Chapter 34: The Perfect Editor
When Shunsuke returned from the bathroom, having washed his hands, Hiiragi had just put down the manuscript of Bakemonogatari. Her face flushed with excitement, she rushed over to him, pressing her body tightly against his and grabbing his arm. Her violet eyes sparkled with admiration:
"Fujii-sensei, to write three completely different and interesting works in such a short time—I knew I wasn't wrong about you!"
Shunsuke smiled faintly, his expression full of nonchalant arrogance. "This is just the beginning. My goal this time is the Akutagawa Prize."
"A-Akutagawa Prize?"
Hiiragi was stunned.
The Akutagawa Prize is Japan's most prestigious award for pure literature.
Although it mainly selects new or lesser-known writers, the key point is that it's for pure literature.
Bakemonogatari, while highly entertaining and well-written, is ultimately still a light novel—popular literature that is inherently looked down upon by the pure literature crowd.
If he had mentioned aiming for the Naoki Prize, she wouldn't have been as surprised. For a moment, Hiiragi even wondered if Shunsuke was cracking under pressure and using her as a way to blow off steam.
Shunsuke knew exactly what was going through Hiiragi's mind. Smiling in response to her awestruck expression, he pulled out a manuscript—half of Norwegian Wood. "Although it's only half done, I'm confident it's on a level that exceeds the Akutagawa Prize."
In his past life, Haruki Murakami never won the Akutagawa Prize. It wasn't that his writing wasn't good enough; rather, when he was still an emerging author, the judges lacked the vision to recognize his talent.
By the time he wrote Norwegian Wood, he was already a literary giant, far too established to compete for the prize, as it would have been undignified for someone of his stature to compete with newcomers.
But now, having plagiarized someone else's work, Shunsuke thought to himself with feigned modesty: "Since I've been reincarnated into this world, I'll fulfill Murakami's dream and give Norwegian Wood the honor it deserves."
It's definitely not because I want to become famous overnight!
Hiiragi's eyes widened in shock. Knowing Shunsuke's personality, she could hear the confidence in his words. For him to be so assured about aiming for the Akutagawa Prize with only half a manuscript—it stirred her excitement as well.
"Come, take a look."
Shunsuke playfully tapped Hiiragi's face with the manuscript. She didn't mind at all—in fact, she found it endearing. It was much more subtle than Natsuno Kirihime, who would cut her clothes open or tie herself up just to play these games.
"But Fujii-sensei," Hiiragi said with a sly smile, "if you're aiming for the Akutagawa Prize, my standards will be very different."
As a professional editor, Hiiray drew a clear line between popular and pure literature.
For popular literature, she focused on whether the story was entertaining and whether the characters were striking—the commercial value was key. But for pure literature, her standards were much higher, and few could meet them.
"Don't worry," Shunsuke replied confidently. "I guarantee it'll make you beg me to keep writing."
....
"Fujii-sensei, please, you have to finish writing this book!" Hiiragi was kneeling on the floor, her face flushed with an almost fanatical expression. She clung tightly to Shunsuke's leg, refusing to let go. "Anything you need—just ask. I'll do anything!"
"Anything?" Shunsuke withdrew his right leg and wiggled his toes.
"Anything, even from heaven or hell!" Hiiragi declared with unwavering determination, despite her faltering voice.
However, her face soon took on a troubled expression. "But... when it comes to the Akutagawa Prize, with my current position, it's impossible for me to interfere."
This was exactly what Shunsuke had anticipated. No matter how many connections Hiiragi had as an editor, the idea of influencing the selection of the Akutagawa Prize was far-fetched. But—
"I seem to recall, Miss Hiiragi, that you have a direct nomination slot for the Bungaku Prize, don't you?"
The Bungaku Prize, established by Kawade Shobo Shinsha, is a literary award held annually to recognize new writers.
Since 2000, it has often been awarded to talented high school and middle school students, making it one of the most accessible awards for promising newcomers.
Both the Bungaku Prize and the Akutagawa Prize are primarily aimed at new writers, which is why the Bungaku Prize is sometimes called the "cradle of the Akutagawa Prize." Many who win the Bungaku Prize go on to win the Akutagawa Prize within a few years.
Shunsuke was confident. With the quality of Norwegian Wood, he believed that winning the Bungaku Prize would give him enough recognition to secure the Akutagawa Prize by the next half of the year.
At that moment, Hiiragi began to catch on. She gasped, breathing heavily, her excitement palpable.
"But..." Shunsuke hesitated, showing a troubled expression. "I've hit a bit of a writer's block."
"Writer's block? Where? What kind of block? Tell me! I'll help you get through it!" Hiiragi urged him, desperation in her voice.
"You probably know this but I've never had a girlfriend, and I'm still a virgin."
"Uh... true," Hiiragi admitted, her face reflecting some confusion. "It's strange and unfortunate that someone as talented as you, like Fujii-sensei, has never had a romantic relationship."
"That's exactly it. Whenever I get to those kinds of scenes, I feel stuck. While I managed to get through the first scene with Naoko through sheer imagination and determination, it wasn't easy. It felt forced, like squeezing toothpaste from a nearly empty tube. Now, I've completely hit a wall with Reiko and Naoko... but mostly with Reiko. I just can't write about her 30-year-old past anymore."
"How... how could this happen!"
Hiiragi looked as if the world had collapsed. She hurriedly grabbed the manuscript, flipping through it with a near-obsessive intensity, muttering under her breath, "Naoko, Naoko, Reiko, Naoko, Reiko, Reiko..."
"Ah, I understand now!" After re-reading the parts about both women, Hiiragi seemed to have a revelation. "Fujii-sensei, I'm almost 30 myself. Please, feel free to use me however you need."
Did Hiiragi not understand what Shunsuke intended to do?
She understood perfectly.
But did it really matter?
Not at all!
As someone who had dedicated her life to being an editor, if this was what it took to spark his inspiration, then how could a truly exceptional editor refuse? Her duty was clear: she would wholeheartedly support him and offer herself up for the sake of literature!
Total devotion—this was her path as an editor!
Seeing Hiiragi, who was fully prepared to sacrifice herself for the sake of literature, exuding a unique allure, Shunsuke could no longer hold back and allowed her to fulfill her "editor's path."
...
Early the next morning, Shunsuke sat at his desk, his left hand hanging by his side while his right hand controlled Platinum Star, furiously writing away.
Beneath the desk, a shadow moved as Suzuna Hiiragi diligently cleaned the space.
After an hour had passed, with a long sigh, Shunsuke lazily leaned back in his chair and handed the completed manuscript downwards.
"Stop for now. Remember, whenever I need inspiration, do it like this."
"Understood," Suzuna mumbled in response.
----------
If you want to read 10 advance chapters ahead.
Visit my patreon: patreon.com/EggZy