Chapter 216: It Can't Be That Strange
After Kanto's press conference, a whirlwind spread through Osaka.
Local newspapers and forums published news about Kanto Manga Company, focusing on Mirai-sensei having used two manga to confront a new mangaka. This incident sparked heated debates. Some lamented that Mirai-sensei's miracle had faded, while others mocked him for bowing to a newcomer without guts. Even the internet was filled with rumors.
Mirai-sensei's readers got angry when they heard the news. They were particularly shocked. On the contrary, Kanto Manga Company's new manga also attracted their attention.
What kind of mangaka could make Mirai-sensei lose without resistance?
These readers may be angry or incredulous, but it is undeniable that, even with skepticism, they will go to witness the launch of "Weekly Boutique" to check if it is true or false, and this incident will not harm Kanto Manga Company.
In the Kanto Building, Sun-san looked at the newspaper with a smile.
"Very good! It seems that the readers cultivated by Mirai-sensei will also buy our manga magazines in this situation."
Readers are very realistic people. They may admire a mangaka, but most just read books. Sun-san believed that as long as they bought "Weekly Boutique", they would continue to buy it in the future!
"Sales of 'Weekly Boutique' are red hot." Sun-san put down the newspaper and smiled: "Now the atmosphere of the media and readers has been mobilized. Kazuki, you've done a good job!"
He praised Kazuki, who was in the office.
"No...". However, Kazuki wiped his sweat and said bitterly: "Minister, are we being too immoral to do this?"
Using Mirai-sensei to praise the new mangaka. And also spreading the agreement; it wasn't Kazuki's idea. It wasn't Sun-san's idea. It was an instruction issued by Kanto Manga Company headquarters.
Although it was a little immoral, for a group of capitalists, such measures are common. There are so many shady methods. If the country hadn't set limits, I don't know what the current situation would be.
"There's no morality in business, and no one has said it can't be leaked." Sun-san shook his head and said: "This kind of cunning method can bring us great benefits, almost guaranteeing our invincibility. As long as the result is positive, it doesn't matter."
Sun-san knew the headquarters' thoughts very well. If they won this time, Mirai-sensei would go to England as agreed. Regardless of whether Duke Anthony allows Mirai-sensei to stay there in the future, half a year can change many things. The half year Mirai-sensei was away was the half year Kanto Manga Company accelerated its expansion.
"Aika." Sun-san looked aside, where Aika, the most important rising mangaka, was located: "You will debut this week, are you in good form?"
"Yes." Aika nodded, but her expression was somewhat nervous: "I will draw this work carefully!"
"Good... By the way. Use your name as your pseudonym. The company plans to make you famous. This is an opportunity, you don't need another."
"Yes."
Aika nodded obediently. It doesn't matter if you use another pseudonym or not. The advantage of having a pseudonym is that there are fewer problems and you don't have to be exposed to the outside all the time. But there are also advantages to not using a pseudonym. Readers can intuitively see you and become familiar with you faster. The romance princess Rina didn't use a pseudonym, and everyone knew her.
"Are you a little nervous?" Sun-san noticed the tension on Aika's face and couldn't help but laugh: "Relax, you must believe in your own strength. Your drawings are no worse than Mirai-sensei's."
He was full of confidence in this victory. Aika possessed excellent drawing skills and the quality guarantee of "The Detective Sherlock." Coupled with the current media buzz, Aika and Kanto Manga Company had no reason to fail.
"Don't overthink it, you won't fail." Sun-san stood up and said: "Your only flaw is the thematic limitation of 'The Detective Sherlock.' Detective manga are not popular. But precisely to solve this limitation, we launched 'Weekly Boutique' and added other excellent works."
He walked over and gently patted Aika's shoulder.
"Four popular manga accompany you. These four are the elite among Kanto's manga elite. The popularity of any of them surpasses Mirai-sensei's. Together, they form a perfect complement for you, like a green leaf." Sun-san smiled and said: "And not to mention Mirai-sensei, even Takumi has to crawl before you!"
Kanto Manga Company's strategy couldn't rely solely on public opinion. They used four top-tier manga to crush one, and the limitations of detective manga didn't exist at all. Coupled with the influence of the media and advertising, even a naive mangaka could become a god with ease.
"I understand, thank you, Minister." Aika nodded, but still somewhat nervous: "Actually, I'm not worried about Mirai-sensei. In this situation, he may not be able to defeat me. I'm worried about the company's affection for me... They support me so much that I'm afraid I'm not good enough and won't be able to create such great value."
She seemed very cautious, and Sun-san laughed.
"So you're not worried about Mirai-sensei. Now I understand why the company likes you. You're very good at flattery."
Whether flattery or not, Sun-san is very satisfied. As a mangaka, Aika's attitude is very good. This young woman knows her identity and is very obedient. This type of person is welcome in any company.
"It's a shame Takumi isn't like that...".
After seeing Aika off, Sun-san thought: if Takumi could be as polite and obedient as Aika, the current situation would be completely different.
However, if Takumi becomes an obedient mangaka, will he still be Takumi?
Sun-san shook his head and returned to his work.
A black car stopped at the entrance of the Kanto Building. The driver opened the door and let Aika in. After getting in, the young mangaka breathed a sigh of relief: "I was so nervous! The minister and the others are so kind to me!"
"It's because the master's talent is exceptional."
Tanaka, the man behind the wheel, smiled and said: "Others cannot gain Kanto's recognition. Kanto Manga Company has thousands of mangaka, but only the master can obtain this honor. The master has stood out among thousands of people before debuting. Without a doubt, you are the best!"
Although this man was just a driver, his words were very beautiful, and Aika felt a little flattered.
"Tanaka, I heard you used to be Mach's driver, right?" Aika said with a smile. "Speaking of which, he's my predecessor. We were both responsible for the adaptation of 'The Detective Sherlock.' He lost to Mirai-sensei, and this time it's my turn to avenge him."
Aika looked down on Mach in her heart. It was ridiculous that a world-famous work lost to "Detective Conan", which had just premiered.
"It's good that the master has confidence, but Mirai-sensei is a tough opponent, so it's best to be cautious."
The driver smiled. He felt that this topic seemed to have been discussed before.
"Don't worry, now I have an absolute advantage. All resources are stronger than Mirai-sensei's. He can't compare to me." Aika replied with disapproval: "A mangaka's strength lies not only in their drawing ability, but also in their company and other resources. There can be no absolute justice in this world. It is destined that this time Mirai-sensei will be trampled by me."
She laughed: "He's such a complete idiot. If he had come to Kanto earlier, my position might have been his."
Time cannot go back. Mirai-sensei has lost the opportunity. Kanto cannot spend more money to win him over now, because it's not worth it. Behind Kanto is a group of capitalists, which will not be decided by a single person. Several capitalists may not care about the 2 billion yen in fees, but no matter how much it costs, they will not be willing to pay.
If 2 billion yen are invested in promoting Aika, she will become the number one mangaka in Japan. Soon, this title will be in her pocket.
Aika sympathizes a little with Mirai-sensei, but she doesn't feel guilty. The media is a bit scarce, but if she were in another position, she believes Mirai-sensei would do the same. This time, Aika trampled Mirai-sensei to reach the top, because she was very popular. If she managed to use him to reach the top, things would change.
"When I'm at the top of the Japanese manga industry, he'll probably use me for advertising."
Aika narrowed her eyes and imagined the future with a slight smile. She knew that Mirai-sensei would be below and would use him to promote her someday, but as long as Aika reached the top, she wouldn't give Mirai-sensei the chance to turn the tables. She wasn't as naive as Mirai-sensei.
"Tanaka, drive, I want to go home."
She closed her eyes and ordered the driver to drive.
"Okay, master, uh..."
"What's wrong?"
"No, have you seen the first episode of 'Detective Conan'?"
"Are you referring to that movie?" Aika opened her eyes and said with some disgust: "That drawing is a true work of art. Mirai-sensei is very lucky to be able to draw manga as if they were paintings."
"But it's just a coincidence. I hadn't seen him draw those drawings lately."
After so much time, many people have forgotten Mirai-sensei's extraordinary drawing skills.
The driver was the same. He suddenly remembered that the reason Mach lost to Mirai-sensei was not only because of the plot, but also because of his drawing ability. At that moment, Mirai-sensei created a thief character and defeated "The Detective Sherlock" with his amazing drawing ability...
The situation this time is very similar to the past. Both mangaka are in an advantageous position. Both draw "The Detective Sherlock" and have the same confidence in winning. But in the end, will Aika face the same failure as Mach?
Mirai-sensei has been in the industry for so long, and all the mangaka who have challenged him have failed!
However, the difference in strength this time is greater than ever. Aika is stronger than other mangaka. She should be able to defeat Mirai-sensei... If this situation could be reversed, it would be really strange!
"It can't be that strange...",
the driver murmured secretly, then started the car and drove away from the Hinotori Building.
A week later, "Weekly Boutique" premiered.
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