one of my most favorite novel out there. I present you,

Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria

i'll also post a review about this. you know, this novel.is just an amazing piece of writing. i myself, consider this novel as a masterpiece.

thank you baka tsuki translators. great work!

All links below are external links to baka tsuki.

The Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria series is also available in the following languages:

(Note: Translation progress varies for each version.)

Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria (空ろの箱と零のマリア, The Empty Box and The Zeroth Maria) is a light novel series written by Eiji Mikage and illustrated by Tetsuo (formerly known as 415). While Utsuro no Hako, often abbreviated as Hakomari, is Eiji's fourth publication, it is the first to feature illustrations. One of his earlier works can be found here: the Kamisu Reina Series.

Story Synopsis

Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria, or The Empty Box and The Zeroth Maria, tells the story of Kazuki Hoshino, who is almost madly attached to his everyday life, and his antagonist Aya Otonashi, who suddenly transfers into his class at the end of the school year—for no less than the 13,118^th time. Without hesitation, she announces her intent to “break” him. Kazuki's struggle to defend his everyday life begins, and the many secrets it is built on start to come to light.

Character Introductions

Kazuki Hoshino

A completely ordinary high school student who loves idle chatter with his friends and Umaibōs, a Japanese snack. One day, he somehow suddenly antagonizes Aya Otonashi — even though he has never met her before. She threatens to “break” him.

Aya Otonashi

An antisocial beauty with a resolute personality. She transfers into Kazuki’s class on March 2^nd — right before the end of the school year. Immediately upon her arrival, she announces her intent to “break” Kazuki.

Daiya Oomine

A self-centered and arrogant student who dyes his hair silver and wears three piercings in his right ear. He is also the class president and a shrewd friend of Kazuki’s.

Haruaki Usui

A cheerful but frivolous baseball ace. He often hangs out with Kazuki and Daiya.

Kokone Kirino

A bright and beautiful girl who cares a lot for her friends, but can sometimes be meddlesome.
She and Daiya have known each other since childhood, and their mutual verbal abuse has become legendary among their classmates ever since.

Kasumi Mogi