callester

[callester]

A take on the details and connections between Spy×Family volume 5 and volume 6 manga.

Outer Cover

Arranging both covers in the traditional Japanese tategaki (縦書き) format (from right to left), the clear-cut white space that existed between the two subsequently released volumes could be joined and viewed as a completed piece. A shared portrayal showcased by Yuri and Nightfall would be the single-lifted right leg sitting posture. While that, the title design used across both covers had the exact same alignment.

Starting Illustration

Both illustrations had emphasised Yuri and Nightfall's motivations, with the respective image of Yuri spending time with Yor as well as a focus on Twilight from Nightfall's side.

Inside Cover

Replicating the outer cover into the context of their internal goals, both inside covers could be similarly viewed as a joint piece due to the maintained positions of the characters involved, with an additional detail on the inclusion of a divorce certificate from Yuri's side and a marriage certificate from Nightfall's side. Out of the other volumes' inside covers, only volume 5 and 6 had their versions styled in the form of a thought bubble.

Ending Cover

As part of the remarkable sides of both Yuri and Nightfall, the extra ending cover for their volumes had highlighted their main thought process and referring back to the starting illustration, the intent had been directed towards Yor and Twilight respectively.

Note: Having Nightfall's debut (Mission 29) and introduction (Mission 30) featured in Yuri's volume instead of her own had offered a perspective of seeing the connection of similarities included in both volumes' content.

The assumptions taken in the volume order direction (tategaki) and volume covers combination had been based on the author's release updates for volume 9 and volume 11.

Volume Cover Analysis: Part I

[callester]

The varied degree of seriousness portrayed by the author through Nightfall's demeanour.

Setting: Berlint General Hospital

Mission 67 (Part I): Gerald Gorey

Since the crisis centring around the hospital director had mainly been a minor internal conflict, Nightfall was more relaxed with her thoughts while still debunking Gorey's ill intent.

Mission 77: Thomas Austin

The involvement of an Eden Academy teacher as a patient had led to Nightfall's reduced internal monologue as she observed the teacher's words and actions closely throughout the said session.

Mission 110: Melinda Desmond

Unlike the former two, Melinda's visit had been crucial to WISE's mission; Operation Strix. Due to the increased stake had Nightfall aimed to maximise all efforts of gaining information from the visit, where she seized the chance of interacting with Melinda's chaperone and eventually gained an insight on the situation. From her full-fledged focus had all of her lingering thoughts been completely abandoned, resulting in the absence of her usual internal monologue.

Note: Only those of pure ignorance would take pride in claiming denied truths as part of their discoveries, with most continuously opt to protect their respective fallacies.

[callester]

An additional thematic context on a panel from Mission 28 that is lost amidst translation.

Japanese Manga

• "ロイドさまつてスパルタなの? こわいの?" (Roido sama tsute suparuta nano? Kowai no?)

"Is Mister Loid like Sparta? Is it scary?"

こわい (kowai, 怖い) - scary

The ongoing theme on Sparta was mentioned in Anya and Becky's conversation.

English Translated Manga

• "So what's he like? Is he strict? Does he get angry?"

Though it was absent in the rephrased version of the manga's english translation.

Anime's English Subtitle

• "Is Mister Loid a Spartan? A scary person?"

The translated subtitle in the anime had followed a closer context to the Japanese manga and thus, the term has been maintained.

Metaphor: "Sparta"

Twilight had referred Nightfall's skills to the standard of Ancient Sparta while Yor related her experience to looking after Yuri in Mission 35.

Note: While rephrased translations aim to capture the context of the respective language's native speakers, leaving out the thematic details throughout the series is simply a loss.

[callester]

An addition to @ascalide's take on Twilight's Glimpse of a Forgone Possibility in Mission 108.

There were a few instances of Twilight being reminded of his past, despite only displayed vaguely through a nostalgic gaze.

• Mission 3

The first was showcased when Twilight spotted a group of kids hanging out together from the rooftop park.

• Mission 38

The next appeared after the first intersect with Donovan Desmond, where Twilight had expressed a similar gaze towards Damian, Emile, and Ewen from a nearby academic building.

• Mission 108

Unlike the former two instances, a view from Twilight's flashback was shown in a fleeting comparison to his current view.

The differences that came with these occurrences were based on Twilight's viewing perspective.

• Third person perspective

The scenes from Mission 3 and Mission 38 were respectively viewed from the elevated ground of the building Twilight was in. The distance stretch between him and the subjects, as well as the lack of contact with them had provided him with the role of an observer.

• First person perspective

The scene from Mission 108, on the other hand, were viewed from a same-levelled ground and due to the presence of an interaction between himself and the observed subjects, Twilight was directly included into the scene. This had all contributed to bearing a starking resemblance to a memory featuring his childhood friends in a similar festive setting.

The glimpses of Damian, Emile, and Ewen far ahead of their respective guardians may also be viewed metaphorically as the past and the present of three individuals. Thus, the scene altogether had allowed Twilight to foresee an impossible future IF his friends had lived, as highlighted in the colourisation.

Note: Interpretations shall only be done once the bigger picture forms itself, for accepting assumptions made halfway would cause deception on oneself through their own thoughts.

[callester]

Against the stereotypical views faced by different characters throughout the series.

Existence of individualism

Where each individual's life experience and thought process are all matters of subjectivity.

Sense of responsibility

Where each consideration on behalf of another exists, regardless of its expression or lack of it.

Possessed competence

Where superficial assumptions are surpassed through one's intellect.

Resolved nature

Where biased judgements are vanquished through one's loyalty.

Note: Stereotypical criticisms would only flourish at the expense of the critics' threatened insecurities on the scrutinised subject, be it a character or their thought process alone.

[callester]

An attempt on deciphering Endo's Japanese-English hybrid message for OPERATION <JUMP FESTA 2025> illustration.

Stage wo mitari goods wo get sitari food wo tabetari site JF wo mankitsu seyo.

ステージを見たりgoodsをgetしたりfoodを食べたりしてJFを満喫せよ。

Suteji o mitari goods o get shitari food wo tabetarishite JF wo mankitsuseyo.

Enjoy JF (Jump Festa) by watching the stage, getting goods, and eating food.

-CAUTION-

Tanin ni meiwaku wo kakeru bekarazu.

他人に迷惑をかけるべからず。

Tanin ni meiwaku wo kakeru bekarazu.

Don't cause trouble to others.

-OKAERI NO SAI-

-お帰りの際-

Okaeri no sai

When returning home

Mission kansuigo wa anzen ni kitaku seyo. Kaze wo hikanuyou atatakaku seyo. Home ni kaeru made ga ensoku.

Mission完遂後は安全に帰宅せよ。風を引かぬよう暖かくせよ。Homeに帰るまでが遠足。

Mission kansuigo ha anzen ni kitakuseyo. Kaze wo hikanuyou atatakakuseyo. Home ni kaeru made ga ensoku.

After mission completion is to go home safely. Avoid the wind and stay warm. Until you get home, it's an excursion.

Note: Another message deciphering attempt based on my basic Japanese language knowledge and some assumptions done on the romanised words. Looking forward to more future installations!

[callester]

A cool visualisation on Nightfall's cold rejection, (while in-theme to the absence of Christmas in this universe)!

Cold Rejection: Illustrated

Greetings! The holiday season is coming closer and the festive feeling is getting stronger. Inspired by the Mistlefoe™ christmas idea that surfaced in tumblr a few years ago as well as the application of the joke into the Spy × Family universe in an incorrect quote by @callester, I happen to decide on illustrating it into a chibi version.

If any of you are wondering, this is from Mission 85 of the Spy × Family manga featuring Nightfall's combat with Winston Wheeler.

With the fact that the Spy × Family universe does not celebrate Christmas, I think this idea of the Mistlefoe™ is impressively suitable as an alternative celebration!

All in all, I hope you had fun. Hope to see you soon in the next post ❄

[callester]

Cold Rejection

Wheeler: *walks under the mistletoe and notices it* Oh? I guess we should ki-

Nightfall: The rules have changed, Winston Wheeler.

Wheeler: Wh-

Nightfall: *punches in canon*

Wheeler: *half dead under the mistletoe*

Nightfall: *walks away, unbothered* Disgusting.

[Guide: Normal for spoken words, itallic for unspoken thoughts.]

Note: A festive incorrect quotes prompt based on Mistlefoe™ featuring Nightfall and Wheeler, as inspired by Mission 85.

[callester]

The fandom during the author's hiatus:

Note: Glad to finally hear from the author himself.

[callester]

Colleagues' dynamic parallels between Nightfall and Yuri in the cases of Zacharis Dossier retrieval and Chicken Circle investigation (feat. Twilight and Chloe).

• Joint Mission

As assigned by the respective superior of WISE (Handler) and SSS (First Lieutenant)

• Cover Story

Both missions involved the utilisation of being a couple as a cover story to the public eye.

• Fatal Overeach

Both Yuri and Nightfall decided to swiftly complete the mission through their impulsive means.

• Wisdom and Acceptance

Alarmed by the harm and danger that came with such action had Twilight and Chloe warned the possible dire consequences that await.

From there had the two chose to accept the verbal concern from their superior.

• Distracted Dismissal

Upon recovering from their rashed mistakes had Yuri and Nightfall dismissed the passed wisdom in resuming their personal pursues.

Note: Being too fixated with the assumption where all encounters in life as part of one's "destiny" would lead to the neglect on the importance of camaraderie, an element that is crucial in facing odds faced in the reality.

[callester]

A continuation of Mission 99's poll.

Extending from the most-voted choice:

[callester]

Contradictions portrayed by Wheeler through his apparent deviated nature when facing off Nightfall.

Unlike the ruthlessness showcased in eliminating the Westalis Intelligence agents in his escape through the utilisation of all available means (a gun discarded by an agent and using one of them as a shield), Wheeler seemed to have tuned down his aim when coming across WISE's intercept in Shellbury.

Despite having regained an advantage of breaking free from their temporary capture as well as seizing possession of a knife along the way, his supposed offensive throw had landed perfectly on the tip of the gun instead of injuring its holder, Nightfall. And judging by the fatal aim shown when ridding the Westalian agents (Mission 81), the knife's aim was likely to have been calculated when the throw was made.

Opposing his maintained radio silence throughout his escape from Westalis (Mission 81), Wheeler seemed to insist on a continuous conversational attempt with Nightfall upon their encounters, including unsolicited remarks on Nightfall's "cold-hearted" personality.

Feeling triumphant upon discovering Nightfall's "sentimental attachment" had caused Wheeler to tempt her explosive anger, in which eventually led to his own defeat by the end of their clash.

Note: While posing as an intimidating antagonist in this arc, Wheeler's contradicting demeanor throughout his interactions with Nightfall had been an interesting side case to observe upon.

Wheeler's Arc Parallels: Part I • Part II • Part III

[callester]

Further scrutinisation on Wheeler's Arc details, as continued from the previous takes (links below).

• Disguises' Foreshadow

The name play on Shellbury ("shell" + "bury") may act as a foreshadow to this arc's pinpoint on the slipping (buried) layer of one's protection (shell), as showcased in Twilight's close call of almost having his face revealed by Wheeler.

• Border Symbolism

Due to Shellbury being a town at the (northside) border of Westalis and Ostania, the location alone became the symbolism on the clash between the two countries' exact counterparts.

Bearing the same role of a skilled intelligence agent, Twilight and Wheeler became the main target of the SSS and WISE respectively, all while actively trying to tip the balance into their side's favour upon clashing.

Possessing the same sense of determination, Yuri and Nightfall came into an equal role of the persistent pursuer of Twilight and Wheeler.

Thus, the main narration perspectives of this arc had mainly focused on them due to their close calls on their respective target, as highlighted through their forward gazes (breaking the fourth wall) in Volume 13's special illustration (full analysis here).

Another worthwhile note on Yuri and Nightfall's parallels would be their contribution in stopping their targets' tracks, differed only by the sequence of events:

》 Yuri's battle with Twilight had led to his fall in the hands of Wheeler.

》 Nightfall's clash with Wheeler later had similarly cause the latter to be defeated as well.

• Strength-building

With Nightfall finding the irony in her intensive tennis rematch training to have reduced the severity of her injury, Yuri had similarly began his own with the thought of improving his own strength to capture Twilight the next time they met. Interestingly, Yor acted as the main motivator in both cases.

Note: Due to the author's flawless inclusion of numerous intricate details throughout the storyline, different connections are only realised upon every reread. And thus, this is yet another part for the analysis (series, at this point) on Wheeler's Arc.

While catching up to the latest release on a timely basis had been a source of pride to most, missing out the hints included in the main narration's background would cause one to stray further away from its actual intent upon such ignorance.

Wheeler's Arc Analysis: Parallels I • Parallels II • Contrasts

[callester]

A scrutiny into Twilight's remark in Mission 107 between the Japanese and English translated manga.

Japanese Manga

• "だとしてもオレは..." (Datoshitemo ore ha...)

"Even so, I..."

だとしても (datoshitemo) - even so

オレは... (ore ha / ore wa) - I...

With the latter part of the sentence composed of "オレ (ore, I)" and the topic particle "は ("ha", pronounced as "wa")", "オレは... (ore ha)" had directly meant "I...". The trailing end (...) of this sentence had indicated the incomplete nature of the remark due to the emphasis that was left unspoken in this scene, making Twilight's statement vague and neutral in this context.

English Translated Manga

• "And yet, here I am..."

Straying off the literal meaning of the japanese counterpart of the same sentence, the English translated version offered a slightly different view. Taking the sentence as it is, the meaning behind it seemed to suggest that the speaker expressed a sense of agreement towards the discussed topic while currently doing an opposing action. Thus, most would see this remark as one of "regret", with the trailing end of it greatly emphasising the speaker's uncertain stance.

Though if both versions are to be taken into equal consideration, the trailing end of "here I am..." could reflect the japanese version's take but only when the sentence is viewed as incomplete instead being concluded rather doubtfully by the speaker.

Additional Context: Background Interruption

Still bearing the same thoughtful expression in the following panel, Damian's victory exclaim must have been the cause to Twilight's interrupted monologue. Thus, this further solidifies the incomplete nature of the sentence instead of the "remorseful" stance assumed by some.

Note: Despite the effort poured into ensuring translations to be done within the context of a selected language, losing the initial intent of the story from its source would result to misleading details and perceptions. Hence, this post is another instance of the difference across the japanese manga and its english translation.

While it lies in the majority to rejoice upon the found flaws of others, bearing the wrong perception on it would be as fruitless as pinpointing it in the first place.

[callester]

"Ignorance, the root and stem of every evil" (Plato)

無理とはなんて無力でなんて悪

(muchi to ha nante muryoku de nante aku)

Ignorance is powerlessness and evil.

Powerlessness • 無力 (むりょく, muryoku)

In the wake of his lost, Twilight came to acknowledge the vagueness of the reality he lived in as he lack the power to save his friends as well as the comprehension on the reason behind the seemingly unending clash.

Evil • 悪 (あく, aku)

Through such realisation had Twilight concluded that being ignorant towards the present truth as "evil", where continuing down the path of relentlessly fight for an unclear purpose, as most was driven into, could not bring one closer to a desirable outcome in the future.

子どもが泣かない世界それを作りたくてオレはスパイになったんだ

(kodomo ga nakanai sekai sore wo tsukuritakute ore ha supai ni nattanda)

To make a world where children do not cry, I became a spy.

Rooted to his shattered childhood had Twilight aimed to reach a future where such past could no longer repeat itself, and thus chose to trail down a path that could grant him realistic means of moving the present towards such hope for the sake of its successors to come.

Note: In dimissing a vision due to a proclaimed sense of naivety would all hope be diminished, for no effort is given in even changing the present. And through such lens had most continue to cast doubt and criticise anything that appear to be more advanced than all that existed in the current time.

In imagining a perfected ideal would all hope exist as mere thoughts, for nothing from one's mind is actually obtained. And from holding on to such flawless idea had most turn a blind eye to the extent of their own capabilities amidst the ongoing present.

With almost anyone fitting to either side of the two contrasts easily, it should dawn in one's realisation where uttering criticisms and bearing dreams alone could not help to secure a better future envisioned by the minds of all. An ideal would remain as an ideal until it could be realised into the real world through the collective yet realistic means taken in moving towards the shared vision.

[callester]

An interpretation on the ideal echoed in Mission 107.

Vision of an Ideal

"How I hope that these children are able to remain forever unburdened by the statures and standpoints of their parents, and continue seeking out their own happiness of their own accord. It may not be my place to hope for such things, but I cannot help but wish it all the same."

In the light of witnessing the liveliness shared by the children at the festival, the ideal that was stated out by Jeeves had reached an unanimous agreement from the parents' side.

Trailing a realistic path

"And yet, here I am..."

Giving a ponder on the sentiment discussed in his background while glancing over at Anya from the distant, Twilight came to conclude his take on the said matter rather incompletely (due to being being cut off by Damian's victorious exclaim).

Despite the brief glimpse into his thoughts, his words alone were sufficient in portraying the awareness on the truth behind the spoken ideal that had long since existed in himself. Though instead of only holding onto it as a core belief, he chose to view it all in a rather realistic perspective of eventually reaching the said ideal.

Thus, from prioritising such objective-based approach had Twilight been associated with a false assumption of bearing "guilt" or "remorse" over all actions and considerations taken throughout Operation Strix.

Note: Discarding the subjectivity that comes with reality, most would opt to maintain a simplistic view of comparing righteousness between two contrasts and proceeds to choose the side that fits a generally-accepted norm over rational judgements. And trailing down such path would one ultimately lose sight of the truth.

[callester]

An alternative view on the interactions between the Desmonds in Mission 106.

Right after Damian's first attempt of starting a conversation with Donovan at the beginning of the chapter, Demetrius can be seen consuming his dinner in a rather continuous flow to the point where his speed eventually led to finishing most of his dishes first as compared to his family members.

While Demetrius can be seen as nonchalant towards the rare family dinner to the point of aiming to conclude it as soon as possible, his course of action had eventually gave way to a sliver of alone time between Donovan and Damian, right after Melinda similarly taking the cue to leave the table, in which had enabled Donovan to directly address Damian, despite only through short comments that thus strucked a sense of deep satisfaction in the latter.

Another instance taken from the past (Mission 37) would be the brief phone conversation between Demetrius and Damian, where upon the latter's request of meeting up with their father after the Imperial Scholars mixer, Demetrius had spoken up the possibility of Donovan not making it due to his busy nature in avoiding Damian from getting his hopes too high up. And despite the rather formal-like exchange between the two, Demetrius still left a space for Damian in case he needed to ask anything more before hanging up.

Note: Viewing things from the outer perspective of a situation would always grant the viewer with the ability of making effortless judgements, where most would be able to tell if one is better or worse than the other in an almost mirroring scenario, unconsciously leading them to assume which of the two is the "more correct" version and thus, adapting and expecting the said ideal to be a part of the majority's norm or standards.

Despite such ideal assumption, the reality has never strayed from its subjectivity, for not all matters could be addressed and solved simply through spoken words, with an instance being Demetrius' subtle actions showcased in this chapter. Hence, to attempt to fit everyone into the frame of a perceived perfect norm is a lost cause to begin with.