Three Volume Chapters

The 86 -Eighty Six- series is able to be divided into **Three Volume Chapters**, each sharing an overarching theme, feel, or focus.

## Fragmental Neoteny

**"Fragmental Neoteny"** (フラグメンタル・ネオテニー, *Furagumentaru Neotenī*?) is the prequel chapter to the series, mostly recounting the youth of Shinei Nouzen. This part of the story focuses on the effects of the Eighty-Six Sector on a kind and pure child, warping their kindness to conform to the harshness of reality. Throughout the course of the chapter, Shin learns the lessons of the Eighty-Sixth Sector from various mentors, shaping him into becoming the Shin we knew at the start of the story.

### Main Stories

* Fido
* Pledge
* Culpa
* Misericorde
* Varlet
* Brand
* Undertaker

### Adaptations

* Episode 6
* Episode 10
* Fragmental Neoteny Manga

### Short Stories

* Two Shadows on a Winter’s Day
* August 25th (Raiden’s Birthday)

## First Chapter

The **First Chapter** (第一章, *Dai-isshou*?) is the introduction to the world of the Eighty-Six and the meeting between the two protagonists, Shin and Lena. This part of the story focuses heavily on discrimination and survivors guilt. The chapter starts with a dark and dire situation for all characters, ending with them finding hope in each other and moving forward together towards the uncertain future.

### Volumes

* Eighty-Six
* Run Through the Battlefront (Start)
* Run Through the Battlefront (Finish)

### Adaptations

* Anime Cour 1
* Anime Cour 2
* Manga Volume 1
* Manga Volume 2
* Manga Volume 3
* Run Through The Battlefront Manga

### Short Stories

* Claymore Squadron
* For Nameless Soldiers Have No Graves
* The Simple Days of Triage Black Tag
* Birdcage of Prayers
* Daiya + Anju
* Theo + Kaie + Haruto + Fido
* One Early Summer's Day
* Raiden + Kurena
* Shin + Lena
* Heavenly Blue in the Darkness
* Sword of Rotten Bone
* Kitten
* The Banks of Lethe
* Growth
* Siblings
* Shopping
* Within Walking Distance
* About You
* Patrol Mission
* Legendary Zero
* Beyond the Monster's Shell
* The Reaper Meets His Stupid Brother & Straight-laced Older Relative
* The Crawling, Soaring Great Bird

## Second Chapter

The **Second Chapter** (第二章, *Dai-nishou*?) is the establishment of the series' new direction, exploring the relationship between Shin and Lena which was never possible before. This part of the story focuses on life, mortality, aspirations, and identity. The chapter starts with Shin fighting for the sake of fighting, ending with Shin having a wish to see the sea with Lena.

### Volumes

* Under Pressure
* Death, Be Not Proud
* Darkest Before the Dawn

### Short Stories

* Chief of Staff Willem, Major General Richard, and Pancakes
* Valentine
* Prank (Lena -> Shin)
* Prank (Shin -> Lena)
* Pledge (Appendix)
* Misericorde (Appendix)
* Varlet (Appendix)
* Brand (Appendix)
* Bicycle
* A Cat Is Here
* Her Majesty is Training
* HELP! (Lena’s Case)
* The Shadow Cast On the Sake Cup
* HELP! (Shin’s Case)
* May 19th (Shin’s Birthday)
* May 6th (Kurena’s Birthday)
* Dengeki 64 (The Child of Serpents)
* Everyone's Playing in the Snow
* Chess
* Stay Like This A Little Longer
* A Hint of You - Shin’s Case
* A Hint of You - Lena’s Case
* With Coffee and Tea
* We Once Saw the Aurora Together

## Third Chapter

The **Third Chapter** (第三章, *Dai-sanshou*?) is the ultimate exploration of the Eighty-Six identity, challenging those who have yet to look to the future. This part of the story focuses on examining the main cast's reason for fighting, whether it is a new found purpose, or whether they still cling to the pride of the Eighty-Six. Throughout the course of the chapter, Shin and Lena's romantic relationship is solidified, Anju slowly becomes honest about her feelings for Dustin, Theo is forced off the battlefield through an injury, and Kurena confesses her feelings for Shin. By the end, they accept that they fight to end the war.

### Volumes

* Mist
* Gun Smoke on the Water
* Valkyrie Has Landed

## Fourth Chapter

The **Fourth Chapter** (第四章, *Dai-yonshou*?) is the upending of previous victories and a return to the frantic despair of the First chapter. This part of the story once again focuses on external issues impacting the Eighty-Six, such as discrimination and further alienation as their heroic public opinion crumbles along with humanity's frontlines.

### Volumes

* Dies Passionis
* Holy Blue Bullet
* Dear Hunter

## References

1. ↑ Asato Asato Official Twitter Account