Negima! Magister Negi Magi, Vol. 4
written by Ken Akamatsu
ISBN: 978-1417667079
Things begin to get more interesting in this volume of Negima!, as Negi receives a tipoff from Evangeline to a clue toward finding his father: Nagi “Thousand Master” Springfield had a house in Kyoto. However, as a teacher, Negi can’t go flying off to Kyoto when he has his duties to his students. On the other hand, he has forgotten one of a teacher’s lifelines: FIELD TRIP!
Negi is very excited to get his class to go on a field trip to Kyoto and Nara, but unfortunately, there is a problem. The Headmaster, Konoemon Konoe, informs Negi that a certain organization called the Kansai Magic Association has been at odds with the Kanto Magic Association, and if a magical teacher from the Kanto Magic Association were to lead a trip, big trouble might ensue and the students might be put at risk. However, possibly sensing Negi’s motives, Headmaster Konoe gives Negi a special letter to deliver to the head of Kansai Magic Association, sending him to Kyoto as an emissary of peace, sending Negi’s spirits through the roof. But before he departs, Headmaster Konoe warns Negi that his granddaughter, Konoka Konoe, one of Negi’s students, is…what? You thought I was going to spoil everything?
The preparation for the trip is full of hilarity, and once the trip begins, the hilarious mishaps begin to multiply. Seems Negi’s enemies are already on his trail and they are not making anything easy for him. Suspicions of foul play also run high when Chamo points out that Kyoto is Setsuna Sakurazaki’s hometown as well. Could one of Negi’s own students be an enemy agent? Sounds somewhat like someone else I know! However, this progression is not without the mandatory comical and sexy mishaps in the outdoor baths, including a scuffle with Setsuna that nearly leaves Negi neutered, and shortly thereafter, traumatized for life!
With ever increasing attempts on a student’s life, Negi has his hands full in so many ways, and what will happen when the always shy Nodoka suddenly comes out of her shell, showing her true feelings for a certain someone? This is certainly no average coming-of-age story.
This manga’s plot really begins to come out during this book, with an emergence of a very powerful enemy, possibly one Negi cannot defeat on his own, causing the manga to become very action-oriented in some parts. Akamatsu-sensei really comes does not disappoint when it comes to making a story fans will want to read and, once finished with one book, will leave them pining for more.
