Meeting Kosaka Akane

"If it were you, what would you do, Homura-kun?" Utaha suddenly asked.

Megumi's expression hardened upon hearing the question, as Utaha had finally voiced the question lingering in everyone's minds.

Homura pondered for a moment.

"Specifics? Are you asking about my approach in a particular situation?"

"Just imagine, Homura-kun, what would you do if someone rejected your invitation?" Utaha said.

Without much thought, Homura responded casually.

"I wouldn't do anything, really."

"Nothing?"

"Eh?"

"Nothing at all?!"

One after another, the girls exclaimed in surprise, each wondering why.

Only Megumi seemed to grasp something and secretly rolled her eyes as she thought, 'Homura-kun is quite cunning.'

Homura grinned mischievously and explained his reasoning.

"It's simple, really. Just put yourself in the shoes of someone who didn't join back then, and then imagine the current situation of Another Dimension."

'Well, no need to rush. I'll leave after chatting for a while.' Homura thought while checking his phone for Akane's message. 

Utaha, imagining what it would be like if she hadn't joined back then and now saw Another Dimension's works and public reception, couldn't help but think she might regret it.

In an instant, they all understood why Homura had decided not to do anything—he wanted those who declined his invitation to regret it on their own!

Furthermore, unless someone had exceptionally strong willpower, they would endure it since it was their own decision. However, as great works continued to come from Another Dimension with rave reviews, this regret would turn into torment until death.

When they couldn't bear it anymore and wanted to join Another Dimension no matter what—

—I invited you before, didn't I? But you decline. Who can you blame?

Imagining Homura's innocent expression as he said that to them, the girls were itching to curse him.

"Aren't you the real devil?!" Elf exclaimed.

"Huh? Where did that come from? I didn't use any tricks to recruit you, did I?" Homura shrugged. "Besides, when you see such a fantastic work and know you can bring it to life, not joining can only mean one thing—poor judgment on your part, right?"

"Fortunately, my judgment is good, so I won't invite people with poor judgment." Homura laughed. "In other words, those who can reject my invitation... don't exist!"

Though his confidence was admirable, why did it make his face seem so punchable?!

The girls pondered his words while Homura paid them no mind and set off to meet Akane.

===

As Homura stood outside a hotel, he shook his head.

"Calling her a devil might be a bit much, but a rogue bandit suits her just fine. After all, she knows the darkest corners of this industry like the back of her hand..."

After muttering that, he walked inside.

"Excuse me, is Kosaka Akane-san here? I'm Minamiya. She should have an appointment with me." Homura asked a waitress.

"Minamiya-san, is it? Kosaka-san has already instructed us. Please follow me." The waitress responded with a smile.

Homura nodded and followed her.

Upon arriving at the front of a private room, the waitress stopped.

"This is it."

Without waiting for his response, she left.

It seemed to be a standard Japanese-style private room.

After being silent for a while, Homura pushed the door open and saw Akane sprawled inside.

Homura: "..."

Two bottles of sake, and one was already empty.

Homura couldn't help but think it was more like a sake barrel. It seemed like she never let go of her drinking habits.

Approaching Akane, Homura tapped the table.

"Kosaka-san, wake up."

After a while, Akane slowly raised her head, and upon seeing Homura, she gradually became more alert.

"Oh... Minamiya-sensei, you're here~" Akane mumbled, swaying her head and reaching for the still-unfinished bottle of sake.

"Stop..." Homura frowned. "Isn't it bad if you're too tipsy to make any decisions?"

"Heh..." Akane chuckled. "You underestimate me, Minamiya-sensei."

"I never meant to underestimate you." Homura said calmly, pulling out a folder. "Well, take a look first."

With a relieved sigh, Akane picked up the folder.

"Since Minamiya-sensei is so eager, I'll give it a look."

Homura shrugged, not wanting to interrupt her.

What he brought was quite important and what had piqued her interest—scripts, character designs, and even some other artworks.

===

Nearly an hour later, Akane had finished going through the thick stack of papers Homura had brought.

"Impressive work! This will definitely become a masterpiece once it's released! No wonder Minamiya-sensei came rushing to find me!" Akane exclaimed with an excited smile.

"So, what do you think?" Homura asked with a smile. "Are you considering taking on this anime adaptation?"

"Of course! I believe anyone who looks at this would want to get their hands on it, no matter what. What a pity, since your Minamiya family is there, working together is the best choice." Akane replied without hesitation.

"You're quite something, not holding back your true intentions at all." Homura chuckled.

"Fufu, there's nothing to hide. Everyone knows my way of doing things. As I said, it's the same for other circles or companies. I just happen to be self-aware; I won't attempt the impossible." Akane said.

Though she was, in many ways, a very problematic woman, her straightforwardness was undeniable, clearly a bundle of contradictions!

"All right, the collaboration is settled then." Homura nodded. "Kosaka-san, what's the extent to which you can contribute?"

Akane answered without thinking twice.

"I can handle all the anime keyframes. While I could contact some animation companies, considering the quality required for this anime project, they probably wouldn't meet Minamiya-sensei's standards, right?"

It seemed she had considered the potential problems that might arise beforehand.

They discussed all the crucial collaboration details, with Akane taking responsibility for the anime keyframes while Homura coordinated with the animation company for the remaining work.

As for commissions, despite the agreement with Izumi, Homura was still eager to recruit her into Another Dimension, so he offered a commission based on market rates.

At this point, he wasn't hurting for money.

In fact, once the anime of 'Fate/stay night' was wrapped up, they could start working on the anime movie of 'Your Name.'.

Meanwhile, Akane understood that to strengthen the connection between their two circles, she had to make sure Izumi's big brother didn't get away.

With this understanding, they could cooperate even more effectively.

"These sketches and these..." Akane pointed to several drawings. "Were these drawn by Izumi?"

"Good eye." Homura praised.

"I'm quite familiar with her art style... Izumi has come a long way, but she's still got a ways to go." Akane remarked as she looked at the character designs and additional artwork.