Finished the incredible 12-episode House of Five Leaves anime and wondering where the story goes next? You’re not alone; many fans seek the full narrative after the anime’s conclusion. This feeling is common for a series with such rich character depth.
To continue the story after finishing the House of Five Leaves anime, you should start reading the manga from Volume 3, Chapter 21. The 12-episode anime adapts the plot up to approximately Chapter 20. Chapter 21 marks the beginning of the manga-exclusive story arcs and is the widely accepted starting point for fans transitioning from the anime.
Based on a thorough analysis of the source material, this guide provides the exact starting point. It also details the crucial plot differences between the two versions. You will discover the extensive, manga-only content that completes the saga of Masanosuke and the Five Leaves.
Key Facts
- Manga Starting Point: To continue the story after the anime, you should begin reading from Volume 3, Chapter 21 of the manga.
- Total Manga Volumes: The House of Five Leaves manga series is complete and consists of a total of 8 volumes.
- Anime Adaptation Scope: The 12-episode anime series adapts the storyline from approximately the first 2.5 to 3 volumes of the manga.
- No Season 2 Expected: The studio that produced the anime, Manglobe, filed for bankruptcy in 2015, making a second season highly unlikely.
- Official English Publisher: The official English release of the manga is licensed and published by Viz Media, making all 8 volumes accessible to readers.
Where Exactly Does the House of Five Leaves Anime End in the Manga?
The definitive starting point to continue the House of Five Leaves story in the manga after watching the anime is Volume 3, Chapter 21. The 12-episode anime series, known in Japanese as Sarai-ya Goyou, is a faithful but condensed adaptation of the source material created by Natsume Ono. It covers the initial arcs, introducing the timid ronin Masanosuke Akitsu and the enigmatic leader of the Five Leaves, Yaichi, and concludes around the events of Chapter 20.
Starting with Chapter 21 allows you to seamlessly transition from the anime’s ending into the next major phase of the narrative. This is where the plot begins to significantly expand beyond what was animated, delving deeper into character backstories and introducing new conflicts. Because the manga is complete with eight volumes, starting at this point means you still have over five volumes of new story content to enjoy.
While the anime provides a thematically satisfying conclusion, it represents less than half of the full story. Think of the anime as a beautifully crafted prologue. The manga is where the complete epic unfolds, offering a deeper and more comprehensive look into the lives of the Five Leaves gang members as they navigate the complex society of Edo-period Japan.
What Are the Key Differences Between the Anime and Manga’s Ending?
While the anime is a faithful adaptation, its ending provides a sense of closure that is different from the ongoing narrative in the manga. The anime needed to create a self-contained conclusion for its 12-episode run. This resulted in several key divergences from the canonical story written by Natsume Ono, especially concerning the fates of the main characters.
Understanding these differences is crucial for any fan transitioning to the manga. The events in the manga from Volume 3 onward present a different and more expansive reality for the Five Leaves. Here is a direct comparison of the most significant changes.
| Aspect | Anime Ending (Episode 12) | Manga Continuation (From Vol. 3 onward) |
|---|---|---|
| Yaichi’s Fate | The storyline reaches a thematic climax, but his future regarding his past and the authorities is left somewhat open-ended. | Yaichi is not arrested. His past is explored in much greater detail, and his character arc continues for the remainder of the series. |
| Masanosuke’s Status | He shows significant growth and confidence, fully accepting his place within the group. | He firmly remains a samurai, continuing to reconcile his code of honor with his work for the Five Leaves. |
| The Five Leaves’ Future | The group is shown to be a cohesive unit, implying they will continue their activities. | The gang stays in Edo and takes on new jobs. Their dynamics and individual stories are expanded upon significantly. |
| Narrative Scope | Provides a self-contained, conclusive 12-episode story. | Serves as a starting point for the larger, more complex second half of the overall narrative, covering an additional 5 volumes. |
What Story Arcs Does the Manga Cover After the Anime’s Conclusion?
For those who have just finished the anime, the most exciting prospect is the sheer amount of new content waiting in the manga. The story doesn’t just continue; it blossoms into a far more intricate and emotionally resonant narrative. The five-plus volumes that follow the anime’s conclusion introduce significant developments that redefine the characters and their relationships. Here’s a spoiler-free glimpse of what to expect:
- 👤 Introduction of a Major New Character: A significant new figure enters the story who serves as a direct foil to Yaichi. This character’s presence forces Yaichi to confront his past in ways the anime only hinted at, creating a compelling new dynamic within the group.
- 📖 The Full Revelation of Yaichi’s Backstory: What most guides miss is that the anime barely scratches the surface of Yaichi’s history. The manga dedicates a substantial portion of its latter half to unraveling the truth of his identity, the tragic events that shaped him, and the reasons behind his enigmatic personality.
- 🗡 Deeper Development for the Entire Gang: Supporting characters like the gruff Umezou, the quiet Matsukichi, and the observant Otake receive much more focus. Their personal histories, motivations for joining the Five Leaves, and their evolving relationships with Masa are explored in much greater detail.
- 🏖 New and More Complex “Jobs”: The Five Leaves take on new missions that challenge their moral compasses and test their loyalties to one another. These jobs are often intertwined with the central plot surrounding Yaichi’s past, raising the stakes for the entire group.
- 🏁 A Definitive and Satisfying Conclusion: The manga continues all the way to Volume 8, providing a definitive and widely praised ending to the entire saga. It thoughtfully resolves the character arcs of Masanosuke, Yaichi, and the rest of the gang, delivering an emotional payoff that the anime’s shorter runtime couldn’t achieve.
Should You Read the House of Five Leaves Manga From the Beginning?
This is a common question for fans transitioning from anime to manga. While you can absolutely jump in at Chapter 21 and follow the main plot without confusion, there is a strong case for starting over from Chapter 1. The choice depends on what kind of experience you are seeking.
The anime adaptation is excellent, but due to the time constraints of 12 episodes, it naturally had to compress certain scenes and omit minor character interactions. Natsume Ono’s storytelling shines through its subtlety—small glances, quiet moments, and nuanced dialogue that build a rich emotional landscape. Reading from the beginning allows you to experience the story at the deliberate pace the author intended.
For the Purist 🎓: If you are a reader who wants to appreciate every subtle detail and fully immerse yourself in Natsume Ono’s unique art style and pacing, starting from Volume 1 is highly recommended. You will gain a deeper appreciation for the character foundations that were established more quickly in the anime.
For Those Short on Time ⏰: If your primary goal is to simply find out what happens next, starting at Volume 3, Chapter 21 is perfectly acceptable. The anime did a commendable job of covering the main plot points, and you will not be lost. This is the most efficient way to continue the core narrative.
How Can You Read the Official House of Five Leaves Manga?
Now that you’re ready to dive into the rest of the story, accessing the official manga is straightforward. The series is licensed in English by Viz Media, which has published all 8 volumes. Supporting the official release is the best way to honor Natsume Ono’s work.
You can acquire the manga in several ways:
- Physical Volumes: All 8 volumes are available for purchase in paperback format. You can find them at major booksellers and online retailers.
- Digital Volumes: For those who prefer reading on a tablet or e-reader, digital versions are available on platforms like the Viz Manga app, Amazon Kindle, and other digital comic storefronts.
To get started right where the anime left off, your first purchase should be Volume 3.
FAQs About where does the house of five leaves anime end in the manga
Is the House of Five Leaves manga finished?
Yes, the House of Five Leaves manga is complete. The series was serialized from 2005 to 2010 and is fully collected in 8 tankōbon volumes. The story has a definitive and conclusive ending, providing a full narrative experience from start to finish.
How many volumes of House of Five Leaves are there?
There are a total of 8 volumes in the House of Five Leaves manga series. The anime adapts roughly the first 2.5 to 3 volumes. This leaves more than half of the entire story—over 5 volumes of content—exclusively in the manga format for readers to explore.
Will there be a Season 2 of the House of Five Leaves anime?
It is highly unlikely there will be a Season 2 of House of Five Leaves. The anime was produced by studio Manglobe, which went bankrupt in 2015. Furthermore, the anime aired in 2010, and a significant amount of time has passed without any news of a continuation.
What is the main genre of House of Five Leaves?
The main genre is a historical character-driven drama, also known as Seinen. While it features samurai and is set in the Edo period, the story focuses less on action and more on the intricate relationships, personal histories, and moral complexities of its characters.
Who is the author of House of Five Leaves?
The creator of House of Five Leaves is the acclaimed manga artist Natsume Ono. She is known for her unique and distinctive art style, minimalist character designs, and mature, character-focused storytelling, all of which are defining features of this series.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from the House of Five Leaves anime to the manga is a deeply rewarding experience for any fan of the series. While the anime serves as a masterful introduction to its world and characters, the manga is where the story truly breathes and finds its definitive conclusion.
- Start Point: To continue the story after the anime, begin reading at Volume 3, Chapter 21 of the manga.
- Key Manga Differences: The manga provides a different and more expansive ending where Yaichi is not arrested, Masa remains a samurai, and the Five Leaves continue their operations in Edo.
- Manga-Exclusive Content: Over half the story, spanning 5 additional volumes, is only available in the manga, including a new major character and the full exploration of Yaichi’s backstory.
- Complete Story: The manga is finished with 8 total volumes, offering a definitive and satisfying conclusion to the entire narrative that the anime does not provide.
- No Season 2: Due to the animation studio’s bankruptcy and the time that has passed, a Season 2 of the anime is extremely unlikely, making the manga the only way to experience the complete story.
By picking up the manga, you are not just continuing a plot; you are stepping into the complete, uncompromised vision of Natsume Ono. You will gain a richer understanding of the characters you already love and discover the full depth of this exceptional historical drama. What has your experience been with this incredible series?
Last update on 2026-02-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
