manga artist Kirito

As is customary, a hot-blooded young man would never take advantage of someone in distress!

Snapped! !

"Ouch!! What are you doing! It hurts so much!" Kirito's face turned green as Hiratsuka Shizuka patted the bruise on his shoulder, and he cried out.

"Tsk, you little brat..." The beautiful teacher sighed and shook her head, looking at him with the eyes of someone looking at a weak creature. "You said you'd trained, but you cried like a banshee just from a light pat. Your physique is far too weak. How about it, tomorrow's Saturday, want to go out and train with me?"

"Huh? No way, sis!" She shook her head frantically. Putting aside whether she was free tomorrow, Saturday was a day for lounging around! Only an idiot would waste such precious time exercising. Although Jingjing was a beauty, exercising together could lead to a date, and if something happened, it might even increase her affection for her, potentially leading to a teacher-student romance—but!

However, she is a passionate teacher who doesn't have the so-called "love-obsessed" mindset. There might be opportunities to increase her favorability, but it will definitely turn into—"Hey kid, wanna fight?"

"You mean I'm an idiot? Grit your teeth, Kiritani!" As if a legendary aura had been unleashed, Hiratsuka Shizuka's smooth black hair instantly billowed up, falling behind the female teacher as if in slow motion.

A pale fist came straight at Kirito, who even felt a chilling wind in his ears. His reflexes, honed over many years, made him instinctively raise his hand from the side door and grab the fist that was heading straight for his face. The shockwave, like the wind from the fist, blew through Kirito's hair.

However, Kirito quickly realized that the fist would most likely just glide past his ear, a playful attack... After all, when she actually fought, Hiratsuka Shizuka would habitually aim for the lower abdomen, and even if it hit, it would only cause pain, not any internal injury or anything else.

This woman... is she really a mind reader?

But then again, Hiratsuka Shizuka is almost thirty and still hasn't found a boyfriend, which is probably related to her passionate nature. Although she's very beautiful, marrying her would definitely be a good deal, but she's not destined to enjoy it... haha!

"What a rude look! Kirigaya, I think I need to teach you a lesson about respecting your teachers!" It was entirely expected that Kirito would grab her fist, given the playful element involved. After all, this was a classroom, and to hit a student in front of so many others… even if they knew it was a teacher's habit, it wouldn't look good.

But then, that familiar look in her eyes made Hiratsuka Shizuka a little uncomfortable. Whether it was going home for a holiday, a so-called class reunion, or even being invited out by friends, she saw that look every time! That look that only an enemy would have!

I really want to kill him, what should I do?

"Don't leave after school this afternoon!"

"Don't leave after school... Is that a threat, teacher?" Hiratsuka Shizuka's words sounded like those melodramatic scenes of showing off and getting slapped in the face in novels. But, oh Kirito, cough, he didn't think he could do it. After all, the person who said those words was—the Iron Fist Saintess!

"No, it's just homework assigned by the teacher!" Gone is the so-called passion; Hiratsuka Shizuka is like a cunning old fox, well, just like the villains in shonen manga.

"Wait, what kind of look is that?"

"...It's nothing." Kirito pushed up his non-existent black-rimmed glasses. He absolutely couldn't sneak out; for a moment, he had the wrong idea.

Cough cough, that's just an occupational hazard!

"That's all for now, let's continue the lesson!" Her pretty face flushed almost imperceptibly, and Hiratsuka Shizuka turned around, trying to appear calm, and walked towards the podium.

Moreover, the moment she turned around, those classmates who had been watching the show with expressions of amusement but had now turned to pity immediately sat up straight, as if they hadn't seen anything and were all engrossed in their books.

Damn it, this is going to be a huge mess! Kirito rubbed his forehead. But hey, it's Friday... Ha! Anyway, no school tomorrow. Don't leave after school? Only a masochist wouldn't leave!

You don't need to come to school tomorrow. It's far from the capital, do you think you can find my house?

Speaking of which, what was the name of that light novel for which I was supposed to do illustrations...?

Um, please vote...

021

【NO.20 The So-Called Techniques】

The hot-blooded female teacher's affair is nothing to worry about. In Kirito's opinion, the female teacher's enthusiasm is likely to have a limit. Whether it's the passage of time or another setback, she will definitely forget about it.

Of course, it could also become more complicated.

Kirito didn't think Hiratsuka Shizuka would be that persistent, after all, it was just an ordinary thing. If she really held onto it so tightly, just how persistent was she...? Hmm, why not use that same persistence to find a boyfriend?

To be honest, while Hiratsuka Shizuka does have a violent streak, putting that prejudice aside, she's undeniably a rare beauty... well, although there are quite a few others in this school who could rival her. But Hiratsuka Shizuka also has her advantages, for example... for example... her maturity!!

That's right, it's maturity—undoubtedly a huge advantage! It's an advantage that most love-struck young girls simply can't compete with!

and also……

Okay, I really can't think of anything else.

My gaze swept around the classroom, and some of the students were now focused on the podium... wait, it seems like most of them were focused on Hiratsuka Shizuka! Especially the male students... so the passionate female teacher Hiratsuka Shizuka has a fan club too!

Hmm, that's a small increase in points.

"Kirito, if you look at me with that pitying look again, I'll show you the iron fist of an educator!" Like a wounded lone wolf, Hiratsuka Shizuka warned Kirito.

Kirito's expression changed slightly. I was sitting in the second-to-last row by the window, in the main character's seat. I was quite a distance from the podium, how could I have been discovered?

"Oh! (indifferently)"

“…Very good!” The chalk in her hand instantly turned to dust. Hiratsuka Shizuka squinted, looking at Kirito with a “you’re dead, I’m telling you” kind of gaze. But I think, given this hot-blooded female teacher’s identity, “your death star has already lit up” would be a more appropriate description.

"Continue the class!"

"Oh! (indifferently)"

It has to be said that teasing Hiratsuka Shizuka occasionally is quite enjoyable, and it would be even better if it didn't involve the risk of being sent to the hospital.

Speaking of which, although Hiratsuka Shizuka appears very violent, she is actually very caring towards her students and also very gentle, though she doesn't often show it! This kind of hidden older sister persona seems quite suitable as a novel character design... although I have no plans to write a novel about her.

But then again, Hiratsuka Shizuka's background seems to be a mystery. Occasionally, she can be seen driving luxury cars to school, the kind that teachers could never afford. Could she be some kind of rich girl?

Kirito pushed up his non-existent black-rimmed glasses, and it seemed as if Kudo Washi had possessed him at that moment… bummed. While there was a possibility, from any perspective, Hiratsuka Shizuka didn't seem like the type of woman who could project the demeanor of a young lady. If she were the young master of some yakuza organization… well, it didn't seem impossible.

Wait a minute, does this mean I'll die a horrible death and sink into Tokyo Bay in the future?

Kirito felt his imagination was running wild at this moment, but he had to admit that light novels in this country really loved the "rich girl" trope. Judging from the slice-of-life light novels Kirito had read, the "rich girl" trope was absolutely indispensable!

I feel like the creators from the other country really know how to do it; they can pull out all sorts of attributes...

Since this was Hiratsuka Shizuka's class, Kirito dared not lie down to sleep at all. He could only vaguely conceive manga plots and discuss research topics. As for the light novel illustrations, which were still quite important, he had long since tossed them aside. If Kirito had initially wanted to find that light novel to study, he had now completely abandoned that idea.

Because Kirito is still investigating Hiratsuka Shizuka's true identity! Hmm, that's something to be curious about!

So, the rest of the time was spent in a half-asleep, half-awake state. When get out of class ended, Hiratsuka Shizuka didn't seem to be looking for trouble with Kirito, apparently planning to kill him later in the afternoon. Next came the pleasant lunch break, and as always, Asuna prepared a bento for Kirito.

Kirito and Asuna were on the rooftop as usual, but because of the midday sun, they had to stay in the shade. However, it was still a relatively leisurely lunchtime. Although the bento boxes were prepared in the morning, they still had their own unique flavor, even when they were cold.

"Um... Asuna, did you cultivate immortality last night?" Kirito tilted his head as he looked at Asuna, who suddenly yawned. His gaze swept over her slightly red eyes. Even though it wasn't very obvious, Kirito still noticed the dark circles under her eyes. It seemed she had been cultivating immortality for quite some time.

"Ah, the deadline for the first volume of the new book is approaching... Uh, today is the deadline. I went to help out at the company the other day, so I fell a little behind on the manuscript..." Asuna gently rubbed her eyes, smiled, and then, as if breaking her composure, yawned.

"Tell me honestly, what time did you finish cultivating last night?" Kirito patted Asuna's head, only to be met with a glare from her. "It wasn't very late, only four... three o'clock."

"So you've been cultivating until five o'clock!" Kirito frowned. "Sleeping too late isn't good. Besides, today is Friday, didn't you know that?"

"Huh?" Asuna blinked, confused.

"It's a common saying in the industry, the so-called 'deadline,' which is the deadline for submissions. For us, a deadline of Friday evening means we can drag it out to Monday morning, or even Monday night, depending on the specific circumstances!"

"Eh! Eh? ...

"Same old trick!" Kirito said calmly, sounding like someone who'd been there before. "Back when that woman was relentlessly demanding the manga manuscript, I told her I'd hand it in by Friday evening, but I actually didn't get it to her until Tuesday noon!"

"Besides, your editor trusts you quite a bit, and wouldn't do something like blocking your door and demanding your manuscript, so just go for it. These days, every creator has a few tricks up their sleeve for delaying their work. Someone as clumsy as you, Asuna, is truly rare."

"You are the stupid one!"

You damned Fushimi, you motherfucker! My poor fairy goddess!!

022

[NO.21 That assassin whose name cannot be mentioned]

The lunch break, though not short, isn't long either. A few extra words and it's over.

Okay, so it's basically about teaching Asuna how to efficiently delay her deadlines and what techniques to use. Although Kirito had never officially entered the creative industry before, the woman in the club he joined who was in charge of selling his erotic comics was annoying, so Kirito had thought carefully about how to delay his deadlines without getting caught by his personal editor.

To be honest, being an editor is actually quite tough. I'm not referring to those editors at small websites who are responsible for an entire category of novels, but rather those who are only responsible for one author. Of course, not all authors receive this treatment; it's usually reserved for more famous authors with substantial sales.

After all, the deadline is approaching. If the creator fails to submit the manuscript on time, the editor will not only have to prepare a new plan because the original plan has failed, but will also be criticized by the editor-in-chief.

I've heard of editors who, as deadlines approach, will camp out at creators' homes, personally overseeing their work and even becoming their errand boys. Some even stay at creators' doors, refusing to leave until they receive their manuscripts.

Well, of course, there are also some excessive editors... well, they hold a knife to the wall and force creators to write manuscripts. The most terrifying one, Kirito heard of a creator who was stabbed dozens of times by his editor for missing deadlines.

Wow, society is really treacherous!

Time flew by, and soon it was time for afternoon classes. Asuna planned to get some rest, after all, she'd overdone it with her cultivation. Clearly, Asuna was really going to follow Kirito's advice and delay her manuscript.

By the way, Asuna isn't planning on cooking for Kirito tonight, which is a bit of a headache. Does she have to go buy bento boxes again tonight? Although they taste really good, the prerequisite for buying them is fighting with those guys, which is a bit of a loss.

That could get you hurt! As a creator, your hands are incredibly important, how can you use them for fighting? Besides, Kirito doesn't know any of those flesh-crushing kicks or anything like that. Hmm... let's have fried rice for dinner.

Back in the classroom, Kirito, bored out of his mind, took out his sketchbook and began sketching scenes that might come in handy. Due to the nature of his art style, he couldn't make any major changes yet, but Eriri had given him some advice: imitate other people's styles, or rather, learn from them!

Even if you can imitate it, it's not what you're best at. So it's better to learn the style you need and then incorporate your own strengths. However, it's easier said than done.

I drew a few pictures with similar backgrounds and came up with some ideas for the game in the manga "Sword Art Online". The afternoon classes were almost over.

To be honest, most teachers' lectures are extremely boring, especially when they are either old men or women. Although some people do listen attentively, the students in this class undoubtedly prefer teacher Hiratsuka Shizuka. If they could, these students would probably want Hiratsuka Shizuka to be the teacher of all courses.

It's not just because Hiratsuka Shizuka is a "young person," but more because... she's a beautiful woman! If, and I mean if, Hiratsuka Shizuka didn't have age requirements for her future partner, I imagine many students would pursue her... probably?

Aren't you afraid of getting beaten to death!

But then again, these two recent posts seem to have a lot to do with Hiratsuka Shizuka.

After spacing out for a while, the bell rang, signaling the end of get out of class. Kirito tidied his desk, his gaze casually sweeping around. School had been in session for a while, but Kirito still didn't have a single friend in this class… well, as for Eriri… if he were to try and make friends with her, he'd most likely only get—

Huh? A friend? Did I hear that right, Fujiwara? What on earth gave you the illusion that you're qualified to be friends with me?

This textbook example of tsundere will definitely happen, but it might evolve into—

Well, if you're asking me, since you're a member of the manga club, I... I'm not... unable to consider it!

Um, I feel like the latter one would be more suitable.

Hmph! Since you look so pitiful and even begged me, I'll reluctantly agree!

Hmm, being aloof and arrogant, their thoughts are really easy to guess.

Kirito remained completely unmoved, even feeling a slight urge to laugh. If he were wearing glasses, a dazzling flash would surely be reflecting off the lenses right now.

Kirito's gaze swept over Eriri, who was surrounded by several classmates, mostly wanting to ask her to go shopping on Saturday or asking about her plans for the weekend. However, Kirito noticed the impatience on Eriri's face.

Tsk tsk tsk, I don't really understand why she has to pretend to be a rich young lady. It's okay if others know about her otaku hobby, right? Is it necessary to hide it? If she said that she would be ostracized if people knew about her otaku hobby... wouldn't that be perfect?

How peaceful and leisurely a world without anyone bothering you! And you don't have to be bothered by anyone! Eriri is still so naive!

However, if you didn't look at Kirito, you wouldn't know that there are quite a few pretty girls in this class, and they are all of high quality. Although this has nothing to do with Kirito, how come he didn't notice it before?

After slacking off for a while, Kirito picked up his bag and stood up, preparing to head to the manga club. Eriri was still surrounded by her classmates, and it was questionable whether she could even participate in club activities today.

"Hey, Kiritani-san..."

But then again, Eriri wasn't exactly an active member of any club, and her joining the manga club was purely by chance. Just trying to get away from her classmates every day must have been a struggle for her.

"Kiritani-san...?"

Someone called me? Kirito looked at both sides of the corridor. No, no, no, it must be his imagination. Eriri is the only one in the class who can talk to him. If someone is calling him, it's probably just his imagination.

If I had to say someone would be looking for me, it would only be Hiratsuka Shizuka, who told me "Don't leave after school" today. But get out of class has just ended, and Hiratsuka Shizuka should have just returned to her office. Besides, how could Hiratsuka Shizuka's voice be so gentle? Unless Eriri isn't a tsundere and Chiba isn't a siscon! Otherwise, it's absolutely impossible for Hiratsuka Shizuka to become gentle!

"Kiritani-kun, the teacher wants to see you in the office..."

It sounds like someone is really calling me?

023

【NO.22 The Passive Stealth Girl】

The so-called love of beauty is something that everyone has.

No matter who it is, when they arrive in a new place, they will instinctively observe everything around them, whether it is the environment or the people, not to mention the beautiful women among them.

Although Kirito himself doesn't pay much attention to this kind of thing, rumors still circulate even if the person involved doesn't actively seek it out. Perhaps Kirito had unconsciously inquired about it, but he genuinely didn't know... there was such a classmate!

To be honest, it's been quite a while since school started, and Kirito can't even... can't even remember who the person sitting in front of him is, or rather, he doesn't even know that there was such a classmate sitting in front of him!

As for why you say that?

—Let's start here then.

"Kiritani-kun, the teacher wants you to go to her office..."

Well, Kirito didn't think anyone in the class would approach him, not even Eriri, whom he could talk to. Kirito had already revealed his otaku nature, while Eriri still maintained the image of a perfect young lady... well, not counting her terrible English grades.

As for class committee positions, while it's possible, the chances are slim. After all, Kirito excels academically, and even if he's not a top student, he's at least at a level where he won't be the subject of any trouble.

Therefore, Kirito doesn't think anyone would come looking for him after class.

However, Kirito clearly misjudged Hiratsuka Shizuka's determination.

"So, Kiritani-kun, are you even hearing what I'm saying?"

"It sounds like someone is calling me..." Kirito stopped and looked in the direction of the sound. It was a female classmate, a girl who looked very ordinary, but if you looked closely, you would find that this ordinary girl was indeed a beautiful girl.

Upon closer inspection, she has regular facial features, is of average height, and has smooth skin. Her features are well-proportioned, and her body is also quite attractive. She's the kind of girl who's very cute. She's definitely no less attractive than Eriri, but Kirito doesn't know her and has never seen her before.