178 emblems.

May 6.

The cool nights of San Jose are satisfying in contrast to the hot days. Billy was sketching the seventh chapter of the One Piece series and continued narrating. The drawing was done with considerable precision, and the delivery of ten One Piece chapters doesn't seem as impossible as Billy initially thought. The series of Samurai X and Shaman King will be paused to make room for Cowboy Bebop and One Piece.

-This Devil Fruit thing is quite interesting, and that Haki stuff is limitless. So many things could happen on your journey, though you should explore another power, -said Raimon.

-We plan to use science, kendo, and physical skills with tradition. Currently, there are already four different forms, but there are still many others that can be utilized, - said Billy. He wasn't lying; the story had many elements and power-ups for some exceptional individuals.

-So, it's a very long story, - said Raimon, somewhat incredulous. Billy's series was already a bit lengthy compared to comics, which usually ran for 10 to 15 volumes. Billy creates sequential stories of 150 chapters and counting, which surprises readers, especially in the United States, as they are not so accustomed to linear series in this era.

-It will be. I'll do at least 1500 chapters, - said Billy.

-That's ambitious, - said Raimon, who paused. - For Star Wars, do you have similarly ambitious plans? -

-Yep, we have plans for many series that will break the mold, Raimon. Our companies are just getting started, and not in a short time. People will begin to understand what Lux Animation is about, - said Billy.

Raimon fell silent and pinched his budding beard with a hint of infinite curiosity. - Just the beginning - for many, this is already considered a total success. Beyond that, it's something unattainable and unreasonable. Calling Lux Animation a failure in what it has become is unthinkable.

-This is how legends look, - thought Raimon. - The guy is so cool! -

-I think I'll be happy to see how much this company will grow, - said Raimon.

-Warner won't be happy, nor will Disney. The corporate war has been like a cold war, fought behind closed curtains, with moves invisible to many. Only the recent stock industry, even my shares, are disguised theft of series, -- Billy confessed. -- But I'm surprised they haven't attacked with all their might. They've closed doors on us, and we're still afloat thanks to luck and series fans who keep buying comics. Now, with the profits from the movies, we've been able to generate more investment for our upcoming projects, but we're on a thin thread. If we have two failures, our recovery will be difficult. -

-The stocks have grown a lot. I don't believe you; I did the calculations last week. You have as much money as to make ten movies without earning a single cent, considering each movie costs 50 million, - said Raimon.

-Well, that money is entirely mine, - said Billy.

-Like the company, - replied Raimon.

-Of course, of course. It's just a personal position of mine, although if necessary, I wouldn't want to use that money for at least a few more years. There's more to it than business, after all, this company is entertainment. There are some companies I'd like to sell, but it's better to do it when it's entirely worth it, - said Billy.

-You with your strange plans, I still don't fully understand, - said Raimon, sitting down to read the Evangelion series, which had not been released yet. He feigned ignorance for the seven extra chapters he was about to read, starting with Chapter 85, surprised by how the subsequent events were unfolding.

-You had several nominations at this year's Comic-Con, almost 12 ratings for the comics you've been creating, - said Raimon as he turned the page.

-It's the first time you've received nominations since you started making comics. What's the reason? There are quite a few, - said Billy.

-, Slam Dunk, Evangelion, and Samurai X have been nominated. You're a pioneer in the alternative genre. Recently, a young person launched a basketball series in a DC subsidiary, not as good as Slam Dunk. Still, Jim Lee says it's destined to open different categories for the new comics that have been spreading in the market, - said Raimon.

The pause between reading and drawing lasted a good while, and the office's atmosphere began to suffocate them. By lunchtime, Raimon had lost track of time due to the intense reading, and Billy had started on Book 6, providing a longer and more detailed explanation of the East Blue, a short saga initially intended to last 150 chapters but shortened due to the editor's advice.

-It's time for lunch, - said Anne from the door, warning around 2:30, a deadline for Billy's meal. A large, nutritious lunch, per Anne's strict schedule for Billy's health.

-Stay, Anne. There's something that has bothered me the past few days, - said Billy.

Anne's back straightened more than it should have, with a hint of surprise. She thought she would be asked about her mistake with Lucasfilm. It's her first mistake as an employee, and for Anne, it's a black mark on her otherwise impeccable record that she has worked hard to maintain.

-We need a restaurant for the employees with the new hires and the new company. We should create an outstanding, large restaurant that lightens the atmosphere for our workers. I saw some of them eating at their desks, and it's not right to provide them with a healthy environment, - said Billy.

Raimon listened attentively to Billy's request and gave a couple of ideas, but nothing conclusive. -We can create a food court with a small restaurant and hamburger and pizza carts. You have two franchises; it's not a bad idea to use them, - suggested Raimon.

-Yes, let it be built in the front of the new building. A food zone, and if possible, negotiate with whoever owns the land in front and on the side. I want to buy them, -- said Billy to Anne and Raimon. "By the way, thanks for the meal. --

-Yes, - said Anne, agreeing. In another construction project, the company that delivered the building has been very efficient, and the 25-year warranty is more than enough for Lux Animation.

Closing the door behind her.

-Well, I'm also very hungry, - said Raimon, who got up from his desk to grab a bite and start planning the new green area project.

-Don't forget to handle the marketing procedures for The Lion King. I'll have to go to Thailand and Malaysia next week. I want the 30 million to multiply in the coming months with the plush toys, toys, and benefits we requested, - said Billy.

-I'll do it. Anne, you have the Toy Story statistics, and I was planning to give you a meeting about the profits, but you've been busy, - said Raimon, wrapping up the conversation. He had a lot to discuss with Craig; the ending of Evangelion would be complete madness.

-Thank you, Raimon. Come, I'll pick up the profit statistics for this year, - said Billy.

Raimon grimaced; some of the cinemas hadn't returned the money, and what seemed like a significant amount now faced major collection issues due to some delinquents who didn't want to pay on time.

...