Blue Box, Vol. 11

アオのハコ [Ao no Hako] #11

by Kouji Miura

Taiki wins a grueling test of endurance against the cool Matsuoka to secure tickets to Chinatsu’s next basketball game. But the tickets aren’t for him! He plans to give his prize to Yumeka, hoping she’ll acknowledge the hardworking Chinatsu he’s come to know and love. Will Taiki’s efforts help Chinatsu mend this strained relationship?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Sports, Comics, Contemporary, Shonen, Graphic Novels

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2023

Reviews

[Ricarda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very invested in the main couple, but don't think that I'm not watching Ayame and Kyo closely too. All their interactions in this volume were so sweet.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Christmas looms, there’s no rest for Taiki, as he’s forced into extra practice. Not that Chinatsu’s available anyway, with her big game and all. But Taiki’s been making efforts elsewhere too and those might just be paying off…

We basically spend a chunk of this volume resolving the storyline with Yumeka, Chinatsu’s former basketball teammate from a couple years back. It’s not the most memorable story in Blue Box’s stellar run, but it doesn’t waste anybody’s time either.

That’s because, whatever the outcome, this is all based on Taiki’s stubborn attempts to resolve this for his crush and, if that also lets him put the boots to an obnoxious side character? So much the better.

And Yumeka’s story isn’t bad - it’s actually a very familiar and relatable tale of the person who was lauded as a major talent getting set up for big things and then realizing too late, when they take the next step, that everybody around them is suddenly just as good as they are, if not moreso.

For Yumeka, this level of play was coming naturally, so figuring out how to keep up when she never even had to work at it eventually wrecks her. And it’s exactly the opposite of how Chinatsu earned her place.

There’s also some extra divorce drama as well that the story does not, strictly speaking, require, but it’s not overboard in terms of being ‘too much’. It’s all part and parcel and if you find this section interesting you’ll enjoy where it goes.

But, as I said, this all endeavours to set up Chinatsu finding out that Taiki worked himself into the ground, almost literally, to pull all this off. And amidst all the Christmas hubbub he manages to say a heck of a statement and gets very rewarded for his efforts.

Of course, Taiki also bottles it yet again and gets rightfully labelled as a ‘yellow-bellied chicken burger’ when Yumeka finds out that he did all this for a girl he hasn’t even confessed to yet.

And fair point to that. I have been very patient with the slow progression of the series, but they really need to land this plane at some point before the whole thing runs out of gas.

Now, the other smart thing they do is toss in a whole other romantic boondoggle that I kind of saw coming, featuring Ayame, who I would say is now less boy crazy and more ‘relationship positive’ (and she’s not just that, which I appreciate). But her lack of luck leaves her fuming when she’s left high and dry over Christmas.

But that just leads to her bonding with Taiki’s friend Kyo, a development that was hinted at earlier and continues to evolve as the volume goes on. Except Kyo’s also being very nice to Hina, distracting her from times when Taiki’s presence would otherwise hurt, but is that a coupling in progress or just him being a good guy?

Ayame notices either way and I genuinely think Hina has no interest at the moment anyway. So Ayame is either getting interested or assuming the worst or both and I am absolutely here for this little confection of a situation while we wait for the other story parts to resolve.

Overall, a delight. The beats of this one continue to land time after time and even if I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Yumeka sections, they absolutely pay off with the main storyline in a satisfying way.

4.5 stars - it’s enough to get my vote of satisfaction for the series once again. This is probably not exactly a 5, but dang does it do everything right besides one thing and it does great things with that too. Enviable consistency here.

[Luke Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still sometimes have a hard time realizing how much this series means to me and how much I adore it. Also Yumeka making up with Natsu and falling in love with basketball again got me to cry. I love it when books and other things get me to cry! (Even if the tears sting and remind me that I need to put eyedrops in one eye in particular.) I love how the symbolism at the end of chapter 92 with Chinatsu’s cactus starting to bloom connects to Natsu’s talk with Karen in volume 8 (at least I think that’s the right volume) about how Chii views Taiki and love. Can’t wait for the next volume where Taiki finally confesses his feelings to Chii and they start going out!

[Hoshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how you can clearly see how the characters are humans and see they're imperfections clearly, like it's human to be selfish, not being always kind and good. We make mistakes and that's okay. Sometime it's not easy to see that in characters and i actually can see this as realistic story.
Yumeka storyline made me cry a lot and i loved it.

[Sajib]

I literally can't stop reading this bizarre piece.

[franchuskie (taylor's version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

chillé de emoción 💞💞

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars. I'm enjoying this series a lot. It's starting to open up and get wider with more focus on side characters

[Professional Kermy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Box Volume 11 continues to captivate with its deep emotional stakes and powerful character growth. In this volume, Taiki’s journey in badminton and his relationship with Chinatsu reach new heights of complexity and realism. Taiki’s dedication to his sport is unwavering, but the emotional toll of pursuing his dreams becomes more apparent, making his struggles even more relatable and inspiring.

What really stood out to me was the development of the characters. Taiki’s growth as both an athlete and a person is incredibly well-handled, and his connection with Chinatsu evolves in such a natural, heartfelt way. Their relationship feels like a true partnership, with both characters learning from and supporting each other as they navigate their individual challenges.

The pacing of this volume is perfect, offering just the right balance of tension, character development, and emotional payoff. The art continues to be beautiful, capturing every moment with incredible detail. Volume 11 left me feeling deeply moved, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next volume. Blue Box remains one of the most emotionally rich and inspiring manga series out there.

[Fiona Qiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be praising this book, but before reading the book, I did watch the anime of it. It's the reason I wanted to read because I enjoyed the plot and visuals of the anime, and I wanted to know what's been happening after the anime since it stopped at volume 9. I bought volume 11 because there was no 10, and I didn't mind skipping one volume. It was amazing. Obviously, the artstyle is the same, which I'm glad about because I prefer it. The backstory of Yumeka was heartbreaking yet exciting because she was able to go back to what her original dream was. I was indeed rooting for her! Yumeka and Chinatsu's friendship is so cute, and I'm really happy they get to rebond even if they won't be on the same team working together. The romance between Chinatsu and Taiki is a slow burn, but not too slow, which I enjoy. Romance and chasing dreams are definitely fantasies a lot of people wish to gain, including me, which is why I relate to this series and love it.

[Jennifer]

Yumeka did make up with Chinatsu! And she’s going to start playing basketball again…? I have to admit I’m a little skeptical about that part. Picking up a sport after two years is OK if you’re just planning to play recreationally. But to be on the team, and compete at a higher level seems very unlikely. Especially as it sounds like she was struggling at the end of her basketball days. It was a little strange that it made it sound as if she was a hard worker and she was talented, yet she seemed to be falling behind. Was that just her own perception? Was she just exhausted mentally added to stress from the divorce? Her boyfriend seems like a nice supportive guy (although with a slight fetish for thigh highs), so I guess a romance between her and the returnee isn’t likely.

[Rafmuaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume feels really solid story-wise. Taiki keeps doing his best to support Chinatsu behind the scenes. Thanks to his efforts, Chi and Yumeka’s old friendship, which had slowly faded and finally reconnects. Taiki and Chinatsu’s relationship also seems to be reaching a peak, where they might finally confess their feelings to each other.

On top of the main romance between Taiki and Chinatsu, there’s also something interesting happening on the side char. Ayame and Kyo show some nice chemistry, and Kyo in particular is very attentive to his surroundings. That makes Ayame realize he treats her a bit differently from everyone else. Honestly, Kyo is one of those really great supporting characters, he always shows up at just the right moments to lighten the mood~~

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

this volume was such a rollercoaster of emotions!! taiki does amazing stuff to help chinatsu and yumeka have a cathartic reconciliation. and then chinatsu literally reaches out to taiki on christmas, and he CLAMS UP AND SAYS NOTHING and just blushes furiously as she hugs him.....and acts awkward when they see each other next. I get he's excited and nervous, but damn, dude is his own worst enemy LOL. so much angst at the end of this...hopefully the next volume lets them sort it out quickly.

[duniamimpigie Anggi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Si Gie udah di tahap gak peduli sama couple utama. Cuma pengin lihat perkembangan para sides couple (para senpai dan kyo). Kuharap romance Kyo gak ngelibatin cinta segitiga lagi. Udah capek sama persegitigaan di seri ini sejak Hina gue tersingkir. Semoga Kyo/Ayame, tanpa perlu nyakitin Hina atau siapa pun lagi.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
Such a great volume! This volume has some incredible moments including a reconciliation between Chinatsu and Yumeka as well as a really sweet moment between Chinatsu and Taiki. It leaves off on quite a cliffhanger about what will happen next. I can't wait to see where it goes.

[Latifah S Ningrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taiki's efforts in this volume are no joke. I'm also relieved when Chinatsu gets along well with Yumeka. The scene at the Christmas tree really makes me nervous too. Looks like the next story will focus on Ayame × Kyo.

[AB · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read up to Chapter 107.

[Valeria · Rating 5 out of 5]

POR FIN SON POLOLOS KLFJGASDYKJG Es lo único que puedo comentar de este volumen y que son preciosos :c

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

ch 91-99

Read on SJ app

[Mik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tbh ya estoy perdiendo el interés

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda wish the whole series was about main girl and her former basketball teammate tbh. Everything else is still good, though.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cart wait for next volume in October

[siren ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

bury me with this volume

[bea 🪴]

the chapter cover art is always so pretty and finally some action

[catherine ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There hasn't been a single bad arc in this manga

[Estela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Nonô · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happy with the other chapters, but the 98th... noooooo

Also I ship Kyo and Ayame so much😭 really like them

[Sweetdhee]

OH MY GOD!
KENAPA GUE IKUTAN DEG-DEGan?????
And oh, i trully understand that longing feeling...
OOOOHHHH to be a teenager <3

[Jazzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

the miscommunication abd missed chances 😭😭😭

[Justin Perucca · Rating 5 out of 5]

That hug was so precious and adorable! Finally making some progress. Plus that cliffhanger ending makes me wanna jump in the next volume now!

[Ximena Pacheco]

Review:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I love this manga but it will not be fair to give this volume a 5stars because the other one add a moving speech.