manga artist Kirito

Following behind Kirito, Shiina Mashiro, who was walking a little unsteadily, gradually changed her gaze as she looked at Kirito.

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You guys were so lazy yesterday! You didn't get many votes!

I'm unhappy because I didn't receive any monthly passes or tips!

Please feed them—and pat them while you're at it!

073

【NO.72 I'll Marry You (Dog Head)】

It was Sunday, nearly midnight, but the lights in the study were still on.

His hand holding the paintbrush moved quickly across the drawing tablet, creating lines of varying thickness. He stared intently at the gradually improving draft, his eyes bloodshot, and his heavy dark circles clearly showed that he was suffering from lack of sleep.

Regardless, completing 96 pages of manuscript in two days is simply too difficult. Although Kirito doesn't need to construct the image in his mind like a typical manga artist and then draw it with his pen, and his drawing speed is also much faster than that of a typical manga artist, well... 96 pages of manuscript is not like 16 pages for a cricket. Even if Tezuka, the master of superb manuscripts, only rested for four hours a day, he could only draw 50 pages of manuscript. Besides, Kirito knew he couldn't compare to him.

In two days, although we haven't finished 96 pages yet, we've already reached 76 pages. However... Monday is coming in less than half an hour, and the progress on chapter 13 has only just begun.

Impossible. It's impossible to finish 20 pages of manuscript in the remaining half hour, unless Kirito has a superpower that can materialize fantasy into visual form.

Furthermore, the editor, Hiratsuka Shizuka, stipulated that the manuscript should be submitted by evening, but it is already late at night...

Although Kirito originally intended to delay the manuscript, after the tenth chapter ended, the battle part, which Kirito loved the most and didn't want to stop drawing, was finally here. So the idea of ​​delaying the manuscript was long gone, not to mention that Hiratsuka Shizuka actually didn't leave last night.

As for where she was resting, Kirito had no idea, because he had spent the last two days in his study, except for necessary mealtimes and washing up. He even slept in his study. The content of the manga excited Kirito, but he spent much more time on the battle scenes than on the character interactions, which is why he has only now begun creating chapter thirteen...

If I could have an assistant, I could write a 96-page manuscript...

"Sigh." Kirito, whose wrists were a little sore from the fatigue, put down his paintbrush, picked up the water glass next to him to take a sip and continue, but found it empty. He sighed helplessly and walked towards the living room with the water glass, but saw Asuna and Shiina Mashiro, who should have been resting, and even Hiratsuka Shizuka still talking about something.

...It seems that Teacher Xiaojing really intends not to leave until she gets the manuscript?

Come on, sis! You have to teach your lovely students tomorrow, can't you go home earlier?

But soon after, Kirito realized that he had been overthinking things.

"Yo, Kirigaya, you've finally come out." Putting down what she was holding, Hiratsuka Shizuka grinned, looking slightly tired. "What time is it? I thought you were planning to stay up all night drawing... Well, while the artwork is important, your studies are important too. Even if you were planning to continue drawing tonight, I'll still ask you to go to school tomorrow, as your teacher!"

Who would want to draw if they could rest! The only reason I'm working so hard is because you're lingering here!

Rubbing his aching forehead, Kirito poured himself a glass of water, then sat down next to Asuna, looking utterly exhausted. He feigned composure and said, "There's no way I'll draw chapter 13 today! I'm telling you, take my life or the manuscript!"

"Oh?" Hiratsuka Shizuka raised her eyebrows in surprise, perhaps not expecting Kirito to say something like that at this moment, but her eyes still showed a hint of eagerness.

Kirito suddenly gripped the hand that was casually placed on the sofa. Asuna tilted her head to look at him, slightly opening her mouth as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. However, Asuna ultimately swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

Although Asuna was initially quite unhappy seeing Kirito constantly playing games, seeing how hard he's working now... well, let's keep it up! He might have less free time now, but honestly, it's better to focus on creating than to be addicted to games.

Seeing Hiratsuka Shizuka's reaction, Kirito remained completely calm. Even though Hiratsuka Shizuka was a killing machine, Kirito was confident that he and Asuna could take her down together, especially since the wooden sword was right under the coffee table.

"You know exactly how I've been these past two days. This is the fastest I've ever done while maintaining quality. Aside from living in an era when comic book geniuses were everywhere, there are very few who can compare to me now!"

With such a fast pace of production and such high quality, Kirito believed he was on par with most modern manga artists—and by the way, guys like Togashi who only work sporadically should be dragged out and hanged!

But to be honest, I was extremely tired from rushing to finish the manuscript these past two days, but that feeling of excitement still filled Kirito's heart - isn't this the kind of excitement that manga should have!

"So, you won't be seeing the manuscript for chapter thirteen!"

"I see..." Hiratsuka Shizuka stroked her chin for a moment, then broke into a hearty laugh. "I wasn't really prepared for you to finish twelve chapters in such a short time. I thought finishing eleven would be considered fast, but you really surprised me. Neither the quality of the work nor the plot has suffered from the rush to meet the deadline..."

"Xiaoqian is right, if you're willing to do it, it's really no problem!"

"..." Staring blankly at Hiratsuka Shizuka, whose face was full of praise, Kirito blinked, a "damn it" in his heart that he didn't know whether he should say it.

Since you never thought I could actually hand in the manuscript, what were you doing staying here overnight? Did you fall for my bed?! You Iron Fist Saintess!

However, no matter how angry Kirito is now, it's all for naught, since it was his observation that he couldn't hold back. Let me tell you, Hiratsuka Shizuka is indeed not smart, and is the exact opposite of those who don't show their emotions. No matter what her feelings and thoughts are, they are the kind that will show on her face.

As for Kirito, who was so engrossed in depicting battle scenes that he didn't even notice this, he can only blame himself for being too stupid, forgetting that Hiratsuka Shizuka, in addition to her combat skills, also has the characteristics of a caring older sister.

Ugh! I'm so angry!!

"Actually, I printed out chapters one through twelve around eight o'clock, and I also told you to get some rest and prepare for class tomorrow... But, just yesterday you said that it's best not to disturb creators who are in the zone, otherwise their hard-won inspiration will disappear."

"So, why are you still here?"

"Uh, I was looking at the original manuscript just now, and I got engrossed in it without even realizing it."

—Hiratsuka Shizuka, if you can get married, I'll let you take my head!

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The stain remover is working! Haven't you noticed I've been much more serious lately?

You all worked really hard yesterday, but I won't be satisfied with just this much!

Yes, please continue feeding them.

074

[NO.73 A melodramatic plot?]

Subtitle: No, not even a bit of melodrama.

"I have already reviewed the manuscript."

Holding the story outline and the original manuscript of chapters one through twelve of "Sword Art Online" on the table, Hiratsuka Shizuka narrowed her eyes slightly. "Your manga is very good. Both the art style and the story content are excellent and quite appealing."

"Hehe, you flatter me, you flatter me."

"No need to be modest, your drawing skills and storytelling are indeed excellent, but that's all."

"……what?"

One moment you're enjoying praise, the next you're being trampled on. That feeling is really not good.

"The art style is quite good. It would be perfect for drawing romance or slice-of-life manga." Hiratsuka Shizuka shook her head slightly, saying with a hint of disappointment. "Although a good story and good drawing skills can often make a manga, the story is the soul of a manga. Even if the art style is bad, if the story is strong and engaging, the art style can be overlooked."

"However, as the editor, I naturally have to point out any flaws in the comics to you."

“…Hmm, please go ahead.” Kirito pursed his lips slightly, then pricked up his ears, ready to listen attentively. Hiratsuka Shizuka was a loyal reader of Weekly Shonen Jump, and had naturally read quite a few manga, especially action manga. She could more or less pick out the flaws in some manga.

It's like how your tastes become more discerning after reading a lot of books.

Furthermore, if Hiratsuka Shizuka lacked even this basic discernment, then Akane Kousaka naturally wouldn't have trusted her to be Kirito's editor, since Akane Kousaka valued more than just Hiratsuka Shizuka's fighting prowess.

Even though Kirito thought the story of Sword Art Online was impeccable, he knew from the beginning that his preferred art style wasn't very suitable for action-packed manga. Of course, Kirito's current art style already showed signs of shifting towards action; otherwise, Shizuka Hiratsuka might have pointed out not just flaws, but shortcomings, and even prompted Kirito to start revising the manuscript.

The editor is responsible for the comics and the readers!

Actually, if Hiratsuka Shizuka were holding the original manuscript of an erotic novel and criticizing the art style, Kirito would definitely have retaliated directly.

The dignity of the King of Meow Meow cannot be desecrated. Even if he is past his prime... Kirito still believes that he is the strongest young genius in the erotic world!

However, Kirito believes that he still has a lot to learn in creating the Sword Art Online manga, and his own skill level needs improvement.

“Because of the art style, the battle scenes don’t quite evoke the feeling of excitement you’d expect. While they’re still quite good overall, considering it’s a game… well, it’s a bit hard to explain, but I think you understand the flaws better than I do.” Hiratsuka Shizuka tapped the stack of manuscripts. “So, you need to work on your art style more and make the transition as soon as possible.”

“Okay, I understand.” Kirito nodded seriously.

"Well, these drafts aren't too bad. After all, it's only the beginning, and this level is already quite good." Hiratsuka Shizuka forced a smile. Especially considering that he transitioned from erotic manga to action manga, to be honest, Kirito is indeed a genius...

"...Okay." Kirito listened attentively, but what he was really thinking at that moment was anyone's guess.

Similarly, Shiina Mashiro, sitting on the other side of Asuna, also showed a slight change in her expression, especially after Hiratsuka Shizuka said those words.

The story is the soul of comics... right?

……

……

midnight

Hiratsuka Shizuka left with the manuscript not long ago, and Shiina Mashiro, who had been observing Kirito for two days, returned to her own room. At this time, only Asuna was in Kirito's room.

Holding chopsticks in his hand, Kirito ate heartily the late-night snack Asuna had prepared for him, while pondering what Hiratsuka Shizuka had said earlier.

Perhaps the shortcomings in art style can be overshadowed by a strong storyline, but Kirito, as the creator, still believes in one principle: before a work can satisfy the reader, it must first satisfy the creator himself.

Of course, it's not that Kirito is very dissatisfied with the manuscript he worked so hard to finish, it's just that... if minor flaws aren't corrected as soon as possible, it's hard to say what will happen in the future.

Aspiring to become a master of art, Kirito felt he had to overcome this problem as soon as possible.

"Speaking of which, I think Mashiro has been acting a bit strange these past two days." Asuna said, resting her chin on her hand and frowning slightly.

"...You mean watching me rush to finish my manuscript?" Kirito swallowed the food in his mouth. Just as Asuna said, Shiina Mashiro was indeed behaving strangely, but considering her peculiar thought process... he didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

"Perhaps, they wanted to see how others draw their drafts."

"But to be honest, she's not suited for the path of comics."

"Huh? Why do you say that?" Asuna looked at Kirito in astonishment, her expression full of confusion.

"Well..." Kirito chuckled softly, "First of all, although painters and manga artists both make a living with their pens, they are fundamentally different. Secondly, she doesn't understand anything! Shiina Mashiro might become a master who goes down in history in the future, but she can only be a painter. If she continues like this, she will never be able to get into manga."

“I’ve seen her sketches before. They’re great, and the quality is just as good as mine. She uses special techniques to depict characters and create storyboards. If you look at them occasionally, you’ll get a pleasant surprise. However, that’s about all she has.”

"Isn't this great?" Asuna pouted, feeling that Kirito was deliberately pointing out Shiina Mashiro's flaws.

“Asuna, you definitely haven’t seen her sketches.” Kirito said, sounding somewhat bored. “Those sketches are so boring they’re practically tedious. If you look at them for too long, you might even be able to use them as a sleeping aid. It’s really hard to imagine that a genius painter would create such shameful stuff.”

"The story is the soul of a comic!"

"Hiratsuka-sensei just said that..." Asuna rolled her eyes, then asked with some disbelief, "But, is it really that badly drawn?"

"Aside from the image quality, there's nothing particularly good about it."

Actually, readers nowadays are quite tolerant. They don't mind if the plot is melodramatic or clichéd; there will always be readers who like this type of story.

However, in Shiina Mashiro's manga, the male protagonist and the female protagonist suddenly meet, fall in love at first sight, and confess their feelings, and then... nothing happens.

This is clearly lust at first sight, and it's even something that both parties agreed to.

This is also why Kirito suddenly burst into laughter on Friday night.

By the way, we also need the bored Yui and Maid here, otherwise Kirito wouldn't know that this kind of operation exists in the manga!

"In that case, I'll leave Kazuto and Mashiro to you!"

Can I refuse?

No, please feed them. Yes, you need to pat them!

075

【NO.74 Warsong Clan】

In the early morning, the rising sun shines on the earth, and students from apartments, trams, and other buildings embark on the road to school, and in the blink of an eye, the road becomes crowded.

"A lazy Monday, another harmonious day." Stretching, Kirito stepped out of the apartment and headed to school with his backpack. Behind him were Asuna and Shiina, who were wiping away food crumbs from Shiina Mashiro's mouth while she was eating breakfast.

To be honest, every time Kirito sees Asuna diligently taking care of Shiina Mashiro, a girl who knows nothing but drawing, he always feels that Asuna is like a helpless mother...

Of course, I am definitely the father, although I don't think it's a good thing to suddenly have such a big daughter.

To reiterate, in addition to the common saying about siblings being obsessed with their younger sister and older brother, there is another widely circulated saying in Chiba Prefecture: "Father's love is as solid as a mountain!"

Those who think of raising childhood friends are absolutely wicked. You people should... Remember to take me with you when you start.

Although it has been less than two weeks since I decided to pursue a career in manga, I can say that I have largely achieved my goal. Now all I have to do is wait for Akane Akasaka to review the manuscript and make sure there are no problems before it can be published.

Yes, Kirito didn't choose to submit his work to Weekly Shonen Jump, nor to Weekly Shonen Sunday or Weekly Shonen Magazine, which are among the top three serialized manga magazines in the country and currently have the highest circulation in the industry. Instead, he chose the magazine founded by Akane Akasaka and started serialization directly without participating in any manga awards...

Perhaps Akane Kousaka's magazine company is far inferior to the top three magazine companies, but people are always a bit sentimental, and Kirito is a veteran in Akane Kousaka's group. Working with an old friend is always better than working with a magazine company that only knows a little bit about things, so choosing to join this company is not a bad idea. Besides, participating in the so-called manga awards is just to promote the work to a certain level.

Kirito believes that with Akane Kousaka's skills and social circle, the promotion of "Sword Art Online" will definitely not be worse than those works that have won the top three or even the top prize... After all, this woman is Akane Kousaka.

In addition, the pen name Fujiwara Echizen is already quite well-known, and with the help of some acquaintances to recommend him, Kirito has absolutely no worries about publicity—no, he should say he has absolute confidence in Akane Kousaka and himself!

...Okay. In the end, Kirito felt that the time between participating in the awards and the start of the serialization was too long, and he was too lazy to wait!

Well, it's about time to announce the comic series on Twitter.

However, I always feel that doing two projects at once will make those perverts in the Bamboo Forest Group unhappy... But it doesn't matter, anyway, although those perverts are my fans, they have actually drawn more doujinshi than I have released any works from a few years ago to now.

The perverts in the Bamboo Forest Group are completely self-sufficient!

……

Students' lives at school are actually in a state of utter misery, Kirito has always believed so. At least when he's with Asuna and Shiina Mashiro, Kirito can clearly feel the burning killing intent emanating from them, and he can vaguely see the shadows of crosses, scythes, torches, and gasoline appearing behind many of his classmates. In addition, some seem unable to control their enthusiasm, their saliva almost drooling... Well, they're in a state of both fire and water.

Actually, "deep water and scorching fire" has another meaning. For example, liquid can flow from the depths of a beep, and the beep can become hot when emotions are running high. When the two collide, they form this word.

I'm very curious, who created such obscene words?