At 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio, inside the office of the General Production and Operations Department.
Morishita Aoi sat in her office chair, talking on the phone.
She was still wearing that standard black suit. The suit skirt reached her thighs, perfectly outlining her mature and graceful figure. The two sides of the black professional skirt were slightly slit to make moving her legs easier, but to others, Morishita Aoi's flawless legs wrapped in black stockings only appeared even more alluring. Her soft, graceful curves rose slightly, easily stirring the imagination.
Her appearance in a suit was extremely formal. The buttons at her slender waist were fastened, but in contrast to that slim waist, above it was a fullness that seemed ready to burst out at any moment, as though the buttons of her white shirt might pop off, forming a sharp contrast with her fitted suit.
Morishita Aoi had become completely familiar with her work, transforming from a key animator into a proper company office worker.
She was responsible for many affairs. Had Kamiyā Sora not joined 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio and shared part of the pressure, she would have had to handle most of the company's matters while also serving as Kamiyā Yuu's secretary. She was probably the busiest person in the entire company aside from Kamiyā Yuu.
Even now, however, she still couldn't relax. She was mainly responsible for the overall operations of 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio. As the company expanded rapidly, she began to feel stretched thin, and more than once she had changed her personal principle of never working overtime.
She did not feel annoyed.
What she felt more was satisfaction from witnessing the company's growth with her own eyes.
Besides, the bonuses Kamiyā Yuu paid were extremely generous. Compared to her days as a key animator at Kyoni Animation Co., Ltd., her current life was much better. Her yearly salary and bonuses were enough for her to buy a high-end apartment in the suburbs of Tokyo.
Morishita Aoi carefully flipped through the business contract in front of her while holding the phone in her left hand, contacting Kuroda Akiko, who was in charge of managing anime broadcast slots at TV Tokyo.
"Yes. We at 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio have decided to place 'Fate/Zero' in a late-night slot."
"Miss Morishita, our station has carefully reviewed the animation script submitted by your company. We unanimously believe this anime has the strength to air during prime time. Our station director is also very willing to place your company's work in a prime-time slot. If your company is facing financial difficulties, we can also provide appropriate support," Kuroda Akiko said thoughtfully over the phone.
After having tasted the terrifying ratings success of 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica,' TV Tokyo's cooperation policy toward 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio had completely shifted in their favor. They were willing to offer maximum concessions in every respect.
High television ratings meant the station could obtain more funding from sponsors and advertisers.
Morishita Aoi paused in flipping through the contract, then shook her head.
"I'm sorry, but it isn't because of those external factors. Like 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica,' 'Fate/Zero' itself has age restrictions. It contains no shortage of violent and bloody elements. Our chief director, Mr. Kamiyā, does not want to cut those scenes because of the broadcast slot. The safest option is to air it in a late-night slot."
There were quite a few scenes in 'Fate/Zero' that pushed the limits.
For example, Matō Sakura being swallowed by insects, and the segment where Bluebeard murdered children.
Fortunately, District 11's censorship of such elements was not especially strict.
If it were in Europe or America, which are usually known for being more open, even an animated work containing scenes of children being murdered would face intense criticism and boycotts, let alone when it was done in such a cruel way.
"Wouldn't putting those scenes in the BD be more beneficial for your company?" Kuroda Akiko asked in surprise.
Putting scenes that exceeded broadcast limits into the BD as a sales gimmick was one of the usual ways animation studios boosted BD sales.
The fact that she asked this question also showed that Kuroda Akiko did not fully understand 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio.
Morishita Aoi replied calmly,
"That possibility does exist. However, Mr. Kamiyā believes that presenting a complete anime to the audience is more important than BD sales. Thank you for your suggestion, Miss Kuroda. As for the specific broadcast slot arrangements, shall we discuss them further at tomorrow's meeting?"
...
After the call ended, Morishita Aoi placed the phone back on the desk phone and let out a long breath.
She picked up the cup beside her, intending to drink coffee, only to discover that it was already empty.
Feeling the fatigue spreading through her body, she simply did nothing and leaned back in her office chair, closing her eyes to rest.
Beep, beep, beep, beep~!
The phone rang.
It was not the desk phone for work, but her private cell phone.
Morishita Aoi took out her phone and looked at the number displayed on the screen. A trace of irritation flickered across her brow.
"What is it, Mother? Calling me at this hour."
"Aoi? There's something I wanted to discuss with you."
"Mm. What is it?"
"Haruka will be graduating from middle school this year. Like you, her grades are very good, and she has already received an acceptance notice from the Senior High School affiliated with the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Education. So while she is attending school, I would like you to take care of Haruka. To be honest, I don't feel comfortable letting Haruka live in Tokyo by herself. Although her grades are excellent, her personality isn't as steady as yours. She does everything carelessly. It really makes me worry."
"The Senior High School affiliated with the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Education... That's a pretty good school."
Morishita Aoi searched her memory for information about that school. It had been one of her possible choices after graduating from middle school, and was counted as a very good high school in Tokyo.
"That's fine. But my work here isn't easy either, so I won't be able to take very good care of her daily life."
"That's all right. That girl has been making a fuss every day about wanting to see you. Just knowing she'll be living with you would make her incredibly happy. Oh, right, Aoi, can you bring your boyfriend home for New Year's this year? You're not young anymore. If this continues, you really won't be able to get married. I remember you mentioned last time that your boyfriend was that... who was it again? The director of that magical girl anime that Haruka likes so much? Haruka was so excited after finding out recently that she asked a whole bunch of questions."
Morishita Aoi's body stiffened.
She lifted the bangs by her forehead with her slender hand and said in a slightly unnatural tone,
"Uh... ah, don't worry. For now, we plan to focus on our careers. Mother should know about 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica,' the work often mentioned on television, right? That's produced by our company. So our company will be extremely busy this year. I might not even be able to go home for New Year's. In exchange, the company's bonuses are very generous. I'll cover Haruka's tuition when she comes to Tokyo for school."
"Ah, Aoi, you're changing the subject again. Is that really all right? We don't want to increase your burden. Besides, living in a big city like Tokyo costs more money."
"It's fine. I'm currently in the rising stage of my career. This bit of financial burden doesn't count for much."
"Career is career, but you're a woman. You still need to start a family eventually. Aoi, this year you're almost thirty—"
"Knock, knock."
Morishita Aoi quickly rapped her knuckles against the office desk, then hurriedly spoke into the phone.
"Sorry, someone's knocking on the door. I'm quite busy with work right now. We'll talk about this when I get home."
Morishita Aoi pressed the end-call button.
The second phone call ended.
Morishita Aoi felt exhausted both physically and mentally. Her gaze drifted toward the documents on her desk as she murmured,
"Boyfriend, huh..."