Mushi Uta:Volume 7 Afterword

Hello, this is Iwai Kyouhei.

I was able to overcome the period that was, in a certain sense, the hardest of the year, this year as well.

Hay fever.

It's really bad.

I've bought air purifiers and tried some countermeasures my dear readers have told me about, continuing my infertile battle alone.

I lied about overcoming it. I've only cried and struggled. I wished I'd be let off easily this time… as I thought this, I felt like I could hear the hay fever laughing at me.

If I could gather the power of the anger of those who suffer from hay fever and use it against those pollens, I think we'd gather at least as much energy as a nuclear reactor.

To my readers who work as developers—please do make use of this to create an antidote.

Never mind my personal mortal combat, this work is the seventh volume of Mushi Uta main story.

Shockingly, exactly three years have passed since I started this series.

As the one who's writing it, it felt like it passed in the blink of an eye, but for those readers who followed it since volume 1 was published it was an extremely long time. A period of time equivalent to middle school or high school from enrollment to graduation.

Although I've written this much, the more I write the more I want to keep writing.

It's because I can write freely.

Since the previous volumes were more like side stories, wouldn't this volume be called extremely unique in Mushi Uta?

I still want to write about many people, but I do think it's about time for me to be writing about the main characters.

I have thought that, in order to return the story to its proper course, I can enjoy writing both the previous volume and this one to show other viewpoints.

As always, some addendum about this book.

Many strong Mushitsuki have appeared in the series so far. Since Mushitsuki are powerful it was natural for them to be scary.

There was always a certain conflict in that.

Who's the strongest?

Who's the scariest?

But while these Mushitsuki have been fighting over who was the strongest, haven't they forgotten certain important people?

I just thought it'd be interesting for there to be a sneak attack from the side on those Mushitsuki who used supernatural abilities to fight.

I want to see the Mushitsuki being surprised.

I want to fluster them.

To do that, I needed someone they never even took notice of, meaning a normal civilian.

I've had enough of you lot scaring us until now—

About 90% of this volume is made of this civilian's rebellious heart.

Now for thanks.

Starting with my supervisor Onnai-san, I have created trouble for the Editorial Department as always. Perhaps especially this time. Thank you for always.

I was also in the care of llo-san, in charge of the illustrations. I feel like I've always apologized first thing when meeting you. Anyone knows a word better than "sorry"?

Once again, to write this book, I have consulted upon various methods and knowledge. Adding my own subjectivity to it, it might be different from how it's really like, but I thank those of you in the industry.

And to you the readers, holding this book in your hands.

Thank you very much.

Hearing your responses from all sides always gives me motivation. I am especially happy that I still received many letters just like it was when the series only started.

Please look forward to the next volume.

April 2006

Iwai Kyouhei