Chapter 5

A True Counterfeit (の) is the fifth chapter of the Time Paradox Ghostwriter manga series.

Short Summary
Teppei Sasaki's assistants cry out as he tears up his second draft, saying it was not good enough and correctly guessing that Itsuki Aino shared his sentiments that it was not perfect. Muneoka enters and is shocked to hear what Teppei had done, giving him an ultimatum to be finished with his next draft before 6am the next day or they would go with his very first draft instead.

Working late into the night to be ready for the deadline, Teppei is surprised by a visit from Itsuki who gives him words of encouragement. She tells him that the White Knight he was writing was his own and so he should do his best to make it the way he thought was right. His spirits lifted, Teppei manages to finish his new draft and impresses everyone with it, with Itsuki saying that while it was still not perfect, it was great all the same.

Long Summary
Teppei's assistants stare at shock after he rips the chapter. Genki begs his superior for an explanation and Teppei shouts that the chapter's art still wasn't good enough, which prompts Genki to protest that all the assistants, even Itsuki, believed it was perfect. Unsatisfied with Itsuki's answer given her genius capabilities and burdened with the responsibility of drawing the story he stole from her, Teppei desperately requests from her the truthful answer over how she felt. He tells her he trusts her word and honesty, which causes Itsuki to laugh and comment on her poor ability to lie. Disheartened, Teppei listens to her say that nevertheless, she is impressed with his work and pleased that he also thought of them as “two of a kind.”

Muneoka interrupts the conversation by cheerfully entering the office with takoyaki and greeting the individuals. He asks them about their progress after hearing that the character artwork was finished even with Teppei redrawing, but the assistants lamentably motion to the discarded chapter. Muneoka is immediately dismayed as he sifts through the remains of the chapter, demanding Teppei to explain. Teppei pleads with Muneoka to allow him another chance to redraw but is immediately shut down by the editor. Muneoka tries to reason with him, reminding him of the mere nine days they have before the deadline and claiming that the chapter looked fine as is. Teppei continues to beg, stating that before he finds what is missing from the story, White Knight isn't ready to be released to the public.

Seeing Teppei's resolve, Muneoka reluctantly grants his request under one condition: he must figure out what the story is missing by the next day at six in the morning, otherwise they will use his first draft. Teppei complies and asks all of them to leave, giving him freedom to work with the 2030 White Knight. He tries to trace the work so that it'll be as similar to the original as possible, but he unsuccessfully manages to capture the essence of the characters.

Teppei internally goes through turmoil as he tries to figure out a solution, but the doorbell ringing breaks his thoughts. Itsuki greets him at the door and tells him she just wanted to say one thing to him. She flaps her hands and tells Teppei that he is a bird, confusing the mangaka. Itsuki clarifies that Teppei is like a bird who flies freely in the sky, but her explanation only makes Teppei more confused. Content, Itsuki begins to leave but Teppei asks her to tell him what his White Knight was missing. She rejects his question saying she can't answer him as this version of the story is not hers, but his.

Itsuki reveals that the reason she became an assistant for Teppei was so she could potentially inject parts of her own version of White Knight into his through giving advice; however, she realized it was selfish of her to do so especially after seeing how hard he was working and that this White Knight was his story to write, not hers. Itsuki then advises him to not worry about her and to draw White Knight the way he wanted to, similar to his one-shot. Appreciative of her words, Teppei slaps himself to refresh his mind and thanks Itsuki for her help. Returning back to his work station, Teppei undertakes the task of drawing his White Knight using his own methods and styles rather than trying to copy the future Itsuki Aino's art.

Nine days later, Muneoka and his assistants read over the revised version and are moved to tears over it. Jiro compliments Teppei's hard work, expressing that he thought moving back to the style in his one-shot was a good idea. Muneoka concurs, saying that although the styles he used in his drafts were nice, his one-shot style gave the most life to the characters.

After hearing their compliments, Teppei apologizes to his assistants for having to put up with him, but they tell him not to worry about it and that the final product was worth the energy. Teppei then asks Itsuki once again for her opinion, and she claims that even though it is quite imperfect and not as good as her own version, the finished chapter is still incredible. Finally satisfied, Teppei happily smiles at her answer.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Teppei Sasaki
 * Itsuki Aino
 * Jiro Yamane
 * Genki Akaishi
 * Hajime Igarashi
 * Muneoka

Events

 * Muneoka learns of Teppei ripping the chapter.
 * Muneoka grants Teppei permission to redraw one more time under a condition.
 * Itsuki visits Teppei and helps give some advice.
 * After listening to Itsuki, Teppei works to draw White Knight in his own style.
 * Teppei is finally satisfied after finishing the chapter.