Inside the soundproof practice room of LALALAI Theater Troupe.
"One and two and—"
Kitagawa Ryo softly counted the beats as he watched his little sister. To the rhythm of cheerful music and his counting, Kitagawa Ruby twirled on tiptoe, her small skirt tracing graceful arcs through the air.
"Onii-chan, how was I—?"
The moment the song ended, Ruby didn't even pause to wipe the thin sheen of sweat on her forehead before bouncing over to Ryo. She clung to his arm, swinging it back and forth while dragging out her question in a sweet, pleading tone.
"You could debut right now and still be more than ready."
Ryo chuckled, pulling out a handkerchief. He crouched down to dab away the sweat on her forehead and nose, offering generous praise.
"Hehe."
Clearly delighted by the compliment, Ruby tilted her head up with a radiant smile.
Since Hoshino Ai had decided to refocus on her idol career, she'd submitted her resignation to LALALAI Theater Troupe a few days prior, immediately throwing herself into preparations for her next single release.
For Ruby , there was no better news.
The thought made her nuzzle against Ryo's cheek even more insistently.
"I practiced so hard."
This wasn't an exaggeration. While Ryo and Ai were vacationing in Miyazaki, Ruby had devoted herself entirely to dance practice. What she displayed now was already impressively polished.
After all, no one could be too demanding of a child who wasn't even quite four yet.
Truthfully, even Ruby herself didn't dare—or couldn't bring herself—to confess her reincarnated identity to Ryo now.
The best time to reveal the truth would have been during infancy, before she and Ryo had formed any bond. But back then, fearing he might hesitate to sever ties with the Kitagawa family if he knew, she'd stubbornly kept silent—even helping gather evidence against his adoptive parents.
After that, she'd been so absorbed in daily life under the same roof as Ryo that the opportunity slipped away entirely.
If Ryo learned that Tendouji Sarina's soul resided in her body, half of her behavior over the years would be mortifyingly embarrassing in hindsight.
So... maybe it was better this way.
Ruby guiltily averted her eyes.
"I know Ruby's a hardworking girl."
She reveled in her brother's head pats, filled with contentment.
Being a child had its advantages.
Though the downside was how quickly this small body tired after exertion.
"If you're tired, rest for a bit."
Ryo noticed her fatigue—a full four-minute dance was no small feat for a child. He thoughtfully pulled a cushion from his bag and let her sit against the wall.
Then, under Ruby 's expectant gaze, he slowly withdrew a wooden practice sword from his backpack.
While she prepared for her kindergarten performance, he trained for next year's Taiga drama—not so different in spirit.
During his childhood role in that tokusatsu series, though his screen time was limited, Ryo had sought out the martial arts choreographer to learn basic stances and movements.
Now, for the Taiga drama filming in six months, he'd begun studying classical swordsmanship—a skill his character would wield masterfully.
Most productions used stunt doubles for such scenes, but Ryo had never relied on stand-ins. His ability to perfectly execute directors' visions was one reason for his sterling industry reputation.
Not that Ryo saw it as extraordinary. Whether due to his two lifetimes or the discipline cultivated since childhood, his learning ability and physical prowess surpassed most peers—even adults.
Skills were never a burden.
Besides, this Taiga drama marked a milestone in his career. After decades of NHK's meticulous branding, most audiences considered only their productions true Taiga dramas—others were mere "period pieces."
Ryo's current fanbase centered on housewives and children, nearing saturation. Since Taiga dramas appealed strongly to middle-aged and elderly viewers, Mr. Izaki's decision to accept this role aimed to expand his influence among that demographic.
Finishing today's drills, Ryo exhaled deeply, steadying his breath before sheathing the wooden sword.
"That's enough for today, Ruby."
"Mm, I'm hungry too."
"Let's go home, then."
Ryo nodded, carefully repacking the sword and double-checking for forgotten items before taking his sister's hand and leaving the practice room.
With Hoshino Ai—finally ready for lead roles after years of training—abruptly leaving the troupe, LALALAI's manager Toshirou Kindaichi had been gloomy lately. He'd even mused about restarting their Workshop (an experiential acting program) to recruit fresh talent.
As Ryo's career diversified, his time with the troupe would inevitably dwindle—a common trajectory. Many theater actors transitioned to film and TV for broader opportunities in an era of proliferating screens.
Perhaps this tidal shift would force traditional theater to adapt.
Exiting the troupe's building, Ryo cast a pensive glance at the LALALAI sign before making his way to Mr. Izaki's waiting car.
Once settled in the car, Ryo casually asked:
"By the way, have you made any friends at kindergarten, Ruby?"
In his memory, Ruby seemed shy around strangers yet lively with those she knew—hence his early (perhaps too early) plans to find her future idol groupmates.
Then again, to Ryo, Ruby was his only family in this world. Where she was concerned, no amount of care was excessive.
"Mmm—of course I have friends!"
Ruby 's eyes darted away guiltily again.
Though her lonely past life made her yearn for companionship, sincerely playing with four- and five-year-olds proved challenging.
That said, after her appearance on First Errand, she'd become the kindergarten's unofficial celebrity—many children clamored to befriend her.
So by extension, she basically had friends, right?
Nodding to herself, Ruby regained her confidence.
Ryo massaged his temples. Her initial reaction had betrayed the truth—she hadn't made any real friends at all.
He truly believed his sister was perfect in every way—if perhaps overly attached to him while indifferent to others. But he couldn't force her out of this comfort zone. He could only hope she'd gradually broaden her social circle as she grew.
Time flew amid their daily routines until Ruby's kindergarten open house arrived.
In recent years, reports of child abuse by teachers and caretakers had left parents deeply wary.
A particularly egregious case at Shizuoka's Sakura Nursery had escalated this distrust to new heights—details included verbal abuse, hanging children upside down as punishment, severe corporal discipline, and even taking commemorative photos with sobbing toddlers.
Likely to reassure parents, Ruby 's kindergarten had organized this grand event. The dance competition was just one segment—the real purpose was rebuilding trust through transparency.
Holding Ruby 's hand, Ryo entered alongside her legal guardian Toshirou Kindaichi . To outsiders, their trio resembled a father with his son and younger daughter.
This was Ryo's second visit to the kindergarten. The first, when enrolling Ruby , had left quite an impression.
During the new term intake, many children had refused to enter classrooms, dragged in by pleading or scolding parents.
Even after being coaxed inside, some stubbornly escaped at every opportunity, while others stood frozen before bursting into tears upon realizing their parents were gone. Teachers scrambled to manage the chaos.
Dozens of three- and four-year-olds created an ear-splitting cacophony—those still teething mumbled incoherently, leaving teachers baffled.
Some kicked off shoes while bending to retrieve them, only to bump their heads on desks and wail; others fidgeted endlessly, sawing erasers with rulers or proudly displaying pocket treasures like buttons, beetles, or bottle caps.
Compared to them, Ruby had been exceptionally well-behaved.
Six months later, the children had adjusted. As Ryo amusedly watched Kindaichi chat with other parents, he observed the calmer classroom atmosphere.
Thanks to Ruby 's fame, no one batted an eye at Ryo's presence. After signing autographs for starstruck teachers, he took his seat, quietly awaiting the event's start.
The kindergarten's talent show featured singing, dancing, and art contests. Parents enthusiastically cheered every brave performer, regardless of skill.
"Ruby! Ruby!"
Before Ryo could cheer, Kindaichi—flanking him—had already morphed into a fervent fan. The nearly forty-year-old man somehow produced glow sticks and launched into a wildly energetic (if technically dubious) otagei dance routine.
Nearby parents stared.
Kindaichi's mood couldn't be brighter. Despite recent troupe troubles, attending as Ruby 's guardian—with Ryo in tow—felt like a dream come true.
By extension, Ryo was practically his son now.
Having long fantasized about this pseudo-paternal role, Kindaichi threw dignity to the wind, wholeheartedly supporting Ruby onstage:
"Ruby-chan! Ruby-chan!"
Though tempted to distance himself, Ryo found the atmosphere infectious. Reaching into his bag, he successively pulled out a custom-made happi coat, hachimaki headband, and a collapsible uchiwa fan—all emblazoned with Ruby 's name and favorite motifs.
Under a certain "top idol's" influence, Ryo had acquired some peculiar skills.
In under a minute, he'd suited up in full regalia, unfurling the fan to instantly become the center of attention.
"Ruby! Ruby!"
With Kindaichi setting the precedent, Ryo wholeheartedly joined the cheering, waving his fan.
Even Ruby hadn't expected this prepared ensemble. Seeing her brother's mismatched yet meticulously designed gear, she nearly laughed—but warmth overwhelmed her.
Between Ryo and Kindaichi's dual support, Ruby 's performance shone. Her usually loose hair was elegantly pinned up, revealing slender shoulders that—paired with nimble footwork and a fluttering skirt—evoked a fairy-tale sprite come to life.
As the song ended, Ruby proudly lifted her chin toward Ryo, raising both hands overhead in triumphant greeting.
"Already a natural star at this age, Ruby."
Kindaichi chuckled at her pose, casually remarking.
The competition's outcome was never in doubt. Despite being among the youngest, Ruby outperformed even older contestants.
(Kindaichi would later claim their enthusiastic cheering deserved partial credit.)
After the awards ceremony, Ruby —now sporting an oversized chocolate gold medal—raced to the audience seats.
"Onii-chan, I got first place!"
Her expression radiated smug pride, like a cat awaiting praise.
"Ruby is the absolute best."
Ryo held nothing back, teaming up with Kindaichi to bombard her with compliments until even Ruby grew uncharacteristically flustered.
Seeking an escape, she removed her medal and tore off the gold foil wrapper. Breaking off a piece for Kindaichi first, she took a bite herself before eagerly offering the remainder to Ryo.
"Onii-chan, eat some too!"
Oblivious to the implications, Ryo bit down beside her tiny tooth marks.
"Pretty sweet."
"Mm, I think so too."
Ruby gazed up at the [I♡RUBY] text on Ryo's hachimaki, eyes crinkling into crescent moons as sweetness flooded her tongue.
After sharing the chocolate, Ryo held Ruby while watching the ongoing art contest.
"Speaking of friends—didn't you say you made some at kindergarten? Point them out so I can meet them too."
Ruby stiffened. After frantic deliberation, she manufactured an excuse:
"My best friend is in the art contest right now. After it ends, I'll introduce you, okay?"
Her mental calculations were precise: post-event, parents would tour facilities with the principal—the perfect window to "befriend" a random contestant.
"Which one is she?"
Ryo's follow-up shattered her plans.
Cornered, Ruby stubbornly pointed at a girl about a year older in the center of the room:
"That one."
Noticing the attention, the black-haired girl paused mid-drawing.
Samejima Abiko tilted her head in confusion.