Kishuku Gakkou no Juliet (2015-2019)

A School setting for effectively Romeo and Juliet. HOWEVER, in this version of events things are played out in a modern world with old ideals (Random Sword fights to settle things). The story doesn't involve the sacrifice of death but shows a more social-political version of trying to change the status quo for a better future of understanding.

During the most part the Romio (Adapted name) from the East in black uniform and Juliet from the West in White uniform go to the academy on an island that separates the two areas which is a false yet unyielding symbol of unity after much conflict. Students attend from a very young age all the way to finishing college and are expected from their childhoods to dislike the each other in a black vs white (Not skin colour but uniform) conflict.

Romio and Juliet have grown up together but separately at the same time. They however harbor feelings for each other which in the Manga like the Anime is quickly realised. The relationship must be kept secret going forwards to avoid getting pushed out the school. Although in theory there is nothing wrong with the situation as you will learn past transgression of previous students has had disastrous results in this type of situation.

As the series goes on they learn about each other deeply and all the people around them. Some people find out the secret and are convinced for the best to keep it secret. It comes to a head eventually where a decisive choice must be made by the students in an attempt to change the world. This comes to a decision that involves them going forward with their decision. After many altercations things improve in some ways.

Eventually, we get to a really nice ending that shows the opposite side of the Shakespearean story that is much more satisfying. We even get a time skip to help close things off.

The art used within the series is a really great level of detail with some Ecchi scenes that give a bit of a change up and truth that the real world isn't truly clean. Some people want a pure story like nothing dirty exists in the real world.

Characters are many and they are mostly (the important ones) developed with great detail and care. We learn about so many people on such a deep level that you feel you could be their friend since you know so much about them.

Aside from Romio and Juliet they are surrounded by a close knit bunch that through adversary and sometimes against their own desires do work forward sensibly to change the world. Many truths about people comes out to which some are good and some are bad. They however, in the attempt to change the world work through forgiveness and rectify the state of things as they go forward.

The series in all is extremely enjoyable and aside from a slightly rushed ending is 100% worth a read. There were moments I felt a tightness in my chest as I read what was happening. Towards the middle set and beyond times I was getting teary eyed which caused me to react. The scenes in places that filled you with a genuine joy that makes you think being in their world during this time would have been an absolute pleasure to have joined their plight.

Overall, this is an awesome series that puts you through a deep set of emotions and brings you close to the characters on many levels. It has left a long last impression on me as a reader.

I would love to see the series get a full adaptation of anime and if I could fund it I absolutely would.

If you want something similar try reading Ore ga Ojousama Gakkou ni "Shomin Sample" Toshite Rachirareta Ken. This is a really nice story about the naive world the wealthy live in being opened up to the real world in a love story that is hilarious due to its nature and also heart pounding when it needs to be that concludes in a really satisfying way.

https://myanimelist.net/manga/46368/Ore_ga_Ojousama_Gakkou_ni_Shomin_Sample_Toshite_Rachirareta_Ken