Sensei Kunshu

*Review contains spoilers* Story 6/10 If you manage to read through the first 6 chapters, you will find yourself an entertaining story. I thought about quitting at first, because main female character was so annoying and silly that I felt embarrassed for her! However, the story does get better...So if you have some free time and are looking for something light to follow, this manga might do. Although there isn't a lot of development story wise, I found this manga hilarious! Yes, the story becomes a bit repetitive (someone coming along and making Samaru feel insecure about the relationship and then Hiromitsu sensei putting her insecurities away),but many many times I was laughing out loud while reading this, which was a pleasant surprise. The main source of conflict (relationship between teacher-student) is not a conflict at all, resolved pretty easily, very early in the story, and doesn't bring many issues for the main characters. The good thing about this is that it actually allowed the readers to see the relationship between Samaru and Hiromitsu sensei grow and develop. Also, another good thing is the that the "issue" (teacher-student relationship), which seems to be a tabu, was resolved quickly despite the complications it could bring as opposed to having it be a deal breaker. I loved Hiromitsu's determination of making it work no matter what, being willing to quit or find another job and protect Samaru when necessary...I could only wish similar stories would have done the same (Hirunaka no Ryuusei I am looking at you!). The negative side to how the relationship was handled is that it didn't feel very realistic...Samaru parents had absolutely no objections at her dating a teacher and they living together!!! Although it made me happy, you would expect at least some discomfort or hesitation from her parents or that they would get on board eventually, not right of the bat! Also, other teachers and students knew about the relationship and none of them were concerned? on the contrary, cheering on for the couple? Again, it made me happy, but I would have expected someone to say something before going along with it. The story does have its romantic moments, which are very moving because you feel those actually mean so much to the characters. I also think the main character's completely opposite personalities (Samaru being loud, outgoing, straightforward, pushy and Hiromitsu being quiet, direct and keeping mostly to himself) made a very good balance and you could see how they each helped the other grow and find what was missing in their lives. The love story didn't feel forced (just at the beginning by Samaru) and everything that happened made sense. I liked how respectful Hiromitsu was of Samaru, refusing to touch her despite living together, until she became older. That's another thing I don't think was very realistic, but oh well, it worked for them and it seems Japanese men are used to slow physical progres in a relationship anyway? Surprisingly enough, I think this manga would work so well as an anime and I wonder why it hasn't happened yet! (advice: refrain from watching the live action) Art 6/10 Art could have been better. Although I am not sure if it had to do with the scanning process or original art. Characters 8/10 Samaru: I found her too pushy and annoying at first...this girl didn't know when to stop, seriously!! And please don't even get me started on her stalker tendencies...no wonder she was so quick to feel insecure about the relationship because it really felt like she gave the poor guy no choice! Thankfully, she does mature and becomes more normal throughout the manga. I do have to commend her for always keep trying and not feeling discouraged at the slightest issue. Although she was a crybaby, she kept fighting for what she wanted and in the end it all paid off. I have to say, her facial expressions were the best! I could not stop laughing at the drawings, very well placed in the panels. Also, I did empathize with some of her insecurities (such as all her first being with Hiromitsu, when Hiromitsu had much more experience) and was very glad that Hiromitsu managed to make them all go away. I loved how she tried to seduce Hiromitsu all the time!! Hiromitsu: that guy is the coolest guy on earth! Only someone like him could have dealt with Samaru. I loved his character development, how he went from being so indifferent, cold and blunt to be caring, thoughtful, sweet, overprotective, patient and understanding with Samaru. The readers are allowed to see Hiromitsu learn how his bluntness affected others and how he learns to express himself assertively. Hiromitsu was a completely different person at the end of the manga compared to how he started. I also loved how he was so sure of himself and willing to do whatever needed to be done for the relationship to work (worthy mentions: following Samaru to Singapore! talking to Samaru's parents about their relationship! doing all the house chores for her! introducing her to friends and family with no issues! giving her a promise ring! going along with her when she thought she was pregnant even when he knew she wasn't...in conclusion: the best!). Hiromitsu's reactions to Samaru's craziness were also the best! Kotake: I am giving him a couple of lines because I really liked Kotake's role. He was in love with Samaru but it never became a love triangle (thank God!!). Kotake did try to make some advancements towards Samaru, but he also knew when to stop. Kotake knew his place in Samaru's life (her bff) and remained by her side, without making it awkward, despite his feelings for her. Absolutely loved how he challenged Hiromitsu to show her he cared and was willing to sacrifice his opportunity to make a move to allow Samaru have what really made her happy. Kotake is very honorable, although I don't know how he was able to see, encourage and support her being with someone else when he had feelings for her. I was almost certain he would end up paired with Aoi. I also liked all the secondary characters as well. Enjoyment 8/10 As I said before, I was not expecting to laugh so much while reading this. If you are looking for a good laugh, try this manga. The comedy side of it made up for the lack of story and plot. Overall 7/10 I find myself missing this manga now and tempted to read it again just for the lols.