[032] Who’s Not a Little Bit Confused?
"I'm sorry, Sensei, but something came up, and I'll need to take the day off tomorrow."
"Is it because of the manga?"
On the other end of the line, Hiratsuka Shizuka's brow furrowed.
She hadn't received specific details, but given the timing of the call, the possibility seemed obvious.
She instinctively began thinking of how to calm the situation.
As an exceptionally "innocent" teacher, Hiratsuka Shizuka took great pride in her students' successes.
After congratulating Akifumi that night, she opened the fridge, drank three cans of soda, and got so drunk she lost track of everything.
It wasn't until noon the next day that she found out about the controversy online surrounding The Madoka Magica.
After reading a few comments, she couldn't take it anymore and directly entered the fray herself.
Unfortunately, despite her impressive real-life abilities, online, she was just another weakling.
In no time, she was overwhelmed and, after losing a keyboard battle, could only rage at her screen helplessly.
She was torn over whether to call and comfort Akifumi.
In the end, it was Akifumi who called her first.
As for why she'd been debating for two days, well, don't focus on those details.
She hadn't passed out drunk again… definitely not.
When Akifumi heard Hiratsuka's question, he didn't overthink it.
"Yeah, it's about the manga."
"Just as I thought."
Hiratsuka Shizuka paused, carefully choosing her words before speaking. "Akifumi, don't let those online comments get you down!"
"You need to remember that being envied by others is a sign that you have talent. It's a special kind of recognition!"
"You're taking the day off tomorrow, right? No problem! Don't put too much pressure on yourself, just relax and recharge!"
Akifumi blinked, a little confused. Had Hiratsuka misunderstood something? And what was this "relax and recharge" talk? Was she being serious?
"I'm not sure what you mean, but my reason for taking the day off is just to work on the preparation for the single volume," Akifumi explained.
"Single volume!? Wait, you're planning to release a single volume before the serialization starts!?"
Hiratsuka's voice spiked as she nearly shouted into the phone.
"Hold on a second…" She was caught off guard by this revelation.
It was a bold move. Was there something odd about it, or did it make perfect sense?
"Wait a minute! Do you have enough content to support a whole single volume already?"
"Don't worry about it, Sensei. I've been working hard these past couple of months. I have enough content for a single volume. There are just a few color illustrations left to finish, so I need tomorrow to get everything ready, and that way, the company can release the single volume quickly."
"Oh, I see…"
Though Hiratsuka Shizuka now knew a little more about the manga industry, she wasn't exactly an expert, so when she heard this surprising news, she didn't react much beyond a simple acknowledgment.
"Well, good luck then! I believe in you! You've earned your spot with your own talent!"
"Release that single volume as soon as possible, and show everyone how short-sighted they were to underestimate you!"
With that kind of unconditional trust, who could not be a little moved? At least Akifumi was deeply touched.
But…
"Why does it feel like Hiratsuka's a little more worked up than usual today? It's almost like she's the one who's being criticized…"
Akifumi didn't think too much of it, quickly exchanging pleasantries with her before hanging up.
Turning his attention back to the tools laid out on his desk, he let out a sigh.
This was going to be a tough fight…
Later, after the afternoon sun crept through the curtains into the room, Akifumi stretched and then sprawled out on his bed, arms and legs splayed like a starfish.
After returning from Shueisha yesterday afternoon, he'd barely spent an hour eating. The rest of the time had been consumed with work.
Only his 16-year-old body could handle such reckless overwork; by the time he turned 30, there wouldn't be enough energy left to act this irresponsibly.
Though he felt incredibly light after finishing the tasks, a deeper sense of fulfillment than anything else, that feeling quickly gave way to an overwhelming emptiness.
He didn't want to move a muscle, even his fingers felt heavy.
Lying there for about ten minutes, he started to feel some of his strength return.
"I can't keep doing this," he muttered to himself. After all, only his body belonged to him.
Using sheer willpower, he managed to resist the urge to fall asleep immediately and dialed the phone number for Mihari.
After a few beeps, the call connected.
"Mihari, is the artwork ready?"
"It's done," Akifumi replied in a voice that surprised even him—hoarse from exhaustion.
"What's up with your voice? Are you sick?" Mihari asked, concerned.
Rather than being more worried about the artwork, Mihari was more focused on Akifumi's health?
"Ugh, what a careless editor!" Akifumi chuckled, shaking his head.
He cleared his throat, his voice getting a little steadier.
"I just stayed up late working, but I'm not so weak I can't stand."
"However," he added, "I don't have enough strength to bring the artwork over today."
"What!? If you can't deliver it today, the production of the single volume will be delayed!"
Akifumi was speechless. "Can't you think of something?"
"I—ah! I can come pick it up!" Mihari quickly responded.
Finally, some common sense!
"Haha, sorry, Akifumi-sensei, I got too excited and didn't think straight. I'll come right over to get the original work. Wait for me!"
"Beep… beep…"
Staring at the phone after it was hung up, Akifumi sighed.
"Still hasn't learned her lesson…"
Though Mihari had been better this time, Akifumi knew it wouldn't be long before the same mistakes were repeated.
"I'll remind her next time, I guess."
With that, Akifumi turned the phone's volume to max, letting his thoughts swirl, and closed his eyes…
[TL Note]
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