Perfect World, Vol. 10

パーフエクトワールド [Perfect World] #10

by Rie Aruga

A NEW CHAPTER

Now happily married, Tsugumi and Itsuki start their life as newlyweds. Their relationship and careers are going smoothly, and they cherish the everyday moments shared together. They couldn't ask for more, but when they start thinking about the future, they inevitably wonder how they feel about starting a family. But having a child is proving to be a challenge for the couple, especially for Tsugumi...

Genres: Manga, Romance, Josei, Disability, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Contemporary

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2019

About the author

有賀リエ

Reviews

[DianaRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

finally, a volume i enjoyed! this series was a tough read, with so many toxic characters. i'm glad we're back to focusing on the fmc and mmc.

[Kadi P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great vol to pick the series back up on after a long time because after the events of the wedding in vol 8, this volume followed the newly wedded couple on their own independent life, free from the other characters that plagued them whose names I can no longer remember.

And yet again, this manga did a fabulous job at exploring very real and almost taboo topics. The depiction of the couple’s struggle with IVF was touching and emotional. This series does not pull its punches, even when given the opportunity time and time again to take the easier route and bow out with a fluffy happily ever after ending. That’s what makes me all the more appreciative of the tough ordeals that the protagonists have faced and will no doubt continue to face in the next vol too.

[Dayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this one in the early hours of today because I couldn’t put it down. I’m so happy for this couple, even if this volume is about a very difficult topic that you barely see discussed in the literary world.

The scenes where she just looked so broken were really hard, but his continuous support of her made my heart swell for them. I also liked that this isn’t like a miraculous story just for the sake of that HEA. This was real and honest and full of emotion.

I can’t wait for the next volume to come out!

Happy reading!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars.
We follow our favorite newly wed couple as they embark on an emotional journey of IVF. Having read this as a presently pregnant woman who was infinitely fortunate to not experience infertility problems as many of my friends and family have, this was a very heavy volume for me. This entire series has never shyed away from exposing real, hard truths and medical situations and scenarios that not only serve for a learning experience for others but also a representation for this community. My respect only grew for Aruga after finishing this volume. I can't wait for vol. 11.

[Shannyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is by far my least favorite book in this series. There was absolutely no plot development. The entire thing is them trying to have a baby which is such an overdone, annoying trope. Not all couples can or should have a baby. They were perfectly happy with their cat and married for like 5 seconds and suddenly they want to have a baby even though they have never discussed it? 😒

[Lia Dospetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devo ammetterlo: è stata dura leggere questo tankobon. Infatti, ho impiegato quasi una settimana, leggendo poche tavole al giorno. Il fatto è che il volume è emotivamente intenso: Tsugumi e Itsuki si ritrovano ad affrontare, dopo la felicità del matrimonio, una serie di eventi che portano nuovo dolore nella loro vita. Il volume poi termina con un soffio di speranza, che fa da cliffhanger per il prossimo. Con la speranza che sia un po' meno intenso e doloroso anche da leggere. Rie Aruga sa come strapparti il cuore.

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is not surprising to see a series about a new married couple tackle the question of whether to try having children. Particularly given that the point of this series is how life struggles are handled by someone in a wheelchair, or how activities are complicated by his situation. However, it's not a plot point that particularly interests me. It was informative about the various challenges faced by someone undergoing artificial insemination, though, and her emotional roller coaster seemed realistic. It's a bit compressed, but I'm glad the topic didn't take up more than one volume.

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

VOLUMEN DIEZ

10 doritos más tarde… y ya estamos donde llevo tanto tiempo diciendo que quiero estar. Pero la neta digo porque ¿hay dos volúmenes más? Chale…

[Luana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Se il volume precedente era ad alto tasso di emotività, qui facciamo un ulteriore passo avanti. Infatti, viene introdotto un tema molto delicato, quello dei figli. Un argomento che irrompe improvvisamente nella vita di Itsuki e Tsugumi: vista la gravità della lesione spinale del primo, le possibilità di una gravidanza sono molto basse, ma Tsugumi decide di sottoporsi con entusiasmo alle terapie. Pagina dopo pagina, Rue Aruga ci mostra il peso fisico, ma soprattutto psicologico di queste cure, le conseguenze di ogni tentativo fallito - la paura di aver commesso qualche errore o di essere in qualche modo sbagliata, il pensiero fisso che finisce per consumare tutto, la tensione che si viene a creare all'interno della coppia, la terribile idea inconscia "se non fosse stato per Itsuki, allora...". Tsugumi passa attraverso tutte queste fasi, mentre il marito continua a supportarla, aiutandola a non perdere di vista quanto di importante hanno saputo costruire fino a quel momento.
Il volume si chiude con uno spiraglio di speranza e con una riflessione importante sul concetto di famiglia, un concetto che va oltre il semplice legame di sangue o biologico.
Sono sempre stata critica nei confronti di questo manga, non sempre ho gradito la direzione presa dalla trama, ma devo dire che qui ho apprezzato molto la delicatezza con cui la sensei ha trattato tutta la questione. Questo è decisamente il volume che ho apprezzato di più e adesso voglio vedere come Tsugumi e Itsuki costruiranno la loro famiglia.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...Nosotros llegamos hasta aquí superando obstáculos, hasta conseguir nuestra felicidad"

Pensando que la felicidad llegará porque si, estaba muy equivocada.

La relación de Kawana con Ayukawa, ahora deberá enfrentar el nivel dos de una pareja casada. Y es que su situación sigue siendo diferente de los demás. Así que deben luchar nuevamente para complementarse y que su amor siga más fuerte que nunca.

Pero esos pequeños baches seguirán apareciendo y eso me dolió un montón.
La vida sigue siendo así de complicada y no voy a negar que hubo un momento que me hizo detestar a Kawana. Y la entiendo, su tristeza y frustración, pero eso no quiere decir que pueda desquitarse con la persona que más la ama.

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was absolutely incredible—deeply moving and profoundly insightful. The author tackled a difficult and deeply personal topic with such grace and sensitivity, and it resonated on so many levels.

Society often presents us with a "one-size-fits-all" life template: fall in love, marry, have children. But as we grow, we realize life is far more complex than that. We are each our own universe, unique and sometimes unable—or unwilling—to fit into these predefined molds. Perfect World, Volume 10 shines a light on this truth, especially in the context of unfulfilled desires and the emotional toll of IVF.

The story poignantly captures the multifaceted struggles of a couple facing infertility. It doesn’t just explore the financial, physical, and time-consuming demands of IVF but delves into the emotional toll—grief, guilt, and the pain of mourning something that never was. The author beautifully emphasizes that pain is universal and valid, regardless of its cause. Too often, we judge others' grief against our own experiences, forgetting that pain is pain—it always hurts.

Itsuki’s words stood out as a beacon of hope and understanding: instead of dismissing his partner’s grief, he acknowledges his own while reframing what it means to have a family. His declaration, "We all came from separate places, and now we all live together in the same place. Building on that with a relationship of love and respect makes us a family," is profoundly touching. It’s a reminder that family can take many forms, and the act of building a loving, respectful relationship is an achievement in itself.

This volume is a gift—one that will resonate with readers, whether in the moment or years down the line. It reassures us that feelings of grief, pain, and longing are valid, that they make us human. More importantly, it encourages us to embrace love in all its forms and to find our unique paths toward connection and belonging.

Perfect World, Volume 10 is not just a story—it’s a reflection of life’s complexities, a tribute to resilience, and a celebration of love and humanity. A must-read.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

its been a year since I read vol 9 lol but I forgot how cute this series is. its not super complex or anything but its a simple and cute read. I like the characters and I love that this series talks about tough things like infertility. the characters are so sweet and positive. this is such a simple comfort read

[Ellyn → Allonsythornraxx · Rating 3 out of 5]

11/07/2022
3.5 ⭐
Oof that was an emotional rollercoaster. This volume deals with the difficulties of IVF so it was pretty emotionally exhausting but, I did still really enjoy it. I can't wait to finish this series soon and see how this couple ends up!

#1 read for Graphicsathon round 6!

Letterboxd | Instagram | Bookstagram | Tumblr | Twitter | StoryGraph

[Ady Weasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noooo, este tomo es una montaña rusa de emociones.
Empezamos con algo muy triste, que aunque era esperado duele enterarse, luego llegamos a un pequeño punto de felicitadas cuando vemos su vida como matrimonio y cuando toman un a decisión importante como familia. Pero el descenlace de eso es tan triste y doloroso, en serio que la autora me hizo sufrir, ver esas caras de Itsuki y Tsugumi llenas de sufrimiento, derrotados me rompió el corazón

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I really appreciated this volume. I love that we get to see how they are after getting married.
As always, there are tough topics being dealt with. This whole volume seems to be about pregnancy, babies, or infertility/fertility treatments. Just be aware. (Although I really liked that we got into this.)

[MargReadsManga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our two main characters have gone through so much in this volume. I cannot wait for the next volume!

[Maureen Kesterson-Yates · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand that I know very little about Japan culture and politics, but “special adoptions” do not sit right with me.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearbreaking, but realistic. I think this is my favorite in the series.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never seen another manga address this kind of stuff so that’s cool.

[Jessica ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was such an emotional journey. I love these characters so much. 😍

[Laura Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this was incredibly emotional. The experiences depicted in this volume were so well done!

[♱ℭybill♱ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ça parle de maternité et j'ai mes règles donc c'est le meilleur tome à mes yeux

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo manga affronta temi delicatissimi con una dolcezza che mi sorprende sempre più ad ogni volume. Stupendo.

[Heather D-G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh come on, can *nothing* ever go easily for them? Hoping for a happier development in the next volume…

[Jerizza Arizabal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The manga started out really interesting~ It shows us aspects of what it's like to be in relationship with a disabled person, and all the challenges that come along. Itsuki is definitely an interesting character.

However, the manga eventually got kind of annoying? Tsugumi lacked development. She's so weak and is easily swayed by those around her (e.g. Koreda). It's kind of frustrating actually~ Also, Koreda is such a manipulative scum. He's lowkey guilting Tsugumi into a relationship with him and saying stuff like "I was about to propose to you" right when Tsugumi breaks up with him. I initially thought he was a good guy, but started to dislike him as the manga progressed. Nagawa is no better (lol, don't even get me started on her).

But overall, if you want a tear-jerking manga that's gonna make you cry and get annoyed and scream, this is good. Also, it's happy ending hehe (I can't wait for the color version though, I heard it's a time jump from the last volume)~ I'm excited for that since I want to see what happens to Tsugumi and Itsuki after.

(Sorry if my review's too long. I got a lot of feelings for this manga).

[Leila ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toda la historia en si es tristísima, pero estoy desde el volumen anterior llorando a mares Rie Aruga te lo pido por favor I can't do this for dos volúmenes más cut me some slack.

4 de 5 estrellas.

[Sunread26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronique complète :
https://sunread26.wordpress.com/2025/...

Extrait :
Après les nombreuses difficultés rencontrées depuis leur nouvelle rencontre, Itsuki et Tsugumi sont enfin unis l’un à l’autre. Toutefois, la joie laisse vite la place à la tristesse, avec le décès du père de Tsugumi. Grandement malade, celle-ci aura fini par avoir eu raison de lui assez vite, environ un mois d’après Tsugumi. Cet événement rappel combien la vie est courte et même s’ils ont enfin en semblant de bonheur, ils aimeraient aller encore plus loin…

Je suppose que la mentalité japonaise est assez proche de la nôtre sur ce point. Quand on est en couple, l’objectif suivant est de faire un enfant. Même si chez nous, j’ai tendance à croire que l’on devient plus libre face à ce choix, la pression sociale, familiale et des proches est souvent toujours là. Il en est sans doute de même au Japon, même si dans le cas présent, ce n’est pas par pression qu’ils aimeraient en avoir et heureusement ! Avec la situation d’Itsuki, il n’est pas possible de passer par la voie lambda afin d’y parvenir. Commence alors une succession d’opérations et de rendez-vous médicaux, qui offrent quatre chances au couple d’avoir un enfant. Au départ très heureux et pensant avoir suffisamment d’essai, la désillusion et le désarroi finissent par arriver. Istuki ne le montre pas vraiment, car il ne souhaite pas ajouter un poids à Tsugumi qui s’en veut déjà énormément. Chaque essai redonne de l’espoir pour sombrer ensuite vers l’échec. Psychologiquement c’est quelque chose de très difficile à vivre. Surtout quand Tsugumi pense que son temps est compté et que c’est de sa faute… Ce genre de situation a bien souvent fini par séparer des couples, mais aucun des deux ne souhaitent cela et le choix est fait d’arrêter plutôt que de s’acharner et de subir encore des échecs qui minent le moral. C’est toujours frustrant de se dire que certaines personnes peuvent en avoir, mais n’en souhaite pas, tandis que d’autres en souhaitent, mais ne le peuvent pas… Même si ce n’est pas le cas du duo ici, qui arrive à se soutenir malgré tout et à passer ce nouveau moment difficile à deux.

J’ai été un peu surprise de voir que Tsugumi souhaitait directement abandonner, sans penser aux autres options qui pouvaient se présenter à eux. L’adoption est quelque que je pensais assez connu, mais j’imagine qu’il n’est pas évident de se dire que l’on va prendre soin d’un enfant n’ayant pas le même sang. Au Japon, il est aussi possible d’adopter un adulte (ça se fait surtout pour avoir un héritier de mémoire). D’autres questions se posent aussi évidemment, est-ce que celui-ci ne va pas se sentir mal, est-ce qu’il voudra connaître ses parents si on lui dit, etc… Ce n’est jamais évident, surtout quand on adopte à l’étranger, comme ça se fait en France… (alors qu’on a sans doute de quoi faire avec nos propres enfants, mais je ne m’y connais pas assez). Au final, c’est parce qu’une connaissance passera par ce choix qu’elle commencera à l’envisager également. Voyant qu’Itsuki aussi aurait beaucoup aimé avoir un enfant, elle finit par lui en parler, tout en évoquant sa réticence. Un doux moment qui permet à celui-ci d’évoquer sa propre famille et le fait qu’il a perdu son père biologique très tôt. Il a eu du mal à se rapprocher de son nouveau père, pourtant, il a l’air d’être une crème (ce qui n’est pas toujours le cas). Il pensait ne pas pouvoir partager quelque chose avec lui, sans lien de sang, mais il s’est trompé. Les enfants ne peuvent pas copier les gènes et ressembler physiquement, mais pour le caractère ou les mimiques, c’est différent ! Lui et sa mère sont passés par bien des défis, je leur souhaite vraiment que du bonheur.

[...]

[Lu]

DNF @ page 40

This volume made me realise I should have trusted my gut and dropped this series when things started becoming melodramatic and over the top back in volume 4, but I was too curious to see how things would get resolved and now I'm paying for it.

This volume just confirmed what I've been feeling since the whole plot with Kawana's father: this series tries to make up for a lack of emotional development on the main character's side by shoe-horning as many tragic things into the story as it can as a way to distract the reader from the glaring holes in the relationship between the main couple.

It tries very hard to substitute the main character's agency by having plot points thrown her way left and right so she doesn't have to think about her choices and learn how to communicate them with Ayukawa so they can move forward together.

Unfortunately, the last drop for me is having a whole life-altering subplot thrown in haphazardly and have the characters continue to go through with it withou discussing anything. It made it obvious to me that their whole relationship has been built on a very rocky foundation that relies on ~vibes~ and extenuating outside influences and that they only ever manage to move forward when pushed in a direction by anything other than themselves.

The whole thing just reads very half-baked to me and it has been doing nothing but bum me out, so I'll finally cut my losses and stop reading, because I can guess how it's going to end and I don't trust the author to develop the characters after 10 volumes.

[Sabina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was such an emotional rollercoaster. I can’t imagine the back and fourth of hope that they could have a child together. And all the ware and toll on those intense treatments Tsugumi had to undergo.

As much as it pains us readers, I’m glad they showed Tsugumi snapping at Itsuki. Showing the reality. Even though she loves him with everything, there are still a lot of trials that go into their Inter-abled relationship.

I loved how patient and kind Itsuki was this volume. Just warmed my heart. And when he made dinner for Tsugumi and took her to where they met.

And the house planning, just ahhh! I love these two so much.

The only thing I don’t care for is the few pages I had to skip due to sexual content. I personally skip due to my convictions.

Cant wait for them to continue to grow in their love for each other and go along on the journey of adoption! They are both going to be wonderful parents!

Also, I had no clue that there were so many time skips! I guess if I went back I probably could do the math. But in my small brain I was still freezing time with them at 26 not 29 and 30😂

[BlerdyMama · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the emotional damage we were given in the previous volume, I expected and looked forward to smooth sailing on a sea of happiness this go around.

That was not the case, but I’m actually happy about it. In this volume our main couple is struggling with the challenges that come with planning a family.
They each take and express their woes differently. That is a part of why I love this series so much!

We’re getting a story that tackles real life issues that disabled/ abled bodied couples face on a day to day basis, without the sugarcoating or glossed over details. There is always footnotes explaining the terminology used, so that the reader gets a better understanding as well.

During the end of this volume, we see the couple come to somewhat of a decision on how to go forward with their struggle. I’m looking forward to volume 11 , I hope they finally get a break and have their wish come true.