Hynavian

I went to read Sekirei (manga) after catching episode 1 of the anime. My very first impression of the manga is, “I like the art and style”. Usually if the style is something I fancy, it’ll motivate me to keep reading. If it isn’t, I’ll rely on the plot to spur me on. When all else fails, I’ll just drop the manga. Sekirei not only has the art style that I like, the concept of “Sekirei” itself is interesting and there are many unexpected plot twists. Thus, I got from the very first chapter to the latest chapter in 2 days when I’m down with flu. Yes I know, I should be resting instead. lol XD

“Sekirei” are just like humans but with superhuman abilities and magical powers. There are 108 of them released throughout Japan and each of them would seek a partner, known as an “Ashikabi“. The Sekirei and Ashikabi would share a connection, be it emotionally or physically, and they would battle other teams to be the last team standing. All this is part of a game called the “Sekirei Pan” and the last team standing would be able to “ascend”, though I’m unsure what “ascend” really means. I at first feel that the whole Sekirei Plan is something like the Holy Grail concept from Fate Stay Night, where servants and masters battle it out and the last team standing gets the Holy Grail. However, there are many differences as the plot progresses.

The protagonist is Sahashi Minato, a 19 year old student who had failed the university entry examinations twice. Dejected, he was walking on the streets and that was when he cushioned a fall of a pretty lady, with big b00bs, from the sky. She’s Musubi, a Sekirei, and 2 other Sekirei are pursuing her with lightning bolt attacks. Minato helped her escape, took her in and Musubi was “winged” by Minato.

Sekireis will have a Sekirei mark on their back once they have formed a pact, they call it “winging”, with their Ashikabi. The Sekirei mark would disappear when they’re eliminated from the game after suffering substantial damage or when another Sekirei touched their mark and recite a spell. For the usual case, a kiss would sufficient and the mark would appear after the “winging” process. Winged Sekirei have more abilities and power as compared to unwinged Sekirei.

Just like humans, Sekirei are unique and come in different build, specialties and personalities. Some are war mongers, some refuse to fight, some are naive, some would make good girlfriend material while the others would be good soul mates, etc. Sekirei are not females only as there are cool male Sekirei and even Bishounen Sekirei.

Bishounen Sekirei, Shiina

The various Ashikabi also have their own personalities and agendas. Some use their Sekirei just like a tool while the others develop romantic feelings and protect their Sekirei. There are evil Ashikaba who forcefully “wing” a Sekirei just to abuse them. So yes, not all Sekirei have the freedom of choice as they have to follow their Ashikabi due to forced circumstances. >.< Likewise, we have evil Sekirei too.

As the plot progresses, Minato and Masubi meet other Sekirei and they make more Sekirei and Ashikabi friends and foes. Landlady Miya can be a kind yet frightening lady and she leases her room to the duo. In her charge, there are to be no fights at all and because of this, both Minato and Masubi have a safe house and get to befriend others who stay there.

Yukari and her Bihounen Sekirei, Shiina

Fan service wise, Sekirei pales in comparison when pit against Shiozaki Yuji’s Battle Club or Battle Vixens. Though Minato is a caring Ashikabi, I’m actually not rooting for him as I feel that he’s so lucky that it’s so unbelievable! I didn’t know that mother luck shines in favor of him that much. Hence, I’m rooting for 2 other teams though I know they might not make it to the end. The first is Yukari (Minato’s younger sister) and her bishounen Sekirei, Shiina. Both characters are an eye candy to look at and they’re fighting to locate Shiina’s younger sister who’s also a Sekirei. The 2nd team that I’m rooting for is Uzume and her Ashikabi, Chiho, who’s in the hospital. I’m unsure of the exact circumstances but Uzume is fighting so that her Ashikabi would be able to receive the required medication. A rather touching act, I feel.

Uzume and her bed stricken Ashikabi, Chiho

So here’s a question, who are you rooting for? (: