“Rochka Loses Control”
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’s wind attacks have no effect on Rochka’s ice golem. Suzu suggests that he aim for its feet. Since it has a large body and little feet, it should topple over with enough force. Good idea! Even Shirogane is impressed by Suzu’s ingenious idea. Still, it’s easier said than done. Again, Matsuri’s wind attacks aren’t working. Suzu has yet another idea! Matsuri should use his grandpa’s popgun method. It’s a reference only he would understand. Matsuri and Suzu use a combination attack to take the ice golem off of its feet! Suzu then climbs up the ice golem and hugs Rochka!? I’m not sure if this is the right time to be hugging it out.
It’d be nice to know more about Rochka. Cue backstory! She used to dwell in a picture book. She was happy to see people enjoying her story. But then one day, she was sold off. She was passed from country to country. So many unknown places, so many unknown spirits. She was lost for a very long time. And then she made a friend! At least, she thought Ungai was her friend. But he called her worthless! Will Rochka stay lonely forever!? I feel bad for her now. Back in the present, Rochka feels warm when Suzu hugs her. Suzu can relate. She used to be alone, too. If it wasn’t for Matsuri befriending her, who knows how her life would have turned out? That’s why you have to cherish your friends. Ungai apologizes to Rochka for what he said. He didn’t mean it. Rochka is so happy that she starts crying! D’awww. Rochka apologizes for all of the mean things she did to Suzu. Ungai brings everyone back to the real world. For some reason, Suzu returns naked and on top of Matsuri. Of course! The chapter ends with Ungai and Rochka accepting Suzu as the King of Ayakashi. Also, maybe Suzu should consider putting some clothes on.
In Summary:
This was a cute little chapter that gave us Rochka’s backstory. It sucks being alone for so long. I can certainly understand why Rochka went a bit crazy when she thought Ungai betrayed her. He’s basically her only friend. I’d be sad if I thought my only friend betrayed me, too. Luckily, they were able to patch things up thanks to Suzu. Speaking of Suzu, she was on fire in this chapter! She kept having good idea after good idea. Honestly, it was nice to see. And I’m sure being able to lie on top of Matsuri naked at the end was enough of a reward for her, haha. But seriously, remember to cherish your friends!
Content Grade: B-
Art Grade: A
Age Rating: T
Released By: Shonen Jump/VIZ Media
Released Date: April 4th, 2021