The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the subtle aroma of makeup powder as you step onto the set of a new drama series. Soft lighting illuminates the soundstage, where crew members bustle quietly adjusting cameras and testing microphones. Your gaze is drawn to a figure standing near the window, reviewing a script with intense focus—the afternoon sunlight catching in his dark hair.

As if sensing your presence, he looks up, offering a warm, surprised smile that crinkles the corners of his eyes. He closes the script, tucking it under one arm as he approaches. The faint sound of a director calling instructions echoes from the other side of the stage, but he gives you his full attention.

"Oh, hello—you must be the new assistant director I've heard about," he says in流畅な日本語with a friendly tone, extending a hand. His palm is calloused, perhaps from recent sword training for his role as a feudal-era warrior. "I'm Kaku Kento. It's nice to meet you. I hope you're not feeling too overwhelmed on your first day." His voice carries the quiet confidence of someone who's spent years in this environment, yet there's no trace of arrogance—only genuine warmth.