In 1954, as Japan recovers from the devastation of World War II, a dark secret festers within the halls of Toho Studios. Eriko Tanaka, a journalist, is drawn into a mystery surrounding her brother, Shindo, a movie photographer working on the set of...
The evening air was crisp and cool as Shindo and Eriko stepped through the door of their small but cozy apartment. The faint hum of Tokyo's nightlife filtered through the thin walls-distant chatter, the occasional honk of a car, the rhythmic clatter of a passing train.
Shindo exhaled deeply, slipping off his shoes and setting down his briefcase. The weight of the workday still clung to his shoulders, but there was a sense of accomplishment.
Eriko stretched her arms with a tired sigh.
"Another long day... but at least we're making progress," she said, offering him a small smile.
Their English classes were becoming increasingly demanding, but they were determined. They had been planning this move for weeks -a fresh start in America, far away from the ghosts of the past.
Shindo ran a hand through his hair and walked toward the living room, flipping on the radio. A soft jazz melody filled the space, bringing a much-needed sense of calm.
"I'll make some tea," Eriko offered as she disappeared into the kitchen.
Just as Shindo sank onto the couch, the telephone rang.
He frowned. It was late.
Rising to his feet, he crossed the room and lifted the receiver.
"Moshi moshi?"
A familiar but anxious voice came through the line.
"Shindo... it's me."
Shindo's grip on the phone tightened. Takashi.
The urgency in his tone immediately put him on edge.
"Takashi? What's wrong?"
A heavy silence stretched between them before Takashi exhaled shakily.
"Something's happened at Toho Studios," he muttered. "Something terrible."
Shindo felt his stomach twist.
"Is it Goji?"
"Yes... but it's worse than before."
Takashi's voice lowered, as if afraid someone might overhear him.
"We were filming... the big fight scene between Goji and Anguirus. Everything was going smoothly until-" He hesitated. "Goji snapped. He-he killed the actor inside the Anguirus suit, Shindo. He bit into his neck. It was-" Takashi paused, his breath shaky. "It was real. Too real."
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Shindo felt his chest tighten.
"Oh my god..."
Takashi continued, his voice growing more desperate.
"It gets worse. When we tried to pull the actor out of the suit, we found something... unnatural."
Shindo remained silent, his mind racing with fear.
