Tokyo 1970: I'll draw Doraemon?

“Great, that’s great,” Fujimoto Hiroshi nodded repeatedly. “This will definitely be the right choice!”

He debuted in 1952 and endured a difficult period in a cramped attic where he couldn't stretch his body until he finally had his signature work in 1964.

I deeply understand that although hard work is arduous, as long as I persevere, there will definitely be positive results.

It's a pity and a shame that someone as talented as Jiro Suzuki gave up on his dreams halfway through his career, but thankfully he figured it out.

Seeing his assistant transform from his usual dejected self to a more positive and energetic one, returning to the state he was in at the beginning of his dream, Fujimoto Hiroshi asked curiously, "What exactly happened to make you change so much?"

Did he also meet his own Doraemon?

"That's right, I met a genius."

"A genius?" Fujimoto Hiroshi became interested. "Tell me more about it."

……

"Hello, Mr. Fushimi. I am Fujimoto Hiroshi from the Fujiko Fujio duo. I came across your work, 'Mothers,' by chance. It's a wonderful manga that has moved me deeply."

If you have time, please come to Fujiko Fujio's studio. I look forward to meeting you anytime.

The letter was signed by Fujimoto Hiroshi, along with a simple line drawing of the manga character Q-Taro. Finally, it included the studio's exact location.

Upon seeing the letter, Fushimikawa raised his head, a hint of regret in his eyes amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd.

Why wasn't it drawn as Doraemon?

He prefers Doraemon to "Q-Taro," which is arguably Japan's number one national manga. Even though it's set in the future.

"How did it go?" Onishi asked anxiously, "What...did Fujiko-sensei write?"

“It’s nothing,” Fushimikawa said with a smile, showing the letter. “Fujiko-sensei just invited me to visit his studio.”

The location of Fujiko Fujio's studio is not a secret; any reader who is interested can find the exact information.

In the era before landlines, magazines would usually include the cartoonists' home addresses and photos to facilitate communication among them.

He made it sound so easy, but it caused an uproar in the manga club!

"Hey! That's impressive!"

Fushimikawa waved his hand: "It's nothing."

Someone asked, "How did Fujiko-sensei find out about you?"

Fushimikawa said, "He saw a short comic I drew."

"You've drawn a manga that even Fujiko Fujio-sensei approves of. Fushimi-kun, you're truly a hidden talent!"

"I really want to be appreciated by Fujiko-sensei."

A freshman in Fushimi River unexpectedly becomes the center of attention due to a coincidence.

With creative freedom restricted and no avenues for submission, these aspiring comic artists have been feeling frustrated for a long time. When they discover potential rising stars within their community, it's hard for them to contain their excitement.

"Just lucky."

Fushimikawa didn't seem embarrassed. He had been used to being the center of attention since elementary school, so while dealing with everyone's compliments, he also had time to observe the people around him.

The president of the manga club, the timely young lady Fujiwara Maki, was looking at her with great interest, not annoyed that her limelight had been stolen, but with eyes full of appreciation.

Others may have felt jealousy, but it wasn't obvious; it's just human nature.

Only one person had eyes that burned with the fury of a lion, eager to tear him apart.

'This guy…' Fushimi Kawa was speechless, but smiled at him as he glared at him.

Sure enough, the person immediately turned their head away awkwardly and hid in the crowd.

'Students are so cute.'

Fushimi River sighed.

Chapter Five: Good Morning

"Congratulations, Fushimi-kun, you've met a manga artist who appreciates you."

After the excitement subsided, Fujiwara Maki approached Fushimikawa and said the following.

“I haven’t accomplished anything,” Fushimikawa shook his head. “If only time could slow down, I could come up with a more interesting manga to make this scene more believable.”

Some people will definitely think that he was just lucky.

But there's nothing we can do about it; Fushimikawa hasn't proven his abilities yet.

It has both advantages and disadvantages.

The bad part is being misunderstood, but the good part is...

He looked at the beautiful company president in front of him and couldn't help but smile.

Getting to know each other and cultivating friendships early on will always be useful in the future.

Whether it's printing individual volumes or engaging in other work, printing plants are absolutely indispensable in the comics industry.

“Fushimi-kun is very confident,” Fujiwara Maki nodded thoughtfully. “I really look forward to seeing your work soon.”

"It will be available soon."

He has almost finished a short story and has also figured out the beginning of a novel; he's just waiting to put pen to paper.

"That's great, keep it up!"

With bright expectations in mind, Fujiwara Maki continued to do her job as the mascot, attracting more newcomers.

……

Although Fushimikawa stole the show at the manga club recruitment event, there weren't many controversies afterward.

He went to school and drew comics as usual until the recruitment fair officially ended three days later, at which point the regular activities of the comic club began.

"I'm a new member of the manga club. I'm from Aichi Prefecture, from Fushimikawa. Hello, seniors."

"I am Naoya Onishi..."

“Takizawa Masashi…”

Amid applause, Fushimikawa and dozens of others introduced themselves.

"That's Fushimikawa, the lucky guy who was invited by Fujiko F. Fujio to visit his studio."

"It's him."

"He's quite handsome."

The veteran members of the manga club whispered among themselves, their attention drawn to Fushimi River.

"I wonder how interesting Fushimi-kun's manga will be?"

"He's definitely not as good as Liang, right? He's the best artist in our manga club."

"They're three years apart in age."

The "goodness" they were referring to was the man who glared at Fushimi River that day.

But at this moment, Ryo did not pay attention to Fushimi River, but instead buried himself in his drawing.

It's shameful to waste time on jealousy.

After recovering from the shock over the past few days, he realized his own inherent flaws.

What does Fushimikawa's treatment by manga artists have to do with him?

Being the best version of yourself is the most important thing.

Moreover, Ryo believed that he was simply lacking an opportunity; if his work could be seen by Fujiko Fujio, he would also gain the appreciation of this manga artist.

Fushimikawa's skill level couldn't possibly surpass his own, given his daily diligent practice of drawing.

Therefore, by strengthening your internal capabilities, you won't let opportunities slip away when they arise due to a lack of ability.

After figuring out the answer, he buried himself in his drawing as usual, no longer caring about anyone else.

until……

"Liang, Liang, you're the only one who hasn't watched it yet."

"Wh...what?"

With his left arm being shaken, Liang was pulled out of his creative state and asked in a daze.

"Of course it's the work of that newcomer, Fushimikawa. Wow, he's really amazing, with such outstanding talent."

The member's tone was full of emotion; a senior member was actually amazed by a junior's comics and was so deeply impressed.

"Quick! Let me see!"

Liang became anxious.

……

Fushimikawa's new work is titled "Good Morning," and the story is not complicated; it was drawn on just four pages.

Like "Mothers," this is an experimental and unconventional work.

Flowers, gift boxes, books, cosmetics... the room is filled with small items, clearly indicating that this is a woman's room.

There was also red wine, ribbons, and "Happy Birthday" wishes on the table; she must have spent a long time partying with her friends last night.

As dawn broke, the alarm clock rang.

The girl frowned, and as if her soul had left her body, her transparent form climbed out of bed and grumbled as she turned off the alarm clock.

The "body" was left sleeping in bed.

The "soul" girl stretched her slender, supple waist, drowsily took a juice from the refrigerator and drank it all in one gulp. Then she sat back on the edge of the bed, and wearily brushed her teeth while watching the morning news.

The "body" on the bed then swayed and repeated what it had just done.

Drinking juice, brushing teeth, and watching the news. Completely out of sync with my soul.

In the cramped room, her soul and body intertwined, yet remained separate.

It wasn't until her "soul" began to bathe that her "body" caught up with her and gradually became in sync with her.

In the mist, she became more and more energetic, her soul and body as one, and her eyes became bright.