Chapter 44: Akina's Decision...

Akina's Decision

Jissoji was shocked once again.

Today, he had lost count of how many times he had been shocked, but he still couldn't quite get used to it.

In Japan, inviting an actor to star in a film followed a rather rigid protocol. First, one had to approach the actor's agency for negotiations. Only after that stage was completed would the script be presented, and if the other party deemed it acceptable, discussions regarding compensation would finally ensue.

To be honest, this entire process took anywhere from half a month to two or three months, and sometimes even half a year to a full year was not uncommon.

Of course, those minor actors lacking fame, or newcomers entirely unrepresented by any agency, would be overjoyed simply to receive any work at all.

Yet a top-tier star like Akina Nakamori demanded that every single step of the protocol be strictly observed.

She possessed the absolute right to carefully select her scripts and her schedule.

And yet, Iwata Takeshi not only bypassed the normal procedures entirely, but he also had the audacity to claim straight to his face that Akina Nakamori had already accepted?!

How outrageously bold!

Yet, the moment Iwata Takeshi uttered those words, Jissoji had even briefly believed it—believed that Akina Nakamori had indeed agreed to star in this film, *Infernal Affairs*.

This kid's acting skills were truly not bad at all.

Observing the rapid shifts in Teacher Jissoji's facial expressions, Iwata Takeshi knew instantly that this renowned director had just had his eyes thoroughly opened by a rude awakening.

To be fair, Iwata Takeshi was well aware that doing this carried risks, and immense ones at that.

However, he had no other choice. He could not afford to wait for the standard procedures to finish; he could not wait two or three months, nor did he even wish to wait half a month.

At present, *Violent Cop* was pulling in massive box office numbers, and Akina had even become one of the film's official recommenders.

As for the upcoming *Infernal Affairs*, this movie would not only tie in with *Violent Cop*, but it would also connect directly with current real-world hot topics.

Although humans were not like fish with a memory span of only seven seconds, they still could not be kept waiting too long; otherwise, the buzz and topicality would inevitably fade.

Iwata Takeshi had already succeeded in making a stunning debut with a single roar, and now he had to maintain that momentum—or push even further to elevate the public discourse to even greater heights!

Only by doing so could *Infernal Affairs* achieve an even greater success.

Moreover, there was more to it than just these strategic reasons.

Iwata Takeshi had promised Shinobu that he would help Akina and prevent her from plunging into the abyss of self-destruction.

In truth, this was also something Iwata Takeshi genuinely wanted to do!

And now, Akina had arrived.

...

Back in Italy, despite the awkwardness and eccentricity of their encounter, Akina's impression of Iwata Takeshi had been reasonably favorable.

The man merely looked somewhat fierce, but he directed good films, and one could sense that he was fundamentally a good person.

Yet, when on earth had she agreed?

She ought to be angry, but given their previous history, Akina herself had seemingly told Iwata Takeshi a white lie, claiming she "hadn't watched that movie," when in reality, she had.

At the airport, however, her words had been entirely truthful.

Could it be because of that?

If so, she simply needed to explain.

Therefore, Akina did not immediately expose Iwata Takeshi's bluff.

However, when Akina and her assistant arrived at the conference room of Kenon, she was completely and utterly unprepared for what followed.

"The character this time is a doctor. If I recall correctly, Akina, you haven't played this type of role before."

"Yuna Kazama is originally the daughter of a Kazama clan boss, but she is completely oblivious to the world of the Yakuza."

"Her boyfriend is a police officer, a rising young star, but beneath the surface, this man harbors a deeply sinister alter ego..."

Akina was stunned—truly dumbfounded.

She had expected to hear Iwata Takeshi offer some sort of explanation, but instead, this fierce-looking man had dived straight into pitching the role?

Had she somehow misheard something?

How on earth had things skipped directly to this stage?

"Wait a moment." Akina interrupted Iwata Takeshi with her gentle voice, then turned to her assistant. "Could you step outside for a moment, please?"

Naturally, the assistant understood what this meant; Akina wanted to speak with him alone. But looking at Iwata Takeshi's intimidating face...

Fortunately, Teacher Jissoji was present. Since he was a veteran renowned director, things should probably be fine, right?

Jissoji Akio proved quite perceptive. "Should I step outside as well?"

Terrified on the spot, the assistant suddenly wanted nothing to do with leaving. How could she possibly dare to leave Akina alone to face that menacing brute?

Fortunately, Iwata Takeshi patted Teacher Jissoji on the shoulder. "It's fine. Teacher can listen to whatever Akina has to say to me."

Only then did the assistant reluctantly step outside, while Teacher Jissoji felt rather pleased that young Takeshi did not treat him like an outsider.

Once the assistant had departed and the conference room door closed once more, Akina's expression shifted.

"Iwata-san, shouldn't what I'm hearing right now be an apology?"

Hearing this, Teacher Jissoji could not help but nod inwardly. Her words were entirely reasonable. Furthermore, he looked at Iwata Takeshi with a gaze whose meaning was unmistakably clear:

Takeshi, you brat, you ought to apologize now that there are no outsiders left.

She clearly never agreed, yet you insisted she did, and she hasn't even gotten angry. This shows that Akina is an exceptionally wonderful girl, a truly gentle soul.

You've pushed your luck far enough, Iwata Takeshi.

To his utter surprise, however—

"What apology?" Iwata Takeshi's expression remained completely matter-of-fact.

"???" Akina felt a surge of genuine annoyance rise within her. "I clearly never agreed!"

Her previously gentle voice now carried the threatening edge of an oncoming storm.

Yet Iwata Takeshi remained completely unfazed. "You did agree."

She clearly hadn't!

This time, Akina was genuinely displeased. Her face chilled as she contemplated calling her assistant back inside; after all, this was Kenon, her home turf.

Before she could act, however, Iwata Takeshi made his next move.

Unhurriedly, he took a stack of neatly bound papers from his bag. They were bound very cleanly, though it was plainly evident they had been written by hand.

Upon seeing this, Jissoji was immensely surprised, as the script shown to Shimoya earlier had merely been photocopies.

Then, he heard Iwata Takeshi utter a rather bizarre remark.

"That child Shinobu, she was the very first person to believe in me, but the first time we met, she gave me a vicious kick."

Hearing this, Akina felt an urge to smile. Naturally a girl fond of laughter, she forcefully restrained herself at that moment.

Then came the next sentence:

"And you were the very first person who smiled the moment you laid eyes on me."

What on earth did that mean?

Jissoji instantly regretted staying in this room.

Especially given how blindingly shiny his own bald head felt at that moment.

Yet, a profound shock rippled through Akina's heart!

How could someone as gentle as her fail to understand Iwata Takeshi's underlying meaning?

This fierce-looking man was trying to help her, just as he had in Italy. Only this time, what he brought out was a film script.

Wait, this script... if she accepted it, would it mean accepting his help as well?

And naturally, accepting this invitation too.

Yet, how could everything unfold as simply as he wished?

Akina desperately wanted to scold Iwata Takeshi, but she simply couldn't bring herself to do it.

She lacked the heart to hurt someone who was trying to help her.

To her even greater astonishment, after placing the script down, Iwata Takeshi stood up straight away and bowed deeply.

"I shall not disturb you any further."

Leaving?

He wasn't even going to wait for her to—

Not until the conference room door clicked shut once more did Akina finally snap out of her daze.

That bow he had just executed was, in reality, his apology.

He simply hadn't voiced it aloud.

And now, he was leaving the choice entirely up to her.

This fierce-looking man actually possessed a remarkably kind heart.

Though his methods were undeniably overbearing, he didn't seem quite so hateful after all.

As Akina thought this, she realized her hand was already resting upon the script.

In that single instant, she finally understood that deep within her heart, she had actually been hoping someone would reach out and help her.

A bitter smile touched her lips—perhaps born of her own vulnerability.

Yet her hand had already opened the script.

The bold characters *Infernal Affairs* were immediately visible on the cover page, and right upon the very first page:

*In the Unending Hell, one endures infinite eons, dying and being reborn ten thousand times.*

*Entering the Path of Unending Hell, severing all afflictions, one attains ultimate liberation.*

Two simple lines of text struck Akina with immense force.

For reasons unknown, a single tear slid down her cheek like a falling pearl.

Before long, lost in the pages of the script, today's foremost songstress found herself utterly unable to turn away.

...

"Teacher Jissoji, I'm truly sorry, but I really couldn't think of a better way."

"Ah, I understand. There are simply too many rigid rules in our country; it certainly gets troublesome at times. But, *sugoi*!"

"Oh?"

"Such a formidable young man, haha..."

"What are you laughing at? Why does that sound so strange to me?"

"Nothing at all, Takeshi. Though your looks certainly can't compare to that fellow Kondo, if Akina ends up with you, I genuinely think it would be far better than being with him."

"What on earth are you talking about!"

"Hahaha..."

As the setting sun dipped below the horizon, a bald old man and a menacing-looking young man strode forward with long strides, their laughter ringing loud and clear.

...

"A massive blockbuster shock! *Violent Cop* total box office breaks 600 million yen!"

Staring at the bold headlines in the newspaper, Mitani felt a fresh wave of agitation.

Yet at this moment, he possessed a certain degree of confidence.

That script of his was already written. All he needed to do was deliver it to the television station, and then, backed by his absolute sincerity, invite Akina to star in it.

Everything would be fine!

He would use his utmost sincerity to move Akina's heart!

With a surge of high spirits, Mitani strode into a convenience store and picked up a bento box.

Not the half-priced items nearing their expiration date.

Yet as he paid at the counter, the television mounted above the cash register was broadcasting a news segment.

"Akina, are you really starring in a film this time?"

"Hai, it's called *Infernal Affairs*."

"Then, regarding Director Iwata, did the two of you meet in Italy?"

"We merely crossed paths once."

In an instant, Mitani felt the bento in his hands lose all its appeal.

Dammit! He'd been beaten to the punch by this guy Iwata Takeshi!

As expected, he truly was the lifelong rival of his career!