"The workplace is like a battlefield." For Japanese office workers, this saying is an accurate reflection of their professional lives. In traditional Japanese culture, the rule of respecting the strong has never changed. Even in modern society, environments where the strong prey on the weak still exist to varying degrees. The workplace is where this is most apparent and most brutal. Perhaps the bushidō spirit of revering strength has persisted to this day—while social classes are no longer explicitly stated, invisible hierarchies are everywhere.
Additionally, there is a deeply rooted mindset in Japanese culture: even in death, one should avoid causing trouble to others. On the surface, this sounds like responsibility, but anyone who has lived in Japan for some time will realize how absurd it can be. Because of this, beyond politeness, Japanese culture often carries an undercurrent of forced smiles and insincerity.
This idea of "not causing trouble to others" is, more often than not, not applied to oneself but imposed on others as a form of pressure. If one had to describe it, traditional Japanese culture is like a dwarf wearing a giant's skin, hidden behind a mask.
These unique cultural factors have given rise to many unspoken rules in the Japanese workplace. The trouble caused by the Production Department under Fujiawara Tora had implicated the entire animation company, which was why he was willing to kneel to atone—even though the mistake originated from his subordinate, Kimura Jirō. If he failed to make up for it, not only would the company react harshly, but he himself would no longer be able to remain at Kyoni Animation Co., Ltd. This could be seen from the sense of bushidō he adhered to.
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Morishita Aoi picked up the stack of storyboard drafts left behind by Fujiawara Tora. After roughly counting them, she looked at Uehara Etsuki and asked helplessly, "What should we do? With such a tight deadline, how are we supposed to distribute these cuts?"
Kamiyā Yuu stepped forward and placed his assignment drawings on the desk. Noticing the subtle glances from both Uehara Etsuki and Morishita Aoi, he shrugged and said, "Coincidentally, I've been thinking about upgrading my computer recently. If Sensei trusts the abilities of this second key animator, then taking on a portion shouldn't be a problem." He genuinely wanted to buy a high-performance desktop to run the MAYA 3D modeling software more smoothly, and his current laptop could be passed on to Kamiyā Sora.
"How is your workload with correction drawings?" Uehara Etsuki asked cautiously. Although she had considered assigning some of the storyboard cuts to Kamiyā Yuu, she needed to understand the situation first.
Morishita Aoi chuckled lightly and answered on his behalf, "Kamiyā-kun usually finishes his correction work after the lunch break. In that sense, he's probably the most relaxed member of the Key Animation Department."
"Not bad."
It was unclear whether Uehara Etsuki meant that as praise. She didn't rush to a conclusion and pondered for a while before saying, "Aoi, distribute these storyboard cuts among the department members. Assign as many as possible. Report back here before noon. Kamiyā-kun, please come as well at that time."
"Yes."
"Understood."
Before noon, Kamiyā Yuu completed all his correction work at an even faster pace than before. Meanwhile, Morishita Aoi's distribution of the storyboard cuts caused quite a stir in the Key Animation Department. Key animators weren't paid particularly well, and many lived under financial strain. Being able to earn extra income wasn't a bad opportunity for those in need.
As the lunch break approached, Kamiyā Yuu and Morishita Aoi returned to Uehara Etsuki's office.
"The number of cuts distributed is even less than expected—only about one-third," Morishita Aoi reported, her expression displeased. She had originally thought they could distribute at least two-thirds.
"What a coincidence—I was thinking of buying not only a desktop computer but also a laptop for my sister," Kamiyā Yuu joked.
Morishita Aoi shot him an annoyed glance and said flatly, "The remaining two-thirds is equivalent to nearly ten days of work for a skilled key animator. With only one week to complete it, are you still that confident?"
Kamiyā Yuu nodded seriously. "I can't guarantee it completely, but I'll do my best."
Adjusting her glasses, Morishita Aoi's usually stern face revealed a hint of teasing. "Unfortunately, what we need right now is a complete guarantee—not 'doing your best.'"
Uehara Etsuki looked at her and asked calmly, "Aoi, can you help?"
Morishita Aoi shook her head. "I don't intend to break my principles." The principle she referred to was likely her stance against overtime. If she took on part of the workload, she would inevitably have to work late into the night for the entire week.
Kamiyā Yuu scratched his head awkwardly. "Sensei doesn't trust my abilities either?"
Uehara Etsuki shook her head, then nodded. "While you are outstanding in many aspects, you still lack certain essential experience as a key animator. Perhaps your natural talent can compensate for your lack of formal training, but your drawing speed will inevitably decrease."
Creating key animation and copying it were entirely different levels of work. From the assignments he submitted, Uehara Etsuki already considered Kamiyā Yuu a novice key animator. But after reviewing the storyboard cuts left by Fujiawara Tora, she believed the workload was beyond what he could complete alone—especially since Episode 12 of 'Mr. Onigiri Man' was a small climax, requiring highly experienced animators.
She didn't doubt that Kamiyā Yuu could complete the work—but she couldn't be sure he could finish it within a week. What she didn't know was that these exact shortcomings could be perfectly compensated by Kamiyā Yuu's consciousness space. Within it, he had ample time to prepare and refine his work.
Not wanting to see the two remain conflicted, Morishita Aoi sighed inwardly and offered her own suggestion: "How about this—Kamiyā-kun can draw as much as he can during this period. If it really can't be finished in time, I'll stay and help complete the remaining work during the last two days. If it's just two days of overtime, I can accept that."
"That works." Kamiyā Yuu glanced at her in surprise and agreed. He hadn't expected her to speak up for him.
"For now, that's the only viable solution," Uehara Etsuki said. She took two lollipops out of her drawer, rolled up her sleeves slightly, and handed one each to Kamiyā Yuu and Morishita Aoi. With a gentle smile, she added, "Then I'll leave it to you, Kamiyā-kun."
"Aoi, I'm counting on you with Kamiyā-kun."
"You really are something else," Morishita Aoi muttered, taking the lollipop and leaving the office with a shake of her head. When she turned back and saw Kamiyā Yuu still standing there, she frowned. "Kamiyā-kun, what are you waiting for?"
"?"
"The lunchtime crash course for key animators—only available during today's lunch break," Morishita Aoi said, pressing her forehead.
Kamiyā Yuu suddenly understood and hurried after her, realizing the meaning behind Uehara Etsuki's earlier words.