Dark Gathering (Vol. 5) - Kenichi Kondo

Dark Gathering Vol. 5 dives deeper into the series' rich supernatural horror, introducing a malicious ghost in the guise of a fallen soldier whose presence turns strategy into a battle for survival. This spirit isn’t just cursed—it’s calculated. Armed and armored with resentment, it targets emotional vulnerabilities, challenging Yayoi’s growing abilities and the group’s unity.

Amid the paranormal chaos, a new character is introduced, adding both mystery and complexity to the narrative, while Keitaro’s passive role begins to show dangerous cracks. The stakes grow, and so does the darkness.

Main Themes of the Book

• Ghosts of War: A haunting shaped by violence, honor, and unfulfilled vengeance.
• Power and Responsibility: Yayoi faces the burden of being the team’s spiritual anchor.
• Curses as Reflections of Human Trauma: The spirits in Dark Gathering aren’t just evil—they are wounded.
• Psychological Control: The ghost manipulates through fear, hierarchy, and guilt.
• Found Family Under Fire: The group's loyalty is tested under spectral pressure.

Why you should read this manga 

• Introduces one of the most fearsome and symbolically loaded spirits in the series so far.
• Showcases Yayoi’s psychic evolution and its physical/emotional toll.
• Merges ghost lore with wartime echoes, adding layers of historical horror.
• Continues to blur the line between protector and haunted.
• Builds toward a major confrontation that reshapes the team’s future.

With Dark Gathering Vol. 5, the horror hits harder and deeper. Kenichi Kondo expertly fuses ghost story with emotional commentary, delivering a terrifying yet thought-provoking volume. The cursed soldier isn’t just a foe—it’s a reminder that some hauntings wear uniforms and follow orders long after death.