Minano smiled back, not bothering to be overly formal with him.
"Well, then we're in your debt."
"By the way, the final volume of Your Lie In April is almost finished here. Can we set a release date for the last four volumes?"
"Do you have a preferred release date?"
"As long as it's in April, that should be fine."
Minano paused, as if checking a calendar, then asked, "How about the 6th? It's right during the holiday."
"Would that be too tight of a deadline?"
"No problem, if Akifumi-sensei can finish it by March 15th, the 6th works perfectly."
"Plus, there's no other major release scheduled for late March, so this will actually help alleviate some of our pressure."
"Well then, looks like I really have to finish the ending by March 15th!"
After hanging up, Akifumi Mugiho opened up his social media account.
Looking at the pile of messages, he couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed.
As more and more fans analyzed the story, many had come to believe the ending would be full of shocking twists.
A few others, though, still chose to trust the author and wait for the conclusion.
Although those "trusting" fans would eventually be disappointed, Akifumi Mugiho sighed. "Looks like I'll need to respond to them."
After a brief moment of thought, he came up with an idea.
His fingers flew over the keyboard, and soon a new post appeared.
Following his usual routine, he checked for any mistakes, found none, and hit send.
"This is the final stretch before spring break wraps up!"
"How's everyone been spending it?"
"I hope you're making the most of it, as we only have a little over 10 days left."
"Get everything done before school starts again, or you'll regret it!"
"I've been reading through all your comments lately, though I won't give a definitive answer just yet."
"The excitement of a story lies in the mystery, right?"
"If you knew the ending in advance, it wouldn't be nearly as fun! I'm sure everyone feels the same way."
"So, what does Your Lie In April really mean? Don't rushwait until the end and you'll find out."
"Now, I know you're all eager to know when the final episodes will air."
"So, I've already confirmed with the editor: the anime will be airing all at once on March 16th at noon! You'll be among the first to know, just after me and the editor!"
"Oh, and I've also seen some fans asking about why only two volumes are releasing this month. Actually, I've had some other work to take care of!"
"The final volume of WorldEnd? That'll be out in May, so please be patient."
"And as for WorldEnd... do you think I'm the type to slack off?"
"I barely need any time for that! It's actually the script for an anime I've been working on. It's called Steins;Gate!"
"That name sounds a bit strange, doesn't it? Haha, guess that's just my inner "chuunibyou" acting up!"
"This is my first time working as a scriptwriter, but I'm pretty confident about it."
"With the help of other talented creators, I'm sure you'll love it!"
"The anime is all set, and the premiere is scheduled for March 16th at noon, with all 12 episodes streaming together!"
[164] Steins;Gate: A Jaw-Dropping Plot Twist! [200 PS]
"Why are the first 12 episodes airing all at once? "
"Well, it's a bit of a complicated situation, but let's just say this series is a bit special."
"The early episodes might seem slow and boring at first."
"Yeah, I get it even I, as the scriptwriter, found the early parts pretty dry."
"But trust me, if you can stick it out until episode 12, you'll see what makes this series truly amazing! I guarantee it!!"
"It's probably because of my suggestion that they decided on this extreme approach."
"While the first episodes might drag a bit, I'm confident the story picks up later."
"If you've got some free time during the holidays, I'd recommend giving it a watch."
"The two directors have done an excellent job with every little detail of this series, and I think you'll appreciate it!"
"Overall, I'm sure this series won't disappoint you."
"That's all the latest info I have for you todayhope you're satisfied!"
"And as always, thanks so much for your support!!"
The post went live, and fans immediately received the update. Soon, the comments section was flooded with reactions.
"Good news: sensei has responded! Bad news: there's not much info about Your Lie In April."
"I know waiting is part of the fun, but waiting for the knife to drop? Who's excited for that? Damn!!"
"Hey, sensei didn't say for sure there will be a 'knife' ending, did they?"
"Are there still people who seriously think Your Lie In April will be a healing story?"
"Either way, the next volume is coming out in 46 days, so we'll know everything then!"
"True, but I'm not sure I can handle what's coming next!"
"I'm waiting for the big names to comment before deciding whether to continue with the series."
"So, does that mean I won't have trouble getting the new volume?"
"You all wait. I'm definitely getting it first! Whether it's healing or heart-wrenching, I'm in!"
"I'm really curious how sensei will wrap up Your Lie In April."
"Even if I'm not reading it, I'll still grab it first thing!"
"Ugh, how can people buy it knowing the 'knife' is coming!?"
"I hope I don't miss out on buying it this time!"
"Wait, are we all focused on Your Lie In April? Didn't sensei also mention an anime script?"
"Yeah, we saw that. I guess light novels and manga aren't enough for sensei anymore."
"Seriously, how does sensei have time for all this with so many projects? It's crazy!"
"Is writing scripts the focus? The crossover is wild! Sensei's involved in almost every ACG field except games."
"Maybe this is what genius looks like?"
"I'm not sure anyone can do this much, though. Sensei is just beyond wild!"
"If sensei had told me they were going to write scripts before WorldEnd Trilogy came out, I would've probably said, 'What does a comic artist know about writing scripts?'"
"And now?"
"Now I'm just kind of numb to it. At this point, if sensei said they were going to make a game, I wouldn't be that surprised."
"Could you at least be surprised a little?!"
"By the way, sensei's explanation about Your Lie In April feels a bit forced. Didn't they just release two volumes in March? What does that have to do with writing anime scripts?"
"Simple: the next volume will definitely have a lot of knives, so they just released two this month."
"Is it fake news?"
"Until the ending of Your Lie In April is out, everything's just speculation."
"By the way, Steins;Gatethat title feels a bit weird, doesn't it?"
"Now that you mention it, yeah, it has this odd, vague feel to it."
"Didn't sensei say it's just a case of their 'chuunibyou' flaring up?"
"Is anyone even watching this anime?"
"Why wouldn't they? They're airing a whole season all at once. I'm curious what makes this series stand out."
"But didn't sensei say the first 12 episodes would be boring?"
"Could it be that sensei just has too high expectations?"
"Looking at all sensei's previous works, they've been amazing, so I believe Steins;Gate will also be great!"
"Wouldn't this kind of show fit better with the new spring anime lineup?"
"Honestly, no TV station can air an entire season all at once, except for streaming platforms."
"Either way, it's only a few days left, so I'll be looking forward to it!"
Though some fans were a bit disappointed, most were still waiting eagerly for the release of Your Lie In April.
They wanted a good ending because they loved the story.
Would they stop watching?
They were just venting for now. When the release date came, everyone would rush to get their hands on it.
As for the anime that Akifumi Mugiho mentioned, fans were understandably excited. After all, Warrior of Love and Hope had already become a big-name franchise!
Before any potential flop, anything associated with that name would attract significant anticipation.
With that anticipation building, March 16 arrived as scheduled.
"Hey, Tanaka, we're here!"
"Got the snacks ready?"
Tadakuni and Tabata walked in together. Tanaka opened the door, glaring at them with an angry look.
"You two idiots! Didn't I say I'd provide the space, and you were supposed to bring snacks and drinks?"
Tadakuni scratched his head, looking confused. "Did you say that? Tabata, did you hear that?"
Tabata also looked lost. "I don't think so?"
"Didn't I say that?" Tanaka began questioning his own life choices.
"Do we still have food at home?"
"If not, we can go buy some."
Tanaka glanced at the time and sighed. "Forget it, it's almost time, there's a little left in the house."
"Come on in!"
He turned and walked inside, and Tadakuni and Tabata exchanged a knowing look, giving each other a thumbs-up and smiling, feeling like they had accomplished their plan.
"Sorry for the interruption!" they said, entering.
They sat down on the tatami mat. It was already mid-March, and the weather had started warming up.
The kotatsu seemed unnecessary now.
Tanaka went to grab some soda and snacks to serve his friends.
Meanwhile, Tadakuni and Tabata casually chatted.
"By the way, there's not much time left in the holidays. How's your homework coming along?"
"Homework? Of course, I haven't started yet!"
"Same here! I've been too busy playing all holiday!"
"I've got the snacks and soda," Tanaka said, walking in from the other room.
The two of them immediately turned their gaze to Tanaka.
"What are you two doing?" Tanaka asked, face full of disdain as the two of them, without any shame, knelt down and hugged his legs.
"Save us! Great Father!!" they begged in unison.
Tanaka was momentarily stunned before breaking into a mischievous grin.
"Well, since you called me 'Father,' tell me, what is it you want?"
"Have you done the spring break homework?" Seeing the hopeful expressions on their faces, Tanaka slowly placed the snacks and drinks on the table, scratching his head.
"Of course, I have!"
"Ohhh!!" They cheered loudly.
"But of course, I didn't actually do it," Tanaka added with a smirk.
Tadakuni and Tabata were frozen.
Tanaka continued, muttering to himself, "Actually, I was thinking of borrowing it from you guys..."
"Since you're giving me snacks, could you lend me a copy of your workwait, wait! What are you two doing!?"
Both of them grabbed Tanaka's collar, their faces contorted with fury.
"You jerk, give that 'Father' title back to us!!"
"We had such high expectations for you, how could you disappoint us like this?!"
Realizing what was happening, Tanaka snapped, "Damn it! These snacks could make even a dog wag its tail, what good are they to you two?!"
The three of them rolled around on the floor in a chaotic mess.
A few moments later, they all sat up, panting heavily, glaring at each other.
"By the way, isn't it already midnight?"
"Doesn't that mean Steins;Gate is already starting?"
"Quick, quick!"
The three of them jumped to their feet, putting on cheerful smiles.
Tanaka quickly turned on the TV, set it up, and within moments, they found Steins;Gate.
"Wow, technology has really come a long way!"
"Back in the day, we'd have to watch it on a computer, right?"
"Yeah, but only Tanaka's house has this kind of setup!" Tanaka smirked, basking in his friend's praise.
The page loaded quickly, and the option to watch episodes 1-12 flashed brightly on the screen.
"Ohhh! So it's releasing all 12 episodes at once!!"
"This is amazing!"
"I've never heard of something like this before, it's awesome!"
The three of them marveled, and Tanaka didn't hesitate to start the first episode.
As the episode began to load, Tanaka casually passed out soda to the others.
"Thanks." The screen displayed the opening scenes.
A flickering black-and-white screen appeared, lines stretching and expanding across the frame.
The world has a beginning but no endInfinite.
Planets have a beginning but will inevitably reach their demiseFinite.
It's said that the wisest among us are often the most foolish.
This could be the last ultimatum given by God to those who resist.
Simple words, but they captivated the imaginations of the boys.
"Hey, this opening seems kinda interesting?"
"Of course, it's Sensei's work, isn't it supposed to be interesting?"
"Stop messing around, pay attention!"
Just a few seconds later...
"What's 'elpsycongroo'?"
"And what's this 'organization'is it some kind of secret group?"
The boys were intrigued but confused by the mysterious words, feeling a mix of awe and embarrassment.
As the story unfolded, they suddenly realized something.
"Wait... is the main character... a bit of a chunibyo?"
"Probably..."
His real name is Okabe Rintaro, but he insists on calling himself Hououin Kyouma.
While it sounds cool, it just makes the people watching cringe!
And the bizarre endings, the imaginary organizations... everything about it made them want to roll on the floor in embarrassment.
"Ah, I get it now! No wonder Sensei said this was his 'chunibyo soul' acting up!"
Because the main character's behavior was extremely chunibyo!
"So, is this the Steins;Gate choice? Is this where the title comes from?"
"Wait, did Sensei really name it like that? It feels a bit rushed..."
"But the opening was really weird. One second someone's getting killed, and then the next moment, the scene jumps to something completely different!"
"I don't really get it."
"Well, let's keep watching, Sensei did say the anime doesn't really start until episode 12, right?"
"True."
At first, they could reassure each other and keep pushing through the boring parts. But as the plot went on, they started to get more and more disinterested.
Sure, there were some interesting bits, but nothing that really made them want to keep watching.
"I don't know... is this getting kind of boring?" Tabata said after watching six episodes.
Tadakuni nodded. "Yeah, it's kinda boring. Honestly, I think I'd rather be doing homework."
"No, no, let's not do homework," Tabata quickly rejected, standing up. "So, how about we go do something fun?"
Without hesitation, Tanaka refused, "No way!"
"Wait, are you seriously planning to finish the rest of the episodes?"
"Well, we've watched six episodes already. Might as well finish what we started!" Tanaka said confidently.
