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かぐや様は告らせたい ～天才たちの恋愛頭脳戦～[Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen] #21
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, Vol. 21
Two geniuses. Two brains.
Two hearts. One battle.
Who will confess their love first…?!
Will Yu be able to handle Tsubame’s answer to his love confession? Then, dropping by Miyuki’s home unannounced surprises Kaguya more than the Shiroganes. As Kaguya’s family interferes with her future plans, she becomes determined to break free of them, but first she must strike a deal with the devil!
Seating arrangements matter.
Two hearts. One battle.
Who will confess their love first…?!
Will Yu be able to handle Tsubame’s answer to his love confession? Then, dropping by Miyuki’s home unannounced surprises Kaguya more than the Shiroganes. As Kaguya’s family interferes with her future plans, she becomes determined to break free of them, but first she must strike a deal with the devil!
Seating arrangements matter.
208 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2021
33 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Aka Akasaka
96 books249 followersAKASAKA Aka
Name (in native language): 赤坂アカ
Zodiac: Virgo
Blood Type: O
Name (in native language): 赤坂アカ
Zodiac: Virgo
Blood Type: O
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 25, 2022
I appreciate how Yu and Tsubame's arc ended (for now?). It's nice to know that there's an author who recognizes that . I'll be interested in seeing if the idea that pans out or not, but it's at least cool that it's put out there as an option.
The scene between Kaguya and her eldest brother took some parsing because I barely remembered she had siblings at all. The digs against patriarchy read a bit like the author trying too hard, but most shonen authors don't try at all, and it's certainly better than nothing.
The scene between Kaguya and her eldest brother took some parsing because I barely remembered she had siblings at all. The digs against patriarchy read a bit like the author trying too hard, but most shonen authors don't try at all, and it's certainly better than nothing.
June 30, 2022
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December 22, 2022NOT THESE FINAL STAGE PLOT TWISTS
December 1, 2024
my comfort series 💖 sobbing after chapter 209 🥺
December 24, 2021
While I'm not totally okay with how eating disorders were discussed in the ramen chapter (that's a heavy topic that requires a lot more thought and effort put into than can reasonably fit in one chapter), overall this was another phenomenal chapter. Tsubame's and ishigami's subplot comes to a tearful close, Kaguya's discussion with Miyuki's dad was heartbreaking yet endearing, and the chapter featuring Ino and Miyuki was hilarious. Kaguya's older brother is the absolute fucking WORST and I want him to burn in a thousand flaming dumpster fires, but I'm so proud of Kaguya for deciding to fight back rather than accept her fate. Kaguya has grown so much throughout this story and her development is some of the best I've seen in romance, period. She is such a strong, clever young woman and I am so damn proud of her. I can't wait to see her plan in taking down her sexist, misogynistic family.
I'm curious to see what happens next, so much is going on and so much is at stake!
I'm curious to see what happens next, so much is going on and so much is at stake!
December 9, 2021
The current third years are graduating and that means one last year for our leads has begun. It also means that Yu is going to receive his answer from Tsubame after his confession. Then Kaguya gets the opportunity to meet the parent and… spend the night!?
Amidst some relatively solid jokes comes some excellent character work that mostly treats its characters with respect and gives them a little more heft than usual (except Fujiwara, but she has precisely zero recognizance as we see this volume).
I really like the progression of the Miyuki and Kaguya relationship, as Kaguya in particular gets some real development in a way I especially appreciated in a section that even makes Miyuki’s dad into something other than a total joke.
The whole overnight thing really manages to walk the line between a good laugh and some genuine emotion and it’s a testament to how this series can often just nail a good balance. An unrelated scene where our leads bond over a joke based on deep knowledge of Japan’s motoring laws is another keeper.
But hey, who cares? The most important story here is the ongoing saga of poor Yu and his deep love for Tsubame and this is kind of pivotal to the volume so if you don’t wanna know, don’t read.
This is the content I have been here for for a while now and I cannot emphasize that the jokes of the original series premise aside, Yu’s story is the most consistently interesting thing for me.
So when he tries his best and gets utterly pulverized it’s pretty savage. Especially when Tsubame manages a bit of a ploy to help clear his reputation that is a nice gesture but also definitely feels like somebody trying to assuage their guilty conscience.
Even worse, he is ultimately derailed by the most high school of reasons - somebody who can’t see past a two year age gap. So believable and yet so heartbreaking. Naturally he doesn’t get away with not being a source of comedy, but they earned the fun with how this all plays out.
They also neatly tie this back in with Mito, who Yu (unwittingly) savagely crushes himself by virtue of being honest and in a lot of pain. Mito’s awkward meltdown during her talk with Miyuki that quickly pivots to him looking like he’s got serious serial killer vibes is neatly done.
There are a couple things that hold this volume back - I think the portrayal of Miyuki’s mother could be a little more nuanced. There’s definitely a less than flattering viewpoint on mental illness there, even if everybody handles stress differently.
And, while I appreciate the added pathos, there is a revelation of a connection between Kaguya and Miyuki that I really could have done without and feels a little too pat. Same way that Kaguya’s brother is a little too villainous.
4 stars - if not for those missteps I think this could have easily nailed a full five stars. There are a couple super strong jokes and a lot of really solid and interesting bits of character growth that take advantage of the cast in a way many books simply do not.
Amidst some relatively solid jokes comes some excellent character work that mostly treats its characters with respect and gives them a little more heft than usual (except Fujiwara, but she has precisely zero recognizance as we see this volume).
I really like the progression of the Miyuki and Kaguya relationship, as Kaguya in particular gets some real development in a way I especially appreciated in a section that even makes Miyuki’s dad into something other than a total joke.
The whole overnight thing really manages to walk the line between a good laugh and some genuine emotion and it’s a testament to how this series can often just nail a good balance. An unrelated scene where our leads bond over a joke based on deep knowledge of Japan’s motoring laws is another keeper.
But hey, who cares? The most important story here is the ongoing saga of poor Yu and his deep love for Tsubame and this is kind of pivotal to the volume so if you don’t wanna know, don’t read.
This is the content I have been here for for a while now and I cannot emphasize that the jokes of the original series premise aside, Yu’s story is the most consistently interesting thing for me.
So when he tries his best and gets utterly pulverized it’s pretty savage. Especially when Tsubame manages a bit of a ploy to help clear his reputation that is a nice gesture but also definitely feels like somebody trying to assuage their guilty conscience.
Even worse, he is ultimately derailed by the most high school of reasons - somebody who can’t see past a two year age gap. So believable and yet so heartbreaking. Naturally he doesn’t get away with not being a source of comedy, but they earned the fun with how this all plays out.
They also neatly tie this back in with Mito, who Yu (unwittingly) savagely crushes himself by virtue of being honest and in a lot of pain. Mito’s awkward meltdown during her talk with Miyuki that quickly pivots to him looking like he’s got serious serial killer vibes is neatly done.
There are a couple things that hold this volume back - I think the portrayal of Miyuki’s mother could be a little more nuanced. There’s definitely a less than flattering viewpoint on mental illness there, even if everybody handles stress differently.
And, while I appreciate the added pathos, there is a revelation of a connection between Kaguya and Miyuki that I really could have done without and feels a little too pat. Same way that Kaguya’s brother is a little too villainous.
4 stars - if not for those missteps I think this could have easily nailed a full five stars. There are a couple super strong jokes and a lot of really solid and interesting bits of character growth that take advantage of the cast in a way many books simply do not.
October 7, 2022
Up to one year ago I will never picture myself as a person that will enjoy manga or anime in general...But my husband is such an otaku, we've been together for over four years and I spend probably the first 3 years seeing how invested he was in different mangas and animes, i even watched a few ones with him, but it was until a couple months that I heard about Kaguya-Sama: Love is war that I took initiative and asked him to watch the anime together...I got hooked and for the first time in my life decided to actually read the manga series.
At first I was afraid that I wouldn't enjoy the manga as much as I did with the anime, but fortunately I was wrong, I've been laughing out loud and I even cried a few times reading it. To be honest i'm glad that I gave it a chance.
In this particular volume I really enjoyed Kaguya's character development, I feel that little by little she is becoming a caring and empowered women who is willing to break out of the rigid path her family put her on, to become her true self.
I also think this volume has the right amount of drama, love and comedy and it's perfectly balance in a way that you don't end up crying your eyes out.
This all i have to say right now, I'm already reading volume 22 and hopefully things will stay this good.
At first I was afraid that I wouldn't enjoy the manga as much as I did with the anime, but fortunately I was wrong, I've been laughing out loud and I even cried a few times reading it. To be honest i'm glad that I gave it a chance.
In this particular volume I really enjoyed Kaguya's character development, I feel that little by little she is becoming a caring and empowered women who is willing to break out of the rigid path her family put her on, to become her true self.
I also think this volume has the right amount of drama, love and comedy and it's perfectly balance in a way that you don't end up crying your eyes out.
This all i have to say right now, I'm already reading volume 22 and hopefully things will stay this good.
October 20, 2021
Chapter 209 - super sad 😭
November 23, 2020
Chapter 210 - uplifting chapter 😁🍜
November 30, 2020
Chapter 211 - Third Year Arc starts here 🤩
December 7, 2020
November 23, 2020
Chapter 210 - uplifting chapter 😁🍜
November 30, 2020
Chapter 211 - Third Year Arc starts here 🤩
December 7, 2020
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2021
aka akasaka is some kind of mad genius. You can't convince me otherwise
December 15, 2022
This was such a joy. Payoff for an existing arc, and the extension of Shirogane and Shinomiya's happiness. I've liked the last handful of Volumes, but this felt like Akasaka finally managing to recapture the world of Love is War and match it to the newfound ambition that typifies the second half of this series.
Ishigami (and Tsubame) vs. Rejection
It ends the only way it could. I was surprised (perhaps pleasantly) to find out that Tsubame is cleared off the board not via knotty farce, but by simply accepting that her feelings for Ishigami will never transcend the way she looks out for him as a third year. It's all really nicely articulated, and Ishigami's reactions thread the needle well between being mature whilst also allowing the dismay to throw his mental state out of whack. Feels like the natural end to this storyline - good stuff. (Except the "please prove that friendships can exist between heterosexual-sexual men and women" line which is a fucking CLUNKER. Gonna naively assume that the translators did Akasaka dirty here?)
Miko Iino vs. fEeLiNgS
Iino has really come into her own as of late, and this chapter might be her best yet. She's morose, confused, and totally cheeky; in the midst of all the angst, her pairing with Shirogane is really doing wonders for her fun-loving devious side. Her teasing him about hugging from behind bleeding into her dramatic proclamation that love forces friends apart as much as it brings them together feels like a great distillation of her character. Also, her face when Ishigami blithely dismisses the idea of her liking him = 😢
The Shirogane Family
All-timer chapter, hands down. When Miyuki and Kaguya started dating, this was exactly the kind of storyline that I hoped for - in a sense, total fluff, but boundary-breaking. We've watched them dance around each other for so long that having them cross thresholds feels intimate in a way that feels earned. Also, Kei being wide-awake for their late-night talk had me straight-up cackling.
Kaguya vs. The Family
This remains the aspect of the series I am the least sold on - a worrying thought, considering I've heard it will be the foundation for the final arc in the series. From what I can gather online, this is supposed to represent the 'return to the moon' portion of the Kaguya folktale - something that is totally lost on me, as I have never encountered the original story, and have not absorbed any of this series with the analogy in mind. I'll try and do some 'research' on this before judging the family subplot too hard, but to my uncultured mind this can't help but feel like Akasaka is jamming in a plot contrivance to generate conflict. Seeing these characters crash against each other is fun enough - I'm not sure we need a thriller plot line to make this story work.
The Student Council vs. Foreshadowing
The Volume ends with a sequence that is hard to lay a finger on, replete as it is with setup and hints for future storylines. It seems a little odd to me that the series is introducing new characters at this late a stage, but it's hard to say much more for now.
Ishigami (and Tsubame) vs. Rejection
It ends the only way it could. I was surprised (perhaps pleasantly) to find out that Tsubame is cleared off the board not via knotty farce, but by simply accepting that her feelings for Ishigami will never transcend the way she looks out for him as a third year. It's all really nicely articulated, and Ishigami's reactions thread the needle well between being mature whilst also allowing the dismay to throw his mental state out of whack. Feels like the natural end to this storyline - good stuff. (Except the "please prove that friendships can exist between heterosexual-sexual men and women" line which is a fucking CLUNKER. Gonna naively assume that the translators did Akasaka dirty here?)
Miko Iino vs. fEeLiNgS
Iino has really come into her own as of late, and this chapter might be her best yet. She's morose, confused, and totally cheeky; in the midst of all the angst, her pairing with Shirogane is really doing wonders for her fun-loving devious side. Her teasing him about hugging from behind bleeding into her dramatic proclamation that love forces friends apart as much as it brings them together feels like a great distillation of her character. Also, her face when Ishigami blithely dismisses the idea of her liking him = 😢
The Shirogane Family
All-timer chapter, hands down. When Miyuki and Kaguya started dating, this was exactly the kind of storyline that I hoped for - in a sense, total fluff, but boundary-breaking. We've watched them dance around each other for so long that having them cross thresholds feels intimate in a way that feels earned. Also, Kei being wide-awake for their late-night talk had me straight-up cackling.
Kaguya vs. The Family
This remains the aspect of the series I am the least sold on - a worrying thought, considering I've heard it will be the foundation for the final arc in the series. From what I can gather online, this is supposed to represent the 'return to the moon' portion of the Kaguya folktale - something that is totally lost on me, as I have never encountered the original story, and have not absorbed any of this series with the analogy in mind. I'll try and do some 'research' on this before judging the family subplot too hard, but to my uncultured mind this can't help but feel like Akasaka is jamming in a plot contrivance to generate conflict. Seeing these characters crash against each other is fun enough - I'm not sure we need a thriller plot line to make this story work.
The Student Council vs. Foreshadowing
The Volume ends with a sequence that is hard to lay a finger on, replete as it is with setup and hints for future storylines. It seems a little odd to me that the series is introducing new characters at this late a stage, but it's hard to say much more for now.
January 2, 2022
This was such a strong volume of Kaguya-sama, I think it was up there with some of my favorites in the series. The end of the school year scene between Ishigami and Tsubame was handled so well and I loved the ending to their arc together. I really hope they continue to keep in touch now that she's graduated from Shuchiin and Ishigami is starting up his second year. The interactions between Shirogane and Miko continue to be some of the most underrated and some of my favorites, I secretly ship those two. I liked Kaguya's decision to confront her family, as I see that as the only way she'll ever be able to have a full-fledged relationship with Shirogane. The ending of Kaguya-sama is shaping up to be a good one, I'm really not ready for this series to come to a close though =(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2025
It took all the way to this volume to conclude one of the longer running questions, but it was a great pay off! (Or at least I felt it was an appropriate end to a storyline, or at least a big change.) Aka Akasaka is firing on all cylinders with both story and art coming together. I never would have imagined that myself enjoying this type of manga as much as I have. It has exceeded my expectations and to be honest…I now know by this volume that the conclusion is not too far away (see final page of this volume). Now with all that is said, there are a lot of sudden “sorta new, sorta old” issues that come back to light. These while progress the story, hampered me from making this a 4-star volume. Still…enjoyable and emotionally charged.
August 29, 2023
4 stars.
I really loved how Ishigami and Tsubame's storyline was handled. I liked that even though she sees all of these good qualities in Ishigami, at the end of the day, Tsubame doesn't like him like that and that was plenty reason to reject him. I liked that she wasn't shown in a negative light and that they will try to be friends and move on. I really like seeing Kaguya and Shirogane's relationship develop. They are both very ridiculous and very sweet. It's interesting getting to see more of a glimpse into Kaguya's home life and the patriarchal bullshit that comes with it. I'm rooting for her to overthrow her brother and gain agency and control over her life and her future.
I really loved how Ishigami and Tsubame's storyline was handled. I liked that even though she sees all of these good qualities in Ishigami, at the end of the day, Tsubame doesn't like him like that and that was plenty reason to reject him. I liked that she wasn't shown in a negative light and that they will try to be friends and move on. I really like seeing Kaguya and Shirogane's relationship develop. They are both very ridiculous and very sweet. It's interesting getting to see more of a glimpse into Kaguya's home life and the patriarchal bullshit that comes with it. I'm rooting for her to overthrow her brother and gain agency and control over her life and her future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
Not every crush you have will work out!
The Tsubane and Ishigami's part was done neatly. It felt good, also happy to see that Yu is getting a better social life than before.
We also learn a bit more about Miyuki, his drive, and motivation. Also, a new twist happened, which I honestly didn't see coming. Succession battles are so lit but can be boring, too.
That being said, the new year starts for the gang, and Kaguya and Miyuki are in the same class! But another character enters the story who seemingly has past connections to Miyuki, interesting...
The Tsubane and Ishigami's part was done neatly. It felt good, also happy to see that Yu is getting a better social life than before.
We also learn a bit more about Miyuki, his drive, and motivation. Also, a new twist happened, which I honestly didn't see coming. Succession battles are so lit but can be boring, too.
That being said, the new year starts for the gang, and Kaguya and Miyuki are in the same class! But another character enters the story who seemingly has past connections to Miyuki, interesting...
June 29, 2022
There was so much to digest in this volume from the tsubame and ishigami will they won't they and the overall story of kaguya and miyuki.
I will say that in regards to the main plot with kaguya I kinda saw everything that happened coming pretty much off the bat but that's not saying its a bad thing in fact I think it was the right time in the series and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds in future volumes!
I will say that in regards to the main plot with kaguya I kinda saw everything that happened coming pretty much off the bat but that's not saying its a bad thing in fact I think it was the right time in the series and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds in future volumes!
December 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this volume. Yu and Tsubame have explained themselves, and so far they seem to have remained good friends. The individual stories are well told and the art is beautiful. I loved the chapter where Kaguya spent the night at Yumiko's house. The newcomers will wreak havoc among the known characters.
February 25, 2023
Sigue la estela de diversión de tomos anteriores con varios descubrimientos que afectan a Kaguya y Miyuki, pero creo que van por buen camino.
Respecto a Ishigami, espero que abra los ojos pronto, el amor está más cerca de lo que él piensa!
Respecto a Ishigami, espero que abra los ojos pronto, el amor está más cerca de lo que él piensa!
January 29, 2024
TEN STARS!! But seriously, this volume was just so cute. The sisterly bonding, the grocery store father confession, the sleepover cuddling, the graduation and all the feelings that came with it. Oh my heart.
September 24, 2024
21-23をいっぺんに読んだので、まとめての感想：
21巻は前巻に続き、メイン二人ではなく周辺部のキャラ達の恋模様で、微笑ましいがちょっと物足りない（石上の恋模様をちゃんと描いてるのは好感が持てるけれど）
22巻はメイン二人の話。性的なシーンになっても「焦らなくていい」と無理矢理じゃないし、変にどぎつい描写でもないし、だからと言って変に美化しすぎない、いい塩梅にリアルで凄く好感が持てる。青年誌なのにこれでOKなんだ....（青年誌への偏見かも）
23巻は、再び石上達の話メインで、すれ違いギャグが健在で楽しい。今まであまりスポットライトが当たらなかったキャラ達も、ちゃんと人生や考えがある、と分かるのがこの著者の漫画のすごいところだ。
（絵が微妙に下手なのもいいのか...？）
21巻は前巻に続き、メイン二人ではなく周辺部のキャラ達の恋模様で、微笑ましいがちょっと物足りない（石上の恋模様をちゃんと描いてるのは好感が持てるけれど）
22巻はメイン二人の話。性的なシーンになっても「焦らなくていい」と無理矢理じゃないし、変にどぎつい描写でもないし、だからと言って変に美化しすぎない、いい塩梅にリアルで凄く好感が持てる。青年誌なのにこれでOKなんだ....（青年誌への偏見かも）
23巻は、再び石上達の話メインで、すれ違いギャグが健在で楽しい。今まであまりスポットライトが当たらなかったキャラ達も、ちゃんと人生や考えがある、と分かるのがこの著者の漫画のすごいところだ。
（絵が微妙に下手なのもいいのか...？）
December 14, 2020
Who is this Mikado kid
Well this has been a very enjoyable binge read
Well this has been a very enjoyable binge read
February 2, 2021
More like a 3.5/5
March 8, 2021
awesome
March 31, 2021
very cool very pog
May 11, 2021
THAT scene was so romantic i want what they have
July 30, 2021
Los personajes cada vez maduran más y eso me hace súper feliz, llegó un nuevo personaje y me causa intriga. Mi capítulo fav fue el 207, me reí muchísimo.
August 23, 2021
The chapter of Kaguya coming to visit the Shirogane's might be the funniest yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2021
石上逐漸展現裏主角的命格XD
聽說現在為了動畫第三季在拖戲
不過繁中單行本還有得追吧~
聽說現在為了動畫第三季在拖戲
不過繁中單行本還有得追吧~
January 19, 2022
I am very here for Kaguya taking down her family :))))
August 4, 2022
4,75/5
August 9, 2022
I actually quite liked the way they did the Ishigami plot in this volume. And it does a decent job of setting up the next few arcs. Plus there were some v funny chapters (except the ramen one)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews