Fruits Basket Chapter 136 Discussion

As expected...I cried the whole way through. Furuba will always have a special place in my heart because there were a lot of things I learned from it, words that I still remember at times when I feel like life isn't worth it. I love how the characters all experienced growth. I forgot about how well Yuki's character growth was done, he was the most well written character in the series. I didn't care much for him in the beginning, only to be really surprised at his true feelings towards Tohru, how he managed to come in terms with his feelings and move forward. Although most of the 12 zodiac were lonely, I think he really was one of the loneliest, never having really experienced love in his childhood at all. Kyou had Kazuma and had met Kyouko, and even Rin had Haru.



While pretty much every relevant character experienced growth, I also appreciate how characters come in terms with their faults. I think Hiro was the biggest one, as he was very rude...but Kagura as well, she confronted herself with the real reason she approached Kyou when they were younger. Takaya Natsuki really captures people's stubbornness very well. It felt so good when we saw Kyou and Yuki fight where they were finally honest to each other about how they both envied the other. Everyone has something they don't want to admit, but however long it take to get there, there's always a sense of relief after.



Overall, the relationship dynamic between Tohru and the rest of the cast was the best part. I tend to not like goody two shoes, but Tohru just felt so genuine and real. Takaya-sensei's forte is her way of writing inner thoughts. It makes the story so much more intimate. There's a lot more I want to say, but it'd take forever. I just really love this series, even if there are few parts I'm not particularly comfortable with, as well as points that can I see as being controversial. Still, it doesn't take away the fact that the overall story is really touching. Funny moments, heartbreaking moments, heartwarming moments, happy moments...everything led to a positive ending. One that looks towards the future despite acknowledging the loneliness of saying goodbye. That's really it. The main theme. Life has some really bad moments, as well as happy ones, but no matter what, it's a part of you. Goodbye often times is complicated, making you feel many different emotions all at the same time. Seeing happy endings for everyone makes the journey worth it, no matter how many times I re-read the series.

I’ve fallen in love all over again. And I’ve cried all over again.

My feelings and my memories with Furuba remain the same; I’m grateful I can open this old friend and still welcome its healing touch, even into my adulthood, probably moreso now that I have more experience in life.



I love how fiercely optimistic the story is, without mitigating any of the struggles the characters face. It doesn’t shy away from the very real, unpleasant feelings of loneliness and uncertainty, but at the same time, never forgets to be kind. The stand out character for me will always, always be Tohru. Whenever the story strayed somewhere else and she wasn’t around, I missed her. With her happiness continuously practiced and her flaws exposed as ordinarily human, the experience is more inspiring with her as the story’s guiding light. In particular, the fear of losing her mom, really losing her, by holding another in her heart - that was incredibly honest. Tohru grew up.



That’s not saying Kyouko was completely erased or blooming romance is a sign of maturity. It’s just that it was time to stop looking back. Growing up, it has to start somewhere. “Mother” being a huge theme of the work and getting to see not one, not two, not even three, but a variety of different mothers,… well. The timing coinciding with graduation. All of it. Time stops for no one, and life is about acceptance. I wonder how deeply Natsuki Takaya thought about these things before bringing this to fruition. Love and loss hurts like hell and she was able to capture it so earnestly.



Another thing- a common trope I’m familiar with is the old “moving away and waiting for your return” goodbye. Not going that direction and instead, staying together, always together, its reigning theme… infinitely times a more heart-wrenching choice. Especially since the time when Kyo transformed into his other form, Tohru was the one to initiate the phrase. And here at the end, it’s Kyo. That final page of the two growing old together.. what a gift. That’s not just a happy ending. It’s closure.



The final goodbye being Yuki’s to tell, after everything that happened, and being gracious about it, was the satisfaction I craved.

What really got to me and made me feel that this was THE end:



“Thank you, Tohru.”

Great end and satisfying ,never thought i would like these genre of manga.

I cried from chapter 120 until the end T^T . I really liked the ending. It was just perfect

An amazing ending. I loved it.

And with that heartwarming ending, Furuba has made a place in my top 5. So many unforgettable characters, so many unforgettable relationships, so many moments of happiness and sadness; Furuba really is one-of-a-kind. What initially seemed to be a silly happy-go-lucky shoujo turned out to be one of the best writings I've ever seen.



9/10

Just reread it and i still cant believe its over. But i love how it showed their future in the very end, thats they're still together and happy after all that time

Oh man, I did cry, hahaha. That was a perfect ending, even though I was a total Yuki x Tohru shipper. Everything was resolved beautifully

I adore how quietly uplifting this finale is.  Since I've seen the anime, I couldn't resist putting on "Birth of Wishes" in the background to match the final pages.  The sendoff for most of the characters is pleasant, but the way Yuki's character arc rounds out is especially touching.  He could finally convey his truest & most vulnerable feelings to Tohru.  Not during the darkest moments when it would be easier for her to console him, but at a time when he can assure her that he's found his place to belong and show his deepest gratitude for how she gave him that first step forward.  I find it especially relatable as I personally don't want to share the story of my deepest scars & hurts with those dear to me until I've reached a point where they don't have any power over me anymore.



The last little timeskip was perhaps the most endearing part of this finale.  It would've been nice enough to see Tohru & Kyo grown up with their own family, but Furuba went the extra mile and showed how they managed to live a long life of contentment into old age.  One of my favorite details is the little family shrine filled with all of their memories.  The beads that have had their bond broken but remain together.  The hat that was returned as Kyo & Yuki reconciled.  The photos showing the long life Kyo & Tohru have had.  And yes, the Zodiac figurines with the handcrafted cat happily joining in the banquet.



10/10 and easily among my favorites.  Each time I visit this story, it reminds me of what happiness is and the healing process of moving forward.  The banquets continue, but with feelings that continue to change & grow to make each new one even more enriching.

i cried. Love all of it. :) the ending is perfect. :)

i would love for them to stay together in the end, but this is most befitting. 'cause sooner or later they still gonna walk their own path..

still, in their hearts they will always be with each other..



that second to the last scene, the tooru and kyo (baachan and jiichan holding hands) part made me squeal. hoho. <3 Luuuuurvvve. ;))))

I love the ending! It's so sweet! I feel like crying too! That was one of the best manga I have ever read. I feel sad that it is over.

Disgustingly happy ending which i couldn't be more satisfied with.



I love it.



Great manga.