How to raise a random guy's wife

"Who's your brother!" Eriri corrected. "It's your uncle!"

Kobayashi Sora readily agreed, "Yes."

"Megumi!" Eriri accused, "Look at him!"

"Don't be naughty." Kobayashi Megumi pinched Kobayashi Sora's cheek, instantly turning his mischievous grin into a blissful smile.

“You can tell it won’t work just by looking at her personality,” Kasumigaoka Utaha added. “If we used her true personality, the interview would have turned into something like, ‘Hmph, I’m not drawing hard just to make money off you guys’—that kind of brat talk.”

"Hello!" Eriri retorted sarcastically, "Is it okay for a scheming, dark woman to say something like, 'You scum, just cry your hearts out in my malice'?"

Bo Island's eyes lit up as they set sail, exclaiming, "This looks really good!"

Eriri: "......" This person seems hopeless.

Sagara Mayu looked thoughtful. This child going to sea...it seems like she could...

"But then again, I can understand Eriri's busy and serious fujoshi artist persona; after all, it's the result of elite education." Kobayashi Sora held Kobayashi Megumi's hand. "Why is Utaha a thoughtful, charming, and adorable older sister?"

"Huh?" Mayu Sagara looked visibly surprised. "Didn't you create this character?"

“Of course not,” Kobayashi Sora shook her head. “I summarized her previous statements based on previous interview records and information from autograph sessions. In other words, she already had this persona before I helped her complete the interview.”

“Well…” Kasumigaoka Utaha sighed rather helplessly, “This inevitably leads us to talk about an editor who’s quite old but still thinks of herself as a naive and romantic little girl.”

Kobayashi Sora: "Yuanzi-nee is crying."

“There must also be considerations regarding the audience,” Kobayashi Megumi thought further. “Readers who like Kasumi Shiko’s works are relatively sensitive. Even if Shiho’s words are not that sharp, it is easy for them to misunderstand and cause some unnecessary impact.”

Eriri snorted, "I guess she wants someone to realize that even if you just pretend not to be so dark, the world around you will become much gentler."

Kasumigaoka Utaha raised an eyebrow. "So everyone around you is a tsundere?"

"Tsundere? Who's tsundere?" Eriri took a breath. "Who are you calling tsundere!"

"Whoever reacts the most is the one we're talking about."

"Kasumigaoka Utaha!"

"Let's continue the interview, let's continue the interview," Kobayashi Sora tried to steer the conversation back on track.

It's obvious that Kasumigaoka Utaha doesn't really like her online persona either.

The casual interviewing attitude is proof of that.

However, knowing that Machida Sonoko was doing this for her own good, Kasumigaoka Utaha has never publicly denied this persona over the years.

Of course, this applies to fans outside the industry. For industry insiders, this kind of persona is neither necessary nor sustainable for long.

Kobayashi Sora organized her thoughts, "Where were we...?"

"Although this was my first time officially participating in an animation production as a producer, Izumi, who was also a new director, gave Utaha a lot of trust," Kobayashi Megumi reminded. "We've known each other since high school and worked together for a long time afterward. More than just business partners, we were friends helping each other. We could confide in each other not only about work issues but also about our personal troubles. Although we inevitably encountered many difficulties during the production process because we were both newcomers, and the collaboration wasn't perfect, it was definitely a great experience. And that experience is the most fitting description of my impression of Izumi."

Sagara Mayu stared in disbelief. "This is how husband and wife act in harmony?"

Eriri offered her sincere advice: "You'll get used to it."

"Hearing you say that... I feel like my idea was so naive..." Hashima Izumi had already prepared what to say, but after comparing it with Kobayashi Megumi's statement, she suddenly didn't want to say anything anymore.

“Say whatever comes to mind,” Kasumigaoka Utaha said with experience. “Even if there are some issues with the wording, they will help polish it.”

Hashima nodded. "I really like Utaha!"

Eriri: "Hmm?"

Mayu Sagara: "Huh?"

Kasumigaoka Utaha: "......"

Kobayashi Megumi chuckled, "Not just her works, but also Utaha's style of doing things and her work attitude?"

"That's exactly what I mean!" Hashima Izumi launched into a long explanation. "From her earliest works like *Love Metronome* to the *Bunny Girl Senpai* series, and *White Album*, if you enjoy them chronologically, you can clearly feel the changes in Kasumi Utako's style. *Love Metronome* didn't sell well at first, but it persevered and achieved great success. Even though it did very well, the later *Bunny Girl Senpai* series adjusted the overall style to a more relaxed atmosphere..."

Chapter 842 I've learned something new

“When a work doesn’t sell well, people usually make changes, but Shiho didn’t. When sales improved, she should have stuck to her own style, but she made changes and achieved even better results. The current ‘White Album’ has returned to its original style, but it has improved a lot in all aspects.” Izumi Hashima became more and more excited as she spoke. “I really like this style of doing things that sticks to oneself in the face of difficulties and is able to listen to the opinions of others when achieving success. Shiho is the same way in her work. She never compromises when she should stick to her principles, and she is not too stubborn when she needs to listen to opinions.”

Eriri: "Ah..."

Is Kasumigaoka Utaha really that good?

Mayu Sagara: "Hmm..."

Oh, I see.

Kasumigaoka Utaha: "......"

The exaggerated praise of the trip to the island of Hashima left Eriri, who was used to dealing with awkward people like Eriri, somewhat at a loss as to how to respond.

At this moment... it seems like all I can do is smile.

Eriri noticed the smile on Kasumigaoka Utaha's face.

So you fall for this kind of thing?

“Perhaps it’s because I’m someone who’s easily influenced. The more I want to stick to something, the more I want to hear other people’s advice. But when I need advice, I become stubborn.” Izumi Hashima looked at Utaha Kasumigaoka. “In the process of working with Utaha, I felt that I learned a lot. It was a great experience for me, as if I had similar power.”

Kobayashi Sora and Kobayashi Megumi exchanged a glance.

So why has this chaotic atmosphere, which was supposed to be a simple interview, turned into this?

"It seems this is also Fumio Sagano's first time serving as a design producer," Kobayashi Sora rationally steered the conversation towards Mayu Sagara. "What were your thoughts on taking on this role?"

Sagara Mayu: "Forced into doing something against one's will."

Kobayashi Sora: "It's good to learn something."

“That’s true,” Mayu Sagara added innocently. “I really didn’t expect to become the setting designer for this anime at first. I was just helping out at first, but it turned out like this.”

"Hmm... this is a pleasant surprise for me too. At first, I was simply drawn in by the story, and before I knew it, I was already a member of the production team. If I had to say what my thoughts are, it would be that I want to use my own efforts to present this animation to everyone in a better way." Kobayashi Megumi paused. "You mean that, right?"

Mayu Sagara nodded repeatedly, "That's exactly what I meant."

"Don't do that..." Hashima protested from the sea, "If even Mayu says that, then I'll be the only one who keeps talking."

Kobayashi Sora raised the next question, "As we all know, Fumio Sagano previously worked on virtual idol character design. In comparison, what are the differences between character design and virtual idol character design?"

“Let me think about it…” Mayu Sagara pondered seriously. “It should be a matter of sequence, or primary and secondary. When designing virtual characters, I first communicate with the corresponding voice actor. During the process of getting to know each other, I design different images, add various accessories, and adjust the clothing design. I can modify them freely later. In the animation production process, however, the character is depicted more through design. Once it is finalized, there are very few changes. Moreover, the latter requires communication with other production staff, and it is not as free as when designing on your own. But in character design, there is more creative freedom than designing an image based on the voice actor. The biggest growth I have gained from this experience is that I can cooperate well with others and design characters from scratch.”

Hashima breathed a sigh of relief as they set sail, finally no longer alone, and happily gave Mayu Sagara a high five.

Kobayashi Sora began to ask Eriri, "Eri Kashiwagi has participated in and led the production of many anime before, including 'Your Name,' which grossed 20 billion yen. What's different about participating in the production of 'Mononoke' this time?"

"Hmm..." Eriri was a little troubled, not knowing how to answer.

If she answers like she used to, then Kasumigaoka Utaha will be the only one left who gives a perfunctory answer.

It seems like it's not so bad to be left alone; let's isolate her!

However, after hearing the answers from Izumi Hashima and Mayu Sagara, Eriri also wanted to say a few more words.

What can I say?

“It’s hard to describe this feeling,” Kobayashi Megumi said softly, observing Eriri’s expression. “Because I’ve been involved in the production of many anime, being a key animator this time isn’t a particularly special experience for me. However, the familiar people around me, taking on different roles than before, becoming my partners in the animation production process, brought a different experience from the past. This ambiguous feeling, both familiar and strange, can’t be described simply as the same or different. Although I can’t specifically say what’s good about it, it has certainly given me a lot of indescribable gains.”

“Mmm,” Eriri hugged Kobayashi Megumi, “Megumi is the best.”

Mayu Sagara: "......" You can translate something without her saying anything?!

I've learned something new.

Kobayashi Sora asked Hashima Izumi again, "Mononoke uses a uniquely beautiful art style that is both eerie and tells profound stories. Many viewers like this style. Will future works continue in this style?"

Bodao Chuhai shook his head. "Regarding this, I won't be creating another animation like this anytime soon. On one hand, I feel I still have a lot to learn, and on the other hand, I want to take a break and get back into shape. As for whether I'll continue in this style in the future, I can say it's highly unlikely."

"Hmm?" Mayu Sagara pressed, "Why?"

The success of "Mononoke" and the high audience acceptance of this style make it relatively easy for Hajime Izumi to create works that have mastered this style. So why is it so clear that it will not continue?

Could it be... the kind of self-breakthrough idea that creators often have?

"This style isn't really a style for me, and I didn't intend to preach any profound truths to the audience." Izumi Hashima recalled her creative process. "To be honest, although it's a work for an audience, I was thinking more about myself while making it. During the production process, I explored how to solve my own problems and presented that process in the form of animation. Initially, I made it with the idea of ​​attracting a small group of viewers, so I was really surprised that it was so well received by so many people."

Chapter 843 I Won't Tell You

“I created the content I wanted to create, and it was well-received by everyone, rather than creating content because I wanted to be liked by everyone.” Izumi Hashima hesitated for a moment before finally deciding to speak out, “There is a very subtle difference between the two. Although the results are all good, I cannot guarantee that the future results will also be good.”

Kobayashi Megumi noticed that Hashima's idea of ​​going to sea wasn't going well, and spoke up to guide him, "Are you worried that you'll get lost?"

The feeling of being understood gave Hashima the strength to express her inner journey more clearly. "Yes, that's what I mean. Like I just said, I'm not as resolute and tolerant as Utaha. I'm easily influenced by others and often get stuck on things. So I can't forge ahead on the path I've chosen like she does. I can only take the clumsy approach of calming myself down for a while. Only after I figure out why I can create stories that everyone likes can I find a balance between self-expression and being loved, and continue to happily create more works that everyone likes. Before that, I don't want any of my works to ruin the pleasant experience that everyone gets from 'Mononoke,' so it's highly unlikely that I will continue in this style."

Kasumigaoka Utaha watched as Namishima sailed out to sea and nodded in satisfaction.

After achieving great success by satisfying their creative desires, many creators find themselves in two very different, yet equally unfortunate, predicaments.

One type is self-important, feeling that what they want to write is what many people will like, and then they go further and let themselves go, even excessively insisting on their own ideas and ignoring the opinions of others.

Another type is someone who is obsessed with being liked by others, wants to replicate their own success, desperately wants to be liked by more people, and even deliberately caters to the ideas of others while ignoring their own.

Both of these dilemmas, when taken to their extremes, can offer creators great rewards.

Although the former may not offer much in terms of material rewards, the spiritual satisfaction it provides is unparalleled.

Although the latter offers little in terms of spiritual reward, the material rewards are enough to make one forget all about home.

The problem is that many people are stuck in the middle, neither here nor there.

They either stubbornly insist on their own opinions and still want material rewards, or they cater to their own preferences and still want spiritual satisfaction.

Wanting both, the result is no material reward and a gradual spiritual emptiness.

The first step in solving a problem is to acknowledge its existence. Although Izumi Hashima does not yet have the ability to solve problems, in Kasumigaoka Utaha's view, Izumi Hashima, who is able to clearly realize this, has already grown considerably compared to the somewhat timid rookie director he was at the beginning.

Is this Akane Kousaka's happiness?

Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes were gentle.

Seeing someone with potential gradually unleash their potential with her help, radiating their own unique brilliance, gives Kasumigaoka Utaha the joy of cutting a diamond and seeing its dazzling sparkle.

Kobayashi Sora then turned to Eriri, since compared to the relatively unknown Sagara Mayu, the newly debuted Hashima Izumi, and the long-dormant Kasumigaoka Utaha, the currently popular Eriri was more attractive and could significantly increase the interview's readership. "Ms. Kashiwagi Eri pioneered the Kashiwagi Eri style a long time ago, and later, with '5 Centimeters Per Second' and 'Your Name,' she sparked the Kashiwagi Eri style in backgrounds and animated films. This time, she challenged herself with ukiyo-e in 'Mononoke.' Is Ms. Kashiwagi trying to constantly experiment with different styles and achieve new breakthroughs?"

"Hmm... this..." Eriri's rosy cheeks puffed out slightly. "Actually, I'd like to take some time to reflect and find a balance between my unique style and exploring new styles. That way, I can continue to improve while maintaining my individuality..."

Kasumigaoka Utaha looked at Eriri with some disdain.