Film Notes

Oh, hello. It's been a while since I saw you last.

Is that so? I must be getting on in years. My memory just isn't what it used to be.

Ah me! Not only is my memory like a sieve, but I'm finding myself more and more puzzled by what the younger folk are interested in.

Before, a young'un from Fontaine came here, saying that he was making a "film," and chatted on and on with the master of the house.

Goodness, and he kept saying, um... "Dear." Throwing around a word like that all willy-nilly, does he have no shame?

I think I know this person.

Yes, that's him! He mentioned you as well.

It sounded like he had received funds from the Tenryou Commission and finally managed to make a film, but the commission wasn't satisfied with the result.

But he wanted to stick with it, so he came to us, the commission in charge of the humanities and arts, for help.

I didn't expect the master to agree to this, let alone to send Koharu to help. Is this film really so interesting? This is all completely beyond me.

Still, since the master agreed, I should not pass judgment as a mere butler.

But after thinking it over, I'm still worried about Koharu.

Worried?

That's right. I can tell that Koharu isn't too fond of this jabbering outlander.

She's always strictly obeyed the commands of the master and lady and would never deliberately disobey an order, but that child lacks training and composure.

That outlander is a bit too... unreserved. If he ruffles Koharu's feathers and she can't restrain herself again, there'll be trouble.

Koharu's training hasn't been brief by any means, and while her skills are far from perfect, she could easily knock someone lacking in fighting skills out.

Training? Knock out?

Well, who do you think Koharu and I are?

Whatever answer you have in mind, all you need to know is that we're absolutely loyal to the Yashiro Commission and the Kamisato Clan.

Since you know the boy and have earned the trust of the entire house, a humble housekeeper such as myself is naturally at ease when it comes to you.

If you could find the time to go see how that film is coming along, I'd be eternally grateful.

Sure thing.

I seem to recall that he took a group of people to an island south of here. Anyway, thanks for letting me talk your ear off for this long.

Please come back when you have the time. The entire house would be honored.

This is the 11th time. I just don't get it.

Ugh... Just say it. What was the problem this time?

The problem this time, Ms. Koharu, is that your performance just now was completely passionless.

When I wrote those lines, my heart was bursting with an... an empty yet fervent passion, yes, empty yet fervent.

I need you to be more patient. Use your voice to express this rich emotion.

Huh? An "empty yet fervent passion"? What does that even mean?

Wait a minute, didn't the casting call say that the script was written by a famous writer?

That's absolutely right! This story was adapted from a novel written by the renowned author Kayabuki Ikkei. And who adapted it, you might ask? None other than myself.

Ms. Koharu, Mr. Sasano, I am very sorry for making you both go over this so many times.

But it's all worth it for the sake of artistic perfection. As such, I hope that...

Hold on, I only know one Kayabuki Ikkei, and everything he submitted to the Yae Publishing House always got rejected.

But he wouldn't accept that, so he started publishing his own novels, but not a single one sold in the end.

Don't tell me that we've been put through the wringer 11 times for something that guy wrote?

Argh! I've had enough of this nonsense!

Err, that doesn't look good. Seems like Koharu's seconds away from flying off the handle.

Let's go say hello.

Um... So, Xavier, are you guys filming?

Long time no see.

Oh, Traveler and Paimon, my dear friends! How marvelous it is to see familiar faces at a time like this.

As you can see, following "The Seventh Samurai," I finally came up with a way to secure the necessary resources to shoot another film.

The lead role hasn't been decided yet, but thanks to Lord Kamisato's generosity, the funds, props, and nearly all the other early-stage problems have already been taken care of.

If you don't mind, could I ask if you maybe, possibly, at all remember our agreement from before?

Eh, Traveler's a friend of the Yashiro Commissioner. So you all know each other?

That's right, Traveler was the first friend I made in Inazuma. The Fatui who dumped a bunch of work on me and those non-communicative samurai don't count.

If you made friends with Traveler, I guess you can't be all bad.

Well, it seems like Xavier's got some chops after all...

We're very good friends.

You really think so? Even though I've never said so, I for my part have considered you a true friend right from the start.

You aren't just my "dear friend," you're my esteemed, reliable, true friend.

Since we're friends...

Of course, of course! And here you are right at this most dire moment, like an oasis in the deserts of Sumeru — precious and timely.

Well, so long as, as per our previous agreement, you remain willing to play the role of the male lead in my new film.

So, what do you say? Will you be my... male lead?

I would be honored.

Paimon can attest to Traveler's ability to improvise! We've traveled together long enough, after all!

Getting him to be the main character is definitely a win for you, Xavier.

Absolutely! I have no doubt of that. Well then, Mr. Traveler, here are the scripts for the next two scenes.

Your scenes are Act I, Scene II and III. I've highlighted your lines, so please take note of them.

Well, it took this much effort to find the right person for the lead role... I might as well give this one more try.

Ugh... Fine, then I will too.

Everything looks so official! Paimon's looking forward to watching your performance, Traveler. Hee-hee~

Well, if you're ready, we can go ahead and begin a test shot.

I'm ready.

Good, good! Then let's begin.

I'm not ready yet.

No problem at all. We still have time. Let's begin once you're ready.

Excuse me, but did you come to oversee the filming at my master's request?

It was Furuta who was a little worried about you.

She was? I, uh... I guess I've not grown up enough yet if I'm still making her worry.

This won't do. If this continues, we won't have a chance against... them.

Smoother, Mr. Sasano, smoother!

(These lines are just so awkward, though.)

We'll have to sacrifice ourselves.

With feeling, Ms. Koharu! Once more with feeling!

(...)

Very nice! Excellent performance, Traveler.

Mr. Sasano, Ms. Koharu, you two need to go over our script. The next scene is between you two. We need to do better than this!

Traveler, we have a lot of battle scenes up next, so you'll need to complete them with the extras.

Try to use the flashiest moves you can. I have a lot of faith in your abilities — I know your performance will be stellar.

...Mr. Sasano, Ms. Koharu, I'm disappointed in both of you.

The difference between these crude shots and a true film is like... like Mondstadt's Dandelion Wine and Apple Cider — one is alcohol, one isn't. They simply aren't the same thing.

Heavens above, I just don't even know how to describe it.

You can't remember your lines, your readings are all over the place, and you're not giving me any emotion! How am I supposed to work with that?

This is a crime, a crime against art. This can't go on, my friends.

...

I'm really sorry that you're so disappointed, but I don't plan to continue taking part in this.

You can reprimand or punish me, but I'm not going to keep doing this either.

Mr. Sasano?

I mean, I know that there have been some issues with these performances, but it's nothing a few more rehearsals can't fix!

There's no need. We could practice a hundred times and I still wouldn't understand what your script is about.

I share the sentiment. Why would these two characters suddenly sacrifice themselves and run off to where the enemy is?

No matter how you look at it, it just doesn't make any sense. They are just dragging the main character down.

And the lines at the end are so awkward I feel embarrassed just reading them.

In short, I quit. Goodbye.

Yup. That's that, then.

Eh? How could you...

With Sasano and Koharu gone, we shan't have enough actors to continue filming! This is bad...

I...

There, there. It's okay.

Ah, I am so sorry. Your efforts... I fear they shall go to waste now.

I'm just... I confess, I'm at a loss for words. I'm going to Uyuu Restaurant for a moment. I need to be alone. I'm sorry.

We'll talk about this matter the next time we meet.

Now Xavier's gone too. Seems like he's in pretty bad shape.

He must be taking the argument they had earlier really hard. Do you think we should go cheer him up a bit?

Hm... Paimon remembers him mentioning Uyuu Restaurant. If you think we should go, then let's go look for him.

Heh, you found me. *burp*

Yeesh, it reeks of booze around here. You're drunk, aren't you, Xavier?

D—Don't say that. It's ru... ruining the vibe! You sound like my mom. *burp* Come on, lesh drink together.

Maybe some other time.

Huh? What kinda friend are you? You're no fun.

Wasn't it just, um, right, when we were filming. I was... being questioned. Madly so! Yesh!

Actually, I don't blame Ms. Koharu. *burp* Or Mr. Sasano. They were very cooperative at first.

That is to say, or I think that is to say, it's probably 'cause I'm, um, not that talented.

Don't say that.

You! You really are a good person, ya know that? You're so, so good. Here, lemme give you a hug!

Hey, a minute ago you were drunk as a skunk! You're not taking advantage of the situation to get chummy with us, are you?

Uh, I'll kindly decline!

You know that film I worked so hard on before? Well, the higher-ups at the Tenryou Commission didn't like it too much.

They didn't come right out and say it, but they were totally silent, which means they didn't approve.

But I refuse to accept this. I refuse!

This time, I was able to get funding from Lord Kamisato to make this film, so I... I must take this seriously! Don't you think?

My dearest, most adored good friend, you're closer to me than a sibling, so I'll tell you something about me: I'm an engineer.

But I think I can be more than an engineer. I've read lots of books, and I can write stuff.

I could... I could also be a film writer, an actor, a director!

I'm not talking outta my hat here, I could rea... really do it. Don't you believe me?

I believe you.

Great! I would kiss you if I could, but I drank a smidge too much... and my breath stinks.

Don't get the wrong idea, Traveler, I just think you're truly my most dearest and bestest friend.

My best friend, I must treat you to a meal today, and I won't take no for an answer.

My dear fellow, we order food from you, correct? Come, my friend, order whatever you'd like.

Tri-Flavored Skewer, please.

That's all? No, no, no, unacceptable. You are my best friend! The best friend of Xavier, man of Fontaine!

Being stingy with my friends would damage my character, and I am, if nothing else, a person of character!

My dear sir, we'll have the Tri-Flavored Skewer, Tonkotsu Ramen, and whatever else you serve here.

Understood. Erika, one of everything for this table.

Dear Traveler, dear Paimon, now this is what I call a real meal!

Come, let's eat. For our dreams!

You sure are straightforward.

It's not like I want to make things difficult for Mr. Xavier... *sigh* Anyway, I hope you won't have to do it 11 times over like we had to.

We're honored that you appreciate Erika's work so much. It's only right that we extend our opening hours for you.

After you leave, we'll tidy up a little, then have Erika go take a rest.

The story is quite complete, but it's lacking some emotional turmoil. Hmm...

Heavens forgive me, I'm a real souse this morning, I am. I left my friend in the restaurant after completely forgetting about them!

But I think I can now write an all-new, presentable script and give this one more shot. It'll definitely work this time. No, I'll make it work.

Please allow me a little more time. Just one day will suffice.

*sigh*... But it's going to be tricky with those two actors. Ms. Koharu and Mr. Sasano don't seem keen on trying again.

But I can't blame them either. I'll just have to think of something when the time comes.

Can I help in any way?

No, no, no, I couldn't ask for anything more comforting than having you here to listen to me vent.

My dear Traveler, you are indeed a great listener.

Ms. Paimon, if my behavior was at all untoward just now, can you forgive me? I didn't mean you any offense.

Oh? "Ms. Paimon"... That has a nice ring to it! Alright then, the magnanimous Paimon has decided to forgive you.

Wonderful! I feel much better now. Let's meet tomorrow at Komore Teahouse. I'll bring an even better script, you'll see!

It's great that he's so motivated, but it's like Mr. Okazaki said... Is it really okay for him to do it all by himself?

He says he's gonna write a brand-new script in one day. That's a scary big job, isn't it?

I'd like to help him.

Hmm, maybe you should let Xavier work out the script by himself. Paimon thinks we can help him with his actor problem instead.

I'll go talk to the actors.

Yeah, that should take a load off his back.

Koharu can be quite stubborn. If she really does fail to control herself...

Ah, I just hope that the training I've given her will not go to waste.

*burp*

Aw, you're a good guy, Xavier! You're Paimon's best friend! Well... one of them, anyway!

How was everything?

Simply divine! I could taste the lake in your rice and fish. That sweet and delicate aroma is just like what I'd have in my hometown of Petrichor.

Haha, is that so? I'm glad you liked it.

Now, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but this film you mentioned sounds very interesting indeed. Could you tell me more about it, if you wouldn't mind?

Ooh, so this outlander has the resolve to stand up and fight when things get tough. Impressive.

But to be honest, there is so little thought or hesitation involved here that this person barely seems human at all.

When they meet an enemy they can't beat, they summon up the courage to charge anyway... and they actually triumph. That sort of daring is actually rather frightening.

You're still young, Mr. Xavier. I take it that you've never experienced such life-threatening situations before?

Certainly not "life-threatening," no. But is this the reason why my script has been criticized? Hmm...

Well, let me put it this way. Is having an identical experience first strictly necessary to writing a good story?

From what I understand, quite a number of great authors are homebodies.

Besides, I find this no-nonsense, swords-drawn approach very Inazuma-esque.

Since I've come to Inazuma, I should make some films with that Inazuma flair.

Mr. Kayabuki's original work was also in this style, and in order to preserve these unique elements, I've decided to honor the source.

Ah, you mean Kayabuki Ikkei? An interesting lad, to be sure.

Xavier, I'm moved by your dedication to film. I can't help but be reminded of a story I once heard...

Ah! Sitting in a restaurant, eating, and listening to stories like this is also so... so Inazuma! I love it.

I feel the same way.

Mm-hm... Om nom nom nom~ You guys go on, Paimon's just gonna finish up over here first...

Long, long ago, there lived someone named Seishimaru.

Seishimaru was born to samurai parents who worked for powerful people. Well, they weren't very powerful themselves, but they weren't too bad, either.

But these parents seemingly made a strange error in their work, incurring punishment and eventually submitting to their execution.

Unable to accept their deaths, Seishimaru toiled to find the samurai family that carried out the sentence.

Truth be told, the responsible party did everything by the book, and the family serving as executioner normally shouldn't have been blamed for the sentence they were ordered to carry out.

This family was also acquainted with Seishimaru's... Goodness me, this story's pretty hard to tell without naming names.

For now, suppose that the family responsible was the Wakayama Clan. To all the good people in Inazuma named Wakayama, please don't hate me for this...

Ah, as I was saying... Blinded by hatred, Seishimaru decided to take revenge on the Wakayamas.

But by then, the person who had personally beheaded Seishimaru's parents had already passed away, leaving the eldest son in charge of the Wakayama estate.

This person happened to also be Seishimaru's childhood friend. But now, they had become enemies.

This is a story of friends becoming foes.

Very clever, you hit the nail on the head.

Paimon knows, Paimon knows! Something awful's gonna happen next. It doesn't matter if it's Mondstadt, Liyue, or Inazuma, it's always the same wherever you go.

Hehe, indeed, there is nothing new under the sun. People always lose themselves due to the same old things. I suppose there are plenty of stories like this one in Fontaine too.

Anyway, before any action was taken, Seishimaru, supposedly remembering the old days, took out a Temari and a sword and let the eldest son of the Wakayama family choose between them.

What does that mean?

Now, how should I know what Seishimaru was thinking? Still, I think that the Temari and sword represented life and death respectively.

Having made the wrong choice, the Wakayama's eldest son had no choice but to accept being pursued and slain by Seishimaru. What an ill-fated lad.

But before Seishimaru could even come knocking at his door, an illness took him.

I don't know if that was lucky or unlucky. Dying of an illness and being killed both mean dying either way, so who knows which would have been better?

It's hard not to blame Seishimaru for his death. If it weren't for the former's being bent on revenge, the latter wouldn't have needed to lay low until he fell ill.

After that, the younger Wakayama child immediately sought vengeance. Good grief, the cycle never ends, does it?

Seishimaru was forced into hiding in the mountains before eventually disappearing.

Some say Seishimaru fled in fear of the Wakayamas, while others say he let himself sink to the depths of the ocean to quench his burning hatred.

Whichever ending you wish to believe, no one ever saw Seishimaru again.

To this day, such fretful matters as hate and shame should all have flowed into the ley lines with Seishimaru's death.

Since this whole dispute has lost its source, just take "and all was well again" to be this story's ending.

That's... it? So, not even you know where this Seishimaru went?

Yeah, yeah! All was *not* well at all! What kind of ending is that?

I'm sorry, but that's how the part I heard ends. After all, it's a tale that's been spread to many places, so such vagueness is unavoidable.

Back to the issue — you see, Mr. Xavier? You need a story with an ending that leaves people wanting more.

...Mr. Okazaki, I must say that you are indeed a gentleman of great insight.

I wouldn't be surprised if the legend of Seishimaru took place in Fontaine.

Especially one of the legend's endings, the one where Seishimaru disappears to put an end to his hatred. That sounds just like what a friend of mine from Sumeru would do.

I want to thank you for your kindness and the nudge you've given me, and not just through this story — your unique way of giving advice has given me just the inspiration I needed.

I think I know what was missing from my film before.

Thank you, Mr. Okazaki. This is for the meal.

If I can manage to write an even better script, I'll come back to offer you my most solemn gratitude.

Haha, tell you what, I really envy your youth and drive, Traveler.

To be able to befriend such a person is a gift from the gods. You must be a special person as well to have been so blessed.

Good things surely await you and Mr. Xavier.

"And well, if I can get my fill of food, then sure! I'll follow Seishimaru." Haha, the character I'm playing this time is pretty cute.

You're the one who was involved in the screening, you're...

Traveler.

Yes, I'm so sorry, I didn't remember your name.

It's my fault for having a faulty memory. Sorry I gave you guys a hard time when we were filming.

I know Xavier is from Fontaine. My most important person is also an outlander, so I understand how difficult it is to be alone in a foreign land.

I was picky in the past and caused him trouble. Looking back on it pricks at my conscience.

We still need actors.

Is this what Mr. Xavier wants? Th-Then please allow me to participate.

I was called in to participate in the shooting before, though I was only paid the price of a meal. But money that's paid is paid, so I will finish what I started.

Just go to Komore Teahouse.

Got it. I'll go tell my family later that I'm going to the Komore Teahouse.

You've come, Traveler? I know it is rude to say this, but...

I'm sorry! May I ask if Mr. Xavier still needs an actress?

I left in a rage, and failed Master in her painstaking efforts of expressing concern as well as messing up the quest given by the head of the family. I have disgraced the Yashiro Commission.

Master has reprimanded me, so please, I beseech you, please mention this to Xavier so I may do my duty.

What did Furuta say to you?

No, no, Master only asked me to think about why I want to stay with the Yashiro Commission.

I made a vow to the head of the family and to the Kamisato Clan that I would never do anything detrimental to the name of the Kamisato Clan in a fit of pique.

I was too reckless, and indolent, and as a Shuu... no, as a servant of the Kamisato Clan, I was very much out of line.

And Mr. Xavier was actually very kind to me. Once again, I... I'm so sorry!

You mean I still have a chance, and I can go and apologize to Mr. Xavier to make up for my mistake?

Wonderful, wonderful! I must do well this time. Your generosity is appreciated.

Just go to Komore Teahouse.

I'll set out right away after I've tidied up my appearance.

Perfect, this is the story I had in mind.

Traveler, Mr. Sasano, and Miss Koharu, the performances you've contributed touched my heart! Thank you!

Hehe, surely you're exaggerating.

Yay!

It's true, you two. This story has a perfect ending to me.

I've been hoping to film a perfect swashbuckler film, and now I finally realized this dream.

Now I can hold my chest up high and hand this film over to the Yashiro Commissioner.

I feel very lucky to be part of this story too.

Speaking of which, this story is really familiar. I keep feeling like I've heard it before.

Have you heard about the legend of Seishimaru? I heard about it only a while ago from the owner of Uyuu Restaurant.

Mr. Okazaki? In the story I heard, Seishimaru had the surname Kawasaki, or was it Shimazaki? I can't really remember.

It's okay, folklores usually have many versions, and the same can be said about legends of Fontaine and Sumeru, too.

True, true. If Sumeru or Fontaine or even Natlan local legends were used as the source material, what sort of story would we have? Ah, I would certainly love to make some films there too.

*cough* But before that, I should try to find an opportunity to return to Fontaine. I've heard that some of my colleagues have also come up with machines with functions similar to the Film Kamera.

They have even given those machines all manner of names, such as the "Moving Picture Device" or the "Motion Picture Machine"... and they're currently arguing over who should get the patent to boot.

Well, I shan't bother with this... pointless quibbling. My one priority is to continue refining my Film Kamera.

Well then, I shall see you later, Traveler. Should we meet again, perhaps you'd like to help me shoot a film once more...?

Mr. Sasano, you have much longer lines in this scene, so you must memorize them well and not make any mistakes.

Is it too difficult for you?

I thought I would end up struggling with the previous script, but I was surprised to find out that Xavier had written a new one in just one day.

How can I do anything but my best after that? Don't worry, I've memorized my lines carefully.

I'm very confident in this script, and I'll do my best to act it well.

Okay, Miss Koharu, about the script... Do you have anything that you need me to explain?

This scene requires a very emotional performance from you. I hope you can portray a playful girl who sells tea.

I've rehearsed the lines many times on my own after I received the script, so I'm sure I can perform better than before.

Looks like we're late. Everyone's already rehearsing.

Phew... Good, now the main actors are all here.

I've brought the new script as we agreed yesterday, Traveler. Do you want to read it?

The story is based on the legend of Seishimaru. Other than the Seishimaru and Wakayama characters, I've added a new original character called Yano Machiko.

Paimon thinks it flows much better than before!

Many details can be embellished, given more time, but it's already a challenge to shoot all of this with my current ability.

Okay, enough chitchat. We have to bring out our professionalism.

Mr. Sasano and Miss Koharu from the supporting cast are ready. As for the set, I've decided to shoot the first scene in the Komore Teahouse.

So, Mr. Thoma has asked the owner of the teahouse for a favor and fortunately, we can borrow a private room there.

Now we're just waiting for the main character, and that's you. We can start the shooting any time when you're ready.

You can read the script first. There's no need to be nervous. I've marked all the important lines, so take your time.

If you make a mistake in a line, we can re-shoot it to get the most desirable effect.

Tell me when you're ready.

Please rest assured that I will treat film acting as an important form of training, and I am ready to risk my life for it.

I've memorized the lines, and while I'm not very good at doing the "emotions" Mr. Xavier talked about, I will do my best to learn!

I'm ready.

Just my luck to have run into a tough nut!

Ah, so unlucky.

No, my lord, Master, we aren't saying anything bad about you, I swear!

I still need more time to read the script.

"It's been a while, Seishimaru." Yeah, Xavier said that it's best to be as calm as possible...

It's been a while, Seishimaru.

I've heard that you're in charge of the Kurotani Clan's affairs now.

Looks like the dust has settled since that incident.

Lord and Lady Kurotani are gone...

But you're taking up the mantle as their eldest son to continue to serve the public.

I'm sure they would be pleased.

You? You want to take revenge?

We are not children anymore!

How can you still be just as impulsive as you were back then?

*sigh* With Lord Kurotani's abilities, the investigation never should have gone as wrong as it did.

But he said himself that he was willing to accept the blame and punishment.

The punishment from the great lords was indeed harsh...

But Lord Kurotani asked for it himself. I fear that there is still much left unsaid here.

Kurotani and Wakayama are both reputable clans.

You now carry the clan name. You're a samurai in service of the public.

Not some wandering Nobushi ronin.

So no matter how angry you are, you must be patient right now. You mustn't seek revenge.

What's suspicious is some of the great lords' men!

They've been mighty pleased with themselves since my father's death.

That's your anger clouding your judgment. They didn't necessarily have anything to do with it. Calm down!

Who are you? Who sent you to listen in on our conversation?

M—My apologies, good samurai, I—I'm just a tea seller, and my name is Machiko.

It wasn't my intention to eavesdrop.

Seishimaru saved my life yesterday, and he didn't ask for rice or money.

I just wanted to repay him and then go back to selling my tea. I didn't mean any offense, honest!

You... Forget it, it's to be expected that a mere tea vendor wouldn't know proper etiquette.

Still, address him as "Master Kurotani" from now on.

You know what? This is quite opportune. The Kurotani Clan needs people, after all.

Why don't you stop selling tea and go with Master Kurotani?

I don't wish to call him Master Kurotani. Seishimaru has a better ring to it.

Well, if I can get my fill of food, then sure! I'll follow him.

Do whatever you like. Seishimaru, when Lord Kurotani is gone...

You're in charge of things now. Don't do anything foolish.

If you let your temper get the better of you... *sigh*

Anyway, what's important is that your family name continues.

...Seriously? Has anything I've said made it through that thick skull of yours?

Let me ask you this:

Will you really raise your blade against the great lords' men without a care for your clan?

Do you really wish to bring shame to your lord and disaster upon your family?

Oh, great. This is just great! So no one shall have peace until your rage dissipates, yes?

Well, since my efforts to persuade you otherwise have been ineffective, then let me give you the truth straight out.

Now, I've been the head of the Wakayama Clan since my father passed away.

He served as Lord Kurotani's executioner.

I know very well that he wronged your family and did great hurt to its name.

And the execution was a matter of business, yes. But you're still my friend, and I still want to look after your family if at all possible...

So, if you still want revenge, I fear I must say that my father is already dead.

Well, come on then, punish me for his sins instead. I dare you.

Or are you hesitating because we are friends?

Is that the extent of your resolve? Really? You can't even cut ties with me!

I was adopted anyway. The family name means nothing to me.

Besides, is the good standing of the "Kurotani" name really more important than my parents' lives?

Well, I'll show you my resolve. Draw your weapon!

Put it and that Temari over there on the table.

I'll close my eyes until you've placed them. Then, I'll extend a finger.

If I point at your sword, then we must face each other in battle.

If I point at the Temari, then we will sever all the bonds that lie between us.

Let's leave this all to fate.

Hmph, so be it. We're all set.

It looks like our destiny has been decided. My life shall be devoted to vengeance. There shall be no rest till one of us is dead.

Since you've made up your mind, then I must man up as well.

I'll carry everything I said before through to the end. I'll be waiting for you.

Everyone did a good job. The effect was perfect this time.

Mr. Sasano's performance was full of power and conveyed the charisma of his character, Wakayama Keisuke.

Um, Mr. Xavier... There's something I'm curious about. Can I ask you about it?

Of course. Ah, I must say, Machiko was very lively and playful earlier, just as I'd envisioned.

Wakayama Keisuke chose to let Seishimaru take revenge on him, and that's actually to make Seishimaru cool his temper, right?

It was out of the goodness of his heart, so would it be better if this character sounded gentler? The current lines feel a little... cruel.

I, too, considered making Keisuke a gentleman, but eventually I gave him this cold and stiff style.

But you're right... This story should have another possibility.

Hm... Should I make more adjustments?

Xavier is doing well now.

Mr. Xavier, there is no need to doubt yourself. The reason I asked is that I don't understand why the script was written that way.

I can sense that you are very talented in writing. Please continue what you were planning on doing.

Thank you for saying that, Miss Koharu. Then let's carry on.

For the next scene, I'd like to go to Nazuchi Beach. Given the lighting of location, it should be shot in the evening.

Let's all get ready and start shooting the next scene in the evening.

This thing about "shadows" has nothing to do with us. Make payments and we're done.

Just pay money and you can shoot "shadows" in this area, heheh.

Tanaka, you can't say that. Whether you can shoot the shadows well after paying depends entirely on Hifumi's mood.

Friends, I've applied in advance to the Yashiro Commission. The filming is in full compliance with the Inazuman regulations.

If you are willing, you can participate too. We happen to need a few more actors for the next scene.

To be involved in the process of creating art is much more fun than money.

Money is the only thing on their minds. Saying this stuff to them is useless... *sigh* Just when the shooting was finally going well... Why did we have to run into these guys?

Paimon's starting to feel sorry for them.

Poor Mr. Xavier for running into unreasonable people.

Paimon is saying that she feels sorry for these bad guys.

Huh?

What are you talking about, you brat? Looking for a fight?

This is not the first time I've seen you fight. But I still have to say that you're terrifying.

Good thing we're friends. A hundred Xaviers wouldn't be a match for you...

I'm relieved then. The following scene requires you to channel the vigor of your fighting self.

There aren't many lines for you in this scene, but you can still take a look at it.

We will begin when you're ready.

We will begin when you're ready.

I'm ready.

I still need more time to read the script.

Good. You all said your lines naturally and didn't make any mistakes.

Wait, they left already?

I added more lines for them. And even used their real names for the characters after obtaining their permission...

Ignore those bullies. If it hadn't been for Traveler, this scene wouldn't have been shot.

Traveler, you're too modest.

You delivered a smooth performance in that scene. Keep up this level and the next big scene will be no problem at all.

Oh yes, there is one more scene next.

Yes, I thought about it yesterday when I wrote the script, and this last scene must be shot in a place with a cliff. The small island to the east of Narukami Island is very suitable.

Well, this next scene on location is the key to the whole script, and I want to use the glow of sunset as the backdrop.

All of us have been shooting continuously for a long time, so we should take this time to rest. Let's meet tomorrow evening at the designated location.

The third act requires a little more from Mr. Sasano. This new character, Wakayama Kojuurou, is Wakayama Keisuke's younger brother and it is more appropriate to have Mr. Sasano play him.

You told me before, and I am mentally prepared. It's just... remember to pull your punches for that second fight scene, Traveler.

Oh yes, the script! I forgot to hand the script to Traveler.

Look at me, all I'm thinking about is how to shoot the next scene and I forgot to give you the script. I am so sorry.

With past experiences from the first scenes, I believe you are already familiar with the way we shoot.

Huh? He has to jump off a cliff at the end? That's really dangerous.

Yeah, you're used to jumping off high places and stuff, but now that you're doing it before a Film Kamera, you need to act more realistically.

And if that gets you into an accident, Paimon guesses it wouldn't be worth it, huh?

Paimon knows you're used to facing all sorts of danger but you cannot think of yourself as an invincible person made of steel.

Dear Miss Paimon, we do not need Traveler to jump off a cliff here. He just needs to glide down the cliff using a wind glider.

Don't worry.

Alright, if you say so...

Then go for it!

Go!

Go!

So are you ready?

I'm ready.

I still need more time to read the script.

Master Seishimaru, I've found you someone from the Wakayama Clan.

But Master Keisuke is already... gone. Please, let this all go.

Hmph. So, Kurotani, you must have come for revenge on my brother.

Now listen here. Keisuke worked himself to the bone day and night to settle the clan's affairs this entire year...

And it was all because of your stupid agreement.

You're a coward for placing sole blame on your father's executioner!

And you won't get your revenge now, no matter how much you want it.

You know why? That's because our father's already gone.

Kurotani, you didn't have what it took to avenge your adoptive parents!

And you wound up hurting Keisuke, who tried to persuade you with good intentions. You don't deserve to be called a samurai.

Keisuke once said that executioners must be prepared to suffer retaliation.

If you can't even stomach that, then you can forget about charging into battle and taking the lives of others.

Since Keisuke isn't here anymore.

Then I, his younger brother, Wakayama Kojuurou, am willing to take his place.

It's too late for you to flee now. My brother died because of you, and I'll never forgive you.

Or let you go!

As long as you don't kill me, I'll devote my life to seeking revenge, and I won't rest until one of us is dead.

Well, it's fortunate that no one died. Just give it a rest, both of you!

Look at this fuss you're both making...

Clan this, revenge that — what about these vague notions is worth all this trouble anyway?

I just sell tea. As long as I can eat my fill, I'm happy.

I couldn't care less what my last name is!

I don't have much of a way with words...

But rain falls into the lake, the lake water evaporates, and rain falls from the sky again.

Even if that rain water freezes, it will become sweet tea if you heat it over a stove.

Who cares whether the tea you were served came from the sky, the lake...

...or the pot?

Um... This might sound like sophistry.

But I'm telling you both to stop this fighting now so you can go home to eat.

Huh? Why would you say that at a time like this? You're embarrassing me...

Good grief... Well, I'll just assume you won't fight with Master Wakayama anymore, then.

Turn back, he can't move right now anyway.

Since my life is like rain and my death is like tea.

Both are like water. There is no point clinging on to things like this.

It's good that you think so!

If rains from the heavens can save the earth from calamity, then surely I can too, right?

My Lord!

Kurotani!

The payment isn't actually that important to me. I applied for the job because I was interested in filming.

Xavier is a man of ideas, but that script was a little weird...

*sigh* I'm not much of a fighter. Remember to pull your punches for the fight scene.

The next scene is a bit dangerous. Do be careful.