Title: 妹 (Akane) Vol. 14 "卒業" (Graduation)
Artist/Author: 山花典之 (Noriyuki Yamahana)
Book Size/Pages: B-6, 229pp., w/o furigana
Volume: 14/14
Original Serialization: Weekly Young Jump Vol 10, '03 - Vol 21/22, '03
First Printing: 5/24/03
Rating: 4/4

The series is finally over, and it finished in a way that I thought was appropriate and not too artificial. Akane was one of those rare finds for me as I was walking through Bookoff a few months ago. Having known nothing about the author, I took a glance at the first two books and knew it was something I would enjoy. Now it has become a favorite of mine. I also found out that this is the same author who wrote "If I See You In My Dreams," something I vaguely heard about in the R1 DVD world. Maybe I'll see what that's about.

The author has a letter in which explains the motivation for writing this manga.

137. 願い、何ですか？ (What is Your Wish?): The girls are all studying for their final exams. In the library, Akane meets with the friend who looks like his father. In particular, he's carrying a book by Kenji Miyazawa. He tells her that if he were her father, he would support her relationship. But Akane doesn't him to say things like that, given his appearance and pays a visit to her father's grave.

138. お父さん (Father): At the grave, she imagines being visited by her father. Then, an old friend of her father's comes by to tidy his grave. Akane asks who his father's favorite author was and she responds with Kenji Miyazawa. Akane then knows that she's got her father's blessing.

139. Valentine's Day: Akane brings Shinpei chocolates, but he denies them and tells her (lies) that she has a girlfriend and will be busy for the night.

140. answer: After her entrance exam, she and Shinpei go on a date. She later calls her biological mother in Milano.

141. yell: Akane tells her that she can't go because she loves Shinpei and asks her to promise not to die. Eriko tells her that she will see her get married and her grandchild.

142. 発表 (Results): Akane is accepted into the nursing school of her choice, but she has made up her mind: she's going to go live with her mom in Italy (yes, it's a 180 from previous chapter).

143. 小さな頃から (Since I Was Little): Rei finds out from Shinpei that Akane has decided. She then takes Akane shopping and in the end, Akane thanks her for her friendship.

144. 涙の夕焼け (Sunset of Tears): Nanako comes back for a visit and Shinpei tells her that he can't imagine life without Akane.

145. 卒業 (Graduation): After graduation ceremonies, Shinpei tells Akane that she's graduated from calling him "brother."

146. LOVE LOVE LOVE: Replay of her "graduation" from sister-ship. Begin sex scene.

147. 妹・あかね (Sister, Akane): Continue sex scene. The next day, he takes her to the airport where all their friends are waiting.

Last: そしてミラノへ (And Then To Milano): She goes to Milano, but not after a touch goodbye at the airport. Three years later, Akane receives a letter from him saying he's now an engineer for Ferrari. He gives Shinpei a call at the shop, but he's out for the time being. He's enjoying the day holding a box with a wedding ring inside.

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