Chapter 72 Explaining the Characters
Tsukasa's POV
Wonderlands x Showtime (plus Sakurako) we're now in a store that sold manga.
"Lets see", I started as I began looking through the selves. "Ah, here it is!"
After I spotted the manga we were looking for, I grabbed it off the shelf before holding it in front of everyone.
"Ya ho, Wonderlands x Showtime", a familiar voice suddenly called out.
We then all turned around…and saw a familiar face.
"Akiyama-Senpai", Emiko greeted happily. "Long time no see."
"It sure has been", Mizuki said. "And it's good to see you back in Japan, Tenma-Senpai."
After Mizuki said this, they suddenly noticed the manga I was holding.
"I didn't know you were a Oni Warriors fan, Tenma-Senpai", they said in surprise.
"Actually", I started. "The reason why I have this is because we're up for roles in a stage adaptation of Oni Warriors."
"Wait, what", Mizuki started as they began getting excited. "Oni Warriors is getting a stage adaptation?!"
"Are you a fan of the series, Akiyama-Senpai", Emiko asked.
"Yep", Mizuki replied. "It's one of my all time favorite manga right now!"
After Mizuki said this…I got an idea.
"Akiyama-San", I started. "Since you're a fan of the series, perhaps you can help us out."
"Help you out", Mizuki asked in confusion. "With what?"
"You see", I started. "In order for us to obtain these roles, we must prove to the original manga author that we can embody her characters. Since you're a fan of the series, you must know the character well."
"I do", Mizuki said, before thinking for a moment. "Are you guys busy now? If not, why not come over to my place?"
…
And that's how we all found ourselves in Mizuki's room.
"Alright then", they started. "Welcome to Akiyama Mizuki's class on understanding the characters of Oni Warriors!"
With that, Mizuki sat down in front of the table we were all at before continuing to speak.
"We will begin our lesson with the main protagonist, Fumiko", they revealed. "Fumiko cares very much about standing up for what's right. However, her shyness makes it hard for her to do that. This all changes when she meets the red oni Akane. Akane is very outspoken and always speaks her mind. She begins teaching Fumiko in the way of the sword, while also trying to help her gain more confidence."
"I see", Emiko said, "Now I see why the director wants Emu and Nene to play those roles. It fits them quite well."
"Akiyama-San", I started. "I am up to play the character of Aoi. Can you please tell me more about him?"
"To know more about Aoi, we need to first talk about his lover, Ren", Mizuki revealed. "At first, readers are led to believe that Ren is a cold and uncaring person. But as the story goes on, it's revealed that she is actually a very kind and caring person."
"Really", Sakurako asked.
"Yes", Mizuki replied. "Her cold and uncaring personality is an act she puts up, as she believes it makes her a more respectful leader. The only person who knows the true her, is Aoi. He is extremely devoted and loyal to Ren, and will do her bidding without question. However, things become complicated when Aoi meets Akane, and begins developing feelings for her."
"Ah", Sakurako started. "A classic love triangle."
"Yep", Mizuki said. "Anyway, that's the basics of the characters and their role in the story. However, I can give you guys a more detailed breakdown if you'd like."
"Yes please", Emu replied. "I wanna know more about Akane!"
"Mizuki", Nene started. "Thank you for doing this for us."
"Don't sweat it", Mizuki said. "Just see it as my way of thanking you guys!"
"Thank us", I asked. "For what?"
"For what you've all done for Rui", Mizuki replied. "Back in middle school, he always seemed so lonely. But then he met you guys, people who were finally willing to take his crazy ideas and bring them to life."
After Mizuki said this, I smiled.
"Rui's ideas may be crazy", I started. "But…our shows wouldn't have been as amazing as they were without them."
"Yeah", Emu agreed excitedly. "Rui-Kun's shows are the best!"
"His ideas may be a bit out there", Nene started. "But they are good."
"And it was Rui who inspired me to become a director", Emiko added. "And because I became a director, I was able to put on a show that made my mom smile again."
"We can never thank Rui enough for what he has done for us", I added, which made Mizuki smile.
"I'm sure you've done a lot for him too", they said, before bowing. "So, thank you so much for that!"
After Mizuki said this…I got an idea.
"Akiyama-San, when the time comes for us to act in front of the author of Oni Warriors, would you like to be there?"
"Wait", Mizuki said in shock. "Seriously! I get to be there?!"
"Of course", I replied. "See it as our way of thanking you for helping us understand our characters better."
"And", Nene started. "Our way of thanking you for being Rui's friend when he was alone in middle school."