Negai no Astro: Chapter 8 Review

On Monday, June 10, 2024, the eighth chapter of Negai no Astro, titled “Haunted House,”was released in Japan. Hibaru, Terasu, and Kuran end up in an abandoned mansion that has been seized by a group of thieves and robbers. Despite being members of the Hibaru Faction, they are unable to defeat the criminals on their own. Hence, the introduction of a new character in this chapter becomes crucial to their success.

In the previous chapter, it was shown how Kuran bid an emotional farewell to Kou and the Sanmenroppi before joining forces with Hibaru and Terasu. Their main objective is to restore order in the Yotsurugi Family, which has been divided. The chapter also delved into the events that resulted in Kou and Kuran acquiring their abilities.

Please be aware that this article may reveal important plot points.

A Childhood Friend Helps the Hibaru Faction in Chapter 8 of Negai no Astro

Chapter Highlights

Genki as seen in Negai no Astro chapter 8 (Image via Ken Wakui/Shueisha)

In chapter 8 of Negai no Astro, Hibaru, Terasu, and Kuran, who were in Asakusa at the time, were approached by Genki Kimoto, a police officer facing a major dilemma. In the aftermath of the meteor impact, there was a significant increase in criminal activity, specifically in theft and break-ins. The notorious gang known as the Ghost Thieves, who utilized their Astros for their unlawful actions, were the primary culprits.

Despite requesting reinforcements, Genki was left to deal with the gang alone as the police were stretched thin. This led to him having his gun stolen in the process, as the gang’s hideout, a deserted mansion in West Asakusa with a reputation of being haunted, was located by the police.

Hibaru encounters a giant head in Negai no Astro chapter 8 (Image via Ken Wakui/Shueisha)

Upon learning of Genki’s strong desire to create a society where civilians did not have to resort to using their Astros for violence, Hibaru, moved by Genki’s emotions of inadequacy, took it upon himself to confront the gang.

In chapter 8 of Negai no Astro, Hibaru and Terasu entered the mansion and immediately felt a sense of fear. The dimly lit rooms were filled with flickering candles, and the halls were adorned with a beautiful display of roses. Despite their trepidation, Kuran bravely led the group upstairs. However, their bravery was quickly tested when Terasu felt something slimy drop onto his shoulder and they all looked up to see a monstrous face on the ceiling.

Hibaru and Kinpa in Negai no Astro chapter 8 (Image via Ken Wakui/Shueisha)

As Kuran was consumed by the descending face, Hibaru, in a state of near madness, attempted to pull Terasu to safety but was horrified to see Terasu’s arm detach and his body begin to melt away. Just then, Hibaru was forcefully pulled into another room by an unseen force. It was Kinpa Yobana, Hibaru’s childhood friend and Ginji’s daughter, who had used her Crystal Clear Compact Astro to turn invisible. She had come to the mansion to reclaim the stolen items from her neighbor.

After Hibaru had calmed down somewhat in chapter 8 of Negai no Astro, they went back to the room and discovered Kuran and Terasu, who were both still alive despite Kuran being petrified by the giant head’s drool. Hibaru was able to carry them both, but unfortunately, they accidentally left behind a pendant. The pendant was eventually stumbled upon by two members of a gang, who quickly realized that Kinpa had been in the room.

Hibaru sees Terasu transform in Negai no Astro chapter 8 (Image via Ken Wakui/Shueisha)

The tone of Negai no Astro chapter 8 shifts slightly as it delves into the realm of horror, utilizing a spooky haunted house to craft a captivating atmosphere. It is rather entertaining to witness both Hibaru, known for their confidence, and Terasu, known for their composure, screaming in terror.

Despite the mystery surrounding the identities and Astros of the primary adversaries in the haunted house, the Hibaru Faction will undoubtedly have to face them. It is anticipated that the adversaries will possess some horror-comedy abilities, adding to the suspense of the next installment. Readers will have to patiently wait for the release of the next installment to find out more.

Recap of Chapter 7 of Negai no Astro

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

In the previous chapter, Hibaru extended an invitation to Kuran to join them at their headquarters upon discovering his desire to initiate change in the world. Kuran made it clear that while he was eager to join Hibaru’s cause, he could not abandon his men and Ikebukuro permanently.

Furthermore, Terasu hypothesized that Kou, similar to Kuran, had been enduring his struggles in isolation, feeling unnoticed and constantly overshadowed by his older sibling Botan. It seemed that Kou’s desire to obliterate everything was actually rooted in his attempt to erase the lingering consequences of Botan’s death, particularly on Kuran.

Despite his usual haughty demeanor, Kou made a promise to protect Ikebukuro. In return, he asked Hibaru to take care of Kuran.

As Kuran was leaving, his stoic expression remained unchanged. But as he thought about Botan’s death, he realized that it had caused him to forget how to smile. In fact, he had made a wish to be able to smile again, which led to his transformation into Astro. With this in mind, he promised Kou that upon his return, he would be able to show a genuine smile once more.

At the conclusion of the chapter, Hibaru announced that his group would be known as the Hibaru Faction.