Chapter 73 Bringing the Characters to Life
Tsukasa's POV

One Week Later

Wonderlands x Showtime (plus Sakurako and Mizuki) walked into the Phoenix Theater.

When we did, we spotted the director, who was with someone else.

"Ah", he started when he saw us. "You guys are right on time. Please allow me to introduce the author of the Oni Warriors series."

"It's very nice to meet you all", the author said with a bow.

"It's very nice to meet you too", I said as we all bowed back.

Then, I looked at Muzuki, who was trying to stay calm in the presence of the manga author.

"There's somebody I would like you to meet", I revealed.

Then…I put my hands on Mizuki's shoulders before pushing them forward.

"This is Akiyama Mizuki", I revealed. "They're a huge fan of Oni Warriors, and they helped us learn more about the characters we are going to play."

"Is that so", the author asked. "Well then, let's see how well you know my characters."

"Yes", the director said. "Otori-San. Kusanagi-San. You're up first."

"Right", Emu exclaimed excitedly, before looking at Nene. "Lets do this, Nene-Chan!"

With this, Emu and Nene walked onto the stage.

"And, action!"

With that, Emu pretended that she was swinging around a sword while Nene looked at her in awe.

"You're amazing, Akane-San", she said.

Then, she sighed sadly.

"What's wrong, Ren-Chan", Emu asked.

"It's nothing", Nene reassured. "It's just…I wish I could be like you."

"Of course", Emu exclaimed boastfully. "Who wouldn't want to be like the great red oni, Akane?! But, how do you want to be like me specifically?"

"You're not afraid to speak your mind", Nene said. "And you always stand up to people when they are doing something wrong. I wish I had the strength to do that."

"Sure you do", Emu stated. "That strength is inside you! You just need to unleash it!"

"Unleash it", Nene repeated. "But how?"

"By learning the way of the sword from the one and only red oni Akane", Emu replied.

"Huh", Nene said in shock. "You'll teach me the way of the sword?"

"Yep", Emu replied. "And once you've mastered it, you'll no longer be afraid to stand up to what's wrong! So, what do you say?"

"And…cut", the director said.

Then, he turned to look at the manga author.

"So", he started. "What did you think?"

"That was…amazing", the author replied as her eyes lit up. "It's as Ren and Akane had been pulled directly from the pages of the manga!"

"Does this mean you're okay with Otori-San and Kusanagi-San being cast as them", the director asked.

"I am", the author replied.

"Yay", Emu exclaimed. "I get to play the mighty oni, Akane!"

"Thank you very much", Nene said with a bow.

Then, her and Emu walked off the stage.

"Alright", the director started. "Sakurako. Tenma-San. You're up next."

"Right", Sakurako said, before looking at me. "Come, Tsukasa. Let us bring the author's characters to life!"

"Lets", I said.

Then, Sakurako and I walked onto the stage. I stood at the back of it while Sakurako stood at the front.

"And…action!"

"Ren-Sama", I started. "It's getting late. You should be in bed."

"I have a battle strategy to complete", Sakurako said. "I cannot sleep yet."

"Ren-Sama", I started, as I began walking closer to Sakurako. "If you overwork yourself to death, who will lead the blue oni?"

Sakurako flinched after I said this, but did not say anything else.

"Ren-Sama", I started. "Please look at me."

With that, Sakurako slowly turned around to look at me.

Then, I put my hand on her cheek.

"I understand your concern", I started. "But it isn't healthy for you to overwork yourself like this. As your protector, it is my job to ensure that you are looking after yourself."

After I said this, Sakurako began to shiver.

Then, she ran into my chest, and I wrapped my arms around her.

"When will it end, Aoi", she cried out. "When will we be done with all this fighting?!"

"I do not know the answer to that", I replied. "But there is one thing I can say with absolute certainty."

With this, I pulled away from Sakurako, and held onto her hand.

Then, I got down on one knee.

"For better or for worse", I started. "Through every loss and every victory, I shall stay with you until the very end."

After I said this, I kissed Sakurako's hand.

"Aoi", she breathed out.

Then, she smiled at me.

"Thank you, Aoi", she said. "This awful war is much more bearable with you by my side."

"And…cut", the director said.

I then stood up before looking at the manga author…who was crying!

"Are you alright", the director asked in concern.

"That was…beautiful", the author cried out. "That was one of my favorite scenes to work on from the manga, and you two brought it to life!"

"So", I started. "Does this mean that we get the roles?"

"Of course it does", the author replied. "You embodied Aoi and Ren perfectly!"

"Yes", I replied, before bowing. "Thank you very much."

After I said this, I looked at Mizuki.

"Also", I started. "I think we should thank Mizuki for helping us understand our characters better."

"Akiyama-San", the author started. "You understood my characters so well! Thank you very much for helping to bring my characters to life!"

"Am I dreaming", Mizuki asked. "The creator of Oni Warriors is praising me!"

After saying this, Mizuki got up before rushing up to me as I walked off the stage.

"Thank you so much for making this happen, Tenma-Senpai", they exclaimed.

"Of course", I replied. "Anything for a friend of Rui."