Dec 07, 2025
Final Author's Commentary:
Time for the final Author's Commentary where we're going to discuss the epilogue.
When I first began writing the original draft of Season 2 for the original, I had no idea I'd split it into 2 parts, or that I'd eventually decide to just make the two parts their own separate seasons later on, or that I'd merge them back into one for the volume edition. At the time, I felt it was necessary to split things since the chess boxing arc felt like it's own season, however, after completely rewriting the core of Season 3 for this volume, things now slot together perfectly at long last.
Now that the volume is over, I'll divulge more on the big change I made, that being in regards to the false maestro arc. Originally, Himi was Ai, and a proxy of Michiko with semi-free will. The SPCMs, with exception of Himitsudono, were brainwashed by Michiko, forcing the chess club to confront them and beat them. Ai was then killed by Michiko following her loss to Mimoko. I felt Season 3's opening half was always one of the weaker parts of the story, thus when given the chance, I revised the hell out of it, but naturally kept all the good stuff such as the Michiko fight, and Maestro Himitsu games.
One thing I quickly want to mention is in regards to the game Peter and Daria played. Ever since the Double Bongcloud was first played, I've always wondered what would happen if the players started playing seriously after it. I refrained from showing the game, mainly because I felt it would be too long and likely result in a draw due to how skilled Peter and Daria are.
Speaking of games, Mimoko will now be playing casual games against Daria now that she's beaten her. Even though the Inoue family's been through a lot, things are starting to look brighter for them.
As for Volume 3, Iori will have far more screentime there, but Okisato will actually be getting the most focus as he confronts an infamous Desperado he has a history with, as well as encounter the feared Red Reaper. Yes, Red Reaper will be the main antagonist of Volume 3. And not just that, Volume 3 will have lots of chess action, so if the chess is your favorite thing about this series, you'll love Volume 3.
Finally, though this is the epilogue, there will be a few bonus chapters and an afterword before the true end of the volume. Now when I say bonus chapters, they're more so just glorified character bios, shedding a bit more light on the characters, just like the ones in Volume 1. Thanks for reading the volume to it's main conclusion. I hope you'll check out the bonus stuff.
That's all for this commentary. I hope you enjoyed it.
