Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

At 2:50 PM, Akifumi arrived on the fifth floor of the Shueisha building, right on time.

Today's floor was visibly set up for the Tezuka Award ceremony.

With the decorations in place, it almost looked like a small banquet hall.

Since Akifumi had only received the notice this morning, he hadn't had time to prepare much, so he just went with a simple, casual look: a white T-shirt and black pants.

After all, as a regular high school student, he didn't own a suit suitable for formal events.

"Shouldn't I have been notified in advance about this?" he mused.

Was it that guy's forgetfulness, or was it something to do with company politics?

Knowing Mihari Otsuna's personality, it was most likely the former.

Upon entering the hall, he noticed quite a few people had already arrived—men and women, all dressed very formally.

As Akifumi stepped in, the crowd gave him some surprised glances.

Whether they were shocked by how casually he was dressed for such an occasion or by his youthful appearance, he couldn't tell.

He didn't mind the attention, though.

As a man in his 30s mentally, who had weathered enough storms, he was long past caring about "dressing to impress."

The only reason he'd even thought of preparing was out of respect for the event itself. But if he couldn't manage, that was just the way it was.

Taking a drink from one of the waiters, Akifumi casually scanned the room before walking over to Mihari Otsuna, the only familiar face in the crowd.

"Sorry," Mihari Otsuna apologized sheepishly when she saw his outfit.

So I was right—it was her forgetfulness again!

"Apologies are fine, but when are you going to make up for that big meal you owe me?" Akifumi teased.

With a pitiful expression, Mihari Otsuna replied, "100,000 yen in prize money, plus royalties after the release of the volume... Do you really have the heart to spend the hard-earned blood and sweat of this little editor?"

"Of course..." Akifumi smirked in response to her expectant gaze. "I can't resist."

"What's more fun than using other people's money to fill your own stomach?" He said with a mischievous grin. "Let's call it leeching~"

"Is this guy... really a demon?!" Mihari Otsuna thought dramatically. "Waaah."

She could only silently mourn for her poor wallet at the obvious threat.

Soon, the clock struck 3 PM. After a series of formalities, over half an hour passed.

As a recipient of the Honorable Mention award, Akifumi was presented with the Tezuka Cup, a certificate, 100,000 yen in prize money, and a commemorative plaque—standard awards for the occasion.

Of course, the prize money would take some time to be transferred.

As expected, there was also the obligatory photo op.

After all, he was a high school student and had been selected for an award after 8 years of Tezuka's legacy.

Plus, with his appearance, it would be a waste not to use it for promotional purposes.

"The photos will probably be released when the volume is launched, right?" Akifumi thought, feeling a little troubled. "How am I going to explain this to Eniri later?"

He hadn't directly told her the truth for various reasons, and now that she would likely find out, she'd definitely be upset.

Originally, Akifumi thought winning a prize like this wouldn't draw much attention, so he never worried about familiar people finding out.

But now, things had turned out differently.

"I should probably give her a heads-up soon."

Thinking about this, he casually asked Mihari Otsuna, "Anything else? If not, I'll head out first."

Mihari Otsuna sighed in resignation.

"These people are your peers, and you're not even going to talk to them before leaving?"

In Japan's industry, "peers" were a fixed network of connections. While it seemed like a ceremony, it was actually a chance for authors to build relationships with each other.

"Talk?" Akifumi shrugged. "Look at their faces—do you think they want to talk to me?"

Suspicion, doubt, and discontent were written all over most of their faces.

Even though logic told them that Shueisha couldn't be rigging things, they simply couldn't accept a "magical girl" story by a newcomer who didn't even seem like an industry veteran—he looked too much like a student.

It was hard for them to put their pride aside and accept him.

It was the same with every other awardee—if they weren't as successful as others, it was just bad luck.

That's just how things were in the industry.

There were a few who didn't think much about it and were genuinely curious to connect with him.

But, as always, the "reading the air" culture in Japan made it difficult for them to break their usual patterns.

Mihari Otsuna glanced away, sighing. "What about adding each other on Line?"

"Why not?" Akifumi replied. It was a good way to stay updated on news, after all.

"Well, I'm off then?"

"Go ahead, I'll review your manuscript ASAP. Hope there are no issues."

Once the manuscript was reviewed, they'd be able to move forward quickly with the volume release.

"Speaking of which... what happened with the manuscript I gave you last time? Why haven't I heard anything yet?"

Akifumi asked suspiciously. "Did you forget about it again?"

Mihari Otsuna rolled her eyes, annoyed.

"No news means there's no problem. If I had forgotten, do you think you'd be here winning this award?"

"Well, thank you, Otsuna-sensei!" Akifumi smiled.

"Mhm." Mihari Otsuna crossed her arms, proudly humming in response.