As is the case with Higurashi's latter chapters, Minagoroshi didn't disappoint in providing a compelling story that only left me excited for Chapter 8's culmination.
There's plenty to delve into here. As is the case with Ryukishi's writing, his utilisation of perspective moulds the story towards something greater, with much of Rika and Keichi's personality standing out amidst the narration. Previously, Rika's character had been a lot like Rena's, where we could only imagine a fragment of her psychology beyond her archetypal display within her group. Now, with certainty, she's proven herself towards being one of Higurashi's greater cast standouts, with many of her personal struggles entirely recontextualising events from prior chapters.
If I had to say anything of minor nitpick, it would be much of the chapter feeling dragged out during Satoko's comeback, but even that could be argued as an intentional emphasis of the struggles involved in her character's struggles.
Outside of the conclusion & inherent fleshing out of Satoko, this chapter's ending also left me grasping for more, highlighting one of the series' most emotional climactic highs. There's a lot to love about Ch. 7 that carries on from before. It's yet another tight, conclusive & insightful chapter that delves into the inner-workings of Hinamizawa in excellent detail, leaving me wanting more from the series' conclusion in the next chapter!
