Inspiration is something authors can hope for but never demand.
It is like the sun just rising over the distant skyline, suddenly piercing through layers of accumulated clouds to illuminate the boundless wilderness within the heart.
Michiya Gōshin had gained much from his author-to-author conversation with Kasumigaoka Utaha; once this burst of inspiration struck, he immediately confirmed his direction.
The Wind Rises.
As these three words settled like dust in the depths of his heart, Michiya Gōshin felt a distinctly different emotion welling up.
He wanted to restore this story. The process of reproduction required not flowery rhetoric or tumultuous plot twists, but extreme introspection and the sculpting of authentic emotions.
This was creation, but it was also a process of cultivating the mind.
After lingering in Kasumigaoka Utaha's apartment for a moment longer to confirm her body temperature had stabilized, and instructing her once more to take her medicine on time and rest well, Michiya Gōshin departed.
Regarding Michiya Gōshin, Kasumigaoka Utaha's attitude had shifted from initial admiration and interest to now including a few shades of indescribably complex feelings.
Being seen in such a wretched state by him stirred inexplicable emotions within the chest of the usually proud girl.
Returning to his own apartment, Michiya Gōshin walked straight to his desk.
There were exactly three days remaining before his return to the Alice in Borderland production crew. He intended to dedicate these seventy-two hours entirely to the story he had just recalled.
He needed to give it a preliminary form while this inspiration was at its freshest and most fervent, even if that only meant writing a perfect opening that embodied the story's fundamental tone.
Incidentally, he could also accumulate entry experience for [Tireless Writer].
[Experience: 78/100]
Michiya Gōshin opened his laptop, created a new document, and solemnly typed at the top of the blank page—The Wind Rises.
Outside the window, the winter sunlight grew thin. He closed his eyes, not to conceive the plot, but to feel—to feel the emotions about to flow from his fingertips.
The story's undertone is...
A tragic heroism of choosing to love deeply despite knowing the ending, a gentleness that strives to capture the light of life beneath the shadow of death.
As his fingertips descended, the text seemed to take on a life of its own, beginning to flow quietly.
The story's opening discarded all clamor, sinking directly into a near-Zen tranquility and subtle tension.
"I" am a young painter accompanying my fiancée, "Setsuko," who suffers from tuberculosis, to a sanatorium at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake in Shinshu.
This place is less a hospital and more a corner forgotten by the world, where time seems diluted by the mountain clouds and mist, flowing exceptionally slowly.
Environmental descriptions are sometimes unnecessary elements, but in this story, the depiction of the environment becomes a crucial keynote, as it must highlight the story's core.
Outside the window is a boundless white birch forest. When the autumn wind sweeps through, the leaves rub together, emitting a rustling sound like ocean waves.
The image of the heroine, Setsuko, slowly emerges through extremely restrained descriptions.
She does not have many lines; her presence is reflected more through subtle movements and states of being.
Reclining on a chaise lounge, covered by a thick heavy blanket, her pale cheeks are almost transparent in the sunlight. Occasionally, an uncontrollable fit of coughing makes her frail body tremble violently, like a candle in the wind. But her eyes are always very clear. When she looks at "me," she carries dependence, love, and a deeply hidden reluctance and guilt.
And "my" perspective is filled with an affectionate gaze and wordless pain.
Love, in this environment, becomes concrete and nuanced.
Sometimes it is the slight touch of fingertips when handing over a glass of warm water; it is the heart-wrenching pain of watching by her sickbed late at night, listening to her uneven breathing; it is the silence both fall into when a particular verse touches upon fate while reading a poetry anthology together.
When describing the text, Michiya Gōshin tried his best to avoid any blunt lyricism, instead suppressing surging emotions beneath the most concrete details.
[Experience: 82/100]
[Experience: 83/100]
[Experience: 84/100]
Three days passed quietly in the intimate contact between fingertips and keyboard.
Michiya Gōshin was so immersed in that sorrowful and beautiful world that he almost forgot the passage of time.
When he finally wrote an opening for The Wind Rises that he believed captured the soul of the story, spring break had reached its end. He saved the document and closed the laptop, feeling a great sense of spiritual satisfaction and exhaustion.
This opening was like a carefully planted seed, containing all the potential to grow into a towering tree.
"This book should be able to go even further!"
On the morning of the fourth day, before the winter morning sun had completely dispelled the night's chill, the doorbell rang crisply.
Michiya Gōshin opened the door to find Kato Megumi standing quietly outside.
She was wearing a long light-gray down jacket, a matching knit beanie, and a scarf that wrapped around her chin, revealing only a pair of eyes calm as lake water.
The girl held a paper bag stamped with a famous coffee shop's logo; steam swirled from it, exuding the aroma of coffee and bread.
"Good morning, Michiya-san. It is time to depart. Today is the first time heading to the set after the New Year, so it is better for us to be early."
Kato Megumi's voice sounded somewhat muffled through the scarf, but it remained clear and steady.
"Good morning, Kato-san. You came so early today; thank you for your hard work."
Michiya Gōshin turned sideways to let her in, taking the hot coffee she offered. The warm sensation instantly spread from his palm to his entire body.
Kato Megumi walked into the apartment. Her gaze habitually swept over the living room. Seeing that everything was as tidy as usual, except for the closed laptop on the desk and several open reference books beside it, she knew Michiya Gōshin must have been working hard on writing something these past few days.
"This is within the duties of an entertainer's assistant."
The short-haired girl thought for a moment, then looked at Michiya Gōshin's smiling face. "Then, let us prepare to leave. The van is already downstairs."
"Yeah. After more than two months, I'm actually looking forward to it a bit."
Michiya Gōshin nodded and let out a long breath.
Returning to the crew after two months, his feelings were somewhat complex, containing both the anticipation of returning to the acting field and thoughts on picking up the role of [Arisu Ryōhei] again.
In the car heading to the filming location, Kato Megumi sat next to Michiya Gōshin. The heater inside the car was turned up high, isolating them from the cold outside the window.
As the vehicle moved, the girl began to synchronize him on the changes during this period with her soft voice.
"During your recuperation, the Director concentrated on filming the main scenes for the other supporting roles. The remaining content now consists of the scenes led by you. If we re-engage in filming starting today, progress should be quite fast."
Kato Megumi's words were concise and objective; she always appeared very professional when reporting work.
"The remaining parts are mainly concentrated on the critical late-stage plotlines for [Arisu Ryōhei], whom you play. The Director estimates that if everything goes smoothly, concentrating filming for about a month will be enough to wrap up the content for the first season."
Michiya Gōshin listened silently, his gaze falling on the winter scenery retreating rapidly outside the window.
Being unable to return to the crew for over two months, yet seeing Director Aoyama continue to run the production efficiently under pressure without the protagonist, filled him with respect and also a sense of pressure.
He had to recover his form as soon as possible, integrate into the rhythm, and draw a perfect period for this drama.
Rewinding time to the previous day, in a high-end apartment with an excellent view within Tokyo, Sakurajima Mai was having a conversation regarding her future direction with her mother and manager—Sakurajima Sachiko.
Sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, plating the luxurious living room in gold, yet it could not dispel the subtle tension in the air.
Sakurajima Mai had just returned home from recording a morning radio program. She wore a pure white coat, and her makeup was flawlessly exquisite, though a trace of imperceptible fatigue showed between her brows.
The girl leaned languidly into the soft sofa, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the rim of her cup; it was a cup of hot milk.
Sakurajima Sachiko sat opposite her. As Sakurajima Mai's mother and manager, time had left marks on her face, but it had also endowed her with a gaze that was sharper and more insightful into the ways of the world.
She gently set down her bone china teacup, her voice gentle but carrying weight that could not be ignored.
"Mai, you've been working non-stop lately. Can your body handle it?"
She paused, looking at her daughter with a gaze like a torch.
"Alice in Borderland is wrapping up soon, and there are several film projects in contact for afterwards. Your acting path is already running very smoothly; don't put too much pressure on yourself."
Sakurajima Mai raised her eyes and gave a faint smile—a perfect expression tempered by a thousand trials, belonging to a national actress.
"Mm, I know my limits regarding work matters."
Sakurajima Sachiko stared at her daughter, knowing well the resilience and competitiveness beneath that perfect smile.
So, changing the subject, her tone became more direct, cutting to the core of this conversation.
"Mai, your current achievements have already surpassed the vast majority of your peers. The popularity, skill, and reputation belonging to an actress are almost entirely in your grasp... As an actor, the stairs to a higher hall are in front of you, but..."
Her voice lowered slightly, carrying a hint of warning.
"If you invest excessive personal emotion and energy into that... specific person at this time, it will likely add variables to all of this. Do you understand Mom's concern?"
Sakurajima Sachiko naturally knew what had been on her daughter's mind lately. As a mother and a manager, she had to provide guidance.
Hearing this, the fingers Sakurajima Mai used to hold her cup tightened almost imperceptibly. She naturally understood that her mother's pointer was unambiguous—Michiya Gōshin.
His hesitation-free stepping forward when she encountered an accident, and the throbbing of her heart in the hospital room—these were emotions too real to deny.
The girl did not immediately retort, nor did she shyly deny it. Instead, she fell silent for a few seconds, as if examining her own heart.
After a moment, she raised her head to meet her mother's gaze directly. In those beautiful eyes that always enacted the joys and sorrows of others, her true emotions were clearly reflected at this moment.
"Mom."
Her voice was light, yet exceptionally clear. "I know you're doing this for my own good..."
Sakurajima Mai paused, as if gathering courage. "But Michiya-kun is different. When I am with him, I always forget the camera, forget acting, and forget many important things."
The girl took a deep breath and voiced her inner thoughts.
"I admit, I have feelings for him that go beyond just being friends..."
Saying this honest confession aloud actually caused Sakurajima Sachiko's eyes to fluctuate violently. Watching that very faint blush, unique to a maiden, appear on her daughter's face, her heart was a mixture of five flavors.
"I know."
Sakurajima Sachiko thought for a moment, her tone becoming calm but laden with deep meaning.
"In the hospital, the way you looked at him was different..."
Her tone intensified. "But Mai, there is another girl named Kurokawa Akane by his side. I feel her intentions are the same as yours. When we went to visit Michiya Gōshin last time, her behavior was simply too obvious."
"Kurokawa Akane..."
Sakurajima Mai thought of Kurokawa Akane's beautiful face, but soon, the corner of her mouth hooked up into an extremely faint arc, carrying a hint of challenge.
Of course, she had a deep impression of that young, vibrant rival whose admiration for Michiya Gōshin was almost unconcealed.
One could even say that Kurokawa Akane's initiative and fervor had, to some extent, stimulated the competitive spirit deep within her heart instead.
However, she was Sakurajima Mai.
She was a top-tier actress who had grown up under the spotlight since childhood, cementing her position today step by step through skill and hard work.
Her confidence was carved into her bones.
Sakurajima Mai touched her hair, then slightly adjusted her sitting posture. That natural, generous aura of confidence radiated spontaneously, carrying a Queen-like self-assurance.
"Mom."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it contained powerful strength; every word hit the ground with a thud.
"I am Sakurajima Mai!"
This sentence required no further explanation.
It represented her qualifications, her charm, everything she possessed, and her conviction to never back down in the face of any challenge.
Whether it was a peak in her career or a rival in love, she had the confidence to face it and fight for it.
Sakurajima Mai looked at her mother, her eyes burning, containing both unquestionable determination and a trace of expectation for her mother's understanding.
"Do you not believe in your daughter's charm and judgment? If I give up trying just because I fear potential difficulties, that wouldn't be my style..."
Her tone finally leaked a trace of the shyness and uncertainty belonging to a girl of her age, and her voice lowered.
"Besides, it's too early to say all this. Actually, I... I haven't completely confirmed Michiya-kun's thoughts yet."
Seeing the clear flame in her daughter's eyes—a mixture of confidence, determination, and the persistence of first love—Sakurajima Sachiko could only remain silent for a long time.
As a mother, she instinctively worried her daughter would be hurt, but as someone who had watched her daughter grow all the way, she knew well the firmness and 'stubbornness' beneath that seemingly soft exterior.
Blocking her would be futile; overprotection might instead become a shackle.
Finally, she let out a long sigh, her stern expression gradually replaced by helpless concern.
"Fine. You've grown up and have your own ideas. Mom can't stop you, and doesn't want to stop you."
"But... Mai,"
Her gaze became incomparably grave as she tightly grasped her daughter's hand.
"You must promise me, if you really decide to walk towards him, you must be extremely careful. You must protect yourself well—whether it is your heart or your career."
As a professional manager who had fought alone in the entertainment industry for decades, Sakurajima Sachiko had a specific intuitive judgment regarding Michiya Gōshin.
"Michiya-kun... Mom really can't see through him. However, one thing is certain: he is by no means an ordinary person. The whirlpool around him might be even more turbulent than what we see."
Sakurajima Mai felt the warmth and worry transmitted from her mother's hand, and a warm current surged in her heart. She held her mother's hand back and nodded forcefully.
"I know, Mom. Thank you for supporting me."
"No matter what happens, Mom will definitely stand by your side."
Although Sakurajima Sachiko had an unsuccessful marriage, her daughter's current career success had already given her great satisfaction.
Before her daughter's life began its next journey, she had to guard the gate firmly.
She incomparably hoped her daughter could be happy.
Escorted by Kato Megumi, Michiya Gōshin finally arrived at the filming location of Alice in Borderland, from which he had been separated for two long months.
Familiar sets filled his vision, along with busy staff shuttling back and forth, the sounds of various equipment, and the unique atmosphere belonging to a film set permeating the air.
Everything gave him a grounded sense of returning to his position, while simultaneously tightening a string within him.
When Director Aoyama and several core staff members saw him, they all gathered around enthusiastically, asking about his recovery with sincere welcome in their tones.
Michiya Gōshin responded modestly to each one, thanking everyone for their hard work during this period.
Just as he was exchanging pleasantries with the Director, a graceful and familiar figure walked over.
It was Sakurajima Mai.
She had already changed into the costume for [Usagi Yuzuha]—a set of sportswear convenient for movement, outlining her fine, upright figure.
To match the character setting, the girl's makeup was much lighter than usual, yet it increasingly highlighted her naturally beautiful features and cool temperament.
Having not seen her for two months, she seemed to have lost some weight, but those eyes were even brighter, as if containing some kind of firm and dazzling light.
Her gaze accurately captured Michiya Gōshin in the crowd. Without any hesitation, an extremely bright smile instantly blossomed on Sakurajima Mai's face—one carrying a few points of unconcealed delight and welcome.
That smile was so brilliant, so real; it completely transcended the emotions a character in the drama should have. It was one hundred percent Sakurajima Mai's own.
Sakurajima Mai took elegant and firm steps, walking straight through the crowd to stop in front of Michiya Gōshin.
Her movements were natural and poised, yet carried an aura that could not be ignored, as if a spotlight followed her constantly.
"Michiya-kun, welcome back!"
Her voice was softer than when filming usually, carrying a warmth bordering on intimacy. "Has your body fully recovered? It's really great to see you standing here safe and sound."
Michiya Gōshin clearly froze for a moment, obviously sensing the aura and attitude from Sakurajima Mai today that was starkly different from before—an intimacy that was more outward and confident.
So he quickly adjusted his expression, returning a gentle smile.
"Sakurajima-san, long time no see. Thanks to everyone, I've mostly recovered. Please take care of me during the upcoming filming."
"Of course."
Sakurajima Mai's smile deepened. She even extended her hand very naturally to gently pat Michiya Gōshin's back. The action was extremely smooth and natural, yet carried an intimacy that could not be ignored.
"Let's act out this story together to the end."
"Okay."
"By the way, I think you don't need to use honorifics anymore. We've known each other for so long... how about you just call me by my name? How about calling me Mai?"
The girl's brows curved, her smile incredibly cute.
"?"
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