Ep. 18: Fukuda critiques Jack's structure while Mashiro reflects on his past and resolves to draw for Azuki

18

Fukuda expresses dissatisfaction with the serialization order of Jack, prompting Yujiro to urge him to focus on getting serialized. Nizuma shares his childhood drawing habits with Mashiro, who recalls his own past passion before his uncle's death. Inspired, Mashiro resigns as Nizuma's assistant and plans to write a mystery. Meanwhile, Takagi writes cell phone novels for Miyoshi, leading Mashiro to question his own progress. He observes the difference between Takagi's dynamic with Miyoshi and his own relationship with Azuki, asking why she accepts their distance. Azuki replies that her love will grow once they fulfill their promise. Motivated by her response, Mashiro resolves to create a manga for her, even if he must do it alone.