Tonikaku Cawaii Chapter 253
Tonikaku Kawaii Fly Me to the Moon 253
トニカクカワイイ 253

Spoiler Summary/Synopsis:

In 853BC, Tsukasa confronts the now elderly Mao as he meditates. He confirms that he has entered samadhi. As such, he now only consumes water and in a few days, expects to reach nirvana. In this way, Mao keeps his promise to live eternally with her. Tsukasa confesses she still wishes to die. However, if she ever meets someone who makes her want to live, she’ll return to visit him. He states he will be waiting for her.

In the present, Nasa works with the TV on. The program discusses Kūkai (Mao, Kobo Daishi). When the show states that he’s alive, Nasa takes note. Tsukasa arrives with a popsicle and takes note of the TV program. He learns that Mao was a shindodou–a monk who practices without official government sanction. Tsukasa states that this is similar to a teenager who drops out to join an underground punk rock band, refusing to listen to anyone.

Nasa notes that Mao became immortal. Tsukasa explains he entered samadhi. As such, Mao is unchanged in eternal mediation within what is now his sealed mausoleum. Nasa wonders if Mao is actually there as Tsukasa described. However, Nasa believes for Mao to have done this, he must have had something he cared a great deal about.

To that end, Tsukasa suggests meeting the punk rocker she previously mentioned.

Thoughts/Review:

It looks like the Mao arc finally came to an end with Tonikaku Cawaii Chapter 253. Initially, I didn’t find myself that invested in this story. But by this last chapter, my investment became high. That was due to the effect Mao had on Tsukasa. She hated seeing Mao devote his life to seeking immortality for her sake. To her, it was a waste, and the fact he refused to listen to her frustrated her more.

Is Mao still alive within this world? Considering the other supernatural things that happen, I think he is. And I think it would be great if Tsukasa introduced Nasa to Mao. But they’d never be allowed into what is now his crypt. And I’m not sure Hata-sensei wants to go that route. However, it would be interesting to see.

Regardless, Tsukasa now has someone to live for in Nasa. So regardless of whatever troubles she had in the past, she now has someone to share her burden in the present.

Final thoughts and Conclusion

One note before I wrap up my review of Tonikaku Cawaii Chapter 253. Ruka from Hayate the Combat Butler got a cameo. I thought that was cool. Beyond that, I found this latest chapter to be touching and enjoyable.