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HELIO SCANS
[Translator - Hestia]
[Proofreader - Kaya]
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Chapter 36: Advance Screening
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Wakayama. I’m Akagi.”
A quiet cafe near the studio.
A man with a lean build and sharp, piercing eyes gave me a slight nod.
His expression was as sharp as his gaze. Based on first impressions alone, he seemed like the sensitive, intense type.
The complete opposite of Director Daito.
“I’m Wakayama. I heard about you over the phone, but...”
“Yes, I was hoping you’d consider working with me on the screenplay.”
There was something about a person with such a cutting presence speaking so seriously—it carried a weight.
“Before I answer, would you mind if I asked a few questions first?”
“Go right ahead.”
“To be honest, I’m a total novice when it comes to film.”
“Judging from the materials you sent me, calling yourself a novice is selling yourself way too short.”
His tone was sincere, and the clarity in his eyes made it obvious—he wasn’t just flattering me to get a good answer.
“So you’re saying I have... some kind of hidden genius for film?”
“That’s not it.”
“...Right, of course.”
Just when I felt like maybe I should puff up a little, he cut that thought clean off.
“Truthfully, I am interested in screenwriting. I recently got the chance to work on the storyboard for the 'D Note' anime, and it made me want to explore filmmaking more seriously.”
One big reason I threw myself into that anime production was because I’d been thinking about how to better bring ‘that’ work—the one I plan to release after 'D Note'—to life.
But even if it wasn’t for that specific project, deepening my understanding of visual storytelling seemed like it could only help my work as a manga artist moving forward.
“I went through the storyboard that was included with the script. There’s a lot that could be refined, sure—but your ideas, the original creator’s touch, include details I wouldn’t have thought of myself. I think there’s a lot I can learn from them. Same with the notes you left throughout the screenplay.”
“Thanks for saying that. I’ve been studying visual direction a bit lately.”
Akagi didn’t strike me as the type to say things just to be nice.
Not the most flexible guy, maybe, but he seemed like someone who’d do his job thoroughly and with integrity.
I didn’t need long to think it over.
“If you’re open to working together, Director, I’d actually like to be the one asking for the favor.”
I reached my hand out with a simple gesture.
Akagi gave a firm nod and took it.
“I’m looking forward to working with you.”
＊ ＊ ＊
Before anyone noticed, December rolled in, and with it came snow instead of rain.
For Jung Junhyuk, the end of the year was—no exaggeration—a total whirlwind.
With school on hold, his days were a blur: mornings spent working on the film with Akagi, afternoons buried in manuscript work at his studio, and evenings devoted to storyboarding with Director Daito.
Ever since he came to Japan, has there ever been a time he was this insanely busy?
“Mr. Wakayama, you look ‘incredibly’ young.”
“Ah, haha... It’s actually kind of a complex for me.”
He’d casually pulled down his mask to snack on something, revealing his face—but Akagi didn’t seem the type to care. The guy barely paid attention to other people in the first place.
But if he ‘was’ intense about anything, it was the project: 'D Note'. Nobody dug deeper into it than Akagi.
Thanks to that, Junhyuk began to truly understand the film through Akagi’s explanations.
Before long, their conversations had leveled up into full-on professional discussions.
“This close-up—feels like the zoom-in happens a little too fast. Was your intent to hint at something rather than show emotion in this scene?”
Junhyuk’s question made Akagi nod.
“Exactly. I thought it’d be more effective to time the cut not with the dialogue, but with the silence right after the breath. It’s more about rhythm than facial expression—audiences will feel the pressure more that way.”
“Then I think the previous scene might need tweaking too. What if we use an 85mm prime lens instead of a 50? It could add more depth—really highlight the distance between J and the protagonist.”
Akagi blinked in surprise. Sure, he’d explained some basics about film and camera lenses before—but for Junhyuk to pick up on this kind of nuance so quickly?
Akagi wasn’t the only one surprised.
“In cut nine, when J is talking—what if we switch to a low angle during the slow panning shot? In this moment, J’s clearly got the psychological upper hand over the protagonist.”
Junhyuk’s suggestion made Director Daito pause, thinking it over with a thoughtful hum.
“Not bad... but maybe we can imply it more subtly?”
“Then let’s keep the camera low but adjust the lighting—shoot it slightly backlit…”
“To add tension through ambiguity. I like it. What about the protagonist’s reaction?”
“Let’s change the cut and insert a close-up of their hand clenching. I think showing the emotion through movement hits harder than using facial expressions.”
“So instead of directly showing it, you’re letting the audience interpret through action. Got it.”
You teach him one thing—he comes back with ten.
Working between anime and live-action, Junhyuk had been learning new techniques on the fly. Combined with the knowledge he’d built up in a past life, the synergy was unreal.
Thanks to Junhyuk’s ever-growing presence, Director Daito found the storyboard work flowing more smoothly. Bit by bit, even their packed schedule began to ease.
And as December wore on, the end of 'D Note' was drawing near.
＊ ＊ ＊
Early dawn.
Jung Junhyuk got out of bed earlier than usual and sat down at his desk right away.
“The storyline doesn’t need to change, but maybe I should tweak the direction a bit?”
The manuscript for the final chapter of 'D Note' was already complete.
But since the submission deadline was still a ways off, making a few revisions wouldn’t be a problem.
“Hmm... no, this is too much. Even if I’m applying direction techniques I learned from film, this is still a ‘manga’. I need to use them only where they really fit.”
Junhyuk crossed out the panel with a firm X with pencil, then picked up his pen and began redrawing it.
“For emotional scenes, film techniques might actually enhance things. This is the point where the protagonist’s emotions are hitting their peak.”
For some scenes, he drew in a cinematic direction.
“For this part, something a little surreal—more fantastical—might hit harder than an explanation. Nothing too over the top, but still keeping the impact.”
For others, he thought back to animation techniques.
“This one should stick to manga-style direction. If I go too far, it'll just come off messy.”
And in certain moments, he used direction that could ‘only’ exist in manga—not from film, not from animation.
And just like that...
In the days to come, the final showdown would be hailed as the greatest display of manga direction ever created.
＊ ＊ ＊
“If it looks too messy, please tell me,”
Junhyuk said to Matsuda, sounding a bit more nervous than usual.
“I tried to be mindful and use the techniques in moderation, but if it’s overdone, it’s worse than not doing it at all.”
He was anxious because he had incorporated a large number of unfamiliar direction techniques this time—so he wasn’t sure how it would look through someone else’s eyes.
After reading through the entire manuscript, Matsuda placed the pages down on the desk.
“Not bad. Actually, I think it’s better than before.”
That didn’t mean the previous version had been lacking. It had been good—undeniably so.
The direction had been sharp, the pacing tight. The energy and rhythm of the cuts were on point.
But now, without losing any of those strengths, the level of immersion has deepened noticeably.
The emotional cues were more refined. The fantasy elements, while subtle, had a magnetic pull—enough to draw readers in without going overboard.
There was no need to ask where Junhyuk had picked up these techniques.
“So working on that anime and the film project taught you a thing or two, huh?”
“That’s why I got involved in the first place.”
Junhyuk and Matsuda exchanged a grin.
“Anyway, I’ve received the full manuscript through to the finale. Looks like 'D Note' will wrap up as planned this January.”
“Looks like it.”
Matsuda slid the manuscript into a document envelope, then looked back at Junhyuk and asked—
“Oh, right. When are you planning to go to the advance screening of the anime?”
“I’m not sure. They said they'd hold a seat for me, but with it being the end of the year, I figured you’d be busy, and Director Daito said he might just swing by quickly. So I was thinking I’d just buy a ticket myself and go check it out on my own.”
At that, Matsuda—who’d been staring blankly at Junhyuk—suddenly burst out laughing.
“It won’t be that simple.”
“Huh?”
“You’ll see when you get there.”
With that cryptic comment, Matsuda turned and walked off.
Junhyuk watched him go, head tilted slightly in confusion.
＊ ＊ ＊
“What the hell…”
Junhyuk immediately understood what Matsuda had meant the moment he arrived at the theater.
“Whoa—”
“Ah, sorry.”
With the crowd packed tight, even just standing still led to people bumping into each other constantly.
It was December, and theaters were absolutely swarming.
It was the year-end season—when the festive mood peaks, and studios drop their biggest titles to capitalize on it.
Junhyuk had assumed that meant more movies would mean more spread-out audiences.
With so many fun, heartwarming, and romantic films coming out, surely 'D Note', with its heavy tone, would be a niche pick.
And besides, even if anime had gone mainstream in Japan, live-action still dominated the box office, right?
That’s what Junhyuk thought.
But he couldn’t have been more wrong.
“I’m sorry, but all tickets for the 'D Note' screening are sold out.”
“Oh… then what about the next showing? Any seats left?”
“Apologies. All advance showings listed on the schedule are completely sold out.”
“…Excuse me?”
The early screenings of 'D Note' were scheduled to run through the 3rd.
“So… that means tomorrow and the day after, too?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“???”
Every single early screening—completely booked out.
Ring— Ring—
Junhyuk’s phone buzzed.
It was Director Daito.
- Gra-ha-ha! Wakayama-sensei! Have you seen it? The audience’s reaction to our masterpiece? It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? I’m tearing up over here!
“Uh, no… actually, I don’t think I’ll be able to see it.”
- Huh?
“I… don’t have a ticket.”
- ......
＊ ＊ ＊
[‘D Note’ Early Screening Impressions]
Scored a first-come-first-served online reservation and went to see it.
Was supposed to go with a friend, but I was the only one who managed to get a ticket.
If I had to sum it up in one line:
It was insane.
It honestly felt like I was watching a theatrical film. The intensity from episode 1? Off the charts.
That rumor about ND House animating this in under six months? Total BS.
The second it started, you could just ‘tell’ there’s no way this level of quality was done in that short of a time.
The opening credits mentioned that Wakayama-sensei was involved in production—and suddenly it all made sense.
That’s why the animation quality is god-tier.
ㄴHow many bodies does Wakayama-sensei ‘have’??
ㄴI heard the director was pushing the production schedule too hard. Guess it paid off.
ㄴTwo weekly serializations ‘and’ helping on the anime…?
ㄴAnd if you read the director’s interview, it wasn’t just ‘helping’—he was apparently there ‘every day’.
ㄴWorried about the anime quality? LMAO. If Wakayama’s involved, that’s a non-issue.
ㄴJust hearing the name ‘Wakayama’ is enough to chill me out.
[Spoiler Warning: ‘D Note’ Episodes 1–2 Review from the Early Screening]
[How to Get a Ticket to ‘D Note’]
[Selling: Tickets for ‘D Note’ Showings]
But this wasn’t just hype within forums and social media.
[‘D Note’ Early Screenings Sell Out for 3 Days Straight, Over 15,000 Attendees]
[In the crowded December movie season, the breakout hit isn’t a film—it’s ‘D Note’]
[‘D Note’ Early Screening Quality Comparable to a Feature Film, Fans Go Wild]
[Sold Out in 2 Minutes, Site Crashed—Is ‘D Note’ Really ‘this’ Big?]
[Wakayama Jun Personally Participated in the Anime’s Production—Effectively a Co-Director]
And of course, when the hype goes nuclear, the next thing that follows is always the same.
[Wait… is it true that ‘D Note’ is ending?]
Judging by how the story’s unfolding, it wouldn’t be shocking if it did end.
But… are they really ending it?
ㄴNo way that’s happening.”
ㄴWhy would they end it now when the anime’s killing it? This is Jump we’re talking about—they dragged Dragon Ball forever.”
ㄴEven if they have to force a Season 2, they’ll keep it going.”
[Why They ‘Can’t’ End ‘D Note’]
[Loose Threads That Point to a Sequel: ‘D Note’ Clue Breakdown]
Once again, the question of D Note’s finale came roaring back.
And then, that question was answered.
[‘D Note’ Really Did End?]
Just a month later… it was over.
＊ ＊ ＊
Cookie 1~
“Director… um, is working with Wakayama-sensei going okay?”
Tachibana, the assistant director, asked Akagi quietly—barely above a whisper, so no one nearby would hear.
“Yeah. Just like the rumors said—he’s incredibly polite.”
“…Huh?”
Tachibana tilted his head in confusion at Akagi’s answer.
“Wait, what kind of rumors did ‘you’ hear?”
“That during the 'D Note' leak incident, he didn’t even raise his voice at the editorial team and personally worked hard to contain the damage. Even though it was just a short clip, he apparently made that public apology video himself.”
Tachibana scratched the corner of his mouth awkwardly.
“That’s weird… The version I heard was that he tried to throw his editor into the ‘gacha pit of despair,’ and that he went to visit a senior artist—who almost lost their serialization slot to him—and straight-up mocked them at their hospital bed. Even if it was unintentional.”
“See? That’s just how rumors are. I even heard he stormed into the editor-in-chief’s office with new manuscripts and threw a tantrum because they wouldn’t let him end 'D Note'.”
Tachibana burst out laughing.
“Guess rumors really do get blown way outta proportion. I mean, come on—what kind of lunatic drops ‘that’ much heat in just a year?”
“Exactly. You can’t trust a damn thing in this industry’s rumor mill.”
Cookie 2~
“Wait… that’s—no, ‘that guy’ is Wakayama-sensei?”
“Yeah. At some point, he just started working alongside us in the editing room like that.”
Peeking through the cracked door of the editorial office, Producer Yamaguchi and Chief Animation Director Akita caught a glimpse of Director Daito and Wakayama-sensei working on storyboards together.
“So that’s why the recent rough sketches have leveled up so much. Those extra cuts were killer to deal with, though.”
Akita’s grumble made Yamaguchi nod.
“Still, the animators said things have gotten a bit easier lately.”
Even at the rough sketch stage, Wakayama’s drawings were so precise that once layouts and angles were in place, all the animators had to do was trace the lines.
It significantly cut down both the time and stress of animation.
“If we’d known he could collaborate this smoothly without butting heads, we should’ve just let him onboard formally from the start.”
“Seriously.”
Feeling a twinge of guilt, the two quietly eased the door shut.
What followed—an intense shouting match that echoed through the editorial room—would remain a secret shared only between Director Daito and Junhyuk.
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HELIO SCANS
[Translator - Hestia]
[Proofreader - Kaya]
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