Cherish Life, Stay Away from the Hatchet!

After returning to her room, Izumi Kotomi turned on her computer and began working on the second chapter of Chainsaw Man, titled "Where Pochita Went."

Weekly Shonen Jump requires new content every week, so as the saying goes: "With drafts in hand, you can game without fear."

In order to balance a future life of writing novels, drawing manga, and still having time to play games, Kotomi decided to start cultivating a good habit—getting ahead on her drafts.

Her first small goal was to complete the second chapter before the first chapter officially serialized.

As she drew, Kotomi realized something: her drawing speed had noticeably increased compared to before.

"Could it be...?" A thought popped into her head.

After saving her progress, Kotomi set aside her drawing tablet and opened a Word document. She placed her hands on the keyboard and started typing a scene from Sword Art Online.

As the sound of mechanical keys filled the room, line after line appeared on the screen.

In a flash, she had written 500 words.

Kotomi glanced at the time in the corner of her screen—only three minutes had passed.

Three minutes, 500 words?

While her previous writing speed wasn't slow, it certainly couldn't compare to her current pace.

"Could it be that as my writing and drawing levels increase, my speed also accelerates?" Kotomi excitedly voiced her theory.

"That's right," came a voice.

Suddenly, a flash of pink light appeared, and Kazumi materialized beside Kotomi.

Noticing Kotomi's confused expression, Kazumi crossed her arms and proudly explained, "As your writing and drawing levels increase, your speed will naturally improve as well."

"That's so convenient," Kotomi marveled.

"It is, but keep in mind, since only your speed increases, you should always review your work afterward. Even web novel authors who write quickly often miss typos, which their readers are quick to point out."

"Oh, that won't be a problem," Kotomi replied with a nod. Even before her speed boost, she had always made it a habit to review her work multiple times after finishing, correcting any mistakes no matter how late it was.

Just as Kazumi was about to settle into Kotomi's lap to enjoy some manga, there was a sudden knock on the door.

"Onee-chan, can I come in now?" came the voice of Izumi Aimi from outside.

Kazumi froze. If Aimi saw her sitting in Kotomi's lap—especially being so cute herself—would she pull out a knife and chop her to pieces on the spot?

Even the system feared the dreaded kitchen knife!

"Treasure your life, stay away from the hatchet!" Kazumi whispered, and without wasting any time, she clung to Kotomi, their noses almost touching.

In the blink of an eye, Kazumi transformed into a pink glow and re-entered Kotomi's body.

Perhaps in her haste, Kazumi's lips accidentally brushed against Kotomi's.

Blushing, Kotomi chose not to dwell on it.

Once Kazumi was safely back inside, Kotomi called out, "Yes, you can come in."

Hearing her sister's approval, Aimi eagerly opened the door and entered. Seeing Kotomi working on her tablet, she asked, "Onee-chan, are you drawing manga?"

"Yeah, it's for the second chapter. I already submitted the first chapter a few days ago, and today after school, I got a reply from the editor—they accepted it for serialization," Kotomi explained, not hiding her work from her family.

"That's amazing! So now you'll have two sources of income from your writing and your manga?" Aimi exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.

"That's right. It's important to have more than one source of income," Kotomi nodded before asking, "So, what did you need?"

"Do you have time this Friday, Onee-chan? I want to go buy some new stationery since the school year just started."

It was natural for girls to love cute and pretty stationery, even if they didn't necessarily need new supplies right away. Aimi just enjoyed shopping for them.

However, Kotomi had already scheduled a meeting with Shueisha's manga editor, Asuka Chizuru, for Friday afternoon. She couldn't accompany Aimi to the store.

"Sorry, Aimi, I already have a meeting with a Shueisha editor on Friday after school. I'll be taking the train to Tokyo's Chiyoda district, so I won't be able to go with you to the stationery store."

Aimi's expression immediately became disappointed, and she muttered, "I guess I'll go with Iroha on Friday then..."

"I'm really sorry, Aimi. I didn't know you wanted to go on Friday when I scheduled the meeting," Kotomi apologized as she patted Aimi's head. "Do you have enough money for the stationery? I can give you some if you need."

As she spoke, Kotomi began to stand, intending to grab her wallet from her school uniform's jacket. She had recently withdrawn 20,000 yen from the bank during a trip to the ATM.

Despite the convenience of mobile payments, Kotomi liked to carry a bit of cash on hand for certain situations.

"No need, Mom already gave me some allowance," Aimi shook her head before quietly adding, "I just wanted you to come with me..."

Although Aimi's voice was soft, Kotomi still heard her.

Seeing her little sister's disappointed expression, Kotomi smiled warmly and opened her arms.

"Come here. Let me give you a hug."