Chapter 35: Different Circumstances
"This is amazing! Is this really a work written by an elementary school student? Even an old man like me feels a surge of excitement, and this is just the first volume."
"Ahem, Editor-in-Chief, you're only 50, still very young."
"Speaking of which, wasn't there an elementary school student who recently debuted? She submitted a manuscript to us before, what was her name again, Yamada?"
"They can't even be compared. There's a dimensional gap in their skill levels. That Yamada's writings are all pandering, low-quality novels... I feel that Teacher Senju Muramasa will definitely become a pillar of our imprint in the future!"
"It just so happens that the industry has been a bit stagnant recently, and the appearance of this 'fantasy demon blade chronicles' will surely reignite the industry."
"It seems that even without a vote, everyone's thoughts are in agreement."
"It's hard to imagine that Teacher Senju Muramasa, at such a young age, can write such an excellent work, far surpassing even Teacher Izumi."
"That's natural, because Senju Muramasa's father is the famous historical novelist, Umezono Rintaro."
"No wonder, no wonder, so it's excellent bloodline..."
"I plan to elevate the promotional efforts for 'fantasy demon blade chronicles' to the highest level in the history of debut works. Does anyone have any objections?"
"Of course not."
The editors answered in unison.
"I have a feeling that times are about to change."
After the meeting adjourned, Editor-in-Chief Sawano looked out the window and murmured to himself.
Perhaps, the appearance of Teacher Senju Muramasa can change the industry, and the long-awaited 'Light Novel Master' will truly appear in reality!
"No, this is not enough. For someone as talented as Teacher Senju Muramasa, if the illustrator isn't talented enough, it will be very difficult to keep up with the progress of the work."
Sawano stood still and pondered for a moment.
However, in his impression, the qualified illustrators were all a bit old, and if he were to let them communicate with Teacher Senju Muramasa, there would likely be a disconnect.
"Never mind, I'll go visit Mr. Shino. I hope Mr. Shino can grant my request and let his daughter help out."
...
"Before, I thought elementary school students like Yamada were amazing enough, but I never expected there would be someone like Teacher Senju Muramasa. And that style somehow feels a bit familiar, Japanese-style, passionate, Teacher Izumi has been completely outshone."
Machida Sonoko unconsciously made a comparison in her heart.
But even if she wanted to evaluate with a bias, she couldn't bring herself to say the insincere words, 'Teacher Izumi is better'.
"Kohana, they've decided to publish it."
Umezono Rintaro hung up the phone and turned to look at his daughter.
"Mm."
The girl merely nodded calmly.
Everything was already within her expectations, and whether she could debut or not was not even in her considerations from the beginning. It was only because of her father's suggestion that she did such a troublesome thing.
In fact, she just wanted to write novels that she found interesting.
"They've also arranged an illustrator. Kohana, do you want to talk to her?"
Umezono Rintaro held up his phone and asked again.
Because his daughter couldn't use such modern machines, he could only act as a medium to convey some information.
"Whatever she wants, it doesn't matter."
The girl remained focused on her writing, completely indifferent to other matters.
Umezono Rintaro didn't know whether to be happy or worried about his daughter's overly focused, completely unworldly demeanor.
"Never mind, Kohana will change one day..."
He suddenly laughed, not knowing what he thought of.
He himself was once someone who paid no heed to worldly affairs, until he met the destined person, and then he too integrated into this world.
His daughter will also meet that person one day.
He thought so.
"By the way, the third volume of 'demon slayer' that Kohana wants to read is about to be released, probably in about half a month."
Before leaving the room, Umezono Rintaro suddenly mentioned.
"Really?"
The girl's calm, water-like face showed ripples, and her excitement was fully displayed.
Even if, in the evaluations of others, her own work completely surpassed Izumi Masamune's 'demon slayer', to her, Teacher Izumi's work would always be special, different from others.
Moreover, her writing style also subconsciously incorporated Teacher Izumi's writing techniques and some of his habits.
This was enough to prove her inner will.
Working hard on her writing while eagerly anticipating the release date.
The years were peaceful and good.
Suddenly, I felt that the meaning of life was nothing more than this.
...
The pre-release promotion for "demon slayer" was exceptionally well done this time, with a level of recommendation completely different from when it first debuted.
Some bookstores operated by Fujikawa Bunko even put up advertisements, placing "demon slayer" in a prominent position to increase its exposure.
This indicates that the rising sales have made the editorial department see the potential of the work... No, it should be said, the potential of the creator.
It wasn't a novel theme, it didn't have a unique, unconventional style, nor was it a brainless 'toilet paper' work; he saved the direction of the work purely by his personal ability, which significantly increased the value of 'Izumi Masamune' himself.
Starting low and finishing strong is not an easy feat in itself. Although there were some external factors involved, the fundamental determinant of success or failure was still the quality of the work.
Izumi Masamune delivered results that greatly satisfied them, which allowed them to synergistically allocate some resources.
Although it couldn't compare to the importance placed on Senju Muramasa.
After all, a genius like Senju Muramasa was the first Editor-in-Chief Sawano had seen in so many years, but he had seen people like 'Izumi Masamune' who achieved fame at a young age, and many veteran authors in the industry were like this, but their peak was just that.
To step into that legendary realm was simply impossible!
Izumi Chihiro didn't understand the reasons behind it, but even if he did, there wouldn't be much emotional fluctuation in his heart.
The strong are respected!
This society is just like that.
He was still clear about his own capabilities; he could only grasp the present and then consider the future.
The third volume of "demon slayer", which was currently on sale, might be the first peak of his career.
Then, he would continue to forge ahead!