Title: まほらば (Mahoraba) Vol. 5 LE
Artist/Author: 小島あきら (Akira Kojima)
Book Size/Pages: B-6, 178pp., w/furigana
Original Serialization: Monthly GANGAN Wing 1/03-5/03
First Printing: 10/27/03
Rating: 4/4

It's been a while since I've read this series, mostly because I didn't want to open the limited edition packaging. However, books are to be read, so there's little sense in keeping it shrink-wrapped. This is another fun volume with a semi-serious heartwarming last chapter about how Tamami and Kozue met each other.

First edition/LE includes a Sayoko complete with pole and noose and the publication info page specifically states first edition (just to make people feel special, I guess). As before, there are comics on the inside cover and a few Dr. Pink and Brownie Brown comics at the end of the book. It also includes a little "battle" game where you write stats on paper and do all that hit points stuff.

23. てんき (Turning Point): Ryuushi has over-partied with Megumi and Tamami and passed out on the floor. The two girls take this opportunity to dress him up as a girl with all the fixings. When he awakens, he realizes that he's been had and escapes before they can do him any worse (i.e. making him wear underwear). Since the girls are searching for him in the apartment, he has no choice except to head out.

24. 正しい服飾 (Proper Apparel): When he comes back, another one of Kozue's personalities, 千百 (Chiyu) who is obsessed about dressing people up on proper outfits. She's already taken care of Megumi, Asami, and Sayoko (who are all playing possum so they wouldn't be bothered again). Chiyu goes after Ryuushi, thinking that he's a girl. When he reveals that he's actually a male, Chiyu passes out which concludes this personality...for now.

25. ばんらい (Many Visitors): Asami's schoolmates and Ryuushi's schoolmates, along with his teacher, Ms. Shirogane have all come over to Narutaki Apartments. Tamami and the teacher seem to get a long very well as their characters are pretty similar. They play some card games and Kozue calls it a good day.

26. 廊下で見たもの (The Thing Seen in the Hallway): Sayoko has another one of her whacked out dreams again. The serious point is that she seems to encounter a boy from her past before she is awakened by Asami.

27. 熱 (Warmth): This chapter goes through the history of Tamami and Kozue. Tamami was an outstanding student in both academics and athletics. However, she seemed very bored with life. That is, until she met Kozue who was the first person to ever make her feel a rush of emotions.

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