Also, a little note!
I had been using the Weekly Shonen Jump app to read these, since I've had it for like 8 or so years, but I can't really recommend it for these chapters.
Really, I used to pay for each volume back then, and they even sent Yu-Gi-Oh! cards for subscription holders!
There's really no strong benefit to the app for Weekly Shonen Jump itself though.
If you want to read these chapters on your phone while they are free, I recommend using the Manga+ app.
The WSJ app tends to slow down dramatically upon re-opening it and it leads to really frustrating moments where you're waiting 10 seconds just to be able to change pages.
The Manga+ app lets you read most of these series entirely free the first time, while the WSJ app is great if you want to re-read series.
On top of that, the Manga+ app has more supplemental material.
They always publish a comment from the various authors in Jump each issue, and the Weekly Shonen Jump app doesn't have that?
But Manga+ does for some reason.
So yeah, use the Manga+ app unless you like to swipe side to side to read.
There's also the VIZ app, which is the same as the Shonen Jump app... but with different series??
I don't understand anymore, this is beyond me...

I am going to be completely honest.
This chapter made me tear up.
The pacing, the art, the story...

Really, this chapter was so well done.
The way it starts is immediately impactful.
It's clear that Akane's dad has thought about his situation more than anyone.
Seriously, just the fact that he even thought to look for Taizen in the first place really shows how much he's thought about it all.

When Taizen is begging his master to do something about Tohru's expulsion, the imagery is so well done.
It's raining, but only the master has an umbrella.
He is dry, while every shot of Taizen shows him soaking wet in the rain.
A really clear way use the art to show their positions and emotional state.
It's so well done in every aspect here.

Even better, Tohru's response is perfect.
Everyone really has taken the expulsion seriously.
I mean, it's the main plot point of the entire series!
But... It's just rakugo.
It's such an incredible panel.
Life really does move on.
Seeing him say that it didn't ruin his life while he thinks about his wife and daughter!
Agh, and the imagery after that being a beautiful sunny day, with a bird flying free!
I cannot stress how amazing this entire sequence is.
Visually, emotionally, it's just so incredibly well written and drawn.

And if that wasn't enough, they also have Tohru and Akane interacting while she's ready for rakugo.
This is the first time he's seen her in her rakugo mode.
Tohru telling Akane that her kimono really suits her now...
It's an emotionally evoking statement, and I love how Akane reacts.

This is one of the all time best chapters I've read.
I can imagine it having the same, if not more, impact on me in the future.
Life really does move on, and perspectives change.
I think this chapter came to me at the right time for me.

I really really enjoyed this one.
The way the chapter was structured, bouncing back and forth between Sakamoto desperately attempting to revive Nagumo and the Chairman/Slur interaction.
The pacing was grounded by that, leading the reader to pay attention to little signs that might lead to the reveal at the end.
It was such a dope way to have Nagumo survive.
And I am glad, Nagumo is such a cool character, and you really end up feeling bad for Sakamoto at the beginning of the chapter...
The poor man even questions his own life at that point, he's being battered mentally over the years.
So much going on...

Really, this makes me want to re-read the series again...
What a great story, so many cool characters and interesting dynamics between them.
Like, Kashimo.
He's still an antagonist, but he's also slowly integrated to the group.
In his own weird way, of course.
The way that he genuinely started trying to revive Nagumo's body was really good.
They might be the "villains" of this story, and they definitely showcase it well by using exploding corpses as weapons, but the reader is meant to not like or trust the JAA Chairman either.
This chapter really showcases how Sakamoto and group are caught up in a fight between two POS brothers.

I am so glad that Nagumo is alive.
Really, I thought at best he would survive with extremely minor injuries.
Don't know how I thought that, Nagumo literally said "The key to killing is deception."
Really, I was really that caught off at how aggressively dead Nagumo was that I didn't expect it to really be Gaku's body.
A well written, and well built up, twist with subtle hints.
You don't see that too often in Shonen works, they're normally too obvious to work.
Really, this chapter was stellar.

I love this series.
Really, it's so well put together with incredible action sequences and great character design.
A true icon for 2020 Weekly Shonen Jump.
Next week is going to be good... SO good.

Oh, I really missed Jujutsu Kaisen last week, since it was off, so I started with it this week!
It was a really good chapter this week, honestly.
Very packed with information and happenings.

If you like Okkotsu, you're in luck.
He's the main focus right now, and he's so cool.
He understands that he could have helped prevent Higuruma's death, but I think he chose the correct option.
Eliminating Kenny seemed like the best option, even now.
That won't stop Okkotsu from being a little sad about it, he really is a nice soul.

Anyway, we get some nice and juicy action between Okkotsu and Sukuna.
I really really liked Okkotsu's domain expansion, in particular.
It reminds me of like... a mid 2000s manga? Or like, Bleach.
The way it showcases the ring with the symbolic knots tied around the area...
Good stuff.

I'm also impressed Kenjaku was still moving after his head was cut...
Like, I know he's really just a brain, but it's wild to see how cockroachy he can be.
Stay down, dude!

I really want more of this, it's such a good arc.

Hm.
Hmmm...
Not really a lot to say about this chapter.
The look into Chinatsu's thoughts is nice.
She is definitely a character that has been presented almost too well, and so seeing her vulnerable and human helps us relate to her.
And they really sure made her struggle relatable.
It's one thing to lose a game for yourself.
It's completely different to lose a game for a team, especially one you put through training personally.
The expectations others place on you are in turn expectations you build for yourself.
When you fall short of that, especially due to something you think of as your own fault, it can be crushing.

I think that Taiki really did a good job with how he treats Chinatsu.
He understands what she's going through, and he knows there isn't really a good way to help other than just... being there.
He allowed her to not bottle up her feelings, which is something she hasn't had before.
The best part of a relationship is being able to talk about why you're feeling the way you are.
This is a great representation of a healthy and youthful relationship, honestly.
They're both such normal kids... I mean, really, they're still kids!

When you're 17, life seems so much more serious than it needs to be.
The fact that this chapter dropped at the same week as Akane-banashi talking about how people continue living...
These two chapters just compliment each other so well.
The way manga can directly impact people is wonderful, and I think Miura did a great job this time around by making something that might make the right person feel seen and understood during a tough time.

One Piece again, and it's great like always.
This arc has been incredible, and this chapter is no exception.

The payoff with the pacifistas is great.
I really didn't think that they would end up being controlled by Bonney, and it's great!
Seeing them finally fight the navy and then being hit with the absolute shock of Vegapunk being stabbed...
Just so good. I can't understate how impressive that I was made to care for the stupid long tongue apple headed dude.
And then Luffy just punching Kizaru as he was about to slice Bonney, leading to Bonney realizing that Luffy is Nika!
Ah, it's just brilliant and fun. A great payoff.

And now the the giants are here!!
It just gets more and more exciting and interesting, and Oda really uses every part of the last 1100 chapters.
It's just insane how he can use so many elements of his cast and world without it being confusing.
Actually, not even that, while making it so exciting and cool!!

This arc is so special, and I think the momentum will keep up for a while.

Oh yeah, wow, this series is staying for sure.
I still complain about Chihiro's face, but everything else is so above par.
Really, this chapter was great.
I love this new character, I love the way he acts, I love the way he was introduced, I love it all.
He seriously just jumped in to prevent a kidnapping by yakuza??
This guy is definitely going to be a good addition to the too forward Chihiro.

The goldfish thing with the swords is getting cooler by the chapter too.
The way it was used in this chapter outside of the hallway as Chihiro raids the place makes me want to do a chefs kiss.

Man, and we get so much plot here too.
An entire exposition, but it's in between the raid between two characters I like.
And immediately after, Chihiro meets Hakuri.
This was a really solid way to introduce a new character.
The way that Chihiro looks so stoic and not interested at the end was really funny too.

I would be remiss to not talk about the color page too.
If you read the authors comments, the Hokazono says that they made it without the line art.
I mean, it's obviously really well done, and I really like that they're experimenting with the color pages.
Really, it came out so good.
Looking forward to more.

The continuation of the Santa story!
I really still don't understand why Santa... but I guess it was the only real way to achieve all of the goals the author wanted.
I don't know why I didn't see the aging drinks being used on Nico???
Like, it's clearly the most obvious direction, but I guess I was just too "why santa" to notice, haha.

Really, this chapter used all of the setting it could to let us see Nico older again while utilizing the side characters that haven't had as much screen time.
It makes sense when you look at it that way.
The gags were good, I liked seeing Nemu fully utilize her ability, and becoming an actual flying reindeer was a neat showcase of her growth, while adding a cool sense of wonder to the chapter.
Sure, they had a dragon before, but this is a real flying reindeer! That's cool stuff.
I also thought it was funny how Nemu was totally down to help until Keigo wouldn't shut up about their new roommate.
Not like LOL funny, but a mild "ah that's cute" kind of funny.

I really wasn't expecting this story to go anywhere, but it really was a well done little two chapter story.
The page where Nico is fully grown again, albeit temporary, was neat.
Ya gotta feel for Morihito, honestly.
I really want Nico to go back to normal, but I don't think the story will continue past that... so...
I guess I can wait, I'm enjoying the ride so far.

This was actually a nice chapter.
Whaddaya know, Green Green Greens is growing on me.

So the MC... Yaesaki?
Wow, I don't think I cared to learn his name until now.
So yeah, Yaesaki immediately gets shut down by Oliver for training.
Like I said, Oliver is really a prick, but this chapter made me like him a little more.
To know that he still has cares and wants is nice, he just lives a life away from social interaction.
I sometimes forget these are kids, haha.

Anyway, it seems like this series is going to hang on for a bit.
It may have been bottoming my list for a while, but it's getting higher slowly.
In particular, I like how grounded Yaesaki's responses can be.
His reaction to the main girl being offered the American college spot was really understandable.
He wasn't upset, he was shocked, he was happy for her, and he knew that he wanted to make an impact on her as soon as he can like the way she left an impact on him.
I also love the premise of the shelf for his golf memories.
That's a neat touch, and very much something I could see a real person do.

The parts of this series that I like are not the sports so far, but I bet that will be good soon too.
We just gotta let the series develop a bit more, and who knows, maybe in a year I'll love it.
Just gotta read and find out!

Well, it looks like the series is going to survive the axe this time around.
Does it deserve to?
Kinda, it's a mess, but it shows way more reach in what it delivers than the other series right now.
I guess.

I actually do like this series, and I think it's been really on a good route as of late.
Sure, the harem stuff is forced, but we really haven't had one like this in a bit.
Nue has a harem, but it doesn't touch on that as much as this one does.
The ages are really all over the place though.
In this chapter, Elysia mentions that she's 24, and Monika is 8.
For reference, Corleo is 18.
Something to note, at least.

Anyway, this chapter was fun.
Seeing them all realize they want to have fun at different paces was really a nice touch.
Monika is a hurt and manipulated child, and she clearly is desperate for appreciation and fun.
Elysia might be the oldest here, but her world was harsh and void of anything like the park.
And Corleo... well it's literally stated in this chapter that he was raised by the military, haha.
Really, they all have different reasons, but they all want a friendship and the positivity of those that understand their own plight.
This was a great setting to showcase that, while pointing out the differences in their respective worlds.

All I can say right now is that the hook at the end got me.
I want to see Sadico, and I really want to see them freak out in a haunted house!
Although, I think I wish this series wasn't reliant on the fighting.
It feels like it would be better with less immediate fights and more focus on the characters, like this chapter did.
With the way this series changes every other chapter, who knows what direction it'll take though.

Okay, yeah Hifumi has grown on me.
A lot, actually.
Her fighting style is cool, she only has the yo-yo, but she isn't limited to brute force.
She's a natural, which makes sense.
I never thought she would bring Futaba to use her blooming though.
And the sequence leading to Futaba hugging and appreciating Hifumi is great.
The adults really do show a lot of respect for these kids.

Oh man, and the art of Hifumi using her own blooming!!
Wow, it's good!
I think we've seen it before, but I like that their blooming is only in one eye.
I especially like the panel of her using the yo-yo to break out, but it's drawn so we only see her blooming left eye.

This arc has been good, and I wasn't thinking any arc without Taiyo could be this good.
Here's hoping it stays that way though.
It could go off the rails so easily.

This chapter really just starts and doesn't stop.
Kinda thematic, considering it's mainly about Top, haha.
I really like his reaction to everything that is happening.
He's young, he feels like he knows it all, and that he's been wronged.
And yet, here in front of him is someone wiser, older, and more talented.
It's gotta be a lot to take in, but he doesn't just give up.

It's a great way to utilize his personality, but halfway through it became clear that his recruitment isn't the focus.
It's definitely going to use that in this sequence, but I don't think it will be as great as Rip's recruitment.
But WOW this chapter ended in a crazy way anyway.
Beast seems like he'll be a really cool and interesting opponent.
And with Top as the focus, this could be pretty neat overall.
Guess we just gotta keep reading!

I really like Madoka.
She's a really funny character, and the chapters focusing on her are normally really good too.
I don't know exactly why her getting really into Shogi or games in general and transforming is so funny to me, but it just works.
Also, in general I appreciate how Roboco often parodies other manga, even non Jump series like FKMT's works.

In particular, I enjoyed the way they tease at the silliness that comes from Shonen board game or sports works.
When you read Hikaru no Go, it's easy to get lost in the work and not realize how silly some of the reactions can be.
The "Opening Tea" joke is played well with Bondo being the straightman.
Most adults have probably seen parody like this before, but for the target demo of the magazine, kids, it probably is extra funny.
I mean, the large guy crushing his rook and saying that he moves nothing to a specific space is funny.
Not the funniest thing in the world, sure, but still funny enough for a sensible chuckle.
It also really lets you enjoy the story without any knowledge about shogi itself.
I mean, a 12 year old probably won't understand the rules of shogi, but they'll understand this sure is not how it's played!

This was a decent Roboco chapter, it really showcases why this manga is even running in WSJ.
I hope Roboco stays for another year or two, it's still as silly and friendly as ever.

This series really doesn't know how to set up the stories so far.
I like it, it feels reminiscent of like older shonen works, but really...
We finish with the gun guy last week, which just happened, and now this week we just happen to get shoved into a mansion?
There isn't any established momentum to these things, the plot moves for the sake of the plot exclusively so far.
Either way, we're now doing something interesting.

I do quite enjoy the collars that inject the wearer with something to create a kasane.
It's a neat way to start off a plotline at least.
And it also gives the characters more reason to hesitate, they can't just rush through eliminating things.
Innocent people could get hurt, and the only person that can only hurt kasane is the MC.
It's neat, honestly.
And the villain looks interesting, I liked him being at a table with no food talking about family.
This could be a really cool arc, but it could also go poorly and harm the start of the series.
That's to be decided, for now we read.

Oh... It's definitely wrapping up.
The chapter ends with a flashforward to a big tournament, that's clear as day a way to wrap it up.
Dag.

This chapter was a nice way to finish out the fight.
I have hard respect for how it went about the first major fight.
Ignoring how quickly Nito got good, the fight takes very serious topics that are really the flavor of sports and presents it well.
Kuronuma is a human, and his retirement is a serious thing.
Some people just find that right moment to call it over, and it sucks.
But that's sports. You can't play them forever.
That doesn't make it any easier for someone like Nito when they are the reason that their star retires.
It was treated very seriously, and honestly tugs at the heartstrings.

I also liked Nito calling out his brother, it seems like he's doing it for familial reasons more than his own personality.
It could set up something really cool, but sadly it seems like we will never get to see that.
Oh well!

This arc has been kind of eh?
I liked setting a solid idea of where the characters are all at in their relationships, but I'm not sure if this was really the best way to go about it.
Now that the surfing has finished, it just feels like it didn't really do anything else?
I mean, besides also give us Otohime as a character.
Luckily, it gave us a story progression.

Last week, Noren was choking Ogami and it wasn't a fakeout like I was worried!
It actually was the start of a plotline!
Maybe she's a sleeper agent, maybe she's been tested on...
I mean, with the setting as loose as it is, anything really is possible!
I hope that this next arc really gets dangerous.
The series is good at making really good dangerous situations, but the surfing just didn't scratch that itch for me.
We'll just have to keep reading!!

I was moving towards the "oh it isn't that bad" side last week, but Nue was not great this week!
I think it's a tad silly that the last few weeks have talked about how strong and dangerous a level 3 is.
There was actually a lot of focus on that idea.
If Gakuro or his sister mess up, this level 3 will destroy them, or at least be a serious problem...
And yet now we find out that it's probably fine since his sister is just better than she should be??
Weird decision, I feel a little tricked for thinking it was going to be an interesting fight.
I also don't care for Gakuro to really be thinking "I'll just power up and help!"
Could be just me though, I'm sure a lot of people are into it.

I'm way more interested in the two girls escaping at this point.
Which is funny, because I don't even remember their names, oops!
I mean, the three enemy girls are interesting so far.
I don't know their powers, but they seem strong and could lead to a really cool moment.
Guess we'll just have to wait until next week!

Is... Is this series wrapping up?
I really can't tell.
I think it is, it's been at the bottom of the polls so much lately, and this chapter felt like it was pushing us to that direction.
But it also introduced new characters that are going to stay around for a while?
Hm, I'm not sure honestly.

The chapter itself was alright.
It reminded me of the chapters in Bakuman where they go to the year end Shueisha party.
I do love how they really showcase how small this entire sport is in Japan.
Like, all of the sport is in that room basically??
Wild.

I like the new guy's design, and I want to see more of him so far.
He appeals to me in a way that the other rival guy definitely did not.
I say that, but the Christian symbolism is really neat honestly, so maybe he's a character I like to not like?

There really isn't a lot to talk about with this chapter.
I liked it, it was a nice pace, but I really get the feeling the axe is coming.
Next week should be the deciding factor.

Yeah, see this is what I'm talking about.
This chapter was actually really good, but there's just this slight disconnect for me.
I can't even really figure out what it is, because I liked most of what this chapter did...
But it just still felt like it was flat?

I thought the use of Toki is still really dope, he's intimidating and wild!
And the way that Uesugi realizes that his modification both didn't help and is still weaker than Toki is really good development.
Even Ayako had some really good spotlight this chapter, which doesn't happen too often!
All in all, it was an interesting chapter, but even with all of that, I feel like it just... didn't hit?
I'm sorry, it has to just be me, haha.

Also, seeing Akiie get his butt kicked and then get back up ready to shine is pretty good.
Akiie is a character that I think is actually a standout for the series right now.
I don't know! Sometimes I like him, and sometimes I don't.
Either way, we got another chapter next week.

Oh jeez, wow.
Somehow I missed they announced that this series was ending!!
I would have read the whole thing beforehand if I had known!!

Well, it's a little late, but after I finish Eyeshield 21, I'll sit down and really read all of Cipher Academy to give it a fair shot.
I didn't hate the series, I actually did like the half that I read.
I just found it not enjoyable to read every week, since it was a very full and hard to digest series.
Maybe I'll really like it this re-read around, since it will be a back to back binge!

Expect me to make a small write up on this in the next few weeks, whenever I do get around to it.
For now though, I'll just say thanks to Nisio Isin for making a very unique and different series for over a full year in Jump.

I have also seemingly just learned it is Cipher Academy and not Cypher Academy... Oh my goodness, I am embarrassed.
Sorry!! I should have it fixed on past posts!!!

Okay, so like I said... I have limited knowledge of Japanese.
I can read the kanas, some kanji, and I have some grammar knowledge.
That said, I also used a machine translator to help make sure I was on the right track.
I won't upload a translation, since I know the quality is not good enough for that.
Anyway, I did enjoy this one shot!

It's a pretty straightforward story.
It starts with a gyaru witch named Mayo going to school on her broomstick.
Once she arrives, people around her ask her to help with various issues like broken nails or a broken switch.
The class is then informed about a transfer to the class, Haine Kuromiya, who is also a witch.
The new witch is clearly afraid and shy, but the class immediately swarms her.
They ask her questions, and she slowly realizes that the class isn't afraid of witches.

After class Haine sees Mayo getting ready to leave by broomstick.
Mayo shows off her bedazzled broomstick and then realizes its raining.
Then Mayo invited Haine to ride to school with her the next day.
Before she accepts, Haine changes the weather and makes it sunny using her magic.
Mayo is so excited seeing the rainbow, and the two become friends!

It's short and sweet.
Not a whole lot to talk about, but the art was definitely different and I think it works well with the premise.
Asahi Yoru is the author, and they were an assistant on Kemono Jihen, which is a phenomenal manga.
Apparently this oneshot is also on their pixiv where they have it tagges as yuri?
I liked it, and I want to see more from them.

Apparently by the time I finished this review, someone went and translated it already.
I'm surprised, but I was pretty close on my translation, haha.
I won't directly link to it here, but you should be able to find it if you google "Today's Witches Manga"