Three days before the great battle with the mysterious Resshin, Recca prepares to face him alone. His is determined to become stronger from the battle and storm Koran’s stronghold to free Yanagi from her horrifying fate. He tells his friends that he intends to venture forth alone, but his friends have three days to have ideas of their own…

This is an interesting change of pace as the quiet days before the final battle give the manga series a chance to allow for some individual character development with each of Recca’s group. First, there is Kaoru who returns to school for those three days and reflect. What follows leads Kaoru to make a fateful decision. In fact each of the group makes a pivotal choice as they decide whether to join Recca on a possible suicide mission to save Yanagi, or return to their previous lives. For Domon, we see the gentle heart beneath the giant man for a very heart-tugging chapter. For Fuko, it is an opportunity to test her strength and see if she has indeed become strong enough to help Recca. In the case of Tokiya, he takes this opportunity to visit his sister’s grave and possibly gain a vision…or is that his sister’s soul? Meanwhile Neon chooses a quest. And lastly, Recca finally meets Resshin, and Recca (along with the readers) are in for a shock when he learns just who it is! 

The insights and quiet moments with each of the supportive cast helps build our sympathies and affection for the characters, but it also sets up some ominous foreshadowing. At the end of nearly every character chapter is a single line, maybe two, that hints at tragedy looming. It also serves as the backdrop to Recca’s big discovery behind his ties to Kurei, Kurei’s past, and his evil flame powers. All of which could prove crucial in the battles to come.

Extras in the manga include “My Picture Diary – Infinity”, “Me Theater” and some pin up artwork.

IN SUMMARY:
The latest volume of Flame of Recca has great character development building up to the final battle to come. Flame of Recca is exciting, interesting and compelling.