Akira-kun suddenly undlightly the reason
Tamura Wakaka nodded and continued.
"The president had previously invested in original animation, but it never recouped the costs. Many animators left as a result." Tamura sighed as she continue, "At first, everyone had dreams—they thought that once the company grew bigger, they could create original works. But the risks of original animation are immense. Even with a great script, there's no guarantee it will succeed."
"Plus, President Harada hasn't paid much attention to the animation industry in recent years. From the departure of the initial directors to the dwindling number of original animators, Flash Animation may still be the largest animation company in the industry, but no one can say how long it can maintain stability."
"If the Yukinoshita family is willing to acquire the company completely, I think the president would agree," Wakaka added.
Akira understood her implication but said nothing, keeping his thoughts private.
"Fujimiya-kun, making animation is extremely costly. If you want to continue producing it, you need to ensure that every project's return exceeds the investment," Niino warned him.
"Flash Animation is already in decline. People are staying here because the current conditions are still sustainable," he continued.
"President Harada could sell his shares at any time. A new president may take over, and If that happen.... I might leave Flash Animation," Niino said slowly.
Tamura Wakaka glanced at him thoughtfully.
Are they still at Flash Animation because of the dream they once had? Not really. They simply didn't want to watch the company collapse completely.
Akira picked up his teacup and took a slow sip of black tea. Then he looked at the two supervisors in front of him.
"...If I acquire Flash Animation, can you create a script that satisfies me?" he asked.
Haruto Niino and Wakaka Tamura exchanged glances.
They trusted Akira's judgment and believed in his ability. But an original animation? That was another matter entirely.
They remained silent.
Akira wasn't surprised by their hesitation. He knew President Harada must have asked them similar questions before. Working steadily on adaptations was safe and profitable. Why risk failure with original works?
In their minds, the completion level of Madoka Magica was already among the top three. Akira's talent as a screenwriter was unquestionable.
"During the production of Madoka Magica, Parasyte, and Non Non Biyori, I may acquire Flash Animation. You have one year to present an original animation script to me. If I approve, I will invest in you, and you will stay at Flash Animation for five years," Akira said, placing the teacup down and speaking slowly.
Niino raised his head, intrigued. While, Tamura's expression was a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.
"In the next five years, you can continue creating original scripts. As long as I'm satisfied, I will invest in them," Akira continued.
"I am not a businessman. I'm just a simple animation enthusiast, like Kanae Takahashi and the young animators out there. We have dreams in our hearts, and we long to see our fictional stories become animation," he said, word by word.
Niino felt as if he had been transported back to the founding period of Flash Animation—
Back then, President Harada made empty promises without ever giving them a real chance at original animation.
Yet, because Akira had written Madoka Magica's script for Yukinoshita Yukino, Haruto Niino trusted him. Real animators could sense each other's passion and love for the craft.
"Fujimiya-kun, I have a script," He said, hesitant, recalling the novel left by his late wife.
This might be their only chance.
.....
Akira spoke with the two supervisors for over an hour. They agreed to his conditions, provided he successfully acquired Flash Animation.
Aside from the shares held by the Yukinoshita family, purchasing the remaining shares would cost significantly more. Preliminary estimates suggested at least ten billion yen would be needed—meaning Akira would need at least two billion yen upfront.
Even if Madoka Magica became a high-scoring anime, it wouldn't immediately raise Flash Animation's stock price.
After all, this project was funded by Akira and Yukinoshita Yukino. The real benefit was that Kanae and Yukino could enter the animation industry properly, while Akira's fame would grow.
However, if Madoka Magica achieved immense success, the cost of buying shares from President Harada could increase. Harada was a savvy businessman and would never miss such an opportunity.
The current moment was Akira's only chance.
After seeing Niino and Tamura off, Akira returned to Yuigahama Yui's side.
Yukinoshita Yukino and Kanae Takahashi had gathered the staff in the conference room to discuss revisions to Madoka Magica.
At the third animation studio, almost all members were newcomers, nervous but eager. With specific suggestions in hand, they could proceed carefully.
Since the first episode hadn't even been out yet, frequent revisions were expected, even more so for newcomers.
Niino and Tamura were considered top supervisors. With their presence, nobody dared object to their suggestions.
Akira sat beside Yui and sighed.
"What's wrong, Akira-kun?" Yui asked, curiosity lighting her eyes.
"Yui, if I owe ten billion debt, will you still stay with me?" he asked quietly.
"Ten billion…?" Yui froze.
"I want to acquire Flash Animation, but I don't have enough funds, so I'll have to borrow a portion—Ten billion yen," Akira explained softly.
"...I understand, Akira-kun.... I won't leave your side. Is there anything I can do to help?" Yui said earnestly, her confusion fading as she understood the reason behind it.
She would always support him, and stay by his side. She has already decided that.
"I plan to take you to Yukinoshita's house. If I can't repay the loan, Yui, you'll serve as Yukino's maid in the future. How do you feel about that?" Akira teased, taking her hand.
"Am I...really worth that?"
"In my heart, Yui is a priceless treasure. Yukino must think so too."
"Then… then pawn me to the Yukinoshita family...I believe Akira-kun can make that much money, to take me back" she said, giggling, as she can feel her cheeks warming up.
"You're so cute, silly goose," Akira murmured, hugging her gently.
Yui reacted instantly, realizing he was joking. Logically, she knew it was impossible, as she reciprocate the hug.
"Yui, if I really borrow money from Yukinoshita Haruno...she might take me to accompany Yukino to meet her mother," Akira continued after a pause, his tone serious.
"That's fine, Akira-kun," Yui said softly.
"I'm sorry, Yui," Akira whispered, holding her tightly.
"Akira-kun, I'm already very happy....I love your confession and your gift. I know you like Yukino more in your heart. I'll work hard to improve myself so that...you like me even more," Yui said quietly, gently.
Akira looked down at her in his arms—
Yui lowered her head, leaning closer.
"Akira-kun...please give me some time. I'll do my best to make you recognize me."
"Yui, your real rival isn't Yukino—it's yourself. As long as you surpass your current self, I will notice you. Understand?" Akira said.
He knew exactly what Yui planned —
She had taken Yukino's advice seriously and wanted tangible results, especially in cooking.
"The real opponent is myself?" Yui asked, confused for a second. Then—
She lifted her head, hugged him tightly, and whispered, "Thank you, Akira-kun."
.....
Six o'clock,
Akira Fujimiya, Yukinoshita Yukino, and Yuigahama Yui left Flash Animation together.
After which they took the train to reach Yukino's high-end apartment.
"Yui, stay here quietly. Yukino-san and I will make dinner," Akira instructed as they entered.
"Okay," Yui replied with a smile, knowing that Akira intended to give Yukino a gift.
Yukino's cheeks turned slightly red as she silently walked to the kitchen.
Akira followed silently.
In the kitchen, Akira retrieved ingredients from the refrigerator. As Yukino put on her apron and began preparing them.
"Yukino-san, I confessed to Yui," Akira said.
"...You should have confessed a long time ago," Yukino replied, turning her back, unphased, but trying not to show her face to him.
"Sorry, I couldn't confess to you, so I can only give you this," Akira said, as he pull out a small necklace.
Yukino glanced at the necklace in his hand and then looked away.
"...Put it on me," She said softly.
Without hesitation, Akira moved behind Yukino and helped her put it on. Yukino looked down at the panda charm, a gentle expression softening her face.
Seeing this, Akira hugged her gently.
Yukino stiffened slightly, her cheeks flushed. They remained like that in silence for a moment.
"...Can you let go now?" Yukino asked shyly.
"I want to hold you just a little longer," Akira whispered.
"Don't go too far… this isn't just a hug between friends," Yukino's face heated up.
"This is a hug between friends. Yukino, you're my best friend, so when I hug you, I'll hug you a bit longer," Akira said earnestly.
"You say I'm your best friend, but you must be thinking something strange…"
"Yeah, I was thinking that sort of thing."
"You… you're impossible!" Yukino exclaimed, hitting his chest lightly.
...
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