Although the tone was steady, it could not hide the inherent youthful spirit in the voice.
Everyone could tell that this was clearly a voice that had not yet gone through puberty.
Therefore, they confirmed that Old Thief's age was indeed as such.
As for finding someone to play the role?
Don't joke around.
If that were exposed, it would be a huge laughingstock.
Moreover, would attaching the title of a genius really affect the sales of the work itself?
No way!
Unless the author was a cute loli in white stockings, there would be no reason for it.
["Old Thief is really quite young, it seems we'll have to change his name to 'Little Thief' from now on."]
["Don't be silly, 'Old Thief' still sounds more comfortable."]
["Although I didn't see Old Thief's face, I at least remembered his voice. What a pity, though, I can't pinpoint him through his voice."]
["I originally planned to come and mock Old Thief, but then I thought about how he achieved so much at such a young age, a complete winner in life, and I just got incredibly jealous!"]
As everyone was discussing, a bullet comment with gift effects suddenly scrolled across the top of the live stream—
[Go, senior! I'm here to show my support~]
Everyone clicked on it and, surprisingly, found that the user who sent the gift was Kani Nayuta.
["Is it real or fake? Is it Teacher Kani herself?"]
["Teacher Kani, I love your works the most! This is just a misunderstanding here~"]
["Old Thief, stop contacting me, I'm afraid Teacher Kani will misunderstand!"]
["Alright, alright, stop teasing him. Old Thief and Teacher Kani have a good relationship. She gave him recommendations when he first debuted, so it's normal for her to be here!"]
[I'll send one too, supporting Teacher Izumi!]
Someone else sent a gift, and the user's name was also very prominent—Eromanga Sensei.
As an illustrator, Eromanga Sensei's appearance wasn't out of place, because for the author himself, they probably communicate the most.
["Teacher Kani and Eromanga Sensei are both here, so where is Kashiwagi Eri? Is she perhaps busy?"]
["She didn't even come to watch such a rare live interview. Could it be that Kashiwagi Eri has the worst relationship with Old Thief?"]
["Who said that! Not long ago, Old Thief helped Kashiwagi Eri write a script! And Kashiwagi Eri provided crucial initial help to Old Thief… So she must be busy with something and didn't see it!"]
Seeing this, more people in the bullet comments started to stir.
Eriri, who was watching the live stream in her room, couldn't sit still.
Her small fangs showed as she gritted her teeth and said, "Which eye of yours saw that Chihiro and I have a bad relationship?!"
So, she also sent a gift and a bullet comment—
[Celebrating the successful completion of Teacher Izumi's puella magi madoka magica!]
However, the gift she sent was the smallest.
"Anyway, this is an official live stream, and you won't receive it. Besides, just coming to watch is already giving you enough face, isn't it?!"
Eriri muttered to herself.
…
"Oh my, Teacher Izumi's fan club is really something…"
Usami Suzune said playfully, looking at the bullet comments in the live stream.
She turned her head and saw that Muramasa was slightly frowning.
"Muramasa, do you want to try sending a bullet comment too?"
Seeing others show off, as his childhood friend and a fervent fan, she should be unhappy, right?
In terms of status, would Senju Muramasa be inferior to others?
It would definitely make Teacher Izumi flattered, wouldn't it?
"It's meaningless."
Senju Muramasa shook her head.
She was not interested in such 'jealous' actions now.
…
Several acquaintances appeared, and a number of wealthy fans also sent gifts, expressing their congratulations.
"See? This is your popularity, Teacher Izumi! So many people came to watch your interview, and there are even a few old acquaintances… I wonder how you feel now, Teacher?"
Machida Sonoko began to tease him.
Other than Kashiwagi Eri, she was very familiar with everyone, so she acted very close.
"Of course, I'm very touched right now."
Izumi Chihiro replied, "Thank you to all the readers and fans for your support, and thank you to the teachers who sent gifts. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today… So, regarding the nickname 'Old Thief,' I gladly accept it."
["Shameless Old Thief!"]
["Look at you, so arrogant!"]
["You don't think we're praising you, do you? Don't make me sick!"]
["Teacher Izumi's tone is adorably mischievous~"]
["This big sister, I love this kind of shota the most!"]
["Is there a wicked woman in front lusting after Old Thief?!"]
…
"Ahem, back to the main topic, let's officially begin our interview."
Machida Sonoko began to take control, coughing a few times to divert everyone's attention.
"First, after the completion of puella magi madoka magica, what are your thoughts, Teacher?"
…
"How did the Teacher come up with such a story… This style really surprised many people."
…
"As everyone knows, Teacher Izumi was once referred to as the 'lower version of Senju Muramasa.' Does the Teacher feel bothered by such a question?"
He brushed off the first two questions, but when it came to the third question, his attitude became much more serious.
"Regarding this, I was indeed a little frustrated when I first heard it… However, as an excellent creator, to resolve such controversy, it is undoubtedly to strengthen one's own abilities and change their perceptions! You see, isn't this saying mentioned less frequently recently? Doesn't that mean my writing skills have indeed improved a lot, changing those people's impressions of me?"
Izumi Chihiro gave his heartfelt answer.
"No matter how many times, I always appreciate your professional attitude, Teacher."
Machida Sonoko smiled with satisfaction.
Several bullet comments flashed across the top of the screen.
["Senior is unique and irreplaceable!"]
["Izumi is not a substitute for anyone!"]
["Anyone who believes such a notion is a fool with no independent thought!"]
Clearly, these were words of defense from those three.
"Is that so?"
Senju Muramasa's expression was a little grim.
"Hmm, I have indeed heard such talk," Usami Suzune mused.
"I'm sorry!"
Senju Muramasa pursed her lips, feeling deeply guilty.
She had become a light novelist under his influence, and her works unconsciously mimicked his habits.
But because of it, he had to endure such public opinion…
"Hanna, it's not your fault! Don't overthink it! It's clearly the fault of those who speak ill of him! You're just creating your own work, and besides, look at Izumi's calm tone, he's clearly not affected."
Usami Suzune tried to console her.
Senju Muramasa remained silent, her expression softening slightly.
If she ever had the chance in the future, she would definitely apologize in person!
She thought to herself.