"Miss Kasumigaoka-senpai?"
The girl with long black hair turned at the sound of her name, casting a curious glance.
Seeing the boy who called out to her, she felt a bit puzzled.
"Are you calling me? I don't think we know each other."
Kasumigaoka Shiwa was a strikingly beautiful girl with long black hair.
Ethan Walters nodded.
"I don't know you personally, just heard about you from a friend."
Kasumigaoka Shiwa frowned slightly.
His response sounded like a clichéd attempt to strike up a conversation.
She was already a bit weary of such encounters at school.
And now, being approached in front of the editor at Shueisha.
"Oh? And what is your friend's name?"
Kasumigaoka Shiwa decided that if he gave a vague response or an unwarranted name, she'd let him taste her sharp tongue.
"Sawamura Spencer Eriri."
Ethan replied honestly.
"Hmm."
Her prepared retort was swallowed back.
Because Kasumigaoka was indeed familiar with Eriri.
Though they weren't in the same grade, they attended the same private school, Toyosaki.
Two beautiful girls known at Toyosaki.
Editor Ami Furukawa noticed that the two seemed to hit it off... or so it seemed.
Deciding to take her leave, she said:
"Miss Kasumigaoka, I'll head back now; there's still work at the club."
Kasumigaoka Shiwa nodded.
But Ethan interjected:
"Editor Furukawa, if you wouldn't mind staying a moment. My name is Ethan Walters, a newcomer to Shueisha."
Ami Furukawa paused, looking at Ethan with a hint of surprise.
Ethan handed over the manuscript for his giant-themed comic to Editor Furukawa.
With an initial casual glance, Editor Furukawa's eyes widened.
This artist, tsk tsk.
It didn't look like a rookie's work at all.
"So, are all newcomers this talented?"
Editor Furukawa remarked, then focused intently on the draft.
Kasumigaoka Shiwa was quite surprised to hear such high praise from Editor Furukawa.
Editor Furukawa was known for having a discerning eye in the industry.
For her to praise a newcomer's work was noteworthy.
Curious, Kasumigaoka Shiwa approached to view the manuscript.
Yet, out of politeness, she asked Ethan:
"May I take a look as well?"
Ethan gestured for her to go ahead.
So, Kasumigaoka Shiwa joined in.
Although manga wasn't her forte, the manuscript's quality and detail left her wide-eyed.
Editor Furukawa examined about a third of the sketches before pausing.
"Mr. Ethan Walters, this manga is really... Anyway, please come with me, and we'll discuss its publication."
Using the title "Mr." indicated Editor Furukawa's high regard for Ethan.
Ethan smiled and nodded.
Kasumigaoka Shiwa also looked up from the manuscript.
Although she preferred stories about youth and love, she found herself captivated by this work.
The plot was gripping, and the art brought characters and battles to life.
It was hard not to be drawn in.
"Kasumigaoka-senpai... that's what you called me, right? Could it be you're headed to Sobu High School?"
Kasumigaoka Shiwa, a year older than Ethan, was studying at the Higher School of General Affairs.
Ethan nodded.
Kasumigaoka Shiwa took out her phone.
"Let's exchange numbers. I can be your guide for the school season."
Kasumigaoka-senpai offered with a smile.
Ethan's talent and demeanor intrigued Kasumigaoka, sparking her interest.
She thought they could exchange works in the future.
She wasn't planning to be Eriri's defeated rival.
Since there was interest, she decided to take decisive action!
Ethan agreed with a smile, and they exchanged contacts.
Afterward, Kasumigaoka Shiwa bid farewell and left.
Ethan, meanwhile, discussed publication details with Editor Furukawa.
The giant-themed manuscript was so well-done it could be published immediately.
Moreover, Editor Furukawa found the plot flawless, needing no modifications.
Regarding the contract, Editor Furukawa offered exceptional terms.
Ethan accepted readily.
"Does Mr. Ethan Walters have a pseudonym for his debut?"
Editor Furukawa inquired curiously.
The young man before her exuded maturity.
However, she expected a boy's pseudonym to be a bit more imaginative.
Editor Furukawa was curious.
After some thought, Ethan replied,
"Call me Takatsuki Izumi..."
Ethan said mischievously.
Editor Furukawa was slightly disappointed.
The name was normal, not as unique as she had hoped.
"Alright, Mr. Takatsuki, let's work well together."
Editor Furukawa extended her hand.
They shook hands, officially sealing their collaboration.
With affairs settled, Ethan and Annie left Shueisha.
As they walked back toward the apartment, Annie glanced over her shoulder, whispering:
"Someone's following us."
Ethan hummed lightly, indicating he was aware.
He had already noticed.
It was likely Ai Hayasaka.
Should he catch Ai Hayasaka and teach her a lesson for her persistent spying?
Ethan pondered mischievously.
As for Ai Hayasaka, trailing far behind, she remained unaware she had been discovered.
"He went to Shueisha... to publish his work? Is that manga manuscript what he's submitting?"
Ai Hayasaka carefully noted the information.
After considering, Ethan decided...
"Anyway, let's teach her a lesson first."
Ethan led Annie toward a remote alley.
They stopped by an almost abandoned warehouse.
He was ready to confront Ai Hayasaka.
However, at that moment...
[Anomalies detected nearby, please contain them.]
A system panel appeared.
It showed a red dot rapidly approaching their location.
Ethan frowned.
Anomalies took precedence.
"Annie, get ready for a fight."
Ethan said.
Annie immediately tensed, prepared for battle.
As the anomaly's red dot drew near, Ethan saw it clearly.
A girl with white hair, dressed like a hospital patient, was swiftly closing in.
(Any one like my story)