In Sakura to Kase-san ( さくらと加瀬さん), Yamada is feeling a bit nostalgic about school. Graduation is around the corner and she’s a little sad she won’t be able to watch Kase-san run every day, or walk home with her everyday.  She reflects a little on the three years they’ve had together, on how she’s changed  and how much Kase-san has inspired and supported her.  

And then, finally, they graduate. Yamada goes to a new school and spends some time feeling a bit lonely, until Kase-san runs up to her. Kase-san has to run after all, and she might as well run in the neighborhood. Kase-san once again gives Yamada the energy she needs to see the day through. And Mikawacchi, who took a bunch of exams, also chose the city to study, so Yamada can see both her besties. They spend a day together.

After some shopping, Yamada brings Kase-san back to her teeny little room where they make love.  Kase-san tries out calling Yamada by her given, name, so Yui tries to manage a Tomoka or two, but gives up quickly. ^_^ Afterwards, the two of them go for a walk, hand in hand, and Yamada reflects on all the flowers that remind her of her life so far with Kase-san and how much she looks forward to being together with her in days to come. Which makes me think of my own dear wife, (my wife commented pointedly, as I read this to her. ^_^)

An extra chapter follows a rival of Kase-san’s at another high school who found Kase-san’s cheerful, relaxed attitude vexing, and then infectious.

This was an excellent fourth volume for the series. There’s no doubt that both Yamada and Kase-san have matured and both the art and writing reflect that. When I read stories set in high school, I’m always reminded of something a high school teacher I know once told me. They commented that they always knew by the end of freshman year if a student would mature past high school or be stuck there forever. I’ve noticed that quite a lot when I speak to students as well. As we read Sakura to Kase-san, we’re confident that both Kase-san and Yamada have matured and we’re confident that they can face adult life together. It’s a good feeling.

Ratings: 

Art – 9
Character – 9
Story – 8
Service – 4 There is a sex scene, it is not explicit.
Yuri – 10

Overall – 9

Kase-san, the little series that could, keeps on chugging up that hill. ^_^