["Hmm? Everyone's storyline is pretty much over, even Homura Akemi's story has been told. There shouldn't be anything left to say, right? Or is the Old Thief preparing to follow others and just churn out a volume for now?"]
["Looking at the title of this volume, Madoka is finally going to become a magical girl! The book's title is exactly this, but I didn't expect to wait so long. My patience has truly worn thin…"]
["According to the previous reincarnation process, Madoka will immediately turn into a witch after becoming a magical girl. So this is just a tragedy, just as Kyubey said, to sacrifice for this universe?"]
["Old Thief, step up your game! It's time to stop! It can't be that even Madoka will have a tragic ending, right? If that's the case, Homura Akemi wouldn't have any reason to live either, and committing suicide would be a matter of course… Oh no, it's really a total annihilation ending!"]
["Wuwuwu, does anyone know the Old Thief's real identity? I really want to grab him by the collar and have a friendly chat with him…"]
["Please, Izumi-sensei! At least give the living a good ending! And while you're at it, deal with Kyubey – by a female fan who only likes magical girls."]
["Ah! I really don't dare to read this volume!"]
["My heart is already starting to ache."]
["Don't worry, everyone, it's not the final volume yet – maybe there's still a twist? Believe in the Old Thief, he can create miracles!"]
In the comment section, there were continuous laments and complaints.
Anyone who didn't know better would think they were about to enter an execution ground.
Izumi Chihiro also felt quite 'moved,' the smile on his face becoming even more obvious.
"Don't worry, everyone has a bright future, although the outcome may not necessarily be as satisfactory as one wishes…"
He didn't know how long he had been reading when he heard Kani Nayuta's call again.
"Senior, come over~"
…
"What were you two talking about just now? Did you argue? Why are your faces flushed?"
Izumi Chihiro, somewhat surprised, sat back down next to Eriri, looking at the unusual expressions of the girl opposite him and his childhood friend, his own expression puzzled.
"Hehehe, I just had a very friendly discussion with Kashiwagi Eri-sensei, which led to a moment of excitement…"
Kani Nayuta said with a beaming smile.
"Mhm mhm, Nayuta-sensei and I hit it off immediately. I truly love her work."
Eriri nodded repeatedly.
"Me too."
Kani Nayuta responded similarly.
Izumi Chihiro's expression grew even stranger.
Initially, her attitude was very dismissive.
Even until just now, she seemed completely out of place.
In the blink of an eye, she became so friendly…
Is this what women are like?
They are truly unfathomable.
What exactly did these two talk about?
He suddenly wanted to know.
However, after a moment's thought, given Eriri's love for silver season, as long as she was willing to humble herself, Nayuta would easily connect with her.
He came up with a reasonable explanation.
The conversation ended.
"Goodbye, Senior."
Despite her reluctance, Kani Nayuta still waved goodbye.
After the conversation with Eriri just now, a plan had silently formed in her heart.
She felt like she still had a chance.
Leaving aside personality for a moment, just in terms of figure, she was also more well-endowed. If they were to date, the experience would be completely different, right?
After interacting with the girl who had the closest relationship with her senior, she finally gained a bit more confidence, and her mood brightened considerably.
"Hmm, what should I do next? Oh, right, I've never appreciated Kashiwagi Eri-sensei's works before. Since I'm already out today, I'll buy a few before heading back…"
Because of this decision, the young girl was about to enter a new world.
…
"By the way, Eriri, what were you two talking about just now? Your relationship seems to have gotten so much better."
On the way home, Izumi Chihiro asked about this topic.
"A girl's secret, Chihiro, why are you asking? If you want to know, go ask Nayuta-sensei. She should be completely obedient to you."
Eriri snorted with a proud hum.
"Completely obedient? Nayuta isn't my doll to be controlled at will."
Izumi Chihiro stated.
Therefore, he would instead be considerate of certain aspects.
"I… I was just saying that casually. After all, you've helped her so much, so it's only natural for her to show that kind of attitude."
Eriri's tone suddenly softened.
"Heh, I didn't expect Eriri to have such a considerate day. It really opens my eyes."
Izumi Chihiro's expression was as if he had seen something strange and peculiar.
"What are you saying, Imimuwakanai! I've always been very considerate, okay? I helped you out a lot back then, don't be ungrateful, baka!"
Eriri puffed out her cheeks, stretched out her arm, and playfully punched him in the waist.
"Ouch…"
He rubbed his abdomen.
"Too fake!"
Eriri looked at him with disdain.
"By the way, I've helped you more times, okay?"
Izumi Chihiro then retorted, and then spoke again, "Oh, isn't that Nishikino's catchphrase? Eriri, you've learned it too."
"That's enough! I didn't deliberately learn to talk like that woman!"
Eriri shook her twin tails, her attitude clearly showing.
Being tsundere, they would indeed repel each other.
Even after some interaction, it was still the same.
"I know, I know."
He could only interpret it as:
Clearly understanding, yet pretending not to… That's indeed what this type of personality likes to do.
Of course, others sometimes do this too, as tsundere is also human nature.
After walking a bit further.
"Um, I saw some comments online asking me to ask you… your puella magi madoka magica's fifth volume, it doesn't seem to be the final volume, right? Has it not ended yet?"
Eriri hesitantly asked this question.
Just like the saying, 'I have a friend,' she found a perfectly legitimate reason.
Izumi Chihiro didn't mind, and casually said, "It's finished."
"Then why isn't it marked?"
Eriri continued to press.
"Because it's not completely finished yet."
He then added.
"Huh?"
Eriri suddenly startled and said, "Is there a side story? Are you planning to put it in the main story?"
"Of course not, Fujikawa Bunko just wants to create some buzz."
Izumi Chihiro explained the reason.
His manuscript had already been given to Machida Sonoko, and after hearing his explanation of the later plot, she arranged a small publicity stunt to build anticipation for the subsequent content.
"I see, so they're playing that game…"
After hearing this, Eriri had no difficulty understanding Fujikawa Bunko's approach.
The 'final volume' indicator could be on the physical book, while online it would be treated as a staff error, thereby generating buzz, especially after puella magi madoka magica ends, suddenly releasing news of a side story would make it even more topical.