A Chance Encounter Beyond the Wall
In the vibrant and often chaotic world of high school, Mari finds herself rushing to school, habitually late. In a moment of shared tardiness, she encounters Tsunagu Hidaka, a new transfer student, as they both try to sneak in by jumping over the school wall. This encounter is not just another day at school; it marks the beginning of a unique relationship. Mari is surprised to find that Hidaka is a beastfolk, a member of a segregated group that lives apart from humans, and the discovery sparks an unexpected journey of understanding and affection.
Segregation and the Otherness
With You, Our Love Will Make It Through, created by Chihiro Yuzuki, introduces a society where beastfolk, the result of experimentation, live in a separate section of Saitama, surrounded by a wall, their population heavily monitored by the government. This segregation introduces a theme of social disparity and prejudice into the narrative. While it’s not uncommon for beastfolk to coexist with humans, interactions between the two groups are rare due to deep-seated prejudices. The series explores how Mari and Hidaka navigate this societal divide, challenging the norms of their world, and highlighting the initial nervousness and eventual acceptance that develops between humans and beastfolk.
The Budding Romance
As Mari gets to know Hidaka, she learns about his kind heart and steadfast nature, moving beyond his initial “furry exterior”. This journey is a central theme of the manga. The more time they spend together, the more Mari finds herself drawn to him. This attraction isn’t just emotional; it’s also physical, with Hidaka experiencing a unique physiological response to Mari, a phenomenon uncommon among beastfolk. This adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, exploring the themes of love, attraction, and acceptance in a society that is not yet ready to fully embrace diversity.
Exploring the Characters
Mari
Mari is depicted as an energetic and expressive high school student, known for her detailed, flowing hair, and expressive eyes. She is initially surprised by Hidaka, but quickly becomes curious and open-minded, questioning her feelings and her community’s prejudices as she forms a bond with the beastfolk.
Tsunagu Hidaka
Hidaka, a canine beastfolk, has a gentle demeanor, and his ears, tail and eyes beautifully convey his feelings, making him an expressive character. He comes from a world separate from Mari’s and his integration into the human school is an experience that adds depth to the story. He is initially reserved but the relationship with Mari allows his personality to flourish.
Supporting Characters
The manga also features supporting characters like Aida who add layers to the main story, with their own reactions to the unfolding relationship between Mari and Hidaka. The diverse reactions of the characters allow the readers to explore different perspectives of the society that they are in.
Visual Storytelling
The artistry of Chihiro Yuzuki is worth noting. The pages are visually appealing, focusing on the emotional expressions of the characters. Mari’s detailed and emotive design perfectly captures her personality, and the same is true for Hidaka, with his canine features conveying his emotions beautifully. While the manga doesn’t lack scenery or backgrounds, the focus is mostly on the characters faces and their interactions, underscoring the narrative’s emphasis on relationships and feelings.
Themes of Love, Prejudice and Acceptance
With You, Our Love Will Make It Through explores several interconnected themes. The core of the story is the blossoming romance between Mari and Hidaka, a bond that challenges societal norms and prejudices. It also delves into the themes of segregation, otherness, and acceptance, using the beastfolk as an analogy for racial and societal differences. The manga raises questions about how society perceives those who are different and the lengths it takes to overcome prejudice.
The Prequel
The manga is a part of a larger universe created by Chihiro Yuzuki. It is a sequel to the manga Hana and the Beast Man, and that is why the setting might feel familiar to some readers. This prequel adds depth and context to the story for those who have already explored the world of beastfolk and humans coexisting.
A Sweet and Spicy Romance
This manga offers a sweet adolescent romance with a dash of spice. The dynamic between Mari and Hidaka is both endearing and exciting, as they navigate their feelings for each other. The exploration of Hidaka’s unusual physical response to Mari adds an extra layer of depth to their relationship, keeping the narrative engaging.
Availability and Future Volumes
Published by Yen Press, the first volume of With You, Our Love Will Make It Through was released in English in December 2024, and the second volume is slated for release on April 22, 2025. The series is currently ongoing in Japan with seven volumes, leaving readers eager for more of Mari and Hidaka’s story.
Recommendation
This manga is recommended for readers interested in anthropomorphic characters, stories that touch upon societal issues, and those who enjoy a sweet yet compelling romance. The way the story handles the delicate themes of prejudice, acceptance, and love makes it a noteworthy addition to the manga landscape.
