My Name is Hiroshi Nohara, Star of Neon Film and Television!

Chapter 91: Restarting 『Yamishibai True Season Three』! Audience Expectations!

"Good... good! Just do as you say!"

Asumi finalized the decision without the slightest hesitation: "The Personnel Division side, I will immediately restore Hashishita Ichiro's position. The reboot project of 『Yamishibai』 season three, I will also immediately approve it for you! Budget, personnel, equipment, you... you just say the word!"

He paused, looking at that young man still peacefully smiling, upon his face surfaced a smear of dumbfounded bitterness.

"However, Hiroshi-kun, that... 『Kasou Taishou』 variety show project of yours, are we able to... wait until this period of busyness is over, then we converse about it properly? This heart of mine, cannot withstand this round after round of bombardment from you."

"Of course." Nohara Hiroshi smilingly nodded his head: "Everything will follow Deputy Director's arrangements."

He could right now be said to increasingly like Deputy Director Asumi more and more.

Thinking about it is also true.

No wonder even if Deputy Director Asumi arrived at TV Tokyo from Kanto TV, always being suppressed, unable to effectively utilize authority to assist those old brothers of the Kanto Faction.

But everyone of the Kanto Faction still surrounds Asumi's side, operating based on his commands and instructions.

Considerable trust.The reason, exactly lies in Asumi's personality charm, leader's charm, indeed making people admire him.

Even him Nohara Hiroshi also came to like Asumi this leader.

...

The second week of July, Tokyo, and even the entire Neon, all seemingly were shrouded by a hurricane named 'Nohara Hiroshi'.

The viewership rating of 『Tales of the Unusual』, exactly like an ancient behemoth having broken free from all restraints, utilizing a posture almost bordering on overbearing, continuously, stably, occupying that 21% numerical level, a terrifying high position sufficient to make all opponents feel suffocated.

This is already no longer a simple viewership rating.

Truly is a kind of cultural phenomenon.

A kind of, within a short two weeks, then rapidly penetrating into every single pore of Neon society, a nationwide carnival.

The entertainment sections of major newspapers, almost every day were utilizing the most exaggerated headlines, to report this viewership rating miracle whipped up by a young man.

"Tokyo Film and Television Drama News": "From 20.3% to 21.95%! 『Tales of the Unusual』 viewership rating heaven-defying growth, the sub-prime time slot overlord officially crowned!"

The senior film critic "Pen Knife" of "Yomiuri Shimbun" even more so wasn't the slightest bit stingy with his own words of praise:

"... I have engaged in film criticism work for thirty years, asking myself having viewed countless films. But never has there been an artwork, capable of being like 『Tales of the Unusual』 like this, making me for two consecutive weeks, guarding before the television set, like a child coming into contact with the visual world for the first time, being shocked by those bizarre and motley stories one by one, to the point of being unable to sleep all night."

"Its most terrifying aspect, doesn't lie in those plot twists causing one to strike the table in admiration, also doesn't lie in that exquisite production comparable to movie-level. But rather lies in, it utilized an accuracy almost bordering on a scalpel, slicing open this seemingly peaceful and prosperous modern society of ours, that bright and beautiful epidermis, revealing underneath, those souls one by one full of loneliness, desire, jealousy and fear, incomparably real souls."

"It is like a mirror, every single one of us, can all within it, see our own reflection that is either twisted, or struggling, or pathetic, or ridiculous. This is already no longer a simple television drama, this is a part belonging to this era of ours, 『Ukiyo-e』."

Of course, possessing praise, naturally is also not lacking another kind of voice.

Only, this time, that voice was no longer questioning, but rather a kind, complaining from love turning to hate...

The reader letters section of "Weekly Gendai", was almost submerged by snow-flake like letters, and the themes of these letters, were surprisingly consistent.

"—— Respected Sensei Nohara Hiroshi, hello. First of all, please permit me to express the most sincere respect towards you, 『Tales of the Unusual』 is for this lifetime I have watched, the greatest television drama, without a second. However, acting as a loyal fan following you starting from 『Yamishibai』 season one, I still wish to ask a sentence, are you... truly bearing the heart, watching that 『Yamishibai』 ruined beyond recognition by the likes of Iwata Masao, sink down just like this?"

"—— We know, you are very busy right now. However, we even more so know, only you, are exactly the sole 'Father' of 『Yamishibai』! Begging you, save that child right! We don't want to see that out of place Onmyoji, and that evil spirit looking like a Geinin anymore! What we want to watch, is that Kamishibai uncle wearing a mask, and those true urban legends capable of causing us to not dare to go to the toilet alone at night!"

This wave of 'Save 『Yamishibai』' petition spontaneously whipped up by audiences, under the media's adding fuel to the flames, intensified even more violently.

For a time, "Nohara Hiroshi Save 『Yamishibai』!" even circulated into a slogan.

To the extent that the audience service hotline of TV Tokyo, was overwhelmed anew.

And those snow-flake like petition letters, even more so directly from the storage room, stacked all the way to the office doorway of the Production Bureau Chief Sakata Nobuhiko.

Facing this tumultuous public opinion, the higher-ups of TV Tokyo, finally couldn't sit still anymore.

...

Therefore, after a period of time had passed, TV Tokyo together with all major collaborating newspaper media, simultaneously published a piece of, heavyweight news sufficient to make all fans of 『Yamishibai』 go crazy for it.

【Father of 『Yamishibai』, Nohara Hiroshi, responding to the passionate requests of the broad audiences, officially announces: Rebooting production of 『Yamishibai』 season three! The true Urban Legends, returning shortly!】

This piece of news was like a depth charge detonating the entire fish pond.

On the internet, instantly a patch of boiling over.

"Oh oh oh oh oh! My 『Yamishibai』 is back!"

"Long live Sensei Nohara! This is exactly the true popular expectation ah!"

"Too wonderful! Finally don't need to watch that brain-dead Onmyoji anymore! I already cannot wait wanting to be scared to the point of unable to sleep!"

Amidst this nationwide carnival, Nohara Hiroshi also accepted the exclusive interviews of several mainstream media.

Facing the reporter's questions full of expectations, he yet appeared unusually modest and low-profile.

"... Extremely thankful for the deep affection of the audience friends. Speaking truthfully, I also didn't anticipate, everyone's feelings towards 『Yamishibai』, would be this profound."

"Only, I must frankly tell everyone, because the project of 『Tales of the Unusual』 is still in progress, my personal energy is indeed limited. Therefore, this rebooted season three, mostly is the team from before representing me taking charge of execution, I will only on the script and storyboard, perform some macroscopic control."

"Hence, everyone do not hold too high of an expectation towards it. I can only guarantee, it will continue the style of the previous two seasons, narrating several, authentic urban legends for everyone. As for whether it's capable of surpassing the predecessors, speaking truthfully, I... basically don't possess too great of an assurance."

This spiel was spoken truly watertight.

Not only appeasing the audiences, while also leaving ample paths of retreat for himself, incidentally, also pushing that team of his having just been reorganized, to the front of the stage.

This "sincere" expression of stance, even more so earned full house cheers for him.

"Sankei Shimbun"'s commentator article wrote: "... In this impetuous era, we have seen far too many geniuses becoming arrogant and condescending after overnight fame. But Nohara Hiroshi, yet utilized his modesty and bearing responsibility, redefining the two characters 'Master' for us. He doesn't claim credit, isn't conceited, from start to finish holding a heart of awe and respect towards the audiences. This kind of person, his artwork, we possess no reason not to anticipate it."

All foreshadowing, all building momentum, have all been completed.

The gaze of the entire Neon, was all focused onto that impending, Monday evening.

...

And at the center of that storm, inside the 【Nohara Hiroshi · Special Production Team】 office, the atmosphere yet was a patch of perfect order.

Nohara Hiroshi had already handed over that complete storyboard manuscript of the true season three, written out from his former life's memories, into the hands of Hashishita Ichiro and the trio long ago.

"Senior Hashishita."

Nohara Hiroshi's voice was peaceful, yet carrying a kind of majesty allowing no room for interference: "The drawing manuscripts, the script, are all here. How to shoot, how to edit, I believe, you are clearer than me. I only have one requirement, vividly restore it, do not make any superfluous alterations."

"Yes! Section Chief Nohara!"

Hashishita Ichiro received that stack of drawing manuscripts still exuding the faint fragrance of printing ink, that pair of hands, actually uncontrollably slightly trembled.

He looked at those familiar rough lines full of the pulling sensation of 'Kamishibai' upon that paper, looking at those bizarre stories one by one full of Japanese-style horror aesthetics, inside those eyes already occupied by despair and remorse long ago, once again surfaced expressions of sighs with emotion and gratitude.

He knew, this was his last chance.

It was his sole chance to atone for his sins.

He practically utilized a kind of madness almost bordering on self-abuse, tossing himself into this production.

He locked himself inside the editing room, staying there exactly for three days and three nights, sleepy then using cold water to splash his face, hungry then gnawing a few mouthfuls of dry hard bread.

He time after time anew, cross-referencing to the storyboard manuscript Nohara Hiroshi gave him, going to polish every single shot, going to adjust every single sound effect, that concentration and devotion, compared to when he was at the Iwata Section initially, had to be ten times crazier.

While Minamura Hoshi, Haseji Kakeru and Kitagawa Yao, these three young people who once hated him to the bone, looking at this putting life on the line appearance of his, those gazes also gradually from icy disdain, became complex.

Slowly also gained more recognition.

Although they still wouldn't actively speak to him, but occasionally, when passing by the editing room, Kitagawa Yao would quietly, upon his desk, place a cup of piping hot coffee.

While Minamura Hoshi and Haseji Kakeru, upon seeing him having a deathly pale complexion due to staying up late, would also furrow their brows placing a tuna rice ball for him.

This awkward concern, like a warm current, caused that heart of Hashishita Ichiro already entirely icy cold long ago, to quietly melt a corner.

He knew, he was currently bit by bit, being accepted by this collective anew.

And this hard-won forgiveness, caused him to even more so firm up the determination to atone for his crimes through meritorious service.

Friday, afternoon five o'clock.

When that master tape of 『Yamishibai · True Season Three』 episode one, having condensed the painstaking efforts of the entire team, was punctually delivered to the Audit Department.

Everyone subconsciously let out a breath of relief.

The procedure of the Audit Department, walked unusually smoothly.

When Takeshita Ai and her colleagues, finished watching that pilot film full of authentic, familiar horror atmosphere.

Everyone revealed knowing smiles.

"This is exactly right." Takeshita Ai upon that audit report, heavily stamped down the seal of approval.

"This is exactly what we want to watch, 『Yamishibai』."

That evening, TV Tokyo then officially announced, 『Yamishibai · True Season Three』, will be punctually broadcasted next week Monday evening ten thirty.

The news coming out, could be said to be fans rejoicing.

...

Ginza, late night.

Inside a tranquil Japanese-style private room, floating in the air the mellow rice fragrance of top-tier Sake 『Juyondai』, intermingling together with the elegant and light aura of precious incense sticks, what should have been a relaxing and happy place, at this moment yet was oppressive like an ice cellar.

Upon the low table, exquisite Kaiseki Cuisine was still emitting traces of hot steam, that fresh and tender Otoro (fatty tuna belly), that Wagyu possessing marbling like snowflakes, were all completely intact placed there, seemingly like merely two expensive decorations.

Takada Toshihide and Iwata Masao sat facing each other, those several hostess girls wearing magnificent Kimonos, possessing exquisite makeup beside them, had already under the indication of those icy gazes of theirs sufficient to cause people to suffer frostbite, keeping silent out of fear bowing and retreating out long ago.

The door was lightly closed, isolating the clamor of the outside world, also thoroughly exposing the dense haze unable to be dispelled inside this tiny patch of heaven and earth.

"Bang."

Iwata Masao placed the wine cup in his hand heavily onto the table, upon that face always carrying somewhat of arrogance, at this moment only remained a patch of flushed redness after drinking and the ferociousness of unwillingness.

"That traitor! Hashishita Ichiro that thing living on one person while helping another!" He spat a mouthful of saliva towards the side of the clean Tatami, disregarding his manners, inside his voice was full of deep resentment: "He actually still possesses the face to return to the Nohara Section! Deputy Director, you say, will he be a spy, planted at our place from the very beginning by that Nohara Hiroshi? Intentionally causing us to fail?!"

Takada Toshihide didn't speak.

He merely used that pair of bottomless deep eyes, peacefully looking at the clear wine liquid inside the cup, that posture, seemingly like admiring a painting having absolutely nothing to do with himself.

After a long while he then slowly opened his mouth, voice placid, indiscernible of joy or anger.

"Spy?" He let out a light laugh, inside that laughter, yet carrying a kind of icy mockery: "Iwata-kun, aren't you looking too highly upon yourself. Dealing with you, does it still need to dispatch spies?"

Iwata Masao's face instantly flushed into a pig liver color, he opened his mouth, yet couldn't speak a single word.

"Perhaps, it isn't Hashishita Ichiro being too incompetent, nor is it you being too careless."

Takada Toshihide raised his head, those icy eyes like knives, pointing straight towards him, saying word by word: "Perhaps... it truly is that young man named Nohara Hiroshi, being too incredible."

This spiel was like an invisible slap, ruthlessly slapping onto Iwata Masao's face, a burning pain.

Admitting the opponent's strength, exactly equates to admitting one's own incompetence.

Takada Toshihide didn't pay attention anymore to this subordinate having already been reduced into trash, he cast his gaze towards that patch of profound night sky outside the window, changing the topic, bringing a trace of playing meaning in his voice.

"Nohara Hiroshi, truly rebooting the production of 『Yamishibai』 season three. You say, he... can he salvage it alive?"

Although he was asking, that gaze yet landed back onto Iwata Masao's body anew, that expression incomparably icy cold.

After all Takada Toshihide this Executive Deputy Director was sprayed dog blood all over his head at the board of directors meeting like that.

With his face and self-esteem.

Even right now it is difficult to accept!

And Iwata Masao, is exactly the initiator!

Iwata Masao's body violently trembled once, he instantly then comprehended the profound meaning behind this spiel.

He hastily squeezed out a set of fawning smile, that posture, like a pug dog rushing to express loyalty towards its master.

"Impossible! Deputy Director!"

He solemnly vowed saying: "The reputation of 『Yamishibai』, has already been... no, it's by Hashishita Ichiro that piece of trash, thoroughly ruined completely! Right now when audiences mention this name, what they think about is exactly that out of place Onmyoji! Is a scam! Is trash!"

"Even if Nohara Hiroshi possesses heaven-reaching capabilities, wanting within such a short amount of time, to clean up this puddle of messy accounts completely, salvaging the hearts of all audiences, that is also a fool's dream! I dare to bet, this reboot of his, at most is exactly pulling the viewership rating back to around 3%, impossible to stir up any more waves!"

This spiel, is both his judgment, and even more so his expectation.

He urgently needs Nohara Hiroshi's failure, to prove his own failure, isn't unforgivable.

"Is that so?"

Takada Toshihide raised his eyebrows noncommittally, he retracted his gaze, not speaking anymore, merely lifting the wine cup, drinking that cup of icy cold Sake, clean in one gulp.

"Hopefully so right."

He muttered to himself, in his tone had already lacked that much confidence.