Finished the incredible Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin anime and now feel the ache of an unfinished story? You’re left wondering what happens to the six survivors and desperately need to know where to pick up the narrative. This is a common feeling for fans of this powerful series.
The Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin anime adapts the manga up to Chapter 103. To continue the story immediately after the anime’s final episode, you must start reading from Chapter 104. This chapter marks the beginning of Volume 11 and the start of the characters’ lives as adults.
Based on a detailed analysis of the original source material, this guide provides the verified transition point from anime to manga. You’ll discover exactly what happens to Mario, Joe, and the others in the 12 unadapted volumes. We’ll explore why the anime stopped and what makes the manga’s conclusion so essential.
Key Facts
- Complete Manga Story: The Rainbow manga is a finished series with 235 chapters collected into 22 volumes, offering a full narrative arc and definitive conclusion.
- Anime Adaptation Scope: The 26-episode anime series produced by Madhouse in 2010 covers approximately the first 10 volumes of the manga, ending its adaptation at Chapter 103.
- Inspired by Reality: The story’s intense realism is rooted in the personal experiences of its writer, George Abe, who spent time in a reformatory during his youth.
- Historical Setting: The narrative is set in post-WWII Japan, beginning in 1955, and chronicles the characters’ lives and struggles over more than a decade into the late 1960s.
- Vast Unadapted Content: The anime covers less than half of the total story, leaving over 130 chapters and 12 full volumes of character development and plot resolution unadapted.
Where Does the Rainbow Anime End in the Manga? A 2026 Guide
The definitive answer is that the Rainbow: The Seven from Compound Two, Cell Six anime concludes at the end of Chapter 103 of the manga. To continue the story seamlessly, you should begin reading at Chapter 104. This is the verified transition point and marks the start of the manga’s eleventh volume, beginning the next major arc of the characters’ lives.
The anime adaptation does an excellent job of covering the initial, and arguably most famous, part of the story: the boys’ brutal time in the Shōnan Special Reformatory and their immediate struggles after release. The 26th and final episode, which covers Mario Minakami’s climactic boxing match, aligns perfectly with the end of the manga’s tenth volume.
Because the anime adaptation ends at such a clean breakpoint in the narrative, you can transition to the manga without any confusion or fear of missing crucial context. Chapter 104 picks up the story, shifting the focus from the shared trauma of the reformatory to the individual journeys of the six surviving friends as they navigate the challenges of adulthood in post-war Japan.
How Faithfully Does the Rainbow Anime Adapt the Manga?
The Rainbow anime, produced by the acclaimed studio Madhouse, is considered a highly faithful adaptation of the manga’s first 103 chapters. It successfully captures the dark, oppressive atmosphere and the intense character drama that defines the source material. The pacing, character designs, and emotional weight of the story are transferred from page to screen with remarkable accuracy.
The Madhouse production excels at translating the gritty visual style of illustrator Masasumi Kakizaki, known for his detailed, emotional cross-hatching. The anime maintains the manga’s raw and poignant storytelling, making it a perfect entry point into the series.
However, as is common with anime adaptations, some minor events and character interactions from the manga are condensed or omitted to fit the 26-episode format. These changes are minimal and do not impact the main plot. Watching the anime provides you with all the essential information needed to continue with the manga from Chapter 104.
To give you a clear picture, here is how the major anime arcs correspond to the manga chapters:
| Anime Arc | Key Episodes | Corresponding Manga Chapters | Manga Volume(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shōnan Reformatory Arrival | Episodes 1-3 | Chapters 1-12 | 1-2 |
| An-chan’s Resolve | Episodes 4-10 | Chapters 13-45 | 2-5 |
| Post-Release Struggles | Episodes 11-20 | Chapters 46-80 | 5-9 |
| Mario’s Boxing Match | Episodes 21-26 | Chapters 81-103 | 9-10 |
What Happens to the Seven Boys After the Anime Ends?
What most guides miss is the sheer volume of story that comes after the anime ends. The manga continues for another 12 volumes, delving deep into the adult lives of the six survivors. This is where the story truly provides its narrative resolution, exploring how each character strives to find their “rainbow” after the storm. Here is a spoiler-light preview of what you’ll discover.
What Happens to Mario Minakami?
Mario’s journey takes center stage as he fully commits to a professional boxing career. His motivation is fueled by the promise he made to Rokurouta “An-chan” Sakuragi. The manga chronicles his grueling ascent through the ranks, introducing new, formidable rivals and exposing the corruption within the sport. His story becomes a testament to endurance and the weight of legacy.
What Is Joe Gibiki’s Fate?
Joe’s dream of becoming a professional singer becomes his primary focus. However, his path is fraught with difficulty. The manga explores his struggle with fragile health, specifically the toll his past hardships took on his throat, and the cutthroat nature of the 1950s entertainment industry. His character arc is a poignant exploration of ambition versus physical limitation.
What Becomes of Noboru “Cabbage” Maeda?
“Cabbage,” the group’s resourceful brain, puts his intelligence to the test in the turbulent post-war economy. His story is a series of entrepreneurial ventures, from clever schemes to risky business ideas, as he tries to secure wealth and stability for himself and his friends. His arc provides moments of both humor and high-stakes tension, showcasing his unwavering loyalty.
Why Was There No Rainbow Anime Season 2?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a Rainbow anime Season 2, and one is considered highly unlikely. While there is more than enough source material for several more seasons, the lack of a sequel can be attributed to several common factors in the anime industry:
- Niche Target Audience: Rainbow is a
seinenseries, meaning it’s aimed at adult men. Its dark themes, graphic violence, and psychological drama appeal to a more niche audience compared to mainstreamshōnenanime, which can impact profitability. - Moderate Home Video Sales: In the 2010s, Blu-ray and DVD sales were a primary metric for an anime’s success. While Rainbow was critically well-received, its sales were likely not high enough to justify the investment in a second season.
- The Anime’s Primary Goal: Often, an anime adaptation’s main purpose is to serve as an advertisement for the original manga. The Rainbow anime was successful in this regard, driving new readers to the source material to find out how the story ends.
- Time Passed: With over a decade having passed since the anime’s original broadcast, the chances of a studio reviving the project for a sequel diminish significantly each year.
For these reasons, the manga remains the definitive and only way to experience the complete, powerful story of Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin.
FAQs About where does the rainbow the seven from compound two cell six anime end in the manga
How many chapters and volumes does the Rainbow manga have?
The complete Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin manga consists of 235 chapters, which are collected into 22 volumes. The story is fully concluded, offering a complete narrative from the reformatory days to the characters’ adult lives. This is significantly more content than the anime’s 103-chapter adaptation.
Does Ishihara, the sadistic guard, get punished in the manga?
Yes, Ishihara faces consequences for his actions in the latter half of the manga. While the anime provides some resolution, the manga delves deeper into the long-term repercussions for both him and the doctor, providing a more satisfying conclusion to their villainous arcs after the boys leave the reformatory.
Is Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin based on a true story?
The manga is not a direct true story, but it is heavily inspired by author George Abe’s own experiences. Abe spent time in a reformatory in his youth, and he infused the story with the realistic hardships and the bonds of brotherhood he witnessed. This autobiographical element gives the story its powerful, gritty realism.
Where can I legally read the Rainbow manga?
As of 2026, the Rainbow manga has not received an official English physical or digital release. Fans who wish to read the series often rely on fan translations available on various online manga reading sites. When searching, use the full title “Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin” for the best results.
Can I skip the first 103 chapters of the manga if I watched the anime?
Yes, you can comfortably start from Chapter 104 without feeling lost. The Madhouse anime adaptation is very faithful to the events, characters, and tone of the first 103 chapters. While some minor details are condensed, you will not miss any major plot points required to understand the rest of the story.
Who is “An-chan” and what is his role?
“An-chan” is the nickname for Rokurouta Sakuragi, the oldest inmate in Cell Six. He is the mentor and “big brother” figure to the other six boys. His wisdom, strength, and unwavering spirit of brotherhood are the central pillar of the story, and his influence guides the boys long after they leave the reformatory.
How old are the characters at the end of the manga?
The manga’s story spans over a decade, from 1955 to the late 1960s. The main characters, who are 16-17 years old at the start of the story, are in their late 20s by the manga’s conclusion. This time skip allows the story to provide a full and satisfying resolution to their adult lives.
What is the meaning of the title “Rainbow”?
The title “Rainbow” symbolizes the hope for a better future that the seven cellmates share. Each boy represents a different color, and together they form a rainbow that can appear after a storm (their time in the reformatory). It signifies their bond and their dream of finding happiness and freedom together.
Who wrote and illustrated the Rainbow manga?
The Rainbow manga was written by George Abe and illustrated by Masasumi Kakizaki. George Abe’s personal experiences provided the story’s foundation, while Masasumi Kakizaki’s detailed and expressive art style, known for its gritty visual style, brought the intense emotions and historical setting to life.
What happens to Sakuragi in the manga?
Rokurouta “An-chan” Sakuragi’s fate is the same in both the anime and the manga. He dies while protecting his friends, and his sacrifice becomes the driving force for the remaining six boys. The manga continues to explore the profound and lasting impact of his death on each of their lives as they strive to fulfill the promises they made to him.
Key Takeaways: Rainbow Anime to Manga Guide
- The Definitive Starting Point: The anime adapts up to Chapter 103. To continue the story, you must begin with Chapter 104 of the manga, which is the start of Volume 11.
- Vast Unadapted Story: The anime only covers the first 10 volumes. The manga continues for another 12 volumes (Chapters 104-235), detailing the adult lives, careers, and ultimate fates of the six surviving cellmates.
- Highly Faithful Adaptation: You can trust the anime as a faithful representation of the manga’s first half. Madhouse’s production successfully captured the dark atmosphere and intense character drama of the source material.
- No Season 2 Expected: Due to factors like niche
seinenappeal and the time since its 2010 release, a second anime season is highly unlikely. The manga is the only way to experience the complete story. - Inspired by Reality: The story’s powerful realism comes from author George Abe’s own experiences in a post-war Japanese reformatory, lending it a layer of authenticity and emotional weight.
- Thematic Resolution: The manga provides a full
narrative resolution, showing how each character carries the lessons from “An-chan” into adulthood and finds their own version of the “rainbow” they dreamed of.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Rainbow Story
Finishing the Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin anime leaves viewers with a powerful mix of hope and uncertainty. While the 26-episode series by Madhouse provides a poignant and unforgettable look into the brutal realities of the Shōnan Special Reformatory, it only tells half of a much larger story. The real journey for Mario, Joe, and the rest of the cellmates truly begins where the anime leaves off.
By starting at Chapter 104, you are not just reading a continuation; you are embarking on the second, more expansive part of this epic historical drama. The subsequent 132 chapters offer the complete narrative resolution that the anime cliffhanger leaves you craving. You will witness their struggles and triumphs as adults in a rapidly changing post-war Japan, making the manga an essential experience for any true fan of the series. The story of the seven from Compound Two, Cell Six is not finished until you’ve read to the final page.
