It's spring.
And practically a year to the day since I joined Eagle Jump.
I'm well and used to the company by now.
Hi, I'm Suzukaze Aoba. Feel free to ask me for help.
And now, it's my turn to take a fresh batch of new hires under my wing!
Good morning. Something on your mind?
Toyama-san! Good morning!
It's just, the thought of being a role model for the new hires gave me butterflies.
But we're not hiring anybody new this year.
Huh?
What?!
I'm sorry. We're just not that big a company.
Of all the embarrassing things to be caught doing...
Don't worry. I won't tell anyone.
Oh. Can I get you something to drink?
That would be great, thanks.
May I have some coffee? With milk and sugar, please.
Got it.
Yagami-san? Did you stay the night?
Morning...
I had something I wanted to finish up.
I seem to recall a similar situation exactly one year ago.
A year ago?
Right... I guess it's April already.
I've gotten desensitized to seeing Yagami-san in her underwear!
What's wrong?
C-Could you please put something on already?
Huh? You weren't complaining a second ago!
Good morning. Want some too, Ko-chan?
Sure, thanks!
Aoba, you taking your coffee black?
Huh? Well, no.
Black coffee tastes bad, so mine has milk and sugar.
Oh? So you have matured a bit.
Good morning!
Oh, good morning.
Today's the day the new hires arrive, right?
Gotta make sure I keep my cool this year!
Huh?
Hi, I'm Shinoda Hajime. If you need anything, just ask!
Oh, please, call me Hajime-san.
Or something like that.
Hajime-san, were you watching me earlier?
Huh? Watching what?
Mornin'.
Morning, Yun.
What's this I hear? New hires?
Yeah. Just making sure we don't let our nerves get to us.
Um, actually...
N-New people?
Oh, good morning, Hifumi-senpai.
What if they're awful?
I-I-I don't know what I'd do!
It's okay! We're not actually taking anyone this year.
Shucks. Just Hajime jumpin' the gun, huh?
I'm torn between disappointment and relief.
Meanin' Aoba-chan's still the youngest and newest here.
No kidding.
Ko-chan, don't you think you should get dressed already?
Oh, shoot! I totally forgot.
Didja stay the night again, Yagami-san?
We're not even that busy right now.
All we're doing is helping out other teams.
I wanted to reach a good stopping point.
It's best to get what we can out of the way before our next project starts.
When d'you think they'll figure out our next project?
Hazuki-san's running late with her part.
Upsy-daisy.
Say, Mozuku-chan.
Any idea what kind of game your owner has in mind?
Has anyone here seen Hazuki-san?
Good morning, Umiko-san.
Hazuki-san should be here already. Especially seeing as Mozuku-chan is here.
Well, this is a problem.
I wanted her feedback on the new prototype as soon as possible.
What's the rush?
We'll be busy enough once the project starts.
Now's our chance to kick back and have some fun.
I could say the same to you.
I see you stayed overnight working again.
Incidentally, I also had an all-nighter recently, playing airsoft in the mountains.
B-Bundle of energy, aren't you?
I hear ya, though. I'm down to have some fun before it gets busy again.
It ain't like you need an excuse.
But, wow...
Our new game is just around the corner!
Aoba, hold still.
What say we have a cherry blossom viewing tomorrow?
Cherry Blossom Viewing Tomorrow!!
This isn't good.
One last push and I'll be done, but I'm just not feeling it,
so I've barely made any...
T-Takimoto-kun is smiling! S-So cute!
Ahem. Quite the lively talk, here.
Ah, Hazuki-san.
Good morning.
So what's this discussion about?
Hajime-san suggested we experiment with models that are easier to animate.
Hifumi-senpai was coming up with all these ideas like you wouldn't believe!
It was... nothing special...
I'm sorry. I couldn't help it, you were so cute.
It's just, you've gotten so much more expressive, Takimoto-kun.
I think that's great.
Thank you...
By the way, we were talking about it earlier,
but what's the new game shaping up to be like?
I've had Umiko-kun working on a prototype based on preliminary specs
so we could try out some ideas, but it's been difficult.
I see.
Really, if any of you can bring in a good enough proposal,
it could very well be accepted.
Huh? Really?
Then I vote we do a hero team!
Though a magical girl game is tempting, too.
Is that all ya think about?
What about you, Yun?
I reckon somethin' more serious sounds good.
I think I'd still go with fantasy.
When anything's on the table, it can be hard to decide.
And you, Takimoto-kun?
Huh?!
I...
agree with Aoba-chan...
Do you? Stick to what we know and keep doing fantasy, then?
Oh, yeah! We're going cherry blossom viewing tomorrow.
We're invitin' some other teams, too. 'Course, you're also welcome, Hazuki-san.
I'd be happy to join in. I'll even bring some goodies.
Yay!
Goodies!
Target acquired!
Now, how should I surprise her?
She spotted me?!
I-It couldn't be! Not at this distance, for sure....
Must have been a coincidence.
Huh? She's gone.
Hello?
Found you.
Such a novice mistake, taking your eyes off your target.
Wh-Where are you?!
Behind you.
Bang.
Wrong side.
Come on!
Mmm, yummy...
I see you haven't changed.
That red bean sundae looks good, too!
Would you like some?
Can I?!
Okay, ah!
Well, I'll just think of it like feeding an animal.
Mmm, yum...
Okay, your turn!
I'm fine, thank you.
Huh? Don't tell me you're embarrassed?
I most certainly am not.
Really?
All right, fine. I'll have some.
Then say, "Ah!"
Too slow! Yoink!
I was just kidding! I didn't mean it, okay?
So, what is it that you wanted my help with?
I'm afraid I won't be of much help if it's about your college studies.
It's not that.
Um, promise you won't laugh?
I might, depending.
You meanie!
Single Player Two Player Quit
A game?
You made this?
Yep! Ain't it something?
Single Player Two Players Quit
Well, the art is sure something.
Cut me some slack! I can't draw.
But it actually runs and everything, see?
You can jump and even attack.
It crashed again!
I take it you want help with programming,
which is why you called me.
Before, I couldn't even get it to start.
But once it gets going, it seems to work fine.
Come over here, and let me have a look.
Sure thing!
Right here. Do you see it?
It was stuck in an infinite loop!
I see. Spotted like a true pro!
Do you enjoy programming?
I dunno. It's pretty hard.
But I think I sort of understand how Aocchi feels now.
It's not the same as drawing,
but it's neat watching your creation come together.
Plus, now I kinda get how programmers feel when they pray that nobody finds any bugs.
You never considered that while debugging?
Though, if anything, it's more worrying when none are found at all.
Oh? Really?
It's only natural to have bugs.
Fixing them and improving the product are all part of the workflow.
Having none at all is irregular.
I see. So it's okay to have bugs.
That makes me feel better.
Of course, a bug this elementary speaks to your skill level.
Yeah, I know!
Anyway, show me again once you've made some more progress.
Does this mean I have potential?
You take things far too positively.
Oh, and don't tell Aocchi. At least not until I finish this game.
Yes, all right.
I used to be... too tense to show my feelings...
but I did my best to change... and people saw that,
Sojiro.
And you, Takimoto-kun?
Huh?!
I...
agree with Aoba-chan...
But... I couldn't bring myself... to voice my own opinion.
I have to stop... making that face!
My thoughts on the last project's development?
That's right.
Every April, we ask employees for feedback regarding their work over the past year.
What went well, what could have gone better, or even your goals for the future.
Anything you want to say?
U-Um... Will anything I say here negatively impact my performance report?
N-No, of course not!
Then...
Why is our team only women?
So you've caught on.
Still, don't you think it's better this way?
S-So it's all a matter of your preferences?
Not at all! Our hiring practices are based on skill and personality!
The team happened to end up all female!
You and your silly jokes, Hazuki-san!
Ah, but say we let men in, and one of them snatches Yagami from you.
Could you live with that, Toyama-kun?
We're not talking about me right now!
Do you have any other thoughts, Suzukaze-kun?
Yes. Um...
It was a privilege to help out under my role model, Yagami-san.
I couldn't have asked for more from this past year.
I only hope I'll be able to contribute even more
and create all sorts of characters, not just villagers.
I see.
Although, you can be greedier, you know.
Greedier? You mean about my salary?
Well, that's important, too.
Things to improve on?
Personally, I think everything went pretty well this time around.
The two of you had great chemistry and made for a good team.
That's for sure. Rin was always there to save my neck.
But there's no telling when our relationship might change.
Huh?
Ko-chan!
I-If you ever find someone you want to marry, please be honest with me!
That's just how life goes, I know!
Huh?
Looks like the no-men policy stays.
My... goals?
Um...
Uh...
I... want to overcome... my social anxiety...
Attagirl! You show 'em!
Please take this seriously.
U-Um...
Yesterday... I said I wanted the same genre as Aoba-chan...
but I'd actually prefer a more modern setting...
or maybe... a stylish sort of world...
That's... all...
Oh goodness, I'm sorry.
Relax. I was just surprised.
Good on you for telling me. Thank you.
We'll take it into consideration.
R-Right...
Could you save that for after the meeting?
Ah, yes. Takimoto-kun, any interest in being character team leader?
For the next project, Toyama-kun's moving up to producer and Yagami-kun to art director.
So we're looking for someone else to lead the character team.
N-No one's forcing you, don't worry.
I think she was too shocked to absorb any of that.
Myself, the lead programmer?
That seems like the sensible assignment.
If only you could give Takimoto-kun half the self-assurance you have.
I'm not sure how I'd do that,
but I'll take the role of lead under one condition.
What's that?
Each time you change the specs, I get to punish you....
with a forehead flick.
B-But we can't not update the specs!
Would you rather release a bad game?
I am well aware of that.
I simply want you to make changes responsibly.
You're always waltzing into our cubicles, gleefully announcing, "New design specs!"
But have you considered how we feel, knowing we'll have to rewrite our code?
Knowing it's another night at the office?
Who knew that under that stern face
you were so sweet and caring toward your teammates, Umiko-chan?
Would you prefer this?
I'll take the forehead flick!
I'll be overseeing the project too, this time,
so I won't let things get too out of hand.
And as far as I'm concerned, being flicked on the forehead by a girl is a reward!
Even if it's from you, Umiko-kun.
Then we have an agreement.
I, Hazuki Shizuku, had no idea then that I would come to rue the day
that I blithely agreed to have my forehead flicked.
I've brought a game proposal!
A proposal?
Go To Five
Game Proposal
Oh, it came up in our discussion yesterday.
But I didn't expect anyone to complete one overnight.
I'm afraid this won't cut it.
Figures...
Do you know why this won't work?
Well, I knew we'd never do a hero team project.
I just couldn't let it go.
Yes, you're right.
But this proposal clearly shows your passion.
That part is very important.
What's your target demographic?
I imagined it as being for kids,
but I guess the battle system is more for older players.
So you're saying I should focus on one audience!
Right. That would help.
Can I bring this to you again?
Of course. I personally thought the battle system was well done,
so I'd like you to expand on that.
You got it!
You know we can't accept every proposal that's good.
I'll make sure she doesn't disrupt anything.
Well, I got twin younger siblings, a brother and sister.
Hearin' them say the game was fun sure put a smile on my heart.
I'm glad to hear that.
Also, I'm mighty awed by how both Aoba-chan and Hajime have goals
and interests they're pursuin'.
Meanwhile...
here I more or less happened upon this job,
so I ain't so sure I belong.
Do you dislike your current position?
Oh, no, that ain't it!
I'm still learnin', but I like animals and monsters, so it's fun.
None of us have a bad word to say about your work or passion.
So I really think you shouldn't sell yourself short.
I know it can be difficult to figure out what you want to do,
but I hope you'll at least stay with us until then.
You're as valuable a member of the team as anyone.
Right...
And that does it.
Yes, that's everyone.
They were all so cute.
They've grown into quite the fine team,
don't you think?
Yes, of course.
And this cute team of yours is waiting for the new project to begin.
Right. Well, I'm in a good mood to be productive.
So, the cherry blossom viewing's tonight.
I wonder what I should bring.
You'll be staying till you finish your work.
A shame, I know.
You're kidding!
I made us some food.
Please, help yourselves.
Wow, it looks delicious!
I bought some sushi.
I didn't have the chance to cook like Toyama-kun.
Wow! Talk about a treat!
I just brought some sweets.
I brought... some sake...
Cheers!
So good!
Mmm, so good! Your cooking is the best, Rin!
Say that one more time.
Huh? Why?
Just because!
Ooh, this looks good, too!
Huh?
That fatty tuna is mine!
Hey! There aren't enough for everyone!
You snooze, you lose.
Fine! Then the sea urchin's mine!
And one for you, Aoba. For your one-year anniversary.
Huh? For me?
Oh, no... Wasabi. Now what?
Whoops. Can't handle wasabi?
N-No, I can handle it just fine!
Oh, really?
This is nothing!
Aoba-chan, it ain't no shame to admit it.
Hazuki-san,
I trust you haven't forgotten our little conversation.
Remember... Each time you change the specs...
Bang.
A flick! We agreed to a forehead flick!
Here's version two of my proposal!
Go To Five
I took the battle concept to the next level!
Huh? You revised it already?
Now both the hero and villain teams have five members—so everyone has a rival!
It'll be double the fun!
Okay, great, just try not to get ahead of yourself.
All right! Attention, please!
I know everyone's having fun, but it's about time we wrapped it up.
I'd like to close with a very important announcement.
An important announcement?
I wonder what it is.
Our next project's specifications are just about finalized.
As such, we're planning to hold another character design competition.
Let your imaginations flow free, and present your own visions
of characters that fit the design specs.
Huh? So whoever's designs are chosen...
They will, of course, become the project's character designer.
A-And I'm allowed to participate too, right?
Why wouldn't you be?
Ko-chan entered right after joining the company,
and her designs ended up being chosen for Fairies Story.
Th-Then I'll give it a shot, too!
I'll put forth everything I have!
I expect great things, Suzukaze-kun.
Right!
The whole reason I joined this company
was that I wanted to become a character designer like Yagami-san.
So I'm not gonna pass up any opportunity.
This is my dream, after all!