The entire process of this author talk show was unexpectedly smooth, though there were also some unexpected little surprises.
This was mainly because Eiichiro Oda truly had a lot to say; whenever he got excited about a topic, he couldn't stop, forcing Asada Takanori to interrupt him, resulting in many useless segments.
That part would just have to be handled in post-production.
But all in all, the outcome of this author talk show was very satisfying. At the very least, both Akira and Eiichiro Oda were satisfied, having made a pretty good friend.
After the talk show ended, he and Eiichiro Oda exchanged phone numbers and signed illustrations. Oda even gifted him a set of figures featuring the entire current Straw Hat Pirates from his own collection.
In the very end, they and the editor went out for yakiniku together before parting ways.
Looking down at the signed illustration and figures in the shopping bag he was carrying, Akira couldn't help but exclaim, "This was truly a bountiful harvest."
Hayato looked cautiously at the framed painting in his hands, his gaze burning with intensity.
Inside the frame was a drawing of Luffy with a big, wide smile, and in the bottom right corner of Luffy's portrait was Eiichiro Oda's autograph.
He couldn't help but show an envious look, exclaiming, "Wow, it really is a signed illustration from Oda-sensei!"
To prepare for the upcoming 『JumpFesta』, the 52nd and 53rd issues of Weekly Shonen Jump would be combined, giving the authors a week of vacation out of thin air.
Regardless of how the readers wailed and complained, for the serialized Manga Artists, this was undoubtedly a decision worth cheering for.
However, the date for the 『JumpFesta』 event was set for the third Saturday of December, which was December 17th, still more than half a month away.
Therefore, the vast majority of authors who wanted to participate in this event would choose to maintain their normal update schedules during this period and wait until then to take their break.
Akira naturally made the same choice.
That was why the three assistants came to the studio to work as usual this week, leading to the scene above.
Seeing this, he smiled and teased, "Just to be clear, I only have this one signed illustration, so even if you want it, there's no way I can give it to you, okay?"
"I know that, of course—"
Hayato reluctantly placed the painting back in its original spot, and at the same time, a question asked by Shota nearby immediately drew his attention—
"Mochizuki-sensei, what did you and Oda-sensei talk about during this author talk show?"
"Well, about that—"
Akira thought for a moment and smiled, "We talked about quite a lot; it's hard to explain it all at once."
"But the main purpose was actually just to promote the first One Piece theatrical anime, as well as a handheld game."
Come to think of it, although he was a transmigrator, he was very unfamiliar with both of these things.
Regarding the theatrical films, before the film "Strong World," in which Oda began to intervene in the creative process, he had only seen "The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle."
Therefore, regarding the first One Piece theatrical film, "Adventure in the Golden Island," he only learned a bit of relevant information about it during the author talk show.
Considering the progress of the TV anime, the only Straw Hat Pirates members who could appear in this film were Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Usopp; even Sanji wasn't in it.
As for the script, it was of course completely original.
Although he hadn't seen this film in his past life, he was really curious about how a film with only four Straw Hat Pirates members would play out.
Just thinking about it felt a bit lonely.
However, he would definitely go and check it out when the time came.
As for the game, it was a One Piece-themed simulation game released on the handheld console WonderSwan, which was developed in collaboration with Bandai.
He had never even heard of this thing, so there was no need to dwell on it.
However, besides the two main things mentioned above, they also talked quite a bit about their respective mangas and some interesting anecdotes regarding their private lives.
It was just a question of how much content would make the final cut.
"Anyway, if you want to know the details, you can find out when you attend 『JumpFesta』."
Akira smiled.
As serialized Manga Artists in Shonen Jump, they could use a special channel to enter the event for free.
Not only that, but they could also invite some friends and family to join them, also free of charge.
Of course, it was best not to bring too many people, or things might get a bit awkward.
Naturally, he had extended an invitation to all three of his assistants for this.
As members of the Shonen Jump family, Hayato and Shota had no reason to refuse the Shonen Jump event and agreed without hesitation.
Only Daisuke asked with some hesitation, "Um, I wanted to ask, what about my wife...?"
Akira understood immediately and smiled, "That's perfectly fine, bring her along."
Hearing this, Daisuke let out a sigh of relief, smiled, and said gratefully, "Thank you so much for the trouble."
"Isn't it a bit too formal to say things like that now?"
Akira teased him with a smile, "You are my deputy, after all."
At least up until now, Daisuke's performance in assisting with manga production had been excellent, and he rarely had to worry about anything extra.
Furthermore, not only in terms of assistant work, but he was also generous in teaching useful techniques to Hayato and Shota, who were essentially apprentices in their drawing work.
Their excellent professional ability alone was enough for him to treat them well, let alone these small favors.
"Well—"
Daisuke scratched his head in embarrassment. Instead, he felt that he was always causing trouble for Akira, so he could only keep this kindness in his heart for the time being.
Just then, Hayato suddenly thought of something and leaned in secretively, curiously whispering, "Come to think of it, Mochizuki-sensei, will your 'female friend' be attending this 『JumpFesta』 event?"
You don't think this doesn't count as discussing it, do you?
Akira rolled his eyes at him, a mix of annoyance and amusement, but this time, he really couldn't avoid the question.
Or rather, avoiding it wouldn't be of any use.
Therefore, he nodded helplessly and said, "Of course she will be attending, with us."
The promotional work for "Snow Flower" had already ended by then, so Rin naturally had the time and the desire to join him for the event.
Therefore, inevitably, this time Rin would certainly have to meet his assistants.
He had already discussed this issue with Rin in advance, and she had indicated that she didn't mind and was very willing to get to know his assistants.
But what he was mainly worried about wasn't Rin's side, but his own.
He gave Hayato a pointed look, then said to the three of them with a serious expression, "Anyway, I hope that when the time comes, you won't say anything unnecessary in front of her."
Seeing this, the three of them exchanged glances and raised their hands in a vow, "Understood!"