NOVEL WEB Chapter 56
🚀 Want more from the story? 🚀
Join my Fanfiction Patreon to unlock more than 15 advance chapters and get ahead of Webnovel readers:
👉 patreon.com/Forbidden_lust
🎨 Love the female leads? On my Art Patreon, you'll find exclusive artwork bringing them to life:
👉 patreon.com/PixLust
Support the stories, enjoy the art, and connect with the community! ❤️
The next morning, Iida Ayano arrived at the hospital with Sayuri Sawamura. Her purpose was clear—she wanted to finalize discussions about the possible serialization of Slam Dunk.
Lucien D. Blackthorn, who was steadily recovering while balancing his work, greeted them politely. Sayuri and Eriri were already there to make sure the meeting would go smoothly.
Iida Ayano adjusted her glasses and got straight to the point.
"Lucien-sensei… Whale-sensei," she corrected herself respectfully, "we at Manga Jump have been closely observing the growing popularity of Slam Dunk. After yesterday's meeting, we have a proposal."
Lucien listened calmly, though his heart skipped at the mention of his pen name.
"We hope to serialize Slam Dunk simultaneously in Manga Month—our monthly magazine under Manga Jump. Don't worry, this won't interfere with the ongoing online serialization. Instead, it will expand your audience, build long-term readership, and also provide you with an additional stream of royalties."
Sayuri immediately leaned forward, carefully examining every detail. "To clarify, Whale-sensei would still retain full creative control, yes?"
"Of course," Ayano replied quickly. "We want to support Whale-sensei's vision, not interfere with it. Manga Month is not as large as Manga Jump in terms of circulation, but it has a strong dedicated readership. With Slam Dunk's momentum, it will thrive there."
Lucien smiled faintly. The offer was too good to refuse—no downsides, only advantages. "Then, let's proceed. I'll agree to the cooperation."
Within the day, both parties signed the agreement.
---
That evening, the official Twitter account of Manga Jump dropped two explosive announcements:
📢 [Important Announcement 1]:
"This Friday's issue of Manga Jump will feature Chapters 3 and 4 of Attack on Titan by Whale-sensei. The second volume will begin immediately after, with Chapters 5 and 6 scheduled for serialization in the following week. Readers, please look forward to it!"
📢 [Major Announcement 2]:
"Whale-sensei's Slam Dunk will now be serialized in Manga Month, a monthly magazine under Manga Jump! Don't miss the chance to experience this masterpiece."
The tweets were accompanied by vibrant manga panels—Eren's fierce determination from Attack on Titan and Sakuragi Hanamichi's explosive energy from Slam Dunk.
Almost instantly, fans flocked to the comment section:
[Netizen A]: "Slam Dunk? Wait, isn't this the manga Mai Sakurajima recommended before? I didn't realize Whale-sensei also created Attack on Titan!"
[Netizen B]: "I read the first chapters of Attack on Titan—it's brilliant. Honestly, it could surpass Titanfall."
[Netizen C]: "Hold on, wasn't Titanfall just borrowing the background from Attack on Titan? Sounds like a copycat move to me."
[Netizen D]: "True, but Kim Jung-gun has more industry backing. Still, Whale-sensei's pacing and creativity are insane. We should keep an eye on him."
As debates grew, Lucien's own Twitter account—which had been quietly gaining followers—suddenly spiked to over 20,000 fans overnight.
---
By Friday, the anticipation was at its peak.
In the hospital, Usami Mizuki had just finished the post-production of Chapter 10 of Attack on Titan's third volume. Lucien reviewed the drafts with care and nodded with approval. "Good work, Mizuki-san. Your efficiency is improving steadily."
Her face lit up at the compliment. "Arigatou gozaimasu, Whale-sensei. I'll do my best with the next chapters."
Lucien handed her the drafts for Chapters 11 and 12, feeling a growing sense of relief. Slowly but surely, the team was finding its rhythm.
That afternoon, Eriri burst into the hospital room carrying the latest issue of Manga Jump.
"Lucien!" she called, her voice brimming with excitement. "Look! They published two chapters of Attack on Titan at once—Chapters 3 and 4!"
She waved the magazine eagerly. "My classmates were devouring it during break. Some of them are obsessed! And guess what—they just announced that Volume 2 will start immediately after Volume 1 finishes. People in my class are losing their minds!"
Lucien chuckled at her energy, but Eriri wasn't done. She leaned closer, her eyes sparkling. "And there's more—you're getting the cover of the next issue of Manga Jump! Do you understand how big that is?"
Even Lucien felt a rare surge of emotion at those words. The cover of Manga Jump was something every mangaka dreamed of.
Then, as if she had been saving her best card for last, Eriri smirked. "Oh, and… Mai Sakurajima is following Slam Dunk."
Lucien's eyes widened. "What?"
"Yes!" Eriri puffed her chest proudly. "A national-level actress, a top idol, and she loves Rukawa Kaede! Can you believe it?"
Lucien wasn't entirely surprised. In his previous world, Slam Dunk had been a cultural giant, and Rukawa's popularity rivaled even Sakuragi's. But hearing Mai Sakurajima's name attached to his work still left him shaken.
"Right now, Rukawa is way more popular than Sakuragi," Eriri said knowingly. "You should give him more screen time. People want to see more of him!"
Lucien smiled softly. "Since you've requested it, I'll make sure Rukawa shines. In the upcoming Shōhoku vs. Ryōnan match, Rukawa will dominate the spotlight. Sakuragi will… have to warm the bench."
"Really?!" Eriri's face lit up, her excitement bursting out. "Yatta! You have to draw it fast—I can't wait!"
"Patience, Eri. That's for Volume 4."
Lucien then handed her the complete drafts for Slam Dunk Volume 3—Chapters 23 through 26.
The storyline showed Shōhoku's relentless training in preparation for their big exchange match against Ryōnan High. The stage was set for the arrival of Ryōnan's powerhouses—Uozumi and Sendoh. At the very end, Sakuragi finally donned his No. 10 jersey, ready to take the court for the first time.
The air in the room grew heavy with anticipation. Eriri clutched the pages as though holding treasure.
The first real battle of Shōhoku was about to begin.
---
✨ End of Chapter 56 ✨
250ps=1 extra chapter and so on