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

In the empty room, director Katsuji Nakamura, the producer, the screenwriter, and the casting director watched as Yu Sakamoto entered.

When they saw that the other person's face was even more dazzling than their idol's, a sense of discouragement rose in their hearts, and their eyes showed even more weariness.

Although NHK also wants to attract young viewers by using idol-type actors, they still maintain a rigorous audition process for Taiga dramas, which are solemn historical dramas.

They were not unaware of the rumors being spread.

Since Katsuji Nakamura, under pressure, cast Ken Watanabe, a newcomer who had never starred in a Taiga drama before, a large number of people flocked to audition, hoping to get lucky.

This group of people either don't even understand basic martial arts etiquette, or they deliver their lines without any emotion, and their acting skills are uneven, so there's really nothing to watch.

They failed to recognize their own capabilities, clung to unrealistic hopes, and had the naive idea that if Ken Watanabe could do it, so could they.

In most cases, it just resulted in a waste of time and increased their workload.

The screenwriter rubbed his throbbing temples, not even bothering to have Sakamoto Yu introduce himself, and simply raised his hand to call a halt, giving the question directly:

"No need for introductions, let's get straight to the point. Your brother came looking for you in the middle of the night because your mother poisoned him, and he wants you dead. Have you read this part before?"

Sakamoto Yu paused instinctively.

The play begins right from the start, with no buffer or build-up.

In this scene, Date Kojiro only has one or two lines; the rest are conveyed through subtle expressions and actions that bring out his emotions.

Sakamoto Yu thought to himself, it seems that the previous auditionees have already exhausted their patience.

Under such high pressure, it's difficult to maintain a calm mind.

The screenwriter, seeing Sakamoto Yu's paused expression, had a "I knew it" look on his face.

Just as he was about to announce the elimination, he saw Sakamoto Yu slowly move.

Under the scrutinizing gazes of the four examiners, Sakamoto Yu instantly shed his own emotions and quickly immersed himself in the role.

He stepped forward a few paces, first slightly adjusting his robe to straighten the non-existent small sleeves, his movements swift and clean.

Then kneel down, keeping your knees together on the ground, and slowly place your buttocks on your heels.

With her back ramrod straight, her entire demeanor instantly became noble and dignified.

He placed his hands naturally on his knees, his fingertips slightly clasped, and smoothly completed a standard sitting posture.

Immediately afterwards, he lowered his head, bowing respectfully as a subject, before slowly raising his head. Throughout the entire process, he remained obedient and calm, with impeccable manners.

Seeing this, everyone's expressions finally straightened up a bit.

Clearly, this young man had done his homework.

Throughout the entire performance, she was meticulous and exuded a clean and refined demeanor, accurately portraying the elegance and sense of propriety that comes from being raised with proper etiquette.

What impressed them even more was Sakamoto Yu's delivery of lines and his tone of voice.

"Brother, what brings you here at this hour?"

The speech was slow and had distinct pauses.

Without deliberately raising or lowering the tone, just subtle changes in tone can create tension and atmosphere that suggests an impending storm.

His delivery of lines far exceeded everyone's expectations.

The screenwriter nodded to himself, composed himself, opened the script, and addressed Masamune's lines in a deep voice:

"What would you do if someone poisoned you?"

Sakamoto Yu lowered his eyebrows, his eyelashes trembled nervously, and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes.

The fear of having one's secrets exposed is expressed vividly.

Kojiro knew perfectly well that his mother had secretly poisoned his brother in order to make herself the lord.

This fear caused his breathing to quicken and his body to tremble uncontrollably.

It wasn't just because he sensed his brother's murderous intent, but also because he was worried about his mother's safety.

"How could I, as a son, kill my mother?"

"Only your death can atone for your mother's sins."

At that moment, faced with the cold announcement, Kojiro suddenly raised his head.

There was no resentment in his eyes, only a final plea.

"Could I see my mother one last time?"

Sakamoto Yu's lips turned pale, and his fingers gripped the fabric that was not actually there.

Faced with imminent death, and the helpless and desolate feeling of being killed by one's own family, the delicate and poignant emotions captivated the screenwriter so much that he forgot to respond to his lines.

The audition room was deathly silent.

Everyone was dragged into that Edo-era night by Sakamoto Yu, falling into Kojiro's inescapable despair.

The casting director instinctively looked at Katsushi Nakamura, wanting to get his opinion, but when he turned his head, he saw that the director was staring intently at Yu Sakamoto, without even blinking.

The producer standing to the side also put away all his casualness and became completely focused.

He didn't ask any more questions, silently picked up his pen, and made a mark on the resume.

...

"very good."

Katsuji Nakamura, who had been silent until now, broke the silence with undisguised approval in his tone.

Sakamoto Yu, who had been holding his breath, finally relaxed.

Even so, he maintained his upright posture and dared not relax.

My eyes were dry and swollen from being immersed in the role for so long that some tears came out. With each blink, they streamed down my cheeks, leaving a faint trail.

She looked even more haggard and pale.

When the crowd saw this, they mistakenly thought that Sakamoto Yu had gotten into character, and they were moved.

To perform at such a high level during a mere audition puts him firmly in first place among all the actors auditioning.

They had all reached a conclusion in their hearts.

Katsuji Nakamura picked up the resume on the table, glanced at the agency information, and said casually:

"TopCoat...an agency I've never heard of."

Sakamoto Yu nodded in response:

"Yes, the agency has just been established, and there aren't many actors yet."

"Hmm." Katsuji Nakamura nodded. Seniority wasn't everything; at least for him, acting skills were enough.

He looked up at Sakamoto Yu:

"Have the agency send over your detailed information, such as height, bust, waist, and weight, later. Some of the costumes will need to be custom-made."

Upon hearing this, Sakamoto Yu's tense expression finally relaxed completely.

The audition should be a sure thing.

Sakamoto Yu maintained his upright sitting posture and bowed slightly to the judges.

"Thank you so much!"

Sakamoto Yu stood up, bowed once more, and turned to leave the audition room.

As soon as the door opened, I could feel the gazes of the other auditionees.

The reason is simple: Sakamoto Yu was the one who stayed inside the longest among all the people there.

What does this mean?

Everyone knows the truth.

The actors who were still waiting exchanged glances, their expressions changing slightly.

However, Sakamoto Yu did not show any expression on his face, and simply walked calmly toward the elevator.

It's already late autumn, and the streets of Tokyo are noticeably chilly.

The Chinese New Year is just around the corner.

He glanced back at the NHK building, his expression meaningful.

This time he was just a supporting actor, but next time, when he comes back, he will definitely be a leading man!