Shinji: Good Morning, Kids' Show!

Cough cough.

Shinji felt that it would be more constructive for everyone to talk about something practical.

In Shinji's design, Ryougi Shiki is more like an ordinary person compared to the protagonist in the Fate series, just an ordinary person with a [ultimate] ability.

Despite her aloof personality, Ryougi Shiki reacts to various situations in a way similar to that of ordinary people, only to a much milder degree.

She gets jealous, throws tantrums, and gets angry when the person she likes gets hurt.

This seems more realistic and gives people a stronger sense of the Yamato Nadeshiko (ideal Japanese woman).

As the saying goes, when choosing a wife, choose a virtuous and capable woman; when choosing a husband, choose someone with a good heart.

In short, Shinji set one requirement for Ryougi Shiki: to be the most perfect wife in people's minds.

In contrast, Ryougi Shiki's opponents were all sorts of freakish and psychopathic beings.

These people are not Magecraft, but they vividly portray the inhuman side of Magecraft. Especially characters like Shiro Jun Rio, the worst of the worst, not only send chills down the spines of the audience, but also give them the illusion that "these criminals might appear in my life."

At this point, viewers will develop a liking for Ryougi Shiki, a positive character, and may even wish they could be like Kiritou Kaguya in the movie, so that Ryougi Shiki could always protect them.

This is what's called immersion.

This might not be important or even matter for other films, but it is very important for commercial film series.

Whether or not audiences are willing to pay for the next movie depends on whether they can immerse themselves in the story.

Compared to the action scenes where the poses were already very skillfully executed, Ryougi Shiki's performance was indeed lacking.

It took almost 10 takes to finally film the scene where she faints in front of Touko.

Shinji could tell that Ryougi Shiki had some issues with her psychological grasp of the character she was playing, and her attitude towards the role was clearly problematic.

This is not to say that Ryougi Shiki is not dedicated enough; in fact, she is very serious about her work.

From his previous conversations with her, Shinji could sense that she was serious about her dream of becoming an actress.

The problem is that Ryougi Shiki seems to have treated Kara no Kyoukai as another Fate series, trying hard to make her character resemble the fantasy-themed Artoria.

However, the style of the film "Kara no Kyoukai" already dictates that Ryougi Shiki must forge her own path; the approach taken by Artoria as Saber is destined to fail.

Most importantly, Ryougi Shiki faces an identity crisis that Artoria does not have.

When filming wrapped up for the day, Shinji saw Ryougi Shiki looking dejected and decided to find some time to have a serious talk with her.

It wasn't the kind of commanding lecture, but a genuine heart-to-heart talk.

In order to prevent Ryougi Shiki from becoming more tense because of his relationship with him, Shinji decided to carefully prepare for this conversation to ensure that Ryougi Shiki would not feel the slightest bit nervous.

To this end, Shinji even devised a plan to fake a date, preparing to revive the tricks he used to pick up girls at the Clock Tower years ago.

But before Shinji could finish writing the plan, Ryougi Shiki approached him the next morning to discuss their roles.

"Shinji... Shinji brother, would you like to go for a walk together?"

Seeing Shiki-nee hesitate to speak and deliberately try to use a nickname to get closer to him, Shinji simply abandoned his original plan and pulled her out of the hotel.

The two walked side by side down the misty streets in the early morning, gazing at the distant skyscrapers. Ryougi Shiki said softly, "I read the script again last night and thought about it for a long time. I realized that the Ryougi Shiki in the Ryougi Shiki is more complex than I had imagined."

"Don't treat <Kara no Kyoukai> as just another Fate series. I made this work precisely to differentiate myself from others."

Shinji pulled his collar tighter to prevent the cold wind from getting into his body through the collar.

"If you view <The Kara no Kyoukai> as a crime thriller, you'll have a different perspective."

Ryougi Shiki raised her eyebrows, somewhat surprised by Shinji's statement.

Shinji smiled and said, "An incident occurs, the protagonist deduces the result based on the existing clues, and finally reveals the truth of the matter. Isn't that the story of a traditional detective movie?"

Ryougi Shiki pouted and retorted, "There's no such thing as Mystic Eyes in detective stories; that's not scientific at all."

"Science is not science," Shinji explained, waving his finger. "Don't say something is unscientific just because it doesn't use electricity. Science is a method for studying the laws governing all things. Its purpose is to discover universal laws and apply them to people's lives."

"If you only look at this part, I dare say Magecraft are definitely more scientific than most scientists."

Shinji's statement wasn't an exaggeration; Magecraft are far more rigorous than ordinary academic researchers when it comes to studying [patterns].

Honestly, if the mystical side develops into the mainstream of this world, then it might not be such a bad thing as "science".

"Then let's all stop calling ourselves Magecraft and just call ourselves scientists."

Ryougi Shiki said in a slightly defiant tone.

"Did you come here specifically to argue with me?"

Shinji glanced at Shiki out of the corner of his eye.

"I'm sorry, I got too carried away."

Sister Shi immediately clasped her hands together in apology, her speed truly remarkable.

Shinji pursed his lips and reached out to pat Ryougi Shiki's head.

"Yes, good boy, good boy."

"..."

If she weren't currently in need of his help, Ryougi Shiki would definitely have given this Director a [perverted kick] and broken his jaw.

Shinji seemed to have anticipated Ryougi Shiki's reaction. He smiled and said, "How are you? Are you feeling much more relaxed? Less nervous?"

"Shinji brother..." Ryougi Shiki looked at Shinji with a hint of emotion, "Are you making excuses for your lewd behavior?"

Haha~

Shinji chuckled twice and removed his hand from Shiki's head.

Next, Shinji began to explain to Ryougi Shiki how to interpret the role she was playing.

Since the actor took the initiative to approach him, Second Master will also provide the guidance expected of Director.

"Shiki-nee, what do you think is the essence of Ryougi Shiki's character?"

Without Ryougi Shiki thought, Ryougi Shiki said, "You mean the origin of this character? Isn't that 'Nothingness'?"

"That's right. This is the core of Ryougi Shiki's character."

Shinji's eyes shifted to the rising sun, and he said, "But that's not the whole story of this character; she's currently experiencing a period of identity confusion."

Shiki-nee stroked her chin, seemingly lost in thought as she listened to Shinji's words.

"Ryougi Shiki is currently experiencing an identity crisis. Her other personality, Ori, has chosen to die in her place, and Ori's reason for doing so is to hope that Shiki can find happiness."

"However, when Ryougi Shiki awoke, having lost her origami, she felt only emptiness and a sense of aimlessness."

"All along, all her repressed negative emotions had been borne by Zhi, but now she had to face everything alone. This gave her a feeling of panic and helplessness, like a chick leaving its mother's protection and facing the world alone for the first time."

"Most importantly, Ryougi Shiki awakened her Mystic Eyes after waking up. These eyes are priceless to anyone else, but for Shiki herself, they only bring pressure. She can't even face this power directly."

"That's why there's the scene where Ryougi Shiki tries to destroy her own eyes."

Ryougi Shiki nodded as if she suddenly understood.

"Yes, Ryougi Shiki woke up in the hospital with no life goals, no life values, and no longer had Oori, who had always been by her side. In layman's terms, her entire worldview was shattered."

"She followed Touko because she had nowhere else to go. She became close to Kiritou Kaguya because, apart from him, she had no one else she could be close to."

"When Ryougi Shiki wakes up in the hospital, she's just an empty shell. She needs to fill the void in her heart through various subsequent stories. Therefore, Ryougi Shiki is not a one-dimensional character, but a character who is constantly growing."

"Sister Shi..."

Shinji patted her on the shoulder and said, "At the beginning of the movie, you need to act out a sense of confusion about the future. But at the end of the story, when you face Asagami Fujino, you need to tell her the meaning of life. This is a sign of Ryougi Shiki's maturity."

"I will do my best to play this role well."

Ryougi Shiki nodded and said.

The sun had already risen high in the sky, and the two, who had gone out for a walk early in the morning, felt hungry, so they found a restaurant by the roadside to have some breakfast.

They ordered a few simple dishes and sat facing Shinji Ryougi Shiki, slowly eating their breakfast and exchanging their thoughts on the characters.

To outsiders, these two look like a couple, and they're both very good-looking, the kind of couple that were made for each other.

However, the two of them were not talking about love at all; their conversation was entirely about serious work-related matters.

Of course, as the Director, Shinji did most of the talking, Ryougi Shiki listened.

"That's about it. The rest is up to you to apply what I've taught you today during your performance."

After discussing a whole host of theories, Shinji finished a glass of milk as the end of the conversation.

"Hmm... it all seems so complicated. And while I can listen to the explanations, I have absolutely no idea how to actually do it."

Ryougi Shiki stuck out her tongue. After listening to Shinji talk for so long, she felt a little dizzy and lightheaded.

"Indeed, it would be better to show you a real-world example."

Shinji chuckled and gently patted Ryougi Shiki on the shoulder, "How about this, we won't film this morning. How about I show you a real-life example of how to act out an identity crisis? There happens to be a character who's a bit like Ryougi Shiki from the beginning of the movie."

Looking at the grinning Shinji, Ryougi Shiki tilted her head and let out a confused sound.

"What?"

One hour later...

"Everyone~ <Magical Girl Illya> has begun~ (?ω<)★"

"My Shinji brother Shinji..."

Watching the latest episode of <Magical Girl Prisma Illya> on the TV screen, Ryougi Shiki rubbed her temples in exasperation.

"Are you only ever going to find examples from your own work?"

Chapter 316 Shinji: Good morning, kids' show!

Ryougi Shiki is no stranger to the anime series "Magical Girl Prisma Illya"; she had been watching the series before officially joining the cast of "Kara no Kyoukai".

However, Ryougi Shiki watched this drama not because she is a tokusatsu enthusiast, but simply because it is a work by Shinji Matou.

Whether you genuinely like a big boss's work or not, you should still show your support.

Otherwise, Shinji Matou asks about your work someday, and you can't answer? Wouldn't you be in trouble?

After officially joining the cast, Ryougi Shiki due to her busy work schedule.

However, Ryougi Shiki not following Ryougi Shiki doesn't mean she doesn't watch anime at all. Before filming started, Shinji said that he would hold appreciation sessions for the crew on evenings when he was relatively free from work, and play <Magical Girl Prisma Illya>.

The film screenings have become part of Type-Moon Company's corporate culture; the film crew is part of the company, and employees are obliged to attend.

Furthermore, both the male protagonist, Shirou Emiya, and the second female Aozaki Touko, invested their efforts in the production of <Magical Girl Prisma Illya>, so it's only natural that they would appreciate their own work.

Therefore, after joining the <Kara no Kyoukai> production team, Ryougi Shiki anticipated watching the anime with everyone.

Ryougi Shiki never expected that Shinji Matou would give up half a day of filming so that she could watch the premiere of "Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya".

Before that, she even went out of her way to find the episodes she had missed and catch up on the plot.

"Shinji, you really are trying to promote this, aren't you?"

When asked about Ryougi Shiki's character, Shinji simply smiled and said, "It depends on the plot. Illya is currently struggling with an identity crisis, which is very similar to Ryougi Shiki's situation at the beginning of the movie. Observing Illya's performance will be beneficial for improving your own Acting Skills."

In terms of Acting Skills, Illya's performance in "Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya" was only at the level of an average Tokusatsu.

Shinji's standards for Acting Skills in "Kara no Kyoukai," Illya is far from meeting them.

But that doesn't matter. What Shinji needs is for Ryougi Shiki to observe how Illya acts, so that she has a reference point when she performs.

When filming begins, Shinji will naturally apply even stricter standards to Ryougi Shiki.

"I see."

Ryougi Shiki pouted, her eyes fixed on the television screen, a notebook resting on her lap, ready to take notes later.

Since Director Shinji's brother said that watching this Tokusatsu for elementary school students would help his acting, then I should watch it carefully and learn from it.

Regarding her passion and dedication to acting, Ryougi Shiki stated that she is a professional.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

The story of <Magical Girl Prisma Illya> has progressed to the end of the first season of the original manga.

Previously, after defeating Saber, Illya and the others encountered Assassin.

Just like in the original manga, after being accidentally poisoned, Illya unleashed a devastating attack on the Assassins who were launching a concentrated assault on her, taking them all down with a single burst of power.