Ruby Starts Scheming in Oshi no Ko Manga Volume 9

While Ruby and Aqua are twins in Oshi no Ko, it can really feel like he gets more attention sometimes. After all, many of the early volumes in the manga are showing things from his perspective or highlighting his plots. However, things start to shift in the eighth volume after a trip brings up past-life memories. That means in volume 9 of the Oshi no Ko manga, Ruby is the focal point. Not even the new B-Komachi, but this rising star herself. And I absolutely love it.

Editor’s Note: There will be spoilers for volumes 8 and 9 of the Oshi no Ko manga below. 

So to understand the setup for volume 9 of Oshi no Ko, you need to think back to what happened in volume 8. Ruby’s been relishing her new life as an idol, even though she is of course still morning her mother Ai’s death. Aqua’s been the one focused on revenge, as we’ve always seen him more aware of his past life. In previous volume, she actually happened upon the body of Dr. Gorou Amamiya. That was the doctor visiting her that she had a crush on in her past life. (Who was reincarnated as Aqua, which she doesn’t know.) Due to this discovery, Ruby learns that Gorou was murdered by the same two people who killed Ai. 

This kicks off something inside her. Ruby channels that in her performance with the B-Komachi song “POP IN 2.” It takes off and gets 20 million views. Her, Mem-cho, and Kana are hustling to take advantage of that boost to retain momentum. In the past, we really saw Aqua diving in and chasing every opportunity. Now, we’re seeing her check in with Ichigo Saitou for advance and assistance strategizing. She’s getting herself on the same variety show as Aqua. She’s cultivating a more ditzy persona, while also cozying up to people who will have influence or connections.

We know Aqua is smart in Oshi no Ko. We see it. But until volume 9, we’ve really only seen Ruby as a passionate and driven young woman who is willing to go over the top for her dreams. Now, her intelligence is on full display. She’s showing a type of cunning and sense of street smarts that shows she is Aqua’s equal in her own way.

What I also appreciate about Oshi no Ko volume 9 is while this installment of the manga is focusing more on Ruby than ever before, it still also shows a quick update on Aqua. Which I feel is important, given the revelations during the Tokyo Blade arc. He was finally able to start to let things go and live for himself a bit. However, we’re seeing here that while he made some breakthroughs, the trauma he went through as a child when he watched his mother Ai die isn’t going to just disappear. So it’s an appreciated insight to have those moments too.

Ruby is such an important part of the story in Oshi no Ko, and we’ve tended to see her as a supporting cast member or more innocent young woman pursuing her dreams until volumes 8 and 9 of the manga. But now she’s doing her own research, plotting, and strategically positioning herself. It’s a wonderful reminder that she shouldn’t be underestimated. 

Volume 9 of the Oshi no Ko manga is available now, and volume 10 will debut on May 27, 2025.