The fantastic beginning to the Answers Arc of Higurashi; one that completely recontextualises the events of Ch. 2, while giving new insights into the already established lore of the Houjo siblings that only previously mentioned by necessary exposition before.
As was the case before, it's still refreshing for these latter chapters to utilise perspectives outside of Keichi's, with the more laid-back, but emotionally driven Shion taking the helm in providing fresh perspectives to Hinamizawa's mysteries. There's very little segments in this chapter that feel dragged out, with the content feeling akin to finding missing pieces of a puzzle that were once missing from Ch. 2's underlying questions. Shion's character, having already been one of my personal favourites before, also incorporates the welcome addition of driving the narrative behind the game's Tips segments. Utilising the Tips as being excerpts from her personal diary helps flesh Shion's characterisation immensely. As a result, it ended up making each Tip feel more akin to a reward as opposed to necessary exposition I'd once forced myself to glean over before each chapter.
One way or the other, your views on the Sonozaki sisters will change at the end of chapter, & that's arguably this instalments greatest strength!
This is the first chapter of Higurashi that I honestly can't find any fault in. It's a strong beginning to the Answers Arc that sets my expectations incredibly high for what's to come. I recall needing to have a moment to myself in silence when completing this chapter. That alone, is something I feel perfectly conveys the goodwill I've harboured in Ryuukishi's writing, & I can only expect the best from it of moving forwards.
