Great Mangaka

Subsequent events confirmed Takumi's predictions. Two weeks later, Weekly Shōnen and Weekly Shōjo Manga left Tatsuryū Publishing's two magazines behind.

The original manga world became its own stage. The novelists were defeated, and the press, after a period of silence, suddenly changed course, congratulating Mirai-sensei on his success.

Inuyasha's story developed fluidly. The content of this manga was undoubtedly good, but it was a bit slow. After three episodes, the story took center stage and the number of fans drastically increased.

Sales of Weekly Shōjo Manga continued to rise, and Hinotori Publishing was overjoyed. In contrast, Tatsuryū Publishing fell into a strange silence.

They published an advertisement to promote a mysterious girl genius. No one knew who she was. The promotion method was exactly the same as when Hinotori Publishing launched Mirai-sensei.

Takumi was very interested in this girl genius, but he didn't pay much attention to her. After the serialization of Inuyasha and Detective Conan got underway, he had extra time to do other things.

"What? You want to learn to compose?"

Alice was surprised by Takumi's sudden request. Takumi had been practicing to improve his painting skills under her supervision during that time, but she hadn't expected him to make such a request.

"Yes, I want to learn to compose."

Takumi nodded. Of course he wanted to learn to compose. Manga, animation, and music are closely related. He debuted in manga and will be able to launch animation in half a year, so the anime songs he has in mind cannot be wasted.

His photographic memory is not limited to what he sees, but also to the sounds he hears. Takumi has never learned to compose music. Even if he knows every note, he wouldn't be able to write it.

Besides, he needs an excuse to bring out the sheet music. 'Who would be stupid enough to believe that someone who has never learned to compose music suddenly produces a bunch of songs?'

"You can learn to compose music, but in that case you first have to learn to play the piano." Alice didn't object to him learning to compose music. She said, "Many composition systems are based on the piano. The piano contains many theories, such as harmony and polyphony. If you agree, I can help you find a piano teacher first."

"Piano?" Takumi had never discovered in novels that the protagonist needed to learn to play the piano to compose music, but Alice had no reason to lie. He can now skillfully use the "air masses" in every corner of his body and has a great ability to control movements. The piano shouldn't be difficult for him.

"No problem."

Takumi agreed, and Alice immediately began helping him find a suitable piano teacher.

That afternoon, Alice called Takumi to come down. Takumi went down and saw a red Porsche parked on the side of the road. Alice stood by the car and waved to him.

"Is this car yours?" Takumi's eyes lit up: "Why don't you drive it normally?"

"Osaka is always congested. It's better to take the subway than to drive." Alice opened the car door and smiled: "Get in, I'll take you to see the piano teacher."

Takumi was a little surprised: "Didn't you hire a private tutor?"

"I have a better candidate." Alice sat in the driver's seat and said: "Get in quickly, I'll explain it on the way."

Takumi got in the car, Alice started smoothly and explained to Takumi. The piano teacher she found was a famous musician. This musician is now in his fifties and is a special music teacher at Osaka's N.º 1 High School.

"Music teacher?"

"Well, Hirano-sensei has a strange character. Being a teacher is his hobby, but he has taught many musicians." Alice focused on the road conditions and smiled: "He specializes in talented children and doesn't even charge tuition. I'll take you there for a test."

"Okay."

Takumi understood, but he was surprised that he didn't go to school for regular classes, but now he had to go for the piano.

And he didn't expect the Dean of Academic Affairs, Watanabe, to come out and greet them in person.

"Alice-san, welcome back to your alma mater." Watanabe seemed to know Alice and called her Alice-san. Looking at Takumi, his gaze became much more eager: "Takumi, your last grade was quite good, third in the entire school!"

Takumi met this Dean of Academic Affairs at the beginning of the school year. Tsukimoto Genji arranged for him to be a distant relative, so Watanabe wasn't surprised that Alice was with him.

Takumi smiled slightly: "The school has taken such good care of me that I dare not neglect my studies."

"Well said, there are few young people as sensible as you now!" Watanabe looked at Takumi with satisfaction. At first, he was a little nervous about Takumi's plan, but luckily this boy worked hard and the school was very satisfied: "Takumi, the school has considered it. If you also manage to be among the top ten in the final exam, you will be transferred to key class one next semester!"

Watanabe made a promise.

Takumi disagreed. He could stay if he stayed in the top fifty, so why should he stay in the top ten?

"Thank you."

But thanks are still necessary.

After a brief chat, Watanabe accompanied them to campus: "Hirano-sensei doesn't have class today, I'll take you."

The music building and the teaching building are not in the same area. After a green belt, Watanabe accompanied Takumi and the two to the music building. Before going up, they could vaguely hear the beautiful sound of the piano.

"Oh, just in time, Hirano-sensei is practicing!"

Watanabe happily accompanied them, and upon reaching the top floor, he knocked on the door of a room with a sign that read "Special Music Classroom."

"Who?" After the piano music stopped, a middle-aged man with a thick beard and a rough face came out.

Is that Hirano-sensei? Takumi thought his face looked more like that of a rough mountain man.

"Hirano-sensei, this boy wants to learn piano with you." Watanabe introduced Takumi, and Alice stepped forward: "Long time no see, Hirano-sensei."

"Alice-san, girl?"

Hirano-sensei looked at Alice in surprise and then at Takumi: "Did you bring this?"

"Yes."

Alice did not deny it.

Hirano-sensei looked at Takumi: "How old are you? Have you learned to play the piano before?"

"Sixteen, no musical foundation,"

Takumi replied.

"I don't teach children without a foundation. Find someone else. I see you have a lot of influence. You could even use the Dean of Academic Affairs." Hirano-sensei snorted coldly, not looking at the three of them. He looked at Alice with dissatisfaction: "Alice-san, girl, I haven't seen you in years. When did you learn to do this trick?"

Alice smiled bitterly and then calmly said: "Hirano-sensei, how could I recommend someone to you just like that? Takumi is a very talented child. Why don't you try? You should try before teaching him or not."

"Yes, Hirano-sensei, Takumi is one of the top three in our class. He's not a rich kid who likes to play around." Watanabe continued and advised: "Don't be prejudiced because we are with him. It's a misunderstanding."

Very talented? Hirano-sensei looked into Takumi's eyes. His eyes shone, and his expression was serene. He didn't avoid his gaze.

This little one is very brave, Hirano-sensei thought, and then opened the door.

"Come in and try him out."