“If…then” questions

Q: What kind of experience would it have been in regards to the initial plan for [From Zero] and the white whale battle? Even though it didn’t seem like Rem and Will-san were intended to go that far.

A: If those two weren’t around then it would probably be a much duller experience.

Q: Previously, if Crusche’s route is entered then the first battle will become a battle with the white whale but then what kind of perspective would we have in the case of Priscilla and Anastasia, or Reinhard’s route?

A: Priscilla’s route would be a battle with Al, Anastasia’s route would be a servant ending for her firm (Subaru becoming her manservant). Reinhard’s route would be a situation of the exceedingly strong ally in shitty videogames.

Questions about the author

Q: Do you like freshly harvested eggplants, bell peppers, and tomatoes? I would certainly like to send some through Sagawa. (Sagawa Express: a parcel delivery company)

A: How awesome, they are the top 3 vegetables that I hate.

Q: Would you separate from your homeland for the sake of a lover?

A: No, I would not separate from it. Rather than a lover, I like family more.

Q: For the sake of the motherland, can you assassinate an existence that has at least been through life and death together with you as a lover for a long time?

A: I dunno about the motherland. If it’s for the sake of family then it can’t be helped.

Q: Do you like stuff with looping?

A: I don’t like them in particular however I think that there are a lot of masterpieces with loops. I’m not wishing for them like ‘I prefer Loops! Loops!’.

Q: Who is your favorite anime character(s)?

A: If it’s 2D characters then a bunch easily pops up, but if it’s anime characters then I wonder……perhaps Tom and Jerry

Q: Are you into liberal arts? Science? Or are you sport-oriented?

A: I’m strong in Japanese language and poor in English. I’m weak at mathematics and strong in science. For strength fitness I was in the top 10 in my academic year, for stamina I got the booby prize (second-to-last in Japan). I was that kind of student.

Q: What are you good at cooking?

A: There is none

Q: Do you like depressing development genres?

A: For stuff like the story of Anapiya from Dances with the Dragons, I think I came

Q: This is a very rude question but how much possibility is there of you disappearing?

A: Isn’t it on average? Although I don’t know what’s the average potential for people to go missing

Q: Do you like falling into darkness? From now on is there a possibility of someone falling to darkness?

A: I really like it

Q: Who is your best friend?

A: I don’t have any more than four people for friends so I want to think of those guys who haven’t abandoned me as best friends.

Q: Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend? Are you a virgin?

A: Rather than boyfriend girlfriend circumstances, I was in the fruit basket faction

Q: The brand item you often use is?

A: Shimamura

Q: When do you get nervous?

A: That pleasant moment when I see if everyone gives me the reactions in accordance with my wish

Q: What are you good at cooking?

A: If forced to, I would like to become good at cooking French food

Q: Who is person that you feel like “I absolutely do not want to lose against this guy!”

A: The hound (loser) of the Baskervilles (it was apparently a web novel on Narou)

Q: What kind of art do you like the most?

A: I like 2D sketches of a girl lifting her clothes up

Q: What were your grades in school like?

A: In the lower middle. Seeing that everyone would be relieved once the exam was over I went and took the fifth spot just for the final test in my third high school year.

Q: What is the farthest place you’ve been to until now?

A: The Sanzu River. It’s closer than you think.

Q: Are you practicing your autograph?

A: The practice is already over, it’s time to put it into practice

• Writing Related

Q: I think that Nagatsuki Tappei-sensei’s psychological descriptions and battle depictions are extremely skillful or rather, it’s excellent. Where did you gain that terrific ability to write from? I think it’s greatly impolite but won’t you please tell me?

A: In consideration for peoples’ feelings, I wonder what they would think if I were to say this kind of thing……like that, I’m always thinking about myself and the other person. Without anything important, just by living everyday while being conscious of the connection between person to person, somehow you would come to know how to damage their hearts and make them grieve.

Q: Whaaat was the cue for you to begin writing!?

A: I wanted to start writing due to having read an interesting book. I wonder if it isn’t like that for everybody and everyone. I would be glad if Rizero became your inspiration. If you become an author I can crush you without holding back. This son of a bitch.

Q: Where the heck did you acquire those overwhelming vocabularies? Or perhaps I should say, are you using a thesaurus?

A: You will naturally acquire them if you read books. I draw a line where other than erotic words I don’t use dictionaries or the sort.

Q: Is (your) writing digital or analog?

A: The plot is analog, the writing is digital

Q: Please teach me the place where one makes progress in writing a novel?

A: Above the futon.

Q: Why do you have so much literary talent? Are you a genius?

A: I want to think that I’m genius if I were able to write on my level in three days, but if it took twelve years then there’s no feeling of being a genius. Wouldn’t I be Superman I wonder.

• Rizero Related

Q: Come to think of it, it seems that due to the readers’ voices Wilhelm-san was changed into a semi-regular character, but when you first began writing chapter one of this story just how much conclusion did you reach for the characters and the world view?

A: To be honest, I didn’t completely reach a conclusion.

Q: In what way was the idea for the Rizero series born from?

A: At a family restaurant with my friend “An incompetent protagonist that saves a silver haired heroine would be nice right? It’s nice right?” after drinking some ginger ale it somehow became that kind of mood.

Q: Including the arcs after this, which arc will Subaru have the most number of deaths?

A: Probably, they will all be equal.

Q: In what way was the idea for the Rizero series born from?

A: This question feels like a déjà vu…

Q: Between the published version and the original web version, which one would be better for me read first? I’m greatly perplexed.

A: Since the web version is advancing further wouldn’t it be fine to read the web version first

Q: As Re: Zero gets an anime, is there a cast you are hoping or not hoping for?

A: Since there are no images for the characters’ faces, of course the image of their voices is also incomplete.

Q: Emilia-tan’s mental age is seemingly low but is that the manifestation of Neko-san’s desires?

A: It’s because I thought it would be somehow interesting if there were a threefold gap? Well, I do think that it’s erotic for the body to be of an adult but the heart to be of a child. It seems to be the same with you.

Q: Where did the origin of EMT originated from?

A: I like Erica Hartmann, I think it’s a good match for Eilaanya (meme for shipping Eila and Sanya)

Q: If it gets an anime will you be glad?

A: I might just die

Q: Do you have an mental image of the OP and ED songs for Rizero?

A: The image for both the music and voices and even the illustrations are incomplete. Since Otsuka-sensei is drawing the illustrations it’s barely manageable. As always, the image in my mind when I’m writing is of Minna de Kamaitachi no Yoru. (From Shin Kamaitachi no Yoru)

Q: What do you think of this situation where Rem’s popularity has ended up becoming higher than Emilia’s?

A: After this there are six arcs remaining where Emilia-tan will continue to be the heroine but, is there a problem somehow?

Q: Why did you post it at 1 am?

A: I won’t finish writing it until one minute before that time and it’s harassment towards everyone that’s just barely awake.

Q: Have you already settled on what kind of manner the conclusion for Rizero will be?

A: Since I already decided to write from my ass it has been settled since the beginning.

Q: Why are all the key characters’ names associated with stars do you think?

A: Cause it’s wonderful

Q: The other day Wilhelm-san’s character design was made open to the public but it was mind numbing. What kind of thoughts did Neko-san have when you saw the design?

A: Since it’s the story of his true self, it’s not an exaggeration if I say that the design is the most important one in the third arc. I am confident that I have the same thoughts as everyone. I am pleased with Otsuka-san.

Q: In the extra chapters will you write about a flirty love route with the witches?

A: Well then I’ll do it on April next year

Q: Up until now which character was the hardest or easiest birth delivery?

A: The easiest birth was Otto. The hardest birth is always Emilia-tan.

Q: Is it fine for me to anticipate the heroines falling to evil?

A: It’s always fine for you to anticipate everything. The possibilities for the yet to be written story is endless.

• Family Restaurant Related

Q: Is there a (certain) drink you want at the family restaurant?

A: Right now I’m satisfied with vegetable juice. Just a bit more and it would be even better if I wasn’t biased for nutrition and it was incredible vegetable juice.

Q: For Greycat-san who’s a master of family restaurants, what kind of place is a family restaurant?

A: It’s a place where you can comfortably pass the time sitting on a chair that doesn’t make your body sore for a bit longer yeahhh*sparkle sparkle*

• Narou Related

Q: Did you know about [Narou] from before you began writing Re: Zero? Were you a reader?

A: I knew of [Narou] but I wasn’t a reader, even now I’m not reading it to the extent to be called a ‘reader’. My image for it is that of a huge posting site.

Q: What do you think of Teren-san?

A: I don’t think anything

Q: Have you read Teren-san’s Otome Tsuratan? (Otome-ge nano ni koi shitara shinu toka, tsuratan desu)

A: No?

Q: And if you were to appear at the same time along with Teren-san on the Narou radio?

A: The performance fee would be 8:2 in my favor

Q: Please briefly comment something regarding the aforementioned amount of reviews that seemed to be extracted from Teren-san’s Otome tsuratan

A: Since I think reviews are about quality and not quantity I think nothing of it even if you pull out the numbers.

Q: If you were in charge of the final performance in the project King of Wrath (it’s a web novel), what kind of final conclusion would you have made it or would you not want to?

A: Without a doubt, the remaining heroine(s) would not survive.

• Fan Art Related

Q: If I were to write a derivative work (fanfic) for Rizero then where would I submit it?

A: No idea. Perhaps Narou. If the author says OK then aren’t fanfics alright then? Put the summary and preface in the title, but only if the author says OK.

Q: Is it fine for me to draw erotic illustrations for Rizero characters?

A: I-I don’t particularly mind……it’s alright, bring it on

Q: Is there no problem with original characters appearing in derivative works for Rizero?

A: Go ahead

Q: Among all the authors who is it that you see as your nemesis?

A: The one in first place

Idle chatter with readers

Q: What do you think in regards to vegetarians?

A: Since I’m also drinking nothing but vegetable juice recently, perhaps there’s a certain meaning to vegetarians……probably, I think I’m called as ‘veggie’ at my favorite family restaurant

Q: Even if it’s fictional, Sensei’s karma for killing countless humans - everybody, everyone, countlessly, countlessly – I will give judgment to you, please do strike <slash> back at me with dignity and charisma.

A: It’s regretful but, to make an enemy of me, just in Narou you will have to climb over the meat wall of ten thousand people for your blade to be able to reach me.

You bastard, will you be able to do that with just one person? It’s fine to try it out. In whichever world, the numerous are the victors!

Q: Will there be an update for Rizero today?

A: I’m going to enter the bath after this, if I feel like it I will update it

Q: Neko-sensei why are you so brutal like that? Is it that fun to gouge the hearts of readers? It must be fun right.

A: I am not gouging their hearts because it’s fun to do so. I’m gouging their hearts as one way to have fun. There are various other ways to have fun.

Both you and I, are the same human being.

Q: Come on, it’s definitely fun to cause emotional pain riiight?

A: Is there anyone who would actively do something that’s not enjoyable? You, weren’t you taught that the thing people hate is ‘taking the initiative’?

Q: Please teach me about your fascination with silver haired heroines

A: It’s because silver haired heroines are the number one cutest attributes in this world, it’s already sufficient with just that much (this author gets it)

Q: Which meat part do you recommend?

A: In this world the number one most delicious thing is the bone ribs of a pork. It’s delicious but bad for the body and that’s fine. (I want to vomit)

Q: What kind of face do you make when you are writing about Natsuki Rem?

A: I have the face of a joyful man who is witnessing a blissful family, the best in the world.

Q: Why is it fine to call you Neko-san but Nezumi-san is no good? (Nezumi: slate gray; mouse, rat)

A: You, are you someone that would be happy to be called ‘skin-colored-san’?

Q: I want to raise a lazy fellow in the future but will it be fine for me to name them Betelgeuse?

A: It might cause trouble in various areas and once that happens, as long as you don’t mention my name, it’s fine.

Q: Depressing developments, contents on death, heated battles, because I really love all these things I will be rooting for you from now on! Of course also for the cute Emilia!

A: Thank you very much! It will be piling up even more from now on, all of it! Do not leave!

If you were to abandon me then I wonder what’ll happen, be careful on the night when the moon doesn’t appear……!!

Q: Since ‘Graycat……I see, Nagatsuki Tappei……who that heck is this person!?’ keeps repeating in my head, in order to get used to it I bought another separate set of books.

A: Nagatsuki Tappei…? Ah, me!?

Q: Please imagine this. Right now you are hurrying because you will be late for school. A few minutes later after leaving the house, from behind comes an old woman running alongside you while Cossack dancing. You become surprised and come to a stop, the old woman also comes to a stop while Cossack dancing. Then, while Cossack dancing she turns her back to you and says “Get on. If it’s my feet then it’ll only take an instant to reach the school ukekeke” If it were you then would you get on her back? Or will you not? Or perhaps, won’t you dance with me?

A: I would already have given up on school and go to the karaoke. If it were me and the hag then I feel like we would perform the best gig. Maybe it’s my imagination.

Q: Monkey’s gums (more references)

A: Your mane

Q: It doesn’t seem like the update today will come with the questions continuing on as is, I’m anxious due to unease and suspense, but where would be a good place to vent this uneasiness do you think?

A: As expected there’s no such thing as heaven

Q: Even if it’s fictional, Sensei’s karma for killing countless humans - everybody, everyone, countlessly, countlessly – I will give judgment to you, please do strike <slash> back at me with dignity and charisma.

A: Saying something like that, aren't you also enjoying the unhappiness of other people?

Q: Need more of Rem…!!!!

A: You’ll have to wait for a while. Try the published books.

Q: Aah……you are Sloth right?

A: You were the Sloth

Q: If you were trilingual then what language would the words you speak be in?

A: I don’t understand a single bit of what you are saying.

Q: I want to see the illustrations for the royal selection members

A: The official opening countdown starts from tomorrow

Q: There’s stiiill no Ekidna in the published books?

A: You’re overly hasty huh

Q: Neko-san, is there a special story for volume 4? The autograph session is open for use but if there’s a special bonus then I would buy any number of volumes alright?

A: Well, since the special bonus is just the same as before……if we assume that you have also obtained the signatures, it would be five volumes huh

Q: Among the people who you know, who’s the number one person that likes to gossip?

A: The old lady in the household

Q: What do you think of tattoos?

A: I did see a gaijin-san with the tattoo [Zakkubaran] before (frankness; completely unreserved)

Q: Do you think it’s necessary to study for middle school?

A: Regardless of middle school, “Living is learning, in other words, studying is human life” is exactly what backscratcher-sensei said awhile back. (Probably talking about the author of Mushoku Tensei)

Q: The number one coolest celebrity is?

A: Tsuwabuki Ichirou (protagonist from VRMMO wo kane no chikara de musou suru)

Q: Was dental brushing the same as dental floss?

A: There’s no particular problem if you had something around a toothbrush

Q: What did you have to eat to be able to become such a fiend, is it shit?

A: Shitpresso. It’s not something to drink however. (a wordplay on Nespresso)

Q: You’re dinner for today?

A: I want to eat sushi

Q: How long does love last for?

A: Why is it, that love diminishes? (Final Boss’ words)

Q: Update when?

A: I won’t today

Etc

Q: Will the fourth arc be over in the middle of June?

A: Whether it’ll be over or not is awfully subjective as I want to finish it so I don’t have to ponder trivial thoughts.

Q: Is there a relationship between Subaru-kun and the protagonist of [A summer day, the bewitching fox and the young boy]? (another web novel on Narou)

A: You don’t mean something like Natsuki Rugal-kun of a concurrent world right

Q: Approximately which arc does the second mayonnaise uproar occur in?

A: Around the fifth arc

Q: Will the manga of Rizero be serialized for a long time? Or will it end around the second arc’s closure?

A: Both the manga and the books will depend on the popularity

Q: Do you have any plans for going far away from Lugnica? (In the opposite direction of the Great Waterfall)

A: None

Q: When will it be Elsa’s next turn?