"Seishun Butayarou wa Odekake Shisutaa no Yume wo Minai" by Kamoshida Hajime

2020-02-19 : previous : next : index : [books]


"Seishun Butayarou wa Odekake Shisutaa no Yume wo Minai" (rascal does not dream of sister who leaves home) by Kamoshida Hajime. This volume deals with the very mundane but slightly urgent problem of going to school.

Considering that previous volumes involve oddly specific and localized quantum effects that ultimately prevented the fatal destiny of two heroines, the current topic of getting school is decidedly less exciting. One interpretation is that having managed to stay alive, the next most important thing is to just do the normal expected daily routines. This is certainly a more relatable experience, but perhaps not the main reason why I read light novels.

There is a good reason to read this volume though, and it is all for the development of Kaede. As of volume 5, the current Kaede is the original left-handed Kaede with all the childhood memories, replacing the interim right-handed amnesiac Kaede. This right-handed Kaede had build up sufficient presence for herself, having tried her best living up to the expectations of the original Kaede and ultimately managing to break the social withdrawal spell. And this volume is how readers get a subtle replay of history, with the left-handed Kaede version 2 trying to continue the legacy left behind by the interim right-handed Kaede.

Kaede actually surpassed that legacy by the end of this volume -- while the initial goal might have been for Kaede to be accepted to the same school as Sakuta, she managed to get accepted despite all odds against her, and then deliberately turn down that offer. In doing so, Kaede has finally gained independence from the shadows of her past. There were no clever sci-fi tricks of any sort involved in this volume, but the final development was rather brilliant.

Looking forward to the return of the sci-fi bits, as hinted by the young version of Mai in the final scene.


Previous (2020-02-01): "Seishun Butayarou wa Hatsukoi Shoujo no Yume wo Minai" by Kamoshida Hajime
Next (2020-02-29): "Eromanga Sensei" volume 12 by Fushimi Tsukasa

Index

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