Oh yeah, I do remember the manga you're referring to, I believe that was U-19. But what you said is accurate in that it does seem like Jump and Shueisha aren't taking the same approach with what happened to Kishi. Simply to avoid the same circumstances that happened with Naruto, and honestly that is for the better.
I think it was also pretty telling that when Naruto ended, Kishi had no interest coming back to Naruto after he finished the series and wanted to try something different. Which we know the result of what happened once Samurai 8 got canceled.
Not to say that it was surprising because given how Naruto ended this was more or less something an expected outcome.
They like a lot of people underestimated how important NS was to the story of Naruto.
It may not be up to the company, as much as it is a reaction from the mangaka. Again, Kishimoto used to be a big name and that one executive/editorial mandate destroyed him. What can say it can't happen to them? So they are all taking precautions to make sure it doesn't happen.
Demon Slayer: I didn't even realize there was a main couple outside the lighting boy crushing on the sister.
My Hero: Killed the closest thing to a romantic rival.
Food Wars: Didn't put the main couple together for some reason.
Samurai 8: I'm not changing the main pairing. I'm not changing the main pairing. For ten chapters.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Seemed to imply from the beginning that Yuji wasn't even going to live long enough to get into a serious relationship.
Black Clover: Noelle is clearly the main girl, but if the editor make a stink Sister Lily.
Chainsaw man: Messed around in part one but I assume Asa is Denji's love interest.
Edit: Currently in publication. Surprisingly a lot are story that have a duo that are clearly the main couple and the main characters the story is focused around.
Ayakashi Triangle: Shameless Woman and the clueless Ninja. There was a possibility that they would have spilt the main character in two so the shy ninja could have the girl but main girl is too shameless to share.
Yumeochi: Sleepy Boy and Class rep.
Demon lord Exchange: Priest either ends up with his childhood friend or the demon lord in her body.
Blue Box. Main boy and Main girl.
Marital Master Asumi: Main cowardly boy with MMA Girl.
Kill Blue: The old man will either stay a child and marry the rich girl, or more likely get the cure and get back together with his family.
Mission: Yozakura Family: Main Boy with childhood friend spy girl.
Undead Unluck: The two main characters.
My Girlfriend Gives Me Goosebumps: Main boy and his girlfriend.
Akane Banashi: Main Girl and her childhood bully/friend as he was the only one she could think of to go out on a date on.
Beat & Motion: The depressed male animator and the drunk female musician.
Edited by Bail o' Lies, 30 July 2023 - 09:25 PM.