Dark Gathering (Vol. 4) - Kenichi Kondo

In Dark Gathering Vol. 4, the supernatural horror takes an eerie new form—one that smiles sweetly as it crushes the souls of its victims. Keitaro, Yayoi, and Eiko continue their investigation into cursed sites, only to encounter a ghostly presence that manipulates affection and grief. At the center of this volume is a case involving a seemingly innocent bouquet and a spectral bride—one whose curse transcends death.

Yayoi's powers sharpen, but so do the risks as she digs further into dark magic. Meanwhile, Keitaro’s emotional stability is pushed to the brink as the boundaries between protector and target become increasingly fragile.

Main Themes of the Book

• Love Turned Lethal: The twisted emotional core of this haunting explores how devotion can morph into dangerous obsession.
• Psychic Awakening: Yayoi begins to unlock deeper layers of spiritual awareness—with perilous consequences.
• Symbolism of Innocence and Horror: The visual contrast between beauty and terror becomes a key narrative device.
• The Role of the Observer: Keitaro is forced to confront whether he’s a bystander or active catalyst in these ghostly confrontations.
• Emotional Manipulation: Spirits prey on the characters’ vulnerabilities, intensifying the psychological dread.

Why you should read this manga 

• It introduces one of the most disturbing and emotionally complex hauntings yet.
• The artwork contrasts sweet visuals with sinister undertones, heightening the horror.
• Character development reaches a turning point, particularly for Yayoi and Eiko.
• Perfect for fans of slow-burning dread and symbolic storytelling.
• The volume sets up future arcs with lingering unease and deeper mysteries.

Dark Gathering Vol. 4 lures readers in with a smile—and then sinks its claws deep into the heart. With expertly layered horror, moral complexity, and growing emotional tension, Kenichi Kondo once again proves why this series stands out in the genre. The calm exterior only hides what's clawing just beneath the surface.