To Arato Haruto, his wife's novel was simply a lightly polished version of their past.
As a story, it was too smooth—there were no conflicts, no dramatic ups and downs. It could easily come across as dull.
That was why he had been hesitant about how to modify it.
Su Yu immediately understood his concerns.
From Arato Haruto's perspective, this was just a typical romance—he had lived through it, after all, so he had the right to say so.
But Su Yu, having watched countless romance anime, knew just how rare a story like this was.
It was like Teasing Master Takagi-san (Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san)—its sweetness had almost no rivals. The main characters even had a child together by the end.
At that point, it wasn't just a romance anime anymore—it was a nostalgic reflection of happiness.
Similarly, the novel written by Arato Haruto's wife was purely and overwhelmingly sweet—essentially another version of Takagi-san.
Trying to forcefully add conflict to such a perfect love story would be completely unnecessary—a pointless addition that would only ruin its charm.
Besides, even Arato Haruto, a top-tier director in the industry, couldn't think of a way to change it. Who else could possibly do better?
Not to mention… this was his wife's last work. Deep down, he probably didn't want to alter even a single word.
With that realization, Su Yu smiled and set the script down.
"Director Arato, I'm very satisfied with this story. I only have one request."
"What request?" Arato Haruto seemed a little nervous.
"No one is allowed to alter any part of the story. You and Director Tamura will handle the production, and the First and Second Studios will work together on this anime."
Hearing that, Arato Haruto opened his mouth slightly in shock.
"If possible, I'd like this to be released in the same season as Madoka Magica—as the beginning of Flash Animation's new era, the first true original anime project." Su Yu's expression carried a hint of excitement.
"Su Yu-kun… thank you."
Arato Haruto stood up and bowed deeply.
Thirty Minutes Later
Inside Flash Animation's conference room.
As the newly appointed president, Sata Kana sat at the head of the table.
However, seated beside her was Su Yu.
The First and Second Studios were present, while the Third Studio was not involved in this meeting.
Once all members had arrived, Sata Kana stood up.
"At present, Flash Animation is fully owned by the Yukinoshita family. Under orders from Yukinoshita Haruno-sama, I have been appointed as president. In the future, all company shares will be transferred to Yukinoshita Yukino-sama."
She paused, then glanced at Su Yu.
"And the man beside me—Su Yu-kun—is acting as her representative. You could even say… he will be the future owner of Flash Animation."
Her words sent waves of shock through the entire room.
Many of them were only learning about this now.
After Sata Kana finished speaking, she sat back down.
Su Yu stood up, his sharp gaze sweeping over the room.
Arato Haruto and Tamura Wakana smiled slightly as they looked at him.
"Flash Animation, once the industry's most outstanding anime studio, has been on a steady decline over the years."
"I do not deny the talent and dedication of everyone here. But continuously working on adaptations is, quite frankly, a waste of your skills."
"Many of the talented animators who left this studio did so because they couldn't create the anime they truly wanted. Even if they failed outside, at least they chased their dreams."
"When I reviewed Flash Animation's history, I noticed something—the number of original anime produced here is almost nonexistent."
"Why? I believe all of you understand the reason better than I do."
Su Yu's words were precise and impactful.
The animators and directors in the room exchanged glances, eyes filled with anticipation.
Could it be that…?
"Yes," Su Yu continued. "Today, I'm here to announce the launch of Flash Animation's Original Anime Project."
"This is a long-term initiative—anyone can submit their own original anime scripts. Director Arato, Director Tamura, and I will personally review them. If your story passes, I will personally invest 100 million yen, and Flash Animation will cover the remaining costs."
"This project will officially begin next year. Every anime season, Flash Animation will produce at least six original anime."
"It doesn't matter if you're a writer, an animator, or a storyboard artist—you can submit your own ideas. There are no restrictions on length, and each person will have five submission opportunities per year."
"This year's first original anime will be based on a story provided by Director Arato. It will be the first-ever in-house funded original anime for Flash Animation."
As Su Yu finished speaking, every animator in the room received a printed copy of the script.
Arato Haruto also stood up.
"This story is a novel my wife left behind. I want to bring it to life as an anime. I hope all of you can help me make it a reality."
With that, he bowed deeply.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Those familiar with Arato Haruto's personal history immediately understood the weight of his words.
Tamura Wakana had long been aware of the novel's existence and its deep significance to him.
"I have not made any changes to the novel," Arato Haruto continued. "Because it is already perfect as it is."
"I've decided that this anime will be a collaboration between the First and Second Studios. Director Arato and Director Tamura will serve as the chief directors, and I will act as the assistant director."
"This will be Flash Animation's first original anime of the new era. I hope everyone will give it their all."
"It will premiere alongside Madoka Magica—a gift to the audience, a declaration of Flash Animation's rebirth."
"We will use these two anime to announce to the industry that Flash Animation is entering a new age—one filled with possibilities, where original anime can thrive. A future where the dreams of animators can finally be realized."
Su Yu's words ignited the passion in the room.
Many animators felt as if they had traveled back in time—back to when they had first joined the industry, filled with dreams of creating their own anime.
"At the request of Yukinoshita Haruno-sama," Sata Kana added, standing up at the perfect moment, "Flash Animation will invest at least 5 billion yen into the Original Anime Project. All profits from original anime will be reinvested into the project's growth."
Arato Haruto and Tamura Wakana were visibly overjoyed.
5 billion yen—enough to produce more than 20 anime series!
Su Yu glanced at Sata Kana.
She was competent and tactful—an excellent choice as president.
Once he fully took over Flash Animation, it might be best to let her remain in charge.
After the Meeting
As members of the First and Second Studios left the conference room, they engaged in lively discussions.
For them, the Original Anime Project was more than just a policy change—it was an opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
The chance to get their own anime made now depended on their creativity and skill.
With over six original anime per year, the odds of being selected weren't low.
If they succeeded, not only would they get their work produced, but they would also receive a substantial reward.
And if they were chosen to help animate their own project—
That would mean their dreams had truly come to life.