This chapter made me extraordinarily excited and it hurt.

Even with all the buildup and inevitability, during chapter 37 and the first half of ch.38, it still seemed like maybe Sayaka really did have a chance. Maybe Touko would do a 60 degree heel turn and head straight for the other side of the triangle, for that person who has always been there (even if not really). I consider that to be an amazing feature of Nakatani's writing, the sensitivity towards the complexity of people and human emotions, and the power of our choices in determining our lives, rather than just being helplessly guided by uncontrollable feelings. Because we truly don't know what will happen until Touko opens her mouth and finally reveals her choice.

This complexity is even more layered because despite it being a choice with both given choices being theoretically valid, we know what decision will be made. She could have chosen Sayaka. She really could have. Sayaka's confession made her happy, because who wouldn't be happy to know they are so unconditionally loved? But in this lifetime, with this set of events, she never would have. And that's because every set of choices she has made have led her up to this point. She has always chosen to love Yuu over Sayaka. She has always chosen to shut out Sayaka where she chose to let Yuu in. An entire 37 chapters of choices precede this decision, in which she consistently and reliably chooses Yuu to love. (Perhaps, it could be argued, her love has not always been "love", full, freeing and healthy, but in light of what those choices meant to her, that was love.) Just as her revised play character did, she is making choices based on what has happened to her. There could have been no other choice, Nakatani says, because her heart had chosen. That is what love is.

And it hurts. It hurts to let somebody in to such a great degree and to then become disconnected from them. And that is a part of love too, as painful or even annoying as that can be. I think the confession scene had one of the greatest displays of those sides of love. It's such a simple moment, in such a humble setting; there is no galaxy of stars overhead, no sunset in the distance, just the river flowing in the background and the ducks settling in. It gave me profound chills.

I loved the symbolism too as always. The duck on pg 27 flying in and skimming the water just as Sayaka said "she stepped in" hit home. I wasn't as sure about the boats actually. The implication was that two people in the boat would be able to navigate narrow places. Sayaka and Touko definitely did that. But I think it applies for many more situations than just that too, like Touko and Yuu navigating the play, and likewise. The fall(?) leaves were a symbol of change, and I couldn't quite tell if the ones on pg 11 were being pulled downstream or not. They could have represented Sayaka. But based on the placement of the words in the second panel, where Sayaka's talking about being disappointed, the leaves could also represent love in general. When she's saying she would be disappointed, the leaves are in the water, eventually rotting away, dying or dead love. And in the bottom-most panel of pg 11, a leaf is falling as she talks about "Loving someone..." It evoked the feeling of the risk inherent to love, for me at least. The necessity of falling, of having faith and trust in another, that is inherent to love. Then in the next page, the leaf lands on Touko. That is who that love was gifted to. Sayaka takes the leaf and holds it, and I think that represents her love for Touko, how it is wholly her own. A love in the shape of a leaf, subject to change and death, but still intact in that moment. It's a beautiful image.

I would go into extended analysis of the characters too and their internal worlds and changes, but I think it's been said enough already by others. And this chapter, to me at least, did stand out to me not so much for the characters, though of course that's still something I care about greatly, but for its declaration of what love is. I think Nakatani has said that the biggest question Bloom Into You has always striven to answer is what love is. This chapter finally provided a concrete answer for what that truth might be, and it was what evoked both excitement and hurt in me.

Huh I liked this one a lot.

Touhou has always been plagued by questions of humanity and inhumaneness. I have not followed Sanae much, but she does appear to be a living god. And it is a well-known fact that gods live off of faith, as youkai live off human flesh and fear and humans live off of ordinary food stuff. A person prepared for the sole sake of sacrifice must contain so much holiness, an embodiment of faith and fear. And it's only natural that in a land where common sense doesn't exist, it could be possible for a human to eat another. Just perhaps.

But she also doesn’t feel like an odd or artificial construct, either (as sometimes happens when authors are obviously trying to create an “original” character). In other manga character traits like Yuu’s shyness or her athletic ability or her straightforwardness often tip over into becoming the character’s whole identity—“the quiet shy one,” “the sporty tomboy,” “the rude blunt one.” But not here—those qualities are part of her without finally being her.

It's not the recipe and the ingredients but the skill of the cook that matters, so to speak.

Yeah I think it's great. Yuu could be the quiet, not-talkative, blunt, rude, sporty, tomboy-ish, passive, obedient, thoughtful, caring, loving, observant, non-reactive, emotionless, excitable, creative, gentle girl we all know her to be, with a thousand more descriptors attached, and it still wouldn't be enough for somebody who hasn't read the manga to truly understand her. Even for those of us who have read the manga, we wouldn't be able to fully understand her. Even the mangaka could potentially never fully understand her, as her story unfolds and other details are always up for interpretation.

I love it. It's what a great character looks like. Just as mysterious and clear-cut as real humans, as defined by both actions and self/other evaluations. I have noticed that Nakatani's characters always carry this ambiguity that's hard to describe. Like that they are self aware and also aren't? Like they act without thinking but it's also obvious why they made the decisions they did.

It's actually a very interesting dynamic that I don't think I've seen much in stories of any sort. Speaks to Nakatani's skill and very distinguishable artistic style (both visually and narratively).

Sayaka gets a spin-off as a well-deserved Miss Congeniality prize.

EDIT: ^ And I need an “I agree with RiverFlower” emoji.

Three cheers for love triangle side characters with their own stories and personalities who are still likable and not either total losers or total assholes.

I am honored, friend.

https://dynasty-scans.com/chapters/bloom_into_you_ch36#3

Every single time Sayaka has noticed something's wrong with Touko someone else has beat her to doing something about it.

I feel that observation so much. Part of why it's clear they're not right for each other. It might be different if Touko then goes to Sayaka afterwards as the first person to say why she's been feeling pathetic, but that's obviously not what happens. Don't get me wrong, Sayaka is great and deserves happiness too, but she can't give Touko what she needs.

I just caught onto this, but the second page is so great symbolically, when Sayaka says the two temples are in opposite directions, and their friend exclaims "but they're like, a pair!" Sayaka and Touko are usually seen to be a pair, but just like the temples, they are literally sitting on opposite sides of the two pushed-together desks, and their hair colors are well, gold and black, just like the temples' colors. The following page I couldn't tell if I was overthinking it or not, but when Sayaka makes that offhand comment about giving up on Ginkaku-ji, it read like giving up Touko to me.

And as said before, yes, Sayaka the first to notice when something's wrong, the last to do anything about it. I'm loving Touko's change in vulnerability.

Small atmospheric detail, I like how the "but that day is probably already here" is juxtaposed with a road in front of Sayaka that she has to walk on (the crosswalk) and her not yet being given the signal to go. And the same symbolic composition appears in the last page, only now she is walking across the crosswalk, and she has been given the signal to go, plus the exact same phrase, "that day is probably already here".

The first time I read this chapter, I admittedly felt confused because it seemed like Sayaka was going to take advantage of Touko's change to confess and possibly think that she wouldn't get rejected? Because of the wording on page 12 about how Touko used to turn down every confession she received. But re-reading, think it's clear Sayaka sees that she does have her chance to clear things up for herself, but she has no intention of getting in the way of Yuu and Touko or anything. It was just her moment of gaining clarity, of being bold and realizing that the "someday in the future" which she had always put off is actually here now and it's her moment to act. So a good chapter, a necessary one to contextualize whatever she eventually tells Touko. And a heartwarming one, for her to know that a future exists for somebody like her, and that she can envision it. As the souffles and "sweet drink" on the cover page indicate, something sweet to fill her up with.

I'm excited for the next chapter again!

Had a look again. Reread everything. Yeah still just as good the second/third time. I think I have to say that it gave a very good depiction of what love is and some of what it is not. The story's use of callbacks is also excellent. Constantly reinforces the feeling of consistency and thematic cohesiveness. I would have liked to see more of Toumo and Miyako frankly, cause their sort of relationship is my favorite.

What a classic. And such a satisfying, almost bittersweet ending that leaves you feeling just the right amount of hollow. I have no doubt YagaKimi is going to join its ranks for me lol.

I'm so sad I came late to the party with being in another country without access to Dynasty. What a beautiful chapter. Glad it was set up to be the confession chapter from the very first page. Fitting that they would go back to the river from chapter 10. Squealed internally when they were both standing on the same stone for a second. Got teary when Touko realized the pain she'd caused Yuu. Got even more teary thinking about the perfect, natural intersection of misunderstanding; really relatable.

It was nice seeing Touko so relaxed, was sort of like how she is around Yuu. I think I'm a sucker for developments where person shows private side only to special someone, and then through special someone's support, shows that vulnerable side to anyone without any more fear. It's a more mature growth, instead of that vulnerable side forever always only displayed to one person, trapped without room to change.

Also page 6 liked how the very subtle inclusion of Sayaka leaving without them, back turned, sets the scene for them being by themselves.

Then page 7 for a moment I was worried the bottom three panels were some foreshadowing of Touko leaving Yuu behind. But as I hoped, just like in Chapter 32, she turns around to face Yuu. Nice alternative meaning.

Page 11 trying to figure out why Yuu's statement she liked Touko better now was so poignant, and realized obviously because that's the direct counter to Touko's fear that changing from her persona will lead to losing the love of others. Page 12 obvious but still well-done callback to Chapter 10. Especially the placement of the speech bubbles; that made the panels even more aligned and connected.

With the earlier "why does Touko think Yuu is kind" discussion, it's already been said but I think the why is very simple: because Touko is looking for love, and Yuu has given it to her. And with Touko's definition of love, Yuu's love can't possibly be love so it has to be kindness.

Small completely coincidental, actually meaningless thing, just realized page 10 of the manga on this site is also the page that first shows Chapter 10's river. XD

Also did not consciously catch the shoe symbolism/foreshadowing until it was pointed out in the forums. But that was wonderfully done. Was sort of interesting that the same hands which betrayed her feelings multiple times now reveal her true feelings too, even ironically while she's using them to try and hide.

Touko's fear has become even more relatable recently I think, cause that is a thing which happens, people falling out of love/not liking who you become or maybe who you always truly were. And Yuu really would be kind if it was true that she didn't love Touko, wouldn't she, yet still did all the things she does. Remain gentle and kind, a stable base for Touko to return to and never chaining her, always letting Touko be free. It's just sort of funny because that is love, one type of it at least. But extremely proud of Touko for actively fighting that fear at least with one thought, that despite Yuu definitely loving Touko, she was still kind. Which comes closer to aligning with reality I think.

Ironic that she's afraid of how Yuu's changed. Of not being able to catch up to Yuu. I personally relate to that one too, looool. It makes a lot of sense to me now what she means by being afraid of Yuu. Of Yuu's love. And the last page is a kick in the guts, Touko looking so dejected, and not just the second flight of stairs gone, but also the fence now enclosing the entire perimeter, no gap to exit from. Also geez, those are some steep stairs.

Well, now back to waiting.

last edited at Aug 18, 2018 5:29AM

Huh I thought the style seemed familiar. Same mangaka as Let Dreaming Dogs Lie. Rougher in art and story but same feeling. This person seems to like Aya/Murasa interactions. Something about the way they handled the youkai's view of humans and death felt very authentic. A carelessness and bitterness directed towards them.

The shading always look so good and make me hungry. I wonder who the next character will be, since these are the four main playable characters. I guess Kallen and Yae since they're the awakened versions.

Not what I expected from Takemiya? I don't know if I like it, I guess it's hot in that both of the sisters are into it, but it's also just weird because they don't feel like sisters and I don't think I want them to. The incest thing could have been completely removed and the story would have remained the same, so it feels like adding an unnecessary ick factor. Also really, every single girl she picks up goes for the older sister immediately? What a shitty world to live in if everybody except incestuous sisters are that unfaithful.

Actually I'm confused if they really are sisters or not. Like Maria says the incest thing is sick, even though she's obviously really into that other girl, so maybe that means it's just a type of roleplay?

Whatever, this story is weird.

last edited at Jul 3, 2018 8:20PM

It went from being a turn-off to utterly disgusting and repulsive once they started raping the president. Also human anatomy doesn't fucking work like that, not that much porn cares.

Sweet ending. Felt Riku's sense of relief. Funny that the senpai was never named, but either way they may or may not get together, I think the more important part is that gladness of not being alone.

Sayaka confessing is fitting as a sign of character growth, I can't see her holding it back much longer. Touko rejecting her is just as certain in my mind. Most narrative paths seem to lead there, the only one where she doesn't confess that I can see would be if she simply realizes Touko isn't right for her / she's not right for Touko and Yuu can have that honor. Highly unlikely because Sayaka needs to embrace her feelings more, not run away from them and keep them a secret.

I think Yuu would find a semi-romantic way of confessing. Something when it's just the two of them together hanging out and talking about something related to their relationship. It would feel a lot better as in right if nothing random happened to mess it up, cause they'd need to talk about it afterwards.

Touko would probably be confused, caught off-guard, potentially scared after a bit, because I'm sure some part of her still thinks love is a shackle, Or she could be calmer, and more accepting that if everything she has lived and done is hers, than maybe Yuu's love is too, in which case they'd start a relationship anew, probably with some hilarious hijinks happening.

I have a feeling / think it would be really fitting if Maki started showing up more in the final stages of the story. He's a reader stand-in right, and his thing is watching relationships from beginning to end.

I wonder if Yuu will get to Touko first, or Sayaka. I hope it's Yuu. I think if/when Sayaka tells Touko about her feelings, it won't be a full-on confession. More something casually dropped in but with undeniable meaning. Or Touko will reject her like she rejected the other suitors, but she'll also want to continue being friends with her, which would show Touko's growth.

I hope Yuu's confession closes the volume. I also hope it happens the next chapter because this chapter reallllly made it clear it's happening and I don't want to wait any longer than necessary. I don't think it's named "Lead-up" for nothing.

Complete fluff huh.

Oh that was cute, I hope they start dating

Haven't they already been doing that since the beginning of this manga? I'm not sure what those big, in-your-face narrative blocks are for if they're not.

AHHHHHHH THE END IS NIGH. TOUKO AND YUU ARE GOING TO GET MARRIED AND HAVE BABIES.

Okay in reality that may or may not happen, but they're definitely getting together. I relate to way too many aspects of Yagakime, down to the sister talk and what Rei says. This chapter makes me happy.

I've only just appreciated how much the dialogue fits in whether you look at them as applying to earrings or relationships.

That would be things going too smoothly, and Nio has a record of unexpected plot twists and bittersweet endings.

Eh maybe, that one's definitely bittersweet and plays into the "I can't be myself without my other sibling" theme. It was her original submission for the contest wasn't it. It's also het and the story points are vastly different though, so I don't think
Sad/bad/bittersweet endings: Tsukinaki, Luminous Butterfly, Unfair Randomizer, Soft Enclosure, Nagi no Matsu 1, The Idol Diagonally Opposite Me

Nagi wo Matsu 2 never

I couldn't find it, do you mind sharing how you read it.

last edited at Jun 1, 2018 4:44AM

This is subtext? Well I guess if you consider that they never come out and say it but with Mihoyo's track record really it's not.

Amazingly this did add a tiny bit more context, expanded on the story more than the rushed version the Samsara gave, and now I legitimately feel bad for Sakura cause I understand how it would have felt more.

I think the story is completely separate from how real bullying should be handled just because that's clearly not what the author was caring to display. Page 21 case in point with the yandere font. Personally Ichi is too sadistic for me, and the intentional planning of the violence reminds me too strongly of somebody buying a gun for revenge, only difference being she explicitly makes clear she wasn't going to kill them.

I'm not sure violence is the answer either for bullying, but I'm sure it depends on the situation. Eventually you do what you have to do and there's a breaking point for everyone. Can't ever condemn legitimate self-defense.

That would be things going too smoothly, and Nio has a record of unexpected plot twists and bittersweet endings.

Eh maybe, that one's definitely bittersweet and plays into the "I can't be myself without my other sibling" theme. It was her original submission for the contest wasn't it. It's also het and the story points are vastly different though, so I don't think it's the best reference point.

Just for fun and so I have an excuse to re-read her yuri stories, I've categorized them. A lot are Touhou, which may be why not everybody's familiar with them. Some may not be considered yuri by everybody and the categorizing is my interpretation.

Sad/bad/bittersweet endings: Tsukinaki, Luminous Butterfly, Unfair Randomizer, Soft Enclosure, Nagi wo Matsu 1, The Idol Diagonally Opposite Me

Ambiguous endings (ambiguous in terms of whether it's yuri/how things go after story ends): Research on a Certain Flower, Guardian of Scars, Always in Profile, Q's Copyist

Happy endings/yuri couple: Silver Fire, Spectral Feelings, Relation Valley, The Bittersweet Blue, Mokoukeine short comic, Imaginary Anata, Happiness is the Shape of a Wound, Halloween Oneshot, Commearification

Pretty even spread all things considered, slightly weighted in favor of happy endings. The more important thing to keep in mind is these stories are written in a way which lend themselves to the ending that completes them. There are no plot twists or bittersweet endings which come out of no where. With how long Bloom has been going on, and how much we've seen of its direction, I think it's highly unlikely there'll be a bad ending.

last edited at Jun 1, 2018 4:47AM

Huh my first thought was just Touko accepting the offer became a possibly healthy step for reasons I hadn't thought about. I still can't see her doing it longterm, because the root of how she began acting in the first place (not just the play but everything) is embedded with her sister, but this makes sense, that she would try it out as a way of claiming what's hers. Maybe she could do it long term if she fully reclaims it? That would be interesting, if she could become her own person through and seperate from acting.

This chapter was definitely exciting, like a mini-climax. Last few pages near the end were spectacular and I can't wait to see more.

I don't know why people think there's going to be a bad ending, this is probably the best start to their relationship that there could be? Touko is getting her own life and doesn't need to tell Yuu everything immediately anymore, her neglecting to tell Yuu about joining the troupe is understandable from the standpoint that there is a new change to their relationship, where they're moving away from extreme codependence but not yet into dating / stability. Touko's just excited about everything going on, so that Yuu isn't at the top of her mind temporarily. But that doesn't mean Touko's forgotten about her, not when Touko says she loves Yuu, acknowledges and appreciates everything Yuu's done for Touko, and swoops in for a tender hug. I think those are both good signs and they're getting there.

Yuu was honest with herself!!! She's letting herself entertain the possibility of confessing! I don't fault her for not admitting it fully before, I've found from my own experiences that the more fragile a relationship is, the harder it is to admit anything which might break that, especially to yourself.

last edited at May 28, 2018 4:12PM

Very shallow story. Has got to be the most generic style I've seen in a few months.

What a heavy dose of tragedy. I can only wonder how they'll keep on living their lives.

I'm amused.

Surprised there were people who read this as if it were a real relationship; seems like fantasy fulfillment to me, or even comedy. I thought it was funny.

Before page 13, main thought was this had a surprisingly extensive story for what looked like a porn manga (based on the tags). Page 13 after, porn manga expectation confirmed with ridiculous plot twist and sudden sex. Despite that, this might be the second sex-heavy yuri that I've ever liked. More tasteful than expected. Communicating with each other during sex, teaching each other, and bringing up practical matters like how familiar somebody else is with their body, without seemingly attempting to be arousing? Shocking.

I'll forgive the splash-tastic artwork just cause I guess there's an audience it's aimed at, and writing execution's better than many others I've read of the same genre.

Would you say someone taking a say 500 year old vampire for a lover - who looks like she is 13, is doing anything wrong? I'm thinking no - at least from her perspective.

And I'm sure that her and her lover's perspectives are what matter here, just as it is for any relationship where involved parties have full autonomy.

last edited at May 8, 2018 11:40PM