Of course, the possibility of failing is still there.
And so…
"We'll each invest 100 million yen in the animation. If we profit, I want 60%," Akira said, as he sat down.
"No problem," Yukinoshita Yukino agree, without hesitation.
She had a strong feeling that this anime would definitely succeed.
Akira's attitude was clear—he believed the animation would turn a profit, but he was careful and had reduced the risk slightly.
With their two-person investment, Akira retained the script, meaning he remained the original author. In addition to investment income, he would even earn from copyrights.
Generally, animation investment is spread across several companies, but Akira and Yukinoshita Yukino were special investors, meaning their revenue share would be higher.
"Fujimiya-kun, you… you're so rich!," Yuigahama Yui said, unable to hide her surprise.
"Yui, you're in charge of the characters, and our game still needs production," Akira said, looking at her.
"Yuigahama-san, you only need to draw characters that satisfy Akira. If modifications are necessary, I'll find someone to do them. Animation is animation, and games are games. Our game doesn't need to be perfect—just produced, and it will be considered a success," Yukinoshita Yukino in a gentle tone.
"Okay… I'll do my best," Yui replied, breathing a sigh of relief, feeling less pressure.
"Let's eat lunch first. After that, we can slowly discuss the script," Yukino said, opening her lunch box.
Akira and Yui shared a glance—they understood.
Yukinoshita Yukino noticed the two lunch boxes but said nothing, beginning to eat silently.
Akira looked at his simple lunch box. It was modest, yet comforting in its own way.
The three of them ate quietly.
After lunch, Yukinoshita Yukino went to make a phone call. She had more than 500 million yen in hand—her New Year's savings.
Yui picked up the script and started reading.
While, Akira busied himself by searching for similar works, famous directors, and animation production companies.
After finishing the script, Yui secretly wiped her tears and glanced at Akira. She now understood what Yukinoshita Yukino had meant.
"Akira, can you let me—"
"Sorry, Yui, this won't work," Akira shook his head gently, as if he already knew what she was about to say.
"Yuigahama-san, if you change the senior's storyline, the script will break, and the amazing effect will be lost," Yukino said, returning after her call.
"... Okay," Yui said, understanding the weight of their story, even though it made her sad.
"Next time, I'll think of a happy story. I won't do this again," Akira said softly.
"Is this Fujimiya-kun's light novel?" Yui asked, a hint of anticipation in her voice.
Yukino also looked at Akira, curious.
"The light novel… it still needs some time," Akira shook his head.
He hadn't considered investing in animation before. But now, with a billion yen in spare money, it seemed writing light novels wasn't the only path. Instead, he could bring his beloved anime, novels or manga to reality and investing in animation felt far more stable.
If he could make money and acquire or establish an animation production company, his future would be… promising.
.....
As lunch break neared its end, Akira and Yui walked back to the classroom.
"Yui, money isn't everything. If possible, I'd use all my savings just to have a chance to see my parents. Even a simple meal with them would be worth it," Akira said, noticing her expression.
"Fujimiya-kun…" Yui looked at him, her heart aching at his words.
"I have a billion yen in my hands. If it can help realize my dream and secure a stable income, I'll spend it all," Akira continued, gazing out the window.
"Your dream… is to make animation?" Yui whispered lightly.
"Almost. Yui, I also want to help make your dream come true," Akira said softly.
"Me? I don't really think I have a dream…" Yui said, smiling awkwardly.
"Then think carefully about it, It will come sooner or later. When my animation succeeds, tell me your dream. No matter how difficult, I'll help you achieve it," Akira said, gently holding her soft hand.
"Yeah," Yui nodded.
At that moment, she silently wished to stay with Akira forever.
No matter the outcome of his investments, she wanted to walk into a wedding church with him someday.
.....
The afternoon classes ended quickly.
Akira brought Yui to the Service Club.
Yukinoshita Haruno, Yukinoshita Yukino, and the advisory teacher, Hiratsuka Shizuka, were all present.
A contract lay before them, already reviewed by the teachers.
"Thank you, Yukinoshita-san," Akira said, knowing Shizuka Hiratsuka had been called by Yukino.
"You're welcome. With Shizuka-sensei here, you should feel reassured," Yukino said.
"I do," Akira replied, sitting down.
"Akira, are you sure you want to invest in animation production? This isn't a joke, if the work fails you could lose a lot of money," Hiratsuka said seriously.
"Shizuka-sensei, this is my chance to realize a dream. I won't give up easily. I trust my script—and I trust Yukino's vision," Akira said firmly.
"...Alright then I won't stop you, read this document very carefully," Shizuka said, pushing the contract toward him.
Akira read the file carefully.
Because they were co-investing, and the Yukinoshita family had shares in the animation company, Akira and Yukino would receive 50% of profits, while the remaining 50% went to the production company, covering costs such as CDs.
If CD sales exceeded 10,000 copies, Akira would earn an additional 10% of profits; 5,000 copies, 8%.
Peripheral products would be discussed after the animation's release.
"How much to buy this animation company?" Akira asked.
"Fujimiya-kun, the value of an animation company depends on many factors. This one is a top company, so it is unlikely to be sold," Haruno said with a chuckled.
"I see," Akira said.
"However, I can sell my shares to you for exactly 10 billion yen, giving you absolute control over the Studio," Haruno continue with a smile.
"I'll consider it," Akira replied.
'If Puella Magi Madoka succeeds, acquiring shares won't be impossible,' he thought.
"If you provide three complete stories, I can invest with you—up to 300 million yen," Yukino said, suddenly.
"...I'll do my best," Akira said, pleasantly surprised.
The fact that she was ready to invest so much meant that she really liked the story itself, not because of him.
Haruno smile as she silently watch them talk, without saying anything.
Akira signed the contract and pushed it to Yukino, who signed as well.
"Do you want to participate fully in production, or leave it to the team?" Haruno asked.
"Participate fully," Yukino replied without hesitation.
"Agreed," Akira said. With Yukino's involvement, production quality would be ensured.
"Depending on the schedule, we may miss the July series. It could be October or January. It depends on your vision," Haruno reminded.
"When should payment be made?" Akira asked.
"That depends on the Studio's schedule, I will arranged a meeting with them. Once they confirm the project, you can invest officially," Haruno explained.
"I'll personally discuss the negotiations with the team," Akira said seriously.
"No problem, this is Yukino's first investment. If successful, my mother will be very pleased, she may even give her shares of the company directly," Haruno said with a smile.
"I'm investing for the story, not approval," Yukino said.
Haruno smiled at Akira, giving him a subtle look.
Which, he pretended not to notice.
...
An hour later, everyone left the Service Club.
Yukino returned the original script to Akira, holding the printed copy, and finally exchanged contact information.
She wanted to learn more and If possibly, she even consider writing a side story for the game.
Akira watched the Yukinoshita family car leave.
"Fujimiya, if you need help, just ask," Shizuka Hiratsuka said.
"Thank you, Shizuka-sensei," he bowed.
"You're welcome. It's my responsibility as your teacher," she said, patting his shoulder before looking at Yui.
"I won't bother you two anymore," she said, smiling.
Hearing this, Yui started blushed.
Hiratsuka Shizuka chuckled and walked away.
Akira watched as Shizuka-sensei leave and looked at Yui beside him.
"Tomorrow is Saturday. Do you want to stay at my house tonight?" he asked.
"I…" Yui's cheeks flushed even more.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything inappropriate. We'll go to the mall first, buy clothes, pajamas, and so on. Tell Aunt Asuna you're at Miura or Ebina's house tonight," Akira said softly.
"Yeah," Yui hesitated, then nodded.
...
In front of the Shopping Mall.
"Mom, I'm not going home today. I… I'm with Yumiko and Hime. Eh? Fujimiya-kun? Of course he's not here," Yui said, speaking on the phone while nervously glancing at Akira.
"Yui, you get nervous when you lie. Lying isn't good~" Asuna's teaching voice could be heard from the phone.
Hearing this, Yui panicked and looked at Akira for help.
Akira stretched out his hand, signaling her to let him speak.
"Thank you, Aunt Asuna, for preparing my Bento. Yui will stay at my house tonight. My apartment have two rooms, and Shizuka-sensei lives downstairs. I'll send Yui home tomorrow morning, then bring a box of snacks to visit you," he said directly, his tone calm and respectful.
"With Fujimiya-kun around, I feel relieved. I won't disturb you and Yui anymore. Please take care," Asuna said, smiling, before hanging up.
...
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