Things turn intense in the fifth volume of Nyoijizai’s Harukana Receive, as the final match of Okinawa regional qualifiers gets underway. It may just be the most important game of beach volleyball for Haruka and Kanata yet, and their opponents very much feel the same way.
This volume contains chapters twenty-six through to thirty-one.
Front cover of the fifth volume of Harukana Receive, featuring Akari Oshiro
Friends and foes!
Haruka and Kanata face off against their close friends Claire and Emily in the final match of the Okinawa regional qualifiers. Though the girls are going all out, it’s hard when you’re playing against opponents who know your every move. If Team Harukana is going to win, they’re going to have to come up with something new!
This volume is almost entirely dedicated to the Team Harukana vs. Team Éclair match, and that is by no means a bad thing.
Both teams have put in a lot of work to come this far, and beach volleyball has helped shape them. A few flashbacks focusing on Claire and Emily are scattered throughout the volume, which gives an insight on how their team dynamic developed.
This volume shows how Emily overcame being shy and relying on Claire, as well as the sisters’ experiencing their first loss in beach volleyball.
Safe to say, Team Éclair have plenty of experience behind them, and they used that to help train Team Harukana. Naturally, Claire and Emily know what to expect from their opponents in the match, but that is something that both Haruka and Kanata are aware of as well.
The beach volleyball match between these fearsome rivals is incredibly intense, with neither side giving an inch. Either team has a chance of winning, and they are both working so hard towards that goal.
Seeing two teams of what may be about equal skill giving everything they have is such a thrill, and provides a lot of suspense regarding who will claim victory.
After the match is over, there are celebrations to be had, and some consolation for those unfortunate enough to not claim victory. There’s also a nice nod to Akari. After her conflict about who she should support in the match, she played an important role in keeping the teams together.
A superbly thrilling volume of Harukana Receive, showcasing the best of what sports manga can offer. In addition to that, it caps off the regional qualifiers, and has the characters ready for what is coming next.
Rory Muses 