No. 6, Volume 5

While the mayor of No. 6 and the No. 6 scientist scheme, Shion brings Rat back from his unconscious state. I love the scene where Rat teaches Shion to dance, and Cravat smiles at them. It's clear to me that Rat is in love with Shion, but it's not clear to Rat. Rat questions who Shion is after Shion hits one of Rat's pressure points. Unfortunately, the happiness between Rat and Shion doesn't last for long. The manhunt comes, and No. 6 soldiers wipe out much of the West Block. Although Rat doesn't want Shion to change when the soldiers take them to the Correctional Facility, Shion begins to show signs of change. Rat offers to slice Shion's throat, but not before submitting one last kiss. Meanwhile, Dogkeeper discovers the baby Shion sent with one of her dogs. Back inside the Correctional Facility, Shion doesn't think he can move forward anymore after seeing the carnage of No. 6. Rat motivates Shion to move forward. As they ascend, they find some of Rat's acquaintances that aren't very fond of Rat. Towards the end, it seems like Shion is willing to kill anyone who hurts Rat. In a way, it's sweet that both Rat and Shion are so worried about one another that they'll go through Hell to protect each other. But I don't believe that Shion should kill anyone; that's not like him at all. I love reading the bonus stories, especially where Shion decides to clean up his living space. In the cleaning process, Shion finds the first aid kit that Shion used on Rat four years ago. Shion reminisces about them living in that room and promises Rat that they will return home after saving Safu. I always enjoy reading No. 6 and looking at the artwork. I find the first page funny where Shion is trying to wash the dogs with Rat, Dogkeeper, and Rikiga in the background. Rikiga is the most comical because he's trying to climb a pillar to get away from the dogs. I also enjoy the page where Rat is under his cape, trying to escape from everyone, but Shion is under the cloak with Rat. Shion's smiling, while it looks like Rat is complaining. Atsuko Asano and Hinoki Kino have done a fantastic job with these past five volumes. As much as Rat wants to keep his distance from Shion, something keeps drawing Rat back to him. It's turning into an awesome BL manga. I can't wait to see how close Rat and Shion get to one another in the next one.