I'm Not A Master, I'm A Director (Patreon)

Chapter 116: Shinji: Damn, I Don’t Recognize Anyone on Stage

After the greetings, Kurosawa Hisao, the designated tool for the night, left on his own. 

The ensuing negotiations had nothing to do with him, and his sole task was to lend Shinji some presence. 

Now, he could fully enjoy the banquet and scout for a few actresses for his new movie.

Kurosawa Hisao was well aware that he lacked his father's directing talent, focusing more on his role as a film producer. 

The other tool, Shirou Emiya, left even earlier. 

As soon as he entered the hall, several TBS staff members escorted him to the actors' table. 

Shirou was more than happy to avoid Shinji's troublesome matters and enjoy a good meal.

Shinji, on the other hand, sat down with the Kitagawa siblings after the pleasantries. 

Although tonight's banquet was just an excuse for the negotiations between the two parties, it was still a TBS-hosted event. 

Thus, Shinji and the Kitagawa siblings didn’t dive straight into business, waiting instead for TBS to make the opening remarks.

During this interlude, Shinji sipped his drink and observed the other guests in the hall. 

The expansive venue was filled not only with entertainment figures but also with notable athletes, literary figures, and even a few politicians and business magnates. It was evident that TBS had put considerable effort into this celebration.

‘What a pity. If it weren’t for the negotiations, I could have had some interesting conversations with them.’

Shinji sighed slightly, refocusing on his own table and observing the Kitagawa siblings. 

Johnny Kitagawa sat with his eyes half-closed, appearing to rest, while his sister, Mary Kitagawa, seemed much more lively, constantly chatting with Takuya Kimura.

‘Quite the energetic old lady.’ Shinji thought, recalling that Johnny Kitagawa had always been in poor health and was reportedly stepping back from company affairs, gradually relinquishing control. 

If Shinji remembered correctly, the old man didn’t even live to see 2020, passing away in 2019. 

His sister, Mary Kitagawa, lived two more years, passing away in August 2021.

Seeing Mary Kitagawa's black-rimmed glasses suddenly made Shinji think it wasn’t that surprising. 

After all, black-rimmed glasses were always a symbol of longevity, right?

Shinji smiled mysteriously, his grin unsettling the Johnny’s team. 

What could this Matou director be smiling about? Did they have something strange on their faces?

Probably because tonight’s gathering was filled with entertainment bigwigs, TBS had organized a small performance. 

Unfortunately, the performance was utterly irrelevant to Shinji.

“Damn, I don’t recognize a single one of them.” Watching the performers on stage, Shinji felt a bit awkward. 

His knowledge of Japanese entertainers spanned two extremes: he knew either old-timers like Sayuri Yoshinaga from the 60s and 70s or idols from the post-2010 era like the 48-groups. 

The only stars he recognized from this era were a few male stars from Johnny’s.

In this regard, Johnny’s truly deserved to be Japan’s top talent agency.

“Hey, Daigo, why don’t you guys from V6 go up and sing?” Feeling bored, Shinji switched seats with his secretary, Ophelia, and struck up a conversation with Hiroshi Nagano.

“Well, Grandma Fujishima didn’t make that request,” Nagano replied with a wry smile.

Shinji clicked his tongue, “What a pity. It’s your tenth anniversary this year; I was hoping to hear you guys sing.”

As for the top dogs of SMAP, such a small stage wasn’t even worthy of their presence.

“Haha, if Director Matou wants to come to our tenth-anniversary concert, I can get you some tickets.”

“No, thanks. I’ll be too busy to attend your concert,” Shinji shook his head. 

If he happened to bump into them like today, that was fine, but he had no interest in squeezing into a crowd for a concert. 

Not to mention that Shinji lacked that kind of enthusiasm, and even if he had it, the crazed female fans at the venue would quickly wear it out. 

He had already witnessed the fanaticism of Japanese female fans during the Fuyuki City movie fan interaction last time.

“Is that so?”

Seeing Shinji's lack of interest, Hiroshi Nagano quickly changed the topic, sharing some anecdotes from the filming days at Tsuburaya Studios to strengthen their bond. 

Shinji listened with a smile, occasionally sharing amusing stories he'd heard from fans. 

Unfortunately, Shinji couldn't joke about the "Car Accident Hero Nagano Hiroshi" meme since Tiga only started airing in April last year in China.

To this day, Shinji couldn’t fathom the minds of those who spread rumors for attention, concocting a story about Nagano's death in a car accident. 

Fortunately, those rumor mongers weren’t in Japan; otherwise, Johnny's legal team would have taught them the hard way that the internet is not a lawless place. 

Though not as notorious as Disney or Nintendo, Johnny’s legal department fiercely protects their artists' image and reputation, pursuing any damage relentlessly.

Thankfully, over time, everyone realized Nagano Hiroshi couldn’t have died in a car accident, so the "Car Accident Hero" title passed from Daigo to Haruki, making him the second-generation "Car Accident Human Form." 

One can't help but marvel at the connection...

Shinji pursed his lips and took a sip of water.

“Director Matou, is something the matter?” Nagano asked, noticing the change in Shinji's expression.

“Nothing, just thinking that Daigo, you're a good person,” Shinji casually complimented him.

“You flatter me, Director Matou,” Nagano responded, clinking glasses with Shinji.

He didn’t mind the nickname; since starring in Tiga, he had been called Daigo countless times. 

Besides, apart from V6's female fans, everyone else recognized him first as Daigo from Tiga rather than Nagano Hiroshi from V6.

Having a well-known role meant his face was highly recognizable, not fearing anonymity. 

The downside was that people only remembered him for that role, pigeonholing his entire persona.

“Director Matou, I really admire you. All your movies and TV shows are hits. If I had your talent, I could break free from the Daigo role.”

Nagano glanced at Shirou, who was chatting with several TBS executives, all their attention on him as the sole male lead from the UBW cast.

“Well, you never know. Maybe someday you’ll direct an Ultraman series yourself,” Shinji joked.

“No way, I don’t have the talent for that,” Nagano replied, scratching his nose and laughing. “When we filmed Tiga, Mr. Takano barely slept, pouring all his energy into the series' performance, constantly worrying about ratings. After experiencing that, I knew I wasn’t cut out for that kind of work. Acting and singing suit me better.”

Shinji took another sip of water. “So, Daigo, interested in returning to Tsuburaya Studios?”

The atmosphere at the table instantly changed. Johnny Kitagawa, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them and let out a heavy snort. 

His long-standing authority caused those nearby to avoid his gaze and shy away from his presence.

The previously chatting V6 and SMAP members fell silent and sat upright. 

Mary Kitagawa released her grip on Takuya Kimura's hand, looking up with tightly pursed lips, her thoughts unknown.

Shinji, however, seemed oblivious to these changes, smiling at Nagano, waiting for his answer. 

Despite being outnumbered, Shinji’s demeanor was not one bit inferior to the Johnny's team.

Nagano opened his mouth, hesitating before finally speaking, “That's not my decision to make.”

“True enough,” Shinji replied, turning to Kitagawa. “Then let's hear from the decision-maker, shall we, Mr. Kitagawa?”

“Let's talk, Shinji-kun,” Kitagawa replied, retracting his intimidating aura and expressing goodwill, swiftly transforming from a formidable lion to a kindly old man.

Shinji smirked, seeing through Kitagawa’s façade. 

Had this been 20 years ago, his attitude would likely have earned him a punch from the tyrant that Kitagawa once was.

Back then, Kitagawa’s daily routine involved suppressing (both career-wise and physically) his rebellious artists.

“Shinji-kun, let’s discuss Hiroshi’s situation,” Kitagawa suggested.

Raising an eyebrow, Shinji stroked his chin, “I want to cast Daigo in my new film. What’s your take on that?”

The Kitagawa siblings' eyes flickered; this young man was quite straightforward.

“Shinji-kun, what kind of role would Hiroshi have in your movie?” Kitagawa asked slowly, pressing his lips together.

“Given Tiga's status in Tsuburaya’s Heisei Ultraman series, he would have the lead role,” Shinji replied, implying that Nagano’s leading role was due to Tiga's prestige, not Johnny’s artist popularity, clearly driving a hard bargain.

Kitagawa reminded sternly, “Shinji-kun, Johnny’s artists' identity isn't something you can overlook so easily.”

“Johnny’s artists’ identity, huh...” Shinji swirled his wine glass, smiling slyly. “Mr. Kitagawa, how’s Kondo-san’s mother's ashes doing?”

Smack 

Kitagawa's eyes sharpened instantly.