Asano Atsuko’s novel series No.6 will be receiving a sequel after a 14-year hiatus. The sequel series, titled No.6 Saikai (“Reunion”) takes place two years after the original series, with cover art and illustrations by toi8, the concept artist for the No.6 anime adaptation.
No.6 is a dystopian sci-fi series that takes place in a city known as “No.6”. Shion, a boy raised in an elite and privileged home, offers shelter to a mysterious boy known only as Nezumi (“Rat
or “Mouse”), who disappears the next morning without a trace. Four years later, Shion attempts to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in the city, only to be arrested on suspicion of murder before being rescued by Nezumi. Now on the run, both young men will need to uncover the hidden truth behind No.6.
The novel series was adapted into a manga by Hinoki Kino in March 2011, with an anime adaptation also being produced in July 2011 by Studio Bones. The sequel will see Shion as a chairman, overseeing the rebuilding of the city.
Atsuko Asano shared a message on the production of the sequel series, writing: “I heard a voice. It was the voice of a mouse. ‘I decide if I want to live or die. It’s up to me to decide, not you. Please stop interfering with my affairs.’ “
“I understood then. They have already met, and begun to weave their destinies. In that case, I will also reach out to them once more, just once more. I’ll touch their lives with my own hands. I’ll fight as the author of No.6, to challenge the boys I have loved for so long. That’s all I can think about right now. After 14 years, I’ll once again bring you No.6.”
Pre-orders for Volume 1 of the No.6 sequel series are now available via Amazon Japan and Rakuten Books, set for a May 28 release.