I like that just as Arata confesses his feelings to Kuroe it doesn’t suddenly change things rapidly. As building confidence and strength doesn’t happen overnight.
The star of this volume is Raimu Kouno, as he is introduced as someone who is like Kuroe. In the past, she had confidence issues. In fact, for her, she was made fun of as a gorilla. Which is the more common way girls make fun of other girls, calling them a gorilla? Rairi’s crush on her classmate Okada is what led her to find out they were more so laughing at her than with her. Her case in the past was much like Kuroe where both wanted to change, and we see how Rairi changed. Though for Rairi she detested her “gorilla” looks.
Granted, Rairi’s resolve is tested when she meets her old crush once again. Of course her desire to appeal to him isn’t suddenly going to go away. Sadly, guys like him won’t suddenly change after time has passed. Though what this arc really showcases well is how we can be overfixated on looks. As Rairi’s desire first came from her crush. She was overfixated on his looks over what he really was as a person. Much like how she wanted to hide her looks. Her lesson is who you are on the inside and what you do.
We see for Rairi she has inspired and helped many girls. In fact, more and more, Rairi is a perfect friend for Kuroe for building confidence. Although it still doesn’t get around why Kuroe can transform into a Kaiju?
