Fruits Basket, Vol. 13

フルーツバスケット [Fruits Basket] #13

by Natsuki Takaya

The number one manga in America continues!

The time for Yuki's parent-teacher conference has finally arrived, and Yuki must learn how to make his own decisions if he wants to have a say about his future. Later, Tohru sets off on a quest to find out if Kureno Sohma is the same person Arisa has been in love with all this time. But along the way she will discover a tragic secret about Momiji's sister Momo...

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

196 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2003

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]

This was already volume 13 and no matter how many volumes I read, I love this series more and more! You’d think after reading so many volumes it might get boring but no. If anything it only gets better and better and by now I’m all grabby-hands whenever I finished another issue. Give me all the “Fruits Basket” love, I need it in my life! <333

Highlights of this volume:

”You thought you could choose your own high school and you picked this undistinguished place. My god, Yuki. You really never have had a worthwhile thought of your own, have you? If all you want to do is disobey me, then be quiet. If you don’t get your act together soon, it will cause problems for me, too.”

I hate Yuki’s mum! What a horrible, horrible selfish and rude person! How dare she talk to him like that? Yes, he’s a gentle boy but that doesn’t mean that he isn’t intelligent and can’t decide for himself! I swear some of the zodiac’s parents are really despicable! Poor Yuki! T_T

”That’s not true, Nii-San is reliable. I mean… he’s outlandish in lots of ways, but he’s not “good-for-nothing.”

ADFKASDFSLDFJAS! Yuki defending his brother and Ayame protecting him from their mum!!! GAHHH!!! This was so beautiful! <333 Those brothers!!! They killed me in this volume! They truly love and care about each other no matter how many arguments they have. <333

”When someone important to me is worried I can’t think that. I can’t not try to help.”

Bless Tohru and her soft heart! <3 I can relate to her so much. I mean I’m not that clumsy and innocent but I understand her thoughts and why she is doing the things she does. =) This volume is so full of love, it was definitely the right thing to read at Christmas! XD

”Papa said that Momo was curious about me! I see. She’s been watching me. What should I do..? What should I do? I’m so happy…”

And here is another pair of siblings that wants to be together but is separated because their parents don’t allow it! Poor Momiji and Momo! They would be such a lovely pair!!! I hope Momiji’s father will come around and let them play together. *sobs*

”H-huh?! Did I say I wanted Zodiac ornaments?”
“You didn’t, but … you do, don’t you?”
“Yes, that’s right! That’s amazing that you knew!”

I swear one of these days I’m going to die from the sheer cuteness of those two!!! I love how Kyo-kun always knows what Tohru thinks and wants to do. Their conversations are so sweet, I can’t even! And Kyo… precious Kyo is always so damn gentle with her! T_T *cries even more*Natsuki-san how dare you to make me so sappy?! T_T

”But if it’s just for laughs, or to tease her… If you approach her for your own selfish amusement I will act selfishly as well. If you hurt her, I won’t forgive you. Ever.”

Woah!!! Yuki-kun protecting Tohru was one of the best things ever!!! My heart is overflowing with love for those characters!! My stubborn gentle prince. *sniff* I can’t wait to read volume 14 soon!

[Rain Misoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I can go into this manga and hug every single person (except Akito) I would! They are just too awesome for words. My rants (I will no longer call it reviews because I don’t really review these volumes… I just go on and on about how much I love it) cannot describe just how epic this series is. I wonder if any of you are tired of me saying that! Ah, gomen, gomen. I will try not to say it again. (Watch me fail.) This volume was both sad and cute at the same time. Well, to be more accurate, it started off as very sad, and then by the middle all the way to the end, it was very happy and cute-like! Did I ever tell you how much I love Kyo? Because I do you know… I really do. (More on that later.) I’m so happy that things, even though they are WAY far from being happy, are getting a bit hopeful!

My love~ Takaya-sensei…will you ever not truly be the epitome of sexiness? Because you totally are! The epitome, I mean. *Giggles* What can I say that I haven’t already said? Let’s see… how about you have awesome characters? No, no. I’ve said that already. Um… your stories are one of the best I have come across so far! Wait, I said that, too. Er… you… have… nice hair? *Gets shot* Oh, forget it! She’s amazing! She loves drawing girls and children, and she likes having siblings in her series. That just shows you she is awesomeness incarnate! Now, let me quite rambling and get to something you haven’t heard before.

Yuki’s mother is a bitch! Damn it. How can she be so cruel!? She’s crueler to Ayame… and he’s just sexy! He’s really trying his best to meet Yuki halfway. I’m glad for that. Truly glad. He was so happy… that smile… it nearly broke my heart in two. Another thing that nearly killed me was Momo, Momiji’s younger sister. Oh… the pain… the pain I feel… doh! I want to hug them both. I also hate their mother. Makes me so upset. Her fault they can’t be together. *Grumbles* SO UPSET!!! Anyway, Kureno! *Smacks him* Don’t be stupid! Be a man and go see Uo! I know you want to! I can see it! So stop trying to be all high and mighty and go see her. Acting as if you don’t want to. Who do you take me for? I ain’t gonna listen! So you might as well go see her. Yup. Everyone is rooting for you. *Thumbs up*

Oh… did you see that? With Manabe? He’s acting… strange again. I think I figured out who he could be but I can’t say because that’s just a big “WTF!?” moment. But… this will make things a lot more interesting if I’m proven right. That’s going to be chaos waiting to happen. I’m a bit nervous. Well, more than a bit but I am trying to have balls of steel! XD *Squees* Tohru and Kyo! They are soooooooooooooooo cute together! I’m so happy that things are going so well for them. Tohru was really going out of her way to please everyone in this volume. I hope one day, she works just as hard to please herself. Sometimes, it’s good to be a little selfish. *Smiles* And Kyo! Wah! Adorable! He’s so going to be her boyfriend! I’ve decided. I will not accept anything less. I want those two to be together or else I’m going to throw a FIT! Do you hear me, Takaya-sensei? I want Kyo and Tohru to be a couple and if I don’t get what I want, I’m going to Japan and beating you to a bloody pulp! ‘Kay? *Smiles sweetly*

Ah! I want things to happen! Romantic things! I agree with Shigure! People should start confessing to each other that they love each other! How can they be so patient? I’m not so much like that! *Sighs* In due time. All in due time. I know. Stop looking at me that way. -_-” As long as I get what I want in the end, I’ll have nothing to complain about. This manga keeps making me want to chew things up because it’s just so good. The next volume sounds intense. But of course, Rin is going to be the center of attention. *Smirks* So if you want to find out what happens, I suggest you read on. Go on now~ See you in the next volume! ^_^

[Avani ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am also so eagerly waiting to finish this and start the anime series for this one.

[Saraí Elvir · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟
Momiji es un dulce.
P. D. En el capítulo 76 me la pase gritando como loca.

[AK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to reading the single books, shame the ultimate series didn't publish this far in America.

This was a fun trip to Kyoto with the crew, and I enjoyed the general lightheartedness of it outside of Momiji's heartbreaking chapter, and Yuki's mother being the worst.

TW: emotional abuse, gaslighting

[demondelusions · Rating 4 out of 5]

I literally cried in the middle of this one. It was so touching when Momo told Tohru about Momiji and how she watches him play the violin and wanted to learn how to play because of him. And then you find out that Momiji had to stop going to his lessons because Momo was going to the same instructor :(

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

In this volume, Yuki finally has his Parent-Teacher Conference with his mother, and she is horribly demanding and rude. Yuki has to learn to stand up for himself and voice his own opinions before his entire future is decided for him! I'm so proud of beautiful Yuki!

I don't even know what is going on with the Student Council. They are all out of their minds, and I can't keep track of their characters anyway.

The best part is meeting Momo again, and finding out that Momiji plays the violin!! Momo is the most adorable little girl in the whole world, and I love her! And the whole storyline with Momiji is perfection. That kid is so cute and sweet and wonderfully smart!

The gang goes on their class trip, and some random girl in the class proclaims her love to Kyo, who rebuffs her because he's obviously in love with Tohru. Ah, the teen drama!

Favorite scene is Yuki being unable to wake up in the mornings. He just kind of stumbles around like a zombie until someone insults him, and then he wakes up in order to throttle them a little. haha! He's so funny!

Kyo and Tohru have another sweet scene on a rooftop. Why are they always climbing up on roofs?!? What is with this roof trend? Kyo is getting to be really self-sacrificing, especially when it comes to Tohru. He sets aside his own feelings just so that he can see her be happy, even if it's apart from him. He's such a hero! I adore this guy!

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

5/5 ⭐️

[salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's sosososososo amazing as usual uwu

[megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved the sibling dynamics in this volume of the manga series. Yuki and his older brother stepping in for him (also Yuki standing up for himself - go Yuki!!), the scenes between Momiji and Momo were soooooo cute/sad, and I loved the theme of being so close to loved ones yet so far away at the same time. Overall an amazing story!

[Merb · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐎 This volume is Rin! 🐎

"As long as we exist, hope will always be there."

The stunningness of this cover (come on it is Rin, of course it is stunning) matches the freaking amazing content inside (as always). This volume we finally get to meet Yuki's mum, which provides Ayame the perfect opportunity to sweep in and support his brother the way he never did growing up. That scene honestly warmed my heart so much I almost shed a tear. Go Ayame, you will win over Yuki one day! This volume we also get to see Tohru speak with Kureno, who is one of the more mysterious members of the Sohma zodiac. The innocent feelings he and Arisa bury deep down will always move me. It is definitely one of my favourite romances explored in this series. And I love how Tohru has experienced losing someone she loves deeply, and can see the sorrow and loss in not going to be with those you love when they are still alive. Her outlook on life that as long as you are alive something is possible, is sad in origin but beautiful in its hope. We also get to follow Tohru, Arisa, Hana, Yuki and Kyo on their school field trip to Kyoto, where one of my all time favourite scenes from the series occurs.

Tohru finds Kyo sitting alone with a cat aggressively demanding his love and attention. When she sits beside him, the cat scratches him and walks away. She asks why he isn't going after the cat, and he says she cannot expect him to be nice to everyone who comes by, and begins to walk away. Tohru has a sudden fear that he will one day cast her aside as well, and so she jumps up and grabs his jacket. He then turns around and holds her hand, resulting in a blushing and flustered Tohru. Um, my shipper heart cannot stand this! The purity of it! She totally likes him, she just has not logically thought about her feelings and distinguished them as romantic. A girl can dream! But all Tohru and Kyo fangirling aside, this volume was fun and cute, but there is still that underlying sadness that if the curse is not broken, this freedom and happiness Yuki and Kyo have found will be taken away from them.

🐓 Next volume is Kureno! 🐓

[TheBookishHobbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a lot going on in this volume!

1. We get to know who Yuki and Ayame's mother is and we also learn why Yuki is so distant from his parents. I love how this played out at the parent teacher conference and thought this was great for character development for Yuki!

2. Momo and Momiji's story arc was both and precious and sad. I really hope by the end of the series Momiji can tell Momo that he is her big brother. I can't remember how his end came about by the end of the series so this will be a surprise if my wish comes true!

3. I also feel like Kureno is a big piece of the puzzle to solving the curse. I also can't remember much about the curse besides the bare basic spoilers, but not any of the details of it. Very excited to see how this will all play out in the end.

This was a a great volume as we head onto the 14th volume!

[Kassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, it's starting to show different personalities of the characters, ones that were never shown before. I feel this book was made to show the characters decisions on what they want in their futures as students nearing adulthood. It also shows who they find more dear to them. This book, I find also shows Yuki's more inner thinking on the choices he makes whether in action or in speech.

[Luisa Maula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The manga’s theme for this one goes more serious, and I’m in for the constant change all the way.

We’re also finally introduced to a Sohma parent and as expected, it wasn’t a pretty scene for the household that lacks an upholding bond for each other. It’s never a good idea to take hold of your child’s future, as this would only make them resent the elders in doing so, anyway.

After all, sooner or later, one has to accept the fact that their children can’t dawdle in their mother or father’s side forever. It’s bad enough this could lead to their self confidence diminishing, but to even belittle a youngling’s ability to make choices of their own is too much.

I’ve been there myself, and let me tell you how unmotivated my drive to persevere’s become lately. I wish parents have the time to assess themselves too for them to understand their children better.

Speaking of which, getting a glimpse of a Sohma’s family member could mean more tears for its dear readers. It certainly did the trick to keep me edged on my seat for this one. Oh, Momiji. Your resilience is something else, indeed.

The rest of the story doesn’t tell much though, but I enjoyed how the characters are having a normal student life, for once.

[Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A volume that focuses more on Yuki; his parents teacher meeting, where we see his mum being pretty callous and Ayame showing his care in his own way, and student council shenanigans. Tohru investigates whether Kureno Sohma is the same Kureno as Uotani likes (and geez that is one heck of an age gap...) and meets Momiji and Momo along the way. Then we have the class trip. The overall vibe here is melancholic in many ways, with both Yuki and Tohru trying to fumble their way through life towards their goals, but not sure quite how to get there.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok maybe this one made me cry a little

[Cate (The Professional Fangirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

MOMIJIIIIIIII

[living1000lives · Rating 3 out of 5]

not much to say

[Paola · Rating 3 out of 5]

So overwhelmed lol

[Alison (AlisonCanRead) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 13 gives us yet another reason to feel bad for Yuki. His mother shows up to his parent-teacher conference. She may not be cursed as a Zodiac, but she's definitely a real witch. Her treatment of Yuki in front of his teacher is beyond cruel. Luckily, Ayame, Yuki's outlandish brother arrives to save the day. Yuki survives the parent teacher conference only to get stuck in another awful student council meetings. Yuki just can't get a break.

Uo-chan has been pining over her mystery suitor for months now. She mentions that his name is Kureno and Tohru wonders if he is Kureno Sohma, Akito's trusted assistant. Kureno lives far inside the Sohma compound. Even though it is dangerous for Tohru to go so close to Akito, she is determined to confront Kureno.

On the way, she runs into Momo, Momiji's sister. The poor little girl adores her brother but has been kept away by their mother. Momiji's status as a cursed zodiac member makes him persona non grata within his own family. It is just another instance of where even the nicest Sohma family members are treated horribly. It truly is a curse. Tohru is more and more determined to break it.

It turns out that Kureno Sohma is Uo-chan's mystery man. He comes off as unapproachable and reluctant to involve himself with Uo-chan again. But you can tell that he admires Tohru's courage to speak to him.

I really do like Tohru's character development. She seems like such a good-two-shoes - a weak, overly nice girl who lives only to please others. That's true to an extent, but she also is bound and determined to get what she wants. She's a selfless creature, so her wants invariably benefit others. I admire her tenacity and her strength.

The volume ends with a class visit to Kyoto. I think the also go to Nara, because deer are coming up to them trying to get food. It was fun to go to places in a book that I visited in person last year! I loved the deer in Nara - they roam free and will headbutt you for food.

[Sully]

3.5 / 5 stars rating

This review is also posted at http://readingnookandcranny.blogspot....


Yuki is the last to have his parent teacher conference, and this volume definitely focuses on him for a majority. His mother finally makes an appearance, and she is just as warm and fuzzy as you would expect. Yuki, however, starts sticking up for himself and starts branching out and dare I say even make friends!

Tohru meets Momiji's little sister, Momo, while trying to get into the Sohma house for a visit with Kureno. Momo is definitely a cutie and there is a very touching Momiji scene. It almost appears as if he is starting to grow up.

Tohru and gang head to Kyoto for their class field trip, and with the whole gang included, it definitely adds to some fun and laughs.

[Yehudit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is probably my least favorite volume of Fruit Basket (so far), but, because it was still filled with the characters I love, I couldn't bring myself to give it any less than 5 stars still. It's just the overall fantastic feel of the series that seems to permeate every individual book that I'm giving my rating to, I guess....

[nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yuki thinks about his future and his feelings about everything and everyone. Yuki is not having a good day is he? And the scenes with Momji were kind of sweet but also sad. He is one of my favorite characters.

[Blythe Penland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this volume felt somewhat filler-ish. I'm just not sure there needs to be so much featuring of the student council. Unless certain members end up becoming some huge plot point. But even still, I really just didn't see the point. The author herself has mentioned that there's not much time left to focus on specific storylines anymore because the plot has pretty much been wrapped up, even this far out from the ending. I would much rather we focus on some of the more interesting stories or already established characters or the lesser known zodiac members.

I will say I was quite shocked that the vice president was able to evoke such emotion from Yuki by merely stating his opinion that Kyo seemed "happy" and Yuki seemed "unhappy." We've never seen such raw power from Yuki's feelings before. Sure, he will protect Tohru for anything, he'll occasionally hit Kyo, or he'll have deep inner monologues. But to actually raise his voice and appear visibly distraught? It's so unlike him, for he usually just looks unbothered and well guarded. Perhaps he truly is changing, and I know it is in part due to Tohru's influence. She is the gift that keeps on giving. And I hope that Yuki will continue to feel more comfortable unmasking his personal feelings.

I also have now come to understand why Yuki is usually so quiet and nonchalant. His own backstory with his mother is quite unpleasant, just as with many other mothers in this series, including Kyo-kun's mother. Yuki's mother never heard his concerns about staying with Akito when he was younger, therefore he doesn't believe words, specifically words that express emotions will make any difference. Yet, I am pleasantly surprised that Ayame stepped into the parent-teacher conference when he did. Ayame may be a great pain at times, but he really is trying to make things right with Yuki and protect him. I can't wait to see how their brotherhood progresses from here.

I don't believe that Tohru is selfish for wanting to help Uo-chan. Uotani might say that she's over Kureno-san, but I just can't believe that. If I've ever had a real and true ship in this series, it's been the two of them, so they simply have to try at the very least. I'm just not sure why Kureno doesn't want to see Uo-chan again. I have a feeling it has something to do with Akito, but I'm really starting to get tired of such a bullshit excuse. Even without making any appearance, Akito still haunts these characters, making them suffer for naught.

But Tohru said something that I really liked. Tohru has many philosophies that I find myself drawn to, and this one is no exception. She gave Kureno a slip of paper with Uo-chan's address on it and hid it in a bush at the Sohma family estate. She said it's for "tomorrow" because you never know what could happen or what you might feel tomorrow. Tomorrow perhaps in the literal sense, but also as a blanket term for any point in time in the future. I think this is a wonderful idea because I don't believe we're tied to certain beliefs or choices forever. That once we've sealed a door, we should never go back. I believe that we are constantly changing beings, and we are allowed to wake up tomorrow and do something different than what we had planned yesterday. We are not confined to make one kind of choice all the time, we are fluid. And Tohru is an angel to point this out to us. And for giving Kureno the chance to change his mind, to give Uo-chan and Kureno their much-deserved relationship.

If I haven't said it before, let me say it here. I think Momiji's father is a coward. He can't even look his own son in the face when he tells him that he can't keep having his violin teacher because now that teacher will be working with his sister who doesn't know they're related. But Momo is a bright child that loves her brother nonetheless. Even at such a young age, even being kept in the dark, her heart calls out to him. She wants to be his little sister and she feels connected to him even if she can never see him, so she wants to learn to play the violin just like Momiji does. And Momiji was so happy to hear that Momo wants to be his little sister and I get all uwu. They're both so cute and adorable and innocent and I only want the best for both of them.

I'm a little curious to know who Kureno was talking to that Tohru thought sounded like Akito if it wasn't actually Akito. And yet maybe I don't want to know if it spells trouble for later. At first I thought it was cute that cats come up to Kyo, but after that one on the school trip, maybe these cats are drawn to Kyo for animal instinct-like reasons? I don't know, I think that's too weird for me. I still think it's odd that the author puts characters on the cover that aren't even in the volume. But I know we'll get more than our fill of Rin in the next one.

Is there truly something between Tohru and the vice president of the student council, either now or in the future? I'm not sure if I really want the answer to that either. I think it was really sweet of Tohru to add her own little cat figurine to her collection of zodiac animals. I recommend this book to those who need Tohru's wisdom and philosophies.

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good trauma. Things are growing a bit darker but still fun. =)

Reread review.. A class trip to Kyoto would have been so cool. Alas.. =)

[Vyou · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st 3 stars
2nd 3 stars #stayhomereadingrush 

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really adore how the art changes as they get older.

[Carina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little bit disappointed in this volume, to be honest, I think volumes 11 and 12 are so strong and this one just doesn't quite live up to the same level. It still has some really great moments, but honestly having read this I don't particularly want to read on immediately which is rare - just a few volumes ago I was forcing myself not to read on to try and spread things out a bit...

That said, there's some major story lines in this volume. The one that I remember the most is pretty much the first one which is Yuki's much anticipated teacher conference - we've got the hint from some of his flashbacks that his parents, and his mother in particular, were perhaps not the most emptionally inclined, but I think the best descriptor for her is along the lines of Kyo's father - sperm and egg donors. Showing that he is trying to follow through on his words earlier in the series, Aayame rocks up (for once Shigure doing good for goods sake) and he is just BRILLIANT. You can really see his growth here, and the main thing is that Yuki sees it as well. Whilst the focus is on him and his conversation and realisation about the egg donor, the way Aayame is drawn in his almost last appearance shows how much Yuki's comments mean to him. The way he is drawn here reminds me a little bit of what happens when his curse, I think it's interesting that if my memory is correct on the drawings, he's as happy that his brother has said something nice about him as he is that he is no longer cursed. That's saying something.

The next biggest storyline in this is Tohru sneaks into the Sohma household to try and see Kureno, and the main thing with that is that she succeeds thanks to the bravest little bunny rabbit that ever lived (and I am including the rabbits in Watership Down in that comparison). I LOVE that Momo knows about him, and it so adorable that the siblings have both been watching each other without realising. I also like that if you look at Momiji's portrayal how quickly he is drawn looking older than he did originally. In his first appearance when he's in his father's offices, he looks to be drawn there at the same age he is now. But after that when he appears at school in the girls uniform, I think he is drawn more juvenile. So it's like when he is grown into himself and more comfortable with that he's matching that earlier image of himself...

Given the plot at this point is focussed on Kureno I don't have a lot to say about him. It's good that he protects Tohru but of all the zodiacs he is the most bland I think. I am very neutral on him and at the moment kinda wish that Arisa had picked someone else to have a crush on.

I suppose a big element of storyline though is the 'introduction' ofsomeone who looks and sounds a LOT like Akito. I am pretty sure we have seen glimpses of them in the backgrounds of other scenes/flashbacks here and there, and it's interesting that they are almost more ominous than Akito is.

The final storyline in this is like a cute little filler story of everyone on a class trip - whilst this is cute enough my favourite parts are near the end, when Yuki gives Machi a leaf I really love her reaction, and when Kyo spots the little cat Tohru made to 'complete' her zodiac set. Honestly they're both so cute in their own ways.

I'm a bit annoyed at past me for writing in a review that Sorta Cinderella is in this volume... I wonder if that is why I am a bit ambivalent about it... but hopefully it should be in the next couple of volumes because the Kureno storyline here sets that up. But overall this volume feels a bit anti-climactic after the events that have happened in the last 3 volumes, and I suppose that's kind of normal. You can't always be rushing towards things and that's actually quite interesting because I think in my review for volume 11 I said I don't think the series really has a break from that point until the end, yet here I am saying actually this this does feel like a little bit like a break (like the class going on a trip I guess!). So yeah I think I think I'm going to say it's a four-star read but it is a forgettable volume so this is a weak 4 stars ( a drop from it's usual 5 star status I am sorry to say...)

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fruits Basket, Vol. 13 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next six chapters (72–77) of the on-going manga series.

When Yuki Sohma meets his mother at his parent-teacher conference, he remembers how his parents "gave" him to Akito Sohma to advance their position among the family. His mother's attempt to dictate his future is broken up by his older brother, Ayame Sohma, flamboyant arrival, which gives Yuki the strength to tell her he will decide his own path.

When Kakeru Manabe, the vice-president of the student council, probes Yuki about his relationship with Tohru Honda, he reacts as if Kakeru were his mother and they argue, but when they apologize afterward Yuki decides that being around Kakeru may not be bad for him.

Meanwhile Tohru Honda learns that the man Arisa Uotani pines after is named Kureno, she wonders if it is Kureno Sohma and visits the Sohma estate to find out. She meets Momiji Sohma's little sister Momo, who shows Tohru the secret way inside she has been using to listen to her older brother’s violin playing without knowing he is her brother. Momiji tells Tohru where Kureno lives, apart from the rest of the zodiac, but she gets lost and meets a person whose voice sounds like Akito's. Kureno rescues her from discovery but tells Tohru he has no intention of seeing Uotani again. That evening, Tohru is disheartened and Kyo Sohma comforts her.

During the class trip to Kyoto, a girl confesses to Kyo that she likes him but he rejects her, and Tohru wonders if she will one day be pushed away as well. But he asks if she wants to kill time with him as other classmates are purchasing souvenirs. Saki Hanajima tells Tohru she thinks the two of them have met Kakeru before. When Kakeru again asks Yuki about Tohru, Yuki asks about his interest and warns Kakeru not to hurt her. When they return to school, Yuki gives Machi Kuragi, the Student Council's treasurer, a red maple leaf as a souvenir.

Tohru finishes creating her souvenir of the zodiac set and Kyo is surprised to see the cat among the collection.

This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya. For the most part, I really liked the direction of the narrative. Yuki Sohma has done a great deal of growing in this tankōbon and is growing out of his shell with his Student Council. The relationship between Arisa Uotani and Kureno Sohma is rather intriguing and I wonder how it would evolve during the series.

All in all, Fruits Basket, Vol. 13 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yuki finally has his parent-teacher meeting, as his mother arrives with her own agenda. Things have changed though, as Yuki finds allyship with his brother, and strength from his support with Tohru. (I'm not crying over character growth, you are ;o; )

Tohru takes it upon herself to find out if Kureno is the same person Uo fell in love with, and along the way to the Souma house, she runs into Momo, Momiji's estranged younger sister. She finds out bittersweet news, and resolves even more in trying to help where she can with the family.

It's time for a class trip to Kyoto, and while everyone is (mostly) having fun, Tohru feels some unusual emotions relating to Kyo. Otherwise it's the usual silly shenanigans with the kids and their classmates, however, what's up with the student council member Kakeru and his intrigue with Tohru?

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Not as strong of a volume for me, especially coming off of the last couple. This one felt a bit too fillery in places with the student council, which was a shame. I get that we're also seeing some of Yuki's life interacting with those outside of the family, which is his dream, but it takes up a lot of time and has a lot of nonsense that seems to drag more than it makes up for in character development/story.

Otherwise though, the bits with Tohru, Momiji, Momo, and later with Tohru and Kyo are absolutely wonderful and are the major highlights of the volume. Seeing more glimpses into Momiji's life and his trauma and difficulties, while also showing some light, of a potential bright future, was so touching. I love the relationship Tohru and Momiji have, it's so sweet.

And seeing Tohru and Kyo's blossoming feelings and interactions is so cute. I love have gradual it is and how much more Tohru cares with each passing day.

Of course I can't forget Yuki's mother and his trauma there. A horrific childhood that is only now beginning to heal. I'm so glad he's accepted Ayame back into his life, their comradery pulls at your heart-strings! I'm so grateful Yuki has family to lean on, and a strong support system to keep his head up high. I am genuinely curious though to see if his mother will change at all and have any growth herself. (It's been so long since I've read this series, I've forgotten so much, haha.)

I'm excited to check out the next volume though and see where the adventure continues. :)

See my review of the series as a whole and volume one here. (Also includes a bit of information for Japanese learners.)