Haruka Tomatsu & Yoko Hikasa Talk About the Appeal of New Characters Nina & Isolte! Plus Highlights of the "Eris Training Arc"
In the latter half of the program, the new characters introduced in Season 3's Eris Training Arc were also featured. Nina, played by Tomatsu, is the daughter of Gal Farion, the Sword God and one of the world's strongest, the Seven Great Powers. Tomatsu explained, "Since she's been training as the Sword God's daughter since birth, there's pressure and a stoic quality to her," while noting that a highlight is watching how Nina changes through her encounter with Eris. She also pointed out that Nina is "a character with a lot of down-to-earth, girl-next-door charm," revealing a pure side that gets excited over talk of romance.
Meanwhile, when it came to introducing Isolte, played by Hikasa, she opened with, "Her eyes are still closed (laughs)," to which Tomatsu replied, "You like that, don't you — characters with closed eyes," instantly sending the studio into laughter. Hikasa then analyzed Isolte, a wielder of the Water God style, saying, "With water as an element, she might be the kind of character who can cool down Eris's and Nina's fire, or bring balance between them," speaking to her appeal as a character who connects the relationship between the three.
Asked next about the relationship between the three characters, Kakuma stated firmly, "It's definitely not some cheerful, giggly kind of relationship (laughs)." Tomatsu agreed, saying it's "more like sparks flying," and elaborated passionately: "At first it was strongly about rivalry, but as they push each other to improve, when the three of them come together it creates an unknown energy that's not just triple, but more like cubed." Hikasa added that up until now, the people around Eris — like Rudeus and Ruijerd — have mostly been figures positioned "above" her, commenting, "Nina and Isolte are more like presences on the same level, I suppose," speaking to how Eris will encounter two people in a different kind of relationship than she's had before.
Asked about the highlights of the Eris Training Arc, Kakuma answered, "Eris's single-minded effort." She said, "She's facing strength in a way that's different from before," and added with a smile, "There's a lot more too, but... honestly, it's everything!" Tomatsu, meanwhile, mimed taking a punch and revealed, "As you might guess... Eris beats me black and blue! (laughs) I've only just appeared, but I get the full Eris baptism!" sending the studio into laughter. Hikasa added, "I get beaten up in my own way too, no exceptions... so it's three different flavors of getting beaten up!" drawing more laughs, before saying, "The point is what all this training is for, and where it ultimately leads," building anticipation for Season 3.
At the end of the program, the three cast members also sent messages to viewers. Hikasa said, "I'm performing while feeling and thinking about a lot of things in my own way, portraying her as beautifully as water, so please look forward to it." Tomatsu commented, "I think you'll be able to feel the changes in the relationship between the three of them, as well as Nina's own growth." And Kakuma closed out the program by saying, "This training arc is packed full of Eris's love for Rudeus. Please make sure to witness her love — one she's willing to risk her life for."
This special program is available to stream for free until 8pm on July 11. Additionally, the latest episodes of "Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3" are streaming on ABEMA every Sunday at midnight, simulcast with TV broadcast and available first on the web. For one week after broadcast, the latest episode can also be enjoyed for free starting every Wednesday at midnight.
(C)理不尽な孫の手/MFブックス/「無職転生」製作委員会
(C)理不尽な孫の手/MFブックス/「無職転生III」製作委員会
