Synopsis

Takagi and Mashiro's latest manga, *Tanto*, remains unpublished, but Miura encourages them to refine it for their next meeting. The cancellation of "Business Boy Kenichi" leaves Nakai without work. Following two rejections, he reflects on his approach and resolves to return home. Mashiro attempts to dissuade him, but Nakai is resolute, even as Fukuda and Aoki arrive. Later, Takamara requests a different editor, frustrated by Miura's unwillingness to allow him creative freedom. The chief editor d