Blue Exorcist Vol 3 by Kazue Kato

Some are still coming to terms with the death of Father Fujimoto, and that includes the Demon cat, Kuro, who Father Fujimoto set to guarding the gate of True Cross Academy.  Rin saves the day by convincing Kuro he doesn't want to kill everyone, and by helping the kitty grieve.  Now, Kuro has decided to stick with Rin! We also meet Shura in this volume, who had been posing as a student, but reveals herself to be another of Father Fujimoto's apprentices, and a very powerful Exorcist.  She steals Rin's sword and forces him to lose control, then scolds him for relying on the Flame of Satan too much.

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In this volume, we get a little deeper into the relationship between Rin and his brother Yukio.  Before True Cross Academy, Rin felt that he was protecting Yukio, but now, the roles have reversed.  In the first two volumes, Rin has been able to get by from sheer luck and relying on his flames, but it is evident with the introduction Shura that Rin is going to have some challenging times actually growing as a character and having to take his studies as a student seriously.  The other supporting characters were not as present in this volume, and I found myself missing Shiemi and the levity she brings to situations (although, this volume needed some of the seriousness it achieved). 

Shura is helping this series get its Teen Plus rating with her large and not all together covered breasts (think bikini top that is 4 sizes too small).  

Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 10-12

Reviews of previous volumes in this series: vol 1, vol 2

Publisher: VIZ Media
Publication Date: August 2, 2011​
ISBN: 9781421540344 (Paperback)

Tags: Rating: 8/10, Suitability: High School, Manga, Demons, Horror, School Life, VIZ Media