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I just want to quietly draw manga Chapter 79
🕑 Added 2025-04-24 16:59:42 +0000 UTCTokyo, Japan’s economic and cultural hub, has long been considered the heart of the manga industry. For many aspiring artists, success here represents the highest level of recognition.
After a three-hour flight, Haruki and Kotone were relieved to be back on solid ground. The slight dizziness from the flight would wear off soon enough.
Upon exiting the airport, Daichi and Rika seemed unfazed, but Haruki and Kotone couldn’t help but look around, taking in the billboards on buses and subways—advertisements for real estate, high-end restaurants, celebrity endorsements, and, of course, manga characters featured in Tokyo’s most iconic series.
An hour later, they arrived at a high-end hotel.
“This is the hotel arranged by the Award Committee,” said Daichi. “Apart from us, the authors of the ten works that passed the first round of selection are staying here.”
Not long after, a middle-aged man in a suit greeted them. “Welcome! I’m Keisuke Igarashi, here to handle your accommodation and safety during your stay. Please let me know if you need anything.”
Haruki and Kotone, though still young, stood out in the group. They were accompanied by a middle-aged man and another young man, which seemed unusual to Igarashi. Most manga teams consisted of older, more established members.
“Who is the author of Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance?” Igarashi asked, slightly confused.
Daichi quickly clarified, introducing the group. “This is Rika, deputy editor at Kurokawa Publishing. Kotone, the manga assistant for Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance, and Mizushiro—the author, whose real name is Haruki Yuuki.”
Igarashi was taken aback. He had assumed Mizushiro would be much older. Upon realizing the truth, his respect for Haruki grew. The youth’s talent had taken the industry by storm.
“Ah, Mizushiro-sensei, I’ve heard so much about you,” Igarashi said, shaking Haruki’s hand with great respect.
After the introductions, he led them to their rooms, offering a few safety tips and leaving shortly thereafter.
The Aurora Award ceremony was scheduled for the following evening. Industry insiders, editors, and major publishers from across the country would be in attendance, alongside a large live audience.
After settling in, Haruki quickly dozed off, only to be woken by a knock at the door. A bearded man introduced himself as an editor from Orion publishing, handing Haruki a business card and expressing interest in a future collaboration. He promised generous support and flexibility.
Not long after, a woman from another major label arrived with a similar offer. By the afternoon, Haruki’s desk was cluttered with business cards from nearly every major publishing house in Tokyo.
It was overwhelming. Just hours after arriving, Haruki had become the center of attention.
Haruki couldn’t help but think, So this is how it feels… It was all a bit overwhelming, but he didn’t let it faze him.
He wasn’t the only finalist approached by scouts, but the attention Haruki received was clearly exceptional. His age, talent, and buzz around Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance had captured the industry’s imagination.
That evening, Haruki and Sora exchanged messages over Line.
Sora: How’s Tokyo? Settled in?
Haruki:Yeah. Kinda crazy, to be honest. People keep showing up with business cards.
Sora: Guess who I ran into? A senior from Kurokawa I haven’t spoken to in two years. Turns out she supported Airi Tanaka’s editor during the first round of the Awards.
Haruki: Wait—so the push for Airi’s manga was connected to your senior?
Sora: Yeah, something like that. It wasn’t anything formal, just a favor. But still... crazy how things connect, huh?
Haruki sighed. Too many things to think about right now.
Haruki: Anyway, just make sure you're there tomorrow. If I call your name and you’re not around, I’ll look like an idiot.
Sora: Relax. Airi’s the special guest. I’ll get in with my senior. It’s all set.
Haruki: Cool. Do what you need to.
The next day passed quickly.
Though the authors of the top ten works were staying at the same hotel, there was little interaction between them. The only constant was their assigned point of contact: Keisuke Igarashi.
That afternoon, they were transported to the venue where the ceremony would take place.
The Aurora Award had become one of the most prestigious recognitions in manga publishing—second only to the Atlas Manga Awards. This year, three authors stood out: Haruki Yuuki (Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance), Renji Takeda (Blazing Feather), and Daigo Sunahara (Soul of War).
Despite the strong competition, most believed Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance was the frontrunner. Still, with so much talent, nothing was guaranteed.
Outside the venue, the street was packed with fans. Many were dressed in cosplay, waving banners or snapping photos. Rurouni Kenshin fans were especially visible, their coordinated outfits and signs impossible to miss.
Inside, the authors and their teams were seated near the front. Industry guests and fans filled the rest of the venue.
Rika, sitting with the Kurokawa group, chatted with a few editors nearby.
“Which manga do you think will win?” one asked.
“Rurouni Kenshin, no question,” Rika replied confidently.
“Not so fast,” someone else said. “Blazing Feather gained traction in the second round. It might be closer than you think.”
“The top three are tight,” another added. “Still, it wouldn’t surprise me if Rurouni Kenshin takes it.”
At that moment, someone pointed toward Haruki’s group. “Hey, who are they representing?”
Rika smiled. “That’s Haruki Yuuki—the one behind Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance.”
Gasps followed, and several people turned to get a closer look. Rika took the opportunity to talk up his involvement with the project, enjoying the attention. Haruki, Kotone, and Daichi exchanged awkward glances.
“Why does he have to make it sound like he did everything?” Haruki muttered inwardly but kept quiet.
Soon after, the lights dimmed, and a host stepped onto the stage.
“Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Aurora Award Ceremony!” she announced. The crowd erupted in applause.
Haruki scanned the hall, trying to spot Sora. With so many people packed into the venue, it was nearly impossible.
