[karice67]

Finally finished this (I've been lazy/busy doing other stuff), and I pretty much agree with what Undertaker said:

Originally Posted by Undertaker

Spoiler for Thoughts on V8:

Basically pretty much everything is out in the open. The siblings are finding out other other has sibling complex. On the other hand the possibility of Kuroneko end is still strong since everything looks as if they are still under her plan and control. IMO, unless Fushimi really pushes the incest end, (which I doubt) Kuroneko's Arcadia seem to be the perfect ending. Either that or as someone said before, a status duo ending where Kyosuke didn't end up with anyone.

It seem the story would stuck like this for a while as Fushimi's note in the end states the book will get back to the sibling's antics. Looks like he's thinking about milking this series a bit before wrapping it up, which is fine by me. This the way he wrote and end V8 I can actually see things stay like this for another 3-5 volumes before he needs to start wrap things up.

Anyway, after reading, I really hope he fills in the details in this volume. There are so thing in this volume that can turn into awesome short stories. I really want to see KN and Kyosuko's swimming date, and Kirino's first meeting of KN's younger sisters.

One thing to point out though, Manami show that once again she is the most clear-head one in the series. (though KN is right there with her) I was shocked when she first tried to push for KyoxAyase, but when I think about it, she's was actually right. In a "sick" (yandere) way, as Manami puts it, Ayase will be able to force everyone to be happy, even if it was a facade. I also think she indirectly explains why she has really push her relationship with Kyosuke.

On on hand, she was too complacent and confident that no other girl can be compatible with Kyosuke and notice his good points. On the other hand she realizes that Kirino is the final boss and she isn't capable of taking her down. But now everything change with KN in the picture, she realizes that KN is basically the combination of herself and Ayase and a formidable foe. That little scene in chapter 4 shows me she's preparing herself for the future Kyosuke-pocalypse.

Also Kyosuke's visit confirm bunch of things for me. Ayase knew Kyosuke was lying in V2. Ayase is not only a yandere but a tundere with a really twisted take on love. If anything this opens up the possible (but still slim) Ayase end. And Kyosuke really sets a major flag when Ayase lost it in the end.

Overall, I didn't know what to expect on this volume coming in knowing that KNxKyo relationship will last just 1 volume (well 2 chapters really). But everything was handled perfectly while still maintaining a cheerful tone and crisp pace.

BTW, the description of that "evolved" Arcadia, isn't that exactly that Kyosuke's dream was in the short story from the PSP game?

And Hinata&Tamaki were awesome in this volume, I want to see more of them, I wish my sisters were like that.

Spoiler for more brief thoughts on the future direction of the series:

• I hope Kyousuke tells of the meeting with Kuroneko's parents sometime too. I thought it was weird that they didn't appear at all in the onsen scene. And more Hanata and Tamaki too - totally agree, they were A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!
• I really hope Fushimi-sensei doesn't drag it out too long! Though I'm sure there'll be more of the anime eventually, which makes for either 1/2 extra volumes (though it'd be REALLY annoying to have the last three episodes as monthly web releases like this time) or a total of 5 more volumes if he goes for 2 more cour for TV. I personally think 5 more volumes would be overkill, given what was achieved in volume 8...will see what happens with volume 9 then.

A couple of other details for those who can't read it.

Spoiler for chapter 4 spoilers:

• The last chapter of this volume is all about Kirino returning all the favours that Kyousuke has done for her until now, i.e. supporting her brother when he is down and out. Kirino calling and addressing her brother by his name seems to stem from this role reversal.
• Kyou's conversation with Manami near the end has several important points, including the observation that Kuroneko's actions in this volume mean that "even if it's not Ayase, a future where everyone is happy is now possible, don't you think?"

Also, for those who've seen Macross Frontier,

Spoiler for spoilers~:

Kyousuke trying to tell Kuroneko his decision not to date anyone until Kirino finds a boyfriend plays out a lot like the dressing room scene between Sheryl and Alto in episode 24 of the TV series.

Originally Posted by kira0802

Can someone explain what happened to the game(s) Kuroneko and Sena made? I mean, the one Sena was talking about in the last chapter of V8.

Spoiler for response:

IIRC, they put aside the game they were making together in order to finish the shooting game that the male club members were working on - i.e. the shooting game is complete, but their second co-creation is on hold.