Akane-banashi, Vol. 15

Akane-banashi, Vol. 15 by Yuki Suenaga is a tale of passion and determination set in the traditional world of rakugo, a classic Japanese storytelling art.

Shinta Arakawa desires nothing more than to pass his shin’uchi exam, which would elevate him to the status of a top-rank headliner and esteemed storyteller. His daughter, Akane Osaki, and his biggest fan, secretly observes him during practice, mastering his routines herself. However, when rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam without providing an explanation, Akane becomes determined to vindicate her father and demonstrate that his art deserves the title of shin’uchi.

Akane gracefully performs the opening act at Master Shiguma’s solo show. But she becomes intrigued by murmurs of the story known as "Shiguma's Art" and longs to delve deeper. Abruptly, the situation worsens when Master Shiguma collapses, and the Shiguma School is disbanded by the Arakawa School. To Akane’s dismay, Issho Arakawa, the very man who shattered her father's aspirations, becomes her new master.

The narrative unveils the past between Issho and Shiguma, alongside the revelation of the original Shiguma’s identity. Will Akane be able to reconcile her drive for vengeance with the truth that comes to light?