Nezumi's First Love

Nezumi lives a life defined by silence and steel, raised from childhood within the Yakuza underworld to become a weapon without emotion. She knows nothing of love or normalcy until she crosses paths with Ao, an ordinary man whose gentle nature cracks her hardened exterior. Their connection sparks in a world where affection is a liability, forcing Nezumi to choose between her training as a killer and the fragile possibility of being human.

The narrative shifts from a simple romance into a high-stakes drama as both characters eventually join the same criminal organization. Working side-by-side as assassins, they navigate a brutal hierarchy while trying to protect their bond from the violence that surrounds them. The story explores how two damaged people attempt to find light in a dark existence, balancing tender moments against the constant threat of death.

Riku Oseto delivers this tale through stark black-and-white artwork that emphasizes the intimacy of small gestures amidst heavy action. The series ran in Kodansha's Weekly Young Magazine starting in October 2024 and entered its final arc in April 2026. Its unique blend of crime drama and emotional depth earned it a nomination for the 50th Annual Kodansha Manga Awards and caught the attention of global figures like The Weeknd. [edit]