"Do you know? The ume flower - plum blossoms - bloom earlier than most flowers. They blossom in the snow and lead winter into spring. But sakura flowers - cherry blossoms - burst into full bloom in spring. It practically symbolizes spring while it blossoms along with all the other flowers. Cherry blossoms will not bloom when there's still snow. But when it's too warm, plum blossoms will wither. A sakura can never become an ume. And there's no need for it to change, either." [Togame]
I love how, through the stories of the new (and side) characters like Akari/Mitsuki and Natsuki, Sakura's character is being fleshed out. This Volume's focus is put on those three, and Sakura's there from start to finish, but it's not his presence that matters the most, he's the core of the storyline despite not standing directly in the spotlight. Through Akari and Natsuki we have the opportunity to look into Sakura's mind, his past insecurities and get glimpses of the version of Sakura before coming to Furin. It wasn't anything big, just small things here and there, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I hope that we will get to see and find out more about our favorite cat from now on ☺️
Anyways.
"Sakura-san, you've really grown into a fine grade captain! At this rate you're gonna become the top of Furin in no time!" "Huh?" "Wait, Sakura-san, didn't you come to Furin so you could be the top dog here?" "Uhm... Yeah... But..." "I'm sure you've done a lot of thinking. And if you tell us that you really do want to be the top of Furin, then I'm gonna carry you all the way up!"
Sakura's being more and more acknowledged by his friends who get more and more inspired by him and want to support him in his initial goal to become the top of Furin. It's so cute, and sweet, and heartwarming how loved Sakura already is! But that's not the point that I want to make. What was interesting, though, was how different the view of the boys was from Sakura's. They spoke loudly (and proudly) about their need to support their beloved leader's goal, without any clue what Sakura thinks and feels about it. Unknowingly to them, Sakura's being drowned by his dark thoughts and insecurities, no longer being as brave and confident about his goal as he used to be.
"I came to Furin, so I could take down their boss and conquer the school. But... to be the top, you have to have something you want to achieve. And only those who will always win, no matter who they fight, can become the leader. Damn it. I don't know what I have to do to be just like Umemiya." [Sakura]
"A sakura can never become an ume. And there's no need for it to change, either. That's because a sakura is its own being." [Togame]
Bless the author for creating Togame's character! It's not news that I adore with all my heart every moment when characters, despite not being related, act like true siblings should. And Togame is like an older brother for Sakura, despite, well, being enemies before. I love how fond Togame always looks when Sakura's near and how he's always there when Sakura needs support. This time was not an exception. I squealed when Sakura decided to open up to Togame about his worries and I teared up reading the beautiful words Togame used to give his little brother the advice he needed to hear. Sakura was convinced that he needed to be like Umemiya to achieve his goal, but Togame was there to show him that his way of thinking is wrong. He doesn't need to follow Umemiya's footsteps. All he needs to do is to find his own way. There is no need for him to become another Hajime Umemiya. He just needs to be the one and only Haruka Sakura.
I like the little story with Mitsuki and Akari, and I like the introduction of the little orphan girl, Natsuki. Her relationship with Sakura is so cute, they are like siblings already which, as you know, is something I adore. I just wonder where we are heading with all of this. Are these characters involved with the new arc somehow? I also have a question about another new character, Shishitoren's Wanijima. He seems like a nice person, very supportive of his friends, but... But he's too nice. I can't shake the feeling that he's up to no good. He is all smiley, but he has snake-eyes, and snake-eyes are never good! I hope that I'm wrong, but, honestly, I don't think I am. Anyways, that's the last available volume that I could read. The next one should be released around December, I think. I will be waiting patiently for it to come out ☺️
I love how the author takes his time to let the story breathe and to develop his characters before introducing a new conflict. I absolutely love the conversation Sakura has with Jo. tho I'm still upset I didn't get what I thought I would in chapter 191 but that's okay.
Bueno tampoco me quiero repetir mucho con todos los volúmenes anteriores, porque cuando empiezo a hablar de Wind Breaker no hay quien me frene fr.
La pelea de Kiryu y Sakura vs La pandilla esa me ha encantado. Lo que más suelo disfrutar de este manga es toda la parte de amistad y de crecimiento personal. Pero ver una pelea de vez en cuando es algo que nunca me dejará de gustar jahajahsjshd.
Y me encanta que poco a poco Sakura vaya viendo que es muy querido, y que se merece tener gente a su alrededor que lo quiera.
El momento que ha llamado a Togame para decirle lo del festival de verano… no voy a ser yo la más shippeadora (lo soy), pero 🥺.
Me encanta la parte de reflexión de Sakura sobre lo de ser el más fuerte de Bofurin, y en general la conversación que tiene con Togame sobre ese tema.
Y ya para acabar, la parte del orfanato y de la niña… me hizo mucha gracia que Sakura haya pasado de ser un socially awkward que no entiende como ni porque los humanos se relacionan, a ser una social butterfly que es capaz de hacer entrar en razón a una niña que está sufriendo.
A todo esto, me acabo de dar cuenta que la siguiente portada QUIZÁ SEA DE KOTOHA😭😭😭 OJALÁ. Y tengo muchas ganas de ver el Lore de Sakura, de Suo y de Nirei (que de los 3 es del que mas sabemos, pero se sabe bastante poco 😓).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The stuff with Kiryu and his sister wrapped up nicely, I was kinda hoping for more with his family but I understand it's not something that can just be solved so quickly. We got a beautifully emotionally, cheerful and almost hopeful summer festival with the Furin and Shishitoren boys hanging out, and Sakura talking to Togame about his future at the top. I'm really beginning to like their friendship, especially because it feels different to Sakura's friendship with the Furin boys. The story then moved to a focus on the orphanage, where a new kid is being brought in. Natsuki only bonding with Sakura after rushing off was sweet, especially because it seems like they have similar pasts. I just know Sakura's backstory is going to be tragic and upsetting. But first, we get Kotoha's backstory with Umemiya.
Mon amour pour Sakura est infini et si ces personnages étaient réels je serais tellement reconnaissante qu’il soit entouré des gens qui l’entourent 🥹 Ces deux derniers tomes m’ont encore plus rappelés pourquoi j’aime cette série que ce soit le festival avec Togame, le passage à l’orphelinat ou ce début d’arc avec Momijika j’adore j’adore. (En plus on va enfin en savoir plus sur le passé de Sakura par pitié j’ai tellement tellement hâte)
We finished up last deep character dive and start now on the our restaurant owner which bleeds a little in to Sakura's background. Still very enjoyable to me and the art is still very cute. This fight club with a heart of gold still is going strong keeping their town and people they care about safe.
I really enjoy volumes like this. It gives us a little snapshot of Sakura and how he's actually developing and learning as person who can be depended on. Love him to pieces
listen I happen to know what's coming up in (some of) the chapters ahead. and I'm scared. but the power of friendship will make everything okay... right?
(Aviso: lectura hecha en ejemplar en español, publicado en México. La presente nota se modificará cuando se dé de alta en GR la edición correspondiente).
This volume wraps up the story line from volume 22. Then everyone goes to a festival hosted by Shishitoren. Sakura has a great conversation with Togame, who is one of my favorite extras. Then Sakura meets a special someone. I have high hopes for this new character in future volumes. This series consistently delivers! 👍
UGHHHH things really start to come full circle like you can really see how much sakura has healed. the whole summer festival was great AND HIM AND TOGAME.... I SEE YALL (but no seriously it was so wholesome) and then sakura helping out and connecting with the girl at the orphanage LIKE HES GROWN SO MUCH. THATS MY FUCKING SON.