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Chapter 24
The best part of Slam Dunk is undoubtedly its character design.
Each character in the manga has a unique personality. It's not just the protagonist who stands out—even the supporting characters are unforgettable.
Beyond the engaging characters, the plot is equally compelling. Every basketball match is a thrill, a tightly written blend of strategy and passion that keeps readers hooked.
Replaying Slam Dunk in his mind, Lucien D. Blackthorn couldn't help but get excited, as though he was running side by side with the characters on their journey toward greatness.
The spiritual core of Slam Dunk—the idea of perseverance, growth, and chasing one's dreams—resonated deeply with Lucien. It stirred something within him. After every reread, he felt rejuvenated, energized, as if he could take on the world.
It was truly a masterpiece that had inspired an entire generation.
It was said that when Slam Dunk first began serialization, basketball was still relatively unpopular in Japan. But after the manga's success, the number of basketball players in the country surged past one million—a cultural phenomenon born from the pages of manga.
Lucien's creative passion had been completely reignited.
Unfortunately, there was just one problem—he had no paper or pen.
---
After school, Eriri had gone home first.
She changed out of her school uniform and headed to the shopping district with her mother, Sayuri Sawamura, to pick up a few souvenirs.
Then, the two made their way to the hospital.
When they arrived, Sayuri and Eriri were greeted warmly by Lucien's parents, who joyfully shared the news of Lucien's improving condition.
By coincidence, Lucien had just woken up.
So, Sayuri and Eriri were ushered into the ward.
As soon as she saw him, Eriri could barely contain her excitement. "Lucien! The editor-in-chief of Manga Jump accepted Attack on Titan! It's going to be serialized!"
Lucien blinked in surprise, then smiled. "That's incredible."
Eriri then gestured toward her mother. "This is my mom, Sayuri Sawamura. She's the agent of a well-known painter. I want her to handle the publishing of Attack on Titan. She's super experienced."
As she spoke, Eriri subconsciously scratched the tip of her nose—a telltale sign she was hiding something.
Lucien barely held back a laugh. He knew the truth.
The so-called "famous painter" Sayuri represented was none other than Eriri herself—under her pen name, Eri Kashiwagi, a renowned doujin artist with an enormous following.
Lucien bowed slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Aunt Sayuri. I'm Lucien D. Blackthorn."
Sayuri smiled warmly. With her youthful features and twin tails, she and Eriri looked more like sisters than mother and daughter.
"Please, call me Aunt Sayuri," she replied. "Lucien, I'm really happy that Eriri has made such a good friend. She doesn't open up to many people."
"Mom!" Eriri cried, stamping her foot. "Don't say that—I have plenty of friends!"
Sayuri chuckled and continued chatting with Lucien, asking about his inspirations and his thoughts on creating manga.
Eventually, she handed him a commission agreement. "Lucien, take a look at this contract. It's standard. If you're okay with it, we'll get started on publication."
Lucien read it carefully, nodded, and signed his name.
Afterward, they discussed the upcoming schedule. Lucien said he'd begin drawing Volume 2 of Attack on Titan soon.
But when it came to the business side of things, Lucien left it all to Sayuri. She was Eriri's mother, and that was enough for him to trust her.
Once everything was finalized, Lucien turned to Eriri. "Sawamura-san, could you buy me some manuscript paper? Get a few sets."
"You're drawing again?" Eriri's cheeks puffed in protest. "You just started recovering! Don't overdo it."
"I promise I'll take care of myself," Lucien said with a small smile. "The doctor gave me permission—as long as I limit it to a short session each day."
Lucien's mother nodded in agreement. "Don't worry, Eriri-chan. We'll watch over him."
Eriri sighed and nodded. She still looked unconvinced, but didn't argue further.
Sayuri chimed in, "Are you starting the second volume of Attack on Titan now?"
Lucien shook his head. "Not yet. I want to work on a new project first. The second volume can wait a bit."
"A new work?" Eriri tilted her head. "What kind of story is it?"
Lucien grinned. "It's a secret. You'll see once it's done."
"Hmph. So mysterious," she muttered, arms crossed. "Fine. But I better be the first to see it."
After that, Eriri left to buy the comic supplies.
---
On the way back to the hospital, she hugged the materials close to her chest, humming as she walked.
She hadn't felt this happy in a long time.
Lucien's health was improving. His manga had been accepted for serialization. Everything was going right.
Back at the hospital, Eriri noticed her mom chatting with Lucien's mother outside the ward. The two women were getting along splendidly—as if they'd been friends for years.
When Sayuri saw her daughter return, she smiled. "Eri, Lucien fell asleep. Don't go in just yet."
"Okay…"
Eriri handed the manuscript paper to Lucien's mom. "Auntie, could you give this to Lucien when he wakes up?"
"Of course."
Lucien's mother then handed Eriri a beautifully wrapped box.
"For me?" Eriri asked.
"It's a collection of Mucha's paintings," she said warmly. "A small thank-you for taking care of Lucien."
"Thank you so much. I'll treasure it."
In Japan, proper etiquette was everything. Eriri accepted the gift politely.
A short while later, she and her mother left the hospital.
On the walk home, Sayuri held her daughter's hand, her smile serene.
"Lucien's a good kid," she said. "Strong and talented… but there's something tragic about him."
"Yeah," Eriri said, her voice softening. "I never noticed him before. He was always quiet in class. Kind of invisible."
Sayuri gave her daughter a knowing look. "Even someone invisible can shine when seen by the right eyes. And it seems you've got a pretty good eye, Eriri."
"Of course!" she said proudly—then paused, blinking. "Wait… what do you mean by that?"
Sayuri chuckled and covered her mouth. "Nothing at all."
As they strolled beneath the setting sun, a faint blush crept onto Eriri's cheeks.
End of the chapter