In fact, many of the finer details in the original work couldn't be conveyed through text alone, since the original was a manga.
However, prose certainly had its own advantages over manga; it wasn't a medium with only limitations.
"I believe the Commissioner-General will definitely become a best-selling author. Though you might not even care for that sort of thing."
Shunji Shiono said.
Uchiha Byakuya merely smiled without replying.
Becoming a great author didn't really matter to him.
Of course, if it happened, that would be ideal.
Afterward, Uchiha Byakuya signed the contract with Shunji Shiono.
Shiono didn't question the pen name "Hajime Fujimoto." Though he personally thought using Uchiha Byakuya's real name as his pen name would have been better.
After all, ever since the "Tokyo Defense War," this Commissioner-General had become a household name. Publishing under his real name would only help boost sales.
When Byakuya returned home from Shoei Publishing, Yoshimura Eto had already finished reading the manuscript he'd sent her.
The moment he stepped through the door, he saw Eto sitting in front of her laptop in a daze, seemingly overwhelmed by the story of Attack on Titan.
"Eto, I'm back."
Byakuya called out.
"Why would you write an ending like that?"
Eto immediately turned around and asked.
"What do you mean?"
Byakuya was actually hoping to hear her impressions.
"It's not about whether the ending is good or bad. It's just... it doesn't feel like something someone with your personality would write."
Eto said in a calm tone. "But putting my doubts aside, that kind of ending was probably inevitable."
She had read every single word of Byakuya's manuscript. So she fully understood that, given the worldbuilding and narrative framework, it would've been nearly impossible to construct a better ending.
What dissatisfied her the most was that even after the so-called "savior heroes," the ones who stopped Eren Yeager, had died, Paradise Island was still annihilated by the sheer firepower and technology of the outside world.
Aside from the "Savior Squad" receiving a brief moment of peace and happiness thanks to Eren Yeager's help, the world ultimately remained unchanged.
Even if that might've been the best possible ending, it was still hard for someone with Eto's personality to accept.
"You're right. This ending can't simply be labeled as 'good' or 'bad.' And as for my personality, that's because this story wasn't inspired by my own life."
Uchiha Byakuya explained.
"What do you mean?"
Eto blinked, not quite grasping what he was trying to say.
"What I mean is... It's a story that I've written because I was inspired by others."
Byakuya left a vague response.
"..."
Eto fell silent, pondering his words. "Are you telling me... that my book inspired you?"
Byakuya blinked, a little taken aback, rather than explaining the truth, leaving it like that seemed best.
After the "Dragon War," the Café, Anteiku was still operating normally, just like always.
However, because of how it had performed during the "Dragon War," countless people had learned the café's true identity. Lately, Anteiku was practically a tourist attraction.
Every day, huge numbers of human customers came to visit. And with Manager Yoshimura and the others being so kind and welcoming, Anteiku had a very positive reputation and was even trending online.
Most importantly, rumor had it that Commissioner-General Uchiha often appeared at Anteiku, so many people showed up just to try their luck at catching a glimpse of him.
What troubled Yoshimura Kuzen was that the popularity had gotten a bit out of hand. His café wasn't that big, and the sheer number of customers every day made it incredibly crowded.
"Manager, maybe we should expand the place. There are just way too many people."
At that moment, Koma Enji spoke, half-laughing and half-helpless.
"I've been thinking the same."
Yoshimura Kuzen nodded.
Although he didn't open the café to make money, it was meant to help weak ghouls; it's not like he was short on funds.
In fact, he hadn't even touched most of the salary he received back when he was part of V.
But with human customers coming to visit, it was hard for him not to serve them. It was a bit awkward.
Right now, Anteiku still had enough staff. There were plenty of employees, it was just that the shop was too small.
Just then, Byakuya and Eto arrived together.
Before they even reached the front door, they could already see the café was packed to the brim, with a crowd even gathered outside.
And the moment Byakuya appeared, he immediately drew everyone's attention.
The whole group became restless, clearly hoping to take photos or ask for autographs.
"Look! Isn't that Commissioner-General Uchiha?"
"It really is Commissioner-General Uchiha! Today's my lucky day, I just got here and already ran into the man himself!"
"This kind of rare chance, I have to get an autograph!"
"..."
The crowd quickly surged toward him.
Byakuya felt a little helpless, being too famous really wasn't always a good thing.
Some were taking pictures, others wanted selfies, and some more were asking for signatures.
Among them were quite a few girls, who had clearly become little fangirls of his.
"We've been dying to know; Commissioner-General Uchiha, do you have a girlfriend?"
"What kind of girls do you like, Commissioner? Could you maybe give us a hint?"
Some of the more outgoing and lively girls even asked a few more bold questions.
"Someone's really popular, huh~"
At that moment, Eto chuckled softly beside him.
Byakuya looked rather resigned. It's not like he wanted this, if he had the choice.
"Why don't you just ask me instead?"
Eto said with a smile, turning to the girls.