My 2D anime story

With the First Animation Studio leaving the meeting room, Su Yu turned to face the Second Animation Studio members.

"Director Shinnohara has always been like this."

A young-looking woman in a long dress stood up, letting out a light chuckle before glancing at Miyazumi Uta.

"Many talented young animators have been discouraged by him."

Sata Kana stepped forward to introduce her.

"This is Tamura Wakaka, the director of the Second Animation Studio."

Tamura looked surprisingly youthful, but upon closer inspection, the subtle makeup hinted that she was likely in her thirties.

"I also read your script—it's quite good."

"But I don't think I'm the right fit for this project, so I won't be taking it on."

"However, I can provide feedback, and once the final product is completed, I'd be happy to assist with refinements."

Tamura spoke calmly, her gaze steady on Su Yu.

"Thank you for your kindness."

Su Yu bowed slightly in appreciation.

"Uta is the young animator I believe in the most. Her drawing skills are among the best in the industry."

Tamura said this casually, as if stating a fact.

"She was my teacher in manga art. She taught me how to draw."

Su Yu added in a lower voice.

Tamura raised an intrigued eyebrow before offering a knowing smile.

Then, she turned toward Haruno Yukinoshita.

"Apologies, Miss Yukinoshita, we have other projects to attend to. We'll be taking our leave now."

"Go ahead."

Haruno nodded with a smile.

The members of Second Animation Studio all stood, bowed politely, and left the room in an orderly fashion.

A Complicated Expression

Su Yu watched them leave before settling down across from Miyazumi Uta.

She looked at him with an incredibly complicated expression—

A mix of gratitude, embarrassment, self-reproach, and regret.

She finally understood.

Shinnohara's cutting words hadn't been directed at her personally.

That was simply how he was.

Back when Uta had just graduated, she was known as the top student of Flash Animation Academy.

She had entered First Animation Studio full of confidence, daring to offer her own ideas to an industry veteran like Shinnohara.

The result?

Shinnohara didn't praise her once—

Instead, he bluntly criticized her in ways that, at the time, she thought were too harsh.

But now?

She realized she had been too naive.

Sure, she had been the best student in her academy.

But Shinnohara was already one of the greatest directors in the industry.

For a rookie like her to suggest changes to an experienced veteran—

It was beyond foolish.

In hindsight, the fact that he hadn't fired her on the spot was already a mercy.

After that, she had fallen into a slump.

Her passion for animation faded.

And without Su Yu's sudden interference—

She might've simply drifted into mediocrity, becoming just another ordinary animator.

"This Is Your Director"

"Stop looking at me like that."

Su Yu tossed a folder onto the table.

"This is my script and character designs."

"And this…"

"Is your animation director."

He motioned toward Yukino Yukinoshita.

Uta's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Director…?"

She turned to Yukino with an incredulous expression.

Yukino, however, remained unfazed.

"I'm Yukino Yukinoshita. I look forward to working with you."

Her voice was calm and composed, as if she had been in this position of authority all along.

"P-pleased to meet you…"

Uta stammered, clearly still in shock.

"Yukino isn't here to play around. She's a natural genius—being a director should be no problem for her."

"And even if she does face difficulties, I'll be here to fix them."

"So just focus on doing your best work."

Su Yu's voice was firm yet reassuring.

"I… I understand."

Uta's voice was quiet, but her trust in him was evident.

Finalizing the Decision

Su Yu turned to Haruno Yukinoshita.

Everything had fallen into place—

All that remained was her approval.

Haruno grinned playfully before glancing at her emotionless younger sister.

Then, she turned back to Su Yu and gave a cheerful nod.

"Alright then, Madoka Magica will be handled by Third Animation Studio."

"Sata, bring in the documents."

"Understood."

Sata Kana bowed and left the room.

As they waited, Uta began reviewing the script and character designs.

Su Yu, meanwhile, casually stood up, poured two cups of coffee, and handed one to Yukino.

She glanced at him briefly before accepting it in silence.

Su Yu sat down beside her.

"Director Yukinoshita, don't let me down."

"Are you referring to the anime or something else?"

Yukino sipped her coffee calmly.

"I want the anime to succeed, of course—"

"But I also hope to one day rest my head on your lap."

Su Yu murmured softly.

"Then prepare to be disappointed. If I commit to this, I will not fail."

Yukino's confidence was unwavering.

Su Yu chuckled.

"Is that so?"

Yukino hesitated for a moment—

Then asked in a low voice.

"What's your relationship with her?"

She subtly gestured towards Uta.

"Like I said before—she was my manga teacher."

Su Yu replied casually.

"That's not what I meant."

"She looks at you… the same way Yui does."

Yukino's gaze lingered on Uta, her expression unreadable.

Su Yu simply smiled and took a sip of his coffee.

He didn't answer.

Seeing this, Yukino chose not to press further.

Just then—

Sata Kana returned with the documents.

Su Yu and Yukino carefully reviewed every page before signing their names.

With that, Su Yu's 100 million yen investment was transferred to Flash Animation Studio's account.

As the transaction completed, Sata Kana stared at him for several seconds—

Clearly shocked by his remaining account balance.

Production Begins

Typically, a 12-episode anime took about three months to produce—

Meaning they had to finish an episode every week.

This standard practice often led to scheduling nightmares, which was why many series ended up with animation breakdowns halfway through.

However—

Since Su Yu and Yukino's funding was fully provided upfront—

The Third Animation Studio had a unique advantage.

Uta immediately began handpicking key staff.

Though she had previously appeared disengaged, she had actually been observing everyone.

She knew who specialized in character art, who excelled at music, who handled editing best—

She understood the strengths and weaknesses of her team.

And she wasn't alone.

The Third Animation Studio had many underrated talents—

What they lacked was a chance to shine.

Inside the studio's office, Su Yu tested software on a borrowed laptop.

Meanwhile, Yukino sat beside him, reading a director's interview book.

Though the waiting process was long—

Neither of them felt bored for even a moment.

Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X