Is that the sound of wedding bells I hear in Mission: Yozakura Family? They sure are ringing loudly, almost as if they’re in distress. Yes, it appears that this wedding between Shinzo Yozakura and Katana Alexand is not one of eternal love. In fact, the one pulling the strings, “Spy Day” Editor-in-Chief Alexandryu, has his own selfish reasons for the two tying the knot.

Most of the twenty-third volume of Mission: Yozakura Family is focused on the gang trying to rescue Shinzo from a loveless marriage. It’s not that he and Katana dislike each other; in fact, they’re childhood friends. Nay, it’s because Katana’s guardian wants to make sure she can have a family of her own, as her father passed away when she was young. So naturally, now comes the time for the family to get together and kick butt like normal.

Except, no, it’s not that simple this time around. As the editor-in-chief of “Spy Day”, Alexandryu has a ton of dirt about the Yozakuras that would ruin their lives forever. Only three members of the family lack any dirt to be found: Taiyo, Alpha, and Hifumi. And the three of them use that to their advantage to rescue Shinzo and stop this sham of a marriage.

It’s pretty entertaining to watch all of this madness unfold. From Alpha attempting to get dirt on Alexandryu to Hifumi’s singing like Tom Waits gargling gasoline, it leads to a fight that comes more from the heart rather than a bicep. However, it’s the touching words from Katana to her guardian where Alexandryu realizes the wrongs that he’s committed. But before things end on a truly happy note, an outsider comes in and spoils all of the fun.

On top of that, it appears Asa has been obtaining allies of his own. His reasons for wanting to gather the Yozakuras is one that’s been hinted throughout a good chunk of the series. It’s a powerful tool, and in the wrong hands (i.e. Asa’s), it could spell plenty of danger not just for the spies of the world, but for the entirety of the planet. Thankfully, it appears that all of the Yozakuras are just about ready to bring a fight to his doorstep.

Well…almost all of the Yozakuras. As we recall, this whole arc has been about Alpha and Hifumi gathering approval stamps to join the fight against Asa. And now that the battle’s about to begin, it seems like the little twins are a stamp or two short. Cue the waterworks, and strike up the pity parade!

But this is the Yozakura Family we’re talking about. They would never accept a handout; that’d be like cheating. Nay, Alpha and Hifumi attempt to get those last couple of stamps by their own merit, even if it still involves lots and lots of crying. That’s when their final obstacle presents itself to the twins, and even if they love them dearly, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be an easy victory for the children.

There might not have been a rice shower, but Mission: Yozakura Family still delivers something beautiful enough to walk down the aisle towards. You’ll get a heartfelt story about a surrogate father, as well as witness the twins grow up to be just as strong as their spy family. It’s not all perfect, and perhaps the next arc involving Alexandryu feels a little shoehorned in. But knowing Mission: Yozakura Family, it’s all leading towards another exciting operation involving this super tight and super deadly family.

Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.