[078] Madoka Magica 2nd Volume

Akifumi was speechless for a moment before shaking his head.

"Ijichi-san, you're exaggerating."

"Writing lyrics and composing music is never a simple task. Given my age, it's understandable not to be trusted."

"This song, I only got by because of some talent, but if I had to produce another one, I'd just be left staring in silence."

Ijichi Seika couldn't help but chuckle.

"If you really had another song at the same level, I'd probably want to check out your brain in a research lab."

"Please spare me," Akifumi smiled bitterly, raising his hands in surrender.

With the joke over, Ijichi Seika spoke seriously, "I'll help you find a suitable band for the song."

"You can negotiate the price yourselves."

Her response took Akifumi by surprise.

"I thought Ijichi-san would buy the rights to the song."

"Looks like you've completely underestimated me, Akifumi," she sighed, not really angry, though there was a hint of resignation.

"For a song like this, I don't think you'd want to sell the rights."

"Ah, am I that obvious?"

"It's not about how you acted. A piece of work this good would only be handed over under very strict conditions. Anyone would be hesitant to part with it."

It was easier to talk with someone smart.

Akifumi nodded, smiling. "Well, I'll leave this matter to you, Ijichi-san."

"Don't worry about it."

After a brief farewell, Akifumi left. He was curious about the band "Little Bocchi's Band," but it was only around 4 PM.

According to Ijichi Seika, the ticket sales wouldn't start until 5 PM, and the performance wouldn't begin for a while after that.

Plus, there might not even be a show today.

Rather than sitting around, he figured he'd head home to play some games.

As he stepped out of the "STARRY" shop and looked up at the glaring sun, Akifumi furrowed his brows. "Uh-oh."

He had been so focused on getting home early that he forgot that it was still hot outside.

'What should I do?'

'Should I go back inside and wait for the sun to cool down?'

But what excuse would he have for doing that? "Afraid of the heat?" That would definitely get him get laughed at.

Caught between his pride and the scorching sun, he hesitated for a moment. In the end, he chose his pride.

"I wish we had a driver app like Didi here in Japan," he sighed, realizing how much he missed the convenience of such apps from his past life.

.....

Time flew by quickly. A week had passed before he realized it.

"Ugh! It feels like I haven't done anything, and yet July is almost over!" Akifumi complained.

Ijichi Seika pointed out, "Akifumi, before you say that, maybe you should think about how the rest of us feel. We're all adults here, with no holidays to look forward to."

Akifumi awkwardly smiled at the group and said, "Thanks, everyone, for your hard work. I really appreciate it."

"It's just business for us."

"We're the ones who should thank you for letting us perform such a wonderful song."

"Next time, be sure to think of us for any great songs!" the girls in rock attire laughed as they bid him farewell.

"With professional singers, the song can really make people heart moving," Ijichi Seika remarked.

"When can we hear it online?"

"Well, it's not the right time yet. We'll have to wait a little longer."

While the song was moving in the anime, it's not the same as when you're dealing with an actual song.

Anime and manga are completely different mediums.

To achieve the intended effect, this song can only be used once in the entire series release.

Whether it's the 8th episode with the diary or the 10 episode with the fireworks, none of those scene can do the song justice.

"So... in the final scene," Akifumi smiled to himself as the image of that moment appeared in his mind.

"That scene would really bring tears to everyone's eyes," he thought, grinning.

"I see," Ijichi Seika said, looking a little down but trying to hide it.

"Well, when the song is released, you'd better let me know."

"Don't worry, Ijichi-san, I won't forget."

"But don't make me wait too long!"

"I'll do my best," Akifumi nodded awkwardly.

"Shouldn't be too long, right? The final episode, episode 22, will probably be out by the end of November."

"Only about four months away. Shouldn't be too bad..." he muttered.

"Anyway, thank you again today, and I'm glad I didn't take up too much of your time."

"It's no problem. I got a lot in return myself."

Ijichi Seika waved him off.

"If it weren't for taking on this commission, I wouldn't have had the chance to hear such beautiful music. So don't worry about it."

After a few more casual exchanges, they parted ways.

Akifumi took a taxi and left the area.

Glancing at his watch, it was 4:53 PM.

It was a busy day.

"I have to say, professionals really know how to get things done," Akifumi mused.

Just three days after his request, he received a reply, and after some discussion, they set the recording time for today.

"Recording isn't easy work," he thought, having been busy all day.

Though the band wasn't very famous, Akifumi was very satisfied with their performance.

The lead singer's voice was perfect for what he remembered, and though there was only one lead singer, the other members were also talented.

Initially, he planned for a solo version but changed it to a group performance after realizing everyone could sing well.

This last-minute change caused the song to take longer than expected.

"Ah, I still have the remaining payment to pay," he remembered, pulling out his phone to take care of it.

"Now that the music's ready, I can focus on the artwork."

....

That night:

"Editor Otosuna, is there something you need?"

They had kept in touch, so answering the phone was casual.

Mihari's voice came through the phone, slightly frustrated.

"Akifumi-sensei, the anime adaptation is almost ready."

[TL Note – I though creating an anime need at least a year for it to be completed?? What kind of magic studio they are working with?]

"The director wants to meet with you soon to discuss more details about 'Madoka Magica.'"

Another meeting?

"I understand. I'll make some time to meet her."

"Anything else?"

"Also, the feedback from fans on the third chapter of 'Anohana' has been really positive. They hope you can keep it up."

Mihari quickly continued, "And finally!!"

Her voice suddenly became excited: "Thanks to the efforts of Editor Minano, the second volume of 'Madoka Magica' is confirmed! It will be released on August 1st! Big news!"