Bakuman. Bangai-hen

At 13 years old, Akito Takagi is a top student who excels in every exam, yet he feels an emptiness about his future. His greatest passion is manga, which he reads constantly, and it inspires him to dream of becoming a manga creator himself. However, to pursue this path, he faces a crucial obstacle: he needs to find a talented artist willing to collaborate with him.

This story delves into the period before Akito's fateful meeting with Moritaka Mashiro, exploring his solitary determination and the search for a partner who can share his ambitious destiny. It captures the early struggles and aspirations that would eventually lead to the legendary partnership known as 'Shuujin' and 'Saikou'.