---
Sora stood up, her face showing no fear.
Over the past few months, Rika had been subtly undermining her during meetings. As his junior, Sora hadn't been in a position to push back.
But today felt different. Not only did she want to give Yuna Takahashi's new series the spotlight it didn't deserved—she was finally ready to speak up after quietly swallowing her frustration for so long.
Rika might be the deputy editor, but his attitude toward her had been obvious for a while. And frankly, she was done pretending it didn't bother her.
So Sora wasn't about to back down.
"Deputy Editor Hayashi, let's remember that the main purpose of this meeting is to discuss the quality of the works."
"With Takahashi-sensi's status, even if her serialization isn't confirmed today, the agency will give her the chance to serialize elsewhere. The decision can't solely rest on you, Deputy Editor Hayashi," she said, her voice firm.
"And Takahashi is fully aware that her work is up for selection at this conference. If we don't confirm the serialization today, how does that reflect the sincerity of our magazine?"
"After all, she is the author of Hoshikawa Publishing... So why are we questioning the seat of serialization here?"
Rikafrowned, his gaze hardening as he stared at her.
"What about it?" Sora interrupted, maintaining her cool. "The manga industry is about strength—only the best survive."
"After evaluations from multiple editors, the ratings for Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance surpass those of Hidden Girl. The strong rise, and the weak fall. Why are we making this about something other than the work itself?" she continued.
"I admit that the first three chapters of Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance are impressive, and the editor ratings reflect that. But that's just an assessment of the first three chapters," Rika argued.
"Takahashi-sensi has been in the industry for years, drawing multiple full-length series. It's only natural for a work to start slow, but that doesn't mean it's finished. It's normal for a well-established author to take a while to gain momentum."
She paused, meeting Rika's gaze. "But when you look at it in the long run, who would you trust—an author with a proven track record and many dedicated fans, or a newcomer who's only been around for two months?"
"I admit the first three chapters of *Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance* are great, but have you seen how many great series falter after a strong start?" Rika responded, his tone sharp.
"The author, Mizushiro, had a short manga series with only seven episodes serialized on the Inkbolt Series* A lot of readers felt disappointed when it ended."
"You really think *Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance* can maintain that level of quality in later chapters? I doubt it," he said, his voice full of skepticism.
"Compared to Takahashi, Mizushiro is still far too inexperienced," he added solemnly.
Sora shook her head, her expression unyielding. "What you're saying is pure nonsense."
"Since the fourth week of serialization, *The Garden of Words* has been the most popular manga on Inkbolt Series for four consecutive weeks, and its fanbase only continues to grow," she stated, leaning forward and tapping the table to emphasize her point.
"Isn't that the point? Even the most popular works get criticized for being boring at times. Are you seriously going to keep doubting *The Garden of Words*' quality?"
Sora paused for a moment before continuing, her tone even more forceful. "And your speculation about *Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance*'s decline is unfounded. What reason do you have to say its quality will drop in the future? Is it because of Mizushiro's short work? Or are you ignoring the fact that seasoned authors have also faced creative struggles?"
"Are there not plenty of examples of long-standing authors who have faltered in the industry?" she asked, her voice rising slightly. "Should we judge a manga's future potential solely based on the creator's past work? Isn't that the exact opposite of what responsible editors should be doing?"
"If you, Deputy Editor Hayashi, had your way, we'd dismiss every young, promising mangake at the publishing house and only invite retirees to continue their work. Is that what you're suggesting?"
"You…" Rika's face flushed, his hands tightening into fists. His voice was choked, and it took him a moment to speak.
"I've reviewed the manuscript of the later chapters of Takahashi's work. I can tell you that the quality improves significantly after the first three chapters. It's definitely worth looking forward to. There's no decline in quality," Sora declared confidently.
"How convenient!" Sora reached into her bag and pulled out a stack of manuscripts.
"These are the chapters four through nine of *Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance*. Not only did Mizushiro-sensi work on the first three chapters, but he also completed the ninth chapter."
"I asked him directly—he said that the first three chapters were just the setup, and the story will only get more exciting from here," she said, placing the manuscripts on the table. "No decline in quality, I assure you."
"The decision now rests with the editor-in-chief."
Sora had anticipated this confrontation with Rika for some time. She was prepared for his attacks and came fully equipped to defend her position. She didn't even make copies, instead handing the manuscripts directly to the editor-in-chief.
Rika clenched his fists in frustration. He wanted to lash out, but he held himself back.
And for a long moment, neither of them spoke, the tension in the room thickening.
---
**Cheif-editor Torigoe took the manuscript and examined it carefully.**
Page after page, he took his time, even though dozens of people were waiting for him. He didn't rush.
**Twenty minutes later.**
He closed the manuscript and looked around at everyone.
"Indeed, the plot in the later chapters is solid, and there is no decline in quality," he said, nodding in approval.
"Alright, let's end the discussion here. We'll move on to the vote."
"Those in favor of *The Hidden Girl* winning the serialization today, please raise your hands."
A few hands were raised, about eight or nine in total. Ordinary editors voted one point each, with Riku Hayashi, the deputy editor, voting three points. But in total, there were only twelve points.
Rika's face darkened. For him, Takahashi-sensi not getting the serialization wasn't the biggest issue. But as deputy editor, being overturned by a junior like Sora —it was a blow to his pride. He knew that within the next few days, the whole publishing house would be talking about this.
He glared at Sora, his frustration clear.
Sora, however, didn't care and simply made a face at him.
"Now, those in favor of *Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance* for serialization, please raise your hands."
After Cheif-editor Torigoe finished speaking, he raised his hand first, signaling his vote. This also meant the five points tied to his position as editor-in-chief went to *Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance*.
Sora raised her hand next.
The other editors exchanged looks.
They knew that with the editor-in-chief supporting it, there was no question. As for Rika, they figured he would be taking his frustrations out on Sora anyway, but they couldn't help but enjoy the moment. They had long been dissatisfied with him, but due to his connections in the publishing house and the board of directors, no one dared to speak up.
Now, with a chance to turn the tables, they joined in.
More than twenty hands went up in total.
Rika took a deep breath, understanding that the decision was made. He forced his expression to remain neutral.
Sora's face lit up with excitement.
"In that case, *Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance* will take the vacant serialization slot in sora. The serialization will begin in two weeks," Cheif-editor Torigoe said, his serious face finally softening as he looked at Sora with an encouraging smile.
After all, Sora was one of the juniors he had mentored. He had long been dissatisfied with how Rika had treated her, constantly undermining her in the publishing houe. But, due to Rika's connections, he couldn't do much about it.
Today, however, Rika had overplayed his hand at the serialization meeting, and the opportunity for *Rurouni Kenshin Remembrance* came at just the right moment. There was no pity for Rika—half of the reason for his loss was because he had chosen to extend his neck.
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