As episode four ended, many new fans gave Madoka Magic a shot. Even if it wasn't their usual style, they'd seen the online reactions and wanted to see what made it so different.
Some encouraged others to set aside their preconceived notions of the genre. This was shaping up to be something fresh.
But some viewers were left wanting more.
Episode four had introduced Sayaka's transformation, given more insight into the characters, and hinted at darker mechanics, just as Mizushiro had teased in interviews. Yet, for all that, the episode still felt transitional, like a bridge toward something bigger. Fans could sense it, which only raised expectations for episodes five and six.
Among the newer audience, many weren't even fans of magical girl shows or the art style. They had heard online that Madoka Magic was going to be different, and they didn't want to be left behind by the trend. But their impatience showed. They were waiting for the payoff and weren't sure if they'd stick around for the buildup.
—
Early the next morning, the first rays of light filtered into the room.
Saya stirred awake, blinking blearily before sitting up and preparing for the day.
After showering, she opened her closet. That familiar unease surfaced again as she glanced at the corner where her old, androgynous clothes sat neatly boxed away. Hanging in front of her now were the feminine outfits she had gradually begun wearing. She had started to change her style so Ryuko would notice her.
Working together on Into the Abyss had turned them from colleagues into something closer to friends. Somewhere along the way, Saya found herself wanting more. And sometimes, she wondered if it was working.
—
By the time she arrived at the recording studio, the rest of the team was already gathered. Ryuko was in the booth, voice acting for the lead role.
Some had been skeptical of her at first. With so little experience, could she really handle a protagonist without slowing production down? But Ryuko had proven herself. Her delivery was sharp, her instincts natural, and her mistakes were few and far between, closer to a veteran than a newcomer. The production schedule never once slipped because of her.
When the session ended, it was time for lunch. Saya and Ryuko found a quiet corner of the break room with their trays.
Ryuko scrolled through her phone between bites, grinning as she read.
"What're you looking at?" Saya asked.
Ryuko turned the screen toward her. "Comments from the new Madoka Magic episode. People are losing it. Look at this one." She pushed the phone closer, excitement written all over her face.
Saya glanced at the screen, then back at Ryuko. "They're really going all in on that one, huh."
Ryuko nodded. "You can feel it picking up. That moment with Sayaka? Chills."
Saya forced a smile, but her voice came out flatter than she intended. "I know you're friends with him, but we're still competing, aren't we? Shouldn't you be worried about how well his anime is doing?"
Ryuko blinked. "Worried? Why would I be?"
"Think about it," Saya said, keeping her tone light. "Into the Abyss is holding the top spot right now. The other shows are chasing second and third. If this keeps up, we might win the season outright. And if that happens, we're in the running for Anime of the Year." She poked at her food. "You're the lead voice in our show. If we take the crown, that puts you on a whole new level. Shouldn't you want Madoka to underperform, at least a little?"
Ryuko didn't answer right away. She set her phone down, thinking. "I guess that makes sense… I mean, I want us to do well, obviously. But honestly? I don't want it to fail. Haruki's work," she paused, then smiled, softer this time, "it deserves to be seen. If it does well, I'll be proud of him. That doesn't change what we're doing here."
Saya looked at her for a moment. Ryuko's expression held no trace of doubt. Just sincerity.
"Must be nice," Saya said quietly.
"What?"
"To not feel the need to win."
Ryuko opened her mouth, but the break bell chimed before she could respond. She stood, brushing crumbs from her lap and picking up her tray.
"Come on. We'll be late."
Saya followed, but her chest felt heavier than before.
—
Five days later, episode five of Madoka Magica was set to air. But at T-Bone Animation, the staff was already neck-deep in production for episodes eight and nine.
For Haruki, those episodes were the heart of the series.
Not just because of Madoka's eventual wish or the metaphysical climax, but because of the arc between Sakura Kyoko and Sayaka, the red and blue pair whose story unfolded between episodes five and nine.
He loved their dynamic. Enemies turned allies, clashing ideals softening into an unspoken connection, especially episode nine.
That final image still haunted him: Sayaka, tears streaming down her face as she accepted her fate. Kyoko clasping her hand, smiling through her own despair, their fingers intertwined. A moment of defiance against a cruel world.
Both lost, yet together.
Even if you fall into darkness, I'll be with you.
And then the ED theme, "and I'm home," would play. Soft, melodic, carrying both warmth and sorrow.
That was when Haruki knew he loved Madoka not just as a fan, but as a creator.
He still admired Homura and Madoka's dimension-spanning bond, of course, but Kyoko and Sayaka's bittersweet story struck deeper. It was human.
So he poured himself into these episodes. He didn't want to "outdo" the original. He wanted to protect what made it special. He even insisted on drawing the ED keyframe for episode nine himself, coloring it by hand to make sure the moment came through exactly as it should.
The team didn't argue. They just sighed and exchanged knowing glances.
"Boss is at it again," someone muttered. "Another gut punch in the making."
"Yeah, and he's loving it," another replied.
What kind of person could think up something this bleak and be so passionate about it?
—
A few days before episode five aired, Haruki posted a short, playful message on his socials. Nothing dramatic. Just a tease:
"The story of love and magic truly begins now."
Was it a joke? A prank? A warning? Fans couldn't tell.
But those who knew Haruki's work weren't waiting for a twist.
They were waiting for the moment he'd make them cry.
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