'She's digging a pit for me, Miss Sonoko!' Izumi Chihiro secretly glanced at the editor before looking at Kasumigaoka Utaha.
Miss Sonoko had been very dedicated to him and provided a lot of help. It was a rare occasion for her to ask for his help, so cooperating could be considered reciprocating the favor.
Moreover, the girl's arrogant demeanor, untempered by the harsh realities of society, also sparked a playful thought in him.
"I wonder if the name 'Izumi Masamune' is qualified?" His lips curved slightly.
"Izumi Masamune…" Kasumigaoka Utaha murmured.
"You are the Old… Teacher Izumi? I didn't expect you to really be a middle school student. Before, I thought it was just unscrupulous promotion from the Bunko."
She reacted, looking at the young man before her, her expression slightly surprised.
As a light novel author about to debut in Fujikawa Bunko, how could she not know the name Izumi Masamune?
Although the current pillars of Fujikawa Bunko were Senju Muramasa and Kani Nayuta, Izumi Masamune was also a very representative figure, his distinctive writing style always leaving a deep impression.
Furthermore, a few years ago, Fujikawa Bunko had fallen into decline among the three major Bunko, with its publication volume at the bottom, but everything changed after Izumi Masamune arrived.
It could be said that Izumi Masamune was the leading figure of this golden age!
"You were just about to say 'Old Thief,' weren't you?" Izumi Chihiro raised an eyebrow.
"But Teacher Izumi's writing style is different from mine, isn't it?" Kasumigaoka Utaha avoided the question, instead emphasizing this point.
Her tone softened slightly because the name 'Izumi Masamune' was indeed worth taking seriously.
"Kasumigaoka Utaha Sensei, it seems your information isn't very up-to-date ~ The romance game '"White Album"' that Teacher Izumi was the main writer for was a huge success, so he's quite persuasive in this regard. Also, Kasumigaoka Utaha Sensei, I suggest you try playing this game when you have time." Machida Sonoko suddenly interjected.
"'"White Album"'? A galgame?" Kasumigaoka Utaha frowned.
Although she knew the name Izumi Masamune, she didn't really know much about him.
Rather, she didn't know much about the light novel industry to begin with. She had only accidentally seen works of this genre in a bookstore and then started her own serialization, so her writing style was very unique, completely from her heart.
The beautiful romantic fantasies of a pure girl, combined with excellent writing, formed a dreamlike story, which was why she was able to win the Grand Prize.
"I'm not clear on this matter, but since Miss Editor recommends it so highly, I also want to see Teacher Izumi's abilities! If you can convince me, then I'll retract my previous statement…" Kasumigaoka Utaha's competitive spirit was ignited.
A novice fears no tiger.
Her self-awareness had not yet reached its most accurate level. In her opinion, as long as she successfully debuted, surpassing him was only a matter of time.
After all, that's how it had always been before.
"Alright, since Miss Sonoko wants me to instruct you, then I'll give you some good pointers!" Izumi Chihiro said with a condescending tone.
At that moment, their eyes met, a sense of confrontation palpable.
All of this perfectly aligned with Machida Sonoko's intentions.
Thank you, Teacher Izumi!
Of course, she was quite optimistic about Kasumigaoka Utaha, which was why she decided to make Kasumigaoka Utaha the third author she was responsible for.
However, the newly debuted author was still a bit too green. Although she was indeed very talented, she was still far from reaching the level of Nayuta-sensei.
Therefore, to help Kasumigaoka Utaha go further, she felt she should do something.
As an editor, she found it difficult to offer constructive advice on improving an author's work, so the only people she could rely on were the other two authors she was responsible for.
And today, Teacher Izumi just happened to be there, so she simply asked him for help directly.
Kasumigaoka Utaha patted a stack of printed documents in front of her; these were specifically printed from the internet by Machida Sonoko when they were discussing.
Otherwise, reading them online would be too slow.
"This is my work. The famous Teacher Izumi probably hasn't read it, right? So please, I trouble you to review it thoroughly."
Her words flattered him, which was clearly a tactic of praise first, then criticism. If his comments were not insightful, he would undoubtedly face a complete reversal of sarcasm.
"Alright."
Izumi Chihiro sat opposite her, his expression unchanged, and began to read the work.
The content serialized online certainly wasn't much, only one volume, roughly a hundred thousand words. Still, it took him over half an hour to finish reading it all.
"From his attitude, he certainly wasn't perfunctory."
This made Kasumigaoka Utaha nod inwardly.
However, attitude is one thing; whether he can understand is another.
If he couldn't offer suggestions that convinced her…
For such a person with an undeserved reputation, she would surely make him feel utterly ashamed.
'Hmm… it's indeed well written!'
This was Izumi Chihiro's first impression after finishing it.
From the first volume of "love metronome," he saw many things. The first, of course, was the author's writing style, which was the most direct aspect. Frankly speaking, it was even three points better than his current writing!
Compared to himself when he first debuted, she held an overwhelming advantage.
As expected of a genius!
The starting point for a genius is different from that of an ordinary person.
Of course, in light novels, good writing alone is not enough. Just as comics cannot rely solely on drawing skills, the core story and plot development are the real focus.
In this aspect, judging solely from the first volume, it's not bad at all! Not only does it not lack imagination, but it is also quite imaginative!
So, how exactly should he find fault with it?
"Teacher Izumi, please speak. I will listen carefully."
Kasumigaoka Utaha's expression also became a bit more serious.
She wasn't so arrogant as to truly believe she was an invincible genius upon her debut. Her performance compared to Senju Muramasa, whom she knew, was truly far inferior… So, although she outwardly showed disdain just now, she actually couldn't help but take the name Izumi Masamune seriously.
"The writing is excellent, the story progression is fine, and the dreamy atmosphere created evokes sweet thoughts in the reader. 100% pure love… As expected of a work that could win the Fantastic Grand Prize!"
Izumi Chihiro smiled slightly, starting with a barrage of praise.
"???"
Machida Sonoko looked confused.
Teacher, I asked you to find fault!
To thoroughly educate Kasumigaoka Utaha!
To make her understand her place…
Why did you just lavish her with praise after reading it?