Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Secret Side Business Reincarnation: Former Yakuza Expands Territory for Family, But What?
Alright, let's dive into "Secret Side Business Reincarnation: Former Yakuza Expands Territory for Family, But What?" This title is a mouthful, and honestly, it tells you almost everything you need to know going in. I've been following this story for a bit, and I've got some thoughts.
First Impressions
Going in, I was expecting a gritty tale of a reincarnated Yakuza boss building a criminal empire in a fantasy world. The title definitely leans that way, right? But what I found was... different. Not necessarily bad, just different. It's more of a wholesome story about a kid with past-life memories who really, really loves his new family. Think less "Godfather," more "My Neighbor Totoro" with a hint of underworld experience.
What Works Well
The strength of this novel lies in its familial warmth and character growth. The protagonist's dedication to his family is genuinely heartwarming, and it's easy to root for him as he navigates this new world. The "slice of life" elements are well-executed, and the story does a decent job of balancing the fantasy elements with the protagonist's past life. The translation is also quite good, which always makes for a smoother reading experience. I also appreciate that the protagonist isn't immediately overpowered. He has to work for his successes, which makes them feel more earned.
Areas of Concern
While the wholesome nature of the story is a plus for some, it might be a drawback for others. The initial premise of a Yakuza reincarnation kind of fades into the background, and the protagonist's past life doesn't really impact his actions as much as I expected. Also, I found the wish fulfillment to be laid on a little thick at times. Things tend to go a little too perfectly for the protagonist, which can make the story feel a bit lacking in tension. There is a lack of any mystery or real depth to the plot.
Final Verdict
"Secret Side Business Reincarnation: Former Yakuza Expands Territory for Family, But What?" is a decent read if you're looking for a heartwarming and relatively low-stakes isekai story. Just don't go in expecting a dark and gritty Yakuza drama. It's more of a feel-good story with a few Yakuza-ish tendencies sprinkled in. If you're in the mood for something light and wholesome, give it a try. If you're craving high-stakes tension and complex plots, you might want to look elsewhere.
