Fruits Basket, Vol. 14

フルーツバスケット [Fruits Basket] #14

by Natsuki Takaya, Alethea Nibley (Translator), Athena Nibley (Translator)

Isuzu loves snooping through Shigure's life, especially when she's totally convinced that he is hiding something. But when Tohru finds a passed-out Isuzu in the house, she tries to drag Isuzu to the hospital. Meanwhile, Yuki goes to the ASB student council room only to find it trashed again! But as the secrets of who vandalized the room come out of the closet, Yuki accidentally gets locked in one. Who will be the one to help him get out? The answer is right inside this next volume of the super-popular Fruits Basket, the world's most popular shojo manga!

Genres: Manga, Romance, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Fiction, Comics

202 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 2004

About the author

Name (in native language) : 高屋奈月

Natsuki Takaya (高屋 奈月 Takaya Natsuki, real name Naka Hatake) is the penname of a Japanese manga artist best-known for creating the series Fruits Basket. She was born on July 7, 1973; (Tanabata). Takaya is left-handed and once revealed that she wanted to be a mangaka since first grade, when her sister started drawing.

She was born in Shizuoka, Japan, but was raised in Tokyo, where she made her debut in 1992. She enjoys video games such as the Final Fantasy series or Sakura Wars, or working on her different manga series, such as Fruits Basket, which is the second best-selling shōjo manga ever in Japan, and the top selling shōjo manga in North America. Fruits Basket has also been adapted into a twenty-six-episode anime series.

In 2001, Takaya received a Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo manga for Fruits Basket.

According to Takaya (in a sidebar of a Fruits Basket manga volume), she enjoys drawing girls (girly ones) more than she does boys. Takaya also enjoys electronics and music, but dislikes talking about herself. Also revealed in a sidebar of Fruits Basket, Takaya broke her drawing arm (left) after Fruits Basket volume six was published. She had to go into surgery, and as a result, had put Fruits Basket on a brief hiatus. Takaya made a full recovery, but complains that her handwriting had gotten uglier, due to the surgery. During her hospital stay, she gained an interest in baseball.

Reviews

[Virginia Ronan ♥ Herondale ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the emotional vol. 13 this one was a lot slower again and I guess that’s okay. =) It unfortunately didn’t mean that my heart wasn’t broken by some of the characters though. >_< The entire Sohma family is a mess and I blame it all on Akito! *hmpf* Can’t help but wonder how this is going to end one day…

Highlights of this volume:

”Don’t jump around so much, don’t run, and make sure to watch where you’re going! Think of the next generation!”
“Yes, sir.”

Haha! Knowing Hiro’s mother I really wonder why he had so much trouble accepting Tohru as Kisa’s “Onee-chan”. I swear his mum is exactly like Tohru! Sweet, gentle, caring, cheery and clumsy as hell. *lol* Still, it was so cute that he’s worried about his mum and sibling! <333

”Rin thinks that she’s been “bad”. But who do you think is the one who’s being BAD here!?!”

Little Haru defending Rin was one of the best things ever!! I love those two and I really hope they can be together again. It killed me to see how much Rin hurts because of Akito and I’ll cross my fingers that Tohru and her will find a way to break that curse! >_<

”Kind people are clung to. They’re sought out and taken advantage of. By people like me. That’s why I won’t get them involved. I can do it on my own. I will keep running on my own.”

ARGH!!! When will Rin see that she’s no burden but a blessing for Haru?! It’s so obvious he loves her and it was so sad to see her break down in Tohru’s arms. T_T Seriously, with all those broken Sohma’s I really don’t know which to hug first. =(

”Saying you ‘won’t do it anymore’ doesn’t solve the problem. Both parties have to understand why you do it.”

I love Yuki and the student council. *lol* They are a bunch of crazy people and their interactions are so nice to watch. XD I really hope I’ll read even more about them because they all seem to be very intriguing characters. =)

[Delirious Disquisitions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this volume. Yuki's realization at the end makes sense specially in light of the events in this volume. Tohru, in following her mother's footsteps, has been a mother figure for all these kids. Even though she's the same age as most of the zodiac charcaters, and in some cases even younger, she acts as a surrogate mother.

Tohru's unconditional love for these characters and the way she takes care of them is a stark contrast to Akito's constant abuse and manipulation. Where she wins them over with affection, he binds them to him by force. I think its telling that Akito is threatened by the easy way Tohru attracts the zodiac characters to her.

Oh another note, I quite love the romantic pairings in this manga. This author is particularly good at showing mature, steady love as opposed to the flashy, superficial ones we so often see in shoujo mangas. Specially Haru and Rin who have grown on me as a couple this last few volumes. There's something about loving someone so completely, passionately, and unconditionally that just gets to me. Their relationship is almost an indication of what Tohru and Kyou could have one day. And with the way things are progressing, it seems that day is getting ever closer.

This volume contains chapters 78-83. 4 stars.

[literarylesbian · Rating 4 out of 5]

NAUR NOT THE FREUD REVEAL

[Saraí Elvir · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟
Sabía que Isuzu me iba a gustar y así fue terminé amandola! Ahora es mi personaje femenino favorito. Estoy cruzando los dedos para que Hatsuharu y Rin estén juntos por siempre. 🖤

[Avani ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isuzu is also so cute and fun to read about.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars.

[megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume didn't add a lot of elements that actually drive the story but it was interesting to see Rin's backstory with Haru and Yuki's backstory and revelation towards the end about Tohru! I still strongly dislike Akito (even more so to be honest).

[Rain Misoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

HJCFBJDGBCFYHDGCJDBHVIKDHUJDHCUFHDUVHDUHCVUDHCUDHVUDHVCUDHCVUDHFUIDHFVIHDCFUIHDUFVHDUIGHPPOIOOIWUEUUQUQUWHD!!!!!! THAT WAS SO CUTE!!! SO CUTE! I love this volume! It was so amazing! I mean… I was pretty depressed when I first started to read it. I felt like being emo for a very long time. But then the ending! *Squees* The ending was sooooo worth that sadness! Oh my word! I’m… I’m speechless! How can I tell you how great it was without spoiling it? The thing is: I can’t. It’s impossible for me to tell you. Oh but please! Please believe me when I say it’s so wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! *Flails*

Takaya-sensei! She did excellent in this book! Brilliant! Amazing! And all them other words that means she’s a genius! How ever did you manage to make something that made me want to cut myself into something that made me want to scream for joy!? Oh my Lord! I am so happy! I really am so happy! I felt so bad for Rin and I still do but even that ended in a way that made me want to jump for joy. My God! I am so ecstatic! And maybe it’s because I was for a certain something but that doesn’t matter. It all makes sense now! No wonder! Just no wonder! I must sound like a nut to you all but… I am a nut so nothing new really. I’m sure Takaya-sensei thinks I’m nutty, too! Yay for not being alone! If I could marry this woman, I would… in a heartbeat. XD

Rin broke me… she broke my little beating heart. I WANT TO HUG HER! She’s so badass that when you see her so vulnerable… you have no choice but to want to hug her. I’m so glad she had Haru when growing up. If not… who knows what would have happened to her. Haru is truly a knight. *Boos and hisses* Oh what!? What!? Call me a romantic! But don’t “Boo!” me! -_-” In any case, Haru and Rin are so gorgeous together. Man, they even… yes, I’m still on that! It was shocking, okay? I was like, “*Falls over*” it was that good! Wow… I’m just amazed that these two can love each other so… strongly. *Sighs* I hate romance but… the romance in this manga… I approve. It’s so amazing! It even makes me want to—PFFFT!!!! Nope! Not gonna happen! X3 In any case, Rin’s story got to me. And it also enhanced the fact that Akito MUST SUFFER A SLOW AND HORRIBLE DEATH! What the hell is his problem? I don’t get it! And he hates women? Well, that was obvious but still… what? What kind of bullshit is this? Ugh! I hate this person! With a burning passion of hatred! He’s disgusting, revolting, stupid, and I don’t like him. Interfering with my loves. Asswipe!!! -_-”

Well, enough of that crap. On to other stuff! Shigure is revealing a little bit more about himself. It makes me wonder that, out of everyone, he’s the biggest enigma of all. I really which he would say more but… I have my suspicions but, as I’ve said before, nothing I guess is right until proven so by the author. Another thing I must say, it was nice seeing more of the Student Council. We now know more about Manabe and Machi’s past. It makes me happy! I understand a bit about them now! Hoo-Ha! Now, if only I fully understood Machi. And is it me or are Machi and Yuki…? Hmm… we’ll just have to see, won’t we? Speaking of Yuki… *SQUEES!!!* THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL MAN! BEAUTIFUL! I can’t tell you guys enough. He says something that leaves you speechless. Although, it makes so much sense! Everything! *Giggles* I am so happy! I like where this is going! I truly do. Oh, you need to read it! If my rant doesn’t make you want to read it then I should just slap you. You know what’s better!? Tohru was so close! So close to admitting something but held back. There’s something about her, too, that’s not being revealed yet but… I’ll keep reading in order to find out. I want to know. Besides, Kyo is being the absolute best! WHY ISN’T HE MAH BOIFREN!!!??? *Slams head against the wall* I want him and Haru and Hatori to be my lovers! Argh! So upset I’m not a character in this book! >_<

Fantasies aside… I love getting lost in this series. You know, sometimes, when reading, I got so sucked into the story that I actually picture myself there. Is that strange? Yes… yes it is… BUT I DON’T CARE! This manga is so amazing that I can’t help myself. I love that the characters keep growing, the environment is always changing, and my hatred for Akito keeps increasing! It’s a win-win no matter how you look at it! X3 I encourage you all to continue reading this fantastic series. It moves you and helps you become a better person. Seriously, this manga helps you grow as a person. I’m telling you, it’s because of this manga that I, myself, am growing… I’ve learned to look at things much more clearly. I… I haven’t been the best… mot for a very long time… but reading this… it’s inspiring me. Hopefully, I can continue to grow as do everyone else who reads this. So please… won’t you join me in the next volume? *Smiles warmly*

[Alice4170 &#x1f319; · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/6 ⭐️

[living1000lives · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rin is one of the more interesting characters...dark... mysterious... and not to mention the best wardrobe

[Luisa Maula · Rating 4 out of 5]

If we’re to talk about abusive parental figures, that would be Akito. It’s clear that everyone fears his presence as his authoritative figure means one should know their place. It’s that or Akito will do it for them.

Akito is manipulative, mean, selfish and most of all, possessive. He dislikes change and would use his position to make the Sohma household cower in fear at the sight of him.

Akito seems to know everyone’s strengths and weaknesses, and he uses these to make them think that any ideas come to mind about what could have been is uncalled for.

Rin Sohma’s one of the victims behind this scheme. This also explains the reason behind her aggressive and distant personality, separating Rin from the rest of her relatives. It gets worse for the Horse, as she got nowhere else to go, or even have a support system she can depend on.

Her own family despises Rin’s existence, taking out their frustrations on the daughter, unable to defy Akito’s wishes. Hatsuharu changed all that when they crossed each other’s paths. Their relationship though, is another story.

To say their decision to be together is both valid and can be justified, as their love depends on being ‘saved’ by their partner. I normally wouldn’t consider it as a healthy coping mechanism for Rin, but considering her circumstances, I suppose she’s gone desperate and would cling on to whatever there’s left for her to benefit from.

As for the filler parts of the story, I don’t particularly hate how it’s included, but I find it a bit unnecessary, especially if you happen to be already invested on the main plot itself. I suppose it’s for comedic purposes as the series has gone to its climax.

[AK · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's funny that the book with Rin on the cover had Kureno, but no Rin, and this one with Kureno on the cover had lots of Rin but no Kureno.

Also, the fact that Momiji was supposed to be named Kureno and vice versa does not sit well with me. I wish I hadn't read her side panel about that lol

TW: emotional and physical abuse, attempted murder, gaslighting, vomit (not shown, but mentioned), parental abandonment

[Andro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le développement de l'amitié entre Yuki et Kakeru d'un côté, et Rin et Tohru de l'autre me remplit toujours de joie <3 (et je rigole déjà parce que dans le prochain volume c'est LA PIÈCE DE THÉÂTRE et je suis tellement fan de ce passage)

[Sylwia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant volume.

[Blythe Penland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this volume was so deserved. To finally hear more about who Rin is and why she does what she does. Again, I hate Akito. Why is he always here to cause such trauma for those in the zodiac? Can he not see that? Believing that you are their God is one thing, but I refuse to view him as anything other than the devil he is. There are no excuses, no exceptions. Understand that these are bonds that must be cultivated, cared for. You are losing your control by staying the petulant child you are. Your insecurities are controlling your behavior in a way that will result in utter and complete loneliness. I don't care what Shigure feels, I want Akito to be put in such a position that he can never harm anyone ever again, mentally or physically.

Rin, my newly welcomed zodiac spirit, my kindred spirit. I, too, love Hatsuharu. You are only trying to protect someone who was your only protector. I can't believe her parents suddenly broke like that and put on a pleasant play until the record came to a scratch. To disown her so completely, out of the blue...I could never. Rin has never felt true love besides Haru, and so Tohru's care breaks her resolve. Isuzu, who has been running her whole life, can finally stop and come home.

Since it's been a while since I read the last volume, I totally forgot that Tori smokes in the manga. But I do appreciate his presence, even if just for a moment. I hate that Gure doesn't know a cure for the curse or that Isuzu thought she would need to offer herself to receive Shigure's help. But everything revealed about Rin makes sense now. And I do ship her with Haru, even if Haru is two years her junior.

The little asides from the author are cute and funny, as always. I probably never would have realized that the names of the zodiac characters were based on the words for the months in Japanese (save for Yuki, of course). Discovering that Momiji and Kureno were supposed to have each other's names originally was wild. I could not imagine the Momiji I know and love today by any other name. There's something so inherently cute there, it matches too well.

That cliffhanger RAHHHH! Thinking of Tohru as mother?! I mean, well, yes, but even still! This is alluding to something I cannot yet process. This isn't about mother issues per se, but I'm just in shambles if my world view is so forcefully tilted. Anyway, I do suppose the scenes with the student council are growing on me. Yuki is developing so much because of them, even if that means separately from Miss Honda sad face.

I loved the fan art in the back, particularly one starring Kyo and Tohru. I recommend this book to those who need to see the struggles of those who are too kind, as Rin did.

[JW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mentioned in an earlier review that Rin is seriously misunderstood and that there’s more complexity than what we’ve been shown. This volume explores those layers and provides Rin’s background. It’s impossible not to feel for her. Most Sohma parents are shit... We also see the beginnings of something between her and Tohru.

We have a few moments with Hiro at the beginning of this volume, and I have to admit he was actually likable in this book. We see a different side of him. He cares and is protective of more than just Kisa. The student council story was also tolerable, mainly because we’re seeing a Yuki open up with someone outside the zodiac beyond Tohru. He’s disclosing elements of his true self and growing closer to Kakeru.

In that regard, I suppose new unlikely friendships is the theme of this volume.

Oh, and the revelation on the last page was a curve ball.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

Loved the reveal that Yuki sees Tohru more as a mother figure than as a crush. I think it was done really well and made a lot of sense for them. I also like that he is opening up more to people and building connections and bonds with the student council. It makes me happy that after always putting some distance between himself and other people, he can be a little silly and lighthearted with them.

We also got to see and learn Isuzu's backstory which was very sad and upsetting. The children of zodiac all have such traumatic stories and upbringings that it's not hard at all to see how they became the people they are currently. I'm still a bit confused on how the curse will be broken and also what Shigure seems to be aiming for.

[Nathan Meier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good! I feel so bad for Rin having the rug pulled out from under her in her backstory! This volume was mostly Rin and Tohru, and Yuki and Machi. It’s finally revealed what exactly Akito told Yuki in the vacation arc! Tohru is pushing herself too much, but the connections between characters continues to grow.

[J | Silver Spines · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Do all the Sohma men carry the gene for hotness?" Manabe is asking the real questions.

[Piia (kirjatarhuri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

[Paola · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh she was serious 😚

[K.N. Timofeev · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I really, really, really want someone to put Akito into his place. They better hurry up before I figure out how to jump realities.

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Yuki you don't love someone in a mother way 🤦🏻‍♀️

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely one of the heavier volumes. It was interesting learning more about Rin in particular, but even seeing a little more of Yuki’s heart as well.

I love these characters so much I just want the best for them all.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating: A to the cute power
Synopsis: Fruits Basket is a shōjo manga series created by Natsuki Takaya that follows the life of Tohru Honda. When the series begins, Tohru is living in a tent in the woods after being recently orphaned when her mother died in a car accident. Somehow, Tohru is able to remain optimistic despite all the shit she has had to go through.

While wandering through the forest she's living in, she runs across the house of the Sohma family. As it happens, Tohru goes to school with Yuki Sohma, who is known as the Prince, because of how fucking hot he is. Yuki and his cousin Shigure take pity on Tohru and invite her to live with them in exchange for doing the cleaning and cooking for them. Soon, Tohru learns that the Sohmas are hiding a terrible secret...they turn into cute animal versions of the zodiac if they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex that isn't also a Sohma. Things just get crazier when she meets more of the family.

Fruits Basket is the best kind of romance series, the kind with lots of crushes, but nothing overt, and interesting relationships (not necessarily the romantic kind). Take, for instance, when Kyo Sohma shows up. As I mentioned in the summary, the Sohmas all turn into cute versions of the zodiac when hugged by a member of the opposite sex. Yuki is the rat, Shigure is the dog, and Kyo is the cat. You may be thinking that there is no cat in the zodiac, and you would be right. However, there is a legend that says the cat would have would have been in the zodiac, if it had not been tricked by the rat into missing the induction feast. As a result, Kyo hates Yuki, and constantly tries to fight him. Unfortunately, for Kyo, he can't even land a decent hit on Yuki, let alone beat him up.

It's easy to love this series. The back story on the various members of the Sohma family is interesting (why does Kyo hate Yuki so much?) and trying to figure out which member of the zodiac new characters are is lots of fun (I love the Dragon's zodiac form). If you're looking for something light and fun to read, Fruits Basket is a good choice. Beware though, the series is 23 volumes long!

For more manga and anime reviews, please check out Hobotaku.

[Alison (AlisonCanRead) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fruits Basket volume 14 has another big character study. It's Rin's turn. Like most of the members of the zodiac, she has had a horrific life. Her parents were repulsed by her. For years, they put on a happy show, but one day the switch just flipped and they made sure she understand how awful she was and how no one wanted her. But it turns out that one person did want her...Haru. They were in love. I love how Takaya drew them together. Full of passion and painful desperation to be together. Their relationship was short lived. Akito wouldn't stand for it. And as the god of the Sohma world, what Akito says goes. Rin is now haunted. She shuts out the world, because so no one will get close to her.

Leave it to Tohru to worm her way into someone's life who wants to be left alone. Tohru won't give up Rin. When Rin is in the hospital, Tohru insists on visiting her no matter how unwelcome Rin makes her feel. Tohru does this out of her innate goodness, but also because she recognizes that she and Rin have something in common. Rin wants to break the curse just as much as Tohru and appears to be the only Sohma member who is actively looking for a way to do it.

The rest of the volume is scenes from Yuki's student council meetings. I'm not a big fan of these meetings. They detract from the main plot and introduce lots of extra characters. It's getting to the point that I'm having trouble keeping track of people.

I missed Kyo in this volume. He hardly showed up at all. Volume 14 isn't my favorite, but it still develops the story.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of this volume is focused on Rin, who is very ill and fighting her urge to confide in Tohru. She's very conflicted, wanting to be friends with Tohru, but also wanting to be independent. She hates admitting that she needs help or comfort from a friend. She thinks it's a weakness to need others, and she's determined to be strong, but it's really just her pride holding her back. I loved finding out about Rin's past with her parents and with Hatsuharu. Their love story is so wonderful and sweet!

One of the members of the student council trashes their classroom, and Yuki tries to figure out what made her do it. He's such a compassionate person, and he's always ready to give people another chance! Yuki gets locked in a closet and has some bad memories resurface from being claustrophobic, but is rescued by an unlikely person.

Favorite scene is when Tohru gets a little fever, and when everyone is worried about her, she says it's because all the space in her head is too full up. Kyo laughs and asks if she has a "thinking fever", and he feels her forehead. So cute!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start this manga had me hooked. How can you not like Tohru? She has to be one of the sweetest people on the planet. All the hopes of breaking the Sohma curse fall on her head. It was interesting to see the relationships grow and change throughout this series. Not only are the characters great, but the storylines were fantastic, although somewhat depressing at times. This is the one series that everyone should read. It was outstanding.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to have to do a lot of additional reading to understand several things throughout these books. I feel like there’s a lot of mystery with what is being said and the flashbacks. Also, I’m paying closer attention to when Tohru realizes she loves Kyo but it’s so incredibly subtle. Same with Yuki. I was paying close attention to when exactly he realized he lived Tohru as a mother. Enjoying the story very much and wish so badly they had finished the anime!!!!

[Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked getting the resolution to Rin's story, and some explanation why she was acting like she was. Yuki realising that he wanted a mother figure in Tohru makes sense, and subtly shuts down the 'triangle'. Not that it was ever a strong love triangle, but it's a good way of not having him 'lose' per se. I find some of the student council stuff a bit much, but it'll be good to cover more on Machi.