Aniverse:This Managaka is Black hearted

Black Mangaka 025: Social Interaction

"Although those who have read the subsequent content know that this work is no longer just a simple magical girl theme, offering instead a fresh perspective and unique solution for the genre, outsiders remain unaware of this."

"The length of each work in Weekly Shonen Jump is predetermined. No matter who the author is, each chapter is limited to 20 pages, except for occasional special issues with a few extra pages.

"So, it will take about a month and a half before the sixth episode of Madoka Magica is published!"

"With such a delay, the readers' patience will likely wear thin, causing the reputation of Madoka Magica to plummet. Whether the subsequent plot can redeem its standing remains to be seen."

"After careful consideration by the editorial board, we propose that, if you agree and have enough manuscripts, we release the contents as a single volume first and then serialize it in Weekly Shonen Jump.

"What do you think of this proposal?"

At first glance, this plan seemed somewhat outrageous.

Who would care about buying a single volume of an un-serialized work that hadn't yet gained popularity?

For light novels, readers can usually preview some content online, giving them something to anticipate.

But for manga, with nothing available to preview, the situation seemed riskier.

However—this is all based on the assumption that the work has no reputation.

In the case of Madoka Magica, its fame—negative as it might be—is already significant.

It's like the old saying: "It doesn't matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice, it's a good cat."

The negativity around the series was merely the result of online chatter being manipulated by a few individuals.

Once readers experience Madoka Magica in full, they will surely be captivated, throwing themselves into the arms of the Great Madoka God!

"A 36-page single volume would cost around 400 yen. At 8% royalties for a new author, this means a profit of 32 yen per copy!"

"Printing 10,000 copies would generate 320,000 yen!"

"Considering how outstanding Madoka Magica is, it's not impossible for its sales to exceed one million copies within a year. That would translate to 32 million yen in royalties!"

"In comparison, the standard serialization fee of 15,000 yen per chapter would require you to draw 2,134 pages to match that sum."

Realizing the opportunity in front of him, Nakahara Hiroshi smiled. "This is an incredible offer. How could I possibly say no?"

The editor, Yinsha, was not surprised by Hiroshi's response. It was clear that nobody would refuse such a lucrative deal.

However, there was one last critical point to confirm before finalizing the agreement.

"Mr. Nakahara, you've mentioned before that Madoka Magica already has more than ten chapters completed. To avoid any mishaps, I must confirm this again: do you have enough manuscripts ready to publish as a single volume?"

This proposal was meant to address the current situation, and if it took another half month to complete the manuscripts, the whole plan would fall apart.

Hiroshi's smile grew brighter. "Editor Yinsha, rest assured. Not only do I have enough for one volume, but I could easily supply more!"

2:50 PM, Shueisha Headquarters, Fifth Floor

Arriving on time for the Tezuka Award ceremony, Hiroshi noticed the decorations turning the floor into a makeshift banquet hall.

Having only been informed of the event that morning, Hiroshi hadn't had much time to prepare. His attire was simple: a white T-shirt and black trousers—the best he could manage as an ordinary college student with no formal suit.

"Shouldn't events like these be announced earlier?" he muttered. "Was the notice overlooked by someone incompetent, or was this intentional?"

Given Yinsha's personality, Hiroshi suspected the former.

When he entered the hall, all eyes turned toward him.

Was it because of his casual attire?

Or were they shocked at how young he looked?

Hiroshi, however, remained unfazed. Mentally in his 30s and having experienced numerous ups and downs, he had long outgrown the insecurity of caring about appearances.

Grabbing a drink from a passing waiter, he casually surveyed the hall before walking over to Yinsha, his only acquaintance in the room.

"Sorry about this," Yinsha said apologetically, glancing at Hiroshi's outfit.

Ah, so the case was solved—this had indeed been another one of Yinsha's blunders.

"Forget the apology," Hiroshi replied nonchalantly, "but when do you plan to repay me for the meal you owe me?"

Yinsha gave him a pitiful look. "With a 1 million yen bonus and royalties coming from the single volume's publication… can you really make a poor editor like me foot the bill?"

"Of course not…" Hiroshi began, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "…but there's nothing more satisfying than spending someone else's hard-earned money on food."

"You're the devil," Yinsha muttered with a defeated expression.

3:00 PM

The ceremony lasted over half an hour, involving the usual formalities.

As the recipient of a Selected Award, Hiroshi received the Tezuka Cup, a certificate, a commemorative shield, and the promise of a 1 million yen bonus.

Of course, a photoshoot was also inevitable.

Being a high school student winner after eight years, with a good public image to boot, Hiroshi was a perfect candidate for publicity.

The photos would likely be released alongside the single volume.

Hiroshi sighed, feeling a twinge of regret.

"How am I going to explain this to Eriri later?"

To avoid drawing attention from people around him, Hiroshi had initially planned to downplay his award.

However, things had not gone as expected.

"I guess I'll have to find a way to ease her into the truth," Hiroshi muttered.

Yinsha interrupted his thoughts. "Anything else? If not, are you leaving already?"

Hiroshi smirked. "Do you think anyone here actually wants to talk to me?"

The crowd's wary, skeptical expressions were proof enough. The theme of Madoka Magica, combined with Hiroshi's youthful appearance, only fueled their doubts.

"Neon colleagues rely on connections," Yinsha reminded him. "Networking is important."

"True, but look at them. Their pride won't let them approach me."

Yinsha folded her arms and muttered, "I'll review your manuscripts soon. Let's aim to get the single volume published quickly."

"Good. But next time, don't forget important details like this ceremony." Hiroshi smirked and left, ignoring Yinsha's exasperated sigh.