January 27th, 2015 
AstroNerdBoy ユーキューホルダー! Manga Review
UQ Holder Chapter 66
SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:
In addition to coldly telling Touta she doesn’t need him, Yukihime (in her true, Eva form) orders him from leaving UQ Holder HQ for the next year. With this, Mana goes with Eva’s request and reminds Touta that there’s other chances to climb the tower.
At UQ Holder HQ, Touta has been depressed for days and is laying on a couch. Ikkuu and Kirie come upon Kuroumaru, who’s been secretly watching Touta. Kirie doesn’t understand why being grounded for a year would depress Touta, but she also doesn’t understand what Yukihime is wanting.
Karin, dressed in her maid outfit, is cleaning the area and annoyed with Touta’s depression. Santa comes in, acting all flustered, which Karin recognizes as being because of Touta. She has Santa tell her how he’s being treated, to which he confesses having difficulty with yakuza types addressing him as “Aniki” and treating him with respect. Karin and the others assures him that because he’s not a mere ghost, and was created by the greatest necromancer of her time (Sayoko), that he should be proud.
Touta makes no reaction to what is being said, so Ikkuu decides to reveal information he learned about the figures they saw. He explains who Nagi Springfield is and who Negi Springfield is. He also says that the female they saw is called the Lifemaker as well as the Mage of the Beginning. Further, Ikkuu has learned that it is Touta’s great grandfather, Nagi, whom Yukihime was in love with.
It is this last bit of information that has Karin and Kirie most excited. When asked, Kuroumaru provides the details known about Touta’s and Yukihime’s living arrangements, complete with Touta’s amnesia. Kirie decides that this means that Touta is in love with Yukihime as her adult body is one that a teenage boy would not be able to resist. As Kirie goes on, Karin decides it is time to put an end to Touta, but she’s stopped by the others.
Touta has heard enough and gets up. Kirie offers her services to comfort him should he desire it, but when pressed, Touta says his feelings for Yukihime aren’t romantic nor part of a mother complex, but that he owes her for the two years she took care of him. As he’s not her son nor servant, he decides he’s not going to obey her orders, thus he grabs his bag to leave.
Thoughts/Review:
Reading this chapter, I really don’t get a sense that Touta’s determined to get into a tournament or anything. Indeed, based on how he’s acting, running away from home and getting away from Eva is the direction I’d expect, not running to Eva, especially since Mana is going along with Eva’s plan.
We’ll see if I’m right, but I expect Touta to leave, Karin to allow this to happen, but Kuroumaru to secretly follow Touta. Possibly add Santa into this mix as well since he’s a little uncomfortable with his new life.
Speaking of Santa, I like how UQ Holder has accepted him. I also like that Akamatsu-sensei reinforces the notion of just how powerful Sayoko was, at least in terms of her being a necromancer.
The backstory exposition about Nagi and Negi is clearly designed to help those readers of UQ Holder who’ve not read Negima as well as to remind those who have (though seriously, none of us have forgotten). I did get a chuckle out of Kirie getting hyper excited about the idea of Eva’s and Touta’s relationship. Of course, that too was an excuse to remind people of Touta’s past and educate new readers, but it was still amusing, more so because of Karin’s own brand of excitement on the subject.
For me, the most interesting elements were regarding the Lifemaker/Mage of the Beginning. It is interesting that Ikkuu’s information is that Nagi destroyed the evil wizard that started the war on Inverse Mars (no more “Magic World”/”Mundus Magicus” I guess), not the Lifemaker/Mage of the Beginning. Ikkuu’s information also states that the female MotB appeared about the same time as the evil wizard that Nagi defeated.
From Negima, we know that the female MotB was with her crew, observing Nagi and his crew just prior to the fight. Indeed, the fight that was to come was one she was apparently doing for Nagi’s benefit, as she attempted to explain to Secundum. We know Nagi defeated the apparent MotB, but then we got to see Zecht, who later dons the robes.
Now, as a Negima reader, I would know this, but how does Ikkuu separate the “evil wizard” from the MotB? That implies he has information we do not have, OR it means that Zecht is the “evil wizard” and the woman is classified as MotB. Further, how does Ikkuu know that the woman they saw is the MotB/Lifemaker? One could argue that Nagi somehow got to see her face, but if that’s true, when did he actually report the truth of what he saw? Other than Al, no one else was in on the truth of what happened that day, not even us readers as there are still gaps in the tale.
I’m curious to see where Akamatsu-sensei takes this. I’d like for Touta to go on a journey of discovery along with Kuroumaru, where along the way, he grows as a character and even learns more about Negi, Nagi, and the Lifemaker/MotB. I can see that happening, combined with using such an event as a means of introducing another UQH member (or soon to be member).
Otherwise, the chapter was good for what it was. I’m very interested to hear what you guys think. ^_^
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I really like this chapter, it’s was mostly telling UQ Holder readers about the Negima backstory but it was still pretty fun.
I hope you’re right and we get an arc following Touta and Kurounaru going on a journey of self-discovery.
Also, I don’t think Akamatsu would set up a tournament that directly ties into Touta’s dream to climb the tower and then not have him take part, although I do think that the tournament is a long way off, it’s a year away in-story, and that’s plenty of time for some arcs for Touta to grow.
I suspect that Touta will soon run into another another character from the UQ Holder colour spread, I believe we still haven’t seen the swordswoman, vampre and the guy who sort’ve looks like Dynamis.
I just think that would be so interesting, were it to happen. Already, I feel depressed because in reality, I’m thinking it won’t happen.
I don’t know why, but I just feel we’re being trolled on this.
I think you are correct. It will be easier to accomplish if Touta is on his own (or just with Kuroumaru/Santa).
I’m confused about what you wrote here. Didn’t Ikku said “..apparently, the black-robed figure that appeared at the same time is the “evil wizard” that Nagi supposedly defeated. This person is called the LM and the MOTB..”? From what I understand, by “appeared at the same time“, Ikku meant the time when MOTB, Nagi, and Negi appeared in the illusion in chapter 65.
From Karin’s reaction, I hope that means she actually know something about Touta before those two years.
Actually, other than Al, Fate also know about MOTB’s womanly face. Well, Primum to be exact, but you know what Fate is. What I’m not really sure is if Fate really put that information somewhere someone like Ikku can access, assuming he really found that from Fate’s network.
Negi himself could have put out the information about the woman incarnation of the MotB, too. He saw Fate’s memories about her during the final clash between them, after all.
That’s true. I forgot that Negi did witness that.
“From Karin’s reaction, I hope that means she actually know something about Touta before those two years.”
Either that or she did sympathize with him a bit. Could she also have lost her memories for some time?
A great question since we know almost nothing about Karin.
I completely forgot about her XIII tattoo, I’m looking forward to exploring her backstory but it’s probably a ways off. I wonder if popular her character is in Japan, I hope we see a character poll sooner or later. Japan seems to like the cool, silent types, although that might be a universal thing too because I like them too.
*I wonder if her character is POPULAR in Japan.
Yeah, after it showed up that one time, it has been forgotten, even when Karin’s naked backside has been seen.
I apparently misread the passage. ^_^;
I’m guessing not, but we’ll see.
Yeah, Fate should know quite a lot about MotB/LM, but conveniently, he won’t say.
Ikkuu said that the black robed figure that appeared last chapter is the same “evil wizard” that Nagi defeated in the war 100 years ago.
He then goes on to say that this evil wizard is known as Mage of the Beginning or the Lifemaker. He’s not implying that they’re two different people at any point.
Yeah, I misread that somehow. ^_^;
I think you may have misread his dialogue. When he said “the black-robed figure who appeared at the same time”, I assume he’s talking about the previous chapter, since he’s using a scene from her appearance there as an example. So he’s saying she’s the “evil wizard” AND “The Lifemaker” AND “The Mage of the Beginning” that Nagi supposedly defeated. He’s not implying they’re separate people at all.
I did. ^_^;
i kinda agree with what you say that touta’s journey but instead of just santa and kuro i think everyone goes with him. Hoping to see some Negima girls there or the Mahora “Headmaster”
If Akamatsu-sensei drops Karin, Kirie, and Ikkuu, it allows for the other UQ Holder members we’ve not yet been introduced to. (Or rather I should say that it more easily allows the introductions.)
No complaint about what happened since I really don’t care, but Akamatsu. Please. Give Nagi and Negi back their missing eye. I’m sure they both really miss it and would appreciate it if it was returned to them in a timely manner.
Yeah, that is weird that he keeps doing it. There’s really no reason to do it.
Kuromaru needs to select girl on the what gender are you option on pokem…. I mean when (s)he comes of age
Yes, Kuroumaru needs to be a girl. As a girl, she’d make an excellent companion to Touta.
Astro : In agreement with everyone here, sorry but you CLEARLY Astro misinterpreted the monologue Ikku. He said that the person they saw IS the same magician Nagi (and 20 years later, and again in 2065 Negi) defeated in combat. By conséquant Akamatsu confirms that there is one and only life-maker.
I also note that Ikku (which saw the illusion!) talks about the life-maker as an “evil WIZARD”, instead of a neutral term like “evil magician” or “evil mage” (which in your language, English, has no male or female version). This demonstrates that for Ikku the lifemaker (they have seen him, in what is probably his real body) is … A MAN, certainely a androgynous man but A MAN! hahaha! In any case is what is implied. It would have Chaosprophet or Hata checks the raws versions of the chapter, but I think we can almost say that the lifemaker is a man.^^
About Santa I think it is no coincidence that Akamatsu, continues to talk about Sayako, even now, to emphasize her strength (the greatest necromancer of that time, no less!). I think it can mean three possibilities:
1. either she will reappear (what you hope Astro, and I must admit myself, now that I have the certainty that the Mage of the Beginning, the greatest evil wizard of all times, will be part of the show. To see her again not bored me at all. Any size reinforcement good to be taken against the life-maker!
Certainly, in terms of sheer power she could probably not much against him. He is surely much more powerful than her, but already she will of course not alone (there will be all UQ Holder and their potential future allies ^^ ) and she could provide a particularly significant supports through her black magic and necromancy knowledge that will surely rival those of Eva.
2. Or Santa will successfully learn spells and techniques of Sayako and surpass her, He will her heir.
3. The above two possibilities at once.
“I also note that Ikku (WHO saw the illusion!)’
Or, it could just be Sayoko being mentioned one last time before she’s completely forgotten in the story. :p I wouldn’t mind to see your number 2 though.
Yeah, I did.
Some really good character interaction and nagi. Might also get a bit more of kuromaru’s backstory.
I’d love to see more about Kuroumaru’s past and tribe.
LOLOLOLOLOL
My gods, did they use Negima’s backstory to spend a whole chapter debating over Touta x Eva relationship, as well as his chances with her?! XDDDDD
1- Take a look at Astro’s second Picture: all the GIRLS are blushing over Nagi and Negi. See what I’m implying here? XDDDD[2]
2- Kirie’s overreactions were really funny! But! What was that about “consoling” Touta? Hahaha, slowly but surely…she doesn’t realize it herself!
3- It was interesting how Karin teased Touta in order to cheer him up. I also liked her care towards Santa.
4- And, to top it all off, Touta gives a “f#$ off” statement and goes away?! LOOOOOOL Well, being left in the dark like that is quite infuriating… as a person who ran away from home 3 times, I support you, Touta! XDDDD[3]
4.1. And yeah, Astro, I can see Kuroumaru and/or Santa going with him. Of course, there is now way Eva will let him go far… I suppose the glasses guy will come charging the 20 million debt? XDDDD[4]
So, long story short! A good chapter.
P.S. And that “manly Kuroumaru” image felt just so wrong! LOOOL Sorry, couldn’t resist saying that, haha.
Yeah, that fangirl-type reaction. (Not sure I would say fujoshi reaction though.)
Yeah, despite her talk, she has warmed up somewhat to Touta.
I agree. Kuroumaru as a girl all the way! 😉
So, how come you didn’t understand my point 1? I was pointing out Kuroumaru was blushing! lol
Ah. Well, I’ll play my, “I was REALLY tired” excuse, ’cause my job pretty much keeps me tired. ^_^;;;;
I think Touta stole Kuroumaru’s bag from chapter 4(?). Or just packed for them both. ; )
in terms of character arc, I’d say Touta has never been alone in his short, short life and could use some going it alone time to gain more independence and self-direction.
In terms of story progression, I agree that it’s time for another UQ immortal and possibly a new thread that’ll tie into the major plot in a hundred chapters. Something with wider consequences.
So maybe ‘Touta Alone’ while Kuroumaru and Santa stalk, for a chapter or two, and then they’ll all fall into major trouble that happens to be what the old boys of UQ Numbers are working on. : )
But in general, the story is clearly hitting its stride and knows where it’s going.
Heh! Well, it is more likely that he now has a travel back like Kuroumaru’s.
I’m not as convinced, but you may be right in your point here.
Never thought I’d say this, but Touta was actually my favorite character in this chapter, at least in the two last pages. That was a good reaction, didn’t expect it from him.
My problem is that even though Touta had a pretty reasonable reaction, all the females of the cast were fucking banshees on the poor kid. Karin’s still a Not!Eva worshiping prop, Kirie is disgusting a disgusting character as usual, and Eva has descended into genre blind levels of stupidity in the span of two chapters.
It will seem strange for you, but I find that indeed Karin is definitely a real “banshee” (to use your term) with Tota (anyway I do not love this “miss I know everything” from the start).
By cons I’m disagreements in the case of Kirie, perhaps its just me but I did not feel she deliberately acted with malice in this case. Instead, I have the impression that she wanted to tease a little Tota’s pride but just to jock, without bad intentions (unlike Karin). In fact I am beginning to appreciate Kirie since the last three chapters^^.
About Eva yes, she had the worst idea, given the personnality of Tota. She spoke to him with the same cold and heartless language she sometimes used with Negi to return him to his place when he needed a lesson (or when she made the moral to Setsuna).
The problem is that where Negi and the Ala-alba could decrypt the kindness hidden behind her hard words, Tota is not used to it. When Eva is trying to say in her own language “you’re like my son and I do not want you confront a ennemy too strong and dangerous for you,” Tota heard “Out of my way, idiot slave, you bother me.”
You should stop calling it “Not-Eva” precisely because she behave exactly as in the time of Negima. Speak her mind even hurt people without mercy.
And I think this was done as a plot convenience.
*Kirie is a disgusting character as usual*
Geez, I wish there was a edit button here sometimes. I really do.
If I have time this week, there might be a plugin I can use. I’d need to test it in the sandbox though.
There’s now a 5-minute window to edit comments once submitted. I didn’t get to test it as much as I would have liked, but let me know if you notice problems.
I must say that I find interesting as his reaction, not because I hope to see him return to his village (I hope not lol!) but because I hope to as:
1. This will be aware Eva that overprotect Tota is perhaps not the best way to secure his future againist lifemaker.
2. I hope to see soon appear the future mentor Tota, Juuzo (which seems to be a kind of “Gildartz-like”, since he is never present at the HQ ^^) or better … Albireo.
I see him, be of the kind of man to help Tota to secretely register in the tournament. After all, he always acts against the think of others. We must remember that it was him xho pushing Negi to go in the Mondus-magicus when he knows he will find great Denger. Therefore, it can be said that “overprotection” is not his philosophy lol
Pretty funny how Touta comes out to be the sympathetic character. 😉
So, Mana won’t train to Touta, I thought that she would do it.
I think that Touta’s reaction is normal, suddenly, she has become estranged from him. Telling him she doesn’t need him. he is unnecessary, and she prohibits to leave him the place until after one year. (She must know how annoying is it. Because she couldn’t leave Mahora) and above all Touta, because he doesn’t stop moving. But, what must really hurt him, it’s that Evangeline doesn’t trust in him. All the time that they were together, It hasn’t meant nothing. For that, Touta feels that if he doesn’t mean “nothing” for her. Then, there’s no point to stay in UQ Holder, because, if he was there, it was because Evangeline was also in that place.
About Kirie, I found FUNNY the way of thinking about Evangeline and Touta, and Karin returned to feel jealous. Kirie has a mind pervert XD
I would like to see an scene in that they take a bath and Touta sees Evangeline by mistake, then Karin would go to kill him by it. And Kirie would begin to tell things about them.
I wonder where Touta will go now. maybe he come back to home, because his friends are there. Maybe Touta will find some member of UQ Holder on the way.
Also, Is Evangeline now in UQ Holder? Or Is she still with Fate?
Because when she arrives to UQ Holder and they tells that “Touta has escaped from home” I would like to see her reaction. Will she go to look for him? Or Would she send someone for bring him back?
I think that at the end Evangeline will explain to Touta the reason why she told those things and maybe she also explains about the Lifemaker.
Although I know that Evangeline told those things for protect him. She seems have forgotten what she told one time in the chapter 183:
“Is there any life without danger or hardship? Without such things, weak humans die off in mere tens of years. If so, then step forward humans. Advance and bear you trials. It’s only natural for those who have stepped forward to take on more risk than the norm. And what of it? It’s much better than those rotting pigs who covet idleness within their safety net. Those things worth seizing lie at the end of risk.” LOL
She is contradict herself. lol
She is enough care about Touta xD or about lifemaker get Touta.
Well, that’s the difference between 600s year old Eva and 700s year old Eva.
It seems that Akamatsu-sensei loves to troll us. 😉
When we last saw her, she was at school with Fate. I tend to suspect she’s still there.