Strike the Blood - Volume 12 - Chapter Aft

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Afterword

Since the previous volume, the publication pace has gone up ever so slightly (smug face).

It’s been a while. So Strike the Blood, Vol. 12 has finally arrived.

With the exception of one flashback story, Strike the Blood has been a tale taking place almost completely on Itogami Island; this time, the Japanese mainland became the stage. Furthermore, the season was winter. The lake was frozen, and there was even snow falling. Yes, it did occur to me that the rate of skin exposure was higher than normal for the girls (and one guy), but that’s, you know, a luxury—like eating ice cream in a warm room in the middle of winter. Either way, the Strike the Blood world being chillier was fresh on a personal level.

Speaking of freshness, this volume had many new characters. In particular, I had a lot of fun writing Yuiri and Shio, a new pair closer to normal people than the Lion King Agency characters to date. Though the two do not realize it themselves (causing considerable trouble to those around them), Yukina and Sayaka really do possess talent head and shoulders above others of their generation, so I thought I should finally write about those circumstances. I believe the Yuiri and Shio combo will have opportunities to shine in the story to come, so by all means, please give them your best regards.

Now then, the stage for the next volume is expected to return to Itogami Island. It’s about time for movers and shakers to gather together for big moves toward the story’s climax, right? In particular, I think it’d be great to finally make the production schedule speed up a wee bit. I’ve been energetically thinking of a few new developments besides the ones in this volume, so if you’re looking forward to them, great.

The comic version of Strike the Blood is still being serialized in Monthly Dengeki Daioh. To TATE-sensei, in charge of the comic adaptation, thank you very much, as always. With each serialization, the combat scenes become more dynamic, and the characters get even more charming. I’m moved by every issue. I think faithful readers of the original work will definitely enjoy it, so by all means, get your hands on the comic version of Strike the Blood!

To Manyako, the illustrator, thank you very much once again. Amid a busy schedule, with me changing the clothes worn by the cast left and right with no thought as to the consequences, and under the terrible working condition known as “multiple new characters,” I thank you profusely for putting the finishing touches on a charming work. This time, Yukina’s legs—er, I mean, the front cover—was absolutely fantastic!

Also, allow me to thank from the bottom of my heart everyone involved in the creation and distribution of this book.