In the ninth volume of Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!, readers find themselves enveloped in the evolving relationships of their beloved characters. Following Adachi’s return from Nagasaki, he and Kurosawa are now engaged and living together, having even met each other’s families. Their happiness shines through as Kurosawa reflects on how far they’ve come since their first meeting.
Tsuge’s Heartbreak: A Side Couple’s Struggles
While Adachi and Kurosawa bask in their romance, Tsuge, a novelist and Adachi’s friend, is grappling with his own emotional turmoil. After helping the young dancer Minato secure an important callback audition, Tsuge finds himself ghosted. The delivery men who bring his home supplies are tight-lipped about Minato, and Tsuge’s ability to read thoughts complicates matters further. His fears of being perceived as a stalker only deepen his distress, leading him to question if his feelings have driven Minato away.
When Adachi visits Tsuge, he discovers his friend in a depressed state, claiming writer’s block. However, Tsuge’s underlying issue revolves around his unresolved feelings for Minato. In an attempt to find out more, Adachi consults Rokkaku, a colleague who knows Minato, but learns that Minato is currently out of Tokyo. As Tsuge faces his editor, who suggests a sequel to his last novel, the seeds of a new storyline begin to take root in his mind.
A New Dance Opportunity for Minato
The plot thickens when Tsuge catches a glimpse of Minato on a massive screen during a live broadcast of the follow-up dance contest. Minato has made it to the new dance unit, reigniting Tsuge’s hopes and dreams of a future together. This development leaves Tsuge wrestling with his feelings—can he really compete with Minato’s aspirations?
While the series builds up anticipation for the upcoming wedding between Adachi and Kurosawa in Volume 10, this volume primarily focuses on the growth of Tsuge and Minato’s side romance. The age gap adds a unique dynamic, as Tsuge recently turned thirty, while Minato is about ten years younger. Tsuge’s character shines as he balances his writerly persona with a cool, motorcycle-riding side.
Domestic Bliss: Adachi and Kurosawa’s Everyday Life
The first chapters of Volume 9 explore the domestic bliss of Adachi and Kurosawa, showcasing touching moments from their past and new insights into Kurosawa’s vulnerability. Readers will appreciate the glimpses into their lives as they begin to search for a home together after their marriage. The light-hearted humor and affection in these scenes make for an endearing reading experience.
The bonus chapter featuring Adachi and Rokkaku provides comic relief as Rokkaku quizzically asks Adachi about his engagement, highlighting the couple’s effort to keep their wedding plans under wraps.
Translation and Presentation: A Quality Release
Square Enix Manga once again delivers a polished translation by Taylor Engel, accompanied by helpful translation notes at the end. Bianca Pistillo’s lettering effectively conveys the whimsical tone of the story, enhancing the reading experience. While the series has a Mature rating, the intimate scenes are both consensual and well-earned.
The cover art symbolizes the ‘Red Thread’ connecting destined couples, adding an extra layer of depth to the volume’s theme of love and connection.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Volume 10
As Volume 9 concludes, readers eagerly anticipate the next installment, especially with the promise of a wedding in Volume 10, set for release in February 2024. Additionally, mangaka Yuu Toyota teases fans with exciting news of a Cherry Magic! movie in his afterword, hinting at the series’ growing popularity.
Overall, while Cherry Magic! Volume 9 may be a transitional volume, it effectively sets the stage for significant character development and a heartwarming conclusion in the upcoming wedding. Fans of the series will appreciate the continued exploration of relationships and the charmingly depicted daily lives of the characters.
