Given fans, rejoice!

It's official: Natsuki Kizu's beloved Given manga has returned with a brand-new extra story titled Given The 10th Mix!

This exciting announcement came from the January 2024 issue of Shinshokan's Chéri+ magazine, revealing that the "new serialization" debuted in the March issue, hitting shelves on January 30th.

This isn't just any comeback, though. The first chapter will be graced with a colorful opening page, and the manga will take center stage on the March issue's front cover.

After the original manga's conclusion in March 2023, this news has sent the fandom into a frenzy, reigniting our passion for the heartfelt story of Mafuyu and Ritsuka.

Given: The 10th Mix features a 10-year time skip of our favorite characters, all grown up and facing new challenges. The exact length of this new arc is still under wraps, but the drama in 10th Mix already has us hooked!

What We Think (Spoiler Alert!)

Just two chapters into the new arc, and the fandom is already buzzing with RitsuMafu breakup theories. While it might seem like déjà vu from the Mix Arc, there's a twist this time.

Mafuyu's absolutely thriving, bursting with confidence and creativity! He's become a musical powerhouse with undeniable charisma, finally living up to his prodigy potential. But Ritsuka, feeling overshadowed by Mafuyu and Hiiragi's rise, struggles with self-doubt and fears of being left behind.

RitsuMafu breakup worries have been a constant in the fandom for as long as I can remember (over six years!), but I truly believe Kizu wants her characters to find happiness. All four canon couples from the original manga are still together after a decade, proving her commitment to happy endings. (Yay for Koji and Yayoi, Given's sole straight couple! "Uncle Rikka" can't come soon enough!)

Remember, Mafuyu's breakthrough at the end of Given was fueled by angst that pushed him to grow and overcome his grief. Now, it's Ritsuka's turn. Communication remains his weakness, and this new arc is his chance to face that obstacle head-on.

Looking Back at the Previous Chapters

The latest Given chapters feel like a full-circle moment, mirroring the emotional struggles of the final arc. Chapter 44's cover art, depicting a battered Ritsuka, is a powerful visual metaphor for his hidden emotional pain. It's clear that he's still prioritizing others over himself a decade later.

In mix_14, Ritsuka hinted at overcoming his feelings of guilt and inferiority, but did he truly conquer them? We missed a whole year of Mafuyu and Ritsuka's lives after SYH's debut, leaving us wondering if he ever voiced those fears to Mafuyu. Considering their history of communication struggles, these insecurities may remain unspoken.

In the final arc of the Given manga, Mafuyu finally opened up to Ugetsu about a deep-seated fear: that he couldn't have both music and Ritsuka. He believed choosing music might jeopardize their relationship, but he couldn't abandon his passion.

After all, he felt Yuki had chosen music over him, and he knew Ugetsu had prioritized music over Aki. Mafuyu also feared that Ritsuka would lose respect for him and leave if he didn't pursue music.

Now, Ritsuka's grappling with similar anxieties, fearing Given's potential disbandment means losing Mafuyu. Just like before, their lack of communication is the root of the problem.

Will RitsuMafu's Lack of Communication Be Fixed?

The 10th Mix feels like a much-needed Communication arc centered on Ritsuka's growth. It's time for him to take center stage, and I'm thrilled Kizu is giving us this.

We see the story primarily from his perspective, highlighting the question Ugetsu once asked Mafuyu: Have you talked to your boyfriend about your insecurities?

It's time for Ritsuka to break down those emotional walls, maybe with a little nudge from Haruki or Aki. He needs to finally open up to Mafuyu and share his fears and insecurities.

But let's be real, juggling two bands is not helping! Poor Ritsuka is being pulled in a million directions, and it's no wonder his confidence is taking a hit.

Angst is inevitable, but it's necessary for them to strengthen their lifelong bond. Ritsuka has never truly cried in the manga (except over a Pokemon movie!), so it's time for those emotions to surface.

We've longed to hear him say "I love you" to Mafuyu and for Mafuyu to call him "Ritsuka" without hesitation. This arc feels like the perfect opportunity for those long-awaited moments to finally happen.

Updates on Haruki and Akihiko

The 10th Mix arc is not only a chance for Ritsuka and Mafuyu to grow but also for Haruki and Akihiko to finally address their past issues.

It's a bittersweet victory for HarukiAki shippers: they're engaged but still living apart. This unconventional setup raises questions about the lingering scars from their tumultuous past.

Remember those heartbreaking moments when Akihiko's unrequited love for Ugetsu led him to make questionable choices, hurting Haruki deeply? Those wounds haven't fully healed, and the physical distance between them reflects the emotional distance they still need to bridge.

But now, with time and maturity on their side, they have a chance to truly communicate to understand each other's pain and insecurities. Maybe seeing Ritsuka and Mafuyu's struggles will be a wake-up call, a reminder that love requires vulnerability and open communication.

What About Shizusumi and Hiiragi?

Shizusumi's always had a major crush on Hiiragi, but Hiiragi had this pure, innocent outlook on their relationship (sort of). Shizu was aware of that, so he held himself back despite being very horny for his man.

So when Hiiragi eventually confessed, Shizu basically told him, "if we get together, I'm going to want to **** *** *****," Well, you get the point. He also teased him a lot during the confession, coming close to kissing Hiiragi and pressing his body up against him.

Hiiargi was a bit pissed at first. He even contemplated his decision, knowing a very horny Shizu might be too much for him. But eventually, he pushed through, and now they're together! (All of this will be in the upcoming movie, so look forward to it!)

The fact that they're still going strong in the sequel makes my heart melt!

I can't wait to see how they continue to grow together, especially with SYH slowly rising to the top in the 10th Mix. I'm dying to see how they balance their personal lives and their budding music careers. I just know it's going to be amazing!

But seriously, Hiiragi, do everyone a favor and find another guitarist! Ritsuka desperately needs time to focus on both his music career with Given AND his relationship with Mafuyu.

Given Movie Update

Given has been expanding steadily, with a television anime adaptation and a film, but the excitement doesn't stop there!

A two-part sequel anime film project is also in the works, with the first film, *Eiga Given: Hiiragi mix*, set to premiere in Japan on January 27th.

With all this Given content coming our way, it's safe to say that 2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for fans. Let's keep each other psyched and updated in the Otaku Community!