manga: what you reading brehs....

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 7

So Nene meeting Mitsuba after getting dragged by the mirrors was not something I expected. Though it seems to come from the 3rd School Mystery, which is the Hell of Mirrors. This is one mystery that the difficulty comes from ones inner demons. For Nene it is not surprising that her fears are what people think about her. Now it is quite odd for the person in the reflection to be Aoi, but I guess her worries about what her best friend really thinks of her. The interesting part is that nothing was reflected for Mitsuba, which is strange because before his rumor got changed, we knew all the issues he was facing. Even more so when the 3rd Mystery mentions replacing Nene and mentions that Mitsuba has no value.

The fact of the manner is without Tsukasa Nene would have been in trouble. Though she was right that Tsukasa helping her meant they weren't out of the thick of things just yet. The point of him telling Mitsuba that he should eat strong supernaturals even enforces this greatly. As Amane wants to help Nene, Tsuchigomori brings up an interesting point about the relation of the school mysteries govern a specific aspect of the school. No 2 manages space and therefore, she can access any of the areas of school mysteries going forward. Her being an ally is definitely a big help. The parallel between her and Kou is interesting because what exactly what happened when her rumor got changed. After all Kou is still down regarding Mitsuba. This makes it clear that this isn't something easy for him to get over.

Though what has happened to Mitsuba is incredibly fukked up. Essentially, he removed Mitsuba's mind to where it is separated from her soul. More than likely, her memories and past are now perhaps lost. Basically, Mitsuba is now given a reset to speak of. That her personality is still there, but everything before her rumored got changed is gone. It immensely makes you feel bad for him and for Kou. Though Mitsuba all of his life wanted to be with people and have a purpose, so it is no surprise that being a school mystery she would be up for. Her wish though is to make human connections, which causes an issue because he can't return to the human side like he did before. Essentially, a pure supernatural can't live with humans. Curious how this difference in comparison to Tsuchigomori.

Though as Amane tries to stop him we truly see that this is Mitsuba. Even more so, we see him protecting Nene and repaying her for trying to help him before. Perhaps anything to get him to remember would help, but Tsukasa continues to be in the way. Though considering her mind was gone, perhaps there is a way to return them? It does feel like at this point, this something Nene & Kou would need to work together. But for now, Mitsuba is the 3rd School Mystery and seems to be on Tsukasa's side and does this imply that Tsukasa seeks to have the school mysteries be on this side?

Man Dark Gathering just be hitting new highs in each chapter

Spoiler: Dark Gathering Chapter 63

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Kai-hen Wizards Chapter 12

This was a really neat way to introduce illusion magic and how it shows the connection to to his time at the palace. Him not to be familiar with them, but knowing what Spring truly felt like. Though witches dwelling where he is from is actually interesting as that hasn't been mentioned before.

Spoiler: Tune into the Midnight Heart Chapter 57

You know this chapter was a highlight on the reality of the industry. For those people that scout, they are constantly looking for the next big thing that they are less to remember those that didn't reach a level they are looking for. Don't get me wrong, these guys should be professional, which unfortunately, in the real world they aren't all the time. The right thing which Rikka aims to do is to let her music do the talking. If she makes it big enough work with another person because she loathes this guy.

Also, this chapter highlights how much I like the dynamic between Rikka & Arisu because Arisu doesn't handhold her in solving her problems. Here we have Arisu watching her out of concern, but it ends giving Rikka morale support. It was a reminder that you shouldn't throw your effort all away because you let your emotions get the best of you. Still was a big moment for Rikka.

Regarding the last page. I am scared to find out how Iko found herself in that situation.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 8

A more slowdown volume after what happened with Mitsuba. There was a nice focus in the beginning surrounded the main trio. As Nene wants to cheer up Kou we see that Amane starts to feel slightly jealous of it. As the 3 end up going to a supernatural festival in which Amane tells them if they can get all 5 colors of the wishing slip you can make a wish that will come true. Nene gets hit by a supernatural cow and gets sent back to the sixties where she sees Amane as an elementary school student.

It's difficult to interrupt what is going on once Nene wakes up back in the present. This isn't the first time she was able to come in contact with Amane while he was still alive. As Amane and her bond while making fun of Nene's love life, he discusses his future of wanting to be an astronaut. This is something we already know which Tsuchigomori has mentioned. Even more so the point he was supposed to be a teacher. Even after Amane gives Nene her red wish flip she gives them back to him because she wants him to accomplish his dream. Though like a typical kid, which didn't take much for him to have another wish and that was to see Nene again.

Now, of course for Amane he probably didn't think much of the rumor as Nene or Kou did. I have a feeling he still had his main dream, but wished to see Nene again because that is something that may or may not happen once more. But could this be the event that changes Amane's future? It is hard to say, but Tsuchigomori's point that Amane was able to change his future, which you aren't supposed to makes you wonder. This feels like a piece of the pie and there is more left to understand. Especially since we know Amane doesn't remember the time when he was alive since he doesn't recall the events that Tsuchigomori remembers. It could be possible that he did meet Nene in a supernatural circumstance that changed his life.

Teru has clearly been someone who has been 100% against supernaturals. But here is an incident when a Mokke gets infected and supernatural and humans get affected in the process. He is clearly planning something, but what? The concerning thing is that humans were got affected and those are the people he should be protecting as an exorcist. The other bit is how Mitsuba is fitting in with Tsukasa's group. After a misunderstanding with Sakura and Natsuhiko she gets saved by Natsuhiko when Mitsuba encounters Teru. It seems they wanted to have a surprise party for him, but Tsukasa bringing the 4th Mystery of the School leaves with a bad feeling about what he really wants out of Mitsuba.

The art quality for the fight to finish this arc was just

Spoiler: Dark Gathering Chapter 64

As the New Emperor faces against the Burnei form of the God it seems that it is living off its past regret. He just wanted one more battle and was able to put forth all of it. His ability to prevent the Burnei from escaping really showcases and Yayoi now has the Burnei under his possession. Though the main body is no doubt angry and will more than likely be a main antagonist in this series.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 9

At first, when Nene sees Amane as a fellow student, there are two manners of suspicon. The first is a prank, but that is ruled because other students can see him. The other when you look back at Volume 8, we remember Amane having the wish to see Nene again. You think maybe the past has been changed. Though considering that Mitsuba is around it throws a wrench in that. The other change here is that Nene isn't part fish/mermaid anymore, so she doesn't have a fear of water. So there we have a change to Nene as well. Though given that Mitsuba leaks out the world is fake is the key to all of this.

Essentially, this is the work of the #4 School Mystery whom was a student at the school that killed herself before graduating. She serves as a guide to the museum and she creates this fictional world. Essentially, this world revolves around Amane and Mitsuba. Like in any main story, if you kill the main characters, the story ends. However, that is not the only way to end a story and, in fact, the best stories have a much better conclusion than that. The key is how can Kou and Nene figure it out without killing those they cherish most. Though them losing their real memories if they take too long is another issue they need to tackle here, so being efficient is key.

Towards the end we see Tsukasa whose words to Nene makes it clear he wants her to kill Amane. His goal was allowing the supernaturals to cause chaos and this is one of those scenarios. Especially seeing how he captured #4 at the end of the last volume.

Spoiler: Dark Gathering Chapter 65

No surprise after the battle is done, the ghosts that Yayoi has used are now exhausted. Looks like they need time to recover. Though thankfully Ai is back, but now we get to learn more about the Kayano family. They basically made a deal with the devil sacrificing the 2nd of the daughters in each generation so they could use the cursed power for political reasons. It is saddening for the girls who were sacrificed. They were able to save Ai, but Tama wasn't able to save his friend.

To truly save Ai, they would need to agree on a new contract. It appears that the Bunrei only cared about fighting. So the contract wasn't what God wanted, but it was what they were willing to give. It makes the Kayano family even more sickening. For Yayoi to agree to fight the main body is well within her interests, so it is no surprise.

Meanwhile, a member of that organization named Oota Taneko approaches the main body. It seems she is responsible for the ones for the ghosts replacing the humans, which more than likely is the next for the gang will go up against. After all, they still have to save Dorothy. We got a lot more factions, so curious how this all plays out.

 

[storyteller]

I finished up Red Storm, and I can see why it didn't get as much props, though I kinda loved it. There's no clear big bad. Every potential big enemy turns out to have their own complicated situation, and that holds all the way through the end of the story.

The main idea behind everything is that good leaders do everything they can for their people. The final battle isn't between an evil force and the good guys. It's between a leader who wants to protect his tribe against another leader who does whatever he can to protect his tribe. We don't even get the one big showdown that was teased from the beginning...we get something else.

That style of storytelling means some of the fights begin to feel plodding, and others feel underwhelming. Julian's desert conquest hits a bigger snag against a tribe we never heard of than when they're ready to fight their biggest rivals.

But it still feels like a good payoff. Julian's mission to unite the desert comes to a conclusion and a bigger adventure is teased. Luckily, the sequel series is supposed to be starting soon.

On another note, this universe crosses over with the Peerless Dad universe. It sounds like it doesn't happen in major ways, but I've seen references to the two main protagonists of Red Storm in some screenshots from Peerless Dad...so I'll be starting that up soon.

 

[tripleaamin]

Ryouta wa Otouto wo Koroshita

When their mother dies, junior high school student Ryota takes care of his toddler brother Chika and their home. Overwhelmed by all the work, he begins neglecting himself. Without any time to himself, Ryota comes to resent his little brother and soon the resentment turns into murderous thoughts...

myanimelist.net

Read chapter one of this and, to be quite honest, it was quite a lot to take in as it holds a combination of drama+horror+supernatural+childcare. It has the potential to be a good story. But it can also be a fire dumpster. I will probably let it sit for 20 chapters before continuning it.

Alright, this twist at the end of the volume really got me

Spoiler: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 10

As Nene & Kou are looking for a solution on how to get back to the real world without killing Amane or Mitsuba. One thing that is strange is that we haven't seen Amane break off his act like we said with Mitsuba. Which makes it harder on Nene. Although her confessing how much she holds Hanako dear to her was sweet.

But regarding Mitsuba it makes why he desires this fake world because he desires to be human. Like how Hanako mentioned that because Tsukasa removed the old Mitsuba's mind, we have a blank start on the current Mitsuba. For Kou something he realized he needs to separate the old and new Mitsuba like how Nene needs to separate Hanako from Amane. Seeing Mitsuba's power as the 3rd mystery, he can see all sides of this school and learns who he was. It is ironic that he grew jealous of that version of Mitsuba when that Mitsuba was not happy with his life. No surprise that Kou rejects his idea of fake happiness because this isn't real. Ideally, he wants Mitsuba to be a human in the real world. Tying the theme that fake happiness is no true happiness. Though Mitsuba's point of Kou not understanding him is a fair point, since seeing your past self living how you wanted is something is difficult to imagine processing. Still, these two learn to give and take from each other. This is a big step for Kou and is there a way to recover the old mind of Mitsuba?

As Nene tries to run away with Amane and back to the real world, he fools enough to actually make Nene believe that Amane here is not Hanako. Unlike the case for Kou this is obviously not true. As an avenue to escape to the real world appears, Hanako crushes that. The fact that Hanako and Mitsuba have the same motivation seems wrong, but that is assuming they are doing this for themselves. In reality, Hanako is embracing this fake world for Nene. She only has a year left to live. As he asks, Kou isn't your goal to help her. I do think the key for Kou to realize what does Nene feels? After all, like how Kou admitted he did not want this fake happiness. Does Nene want this? A world where people can be deleted at a drop of a hat and brought back instantly. It is difficult to imagine. Though it is interesting to have Hanako as an antagonist of an arc because he has been the one helping Kou and Nene. Also add on Tsukasa what is his motivation in all of this?

Spoiler: Dark Gathering Chapter 66

Man, just seeing the flashbacks from Tama and Mei is just heartbreaking. For him, saving Ai was doing what he couldn't for Mei. Still, overall on a positive note, seeing that he was able to save Ai and seeing Mei in her. Very curious what comes next for the gang since the arc is finally over.

 

[tripleaamin]

Drama Queen

After saving the earth, aliens have taken up residence with the humans in Japan. Nomamoto, a factory worker with an abusive alien boss, one day meets Kitami, who tells her his own family was killed by aliens. The two quickly forge a friendship, but one day Kitami does the unthinkable... (Source...

myanimelist.net

Man, I don't know wtf I just read . The two Mc's come across as racist and xenophobic, especially at the end. How did this get approved to run in Jump+?

Spoiler: Sakamoto Days Chapter 192

Unlike before for Shin where the cost came after the fight. Here, what happens most likely is that it most likely becomes less affective on the foe with each use. But man Tenkyu truly is the most unhinged character in this series, and that is saying something.

I would never expect to see Torres making an appearance in the prison.

Spoiler: Kagurabachi Chapter 59

Man, it was over before it even began. The fact that Chihiro is still alive speaks volumes that Samura held back. Essentially, Samura is making a deal with the devil. Curious, who was the one who leaked Chihiro's father's location. At this point, Yura using Samura makes him tough to beat, but the interesting part is what happens next.

Though the curse that Samura mentions, I am intrigued to learn more about it in particular. What actually went down for him to resort to this route?

Spoiler: Mission: Yozakura Family Chapter 253

Well, Taiyo's resolve is firm if it means protecting his family. Though, as expected, Asa will try to eliminate with what he sought to protect. Great time to see Futaba's True Spring Blooming. Though, being able to reject even gravity is kind of insane.

Spoiler: Akane-banashi Chapter 137

I love how much Kiroku stands by his two students and sure it would be easy to expel them as it would things easier. Betraying his students in doing that is essentially betraying his art. Mistakes happen in life, but in life it is about how you learn from those mistakes. In many ways, Kiroku mentions what it would mean in Rakugo. You remember when I was an idiot, well, you can make a story out of it.

Now we get to see Issho take the stage.

Spoiler: Blue Box Chapter 175

Good news that Natsu's father doesn't disprove of their relationship, but it is more so the fact they are living together already. His quote that a child is simply doing what they can do within their world. He thought that letting her stay behind, he was doing the best he could have done. But given she did not succeed in making nationals, it makes him wonder what he could have done for her. How could he have made the world and the position that his daughter is in a better one? Clearly he is considerate of their relationship, but there is a process to these things. Living together before you start dating is not the norm. Plus, Yukino will help Natsu with chores. Eventually, for Taiki and Natsu's relationship, this will be good. Plus, Natsu has college to think about as well.

But in the short term, Natsu being the one to stay in the Inomata household gives her the best chance to succeed. Obviously, which is why her father was with Taiki staying with him. Feels nice to see Yumeka and Natsu back together again

Spoiler: Centuria Chapter 33

Lacrima being isolated and deemed a failure does make things interesting. Akros was an awful person, but some awful people are extremely loyal to their family. So her joining Julian is probably a long shot, the fact Elistri is unaffected by Lacrima's move makes me wonder. It brings the question that, in a way, is Lukas part of the team that is sent to eliminate Diana.

Spoiler: Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi Chapter 23

Asuta Roth is one of the 3 Great Demon Lords and oversees the 13 club. Essentially, another massacre is planned. This does really open up many things for this series. The SoL Comedy stuff was pretty fun, but now we have a more serious plot line opening up.

 

[tripleaamin]

Undead Unluck

After reading the conclusion of her favorite manga series, Fuuko Izumo finally feels ready to end her existence. For the past 10 years, Fuuko has been afflicted by a condition that brings extreme misfortune to anyone who touches her. This has had a drastic effect on her surroundings, even...

myanimelist.net

Finally got around to starting reading the manga, since it should end within 2 months. First volume seems to cover up till the middle of the Gina fight.

Spoiler: MAD - Chapter 14

John is MAD now. This chapter really highlights on the paneling, and they see Leon crashing out with John approaching.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 11

Tbh I was not expecting that Nene would learn that she was going to die. Her idea of pretending to be unconscious definitely backfired. Though, this really showcases more and more how much Hanako cares for her. Fake happiness, much like with Kou is something Hanako hates as #4 mentions. For him to want to not destroy it and let Nene stay here shows that he doesn't want her to die. While it was Tsukasa that triggered the creation of this world, Hanako was willing to go along with it for Nene's sake. Of course, for Nene just accepting this is long and hard and isn't something that she wants. Though there is still the looming thing about how Hanako's future got changed, and when will he learn about that down the line?

As Tsukasa does when he hears about #4's wish and as expected, he forces that said wish on them. For #4, it was something as simply as seeing that person again. Ironically, this really helps Nene as the person whom #4 is referring to get a parallel insight to her current situation with Hanako in some ways. Of course, Nene freaks out that #4 tries to kill that person, but even realizing that said person is the same as #4. She is Mei Shijima. The person who #4 referred to was herself, but basically Mei finished her art, it got displayed in the art room. Now because she died shortly after rumors circulated and as we know, rumors have a heavy tie in with the supernatural. Essentially, she became one of the school's mysteries. A supernatural that lives in a painting that draws things in, which can create fiction like we currently have.

There are some parallels between Mei and Nene. Both have the dilemma that they are both bound to die soon. Much like Hanako is doing with Nene, #4 truly wants to protect Mei. Now for Mei as a supernatural, she is born with constantly hearing the rumors that are not the truth. Killing Mei and erasing the existence of #4. However, much like with Hanako not considering Nene's thoughts, the same is with #4 with Mei. Mei looks at #4 because of this outstanding supernatural and is quite proud of that. Sure, the rumors will continue, but clearly that isn't something Mei cares about. #4 deleting herself would be deleting the work of something that Mei is very proud of. #4 lets Mei wake up in her timeline and at the very least she is at peace more or less.

Now, as Nene sees those two handle their situation, she is going to go see Hanako. Much like how Mei did with #4, she will voice her opinion on the matter of her only living for one more year. Whether she desires this fictional world or be back in the real world.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Gokurakugai Chapter 23

We're really diving into this arc for Nei. Just who is this guy, I wonder. The art showcasing Nei's hatred for was well done.

Spoiler: Kai-hen Wizards Chapter 13

We do learn in this chapter about enchanted lands and them being a place for divine beings to live and practice. Tho, the Gardner is seeking to create illusions like the Specter from 5 years ago. But the remark about karma is the most interesting. Is becoming an immortal good or bad?

Spoiler: Tying The Knot with an Amagami Sister Chapter 163

The Miko Yuna needs to focus on is herself. Sometimes we are too quick to look at our faults and not see our strengths. Like Yuna at the beginning of this chapter, over criticize ourselves when we shouldn't. Though we see before she went back in time, she was doing great as a leader without Uryu, and I am happy she is beginning to recognize it.

Though it feels like Yuna is finally remembering her past. And it is very likely to be trauma related, which has me scared.

Spoiler: Tune In to the Midnight Heart Chapter 57

You know, outside those two chapters when Iko & Arisu were at the concert, we haven't gotten much Iko content. Though it is really nice to see Iko has been motivated and Arisu is helping her realize she can ask for Rikka's help on the matter. Which has me really excited as we had Nene & Shinobu for the voice acting stuff (though Shinobu was mostly suffering) and now we can have Rikka helping Iko hopefully.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 12

As Nene wants to talk to Hanako to convince him to return to the real world, Shijima points out that the fictional world is still being worked on. So it would do better to escape first. As expected, Hanako is right on their tail. So the plan to keep Hanako was a solid one, but the carriage that Nene wished for loses balance easily, leaving her and Hanako to fall off on the clouds. Though, this finally gave Nene the best moment to illustrate her feelings on the matter. She wants to live a real life and have real experiences. Once you realize that you live in a fictional world, how could you feel satisfied? Nene did a fantastic job at getting her feelings across.

However, one thing that is even more clear, hearing Hanako's side of the matter. He intended not to trap her in this world. He mentions that is how it is for himself as the 7th School Mystery. Getting closer to Nene and knowing that she is going to die within a year is cruel. Essentially, how anyone would feel if they know their friend could be dying soon and there is nothing in the real world they can do. Nene mentions the topic of going to the moon, which was Amane's wish, and being able to do the impossible. She wants to defy the impossible and be able to live a long, healthy life. Of course, as Hanako grants the wish for the living, there is no greater wish he would rather fulfil than Nene's wish. Even despite all of this, I loved Nene's words to Shijima about creating a beautiful world as she knows that is what Mei wanted if she was still alive.

As Shijima mentions, the best way to tackle Nene's issue is to go after Akane and the 1st Mystery of the school, since they deal with all things relating to time. Though, as they return to school, they have final exams and Teru is a character that continues to puzzle me. As he wins that competition against Akane he requests that he help Kou if they come for help, since he knows Nene will most likely do that. Though, what is his plot in all of this? He is a hard character to figure out.

The volume ends as we dig into the final school mystery, which occurs during the school sleepover. Of course, after learning the truth of her future, it is easy to see how she would get so freaked out learning of a school mystery if a sound of flute means death. Especially since she heard that before learning about the school mystery. Luckily, she runs into Akane, but things don't look good at the end of the volume.

 

[tripleaamin]

Asura no Sata

"Only do good deeds."—Asura follows his late mother's teachings and always strives to do good in life. No matter how much he is bullied, he goes on with a smile, firmly believing that evildoers will receive divine punishment. Until one day, an ominous old man offers him a key that can open the...

myanimelist.net

This series seems to take some inspiration from Death Note, given how the key is used. The main thing the kid was taught that if you do good deeds you will be rewarded. While bad ones will be punished. Curious how this story goes, since he possesses a tool to punish those evil deeds. The most interesting thing is that his punishment for those is worse than death.

@LordDeathwatch Honestly, in terms of writing as a supernatural series, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is def Dark Gathering level. Though I wouldn't count this one as horror, though.

Spoiler: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 13

So we are finally introduced to the final school mystery, which is #6. Aoi has been a character that has been such a tease since her introduction. She knows about all the school mysteries, but we haven't gotten a clear answer on why. Before she got kidnapped, she was able to see Akane in his supernatural form, which even adds more layers. #6 mentions he needs the blood of Kannagi as a sacrifice to put the school back in balance. More than likely, this is necessary since Hanako has been dealing with the other school mysteries, which has allowed the supernatural to creep in. The interesting part is that Tsukasa wants that as well. Still as the leader, what is Hanako doing?

As we learned from the Fiction World arc, Hanako has a soft spot for Nene. Akane just messing with Hanako like Teru did with him. Although it was more of a low blow here since they were in a rift between worlds. Meanwhile, when Teru did, it was during final exam week. It is hard to say what has happened to Aoi because she seems loyal to #6, but her personality seems intact as she even teases him. Though as she seeks out Nene, Akane and Hanako she ends up luring them into a trap. Though we're getting a slight reveal of Aoi's motivations, is unclear. She wants to be sent far away, but why? What does this even mean?

Though, it does seem right that Akane would know there is the slight difference in Aoi. Aoi seems to want him to forget her, but it is full within Akane's character to never give up on Aoi. If he is to die, he would want to die with Aoi. As he launches himself and her into the trap. It appears that her falling into the pit was also in the plans, so it is curious if Kou or Hanako might be the only ones that can help resolve the situation.

Speaking of Kou he is separated from everyone else, and he has the dilemma of wanting to help both Nene and Mitsuba. He meets Natsuhiko who offers a bit of news to Kou. #6 powers work within life and death, and he can give life to those dying. Most likely the reverse as well. I am curious what Kou will do using this knowledge, since that seems like a solution for Mitsuba and Nene. Although, the solution may be too convenient, especially since he already stated that he plans to capture #6 like Tsukasa did with #3 before Mitsuba became #3.

 

[tripleaamin]

God damn Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun taking things to another level and the series was already insane how it is a 10/10 fantastic Supernatural series.

Spoiler: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 14

After Hanako, Nene, Aoi and Akane have fallen in the pit, we are met to where Nene and Hanako are. In which they are met with a woman by the name of Sumire. As soon as Nene noticed the similarities to Aoi it was clear that she holds a relation to Aoi. Surprisingly, it is revealed that Sumire is #6's Yorishiro. The events that occur next are the most intriguing. Essentially, Sumire's wedding is tomorrow and Nene is guilted in not dealing with her. Though when she wakes up, Nene is told it is her wedding day and undoubtedly, there is something going wrong. Sumire seems to have dealt with Hanako, so Nene is in a rough situation.

Nene is basically told that she is meant to be sacrificed for the sake of the village. Even more fukk up, Nene is given some form of medicine to take the fear of death away from her. Though it is clear that this happened to Sumire, and she was meant to be sacrificed, so it is clear she is a supernatural. Though it seems the only one that cared for Sumire was #6. Although the question remains, did he only care for her out of obligation, since that was his duty to watch over the sacrificed brides? Meanwhile, unlike #6, Hanako leaps out and saves Nene. Which prompts Sumire to kill herself to restart the cycle of her being sacrificed on her wedding day. The only sacrifice that will be accepted is her, so nothing changes.

Though Nene's point of Sumire being #6's Yorishiro. Sumire's logic holds that the Yorishiro is what the supernatural cares for most. However, something seems wrong. This cycle of being sacrificed is so fukked up. Considering between the time Hanako became #7, it is revealed that there have been no need for sacrifices. Nene hopes to showcase that there is indeed another solution. Though that is a tough sell, but given Nene's determination, there is reason why he wouldn't go for it.

As we now catch up with Aoi and Akane. Some much-needed clarifications about Aoi are given. For Aoi it seems she has major trust issues. Even something as trivial as Akane suddenly wearing glasses now and keeping the clocks from the timekeepers. It makes sense generally speaking, but given the fact she has issues with Nene keeping secrets, it has to be the case that Aoi is more of the issue. But how Akane describes Aoi illustrates perfectly how she is. As Aoi elaborated, it is clear that nobody trusts her. Even her friendship with Nene feels one-sided. She looks down on everybody. For example, the moment Akane was focusing on his exams, Aoi went ahead and beat his 100 by 10 points. Granted, I doubt Akane was bothered of her beating his score. Aoi is the perfect example of a character that keeps everyone at a distance and blames them for not opening, when the real issue lies with her. Akane's love for Aoi is perplexing because her very personality is ugly, but he knows there is the sensitive and vulnerable Aoi. In which is what he loves. Pretty toxic love, all things considered.

As Teru approaches both Aoi and Akane given that during the time we spent with Nene and Hanako we knew that they're the family handling the sacrifices was the Minamoto family. Him approaching Aoi is very suspect to say the least. We already know that Teru was on edge regarding Hanako. He does mention how the mysteries serve as guardians and mentioning Hanako. However, in the case of school mystery 1,2 and 3 students were coming into harm. It feels hard to question Teru's caution of Hanako completely.

Probably the biggest thing in the volume as Teru, Aoi and Akane are making their way back. As Aoi talks about herself and what she likes, Akane repeats he likes her. Right away, there is a hesitation about Aoi being able to say she likes Akane. It is hard to say there is a correlation with her disappearing. Though, as Hanako points out, Aoi was the only one who wasn't a supernatural who tried to make it back to the mortal realm. (Teru is suspicious at this point.) Though, in a reveal much like Aoi, Nene is also considered a Kannagi. It seems these Kannagi are correlated somehow, and would this mean Aoi also had a shortened lifespan? Now the remaining of Aoi's life is given to Nene, but things are proceeding too smoothly. Also, I doubt Nene would be happy if her life got extended at the cost of Aoi life being sacrificed.

 

[tripleaamin]

Kondo-sensei getting a well-deserved break, with how great this series has been.

Spoiler: Dark Gathering Chapter 67

Man, things getting fukked where we see that the Kamiyo grandfather ate and now possesses the 2nd grandson. God, it will be heartbreaking when the time that Ai finds out. Adding to that manner, we have Kubo now inheriting the God Gene, which makes the upcoming fight even tougher.

Though it does seem Ai will be joining the gang, although learning that the place where they store the graduates is no longer safe is a bummer. Given that the graduates that were used in the recent fight are beat, it seems the plan from before continues. Advance to haunted spots and collected the graduates. The series is following a similar pattern, but it has been working well so far.

Just the fact Yayoi goes to see her father and promises him he will bring her mom back is so sad. The day she can rest in peace finally will be the happiest day for the Houzuki family.

Spoiler: Magical Girl Dandelion Chapter 6

Despite what happened with Tanpopo's grandfather, there appears to be an irrational hatred that Peony has towards fiends. As an incident occurs when a little girl gets corrupted by the fiend, no surprise Tanpopo wants to save her as that is the goal of any Magical Girl. Though, Peony's situation of not looking at fiends at humans despite knowing they used to be human must come from agony. This is more so something Tanpopo needs to get Peony to open up. At some point, do we have a situation like in the previous arc where they need to be killed, or can Tanpopo find the proper solution? Also, what Shade does is important.

Additionally, the connection Peony has with Ruri may be more than just being a longtime fan.

 

[tripleaamin]