Ao Ashi manga set to end with volume 40

On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, the X account for Ao Ashi manga shared a special message from author Yugo Kobayashi's official blog. According to the message, the series will end with volume 40 and the conclusion of the ongoing Barcelona game. The manga is set to release its 38th volume on December 26, 2024.

Ao Ashi manga was launched in Shogakukan's Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine in January 2015. The series centers around Ashito Aoi and his football experience at Tokyo Esperion FC academy.

Following its success, the manga received an anime adaptation under Production I.G. in April 2022. The series ran for 24 episodes from April 2022 to September 2022. A sequel is yet to be announced.

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Ao Ashi manga is officially ending in two more volumes after volume 38

According to Yugo Kobayashi's special message from his official blog, posted on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Ao Ashi manga will end in two more volumes after volume 38. The author mentioned the ongoing Barcelona match will be the final match in the series. The sports manga's official X account (@aoashiofficial) shared the message with fans.

Addressing his fans, Yugo Kobayashi said the following in his blog:

"I am author of Ao Ashi, Yugo Kobayashi. Thank you for always supporting me. AO ASHI will reach its final episode with the conclusion of the ongoing Barcelona match."

The author continued:

"When Ashito joined the A-team in volume 11, the following opponents were Kashiwa, Tokyo V, Funabashi, Aomori, and Barcelona, all of which were already decided at that time (I was just wondering whether to include the Ganon-Osaka match or not), and I think I will be able to finish the story, which has progressed along with the growth of Ashito, with everything fully depicted."

Yugo Kobayashi added:

"The total number of volumes is 40, which is also a nice round number. I will do my best to pull all my enthusiasm into the next two volumes, so please stick with me until the end."

Additionally, Kobayashi-san acknowledged his readers' support in making his series grow.

Ai Ashito, as seen in the anime (Image via Production I.G)

With Ao Ashi manga releasing volume 38 on December 26, 2024, the series is currently at an interesting point. In the previous volume, Esperion FC ended the first half tied against their opponent, the Barca Youth Team.

However, in the game's second half, Esperion brought on Otomo to take the lead. Barca anticipated the move and brought on their ace, Demian, who scored a pivotal point.

Although Esperion was heartbroken by Demian's performance, Kuribayashi and Otomo took charge to put up a fight. It remains to be seen how Tokyo City Esperion FC fights back.

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