Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

Akifumi was momentarily stunned by Kasumigaoka Utaha's greeting but quickly recovered, smiling as he replied,

"I'm also reading your Love Metronome, Kasumigaoka-senpai. Volume 3 was fantastic."

Since she had shown him respect by addressing him as 'senpai,' Akifumi naturally returned the courtesy.

Kasumigaoka Utaha blinked in surprise, a trace of confusion in her eyes.

"I actually attended your book signing with a friend back then," he explained with a light chuckle.

"But, well… I had spent too much on figurines and was too embarrassed to ask for an autograph."

Thinking back, it was probably because he was there that Tomoya wasn't the last to arrive that day.

Though he had offered words of encouragement back then, the presence of other fans meant there wasn't much time to talk.

After all, a single ray of light shining into someone's darkest moment can illuminate their entire world.

But when someone is already full of hope, even trying to stand out can be difficult.

That's why there hadn't been much interaction afterward.

It's fascinating how a seemingly insignificant detail can alter the course of events.

Perhaps that's the terrifying nature of the butterfly effect.

Hearing his explanation, Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes flickered with understanding.

It wasn't surprising that she had no idea he had been at the signing event.

And apart from that day, there hadn't been many chances for people to connect Kasumi Utako with Kasumigaoka Utaha.

"Since you know that I'm Kasumi Utako, shouldn't you be calling me your 'kouhai' instead?" she teased.

Akifumi shrugged nonchalantly.

"In this industry, I might be the 'senpai', but at school, aren't you still the senpai, Kasumigaoka-senpai?"

"Besides, it's just a title—no need to overthink it."

Kasumigaoka Utaha chuckled.

"Only someone like you would say that, senpai. You really are different from the others."

"Then let's just call each other whatever we prefer."

"Fine by me, as long as you're happy."

While formalities like these were a big deal in Japan, Akifumi wasn't actually Japanese at heart.

"So, where would you like me to sign?" he asked.

"Here."

Kasumigaoka Utaha handed him a collector's edition of Madoka Magica she had just bought.

Even though the work had flopped, royalties were based on copies printed, not sold.

Spending a few thousand yen from her savings wasn't a big deal.

With a smile, Akifumi signed, adding "Love & Hope" before handing the book back.

"Thank you for your support, senpai!"

"Oh, by the way, when can we expect Volume 4 of Love Metronome? I'll be sure to support it!"

Kasumigaoka Utaha hesitated, shaking the book in her hand.

Her expression was unreadable—neither happy nor upset.

But Akifumi had a feeling she was not pleased.

The reason was obvious.

"Of course, that's not the only reason I asked," he said with a reassuring smile.

"I've read Love Metronome Volumes 1 to 3 carefully.

"The first volume showed promise, though the setup was still a bit rough, and the story connections weren't very strong. But the literary quality was solid, and your descriptions were fantastic."

"In Volume 2, I noticed a clear improvement. Whether it was thanks to your editor's guidance or your own efforts, you were working hard to refine your storytelling."

"And by Volume 3, I'd say you've already created a near-perfect commercial romance novel."

Kasumigaoka Utaha was silent for a moment before offering a sincere, "Thank you."

She had been skeptical at first.

If he had really attended her signing event, why hadn't he stepped forward?

His earlier excuse wasn't very convincing.

Maybe...

'Did you just tag along with a friend?' she wondered.

But the way he described the volumes so precisely made it clear—he had truly read them seriously.

His question wasn't just out of politeness but genuine appreciation for her work.

'To think I'm seeking validation from a kouhai... How pathetic,' she mused, chuckling to herself.

Then, shaking her head, she said, "Unfortunately, you probably won't get to see Volume 4."

Akifumi froze, immediately understanding what she meant.

With a sigh, he said, "That's really a shame."

The series had been axed.

Without a publisher, a fourth volume would never exist.

But Akifumi had no intention of stepping in to help.

At the end of the day, they were just schoolmates and he was just a fan.

He wasn't someone like Tomoya, who would go to great lengths for a story he loved.

Besides, if he did try to help, she might even take it as condescension—a charity case.

And judging by her expression, she had already come to terms with it.

As a fan, it was disappointing to hear the news.

But this feeling would fade in time—because that's how people are.

Even someone as popular as he was would eventually be forgotten if he stopped releasing new works.

"Well, at least I gained valuable experience from my first series," she said, offering a small, bittersweet smile.

"But today's about your signing event, senpai. Let's not dwell on my situation."

"Good point."

Akifumi smiled and handed her a small gift.

"Thank you for your support! I hope you'll like this little present."

Kasumigaoka Utaha inspected the charm in her hand.

"A Mami Tomoe keychain? How cute."

She twirled it in her fingers, then remarked,

"You know, I actually have something in common with Mami-senpai."

"Hmm?"

"We're both senpai."

Just as she finished speaking, a loud crack rang out.

The next second, Mami-senpai's adorable little head fell off and rolled onto the floor.

Kasumigaoka Utaha froze.

Akifumi's eye twitched as he instinctively averted his gaze.

"...Seriously, what are the chances?"

The timing was too perfect.

Right after saying "we're both senpai," and suddenly—Mami's head comes off.

Even with his usual composure, Akifumi had no idea how to react.

The atmosphere turned awkward.

Kasumigaoka Utaha picked up the severed head, inspected it for a moment, then chuckled.

"Senpai, you have such a dark sense of humor."

"Giving your fans this kind of gift…"

"For a second, I thought I had broken it myself, but it turns out—it's actually a USB drive."

"Ahem."

"Hey, don't look at me—this was the editor's idea," Akifumi quickly deflected.

"They said it took a lot of effort to design, and they wanted to test the fans' reactions."

"But wasn't this specifically your idea, senpai?"

Now wasn't the time to expose the truth!

Still, before he could deny it, Kasumigaoka Utaha smiled and said,

"I thought it was just a regular keychain, but it's actually a USB?"

"This is a really thoughtful gift. I love it."

"I'll always support your works, sensei! Thank you for today!"