So many geniuses in anime! What's wrong with me joining?

"Listen to me, little Shi!"

"Mhm, go ahead, I'm listening."

"Have you ever heard of DanMachi and its author, Yukimi Sakura?"

"DanMachi? You don't mean that book, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, the new bestseller Fumikage is pushing lately?" Kasumigaoka Utaha's expression turned serious. She sat up and picked up her phone, seemingly guessing what the other person was about to say.

"Yes, yes, that's the one! Listen," Machida Enko excitedly shared her discovery, "the author of that book will also be attending this gathering! And you won't believe it, they're a student about your age!"

"And their appearance is ridiculously good-looking! Even taller than you! Can you believe it?!"

"So you absolutely have to come this time! Even if it's just to meet them, understand?"

Hmph, this woman is spouting nonsense again. How could there be a writer in the light novel community with better looks than her?

But no matter what the other person looks like, they are a hot new bestseller, and if they're close to my age, there's no harm in meeting them, right?

Without answering her question, Kasumigaoka Utaha stared out the window, lost in thought.

Image: "The Old Fatso Finally Appears", Location: "Images/1755695425-100446961-113748139.jpg"

Volume 1: The Butterfly-Attracting Daily Life: Chapter 58: Are There Any Normal People in the Two-Dimensional World?

On a Saturday in early March, Sakurakoji Talent arrived at a hotel in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, ten minutes early, following the address Machida Enko had sent. Guided by the staff, he took the elevator to the top floor, which had been booked out.

"Welcome, Teacher Yukimi Sakura!"

Machida Enko, standing at the room entrance, saw him and proactively walked over, welcoming him with a beaming smile.

"Miss Machida, it's been a while."

"Oh, it hasn't been that long, has it? Just over a week."

"Has it? I suppose my life has been too eventful lately, it feels like ages. Am I late? My apologies, there was some traffic on the way."

"No~ not at all, it's starting in a little while. You're right on time."

Sakurakoji Talent extended his hand for a handshake, greeting her warmly, then got straight to the point.

"Right, you mentioned last time that someone wanted to introduce themselves to me? Have they arrived yet?"

He wasn't here to actually attend the party. To avoid being surrounded by strangers and falling into an awkward situation, he had deliberately timed his arrival.

"Not yet," Machida Enko said with a hint of helplessness, unable to do anything about his self-willed nature. "But they should be here soon. I've repeatedly urged her to come today, and I just confirmed she's already left."

"Ah, speak of the devil." Catching sight of a figure emerging from the elevator out of the corner of his eye, Machida Enko waved. "Shi, over here!"

In the elevator lobby, Kasumigaoka Utaha casually swept her long, fragrant black hair with her hand and majestically stepped onto the marble floor of the hall.

Seeing Machida Enko waving, she walked directly towards her. At the same time, she took in Sakurakoji Talent's back. Such striking, beautiful white hair. Well-maintained. Is she a new female writer or editor? Kasumigaoka Utaha felt a flicker of doubt, but her steps didn't falter.

"Let me introduce you," Machida Enko said again as Kasumigaoka Utaha reached them, speaking to Sakurakoji Talent. "This is the bestselling young high school writer I told you about, who is about your age. Her pen name is Kasumi Utako, and her real name is Kasumigaoka Utaha!"

Then she turned to Kasumigaoka Utaha, pointing at Sakurakoji Talent. "And this is Teacher Yukimi Sakura, the author of DanMachi, whom I told you about the other day. His real name is Sakurakoji Talent, nicknamed Talent-chan. He's about your age."

She added, "By the way, Talent-chan is a boy, so don't misunderstand. What do you think? Isn't he super—gorgeous?"

Eh?

Kasumigaoka Utaha's purplish-red eyes, distinct from Sakurakoji Talent's, widened slightly, filled with shock. With such beautiful long hair, I thought she was a woman. So he's a man?

She looked at Sakurakoji Talent again in astonishment. After fully taking in his face, which was more beautiful than hers, her pupils constricted, and a choked sob escaped her throat, her surprise deepening.

No, you're telling me this is a man?!

Suddenly recalling what Machida Enko had told her a few days ago, she had an epiphany. She finally understood why Machida Enko had said what she did.

Although somewhat unwilling, she had to admit that what the other person said had some truth to it.

Tch! It's a waste not to be a host with looks like that. Why bother writing light novels! Kasumigaoka Utaha gnawed on her fingernail, slightly displeased.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Sakurakoji Talent. Nice to meet you, Miss Kasumigaoka."

After planning for days, he finally saw his target. Sakurakoji Talent's clear red eyes lit up as he greeted her.

A white headband held back her beautiful, long, straight black hair. Her ample chest seemed to defy gravity, and her curvaceous legs, wrapped in glossy black stockings, were stunning. She had the perfect mature woman's figure.

Besides her flawless appearance, her abilities were also undeniable. Not only had she become a popular bestselling author in high school, but she also consistently maintained her top academic position despite sleeping in class every day… Are you telling me you're not cheating?

Can't you leave any room for ordinary people to live?

However, for Sakurakoji Talent, as long as she appeared, that was enough.

As the saying goes, what's the difference between a Japanese variety show without Kasumigaoka Utaha and Yukinoshita Yukino, and food without salt?

Thinking of their respective spec indexes, Sakurakoji Talent clicked his tongue. Forget it, expecting to see a normal person in a multi-anime world is a luxury in itself. Are there any normal people in the two-dimensional world?

"Hello, me too."

Although she felt a bit annoyed, the other person wasn't wrong. Kasumigaoka Utaha certainly wouldn't take her frustration out on him. Besides, he was the most important reason for her being here, so she couldn't fall out with him so quickly.

However, she still found it hard to believe he was a typical young man. Weren't men his age supposed to be like… that person? Never mind, that would be too rude to him.

They shook hands politely. For a brief half-second, both felt: The other person's hand feels so comfortable, and they instinctively looked away.

Oblivious to the slightly awkward atmosphere between them, Machida Enko maintained her usual smiling expression and moved the conversation forward.

"Alright, alright, we've greeted each other, let's go inside. Everyone else is pretty much here, just you two were missing."

"Hmph~" Hearing this, Kasumigaoka Utaha put on an impatient, weary expression.

"At this point, even if you're impatient, you should still maintain basic manners, little Shi," Machida Enko reminded her.

"...I know, I know, I've got it under control."

The three of them linked hands and walked into the banquet hall. As expected, it was buzzing with activity. Dozens of people were gathered in small groups, forming numerous distinct circles.

"Miss Kasumigaoka, I'm not very good at these kinds of events either, and it's my first time. Could you stay with me for a while later?" Sakurakoji Talent asked quietly, deliberately walking beside her.

"Hm? Yes, of course." A little surprised that he was talking to her, but seeing that he disliked banquets as much as she did, Kasumigaoka Utaha readily agreed, feeling a bit more favorably towards him.

What is it, isn't he just a normal high school student? Even if he does look a bit like an elf.

Although they were both good-looking, they had chosen to take seats discreetly, so they hadn't attracted much attention yet. Machida Enko understood their situation and went ahead on her own to mingle with others, drawing the spotlight and preparing for the opening remarks.

"Speaking of which, are the illustrations for Ms. Yukimi Sakura's work really drawn by herself?"

Seeing that he remained silent, seemingly intimidated by the atmosphere, Kasumigaoka Utaha took the initiative to break the ice, wanting to play the role of the "senpai."

Image: "Beautiful Picture at the End of the Chapter", Location: "Images/1755799378-100446961-113752428.jpg"

Volume 1: The Everyday Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies : Chapter 59: Waiting for Someone at Tokyo Station

"Ah, hi, yes, that's right," Sakurakoji Talent replied, his gaze settling on her as he spoke shyly, "Because of family reasons, I studied some art when I was a child."

"That's amazing. I've read the first volume of DanMachi. Not only is the writing excellent and the story novel, but the illustrations are also incredibly outstanding, like works of art. I can hardly believe it's the work of a newcomer. It almost makes me lose confidence."

Kasumigaoka Utaha sighed, feeling a sense of inadequacy. She doubted if she truly had the right to continue in this industry. Not only was his story more mainstream and appealing, but he even possessed artistic talent. Even from an amateur's perspective, she felt that the quality of DanMachi's illustrations surpassed that of a certain talented acquaintance she knew.

"You flatter me. I also really like your Love Beat. The descriptive strokes are very delicate, especially the portrayal of emotions, which I found absolutely brilliant. I'm really looking forward to your future works," Sakurakoji Talent complimented her with a smile.

"Really? You've read my book too?" Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes widened, and she looked at him with barely concealed anticipation.

"Of course! I'm a huge fan! I've been following it since the first volume, and the fact that I decided to start writing DanMachi is also inseparable from you!"

"Eh?! Is that so?" Hearing this unexpected news, Kasumigaoka Utaha's face flushed. She rubbed her cute, round toes together, feeling somewhat flustered. This news was even more explosive than she had anticipated!

"I see, so you've been following it since the first volume..."

Knowing that the recently renowned newcomer was her fan, her initial nervousness and self-doubt vanished without a trace, replaced by joy and a sense of closeness.

"Yes! The reason I chose to submit to Fumikage Bunko was also because of Ms. Kasumi Utako!"

"I didn't expect the person Editor Machida mentioned to be you. This makes me so happy!" After her excitement subsided, Sakurakoji Talent became shy again. "Um... after this is over, could you give me an autograph in private?"

"No problem!" Kasumigaoka Utaha agreed without hesitation. If she refused now, would she even be human?

"Thank you very much! Senior Kasumi Utako!"

"Senior?" Kasumigaoka Utaha blinked her clear, purplish-red eyes, a little confused.

"Of course! You are not only my guide in writing but also a senior in the industry, so naturally, you are my senior!"

"Or... is that not okay?"

"Ugh!" Sakurakoji Talent's disappointed, exquisitely beautiful face felt like an arrow, instantly piercing her inner defenses, causing her to involuntarily lean back.

"...Of course, it's not not okay. You're right, I am your senior!" The more she thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and she could no longer hide the smile on her face.

Her gaze kept drifting over Sakurakoji Talent. The more she looked, the more satisfied she became. Such an outstanding person, and a huge fan and junior of hers? Who could have imagined this?

Could she have such an excellent follower from now on? Today was definitely not a wasted trip!

"In that case, you can just call me by my name from now on. We're not that far apart in age, are we? Let's get along well from now on." Slightly turning her body to hide her slightly flushed skin, Kasumigaoka Utaha made a decision that would have been unimaginable for her in the past.

"Thank you! Senior Utaha! Then you can just call me Talent from now on too!"

Hearing the familiar address, Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she was reminded of some unrelated memories. She quickly shook her head. What am I thinking about? This has nothing to do with Talent.

Sakurakoji Talent's lips curled into an almost imperceptible arc, like an evil mastermind behind the scenes, as he took in her subtle movements and facial expressions. Very good, just the last step now.

"Um, Senior Utaha..."

"Hm? What is it?" Kasumigaoka Utaha brought her attention back, looking at him with confusion.

"Do you have any illustrators you know well and have worked with long-term?" Sakurakoji Talent asked, feigning hesitation.

"No, I don't. Although I do know an artist, we've never collaborated. Rather... never mind." Kasumigaoka Utaha sighed. That golden retriever bastard... no need to mention it.

"That's great!"

"Hm?"

"Uh, what I mean is, what do you think of my drawing skills?" Sakurakoji Talent said sheepishly, offering an apologetic smile.

"I think your illustrations, Talent-kun, are absolutely brilliant. The first time I saw them, I was completely captivated. I never imagined fantasy characters could be depicted like that, as if they had stepped right out of the story," Kasumigaoka Utaha praised him without reservation. Thinking of the emotion she felt the first time she saw his work, she couldn't help but become engrossed, her gaze growing more appreciative.

"Is that so? Then, could I ask you to let me draw the illustrations for your next work in the future?" Sakurakoji Talent dropped a bombshell.

"?!" Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes widened in surprise, wondering if she had misheard. She stared intently at him. "Talent-kun, what did you say?"

"I said I want to draw the illustrations for your future works, Senior Utaha. What do you think?"

"That would be more than welcome... but is it really okay?"

"Of course. I'm your fan, after all. Drawing illustrations for your work has always been something I wanted to do." Sakurakoji Talent smiled with a sun-like warmth, imitating Ichiji Nijika, dazzling Kasumigaoka Utaha so much she could barely open her eyes.

"What a good kid!"

Kasumigaoka Utaha covered her face, touched to the point of tears. Was this pure, selfless act a gift from the gods?

"So... can we exchange contact information? If you need anything, Senpai, you can contact me anytime."

After a long buildup, Sakurakoji Talent asked seriously, finally revealing the entire Yan country map he had prepared.

"Of course!"

A few days later, on a day in mid-March.

Sakurakoji Talent checked his phone, satisfied with the added contact, while his peripheral vision constantly scanned the seemingly endless crowds in the station.

Heh, a little sharp-tongued older sister, easily captured!

Passersby found it strange that he was standing alone by the wall waiting, but everyone in the city valued their time. They glanced at him before focusing back on the path ahead.

Of course, this was also partly because he deliberately wore large sunglasses and a scarf, covering most of his face.

The time was 17:50, the location was the Marunouchi South Exit of Tokyo Station, specifically the iconic hall with its golden dome. He had arrived twenty minutes early, waiting for a fated person who had missed their stop in Kumamoto Prefecture and was about to arrive here.

Actually, he didn't know the exact day, only that it was mid-March. If that were the case, he might have to wait here endlessly every day.

But fortunately, he could confirm it was today through other clues.

First, the weather forecast. It was already March, and the temperature should have started to rise, ushering in a warm spring. But as expected, the unexpected happened—it had turned cold and snowed today.

Second, he had just seen the latest post from a blogger he had been following for a month. It stated that they would be performing today at 22:00 in the plaza at the Central East Exit of Kawasaki Station.