Fated Damnation

Huh? I see a netori tag but the mc gets cucked?

The author is posting chapters on wattpad, so they should be there.

Hi!.. I would love to know what you think.
Kindly rate and drop a review as you read. xoxo...

What's the point of having a mate when all he does is protect your enemies while ruining you in the process & giving one of them what was your's. His dead beta should have been his mate. Anyone connected to him is Derek's #1 priority. There is no fixing this couple, even if he saves her later on.

I love this story so interesting ...️...️

Adachi Mitsuru is renowned for his sports dramas, from Touch to H2 to Katsu! However, Cross Game stands out as his finest work to date. While some purists might disagree, I believe Adachi learned from the flaws in Touch and H2 to craft a far more engaging and complete narrative with Cross Game. Perhaps influenced by my own experience of losing a sister at a young age, I see this manga as much more than just a sports drama.

Although baseball forms the backdrop of Cross Game, the story centers on how the brief life and untimely death of a young girl impact an entire community. This influence not only motivates those who knew her but also touches those who later become part of her dream. Cross Game illustrates that even a short life can leave a profound mark.

The narrative occasionally delves into its background, appealing to fans of sports dramas. The depiction of baseball is skillfully rendered, as expected from Adachi's decades of expertise. Yet, while the sports element is well-developed, it never overshadows the core story. Cross Game caters to Adachi's traditional audience while drawing in new readers who may not have been interested in his earlier works. Even though the central character passes away early, her presence and influence remain strong throughout, making her the driving force behind the story rather than a minor supporting character.

The artwork showcases Adachi's classic style, which I find commendable. His illustrations have become cleaner over time but retain their distinctive charm. The story unfolds smoothly, exploring various facets without getting bogged down. The overall impression is one of completeness and near-perfection in Adachi's storytelling. It is one of only two manga to which I've awarded a perfect 10.

If you haven't yet experienced Cross Game, whether in manga or anime form, I highly recommend it. At the time of writing this review, it is undoubtedly my favorite manga and anime, the sole story to receive a perfect 10 from me in both mediums.

For those who watched the anime: Some minor details (like Mizuki reading Aoba's diary before disappearing) are omitted in the anime adaptation. Nevertheless, the anime stays faithful to the manga, so viewers won't miss any major plot points.

The issue with sports manga is that if you're not well-versed in the sport, you might overlook it entirely. I once had this bias until I picked up the first volumes of Touch—though I can't recall what prompted me to do so. I've never regretted that choice. Like Touch, Cross Game doesn't demand deep baseball knowledge because its essence isn't about the sport but rather a young boy navigating his true feelings while growing up and striving to fulfill the final dream of his late childhood love.

The narrative mirrors Adachi's other works and is fairly predictable. However, as a romantic slice-of-life manga, the emphasis lies not on the plot but on the unfolding relationships among characters.

Mitsuru Adachi is a storytelling virtuoso, making Cross Game an effortless read. He sustains a seamless flow, balances visuals and text effectively, and crafts conversations that are easy to follow. His humor remains innocent, and the dramatic moments pack a substantial emotional punch most of the time.

The character art harks back to the 80s style of Touch. Adachi's depiction of a baseball player's physique is proportionate and realistic. He excels at portraying faces with countless expressions, though his range feels somewhat limited, and he occasionally struggles to create distinct looks for new characters. Despite their simplicity, his urban Japanese landscapes are often captivating, with intricate details in high school buildings and schoolyards that surprised me.

As mentioned, the story revolves more around Kitamura Kou's growth than baseball. Although his affection for Wakaba seems obvious, the narrative hints that he also harbors feelings for Aoba. While Kou's love for Aoba may not be apparent to readers, there are moments when even he is uncertain of his emotions. His inability to acknowledge his true feelings and his dishonesty toward Aoba create a strained relationship between them. These barriers can only be overcome by fulfilling Wakaba's final wish, which becomes Kou's greatest obligation to his childhood love. When Aoba declares her hatred for Kou at the end, she refers to his dishonesty throughout their high school years.

In contrast to other Adachi works, the author focuses heavily on the main character here. Aoba's development is underexplored, and the story feels hurried. Mizuki's and Risa's characters are neglected, as if they were introduced as key players in a love triangle but forgotten midway through. Several other characters, like the Azuma brothers, Akane, or Mishima Keitarou, could have benefited from more detailed backstories.

In conclusion, despite feeling rushed and some characters lacking depth, Cross Game was an immensely enjoyable read. The manga's flaws were offset by Adachi's distinctive style and writing. It delivered a powerful emotional journey, leaving a lasting impact on me. I wholeheartedly recommend this work to anyone without reservation. <p>

After being recommended, I read Cross Game. So how was it? If you want a short answer, it's AWESOME!  

I have never been a fan of sports manga or anime before, and I don't know much about baseball (well, except that it's played in Japan and America, ;P). But I am a fan of romance, and Cross Game, despite being sports-focused, portrays romance in one of the most beautiful ways imaginable.  

The character development is fantastic. Aoba's growing feelings for Koh and his subtle affection for her are expressed so well that you won't find any moment boring. Mitsuru Adachi's art is refreshing, and his plot doesn't feel like it drags at any point.  

The characters—all of them—are a wonderful addition to the story. Rarely do you come across a manga where the supporting characters don't detract from the main plot with their own subplots. Azuma, Akaishi, Nakanishi, and the rest of the Seishu players enhance an already enjoyable narrative. However, I felt that Mizuki's inclusion was unnecessary, and the story could have done without him. But that's just a minor flaw.  

Cross Game places a strong emphasis on human emotions, character growth, and bonds, making it enjoyable for any reader. Are you a sports fan? This is definitely for you (and oh, baseball enthusiasts will surely find it delightful—hopefully, someone will explain it to me).  

But what if you're a shojo fan who loves romances? Well, I'm surprised myself, but to be honest, this is one of the best romantic mangas I've read so far. There's no sexualization, no kisses, no hand-holding—just pure, simple love between two school kids. Just read it; you'll love it, I can guarantee that!