While never brought up until the fifth volume (maybe the sixth) in like miniscule passing. AA is a genuine side story. I think it is similar to what Railgun is to Index, a story in parallel to another and sometimes interacting.
But I digress, basically, you ever think that the people in the main story are way too overpowered sometimes, I did, but they go up against demon king level baddies so it's cool. This story is more what happens with the lower ranked butei (armed detective), and their lives. It is pretty good, reminds me of a couple of manga where an airhead adores an idol and gets the chance to become like her. So yeah if you like Hidan no Aria give this one a shot, so far Kinji hasn't made an appearance. There are some interesting elements yet no mega-gunfights and we need translators.

... Last updated on September 7th, 2012, 9:38pm

If its a side story then it cant be shoujo ai, because that would mean that aria is still in love with kinji in the story, but if its an alternate story then it makes sense since aria might not partner up with kinji but the girl instead, also i dont understand if there is a difference between aria and kinji's partnership in the main story and the kind of apprentice-like team up that aria and the girl from this manga have. Someone who knows all this please explain it.