Creative Staff
Story/Art: Maki Enjoji
Translation: Tetsuchiro Miyaki
Adaptation: Nancy Thistlethwaite
What They Say
After Chiwa is attacked on the street, she suspects that Hokuto’s ex-lover is behind it, so she decides to confront Misaki Shitara herself. Later, Hokuto and Chiwa visit his father in the hospital, and Hokuto comes to an important realization…
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Thanks to Asahina and Hokuto’s concern and focus on her attacker, Chiwa decides that enough is enough and goes after Shitara based on her suspicions. Unsurprisingly, the woman simply feigns ignorance and tells off Chiwa. However, when Hokuto appears and comes in swinging, she’s forced to respond. Shockingly enough, Shitara actually breaks down and admits her feelings, especially about the way their relationship ended. In the end though, Chiwa calls her out, and actually ends up feeling some sympathy in the process.
Next up comes a Christmas chapter where Chiwa and Hokuto find themselves looking after a bratty kid on a cruise. It’s rather touching, and it’s actually pretty interesting to see how Hokuto in particular ends up dealing with him. Finally, the big moment comes as Hokuto’s dad enters critical condition. It’s Hokuto who is there in his final moments, which really manage to pack a punch. Though Hokuto clams up and becomes distant in the aftermath, he actually seems to come to grips with things by the time he and Chiwa go to sort through his father’s possessions.
Finally, Chiwa ends up receiving a letter that confirms her suspicions, and also contains information she can’t tell Hokuto without deeply wounding him. Just what is contained in the mysterious letter? And will Chiwa be able to trust Hokuto with the information when someone starts targeting her?
In Summary
This volume is an absolute emotional rollercoaster, packed to the brim with powerful moments. The start of the volume with Shitara could’ve easily carried the volume on its own. And yet by the end it’s a distant thought, eclipsed by some very strong scenes and heavy bits of plot. Add in a very touching moment in the form of the Christmas chapter, and you have what may well be the strongest volume in the series as of yet. Be sure to give it a look as it’s unlikely to disappoint.
Content Grade: A
Art Grade: B
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B+
Age Rating: 18+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: December 2nd, 2014
MSRP: $9.99