Before reading any further, I must warn readers that I am not particularly fond of sports manga, and given the choice, I will almost certainly choose just about any other genre. Thus, I don't have too much experience in grading such manga. As such, my grades are subjective to my current tastes.
I like the plot, but I have given it a score of 7. This is a very subjective grading system. To many other people, this manga would probably score a lot higher in this section. But I was just completely frustrated with the plot. Don't even try to marathon this - you will just end up tearing your hair out while screaming at your computer screen. I like the twists, and to a certain extent, I like where the manga is headed. But it is simply a pain to see a good girl like Umino being plagued by endless torrents of misfortune. Hence, the lowered grade.
I liked the art and I have given it a 9. Most of the characters are very well drawn and they fit their personalities - sometimes too much so. The sickening smiles on most of Umino's enemies, in particular Ryugasaki, is certainly a giveaway of their true nature. In some respect, this actually enhances the aforementioned feeling of frustration I feel when reading this manga.
I have given a 6 for the characters. This is the lowest in any section I have graded for this manga. This is because with the sole exception of a handful of characters, the rest are a pile of cliche in bodies that only show these qualities. The most interesting character in my opinion, was Keiichiro. He would generally be considered a pathetic being or a man without a spine - indeed barely a man at all. However, we soon get flashbacks regarding his upbringing which can explain this character of his and the reader is invited to continue his character development in their minds as he inevitably develops some will of his own to stand for himself. Another interesting character is the MC among the Yakuza. He's just awesome. I think the two men complement each other very well by filling in the gaps in their judgement. The rest of the characters are extremely stereotypical and frankly, one begins to hate them for simply being in the way. Of course, Kaku is not included here, but I am yet to make up my mind about Kaku.
For enjoyment, I have rated this manga a 7. This is certainly not a manga that is hard to enjoy. Frankly, I felt absorbed and wanted to continue reading. At the end of each chapter, the next would beckon with great force, such that soon I was flying across chapters. However, at the end of a long period of reading, I have just become fed up with the endless amount of suffering one person has to go through. I just wish this were a romance manga instead and that Umino would just find a good man who could support her through her tribulations.
Overall, I have graded this manga an 7. It is certainly worth a read if you are interested in the sports manga gene and wish to have your heartstrings strummed by the misfortunes of a high school girl who has to live in a virtual hell. Otherwise, I would recommend giving the first few chapters a whirl anyway. It might stick on you. However, if you find it hard to read through the first major competition in the manga, consider dropping it, as the pacing and the plot structure remains quite similar for a while.
