Chapter 52: Shunsuke Plans to Repay Kindness with Betrayal
Akito, knowing Shunsuke's personality well, didn't push him further after hearing his determination.
"So, Fujii, what exactly do you want to ask me?"
"Well, I could ask a lot of things, but I know you're busy right now, so I'll keep it brief: I want to debut in Weekly Shonen Jump as soon as possible. Do you have any advice for that?"
"That really is straight to the point," Akito chuckled. "Let me ask you a blunt question: do you think your manga has what it takes to get published in Shonen Jump? Right now, Mashiro and I are doing our best to break in, and if you can't match that level, then it might be..."
Shunsuke responded with confidence, "I know it might sound like I'm overestimating myself, but I'm certain it can, and it will be a big hit."
It would be absurd if Nisekoi got rejected, he thought. If that happened, this industry would be beyond saving.
Akito, taking his words seriously, said, "If that's the case, the best way would be to enter the Gold Future Cup. Achieving a good result there significantly increases the chances of getting a serialization in the main magazine."
"That sounds complicated. Can't I just go straight to serialization?" Shunsuke mused internally.
—I don't want to repay kindness with betrayal by crushing your confidence and taking away your chance at serialization, he thought.
With the quality of Nisekoi, plus another potential work he hadn't yet decided to "borrow," securing two serialization spots would be a breeze.
Each quarter, Shonen Jump editorial staff typically cancels about three series, leaving only two or three slots available for newcomers or veterans to compete for.
In the original story, Mashiro and Akito barely made it in. Even Fukuda, who took first place in the same Gold Future Cup, didn't get serialized initially. If Shunsuke and Mashiro entered as well, it would be game over for the others.
Thus, the best strategy was to avoid competing in this year's Gold Future Cup and aim for a different timing for the serialization meetings. But it seemed like there was no way around it now.
Akito, unaware of Shunsuke's intricate considerations, simply responded, "This is Weekly Shonen Jump we're talking about."
"True," Shunsuke conceded. Well, Akito, this is your decision—don't blame me later, he thought.
"If you want to enter the Gold Future Cup, it's not open to just anyone. You need an editor's recommendation. When are you free? I can get in touch with Hattori, my editor, and you can bring your work to Shueisha for him to review."
"Editor Hattori is very diligent. If your work is good enough, he'll handle everything from there. If there's room for improvement, he's skilled enough to give you the right guidance."
"Thanks. Let's set it up for Sunday morning," Shunsuke suggested.
"Alright, I'll contact him now."
"Okay, I won't keep you. After this weekend, I'll treat you guys to dinner. Bring Mashiro and the others, and I'll introduce you to my collaborating artist."
"Hahaha, that sounds great. Let's all get to know each other and work hard together," Akito agreed cheerfully.
Shunsuke hung up the phone.
—It's decided. The work I'll "borrow" this time will be Death Note!
Shunsuke chose to repay kindness with betrayal.
---
Meanwhile, on the other end.
Mashiro Moritaka paused his drawing and looked at his close friend. "Akito, was that Fujii?"
Takagi Akito nodded. "Yeah, Fujii said he wants to create manga too."
"What? That's surprising," Mashiro exclaimed. "I remember Fujii often hangs out with Iwase. Even when you decided to pursue manga, Iwase scolded you about focusing on your studies. Would she really let Fujii draw manga?"
"Fujii and Iwase aren't quite what you think..." Akito hesitated. "Actually, it's more like Iwase has feelings for him, but I don't think Fujii reciprocates."
"I see. But does Fujii have the skills for this?"
Moritaka wasn't familiar with Shunsuke, as they were only casual acquaintances, so he had little idea of his abilities or intentions.
"Oh, it seems you don't know this, but Fujii's drawing skills are quite impressive," Akito said calmly, dropping a bombshell. "I've seen his illustrations before—they're detailed, expressive, and a bit risqué. Initially, I even considered partnering with him for manga."
Moritaka Mashiro's hand trembled, nearly dropping his pen.
"But this time, he mentioned he's handling the story instead. I'm really curious about the skill level of the artist he's working with. Even if they're newcomers, I get the feeling they could become formidable rivals in the future."
Moritaka's eyes were filled with resolve as he looked at Akito. "I—we—won't lose!"
Seeing Mashiro's determination, Akito felt his own excitement rise. "Oh, I'm going to write a story that's every bit as good as his!"
"Let's settle this in the Gold Future Cup!" both of them declared simultaneously.
---
Ding-dong.
Shunsuke rang the bell at the Azusagawa residence.
"What brings you here so late?" Sakuta Azusagawa asked curiously after peering through the peephole and opening the door.
"I was escorting a lovely junior who admires me back home and decided to stop by to check on Kaede," Shunsuke replied, deliberately sounding nonchalant.
"What do you take my adorable sister for?" Sakuta's fist clenched. "Do you want me to punch you?"
"Come on, the only thing that would happen is you getting beaten up by me, embarrassing yourself in front of Kaede, and then Kaede admiring my heroics. She'd ditch her useless brother, and I'd gain another cute little sister," Shunsuke teased.
Sakuta's fist tightened even more. "Then I guess I'll have to share your deeds with Yasuraoka-san, Shiina-san, Sawamura-san, Kato-san, and even little Sagiri."
"You fight dirty!" Shunsuke sputtered. "And how did you come up with that list? Why is Hanabi even included?"
Sakuta paused in surprise. "The first one you're worried about is Yasuraoka-san? Wait, don't tell me Sagiri is actually—"
"Enough, you siscon! Say one more word, and I'll call the cops!" Shunsuke interrupted, abruptly ending the dangerous topic.
As Shunsuke finally closed the door behind him, Kaede Azusagawa, who had been hiding behind the entryway wall with only half her head peeking out, slowly emerged, curious but cautious.
Kaede Azusagawa, or more accurately, Hana Kaede Azusagawa, is a super reclusive and adorably shy little sister, on par with the original Sagiri. In fact, she's even more socially anxious than Sagiri was at her worst.
After suffering from cyberbullying and the effects of Adolescence Syndrome, the Kaede of the past was forgotten, leaving behind a "new" Kaede—a child-like persona devoid of memories except basic knowledge and common sense.
Since the birth of this new Kaede, she hasn't stepped outside the house. To her, the entire world is confined to the 100-square-meter space of her home, and her older brother Sakuta Azusagawa was the only person who mattered in her world.
However, things have changed a bit recently. Besides Sakuta, Shunsuke and Sagiri have also become part of her small world—well, one and a half people, given Sagiri's partial presence. This has somewhat alleviated her intense brother complex from the original story.
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