What the topic says.

Description of request:
I'd like to read a manga about a heroine who's actually decent, none of the clingy, shoujo type, if you could. The heroine should be directly under tutoring or mentoring under a kind or at least reasonable guy. (At least several years older than the heroine, and who definitely knows his game.

I'm avoiding:
Teacher x Student and Student x Student of normal educational institutes such as high schools and universities, they don't count, sorry. (Unless it's a school of some crazy kind.)

I'd like to be a bit more flexible with this option, so at least, the heroine should literally be taught, in any way, by the older mentor. Perhaps she's tutoring under the mentor for sports, martial arts, tea-ceremonies, whatever, as long as it's creative and not generic, then it's all welcome!

I hope that's a reasonable request.

Edit: I don't mind if the romance is brief or subtext, I actually prefer those kinds. As they say, less is more! Any genres are welcome.

Last edited by jadey at 5:03 am, Jul 13 2009

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My Other Manga Threads
Search for these threads as links would kill my sig limit.

- Middle School Heroine Love Stories
- Older, Gentle Male Love Interests
- Romance with Capable Women/Heroines
- Wise Male Mentor x [DECENT] Heroine
- Gangster/Physically Strong Main Heroines
- Romance with Stubble Chinned Guys Because It's Sexy
- Love Triangles Involving Male Teachers

My threads are as specific as they can; it's good if they can help you out!

Toshokan Sensou is the only one i can think of really, and wouldnt call him wise so much as experienced in the field for the story.

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"Let's put a smile on that face."

Not sure how 'decent' you might consider her, so I rather hesitate to suggest this one because I think you might not find it good enough, but Honey Hunt has an actress being tutored by her very-respected agent. (same as cano435 said)

The romance in the story definitely isn't subtext, but she has several options.

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If you've ever thought or said "Nice Guys finish last" and really meant it, then you should probably read this LJ post by DivaLion. It's incredibly insightful whether you're male or female.

From a bumper sticker I like:
"If you're gonna ride my ass, at least pull my hair."

Immortal Rain? And Miriam might count, although the girl's really young to begin with (don't worry, she gets older and there's nothing remotely creepy - not even subtext - until much later!). Glass Mask, Skip Beat! and Kanon also have older male mentors of capable heroines. Lastly, Hana no Namae may also suit.

EDIT: Forgot to add Ingenuo. Definite emphasis on professional mentoring!

EDIT #2: Ah, Immortal Rain, Hana no Namae and Miriam don't count as "professional" mentoring, exactly... More like personal mentoring? Just watching out for the girls, etc. But the other recommendations have prof. mentoring.

Last edited by tartufo at 9:35 am, Jul 13 2009

I second Miriam just because it's so amazing, although it doesn't have a whole lot of tutelage. And also Ingenuo, which is definitely up your alley. And yes! Toshokan Sensou: Love & War or Toshokan Sensou: Spitfire!! Yes! Watch the anime, though, it's more complete than the manga.

I was thinking Shiawase Kissa Sanchoume might work, since it's a girl working at a café owned by two older guys who sort of mentor her in baking, serving, etc. Perhaps Tail of the Moon, in which a girl is taught better fighting/survival skills by her ninja fiancé. She does tend to cry and be incompetent, but she's a cheerful, hard worker and much less wimpy than some.

A bit more of a stretch: The One - the two love interests don't actually have that much interaction, but he does give her tips and instruction on her modeling when he encounters her. And The Cherry Project - I'm not quite sure since I don't remember this one too well, but I think the guy teaches the girl figure skating, or something.

@atomdreamer, I'd never heard of Toshokan Sensou before but it sounds great! So even though this isn't my thread, I'd like to thank you for the rec, lol...

I'd like to add A Delicious Relationship to the list, 'cause it has an older chef guiding a young woman who wants to become a chef. So far in the scanlations, the romance hasn't really taken flight, but what I like about it is the slow, realistic pace and the emphasis on mentorship.

Masca fits your criteria (mage/apprentice pairing), but I haven't read it yet so I can't say if it's good or not. The reviews certainly are good...

Also, Mahou no Te ni Notte is EXACTLY what you're looking for, like. It's perfect. Strong-willed girl works alongside her professional idol (an accomplished hairstylist), and he mentors her along the way. The romance is very subtle.

This is a great thread!

I think Gunslinger Girl can fit. What is taught is shooting and fighting skills.

Well, Until Death Do Us Part is doing some mentor stuff lately....but I'm not sure it really counts....'S a great manga, though.

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They say it's the thought that counts, but then they tell you, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions......"

Will no one scanlate Takahashi Miyuki?! T_T

Übel Blatt He's been training someone in the more recent chapters.
Until Death Do Us Part is very good.