*This review was originally posted for Sakuran and has subsequently been merged into Kagamigami*

Yet another oneshot released in the hopes of getting serialized, but ultimately failed. Usually I can determine why something wasn't serialized, and I can at least understand that reasoning even if I don't agree. This time I'm baffled. I've read another of Iwashiro Toshiaki's oneshots that didn't get serialized, and I easily determined why. This time I just can't understand it.

The plot, while not necessarily unique, was intriguing. I was interested in learning more, and was very attentive the whole way through because of that. Iwashiro was obviously hoping this would be serialized, as the ending raises more questions than answers. This is a pretty normal tactic for oneshots, it's just too bad that those answers won't be delivered.

There are only two characters in this oneshot. The main character and the mysterious alien known as Sakuran. The main character is far from unique, but his attitude is endearing, and as we learn about his past a little, I couldn't help but feel sympathetic for him. Sakuran doesn't have a lot of depth, but quite obviously if there had been a serialization then the mysteries surrounding this character would have served as character development as the manga progressed.

The art is the only thing that doesn't suffer from this incomplete work. Iwashiro's artwork is hit or miss for me, and this oneshot was a "hit". Very crisp, interesting character designs (especially Sakuran), and some very nice depictions of sakura petals.

If you read my whole review, you may have noticed that I said things were obviously heading somewhere IF this had been serialized. That "IF" is what brought the score for this down to a 7, because, sadly, thats all this oneshot can amount to by itself. One big "IF". Worth a read if you enjoyed Iwashiro's other works, as he is in top form here. Even if you've never read anything by Iwashiro there is value to be found here. Just be prepared to be disappointed when you realize the questions this oneshot raises will never be answered.