Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

Time flew by, and soon it was Wednesday.

As usual, Akifumi Mugiho and Shiina Mahiru walked to school together.

By now, this sight was no longer surprising for the students at Toyogsaki High.

Their classmates had long gotten used to it, and even students from other classes no longer batted an eye.

Occasionally, they still caught a few envious glances, but that was about it.

Although Mahiru had explained things to her friends after rumors started swirling, it seemed her words didn't quite do the trick.

At first, she felt a bit guilty—but before she knew it, she had somehow grown accustomed to the situation herself.

It's amazing what you can get used to, huh?

"Good morning, Kato," Akifumi greeted as he sat down at his desk, sounding as carefree as ever.

Kato, however, was anything but relaxed.

Her usually composed face looked visibly tense.

After a couple second, she nodded and sighed.

"Akifumi, I really envy you."

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" Akifumi tilted his head.

"You don't have to stress about exams. Your grades are perfect. Meanwhile, the rest of us are freaking out over failing."

"Exams?" Akifumi blinked.

"Wait, is today the start of finals?"

Kato's expression hardened.

"You seriously forgot? Is this what academic genius looks like?"

Akifumi waved dismissively.

"Kato, complimenting me won't improve your grades, you know."

"Also, just because I get good grades doesn't mean I have no worries!"

"Ehhhh?" Kato raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"I'm serious! You don't understand the pain of always being ranked number one!"

"...then what is it the so called pain?"

Even Kato, with her usual poker face, looked visibly stunned by this statement.

"When you're not at the top, there are always people ahead to chase."

"You've got endless potential and opportunities to improve!" Akifumi declared dramatically.

"But as someone who's already at the top? What am I supposed to do? There's no one to catch up to, no room left to improve!"

"Doesn't that sound utterly depressing?"

Kato fell silent, clearly at a loss for words.

Behind them, Mahiru couldn't hold back her laughter anymore and let out a soft giggle.

Feeling their eyes on her, she quickly covered her mouth, blushing.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Akifumi grinned.

"It's fine. You're cute, so I forgive you."

C-cute?!

Mahiru's face turned a deep shade of red.

Flustered, she avoided his gaze like a startled deer.

Kato gave Akifumi a deadpan look.

"Akifumi, you're getting way too good at charming girls."

Akifumi's grin only widened.

"Oh? So are you saying Shiina-san isn't cute?"

Kato paused, then shook his head.

"No, she's very cute."

"See? Then I was being genuine, not a sweet-talker."

Deciding not to engage further in Akifumi's antics, Kato brought the conversation back to the exams.

"Akifumi, as your friend, I have some advice: don't repeat that nonsense about having no room to improve. People might actually beat you up."

Akifumi laughed.

"Got it, thanks for the heads-up."

"Anyway, let's hang in there for these exams. Summer break is just around the corner—beaches, waves... beautiful girls!"

"Hold on," Kato said suspiciously.

"One of those words didn't belong in that list."

Akifumi feigned innocence.

"You must be imagining things."

...........

At Shueisha Publishing

"Mihari, the chief editor wants to see you," a colleague called out.

Otosuna Mihari, who had been diligently working on a manuscript, looked up in surprise.

"Thanks. Any idea what it's about?"

The colleague shrugged. "How would I know what the chief editor's thinking?"

After saving her work, Mihari grabbed her notebook and headed toward the office.

She knocked politely.

"Excuse me, sorry to disturb you!"

"Come in."

The voice belonged to Chief Editor Minano Matome.

She was seated at her desk, typing furiously without even looking up.

"Take a seat on the sofa. Help yourself to a drink."

Used to her boss's busy nature, Mihari poured herself a glass of water and sat down, feeling a bit restless.

What could this meeting be about?

Had she made a mistake on a recent project?

Was there a problem with a manuscript?

Her calm demeanor began to waver.

After a few minutes, Minano finally stood up, carrying a file.

She sat across from Mihari and smiled.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"N-not at all," Mihari stammered.

Honestly, getting a chance to slack off guilt-free? Who'd complain about that?

Though it would've been nice to know the reason for being called in right away!

Minano cut to the chase.

"It's about Akifumi-sensei."

Oh, Akifumi? Phew, that's a relief!

Wait—there hadn't been any recent developments, right? Madoka Magica's second volume release hadn't even been finalized yet, and Anohana was still doing well.

Could it be...

A sudden memory of her last conversation with Akifumi surfaced in Mihari's mind.

No way.

Her face paled at the thought.

Oblivious to Mihari's internal panic, Minano continued, "Thanks to the efforts of the chief editor, Akifumi-sensei's Madoka Magica has officially been greenlit for an anime adaptation."

Oh. That's it?

Phew! She had been overthinking things.

.......Wait—ANIME?!

Mihari shot up from the sofa.

"What? It's getting an anime!?"

Minano chuckled.

"Remember to manage your emotions, Mihari. It's important."

"I'm sorry!"

Mihari blushed furiously and bowed her head in embarrassment.