Chapter 16: Sorry, This Is Not for Sale
As Naoto held the trophy in his hands, the unreal weight made him feel a bit overwhelmed.
Even counting his previous life, he had never won any awards for studying art.
But who knew, he had only been transmigrated for less than three months, and he had not only become a serialized manga artist in JUMP but also the champion of the National High School Art Competition. This was a bit too absurd, even for a novel.
And facing Naoto, who was grinning foolishly while holding the trophy, the surrounding media personnel were not stingy with their camera flashes.
Soon, someone discovered Naoto's true identity, causing a heated discussion online.
"Quick, look at this! I've discovered something incredible! It turns out this champion is also a manga artist serialized in JUMP!"
"I found out too! So this is ONE-sensei, who published 'Bloodline' last time! He's so young."
"No way! He's so good at oil painting, and his manga is also amazing?"
"Perhaps this is what they call a genius; can't compare, can't compare."
"ONE-sensei is still a high school student, right? I didn't expect him to have a girlfriend already, and it's so romantic; he actually painted his girlfriend for the competition."
"I'm impressed, I'm truly impressed. I just went to read this champion's manga, and he's not only great at oil painting, but his manga is even better! Why does such a genius exist in this world?"
"Have you noticed that ONE-sensei's girlfriend is also very beautiful! They look like a perfect match, a talented man and a beautiful woman."
In this age of advanced information, it was simply impossible for Naoto's identity to remain completely secret.
After winning the competition, Naoto's fame rapidly soared, and his identity as a serialized manga artist and oil painting genius spread across the entire internet.
At this time, even the editors in the JUMP editorial department were stunned. After learning this news, many editors expressed that they were completely dumbfounded.
It wasn't uncommon for their own manga artists to not do their proper work.
But there weren't many oddballs like Naoto.
You go paint oil paintings and enter competitions, and nobody stops you, but then you win a championship? Isn't that a bit too amazing?
However, for JUMP, this was not necessarily a bad thing.
At least it could guarantee that next time 'Bloodline' was updated, there would be a large number of readers drawn by his reputation, and judging by the momentum, the number should be quite substantial.
It was even possible that these people, after buying JUMP, would become loyal readers of JUMP. From this perspective, it was rather an exciting thing.
In fact, Naoto discovered that his ultimate lazy dog system had not only upgraded the moment he became champion, but it also gave him a skill.
[Painting Level: Mastered]
[Painting Skill: Vivid Depiction (Others can perceive the scent and sound contained within your paintings.)]
Although Naoto wasn't quite sure what this skill meant, it sounded very powerful. If possible, Naoto wanted to find some time to try out the skill's abilities.
After the awards ceremony concluded, Naoto naturally became the center of attention.
Many artists and celebrities wanted to get acquainted with him. Anyone with an eye could tell that this young man's future was limitless.
At this moment, Mr. Kazuo Sayama, who had been there before, also stood among the crowd and handed Naoto his business card.
"Tokyo Culture Co., Ltd., Kazuo Sayama?"
Looking at the man in front of him, Naoto was a bit confused. Why would this person from the so-called Tokyo Culture Co., Ltd. seek him out?
"Hello, I am Kazuo Sayama, a collector, you could say. I wonder if the painting in your possession is for sale? I am willing to acquire it for two million."
When Naoto heard that Kazuo Sayama was willing to acquire his painting for two million, not only was Naoto stunned, but even the surrounding artists were shocked by Kazuo Sayama's generosity.
One must know that this was two million yen, which would be nearly one hundred thousand in Chinese currency.
T/N - Around 14500 USD
Although this price was less than one-tenth, or even one-hundredth, of what famous painters commanded.
However, it should be noted that Naoto was currently just a painter who had just won first prize in a high school competition; in the art world, he was at most just starting out.
Two million was definitely an astronomical sum for Naoto. One must know that most painters couldn't even sell their works, and this Mr. Sayama was clearly someone who wasn't short on money. If he became a regular patron in the future, it would probably be a direct take-off.
Just as those around him thought Naoto would agree to this, Naoto refused without even thinking.
"I'm sorry, this painting is not for sale."
Seeing that Naoto had no interest in two million, everyone around him was stunned.
Was this person's family too rich? Or was he someone who viewed fame and fortune as dirt?
"Do you think the price is too low? That's alright, I can increase the offer..."
"It's not about the price, Mr. Sayama."
"Then what is it..."
Kazuo Sayama looked at the serious Naoto. For some reason, he felt that this young man truly didn't care about the price of the painting.
"First of all, I have no intention of becoming a professional artist. Compared to oil painting, I'd rather become a manga artist. Participating in this competition was merely a coincidence."
"A manga... manga artist?!"
Upon hearing that Naoto didn't plan to become a traditional painter but chose to be a manga artist instead, the people around him were incredibly surprised.
It was well known that most traditional painters didn't really think highly of so-called manga artists, believing that what manga artists drew was all meaningless stuff.
But while traditional painters looked down on manga artists, manga artists didn't particularly like traditional painters either, considering them all old-fashioned.
Moreover, in terms of fame, unless they were painters of the caliber of Picasso or Van Gogh, most traditional painters certainly couldn't compare to manga artists.
Looking further back, there were giants in the manga world like Akira Toriyama and Fujiko F. Fujio. In recent years, greats like Kishimoto, Sorachi, and Takahashi are all globally renowned figures.
For a traditional painter, in their eyes, to choose to become a manga artist was simply incomprehensible. It was a complete waste of talent!
"But being a manga artist isn't that easy."
Kazuo Sayama couldn't bear to see such a talented child enter the quagmire of manga and intended to persuade him further.
"It's no more difficult than in the traditional art world, is it? Besides, my work is already serialized in 'JUMP.' If you're asking me to give up now, I'm afraid I cannot agree."
When they heard that Naoto's work was already being serialized in JUMP, the people around him felt as if they had been hurt again.
A high school student, only sixteen years old, had achievements in two different fields of art. This was simply too impressive.
"And, the most important reason why I cannot sell this painting, I'm sure you know it too. The owner of this most beautiful smile can only be that person."
Upon hearing Naoto's reply, Kazuo Sayama couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Interesting, truly interesting. Good, good, good. Since you've made your decision, I won't say anything more. However, if possible, please paint more traditional artworks in the future. Even just one painting a year would be very helpful to you. And don't forget to contact me then."
"I understand. If I have the opportunity, I will definitely not forget Mr. Sayama."
Naoto had a good impression of Mr. Sayama, who claimed to be a collector. At least, his first impression of this person was excellent.
And Naoto would seriously consider the other party's suggestion. After all, he had already reached the level of winning the Middle School Ichiban Award. To completely withdraw now would indeed be a bit regrettable. The influence of the traditional art world internationally was indeed much stronger than that of manga.
Just like that, Naoto then left the venue with his work and Teacher Matsuzaki, who had been waiting for a long time.
However, Naoto knew that his journey to the pinnacle of Japan had only just begun.