Over the next two days, Satoru took his sister Maki on a fun-filled trip around Tokyo. They strolled through the bustling streets of Shibuya, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and taking photos together.
Maki's eyes widened in awe when they visited Tokyo Tower, and she squealed with delight at Tokyo Disneyland.
Satoru smiled the entire time, enjoying her excitement. They sampled delicious street food, explored the trendy Harajuku district, and bought small souvenirs.
He carefully captured every moment, determined to create lasting memories with her.
The trip was a much-needed break. By the end of it, both of them felt refreshed and happy.
On the evening of May 1st, the siblings arrived at the Grand Hotel in a Toyota Crown sent by Jump. The car stopped smoothly at the entrance, and Maki gasped the moment she stepped out.
"That's amazing!"
The street was lined with black Toyota Crowns. Guests dressed in suits and elegant gowns moved in and out of the hotel, creating the atmosphere of an upper-class gathering.
Coming from the countryside, Maki felt completely overwhelmed.
She looked down at her simple clothes and then at the children's shoes on her feet. Her confidence began to waver.
Satoru, wearing nothing more than an ordinary hoodie, gently patted her shoulder and pointed at himself.
"No problem."
"Yes!" Maki nodded vigorously.
Holding her hand, he led her toward the entrance.
Having read too many online novels, Satoru half-expected a security guard to stop him and create some dramatic scene. Instead, the person welcoming guests was Yoshihisa.
"So this is the little girl," he said kindly, looking at Maki. "She's just as cute as I imagined."
"Thank you," Maki replied shyly, stepping out from behind her brother.
"Satoru," Yoshihisa greeted with a nod. "Professor Takahashi has already arrived. He's the middle-aged man with curly hair over there."
Yoshihisa didn't have time for a long chat, and he left after exchanging pleasantries.
The hall was filled with elegant ladies, company executives, editors, and industry figures engaged in refined conversations. Waiters in uniform moved gracefully through the crowd with trays of champagne.
Fortunately, not everyone was dressed formally. A few casually dressed individuals stood around as well, likely fellow manga artists.
"Is this banquet really for your award?" Maki asked in amazement. "Isn't it a bit extravagant?"
"Not exactly. While the Tezuka Award supports new talent, its greater purpose is to promote Shueisha's influence. The award matters, but the winner isn't the true focus."
Throughout history, only one or two out of every ten Tezuka Award winners had gone on to successful serialization.
Tonight, he was both the center of attention and a marginal figure.
No one paid him much attention despite his presence. That was perfectly normal. He was still unknown. But in the future, he will stand at the center of this industry.
After walking for a while, Satoru spotted someone that made him halt his steps.
'Togashi.'
He instinctively clenched his fist as a voice in his head told him to punch the guy. How dare he create a masterpiece and leave his fans hanging for years?
HxH was one of his favorite stories, but the long hiatus ruined it, and he no longer trusted any announcements of its comeback.
'Hxh will be released next year, so I guess he already has some ideas.'
Satoru merely greeted him with a nod when their eyes met before moving away. He had no intention of playing the expert and guiding Togashi in creating his masterpiece.
After all, an artist could accept advice, but a genius one would still have some pride.
Just before the ceremony began, Satoru finally approached Kazuki Takahashi.
When Takahashi learned that Maki was a fan, his expression softened. He picked up a pen and casually sketched on a piece of paper from the buffet table, adding a short message and his signature.
He handed it to her with both hands.
"Thank you—thank you so much, Takahashi-Sensei!" Maki bowed repeatedly, her face flushed with excitement.
The character he drew was her favorite, Seto Kaiba. Aloof, proud, and imposing.
Takahashi looked slightly surprised by her enthusiasm. Yu-Gi-Oh!'s popularity had recently declined, and he rarely encountered such devoted young readers.
"Actually, I also like Yu-Gi-Oh," Satoru said. He remembered enjoying dueling with his friends in his previous life.
"I'm glad you like my work," he said warmly, glancing at Satoru. "Would you like to visit my studio sometime?"
"Is that… really okay?"
Running a studio was no easy task. For Satoru, the invitation carried even greater meaning. Observing how a professional studio operated would help him prepare for the future serialization of Death Note.
"Then let's set a date," Takahashi said with a smile. "When are you free?"
"I'm pretty free."
"Then May 8th."
Before Satoru could say more, the ceremony officially began.
As they moved toward the front, Takahashi watched the young man's back thoughtfully.
This newcomer was highly valued by the Yoshihisa, so he felt compelled to offer some help.
For some reason, he had a feeling that Satoru would shine brightly.
****
The three winners were called to the stage together to receive their certificates.
When it was Satoru's turn to step forward, only the host, Takashi Sasaki, and the presenter, Kazuhiko Torishima, remained on stage.
"One million yen," Torishima said bluntly. "The prize money has already been transferred to your account."
He leaned closer and added with a grin, "Now you belong to Jump. Don't think about quitting for the next ten years."
The audience laughed.
Satoru accepted the Tezuka Cup and certificate with both hands.
He bowed deeply, then faced the audience under the bright lights.
"I'm just an ordinary person. I've never achieved anything remarkable in my life. Ordinary schooling. Ordinary upbringing.
He raised the trophy slightly. "Standing here today and receiving this award is the most glorious moment of my life."
Under the spotlight, he reflected on both his past and present lives.
He had never stood on a stage like this before.
"Thank you, everyone."
Everyone clapped and cheered, but there were some who watched the stage with conflicted emotion.
From below the stage, Oda watched with clenched fists and burning jealousy.
"One day… one day I'll make this editor-in-chief acknowledge me."