Chapter 314: Shinji: Time to Use the Old Trick
"Want a cup of coffee?"
Inside the trailer that served as the crew's makeshift lounge, Shinji handed a steaming mug to Shiki.
She took it with both hands, feeling the warmth seep into her fingers. Her head dipped slightly. "Thanks."
She knew all too well how badly she'd done today. Of all the takes that had gone wrong in the morning, more than half were her fault.
"Shiki, you just need to calm yourself down."
Pouring a cup for himself, Shinji sat opposite her. "This is your first official shoot. It's normal to be off your game. Just bring out the same state you had in training and auditions—that's all you need."
But Shiki's brows remained tightly drawn.
She understood what Shinji was saying. If she could just adjust her mindset, she could perform. She knew that. And yet, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't settle down.
Shinji didn't press further. Mindset adjustment was something an actor had to manage on their own; too many words from outsiders only built more pressure.
Especially when the one giving advice was the director. That alone was enough to make her overthink things.
Once break time ended, the crew resumed filming.
Though the scenes were set at night, almost all of them were shot during the day.
In truth, most "night scenes" in film were shot in daylight and later graded in post-production. Real nights were a nightmare for lighting—especially in cities, where stray neon and streetlamps constantly ruined the intended atmosphere.
It was easier—and far cleaner—to unify everything in post.
"Working with Shinji isn't actually hard. All you need to do is be yourself."
While Shinji directed the crew in adjusting the set, Touko strolled over to Shiki.
"Ryougi-san, I've worked with him for years, and he's never once regretted his casting choices. Don't burden yourself with too much pressure."
Those words were something Shinji had secretly asked Touko to say.
For an actor, debuting straight into a leading role was both a blessing and a weight. Without the slow seasoning of bit parts and background roles, it was easy to collapse under the pressure of expectations.
He hadn't predicted that Shiki's problem would be overexcitement, but he had fully expected a newcomer to stumble.
That was why he had arranged for Touko to play the role of "big sister confidant." It was one of his contingency tricks, prepared in advance.
"Shiki, you know something?"
Taking a drag from her cigarette, Touko glanced at Shinji's back as he moved among the crew. "A few years ago, I never imagined I'd end up in this industry. Life is full of surprises."
"You're doing great, though, Touko." Shiki responded earnestly. "You're a famous props master now."
Touko only smiled at that, not answering.
Props master, sure. But between making film props and researching magecraft, she knew which she preferred.
Touko stayed by Shinji's side for more than just the generous paychecks.
What kept her here was the unparalleled environment he provided for studying magecraft.
After all, outside of Fuyuki, where else could one find so many magi from the Age of Gods?
These Heroic Spirits weren't just co-stars—they were treasures beyond price in the eyes of any magus.
Once the set dressing was finalized, Shinji looked up at the sky, clapped his hands together, and addressed the crew:
"Alright, everyone—back to work. Let's wrap this scene before dinner."
There was only one sequence left to shoot today: the conversation between Touko and Shiki about the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception.
"Remaining Sense of Pain, Scene Eight, Cut Twelve... Action!"
Under the artificial "moonlight" crafted by the lighting crew, a silver blade slipped free of its sheath.
Though no blood stained its surface, Shiki still flicked the knife in her hand, as if trying to shake off something filthy clinging to it.
From behind the main camera, Shinji watched their every movement, every micro-expression.
The Garden of Sinners demanded a finer touch with its characters than Fate. And so, the burden on the actors was higher too.
It was one reason Shinji tolerated Shiki's uneven performance. A rookie couldn't be expected to nail perfection right away—this was something that had to be built, piece by piece.
"You said it, didn't you? That you'd teach me how to use these eyes."
Shiki's voice was firm as she addressed Touko.
The red-haired magus gave a satisfied nod.
"I'll teach you, sure. But there's a condition."
Her tone carried a languid drawl. "I'll show you how to use the Mystic Eyes. In exchange, you'll help me with my work. I'm short a familiar right now, and wouldn't you know it, I just happen to need an assistant. What a coincidence, hmm?"
Shiki didn't glance back. Her words trickled out, half a question, half a confession.
"...Then... can it kill people?"
The unexpected query gave Touko pause. She looked at the girl, eyes narrowing slightly. Then she nodded.
"Of course."
"Then I'll do it."
Shiki's lips curved into a bleak, resigned smile.
"Use me however you like. It's not like I have any other purpose."
And with that, she sank slowly to the floor, sorrow spilling from her like mist.
"Cut!"
Shinji raised his hand, then beckoned the two women over.
Touko helped Shiki up, and together they stepped in front of the director's monitor.
"Senpai," Shinji began, addressing Touko first, "your expression was a little too much. You're not playing a villain here. You're someone who looks like a villain but is actually kinder than most people. Deep down, your sympathy for Shiki outweighs your research motives. You need to show that complexity—not just menace."
Then he turned his eyes on Shiki.
Under his gaze, she flinched. Gone was the carefree older-sister act where she could clap him on the shoulder and call him "little Shinji" with a grin.
"Shiki, this time you remembered all your lines. That's good."
He deliberately kept her nickname warm, encouraging.
"But your emotions were off. You were too focused on hitting the script exactly, and it dragged your performance down. What I saw through the lens wasn't a lost soul searching for purpose—it was a stiff puppet mouthing words. That's not what I want."
"Losing your soul and being wooden aren't the same thing. The former carries an indescribable kind of ethereal beauty. The latter is just... empty."
"I'm sorry," Shiki said quietly, bowing her head. "I'll try to find the right feeling."
Shinji rubbed his chin, then sighed, long and weary.
"Well, I didn't think I'd need this again after so many years... but looks like it's time to bring out the old cue cards. Guess Rin finally has a successor."
"Eh?"
Shiki tilted her head, baffled. She hadn't been around for the Fate/Stay Night shoot—so the reference flew right over her head.
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