Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

After hanging up the phone, Akifumi Mugiho couldn't help but repeat the words in his mind:

"Breaking record sales for a million copies?"

He wasn't particularly familiar with the nuances of the manga industry in Japan, so he had little understanding of what this meant.

Curious, he instinctively searched online.

"Wow, I didn't realize I was already this impressive," he muttered in disbelief.

There were fewer than 50 mangaka in the entire industry with single volumes surpassing one million in sales.

'Does this mean I'm already one of the top 50 mangaka in Japan?'

Of course, that was just a joke.

One or two successful volumes didn't mean much.

What mattered was consistent output over the years.

Some mangaka might not have any flashy achievements but accumulated respectable results through steady work.

As for the top-tier mangaka on the charts? That was an entirely different league.

Akifumi knew his own limitations.

While other creators could serialize their works for years and release a dozen volumes, Madoka's remaining plotlines only allowed for one more volume, or maybe two.

Even if both volumes sold over a million copies, it still wouldn't compare to the industry giants.

Granted, Madoka's setting did offer potential for endless parallel world plotlines.

[TL Note - Like how Fate Franchise]

But unfortunately, he couldn't remember the specifics of those plot line.

Although he could theoretically develop new stories based on the current world-building, sequels were notoriously risky.

Countless creators had stumbled in that pitfall.

Without absolute confidence, Akifumi wasn't willing to touch it.

If he turned a masterpiece form his previous life into a mess, he probably just better of die.

He shook off these thoughts and returned to the classroom.

Inside, familiar classmates were gathered in small groups.

Even Shiina Mahiru, who had been a quiet newcomer a month ago, was now surrounded by friends.

The only exceptions seemed to be Akifumi and Kato.

Aside from talking to each other, no one usually bothered them.

As Akifumi took his seat, Kato spoke casually without looking up.

"Even though you were just out for a bit, it feels like you've got something on your mind."

Surprised, Akifumi glanced at her, "Oh? Even you can tell?"

"Just a feeling." Kato's expression remained neutral.

"If you're troubled, talking about it might help, you know?"

"Is that something you read in a book?"

Kato blinked, puzzled, "Isn't it true, though?"

"Not really,"

Akifumi said seriously, "For example, if you had a crush and were struggling with how to confess, would telling me about it make you feel better?"

Kato considered this for a moment before shaking her head.

"No."

"Exactly—"

"So Akifumi, does that mean you have a crush?"

"???"

Akifumi was taken aback, "Wait, that was just an example! How did you jump to the conclusion that I have a crush?"

"There were countless examples you could've chosen. Why did you pick that one specifically?" She just casually reply.

Good point. Why didn't he think of another example?

Akifumi suddenly found himself staring at Kato. She truly lived up to her reputation as a 'saintly' girl—scarily perceptive.

He almost got caught in her trap!

"Just because I chose a convenient example that doesn't mean I'm revealing anything about myself," he clarified hastily.

"Anyway, was there something you wanted to tell me?""

"Was it that obvious?", Kato nodded thoughtfully.

"I'll work on being more subtle next time."

That's what she focused on?

"So, what's the matter?"

"Do you have time this Saturday?"

Akifumi thought for a moment, and reply "I don't have any plans."

Madoka's progress was unexpectedly smooth, and Eriri hadn't visited recently—probably busy preparing drafts for the summer Comic Market.

"Yeah, I'm free."

Kato dragged out her response, then said seriously, "Then can I trouble you for a date this Saturday?"

"...A date?"

Akifumi instinctively touched her forehead, "You don't seem to have a fever."

"Is there a problem with going on a date?"

Confronted by Kato's clear gaze, Akifumi was momentarily stunned.

Did he misunderstand?

The word "date" originally just meant a planned meeting, its either a social or romantic appointment or engagemen, but nowadays, it often implied a romantic outing.

Recalling the original definition, Akifumi realized what she actually meant.

"No problem at all."

Feigning nonchalance, he added, "Saturday it is. What time and where?"

"10 a.m. outside JR Harajuku Station, are you okay with that?"

JR Harajuku Station? So the destination was the Harajuku shopping district?

Famous as a vibrant, youth-centric area brimming with a girlish charm, even someone like him knew about it.

"Got it. I'll be there."

Just when Akifumi thought the conversation was over, Kato suddenly asked in a light tone,

"By the way, did you misunderstand earlier? Did you think I meant that kind of date?"

"Why would you think that way? We're not even in that kind of relationship." Her voice took on a teasing lilt.

Was she messing with him?

Akifumi sighed inwardly, 'As expected, Kato is terrifying.'

Surprisingly, instead of feeling embarrassed, he responded playfully:

"That's because I do have those kinds of feelings for you."

He grinned. "So, how about reconsidering the meaning of our 'date'?"

This time, it was her who was left speechless.