With this series comparisons to its more comedic older sibling seem nearly inevitable. I was quite fond of that manga, even if it was rather directionless. This rewrite has actually far better pacing and momentum behind it. After all, in the same amount of chapters we have reached 3 actually established relationships with proper development and execution as well as one that is currently pending to be resolved. In that sense the mystery around the death of Nekozakl's father both creates a real endgame as well as a stark differentiation to the first iteration which allows the resolution to change just enough that it won't feel repetitive.
That being said, I have strong doubts that Nekozaki and Mikoto can reach the same rapport and emotional resolution that the final chapters in Todo no Tsumari no Uchouten did (even though we were given the promised kiss much earlier), exactly because of this more outward force causing the conflict. The fireworks chapter is still ingrained in my memory as an emotional high point. What sweet agony to have two alternate versions to the same relationship.
Side-note: I appreciate how the relationship between Tsubaki and Fujishiro is a fair give and take. So often there is a power imbalance when it comes to age gap couples, especially a teacher and a student. But Tsubaki's maturity has completely prevented any drama that could have been born from the current plot and supposed "betrayal". It's very contrary to most melodramatic takes of love across the series. If it is not too much to ask I would love for Arata Iri to delve a little deeper into their romance.
last edited at Oct 5, 2021 1:25PM