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Chapter 120. The Unspoken Understanding Between Father and Daughter
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Yes, why is that?
The recent turmoil in "Battle Tendency" has not escaped the notice of Kakyoin Ryoko, a member of Green Dolphin Studio. After all, it's not just a small matter.
Take, for instance, the increasing number of threatening letters they've received. It's clear how much resentment the audience feels toward the recent plot developments in "Battle Tendency."
That feeling of absolute despair, where no matter what, it seems impossible to win, and the oppressive atmosphere brought back by Kars... Even though these feelings aren't explicitly stated or depicted, the audience isn't stupid.
On the contrary, it's precisely because they're not stupid that they understand how slim Joseph's chances of winning really are.
Not to mention that Joseph is now utterly exhausted, to the point where the Ripple energy he's gathering within himself can't even harm a vampire. Then there's Kars, the Pillar Man.
From the fact that Kars didn't hesitate to break their agreement, using his substitute to deceive and ambush them, it's clear that he's a completely different type from Wamuu.
For Kars, the honor of a warrior is worth less than a piece of toilet paper.
Naturally, after successfully snatching the Super Aja Red Stone from Lisa Lisa, why would Kars keep her around?
Whether to devour her to replenish his life force or simply kick her off the temple, letting her fall freely to her death on the crystalline rocks below, both would be reasonable choices, wouldn't they?
But if he did that, wouldn't Kars lose his hostage?
Exactly, that's Kars' intention.
Even though Joseph managed to defeat Esidisi and Wamuu, even though Joseph is now in a state where even a light touch could drain him of his energy, Kars still doesn't dare to guarantee that Joseph is no longer a threat.
That's why the situation feels so hopeless.
Kakyoin Ryoko, feeling she should say something but unsure of what to say, hesitantly suggested, "Maybe... it's because there's a kind of complementary relationship between Director Pucci and Director Shinbo..."
"In real life, there are examples like this too—some people excel at sports, others at academics, and when you put them together, you get a well-rounded individual!"
"Similarly, Director Pucci and Director Shinbo might be the same. Separately, they might have their weaknesses, but when they combine, they can cover each other's flaws and create something powerful!"
As she spoke, Kakyoin Ryoko became more confident.
Yes, after all, neither Pucci nor Akiyuki Shinbo were nobodies with no previous successful works. They were both directors who had already directed successful projects. Under these circumstances, such a large oversight must be due to something like this!
With this thought in mind, Kakyoin Ryoko continued to suggest to Jolyne Cujoh, "So, Jolyne, we should quickly bring Director Pucci and Director Shinbo back together into the same team."
"..."
"I see, so that's what's going on," Jolyne Cujoh said after a pause, as if she were digesting Ryoko's explanation. "The current situation is happening because Pucci and Shinbo might really be like what you guessed—directors who are weak when apart but strong when united."
"Just like when they handled 'Phantom Blood' together, I believe that if we reunite them, even if it doesn't completely resolve 'Battle Tendency's' crisis, it won't be as serious as it is now."
"Moreover, with Shinbo's experience, the problem of Pucci, a novice director who often burns through his budget too quickly, could be properly addressed."
Did Jolyne Cujoh believe this explanation?
Absolutely!
She believed it 1000%!
Because if you follow this reasoning, all the confusing aspects suddenly make perfect sense!
For example, Akiyuki Shinbo, a director so down on his luck that he had to resort to questionable gigs to make ends meet—just how bad was his situation before this, and how much was his talent unrecognized by the industry?
If he had any other choice, who would willingly take such jobs?
And yet, this same director, after joining her studio, suddenly pulled off a comeback, elevating Green Dolphin Studio alongside him!?
Eliminating the possibilities that Shinbo was pretending to be weak or that fate was playing tricks on her... the only logical explanation seemed to be this.
And why could Pucci, a total newcomer with no track record, achieve such success in his first role as both director and writer?
This was the answer.
Just like in "Bakuman", where Akito Takagi, who won awards for essays and thank-you letters, writes the story, and the highly skilled artist Moritaka Mashiro draws it—their partnership as the duo known as "Ashirogi Muto" is similar to the relationship between Pucci and Akiyuki Shinbo!
(P.S. This is Kakyoin Ryoko and Jolyne Cujoh's speculation.)
"Right, Jolyne! Now that we know the problem, let's quickly bring Director Pucci back to work with Director Shinbo..."
"Indeed. If we bring them back together, all our problems might be solved, but..." Jolyne Cujoh interrupted Ryoko's words.
And whether it was due to the lighting or something else, as Jolyne Cujoh turned her head towards Ryoko, her delicate face was suddenly cast in a faint shadow, with makeup lines resembling comic book shading appearing on her face.
She continued, "I refuse!!"
Because, if she really solved this problem, how would she ever lose money again?!
So no matter how many times Ryoko Kakyoin asked, now that Jolyne Cujoh had found the answer, her response would always be the same—
"Da-ga-kotowaru!!"