Tokyo Soft Rice King.

"Yes, I'm listening."

"Actually, I do have some concerns... but it's different from what you think, Kuroba-kun! I'm not forcing myself; on the contrary, I'm wondering if it would be too selfish of me to say I want to draw manga..."

"Hmm? Selfish? Why would you think that?"

"That's it, because I know I couldn't have created such an excellent work by myself... Without you guys, I definitely wouldn't have been noticed by the editorial department on my own..."

Just as Kuroba Akira was about to say to Moe Moe, "You don't need to be so self-deprecating," Moe continued loudly.

"So if I say I want to continue serializing this manga, you and Shiori will definitely come to help me, right?"

"Of course, we certainly won't just suddenly abandon this responsibility."

"But, Kuroba-kun, you and Shiori, you also have your own things to do, right? Kuroba-kun, you have everyone around you, they all need you, and Shiori also has to create her own works, but you've both wasted your precious time on me..."

"It's not a waste. How can helping you be considered a waste of time?"

"Waaah..."

Seeing that Moe had lowered her head again after speaking, Kuroba Akira scratched his head, understanding her feelings at that moment.

This reluctance to trouble others is quite traditional... Is it that most Japanese people are like this? Or is it that most introverted people are like this...?

“I understand what you’re thinking, Mengmeng, but I want to say that being able to accept other people’s kindness is also a skill.”

"I may not have that ability..."

"No, Mengmeng, you always feel indebted, which is why you hold a grudge. However, this is actually a win-win situation, and Shiori and I also think it's a good thing."

"Really?

"Of course it's true. Look at how seriously Shiori puts into developing the story for your manga, even more so than when she's writing her own novel. If she had done that much when we were competing against each other in the light novel genre, I might have been the one who lost... Can you say that she's only so dedicated to you?"

"So that's how it is. Was I... taking myself too seriously..."

"No, it's not that. We all value you, which is why we're willing to help you. It's just that Shiori and I both enjoy the process. Shiori has wanted to collaborate with you for a long time, and she's happy to see you achieve something, so she's done her best to help you. As for me, I love reading manga, and I feel a great sense of accomplishment being involved in the creation of a great work. Not to mention, I just wanted to support your dreams."

"So, if I become a cartoonist, everyone can find happiness?"

"That's right, so if there's anything you need from me, don't be shy to ask. Just come and bother me. I'll be happy to be relied upon."

Looking at Kuroba Akira's gentle smile, Moe felt her heart clench.

"Hmm! I don't know how to say it, but I think... Kuroba-kun, that's why everyone's been targeting you...!"

They'll also be on my radar.

The seeds of desire that have long been rooted in the hearts of slaves are about to sprout.

Chapter 414 Even geniuses are so casual

Aiyuan Moe was panting heavily, feeling her whole body getting hot. The thought of being alone with her master caused a powerful vortex to surge in her abdomen, which, if depicted in a comic book, would have been an effect of an electric current spreading outwards.

After all, she was a woman who had already tasted Xiaoming's flavor, and the effect of "having tasted the sweetness" was gradually eroding her mind, causing her brain to transform into a love-struck mind, sending commands to her body...

Pounce on him! Insubordination! Run him over!

In particular, her body had already shown the corresponding reaction on its own, as evidenced by the drool dripping from the corners of her mouth and the fanatical expression on her face.

"Uh, Mengmeng, your eyes suddenly look really scary..."

Kuroba Akira wasn't blind, so he could naturally notice such blatant lust, but the fact that the person with that hunter-like gaze was Moe made him feel very surprised... and terrifying.

Just like an honest person being provoked, if even an introverted cute girl can't help but want to prey, the energy that bursts out... might be even stronger than Ms. Shion when she enters her heat cycle?

"I'm sorry... hiss..."

Fortunately, her preconceived notion of being a slave temporarily suppressed her thoughts of 'disrespect'. After wiping the drool from the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand, Moe knelt even more upright, clenched her fists tightly on her thighs, and lowered her head, desperately trying not to look at Kuroba Akira.

Out of sight, out of mind!

Moe was restraining herself... In other words, the fact that she actually had to restrain a certain impulse at this point startled Moe herself.

She thought she had long lost that courage, but unexpectedly, when facing Kuroba Akira, she was still led by the nose by her confused and infatuated emotions...

Am I really that timid inside?

Although I do enjoy drawing those things... it hasn't affected my real life at all before...

It's probably because I haven't encountered anyone who could trigger my temper before... After all, now when I reward myself, I always call out my master's name.

Kuroba-kun is far too 'useful', whether as a master, an object of dreams, or material for fantasy.

Then naturally you'll want the 'real thing'...

What a sin, what a sin, what a sin...

Moe was repenting for her evil thoughts like a nun who had committed a great taboo. Seeing her remorseful look, Kuroba Akira got up, went over and patted her head.

"Alright, alright, no need to apologize for this. Anyway, let's go out and do some shopping first. The computer can be delivered to my house by courier. Then we can have lunch together and then head to the editorial department."

"Okay, okay!"

Afterwards, the two went out together to Akihabara to buy a computer, monitor, and graphics tablet. Despite Moe's insistence, they ended up spending her money.

With time to spare, the two continued to stroll around the area, playing claw machines and such, much like a typical date.

Although Moe doesn't usually like going out, so she's a little uncomfortable in crowded places, going out with Kuroba Akira makes her very excited, and she completely loses her usual timidity.

Compared to Future, who never leaves the house except to go to school, and Xiao Hong, who gets dizzy in crowded places, she is much better.

There is still a difference in the social skills of the three otaku girls. Currently, it seems that Moe is greater than or equal to Mirai, and then greater than Xiao Hong.

In the future, they will be giants on the internet and dwarfs in reality. They can be animated and talkative in live videos and streams, acting like big shots, but in real life, they will become mute when there are strangers around.

Of course, compared to the class monitor, who has the best social skills, the three of them are just nobody.

After having lunch together, it was time to head to the editorial department in the afternoon. Moe had enjoyed a happy date all morning and almost forgot that she was out on business. It wasn't until she and Kuroba Akira walked to the entrance of the editorial department that her nervousness resurfaced.

Kuroba Akira squeezed her hand and smiled encouragingly at her.

"Don't worry or be nervous. Although this is their territory, we were invited here because of our strength, which is why we are in a dominant position."

"Uh-huh!"

Yes, there's nothing to worry about... as long as Kuroba-kun is by my side!

Even if he's not good with words, it doesn't matter; he'll become his mouthpiece.

This sense of security is what a mother feels as a wife... I can totally understand it.

The two walked hand in hand into the headquarters building of Huizhisha, which is also the location of the editorial department of Weekly Shonen Boom. This place is also in Chiyoda Ward, although it is a different town, it is not particularly far from Kobayashi's house.

On the first floor, you can see through the glass windows that the special electronic screen is playing Shonen Boom's signature works on a loop. It gets even more elaborate when there are events, making it a well-known photo spot.

This feeling is similar to the game company where Kuroba Akira worked in his previous life. They were both high-end office buildings, but decorated in a very anime-like style, so he felt like he was back in his hometown... Pshaw, the company is not home!

But Moe is just an ordinary high school student who has never experienced a company visit before. When she came to this company building, she was obviously a little nervous. Her shy mode was fully activated, and she shrank a size. She also held Kuroba Akira's hand even tighter.

The receptionist found it rather unusual to see this couple who looked like a high school sweetheart. Although there were many young and up-and-coming manga artists here, this was the first time she had ever seen a couple... Were there really such lively and enthusiastic new manga artists? Or had they just wandered in by mistake?

In any case, it was all business. When asked if there was an appointment, Kuroba Akira gave the name of the person who made the appointment and the time of the meeting, which startled the receptionist.

"You mean Mr. Sasaki invited the two of you?"

Yes, is there a problem?

The editor-in-chief personally arranged to meet with such an important guest?

Could he be a relative of the company president?

"No... excuse me, I've already checked, there is indeed a 1:30 appointment. I'll take you there."

The receptionist, who had just been offering a business-like smile, suddenly switched to a friendly and respectful attitude, and took the initiative to lead the two to the meeting room.

Kuroba Akira realized that Sasaki Sugi, who had come to meet them, was no ordinary editor.

Moe only mentioned that the other party was an editor at Shonen Boom, but didn't know what level of editor they were.

I had only been sitting down for a couple of minutes when I heard hurried footsteps. Sasaki Sugi walked in and greeted me warmly.

"Oh! I'm sorry to have kept you waiting! I'm Sasaki Sugi, who spoke to you on the phone yesterday. I'm also the current editor-in-chief of Weekly Shonen Boom. You can just call me Sasaki."

It turns out the editor-in-chief came to greet me personally... I'm really being treated like a treasure now.

It's not surprising, though, since if Moe were to become a manga artist, it would certainly be a boon to the manga industry.

Kuroba Akira nodded in acknowledgment and greeted the other person naturally.

"I am Shiroko from the original work, my real name is Kuroba Akira. I look forward to your guidance today."

"H-Hello, I'm Mengmeng, the one in charge of the artwork... My real name is Aiyuan Menghui! Nice to meet you!"

Kuroba Akira's mature and composed demeanor greatly impressed Sasaki Sugi, who immediately realized that this young man was probably the decision-maker in the group, and the subsequent conversations would likely revolve around him.

As for the other cute girl, she stuttered a bit when we talked on the phone yesterday... Well, that's the normal reaction a new comic artist should have.

However, after reviewing their self-introductions in his mind, he was the one who was most surprised.

"Eh?! Is Yuki the one who paints?"

"Yes, is there... is there anything strange about it?"

"No...not surprising at all! I was just prejudiced, hahaha."

Sasaki Sugi scratched his head, sat down, chuckled, and moved on.

He was surprised because... it would be strange if he wasn't!

While the characters in Wet Girl are indeed drawn very cutely, that's a male-oriented fan comic with a more sexually charged cuteness. Soul Battery, on the other hand, has a completely 'hardcore' art style and doesn't look like a girl's drawing at all.

So Sasaki Sugi thought that Kuroba Akira was the one who drew the picture, but it turned out to be the other way around!

How can a high school girl who looks like a sheltered young lady have such a classic art style?! It's unbelievable...

Thinking about these things, Sasaki Sugi first solemnly bowed his head and apologized to the two of them.

"Well then, I must apologize to you both first. Publishing your works on Akamaru Boom without prior notice must have caused you both trouble."

"Oh, you did this to surprise us, didn't you? We never expected to win an award in this special issue."

The implication is that I knew I would win an award, but I didn't expect it to happen so soon.

Yes, I'm very confident!

But this youthful vigor was within Sasaki Sugi's expectations; in fact, it's more accurate to say that young people should have this kind of drive!

"Haha, Kuroba-kun, may I call you that?"