I'm actually not sure what it is about this one, but I connected with it more than I have with most of the other volumes. The characters are engaging, the plot intriguing and even poignant at times; so despite my heartbreak for Zen and my discomfort with Shimana's fixation on Taiga, it's a pretty solid installment. Also, Asahi seems to be coming back into the foreground of the story, and I am here for it.