Chapter 125: Dream Team Assembles
On Monday morning, Sakamoto Ken stood in the center of the studio on the first floor, looking around.
After several days of busyness, it was already taking shape here.
Four professional drawing tables prepared for assistants were lined up along the window with the best lighting, with matching ergonomic chairs beside them.
A brand-new bookshelf stood against the wall, though it was still empty for now.
On the shelves in the corner, the printer and scanner were also ready.
In addition, some snacks and beverages were bought and placed here, so everyone could grab them anytime.
In comparison, the living area upstairs seemed a bit rudimentary.
Except for the bedding and a few boxes of clothes he moved from the old apartment into his own bedroom, the other rooms were still empty.
However, the studio on the first floor was the most important right now.
Sakamoto Ken checked the time; there were still half an hour until the nine o’clock appointment with the assistants.
He walked to his main drawing table, sat down, and drew a few more pages of storyboard.
Soon, the doorbell rang suddenly.
Sakamoto Ken got up to open the door, and standing outside was Ryū Kōshin.
This 25-year-old young man looked less reserved than he had been at the editorial department; he was wearing a simple hooded sweatshirt and jeans, carrying a backpack, and upon seeing Sakamoto Ken, he immediately gave a slight bow.
“Sakamoto Sensei, good morning!”
“Good morning, Ryuu-san, come on in.” Sakamoto Ken stepped aside to let him in.
Ryū Kōshin entered the entrance and saw the brand-new studio inside; a flash of surprise and envy appeared in his eyes: “Sakamoto Sensei’s studio is really great.”
“Pick a spot, and once the other two assistants arrive, we’ll get started,” Sakamoto Ken said.
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang again.
This time, two people were standing outside.
The older one, who looked to be in his thirties, was dressed in a plain dark sweater and casual pants, with a slightly steady expression that even carried a hint of world-weariness; it was Endou Tatsuya, who later created 《Spy x Family》 in the previous life.
The other was a bit younger, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a plaid shirt, with a relatively gentle and reserved temperament; it was Kaku Yuji, the author of 《Hell’s Paradise》 in later generations.
These two were found and contacted by Editor Kaji Keiko according to Sakamoto Ken’s requirements.
It was said that after receiving the invitation and reading the 《Chainsaw Man》 manuscript, both had agreed without hesitation.
“Sakamoto Sensei!” The two greeted Sakamoto Ken immediately upon seeing him.
“Endou-san, Kaku-san, welcome.” Sakamoto Ken welcomed them in.
“Editor Kaji already told us.” Kaku Yuji pushed up his glasses, his tone carrying some excitement, “It’s an honor to have the chance to learn in Sakamoto Sensei’s studio! Editor Kaji said that Sakamoto Sensei read my previous serialization in 《Jump Square》… uh, the one that got canceled, and that’s why she contacted me. I never thought anyone actually read my work…”
Endou Tatsuya chimed in: “Yeah, my manga was from over a decade ago, and afterward I’ve just been assisting other sensei. I thought that was it for my life, but Sakamoto Sensei actually knew about it…”
Sakamoto Ken said to Kaku Yuji first: “《Mafia Demon King》 is a bit rough, and the setting and pacing have issues, but I can see the potential in it. The ideas are great; it just lacks the right way to express them.”
He turned to Endou Tatsuya: “Endou-san’s work is from an earlier era, but I like digging through old magazines. Your drawing style is solid, and the story has great ideas. Like Kaku-san, you just need a clearer direction, or rather, an opportunity to polish your ideas.”
Endou Tatsuya was silent for a moment, looking at this shonen manga artist who was nearly ten years younger than him, his eyes complex.
Finally, he took a deep breath and gave Sakamoto Ken a deep, solemn bow.
“Please give me lots of guidance from now on, Sakamoto Sensei!”
Seeing this, Kaku Yuji and Ryū Kōshin immediately bowed as well.
“Please give us lots of guidance, Sakamoto Sensei!”
Sakamoto Ken accepted it calmly, arms crossed, a confident smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“Don’t worry, in our studio, there’s only one goal—” He looked at the three, his tone firm, “The future: everyone who leaves here will be a full-fledged manga artist!”
The three assistants looked up, seeing the sparkle in Sakamoto Ken’s eyes, feeling a rush of hot-blooded excitement to their heads.
To become a real manga artist!
Not drawing those trash works that get wrapped up after a few months of serialization.
This was the thing they looked forward to most in their lives.
Sakamoto Ken didn’t give them much time to feel emotional; he clapped his hands to draw everyone’s attention.
“Alright, first, let’s get familiar with the workflow.”
He walked to his workbench, where photocopied originals were already prepared.
“First, you need to familiarize yourselves with the subsequent plot and unify the drawing style,” Sakamoto Ken said. “You should know that early this morning, 《Chainsaw Man》 just updated to chapter 11 on JUMP+.”
Ryū Kōshin and the other two all nodded; as assistants about to join, they had of course caught up on the latest serialization right away.
Sakamoto Ken pointed to three stacks of A4 paper that had been photocopied with the printer nearby.
Sakamoto Ken continued: “However, the original I submitted to Editor Kaji has already progressed to chapter 22.”
“Eh?!”
At these words, Ryū Kōshin, Kaku Yuji, and Endou Tatsuya all let out incredulous exclamations almost simultaneously.
“Ch… chapter 22?!” Endou Tatsuya, who had been an assistant in the industry for over a decade, said in surprise, “Sakamoto Sensei, did you draw all this by yourself? This speed…”
“Editor Kaji said Sakamoto Sensei used to create alone… This is a weekly serialization, and to maintain 11 chapters of manuscript as a solo creator…” Ryū Kōshin clicked his tongue in amazement.
Sakamoto Ken interrupted their exclamations: “These are photocopies of the originals from chapter 12 to 22. I made three copies; take some time to read through them first.”
“Yes!”
The three immediately straightened up, respectfully taking the printed paper.
Without further words, they sat at their respective drawing tables and began flipping through carefully.
The more they read, the more shocked they were.
Not just because of the terrifying manuscript volume, but because the quality of these full 11 chapters didn’t drop at all; on the contrary, as the plot deepened, the conflict grew more intense, and the impact of the illustrations got stronger with each chapter.
All three were professional manga practitioners; they knew well how unbelievable it was to maintain such high-intensity weekly serialization while keeping movie-like high-quality storyboards and drawing.
An hour later, they had all finished reading; putting down the photocopies, when they looked at Sakamoto Ken again, their eyes had completely changed.
Admiration, awe, even a hint of reverence.
And they increasingly felt that coming to Sakamoto Sensei’s studio was the right choice.
“Alright, all done reading?”
Only then did Sakamoto Ken pick up another stack of manuscript paper from his desk.
“This is your next task: storyboard drafts for 《Chainsaw Man》 chapters 23 to 29.” Sakamoto Ken handed the manuscript paper to the three again.
“Not… how many chapters?” Ryū Kōshin was slightly stunned, weighing the storyboard paper in his hand.
“These are all storyboards that passed at Editor-san’s,” Sakamoto Ken added.
“…”
The three didn’t know how to evaluate the Sakamoto Sensei in front of them.
This was probably why they couldn’t debut…
Could the gap between people really be this big!
“My requirements are simple,” Sakamoto Ken said in an unquestionable tone. “Strictly follow the storyboard drafts for drawing, including inking, backgrounds, applying toning sheets, and blackening. Keep the drawing style consistent. You’ve all seen the previous content, so you should understand.”
Ryū Kōshin and the other two were looking at the storyboard drafts in their hands.
“This is a storyboard draft??” Ryū Kōshin flipped through it in disbelief. “It’s way too detailed!”
Kaku Yuji nodded in agreement: “Yeah, it even marks out the background perspective… In the studio I was at before, that sensei’s storyboard drafts were like abstract paintings; we’d have to guess for ages every time…”
Endou Tatsuya said: “With storyboards like this, we can just focus on the drawing itself, and efficiency will definitely improve a lot.”
Sakamoto Ken smiled and said: “Alright, each pick a spot. Today, try drawing a few pages to get familiar with each other’s styles.”
The three assistants said no more, immediately took their seats, and quickly entered work mode.
Sakamoto Ken sat back at his main workbench and began drawing the storyboard for chapter 30.
After drawing a few pages, Sakamoto Ken looked up to check on the three assistants’ work.
As expected from Tatsuki Fujimoto Sensei’s capable assistants in the previous life; having all three under his wing now was like rebuilding the dream team.
In just one morning, the three had completed several pages of finished drafts. Sakamoto Ken looked them over: smooth lines, precise details, even exceeding his expectations.
“Very good.” Sakamoto Ken nodded in satisfaction. “Keep going at this standard.”
Time soon reached the afternoon.
The studio doorbell rang again.
Sakamoto Ken got up to open the door; standing outside was Kaji Keiko, carrying a laptop bag.
Today she wore a light gray knit cardigan paired with dark blue wide-leg jeans, still in that comfortable, minimalist urban style.
“Editor-san.” Sakamoto Ken stepped aside to let her in.
Kaji Keiko took off her flats at the entrance, revealing the socks inside.
This time, it was a pair of bright orange cotton socks, with a “Goku” character circled on the top of the foot.
As expected…
Sakamoto Ken thought to himself: Could all of Kaji-san’s socks at home really be anime collabs?
Collect seven pairs to summon the divine dragon?
Kaji Keiko entered the studio and saw the three assistants working diligently; a pleased smile appeared on her face.
“Looks like everyone has gotten into the groove,” she said softly to Sakamoto Ken.
The three assistants looked up and greeted Kaji Keiko.
“Editor Kaji.”
“Kaji-san.”
Kaji Keiko smiled back: “Everyone, thanks for your hard work.”
She said to Sakamoto Ken: “Sakamoto Sensei is about to start school, so I came to check. After you start school, if you need to go to classes, I can help handle things here at the studio.”
She glanced at the empty drawing table in the corner and added: “By the way, no one’s using that table, right? For work that doesn’t need to be done at the company, I can stay here in Sakamoto Sensei’s studio to finish it, and chat with everyone too.”
Sakamoto Ken said: “Perfect. Kaji-san has plenty of experience and can guide their personal works on the side. I see potential in everyone to debut as manga artists.”
Hearing this, the three assistants immediately showed expectant expressions.
“That would be great!”
“Please, Editor Kaji!”
Kaji Keiko waved her hands quickly: “No, no. Ryuu-san was someone Sakamoto Sensei scouted directly at the editorial department after seeing his drawings. Kaku-san and Endou-san were specifically named by Sakamoto Sensei for me to contact. When it comes to eye for talent, it’s Sakamoto Sensei.”
Hearing this, Ryū Kōshin said with emotion: “Yeah, at the time I was getting torn into by Editor Uchimura, already thinking of changing careers, when Sakamoto Sensei came over and said my work had potential, and invited me to assist… Honestly, I was so moved I nearly teared up.”
Sakamoto Ken said: “Your manga’s story was indeed pretty bad, but the ideas were good with visible potential. Don’t give up on that supernatural-versus-supernatural concept; keep digging deeper, and it’ll work.”
Ryū Kōshin sighed: “Editor Uchimura was right; my story’s entry point was too ordinary, and the interactions between the male protagonist and heroine weren’t interesting, lacking a hook to grab readers.”
Sakamoto Ken nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this.
He leaned against the desk edge, fingers lightly tapping the surface, and said: “Supernatural… just urban legends? Actually, other things can be considered supernatural too.”
He paused, then said casually: “Like… aliens?”
“Aliens?”
“Like third-kind encounters, getting abducted by aliens or whatever… Combined with the setting where ghosts exist in reality…”
Ryū Kōshin was stunned at first, then like struck by lightning, he jolted, his eyes widening instantly!
He slapped his thigh hard and jumped to his feet excitedly!
“Yes! That’s it! Aliens!” His words came fast, his face full of excited glow. “The male protagonist is an alien fanatic but scoffs at ghosts! The heroine is a paranormal enthusiast who studies urban legends daily but thinks aliens are nonsense…”
He grew more excited, gesturing wildly with his hands: “Then, the alien-believing male protagonist encounters the speeding granny, while the alien-skeptic heroine gets abducted by a UFO!”
Kaji Keiko thought carefully and nodded, evaluating: “Hmm… In terms of creativity and character setups, this idea is definitely attractive. It would pass at my desk.”
Ryū Kōshin took a deep breath, turned to Sakamoto Ken again, and bowed deeply.
“Sakamoto Sensei! That one sentence of yours really enlightened me! Thank you so much!!!”
He looked at Kaji Keiko with eager eyes: “Editor Kaji! Once I draw the storyboard draft, can you review it?”
Kaji Keiko nodded with a smile: “Of course, no problem. I’ll be around the studio often from now on; you can talk to me anytime.”
She changed tack and added: “But on one condition: you have to finish Sakamoto Sensei’s work first.”
“Definitely!” Ryū Kōshin nodded vigorously, quickly sat back down, picked up his pen, and started drawing furiously.
Endou Tatsuya and Kaku Yuji saw this and exchanged a glance, seeing hope in each other’s eyes.
Staying in Sakamoto Ken’s studio meant not only participating in a great work’s creation, but getting his personal guidance, and even having Editor Kaji stationed here to discuss manuscripts anytime…
Before, to talk manuscripts with an editor, they’d have to struggle to book appointments, since editors usually had their own writers and little time for newbies.
Maybe, those manuscripts they had could be polished into truly serializable works.
In the time that followed, the three assistants drew with full effort; they were all experienced veteran assistants, quick at imitating and unifying styles.
In just one afternoon of synergy, their lines and background styles already matched Sakamoto Ken’s originals highly.
Purely in terms of drawing techniques, they were even a bit stronger than Sakamoto Ken himself: more stable inking, richer background details.
At 5 p.m., the studio ended work on time.
Sakamoto Ken implemented a standard eight-hour workday, with a one-hour lunch break at noon.
He didn’t want to run a black-hearted sweatshop exploiting assistants; after all, there was no deadline pressure here.
The three assistants packed up, said goodbye, and left.
Kaji Keiko stayed behind to help organize the completed manuscripts, scan, and back them up.
At this moment, Sakamoto Ken’s phone on the desk vibrated, the screen lighting up with a LINE message notification.
The sender was Natsume Mio.
Natsume Mio: 「A Jian, sorry to bother you~ Not working? Got time?」
Sakamoto Ken saw the notification and tapped in directly to reply.
Sakamoto Ken: 「Just finished drawing.」
Seconds after sending, Natsume Mio’s call came right in.
Sakamoto Ken pressed to answer.
“A Jian! Tomorrow we go to school to pick up student IDs! And all sorts of registrations, are you ready?”
Sakamoto Ken said: “Yeah, got it, I’m familiar.”
“Eh? A Jian already looked into it ahead of time?”
Sakamoto Ken smiled: “Something like that.”
On the other end, Natsume Mio was sitting at her desk in her room, holding a thick stack of printed documents.
These were enrollment strategies she’d gathered online and asked seniors about, planning to take A Jian through registration tomorrow.
But from his tone, he’d already researched it?
Still, the girl’s thoughts quickly shifted elsewhere.
Since he’s familiar…
“That’s great!” Natsume Mio said. “A Jian, can you show me around tomorrow? I’m afraid I’ll mess up the process… Let’s go to school together?”
Sakamoto Ken didn’t mind; he had to go anyway, so together was fine.
“Sure, let’s go together.”
“Yay!” Natsume Mio cheered on the other end. “I’ll come to your place first tomorrow morning! Your place is closer to school!”
“Mm, see you tomorrow.”
After hanging up, Sakamoto Ken saw Kaji Keiko holding a stack of manuscripts, looking at him with a half-smile.
Though he hadn’t used speakerphone, the studio was quiet, and Kaji Keiko had clearly overheard the call.
“Sakamoto Sensei, going to school orientation with Natsume-san?” Kaji Keiko organized the manuscripts into a file bag, her tone carrying some nostalgia. “So nice, university days…”
Sakamoto Ken said: “I want to fully experience university campus life too.”
Kaji Keiko laughed upon hearing this: “Sakamoto Sensei, your tone makes you sound like a working adult like me who’s been out of university for years. You only miss university after graduating, right?”
Sakamoto Ken smiled slightly, saying nothing.
For him, university days were indeed “previous life” stuff.
Kaji Keiko continued: “Well… but university life isn’t that relaxed either. Everyone’s busy with studies, part-time jobs, clubs, and… romance. Feels like university club activities aren’t as lively as in high school.”
“What about Kaji-san’s university?” Sakamoto Ken asked curiously.
“I was immersed in manga all day. Those four years, I pretty much read every manga in nearby manga cafes, manga internet cafes, and libraries. Didn’t buy much; didn’t have money back then,” Kaji Keiko said.
Sakamoto Ken recalled his own previous life university experiences.
Back then, he really hadn’t joined many club activities; either working part-time or drawing manuscripts, but mostly… juggling between three girls.
“Probably because middle school is truly just about going to school, only needing to think about that one thing. University is pretty much like entering society,” Sakamoto Ken said.
Kaji Keiko nodded: “That’s true… Sakamoto Sensei hasn’t even started university yet and already has such insights.”
Sakamoto Ken recalled the events of his previous life, ultimately turning it into a soft sigh.
“Yeah…”
This chapter over 5600 words, about three updates!
At 8 p.m. there’s another chapter of at least 4000 words, not finished yet.
Daily 20k today!
