Golden Kamuy vol. 29

Vol. 28 was a fun distraction as the series geared up for its endgame.  Vol. 29 sees “Golden Kamuy” head full steam into its final act as the main cast arrives at Goryokaku, site of the (first) Battle of Hakodate.  While Sugimoto, Asirpa, and company believe that they’ve got just enough time to find the gold and get out, they soon find out that Lieutenant Tsurumi and some of his soldiers have already arrived.  So the goal isn’t just to find the gold, it’s to survive the siege that the 7th Division is going to bring down on them.  Yet, even if they find what Wilk buried under this fortress, is there a guarantee that it’s going to be what they’re looking for?

This volume may start off quietly (with only a minimum of carnage), but quickly ramps up once the siege begins in proper.  It’s a well-executed back and forth between both sides and it’s only going to get more intense in the next volume as the final page shows that one side is about to receive a serious upgrade in firepower.  As good as the action is, however, it takes a backseat to the revelations about the main plot we get here.

That’s right, after 28 previous volumes, the saga of the Ainu gold is finally resolved here.  Credit to mangaka Satoru Noda, he understands that having his cast just find it wouldn’t be entirely satisfying.  Which is why I appreciated the multiple twists he provides in the course of its revelation.  It’s also a good thing that the mangaka decided to resolve things here as it allows us to focus entirely on the battle at hand with the biggest question it poses:  Who’s going to make it out of this series alive?  While certain characters appear to have enough plot armor to survive – Asirpa’s going to live, and the only way Immortal Sugimoto doesn’t live up to his name is if he dies protecting her – there’s a long list of characters whose fates are anything but certain.  I’ve got my favorites, and I’m sure you do as well, so I’m deeply invested in seeing who’s left standing as “Golden Kamuy” races to its end while firing on all cylinders.