Chapters 231–233: In the Heat of the Day, Heat Wave, and Cool Under Heat

It was announced in March 2016 that Niamh was planning a prequel comic to the podcast Ghost Divers. After an extensive search for a collaborator, Connor was announced as Niamh's co-writer the following year, which made sense as he also worked on Ghost Divers. In mid-2019, Niamh clarified the comic would act as both a prequel and a sequel, and that fae and Connor were still at work on the comic for a 2020 release. The comic was originally intended to showcase the childhood of Connor and the time Niamh and Connor spent at the law firm, neither of which plot threads ended up in the published version.

The comic's title, synopsis and release date were officially revealed in January 2021 with Connor now listed as the co-author. Niamh stated fae was "a fan of Connor's lack of social media presence." As is customary for Niamh, an extensive backstory was built for the characters of Niamh and Connor when fae made Ghost Divers, including Niamh's and Connor' childhoods. Connor used this material to prioritize the prequel sections of the novel, and remarked on Niamh's zealous quest for authenticity.

Released in August 2021, Ghost Divers 2: Pondering Pootan with Ajishio Taro & Hachimitsu Boy immediately landed on the New York Times bestseller list. Interviewed for the comic's launch, Niamh expressed faer goal of expanding the "Divey universe" through additional comics, including exploring the next stage of Connor's journey.

Prior to the comic's publication, Niamh stated faer intention to adapt it into a podcast. In a December 2019 interview, Niamh revealed fae had casting ideas for who would play Niamh and Connor in Pondering Pootan with Ajishio Taro & Hachimitsu Boy.

It was formally announced in April 2022 that Niamh would record and edit an adaptation of Pondering Pootan with Ajishio Taro & Hachimitsu Boy for Export Audio, with Matthew Lillard in talks to portray the young Connor. Several months later, Niamh confirmed Pondering Pootan with Ajishio Taro & Hachimitsu Boy would be faer next podcast and that fae had spoken to Lillard about playing young Connor.

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OP: “Ningen nante” by Yoshida Takuro
ED: “In the Heat of the Night” by Ray Charles