manga artist Kirito

Page 156

"...I've seen players as strong as Jun Maeda, the Great Demon King, and as cunning as Togashi, the Old Thief. The former was unreasonably strong, while the latter taught us the importance of controlling emotions and other details. But I still believe that mahjong relies on skill, on the honed techniques you develop!"

Faced with a hand that was clearly unreliable, Kubo rubbed his nose and said without any emotion, "But this kind of luck is really scary! -- Ginza, one meal, bring your girlfriend behind you. Call me whenever you want to eat, and I'll give you my contact information later."

Although Asuna, standing behind Kirito, looked much more relaxed, her cheeks still felt a little hot after her identity was revealed.

However, the elderly people present did not find anything wrong with it.

"Ah! I lost on the very first move... Fujiwara, you'd better wait for my call. Don't worry, there's no such thing as offsetting."

Old Xu overturned the mahjong tile on the table, pushing and swaying the tiles back and forth with both hands. His mood was quite complicated. He had tried to trick someone but failed, and now he was defeated on his first move.

"Put everything else aside for now, I'll get you a membership card for a mahjong parlor later."

Compared to Gen Urobuchi and Tite Kubo, Togashi had a much longer-term vision. It wasn't that he saw Kirito's talent for mahjong; he just thought that if you lose, you have to win it back. It's like being shot while driving through the poison gas. Once you're inside the safe zone, you don't think about finding a safe spot; you think about staying at the edge of the zone and fighting back! And Togashi naturally thought the same way.

"Mr. Togashi, I do have a membership card for that mahjong parlor you mentioned..."

The deck was pushed forward, the dice were rolled, and Kirito, looking at the numbers, gestured for Gen Urobuchi to draw a card. Kirito said somewhat childishly, "Well, although I have a lot of side jobs, my main job is still being a student, so my focus is ultimately on my studies. Therefore, even though I got the membership card that Kousaka prepared for me in the summer, I didn't make time for it... and then all sorts of things happened during the summer vacation..."

"So you're quite the pioneer in the industry, huh? As far as I know, you're currently multitasking, right? It's amazing you can manage. If it were me, I doubt I could keep it up for long."

Kubo Tite proactively steered the conversation toward Kirito, saying, "However, it's necessary to take care of your studies, but there's no need to work so hard on your manga. Young people should enjoy their youth, and besides, I know very well that Chiba is full of beautiful girls, especially Soubu High School, where the female teachers are top-notch!"

"North Wind" played his card, and Kirito smiled shyly, "Well... I brought this with me."

“…” Asuna, standing behind him, smiled helplessly, her mood somewhat complicated, yet also a little sweet.

"Speaking of which, there are really more and more young people like you, Fujiwara, lately. Last year, a high school graduate won the Tezuka Award and made his debut. Now his works seem to be quite good. It's a bit of a pity that these young people don't really like playing mahjong. And there are very few people like you, Fujiwara, who are so lucky that they can get a perfect hand at the beginning."

"Pong!" Old Gen calmly drew a tile, and said with a strange sense of emotion, "Now more and more high school students are becoming manga artists and light novel authors. The only stage for us old folks is the mahjong parlor."

"Just kidding. Although we are indeed young, our seniors have far more experience. Young people just starting out would be overjoyed to receive your guidance."

Kirito threw away a useless card. It's less like playing mahjong and more like an industry leader giving his assessment of the current state of the industry.

"I understand the logic, but what can we teach? This era focuses on character design and art style. We're helpless, aren't we? Are we supposed to teach young people how to play mahjong? Don't be ridiculous, it's all about hidden melds... Instead of thinking about the current industry, you should think about how to win a few more meals from us old folks. Maybe that way..."

"Sorry, I just drew a pair of pure suits."

They really made a promise in a flash; what they just said has already come true.

Kirito flipped the cards in his hand, his face full of innocent smiles, "Impulsiveness is like magic underwear, Togashi-sensei. I'm afraid I'll have to pay for all three of your meals for the rest of the year today."

"Don't be so arrogant. I've been in the mahjong parlor for years, and I've seen plenty of people like you who just randomly arrange their tiles without any organization. You've only won two rounds. Be careful, we'll unleash our power later and you'll lose so much that your legs will give way and your girlfriend will have to carry you home... Well, with your size, even your little girlfriend carrying you wouldn't be a problem."

"Old Xu, I'm not happy with what you're saying. After all, I drove here today, and I can't just leave my car here and walk back."

"I suspect you don't have a driver's license. Come on, Kubo, help me call the police. If Fujiwara doesn't treat us to pork cutlet today, then don't let him go back."

"Tsk! Fujiwara still has a prize to collect later, and you can call the police later. Let's continue playing mahjong now, don't embarrass yourself by saying you're good at mahjong."

Kubo Tite looked at Togashi's constipated face and said, "I think you two want to laugh me to death so you can inherit my spaghetti."

As if he truly possessed incredible luck with the cards, Kirito continued to win in the next few rounds, even intercepting Togashi and Gen Urobuchi's winning hands twice. Overall, Kirito won with great satisfaction, while Togashi and the Warrior of Love suffered rather crushing defeats.

However, winning or losing isn't the most important thing. The most important thing is that Kirito learned a lot through casual conversation, not only about the manga, but also about other aspects, most of which are related to his side job... simply put, the areas he had previously dabbled in.

"Hey, this can't go on. I feel like if I go back like this, I'll have to draw like crazy. I took a break from publishing recently and I'm not planning to resume it yet."

"I need to write a script for the letter when I get back... I lost so badly."

"Hey! Isn't this great!"

Perhaps, this is what it means to be a cheater.

P.S.: Hey, what's with all this crazy collection stuff?

347

【NO.343 Superpower Mahjong?】

By the time we finished playing mahjong, it was almost evening.

To be honest, this mahjong game was incredibly rewarding for Kirito. Putting everything else aside, the connections and relationships he made with these influential figures were a huge help to Rouge en rouge, a company that had only recently risen to the ranks of top-tier organizations. Rouge en rouge was involved in many aspects of the industry, and Akane Kousaka, as its president, was practically a dictator, so her connections within the industry were already limited. But now, Kirito had met big names like Gen Urobuchi, Togashi, and Tite Kubo…

Kirito might not be able to count on Togashi's adaptation, but Gen Urobuchi, the scriptwriter, and Tite Kubo, who has already finished "Bleach," definitely have good stuff in their hands. Besides, they've been in the industry for so many years, and they probably know quite a few big names at the same level. To be honest, Kirito wouldn't mind competing with other big companies for these big names' new works.

The various exchanges that followed helped Kirito understand a lot of things. It was a little regrettable that Akane Kousaka wasn't there; if she had been, she probably could have turned those words into greater benefits. But even so, Kirito was quite satisfied... Well, he also felt a little sorry for Touko Amano.

Although he didn't know what Amano Touko was thinking, there was no doubt that Amano Touko's act of pushing him onto the stage really won Kirito a lot of favor. Summarizing what he had learned that day, and knowing that he would have to contact Kousaka Akane later to discuss things, Kirito wasn't really interested in the upcoming awards ceremony.

The waiters came and went, and soon the table was filled with dishes. The aroma wafted around and whetted people's appetites. Most of the people sitting around the table knew each other, including the editor-in-chief of JUMP and Togashi. Even though they hadn't eaten since noon, no one really paid attention to the food at this time.

"...So, in other words, Fujiwara is actually a mahjong genius?"

"Yes, I've finally seen someone who's so beloved by the cards."

"Don't say that. I only know a little mahjong, and I just had a bit of good luck."

Mahjong... does playing mahjong count as playing mahjong even without superpowers?

Honestly, Kirito is really bad at mahjong. It's like he's mastered a lot of amazing sword skills, but he just can't use a gun. He's good at playing cards, but he's really terrible at mahjong... But he's really lucky today!

"Young people these days are really amazing. They have great drawing skills, great luck, and they've even become class enemies."

"The young people here are the top five in this year's awards. It feels a bit strange... The Tezuka Awards didn't produce many good works before, but this year's awards, which we didn't have high hopes for, have produced several good works, and they are all in a relatively familiar style. Tsk tsk... Focusing on the story is good. It's better than those works that only care about selling character designs."

"Seriously, you guys didn't actually play mahjong in there for that long, did you?"

Compared to Togashi and others who still cherish the memory of mahjong and want to play a few more rounds, Amano Touko, who has been busy since the beginning, is feeling a bit of a sore spot.

...What if these young people are led astray?

"Just now, quite a few young people gathered together to discuss drawing techniques..."

"What's there to talk about when it comes to drawing skills?"

Togashi waved his hand, "These days art styles are all very unique. Even if we wanted to get involved, we might not be able to. Besides... don't you think having a good assistant is the most important thing?"

"You can't say that. At least Fujiwara's drawing skills are worth discussing, for example, his yandere and depressing anime, 'Scarlet Town'."

Gen Urobuchi, the warrior of love, looked at Kirito, who had a similar air about him, with a smile. He really liked this work. Although it was an erotic manga rather than a mainstream work, he enjoyed both the depressing plot and the unique art style. Yes, Urobuchi thought Kirito could become the next warrior of love.

"Hey! Gen Urobuchi, this is a JUMP party, why are you bringing up 'Scarlet Town'?"

Kubo tapped the table, looking somewhat disgusted, but then quickly changed the subject, "I think 'The Secret of the Bride's Maiden' is better..."

Wow! So you guys are all old perverts!

Togashi said that he, who likes to draw inspiration from mahjong, would never be like you guys who are all too old to still be reading doujinshi.

"Well, it's about time to start the awards ceremony..."

Amano Touko interjected, glancing at Togashi and Kubo Tite, "Next, I'll trouble you two to present the awards to this year's winners."

And so, the so-called awards ceremony began, amidst applause…

First up were Editor-in-Chief Pingzi and Togashi, along with Horikoshi Kohei, who won the Grand Prize. Then came the speeches.

"Thank you, Editor Amano!"

While everyone's attention was on stage, Kirito thanked Amano Touko, who had finally gotten some free time. It was no surprise that he was able to connect with Togashi, Gen Urobuchi, and others because of the words Amano Touko had given him the opportunity to go on stage. Perhaps it was just a random choice for Amano Touko, but the help Kirito received was truly significant.

Calmly savoring the food, Amano Touko chuckled and said, "This kind of thing doesn't matter at all. Besides, there aren't many young people who have the confidence to go up and play mahjong with these big shots and chat and laugh... You need to have a certain level of strength to stay in there."

Perhaps it would have been better to have Kohei Horikoshi take the stage back then, but putting aside whether he could calmly play mahjong with Togashi and others, his influence in the industry was simply too small. To compete on the same stage, one would need to have equal qualifications. And then there's more...

Kirito felt indebted to Amano Touko for the opportunity she had helped him secure.

"Furthermore, I've heard from some rumors that Fujiwara Echizen really likes to miss deadlines and push for late submissions..."

Amano Touko smiled kindly, "Putting everything else aside, just don't ever delay my manuscripts again... and, well, getting addicted to mahjong is no good!"

"Don't worry, that kind of thing is absolutely impossible!"

It's certain that they'll become hopelessly addicted to PUBG; what's the fun in mahjong without superpowers compared to PUBG?

"Now, please welcome Ms. Houraisan Kaguya..."

The microphone was quite loud. When the pen names were called out, Kirito and Asuna nodded to Amano Touko and walked towards the stage.

Amano Touko maintained a calm smile until Kirito stood on the stage.

"Phew! This kid is really something... Well, that's all I can do to help you."

Looking at the unread emails in her phone's inbox, Amano Touko rubbed her forehead with one hand. "Why do I feel like I've become a traitor? Cousin, if you don't take me out to have fun properly later, don't blame me for not helping you in the future..."

P.S.: Okay, okay, that's the end of this part of the story... You said you wanted to see the career aspect, but I really don't know much about the industry!

Let's check out the school festival instead!

Do you have any votes? Do you have any tips? Do you have any razor blades?

348

[NO.344 is about to return to normalcy]

"Oh? It seems like going to this JUMP party was a good idea."

Inside Rouge en rouge, Akane Kousaka, without looking up from her computer, spoke to Kirito, who was leaning back on the sofa.

"I suppose so. I didn't expect to connect with Togashi and Gen Urobuchi, and now it seems the gains are rather small."

Holding his phone, Kirito told Akane Kousaka everything that had happened at the JUMP party that day. However, Akane Kousaka didn't seem to care much, which was evident from her monotone tone.

"As for Gen Urobuchi, we might be able to find a cooperation opportunity in the short term. Kosaka, how about giving it a try?"

"...It's a pity that the buzz surrounding the game adaptation of the light novel 'Black Album' from last week hasn't died down yet, and we still have quite a few projects to complete. If we add any new projects, we might not be able to handle them all... Besides, preparing a new project just for Gen Urobuchi... don't you think that's a bit too much of a commitment?"

Akane Kousaka stopped typing, picked up a pen and wrote something on the document, then looked up at Kirito. "Pay attention a little. You still have a lot of scripts left here that haven't been used yet, some of which are just as good as Madoka Magica's... Do you value Gen Urobuchi that much?"

"You don't understand. Gen Urobuchi, this warrior of love, has a unique style that many people like. If Rouge en rouge can connect with him, they might be able to use this opportunity to gain better connections..."

Kirito rubbed his forehead. "Save your breath. Do you really think we have enough people in the club? In the end, our team is still too small."

"……I will think about it."

Akane Kosaka adjusted her glasses and beckoned, "Come here, take a look at this proposal and see if you have any questions."

"Huh? You mean you're planning to launch an ecchi bi-weekly?"

Putting down his phone, Kirito turned his gaze to Akane Kousaka and squinted, "Are you planning to launch an erotic weekly like Icha Icha Paradise or Forbidden Paradise... To be honest, I don't think that's a good idea."

"…You know this again?"

"Isn't that obvious? What software is running on your computer, what kind of copy are you writing? Do you think I don't know?"

They're just too weak. Both JUMP and Rouge en rouge's technology is too poor. Kirito can stand up generously. Even without Yui, just give him a phone and he can easily hack into and get what he wants to know.

"So, what are your opinions on this weekly magazine?"

Although Akane Kosaka is not drawing doujinshi now, many members of Rouge en rouge do come from doujinshi backgrounds, and this aspect cannot be ignored. Since the benefits are clearly visible, Akane Kosaka will naturally not let it go, especially since the team has a lot of resources.

"Commercial comics closely related to doujinshi are serialized weekly. For doujinshi, these currently popular serialized comics are their biggest motivation to create doujinshi. We don't have the copyright to any comics that can be serialized in magazines, so a weekly doujinshi is not possible. Copyright is a very important thing... Wait a minute, Kosaka, don't tell me that the upcoming erotic weekly is all original content?"

"Is it weird?"

Akane Kosaka raised an eyebrow. "If it's not entirely original, there will naturally be copyright conflicts. Do you think I wouldn't understand that?"

"But you have to understand, most erotic artists are just doing it out of interest. If you ask them to draw purely original erotic comics, I don't think there will be many..."

Kirito sat up straight and stared intently at Akane Kousaka. "Besides, are you sure you can find enough ecchi artists to support the new ecchi weekly? I know our circle has quite a few people who started out drawing doujinshi, but none of them are famous enough to support a weekly magazine, are they?"

"Ah, you mean this? I contacted some popular illustrators, such as Red, Blue and White, Phoenix from the Bamboo Forest Group, and Ruri Shrine. I have received accurate answers from these illustrators."

Wait a minute! Is there something strange mixed in with the artists you mentioned?

Isn't the Phoenix of the Bamboo Forest Group the pervert on my Twitter who's most enthusiastic about drawing my doujinshi?

Isn't Hong a guy who's always trying to stir up trouble, and whose activity is evident in every post?

By the way, Kosaka, why are all the artists you hired people people I know?

"But these are not enough to be the mainstay of an erotic weekly, are they?"

"So, I'm still considering whether to launch an erotic youth competition after the newcomer awards are over, but I haven't finished writing the script yet, and I have a lot of things to do next, and I also need to get enough rest..."

As she said this, Akane Takasaka tilted her head slightly, looked at the boy in front of her, and smiled radiantly.

She didn't finish her sentence, but the boy sitting there already understood what she was thinking.

With a helpless expression, Kirito sighed, "Alright, alright, send the unfinished project to my email. Is there a time limit? If not, I'll take my time. I also want to rest more recently."

"Then let's take it slow. There's no rush. After all, we still have a lot of projects that we haven't finished."

Akane Kosaka waved her hand with a smile, then stared into Kirito's eyes, "Are you staying for dinner tonight? If so, I'll make a reservation now..."

"It's getting late, I should head back to Chiba, and I have class tomorrow."