[Oshi No Ko] Episode 4: Actors

In a dimly lit alley, Ruby Hoshino confesses her ruthless strategy to Aqua Hoshino. She reveals how she engineered a viral controversy, using Meiya's predictable social media outbursts as a tool. Ruby explains she picked up these tactics from Aqua himself, twisting a past 'LoveNow' incident into her blueprint. Her polite request to the assistant director, Shun Yoshizumi, to cast her in all his future projects, shows a chilling professional agenda. Aqua watches his sister, seeing a new, unsettling depth to her ambition.

Ruby dismisses the idea of friendship with Meiya, expressing a visceral hatred for 'blabbermouths.' She pivots to the tragedy of Ai's death, laying blame on both industry figures and anonymous online mobs. Ruby declares that lies and manipulation are the only true currency in their business, claiming even Ai lived a secret, necessary life. Her ambition is now raw and unashamed, a declaration of intent to seize the spotlight by any means.

A quick montage tracks Ruby's meteoric rise through the entertainment world. Newspaper headlines scream her name, magazine covers feature her face, and she glides through photoshoots and variety show tapings. Her quick wit and ability to ad-lib make her a hot commodity, drawing comparisons to the legendary Ai. Her image becomes ubiquitous, a new star consuming all available light.

At the B-Komachi apartment, Kana Arima and Mem-cho watch Ruby's latest television appearance. Mem-cho notes Ruby's explosive popularity, which now eclipses even her own established YouTube presence. Kana, visibly dejected, falls into a thoughtful silence, recognizing the growing chasm between them. Meanwhile, Miyako Saitou at Strawberry Productions is swamped by the avalanche of scheduling requests for Ruby, grateful for the help of Shun Yoshizumi, now Ruby's dedicated manager.

Aqua watches Ruby on an outdoor set, radiant and professional, while Shun Yoshizumi diligently manages her affairs. Aqua reflects on Ruby's growing power, her ability to sway careers and command respect. He acknowledges her uncanny skill at maintaining her persona and charming everyone around her. Despite her outward success, the emotional distance between the siblings now feels vast and undeniable.

Aqua seeks out Ichigo Saitou, finding him fishing alone at a secluded pond at night. Ichigo is unsurprised Aqua found him, a tacit acknowledgement of Aqua's relentless nature. They discuss the lingering pain of Ai's murder and the persistent allure of their shared dream for the Tokyo Dome. Ichigo, disheveled and worn, remains deeply cynical, his regret having carved deep lines into his spirit.

Aqua believes he has found their biological father, Seijuro Uehara, presenting DNA evidence and news reports of Uehara's past double suicide. He declares his quest for revenge is over, the man responsible for the murder already dead. Aqua even smiles, a rare and unsettling sight, believing he can finally escape his dark purpose. Ichigo listens, his skepticism clear in his expression.

Ichigo bursts into laughter, dismissing Aqua's conclusion as 'impossible.' He highlights a critical flaw in Aqua's logic, pointing out that Seijuro Uehara died long before Ai and the twins moved. A dead man could not have known their new address. Ichigo suggests the DNA test could be flawed or, more chillingly, that another man is involved. Aqua's fleeting peace shatters under the weight of Ichigo's undeniable reasoning, the revenge now revealed as 'far from over.'

The scene shifts to a rainy night where Kana Arima spots Aqua alone on a park bench, drenched and convulsing. She rushes to him, finding him in the throes of a severe panic attack, hyperventilating and clutching his head. Aqua's internal monologue takes the form of a confrontation with Gorou, his past self, who mocks his desire for peace and reminds him of Ai's bloody death. He screams into the rain, rejecting happiness until his vengeance is complete, his psyche fractured by guilt and renewed purpose.

Later, in his dark apartment, Aqua receives a call from Akane Kurokawa, who excitedly shares news of her Rookie Actor award win. Aqua's responses are hollow and distant, causing Akane concern. She invites him to see her in her award ceremony dress, but he flatly refuses, stating he doesn't feel like seeing anyone. Akane, masking her disappointment, gently reassures him that she is there if things become overwhelming. On stage at the Japan Film Awards, Akane accepts her trophy with elegant composure, her professional milestone contrasting sharply with Aqua's despair.

At a celebratory dinner, Akane and her agency's president discuss her success. The president mentions white roses sent by an old member of the Lala Lai theatrical troupe, noting that this actor possessed a peculiar 'glint' in his eyes—a power to make lies seem like truth. He observes how Akane's public persona gained a new, intense quality after her own controversy. Akane listens intently, her sharp investigative instincts roused by the mention of Lala Lai and the mysterious actor.

Akane returns to her room and plunges into an intensive investigation of Ai's past connections within Lala Lai. She scours old footage and cast lists, meticulously piecing together a hidden timeline. She discovers a photo of a young actor, Hikaru Kamiki, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Aqua. Akane realizes Kamiki was a mere 15 when Ai became pregnant at 16, and the chilling truth clicks into place. Her eyes burn with a fierce, analytical light as she uncovers the true mastermind, and the dark identity of the twins' father.