Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

Minano Matome shook her head with a slight smile and placed a document on the table.

"This is the project proposal for Madoka Magica's animation."

"Please take some time to review it later."

"Of course," Mihari nodded eagerly, but her curiosity got the better of her.

"Wait… isn't Volume 2 of Madoka Magica not even out yet? How did the decision for an anime adaptation happen so fast?"

In Japan, not every series gets a chance at an anime adaptation.

While animations are mainly for promoting the original work rather than generating direct profits, production companies are still reluctant to invest in something that seems destined to flop.

Sure, there have been rare cases where wealthy fans personally financed animations, but that's about as likely as winning the lottery.

Given Madoka Magica's popularity, Mihari wasn't shocked by the adaptation decision—what stunned her was how quickly it came.

After all, the first volume had just been released last month, and the serialization was only a few chapters in!

It was like skipping appetizers and being served dessert before the main course had even arrived.

Anyone would be bewildered.

Minano, noticing her surprise, offered an explanation with a smile.

"Actually, this isn't that fast."

"Good works have more privileges. Even if a story isn't fully published, it's common to start simultaneous serialization and anime production if the content is promising enough.

"Besides, Akifumi-sensei has already submitted all the story materials to us."

Mihari nodded thoughtfully.

"Right now, Madoka Magica is at peak popularity," Minano continued.

"Since Akifumi-sensei has already brought out a new project, we must seize the momentum."

She laid out the schedule confidently:

"Volume 2 will drop at the end of August, and we're aiming to launch the anime in October. That will undoubtedly fire up fans' enthusiasm and increase sales!"

"And that's not all—we're planning to discuss merchandise collaborations with Akifumi-sensei too."

"Merch-... merchandise?!"

Mihari's eyes widened in shock.

Her head spun from the overwhelming information.

It wasn't her fault that she was acting like this—these were massive developments!

Even senior editors at major publishing houses rarely handled anime adaptations, let alone a rookie like her.

And now she was not only involved in an adaptation but also tasked with merchandise discussions?!

It was surreal.

"Don't worry, Mihari," Minano reassured her with amusement.

"Your primary task is to coordinate and liaise between the teams. Animation and merchandise production have dedicated departments."

No problem! She thought confidently. Coordination? Easy-peasy!

"Got it!" Mihari declared enthusiastically, patting her chest with determination.

But Minano looked at her with some doubt.

"By the way, didn't you say Akifumi-sensei once invited us to dinner, but we missed it due to overtime?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Well please contact Akifumi-sensei and set up a meeting again. We need to discuss these matters face-to-face, and we'll even treat him to dinner this time."

"Got it!"

Leaving Minano's office, Mihari couldn't hide her grin.

"Anime... merchandise... hehehe!"

By 12:20 PM, she couldn't hold back anymore and called Akifumi-sensei.

Before she could speak, a grumpy voice came through the line.

"Do you know how short high school students' lunch breaks are in Japan?" Akifumi-sensei growled.

"You better have a very good reason for calling, or you'll face the consequences!"

Mihari shuddered instinctively, recalling the sheer terror of Akifumi-sensei's past reprimands.

But she wouldn't let that intimidate her.

"P-Please calm down, Akifumi-sensei! I totally understand how precious lunchtime is—I went through that too, remember?"

"I wouldn't disturb you unless it was super important!"

Curse my pride as an editor!

But it's fine. One day, when I become Chief Editor, I'll reclaim everything I've lost!

"Haaaa.... fine. What's the news?" Akifumi's voice softened slightly.

"Madoka Magica is getting an anime adaptation! Plus, some merchandise will be produce!"

Akifumi paused.

"Tell me everything."

Mihari quickly relayed the morning's developments.

"Hmm, I see," Akifumi said thoughtfully.

"I'll let it go this time because of the news. But if you dare disturb my lunch again, you know the consequences!"

Consequences? What consequences?

Even if I were nailed inside a coffin, I would still use my decaying voice to defy you!

"Understood, Akifumi-sensei. I promise not to disturb you during lunch ever again."

As a maturing adult, it's best to keep complaints to oneself.

"When would you be available for a meeting?" she asked.

"I have exams for the next few days. How about Thursday evening?"

The sooner the better, she thought.

"That works! I'll send you the dinner details in advance."

Now she understand.

He probably did poorly on a morning test, which is why he was so grumpy.

Classic student behavior.

Unlike me—a former school genius! Maybe I should flaunt my academic success and tease him a bit...

Mihari's imagination ran wild as she pictured Akifumi prostrating himself, begging her for study tips.

"Kehehehe!" she chuckled mischievously.

......

Akifumi, sensing her growing madness, hung up with a furrowed brow.

What's going on with her? he wondered.

"Maybe the job's stress is messing with her hormones."

Perhaps... I should be nicer next time.

Editors do have a tough job.

Late nights, constant deadlines, no weekends.

"Poor corporate slave," Akifumi sighed, shaking his head before curling back up at his desk.

He blamed the exam for making him sleep too much in the morning—and now the post-lunch drowsiness hit him like a truck.