Completing three days' worth of key animation work in just two days was practically an impossible task for many animators. The very fact that key animators relied on second key animators to trace corrected drafts showed just how heavy their workload was—so intense that even going to the bathroom had to be timed down to the second.
Especially with the director ordering revisions to certain scenes in 'Mr. Onigiri Man', the schedule for second key animators was further compressed. The cuts Uehara Etsuki assigned to Kamiyā Yuu were essentially equivalent to three days' work for an average key animator—calculated based on ten-hour workdays.
Because of this, Kamiyā Yuu had no choice but to fully devote himself to tracing these corrected key frames. Every night before sleep, he would spend an hour in the consciousness space, pre-practicing the corrected drafts he needed to handle the next day—familiarizing himself with the lines and constructing an overall framework for replication. He also discovered that limiting his time in the consciousness space to about one hour in reality didn't disrupt his normal routine; during sleep, his brain would automatically organize and consolidate what he had learned.
This kind of preparation allowed Kamiyā Yuu to work through the corrected drafts with remarkable fluency. While maintaining precision, his drawing speed had more than doubled compared to before.
Kamiyā Yuu smiled as he looked at a minor imperfection in one of the corrected drawings. "The background linework here could be refined further. Uehara-senpai probably simplified it due to the tight schedule. According to 'A Collection of Japanese Key Animation Techniques', adjustments at this level can enhance detail without affecting production efficiency."
Even a casual otaku from his previous world would know that light novel illustrations and anime character designs differed drastically—and that difference lay in the handling of detail. In animation, the priority was to simplify unnecessary lines as much as possible, with character traits coming second. Animation wasn't illustration; there wasn't enough time or budget for animators to render complex details.
"The key frame in this cut is a jump. That means the next shot will probably be a close-up of the character's expression. Given it's a tough battle and aimed at children, there'll likely be a line or two promoting justice." Holding the animation pen, Kamiyā Yuu's thoughts flowed in tandem with his hand. Based on the storyboard alone, he could already predict the development of the plot, showing that he had begun to grasp the structure of the animation.
"Only one cut left. Including what I have now, that's nine storyboards and twenty-three key frames. I should be able to finish within the afternoon."
Fully immersed, Kamiyā Yuu felt like these two days had passed in a blink. When he finally completed all the corrected drafts, a deep sense of satisfaction welled up inside him. With more than half a day left before the deadline, he handed the finished work to Uehara Etsuki.
"Good work, Kamiyā-kun." Today, Uehara Etsuki wore an elegant white kimono. The spotless fabric was embroidered with fluttering butterflies, adding a touch of refined grace to her usual calm demeanor. She accepted the drawings with both hands and, from the very first sheet, couldn't suppress her curiosity as she began reviewing them. The quality had clearly improved to another level compared to his previous practice work.
"I still have time. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, I can make further corrections," Kamiyā Yuu said confidently, standing before her desk without the slightest fear of her evaluation. He had every reason to believe these works exceeded her expectations.
Uehara Etsuki examined them in silence for a long time. What surprised her most were the small adjustments Kamiyā Yuu had made—improvements she herself hadn't noticed were possible. When had a second key animator like him developed such sharp and professional insight? Only true masters in the field, with decades of experience, could make such refinements—not merely through talent, but through accumulated expertise. Naturally, she didn't know these techniques came from the highly developed animation industry of his previous world.
She placed the drawings into a folder and gave him a slight bow. "No further changes are needed. The quality of your work far exceeds the required standard. Six cuts of corrected key animation—reviewed and approved by animation director Uehara Etsuki."
"Ah~ I finally lived up to your expectations, Uehara-senpai. As a reward for completing the task, how about a lollipop?" Kamiyā Yuu said lightly. He knew that with someone like her, maintaining a strictly serious attitude would likely keep their relationship forever confined to superior and subordinate.
Uehara Etsuki chuckled softly, took out a lollipop from her drawer, and placed it into his hand with composed elegance. Looking at him with a curious gaze, she said quietly, "Kamiyā-kun, you're quite a fascinating person."
"If that's praise from you, then I'm very happy."
"Of course."
Just as Kamiyā Yuu was about to leave, Uehara Etsuki paused thoughtfully and called out to him. "Kamiyā-kun, will you have free time in early November?"
He paused at the door and turned back. "Assuming the schedule goes as planned, November should be when 'Mr. Onigiri Man's finishes airing. I'll likely have quite a bit of free time."
"That's good. I have a small request."
…
"The quality exceeds the director's required standard. It can be officially submitted to the animation department." In the key animation office, Uehara Etsuki sat behind her desk as Morishita Aoi stood before her, reviewing the corrected drafts Kamiyā Yuu had submitted. Her composed expression remained as if she could see through everything.
The quality of Kamiyā Yuu's work was on par with that of experienced key animators. Compared to what he had submitted a few days ago, there was a fundamental difference in style and composition. If Morishita Aoi hadn't occasionally observed him over the past few days, she wouldn't have believed these were his works. How could a second key animator with what appeared to be beginner-level skills produce such solid results?
Morishita Aoi placed the drawings back into the brown folder, her sharp gaze behind her glasses carrying a hint of resignation. "Understood. But seriously, Etsuki, what kind of magic did you use on him? That kind of change doesn't happen overnight."
"I'd like to ask Kamiyā-kun the same question. But your words mean you acknowledge both his progress and quality, Aoi."
Morishita Aoi walked to the side and organized a pile of documents on the desk. With Kamiyā Yuu's final submission, all revised storyboards for episode eight of 'Mr. Onigiri Man' were complete and ready to be passed to the next stage of production. Hearing this, she paused, adjusted her black-framed glasses, and said with mild dissatisfaction, "Do you really think I'm that harsh? You're being petty, Etsuki. Even after winning the bet, you're still holding it over me?"
"Not harsh, perhaps—but stricter than most. And you were the one who proposed the bet. You can't complain only when you lose," Uehara Etsuki teased with a soft smile.
Morishita Aoi snorted as she gathered the documents. "Coming from you, the 'Iron-Willed Nadeshiko,' that's rich. Anyway, I'll submit all the corrected drafts to the animation department now. Hopefully, we can stay on schedule for the broadcast."
"Thank you for your hard work." Uehara Etsuki tapped the desk lightly, smiling. "Oh, and about the November arrangement—Kamiyā-kun will be joining us as well."
Morishita Aoi paused at the door, then turned back with a pained expression. "Are you trying to bankrupt me that month? Your appetite alone would have me living on instant noodles for half of it. Kamiyā-kun may not eat as much as you, but he's still a young man."
"As the central figure of this arrangement, it would be rude not to invite him. Don't worry—I'll cover his share."
"Yes, yes, I get it. You win—I'll do as you say." Normally strict and serious, Morishita Aoi was completely worn down by Uehara Etsuki. With a helpless look, she quickly left the office, afraid she might hear even worse news if she stayed.