Hello! Gotouge here.
Yajima wrote a third novel! I’m so grateful! As usual, I made some mistakes in the illustrations, but all the shinobi of the Village of Editors saved me with their techniques for dispelling tiresome errors.
It seems a lot of kids are reading the Demon Slayer novels, and I’m delighted. They might be a little challenging for young readers, but knowing all those words will be useful when you need to express your feelings. Words have the power to bring the universe to your feet. Please be sure to read both manga and prose so you get a balanced diet of language.
Just as I was in the middle of writing this afterword, the final chapter of Demon Slayer came out in Shonen Jump magazine. I read all 205 chapters, each and every week, entranced like a child.
Koyoharu Gotouge, thank you for all your hard work. In the midst of this hugely popular series, during days so hectic the average person can’t imagine it, you made time to supervise these novels. For each volume, you drew covers that made my heart skip a beat and all kinds of wonderful interior illustrations. Some made me laugh, others cry, and some bewitched me. Every time I received another piece of your art, I was beside myself with glee and appreciation.
From the very bottom of my heart, I love your illustrations, story, characters, dialogue, and even the scent coming from your work.
My editor Nakamoto came through for me in a big way once again. I’m sorry for being unsure of myself and worrying about everything. I have nothing but gratitude. You’re always a sturdy support beam when we work together.
And thanks to everyone in the j-Books editorial department, the place I secretly think of as my heart’s home. Thanks to Shonen Jump editor Asai, who fact-checked the details for me; Shiotani and Sato from Naht, who were in charge of proofreading; all the many people who were involved with publishing this book; and the countless people who supported me both in public and behind the scenes. And finally, to each and every reader who picked this book up, I send you my heartfelt gratitude.