I say this over and over, but I have to say it again. These kids can't possibly be elementary grade! If elementary grade kids can be this... complex, the world would be one scary place. Take Iijima Satoko, for example. She is incredibly intelligent, with strong self awareness and beliefs. Add to that, she's also physically capable. But in the end, she's not necessarily rational. I say that's a pretty scary combination. It's like giving a weapon to a child.
This volume focuses on Isako and her followers, and the strange role Iijima plays in all that. The whole thing blows up near the end, though. It's somewhat confusing to figure out what's going on, but I think the characters are actually more confused than the readers about what's going on.
The last page is one heck of a..., I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger, but rather an eerie preview of things to come.
Next volume is scheduled for July 2009 release.
