February 23, 2017

Free Talk: Skip Beat [Chapter 245]

And, the end of this audition arc is in sight. Once again, we are in the ‘Kyouko will most likely win this audition but we just have to see how she does it’ scenario. And, a little something thrown in the end for those who were waiting for Ren’s re-appearance since so many months...

Kyouko brighten up since Kuresaki will evaluate them as an ‘actress’. Here, it seems that only Kyouko and Kimiko are confident that they can pull it off. Well, Kimiko’s uncle definitely knows of her strengths so this audition would likely make use of that so that she can finally snag the role.

Based on what Kimiko is thinking, I think Kyouko can edge her by doing something better than the ‘routine’ but not varying it too much since it would be different from doing what was told = improvise rather than memorization, etc which is what the test is for. So, yes, the key is, how they do it.

Apparently, Yashiro had indeed anticipated the possible problem with Kyouko being in talent but as usual, Lory likes to do things the ‘hard way’ which is typical of the principle of Love Me = make someone improve themselves. He seems to have high hopes that Kuresaki will evolve after moving above his bias against talents. Well, aside from it being entertaining to him ^^;

I think it is interesting that it was mentioned that Kimiko was already based in the US. So, why is she desperate for this role? Will it help in some way regarding her work in the US? Nevertheless, I think this is hinting again that they [Ren and Kyouko] might go to US sometime soon.

It find it intriguing though that Kimiko’s manager is quite observant and still keep herself inform of what’s happening in Japan’s showbiz. So, Ren has arrived in Japan. Will Yashiro ask him to go to the audition? Or, he’ll leave the audition and fetch Ren? He was supposed to surprise him that he can drive, right?

Ah wait, Ren couldn’t go there since he’ll still be blond so scratch that. I don’t think Ren will wait until Kyouko finishes the audition so that they can go fetch Ren. Apparently, the Chidori role isn’t decided yet? So, aside from watching, will there be a possibility of interaction-type audition between Kyouko and Kanae for them to get the roles? Until the next chapter...

40 comments:

  1. Oh Kat. I love the way you viewed the mangga. You make me understand more about the story. I missed Ren and Kyoko so much~sob~sob~

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    1. Same. I sometimes have a hard time understanding the situation in chapters and coming here helps me get a clear idea and see points in the chapter I may not have picked up (I did not realize Kimiko was based in the US until Kat mentioned it). Nowadays, I read the manga too fast to understand because if a scene is too negative, I rush through it like Kyoko's explanation of Love Me duties she has done.

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    2. Thanks for reading, hazellhassan ^-^

      =)

      Hopefully soon...^_~ progress on that side ^^

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    3. =)

      Is that so, blackphoenixsuzaku ^^

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    4. yup. ^^
      Another example is Akatsuki no Yona. Every reread, I never read the beginning. I jump straight to after Yona and Hak escape from the castle because King Il's murder is so brutal.

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    5. I see. Regarding that series, it is hard for me to read that what Suwon did is 'kinda okay' especially for the daughter. ^^;

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  2. ooh..Kat...its interesting how you view the manga..but i have questions? where hinting that they gonna go to US?? about Yashiro,I too have the same question.. but i think probably Yashiro gonna with Kyoko for the time being..because he is hired for 2 weeks right? its not two week yet i think. Yashiro responsible manager .so there is no way he neglect Kyoko even if he is officially Ren manager (He will die of curiosity if he neglect kyoko audition). maybe focus on Kyoko but not neglecting Ren for he is super manager and head of Ren and Kyoko Shipper at least until Kyoko get the role.
    About audition.. i have the same thinking as you...while Kimiko just replicate..Kyoko can improvise and have bigger impact...maybe thats is gonna make the most big impression to Kuresaki..and there is Kanae.. and if they know Kanae is from love me section too and see her performance with kyoko (maybe.. i hope so)...Kuresaki conviction will shater...
    and about Yashiro surprise to Ren, it is really about driving? somehow i have impression he has another surprise other than about driving.. about return give of white day to kyoko... do you think Ren will give it to Kyoko or not? Ren make Kyoko felt the same way as him when others got kyoko chocolate first.. but he still will give it in the end..

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    1. There isn't a direct hint that Ren and Kyoko will go to the US but there are many set ups towards it. One is that Ren is really an American that is having his acting career in Japan under disguise due to the tragedies in his life beforehand. One way for him to move forward is to finally go to the US to pursue acting as either Ren or his true self. Kyoko going to America is probably a way to reach her goal of being a top actress as well as visit Ren's father, who she has now consider a father figure. Ren's mother also wants to meet both of Kyoko and Ren so there is that.

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    2. Anonymous, it is as Blackphoenixsuzaku mentioned. Also, Lory hinted about Kyouko's acting can take her beyond Japan. To be 'big', it usually means being an actress in US. Also, to finally resolve Ren's 'Kuon past issue'?

      True. And since Ren came home two days earlier, that means he has no work for two days? ^^ Haha, maybe something related to belated White Day gift might happen unless that is for a side story.

      Indeed ^^

      I'm not too sure. Kyouko seems bothered about it so that must lead to something. I guess it is too much to hope that it will be something about his real identity. ^^; Ren did say that he doesn't have a gift so I can only say perhaps, something related to White day? The two tend to give 'subtle' romantic gifts to each other like on Vday, it wasn't chocolates and on her birthday, it is actually a gem and not a rose.

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  3. Hello, Kat!

    Yeah, I feel like Kimiko misunderstood what the producer said. Yes, this test is about memorization, but I think he also hinted that it would be important to improvise at some point. I mean if everyone went out and memorized the routine step by step, then that's not really playing their "Momiji" is it? They need to play it as their Momiji would. Someone else suggested that one of the actors that will be their opponents will improvise and do a surprise attack. Of course, it was countered with if they did that it wouldn't be a fair audition. The director is doing everything to change Kuresaki's mind about Kyoko. I had a discussion about this at one point when the spoilers were out, but we came to speculate that the director thinks the only reason Kyoko beat Kuresaki is because someone at the agency trained her for that scenario and not actual sword combat. Well, I love that everyone is now in the gym. I can't wait to see what Kyoko does that impressed Kotetsu-san and in front of all the other candidates, Momiji and Chidori alike, especially Kimiko.

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    1. Hiyo, Brittany ^-^

      Yes, in a way though I get the impression that the improvise was if you forget some of the moves. Speaking of fair audition, would it be all at the same time or one by one? Will the others see how the others do it? Will it be the same scenario or different ones? I mean, it would be random if everyone is there?

      Hm...I'm not inclined to think of it that way since the audition scenario is hush-hush and it is too much of a risk to just train her for just one scene. I think he knows she is trained in sword combat so he has to pull that 'she's a talent' card. And for Kuresaki to 'not regret choosing for not choosing Kyouko', the suggestion for last audition should work in Kimiko's favor since it plays on her strength. Basically, I think that it is to reinforce the idea that the role is for an 'actress' = since they are all belittling Kyouko because she is classified as a 'talent'.

      Yup ^^

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    2. Yeah, I wonder if he's going to have them see the scene, and someone mentioned they get to read the script once as well, then have them wait outside. I'm not sure, but if they really are thinking of just memorizing the scene and replicating it, then is there really any need to pull the others away? I know Kuresaki said that they should continue even if they forget the moves, but does that mean they won't be "killed"? One of the other candidates thought that they have a lot of opponents, (I counted twelve), so I'm wondering if every single one of them will play out to the very end... probably not and I'm overthinking it. I guess they could do different scenes, though that would take even longer, and I can't help but think that since he gathered them all in there, it's just one scene.

      True.

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    3. True. Based on the skills that is being tested, I would assume that it is more on how much of a 'less headache' the actress will be especially during filming and they are already behind schedule. One has to be good in memorizing and knowing the stunts shown once or a few times = less takes. And testing the ad lib would be how good are you in putting something else aside from replicating or making it better?

      Do you think it would be an advantage or a disadvantage if they are all watching? I mean, if the non-first candidate watches the first one acting it, won't her recollection of the original one to be copied be slightly altered? I think the last one doing it might be at a disadvantage unless she is really good in memorization. Advantage would be if the good in memorization did it perfectly, they can 'remember/copy/improvise to make it better'.

      I think so. Looking at the blackboard with curved lines and dots, I would assume the dots are all of those men and perhaps the curved lines would be how Momiji would cut through them. This might be a climax-type of scenario or introductory to how amazing Momiji is =P

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    4. Depends on the person, I guess. If they watch the other candidates' performance, they may forget what they are trying to remember. Well, it's all up to Kuresaki whether he'll keep them in there or not. Maybe he'll have them watch and then step out, but I feel like he won't.

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    5. True. I'm thinking that if everyone watch, they'll also know why that Momiji was chosen and not them.

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  4. Hello! Thank you Kat for posting this.

    I think that the way this audition has been set up is really interesting. I'm a little worried for Kyoko because, although she will (probably) get to play Momiji, she will likely have to deal with all of the personalities in this production. Although the producer seems to be rooting for her, the uncle isn't and he's the director, right? Also, if Kimiko really did push Erika out of a car/van, that means that she was probably cast in a different role before the incident, because she had to practically alone with Erika. More than likely, if the director cannot get Kimiko to play Momiji, Kimiko will be given some role in the drama unless either Erika or Kyoko accuse Kimiko in front of the producer.
    Erika may do this, but we don't know why she hasn't accused Kimiko earlier. So, unless Kimiko does something during the audition which would hurt Kyoko, Erika may not accuse Kimiko. And even if she does, Kimiko's uncle may have a way to protect her. On the other hand, Kyoko cannot accuse Kimiko because she has no evidence. However, Kyoko may tell Kimiko that she suspects her. If Kimiko sticks around, this may cause her to try to attack Kyoko less directly (since there cannot be another audition and there may also be other people in the cast who think that Kimiko attacked Erika).
    I think that this drama's arc may involve a lot more social media than previous arcs. Both Kimiko and the main male lead of this drama seem to use social media regularly. Kimiko has her blog and the main male lead has posted things about Chidori in her Love Me section uniform. This should be a very different experience for Kyoko because neither Ren or Kanae do this (Ren doesn't seem to have even texted anyone before the previous arc).
    I am so excited for the White Day gift!!! A white day gift and two days in which Ren may not be scheduled to work? YAY! I kind of hope that, whatever Kyoko receives, there is another ∞ involved. I think that it's like his signature. I like to imagine Kyoko walking around with something with an infinity symbol on it without knowing what it really means. Maybe that won't come with the White Day gift, but it seems like something Ren would eventually do.
    Sorry that this is so long!

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    1. Thanks for reading ^-^

      Yes, he's the director. I'm not too sure if he can be that disagreeable with Kyouko while working especially since the producer is really meticulous with his projects.

      From what I understand, Erika was walking back home alone after the audition then someone pushed her into the street where a car hit and dragged her for a few meters. I don't think Kimiko got a role in the drama so she was desperate enough to do that, if she indeed did it. Getting a minor role afterwards, I'm not too sure if Kimiko would want that based on her personality. ^^;

      I think Erika has no evidence, too so she cannot accuse her. It is more on circumstantial unless there is a cctv camera somewhere. If Erika will pull this again and probably stupid enough to do the same thing twice = very suspicious for it to happen to two people who 'won' the audition for the same role, it would have to be after the audition.

      Right now, Kimiko is confident enough that she can win this audition so there's no need to do that. Afterwards, highly possible. But then, Kyouko won't be that alone since Yashiro is there. Haha, what if Ren shows up, too? =P I think that they'll most likely catch her in the act but maybe a bit of 'reform' on her part like with the other antagonists before. I mean, I cannot imagine it being a full blown scandal in the news like 'Daughter of famous showbiz clan pushed the daughter of a famous company to the street just because of a role'/'Daughter of famous showbiz clan try to sabotage the winners of an audition'. Lol, I fail at making catch headlines ^^;

      True. I think it will help in making Kyouko more popular especially overseas ^^

      Hehe, if it happens ^^ True, most likely, he has no work for two days. If it isn't a gift, it should be something special ^^

      Don't mind ^^

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    2. I just had to comment on this, Kat. I was thinking more like "Morizumi daughter attempts to murder competition". The media can be brutal and over exaggerate, but in this case it's not exactly wrong. If someone pushed a person in front of a moving vehicle, it can kill them. If Kimiko did push her, it doesn't matter what her intentions were or how she felt. Erika AND Kimiko was lucky that they missed hitting her, but, of course, Erika didn't come unscathed.

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    3. Indeed, that's a good one, Brittany. *thumbs up*

      Thinking about it, if Kimiko did do it, it seems that she has no guilt about it whatsoever based on how she was since she showed up in this arc.

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    4. Thanks. :)

      I can't help but question if she really did do it. She might not feel any guilt like you said, though I don't get that vibe from her. I just see a spoiled brat. Then again, if Kimiko didn't push her why does Erika want Kyoko to take the role from her? Unless Kimiko sent for someone to do it. Also we haven't see those two in front of each other, so I'm assuming Kimiko won't feel guilt, but panic of being found out.

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    5. =)

      True. Is it possible for the uncle to get someone to do it? Of course, that is whether Kimiko asked that of him or he did it on his own.

      Yup, most likely. Maybe she thought that Erika didn't know and less guilt since Erika didn't get killed.

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  5. Hi Ms Kat thank you for ur interpration of the manga :) I always enjoyed reading ur summaries.
    Ms Kat I know u dont blog sukitte ii na yo amymore but i was wondering if u knew whether is on hiatus?

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    1. Thanks for reading ^-^

      It is in an on and off hiatus. I wrote a brief comment on what's happening in the rest of the chapters here: https://tatsukida.blogspot.com/2016/03/preview-suki-tte-ii-na-yo-chapter-61.html?showComment=1486551380406#c7780225184531362037

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  6. Kat ! As usual I love your summary and interpretations . Thank you for your hard work ^^

    I honestly don't think kimiko pushed erika, actually i feel her manager is a more likely culprit . Idk i feel sensei will have some kind of twist on that ... I feel like Kimiko is a less vicious erika (before her encounter with the LOVE ME DUO) .. but anyway we don't know much of her thoughts and personality yet .. if she indeed pushed erika , maybe the reason erika can't talk is because she reminds her of her old self? Since she ordered her minions to hurt kanae too.. although i don't think that's enough reason but the thought just came to my mind.. I don't like erika tbh but i sympathise with her if she is indeed trying to change.

    Kyouko will obviously get Momiji and it will be interesting to see how she does it . Also i am so excited about the other part of the audition , there is some kind of "reaction test" right? I feel like after testing her fighting skills , there will be a test about her feelings for the hero , idk some kind of confrontation with Koga , and what if Ren will be there? Maybe it will be like DARK MOON test when Ren was imagining momose as kyouko , kyouko too will do the same !

    About WHITE DAY gift , i feel like i know what it is , idk if it's on purpose or not but the cover of a previous chapter has kyouko sitting on her luggage in some station , maybe that was a hint? Maybe the gift will be a trip for both of them where Ren finally tells her his true identity? Although i have a hard time imagining kyouko accept a trip with just both of them , being kyouko xD and when she already decided not to act on her feelings.. maybe she would miss him enough she would put that aside?? ..idk but it will be interesting to see how he convinces her lol ofc IF the gift is indeed a trip. With all the build up for it , i am sure it will be a very important gift that will bring our fav ship together ^^

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    1. Thanks for reading, Lillian ^-^

      Why her manager? She gives me a similar vibe like Shou's manager's. I would usually think of two-faced people as more dangerous = Kimiko's blog pic and her real personality.

      Cannot talk? Talk about it to others regarding who has done it? It's possible. Another is the possibility that the mangaka doesn't want to make things a 'big deal' since it will complicate things. I mean in reality, this would have been a big issue especially if your Erika's parent. I still have some things that I want to know about the accident like was it in the afternoon or night? Was Erika all alone? Did she saw the culprit or her guards were just assuming it was Kimiko?

      There was? So, there's another test aside from the one mentioned in this chapter? I thought this was the last one. ^^; Hm...the love story is suppose to be between the lead and Kanae's role right? So, shouldn't that between Koga and Kanae? In the filming, I do definitely agree that Kyouko would most likely project Ren as the lead character ^^

      Trip...that's a possibility and it will be interesting how Ren will pull that off. Ah, perhaps not a long distance trip but just a day trip? They still have work especially if Kyouko passes the audition. Perhaps, go to Kyoto? Ah, but weren't Shou's parents coming over...that's something that will come out later on...ah, probably merge it with Ren's re-appearance later on?

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    2. There was suppose to be a test right after since the current test was originally only for Kyoko. However, Kimiko requested to take part and later everyone said they were doing it. Everyone is thinking it's the last test because the judges were targeting Kyoko like she got the part (otherwise why have it in the first place).

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    3. I see...I recall it now, blackphoenixsuzaku. So, if Kyouko outshines everyone here, will that other test push through? Or, this is just one of the many tests to make sure that the one they pick is the 'all-around' best in all the tests?

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  7. Hi Kat
    Thanks for your summary and insights; it's always interesting to see how someone else looks at Skip Beat, which is really my favourite manga :)

    Indeed i am also thinking that they're implying a lot that they might go to the US, and I am kind of hoping that kyoko will end up visiting Kuu and Ren's mother, together with Ren, in the US whether it be coincidence or work hehehe. It will be fun and maybe kyoko might guess something.

    As for the audition, i am more inclined to think Ren might drop by the audition (or it might just be my wishful thinking opps), especially since it's seems too coincident for the mangaka to have ren text Yashio while the audition is still ongoing. As for whether he's still blond, i personally think he wouldn't have text-ed Yashiro if his hair color has not been back to black, given his thorough character? Perhaps miss woods already convert his hair back to black :3 Maybe Ren will arrive at the audition by kyoko's turn and secretly see her audition, and/or as a surprise visit after the audition ends haha.

    This chapter was awesome ^^ i can't wait to see how kyoko wins the audition (which is most likely) because her momiji really looks very cool! And yay, finally, we probably get to see Ren again...

    Cheers
    Kadane

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    1. Thanks for reading, Kadane ^-^

      Yup ^^

      Indeed. I think he has to be blond while traveling? Iirc, Ren has his original hair when they went to Guam and dyed it black for shooting. So, unless he has a wig or something... So, Jelly would have to dye it after he arrives. From the message, it seems that Ren text him immediately after landing on the airport.

      So, it will basically depend on will Yashiro inform him about the audition and if he'll go there. Hm...thinking about it, it will be a bit awkward for him to go in an audition of a show that 'he'[/through Yashiro] turned down.

      I guess, probably afterwards? It is usually one hour from Narita to Tokyo by express train and longer in other modes of transportation.

      Yup ^^

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  8. Wow I love your blog!! I was hoping you'll have the summary of chapter 246 in advance xD I'm dying to know what happens next but the next c hapter takes too long to arrive!!
    Do you know any sites that upload raw chapters in advance?
    Thank you!!

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    1. Chapter 246 doesn't exist yet (as in the author hasn't even made it). It doesn't come out until March 30th.

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    2. Thanks, Janvic ^^

      As blackphoenixsuzaku mentioned, 246 isn't out yet. The English scanlation comes out almost at the same time or even earlier than the Chinese so it isn't really a good idea on my part to keep on working on it.

      Sometimes, baidu would upload it that is, if someone shared their own scans.

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  9. Hi Kat, thanks for your summary :). I've been reading it for so long and finally decide to post. :)

    First of all, I wonder if they will put kanae and kyouko together? Somehow I've got the feeling of an attack/ambush vs protection. I know that momiji hate chidori...But at one point, why ask for chidori's actresses to come and see? Will they take part in that choreography? Most likely, it will be like killing two birds with one stone to actually ask one chidori and one momiji to react together? I mean, I wonder why bring them to see if not to participate somehow...why not test the chemistry at the same time? XD or maybe he's just crazy and want to build a climax somehow between them before the actual test... >.>

    As for the white day gift, I hope mister Beagle don't show up with his version of a white gift for the hate chocolat that she did for him. I'm looking forward to see if it's actually a trip or not for these two lovebird in progress ;). But I'm sure Ren will come up with something as unique as queen rosa. :)

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    1. Thanks for reading, Muscade ^-^

      I'm actually entertaining that possibility. I mean checking their interaction together as one of the tests in the audition. Of course, from what that woman said, I'm thinking that it is just a way to pass the time for the chidori-s. Like, we have free time because the other audition isn't over yet so let's go over there and check things out, also check the possible chidori. ^^

      I think White Day had officially passed. Iirc it was when they met before at Lory's. Unless of course, Beagle is busy and will do a belated gift. But, is he the type who'll give her something? ^^;

      Hopefully so ^^

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  10. Wowwwwww so many comments ahahahah. Hi Kat! Thanks for your summary... Gosh this manga is so good it's a crime to make us wait that much!! I have a strong feeling that Kyoko is going to show us what a badass actress she is, playing a super cool momiji. As you say the key to her winning the role is that anyone can memorise line and moves but only TRUE ACTORS can turn into their roles. I love how much Kyoko thinks about how the characters feels what it would do... So only if she makes a major mistake (really hope that sensei is not that bad) she is going to surprise all of us once more..... I also really hope that den coming back early means we will see more of him with Kyoko...... Haaaaaaaa I can't wait till next month is not fair!!!

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    1. Thanks for reading, Constanza ^-^

      Indeed but I guess perhaps the mangaka isn't as young as she was before?

      I'm sure she will. Yup ^^

      Ah, that will depend on what the next cliffhanger is...

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  11. Kate vc é d+ arigato pelo seu trabalho duro.

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  12. is it only me that is reading something in Kyoko's face in the last scene?

    at first i thought that she was elated upon hearing that they will all be judged based on performance...but then... from her face, why do i get the impression that Ren might be among the men who will act with them on the trial.

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    1. Ah...no, I don't think so since he is still at the airport.

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