Does that mean you're going to play Ushiwakamaru for us?

Yeah, the scene at Gojo Bridge while we're at it. Mind lending me a hand, Tenma...?

Y-Yes, of course...!

(I need to see what it is that's missing from my acting...)

(I have to learn what I can to solve this problem...!)

Alright, we'll start from your line partway through about collecting swords...

“One last sword to complete my collection of a thousand! Tonight, my vow comes to fruition...!”

“Drop your katana and leave this place!

Only then shall I spare your life!”

(Huh...?)

(I don't understand...

All he's doing is walking, but he's giving off such a different impression compared to Emu.)

(He becomes much more like Ushiwakamaru just by walking like that...)

(But why...?)

(This must be because...)

“Oh, have you no manners?

Put away that dreadful thing and look up to the sky.”

“See how beautiful the moon is tonight?”

“Wh-What nonsense do you speak?!

If you refuse to surrender, then it is my naginata you shall face...!”

*Roar*

“Hey, now.”

(Oh...)

(He's dodging so gracefully...!

It's like he's dancing...!)

(Not only that...)

(He looks like he's having a lot of fun...!)

Wow...

Yes, it's as if he's able to channel his character's feelings directly. He is Ushiwakamaru. He can't contain his excitement as he dances on top of that bridge under a moonlit sky.

That should do it.

I think I've shown you all enough.

So, any thoughts?

Oh...

I thought that was really amazing!

I could tell exactly what Ushiwakamaru was feeling!

That's great to hear!

I'm glad I was able to do him justice!

Imagine if I slipped up and put on a poor performance in front of all of you! That would've been beyond embarrassing! Hah hah hah hah!

But do you understand what I meant by your performance being “bland” just now...?

Um, so...

I-I'm really sorry...!

I know what I saw was amazing, but I don't know the reason why...

I see...

However, Kamishiro, I have a feeling that you noticed something.

Yes, well...

I thought what Emu showed us a second ago was a nice representation of Ushiwakamaru's free-spirited and whimsical nature.

Which tells me that Emu had a fairly good idea of how she wanted to play him. However...

That may not have been reflected in the physical aspects of her portrayal. Something does appear to be missing there...

The physical aspects...?

Does that mean I'm not really moving like he should? But how specifically...?

I'm not talking about individual actions...

There's something fundamentally different about the way Mr. Kijima physically portrays characters compared to the way we do.

What do you mean?

For example, watch...

This is just a wooden sword, but any normal person would flinch if they were to have a weapon pointed at them. That being said, how would Ushiwakamaru react?

Huh? He'd...

Oh...

Umm... It wouldn't bother him at all...?

Exactly. Ushiwakamaru is no ordinary person. On top of having nerves of steel, he's a naturally gifted martial artist.

Which probably means he'd be able to keep his cool even if someone were to stick a weapon in his face.

He'd keep his cool...

Yes, that must be it...!

What must be it, Tsukasa?!

Ah, I sensed a bottomless supply of confidence coming from his Ushiwakamaru...

He seemed completely at ease the entire time... That's what I saw!

Wait, what are you talking about...?

I felt it directly working face to face with him.

No matter how many times I swung my naginata to attack him, he didn't flinch once.

Despite having a naginata flying towards his face, he didn't even raise an eyebrow...!

Hah hah hah! Pretty amazing, right?!

Yeah, that is amazing... But how are we supposed to copy you?

The truth is, when Tsukasa pointed his naginata at me, I flinched and hesitated a lot!

Of course, I don't expect any of you to be able to succeed right off the bat. But we are actors, after all...

You'll just have to learn how.

...!

(Ushiwakamaru wouldn't be bothered by someone thrusting a naginata at him, so he doesn't react fearfully...)

(I never would've thought to play him that way. I mean, who wouldn't flinch when they saw a person swinging a wooden sword at them...?)

(But...)

(If I can figure out how to do that, then I'll be able to portray Ushiwakamaru just as beautifully...!)

Of course, some actors can play these types of characters without having to think about it. The ones who can really dive into their roles.

They can move their fingers, blink and do all the little things like it's nothing. They're able to become their characters.

But most people can't do that...

Which is why training is so important.

Training...?

Yeah. Getting a good grasp of your characters isn't enough. You'll all need to keep training until you're able to perfectly present what you have in mind for them.

In other words, you need to incorporate every muscle you have into your acting.

Into our acting...

Okay!

I'll do my best.

I'm going to train to use every muscle in my body, so that I can perfectly play the Ushiwakamaru I've imagined!

And in one month's time...

I promise to knock your socks off with my performance, Mr. Kijima!

Great, I'll be looking forward to that...

Now, I'd like to present you all with a special gift...

A special gift...?

A special workout regimen that will teach you how to master using even the smallest muscles in your body, as I just mentioned.

I call it the “Kijima Special”!

If you'd like, I can start teaching you all right now. I know you're tired after just finishing practice, but how about it...?

Yes, please teach me!

I'd like to learn as well!

M-Me too...

I promise not to fall behind...!

Alright, perfect!

In that case, let's go...!

The first part of the Kijima Special involves...

Sprinting at full speed towards the sun!

Okay!