Other Sotsugyou M stuffs :novels (M+)
Oretachi no Sotsugyou
*cries*
This is the last book. This is the end of M. It's so sad. But with endings come conclusions and the wrapping up of loose ends, so...
This book covers a large period of time. The last couple of books dealt with the summer and afterwards. This pushes on through the autumn, winter and into the spring where they're eventually at the point of graduation. It also occasionally overlaps with the PLUS manga because of the fact they're heading to the same conclusion.
So, after some brief Takagi father meandering, we're with Arai at Kawazoe's place. And he;s basically throwing down the gauntlet subtly to Yuriko. This seems to be Yuriko's last appearance in the story, so you can draw your own conclusions there. To be honest, even having read all of this, I don't know what's going on with Kawazoe and Arai. Sometimes it seems like they have a brother-like relationship. Sometimes it seems more than that. But it is undefined (and it remains so to the end, although its significance should not be underrated!)
Back at school, Mikimaro has invaded Nakamoto's room. Noticing his loss of weight, etc, he decides to drag his buddy out for a meal. (Aww). He tries to entice Nakamoto to talk to him - confiding some of his own fears about his own family which Nakamoto had had no idea were going through his head. Nakamoto comments that Mikimaro is strong whereas he himself is weak and admits that he can't talk about his situation. Not because he doesn't trust Mikimaro, but because he's afraid of saying it out loud.
Yuusuke is preparing to go back to school. He's getting more nagging than usual from his mother, and pretty much everyone, in fact...he's surprised when his father snaps at him for expecting him to produce him lunch when he's busy. But his elder sister's fiance, the suck-up Kouji does something for him instead. I don't think Yuusuke likes Kouji all that much. Yuusuke is also agonising about his dreams and the NBA. Will he be able to do it? Should he even try? Or is it a leap to far...?
Arai is preparing to go back to school. Kawazoe is dying his hair for him (yes. Really. I know). They discuss the coming term and how the timing of the project Kawazoe is going to be involved in may clash with Arai's classes (since Takagi would have clearance to miss them, but Arai not). Arai insists he can still help out and that it'll be okay, but Kawazoe is concerned about his school attendance (with good reason!).
Arai then heads back to school, expecting to find Nakamoto at his desk. He doesn't. At first he can't find his roommate at all. Then he realises there's something under the blankets on Nakamoto's bed, and he goes to investigate. When he pulls back the blankets he finds a motionless Nakamoto. He tries to wake him but at first has no luck...and gets a bit panicked because he's afraid something awful has happened. Even that somehow Nakamoto has died! But then Nakamoto wakes up. The book mentions how Nakamoto is a light sleeper but I don't believe it considering the number of times he's slept through Arai's knock, so who knows. In any case, Arai is highly relieved and shaken up. Nakamoto tells him he's not that weak - and Arai also comments on his weight loss. Nakamoto is surprised that both he and Mikimaro have commented since he hadn't been aware of it himself. He is glad to have Arai back, but is not able to confide in him the latest developments because of the reason he gave Mikimaro. Arai tries to convince him he needs to put it aside and focus on the new term and moving on with things. Nakamoto asks if Arai's done his homework - like hell he has - and offers to help/lend him his notes, but Arai refuses, saying he's not going to have Nakamoto do his work for him, pretty much. He'll just, er, not do it (his logic is great, ne?)
So term begins, Yuusuke entering the class as usual with his yell of "Mornin!" and Takagi complaining that it's too early for his loud voice...Takagi and Arai talk about the photo shoot to come, Takagi being surprised that Arai is going to be involved in it but he's not overly bothered. Mikimaro is asking everyone's future plans. At this point its assumed that Nakamoto is going to the Tokyo University Medical School as he's always intended, and that the others will be going with Mikimaro to Seiryuu's own University. Yuusuke is somewhat hesitant, however - unlike his usual carefree self when they're talking about future plans and Mikimaro is bothered that he seems less than enthusiastic about the idea of them all continuing on together in the next year.
Later, in the dorm, Mikimaro tackles Yuusuke about it again, but Yuusuke's not ready to talk about the NBA yet. Not where his friends are concerned, in any case. For the first time he seems to have doubts and angsts like other people. I almost like him for it. Almost...
Nakamoto gets called to reception because he has a guest. Who turns out to be a (somewhat more heavily pregnant now) Kyouko. He's startled and not overly happy. When she comments on his loss of weight, he unthinkingly comments on her gaining it and then realises afterwards how rude he's been (but it was instinctive, and he doesn't seem to have been able to help it). Sakurai-sensei is also there, and Nakamoto chooses to sit with him and not with Kyouko, which startles her. She wants to know why he submitted blank papers for his exams, and Sakurai is basically trying his best to help sort Nakamoto and his situation out. You get the feeling he rather likes Nakamoto, or at least wants to help him because he realises the boy's potential. He tells Nakamoto straight that it's possible he might fail the year because of those missing grades, but Nakamoto still refuses to divulge the reason for his behaviour. Of course, in front of Kyouko, it's not something he can easily do. So the meeting ends with Sakurai and Kyouko none the wiser. Only a positive meeting of the faculty can save Nakamoto now...
Takagi gets a letter from Kazuma, saying he's heading back to Japan on business and wants to meet up (Ack, he's back again...yick). Takagi's not averse to the idea, either. (I really don't like this, but whatever. I'd be a lot more happy about it if I knew whether or not Kazuma was a murderer, but anyways...)
Takagi then heads out to the meeting for his photo shoot. This is his "Male Graduation" collection because it will be his last modelling job. Because of his developing male physique, as well as his coming to graduation and so on, he's finishing working for Yoshiki after this job. On his way to the station he meets Yuusuke, and they have a surprisingly insightful talk about future plans and dreams. It is this which drives Yuusuke to at last voice his true hope - and maybe even the thrust to achieve it. Wow, Takagi helped ;)
Here follows a not so interesting scene where Arai wants to know why he's not been told something regarding the shoot and Kawazoe's worrying about Arai's attendance and Arai's telling him not to worry, it's all all right. Especially since he's now mentioned it to Takagi, it's a must-do. So he goes. Regardless of the consequences for the future. Some cuteness with Kawazoe trying to instruct Arai in manners and the correct way to address him as his 'boss' on the mission, mind you. Arai has some difficulty digesting this...
At the shoot, the organiser is a bit perturbed to find out Arai is Yoshiki's son, but Kawazoe assures him it's fine and that he's to be treated just like another worker - no special favours or anything of that ilk. They;re going to do scenes from three films - Casablanca, Gone with the Wind and Breakfast at Tiffany's, with Takagi dolled up in his girly wear for the final time. During this, some imp of mischief possesses Takagi, who decides to have some fun with Arai. Because Arai is pretty much his inferior, he sets out to trap his classmate into losing his cool. First he acts like Arai should know his stylist Maeda, then he sends him on an errand for drinks...then he complains about the drinks brought...you get the picture. It goes on for a bit until eventually Arai's had enough and, er, whacks Takagi one across the face (see the scan at the bottom of the page. And yes, he really does deserve it). Arai yells at him, then storms out, leaving it all a bit...stunned in the studio. Both Kawazoe and Yoshiki have seen the whole event, and first Yoshiki apologises for his son then Kawazoe for Arai's behaviour. This induces a conscience-stricken Takagi to admit that his fault was the first one - a fact which Yoshiki had been waiting for him to do. But Takagi's cheek is bruised. So the shoot must be postponed. This seems like a watershed for both Takagi and Arai and their rivalry, to be honest. For the first time it's gone to a place where it's inconvenienced outside people to some great degree.
Arai also has his chance to apologise to Kawazoe. He expects to be sacked, but Kawazoe tells him not - that Takagi accepted his share of the blame in the incident and so everyone will be all right if Arai comes back to the set. But...it's his last chance.
Arai goes back to the dorm, and asks Nakamoto if he's seen Takagi. He hasn't, and is surprised since Takagi was with Arai at the shoot. At first Arai doesn't want to admit what he did, but eventually he does. Nakamoto observes that he didn't think that Arai and Takagi's relationship was so negative that they'd fight in public. In the middle of this comes a slightly insane Yuusuke yelling and whooping in the corridor outside. Seems he's taken his gamble with the NBA and has a shot. Both Arai and Nakamoto are happy for him, though Mikimaro (afraid of being left on his own) is not. He wants Yuusuke to be at Seiryuu University with him next year!
So Kazuma comes back. Bleh. He and Takagi meet up. Bleh. Actually, Takagi is waiting for him at the airport - double-bleh. Kazuma realises that something has happened, and Takagi admits wanting to talk to him, although none of the stuff about Mitsuse being his father or his fight with Arai actually seems to come out during their meeting. Instead Kazuma makes a suggestion - why doesn't Takagi come back to Los Angeles with him and then study at a university over there where the possibilities for music are so great? Takagi is sorely tempted.
Class, and neither Takagi nor Arai are there. Takagi has clearance. Arai doesn't. But the shoot must go on. This is the scene from the manga in part, where Nakamoto talks about Arai's chances of being ryuunen (repeat year student) on account of his high absence percentage. He isn't only talking about Arai's chances, though. He knows full well that his own fate weighs in the balance. Mikimaro is horrified. Is he losing another person planning to go to Seiryuu Uni? At this point Arai and Takagi return from their "job", and Takagi also drops the bomb that he might be going to Los Angeles after he graduates because the opportunities in the US are so much better for him if he studies music. Poor Mikimaro...
At this point Nakamoto and Arai are called to see Sakurai. He has bad news for them. On account of absences (Arai) and blank papers (Nakamoto), both boys are going to fail third year and are going to have to repeat. They withdraw to the dorm after where both admit it's not a surprise. While they're talking, Hurricane Mikimaro descends on them demanding to know if it's true they've BOTH failed third year. He's especially confused by Nakamoto, since Nakamoto is the class genius. Nakamoto is backed into a corner because to tell Mikimaro any small part of his reasoning would bring only more questions. Arai defends Nakamoto by saying he had private issues that are none of Mikimaro's business. This upsets Mikimaro even more, who points out that they're meant to be friends!
And now for something completely different. After all of this, Mikimaro finds himself accosted by reporters who want to know if he's going to visit the hospital and various other strange things. One of them mention the evening news, so he goes in to watch it. And when he does, he discovers that his birth mother Mai has tried to kill herself. He's horrified. He has this stylised dream image in his mind of her, I think - and even though they have no relationship at this point, he still believes in her and loves her with all his heart. So he's devastated. Yuusuke's about and goes with him to the hospital, where a battle with Mai's manager ends up with Yuusuke exerting his considerable force while Mikimaro disappears into the hospital room. He resolves that no matter how long it takes, he'll be by her side until she wakes up.
Mikimaro does not emerge from this room (except, presumably, to pee...ahem) for the next few days. In this time, Arai and Nakamoto both appear at the hospital to bring food and support for Yuusuke, which Yuusuke shares with the Manager that is now becoming his buddy. Arai can't stay long the first time, but makes up for it later. (Where is Takagi, I want to know?!). Arai is sincerely worried about and for Mikimaro, it's extremely sweet. Then, at last, on day three - Mai begins to stir. Mikimaro comes out of the ward very excited shouting that she's going to be okay. He's got tears of joy in his eyes, and Arai and Yuusuke - who are both there - are equally glad (and almost tearful). Aw. Mai also told Mikimaro "Thank you"...here begins a relationship for him with his real mother (at last! Yayness!)
After all this has died down, Kawazoe and Arai are discussing the final reception and production of the photo collection and they also talk about Arai's ryuunen situation. Kawazoe feels to blame but Arai assures him it's not his fault. Kawazoe knows he'll have to leave the dorm and asks him to stay with him, but Arai says he can't abandon Nakamoto since he feels it's somewhat his fault Nakamoto's ryuunen too.
The reception kicks off, and Arai is there as well as Takagi and Takagi's Pa, Mitsuse. Mitsuse is still not happy about how his son has his own ideas of everything, but concedes that he'll give Takagi a year to study music and then see what happens. Poor Takagi's life is still pretty complicated. It's sort of sad really that he's been alone so long and in a lot of ways still is (except for that awful Kazuma, yeeks).
So, after the reception, Arai goes to see his father. And, for once, honestly asks him for help. I didn't like this idea when it was in the drama CD but actually it made for a nice scene when actually played out. I like Yoshiki despite his dysfunctional relationship with Arai, and this is a nice bit of Father/Son bonding in essence. Yoshiki comments that it's the first time Arai's come to him for help and that whatever it is, he'll listen. Arai talks about being ryuunen and that he's realised he does care about graduating. And he asks for Yoshiki's support to get off his feet while he's focusing on redoing final year. Yoshiki apologises to Arai, telling him it's somewhat his fault for not being a reliable father. And Arai also apologises, but that's as far as he can get because any further and he'll be crying (aww!!). He returns to the dorm, where Nakamoto is angsting over what's going to happen to them next. It's here Arai springs it on him that he intends them to stick together - which gives Nakamoto a sense of hope and relief. He really isn't alone any more.
Takagi and Kazuma have a scene here. Kazuma tells Takagi that he has to go back to America earlier than he thought, and that he's leaving the day Takagi graduates. He gives Takagi a plane ticket and basically says to him - be at the airport at this time, if you want to come. Or if you don't, throw the ticket away. But it will be the last time we meet in that case. (Low blow...) And then he kisses Takagi and leaves him to internally meander in the way only Takagi can.
The M boys decide to regroup their band "M" to perform at the graduation ceremony, which by rights Arai and Nakamoto are excluded from. Because they'll be separated soon enough, so what the hell? The ceremony is pretty dull and long, but then M invade the stage, with Arai announcing that even though he's ryuunen, he's not going to be forgotten that easily. And they play their song.
The story ends here, though Arisugawa-sensei concludes by saying after the performance Takagi will head to the airport, in March Yuusuke will follow him to America to pursue the NBA. Mikimaro, now with the support of his mother, will go to Seiryuu Uni on his own and though he's worried about making new friends, he's going to power forward (he apologises for being such a bother to the others over that side of things, too). And Nakamoto and Arai will repeat final year, together. For whatever end...
The last line of the book is as follows:
"This is not an ending, but the first step towards a new beginning..."
Illustrations (scans) from Volume Eight
(Click on image to view bigger)
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