Toradora!

Volume 7, Author's Notes

Officially into my thirties! This is T***miya Y*yuko (age 30). A day had come when I have forgotten the access code for my condominium main entrance.

This incident happened as I arrived at the entrance after walking my dog while wearing only a furry jacket on top of my pyjamas. I stood dumbstruck as I carried the dog in my arms. It was only four numbers, and yet they completely slipped from my mind. Besides, I also realized I was wearing my pants inside out, as I usually wake up in the afternoon. I tried pushing a few possible combinations, but the door still wouldn't open. As it was winter, I felt cold and embarrassing at the same time... Thank goodness a neighbour was around, or I wouldn't be able to go home. I really had that terrible feeling that how it's all over, as things are beginning to go downhill from now on. I can't stop myself from aging!

And so, I turn 30 this year, and Toradora! too has published its 7th volume. I thank every reader from the bottom of my heart. A... a, a, a... actually!

Since 2005, this series has released seven volumes plus one spin-off volume. Thanks to the support of everyone, I now have something really, really amazing to announce: Toradora! is going to get its own anime adaptation! OH YEAHHHHH!!!!! (Translator note: This was written in 2008.)

Rather than being happy, I was more like "W, w, w, w, what should I do!?" To repay everyone's support, I will try my best to write many good stories for everyone to enjoy. I'm counting on you guys to give me your love and energy!

Due to the reason above, I cannot afford to age anymore! Oh, please let time stop in its track!... Or rather, turn it backwards! In other words, even if it costs me my brain, give me back my youth! I can also pay with my body or age! Everyday I'm seriously wondering how to retain my youthfulness. Just as I was finished writing this volume, my left cheek was suddenly swollen, with a painful and hot red lump growing on it. At first I paid no notice to it, but very soon it grew so big I could no longer make any facial expressions. This obviously required a trip to the hospital. Upon entering the dermatology department, the doctor merely said, "Whoa!" upon seeing me, and duly pointed me towards the bed without explaining anything as he took out his knife to cut open, etc, etc,...... Is this punishment for being so stubborn with being youthful? Could this be divine retribution for foolishly attempting to meddle with the flow of time? I can't believe I still get these even at this age. (You can stop speculating now, it isn't acne.) I feel so ashamed of myself. In that case, I might as well live my life to the fullest. Lately I've been eating lots of sweets, sending loads of glucose into my brain.

Once again, thanks to everyone for reading this till the end! The story will get even better in Toradora! Volume 8, so stay tuned! Finally, to the main editor and Yasu-sensei, let's continue to work hard together!

Takemiya Yuyuko