Lunch Before the Meeting
Before lunchtime, Su Yu and Yukino Yukinoshita arrived at Flash Animation Studio.
Shi Miyazumi had just finished reviewing the detailed Madoka Magica script and was about to head out for lunch.
So, the three of them decided to eat together at Shi Miyazumi's favorite restaurant.
It was a traditional Japanese eatery with private rooms—quiet and refined.
Shi Miyazumi ordered a selection of dishes and a glass of the restaurant's signature sweet sake.
Since Su Yu and Yukino were unfamiliar with the menu, they went with her recommendations.
As they waited for the food, Shi Miyazumi asked Su Yu about certain points in the script.
He patiently explained each one.
Yukino, meanwhile, silently took out her notebook, recording his words.
Because of the collective efforts of the Third Animation Studio, the first episode of Madoka Magica would be completed by tomorrow.
Su Yu wasn't surprised.
Even for an average anime, a single episode usually took a week. Compared to most modern anime, Madoka Magica had a simpler visual style, making the production process easier.
Shi Miyazumi sipped her drink and smiled.
"With the detailed script Director Yukinoshita provided, the entire vision for Madoka is crystal clear in my mind."
She glanced at Yukino with admiration.
Yukino shook her head modestly.
"I only put Su Yu-kun's ideas into writing. He's the one who deserves credit."
Su Yu smirked.
"Yukino, once the first episode is out, I want to see your skills as a director."
"You're looking for mistakes?" Yukino raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly. If you satisfy me, I'll hand over full creative control from Episode 2 onward. I just wanted to help set things in motion."
Yukino's lips curled into a small smile.
"I accept your challenge."
Shi Miyazumi watched their exchange, feeling a hint of envy.
They suited each other so well.
Lunch and Returning to the Studio
The food arrived shortly after.
Su Yu found the flavors a bit mild for his taste, but the two girls seemed to enjoy it.
After lunch, he insisted on paying, which made Shi Miyazumi slightly embarrassed.
On the way back to the studio—
"Take care of Yukino for me," Su Yu said to Shi Miyazumi.
"…I will."
Shi Miyazumi nodded.
Walking beside Su Yu, Yukino heard his words.
Her heart felt warm.
Guiding the Team
Back at the Third Animation Studio, Su Yu and Yukino made their rounds, checking in on every staff member's progress and offering feedback.
At first, the animators respected Su Yu as a creator.
But once he began pointing out specific and insightful improvements, they realized—
He had the skills of a full-fledged director.
His advice wasn't just useful—it was on point.
Their respect for him deepened.
While Su Yu was giving notes, a visitor arrived—
Tamura Wakako, the director of the Second Animation Studio.
She quietly observed him from the doorway, surprised.
When Su Yu finished, she approached with a warm smile.
"Su Yu-kun, I had no idea you had such talent as a director. You've truly surprised me."
Su Yu turned and greeted her politely.
"Director Tamura, I'm just somewhat familiar with it."
Tamura laughed.
"You may not be on Director Arato's level yet, but you're far beyond the average rookie director."
The surrounding animators visibly reacted to her words.
Tamura Wakako was an industry veteran, on par with Arato Shinya, one of the top animation directors.
If she acknowledged Su Yu's abilities, then—
He wasn't just good.
He was exceptional.
"Thank you for your kind words." Su Yu bowed slightly.
The other animators' respect for him soared even higher.
Tamura chuckled.
"I actually came to discuss your manga."
Su Yu wasn't surprised.
"Let's talk in the office."
He led her toward Shi Miyazumi's office.
As they left, an animator whispered—
"What's Su Yu-kun's manga even about?"
"You'll find out next month when Future Comics publishes it."
Shi Miyazumi smirked.
"I guarantee you'll be shocked. When it releases, I'll personally buy each of you a copy—so you can see what true top-tier artwork looks like."
Her tone carried a hint of pride.
After all—
She had taught Su Yu the fundamentals of manga.
Yukino, overhearing this, said nothing.
She continued reviewing her notes—
Everything Su Yu had taught her.
He had personally studied books on directing just to help her become a proper anime director.
With Su Yu guiding her, she felt confident she could make Madoka Magica a success.
Tamura Wakako's Proposal
In the office, Tamura leaned back on the couch.
"My specialty is lighthearted anime—stories about girls, romance, and daily life. When Nanako showed me one page of your manga, I immediately thought: I need to direct this."
Su Yu smirked.
"Well, I do own the adaptation rights."
"I know," Tamura said knowingly.
"But I've already assigned my current projects to my assistant, so I won't be too tied up."
She smiled.
"If I assist the Third Studio with Madoka Magica, Yukinoshita-san will progress even faster as a director."
Su Yu's expression softened.
"If you're willing to mentor her, I'd greatly appreciate it."
"I will—but in return, I want to direct Leisure Days when the time comes."
Su Yu stood and bowed slightly.
"Thank you—for guiding Yukino."
Tamura waved a hand dismissively.
"Su Yu-kun, haven't you considered directing an anime yourself?"
He shook his head.
"I want to focus on creating stories. For me, directing was just a means to help Yukino become a director."
Tamura blinked.
Then—
She smiled warmly.
"If Yukinoshita-san heard that, she'd be deeply moved."
"Please tell her."
Tamura chuckled.
"Alright. When the time is right, I'll make sure she knows how much effort you put in for her."
"Thanks for the assist."
Tamura gave him a look of amusement.
Most men in his position would say, "Please don't tell her."
But Su Yu?
He wanted Yukino to know.
A New "Rival"
Suddenly, Tamura's expression changed.
"Oh, one more thing. If Nanako seriously pursues you, please—"
Su Yu immediately cut in.
"I understand. I'll keep my distance. I won't lead her on."
Tamura shook her head.
"No, no. You misunderstood."
Su Yu blinked.
"I want you to be friends with Nanako."
"…If I become her friend, she might start having expectations."
Tamura smirked.
"I don't mind."
"Even if she starts liking me?"
She took a sip of her drink and shrugged.
"If you and Nanako became a couple, I wouldn't object."
"...Huh?"