Memories are the best things about life … especially when they are so fleeting.
Creative Staff:
Story & Art: Ato Sakurai
Translation: Caleb Cook
What They Say:
Supernatural beings aren’t the only ones drawn to Chiaki: A blast from the past drops by unexpectedly … and claiming to be his fiancée?! When Minnie blows into town, Roze will be forced to confront her own feelings for Chiaki. But is she willing to sacrifice her affections for a chance to reclaim the missing piece of Chiaki’s soul…?
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
When Jormungand confirms what Roze knew all along, that she was the cause for the part of Chiaki’s missing soul, the Norse deity pushes for her answer. However, the pair are not alone as Minnie eavesdrops over the supernatural conversation, not understanding the deeper meaning any part. But as the serpentine foe begins to leave, this mischievous meddler demands to know what is going on, since if it involves her fiancé, that is her right. Of course, neither girl will acknowledge her, so the only choice is to grab the rose colored tail to stop any advance, unknowing that action releases Kuro – who now to afraid to say anything. However when she asks Chiaki about this situation, he tries his best to avoid telling her the whole truth, instead asking that she trust his better judgment. Now with every intention of not allowing this girl to interfere anymore in their relationship, Minnie keeps a close eye on her, even going so far as sleeping in the same room until she gets the answers she wants.
Although this mortal’s interference may seem trivial, when the World Serpent summons Cerberus via an ophidian servant, this is one calling she cannot reject, especially when its brood mates follow. Meeting up in a nearby park the two divine beasts face off, with Jormungand asking again this guard dog’s true purpose. She reminds her rose colored foe that they cannot grow too attached to humans, and if she has, it would better for her to go back to Hades. Even as the maid tries to whip some sense into the silent canine, Roze still will not admit her true intentions. Each blow tests her conviction, and while she cannot face her truest enemy, the slithering landscape’s attacks remind her that she is against an unyielding enemy. When the blows finally prove too much and the lash begins to crush the subservient girl against a tree, it is only then does she admit what she was hiding from everyone and even herself: Roze is in love with Chiaki. Although this is not surprising to her torturer, a certain twin tailed blonde lurking nearby is stunned by the confession. And now as if the relationship wasn’t complicated enough … what will happen now?
In Summary:
With Roze’s confession appropriately sparking off this volume, the reader would think the harem would become ever more complicated. There are so many characters within this title and yet, it seems Sakurai-sensei feels the need to introduce even more with this book, making the relationships more difficult. And since Roze, Chiaki and Minnie are the only ones who know about the revelation, you would also think it would make things more perplexing, but after that chapter, it isn’t mentioned again. In fact, life continues as always, with classroom activities and after school walks while playing in the snow the norm for the narrative. This story has become so relaxed that even the embarrassment of a date set up by sister Chihiro only makes sillier instead of uncomfortable for the canine roommates. If all three share the same consciousness, then why don’t Shirogane and Kuro know about Roze’s revelation? Are they being polite or oblivious to the tension of their sister, which the latter does not seem possible since they all see through the same eyes. It is situations like this which make this title delightful to watch, but at the same time, frustrating to see at times.
Today’s Cerberus is overlooking obvious the clichéd romantic clashes in lieu of laughs to make this series more lighthearted than the average harem manga. While at times it does seem sensible so the audience doesn’t need to be bogged down by nonsense, on the flip side of the coin, those clashes are also what make this genre satisfying to read by watching who will come out on top in the relationship pyramid. If you avoid those clashes, the monotony of the same friendship events soon becoming boring. And unfortunately, this title is quickly approaching that standard. While we as an audience cannot see the big picture, for now, it seems as if it is being ignored for a quick comedic fix.
Content Grade: B
Art Grade: A
Packaging Grade: A
Text/Translation Grade: B+
Age Rating: Teen
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: June 20, 2017
MSRP: $13.00
