LOVE & ANIME

Chapter Six

Darren went to the animation studio where they were producing his anime show. He was surprised at how much effort it took to make a single scene of an anime show. He walked around the studio talking with some of the animators as Toshi once again translated for him. There was one animator in particular named Kenji who really affected Darren. Kenji told him how much easier it was to work for Natsuo Tengan than the previous anime production companies he had worked for. He said that, because of Mr. Tengan, he could now afford to adequately provide for his family whereas before he was earning barely enough to support himself and his wife Hana and his infant son Aiko. He went on to tell Darren that, before he went to work for Natuso's company, he was seriously considering stopping being an animator, which was something he loved doing, and start doing something more lucrative to again support his family. Kenji was almost brought to tears as he spoke of his appreciation of Mr. Tengan and all he had done not just for him but for all the other animators who worked for his company.

While he was there, Natsuo came by the studio. After speaking with a few of the animators to discuss the progress of Darren's show, he then approached Darren and asked him what he thought about what he'd seen.

"I'm really surprised how much work it takes to produce an anime show," Darren replied.

He also told him what Kenji had said about how much easier it twas working for him than other anime companies who paid him barely enough to keep him and his family afloat.

"Now you see why I'd like to help change the anime industry," Natsuo told him. "By the way, have you been hanging out with a group called Fates Sisters?"

Darren gave him a funny look. "Yeah, as a matter of fact, I went and watched them rehearse for their tour yesterday."

"How did that happen, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Well, I went out to dinner with their bassist Mimiko Suzuki a couple of nights ago and she invited me to come watch them. Why do you ask?"

"Well, there's this video going around online showing you playing with the group."

Darren glared at him like he couldn't believe it. "You're joking, right?"

Natsuo shook his head. "Nope." He then took out his cell phone to look up the video. "Here it is."

He showed Darren the video and, sure enough, it showed him playing the Ted Nugent song "Cat Scratch Fever" with the other members of the band.

"Shiori," Darren muttered under his breath.

"Eh?"

He shook his head. "It's nothing."

"You shouldn't feel too embarrassed. You really don't sound bad. Besides, it's all good publicity for your show."

"I didn't do it to gain publicity for the show. I didn't even know I was being filmed by anyone."

"Are you planning to see this Mimiko again?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, she wants to meet me later on today to take me sight-seeing."

"Do you think you could do me a favor?"

Darren seemed surprised that Natsuo of all people would ask him for a favor. "Sure. What is it?"

"Could you ask her for an autograph? My wife Yumi is a big fan of theirs."

"Sure. I don't think Mimiko would mind."

Natsuo bowed his head. "Domo."

***

Darren had his driver drop him off at the place where Mimiko had texted him to meet at, which was an outdoor cafe called Oritsu Cafe. She was already there sitting at one of the tables with a drink in front of her. He got out of the limo, which drew some glances from some of the other customers, and walked up to where Mimiko was sitting. She smiled up at him and said, "Hey, you made it."