Can this guy go die already?!

Minnie: NANA never fails to bring home an overly emotional chapter and Chapter 80 is no exception. I believe we are closer and closer to the end than ever. Once the present and the future meet up, we know the end of NANA is coming. I hope the ending will satisfy all of us. Hasn’t the characters gone through enough?

Summary:

Admittedly, this chapter is very hard to summarize because I read it with tears in my eyes. Still, I’ll try my best to write a short, yet decent summary. After a quick phone call between the photographer and his boss, the chapter shows everyone’s reaction on the day before Ren’s funeral. Takumi takes this like work like always. Hachi is tearful and has a quick conversation with Nobu before she takes on the reporters in place of Nana. She agrees to answer all questions in place of her friend. Right then, Nana and Yasu arrive with cameras flashing all around them. Without saying a word, Nana falls on the ground, only to have Yasu pick her up in his arms. Miu goes inside a car to hide her jealousy since this isn’t the right time for it.

Inside, Reira is crying alongside Naku and Shin, who are both keeping their heads up high. But at the sight of Nana coming in, Reira can’t help but almost apologize and tell Nana that it is all her fault that Ren’s in this position. Thankfully someone has a head over his shoulders and stop her in time- Shin. Pulling her out of the room, he calls Reira insensitive by trying to add more fuel to the fire. How would Nana feel if Reira reveal about how Ren went out of his way to see her? Of course, realizing this, Reira collapses on the ground and cries. The person who comforts her is none other than Takumi. As for the rest of us, it is about time Shin tells Reira off. The spoiled princess needs a scolding once in a while. 

Still in her collapse state, Nana is unable to speak. She can’t speak, even in front of Ren’s body. All she did was stay at his perfect hands. Meanwhile, the managers speak about how Nana and Ren never made up. Everything is so full of regrets right now. But suddenly, something comes up that will literally break Nana down- the present Ren got her for her birthday that they found in the car in his guitar case. No scene in this chapter has made me cry. This one did. It’s hard to read when the person you love dies before giving you your present on your birthday. Unlike ef in which I completely dislike the scene for poor execution, this one is well done and well-written. Poor Nana.

The last conversation is between Yasu and Takumi about how Ren wanted his last remains to be scattered across the ocean. Even at a time like this, Takumi is talking all business like and about work. He deals with how the police and investigators are trying to figure out whether Ren has been doing drugs or not. There weren’t any drugs found in the car at least, making the situation seem hopeful that Ren might have left them at home. In the end though, despite his calm demeanor, Takumi drops his head down, emotional about Ren’s death at last.

Ramblings:

This chapter is another build up chapter and yet, it’s an emotional and beautiful one to read. I can’t help but feel for all the characters. NANA is very good with the way it begins and ends each chapter with beautiful narration. I have a feeling that after this chapter, Reira might mature a bit. Hopefully, A LOT. It’s about time she faces reality. I hope Nana can get through this… really. Sigh. I can’t wait for the next chapter though! I want more Takumi/Nana in the future though since Ren/Nana is gone now. Oh and Reira/Shin too. Will they ever make up?

Minnie’s Enjoyment Factor for Chapter: 10/10

Minnie’s Anticipation for Next Chapter: 8/10