It's been two years since I've read this manga, right around when DP's releases had stopped.
Recently, I have decided to catch up. And I was just mesmerized, to the point where I've reread it fully the next day.
I'll put this in spoilers, just in case.
I've seen someone compare this to the Finder series, and as much as I love it, this comparison doesn't do justice to the complexity and portrayal of the characters in Saezuru.
I've also seen some completely dismiss this manga on the grounds of the "uke" sleeping around while the "seme" just watches. The problem with this comparison, is that there's so much more to these characters than just their roles in sex.
Yashiro, a damaged, long suffering person whose mind and body were twisted by years of rape and abuse, has found satisfaction (not happiness nor peace) in his position in the yakuza. The only person he's ever loved, does not love him back
.
His experiences, instead of repelling him from it, had made his body depend on sex.
That's what he knows and enjoys. That's how he fills the void he doesn't let himself feel.
Doumeki, who is tormented by guilt over not being able to protect his sister, then by letting Yashiro get hurt also cannot be defined by merely wanting to put his dick in a particular guy's ass.
He's scared he will become like his father. He's scared he'll hurt Yashiro even more, or let him get hurt. He's forced to witness how the men Yashiro has sex with hurt him, once again being unable to do anything, because that's what Yashiro wants and enjoys, a man who doesn't understand nor indulge in "regular sex", let alone relationships.
Doumeki is first attracted by Yashiro's beauty, but develops strong respect for the man who's in charge of a Yakuza branch. Despite his promiscuity and sexual preferences, Yashiro is well respected by his loyal subordinates, for his wits and unforgiving nature. He clearly knows what he's doing. Both men gradually open up to each other, which is amazing to behold.
And that brings me to another point - the plot behind the yaoi (which is hot beyond belief).
I'm unfamiliar with how the yakuza works, but this manga gives me the feeling of realism, despite some far-fetched looking points like all the tolerance for gay sex and bonding. Maybe they're like the greeks? I can't even begin to guess.
Either way, the conspiracy and battling for domination plot lines are very compelling and I enjoy them a lot.
Besides wanting Yashiro and Doumeki's relationship to advance further (although I'm not sure how plausible that is), I also really want to know how things will develop with the rest of the story.
I don't think this will end well, and I don't think such a story should, but oh, how I want it to.
I want Yashiro and Doumeki to experience happiness and peace, but is it really possible in their world? I hope for it, so so much.
I don't remember investing myself in this way, let alone a yaoi manga.
Yoneda Kou sure knows how to spin a web of intrigue. I find myself longing to read more,
to experience more of this story.
I find myself hoping for the best, even though I'm quite sure it's impossible.
Seldom do I feel such longing towards anything and I can't wait to read more.