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

In Tokyo in December, it gets dark early.

The corridors of the NHK studio were filled with the smells of old wood and cosmetics.

Occasionally, someone would push a costume rack past, the wheels making a dull thud as they rolled across the ground.

Compared to the harmonious atmosphere of other film crews, the set of Taiga dramas is so quiet it's almost oppressive.

Even the most popular actors must restrain their brilliance here and bow every few steps.

The film set was filled with veteran actors and big names that one usually only sees on the big screen.

Even with such a high-caliber production team, rumors still managed to spread.

Rumors, which I don't know where they came from, spread that Sakamoto Yu got the role through connections and stole it from someone else.

His qualifications were also dug up.

With no background or connections, and having only played a supporting role in a chivalrous drama, he was suddenly thrust into a Taiga drama.

Even Ken Watanabe, who is a "newcomer to the lead role", has several works to back him up.

These are all facts, however.

Sakamoto Yu had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill.

Logically, such rumors that disrupt the atmosphere on set should be suppressed as soon as possible.

However, the rumors never caused any real trouble, neither delaying filming nor affecting the lead actors.

To the core members of the production team, it was nothing more than harmless gossip, so they simply turned a blind eye.

The director did not refute the rumors, so the discussions continued to ferment in secret, becoming more and more outrageous.

Some say he slept with the producer, or that the producer slept with him.

The latest version even says that he was a "plaything" of a certain bigwig, who was only put into the film crew as compensation after he got tired of him.

What others might consider mere gossip, became a heavy burden for Sakamoto Yu, causing him immense suffering.

It's obvious without even thinking that someone is up to no good behind this.

At this moment, he is walking towards the waiting area.

Throughout the journey, the extras and staff members looked at him with mockery and ridicule.

"Tsk tsk, isn't that him? He got the role by sleeping with the producer."

"That's him, isn't it? I heard he has a really messy relationship with the producer."

"A small agency with no resources or background, yet still managing to get a role—what else could it be but taking shortcuts?"

"Look, even the director hasn't clarified this, so there must be some truth to it."

As soon as they saw Sakamoto approaching, they all looked away, shut up, and pretended to be busy.

Sakamoto Yu walked by calmly, his back straight, his eyes fixed ahead.

To say I don't care would be a lie.

He is not someone who can be easily manipulated.

We've been bullied to this point, how can we just let it go?

For now, he can only lie low and endure.

This is an NHK Taiga drama, not some small production team; he can't act so impulsively.

Only by demonstrating his strength can he stop this public opinion storm.

The scene being filmed today is about Date Kojiro's mother wanting to install her youngest son as the head of the family, replacing Date Masamune.

Several senior actors were gathered on set, and even Ken Watanabe, who played Masamune, appeared exceptionally cautious.

After arriving at the venue, Sakamoto Yu waited patiently and observed from the sidelines.

Before long, several senior figures began to enter.

Masamune's mother, Shima Iwashita.

Date Huizong, Beidaoji Xinye

Family veteran, Nobuo Kaneko.

They recognized the character he was playing when they saw Sakamoto Yu's costume.

He also recognized Sakamoto Yu as the guy who was rumored to have gotten into the crew through connections.

His gaze held a hint of scrutiny and dissatisfaction.

This unhealthy trend is truly intolerable to the old-school actors who adhere to the rules.

The expressions of the seniors noticeably faded; they glanced at him and then ignored him.

"What's wrong with NHK? Are they making this kind of thing so public?"

"Alas, the world is going to the dogs."

"If you don't even talk about talent, how can you expect to make a decent film?"

"The reputation of Taiga dramas has been completely ruined."

Not long after, the director arrived.

Katsuji Nakamura glanced around and, seeing that everyone was present, began to explain the play to them.

Details such as camera positioning, performance rhythm, and shot composition.

"Sakamoto-san!"

"yes!"

Katsuji Nakamura held the script and pointed to the location.

Sakamoto Yu nodded in agreement and stepped forward to stand still.

In this scene, everyone was crammed into a small room.

Soon, the positions were arranged and the actors took their places.

Sakamoto Yu knelt down in his place.

The tatami mats felt cool and stiff through the fabric.

Sitting opposite him is Date Masamune, played by Ken Watanabe, with several senior retainers beside him and his mother's faction behind him.

He sat in the middle.

All eyes, seemingly unintentionally, fell upon Sakamoto Yu, making him feel like he was being pricked by thorns.

Katsufumi Nakamura watched the screen from behind the monitor.

Sakamoto Yu's profile was half-lit and half-shadowed by the light; he was young, clean-cut, and beardless, like a boy who hadn't fully grown up yet.

"Get ready."

The stage manager claps the clapperboard.

"Episode 7, Scene 12 of 'One-Eyed Dragon Masamune,' begin!"

The camera started working.

Sakamoto Yu lowered his head slightly, clearing his mind of distractions, and began to gather his emotions.

"Chikumaru, the elders have agreed. Are you willing to replace Masamune as the head of the family?"

Iwashita Shima spoke calmly, her attitude gentle, but her tone carried an unquestionable air.

With just his aura, he instantly transformed the atmosphere of the entire film set, causing the air to plummet to freezing point.

As soon as he said it, several senior officials immediately echoed his sentiments.

An invisible pressure instantly enveloped the entire room, pressing directly down on Date Masamune, who was kneeling to the side.

Ken Watanabe's portrayal of Masamune is calm, with his acting entirely conveyed through his eyes.

He remained silent, slowly raised his eyes, and looked intently at his younger brother.

That imposing yet restrained aura struck Kojiro directly.

Finally, the spotlight is given to Sakamoto Yu.

On set, everyone instinctively held their breath.

The air seemed to freeze.

A multitude of complex and difficult-to-discern gazes—gloating, scrutinizing, indifferent, and ill-intentioned—fell densely upon Sakamoto Yu.

Everyone was waiting to see if he could handle the role.

There was no overly exaggerated acting, nor any scene-stealing.

Sakamoto Yu slightly hunched his back, his shoulders taut.

The youthful energy in his silhouette vanished instantly.

His fists were pressed tightly against his thighs, and fear and cowardice surged in his eyes.

The tone was still the same, but there was a slight tremor in the ending note.

"Mother, I..."

The actor vividly portrayed the bewilderment of being pushed forward by his mother, feeling helpless and unable to control himself.

Despite her seemingly weak demeanor, she successfully took over the role she was playing.

Iwashita Shima maintained a dignified demeanor befitting a mother.

I initially didn't think much of juniors like Sakamoto Yu who got in through connections.

However, when she met Sakamoto Yu's eyes, her inner emotions were inexplicably stirred.

That fear and timidity added a touch of helplessness and a gloomy disappointment to her eyes.

Even she herself didn't notice that her originally calm tone had unconsciously become a bit somber.

Her instinctive reactions after getting into character brought out the decisiveness and toughness of her character as a mother in the play.

This subconscious emotional outpouring went unnoticed even by the actor himself.

Outside the film set, a newly hired production assistant watched with only a vague understanding.

He chuckled softly and muttered to those around him:

"This acting is so pathetic! He was scared the whole time, and I didn't see how amazing he was. How did he get into the Taiga drama crew?"

He gestured to another stagehand, a smug look on his face:

"I knew he got into the cast through connections!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than the veteran production assistant, who had been filming Taiga dramas for over a decade, slapped his junior colleague and hissed in a low voice:

"Stop embarrassing yourself, you don't know anything!"

I told you to observe more and speak less, instead of listening to all this nonsense!

"Do you even know what a supporting role is?!"

"Without the support of green leaves, even the most beautiful flower cannot stand out."

"Look at the condition of those lead actors! They let these veteran actors land roles so smoothly—is that what you call being spineless?"

"He doesn't understand anything! He can't grasp the slightest bit of the intricacies!"

The old stagehand, seeing these new generation members, was furious and kicked them.

"And remember your place. They are all artists backed by agencies. If they catch you spreading rumors, they can easily hire lawyers to sue you!"

"You don't want to lose your job, do you? Your elderly mother is waiting for you at home."

After the old stagehand finished speaking, he ignored the young man who was standing there dumbfounded.

Just then, Katsuji Nakamura raised a megaphone and shouted.

"Okay, this one is approved."

"Everyone's in great shape, keep it up!"

Katsushi Nakamura paused, then pointed specifically at Yu Sakamoto, gave a thumbs-up, and nodded in approval:

"Sakamoto-san, you did a good job with the role. Keep up the good work."

Upon hearing this, Sakamoto Yu immediately nodded in response, bowing slightly while still kneeling to indicate that he had received the message.

He raised his eyes, his gaze calmly sweeping over the extras and staff who had just been talking about him.

These words of affirmation, when heard by those who are interested, are somewhat intriguing.

They both avoided eye contact.

Just like at the beginning, I pretended to be busy, but a sense of lingering fear rose in my heart.

Sakamoto Yu is, after all, a proper and important supporting character. If he really wanted revenge, he would have the ability to do so.

As that old stagehand put it.

All we need to do is get the firm involved, and they'll be in deep trouble.

However, after scanning the area, Sakamoto Yu did nothing.

He composed himself, remaining calm and composed, and stood up before bowing to his seniors.

"Thank you for your hard work, everyone. Thank you to all the senior colleagues."

A faint smile always graced his face.

The two actors who felt it most deeply were Ken Watanabe and Iwashita, whose gazes towards Sakamoto Yu immediately changed.

After the performance, the two were surprised to realize the change in their emotions.

Upon hearing Sakamoto Yu's greeting, Watanabe Ken also bowed in return.

Although he debuted earlier than Sakamoto Yu, here he is a junior like Sakamoto Yu, and dares not be arrogant.

Iwashita stared at Sakamoto Yu's face, her expression slightly surprised. The other party's acting skills were so impressive that it was hard to believe he had gotten in through connections. In just a moment, she realized something.

The conflicts and disputes within a film crew are inherently complex, but those who have been through it all understand it quickly.

She smiled faintly and nodded, a hint of apology flashing in her eyes.

"Young man, you acted well." She patted Sakamoto Yu on the shoulder in a friendly manner.

Kinya Kitaoji, who plays Terumune Date, also smiled in response.

He may hate bad practices, but he also appreciates talented younger generations.

He sensed something while filming earlier.

The veteran actors present exchanged glances and a few meaningful looks.

Then, Kitaoji Kin walked up to Nakamura Katsuji and said, "Nakamura-san, the atmosphere on this set has been a bit strange lately. Shouldn't we clean it up?"

A figure in the distance saw Kitaji Shinya talking to the director and immediately left.

That person was a manager from Johnny & Associates.