The Executioner and Her Way of Life, Vol. 5

By: Mato Sato, nilitsu, Jenny McKeon McKeon - translator

Narrated by: Annie Wild

Menou sets out after Flare, determined to take back Akari. If Akari must die, Menou is determined to be the one that kills her, at the very least. To do so, Menou must seek the Sword of Salt—a difficult task even without a time limit. Still, the Executioner is determined to triumph and surpass her former teacher, no matter what taboos she must commit...

Oh Wow!

This is the episode where we finally learn so many secrets about this world. The epilogue, especially, is an "oh wow" moment. I've never been a super big fan of the magic system in this series but it does make for a unique world. When you couple that with characters that have complex drives, it makes for a great series.

My Favorite Volume Thus Far

So much happens and so much is shared.

I could go on and on, but the character development shines here—especially between Menou and Akari. Perhaps my favorite scene in the entire story so far is when Menou and Akari share their memories and feelings with each other, over the past timelines that Akari has harbored until now. It was such a humbling experience these two characters grew to understand each completely in every sense of the word. They are my favorite thankfully. Master Flare also proves to be the formidable foe that has haunted Akari and) Menou.

The characters thoughts, feelings, and actions all flow with the story. Everything feels natural—the pace, decisions made, etcetera. This is my favorite volume so far. Major kudos to the author and narrator.

The epilogue at the end… I was not expecting. I am shocked. I have no idea where the story goes from here, what will happen… but I am excited to learn. This has been fantastic absolutely. So many amazing moments. The other volumes have been great, but this volume cemented why I’m here, why I’ve been following this series, and that there’s so much more to this story/world.

My only “complaint” I suppose, is the uncertainty of Akari and Menou’s relationship. I don’t quite understand if they’re simply going to remain platonic friends, or if it will develop into something romantical, which I am hoping for. There’s been hints mainly from Akari’s POV, such as flirting with Menou. This is a Yuri series after all, so I hope the story and characters aren’t afraid to be bold, or worse, is simply only “queerbaiting” like some media does. Mild complaint though, the story and characters are still wonderful. I just hope this isn’t queerbait, haha.

If the series continues without any actual romance—especially between Akari and Menou (depending on the narrative, of course)—I can only hope it is logical and functional to the characters. This could be the ultimate slow burn but we’ll see.

My favorite volume so far. Fight scenes are great, character development is top notch, and the narrative builds more lore and mystery. Especially that epilogue. That epilogue changes everything.