Cartoonists and their assistants

"Teacher, please be more careful. I don't want the production quality to be unsatisfactory because of some deviations. I must make sure that every work I handle is completed to the best of my ability."

Touko Akasaka said with a straight face.

That serious attitude didn't seem fake.

"Uh, okay."

Eriri felt the pressure and nodded reluctantly.

She could tell that the capable woman in front of her didn't value her that much, but rather because the other woman was a strict perfectionist.

"Yuriko-sensei, just do what you think is right... Touko, don't put pressure on the teacher."

At this moment, Shizue Amamiya, who had been silent, spoke to both of them separately.

"I understand."

Akasaka Touko's expression remained calm.

"It's alright. The better the animation quality, the better it is for us."

Eriri flashed her usual professional smile, the kind she wore at school.

After both sides had gotten to know each other for a while,

"It's almost time to start."

The staff opened the door and reminded everyone.

......

Everyone get ready, stay in the soundproof room, and listen to the voice actors in the recording studio begin dubbing.

"I am Hayashibara Ami from Taharazaka Office. I am auditioning for the role of Anjou Naruko... Nice to meet you."

A woman named Hayashibara Ami held a comic book in one hand and began to perform with great emotion.

The scene she chose was a particularly powerful one: Anjou Naruko's touching statement to Yadomi Jinta as he prepared to complete the fireworks display alone.

"What are you trying to show off for!"

"Don't assume everyone has given up! Don't take on everything on your own!"

"You've always been like this! Never complaining, never crying! Always thinking you can just endure it all by yourself!"

"You should trust your companions a little more... a little more."

Before the next voice actor came in, the group made some brief comments.

"Is this what a live performance by voice actors looks like? It's so powerful!"

Eriri said, somewhat shocked.

"It's more like acting than dubbing."

Mizuki Machi also looked surprised.

"Haha, I had the same feeling as the teacher when I first saw it, but after seeing it for a while, I got used to it."

Aoi Makina chimed in.

Soon, the next voice actor entered the recording studio and began to introduce himself.

They had no choice but to interrupt the conversation and appreciate the voice actors' performances with the other staff members on site.

Most of the voice actors are naturally aiming for the male and female leads, such as Jinta Yadomi and Meiko Honma. After all, the main roles represent the core influence of the work and can enhance the voice actor's industry reputation. However, the competitors are generally experienced voice actors.

Ambitious newcomers usually aim for supporting roles, while extras are generally chosen by newcomers who just want to make a living and veterans who have passed their prime.

Time quickly turned from day to night.

The audition finally ended.

"Everyone, it's getting late. Let's go back and rest first. We'll hold a meeting at 10 a.m. tomorrow to vote on the candidates."

Aoi Makina clapped her hands.

"Yes."

"See you tomorrow~"

"Bye-Bye."

Everyone said goodbye.

The world of 106 adults is too dark.

"Makoto, which voice actors do you think would be more suitable?"

"There are just too many people, I can't possibly remember them all."

"Then who do you think would be suitable for Menma?"

"In this case, I feel that Miss Hanako Kira is quite suitable."

"Oh, I also really like Hanami's voice! She's voiced many of the anime I've watched before, so she should be considered one of the top voice actresses currently active."

"However, I looked at the notes section, which stated that she completely refused to sing, which conflicted with the important background music I was going to arrange later."

"Wow, you really care about that song that much."

"Of course, this is a 'trump card'!"

The childhood sweethearts were on their way back in the editor's car, exchanging ideas.

Until a certain moment, Minamoto spoke up to remind him.

"arrive."

The two had no choice but to put the discussion aside for the time being and save their energy for tomorrow's meeting.

"See you tomorrow, Eriri, Minano-san."

"See you tomorrow......"

Mizuki Machi got out of the car and waved goodbye to the two of them.

Then, the black sedan made a smooth turn and headed towards Detective Slope.

The editor was very attentive and took the two of them directly home.

......

The next day, the group from the soundproof room—the original author, director, producer, director, and several other staff members—arrived and held a roundtable meeting.

It seems that Aoi Makina chose to take on the role of host because she found it interesting.

"Let's start with the lead role of 'Honma Meiko.' Please feel free to offer your suggestions. I'll write your names down, and then everyone can vote to decide..."

She pointed to the whiteboard next to her.

Soon, everyone shared their opinions, and five names appeared on the whiteboard, but no more. After all, although everyone had different 'interests,' there was at least a basic standard, and not many people could meet it.

"First is Suzuki Hanako, who received the most votes. According to the information, she has never played a leading role before and is still a newcomer. I didn't expect her to get so many votes."

"Secondly, there's Aoi Morita, a rising new voice actress who has gained momentum in recent years. Her voice quality sounds quite clean and refreshing."

"Then there's the currently popular top-tier voice actress, Hanami Kira, who is extremely popular."

"Shizuka Rika, a rising star voice actress who became a sensation last year after landing a lead role."

"Kanako Sato, a veteran with ten years of experience, has reached a level of consummate skill in acting."

......

"The voting results are in. Does anyone have any objections?"

Aoi Makina pointed to the whiteboard and smiled slightly.

The group exchanged glances.

Just when Eriri thought everything was settled, the real battle began.

"I don't think Hanako Suzuki is good enough. She's just a newcomer who hasn't been in the industry long, so it's hard for her to maintain a consistent performance. Besides, hiring a voice actress who's not well-known..."

"I choose Ms. Shizuka. She's beautiful, and she's been getting a lot of attention lately, which is like giving us free publicity! Plus, I have a pretty good relationship with Ms. Shizuka's agency."

"In terms of fame, isn't Miss Huahai more famous?"

"Ms. Sato is quite well-known, and she's a very good actress."

Others, based on their own ideas, came to different answers and argued heatedly.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Yuriko, I've made you laugh."

Amamiya Shizue adjusted her glasses and whispered in the girl's ear.

"No, but it is indeed somewhat different from what I imagined."

Eriri couldn't help but feel ashamed.

"That's the adult world for you. Sometimes, self-interest is more important."

Mizuki Machi looked unconvinced.

On the other side, seemingly having overheard his conversation with Eriko, Akasaka Touko suddenly slammed her hand on the table, making a loud noise that immediately silenced the conference room.

"okay."

Her sharp eyes made people afraid to meet them.

"Let's let the original authors of 'Anohana', Tsukishiro-sensei and Yuriko-sensei, make the judgment."

"Hmmmm..."

The others immediately chickened out.

Because they all knew this woman's ruthless methods, they dared not confront her.

"Um, I just voted for Suzuki Hanako, so my choice is Ms. Suzuki. Although she's a newcomer, I feel her voice is very suitable, like I've heard it in my dreams."

To make her argument more convincing, Eriri used someone else's version of events.

"It's simple, whoever gets the most votes wins. Wasn't that already agreed upon before?"

Kanzuki Masashi appeared even more composed.

There was silence.

Does anyone have any further objections?

Aoi Makina smiled knowingly.

"Then let's begin the voice actor selection for the next main character, 'Jinta Yadomi'."

Seeing that no one was speaking, she continued the meeting.

After a morning of discussions, the voice actors for all the characters were finally decided.

"Meeting adjourned!"

After Miss Aoi let out a funny voice, everyone stood up and prepared to leave.

Mizuki Machi was surrounded by others for a while, who said they needed a few autographs because of her child's friend.

He felt this was an excuse.

However, some things are better left unsaid; it's just a casual matter anyway.

After leaving the door.

They had a meal outside with the editor.

"This world is so dark! I thought voice actors, like manga artists, relied entirely on their talent!"

Eriri sighed before the food was served.

"After all, it's just a job, so of course you have to be mindful of social etiquette."

Gazing at the moon, one can't help but be amazed by its true nature.

This kind of situation will occur wherever there are people in this world.

Either you have exceptional skills, or you have other advantages.

"Fortunately, Ms. Minano helped us gain enough influence; otherwise, the outcome might not have been so satisfactory..."