The next morning
Nonogi Park
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Nene
Chasing around a flying robot...
Do you really think this is going to be good practice, Tsukasa...?
Do you really think this is going to be good practice, Tsukasa...?
Rui
He said the idea is based on the advice he received from Seiryuin... And I think it should prove effective.
Tsukasa
Rio has to chase the phoenix around for a large portion of the show, so I figured that I should try doing that for as long as I can! That may give me some new insights!
Sound Effect: Play
Sound Effect: Play
Sound Effect: Play
Rui
The phoenix taunts Rio as he chases after her, no? I thought this would help make it feel more real.
Sound Effect: Play
Tsukasa
(Rio's an eight-year-old boy...
Also, he's not very athletic and only has his favorite bug-catching net at his disposal.)
Also, he's not very athletic and only has his favorite bug-catching net at his disposal.)
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A few hours later
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Tsukasa
I'm fine. Rio also falls quite a lot.
Also, I'm being careful not to actually get hurt.
Also, I'm being careful not to actually get hurt.
Nene
I know we don't have much time, but try not to push yourself too hard, okay? Here, use this bandage.
Tsukasa
I may not have actually made a connection with him yet. I mean, we're not in a forest, and the temperature and humidity feel completely different...
Tsukasa
Alas, I know that I can't ask for everything. We don't have time to visit a forest since we need to practice, so...
Nene
B-But... We're still practicing every day, and you have to play the chicken, remember? Just water? Are you sure...?
Rui
...
Your resolve is admirable, Tsukasa, and I don't plan to get in the way of you becoming a star.
Your resolve is admirable, Tsukasa, and I don't plan to get in the way of you becoming a star.
Tsukasa
Okay, thank you.
Especially since there would be a negative impact on the show if I were to fall ill.
Especially since there would be a negative impact on the show if I were to fall ill.
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Sound Effect: Play
Cast Member A
Tenma, you're slowing down!
Try to keep up!
Try to keep up!
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Sound Effect: Play
Tsukasa
At the same time, I think I'm starting to understand how hard it is to move while in a state of severe hunger...
Tsukasa
But I'm also supposed to have wandered into an unfamiliar land. Oh, I can try remembering what it was like when we were stranded on that desert island...
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Two days before the audition
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Sakurako
“The way you have been chasing me around so persistently... A very small part of me actually admires you...”
Sakurako
“Regardless of all the pain you are feeling, you still wish to save your mother?”
Tsukasa
(Performing opposite Seiryuin inevitably leads to my character sounding artificial... No, more than that...)
Director
Stop there. Next.
Cast Member A
I'll be in this next scene!
Cast Member A
“Wh-What am I supposed to do...?
I want to save my mom, but...”
I want to save my mom, but...”
Rui
(The others are beginning to distinguish themselves from one another as Seiryuin pulls them along...)
Rui
(Not only will he not be able to reach Seiryuin's level, just getting the role is going to be a struggle...)
Tsukasa
(Each Rio has its qualities...
They're all doing an excellent job of showing how frustrated he feels being unable to catch the phoenix despite his best efforts.)
They're all doing an excellent job of showing how frustrated he feels being unable to catch the phoenix despite his best efforts.)
Tsukasa's Room
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Tsukasa
(Do I need to start observing what the others are doing in order to win this part...?)
Tsukasa
(I'll surely be selected if I can show that my portrayal is even marginally better.)
Tsukasa
(And after I'm chosen, I may be given more opportunities to polish what I have as we practice.)
Tsukasa
(Which means, first and foremost, I need to come up with a way to win this audition...)
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Tsukasa
(I've thought about my character's background, how he feels, how he acts and moves... So many times too.)
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Tsukasa
(The shows we've done at the Wonder Stage, our ambassadorial performances, that show we did with Asahi and his troupe, the workshop I attended...)
Tsukasa
(Which is why I thought the same would apply for this show. I was convinced that I'd be able to keep growing.)
Tsukasa
(Not only that, great actors and incredible talent like Asahi and Seiryuin exist...)
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Tsukasa
You won't be able to reach it if you don't extend your hand. You won't achieve anything...
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Sound Effect: Play
Wonderland SEKAI
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Tsukasa
(I've been able to reach some great heights already because I've had them here with me...)
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Nene
Hehe. It just means you're aching for a bite, right? Make sure to eat something tomorrow so that you'll be ready to practice at full strength.
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Next Chapter: Beyond Me