"You know, three years ago when Senior Yamamura Kono returned to the dojo to register your license, he was bragging about you nonstop."
"He looked just like Masao Kurata when his student Ryuuken Kano finally won that three-generation-long rivalry—absolutely beaming with pride."
"Totally lost his dignity as a senior and got teased endlessly by the others."
Kyousuke recognized those names as characters from his conversation partner's own novels.
So, this guy really does love quoting his own work during casual chats. Still, Kyousuke didn't find it annoying—if anything, he thought it showed an endearing honesty.
He couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
He had always assumed that Master Yamamura Kono sent him to the main dojo purely to learn the school's secret techniques.
Turns out, the old man also saw it as a chance to show off his star pupil.
Come to think of it, last time the master visited their home, he hadn't gotten the chance to properly entertain him… Or did he?
Actually, he and Kyousuke's father had a great time drinking together.
Kyousuke even had to carry the drunken master to the guest room. That counts as proper hospitality, right?
Though... the expression on Yamamura's face the next morning was certainly something.
"Three years, Hojou. You haven't gone to the Tonomachi Chiba dojo even once. Is the North Star One-Sword School's secret art really that unappealing to you?"
He sounded… wounded.
It was honestly surreal, seeing that kind of emotion on the face of a man in his forties.
His voice was full of complaint, like an old friend nursing a grudge.
Helpless, Kyousuke had no choice but to pull out the classic "I promise I'll go next time," assuring him that he'd visit at least once in his lifetime.
The North Star One-Sword Style, huh? Even Mitsuha Miyamizu had once suggested they visit the Chiba dojo together, to greet the seniors.
It was strange how something that started as a simple means of self-defense had ended up tying him to so many people. Was this fate?
"After moving from Suimon City to Tokyo, I got swept up in the glitter of the big city… So many things came up, and I just never managed to make the trip. I've really let Master Yamamura down." Kyousuke lowered his head, sipping his tea.
"Hahaha! Come on, I don't buy that for a second. A man who could write a character like Tetsuya Ishigami isn't the type to get lost in worldly distractions."
"How about this—why don't we visit the dojo together before the school term starts?"
"When Senior Naitou heard you were joining the association, his face went black like he'd just been poisoned!"
"He was yelling, 'Has he completely forgotten about kendo? What a waste! With talent like Kyousuke's, the North Star One-Sword Style could be great again!'"
Kenzou Konno animatedly mimicked the scene.
Well, he tried to. Kyousuke thought the impression was a bit off.
His exaggerated eyebrows made him look more smug than anything.
After a moment's thought Kyousuke realized why—Konno was probably pleased that he'd recruited Kyousuke into the Writers' Association before the dojo had a chance.
"Right after that, Senior Naitou grabbed me by the neck and told me that the moment I saw you, I had to drag you to the dojo. Otherwise, every time I show up, he'll make me spar nonstop!"
Having finished gloating, Konno suddenly looked very serious as he grabbed Kyousuke by the shoulders.
"…Alright, I'll check with my publisher and see if I can make time," Kyousuke said, this time with a hint of sincerity.
"Even if you don't have time, make time! A real man never says he can't, Kyousuke-kun!"
Konno struck a classic senpai pose, the kind that looked like he was about to toss a mountain of work on a junior.
But Kyousuke knew all the guy really wanted was to avoid getting pummeled at the dojo.
"In that case, why don't we go together on the awards ceremony day?" Kyousuke joked.
Their relationship had grown close enough for that kind of banter.
"Oh? So if you don't win, you're not going?" Konno teased.
"Of course not! Even if I don't win, I still want to be there to celebrate with the other authors."
"Exactly! That's the right attitude. The whole purpose of this award is to encourage the growth of Japanese mystery fiction."
"It's only by embracing excellent works with open arms—learning from the best and discarding the worst—that we can keep producing stories of real quality."
Only now did Kyousuke fully appreciate that the man who'd been rambling on about kendo was also the long-time head of the Japan Mystery Writers' Association.
Konno had won the prestigious Edogawa Rampo Prize in his debut year with The Kendo Tournament Murder Case, and since then had claimed every major accolade: the Association Prize, the Naoki Prize, the Grand Prize for Pure Mystery Novels…
Seven awards in one year. Under his leadership, the association had grown rapidly.
Though the Edogawa Rampo Prize remained the most prestigious in Japan, the Mystery Writers' Association Prize had already gained greater recognition overseas.
Sure, both prizes were decided by the same judges, but a little healthy competition was good for creativity.
While Kyousuke's novel adaptation was still floating in development limbo, dozens of Konno's works had already been turned into films and dramas.
"The president always knows how to say something profound," came a voice out of nowhere, startling them both.
"Osaka! You're still here?" Konno exclaimed.
"How rude! Do you think a guy my size could hide between the couch cushions?" Osaka Hiromasa said, indignantly sitting up and revealing his impressive five-month beer belly.
"Hahaha, just kidding. Anyway, it's about time we get Hojou-kun registered," Konno said with a cheerful grin.
He walked over to his desk, pressed the intercom, and gave a brief instruction.
"I've got some things to take care of. I'll leave the rest to Sawada."
'Knock knock—'
The office door, slightly ajar, swung open as a woman in a sharp black business suit entered.
Her hair was tied neatly back, and she wore oval-shaped black glasses. She held a meeting notebook in her arms.
After stepping in, she gave the group a polite bow.
"Secretary Sawada, long time no see. This is Hojou Kyousuke, the author of The Devotion of Suspect X," Osaka introduced.
"Hojou-kun, don't forget our promise. I'm not like Senior Naitou, who's all about pride. If I don't see you at the dojo, I will show up at your house."
"Haha, even if that weren't the case, I'd be happy to have you and Senior Osaka over. Actually, the Edohigan cherry tree in my garden is about to bloom. Wouldn't it be nice to sip tea and enjoy the blossoms?"
Kyousuke smiled.
This was a great chance to expand his network. Sure, goofing off with pretty girls was good for the soul, but a man also needed drinking buddies.
"Haha, well said. Too bad Hojou-kun's still not old enough to drink, or I'd bring my finest bottle of Houraisen."
"Oh please, you think only Hojou-kun should get to taste that divine sake?" Konno teased with mock annoyance.
"President, spare me! You've already drained most of my good stuff at home!" Osaka groaned.
With Secretary Sawada still waiting, the three quickly wrapped up their playful banter.
The registration process wasn't complicated at all.
In less than ten minutes, it was done—just some basic information and a few questions about hobbies.
The only part that required a bit more thought was the "new member speech," which would be posted on the association's website.
Fortunately, Kyousuke had more than enough experience with saying the right things in public by now.
He thanked his sponsor, Osaka Hirotada, and mentioned a few respected veterans in the association, sharing how their works had inspired him.
Then came a segment about the struggles he'd faced during writing.
In truth, the process had been thoroughly enjoyable—especially with the ever-present company of the beautiful and brilliant senior, Kasumigaoka Utaha.
But if you're looking for obstacles, you can always find something to say.
As lunchtime approached, Kenzo Konno appeared once more, and without saying a word, grabbed Kyousuke and Osaka for an impromptu dash toward a nearby izakaya.
Apparently, being the association president didn't stop Konno from living as freely as any other eccentric Japanese author.
Drinking during the day?
That's for "seeking inspiration," of course—lost in a vivid world of imagination.
Drinking at night? That's for "melancholic musings under the moonlight," tangled in emotions, even if flanked by three or four attentive companions.
But Kyousuke wasn't quite ready to embrace that kind of author's lifestyle.
He offered an alternative and his friend ran a restaurant nearby. Naturally, the others had no objections. Supporting a friend's business was a noble cause, after all.
With Osaka driving, the three of them headed to JR Kasuga Station. It was rush hour, and being in the middle of a shopping district made finding parking a bit of a chore.
"That's why walking is the best!" Konno remarked smugly from the backseat.
"President, don't you just not have a driver's license?" Osaka asked casually as he shut the car door.
"What? Which newspaper's been spreading that slander?! I'll have Legal deal with them immediately."
"You said it yourself the last time we went drinking," Osaka said flatly.
"You're really going to take the word of a drunk man seriously?!"
"Isn't there a saying about how drunken words are sober thoughts? Plus, I read it in an article. Didn't you claim that after downing a whole bottle of junmai daiginjo, you churned out 80,000 words of your novel Black Temptation in one sitting?"
Osaka glanced at Kyousuke with a smirk.
"Now that's an amazing skill, huh? You should take notes, Hojou-kun. If you master it, you'll be able to drink and write at the same time. It's the ultimate dream."
"It really is impressive," Kyousuke replied, thinking how this wasn't too different from the time he considered asking Mitsuha Miyamizu to help him make ends meet.
Do something fun and easy, and money magically ends up in your pocket.
"Whichever paper wrote that, I'll have Sawada look into it later. We'll sue them for invasion of privacy," Konno muttered, seemingly forgetting it had been him who said it during an interview.
Their playful banter continued as the three strolled into the shopping street, only to be met with a surprising and humbling reality for the two senior authors.
Despite being industry veterans, it was the younger Kyousuke who was recognized first by passersby.
Today, Kyousuke was wearing a sharp navy-blue casual suit—not the silver one from the previous day.
With his already striking looks elevated by the tailored outfit, and with yesterday's signing event still fresh in the public's mind thanks to widespread media coverage, he was instantly spotted.
Okudera Miki had chosen this location for her restaurant precisely because it was surrounded by schools—high schools, universities—and students were always the quickest to pick up on trending news.
With The Devotion of Suspect X selling over a million copies, that meant roughly one in every 1,200 people in Japan had bought the book.
Among students, that ratio was likely even higher.
Near a dessert stand, a bored-looking girl gazing at her phone suddenly froze, then tugged frantically at her friend's sleeve. "Hey, wait! Isn't that Hojou Kyousuke?!"
"No way—where, where?!" Her friend yanked her gaze off her phone, already asking before even turning her head.
Both girls were students at the nearby Shobi College of Music.
Whether or not they were masters of the arts was debatable, but when it came to makeup and fashion, they were top-tier.
Their fair, slender legs under miniskirts drew every male gaze in the vicinity. As they stared in awe, the surrounding crowd followed their gaze.
"Hojou Kyousuke? Who's that?"
There were still some who didn't recognize him, but they were quickly educated in dramatic fashion by whoever stood nearby.
While the crowd buzzed, the two girls had already jogged up to Kyousuke, phones in hand, asking if they could take a picture.
It was the first time Kyousuke had received such attention, but not wanting to disappoint his fans, he gladly agreed.
He even introduced his two companions—both highly respected authors.
From earlier conversations, he already knew that neither Kenzo Konno nor Osaka Hirotada minded the spotlight.
Maybe it came with the territory of their roles in the writers' association.
The girls were thrilled by the unexpected bonus, their smiles growing even brighter.
After the photo, they didn't ask for autographs. They gave a polite bow and left.
Seeing that the first photo request had been granted, others in the shopping district quickly joined in.
Some even ran to nearby bookstores and bought the featured copy of The Devotion of Suspect X from the display just for his signature.
After signing a few books, Kyousuke noticed that his two senior colleagues had been pushed aside by the gathering crowd.
He quickly clasped his hands together and addressed the fans.
"I'll be hosting another signing event this afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Ogiyou Book Hall in front of the Chinzan-so Garden. You can meet me there, but for now, please let me eat. My stomach's already staging a protest!"
A few fans, who were aware of his "bottomless appetite," chuckled kindly and gradually dispersed.
"Wow, I didn't expect to get recognized like that," Kyousuke said apologetically to the two older authors.
Konno and Osaka exchanged a glance, suspicion in their eyes.
Was the kid bragging? Neither said a word, silently vowing to eat as much as possible later—make him pay for this, one way or another.
"'Entei'—not a bad name for a restaurant. Did you come up with it, Hojou-kun?" Konno asked, standing beneath the sign, which had crisp white lettering on a black background.
"No, no, I'm terrible with names. I could never come up with something that good. My friend did," Kyousuke said with a wave of his hand.
Just as they were chatting, a stunning figure appeared at the entrance.
"Kyousuke? What are you doing standing around outside? Come in already!"
Wearing a navy-blue casual outfit with a white apron, Okudera Miki beamed at them with a radiant smile that could rival the sun.
"That's your friend?"
The two veteran writers, shocked by her beauty, each grabbed one of Kyousuke's arms and whispered in disbelief.
No wonder he didn't bat an eye at those young fangirls, this was who he had waiting for him!
"Yep. Miki's cooking is top-notch. She's amazing at Italian and French cuisine, but her Chinese dishes are truly unbeatable," Kyousuke replied cheerfully, leading them inside and introducing everyone.
Upon hearing their names and realizing they were Kyousuke's professional acquaintances, Miki greeted them with a graceful bow and a gentle, elegant smile.
Kenzo Konno and Hirotada Ousaka quickly returned the polite bow.
The first floor of the restaurant was nearly full, but without hesitation, Kyousuke led the two men toward the staircase cordoned off by a small barrier.
Although Enten had already hired a chef and a server, the café-style operations they initially discussed hadn't officially launched yet.
So far, only close friends of Kyousuke and Okudera Miki had been invited to the second floor.
With the owner and head chef—Miki—heading downstairs to prepare their meal, the two older men, both easily old enough to be Kyousuke's father, watched him with a mix of envy and curiosity.
"Hojou, is that lovely woman your girlfriend?" Konno asked bluntly.
"Huh? No, we're just really close friends," Kyousuke replied.
"Just friends?!" Konno clearly didn't buy it.
If a woman that beautiful were around him, no way he'd settle for just being friends.
"Well... we're also business partners."
"Business partners?"
"Yeah, I partly own this restaurant."
"Oooooohh," they both chorused, voices dripping with knowing mischief.
The two veterans broke into oily grins, patting Kyousuke on the shoulder with exaggerated laughter.
Somewhere between their chuckles, a future night out at a high-end Ginza club was casually decided.
Their food arrived not long after—an elegant, delicious spread.
Whether they'd cut in line wasn't even a thought; no one mentioned it.
They knew how busy Miki's place could get, and Kyousuke, mindful of that, didn't ask her to sit and join them.
"This is incredible!! Who would've thought such a beautiful woman could cook this well!" Ousaka exclaimed after taking one sip of the vegetable soup.
Kyousuke smiled modestly as he poured them each a cup of oolong tea.
"Haha, Miki graduated from Ochanomizu Women's University. Every dish is her own creation—healthy, tasty, and refined."
"Damn it. Back in college, my biggest dream was to date a girl from Ochanomizu," Konno groaned in mock despair.
"Seriously, you're living the dream, Kyousuke," Ousaka added with a half-joking sigh.
Even before entering high school, Kyousuke had written an exceptional novel and earned a nomination for the Japan Mystery Writers Association Award.
The final results hadn't been announced yet, but deep down, they already had a feeling.
He was also a gifted kendo swordsman, admired by veterans as the future of his style.
And now, he had an extraordinary woman like Miki by his side.
'Damn you, Hojou,' they both thought, half-jealous, half-admiring.