"Is it true that during Echo Shroud's serialization period, I can still submit other works to different manga publishers if I want to?" Haruki asked.
"Of course, there's no problem," Haruka nodded. "As long as the other publisher agrees to you working with Echo Shroud at the same time."
Haruka smiled. "The system applies to editors too."
Haruki fell silent, digesting this.
He couldn't deny the quality of the project, though. It was clear from the way the final chapters handled the friends' partings and reconciliations—the story was all about heartfelt emotions. But with only three months of serialization time, most of the early story would just be laying the groundwork. If readers got bored early on, the series might be cut before it reached its full impact.
It was one thing to risk it with one series, but juggling two slow burners at once... Haruka was clearly worried too.
"Touching… friendship and love…" Haruki muttered.
Haruka stayed quiet for a while, deep in thought.
"I don't know how Anohana will unfold if it's serialized like this," she said finally. "But the only reason I'm even discussing all this with you today is because of Sora's strong recommendation. If her opinion is right, and you have the talent she believes you do, then I trust you can deliver quality with either project."
"If you really want Anohana to debut at the Shroud Line magazine, I'll submit it for you too," she said. "But honestly, I don't think the chances are good."
Haruka's voice softened slightly.
"And frankly, even if we tried to serialize it in a smaller journal, I doubt that would be your first choice."
She paused, then leaned forward slightly.
"Actually… after hearing your pitch earlier, another idea came to mind."
Haruki looked at her curiously.
"A friend of mine runs an animation production company," she said. "They're looking to create an original anime—something not based on an existing manga."
"They're currently calling for submissions from manga artists and light novel authors. And the elements you described in Anohana sound like a perfect fit for what they want."
"If you can flesh out the full plot—whether as a full storyboard, a detailed outline, or even a short novel—I'll submit it to them on your behalf. If they approve…"
Her eyes gleamed slightly.
"…then instead of struggling through serialization, Anohana might get directly adapted into an anime."
Haruki blinked, stunned.
He had just come here to submit manga manuscripts—how had things escalated to anime adaptation possibilities?
No serialization? Just providing the story, and then seeing it animated?
"Is… Is this for real?" Haruki asked, still half in disbelief.
"Don't get too excited yet," Haruka warned with a small smile. "It's not a secret. Plenty of other talented manga artists and novelists have their eyes on this too."
"If you weren't the winner of the Aurora Manga Award, they might not even give your submission a second look."
"Even if you submit, there's no guarantee your work will be chosen. If it's not accepted, we can still serialize Anohana later—just not in Shroud Line. Other magazines under Echo Shroud would be an option."
The office grew quiet.
Haruki took a deep breath, calming the whirl of emotions in his chest.
"…Why are you helping me like this?" he asked, voice low.
They had only met twice. This level of support felt almost suspicious.
Haruka's expression didn't change. "I'm just returning a favor."
"Sora isn't the only one you helped when you exposed that stunt at the Aurora Manga Awards. Back when I left my old agency, Sora and another editor spoke up for me too."
"And honestly… I've never liked the way people like Shinichiro Hayashi manipulate the industry from behind the scenes."
She looked Haruki squarely in the eye.
"You helped my friends, and you did something I admired. Plus…" Haruka smiled faintly. "One of my top artists is a huge fan of yours. After hearing the truth about the awards and your low profile these past six months, she practically begged me to recruit you if I ever got the chance."
"Don't worry," she added, smirking. "I'm not plotting anything weird. I'm not into 'pretty boy' types—and even if you counted, you're way too serious to be called one."
"All I'm doing is offering you an opportunity. Whether you can take it is up to you."
Hearing that, the tension in Haruki's chest eased.
As for the manga artist she mentioned… Haruki instinctively thought of Airi.
"Alright," Haruki said, nodding.
"I'll leave Natsume's Book of Friends here with you."
"At the serialization conference in two weeks, I'll do everything I can to secure a slot for you," Haruka promised. "As for Anohana—if you decide to go for it, just bring me whatever you can put together: name draft, story outline, novel version, whatever."
"If things go well, we'll talk about contract signing after the conference. If not, and you're still willing, we can explore serialization in other magazines under our group."
"Got it." Haruki stood up, bowing politely before leaving the office.
Outside Echo Shroud, he finally exhaled deeply.
"At least there's a chance," he muttered to himself.
One series could get serialized. Another could get a shot at an anime adaptation.
Thinking about it, Haruki felt both excited and a little overwhelmed.
Two works that had once been global sensations… and yet here, under his own hand, they faced such difficult beginnings.
But he didn't blame the works. It was simply reality.
Right now, Haruki's name didn't carry enough weight.
Still, he had no doubt—that would change.
In a few years, when he submitted a new manga, maybe just a few rough drafts and a handful of lines would be enough to get an instant greenlight.
He just had to get there.
Shout out to Yerbol Aidarkhan, ParallaxDawn, Matthew, Gomez, Banana19 for joining my p-atreon! your support means everything to me.
(TL:- if you want even more content, check out p-atreon.com/Alioth23 for 50+ advanced chapters)