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| THIS IS A MANGA ONLY DISCUSSION POST. DO NOT DISCUSS ANYTHING BEYOND THIS CHAPTER. ---------------------------------------- And so this ends... Was kinda confused for a bit but in the end it's Touma x Taichi! Glad to see everyone is happy, I think the idea of choices not being definite was strong in this one. "We continue to make choices forever." |
Major_GilbertApr 7, 2020 8:20 AM
 "Le vent se lève!... Il faut tenter de vivre!" - Paul Valéry, Le Cimetière Marin - |
| What a nice ending, really happy with it. |
| What a confusing ending. Taichi and Touma ending up together is certainly a bold direction for a shounen manga to take, but it would have made more sense if it, I don't know, had some actual development? Instead of happening at literally the very last second. Futaba and Taichi breaking up made perfect sense to me, as they never really had much chemistry, but all the hints throughout the manga that Taichi could possibly like Touma in that way were so vague it could easily be written off as friendship. Masumi being married to a man doesn't sit right with me. This is not a character who was written as bisexual, we saw her struggles as a teen when she admitted that she can't love any of her boyfriends. Why include such a detail if she was intended to end up with a guy? At least she's happy with her husband instead of using him as a beard. Overall I appreciate what they were trying to do here, especially how they made Tai and Touma's marriage explicit with the rings and Touma's surname being Ichinose now, even if it came totally out of left field. The manga always seemed to be building to a climax it never quite delivered on, and the whole last arc was kind of a mess. If only they'd cut out a few of those pointless chapters after the confession where every side character got to voice their irrelevant opinion on the situation, and used them to further develop the main four. |
| It's so sad that it finally ended, but this is one of my favorite romance manga. What a rollercoaster!!! |
Rarity said: What a confusing ending. Taichi and Touma ending up together is certainly a bold direction for a shounen manga to take, but it would have made more sense if it, I don't know, had some actual development? Instead of happening at literally the very last second. Futaba and Taichi breaking up made perfect sense to me, as they never really had much chemistry, but all the hints throughout the manga that Taichi could possibly like Touma in that way were so vague it could easily be written off as friendship. Masumi being married to a man doesn't sit right with me. This is not a character who was written as bisexual, we saw her struggles as a teen when she admitted that she can't love any of her boyfriends. Why include such a detail if she was intended to end up with a guy? At least she's happy with her husband instead of using him as a beard. Overall I appreciate what they were trying to do here, especially how they made Tai and Touma's marriage explicit with the rings and Touma's surname being Ichinose now, even if it came totally out of left field. The manga always seemed to be building to a climax it never quite delivered on, and the whole last arc was kind of a mess. If only they'd cut out a few of those pointless chapters after the confession where every side character got to voice their irrelevant opinion on the situation, and used them to further develop the main four. Yeah, this is similar to how I feel. I can appreciate the "bold" move (Still would have liked to see Touma's face), but from a writing point of view it's a complete trainwreck and borderline character assassination in some cases. It's not satisfying from an emotional point of view because you don't get too see Touma and Taichi do all the things couples do, and it's not satisfying from a writing point of view because Taichi's sexuality and his "turn around" are completely left unexplored. Masumi definitely got hit the hardest, especially because how much Japan likes to portray lesbianism as "Just a phase". Even if the author pretty much states she's bisexual in the last chapter... which doesn't really fit any of her previous character. |
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| I was shook when I saw those last few pages. I never thought that they'd actually end up together. The ending as a whole could have been stronger, but I still really enjoyed the series. |
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| well that's like the first time in a while I've gasped aloud at something. I think this is a perfect ending not just because i prayed it was gay the entire time, but because, it didn't go through the shit process of a time skip, so all the development AFTER high school and college was off the page which IMO is ideal. Gay Rights babeyyyy |
 ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 愛してる *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ |
| I believe that the ending is consistent with the theme of the manga. Touma x Taichi has always been a possibility and self-discovery more important than romance so i don't think it's a problem the way they did things. it was rushed tho yes, good, BUT: Masumi's end doesn't make ANY sense. if anyone knows why they did it, please tell me. |
| This ending was really satisfying regarding Taichi and Touma. I mean, from the beginning I was begging for them to be together because their chemistry was from another level. Futaba makes Taichi face his feelings and it's nice, but for me, it was obvious that they weren't made for each other. Nice POV this last chapter, a lot of hints such as Touma writing "Ichinose..." and Futaba telling him that both of them and Masumi still are her role models. The only thing that didn't convince me completely was Masumi's ending... I mean, somehow it feels like she gave up? But then her husband says that thing about men or women so it feels like she came to accept how she feels. Still not sure about this. Her struggle meant a lot more in her teenage years... Quite a bold ending for a shonen magazine and so refreshing!! This was truly necessary. I'll give it an 8, just because I would have like to see some of TaichixTouma development, to make it more real. EDIT: I just read that Masumi's husband is a trans man. Does anyone know anything about this? |
DorayakisamaApr 7, 2020 11:25 AM
| The trans thing seems to be a fan theory by a Japanese twitter user. I'm not sure there's any real substance to it. Jin_uzuki said: Masumi definitely got hit the hardest, especially because how much Japan likes to portray lesbianism as "Just a phase". Even if the author pretty much states she's bisexual in the last chapter... which doesn't really fit any of her previous character. It really just comes off as one more for the lesbian until graduation/find the right guy trope collection. |
| Whoa. I have loved this story for it's courage and emotional charge, but the ending was a bit disappointing. After the next to last chapter I could NEVER have imagined Taichi and Touma ending up together; I thought all the build-up was for Taichi to accept Touma for who he is and seeing he is still his best friend. Not that I didn't like them together, that definitely is a daring way to end the story, but I feel really cheated because they got together off-screen without even giving a hint there was something more than feelings of friendship on Taichi's part. Overall, I enjoyed this story a lot. It had some serious balls! If the ending wasn't so rushed and Masumi would have gotten a better ending treatment (I first thought her husband was a boyish woman but sadly that didn't seem to be the case) it could have been a masterpiece in my heart. I always secretly dreamed of Masumi and Futaba ending up together </3 |
TrivialmadnessApr 7, 2020 11:56 AM
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| Holy fuck, I can’t believe Touma and Taichi actually get together, just like I never expected Masumi to end up with a guy. Masumi being with a guy is probably my only issue with this chapter, she was never meant to be bisexual and it kinda bothered me Wish we could have seen Taichi accepting his feelings for Touma. Nonetheless, 10/10 |
XenocrisiApr 7, 2020 11:55 AM
| I just know i won't like this ending, how disappointing Taichi rejected Touma last chapter I thought that Was the end of it. and Taichi can't you at least go to your ex's wedding just to show support ==" another manga with a shit ending ><" |
Elyon_HolicSep 13, 2022 3:35 AM
| What??Gay ending?? Shounen Jump????? we are truly in a new era. I was not expecting this at all, not after everything that came before this chapter. Sadly the ending was rushed as fuck, hope it gets an anime adaptation someday to fix everything. |
| I don't think you can fix this mess without like 2 volumes of extra story that details how everyone character pulled a 180° to be honest, which is probably beyond the scope of any adaptation. Still an anime would be worth just for the reactions lol. |
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| How can a 9/10 manga do a complete 360 and end with me giving it a 6/10? Fucking hell, somebody should open up a "manga ending" course for mangakas because they really need it |
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Jin_uzuki said: I don't think you can fix this mess without like 2 volumes of extra story that details how everyone character pulled a 180° to be honest, which is probably beyond the scope of any adaptation. Still an anime would be worth just for the reactions lol. Honestly, i don't think the author is that crazy to rush things out of nowhere, so i'm going with the theory that the manga was axed by jump and he did his best to finish things within a few chapters. Which also mean that an adaptation is never happening. But i agree, the meltdown would be glorious. |
N4rutoG4ming said: Ah, I hate this so damn much. That was a very bold move from the author. 0/10 +1 for effort. With that end, a 1/10 would still be really generous. |
| :v |
| I am sad Masumi ended up with a guy. Didn't she say she wasn't attracted to guys? I hope she actually was bisexual, because I really like her and wish for her happiness. They made it look like we were seeing things from Taichi's POV, but things felt really off. Everybody reacted like they were talking to Touma the whole time. (I didn't realise what a good job Kaito-sensei had done establishing characters.) And, well, it was Touma! As the story progressed, it looked more and more like Taichi and Touma were dating. They even seemed to be close with each other's friends. And the end is just so special to me. Taichi was indeed bisexual, just like Futaba had hinted. He looked so happy with Touma. I'm getting so emotional!! haha. I am glad this manga didn't go with the gay-guy loves straight guy, and now has to just play the role of a supportive character. Edit: I just realised they were wearing matching rings. They're not dating, they're married!! I guess that's why Touma used Taichi's surname. |
FuMomo-kunApr 7, 2020 4:19 PM
| The time skip ending strikes again. I'm happy with where it ended, but it feels a bit empty without seeing how it happened. |
| This felt rushed. Was it ever implied that Taichi and Masumi were bi? If they were going to pair Taichi with Touma, there should’ve been more buildup instead of giving Taichi’s feelings a sudden 180. And why not show Touma? Was it an editor jumping in? A weird artistic decision from the mangaka? I hate when certain manga and anime do these weird half-commitments to gay relationships and intimacy...If you’re gonna do it, have some balls and do it fully, instead of this vague bull crap. This was meant to be a lighthearted ending but it honestly made me very angry. The time skip came as a shock because it felt way too abrupt. This needed a few extra chapters first. And then this final chapter did not resolve things in a satisfying way. |
TheGenkiGuyApr 7, 2020 5:56 PM
| First forum post ever here but I wanted to say that I really enjoyed this manga especially in its earlier stages. It seemed like a refreshing new take on highschool drama but with actual relatable and likeable characters. But I definitely understand those who were disappointed with this ending. Not gonna lie, I rooted for Taichi x Touma from the start, but I would've liked for their relationship to be shown on how it developed and everything. Someone else said that things might've been rushed because the manga got axed and I think that's likely true. I actually don't know how well this manga did and sold in Japan anyway...but I'm hoping Kaito will at least give some sort of extra chapters or an interview explaining everything! |
| ~ ♡ 𝐑-𝐀-𝐌-𝐔-𝐃 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀 𝐖𝐡𝐨’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭? 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐝𝐚! ♡ ~  |
| A truly beautiful ending. The narration was personal and intimate. I didn't know what was going to happen until the last page. They made a decision. 10/10 |
Sasha_ATApr 7, 2020 9:31 PM
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| im not rooting for anyone in this story to be honest. when the previous chapter told us that tai and futaba broke up and got married to someone else somehow didn't suprise me. i thought that tai will accept toma as who he is and continue to become best friends and life goes on for both of them. i really didn't expect this kind if ending though it would be possible for them to end up together. one of the manga that had me ride the emotions roller coaster. i still give it 8/10 |
 iSignature "I specialize in reading manga but don't get how to draw manga at all" -Asaba Yuuki- |
| can someone help me understand why we're all collectively assuming it's touma, why didn't the author show his face? i'm so confused |
TheGenkiGuy said: And why not show Touma? Was it an editor jumping in? A weird artistic decision from the mangaka? I hate when certain manga and anime do these weird half-commitments to gay relationships and intimacy...If you’re gonna do it, have some balls and do it fully, instead of this vague bull crap. While I'm sure the usual suspects would love to jump in and explain why x is not gay, it's impossible since at the end of the day that was a dude's hand, so it's not like there is any ambiguity about Taichi being into men, so I don't think it was a matter of trying to make it /not/ gay (This say I agree that editors and whatnot can be pretty weird in the ways they try to make it things less gay). The way the panels and the story flow is pretty subtle but unambiguous at the same time. makuras said: can someone help me understand why we're all collectively assuming it's touma, why didn't the author show his face? i'm so confused It's a dude who knows Futaba and Masumi, Masumi told him "You are still my role model" and the flashback is told in the same style as his other flashback and Touma is the only character who is missing from any panel. Also Taichi is staring at this panel complaining about the main character's choice and how it didn't sit well with him, since he got to pick the third option and have his best friend as his lover. I wouldn't be surprised if we get some sketches of Touma's design from KAITO, and hopefully an Extra to give this shit romance some actual context and dynamics. |
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| I'm really happy that Touma and Taichi got together in the end, but I agree with everyone else that I'm disappointed that we didn't even et to see how it happened. A lot of things can happen in 7 years, so a lot of content should have been added to see what happened between them. I was also disappointed when I saw Masumi with a guy. I mean don't get me wrong, if she's happy then I'm happy, but like others sad, she was painted purely as a lesbian, and I didn't think that she was bisexual. I really liked this manga, and I'm gonna miss it. I'm giving it a 9/10 cause the missing pieces that should have been shown before the end. lezerman said: Honestly, i don't think the author is that crazy to rush things out of nowhere, so i'm going with the theory that the manga was axed by jump and he did his best to finish things within a few chapters. Honestly, I can see that actually happening for this. Though we don't really know what happened for KAITO, it's a likely possibility that it was axed. |
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| As far I know, it was actually selling well and actually got nominated in a few "Which anime would you like to see adapted" polls, so I think it had a decent following. Unless some editors/producer was really getting annoyed by it, which given past history I wouldn't rule that out, but it's entirely speculation without more info. |
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| im not sure about this ending ... sure i wished for a taichi/touma ending and im happy we got it !!! i rly am but that timeskip... we needed proper development for them. not a development in a way "but taichi was never attracted to touma" because theres a bunch of scenes indicating that, wanted to see how taichi broke up with futaba and got together with touma. also cant get behind the fact that masumi just has a husband now ? its kinda ...[•_•]hm besides that i thought it was really clever to write this ch from toumas pov, kinda wished to see his face for the last time bec hes my fave character of all^^ |
| What a way to end. Rushed as fuck. This needed 20 more chapters to flesh out the ending. God I fucking hate time skip low effort shit. What is it with manga with great writing having shit paced endings. It could have been a classic. Mami best girl. |
| i need to re-read... it being monthly kind of fragmented what was going on for me. reading the last two chapters, it ended alright. It would have been better if the author drew touma in the final chapter.... im in the minority not interested in how tachi and touma got together tbh... they had their final character arc catharsis and its hard to write drama that would be interesting after it. Also they seemed to have reached a strong point of maturity compared to the beginning of the series. The author got out what he wanted to say in the end. |
jesteriApr 9, 2020 1:54 PM
| Last two chapters ruined whole manga for me. Last chapter was literally Korra's ending. And Taichi's JUST-hair looks worse than Boruto's dad and epilogue Ichigo. |
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| Despite the flaws, I feel that the ending is quite memorable. If it ended the way we expected it to be, it wouldn't get all this reaction and it wouldn't really stay with us. Now, I am not one who picks on subtle hints but I never took Taichi for being gay, so the plot twist at the end was unexpected for me but not unwelcome. Honestly, I didn't have a favorite character in this series neither was I shipping hard. Futaba was a very nice and kind girl but she never stood out to me nor left an impression. I knew from the beginning that she's going to end up falling for Taichi given the time they spent together compared to her minimal interaction with Touma. Sure, she was crushing on Touma but the time she spent with Taichi made her realize she liked him more and wanted to be with him. It was a very simple and straightforward romance until Touma was outed to the whole school. Now, Futaba must have been feeling guilty thinking that she was in the way and that if she wasn't there, there was a chance that Taichi might have reciprocated Touma's feelings but is that the case? Who knows. What I'm really curious about is, why did Taichi and Futaba break up? Is it just that they realized they couldn't work things out or did Taichi's feelings change at some point? Did Taichi choose to be with Touma while he was still with Futaba or did it happen after that? To me, it looks like it happened while they were still dating. Did Taichi and Touma feel guilty because of that and that's why Taichi didn't reconnect with Futaba for a long time after that? I would have loved to see adult Touma but I wonder why the author didn't show him. Would love to see an extra chapter but I wonder if it will happen as I think the author purposely chose to keep things vague. And it was definitely Touma and not some other guy Taichi ended up with. I doubt Taichi would've ended up with a guy other than Touma but that's just my interpretation. Also, it was clear from the way Masumi and Futaba were addressing the guy. |
HatsumiShinoguApr 8, 2020 8:32 PM
| What an absolute SHIT ending. I am so incredibly disappointed. Taichi and Touma should have not ended up together and Futaba marry someone else. |
bastek66 said: Last two chapters ruined whole manga for me. Last chapter was literally Korra's ending. And Taichi's JUST-hair looks worse than Boruto's dad and epilogue Ichigo. THIS. SO MUCH THIS. |
HatsumiShinogu said: Despite the flaws, I feel that the ending is quite memorable. If it ended the way we expected it to be, it wouldn't get all this reaction and it wouldn't really stay with us. Now, I am not one who picks on subtle hints but I never took Taichi for being gay, so the plot twist at the end was unexpected for me but not unwelcome. same, I feel like a dumbass for not picking up on the hints earlier too... What I'm really curious about is, why did Taichi and Futaba break up? Is it just that they realized they couldn't work things out did Taichi's feelings change at some point? Did Taichi choose to be with Touma while he was still with Futaba or did it happen after that? To me, it looks like it happened while they were still dating. tachi said "there wasn't an interesting story behind it", so i guess they just had a natural falling out. i mean, who knows, maybe they went to different universities and couldn't make long distance work. I think it happened after the break up. |
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