Upon hearing Momokusa Toshinobu's words, Nanaya Kiryu instantly understood many things: why Ryutani Nariaki, who held the highest position in the Japanese film industry, would approach him and give him such a rare opportunity even though he didn't think particularly highly of him; and why Kaiuchi Utsumi, who was clearly the representative of the investors, would completely delegate authority to him and help him take control of the situation.
Because his teacher was the film's investor. his teacher was the one who gave him this opportunity.
Nanaya knew very well that his teacher had been unhappy with his desire to make his own film. He believed Nanaya had talent but lacked experience. Even so, his teacher continued to support him silently, willing to create such a hard-won opportunity for him.
But Nanaya had messed it up himself, disappointing the teacher who believed in him.
"Director Hanai Ryuichi is truly a great teacher. It's just a pity he chose the wrong disciple. If he had chosen someone else, things wouldn't have turned out like this."
Even a child could see the sarcasm in Momokusa Toshinobu's smile, and it made Nanaya even angrier.
Nanaya wanted to say something, but not a single word came out. More than anger toward Momokusa, what filled him now was fear, fear of disappointing his teacher. Just thinking about it made his chest tighten painfully.
"I really feel sorry for you two, master and disciple. Well, you've just cut off your own last chance to survive, so you'll have to take responsibility for it. In the end, you're just a short-sighted country bumpkin. It's unrealistic to expect you to think about lofty goals. Just go back to your remote mountain village and live your life there! Farewell, country bumpkin!"
After saying that, Momokusa hung up immediately.
Beep—beep—
Nanaya stared at the busy tone for a moment, then hesitated before dialing his teacher's number.
"Hello,Nanaya?"
The call connected quickly.
"Teacher…"
Nanaya bit his lip tightly. He wanted to explain, but the words just wouldn't come out.
"What's wrong? You sound like you're about to cry."
After much hesitation, Nanaya ultimately didn't reveal his predicament. He wiped away the tears at the corner of his eye and said with a heavy, nasal voice, "It's nothing. I just heard that you were the one who invested in my movie… I just wanted to thank you."
"You already know?" Hanai Ryuichi's voice sounded a little embarrassed. This usually stern middle-aged man rarely showed even a hint of shyness. "It's nothing serious. After all, you're my disciple. As a teacher, isn't it only natural to help you achieve your dreams?"
Teacher… maybe I'm not qualified to be your student…
"Teacher… did you ever think I might fail?"
Ryuichi was startled. "What? Were you being laughed at?"
"…"
Nanaya didn't answer, his silence was enough.
"Kid, weren't you always confident? Why are you losing that confidence now, when the movie is more than halfway done? Did someone argue with you?"
"I just… didn't want to disappoint you, teacher."
Nanaya heard a sigh on the other end, followed by his teacher's gentle voice:
"You've never disappointed me, and I believe this time won't be any different. Let others say whatever they want. Do you know what the most effective response is? Words are the weakest and most powerless form of retaliation. Let your movie reach completion and release successfully that will be far more powerful than any argument."
The problem is… I'm not even sure I can finish it now…
"I understand. I'll try my best to finish the movie."
"Utsumi told me about you. Although he couldn't be sure your film would succeed, he said your focus during production surpassed that of many other directors. So even if this film fails, with this experience, your next film will definitely succeed. Don't put too much pressure on yourself just focus on finishing it."
"Thank you, teacher. I'll do my best."
Nanaya hung up, but he still couldn't bring himself to tell him that the female lead had dropped out. However, he made up his mind no matter the cost, he would finish the film and make his teacher proud.
---
Meanwhile…
Hanai Ryuichi, eating at an izakaya, put his phone away helplessly.
"What? Didn't your student tell you about it?" Ryutani Nariaki, sitting across from him, teased when he saw his old friend's slightly troubled expression.
"That kid is too stubborn. He probably wants to solve it himself."
Ryuichi sighed. Independence was good, but it also meant his student tended to shoulder everything alone.
Originally, Ryuichi planned to give Nanaya advice if he heard about the female lead withdrawing, but now it seemed Nanaya didn't want to owe him any more favors.
"Don't get angry. Attracting external investment is an essential skill for a director. Just treat this as a learning opportunity for him." Ryutani Nariaki said casually. "By the way, what about the 15 million yen? Do you want me to help you?"
Ryuichi shook his head. "No need. I still have some real estate. It might take time to process, but it won't be a problem."
"Don't worry, old buddy," Ryutani said confidently. "That guy from J Company dared to pull something like this I'll make that woman give me an answer. At the very least, she's coughing up your 15 million yen!"
Ryuichi snorted. "Hmph,would that woman willingly pay money? Everyone in the industry knows she's a notorious tightwad."
J Company's boss had long been known for stinginess. Even with his tough talk, Ryuichi doubted he'd get compensation.
Ryutani took a sip of sake. "It's fine. Unless she wants Johnny's male idols to never appear in Rinpo's productions again, she'll have to pay."
"Alright, I'm heading out. If anything happens to that kid, let me know."
"So soon? Stay for a few more drinks?"
"No. Since someone dared to come to my doorstep and bully my student… wouldn't it be unfair if I didn't return the favor?"
Hanai Ryuichi's originally calm expression turned dark, and his piercing gaze made the surrounding temperature drop.
"Oh dear, oh dear. Terrifying." Nariaki lifted his cup. "Having such a stubborn junior is rough. Luckily, my Ilya is obedient and doesn't cause trouble."
But Ryutani had spoken far too early.
---
Back at the restaurant
Nanaya addressed everyone:
"Everyone, I know the situation is difficult, but I hope you can help me complete Kara no Kyoukai!"
"What's wrong?" Ori immediately noticed Nanaya's reddened eyes.
Nanaya didn't mention his teacher's investment but did explain Momokusa Toshinobu's sabotage.
That alone made everyone furious.
"That guy! If I see him again!!" Ori clenched her fists. "I'll make sure he never flirts with a woman again!"
Kaiuchi Utsumi bowed his head in apology. "I'm sorry, Kiryu. I was the one who recommended Adachi to you. I didn't expect him to be that kind of person."
"No, the responsibility is mine. I was the one who chose her."
Nanaya wasn't the type to shirk responsibility, but the thought that his hard-won opportunity might slip away was crushing.
Ori began thinking quickly. "We need to replace the female lead as soon as possible and reshoot everything."
"The budget isn't enough," Nanaya said, holding his head. "Everything was already budgeted right at the limit. We have nothing left."
"That woman's withdrawal counts as breach of contract, right? What about the penalty fee?" Ikeda asked, unwilling to let her walk away freely.
Nanaya laughed bitterly.
"Even if that unemployed woman had money, the contract was handled through Rinpo's account. Any penalty she pays goes to Rinpo not to us."
All actor and staff salaries were handled this way. Nanaya originally thought using Rinpo's name would make the project look more reliable. Now it only made things worse.
"I'll try to talk to finance," Utsumi said. "If she really paid, they might transfer it."
"It's no use, Utsumi." Nanaya shook his head. He didn't know that Ryutani Nariaki had already secured a new fund. "Even if she paid, Rinpo's finance department won't give it to us."
A movie whose female lead had already quit any finance department would consider it doomed.
"So where do we get the money?"
Ikeda's question made everyone fall silent.
Tap.
Someone patted Nanaya's shoulder. He turned around to see Ilya's bright, energetic face.
"Ilya was wondering why big brother wasn't at the studio! So you guys were having a meeting here"