Capítulo 232: Asuka Chizuru’s Request
When Kotomi saw Megumi had returned, she put a finger to her lips, signaling for her to stay quiet.
While Megumi loved sneaking in a little mischief whenever Kotomi was on the phone, she saved it for casual calls. It was clear to her that Kotomi was discussing something important with the woman on the other end, so she refrained this time. A little playful teasing now and then could add a spark to a relationship, like oil that keeps things smooth. But overdo it, and it could easily backfire.
Megumi knew that it's important to be considerate in a relationship, and that you can't take advantage of your partner's affection by testing their patience. It was something she hoped to pass on if they had children someday.
Megumi placed a box and a bag of sanitary pads from her shopping bag onto the bed, silently indicating them to Kotomi.
Kotomi gave her a thumbs-up, then returned to her call with Asuka Chizuru.
"I understand about the volume publication. I'll work hard to keep updating steadily and aim to complete the first volume's material soon," Kotomi assured her.
"As of now, Ms. Izumi, your pace is more than encouraging. I hope you can keep it up. I do have one more question: do you have a rough outline for Chainsaw Man's future chapters?"
"A rough outline?"
"Yes, a story outline. Even though we're only two chapters in, having a stable sense of direction can help prevent writer's block or unplanned delays. If you do have an outline, could you share it with me? As an editor, I need to stay ahead on upcoming developments."
Some editors at Shueisha indeed preferred to have an outline in advance so they could monitor a story's progression and ensure that promising manga didn't go off track. It wasn't uncommon for a series to start strong only for the plot to spin off course.
A reputation built on solid storytelling is difficult to earn—it requires a steady climb. But ruining a reputation? That can happen in an instant. To reduce that risk, Shueisha's editors typically check with new authors early on, asking if they have an outline for the plot.
It was especially relevant for a series' final arc. For example, if a manga is set to end in June, the editor should know by February what the conclusion will be. Whether it's a brilliant or simple ending, it's the editor's job to help the author avoid creating an unsatisfactory finale.
An excellent series with an awful ending will suffer an immediate and severe drop in reputation, potentially impacting future projects.
In addition, many authors don't like sharing outlines in advance, even with their editors, which Asuka Chizuru understood. So, she added, "Of course, if you'd rather keep the outline private, I completely respect that. It's just that, as someone who has seen promising series fall apart before, I don't want that fate for Chainsaw Man. Even as a reader, I really want this story to stay as amazing as it is now."
After hearing this explanation, Kotomi understood. Everyone hates seeing a promising series fall apart.
And she'd already prepared all the major plot points for Chainsaw Man before drawing the first chapter, save for a few minor adjustments.
Feeling a bit proud, Kotomi replied, "I can't stand rushed or poorly executed endings either. So before I even started working on the first chapter, I sketched out the entire plot. Chainsaw Man has a completed outline already."
Many authors don't bother with outlines, and those who do rarely take the time to complete a full one. Usually, they'll draft an outline for the beginning and decide to "figure out the rest later." Hearing that Kotomi had a complete outline ready from the start, Asuka was genuinely surprised; none of the artists she worked with had done that.
Surprised but delighted, Asuka praised, "Ms. Izumi, you're truly full of surprises. In fact, I'd say surprises are your specialty."
"Haha, I'll take that as a compliment."
"So then, Ms. Izumi, could you send me the outline? As your editor, I'd like to confirm that the story's trajectory is stable. And as a fan, I really can't wait to see what's next. Honestly, I'm still hung up on Chapter Two. I found myself thinking, 'If only Ms. Izumi could post daily updates!'" Asuka pleaded jokingly.
"Daily updates? Please, spare me! Even with two more hands, I couldn't manage that," Kotomi laughed, surrendering immediately.
It was standard for an editor to request to see an outline, even if it was just part of the process.
Though Asuka's request was customary, Kotomi appreciated the respect she showed by asking first. It felt like a sincere gesture of respect—a very professional touch.
Respect goes both ways, and since Asuka wanted to see it, Kotomi was willing to oblige.
"I can send it to you, just as long as you keep it under wraps. Only the two of us should know the full outline for Chainsaw Man. Its confidentiality level? Super-high."
"Of course! This is my 'privileged info' after all. No one else could pry it out of me, not even for money," Asuka replied with a playful tone.
"Hehe, well, if someone wants it badly enough to pay… maybe I'd consider sharing. But only if the offer started at ten million yen!"
"How about a hundred million yen?" Asuka added with a laugh.
Both of them burst out laughing.
"As for the outline itself, well… my desktop has been down for a while, so I've been using a laptop temporarily. Once my main computer is fixed, I'll send the outline to you."
Kotomi fibbed a little. Although she'd planned out the entire storyline before starting, she'd been lazy and hadn't written the outline yet. Embarrassed to admit it, she concocted a story about her computer being down.
Not only was her desktop running fine, but Kotomi was planning to upgrade it soon with two more memory sticks to make it even faster.
Asuka believed her without question. "No problem, whenever your computer's fixed. Just send it then."
"Will do. I'll try to get it fixed soon. Well, if there's nothing else, I'll go ahead and hang up. I haven't had breakfast yet."
"Oh! My apologies—I had no idea. I'll let you go, then. Have a great breakfast. Goodbye."
As soon as Kotomi hung up with Asuka Chizuru, all the composure she'd been trying to maintain exploded in a rush of excitement!
"Yes! Awesome!"
She jumped up, raising her fist in a cheer. She had thought she'd need a few more chapters before they'd start planning for a Tankōbon release. She hadn't expected that, even before the second chapter ran in the weekly, Chainsaw Man would already qualify for single-volume publication at Shueisha.
Now, she just needed enough serialized content for one volume before they could start the publication process. Originally, Kotomi had been planning to alternate between updating and slacking off, but now that she saw a clear path to a volume release and increased royalties, there was no room for slacking off. She'd need to ramp up her pace to bring Volume 1 of Chainsaw Man to readers soon!
As for the outline… although she hadn't written it down yet, she couldn't just keep telling Asuka her computer was "broken." She'd have to sit down and draft it. Thankfully, the entire storyline was fresh and clear in her mind, so writing it out wouldn't be difficult.
Even though her skills made writing out outlines manageable, Kotomi always felt a bit of dread at the thought of having to actually draft one. If it weren't for Asuka asking, she'd rather avoid the task altogether.
Watching Kotomi jump on the bed and shout with excitement after her phone call, Megumi, seated on the sofa, was a bit confused about what had just happened. After observing Kotomi for a moment, she gently reminded her, "Kotomi, careful not to catch a chill, okay?"
Kotomi paused, her excitement momentarily interrupted, then she looked down at herself and blushed furiously, quickly calming down and scrambling to put on the clothes she had left at the side of the bed.
She opened the box and found a pair of white, full-length stockings inside.
"Oh, they're full stockings!"
"Yes, do you like them?"
"Of course!" Kotomi nodded eagerly.
"I love watching you wear them too," Megumi added with a mischievous smile.
Kotomi shot her a playful glare, letting out a soft "hmph" before dashing to the bathroom to freshen up, then returning to the bed, opening a package of underwear and slipping it on along with the new white stockings. Finally, she finished dressing.
"Breakfast first?" Megumi suggested.
Kotomi checked the time on her phone and shook her head. "It's almost ten. Let's wait and just grab an early lunch instead. Oh, wait! Didn't we plan to have lunch at your house?"
After pulling up her stockings, Kotomi remembered Megumi's mom's invitation from last night when she'd called during their shopping.
Megumi smiled apologetically and looked a little helpless.
"About that—Mom got so excited about having you over that she spent the whole evening gathering ingredients for lunch. But in her excitement, she completely forgot to close the kitchen window last night. It got cold overnight, and—well, she caught a cold. She called me when I was shopping earlier, and her voice sounded all hoarse. She's already taken medicine for the fever, but she'll need to rest for a few days."
"Oh no, yes, she definitely needs to rest!" Kotomi said, her tone turning serious.
The thought of Auntie Kato catching a cold just from preparing lunch ingredients for her made Kotomi feel a little guilty.
"Don't worry," Megumi reassured her. "Mom always catches colds in the fall. It's almost a tradition. It's like she's just getting it out of the way early."
"I-I-I see…" Kotomi stammered, trying to sound calm but stumbling over her words.
Once she gathered herself, Kotomi added, "Once we get back, I'll stop by to visit her, at least."
She started considering what she should bring—a fruit basket, maybe? If she chose something too expensive, Auntie Kato would definitely refuse it. Although Auntie wasn't a stranger, it was her first time bringing a get-well gift. Plus, it was different from a formal visit. Kotomi didn't want to bring anything that might make Auntie feel awkward, so a gift of fruit seemed just right.
Plus…
Considering how pricey fruit could be these days, she thought with a sigh.
"You want to go visit her? She'd be thrilled, I'm sure. But please, don't bring anything."
"Oh, I have to bring something! I already know what I want to get. This time, Megumi, just listen to me. I'm buying it." Kotomi placed her hands on her hips, feigning sternness.
"Alright then!"
Megumi agreed as easily as ever, and then, threading her fingers through Kotomi's silken hair, gently tapped her cheek.
"You agreed way too fast."
"Of course. Because I love you, Kotomi," Megumi replied with a serene smile, her affection coming through as naturally as ever.
Kotomi's cheeks turned pink, her face flushing with warmth.
"I-is that so… Gosh, you're making me blush again."
"I'll try my best not to."
But from her tone, Kotomi could tell Megumi wasn't likely to follow through on that promise. Realizing this, Kotomi muttered softly, "You're such a tease."
With twenty-one minutes left until checkout, they went to the hotel front desk to settle the bill.
By then, it was nearly lunchtime, and they wandered into a nearby shop selling yakisoba. Afterward, Kotomi decided to skip heading straight to the station and instead stopped by a fruit store in Shinagawa to pick up something for Auntie Kato.
Although Megumi suggested they could buy something once they reached Chiba, Kotomi had already heard that a Shinagawa store was selling watermelons.
Watermelons weren't impossible to find in Chiba, but right now, they were scarce and much more expensive than usual. Even those willing to pay extra had to wait a week before the shop could bring them in.
After expertly tapping a few watermelons, Kotomi finally selected a great one, along with some crisp fruits, and brought them to the counter.
While they walked to the Tokyo Monorail station, Megumi noted, "You looked like a pro picking out that watermelon, Kotomi. Like you handle them all the time."
Watermelons in Japan are usually pricey, and it's rare for anyone to buy them frequently. In summer, just a few are already a luxury.
"Every summer, my grandparents send us a box of watermelons," Kotomi explained with a smile. "And I used to spend summers at their place, copying the way they'd tap the watermelons to check if they were ripe. I guess I just picked it up."
"But according to my grandmother, when I was little, I'd try to play with the watermelons as if they were green basketballs. And because I couldn't bounce or pick them up, I used to complain, 'This green ball is no fun at all!'"
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