Tokyo 1970: I'll draw Doraemon?

"Being an assistant is just an excuse; you actually want to plagiarize, don't you?"

The pleasant atmosphere was instantly shattered by Kobayashi's blunt words.

"I've read your comics, and they're completely devoid of any inspiration. The plot is so predictable; it's just Naruto wrapped in a sci-fi samurai theme."

Hasegawa did not refute, but nodded frankly: "You're right, but what can I do? With my abilities, I can only learn from the advanced experience of my predecessors. Being able to draw a work that readers like is enough for me."

"Hmph," Kobayashi snorted, "If it were me, regardless of grades, I would definitely create artwork that reflects my own style! And..."

Kobayashi stared at the back of Oikawa in the center of the crowd, his expression contorted with rage.

"I want to surpass Oikawa and break the record set by Naruto."

"The claims of being an 'unattainable industry legend' or a 'once-in-a-century genius' are just exaggerated statements by the media to manipulate readers' emotions."

"I will become the strongest!"

Kobayashi's words completely shocked Yamatoshi and Hasegawa Shoji.

"Wh...what!"

Their eyes widened as they stared at Kobayashi Masashi as if he were a monster.

This pleased Kobayashi greatly, and he turned and left with a flourish.

"I'm going back to drawing comics. This place is pointless and a waste of my time."

Without a second thought, he quickly disappeared from Toriyama Akira's sight.

Akira Toriyama, however, continued to gaze into the distance.

He only came to his senses after hearing the conversation between Shan Zhi and the other person.

"I'm going to become the strongest!" Wow, that's such a manga-like line.

"It's amazing that someone could say something like that in real life."

Akira Toriyama blushed instantly, because he had wanted to say the same thing, but hadn't actually done so.

……

"The winners of the 'Monthly Prize' and the 'Fuji Prize' are all your assistants, Oikawa-sensei, plus Adachi-sensei and Hirokane-sensei... It's truly remarkable! Not only is your creative talent top-notch, but your ability to nurture new talent is also second to none."

The section chief of the media department at Bandai Toys Manufacturing Company flattered Fushimikawa with a fawning smile.

The others around him immediately chimed in.

"Don't forget Arima-sensei, the creator of 'Ikkyu the Clever.'"

"Section Chief Yamada is right."

"Half of Mirai-sha's members are from the Oikawa faction."

Since achieving success in his career, Fushimikawa has been surrounded by good people.

He was used to this and wasn't flattered. Instead, he smiled and explained, "It's because of Adachi-sensei and the others' outstanding abilities that I created these comics. Even without me, they could have shone brightly. So I should be the one thanking them."

"Mr. Oikawa is too modest."

"He has an extraordinary demeanor and a broad mind."

This was followed by another round of praise.

……

At nine o'clock at night, on his way back, Oikawa was conceiving a new work.

"Oikawa-sensei, you've won the Newcomer Award. How long until you start serialization?"

His train of thought was interrupted by Akira Toriyama's hesitant words.

“The ‘Newcomer Award’ and the serialization, huh?” Fushimikawa leaned back in his chair, looking languid.

"Of the 29 winners of the Tezuka Award since its inception in 1971, how many do you think have started serializing long-running manga?"

The answer to the question was the question itself, which left Akira Toriyama at a loss. He thought about it carefully and gave what he considered a cautious answer.

"Eight people? There must be at least eight authors who have written long-running serial novels, right?"

“No,” Fushimikawa shook his head, crossing his arms, “Zero, it’s zero people.”

"Ah!!" The unexpected answer left Akira Toriyama speechless. He instinctively retorted, "How is that possible?"

“Iwashige Takashi, Miura Mitsuru, and others are already top-notch, but they can only draw short stories at most. Long-form serialization is not as easy as you think.”

Fushimikawa further explained, "The Newcomer Award is just a test for newcomers. To pass the serialization meeting, you need to demonstrate professional-level abilities. Don't expect concessions from the editorial department. At this point, talent is no longer important. You need to convert your talent into ability and compete with top performers of the same level to have any chance of getting this opportunity."

What he said was quite difficult, and largely in line with reality.

The pride he felt from winning the "Fuji Prize" quickly faded from Akira Toriyama's heart.

He suddenly thought of Kobayashi Tadashi and wondered if such a proud person would be able to get a serialization opportunity soon.

"Toriyama."

"what?"

"I'm not giving you time to overthink things. You'll be busy for the next two months, so be prepared," Fushimikawa said.

"why?"

Fushimikawa said, "At the Fuji Prize award ceremony, editor-in-chief Shinsuke Kitahara approached me, complaining that it had been more than half a year since 'Parasyte' ended, yet there had been no news of a new work. 'You've only been focused on 'Shonen Future,' neglecting 'Senior Future,'' he said. There was nothing I could do but draw a short story to appease 'Senior Future.'"

Akira Toriyama licked his dry lips and remained silent for a moment.

Just moments ago, they were discussing the difficulties of serialization, and the next moment, Oikawa-sensei was talking about how he was forced to start serialization.

Is the gap between newcomers and hit comic artists really that big?

One is something you desperately want, while the other is a hassle.

This stark contrast filled Akira Toriyama with fighting spirit.

"Teacher Oikawa!"

He suddenly shouted.

The car shook; the driver was clearly startled.

"Speak your mind directly, don't overreact."

Rubbing his ears, Fushimikawa complained.

Akira Toriyama, however, didn't care at all. He continued in a loud voice, "I want to have a serialization too! I want to become a manga artist like you!"

Fushimikawa stopped rubbing his ears, glanced at the serious-looking Toriyama Akira, and sighed inwardly.

"Another capable assistant is leaving me."

He needs to contact Tomoyuki Fukuda and find a reliable new assistant.

"If it were you, you could do it as long as you tried."

Fushimi's words made Akira Toriyama happy all the way.

It wasn't until they arrived at their destination that a friendly joke from the driver made Akira Toriyama blush with embarrassment.

"Goodbye, future cartoonist. Haha."

"Woo~"

Akira Toriyama let out a sound of shame. He covered his face, recalling his actions, and said embarrassedly, "What did I say?!"

I was corrupted by Kobayashi Tadashi.

Yes, that must be it.

……

The next day, Fushimikawa contacted Fukuda Tomoyuki by landline.

The conversation in the corridor was heard throughout the studio.

"Please help me find a new assistant. Why? It's Toriyama. He suddenly said he wants to become a manga artist like me. In short, he can no longer be a content assistant. Yes, we need to find someone to take over his position as soon as possible."

Eiko Ueda listened intently to the entire conversation.

She couldn't help but walk up to Akira Toriyama, and seeing his face gradually turning red, she teased, "Hey, next up is Mr. Oikawa, the pillar of *Future* magazine, Mr. Akira Toriyama. Good morning! Can I have your autograph?"

"Don't...don't say anymore..."

Chapter 166 New Serialization Confirmed, "5 Centimeters Per Second"

In the editorial department of Weekly Shonen Future, after Fushimikawa hung up the phone, Fukuda got up to leave.

"Mr. Fukuda, are you busy again? Is it related to Mr. Oikawa?"

Sato asked curiously.

"That's right, so we can't talk any more."

Fu Tian walked briskly, and after turning a corner, he quickly disappeared from sight.

"Mr. Fukuda is always like this. When it comes to matters concerning Mr. Oikawa, he drops everything and goes to deal with them immediately."

“After all, that’s Oikawa-sensei,” Noguchi Masakyu chimed in.

Sato shook his head slightly: "But is it really necessary to be so concerned? I'm afraid Mr. Fukuda will be at Oikawa Studio in less than five minutes."

"I think so too."

……

"what happened?"

Before even entering the work area, Fushimikawa heard a burst of laughter and cheerful chatter.

"What are you talking about that's making you happy?"

“Hahaha,” Ueda Eiko grinned, her eyes barely visible. She turned to the side and pointed at Toriyama Akira with her index finger, her laughter continuing. “It’s Toriyama. He was all those grand pronouncements before, but now he’s not saying a word. Hahahaha.”

Following the direction she pointed, Fushimikawa saw the soft and gentle Akira Toriyama.

He shrank his neck, his face flushed red with embarrassment, and even his hands were red.

Fushimikawa couldn't help but smile: "You're a nominee for the 'Newcomer Award,' why are you so timid? You should have the spirit to be a pioneer."