manga artist Kirito

Page 38

—This is the romance and passion of men!

Tragedy may exist in a shonen manga, but the thrill of battle is absolutely essential, and the very first scene of the series, where the protagonist pilots a mecha to fight aliens, undoubtedly showcases that exhilarating and thrilling feeling...

Soon, Kirito became completely absorbed in his work, occasionally speaking to Shiina Mashiro about related matters and common mistakes in drawing manga. Eriri, on the other hand, took Kirito's nearly finished draft and completed her assigned tasks. As for the remaining tasks, Asuna and Kasumigaoka Utaha...

Having read "Love Metronome" and seen Kasumigaoka Utaha's recent manuscript, Asuna, who was quite familiar with the work, naturally took on the task of guiding Kasumigaoka Utaha, which Kirito was supposed to do. Kasumigaoka Utaha humbly accepted her senior's guidance, especially since Editor Machida didn't have much time left for her to write the manuscript...

If Kasumigaoka Utaha hasn't submitted her manuscript by now, it's not impossible that she'll be locked up in a dark room...

—Alas, what can two women do in a small, dark room?

099

[NO.97 Going out alone never brings good luck (10th update)]

Although the short manga has already started, even with Kirito, Shiina Mashiro, and Eriri working together, it would be impossible to finish the manuscript in just two or three days.

In short, I draw in my spare time, take a break when I need to, and slack off when I want to. Besides, there's Shiina Mashiro to take care of things. Maybe it's not good to exploit an innocent girl, but isn't the job of an assistant to take care of the work that the lead artist misses when he's slacking off?

Yes, aside from drawing the scenes that Kirito was interested in and really liked, the rest was handled by Shiina Mashiro.

Well, as mentioned before, if there's a written script for manga creation, then the artist just needs to follow the written plot and there won't be any problems. For Shiina Mashiro, who hasn't yet grasped the essence of a story or what a plot is, this is something she can manage.

...Yes, all Shiina Mashiro needed was a manga script; there was nothing else that could stump her, which is quite impressive.

Since he had a free time, Kirito naturally wouldn't be too hard on himself. Besides, this was a good opportunity to train Shiina Mashiro. Kirito was just a little curious... curious if Shiina Mashiro would find out that he was trying to slack off because there weren't many mecha scenes in the upcoming story.

But that's absolutely impossible.

In Shiina Mashiro's world, there is only painting. In the past, it was art aimed at the so-called high society. Now it is art aimed at the general public. Each has its own difficulties. When Shiina Mashiro can draw a manga that belongs to her, then... she will have a general understanding of human relationships and will naturally be able to see what is laziness and what is being given training.

"I'm going out to buy some drinks." Kirito turned his gaze away from Shiina Mashiro, who was engrossed in drawing in a corner of the study, and said to Asuna, who was watching the new anime, while taking off his gloves.

"Oh... um." Asuna's gaze was drawn to the yuri anime playing on the computer screen, and even when she responded, she merely raised her hand to indicate that she knew.

"Don't stand so close, you'll get nearsighted." Kirito pulled the monitor back a bit and walked out of the house amidst Asuna's displeasure and puffed-out cheeks.

……

Actually, I don't really like going out at night, and there are quite a few reasons for that, such as being a hero and rescuing a damsel in distress... well, I actually dislike being the one being rescued by a hero...

But the main reason is laziness. However, I seem to have a rare bit of motivation today, even though my expression and eyes still look listless, but...

The supermarket near the station is said to have potato chips at half price.

I need to clarify here that this isn't about being greedy for a bargain; it's just that I was able to buy snacks at half price that others would otherwise pay twice as much for, and they tasted really good...

Okay, so far I still don't quite understand why those so-called "wolves" are actually trying to steal the half-price bento boxes. Is it because of what I just mentioned?

No, I think it's more because it's food that only the victors can enjoy... Hmm, that's a pretty good reason.

Unfortunately, my martial prowess is no longer what it used to be.

"boom!"

He turned around and delivered a swift chop to the pervert's neck, knocking him to the ground. The pervert referred to here is simply the wolf who likes to wear women's clothing. Incidentally, it's a bit of a shame that I didn't get to see the Ice Witch's long legs and the Lake Beauty's ample bosom today.

But seriously, you pervert, weren't you hospitalized just two days ago for trying to jump off a building? You're out so soon? Are you some kind of demi-human?

No, that's not right...

"Why did I even come here at this hour?" Kirito's gaze swept over the wolves and dogs lying haphazardly on the ground, a strange expression on his face. "And besides, it's already ten o'clock. Did you guys really have to be squatting here since after school just for a half-price bento?"

You might not believe it, but the people fighting over half-price bento boxes in the supermarket are actually mostly high school students, although quite a few of them look much older than they are...

Oh right, Teacher Xiaojing is an outsider; I heard there's another one called "Asura"... Did the guy who gave her that nickname drink too much toxic milk powder? Teacher Xiaojing is clearly the Iron Fist Saintess!

"Oh well, I'm not used to morning exercise anyway, so I'll just treat it as evening exercise." Kirito casually picked up a bento box, stepped over these spendthrift dogs, rubbed the red marks on his arm, then grabbed a case of coffee from the nearby shelf, paid, and left.

Although it was summer, the night was slightly cool, but even so, Kirito still wanted to say "idiot".

Yes, the "mentally challenged" person is Kirito.

Ultimately, I still can't go out at night, otherwise I'll definitely wander around aimlessly because I'm too bored. Rather than that, I might as well stay home and enjoy Asuna's lap pillow... Well, it's fine for Asuna to enjoy my lap pillow too.

Before he had taken more than a few steps, a black luxury car drove out from a nearby alley and stopped right in front of Kirito. The car window, reflecting the light, was quickly rolled down, and a woman who looked energetic and radiant leaned out with a smile, waving to Kirito like a friendly older sister next door.

...It seems that calling her the older sister next door wouldn't be wrong.

However, Kirito didn't really want to run into her because dealing with her would be troublesome. Even though she was far inferior to Akane Kousaka, Kirito didn't like trouble—after all, he already had enough going on lately.

However, she must have planned to meet me here.

"Yo~ Kazuto-kun~ It's been so long~ Did you miss me~"

"No, get lost!" Kirito blurted out without any mercy. He glanced at the alley the car had just come from, and sure enough, this guy was waiting for him here.

"Hey~ How could this be? Big sister clearly misses you so much, she even put aside what she was doing to come find you."

"Can't you be normal for once? You look like the female lead of this story right now," Kirito said with dead fish eyes, staring at the other person's chest, which was exposed due to the pressure on the car window.

...Maybe you stole all her genes, that's why your sister is so flat.

"How could you talk to a lady like that, Kazuhito-kun... *sobs*..."

"Don't use onomatopoeia, you woman who loves riding horses." Kirito said in a calm and gentle voice, as if he were about to die.

Honestly, I don't want to watch cavalry movies anymore.

"You little pervert, get in the car!"

Are you a car?

"Eh, so you like me, Kazuto-kun?"

Do I like her?

Do I like her?

Do I like her mom?

“…I’m sorry.” A hint of embarrassment appeared on Kirito’s handsome face. “I’m a married man, and it’s a little hard for me to be interested in you.”

That's too much! I'm going to get angry!

100

[NO.98 Yukinoshita Haruno is not hypocritical (Bonus chapter for monthly votes)]

Yukinoshita Haruna, nineteen years old, is a graduate of Soubu High School and currently a first-year student in the Department of Science and Engineering at a national university. She is beautiful and has a dazzling personality. She is a versatile woman who can easily blend into any group, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her a social butterfly.

—It is said that "socialite" also has the meaning of...?

Yes, the above is a fill-in-the-blank question.

Judging from her age, Yukinoshita Haruno is very capable, far surpassing Yukinoshita Yukinoshita. Although she appears cheerful, she's actually quite cunning and secretly has a sister complex. Yukinoshita Haruno is attracted to her younger sister's flat-chested type... I'm telling you this, so please take it seriously.

She is far more socially adept than ten Yukino Yukinoshitas, and she is very tactful in her words and actions... Jokes are fine, but if you go too far, this woman's eyes will become terrifying.

However, compared to Kirito, who clearly knows the other party's dark history, this woman poses no threat to him at all, except for causing trouble... Well, I'll say that after I make her physically amnesia.

Kirito knew her simply because he had accompanied Akane Kousaka to some events and parties before. At that time, Haruno had not yet put on this mask, but now, facing this woman, Kirito wanted to see if she had a second face.

In short, Kirito and Yukinoshita Haru are acquainted and both know each other's dark past.

……

"I'm in a very bad mood right now." After putting the things in the car, Kirito looked at Yukinoshita Haruno indifferently. "I've even lost my rare appetite, so Ms. Yukinoshita Haruno, what brings you here?"

Actually, Kirito had a question on his mind for a long time, but he never had the chance to ask it—what kind of milk does Haruno have? Is it goat milk? And what kind of milk does Yukino have... Sorry, I forgot if she has it.

In short, Kirito was very curious about what kind of milk the other party had, and which was better, Mengniu or Musashino?

"Honestly, is this how you talk to a friend you haven't seen in a long time, hurting their feelings?" Yukinoshita chuckled, covering her mouth as she waved her other hand in the air, seemingly expressing her displeasure.

If you're unhappy, then why are you laughing?

Honestly, Kirito really hates Yukinoshita Haruno's attitude right now. It's so hypocritical, so hypocritical that it's disgusting... Speaking of which, what was it that happened last time he saw this woman's true appearance?

Oh right, Yukinoshita Haruno is a siscon (sister complex). It seems the situation was that she and Akane Kousaka got drunk, and then Haruno inexplicably brought up Yukinoshita Yukino, while Akane Kousaka, in a crazy way, brought up Kirito for comparison. The result, naturally…

Kirito took the two guys who were almost sleeping on the streets back to the club.

I feel a little regretful that I didn't take the opportunity to put white stockings on them as a souvenir.

"A friend?" Kirito raised an eyebrow. "Well, let's just call him a friend for now. So why did you come all this way to see me? I don't remember telling you I moved here... Oh! I know, you siscon, you must have seen me while you were following your sister, right?"

"How interesting. If the second young lady of the Yukinoshita family knew that her older sister had actually been protecting her all along, wouldn't her peculiar and awkward thought process break down?"

Although people who are obsessed with their sisters are good people and will help if they can... the premise is that the person is not a scheming person.

"I just wanted to visit a male friend I haven't seen in ages, and also catch up with my sister who hasn't been home in a while." Looking quite aggrieved, Yukinoshita Haruno gave her a 'what's wrong with you?' look. "We used to be so close..."

"It's fine if we're close, but you probably want me to become a macho man and teach you what a woman is like." Kirito sneered. Without Asuna's authenticity or Yoko's cuteness, you think you can act cute towards me?

It's like living in a dream.

"Um, could you please stop spouting dirty jokes?"

"If you drop that fake expression, maybe I'll consider it."

"Huh? I...when did I..."

"Then you can continue." Kirito didn't say much, casually opened a box of Mengniu milk and calmly drank it, his gaze sweeping past the car window as the scene rapidly receded.

The station wasn't far from the apartment. Even if the driver slowed down, it would only take a few minutes to reach the apartment. If Yukinoshita Haruno didn't explain her purpose during that time, it meant she had given up on her original idea.

However, the ideal is as grand as Monday, but in reality... it's just Eriri.

Yes, this time we won't criticize Yukinoko.

"Fine." With a disdainful expression, Yukino Yukinoshita revealed a side of herself she never showed in public. Perhaps her talent for disguise was impressive, but there were always people who wouldn't fall for it, like Kirito.

As the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family, Haruno naturally had to maintain her politeness at all times, which is why she reluctantly made the decision after Kirito repeatedly emphasized it.

"Honestly, you're so good at getting used to this kind of situation in Kousaka."

What do you think is the difference between your older sister and other people's older sisters?

"...The difference?" She frowned, somewhat unable to understand Kirito's meaning. "Are you saying I didn't do a good enough job?"

"No, it's just that Akasaka wears white stockings for me, but you... you've never even worn black stockings for me."

"...You judge interpersonal relationships by this?" Slightly surprised, Miss Yang thought she already knew Kirito well, but what she saw now... could he have any bottom line?

"Anyone who wears white stockings is a good person!" Kirito said righteously. "Also, let's get down to business. I'm in a hurry to get home and draw your doujinshi."

"Yukino... seems to be having some problems lately." With her eyes slightly narrowed, this seemingly harmless but actually very worried sister-complex sister looked at Kirito and said.

"What does this have to do with me having half a paintbrush?"

"I heard that my sister and you have a good relationship?"

"According to what you're saying, our relationship is pretty good, at least we're like half a paintbrush... Hmm, paintbrush is too fine, it really can't be used to describe me."

Snapped!

Reaching out to block the fist coming straight at his face, Kirito curled his lip and said, "Although I don't make a living off my looks, I couldn't afford to pay for it if I broke your face and sent you and your little sister to the hospital."

"Tch," Yukino said indifferently, withdrawing her fist. "My father noticed that Yukino has been getting quite close to a male classmate named Hachiman Hikigaya lately, so I felt it was necessary to come and find out what was going on."

"Then go find out. I'm not your sister's breastplate, how could I possibly know anything about her? Even if I really am her breastplate... does she really wear me on a daily basis?"

20 chapters still owed...

Requesting monthly votes~ Requesting tips~

—Please see the above options before patting!

Isn't it only natural to keep your word?

101

【NO.99 Don't Touch My Mengniu Milk】

Kirito did talk to Haruno about Hachiman, but when it came to whether Hachiman should have the surname Yukinoshita or Yukinoshita should have the surname Hikigaya, Haruno almost lost her temper.

Besides spending all his free time stalking his younger sister, he even keeps an eye on her social relationships, inquiring about everything even though Hachiman hasn't become true friends with Yukino Yukinoshita yet...

—Damn siscon!

"What qualifications do you have to speak against me?"

"Because I'm not a traditional sister-obsessed person. You need to understand, I have a girlfriend! Besides, I'm not like you, who has nothing better to do than come and observe your own sister, while pretending to be a vengeful ghost who stole your husband. Don't you guys get tired of that?"

"Damn single dog!"

"No, you're the dog!" Kirito smiled faintly. If Asuna were here now, Kirito would definitely hug her and point at Hinano, saying, "Look at this person, she looks like a dog."