The mystery of Kubitachi only grows deeper and deeper, as does the new complex relationship between Yoshiki and (not) Hikaru. Will (not) Hikaru’s secret be kept even when he interacts more with Yoshiki’s classmates?
You can check out volume three of this series for yourself below!
Information About the Manga
Who wrote The Summer Hikaru Died?
This manga was written by MokuMokuRen!
Impressions and thoughts
This was such an incredible volume! Volume 3 added a bit more information to the overall mystery that is engulfing the town; however it’s clear that there’s a lot more to come. We’re introduced to a new character in this volume, and I think his introduction was done wonderfully. While it’s clear that he’s going to be a rather important character from here on out, there’s not a lot about him that has been explained. So, I guess we can add him to the growing list of mysteries in this series.
I’m also enjoying the constantly changing dynamic between Yoshiki and (not) Hikaru. As (not) Hikaru was kind of just born, everything is new to him, and it’s pretty clear to see. Watching Yoshiki slowly come to realize that he’s going to have to explain some things no one should ever have to explain was also a very compelling part of this volume.
What’s it about? *SPOILERS*
Yoshiki is more susceptible to the remnants of evil than originally thought, as the moment both boys let their guard down, he becomes possessed. While possessed, Yoshiki attempts to drown (not) Hikaru in the bathtub, but is ultimately unsuccessful.
We’re introduced to a mysterious sunglasses-wearing man in this volume. While we don’t know all that much about him, it seems like he’s well-known by some of the elders in town. This man also seems to be something of an expert on the occult, as he talks about how he made his way around town examining things and placing protection charms on shrines (that we later learn do indeed work).
While we don’t know exactly what the man will do quite yet, he does seem to know what he’s talking about. He makes the bold statement that whatever was once living in the woods, has made its way into town.
Yoshiki is still clearly struggling with Hikaru’s new existence, and as he does some reflecting, he finds a mysterious note that looks like it was written by the real Hikaru – though it has been rather damaged by water.
A little while later into the volume, the entire friend group decides to to have a little gathering with fireworks. Everyone seems to be having fun… When Hikaru and Asako step away from the group to get some more fireworks. While alone they start chatting, and Asako suddenly asks Hikaru a surprising question: “Who are you?”
It’s revealed that Asako, while unable to see spirits and remnants of evil, is able to hear them. And since coming back from being missing, (not) Hikaru’s voice has sounded like a spirit’s voice at times. So Asako, believing not all spirits are evil, decides to try reaching out to (not) Hikaru when his voice sounded like a spirit.
(not) Hikaru doesn’t know any of this, thinks that his cover has been blown again, and opts to kill her.
He’s stopped by Yoshiki’s intervention before anything can actually happen, and Asako passed out and wakes up within the span of a few panels. She’s a little bit frazzled, but doesn’t seem to remember what happened.
It’s in this scene that we learn that (not) Hikaru really doesn’t understand the value of a human life. They even claim that they believe there really isn’t much of a difference between being alive and dead. It’s also here that we learn that (not) Hikaru has already killed one person – an elderly lady in the village that was causing him grief.
This, obviously, has Yoshiki at a loss for words, and he heads home early, leaving (not) Hikaru behind.
After Yoshiki learns that (not) Hikaru has killed someone, he has decided that he needs to at least try to kill him. So, he invites (not) Hikaru out for one final day of fun before killing him.
Unfortunately when he stabs him, not much happens. This proves the lingering thoughts Yoshiki already had that he will be rather difficult to kill.
(not) Hikaru, very upset that he hurt Yoshiki to the point that he tried to kill him, spits his own “soul” in half, handing one half to Yoshiki. He states that he understands he still has a lot to learn, as even now he really doesn’t understand the value of a human life. However, because he wants to stay by Yoshiki’s side, he will do his best to learn.
My Favourites
- The lettering – it’s so incredibly unique, and fits the emotions in the story so well!
- How Yoshiki is dealing with his emotions – it feels so real, he’s clearly going through a breakdown.
- Asako’s backstory – I find her to be an incredibly interesting character.
- The introduction of the mysterious new man and his cute pet – I’m excited to see more of him.
My Least-Favourites
- Literally nothing this story is perfect.
Maddies Manga 
Leave a comment