Just how did the likes of Issho and Shiguma Arakawa come to become the powerhouse rakugo performers that they are? In its sixteenth volume, Akane-banashi takes a lot of time to show their rise to the top of the rakugo food chain. Not all is revealed though, as reading their backstories will make you wonder about Issho’s current mentality. One of the questions one will certainly ask is, “How did this guy get so damn bitter?!”

In the flashback, the future Issho and Shiguma are taken under the wings of Kiroku Kashigawa, a prominent rakugo performer. Under him, the two former hooligans take the chance to better their lives, take the world seriously, and transform into top-tier rakugo performers. But in the background, Kiroku’s master gives him an ultimatum: expel Issho and Shiguma, or risk expulsion himself. Sounds a bit familiar, right?

As one can guess, Kiroku doesn’t take that news lying down; he instead props himself up and prepares to perform again. And on that bill are his apprentices, not his masters. So when word gets out that Kiroku keeps allowing Issho and Shiguma to perform, the end result isn’t pretty. In fact, the aftermath of the situation takes the three to a literal rakugo graveyard, where over four dozen stories have been put to rest. In that moment, Kiroku reveals his daring plan, and it’s one that sets the stage for what’s to come in the future.

On one hand, it shows Issho in a much more sympathetic light. Expulsion hits him hard, and for a moment, he feels lost. So it’s a good thing he’s got a master like Kiroku, along with a friend like Shiguma. But then again, if expulsion made him feel that terrible, why would he do such a thing to Akane’s father six years ago? That’s one answer Akane is itching to find out!

With Shiguma School now about to close, the apprentices all meet up and discuss their future. Now heading to different schools and having new masters, it would seem like the Shiguma School will soon become a memory. Thankfully, these apprentices are far too determined to let such a thing happen. So they settle on a plan, one that may one day bring Shiguma School from the brink of extinction. Knowing these performers, the odds are more in their favor than anyone else could imagine.

Volume Sixteen of Akane-banashi ends things with a one-shot from writer Yuki Suenaga and artist Takamasa Moue: “Tatarashido”. The story focuses on two high schoolers who enter a comedy competition, as they take a real-life love confession rejection and turn it into comedy gold. Although the story never went past the one-shot, it’s funny seeing how Show-ha Shoten! basically took a similar approach and went on to be what is a bookend to Akane-banashi. (Perhaps in the future, the four creators of both series can have a fun little crossover happen.)

When Akane-banashi continues, it will be via a three-year jump into the future. Has Akane become a master of Issho’s style of rakugo? Has he revealed anything to Akane about his past during that time? And why is she in Paris of all places? Whatever is around the corner, it’s sure to be a story that’ll keep you focused on all its bits and pieces, just like a good rakugo performance does.

Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.