...so the relative lack of danger to life and limb and the characters' somewhat kinder behaviour towards each other is understandable, imo. And while it is a bit disappointing that the main story isn't continued here and only a passing mention is made of Zero's adventures a couple of years ago, this part does do a decent job acting as an interlude that bridges the gap between part 1 and the future part 3, and Fukumoto Nobuyuki's puzzles are as clever as they come.
Another plus is that unlike the glacially-paced Tobaku Mokushiroku Kaiji, Tobaku Haouden Rei moves at a steady clip that's compatible with the plot -- which is certainly a big deal when the mangaka's notorious for stretching out the suspense 'til it can stretch no more.
And I don't see why the protagonist's life has to be in danger for a story focused on mind games to be interesting, so unlike MondSemmel, below, I do not recommend skipping this part if you're capable of appreciating Fukumoto's manga for what they are and not for what you think a shounen/seinen manga should be.
... Last updated on July 14th, 2015, 7:02am