Negai no Astro Chapter 5 Review: Kou’s Failed Throwdown with Hibaru and His Reasons for Hatred

The fifth chapter of Negai no Astro, titled A Throwdown By The Book, was released in Japan on Monday, May 20, 2024. This chapter centers on the intense fight between Hibaru and Kou. As the manga universe expands, readers are exposed to the diverse abilities possessed by characters and the protagonist’s strengths and weaknesses.

In the previous chapter, Hibaru and Terasu made their way to Ikebukuro in an attempt to convince one of their siblings to join them. However, their plans were disrupted when they discovered that Kuran, one of the Yotsurugi siblings, was under the control of Kou. As a result, the duel between Hibaru and Kou in Negai no Astro chapter 5 becomes a battle to liberate Kuran.

Note: This article includes details that may spoil the plot for some readers.

Negai no Astro: Why Kou Was Wrong to Subjugate Kuran in Chapter 5

Brief Chapter Highlights

Kou neutralizes Hibaru in Negai no Astro chapter 5 (Image via Ken Wakui/Shueisha)

The beginning of Negai no Astro chapter 5 provides a summary of the Yotsurugi Family Code’s guidelines for resolving conflicts among siblings, which require them to engage in a one-on-one fistfight. Kou declares that he will give Kuran to Hibaru if he is defeated, but if he emerges as the victor, he will claim Terasu as his own.

As the battle commences, Kou, utilizing his Astro arms, easily restrains Hibaru, having predicted that Hibaru’s Astro would possess immense strength. With his remaining arms, he delivers a strike to Hibaru’s stomach before hurling him across the battlefield.

In chapter 5 of Negai no Astro, Kou reveals that he has harbored a deep dislike for Hibaru because he sees similarities between him and his older brother Botan. Botan was known for his insincere and preachy demeanor, a trait that Kou found to be inauthentic. Tragically, Botan lost his life while protecting a child during a territorial dispute in Ikebukuro. Before his death, Botan had entrusted Kuran with protecting Kou. This event only strengthened Kou’s determination to not follow in his brother’s footsteps and believe in false ideals, which ultimately led to Botan’s demise.

Hibaru charges at Kou in Negai no Astro chapter 5 (Image via Ken Wakui/Shueisha)

In the midst of the conflict, Kou approaches Hibaru and implores him to consider his actions and refrain from endangering himself for the sake of others. In defiance, Hibaru strikes him with a headbutt and proclaims that it is his duty to put himself at risk for others, before delivering a punch with his charged fist.

Kou successfully blocks the punch using his four Astro arms. However, Hibaru shows his disappointment towards Kou for betraying his people immediately after gaining power. He is particularly enraged by Kou’s failure to defend Kuran, who had always been his protector. Hibaru accuses Kou of being disloyal and unfit to be a leader.

As Kou’s Astro arms fail, Hibaru chooses to withhold a final strike out of consideration for Kuran’s responsibility to safeguard Kou. Hibaru instead requests that Kou concede defeat.

Review of Negai no Astro Chapter 5

Terasu as seen in the Negai no Astro chapter (Image via Ken Wakui/Shueisha)

Chapter 5 of Negai no Astro follows Hibaru and Terasu as they continue their journey to reunite the Yotsurugi family. This chapter is particularly intriguing as it unveils for the first time that while Hibaru claims his strong will makes him invincible, his abilities are not without weaknesses.

Therefore, Hibaru must participate in close combat in order to have an advantage, as someone like Kou could have easily worn him down if he had been more careful. Opponents who possess long-range abilities will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge.

At the same time, in Ken Wakui’s most recent addition to his manga series, Hibaru’s unwavering dedication to his beliefs is commendable, as it instills within him a deep sense of self-assuredness. However, this also leads to rash behavior, as seen when he readily accepted Kou’s challenge, which would result in him losing Terasu if he lost. He also disregarded Terasu’s consent in this decision.

Negai no Astro: Chapter 4 Recap

Kuran as seen in Negai no Astro (Image via Ken Wakui/Shueisha)

In the preceding chapter, Hibaru and Terasu went to Ikebukuro in order to persuade Kuran to join their cause. As soon as they arrived, they witnessed the Sanmenroppi, a group of security personnel organized by Kuran, efficiently carrying out their duties in the absence of the police who had ceased functioning after the meteor shower. The Sanmenroppi members successfully apprehended a thief who attempted to steal a young girl’s purse.

Upon arriving at Club Asura, the Yotsurugi Family’s Ikebukuro branch, Hibaru and Terasu were initially refused entry. However, a brawl erupted within, allowing them to sneak inside. There, they witnessed Kuran’s impressive fighting abilities as he took charge of the chaos.

Despite once being considered the weakest among the Yotsurugi siblings, Kou surprised everyone by using his Astro to subjugate Kuran and become the new leader. This caused tension within the family, leading Hibaru to challenge Kou to a duel for control over Kuran and the Sanmenroppi. Kou eagerly accepted the challenge, determined to defeat Hibaru.