Creative Staff
Story/Art: Cocoa Fujiwara
Translation: Melissa Tanaka
What They Say
The residents of Ayakashi Hall decide to make a time capsule and bury it on the grounds, so everyone writes letters to their “future selves” to be included within. As Ririchiyo composes her letter, she reflects on her time with Soushi, realizing how much she has grown with the fox at her side. But when those heartfelt feelings are accidentally delivered not to her future self but to Soushi, Ririchiyo’s budding social skills will be put to the test! Is she ready for a face-to-face confession of her true feelings?!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
After some minor goofy odds and ends, we find Renshou talking with Kotarou. It turns out the young boy has been worrying about the way the throwbacks work like reincarnation. More specifically, he’s worrying about what his dad will be like in his next life. Thanks to the sudden appearance of Zange, things soon spiral until we end up with an event where the residents are writing to either themselves or their friends/relatives in the next life so they can put their letters in a time capsule. Ririchiyo even gets involved, after taking time to give Soushi a thank you letter and present. Eventually Kotarou’s dad appears and smoothes things over with his son, and everyone prepares to bury their letters. However, before they can do so, Ririchiyo realizes she accidentally gave Soushi the time capsule letter, which contained her feelings towards him.
Realizing that her feelings have been revealed, Ririchiyo panics and flees the scene to hide out in the park. She eventually ends up conversing with Soushi on the phone and downplays what she said in the letter, which he of course goes along with. However, when he comes to get her, their love for one another comes bursting forth. Time passes, and we’re treated to a variety of short and goofy events, such as mysterious signs appearing that issue commands for the residents.
When we get back to the main plot, we get a better look at Banri and what drives him, which actually makes for a pretty fun chapter. Next up, Ririchiyo decides to get a job, to which Soushi objects. When this argument causes them to literally come to blows, will their relationship be able to hold together?
In Summary
With its mix of short little random events, this volume is definitely a bit of a step down from the last entry into the series. Even though there is a big event, and Banri also gets a nice chapter to flesh out his character, this book is ruled by goofy gags. Fortunately a number of these gags are at least worth a chuckle, and the emotional moments are nice, though unfortunately brief. There’s also a little foreshadowing here and there, but it’s hard to see where it’s heading just yet. Hopefully the series will get back on track with bulkier emotional stories, but for now this book at least works as an amusing aside.
Content Grade: B
Art Grade: A-
Packaging Grade: A-
Text/Translation Grade: A-
Age Rating: 16+
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: April 22nd, 2014
MSRP: $11.99
