In Hana ni Arashi, Volume 8 (はなにあらし), Nanoha is starting to feel the weight of the real world and isn’t sure that she and Chidori inhabit the same part of it.

But first we learn that Chidori is really frightened of dodgeball.

They are asked to fill out forms telling the school what they want to do in the future. Nanoha is surprised when Chidori is right on that, saying she’s going to apply to Waseda University in Tokyo. Nanoha suggests they go on a date to Tokyo together…a date that is crashed by a friend who also wants to see the campus. My favorite scene is when they all meet a second-year college student who shows them around and they are blown backwards by her sparkling adultness. ^_^ Nanoha notices that Chidori is also sparkling and starts to feel as if she may be out of step. But in Harajuku, as she watches Chidori talking about living in Tokyo, she feels like she’s being left behind. In a second, however, Chidori notices her absence and grabs her hand. Chidori promises she’ll always find her and Nanoha calms her doubts.

Those of you who have been to Tokyo (or any big city) will sympathize with the girls as they collapse in exhaustion on the train from the long day, high levels of stress, a LOT of walking and too much external stimulus. ^_^

They then plan a Christmas date…that is crashed by the rest of their friends.

As the book ends, Chidori makes it plain to Nanoha that whatever she plans to do with her life, it includes the other girl.

This has been one of the slowest-paced romance series I have ever read that still feels like it really is a romance. Chidori and Nanoha are different, but not opposites, they have society (although few adults appear on these pages, and that stylish adult 20-year old tour guide is really pushing it. ^_^)
Most importantly, both Nanoha and Chidori are adorable and we’re really rooting for their happiness!

Ratings:

Art – 7
Story – 7
Characters – 8
Yuri – 7
Service – 1 A few of the camera angles are uh….

Overall – 7

I keep saying that I’m surprised that this series isn’t licensed yet, but I think I can guess why. Nonetheless, this is a cute series that is just so low-drama that it is…very nice to read.