I, who tortured the readers, was knocked to the ground by them!

Chapter 65 Part of play

"This is so different from your style, isn't it? But it does have that flavor."

In a cafe, Shinkawa Aimei sighed as she flipped through the manuscript in front of her.

If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, it would have been hard for her to imagine that the guy who in the comics either made things explode or had his intestines and internal organs spilled all over the floor could have such a huge style change.

"Jump's standard has always been that comics just need to be interesting, and didn't you complain that you couldn't find good literary comics?" Sakurai Itsuki asked.

Although the two meet offline much less frequently than normal cartoonists and editors, they do communicate over the phone quite a bit.

Because the manuscripts that Sakurai Itsuki submitted were always too perfect, the two of them chatted more than discussing their works.

Ai Shinkawa has been complaining a lot lately. The people above her have been strongly demanding that editors discover literary comics because they have seen that Kodansha's literary comics have made huge profits in the copyright market at a very low cost and have a surprisingly good reputation.

But in fact, Shueisha has been focusing on boys' comics for many years, and only occasionally there are a few popular works in other styles.

Even though the higher-ups have said they will provide strong support, it's still impossible to find any good comics that meet the requirements right now.

When Sakurai Itsuki heard this, he immediately had an idea.

I immediately said to Shinkawa Aimi, "That's easy, I can draw it for you."

Shinkawa Aimei just wanted to have fun at that time.

But who would have thought that Sakurai Itsuki would put the first two chapters of "5 Centimeters per Second" directly in front of her, just like when he gave her "Goodbye Eri" before.

"That's true. This comic does suit my needs, but are you really that busy? Don't you still have club stuff to do?"

Shinkawa Aimi nodded.

It was obvious that Shinjigensha got the official order through a backdoor, and Shinkawa Aimi certainly understood Shinjigensha's affairs.

She even knew more about the identities and relationships between two people than anyone else in the society.

"No problem, the monthly magazine is easy, and I'm going to have summer vacation soon."

In fact, Sakurai Itsuki even felt that the workload was not enough.

Because the story of "5 Centimeters per Second" is not very long, if it were a weekly magazine, it would have ended before the popularity could slowly build up.

So both of them felt that a monthly publication was the most appropriate approach.

As a rule, monthly magazines only need to update 50 pages each month, which is nearly half the workload of weekly magazines.

Considering the speed at which Sakurai Itsuki could open "Flame Fist" and "Goodbye Eri" at the same time, it was not difficult at all.

"Summer vacation. Ah, such a distant word."

When Shinkawa Aimei said this, she suddenly remembered that the handsome boy in front of her was a high school student.

Then he couldn't help but sigh, "You are really perverted, you are really a genius and you don't let people have any chance to survive!"

There is no doubt that although the beginning of "5 Centimeters per Second" is not as amazing as the previous "Fist of Fire" and "Goodbye Eri.", it is completely above the passing line and can be easily serialized even without this quota.

You know, even many cartoonists who have been in the industry for a long time can't easily pass the serialization standards by just drawing a random work like him.

It often needs to be revised many times.

But he, a student, was able to pass the manuscript so easily. Where is justice in this?
"I'm not a genius, I'm just an ordinary person. I just simply move the things in my head out."

Sakurai Itsuki rarely spoke the truth while drinking coffee.

"Haha. You might be good at drawing those cool comics that are pretentious and embarrassing."

Shinkawa Aimei twitched her lips and sighed.

Obviously, these words sounded like deliberate Versailles from Sakurai Itsuki in her ears.

Sakurai Itsuki also felt helpless about this.

No one believed him when he told the truth, so he could only shrug his shoulders and was forced to accept the title of genius.

"Then it's decided. We'll start serializing this month, and it will also be available on Jump+." Shinkawa Aimi nodded. "After all, according to the rules, I don't have the right to refuse."

Previously, the top five winners of the grand prize were given the right to force the serialization of a comic book.

According to the rules, Sakurai Itsuki, who ranked first, certainly has the qualifications to force the start of a serialized comic.

"However, I have another request. I don't plan to serialize under the name of Haruki Nagayama," said Sakurai Itsuki.

"Are you going to wear a vest?"

Shinkawa Aimi wasn't particularly surprised.

It is not uncommon for pseudonyms to be used in the industry, especially when the style of the work is too different from the original style.

Many cartoonists who have transformed themselves are worried that their transitional works will fail miserably, affecting the value of their pen names.

But Sakurai Itsuki is not worried that "5 Centimeters per Second" will fail miserably.

"For those who read literary manga, Haruki Nagayama might be a turnoff, while readers who read manga for Haruki Nagashima might have misplaced expectations."

Sakurai Itsuki expressed his concerns.

Is it true that the audiences of Makoto Shinkai and Fujimoto Ki really overlap to a high degree?
Sakurai Itsuki himself wasn't sure either.

"That's true."

Shinkawa Aimi nodded, then asked, "By the way, don't the people in your club know you're Haruki Nagayama? Since we've all created together, it's okay if they know, right?"

"There's no need to say anything. Let's talk about it later."

Sakurai Itsuki didn't distrust the people in the club. After getting along with them for a while, he really felt that the people in this club were pretty good.

However, he is a nice person, but it is hard to say whether he is reliable or not.

Several people in the club have big mouths.

If it really leaks out, it will be a huge trouble.

Sakurai Itsuki is quite satisfied with the current situation, so he thinks it is better to have less trouble than more, and there is no need to disrupt the status quo.

"Hey, this is really funny, like a romantic comedy, so youthful!"

Ai Shinkawa held up her face and looked at Sakurai Itsuki. Thinking of this young man and woman who were hiding things from each other, she couldn't help but sigh, why didn't she have such a beautiful story when she was young?
"Romance comedy?" Sakurai Itsuki raised his eyebrows. Where is the love?

"Yeah, you and Hanase-san, don't you have a romantic comedy vibe?"

Shinkawa Aimi sighed.

"Hayase-san is pretty good, isn't she? She's beautiful, a rich lady, and a manga artist like you. Why don't you just win her over? I think there's a good chance!"

"Well, even if I marry you, I won't have any thoughts about that kid."

Sakurai Itsuki waved his hand jokingly.

"I'm glad you're treating me like this. Aren't you afraid I'll take it seriously? But speaking of it, is she actually like a child in your eyes?"

Of course, Shinkawa Aimi didn't take this joke seriously, but was surprised at the image of Hanase Shion in Sakurai Itsuki's mind.

"Isn't it? That guy is too naive. He's obviously not old enough to have a serious relationship. He'd probably be shy if he saw someone kissing."

This is how Sakurai Itsuki evaluated Hanase Shion.

"Hahaha, but I think what you think is a little different from what Hanase-san thinks!"

Upon hearing this, Shinkawa Ai laughed out loud. She never expected that in Sakurai Itsuki's mind, an illustrator of heavy-duty comics would be shy when seeing people kissing.

"What's the difference?" Sakurai asked. "Are you curious? You'll know once you try hard enough to get her. You can study it slowly then."

A rather vulgar and greasy smile appeared on Xinhe Aimei's pretty face. She thought to herself, it's hard to say whether you know more than half of the tricks that "innocent" girl knows, and yet you still say she is innocent.

"I think your mental state isn't quite right. Go see a doctor when you have time. I don't have the time and don't want to chase that troublesome guy right now, so don't tell her anything about me."

Sakurai Itsuki said.

"I see, but I don't think it would take much effort for you to pursue her."

Shinkawa Ai nodded, then hinted to Sakurai Itsuki.

She knew how much Hane Shion admired Nagayama Haruki.

Just knowing that she could compete with him, Hane Shion was so happy that she wanted to jump out of bed.

This initial favorability is already overflowing.

And putting aside the identity of Haruki Nagayama, Shion Hane should have a pretty good impression of Sakurai Itsuki himself.

Yesterday, Hane Shion suddenly asked her on Line whether there was a market for literary romance comics in Jump.

At that time, she hadn't realized why there would be such a topic about Hane Shion, as Hane Shion's previous comics had nothing to do with literature.

However, due to her editorial duties, she still talked to her in detail about the current market situation and some issues that literary comics should pay attention to.

Just when Shinkawa Ai was about to ask her if she was planning to switch to drawing literary romance comics.

At this time, Sakurai Itsuki just sent her a message, asking her to meet tomorrow, saying that the literary comic he had mentioned before had been drawn.

Shinkawa Aimi, who had come to her senses, immediately felt like she had become part of their play.
She wasn't planning to switch to drawing manga herself. She was asking for tips and questions on behalf of Sakurai Itsuki.
This is why she hinted at Sakurai Itsuki.

It is obvious that Hanase Shion has a good impression of both of her identities.

If you know the truth, these two good feelings will be combined.

If Sakurai Itsuki pursues her, wouldn't it be almost the same as giving it to her for free?

"If you say that again, I'll report you to Shueisha for excessively interfering in the manga artist's private life."

Sakurai Itsuki was not interested in continuing this topic, so he pressed the pause button.

"Okay, okay, okay, let's not talk about it anymore. Oh, I've been working so hard, and you don't understand how hard I've worked. If you don't seize this opportunity now, you'll regret it!"

Shinkawa Aimei sighed deeply, both reminiscing about her lost youth and lamenting the tragedy of being single for so long and still being dragged into the play of young people.

"There's absolutely no problem with the manga. It's settled then, serialization will begin next month!"

"By the way, all the expenses for today's meeting will be reimbursed by Jump, right?" Sakurai Itsuki suddenly said.

"Yeah, what's wrong?" asked Shinkawa Aimei.

"Please pack me a portion of matcha cake." Sakurai Itsuki turned and waved to the clerk.

"Is it for Hanase?" Shinkawa Aimei thought to herself, this kid says he's not interested, but isn't he quite sensible?

"Of course not. She's my temporary assistant. She's been very busy lately, so she can be considered a consolation." Sakurai Itsuki replied.

Sato Wakaba has been busy rehearsing at school recently, but she has not neglected her usual work after returning home.

Sakurai Itsuki originally suggested that they could eat out during this period.

But Sato Wakaba rejected Sakurai Itsuki's proposal and said that she had no problem.

Sakurai Itsuki can't help much with cooking, but since Jump can cover the cost, it would be a waste not to help.

"Ah? So you really have a mixed-race beautiful girl living with you as your assistant? You're not kidding me?"

Shinkawa Aimi has not yet officially met Sato Wakaba.

The two of them didn't see each other very often offline, and the few times they met were all met by Sakurai Itsuki alone.

"Well, why would I tease you? But it can't be considered living together. She lives on the third floor of the villa, and I live on the second floor. Didn't we talk about that before?"

"Oh, so you're not pursuing Hanase Shion because you already have someone you like?"

Shinkawa Aimei suddenly realized and thought that this guy's life was really enviable.

"No, she's just an assistant. Although she helps me cook and draw, I don't have any thoughts of falling in love with her at the moment, and I haven't even agreed to her becoming my official assistant." Sakurai Itsuki replied.

"Hehe, your fans have no problem scolding you, you are such a beast," Shinkawa Aimi commented.

The next day.

The sky is still clear.

After school, everyone was still enthusiastically preparing for the upcoming cultural festival.

However, this passion is somewhat different from that of Hanase Shion and Sakurai Itsuki.

The two of them were walking side by side in the corridor, still planning to go to the student union office to fish in troubled waters.

"How's your comic going? Have you submitted any?" Hanase Shion rarely asked a question.

"What? Are you afraid of losing? This is the bet you proposed, but if you regret it now, I will reluctantly agree to it." Sakurai Itsuki said.

"Oh, what am I afraid of? Your comics are alright, but thinking of serializing them directly like this is a bit too arrogant."

When Hane Shion saw his arrogant look, she became angry and immediately said that she would not regret it.

"However, I have been researching some literary comics recently. Jump seems to be quite interested in this kind of comics lately. Perhaps you could have a chance.

I also asked my editor for some information, and if you ask me, I would be kind enough to share it with you."

She imitated Sakurai Itsuki's previous tone and said it with her arms crossed.

"How do you know I draw an art manga?" Sakurai Itsuki asked, "Don't you say you don't read my crappy manga?"

"Haha, I just heard it in the Line group chat."

"But there are only a few people in the group, and the number of downloads is too small," Sakurai Itsuki bluntly exposed Hanase Shion.

"I ordered it by accident!" Hanase Shion forced herself to make excuses. "Don't worry about it. Anyway, I got some useful information. It depends on whether you want to hear it or not."

"No." Sakurai Itsuki shook his head with a malicious look, rejecting the knowledge that he had already understood.

"Haha, if you keep working in isolation like this, I really don't know when you will be able to serialize it?" Hanase Shion said sarcastically.

"I'm curious, do you want me to lose or win?" Sakurai Itsuki asked curiously.

"How can you keep giving your opponent advice? You're not deliberately trying to lose to me, are you? Do you have some weird quirk?"

At this time, Hane Shion was stunned.

Yeah, why should I help him?

"Of course I wanted to win. I just, I don't have that kind of perverted fetish anyway."

Hane Shion blushed and tried to defend herself, but couldn't find a reason for a moment.

"If you win, what do you want me to do?" Sakurai Itsuki asked curiously.

When asked this question, Hanase Shion's phone went offline.

　The update is a little late. Something delayed me, wuwuwu.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)