It's finally...
It's finally time for the year-end grind!
The year-end grind happens because the editors take a good chunk of time off
for the New Year's holiday so they become heartless slave drivers
to make sure the manga artists turn their manuscripts in on time.
We'll have to start getting our work done a little earlier.
We've got this!
You're sure being optimistic.
Well, I mean...
"Godansha Thank You Party" Well, I mean...
"Godansha Thank You Party" That's because the Godansha year-end party awaits!
Sensei, take me to the party!
Don't say that like you're Minami-chan from Touch!
I'm not even going. It's a pain in the ass.
Don't cry like Minami-chan either!
Well, there goes my motivation if we're not going to the party.
What's the point?
Wh-Why do you guys want to go that much?
We're usually cooped up here while we work...
But when we're invited to the party,
we get to feel like we actually belong to this industry!
--So please, take us!
--Okay, okay, just let go of me! --So please, take us!
Oh, the party's not happening.
Huh?
They cut costs due to the publishing recession,
so they just rented out an izakaya and
karaoke place this year to have a humble gathering.
An izakaya and karaoke...
They're probably going to be really disappointed,
but it's not like it's my fault.
I'm back.
Sensei, isn't it so exciting?!
A hotel party!
I even bought a party dress!
And I bought a digital camera!
Yes, I have a secret.
It's the fact...
...that there's no party.
Come forth and bloom, flowers, and catch the fragments of dreams
The future you wished for will soon, yes, bloom into spring
Beneath the sunset, two shadows
Sit on swings and blend into the sky
The higher I go from the momentum
See, the higher my happiness rushes up, too
These ordinary days
The only thing we awkwardly have in common is the fact that we can't be honest with each other
I keep the words I want to say a secret as I look up at the sky
May the wind blow and color this world and your smile shine
Don't be afraid and take the universe that's filled up both of your hands
Come forth and bloom, flowers, and catch the fragments of dreams
Start heading towards the future you wished for
Morning.
Good morning, Daddy.
The Christmas tree...
Want me to help you put everything away?
Huh? Did I bring out the decorations too early?
Nope! Not early at all! It's already December.
Oh, okay.
That was close...
I just finished the Christmas chapter last week,
so it felt like it was already over.
I even put up a chandelier.
That's... actually a disco ball.
Huh? It's not a chandelier?
Well, I've never seen one before.
You probably just don't remember, but I think you've seen a smaller one in town.
Oh...
I'd love to see a big chandelier.
"Your Lie in December"
But there is a big chandelier!
At the party venue... a giant one.
You'll be able to show Hime-chan if you take her.
Yeah, that's not happening.
Of course not. She'd find out that you're a manga artist.
We'll just have to get an eyeful for her!
I'll get a high-res picture for her!
Sorry, but you guys won't be seeing the chandelier either.
By the way, what's that for?
Reference.
This chapter involves New Year's, doesn't it?
I sometimes forget what timeline I'm in.
Well, it's not even Christmas yet IRL.
Having Christmas come again when it was over for me weeks ago...
I almost feel like a time traveler.
Wow, I can't wait!
I hope Christmas comes soon!
You sound like a kid, Daddy. It's still a bit away.
My acting is perfect. Hime will never find out that I'm a time traveler.
Daddy?
Huh? Uh, er it'll be here in no time!
It's Shiwasu, after all!
Shiwasu?
"Shiwasu" Shiwasu?
"Shiwasu" The old term for December. It signifies a time where even senseis are in a hurry.
Oh, really? Senseis?
You're right. Sensei is really running.
I mean, Ichiko-sensei's always running, though.
Does that mean everyone running around right now is a sensei?
Yeah, I'm sure all the people running around right now are senseis.
So senseis like schoolteachers?
--Huh?
--Well, a lot of people are referred to as "Sensei." --Huh?
--Well, a lot of people are referred to as "Sensei."
"Doctors (Sensei)"
Like doctors, politicians, artists...
"Politicians (Sensei)" "Doctors (Sensei)" Like doctors, politicians, artists...
"Artists (Sensei)" "Politicians (Sensei)" "Doctors (Sensei)" Like doctors, politicians, artists...
...and manga artists.
Sensei, hurry!
"Nomurazaka46 Fair" Sensei, hurry!
"Nomurazaka46 Fair" Sensei! There's one miraculously left!
"Nomurazaka46 Fair" You sure are lucky, Sensei!
There sure are a lot of people with the nickname "Sensei."
Well, it's often used as an insult.
Editors calling manga artists "Sensei" is definitely out of spite.
You're not done yet, Sensei?
What? Our great sensei only managed the minimal amount of pages?
It actually only gets used in an insulting way.
O-Oh, really... Goto-san?
You guys are fine calling me that.
"The Virtuoso of Motoyawata" "The Virtuoso of Nishiogikubo" You guys are fine calling me that.
"The Virtuoso of Motoyawata" "The Virtuoso of Nishiogikubo" And once you become a veteran,
"The Virtuoso of Motoyawata" "The Virtuoso of Nishiogikubo" it goes a level higher and they call you "Virtuoso."
"The Virtuoso of Motoyawata" "The Virtuoso of Nishiogikubo" And in that instance, they usually add a geographical location to the title.
Editors are a bunch of elitists...
So they're always looking down on manga artists!
Are you sure you're not just imagining you're the victim here?
Of course not!
You would never call a true virtuoso "Virtuoso" to their face!
Heya!
How ya doin', Virtuoso?
This is exactly what I was talking about!
Even then, I hope someone calls me "Sensei" someday.
I totally understand. I mean, we're a bunch of nameless assistants.
But... we'll always have...
...that one event where we almost feel like we're senseis, as well...
The year-end party!
Oh, you haven't heard yet?
Don't!
Now you've done it!
What did I do?!
I can't.
Motivation zero.
I've lost my will to live.
"Waaaaaah" I've lost my will to live.
"Waaaaaah" There's no party!
"Waaaaaah" What's this chocolate fountain made of tears?
An instant decline in their motivation...
We won't be able to get through the year-end grind like this.
Here's the one and only way you can regain our motivation.
Huh?
It's this...
It's to go to Chugakukan's party!
Say what?
They're still having a hotel party.
Uh, I haven't done work for them in forever, though.
Not to mention my previous editors there have probably switched departments.
"Fashion" "Kids' books" "Sales" "Different company" Not to mention my previous editors there have probably switched departments.
I'm sure no one even knows who I am there.
It'd be super awkward.
You'll be able to take Hime-chan.
I mean, if they don't know who you are,
they won't be able to tell that you're a manga artist.
You'll be able to show Hime-chan that huge chandelier.
And you'll be able keep your dignity as a father saying that you work
at a company that throws a party that big.
My dignity... as a father...
Wow, you're amazing, Daddy!
Okay, everyone! We're going to Chugakukan's party!
Yay!
Let's go!
Sensei, this is a trap...
This is probably pretty risky.
I want to go, too.
Are you stupid?
If an editor from another publisher showed up, they'd be weirded out.
Weirded out? Why, though?
They'd think you're there to steal some of their writers and artists.
Hey! That's the perfect opportunity for me to make a name for myself!
Take me with you!
Like hell I would.
Not to mention, both events are on the same day.
Why wouldn't you go to your own company's gathering?
Why would I want to go to a lame izakaya or karaoke place?
Shut your stupid mouth!
"Weekly Shonen Mangazine"
Goto-sensei's not coming, either?
It's going to look bad if people don't show up.
I don't care who, just make sure someone shows up.
Oh, you don't care who it is?
There's going to be a chandelier?
Yup. There's going to be a party for my company
so you should come with me, Hime.
Party?
So like party people?! We're going to be party people?!
Yeah, I guess that makes us party people, too.
Can we take Nadila-san, too? She likes lively things.
Huh?
Of course.
Well, I'm going to show up with work friends,
so we'll have Nadila-san take you and we can meet up.
'Kay!
"The day of the party"
Hime-sama, as soon as I take these in, we can go to the party.
Okay, I'll go get ready.
Nadila-san.
CEO?
Here, have a party invitation.
I'd love for you to come!
Oh, this is for Goto-san's...
Oh, you already heard about it? Well, I'll be waiting for you!
They're late.
They're not around the cloakroom, either.
I knew I should've come with her!
Where are you, Hime?!
"Karaoke and Parties" "Quesella Resorts"
Over here! I've been waiting for you!
Nadila-san!
Hello.
Huh? You came, too, Hime-chan?
"The Virtuoso of Daikanyama" Huh? You came, too, Hime-chan?
"The Virtuoso of Daikanyama" Does that mean...?
Are you coming here, too, Goto-sensei?
Hime's over there?!
Yup!
Oh, thank goodness!
Wait, there's nothing good about that!
If Hime goes to the Mangazine party, she'll find out I'm a manga artist!
Sensei!
A chandelier...
Hey, so I was right.
Oh? Hewwo?
Your daddy's nearby.
He is?
Hime!
"Shiwasu" Hime!
"Shiwasu" Daddy's... running.
Daddy.
Hime!
So you're a sensei, Daddy?
She found out!
N-No! You've got it all wrong!
I'm not a sensei at all!
But you were just running...
That's right...
--Huh?
--He's no sensei... --Huh?
--He's no sensei...
He's a virtuoso.
He's not a sensei. He's a virtuoso!
Am I right, you absolute virtuoso?
What's a virtuoso?
"Department Chief" "Virtuoso" What's a virtuoso?
"Department Chief" "Virtuoso" I-It's one of the titles you get at work
"Department Chief" "Virtuoso" and it's like a department chief or section chief.
Ah... But...
...if you're not a sensei, you shouldn't be running.
Yes, ma'am.
I hope he comes back soon.
We can't get into the party...
"Chugakukan Comics Social"
Well? Here's that huge chandelier I wanted to show you, Hime.
Wow.
But this is actually Cinderella.
Huh?
This is too nice, so it's actually Cinderella.
Er, I mean... They sound alike, but...
Well, it looks like Cinderella's dress.
Yeah, but...
I totally get it. I thought that was called Cinderella when I was little, too.
I wonder if that's just a girl thing.
Why are you here?
I just followed you guys in.
But you really shouldn't be here.
Goto-sensei forgot something, so I came to deliver it...
That's just an act. I'm actually here to score myself a winner!
You're thinking out loud again.
Not to mention how are you going to be able to pick out
"Designer, Publisher, Bookstore owner, Editor" Not to mention how are you going to be able to pick out
"Designer, Publisher, Bookstore owner, Editor" the manga artists in this crowd?
Well, I mean, all the dingy ones must be manga artists.
He actually said that just now.
They could be assistants, too.
Oh, it's easy to tell them apart.
Publishers can't leave popular manga artists all by themselves,
so they always make sure their editor is with them.
The editors are on the side hosting the party, so they're required to wear suits.
Therefore...
...the dingy-looking guys who are guarded by people
dressed in suits are the popular manga artists.
She actually said that just now.
She sure did.
You say dingy-looking guys,
but the popular artists in shonen magazines lately are women.
You really don't have a filter, do you?
And when it comes to female artists
you'll probably see a lot of them in frilly dresses that don't match their age.
I see!
So I need to find some frilly dresses guarded by people in suits!
Found one!
Would you please consider working for our magazine--
Oh...
Dearie me...
A frilly dress guarded by a guy in a suit...
So, hey...
"Whoosh" So, hey...
"Whoosh" You forgot this.
--Come with me!
--Eek! --Come with me!
I can't believe I got yelled at so much as an adult!
I mean, it's totally your fault.
No, no! It's totally Goto-sensei's fault!
It's not fair that he's wearing a suit when he's a manga artist!
Manga artists should look dingy like they're supposed to!
On the other hand, it's probably good that you ran into Goto-sensei.
If you ran into an actual popular manga artist and their editor,
you would've gotten your ass beat.
He sort of looked familiar...
But I can't remember why.
You always need to be careful around strangers.
Well, I at least know his name.
See?
"Satsuki Tomaruin" See?
"Satsuki Tomaruin" Crap! She actually took his business card!
It looks like he works for a company that makes books.
But... I wouldn't be able to do it.
I'm not as cute like Senda-chan.
Sorry, what?
I wouldn't be able to be a magazine model.
A magazine model...
I see. She thinks she was scouted to be a magazine model.
You're absolutely adorable, so you'd definitely have a chance, Hime.
You don't need to say that just to be nice.
I'm not, though.
How about I hold onto that business card until you change your mind?
'Kay. Here.
Here. Here. Here. Here.
Talent agencies and kids' magazines!
You mean people actually did scout her?!
When though?!
Did I drag Hime into a forest full of hungry wolves?
"Shonen Saturday"
This may be a party for the comics department,
"Shonen Saturday" but as long as there are gravure spreads in comic magazines...
Talent agencies who deal with gravure idols!
TV station people who deal with anime and live-action versions of manga!
This is basically a Sabbath of evil spirits!
This isn't a happy little place with just manga artists and editors.
Then again...
...in the end, all manga artists are just lolicons!
We're going home, Hime!
These are Tomaruin's!
--Come with me!
--Eek! --Come with me!
--Eek! --It must've happened then.
There's a spy here from Godansha!
Crap!
They've got some nerve crashing our party!
They're trying to steal our talent! Find them! Find this Tomaruin from Godansha!
Hime, you wait right there.
Make sure you don't take any more business cards.
Tomaruin!
Eek!
Please don't yell at me anymore!
They figured out you're here.
Chugakukan's going to wring your neck.
No way! What did I even do?!
You did plenty!
Anyway, get the hell outta here before they find you.
Yeah, that's not happening.
They've got all the exits blocked.
They haven't figured out what he looks like yet though, right?
Yeah, well...
You can definitely see his face on his Facebook page.
"Satsuki Tomaruin's Mr. Summer Night" Pretty sure they know what he looks like by now.
"Satsuki Tomaruin's Mr. Summer Night" Checkmate, I guess.
Let them wring your neck.
No way!
There's one definite way out of here.
Just act like you're a manga artist.
A manga artist?
Yes... I see.
They wouldn't check manga artists that closely even if they looked suspicious.
All right.
"Free merch" All right.
"Free merch" Go grab some merchandise we can use!
And done!
He's totally a manga artist!
Definitely a manga artist!
Am I just imagining some shade being thrown at me as well?
Wait, this is no time to joke around!
We need to hurry up and get him out of here.
Sensei... You may be harsh with me at times, but deep down inside,
I guess you do care about me!
If he gets caught, I'll probably be held responsible for it!
Hurry up and go!
Right!
I need to get Hime out of here!
Before any of those creepers get their hands on her!
That manga artist,
as well as that one...
...must be some kind of pervert!
His eyes... It's as though he's a hunter eyeing his prey...
There's no doubt about it.
You're Tomaruin, aren't you?!
Wait, you've got the wrong g--
"Satsuki Tomaruin" Wait, you've got the wrong g--
"Satsuki Tomaruin"
So you are him!
"Satsuki Tomaruin" That's the business card I took from Hime earlier.
"Satsuki Tomaruin" Er, that's...
We found him! Over here!
Don't let that Godansha creep get away!
Hime-chan, let's go over there.
Who are you?
I'm Goto-sense-- I'm one of Chief Goto's subordinates.
"Grab" "Crush" I'm Goto-sense-- I'm one of Chief Goto's subordinates.
"Grab" "Crush" You've got some nerve, showing your face around here, you Godansha bastard!
"Grab" "Crush" N-No, I'm... I'm...
...a manga artist!
You liar!
No manga artist would show up in a suit!
"Squish" "Poke"
Now they're gonna arrest the wrong guy,
and Chugakukan is gonna wring my neck.
What's going on here?
Ah, Goto-kun. It's been a while.
Osewani-san... It has been a while.
You know, he draws "Underwear in the Wind."
That's Tights...
"Chugakukan Comics Social" That's Tights...
"Chugakukan Comics Social" We're so terribly sorry!
We'll pay for your suit.
Oh, don't worry about it.
You can wear this for now.
"Ma"
Hey, a manga artist.
Shut up!
Well, if I just wear a coat over this, Hime won't be able to tell.
I need to hurry up and get Hime out of here!
Rasuna-chan's watching over her over there.
Hime!
Oh, Goto-sensei.
Huh?
So this is where you were?
And what brings you two here?
We just dropped by to say hi.
"Same here" "Sales are way down"
Is that even okay? You're the editors of Mangazine...
"Same here" "Sales are way down" Well, considering the times...
We don't really have time to fight. The higher-ups always meet up.
Why did I even go through this then?
It gets really cold at night, doesn't it, Daddy?
I-It sure does...
Did you forget your coat?
Sensei's coat sure is warm!
That bastard...
Want to borrow my scarf?
Don't worry, I'm fine.
More importantly, did you have fun today?
Yeah! That Cinderella was amazing!
It was really big, sparkly, and amazing!
I see.
What's the matter?
Look over there!
Wow!
That's even more amazing than Cinderella!
It's like a super Cinderella!
I'm going to continue keeping this a secret to protect that smile.
I won't let her find out
that I'm a manga artist.
"Shiji Bookstore"
Hello.
"Manga Artists Who Disappeared"
That'll be 800 yen.
"Manga Artists Who Disappeared" "Ichiro Tanaka" "Kakushi Goto" "Minami Hatake"
"Kakushi Goto"
"Shiji Bookstore"
Thank you very much.
That's a lie.
A smirk forms on your face
Your expression hints that you're plotting something
Because you were concealing any hints
Of our parting within your pocket
My memories are in monochrome
Please give them color
Come to my side once again
And bring some fun to my life, my lovely
Color Girl
Sensei, are you going to die?!
Why don't we write a prayer to wish your father a speedy recovery?
Manga artists who go overseas during the New Year's holiday
"I"S (Izu)" Manga artists who go overseas during the New Year's holiday
"I"S (Izu)" are all pieces of shit!