Full-time comic artist

Jump is in a very vulnerable period right now, and he can't let Tori Akino Mirai do anything reckless.

Higashino Hibiki waved his hand, "Then forget it."

He made his second request: "My expectation is that 'Gag Manga Biyori' will start airing on television next January. I would like to ask Mr. Torishima to introduce me to the animation director at the television station."

It's good to save some advertising costs.

Through a deeper understanding of Japan's animation industry, Hibiki Higashino learned that animation production companies have to pay money to get their works broadcast on television, which is essentially like advertising.

Revenue comes from DVDs, copyright sales, music discs, and other sources.

He only just realized that the animation festival organizers who got "Hey—Come Out" on TV had put in a lot of effort.

However, they also profited from "Hey—Come Out".

This educational animation has clearly improved housewives' impression of animation, and the animation festival has gained a good reputation, making a successful start.

It is a result of mutual benefit.

Later, there were additional revenues from related products, so a portion of the fees were paid to Hibiki Higashino and Asahina Production Company.

Torishima Kazuhiko and Sasaki exchanged a glance, and they both smiled simultaneously.

"You still don't understand your own weight."

"As the author of 'Slam Dunk,' they will come to you for help."

Unlike popular works like "Slam Dunk," its significant profits were already known even before it was broadcast on television.

The fact that Dragon Ball has been unable to end for so long is also due to resistance from Fuji Television.

Works that can bring huge profits are simply not worth a second glance at in a few minutes of short-form anime.

Chapter 153 of the animation officially begins with the Go Autumn Grand Tournament.

Torishima Kazuhiko told Hibiki Higashino about some rules and information in the animation industry, then suddenly remembered something, clapped his hands and said, "The animated film 'Evangelion' creatively pioneered the animation production committee system during its production, which could spread the costs. I can help you contact sponsors."

An animation production committee is a model in which multiple companies jointly fund the project, while an animation company is responsible for its production.

Reduce risks and achieve mutual benefits.

They can also share the logistics channels and sales outlets of sponsors.

An animation company like Higashino Hibiki, which operates like a make-believe operation, wouldn't attract any sponsors.

However, given the potential profits of "Slam Dunk," it's not a problem for companies to pay money to gain brand recognition.

"So that's the system pioneered by Evangelion," Hibiki Higashino exclaimed, realizing that when he watched anime, he often heard voice actors thanking sponsors after the opening sequence. He remarked, "What a clever idea."

"But for me, I'd better forget about it."

If this system is adopted, then a large portion of the copyrights for background music discs, comic book versions, toy models, videotapes, and DVDs will be in the hands of the sponsors.

Animation companies only earn a meager living.

“I’m still quite confident,” Hibiki Higashino said. “And I’m not short of money.”

The salaries of ten employees are nothing to him.

"Gag Manga Biyori" is a relatively simple work, and it does not require investment in background music, opening and ending themes, or popular voice actors.

That's how short-form anime is all about – achieving big results with little investment.

Seeing his confident expression, Torishima Kazuhiko shrugged and smiled.

Although animation and comics complement each other, they are vastly different, and he held little hope for Tori Akino's success.

It would be good if we could lose less money.

However, if Tori Akino encounters setbacks in the future, it will be good news for Shueisha.

He didn't say much more.

Before leaving, Kazuhiko Torishima and Sasaki warned Hibiki Higashino not to forget that manga was his focus and not to stray from it.

Hibiki Higashino nodded and said, "Don't worry."

As he left the teachers' dormitory, Sasaki glanced back and said, "I have a feeling he will succeed."

He then said to Torishima Kazuhiko, "Tori Akino Mirai is someone who can create miracles."

……

The animation company quickly settled the matter, and the last problem they faced was what to name it.

Hibiki Higashino didn't think too much about it and, following the Japanese style, named it "Mirai-sha" (Mirai-sha), representing himself and the animation company.

Afterwards, he had dinner and talked with the members of the animation club.

Hibiki Higashino, a second-year member of the "Future Club," only knew Chiharu Minami and Yuko Asahina. The other three were very reserved and acted like superiors and subordinates when facing Hibiki, who was the same age as them.

Like a third-year employee, he felt a bit more confident, after all, he had the status of a senior colleague, but he didn't say much. He just nodded and said, "Yes, yes, yes."

Hibiki Higashino, a fourth-year employee, was very familiar with the company.

Besides Ozawa Hibiki, there's the familiar Takayuki Hime, and the once arrogant Amano.

The two of them were extremely excited to be facing Higashino Hibiki, because they deeply understood his talent.

Others only know Hibiki Higashino as the author of "Hikaru no Go" and "Slam Dunk," a national-level manga artist.

Like looking up at a high mountain, or being blinded by a single leaf, one's understanding is quite extensive.

These two individuals gained a profound understanding of Hibiki Higashino's work at the animation festival, particularly the deep philosophical insights revealed in his twenty-minute creation.

With Hibiki Higashino as its leader, Mirai-sha, just like its name suggests, is full of the future.

During the team building activity, everyone gradually relaxed and opened up by drinking and chatting.

A third-year student named Kitadamura patted Higashino Hibiki on the shoulder and lamented the injustice of society.

"Your talent is amazing! How did you come up with such an interesting animation script?"

Just like its name suggests, "Gag Manga Biyori" is a comedy. It can achieve great results with a small budget.

Moreover, the content of the work will definitely be loved by the Japanese, as it is full of Japanese-style humor.

Hibiki Higashino can effortlessly produce works that suit the current situation, which is truly astonishing.

Higashino Hibiki didn't seem to mind. He laughed and said, "Maybe my brain is connected to another dimension."

"Indeed, the president is simply a genius from another dimension!" Amano exclaimed.

When the animation festival approached Hayao Miyazaki, he was quite surprised and fell head over heels for Hibiki Higashino.

Two hours later, the party ended.

Except for a few employees who were having a second gathering, everyone else took the bus back to Musashino.

"I will definitely repay the kindness of the village head!" Beida Village said, drunk, covering his eyes and his voice trembling with tears.

Higashino Hibiki was at a loss.

“That’s right! Now that the character designs are done, I’ll start drawing the animation today and make up for all the time we spent at the party!” Amano added.

"That's right, that's right!"

"Me too!"

Higashino was speechless with anger.

He doesn't plan to draw comics tonight; he wants to get some rest.

These employees, however, got involved and were full of initiative.

The next day, Hibiki Higashino woke up after a good night's sleep and went to the animation club, where he saw the original animation of the opening theme song, which lasted for about ten seconds...

Moreover, the manic style is exceptionally well-suited to "Gag Manga Biyori"...

"Well, come on!"

Higashino handed out ten red envelopes, encouraging them to keep up the good work.

……

Ten days after the release of the Slam Dunk manga, Jump has compiled its weekly sales figures.

Sasaki saw the report and his eyes widened.

"This number is already there even before it's been adapted into an anime!"

Meanwhile, on Torishima Kazuhiko's side, the impact of the Mitsui Hisashi arc caused a surge in Jump's sales. He chuckled as he looked at Jump's circulation figures: "497 million copies!"

In this day and age, it's already good if print magazines don't decline in sales; only a very few can see an increase.

"What a stroke of luck!"

……

In the afternoon, Higashino Hibiki returned to the teachers' dormitory after class.

The teachers' dormitory area is very quiet, without the disturbance of students, making it a great environment for creative work.

Higashino Hibiki was extremely satisfied with this.

But as soon as he opened the door, a deafening sound came from inside the room.

"Moon Prism Power! Transform! ...I will destroy you in the name of the moon!"

Hibiki Higashino frowned, walked into the living room, and found Oda engrossed in watching TV.

The TV was playing a DVD of "Sailor Moon," and he had even connected it to speakers. Amidst the mixed sounds, he was laughing like a lecherous pig.

Hibiki Higashino stood behind Oda, quietly watching this scene.

Sailor Moon removed her headdress and, in a fixed pose, shouted, "Crown of the Moon! Strike!"

He then flung it out, knocking down several minor villains.

Hibiki Higashino shivered; he felt a little awkward watching it, but Oda seemed to think it was just right.

"Hey, hey." He nudged Oda's shoulder from behind.

"What?" Oda turned around impatiently and saw Hibiki Higashino with a stern face.

"Keep your voice down, so as not to disturb the other teachers."