Although the first episode of 'Magical Girl Nanoha' suffered poor ratings due to the lack of promotion, its beautifully crafted 2D visuals that surpassed the era and its exciting battles quickly attracted a group of viewers. On the online streaming platform that aired simultaneously with the television broadcast, the anime's approval rating was far higher than that of ordinary July-season anime.
Almost every day, Kamiyā Yuu logged into Japan's most famous streaming website, Nice, to check the updates in the 'Magical Girl Nanoha' section. Just as he had predicted, the refined production quality of 'Magical Girl Nanoha' was attracting more and more attention from the ACG community, and the number of paid subscribers was increasing exponentially each day.
Views: 582,764
Subscribers: 272,638
Overall Rating: 9.7
Comments: 72,856
—————— Popular Comments ——————
["I only chose to pay and watch this on Nice-net because a friend strongly recommended it. Plot-wise, it initially seems similar to ordinary magical girl anime, with the underage heroine becoming a magical girl due to some kind of opportunity. However, the visual presentation is unexpectedly breathtaking. The pedestrians on the streets all have their own appearances instead of being static background decorations, and there are even actual reflections visible on the city's glass surfaces. It's been a long time since I've seen an anime that pays this much attention to detail. This kind of craftsmanship is what truly deserves respect. — Iwagami Shūsaku."]
["The budget monster of the July anime season. Every frame is burning money! Especially the battles in the second half—the combination of 2D scenes and 3D effects creates an unparalleled visual impact. In terms of expressive power, it unquestionably deserves first place in Japanese animation history. After watching it, what I want to know most is exactly how much budget was spent making this episode. — The Lightless Star of the Night Sky."]
["The character designs, music, setting, and production are all extremely, extremely good. As for the story, I'll wait until after the third episode before commenting. Judging from the background information explained by that little cat, this probably isn't a children's anime. — Charge Forward! Charge! Charge!"]
["A work by the 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio! Isn't this the same company that made 'RWBY'? Even though they've only produced one work in the field of 3D animation, they're already called the unsurpassable peak of 3D anime, and their work has caused a massive influence in Europe and America. That makes the budget issue somewhat understandable, but why would the 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio choose to develop into the 2D animation field? Strategically speaking, this isn't exactly a brilliant decision. — The Undefeated Samurai."]
["'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio? I think the production company for 'Warship Girls Collection' had the same name. Could it be the same company? — Sword Saint Miyamoto."]
["I'm definitely following this anime for the battle scenes in the second half alone! Even though I'm not really into magical girl anime. Guys who like this genre are always called childish and disgusting. — Fire Set by Monkeys."]
······
Most comments marveled at the exceptional production quality of 'Magical Girl Nanoha,' but compared to the reaction generated by 'RWBY,' the response was nowhere near as explosive.
Although the development of Japanese animation in this world was distorted, it was still the world's second-largest animation powerhouse. It possessed a complete ACG industrial chain and countless flourishing related industries. The anime industry itself was merely one relatively important component within it.
Moreover, within the anime industry, magical girl anime had long left people with the impression of being children-oriented. Male otaku who enjoyed magical girl anime were judged even more harshly than ordinary anime fans, resulting in 'Magical Girl Nanoha' occupying an awkward position in terms of audience targeting.
Kamiyā Yuu was not worried about this in the slightest.
'Magical Girl Nanoha' was merely a work for the 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio to accumulate production experience. At the same time, it served as groundwork for the next anime.
The twenty-four-episode version of 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' was one of the anime Kamiyā Yuu valued most highly. He was determined to shatter the Japanese anime industry's view of magical girl anime—or rather, the entire world's perception of Japanese animation.
The 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio was developing at an astonishing pace.
During the adjustment period, Morishita Aoi continuously improved the company's shortcomings, delivering one constructive proposal after another to Kamiyā Yuu. Recruitment plans, training plans, company systems, industry evaluations, and more all transformed the company entirely.
Of course, all of this was built upon Kamiyā Yuu's willingness to spend without regard for cost.
After surviving the difficult initial adaptation period, production progress for 'Magical Girl Nanoha' became noticeably faster. The total production time for the third episode was only around three-quarters that of the first episode.
Another week passed.
The second episode of 'Magical Girl Nanoha' aired on Tokyo TV at one in the morning. This time, the ratings more than doubled, surpassing the three percent benchmark for popular late-night anime.
The second episode of 'Magical Girl Nanoha' achieved ratings of 3.4%.
The second episode of 'Miracle Girl' reached 6.5%.
'Magical Girl MeowMeowMeow' reached 9.8%.
The second episode of 'Magical Girl MeowMeow Lu' reached 5.9%.
Meanwhile, on Japanese streaming websites, 'Magical Girl MeowMeowMeow' received the highest number of comments, followed by 'Miracle Girl,' then 'Magical Girl Nanoha,' and finally 'Magical Girl MeowMeow Lu.'
However, among all of them, 'Magical Girl Nanoha' had the highest positive review ratio. After just over a week of growth, the number of related comments had nearly caught up to 'Miracle Girl,' which had released promotional trailers months earlier.
"Director, these are the key animation drafts for Episode 4. Please confirm them."
Wearing a black women's business suit, Gogyo Ruri carefully placed a thick stack of key animation drafts onto Kamiyā Yuu's desk. Her tense and adorable face, accented by the beauty mark beneath her eye, carried a slight seductive charm.
After over two weeks of interaction, she was finally no longer quite so nervous around Kamiyā Yuu.
"Thanks for the hard work."
Kamiyā Yuu nodded in appreciation. Just as Gogyo Ruri was about to leave the office, he suddenly stopped her.
After examining her up and down for a while, he thoughtfully said,
"Say, Kuroneko, don't you think this kind of outfit really doesn't suit you?"
Gogyo Ruri froze, then turned her head away with slight embarrassment and muttered,
"As an animator, I really am still immature, but..."
Kamiyā Yuu revealed a strange smile.
"I'm not talking about that. I mean, compared to formal business wear, I personally prefer seeing you dressed in those gothic outfits."
Blushing, Gogyo Ruri replied in confusion,
"What kind of evaluation is that?"
"Individuality~ individuality! Whether it's Art Department Supervisor Miss Kumamoto, Key Animation Department Supervisor Uehara-sensei, or 3D Department Supervisor Chinatsu, each person has their own unique style and atmosphere. Compared to them, even if you wore those gothic clothes, it still wouldn't be considered exaggerated, right? Don't you want to try it?"
Before he even finished speaking, Yūki Chinatsu's dissatisfied voice rang out nearby.
"Yuu, what kind of nonsense are you talking about? Do you think I like dressing like this? Professional business attire is the best! Women dressed like that are mature enough. Kuroneko, don't listen to his nonsense."
What Yūki Chinatsu wore most in daily life were flashy and cute clothes that ordinary people would consider childish: flowing dresses, adorable gothic skirts, shirts paired with shorts and black-and-white striped socks, and so on.
Thanks to Kamiyā Yuu starting it, Gogyo Ruri's nickname "Kuroneko (Black Cat)" had completely stuck within the company.
"Well~ in Chinatsu's case, it's because physical factors prevent her from achieving it that she desires it even more. But Kuroneko, you're different. How about giving it a try? Come to work dressed the way you used to. I'm looking forward to it."
Kamiyā Yuu smiled calmly. In truth, he simply wanted to see a character setting identical to the original.
"What do you mean, 'just a mere Yuu' dares to talk big like that!"
Yūki Chinatsu poked her head out from behind the partition and glared proudly at Kamiyā Yuu.
"I'm saying your style is also very cute, Chinatsu."
"Cute~? Yuu, do you want to die?"
Being described as "cute" by Kamiyā Yuu did not make Yūki Chinatsu happy in the slightest. She waved her tiny fist threateningly at him, though her youthful face and petite body lacked any intimidation whatsoever.
Despite looking like a middle school student, Yūki Chinatsu was in fact a woman nearing thirty.
"Chinatsu, standing on the office chair is dangerous."
At some point, Uehara Etsuki had appeared behind Yūki Chinatsu. Her jade-like hand held Chinatsu's waist and gently pressed her back into the chair.
"Honestly, Etsuki, you should scold that guy too!"
"If Kamiyā-kun's words just now meant that I suit wearing a kimono very well, then I should feel happy."
Uehara Etsuki smiled while lightly playing with Yūki Chinatsu's face. A gentle warmth shimmered within her autumn-water-like eyes.
Understanding the meaning behind Kamiyā Yuu's words, Gogyo Ruri's face flushed red as she turned her head away, unwilling to let others notice her inner thoughts.
"If the director says so... then I suppose it's not impossible."
As someone suffering from terminal chūnibyō, being allowed to wear gothic clothes to work was practically a dream come true. Receiving Kamiyā Yuu's approval made her secretly even happier.
"Then it's settled."
Kamiyā Yuu placed both hands on the desk, partially covering his mouth as he gazed at Gogyo Ruri with interest and a trace of seriousness.
"There's another question I'd like to ask your opinion on, Kuroneko. What do you think about the 'Magical Girl Nanoha' produced by our company?"
With just a pair of reflective glasses missing, he looked almost like a military commander.