Shinobi Undercover | Manga Monday

Welcome to Manga Monday! This week we're diving into Shinobi Undercover, written by Ippon Takegushi and illustrated by Santa Mitarashi, a modern ninja action comedy running in Weekly Shonen Jump that asks one beautiful question: what happens when the most lethal shinobi of his generation has crippling social anxiety? In this world, ninja still operate in the shadows of modern Japan, trained and deployed by the Ninja Public Safety Force as spies, bodyguards, and counterterrorists. Yodaka, is their strongest asset, an unstoppable force who can infiltrate anything, take down entire crowds of hitmen, and vanish without a trace. His new mission? Protect Aoi Mukai, a clumsy high school heiress being targeted by fugitive ninja, while blending in as a normal student. The problem? This guy can barely talk to people his own age without spiraling. But here's what makes it special: Yodaka doesn't win Aoi over with cool guy confidence or some rehearsed act. He wins her over by just being himself, awkward, earnest, and genuinely wanting to be her friend, something she's never actually had despite years of people being assigned to get close to her. It's got incredible action, genuine heart, and a comedic dynamic that just works. This one's a blast.If you enjoy the show, please rate, review, like, and subscribe to Sakura Society | An Anime Appreciation Podcast — and any other podcasts you love. It takes seconds, costs nothing, and means everything to us creators. (The algorithm only accepts 5 stars, just so you know.)Stay up to date with me on Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | TwitterJoin our Discord — a community full of anime and culture fans just like youFollow my anime Spotify playlistMy amazing sponsors:Audio-Technica — the best in audio equipmentIced Tea Aesthetics — anime streetwear done right (use code SAKURASOCIETY5 at checkout to save $5)Japan Crate — Japanese snacks and treats delivered to your door (use code ATEBIT15 at checkout to save 15% + get free shipping)Affiliate links:Captivate.fm - the best podcast hosting platformKomi.io - the best linkinbio websiteRiverside.fm - the best remote video/podcast recording platform