We are introduced to six teenage boys as they step off a bus and into the . They are:
A careful reader will notice that Chapter 1 drops tiny hints about each boy’s backstory—Mario’s rage, Barefoot’s silent endurance, Joe’s calculating eyes. These become massive emotional payoffs 50, 100, or 200 chapters later.
But the chapter’s soul is introduced when the seventh man appears: , nicknamed "Aniki" (Big Brother). Sakuragi is already a legend in the reformatory. He is older, wiser, and covered in scars that tell stories of defiance. Unlike the others, who are broken or hiding, Sakuragi walks into the cell with his head high.
Today, we are diving deep into the full experience of , breaking down why this opening salvo remains one of the most compelling introductions in the Seinen genre.
The first chapter of Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin provides a gritty, brutal introduction to six teenagers sent to the corrupt Shonan Special Reformatory School in 1955. It establishes a dark post-WWII setting filled with abuse and introduces them to their protective cellmate, Rokurouta Sakuragi, who quickly earns their respect. This opening chapter sets the stage for a story focused on survival and the forged brotherhood among the seven, highlighting intense art and dire stakes.
The first episode, which covers this chapter, is available for streaming on Crunchyroll . Rainbow Manga - Mangapill
Snapmaker U1
Snapmaker 2.0
Snapmaker Artisan
Snapmaker Ray
Snapmaker J1/J1s
