"So, Mr. Hachiman, your new series will be another social novel?"
At a Ginza café in late January, Naho Imamura carefully reviewed Hikigaya Hachiman's outline and posed this question.
"Yes, social novels are suitable for serialization in magazines, especially those in the form of unit dramas like this. Each chapter tells a complete story, with an overarching case throughout."
Hikigaya replied.
"In fact, the purpose of writing this novel is to provide everyone with a clearer understanding of how criminal police conduct investigations. In the real world, when handling a homicide case, no one can accurately grasp all the key points based on the initial scene alone. The investigation relies on the relentless efforts of the police who gather evidence from house to house. The truth emerges through this diligent process."
Hikigaya continued, emphasizing that a central feature of social reasoning novels is that they often lack intricate plots or charming detectives with clairvoyance. Instead, they focus on the hard work of the police collecting evidence, slowly piecing together information, and ultimately solving the case.
"This narrative may not shock readers as much as the resolution of a mystery in a traditional detective story. However, the emphasis here is on the process of solving the case, the detailed portrayal of human relationships, and the overall reading experience, rather than just the surprise of the conclusion," Hikigaya summarized.
"I see... Is there really no distinction between which is more important, the result or the process?" Machida Sonoko mused to herself as she popped a small cake into her mouth.
"Yes, 'The Newcomer' may be that kind of novel. I hope that through my storytelling, readers will come to feel that the ending might not matter as much. Sometimes, knowing the truth doesn't necessarily evoke a chill down one's spine; it can also warm the heart," Hikigaya said with a smile.
"Mr. Hachiman, if you see it this way, then the detective Kaga in this novel is more like a neighborhood auntie than a policeman?" Sonoko said bluntly.
"You see it very clearly, Editor Imamura. However, I believe that the role of a criminal police officer is akin to that of doctors and teachers. Beyond their main duties, they must also focus on the important aspect of humanistic care. Children are often immature, patients can be psychologically fragile, and individuals involved in criminal cases may suffer trauma."
Hikigaya took a sip of his coffee.
"Teachers need to instill morals in children, and doctors should maintain positivity and optimism with their patients. Likewise, when investigating a case, criminal police must find ways to comfort the victims. Here, victims refer not only to the deceased but also to those who have experienced psychological trauma due to someone else's death."
Through "The Newcomer," Hikigaya aims to explore the characteristics of the detective profession in greater detail.
"So, Mr. Hachiman, is this the novel you mentioned wanting to use to heal people's hearts?" Imamura Naho asked.
"Yes, I believe that most people are looking for healing and wish to receive more positive content. It's human nature," Hikigaya responded. He argued that no one is inherently drawn to dark and cruel narratives, and people generally prefer not to immerse themselves in such themes. Prolonged exposure to negativity can damage one's mental well-being.
"But someone seemed to have instructed my author to write about flaws and regrets before? Now she can't stop writing at all," Machida Sonoko joked while looking at the sunny boy in front of her.
"Editor Machida, please be mindful. Themes like imperfections and regrets are common in youth literature, but they differ from dark and tragic narratives. What constitutes darkness and tragedy? For instance, in the last volume of 'Love Metronome,' the main characters miss each other because of a train, leading to them being struck and subsequently continuing their relationship in heaven. That's dark and tragic."
Hikigaya spoke earnestly about his plans, hoping to lighten Machida Sonoko's mood.
"... Mr. Hachiman, please don't share this idea with Kasumigaoka, even as a joke. I doubt she would express it this way, and I really don't want to be blacklisted by the publishing house," Machida Enko pleaded, clasping her hands together.
"Uh, will Kasumigaoka-senpai really take my words seriously?" Hikigaya questioned, slightly unconvinced.
"She doesn't just follow your instructions, Mr. Hachiman. She enjoys using her imagination, especially the ideas you present. You may not realize that Shiyu has a very unconventional writing mindset for a child. If I hadn't given her frequent advice, her creativity would have truly flourished. She holds the steering wheel; she can fly to the moon. It's clearly a youth story with a touch of freshness and a hint of regret, and she might end up with a hatchet ending."
Machida Sonoko held her forehead, acknowledging the effort she had put into keeping Kasumi Shiko's novel on track.
"Is this what senior creativity looks like? It's quite unexpected."
"If she could be half as composed as you, Mr. Hachiman, I wouldn't be so exhausted. I've realized that sometimes having too many ideas can restrict an author rather than help them."
Sonoko reached a conclusion.
"So, Mr. Hachiman, do you want to smoothly transition into 'The Newcomer' next month after 'Disintegration of All Causes' concludes in March?"
Naho Imamura finished reading Hikigaya's outline and began to confirm the serialization.
"Yes, I believe there's no need to leave any gaps. My readers are eager to read my novels," Hikigaya replied, sounding somewhat narcissistic. However, it was true. For a writer who has published two novels in a year and has a collection of short stories being serialized, many readers online were expressing that his updates were too slow.
"Readers really want to read your novel. Many letters are sent to the publisher every day, hoping to read 'The Clock House Incident' immediately. Otherwise, who knows what they might do?" Naho Imamura said.
"I'm already writing two books a year, and I still need you to rush me like this? Why not just lock me up in a basement and let me write novels every day?" Hikigaya said with a touch of self-deprecation, feeling exasperated by his unsatisfied fans.
"Uh, excuse me, if I really did that, you wouldn't be angry, would you?" Naho Imamura asked, looking around and lowering her voice.
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