[Anime Crossover] Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

"She didn't see it?"

Akifumi Mugiho thought back to the girl's response before class.

There was no doubt about it.

"That was obviously a lie."

From her previous apology and their year-long friendship, it was clear they had formed a strong bond.

If the situation were reversed, and Akifumi Mugiho saw Kato collapse unexpectedly, would he just stand by and do nothing? Obviously not.

"So why did she lie to me?"

The reason wasn't hard to figure out.

"Does she not want me to know who it was?"

But then, another question popped up:

"Why wouldn't she want me to know?"

Akifumi Mugiho rubbed his chin, confusion evident on his face.

Bang.

The crisp sound echoed through the now-silent classroom, cutting through the air.

Pfft.Hahaha.

A few students couldn't hold back and burst into laughter.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Then came a series of sharp, rhythmic noises.

The ones who had been laughing were now wincing.

"Ow! That hurts!"

As if contributing to global warming with their chaos, they grumbled quietly.

Akifumi Mugiho, the first victim, rubbed his head. Seeing the others suffer the same fate made him smile. Even the pain on his forehead felt less intense.

"Is it funny, Akifumi?"

A deep voice cut through the room, dripping with anger.

Akifumi Mugiho's expression turned serious. He grabbed the white "bullet" from the desk and stood up immediately.

"Reporting to Cut-Hiratsuka Sensei! It's Not funny at all!!"

Phew, that was close. He almost blurted out "Cute Shizuka".

Standing before him was a woman with long black hair and delicate features that could rival any fictional heroine. However, the frostiness on her face slightly marred her beauty, adding a layer of intimidation.

Still, even like this...

"Cute, I want—"

"Hmm?"

Shizuka's eyes narrowed dangerously.

Akifumi Mugiho immediately shook off the inappropriate thought.

"Hiratsuka sensei, I was wrong!"

To avoid Cute Shizuka's signature iron fist, Akifumi Mugiho swiftly confessed his sins.

"I shouldn't have spaced out in class!!"

Shizuka's anger softened, and she let out a sigh.

Don't ask why Cute Shizuka, who should be at Chiba General High, was suddenly here at Toyogasaki in Chiyoda.

Even I don't know it

"Come to my office after class. Now sit down and pay attention."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Yes! No iron fist today!

Sure, he had to visit the office, but that was a small price to pay.

Class ended quickly.

As Shizuka left the room, the class's suppressed energy erupted into lively chatter.

After waiting a minute, Akifumi Mugiho stood up.

"Good luck"

Kato cheerful encouragement earned her a playful eye-roll. Akifumi Mugiho waved dismissively without turning around.

Come on, it's just Cute Shizuka—what was there to be afraid of?

At the office door, Akifumi Mugiho took a deep breath and looked down at himself.

Clean clothes? Check.

Not a single wrinkle? Perfect.

All buttons fastened? Excellent.

Looking sharp and confident!

Satisfied, he nodded to himself, knocked on the door, and stepped inside.

"Akifumi! You're here!"

"You feeling okay now?"

"Any discomfort? Want me to talk to Hiratsuka sensei and get you a couple more days off?"

"..."

The office was bustling with teachers, and their warm greetings made Akifumi Mugiho smile sheepishly as he politely responded.

"I'm fine now."

"If I actually did that, wouldn't Hiratsuka sensei go berserk?"

Teachers loved good students, and Akifumi Mugiho was one of them.

As last year's top student, his high academic standing earned him their admiration—even if his emotional intelligence was sometimes questionable.

He made his way to Shizuka's desk.

"Sit."

Akifumi Mugiho obediently took the seat next to Cute Shizuka.

Shizuka pulled out a cigarette, tapped it on the table, hesitated, and put it back down.

She patted Akifumi Mugiho's shoulder and sighed.

"Life's unpredictable, Akifumi. Sometimes things happen that we can't control."

"No matter how sad it gets, we still have to move forward."

"Akifumi, do you understand what I'm saying?"

Wait... she didn't call him here because he zoned out in class? She was worried about him?

As expected of Cute Shizuka—she really was adorable!

A warm feeling spread through Akifumi Mugiho's chest. But wait—now wasn't the time for those thoughts!

"Don't worry, Teacher Shizuka! I'm fully back on track now!"

Shizuka observed him carefully before nodding.

"Since you say so, I'm relieved."

"Actually, I called you here for another reason."

"Huh?"

"I remember you haven't joined any clubs since last year. Is that right?"

Wait... no way?!

Akifumi Mugiho's heart filled with dread.

He nodded. "That's right."

There was no point in lying—Shizuka could easily check that information.

While admitting it wasn't an issue, it didn't mean Akifumi Mugiho would comply with her expectations.

"Club activities can help develop skills, relieve academic pressure, and improve organizational and communication skills—"

Before she could finish, Akifumi Mugiho interrupted:

"Sorry, Teacher Shizuka, but I don't have time for club activities right now."

"Because of your studies?"

"That's part of it, but I also have personal reasons."

He spoke with a hint of embarrassment.

"Oh? Personal reasons?" Shizuka's curiosity was piqued. "Mind sharing?"

At that moment, she seemed less like a teacher and more like a curious girl eager to hear a secret.

Akifumi Mugiho hesitated but then steeled himself.

"Hiratsuka sensei, you have to promise not to tell anyone!"

His emotional performance was Oscar-worthy.

Shizuka chuckled inwardly. Despite his mature demeanor, he was still just a kid.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Since it was a private matter, she respected his wish.

Having received her promise, Akifumi Mugiho finally confessed:

"It's because I spend my free time drawing manga. That's why I don't have time for club activities."