Die by the Sword/Episode 6

Die by the Sword
Episode 6

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“Takato, you’re in the way.” “I’m sorry.” It’s been several months since I joined GOD-za—— Practice carries on, with many troupe members standing in a row along the wall of a huge practice room. Idle chatter is strictly prohibited. Even though we’re supposed to be doing a comedy exercise, tension hangs in the air, filling the room with a strained atmosphere from beginning to end. Everyone here is desperate to earn a role; all around us are rivals we should defeat. Not a single trace of friendliness or camaraderie exists here. Unconsciously, I look towards the empty space beside me. Tsumugi, who took the audition with me and was supposed to be here, is not there. As bitter regret, irritation, and emptiness start to well up inside me, I instinctively clench my fists. “Next up, Takato.” “——Yes!” I forced myself to look up, and stepped forward. It had been around a year since I joined the troupe when Reni-san summoned me to the theater. As instructed by Reni-san, who stood with his back to the audience seats, I started walking alone towards the stage. And then I was promptly stopped. “From now on, that is where you belong.” “Huh?” I was standing right at the center of the stage. Only the lead actor, GOD-za’s top star, was allowed to stand here. Don’t tell me that I’m——? I was more shocked than happy. “Your acting is brilliant and has charm. Befitting of GOD-za’s center.” “...Thank you very much.” It’s a full house, and the final performance. At the center of the stage, I take in the thundering applause and shouts of praise that rain on me from the audience. This is the summit –– the place I grasped after taking down my rivals standing next to me. The responsibility and pride of being the top star take me to great heights anywhere. The view from the center of a big stage is the best. But when I suddenly look around me, the scenery changes completely. I’m faced with the gaze of my rivals, who want to drag me down from the top and take my place. I feel lonely –– as if I’m standing on stage by myself. In order not to buckle under that strong pressure, I focus and give it my all every single day; in the midst of all that, I learn what emptiness is like. Shinozaki ——something like that happened back then too, didn’t it? Tasuku ... Shinozaki Takato? Tasuku Ah. I’m sorry——What were you saying? Shinozaki I said that even when you played the lead for the first time, you weren’t nervous at all and you seemed so confident; it was really cheeky. Tasuku I was nervous. Shinozaki Yeah right. Everyone was talking about how you were the boldest out of all the top actors so far. Tasuku I was just hiding it. (...The only one who noticed was the person who filled the questionnaire.) Shinozaki ...So, you haven’t made up your mind? Tasuku ... Shinozaki You’re not done returning the favour, huh. Tasuku No... (The Director told me that I’ve returned the favour enough. If the only reason I’m staying in the troupe is to return the favour, then I shouldn’t be hesitating.) (If I join Shinozaki-san’s troupe, I’m sure I’d be able to face more new challenges and encounter new plays.) (But still...) I’m sorry. Please let me think about it a little more. (I still can’t reach a conclusion.) Shinozaki That’s fine. Take your time to think about it. I’ll wait however long it takes. Tasuku Thank you very much. (The reason why I’m staying in Mankai Company, huh...) Guy ... Izumi Ah, Guy-san, perfect timing. Guy What’s wrong? Izumi I just wanted to grab some things from the storeroom. Can you help me? Guy Got it. Izumi It’s right there on the upper shelf but I can’t reach it—— Guy This? Izumi Thank you very much. Guy Should we put this box away too? Izumi Ah, those are—— They’re Tasuku-san’s belongings, from the other day. I had him give those scripts to me for reference. Guy It’s just scripts, but there’s quite a lot. Izumi There is. There are many different kinds; it’s interesting. Guy ...What’s this? Izumi That’s a story based on a Japanese fairy tale. It’s a pretty famous script and has been adapted into stage plays by many different theater troupes. Guy ... “Thank you very much!” “Thank you very much.” It was my first time watching my father on stage. My father appeared in the curtain call, and bowed his head many times near the edge of the stage. The unoccupied seats stood out; amidst the sparse clapping that resounded in the audience, I remember clapping so hard my hands stung. Although I didn’t really understand theater, I didn’t think it was fun by any standard. But my chest throbbed when I saw my father appear on stage. My father’s life as an actor must not have been easy. I think he spent more time working his part time job than practicing. Even so, if he found even just a short amount of time each day, He’d say, “I’m going to street act, so watch the house, Guy,” and go out looking happy more than anything else——. Guy ...I’m going out for a bit. Izumi Huh? Guy I’ll be back before practice. Izumi Wait, where are you going? Guy On a warrior’s journey. Izumi ...Huh? Guy ... Izumi Ah, please wait—— Guy “The right to strike——!” “Hah!” Izumi So he meant street acting when he said warrior’s journey... (He went out so suddenly, I was wondering what it was...) Guy “Last night, my master was attacked by someone. It couldn’t have been anyone else but you.” Izumi ... (Compared to the beginning when he’d just joined the troupe, Guy-san’s acting has improved.) (It’s even better now compared to practice the other day. He’s working so hard with individual training...) Guy ...Thank you very much. Izumi Good work, Guy-san! (Of course it could still use some work in certain areas, but the fact that several people stayed to watch him street act by himself is enough!) Reni ...My, my. I was wondering where the noise was coming from... Guy ——
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maria