Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

The class wasn't long.

Before long, the bell signaling the end of the class rang.

At the same time, Hiratsuka-sensei calmly spoke: "Class is dismissed."

Then she lowered her head, gathering her materials on the desk.

The students, their tense postures relaxing, leaned back in their chairs to rest.

"Akifumi Mugiho, come to my office for a moment."

With that final sentence, Hiratsuka-sensei left the classroom.

"Yay!"

With that cheer, not bothering to hold it back, the boys and girls who had been sitting at their desks almost immediately stood up. There was no need to explain the destination.

"Sigh…"

As for Akifumi, after letting out a sigh, he helplessly left his desk and walked toward the door of the classroom.

He paid no attention to the malicious glares thrown his way.

These guys, based on his past experiences, probably thought that being called to the teacher's office was a bad thing, but little did they know—misery doesn't love company.

For Akifumi, going to the teacher's office was like coming home. The teachers were all talented and spoke kindly. He loved it there!

What's even better was the chance to bond with Hiratsuka-sensei. It couldn't get any better!

By now, Shima Mahiru, who had learned Akifumi's name yesterday after he saved her, wasn't surprised.

However, watching his retreating figure, a trace of worry appeared in her eyes.

"Why would Hiratsuka-sensei call him to the office right after class?"

"Did he do something wrong?"

Following that line of thought, the most likely reason was that he had spoken to her during class.

Thinking about it, Mahiru felt incredibly guilty.

"As a top student in class, Akifumi-kun is often called to the teacher's office by Hiratsuka-sensei, so don't worry," Kato, who had spoken up, reassured her.

Mahiru blinked in confusion, looking at the girl who had spoken.

"Um... who are you?"

"Kato Megumi." She paused for a second before adding, "I'm Akifumi-kun's friend."

Mahiru felt relieved and smiled slightly.

"Thank you for telling me, Kato-san."

Before Mahiru could continue, the class's excited girls had already surrounded her, while the boys, who had been a step slower, looked at them with irritation.

Kato calmly shifted her gaze back to the textbook in her hands.

Arriving at the teacher's office, Akifumi, who had collected a bag of snacks from the other teachers, finally stood before Hiratsuka-sensei.

Hiratsuka-sensei silently observed the large bag Akifumi was holding and sighed, "You really are well-liked by everyone. Even I'm a little envious."

Akifumi, smiling, took a pack of chips from the bag and placed it on her desk.

"Guess that shows how successful your teaching is, right?"

"True!"

Hiratsuka-sensei nodded seriously and opened the chips, eating without hesitation.

"Do you know why I called you here today?"

Though Akifumi hated riddles, he did know the answer to this one. However…

"I don't really feel like saying it!"

Despite his sigh, he couldn't help but feel a little pleased.

If he didn't care, why would he still remember these little things even half a month later?

"I know."

"So, what's the result? Did you pass the evaluation?"

Hiratsuka-sensei, who usually spoke calmly, now sounded unexpectedly nervous.

After their conversation, Akifumi had spent time studying the "Tezuka Award" online, and Hiratsuka-sensei now understood its importance.

It was an industry award given twice a year, the highest honor for new talent. Many famous, established authors had won it at some point, and it was often the stepping stone for getting published.

The number of submissions for the award was counted in the tens of thousands. And the "newcomer" designation didn't just apply to those who had never drawn before—anyone without a major representative work was considered new.

This meant there was a huge gap in talent among the contestants!

Even passing the evaluation once could open doors to serializing in smaller publishers!

The Tezuka Award was the "entrance exam" for manga artists, similar to how Tokyo University was for regular students.

But, it was even more cutthroat!

Anyone could participate in studies and, through their efforts, find success. But, no matter how hard a manga artist tried, without talent, they couldn't expect a satisfying result.

Naturally, Hiratsuka-sensei hoped for her students' success.

Sensing Hiratsuka-sensei's nervousness, Akifumi felt a mischievous impulse.

His smile faded, his tone lowered, and he said, feigning disappointment, "Of course…"

"I passed~."

Hiratsuka-sensei patted Akifumi on the shoulder, comfortingly saying, "It's okay, it was your first time with the Tezuka Award. With effort, you should be able to… pass!?"

The last two words were said louder, startling the other teachers chatting nearby.

Akifumi gave an apologetic smile while Hiratsuka-sensei shot him a scowl as she tried to suppress her laughter.

"Kid, do you know what happens when you mess with your teacher!?"

Wealth cannot corrupt, poverty cannot move, and power cannot bend!

You think a little fist can make me bow? Hah, fish lips!

"Sorry."

It wasn't the fist that made him bow, just his simple respect for his teacher.

"Tch."

Hiratsuka-sensei clicked her tongue, disappointed she missed another chance to act tough.

She quickly brushed it off, eagerly asking, "What's the name of your manga?"

Akifumi's gaze wandered. "Um… Can I not say?"

"What do you think?"

Hiratsuka-sensei smiled sweetly, but there was a hint of danger behind it.

"…Puella Magi Madoka Magica."

"Huh? What did you say?" Hiratsuka-sensei was puzzled.

Akifumi resignedly replied, "'Puella Magi Madoka Magica.'"

"Ahahahaha!"

Akifumi rolled his eyes, watching Hiratsuka-sensei, who had lost all composure, laughing so hard she was slapping the desk.

Yeah, I knew this would happen.

No need to think twice—she's definitely thinking "A magical girl, hahaha, didn't realize you were such a girl at heart!"

"I can't wait for the serialization to start!"

Knowing Hiratsuka-sensei's personality, she'd definitely watch it, right?

When that day comes…

Akifumi couldn't help but smile at the thought of her reaction.

One smile was exaggerated and carefree, while the other was more restrained and thoughtful.