"So after all that, what I want to tell everyone here is this: we may begin running a few experimental adjustments to speed up our process. I trust no one has any objections."
Editor-in-chief Tanaka spoke plainly. He knew that this approach would intensify competition and, if prolonged, could even harm the magazine in the long run. But in the short term? It wouldn't be a problem. A few trial issues, and they could always revert course if needed.
None of the editors in attendance raised objections. Their superior had already made his decision—and without a solid reason to oppose, voicing dissent would only leave a poor impression. Especially with a superior on the verge of retirement, extra caution was necessary.
"These are the four titles that ranked at the bottom in this issue's survey. Does anyone have any concerns?"
Tanaka tapped a few keys, and the projector's display shifted to show the data.
"All the survey results were cross-checked between departments, Editor-in-Chief. The figures are accurate."
One of the editors at the table answered.
"Excellent. Now, let's move on to the most important part—the four new series to be serialized. I won't waste time with formalities; we've all been through this drill many times before. Of the 29 manga selected by six editors, you all received the manuscripts several days ago. I trust you've reviewed them thoroughly."
The six editors nodded. A closer look would reveal the dark circles beneath their eyes—being a manga editor wasn't exactly a relaxing job. Overtime was standard, and for these sub-editors, balancing their own workload with reviewing nearly 30 new titles on short notice was draining. Even though each submission was just a short draft, the responsibility required meticulous scrutiny at every step.
Naturally, each editor was exempt from evaluating the titles they had brought forward, ensuring the process remained as fair and impartial as possible.
"This morning, I received your rankings via email. My assistant compiled them, and I've reviewed everything myself. There were no discrepancies."
He tapped the keyboard again. The projector screen changed once more, now showing four new titles filling the slots left by the ones being axed.
"These are the new entries: Akaboshi Chronicles, Naruto, LOCK OFF, and Yotsuya Ghost Tales. If there are any objections, speak freely."
The editors scanned the list. Each title was from a younger generation of creators—just as Tanaka had said. A clear move to unearth new talent.
"Editor-in-Chief, I have a concern."
A voice broke through the room.
"Oh? Uehara-san, please go ahead."
A man named Uehara stood up. "Editor-in-Chief, I have no issue with three of the selected titles. However, I do think Naruto warrants some second thought."
"And what makes you say that, Uehara-san? Please share your reasoning."
"Yes, sir." Uehara nodded respectfully. "I understand the Editor-in-Chief's intention to nurture newcomers, and I'm fully in support of offering them more opportunities. My issue with Naruto is not with its quality—on the contrary, I believe it may be the strongest entry out of the 29 drafts. However, while the other three authors are technically newcomers, they've submitted work to us before and have remained persistent. The creator of Naruto, on the other hand, is submitting for the very first time. We've never had a precedent for that, have we? And more importantly… the author is just… far too young."
His words hit like a cold splash to Kitagawa, who'd been quietly thrilled that Naruto had made the cut. In truth, he hadn't even been satisfied with his own submission this round—Naruto was his one real hope. But what Uehara brought up… it was the greatest point of concern.
Kitagawa quickly turned toward Tanaka, anxious. No matter what, this was his manga now—he couldn't pretend he didn't care.
"Heh… I see. Uehara-san, I did consider those issues you raised, and I understand where you're coming from."
Tanaka leaned slightly forward, voice calm and measured.
"Sixteen years old—that's quite young. He's still a child. It's possible this whole thing is just a passing phase for him. That could pose a risk to us at JUMP. But just as you pointed out… the quality of the work itself is arguably the best in this entire batch. Letting that go would be… a waste."
Tanaka's expression curled into a small smile.
"Sixteen years old. First-time submission. This would be a first in JUMP history, wouldn't it? That alone is an incredible marketing point. It sends a powerful message: if you have the skill—age, background, experience—they don't matter. You can get serialized in Weekly Shōnen JUMP. It'll motivate more people to submit."
He paused, then added with a chuckle, "Also, I heard that Togashi-sensei lost another round of mahjong recently."
The room blinked. Why bring up Togashi, the legendary serial hiatus himself?
Then realization dawned. Weekly Shōnen JUMP officially serialized 20 manga titles, but in practice always ran 21. That extra slot was Togashi's. Rumor had it he only turned in manuscripts when he was broke from gambling losses.
The message was clear: if Naruto's young author failed them, they could always call in the king of hiatuses to fill the gap.
Understanding swept across the room. Heads nodded in appreciation.
The old man thinks of everything…
"Alright then. Are we all in agreement with the serialization of these four titles?"
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"..."
Jingū Akira sat before his computer, fingers flying across the keyboard. On the desk next to him were several programming textbooks—old and well-worn, their pages bristling with notes and markings.
He wasn't the kind of guy who enjoyed studying. But after being reincarnated, something had changed. His cognitive ability had skyrocketed—and even he, who once hated school, found himself hooked by how easily he could now grasp things.
If you could learn anything with just a little effort, wouldn't you be addicted to learning too?
He was deep in the zone, completely absorbed in code, when his phone rang.
Annoyed, he stopped typing and glanced at the screen. An unfamiliar number.
He hesitated… but picked up.
"Hello, this is Jingū Akira."
"Sensei? Is this Akira-sensei? This is Ogata from Weekly Shōnen JUMP. We met the other day. I'm calling to inform you… your work has officially passed the serialization committee!"
The voice on the other end was fast, barely able to contain its excitement.