Akane-banashi, Vol. 4

Akane-banashi, Vol. 4 by Yuki Suenaga presents a captivating story where Akane takes on the world of rakugo to avenge her father!

Shinta Arakawa desires nothing more than to pass his shin’uchi exam — the test that would elevate him to a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. His daughter and biggest fan, Akane Osaki, secretly observes Shinta as he practices, learning his routines for herself. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels all after the exam without explanation, a passionate determination ignites within Akane. From that moment on, her singular aim is to avenge her father and demonstrate that his art was worthy of the shin’uchi title.

In the climactic final round of the Karaku Cup, Akane delivers a performance that captivates the audience. As the crowd is swept up in emotion, Akane receives an unexpected review from her most loathed adversary, Issho Arakawa. Who will triumph in the competition and have the much-anticipated one-on-one conversation with the man who devastated Akane’s father’s life? As the thrilling Karaku Cup reaches its climax, a new chapter unfolds. What lies ahead for Akane on her path to becoming a professional rakugoka?