Underrated Manga Returns With Devastating Chapter After Lengthy Hiatus (& the End Is Near)

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Warning: This article contains spoilers from the Yona of the Dawn manga! After 16 years, Kusanagi Mizuho’s popular Shojo manga, Yona of the Dawn, is nearing its conclusion. Following the release of Chapter 271 in July 2025, the manga paused unexpectedly before resuming three months later. While already in its Final Arc, the story still has some plot points to resolve before ending. The story follows Yona, who, along with Hak, was forced to flee her castle. She journeyed throughout the Kouka Kingdom and its neighboring lands to make amends for her father’s shortcomings as a ruler. For decades, the people have struggled due to her father’s pacifism and avoidance of conflict, but even maintaining peace requires sacrifices.

Accompanied by her lifelong friend and protector Hak, the brilliant strategist Yoon, and the powerful Dragon Warriors, Yona continues to rescue struggling villages. While her difficult journey is nearing its conclusion and she has returned to the castle, she won’t find peace until everyone she loves is secure. Reclaiming Hiryuu Castle – the place she was forced to flee – has been challenging for Yona and her companions. The last chapter left viewers on a major cliffhanger, making it clear that Yona and her allies are still in danger from the Dragon Gods’ anger. It’s a tense situation!

Yona of the Dawn Chapter 272 Is the Most Heartbreaking So Far

Even though Yona and the Dragon Warriors escaped the chalice, Chapter 271 concluded with the uncertain futures of both Hak and Soo-won. Hak remains stuck inside, while Soo-won is critically injured after his battle with the Yellow Dragon God, and his life is fading. In the most recent Chapter 272, the Dragon Gods’ physical forms disintegrated, and their protective powers vanished as well. Consequently, each of the Dragon Warriors lost the body parts that granted them their unique abilities, as these were gifts from the Dragon Gods’ blessing.

Although everyone is struggling, Zeno is in the worst condition because his body is severely warped and is swelling up in a strange way. It’s unclear whether he’ll ever fully recover. Despite being in critical condition, he still wants to help Soo-won, feeling accountable for what happened to him. It seems likely – though it hasn’t been officially confirmed – that Shin-ah, Jee-ha, and Kija have avoided the destiny of dying young.

In the latest events, Yona has a fleeting experience in the afterlife, where she encounters both friends and foes. She’s particularly anxious about whether she’ll see Hak there. She even catches a quick look at her parents, but wakes up before she can connect with them. Upon regaining consciousness, Yona dedicates herself to rescuing Soo-won and the Dragon Warriors. The chapter concludes with Hak waking up in an unfamiliar location under a clear sky, though his whereabouts remain a mystery. The story will continue with Chapter 273 on October 20th, 2025, which is expected to shed light on what happened to him.

Yona of the Dawn Still Needs to Answer Several Questions Before Ending

Since Yona couldn’t locate him in the afterlife, he must still be alive, though his current whereabouts and eventual return are unknown. With no release date announced for the finale, it’s uncertain when he and Yona will be reunited. Furthermore, the state of the Dragon Warriors needs to be addressed. Zeno is in very poor condition, Jee-ha has lost his right leg, Kija is missing his right arm, and Shin-ah has lost his sight.

Zeno has lived for more than a thousand years thanks to the power given to him by the Yellow Dragon God, so it’s uncertain what will happen to him when the God’s power disappears. This also applies to the other three individuals, who were originally destined to live shorter lives, but now the situation has changed. Furthermore, Soo-won’s Crimson Illness was also a result of the Dragon Gods’ influence.

This disease is inherited, affecting King Hiryuu’s family line and gradually weakening them, leading to early deaths. The Dragon Gods intended for Hiryuu’s descendants to perish this way, ensuring their Crimson Dragon King would ascend to heaven alongside them. Furthermore, the manga hasn’t yet clarified the significance of the sword and shield foretold in the prophecy, which are supposed to appear once all four Dragon Warriors are united. As the story nears its conclusion, we’ll probably get answers to these mysteries before Yona and her companions embark on their individual journeys.

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2025-10-04 21:11