), The Heroic Legend of Arslan. It's based on a Persian legend, so it's really interesting to see a Middle Eastern setting interpreted by the Japanese. I have a feeling I'll probably enjoy this more than Shoukoku no Altair, if only because I know how in-depth Arakawa-san's research always is, and it'll probably fit together better. It's also really fun to see her distinctive style in such a different setting; there are definite similarities between the character designs here and in FMA.It's a bit early to tell what the main plot is about, but it seems to be about the prince of the kingdom of Pals (parallel to the ancient Persian empire), who is naive and innocent to the ways of the world. He gets captured by a slave, who opens his eyes to the way the world really works. Not sure where it'll go from here, but it definitely looks interesting!
For example, with the revelation here that Mikage actually learned about this whole thing from Nanami in the first place, every one of his actions throughout the series right from the very beginning now make perfect sense. And gah, Nanami's reunion with Tomoe was so beautiful. 
Anyway, whoa, this chapter had me on the edge of my seat! I knew there had to be a secret message in the letters-- nice work by Oz and Reim there (the former on noticing it, and the latter at decoding it {oh, and also at explaining Barma's actions, too}). 
... and GAH, that really scared me (and provided most of the edge-of-the-seat suspense of the chapter). 
And that was a really sweet moment he was able to have there, even if us readers know that it's hopeless. 
And ah, is that a lightbulb I see coming on for Hiro about Sugimoto's feelings, too? Looks like this is going to head for a double rejection quite quickly now, LOL. 
(That'll be a good thing, though.)
His persistence (and eventual true honesty) was sweet, though 
That scene with Mao when he went home was sweet, though. 
Some things were a little confusing, probably just because of the translation, but for the most part it's been great to get back to these characters and find out some inklings of more secrets. And the similarities to FMA are stacking up more and more....
So yeah, I'm more than a little concerned as to how this is going to turn out. 
).
Some really surprising developments! What is this about the 14th...? Also, I'm loving the Kanda flashback, since I've been longing for it ever since that arc with the clown Akuma.
Loved the ending of this chapter, though.
