Alex's statement, delivered at exactly the right moment and with just the right amount of firmness, finally managed to cool down the most radical Bleach fans. The online uproar didn't disappear completely, but it lost that sense of an imminent riot ready to explode at any second. For Alex, that was more than enough.
With the situation relatively pacified, he could finally focus on what truly mattered now: the filming of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood.
The only lingering annoyance was simple and straightforward. The actress originally planned for the female lead had declined the invitation.
There was no drama, no pleading. Alex was not the type to beg actors to join his projects.
If someone from outside didn't want in, then he would use people from his own circle. As simple as that.
...
...
"Mom! Why do you always decide everything for me without even asking?!"
Rebeca Verne couldn't hide her frustration as she argued with her mother, Renata. Years of pent-up resentment spilled out all at once, and this incident was merely the final spark.
This time, the offer wasn't trivial. It had come directly from Alex. A leading role. A new series. A project that carried weight even before it began.
And, being honest with herself, Rebeca had been tempted.
She might have seemed calm, almost indifferent to fame, but that didn't mean she was immune to reality. Five or six consecutive years of failures left scars. Eventually, any actress would desperately want a project that could finally serve as a turning point.
Yet before she could even respond, Renata had already rejected the offer on her behalf.
When Rebeca found out, twenty-five years old and burdened by a dependence she hated admitting to, she exploded.
"What do you even know about this?" Renata shot back, completely convinced she was protecting her daughter. "I'm doing this for your own good. He's filming a new work-who can guarantee it'll succeed? And on top of that, there are kissing scenes!"
If it had been a continuation of Bleach, and if Rebeca had been cast as the lead, Renata might have considered agreeing.
But it wasn't.
The project had nothing to do with Bleach, which alone drastically reduced its appeal in Renata's eyes. Add to that the fact that it was a television series rather than a film, plus romantic scenes that clashed with the pure, delicate image she insisted on maintaining for her daughter.
"But… he's never failed…"
Rebeca muttered softly, almost to herself.
Since Alex entered the entertainment industry, none of his projects had truly collapsed. Deep down, she believed this one wouldn't be an exception either.
"That's enough," Renata cut in, ending the discussion. "I've already taken care of this for you. I got you a new film. Strong cast, big names-guaranteed success."
She pushed a script into her daughter's hands.
Rebeca flipped through the pages and immediately recognized the names: established stars, award-winning veterans, a lineup any production would dream of having.
Even so, her expression didn't brighten.
The internet was merciless.
According to fans and critics, ever since she transitioned into films, her works had followed a cruel pattern: massive casts, huge investments… and spectacular failures.
No matter how impressive the lineup, as soon as the name "Rebeca Verne" appeared on the poster, people would start mocking it.
At first, she thought it was unfair.
After so many stumbles, she began to suspect it might not be pure malice after all.
But now, whether she liked it or not, there was no choice. The decision had already been made for her.
...
...
United Kingdom.
The chosen location for the filming of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood.
Under Alex's leadership, the crew rented a vast countryside estate to serve as the Joestar family mansion. The place had an old, imposing, almost theatrical atmosphere, as if it had been made specifically for that kind of exaggerated, grandiose story.
"Alex… I'm a bit nervous."
Melissa, cast as Erina, spoke while pressing her lips together, trying to hide her tension. Her freshly dyed blonde hair, combined with her striking facial features, created an unexpectedly perfect fit for the role.
"Relax," Alex replied casually. "With me here, what's there to be afraid of?"
He spoke with the calm of someone who had seen far too much nervousness to be bothered by one more case. Besides, Erina in the first arc didn't require explosive acting. She was more symbol than substance-delicate, kind, almost idealized.
The original invitation to Rebeca had been largely strategic. Using her nationwide popularity would have smoothed many things over.
But since that wasn't happening, Alex had no intention of wasting the role. On the contrary, it was the perfect opportunity to strengthen those already by his side.
That was when a burst of commotion drew attention on set.
"Director Alex! I'm really sorry I'm late! The traffic was horrible!"
A tall man hurried over with long strides, breathing heavily and bowing repeatedly in apology. Thick eyebrows, deep-set eyes, strong features-a face that drew attention at first glance.
Alex almost blurted out, out of sheer reflex, the classic question about what car he drove. He nearly followed it up with an old, completely out-of-place joke.
But he held back.
The set was still being organized.
Even so, hierarchy in the entertainment industry was ruthless. Arriving late when someone more important was already present was never neutral.
The man was Jasper Quin.
A name that once carried weight. One of the great heartthrobs of his generation, celebrated on magazine covers and popularity rankings. A name that, in recent years, had cooled off dangerously.
Alex observed him more closely.
Tall. Very tall.
Jasper was practically the same height as him-around 6'3". His body was visibly different from older photos. Leaner. Broader shoulders. Muscle definition beyond what casual training would produce.
Alex realized it immediately.
He hadn't just returned to training.
He was likely following a strict diet, an extreme routine… and quite possibly getting a little chemical help to speed things up.
But most importantly-it worked.
Jasper's face was angular and sharply defined, with a strong jawline that looked sculpted. The kind of face that looked absurdly good in dramatic close-ups.
Alex sighed internally.
Reframing this guy later as Byakuya is going to be a nightmare.
Too tall. Too imposing. Too exaggerated.
Too JoJo.
Then he reconsidered.
But this is JoJo.
And as a declared fan, that changed everything.
If it was going to be exaggerated, then it might as well go all the way.
On the day of the audition, when Alex decided to give Jasper that chance, the actor had nearly cried. Now, seeing the effort written all over his body, his gaze, even his posture, Alex knew he hadn't made the wrong choice.
With a simple gesture, he signaled for Jasper to go change into costume.
Then he picked up the clapperboard.
"Everyone ready," he announced, his firm voice echoing across the set. "Phantom Blood, first test shoot… Action!"
...
...
"Erina… Erina… Crybaby Erina!"
Two boys laughed cruelly, holding a doll as they surrounded the blonde girl, whose face was already wet with tears.
At that moment, a boy leapt over a dirt wall, landing with a dull thud.
"Stop it! Give the doll back to her!"
"Who are you? Think you're a hero? Do you even know Erina?"
The boy didn't hesitate.
He jumped down and charged forward, fully aware he would be beaten.
"I don't know her. But that doesn't matter. I have to help her!"
Even after being knocked down, even after taking several hits, he got back up, covered in mud, his face bruised but his eyes unwavering.
When the girl tried to stop him, he shook his head.
"Don't misunderstand," he said, brushing dirt from his clothes. There was something almost solemn in his gaze.
"I didn't fight for you."
He straightened his posture, as if that gesture carried more weight than any blow he had taken.
"I fought because I want to become a true gentleman."
Behind the camera, Alex smiled.
Now this was it.
This wasn't just JoJo.
This was the spirit of JoJo itself.
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