Ch. 321Preparation
Key Plot Points and Events
- The chapter focuses on a meeting at YUKI Studio, led by Gu Xue, to discuss the studio's recent developments and upcoming projects.
- Small Company, a merchandise company acquired by YUKI Studio, is discussed. Its staff has been retained, and the Nendoroid series is in development.
- Gu Xue announces her plans for the new anime project, including the roles of key staff and the involvement of newcomers and experienced animators.
Character Developments
- Gu Xue is serious and focused on her work, but also has moments of levity, such as teasing her sister, Gu Rou.
- Gu Rou is professional and responsible, serving as a stark contrast to Sato Eii's distracted demeanor.
- Misawa Hiroshi is uncomfortable with the gender imbalance in the studio and is assigned the role of deputy director for the new project.
- Sato Eii is assigned the role of character designer and animation director for the final three episodes, much to her surprise and dismay.
Significant Themes
- The chapter highlights the professionalism and responsibility required in managing an animation studio, as well as the importance of delegation and teamwork.
- The theme of gender balance in the workplace is briefly touched upon through Misawa Hiroshi's discomfort.
Character Interactions
- Gu Xue and Gu Rou have a sisterly dynamic, with Gu Xue teasing Gu Rou and Gu Rou being patient and professional.
- Gu Xue and Misawa Hiroshi have a mutual understanding, with Gu Xue acknowledging his thoughts about the studio's gender imbalance.
- Gu Xue and Sato Eii have a mentor-mentee relationship, with Gu Xue assigning Sato Eii challenging roles and expressing her displeasure with Sato Eii's past behavior.
- Gu Xue and Mihara Chisa seem to have had a falling out, as hinted at by the other characters' reactions and Gu Xue's avoidance of looking at Mihara Chisa.