Chapter 103 - 101

Words : 645 Updated : Oct 2nd, 2025

"Natsume's Book of Friends" had only just debuted in the latest issue of Shroud Line, yet it was already making waves across the manga industry. One of the louder voices belonged to Asami Fujikawa, the veteran creator of The Three Sisters Next Door. Early that morning, she made a pointed post: "Got bombarded with messages about this new manga, Natsume's Book of Friends. Checked it out. Honestly? Waste of time. Not sure why it's being hyped." As a prominent name at Witherleaf publishing, her opinion traveled fast. Within hours, the post had racked up tens of thousands of shares and comments. The top-liked reply read: "Feels like someone's not too happy about losing the spotlight..." Asami responded bluntly: "Let's not be dramatic. Mizushiro isn't new to the scene. If people are going to praise his work, I'm allowed to offer a counterpoint." Still, sharp-eyed readers noticed she'd liked comments criticizing Mizushiro's earlier award win—fueling the impression that her remarks were more personal than professional. Fans of Natsume's Book of Friends weren't silent either: "Coming from the author of a harem romcom that's 80% fanservice? Really?" "Asami-sensei's just mad her friend lost at the Manga Awards last year. This feels petty." Despite the backlash, Asami didn't walk anything back. If anything, she leaned into it: "My series has held a top-ten spot for years and is getting an anime adaptation. I've earned my place. Mizushiro can handle a little heat." Later, in her apartment, Asami scrolled through replies without concern. She'd posted impulsively after a night out with fellow artists—many still bitter about Blazing Feather losing to Rurouni Kenshin: Remembrance. Seeing Mizushiro now launch another series in Shroud Line so soon after that win? It stung. ---- Haruki sat on his couch, phone in hand, reading the brewing storm. The digs weren't subtle. He sighed, half-amused. "Is this middle school again?" Three sharp knocks at the door interrupted his thoughts. He opened it to find Haruka . Naoya and Kenta, who had been lounging nearby, straightened up slightly. Haruki had always been laid-back around them, but Haruka's presence made things... formal. "You're early," Haruki said. Haruka brushed past him and flopped onto the couch. "You saw the posts?" "Yeah," he said, holding up his phone. "They're loud." "And you weren't going to say anything?" "I was considering it," he said. "Then you showed up." Haruka raised a brow. "Planning something subtle?" Haruki turned the screen toward her. A half-written post glowed back. She gave a rare smile. "So you do have a backbone." "Surprised?" "Honestly? A little. I thought I'd have to convince you to clap back." She paused. "But we're not picking a fight. We're just... redirecting attention." That evening, Asami checked her notifications. The firestorm had slowed, and she assumed Mizushiro was opting to ignore the drama. Then Shroud Line's official account reposted three messages from a user named Not_Mizushiro. First: "Funny how some artists can't stand seeing Natsume trend. I feel the same way about The Three Sisters Next Door—just not my taste." Second: "Can't believe Three Sisters is getting an anime. Same month Anohana airs? Good luck with that." Third: "She says Natsume can't crack the top ten? Cool. Give it two more chapters." It was clear to everyone who was behind the posts—even if the username denied it. @not_Mizushiro. Within an hour, the account went viral. Haruki's silence had been broken—and in perfect sync with Haruka and the Shroud Line marketing team. For fans, the message was clear: this wasn't just a petty feud. It was the start of something bigger. (TL:- if you want even more content, check out p-atreon.com/Alioth23 for 50+ advanced chapters)

Chapter 103 - 101

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