Mona, internally, is screaming. She’s replaying the festival moment over and over. Her internal monologue is gold: “Why didn’t he pull away? Why did he lean in? No, no, no—I’m Mona Kawai. I don’t get flustered. I fluster OTHERS.” But the art betrays her. Her cheeks are permanently dusted pink. The legendary “ice queen” composure is gone.
For quick reference, here are the essential details regarding Chapter 170 of the series: "Bread-Eating Race with That Jerk" Volume: Volume 19, Chapter 7 Official Release Date: March 11, 2025 Mona, internally, is screaming
: Medaka’s mental fortitude—symbolized throughout the series by his Buddha-like stoicism—is pushed to its absolute limit. The comedic visual of Medaka looking completely drained highlights the sheer pressure of trying to remain impervious to Mona’s advances. Why did he lean in
: Medaka's "imperviousness" was never born out of a lack of interest. Raised at a temple, he was strictly forbidden from pursuing relationships with women. His inner monologue frequently shows him fighting for his life to maintain a stoic face while his heart races. I fluster OTHERS
Throughout the series, the term “kawaii” (cute) operates on two levels: an aesthetic preference and a symbolic marker of societal expectations. In Chapter 170, the mascot—designed to be overtly “cute”—serves as a proxy for the pressures students feel to present an agreeable, marketable image. Medaka’s insistence on embracing the mascot reflects her desire to be seen as approachable and fun, whereas Kuroiwa’s skepticism underscores a fear of losing authenticity for the sake of popularity.
By Chapter 170, the series—officially titled —has shifted firmly into its "seducing with the intent to date" phase. The story, which initially focused solely on Mona Kawai's attempts to make the stoic, monk-in-training Medaka Kuroiwa fall for her, evolved into a multi-heroine competition including Asahi Shonan and Tomo Namba . Critical Review: Community Reception
For readers following the series on official digital platforms like Kodansha's K MANGA , Chapter 170 is a perfect microcosm of the manga's core appeal—the hilarious friction of an unstoppable charm meeting an immovable monk-in-training. Key Information Overview