My Name is Hiroshi Nohara, Star of Neon Film and Television!

Chapter 230: All Manga Complete! Governor Muto's Invitation! A Lunch Together!

Kumamoto sunlight poured through the second-floor study's lattice window, casting branch-shadow patterns on the tatami. The air carried faint ink and paper scent.

Hiroshi sat at the low table — his HB pencil finally laid down the last stroke. Ninety chapters total: thirty each of YuYu Hakusho, Doraemon, and Midnight Diner. All finished.

He leaned back against the cushion, stretching wide, joints popping. Pure relief in his eyes.

Three neat stacks of manuscripts stood like little mountains — every storyboard fluid, dialogue bubbles precise as typeset, even the miso soup's steam in Midnight Diner and the dorayaki's sugar glaze in Doraemon rendered with vivid ink work.

"Brother-in-law~"

Sneaky footsteps at the door. Musae crept in carrying a celadon teacup, stealing glances at the manuscripts.

"Mom brewed green tea — you've been drawing so long, take a break." Her voice was soft, but her fingers couldn't help touching the Doraemon stack, eyes sparkling.

Hiroshi accepted the cup, smiling: "This tea isn't JUST for quenching thirst, is it? Your eyes are practically glued to those pages."

"N-no!" Musae's cheeks blazed. She fidgeted with her hem, then murmured: "It's just... your art is so GOOD... and other readers have to wait for serialization. Getting to read ahead — how amazing would THAT be?"

"Hmm? If readers knew a certain little girl peeked at unreleased chapters — wouldn't THAT be unfair?""No IT wouldn't!" Musae's eyes went round, puffing up like an angry hamster. "I'm your most LOYAL reader! Yusuke fighting in YuYu Hakusho, Nobita and Doraemon's adventures, the Midnight Diner owner's tamagoyaki — I LOVE all of it! At school I told classmates I know the YuYu Hakusho author — they didn't believe me — I even got into a FIGHT about it!"

She pumped her fist for emphasis, making Hiroshi laugh.

"What are you two giggling about?"

Misae appeared in lavender, carrying a plate of strawberries, leaning on the doorframe with a conspiratorial grin as she eyed the manuscripts: "Musae's not 'peeking' — she's 'supervising' for quality. And what's wrong with loving manga? I want to read ahead too."

"Sissy wants to read too?" Musae grabbed Misae's sleeve. "See? Brother-in-law's teasing ME — back me up!"

Hiroshi shook his head, pushing the three stacks forward: "Fine, read — but ONE condition."

"Anything! Just let me read!" Musae's head bobbed like a rattle drum.

"Absolutely ZERO spoilers. These chapters aren't published yet. Leaking them is unfair to readers AND puts Shueisha in a bind. Lips sealed. Clear?"

"CLEAR!" Both sisters answered in unison, faces lit with delight.

Musae dropped to her knees, grabbing the Doraemon stack. Misae joined her, heads together, turning pages.

"WOW! Nobita uses the Anywhere Door to go to ANTARCTICA! He plays with PENGUINS!" Musae squealed. "And Doraemon's heating jacket is SO CUTE!"

"Look at this Midnight Diner — the owner made oyakodon and the customer cried, saying 'it tastes just like Mom's'..." Misae's voice softened, fingertips brushing the page. "So tender... makes me hungry."

"AND THIS! Yusuke has a NEW Spirit Gun technique!" Musae's voice shot up. "Brother-in-law's TOO good — I can practically SEE the fight!"

Hiroshi sipped tea, watching the sisters lost in his manga — Musae clapping at exciting moments, Misae marveling at artistic details. Being genuinely loved for your work was better than any praise.

A quiet pride stirred. Though these stories came from past-life memories, rendering them with his own brush — and seeing them bring such joy — was truly something to be proud of.

He thought of the original creators — Togashi Yoshihiro, Fujiko F. Fujio, Abe Yaro... Without their brilliant stories, he couldn't spread this warmth in this world.

"I wonder if 'thank you' can reach you..." he murmured sincerely.

"Hiroshi! Come downstairs! Masae and Isshin are back — Isshin has something to tell you!"

Takasae's voice drifted up, excited and urgent.

Hiroshi set down his cup: "I'll go check. You two keep reading — don't mess up the manuscripts."

"Got it!" Musae answered without looking up, still deep in Doraemon.

Downstairs, Masae sat on the sofa with a cloth bundle, Isshin beside her in a navy suit, briefcase in hand — fresh from work.

"Masae, Isshin-san — good afternoon."

Isshin bowed: "Actually, I had something to confirm with you. I was dropping Masae-san off and figured I'd come directly — worried you might miss a pager message while drawing."

Masae smiled: "Musae's been shouting 'amazing!' upstairs — did you finish the manga?"

"All ninety chapters, done." Hiroshi sat down. "What's the matter, Isshin-san? Issue with Kumamon promotion?"

"No, no — promotion's going great."

Isshin opened his briefcase: "I wanted to ask when you're returning to Tokyo. The Prefectural Office has something to coordinate, and I need to plan ahead."

Hiroshi checked his watch — Friday. He'd planned to organize manuscripts over the weekend, fly back Monday. But earlier might be better.

"Saturday evening flight. Sort manuscripts Sunday, deliver to Shueisha Monday, then check on the production department."

"Saturday EVENING?" Yoshiharu reacted first: "That's so SOON! You've only been here two weeks — feels like yesterday we were making tonkotsu broth together! Can't you stay longer? Musae wanted to take you to Mount Aso!"

Takasae: "I was planning basashi for Sunday dinner with Masae and Isshin — a farewell meal. One more day?"

Masae: "You haven't even seen Kurokawa Onsen! The cherry blossoms are blooming right now — it's gorgeous."

Isshin: "I was going to take you to the izakaya by Kumamoto Castle for their grilled mackerel..."

Hiroshi smiled at their warmth: "I wish I could — but Tokyo has too much waiting. Shueisha needs manuscripts, the Doraemon anime needs Association coordination, Tales of the Unusual scripts need reviewing, Midnight Diner casting is at a critical stage. I really can't delay."

"True, you're busier than ever." Yoshiharu sighed, then puffed with pride: "But no wonder — you're a big deal at TV Tokyo now! The Asahi Shimbun said Seven Samurai won at the Kyoto Film Festival, Governor Koike personally congratulated you! And Kasou Taishou — my Tokyo relatives say the WHOLE city watches it, even kindergarteners mimicking the costumes!"

Takasae chimed in: "The supermarket lady asked if my 'son-in-law is that Midnight Diner director' — said she reads the manga and cries every time!"

Isshin added: "At Prefectural meetings, whenever cultural promotion comes up, everyone says 'follow Nohara Hiroshi's approach.' Governor Muto said your Kumamon design outperforms three BILLION yen in government ads."

Hiroshi deflected: "Team effort, not just me. Anyway, Isshin-san — what does the Prefectural Office need to coordinate?"

"Governor Muto wants to meet you personally — and have lunch together. He says you're the biggest contributor to Kumamon's success, wants to thank you face-to-face and discuss IP development plans."

"The GOVERNOR wants to see Hiroshi?!" Yoshiharu's newspaper hit the floor. "THE Governor who runs all of Kumamoto? Personally meeting Hiroshi? Over LUNCH?"

Takasae nearly dropped her fruit platter: "Governor Muto is SO busy — last time it took a MONTH to book him for a ribbon-cutting!"

Masae covered her mouth: "He's SO formal in person — and now he's inviting Hiroshi to DINNER?"

Hiroshi was surprised too — he'd expected a PR department head at most. But it made sense: Kumamon put Kumamoto on the national map, boosted tourism 40%, lit up the local economy. The Governor naturally wanted to build the relationship.

"Governor Muto saw the Kumamon shorts and wants it as Kumamoto's 'cultural calling card,'" Isshin confirmed. "Tourism up 40%, hotels and shops doubled their revenue — all thanks to you. He insisted on meeting before you leave, even if just thirty minutes. He'll rearrange HIS schedule if needed."

"You HAVE to go!" Yoshiharu declared. "A Governor's personal invitation — this is about your REPUTATION! Our family farewell can wait!"

Takasae agreed: "Building this relationship benefits your future."

Hiroshi nodded: "I wasn't saying no. Discussing IP development helps Kumamon's future, AND I can pitch Future Comic Club for collaboration."

Isshin immediately called the Governor's secretary: "Hello, Kobayashi-san? Nohara Hiroshi-san agreed to meet tomorrow noon... Sakura no Sato works?... Understood, I'll coordinate with the restaurant..."

Yoshiharu watched, then turned to Hiroshi with deep feeling: "When you first went to Tokyo, I worried you'd be bullied. Now the GOVERNOR himself invites you to lunch. You've really made it."

"Just lucky — good timing." Hiroshi popped a strawberry. Sweet — like his mood.

Isshin hung up: "The secretary says Governor Muto is thrilled — arriving thirty minutes early to discuss IP development properly."

"WONDERFUL!" Takasae clapped. "I'll make you a bento tomorrow morning for the road — and strawberry daifuku for the plane!"

Musae appeared from upstairs, clutching Doraemon manuscripts: "Mom! I want to help make brother-in-law's bento! I can shape rice balls AND draw Doraemon on them!"

Everyone laughed. Laughter, cherry blossoms outside, Isshin's pen scratching schedule notes — Kumamoto's warmest afternoon scene.

Hiroshi surveyed it all with quiet satisfaction. Crossing into this world, finding such a loving family, creating beloved work, contributing to this place — perhaps this was his greatest fortune.

"Oh! Brother-in-law!" Musae held up the manuscripts. "I read about Nobita taking Shizuka to see cherry blossoms with the Bamboo Copter — SO beautiful! When the anime's ready, can we have the premiere under Kumamoto's cherry trees? With Kumamon there — it'd be AMAZING!"

"Great idea!" Hiroshi smiled. "We'll coordinate with the Prefectural Office — premiere at the cherry blossom park by Kumamoto Castle!"

"YAY!" Musae bounced upstairs: "I'll tell my manga club friends RIGHT NOW!"

...

Saturday morning. Sunlight through the living room window lit up breakfast — steaming rice, pickled vegetables, golden fried eggs with crispy edges, sausages cut into flower shapes, and vibrant stir-fried komatsuna greens.

Hiroshi wore a tailored dark gray suit, tie perfect — proper attire for meeting the Governor.

He tried the komatsuna: "Auntie's cooking is better than any Tokyo izakaya."

"Have more!" Takasae set down miso soup with extra tofu. "Big day — eat well."

Yoshiharu turned serious: "Now listen — when you meet the Governor, mind your manners. He's the top official in Kumamoto. Be respectful. If you don't know what to say, listen more, talk less."

Musae giggled through a mouthful of rice: "Dad's MORE nervous than me at parent-teacher conferences! Brother-in-law has met TONS of important people in Tokyo — he attended the Cultural Festival with Governor Koike! He'll be FINE."

She added cheekily: "Only DAD would pull out the 'Head Teacher' act — like he's meeting the principal, not the Governor."

Yoshiharu's face reddened: "Head Teacher is a VITAL position — shaping the nation's future! And the Governor manages MILLIONS of lives! You can't compare—" He caught himself, sputtering.

"Easy, dear," Takasae calmed him. "Hiroshi knows what he's doing."

Masae and Misae came downstairs. Masae: "Dad, Musae's right — Hiroshi regularly deals with executives. He chatted with Ministry of Education officials after Seven Samurai's award."

Misae: "He reports to Station Chief Sakata without breaking a sweat. The Governor? No problem."

Yoshiharu grumbled: "Head Teacher is still important... teaching etiquette matters..."

Even Hiroshi laughed, passing Yoshiharu a sausage: "You're right, Uncle — etiquette always matters. Don't worry, I'll be properly respectful."

Yoshiharu accepted it, finally relenting: "Hmph. That's more like it."

After breakfast, Hiroshi took the car keys Yoshiharu offered — the old Toyota, freshly fueled — and drove through Kumamoto's quiet streets. Cherry petals occasionally landed on the windshield.

Twenty minutes later, the Prefectural Office building appeared — cream-colored and stately, life-sized Kumamon figures flanking the entrance, passersby stopping for photos.

Isshin and Publicity Director Yamada rushed out to greet him.

"Great to see you again, Hiroshi-san." Yamada's handshake was firm. "Kumamon's gone national — all thanks to you. The government spent three BILLION yen on ads nobody remembered. YOUR little bear — a few months and the WHOLE country knows Kumamoto."

Inside, Secretary Kobayashi — early thirties, notebook in hand — bowed: "The Governor had an impromptu meeting about Mount Aso guesthouse development — about an hour more. Please wait in the reception room."

While waiting, they discussed IP plans: a Kumamon-themed tourism route from Kumamoto Castle through Mount Aso to Kurokawa Onsen. Hiroshi suggested "check-in points" at each landmark where tourists earn small collectibles — boosting engagement. He recommended short clips at each location: Kumamon bowing like a samurai at Kumamoto Castle, waving safety flags at Mount Aso, poking its head from an onsen.

An hour later, Kobayashi's pager buzzed: "The Governor's ready."

They walked to the office — spacious, a massive Kumamoto map on the wall marked with red project positions.

Governor Muto Masao — silver-haired, sharp-eyed, dark gray suit — rose to greet them: "Nohara-san! Finally! I've been wanting to talk properly."

"The honor's mine, Governor."

Muto spoke warmly: "Barely in your mid-twenties — already a Level 3 Director at TV Tokyo with your own production department, manga beloved nationwide, AND you designed Kumamon. Remarkable."

"Just fortunate timing, Governor."

"Fortune IS part of capability." Muto grew earnest. "I watched the Kumamon shorts and your IP proposals — you understand how to capture hearts. That wobbly walk — endearing, approachable. Helping the grandmother, giving children candy — warm, grounded. That 'down-to-earth' quality outlasts any lofty mascot."

He handed Hiroshi a report: "Tourism revenue up 50% year-on-year. Specialty sales up 45%. Employment up 2%. At the Hokkaido governors' conference, every prefecture asked 'how did Kumamon get so big?' I told them: we have an exceptional creator."

Muto proposed a long-term role: "I'd like you as Kumamoto's 'Cultural Advisor' — overseeing Kumamon IP development and cultural promotion. Fair compensation, naturally."

"I'd be honored, Governor. I'm based in Tokyo so visits would be intermittent, but I'll stay in close coordination. I'd also like to recommend Future Comic Club for IP development — talented young artists, excellent detail work on Midnight Diner's coloring. It creates opportunities for local youth too."

"Ah, Misae-san's club? I've heard good things — young, energetic. Perfect fit." Muto turned to his secretary: "Kobayashi — contact Misae-san for coordination with PR. And prepare Nohara-san's Cultural Advisor appointment letter — deliver to Tokyo next week."

They talked for two hours — Kumamoto's agriculture, cultural planning, economic targets. Hiroshi suggested "Kumamon Limited" branded local produce — strawberries, oranges — adding value while promoting the prefecture.

Then Muto noticed Kobayashi's subtle time signal — it was already noon.

He smiled broadly: "Nohara-san, it's been wonderful talking — please, don't leave yet! I insist on continuing our discussion over lunch!"