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Chapter 20 – The Rise of Your Lie in April
By now, the atmosphere of the Dengeki Newcomer List had spread everywhere online.
On X, Instagram, YouTube, and well-known light novel forums—discussions were blowing up.
Many light novel reviewers rushed out to recommend their favorite works. Some were sincere, while others took commissions, posting pre-written drafts just to ride the wave of the newcomer award's popularity.
But in Japan, where light novel culture was deeply rooted among young readers, people weren't so easily fooled. Readers valued authenticity, and fake hype was quickly dismissed.
Every year, discussions surrounding the Dengeki Bunko Newcomer Award blossomed into heated debates.
And this year was no different.
What was surprising, however, was that most reviewers—whether small channels or well-known critics—ended up choosing the same title to recommend.
That title was the third-place newcomer work on the list:
Your Lie in April.
---
The shocking part was that these reviewers weren't hired by Fujii Yuuna or any of Dengeki Bunko's editors. Their recommendations came spontaneously.
This natural buzz suddenly pushed Your Lie in April into trending territory. Discussions of the work and its mysterious author, "Burning Ikaros," began spreading like wildfire.
And then came the most influential push—
Kuroneko.
The well-known reviewer, and one of this year's invited judges, uploaded a video to YouTube that quickly caught fire.
Unlike other reviewers, who could only comment on the portions published in Dengeki Magazine, Kuroneko had read the entire manuscript during the final review.
Her review carried far more weight.
---
In the video, a girl in a black gothic dress sat in front of the camera. Her pale face contrasted with her calm, measured voice.
"First of all, let me say this."
"As one of the final judges of Dengeki Bunko, I honestly had no expectations before reading Your Lie in April. In fact, I worried that the beautiful premise would collapse under weak writing. I thought Ikaros-sensei might not have the skill to support such a heavy story."
She paused, her crimson eyes glinting with emotion.
"But I was wrong."
"After reading the second competition scene—where Kousei Arima and Kaori Miyazono performed together—I knew I had to apologize for doubting the author. This isn't just a touching romance. It's a beautiful story of redemption and growth."
Kuroneko leaned forward slightly, her tone softening.
"Of course, since the single volume isn't on sale yet, I can't spoil too much. But I ask you this: if you bought this month's Dengeki Magazine, please take the time to fill in Your Lie in April on the voting slip. Trust me. I can guarantee this story won't disappoint you."
---
The comment section exploded.
Some teased her appearance. Some joked about money. But many were dead serious:
> "That title alone—Your Lie in April—is so intriguing. And if Kuroneko-chan recommends it, I'm in. I'll vote for it."
> "Seven out of the ten reviewers I follow recommended Your Lie in April. Guess I'll check the magazine for myself!"
> "I read the opening today. Honestly, I didn't think it was as amazing as Kuroneko said. Personally, I prefer Fairy Ring by Yamada Elf. Pingzi also recommended it, and he said Fairy Ring has the strongest opening of any newcomer work this year. So I'll vote for that."
> "Pingzi? That clickbait reviewer? Please. If he says it's the strongest, then I'm more convinced Kuroneko is right. My vote goes to Your Lie in April."
> "Anyway, I already voted for it. When the single volume comes out, I'll definitely buy it again."
> "Kuroneko recommends it? That's all I need to know."
> "I skimmed the start. It's decent, but not mind-blowing. Still, after hearing this review, I'm more curious about the heroine's entrance scene."
The debate grew heated, but one thing was clear: the buzz was working.
---
That evening, Fujii Yuuna messaged Ryuo Tenshin:
> "Teacher Ikaros, congratulations! Your Lie in April has secured third place on the Dengeki Newcomer List!"
Ryuo was busy working at his food stall when he saw the message.
"Third place?" He tilted his head in confusion, wiping his hands on a towel.
He replied seriously:
"As a grand prize winner, isn't third place kind of low?"
The calmness of his response left Yuuna stunned.
"Teacher Ikaros… don't you check the newcomer list yourself?"
Ryuo chuckled to himself, thinking of Hikigaya and his friends at school.
"It's fine. My classmates are keeping an eye on it."
Yuuna was momentarily speechless.
Compared to her own excitement, Ryuo was far too calm. It almost shocked her.
She quickly composed herself and answered his question.
"Yamada Elf and Testament-sensei had already been promoting their works before the magazine release. Considering that, third place on the first day is an excellent result. But this is only the beginning. Over the next six days, we'll work hard to maintain and raise your ranking."
"Thank you, Ms. Fujii," Ryuo replied, his gratitude genuine.
"…You're too calm, Teacher Ikaros," Yuuna muttered under her breath, before quickly finding an excuse to end the call.
---
Later that night, Yuuna sat at her desk, glued to the real-time Dengeki Newcomer List page.
The book reviewers that her editor-in-chief had asked her to contact hadn't even moved yet.
But something unexpected was happening.
The vote count for Your Lie in April was climbing—faster than she anticipated.
Her eyes widened.
This wasn't company support. This wasn't insider promotion.
The votes were climbing on their own.
Faster and faster.
Her hand trembled slightly as she adjusted her glasses.
"…No way. Could it be—Your Lie in April is about to catch up to second place already?
End of the chapter
200ps=1 extra chapter and so on