Misaki set the manuscript down, and her gaze toward Rei changed completely.
At first, when Miyu mentioned that a close friend who drew manga wanted to submit a piece through her, Misaki had intended to reject the request outright.
That resistance only grew stronger when she learned the friend was the same age as Miyu.
Japan's manga culture was rich, but most professional artists were adults.
How could a high schooler balance school and manga creation?Where would so many prodigies like Miyu come from, especially not her friend?
To Misaki, this "submission" sounded like someone self-indulging in a hobby, hoping to use Miyu's connections to take a shortcut.So she had taken a cold, arrogant stance with Rei to discourage him immediately.
But now…
Misaki stared at the manuscript on the table, her eyes constantly moving between the pages and Rei's face.
She had a strong feeling, once this work was published, it wouldn't be overlooked.
"Rei Kirishima, right?" Misaki stood up.
"I apologize for my earlier attitude. I underestimated you. I was far too arrogant."
"I've reviewed your submission," Misaki said. "It's truly exceptional."
"So… my manga was accepted?" Rei asked seriously.
He had expected this outcome before he came.
Even if 5 Centimeters per Second wasn't the strongest among Makoto Shinkai's works, it was on par with titles like Your Name and Weathering With You.
There was no reason it wouldn't be accepted by a third-tier manga magazine in Tokyo.
Yet when the words were finally spoken, he couldn't help letting out a tiny breath of relief.
"From an editor's viewpoint, I really like this manga," Misaki continued. "It's the most impressive work I've handled in my two years at Sakura-iro Weekly. It's just…"
She paused.
"Your work is amazing, Rei. But whether it actually gets serialized depends on the serialization meeting at our editorial department."
"Serialization meeting?"
Misaki explained:
Hoshimori Publishing had several serialization magazines.Whenever an older series was about to end or get canceled, the editorial department would hold a meeting to decide which new works would fill the open slots.
Editors would gather, review the strongest submissions received during the cycle, and vote to determine which would receive serialization.
And as an ordinary editor, Misaki didn't have enough authority to directly grant serialization in Sakura-iro Weekly.
For 5 Centimeters per Second to be serialized, it would need approval from the majority of editors at the meeting.
"When is the meeting?" Rei asked.
He recalled Miyu mentioning that several series in Sakura-iro Weekly were ending soon.
"The day after tomorrow," Misaki replied.
"The day after tomorrow?" Rei looked at Miyu, who nodded.
No wonder she hurried him to submit the manuscript this afternoon.
"In any case," Misaki said, "I think your work has an excellent chance. And… I'd like to make a copy of your original manuscript."
"Although the serialization meeting is the day after tomorrow, each editor has to register and submit their artists' works by tomorrow. If you're willing, we can proceed with a preliminary cooperation agreement…"
"I..."
Rei paused.
Then, realizing the moment's importance, he straightened his posture and adjusted the hem of his clothes.
"Of course, no objections, Editor Misaki. That's exactly why I came here." Rei extended his hand.
Misaki gave a soft smile and shook it.
…
At nine that evening, Miyu personally saw Rei out of the villa and walked him all the way to the entrance of the residential area.
But she seemed distracted the entire time.
"Uh… Miyu? You okay?"
She had helped him so much today, and Rei couldn't just brush off her odd behavior as nothing to do with me.
"I was still thinking about the ending of 5 Centimeters per Second…" Miyu finally said. "Rei, do you really think it's okay for Takaki and Akari to just… pass each other like that in the sea of people?"
Being a manga artist herself, she knew it wasn't polite to criticize someone else's plot, but she couldn't help it.
"Aren't mangas supposed to show readers a beauty that reality can't? Your ending is… too sad." Her voice faintly trembled.
Rei thought for a moment. "Then think about it, what exactly is beauty that doesn't exist in reality?"
"A pair of former lovers who barely remember each other, yet still carry a quiet longing in their hearts… and then, after years, they rekindle their feelings. Is that the beauty you imagine? Something unique to anime?"
Miyu froze.
"Or… maybe beauty is like Takaki," Rei continued softly, "where many years later, he finds peace. He can turn away with a smile and walk toward a new life. That's also a kind of beauty, one that we, as creators, should show our readers."
Miyu blinked at him. "You're talking like you've been in love before. Aren't you just a fifteen-year-old freshman like me?"
Rei smiled faintly but didn't answer.
'Well… I did date twice in college in my previous life, though neither lasted.'
"This is just my interpretation of 5 Centimeters per Second," Rei said. "Even if I drew it, it's perfectly fine for you to have your own reading of the ending. But… I honestly can't think of a better one than this."
Just like Hamlet, no creator can offer a final interpretation that satisfies everyone, let alone Rei, who was merely recreating it.
"Anayway, readers of Sakura-iro Weekly can be pretty sensitive. If your manga really gets serialized… you're probably going to receive a mountain of fan letters."
Fan letters…
Rei's expression turned odd.
'Right. Before serialization starts, I need to think of a pen name. There's no way I can use my real name.'