I just want to quietly draw manga Chapter 350

[Note: I thought I would be able to have two chapters ready, but lately I’ve fallen into a spiral of editing more than writing. That’s why it’s taking so much time. I’m trying to get double chapters done, hopefully this weekend.]

A week had passed since the final episode of Code Geass, and the hype had finally started to slow down. Other anime were beginning to move back into the spotlight, though that spotlight was still being shared among the year’s strongest contenders. It was getting harder for new shows to stand out, and news outlets were full of discussions about oversaturation and recycled trends.

Online, people were saying things like:

“This is the best thing that’s happened to the Japanese animation industry. Companies won’t get away with cheap recycling after this.”

“Muzishiro is here again, now with his new manga adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist, ready to dominate another season.”

“Code Geass created such momentum that fans can’t wait for the second season. The whole team keeps teasing that it’ll be better than the first.”

“With the success of Code Geass, Evermark has established itself as one of the big studios. With Muzishiro behind the story, the next project is guaranteed to be huge. We’re waiting for him to make another anime.”

At Echo Shroud Publishing,

Haruka walked into the editor-in-chief’s office and took a seat.

Amane was reviewing Fullmetal anime data. She glanced up. “How’s it going, Haruka?”

Haruka’s expression stayed neutral. “Fine.”

Amane nodded once and got to the point. “So how is Fullmetal going? How many chapters do we have left?” She already knew the series would end around next summer, but she hadn’t received the exact number.

Haruka answered, “Haruki said twenty-five chapters left until finish.”

“Good… and after that, does he have another story ready? Or do we start looking for a replacement?” Amane asked.

“He said he has his next story in mind,” Haruka replied.

“I see.” Amane leaned back slightly. “Since Fullmetal is ending soon and he hasn’t done any signing event for it, we’ll have to arrange one.”

Haruka hesitated. “About that… you’ve seen the online reaction to his cliffhanger. He doesn’t want to go outside right now.”

Amane frowned. “Then when will the attention die down? He still hasn’t done a signing event.”

“I’ll ask him,” Haruka said.

“And,” Amane continued, “I’ve seen one of the Code Geass episodes. He must have put a lot of money into the project. Doesn’t he need more to continue working on the second season?”

Haruka stayed quiet, and Amane sighed softly. “Now that he’s free, he can do the signing event. Just let him know.”

“I’ll tell Haruki,” Haruka said.

Amane added, “And don’t forget to remind him about the celebration party.”

“I’ll remind him,” Haruka said as she stood up and left the office.

Next Day

Haruka arrived at Haruki’s house.

Haruki was drawing manga when she walked in. He looked up and blinked. “You’re early. Do you need me for something?”

“Yes,” Haruka said, taking a seat on the sofa.

Haruki stood from his desk and moved toward her, pouring a glass of water. “So what is it?”

Haruka sat down. “Since Fullmetal is nearing its end, editor-in-chief said you need to do a signing event for Fullmetal.”

Haruki gave her a tired stare. “You know I can’t go outside. Right now I’m not even safe in my own house. I can tell my assistants are trying to lure me into revealing spoilers, and you’re telling me to go outside? I won’t survive.”

“You’re just being paranoid,” Haruka said. “People might ask questions, but don’t worry, we’ll take care of security. You’re our top mangaka. We can’t let anything happen to you.”

Haruki sighed and rubbed his face. “Can you give me a few days to think about it?”

“Okay. But Haruki, you’ll have to do it before Fullmetal ends. I think now is the best time since people are still expressing things calmly. Once the date for season two gets closer, everyone will start getting restless. You decide when you want to do it.”

Haruki muttered to himself, “Will I really have to go? Or will they forget it?”

Haruka continued, “I also came for another thing.”

“What is it?” Haruki asked.

“As Fullmetal is coming to an end, editor-in-chief asked if you have a new story ready. I already told her yes.”

“Don’t worry,” Haruki said. “I have it ready for after Fullmetal ends.”

Haruka nodded. “Then when can you prepare it? I think it’s best to hold your signing event as part of the next manga’s promotion. It will give the new work a boost. Since you will be busy again soon and Fullmetal ends in June, you won’t have time once Code Geass enters full production again.”

“I’ll try to get it ready before February,” Haruki said. “Anything else?”

“And don’t forget about the party.”

“I won’t forget.”

After a bit more talk about schedules, sales, and the Fullmetal adaptation, Haruka left.

A few minutes later, Haruki also headed out, planning to stop by Evermark studio.