that."

Mayumi Watanabe held up her fingers and counted them one by one:

"NHK television station, the fee is 200,000 yen per episode, and there are nine episodes. After filming, you can get at least 2.25 million yen in fees."

"Although you're not a main lead, you should know very well what appearing in a Taiga drama means."

"The senior actors, directors, and producers in the crew are all part of my network."

"Moreover, appearing in a Taiga drama is crucial for endorsing your future works."

Sakamoto Yu understood this as well.

Whether in the present or the future, Taiga dramas are regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese film and television.

Being featured in an NHK Taiga drama is itself a testament to the recognition and endorsement of one's acting skills by the most authoritative institution.

Noticing the attraction in his eyes, Watanabe Mayumi secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

She appeared calm and collected on the surface, but in reality, she used almost all her connections to secure an audition for this supporting role.

She subconsciously reached for a cigarette, lit it with a "click," took a deep drag, and her gaze fell on Sakamoto Yu:

"So, are you satisfied with the result?"

Sakamoto Yu silently looked at the script.

He knew in his heart that with his current qualifications, it was already quite good that he was able to get an audition for a Taiga drama.

The request I made at the time was merely to test Watanabe Mayumi's abilities.

Even if she were to negotiate for a leading role in a big-budget production, she wouldn't be in that billing position.

He closed the script and nodded slightly.

"Okay, that's enough."

Mayumi Watanabe held a cigarette between her fingers and slowly exhaled a smoke ring.

"By the way, you passed the audition for the movie you starred in with Miho Nakayama."

"I have already received the notification."

"You'll be joining the crew in January next year. If you're successful in your audition this time, you can join the crew right after filming."

At that moment, Sakamoto Yu was intently watching the new drama.

His face was expressionless; he simply raised his head to indicate that he understood.

It was as if he had never worried about failing the audition.

Watanabe Mayumi looked at Sakamoto Yu, her admiration undisguised.

This person is truly surprising us more and more each time.

Last time, he only casually mentioned that he had received an audition invitation, and not long after, someone contacted her to discuss signing a contract.

It seemed as if he could easily win her over as long as he set his sights on her; this certainty was exactly what she admired most.

Watanabe Mayumi was increasingly curious about where Sakamoto Yu's future would lead.

She even had a premonition that he would definitely be able to pass the audition for this Taiga drama.

Mayumi Watanabe is not the kind of person who trusts her feelings.

But when the object of her affections was Sakamoto Yu, she was full of confidence.

No wonder she's the person I chose.

Once he grows up, his firm will definitely be able to gain a foothold in the industry, and even compete with the top players for market share.

Mayumi Watanabe didn't linger; she had an appointment with several producers later and didn't want to be delayed.

She stood up briskly, straightened the hem of her suit skirt, and said to Sakamoto Yu:

"Then I look forward to another piece of good news from you."

Sakamoto Yu nodded slightly, watching her figure disappear at the entrance of the coffee shop. Only after she was completely out of sight did his gaze return to the script on the table.

A hidden ambition flashed across his previously calm and composed eyes.

The limited popularity brought by "Dangerous Criminal" was far from enough to satisfy him.

Reborn into this world, I am determined to stand at the top of the entertainment industry.

His ambitions extend far beyond Japan; Berlin, Venice, Cannes, and even the Oscars are all within his reach.

Right now, "One-Eyed Dragon Masamune" is the best starting point.

Next, he needs to keep himself extremely busy, proving the market's strength with repeated successes and boosting his popularity.

Only in this way can we get better scripts.

.................

Five days later.

Audition day for HNK Broadcasting Station's "One-Eyed Dragon Masamune".

As the elevator doors opened, Sakamoto Yu arrived in the corridor, where groups of actors were waiting for their tense auditions.

He glanced around and saw many familiar faces.

There are actors who regularly play supporting roles in daytime dramas, talented actors who are active on the stage, and multi-talented artists who can handle variety shows, singing, and acting.

This lineup alone is already putting immense pressure on people.

Competing on the same stage with these actors who have already established themselves in the industry and have their own achievements, Sakamoto Yu deeply felt that the level was completely different from his previous small-scale work.

The same hierarchical structure also applies to different firms.

A talent agency is an actor's backing; large agencies with abundant resources, extensive connections, and endorsements from experienced actors are more likely to secure roles.

It's common practice in the industry for TV stations and large agencies to pre-select roles.

They basically have to wait until all the others have been selected before it's their turn.

Someone like him, backed by a small, unqualified firm, is more likely to be just another runner-up.

Sakamoto Yu took a deep breath, suppressing the restlessness in his heart, found a place to sit down, and calmly waited.

Just then, the elevator at the end of the corridor opened again, and four idols walked out together, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

The reason is simple: all of these people come from the same agency—Johnny's.

It is an industry giant that can currently compete with leading companies such as Ken-On and Toho Entertainment.

"I received news that we basically have no chance of getting the role this time."

"What news?"

"Those are all idols from Johnny's Entertainment. I heard that their president has already made arrangements with the TV station, and the candidates will be chosen from within their agency."

One of the actors shook his head in disbelief upon hearing this:

"This is NHK! They really dare to let these people act in a historical drama? This is a Taiga drama!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than someone nearby immediately objected:

"Kumiko Goto, Yasuko Sawaguchi, and several other female idols have already joined the production! Isn't that proof enough?"

"The previous Taiga drama couldn't even break 30% in ratings. The higher-ups wanted to expand the audience by using popular idols. Otherwise, do you think a company like Johnny's, which mainly focuses on idols, could get involved in the casting of Taiga dramas?"

The moment those words were spoken, the entire room fell silent.

Yes, the fact that Johnny's idols are here is the most obvious signal in itself.

"Damn it! What's the point of us even coming here then?!"

"Why not just decide on the selection directly from the start? Why bother with this fake audition?"

Sakamoto listened silently.

They didn't take the rumors to heart.

NHK does accept idols, but only if they have solid acting skills.

There is a clear hierarchy of contempt between actors and idols.

These people simply don't want to see those good-looking idols steal the opportunities that should belong to them.

Amid the noise, staff pushed open the door to the audition room and began calling out names from the list.

Upon seeing this, everyone immediately composed themselves and sat down properly.

"Ryoichi Miura!"

"yes!"

A familiar face, who often plays supporting roles, stood up, straightened his clothes, and walked in with a solemn expression.

"Boom"

The door slammed shut, and the atmosphere in the entire space instantly became heavy.

No one chatted anymore; everyone was busy making their final preparations.

But the person went in and came out again in less than five minutes.

He frowned, his face gloomy, clearly dissatisfied with his performance, or perhaps overwhelmed by the rigorous NHK audition process.

Everyone watching grew increasingly nervous.

Ultimately, this is NHK, and the threshold for watching Taiga dramas remains so high that it deters most people.

Next, the auditions continued. Some people were asked to leave after three minutes, some only lasted two minutes, and one stylishly dressed idol was even sent out in less than half a minute.

Time passed slowly, and fewer and fewer actors waited in the corridor, making the oppressive atmosphere increasingly heavy.

Sakamoto Yu's fingertips tightened slightly, and the restlessness in his chest grew stronger.

His throat moved slightly.

Finally, he stood up and quietly went around to the emergency exit at the end of the corridor.

He pulled out a pack of 7 Star brand cigarettes.

The cigarette pack was already opened, but he hadn't smoked many. He only smoked occasionally when he was under a lot of pressure.

Leaning against the wall in the stairwell, I hadn't even had a chance to light a cigarette yet.

A familiar ringtone sounded.

[At forty, you're just a background figure at a TV station when you bump into the goddess Akina Nakamori but don't dare approach her. Now, you meet her again and finally muster the courage to interact with her.]

[Task: Make a lasting impression on her]

[Reward: Talent - Deep, resonant voice]

[Effect: When you speak, your tone naturally carries an Edo-period accent, drawing your co-stars into the scene. Directors and audiences will have a 50% increase in their approval of your lines, and your character fit will increase by 15%, making you suitable for any historical figure.]

The system notification appeared in less than half a second.

The next moment, Sakamoto Yu heard a series of hurried footsteps approaching.

Before he could react, a slender figure burst through the emergency exit door and rushed in.

It's Akina Nakamori.