"This is a supplementary document covering additional details for the files distributed yesterday. Also, if there's anything you don't understand about yesterday's material, now's the time to bring it up."
During the meeting held by the 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio the next day, Kamiyā Yuu distributed the revised detail documents for 'RWBY' that he had organized in his consciousness space, then swept his gaze across the thoughtful expressions of the team members.
After seeing Kamiyā Yuu's detailed framework for the 'RWBY' movie version, everyone felt a faint sense of unreality. Could an animation studio with only six members really produce something on the level he was demanding? Judging from the contents of the document, many aspects had already surpassed Hollywood-style animated blockbusters.
Miyauchi Ema, who wore a contemplative expression, raised her right hand and spoke.
"President, generally speaking, the framework document for the movie version of 'RWBY' is already extremely complete, but how should I put this... for an animation studio like ours with only six people, isn't the level a bit too high? It's like a level-one newbie suddenly being asked to defeat the Demon King or something, and the time we've been given isn't much either."
They were all professionals with abundant experience in animation production, so naturally, they could understand the overall framework document Kamiyā Yuu had prepared for 'RWBY'. Precisely because they understood it, they also knew what caliber of animated film he was aiming to create.
Beside her, the restless Matsuoka Taira nodded deeply in agreement. He was probably the least confident member of the entire 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio.
Bored out of her mind, Yūki Chinatsu rested her head on the conference table—which was too tall for her height—and muttered:
"Ema, you're the cautious type, huh? The kind who maxes out all your levels and equipment before challenging the Demon King. I'm the adventurous type. Barely scraping through is what makes it exciting. Besides, don't we already have a level-99 Sage teammate and the ultimate holy sword he forged? No problem, no problem. Since Yuu proposed it, he must already have a solution in mind."
After saying that, she looked around the conference room and evaluated everyone one by one.
"99 (Kamiyā Yuu, Sage), 90 (Uehara Etsuki, Priest), 80 (Morishita Aoi, Mage), 40 (Miyauchi Ema, Thief), 45 (Majima Hana, Archer)... Hmm... 85 (myself, Warrior [Main Character! Party Leader!]), 10 (Matsuoka Taira, ordinary villager guide)."
—Hey, lacking confidence is one thing, but what's with that completely irresponsible blind trust? And this isn't even an RPG! What's with those ratings anyway?
Pretending not to hear her, Kamiyā Yuu smiled and asked, "Nobody's confident?"
Majima Hana, dressed in a woman's white shirt that boldly accentuated her proud figure, replied seriously:
"We've never tried anything like this before, so saying we lack confidence would actually be overestimating ourselves. What's important is whether the president believes we can do it."
"I'm the one who proposed this plan," Kamiyā Yuu answered decisively.
The implication behind those words was obvious.
Majima Hana and Miyauchi Ema exchanged glances before nodding cautiously.
"Alright then. We'll do our utmost to complete the work and assist the president."
Kamiyā Yuu turned toward Uehara Etsuki, who was leisurely sipping Japanese tea nearby, and asked carefully:
"Teacher, the workload I'm assigning you this time is the heaviest. You'll be responsible for character designs and the design of all the film's environments. Before that, though, I'll provide you with the framework and rough storyboards for the scenes."
Uehara Etsuki set down her teacup, glanced at him, and replied in her serene tone:
"I'm happy to be someone Kamiyā-kun can rely on. Just tell me whatever you need from me. Besides, I'm already an official member of the 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio now, and also one of Kamiyā-kun's subordinates."
Already accustomed to her calm manner of speaking, Kamiyā Yuu smiled in acknowledgment before turning toward Yūki Chinatsu with a suspicious tone.
"Chinatsu, as the Chief Animation Director this time, what are your thoughts?"
Although Uehara Etsuki was in charge of environment design, the overall production still rested in the hands of Yūki Chinatsu from the 3D department.
The moment she heard the title "Chief Animation Director," her large, round eyes lit up. She restrained the grin on her face and asked in a deliberately casual tone:
"Chief Animation Director... sounds like a position with a lot of responsibility."
Kamiyā Yuu nodded along with her act.
"Yeah, probably the most important person in the company besides me."
"So that means you can't do without me!" Yūki Chinatsu could no longer suppress the smug grin creeping onto her lips.
Kamiyā Yuu answered with a wandering gaze:
"So if Chinatsu doesn't work hard, all of us are going to have a very difficult time."
Yūki Chinatsu raised her chin high, practically ready to stand on her office chair and look down on everyone. Using a tone full of helpless disappointment, as if lamenting their incompetence, she declared:
"Honestly, there's nothing I can do with you, people. Since I'm the only dependable one in the company, I guess I'll reluctantly put in some effort. You all better keep up with my progress~!"
With her childish appearance and childish voice, she insisted on speaking in the tone of a seasoned elder, completely unaware that she had already become the group mascot in everyone else's eyes.
70 (Yūki Chinatsu, Mascot)
Nearby, Miyauchi Ema and Majima Hana exchanged strange looks with Kamiyā Yuu and reached the same conclusion—
This terrifying man had already figured out how to manipulate Yūki Chinatsu~!
At present, the food chain within the 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio was:
Kamiyā Yuu > Uehara Etsuki > Morishita Aoi > Miyauchi Ema = Majima Hana > Yūki Chinatsu > Matsuoka Taira.
Before Kamiyā Yuu could speak again, Morishita Aoi stepped forward from behind him and spread the documents in her hands across the table as she explained:
"The overall production process has basically been arranged. Due to the special nature of our animation studio, we can't rely on outsourcing companies to share the workload. To maintain smooth production, I've already purchased five professional-grade computers and placed them in the empty office on the third floor.
"As for voice acting, it will be handled by Mr. Robert, the person in charge of the animated adaptation of 'FakeBook'. We only need to mail the materials over half a month before the scheduled date. The BGM and theme songs will still be handled by Shindō Tsukasa's music studio."
Kamiyā Yuu nodded in satisfaction and looked around at everyone.
"Since the overall production process has already been arranged, let's return to the earlier question. If there's anything you don't understand, say it now. Scenes, character designs, plot details—anything is fine."
"Um... President, may I ask what kind of person this unnamed fallen hero Marcus actually is?" Matsuoka Taira raised his hand and asked timidly, the gleam in his eyes revealing his interest and curiosity toward Marcus.
"There are still a few things I don't understand regarding the setting of the final scene, 'World Within the Well," Miyauchi Ema added.
Majima Hana looked toward Uehara Etsuki and smiled lightly.
"Since the overall style of the animation leans toward dark gothic aesthetics, there's nothing to worry about with Director Uehara around."
"You flatter me." Uehara Etsuki inclined her head slightly.
Still wearing a proud expression, Yūki Chinatsu patted her small chest and declared:
"Then if you have any production-related questions, you can ask me. No matter what, I am the Chief Animation Director!"
The meeting lasted the entire afternoon. Aside from the opening summary, the entire discussion revolved around Kamiyā Yuu as he explained all sorts of issues regarding the movie version of 'RWBY'.