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

"That's how it is. We'll arrange an internal interview with the production crew. With your reputation, it won't be difficult to clarify these rumors."

"The production team will contact TV Bros. and Weekly TV to release some positive statements. NHK will also release behind-the-scenes footage. There are records of your scenes with Sawaguchi, and there are people on set who can attest to it. Hopefully, this will clear up the fans' misunderstandings."

Nakamura's tone was serious.

"The timing of this public outcry is a bit strange. I remember there were quite a few rumors circulating about the production team from the very beginning. Sakamoto-kun, have you heard anything about it?"

Sakamoto Yu felt a pang of anxiety upon hearing this, but remained calm on the surface.

He paused for a moment before slowly speaking:

"I have indeed heard some rumors, some people in the crew, saying that I stole the role from other actors."

Katsuji Nakamura gave a soft "Oh" and fell into thought.

"I understand," he said in a deep voice. "Don't worry, the crew will never let you down. Everyone has seen your contributions and dedication."

"Thank you very much."

Sakamoto Yu sincerely thanked him, and the two chatted briefly before ending the call.

Watanabe remained seated on the living room sofa, watching as Sakamoto Yu calmly put down the microphone and quietly waited for him to speak.

Sakamoto Yu turned to look at him, met Watanabe's questioning gaze, and gently shook his head:

"It's alright, NHK is already prepared to handle it."

"They contacted TV Bros. and Weekly TV, both of which have partnerships with NHK and will release some positive comments."

Watanabe nodded. "I will continue to keep an eye on it."

While the production team remained silent.

All the pressure from public opinion was directed at Sakamoto Yu, the center of this discussion.

.....

In a supermarket, two housewives pushed a shopping cart, selecting fish fillets wrapped in plastic wrap while discussing:

Have you seen it? Weekly Bunshun.

"I've seen it. Tsk tsk, these young people nowadays, they don't focus on acting, they're just thinking about climbing the social ladder."

"That's right. My husband says that those who rise to fame through scandals won't stay popular for long."

"I heard he got into the production team through connections? How could NHK use someone like that?"

"Who knows? Anyway, I don't watch shows by people like that."

After selecting their fish, the two pushed their cart toward the cashier.

...

An outdoor smoking area in a company building.

Two middle-aged men in white shirts and loosely tied ties leaned against the wall, cigarettes between their fingers.

"Hey, did you see that news about Yasuko Sawaguchi?"

"Of course I saw him!" The man immediately perked up. "That pretty boy, I don't know what's so great about him! How could my Sawaguchi-chan possibly be interested in him!" He became more and more agitated as he spoke, and finally looked heartbroken.

"If I had that face, I could do it too!" he said, taking another deep drag of his cigarette in frustration.

His colleague next to him looked disgusted, leaned close to his ear, and continued to provoke him: "You? Give me a break."

"You can't get that face even with plastic surgery."

He flicked his cigarette ash, leaned against the wall, and looked up at the sky. "If I could create a scandal with Sawaguchi and become the company president, I'd be willing to marry her."

The other person snorted, "What are you thinking? It's obviously just a publicity stunt."

They're just deliberately creating a buzz to get everyone talking so they can watch the new show.

...

At the entrance of a Shibuya record store, two high school girls dressed in sailor uniforms were selecting CDs, their backpacks adorned with "Shonentai" keychains.

"Hey, look at this!" One of them pulled out a copy of "FRIDAY" from the magazine shelf. The cover featured a collage of photos of Yu Sakamoto and Yasuko Sawaguchi.

"What? What?"

"It's that guy I told you about last time—the villain from 'Dangerous Detective'! He's super—cool!"

"Really?" Another person leaned over to look, their eyes lighting up. "Wow, it really is! Who is this person?"

"Sakamoto Yu! How many times have I told you?!"

"When did you say that?" She stared at the cover for several seconds, then suddenly frowned. "Wait, who's that woman next to her?"

"Yasuko Sawaguchi, the one from Toho."

"Yasuko Sawaguchi? What makes her so special?"

"...What do you mean by 'by what right'?"

"Look—" She held up the magazine, pointing to Sakamoto Yu's photo, "This face, trying to create a CP (couple pairing) with her? Does she even deserve it?"

"Didn't you say before that you liked Yasuko Sawaguchi?"

"That's because I didn't see the guy! Look at that profile! That look in his eyes!" She clutched the magazine tightly, "If you wanted to create a couple image with me, I'd definitely be willing."

"You? They wouldn't even consider you?"

"Why don't you like me? I'm younger than her!"

"Are you crazy?" The other rolled her eyes, snatched the magazine from her hand, and put it back on the shelf. "She's Toho's Cinderella, what are you?"

"I am—I am his future wife!"

"Let's go, let's go, don't embarrass ourselves."

"Wait a minute, let me take another look—"

"The boss said we can't just sit here and look around for nothing! Let's go!"

The two girls pushed and shoved each other as they left the record store, one of them glancing back at the magazine cover.

.....

Just as the public was discussing the matter, HNK began releasing internal interviews with the production crew.

The interviewees ranged from the lead actors to the behind-the-scenes staff.

However, throughout the entire film, one-third of the actors and behind-the-scenes personnel mentioned the same person—Sakamoto Yu.

Sakamoto Yu's efforts over the past few days have not been in vain.

Everyone is talking about his contributions to the crew and recognizing his acting skills.

His dedication and respect for his seniors were described as making him seem like an "outstanding actor".

The public did not buy it, and most people still believed that this was a whitewash released by the production team.

TV Bros. anticipated this situation and added a note below the report indicating that the latest behind-the-scenes footage of the drama would be broadcast tonight.

Every household began to pay attention to the broadcast of the program.

The Nishino family is a typical example.

The mother and daughter discussed Sakamoto Yu's figure and appearance, while the father and brother discussed the rumors between Sakamoto Yu and Sawaguchi.

The family sat in front of the TV, waiting for the 9 pm special program.

Mother brought the dishes out early, and the family sat around the low table with their feet tucked under the covers.

They ate while waiting for the show to start.

"I heard from people at the company that this Sakamoto Yu rose to fame through hype." He sighed suddenly, lit a cigarette, and said, "These days, idols are all thinking about taking crooked paths."

The father took a deep breath and said in a serious tone.

The mother nodded quickly, "I also heard it from Kurata's wife next door. They all say he can't act on set and acts like a diva."

"Mom! Don't talk nonsense! Sakamoto-kun is a very good actor!"

"Also, he's not an idol, he's an actor, an actor!"

The daughter immediately objected and defended her idol.

"Tch, what do you know? You're just a hopeless fangirl staring at his face. Don't you even realize he has no background whatsoever, yet he got a role in a Taiga drama?"

"It's obvious he got in through connections." The older brother was unconvinced. He was a fan of Yasuko Sawaguchi and had no liking for male stars who were trying to ride on his goddess's popularity.

"Alright, alright, let's eat. The food's getting cold." The mother waved her hand, interrupting, "You'll find out when you watch the behind-the-scenes footage."

"Tch, the production team must have deliberately made it look fake to fool people," the older brother muttered, still unwilling to give up.

The program begins at nine o'clock.

As the music started, a voice-over from the host briefly introduced the filming locations and shooting base before the camera switched to the next scene.

In the video, everyone finally sees the protagonist at the center of the controversy, Sakamoto Yu.

"Wow, so handsome!" the daughter exclaimed in amazement the moment she saw him, her eyes shining.

"This face looks familiar?" Mom looked at the face but couldn't quite place it; she felt like she'd seen it somewhere before.

Father remembered, and he pointed to the television:

"Isn't this the Yakuza from the recently aired drama 'Dangerous Detective' starring Hiroshi Tate and Shibata?"

"Ah! It's him! I knew he looked familiar." The mother clapped her hands, remembering him.

But then she saw Sakamoto Yu dressed in theatrical costume and murmured:

"I almost didn't recognize this man, he was wearing a theatrical costume."

"You know what, she really looks quite elegant and classy. Honey, you should learn from her next time. Look at her posture."

The mother's eyes lit up, and she turned to look at the father: "Honey, you should stand up straighter from now on, don't always hunch over."

The father, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, gave a dismissive "hmm."

The older brother scoffed, leaning back on the sofa with his legs crossed. "When are we going to see Zekou? Why is it always that guy?"

Without turning her head, the mother said, "What's the rush?"

Hearing this, the older brother shrank back and muttered softly, "That's true."

As the behind-the-scenes footage played, the scene shifted to the performance of Yu Sakamoto and Ken Watanabe.

When Sakamoto Yu's voice came out, even though it was just behind-the-scenes footage with mediocre sound recording and only passable camera angles, the living room suddenly fell silent.

The whole family's attention was completely drawn to it.

The sound suddenly disappeared.

The brother's expression gradually became serious, and the sister couldn't help but smile.

The father frowned, muttering to himself as he read along.

The mother nodded up and down, echoing the rhythmic cadence of Sakamoto Yu's voice.