Enjouji and Ranmaru are a mostly-happy couple, but when Ranmaru finds lipstick on Enjouji, he becomes suspicious and leaves in a huff. Enjouji follows Ranmaru throughout the day. As they do so, the two men think about their past and their uncertain future.
Prequel: Kizuna
I think this OVA was pretty solid. A misunderstanding occurs between an understandably jealous Ranmaru and a piss-drunk Enjouji, which results in Ranmaru storming off and Enjouji going off to find him. Along the way, the two of them reminisce on past turning points in their relationship.
I think it's particularly cute how Enjouji somehow ends up going to all of the places Ranmaru went to, only he's always too late.
I appreciated the plot in this OVA and the way that scenes from the past were weaved together with the present day. Ranmaru's worries and fears regarding the future of their relationship and the question of whether separation is inevitable when the time comes to marry are realistic and raw. I appreciated both parties' thoughts on that issue.
As for the misunderstanding, I must say the twist in there threw me off guard! XD
The artwork is beautiful in this one, especially since the clothing and hairstyles don't seem as dated as in the first two OVAs. Blissfully, there are no shiny pastels during the more intimate moments.
I give this one four stars since the yaoi content was really, really light. I was sorely disappointed. Don't dangle smexy guys in front of fangirls only to not throw us a bone! (Did you see what I just did there?) It probably deserves 4.5 stars, to be fair.
The story is, in a word, heartwarming. Highly recommended.
This story was really touching. The first time I watched it, I thought it was a little disjointed, but then I searched out more episodes and got it a little more. Embarassingly this is the second review I am writing where I must admit I cried. The hospital scene was very emotional.
Though the story overall was very amusing, there was definitely strong love between the characters.
I don't know what more to ask for.... the characters were nice-looking, the story bespoke real feelings developed through their lives, and I think when I watched it I could relate to the characters, or at least their feelings enough to really enjoy it.
This particular OAV is among my favourites because it's a recap of the story between Enjouji and Ranmaru. It depicts the deciding moments in their lives that led them to go from friends to lovers, and it shows how their relationship has just become stronger as time goes by. It also questions their future as Ranmaru realizes the “disadvantages” of having a male partner.
Contrary to its predecessors, this installment has lighter yaoi content, but there is no doubt all the elements that make Kizuna are still present.
Again, just as the first one... I recommend the sequel. Even more so because it goes further in depth to the Masa and Kai pairing. Through their misunderstandings and hardships, the characters of Kizuna have captured my heart time and time again.
I found the characters not only funny but also touching and sweet. Somehow, watching them go through misunderstandings and romantic moments, it's easy to notice how special their bond is, keeping them together against the odds/obstacles.
Highly recommended.