Wonderland SEKAI
Rui
Alright, let's delve further into this question of role compatibility.
Rui
My goal is to always assign roles in a way that takes advantage of an actor's strengths.
Emu
An actor's strengths?
Rui
Yes. Actors come in all shapes and sizes.
Rui
For instance, some prefer to gradually get into character while others may try to imitate their foibles... Of course, there are prodigies who can immediately take full control of their characters, but let's set that aside for now.
Rui
From what I've seen, Tsukasa, I'd say you're someone who likes to gradually get into character. Seemingly the most popular archetype.
Tsukasa
Gradually get into character...?
Rui
In simpler terms, I believe you prefer to learn by doing since you and logical analyses of characters don't usually mix well.
Rui
Which is why I usually try to give you roles that are compatible with your personality, Tsukasa.
Tsukasa
Wait, you've been deciding roles like this every time...?!
Emu
That's amazing!
Rui
I am the director, aren't I?
Miku
I thought your goal was always to send Tsukasa flying, Rui♪
KAITO
Miku, wait.
Couldn't you have said that a little nicer?
Couldn't you have said that a little nicer?
Miku
Oh, sorry!
I was just trying to say how that's really cool!
I was just trying to say how that's really cool!
Rui
Hehe. I understand.
Rui
Anyway, to continue...
Rui
The protagonist, Thorpe, is a delicate creature who tends to dwell on things quite a bit... How would you all say he compares to Tsukasa?
Emu
They're total opposites!!
Nene
Yeah... Tsukasa usually just does whatever and isn't really bothered by much...
Tsukasa
What?! I'm bothered by things just like anyone else!
Rui
But that's my point. This role involves a person with the opposite personality as you, Tsukasa. I have a feeling you'll struggle to fully get into character.
Rui
You excel at using your body to perform dynamic stunts. I can't say the same about expressing a character's internal struggle.
Rui
We don't have much time until our next show as ambassadors, so in terms of quality...
Tsukasa
No...
I want to give it a try because I may struggle!
I want to give it a try because I may struggle!
Rui
What?
Tsukasa
I'm sure you all remember the show we saw when we went to Riley Dream Park...
Tsukasa
Through my eyes, it was an absolutely incredible spectacle. The way they balanced their dynamism with subtlety kept me on the edge of my seat...
Tsukasa
It also led me to a painful realization! It showed me that I still don't have the acting ability required to captivate an audience the way they did!
Rui
Tsukasa...
KAITO
I remember how Tsukasa studied every move they made as we watched...
Tsukasa
That's right. Just as you suggested that we take things one step at a time, I believe I've made some progress since then.
Tsukasa
That's why I want to take on a new kind of role!
Tsukasa
I can't just keep playing the same types of characters over and over again.
Tsukasa
There's an endless number of shows out there. I'm not about to let us give up on one because I may not be able to fit into a certain role!
Tsukasa
By growing as an actor, our shows will evolve while also being able to try our hand at more genres.
Tsukasa
So, please! Give me a chance!
Rui
...
Rui
As the director, I believe it's my duty to put on the most fun and interesting shows possible with this troupe...
Rui
With that in mind, I cannot agree to do this show. However...
Rui
Tsukasa may be right...
It's just as important to help each actor grow if we do wish to put on fun shows.
It's just as important to help each actor grow if we do wish to put on fun shows.
Rui
Which means, as a director, I probably shouldn't hinder our future star from reaching his full potential...
Tsukasa
...!
Emu
Does that mean we're going with this story?!
Rui
Yes, let's do this show.
Tsukasa
Thank you, Rui!
I promise to do this role justice!
I promise to do this role justice!
Rui
Yes. Let's do our best, Tsukasa.
Emu
Bye, Miku♪ Bye, you guys♪
Miku
Bye bye☆
Oh, Tsukasa, wait...!!
Oh, Tsukasa, wait...!!
Tsukasa
Hm? Yes, Miku?
Miku
Good luck learning to play Thorpe!
Miku
I really loved the way you played the piano as him, so I'm sure you'll do great!
Tsukasa
Yes, that's the plan...!
As a future star, I vow to put on a good performance, so just you wait!
As a future star, I vow to put on a good performance, so just you wait!
The next day
Wonder Stage
Tsukasa
Alright, let's start practicing “A Pianist Named Thorpe”!!
Nene
Is it me or does he sound louder than usual today?
Emu
He's a motivated mammoth today!!
Rui
Okay, let's begin with a read-through. Some parts are going to be tricky, so let's go slow and steady with this one.
Tsukasa & Emu
Yeah!
Rui
“Let's start the audition.
First up, Thorpe. Show us what you got.”
First up, Thorpe. Show us what you got.”
Tsukasa
“O-Okay...!!”
Nene
Thorpe tries to play but his nerves get the better of him.
Rui
“Thank you...
Alright, next.”
Alright, next.”
Tsukasa
“Oh...
Based on that reaction... I failed again...”
Based on that reaction... I failed again...”
Tsukasa
“Why does this keep happening to me...? I always practice so much but can never execute when it matters most...”
Tsukasa
“No... I just have to keep trying until I get used to it! I have to learn to play in front of others...”
Tsukasa
“I need to practice... Oh wow...”
Tsukasa
“The stars look so beautiful tonight.
That must be Antares...”
That must be Antares...”
Tsukasa
(No, I'm still not getting the star scene right...)
Tsukasa
(How am I supposed to feel here...?)
Rui
...
Next Chapter: All to Achieve Stardom