novelraw Chapter 93: The King Returns! Nohara Hiroshi Harassed by Phone Calls!
Chapter 93: The King Returns! Nohara Hiroshi Harassed by Phone Calls!
The next day.
The third Tuesday of July, the aftershocks of the storm brought by Nohara Hiroshi, quietly detonated upon countless newsstands and commuting trains.
The entertainment front page of "Tokyo Film and Television Drama News", utilized a brushstroke almost bordering on marveling, portraying that dramatic "dispelling chaos and returning to the right path" from last night vividly and thoroughly.
【The King Returns! Father of 『Yamishibai』 Nohara Hiroshi receives orders in a crisis, overnight, forcefully pulling an artwork on the verge of death back from the ICU!】
"... If it is said, the sudden appearance out of nowhere of 『Tales of the Unusual』, showcased to us that terrifying talent of Nohara Hiroshi sufficient to establish a sect and start a school; then, this emergency rescue of 『Yamishibai · True Season Three』 this time, then resembles even more a textbook-level, surgical-style precision strike."
"He utilized a short few minutes, then stripped out anew from a pile of out of place demon-subduing and monster-exorcising farce, that pure, and also the most shuddering soul belonging to 'Urban Legends', from that IP ruined beyond recognition by the likes of Iwata."
"The viewership rating of 8.35%, rather than saying it is an achievement, it's better to say it is a declaration—— that familiar 『Yamishibai』 capable of making us feel our spines turn cold inside the summer night, it, has returned."
The accompanying picture of the article, didn't choose that handsome face of Nohara Hiroshi sufficient to cause countless young girls to scream, but rather possessing profound meaning chose a close-up picture of the Kamishibai uncle wearing an ominous mask.
That pair of eyes hidden behind the mask, seemingly exactly transmitting through the paper, coldly, gazing at those jumping clowns, who once attempted to defile it.
While the senior film critic "Pen Knife" famous for his venomous tongue and sharpness, then inside his column, elevated this farce to an even more philosophical altitude....
While film critics of other newspaper agencies also released artworks——
【Counterfeits and Authentic Works: A Public Execution Regarding 'Soul'】
"... The failure of Iwata Masao, wasn't skills inferior to others, but rather from the very beginning, he exactly walked onto a dead end acting opposite to his true intentions. He naively thought, as long as he imitated Nohara Hiroshi's art style, continuing to use the gimmick of 'Urban Legends', then he could replicate that success."
"He exactly resembles a clumsy painter, copying a picture of 『Mona Lisa』, yet from start to finish unable to comprehend, behind that smear of mysterious smile, what is contained, belonging to Da Vinci's, one and only soul."
"Nohara Hiroshi's 『Lend It to Me』, seemingly merely a simple ghost story, its inner core, yet is an incomparably precise modern urban fable. What it interrogates is exactly those of us modern people residing inside the steel and cement jungle, that survival rule holding nowhere to be placed, between apathy and kindness."
"This, is exactly the true soul of 『Yamishibai』—— it never deigns to use green-faced fanged ghosts and monsters to scare you, it merely takes those most minute fears within our daily lives, those most secretive corners within human nature, magnifying, magnifying anew, until it transforms into a steel needle, icy cold steel needle sufficient to pierce through all your psychological defense lines."
"Therefore, when Iwata Masao was still using cheap special effects and idiotic plots, attempting to build a haunted house, Nohara Hiroshi, had already built inside the hearts of every single one of us, an inescapable maze, named 'Human Nature'. This duel, from the very beginning, exactly wasn't on the same dimension."
...
Compared to the profound dissection of these professional media, the brushstrokes of "Weekly Gendai" then appeared even more accessible to the people, and also possessing even more instigating nature.
【"Daddy is Back!" —— A Nationwide Carnival Whipped Up by Audiences, to Save 『Yamishibai』!】
"... We must admit, this is a victory belonging to the fans. It is exactly those snow-flake like petition letters, that audience service hotline beaten to the point of exploding, finally prompting the higher-ups of TV Tokyo, to make this incomparably correct decision. And Nohara Hiroshi, this young 'Father', also didn't let down everyone's expectations. He utilized an answer sheet capable of being called perfect, responding to the calls of all 'children'."
"This is already no longer merely the success of a television drama, this is a time of the most benign interaction, between creators and audiences. It proved to us, in this era, what truly decides the life and death of an artwork, isn't the power games of television station higher-ups, but rather every single one of us, ordinary audiences guarding before the television set, voting using remote controls."
This argument full of populist colors, even more so pushed the personal prestige of Nohara Hiroshi, to an unprecedented altitude, almost bordering on "Spokesperson of Public Opinion".
...
While some review magazines even more niche, leaning towards sociological research, then from an even trickier angle, interpreted this phenomenal cultural event.
【Looking at the Collective Anxiety of Neon in the Nineties from the "Nohara Phenomenon"】
"... Regardless if it is inside 『Tales of the Unusual』, those city dwellers alienated beyond recognition by modern society; or inside 『Yamishibai』, those unspeakable fears, lurking underneath daily life. The artworks of Nohara Hiroshi, all accurately, captured our society situated within the golden economic downturn period, seemingly blooming like brocade, in reality turbulent undercurrents, that most universal, collective spiritual anxiety. His success, isn't accidental. He merely utilized a genius-like method, finding a most appropriate, venting outlet, for the confusion and unease of this era of ours."
For a time, praises surged over like tidal waters.
The name Nohara Hiroshi, was no longer merely the creator of a viewership rating myth, he was collectively pushed up by the media, by critics, by countless fanatic fans, onto an altar, named "Symbol of the Era".
...
"Therefore speaking, I right now, am already a 'Symbol of the Era'?"
Inside the 【Nohara Hiroshi · Special Production Team】 office, Nohara Hiroshi shook that copy of "Tokyo Film and Television Drama News" enshrined like a bible by Minamura Hoshi in his hands, upon his face revealing a smear of dumbfounded helplessness.
This truly is a bit too much.
"That's of course!"
Minamura Hoshi puffed up his chest, upon that young face written full of the pride of sharing the glory: "Section Chief, you right now inside the forums of our university, that is exactly an existence like a god! That junior female schoolmate of mine, yesterday even asked me to ask you for an autograph! She said, as long as capable of obtaining your autograph, she is willing... willing to..."
"Willing to what?" Nohara Hiroshi raised his eyebrows, gaining interest.
"Cough!"
Minamura Hoshi's old face reddened, stammering for a long while, then softly said: "Willing to give me the limited edition photobook of Nakayama Miho, that she treasured for three years..."
"Pfft——"
"Hahahahaha!"
Inside the office instantly erupted a burst of good-natured roaring laughter.
Even in the corner, that Hashishita Ichiro currently burying his head organizing the storyboard manuscript for the new episode, the corners of his mouth also unconsciously hooked up a smear of minute arc upwards.
He raised his head, looking at inside this office, those young faces one by one brimming with confidence and joy, inside those eyes having already been occupied by remorse and despair long ago, finally, floated out anew a smear of bright light carrying vitality.
He came back again.
Returning to this, warm collective he once personally betrayed, at this moment yet also incomparably rejoicing, capable of blending in anew.
He no longer went to think about those impractical ambitions, also no longer went to be jealous of that radiance seemingly forever beyond reach upon the body of that young man.
He finally comprehended.
The failure of Iwata Masao wasn't accidental.
And his own success, also identically, didn't originate from his own capabilities.
Regardless if it was the initial season one and season two of 『Yamishibai』, or the current this 『True Season Three』 turning the tide.
The root of all this, only lies in one person.
That young man currently being surrounded by everyone, hanging a calm and indifferent smile upon his face.
He exactly resembles a sun, while people like them, are merely planets revolving around him.
Capable of reflecting his light, yet forever, unable to emit light themselves.
Having thought this point through, Hashishita Ichiro felt that heart of his tormented for a long time by jealousy and unwillingness, actually calmed down unprecedentedly.
"So, this is exactly a genius ah."
He longly let out a breath of air, inside that breath, seemingly taking away all his obsessions and inner demons of this half a lifetime.
He picked up the pen, at the corner of that copy of the storyboard manuscript, utilizing an almost pilgrimage-like concentration, started noting down the lighting and props required for every single shot.
He knew, from now onwards, what he has to do is very simple.
That exactly is exhausting his lifelong skills, going to most perfectly present out, those bizarre and motley worlds inside the mind of this genius, before everyone.
This, perhaps exactly is his, Hashishita Ichiro's, greatest value of this lifetime.
"Alright alright! Stop messing around!"
Right at this moment, Kitagawa Yao like a hardworking little bee, carrying several large bento boxes, walked in from outside, upon that pretty face always carrying somewhat of vitality, brimming with a brilliant smile: "Today Section Chief treats! I specially went to that most famous 'Kyubey' in Ginza, ordering top-tier Sushi Bentos for everyone oh!"
"Oh oh oh! Kyubey!"
"Awesome! I've only seen it on television!"
Inside the office once again erupted a burst of cheers.
Everyone swarmed up in a flurry, distributing those wooden bento boxes appearing possessing considerable value one by one, downwards one by one.
Even upon Hashishita Ichiro's desk, was quietly, placed a portion together with it.
He raised his head, seeing Kitagawa Yao currently facing him, revealing a, shallow smile although still somewhat awkward, yet no longer icy cold.
Hashishita Ichiro's eye sockets instantly reddened.
...
Simultaneously, at the top floor of TV Tokyo, inside that luxurious office capable of overlooking the night scenery of the entire city, the atmosphere yet was entirely distinct from the relaxation of the Nohara Section.
"Therefore speaking, Asumi-kun."
The Bureau Chief of the Advertising Department, a middle-aged fatty possessing a Mediterranean hairstyle, was currently beaming with smiles, respectfully offering a cup of top-tier Gyokuro (shade-grown green tea) having just been brewed, with both hands to before Asumi, that posture, humble like a devout believer facing the God of Wealth.
"Concerning the exclusive naming rights for the next season of 『Tales of the Unusual』, our side here, already has three top-tier automobile brands, and two electronics giants, all expressing intense cooperation intentions. The prices they proposed, one more astonishing than the next. You see... are we able to..."
"No rush."
Asumi lifted the tea cup, blowing the hot steam, upon that refined face, hanging a smear of old fox-like composed smile: "Concerning advertising matters, still needs to go find Executive Deputy Director Mr. Takada, I absolutely cannot interfere with specific business operations."
"Ah? This..." The Bureau Chief of the Advertising Department was stunned.
"Also, the side of 『Yamishibai』, is also burning hot right now."
Another Deputy Bureau Chief possessing pretty good relations, responsible for overseas copyright purchasing, also leaned over, upon his face carrying somewhat of excitement: "My side here, has already received purchase intentions from several television stations from Southeast Asia! Especially that story of 『Lend It to Me』, it is said over in Thailand, even caused quite a sensation! The copyright fees they proposed, are also considerably impressive!"
Asumi merely smilingly nodded his head, still that exact sentence: "These matters, are all fully responsible by Deputy Director Takada."
Looking at these two colleagues ordinarily looking down upon everyone, at this moment yet like two flies revolving around himself, inside Asumi's heart, surged up a gust of unprecedented, exhilaration of feeling proud.
He knew, starting from today, their Kanto Faction, will never again be that marginalized faction needing to check people's expressions, restricted at every turn anymore.
Inside their hands, grasping two trump cards sufficient to make the entire television station look sideways at them.
One piece, named 『Tales of the Unusual』.
Another piece, named 『Yamishibai』.
And behind these two trump cards, only stands one, common name.
Nohara Hiroshi.
Moreover Asumi thought about it, handing all these matters over to Takada Toshihide, this Production Bureau Deputy Bureau Chief originally firmly grasping copyright and advertising these two fattest contents of Production Bureau projects inside his own hands to decide, he exactly will definitely exert mental effort and consume time for these two project programs.
Asumi also couldn't resist revealing a smile.
After all even if he decided the broadcasting copyrights and overseas copyrights of these two project programs, as well as advertising sponsors.
But the one ultimately finalizing the decision, is exactly still himself the head of the Kanto Faction.
...
"Trash! A bunch of trash!"
Inside Takada Toshihide's office, once again sounded that familiar, roaring full of furious rage.
A celadon tea cup possessing considerable value, was ruthlessly smashed onto the ground by him, falling into pieces, like that heart of his already eroded into gaping wounds by jealousy and anger long ago.
Iwata Masao like a dead dog, kneeling on the floor, shivering, not even daring to raise his head.
"You look! You look at how others do it!"
Takada Toshihide pointed at that latest viewership rating report on the desk, that gloomy face, appearing somewhat twisted due to extreme anger: "Identically is 『Yamishibai』! Identically is season three! In his hands, then can come back to life from the verge of death, then can create brilliance anew! In your hands, exactly is fucking a lump of garbage even dogs wouldn't sniff!"
"Right now, the entire television station is looking at my joke! All looking at the joke of our Tokyo Faction! You tell me where to put this old face of mine?!"
He paced back and forth in anger, ultimately, yet also powerlessly, dispiritedly, fell back sitting onto that leather seat symbolizing power.
He looked at that patch of sky outside the window, that gaze, like an aged Lion King whose entire territory was snatched away by a young male lion, only remaining endless exhaustion and unwillingness.
For a long while, he finally slowly, puffed out a breath of air, inside that breath, carrying a kind of self-deprecating smile.
"Forget it."
He waved his hand, that posture, seemingly like driving away a fly: "You go down. Recently, do not let me see you again."
"Yes! Yes!"
Iwata Masao like receiving a great amnesty, he once again heavily knocked several resounding kowtows, then using hands and feet concurrently, wretchedly retreating out of this office causing him to feel suffocated.
Only, when he turned his body around, the second before that heavy door was closed, inside those lowered eyes of his, yet flashed past a smear of, deep resentment and frantic cold glint exactly like a viper.
He deadly clenched his fists tightly, fingernails deeply sinking into the palms.
The humiliation he suffered these recent days.
Is a bit too much!
...
While that young man worshipped, or envied, or resented by countless people, at this moment yet had already thoroughly isolated the clamor of the outside world behind him long ago.
Inside his office, the curtains were drawn tightly, only leaving a desk lamp with soft lighting, outlining a resolute silhouette for that concentrated side face of his.
Before him, was spread a massive piece of white paper.
Inside his hand, holding a pencil appearing no more ordinary.
His gaze, peaceful, and also fiery hot, seemingly harboring an about to be born, brand new universe.
Upon that piece of white paper, lacking storyboards, lacking lines, only holding stick figures one after another full of childlike innocence and imagination.
A man wearing black tights, utilizing his own body, imitating an actively erupting volcano.
A girl wearing a white dress, utilizing several opened umbrellas, and a flashlight, imitating a jellyfish of the night.
A group of students wearing clothes of different colors, utilizing the undulating of their bodies, imitating actively rolling, colorful marbles.
While at the very top end of that piece of paper, utilizing a unique artistic font, written several massive characters full of demonic nature.
—— 『Kasou Taishou』 Season One, Project Proposal (Detailed Version).
Nohara Hiroshi is clear, wanting to achieve overnight fame upon this brand new variety show battlefield, exactly absolutely cannot possess any mistakes.
Season one, exactly must be perfect!
Must be exactly gripping the eyeballs of all audiences in an instant, the trump card among trump cards.
Therefore, he made a decision.
The participating contestants for season one, he will not adopt the method of open auditions, to seek those civilian creators full of uncertainties.
What he wants to use, are actors.
Are exactly those actors of the Kanto Faction possessing solid acting skills, extremely strong expressive force, yet due to various reasons, having unrecognized talents.
He wants to use the most professional people, to present out, the most perfect, performances full of imagination.
He wants to first utilize an impeccable, magnificent performance, deeply, branding this brand 『Kasou Taishou』, into the heart of every single Neon audience.
Letting them know, it turns out variety shows can still be played like this.
It turns out creativity can be this pure and also interesting.
Wait until season two, wait until this brand, has already penetrated deeply into people's hearts, possessing sufficient influence, he will then, thoroughly open wide this door, towards all ordinary citizens.
By that time, a creative carnival of true significance, participated by all people, will exactly officially lift open its curtains.
This is exactly his true layout.
The corners of Nohara Hiroshi's mouth, hooked up an arc of confidence.
'Ring ring ring——'
However exactly at this moment, the landline beside Nohara Hiroshi rang out, interrupting his train of thought.
"Hello, Nohara Section room, I am Nohara Hiroshi." Nohara Hiroshi opened his mouth.
"Nohara Hiroshi-kun! I am TV Osaka, Deputy Bureau Chief of the Production Bureau, Waya Ichiro, if possible I hope to be able to with you..."
The opposite side immediately appeared self-introduction.
'Click.' But Nohara Hiroshi directly hung up the phone, complexion slightly helpless.
He was almost getting used to it.
Ever since 『Tales of the Unusual』 broke the 21% viewership rating, he exactly could receive a lot of phone calls.
Also didn't know how the opposite party knew his landline number inside TV Tokyo.
Even to the extent of continuously making phone calls to his home landline number.
Making Nohara Hiroshi annoyed beyond endurance.
He absolutely doesn't hope to be harassed.
Furthermore also doesn't want to job-hop at this time when the economic bubble is punctured, the economic crisis is about to arrive like a landslide and tsunami.