After resolving the dressing issue, the two went to the washroom, as the girl's messy hairstyle also needed to be tidied up.
"Be prepared, Mashiro, I won't indulge you in everything like Rita does, so from now on, you need to learn to take care of yourself."
Izumi Chihiro's expression suddenly turned serious.
"Chihiro, you're too forceful."
Mashiro said expressionlessly.
"Say whatever you want, but from now on... you'll remember it well with your body!"
He snorted, then began to work, casually kneading the girl's soft hair.
Although Mashiro was like a goddess, she was also incredibly troublesome, and to make things easier for himself, he felt it was necessary for Mashiro to grow up.
This might not be what Shiina wanted to see, but it was what he wanted.
While it might be his selfish desire, only after this 'baptism' could Mashiro possibly achieve her ideals.
Otherwise, without enough experience, the naive Mashiro would be unable to understand the essence of manga and become a mangaka.
"Umm..."
Mashiro suddenly groaned inexplicably.
"What's wrong? Did I use too much force?"
Izumi Chihiro stopped and asked.
He had never washed anyone else's hair before, so it was possible that he misjudged the strength needed.
"Chihiro is so skilled, just like Rita."
Mashiro said slowly.
"This is also my first time washing someone else's hair. It seems that my estimation of the force was quite accurate."
He replied.
"Then, Chihiro's first time was given to me."
Mashiro said something outrageous again, seemingly without realizing it.
"..."
Izumi Chihiro paused his movements, then continued to massage her scalp.
A moment later.
"Sit up straight, I'll blow-dry your hair."
He had Mashiro sit on the plastic chair, while he stood behind her, using a hair dryer to dry her flowing long hair.
Because he had seen how others did it at the barber shop, his movements weren't too unfamiliar.
Suddenly.
"Thump."
Half of Mashiro's body fell backward, leaning against him, and a delicate fragrance wafted over.
"Mashiro."
Izumi Chihiro thought the girl was acting strange again, but after calling out and receiving no response, he looked to the side and found that the girl had closed her eyes and fallen asleep.
It was probably because the hair dryer felt comfortable, and also because Mashiro herself was very tired.
"She must have been staying up late drawing."
He thought to himself.
What the world saw was Mashiro's talent, Mashiro's achievements, but what he saw was the girl's persistence day after day, which even he was ashamed of.
Being a genius was already scary enough, but what was even scarier was that she worked countless times harder than you.
However.
"What am I supposed to do with you like this? I can't just stay here forever, can I?"
Izumi Chihiro looked at the girl leaning against him, his expression helpless. He had no choice but to hold her near her chest with one hand, and support her legs with the other, picking her up and placing her on the sofa in the living room.
Turning around and entering the kitchen, he found that the rice was already cooked. With the prepared ingredients, a practical breakfast could be quickly completed.
On the other side.
Except for watching Madoka's anime, Sagiri had developed a good habit of going to bed early and waking up early, so she seemed very energetic in the morning. However, the first thing she did was contact Eriri.
After a night of careful consideration, she decided to become an 'informant', sharing information with Eriri Ni-san in order to counter this powerful new opponent.
After all, this beautiful young artist, whose depth was unknown and whose professional skills were enough to overwhelm the two of them, was too threatening!
Eromanga Sensei: Eriri Ni-san, Mashiro Ni-san has come to my house. I heard Ni-san mention that you've met before, so I was wondering...
Kashiwagi Eri: I'm not very familiar with Shiina, and I can't understand that person either.
Sagiri was a little surprised by this answer, but after thinking about Mashiro's abilities, she suddenly understood somewhat.
Eromanga Sensei: Is that so? But does Eriri Ni-san know the purpose of Mashiro Ni-san's return to Japan?
Kashiwagi Eri: I really don't know about that.
Eromanga Sensei: Actually, it's because Mashiro Ni-san wants to become a mangaka...
"A mangaka? Am I seeing things? That Shiina actually wants to become a mangaka?"
Eriri looked astonished.
It was like the young lady from the Shinomiyas suddenly shouting 'I want to become a photographer'.
However, the circumstances were different, so normal people would just find the former surprising, while the latter would seem ridiculous.
After the confusion, a burst of elation followed.
"If that's true, then I... do I have a chance to defeat Shiina?"
Eriri was excited, and for the first time, she mustered the courage to face Mashiro head-on.
Among the elements of manga, the interestingness of the story is undoubtedly more important than mere drawing skills.
There are many people who can draw well, but not many who can stand out and become good mangakas.
For example, in the more extreme examples in her past life memories, One was more like a mangaka than Murata, who had excellent art.
Of course, the best result would be if the two could be fused together like magic cards.
"It won't be as easy for Shiina to become a qualified mangaka as it used to be."
Eriri said confidently.
Although she didn't understand Mashiro's heart, she could still see what state Mashiro was in.
"In that case, let's have a fair fight this time! I will defeat you... Shiina!"
The twintail girl, who was also preparing to embark on the path of a mangaka, clenched her fists.
This was her supreme determination!
...
After successfully forming an alliance with Eriri, Sagiri stretched and a smile appeared on her lips.
There was nothing she could do; Mashiro's pressure was simply too great, and she needed someone to share the burden, and Eriri was the best choice.
"Sagiri, dinner's ready."
Outside the door, a Urge voice came.
"Coming right away, Ni-san."
Sagiri turned and left the room, heading downstairs from the second floor.
Sitting at the dining chair, she glanced around and asked, "Where's Mashiro-neechan?"
"She fell asleep on the sofa, probably couldn't hold on after staying up all night drawing. It's fine, I saved some for her."
Izumi Chihiro replied.
"Staying up all night drawing, huh…"
Sagiri murmured.
She's really diligent! Even though she's already so terrifying! She's not giving anyone a chance to live!
Now, she finally understood the true meaning of her brother's phrase, 'unreasonably amazing.'
Only half an hour later.
Mashiro shook her head, brushed away the strands of hair covering her eyes, her cat-like eyes flickered a few times, and she stood up.
"Finally awake. Eat your breakfast first."
Turning her head, she immediately saw the familiar profile, and a innocent smile appeared on the girl's face.
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter