“A Distraught Matsuri”
Creative Staff
Story: Kentaro Yabuki
Art: Kentaro Yabuki
Translation: Satsuki Yamashita
Lettering: Mark McMurray
What They Say:
Japan may be brimming with mysterious monsters called ayakashi, but they have a special exorcist ninja force to counter the threat! Young exorcist ninja Matsuri spends his days fighting ayakashi to protect his childhood friend Suzu. But when an ayakashi cat named Shirogane shows up, things get turned upside down! Legendary mangaka Kentaro Yabuki returns to Shonen Jump with this new fantasy series full of ayakashi and romance!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
Matsuri is still thinking about the possibility of Suzu being stolen from him by Garaku. How can he compete with their 150-year history!? On the bright side, at least he doesn’t have to see him anytime soon. After school, Suzu asks Matsuri if they could go see Garaku. Oof! Matsuri definitely doesn’t want to see him and instead asks Suzu to join him while he runs some errands. First up, getting his ninja gear repaired at Reo’s place. It’s done in no time. Now can they go see Garaku? No! Matsuri won’t allow it. He’s totally still got other errands to run like…picking out girly clothes!? Suzu is visibly confused by this. I don’t blame her. Reo happily offers her assistance. That catches Suzu’s attention immediately. She can’t leave her alone with Matsuri! I guess they’re going clothes shopping.
Why does Matsuri want to shop for girly clothes? Suzu can’t get that question out of her mind. Does Suzu want to remain a girl!? Is this the gender swap curse’s fault!? Shirogane assures her that it only transforms the physical body, not the spirit. Does it really matter if Matsuri wants to be a boy or a girl? Reo doesn’t think so. She can go for either. It’s the inside that counts. She’s not wrong. Suzu feels the same way, but she made a promise to turn him back into a boy. While Suzu is deep in thought, Reo sneaks into Matsuri’s changing room and sniffs his clothes. Of course. Matsuri seems a bit embarrassed to try on girly clothes. No problem! Reo creates a determination scent that gives him the courage to take a new step forward. Matsuri’s into it now. Let’s go!
Matsuri tries on a whole bunch of different outfits – boyish, innocent, gothic lolita, and even magical girl!? This store certainly has an interesting selection of clothes. Matsuri is fired up. Keep the outfits coming! Out of nowhere, Soga shows up and slays an ikon. He’s simply doing his job. It’s a coincidence that he ended up in this particular clothing store with everyone. It’s also a coincidence that Matsuri picks that exact moment to come out wearing frilly underwear!? Oh là là! How did this happen!? Reo couldn’t pass up the chance to include that in the pile of clothes to try out. If Matsuri doesn’t like it, she’ll be happy to take it and enjoy the smell. Oh my! Suzu declares that she needs to get stronger before Suzu completely turns into a girl.
In Summary:
What is love? Oh baby, don’t hurt me. Don’t hurt me, no more. Sorry about that! I just had to get it out of my system. Love is in the air. Matsuri thinks he’s got a rival in Garaku when the reality is that Suzu only has eyes for him. Suzu is afraid that Matsuri wants to remain a girl because he likes Soga which couldn’t be farther from the truth. He only has eyes for her. If only these two could just tell each other how they feel! It was fun seeing Suzu losing her mind over the possibility of Matsuri wanting to stay a girl though. In the end, it’s his decision. Reo said it best – it doesn’t matter if he wants to be a boy or girl. It’s the inside that counts. Reo is happy to scoop up Matsuri either way, haha. Reo is awesome. A huge pervert, but awesome. Any chapter with her in it is always a fun time. Better keep an eye on her, Suzu!
Content Grade: B-
Art Grade: A
Age Rating: T
Released By: Shonen Jump/VIZ Media
Released Date: February 21st, 2021
