▪	RELEASED BY:		VIZ MEDIA
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		RINKO UEDA
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		200
		▪	RATING:		T+
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		04/01/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		05/27/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

The latest volume of the romantic ninja epic feels to be on the verging point of change regarding the Kouga and Iga situation as well as Usagi’s relationship with Hanzo.  Both Usagi and her wounded friend end up at Ranmaru’s mercy. To escape, Kame tells her she may have to seduce Ranmaru! Still a virgin and betrothed to Hanzo, Usagi balks at the necessity. But to live and see him again as well as to save her friend, she may have to cross her own lines and be a true kunoichi and try to seduce the lethal swordsmen. Things take another turn when it appears that Ranmaru does indeed want her and will take her. Later will she be able to face Hanzo again?

Things are also heating up between the Kouga and the Iga. Mitsuhide is entreating Nobunaga to take a more pacifist approach towards Iga. Sentiment seems to be wavering but the final decision and its results have yet to be made. Also Ranmaru’s distracted by Usagi and has lost favor with his lord. His desire to hunt the Iga down has remained resolute however. Upon hearing about Misuhide’s influence, will he take actions of his own?

A potentially large turning point in Hanzo and Usagi’s relationship occurs at the end of this volume when, back in each others’ arms, Hanzo seems unable to stop his desire for his bride to be. This could be the moment when they finally come together as man and woman. With both Ranmaru’s actions and the cliffhanger ending involving Hanzo and Usagi, this volume contains some sexual content and rises to a more adult storyline.

IN SUMMARY:
A potential betrayal for the Iga, Usagi captured and at Ranmaru’s mercy, and a possible turning point in her relationship with Hanzo all occur in the latest volume of Tail of the Moon.