Though partially uneventful, this was an excellent and immensely satisfying chapter, as it realistically developed Misaki and Usui’s romantic evolution following their engagement, while also establishing a long-awaited relationship between two secondary characters. Despite a plethora of narrative elements remaining unresolved, this chapter was paced quite strongly, deftly avoiding the typically rushed nature of conclusions with the ability to properly handle two rather disparate threads within the story by smartly weaving them into a singular focus throughout much of the chapter. Of course, several chapters remain, which could easily prove troublesome, or, at the worst, disastrous, but if the quality and execution of the final three chapters succeed in impressing half as well as the previous two, then perhaps this particular shoujo ending won’t be as frustratingly disappointing as the majority.
Suzuna‘s heightened involvement in this chapter was fantastic and long-overdue, since in Fujiwara’s fervor to force Tora into nearly every development in the latter half of the manga, she’s nearly forgotten the characters that are actually close to Misaki and Usui. Her interactions with Usui are especially enjoyable, since their divergent personalities allow for some terrific comedy.
The relationship between Suzuna and Hinata is somewhat predictable, but, alas, it‘s been heavily foreshadowed throughout the latter half of the narrative, and, though the fruition of it’s potential is very satisfying, it certainly should have been established much earlier in the story, since it would have likely provided appropriately lengthy development for their romance, which is now, unfortunately, unlikely. As such, I hope it will be a prevalent fixture throughout the final three chapters, but, due to the myriad of other developments that lie untouched, it could very well receive less focus than it evidently deserves. However, given Suzuna’s words at the end, I’m expectant that it will, at the very least, be momentarily explored in each of the remaining chapters. Of course, even if a bit rushed, I thoroughly prefer this approach over the ridiculous nonsense that has been plaguing this manga since the 57th chapter, as the near-constant deluge of contrived and unconvincing drama has excessively detracted from the story. Plus, this relationship allows Hinata the opportunity to finally grow past his incredibly pathetic and often desperate characterization.
Misaki and Usui’s romantic moment toward the end was easily the highlight of the chapter, as the exceptionally nuanced development of their relationship has elevated the quality of the last two chapters, and the narrative as a whole, considerably. Misaki, in particular, though still unnecessarily stubborn and detached at times, continues to display remarkably refreshing growth within her interactions, and her relationship, with Usui, subtly illuminated by their final kiss, which was, for seemingly the first time ever, initiated by her. I’m also assuming they’ve finally had sex, since it was pretty strongly alluded to at the end, which would be greatly satisfying, particularly following Tora’s unnecessary interruption at the end of the 79th chapter.
Though I still lack the confidence I once possessed in Fujiwara’s ability to impress with well-written material consistently, the last two chapters have rekindled a fragment of my hope that she hasn’t forgotten what’s most important, since this arc, in particular, requires masterful execution. As such, the transition into a near-complete separation from the atrocious quality of the previous arc has almost fully occurred, due partially to the filtering of a lighthearted tone throughout the entire chapter, and also, most of all, due to the focus on secondary characters that actually possess a shred of worth to the story, which Tora, for obvious reasons, did not. Hopefully the few remaining chapters don’t stray too heavily from the formula that was illustrated throughout the last two, since such well-planned and methodical pacing would definitely provide the most satisfying conclusion possible. A restraint from forcing needless dramatics into the miniscule amount of narrative that remains is one of the most essential aspects. |