Awww not another "dropped" manga

There are updates on manhuascan.com

Looks like the (official) version is the censored play/apple store ap friendly version. So I would recommend the non-"official" version. (Kinda sucks that Pocket Comics picked it up, since they don't offer non-censored versions on their official site like INKR.)

It's not a sexual series, despite it's subject material so there wouldn't be much of a difference.

last edited at Apr 16, 2024 3:04PM

^ @ Random_Bird
Unless I misunderstood what you're saying, Dungeon Meshi is completed and has been for a bit now.

last edited at Apr 16, 2024 12:42PM

I enjoyed this. It is a bit of an extreme way of dealing with a caregiving, overly codependent, "friend" by an individual with terrible self-esteem. Junna feels guilty around Nana, knowing as long as she (Junna) is "unsuccessful" the caregiving Nana will always sacrifice to support her. So, she decides to separate herself from the equation, at least until she's reached a point where she has confidence and is "self-sustainable." She doesn't contact Nana much until then because seeing a struggling Junna might trigger Nana's need to support her (Nana's "motherly" ways, as they say in the story). Extreme, (hell) yes but still touching. I expect Junna would have been hurt but accepting if Nana had found someone else in the meantime, but it works out for them both in the end.

last edited at Apr 16, 2024 7:46AM

She's thinking of disappearing that plushie but doesn't want to hurt Utena's feelings. She'll be lost deep in thought for hours, trying to figure out a solution.

last edited at Apr 15, 2024 9:05PM

Without taking sides, I just find it fascinating how far the pendulum swings here. One party claims to see signs of grooming here, whereas another claims that there is, in fact, nothing special going on between these two.

Really makes you think how art is always in the eye of the beholder...

Yeah it's funny isn't it?

last edited at Apr 15, 2024 1:35PM

Takamine this chapter:

Going to school: I sleep.

Seeing (future) girlfriend on the train: real shit.

Got her priorities in order.

She's always liked Kiwi, right from the start.

But certainly not to the extent Kiwi likes her. There's a reason nothing happened in the hotel in the end.

That wasn't because she didn't like her enough. It was a pretty typical plot device. I won't get into it much further since that's years old by this point and their relationship has long since progressed. Anyway it's spun, that situation (and their "fight" which we also haven't mentioned) was not a rejection of Kiwi but a stepping stone for and promise between them. Utena was never genuinely uncomfortable with Kiwi. They were positioned as 1a/1b right from the jump and only got closer as the series went on. Pretty normal romantic progression.

last edited at Apr 15, 2024 12:54PM

Meanwhile Kiwis very introduction was setting up their compatibility [...]

Kiwi's very introduction set her up as an insane stalker constantly making Utena very, very uncomfortable. Looking for anyone else to pair Utena with has little to do with love for rivals-to-romance or anything like that, it's just Kiwi being the absolute worst.

Utena wasn't ever uncomfortable. It was a gag (and a common one in manga) but that was never real and has continued not to be real. She's always liked Kiwi, right from the start. Kiwi is the worst in a manga about "villains" who sexually dominate their rivals? I don't see it. You might dislike Kiwi (and that's fine) but Utena never shared those negative feelings. Those two truths have to be separated.

last edited at Apr 15, 2024 9:11AM

We've come so far from people doubting whether this manga was even yuri, lol.

I dunno if you're reading the same comment section as me, but people were arguing about it not long ago saying it was yuribait. I'm sure it'll come up again.

To be fair, there's still a pretty good chance that we won't see anything definitive as far as confirmed romance goes. It all depends on how you define ''bait'' in the end.

Based on how she normally talks about the series, I'm expecting something like what Yukiko does with her pairs ("Futaribeya," also the recently posted "Cry for the Moon"). Both authors describe their character relationships and their intentions in similar ways. We'll see though.

Except that's not really how any of Sumiko's other works go. Like a lot of Yukiko's oneshots are subtext too. None of Sumiko's are.

As I mentioned, I am basing my opinion on Sumiko's interviews and comments about this series. When discussing this series Sumiko sounds similar to Yukiko when she discusses her own character relationships. I know about Sumiko's other works (like them too) but that doesn't mean every series will be the same. I love Futaribeya anyway, so it's not a negative. It's also just an impression I get.

last edited at Apr 14, 2024 4:38PM

We've come so far from people doubting whether this manga was even yuri, lol.

I dunno if you're reading the same comment section as me, but people were arguing about it not long ago saying it was yuribait. I'm sure it'll come up again.

To be fair, there's still a pretty good chance that we won't see anything definitive as far as confirmed romance goes. It all depends on how you define ''bait'' in the end.

Based on how she normally talks about the series, I'm expecting something like what Yukiko does with her pairs ("Futaribeya," also the recently posted "Cry for the Moon"). Both authors describe their character relationships and their intentions in similar ways. We'll see though.

last edited at Apr 14, 2024 1:13PM

Read this a while ago but nice to check in again.

I've been too long on this site because I can no longer tell if this is ironic or serious.

Same.

I feel like Subtext would be a more appropriate tag since there’s nothing really explicitly romantic about their interactions

It's tagged yuri officially and by a yuri author.

last edited at Apr 14, 2024 11:42AM

I was so worried Miyako would break up with Ayako to "protect" her. I'm so glad they didn't go down that route.

Also what stage is their relationship right now. They've dated for months now, are sharing a bed, and taking baths together. But I don't think I've seen them kiss once yet. Is it implied to have happened off screen?

They're a couple, that's all.

There's no need for more.

Yeah, I'm confused too lol. I mean sure, they're a couple but after a while you'd start wondering if you haven't kissed like, does this person even like me? are they asexual? what's going on? I'm here waiting for the kiss like o__O

There's a lot they do we don't see. Still, we know they're a happy couple. I think that's what Kirin was saying. As you said, they've been dating for months, are living together, are sharing the same bed, taking baths together, planning to meet each other's families, and discussing permanent life decisions. Isn't that more than enough?

last edited at Apr 12, 2024 4:56PM

I think Aki's feelings for Shiho have always been strong, especially after Shiho left. In my opinion, Aki caught romantic feelings for Yori in a natural manner while Shiho was still present, meaning that Shiho did not impress her heart just by "being there". Once Aki lost both Yori (to Himari) and Shiho (her leaving), she kept chasing Shiho but not Yori. Aki could absolutely have been a villain of sorts in this story and attempted to jeopardize Yori's relationship, but she chose to let it go. Does this mean that Aki is just nice? Or does it mean that her love is not that strong? Does she just want to have Yori by her side? If she truly was in love, wouldn't she at the very least have confessed after Himari came into play?

Meanwhile, whenever the topic is about Shiho, Aki goes out of her way to attempt to get her back. She becomes stubborn, annoying (to Shiho), and just puts herself in front of Shiho. She is not afraid to tell her that she wants her back, and after Shiho confessed, her feelings became all scrambled. I think she might even see a little of herself in Shiho, since she also hid her feelings from Yori.

Nothing to add (and not really responding to what I've quoted) but wanted to say I agree with your discussion of their relationship, especially of Aki's feelings. Your breakdown mostly mirrors my feelings about them and my understanding of Aki's consistent pursuit of Shiho.

last edited at Apr 12, 2024 11:52AM

Well, anyway, my earlier thesis that Kiwi has won the shipping war still stands, and I am very okay with that. :-)

Personally I think the manga has been entirely unambiguous with this. Sayo and Utena just have compatible kinks. There's not much in the way of actual romance between them. Utena and Kiwi, on the other hand, have had several chapters specifically about their feelings. The relationship dynamics in the manga seem extremely obvious to me. Hell, Kiwi has even started playing with Azur/Sayo in her own way to bond with Utena.

You're 100% right, there's no debate there. I think they must have meant shipping wars by fans? As you say, the canon material is extremely clear.

"Shipping" typically only refers to fan activity, as do "shipping wars", so yeah, that's what I meant. :-) Back around chapter 24, Kiwi had not made her move yet, Azul had just unlocked her La Verita, and the chemistry between her and Utena was great, so she had looked like a serious contender. But that was seven volumes ago, and the author seems to have made up their mind on Baiser x Leopolt endgame since then.

Yeah. That's what I figured you meant. I think we've discussed this before, as well? Anyway, thanks for further clarifying, even though I think your meaning was clear the first time.

Personally I feel romantic tension in the shared kinks that Sayo and Utena have. The story probably doesn't though, sadly.

Yes, it definitely doesn't and Utena has said that a few times, including the very meta chapter 43. Still fun to ship if you want though. Doesn't (have to) hurt anyone.

last edited at Apr 12, 2024 7:33AM

Well, anyway, my earlier thesis that Kiwi has won the shipping war still stands, and I am very okay with that. :-)

Personally I think the manga has been entirely unambiguous with this. Sayo and Utena just have compatible kinks. There's not much in the way of actual romance between them. Utena and Kiwi, on the other hand, have had several chapters specifically about their feelings. The relationship dynamics in the manga seem extremely obvious to me. Hell, Kiwi has even started playing with Azur/Sayo in her own way to bond with Utena.

You're 100% right, there's no debate there. I think they must have meant shipping wars by fans? As you say, the canon material is extremely clear.

last edited at Apr 12, 2024 6:47AM

I don't think Shion necessarily needs to or should "trauma dump" on Haruna, but she definitely needs to talk to Haruna because Haruna herself wants to know what is going on. I don't think in this particular situation "closure" is a bad thing for two people who want to repair their relationship. As it is right now, I think it is way worse for Haruna, who also has really low self esteem, to think she did something wrong for Shion to break off their friendship than it is for her to find out it's because of Shion's unrequited feelings and guilt.

We're in agreement, then--that's what I was saying. She needs to continue talking with Mona, who has offered to help her through her feelings and then after coming to a better place she can calmly talk with Haruma and explain what's happened. That would be appropriate closure. I also agree about Mona and Shion's relationship and dynamics this chapter. Hopefully, Shion recognizes how natural she is with Mona, just as Haruma and Michiru are so natural together.

last edited at Apr 11, 2024 10:55AM

One of my favorite characters incoming. This series is one of the best. Really love the relationship building between the entire cast.

So like did they just not talk about it and just kinda chilled out and immediately go to bed? Lol

They didn't immediately go to bed. She took care of her, calmed her down and is giving her space. It's not always best to jump right into those discussions, especially after your loved one is breaking down crying and clearly in distress. She's more focused on comforting her for now.

last edited at Apr 11, 2024 9:54AM

The idea of "closure" these series propose has always been selfish to me but maybe that's my hangup.

I think that was precisely what Mona was getting at.
Her whole point is that being selfish and doing selfish things is just something people do. That being in love with someone (and thus projecting their feelings onto them) is inherently selfish to some extent.

She also never says that it doing so isn't wrong, or that she shouldn't feel bad at all, which i feel is important. Just that nobody is a saint and Shion shouldn't wallow in self-hatred like she's the worst person ever just bc she's, y'know, acting like people do.

The impression I got was that Mona now wants Shion to vent her frustrations, how she felt and how she still feels to Haruma and to do so for closure. So they would be continuing that selfish act, rather than avoiding it. That's what my response was focused on.

That kind of thing is unnecessary to me and serves mostly to make the venter feel better at the expense of someone they claim to care for, yet many series treat the act like a good thing. I'd rather (and still hope) that she continues talking with Mona (who is trying her best to show her worth to Shion), comes to terms with her feelings together, and then meets Haruma after she's overcome her issues. She doesn't need to trauma dump on Haruma, for "closure."

last edited at Apr 11, 2024 9:51AM

How about we don't dump all this stuff on Haruma and you just move on, on your own without burdening her too? She's not a stress release ball and you know she doesn't feel the same way. The idea of "closure" these series propose has always been selfish to me but maybe that's my hangup.

Beyond that, Haruma is indeed finding out what it feels like to miss Michiru. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" or "Absence reveals what the heart was fond of all along."

last edited at Apr 11, 2024 8:27AM

Purple Library Guy posted:

And while she did disappear suddenly, unless I'm misinterpreting what is being said they still seem to be saying that she gave a farewell concert the first time.

It's said in the very first chapter. She announced she was retiring in the middle of a concert, without informing the staff and without giving any explanation. So it was not a proper retirement concert.

https://dynasty-scans.com/chapters/maitsuki_niwatsuki_ooyatsuki_ch01#4

Yes, plus this is pretty normal crisis management. It's really not that our there. At the end of the day, there is a crisis coming and they need all their "pieces" in order to be moved around as necessary.

last edited at Apr 11, 2024 7:05AM

Yeah, the only way this chapter makes ANY sense at all is if the director is her mom.

Not her mom. Why would she need to be her mom anyway?

last edited at Apr 10, 2024 11:55PM

Hello....anyone knows about this one? ;_; Is there any new chp?

There's a chapter 15 and 16 (both happier than the last). 15 is entirely of our couple and really touching. 16 is from the perspective of our glasses friend and also lighthearted. Beyond that it's released whenever. It's a relaxed series though, so it's not in the middle of anything dire.

Speaking of: I don't get those who worried about something nefarious from this series or who saw something potentially romantic in Ayane's scenes with Micchan.

The series answered Ayane's background rather early: she's been alone, depressed after a bad breakup and hasn't gone to school in a year. As a result she's become a bit awkward and jaded but works through that with Sana. Ayane loves Sana dearly and has shown that many, many times.

As for Micchan, Ayane was teasing her because she suspected Micchan might have feelings for her girlfriend. She wanted to figure that out for defensive purposes. At times she was blunt about her jealousy of Micchan's closeness to Sana (sometimes showing off in front of her) but most of the time Ayane chose to be subtle. She was never interested in sharing and Micchan was never interested either. The story is rather straightforward and fluffy. Speaking of--time for a reread.

last edited at May 14, 2024 9:35PM

I think a big part of it is she was the leader of the group and she left suddenly under mysterious circumstances though the group tried to frame it as friendly. We know they are friendly...but she did leave suddenly, she is hiding things related to her real image, and didn't leave in good terms with the director.

They are at this moment in a transition period trying to rebrand the group with a new leader and new album. And just as they were doing that (tho in reality the new leader is stressed out and has unfinished feelings about the old one and iirc contributed to her being sucked back in a bit) she's spotted with the group again. Drama.

In their kind of media sensitive universe they'd see that as spoiling their transition plans as she's able to suck the oxygen out of their crafted media space just by fans getting a glimpse of her with them and the rumors from that.

If she "rejoins" the firm they could just spend a few months scripting her fake life again, make a story out of it, have some scripted appearances, and smooth it out on both sides. If she doesn't she'll just get hounded more since there is red meat out there about her potential return or invented member drama...only without their help with scripting and potential damage to her real life with her gf.

And keep in mind her entire public persona is fake and she's hidden her real self this whole time and she's a big softy who is just trying to restart her life as herself. It seems ridiculous, but if you follow headlines from Japan and Korea real life is way weirder than fiction when it comes to idol stuff.

Exactly. They want more control over the narrative and for that they need her close and listening. They don't like unpredictability and they won't support her for "free."

last edited at Apr 10, 2024 7:29PM

Dang, all the predictions that Komachi were the villain were completely wrong. We fell into the same trap her relatives and everyone else did.
With no villain in sight, it seems like we're speeding into the endgame. I loved the series overall. I'm glad I could experience it with the rest of you

I think the author mentioned it's winding down as well.