NOVEL NEXT Chapter 371: Chapter 371
"Eh? Me?"
"That's right, Hinata-san. I know this might seem abrupt, but your demeanor is a perfect match for a character in my drama series. It feels like a great loss not to have you on screen after seeing you in person," said Director Wada with a serious expression. Of course, his inner thoughts might not align entirely with his words. While he had his suspicions, he sincerely hoped they weren't true—after all, the woman before him was the wife of the Hokage.
Despite this, Director Wada's expression remained earnest. As someone who had coached many actors, his acting skills were solid enough to convince both Hinata and Hanabi.
After hearing his request, Hinata covered her slightly open mouth in surprise. "But I don't have any acting experience, and I'm not an actress… I think I'll have to decline, Director-san."
"Acting experience isn't the issue here. Your demeanor is exactly what we're looking for—a devoted wife and mother who takes care of her family. Many other actresses wouldn't be able to portray this as authentically as someone with real experience," Director Wada explained earnestly, pulling out a business card and handing it to Hinata.
"Here's my card. Please take it home and discuss it with your family. If you decide to join, I can guarantee a payment of 200,000 ryō per episode."
"200,000 ryō? Is that a high payment?" Hanabi asked curiously, surprised that her older sister had caught the eye of her client.
"That's considered fairly high. Most actors only earn a few tens of thousands per episode. Even the most famous actor, Takagi, earns around 500,000 ryō per episode," Director Wada said with a proud smile. "This drama has a significant budget thanks to a generous investor. That's why the pay is higher, and I have strict standards for casting."
Hanabi's eyes sparkled. "That sounds amazing, Nee-san! Why don't you give it a try?"
Since the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War, the world had enjoyed a long era of peace. Over the past decade, the entertainment industry had flourished, with films and dramas gaining immense popularity. Even Hanabi, though a kunoichi, occasionally watched dramas. Hinata, on the other hand, frequently used them to pass the time and was often moved to tears by their stories.
However, the idea of acting in a drama herself was daunting. Hinata hesitated—beyond her lack of confidence in her ability to act, her family responsibilities weighed heavily on her. Boruto and Himawari still needed her care.
Suddenly, Hanabi pointed to herself and asked Director Wada, "What about me? Can I act in a drama?"
"Ahaha, well… unfortunately, there isn't a suitable role for you at the moment. Maybe next time," Director Wada said with an awkward laugh.
"Why not? Nee-san and I look pretty similar," Hanabi pressed.
"Both of you are beautiful, but Hanabi-san, it's clear that you're not married and haven't cared for a family. That difference is noticeable on screen," Wada explained. "Sometimes, real-life experiences shape the best actors, and physical appearance is secondary."
Hanabi pouted, muttering, "I'm so jealous of you, Nee-san…"
Checking his watch, Director Wada stood up. "It's getting late. I still have to scout locations. Hinata-san, please discuss this with your family. Feel free to contact me anytime if you're interested."
"Let's go, Hanabi-san," he added.
"Alright, let's go," Hanabi replied, but not before whispering to Hinata, "Nee-san, I'll visit your house tonight. Make sure to prepare some food for me."
"Eh? Alright, but—"
Before Hinata could say more, Hanabi had already left.
As the sun set over Konoha, families across the village gathered for dinner, and the Uzumaki household was no exception.
"Mom, I'm home! Is dinner ready?" Boruto called out as he removed his shoes at the entrance.
Himawari greeted him with a smile. "Welcome back, big brother! Dinner will be ready soon, and guess what? Aunt Hanabi is joining us tonight!"
"Huh? Why is she coming over…" Boruto muttered, shivering slightly at the mention of Hanabi. Her rigorous training sessions in the past had left a lasting impression—bordering on trauma.
Suddenly, the front door swung open. Hanabi stood there with her hands on her hips. "Boruto, I heard that! Do you not like having me over?"
"N-not at all! I'm so happy you're here, Hanabi-oba— I mean, Hanabi-nee-san!" Boruto stammered, correcting himself under her intense gaze.
"Good. Anyway, let's head inside. I have something interesting to share about your mom," Hanabi said as she removed her shoes and entered the dining room.
She explained the events of the day to Boruto and Himawari, including the director's offer to Hinata.
"Really, Mom? You could actually be in a drama?" Boruto asked excitedly. For many people, actors and celebrities were admired figures, and even among shinobi, they had plenty of fans.
"I haven't agreed to it," Hinata said as she set the table. "I still have to take care of the family. I'm planning to decline in a few days."
Just then, Naruto returned home. Spotting Hanabi at the table, he greeted her. "Hanabi, you're here. How was your mission?"
"It went well. Director Wada is resting now. By the way, we ran into Nee-san today, and he was so impressed with her that he offered her a role in his drama," Hanabi said casually.
Naruto was momentarily surprised. Then, with a laugh, he said, "That guy again? He asked me the same thing back when I was in the Hokage office."
"Even Dad could act in a drama?" Boruto asked, astonished.
"What's that supposed to mean? Don't underestimate your father. The director clearly has good taste," Naruto said, puffing out his chest.
Hanabi chimed in, "I think the director values life experience. That's why he didn't ask me but was so interested in Nee-san."
Hinata smiled shyly but quickly changed the topic. "Let's eat."
Encouraged by Boruto and Himawari's enthusiasm, as well as Naruto's support, Hinata eventually decided to give acting a try. That evening, the Uzumaki household was filled with cheers, celebrating Hinata's potential debut as a star.
(End of Chapter)
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