Asako - Vol. 5 Ch. 24

[Doutorfunga]

Thanks for the translation.
I understand the frustration of some readers but it doesn't seem to me that this manga is adding unnecessary drama, all the reactions of the characters are pretty natural, especially Masahi who is just an 11-years old kid, and it seems to me that there are still a lot of unknowns about Asako that need to be uncovered. It's not a romance story, for sure. I like it a lot personally.

It is unfortunately completely artificial and unnecessary, because of the letter. He could open at any time in the 10+ years he's had it with him. Well, the memories which unlock by plot convenience don't help.
This manga is really interesting. It's really a pity about the whole "one final letter of which the contents will only be shown in the last chapter as text over images of MC wistfully reading". It turns the entire mystery into an artificial plot device, since Masashi could have figured out what really happened whenever he felt like it.

 

[catsdontsmile]

It is unfortunately completely artificial and unnecessary, because of the letter. He could open at any time in the 10+ years he's had it with him. Well, the memories which unlock by plot convenience don't help.
This manga is really interesting. It's really a pity about the whole "one final letter of which the contents will only be shown in the last chapter as text over images of MC wistfully reading". It turns the entire mystery into an artificial plot device, since Masashi could have figured out what really happened whenever he felt like it.

He was given the letter recently by his town's doctor. He didn't have it for 10 years

 

[danvolodar]

Quite an unfortunate end to their rather close relationship. Young folks easily believe rumours, even blatant lies, so this wasn't so unrealistic. He still didn't begin to hate or dislike her, but there was now a layer of suspicion mixed in, perhaps even fear.

Was there really a close relationship, to begin with? She fooled around with a kid a bit, yeah, so what? I mean, he obviously was head over heels for her, because in the fucking countryside there were no other positive stimuli whatsoever, but it's not like she reciprocated in any non-ironic way.

 

[Eggsburst]

Ooooh, this is so compelling! can't wait for the next one.
Thanks Daphie!

 

[Kushikime]

Thanks for the chapter

 

[zeansunsunzean]

Why is there always a rape plotline whichever manga I go to, I know it's there for the story but still

 

[coyote_vdb]

It is unfortunately completely artificial and unnecessary, because of the letter. He could open at any time in the 10+ years he's had it with him. Well, the memories which unlock by plot convenience don't help.
This manga is really interesting. It's really a pity about the whole "one final letter of which the contents will only be shown in the last chapter as text over images of MC wistfully reading". It turns the entire mystery into an artificial plot device, since Masashi could have figured out what really happened whenever he felt like it.

Mmm, if I'm not mistaken, Masahi didn't have the letter for 10+ years, he got it from the doctor at the end of volume 4. So no more than weeks before the current chapter. And the reason he does not open the letter is because he's afraid of what he could find in it. Maybe because he's ashamed of how he behaved 23 years before, even though he was a kid then, so he had excuses. Maybe because he wants to focus on his current life instead of reminiscing the past.
It's not even guaranteed that the letter contains any explanation on who Asako was.
So I don't agree with your feeling that all of this is artificial. It seems on the contrary to me that the described people with their failures, their lack of rationality when faced with emotional situations, is quite accurate.

 

[risotoo]

Bit of a rough one this time but it's pretty neat. The ending really brings home the atmosphere the story's attempting to convey, I think - we feel the import of these things super strongly because so much of what we see is from his perspective, but the mystery and tragedy of it are likewise influenced by that framework.

Adults whisper behind his back about things he doesn't understand until much later, his heart changes on a dime and his memories get foggier and foggier past this point... I get why people might find the back and forth of it kind of artificial or boring, but it's really interesting coming of age writing to me. Present Masa's at a weird age, like his mom says. Present Masa's at a weird age too. They're both kind of on major developmental cusps (at the edge of being a teenager and at the edge of being middle aged, if only in like. the strictest mathematical terms).

Also I'm pretty sure Asa-nee's dad deserved it. It's hard to imagine him having been that great of a guy.

Anyway, thanks for the chapter as always!

 

[mrboxeater]

Drawing SA from a kids perspective is fucked up

thanks for the chapter!

 

[Rafalga]

Was it really necessary to show her getting fucked? Need extra drama? Add rape.

I fucking hate this trend.

 

[Valentfred]

Thank you for the chapter!

 

[_thestranger_]

Bro really drew rape like we wouldn't notice

Masashi having that erotica wet dream during that scene felt like the authors way being like "yeah, she's getting rape but don't focus too much on that". I doubt this rape well ever be brought up among the characters or the story. Rubs me the wrong way honestly

 

[_thestranger_]

Thought the flashbacks were over but noooo.

By the sounds of it, probably going to be flashbacks until 1 or 2 chapters are left of the series. Question remain if the payoff is worth it.

 

[Outflanks10]

I do feel like the author is defiantly trying extend the story more than needed and its kinda tripping up the over all pace a bit.
But I am still enjoying this roller coaster for the most part.

Thanks for the translation Daphie's

 

[catsdontsmile]

Chapter was okay, better than the last few, but still kind of subpar. Without Masashi actively perusing Asako in the present, the memories become just that and it strips the character of any agency to investigate the mystery. Really bad decision to have the MC suddenly become uninterested in the literal plot of the very manga we're reading.