▪	RELEASED BY:		DEL REY
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		AKIRA SEGAMI
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE  / BW
		▪	PAGES:		200
		▪	RATING:		T
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		06/26/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		07/09/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		CHRISTOPHER SEAMAN

A powerful family with a lovely heiress in our complicated modern world put its trust in the young but skilled hands of a traditional ninja to protect her from danger.  Kagetora is clearly dedicated to the code of the ninja.  Yet his heart is proving to be a far greater menace than any one enemy ever could.  He is falling in love with Yuki, the girl in his care, and she him.  This love is forbidden, however, and if anyone senses what is going on, it would bring disgrace onto not just Kagetora, but his entire ninja clan.

No pressure, right?  Remember, this is manga.  Pressure is what it’s all about.  For five volumes, KAGE TORA has been entertaining readers with this gentle romantic comedy and the misadventures of the two leads within it.  We have experienced many of the typical scenarios that unfold in manga of this type- the mistaken jealousy, the trip to the summer festival, conflict with other family members, some fan service, some heroics, some ninja kick butt action, and so on.  Now, in the sixth volume, things get more serious as the delicate dynamics of the relationship between Kagetora and Yuki are rocked by pressures within Yuki’s family and some good old fashioned hormonal urges.

First, there is the story of Yuki’s overly protective sister, Aki, needing a date for a gathering with some girlfriends of hers.  Even though she doesn’t like or trust Kagetora, she asks him to act like he’s her boyfriend for the occasion to help her save face.  She expects her friends to fall for the ploy.  What she doesn’t expect is be actually attracted to Kagetora, much to the chagrin of Yuki.  The second story is called “How to Spend a Summer Day,” and has Kagetora and Yuki heading off to beach to cool off.  However, Yuki’s new swimsuit has temperatures rising even more, and Kagetora’s resolve to keep things honest is put once more to the test.  Yuki’s grandmother appears in the third story and immediately senses that guardian and client are a little too close for comfort.  Meaning well, according to her traditional views of how relationships must work, she tries to force a rift between Kagetora and Yuki that is more of a test of their character than anything else.  Finally, at school, Yuki faces a potential rival when Nao Takatou, a fellow classmate, asked Kagetora for help in an upcoming archery competition.  Putting Yuki aside to assist Nao in this challenge, jealousy rears its ugly green head to stir the pot even more.

How will our lovers survive this endless torment?  Ah, don’t look for an answer here.  That would be telling…

KAGETORA is a charming romantic comedy well suited for the young teen (13+) crowd, combining affairs of the heart with some Asian ninja action thrown in for good measure.   Light in tone and fast paced, this manga is a quick read for fans.  As in earlier volumes , KAGETORA remains free of extreme violence and language.  (In a running gag, Kagetora is terrified of horror movies, unlike the girls he sees in his daily life.)  The artwork is likewise clean, with images and panel developments that are uncluttered and easy to follow.  Akira Segami has the design of this manga down with skill.  A little plot summary of events up this point might have been useful in this volume, but the story is simple enough to figure out that readers new to it might be able to blunder through.  (You shouldn’t.  Read this story from the beginning.  It’s a lot of fun.)  Del Rey has once again included some useful notes on translation and Japanese culture at the end of the manga, and as a special treat, some short four panel strips from the creator for a few more laughs, and notes on personal interests and ninja culture.  

IN SUMMARY:
Between dates with a woman who supposedly hates him, confrontations with a grandmother who knows a thing or two about kendo sticks, and the sight of his ward in a hot swimsuit, Kagetora has got his work cut out for him!  KAGETORA: VOLUME SIX is cute, funny, and sizzling with hot summer romance that is perfect reading for this time of year.