Section 9 investigates an attempted assassination of a pro-cyberization politician, uncovering a web of illegal body dumping and anti-cyberization extremism across Japan. The discovery of an abandoned shell once inhabited by Major Motoko Kusanagi deepens the mystery, exploring themes of identity, technology, and the societal divide over cybernetic enhancement.

Reader Review Summary

This volume continues the Ghost in the Shell saga by bridging the narrative gap between Human-Error Processor and Man-Machine Interface, presenting a cyberpunk thriller set in a technologically advanced Japan. The story follows Section 9 as they respond to a series of cybernetic-related incidents, beginning with an attempted assassination of a politician advocating for cybernetic prosthetics. Togusa intervenes to protect the target, while Batou investigates a suspicious factory on artificial islands in southern Japan. Simultaneously, Chief Aramaki is alerted to the illegal dumping of dozens of artificial bodies near a village known for its anti-cyberization sect, where one of the discarded shells is identified as belonging to Major Motoko Kusanagi, the former leader of Section 9 who has since vanished.

Readers have responded positively to the book, as reflected in its average rating of 4.26 out of 5 from 35 ratings. The single full review highlights the clarity and coherence of the action sequences, noting that the illustrations effectively convey the dynamic events of the story. The involvement of established creators from the franchise, including script writer Junichi Fujisaku and artist Yuki Yoshimoto, has also contributed to the book's appeal among fans of the series.

There is limited information available regarding specific criticisms from readers, as only one full review has been provided and it is positive. With no detailed negative feedback or recurring issues mentioned in the available data, it is unclear what aspects, if any, readers found lacking or unsatisfactory in this volume.

Published on February 18, 2022, this manga falls within the genres of manga and cyberpunk, and is authored by Junichi Fujisaku, Yuki Yoshimoto, and Masamune Shirow. The book is positioned as a narrative link within the broader Ghost in the Shell universe, and its plot involves both action-driven and investigative elements. The story explores themes of cyberization, identity, and the societal impact of advanced technology, while also referencing key characters and events from previous installments in the series.