Blue Morning, Vol. 5: Volume 5

Katsuragi has changed, and so have the plans he worked on so carefully. Thrown out the window by his unexpected feelings for Akihito. Katsuragi has always been in control, has always known what he wanted, and what he was willing to do in order to get it. But nothing is as cut and dried as he once believed it to be. Akihito and Katsuragi are attending an evening ball at the Marquise Moriyama’s residence, despite Katsuragi’s misgivings. Akihito notices a great number of reporters hanging around outside the gate. As they arrive, he kisses Katsuragi and tells him he trusts him, to Katsuragi’s shock. Will this confession prove to be the former butler’s undoing? Once inside the Moriyama manor, Akihito insists again that Katsuragi walk beside him, not behind him. Yanking Katsuragi into an unused room of the manor, Akihito affirms his feelings, and tells him that just knowing Katsuragi loves him, he can get through anything. Katsuragi promises to tell him everything. Also in attendance at the ball is Akihito’s father’s half-brother, Naotsugu. Katsuragi’s plan is to have Naotsugu take on the Kuze title. Having met him, though, Akihito is not so sure this is a good idea, and he fears he may have to go against Katsuragi’s wishes. Meanwhile, Katsuragi is intent on protecting Akihito, even if that means lying to him… or about him. Meanwhile, Akihito’s friend Soichiro Ishizaki goes to his father and begs him not to abandon Akihito, even though it was at his father’s direction that they ever became friends. His father tells him if that’s the case to come with him to the Moriyama estate. Katsuragi demands and receives a private audience with Marquise Moriyama, outlining his plans for Naotsugu’s success to the Kuze house, which will be temporary as the man only has a few years to live, after which he wants Moriyama to help with something that is unprecedented, so that Akihito can regain the Kuze title after Naotsugu’s death. It’s obvious to me that these two men love each other greatly, but it’s also obvious that until they stop working behind each other’s backs and work together, nothing will be accomplished. That is the only way in which they will succeed and be able to walk together, side by side, as equals. The plot is only becoming more complicated, with the introduction of Akihito’s half-uncle, and the confirmation of the seeds Katsuragi has sown concerning Akihito’s “illness”. Some of Katsuragi’s plans are coming to fruition, including the divorce of the Marquise Moriyama by his wife, which is the reason why the reporters are hovering outside the manor. They are still keeping secrets from each other, though, and not being entirely honest. That has got to give. Ishizaki is really Akihito’s friend, and while he doesn’t approve of his relationship with Katsuragi, not because he is a man but because he doesn’t entirely trust him, he wants Akihito to be happy. And he feels Katsuragi may actually love Akihito. So much intrigue, where will it end? Another brilliant volume, looking forward to the next one, although with a little apprehension.

Chegou muito rápido e em perfeito estado. Amo essa obra, já comprei o restante dos volumes pq merece muito ser guardada e relida no futuro, além de estar apoiando a autora. Amo tanto o amadurecimento dos personagens e como crescem juntos, cada um do seu jeito

"Blue morning" is so much above the dozens of mangas I have read, I do not understand why it is sold at the same price as the others : you get a masterpiece at the price of a mass product... Masterpiece, it is, both in art and in scenario. The story is cleverly narrated and magnificently illustrated... Have you ever watched "Stalker" by A. Tarkovsky ? Each picture of this movie is an art photography. So is "Blue morning" : there are so many magnificent drawings it is the first manga I read where I spent more time marveling at the pictures than reading the story. Every tree, every chair, every costume, every building is drawn with exquisite details, how on Earth did Shoko Hidaka took the time to draw this series ??? The series is well worth buying for the art alone, and to be honest, it is a steal at this price... Now, alike "Stalker", not everyone can enjoy the story. You need to be able to appreciate serenity. It unfolds calmly and intelligently. Obviously, this will not be of everyone's taste, especially among manga readers. There are drawings illustrating a story, and in this sense it is a manga. But it is manga elevated to an art. It contains sex scenes between the two male protagonists, and in this sense it is a yaoi. But it is first and foremost a masterpiece.

ありがとうございました

Best in the series so far!