Oshi no Ko Manga Ending, Explained

Key Takeaways

Aqua confronts his father who admits to murder, leading to a tragic end where Aqua sacrifices himself to protect his sister.
Nino’s murder plan backfires, revealing Hikaru’s manipulation and malice, unraveling a web of murders in the entertainment industry.
Aqua’s death gives Ruby the character arc she needs to surpass her mother, causing controversy over the rushed ending of the manga.

As a long-time fan of manga and anime, I must say that the ending of “Oshi no Ko” left me feeling somewhat conflicted. On one hand, I appreciated the dark and gritty portrayal of the anime industry, which felt refreshingly realistic compared to some other works in the genre. The author’s ability to create complex characters and weave a compelling story is undeniable.

WARNING: The following contains major Oshi no Ko manga and anime spoilers.

The “Oshi no Ko” series has evolved beyond what many expected from its idol reincarnation themes before it debuted, gradually unveiling its gripping psychological aspects and scrutiny of the shadowy side of the entertainment world. As more manipulative characters, crimes, and murders unfolded, we reached a bittersweet, tragic conclusion to one of the top-selling manga series from the last decade. However, be advised that this ending has sparked debate among fans due to its controversial nature.

Title Manga “Oshi no Ko” reaches its climax with a final, controversial story arc spanning 16 volumes and culminating in its 166th chapter. To provide a thorough analysis of the manga’s conclusion, we will primarily focus on this intriguing last arc. This article may delve into various plot points as they are relevant to the narrative.

Confrontations

Multiple Confrontations, One Tragic End

Aqua finally confronts his father, Hikaru, after the first screening of The 15 Year Lie, a biopic about the truth behind Ai Hoshino’s life that Aqua intended to use as a way to avenge his mother’s death by finally letting her truth be free. Hikaru does admit his involvement in Ai’s murder. Aqua shares with him a DVD that has Ai’s confession of truly loving Hikaru, which leaves Hikaru wracked with guilt for what he’s done to her. Aqua later talks to Akane about this, but realizes Hikaru can’t be responsible for all the murders that occurred, theorizing it to be a former member of the original B-Komachi.

Instead of plotting to kill Ruby out of jealousy over her mother’s skills, Nino concocts a scheme born from sorrow. She intends for Ai to carry out the deed when they believe Ruby has surpassed Ai’s own mother’s abilities. In what she assumes is an encounter with Ruby, Nino tries to stab her, only to find it’s Akane in disguise, dressed as Ruby and wearing a safety vest. The ruse unravels, and Nino is apprehended. Just before being escorted away, she exposes Hikaru’s deceitful nature and his involvement in the string of murders that have occurred, to both Ruby and Akane. In an upcoming chapter, it is revealed that Nino confesses to the police about a vast network of crimes within the entertainment industry.

Later, as Hikaru watches Ruby’s live-streamed performance, Aqua resurfaces, this time menacingly and threatening violence. Hikaru attempts to reason with Aqua by convincing him that his death would only tarnish his image and negatively impact his sister’s perception. However, Aqua recognizes that if he lets his father live, his sister remains in peril. As an alternative, Aqua stabs himself and both himself and his father plunge off a cliff into the water below. Initially, Hikaru survives the fall, but even after being struck by a rock, he lies bleeding in the water. Aqua then tries to choke Hikaru, who ultimately succumbs to his injuries while drowning, feeling the ghostly presence of those he’s killed drawing him further beneath the surface.

“The reason I lived… definitely not for revenge. It was to protect my own sister. That’s why I was born as a twin, closest to my sister. Thank goodness this time, I can die before you.”

Dreams, A Funeral, And A Future

Remember Aqua’s Past Life? So Does He

As Aqua approaches his end, he envisions his former self, Gorou, in prayer. Gorou then learns that Sarina’s operation was a success in this alternate reality. Her wheelchair is no longer needed and her hair grows back. However, in the real world, Sarina perished and transformed into Ruby. In this world, though, Sarina recovers completely and becomes an idol, embodying Ruby’s new life and the possibilities that arise now that Aqua has given his life to save her.

In the world outside fiction, Aqua’s physical form starts to deteriorate. He feels remorse about his impending demise, but it’s already too late; he starts to lose consciousness. As he does, he envisions B-Komochi and passes away with a content smile on his face, floating gently in the sea. Simultaneously, there’s an urgent hunt for Aqua. Some time following the unveiling of “The 15 Year Lie” to the public, Aqua’s corpse is discovered, cold but conserved by the chilly ocean depths. Akane is depicted grieving Aqua, even though their past wasn’t always amicable. She attends his funeral, yet Aqua’s own sibling Ruby has remained indoors since her brother’s passing.

Looking ahead a few years from now, I find myself reflecting on the poignant aftermath of my beloved sister Aqua’s passing. My eyes, like my mother Ai and younger brother before me, bear two radiant white stars – a symbol that carries the spirit of Aqua with me always, and reflects the unbridled joy only Ai could embody.

Why Are Fans Upset?

Did The Mangaka Go Too Far?

Many readers of “Oshi no Ko” are expressing disappointment that the ending appears too hurried. Although Aqua’s quest for revenge against his mother’s killer has been a long-standing goal throughout the manga, some fans expected him to ultimately release this burden and find peace in life. The creator of “Oshi no Ko,” Aka Akasaka, is also known for another manga with a questionable ending, “Kaguya-Sama: Love is War.” Similar complaints about an unresolved main storyline and a rushed conclusion were voiced by numerous fans. As a result, there’s been a popular tweet suggesting that Akasaka should take some time off before launching his next manga, which will be a fantasy series coming out in 2025.

Considering all of this circumstantial evidence, there is a chance the ending was rushed. However, was the ending really that terrible, considering the manga’s bleak portrayal of the anime industry? Saying an ending is rushed because too many things are crammed into a short amount of chapters is valid. But in this instance, is it possible that perhaps Aqua’s death gives Ruby the character arc she needs to surpass her mother’s footsteps? Especially considering Aqua’s character storyline was solved, even in a controversial way, that is something to consider.

2024-11-13 20:33