Yona of the Dawn Volume 9 is a pivotal volume, bringing together all four Dragon Warriors with the official inclusion of Zeno, the Yellow Dragon. Now a complete unit, dubbed the "Happy Hungry Bunch," (What a weird fucking name but cute too) they journey into the Fire Tribe's territory, only to discover widespread famine and oppression caused by corrupt officials. This dire situation makes Yona and her companions take action, leading them to embark on a Robin Hood-esque mission: subtly disrupting the corrupt system by redistributing resources from the powerful to the starving populace. This volume truly shines in its increased focus on Shin-ah, the Blue Dragon. His deepening backstory, coupled with his unwavering resolve to protect Yona, is compelling, and seeing his powers revealed was badass and a bit scary.
This volume showcases Yona's continued growth as a leader. She's shedding her sheltered past and confronting the harsh realities of her kingdom head-on, a transformation that's genuinely inspiring to witness. The dynamics within the "Happy Hungry Bunch" also remain a constant source of amusement. Their playful banter and bonds provide much needed levity amidst their serious situation, making their journey even more engaging as they work together to aid the common people.
However, the volume isn't entirely without its flaws. The final two chapters unfortunately dedicate a bit too much attention to the perpetually obnoxious character who betrayed Yona in Volume 1. While his swift leave is satisfying, the page count feels somewhat wasted on such a detestable figure. Despite that, the volume largely succeeds, emphasizing the growing camaraderie within the "Happy Hungry Bunch" and hinting at Su-won's ongoing activities, setting the stage for future developments.