*Sigh*
I'm starting to get nervous...
Me too...
Hehe. I think that's only natural.
How we do during these auditions today and tomorrow determines which roles we get to play for “Ginnosuke's on the Case!”
Let's all do our best!
Alright, leader, you're up next.
Okay, thank you.
This tension in the air...
It's really starting to feel like an audition.
Yeah, and Mr. Kijima seems a little different from his usual self.
Yes, since whether or not he gets the lead depends on this. Even he can't let his guard down...
(I also need to stay acutely focused...)
(Because I want to play the protagonist!
I want to be Ginnosuke!)
“Come, Heihachi!”
“Now is our chance to show off our skills!”
(Mr. Kijima's sword fighting skills really are something else.)
(Be it when he parries attacks or goes to strike his opponent, he moves with so much precision. But there's also a degree of artistry.)
(Ginnosuke's the most famous constable in all of ancient Tokyo, which means the person playing him needs to give off that sort of aura and have the skills to match...)
(Mr. Kijima's playing a character who's cool, collected and fearless. He honestly seems like the best person for this role...!)
(Will my portrayal of Ginnosuke be better than Mr. Kijima's...?)
Next, Tenma!
Ready!
(No, don't think!
Just play your character as best you can!)
(My goal is to become a star...!
I will put on a better performance than Mr. Kijima!!!)
Tsukasa seems very motivated...
Yeah...
Break a leg, Tsukasa!
“You had Chusuke steal your pot in order to have your upstanding superior framed. And for quite some time now, you've been using these methods to get rid of anyone you see as a nuisance...!”
“Bring it on!
I feel like I can beat anyone right now!”
Okay, as for who will be playing Ginnosuke...
(I did my absolute best.
I gave this audition everything I had.)
(So, all I can do now is hope for some good news...!)
Ginnosuke will be played by...
Daigo Kijima!
Yes, thank you!
(I lost...)
(I gave it my absolute best. It just wasn't enough...)
(Mr. Kijima's portrayal of Ginnosuke was beyond incredible.)
(Especially during those sword fights. Even when he was taking up a stance, his presence was overwhelming. I was nowhere near that level...)
(He really is something else.)
Tenma.
Huh...?
Y-Yes?!
How can I help?!
Sorry if we caught you by surprise. See, the two of us had a little chat after seeing your performance...
If you'd like, why don't you try auditioning for the role of Heihachi tomorrow?
H-Heihachi...?!
Yes. Heihachi is Ginnosuke's right-hand man... The way he fervently strives to become Ginnosuke makes him a wonderful character.
That determination also drives him to see cases through until the very end. He's quite a strong fellow...
After seeing your acting and dynamic sword fighting, I thought you'd make the perfect Heihachi.
Yeah, I felt the same way.
I want to see you play him.
Would you be willing to give it a try?
Me playing Heihachi...?
(Heihachi's another important role...
This is bound to be just as tough a challenge as auditioning for the lead.)
(But if they're both willing to ask me to try...)
(Then I have no choice but to accept!)
Okay...!!!
I, Tsukasa Tenma, promise to do my absolute best during tomorrow's audition!!!
Great!
We'll be looking forward to it!!!
Hehe. In that case, Tsukasa, I'll help you with your training.
It'll be good practice for us too.
Yeah!
Let's do our best together, Tsukasa!
Ah, much appreciated!
No matter what...!
I'm going to land the role of Heihachi!!!