Tokyo: My Best Actor Gear List

Chapter 148 The Emperor's Tour

Chapter 148 The Emperor's Tour

Early July in Tokyo is as hot and humid as a giant steamer.

But inside the No. 1 studio at Fuji Television's Kawatacho headquarters, the air conditioning was blasting so cold it gave you goosebumps.

This is an interior set specially built for "The White Tower"—the First Surgical Ward and Professor's Office at Naniwa University Hospital. To recreate that suffocating sense of authority and the oppressive feeling of pristine whiteness, the art team even mixed five different shades of white paint for the walls, and polished the floor so much that it reflected a person's image.

Today is the first day of official filming.

There were twice as many staff members on site as usual, and the lighting technicians alone lined up in a row.

Besides the core lead actors who were already present, the cast attending today was truly impressive. Koji Ishizaka, who plays Professor Higashi Teizo of the First Department of Surgery, was sitting in a corner with his eyes closed, resting. The gloom and authority emanating from this veteran actor made people hesitant to approach him, even during his rest.

Meanwhile, Masato Ibu, who plays the medical director Ryoichi Ukai, is touching his iconic bald head and chatting and laughing with Toshiyuki Nishida, who plays his father-in-law.

"Yo!"

A cheerful voice broke the slightly somber atmosphere on set.

A large hand slammed down on Kitahara Shin's shoulder as he was adjusting his tie.

Kitahara Shin knew who it was without even turning around.

"We meet again, brother."

Yosuke Eguchi still had his signature long hair and wore a white coat. Although he hadn't yet put on the gold-rimmed glasses that belonged to Dr. Satomi, his dashing demeanor still had that familiar charm.

"We did meet again."

Kitahara Shin turned around and looked at the man who had gone from being a love rival in "Tokyo Love Story" to the older brother in "Under One Roof," and now to his old partner who was his mortal enemy in "The White Tower," and couldn't help but laugh.

"Why aren't you surprised at all?"

Yosuke Eguchi raised an eyebrow, looking Kitahara Shin up and down in his sharp dark suit: "This is the third time we've met in the same production crew, isn't it? It's like we're tied together."

"Isn't this normal?"

Kitahara Shin said matter-of-factly, his tone flat, "With your abilities, I don't think it's unreasonable that you were chosen for this role. Besides you, I can't think of anyone else who could play the stubborn Satomi Shuji."

Yosuke Eguchi paused for a moment.

He had originally thought that Kitahara Shin would make a few sarcastic remarks.

Unexpectedly, the reason given by the other party was so purely based on strength.

"Tsk."

Yosuke Eguchi scratched his head a little shyly, his ears turning slightly red: "I didn't expect you to think so highly of me? It's making me a little embarrassed."

"It's just average, really."

Kitahara Shin changed the subject, a mischievous smile playing on his lips: "Anyway, no matter how capable you are, this time you're the second male lead, and I'm the male lead. In the drama, you have to listen to me."

"Hey! You little rascal!"

Yosuke Eguchi laughed and punched him, "Just you wait, see how I use the light of justice in the play to make you, this black-hearted doctor, feel ashamed."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

The tacit understanding between old partners instantly enlivened the somewhat awkward atmosphere on set.

Besides the main actors, there was also a group of special "extras" on set today.

The opening scene of the first episode shows Goro Zaizen performing a highly complex esophageal cancer removal surgery in the operating room. Above the operating room, in the observation room, a large group of doctors watch and express their amazement.

In pursuit of realism, the production team specially invited a group of real medical students and interns to serve as background figures.

Coincidentally, there were many familiar faces in this group.

"It really is Kitahara Shin—"

In a corner, Junki Tanaka, wearing a white lab coat, was excitedly whispering to his companion.

He was the trainee doctor who was terrified by Kitahara Shin's surgical skills during that open lecture at Naniwa University Hospital.

"Of course it's true, no doubt about it."

His companion next to him was also excited, constantly stealing glances at Kitahara Shin, who was giving instructions to the director: "After the last open class, I thought he was dreaming. I never imagined I'd actually be in the same operating room with him today. Hey, Tanaka, did you really see his movements clearly last time?"

"See clearly my ass."

Junki Tanaka rolled his eyes, still feeling a chill run down his spine as he recalled the fear of being dominated that day: "His hand speed was like magic. I practiced that one-handed knot-tying technique for a week, and my fingers were almost knotted up, but I still couldn't get it right. That sense of rhythm—it didn't feel like surgery at all, it felt like playing the piano."

"Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?" his companion said skeptically. "He's just an actor, after all."

"exaggerate?"

Junki Tanaka sneered, "You'll see when filming starts. I even think all our medical school education these past few years has been for nothing. An actor can hold a scalpel more steadily than us—where's the justice in that?"

Just as this group of genuine medical students were whispering among themselves...

The clapperboard made a crisp sound.

"The White Tower, Scene 1, Shot 1! Action!"

The first scene is not in the operating room, but rather a "ritual" before surgery.

This is a one-man show specially designed by director Hiroshi Nishitani to showcase the extreme arrogance and self-indulgence in Goro Zaizen's personality.

The camera was pointed at the professor's office.

The curtains were half-drawn, and in the dim light, Kitahara Shin stood alone in front of his desk.

He wasn't wearing a white lab coat, but rather an expensively tailored shirt with the collar slightly open.

There was no background music.

But in Kitahara Shin's mind, Wagner's Tannhäuser Overture was roaring.

His eyes were closed, and his face held an almost religious fervor and ecstasy.

Raise your right hand.

Although his hands were empty, the way he held them together made it look like he was holding a conductor's baton.

wave.

pause.

Rising.

His movements were elegant yet powerful, rising and falling in sync with the grand melody in his mind.

But if you look closely, you'll see that he wasn't conducting the band at all.

That's like fingertips moving between blood vessels, a scalpel cutting through the skin, and hemostatic forceps clamping down on bleeding points.

He was performing "imaginary" surgery.

In his own private space, he was the absolute emperor, the god who held the power of life and death. The patient's body was his musical score, and the surgery was the most magnificent symphony he played.

That aura of being immersed in his own world, having absolute confidence in his own skills, even to the point of narcissism, struck straight into everyone's eyes through the monitor screen.

Director Hiroshi Nishitani, who was sitting behind the monitor, had originally been holding a walkie-talkie, ready to call a halt at any moment, but at this moment he completely forgot to do anything.

He turned his head and glanced at the screenwriter, Yumiko Inoue, beside him.

Yumiko Inoue pushed up her glasses, her pen hovering in mid-air.

The two looked at each other and saw the shock in each other's eyes.

No lines or narration are needed.

With just the act of "imaginary surgery," the character of Goro Zaizen—his thirst for power, his obsession with technology, and his chilling sense of loneliness—is already firmly established.

"That acting skill—"

Producer Da Liang, who was watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but rub the goosebumps on his arms. "His reputation in this industry is definitely not fake. This guy was born for this."

The first one-man show was nailed in one take.

Next up is today's highlight, a revisit of the most iconic and hierarchical scene from the drama "The White Tower."

This scene is to be filmed as Goro Zaizen leads the entire team of doctors from the First Surgery Department on a tour of the hospital corridor.

At the end of the corridor, more than a hundred extras playing doctors were already ready to go.

They were arranged in a huge triangular formation according to their professional titles.

Leading the way was the protagonist, Goro Zaizen.

A step behind him were several lecturers and associate professors.

Behind them were attending physicians, chief resident physicians, visiting physicians, and interns—a vast and impressive procession, like an army on the march.

"All departments, prepare!"

The assistant director, holding a megaphone, shouted, "This scene needs momentum! Absolute pressure! Everyone's eyes must be focused on Professor Zaizen's back!"

Kitahara Shin stood at the very front of the line.

He straightened his white coat, the battle robe symbolizing supreme power.

He took a deep breath.

A slight thought.

Open the equipment menu.

[Mind-Controlled Equipment: The Craftsman's Unfinished Masterpiece (Shoes) has been activated]

Effect Loading: Physical Fitness Reshaping. Improved footwork stability and corrected walking posture. Every step feels like being rooted to the ground, full of power.

But this is not enough.

To break free from that domineering attitude of "those who obey me prosper, those who defy me perish," a bit of mental reinforcement is also needed.

[Mind Equipment: God's Left Hand - Sterile Touch (Glove) - Activated]

Effect loading: God's Domain (incomplete version). Although not on the operating table, the aura of "I am the master" can still be projected.

"Action!"

With the director's command.

Kitahara Shin took the first step.

"clatter."

The sound of leather shoes striking the floor was particularly clear in the empty corridor.

With that step, his demeanor changed abruptly.

The young man who had been joking with Yosuke Eguchi just moments before had vanished. In his place stood a man with eyes as sharp as knives, exuding a suffocating ambition and arrogance.

He walked very fast.

It wasn't the kind of hurried journey, but a journey with a strong purpose, one that wouldn't allow anyone to stop it.

His white overcoat-like coat fluttered behind him.

That aura was too strong.

So powerful was the presence of Yosuke Eguchi (in the perspective of a visiting internist walking beside him), who was following behind him. He instinctively straightened his back, as if he would be swallowed up by the aura of the man in front of him if he relaxed even slightly.

The veteran actors and extras following behind were also inspired by this momentum.

The originally somewhat scattered group, under Kitahara Shin's leadership, surprisingly marched out with a uniform and solemn air, like a military parade.

More than a hundred people, hundreds of feet, all stepping in the same rhythm.

The rumbling footsteps echoed in the corridor, like tanks rolling over the ground.

And to the side and rear of the team.

Nanako Matsushima, dressed in a nurse's uniform, was pushing a cart full of medical records, desperately trying to keep up with the group.

She was the only "outlier" in this play.

Among a large group of male doctors, she appeared so small and insignificant.

According to the script, she needs to show both admiration and fear for Professor Zaizen.

But at this moment, she doesn't need to act at all.

She watched the man's back as he walked away.

Those broad shoulders, that upright figure wrapped in a white coat, and that powerful aura that seemed to freeze the surrounding air.

This is what a teacher is like.

This is Zaizen Goro.

Nanako's legs really felt a little weak.

The blind worship of "he is my god" mixed with the physiological fear of "he will kill me if I can't keep up" made her hands tremble slightly as she pushed the cart.

She stared intently at that figure, her eyes slightly red. The camera perfectly captured that humble, almost insignificant, yet irresistibly drawn light within her.

"Cut!!"

Director Hiroshi Nishitani's excited voice rang out, "Fantastic! That take is a hit! That feeling of an emperor's procession is just perfect!"

After filming two key scenes in a row, it was already 4 p.m.

The film crew announced that filming had wrapped up.

-

Kitahara Shin took off his white coat and changed back into his casual clothes.

Despite the support of the equipment, the release of such a high-intensity aura still made him feel a bit mentally exhausted.

He sat on a chair in the rest area, unscrewed a bottle of water, and took a sip.

"Teacher—"

A timid voice sounded from the side.

Kitahara Shin turned his head and saw Matsushima Nanako standing there, her hands behind her back like a schoolchild who had made a mistake, but her big eyes were sparkling with undisguised stars.

"What's wrong?" Kitahara Shin put down the water bottle, his tone softening.

"That scene just now—"

Nanako took a deep breath, as if to pour out all her admiration: "That's amazing! Absolutely amazing! When you were walking at the front, I felt like the whole corridor was glowing! That—that aura of dominance, it was just like a real king! As expected of you, teacher!"

Seeing her so excited, gesturing wildly and completely transformed into a little fangirl, Kitahara Shin couldn't help but laugh.

Just a moment ago on camera she looked like a trembling little white rabbit, but as soon as the camera yelled "cut," she immediately turned back into the silly and innocent Nanako.

"Alright, stop bragging."

He stood up and habitually reached out to pat her head, the feel of it was pleasant: "You did a good job just now. You captured that rhythm of pushing the cart, wanting to keep up but not daring to get too close, very well. As long as you maintain this state, you'll be able to establish the character. You can do it in the future too."

"?Really?"

Nanako's eyes lit up, then she muttered with some doubt, "Teacher, you're probably just kidding me—my legs were so weak just now, I almost couldn't push the cart."

"Legs going weak is the most genuine reaction."

Kitahara Shin smiled. "In this film crew, if you can maintain this sense of awe, that's the best acting skill."

Upon hearing this, Nanako nodded vigorously.

Although she felt a lot of pressure on set, surrounded by senior actors, she felt inexplicably at ease whenever she thought of her teacher leading the way.

It's like having a stabilizing force.

"Okay, I'm leaving now."

Kitahara Shin glanced at the time and casually asked, "Are you going back to the office later?"

"Yes, that's right."

Nanako nodded obediently, then asked in return, "What about you, teacher? Are you going home?"

Kitahara Shin thought for a moment.

Go home? Akina has a recording session today, and Izumi is in seclusion writing songs. Going back would just mean being alone in an empty house.

I'll just go out and wander around by myself.

He stroked his chin. "I feel like I've been having good luck lately, so I'm thinking of trying my luck."

Although the system has never explicitly stated the equipment drop mechanism, he has recently vaguely discerned a very subtle pattern—

It seems like every time I find top-tier equipment, it's when I'm with a woman.

I found the [Running Shoes] with Akina, the [Racing Car] with Izumi, and the [Fishing Rod] with Rie.

Is this some kind of "mysticism"?

"Shall we go out for a walk?"

Nanako was taken aback when she heard this.

She looked into Kitahara Shin's deep eyes and noticed that the teacher did not immediately look away, but stared at her thoughtfully.

That look in his eyes—

Nanako's face flushed red instantly.

Why is the teacher staring at me?

Could it be that he wanted to invite me to go shopping together, but was too embarrassed to ask because I'm his subordinate?

—Yeah! The teacher just praised my performance, could this be a reward?

The girl's imagination ran wild at this moment.

She glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then took a deep breath, mustered all her courage, and took a small step forward.

"Um—teacher!"

Her voice was a little strained, and her fingers were tightly gripping the hem of her clothes: "Actually—actually, I wasn't in such a hurry to go back to the office! President Ota said there are no other plans for today."

She looked up, her large, watery eyes gazing expectantly at Kitahara Shin: "How about we go somewhere to have some fun? Like... relax a bit?"

Kitahara Shin paused for a moment.

He looked at the girl in front of him, her face as red as a tomato, yet trying her best to appear calm, and was somewhat surprised.

This girl actually asked me out?

But since I'm free anyway, and having this girl around might actually trigger some kind of "equipment drop rate bonus".

"Okay."

Kitahara Shin smiled and asked with interest, "Where do you want to go? Shopping? Or eating?"

When Nanako saw that he had agreed, her eyes narrowed into slits with joy.

She blinked and said earnestly, "I want to try my luck at the claw machine!"

'

""

Kitahara Shin's smile froze for a moment.

Playing claw machines?

Two people, whose combined age is around forty (although he is mentally older), went to the arcade to try their luck at the claw machine?

"Are you serious?"

"Hmm! Very serious!"

Nanako nodded vigorously, a strange fighting spirit burning in her eyes: "I saw a huge bunny doll I really liked at that shop in Shinjuku, but I've been trying to win it for a week and I still can't! Teacher, you're so amazing, you can definitely help me win it, right?"

Seeing her "I'm counting on you" expression, Kitahara Shin sighed.

Fine.

If you want to play the claw machine, then play the claw machine.

Who knows, you might get some kind of equipment like the "Right Hand of God - Absolute Grab" from that claw machine?

"Let's go."

He waved his hand helplessly, "Lead the way."

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