Chapter 16

Acting Ability (演技力) is the sixteenth chapter of the Oshi no Ko manga series. It is written by Aka Akasaka and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari. It was released in Weekly Young Jump on September 3, 2020, and in Mangaplus on May 12, 2022.

Summary
The chapter begins with a conversation between Kana and Aqua. The former is describing the show-running process; Actors rehearse in a room, directors cut the storyboard, and production will start after dry runs and camera rehearsals.

Kana states that's how it's normally done, but mentions that the production crew could only secure the location for one day. It means there's only one chance to practice and record, using their dry run as the final result for the show. Aqua mentions how sloppy the situation is, and how the director he knew is better than that. Kana adds that they do not have the time nor budget.

The leading actor, Melt Narushima, is introduced. He plays the main character, Kanata Aono. Aqua tries to introduce himself, but Narushima gives an attitude and disregards Aqua. Aqua mentions how rude that was, and Kana states that people tend to act like that after becoming popular overnight. She redirects the conversation to professional greetings, and how idols behave politely on set in order to get hired. She pushes Aqua to talk to the director, and the younger man greets his senior, Masaya Kaburagi.

Aqua thinks to himself. He wonders about the man's relationship with Ai, and contemplates the possibility that this man could be his and Ruby's father. This causes Aqua to look for an opportunity to secure a sample of the man's DNA.

Kana is reintroduced into the scene, and she further mentions how Masaya Kaburagi is in charge of the set, how he has connections to modelling agencies, and he how was responsible for casting. She says that he judges people for their looks, which is why he was willing to hire Aqua. After that, the rehearsal begins, and Aqua can be seen ruminating on his role; he plays a stalker, and he mentions the irony.

The rehearsal is over, and a break is given to the actors. Kana and Aqua have another conversation, and she mentions his acting ability. Aqua disregards her praise, saying "anyone could do this much if they practiced." He states he's not bad enough to get in anyone's way, but he doesn't have charm.

He remembers his previous acting experience with Kana, the movie where they acted as creepy little kids. Aqua chalks up that past performance to the fact he was an adult in a child's body. Now that Aqua's body caught up with his mind, he believes he's just like any other actor.

Aqua says he's sorry to disappoint Kana, since he believes he doesn't have great acting. But Kana compliments him, saying he must've worked hard to get where he is. She says his techniques are "fine, gentle, and thorough." Their talk continues, and Kana says ordinary people won't understand, but it matters to actors like them.

Kana recounts her acting history, and how she found trouble stepping into the industry. She calls it her "dark ages," but looks at the positives, believing someone (Masaya Kaburagi) has acknowledged her skills. She encourages Aqua by saying that if his acting doesn't knock anyone's socks off, she's happy because he continues to pursue a path in this "pitch dark world." Kana is referring to the entertainment industry.

The manga panels cut away to Masaya Kaburagi and another person smoking. Aqua is spying on them, and notices the brand, a Marlboro menthol. Aqua will need three cigarette butts for DNA testing. Thanks to his eavesdropping, he overhears Masaya Kaburagi mention how they can push Kana around, and how they're using her for her professional background. Casting her was a ploy to bolster and launch the careers of the other actors.

Aqua's thoughts show how Kana wasn't accepted for her skills. Meanwhile, he collects Masaya Kaburagi's discarded cigarette butts. He states his work is done, but before he heads home, he'll show them what he can do while he's at it. Aqua is referring to his acting ability, and how he'll pull out the stops in order to put the production crew and director in their place, since they had low expectations.

Characters

 * Kana Arima
 * Aqua Hoshino
 * Melt Narushima
 * Masaya Kaburagi