The second major plot explosion of 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica', arriving ten episodes after the first, did not create a greater sensation than the plot twist in Episode 7. Instead, it sparked another wave of popularity and discussion built upon the anime's already mature fanbase.
After this episode, anyone even slightly familiar with anime knew that the popularity of 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica', which had previously been nearly tied with 'Mobile Suit 007', would inevitably rise again. Surpassing the top-ranked 'Adventure King', adapted from a hugely popular manga, was only a matter of time.
On the night Episode 17 aired, Kamiyā Yuu likewise stayed up all night.
The various amusing comments in the discussion sections made him smile knowingly.
Feel the love of Urobuchi!
Although 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' belonged to him as an original work in this world, Kamiyā Yuu still believed this portion of the story was Urobuchi-style love with a little personal refinement added on top.
["Everyone stop talking and show your blades first!" — Tokyo Resonance, 162,731 likes]
["Plot explosion! The end of the HE faction! Victory for the analysis faction!" — Sakurakōji An, 152 likes]
["Kyōko was obviously so cute! Why did she have to end up like this? I refuse to accept it! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻ I hate troublesome kids like Sayaka Miki the most." — Betrayed Love, 217 likes]
["An ending beyond imagination. I already had a feeling from the earlier episodes, but I never expected it to have this kind of impact! This is the first time I've ever cried because of an anime. Seriously." — 2816371, 1,527 likes]
["The final scene in the ED was so beautiful! I've already made it my desktop wallpaper! Kyōko forever best girl!" — Kyōko Forever Best Girl, 67,222 likes]
Kamiyā Yuu's month of hard work had not been wasted.
Regarding Episode 17 of 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica', the scene viewers discussed most was undoubtedly the stunning close-up shot of Kyōko Sakura at the end.
Although it differed completely from the anime's usual art style, no matter how one looked at it, it elevated the quality of the episode to an even higher level.
Using the character's smile to bring the entire story to a close.
Immediately after airing, renowned anime critic Fujitsu Ryōta called it the true ending of Episode 17 and one of the most emotionally moving scenes in anime history.
Some key animators later attempted to recreate the original artwork for that storyboard shot, but for some reason, no matter how they drew it, they could never capture the same feeling.
As the direct artist responsible for that close-up, Kamiyā Yuu's abilities as both an animation director and key animator became widely recognized throughout the industry.
Aside from causing the popularity of the red-blue CP to soar to unprecedented heights, Episode 17's complete revelation of the dark truth behind the magical girl system also significantly boosted Kyubey's popularity.
Akihabara, Tokyo's famous electronics district, was now filled with images of Kyubey.
Figures, giant murals, promotional displays, and countless other products appeared everywhere.
At the same time, Kyubey's legendary line—
"Make a contract with me and become a magical girl."
—had spread throughout the entire ACG community.
Of course, it was often accompanied by curses such as "Kyubey must die."
Then, after Episode 17 finished airing, the number of discussion threads dedicated to 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' on the animation section of the NICENICE website exceeded 400,000.
It surpassed the previous record holder, 'Violet Blooming Garden', becoming the most discussed anime on the Japanese internet.
Without exception.
That day, Kamiyā Yuu called Morishita Aoi and informed her that he would not be coming to the company.
After finally resolving the struggle that had occupied him for the past month, the first thing he wanted to do was naturally enjoy a good sleep.
Think about nothing.
Not even enter the consciousness space.
······
"Director Kamiyā, congratulations. Looks like there's no way for me to avoid treating everyone this time. I can't even complain about it."
The teasing laughter of Kitagawa Shūichi, the director of 'Mobile Suit 007', came through the phone.
It was now the third day after Episode 17 aired.
In only three days, the anime's popularity had skyrocketed.
According to the statistics on the NICENICE website, it had surpassed both 'Mobile Suit 007' and 'Adventure King', and was continuing to rise.
Seeing such a terrifying growth rate, Kitagawa Shūichi knew there was no hope of turning things around in terms of popularity.
'Mobile Suit 007' had already passed the peak of its story development.
Even if it still had exciting moments ahead, catching up to 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' was impossible.
Kamiyā Yuu smiled.
"Just a lucky break. Though when the time comes, I won't be showing any mercy at dinner."
"In that case, I'd rather ask Director Kamiyā to show some mercy. I'm only an anime director. I don't even know whether a month's salary would be enough to treat two people at that sushi restaurant."
Kitagawa Shūichi laughed bitterly.
"Haha, if that's the case, let's split the bill. We can treat Fujiwara to a meal as thanks. If it weren't for him, I never would have met Director Kitagawa. Lucky him."
Kamiyā Yuu laughed.
"Well..."
"Besides, our last conversation taught me a lot. If I keep troubling Director Kitagawa like this, I'd feel embarrassed as a newcomer in the directing industry. If people start thinking I'm someone who can't take a hint, that would be troublesome for me too."
Kamiyā Yuu said half-jokingly, while skillfully backing off.
That was also the truth.
Given Kamiyā Yuu's financial situation, letting Kitagawa Shūichi pay for everything would inevitably invite gossip from outsiders.
Splitting the bill both preserved Kitagawa's dignity and fulfilled their agreement.
As for the money involved, it was insignificant to Kamiyā Yuu.
Now that Kamiyā Yuu had put it that way, Kitagawa could hardly continue objecting.
His voice carried a hint of gratitude.
"Thank you very much. Then we'll do as Director Kamiyā suggests."
The two continued chatting for a while about each other's anime productions, agreed on a date for the next gathering, and then ended the call.
Not long afterward, Fujiwara Tora called.
"What's with you two calling me one after another?"
Kamiyā Yuu laughed and shook his head.
Fujiwara Tora's rough voice came through the phone.
"I just heard the news from Kitagawa. But honestly, you've really surprised me. Makes me regret not accepting your invitation back then. It feels like I could really accomplish something big working with you."
"What? Changed your mind now?"
"Not exactly. But after Kimura heard about your success, he's been shouting about joining your side. Apparently, he even wants to become an assistant animation director. Interested?"
"Hey, hey... spare me."
Kamiyā Yuu replied helplessly.
His production department already had enough issues to deal with.
If Kimura Jirō joined right now, things would only become more chaotic.
No qualifications whatsoever, yet wanting to become an assistant director?
That outrageous request was exactly the kind of thing Kimura Jirō would say.
"Just kidding, just kidding."
"Anyway, congratulations on 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' reaching first place in the online popularity rankings."
"Have you set a date for the gathering yet?"
"Yeah. Director Kitagawa and I just discussed it. The evening of June 25."
"Good. I've been looking forward to that restaurant for a while."
Fujiwara Tora burst into laughter.
Kamiyā Yuu had the feeling that if Fujiwara were standing beside him right now, his shoulder would already be getting slapped repeatedly.
The rest was just casual conversation.
After chatting with Fujiwara Tora for more than ten minutes, Kamiyā Yuu hung up the phone.