"President Shido." Someone walked up to him.
It was Daigo Sagara, president of TNK, the guy who had said he was making School Days.
Back then he had said "maybe next year," but now it was already June with no sign of the anime. Maybe production had run into problems.
Yuta decided to ask. "President Daigo, how's your anime coming along?"
"It hasn't been the smoothest ride, but no major issues so far," Daigo replied.
"When does it air?" Yuta asked.
"July, probably. We still need to confirm the exact schedule with the TV station. But our anime is nowhere near Clannad's level, so you might want to keep your expectations in check." Daigo smiled.
"Come on. You're clearly talented and a strong leader. Whatever you make is bound to be good. I'll definitely tune in," Yuta replied.
This was just standard mutual flattery. He had the skill for it. And he genuinely did plan to watch. In the other world, the anime with the same name had been legendary in its own special way, and he was curious to see what this world's School Days would turn out like.
Daigo had no idea what Yuta was really thinking. They traded a few more compliments before Daigo said, "President Shido, I'm actually handling both directing and scripting for our anime myself. There's something I'd like your advice on, if you don't mind."
"Go ahead."
"Here's the thing. While writing the script, I noticed a problem. As I kept writing, the characters started acting on their own. I can force them back onto the path I planned, but that risks breaking their characterization. In a situation like that, what do you think is the best approach?"
"Hm?"
"Should I respect the characters' established personalities? Or should I steer them toward the ending I designed, even if it means their behavior doesn't quite fit?"
Daigo looked genuinely troubled.
Yuta had not read the School Days script, so he did not fully grasp the specific dilemma. But he answered based on his own thinking. "Breaking characterization is never good. But you can design events that naturally shift a character's personality over time."
"I see."
Daigo looked like he was turning this over carefully in his head. After a while, he said, "I'll think about that some more."
Yuta had no idea what conclusion Daigo would reach, so he just added, "My opinion is just one perspective. You should ask other people what they think too."
"Will do." Daigo nodded.
...
After Daigo, Yuta chatted with a few other people, then made his way over to Aoi.
Tonight, Aoi was once again surrounded by admirers.
When she saw Yuta approaching, she excused herself from the group and gave him a look.
Yuta understood. He followed her to a quiet corner where nobody was around, and asked, "Aoi, is something wrong?"
"Hm?" Aoi seemed confused by the question.
"You look like something's on your mind," Yuta said.
Aoi blinked in surprise. "You can tell?"
"I started out as a production assistant. Reading people is part of the job. Plus we've known each other for a year and a half now, and we've been living under the same roof at Seira's place for the past month. Of course I can tell." Yuta said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Fair enough." Aoi did not overthink it.
She was quiet for a moment, then said, "Honestly, I'm feeling uneasy."
"Uneasy?" Yuta looked puzzled.
"It's about my father," Aoi said.
Yuta frowned. "Haven't we already won?"
"Every single episode from one through twenty-two, Clannad season two's ratings beat Radiant Warriors across the board. Only three DVD volumes are out so far, but we're leading by a wide margin in sales too. The remaining volumes should keep that lead comfortably."
Aoi sighed. "Based on current results, yes, we've won. But you don't know my father. He hasn't made a move yet, which means the situation might still be within his control. It means he might have another way to come after me."
"Could you be overthinking it?" Yuta suggested.
"Impossible."
Aoi trusted her own judgment completely. "My father is nothing like my brother. He is not that easy to deal with. Last time, when I forced investment director Issei Kagetsu out of Arcane, I thought I had won too. I thought I was about to take full control of the company. Then my brother got sent in as the new investment director..."
She did not finish, but Yuta knew exactly what had happened next.
After Ryouga arrived at Arcane, Aoi had been pushed into a corner almost overnight. She had nearly given up entirely. It was only Yuta's support that pulled her back.
Even so, Arcane had been split into two factions ever since.
According to Aoi, the current situation might not be as rosy as it appeared. But aside from simply breaking the original agreement, Yuta could not imagine how the head of the Fuji Group would make his next move.
"Is it possible he'd just ignore the agreement?" Yuta asked.
"Probably not." Aoi shook her head.
Yuta thought about it for a while, then decided not to waste energy on speculation. He simply said, "No matter what happens, I'll always be on your side, Aoi. I'll always be your supporter."
"Mm. Thank you."
Aoi forced herself to perk up, then changed the subject. "I heard you've been looking into moving the company to a new location?"
"Yeah. The current office space is too cramped. We need somewhere bigger," Yuta answered.
In truth, it was not just the company that needed a new home. Yuta was planning to move his own apartment too, though there was no need to mention that to anyone else.
After a moment's thought, he asked, "Aoi, do you have any recommendations?"
"I don't know much about real estate. You should ask Seira when you get back. She's a professional when it comes to that sort of thing. She'll find you something much better than anything you'd pick on your own," Aoi suggested.
Yuta paused, then nodded. "Got it. I'll ask her when we get back."
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