If you’ve spent any time in the anime community over the last few years, you know the absolute chaos that Negi Haruba’s masterpiece caused. It wasn’t just a "waifu war." It was a tactical, emotional, and sometimes frustrating puzzle that kept millions of readers guessing until the very last volume. You’re likely here because the suspense finally got to you, or maybe you finished the movie and need to process what just happened.
Who does the guy marry in The Quintessential Quintuplets?
The answer is Yotsuba Nakano.
Yeah, the cheerful, ribbon-wearing, athletic one who initially seemed like the "least likely" candidate. If you’re a fan of Miku or Nino, I know. It hurts. I’ve seen the threads. But when you look at how Fuutarou Uesugi actually operates as a character, the choice starts to make a lot of sense, even if it feels like a subversion of every harem trope we’ve ever learned.
Why Yotsuba was the "Hidden" Choice All Along
Most romance series follow a predictable path. Usually, the girl who fights the hardest or the girl who has the most "screen time" with the protagonist wins. In The Quintessential Quintuplets, Nino and Miku were the frontrunners in terms of pure aggression and romantic development. Miku worked tirelessly to change herself to fit Fuutarou's perceived "type," and Nino—well, Nino literally drugged him and then confessed on a motorcycle. They were loud. They were present.
Yotsuba was different. She was the first one to support Fuutarou without any strings attached.
Think back to the very first chapter. While the other four sisters were busy being hostile, suspicious, or just plain difficult, Yotsuba was the only one who actually took the tutoring session seriously from day one. She didn't need a redemption arc or a massive character shift to be on his side. She was just... there. Honestly, that’s the crux of why she won. Fuutarou isn't a guy who looks for high-octane drama. He’s a guy who was struggling to balance his life, his family’s debt, and his own social awkwardness. Yotsuba provided the path of least resistance and the highest level of emotional support.
The Kyoto Connection
We have to talk about the "Girl from the Photo." For the longest time, the series teased the identity of "Rena," the girl Fuutarou met in Kyoto years prior. This meeting was the catalyst for Fuutarou becoming the studious, serious person he is in the present.
While several sisters played a role in the "Rena" mystery during the present day (specifically Itsuki acting as a messenger), the original girl from the past was indeed Yotsuba. This revelation is bittersweet. Unlike other stories where the childhood friend wins just because of "destiny," Yotsuba actually tried to distance herself from that identity. She felt she had failed her sisters and Fuutarou by not becoming the person she promised to be. This self-sacrificial streak is her defining trait, but it’s also what made her the most "invisible" candidate for much of the run.
Breaking Down the Choice: Why Not the Others?
It’s easy to get mad at the ending if your favorite didn't win. However, Negi Haruba left breadcrumbs everywhere. Let’s look at why the other four didn't make the cut, despite their massive fanbases.
Ichika Nakano went full antagonist for a while. Her attempt to manipulate the situation by posing as her sisters backfired spectacularly. While she eventually found redemption and pursued her acting career, the trust was fractured. Fuutarou respected her drive, but the romantic spark was smothered by the drama.
Nino Nakano is a fan favorite for a reason. Her "Unstoppable Train" confession is legendary. But Nino’s love was almost too intense. She loved the idea of falling in love. Throughout the series, she was often at odds with Fuutarou’s personality, even if their chemistry was undeniable. Ultimately, Fuutarou chose peace over passion.
Miku Nakano had the most traditional "heroine" growth. She learned to cook, she gained confidence, and she became a better version of herself. But if you look closely, Miku’s growth was largely self-driven by the end. She realized she didn't need Fuutarou to be happy or successful. Her "loss" was actually her biggest win as a character.
Itsuki Nakano is perhaps the most interesting case. In almost any other anime, the "first girl" introduced wins. That’s the Law of Anime. But Itsuki and Fuutarou developed a relationship that was more akin to best friends or partners in crime. They bickered like an old married couple, sure, but the romantic tension never quite reached the level of the others. She was his confidant, not his conquest.
The Moment of Truth: Volume 14 and the Festival
The climax happens during the school festival. Fuutarou makes a decision that he won't let the sisters decide for him; he’s going to go to the room of the girl he chooses.
He ends up in the infirmary/side room where Yotsuba is.
It’s a quiet moment. No grand speeches. No fireworks. Just a guy telling a girl that he needs her by his side because she makes him better. The "swing set" scene that follows is probably the most iconic Yotsuba moment in the series. It’s where she finally accepts that she’s allowed to be happy, even if it feels like she’s taking something away from her sisters.
The Wedding and the "Final Game"
The series ends with the wedding we’ve seen in flashes since the first episode. Even at the altar, the sisters play one last prank. They all dress up as the bride, challenging Fuutarou to tell them apart. This "Quintuplet Game" has been a recurring theme. The idea is that if you have enough love, you can see past their identical faces.
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Fuutarou passes. He identifies Yotsuba.
It’s a full-circle moment. He didn't just choose a face; he chose the person he could truly recognize regardless of what she was wearing. The manga ends with a flash-forward to their honeymoon—which, in typical Nakano fashion, ends up being a trip for all five sisters and Fuutarou. He’s not just marrying Yotsuba; he’s marrying into the entire chaotic family.
Common Misconceptions About the Ending
Some fans claim the ending was "rushed." I get that. The final arc moves at a breakneck pace compared to the slow-burn middle chapters. However, if you re-read the series with the knowledge that Yotsuba is the winner, the clues are everywhere.
- She’s the only one who doesn't lie to him about her feelings (even if she hides them).
- She’s the one who constantly pushes him to enjoy his youth beyond just studying.
- She’s the one who stayed by his side when he was a lonely kid in Kyoto.
The "mystery" aspect of the show was so well-done that it actually convinced a lot of us that the outcome was a toss-up. In reality, Fuutarou’s heart was leaning toward the person who gave him the most stability.
Expert Insight: The Meta-Narrative
From a writing perspective, Negi Haruba wanted to subvert the "First Girl Wins" and "Popularity Wins" tropes. By choosing Yotsuba, he rewarded the character who showed the most selfless growth. It’s a polarizing ending, but it’s one that stays true to the themes of the story: that love isn't just about a spark; it's about who supports you when the lights go out.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the lore, I highly recommend checking out the "Character Books" released alongside the manga. They provide specific timelines that show exactly where Yotsuba was during key events when she wasn't on screen. It fills in the gaps that the anime occasionally glosses over.
Your Next Steps for The Quintessential Quintuplets
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If you've only seen the anime, go back and read the manga starting from Chapter 1. The nuance in Yotsuba’s expressions—knowing what she’s hiding—changes the entire experience. You can also watch the Quintessential Quintuplets Movie, which covers the final festival and the wedding in high-fidelity animation. For those who still can't accept the ending, the video game The Quintessential Quintuplets ∬: Summer Memories Also Come in Five offers "What If" routes where you can choose your own winner.