Kana Sada brought the two of them to the conference room on this floor and knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in." A familiar voice responded.
It was Yukinoshita Haruno's voice.
Sada Kana opened the door, then stepped aside and glanced at the two behind her.
Yukinoshita Yukino gave Akira a brief look.
Akira made a small, gentlemanly gesture of invitation.
Yukino rolled her eyes at him, said nothing more, and walked into the conference room.
Akira followed behind her, calm as ever.
There were at least a dozen, with all the key figures being present.
Kanae Takahashi was slightly stunned when she saw Akira and Yukino enter together.
Akira gave her a reassuring smile.
Around, Kanae were three other people, all very young and clearly nervous. They seemed to be the main members of the Third Animation Studio.
Meanwhile, the people from the other two studios stood in clear, divided camps.
"You're the author of Madoka Magica, aren't you?" The middle-aged man closest to Haruno stood up.
He wore a suit and glasses, looking less like an animator and more like a strict office worker.
"This is the director of the First Animation Production Studio, Mr. Niino Haruto," Kana Sada introduced quickly.
"Hello. I'm Akira Fujimiya, the author of Madoka Magica." Akira extended his hand politely.
Though Niino Haruto's expression was serious, he still shook hands firmly with Akira.
"I am confident I can make Madoka Magica into a high-quality animation. Your investment is sufficient. Leave the production to me, and I'll guarantee you a completed work of the highest standard." Haruto's voice was low but filled with conviction.
Akira's gaze flickered briefly toward Kanae Takahashi before answering.
"I believe in your ability…" His voice was calm.
Kanae lowered her head, uncertain of her own thoughts.
"Then why refuse me?" Haruto asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Because this story was created for a girl. I want to be involved in the production, and I want this animation to be carried out by young animators with dreams." Akira's words weren't loud, but every syllable carried clearly across the conference room.
Yukinoshita Haruno smiled faintly.
Niino Haruto's stern expression shifted with surprise.
Yukino glanced sideways at Akira, her expression complicated.
Kanae Takahashi raised her head, her face filled with disbelief.
The room fell silent.
After several seconds, Haruto finally reacted.
"You're going to ruin this production," he said flatly.
"If this succeeds, would you serve as deputy supervisor on my next project?" Akira asked slowly.
Haruto was momentarily stunned. Then, after some thought, he nodded.
"If Madoka Magica succeeds under your leadership, I'll be deputy director on your next work. But if you fail, I'll take over and remake it myself—so long as you provide the investment."
"Thank you." Akira bowed politely.
While, Haruto's voice grew firm, almost thunderous. "I don't want interference from anyone in my productions—not even original authors. I want results, not empty dreams. If you want my recognition, then let your work speak for itself."
Akira only smiled.
Without another word, Niino Haruto turned and left the room.
The members of Studio One followed him, then glanced at Haruno for acknowledgment.
"You may go," Haruno said with a serene smile.
They bowed and exited.
After the first studio left, Akira turned his eyes toward the second group.
"Director Niino has always been like that. Many talented young animators have lost heart under him."
The woman in a long skirt stood, chuckled, and glanced at Kanae.
"This is the director of the Second Animation Production Studio, Ms. Tamura Wakana," Sada introduced.
She looked young, though her light makeup suggested she was likely in her thirties.
"I've read your script. It's very good. But I'm not suited for this particular project, so I won't take it on. However, I can offer advice, and when the product is finished, I'll be glad to give feedback." Wakana said kindly.
"Thank you for your kindness." Akira bowed.
"Still," Wakana smiled, "Kanae here is one of the young animators I have the highest hopes for. Her drawing skills are top-class in the industry."
"She's my teacher," Akira said softly. "She taught me how to draw manga."
Wakana's expression brightened with understanding, then she turned to Haruno.
"Forgive me, Miss Yukinoshita, but our studio has other commitments. We'll be leaving."
"Of course," Haruno replied.
The members of the Second Studio bowed and followed Wakana out.
Now, only the Third Studio remained.
Akira sat across from Kanae Takahashi, who stared at him with a mix of emotions—gratitude, embarrassment, and lingering regret.
She finally understood.
Niino's harsh words back then weren't targeted at her personally; he was simply that uncompromising as a director.
Kanae remembered her time as a promising graduate, bursting with confidence. At Studio One, she had voiced her opinions boldly, only to be met with Haruto's cold, cutting words. At the time, she thought of them as cruel.
But now she realized he had merely spoken the truth. She was a novice daring to challenge one of the best in the industry. The fact that he hadn't thrown her out outright was already merciful.
Her spirit had dimmed after that, her passion for animation waning. If Akira hadn't appeared, she might have faded into just another nameless animator.
Akira's voice cut into her thoughts. "Don't look at me like that. This is my script, and some character designs. And this—" he gestured toward Yukino— "is the animation director."
"Animation director?" Kanae's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Hello. I'm Yukinoshita Yukino. Please take care of me." Yukino's tone was steady, her expression unshaken.
"P-Please… take care of me." Kanae stammered, still stunned by the name.
Akira added. "She's a genius. She'll have no problem as animation director. And if there's a problem, I'll solve it. You can focus on your work."
"I… I understand." Kanae whispered, though doubt still lingered in her eyes.
Akira turned to Haruno. Matters were effectively settled; all that remained was her decision.
Haruno smiled, glanced at her silent sister, then looked away.
"Then, the production of Madoka Magica will be entrusted to the Third Animation Studio. Ms. Sada, bring the prepared documents."
"Yes." Kana bowed and left the room.
Kanae lowered her gaze and began reviewing the script and designs.
Meanwhile, Akira rose, poured coffee, and set a cup in front of Yukino.
She accepted it wordlessly, her expression calm.
"Director Yukinoshita," Akira said lightly, smirking "don't let me down."
"Are you referring to the animation… or something else?" Yukino asked coldly.
"Why not both. I hope this project succeeds, and I hope someday I can rest my head on your lap." Akira whispered lightly.
Yukino's cheeks flushed faintly, but her voice remained firm. "As long as I decide to do something well, I won't fail."
"Is that so?" Akira smiled.
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "What is your relationship with Kanae?"
"I told you already. She was my teacher in manga."
"Her eyes don't look like that. They're the same as Yuigahama-san's," Yukino murmured, her gaze lingering on Kanae.
Akira didn't answer. He only sipped his coffee, his expression unreadable.
Moments later, Kana Sada returned with the contracts.
Akira and Yukino each read carefully, then signed.
Akira's 100 million yen transferred instantly into the company account.
Kana Sada glanced at his balance, her eyes widening in shock before she quickly looked away.
....
Production officially began —
Though on paper it would take three months for a 12-episode series, most studios worked episode by episode, waiting for funds and audience reception.
But here, with Akira and Yukino's full investment, the Third Studio could finally work without fear.
Kanae Takahashi, as team leader, began selecting staff—matching skills, styles, and roles. The studio was filled with hidden talent, waiting for their chance to shine.
Akira borrowed a laptop to explore the software he would need. Yukino quietly read a book—the published interview records of Director Niino Haruto.
The wait was long, but neither of them was bored.
Both were preparing for the challenge ahead.
...
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