Manga Like The Fable: The Third Secret

The Fable is a legendary hitman who has successfully carried out countless assignments for various clients. After his most recent contract, the number of his recent victims reaches a concerning level, forcing his employer to order him into hiding for a year. His handler suggests that blending in with ordinary civilian life could provide useful insights for future missions. Accompanied by his driver, the Fable takes on a new identity alongside her, posing as brother and sister. However, their superior warns them that if the Fable takes a life during this period, both of them will be executed. This marks the beginning of the one-year hiatus for Akira and Youko Satou from their criminal activities.

In a room overflowing with trash, 24-year-old Akira Tendou watches a zombie film with vacant, envious eyes. Having spent three grueling years at a ruthless company in Japan, his spirit is utterly crushed. He can't even find the courage to confess his feelings to his lovely coworker Ohtori. Then one morning, he witnesses his landlord eating lunch—which turns out to be another tenant! The entire city is overrun with zombies, and even as he flees for his life, Akira has never felt more alive!

In "The Legend of the Strongest, Kurosawa!," Kurosawa is a 44-year-old unmarried man who has worked at the same construction company throughout his entire career. His aspirations are modest: some acknowledgment from his coworkers and maybe a bit more popularity. Yet, his attempts frequently result in catastrophe. One day, without warning, he finds himself caught up in a clash with a bunch of unruly middle school students.

Roughly a year after the events of The Fable, Akira and Youko are forced to abandon their current mission due to the Covid-19 pandemic and head back to Osaka to take up their quiet civilian life once more. However, their peace does not last long.

In "Migi and Dali," the childless couple Osamu and Youko Sonoyama take in Hitori Sonoyama, a boy delivered unexpectedly by a clumsy stork on the day of his adoption. At 13 years old, Hitori appears to be the perfect child, exceeding all their hopes. However, Hitori is actually two identical twins, Migi and Dali, who take turns playing the role of the well-behaved and curious boy they present to the world. As Migi and Dali settle into Origon Village, they secretly investigate a hidden mystery that has loomed over their new community. Through their interactions with the villagers, they learn that everyone holds concealed secrets. Uncovering these truths could lead to dangerous consequences.

Long ago, humanoid creatures called Titans appeared, threatening humanity with their immense size and appetite for human flesh. To survive, humans built massive walls, creating a safe world within their confines. In this isolated world, peace has lasted for years, with no Titan attacks seen. Three young friends—Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert—dream of exploring the world beyond the walls, inspired by tales of the unknown. Their dreams are destroyed when a colossal 60-meter Titan breaches their defenses, revealing the harsh reality of their situation. Witnessing the devastation firsthand, Eren vows to eliminate all Titans, determined to reclaim freedom for humanity beyond the walls.

After three years of intense training, Saitama, once an ordinary man, has attained overwhelming power, able to defeat any enemy with a single punch. Driven by a desire to use his new strength, he sets out on a path as a hero, but soon grows disillusioned by how easily he wins and the absence of any worthy opponent to challenge him. The cyborg Genos, impressed by Saitama's incredible power, asks to become his apprentice. Saitama, however, realizes that because he is not registered with the Hero Association, he remains unknown and overlooked by the public. To gain more recognition, Saitama agrees to register alongside Genos, on the condition that Genos becomes his disciple. Together, they aim to climb the ranks of heroes, seek out powerful enemies, and earn the admiration and respect of others.

In Death Note, Ryuk, a shinigami, drops his Death Note into the human world for amusement. In Japan, Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student, discovers the notebook. It contains a rule: anyone whose name is written inside will die. Initially skeptical, Light tests the power by writing a criminal's name, and the criminal dies. Seeing the Death Note's potential, Light begins a systematic campaign to eliminate criminals under the alias "Kira," aiming to create a utopian society free of evil. As the killings draw attention, the police turn to L, a renowned detective, to uncover Kira's identity. Death Note unfolds as a tense psychological battle between Light and L, with humanity's future at stake.

Codename "Twilight," a top spy from Westalis, carries out missions to maintain peace and prevent any incident that could spark a war between Westalis and its neighboring country, Ostania. His next assignment requires him to infiltrate the prestigious Eden Academy by posing as a family man, with the goal of gathering information on influential Ostanian politician Donovan Desmond. Adopting the alias "Loid Forger," Twilight takes in Anya, an orphaned girl who can read minds, to play the role of his six-year-old daughter. For his wife, he selects Yor Briar, an office worker pretending to be in a relationship to satisfy her social circle. Unbeknownst to Loid, Yor is actually the deadly assassin known as "Thorn Princess," and this union provides her with an ideal cover. Anya, unknown to both Loid and Yor, is an esper—the result of secret experiments that gave her telepathic powers. Despite learning the truth about her new parents, Anya is thrilled that they are both covert operatives. She keeps their secrets, ensuring their charade continues. As "The Forgers," Loid, Yor, and Anya must maintain their facade while pursuing their individual goals. Through their interactions, they come to understand that family can transcend biological connections.

At Grace Field House, the orphans lead what seems like a perfect life. Despite being without parents, they live with other children and a kind "Mama" who cares for them, fostering a tight-knit family environment. All children are well-looked after, as adoption is guaranteed by the time they turn twelve. Their days consist of intensive tests followed by outdoor playtime. However, there is one strict rule: they must never leave the orphanage grounds. One day, Emma and Norman, two of the highest-performing children, venture outside the fence and discover the terrible reality of their situation. With their quick thinking, the children must unite to alter the course of their destined futures.

At Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane, a nationally renowned genius and student council president, shares the stage with Kaguya Shinomiya, the vice president who is both affluent and stunningly beautiful. Though they aren't in a relationship, students often view them as the ideal couple. Unbeknownst to most, their frequent interactions have sparked romantic feelings between them. Nevertheless, neither Miyuki nor Kaguya wishes to be the first to admit these feelings, as it would be perceived as a sign of vulnerability. Driven by their pride as top students, they engage in elaborate strategies aimed at making the other confess first, igniting a war of love and wits.

On her first day at the prestigious Itan Private High School, Shouko Komi captivates the entire student body with her striking appearance and graceful demeanor. Despite her instant fame, Shouko struggles deeply with social interactions. Hitohito Tadano, an unremarkable high schooler who prides himself on staying inconspicuous, finds himself sitting beside Shouko, earning him the wrath of his classmates. After accidentally fainting one day, Hitohito hears Shouko say "meow" upon waking. Pretending not to notice, he sees Shouko hurriedly leave, only to realize that she is unable to connect with others, having never made a single friend. Driven by this discovery, Hitohito commits to helping Shouko reach her goal of making 100 friends to combat her social anxiety.

Momo Ayase is in a bad mood after being rejected. While out, she sees a boy getting bullied and steps in to help. The boy is deeply into the occult and tries to talk to Ayase about supernatural topics, thinking they have something in common. But Ayase insists she believes in ghosts, and they argue over which is more real. To settle the debate, they each go separately to places tied to either the occult or ghosts—Ayase picks the occult, and the boy picks ghosts. When they reach their spots, they find out both the occult and ghosts are actually real. This discovery throws Ayase and the boy into a series of adventures where they deal with all the supernatural and occult events they come across, hoping to get back to a normal life.

A sudden beam petrifies all of humanity across the globe. After thousands of years, the earth is now overrun with vegetation, with ancient cities buried beneath dense forests. Among the first to awaken is Taiju Ooki, who discovers that his genius scientist friend, Senkuu, had anticipated his revival and has plans to restore civilization to its former glory. While Taiju longs to rescue the girl he loves, Senkuu focuses on understanding the cause of the catastrophe and rebuilding society. Their journey takes a turn when they revive Tsukasa Shishiou, a powerful figure intended to help them navigate the dangers of their new world. However, Tsukasa harbors his own ambitions, seeing the current state as an opportunity for a fresh start—free from the corruption and ruin brought by technological advancement. His determination clashes with Senkuu’s unwavering belief in science, leading to an intense conflict between their opposing ideologies.

After a catastrophic earthquake leveled Tokyo, Deadman Wonderland was built atop the ruins. It appears to be a theme park, but in truth, it functions as a prison where inmates are turned into attractions for public amusement. The general public remains unaware of the dark reality hidden beneath the surface. Ganta Igarashi, an ordinary middle school student in the post-earthquake world, manages to lead a normal life until a masked killer known as the Red Man slaughters everyone in his class. Ganta is knocked unconscious during the attack and becomes the sole survivor, only to be framed for the murders and sent to Deadman Wonderland. To survive, he must navigate the prison's twisted games. Meanwhile, Shiro, a girl who claims to be Ganta's childhood friend and is waiting for him inside the prison, may hold the key to the Red Man's true identity.

In Death City, the Death Weapon Meister Academy, founded by Shinigami the Grim Reaper, serves as a bastion of order. The academy trains Meisters and Demon Weapons—humans who can transform into weapons—to defend humanity from evil forces. The ultimate goal for a Meister is to forge a "Death Scythe" fit for Shinigami, which requires their weapon partner to consume the souls of 99 evil humans and one witch. Maka Albarn and her weapon partner, Soul Eater "Soul" Evans, are students at the academy striving to achieve this. Their journey includes the loud Black☆Star and his flexible partner, Tsubaki Nakatsukasa, along with the precise Death the Kid—known simply as Kid—and his twin partners, Patricia "Patty" and Elizabeth "Liz" Thompson. Each team aims to be the best Meister and Demon Weapon pair, facing various missions, challenges, and academic trials along the way. Despite their goals, the group becomes entangled in numerous mysteries. As new enemies emerge and hidden secrets are uncovered, Maka, Soul, and their friends must confront threats far greater than ordinary human foes, fighting to protect both the academy and the world.

As a child, Raku Ichijou made a promise to a girl he met long ago that they would marry if they ever met again. Over time, he forgot her face, but still holds onto a locked pendant that only she can open with a key. He hopes to one day find her, even though he cannot recall her appearance. Now a first-year student at Bonyari High, Raku wants a peaceful school life and dreams of dating his crush, Kosaki Onodera. But as the son of a yakuza boss, his life is far from normal. When the American Bee Hive gang attacks his family's territory, a truce is forced between the two rival organizations. To maintain peace, Raku must pretend to be in a romantic relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of the Bee Hive's leader. Despite their mutual dislike, they have to act like a loving couple to keep the gangs from clashing. Meanwhile, the search for the key to his pendant grows more complicated as other girls appear, each somehow connected to the lock. Raku must navigate his fake romance, preserve the fragile peace between the warring factions, and find out which girl holds the key to both his pendant and his heart.

In the grim and chaotic district known as Hole, where darkness and decay reign supreme and survival is a constant struggle, the powerful magic users hold absolute sway over a populace they regard as mere insects. The streets are rife with violence, and the hospitals overflow daily with the victims of murder, mutilation, and ruthless experimentation. Amidst this desolate landscape, a few dare to challenge the magic users' dominion. One such figure is Caiman, a creature more akin to a reptile than a human, driven by a relentless pursuit of truth. Equipped with two trusted bayonets and blessed—or cursed—with immunity to magic, he stalks through Hole, haunted by his own appearance and plagued by nightmares. His sole allies against these malevolent sorcerers are his insatiable appetite and Nikaidou, the proprietor of the diner Hungry Bug, who stands steadfast beside him. Dorohedoro unfolds in a nightmarishly designed world, blending dark humor and light-hearted moments with unflinching depictions of brutality and death. Through the tangled lives of Hole’s inhabitants, the series crafts a singular universe of eerie origin and bleak aesthetics, unsuitable for the faint of heart.

In the sun-drenched coastal town of Izu, Iori Kitahara starts his university life at Izu University. Moving into his uncle's dive shop, Grand Blue, Iori dreams of an ideal college experience filled with charming companions and close friendships. His plans are quickly derailed when he meets rowdy upperclassmen who strip down and pressure him into drinking games. Despite initial hesitation, Iori joins in and becomes the center of attention. His fortunes shift when his cousin, Chisa Kotegawa, walks in unexpectedly and gives him a disapproving look. Nevertheless, Iori remains determined to pursue his perfect college life—will he succeed, or will his situation take an unexpected turn?

Eikichi Onizuka, a 22-year-old former gang member carrying a reputation as a pervert, unexpectedly secures a position as a teacher. The story follows Onizuka as he works to outsmart and earn the trust of his rebellious Class 3-4, a group determined to get him fired. Along the way, he must confront obstacles including the irritable, balding Vice Principal Hiroshi Uchiyamada, old enemies from his biker days, and his own unorthodox teaching methods. Despite these challenges, Onizuka perseveres, helping his students, pursuing the affections of teacher Azusa Futsuyuki, and striving to live up to his self-given title. This collection also includes the side story "GTO: Great Toroko Oppai♡" (Tomoko's Big Adventures).

In "Bakuman。", Moritaka Mashiro, a skilled middle school artist, feels uncertain about his future, expecting a dull life ahead. His outlook changes when Akito Takagi, an aspiring writer, finds one of Mashiro's drawings and suggests they team up to create a manga. Mashiro initially hesitates because his late uncle, a mangaka, died from overworking, but he is spurred on by his crush, Miho Azuki, who wants to become a seiyuu. Driven by a goal to craft a manga that could become an anime for Azuki to voice, Mashiro agrees. Azuki, who shares his feelings, promises to marry him once they both achieve their dreams. The story follows Mashiro and Takagi as they tackle the hurdles of getting their work published in Weekly Shounen Jump and striving to gain fame as mangakas. Their path balances between success and the risk of falling short like many other hopeful creators.

In a world that many consider ordinary, five-year-old Yotsuba Koiwai perceives everything with boundless enthusiasm and curiosity. After moving to a new town with her adoptive father, Yousuke, she takes it upon herself to explore her surroundings. Following some mishaps at the local park, the Koiwais meet their neighbors, the Ayase family: college student Asagi, who loves to tease; responsible high school student Fuuka; and kind elementary schooler Ena. Though Yotsuba's antics often amuse and sometimes frustrate them, the Ayase sisters gradually grow fond of her and join her in her adventures. Whether mastering a swing or trying to stop global warming by fiddling with air conditioners, Yotsuba's ability to find joy in the simplest things astonishes and entertains those around her. Along with Yousuke, the Ayases, and various other friends, she embarks on daily escapades that deepen her appreciation for life's basic pleasures.

Fuutarou Uesugi is a top student who excels in his studies, but his dedication has left him without friends and struggling with his family's financial burdens. His isolated life changes when he encounters a new student, Itsuki Nakano, who challenges him over their usual lunch spot. After a minor clash where Fuutarou bests Itsuki with a remark about her eating habits, he learns that a wealthy family has hired him to tutor their underperforming daughters. To his surprise, the students are Itsuki and her four identical sisters: the reserved Miku, the energetic Yotsuba, the cunning Nino, and the composed Ichika. Fuutarou soon discovers that teaching these quintuplets is far more difficult than anticipated, as they show little interest in academics. He must now navigate the challenges of guiding five unique and beautiful young women through their studies.

The difficulties of adulthood and the harsh realities of office work often make people wish they could go back to their younger years and choose differently. This feeling leads 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki to consider an unusual offer. After returning home from his part-time job, Arata is contacted by Ryou Yoake, a representative from the ReLife Research Institute, who presents an experimental program designed to improve his job prospects. The ReLife project plans to change Arata's appearance to that of a 17-year-old, allowing him to experience high school again for one year. After this trial ends, he will receive a job offer, something he has had trouble getting since leaving his previous job. Despite his doubts, Arata agrees to the strange arrangement. But his adult way of thinking and his lack of recent school experience make handling everyday life in high school harder than he expected.