Sawada, a long time veteran of the SHWD team gets a new recruit Koga, an imposing muscular woman who is ready to prove her worth in the male-dominated branch. Koga soon finds out why Sawada has had a long string of recruits who did not stay long, and instead tries her best to be her best work partner. What could change as they find out more about each other’s personal history?
Relationship Context
π₯ Couple Dynamic
Sawada Shino & Koga Airi – Working Couple
Sawada is exceptional at her work but it comes at a great personal cost that most do not know about. Koga learns of the cost and stayed true to her heart’s desire to be close to Sawada.
β€οΈ Sawada Shino β Numb Survivor
- Long time lone wolf with a secretive past
- No romantic interest in others but considerate enough to keep teammates alive
π€ Koga Airi β Stubborn Softie
- Looks imposing but has a loveable personality
- Her strength hides her personal (perhaps unknown) secret born from a traumatic past
| Title | SHWD: Special Hazardous Waste Disposal /SHWDγγ·γ₯γΌγγ |
| Author | sono.N |
| Status | Completed, 2023 |
| Genre | Supernatural Yuri |
| Tags | Action, Violence, Trauma, Size gap |
Review
| Category | Rating (0-3) |
|---|---|
| Romance | πΈ Few but intense |
| Intimacy | π₯ Nothing spicy but hot spring scenes |
| Story | πππ You are in for a ride |
| Pacing | πΆπ»ββοΈπΆπ»ββοΈ Easy to follow |
| Emotional damage | π₯Ίπ₯Ίπ₯Ί Out to hurt |
| Fluff | βοΈ Fluff is a coping mechanism here |
Story Overview
SHWD is an intense story during an apocalyptic time about:
– Developing feelings through close working relationship in life-or-death situations
– Embracing the flaws and secrets of each other and still determined to try
– A commitment to face the unknown future together
Key Themes
Size and personality gap:
Koga has great pride in her imposing body and strength, and tries her best to keep up with necessary trainings so she can head out for missions to exterminate the biological weapons Dynamis which are dangerous to humans. Finally allowed on her first mission with her mentor Sawada, she was struck with the reality that she wasn’t ready mentally.
Sawada sensed her uneasiness and encouraged her to stay safe out of the danger area. But Koga is determined to push through, eventually managing to overpower one with pure strength, gaining Sawada’s praise in the end.
No rival, but no help either:
Koga was impressed with Sawada’s prowess in the missions and sought to find out more. Leo got introduced as a member from another branch who seemed close to Sawada. Sensing Koga’s internal worries, Leo reached out with her own agenda, but found out that Koga has a genuine interest in Koga.
After understanding that Koga and Sawada are both similarly driven in their work by their own traumatic pasts, Leo shows her support for Koga and eases her worries of any past romantic entanglements which are basically none. So there’s no love rival!
Personal Review
I was interested in this story for quite some time due to the setting as well as the muscular main character. The story focused more on the characters, their pasts, what led them to taking up this dangerous disposal work, as well as the aftermaths on everyone who has took on that role. Romance isn’t big here, but mental intimacy is.
The human aspect is ever present by reminding the reader that everyone has their coping mechanism in that stressful yet necessary job. We see attempts to lighten the heavy mood with some cheerfulness, and also the grim reality of what happens when a teammate get brainwashed during missions. I do not want to spoil the ending, but it was a satisfying one that gave more context to why the two main characters are attracted to each other.
Final Thought
SHWD (Special Hazardous Waste Disposal) is a rather intense, action filled, and therapy inducing story about these ladies who are doing their best with what they are handed. Whether it is to work for a better future or an ending, I cannot help but wish they find what they want, together.
My Rating: 10/10 strongly recommended!
Do you think there is anyone who do not have trauma?
Note: All images here are used as snapshots for a self initiated review only. These images belong to the original author or artist, and the respective publisher(s) carrying their works. Support them within your means!
