– According to the editor, Umino-sensei really likes Young Animal. This is apparently because there are a lot of manga artists working incredibly hard.

Mori: I can understand that. There really are a lot of manga artists writing for dear life. That’s why, without working hard, you can’t get into the top ranks. Maybe this is why Umino-sensei likes Young Animal?

Miura: Yes. Umino-sensei’s probably grown accustomed to this culture within Young Animal.

Mori: And yet, Umino-sensei definitely knows she’s strong (laughs). That’s why she likes it.

Hoshi: She’s ‘Fedor’, definitely ‘Fedor’ (laughs).

Mori: Yes, yes. She’s really strong; it’s fun for her because she can defeat all these people, all in an environment where there are so many working so hard. She really is like Fedor. I will not take back these words, even if Umino-sensei gets angry.

Hoshi: Ahahaha

Mori: Even if Umino-sensei makes me sit on the floor, and lectures me for several hours, I still, definitely will not take back these words (laughs).

– Umino-sensei apparently said “Fedor’s that rough guy with the bald head, right?”

Hoshi: But Fedor is really cool! And you know, Fedor can do anything. That’s why, in terms of ability, Umino-sensei is similar. Like how Fedor is a Sambo fighter, but is actually really good at punching. He can also pin people down and is strong at wrestling. He can do anything.

Mori: Yeah, they’re similar aren’t they? Fedor has no weaknesses, just like Umino-sensei!

– Also just to add, Umino- sensei isn’t very good at shogi.

Miura: Yeah, that’s right. And to think she’s writing Sangatsu; really amazing.

Mori: It really is a big surprise.

Miura: I can only say this now but to be honest, before Sangatsu started, Mori and I were discussing “Can she really write a good manga at her level of shogi?”

Mori: I was even grinning saying “Ooh, I bet it’s going to be really difficult”.

Miura: But, she’s managed to surpass all our expectations, you know.

Hoshi: And what’s more, Mori-san’s words just there are definitely the sort of thing you hear from the losing side (laughs).

Mori: I ended up saying something uncool, didn’t I (laughs)? That’s why, Sangatsu is amazing, because anybody can read it even if they have no interest in shogi.

Miura: I think there are a lot of manga artists that would be able to depict the winning and losing of shogi matches. But even if you can depict the harsh nature of these shogi matches, how that affects each and every character; depicting how it all connects is really difficult.

Mori: I think so too. If you were to write a manga about shogi, obviously the main theme will be shogi, so you’ll have think about how you’d balance that with everything else. It feels like Umino-sensei doesn’t really pay much attention to such things. Normally, you’d be thinking, maybe I’ll put this much weight on shogi, but Umino-sensei puts weight on anything she feels is important as she goes along.

Miura: It’s probably because she has a lot of confidence. And in reality, it’s more enjoyable that way.

Hoshi: What I think is that Umino-sensei is really good in what she picks up when researching a certain subject. For example, there’s a scene where the winning player is usually more quiet after the match. The loser is easily able to answer questions in an interview but the winner is completely exhausted. During the match, from the point where the player knows they are winning, they’re under much more pressure to make sure they don’t make any mistakes. I think it’s amazing that she picked this up during her research.

Miura: Yeah

Hoshi: This is interesting just as shogi knowledge, but is also amazing in terms of depicting character, as you can really understand how tough the match must have been.

Mori: It’s depressing talking about Umino-sensei.

Hoshi: She’s just too strong, so you end up losing all hope. Whilst Mori and I are in despair, only Miura-san is able to laugh (laughs).

Mori: Damn, look at you all calm and composed (laughs).

Miura: It’s you lot making me take this role, isn’t it (laughs)? More importantly, it seems Sangatsu is finally starting to enter the more bittersweet part of its story. I’m looking forward to it, but am also quite scared.

Mori: Yes, very. We’ll be completely beaten again (laughs).

Hoshi: It’s already really good with just the portrayal of its characters, but now, Frieza-sama is going to transform, you see.

Mori: Yeah, that’s right………

Hoshi: Not even a joke, this is seriously scary.

Miura: Normally if the characters are of the same gender, the story will be about friendship and competition. If of opposite genders then it’ll be a romance, right? Sangatsu doesn’t categorise itself on any of these sides, and still continues to be really good.

Mori: With Honey and Clover the story in its second half suddenly started to liven up, didn’t it? This, I’m sure will happen with Sangatsu as well.

Hoshi: This is very, very dangerous!

– It doesn’t seem this conversation will be coming to an end anytime soon, but lastly I would like to ask for any messages of support for Umino-sensei?

Hoshi: Support? I have no such thing! If I were to say, I would like Umino-sensei to, even just once, experience the hardships I had to go through! Though that probably won’t be possible (laughs) What about you, Mori-san?

Mori: What? A message of support? That would be presumptuous! Of course I can’t!

Miura: It’s like, if anything, she should root for me.

Mori: That’s right! Umino-sensei, root for me!

Hoshi: Yes! Root for us! That’s what we should say.

Mori: Oh no, just a second. You don’t have to root for Miura.

Hoshi: That’s right. Miura-san is, of course, in the same place as Umino-sensei!

Miura: Please stop with the teasing〜

Mori: Ahahaha! But if there was one thing I’d say, it would be that I am more than happy just if Umino-sensei could draw and continue to release manga. That’s why, take care of yourself, and please continue to draw manga.

Hoshi: Ahahaha! Mori-san, that’s the sort of thing a reader would say! What’s that!! You caught me by surprise!!

Mori: I can’t help it! I just want to read it! That’s all!!

-Finally, Miura-san.

Miura: Okay then….., how about, I’ll just say, let’s have another drink.

Hoshi: You see〜. It’s only Miura-san looking at Umino-sensei at the same level.

Mori: You bastard〜 (laughs).

Miura: Just, stop it already (laughs). But it was fun talking about Umino-sensei without her around.

Mori: But, I hope I haven’t said anything strange (laughs).

Hoshi: It’ll be fine. Umino-sensei is amazing and terrifying, that’s the truth.

Mori Yep (laughs).

Image: http://3lion-anime.com/special/endcard/ (by Miura Kentaro)