I Only Have 7 Days to Live… Unless My Manga Sells

Lucien D. Blackthorn was touched by the seriousness in Usami Mizuki's expression.

"Arigatou, Mizuki ..."

Seeing that she no longer appeared as reserved as when she first arrived, Lucien offered a faint smile.

"Alright then, let's see what you're really capable of."

"Real ability?" Mizuki asked with a puzzled expression as she sat back down.

Lucien nodded. "Yes. I have high standards for my assistants. I'm about to sketch a storyboard draft for Slam Dunk. You'll be in charge of adding the backgrounds, line work, and handling the shading and lighting effects. I want to assess your current level."

"Understood! Please leave it to me!" Mizuki responded confidently, nodding with determination.

She quickly went over to the side and returned with a fresh comic manuscript page provided exclusively by Manga Jump's editorial department.

The manuscript paper was professional-grade—smooth, delicate, resistant to ink seepage and paper pilling. It was a noticeable step above the kind commonly sold in stationery stores.

Lucien picked up his G-pen and began sketching without hesitation. In the blink of an eye, he had completed an entire storyboard. Mizuki stood in stunned admiration of his speed and precision.

Taking the sketch with both hands, Mizuki moved to the adjacent table and began working intently—adding detailed backgrounds, outlining key frames, and shading with focus and care.

Having already read Slam Dunk, Mizuki had a clear understanding of the manga's distinct style. However, her work speed was still developing. It took her more than ten minutes to complete the background and necessary enhancements for the single page.

The tasks themselves weren't overly difficult. With fundamental drawing skills and some training, anyone could grasp them. What mattered more was patience and consistency, both of which Mizuki had in abundance.

After completing the work, she handed it back to Lucien.

He observed the revised draft carefully and was genuinely impressed.

"Not bad at all. Looks like you've been practicing diligently. With proper training, you'll make an excellent assistant."

Lucien began making light adjustments to her draft and offered comments and advice on several details.

Mizuki took out a small notebook from her bag and attentively recorded every word.

"Is there anything else you'd like me to work on today, senpai?"

"Not at the moment," Lucien replied. "When you go home, read Attack on Titan a few more times. Get familiar with its tone and style. Next time, I'll give you the draft. You can take it home, work on it slowly, and submit it for review and revisions."

"Hai! Wakatta!"

"By the way, Mizuki, what's your usual availability?"

"I have some school club activities, but I can come every Monday and Friday. Would that be okay, senpai?"

"That'll work. Will the commute be an issue?"

"Not at all. I live in Shinagawa. It's easy to get here by train."

Shinagawa and Chiyoda were not far apart, separated only by the harbor area. The convenience of Japan's rail system made the commute simple and quick.

After a bit more discussion about schedules and expectations, Mizuki politely stood and bowed.

"Then I'll be leaving now. Senpai, please rest well."

"Arigatou. Be safe on your way home. See you next time."

---

That afternoon, after school, Eriri Spencer Sawamura arrived at the hospital.

As soon as she dropped her bag onto the floor, she collapsed onto Lucien's hospital bed, utterly exhausted.

"Eri, daijoubu? You look like you're about to faint."

"Ugh... I've been cramming for the midterms like crazy. I feel like half my life force is gone," she groaned.

Lucien chuckled. "I remember someone once threatening to tutor me for those..."

"Urusai! Don't remind me! Anyway, which chapter of Slam Dunk are you on now? Let me read it. I need a mental recharge!"

Lucien handed her the finished illustrations of chapters 11 through 15.

Eriri's eyes sparkled. She immediately sat up and began flipping through the pages.

After just a few pages, her eyes widened. "Eh?! This plump, kind-looking grandpa is the coach? That's so unexpected..."

Seeing Coach Anzai's character appear made her feel a little puzzled. In her mind, basketball coaches should be strict, imposing figures who command the respect of wild, rebellious athletes.

But as she kept reading, she encountered Rukawa Kaede's cool entrance and impressive skill during the practice game. Her interest skyrocketed.

"Kyaaa~ Rukawa is so cool! Even Sakuragi looks stunned!"

She burst out laughing at Sakuragi Hanamichi's exaggerated expressions.

Lucien, watching from the bed, couldn't help but admire Eriri's radiant smile. It lit up the whole room and warmed his heart.

After reading through the content, Eriri leaned back with a satisfied sigh.

Just then, her eyes landed on a stack of brand-new sketchbooks on the desk.

"Hmm? Did Auntie buy you these? I was planning to bring you some new ones today..."

Lucien replied, "These are from Ms. Iida at Manga Jump. She also arranged for me to have an assistant."

"Assistant?" Eriri blinked in surprise.

Lucien explained about Mizuki—a petite girl who looked far younger than she was but was surprisingly skilled and reliable.

"Oh? That's actually pretty thoughtful of Manga Jump! It should help ease your workload," Eriri said with a hint of relief.

She had previously considered assisting Lucien herself with post-production, but with club responsibilities, schoolwork, and her own professional commitments, time was scarce.

In fact, just recently, her mother, Sayuri Sawamura, had helped her secure a new freelance project. After the midterms, she would begin drawing character art for a new 18+ Galgame.

Even helping Lucien upload chapters online already consumed a fair amount of her time.

"Mizuki seems really diligent and dependable," Lucien said warmly. "I feel pretty comfortable handing tasks over to her."

Hearing Lucien praise another girl so casually, Eriri puffed out her cheeks.

"Lucien, don't you dare develop a thing for little lolis! That's illegal in Japan, you know!"

Lucien laughed. "Even if I wanted to, my body wouldn't cooperate right now. Just look at me."

"So you're not even denying you'd want to?! Ugh! I'm going to tell Aunt about your dangerous thoughts!"

"Too bad. My mom's on a trip to Chiba for some rest and sightseeing. She'll be back in a few days."

"Hmph. Then I'll wait until she returns. Let's see what she has to say then..."

With her arms folded, Eriri turned her head dramatically, pretending to be angry, though her slightly flushed cheeks betrayed a different emotion.

End of the chapter

(A/N) =Update in power stone goal

250=1 extra chapter and so on and all extra chapter will be published on Sunday