四月は君の嘘 [Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso] Series by Naoshi Arakawa

A LIFE IN MONOTONEKosei Arima was a piano prodigy until his cruel taskmaster of a mother died suddenly, changing his life forever. Driven by his pain to abandon piano, Kosei now lives in a monotonous, colorless world. Having resigned himself to a bland life, he is surprised when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a violinist with an unorthodox style. Can she bring Kosei back to music, and back to life?

RONDO CAPRICCIOSOAfter the death of his mother, child prodigy Arima Kosei gave up the piano forever — or so he thought. That vow turned out to be no match for the persistence of sprightly violinist Kaori Miyazono, who’s roped Arima back into the world of competitive classical music. But after so many years, will Arima be able to sit down at the ivories again like nothing happened? Or will history repeat itself, with Arima crumbling under the pressure?

SCARS AND EGG SANDWICHESKosei’s return to the stage as Kaori’s accompanist was a complete disaster. He couldn’t hear the music, he lost track of the tempo, and they stopped and restarted the piece. But it did accomplish one thing: It reminded him of the thrill of playing for an eager audience. Now Kaori’s demanding Kosei enter a piano competition solo, but he’s terrified that, alone on the bench, the ghost of his abusive mother will paralyze him yet again…

SCARS AND EGG SANDWICHESKosei’s return to the stage as Kaori’s accompanist was a complete disaster. He couldn’t hear the music, he lost track of the tempo, and they stopped and restarted the piece. But it did accomplish one thing: It reminded him of the thrill of playing for an eager audience. Now Kaori’s demanding Kosei enter a piano competition solo, but he’s terrified that, alone on the bench, the ghost of his abusive mother will paralyze him yet again…

STACCATOKosei’s road back to playing the piano has been rough, but he’s finally beginning to regain his confidence, even though he still has trouble hearing the notes. But as his first solo competition in years closes in, Kosei will have to deal with reentering a cutthroat world, where old rivals still remember – and resent – Kosei’s younger self, the precocious Human Metronome... moreSTACCATOKosei’s road back to playing the piano has been rough, but he’s finally beginning to regain his confidence, even though he still has trouble hearing the notes. But as his first solo competition in years closes in, Kosei will have to deal with reentering a cutthroat world, where old rivals still remember – and resent – Kosei’s younger self, the precocious Human Metronome. Kaori’s support is unwavering, but will it be enough to push Kosei through all the toxic memories this experience dredges up? less

The music competition is in full swing, with both of Kosei's old rivals - the genius Takeshi Aiza and unstable prodigy Emi Igawa - energized by his return. When it's finally Kosei's turn, he lives up to his reputation, playing precisely and flawlessly - at first. But before too long, the phantom of his mother reappears, casting him back into the dark, uncertain abyss. Can Kosei feel his way back to hearing the music again?

GALA MODE Spirits are still high after the Maiho Music Competition when Kaori receives a letter in the mail: There’s going to be a gala concert to celebrate the winners, and even though Kaori and Kosei didn’t advance, they’re invited to perform! Confident they can leave a lasting impression, Kaori seizes the chance to order Kosei back onto the stage with her. The ultimate duo that moved an entire audience’s hearts will perform once more, and people are buzzing with anticipation... moreGALA MODE Spirits are still high after the Maiho Music Competition when Kaori receives a letter in the mail: There’s going to be a gala concert to celebrate the winners, and even though Kaori and Kosei didn’t advance, they’re invited to perform! Confident they can leave a lasting impression, Kaori seizes the chance to order Kosei back onto the stage with her. The ultimate duo that moved an entire audience’s hearts will perform once more, and people are buzzing with anticipation. Yet Kosei seems listless and uninterested in the festivities. Can Kaori and Kosei get their act together in time?! less

MOVING ON With Kaori nowhere to be seen at the gala concert, Kosei is forced to perform alone. As he plays, he confronts painful memories and finds a link connecting him t the audience, his late mother, and even himself. Meanwhile, Tsubaki struggles to find truth within her complicated feelings for Kosei—is he like a little brother to her, a childhood friend, or something more…?

Your Lie in April, vol. 8 : Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, #8.

COMBINED FORCES "Want to commit double suicide with me?" Kaori’s words echo in Kosei’s mind. What can he do for her now, while she is still hospitalized? At the Aiza home, Nagi sees her brother Takeshi fall deeper and deeper into a slump and wonders how to cheer him up. Amid their worries, the teacher and student form a surprise duo for Kurumigaoka Middle School’s festival. What will happen with two pianists on one piano?!

OUT OF THE COLD…? Kosei and Nagi’s duet has carried thoughts and feelings to the most precious people in the musicians’ lives. The words, "please play with me again" from Kosei give Kaori a small ray of hope. As Kosei competes to qualify for the Eastern Japan Piano Competition in December, Kaori begins her difficult rehabilitation. Each of them starts a challenging walk forward. Will the coming winter bring healing or hardship?

THE LAST MOVEMENT Kaori undergoes surgery even as Kosei performs in his competition, each of them as vulnerable as ever, but finally embracing the courage to take these ultimate risks. As their journey together draws to a close, the music of their hearts lays bare the truth of their friendship—a friendship that may have begun with an April lie, but which has changed their lives and the lives of everyone around them.FINAL VOLUME!