Chapter 13: Hikigaya Hachiman sings that writing will continue

Many readers, much like Yukinoshita Haruno, were surprised by the short length of "Confessions," which only spans about 20,000 words. In this internet age, sharing outstanding works has become easier, and people are more willing to express their opinions. That same afternoon, numerous netizens started promoting the book on Twitter, including some well-known accounts, many of which were affiliated with Sakuraba Publishing House.

At five o'clock that afternoon, Hikigaya received a call from Imamura Naho. 

"Mr. Hachiman, I have good news. Your 'Confessions' has begun to gain popularity online. This month's print run for the magazine is expected to reach a new high in recent years, all thanks to you. On behalf of 'All Readings' magazine, I would like to express my gratitude," she said.

Naho Imamura's excitement stemmed not only from her success as an editor of a potentially hit novel but also from being a long-time fan of Hikigaya. Seeing her favorite mystery novel receive such recognition brought her joy even greater than her career accomplishments.

"I'm so ashamed that I couldn't collaborate with your company on additional publicity. I hope you can take care of other aspects," Hikigaya said, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Traditionally, winning writers of the Newcomer Award are expected to participate in an interview to discuss their creative processes and personal stories to satisfy reader curiosity. These interviews are published as supplementary reading after the winning works. However, since Hikigaya is still a junior high school student, he lacks sufficient free time, and his young age makes extensive exposure inappropriate. After careful consideration, the publishing house decided against having Hachiman participate in the interview, which aligned with Hikigaya's own preferences.

"Please don't blame yourself, Mr. Hachiman. We believe you are not old enough to accept such an interview," Naho Imamura reassured him.

"Editor Imamura, are you free this Saturday? Perhaps we could meet to discuss some ideas for my new work," Hikigaya suggested. Although he had the memories of his past life, working in solitude without guidance proved challenging. He needed someone to listen to his ideas and provide reasonable suggestions, and at that moment, Editor Imamura seemed like the best choice.

"Of course! Mr. Hachiman, if you have any ideas about new works, I'm available anytime!" Naho Imamura replied enthusiastically. As a fan of mystery novels, she was eager to accept the invitation of a reasoning genius, while also serving as Hachiman's official editor for normal work coordination.

On Saturday, in Chiba City, the end of October brought signs of winter. Hikigaya and Imamura Naho met at a cafe in Ginza that Hikigaya had visited before. The environment was quiet and beautiful, ideal for their discussion.

Naho Imamura wore a standard office lady outfit that accentuated her excellent figure, with her legs in flesh-colored pantyhose. Hachiman, not donning the business glasses he wore during their previous meetings, revealed his natural, apathetic gaze to her.

"Mr. Hachiman, to be honest, I still prefer you with glasses," Naho Imamura admitted, missing the handsome young man she had first encountered. Although Hachiman's appearance had not changed much, his demeanor felt entirely different.

"This is my true self. I believe our future cooperation will be long-term, so it's best for you to see my genuine face," Hikigaya replied, taking out the laptop he had recently purchased and placing it on the table.

"The overall length of my new work will be similar to 'Confessions,' but possibly a bit shorter—around 120,000 words. I plan to submit it for inclusion in the April issue of 'All Readings' next year, one month after the serialization of 'Confessions' ends. After all, 'Confessions' was published immediately after the February issue, so it's prudent to leave some space between the two," Hikigaya informed Imamura.

"I think that makes sense, Mr. Hachiman. The new serialization can replicate the successful experience of 'Confessions,'" Imamura remarked, acknowledging the printed sample of "Confessions," which, despite being the first edition, would likely not differ much in final sales outcome.

"The title of this new work is 'Malice.' It will be a more traditional mystery novel featuring only one case from beginning to end. I haven't started writing it yet, but here's an outline. Editor Imamura, you can take a look at it first."

Naho Imamura took the outline handed to her by Hikigaya and began to study it carefully.

" Mr. Hachiman , are you saying that the murderer in this case has been arrested only one-third of the way through the plot? "

Imamura felt incredible .

" Yes , the main part of this novel will be used to reveal the murderer's motive. It is better to say that most of the content in the novel will exist to pave the way for the murderer's motive, and the murder case will be a foil. "

Hikigaya replied.

" I think this is a very bold breakthrough. No one has ever written such a mystery novel before. Mr. Hachiman, I am looking forward to your creation. "

Just looking at the outline doesn't reveal any highlights, but having seen how powerful Hikigaya's writing is, Naho Imamura chose to fully trust his abilities.

" Then Editor Imamura, after I finish writing each chapter, I will send you an electronic version via email. I'll have to trouble Editor Imamura to help me steer the wheel to prevent me from losing control and writing too erratically. "

" You are too modest, Mr. Hachiman. You completed "Confessions" perfectly by yourself. "

Naho Imamura was very proud, because this meant that she could see Mr. Hachiman's manuscript before that annoying school girl, or so it seemed ...

" Oh, I forgot to tell Editor Imamura that Ms. Machida has also been asking me to update my work recently. She said she would use all her experience as an editor to help me with my writing. "

" She, is she worthy? She knows nothing about detective novels ! "

Naho Imamura suddenly lost her previous reserve.

She behaved exactly as Hikigaya had imagined, and that was exactly the effect he wanted.

" Mr. Hachiman , I will prove with my actions that my professional ability is far superior to that woman's. This is the confidence that All Readings magazine has given me! "

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