(A/N)= {Guys i would like to thank every one of my Patreon who are supporting this story because without them you wouldn't be reading this story so this is my heartful thanks and i won't name members name because that would longer then the chapter itself and bye enjoy the story}
Chapter 72 – The Ripple Effect of Mitsui's Words
The release of the eighth volume of Slam Dunk shook the internet in a way no one had anticipated.
Readers were moved to tears. Athletes, manga fans, even casual passersby—everyone was talking about it.
It wasn't just basketball fans. Writers, manga artists, even industry veterans began to take notice.
Could sports manga really be this powerful? This emotional?
A few ambitious mangaka who had never touched the genre suddenly grew eager to try. They wanted to fill the void, to ride the wave sparked by Whale-sensei's work.
But in the quiet ward of the hospital, Lucien remained blissfully unaware of the storm he had caused.
---
Sunday – Isolation
Sunday morning, Lucien had another round of targeted medication and radiotherapy. The doctors strictly ordered him to avoid visitors for the day.
He had told Eri Kashiwagi in advance, so she didn't visit.
Alone in the ward, Lucien threw himself into work. He completed drafts for Chapters 19 and 20 of Attack on Titan Volume 5, and even started the first few pages of Slam Dunk Volume 9, Chapter 72.
By evening, he was finally cleared to leave isolation.
"Let's get some air," his mother Eve said gently, pushing his wheelchair toward the activity area of the inpatient wing.
The lounge was buzzing—patients reading, chatting, stretching. A large TV hung on the wall, broadcasting an idol program.
On screen, a lively group of high school girls danced under spotlights.
Lucien tilted his head, amused. Idols, huh… youthful energy really is contagious.
Beside him, Eve suddenly gasped. "Ah! Isn't that Hiori?!"
Lucien blinked. "Hiori?"
"That girl there." She pointed at the screen. A short-haired, fair-skinned girl shone on stage, smiling as she sang.
"That's kawasaki Hiori. The daughter of one of my university classmates. Two years ago, I attended a reunion and met her. She said back then she dreamed of becoming a school idol…"
Her voice softened with nostalgia. "And now, here she is. How fast children grow up…"
Lucien chuckled lightly. Dreams really can take shape before you know it.
After the group Laila! finished their performance, commercials rolled, and the next program began—a celebrity talk show.
Lucien was about to ask his mother to wheel him back when the host's words froze him in place.
"Now, please welcome today's mysterious guest—our national idol, Mai Sakurajima!"
The audience erupted in cheers. On the screen, Mai stepped out, radiant and graceful.
Lucien's heart skipped. Mai again… She really does keep crossing paths with my work, huh?
---
Mai Sakurajima's Confession
"Mai-chan, welcome!" the male host greeted. "With you here, our ratings will triple!"
Mai laughed politely. "That's too much. I'm just honored to be invited."
The co-host teased, "Mai-chan, fans call you the national girlfriend now. Do you realize how popular you are?"
"Ehh? That's embarrassing…" she replied, her cheeks slightly pink.
Then came the hot question.
"Mai-chan, what kind of boys do you like? Your ideal type?"
The audience leaned forward. Mai froze, caught off guard.
The female host smirked. "If I had to guess… isn't it someone like Rukawa Kaede?"
The name slipped out, and Mai shyly nodded. "Yes… you're right."
The male host blinked. "Rukawa… who?"
"A manga character," Mai said honestly. "From a series called Slam Dunk. I've been following it closely. Actually, last night I even retweeted the author's post—it went trending, didn't it?"
Lucien's jaw nearly dropped.
On national television… Mai Sakurajima had just promoted his manga.
---
System Settlement
Back in his ward, Lucien clenched the sheets, heart racing. This volume really worked… It's spreading everywhere.
The system's voice chimed in:
[Settlement in progress…]
[Evaluation complete: Slam Dunk Volume 8 → Quality: SS | Influence: SS]
[Reward: +16 days lifespan]
——
Host: Lucien D. Blackthorn
Remaining Lifespan: 112 days
Health: 30/100 (Limit: 2 hours creation per day. 1 minute excess = 1 day deducted.)
——
Lucien exhaled deeply. 112 days… almost four months now.
Not just surviving—living. Creating.
"Whale," he whispered to himself with a smile. I'm not done yet.
---
Monday – Visitors
The next morning, the door burst open. Usami Mizuki trotted in, eyes sparkling.
"Senpai! I read Volume 8 of Slam Dunk! It was so amazing!"
Behind her, Iida Ayano entered with a smile. "The response has been incredible, Whale-sensei. We're considering publishing Slam Dunk as standalone volumes now."
Lucien's eyes lit up. "Truly? That would be wonderful!"
Ayano nodded. "Of course. That's part of my job. But… I have good news and bad news. Which first?"
Lucien smirked. "Bad news first. I doubt it's that bad, judging by your face."
Ayano chuckled. "You're sharp. The bad news is—the anime adaptation of Slam Dunk was cancelled."
Lucien blinked. "Cancelled? Why?"
Ayano sighed. "The director accepted funding from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sports. They want him to produce a children's educational anime instead. No violence, no romance. Your manga… didn't fit the bill."
Lucien laughed softly, shaking his head. "So that's it. Well, I suppose Slam Dunk was never meant to be watered down anyway."
"And the good news," Ayano's tone brightened, "is that Editor-in-Chief Funao has contacted Director Makoto Shinkai."
Lucien's eyes widened. "And…?"
Ayano leaned in. "Word is, he's very impressed with Your Name. He's currently discussing it with his production team. We'll have an answer within a week."
Lucien's chest thumped. He was sure of it—Shinkai wouldn't pass this up.
---
Mitsui's Return
After Ayano left, Mizuki eagerly tugged at Lucien's sleeve. "Senpai, did you draw more of Volume 9? Please let me see!"
Lucien smiled. "Only a few pages so far, but… here."
She snatched the sketchbook and flipped eagerly.
On the pages, the aftermath of the Shohoku gym fight unfolded. The Sakuragi Army took the blame; the basketball team escaped punishment. Training resumed.
And then—Mitsui Hisashi returned.
No longer scruffy, no longer weak. His hair cut short, his eyes filled with determination, he looked sharp, almost radiant.
Mizuki gasped. "This… this is Mitsui?!"
Her face lit up with awe. She clutched the sketchbook to her chest like treasure.
"Senpai… forget Rukawa, Mitsui is my favorite now!"
Lucien laughed, shaking his head. That's the power of redemption.
End of the chapter
250ps=1 extra chapter and so on
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