Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

For today's book signing event, the bookstore made a few small adjustments after closing last night.

As fans enter through the main entrance, they are guided to the first station, where both the collector's and standard editions of Madoka Magica Volumes 1 and 2 are displayed for purchase.

Of course, buying a copy isn't mandatory—fans are welcome to bring their previously purchased books to get them signed by Akifumi.

The signing area is set up in a spot originally reserved for featured books, which has now been cleared to make space.

A long table, draped in a red cloth, now sits in its place, where Akifumi is stationed to interact with fans and sign their books.

Near the exit, various Madoka Magica-related merchandise is displayed for fans who want to take home a little extra.

That's the basic layout of the event.

Once the staff announces the start, Akifumi, seated at the signing table, welcomes his first fan.

She's a young girl with braided hair, square-framed glasses, and a sprinkle of freckles.

She looks rather ordinary—someone you'd easily pass by on the street.

As she steps closer and sees Akifumi in person, her expression shifts to one of visible shock.

Then, as she stands before him, a soft blush creeps onto her face, and she nervously stammers, her voice filled with excitement,

"U-Um… Are you the Warrior of Love and Hope-sensei!?"

Akifumi chuckles. "I doubt the staff would let an imposter take my seat, right?"

"Pfft—" The girl, who had been nervous just moments ago, can't help but giggle.

Akifumi grins. "See? No need to be so tense. If anything, I should be the nervous one—you guys are the reason I can do what I love!"

"No way!" The girl immediately refutes his words, her eyes shining.

"I've always been a really insecure person," she confesses.

"But when I read Madoka Magica, I saw myself in Homura Akemi. She helped me change so much. I even made friends at school because of her!"

"So I've always wanted to thank you in person. I'm so grateful for this opportunity!"

Akifumi listens, touched by her words.

"I never expected my work to have that kind of impact… Hearing that it helped you means the world to me."

This isn't just polite talk—it's his genuine feelings.

He smiles warmly and asks, "So, where would you like me to sign?"

"Here!" She eagerly hands him her collector's edition copy.

With practiced elegance, Akifumi writes four bold characters on the page: "Love & Hope."

"Huh? Not 'Warrior'?" she asks, surprised.

Akifumi shakes his head.

"Because Love & Hope is what I wish for my work—and for all of you."

"For us?"

"No matter what happens, I hope you always hold on to love and hope."

The girl's eyes light up. "Yes! I've received your blessing loud and clear! Thank you so much!!"

"And thank you for coming today," Akifumi replies, handing her a small Madoka Magica merchandise gift—an adorable figure of Mami Tomoe.

"Kawaii!" she exclaims in delight.

Watching her reaction, Akifumi feels a small pang of guilt. After all, he knows what happens to Mami…

'I just hope you'll still find her cute after you learn the truth…' he thinks to himself, but outwardly, he simply smiles and says,

"I'm glad you like it."

Not wanting to take up too much time, the girl steps back with a slight hint of reluctance.

"There are so many people waiting… I shouldn't take up too much of your time."

She waves as she leaves.

"Goodbye, Sensei! I'll always support you!"

Akifumi nods and smiles.

"I'll do my best to meet your expectations."

As the girl walks away, he exhales in relief.

"For a socially anxious person like me, this is kind of exhausting…" he muses.

But…

"This book signing is actually more enjoyable than I expected."

His thoughts are interrupted as the next fan steps forward.

Then another.

And another.

The line keeps moving, filled with people—both men and women—each carrying different emotions in their eyes: excitement, admiration… jealousy?

Wait… why jealousy?

Oh. It's a guy.

Are they jealous of my good looks and my talent?

Well, blame fate for that.

It's not my fault the goddess in charge of reincarnation was feeling generous!

With that thought, he puts on his best professional smile and greets the next fan.

Meanwhile, the first girl who got her book signed hasn't left yet.

She's been intercepted by the other fans waiting in line.

"So? Is Sensei handsome in person?"

"Is he really as kind as they say?"

"Wait—he's actually a high schooler?!"

One skeptical fan scoffs.

"Yeah, right. There's no way someone can be both ridiculously good-looking and an amazing artist. I love Sensei's work, but let's be real—fantasy and reality are totally different things."

Hearing those words, the girl—who had been nervous just minutes ago—suddenly flares up in defense.

"You're wrong!" she snaps.

"Sensei is super handsome! He's way better looking than any guy at our school!"

"He's mature, charismatic, and incredibly kind!"

"I was shocked at first too—I couldn't believe he'd be that good-looking! But it was like he read my mind. He made a little joke to ease my nerves, and it worked perfectly!"

"He's even more amazing than I imagined—no, beyond my imagination!!"

Having said all that in one breath, she suddenly realizes how passionate she sounds.

Her face turns bright red, and before anyone can respond, she quickly scurries away.

The remaining fans exchange glances.

"Wait… seriously?!"

"Weren't you the one who asked if he was handsome?"

"I was just asking casually! There's no way someone could be that perfect. But now… I'm kind of curious."

"Same! That kind of reaction has to be genuine."

"Though, honestly, she might have exaggerated a bit."

"Well, we'll find out soon enough! It's almost our turn!"

"I can't wait!"

"Ehehe~"

The excited chatter continues—completely oblivious to a certain someone standing nearby, watching with an expression of pure irritation.

"That idiot…"

Eriri grumbles under her breath, arms crossed.

Why does he have to be so nice to some random girl he just met?!

Even though she wasn't there to see it firsthand, the way that girl had glowed while talking about him painted a pretty clear picture in her mind.

Beside her, Shiina Mahiru chuckles at Eriri's jealous pout.

"Well, she is his fan, isn't she?"

"Even so, he doesn't have to be that nice!"

"But at the end of the day, she's just a fan, right?"

"…I guess." Eriri nods.

I'm his childhood friend! No way some random fan can compare to that…

Just as she's about to reassure herself, Mahiru tilts her head and adds,

"If anything, shouldn't you be more worried about me?"

"Hah?! What kind of nonsense is that?!"

Eriri rolls her eyes. "You're beautiful, kind, and an amazing cook—the perfect Yamato Nadeshiko! There's no way you'd ever fall for a guy like him."

Mahiru sighs with a wry smile.

"So… that's how you see me, huh?"