VS.

Yamada’s storytelling shines through her signature character, Reiji, a violin prodigy shaped by a difficult childhood. Turning to music as an escape from an abusive family, he gains admission to a prestigious music academy, where he crosses paths with his mentor, Mitsuko—a once-aspiring professional musician whose own career was cut short by a tragic injury. Mitsuko’s warm, life-affirming exuberance stands in stark contrast to Reiji’s fierce and unwavering devotion to his art, yet the two ultimately find common purpose in pursuing Reiji’s ambition for success. Against the vibrant and cutthroat backdrop of the musical world, intense rivalries unfold, while Reiji’s inner turmoil fuels the story’s emotional depth. The final volume also includes the short story "Spica."