Chapter 49: Sonny Chiba? The Uncle's Compensation for Shinobu

Chapter 49: Sonny Chiba? The Older Man’s Compensation for Shino

Why would an old movie like *Lady Snowblood* appear here?

From Hiroyuki Sanada’s perspective, this was definitely not a simple prop placement.

Although he hadn’t finished reading the script, combining it with the plot points he already knew, Sanada was entirely certain that this videotape would play a massive role!

Yes, it was likely going to be like that.

Sanada felt like he had guessed something.

...

Takeshi Iwata was currently by the camera, chatting with that weirdo Sion Sono.

However, Sion Sono had also brought up the question about *Lady Snowblood*.

It was just that his phrasing was rather eccentric: "Does this prop need to appear again?"

Takeshi Iwata merely smiled and shook his head.

In the eyes of this fierce-looking man, *Lady Snowblood* was essentially *Kill Bill*.

Quentin Tarantino’s critically acclaimed *Kill Bill* had heavily drawn inspiration from *Lady Snowblood*. Not only were there massive plot similarities, but the film’s ending also used Snowblood’s theme song.

The most obvious example was the female assassin played by Lucy Liu: dressed in a white kimono, holding a sword in the snow.

This was the exact imagery of Lady Snowblood, though the sword technique was different. Lady Snowblood used a reverse grip, and her blade was usually concealed inside an umbrella.

Released in 1973, *Lady Snowblood* was a tremendous success. The film primarily told a story of revenge, though compared to *Kill Bill*, Snowblood’s vengeance was much more complex and heavily imbued with left-wing undertones.

The male protagonist was a writer who had been persecuted by the police and ultimately helped Snowblood assassinate her father—who had become a capitalist—resulting in both of them perishing together.

Yet, somewhat helplessly, because the film became a massive hit, the studio demanded a sequel. Consequently, Lady Snowblood, who was supposed to have died at the end...

Came back to life!

After all, the studio paid far too much.

From this perspective, in Japan, capitalism ultimately triumphed over left-wing literati.

Takeshi Iwata had no desire to critique the left-wing screenwriters of that era; after all, this was Japan, a country tightly controlled by the United States.

It could be said that *Infernal Affairs* was an enormous success in Hong Kong, but if that film were to be remade in Japan shot-for-shot, it would inevitably fail—just as the Japanese version in the original timeline had indeed failed.

Therefore, Takeshi Iwata had to drastically overhaul this film to give it any chance of success.

Originally, Chen Wing-yan encountered Lau Kin-ming in an audio shop, but in Takeshi Iwata’s version, it would be Kazuma Kiryu crossing paths with Yuna Kazama.

And this videotape would be the absolute key to his major overhaul!

"Director."

At that moment, Hiroyuki Sanada walked over.

"Oh, is something the matter?" Takeshi Iwata responded casually.

Sanada looked extremely sincere. "Director! Subarashii!"

"..." Takeshi Iwata didn't speak. He sensed that this martial arts general Sanada had finally figured it out.

As for what he had figured out, he could just say it himself.

Sanada whispered something quietly into Takeshi Iwata's ear.

Takeshi Iwata nodded.

Just as expected!

Sanada was thrilled; he had guessed correctly.

However, guessing the ending of his own character only made him even more convinced that this film had incredible potential!

Therefore, he said with utmost sincerity, "Director, I firmly believe this movie will become a classic. I would like to act as a go-between and introduce this film to my master. I wonder how the director feels about this?"

Sonny Chiba?

The moment he was brought up, Takeshi Iwata's interest was thoroughly piqued.

The character of Xiongba was truly unforgettable, and Sonny Chiba himself could be considered the number-one heavyweight star of action films in Japan.

Not only was he a karate master, but he was also a grandmaster of Japanese Shorinji Kempo... Make no mistake, Shaolin martial arts were exceptionally popular in Japan.

Let's not forget, hadn't Takeshi Iwata browsed through the newspapers when he first arrived here?

At present, Xiongba seemed as though his martial arts had been crippled, having gone without a single acting gig for over a year.

What Sanada said was quite euphemistic; clearly, he felt a bit guilty and was essentially helping his teacher find a job.

In truth, Sanada’s own career had been rather mediocre lately. Japanese entertainers didn't make much money from film and television; their primary income came from commercial endorsements.

His current endorsement deal was with the Japanese brand "Lick." In the commercial, he went sea surfing with a senior colleague, held up a small bottle, and shouted "Fight!"

It was thoroughly middle-schooler levels of cringe.

As for why Hiroyuki Sanada and his teacher were struggling so much right now?

The answer was simple: the current state of the Japanese film industry.

Many famous directors had gone off to direct pink films, and high-profile names like Sonny Chiba couldn't swallow their pride to do so, yet no good projects were coming his way, leaving him naturally idle.

Now that the master and disciple had essentially delivered themselves to his doorstep, why would Takeshi Iwata stand on ceremony?

"As for roles, there is still Detective Wajiro..."

"That is simply wonderful! Arigato! Director Iwata!"

"However, would this be doing a disservice to Teacher Chiba?"

"Please trust me! I will do my best to persuade my master!"

Listen to that—he really knew how to play the game.

"Then I'll leave it in your hands."

...

"Sis, what are you dawdling for?"

"Shino, what are you in such a rush for!"

"Hurry up, don't keep people waiting."

"This outfit is such a hassle to put on."

Shino, who had followed her older sister to the set of *Infernal Affairs*, was extremely anxious, pacing back and forth at the entrance of the dressing room.

Shino's real intention this time was just to watch the older man film, but she hadn't expected her sister to be so agonizingly slow.

Fortunately, perhaps her urging had worked, as Miho Nakayama finally emerged.

Rise and shine!

"Whoa, sis, you really..."

"What is it?"

"Pretty stunning."

"Hmph! Glad to see your little eyes have some taste."

Miho Nakayama had expected her younger sister to deliberately poke fun at her with some sarcastic remark, but instead, it was a direct compliment. Didn't this prove that she truly looked stunning?

At that moment, she was wearing a deep purple kimono adorned with branches and cherry blossoms.

Inside the dressing room, the moment she put on the kimono, Miho Nakayama couldn't help but spin around repeatedly in front of the mirror, wasting a lot of time.

This gorgeous kimono wasn't cheap, which showed that Takeshi Iwata was indeed rolling in money.

This production was much more lavish than the last. Not only were there far more people on set, but the cast lineup was several times stronger.

That fellow Sanada looked all muscular, yet he was doing those "Lick" commercials every day; he was probably just all show and no substance.

By rough mathematical estimation, the Japanese "Lick" brand was practically equivalent to acquiring a magical pill of vitality.

Hmph! Don't think only Akina is beautiful; my Miho is second to none!

Miho Nakayama took dainty little steps, accompanied by her younger sister and assistant, and arrived at the filming location.

"Older man, your movie feels so impressive."

"Really?"

"Much more extravagant than the last one."

"Shino, do you feel like you're missing out?"

"Huh? Missing out on what?"

"Not acting in this movie."

"How... well, yeah, I am missing out."

Miho Nakayama in her kimono was indeed breathtaking, but Takeshi Iwata had spotted the girl Shino long ago. However, they were in the middle of shooting right now; certain things could be discussed later.

"Places everyone!... Action!"

Inside the antique-style building, several people knelt in formal seiza on the tatami mats.

Goro Taketori, Taiga Saejima... and the most eye-catching among them was Miho Nakayama in her full kimono.

Only this time, her name was Kazuko Aoyama.

She was none other than the daughter of the deceased former chairman of the Aoyama Syndicate!

...

Within the Aoyama Syndicate, the former chairman had passed away from illness, and the originally designated heir-apparent had died suddenly in prison.

At the headquarters, fierce arguments over the succession of the chairmanship raged on, threatening to ignite a war at any moment.

Shino was only wearing a simple sports outfit today, yet it radiated youthful energy.

There was no role for her in this film, and her visit today was primarily just to see the older man.

Since the older man was busy filming, she simply sat there with mild boredom, flipping through the script.

This story was genuinely fascinating.

Shino didn't know much about the Yamai clashes; after all, she was just a carefree young girl, so she had no idea this plotline originated from the real-world gang wars.

"This time, the older man is going to make it up to you." Shino kept thinking back to what the older man had said earlier.

Compensation?

Shino honestly didn't feel it was necessary, yet she was overwhelmingly curious.

How on earth would the older man make it up to her?

Until someone suddenly appeared right in front of Shino.

"Is that Shino?"

"Sister Kohhy? You—why are you here?"

Shino never imagined her idol would be right here... was she dreaming?

She rubbed her eyes.

Seeing this, Kohhy burst into a hearty laugh. "Me? I'm here to teach someone how to sing."

"Huh?"

Shino was utterly bewildered. Teach who?

Soon enough, the answer was revealed.

...

"Is this how it's sung? *Oh love~ please don't vanish away~*..."

"Whoa, Iwata-san, you actually sing pretty well."

"Really?"

"Truly great, you've got a lot of natural talent."

During a break in filming, Takeshi Iwata met up with Kohhy and Shino.

Moreover, he had immediately started learning how to sing from Kohhy.

What song was it?

*City Hunter*’s theme song, *Love, Please Don't Vanish*.

This left Shino completely astonished. Why on earth was the older man learning this song?

And not only did he specially invite Sister Kohhy over, but wasn't it enough for him to just casually hum a tune?

Takeshi Iwata quickly provided Shino with the answer.

"Kohhy, could you also teach Shino?"

"Oh, is that so? Of course I can."

Kohhy had actually known what was going on for a while now; besides, this was something they had already talked about during the Budokan concert.

At the time, she hadn't taken it too seriously, only to find out later that Shino and Takeshi Iwata had actually acted in a movie together.

Now that she was invited over to teach singing, she readily agreed.

Shino instantly understood. So this was what the older man meant by compensation!

"Older man! Hahaha..."

The girl Shino was over the moon. She laughed with unbridled joy and gave Takeshi Iwata a hearty slap on the back.

This girl... Yet, seeing Shino's radiant smile, Takeshi Iwata felt completely fulfilled.

In truth, compensating Shino was one aspect, but on the other hand, Takeshi Iwata genuinely needed to put this song to good use.

In Takeshi Iwata's design, whenever Kazuma Kiryu found himself with a moment of quiet boredom, he would softly hum this song.

A yakuza humming *City Hunter*—what did that represent?

Both this song and the *Lady Snowblood* videotape were crucial props for Takeshi Iwata's adaptation of *Infernal Affairs*!