Rei's father is a very important to this story in this volume. He talks to Kira about why he does not want Rei to race professionally. It is because that is how Rei's real father died. Mr. Kashino is afraid of losing Rei too. Now Rei and Mr. Kashino do not talk about that because that would be too easy but at least they are both willing to talk to Kira. Masao is just a small plot point that will no doubt become much bigger in the last volume. I like that Mr. Kashino has grown over the few books he has been in. He went from demanding, unloving step-father to man who really does love Rei and wants what is best for him and is afraid of losing more of his family. The way that he and Kira interact in very interesting and far more telling than anything that Rei ever said about him. One more volume of drama left.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this with my own money many years ago. ( )