Chapter 5: Affairs of the Editorial Department
When Saiki Kuniharu asked Naoto if he had any desire to be published in JUMP, Naoto's expression was numb.
It was simply that Naoto didn't know what kind of expression to make at this moment.
After all, although he did incorporate many of the original's essences, he couldn't possibly copy the manhua's paneling and various details; such things could only be explored through his own efforts in the end.
He had only referenced the styles of a few manga, then created his own Frankenstein's monster, and it actually managed to get noticed.
Could it be that drawing manga is really that easy now?
After confirming with Saiki Kuniharu multiple times that Kuriko hadn't asked him to do this, Naoto still felt incredible even when he went to school.
Hey, hey, hey, that's JUMP! In this era, it's a super magazine with weekly sales still in the hundreds of thousands, hey! Could he really publish his work there?
And Mr. Kuniharu didn't hesitate. After confirming Naoto's willingness, he rushed to the editorial department in a hurry.
"Kuniharu-senpai, what's wrong with you?"
Seeing Mr. Kuniharu arrive at the office area covered in sweat, his colleagues looked at him with puzzled expressions.
He wasn't late today, was he? And isn't it still half an hour before work starts?
However, Mr. Kuniharu completely ignored his colleagues at the moment and ran directly into the Chief Editor's office, finding the Chief Editor who was currently making coffee.
"Kuniharu, is something the matter?"
"Chief Editor, please take a look at this."
"This?"
The Chief Editor took the paper bag from Mr. Kuniharu's hand and, with a puzzled expression, pulled out the manga drawn by Naoto.
"What is this?"
Upon seeing the manga for the first time, the Chief Editor's initial reaction was that it was a new work by some author, but upon closer inspection, this art style didn't seem to have any similar existence among JUMP's current authors.
So, was it a work by an author from another company submitted to JUMP?
But that didn't seem right either. Such exquisite artwork, in his memory, only a few had such skill. But even if they weren't top-tier in other manga, they were at least pillars of the industry. Why would they submit their work to JUMP?
"This is a manga drawn by my neighbor's child. He's still a high school student."
Seeing the Chief Editor's puzzled expression, Mr. Kuniharu quickly explained.
"What?! This is a high school student's work?!"
After hearing Mr. Kuniharu's words, the Chief Editor quickly flipped through the rest of the manga.
After reading through it, the Chief Editor was instantly stunned.
Indeed, whether it was the beauty of the artwork, the art style, or the captivating power and plot, it didn't look like a beginner's work at all. However, there was still a noticeable unfamiliarity in the paneling and the strength of the visuals.
But, this was a high school student? You're telling him this is a high school student's work? What a joke!
"Has he won any awards before?"
"No, he's just an ordinary high school student."
"Are his parents or relatives involved in the manga industry?"
"No. As far as I know, his father is an archaeologist, and his mother is a writer."
"That's truly strange then."
Looking at the manga in his hand, the Chief Editor found it difficult to decide. Ultimately, he decided to—hold a meeting first.
In the meeting room—
The editors sat in their seats, looking puzzled at their superior.
Why, after just having a meeting yesterday, do we need another one today?
"Take a look at this."
The Chief Editor didn't say much at this moment, simply handing the manga in his hand to the editors in the meeting room.
The editors carefully flipped through the manga handed to them by the Chief Editor, their expressions gradually evolving from initial confusion to a deeper bewilderment.
"Um, Chief Editor. Is this a new work by a certain teacher?"
After flipping through it for a while, one of the editors raised his hand and asked the Chief Editor.
If it were a new work by a certain teacher, it wouldn't warrant such a big fuss, bringing all the editors in, would it? Could it be that a certain teacher in the industry switched companies?
"No, this is a work by a high school student, said to be Saiki's neighbor's child."
"What?!"
Upon hearing the editor's statement, everyone immediately looked at Kuniharu, who was sitting silently in his seat.
However, at this moment, although Kuniharu's face was expressionless, he was actually overjoyed inside.
Feeling somewhat incredulous, the editors, just like the Chief Editor before them, once again flipped through the manga.
No matter how they looked at it, they couldn't believe it was the work of a high school student.
Although yesterday's middle school duo, Ashirogi Muto, was already outlandish enough—at least their potential was high, but their actual drawing skills, in their opinion, were indeed quite bad.
But now, just one day later, another genius had appeared, and this time, they couldn't even find any flaws.
"Ahem, everyone, please listen to me for a moment."
Just then, Mr. Kuniharu stood up from his seat and said to his colleagues, "Actually, the author of this manga, his parents have passed away. During this period, the child's mental state has not been very good. According to his teacher, this child even has suicidal tendencies. But recently, ever since he became obsessed with manga, his mental state has improved a lot. And I am very aware of his current family situation; it's not an exaggeration to say it's difficult. So, I implore everyone, please give this child a chance."
At this moment, Mr. Kuniharu actually bowed deeply to his colleagues in the meeting room.
Although it is often said that Japan is a country with a "bowing craftsman spirit," usually, even when apologizing, one would not exceed a forty-five-degree angle.
However, at this moment, Mr. Kuniharu, in order to give Naoto a chance, even performed an extremely rare ninety-degree bow.
Facing Mr. Kuniharu's plea, many colleagues showed hesitant expressions.
This was not only out of pity for Naoto's situation but also their recognition of this manga.
After all, the brilliance of this manga made them confident that if it were serialized, it might truly sell well.
However, yesterday, everyone had already decided on the short manga to be published this time, and even the original manuscript had already been sent to the printing factory.
If they were to change it now, there would be too many problems to deal with.
At this moment, the editors all looked at their Chief Editor.
This kind of decision could only be made by the leader.
"Let's vote by a show of hands. The minority obeys the majority."
After a moment of thought, the Chief Editor finally decided to proceed with a show of hands.
"Then, those who agree to publish this manga, please raise your hands now."
At this moment, in the meeting room, the editors hesitated repeatedly, and finally, a small portion of them raised their hands.
Seeing that the number of people was less than half, Mr. Kuniharu's heart sank.
"Then, those who object, please raise your hands."
At this, a few more people sparsely raised their hands. But upon closer inspection, the number was actually the same as those who supported it earlier.
"Hmm, so the rest are abstaining? What should we do now?"
Seeing that both sides were tied, the Deputy Editor began to speak.
"Chief Editor, I don't think it needs to be so troublesome."
"Oh?"
Upon hearing the Deputy Editor's words, the editors present all perked up their ears.
"Perfect. Recently, our competition with several other magazines has intensified. So, why don't we just publish an extra issue? We don't need to change the manuscripts that have already been printed. And we can also use this opportunity to promote ourselves."
Hearing the Assistant Editor's suggestion, everyone's eyes lit up.
And after seeing that none of the editors objected, Naoto's Bloodline was indeed published in JUMP.