That weekend, outside the first-no, the world's first-physical store dedicated to anime merchandise in Ishtar, chaos reigned.
"Hey! Don't push from the back!"
"Damn it! Hey, you there! Don't cut in line, or I swear I'll-"
"Is there no law anymore? Where's the law?"
"There are way too many people! I got here at six in the morning, and the line's already spilling out into the entire square!"
"Six in the morning? That's nothing. I got here at four!"
"If you cut in line, your mom's groceries will go up in price!"
"Move aside, old people, I want to see Gin-Samaaaaaa!"
The massive crowd filled the square completely, leaving passersby-elderly men and women alike-staring in disbelief. Could it be a new iPhone launch?
When the store's doors opened promptly at nine, those at the front of the line caught sight of the soul behind the Bleach series-Sosuke Aizen-oh no, Alex-making his entrance. Some instinctively stepped back and broke into a cold sweat; after witnessing Hinamori Momo being stabbed so sadistically, there was no way to look at Alex and feel okay.
The front rows erupted in deafening cheers, the excitement almost unbearable.
Alex watched the crowd from the doorway, expression unreadable. Of course, he was pleased to see so many fans-not just because of the money they brought, but because it meant recognition for his work, validation of all the effort he had poured into the series.
But there was a problem.
His eyes scanned the crowd. There was Mark, flanked by Bruce Walts, Talita, and Geórgia. On Emily's side stood Jack Creed, Joe Sullivan, and Jasper. And also Rebeca Verne, Terry, and Sam.
Even the famous producer known as "Master Helio" appeared, accompanied by his wife, a former model still married to him. This guy had the uncanny ability to show up everywhere at once, always ready to make a scene or lend a "helping hand"-or, more accurately, to make sure everyone saw how supportive he was.
Alex raised an eyebrow, slightly amused and incredulous. He had only invited the Bleach crew to show some support. How could it feel like half of the entertainment industry had turned up?
The scene reminded him of Master Helio's wedding to "Big Baby" two years ago-his networking skills were terrifying. And here I am, just opening a little merchandise store to make some cash. Why is everyone showing up? Did someone leak something?
Do I even know all these people?
In the end, it all came down to one fact: Bleach was extremely popular. Its impact vaguely reminded him of the sensation caused by Princess Pearl twenty years ago. Well… not exactly. That one had the advantage of being local and having universal, family-friendly appeal.
Bleach's main audience ranged from post-80s to post-00s, mostly under forty, yet it still left its mark, comparable to Alex's major hit ten years ago, The Legend of Last Knight. Even outsiders, upon seeing that Alex had achieved such success with his first self-written, self-directed project, naturally looked for ways to cozy up to him.
This wasn't some low-tier urban novel where everyone hated the protagonist. No, everyone wanted a piece of the action.
Well, then, let them come.
Alex had originally planned to bring just a few main actors, sign a handful of autographs for the fans, and leave. But with so many stars present, why not let them sign too? After all, he wasn't paying anyone, and if the wolves wanted meat, let them hunt.
When Alex officially announced the store's opening, the crowd surged inside like a tidal wave. Initially, many fans hadn't planned to spend much-they only wanted to snap a few photos and leave. But the presence of so many stars offering autographs convinced even the hesitant to open their wallets.
The sheer number of people in line only added to the frenzy. Those watching others take photos quickly grew impatient and started shouting:
"Move out of the way! If you're not buying, get lost!"
"Taking pictures? Do you know how many people are in line behind you?"
"If I don't get my Zanpakutō today, I swear I'll-"
"Check-in photos? Get lost! Stop wasting everyone's time!"
Alex, signing autographs, couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed by the fans' aggressive enthusiasm. Being an anime fan wasn't always as idyllic as it seemed.
"Ms. Naya, I'm your fan. Which character did you play in Bleach?" asked a girl who looked like a high school student, holding a poster out to Naya, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Uh…" Naya hesitated, pen in hand, clearly embarrassed.
"She didn't even act in the show. She's just here to ride the hype," Alex commented with the most nonchalant expression, signing the captain's haori a male fan handed him.
The girl's face immediately flushed with indignation. From a distance, Mark couldn't help but chuckle quietly, though he didn't intervene. After all, everyone he brought was clearly trying to cut in line.
The stars from Aurora Entertainment weren't much better. About ninety percent of the celebrities present were clearly just there to get ahead.
Hours passed.
From a distance, the area around the merchandise store was packed with young people dressed in Soul Reaper uniforms. Countless fans brandished the wooden Zanpakutō they had just bought, reenacting iconic lines from the series:
"Scatter! Senbonzakura!"
"Take this! Kuchiki Byakuya! Getsuga Tenshō!"
"My Kyōka Suigetsu, ability: Complete Hypnosis!"
"Pfft! Not even close! Aizen doesn't look that ugly-at least he looks human!"
"Are you kidding? You really think you're like Kuchiki Byakuya?"
Some even staged mock battles with their wooden swords, quickly stopped by traffic officers. The replicas weren't even made of steel-they were wood, painted with a special finish that made them look metallic. Otherwise, even without sharp edges, Alex wouldn't have dared sell them so openly under weapons control laws.