Chapter 26: Tankobon Release
Although he had promised the Chief Editor to draw a new manga, to be honest, Naoto still didn't know what to draw.
When it came to interesting manga, Naoto had many in his mind.
However, to draw a manga that could defeat Niizuma Eiji, it could only be a classic proven by time. Naoto currently had no clue for such a manga.
And now, compared to that, Naoto had something even more important to him.
That was, the first volume of 'Bloodline' was finally going to be released.
What did the release of a tankobon mean to a mangaka?
T/N - tankobon is a collected volume of a manga series that compiles multiple chapters into a single book.
Let's put it this way: JUMP's weekly popularity rankings were like weekly and monthly exams. If things weren't too bad, people wouldn't say much.
But the release of a tankobon was like a final exam or even an entrance exam.
A mangaka without a tankobon, no matter how good their grades, could only be called a popular mangaka. Only when a tankobon achieved certain sales figures could one be qualified to be called a bestselling mangaka.
Throughout history, countless mangakas have been stuck at this step, unable to become bestselling mangakas.
This hurdle, if crossed, was like a carp leaping over the gate to become a dragon; if not crossed, it was like a dead fish.
The world of mangakas was just that cruel.
Although with Naoto's achievements, his release wouldn't result in a 'dead fish' outcome, since Naoto wanted to become the Number ONE in the manga world, he naturally had to achieve good results, didn't he?
Naoto looked at his recent online reviews and suddenly felt a bit strange.
Ever since that oil painting judging, more and more information about him began to be exposed online.
A 16-year-old genius boy who had lost his parents recently, with only a house with thirty years of mortgage left and a younger sister still in junior high.
His father was an archaeologist, and his mother was a literary author. Although not considered a high-income class, they were still a well-off family. But a plane crash destroyed the entire family.
He had attempted suicide many times but was stopped by his childhood friend and became a mangaka, achieving instant fame.
Not only did he become JUMP's hottest new mangaka, but he also won awards in national oil painting competitions, starting a life like a light novel protagonist.
Some people admired Naoto's comeback story, finding it incredibly inspiring.
Some, on the other hand, found Naoto's relationship with Kuriko truly enviable.
But no matter what, Naoto was ultimately popular.
More people came to know him and became his fans because of this.
However, Naoto was very puzzled as to who could know him so well? After all, these things weren't easy to collect unless someone specifically researched Naoto.
Who was helping him spread his fame?
At this moment, a person named Sayama inexplicably came to Naoto's mind.
"Could it be him?"
... Time quickly passed.
Today would make the entire month of June no longer ordinary.
"Saiko! Hurry up! Today is Naoto-nii's 'Bloodline' tankobon release day!"
"Akito, slow down! I really can't keep up!"
As soon as Akito and Saiko's school was dismissed, the two rode their bicycles like the wind, rushing towards the bookstore.
Today's 'Bloodline' tankobon should have been released in the morning,
But because Akito and Saiko were both so excited for this day, they suffered from insomnia last night. In the morning, let alone buying manga, they almost overslept and were late.
So, now they were rushing to the bookstore in a hurry, hoping to grab a copy of 'Bloodline' tankobon.
When the two arrived at the bookstore, they were both dumbfounded.
Even though it was already after school in the afternoon, the bookstore was still crowded with people.
Many of them were holding a copy of 'Bloodline' in their hands, their faces flushed with excitement, as if they had gotten hold of something incredible.
"Oh no, it won't be sold out here too, will it! I've already been to three bookstores today!"
Just as the two were shocked by the terrifying scale of this release, a young man next to them, who looked significantly older, was looking at the long queue ahead with a troubled expression.
Not only were there students from nearby schools, but there were even some young adults who had already started working.
All these people had come for Naoto's 'Bloodline'.
Seeing this, Akito and Saiko didn't hesitate and quickly joined the queue.
As Naoto's designated strongest rival and being some of his little fanboys, how could they not grab a copy of their rival and idol's manga?
And looking at the seemingly endless queue, the happiest person was probably the bookstore owner.
Since this morning, the queue had not diminished at all.
Even though he had shouted himself hoarse, people kept pouring into the bookstore.
Looking at the few remaining copies in his hand, the bookstore owner's heart was bleeding.
ONE-sensei, can't you print more?! These few copies are absolutely not enough!!!
"By the way, Akito, how much money do you think Naoto-nii will earn this time? Will he break the tankobon sales record?"
Although Saiko and Akito were both people who drew manga for dreams and interests, seeing the current situation, they still couldn't help but think about these things.
Calculating at a price of 400 yen per tankobon, Naoto would earn about 40 yen per copy.
Although this amount didn't seem like much, if accumulated, it would be a considerable sum.
Saiko and Akito looked at the frenzied scene before them, like a year-end discount clearance sale, and couldn't help but start to worry.
Could the two of them really get a copy of this manga this time?
It should be said that these two were really lucky.
While they were queuing, another car full of books arrived. After queuing for about half an hour, the two finally managed to get a copy of 'Bloodline' tankobon.
Looking at Liloe on the cover and the still endless queue.
The two couldn't help but wonder again just how terrifying the sales of this tankobon had reached.
Of course, they weren't the only two who wanted to know this result.
Since morning, the JUMP editorial department had been swamped.
Calls from various printing factories were about to blow up the entire editorial department.
The last time JUMP experienced such a grand occasion was... well, the last time.
Uh, how long ago that 'last time' was, only heaven knew.
The Chief Editor still maintained his calm demeanor, but in his heart, he was thinking: ONE, how many surprises will you give me?