Kato Yusuke entered the conference room and looked around casually. He was about to walk towards Director Yamashiro standing in front, but his eyes suddenly caught sight of Ryoko Nakano in the corner.
He couldn't help but be startled, and then he was ready to go and greet him.
However, the girl shook her head slightly at him and pointed to a certain position on the conference table, gesturing for him to sit there.
Kato Yusuke stopped walking when he saw this, but he still nodded to Nakano Ryoko and Director Yamashiro, and then sat down opposite Nitta Yuka.
"Ahem, then... let me introduce you."
Director Yamashiro walked to the head of the conference table and said loudly:
"Kato-san, this is the reporter representative who will interview you today, reporter Nitta from TV Tokyo. Reporter Nitta, this is Kato-san, please get to know each other."
Click, click, click, click, click.
In hindsight, countless shutter sounds sounded.
The dazzling white light emitted by the flash flashed repeatedly, as if several flash bombs were dropped.
Facing countless gazes, Kato Yusuke stood up on his own initiative and stretched out his right hand towards the other side of the table.
"Hello, reporter Nitta, please give me your advice."
"..."
The other party did not respond.
Kato Yusuke didn't change his expression, he just slightly raised his volume and called again: "Reporter Nitta?"
"..."
Still no response.
Nitta Yuka just stared at him with a fascinated expression, and his originally alert brain became confused.
At this moment, she just wanted to say one thing.
Why is this person completely different from the one in the photo...?
After all...this person...
Why is it like this——
--nice??
She was thinking in a daze, the calm look on her face had been broken the moment he entered her eyes.
Shouldn’t it be said that ordinary cartoonists are the type who are broad-minded and fat, or as skinny as a stalk?
But this one coming in now...
Even if he is placed in a group of male idols, he is still in the C position, right-!?
——So you call this a cartoonist?
Tsk…
Even burning harps, boiling cranes and wasting natural resources is nothing more than that!
When he thought of this, Nitta Yuka suddenly felt a subtle feeling of regret.
With this foundation, wouldn’t it be a good idea to become an idol?
Even if your acting skills are not good and your singing and dancing skills are terrible!
But just for your looks! My sister promises not to criticize you! She can even eat three bowls of rice——!
Why do you have to be a cartoonist who works hard! If things go on like this, you will develop occupational diseases!
Like tenosynovitis...lumbar disc herniation...out of shape...getting fat in middle age...
Waste! What a waste!
But then I thought about it...
Oh... the other person seems to be a successful cartoonist...
Nitta Yuka couldn't help but feel lost.
Others looked at her confused, wondering what she meant by her delay in shaking hands with others.
Nakano Ryoko in the corner couldn't help but frown slightly, and also looked at her expression for a moment, and the corners of her lips raised a slight arc, but she had no intention of reminding her...
Before the awkward atmosphere was about to spread, it was DongTV's photographer who stepped in to save the situation.
"Sister Nitta, sister Nitta...it's time to shake hands." He gently tapped Yuka Nitta's shoulder and reminded him in a low voice.
"…………Um?"
The touch on his shoulder brought Nitta Yuka back to reality, and his eyes finally regained focus.
While arranging his hair, he glanced around with his peripheral vision and stood up quietly.
"Excuse me……"
She showed an apologetic smile, and generously stretched out her hand to hold Kato Yusuke's right hand.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't expect Mr. Fujimotoshu to be even more outstanding than in the photo. I was a little surprised for a moment. I'm glad I have the opportunity to interview you this time. Please give me your advice."
Kato Yusuke shook his head at this, and said in a neither humble nor condescending manner: "You are very grateful. I will trouble you and all of you today, reporter Nitta."
"No, we are here. Thank you for being willing to accept the interview."
After a brief handshake and a few pleasantries, the two parties sat down again.
Nitta Yuka secretly made a gesture under the table, and the photographer who was always paying attention to her hurriedly picked up the machine and started shooting.
As the red light on behalf of the camera turned on, Nitta Yuka quickly adjusted himself, showed his professional side, and introduced the identity of Kato Yusuke to the camera.
Wait until the introduction is complete.
Following a step-by-step process, she took the lead in asking the first question.
"So, although everyone already knows...but as the most popular manga artist at the moment, does Mr. Fujimotoshu know how popular he is now?"
"Know."
Kato Yusuke nodded and said calmly: "But this is all inseparable from the support of readers. Without everyone's support, "Chainsaw Man" would not be what it is today."
‘With a calm attitude and smooth speech, have you been given guidance in advance...?’ Yuka Nitta thought calmly, and then asked.
“Why did you create a story like Chainsaw Man?”
"Actually, there is no special reason. At most, it's just because I had such a story in my head and thought I could draw it, so I drew it."
"Well... but your story is very special, and there are basically no works of the same type on the market. What is your creative concept?"
"To put it simply..."
Kato Yusuke pondered: "It can be considered as a character-based narrative in a fantasy world view to show the truth, goodness and beauty of human emotions."
Nitta Yuka was surprised: "Do you know what character-based narrative means?"
"If you're asking about a creative style that puts characters entirely at the center of the narrative, then I do know. The opposite of that is story-based narrative."
"...Sorry, my question was too abrupt. Can you please tell me about this narrative technique?"
"Metaphorically speaking, the characters in the work are not parts that drive the "story" machine, but independent individuals with flesh and blood. The characters will move on their own according to the specific environment and do what they should do."
Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish
The tip of the pen slid across the paper, and reporters took notes one after another.…
Nitta Yuka waited for a while and then continued to ask questions.
"...You once painted two scenes like this in your work. When faced with a demon attack, the middle-aged Jiao did not lend a helping hand, but later he saved a passerby woman. Why is this different treatment?"
"As I just said, this is a human-centered character-based narrative work."
Yusuke Kato said: "Chainsaw Man is not and will never be a perfect hero. He is the unique Chainsaw Man, nothing more."
"But you just said that the creative concept of this work is to express the truth, goodness and beauty of human emotions, so why do you want to design a character that is contrary to traditional heroes?"
"This is not a conflict, just like light and darkness never exist independently. If you want to express the good side, it does not mean you have to avoid the evil side. A complete person itself is the coexistence of good and evil."
"So……"
Yuka Nitta followed up with a somewhat subtle question.
"Does the protagonist in your novel have some of your own characteristics?"
"It's hard to say."
"Why is it so hard to tell?"
“If you want readers to feel the emotions you are expressing, then a character should be as far away from the author as possible and as close to the audience as possible.”
"You don't seem to have answered my question directly."
As Tu Qiong saw, Nitta Yuka asked:
"So, what do you think about the fact that you initially gained more advantages than others through nepotism thanks to your seniors? Do you think this is an evil of human nature?"
As soon as this statement came out, the conference room of Nuoda fell into silence for an instant.
The reporters who had been quietly taking notes all said something to themselves, and their spirits were suddenly lifted.
Director Yamashiro couldn't help but frown worriedly.
Nakano Ryoko's expression was as indifferent as water, her eyes fell on someone, and she did not express any opinions.
On the other hand, Kato Yusuke, who was the party involved, looked as calm as ever, without any trace of panic at all, and just nodded lightly.
"I see, but I don't think much of it, and I won't interpret it from the perspective of "evil human nature." If anything, it's a rule of society."
Nitta Yuka smiled and asked: "So do you think it is a normal social rule to have a relationship?"
"People are far and near, and things have priorities - as this sentence says, I think this is the norm in society."
"I also heard one thing. It is said that Mr. Fujimotoshu has such a high degree of creative freedom that he can even ignore the editor's opinions and forcibly submit the manuscript. Is there such a thing?"
"That's not the case. Every time I submit a manuscript, I need to submit it to the editor for review."
"So what you're saying is that this is fiction?"
"That's right." Kato Yusuke said calmly: "That said, I have never encountered a situation where the original manuscript was sent back for overhaul."
"oh?"
Nitta Yuka continued to ask with an undiminished smile: "Your statement seems a bit contradictory. If that's true, doesn't it just prove that your rights are overriding those of the editor?"
"This is a very wrong understanding, and it is not the way the editor and I resolve disputes...
It is true that I have never encountered a situation where the original manuscript was returned, but that was the result of an agreement reached between the two parties after discussion, and it was a mutual recognition of the content and plot of the work.
Rather than one party insisting on suppressing the other party."
"On the other hand -" Kato Yusuke asked: "Reporter Nitta, do you think society is absolutely fair and just?"
"...I can't say absolutely, but to a certain extent, at least it's relatively fair." Nitta Yuka said without missing a beat.
Kato Yusuke didn't make any comments, he just continued talking.
“First-class passengers can board the plane first, bank VIPs can avoid queuing, and the most expensive tickets for concerts have the best seats.
The world has never been unequal. No matter how hard you work, your talents will be special."
“Real society is not an idealistic utopia. Human nature and the law of the jungle exist in every aspect of life. Natural selection and survival of the fittest is the essence of society.
People who want to ignore this phenomenon are either too naive or are covering their ears..."
As he spoke, he took a deep look at the other party and said calmly: "So, reporter Nitta, which side are you on?"
Nitta Yuka's eyes changed slightly, but he did not answer the question. Instead, he smiled slightly and tried to avoid the important matter and change the topic.
"...I'm sorry, let's move on to the next question."
Kato Yusuke nodded noncommittally and did not hold on, but just added:
"Since Reporter Nitta is very interested in my treatment in the Immortal River, I can give you another piece of information.
My manuscript fee is 12,000 yen per piece, which is the standard for a newbie cartoonist."
There was a commotion around, but it quickly subsided.
After all, the reporters present today are basically industry insiders, so everyone knows what this number means.
If this news is true, then the claim that this teacher Fujimotosuki enjoys special preferential treatment will naturally be self-defeating.
Nitta Yuka couldn't help but frown. Although he was also surprised in his heart, he didn't show it on his face.
"I see, thank you for informing me...then the next question is."
She said: "We all know that Ms. Akane Kurisaka spent 100 million yen to acquire the copyright of this work. Do you think your work is worth that price?"
"Everyone's values are different, time will tell."
"Speaking of values... Although "Chainsaw Man" is a passionate comic for teenagers, the themes and content in it don't seem to be very positive. Some people on the Internet have commented that you are mentally ill. What do you think?"
Gudu——
The photographer on the side couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of saliva, and almost didn't dare to take a breath. He just kept peeking around the corner, for fear of offending the real Buddha.
There is no way, he is really scared!
Listen to what Yuka Nitta said??
This is basically equivalent to swearing in front of someone, right?
He even emphatically reminded him to be careful in advance, but now his sister Nitta seemed to be aroused to be competitive, making things difficult for her juniors.
This is not dancing on a tightrope—!?…
Also, why did the eldest daughter of the Nakano family take out her cell phone!?
The photographer who noticed this detail gasped and shivered suddenly.
The next second, Kato Yusuke suddenly laughed, as if he heard something interesting, he just smiled and talked.
"For me, it's just readers' love for the meticulous characterization and unexpected plot developments in the work.
It’s proof that they really fell in love with the character and became friends with the character. I think it’s very romantic and I really like the theme, it’s as simple as that.”
When he smiled, he instantly attracted everyone's attention.
He has been very calm since he entered this conference room, and this is the first time he has shown such a boyish smile.
As for what is youthful feeling?
Modesty and confidence, pride and calmness.
Not a little wolfdog or a little milk dog.
It reminds people of the blue sky, the smell of plants, and the light of morning.
I was surprised and happy when I first met, but still stunned after a long time.
People will fall in love with the boy because of this smile.
It's incredible, incomprehensible, delightful, and fascinating.
At this moment, everyone couldn't help but silence their voices.
Nitta Yuka was alert and stepped on the instep of the person next to him in a secret way, which meant "Quickly take a close-up of me! Shoot me to death!".
The photographer, who was in pain, couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth, and almost shouted "Oh!", but he still understood the priority of the matter and immediately reluctantly pulled the camera to take a picture!
Putting aside everything else, if you just focus on this little brother’s looks, the ratings won’t be low!
At the same time, Nitta Yuka was shouting that she couldn't bear it.
She has interviewed quite a few celebrities, including some who were handsome.
Whether it's a "salt face (mild appearance)" or a "soy sauce face (deep and rugged facial features)", I've seen many of them.
However, the young man opposite her refreshed her understanding a bit!
His handsomeness seems to be close to perfection, and even someone like her who often hangs out in celebrity circles is amazed!
He is not only handsome! He is also talented and wealthy!
As if the only meaning of its existence is to prove the meaning of perfection?
"……I see."
Nitta Yuka nodded slightly, trying to look as elegant as possible.
"I have to admit that Mr. Fujimoto is indeed a unique and talented person. Thank you for your answer."
As the sound slowly spread in the conference room, other people gradually came to their senses.
Taking her speech as an opportunity, the atmosphere at the scene also became relaxed.
Captured by the photographer's distracted peripheral vision, the eldest lady of the Nakano family finally put away her cell phone.
"Then, that's it for today's interview."
Nitta Yuka stood up from his seat with a smile and took the initiative to extend his right hand to the opposite side, "Thank you very much for your cooperation, Teacher Fujimotosuki."
"You're welcome." Kato Yusuke also stood up and shook hands with her, "Today's interview also benefited me a lot, thank you very much."…
"Can I ask a personal question?"
"Please tell me."
"What I want to know is, Kato-kun, do you have any plans to enter the entertainment industry?"
"What……?"
Ignoring his stunned expression for a moment, Nitta Yuka said kindly:
"Is it weird? After all, Kato-kun, your business value is extremely high now, and your foundation is so good. If you want, you can become an idol. I can also introduce you to excellent entertainment companies."
After hearing this, Kato Yusuke couldn't help being slightly startled, then smiled and shook his head, and objected gently and calmly:
"Thank you for your kindness, but I don't have any ideas in this regard. I just want to create some good works, so I'm sorry, I can't accept it."
Nitta Yuka was not angry at all, he just smiled and nodded to show his understanding.
"I see, you can rely on your face to make a living, but you still have to prove yourself with your talent. Kato-kun is really a noble person."
The photographer on the side heard this and glanced secretly, with the word "dog licking" written in his eyes.
Kato Yusuke didn't express anything about this and just politely retracted his hand.
After the polite greetings, today's interview has come to an end.
Nitta Yuka left him a business card, saying that if he needed any help in the future, he could contact her, and Kato Yusuke gladly accepted it.
After that, Director Yamashiro was arranged to send the media reporters away.
Kato Yusuke was called by Nakano Ryoko to talk to the Kyudo Club and also became a sparring partner.