To determine a blood relationship, one generally has to go to a professional forensic identification center or a large hospital. Kamiyā Yuu chose a major hospital close to his home. To be safe, he collected several strands of Kamiyā Sora's hair.
For DNA testing, the more samples the better—and not just any hair will do. The strands must have roots attached. Simply put, plucked hair is best because only then can DNA information be found in the root.
Japan's medical system is highly developed. Every officially recognized citizen is required to pay annual medical insurance. When residents fall ill, this insurance can cover around 70% of medical expenses. Of course, the remaining 30% is still a significant amount—and the blood relation test Yuu planned to do wasn't covered at all.
An expedited blood relationship test costs a full 230,000 yen.
However, with the $100,000 from the 'Fakebook' company already deposited, Kamiyā Yuu had no hesitation in spending what amounted to more than a month's salary.
Now, all he had to do was wait about a week for the results.
After what happened yesterday, he didn't want to delay any longer. Once the relationship was confirmed, no matter what he chose in the future, his situation with Kamiyā Sora would become clear, determining how he should respond to her feelings.
If there were no blood relation, then the biggest barrier would disappear.
If there was, then he would need to act far more cautiously.
…
After leaving the hospital, Kamiyā Yuu returned to Kyoni Animation Co., Ltd.
The production of 'Mr. Onigiri Man' had already been completed, and the company had entered a brief idle period. Employees were leisurely waiting for instructions regarding the next project. Aside from upper management, very few knew that the company was about to announce its dissolution.
Unemployment was a serious issue in Japan. Without being part of a company, surviving in a major city like Tokyo wasn't easy. Finding a suitable new job also took time. For those without family or support, becoming homeless in a park could easily be the result.
"Kamiyā-kun, congratulations on the great success of your work 'Red—Crescent Rose.'"
Inside the key animation department's private office, Uehara Etsuki sat properly at her desk, offering a gentle smile. She wore a simple black kimono that perfectly matched her elegant and serene temperament—exactly the image of a refined Yamato Nadeshiko in Kamiyā Yuu's mind.
Looking at her, Yuu couldn't help recalling the thoughts that had crossed his mind the previous night. As a partner in life, Uehara Etsuki was undoubtedly far more suitable than Kamiyā Sora.
Sitting at the desk, Kamiyā Yuu smiled awkwardly. "Sensei, do you also have a 'Fakebook' account? Seeing the overall positive reception really relieved me. Otherwise, I'd feel like I let down the effort you put into Ruby Rose's character design."
"No, I'm not very good with such complicated devices," Uehara Etsuki replied calmly. "This morning, I asked Aoi to check it for me. The quality of your animation far exceeded my expectations. In that case, the weight of your previous request has increased."
Kamiyā Yuu's eyes lit up. Placing his hands on the desk, he asked carefully, "Does that mean Sensei agrees to join the animation studio I plan to establish?"
Not long ago, he had already spoken to her privately about this, but she had postponed her answer, saying she needed time to consider.
Whether she joined would have a major impact on his future plans.
Uehara Etsuki shook her head lightly and smiled. "Your invitation is indeed tempting. I'm also curious how much more you have yet to show. However, I've grown somewhat tired of city life and plan to return to the countryside after Kyoni Animation dissolves."
"Then please join my studio," Kamiyā Yuu said earnestly, his tone firm with confidence. "I have enough reason to ensure you won't be disappointed."
"Kamiyā-kun, what did you just call me?"
He paused. "Sensei?"
Her smile deepened slightly. Raising a slender finger, she said, "Interest and plans are two different things. If I were to change my decision as your 'teacher,' then there would be one condition."
Kamiyā Yuu raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his chair. "If I fulfill this condition, you'll agree to join my studio?"
"Yes." She nodded with composed grace, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "As your teacher, I'd like to assign one final graduation task."
He nodded seriously, listening.
"On the website where you publish your artwork, there's a weekly popularity ranking, correct? Your piece, 'Giant Wolf Sif and the Girl Ruby,' rose to sixth place thanks to the animation's release. My task is this: regardless of subject matter, use your own skills as an illustrator to reach first place on the monthly popularity ranking."
Though she spoke lightly, Kamiyā Yuu frowned. Becoming number one on the monthly rankings of the world's largest online illustration community was no easy feat. Even with the boost from 'Red—Crescent Rose,' his best result had only reached fifth place.
After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. But I also have one condition."
"I learned from Mr. Fujiwara that the company is about to dissolve. With 'Mr. Onigiri Man' completed, it wouldn't surprise me if the announcement is made tonight. So I hope you can give me two months to prepare. During this time, please assist me in establishing the animation studio. If, after two months, my work still fails to meet your requirement of reaching first place, then I will respect whatever decision you make."
He had his own plans. Her condition wasn't impossible, but it wasn't simple either—especially at such a critical moment.
Uehara Etsuki rolled up her kimono sleeve slightly, took out a lollipop from a cabinet, and handed it to him. Without hesitation, she smiled softly and agreed.
"Very well. Then I'll be counting on you to do your best during this time, Kamiyā-kun. I look forward to your performance."