"I think no matter what I say, it's better if you just watch it and experience it for yourselves, right?"
"Anyway, the third episode airs tonight. Watch it first and decide if you like it."
"True enough."
"Well, we've watched two episodes, so hopefully the third one has some big twist."
"But I'm mentally preparing myself for disappointment."
"By the way, which character do you like the most?"
"Of course, it's Mami-senpai! Mature, elegant, and well-endowed!"
"Huh? Well-endowed?"
"Her age, of course!"
"No need to explain, we get it."
As the group continued discussing, Tanaka smiled.
Beneath the table, his hand silently pulled out a figurine of Mami-senpai.
'Click.'
He removed the figurine's "cap" and quietly put it back in place, his eyes darkening.
"Tonight... it begins."
As the time drew near, comments on Akifumi's SNS account began pouring in.
"It's probably tonight! What should I do? I'm kind of scared to watch!"
"Mami-senpai: There's nothing left to fear now!!"
"What's there to be scared of? I'm already looking forward to screaming and crying during this episode!"
"?? Are you a devil? You should record it and share it with the boys!"
"Good things shouldn't be kept to yourself, everyone wants to see!"
"Can't wait to see my girlfriend's reaction."
"My girlfriend?? Didn't we all agree to stay single? Who quietly turned into a traitor?"
"..."
Before long, the discussion drifted off-topic, but the general buzz was still focused on what the animation fans, who knew nothing about "Madoka Magica," would think after watching the third episode.
[119] The Animation Fans Are Shocked!
...
At Akifumi's home:
"Why are we having another viewing party for the third episode?!" Akifumi said with some resignation.
"This is the third episode! It's a major turning point in the story!" Eriri said, her voice full of excitement.
"You agree, right, Mahiru?"
"Mm-hmm," Mahiru nodded eagerly, her eyes glued to the screen.
Her enthusiasm was contagious, giving Eriri a huge boost of energy.
Mahiru smiled and said, "Sometimes it's nice to do something together like this."
Seeing how happy the girls were, Akifumi didn't want to dampen their spirits.
"Well, as long as you're happy."
Soon, it was time for the episode to air.
Seeing the title of the third episode, Eriri's happy expression turned into one of exhaustion.
"This is so malicious!"
The third episode's title was already hinting at something ominous.
Anyone who had read the manga knew exactly what it meant.
It was already a classic flag!
Using that phrase as the title felt a bit too much!
Akifumi laughed.
"It's not as bad as it seems."
"Is there really a better way to sum up the central theme of this episode?"
There wasn't really any doubt.
That this episode is gonna hurt a lot of people.
But that didn't stop people from watching it.
It's easy to see that with a title like this, at least 90% of the blame would fall on Akifumi.
So, Eriri decided to throw him a sidelong glance.
Soon enough, the story reached its climax.
In the manga, the atmosphere of the scenes wasn't as intense as in the animation.
We see Kyouko and Mami walking through a completely white space filled with bottles.
It gives off a nostalgic vibe.
As they continue talking, the space around them begins to change.
The colors dim, with a hint of crimson appearing.
The background music becomes dark and tense.
What initially seemed like a normal conversation slowly turns into Kyouko setting up one flag after another.
"That's impressive!" Akifumi remarked, "The atmosphere is built just perfectly."
"Kyouko gains support from Mami, and Mami finds courage through Kyouko to strengthen her resolve!"
"In the end, it all sums up to 'There's nothing left to fear!'"
"Whoever came up with this plot is a genius!"
Even someone like Mahiru couldn't resist rolling her eyes.
"Mugiho-kun, it's impressive, but boasting about yourself like that is a bit much, don't you think?"
'Boasting about myself?'
'I was just saying well, I did draw Madoka Magica'.
'Looking at it now, it does sound a bit self-congratulatory.'
Mashiro suddenly chimed in, "Mugi, you're right, this is a genius idea"
'Good job, Shiro!'
Just as Akifumi was about to speak again, his left hand was suddenly grabbed by Eriri.
Looking over, he saw her usual cheerful face now full of tension.
Her eyes were locked on the TV.
Kyouko and Mami's conversation had just ended.
The camera shifted, and Mami transformed into a magical girl.
The somber tune suddenly became bright and lively.
The dark room was suddenly bathed in cream-colored light.
The extravagant battle scene was dazzling, making everyone's spirits soar!
"There's nothing left to fear!"
The death flag was set.
The clueless anime fans were wide-eyed, exclaiming "So cool!"
The upbeat music paused for a second, and the screen briefly darkened.
The background music then shifted to a more intense tone.
"Tiro Finale."
Mami's small gun transformed into a massive cannon.
Unlike the original manga's contrast of a toothpick cannon, it was now an impressive laser cannon capable of obliterating the enemy with a single shot!
As the blinding light faded, just when they were about to celebrate, a small, pitch-black dot fell from the sky.
The dot quickly expanded, like a prank scare box.
With a playful grin on its face, it lunged at Mami in an instant.
It was really only a split second, but the deliberately slowed-down animation made sure the audience saw everything clearly.
They watched as it slowly opened its mouth, followed by close-up shots of the girls.
Then, it bit down
"Ahh!!" Eriri screamed.
Mahiru's hand had unknowingly grasped Akifumi's, and now she squeezed it tighter in reaction.
Compared to the manga, this scene in the animation was amplified by several times!
Especially after discussions with Shinbo, this version of Madoka Magica was even more intense than the one in the original!
Even Eriri, who was mentally prepared, was thoroughly shocked.
Mahiru, who didn't really care for Madoka Magica, couldn't help but feel tense.
You could easily tell how powerful this scene was!
As for the anime fans who had no idea what was coming, they were completely stunned.
Their minds filled with little question marks.
Some even thought to themselves, "Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?"
They stood there, dazed and confused, until the ending BGM played, snapping them back to reality.
The screening was over.
"This episode was amazing!"
Akifumi stretched, standing up from the couch.
Not only was the plot itself impressive, but the sensation of Eriri resting half her body on him, and the warmth of Mahiru's hand in his, was an unexpected experience.
'This is nice..'
He couldn't help but think that he'd love to have more movie nights like this.
Eriri and Mahiru gave him a slightly resentful glance but didn't say anything.
Only Mashiro, sitting at the end of the couch, nodded and agreed, "It was great"
After seeing the girls off, Akifumi eagerly opened his phone.
Unsurprisingly, Madoka Magica episode 3 was trending at number one!
"Nothing to fear anymore" was also in the top ten!
As for his SNS account, there were countless comments flooding in.
"Madoka Magica episode 3 was amazing! Definitely my most anticipated new release for October!!"
"FK, this is amazing? I've seen the original Madoka Magica and was left stunned!!"
"Scared you even after you've seen the original? Now that's impressive!"
"I can't even find words to describe how great this episode wastruly legendary!!"
"Exactly, that scene was pure genius!! Shinbo's direction and the perfect collaboration with the creator made it unstoppable! 1+1=2+!"
"Hey, that guy who said he was expecting 'more screams'how's he doing now?"
"He got a mix of beatings from both parents and is now lying in bed, can't even get up. His little sister is still crying, and he's lost next month's allowance..."
"Pfft, bro, that's rough! But I'm laughing so hard!!"
"You devils! You knew this was coming, didn't you?!"
"No wonder my classmate kept reminding me to watch Madoka Magica episode 3 today! Looks like they were waiting to mess with me! Just wait until Monday at school, I'll get him good!!"
"Ugh, my Mami-chan! She died so horribly!!"
"I totally cracked up on the spot!!"
"The mangaka is cruel! You kill off such a cute girl like that, I'm seriously going to send him razor blades!!"
"10 million yen bounty on the mangaka's home address!!"
................
At the start, those were all comments from fans who had already watched the episode.
The later comments clearly came from anime fans who were just getting into the series.
Akifumi smiled as he read through the reactions.
The most brilliant part was how Mami's monologue made people fall in love with this honest, strong, yet somewhat stubborn girl, and then, without warning, the knife came.
That sense of gloom, the heartbreaking emotionsit was perfection!
As he thought about it, Akifumi couldn't resist posting an update.
"Just finished watching Madoka Magica episode 3! It was amazing, way beyond my expectations!
The perfect use of color contrasts, the music, the dazzling effects, and of course, that ruthless knife in the end...
Special thanks to Shinbo for his meticulous direction!
I wonder if everyone enjoyed it as much as I did?!
I'm looking forward to the rest of Madoka Magica!"
The post was sent, and within a minute, he was flooded with replies.
The first thing that comes to mind is the overwhelming question marks from fans! .
[120] A Special Treatment Just for Shiina Mashiro! [40 PS]
"Shall we head out now?"
"Be careful on the way."
"Let's go."
"Mm."
Mashiro nodded her little head, clutching her manuscript with both hands, following Akifumi Mugiho closely.
Though it was already late October, the weather hadn't gotten cold yet.
Today, Mashiro was wearing a white dress with a few floral patterns on the hem.
Her fair skin glowed in the sunlight, and her long legs, ivory in tone, were eye-catching.
Her aura was delicate and pure, giving her the presence of a fairy who had descended from the heavens.
Mashiro was now attending Toyogasaki Academy.
It was hard to forget the stir she caused when she first arrived at school.
Even the popularity of Akifumi, the "warrior of love and hope," was overshadowed by her.
He had to admit that, thanks to her, many of his troubles were eased.
At the same time, he learned an important lesson:
Trusting a girl to keep a secret was as unreliable as believing that a pyramid scheme could actually make you money.
As Mashiro appeared at school more often, the initial commotion began to fade.
Now, most people didn't disturb her.
It had been a while since Mashiro started drawing her manga, and she had already finished the first chapter.
After meeting with Mihari, they had agreed to meet at Shueisha today.
Akifumi was deep in thought, not letting his attention slip away from Mashiro.
Suddenly, he noticed her stop in her tracks.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
Mashiro didn't answer, her eyes focused on a nearby convenience store.
"Are you hungry?"
"Mm."
Mashiro nodded, her face showing little emotion, yet her demeanor was as cute and obedient as a pet waiting for a treat.
"Wait here."
Akifumi smiled and entered the store. He came back with three ring cakes, handing them to her.
"Here."
Mashiro took the cakes, her eyes narrowing with pleasure as she smiled faintly.
Taking small bites of the cake, she hesitated, then offered it to Akifumi.
"Here."
Her gaze was firmly locked on the bread, a clear reluctance on her face.
Akifumi chuckled, "If you're so reluctant, you don't have to give it to me."
Mashiro stubbornly shook her head. "Good things should be shared."
"In that case, I won't hold back."
Akifumi smiled, tearing off a small piece and popping it into his mouth.
Seeing this, Mashiro visibly relaxed, her nervous expression fading. She continued eating the cake in small bites, content.
Seeing her happy, Akifumi casually asked, "By the way, does Mashiro have a limit on how many ring cakes she can eat in a week?"
"Three."
"And is this the fourth one this week?"
"Yes."
Mashiro answered without thinking, then quickly realized what she had said.
Her small body shivered slightly, and her eyes widened with a nervous look.
Her protective stance was so cute that Akifumi couldn't help but laugh.
He reached over and ruffled her head. "Don't worry, I won't tell Mahiru."
At 162 cm, Mashiro was already quite tall compared to other girls, but every time, he felt the urge to pat her head, almost as if she were a child.
Maybe it was the contrast between their mental and emotional states that made it feel so natural.
Hearing his words, Mashiro sighed in relief and quickly finished the cake, looking at him with a pout. "Mugi, bad."
Her voice, just like Kato'sflat and unremarkableyet with a hint of reproach, felt oddly endearing.
"Didn't Mashiro sneak some cake behind Mahiru's back?"
"Mm."
Mashiro was at a loss for words, quickly turning her head away as if she hadn't heard him.
Her childlike behavior was simply too adorable. Akifumi couldn't resist pinching her soft cheek.
The rest of the walk was silent.
They soon arrived at Shueisha. After a short wait in the small office, Mihari briskly entered.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
As soon as Mihari saw the two sitting inside like a perfect couple, her eyes widened in admiration.
"You're both so talented for your agehow did you choose this path instead of just relying on your looks?"
After exchanging pleasantries, Mihari, curious, asked, "Akifumi-san, have you seen Shiina-san work?"
"No."
Akifumi answered honestly. Having read the original work, he wasn't particularly hopeful about Mashiro's debut manga.
Thinking of this, he decided to add, "Though I haven't seen it, I think it's best not to set your expectations too high, Otosuna-san."
Mihari rolled her eyes. "Do you know whose work this is?"
"The world-renowned oil painting master, Shiina Mashiro's debut manga!"
"And you're not setting your expectations high?"
