Ichin knew exactly who Eromanga-sensei was.
Izumi Sagiri. If this was during the original storyline, then she was probably around 12 or 13 years old.
If that was the case, Ichin wouldn't dare to try recruiting her.
Moreover, based on what Ichin had just seen in the live stream, Izumi Sagiri was likely still in her heavy shut-in phase, almost entirely socially withdrawn. There was no way she would join the studio.
After browsing through some of Eromanga-sensei's novel illustrations and doujin works online, Ichin shook his head. "Her skills are decent, but she's clearly still far behind you, Eriri. Plus, her style is too limited. I don't even know if she can adapt to a different style. But at least for the next game after Hollow Knight, her style wouldn't be suitable."
"The next game? You've already decided on it?"
Eriri's words caught everyone's attention.
Ichin smiled and nodded. "Development of Hollow Knight is progressing smoothly, so there's no harm in letting you all know. You're already somewhat familiar with the next game's concept since I've shown you a few concept sketches before. It's Persona. I'm still working on detailing the gameplay mechanics and setting, and Utaha and I will handle the script. I won't spoil much yet, but I can tell you this—the development difficulty and complexity of this game will be on a completely different level compared to Slay the Spire and Hollow Knight. It'll be way more challenging than even the Fairy Stories series you all worked on before, so prepare yourselves."
Persona. Although it's a turn-based RPG, its high-quality elements across various aspects would definitely appeal to a broad audience.
"Oh!!! It really is that one?"
Aoba looked at Hifumi excitedly. "Hifumi-senpai, this is your moment to shine!"
Hifumi was equally thrilled, clenching her fists against her chest and nodding, "Yes, I'll do my best!"
Meanwhile, Hazuki poured a bit of cold water on everyone's excitement. "It's good that we have a new project lined up, but everyone still needs to finish their current tasks. Make sure nothing goes wrong with the final stages of Hollow Knight's development!"
"Don't worry, nothing will go wrong," Umiko said with a slight smile. "I've checked the system multiple times, front to back. Once the remaining map areas are completed, we can proceed with the final optimization phase."
Kou Yagami stretched her neck and slapped her cheeks. "So basically, all the pressure is now on us art people, huh? Aoba, Hifumi, stop getting excited and get back to work!"
"Yes!!"
"Yes, I only have a bit left to finish here."
Turning her gaze to Eriri, who was still watching Eromanga-sensei's livestream, Kou said, "Eriri, come on. There's still some tasks left. I'll delegate some of it to you."
"Oh, sure. Leave it to me."
Although Eriri was still curious about what this Persona game Ichin mentioned was all about, since Kou had already assigned her some tasks, she had to set her curiosity aside for now and focus on work.
However, before she exited the livestream on her phone, she made sure to send some gifts to Eromanga-sensei.
Because she left the stream right after that, Eriri completely missed the moment when Eromanga-sensei read her username, "Eri Kashiwagi," out loud, causing quite a commotion in the livestream chat.
The name "Eri Kashiwagi" was quite famous in the doujin art community.
Three days later, Eriri Kashiwagi posted a message from her own account announcing her retirement from the doujin scene and her shift to the gaming industry, causing a massive shockwave among doujin artists.
In just one hour, her post was flooded with countless comments. Most of them were from fans trying to persuade her to stay, while others were curious about her next move.
The gaming industry? Was she joining some new game project? Or perhaps a game development company?
No one knew the specific details. At the same time, Sayuri Sawamura, who had been managing the doujin circle Eriri belonged to, officially announced the group's disbandment, letting everyone know that this wasn't some belated April Fool's joke.
After sending the announcement, Sayuri looked at Eriri beside her.
"So, you're really quitting the scene. Are you sure you won't regret it?"
"Not at all."
Eriri shook her head calmly, her expression peaceful. "I can't stay a doujin artist forever, can I? I don't have the talent to become a proper manga artist, and that line of work is way too exhausting. I don't want to spend all seven days of the week hunched over a drawing desk, endlessly drawing manga. Besides thinking up plots and storylines, I'd have to worry about magazine rankings and deal with editors.
"On the other hand, I genuinely like games, and Ichin's studio undeniably has a lot of potential. Right now, I'm only participating part-time, but once I get to college and have more time, I can contribute even more to game development."
Sayuri looked at her daughter with a satisfied expression. "It looks like you've thought this through. Indeed, someone with your personality, Eriri, isn't suited to standing at the forefront as a doujin artist. Saying goodbye to the past now is not a bad decision."
Sayuri never intended to interfere with her daughter's future. As long as she was doing what she enjoyed, that was enough.
Under the influence of her and her husband, Eriri had started drawing doujin works, but now that she had found a career she was more passionate about, Sayuri certainly wouldn't oppose her choice.
Moreover, Sayuri had visited Ichin's studio before. All the members there were incredibly talented, and Eriri could definitely learn a lot from them.
Patting her daughter's head, Sayuri said, "Since you've made your decision, then do your best. But don't end up like when you were drawing doujin works, always finishing things right at the deadline!"
"Don't worry, I won't!"
Eriri puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction. "I'm not a child anymore. Whatever I set my mind to, I'll definitely do it properly!"
"That's good."
With a smile, Sayuri leaned closer to her daughter and asked with a mischievous grin, "By the way, are you really joining Ichin's studio just because you're interested in game development?"
"Of course! What else would it be?"
Noticing her mother's expression, Eriri froze for a moment before instantly understanding what she was implying. "You're not seriously thinking I'm in love with Ichin, are you?"
Sayuri didn't deny it. "I did consider the possibility."
"Well, you're overthinking it," Eriri replied without changing her expression. "I admit Ichin is an excellent guy, but I'm not the type to steal someone else's man. Anyway, I'm going to take a bath now. No more silly talk."
Watching Eriri pick up her change of clothes and walk out of the bedroom, Sayuri let out a sigh of relief. "Looks like she wasn't lying. Guess there's no need for me to interfere."
...
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