Chapter 36: Visible Growth
During this period, the average sales per volume of "demon slayer" continued to increase, slowly but remarkably steadily, reaching around 40,000 per volume.
Due to the sensation of the Infinite Train Arc, there was a slight surge.
However, this was still not quite enough, because in the eyes of some outsiders, after seeing some complaints, they still thought it was a work that used 'Sword -wielding' as a gimmick, and directly passed on it.
There were also some people with higher demands who were not satisfied with the content of the first volume, believing that such writing had nothing worth watching.
To be honest, for the writing style of a typical debut work, the details in his first volume could only be considered below average, so it was normal for some people to be dissatisfied.
But if the writing level of the first volume could have reached the level of his third volume, perhaps the reviews would have been much better?
Izumi Chihiro felt that his current writing level, if not top-tier, could at least be considered upper-middle-tier, certainly much stronger than most 'toilet paper' works.
The only pity was that after reaching this point, due to the limitations of his talent, his progress slowed down to a snail's pace, which was very unsettling and easily made one doubt himself and lose confidence.
Therefore, although he constantly read works of similar genres, he always chose ones that were distinctive but also easy to imitate and improve upon.
Being good at self-awareness is also a kind of talent.
...
The release day finally arrived.
Under the full promotion of Fujikawa Bunko, coupled with the accumulation from his first two volumes, the foot traffic in some bookstores on that day significantly increased, even leading to crowded situations.
What a wonderful thing this was!
Of course, it wasn't a huge deal; after all, it was the first day of sales, and any work with a bit of fame could potentially see such a phenomenon.
Izumi Chihiro originally planned to go home and wait for the news a week later, but he couldn't suppress the excitement in his heart, so he took some time to go out and inquire about the situation at the nearby Takasago Bookstore.
"Ni-san, I want to go too."
Sagiri, who was returning home, blocked his path, having completely seen through his thoughts.
As the illustrator of "demon slayer", wasn't it natural for her to want to know when the new volume was released?
"Alright."
He nodded.
Light novel author and illustrator, he and Sagiri were now in a relationship where their honors and disgraces were shared.
It could be said they were even closer now.
"Ni-san, let's go quickly!"
Sagiri put her pink small backpack back in her room and quickly ran out, grabbing his arm as if to drag him out.
"How do I feel like you're more excited than me, Sagiri?"
He asked with a smile.
"It would be strange if I wasn't excited! I'm the illustrator! Why are you so calm, Ni-san?"
Sagiri retorted.
"No, I'm very excited."
He shook his head.
His heart was beating faster than usual right now.
He just wasn't showing it.
Unlike Sagiri, who liked to wear her heart on her sleeve, he preferred to keep things hidden.
"Really? I can't tell at all, but it doesn't matter. Ni-san, let's go to Onee-san's place quickly!"
Sagiri continued to urge.
"Onee-san? You're calling her so affectionately. When did your relationship become so good? Before, even talking to her was a problem for you."
Izumi Chihiro's gaze was surprised.
Could Sagiri's affinity be that high?
She used to be so introverted, not daring to talk to outsiders.
Even with Eriri, it took a long time for her to become familiar with him.
Perhaps, this was some kind of influence from family factors? Was this a change he brought about?
He suddenly understood.
"Hehehe… because I've been buying novels and manga recently when I go back, so…"
Sagiri scratched the back of her head.
'And I also asked Onee-san about Ni-san's school life.'
She added in her heart.
Compared to Eriri-jie-jie, Onee-san seemed more casual, and there was no pressure when chatting with her.
So, she was able to ask the questions she hadn't dared to ask before.
"Forget it."
Izumi Chihiro waved his hand and quickened his pace.
He didn't need to care so much about his sister's interpersonal relationships; as long as they weren't bad people, it was fine.
…
Life is always unpredictable; whenever you start to feel invigorated, a mountain you can't surmount appears before you.
Tanjiro deeply understood this point.
The moment Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Pillar, died before his eyes, a heart-wrenching pain spread throughout his body.
But he understood that he couldn't stop yet; he still had to train himself to become stronger, so that one day, when he encountered a similar situation, he could be of help.
And, one day, he would wield his sword of vengeance against Akaza!
Not only to prove himself but also to prove that the Flame Pillar's judgment was impeccable!
He was not weak.
Readers opened the third volume of demon slayer and saw Tanjiro emerging from pain at the beginning, becoming more resolute, and felt a strong sense of empathy, as if they themselves had experienced spiritual growth.
The author has improved again.
Some readers, after savoring the story, noticed this.
The beginning of the story was the conclusion of the fierce battle in the Infinite Train Arc, then it transitioned into a period of peaceful daily life. After recuperating, Tanjiro visited the Flame Pillar's father, then returned to the Butterfly Estate for training, interspersed with some snippets of his interactions with the people at the Butterfly Estate.
This shifted the emotional tone from sadness to a faint joy, gradually mending and healing the previous wounds, and allowing readers to experience the psychological changes of Tanjiro and the others along their journey.
It can be said that just this initial section made readers deeply feel that the wait during this period was entirely worth it.
The author did not slack off!
This was the most direct thought.
Although the time interval this time was only two or three weeks slower than that of ordinary authors, compared to the previous speed, this caused some readers to grumble.
However, ultimately, it was because these readers who urged for updates loved this work too much.
Subsequently, after the mundane daily training and ordinary missions, the protagonist and his companions, under the coercion and invitation of the Sound Pillar, arrived at the Entertainment District…
"Hmm? The Entertainment District? Isn't that…"
Many readers smiled knowingly when they read this.