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Title:  Crimson Hero Vol 9

Author:  Mitsuba Takanashi

Publisher: Viz

ISBN:  9781421515663

May Contain Spoilers

Oh, my!  What have we here?  Is there finally going to be some progress in Nobara and Yushin’s relationship?  Maybe!  Then again, maybe not.  There was the typical relationship tease, and the shojo fangirl in me was doing a little dance part way into the book.

Nobara has earned a temporary place on the Eagles volleyball team, and they are battling it out against the Sokai team to prove that sheer will and determination can overcome physical disadvantages.  Ryo has been mocked for wanting to be an attacker, all because he hasn’t attained the magical height of more than six feet.  Nobara wasn’t even given the time of day by the arrogant Sokai team, so they both have something to prove.  Athletic ability and heart have more to do with winning or losing than a person’s height or gender, but will they be able to show the haughty Sokai players that there’s more to winning than they think?

Nobara earns herself some much needed self-confidence, both with her playing and with herself.  She learns to deal with the pressure of competing against physically stronger opponents, and even when the Eagles are struggling, she never gives up and doesn’t second guess herself.  That is the best thing she could have learned by heading off on her road trip.  She’s not going to let other players intimidate her, and she’s not going to quit.  She’s learned a killer attack, and she’s going to continue to perfect it, and more importantly, she’s going to go down fighting.  Keeping a positive attitude and staying in the game, even when it seems unlikely that a victory will be gained, is something that Nobara was lacking.

Yushin shows up just in time for the game, and Nobara is able to put her feelings aside and concentrate on the task at hand.  Yushin, on the other hand, is having a tough time dealing with his emotions.  It’s about time he gets to sit in the hot seat and squirm about how he’s feeling.  Now, if I was Nobara, I’m not so sure how I would deal with Yushin’s sudden change of heart, after being so bluntly rejected not so long ago.  It’s a good thing that she is so forgiving.

This volume of Crimson Hero managed to reel me in more than previous installments.  Nobara has a lot to think about, from rivalries on her own team, to trying to keep the peace in the dorm.  Not everyone is going to be happy that Yushin’s attitudes have softened, but will it be enough to cause conflict for the boys volleyball team?  I’m interested in what is going to happen between Haibuki and Yushin, and I think that they aren’t going to stay buddy-buddy for long. Theirs was a contentious friendship to begin with, and Nobara’s presence is not going to make it any friendlier.

Grade:  B

Review copy provided by Viz