The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity 11

薫る花は凛と咲く [Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku] #11

by Saka Mikami

Two rival schools stand next door to each other: one for elite ladies, one for good-for-nothing boys. But one of those boys might just be a naturally chivalrous diamond in the rough, and one of those girls might be a little more open-minded than is proper...

This cute and twisty manga spin on Romeo and Juliet is the latest hit in Japan, coming to print from a successful digital-first release!

To be as far as the vast shore with the farthest sea…

While Kaoruko formally introduces herself as Rintaro’s girlfriend to his parents, the Chidori boys, Subaru, and Madoka enjoy a day out together at the arcade—a vision of friendship beyond schools. The seasons change, and with cooler temperatures comes a highly-anticipated school event: the overnight field trip! Chidori and Kikyo may be visiting different places, but is that enough to stop Kaoruko and Rintaro from sharing new experiences with each other?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Contemporary, Slice Of Life, Comics, Young Adult, Coming Of Age

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2024

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a little hard on this for being a tad too pure and innocent at times - legitimately it might take twenty volumes before Rintaro and Kaoruko actually miss - but this time out brings a new issue: predictability.

Several things get added to this volume and I would debate whether any of them ever needed to be considered. This once more survives because it’s wholesome nature is so annoyingly satisfying, but this might be one of my least favourite volumes yet.

The class trip is a big excuse to extol the virtues of Okinawa and Kyoto, but this has been done to death so much that I’m looking for a fresh take, no matter how adorable it is to see Kaoruko attacked by deer.

It’s not a shock that Rintaro had never gone on any of his other trips, so this mini-arc of him not caring and then suddenly being invested isn’t especially interesting. Now, the way our leads get a lot of photos from one another is cute and definitely the best part of it all, but that’s small potatoes (clever way to sneak in another yukata moment, I give you that).

Similarly, have we ever heard of this brother of Rintaro’s before? It’s like he manifested in the middle of the story and his arc, well, it’s also pretty predictable. This series has the friction of a greasy gopher and no problem can’t be solved by doing your best.

I mean, I was pleased that he was following his dreams of being a hairdresser, sure, but that turns into the origin story of Rintaro’s haircut. Yes, he was super important in the past, but why are we only hearing about this now?

And then we get the girl who secretly crushed on Rintaro in middle school. What is the point of this storyline? She was too concerned what others might think to do anything about this, but still talked to him. Yes, it is illustrative of how strong Kaoruko has been, but we’ve seen that in so many other ways.

This feels wonky. Besides the fact that a rival story has no chance of any traction in a series like this, it flies directly against Rintaro’s own depiction of his middle school years. Even if he had a bad time, somebody was talking to him.

It’s too bad - I could see her story being incredibly well-done (and maybe it will surprise me) - but it feels out of place in this one. A wrinkle added where none truly needed to exist. Combined with how it feels paradoxical to previous facts, it definitely sticks out in the wrong ways.

This has been a litany of complaints, but it’s because the core remains so tight and satisfying. Even with all this, the kind and wholesome nature shines through. And it’s not like Kaoruko and Rintaro are bad characters - probably my favourite moment involves something as simple as calling somebody cute.

If you’re not looking at this half as critically, you’ll probably be fine. That’s not a bad thing - what makes this great still makes it great, but it really felt like it overstuffed itself with out-of-nowhere characters to make this volume’s storylines.

3.5 stars - yes, it’s just inescapable that this feels like a lesser volume overall. It’ll still be good, I have no doubt, but I hope this isn’t sliding down towards a lower baseline than we’re used to seeing.

[Paula ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ✨ stars

I can't give it more bc gd don't allow it

[Estefany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este tomo se sintió mas un tipo de relleno, sí avanza la relación de Tsumugi y Kaoruko, pero ya no hay muchas cosas nuevas. Lo único destacado es la presentación del hermano mayor de Tsugumi, Soutarou.

[Pripri · Rating 3 out of 5]

No no no. Atras gata rompehogares...jajajaja

[jana ☆]

so cutieful

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars: I love this so much. The parents are done so well and the brothers, too.

Edit 2026: I love the big brother. And, the school trip in the beginning was cute.

[Jess | jadecanread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't help but bawl everytime the scene of baby Rintaro saying he wants to give up on everything comes up. IT HURTS SO MUCH.

ALSO HOW ARE ALL THE TSUGUMIS SO FINE.

Recap: school field trip, the girls and guys send pics of their trips in the group chat, meeting up and surprising Subaru for her birthday, gift exchange, Sotaro returns home, he's struggling with his stylist work, Daddy Tsugumi helps him through it, we learn that Sotaro helped Rintaro growing up, finding out about Kaoru, Rintaro calls her cute and she gets so shy it's cute, ending with Rintaro being stopped by a middle school classmate who will prob confess?

[Bawy{•_•} · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 3.75✨ ***

[charly · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL JUST BEAUTIFUL. AGAIN LOVED THIS VOLUME. The school trips were so cute. Like actually so wholesome. But the fact it was Rintaros first one made me so sad😭. Thank God his first omen was with the gang. I loved her kaoru and Rintaro sent photos back and forth and the same to the group. I LOVE THEIR LITTLE GROUP SO MUCH.
Sotaro is such a kind character like Rintaro. Their parents raised them right fr. I loved how Sotaro protected and stayed by Rintaro in his childhood days. He made sure to always never make him feel alone😭. “Even if you have given up, I haven’t” I CANNOT. TOO WHOLESOME 😭😭😭. Also love that hes a beautician. The thing about Rintaro being his first customer again too cute😭.
The whole date of Kaoru and Rintaro again was so so so adorable. Rintaro being nervous to call her cute, to actually doing it in the most poetic, romance coded way, to her reaction to it. TOO MUCH FOR MY LITTLE HEART😭. I truly love their relationship and how refreshing and wholesome it is like I JUST LOVE IT
I dont know about this new character from Rintaros past. Im not worried she’ll steal him from Kaoru but like why not move on from your crush on him? It’s been years and he didnt even recognise her. I just don’t know how to feel about her.
5 stars again for the most romantic piece of media ive ever read. 😍🥰

[RN_Hpesoj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably the most "slice of life" volume so far. It's definitely a feel-good, warm series. I really liked Rintaro's brother, Sotaro! He did so much for Rintaro that Rintaro doesn't even realize, such as the family outing when Rintaro saw the baker with the blonde hair and pierced ears, and suggesting Rintaro style his bangs up. These are pivotal moments!! I also liked the exploration of maintaining a person's passion through Sotaro's hairstyling and Rintaro's dad's baking cakes. Also, a new character is introduced at the end that seems to have a thing for Rintaro. I really don't see this series moving towards a cliché love triangle, but it's also because Rintaro only cares for Kaoruko, so we'll see where it goes in volume 12! Just gotta wait until April 7th 2026 for it to come out...

[cio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pure sweetness from start to finish. I loved seeing both groups out on their trip, showing off their dynamics and sending each other those silly, adorable photos. What really stood out, though, was how much love surrounds Rintaro at home. His kindness makes perfect sense once you see how his parents and especially Sotaro care for him. And let’s be real, Sotaro totally stole the show. He’s stylish, caring, and ridiculously handsome, plus the way he supports Rintaro with dating advice was so heart-melting. That advice led to the cutest date moment between Rintaro and Kaoruko and her reaction was everything. This volume perfectly balanced group fun, family warmth and that sweet, fluttery romance that makes the series so special.

[rory (jess' version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

rintaro's family is healing me. they're so supportive of each other and they care for each other so much. the parents really did well in raising their kids <3

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo manga è un gioiellino ❤️

[edy · Rating 4 out of 5]

rintaro's parents and brother are so supportive !!!! god i love this family so much

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

this series heals generational trauma

[Shawnyece · Rating 4 out of 5]

They are so cute ! I’m glad we finally got to see Rintaros brother finally! Can’t wait for the next volume!

[Paula Molina Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pero porque son tan lindos?! 🥹🥹

[Juju ♡ ～('▽^人) · Rating 4 out of 5]

adorable !!!!! adorable, adorable, adorable!!

[Heather’s Reading Bubble · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel good series for me. I always end up with a smile on my face while reading it because all of these kids are too cute. I really liked the introduction of Rintaros brother as I am always a sucker for strong sibling bond stories and scenes in all forms of media. Part of me was annoyed but the end introduction of Nabata because I find it unnecessary to have another character in this story as well as once with a crush on Rintaro but another part of me liked it because it was an extremely realistic depiction of an unrequited crush. Whenever I need a quick pick me up I know I can come to this series to smile and be happy.

[kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

no miscommunication no stupid problems, los amo demasiado, además la confesión de Rintaro fue lindisima, los dos son increíbles, and the friendship between them is absolutely cute, todos son lindossss <33

[bea &#x1fab4;]

sotaro 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ god i love rin’s family so much

[ang໒꒱ ⋆ﾟ⊹ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this manga could stop making me tear up every chapter, that would be great.

[Hang Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this manga is so emotional.it made me cry so many happy tears

[tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rintaro’s brother so nice 🥲

[sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure if I’m happy about this middle-school classmate arc or not.
I don’t expect a love triangle or anything because it’s not like Rintaro would ever choose Satsuki over Kaoruko.

I am glad that we get to see some more of Rintaro when he was younger! And they’re just confirming his character
traits and proving that he was still the same person back then as he is now.

But it sort of defeats the purpose that “nobody even dared to make eye contact with him”because a girl fell in love with him, y’know? I would prefer it if it was that everyone stayed away from him but Kaoruko was the only one who saw what kind of a person he really was. If Kaoruko was the only one who saw how gentle of a soul he was.

Although, Kaoruko WAS the only one who had the strength to acknowledge him and defend him to others.
Someone said that “She’s the ‘what if’ version of Kaoruko who cared about how others perceived her actions” which is an interesting way to look at it.

And… of course Rintaro doesn’t remember her- he has the memory of a rock.

It only proves Usami’s statement that Rintaro’s so kind and does things for other people without even thinking.

I also love his brother and I want a new series featuring him 🙏🙏

[Vinsanty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good vibes all around. That’s how I would describe volume 13 of Fragrant flower blooms with dignity.

The volume starts with both girls and boys going on class trips, albeit to different towns. It was so cute to them sending photos of each other doing fun things. It was also good to see Rintaro doing things he hasn’t done yet in the past, things like going on trips with his friends.

Next, his brother Sotaro comes to visit. This guy just seems like the coolest guy ever to me. He did have a little problem with passion for his work, but a quick conversation with his dad reignited that. I’d love to see more of him.

I was actually thinking about how this manga doesn’t have a lot of drama but if the last chapter is any indication, we might be getting some very soon. A girl that liked Rintaro in middle school has showed up. Looking forward to that!

Another volume that I have no bad things to say about. 5 stars out of 5.

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great volume. It starts with both schools going on field trips, boys to Okinawa and girls to Kyoto, and for the first time ever, Rintaro attends too, because now he has friends to enjoy it with. The two groups share photos on group chat and it’s lovely and wholesome.

Most of the volume is about Rintaro’s older brother Sotaro coming home for a visit. There are chapters from his point of view where he reflects on Rintaro’s childhood and is happy that Rintaro is happy. But he doesn’t get to meet Kaoruko yet.

The volume ends with a chapter where a girl from Rintaro’s old school shows up. Rintaro doesn’t remember her, but she hasn’t forgotten him, because she actually had a crush on him. We’ll see where that leads.

This was a lovely change of pace. Looking forward to reading what happens next.

[maria cecília · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apenas perfeito, tem a junção de várias tropes de mangás shoujos, mas continua super legal. Primeiro a viagem escola, que mostra a aproximação entre o grupo de amigos das duas escolas e acho muito fofo ver como eles se aproximaram, apesar das diferenças. Segundo, uma festa de aniversário (da Subaru) que é uma personagem com muitas camadas e foi simplesmente muito fofo ver a evolução dela começar a se abrir mais pras pessoas e se permitir ter a experiência de novas coisas. E por último o surgimento do irmão do Rintarou, ele era uma incógnita, mas foi bom conhecer ele.

[Emilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading and I could not stop!

This was so wholesome OMGG, I recommend this sooo much it had me smiling, giggling, laughing and what else😜

The characters have all depth and a trademark which makes it really entertaining to follow the growth of their personalities. They are so relatable furthermore the way they handle difficulties with the help of their friends is amazing.
(I was literally cheering for everyone the whole time)

And the art style is sooo sweet💋
Loved it very much🙂‍↕️

PS: The hight difference of the main couple… iiaahahahahha SO GOOD😩😁

[IRV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es que los adoro a todos, como pueden ser tan sumamente monos 😭😭💗 El hermano mayor lo he adorado cada segundo, osea, necesito más de él, LA INTERACCIÓN DE SUBARU Y NATSUSAWA han sido migajas pero poco a poco tenemos el pan completo gente, y solo voy a decir QUE LA GATA ROMOE HOGARES NO SE ACERQUE si es en plan chill ser amigos sí, sino que se aleje, hay mucha felicidad como para que lo arruinen, y esta es mi dopamina mensual, no me la pueden amargar. En fin, otro 5 estrellas, si es que este manga nunca va a dejar de ser 5 estrellas 🥲💗