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アオのハコ [Ao no Hako] #9
Blue Box, Vol. 9
Taiki Inomata loves badminton, but he has a long way to go before he can reach nationals.
When Taiki sees upperclassman Chinatsu Kano practicing her heart out on the girls’ basketball team, he falls for her hard. After an unexpected turn of events brings the two closer together, sports might not be the first thing on their minds anymore!
The joint training camp has begun, and Taiki must endure even tougher practices than usual. But all he can think about are Chinatsu and Hina! During the final night of the camp, Taiki finds himself alone with Hina once again and realizes he needs to be more honest with himself—and with her.
When Taiki sees upperclassman Chinatsu Kano practicing her heart out on the girls’ basketball team, he falls for her hard. After an unexpected turn of events brings the two closer together, sports might not be the first thing on their minds anymore!
The joint training camp has begun, and Taiki must endure even tougher practices than usual. But all he can think about are Chinatsu and Hina! During the final night of the camp, Taiki finds himself alone with Hina once again and realizes he needs to be more honest with himself—and with her.
216 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2023
13 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 6, 2024
As everybody heads off to training camp, the potential for lots of entanglements abound. With awkward games and romantic legends looming, it’s about to be the end of somebody’s world as they know it. And they won’t feel fine.
A highly enjoyable emotional pummelling is the quick summation of this volume and, while you would have had to never read a manga in your life to not see what’s coming, be advised that there will be many spoilers here.
Everything starts off as the usual fun and games. The king game makes its expected appearance, although it’s not especially exciting. Still, watching Ayame’s schemes to help Hina get closer to Taiki blow up are pretty funny.
It’s all designed to have Taiki unsure of everything to do with his affection for the girl he likes and what he thinks of the girl who likes him. Combined with the basketball guy getting closer to Chinatsu (Taiki’s reactions are brilliant), it’s a full meal of awkward.
Toss in some further exploration of how Hina feels about everything now that it’s in the open and you have a pretty solid story that gives enough for the volume to coast on.
But when has Blue Box ever been satisfied to just coast? Okay, yes, the first volume, but ignore that.
No, it’s time to emphasize that this has never been a love triangle, really. Taiki may have had to adjust his perceptions of Hina, and there’s a lot of discussion about how he’s seeing her as a girl for the first time, but at the end of it all he also knows who has his eye.
Oh, the brutality of this is really well done. The long shot of the empty gym when he finally tells Hina that they aren’t going to happen just drills home the loneliness of that moment, which will be subtly contrasted with a ‘lonely amongst a crowd’ moment sometime after.
Hina tries her best and it’s clear that, despite what she said, she really hoped that she could just keep putting in the effort and it would eventually pay off for her. And the story is fantastic about tackling the very real fallout that occurs from a rejection like this. So many times we never see what happens next and here we see how both people are dealing with it.
Wrapping what was such an important story beat now was such a smart idea as it maintains plot momentum even as the Chinatsu and Taiki relationship ekes forward slowly. Plus it gives plenty to do to the other best character - Ayame.
Everything about Ayame is absolutely winning and she’s like Hina, in terms of energy, but her personality is completely different. Her focus is on guys and having fun and I love that she’s never judged for it. As Hina has to be a more grounded character thid volume, Ayame is just let loose and steals scene after scene. This story has an abundance of fantastic characters and she’s still angling for the top spot.
And it eases the pain of the Hina situation (even the author seems to know she did her wrong) to see another romance brewing in the wings. You don’t make all that hay about people who are good friends not making good partners and then have two other characters suddenly going at it hammer and tongs.
It’s funny, it’s emotional, the characters are great and it juggles all that plus a little sports drama at the same time. For all that it breaks my heart how things turned out, I’m excited with the everything to come. That’s the sign of a good story.
4.5 stars - I feel parts of the training camp are a bit of a miss, the first chunk of this story is mostly okay, but seeing this then roar to life and take its characters’ feelings head on AND do it well makes for an ultimately fantastic read for a fantastic series.
A highly enjoyable emotional pummelling is the quick summation of this volume and, while you would have had to never read a manga in your life to not see what’s coming, be advised that there will be many spoilers here.
Everything starts off as the usual fun and games. The king game makes its expected appearance, although it’s not especially exciting. Still, watching Ayame’s schemes to help Hina get closer to Taiki blow up are pretty funny.
It’s all designed to have Taiki unsure of everything to do with his affection for the girl he likes and what he thinks of the girl who likes him. Combined with the basketball guy getting closer to Chinatsu (Taiki’s reactions are brilliant), it’s a full meal of awkward.
Toss in some further exploration of how Hina feels about everything now that it’s in the open and you have a pretty solid story that gives enough for the volume to coast on.
But when has Blue Box ever been satisfied to just coast? Okay, yes, the first volume, but ignore that.
No, it’s time to emphasize that this has never been a love triangle, really. Taiki may have had to adjust his perceptions of Hina, and there’s a lot of discussion about how he’s seeing her as a girl for the first time, but at the end of it all he also knows who has his eye.
Oh, the brutality of this is really well done. The long shot of the empty gym when he finally tells Hina that they aren’t going to happen just drills home the loneliness of that moment, which will be subtly contrasted with a ‘lonely amongst a crowd’ moment sometime after.
Hina tries her best and it’s clear that, despite what she said, she really hoped that she could just keep putting in the effort and it would eventually pay off for her. And the story is fantastic about tackling the very real fallout that occurs from a rejection like this. So many times we never see what happens next and here we see how both people are dealing with it.
Wrapping what was such an important story beat now was such a smart idea as it maintains plot momentum even as the Chinatsu and Taiki relationship ekes forward slowly. Plus it gives plenty to do to the other best character - Ayame.
Everything about Ayame is absolutely winning and she’s like Hina, in terms of energy, but her personality is completely different. Her focus is on guys and having fun and I love that she’s never judged for it. As Hina has to be a more grounded character thid volume, Ayame is just let loose and steals scene after scene. This story has an abundance of fantastic characters and she’s still angling for the top spot.
And it eases the pain of the Hina situation (even the author seems to know she did her wrong) to see another romance brewing in the wings. You don’t make all that hay about people who are good friends not making good partners and then have two other characters suddenly going at it hammer and tongs.
It’s funny, it’s emotional, the characters are great and it juggles all that plus a little sports drama at the same time. For all that it breaks my heart how things turned out, I’m excited with the everything to come. That’s the sign of a good story.
4.5 stars - I feel parts of the training camp are a bit of a miss, the first chunk of this story is mostly okay, but seeing this then roar to life and take its characters’ feelings head on AND do it well makes for an ultimately fantastic read for a fantastic series.
January 31, 2024
this has quickly become a comfort manga of mine omg 😭 i’m glad taiki was straightforward about his feelings but even though i knew it was coming i can’t help but feel bad for hina because she’s so heartbroken.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
I just finished Volume 9 (chapter 80) of Blue Box which is where the anime ends…and WOW, I’ve been absolutely glued to this series the past few days. The balance of slow-burn romance and intense sports moments, the way the characters feel so real… it’s just perfection for me and one of my favourite things that I have both read and watched :’).
My heart absolutely aches for Hina. Watching her go through this is tough, and I am excited to see how she bounces back from this or if she can even salvage her friendship with Taiki. But at the same time, I’m so happy with the progress between Taiki and Chinatsu!!! Every small step feels earned, and I really can’t help but root for them.
This is also a story for me where I truly have enjoyed and loved every single character!! Whether it’s bringing more emotional depth, pushing the sports side of the story or just adding humour, each character has seemed important and there isn’t really a single one that I haven’t cared about. Sure, there are some I like more than others, but overall, it’s just written beautifully.
I’ll be reading on past this point, and although I haven’t read past what season one of the anime is yet, I already can’t wait to see the rest translated onto screen for season 2 😄
My heart absolutely aches for Hina. Watching her go through this is tough, and I am excited to see how she bounces back from this or if she can even salvage her friendship with Taiki. But at the same time, I’m so happy with the progress between Taiki and Chinatsu!!! Every small step feels earned, and I really can’t help but root for them.
This is also a story for me where I truly have enjoyed and loved every single character!! Whether it’s bringing more emotional depth, pushing the sports side of the story or just adding humour, each character has seemed important and there isn’t really a single one that I haven’t cared about. Sure, there are some I like more than others, but overall, it’s just written beautifully.
I’ll be reading on past this point, and although I haven’t read past what season one of the anime is yet, I already can’t wait to see the rest translated onto screen for season 2 😄
May 13, 2025
Be prepared for some serious feels in Blue Box volume 9.
The response to Hina's love admission hits like a punch to the gut, and her reaction is so raw and real. I honestly wasn't expecting it to land with such force. Thankfully, the series' trademark humor is still present in the lead-up, offering a bit of levity.
Overall, another fantastic volume that seamlessly blends romance and sports.
The response to Hina's love admission hits like a punch to the gut, and her reaction is so raw and real. I honestly wasn't expecting it to land with such force. Thankfully, the series' trademark humor is still present in the lead-up, offering a bit of levity.
Overall, another fantastic volume that seamlessly blends romance and sports.
August 5, 2024
THE PAIN!!!! but it hurts so good~ ugggghhhhhh
April 30, 2025
4.5 stars. Poor Hina. I get why anime fans are mad about him hurting our girl. She is so precious.
Read
May 5, 2024Training camp arc ♡
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August 17, 2024Hmm. Now I’m smelling a possibility that Kyo and Ayame pair up. I don’t really wanna see that, as I still don’t like her much. She’s very immature, though it seems as if she did learn a little bit of a lesson about meddling since it went so badly. I am glad Taiki made his feelings clear to Hina so they could end the limbo. Most of his uncertainty seemed to come from other people causing him to doubt himself based on their own perception. I get that Hina liked him a lot, but her waiting in the wings while he chased after Chinatsu isn’t that great. She to,d him he didn’t need to give an answer, but honestly, his clear liking for Chinatsu IS an answer. Would she really want to date him if he agreed while liking another girl? That little interlude with Yumeka’s ex…why would he say all that right in front of her and another (cute) girl from his school? What a forced situation.
When it comes to the sports aspect… maybe I’m not enough of an athlete to emphasize with their feelings about losing. The truth of the matter is that someone has to lose. It doesn’t really reflect on being a good or bad player necessarily, every game is different. Sometimes you will have off days. But the same is true for your opponent. Each game should be approached as a new game with the same odds for winning as the previous. I understand if you are constantly defeated by the same opponent, you may have a psychological shadow when it comes to playing that person, but if you are continually matched up, that means you have a chance to win. I have thought that Hyaru should give more guidance to Taiki instead of mentally criticizing his methods and outlook.
The training camp puzzled me a little bit. It appeared that the basketball team had players that are boys. Did the girls badminton team come also?
When it comes to the sports aspect… maybe I’m not enough of an athlete to emphasize with their feelings about losing. The truth of the matter is that someone has to lose. It doesn’t really reflect on being a good or bad player necessarily, every game is different. Sometimes you will have off days. But the same is true for your opponent. Each game should be approached as a new game with the same odds for winning as the previous. I understand if you are constantly defeated by the same opponent, you may have a psychological shadow when it comes to playing that person, but if you are continually matched up, that means you have a chance to win. I have thought that Hyaru should give more guidance to Taiki instead of mentally criticizing his methods and outlook.
The training camp puzzled me a little bit. It appeared that the basketball team had players that are boys. Did the girls badminton team come also?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2025
I rate this 3.5 stars because I have shipped Taiki and Hina together, although it was obvious that wasn't going to happen, I'm still not happy about it. I know it's a silly reason to lower the rating of a book (although at first I was going to rate it 3 stars) but I can't help it. I just find Chinatsu boring and I don’t feel anything when Taiki and Chinatsu are together, there's no chemistry, they don't even feel siblings or friends to me, whereas Taiki and Hina are more interesting together and I just love Hina. I don't blame Taiki for telling her how he feels since he didn't want to hurt her but I still wish that they could have at least tried to go out and see what happens.
It just doesn't feel like the mangaka knows how to show a romantic relationship. Look at stuff like Fullmetal Alchemist (my most favourite series ever), Fairy Tail, Dandadan, etc, and a bunch of shojo and josei series and you can tell that the main characters are in love eith each other.
Ayame is such a good friend to Hina, she definitely turned out different than what I thought she would be like when she was introduced (I think it was in vol. 8)😊
Blog: nazreads.ca
Twitter: Naz_readsanime
Instagram: nazreads01, nazcosplay, nradesigns, charmedanimegirl01
It just doesn't feel like the mangaka knows how to show a romantic relationship. Look at stuff like Fullmetal Alchemist (my most favourite series ever), Fairy Tail, Dandadan, etc, and a bunch of shojo and josei series and you can tell that the main characters are in love eith each other.
Ayame is such a good friend to Hina, she definitely turned out different than what I thought she would be like when she was introduced (I think it was in vol. 8)😊
Blog: nazreads.ca
Twitter: Naz_readsanime
Instagram: nazreads01, nazcosplay, nradesigns, charmedanimegirl01
May 14, 2025
Blue Box Volume 9 brings the perfect blend of emotional depth, character development, and sports drama that makes this series so captivating. Taiki’s progress in badminton continues to be a focal point, but what stands out in this volume is the personal growth he experiences. The internal conflicts he faces are so relatable, and you can feel the weight of his struggles and triumphs on every page.
The relationship between Taiki and Chinatsu takes some beautiful, nuanced steps forward. They’re not just a couple in the traditional sense—they’re two people learning from and supporting each other while navigating their own ambitions. It’s a quiet, yet deeply moving evolution of their bond, and I love how their connection isn’t rushed but built over time.
The pacing is great, keeping the tension high while allowing for emotional moments to breathe. The artwork, as always, is stunning, capturing every expression and gesture with perfect clarity. By the end of Volume 9, I was once again left eagerly anticipating the next chapter. Blue Box continues to be an emotionally rewarding and motivating read, with its mix of heartfelt romance and the pursuit of personal dreams.
The relationship between Taiki and Chinatsu takes some beautiful, nuanced steps forward. They’re not just a couple in the traditional sense—they’re two people learning from and supporting each other while navigating their own ambitions. It’s a quiet, yet deeply moving evolution of their bond, and I love how their connection isn’t rushed but built over time.
The pacing is great, keeping the tension high while allowing for emotional moments to breathe. The artwork, as always, is stunning, capturing every expression and gesture with perfect clarity. By the end of Volume 9, I was once again left eagerly anticipating the next chapter. Blue Box continues to be an emotionally rewarding and motivating read, with its mix of heartfelt romance and the pursuit of personal dreams.
September 12, 2023
I know people hate the whole love triangle shtick but these chapters have one of the best writings of why love is a 2 way street, and why unrequited love sucks so bad. You can work so hard, give that person their space, but chemistry is chemistry, and if you dont have it, it wont work.
A crush/romance is unique in the sense that you can't throw everything you have at it and expect results like work or sports. It is like art, fickle and finicky. Working hard only applies to an existing relationship.
Also Kya's (glasses friend) analysis of love and relationships is always spot on, always been one of my favourite side characters apart from Hyogo, Karen and Nagisa.
A crush/romance is unique in the sense that you can't throw everything you have at it and expect results like work or sports. It is like art, fickle and finicky. Working hard only applies to an existing relationship.
Also Kya's (glasses friend) analysis of love and relationships is always spot on, always been one of my favourite side characters apart from Hyogo, Karen and Nagisa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2024
Thank you Edelweiss and Viz Media for this arc!
4/5 stars
Well this one definitely got a lot better as this volume went on. The unnecessarily manipulative tactics used on Taiki were just so annoying to me, but I'm so glad he was able to tell Hina how he felt and that she FINALLY didn't interrupt him and be like 'Oh no tell me later bc maybe you'll fall for me by then!' I'm sorry she had such heartbreak, but I'm glad she can now move on from Taiki. I'm excited to see the next volume and find out how Taiki and Chinatu's date went :3
4/5 stars
Well this one definitely got a lot better as this volume went on. The unnecessarily manipulative tactics used on Taiki were just so annoying to me, but I'm so glad he was able to tell Hina how he felt and that she FINALLY didn't interrupt him and be like 'Oh no tell me later bc maybe you'll fall for me by then!' I'm sorry she had such heartbreak, but I'm glad she can now move on from Taiki. I'm excited to see the next volume and find out how Taiki and Chinatu's date went :3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
"Blue Box" est un bon mangas, qui mélange habilement sport et romance. Pour l'instant, j'ai bien plus d'attachement pour les personnages secondaires que pour les héros mais avec les événements des derniers tomes, j'ai bon espoir que ça change. Que ce soit en amour ou en compétition, c'est un mangas sur la persévérance, sur l'honnêteté, sur la passion, sur les efforts, qu'ils aboutissent ou non. Je lirai la suite avec plaisir, même si je ne sais pas s'il y a matière à faire plus de vingt tomes. Affaire à suivre !
March 9, 2023
Misma lógica que los anteriores, llegamos al 90 y yo asumo que ahí termina el volumen. En parte fue meternos aquí y allá al hueón que juega basket que andaba de intercambio y es un sacoweas con Taiki para conquistar a Chinatsu xd Pero el plot importante del volumen es la introducción de Yumeka y lo que significa en el desarrollo de Chinatsu, lo encontré muy interesante y estuvo piola.
May 21, 2024
4.25/5
Another great volume! This volume has some great moments at the training camp, an important character moment for Hina and Taiki, and we get to learn more about Ayame. It's great to see the characters in a different setting and this volume leaves off with Taiki and Chinatsu off on another excursion.
Another great volume! This volume has some great moments at the training camp, an important character moment for Hina and Taiki, and we get to learn more about Ayame. It's great to see the characters in a different setting and this volume leaves off with Taiki and Chinatsu off on another excursion.
November 10, 2024
After so many volumes, finally this volume is full of clarity about Taiki's feelings. I like the training camp arc especially when it comes to playing cards. I still can't believe that Nishida's side job is a fortune teller hahaha. I agree with Taiki's argument. So I hope that in the future Taiki and Hina can still be friends.
July 2, 2025
Huhh... This is truly the most emotionally draining volume to read. Finally, Taiki clearly gave his answer to Hina about his feelings, but on the other hand, I also feel bad for Hina, who was heartbroken after being rejected by Taiki. But in any case, I'm relieved that there are no more lingering feelings between the two of them 🤧🤧.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2024
The drama! The emotions! It's been a long road of will they or won't they, in reference to both Chinatsu and Hina at this point, and it was so satisfying to finally get some definitive clarity. Can't wait to see where this goes next!!
February 12, 2025
El momento en el que se acaba !!!. Confieso que pensaba que iba a seguir más líneas tradicionales en ese punto. Lo cual quiere decir que hay pequeños cambios en el guion de chiques cisheteros que se enamoran en el isnti.
Hay clichés típicos, claro, pero una pequeña decisión que le da un toque ligeramente más actual.
Hay clichés típicos, claro, pero una pequeña decisión que le da un toque ligeramente más actual.
February 6, 2023
準備要棄坑了 應該說 我至少會再看一集 然後就不追了
等全部出完再一次看吧 除非下一集有劇情讓我好奇到需要看下去
因為我的ship just sunk = =
等全部出完再一次看吧 除非下一集有劇情讓我好奇到需要看下去
因為我的ship just sunk = =
April 25, 2023
Ch 71-80
Read on Viz manga app
Read on Viz manga app
September 16, 2023
Ayame y Hina :')
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November 27, 2023Hincha vitalicia del club atlético chiinatsu
January 15, 2024
Fun the first half 😄 Heartbreaking during the second half though 💔
March 5, 2024
(˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥) POOR HINA!!! I am glad that Taiki was straightforward with her, but damn her emotions and tears after really affected me. I loved seeing her and Ayame bonding in the bonus chapter!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2024
4.25/5 Stars
April 2, 2024
glad the gymnastics girl gets to have a friend she can hang out with
June 3, 2024
3.75 stars (rounded up)
July 25, 2024
This volume reminded me just how much I feel like I relate to Hina. (At least during this volume)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews