Shinnohara's Past
As a director, Shinnohara Hito had always ensured that every single one of his works was top-tier.
Whether it was an adaptation of a manga or a light novel—
He always deeply understood the source material.
He would spend hours talking with the original author.
When the author was satisfied—
When the fans were satisfied—
And when new viewers became interested in the source—
That was what made a truly successful adaptation.
Seeing Su Yu entrust Yukinoshita Yukino with Madoka, Shinnohara couldn't help but feel a hint of admiration for him.
…It was the same principle he followed.
However—
There was one difference.
Su Yu didn't start as a director.
He only took on the role for Yukinoshita Yukino.
That part reminded Shinnohara of himself.
Of the woman he had once loved.
His wife had been a novelist.
Ever since she was a child, she had weak health.
But they had grown up together—from elementary school to college, to marriage.
She had always supported him.
And because of her, he chose to become an animation director.
His greatest wish was to one day turn her novel into an anime.
But—
Animation was a bottomless pit for money.
Even as a top-tier director, there was no way he could fund an anime adaptation by himself.
And asking investors?
Impossible.
The risk was simply too high.
Su Yu, in contrast, was lucky.
His dream was tied to Yukinoshita Yukino.
And in this world—
Luck mattered.
The Reality of the Animation Industry
After finishing the first episode screening of Madoka, the others left to work on revisions.
Only Su Yu, Shinnohara Hito, and Tamura Wakaka remained.
Su Yu personally poured them black tea.
His respect for Shinnohara wasn't just because of his directorial skills.
It was because—
He was a true animator.
Every single project Shinnohara worked on became a masterpiece.
Why?
Because he never half-assed it.
He studied the source material, had detailed discussions with the author, and carefully crafted each adaptation.
Unlike many directors—who just skimmed the source and made whatever changes they wanted—
Shinnohara treated adaptations with respect.
And that was why Su Yu's choice of Yukinoshita Yukino as Madoka's director had been correct.
Because she, more than anyone, understood the story.
Still—
There was something that Su Yu couldn't understand.
Something that had bothered him for a while.
And so—
He finally asked.
"Shinnohara-san, Tamura-san, I've always respected your work… but I have one question."
The two veteran directors looked at him.
"…Why hasn't Flare Animation ever produced original anime?"
At those words—
Both directors were stunned.
They glanced at each other.
Shinnohara remained silent.
Tamura Wakaka let out a bitter smile.
"Su Yu-kun… do you think we don't want to make original anime?"
"…So the issue is Harada?"
Su Yu immediately understood.
Tamura nodded.
She sighed and began explaining.
"A long time ago, Harada-sandid invest in original anime."
"But… it never made back the production costs."
"As a result, many of the original creators who came to Flare Animation left the industry entirely."
"In the beginning, we all had dreams."
"We thought that once the studio became big enough, we could finally create the stories we truly wanted."
"But—"
"The reality is that original anime is too risky."
"No matter how good a script is, no one can guarantee it will be a commercial success."
Tamura glanced at Su Yu.
"Over the past few years, Harada-san has lost his passion for animation."
"Flare Animation may still be one of the biggest studios—"
"But no one knows how long it will last."
"…And if Yukinoshita's family ever chooses to fully acquire the company?"
"Harada-san would definitely sell."
Su Yu frowned.
He was starting to see the bigger picture.
Shinnohara finally spoke.
"Su Yu-kun."
"…Making anime burns money."
"If you truly want to keep making them, you'll have to ensure that every single one makes more money than it costs."
"Flare Animation is already in decline. We're only staying here because the company hasn't collapsed yet."
"At any moment, Harada-san could decide to sell his shares."
"And if that happens—"
"I will leave Flare Animation."
Tamura turned to look at Shinnohara.
She had never heard him say this before.
They were still here because—
They didn't want to watch Flare Animation die.
A Declaration
Su Yu sipped his black tea.
Then—
He looked up at the two veteran directors.
"If I acquire Flare Animation—"
"Will you give me a script that satisfies me?"
Shinnohara and Tamura's eyes widened.
They believed that Su Yu could do it.
But original anime…
The two fell into silence.
Su Yu wasn't surprised.
They had probably been asked this same question by Harada many times before.
Why take the risk of an original project when you could make safe adaptations?
They had given up on the dream of original anime.
And now—
Su Yu had brought it back.
But—
Could they really do it?
Did they still have the ability to create something new?
Shinnohara clenched his fists.
Tamura bit her lip.
Neither could give him an answer.
Su Yu placed his tea down.
He spoke calmly.
"Madoka. Parasyte. Yuru Camp."
"These three projects will take about a year to produce."
"Within that time—"
"I will acquire Flare Animation."
"You have one year to give me a script worthy of production."
"If I accept it—"
"I will fund it myself."
"And in return—"
"You both stay at Flare Animation for five more years."
Shinnohara looked up.
Tamura's expression trembled.
"During those five years—"
"You are free to create as many original anime scripts as you want."
"If I find them satisfactory—"
"I will fund them all."
"I am not a businessman."
"I am an animator."
"Like Miyazumi."
"Like the young animators out there."
"We dream of making our stories real."
"We are the true animators."
Shinnohara's eyes shook.
He remembered—
When Flare Animation was first founded.
Harada had made similar promises.
But he had never given them the chance.
Su Yu was different.
Because Su Yu had already proven it.
The Madoka script alone was proof of his ability.
Shinnohara—
He had a story he wanted to tell.
His wife's novel.
This—
This might be his only chance.
"…Su Yu-kun."
"I have a script."