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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Trigger warning: implied child abuse.
I wanted to read this for so long since I’m always interested in mafia stories. They often explore the dark, cruel sides of humanity, but they also show us loyalty even among thugs and of course, a curious sense of honor.
This was no different, though I do want to make clear that I’m not here for the romance (if there’s any). I’m intrigued by the fact that Yuki has been working for Hyodou, one of the mafia leaders of a group called Seidoukai.
You see, Yuki is a young man who deeply cares about his sick younger brother and would do anything just to make sure the hospital bills are payed. One would expect he’d whore himself with Hyodou but the guy just playing chess and games like that with him –which intrigues me even more.
Yuki and Jun’s parents are gone and he doesn’t have anyone to protect them but his bff Tetsu, his landlord and the landlord’s sister. In a few chapters we can see both Yuki and Jun have suffered but I guess we’ll see more in the next volume.
Read it for the #JPLitReadathon.
I wanted to read this for so long since I’m always interested in mafia stories. They often explore the dark, cruel sides of humanity, but they also show us loyalty even among thugs and of course, a curious sense of honor.
This was no different, though I do want to make clear that I’m not here for the romance (if there’s any). I’m intrigued by the fact that Yuki has been working for Hyodou, one of the mafia leaders of a group called Seidoukai.
You see, Yuki is a young man who deeply cares about his sick younger brother and would do anything just to make sure the hospital bills are payed. One would expect he’d whore himself with Hyodou but the guy just playing chess and games like that with him –which intrigues me even more.
Yuki and Jun’s parents are gone and he doesn’t have anyone to protect them but his bff Tetsu, his landlord and the landlord’s sister. In a few chapters we can see both Yuki and Jun have suffered but I guess we’ll see more in the next volume.
Read it for the #JPLitReadathon.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5/5 stars. I’d say this is a solid start for this manga. I think there’s potential for a very intricate story here. I also sense this will be very much a character driven story, which I am an absolute sucker for. Our characters were introduced as well as some of their motives. Yuki’s is to pay for his little brother -Jun’s- hospital bills and to keep him safe. Tetsushi‘s is to ensure that Yuki is safe while he risks everything to keep Jun safe. Now, Hyodo’s a bit of a mystery at the moment. All I know is that Yuki reminds him of some woman and he was saved by the leader of a clan. A clan which he later in the volume splits with Hyodo and another guy.
When I say I knew I was walking right into a tragedy, I mean I KNEW I was walking straight into a tragedy. I was honestly in those tragic gang vibez, and this was a manga that was already in my radar so I decided to check it out. How painful can this be? (I can bet I’ll read this later on and be absolutely hysterical over how wrong I was)
All of this is not to say that I am emotionally prepared for what’s to happen. I’m not. I never am. Yuki’s past seems like it was definitely very troubled. And I’m not sure I want to know what’s up.
I mean I’ve read what I consider to be one of the biggest tragedy’s ever written and it happened to have gang related themes, so I know what can possibly be on the table... wow, suddenly I’m not sure I want this anymore lol.
Regardless, I’ll try to pick up the next few volumes soon. See what’s really at works here. I think there’s definite potential to this story, is all I’m thinking.
Volume 1 Notes:
Hey y’all. I was in the mood for some gang related manga so here we are. Don’t know why I was expecting anything but a tragedy because this is the essential recipe to pain. I can sense the distress and tears a mile away. Am I scared? Yes. Will I cry? Probably. Will I continue reading? Sure.
Yuki is our mc. He has a little brother (Jun) who’s sick so he’s trying to take care of him and pay for his hospital bills. His brother seems to be the only thing that keeps him going. He often refers as Jun’s smile to be the thing that brings him comfort. And we see the way he’s at ease and generally more peaceful when he visits his little brother. It’s very endearing. I do worry, however, because early on Yuki says there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to keep Jun safe. There was no bar. Do I blame him for protecting his little brother? No. I think it’s wonderful that he is doing what he can to keep his little brother happy. Which is all fun and games until shit hits the fan. I beg him to be careful with what people he gets mixed up with, I don’t even know his full backstory but I feel he’s been through enough already.
Tetsushi is Yuki’s best friend. Or partner in crime. Both work tbh. He wants to take care of Yuki. And it’s obvious that he is fiercely loyal to him. We see the way he steps forth to defend him whenever he even senses Yuki is in danger i.g. When he covered Yuki from the gun Hyodo was pointing at him, and when he stepped before him when Jun’s dad was bothering Yuki. It’s also clear that Yuki appreciates what Tetsushi does for him, everything of which I feel Tetsushi does from his heart. I think he’s a good person. And regardless of how dangerous things get, he sticks by Yuki. He also doesn’t stop Yuki from getting in trouble or jumping into dangerous situations, but he does advice him to be careful. He’s also in a situation of deep unrequited love.
So after Yuki and Tetsushi tried to rob Hyodo’s vault a while back, they were caught and Hyodo told them he’d let them go, if they joined him. He offered to pay for Yuki’s brother’s hospital bills after Tetsushi confessed why they were attempting to rob in the first place. He told Yuki he’d have to visit him alone once a week. To which Yuki obliged.
I... love Kanji?
“I remember that painfully thin figure covered in dirt. Malnourished, exhausted, and carrying a sleeping child in his arms like it’s the most precious thing in the world.”
“The nature of the bleakness that encompassed the first fifteen years of your life, is something that I still do not know.”
I’m sorry, but first of all, the Yuki flashback. He was obviously very hurt, and the only thing that brought him strength to live was his baby brother. Second of all, the cover art for chapter 3 absolutely shattered me. I have a soft spot for caring and loving big brothers.
They run into some guy, who Yuki recognizes. And he seems to also be associated with some terrible memories. Oh- he is Jun’s father. But I don’t like him, I don’t like this man at all.
Hyodo is passed down a clan called Seidoh-Kai. He will be leading it alongside a guy named Masatsugu. I’m intrigued for his character tbh. He seems like he will be interesting.
When Jun said that Yuki was apologizing too much and said it was ok because he had their mom’s necklace which makes him feel safe. And the fact that it’s the same necklace Yuki gave her. Wow I’m sad.
As Tetsushi left, the some guy with a scar down the left side of his face passed him. Wonder what he’s going to the hospital for. A sister, apparently. Interesting.
When I say I knew I was walking right into a tragedy, I mean I KNEW I was walking straight into a tragedy. I was honestly in those tragic gang vibez, and this was a manga that was already in my radar so I decided to check it out. How painful can this be? (I can bet I’ll read this later on and be absolutely hysterical over how wrong I was)
All of this is not to say that I am emotionally prepared for what’s to happen. I’m not. I never am. Yuki’s past seems like it was definitely very troubled. And I’m not sure I want to know what’s up.
I mean I’ve read what I consider to be one of the biggest tragedy’s ever written and it happened to have gang related themes, so I know what can possibly be on the table... wow, suddenly I’m not sure I want this anymore lol.
Regardless, I’ll try to pick up the next few volumes soon. See what’s really at works here. I think there’s definite potential to this story, is all I’m thinking.
Volume 1 Notes:
Hey y’all. I was in the mood for some gang related manga so here we are. Don’t know why I was expecting anything but a tragedy because this is the essential recipe to pain. I can sense the distress and tears a mile away. Am I scared? Yes. Will I cry? Probably. Will I continue reading? Sure.
Yuki is our mc. He has a little brother (Jun) who’s sick so he’s trying to take care of him and pay for his hospital bills. His brother seems to be the only thing that keeps him going. He often refers as Jun’s smile to be the thing that brings him comfort. And we see the way he’s at ease and generally more peaceful when he visits his little brother. It’s very endearing. I do worry, however, because early on Yuki says there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to keep Jun safe. There was no bar. Do I blame him for protecting his little brother? No. I think it’s wonderful that he is doing what he can to keep his little brother happy. Which is all fun and games until shit hits the fan. I beg him to be careful with what people he gets mixed up with, I don’t even know his full backstory but I feel he’s been through enough already.
Tetsushi is Yuki’s best friend. Or partner in crime. Both work tbh. He wants to take care of Yuki. And it’s obvious that he is fiercely loyal to him. We see the way he steps forth to defend him whenever he even senses Yuki is in danger i.g. When he covered Yuki from the gun Hyodo was pointing at him, and when he stepped before him when Jun’s dad was bothering Yuki. It’s also clear that Yuki appreciates what Tetsushi does for him, everything of which I feel Tetsushi does from his heart. I think he’s a good person. And regardless of how dangerous things get, he sticks by Yuki. He also doesn’t stop Yuki from getting in trouble or jumping into dangerous situations, but he does advice him to be careful. He’s also in a situation of deep unrequited love.
So after Yuki and Tetsushi tried to rob Hyodo’s vault a while back, they were caught and Hyodo told them he’d let them go, if they joined him. He offered to pay for Yuki’s brother’s hospital bills after Tetsushi confessed why they were attempting to rob in the first place. He told Yuki he’d have to visit him alone once a week. To which Yuki obliged.
I... love Kanji?
“I remember that painfully thin figure covered in dirt. Malnourished, exhausted, and carrying a sleeping child in his arms like it’s the most precious thing in the world.”
“The nature of the bleakness that encompassed the first fifteen years of your life, is something that I still do not know.”
I’m sorry, but first of all, the Yuki flashback. He was obviously very hurt, and the only thing that brought him strength to live was his baby brother. Second of all, the cover art for chapter 3 absolutely shattered me. I have a soft spot for caring and loving big brothers.
They run into some guy, who Yuki recognizes. And he seems to also be associated with some terrible memories. Oh- he is Jun’s father. But I don’t like him, I don’t like this man at all.
Hyodo is passed down a clan called Seidoh-Kai. He will be leading it alongside a guy named Masatsugu. I’m intrigued for his character tbh. He seems like he will be interesting.
When Jun said that Yuki was apologizing too much and said it was ok because he had their mom’s necklace which makes him feel safe. And the fact that it’s the same necklace Yuki gave her. Wow I’m sad.
As Tetsushi left, the some guy with a scar down the left side of his face passed him. Wonder what he’s going to the hospital for. A sister, apparently. Interesting.
4/5 stars. Ok, well, this got dark really, really, quick. This volume was a little fast paced but I think it managed to stay pretty coherent. The main conflict was obviously, the vile man that is Yuki’s stepfather. I’m going to be honest and say that this was difficult to read, it was just a heavy volume. And it sucks that Yuki went through all of that and he was just a kid. Things definitely took a turn near the end, and I don’t mean a good turn. I mean a really shitty turn to a really shitty situation.
This volume (and all volumes now on) mention and discuss heavy themes like rape and abuse so please be mindful of this, and be cautious if any if those things see tw’s. There isn’t anything explicitly shown but do know it’s discussed. The things happening in this manga is definitely not a thing to take lightheartedly, nor is it a thing to see as positive. The things these characters deal with are very real, but they are handled in a way that rightfully shows how vile the themes above are, not glorifying or making it seem like a good thing (which it obviously is not) just keep in mind to be cautious.
Ooookkkaaayyyy, I’m already sad.
Yuki and Jun are so bruised please help them.
Tetsu literally bless your heart for helping Yuki. He took him to a hospital and gave him a home.
Jun’s face when he saw the sunset... maybe it was a bad idea to decide to read this at 1 a.m because they’re coming for my heart
“The need to protect someone other than myself. I realized there was such a feeling, when I met you. What I want to protect is your smile, your peace.”
Jun is precious and I hope only good things happen to him forever.
“It’s because my body is no good. I want to be smart and help my brother. I want to be able to take care of him and make him feel safe. I don’t want to see him cry or be in pain.”
Nope.
Nope.
Nope.
No. I don’t want the Yuki backstory. I don’t want it. No. Never mind. Abort mission.
Yuki tried to kill his dad, that’s why he’d run away with Jun after.
Tetsu go off and beat his ass.
Tetsu wanted to understand Yuki, but sometimes the weight another person is carrying is too much. That’s the case for Yuki, he went through a lot at such a young age. Trying to uncover all of it will take a lot of effort and patience, from both parties. It’s understandable that Yuki doesn’t want to talk about what he went though, as it was awful. He preferred to keep it a secret, perhaps he would’ve opened up in his own time. Regardless, it was a choice Yuki should’ve had the right to have. Not something that should’ve been talked about or exposed without his permission as it is deeply personal and traumatic for him. Also, Tetsu, I must say there’s a time and place for confessing your feelings, and doing it in the moment he did, was neither the time nor the place. Like, read the room, sir. I think he should’ve let Yuki decide when to open up about his past, instead of confronting him about it. It wasn’t up to Tetsu, so that’s strike 1 for you sir.
Yuki’s subconscious is his younger self... I’ll just see myself out, thanks.
Okayyy... I don’t know that I liked Tetsu’s monologue about his jealousy? It’s really not a thing to be jealous about. I get he likes Yuki and all, but I didn’t think it wasn’t the right phrasing? I don’t know if that makes sense, I just thought it was a little insensitive of his part. Strike 2, Tetsu.
Goddamnit the badder bad guy got Yuki.
Can we just skip ahead to the part when Yuki is happy and can be at peace and Jun can recover? I don’t want to see either of them sad.
This volume (and all volumes now on) mention and discuss heavy themes like rape and abuse so please be mindful of this, and be cautious if any if those things see tw’s. There isn’t anything explicitly shown but do know it’s discussed. The things happening in this manga is definitely not a thing to take lightheartedly, nor is it a thing to see as positive. The things these characters deal with are very real, but they are handled in a way that rightfully shows how vile the themes above are, not glorifying or making it seem like a good thing (which it obviously is not) just keep in mind to be cautious.
Ooookkkaaayyyy, I’m already sad.
Yuki and Jun are so bruised please help them.
Tetsu literally bless your heart for helping Yuki. He took him to a hospital and gave him a home.
Jun’s face when he saw the sunset... maybe it was a bad idea to decide to read this at 1 a.m because they’re coming for my heart
“The need to protect someone other than myself. I realized there was such a feeling, when I met you. What I want to protect is your smile, your peace.”
Jun is precious and I hope only good things happen to him forever.
“It’s because my body is no good. I want to be smart and help my brother. I want to be able to take care of him and make him feel safe. I don’t want to see him cry or be in pain.”
Nope.
Nope.
Nope.
No. I don’t want the Yuki backstory. I don’t want it. No. Never mind. Abort mission.
Yuki tried to kill his dad, that’s why he’d run away with Jun after.
Tetsu go off and beat his ass.
Tetsu wanted to understand Yuki, but sometimes the weight another person is carrying is too much. That’s the case for Yuki, he went through a lot at such a young age. Trying to uncover all of it will take a lot of effort and patience, from both parties. It’s understandable that Yuki doesn’t want to talk about what he went though, as it was awful. He preferred to keep it a secret, perhaps he would’ve opened up in his own time. Regardless, it was a choice Yuki should’ve had the right to have. Not something that should’ve been talked about or exposed without his permission as it is deeply personal and traumatic for him. Also, Tetsu, I must say there’s a time and place for confessing your feelings, and doing it in the moment he did, was neither the time nor the place. Like, read the room, sir. I think he should’ve let Yuki decide when to open up about his past, instead of confronting him about it. It wasn’t up to Tetsu, so that’s strike 1 for you sir.
Yuki’s subconscious is his younger self... I’ll just see myself out, thanks.
Okayyy... I don’t know that I liked Tetsu’s monologue about his jealousy? It’s really not a thing to be jealous about. I get he likes Yuki and all, but I didn’t think it wasn’t the right phrasing? I don’t know if that makes sense, I just thought it was a little insensitive of his part. Strike 2, Tetsu.
Goddamnit the badder bad guy got Yuki.
Can we just skip ahead to the part when Yuki is happy and can be at peace and Jun can recover? I don’t want to see either of them sad.
This is my typical genre. Quite unexpected, really. Because here I was hoping for a quick fluff and I get my usual fix of angst instead.
Main character has a tortured past. Here's hoping that he's actually the yakuza's son/nephew or something.
Main character has a tortured past. Here's hoping that he's actually the yakuza's son/nephew or something.
All I want was to know who's Yuki's dad. Well, we got a name, Ryuu but who is he?
Instead, we get to see Yuki reliving his shitty past, being assaulted by his bestie and also being visited by enemies from his past. He get to be prized birdie in a cage again. What rotten luck.
Instead, we get to see Yuki reliving his shitty past, being assaulted by his bestie and also being visited by enemies from his past. He get to be prized birdie in a cage again. What rotten luck.