▪	RELEASED BY:		DEL REY
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		AKIRA SEGAMI
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / BW
		▪	PAGES:		220
		▪	RATING:		T
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		01/22/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		01/16/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

A master ninja in love with his student hears a startling confession in the latest from this endearing romantic comedy.

Just when Kagetora hears words from Yuki that need clarification – desperately! - his brother Taka appears. Taka wants to test Kagetora’s student and if she doesn’t pass, much feared consequences could follow.  Kagetora is disallowed to help her, but as Yuki struggles to prove herself, will he break the rules? Things end up with some comedy, a few sweet moments, and an end results that will leave Kagetora confused.

When Yuki later gets a pass to the amusement park, she invites Kagetora. It’s almost like a real date. That is, it would be like a real date if his brother Taka hadn’t tagged along. It’s fun, romantic at times, and holds a charming brotherly moment as Yuki and Kagetora finally, just maybe, have a moment alone in what could end up being an honest to goodness date (they both hope!).

The main volume ends on a story involving a diet plan, embarrassing girly secrets, and girl-girl bonding when Yuki must turn to Sakuya for help. Kagetora, utterly confused when it comes to any kind of female problem, accidentally digs his own grave in this chapter. But even though the main volume of the manga ends here, there are four bonus stories with the characters that follow and are delightful treats. First find out what happens when Yuki drinks something alcoholic by accident and confronts Kagetora. Next, Yuki goes out on what might be a date with another boy. Third, a ski trip leads to ninja and student sharing a hot spring bath …together! And last, Valentine’s Day proves especially challenging and potentially dangerous for the unknowing Kagetora.

Each of the stories is fun and has a prevailing endearing tone to them. This volume Kagetora has a hard time trying to figure out if Yuki likes him or just doesn’t see him as a man. Keep your eyes open, this volume just might hold a kiss.

Manga extras include extensive cultural and translation notes.

IN SUMMARY:
Things develop slowly but surely (and sweetly) in the latest volume of this charming romantic comedy.