Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

Friday, after school.

At a café near Shueisha.

Akifumi Mugiho and Otosuna Mihari sat across from each other.

"…This week, Madoka Magica started serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump," Akifumi began.

"The reader survey results show that it's currently in the top three rankings!"

Reader surveys have always been a tradition at Shueisha.

By looking at the feedback forms sent in by readers, you can clearly see which works are popular and which are not. Of course, this is a bit of an oversimplification.

Take To Love ru for instance.

Many male readers love it, but because it's too risqué, they wouldn't want anyone to know it's one of their top picks.

Or consider Medaka Box, The Strongest President, Kurokami by Nishio Ishin, which has always ranked low, but its volumes sell well.

This happens because Nishio Ishin has a strong fanbase, but they don't often buy Weekly Shonen Jump.

Back to the topic.

Akifumi thought about the plot of Madoka Magica's first chapter.

It has some subtle hints about Akemi Homura going back in time, but without knowing the full plot, it doesn't really stand out from a typical magical girl story.

For a magazine primarily focused on boys' manga, the magical girl genre wouldn't usually be well-received.

Yet, the feedback from readers was great.

The only explanation for this is simple:

These readers must have already bought the manga volumes and know the upcoming storylines!

"I didn't expect that the editor, Otosuna-san, would be the kind of person who cares about this stuff," Akifumi teased.

Mihari Otosuna shrugged helplessly. "What do you think adults work hard for?!"

No matter how passionate you are, without proper rewards, that passion gets drained.

For a mature adult, the only thing that can move you is the paycheck.

"A top three ranking means you got a bonus at the end of the month, and I'm counting on you for it."

With that, Mihari gave Akifumi a pitiful look.

"I think you should rely more on the readers," Akifumi responded.

"By the way, as a perk, the author also gets a bonus!"

"And it's much higher than what we editors get!"

Mihari looked at him enviously.

Akifumi nodded seriously.

"I'll encourage the fans to vote for Madoka Magica more!"

What a change of heart!

Mihari almost rolled her eyes at how fickle Akifumi was, but since she too would benefit form it, she let it slide.

"Hold on,"

Mihari Otosuna suddenly realized, "Aren't you still lacking an official SNS account?"

Akifumi shot him a big eye-roll.

"Are you the editor, or am I? You should've thought of this yourself."

Though annoyed, Mihari couldn't deny that he was in the wrong.

"Sorry, I'll help you apply for one when we get back."

Akifumi gave her a look that said, "You've finally grown up, I felt so lonely now."

Don't be mad, don't be mad! Mihari breathed in deeply and tried to calm herself.

"…Madoka Magica's sales are dropping this week, but breaking 100,000 copies sales should be no problem," Mihari Otosuna added.

"Second-week sales drop? That's normal. Don't worry." Akifumi said.

"But 100,000 copies sales sure is impressive."

Mihari nodded instinctively before realizing, wait, wasn't this supposed to be MY line?

Then she thought, "Wait a minute. This boy work is doing so well, and she's getting more salary and bonuses."

So that makes him my boss, and Shueisha is just the middleman paying the salary!

'Of course, I'm still the editor' she told herself, feeling a little better about it.

After discussing the latest situation, Mihari asked with a serious look, "So, Akifumi-sensei, what did you ask to meet about today?"

"Don't worry, it's not a big deal."

Akifumi waved his hand, signaling him to relax.

"I finished Madoka Magica already. I'm here to give you the next batch of pages."

"You finished it?" Mihari blinked.

"Actually, you didn't have to work so hard."

"The last batch of pages you gave me will last for quite a while."

For example, the volume that's already out has 12 chapters, which is enough for over two months!

"You could afford to slack off a little, no problem."

"True, but I'm not drawing Madoka Magica anymore."

Sure enough.

Mihari put a hand to her forehead, realizing this guy was a "problem child."

But fixing these issues was part of her job as the editor!

She clenched her fist and took a deep breath, ready to defend her editor honor.

With a big smile, she meekly asked, "Did something happen at home, Akifumi-sensei?"

"If you need anything, feel free to let me know. The company is more than happy to help!"

Akifumi stared at him, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"I'll be blunt."

Mihari Otosuna said seriously, "With Madoka Magica doing so well, why are you choosing to end it?"

"End it? When did I say that?"

Mihari Otosuna was disappointed, "But you just said you wouldn't be drawing Madoka Magica anymore!"

"I've finished it. Why would I draw more?"

"So you've finished it…"

Mihari sighed in relief, but then her eyes went wide in shock.

"You finished it!?"

She gasped loudly enough to attract the attention of everyone around them.

Mihari didn't care.

"You mean the pages you gave me aren't just for the next issue, but for the entire Madoka Magica series until the end?"

"That's right."

"Huh?"

She couldn't process it.

How fast could this guy work?!

It's almost as if his creative speed is like an electric motor!

But wait...

No way, even with how fast he works, a long series can't possibly be finished this quickly.

Unless…

"How many more volumes will there be for Madoka Magica?" she asked cautiously.

"One," Akifumi replied.

As expected!!

Mihari Otosuna couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.

"Akifumi-sensei, Madoka Magica has so much potential. You don't have to end it so soon."

"Once I've finished telling the story I wanted to, it's time to end it."

"Don't you think it's a waste?"

"Next time, you might not be able to come up with a hit like this, and getting another serialization opportunity isn't guaranteed."

"Also, creating a new story is no easy feat."

"If you're worried about that, there's no need to be."

"Actually, I've already started the next story. I've finished the first part of it."

"Huh?"

Mihari sat there in shock, unable to process it.

Did I hear that right?

If not… when did drawing manga and creating story get so easy!?

[TL Note]

Hey there! If you're enjoying this, be sure to check out

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