Ever since Marriage Toxin, Gero has wasted no time trying to find his perfect wife. But now that he has plenty of possible choices to go through, it’s time he takes a breather from his search. And there’s no better way to let off some steam than to spend it with your bros. That’s right: Volume Thirteen of Marriage Toxin gives Gero his first-ever Guys Night!

However, it seems like there’s no such thing as a normal night for Gero. Even with his best bud Beppu and the surprising return of Naruko, a night filled with great food and booze won’t end on a normal note. Nay, it’s the news that Beppu’s favorite izakaya may be shut down if it can’t make a perfect meal for the Arima Family that keeps things from ending the night on a good note. Thankfully, Gero, Beppu, and even Naruko won’t stand around and let a great restaurant close its doors.

Marriage Toxin may get cooking metaphorically a lot in its narrative, but this may be the first time it does so in the literal sense. (No, Gero’s DIY candy kits don’t count!) Watching as this trio of different masters use their skills to make Michelin-leveled meals is a treat for the eyes. But it’s when a monster lobster goes haywire where readers witness the true bonkers nature of this series. And when that colossal crustacean gets served up, readers may fight the urge to call their local Red Lobster and put an order in.

The narrative kind of gets back on track when Chinatsu comes back into the picture. She and Gero wind up working together on an escort mission, protecting an old lady as she aims to meet an old lover. But when it’s revealed that she’s one of the heads of the Arima Family, it becomes a chaotic battle as their sword prodigy Arima steps in and attacks Gero and Chinatsu. The reason: they think it’s a kidnapping!

Readers are treated to a back story about the old woman, simply known as Nabs. The flashback has them taking on a fighter known as the God of Wind. Although the battle is short, it’s the aftermath that winds up being the most important, as Nabs constantly battles her comrade Gaku. It takes a long time for Nabs to realize that her feelings for Gaku weren’t out of bloodlust, but rather of love. As such, the mission to find Gaku and take him out once and for all takes on a whole different meaning.

As the volume ends, it appears that this mission may be cut short…is what I would say if Gero wasn’t leading the charge. Even if we have to wait to see where this arc takes him and Chinatsu, it’s clear that it’s setting the readers up for a dangerously fun time. Volume Thirteen of Marriage Toxin starts out strong with a night with the bros transforming into a stomach-filled mission. But it’s in this arc involving Nabs and the Arima Family where we see more sparks fly between Gero and Chinatsu. Could those flying sparks be a sign of a rice shower for the two of them? Only time will tell.

Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.