The lonely Hikigaya Hachiman wants to become the king of mystery novels

"If you really want to join the student union, please remember what I said. Hayama-san is not an unreasonable person, just do things according to your own conscience."

After Hikigaya Hachiman finished speaking, he stood up. The truth he said was very clear, and the rest depends on Miura's understanding.

"Hikigaya-kun... what you said just now is more like a forum for personal outlook on life than a conversation about love. Even my sister, I have to admit that what you said to Miura-san made me win. Much benefit.”

On the way back, Yangno, who was driving the car, said to Hachiman with some emotion.

"Is it that exaggerated? I'm just taking the work of the service department seriously. Miura-san's commission is a long-term matter, and I have to follow it up."

Hikigaya Hachiman felt a little drowsy after eating a full meal, and his voice became a little unclear.

"I made a decision."

Yukino, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke, shocking Hachiman awake.

"I also want to work hard to be elected as the student president. It's not to imitate anyone, nor to surpass anyone. It's just that I want to do this."

Yukino's voice was not loud, but extremely firm.

After hearing this, Yang Nao, who was driving, showed an imperceptible smile.

Chapter 163 Mr. Shimada has decided: You will be the god of reasoning...

Hikigaya Hachiman's work and study after the start of school can still be regarded as step-by-step.

"The Jukkaukan Incident" has been serialized to its sixth episode in "Weekly Young Magazine", and the magazine's circulation has stabilized at around 85 copies per issue, which shows that this comic already has a stable number of readers. group.However, this group only came here for the manga "Jukkakukan". When the manga is finished, how to retain these people is what Kodansha should worry about.

The "New Participant" serialized in "All Readings" is in a tepid state.

To be honest, this novel does not have any so-called explosive points, big twists, or shocking tricks.This is a book that is told through a weak main line throughout. In fact, it is a collection of small town reasoning stories composed of tender little stories. It is following the path of a steady flow, so naturally there is no need to worry about not being popular enough during the serialization period.Anyway, the ending only exists in a single volume, so readers still have to spend money to buy it.

As for "The Clock Museum Incident", which has been released for more than two months, its popularity has recently reached a climax.As for the reason, it turned out that the legendary God of Reasoning, Shoji Shimada, appeared on a TV program hosted by NHK to talk about the novel "The Clock Museum Incident".

This incident shocked the entire reasoning circle.It can be said that readers who have a little knowledge of Japanese reasoning know that Mr. Shimada Shoji no longer writes books or accepts interviews with the media.

The only title that Mr. Shimada still holds is that of the president of the Japan Mystery Writers Association. Every year when the Mystery Writers Association Awards are presented, he will speak as a guest. However, since this award is not broadcast live or released to the public, this is not the case. It's considered a public appearance.

However, such a Japanese god of reasoning who lived a semi-hermit life actually broke the law for Hikigaya Hachiman twice in just two months: when "The Clock Museum Incident" was first published, he took the initiative to write the book A cover promotion was unprecedented in 30 years; and this time, he accepted NHK's invitation to participate in a one-on-one talk show, which was also unprecedented in 30 years.

There are various signs that Mr. Shimada Shoji is about to announce something important.So on the night of Wednesday, September 14.00th, countless viewers stayed in front of the TV, looking forward to seeing this god of reasoning who had been retired for many years reappear in the public eye.This program, which usually has a ratings of about 19.00%, has reached [-]% before the start of today, which shows the influence of Mr. Shimada.

"Today, our program invites Mr. Shimada Shoji, the god of Japanese mystery, who single-handedly created a new era of mystery novels. This is also the first time Mr. Shimada has made a guest appearance on a TV show in 26 years."

When the host introduced, his voice was slightly trembling, which showed his admiration for Mr. Shimada.

"It's not that exaggerated. If I have to say that I have made any contribution to the reasoning world, it should be my promotion to Peking University. This is the only thing that makes me proud of my career as a writer."

The Kyoto University Mystery Novels Research Society, which has provided a large number of high-quality writers to the current Japanese mystery literary world, was established under the promotion of Shimada Shoji. Although he did not contribute much to the development of the society in the future, Kyoto University promoted the research Still, it thrived with its strong vitality.

"Mr. Shimada, you are being humble. As we all know, your "Astrology Killing Magic" inspired countless later writers, and to a large extent directly gave birth to the genre of 'New Original Character'. The topic we are going to discuss today is also The latest hot new mystery novel - "The Clock Museum Incident"."

"We know that after the publication of this novel, Mr. Shimada, you wrote an unprecedented review for it. What aspects of this novel attracted you and led you to make this decision?"

The reporter got to the main topic of today.

"At the beginning, Bungeishunqiu showed me the manuscript of this book. I have always been paying attention to this talented writer Hachiman, so I read it with great interest. Although the manuscript I read The version is a little different from what is currently on the market, but the shock I got should be no different from other readers."

"The novel "The Clock Museum Incident" is very sincere, with a length of 25 words, but it does not contain any fake content. I am ashamed to say that both myself and some writers who came out of Peking University are very good at fake stuff. A master, his purpose is very simple, he just wants to make more money."

After saying this, Shoji Shimada smiled and shook his head.Although he has a transcendent status now, it does not mean that he did not engage in the behavior of squeezing the number of words in order to increase the manuscript fee.

"And I want to point out that Japanese mystery readers have a high tolerance for trolling. This also shows the sincerity of this young man Hachiman."

"Back to this work, many people say that "The Clock Museum Incident" can be regarded as a representative work of new identity reasoning, and I deeply agree. This book contains dual-line narratives of one inside and one outside, supernatural phenomena, and (pseudo) secret room murders. , gorgeous techniques, etc., are all common elements of the new style, and they are fully used in this book."

"However, I think many people have missed the point as to why this book is so successful. The most exciting thing about "The Clock Museum Incident" is not just its time trick, nor just the amazing motive at the end, but It is the dovetailing of the murderer’s machinations with his ultimate motive.”

"Perhaps many experienced readers have already guessed the time conspiracy after reading this. However, they will still be shocked by the motivation of the last one with exactly the same conspiracy. I wonder, has there ever been a mystery novel that can do this? A little bit."

Shoji Shimada raised this question.The host is a veteran mystery fan. After thinking about it seriously, he could only shake his head.

"So, I'm going to talk about why this motive is shocking."

"For a long time, how have we humans viewed the concept of 'time'? It is an invisible ruler and a tool that helps us measure the development status of all things in the world. Due to the introduction of the concept of time, humans can more conveniently Understand the world. This is the role of time as a physical quantity."

"But in the process of making full use of the tool of time, are we also limited by time? For example, after twelve o'clock every day, even if we are not hungry, we will eat something. Why? Because It’s twelve o’clock, and it’s time to eat. Sometimes in life, when we do certain things, it doesn’t necessarily depend on whether we need it, but it’s when the time comes and we should do it, that’s all.”

"This is the social attribute of time, and the book "The Clock Museum Incident" is the first time in the history of Japanese reasoning that the social attribute of time is used as the core trick of the book."

"So, think back on it, why were we both shocked and reasonable when we saw the ending of "The Clock Museum Incident"? It is precisely because we are also people who are bound by the concept of 'time'. Through Plan your life based on the passage of time."

Shoji Shimada picked up the teacup and took a strategic sip, leaving the audience and hosts a certain amount of time to reflect on what he said.

"Every time I think about this work, I sigh for the unparalleled imagination of this talented writer, Hachiman. This is a trick that writers who have lived in ivory towers behind closed doors for a long time can never come up with, because it requires He has a strong social insight, and Hachiman is such a writer. He is able to understand and develop deeper philosophical concepts from the operation of society."

"So, I see that many people feel that the style of Hachiman's novels has changed too much. There are social mysteries like "Confessions" that integrate various Japanese issues, and they can also write pure stories like "The Clock Museum Incident" New original reasoning. In fact, the basis for creating these two books is the same, both based on Hachiman’s keen observation of social phenomena, so it does not appear to be out of the ordinary.”

"I would say that most of the original mystery writers who have emerged in Japan over the past 20 years lack the ability and interest to observe society. And the socialist writers who are good at observation lack the courage to create original characters and the ability to devise tricks."

"And Hachiman, it was under this background that a supernova emerged from the sky!"

Shoji Shimada ended his speech with the highest praise.

"I really don't hesitate to praise you at all, Mr. Shimada. What else do you expect from Mr. Hachiman?"

The host asked this key question, which NHK specifically asked him to ask today.

"What do you think of Hachiman? Let me digress first. I have always been reluctant to accept the title of 'God of Reasoning' given to me by the outside world. My contribution to Japanese reasoning has never been higher than that of my What about my predecessors and teachers? I have also written books for more than ten years, but in the end, only "Astrology" was widely remembered. I am really ashamed to accept the title of God."

"However, everyone's enthusiasm is really high, so I can't refuse. What I look forward to most is that a writer will emerge who can take this title off my head, so that I no longer have to bear this kind of discomfort. The pain of coordination. However, I have been waiting for more than 20 years, but this person has never appeared."

"It's not that I'm arrogant or anything. Before Hachiman appeared, if I were asked to give up the title of 'God of Reasoning', I would definitely not allow it. If there is no one, there will be no one else wearing this hat. The hat will only be more unworthy than me!"

"So, my expectations for Hachiman are very simple. He is completely, even more qualified than me, to be named the God of Reasoning. Perhaps, for him who is still very young now, this is a A burden, just like when I finished writing "Astrology" and chose to close it immediately. Of course, Hachiman will not be as hopeless as me."

Shoji Shimada said teasingly.There was a happy atmosphere inside and outside the program group.

With the endorsement of the current "God of Reasoning", it is considered only a matter of time before Hachiman gets this huge hat in the reasoning circle.

Chapter 164 Are you going to be the president?

After NHK's exclusive interview program with Shoji Shimada was broadcast, there were a lot of voices on the Internet planning to consecrate Hachiman as a god.

In fact, Hikigaya Hachiman himself didn't have much reaction to this false reputation.He won't be very happy, but he won't be troubled either.

"It would be even better if you could give me a trophy with the word 'God of Reasoning' on it. When I retire from the literary world, I can hand it over to the next writer."

Hikigaya Hachiman, who has a habit of collecting awards, complained.

Currently, he is scrolling through various discussion topics on Twitter. Hachiman knows very well that this time his own "God Conferring" movement is just a temporary craze.

You must know that Shimada Shoji was dubbed the "God of Reasoning" not just after the publication of "Astrology", but more than ten years later in the 90s, when writers influenced by this book began to debut and create in large numbers. After producing outstanding works, the reasoning community finally conferred him a status as a god.

Therefore, the current Hachiman cannot take over this hat for the time being. Before his works are proven to have a real impact on the development of the entire Japanese mystery literature, the title of "God of Mystery" will still have to be handed over to Shimada. Wear it well.

However, stakeholders such as NHK TV, Bungeishunqiu, and Kodansha are not as calm as Hachiman himself.This is a program endorsed by Mr. Shimada himself!

As a result, the publicity department staff of these companies were called to the company at short notice and worked overtime overnight to edit out Mr. Shimada's words of praise for Hachiman and package them in various ways for publicity.

Especially NHK. Now they need all the enthusiasm to build momentum for "Furuhata Jinzaburo" which will be broadcast in early October. It has a feeling that the first battle is the decisive battle.

Early the next morning, when Hikigaya Hachiman came downstairs to go for a morning run with Yukino, he found that Yukino was holding a head-mounted angel aperture toy in his hand.

"Come on, Hachiman God, put this on. When you become a god, you must look like a god."

Yukino walked towards Hachiman with a smile, and gently put the aperture in his hand on Hachiman's head.

"Perfect, now Hachiman you are a real god."

"...Are you a child? Yukino"

Having said that, Hikigaya Hachiman did not take off the toy, but fiddled with the aperture above his head.

"Can this thing light up?"

Hachiman asked curiously.

----

Just three days after Mr. Shimada’s interview was broadcast, the Japan Mystery Writers Association officially announced that Mr. Shimada Shoji has officially stepped down as president. The new president will be Toshiro Konno, one of the original board members.

As one of the most important unofficial organizations in the Japanese mystery community, this personnel adjustment of the Mystery Writers Association naturally aroused heated discussions.

"Well, why do I remember that Mr. Konno doesn't seem to write much mystery novels?"

Some netizens raised questions.

In fact, Konno Toshiro's main writing genre is police novels.Different from traditional mystery novels, his works will provide particularly professional descriptions of the work of the police team, which is what he is better at than cases.

However, Mr. Konno also won the Mystery Writers Association Award, so serving as the president of the association is justifiable.

Hikigaya Hachiman didn't care much about this matter, but as last year's Association Award winner, he still entrusted the publishing house to send blessings to this senior.

Soon, he received a call from Mr. Arisugawa, who told Hachiman something he didn't expect.

"Hikigaya-kun, are you interested in serving as a director member of the Mystery Writers Association?"

Mr. Arisugawa's tone was relaxed, as if he was asking what to have for breakfast.

"Director...member? Is this something that can be decided so easily? Mr. Arisugawa."

Hikigaya Hachiman was a little stunned.You should know that the Mystery Writers Association hosts the two most important literary awards in Japan's mystery world: the Edogawa Ranpo Award and the Mystery Writers Association Award.

The judges who decide the ownership of these two awards are the board members of the association.

Therefore, if a writer becomes a director of the Mystery Writers Association, it means that he has the qualifications to decide the ownership of these two major awards, which is of great significance.

"Easy decision? No, no, it's actually not that easy. Didn't the presidents change recently? Konno became the president, so one of the original five directors is now vacant. If you are willing, Hikigaya-kun, we will We will conduct full discussions within the association and conduct multiple rounds of voting, and finally inform the outside world that we have carefully considered and selected you as a new director member through a completely democratic method."

Mr. Arisukawa said seriously.

"So, Mr. Arisukawa...is this still an internal decision?"

"Don't be so straightforward, Hikigaya-kun. You still have to go through the procedures, otherwise it will be difficult to cope with the inspection by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. How about it? Hikigaya-kun, if you are hesitant, Just agree, it won’t do you any harm.”

"But Mr. Arisukawa, I'm still a high school student, so I probably won't have time to work on weekdays."

Hikigaya Hachiman expressed his concerns.

"To put it bluntly, the Mystery Writers Association is just a non-governmental organization. The only real full-time staff is an office responsible for answering phone calls and external publicity. Other than that, the members and directors have nothing to do most of the time. Hikigaya-kun You also know that I am one of the board members, do I seem to be very busy?"

"I see... Then, you will always be very busy when the Edogawa Ranpo Award and Association Award are being selected, right? Mr. Arisugawa. After all, you have to review so many works and finally select the winner."

Hikigaya Hachiman continued to confirm.You know, the Edogawa Ranpo Award has more than [-] works submitted every year, and the Mystery Writers Association Award directly includes all publications in the past year.

"Ahem, what I'm going to say next, Hikigaya-kun, you must not let outsiders hear it, and don't talk about it to outsiders. In fact, when the two awards of the association are finally selected by our board of directors, they can It’s good to have about ten books left, no matter how many are left, they will have been screened out long ago.”

Mr. Arisukawa's voice became softer, as if he had done something wrong.

"Is that so..."

Hikigaya Hachiman was speechless.

"Don't be shocked. Hikigaya-kun, there are too few real masterpieces. Take the Mystery Writers Association Award as an example. Although it will nominally review the novels published in the past year, in fact, there are several novels published this year. The outstanding works have long been determined, and only those few can be included in the selection.”

"The same goes for the Edogawa Ranpo Prize. Kodansha's editors will first review all the submitted works, and then hand over to us the few that they think are acceptable. It's really cruel to say that, there are many New authors submitted their novels to the Edogawa Ranpo Prize with high expectations, but they were not even able to enter the formal selection.”

Mr. Arisukawa explained that he had no excuse for this. After all, most awards were done this way to improve efficiency.As for whether this approach will lead to some high-quality works not being fairly evaluated?Of course it does. This kind of thing has always happened in all literary award selections in Japan. It has happened before and will happen in the future.

"Okay... Mr. Arisugawa, I understand. I need to think about this, okay?"

"It doesn't matter. You can think about it slowly, Hikigaya-kun. You just need to remember one thing. Among the active writers in the Japanese literary world, no one has a more status than you. Finally, I want to tell you that only we What the directors know internally is that if you, Hikigaya-kun, become a director, you will probably be elected as the next president after Imano’s four-year term expires.”

"Will... President?! Even after four years, I'm only 21 years old, Mr. Arisukawa."

Hikigaya Hachiman was completely shocked now.

"I have said it before, Hikigaya-kun, when people discuss you now, they no longer care about your age. Your achievements are too outstanding, so in order not to hurt their self-esteem, everyone will choose Treat you directly as a long-established writer."

"In short, no one, whether it's a director or president, will be dissatisfied because of your age. On the contrary, it will expose his own incompetence."

Mr. Arisukawa explained.

"Phew - I really need to think about it, Mr. Arisukawa, thank you for telling me this today. It is very useful to me."

After ending the call with Arisugawa, Hikigaya Hachiman fell into deep thought.

Does he want to join the Mystery Writers Association and become a director or even president?He thought about it so much that he even said that this was one of his original intentions of becoming a writer, that is, to be respected.

Of course, he is respected enough now, but this is after all an opportunity to become the president of the Mystery Writers Association, a well-known name in the Japanese literary world. You must know that the founder and No. 1 president of this association is known as Japan's "Detective Mystery" Mr. Edogawa Ranpo, the father of novels.

Moreover, as Mr. Arisukawa said, since the association is only an unofficial organization, there is no substantive work on weekdays. What he really needs to worry about is the selection and awarding of the two awards.

"Just over a year has passed..."