Full-time comic artist

Even if there is a mountain village, how can there be birds in the autumn wilds?

It's so painful, so incredibly painful!

This is the only time I can take solace for my wounded heart.

Higashino Hibiki looked at the mountain village speechlessly.

Just like his teacher said when he was in school, he could see everything clearly from the stage.

Shancun laughed loudly, even seeing the tonsils. Was he really that happy to be called "amusement"?

His wife, Yamamura Hidemi, tugged at Yamamura Moromichi, and he finally calmed down.

"Ahem, that's how it is," Torishima Kazuhiko said with a smile, ending the conversation under Higashino Hibiki's angry and embarrassed gaze.

His expression turned serious: "That's how Tori Akino started, but he grew rapidly in a short period of time. Two months later, I saw his new work, which was called 'Hikaru no Go'."

The wedding guests stood in awe.

This work, which has had a powerful impact on society, is undoubtedly a classic that will not fade with time.

Tori Akino's future growth is astonishing; it's like he's become a completely different person.

“Every time I meet with Miki Toriakino, I gain something new.”

"After Dragon Ball ended, Hikaru no Go was the most popular work in Jump for a period of time."

Yamamura Morimichi pursed his lips, lost in memories. That was also the first time he had felt despair.

"When 'Hikaru no Go' was doing very well, Mirai Toriaki chose to end the series at the right time. This is something that many people cannot understand."

"Then, he pulled out his second work, which was 'Slam Dunk'."

"Tori Akino Mirai thus became a super popular manga artist, a pillar of Jump, and the savior of Jump."

“Looking back on his creative journey, I can’t help but marvel at his growth and his talent.”

"I look forward to his future works, which will surely be even more imaginative and interesting comics."

The entire audience burst into applause.

Torishima Kazuhiko reminisces about his past with Hibiki Higashino, only then realizing that it's a wedding ceremony.

He quickly began reciting blessings, based on what he had hastily learned.

The process was proceeding smoothly and in an orderly manner.

……

After the banquet, the cake, and everyone's blessings, and after seeing off the guests, Higashino Hibiki finally married Akemi Akemi.

Higashino was overjoyed.

But the look in his father-in-law's eyes before he left sent chills down his spine.

The Higashino family stayed behind and, as hosts, ensured the wedding concluded perfectly when Higashino Hibiki and Akemi Akemi were unavailable.

"Sister Qiugong, isn't this wedding too simple?"

Mei Higashino clung to Akemi Akemi's arm, muttering softly, expressing her indignation on Akemi's behalf.

“From now on, you’ll have to call me Higashino-neechan,” Akemi Akemi said with a gentle smile. “As for this wedding, it was my decision.”

Mei Higashino stared, mouth agape, incredulous. "Why? This is a once-in-a-lifetime romance!"

Akemi Akemi shook her head. "I don't care about the wedding. As you know, the manga is more important to Higashino and to me."

Higashino Ichiro nodded emphatically. He understood that Akemi Akemi was a perfect match for Higashino Hibiki.

No one was more tolerant than her.

For weekly cartoonists who have to work every day, family harmony is the most important thing.

"A short trip is still necessary, isn't it?" Higashino Shio said with a smile.

Manoyama, near Tokyo, would be a good choice.

After living in a big city for too long, taking advantage of the wedding to relax in the countryside, breathe fresh air, find inspiration for comics, and refresh one's mind are all beneficial.

Seeing Akemi Akemi hesitate, Higashino Shio advised, "Sometimes, the reason you can't draw manga is because you've been staying in one place and your thinking has become limited."

These words touched Akemi Akemi, and she nodded, "Okay, Mom."

……

Of course, they wouldn't be in a rush to set off on their wedding day.

They returned to their home.

There's no need to hang long signs like "Higashino - Akimiya" anymore.

At the door of the Higashino family home, Higashino Hibiki and Akemi Akemi met Mrs. Nakajima, who was holding a gift box and smiling broadly: "Congratulations on your marriage."

Akemi Akemi bowed and accepted the gift with both hands, saying, "Thank you for your blessing."

She seemed to have waited a long time, and as soon as the Higashino couple returned home, she presented them with the gift. Higashino Hibiki was very grateful.

"I won't disturb your happy moment," Mrs. Nakajima said with a smile, covering her mouth as she retreated back into the room.

Akemi Akimiya's face was flushed.

Back in the living room, Akemi Akemi breathed a sigh of relief.

She was on edge all day, but now that she's in familiar surroundings, she can finally relax.

She had just rested for a while when she got itchy to work again and sat down at her desk.

Higashino Hibiki was both amused and exasperated. "Who draws comics on their wedding day?"

“Because I’m very inspired right now,” Akemi Akimiya said matter-of-factly.

She told Higashino Hibiki not to bother her and to focus on drawing her manga.

Higashino nodded.

The setting sun cast a warm, golden glow outside the window as Higashino quietly watched Akemi Akemi work.

A serious woman can be cool too.

Higashino Hibiki would occasionally step forward and offer some pointers.

Akemi Akimiya has improved in this storyboard.

But it seems there's still a long way to go before it's officially serialized.

Higashino Hibiki.

By 10 p.m., it was completely dark.

"Shouldn't you go to sleep, Akemi?"

Hibiki Higashino grasped Akemi Akemi's left hand, stopping her from taking the eraser.

Akemi Akemi said, "Please wait for me a moment."

"It's already 10 p.m.," Higashino reminded him.

"Eh!" Akemi Akemi looked up and realized that the whole world was so quiet.

Higashino Hibiki was staring intently at him.

It sounded like I could hear his heart pounding.

"Boom! Boom!"

That aggressive gaze made Akemi Akemi lower her head shyly.

Hibiki Higashino said, "Let's go take a bath. I've already prepared the water."

He took Akemi Akemi's hand and slowly walked into the bathroom.

Many things were unlocked on this day.

……

Thank you.

When he got off the bus, Higashino Hibiki waved to the driver to thank him.

The driver took off his hat and raised it in response.

From Tokyo to Manoyama, after taking the train and then a bus, you have to take a local bus that runs twice a day.

With more than an hour to go before departure, Higashino Hibiki and Akemi Akemi were prepared to wait a long time, but the elderly driver offered to take them to the town.

"It's been a long time since we've seen tourists, everyone must be very happy," he said.

This made Higashino Hibiki panic immediately.

Mt. Mano was a famous mountain in the past, not because of its beautiful scenery, but because the town there had a unique culture.

But due to the changing times, the town lost its former prosperity and became obscure, no different from any other ordinary town.

Higashino Shio, viewing things through the lens of the past, decided to book the hotel here.

It was midday, and the inn was located in the town's trade center.

However, when the Higashino couple arrived, there was no one at the trade center.

Even the roller shutters were closed, and few shops were open for business.

Hibiki Higashino and Akemi Akemi looked at each other, their expressions quite different from what they had expected.

"Let's ask about the location first," Higashino Hibiki reluctantly suggested.

Arriving at the entrance of a supermarket, the store manager was idly swatting away flies.

As soon as the Higashino couple entered the gate, the doorbell rang.

"Ah, it's a stranger!" The shop manager stood up.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you." Higashino bowed.

The shop owner waved his hand. "It's alright. We've rarely seen tourists since the economic bubble burst. I'm just overreacting. Is there anything I can help you with?"

He could tell that the couple wasn't there to buy anything.

"I would like to ask how to get to Anji Hotel."