I started reading “Textbook of Revenge (復習の教科書 – Fukushu no Kyokasho)” after hearing it was inspired by the author’s personal experiences. To my surprise, the ferocity of the vengeance—and the extreme cruelty of the bullies—had me both horrified and strangely gratified. What follows is a thorough overview for anyone curious about this gripping tale, which many fans (myself included) hope will someday become an anime.
Spoiler Alert: This article reveals major plot points from “Textbook of Revenge.” If you want to avoid details, consider bookmarking this page and returning later.
Overview and Key Volumes
“Textbook of Revenge” spans 13 volumes, focusing on high school student Ryotaro Kurose’s merciless plan to strike back against those who tormented him. What begins as standard bully retaliation soon evolves into a deeper, twisted narrative—with revelations pointing to a far more ominous puppet master pulling the strings. Below is a brief breakdown, illustrating how the stakes escalate volume by volume.
Key Characters in “Textbook of Revenge”
Although numerous characters influence Kurose’s path, here are the central figures:
Ryotaro Kurose
- The story’s protagonist, who idolizes his teacher until tragedy shatters his innocence.
- After a rooftop incident, his consciousness winds up in Mr. Shiratori’s body, fueling his quest for payback.
Mr. Shiratori
- Kurose’s charismatic homeroom teacher. Initially admired by students and colleagues for his passion.
- Beneath the surface, he harbors shocking secrets, which intensify once he and Kurose mysteriously swap bodies.
Eiji Fudo
- The chief bully, arrogant yet clever. His personal goals drive him to commit cruel acts against Kurose.
- As the ringleader, he grows suspicious when his friends start suffering strange “accidents.”
Manabu Yui
- An art student known for winning painting contests. Seemingly less aggressive than Fudo, yet still complicit in harassing Kurose.
- Quickly becomes the first target in Kurose’s meticulously crafted punishment.
Tatsuya Kiriki
- A talented athlete whose pride blinds him to the misery he inflicts on others.
- His downfall showcases Kurose’s cunning, revealing how easily reputations can crumble.
Kurumi Morino
- Obsessed with social media “likes” and status. Despite initially siding with the bullies, she’s forced to cooperate with Kurose.
- Her storyline reveals the dark side of peer pressure, vanity, and manipulation.
Volume Summaries
Volume 1 – An Unforgettable Collision
Kurose’s bright personality suddenly gains the authority and public respect that come with being a popular teacher—setting the stage for a most unexpected revenge.
- High school sophomore Ryotaro Kurose dreams of becoming a teacher like Mr. Shiratori but is brutally bullied by Eiji Fudo’s clique.
- Cornered on the school rooftop, Kurose accidentally falls—colliding with Mr. Shiratori in a freak accident.
- Awakening in Shiratori’s body, Kurose realizes he now wields the teacher’s authority—perfect for plotting revenge.
Volume 2 – Schemes and Setups
This volume establishes how Kurose will use Shiratori’s reputation and position to systematically dismantle each bully.
- Kurose first targets Manabu Yui, exploiting Yui’s artistic ambitions and carefully orchestrating his ruin.
- Publicly, Kurose feigns the role of a caring teacher, concealing his true identity and intentions.
Volume 3 – Forced Alliances
Chapter 10 underscores the psychological tension, showing how the bullies grow paranoid about “accidents” striking them one by one.
- Kurumi Morino, obsessed with social media fame, finds herself caught in Kurose’s twisted agenda.
- Meanwhile, Kurose’s original body stirs—but it’s inhabited by Shiratori’s psyche, complicating matters for everyone.
Volume 4 – The Basketball Captain Crumbles
Kurose’s tactics intensify, revealing his keen ability to exploit each bully’s core weakness or obsession.
- Tatsuya Kiriki faces Kurose’s manipulations. His compulsion to enforce discipline on “weak” peers turns against him, leading to a dramatic accident.
- This volume underscores how Kurose’s vendetta grows ever more ruthless.
Volume 5 – Hints of a Larger Conspiracy
The manga explores Kurose’s conflicting emotions: a gentle nature overshadowed by a deep thirst for payback.
- Eiji Fudo grows alarmed as members of his clique suffer “accidents.” He begins to suspect that the real Shiratori isn’t the one he sees teaching class.
- Kurose uncovers new information about his father’s tragic fate—realizing Fudo’s role in a fabricated scandal that drove his father to suicide.
Volumes 6–7 – The Other Shiratori Awakens
Morino’s wavering loyalty becomes a critical factor, generating tension about who can (or should) be trusted.
- Shiratori, occupying Kurose’s still-hospitalized body, recovers with spotty memories.
- Tensions mount as Fudo scrambles to protect himself and unmask the imposter “Mr. Shiratori,” while Kurose closes in on the truth behind Shiratori’s motivations.
Volumes 8–9 – A Deadly Game of Cat and Mouse
The chaotic blaze forces bystanders to take sides, highlighting the extremes of Kurose’s vengeance.
- The manga reveals Shiratori’s warped belief in eliminating “the strong” to shield perceived “weaklings.”
- A catastrophic school incident propels the looming clash between Kurose and Shiratori, each pulling strings from behind the scenes.
Volumes 10–11 – Shattering Loyalties
Kurose questions whether his revenge is truly justified or if he risks becoming just as monstrous as the bullies.
- Former allies suffer severe consequences, highlighting the spreading brutality.
- In Chapter 45, Kurumi’s near-fatal injuries spotlight how Kurose’s vendetta spares no one—and how remorse starts creeping into his psyche.
Volumes 12–13 – The Final Showdown
The epilogue shows how certain students reform, carrying Kurose’s dream of becoming a teacher forward. Meanwhile, the dark history of the school leaves an unforgettable mark.
- The last volumes unravel Shiratori’s dark past and how far he’s willing to go.
- One body perishes; another survives, but closure remains elusive. Key characters, including Kurumi, must decide whether to rebuild or let guilt consume them.
FINAL THOUGHT
Personally, “Textbook of Revenge” unsettled me with its grim blend of retribution and moral ambiguity. Yet, it’s hard not to savor the twisted satisfaction of seeing ruthless bullies face the consequences. Imagining an anime adaptation only fuels my curiosity—especially for those dramatic rooftop confrontations and the climactic final clash.
“Textbook of Revenge” confronts readers with difficult questions about justice, punishment, and the thorny aftermath of payback. Across 13 volumes, we see how quickly fear warps relationships and how tenuous redemption can be when vengeance overshadows mercy.
Having followed the story through to the end, I’m left pondering if any victory in such a vicious cycle of retaliation can be truly redemptive. Below are articles related to this topic.
