She Fell Asleep...

"There's no need to be nervous," Izumi Kotomi smiled knowingly. "Just relax and treat it like you're doing your homework. Do your best, and don't put too much pressure on yourself."

Whether it was psychological or not, Yui Yuigahama felt that Kotomi's voice at that moment had a calming and soothing quality. The anxiety and tension that had been building up inside her gradually started to dissipate.

Seeing the positive effect, Kotomi playfully added:

"It's just a small monthly exam. Why are you so anxious? It's not like it's the college entrance exam three years from now. What's the worst that could happen? That I eat you if you don't do well?"

With that joke, Yui's remaining tension vanished completely, replaced by a burst of laughter.

"Alright. Focus on your review. Even if you don't suddenly achieve amazing results, as long as you keep improving little by little, that's already progress. I bet your mom will be really happy to see how much you've improved."

"I got it!" Yui nodded firmly.

While Yui dove back into her studies, Kotomi checked her phone and noticed a message from Asuka Chizuru, her editor. The message had arrived twenty minutes ago, but Kotomi had been too busy tutoring Yui to check it until now.

[Good evening, Izumi-sensei. The first chapter of Chainsaw Man has started printing, and the official serialization is about to begin. Please prepare for weekly updates. If there's any week you can't make the deadline, remember to inform me at least three days in advance, and I'll arrange for a break.]

It's already being printed, Kotomi thought, feeling a rush of excitement. Chainsaw Man was set to make its debut in next week's issue of Weekly Shonen Jump.

Her first manga since reincarnating was finally about to be serialized!

Feeling a swell of emotions, Kotomi quickly typed out a reply to Asuka:

[Got it. Thanks for the update, Chizuru-san.]

Asuka's response came swiftly:

[At the editorial meeting on Wednesday, I managed to get approval for a lead color page and the cover of the magazine for your debut. I didn't think I'd succeed, but some other editors supported the idea, and the editor-in-chief approved it. So, Izumi-sensei, please send me a completed cover illustration by Sunday evening.]

Upon reading that, Kotomi's heart soared. Not only was she getting the lead color page, but she'd also secured the coveted cover spot for the magazine's issue.

This wasn't just a good opportunity—it was a fantastic one!

Far from feeling burdened by the deadline, Kotomi was thrilled. She didn't mind having to work overnight on the cover. In fact, she relished the challenge.

For a new, unpublished manga artist, the lead color page and magazine cover were the most effective ways to promote a new series. These spots would ensure that readers of Weekly Shonen Jump noticed her work immediately.

There were countless aspiring mangaka hoping for such a spot, but only a select few ever got this chance. The fact that Kotomi was getting both was beyond her expectations.

The lead color page and the magazine cover—I want them both!

What an incredible feeling!

Kotomi quickly composed her reply:

[Understood, I'll get right on the cover illustration. Chizuru-san, thank you again for securing these amazing spots for me. I really appreciate it.]

Her gratitude was genuine. Without Chizuru's efforts at the editorial meeting, Kotomi might not have gotten such a prominent debut. Even well-known mangaka rarely scored both the cover and the lead color page for their debut work.

[Don't mention it. As your editor, it's my job to help. Just make sure to complete the cover illustration as soon as possible, okay?]

[No problem. I'll start working on it tonight. My drawing speed is pretty fast.]

After exchanging a few more messages, Kotomi ended the conversation.

With only ten minutes left in Yui's tutoring session, Kotomi was preparing to leave soon. Even though they had finished the weekend homework, she needed to start working on the cover illustration before the Sunday evening deadline.

Although her upgraded drawing skills had significantly increased her speed, the timeline was still tight.

Kotomi put her phone down and stretched her wrist. It seemed like she'd be pulling an all-nighter tonight, but with her concept already forming, she was confident. The idea came to her easily: Denji holding up his chainsaw, with Pochita perched adorably on his shoulder. Behind them, in the reflection of the chainsaw, a shadowy figure of Makima would loom.

With that rough image in mind, she was ready to refine and adjust the details later that night. Only three minutes were left in the tutoring session, and Kotomi was about to get up when a wave of dizziness hit her.

Drowsiness overwhelmed her in an instant.

Kotomi realized she hadn't fully recovered from the lack of sleep the night before, despite resting in the morning. She tried to fight it off, but her eyelids felt heavy, almost impossible to keep open.

So…tired…

No matter how hard she tried, the exhaustion was too much. Soon, the struggle against sleep was lost, and Kotomi surrendered.

She dozed off, slumped in her chair.

Meanwhile, Yui had been concentrating on her books the whole time, and after finishing a chapter, she stretched lazily, ready to take a break before dinner.

When she turned around to ask Kotomi if she wanted to stay for dinner, she was met with the sight of Kotomi already fast asleep in her chair.

Her defenses completely down, Kotomi had fallen sound asleep.

Seeing her in such a peaceful state, Yui thought with a smile: Looks like she won't be waking up anytime soon.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

40 Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon: 

Patreon.com/DaoOfHeaven