In response to a life consultation from a friend, I continue to offer reckless advice, thinking, "It's someone else's issue anyway" - In respone to a life consultation from a friend

I have a friend from early childhood.

I think it was a meeting where, due to his quiet nature and not having many friends, I sympathized and invited him to play by saying, ‘Let’s hang out together.’

So, a kind of hierarchical relationship formed where I was above and he was below.

He always followed me, and I had a mixed feeling about it, a sense of pride and annoyance at the same time. Having spent time like that, whenever he had an important decision to make, he would always come to me for advice.

Back in elementary school, a gang leader attacked him unjustly. Apparently, when he was drawing manga in his notebook, it was forcibly taken away, and he was hit for the manga being boring.

It was a really terrible story. The other kid was physically bigger, and in a normal situation, one would just endure it, but he came to me for advice.

“I’m frustrated… I won’t settle like this, so I want to challenge him to a duel. What do you think?”

Instantly, I thought, “Is this guy an idiot?”

Clearly, the other person was physically stronger, so it was obviously not wise to challenge him. I would never do that. However, that was just in my case. In this situation, it was not my challenge. It was a battle he would probably lose 99% of the time, but even if he lost, he would be the one facing the consequences. Maybe it’s highly unlikely, but he might win.

Well, it’s okay, then. It’s someone else’s issue anyway, and I want to see what kind of fight it’ll be.

With an act that seemed like I was genuinely concerned for him, I said, “Go ahead. If you back down here, you’ll be a loser. So, go ahead and duel! Even if you lose, there should be something you can gain.”

Then, because he is simple-minded, he quickly got excited, saying, “Yeah, I’ll do it! I’ll do everything I can! I’ll challenge him to a duel!”

He started walking, and while smiling to myself, thinking, “I’m looking forward to what kind of fight it’ll be,” I followed him.

He and I attended the same middle school. In the midst of adolescence, when everyone is awakening to romance, rumors about who is dating whom quickly spread throughout the class.

During that time, he came to me with a particular consultation. “I like Misako-chan…”.

Misako was, at that time, the cutest girl in our grade, with semi-long hair and clear eyes. Every time I saw her, I thought, “If only I could date a girl like her.”

“Should I confess? I’m scared of being rejected, so maybe I shouldn’t.”.

I felt like saying, “You’re definitely going to get rejected.” How highly does this guy think of himself? He and Misako clearly weren’t a match, and confessing would be futile. If rejected, the rumor of being rejected by Misako will quickly spread, and he will become a target for bullying. If it were me, I wouldn’t confess.

However, watching this person get rejected seemed interesting. There was also a tiny chance they might get a positive response.

“It’s fine! Go for it, confess!”

“But if I get rejected…”

“What are you saying? If you don’t go for it, your love ends here. So, go ahead and give it a shot!”

Even though I didn’t want to, I unexpectedly came out with passionate lines because it was someone else’s issue.

“Yeah, I got it. I’ll confess!”

He was burning with the flames of love, but I thought these flames would probably end up shattering and turning into tears.

We became high school students, and the time for university entrance exams approached.

Since we were both in the same high school, our conversations shifted towards exam-related topics. My desired university was within reach if I could maintain my current academic level.

As a precaution, I also applied to an another university as a backup plan. Unless something significant happened, the course was not to retake the exams. In the midst of the final push for exams in the middle of our third year of high school, he approached me with another consultation.

“Right now, my first-choice university is D University.”

We often shared test scores, so I was familiar with his academic abilities. If it were him, he would likely pass C and D. Although I’m neither a teacher nor a tutor, I could make that judgment about the university, which also boasted a reputable name.

However—

“I’m thinking of changing my first choice to E University.”

I was surprised.

E University is a considerably challenging university for him based on his academic scores, and it’s famous for having highly unconventional entrance exam questions.

To put it bluntly, preparing for E University’s entrance exam is almost useless for other universities. Changing the first-choice university to E University at this point, when getting into E University is already difficult, raises the possibility of failing all other universities.

However, he has a specific department at E, which he really wants to get into. In a normal situation, I would take a moment to stop and reconsider. Parents, teachers, and even prep school instructors would probably say, “Stick with D University.” But I—

“Why not? Go for it; take on the challenge, get E University!”

I encouraged him. Not because I thought he could do well. It’s because it’s someone else’s issue. Whether he gets accepted to E University, fails and retakes the exams, or ultimately decides on D University, it’s his decision. It has had no impact on my life.

So, if he chooses to take on a reckless challenge, it’s interesting to watch. That’s why I gave him a push.

“There are still several months… You can do it! There’s a possibility!”

Words like that—encouraging and provoking—came out. Possibility? Maybe around 5%.

Then, because he is simple-minded, determination quickly filled his face.

“Yeah, I’ll give it a try! I’ll change it to E University!”

“Go for it!”

Contrary to the words in my mind, I muttered in a detached tone, “Do your best, at least.”

Even though we ended up at different universities, our connection continued. We moderately attended lectures, enjoyed clubs in moderation, and continued a moderate university life. Now, the time has come to consider job hunting.

I met with him in a cafe.

“How’s the job hunting going?”

He had an expression that didn’t look so good.

“What’s wrong? Is it not going well?”

“Rather, I’ve received an invitation from a certain company.”

“Oh, that’s great! What kind of company?”

“Well, it’s definite that it will involve overseas assignments.”

“Overseas…!?”

Sending a newly recruited employee overseas right away is quite a bold move for a company, but there are companies like that.

“So… I’m troubled. I want to gain various experiences abroad, but I’m also anxious.”

If it were me, I’d definitely refuse overseas assignments. Different languages, different cultures, and often unsafe conditions. Many inconveniences are expected. Even if it were to become an overseas assignment, it would be too harsh without accumulating some experience first.

Within him, the desire to jump into this new field called overseas clashed with the same anxieties that I could imagine. While sipping coffee, he voiced his concerns.

The first piece of advice that came to mind was, “For now, it’s better to join a regular Japanese company.” But—

“Going overseas sounds interesting!”

A completely opposite piece of advice came out of my mouth.

“Going abroad changes your perspective on life, and your horizons expand! If you have the desire to go, wouldn’t it be better to go?”

While saying this, I actually thought it didn’t matter if your perspective on life changed, and there’s no need to forcefully broaden your horizons. I’m just giving irresponsible advice because it’s someone else’s issue.

But he got very enthusiastic about it.

“Yeah, you’re right. I think I’ll consider accepting the offer.”

While he might think of himself as an adventurer venturing into unknown continents, to me, he just seems like a reckless mountaineer heading up the mountain in light gear. I couldn’t help but hope he wouldn’t end up becoming news like “So-and-so living abroad was killed.”

As I became a working professional and got used to wearing suits, I received a message from him. He wanted to discuss something, so I headed to the Izakaya, where he was waiting.

We met after a long time, exchanged updates, and indulged in beer and grilled chicken. The alcohol brought a warm feeling, but my mind was still clear. When we were moderately intoxicated, he broached the subject.

“I’m actually thinking of quitting my job.”

I already knew this was going to be that kind of conversation. When people of our age consult, it usually revolves around money matters, relationships, and whether to quit or stay at their job. That’s the norm.

However, the next words he uttered were a bit unexpected.

“I’m thinking of quitting and becoming a manga artist.”

If I had been sipping beer at that moment, I might have had that classic “Boo!” reaction. Come to think of it, he used to draw manga a lot back in elementary school.

“I’ve gotten used to my current job, and it’s enjoyable. The salary is increasing too. But no matter what, I just can’t give up on my dream of becoming a manga artist.”

What is he thinking? It’s impossible for him to achieve that dream. They say age doesn’t matter when pursuing your dreams, but that’s nonsense. There are age limits for any dream. Most aspiring manga artists draw and work hard from childhood. Frankly, I don’t know much about it, but that’s the impression I get.

Even if he were to aim for it, quitting his job is not the way. He could continue as a salaryman, draw steadily on the side, and maybe try submitting his work. In this era, there are also ways to publish online.

This was clearly a moment to say his choice was wrong and insane. But—

“Sounds interesting.”

After all, it’s someone else’s problem. Whether he aims to become a manga artist, successful or not, it’s not my concern. So, if he chooses to quit the job and pursue it, it’s interesting for me.

“But we’re already adults.”

“That doesn’t matter. Age is irrelevant when chasing dreams.”

Yes, it’s irrelevant. At least for me, If he pursues his dream, it’s interesting to watch.

“Aim to be a manga artist. If you end up getting published in a magazine or something, be sure to let me know.”

“Yeah, I will definitely!”

The two of us toasted with slightly lukewarm beer.

I’m also approaching the age of the elderly. Various parts of my body are starting to ache, and I’m realizing that I’m becoming an old man. While absentmindedly watching TV at home, I reflect on my life.

Looking back, I realize that my life has been one that has avoided reckless challenges. I consistently chose safe and high-probability options, avoiding difficult paths. I’ve become an ordinary middle-aged man.

It’s neither particularly happy nor unhappy. That’s how my days go.

On the other hand, what about him? Now that I’m thinking about him, In elementary school, taking my advice to heart, he challenged the gang leader to a duel and astonishingly won through remarkable perseverance. He became a respected figure in the class.

In junior high, he confessed to the class idol, Misako, and they became a happy couple. It turns out Misako liked him as well, but she didn’t have the intention to confess first. In other words, if he hadn’t confessed, this couple wouldn’t have been born. They are now planning to get married in the future.

In high school, after changing his course from D University to E University, he passed the entrance exam after intense studying. After graduating from college, he immediately went on overseas assignments.

It was apparently quite challenging, but he was able to experience many things that wouldn’t have been possible in Japan, and he grew significantly as a person. In fact, his demeanor has become quite dignified.

Afterwards, he quit his job, made a firm decision to become a manga artist, and, against all odds, became a successful manga artist. He is now churning out anime adaptations one after another.

The program I’m vaguely watching right now is an anime based on his original work.

He agreed to all my suggestions, which were given with the mindset of “it’s someone else’s issue,” and achieved great success.

Of course, I have no intention of boasting, saying something like, “I’m the one who raised him.” I was just a catalyst, and he, through sheer, blood-staining effort, became a successful individual.

I, on the other hand, chose to live without challenges, avoiding risks and minimizing damage as much as possible. Now, I’m entering old age, and I have no regrets about that. Even if I could redo my life, I believe I would end up leading a similar life.

However, even so, there are moments when I think, “Maybe I should have tried to be a bit more reckless.”

The End