Original subtitles

Rinne-san left the house again.

I'm off!

Why do you always, always leave the house before a deadline?

Rinne, where are you?

If you're looking for Rinne-san, she's already returning.

And who are you?

The editor-in-chief of Weekly Emperor.

My name is Kenbou.

Let's go.

- Okay, okay, okay, okay... - What? Wait, wait...

Okay, let's go back.

Ah...

I'd definitely like to have dinner with you.

My umbrella...

Okay.

Okay, here you are.

Yes.

I'm back.

Excuse me.

Rinne!

Please wait until you're done with the manuscript.

Just a bit.

Please!

Just a kiss.

Please.

Please stay quiet in your room for today.

Fine~

You've worked hard.

Please allow me to copy the finished manuscript.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Will they fail this time around?

I'll get the substitute ready.

It's unbearable having this happen every time she leaves the house!

Can't we do something about her habit of leaving the house?

That's impossible.

She's your typical attention seeker.

An attention seeker, huh?

Bear cub!

I'm done... It's the last page.

Good work today!

Iokibe-san!

I just arrived at the platemaker's!

- Sorry to make you wait! - Thank you.

We'll look after it.

I'm truly sorry!

We made it somehow.

- Good work. - Good work today!

Good morning.

Good morning.

Hey...

Hey, are you alive?

Hey!

The manuscript!

We made it in time...

You've had it tough.

I felt so apologetic to the everyone at the platemaker's.

You should have a proper talk with Takahata-san.

- Recently, it's been like this once a month. - But...

I shouldn't stick my nose into his private affairs...

His private is eating into work.

If you don't want to say it, we're talking cutting lose.

But in love...

Isn't it not about reason?

If you feel like you're in love,

even if you know it's wrong,

don't you sometimes want to run without thinking?

That's what I know from manga, at least.

Oh, I need to go to a meeting.

That made me feel kind of relieved.

Me too.

I wonder why.

Right now Emperor's HITTI POTTI is really something.

Every bookshop is recommending it.

Do you know it?

Of course.

Shall I tell you an amazing secret?

Huh?

Inoue-sensei was originally from Vibes?

His editor was Iokibe-san.

Listen and be amazed.

HITTI POTTI was actually supposed to be serialised at Vibes.

When there was a new editor-in-chief from a personnel change--

That is, the one before Wada-san...

That person rejected it, saying it wouldn't sell.

Because the editor-in-chief has the final say, right?

But Iokibe-san had absolute confidence in the work.

That's why when Inoue-sensei said he wanted to move to Emperor with his project,

he didn't stop him and saw him off.

HITTI POTTI's popularity now...

...is proof that Iokibe-san was right.

I got another glimpse of Iokibe-san's greatness!

He doesn't seem like he ever fails.

And he doesn't shift his stance.

- How cool! - He's so cool~

Weighing up the time I've lived so far...

Successes and failures.

I wonder which I have more of.

When you do good deeds, you can earn more luck.

The reason I stand by such a fairy tale is because I want to tilt the scale.

So that I can choose the right path...

So that I can have luck on my side, at least a little...

It's not really like I want to draw for Emperor.

I just came because you insisted.

Okay.

But wait...

How do you know my number?

The truth is, for a long time,

I was looking for a means by which to access you.

And then I discovered Rinne-san's Insta.

That day, I could tell where she was.

So I ran over there.

Hello! I'm Kenbou from Emperor.

Please let me work with Icchan!

What?

With such a shady invitation?

Yes, she told me.

Man, my number is cheap~

Don't feel bad, I...

I can't see anything.

I can't hear anything.

But I can tell what they're saying without hearing it.

Headhunting from Emperor.

What do I do in this situation?

Should I barge in?

Of course, that'd be irrational.

No! You're speaking too highly of me!

No, no, no...

Sensei, you certainly have chosen talent.

You're a genius!

If he finds out I followed him, Takahata-san will be displeased instead.

Should I pretend it's coincidental and call out to him?

Of course, that would still look deliberate.

I've wondered about this for a while now.

A dark shine you can sometimes see in Horned Princess.

I'd like to read a more hard-hitting work from you, sensei.

Actually...

I like that kind of thing.

But they've said it was too dark,

and I couldn't get it serialised at all.

I eked out a living with part time work, and the serial I finally got...

...was Horned Princess, that I thought of with Iokibe.

A completely different type.

Because a manga artist can't make a living without a serialisation.

Isn't it about time?

Huh?

What you really want to draw, sensei.

Isn't it okay to draw more freely?

Takahata-san's current editor is Kurosawa.

Is it better to tell her...?

No, I should wait until the situation is made clear.

I'm stuck.

I can't do anything.

Like this, I'm just a guy who came to drink alcohol.

I should leave now, and tell Takahata-san again...

Ah!

Iokibe!

- What are you doing? You alone? - Oh, no...

Ah, could it be, you're with Icchan?

- Hey, Icchan! - No, no, no...

Which was the right path?

At the very least,

I can only think of this as a huge failure.

Juhan Shuttai!

Kurosawa-san, here. I mentioned it yesterday.

I asked Ayu-chan and she said she'd like to try it.

What's that?

Part-time work for Chu.Comi.

It's a symposium for middle school girls.

It better not be about anything indecent, alright?

No, it's wholesome.

Ayu-chan's lifestyle has calmed down quite a bit,

and she only delivers newspapers in the morning.

I see.

Her dad's manga became well-known throughout the class,

and everyone said it was funny.

I see.

And she's started smiling a lot more.

I see...

He's tearing up?

Kurosawa-san, Nakata-kun came.

Okay.

Do you think he'll be serialised soon?

I'd like him to, but...

A giant wall...

Serialisations are the face of Vibes.

They're different to one-shots.

Each week, pages are taken up, it's published, and the readers pay for it.

If it isn't worth that, I can't approve.

Yes!

Each character has gotten much better.

I used Numata-san, Tanahashi-san and Kuriyama-san as reference.

They do say that in the beginning it's good to use close people as models.

Why didn't I notice until now?

I think the reason he couldn't draw the names is...

Because someone else's emotions streamed into him,

so he's perplexed.

If he breaks the shell and gets outside...

... he'll be free.

You said you couldn't progress with the names, but how is that now?

Before I knew it,

looking at these people,

the names flowed in my head more than before.

I want to draw them quickly.

But...

This is the only one I couldn't get an image of.

Asumi... the female character, right?

The only reference is you, Kurosawa-san.

You can model her on me!

It's kind of... wrong.

I'll do something about it.

Okay.

The serialisation decision meeting is Friday next week.

If you miss that one, the next is 3 months away...

Next week is fine.

Let's make it in time.

Nakata-san, you finish off the character design,

and redo the 5th name based on that.

As for my part, I'll finish off the project proposal perfectly.

- Okay. - Okay.

Iokibe-san.

The project proposal for the meeting is too difficult...

I want to show a proposal that will get a one move victory,

that the editor-in-chief will approve at a glance...

Rack your brain more.

Yes.

What did you write?

[It's the manga I most want to read right now!!!]

You think it's okay to just write huge?

I can't put its appeal into words.

It's easier to do 20 sets of 5 minute freestyle judo training.

I don't get that comparison.

Huh?

Freestyle judo training?

I can't trust you, since you've followed me.

Honestly, it hurts. I've been working devotedly for Vibes for the last 10 years.

So, you don't intend to draw for Emperor?

I don't know that.

I'm free to draw where I want to.

With just us, you're barely progressing with work...

- Any more and... - You can just quit Vibes.

Rinne-san, we're talking about work right now.

Emperor's artist fees are high, they say.

Well, yeah.

So...

If we raise our fees too...

No, it's not about money.

You see...

I wonder if it's okay for me to just keep drawing

a rom-com ninja arts book like Horned Princess?

As a manga artist.

Always only focusing on Horned Princess.

To be honest, there's stuff I wanted to draw more.

If you want to draw something different...

Let's talk it out as such.

I'll share the work with Kurosawa too.

Don't tell bear cub.

No matter what.

If you tell her I'm quitting Horned Princess...

She'll definitely...

Cry.

Because she's a fan of Horned Princess.

This is my problem.

I'll think about it myself.

What is Peeve?

The same as in the one-shot.

A weapon that controls people's possibilities...

A monster that reflects fear.

And what exactly is that?

Nakata-kun is drawing this kind of thing because he wants to, purely out of desire.

He himself probably doesn't know what he's trying to draw either...

He doesn't understand the root of it.

If the editor doesn't fully understand, they can't run together.

While you can't be running alongside...

...you're just a reader.

I'm leaving.

Good work today.

Excuse me.

Sorry to be rude, but what are you doing there?

We received a report.

- Wait! - Hey!

Stop him!

And you got away?

Yes.

I hid behind some shrubbery for an hour.

Oh, sensei.

Sorry I'm late.

I don't mind, but...

Nakata-kun, I'll wash your clothes for you.

Change into this.

You can change in the back room.

You're even covered in mud...

Don't touch me, you hag!

You're always grinning and grinning!

Trying to control me...

What are you planning?!

Nakata-kun...

That crossed the line.

It's alright...

Please apologise to my wife.

I'm...

So... rry.

Done!

Completed the day before the deadline!

Are you going on a date with Rinne-san on your free day?

You fool.

It's work~

I'll draw the name for Emperor.

Thank you for waiting.

You're trying to control me.

It was like he was provoked, and said that suddenly.

I heard that when Nakata-kun was a child,

he was tied with a chain in his room.

I don't know if I can say 'fortunately', but...

His grandparents were instantly given custody.

He doesn't know where his parents are,

and he doesn't want to.

My wife said that he was a coward.

In order to protect himself, he's fighting something desperately.

Strong terror...

Should we ask him to quit?

No.

Neither my wife nor I wish that.

I just wanted to let his editor Kurosawa-san know.

About him.

There are times that you end up being involved in people's lives, there's no helping it.

The fortune out of their reach,

that they bring to success just by counterbalancing it with effort and hardship...

The stories that they tell...

With care, so they don't break.

This is Lightning Courier.

Yes?

A delivery for you.

Thank you for your patronage.

Good morning.

Iokibe-san.

Look at this.

I've already received the manuscript for Horned Princess

that I was supposed to go pick up at lunch today!

On top of that, he even included the next issue's name,

and the content is perfect!

As a bonus...

This!

"To bear cub, I'm always causing you trouble,"

"so this time I finished it off at super turbo speed!"

"Sometimes, you should take your time sending it to print and eat a nice lunch," he says!

And included a 500 yen food card with it!

Mibu-san, Kikuchi-san, look at this!

"To bear cub, I'm always causing you trouble,"

"Sometimes, you should take your time sending it to print and eat a nice lunch," he says!

Hello?

Iokibe?

It's rare for you to call.

Do you know what Takahata-san is doing now?

Oh...

He's at home.

Drawing a name for Emperor.

I'll treasure this letter.

- Isn't that nice? - Yes!

Isn't it like when a husband who's had an affair suddenly acts nice?

Hey~

Don't say such weird things.

What's up with you?

Hm?

Huh?

June 6, 7pm. Gaienmae.

Emperor, Kenbou?

Did you see the Emperor that goes on sale today?

They headhunted Curia's feature artist Gamon Yoshinobu.

He's starting a new serial next week.

You guys, hold your artists' reins tightly,

so they don't get headhunted, alright?

Huh? This is...

H... h... headhunting!

Editor-in-Chief...

Takahata Issun is already in contact with Emperor's Kenbou!

Huh?

I'll go to Takahata-san!

To see what this is about.

Ah, wait.

I'll explain the situation.

He's started a name for Emperor, huh?

If it gets serialised, does that mean he'll work for both?

He's only just making it now.

Takahata-san isn't that skilful.

Eventually he'll only be able to squeeze one out.

He knows that too.

A prepared name, huh.

He said that focusing on Horned Princess since debut,

he hasn't yet drawn what he wants to draw.

And if he says that himself, we can't stop him.

Who cares about his own intention?

Threatening or whatever, you just have to pull them along,

and make them draw.

What good comes of threatening them to draw?

Money.

Think of Horned Princess' sales!

Artists are not a magazine's slaves.

An artist's talent is their own.

Right. Before...

...you handed HITTI POTTI to Emperor, didn't you?

Next is Takahata Issun.

With the goodness of your heart.

So you respect the artist, and lose the sales...

And if you crush the magazine...

Will you take responsibility?

Right, Iokibe-san?

- Stop that, fighting here won't... - Um!

Takahata-san's editor...

...is me.

I can't take any responsibility yet, but...

The one you should blame is me.

I'm deeply sorry.

Hey!

If you're not working, let's go eat out.

Icchan.

I'm working. You can tell by looking, can't you?

Eh~?

I'm begging you. Don't get in the way.

So I'm in the way, am I?

You know I didn't mean it like that.

Fine then~ I'll leave.

Really.

You...

You're always, always testing me like that, but...

If that's all you can do, then isn't it the end?

Can I test you too?

Get out.

If you're leaving, do it seriously this time.

Sorry.

It's like I've just pushed you aside.

I didn't think I could cut into the relationship you two have had since before debut.

More than 10 years... It's a long time.

If Horned Princess is going to end like this...

It must be tougher for you than it is for me.

So far I've seen many artists.

Finding talent that makes you think "This is it!"

happens so rarely.

It's like a miracle.

Ruining the partner you found by what was like a miracle is much tougher.

Iokibe-san, the people you're in charge of...

...they must be happy.

I wonder.

I want them to be, though.

Always thinking.

Am I choosing the right path?

Is my option not about my ego?

What is a proper editor?

[Thank you for making it a big hit! Over 40 million copies sold throughout the series!!!!]

I'm still lost.

Iokibe-san. Thank you for the other day.

Ah.

Thank you for your purchase.

You're welcome.

I've been Inoue-sensei's editor the whole time.

Yes.

When Inoue-sensei's drunk, he often talks about you.

It seems you formed quite a trusting relationship.

No...

He always tells me.

"He betrayed me."

"Cancelled my serial at the last moment."

"I said 'Then I'll go to Emperor'"

"He said 'Do what you want' and treated me coldly."

"I'll never forgive Iokibe."

You let something great go, huh.

Then excuse me.

At that time...

When Inoue-san said he would go to Emperor.

I actually hated it.

I hated it, but thinking it over and over again...

I decided that stopping him wasn't to his benefit, or to the manga,

and sent him off.

That bitter decision...

Didn't get to him at all!

Calm down. It was a bit sad,

but that decision wasn't wrong.

HITTI POTTI is a huge hit, and Inoue-san is recognised by the world.

That reminds me, there's something my ex-wife told me.

"You're always rational, and that's sad."

I wonder when the last time was...

... that I ran on feeling alone?

Sorry to bother you suddenly.

My call wouldn't go through...

Could it be... Rinne-san...

She left. For good this time.

- Shall we go look for her? - No...

That's enough.

Today I've come to ask you about the name.

I sent it, didn't I? With the manuscript.

Not for Horned Princess.

For Emperor.

That bastard Iokibe.

I thought I shut him up.

Originally...

It was your mistake, Takahata-san.

Is this a Tuesday suspense show?!

I was surprised.

I am too.

The name for Emperor...

I finished drawing it.

Oh, Nakata-kun?

What's wrong?

I can't draw Asumi...

I wanted to discuss it with Kurosawa-san.

She's out right now.

She might take some time today.

I'll wait.

- Then, come upstairs... - Iokibe!

I'll stay at your place.

Of course you can't.

Then get me a hotel.

You can't?

Nakata-kun, can you take a seat and wait for a little while?

Okay.

Rinne-san, come on...

I'm sorry.

Are you a manga artist?

Yes.

Even if you do sell, please don't get carried away.

I think you should save your royalties.

Right.

Goodbye.

Are you going to work for Emperor and Vibes?

I think that's impossible.

Then...

You're quitting Horned Princess?

I guess so.

You surprisingly don't cry.

I want to cry.

But I won't.

Because I'm your editor, Takahata-san.

If it's going to end...

let all of the fans be glad they've read Horned Princess until now.

Let's make a final issue like that.

I won't allow a careless ending.

Until the final issue of Horned Princess...

I will run along with you, sensei.

You can draw what you want at Emperor after that.

That's okay, right?

Do you want to see the name for Emperor?

Even when I tried to think of a different story,

no matter what, this one came to mind.

Please stop troubling Takahata-san.

- Just listen and go back home... - We broke up.

I'm done.

I got tired.

That's Takahata-san's line.

I'm tired.

Because... I can't win.

To Horned Princess.

Icchan loves Horned Princess.

Icchan's always engrossed in Horned Princess.

How am I supposed to fight any more than this?!

That woman's a huge nuisance!

Huh?

Where's Takahata-san?

He said he's going to see Kenbou-san at Flames in Nakameguro.

Stop him!

Huh?

I'll meet him first.

But now...

I'll go right now.

Iokibe-san...

I like it too.

I love it.

I like Horned Princess.

That's all.

Excuse me.

With this, I don't have any regrets.

What was that about...?

Oh.

I...

If you asked me if Horned Princess is what I want to draw,

honestly, it's not.

It's not, but I...

I'm drawing something even I didn't think of drawing.

I'm not a genius like you say I am.

I was just a dirty child thief.

And now, I want to become a jetplane. With everyone on board, and fly off.

I want to keep drawing Horned Princess for a lot longer.

With all of these guys on board...

I want to fly off.

Sorry.

No...

I got to see something interesting too.

I won't get in the way of people's romance.

Excuse me.

Why are you so flurried?

It's not like you.

I ran in a way that's not like me.

I didn't even run when my wife ran away.

How stupid.

For me.

It was for Horned Princess.

You were a fan?

Yes.

I'm a fan too!

Me too.

They're all idiots.

Isn't there a good guy anywhere?

You've worked hard.

I'll take this to the serialistion decision meeting.

Good work today.

Good work today.

- Sorry. - Be careful.

It seems he drew it without sleeping at all.

I feel like I'm holding a jewel.

Whether it becomes a jewel, or a stone...

It's up to you.

Yes.

Alright. Are we all here?

Yes.

Let's start the serialisation decision meeting.

Nakata-kun.

Please put a mountain here.

Okay.

Next is Peeve Transition, edited by Kurosawa.

I ask for your support.

His drawings have gotten stable too.

Still rough, though.

"Absolutely terrible" Haku is just "slightly terrible" Haku.

Well, the roughness gives the lines character and it is a sketch.

It suits the work's atmosphere.

The problem is the content, Kurosawa.

I don't know what it is that gets a serialisation,

but it can't be pulled along by interest alone.

We can't convey something we don't understand to the readers.

Try explaining the world of Peeve Transition.

Yes.

In this work, what Nakata-san is trying to draw is...

Fear and control.

Peeve takes hold of people's fear.

It's a life weapon that manipulates the heart.

The moment you think it's scary, Peeve attacks.

Even though it's fine if you don't have fear,

people can not suppress fear.

Nullis is the colonel loved by everyone,

but he's actually using Peeve to try to control people.

Among them, the one person who goes against the flow and speaks up,

is the protagonist, Kouta.

But he's so skinny and weak.

It's because he's a weak and small human,

that he desperately fights.

He's fighting the terror inside him,

with his life on the line.

Because he's weak, he's desperate...

Trying to be free of the control that is his fear.

Everyone is fighting with something day after day.

The hero of the story fighting desperately,

will give courage and hope for tomorrow to people who have read it.

This is the kind of story...

...that Peeve Transition is.

Okay, good work.

Sensei...

Can I take a phone call?

Go ahead.

Yes?

Nakata-san.

The serialisation... is decided.

The serialistion is decided!

Nakata-san!

What's wrong?

Sensei.

Sensei.

I got... the serialisation.

I got a serialisation!

I'm glad to be alive.

I'm glad I was born.

[Peeve Transition]

[The incredible newcomer!!! Nakata Haku]

[Change sadness into hope!]