manga: what you reading brehs....

[tripleaamin]

Ranger Reject Volume 4

So what was hinting from before was the true nature of the exam was that it wasn't meant to a contest of pairs. Rather it's a contest where you form your "Dragon Keepers" and advance. It makes sense that you would need 5 to beat the Rangers playing as monsters. No surprise they have to end up forming a 5 with what is left. Suzukiri strength's is fukking ridiculous. But it seems like she had a hunch that it was D impersonating Hibiki. But it's curious if Hibiki has an alliance for her or her words of him staying away from her ring true?

Funny how the strategy they would use to "beat" Suzukiri worked for them to get back the yellow key. Those dudes really are complaining about being cheated . We get Yamato's backstory, and it seems like he is a runner of sorts. His lack of self-confidence is typical teenager shyt, but he's the talent they need. One scene I really like was D was going to betray this new squad, but freaked out when Yamato came and the normal plan had him giving Soujirou the key they didn't have. Though it's funny D freaking out if someone betrayed him like what happened to Shion. Let's see if he learns a lesson where forming allies that you can trust is going to be vital for his mission.

Still not sure what Petrola is planning. He ends up killing rangers on the run, but his message to Aizome is interesting. Petrola knows the issues with the Rangers organization. Basically knows that she is unhappy given her age. But given her loyalty she won't back down. I am shocked Koguma defended her and risked his life. Considering we see XX look down at Koguma for being an idiot. We do see Hisui, Suzukiri, Tokita and Nadeshiko get news of this. They seem to be aware that Petrola has been alive. Clearly the Dragon Keepers knew not all the bosses are dead, but that shouldn't be a surprise. Curious how their fight goes, and Suzukiri might as well backstab the other 4 rangers for all we know.

In the final day we got 5 1 on 1's to finish off the test. We see Koguma coming back after he got shot, so it def feels like this is XX acting as him. Perhaps feeling pity for D? He finds out about the burst form of the Dragon Gadget which makes it hella broken against the other team. Shion's revenge isn't against the monsters, but also against the Rangers. Would make a good ally for D. Shion deadass unlocked the burst form out of rage . I wonder if the other 4 fights be anything less than a blowout. At least the D Shion fight should be at least interesting.

Spoiler: Ranger Reject Vol 4

 

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Ghost Fixers

Following a certain event, Mikurigaoka New Town transformed into a crucible of supernatural phenomena known as GHOSTS! In said town lives Hifumi, a middle school boy, who one day encounters a girl who just moved in... (Source: MANGA Plus)

myanimelist.net

Yasuki Tanaka (Author of Summertime Render's new manga)

Pretty standard first chapter. Basically setting the foundation for ghost are in the series. But a toy weapon that can be lethal feels like a very cursed weapon. New weekly series so hope it lives up to his previous work. I will admit the art style and more specifically for the male lead I am not a fan of.

Ranger Reject Volume 5

So everything in the exam seemed to be going in the Reject Squad's favor. Shippou truly was the ace in the card for them. Just by the capabilities he is simply the strongest candidate. From a physical standpoint he is head and shoulders above everyone else. Beyond that we got some nice characterization for a few of them. Angelica wants to be a Dragon Keeper as a way she can be cheered despite her shytty personality. Yamato's goal of being a Dragon Keeper for girls is still shallow. But him willing not pass if a girl had to get hurt at least puts more credence for him. Hisu and Soujirou's connection is interesting as Soujirou saved her. But I like how she recognizes he doesn't want to leave and go back to the real world. He idolizes the ranger force too much.

Thanks to Lord Petrola who killed Aizome in the aftermath, we got the Blue Dragon Keeper. His and Aizome's relationship is very like a father and daughter. The daughter knows her father isn't a bad guy, but knows he is better off keeping his mouth shut, so people don't get the wrong idea. A sweet relationship. We got him sniffing out XX and despite fighting Shion D comes to her rescue. Though no surprise either of them can't stand much to them. But the big revelation is that where the examinees were planning to get to awaited Lord Petrola.

So many questions arise why was he waiting behind that door. Does he have some deal with the Dragon Keepers? Are they really going after these bosses. Too many questions arise. We also have Lord Petrola outmatching the Blue Dragon Keeper. Truly showcasing how strong a Boss is. But Lord Petrola's goal is to escape. Even use XX as a shield in order to do so. I like how this really raises the question in D, what is he fighting for. The bosses might as well be as shytty as the Dragon Keepers? What is his purpose to fighting.

We see the other Junior Ranks fighting off against Lord Petrola as well as a few of the examinees. But we have Suzukiri taunting Lord Petrola. Either her true strength is even beyond what we have seen so far, or they are allies. Either way it should even make D even more nervious around her.

Spoiler: Ranger Reject Vol 5

 

[tripleaamin]

Ranger Reject Volume 6

So the volume starts in a hypothetical scenario when monsters are successful in world domination. Perhaps this was a vision given to D by Hibiki, maybe being from this body too long. Eliminating the Dragon Keepers and lose the one check you have for the Boss Monsters.

The fight with Peltrola really headlined that perhaps the bosses are not the beings that he thought they were. He admired them from afar, but they would go to any dirty tricks to follow through with their plans. In fact thinking monsters like D are scum for even going up against. You can see they view monsters like D as tools. Cadets did a great job working together Suzukiri's motivation is still unclear, but her hunch about being for the monsters. More and more her hunger for power and drama seems to be the main thing she is shooting for. Though now Tokita is on to her, but it truly feels that D & Hibiki's corporation is completely different from hers.

The current Blue Keeper Shouga Aoshima had the very typical criminal to hero type of backstory. The goals were simply to help the orphanage that Hibiki and Tokita were from. He seemed to be an alliance with the Blue Keeper from back then. Unfortunately the old man whom he was working for was a monster whom literally left him for dead. Sousei used that to recruit him as the former Blue Keeper was in no longer condition. Or as he said. Now the motivation to take them down comes more as revenge. While Shouga isn't a nice guy, but even he has honor and getting revenge against those monsters is what he looked for.

D ends up fighting Blue Keeper. I guess he is falling to bad habits since it's hard for him to get over the hated of the Dragon Keepers. The fight ends with D killing him as fighting Peltrola took a lot of wind out of him. But when he kills Shouga, D can't believe it himself. It makes wonder is this what he really wants. He comes to the realization now that wiping Dragon Keepers and Bosses alike is the ideal goal now. He knows the bosses are POS. But what if the Dragon Keeper behind the mask is a genuine good person. He still doesn't know that Sesera is the Pink Dragon Keeper. How this proceeds forward once he learns that fact is interest.

D meets up with Usukubo and Hisui as she congratulates them on being in Green Squadron. While Red Squadron was his goal, this is the ideal scenario. He gets to infiltrate the Rangers Force to get close to the Dragon Keepers, but also by being part of Green Squadron he gets to go after these bosses who are in hiding.

Spoiler: Ranger Reject Vol 6

 

[tripleaamin]

Ranger Reject Volume 7

So now we get to Focus on Green Squadron with D, Usukubo and Hisui. Despite early impressions, Hisui is actually a very caring leader. We also find out the man D helped run from the police was an informer name Chidori. Their investigation leads them to visit an abandoned school. But when they visit on the weekdays they get trapped in a Utopia where they are stuck in a loop where the school day never ends. Makes matters even worse if they break a school rule the day gets reset.

One very interesting thing is that Chidori may have a hint that D is impersonating Hibiki, but looks like he will keep that secret from the girls. According to Hisui they have taken down 7 of the 12 bosses leaving 5 remaining. Well just as soon as Usukubo was steadying her resolve to step up since D did so during the exam, she loses her personality. Interesting enough the principal of the school is former Green Squadron member Wakaba. It would make 100% sense that he was killed, and the boss is impersonating him, but in fact not the case. A great twist as Wakaba went they were sent to eliminate the boss Magaita, they were being massively overwhelmed to the point Wakaba killed their former Senior 2nd rank to end their suffering. Her death along with a student named yuri has shown credence that deaths are permanent.

Theory is that those who have attended school are more likely to be brainwashed. D being a monster won't be affected like that. D ends up fighting Gatou, but gets defeated rather swiftly. Even more so he encounters Magaita who basically tells him that the fight for world domination is pointless. A big contrast coming from Petrola as the first boss we saw. D essentially get s kicked out and runs into the police officers at the abandoned school.

Things get taken for an even worse turn now that Hisui is now brainwashed. More than likely a different case than Usukubo, as here once she finds out the truth from Wakaba she realizes she can't save him. This leaves her vulnerable to give up and be brainwashed into this Utopia. Things taking for a worse turn, but D is able to sneak back in impersonating the older Police Officer. Hard to say how he didn't, but perhaps this can be the start of the comeback for Green Squadron.

Spoiler: Ranger Reject Vol 7

 

[tripleaamin]

Ranger Reject Volume 8

Hisui's backstory stemmed from her hatred of monsters that killed her family. Even when she was taken from her neighbors, it is no surprise that she couldn't let it go. One thing that is fukking clear, is that if she finds out D's identity it won't be something she will budge on. Wakaba finally loses his cool and while his desire for a peaceful life makes sense, just running away won't achieve it unlike with Hibiki.

There were hints that made you wonder who Chidiori really was. He in fact was the Green Keeper and man talk about massive brute force strength. He simply went out of his way to severely damage Magatia and Hisui did the cleanup work. Once again we see another example of a Boss Monster who thinks nothing of the monsters that follow him. D is a monster and monster are meant to be loyal to the bosses, but the bosses could give zero fukks about them. Meanwhile Chidori for all accounts seems like a good dude, but he is part of the issue with how life for a monster is. How he chooses his options going forward is interesting.

New information being that Pink Squadron is the one that works on cleanup of the aftermath basically. Also looks like Suzukiri will be working with D closer next volume. D was able to decide to go against monsters, but with people like Usukubo he has gotten close to. Will he stay committed to his plan on getting rid of the Dragon Keepers?

Spoiler: Ranger Reject Vol 8

 

[tripleaamin]

Ranger Reject Volume 9

In the start we see Hibiki again and he is rough shape. It really feels like he doesn't have much of a plan. I get he wants to save his sister, but at this point it feels like he is going to end up getting killed, which you know will enrage his sister. But it brings the question, it seemed she became a Dragon Keeper for his sake. We get a conversation in the Dragon Keeper's meeting room that the monsters plan to revive DeathMecia, which is basically the end of the world. Kaijus are now running a muk and are significantly stronger than monsters. Most notably in the meeting is how much of as a$$hole Red is. He proclaims to be a hero of justice, but it feels like it's more for his reputation and honor.

D and Suzukiri team up to go after Chidori. With Yukino and Urabe showing that puts Chidori on alarms. Where he basically now handles both D and Suzukiri. As expected Chidori figured out that D is disguised as Hibiki. But doesn't plan to do anything. His view is that one fighter won't make the difference. Keeping D still on Green Squadron is a curious one, but it more so hints that maybe D will find a change in heart regarding killing Chidori. Although seeing D struggle to kill him was funny.

Kaijus running amok in the zoo with both Green & Red Squads fighting them out. Although things turn hairy when a boss shows up. Clearly that boss has some connection to the one giving the reports of Ranger and Monster activity. Adding on to that we get Usukubo heading to a meeting of the Monster Protection society. Clearly their goal is one in between the Rangers and Monsters. Peace, which feels like the goal D most likely wants given his hesitation early in the volume. Though this makes Red wanting to investigate Usukubo have more merit.

Spoiler: Ranger Reject Vol 9

 

[storyteller]

Deaddie Du Dead is pretty new, but the first handful of chapters are really promising IMO.

In the dismal world where humans live together with hybrids everything becomes more distorted day by day. While everyone is used to living with the hybrids, they are still strange creatures, a borderline between humans and other animals. Hybrids introduce humans to even stranger concepts which allows them to use their potential to its fullest. Evas is a teenager who happens to work as an assassin for an agency established by the government to exterminate street gangs. However, after an incident between them and his friend, Evas and his partner Alissa swear to destroy the agency and become free from it. Everything gets even more complicated when Evas becomes the target of another big underground organization.

The story hasn't had enough time to fully cook. But there's an interesting power system at play off the rip, and the powers themselves seem REALLY unique. That leads to some creative action sequences and fight scenes. The art is damned good too, detailed backgrounds with these awesome character designs flowing through them. Character-designs, especially for the hybrids, are a lot of fun.

Spoiler

It also has a sense like it knows where it's going. But only time will tell. So far, I've really enjoyed the fight sequences when two characters with powers compete and I'm intrigued about the characters and their stories. The world-building is promising enough that I'm looking forward to learning more about it.

 

[tripleaamin]

Yozakura-san Chi no Daisakusen

High school student Taiyou Asano has been socially inept ever since his family died in a car crash. The only person he can properly interact with is his childhood friend, Mutsumi Yozakura—the head of the world's strongest family of spies. Mutsumi's eldest brother, Kyouichirou Yozakura, has been...

myanimelist.net

Trying This one out and the first volume is pretty decent. It does a good job at expanding the relationship between Taiyou and Mutsumi. Although Kyouichirou can be severely annoying as a sis-con. But the rest of the cast seems good. Basically the family is made of spy with unique gifts outside the one who is normal and is the future head of the family, in this case Mutsumi. Their job is to protect her basically. Biggest thing is Mutsumi a damsel in distress role or will she be capable of defending for herself if the situation calls for it. Hopefully it's the latter.

Spoiler: Mission: Yozakura Family Vol 1

 

[tripleaamin]

Mission Yozakura Family Volume 2

After the bit in the beginning where Taiyou with help from Mutsumi to beat Hanawa. The first and last chapters really served a great point of Taiyou protecting her from scum that just want her because of her ability to breed super children basically. The mission date was also as it showed Mutsumi is always looking out for Taiyou. And the last bit where Taiyou giving her the flower was a nice touch.

Beyond that the rest of the volume was focusing on the family. Kyouichirou is a nut case and honestly him being so overbearing is getting worse. We did get introduced to Seji, who is Kyouichirou's childhood friend basically. God bless the man for putting up with that nutcase. Sayaka like Mutsumi says is basically a mini Kyouichirou. Her spy skills are no joke. Though it was a nice moment for Mutsumi to protect her, as she could leave her to die, and it would have made her life easier.

Beyond that we got a chapter focusing on the other siblings. Shinzo is very dependent on weapons, but like Taiyou he has a big heart. Shion is a hacker and is purely logical. So Taiyou's illogical methods and ideas make for fun reactions. Kengo is very laid back, but overall is a fun character.

Spoiler: Mission: Yozakura Family Vol 2

 

[tripleaamin]

Mission: Yozakura Family Volume 3

The wedding ceremony was a nice event to put it in perspective that Taiyou is a part of the Yozakura family. Deadass every minute of it was training for Taiyou . The video recording of the mom was a really nice moment. Considering the tears that came straight from Mutsumi's face, it's clear their mom is no longer alive. Her wanting to rely on the message of how much she loved kids was a really sweet scene

We also got introduced to Sui Aoi, whom is a government spy that works for Hinagaki a Government Intelligence Agency. So while the Yozakura family is an underground family of spies, this can be thought of as an underground group of spies working for the government. The big difference seems that the Yozakura family purely seek their own interests, protecting Mutsumi. While the government, I would assume would do good. Aoi is significant far stronger than Taiyou. But that dedication and guts he has does give him respect with both Aoi and his boss Rin Fudo.

The Kuroyuri arc was actually pretty interesting. Kuroyuri is actually a former spy named Kurogao, who is out for revenge. Curious why politicians went after him, but it is completely understandable that once his only joy in his life, his daughter died he lived solely was for revenge. I really like how Taiyou understands Kurogao's pain of losing his family, but won't go against his ideals. After all people will get hurt as a consequence for what Kurogao is doing.

Kuroago skill set lies in his way to beat you with information. So the way Taiyou used the knowledge that he gained from training with he Yozakura family was really cool. It really gives extra credence to his victory. But it really feels Kuroago's mention of Taiyou's families' accident, not being a true accident gives me a bad feeling of what the truth is. Could there be secrets with the Asano family? Considering Kurogao was killed right before proving information to Taiyou, could the Yozakura family be a suspect? Lots of question, but Kuroago was smart to write where he could find the information he was going to tell him.

Spoiler: Mission: Yozakura Family Vol 3

 

[The_Sheff]

Reading Solo Leveling since season 1 of the anime ended.

I don’t know how this is gonna come off, but these manwa authors gotta do something about these names. It’s very hard to recognize use characters by their names. You can’t use regular ass names for characters and expect folks to remember them. How you gonna introduce this supposedly powerful ass character and his name is just “George Smith”.

 

[tripleaamin]

Mission: Yozakura Family Volume 4

A really nice scene in the beginning of the volume show Mutsumi trying to comfort Taiyou. Despite what the truths he may face, they will face them together. Might take a bit for the information to be deciphered, but for the most part this was a standard fun volume. Ayaka now joins as the family maid to serve Mutsumi and train Taiyou. We also got another good example of Taiyou's character despite the freak that Kyouichirou is, he is grateful for all the help that he has provided. Granted the only reason for most of those for Mutsumi's sake.

Futaba gets a brief moment focus that really shows her insecurities. She is easily the strongest in the family, who is not Kyouichirou. But there is only so much she can do on her own. Her biggest fear is dealing with things outside of her control. We also met Grandpa of the Yozakura family and he is wild. He acts like a playboy, but his main skill lies in getting intel. Despite his nature he offers sound advice that even if the love you give is infinite, unfortunately time isn't. He knows that position Taiyou is in.

For the first time, we have seen how getting spy skills in the Yozakura Family can be a hindrance. Despite what Nanao's size may make you think, he is the youngest sibling of the family. His skills which he naturally resists to poisons make, so naturally his body will go for the large frame. After all a strong body will want to expand like if one were to have strong muscles as that gives bigger muscle mass. But for Nanao this interferes with his school life and so his spy life and family life differ. Taiyou wanting to protect that happiness of a younger brother was a great scene, but also how Rinne accepts him at the end of the day. Despite for her coming off as dense that meant a lot for Nanao.

The volume finishes off with Taiyou getting his spy license and little surprise that Kyouichirou is the one that pushed him getting it. Tsukiyo Hoshifuru was monitoring Taiyou. He draws a lot of similarities to Kyouichirou. But when he brings up the skills needed for a spy, he mentions humanity. Being a high character person is essential with being a spy. Skills and intellect can come with time, but who a person is comes from the core. Taiyou's strength is how genuine a great person he is.

Spoiler: Mission: Yozakura Family Vol 4

 

[tripleaamin]

Mission: Yozakura Family Volume 5

So we finally get a piece of information regarding Taiyou's family. It seems that there is a connection between the Asano family and the underworld given that Taiyou's parents were present at Mutsumi's parents wedding. Adding to that we have the culprit, which is the organization Tanpopo. These are the same group that are after Mutsumi and killed her mother. Information given by Kyouichirou is that the key regarding Tanpopo is Makoto Kawashyta. As Taiyou investigates him he comes across some serious information. Essentially they are after Mutsumi's heart. Her blood accelerates growth as the rest of the siblings have enhanced abilities. Taiyou has even more reason to go after them. It is later confirmed at the end of the volume that he is heavily entangled with Tanpopo. So he is definitely a target going forward.

We got some SoL chapters mixed in that did a really good job showing off multiple sides of Mutsumi. The date at the aquarium more in line shows how much she enjoys the time she spends with Taiyou when they can get the chance. But Mutsumi's skills have been one that have been more low-key. In the chapter focusing on Goliath, who has been the family dog for generations. Taiyou shows his heart by protecting both Goliath and Mutsumi. This is one area where we see Mutsumi's switch get turned on. She instructs Goliath to go after the assassin. Quick indication to showcase how she has survived as long as she has and how she is more than competent.

At the same time the chapter of her capturing Kengo outside shows that she can give tough love as well. It's the first we got a peek at the work Mutsumi does as the head of the household. It's clear she gives respect to each siblings' personality. (Tho Kyouichirou really pushes it.) Her intellect is shown well here as she figured out how Kengo would try to escape from her grasp. Basically put him in checkmate based on his habits. Good job showing that Mutusmi knows how to take care of herself despite not holding any special abilities that her siblings have.

Spoiler: Mission: Yozakura Family Vol 5

 

[tripleaamin]

Mission: Yozakura Family Volume 6

Man this volume was crazy

First things first it is mentioned very early on that Tanpopo was scheming something but not to this extent. The incident of the prison was a trap to get Taiyou to the hotel where a man severely damages him. Then the organization leads an attack on the family home while all of them are present. The odd thing is that it's clear a mob made of force that only hold 3% of the power of the family won't do too much to them. The issue when the big man gets inside and is secured inside with just Mutsumi and an injured Taiyou being alone with no communication. The fact that hibernation is used does lead to believe someone is using Mutsumi's mother's ring.

So it has been mentioned how powerful Mutsumi's blood is in the right or wrong hands. With Taiyou it awakens him with power that allows him to save Mutsumi. It was the only thing Mutsumi can do, but man you have to feel bad for her. As mentioned he was either going to die or awaken new power after getting injected with her blood. Luckily the latter happened. It does make me wonder does this have to do with the Asano bloodline. After all they are connected to the underworld.

Unsurprisingly with the main threat dealt with and Mutsumi safe, the rest of the families work is cleanup. And it is light work. Kyouichirou has to deal with the man behind all of it. That being Mutsumi and the families father. This raises a magnitude of questions. The fact that he is with the organization that killed his wife is puzzling. Adding the fact he put his daughter in a position to be forced to put her husband in a risky position. Something feels off why would he work with Tanpopo. It fills likely that this is a much bigger organization than what we see here. Based on Kyouichirou's tone in the conversation with his father, it doesn't seem like the father is responsible for his wife's death. Perhaps he left the family for the sake of revenge? Most likely he needed Taiyou to get stronger for his own goals. Lots of questions.

But this is a giant thing for Taiyou. He was doing well as a normal human with the families' training, but now this is even more for him to handle. While he does become stronger now to protect Mutsumi, but the issue is getting used to it. Since this is a risky process that Mutsumi was forced to endure. Mutusmi understands the burden she puts Taiyou and her going through any means to help him, and she uses an old family recipe. Nice touch when we see Taiyou noticing Mutusmi's hard work, and they finish it together. After all the couple is the core of the series.

One nice chapter was the Shion focused ones. Shion in particular isn't gifted in the same sense as her siblings. It also appears she has endured verbal abuse about that. Her being a top hacker is impressive, but traditional spies will look down on her skills. Nice touch for her showing Kenzi's parents that his intellect can be as useful as her brain. We even see a rare soft spot from Shion. The manga volume finishes with the family minus Kyouichirou being at a hot spring. The couple now gets some much-needed alone time.

Spoiler: Mission: Yozakura Family Vol 6

 

[tripleaamin]

Sakomoto Days Chapter 162

This chapter was crazy . The twist was very well done.

So basically Uzuki has the split personality that is Rion. But considering how perfectly it matches to Rion can only mean that Uzuki and Rion became close after they got separated from Taro and Nagumo. Which means more than likely Uzuki's brother, Asaki was the one responsible for killing Rion. Leading Uzuki wanting revenge. After all his brother would target the orphanage and killing Rion assuming Uzuki and her became close would make his goals all the more sense.

Now the Rion putting a bounty on Taro's head was meant to get him out of retirement to go after Uzuki? If we assume Uzuki is replicated Akko as close as possible either she wants her personality or Uzuki to be killed. She obviously can't do it herself.

Spoiler: Sakomoto Days Ch 162

Sousou no Frireren Chapter 128

Solid chapter. So the series has consistently shown that 1st class mages are the cream in terms of magic. But these are more so those who have a desire to learn magic on their for their own reasons. While for empire these Magical Special Forces are the empire's trained mages. I assume they are more combat focused. In the pursuit of magic they aren't as gifted. But in combat they are likely much better trained.

Adding to that we even have Shadow Warriors and Court of the Sacred Staff which are oens that are meant to counter 1st class mages. Then going against the likes of Frieren, Sense and Serie is very interesting.

We also see more of Land's good nature in this chapter. Ubel is massively annoying, but sacrificing a fellow mage would be asking too much. Even more so we see the empire trained mages able to handle Ubel is pretty significant. Easily the biggest challenge since Macht.

Spoiler: Frieren Ch. 128