#But that doesn't mean Aku will be the same

[whathorselegs]

*grabs the fandom by the shoulders* Listen to me, Akutagawa was asked to protect Aya, that does not automatically make him "another father figure", we do not have to label every adult guy who interacts with Aya her dad.

[mochiajclayne]

Marineford Law is no question interesting to me because he pulled off a surprise, motherfucker moment and the timing was so good to the point that both pirates and marines least expected it.

Before I proceed with this self-indulgent lawlu meta post, I will go ahead and say that everything that happened between them in Marineford is a catalyst of establishing their connection later on in the future arcs. I am a firm believer that those feelings™️ started to truly bloom in Punk Hazard and went downhill in a good way in Dressrosa.

Long post ahead. Enjoy!

When I was rewatching Marineford arc, the part where Buggy was already carrying an unconscious and injured Luffy and Jimbei, their conversation sparked my interest.

Highlighting the bit where Buggy was confused about Law's verbal tic of using the suffix -ya in referring to anyone, overall doubting him, then asking for Law's name. Don't forget that Law is a little shit (affectionate) so he proceeded to ignore all of those questions to say this:

Interestingly enough, this part is tricky to translate. I found two translations that closely encapsulate what Law wanted to say here but mind you, and I will sound redundant about this with everything that has got to do with Trafalgar Law's speech patterns: he likes speaking in runarounds, purposely using terms with double meanings and connotations on them, and he's both reticent and cryptic. (I wouldn't say not to trust on his words but don't take them at face value.)

Law described his connection with Luffy as 悪縁 (akuen) which directly translates as evil destiny or connection.

Forgive me for a bit of sidetracking but the kanji used for akuen is the same with Robin's epithet which is "Demon Child" (akuma no ko). To further elaborate, 悪 (aku) means evil--both as intent and violating a moral code. It is also used to refer as the direct opposite of good.

Going back to 悪縁 (akuen), in true Law fashion, this word doesn't only mean evil destiny or connection. Depending on the context, it can also mean unfortunate love.

(It sounds tragic coming from him, isn't it? If your mind was blown after this part, no worries, I am too. This part gave me so much whiplash when I was researching about it.)

So, considering these two interpretations of 悪縁 (akuen), that begs the question, what is Law's connection with Luffy?

On surface-level, they are enemies as Law said so himself. They're rivals when it comes to One Piece. Their common ground, which is only known among people that Law trusts the most, is sharing the same secret name of D. However, I will take one step ahead and say that they both went through the same tragic fate of losing their loved ones, for being weak and powerless to protect them. They were both involved in circumstances where if they were capable enough, they could've saved the person they loved the most. Doomed by the narrative and subjected to trauma that breaks their heart and spirit should they be lesser men to handle such misery and grief. It is unfortunate, disastrous, and cursed to love fully knowing the fact that the other person could die like the ones before them but these two have the biggest heart.

Of course, Law will never say it directly. Thus, settling for 悪縁 (akuen).

It gets better. He did say 悪縁も縁 (akuen mo en) and 縁 (en) itself means fate or destiny (especially a mysterious force that binds two people together). Additionally, も (mo) is also a particle that is used for emphasis.

The implication, in turn, of what Law said to Buggy can be translated this way: Strawhat-ya and I (will) eventually be enemies, but an evil connection is (the futuristic possibility of Luffy becoming his enemy) is fate (that binds them).

Law made sure to emphasize that their "evil connection" is fate: specifically, that mysterious force brought them together and compelled him to be there, that he was meant to sail to Marineford, and help Luffy escape.

These two translations are the closest that I found to be accurate but it's still scratching the surface of what Law said:

This entire panel between Ivankov and Law makes it funnier because he clocked him IMMEDIATELY.

Ivankov asked if he's friends with Luffy to which he replied: no.

He also emphasized that that he doesn't have any obligation to help him but then went on to say this:

親切 (shinsetsu) means kind, generous, gentle, considerate. 不安 (fuan) refers to anxiety, uneasiness, worry, apprehension. These are surprisingly direct words but of course, Law had to go back and be cryptic again when he followed up with 理屈 (rikutsu), which could mean two things: theory, reason, logic or (unreasonable) argument, excuse.

I think this panel did a good job for translating it.

Law himself is providing Ivankov here the benefit of the doubt. To reiterate, Ivankov beats him to the punch which makes their entire interaction so funny.

Again, brilliant translation for directly calling out Law's bullshit. Lmao. Ivankov says 直感 (chokkan) here. It means intuition, instinct, hunch. Please take the next statement that I will say with a grain of salt but "instinctively moving your body" is usually associated with the context of being reckless to the point of directly exposing oneself to danger, consequences be damned, in order to protect someone.

Even Law himself acknowledged that he's not obligated to be there, so why?

Unfortunately, this is the elephant in the room that Law will never address. Several characters even made sure to point out that he helped Luffy two years ago and he purposely dodges that topic.

One thing I can guarantee is that Law never did it to get Luffy to agree for the alliance. Hell, he thought of the alliance after reuniting with Luffy! He adjusted his plans by then. Additionally, he never used the fact that he saved Luffy's life as his bargaining chip and leverage to get him on board the alliance.

Lastly, this is too much for saving a life on a whim, isn't it, Law?

[vii0so]

[BSD 120] Theory/Analysis

These are my first thoughts on parts of chapter 120. It includes my personal interpretations and theories of certain things.

Warning: Spoilers ahead

█▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒

1. Akutagawa & "True strength"

In my previous theory, I believed Rashoumon was in control of Aku's body (hence the old speech and clothing choice).

In BSD, abilities are the soul. "True strength" and "within yourself" could point to Rashoumon.

It could be that Akutagawa has inherited the purpose of his ability (Rashoumon). Therefore unlocking its full potential and or memories. Hence the drastic change that Atsushi sees.

The "purpose" stuff was another thing I briefly mentioned in my previous theory. In short: Purpose = job (e.g. the bookmark)

"This blade serves the heavens"

This blade = "I" (Akutagawa/Rashoumon)

The heavens = probably "the book"

"This soul follows the path of righteousness"

This soul = Rashoumon

This would mean: Rashoumon is righteous.

"The path of the knight"

Knight = Protector/Defender

This could mean Rashoumon is the book's protector.

So his purpose could be the book's "Knight", just like Atsushi is the book's "Bookmark".

If we want to say it in book terms, it'd be the book's cover.

─────────────✧

"Idea. Will. All are empty."

This is directed at Akutagawa. Saying that he has no individual thoughts or will, he is just an empty shell.

I believe this can be seen as saying "You're a puppet."

This could mean that the current Akutagawa is like this because his role as the "knight" is needed (A god-level threat to the book has appeared and needs to be dealt with).

Meaning, it could very well be his soul's (Rashoumon's) purpose (the knight) has taken control. Making him a puppet with the only thing moving him being his purpose.

─────────────✧

███▒▒▒▒▒▒▒

2. The higher dimension

First off: If we think of the real world where we are, then the BSD universe would be a "lower dimension" to us.

In BSD, the book can change/shape their world and therefore is part of the "higher dimension"

Basically, anything that doesn't follow the law of abilities and/or our everyday normal earth standards, can be considered as a higher dimensional being/thing.

As Fyodor explained: Stabbing a page will "kill" the character drawn on it. No matter how OP they are, they will never be able to perceive our dimension (reality) and therefore will not be able to stop it.

To make it easier: An author can write a story where the mc faces an enemy and dies. The author controlled the story/fate of the mc. The mc would never be able to stop that from happening.

...Actually this example would be closer to what the book does...they are a similar plane of existence but not the same. Fyodor's example is better for Ame-no-Gozen though.

─────────────✧

Let's think of it the other way around to better explain:

In short: if you were to write/draw a character, that character would never directly be able to harm you or interact with you. That's because we're in a higher dimensional plane of existence.

Stories may just be fiction to us but to the characters they are real, just like life for us is real.

When a character becomes aware that there is a higher dimension/they are in a story, they still can't physically/directly interact with our world. The most they can do, is "break the 4th wall" and indirectly interact with the audience (e.g. talking to/looking at the camera/us).

─────────────✧

Random:

The book is a higher plane of existence than anything in the BSD universe. Hence why anything written in it becomes the truth.

Ame-no-Gozen is a lower dimension than the book.

Therefore, if someone wrote Ame-no-Gozen out of existence in the book, it would be considered true and he'd be gone.

─────────────✧

█████▒▒▒▒▒

3. Fyodor's Plane

This entire "plane to board" thing has had me worried since the previous chapter.

I know they want us to think of this:

But it still feels odd. He gets on that, becomes undetectable. Is that what he's really planning to do though?

He says it's not his concern (whether they live or die) but it seems like a definite lie. In one way or another, it matters.

He seems to be in a hurry. It doesn't seem fake, in actuality it seems like he's trying to hide how urgently he needs to leave.

He completely dropped the whole "Dazai wasn't it so I'll just take Atsushi" and switched to "I don't care whether any of you die".

Honestly, he probably decided to drop the "other half" stuff when he realised Atsushi didn't have the same thoughts as the tiger.

And the "idc what happens to you lol" is more like "I need to leave quickly so let's stop here" which shows urgency.

Which means, Fyodor has somewhere to be...and fast.

Okay, this next theory is a long shot even for me, but what if he needs to get to Sigma before he wakes up?

Don't ask me why, I'm not sure. But it sure is something to think about. It's time-sensitive and we're aware that Sigma hasn't woken up yet. It seems to fall into place with the urgency.

─────────────✧

███████▒▒▒

4. Fukuzawa's Survival

This seems like a challenge to battle but Fukuzawa knew there was no way of fighting Ame-no-Gozen. So who is he challenging?

Fyodor.

Yep, Fukuzawa will fight Fyodor...

All the people (including me) that believed Fukuzawa will die at some point in the story, might be right after this battle.

Why does he say it like that?

And why does he look like he hesitated?

I checked the Japanese and it's: 特には (toku-ni-ha)

Which means:

Note: The "ha" (pronounced "wa") is a particle.

Fyodor, what do you mean?! Is it that you care about his survival "in particular" or "not particularly"? (...I should just leave this to those who are fluent in Japanese. I'm overcomplicating stuff again.)

Anyway, I feel like there's more to this than what we're seeing (Or maybe I just forgot something...)

─────────────✧

5. Where's Rampo?

...no, seriously, where is he during all this?

He's probably doing stuff in the background to help fix this situation but we haven't even seen a glimpse of him since Fyodor came back.

Maybe we'll see him during the Fyodor vs Fukuzawa fight.

─────────────✧

██████████ Completed!

TLDR:

Akutagawa is basically Rashoumon right now.

Akutagawa is the book's "cover" (protector/knight)

Higher & lower dimension = Pretty much the same difference between us and any character in BSD.

Fyodor may need to get to Sigma before he wakes up. Hence the urgency to leave the fight.

Fukuzawa might die fighting Fyodor.

[roriaa]

When Sun and Moon meet - S2

Zuko x Fem!WaterBender!Reader Enemies to Lovers

As one of the Princesses of the Northern Water tribe, you were blessed with a gift by the moon. However you were permitted to be allowed to use the gift at all costs. From many hidden waterbending usages, the aftermath of the avatar visiting the Northern Tribe had led to your beginning journey, hiding yourself as a water bender as a princess from the Northern water tribe

Warnings: none

Masterlist

҉ * ‧͙ ⋆ ⁺ ༓ ☾ Chapter 6 - Hidden in Ba Sing Se

“My leg is broken so I have this disabled specialized animal” I smiled innocently, leaning against my Buffalo Yak for support. The lady sighed “usually i'm not allowed to invite animals…but you're an exception, you’re royalty for the northern water tribe after all” Her eyes sparkled as she took a closer look at my passport. The lady stamps my ticket and gives it to me graciously. “Thank the spirits” I muttered under my breath, hopping on my animal. This is when becoming a princess is actually beneficial. No one cares if you're royalty and do something a little…wrong, unless if you're part of the fire nation, royalty or not you're bound to be untrusted. I looked for an area with no people nearby, luckily there was quite an amount of open space. I got off my Buffalo Yak and pulled off the bandages resembling a horrible injury. “Aren't you lucky that I used my brain to get us both in there, I was scared that they weren't going to allow you in. I had to fake an injury for you- uh” I stopped myself “I never gave you a name”. The Buffalo Yak made a sound which I hummed at. “I'll name you… uh..Ah…Ah-ku…Aku!” I springed up in excitement. “Aku means the moon, pretty name right?” I smiled sheepishly to an animal, who probably doesn't even care. “Okay Aku, you and I are going to have a fresh start in Ba sing se” I slightly hug Aku “No future arranged marriage plans, no restrictment for my water bending and no more princess duties for me” I smiled in contentment for my future plans.

I internally gag at the situation I'm in. I couldn't tell if it was the disgusting food they supply us with or the fact I'm seasick on a boat or even both combined.  I'm leaning towards the first option, it's not like this is the first boat I have ever rode on. Thinking all of this in my head made me feel like a brat but what do you expect? A girl who lived in luxury her whole life has to deal with this…food…? That same girl was also complaining of being a princess, mixed signals. Aku was getting transported by another boat, I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried. I thought escaping would be more fun than this, in fact ‘this’ is quite boring. It's not like I regret it, I just wished it could be more enjoyable than looking out at the sea. I make sure the wind doesn't blow off my hood from the cloak I was wearing to hide my identity. The last thing I wanted was word to go out that the Northern water tribe princess is here. I grip on the edge of my hood, digesting the wind that was coming from the side. 

Fresh start. 

Fresh start. 

That's all I'm able to think of at this moment. 

  ҉   ☾

“Where did all this food come from?” I said out loud. Loud enough for the boy who was passing the food to hear. “The people were generous enough to give us better food” He smiled. I look up at him and laugh. “Oh really?” “Yes really” He joined in my laughter and sat next to me. “So what's your name?” His eyes twinkled as I leaned back against the deck. 

“Y/N” “Y/N huh? Sounds pretty familiar-” “My parents named me after the northern tribe princess” I quickly said, pulling out a complete lie out of nowhere. It's pretty believable, I would say. It's quite common for parents to name their children after royalties, I personally believe it's quite dumb. He laughed which made me awkwardly giggle “What's your name?” “They call me Jet”

“Why are you going to Ba sing se?”

“You’re asking a lot of questions” “I only asked two…” I deadpanned as he continued to smile. “I'm going to start a new life” He responded while I continued to eat my food. “I guess quite a lot of people have been coming for the same reason, huh?” 

“Yeah, it's quite a good place to start”. Silence right after that. I like to keep it that way. “You should meet my freedom fighters, I have also met 2 others as well. I think you will get along with them.” Jet offered, already standing up, holding out his hand for me to reach. But I declined, shaking my head. “Im good staying here, thanks” I smiled. I wasn't in the mood to talk to more than 2 people today, neither participating in long conversations. He shrugged “Then I’ll see you around” and waved me off. I waved back slowly putting my hand down, sighing, hopefully tomorrow we can make it to the wall. Oh Yue, how much I wish you were here right now. I looked up at the moon, I couldn't tell but the moon seemed a little brighter than usual.

Leaning back against the sitting area provided, I felt so fatigued like my whole body was going to give out. I couldn't get Aku to help me because…well Aku is getting transported completely differently. “I always wondered why you wear a hood everywhere,” Jet, who came out of nowhere, came towards me. I laughed awkwardly, clutching the fabric closer to me. “It's a style choice” I whispered. “What a style choice” He laughed which made me smile. I felt the sweat from the anxiety I was facing. “I bet you would be even prettier with the hood off, but it's okay you're still pretty now” He smiled cheekily. I wanted to roll my eyes but I stopped from doing so. “Thank you” I said quickly, trying to make him just leave. Just as I thought he was decent. “Are you sure you don't want to meet my crew?” “I'm sure, please don't worry about me.”

“Do you not want to join in our adventure?” “I prefer going solo” I tightly smiled, hoping Jet would just leave me alone. Don't get me wrong, Jet isn't mean or bad I would say. At least to me he is not, however I'm quite literally hiding my identity from him. “Are you sure?” Jet moved a little close to my comfort. “No one would mind.” I leaned back against the pillar, pushing him back a little. “I'm definitely sure,” I said uncomfortably. “Whatever floats your boat” He cheekily smiled and went over to 4 others. The 2 he was talking to looked familiar. One was quite old, holding a cup of tea and the other was a boy who had a scar… I immediately got up from where I sat, and walked over to stand far away from them. Yes I was tired but I needed to remain precautious. I wish I could be able to kill him, I couldn't in this situation. Not too long the train arrived and I immediately found a spot far away from the two. I look at the window, seeing my own reflection faintly. Man, I was tired. The train starts slowly picking up pace as it moves. Oh what luck do I have?

“Aku!” I yell in joy as I find the Buffalo Yak. He made some bizarre animal sounds to show his gratitude. I got on his back as he started walking. “Now buddy, I actually don't know where to go” I sigh, I really should have made a plan. “Lets just book a room to sleep in, we’re going to be staying here for a while”.

<- Back - Next ->

a/n: AGAIN Apologies for not having a chapter yesterday, just didnt have motivation to re-read everything. I have a lot of the chapters already preplanned so tomorrow yall should be able to get a chapter. AGAIN I have an AO3 ACCOUNT which im going to be posting the same chapters as here however tumblr should be always ahead. Anways have a nice day and take care of yourself! Thank you for reading :)

--

Taglist: @luvkvni @katovano @karmaswitch @someonesmember @velvet-spider @sh3sa1dwhat @nerdisthenewcool @meiraloves2dmen @fqnfics101 @iluvme547 @leaderwon @yukihatesreoyo @heart4hees @4l3x1s @kkissaku @corpsebridenightamare @newjellis @fatkish

[cocktailjjrs]

So......

Since I've been suffering with these angsty thoughts... i though i would invite you all suffer with me...

It's about Chuuya...

I was doing some research for my fic (mainly going through bsd novels, blogs, tags and all) and came across this one Insta post in passing (sorry, i don't remember the name).

It was about BSD's cycles.

First, cycle of abuse, going from Mori-Dazai-Aku-Kyouka

and Second of rescue, going from Natsume-Oda-Dazai-Atsushi-Kyouka.

And then they highlighted a third category, the one's who are not saved - including Chuuya, Aku and Q.

At that point i didn't think much about it, just another post while scrolling Insta.

But now it's keeps bothering me, a constant reminder, whenever i read something BSD.

And It's so heart wrenching.

It also hit me, Q and Aku can still be saved.

Q, while we don't exactly know where they are right now, there is a chance of them getting their own arc, backstory and then being saved.

Aku, while still in Mafia, his partnership with Atsushi is his saving grace already. He is making an effort to not kill, just for their deal/bet. By the end of it all, he will be in a better place than he is now.

But Chuuya. (Spoiler's for light novel's if you haven't read them)

I remember very clearly, when in Stormbringer (don't ask me why i remember this byheart), when Murase dies Chuuya says, "Hey Detective, Weren’t you gonna arrest me?! Weren’t you gonna bring me into the world of light"

Don't get me wrong, I still believe Chuuya belongs to Port Mafia, the darkness suits him better than light.

But that does not mean he never wanted to get out of that darkness. This one instance in SB was proof enough. Makes me wonder, if things had gone even slightly differently, would he be in a better place than he is now? Is there still a chance?

What's even more tragic is that after the whole SB thing, no one seemed stick around enough to help him fight his own demons.

And he definitely has MASSIVE DEMONS.

His whole life seems to be one catastrophe after another! Don't believe me?

His first group, whom he called friends, betrayed him. Classic stabbed by poisonous knife in the back.

Hardly a year later, his second friends group, Flags, was killed by an emotionally unstable man-child seeking validation, insisting on calling him brother.

He went through a horrid ordeal, having to learn he was a lab experiment, seeing your clone vaporise to nothing but bones in your own arms, having to fight those same bones. And as if this was not enough, then fighting the monstrosity of a singularity and in process loosing the only chance to determine your humanity. (Actually whole of SB is dreadful, i don't think it'll ever get worse than that - i really hope it doesn't)

Then, given by the timeline, another year later, his third group of friends was killed by Shibusawa.

And again a year later - his partner, who brought him in all this madness, just fucking leaves without a word. This is the least tragic thing that has happened to the boy, i swear.

And I'm sure it didn't end there.

There must have been so many things going on behind the scenes in those missing years, hell even after the series began, Chuuya has been out of scene because something or the other was going on.

Now you have Fyodor fucking shit up for no apparent reason. With this shitshow, many mafia men, some of whom Chuuya might have developed a relation, are definitely dead. Not to mention the mental gymnastics going to trying to at least be on the same fucking chapter as the two geniuses.

AND ALL OF THIS IS JUST IN THE CURRENT TIMELINE. Don't get me started on BEAST VERSE!!! (That's a can of worms I'm really not ready to open at this point)

The thing with Mentally strong individuals is, they have abnormally high emotional intelligence, they are unnaturally resilient, they can compartmentalize their grief, they empathise with great deal of people, think rationally at any given point and think of ways to make things better.

What many people fail to understand is that no one is born Mentally strong, it's the circumstances that make them as such.

It can happen even through small things.

No one being there for you to express your deepest fears. No one just listening to you, even if they have a solution to your problem. Or having seen other's nightmares come to reality and feeling your own are much smaller, or having made to fell that way.

It creates the mentality of never sharing your fears, your insecurities, your discomfort - because at the back of the mind you keep telling yourself - oh, this person has gone through so much more than i have, my fear is nothing compared to it. I can handle it on my own, they have their own problems to handle. Everyone is busy, i don't think they have time to listen to the same problem I've been facing for years now. I've manages so far, i think I can manager just fine.

You start to undervalue your own feelings and start to fell like you'll burden them. Start to feel like you NEED to handle it on your own.

Now, i don't want to go into a spiral of mental health, but when you look at Chuuya, you can't help but marvel at that kids Mental resolution.

His first action after being stabbed in back was to make a deal with a demon to make sure he doesn't harm them, because they are just kids.

His first reaction to being provoked into revenge was to say Fuck off to his manipulator, not falling for the temptation and doing what he felt right.

He even forgave the killer of his friends (And also the one who tried to kill him) for gods sake! Understanding what he was going through.

He even walked away after knowing his parents are alive (oh the irony) not wanting to put a target on them. (I'm actually on fence with this, the chances of it being a manipulation tactic from Mori is just as high as it being the truth)

He had tremendous mental fortitude.

But you still see the cracks in his emotional state,

He was desperate to know if he was human or not, inclining towards the later.

He didn't know, that your friends can do some nice things without expecting anything in return. They can go above and beyond your regular stuff just because they are your friends, there doesn't need to be of anything at stake in friendship.

Hell, there was a point he believed having a Heart was too sophisticated for him, that he can't be that human!

I can go hours and hours about this.

What i can say for sure is, he has demons in all sizes, shapes and forms, something that he has stuffed in his closet only to deal with them himself, not letting them see the light of the day.

i just don't see anyone actually being there for him long enough for him to trust them fully with his demons.

No, not even Dazai. Dazai himself was a walking cry for help, like hell Chuuya is adding to that pile. He may have found a constant in Dazai in three years, seeing as all other's met their end in one. I believe in those three years, somewhere Soukoku began to feel like his safe place, somewhere he didn't had to think about his demons only by the virtue of dealing with one made of flesh and bones. But then even Dazai left.

I don't think even Kouyou was there for most part. And considering her obsession with a flowers of dark with Kyouka, i think it pulled Chuuya more in her own tragedy. Afterall, she also was never saved.

Mori is there, but Mori is a Demon in his own rights. What we've seen is their interactions have been those of a boss and his close confidents, nothing personal or emotional. Which also makes sense when you think of Mori's theory of running an organization. Chuuya, all things considered, the most powerful member of PM and he is treated as such.

The other significant members of PM, the guerrilla squad, black lizards or Kajji - all of them may know him better than most, but he is still their executive. If a 15 and younger kid took the title of being a protector of his rag-tag group seriously, being a responsible and dependable executive comes with higher stakes. He will carry out his role as one, even if it's the last thing he does.

.

.

.

That was me rambling.

My point is, i wanna give Chuuya a big hug, tell him it's okay to fell tried sometimes. To let himself be vulnerable. That his fears are not invalid. That he is not invalid. That he isn't the problem, never was.

That he will still be valued and wanted, even if he one day looses his ability or he is no longer the strongest.

Can someone please save his boy?

[lovershinsoukoku]

I don't like to call Akutagawa a dog and usually use the word "cat" to describe him, despite the fact that in the manga he was called "the dog of the port mafia".

For me this nickname means the same thing as "demon prodigy" or "killer of thirty-five", it's some kind of dehumanization. When a person is seen not as a human, but exclusively as a murderer, as if they are not capable of anything else. In the Russian voiceover, Kunikida said that Ryunosuke's ability is created for killing, and it's awful to say something like that.

Just remember Kyoka, what a confused child she was and how she really believed that the only way out for her was death, that she was incapable of anything else.

Look at Dazai, at how he treats himself, how much he doesn't accept the fact that he is the same member of the agency as everyone else, the way he doesn't want to admit his humanity.

Do you think Akutagawa is not affected by all this?

If we're talking specifically about the "dog" stuff, let's not forget that Ryunosuke doesn't like these animals.

I am sure that during his life in the slums, dogs brought a lot of problems. They could even kill a child (his friend for example), bite, take away food. Let's not forget that Akutagawa's Rashomon didn't manifest from Aku's birth and he had to survive without it for some time. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't just dislike dogs before, but was afraid of them. Do the results yourself, but I think it's clear why I think it's wrong to use the nickname "the dog of the port mafia".

He's such a cutie(⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠) Leave my baby alone, he deserves better

[sol-is-the-reason]

bsd men (aku, chuu, atsushi and daz) and what they would like you to call them.

[A/n: Hiii!! I think you mean as a nickname for them??? as in the relationship based ones? I'm sorry if this is not what your looking for as the request was quite vague. Also i did not include Dazai as I genuinely had no idea what to do in his part.]

Akutagawa

He isn't really the one for nicknames. So he just prefers to call you by your name. He just doesn't see the point in it.

But that doesn't mean that he stops you from doing the same. Infact he loves all the little things you call him from 'love' and 'sweetheart' to the sappy-er one's like 'pretty boy' and 'cupcake'.

Given you had to explain to him as to why you were calling something other than his first name

But the ones that sticks to him the most is being called 'dear'.

He knows it's a nickname but he takes it very literally.

He likes to think that he is a close person for you, someone dear to your heart and hearing you say that so sweetly, it makes his heart rate skyrocket.

The first time you called him dear he didn't understand it. He was just in a confused state and he wouldn't even have acknowledged that you were infact calling out him if there were someone else in the room.

It took him a minute to understand that yes it was him you were talking to and cue the confused questions and a long conversation explaining things

But after the next few times, as he was getting used it, he found out just how endearing it was.

His face would lit up in the prettiest shade of red and he'd slowly avert his eyes to look at anything but at you.

It was truly an adorable sight and it would just spur you on to keep on achieving that reaction from him.

Chuuya

Ok. So. This man is such a romantic.

Every day would be a valentine's day for you both.

It's even more so if you share the same sense of romanticism with him.

Expect gifts, flowers, a well thought out date idea day after day. He would put so much effort for you it's really heartwarming.

So naturally it goes to calling you nicknames too. It doesn't matter how silly the name, he has called you that atleast once.

Seriously, he has called you every even a little romantic word in the book.

He would love it if you show the same enthusiasm for him too, but he would never push you.

If your not into all those things he'll try to tone it down as much as he can and would do anything to make you comfortable.

But if you like it, you two have a little compitition on who can come up with more sappy names.

But no matter how many there is only one that is on top of the list for him and that is–

Husband. We all know how loyal Chuuya is. Almost to a fault.

So he loves when you call him that. It's sort of a promise of a commitment for him.

And you could probably get away from most things if you coo it at him.

Most times, he would also lovingly call you his wife/husband in return, with a cute dopey smile on his face.

You'll spend rest of the night laughing and enjoying high class wine with him.

Atsushi Nakajima

So uh this guy is a simp. Let me just say that again. Simp.

Like man would do anything for you. Doesn't matter what.

And it was after a tiring day at your job, that you realised all your groceries had been used up. Seeing you so tired yet willing to make dinner for the both of you (you make the dinner because let's be honest he will burn the kitchen down if he tries) he tasks himself to bring you new groceries. He knows you prefer a home cooked meal rather than take outs so he hurries away before you can say anything.

When he comes back you take the grocery back from him keeping it on the dining table and embrace him, kissing him softly on the forehead.

A quiet "thank you, my love." Escaped you in a murmur as you loosened your grip on him pecking his lips before starting to work on taking out the things in the bag.

It was only then you noticed he hadn't responded back or moved from his place.

You looked up to see a frozen, red-faced and wide-eyed Atsushi. You can't help the chuckle that left you. So maybe you did that on purpose

Whenever you called the white-haired man anything other than his first name,(which also needed a lot of getting used to) you would get that adorable reaction from him, that would just urge you to tease him more.

Normally you'd just call him Atsu or Sushi to fluster him but now this is also going in that ever-growing list most probably at the top too.

[waeirfaahl]

An attractive replica, but it pales to the original

There always was something wrong with how 5 season shows the scenes from the original seasons. In this case I'll discuss about how 5 season butchered the scene from the classic seasons. Specifically, from 1 episode of 1 season. It is the embodiment of how the authors have no idea, what made the original so good, as well as this moment demonstrates total absence of any respect to the original. From the authors, who many years ago worked on the original...

Just compare the "You might have beaten me now, but I'll destroy you in the future!" sequence — the classic show "made for kids" presented the scene more serious, logical and with tension and atmosphere, the presentation of the scene and the animation are much better, stylish and rich. Not to mention awesome voice performances by Phil LaMarr and Mako, who nailed both the emotions and the otherworldly nature. You feel confidence of Jack and how he's ready to make the final blow, to pierce Aku in his chest. You feel Aku and how he is exhausted and weak and in danger of either death or imprisoning, and how he still holds his ground and doesn't show any fear or panick, Aku stays calm, fierce and magnificent even being defeated, he already despises "the son of the fool, who brought him into this world, but rejected and imprisoned", but still stays with some kind of dignity. Also the sound design, the music (not only the vibration, but also the sound, similar to either bell or clock mechanism), ambient and various sounds like the wind and (presumably Aku's) heart-beating and silence. This sequence is nailed as adult and seriously with respect. In the "show for kids", how Tartakovsky claims.

In 5 season, i.e. in "the show for adults" this same sequence looks like an insulting parody, which tries to replicate the "pathos and simple show for kids". I mean, it looks painful for eyes due to extremely bright colors, claustrophobic presentation, cheap image and animation. Poor and more comedy-like sound design, no nuances, no interesting and elegant animation, and very bad voice acting. You don't feel that the threat, you don't feel the characters, it seems that they play on the stage, not live. They also sound as some old friends, who know each other many years and just make "fight for fun" (what makes zero sense, because that happens in the beginning and their first encounter).

And, well, the version of 5 season not only shows no respect toward the classic seasons, but also makes things dumber. The brightest example is "I disagree!" scene, because it unintentionally raises questions. First of all, look at Aku, his mannerisms, his facial expressions and how he uses the spell for opening the time portal. In the classic episode Aku, despite wounds and exhaust and the threat of either death or imprisoning, seems to accept his fate and at the same time he stays calm and magnificent and he waits for the right moment, when he can make the sudden and unexpected attack,

Aku is unpredictable and smart creature, he doesn't show to Jack even a tiny bit of some cunning idea that came to his mind. The same thing with Jack and his reaction at Aku's spell — the white rings fly to Jack pretty quickly and at the same time (i.e. all together), Jack focuses on them, Jack wasn't able to figure anything out in time, so that's why Aku's trick worked and saved him from Jack and the sword.

What in 5 season? Aku literally smiles to Jack and cunningly looks at him during this line. Like, then why Jack didn't realize immediately that Aku prepares for him some trick?!

Moreover, in 5 season these white rings fly very slow and one by one. So, why Jack didn't dodge them?! He could jump away from them and attack Aku again!

It is astounding to me, how in their "adult sequel" the authors ignore subtle yet important details that make the characters and the events with them great in "old show for kids"!

[cookiekat-blogz]

Why is Akutagawa literally like the best Bungo Stray Dogs character ever?

this is half satire by the way, but I mayyy go into depth for SOME things if I feel like it. (big fat silly kinnie rant with spoilers)

#1

hes a cutie patootie. yeah he's brow-less but like, its 2024, who isn't? seriously. show me an alt person on tiktok with eyebrows /hj

#2

hes silly. Yeah he may be extremely violent especially twoards Atsushi (the foot in the face was definitely personal) and anyone else he is made to defeat, but that's quite literally how he was raised. Don't forget we're talking about PM Dazai here. He was raised by Mori, what can we say? (#justice4dazai2024) We can assume (using the BEAST manga) that up until the point where Dazai turned him down, the things that occurred were relatively close to canon.

(or not idk I didn't finish the mangas. why read some rando's essay that can't even spell's abt some sassy victorian man child on the internet, infact, why are you even reading this in the first place?)

So we can assume he's been through a hell-of-alot of trauma with everyone close to him. His siblings and friends dying, and even himself tasting death and Dazai was practically his savior-- his controversial, abusive, strict, hot, gay, problematic, silly, teenage savior. Even if that's not what went down in the main series, what he went through was enough for Akutagawa to idolize Dazai, the same man that has hurt him oh so much.

(hey its the cycle of abuse, and guess who was next in line?) that's right, Kyouka. (even if Kyouka was more impacted by Kouyou) But no, this won't be a rant about Akutagawa and Kyouka's relationship, it's simply "Why you should love Aku" and totally nothing else. wait, what was I saying??

#3

he's headless, be nice /j

#4

the fit is fire. I mean like, bring back ruffles frl. he ate down. he's even so silly he doesn't even know the name of the ruffle thing he's wearing (the collar ruffle thing is called a cravat.)

#5

hes a Picies. They do no wrong. Trust me, I know. (totally not biased or anything)

#6

His relationship with Atsushi. Their so cute like every scene together even when their fighting its just like 'make out alr'. He seems heartless and cruel and its like he hates Atsushi, but really as you can see when "Where's Your Head At?" by Basement Jaxx started playing, he cares for Atsushi deep down inside. Deep, deep, deep down. Must be really deep if it took literally dying to be nice. Seriously, even if he called him a 'damn fool' he's smiling, it's so sweet it makes me cry. As the blood traversing in his neck goes on its repetitive journey for its sole purpose of bringing oxygen to the rest of his body, it suddenly changes direction, hurriedly spraying out of the newfound opening made by a time traveling sword, and finally escaping through his pale, soon to be lifeless, dark red soaked neck. Yet, he is smiling through it all, telling his furry boyfriend "rival" to run. he cares. Just look at this beautifully colored pannel by Akutagoth on reddit:

def didn't want an excuse to show this beautiful art or anything.

#7

hes an introvert, fight me on this real.

#8

hes fruity. you don't even have to ship sskk to agree, just listen to how he talks. either this or he's a time traveler from the 19th century.

#9

the hair solos, like seriously, his hair is so cool I want it. bring back dark to light fade. /srs

#9 1/2 (I made a specific post just for this so you can just skip it.)

Also, speaking of hair, anyone else ever notice how yin-yang Akutagawa and Atsushi are? Yeah they are both orphans that were taken in by Dazai and "abused by their handler" ('handler' is wild ngl) but in the main series Atsushi is more Yang and Akutagwa is more Yin, character wise, and even design wise. Yet, in Beast (a spin-off where Akutagawa ends up in the ADA and Atsushi ends up in the PM) the roles are reversed and Aku is more Yang and Atsu is more Yi, further emphasizing that this difference between the two isn't accidental (not claiming simply speculating).

Akutagawa is relatively bad but he has shown how he could be good, in the main series, Wan, and beast. he's undeniably a good brother (just look at how much he cares for his sister in beast, he even joined the ADA and made it his purpose to find her after he learned that she was in the mafia.) He keeps promises, hates meaningless torture-- which believe it or not shows a bit about his character-- (haha he does have emotions even if it may be stemmed from a deep psychological trauma). He also has a mainly dark but light accent wardrobe, from the ends of his hair to the very same accessory that he can't even name. help I ran out of good character traits I think I'm failing

Atsushi is relatively good, and even seems to be blind to it at times, but he has shown his not the best traits. He's kinda like Gon, but less merciless, even when it comes to fights with Akutagawa (sometimes). His good:bad ratio is pretty skewed though, no matter how much he may envy or hate his kindness kinda just... drowns it out. Evil headmaster dies? cry. Evil goth boyfriend partner dies? scream. Evil American enemy still lives? team up with him. Evil 14 year old serial assassin in the port mafia exist? save her.

Although, he's pretty rash/blunt (that Dazai diss was wild aku didn't do anything to deserve that) and its also shown in wan and other scenes in the main series that he would probably participate in a 2017-19 roast battle(hj) and holds some strong grudges. (help I ran out of bad character traits he's too good, its like he's so good and he doesn't even try.) Butttt apperence wise, his singular black hair streak in a head of light whatever-colored-hair (in contrast to Akutagawa's) and accents of black (suspenders, tail-belt-thing that moves as if he was Cat Noir, tie, gloves, pants, shoes) do what Akutagwa's 19th century ruffles do best. Be utterly useless and ugly and feed into the theory that he is a time traveler Contrast.

Basically, Shin Soukoku canon because opposites attract.

#10

back to number 2, he's silly. he's super sassy and may be a bit slow sometimes have thought that shrimp grows from the dirt but just watch/read bsd wan! he's so cute <33 sure his back may be bigger(j) but still, just look:

hope that was enough to convince you cause I'm out of reasons sorry bro.

[princess-of-the-corner]

Was musing on the "Aware of Abuse" AU for the Sad Rich Kids Trio and ho it influences their behavior, or how their perspective has shifted, from least to most detailed:

Adrien: He is not overtly super different, in canon he was already expressing frustration with his father and ducking out from under his control to do what he wanted.

The main shift is rooted in his perspective. Namely that if his father does love him (Doubt) then his love is so toxic Adrien wants no part of it. He deems any concession Gabriel makes suspicious at best and deems any lingering affection on his own part as a childish thing he needs to outgrow.

Beyond that he's simply more blunt, he doesn't make excuses for his father and is a bit more aware of how the other kids parenting sucks. This ironically may actually make it harder for he & Marinette as she'd struggle to see what was wrong early on and presume him kind of a brat or rude for disrespecting his father so much.

Kagami: As one might expect given how heavily controlling and authoritive Tomoe is, Kagami has very little wiggle room to openly defy her or act differently without risking being trapped or extremely harsh punishment,

As a result the shift is more in subtle things and how she communicates and views the relationship. Namely, she does not love her mother and only pays lip service to respecting anything other than her material skills as a combatant. She also feels that given what her mother does to her is largely indistinguishable from hatred (The physical nature of sparring sessions & training are deeply unpleasant) that Tomoe's feelings don't matter.

Thus she's more overt around others in her disregard for her mother and already prone to trying to sneak off or undercut her. She has burner phones and secret social media accounts for example. In this regard she likely does not become Riposte.

Instead her emotions would be mostly fear of her mothers reaction & anger at the situation and what this costs her in general. Thus she likely turns into something intent on seeking her mother out and attacking her, or otherwise trying to force her mother into her shoes. I had a name for this I think, Aku-Gami? Anyway its basically a signal flare to Adrien & Chloe of "One of us! One of us! One of us!"

Chloe: Like with Adrien her shift would be fairly recent. Mostly in response to the clusterfuck handling of Adrien after Emilie's disappearance & her parents being their worst selves about it. She was on her last thread from keeping Adrien's head above water then being booted and so she explodes at her mother over the phone & rejects her father out of anything but necessity. After which she doubles down because she can't un-dig this hole but she can sure as fuck make it big enough to engulf them all.

Put simply, Chloe's ingrained "Fight" mentality has now been turned on her parents in full. She'd still struggle to articulate most of the things they did wrong, or why they were wrong. But she is angry, rebellious and good at lashing out so she does that and only concedes when she has no other choice or legitimately terrified.

Despite this her changes are less overt, her fight mentality is a survival mechanism like Adrien's people pleasing so she can't just turn it off. She's still been actively taught a lot of terrible things like its moral to cheat to win, & un-learning that is hard, especially if doing so makes you feel weak. & She's been mimicking Audrey since forever, that doesn't just go away over night.

At the same time though she has more freedom than the others & any overt issues she can identify she can try to address for good & ill. Her dad thinks she shouldn't hang around with people "beneath her station" Well screw that she's throwing a party in the ballroom for the class/school before the new school year starts & Adrien can come too.

This likely means she doesn't rip up Rose's letter cos that was like, peak Audrey. She might be tempted to do the social media thing with Kim cos that is something someone might do, but she'd also be more able to apologize for it. She may indeed still lock Juleka in the bathroom, unless they are like, actively friendly at this point.

A lot depends on how well her shifts in behavior are taken by the class as she's not gonna suddenly be super self aware or easy to get along with in many regards. Though given S1 still had Kim get a crush on her & Rose trust her with a letter, I tend to feel it makes more sense that not everyone had a bad impression of Chloe going into the year. So it'd vary.

Regardless, Chloe would be both the most extreme in shift, while keeping a lot of thorns. But she'd be more open to changing in general if able to contextualize a negative reaction as tied to something her parents would do, letting her aggressively reject it. If she feels 'she' was in the right though, she'd not shift her behavior at all but dig in deeper.

Fucking hell I do go on don't I?

Oh I love all of this though!!

[deluluzai]

Oh shit I completely forgot about the PM exchange thing.. anyway so here are my thoughts???!

Ok so first of all, we can be delulu yknow?? Everything will be resolved somehow and no one is going to the PM! Everyone is happy. I mean doesn't Asagiri always pull the least expected thing??

Second of all: no one is happy let's break it down member by member

Yosano: she ain't going.

Kenji: ok yknow what? I think the PM could benefit from his powers, and innocent personality! But aside from that, Kenji isn't really focused on, so the chance of this might be low, but still, reasonable.

Tanizaki: OKAY I saw someone else say this and I AGREE! Ofc it's the same thing with Kenji, it would be random asf for him to be the big sacrifice but! Tanizaki managed to trick the PM a few times with his ability! So this would make a lot of sense! I think the chance of this is higher honestly.

Kyouka: Ufff, guys idk... I mean she was in the PM not too long ago and she's focused on a good amount... This would make sense, knowing that Atsushi can't just steal her away anymore but... for a loooot of time, in the beginning of BSD, it was a whole back and forth thing with Kyouka getting to the PM, then escaping, then getting back, then escaping. So not only would the series fall back to that again, the PM might've just given up. Still, I feel like this has a 50/50 chance of happening, depending which way Asagiri wants to go.

Kunikida: As much as I don't want it happening, it might just happen.. I can't really say much about this one. Kunikida is smart, organised and loyal to the ADA and would die for them. But then again, he wouldn't stray away from his ideals and go off killing people and torturing them. I don't think this has a high chance of happening, I mean there's still a reasonable chance, but, it would be hard to work with him yk?

Atsushi: honestly, aint no way. I mean yes, the first major thing in the series was about the PM trying to catch Atsushi for money! But then again the relationship with the PM (mainly Aku) changed drastically for him! The guild isn't offering money to the PM for atsushi anymore, and Aku and Atsushi work together anyway! And mainly since he's the main character, I don't think he's going to have his POVs in the PM, since I think the ADA is going to get more focused on, and his relationship with Aku. NOT TO MENTION the fact that Dazai would DEFINITELY get him out of there bc??? His mentor?? Going down on the same path as him? Also as Aku? Killing people and basically becoming the person he promised Oda not to be anymore?? Aint no way.

Ranpo: Yeah... i could see it. But then again I don't. Because yeah it's reasonable for the PM to choose him, and since Ranpo is being focused on a lot currently, and it would really impact his story - Ranpo is then again a smart-ass brat who wouldn't even use his "ability" in the PM, especially since it's more helpful for detective work and not mafia work. So I have no clue about this one honestly, It would be interesting character arc but how would that like... work?

And lastly..

Dazai: Ah god, I wrote him last bc I don't know what to say! I mean most people I've seen guessed it was him going. And honestly? Fucking reasonable! Like why WOULDNT Mori pick Dazai? Like yeaaah he's scared of him, but throughout the series he asked Dazai a lot of times if he would come back! It would make a lot of sense! Especially since Dazai became older and wiser. Honestly the only big thing that's holding be back from actually betting on Dazai is that... would asagiri really put him back there? Right now? I mean, look, guy was in jail this entire time, barely goes back to the agency and boom, back to the PM. I think Dazai is going to be again crucial for this new arc, especially in Atsushi's character! I think, writing wise, Dazai shouldn't go back. But then again it's the most logical thing! I have so many thoughts about this.

Or then again Asagiri could just pull the most craziest shit that none of us were expecting so-

[dazais-guardian-angel]

alright I've thought about it for a while, and I'm fairly confident that is in fact Bram, and that Aya isn't hallucinating/seeing an illusion.

The biggest thing casting doubt, aside from the obvious different outfit, is the fact that the chapter ends on this reveal, suggesting it could be a cliffhanger bait. However, BSD's cliffhangers always involve something terrible happening that gets rectified in the next chapter(s), to scare us before giving us back hope; there's never been a case of the other way around, where something good happens to get our hopes up, only to have the rug pulled out from us at the start of next chapter to show that we were foolish for hoping. Asagiri is never that cruel. He loves his death baits and his dangerous situation baits before letting us know that everything is okay, and he'd never suggest that it was wrong for the audience or the characters to have hope, when BSD is quite literally about having hope even in the most absurd situations.

But more specifically, just.... what would a fakeout like this accomplish? The only way I could maybe see it was if this is Fyodor, and we think Aya is safe but she's actually not, but there's no way it's him, because we see him with the singularity and Kunikida/Tanizaki at the same time as this, he's wearing Bram's outfit and not the one this person has, and we've established that he wants to protect Aya, not hurt her. Granted, he obviously doesn't care enough about protecting her since he let her escape and get hurt all on her own lmao, so that's exactly why I ask what would be the point of him suddenly showing up just to save her from the rubble, only to then just hurt her anyway? None of that is logical.

And then, if it's Akutagawa, then that means we had our emotions played with for a twist that is just.... mildly disappointing but also not outright bad for the characters? Disappointing because Bram isn't back after all, but also not a net negative because Aya is still being rescued by someone we know and trust. If that were to happen, Aya hallucinating Aku as Bram, I just can't see it happening as a chapter cliffhanger fakeout at all; it would just feel cheap and cruel, playing with our feelings (not to mention Aya's feelings!) regarding a character we want to come back, for a reveal that isn't really worth it and doesn't change the status quo (because she's still safe regardless if it's Bram or Aku).

Aside from the lack of narrative justification, I also believe that if Aya were to hallucinate Bram, she would see him exactly as she knew him back when he regained his body — I mean, she basically does see him like that when she's remembering his last moments with her in this chapter and in the previous one when she's yelling at Fyodor; sure they're just repeated panels as flashbacks, but they're still her memories of how she sees him. I was unsure for a while about the figure's identity, but it was seeing it pointed out that Bram no longer has his nails that was really the final nail in the coffin haha get it, it's a multilayered joke, please laugh- for me: why would Aya hallucinate Bram not only not in his own outfit, but with his body altered from how she knows it? There'd be no reason why she would, and no way she could. She's never seen him in a different outfit, with different nails. Note that every other instance we've gotten of characters hallucinating significant figures in their lives (Atsushi, Mushitarou, Dazai), they're always wearing the clothes they're most known for and what the person knows them to wear. There's no reason to assume this would be different for Aya, and that she'd imagine him wearing a completely random outfit from the one she associates with him, and randomly without his signature long black nails.

This closeup panel of Bram's collar right when he first begins speaking pretty much proves my point. It's inconsistent with the new outfit (Aku's outfit) we see him wearing on the last page, but with the framing of this, with him being entirely in shadow in the rightmost panel when he first appears, it's clear to me that Aya can't see him clearly yet, so she's imagining him the way she remembers him. And then he gets closer/lifts the beam higher so that the shadow starts receding from him, and his feet and hands and different outfit become visible. The tone of this moment and the way it plays out is exactly as I've seen in numerous other visual media, where a character thinks they're on the brink of death and has lost all hope and is ready to accept it, before the slow, grand reveal of the person they thought they'd lost rescuing them, often with them posing a philosophical question to challenge their current despair or their belief that their loved one couldn't possibly still be alive, just as Bram does here. If you've seen enough movies and TV, you can probably imagine exactly the kind of scene I mean, and exactly how this moment would play out if it were animated I say "would" because it's never a given that Bones will adapt it with the right tone like I imagine.

This is framed as a triumphant, hopeful scene, of a knight coming to rescue his princess after he was thought to be dead. Aya has hurt her leg here, she's trapped, she's realizing she's about to die, and she's at last fully convinced herself that everything she so staunchly believed in was wrong and that everything she fought for all that time was for nothing; firstly, why would she suddenly hallucinate Bram if she had already lost all hope, but most importantly, why would the narrative have Bram defy death and return to her and challenge the idea that all her ideals and actions were meaningless, only for it to turn out that it isn't really him, when she misses him so bad? That just.... wouldn't be right at all, that's not the feeling this scene gives at all. This is their moment, Bram has to be the one to say these things to Aya with their history together, not anyone else, and I can't imagine Akutagawa saying something like what Bram says to her here, about royalty carrying out their pledge to protect someone without fail, even if he has inherited Bram's protectiveness towards Aya like Fyodor has. No, I'm 90% certain that is indeed Bram. It can't possibly be anyone else.

...And so, all that to say that yeah, I believe that Bram has Fyodor'd himself into Akutagawa's body, since he's wearing his outfit. We don't really know the extent of Bram's powers, but it's looking likely that he can bodysnatch any of his vampires for himself if something ever happens to him, or perhaps Aku might be special since he was the first vampire Bram created at the start of all this. Needless to say I'm not at all worried about Aku though; this is probably the beginning of why he ends up with that suit of armor later on, since Bram has his clothes... I just have no idea how we get to that point. But Aku will be fine, I'm sure; this may even be the only way he can come back from being a vampire.

[kyouka-supremacy]

Kyotag, I feel like you understand Akutagawa so well. I saw your post about Chuuya and how he would give Akutagawa a purpose and it just feels like you understand Akutagawa's need for some purpose, but not in the regular sense? The sense of having a purpose to absolutely surpass. Because, having 'potential' is horrendous for him, I feel, rather than being the worst. Because it means that there's something he's not touching. If you're the worst, then technically you're still the best at being the absolute rock bottom of something.

On Dazai and Aku's relationship, I feel like Dazai tried to compensate/change it after joining the ADA, however I feel like now he's taking his hands away? If that makes sense,

As in, he's letting Atsushi and Akutagawa refine each other. The same way Mori felt diamonds polish diamonds, a mirror needs a window. Dazai, if I understand him well, says that he removes himself as a resource of growth for others. I think it was when Fyodor was asking why his teammates are so reliant on him? He believes Akutagawa can find an answer for himself, in my opinion. Nothing he did was to Akutagawa's benefit in the PM other than taking him in, which, in itself, is very questionable. Akutagawa has simply managed to bend all his experiences to be a blade sharpener, to refine himself upon because he is desperate to become the sharpest edge.

Dazai, if anything, has merely observed the strange instinct to persevere that Akutagawa has, and I feel that his dominant nature is why he thought Atsushi completes him due to his recessive nature. I also feel like that's why, Shin Soukoku as a label?? (?) (?) Displays how Dazai doesn't know him as well as Atsushi does, or will at the time of partnership. They aren't like Soukoku, they are Double Grey if anything. One knows how to persevere the other knows how to surrender, extensions of the will to live and the will to die. Both place necessity on them, it's not a luxury, it's a need. Dazai can sense something of this sort, I feel, but can't fully comprehend Akutagawa — unlike Atsushi.

So essentially, I think Dazai knows he tried moulding Akutagawa's dominant nature to what he deems 'perfect' or, 'likeable'. However Akutagawa has a really strong personality, from growing up on the streets and lacking a childhood. I think Dazai's changed and has grown to notice this. That he shouldn't try to silence his nature, but give the growing vine a bamboo pole.

Thank you, I'm so happy to hear you enjoy my interpretation of the characters (╥﹏╥) Your words made my week, thank you.

I do wholly agree, being told he has potential would feel awful for Akutagawa, because for him that's just telling him there's a standard he can't live up to. Having potential is a pressure-heavy statement; for him, it's a reminder that he's not there yet and, given how lowly he thinks of himself, an affirmation that he'll never get there, either. And I can confirm Akutagawa absolutely does take pride in being the worst at things lol. As in, the worst pm individual to ever stumble across, the worst opponent of them all– he'd take these as compliments. That's something that lacks the pressure of possible failure, that's something he's already “the best” at.

As for Akutagawa and Dazai's relationship after Dazai joined the ada, yeah,,, It's really very complex and multifaceted, I really like exploring it. I've talked about this a lot recently too, but again I really stand by the fact that Dazai wants to have very little to do with Akutagawa, yet at the same time also marginally cares about him, deep deep down? (Or, although I can't find it in myself to call it anything close to guilt for how he treated Akutagawa, experiences at least a tiny inclination to make up for it). So when he finds Atsushi, Dazai is nothing but delighted to dump the task of fixing Akutagawa to him (which is funny, because Atsushi has no intention of fixing Akutagawa; but be it because of Dazai's manipulation, be it because of sskk soulmatism, he will end up doing so anyway). I really like your interpretation of Dazai removing himself from direct influence to make people grow on their own, I find it very fitting. It's also coherent with his alleged trust in his allies that's been coming up in the last chapters, as well as some kind of avoidance behavior that if you ask me is in him. And okay, I LOVE the interpretation that Dazai believes Akutagawa can find “the answer” by himself. God!!!!!!!! This concept is so good. Dazai never gave Akutagawa the answer because he knows he can't, because that's not something for him to give!!! But what he can do is put Akutagawa in the conditions to find it by himself!!!!!! Whoa stuff that's instantly integrated into my belief system for real. The way that would also be like, the only time in his life Dazai would actually be acting like a teacher / mentor to Akutagawa.

They aren't like Soukoku, they are Double Grey if anything 😭😭😭 That's what we've been telling Dazai since forever. I do like to think Dazai can't get sskk all the way to the core, if anything because I relish the thought that there's something so special and personal in their relationship, even Dazai can't control it. Agreed, not even Dazai can understand Akutagawa like Atsushi does. I feel like despite Dazai's endless perceptiveness, he will never be able to understand on an emotional level what it means to strive for a reason to live, because Akutagawa just wants to live /so much/, while Dazai doesn't. While on the other hand, Atsushi gets it. He gets what it means to feel like the right to live is something you have to gain; he gets the striving to live, because he feels it all the same.

(Not to give rise to misunderstandings: Dazai does look for a reason to live. It's just that in his case, it's looking for a reason to live so that he can stop wanting to die, while for Akutagawa it's because he desperately wants to keep living. They're such fundamentally different sentiments, I believe deep down Akutagawa and Dazai are ultimately incomprehensible to each other. That's why, when in the Heartless Cur Dazai told Akutagawa he would have been able to give him a reason to live, in my opinion he was lying. Because he doesn't have that, he doesn't have that even for himself.)

Back to Akutagawa and Dazai's relationship. Honestly, I think when moulding Akutagawa in the pm, Dazai was shooting for some kind of perfection; it's just that at the time, such perfection was making of him the perfect killing machine. And when he suddenly left the pm, he was already pretty much done. But then, Dazai's objective for Akutagawa fundamentally changed; and now he doesn't want Akutagawa to be a mindless violent executor anymore, but his own manipulation is backfiring at him, because that's what he made Akutagawa to be. Akutagawa really is the failed child in a lot of ways, an experiment gone wrong, an abandoned art piece. By the way, I really like the emphasis you put on Akutagawa having a really strong personality, because I truly believe he does. It's especially evident in Beast. We just forget about it because Dazai also happens to be the single person in the world able to change that personality to his liking, to put a muzzle on him; but I'm fully convinced no one else can (that's also why I'm reticent to believe Akutagawa would be much tame when interacting with Chuuya or Mori). It's nice to think Dazai would eventually learn to let Akutagawa's nature thrive. Because there's not exclusively beastly tendencies in it. Then if Dazai keeps being a god in Akutagawa's life (in Beast, almost in a literal sense), at least it's a god that allows him free will.

[zukkaoru]

don't go to bsd but sigma and or lucy? :-3

i will do both <3

sigma

Sexuality Headcanon: aroace!!!

Gender Headcanon: i love transfem sigma so much. but also to me their.. idk "birth gender" is not the right term probably but like. the gender they were created as is not strictly male or female. it's sort of both and sort of neither. so transfem sigma to me isn't necessarily male -> fem-aligned; it's closer to intersex -> fem-aligned i guess?

A ship I have with said character: okay so. i usually just say i don't ship sigma with anyone but admittedly,, i have seen some very cute sigsano art that is lowkey converting me BUT there are conditions that must be met for that ship which are 1. sigma is transfem/nonbinary (bc i hc yosano as a lesbian) 2. if it's canon universe, sigma needs to have some time to themself to figure out what they want to do with their life and become comfortable finally living as a person with autonomy over themself. and 3. it's probably closer to a qpr than a typical romantic relationship bc sigma is still definitely on both the aro and ace spectrums also siglai to me is like. not romantic, not platonic, but a secret third thing that is somewhere in between

A BROTP I have with said character: i want to see sigma and lucy interact SO BADLY. i need them to be friends. but also sigma & nikolai!! and sigma & chuuya and sigma & yosano and. please just give her some FRIENDS

A NOTP I have with said character: sigzai. again i will refrain from saying anything else on the matter.

A random headcanon: they know a lot of different card games from around the world and like teaching others how to play them

General Opinion over said character: same as tachi tbh: i see a character with identity issues; i immediately adopt them into my collection <3

lucy

Sexuality Headcanon: bi!!

Gender Headcanon: okay so bigender she/he lucy. hear me out--

A ship I have with said character: montcott again my beloveds <3 also ginlucy is making some points in my mind,,

A BROTP I have with said character: i've already said a lot for her in the other responses to this ask game uhmm i just think she should be friends with everyone also <3 but atsushi & lucy friendship is also something i love so much

A NOTP I have with said character: akulucy ig? idk if people even ship just them together without atsushi but. i hc aku as gay so

A random headcanon: lowkey stolen from/inspired by lena's lucy hcs but she's really into fashion design and loves doodling outfit ideas in her spare time

General Opinion over said character: lucy get BEHIND ME!!! if you hate her bc 1. she "gets in the way of your ship" (no she literally doesn't??) and/or 2. she's too loud / mean / annoying / brash / stubborn / headstrong / etc etc etc. please take a LOOK at the male characters you are fawning over and you will see that they probably share some of the same traits you are villainizing lucy for. she has literally done nothing wrong and i adore her and i will defend her with my life. thank u

[patorucho]

QSMP LANGUAGE DAY‼️ HAVE SOME FILIPINO* TRANSLATIONS NOW THAT OUR LANGUAGE HAS BEEN ADDED :D

*Note: This will be one dialect, which is the most common dialect, Tagalog. People tend to say Tagalog = Filipino, but it's just really the most used dialect

Hi/Hello = Magandang Araw/Umaga/Gabi

We have no informal way of greetings other than just saying Hi or Hello, so we say Good day/Morning/Evening

Until next time = Hanggang sa susunod

No informal or formal way of saying bye other than just saying Bye

The Federation = Ang Federasyon

No direct translation of Federation, we change spellings sometimes of English words to fit

Eggs = Mga Itlog ▪︎ Egg = Itlog

Plural words tend to have "mga" before the noun, we don't usually add s or es at the end

The Code = Ang Kode

Same as above, change of spelling. We don't have c's or some letters in our alphabet so it's ABKD (Ah-Ba-Ka-Da) <- ABCs

Mom = Nanay ▪︎ Dad = Tatay

Child = Anak ▪︎ Grandchild = Apo ▪︎ Sibling = Kapatid ▪︎ Niece/Nephew = Pamangkin

Our language doesn't usually gender words, so daughter or son would just boil down to "anak"

Eldest [Child] = Panganay ▪︎ Youngest [Child] = Bunso

Usually people will address others or kids as "bunso" which is youngest. If we finally get Filo streamers and they call their eggs or other eggs "panganay" or "bunso", there you go!

He/She/They (singular) = Siya ▪︎ They (plural) = Sila

Sure = Sige ▪︎ Yes = Oo ▪︎ No = Hindi ▪︎ Not allowed = Bawal

*Bawal is like saying "you're not allowed". "Bawal kumain" is "You're not allowed to eat"

Gossip = Chika/Chismis

Motherfucker = Putang Ina

Some informal spelling would have it together as "putangina" or slang as "tangina"

Shit/Fuck = Puta

Idiot = Bobo ▪︎ Stupid = Gago ▪︎ Dumb = Tanga

These are slang terms or more rather, insults, for being an idiot. Do this what you will with Foolish's name

Girlfriend/Boyfriend = Kasintahan

Love = Mahal

This can also mean expensive

Duck = Bibe ▪︎ Rabbit = Kuneho

Money = Pera

If you were to say the currency of money, we use Pesos (peh-sos) <- instead of pay-sos

The Island = Ang Isla

We hope you enjoy the Island = Umaasa kami na masiyahan ka sa Isla

For informal use, say "Sana na masiyahan ka sa Isla".

Some Slang:

Sana all = [If] only all

Used when others have something that you want. "Sana all may girlfriend :-(" = "If only [everyone] had a girlfriend :-("

Mamser/s = Ma'am + Sir/s

Slang for addressing all, like ladies and gentleman but in slang

Bading = Gay

Not actual slang translation, but feel free to use this LOL + also a lot of queer filos (me) like to just say bading a lot LMFAO

KKB (Kanyang Kanyang Bayad) = "Pay with your own money"

Used when you're going out with friends and don't treat each other to paid meals. Pay on your own!

Aq = Ako = I

I personally tend to abbreviate ako as "aq" as the pronounciation is sort of the same where the q sounds like "ku" so it sounds like "aku" or ako in an informal setting

Huy/Hoy = Hey

Said usually outside as Huyyyyy or Uy. Huy is like "Heyyyyyy" while Hoy is like "HEY!" (think of it as OI!)

Shet = Shit ▪︎ Pak = Fuck ▪︎ Pakyu = Fuck you

Kyut = Cute

Pa kyut = To be cute, not to be confused with Pak-yu

This is all I could come up with for now, feel free to add more! Hanggang sa susunod! Mwah mwah kis kis

[yandere-romanticaa]

my two cents abt bsd is ive never rly been a fan of the way the fandom treats its characters. i think they ship too much for my own taste. i somewhat see myself in dazai and some of the others. i see all of them in a platoic relationship because to me, platonic is better than romance. theres just smtg about strong camaraderie that goes beyond friendship but not lovers. not everything has to be about romance (i feel like im gna get so much shit for this opinion lmfaooo) also im getting kinda bored seeing aku and atsu duo all the time. i wnna see someone new he can experiment his combat with XD

Anon. My dear, sweet, darling anon. You've put all of my feelings into words perfectly. Why can't they be just friends?? 😭 To make it clear, I won't dunk on you if you ARE a shipper but this is for the really extreme cases - just because characters have banter, that doesn't mean they're madly in love. Dazai and Chuuya literally cannot stand each other, Atsushi and Akutagawa kinda have to work together if they wanna stay alive lol. The way in which some people go nuts over these ships really makes me wonder if those same people have ever had a true friend, like an actual friend they would put their life on the line for, someone they know they can trust. It's some food for thought.

As for Atsushi, I also agree. I know that Akutagawa is his parallel and it's all symbolic but it would be cool if he and Aku cooled down just a smidge. I see where you're coming from here.