The Promised Neverland Fanbook: Vol. 0 Mystic Code - (6+7) Final

 (Pages: 187-239)

Chapter 1 . Chapter 2. Chapter 3. Chapter 4. Chapter 5. Chapter 6+7 

Chapter-6

Capital Raid & GF House Return

~: Commentary (ch. 145-181) :~

[Kaiu Shirai: TPN manga's author | Sugita Suguru: TPN's editor in charge | Posuka Demizu: TPN's artist] 

Return of Gillian's shorts

Oliver's team appears with the horses. Gillian wore shorts again; this time with leggings to conceal her skin color. Shirai praises the "UMA" (horse) emblem on her shoulder added by Posuka.

Many could Empathize with Geelan's sorrowful past

Almost the entirety of Volume 17 focused on the demons. Shirai was worried about its reception, but the survey results were satisfactory. 

Geelan's family was one of the noblest families with vast knowledge and wealth. Their knowledge didn't only come from the books. Geelan provided them with the same high-quality meat as those reserved for the aristocrats, so their intelligence was relatively higher than any other territory's. Unfortunately, the Royals took advantage of Geelan's kindness.

Geelan killed the families of the reagents, including the children of Bayon Jr. who admired him. Shirai aimed to depict how hatred brings no good result. If Emma didn't stop the cycle of hate, perhaps it could spiral down to something similar again. Sugita notes that the older readers could empathize with Geelan's story better. Maybe young readers, too, would have a different impression if they reread it years later.

Shirai wanted to write one more chapter focused on Geelan's army's fight against Dozza, but Sugita suggested moving to the next part. As a result, Dozza was killed off in a single slash.

The reason why Zazie looked handsome

Zazie's face reveal was due to Sugita's order. His face wasn't hidden under a bag in the initial design. Posuka gave him a cool face that Sugita wanted to use for the story, but Shirai decided to keep his face covered to make him slightly creepy.

According to Posuka's design notes, Zazie's eyes were bloodshot due to an experiment. He was kept inside a dark room, so he's sensitive to light. Zazie's various design concepts are compiled in Artbook World.

Source: Artbook World

Norman's breakdown

Audio

Shirai wanted to complete the story of saving Norman within the first chapter of the new volume. So, it became compact. There are many people in the world who tend to say "It's okay" with a smile, but it's difficult to understand if they're really okay. That's why Shirai added the quote: "At times, determination is a cry for help". The plan was to let him grow enough to ask for help.

Norman never asked anyone for help when he yearned for it, but he finally said it. Shirai recalls that Norman once asked Ray's help in volume 1, but that time he asked to lend him a hand (not to be 'rescued') so it doesn't count.

Shirai's storyboard (Source: TPN goods preview)

Boss Norman, from god to a human

Lambda's love for Boss that was originally a comic relief turned out to be useful. Shirai compliments Cislo for accepting Norman even after seeing his weakness. Shirai didn't think Cislo would become such a nice guy. They hated the demons but their love for Boss was stronger.  

Barbara and Cislo would be Norman's older brother and sister in terms of age. Unlike them, Vincent saw Norman as a god and couldn't accept him being weak. 

Adam was a clue to cure Lambda's seizure

Adam being an anomaly in the Lambda facility and a cure to Lambda's sickness was a background setting that was decided long ago. Shirai didn't think deeply when naming him, but he's glad it was a meaningful name.

Unless Emma met Adam who was dumped at Goldy pond, she couldn't have been able to save Norman.

Settling it with Queen Leglavalima- Part 1

Shirai's storyboard (Source: TPN exhibition goods preview)

Posuka's draft

After massacring the demons, the Queen returned and attacked the Lambda kids (and Norman). Shirai wanted Norman to recover from the stigma of slaughter. Not only Sonju and Mujika, but Don, Gilda, Ayshe, and everyone else contributed to saving him.

Similar to Leuvis, Leglavalima raised herself even after being defeated. Shirai intended to portray her strength and terror, Posuka exceeded his expectation with the detailed drawings.

The Queen didn't land a fatal blow on Zazie so she could save him for the time she could eat him.

During the first arc, Shirai and Sugita discussed the idea of showing the demon who ate Krone & other Moms and acquired their personalities. It was an opportunity to bring Krone back again. The Queen emerged from the corpses that formed a cocoon which represented her theme of a "butterfly."

Shirai drew the Queen with her usual hair in the storyboard but changed it to a hairless version as the last-minute correction. The Queen then resembled the demon statue at the temple. Shirai apologizes to Posuka's drawing assistant Z-san for erasing the complex hair drawings. 

Sonju was revealed to be a prince who held the original primordial faith of the demons: to live on hunted preys. However, his father (the King) distorted the system by establishing human farming. Sonju's lessons from his teacher were inspired by the movie "100 Years Old Boy and 12 Letters". In the source novel, the protagonist realizes that life isn't gifted but borrowed. "Hunting" and "borrowing" have a similar nuance in Japanese.

Settling it with Queen Leglavalima: Part 2

When Sugita joked about Mujika's quote "You're already dead" being similar to a popular quote from Hokuto no Ken (omae wa mou shindeiru), Shirai slightly changed the phrases. He was glad he could add Emma's quote "If it's Sonju and Mujika, you can eat me if I die", as he had it in mind from the concept stage.

The demons being the mirrors of humans was a constant theme in TPN. They gained their intelligence from the humans and thus their merits and flaws reflect a human's. Leglavalima was a very human character who reflected the greed of the humans.  It was a callback to Laozi's famous quotes on wealth: "if you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich." Constantly thinking about what one doesn't have eventually destroys them. Shirai thinks a certain level of greed could still be good as a driving force.

The Words Norman told Ayshe

Around the end of Volume 18, Norman said something to Ayshe in the demon language. Shirai wanted to reveal it in the main story, but then decided to reveal it on a different occasion. He apologizes to the readers as they have to wait a little longer.

Shirai sensei encouraged by Emma's words

The spread where everyone stood together reminded Shirai of Seven Samurai. Many readers praised Emma's quote: It's better to think "How do we'll do it" instead of "what will we do". Seeing the draft, Sugita wondered if Shirai was encouraging himself while struggling to complete the manuscript. He considers it one of the best Volume ending quotes.

Peter, modified from the high-rank setting

Peter played Othello because it's easier to show all pieces flipped at once. Othello is simpler to understand than chess and suitable for young boys' magazines.

Shirai wanted Peter to have a higher status in the demon world. But Sugita said it's best to make Peter a detestable guy with limited power for a change. Most of the high-status characters' quotes were inspired by Crocodile from One Piece. It was originally Sugita's suggestion; Shirai himself likes Crocodile and thinks the method was useful. But in Peter's case, his character writing was closer to Ramsay Snow (from Game of Thrones) rather than Crocodile.

Sir Crocodile from One Piece

Oliver's words, choosing the father who raised over the father who created

The infiltration operation went smoothly as Norman planned, but Vincent fell in trouble. Fortunately, Oliver came to the rescue. Peter's words were provoking as Oliver had a good father.

 

"Father" and "Creator" are gods in Christianity, which was one of the implications in Peter's words. Characters who have a fondness for their father figure (ie. Ayshe) were gathered in this scene.

Peter Ratri's words here ("Death is not a salvation") are my own. -Shirai

Isabella was influenced by the two "Mama"s

Shirai and Sugita wanted to write the story development of Mom's rebellion for a long time. Isabella knew Emma would come to take Phil and the younger children, so she secretly continued her preparations.

Among the Sisters, many girls were as old as Oliver / Zack (~20). Shirai decided their ages consulting with Posuka at the time of drawing. Later when he noticed the age of the children who fought at the Hunting ground and the young women who trained as Sisters were very close, he was deeply moved.

Around the time Shirai wrote these chapters, Jump Festa 2020 event took place. Kaida Yuko's (Isabella's voice actor) "Welcome back, my adorable children" was ringing in Shirai's ears. Posuka's drawing of Isabella for these chapters was influenced by Kitagawa Keiko's (Isabella's Live-Action film actress) portrayal of Isabella. At first, Shirai could only imagine "kashikomarimashita" in Kitagawa Keiko's voice. But after watching the movie's trailer, he was impressed ("Keiko-san is a real Mama too!") and became excited about the movie.

Drawing what was wanted till the final volume

Volume 19 and 20 incorporated many ideas that Shirai always wanted to draw (return to GF House, the fallen antagonists ie. Isabella and Leuvis's return etc). It was an opportunity to add the details behind Leuvis's true intention that Shirai couldn't incorporate during the GP arc. Leuvis thought it wouldn't be fair to harm these humans after being defeated by them. It's a part of his chivalrous nature and respect towards the opponents. (T/N: Second core's concept was proposed by Posuka when she designed Leuvis for Goldy Pond arc, Shirai eventually incorporated it in the final arc).

Politics is a hassle, so he wanted someone else to handle it. He enthroned Mujika because he didn't want humans to take the throne.

Peter Ratri's death and salvation

Emma asking her enemies to live together was another plot event Shirai always wanted to write. He likes the scene where Emma wanted to help Peter. Shirai was once convinced by one of his Junior High School teachers that,"Freedom and doing whatever you want are different". He's glad he could add it here (Shirai's author's comment for Weekly Shonen Jump issue #17, 2020). Peter was standing on top of many corpses and it was hard for him too. He was sane enough to understand the weight of his deeds. 

 

 

When Peter died, Shirai was asked by Sugita, "Won't his big brother appear now?" But Shirai thought making the demon god appear would be cooler. Sugita says it's another instance of Shirai being dark.

Regarding Emma's intention after taking over GF House

After settling it with Peter, Emma's plan was to help Mujika/Sonju and also the demons so as to ensure their forms wouldn't degenerate. Leuvis's unexpected appearance, however, freed the farms. Shirai was satisfied being able to draw the outcome where both humans and demons became free. It was the freedom that Emma aimed for in its true sense. This theme was being laid out from Volume 11 and 12. Although it seemed endless at first, Sugita thinks it could eventually be organized in a concise manner while keeping it entertaining. Makoto Yukimura's Vinland Saga was helpful as a reference as the manga excells at balancing serious themes and storytelling. Sugita recommended Vinland Saga to Shirai around the time TPN's final arc was being written, and Shirai enjoyed reading it.

Phil-Sherry's collaboration plan?

Finally, Phil could reunite with everyone. He struggled alone by himself while Sherry remained oblivious of their life in the demon world. Shirai had a plan where Phil and Sherry would work together to do something on their own, but decided not to add more plot threads.

Isabella became a mother at the very end

Shirai had a clear reason to kill off Isabella. It wasn't that she was responsible for many children's deaths but because she was too unforgiving to herself. She would've stubbornly wanted to compensate for her actions for the rest of her life. Rather than being a mother, she would've lived as a sinner around her victims. If she survived, she wouldn't have been able to have a heart-to-heart with Ray. Shirai made sure she could become a mother to Ray and everyone else before he sent her off.

The demon who killed her seemed to appear out of nowhere, but he had a deep background. He was the farm boss who was around from the very beginning as Isabella's higher-up (T/N: it's the demon from chapter 1 who ordered Isabella to prepare the full scorers for shipping).

Boss demon was reasonably angry as the farm he managed with effort and held pride on was suddenly crushed. He couldn't accept losing a farm that lasted for hundreds of years as the best farm in the demon world. He was also the one who promoted Isabella, though he did that for personal profit.

Grace Field Farm Boss (Source: TPN Artbook World)

The Chris-wakeup version of chapter 179 that disappeared

After reuniting with Mujika and implementing the promise, Emma and the children could arrive in the human world. Phil and others found themselves in America. (T/N: According to Sugita, a well-known location was chosen to let the children confirm their location at a glance. Even though the world went through drastic changes, monuments such as the Statue of Liberty remained intact, and the children could recognize it from their knowledge.) 

When the final chapters were being written, some drastic changes took place in the world due to Coronavirus and other events. It affected TPN's world-building as well. Shirai brought changes to the human world map. Initially, the border abolishment concept wasn't present.

The triangular vehicle Mike Ratri stood on is an airplane of the near future. I wanted a slightly changed vehicle, that's why it was chosen. Also, I think some people are curious about what "Code Solid" was. It meant "I'm handing over the reigns to Mike the neutral, the Ratri family is demolished." I didn't have enough pages, so I omitted it. I'm sorry for that. -Shirai

From chapter 178 onwards, Shirai felt that the number of pages was too few to include everything he wanted. Chapter 179 was particularly affected by it. He once considered redrawing the chapter for the volume version. Originally, it was supposed to have a slightly eerie atmosphere where Chris would wake up and others would proceed  to talk without worrying about Emma, then Chris would suddenly ask "Huh, where is Emma?"

Some fans could correctly predict this pattern, resulting in Shirai's loss of motivation to draw it. The pages weren't sufficient either. Shirai developed 5 different patterns for chapter 179's storyboard but he was still running out of pages. Eventually, he prioritized Norman and Ray's despair over Chris waking up.

There was a plan where Emma died

Shirai wanted to end chapter 178 with the cliffhanger "Emma is gone!" But the pages weren't enough, so it had to end at a weird place.

Kawada (the author of Hinomaru Sumo) once advised Shirai to keep some room around the end of the story. Shirai kept it in mind while deciding the contents and had confidence in himself but was still running out of pages somehow, it became messy. Shirai comments he learned that a story's climax has a devil in it. 

Chapter 178 cut off as soon as the children reached the human world. Most readers were suddenly confident that there was no reward at all. TPN readers are usually skeptical, so this reaction caught Shirai by surprise. Though it made Ray and Norman's trust in Emma's words more convincing.

Shirai and Sugita wanted everyone to give their best for Emma at the end. At first, it was the story of Emma and Norman saving Ray. Then Emma and Ray saved Norman. The final chapters focused on Norman, Ray and everyone else saving Emma.

There was a plan where Emma would've remained in the demon world all by herself and died. But it would've been a depressing tragedy after the readers followed Emma's entire journey. Therefore, the ending was compromised.

Is Emma's reward a sacrifice?

Demon god lives in the subconscious world and takes one's most valuable thing to test their preparedness. Emma called the reward a 'settlement', but it leaves a question of whether it was a sacrifice or not.

Shirai says Emma didn't consider it a sacrifice, she paid it as 'gratitude'. Similar to cutting off her ear in the first arc, the reward was something she gave on her own accord. So, it wasn't a sacrifice for her to endure. Shirai suggests the readers to read the volume version of the chapter as some delicate details were cut off in the magazine version. To answer some readers, Shirai assures that Emma isn't as sad as they think.

Shirai wanted to add the quote "everyone will find me, so it's alright". But Sugita suggested not to, because it would seem like she's ignorant of the weight of the situation. 

Grandpa's home (Floor design by Posuka)

What was drawn in TPN and Shirai sensei's sanctuary

[T/N: For the final part, I'm going to translate their conversation literally instead of writing a summary. Below is how the chapter commentaries are originally written.]

Shirai's storyboard (Source: TPN exhibition goods preview)

Posuka's draft

The Promised Neverland manga's final page (Volume ver.)

Shirai: The number of pages really wasn’t enough in the final chapter, either. On the contrary, I don't know how I managed to put everything together pretty well in 25 pages back then. (laughs)

Sugita: But this was the tempo you wanted to do it in.

Shirai: The tempo, yes. For the last chapter of TPN, I decided not to spend an entire chapter on epilogue; to make a dynamic finale with moves and runs till the end. An epilogue where the aftermath sinks in is nice, but I wanted to challenge myself and write a final chapter where you don’t know what will happen until the end. I got greedy and didn't have enough pages, please excuse me for that.

Sugita: Various summary statements were considered for the final chapter.

Shirai: “The happiness the parents decided, whatever the adults told, whichever circumstances arises-screw it all!”, “Even if we lose, we can build it again”, “If you stay alive, there’s something for you to see”- statements like that.

Sugita: We settled with “screw destiny.” Going beyond the fate that’s been decided.

Shirai: You may be able to overturn your destiny, and even if you can't, you may be able to guide your future for the better.

Sugita: They can resist the fate of Emma’s erased memory. By becoming her friends, they won’t have to let themselves be taken away from Emma.

Shirai: They can become a new family. Maybe the lost memories will return. Even if it doesn’t, something can be done.

Sugita: They can bend a fate fixed by [][][].

Shirai: Perhaps, [][][] was impressed with Emma. If you read it from the volume, when Emma describes the reward as her ‘thanks’ instead of a ‘compensation’, [][][] gets an 'aha' moment. He was having fun with Emma, wasn't he? He wondered how this child, these children, would resist if he threw a little something that could resist her fate. That's why he didn't take Mujika’s pendant from Emma and didn’t erase Emma’s memory from Norman and the other children. Of course, he can’t take anything from Norman’s side because he's taking the reward from Emma, but he left a very slight possibility where Emma's friends might be able to reach her if they try hard enough- which is seemingly impossible. I think [][][] left a bonus for Emma and her friends.

Sugita: Because these children changed the world.

Shirai: Some readers who were saying “It’d be such a disappointment if the reward is zero”, ”I got betrayed by Kaiu Shirai!” - they don’t trust me at all do they. You really thought I’d leave it with a zero reward? (laughs)

Sugita: This manga is the story of some cool people who don’t believe that fate can’t be changed, “We will change it, screw it all!” At first, it was only Emma. But in the end, Norman, Ray and other characters also started resisting their fate.

Shirai: They kept her spirit alive within them, so they could save Emma.

Sugita: Even if you think it’s impossible, let that be the starting line. As long as you’re alive, you can start over again.

Shirai: TPN is just two things. “So what?” And then, “Let’s live together.” The volume has some bonus pages; I’d appreciate it if you could take a look.

Sugita: Those who will read this book will also read the volume. So, what was it like after the serialization?

Shirai: That took long....four years! (laughs) But it’s over! Yay! I can’t afford to look back now. (laughs) After all, there’s a lot of TPN related projects in hand, and I’m drawing the storyboards for the side stories. (laughs)

Sugita: Please look forward to Shirai sensei and Demizu sensei’s future works! (laughs)

Shirai: (laughs) Well then, Before I conclude, let me introduce you to the sanctuary of demons designs and concepts I have in myself. It’s an outdoor folk museum called Little World in Inuyama City, Aichi prefecture. There’s an exhibition room on the 5th floor of the indoor section which has many religious masks and costumes on display. What I saw there inspired me to create the trimmed leaves that Krone used when she played tag with the children in the escape arc. By the way, please note that it has nothing to do with the designs created by Demizu sensei.

(T/N: You can read the volume version of the final chapter here, extras here, and the epilogue here.)

------------------

~: Shirai Sensei’s QnA Pt. 6 (Answering the Readers) :~

Q. When, and how did Norman learn the demon language?

A. He learned from Smee’s information and the demon relics in the tree hideout. He already knew it when he met Ayshe.

Q. Why did Norman kill Ayshe’s dad?

A. Cislo and others killed him by mistake. On that day, Norman and others were moving through a secluded area when they ran into Ayshe's father, and since they were seen, they had to kill him. Cislo and others suffered in Lambda and hate was born from it, so it would've been difficult for them to start a conversation in that state to avoid such an outcome. But if they learn the truth now, I think they'll feel guilty and regret it.

Q. Barbara eats demon meat. Is demon meat delicious?

A. It’s not, at least not the ones Barbara eats.

Q. Was the devoured humans and demons alive inside the Queen after she ate them?

A. A special phenomenon occurred for those who were eaten by Leglavalima as they weren’t completely digested. It doesn’t mean that one can stay alive inside a demon. They meet their end when they're killed.

Q. Would Mujika degenerate if Norman’s poison is used on her?

A. Neither Mujika nor the demons who have her blood would've degenerated.

Q. If moonlight is needed to perform the ritual to transport, how did they perform it underground in ch. 178?

A. Moonlight reached underground via a special mechanism. You can see the light in v.20. p. 136.

Q. How did Emma and friends invade Grace Field House in volume 19?

A. From the drainage pipe leading to the 7th basement.

Q. What happened to the bodies of Peter and Isabella?

A. Carried to the human world alongside everyone. They are sleeping underground in different places.

Q. What would be the surnames of the children in the human world?

A. Norman would say “ 'Ratri' is absolutely no!”

Q. I assumed Peter Ratri was very strong, but he didn’t do anything when cornered. He isn’t strong in fights, is he?

A. His combat skill isn’t high, but he learned self-defense techniques.

Q. Why was Ray silent to Emma and Norman about his relationship with Isabella?

A. “There was no need to tell them”, apparently.

Q. What would be the result if Norman went to the Seven Walls along with Ray and Emma? Could Ray succeed if he tried the second time?

A. I think Norman wouldn’t have been able to enter, like Ray. Maybe Ray would have been able to enter on his second try.

Q. How does the demon god receive the meat offered to him? Does it disappear like how Emma did when visiting the Seven Walls?

A. It disappears.

Q. Are there smartphones in the demon world? 

A. Communication equipments were remodeled in the human world for use in the demon world. 

Q. Are Ayshe’s dogs in the human world the same ones that she had in the demon world? Does she have new ones now?

A. She brought them from the demon world.

Q.  Did James and Peter have children?

A. They didn’t.

Q. Norman said his seizures were on level 4. What was Norman’s own life expectancy?

A. Less than a year.

Q. Is the Demon god a character like Shenron from Dragon Ball (Granting wish if there's a certain condition, granting someone's wish has no merit for the Demon god himself)? Also, what sort of relationship did the Demon god and the demons have before the first promise?

A. He became like that after eating 'something'. There was probably a past where he was kicked out because he was a threat to the demon society (sorry, I can't remember)

Q. I want to know Emma’s new name!

A. Sugita san told me not to say it, so it’s a secret!

Q. Is Zazie’s tiger plush handmade?

A. Handmade by Vincent.

Q. In the final arc after realizing his coming death, did Norman want to leave a final letter, as he did during the escape arc? Or did he intend to disappear without saying anything?

A. I don’t think he left anything. It seems the only thing he wanted to leave was a new world where Emma and everyone else can live safely.

Q. Can 13 y/o Norman handle bow and gun?

A. He can, but he's not as good as Emma’s side. Besides, I think his bow and arrows are custom products (modified by Vincent) that require less recoil and force than usual.

Q. Who is [][][]? Is he the god in the demon world?

A. I think it’d be uninteresting if I answer directly. Let’s think about it without knowing the answer.

Q. Is Demon god the god worshipped in original faith?

A. He doesn't have any relation to that. He wasn't the object of primordial belief. Originally, [][][] wasn't a being that was worshipped as a god. In the present time, he's used by the demon regime by being treated as a god. It's a long story and I don't think it's interesting to tell, so I'll leave it at that.

Q. Is Julius's owl buddy named Brutus?

A. Wouldn't it be a traitor then?

Q. Regarding the necklace Mujika gave Emma, why did she have it?

A. When I tried to make it meaningful, Sugita san warned me and said “it'd be too convenient.” (laughs)
Perhaps, it was an item once owned by a priestess from Cuvitidala. Then why does Mujika have it? That’s a mystery.

~: Character Profile :~

(untranslated)

~:From Demizu sensei: “This was amazing, Shirai sensei!” Pt.5:~

Anything and Everything

There are many great things about Shirai sensei himself.

1. Firstly, his memory is amazing. When we talk about a past scene, he'd immediately come up with the chapter number. It's amazing. He also remembers people he has met only once before, such as those he met in the meetings. It's really enviable.

2. He watches many drama, movies and other works of art- so much so he could be a critic. I'm sure he has a lot of work to do, I wonder when he does it. I think he accumulated a lot of experience before becoming a mangaka.

3. Just like how the manga is easy to read, Shirai sensei's own speech and e-mails are always easy to understand. I think he's always thinking about listeners and readers. Also, the length of the e-mails is terrifying and always surprising. After every chapter, I receive a long comment on the finished work, I really appreciate it. 

4. On the flow of the previous point, he always compliments me.

-Posuka Demizu

Chapter-7

Extra

Chapter 177 Storyboard

<Click here for larger images>

Ch. 177 Final Panel

"With this one, I was at a loss for the final panel. So I came up with multiple ideas and asked Demizu sensei to choose the best one to draw." -Shirai

Version A

Verson B

Version C

Demon Concepts

(untranslated)

~: Shirai Sensei’s QnA Pt. 7 (Answering the Readers) :~

Q. Why do the cattle children call the creatures 'demons'?

A. To be honest, the definition of 'demon' in Japanese culture is broad (most of the unidentifiable creatures are called demons), and I thought it'd be interesting to portray the monsters (a different species) of this Western-style story with that definition of 'demon'.

Q. What types of demons are popular in the demon world?

A. As for what's popular and what isn't, demons have their own preferences. But to give you a sense of the 'beauty' among the demons in the last 1000 years, Leglavalima, her maids, and Geelan (before becoming feral) are considered beautiful by the demons. Mujika is also a beautiful girl.

Q. How much is the annual income of demons working on a farm, in real-world standard?

A. Grace Field Boss demon’s would be 10s of millions yens level in modern Japan. It’s a little different for GF staff demons. Income depends on Glory Bell, Grand Valley, and Goodwel Ridge as well; mass production farmworkers don’t earn a lot. However, this job has more salary and authority than a general job.

Q. Was there a reason behind creating Ayshe- a human character raised by a demon?

A. Nothing in particular, but I always wanted to draw her!

Q. Why does Norman have so many sheep references? Being a symbol of sacrifice/self-sacrifice, a curly hairstyle like sheep’s horn, being Aries, sent to [lamb]da, 2s in number (which is closely related to clone Dolly). It’s interesting to think that a weak sheep emperor caused a rebellion in the demon world.

A. Eeh?! You’re right! But sorry, it’s all a coincidence! (But that’s still amazing...!) I don’t think Norman’s curl really symbolized anything, but when his curl took that shape, Demizu sensei said, “When I think of Norman’s curly hair as the Crescent moon, it becomes easy to draw; truly Emma of the sun and Norman of the moon, right?” And I liked it a lot.

Q. How do demons like to eat humans? Does human meat also have expiration dates, does it cause stomachache if they eat rotten meat?

A. Demons also have their individual differences. There are some demons who have a strong stomach, but usually, demons would have their stomachs upset if they eat rotten meat.

Q. We call our own race ‘humans’, what do the demons call themselves?

A. It’s a mystery. (Even if it's found out, it's more interesting if it's not revealed).

Q. If only the descendants of the first cattle humans were left in the demon world as cattle humans, I think the genes would be more concentrated. Do they bring more humans from outside?

A. It’s a secret (I can’t tell you).

Q. Who is the most delicious meat among Norman, Ray, Emma, Isabella (etc)? Also, is there a difference in the criteria of ‘deliciousness’ or ‘good brain’ in normal demons' standard and the demon god's standard?

A. Desired value: Norman. Gourmet's evaluation: Norman. Isabella also seems to have a high rating and expectations. But they're all super high quality, and 'deliciousness' is different for each demon. They wouldn't know unless they try them. [][][]'s ratings might be a little different from general demons. I think Emma is the one [][][] wants the most.

Q. Is it that the fewer the number of eyes a demon has, the more intelligent they are?

A. Fewer number of eyes=the higher intelligence. But it's more like: the demons who eat better meat have fewer eyes.

Q. Ray’s face is always hidden in the sleeping scenes, is there any particular reason?

A. Because he’s shy. (half-serious, half-joking).

Q. Sister Krone or Zazie-who is stronger?

A. Zazie.

Q.Why was Ray sent to Isabella’s plant? Was there any specific intention? 

A. Isabella’s ability was excellent, so the baby with high expectations (Ray) was sent to the excellent breeder.

Q. Why are owls the type of animals that appear in TPN? Why was Conny’s toy chosen to be a bunny?

A. Because owls have an image of ‘intelligent’ animals, and they remind of the phrase “The owl of Minerva flies at twilight”. The bunny may have similar reasons!

Q. Do humans know about the demon world and demons?

A. General public don't know (did you?)

Q. Are Norman and Ray better at liberal arts, or science subjects?

A. They’re great at both! (Those full scorers...!) If compared, they seem to prefer science. Especially Norman.

Q. I like the playful chapter titles (such as "You Can Fly" and looked forward to them. Is there any chapter title that you particularly liked, or made you think “This works so well! 

A. Chapter titles are last-minute additions that always send me to the edge of my seat, but the "Decide on a single shot" policy seemed rather fitting, so thank you, compulsory education! "Musical Chair" (in Japanese, it was written in a way you could read both "Throne stealing game"and" Chair stealing game"=musical chair) was a chapter title that was decided at the last minute, and later I thought it worked really well. I'm glad.

Q. I want to know which other kid is interested in music other than Nat. Can Emma sing?

A. Emma can sing. She can sing normally, but she’s also a genius at singing strangely remodeled songs and making the youngins laugh. Secretly, Ray too loves music in terms of appreciation. Norman likes music normally, but he also likes the connection between music and mathematics.

Q. If cold-sensitive Nigel and heat-sensitive Pepe are in the same room, who will take the control of the Air conditioner remote?

A. Gillian!

Q. Is there alcohol in the demon world? Who was leuvis drinking with during the hangover?

A. There is. Drinking sake alone or with someone. Maybe Leuvis was drinking with Bayon (Senior).

Q. What was the deciding factor when setting the birthdays and blood types of the characters?

A. Whim and balance! (That's a lie. I made sure to go to Grace Field farm and check the documents myself)

~: Timeline:~

THE PROMISED NEVERLAND TIMELINE

~11th century

Humans and Demons make a promise.

~13th Century

Sir Bayon becomes the investor of 24 farms, manager of 12 farms, person in charge for 6 farms. Around the same time, Queen Leglavalima kills the former King and becomes the Queen.

~14th Century

The farms try to mass-produce low-grade meat, but it’s difficult. Sir Geelan requests the Queen to release the aristocratic stockpile in the national treasury for the people. Mujika and her people visit the villages during famine and spread their blood. Sir Geelan asks Dozza to confirm the rumors about Mujika’s blood. Sir Geelan is betrayed by General Dozza with a false accusation of spreading Mujika’s blood to overthrow the Royalty and is sentenced to stray. Mujika group is captured by General Dozza and Mujika’s companions are eaten by the Queen and the Aristocrats. Sonju escapes the Royal capital with Mujika.

~16th Century

Sir Bayon laments that foods have become tasteless.

~19th Century

Sir Bayon starts hunting humans secretly in his garden, human meat's taste returns.

2010

Publication year of the map in GF House. 9th September, 2014 (Tuesday) Isabella’s birth

2015

The newest book in GF House, “Mechanical Engineering and the History of Mankind” is published.

2019

15th July, 2019 (Monday) Krone’s birth

~2020

Extreme Disaster, pandemics, food crises and food shortages occur around the world.

~202(x) year

The 10-year long world war begins in mid-21st century Around this time, James Ratri reads Julius Ratri's memoir and aspires to save the cattle children.

2029

Krone (10 years old) flies a sky lantern (official site's bonus comic reference?).

2031

May 20th, 2031 (Tuesday) James Ratri leaves a message to the cattle children at Goldy Pond. November 2031 James Ratri is assassinated under the order of Peter Ratri. Peter Ratri contacts Sir Bayon and offers Goldy Pond as a hunting ground. Late 2031 Poachers (Bayon Sr., Leuvis, Nous and Nouma, Luce) start hunting at Goldy Pond. December 2031 James Ratri’s supporters are executed at Peter Ratri’s order.

2032

Yugo, Lucas and 19 other children from escape Glory Bell

2033

Yugo, Lucas and 19 other children depart from bunker aiming towards Goldy Pond. Yugo’s group is captured by Sir Bayon’s Minions. Lucas and other Glory Bell children help Yugo to escape from Goldy Pond.

2034

15th January 2034 (Sunday) Ray’s birth (exact birthday is only known to Isabella and numerous farm staffs) 21st March, 2034 (Tuesday) Norman’s birth 22nd August, 2034 (Tuesday) Emma’s birth

203(x)

End of war, national borders are abolished.

2038

The boy who saved Lucas dies of illness.

2029~2040

Around this time, Smee deliberately drops his pen and lets Krone pick it up.

2045

October 12, 2045 Conny’s shipment Oct 17, 2045 Sister Krone appointed to plant 3, Carol’s arrival. Oct 27, 2045 GF children start playing tag to train in the House forest. Oct 29, 2045 Norman sets 8th November as escape date Oct 31, 2045 Don and Gilda sneak into Isabella’s secret room. Regular correspondence confirms Norman’s shipment. Nov 1, 2045 Emma and Norman visit Krone’s room for information. Nov 2, 2045 Sister Krone is eliminated by Isabella. Deal between Ray and Isabella is closed, Isabella takes direct control. Emma’s leg is broken, Norman’s shipment date is announced. Norman discovers the pen left by Krone. Nov 3, 2045 Norman meets Peter Ratri and is transferred from Grace Field to test farm Lambda 7214.

2046

14 Jan, 2046 At 23:38, Emma and Ray hold final discussion regarding escape. 15 Jan, 2046 Emma, Ray and 15 children above 5 years of age escape from GF plant 3. Ray encounters the pursuit demons. Emma collapses due to ear wound. Emma’s group meet Mujika and Sonju. Emma wakes up at night and reunites with Ray, learns the world's history from Sonju. Jan 16, 2046 Emma’s group leave for the exit, the children share the knowledge that Sonju shared. Jan 17, 2046 Isabella receives the resignation news of the breeding superintendent. Jan 18, 2046 Emma learns to hunt from Sonju and learns the meaning of the ritual. Jan 20, 2046 Emma and friends learn about other HQ farms and mass production farms. Jan 21, 2046 Emma’s group bid farewell to Mujika and Sonju, Emma learns about the seven walls. Emma’s group arrives at B06-32 by sunset. Yugo attempts to commit suicide but notices someone’s arrival, thus it is interrupted. Emma’s group meets Yugo. Jan 22, 2046 Emma and Ray make a deal with Yugo to escort them to A08-63 goldy pond. Jan 24, 2046 Yugo takes Emma and Ray to Bunker’s weapon room. Jan 25, 2046 Emma, Ray and Yugo leave for Goldy pond. Emma and Ray are engaged in a fight with the demons, learns that their weak point is the eye at the center of their face. Jan 27, 2046 At night, Yugo hesitates to kill Emma after listening her words. Jan 28, 2046 Emma is released inside GP. Violet writes “use your pen” on Emma’s palm. Emma meets Violet, encounters Grand Duke Leuvis and Luce. Emma meets Lucas and GP rebels. Emma and Lucas receive WM’s message and the items (pen’s extended knowledge) from the depth of Goldy pond.  Yugo and Ray encounter Bayon’s minions. Jan 29, 2046 At Lambda, Norman gets his vitals checked. Hunting begins in GP, Lucas’s group decides to set their plan in motion. Dozza’s son Luce, Noum’s uncle and aunt Nous and Nouma, Bayon Sr. are killed. Leuvis collapses after having his first core crushed. Yugo and Lucas reunite. GP is collapsed. Jan 30, 2046 Yugo returns to the shelter carrying Emma. Feb 18, 2046 Ray and other GP members arrive at the bunker. Feb 26, 2046 Emma wakes up. The supporter contacts on the next day. Mar 6, 2046 Andrew steps into a dummy shelter Supporter communicates and contacts via morse code. Mar 7, 2046 Preparations to begin the search for Cuvitidala in 3 days (such as memorizing the maps and preparing foods)  Mar 10, 2046 Emma, Ray, Don, Gilda, Violet, Zack leave aiming for Cuvitidala. Mar 15, 2046 Simon from GF House is shipped out. Mar 16, 2046 Andrew arrives at GF house May 1, 2046 Emma’s group arrives at Cuvitidala. Emma meets demon god at 'the day and night.'  July, 2046 Emma’s group return from Cuvitidala. Emma heads to the East to look for the temples and golden water. Dec 24, 2046 Emma’s group receives gifts from Bunker's children. Dec 25, 2046 Norman spends his Christmas inside Lambda. On this day, Norman and Vincent succeed in contacting via notes.

2047

February, 2047 Emma’s group returns from East expedition. Norman destroys Lambda 7214 and escapes collectively. April, 2047 Around this time, Norman inherits WM’s name and frees the children from Lambda affiliated farms. November, 2047 Emma’s group finds a hint to reach the seven wall.  Emma, Ray, Don and Gilda find the entrance to the Seven walls and return from the gate.  October, 2047 Emma’s group returns from West expedition. Andrew attacks B06-32 shelter. Lucas is contacted by Minerva (Norman) Chris is severely injured Yugo and Lucas blow up the Bunker with Andrew and his minions Dominic is injured by Andrew. Andrew is killed by a stray demon. Emma’s group starts their journey in search for Lion’s Jaw. Norman dispatches Jin and Hayato to investigate and search for Emma’s group. Norman, Vincent, Cislo, Barbara and Zazie attack a mass production farm, destroy and burn it down. Emma’s group meets Hayato on the 8th day of their journey Emma, Ray, Anna and Hayato sneak inside a mass production farm on the 8th day of their journey to steal medicines for Chris. 10th day of the journey: Emma’s group is taken to the hideout by Hayato. Reunion with Norman. Norman and Geelan form an alliance. November 1, 2047 Emma and Ray head towards the Seven Walls. November 2, 2047 Queen Leglavalima organizes an army troop to capture the bandits.  Peter Ratri reports to Queen Leglavalima and asks to lend half of her army. November 3, 2047 Don and Gilda set out in search for Mujika, accompanied by Hayato and Ayshe. November 4, 2047 Norman’s group marches towards the Royal Capital. November 7, 2047 Don and Gilda meet Sonju and Mujika Geelan team arrives at a hill near the Royal Capital Ray returns to the hideout from the Seven Walls 3 hours after Ray’s return, Emma also returns to the Hideout after forging a new promise. The promise implementation is kept on hold. Ray and Emma set out for the Royal Capital in the afternoon November 8, 2047 The offering to the demon god arrives in   the Royal Capital. Earlier in the morning, Emma, Ray and Oliver’s team discovers the Royal army heading towards the hideout. Peter Ratri discovers the hideout, transfer the children to Grace Field House. November 10, 2047 Tifari begins Norman’s group spread poison in the capital Emma and Ray meet Sonju and Mujika Geelan’s group raids the capital, defeated by Leglavalima. Zazie destroys the first core of Queen Leglavalima Norman kills Duke Yverk Queen Leglavalima is revived by the second core, self-destruction due to excessive intake Sonju and Mujika revive the priests Sonju and Mujika are arrested for overthrowing the nation From this night to 3 days, demons who drank Mujika’s blood will be executed. November 12, 2047 Emma’s team heading towards the Grace Field House November 13, 2047 Peter and the children arrive at Grace Field House early in the morning Peter Ratri hands over the children to Grandma Isabella Grandma Isabella gathers the sisters for rebellion Emma’s team invades the House Emma’s team takes over GF House and corners Peter Ratri Peter Ratri commits suicide Grand Duke appears at the execution site and suspends execution, abolition of farms is decided. Mujika is enthroned by Grand Duke Leuvis and the priest. Emma, Ray, Norman meet with Phil and the children they left at GF House Isabella passes away trying to protect the children from Boss Demon. This night, Emma fulfills her promise. All the children are sent to the Human world. Norman, Ray and others start searching for missing Emma.

March, 2050

Norman, Ray and the children discover Emma and reunite.

The Promised Neverland Vol. 0 Mystic Code: End

Further reading:

Shirai's first TPN manuscript: The Way We Survive in This World