Chapter 53: Anime Adaptation
Not only Kaede himself, but also Machida Sonoko, Eriri, and Utaha, didn't know the reason why Kaede was called in.
But Editor Nakajima wasn't in a hurry. He personally made a cup of coffee for Kaede first, and then he smiled and said, "Don't worry, calling you here is certainly good news."
"Is it really good news, and not to rush me for the manuscript of the sixth volume?"
"Hahaha, no rush, no rush. Don't we still have nearly two months for the sixth volume? Since I promised to give you more time off, I certainly won't break my word. And I believe you, Kaede, will definitely deliver it on time, won't you?"
Editor Nakajima's words made everyone else even more curious.
Editor Nakajima no longer dragged it out and said directly, "Congratulations, Kaede, your work has passed the anime adaptation meeting and can proceed with anime adaptation."
"Anime adaptation? That fast?"
Kaede was also shocked. He never expected that the reason he was called in today was for the anime adaptation of his novel.
Editor Nakajima also anticipated Kaede's surprise and happily laughed, "Hahaha, actually, I'm quite surprised too, but it's mainly because konosuba sold too well, with its popularity and sales figures right there. Especially with the release of the fifth volume these past few days, 70% of stores nationwide have already restocked once. Starting the anime adaptation at this time can be considered within expectations."
Eriri was also happily looking at Kaede at this moment, "That's amazing, Asakura! An anime adaptation!"
Kaede finally recovered and smiled, "I really didn't expect it, but being able to have an anime adaptation is truly great. Editor Nakajima, which animation company accepted the anime adaptation project?"
"Guess?" Editor Nakajima looked at Kaede and smiled, "You can rest assured about this. We wouldn't just take your work to any random company. It's a very reliable one."
"Is that so?"
After rubbing his chin for a while, Kaede said, "First, exclude Sunrise. That's the least likely; they can't even finish their own IPs. Then, exclude JC. I've told you before, Editor Nakajima, in our chats, that they're unreliable, so you wouldn't agree to let them produce it."
Eriri also joined the discussion, raising her hand and saying, "What about Ufotable?"
"The possibility is also not great, after all, they are currently busy making the FSN movie."
"That's right!"
Kaede thought for a moment and finally said, "Hmm... could it really be Studio DEEN?"
Editor Nakajima smiled and nodded, "That's right. After all, it's a company you've mentioned, Kaede. We naturally take your opinion as the original author into consideration."
Eriri, hearing the company's name, also asked in surprise, "Is it really DEEN? They're an old animation company!"
Utaha didn't know much about animation production companies in the industry; at most, she could name a few famous ones that had popular works in recent years.
"Are this company's works very impressive?"
At this moment, Eriri also took on the role of explainer and began to elaborate, "DEEN was founded in '75. By now, I've lost count of the animations they've personally produced and co-produced. Although they've also made some mediocre, or even collapsed, animations, overall, there are still many excellent works.
Let me give you a few examples that you've definitely seen: Ranma 1/2, You're Under Arrest, rurouni kenshin, Fruits Basket, Junjo Romantica, Hell Girl. Oh, right, and the 2006 FSN was also made by them. And in recent years, Hakuoki, Sankarea, Hell Girl. How about it, aren't these enough?"
After listening, Utaha also suddenly realized, "So it's this company. Many of those animations are ones I've seen and remember vividly. So, it seems like there shouldn't be any problems with Asakura-kun's novel adaptation this time?"
Editor Nakajima said with certainty, "After we contacted them, they were very interested in the konosuba adaptation project. In a couple of days, everyone will formally meet for a planning meeting. Kaede, please take a day off and come with us then, okay?"
"I understand. Tell me the time in advance, and I'll be there on time."
After agreeing, Kaede exhaled and looked at Editor Nakajima, saying, "I've already finished writing the sixth volume of the novel. I'll bring it with me on the day of the planning meeting, but the release should still follow the normal schedule."
"You've already finished writing it? That's really great, it will also give DEEN more confidence. The novel's storytelling would work very well when adapted into an anime. The first five volumes alone are enough for two seasons. As long as the reception and disc sales are good, we can definitely secure a long-term partnership and continue until your novel concludes!"
Kaede's efficiency also made Editor Nakajima very happy, and he immediately gave his assurance.
After learning all this, Utaha couldn't help but feel envious. She thought about her own novel; currently, the first volume hasn't even been released, only a sample has come out. Although it won the gold prize in the newcomer award, this is completely different from participating in the light novel market.
Just the first volume's future is uncertain; who knows when an anime adaptation will happen.
Meanwhile, all sorts of thoughts were stirring inside Eriri's little head...
To celebrate the anime adaptation of Kaede's light novel and the arrival of the samples for Utaha's light novel, Editor Nakajima took everyone to a restaurant for lunch to celebrate properly.
After lunch, the two editors' temporary work for the day was over, and they left, while the remaining three went to a nearby cafe and sat down.
Once the coffee arrived, Utaha took a tablet computer out of her bag and handed it to Kaede across the table.
"Asakura-kun, I've already written a portion of the second volume of the light novel. Could you take a look for me?"
"The second volume? Senpai, you work fast. It seems like you've already figured out the overall structure of the light novel?"
Kaede took the tablet but didn't rush to read it, instead asking Utaha about the light novel's overall plan.
Eriri listened to their conversation and asked confusedly, "What are you two talking about? I don't understand."
"It's about setting the overall tone for Senpai's light novel."
Tapping the tablet and slowly starting to read the text, Kaede explained, "Senpai originally planned to introduce a second heroine in the second volume, but it looks like there might have been a change."
"That's right."
Utaha said with a smile, "I originally planned to introduce a rival for a love triangle, but after thinking about it carefully, I gave up that idea."
"Although there will be some rivalry, it won't be as dramatic as I initially thought. Overall, the story will still revolve around the male and female protagonists."
Although she spoke normally, Eriri didn't know why, but she felt that when Utaha said those words, the look in her eyes was meaningful.