Chapter 65: From today, my name is Old Thief.
The next day.
"Senju Muramasa-sensei, good afternoon, we meet again!"
Shino Aki arrived at the samurai-style building once more.
The young girl before her disliked using modern devices, such as mobile phones. To chat with her, one could only relay messages through her father.
But she knew that was impossible, because in such cases, Senju Muramasa's answer would always be the same: 'It doesn't matter.'
Senju Muramasa paid no attention to things she wasn't interested in.
So, to discuss illustration issues, she would visit her face-to-face during every holiday period.
There was no need for Senju Muramasa to express her specific feelings; a simple yes or no would suffice.
After several exchanges, Shino Aki had a new perspective on Senju Muramasa, who had initially seemed so stern and cold.
In reality, she was just a bit of a natural airhead with a unique personality.
During their conversation, Shino Aki suddenly noticed a light novel on Muramasa's desk.
"Speaking of which, Senju Muramasa always had this work on her desk before. It's called…"
"This work is called 'demon slayer', and the author is Izumi Masamune."
When the topic turned to this, Senju Muramasa suddenly became more talkative.
"So, even sensei is interested in light novels written by others? I thought sensei wasn't interested in anything else."
Shino Aki took the opportunity to chat with Senju Muramasa.
This was the first time she felt like she had a chance to get closer to her.
"Rather than interested, this work was actually the catalyst for me to start writing, and it's my favorite work to date."
Senju Muramasa held the book to her chest, a sincere smile gracing her face.
This was the first time Shino Aki had ever seen her smile.
"Huh? I thought I heard that sensei created such an amazing work as 'fantasy demon blade chronicles' with the goal of writing the most interesting story in the world? If that's the case, who does sensei like more?"
Shino Aki, speaking whatever came to mind, voiced this question.
"I don't know…"
Senju Muramasa made a face like a stunned hippopotamus.
This choice was a bit difficult for her.
But if she had to choose, it would, of course, still be 'demon slayer'.
'demon slayer' was like a beautiful first love to her; no matter how similar later loves might be, or even if they were objectively better, it would be hard to surpass the impression that had already been etched into her mind.
Because it was as if an invincible filter had been applied, making it impossible for anything else to compare.
"Ah, I'm sorry… I spoke out of turn!"
Shino Aki also realized her mistake and bowed in apology.
Senju Muramasa had no reaction; she just lowered her head and looked at the light novel she was holding again.
"A work that can interest sensei so much, it seems I also need to read it thoroughly."
Shino Aki noticed this and murmured to herself.
As an illustrator, she had a deep understanding of 'fantasy demon blade chronicles' and knew how talented Senju Muramasa was as a creator. So, a work that even Muramasa liked was indeed worth understanding.
"If you want to read it, buy it yourself. I won't give it to you."
Senju Muramasa said with a cold expression.
"Eh?"
Shino Aki was stunned by this statement.
Sensei, you really treat it like a unique treasure! It's as if I'm going to snatch it away!
However, this kind of Senju Muramasa was much cuter.
After bidding farewell to Senju Muramasa, she chose to take the train back to Chiba city. Before going home, she stopped in front of a bookstore operated by Fujikawa Bunko.
"Clerk, I'd like a complete set of 'demon slayer', from the first volume to the latest one, please!"
Shino Aki walked in and waved, saying.
…
The sixth volume of 'demon slayer' caused a huge stir among readers, even more so than the death of the Flame Pillar earlier.
Of course, it wasn't because Kocho Shinobu's death was too shocking; the main reason was that her fanbase had grown even larger, so the readers' voices were louder.
Although they had experienced the pain of the Flame Pillar's death, people still found it hard to forget the demise of outstanding characters.
While lamenting Kocho Shinobu's fate, they were also worried about the final Upper Rank battle and the fight with the Demon King. Given the current tragic development, it might really end up with corpses strewn everywhere!
["Before, I thought Izumi sensei was holding a razor blade, but now I know he's holding a butcher's Sword ! You executioner!"]
["Still calling him Izumi sensei? It's time to change his name! From now on, he's Izumi Old Thief! He's truly hateful!"]
["Izumi Old Thief is only a middle schooler, right? What on earth did he go through to write such a plot, huh… That's right, I'm cursing Izumi Old Thief!"]
["Brothers, don't be so quick to get angry! It's too early to be angry now, because the final volume… you might get even angrier! If you vent all your anger now, you won't have any left later."]
["With the demonstrated combat power of Upper Rank One, I can only happily type GG."]
["Good heavens, if everyone's dead, who will fight Muzan?"]
["Believe in Muichiro Tokito, he will create a miracle! Muichiro Tokito's Mu is the Mu of infinite!"]
["Don't be ridiculous! Who believes that?"]
["There are no miracles under the Old Thief's pen…!"]
["Wuwuwu, my Lady Shinobu! Old Thief, may you die a terrible death!"]
…
"???"
When Chihiro woke up the next day and secretly checked the comment section, he was utterly bewildered.
"How did I become the Old Thief?"
Old and not dead makes one a thief… At most, he could only be a little thief now!
He admitted this was his mistake, but…
"I'm just not going to change it!"
The corner of his mouth curved into an arc.
As a creator, a certain degree of stubbornness is also very necessary.
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Some power stones