Titus gestured for Menma and Mikoto to take seats at a table near the window. Steam curled from freshly poured tea, and a set neatly arranged snacks was placed by them. High sunlight filtered through the glass windows, illuminating the sunlight on the inside of the shop. A warm sunlight pattern casted across the wood and books.
"Menma. This must be your mother, Menma," Titus said kindly, placing his hands by his sides, and slightly bowing. "Ms. Uzumaki, you must be very proud. Such literary talent at such a young age is a extremely rare treasure."
Mikoto flushed slightly and shook her head. "Oh, no, no. I'm not his mother. You can think of me more as… a guardian."
Menma glanced at her, a quiet longing in his gaze. To him, Mikoto was the closest thing he had to a mother in this life. The word lingered unspoken on his tongue, heavy with meaning. One day, he will have to let her know how much she means to him. One day, he will have to say it properly, before it's too late. But right now it still feels to soon.
Titus cleared his throat, realizing the moment he had mis interrupted. "Ah, my apologies. Then please let us continue."
He lifted the first manuscript. I was still surprise when my daughter told me a toddler wrote these, but when I read. "Che Heart: The Demon Slayer. I was on the edge of my seat. A swordsman born unable to use ninjutsu, and worked heard and managed to inherited a special power through hardship. With the secret's of his bloodline slowly revealed. Fighting a secret demonic organization to save his sister. And working with a large cast of character just for a for to die. In a heartfelt way." Titus nodded thoughtfully.
"The cast is strong and diverse. I know some people will get attached to a few of them, and will hate some of them dyeing. But over all the story is well paced You allow Che to struggle, to fail, and grow alongside his brothers-in-arms. The fact that you're not afraid to kill characters when the story demands it. Makes the story feel like it has stakes and is relatable."
Titus paused, tapping the page lightly. "The female characters are beautifully, described well, and are powerful , while also supporting the male cast. But sometimes they occupy a bit too much of the center stage. You may want to reconsider that."
Menma shook his head calmly. "No, sir. Those female character's are important in their current roles."
Titus blinked. "Pardon?"
"I won't change that," Menma said evenly.
Titus face had frowned slightly. " Listen Menma I telling you this for your own good. Some readers, mostly a male audience which your books would gravitate to, might not appreciate powerful female characters, stealing the show. Maybe a powerful support character, that's beautiful and falls in love with the MC. But not all these woman that you written. Some also come off a little to independent or annoying."
Across the table, Yuna and Mikoto shared the exact same look, one of disbelief. In both of their minds, the same word formed at once. Ignorant Jerk! The two ladies looked at each other and without a single word. Gave a silent nod to one another. An ally was founded today.
Menma met Titus's gaze without hesitation. "They're important for story in later volumes."
Titus's eyes widened from hearing that statement. Yuna leaned forward even more interested. "Later volumes? You're writing more?"
Menma nodded. " I am already in the middle of the next one. So expect at least four total." Titus chuckled, raising his head with the thought, about how far this book could go. "Very well. I'll reserve further judgment until I've read the rest later."
He then picked up the second manuscript. "Now this story. Escanor: The Prideful Berserker. This one is… unusual. A weak and humble almost pitiful man by night, yet invincible and overwhelming by day so long as the sun shines. Each chapter is a short story, yet together they build a large world. And really show a lot of sides of the man. He's prideful, yes, but never cruel to those weaker him, and loyal to his friends day or night."
Yuna nodded eagerly. "I found him incredibly sympathetic and inspiring. He stands tall, but never looks down on those he calls friends or family. And god help you if you hurt those he's loves."
Titus smiled. "Do you plan to write more of him?"
"Only one or two more volumes," Menma replied.
"Then let us proceed," Titus said, gesturing to Yuna. She then stepped to the back of the room. She returned moments later with a contract. "This is our standard agreement with new writer's. We'll handle publication and distribution. You have to meet certain deadline with new chapters or the novel it self. Forty percent of the profits goes toward recouping expenses. Things like ink, paper, and paying merchants to deliver and distribute them in their stores. And ten percent as our profit."
Menma glanced at Mikoto. She shook her head. "Excuse me mr.And merchandising?" Mikoto asked calmly. "Illustrations, adaptations, other media?"
Titus raised an eyebrow. He probably didn't think Mikoto knew about stuff like that. Menma didn't know this either. "Those matters are usually discussed later."
Menma finally spoke. "They won't be later for me. I want it and everything else in writing. I also want a clause preventing my work from being altered or stolen."
Titus's lips curved into a grin. " Your a sharp kid. Fine I will have it done."
After some back and forth on the rights, and Yuna was revising the contract. Her pen moving swiftly. Minutes later, she returned with a clean copy.
Menma and Mikoto reviewed it carefully. Mikoto nodded in approval. Menma signed the contract and extended his hand. Titus shook it firmly.
The two bowed and departed together. As the door closed, Titus exhaled. "Let's move forward with these immediately, after lunch." Yuna nodded. "Yes, father."
Titus leaned back. "So that was Menma Uzumaki. The rumors about him were completely wrong. "
Yuna tilted her head. "Rumors?"
Titus sighed. " That's right. You were away from the village for years, living at a costal village with your mother. You don't remember how people spoke after the Nine-Tails attack."
Yuna's expression darkened. "I remember… the deaths. The Fourth Hokage and his wife."
Titus lowered his voice. " Listen closely to what I'm about to say and don't repeat it to anyone. That boy is the vessel of the nine tails demon. And the village hates him for it. The adults and children blame him for the deaths the demon caused. "
Yuna's eyes widened in horror. "They hate a child… for something he didn't do."
"Yes," Titus said quietly. "And if nothing changes… they may one day might regret it."
That boy's eyes are cold and hide a lot of things. I seen many people in my life and can read there intentions. You can also tell who person is from the stories they write. The hero represents their most ideal version, and the villains, are their struggles personified. That boy is no different, but he is more ambiguous. He stared at the door long after they were gone. That child knows exactly where he stands… and yet he moves like someone already in control.
The sun was low when Menma returned to his apartment with Mikoto. "I could have walked you home instead," Menma said politely.
Mikoto laughed softly. "When you're older you can, you can even carry the groceries to." Menma nodded solemnly. "It's a deal."
At the door, Shisui waited. "Shisui-sensei?" Menma said somewhat surprised.
Shisui smiled. "Lady Mikoto, and Menma. How did it go?"
Mikoto inclined her head. " I believe you and Menma can discuss this together. I'll leave you two to talk." She then turned toward home, pausing briefly. "Goodnight, Menma."
"Goodnight," Menma replied. Later, alone in his room, Menma lay on his bed with a book resting on his chest. His thought's raced. With Lord Fugaku becoming Hokage… I could get my hands on Minato's scrolls, and the Uzumaki sealing techniques.
I think the latter will be easier, then Fugaku giving me the scrolls for the Flying Raijin scrolls to learn.
For now I need to rest, I can ask tomorrow.