Great Mangaka

On Friday morning, the editorial department of Weekly Shōnen, Hinotori Publishing, was in an uproar.

"One million two hundred thousand!"

Yesterday, Weekly Shōnen sales in Osaka surpassed one million two hundred thousand, setting a new record for Hinotori Publishing, and the difference with Weekly Boutique was only three hundred thousand!

"What a shame! What a shame!"

After applause, many editors shouted, "What a shame!"

"If it hadn't been for the poor forecast, which led to the subsequent product shortage, we might have had the chance to surpass Weekly Boutique's record of one million five hundred thousand!"

No one was willing to fail.

Although products were temporarily transferred yesterday to ensure supply across Japan, even with the help of other publishers, only one million two hundred thousand magazines were delivered to Osaka, and all were sold out.

The shortfall of three hundred thousand saddened many. Why? Because Osaka is their base. If they don't win here, all of Japan will have no chance. Osaka City is short three hundred thousand, and the cities under Sakura Books's responsibility are almost at the same level as Kanto. However, in a broader area, Kanto's channel advantage will demonstrate great power.

In the end, the sales volume was, without a doubt, Weekly Boutique's victory.

"I really can't accept it...",

someone said softly.

"Yes... we almost made it."

"When today's sales are published, the media will hype it up again."

Today's results were published. Although Hinotori Publishing had a miraculous sales growth, it was a fact that they lost to Kanto. For the media, this was enough.

Aika would become Japan's number one mangaka according to their reports. Her sales were, without a doubt, the highest. No one could deny it.

"I can't accept it...".

All the editors were reluctant. But they were unable to change the status quo.

"Alright, cheer up, this is just the beginning!" Kurosawa suddenly stood up, clapped, and comforted them: "We still have time. No matter what, this is the best ever! We should be happy!"

As he said this, the atmosphere in the newsroom began to relax.

"That's right, another one of Mirai-sensei's works hasn't been published yet!"

"The character Haibara Ai has just appeared. What happens next is exciting!"

In the president's office, Genji was also on the phone with Sakura Books's manager.

"Thank you very much this time... Haha, were they all sold out? Here we are the same... Mirai-sensei? Well, no problem, I'll thank him."

After hanging up, Genji stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Takumi is a boy who never stops surprising!"

If the boy weren't still taking exams, he would have to call him to congratulate him. The boy was born for miracles. At first, seeing Sakura Books's

great demand, Genji feared he wouldn't be able to sell everything. But in a single day, all inventory was sold out. The first collaboration between both companies was perfect, and the subsequent one will undoubtedly be eternal. With Sakura Books's incorporation, Hinotori Publishing has even more advantages.

"Hahahaha..."

The more he thought about it, the happier he felt. Genji couldn't sit still. He called Alice and handed her a box of tea.

"Here, take this to Takumi,"

he said with a pained expression.

"Isn't that your favorite tea?" Alice took the tea leaves and said in surprise: "You gave him all of this, so you practically have none left?"

"Hmm... what do you know?" Genji snorted coldly: "Tea must be shared. Takumi is a smart guy. I've spoiled him. What if he wants to drink good tea in the future? Of course, I have to prepare it myself...",

he thought with a smile.

"Takumi has a better future than me. When I retire, he'll probably be able to prepare better tea. Then I can drink it with him, right?"

Alice didn't know whether to laugh or cry. What kind of idea was this? Playing the long game to catch the big fish... Genji went all out for tea.

"Okay, go down and find time to go to Takumi's house." Genji waved his hand and said: "Although he didn't beat Weekly Boutique this time, tell him not to be discouraged. It's not easy to get where he is now, and he'll have a chance to win in the future."

"Yes."

Alice smiled and nodded. She wasn't worried that Takumi would be discouraged. Sales this time were very good. If they managed to maintain them in the coming weeks, coupled with the launch of new manga, there would be no pressure to surpass Weekly Boutique. Who

should be under pressure now should be Kanto Manga Company.

At the same time, several media outlets in Osaka gathered at Kanto Manga Company to interview the editor-in-chief of manga, Kazuki.

"Congratulations, Weekly Shōnen sales have surpassed Weekly Boutique this time! Neither they nor Sakura Books can surpass Weekly Boutique. Kanto is, without a doubt, the largest manga company!"

Several reporters praised her, but Kazuki felt a little embarrassed on stage.

"No, Hinotori Publishing's sales performance is also very good.

What a victory! Hinotori Publishing's sales are on par with Kanto's in many aspects, although the channels allow it to maintain a possibility of victory. But this possibility is very small. If another magazine comes out, Hinotori Publishing will surpass them.

Duke Anthony believed that they could surpass Mirai-sensei's two manga, but now they're off to a bad start!

Mirai-sensei's kick had already put him close to victory. Kazuki felt uncomfortable, but he had to show bravery and smile at the reporters' flattery; this made him feel like a clown.

"By the way, Editor-in-chief Kazuki, why hasn't Master Aika come today?"

a reporter suddenly asked.

"Oh, she's talking to our minister." Kazuki replied: "Let's talk first, and Master Aika will come later."

Upon saying this, the reporters were happy. The purpose of their visit was to get more news from Aika. This mangaka was very cooperative and much more obedient than Mirai-sensei.

The minister's office in Kanto.

"Osaka's sales volume is 1.25 million!"

Sun-san rubbed his eyebrows, very uncomfortable.

"Minister, I'm sorry..." Aika bowed her head and apologized.

"It's not your fault. You've done a great job." Sun-san shook his head. He knew it wasn't the time to attack this mangaka. Although Mirai-sensei was directly confronting him, they still had the advantage: "Don't worry too much. Just draw well. 'The Detective Sherlock's' plot is also excellent!"

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Aika's eyes lit up. Indeed, the sequel to The Detective Sherlock's plot is excellent. Although Mirai-sensei almost caught up this time, they will undoubtedly be able to distance themselves again later.

Their gamble didn't end immediately, but lasted until the launch of the first volume of The Detective Sherlock, which means there are still two months left.

This time is enough to change the situation.

"But, Minister...", Aika hesitated for a moment, gritted her teeth, and said: "Yesterday I met a fan of Mirai-sensei and she scolded me."

"Mirai-sensei fan?" Sun-san was a little stunned, frowned, and said: "Some fans are more impulsive and scold me when they are scolded. Don't make a fuss. There is no celebrity who is not scolded. You should get used to facing such unexpected situations in the future."

He felt that there was no need for the mangaka to say that in front of him.

"But the Minister..."

"Okay, alright, have mental fortitude!" Sun-san patted Aika's shoulder and said with a smile: "Go quickly to the interview, do well, be confident, don't make a fool of yourself as the number one mangaka, more glory awaits you in the future!"

Aika choked and had to nod.

"I know, Minister...".

Perhaps, as Sun-san said, the reason she was scolded yesterday was because the fan had a bad temper. It was an accident, and no one should cause so much trouble. Besides, Aika herself has become Japan's number one mangaka, how could she give in for a trivial matter?

She reorganized her expression, smiled, and headed to the reception room.

That day, Kanto published a statement congratulating Hinotori Publishing's Weekly Shōnen magazine for breaking the one million record, and Aika also sent the same congratulation in the interview.

However, when both happened, unexpected situations arose.

Mirai-sensei's readers suddenly stood up. That night, a young man placed a sign at Kanto Manga Company's door with a phrase:

"Stop pretending, Kanto, are you done yet?"

- - - - - - - - - -

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