Otaku Translation: Absolute Number One C95

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Chapter 95: At Least This Moment Was Beautiful

didn’t interrupt the theater troupe’s rehearsal, waiting patiently until it concluded before asking Nagano Teppei to invite “” out for a meeting.

By now, it was nearing 1:00 AM. With San’ya’s lack of commercial establishments, most cafés were closed. Thus, the casting decision for a production with a budget and promotional costs totaling 300 million yen unfolded at a humble ramen stall—where they returned, this time with Chihara treating.

“Hanzawa Naoki’s” real name was Sugano Makoto. Offstage, he appeared gentle and reserved, perhaps due to youthful setbacks, exuding maturity and composure. Holding his girlfriend’s hand, Sugano discreetly observed the group before him—a young man in his twenties with an imposing presence, a teenage girl with a round face, and a man in his forties who looked like a vagrant. The combination was undeniably peculiar.

Nagano Teppei acted as the intermediary, introducing everyone and organizing drinks and food. Then, Chihara handed over the script for Hanzawa Naoki, smiling. “Sugano-san, I’d like you to play ‘Hanzawa Naoki’ in this drama.”

Sugano remained composed, but his girlfriend, Komori Hinako, visibly tensed, her grip on his hand trembling momentarily before she released it to allow him to accept the script with both hands.

Sugano murmured a polite “Excuse me” and began reading under the dim lantern light of the ramen stall. The group waited patiently. After a while, Komori, concerned her boyfriend might read indefinitely, nervously asked Chihara, “Are you the Chihara-sensei who created ?”

Chihara turned his gaze to Komori, smiling. “Yes.”

Though Komori had graduated from a prestigious university, her social skills were lacking, evident in her awkward attempt at conversation. “It really is you! I watched Tales of the Unusual—it was fantastic. Makoto loved it too and even said he wished to act in something like it someday. I can’t believe you’ve come for him—it’s wonderful… Is this another anthology series?”

Her voice trailed off anxiously, but Chihara listened attentively and replied warmly, “No, it’s a ten-episode continuous drama.”

“And the character Makoto would play—Hanzawa Naoki—is…”

“The lead role.”

Komori lowered her head abruptly, her voice thick with emotion. “This is truly wonderful.” Even a low-budget nighttime drama didn’t matter; what mattered was that her boyfriend had a second chance!

Sugano squeezed his girlfriend’s hand, then patted it lightly, signaling her not to blame herself—she often thought his career setbacks were her fault. Turning to Chihara, he asked earnestly, “Chihara-sensei, are you aware that I’ve faced audience backlash?”

This was significant. Japanese society held entertainers to high moral standards, and actors with scandals often became ratings killers. For instance, if Chihara himself were embroiled in a scandal—say, seducing a married woman—it could halve his viewership for a new project.

Komori, alarmed by her boyfriend’s question, quickly interjected, “That was six years ago! At the time…”

Chihara raised a hand to stop her, smiling. “I’m aware. Nagano-senpai briefed me. But I don’t think it’s an issue. We can address any lingering effects later. Sugano-san, don’t worry—I have a plan.”

He’d thoroughly investigated the matter. It wasn’t severe—just a drunken fight captured by tabloid photographers, turning Sugano into a cautionary tale. The scandal lasted less than a week, but for a struggling actor, the repercussions were long-lasting.

Chihara believed the past was worth noting but not critical. He asked seriously, “Sugano-san, there’s only one question: after reading the script, are you willing to take the role?”

“I am. This script is excellent, and I love the character!” Sugano didn’t hesitate—it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Bowing deeply, he expressed his gratitude. “Chihara-sensei, I’ll never forget this kindness. Thank you!”

This was his second chance. For someone like Sugano, ability mattered, but so did opportunity. He needed someone to give him a platform to showcase his talent—and Chihara had done just that. Grateful, Sugano felt a deep sense of appreciation. Meanwhile, Chihara, relieved and energized, smiled sincerely. “Then let’s hold the audition today—not tomorrow—to finalize everything.”

He had already decided on Sugano but wanted to respect his team. A formal audition was necessary to maintain morale. If anyone opposed, he’d persuade them—or, failing that, assert his authority. Appearances mattered in teamwork.

With Sugano’s agreement, Komori couldn’t contain her emotions. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she buried her face in his chest, her eyes brimming with tears. Sugano, ever composed, held her tightly, his embrace conveying the complexity of his feelings. Life’s unpredictability weighed heavily on him.

Their public display of affection was touching but morally questionable, unsettling , whose own marriage had ended in failure. Watching the couple silently, Chihara reflected on how much Sugano resembled Sakai Masato—not just in demeanor but also in life experiences. However, Sakai had married a beautiful S-class actress. What lay ahead for this couple?

Still, their mutual support was heartwarming. At least this moment was beautiful.

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With the late hour making transportation inconvenient and spirits running high (except for Yasuda), the group stayed at the ramen stall, drinking and chatting about scripts, industry gossip, and acting techniques until dawn. Chihara then transported everyone except Nagano Teppei back to .

Yasuda Shintaro, now Chihara’s private employee, was tasked with systematically organizing financial information from various sources. For now, his job was to prepare for future investments. Meanwhile, the creative team was speechless upon seeing Sugano.

The chief producer and screenwriter had bypassed countless established actors to choose… an obscure stage actor?

Chihara ignored their skepticism, allowing Sugano to demonstrate his abilities during the audition while he worked to convince the team. Eventually, they finalized Sugano as Hanzawa Naoki. Next came Murakami Iori’s task—ensuring Sugano’s agency didn’t interfere or disrupt Chihara’s plans. She handled negotiations swiftly, discovering that Sugano was with a small talent agency. Given his eagerness to participate, the agency quickly agreed to terms.

The deal was modest: 450,000 yen per episode, 0.3% of copyright revenue, and all ancillary rights related to Hanzawa Naoki belonged solely to the network and production team. Additional clauses included mandatory participation in a potential second season and priority casting in other projects, effectively tying Sugano to the production as their “exclusive actor.”

Murakami had initially suggested Sugano terminate his contract and establish a personal office, but Sugano valued loyalty. His agency had supported him through difficult times, providing minimal sustenance even when he struggled financially. Grateful, he refused to sever ties ungratefully.

Murakami admired his integrity, and the matter was settled. However, casting wasn’t complete. Hanzawa Naoki required 78 supporting roles, and only the lead had been confirmed. Much work remained.

Television production knew no boundaries between day and night. Discussions, auditions, and negotiations continued relentlessly for six days, finalizing most of the cast. Minor roles for the latter half of the season could be filled during filming.

During these six days, Chihara barely returned home. He either auditioned actors at the bureau or visited veteran performers personally. For example, they decided to invite seasoned actor to play the main antagonist, . Such experienced actors weren’t easily persuaded, so Chihara and Murakami visited him directly with the script.

Fortunately, Kuno was intrigued by the script and available, agreeing immediately.

Other key roles—Hanzawa’s wife, close friend, and important subordinate—were also cast. Contracts were signed, schedules coordinated, and Chihara found himself overwhelmed. Even evenings after 10:00 PM were spent discussing storyboard details. Yasuda was temporarily placed under Konoe Hitomi’s care, and Chihara’s plan to deepen his connection with Hakuba Neiko remained unfulfilled.

Time flew, and by late May, preparations for Hanzawa Naoki were nearly complete. Per the schedule, the pre-production meeting convened—the final gathering of the creative team and main cast to set the tone for filming. Once this meeting concluded, shooting would commence immediately.

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