Otaku Translation: Absolute Number One C91

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Chapter 91: Shall We Give It a Try?

When Chihara Rinto spotted Awata Isao, he didn’t immediately approach. Instead, he discreetly checked the between Awata and the role of Hanzawa Naoki—68%. Not exceptionally high, but not bad either. In his experience casting for , scores above 80% were rare, so 68% was respectable enough. This metric wasn’t about acting ability; it measured how well the actor’s image, charisma, and personality aligned with the character. With this confirmation, Chihara became even more determined to secure Awata for the role. He felt certain that Awata was the one.

As Awata approached, Chihara stepped forward and greeted him politely. “Awata-san, pardon the interruption. Might I have a word?”

Awata stopped, but before he could respond, someone moved in front of him—a man who eyed Chihara with mild suspicion. “And you are…?”

After being left waiting for three hours, Chihara couldn’t help but feel a bit irked. His tone turned firm. “Forgive the intrusion. I’m Chihara Rinto from .”

The man froze, recognition dawning on his face. Hastily, he plastered on a smile. “Ah, Chihara-sensei! My deepest apologies for keeping you waiting so long. Please forgive us!”

Chihara studied the man’s attire and demeanor, recognizing the telltale signs. “You’re Awata-san’s manager, Kawaguchi-san, correct?”

“Yes, that’s me,” Kawaguchi Keita replied, clearly embarrassed. Initially, he’d planned to brush Chihara off, but when Chihara insisted on waiting, Kawaguchi had intended to briefly greet him as a courtesy. However, he’d gotten caught up in other matters and forgotten entirely. Now, eager to smooth things over, he explained, “Awata just returned, and we were seeing some guests out. Once they leave, perhaps…”

He trailed off awkwardly. Leaving someone waiting for three hours—even uninvited—was inexcusable. Chihara’s instincts flared. Something felt off. Kawaguchi kept blocking two middle-aged men behind him, refusing to introduce them. Chihara suspected his lead actor had been poached and cut straight to the chase. “May I ask who these gentlemen are?”

Kawaguchi hesitated but eventually stepped aside. “This is from .”

From what Kawaguchi knew, relations between Chihara and TEB were strained at best. Kawaguchi feared conflict and quickly tried to defuse the situation. Fortunately, Iwama and Hiraoka appeared unfazed, exchanging polite greetings and business cards with Chihara before taking their leave.

With the guests gone, Awata and Kawaguchi exchanged a few hushed words. Awata seemed to reprimand Kawaguchi lightly. When they returned, both wore apologetic expressions and ushered Chihara back into the waiting room. They were notably more courteous now, offering fresh tea and snacks. Awata bowed deeply. “Chihara-sensei, I understand you came here specifically for your . This is entirely our fault for inconveniencing you. Please accept my sincerest apologies.”

Awata’s summer schedule had been relatively open when Murakami Iori extended the audition invitation, hinting at an attractive salary. After skimming the condensed script and finding it promising—a professional drama with —he agreed to meet for a detailed discussion. For actors of his caliber, auditions weren’t just for the production team to assess suitability; they were also opportunities to evaluate the project itself.

Once the meeting was set, Awata left with his assistant for a prearranged business engagement. Unbeknownst to him, shortly after his departure, TEB contacted Kawaguchi with another lucrative offer. Without consulting Awata, Kawaguchi canceled the audition with Kanto United TV. Given the choice between TEB and Kanto United TV, the decision seemed obvious—even if TEB’s offer was slightly lower. Declining auditions was common practice, so Kawaguchi saw no harm in it, repeatedly apologizing to Murakami Iori while omitting any mention of TEB.

By the time Awata returned, there was little he could say. Artist and manager were inseparable, and explaining the situation fully to Chihara would be awkward. All he could do was apologize sincerely.

Though Awata didn’t elaborate, Chihara pieced together what had happened. He didn’t dwell on being outmaneuvered by TEB—it was likely a coincidence, not malice. Sighing, he said, “Awata-san, might you reconsider? You’re perfect for our drama, and I believe it will suit you as well. If we collaborate, this series has the potential to become a national sensation, greatly benefiting your career.”

He pulled the full script from his briefcase. “Please take a look. I think you’ll see why.”

Chihara wasn’t one to give up easily. He always pursued opportunities actively. Awata, moved by his persistence, reached for the script. But Kawaguchi swiftly intervened, smiling nervously. “Chihara-sensei, we’ve already committed to Producer Iwama. He’s been very supportive of Awata-san in the past, so changing our minds now would be inappropriate, don’t you think?”

To Kawaguchi, Chihara was merely a moderately successful screenwriter known for a multi-genre anthology series. Promising a national hit based solely on this project seemed overly ambitious. Moreover, given Chihara’s strained relationship with TEB, rejecting them for Kanto United TV could jeopardize Awata’s future prospects. Better to decline outright without reviewing the script—it was only an audition, after all, not a binding agreement. Chihara had no grounds to be upset.

Awata, catching on, withdrew his hand and sighed. “Thank you for your kind consideration, Chihara-sensei. I hope we can work together in the future.”

Disappointed, Chihara made one last attempt. “What if we raise the per-episode fee to 2 million yen?”

Awata remained impassive, but Kawaguchi hesitated momentarily before shaking his head. “I apologize, Chihara-sensei.” He’d already used Kanto United TV’s hinted offer to negotiate a better deal with TEB, who matched it at 1.8 million yen per episode. A mere 200,000-yen difference wasn’t worth alienating TEB.

“Then… perhaps 2.5—fine, never mind. I’ve taken up enough of your time. Awata-san, Kawaguchi-san, I’ll take my leave.”

Chihara considered pushing the offer higher but quickly dismissed the idea. How much would be enough? 2 million yen was already above standard rates. Even with Shiga Ayumu’s backing, the programming committee might balk at such figures. More importantly, bargaining like this felt undignified. He needed a partner, not a reluctant participant. Begging for collaboration wouldn’t yield results.

There was nothing more to say. Despite his disappointment, he accepted the situation and rose to leave.

Awata and Kawaguchi offered dinner—it was past seven—but Chihara declined, too disheartened to stay. They escorted him to the door. As the elevator doors closed behind him, Awata remarked, “Maybe I should’ve read the script. It might’ve been good.”

Kawaguchi chuckled. “We’ve worked more with TEB than Kanto United TV. Choosing them over him isn’t worth offending TEB—even if the script is excellent. Besides, who can guarantee ratings before airing? Newcomers often falter, so let’s avoid unnecessary risks.”

“You’re right,” Awata agreed, chuckling. “Hopefully, he’s not too upset. Maybe we’ll cross paths again someday.”

---

Chihara wasn’t angry. Setbacks were inevitable; all he could do was find solutions. He returned to the office, where Murakami Iori greeted him with a bento box. “Casting difficulties are common, Chihara. Don’t let it bother you. Eat first, then we’ll regroup.”

Chihara accepted the meal, sighing. Tonight’s dinner plans were canceled. “I know. After eating, we’ll review the materials again. Let’s consider lesser-known actors and newcomers too.”

Murakami nodded and ordered the staff to fetch the files. Another night of overtime loomed.

They worked late into the night, narrowing down a few potential candidates for Chihara’s final decision. Yet, none seemed quite right. Some were too inexperienced; others lacked the charisma he envisioned. The team grew puzzled, but Chihara understood the stakes. These actors might perform adequately, but mediocrity wasn’t acceptable. He needed a lead with extraordinary charisma, someone capable of carrying the entire series—not just filling the role.

The next day brought more frustration. He covertly observed two promising actors but found them lacking. One by one, options dwindled. Thoughts of building a warm home life faded as the urgency of casting overwhelmed him. Without the right lead, even a blockbuster risked failure—and a family alone wouldn’t compensate for professional defeat.

Faced with dead ends, he reluctantly considered scouting new talent. Perhaps a miracle awaited. Remembering his [] skill, he opened the system interface. To his dismay, the reward from Tales of the Unusual’s first season amounted to only 18,601 yuan—barely enough to upgrade [Talent Scout] to Level 5. Using it meant standing on street corners scrutinizing strangers. Needle in a haystack? That seemed absurd.

This cursed system was proving useless. Staring blankly at the interface, he contemplated his options:

Name: Chihara Rinto

Title: (Equippable, Upgradeable)

Energy: 61/100

Professions: Screenwriter LV2, Director (Inactive), Producer (Inactive)

Current Skills: [Format Writing], [Spiritual Observation]

General Skills: [Talent Scout LV1]

Funds: 18,601

Items: [Dual Focus]

Idly, he equipped the “Nighttime Drama Champion” title, granting a +1% audience favorability boost—an upgradeable perk earned by breaking nighttime drama records. While largely dismissive of the system, he conceded its occasional utility. Now, however, desperation drove him to rely on it. Calculating the average viewership rate into “18,601,” he glanced at [Talent Scout]. Finally, his gaze shifted to the item purchase screen. There, untouched since the start, was [Discover Special Talent]. By default, it revealed someone currently most beneficial to him. And at the moment, he desperately needed an actor akin to …

So, should he try?

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