Although Nanaya Kiryu's version of Kara no Kyoukai added many new scenes, thanks to its fast-paced editing and smooth narrative flow, the entire film,end credits included was only around 100 minutes long.
However, everyone who watched it felt unsatisfied in the best way. They were eager for a sequel. None of the people in attendance were amateurs; they immediately recognized Nanaya Kiryu's directorial talent.
"You did a great job, kid."
As they left the screening room, Ryutani Nariaki walked up to Nanaya and whispered something only the two of them could hear.
Nanaya watched Ryutani Nariaki's retreating figure, feeling a strange curiosity. He suddenly realized that this chairman of Rinpo seemed even more invested in the film's success than he was. An hour and a half earlier, the man had entered the screening room trembling with anxiety, but now he walked away looking relaxed and relieved. The contrast almost made Nanaya wonder if he was the one producing the film.
"…Is it just my imagination?" Nanaya muttered, pinching his chin.
"What illusion?"
Ori and the others walked over. They were just as satisfied with the movie's outcome. Ikeda Subaru and Tamaki tsukasa looked as if they were about to cry.
"It's nothing. Everyone really worked hard this time. Thank you all for your support."
Nanaya bowed deeply to the comrades who had supported him for the past six months. There was no way he could have completed this film alone.
"After all, we're all part of the same team." Ikeda Subaru and the others smiled awkwardly.
"Of course! This is a movie that I, His Highness, took part in producing!"
"You idiot… Well, you have had a rough time lately."
Even though Shounan was acting up again, Nanaya didn't smack him this time.
"Nanaya, Ori. You two, come here."
Hanai Ryuichi beckoned to them.
Nanaya and Ori exchanged a glance, both seeing the same confusion in each other's eyes.
"Nanaya, you did excellent work. I didn't expect you to really pull this off." Hanai Ryuichi placed a firm hand on Nanaya's shoulder. "There'll be a meeting later about the film's distribution. You two are joining."
Although Nanaya and Ori nodded, they were extremely curious. Most matters had already been settled before today so what else could require another meeting?
"Teacher… did something change?"
Hanai Ryuichi gave a gentle, fatherly smile. "There have been changes but they're good ones."
"Good news?"
---
Still confused, Nanaya arrived at a small conference room. Inside was only a round table, around which all the major figures who had attended the screening were already seated.
Seeing their serious expressions, Nanaya felt a bit nervous. He sat beside his mentor and waited for the meeting to begin.
At this moment, Naito Hirono had completely lost his earlier confidence. He had originally assumed he was helping promote a bad film, and that Ryutani Nariaki and Hanai Ryuichi were asking him for a favor, meaning he should be in control of negotiations.
But after discovering that the film wasn't bad at all and was, in fact, excellent,his mindset completely shifted.
Kara no Kyoukai might not be on the level of blockbuster A-list productions, but it clearly had the potential to become a box office hit. This was fortunate for Naito; he was lucky such a high-quality film would debut on his program.
But now he feared something else even more: that Ryutani and Hanai were considering abandoning a TV premiere and going straight to theaters.
If they do that, I'm done for. How do I stop those two old foxes?
Naito's eyes darted between Ryutani and Hanai as he desperately formulated a strategy.
Both of them cared deeply about the film's success. Naito still didn't understand why Ryutani Nariaki was as invested in Kara no Kyoukai as Hanai Ryuichi, but that only meant he had leverage to work with.
---
"Kid, your movie is excellent."
As the highest-ranking person in the room, Ryutani Nariaki spoke first.
"This film exceeded my expectations. So regardless of how the TV ratings turn out, I'll help you push for a theatrical release."
If possible, Ryutani actually preferred to skip the TV premiere entirely and move directly to theaters even if the box office earnings were smaller simply to recoup the investment for his beloved granddaughter.
For Ilya, the crucial thing wasn't profit. She just needed to break even.
But as a leader in the industry, Ryutani understood the importance of keeping his promises. Reputation mattered far more than money. The TV premiere had to stay but his attention had completely shifted toward the theatrical release.
"That won't do!"
Naito immediately cut in before Ryutani and Nanaya could continue. He put on a righteous tone:
"Kiryu's work is undeniably good, but he's still a newcomer. Without large-scale promotion, the TV ratings will inevitably be low. If the ratings drop, it will absolutely hurt the theatrical box office of this masterpiece, Kara no Kyoukai!"
Ryutani waved dismissively. "Don't worry. We'll begin promoting the film before the TV broadcast, so your program won't suffer."
"No, I have another suggestion I'd like Chairman Ryutani to consider," Naito said quickly, afraid of being misunderstood.
After a brief pause, Ryutani Nariaki slowly replied, "Let's hear it."
The pressure of being stared down by a titan of the industry made Naito break into a cold sweat.
"Yes, this is my proposal…"
When Naito finished explaining, everyone at the table was stunned.
Everyone except Nanaya, who sat quietly at the end of the table, deep in thought.
---
Shiori Kaede was a movie enthusiast but unlike most, she loved not only good films but also bizarre B-movies and terrible low-budget productions.
To her, appreciating a masterpiece and mocking a trainwreck were equally satisfying.
As usual, she checked the TV listings in the newspaper.
"All stuff I've seen before… Lately they've barely aired any new low-budget films. Everything new goes straight to theaters or DVD. Can't they at least put some bad movies on TV for free so we can complain about them?… Hm?"
She spotted a film he had never heard of in TBS's late-night slot.
"Kara no Kyoukai? Director: Nanaya Kiryu. Never heard of him. A rookie?"
Immediately intrigued, Shiori Kaede circled the title. A new unknown director always meant something fresh.
Even if the movie turned out to be awful that was fine too. Ranting about it online afterward was half the fun.
"Is it Saturday night? Damn, I have work that day."
Like most Japanese office workers, she only had one day off per week. After working himself to death, he wouldn't have the energy to stay up.
Luckily, she had a plan:
"Forget it. I'll record it and watch it on Sunday morning. Something relaxing for the weekend."
So on Sunday, after sleeping in, she finally got up past noon.
"Breakfast and lunch together then…"
After washing up, she made himself a simple meal instant noodles.
"Oh right the movie."
She rewound the tape to the beginning and started watching while eating.
The film opened with the Rinpo logo.
"Rinpo, huh? That's promising," she muttered, slurping his noodles.
Instead of a title sequence, the movie began with a rainy night.
A short-haired woman in a red kimono walked alone in the rain. Her eyes were empty, lifeless as if her heart had already died.
A car approached. Its headlights illuminated her face. Instead of fear, she showed an expression of quiet serenity.
A brilliant white flash filled the screen.
Shiori Kaede's fork froze in midair. She was completely drawn in.
When the title Kara no Kyoukai appeared in stark black text on a white background, she finally snapped back to reality.
"…This opening is incredible."
She took a long slurp of noodles.
The bleak color palette, the melancholy music, the striking composition, and that unforgettable face all of it grabbed her instantly.
It was obvious the woman in the beginning had committed suicide.
But why?
What drove such a beautiful girl to take her own life?
Her curiosity spiked.
"The visuals, the sound, the acting… everything's good. If the story holds up, this might be amazing."
Shiori Kaede leaned forward eagerly, completely immersed.