#BUT KOTOKO DOOR!!!

[good-beans]

Listening to Mili's new song and the rapid fluctuation between "hehe, mundane words and unpoetic realities sound goofy in a song, how silly :)" and "this manages to perfectly capture my exact dream of the future which is, in fact, the only reason I'm making it through each ridiculous, pessimistic, lonely day OKAY"

[plan-3-tmars]

kotoko in deep cover:

[good-beansdraws]

Deep Cover thumbnail redraw 🐺🐺🐺

[dearmahiru-archive]

when you're a self-righteous girl with a sympathetic reason for your murder but morally gray because of your rigid belief system + the threat you pose to your fellow prisoners

anyway for the "it's terrible shidou got the highest inno percentage" crowd you can fight back. vote amane and kotoko inno for them to gang up on him and break his kneecaps. #feminism

[captainstrawberrywings]

KOTOKO LOOK SO COOL

Deep Cover with be coming out on November 29th the Cover is Streaming Heart and the Voice Drama is YONAH

And with that all of the season 2 cd door covers have been RELEASED HECK YEAH

[good-beanswrites]

🎬 here! Thanks for reading my long rambles! It's okay, I didn't mind sending it again (it's either eaten by the void oooooor I was half asleep and thought I sent it). I read something about Es cover and I thought up something really silly in this AU.

I take the prisoners can hear Es' thoughts on their crimes (instead or our thoughts in this AU I mean), like talk out loud on their thoughts and the prisoners could hear. Imagine this. SOMEONE overheard Es singing the prisoner's songs after watching their MVs (listen, they're catchy) and that someone gathered everyone over to flipping eavesdrop on Es.

They get to enjoy Es' singing from the other side of the wall...and maybe make fun of how they sing some songs (Fuuta cackling at how monotone Es sang Mahiru's first song cause I remember Es seiyuu said that's how Es would have sang it).

Omg of course -- they're so fun and fitting, I really enjoyed them all!! And that'd be great aw! I definitely pictured there being microphones/recording devices in Es' room, for Jackalope and the team to listen in on as Es talks through their theories out loud (combined with a thorough journal). So I love the thought of the prisoners getting a little announcement in their cells like "hey, I know it isn't typical protocol to give you the live feed from the warden's room, but uh... you're gonna want to hear this..."

There's a silent, ongoing bet about the next song Es likes enough to sing. Yeah, Mahiru is horrified ("they sang mine all wrong!") and Fuuta takes the chance to poke a bit of fun about it. Singing Weakness and After Pain tugs on the group's heartstrings; it reminds them how young and emotional Es is. Plus, Muu is flattered that her song was the first one they found catchy enough to sing. Everyone is blown away by MeMe (and if they're anything like me, a little obsessed with how similar Es and Mikoto's voices are at certain parts).

Meanwhile, Kazui and Kotoko try not to take it too personally that Es never thought to sing theirs during the whole trial ;---;

[blueepink07]

Kotoko'a door is so gorgeous!! I love the colours so much and the door??

I will look into it more when I have free time, but I like the claw marks which are making a reference to the wolves (hope they appear again in her new MV) and I think it's a weighing scale on the door???

[lwy-0009]

The milgram door collection is complete

btw favourite door?

[qrevo]

i don't want Deep Cover in december i want it NOW *sends a kinectic mind wave that explodes everything in a 20km radius*

[kyouka-supremacy]

BSD Anthologies Masterlist

I couldn't find a comprehensive (and with still working links) masterlist of the translated anthology chapters so. Here we go! Biggest shoutout to this other masterlist by @/yokohama-drip for most of the chapter references and to bsd-bibliophile for chapters 7 and 12 of the first and second anthologies. Titles translation credits go to the bsd wiki. Happy reading!

Edit: Thank you so much @amythedemisimp for the precious additions!!!

1-5 raws

First Anthology -Rei-

Don't Get a Stomachache to Gain a Friend by Hideki

The Things I Hate, the Things I Like by Ichi Kotoko

The Devil Comes and Takes Care by KanaiNeco

Kenji 100% by Enya Uraki

The Detective Agency's Manju Incident by Ui Kashima

A Quiz During Work by Mito Aoi

Karl's Resentment by Tsubata Nozaki /// alternative translation

The Things I Like by Con Kitora

Me and the Cake and Sometimes the Pug by Kazuki Tōgō

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's Suffering by Akamaru

Fortune-telling Will Bring Good Luck by Yūto Masagishi

Icy Weather by Tam Chashibu

What is a Partner...? by Akaza Samamiya

Second Anthology -Hana-

The Detective Agency and the Port Mafia's Holidays by Mikan Aka

Time Sale is a Battlefield by Guru Mizoguchi

Q's Stroll Day by Kazusa Subaru

Osamu Dazai Quiz Tournament by Hinoki Kino

Ruler! Fitzgerald's Room by KanaiNeco

Thirty-two. Episode Five by Kakashi Tano

Ichiyō Higuchi's Off Duty Top Secret Mission by Ataru Hida

A Restaurant with Many Literary Masters by Ko Nikaido

A Timid Person's Day by Masahiro Jinno

Hot Pots and Holidays by Sho Kimiduka

The Tiger's Repayment by Kotaro

Sweet Outing by Yuzuru Kuzukiri /// alternative translation

Bungos' Joint Social Gathering by Hideki

Stray Dogs' Lucky Spot Disagreement by Noka Nogami

Third Anthology -Rin-

Mother by Hideki /// alternative translation

The Mafia Inadvertently Read a Novel Written on a Whim and Reincarnated in a Parallel Universe by Hinoki Kino /// alternative translation

As You Wear It by Akira Hirahara /// alternative translation

The Devil's Automatic Door by Nanora /// alternative transaltion

How to Find Happiness by Kanae Ikushima /// alternative translation

Hello, Again Winter Dreams. by Pyaa /// alternative translation

The Visitor in the Rain by Togekinoko /// alternative translation

Because My Senior's Healthcare is Also My Job by Roku Sakura /// alternative translation

Good Weather, Cat Storm by Osawa /// alternative translation

Breakfast Situation by Miki Daichi /// alternative translation

Elise-chan, a Smartphone Application by KanaiNeco /// alternative translation

Q's Suffering by Hiko Nekome /// alternative translation

Tiger, Sometimes Cat by Taichi Miya /// alternative translation

The Port Mafia's Medical Check-up by Sakurana Haru

With a Hat, a Man and a Beef Bowl by Oda

Fourth Anthology -Akatsuki-

Poe and Ranpo and Enter and Black Tea by Imaru Adachi /// alternative translation

Apple Demon by Nykken

A Little Break by Siroisora

Exciting Grab Bag by Toriyasu

All Quiet on the Black Cloth Front by Mari Araki

Hirotsu-san's Coffee Shop by Yashino Ayashiro

The Client is a Cute Ghost by Otakumi

The Little Visitor in the Rain by Togekinoko

Fully Automatic Suicide Machine by Zero Akabane

Why Did You Come to Japan? by KanaiNeco

The Story of Kunikida Falling Asleep by Saru Hashino

A Hunting Dogs' Holiday by Hinoki Kino

Infernal Day by Asuka Keigen

The Decision is an Oblate that Enwraps the Pain of Life by Hideki

Fifth Anthology -Kanade-

Masterlist by @/zilinks

Sixth Anthology -Mutsumi-

Given to You Based on Your Level and Love by KanaiNeco

Detective Agency Radio by Yu Kira

GET UP LUCY!! by Kabotya

Poe, Wine and the Setting Sun by Imaru Adachi

Shindafuri Dai Sakusen by Yuri Tsukushiro

Hanachidori by iyutani

What Style Are You? by Kiyo Hasui

'Hitori' yori 'hanbun' by Neno

The Angel's Rest by Mari Araki

Mottomo Erai Egoisuto by Mutsuki Higashioji

Magomusume Sakusen, Zokkō-chū ni Tsuki by Eku Hachida

Boo no Yū by Asato Konami

Do S! Erisu-chan!! by Kakeru Sora

Young Ranpo Wants to Be Praised by Tsuki Anmi (incomplete)

[good-beans]

The fuck is he doing here...

[good-beansdraws]

@apatchworkstar it was supposed to be a quick little mockup of the pose you mentioned, but I got a bit carried away...

I hope she's smug af in her door art!! 😤👏 (Also I know her whole thing is vigilante justice, but between Jackalope calling her our "deputy" and the song title itself I gave her a police station door)

[dearmahiru-archive]

theres something so incredibly hot about how kotoko's the only innocent prison to have visible dilapidation on her door but the claw marks are self-inflicted. can i be next please

oh

[onigiriico]

Kazui audio drama (t2) - English TL

[ links: Spotify / Youtube ]

I cannot believe my hs philosophy class came in handy as I was translating this. Thanks Milgram your references never fail to astound me

Aaanyways you know how it is,, feel free to send an ask or hit me up on Twitter if you’ve got any questions or other feedback re: this translation etc 💪 (<- sincerely hoping that Twitter DMs still work these days)

⬇️ translation under the cut ⬇️

(door opens)

E: I’ve kept you waiting, Kazui.

K: It’s been a while, Warden-kun.

E: Yeah… It has been.

K: Things have gotten pretty tough inside the prison, but… well, you’ve probably heard all about that from the others already, haven’t you?

E: Yeah… I heard that you protected other prisoners from Kotoko. I owe you my thanks.

K: That much is only natural. However… she really is strong, isn’t she? I mean, I’ve experienced some fights myself, but [going up against] a woman like her was a first.

E: Hm… Is she strong enough that even you can’t stop her from doing harm?

K: Well, in cases like this, it’s generally the heavier person who ends up winning. After all, if she really does have proper killing intent, I can’t afford to let her injure anyone. It’s difficult, isn’t it.

E: Is that so…

K: I was afraid that it’d come to this from the very beginning. There’s a lot of young kids here, too. It’d be hard for anyone to keep a decent mentality in a situation like this.

E: …You’re pretty rational.

K: I wonder. Maybe it’s because I’m used to violence. Even so… I couldn’t make it for Shiina-chan. I feel responsible for [what happened to] her.

E: …

K: Well, rest assured, though. As long as I can move, I’ll be protecting [the others]. After all, it’s pretty much just me who can fight her on equal terms.

E: Mikoto, too.

K: Ah… yeah. Like back when he went out of control, right? I can’t quite read him, though… If both of them were to attack us, it’s possible that we’d suffer a total defeat. 

E: A total defeat…?

K: If that happens, this prison game would probably come to an end as well. All of that depends on your judgment, right, Warden-kun? Who will be forgiven by you and who won’t be…

E: What are you trying to say?

K: If at all possible, I would like you to choose a method that will not get any more people hurt. That’s what I’m saying.

E: So you’re telling me to forgive you?

K: (laughs) Oi, oi…! Don’t look at me like that.

E: I’m the Warden. If I forgive you, I forgive you. If I don’t, I don’t. There’s no other factors to it.

K: (sighs) Wouldn’t it be okay? I mean, this situation with prisoners being hurt wasn’t what you wanted either, was it?

E: …

K: Just pretend that you’re looking at our sins, and make your judgment with the protection of the prisoners in mind. After all, nobody can read your mind – so that much craftiness would be fine, don’t you think?

E: Hmph. That’s a very “you” kind of pretentious solution.

K: It’s the most natural conclusion, isn’t it? Do you think it’s a sin to lie in order to protect people?

E: That would be Kant.

K: Kant?

E: A philosopher who stated that lying is inherently a sin, no matter the circumstances.

K: Huh…

E: Apparently, even if your friend is being chased by a murderer and the murderer asks you about their whereabouts, you shouldn’t lie, according to Kant.

K: That’s ridiculous. If you can save someone by telling a lie, that’s what you should do.

E: However… You killed someone with your lies, didn’t you?

K: … Ah… You forgave me, didn’t you? Aren’t you being especially strict towards me?

E: Am I?

K: Mmh, it’s obvious. You said you would figure out my murder by watching the footage of my mind. Is this the result of that?

E: You were unfaithful, right? That’s stupid.

K: Hmm…

E: The reason I forgave you was because I was lacking details. I still don’t understand your true feelings or how things got to that point, either.

K: I see.

E: It was extremely hard to understand. Even with all of that poetry, though, your self-absorbed nature was more than obvious.

K: Ohh my… That’s quite the sweeping generalization, even though you forgave me.

E: It’s a personal dislike of mine. People who act based on their sexual urges like that, that is.

K: It’s personal?

E: Yeah. That’s right.

K: That’s strange. I did think that, despite being neutral as a Warden, you had some things you dislike, but…

E: …

K: Isn’t it unusual to openly reveal a personal dislike as a personal dislike?

E: You’re splitting hairs.

K: Seems like you really disliked my crime… I get it! Maybe it was because you’re so young, which is to say… …

E: Hah? Stop staring at me so openly. It’s disgusting.

K: …

E: …! (punches him)

(clattering)

E: (sighs) Now I feel better.

K: — Ow…! What are you doing all of a sudden…?!

E: It was an instinctive reaction. Don’t take it personally.

K: Would you stop just punching me in the face without hesitation? … (sighs) Anyways… that’s how it is, huh? That’s how it is…?

E: Hah?

K: I didn’t even consider this a possibility… Personal impressions sure can be scary.

E: If you say any more things than this that I don’t get, I’m hitting you again.

K: Geez, cut out the hysterics… Hmm, if it’s like this, that explains some things, though. I don’t have kids, but I’ve heard that this is what it’s like.

E: Hey. Stop blabbering on while looking like you know it all. It’s obnoxious.

K: Hahaha! But you know what? You’re wrong.

E: …? What are you talking about?

K: You’re wrong.

E: …

K: You said I was unfaithful – in other words, that I cheated or committed adultery of some kind.

E: Yeah. That’s what I deduced from your footage.

K: It’s not true. It didn’t even turn into infidelity. It didn’t turn into anything like that. For me… In my case, you see.

E: … You’re married… You’re a married man, aren’t you?

K: Hm? Yeah, that’s right. Oh, right, I never told you, did I?

E: You’ve taken off your ring.

K: … Right… I did take it off, huh. Right…

E: Yeah.

K: Mh. … I do carry it with me, though. See? – I was forgiven. My feelings were validated. So… maybe that means that I don’t have to do this anymore? Thanks to that, I was feeling better when the second trial started… I really do feel sorry about that. Towards my wife.

E: If that ring is a symbol of punishment to you… There really is nothing that could possibly be more cruel towards her.

K: Mmh.

E: Marriage is something that both partners want equally, isn’t it? It’s something you can’t do if only one person wants it. Deciding to treat it as a punishment all on your own… You’re making a mockery out of it.

K: I really am. Ah… She must have thought so as well. My wife, that is.

E: I’ve said this before: You’re a liar. Those lies have killed a person.

K: (sighs)

E: I forgave you. While I wasn’t sure yet, I thought that it didn’t seem like you killed her directly, and with all sorts of things taken into consideration, I judged that your murder was not a sin. However. That doesn’t mean that I’m praising your nature as a liar.

K: Yeah. I believe you’re right about that.

E: In short – between love and hate, [I would say] I hate you. Remember that.

K: … I get that.

E: Huh?

K: I despise myself for lying, too. Being a liar, you see – it’s painful.

E: Heh. Then just–

K: So I’ve tried to change! I’ve tried to change. I have tried to stop lying to myself and others!

E: …

K: I’ve confided in others. I’ve tried to be myself! I’ve tried to just be the way I was born!

E: …Hey, Kazui–

K: It’s not my lies that killed her. She’s dead because I stopped lying to her! If I had just kept lying- She wouldn’t have died…!

E: Kazui…

K: I can’t live unless I lie. That’s how I was born… I’m pathetic, aren’t I?

E: (sighs) I really can’t seem to understand you.

K: …

E: Just when I thought you weren’t letting out any of your true feelings and cleverly hiding your actual emotions… Now here you are, drowning in self-loathing like this.

K: (weak laugh) An old man in unstable condition… that’s not something you’d wanna see, is it. Sorry about that.

E: You know, about Kant…

K: Ah, the one who said you shouldn’t lie even if your friend might get killed.

E: From his point of view, if your friend dies because you didn’t lie, there’s no causal connection between the two… or so I’ve heard.

K: I don’t think so, though…

E: Even if you don’t lie, your friend might survive. And if you do lie, your friend might end up dying on a different occasion. That’s the reason why you’re supposed to always tell the truth.

K: …That’s convincing.

E: It’s not really.

K: Yeah, it’s not.

E: It may not be, but… I thought that for someone who has failed in their attempts to be honest, it might be a [saving] grace so they won’t end up doubting honesty in its entirety.

K: …

E: I still don’t know what happened, but… isn’t it okay to be proud that you made an effort to be honest in the first place?

K: … You’re so kind all of a sudden.

E: I just said what I was thinking. And besides – I forgave you. I made it as if your sin wasn’t a sin at all. And yet, you don’t seem the slightest bit relieved.

K: I know right.

E: Everyone else seems more or less liberated by the fact that they were forgiven.

K: That’s right.

E: Just from that… I understand that having your feelings approved of by someone else can have a major impact on the development of one’s personality.

K: …

E: However… You have not forgiven yourself. That’s why you can’t change.

K: …

E: Alternatively, even if your lying self was forgiven… it would still do nothing to help you.

K: …Aah, you really are impressive. You think so much.

E: I am watching over ten troublesome prisoners, after all. Even if I don’t want to, I’m being relied on.

K: I haven’t forgiven myself… even if my lies are forgiven, it won’t resonate [with me]. It might just be both of these. All the lies I’ve told are tying me down. Ever since I was little, I’ve never truly opened myself to anyone. But in the end, people can’t be saved if they don’t [open up]. And by now, it’s gotten to a point where I can’t do it by myself anymore…

(machinery whirrs, bell rings)

K: I did think Milgram would be able to force its way past that, though.

E: Is that an attempt at provocation?

K: You didn’t manage to reach my sin.

E: …

K: Even though I want you to… Milgram isn’t so great after all, is it?

E: …Heh. Don’t push yourself too hard, after all that whining from earlier.

K: Ha. [This is] the wish of a liar who’s reached a dead end – come and figure out my lies, Milgram. And, Es… please, free me from these lies.

E: Yeah. Leave it to me. – Prisoner no.7, Kazui. Sing your sins.

[blueepink07]

Kotoko door analysis

(slight mentions of murder and violence)

In this post, I'll try my best to analyse Kotoko's door art! It will have 4 sections! Feel free to skip to which one you want, but I can't guarantee that there aren't parts in which I correlate what I say with an earlier phrase!

1. Colours

2. Door

3. Door elements

4. Kotoko - body language and item

Colours

The predominant colour for her door is deep pink. It's interesting, because it is very similar with her song title!

This shade of pink is often associated with boldness, exitement and something alarming.

Kotoko is excited to work with us, as stated in her voice lines for the second trial. She promises to use her strength for Es in order to punish the evildoers, happy that there is someone who she thinks understands her views.

"Kotoko: To be honest, I don't know your true intentions. And I don't know whether you are a similar person with similar thoughts. Who knows, maybe it's just my delusion of wishful thinking."

Kotoko is working alone most of the time during her MV. Her desires to change the world and punish the evil, are aspects that even she knows that are very hard to achieve alone. Despite the "lone wolf" saying and association with many characters, wolves are animals that work better together, as a pack. They are loyal and care about eachother, they hunt better and protect, having a common objective of self-preservation.

Kotoko's frustration and desperation in this voice line, illustrates that people, in general, aren't very fond of her actions and wishes. She yells at them, because she's tired of having to explain her desires. On top of that, the fact that she has to work alone, means that she is hardly achieving what she wants.

"From the beginning I've never asked for your understanding! My actions, one by one, are bringing earth closer to peace. Useless Weaklings should just shut up and let me protect them!"

When she sees Es, she can't shake the oportunity of not working with them. She is hoping for a change, and thinks that maybe, just maybe, she finally found the right person, the right partner.

"Kotoko: Let's shake hands. We will be companions."

Boldness is really self-explanatory considering Kotoko's character. She is not afraid to put herself in danger, because she is confident in her skills. In order to protect people, she is overworking herself and fights untill exhaustion. By calling herself a "fang", it indicates how she has the tendecy to consider herself a weapon, an intem used to deliver justice, showing how little concern she has for her well-being.

"Good morning, Es. I’m Yuzuriha Kotoko. I’m your fangs."

Deep pink is a colour that cathes people attention. It is composed from red and white, the darker the pink, the more red used. This colour is associated with something alarming, basically danger. It is a nice parallel, considering that Kotoko attacked the guilty prisoners, and is a dangerous person in the eyes of the evildoers.

Moreover, intense pinks often creates a sense of urgency. In the MV, Kotoko is seen running almost constantly, never taking a break, and trying her hardest to find clues and take action. She is determinated to deliver justice and to pursue her work. Along with her desperate and strong singing, the urgency can be felt and seen.

Next, we have a shade of teal, which is used for the text!

Teal symbolises individuality, renewal, morality, practicality, welcoming, logical, private.

Individuality -> Kotoko is seen as an unique person due to her unusual wishes. She is not understood by many, she gave up on asking people to understand her, although she craves for support and help.

Morality -> she has a strong sense of justice and such learned to distinguish what's bad or good, right or wrong. Moreover, being a law student, means that she wants to pursue a career based on these principles.

Practicality, renewal -> Kotoko is trying her hardest to give her best, even more now that she has Es as a partner. Practicality can also mean "usefulness" or "utility". Combined with Kotoko's views about herself, in which she considers as a weapon to be used, it makes a lot of sense with her character.

"(laughs) Just as I hoped. So you want to work together with me, right? I’ll live up to your expectations and use up all of my power for you."

Welcoming -> Kotoko offered Es to work together, basically welcoming them to team up. Even now, this most likely represents her willingness to continue the deal, looking at Es with a pround grin, in a way that express her happiness that she has a partner.

Logical, private -> Kotoko, despite offering to work with Es, didn't reveal much information about herself, other than her beliefs. Although she wants to work with us, for logical reasons, she keeps details in the unfortunate event that she might be betrayed. Also, in her MV, she is shown carefully finding information, analysing it and, then, going into action. She carefully plans, and keeps her identity anonymous, the best example being Kotoko hurting the man from the alley with men boots, for the police to not suspect her.

Door

Now that we covered the colours, let's proceed to the door.

Due to medieval style that it has, and because the material used it's most likely iron, I think it looks very similar with a dungeon door.

"A dungeon is a room or cell in which prisoners are held, especially underground. Dungeons are generally associated with  medieval castles, though their association with tortue probably belongs more to the Renaissance period."

Considering the definition, I think it fits a lot with Kotoko. She sees herself as Es's companion, above the other prisoners, whom she beats up based on our judgement. The torture part isn't far fetched either, seeing the state Mahiru and Fuuta are during this trial and, who knows, maybe even in the next.

However, the appearance of the dungeons can have a bigger correlation with Kokoko's character. Dungeons are places of torture and imprisonment, therefore they correlate with deeply hidden, unconscious thoughts and fears.

It's no wonder that her VD will be pretty much Kotoko and Es discussing her current actions and the deal. Even in the song preview, she is asking why do we want to stop her? Isn't it what justice is about?

Kotoko might feel a litte betrayed by Es, who doesn't want to continue this vigilante justice in the prison. As I stated before, Kotoko is very happy, having Es as a companion, with whom her work is easier, feeling more closer to ending her mission of eradicating the evildoers. Kotoko is a logical person, so I think that deep down she will realize easily that her and Es don't have the same ideals and principales. She was alone for a long time, her wishes not being seen with good eyes by others. I don't think Kotoko doesn't fear deep down that Es will betray her, if she'll be voted guilty, although these things will surely be hidden by her tough front. She is scared of not having a purpose, a way to prove herself, and without Es, all these things will dissapear.

Moreover, the fact that this door is the most "open" in the sense that, due to the iron bars, we can see the darkness, her subconscious, it indicates that she'll probably be the most open to share her views, new details about the crime. After all, even in the first voice drama, she has no fear in letting Es see her "heart", and now, she has the same attitude.

"Kotoko: After all, Es, you can touch (access) my heart (inner world), right? Through songs and videos..

Es: That is correct.

Kotoko: Then there's no problem. People who understand will automatically do so."

Kotoko, in reality, didn't change much, but she become more confident, because now she has a reason to give justice, a new purpose. In a way, it's like an addiction for Kotoko, this feeling of being right and punishing evil. And it was even more pronounced, because of our vote and deal. An addiction it's not something that you can get rid off easily: the more you do, the more you want it and need it.

"Don't stop/ I need a good reason to give justice/ Give me my next purpose"

Now, this will be just a speculation on my part, but based on the fact that dungeons can symbolise (the deepest fears and thoughts), and that the door is the "most open", I think we will dig much deeper in Kotoko's subconscious, maybe finding more elements of her relationship with her own desires and the lack of self care, maybe even more information about why she made this decision of dedicating herself for justice. Even if these things will not happen, what I'm sure of is that Kotoko's MV will be a banger!

Door elements

Because we covered the door itself, we will continue analysing the elements from it: the wolf claw marks, the eye and the weighing scale.

The claw marks

"The imagery of the claw has long been associated with the idea of the hunter, the protector, and the warrior. The sharp edges of the claw symbolises our ability to defend ourselves and our loved ones and represents the primal force that stirs within us. Whether carved from stone or crafted from metal, the claw symbolises the strength and perseverance that lies within us all."

No wonder, claw marks symbolise Kotoko's strenght and ability to protect others, as well as her ferocity when she is giving punishments to evildoers. It's not the first time when she feels connected to the wolves, seeing herself as a part of the pack. She is determinated to achieve her goals of eradicating evil from the world.

Claw marks can symbolise passion and intense emotions. The intoxicating feeling that Kotoko has every time she manages to find a bad person, when she has a new purpose, a new utility. Also, it can illustrate Kotoko's lack of sympaty for these kind of people and how she doesn't feel any remorse, being pround of her actions.

I would also want to point out the rust:

Although ruin, most of the time, symbolises neglect and decay, further accentuating Kotoko's murder and the beatings in the prison, which resulted in Mahiru being on the brink of death, it can also represent endurance and impermanence.

"Rust is also a reminder of impermanence. It serves as a symbol of the fact that everything in life is temporary and has an expiration date. It can serve as a reminder to cherish the present moment and not take anything for granted."

In this case, Kotoko will most probably lose her power and authority that it was granted to her by Es, when accepting the deal. She exploited this new power, by punishing the guilty prisoners without Es's knowledge, being convinced that their ideals are totaly aligned. In the end, this deal will turn out to be nothing but temporary, depending on her future verdict.

Also, isn't it interesting how every claw mark has three scratch marks (Fuuta's number), and together they are six (Mahiru's number)?

Weighing scale

"The scales (specifically, a two-pan, beam balance) are one of the traditional symbols of justice, as wielded by statues of Lady Justice. This corresponds to the use in a metaphor of matters being "held in the balance"."

This one is a pretty known fact, that scales represent justice, fairness and equal treatment.

Justice is pretty much the main part of Kotoko's character, so no wonder that we have an association with the lady of justice. However, it's important to remember that we are the ones that are voting the characters, Kotoko is just following our decisions. So not only it serves as a reminder for the deal established, but also at our own hypocrisy. Our judgements are nothing but impure, they are not fair, because our biases come to play. So seeing this weighing scale, which is supposed to represent fairness, it's quite funny. To further highlight my point, the eye on the door is not covered, not even closed.

So in the end, it's an interesting way to show our hypocrisy and Kotoko's, because, she's following our judgement without bothering to find more information about their specific crimes, blindly trusting Es, in the process.

Eye

Considering that we talked about the eye, let's continue with it.

The way is shaped, and because of the big emphasis of showing more Kotoko's right eye (here, in the door art, but also, in the thumbnail), this more likely represents the eye of Ra.

What is the eye of Ra?

"The Egyptian eye is found in various amulets. The idea here is that it can help push the negative energy away while bringing harmony back into your life. It's interesting because a lot of pharaohs were using it as a way to protect themselves while also destabilizing the government. That said, you need to be careful if you choose to invoke this energy. It can sometimes become violent and out of control."

This eye represents very well the situation that we have with Kotoko. If we consider her the eye of Ra, it can easily illustrate how we "invoked" her by making this deal, in order to protect us and give us information about the life in prison, but she became too violent and went out of control, punishing the guilty prisoners without Es's acord.

What's even more interesting is that eye of Ra amulets were most of the time coloured in a dark crimson colour to ward against evil spirits. Kotoko has dark crimson eyes, the similarities between this eye and her are fascinating!

Moreover, there is a legend in which the human Ra become old and weak, so people started to disregard his laws and rules. Annoyed, he punished the people, sending his daughter Ra's lion eye, which anihilated almost all humanity!

A summary of the legend: feel free to skip!

"According to legend, the human Ra was old and frail, and because of this, his people began to disregard his laws and directives. To punish his people, he dispatched his daughter, Ra’s lion’s eye. The eye grew enraged and annihilated humanity. The gods were worried that the eye would kill everyone. Ra got his eyes drunk on red beer and passed out. The eye then calmed down and returned to Ra."

There are other myths too. For example, one of them, which is very similar with what Kotoko is doing this trial, states that the Eye of Ra is designed to acquire information. Then justice is brought based on the info accumulated by the eye.

"Kotoko: Using you, in the position of a prison guard, with information you received from the interrogations. Paired with me, in the position of a prisoner, with information I receive from my life in prison… us sharing it. What do you think?"

Anyway, I think we talked enough about this eye, let's proceed to next section, which is the last!

Kotoko - body language and item

Kotoko's shown grinning at us with a confident attitude, quite proundly, having one of her hands on her hips, and in the other holding a baton.

Grin

"Grin is defined as a facial expression that expresses the feeling of pleasure, amusement, or insincere. The body language carried out for this expression is that the person smiles in the manner that his mouth is open and the teeth are visible."

Feeling of pleasure of having found her "awaited hero" and punishing the people who have sinned.

Hand on hip

"The hand on hip pose usually means you're feeling confident and ready to take action."

Kotoko is demonstrating us that she is ready to do whatever "next purpose" or task we are giving her. She is looking at us like we are her partner, and she can't wait to take again action!

Also:" just like how the pose can make you feel more confident, placing your hands on your hips can assure you that you’re capable and know what you’re doing."

At the same time, she is also reassuring herself and her actions, probably thinking that the task ahead or "the dirty work" as she calls it in VD, will be difficult, but, at the same time, will bring her the satisfaction of knowing that she contributed more in punishing the bad people.

An interesting fact!

"Police officers often place their hands on their hips to show that they’re ready to take charge. This pose is so common in police officers that you might be able to tell that someone is a cop when they’re not in uniform!"

Further implying the new authority that it was granted to Kotoko after the deal!

Considering that we talked about police officers, let's get to the item, more precisely the baton! (btw, kind of upset, because I can't really find something else to talk about her pose, as for other characters! But her door is still one of the prettiest!)

Baton

The first time I've seen the art, I genually thought for a moment that she is holding a sword, realizing shortly after that is just the baton from her second sprite! But, because I made this correlation, I immediately thought, again, at the Lady of Justice, but this time, at her weapon!

"In ancient times, a guilty verdict was executed with a literal swing of the sword on the neck of the accused. The symbolism is thus used to convey the idea that justice, when enforced, should be swift and with finality.

Swords likewise symbolize authority and respect, denoting that justice stands by its every ruling and decision. However, notice that Lady Justice’s sword is unsheathed, meaning justice is always transparent and is never just an implement of fear."

The baton, in this case, is like the sword for the Lady of Justice! (so many associations with her!). Kotoko is using it to showcase her authority and to command respect. Es is the one that "rules" and makes the decisions. Kotoko is the one who is swinging her "sword" and punishes, basically doing the dirty work.

"You're too kind. You can't bear to see the prison changing due to your choices, can you? You need allies. I'll do the dirty work."

This is very long! I am tired, but also excited to see Kotoko's MV! The symbolism, the elements on the door are so fascinating... It actually makes you wonder if Kotoko sees herself as a Lady of Justice in her own way!

Thank you for reading! ~🐺

[punkymaysnark]

Father's Day is such a rough time for the Warriors of Hope, even after adoption...

Nobody's in a worse mood than Masaru. All he can think about is how he spent the first ten years of his life in constant pain and fear. Trapped in a shitty dark house. Being forced to steal beer. Always hurting somewhere. There were days he was even denied food, or forced to sleep in the backyard. He touches the bandaid on his cheek. Under that bandaid is the cigarette burn he was given to scare him into never speaking the truth about his treatment. Just by touching it, he can still smell the smoke coming off that cigarette. Why should that...that bastard get his own day? He was rotting in prison where he belonged, but the damage to Masaru's psyche is done. He's sitting on his bed, clutching his stuffed toy, back facing the door. Yasuhiro tries to reach out, but his little buddy is unwilling to speak. Poor kid.

Finally, at the risk of being bitten, Yasuhiro gets the courage to walk right up to the boy, and land a hand on his shoulder. He winces, expecting Masaru to reflexively whirl around and bite. Instead, Masaru is slow, scowling at him. Hiro continues to smile. It's okay. I know he hurt you and he wouldn't stop hurting you and I'd like to have beat him up myself, but he's not here. I'm here. And I love you so much, so smile, okay? He strokes Masaru with his thumb.

Tears leak into Masaru's eyes. He whimpers. When it was the first weeks here, and Masaru was sick, cold, and utterly terrified, Hiro didn't give up trying to break through his trauma. This is the man who showed Masaru who a dad should be. He held Masaru in his lap and cuddled him for an entire evening. Masaru turns all the way around. Hiro understands the signal and scoops him.

Jataro feels empty. He never saw Dad. Dad must've walked out when he was born. Dad hated him. His whole life, his only exposure to fathers was hearing Masaru and Kotoko rant about their own. He doesn't really know what to do about it. Despondent, he finally settles in Kazuichi's lap while the Ultimate Mechanic is performing his weekly assignment. Kazuichi is nice. Kazuichi...he's kind of like a dad. Kazuichi won't walk out on him and leave him alone. Jataro remembers Kazuichi's look of sympathy when they met the first time, even if it was when Jataro still wore that hideous mask. Kazuichi smiles and gives the boy a light scratching on the cheek. It seems that, after such a rocky start, Jataro finally accepts him as a father figure. And he deserves one. He deserves all the loving family figures in the world. Kazuichi looks back proudly on how he kept showing the little guy affection and concern, and never gave up. His only regret is that he didn't figure out sooner how bad Jataro's abuse had been.

Kotoko is in a similar sour mood to Masaru, but she's better at swallowing it. Papa's in prison. She hopes he stays in prison until he's old and rotting. Speaking of rotting, did you know that rotting things are good for plants and bugs? Yeah. Maybe she'll plant some flowers with Kirumi today.

Papa can't hurt her...but the scars he left on her can. The way he forced her to earn money for the family. That ugly, smelly bed she was forced to stay on. That garish room with no escape. She's shaking. Papa's shadow is still clouding her vision. She still feels his hands on her shoulders sometimes, like right now. She still feels that loose clothing she was forced to wear. Helplessness. She gets the choking feeling of pure helplessness. Fortunately, Gonta notices her staring into space, trembling, mumbling under her breath. Gonta gentleman. When she starts to get a panic attack, Gonta knows to gently press a wet towel on Kotoko's forehead and keep it there. Gonta reminds her where she is. The little girl returns to reality. She is safe. She is truly loved here. Papa is in prison miles away from her. Patient and caring people like Gonta are here to protect her now, and they'll see her through the damage Papa did to her. She gives him an appreciative smile, works her hand into his, and they go outside together. Outside to find rotting things good for plants and bugs.

Nagisa lays on his desk. Father. No matter how safe and loved he is in the academy's walls, it doesn't change how badly he failed his father. And now Father's in prison, too. Why did Nagisa run away from him in the first place? He had such high expectations for Nagisa, only for his own son to ruin everything. With a resigned moan, he slumps over the spelling words he was reviewing and tries not to cry. Byakuya takes notice, and rolls his eyes. How many times has he told Nagisa about his posture? Not that the boy could help but think of his birth father today, he supposed. He gently grips Nagisa by the shoulders and pulls him up straight, fixing his scarf.

Byakuya knows that expression well. Nagisa is worrying about Byakuya giving him expectations again. No, Nagisa. He will never stoop to the level of your father. He'll be here for you, unlike that scum. Byakuya gestures to the cup of tea left for Nagisa. Relax. You're almost done with your work, and you're doing well. He sits next to the boy with his own weekly task in his lap. We'll finish our work together. Nagisa's little hair sprigs perk up, as do the corners of his lips. Byakuya doesn't smile, but Nagisa's learned to detect the approving warmness in the Affluent Prodigy's eyes.

Byakuya hadn't believed that he would want a child in his custody. But on that day, back then, when he realized he was seeing his own childhood self within the lonely, anxious Nagisa, everything fell into place.

Monaca is taken along with Makoto and Komaru to see their parents. She's scared. She tried to kill their parents. She doesn't know how to act for loving parents. She doesn't know if they'll give any love to her. Not that she deserves any. Hmph. Maybe she should try to kill them again. After all, Monaca's parents rejected her, why should she accept the Naegis' parents? During the ride, Makoto keeps giving her little gestures of affection. He's been so proud of her rehabilitation, but it was inevitable that she would slip back into her former personality on days like this. Komaru keeps gazing nervously at Monaca, what if she does snap and try something? She trusts her brother, but she also trusts her own past with Monaca. Monaca trusts her own past, too. Monaca remembers how much her papa beat down any happiness that came from his own half-daughter. Letting her do whatever she wanted just to keep her out of his hair. Hitting her. Insulting her.

But when they finally arrive at their parents' home, she finds herself swept up into the same family hug. Monaca knows these two adults are also nervous about meeting the girl who tried to destroy them, but the more they look at each other, somehow, the more relaxed they all become. After all, as their son assures, Monaca has been doing well in her rehab. Mr. Naegi asks her how she's been, if she wants anything to drink, if she can get to the bathroom all right. He pats her on the head and smiles at her. Monaca tries, but she can't feel much affection welling up in her heart. Her face is blank, which just makes him a little more nervous. Once in a while, she tries to open her mouth to speak, but...no. She just imagines everyone at the table glaring at her. Makoto is sitting next to her, speaking for her. The gentleness of his tone helps her relax, just slightly. Upon relaxing, jealousy boils inside her. He makes having a loving family look so easy.