Aniverse:This Managaka is Black hearted

Black Mangaka 027: Visitors

When the sound in the microphone disappeared, Nakahara Hiroshi put the phone back to his ear and said with a smile:

"According to the editor-in-chief, my manga's situation is a little special, so I plan to publish it as a single volume first, and then serialize it in the magazine."

There's such an option!?

Shizuka Hiratsuka, who had some knowledge of the manga industry, was surprised to hear this.

It sounded reasonable at first, but after thinking about it carefully, something felt off.

That's right!

"If you're going to publish a single volume directly, do you have enough content for it?"

"Don't worry about that, Sensei. I haven't been slacking off this past month. I already have enough content for one volume."

"But there are still a few color illustrations left, so I need to take a day off to complete them. That way, the company can release the volume as soon as possible."

"I see."

Although Hiratsuka now had some understanding of manga, she wasn't deeply familiar with the industry.

As a result, she didn't react much to something that would have shocked anyone else in the field.

"Then work hard! I believe you won the selection award with your own strength!"

"Release the volume as soon as possible to prove yourself and let those guys realize how short-sighted they are!"

Let's be honest—who wouldn't feel a little moved when faced with such unconditional trust?

At the very least, Nakahara Hiroshi was touched.

But...

"I feel like Sensei is particularly resentful today. What's going on?"

It was almost as if she was the one whose work had been criticized.

Hiroshi didn't dwell on it too much. After exchanging a few more words, he hung up the phone.

His gaze returned to the table, cluttered with tools.

There was no way around it—this was going to be a tough battle!

---

When the afternoon sun shone through the gaps in the curtains, Nakahara Hiroshi stood up from his seat and collapsed onto the bed, sprawled out like a starfish.

After coming back from Shueisha yesterday afternoon, he had spent almost the entire time working—aside from the hour or so he took for meals.

Only a sixteen-year-old could pull off such reckless behavior. If he were in his thirties, there was no way he'd have the energy to do this.

Though the moment he finished his work, his whole body relaxed, and the sense of accomplishment was even stronger than—well, let's just say it was very satisfying.

But right after, a wave of emptiness hit him like a tidal wave.

He didn't even want to move a finger.

After lying on the bed for about ten minutes, he finally felt some strength return.

"I really shouldn't do this kind of stupid stuff again."

After all, his body was his own, and he had to take care of it.

Using all his willpower to keep himself from passing out, Nakahara Hiroshi picked up his phone and called Yinsha.

After a few rings, the call connected.

Before Hiroshi could say anything, Yinsha spoke eagerly:

"Teacher Nakahara, is the artwork finished?"

"Yeah, it's done."

A hoarse voice—so rough even Hiroshi himself was surprised—came through the receiver.

"What's up with your voice? Are you sick?"

Yinsha's worried tone came through the phone.

She's more concerned about my health than the manuscript?

"This editor is too incompetent!"

A small smile appeared on Hiroshi's lips.

He swallowed and adjusted his voice a bit. It got slightly better.

"I just pulled an all-nighter. I'm not weak enough to collapse over something like this."

Then, in a casual tone, he added:

"But I don't have the energy to deliver the manuscript myself."

"Eh!? What do we do then? If it's not submitted today, the book's release will be delayed!"

Hiroshi was speechless.

"Can't you think of a solution?"

"What solution—oh! I'll just come over and get it!"

At least she's not completely hopeless.

"Ahaha, sorry, Teacher Nakahara. I got too excited and didn't think straight for a second."

"I'll take a leave of absence and come pick it up! Wait for me!!"

Beep...

Hearing the call disconnect, Hiroshi shook his head helplessly.

"This girl still hasn't learned her lesson."

Even after what happened last time, she still panicked like this. Who knows—she might make another mistake at any moment.

"Maybe I should remind her again later?"

Since her performance was decent this time, I'll go easy on her.

Turning up the volume on his phone to the max, Hiroshi let his thoughts fade into a haze. His eyelids slowly closed...

---

"Teacher Nakahara, are you okay?"

Seeing his pale face, Yinsha asked with concern.

"What's there to be worried about? I just took a nap."

Hiroshi waved his hand nonchalantly before apologizing:

"Sorry for making you wait so long."

He clearly remembered turning his phone volume up to the max before falling asleep.

Yet, he still didn't hear the call.

And apparently, Yinsha had been waiting outside for over half an hour.

While Hiroshi liked to mess with people now and then, it was always in good fun.

Letting someone wait outside for that long felt inconsiderate, even to him.

Even though Yinsha had imagined Hiroshi apologizing, she wasn't exactly happy to see it happen for this reason.

"No, Teacher Nakahara worked all night. It's no big deal for me to wait outside."

"As your editor, I haven't been able to help at all..."

What kind of editor am I if I can't even assist properly?

Hiroshi blinked in confusion.

"You couldn't help? What are you talking about?"

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had the chance to win the award, let alone publish a volume."

"That alone is more than what most editors can say."

Yinsha smiled shyly.

"Eh? Am I really that impressive?"

"Be more confident—drop the 'am I' part."

"You really know how to say nice things!"

Although she sounded like she was complaining, she was clearly happy.

"This girl is so easy to read." Hiroshi found it amusing.

After a moment, Yinsha muttered:

"But anyone could've done that, right?"

"Even if anyone could do it, not everyone would do it."

"That's true!" Yinsha nodded. Maybe she had misjudged him after all.

"This is one of the few redeeming qualities of an editor~"

...

Never mind.

This guy really is insufferable!!

Seeing Hiroshi's smug grin, her good mood vanished instantly.

"You didn't have to say that last part at all!!"

Without wasting time arguing, Yinsha took the manuscript and started reviewing it.

Even though these were just color illustrations without any story panels, it made it easier to appreciate the author's skill.

As expected, Nakahara Hiroshi was incredibly talented. These illustrations were practically collector's items.

"What do you think, Editor Yinsha?"

"The artwork is flawless as always. Amazing!"

But she wasn't letting him off that easily.

"If only Mr. Nakahara treated people as well as he draws!"

Before Hiroshi could respond, Yinsha smirked and quickly added:

"There's still a lot of work waiting for me at the company, so I'll be leaving now!"

This was a total victory for Yinsha!!

Watching her walk off cheerfully, Hiroshi chuckled.

"Since I accidentally troubled her today, I'll let her have this win."

He checked the time on his phone: 15:48.

　"Time flies by so fast."

Hiroshi barely even noticed the passage of time before school was over.

　　Where will the others in the class go to play today?

　　"These guys who squander their youth are really enviable!"

　　Although such a life is enviable, he chooses to sleep.

　　Close the door, lie on the sofa, close your eyes, all in one smooth movement.

　　When Nakahara woke up again, the time was already 17:08! ?

　　? ?

Can't fall asleep??,9f course no!!!

　　"Ding dong, ding dong."

　　The ringing doorbell is the source of all evil!

　　"If I had known this would happen, I would have walked a few more steps back to my room and slept."

　　Even though it's just a wall, Nakahara is confident that he can block out all the noise!