Next week marks the release the final part of Chapter 36 in Japan (via Comic Days), available for free reading. Additionally, Volume 9 is now on sale in japan & has received highly positive reviews from readers.
At present, the series spans 36 chapters & is nearing its 4th year of publication. It’s clear that Kuzushiro is taking their time to properly "cook" this story.
The narrative began from Saki’s perspective, through which we came to know Kanon. However, from Chapter 27 onward, the focus gradually shifted to Kanon’s point of view… & in doing so, we realised that the most misterious character is, in fact, Saki.
We know very little about her past, her surroundings, or the traumatic incident that scarred her during secondary school (brief flashbacks suggest Saki may have been outed or suffered a devastating rejection). This explains her fear of being discovered by Kanon and her need to conceal her feelings.
Meanwhile, Kanon is falling hard in love, but she’s also beginning to recognise that these intense emotions for Saki have crossed the boundaries of friendship.
Soon, we’ll enter the series’ dramatic arc, where Saki’s past will slowly unravel, allowing us to understand her through Kanon’s eyes.
The arrival of the photographer (though I doubt she’s an antagonist or has ill intentions) will act as a disruptive force: her eccentric and blunt personality will stir the pot, forcing Saki & Kanon to confront their emotions.
Moreover, there’s much left to explore. Kuzushiro-sensei has a history of long-running serialisations (such as Ani no Yome, which surpassed 10 years), and key future events have already been hinted at:
The writing competition.
The summer festival promise.
Rinne enrolling at Saki and Kanon’s institute during their finals school years.
The second choir festival.
And, most crucially: their promise to live together in their youth.
All I can say is… I’m eager to see what Kuzushiro-sensei has in store for this story.
