While Kamiyā Yuu was adding detailed annotations around the illustration of the corrupted Great Wolf Sif, he heard the crisp sound of high heels tapping against the tiled floor. The pace wasn't fast, but it was steady and rhythmic. In an instant, the image of a capable short-haired woman appeared in his mind—her every movement clean and efficient, her gaze beneath black-framed glasses cold and rigidly stern.
"Kamiyā-kun, are you using work hours again to complete the key animation assignments Etsuki gave you?"
Morishita Aoi, dressed in a gray-black women's suit, walked up to his desk. When she saw the corrupted Great Wolf Sif drawing on the table, her brows furrowed slightly in displeasure. Her serious, unsmiling expression carried the air of a strong career woman.
Kamiyā Yuu casually put away his personal drawings and handed over a completed correction frame beside him, laughing awkwardly. "Sorry, there really wasn't much to do. But this isn't the teacher's assignment—it's just something I drew for practice."
Morishita Aoi took the corrected drawings with both hands. After briefly flipping through them, she placed them into the folder she carried, preparing to submit them to Uehara Etsuki for review. She couldn't find a single flaw in his corrections. If she had to rate her own work against his, his would win without question.
It was hard to imagine that in just one month, a newcomer animator had grown to a level she herself now had to look up to.
A trace of discomfort stirred in Morishita Aoi's heart. She had worked extremely hard to reach her current level, only to be surpassed so casually. For someone as strict with herself as she was, it wasn't easy to accept. Whenever she looked at his work, she would console herself: "Kamiyā-kun only stands out in 'Mr. Onigiri Man.' In other animation projects, there's no way he has more experience than I."
She let out a heavy sigh, as if resigning herself. Her usually stern expression softened with a hint of fatigue and vulnerability. Holding the thick folder, she lightly tapped Kamiyā Yuu on the head with it and said calmly, "Don't overwork yourself. You know she doesn't like that type of person."
Kamiyā Yuu reflexively shrank his neck, then froze when he felt the gentle tap. "I thought Morishita-senpai would say something harsh to scold me."
Morishita Aoi seemed used to such comments. She brushed aside a strand of her short black hair and replied with mild irritation, "Why do people always think I'm so harsh? Etsuki does, and now you too. If you've done your work properly, then no matter what position I'm in, I have no right to say such things. Isn't that just what it means to be an animator?"
"Because you always look so serious, Morishita-senpai," Kamiyā Yuu answered honestly.
"For a woman, that's hardly a compliment." Morishita Aoi shook her head, clearly unimpressed.
In modern Japanese society, where pressure was high and women already held a lower status, the term "strong career woman" often carried more sarcasm than praise.
—Is this where I'm supposed to raise her favorability?
With normal social awareness, Kamiyā Yuu immediately realized the situation. He gave a wry smile inwardly before replying sincerely, "No, I think you're very charming as you are now, Morishita-senpai."
Morishita Aoi glanced at his face, then gave a carefree smile before returning to her usual seriousness. She tapped his head again with the folder. "Charm, huh? Do I still have something like that? Alright, no need to comfort me, Kamiyā-kun. I'll go submit these to Etsuki."
With that, she turned and left the office.
—Guess that attempt at raising favorability failed.
Kamiyā Yuu rubbed his chin, amused at himself. This wasn't some manga or novel. Morishita Aoi was a mature woman—she wouldn't crumble over others' opinions. To her, this was simply part of everyday life.
...
Uehara Etsuki gently picked up the personal drawing Kamiyā Yuu had submitted. The illustration depicted a short-haired girl holding a massive mechanical scythe, her bright and cheerful smile so vivid it felt as though it could cross into reality and affect others.
From a technical standpoint, the drawing was merely refined and skillful—but it possessed a rare quality: spirit.
In the industry, only master-level animators could capture such essence. The art style was too intricate for typical animation use, yet the annotations around it suggested it was indeed a character design draft.
"You're very familiar with Western gothic and baroque design styles, Sensei, so I'd like to ask you to refine this character further," Kamiyā Yuu said earnestly.
"For what purpose?" Uehara Etsuki asked softly, her brows slightly knit.
"To create an independent short animation," Kamiyā Yuu answered honestly.
Hearing this, Uehara Etsuki lifted her gaze and looked directly at him, her tone turning serious. "As someone in animation production, you should understand what that statement implies. Even a short animation isn't something one person can simply create on a whim."
Standing before her desk, Kamiyā Yuu replied calmly, "Of course, I understand. Please don't worry—I've already made considerable preparations. This will just be a short piece similar to a promotional animation. It won't require too much effort."
Uehara Etsuki studied his eyes for a long moment before lowering her gaze slightly and nodding. "I understand. Then give me one week. I'll provide you with a satisfactory result."
"Thank you, Sensei."
Although he had expected she wouldn't refuse, hearing her agree still made him feel greatly relieved.
After Kamiyā Yuu left the room, Uehara Etsuki examined Ruby Rose's character design with utmost seriousness. From the subtle details in the drawing, she could already sense his astonishing progress. The 'Complete Guide to Key Animation Techniques' she had only given him a few days ago was already reflected in this piece, capturing about thirty percent of her own artistic essence.
"You little liar. If it were just a short independent animation, would you need a character design of this level?"
"For the first time, I'm seeing this side of you, Kamiyā-kun… perhaps I can look forward a little to this 'short animation' you mentioned."
Covering her mouth with her sleeve, Uehara Etsuki let out a soft laugh. A rare trace of playfulness flickered in her gentle, focused gaze. She felt genuine happiness at Kamiyā Yuu's growth.
"Consider this a reward for your progress. This is becoming more and more interesting."