#I really just made this for Ranmaru

[daily-yttd-something]

Day 129: Gender

[zettaireido-emotion]

Camus character analysis: games VS anime

If you finished the Uta no Prince-sama anime and your opinion of this man is "wow, he's kinda terrible," I don't blame you. in fact I've seen a lot of people say this

In this post, I want to talk about his characterization in the games and give my two cents on what the anime was trying to do with him, especially in his single focus episode Saintly Territory (S3E6).

Disclaimer: I wrote this on a whim because I'm sick and stuck at home so if anyone reads this, sorry I might go all over the place

Spoilers for all of the games!

The "be my slave" thing

Starting with Anime Camus's most egregious crime: treating Haruka like a servant/slave (however you want to translate it)

Basically in his focus episode, Haruka is tasked with writing a song for Camus. She wants to learn more about him in order to write it, but Camus will only let her follow him if she acts as his servant. She accepts without complaining, Cecil is rightfully angry, Haruka continues anyway and the song gets completed.

Now, am I about to say that Game Camus would never do this? No because he literally does lmao.

The anime doesn't pull this "servant" plotline out of nowhere, here's the context in his route:

Haruka accidentally overhears Camus talking about a plot to assassinate Saotome on the phone. When he notices that she heard everything, he basically tells her that he has to kill her now. But if she served him, he'd be able to keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn't leak anything, so she could escape death.

Okay uh "work under me or DIE" isn't exactly better, nor is it a good start to a love story, but I'm not finished!!

(A side note: I have to add that the anime made him look like an even bigger asshole and borderline dumb when it came to the things he made her do. Like he expected her to know that snapping your fingers means you want coffee without prior explanation. bro

^This might have been for comedic effect but I promise he can be actually funny and endearing.)

What the anime couldn't cover

The Camus episode wraps up with Haruka pulling through and writing a song that makes Camus "sincere," he says it's cool at the very end and that's the episode. I think the problem is that we technically didn't see him being sincere or what that even means to him, besides when he was singing (banger song btw)

It's a shame because in a 20-minute episode you really can't show the game experience of slowly piecing together what this man's problem is.

First of all, in Debut and AS you'll be quick to notice that he always has homeland and duty on the mind, constantly reminding himself that he's in Shining Agency/Japan for a reason, and it's NOT to have fun or make friends

The truth is, he slowly starts to appreciate the banter with his colleagues, music, and working there in general.

But because of his initial mindset, he has to rationalize & justify every connection he forms, like "it's just for work" or worse: "actually it was ALL A LIE and I NEVER ENJOYED A SECOND OF THE TIME WE SPENT TOGETHER, I'm such a great actor haha"

He uses that to fool himself and to push the other person away so it doesn't happen again. This scene is probably the best example:

(I'll be using google lens because it's faster but I checked that the tls were okay)

He also does this in the Non-Fiction drama, which may or may not have actually happened, but I think it's still a pretty good reflection of what could happen in reality because he tells Ranmaru their bond was a lie, then mopes around in his guilt thinking about the good times and wondering why he's sad, and THEN later doubles down on the "it was a lie, I don't care about you" because he just can't let himself get attached to anything.

Basically, he's terrified at the thought of forming actual bonds because he genuinely thinks he's nothing if he stops being a cold weapon:

At one point he does admit he sucks (as a love interest)-

-which is pretty huge by utapri standards. I love these games, but the amount of times where a male lead does something icky, and everyone, including Haruka, acts like it's normal or like it's Haruka's fault is ehhh but I digress

Upbringing

Of course he's very proud of his homeland and status, but sometimes it's to the point of thinking he can't be anything other than his title. So why is he like this?

We got to hear about his childhood from Camus himself a few times, and it often ended with Haruka thinking "wait? that's kinda messed up?" and Camus insisting it's nothing/it's normal so yeah that's something...

His parents were in an unhappy arranged marriage, and his mother was forced to birth an heir which traumatized her so much that she can't see Camus without falling ill. Overall it's a pretty tragic situation since what happened to her was horrible, though not Camus's fault either. Even now she refuses to see him, and I wouldn't say that makes him sad because he never really met her, but simply knowing of her sacrifice probably adds a lot of pressure. As in, he only exists for this one purpose (inheriting his father's title and serving the country), so if he doesn't play his part correctly, it would have all been for nothing.

He was raised by his father not as a child or son but as the heir, always treated and judged as an adult (even during physical training apparently, make of that what you will)

When Haruka asks about childhood memories he has a very hard time finding something that doesn't have to do with his duties or the nation. And then admits he didn't truly have a "childhood" since he was never treated like a child

As for the queen, I think his love for her is sincere: she taught him a lot of things growing up, and according to him, she's also a victim trapped by her duties so he wants to ease the burden.

So hypothetically, if he found things or people that made him happy in Japan, he would feel obligated to lock them away because that happiness is incompatible with his life: he'll have to leave when his mission ends, he shouldn't be spending time on things that aren't "useful" as he doesn't have the free will to pursue them

In his mind he's completely tied down by the fact that he was born and raised for a single reason, and the fact that he does want to serve the queen.

(This is Saotome describing him btw)

Also it might sound ridiculous to bring his self-worth into question because of how pretentious he is, but I've counted a few situations where he seemed to have complete disregard for his own life, only worrying about Haruka and Cecil's safety in scenes when they were present. And he thinks wanting to be loved unconditionally is a childish thought he shouldn't have.

"Double Face" was a lie. There's like at least 10 layers

On the surface he does have two personas, his perfect polite butler act for the media, and his cold bitchy attitude off camera. But honestly, even when he's not acting as a butler, he's often putting up a front to hide any form of vulnerability (from himself as well)

His main struggle is finding who he is outside of what he's being told to do. Before, he never actually stopped to think about what he WANTS because it just never occurs to him, or if it does he ignores it.

That's why realizing that he has his own desires is essential to his character development, and him staying with Quartet Night (and Haruka in his routes) is so important. It's why Reiji feels the need to reach out and when he does, Camus either freezes up or tears up;

This all makes him the opposite of Ranmaru (being true to yourself and sincere), and similar to Ai (gradually learning to view the world in a less cold and logical way), but I kind of want to save that for another post lmao

He is especially hard on Cecil because Cecil says & does whatever he wants, and everything still works out for him, which is a way of life that Camus can't imagine for himself at all (despite maybe wanting it?)

That he can realize this and eventually admit out loud, despite all his pride, is also one of my favorite things about him

Season 2 does hint at something, so that's pretty cool!

Side note, I really love that his theme in the new Oracle series is "Change," the melting of ice.

So what was the anime supposed to do??

Of course there's no way to show all this in a single episode or even during the runtime of the anime, and I never expected them to because the story is very surface-level (that goes for all characters).

It's just unfortunate since the anime is the most accessible and well-known utapri media in the western fandom, and the character's main episode is bound to leave the biggest impression.

I understand the choice of being laser-focused on the servant plotline, it's supposed to be funny (?) and waters him down to a trope that's easy to understand at first glance (the step-on-me guy I guess)

Still, I can't help but compare it to Ranmaru's episode, who was also hard to work with in the games but was chill in S3E7 and got to pet cats. Anime onlys will never know how much Camus loves to dote on his dog smh.....

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

My Yakuza Man (Mitsuhide)

Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors and inaccuracies.

✮⋆˙ Prologue

Mitsuhide: "What's wrong? You don't seem to have much of an appetite."

Mai: "I think it's weird to eat normally in a situation like this."

Mitsuhide: "Agreed."

(Then why did you even ask!?)

Mitsuhide: "However, on that first night we met, you stood up to a group of armed men with remarkable boldness. I figured someone like you might actually eat heartily even now."

Mai: "Sorry to disappoint. But seriously, that doesn't sound like a compliment at all."

Mitsuhide: "Not true. Back then, I did say you were interesting, didn't I? That's quite a rare compliment coming from me."

Gracefully holding his knife and fork, Mitsuhide smiled at me with an air of elegance.

I could feel the occasional glances from the other women seated at nearby tables, their gazes filled with admiration.

They didn’t seem to hear the unsettling conversation, which made me sigh with relief.

(He's talking about that, isn't he?)

That night, caught in a violent conflict, I ended up yelling, 'You should value your lives' when I tried to protect a young man named Ranmaru.

Mitsuhide: "That was a good first meeting."

Mai: "It was the worst for me."

Mitsuhide: "Don't say that. Learning your name and workplace so quickly was a stroke of luck. Thanks to that, I managed to keep you from slipping away."

(I should've just removed my ID back then!)

It was too late to regret it now.

Having had my identity pinned down, I found myself at the mercy of Mitsuhide. 

Under the guise of a date (blackmail), I ended up being dragged to this fancy restaurant.

Mai: "Um, you really don't need to threaten me into silence. I swear I won't tell anyone about what I saw that day."

Mitsuhide: "Silence you? That's an odd thing to say. What exactly did you see?"

Mai: "You know, um, possession of unauthorized firearms and swords?"

Even though I knew no one around could hear us, the topic was sensitive enough that I instinctively leaned in and whispered.

At this, he slightly narrowed his eyes as if holding back laughter before exaggeratedly raising his eyebrow.

Mitsuhide: "Oh dear. You've witnessed something amusing, haven't you, Mai?"

His teasing tone was lighthearted and annoyingly smooth.

(Ugh, it’s like nothing I say bothers him at all!)

(If this isn't about silencing me, then why is he involving himself with an ordinary office worker like me?)

Mai: "You really don't want me saying anything, do you?"

Frustrated, I tried to test the waters, but his perfectly composed face didn't flinch in the slightest.

Mitsuhide: "If that's what you want to believe, I won't stop you. But it's a bit sad."

Mitsuhide: "All I've done is genuinely invite someone I'm interested in for a meal."

Mai: "Y-You're so full of it!"

Mitsuhide: "What would it take for me to earn your trust?"

His evasiveness, paired with words that almost sounded like flirtation, was starting to confuse me.

Unable to read his intentions, I could only stiffen in frustration. Seeing this, Mitsuhide chuckled softly before saying something completely unexpected.

Mitsuhide: "Do you eat meat?"

Mai: "Huh, meat? Uh, yeah, I guess."

Mitsuhide: "Then try this. I've heard good things about the food here."

Cutting the dish into a refined, bite-sized piece, Mitsuhide held the fork up to my mouth.

(Wait, is this a 'say ahh' situation!?)

Mitsuhide: "Truth be told, I don't really care about food. As long as it fills me up, that's good enough for me."

Mai: "Huh?"

(This guy has perfect table manners, but his way of thinking is like that of a warlord.)

Mitsuhide: "But that wouldn't satisfy the chef, would it? So, instead, I'd like you to enjoy it."

Mai: "This is ridiculous. If that's the case, then why did you even invite me to a restaurant?"

Mitsuhide: "I figured you'd find it harder to make a scene in a crowded place. Plus, I wanted to see that kind of expression from you."

Mitsuhide: "Come on. Give up and open those stubborn lips of yours. You don't want me to force it open, do you?"

Mai: "………"

(This is already forceful enough.)

Even as I thought this, his voice, laced with a seductive tone, caught me off guard, making my heart skip a beat.

Mitsuhide: "I'm going to touch your lips."

Mai: "Mmm."

As he brought the fork closer, I had no choice but to surrender and open my lips.

The meat touched my tongue. I gently bit it down, feeling the hard touch of the fork.

Mitsuhide: "Good girl."

(Please don't smile so beautifully like that.)

He watched me quietly as I ate, pleased with my compliance, and finally withdrew the fork.

I felt an overwhelming embarrassment as if I had been forced into doing something shameful, and my cheeks burned with heat.

Mai: "I really don't get it. I have no idea what you want from me."

Mitsuhide: "I'm flattered that you're thinking about me."

Mai: "Stop joking around."

Mitsuhide: "I just wanted to know more about you. It'll be useful for the future."

His words felt loaded with meaning, making me feel uneasy and restless.

But at that moment, his gaze suddenly turned cold.

Mitsuhide: "It seems I have some guests."

Mai: "Huh?"

Man 1: "There he is! Mitsuhide Akechi of the Azuchi clan!"

Man 2: "Don't let him escape!"

Mitsuhide: "Fighting here would be uncouth. Mai, stand up."

Mai: "What!?"

He didn't even flinch when the men pointed at us and charged toward our table. He calmly stood up and, almost as if escorting me, elegantly wrapped his arm around my waist.

Mitsuhide: "You'll accompany me on this little escape, won't you?"

(----!)

He whispered into my ear with an almost playful tone, and it hit me again that this man was unlike any ordinary person.

(This guy is way too dangerous!)

Even as I realized this, I couldn't resist and found myself running alongside him.

[blueesnow]

Camus' Birthday (Year 1) Voicelines Translation.

-You can look at it again on the Event Log, Mini-Event section (for the other boys messages to him) and Talk section (for a one-on-one conversation with you and him) in Idol Page.

-Also the translations might not be fully accurate since I'm not that fluent on jp/en, so if i ever made a mistake do correct me🙏

<You (Player)> Camus: I'm truly honored to receive your celebration words. It touches my heart more than any other celebration. Camus: It is my duty to provide you with an exquisite time to repay those feeling. You will surely accompany me, won't you?

<Otoya> Otoya: Happy Birthday! I bought you my recommended ice cream as a thank you for everything! Camus: How thoughtful of you. Alright, time to give it a try. Go and prepare the drinks. …Two would be fine.

<Masato> Masato: Happy Birthday, Camus-senpai. I'll bring you some sweets again as a token of my gratitude for you. Camus: Hmm, Hijirikawa's homemade, huh. Anything that you brought is never off the mark, so I'm really looking forward to it.

<Natsuki> Natsuki: Happy Birthday! I'll prepare a special tea party just for you, Myu-chan-senpai! Camus: Very thoughtful of you. The tea that you brew is always delectable. Well then, I shall prepare the finest sweets for it as well.

<Tokiya> Tokiya: Happy Birthday. While there seems to be a lot of special occasions today, please be careful not to consume too much sweets. Camus: Even without you telling me, I always make sure to take care of myself. Therefore, today should be no different than the usual.

<Ren> Ren: Happy Birthday, Baron! I found a cafe you might like the other day. Let's go there together. Camus: I assume that you will prepare the car, right? If so, I don't mind going. You should be grateful.

<Syo> Syo: Happy Birthday! I think it's amazing how Camus-senpai can do everything so well! Camus: You're impeccably well-mannered as a kouhai. The only thing left is for you to tone down that smothering attitude a little bit.

<Cecil> Cecil: Happy Birthday. Although Camus' advice can be a bit twisted, it can be helpful too sometimes. Camus: Hmph, if it's helpful then that's good to know. Try to put words in your mouth to express your gratitude more honestly, Aijima.

<Reiji> Reiji: Happy Birthday! I rely on Myu-chan who always stick to his own belief☆ Camus: It's an unquestionable fact that I have a strong presence. However, you should learn to have some dignity before you rely on me.

<Ranmaru> Ranmaru: Happy Birthday, Camus. I won't complain no matter how much sugar cubes you use today. Camus: Oh, you sure came up with something good, Kurosaki. Without further ado, let's quickly put ten cubes in it… no, maybe twenty.

<Ai> Ai: Happy Birthday, Camus. Perhaps I could learn a thing or two from your sophisticated language and behavior that you show to your fans. Camus: Good observation, but it's not enough. I'm sure there are plenty of other things you could learn from me.

<Eiichi> Eiichi: Happy Birthday. The way you act as a butler and entertain others is truly magnificent! Camus: I'm glad to know that you're pleased with this side of me. Let's both work even harder for the sake of our young ladies, shall we?

<Kira> Kira: Happy… Birthday. I spotted a dog bowl… with a nice color. I wonder if ceramics… would be fine to you. Camus: It seems like I can count on your aesthetic sense when it comes to pottery. I'd love to buy some. Introduce me next time.

<Nagi> Nagi: Happy Birthday~☆ Nagi knows a lot about trendy sweets♪ Shall I tell you my recommendation? Camus: Why, of course. Thank you very much. …Now, please tell me more about it immediately.

<Eiji> Eiji: Happy Birthday. Please allow me to gift you a variety of sweets too! Camus: I will always be waiting for you, Young Master. I hope you'll also practice your conversation skills in a smooth way.

<Van> Van: Happy Birthday! Not only do you have an air of elegance on stage, but you also have elegant hobbies as well. Man, you're so amazing~! Camus: That would be an ideal goal for a noisy and single-minded people like you. You should learn from me to the fullest.

<Yamato> Yamato: Happy Birthday. You do horse riding, right? I'm also interested in it. It seems fun to ride it fast. Camus: You have a pretty good eye. I don't know how far your ability is, but feel free to give it a try.

<Shion> Shion: I heard that you own a lovely dog. I'm sure he's waiting at home to celebrate with you… Camus: And I heard that your hobby is bird watching. Perhaps we might have a good conversation regarding animals.

[ikeromantic]

Hello! Can i request for some Mitsuhide angst leading to fluff maybe?

It can be a misunderstanding leading to an argument or something qwq

Thankyou!

I love your fics btw! And happy new year!

Happy New Year to you as well, nonny! I hope you love this one too ^_^ Mostly fluff, a little light angst, approx 800 words.

Mitsuhide frowned. His little mouse was furious. She stood an armslength away, her back stiff, shoulders squared, brow creased and jaw tight. “You’re so cute when you’re angry.”

“I’m not angry.” Her fingers curled into a fist, clutching the fabric of her kimono. 

“Of course not. You just like making that face when you’re happy.” 

She glared at him. “I’m not happy either. Just . . . frustrated. I wish you wouldn’t lie to me.”

Mitsuhide sighed. He wasn’t lying. Not exactly. Just leaving something out. And for good reason. “I’m not lying, little one.”

“Right. And the moon is made of green cheese.” She looked like she wanted to stick her tongue out at him. Instead, she took a breath. “Fine. You’re not lying. I’m not angry. Nobody is anything. And I have stuff to do.” With that, she turned on her heel and stalked from his office. 

He watched her go, feeling an unexpected tightness in his chest. He did not want her to be angry with him. But there were times he couldn’t simply share everything he knew, and this was one. Masamune had extracted a promise, afterall. 

Two days and many cold glares later, the time had come for all to be revealed. It was a good thing too. Mitsuhide wasn’t sure he could handle another day of getting the cold shoulder. His little mouse was one snarky comment away from kicking him out of their shared futon. 

She saw him approach, but pretended to be too deeply focused on her embroidery to notice him. 

“Come with me,” he said when he was close, and held out a hand to help her up. Mitsuhide felt a flutter of relief when she accepted his hand. 

“Where are we going?” She eyed him with suspicion. Deserved, he thought. 

“Just for a little walk.” He smiled. 

She furrowed her brow. “I can tell you aren’t being honest but I’m not sure what the lie is. Where are we really going?”

Mitsuhide brushed a fingertip across her cheek. “Trust me?”

“I . . . I do.” She took a deep breath. “I know you wouldn’t let me get hurt. And you wouldn’t keep something from me unless you have to. So. Fine. Lead on.”

He wanted to kiss her, but he could tell she was still too annoyed with him to want the kiss. Or to allow herself to want it, anyway. That was alright. Delayed gratification made the prize all the sweeter. His golden gaze lingered for a moment on her lips in anticipation. 

She seemed to sense the gist of his thoughts, her cheeks heating. “Well. Come on. You said you wanted to take me for a walk.”

“My apologies, little one. I find myself sometimes lost in you.” He gave her a genuine smile, as rare as a shooting star. Mitsuhide led her through the mansion, a meandering walk. One that led them inevitably to the garden. 

“Fireball.” Nobunaga greeted her from where he sat, while Masamune rushed over to hug her. Hideyoshi, Ieyasu, Mitsunari, Ranmaru, and Keiji were there and they cheered her as she stepped out. 

“What is this? It isn’t my birthday . . .” She blinked at the gathered group and the tables piled high with her favorite treats. 

Masamune chuckled. “You really don’t know, lass?”

“Am I so easily forgotten?” Nobunaga gave a small frown. 

“No? But . . . I really don’t understand. Is it a festival day I forgot?” She turned to Mitsuhide, hoping for a hint.

He took pity on her. “Today is the anniversary of your arrival. You stumbled from the flaming temple with Nobunaga leaning on your shoulder, remember?” He playfully poked her forehead. 

She gaped for a moment, her entire face going hot. “I didn’t realize . . . oh - oh! This is the secret you’ve been keeping? Mitsuhide?!”

“It is.” He bent down and finally claimed the lips he’d been missing for days. A long, sweet, slow kiss. Impolite to the gathered company, perhaps, to flaunt his wealth in this way. But he’d been denied far too long to allow mere courtesy to stay his desire. 

“You are impossible,” she gasped when he finally let their kiss break for breath. She smacked his arm, then hugged him. 

Mitsuhide smiled his crescent moon grin. “I take it you are pleased then? And I am forgiven.”

“Yes,” she laughed. 

Masamune cleared his throat. “If you’re done with each other, how about you take a seat and try out my new dessert?”

Hideyoshi tsked. “Stop distracting her, Mitsuhide. You have to share her with us sometimes.” 

“Yeah, princess. Come take a seat so we can all eat,” Keiji shouted.

She did, sitting with Nobunaga to one side and Mitsuhide to the other. 

Ieyasu rolled his eyes. “This is so unnecessary.”

“But isn’t it nice,” Mitsunari exclaimed. 

“It’s very nice,” she interjected, squeezing Mitsuhide’s hand lightly. Her gaze, when she turned to him, was full of joy. Some secrets, he thought, were worth keeping. Especially when making up with his little mouse promised to be so much fun.

[doonalli]

Mai and Humanity in Autonomy (Mai Character Analysis)

I think Mai Tsurugi is a character who has a lot to her and while I know she is talked about a bit I think she should be talked about more because she is a truly fantastic character and I hope this post gets you to start thinking about how and why!!

To understand Mai’s character I think it's important to talk about a major theme in 3-1. Obviously at its core Chapter 3 Part 1 is about what makes something human, and its shown through each of the dummies, each encompassing a different aspect of humanity, and for Mai this is the humanity of being able to make your own choices.

And this is made extremely clear during one major point in 3-1 where Ranmaru gives a speech about how humanity is about making your own choices after Keiji gets locked in a coffin. 

And throughout the chapter Mai ends up emboding everything that Ranmaru and this scene is trying to say.

In this speech Ranmaru states that being human is about making your own choices, something that's a constant struggle for Mai’s character, but also something she ends up learning throughout the chapter and finally proving her humanity through it.

and Mai is the one who by far encapsulates this the most throughout 3-1, ironic considering how she is also the only one who didn’t get to hear the speech on account of being unconscious.

When we first meet Mai it’s as a doll during the Murderer Game, the subgame in which the survivors must kill Midori in order to proceed however the dolls instead have a different objective. As a doll Mai is told she must kill her partner (in this case being Q-taro) if she wants to survive. Here she starts off as someone unable to make her own choices and that's shown off almost immediately when Mai ends up being the first doll to play into Midori's hands and try to kill their partner, it's a choice that was set up for her, not something she chose herself but rather it's just her playing along with Midori's puppet show. However, after she wakes from being knocked out by Qtaro we see the first signs of her breaking from that.

When she wakes up, we see the aftermath of her choice from her perspective, and she regrets it, not from a regret of her betrayal but because of her failure.

If Sara tells her “you’re awake…” she’ll say

Its only when Qtaro decides to forgive that she finally regrets her actions

And Qtaro tells her that this doesn’t mean anything, as he claims he would have done the same, and the only thing that stopped him was that he was never given the opportunity. The only thing stopping him was the lack of a choice in the matter, mirroring how the only thing pushing Mai is the looming threat that if she doesn’t kill she dies. Both given only having one real choice presented to them. 

Q-taro even said as much right after Mai stabbed him.

Q-taro calls out the lack of choice the dummies have in the matter, and makes it clear that its Midori who has control over them. Forcing them to play along with his puppet show.

Once Mai is awake it's from this point forward where we see more of who she really is, rather than the cutesy persona she put on before, and that's shown through her actions. 

As a first step towards reconciliation Mai steps up to take Qtaro off Yabusame’s hands and let him lean on her instead. (and if Anzu died Gin will tell Mai that they can take turns if she gets tired, to which she thanks Gin)

The next scene I want to talk about is when Hinako asks the dummies how they plan on surviving with both the humans and the dummies intact. If Anzu and Hayasaka both died earlier Mai will step up to fight back against Hinako and Kurumada’s reluctance.

Rather than speaking from a reluctance to kill such kind people like Anzu or Hayasaka, she argues from experience. She can’t say she couldn’t kill them, but she still doesn’t want her allies to feel the same feeling she did, even if she would have to stop them herself

Finally when Maple starts going on a rampage she decides to risk her life to stay behind and protect Qtaro. Interestingly she also is required to beat the Maple fight as she is the one who reads Maple’s instruction manual and figures out what must be done, which leads into the connection Mai and Maple have in their arcs.

Speaking of, during Keiji’s POV section, Mai and Qtaro hide in the coffins to get away from Maple until they’re unlocked and they are able to save Keiji. Qtaro gets the idea to shut off the elevators to stop Maple from being able to get to the 5th floor after the others. Maple then stumbles in and collapses, starting another scene which highlights the connection Mai and Maple have.

And she explains that her goal as an obstructor was to kill Midori, however there was something that stood in the way of that.

Maple regrets the terrible things she did to everyone but Mai tells her it's because the cast took the ID card from her. Maple tells her that it was because she was programmed into loving Midori, that even this love wasn’t her choice and ultimately relegates her to a “gimmick”, robbing her of her autonomy, a similar situation as to what happened with Mai. During the Murderer game Mai alongside the rest of the dummies are reduced to gimmicks, to the point that unlocking the first level of “gimmick security” lets you see information on the dummies and their collars,

and unlocking the second level causes the victim videos of the dummies to play, ending with a video of what happened as they woke up. Its clear that, to Midori and Asunaro at least, the dummies are simply gimmicks for the Murderer Game.

And this is shown again when Maple explains the true meaning of the “Murderer game”, and how they were pushed into thinking that killing the survivors was their only choice, despite that not being the case.

However Mai doubts it at first, saying

She wonders if Asunaro would even charge them if their battery runs out, she then insists Asunaro was planning on disposing of them from the start, and that they were just watching them struggle helplessly.

Until Qtaro speaks up to make a promise to Mai,

Through the Banquet and Qtaro’s promise a new path opens up, one paved through the bonds between the humans and the dolls. A new choice was created, a choice they made themselves, separate from the “the human lives or the doll lives” dichotomy they were fed before. And with Mai’s help, alongside Qtaro and Keiji, this choice became an actual possibility. 

Once Keiji leaves to charge the Midori doll’s head Mai and Qtaro stay behind and they end up enacting their own plan to help everyone during the banquet. Qtaro lays down in Keiji’s coffin, taking his death into his own hands, in a way alleviating the blame from Mai for her actions, and opening up a new possibility for the dummies with the banquet. Mai still cries out that it's her fault. However the death now has a purpose, has a reason past Mai’s mistake, and it changes the death from one done by a lack of choice, to one that opens up new choices from a lot more people.

From here Mai is alone, with Keiji on the 5th floor and Qtaro gone, she is the only one who is left that knows about the plan, and the only one at all who knows about Qtaro. From here she walks her own path, obtains the ID card from Sara and starts to boot up the Qtaro AI into the doll. Soon an announcement from “Keiji” calling for Sara occurs and Mai tries to push everyone to go with her, likely to make sure Keiji isn’t spotted on the way down, but Sara charges on alone regardless, leaving Mai alongside the rest of the others, and with no Keiji in sight.

She then later meets up with Sara alongside the others and a new Q-taro doll in the classroom after Sara awakens from being stunned.

Very quickly I want to call attention to a scene in the Logic route after Ranmaru kills Yabusame.

After Ranmaru claims that this is the only way left to save Sara, Hinako calls him out on wanting to save himself, causing him to retaliate by asking when she decided to side with them. Hinako, shocked, doesn't manage to reply, but Mai steps in to tell Ranmaru that no one would side with him.

In a way Ranmaru in the Logic Route is the exact opposite of what Mai is striving for. Just the same as her, he killed someone to survive, and while she wouldn’t know that Ranmaru was pushed into this choice by Sara’s words, similar to what Midori did to Mai, there is a large difference in the fact that Ranmaru’s goal includes killing everyone to save himself and Sara but even past that he revels in what he did as the right choice, mirroring Mai’s almost immediate regret at her actions. Even the way she specifically kills her partner while Ranmaru's goal is to kill everyone EXCEPT his partner adds to this.

Right afterwards the fight against Maple 2.0 happens, and there are a couple moments I want to discuss on how they pertain to this theme of making your own choices shared between the two. Firstly, Maple’s first attack.

But, despite her own thoughts…

Here Maple is stuck following orders, and Mai understands that, she tries to tell her to be strong. However this doesn’t end up working out and Maple throws her first attack of the fight, regardless of what she truly thinks.

Next, Mai’s early death.

Mai ends up dying due to Maple’s lack of autonomy in her own actions, and Midori mocks her in that, asking her “You fine with that Maple…?” despite knowing he has her wrapped around his finger. The way Mai dies is in a way she personally could relate to, and relates to her final apology to Q-taro.

In both examples Maple is trapped by her programming in the same way Mai was trapped by the knowledge that she must kill to survive, but Maple shows something important with her final moments.

As she is about to die she breaks from Midori’s control on her and uses this chance to die alongside him, thanking everyone and saying she has “finally woken up” if Mai lived or denying Midori’s reward if she died instead. 

When she finally catches up to him Midori in a last ditch effort tells Maple that he loves her, trying to abuse the programming placed into her, and Sara has 3 possible responses she can give. “He’s lying” and “Hurry up and finish him” both leading him to restate the sentiment that he loves her, but this time Maple isn’t led astray and affirms that she won’t believe him. And if Sara says “Don’t kill him” she continues to lead her own decision stating that she will herself.

However despite this her body fails and she isn’t able to kill him. In the Logic Route, if Ranmaru is still alive, this is specifically caused by Ranmaru shocking her with his stun gun finger, adding another layer to my earlier point on how he is the opposite of Mai with him denying Maple’s own final action. Notably Mai sits down next to Maple’s corpse during the pre-banquet.

Despite this However Maple’s attack showed us cracks in Midori’s facade, cracks that will eventually break him. Maple’s actions here are the first step to breaking Midori and truly winning.

And this is shown in full force during the banquet with Mai’s decision, but before that I want to talk about a scene that occurs beforehand.

When the possibility of a human being a part of the dummies is brought into question, the realisation that Mai isn’t the exact same as her doll comes to light. Eventually this leads to the horrible truth that Mai’s hands aren’t actually her hands at all, but rather Midori’s human hands. In a way this is the physical manifestation that Mai’s actions weren’t by her own hands, but rather she was a tool for Midori, playing along with his puppet show. (and yet another mirror to Ranmaru who also had a scene focusing on his hands earlier in the chapter.)

Upon this reveal Mai swears she’ll kill Midori, something missing from Qtaro’s words if she died, instead his resolve is shaken, wondering if they’ll even be able to beat a guy like him. And this leads to the epitome of her arc, the third hint.

When Sara is forced to pick a red coffin she is afraid to make the choice in fear that her logic isn’t even correct. This is where Mai steps in to tell her to pick a red coffin so she can win.

Mai encompasses Ranmaru’s words from the start of the chapter, no longer too scared to die that she can’t even resist Midori’s hold on her, but proving her humanity by taking her life into her own hands to stand up against Midori, to claim her autonomy, because that's what separates a human from a tool. She quite literally made her own choice with the Banquet, allowing both the humans and the dolls an opportunity to make it through together, a possibility opened through the bonds between the humans and dolls, Qtaro and Mai being at the forefront of that.

Now Mai is willingly telling Sara to choose a coffin, even if its at the cost of her life. She isn’t going to allow Midori control over anyone again. The Mai we see before us here is so different from the at the start of the chapter, one who was too afraid to fight back and make and descision for herself. And even as far back as her victim video where she couldn’t even make a choice between which gun she needs to pick,and died as a result of her panicked state, where she shot the wrong gun. The through line of guns being present in both scenarios also adds to this aspect.

Mai proves humanity through actions, because being human means being able to make your own choices, something both Mai and Maple struggled with at first, but also something they ended up demonstrating over the chapter. They proved their humanity by not letting their actions be decided by another, to not be treated like a tool. Because being human means being able to have autonomy in your actions and Mai proved without a doubt that she is human, despite the physical aspect of being a doll. Because while a doll can’t move, talk or feel without someone forcing it, it's nothing but expected for a human.

==================================================================================================

WOOO MAI ANALYSIS DONE!!! only one dummie left!!! hopefully soon???

Also kinda a Maple analysis by mistake LOL hopefully that's okay lmao, the characters are majorly linked to each other so it didn't feel right to just omit her

But yeah hopefully you enjoyed this and it got you to think about Mai and Maple a bit more as characters, if you liked this and its the first one you've seen then I've got more analyses like these on my blog

and of course its not lost on me the fact that its the 2 women dolls that have an arc about their autonomy, and I love how it falls into YTTD's themes of gendered power as a whole

And as of the day I'm releasing this HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 3-1B!!! The best chapter! I hope this counts as a good enough anniversary post lol, the dummies are a major part of 3-1 after all! I'm happy to give more 3-1 content to the world!

As for now though, I hope you enjoyed and see you next time for my Hinako analysis!!!

[selenacosmic]

hiiiiii i have been so inlove with your headcanons lately so i wished to ask you for a request if you please

I saw a film or heard a story lately can't remember though- but it was about a child that child was about 6-9 years old but was a genius strategist for every war they made a strategy in was always won because of how smart they are and so they were used because of it- by their emperor/lord but they were attached to him thinking that the way they were treated (physically and mentally abused) was love so how would the iksen characters think of this traumatized but genius child

Hello, I am so happy to know you like my writing! This sounds really interesting, thank you for the request!

Warlords reaction to a genius but traumatized child.

Oda forces.

Nobunaga Oda.

Just because it’s a child doesn’t mean he cannot recognize talent, Nobunaga would bring the child under his care to war council and, maybe, even war.

Nobunaga would provide care and safety for the child, while he wasn’t the best at affection and healing since he also suffered a lot as a child, he would try his best for this child.

Hideyoshi Toyotomi.

Hideyoshi would try objecting to the child attending war councils, not that he would ever go against his lord’s decision, but to hideyoshi this child is still too young to participate in these matters, even if they are a genius.

He would be exactly like a mother father to them, while also feeling deeply sad about all the abuse the kid suffered.

Masamune Date.

Masamune is like that cool uncle that tries to take the child out to have fun, forget all about the pain, focus on the fun. He feels sympathy for this little genius and decides to be by their side, the same way he would have wanted someone by his side when he was a child.

It’s not that he doesn’t recognize this child as a genius, but he thinks that they should enjoy their childhood more.

Ieyasu Tokugawa.

Ieyasu worries about them, but he never really shows it in an obvious manner. He gives the child treatment over past scars and tips on how to defend themselves, under the premise of “don’t be useless” when really, what he means to say is “be more careful”.

Doesn’t matter if the kid is a genius, they can’t be reckless over their safety.

Mitsuhide Akechi.

Mitsuhide likes testing how intelligent this child is, wanting to see how far their education goes. He decides to take part in the child’s education since he sees great potential in there.

Also, he likes teasing them since they children tend to be more naive, all in an brotherly affectionate way, not in a cruel way.

Mitsunari Ishida.

As a fellow strategist and genius himself, Mitsunari is like a safe port for the child, both understanding each other in many aspects. Differently from Mitsuhide, mitsunari would become a trusty elder who the child would seek guidance to and opinions. Perhaps because both would have a sense of kinship to each other.

Ranmaru Mori.

Ranmaru is softhearted, and also knows the pain this child has gone through, he would try to be like his master and try helping the child grown up healthily and happy, to leave behind all the pain from the past.

Keiji.

Keiji tries using his cheerful persona more often to keep this child happy and entertained, he would need to be more careful since this kid is very intelligent and would be able to figure it out eventually about his true personality. He feels sorry that this child’s talents were constantly exploited and would rather they don’t take part much in war councils.

Uesugi-Takeda alliance.

Kenshin Uesugi.

Kenshin would first consider if this kid being a strategist genius meant they could fight him, but was immediately stopped since this is still a child nonetheless. While he can sympathize with this child’s traumatic past, he also believes they need to become stronger so that no one else was able to abuse them ever again, so he takes part in their training personally.

Shingen takeda.

Ah, another fellow strategist? Shingen would be very happy to take this child in as his own, deciding to raise them just like he has raised Yukimura. Giving the child classes of his own when it comes to war and strategy, while also giving them sweets and spoiling them rot.

Knowing how much this child suffered, he would rather they don’t participate in war councils until they become a teenager.

Yukimura Sanada.

Yukimura would take this child as a young sibling, being the best big brother there is. Sure, the kid might be a genius, but they should enjoy their childhood as much as possible. He often takes the kid out with him to town and on missions, teaching them things at first hand.

Yoshimoto Imagawa.

Yoshimoto would rather teach this child the ways of art and beauty, rather than let them focus on war and battles. They had already enough of these brutalities in their childhood, they should focus on relaxing and enjoying their youth.

Sasuke.

Being from the future, Sasuke knows that childhood in this era was never easy, and seeing how this was a gifted child that was taken advantage of for their intelligence, he decides to help them by being their friend, showing them that it’s ok to let their guard down and be a normal child for once.

Kanetsugu.

Kanetsugu may be stern and a bit frightening, but he doesn’t think this child should immediately take place in a war council. He agrees, however, to molding this child into someone who can aid kenshin in the future, so he becomes a teacher to them as well. He tries to not be too strict as to not scare this child.

[myturntocryy]

transfem joe because I've been thinking about her for ages and I don't know if I've drawn her

headcanons:

-i don't think she'd mind he/him pronouns being used on her, she just is happier with she/her . I think she'd also vibe with they/them and maybe some neos too but I'm not sure which

- I honestly think she'd keep her name Jou/Joe. It's familiar to her and she doesn't really feel any disconnect to it, it's still her. I do think it'd be cute for Sara and Ryoko to have a girl sleepover with her where they research name options though. I think she'd be /open/ to changing her name but ultimately Joe still feels good for her for now and she's in no rush to change it

-She wouldn't figure it out until her mid 20s ish and that's only because she has her friends to help her. Like Sara would have to sit her down and the conversation would be like: Sara: Joe... you know most boys don't wish to be a girl or feels happy when they're mistaken for a girl, right? ...You know if you want to be a girl, that's okay. Joe: What? You can do that? Sara: *waving her hands wildly at Ranmaru* Joe: *eyes wide* RANMARU'S A GIRL?! Sara: NO

-Reko and her band is what got her into the queer scene at first. I think she probably knew her sexuality before her gender lol. Meeting Reko in person just made her more into the band and she became a BIG fan and then Reko recommended her some other queer musicians and it's like an entirely new world was opened for her. I think Sara wouldn't really get it (I don't see her as a girl that's into much music in general and so being a fan would confuse her) at first but after she gets used to it and goes to a few concerts with Joe she really enjoys it. Ryoko was ecstatic when she found out the music Joe was listening to and proceeded to share her her playlist of lesbian artists she loved lol.

-don't think she'd stick to any certain aesthetic. one day she could be wearing hippie clothing, the next punk and the next just strolling around in her pajamas.

-

[struggling-jpg]

Yohaji’s dead Seimei has me screaming internally at all times because he can be so many things but we’re not exactly sure what’s what yet????

Was he doomed by the narrative? Did he doom himself narratively due to his clairvoyance? Is he a divine eldritch horror? Is he a human eldritch horror that the divine wanted to get rid of? Is he all of that? Is he none of that? Was he lonely and hopeless about his own situation to the point he could only hope to vicariously live a semi-normal life through his descendant/reincarnation? Did he have no choice but to play out events so the people around him could have happier futures? Was he just always built different? Is this version of him really connected to kitsune? What exactly made him shed a tear in that one Ranmaru flashback? What is his curse doing on Douman? What really killed him?

How is he the Horror, the ghost of Christmas past, and the missed dead wife simultaneously at all times?

I need more brainrot for this guy!!!

I am so normal about Abe no Seimei, promise.

[writingwhimsey]

Okay just finished reading Hideyoshi’s sequel for the first time. Blissful route ending. But like...DAMN! Thoughts below the cut (spoilers ahead).

Okay this route WREAKED HAVOC on my heart. This is legit the first time I have ever cried (and ugly cried) from this game (have come close but this one just really hit me).

Like MC not only not being able to touch those she loves but her touch actually causing them PAIN! AND IT COULD EVENTUALLY KILL THEM?!

The damage that that would do to you mentally. And when she's thinking of committing suicide...I was 😭! Her pain and hopelessness felt so real and raw.

And then to turn Hideyoshi into the type that would burn the world for MC?! Turn pur sweet sunshine man into this beast?! I know they've hinted at it before but he REALLY took it there in the sequel. And that was one of the things I loved though. I love a man who would turn against the world for turning against me. Favorite type of fictional man.

And I fucking swear..KICHO PISSED ME OFF AND DISGUSTED ME! He's definitely been twisted in other routes...but he seems the most unhinged to me in this one. He made an aide fall in love with him in order to experiment on how far the physical pain would go! And then blinded the poor man and killed him with his voice...literally making his flesh melt off!!! The actual fuck?! How can you justify that?! And how is that finding life previous?!

Okay...loved Ranmaru and Kennyo being silent protectors of MC and just constantly showing up when needed. It was beautiful.

Loved the banter between Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide. And I adored when we got to our happy ending ALL OF THE GUYS DOTING ON MC!!! And making Hideyoshi jealous in the process. Man even scolded Nobunaga!

Happy ending was appreciated after the heartbreak that was the rest of it. Seriously ripped my heart out and stomped on it. But that just means it was so well written and just shows how much I love these characters.

[frenchkanna1808]

it might sound weird coming from me but I would honestly prefer a ranmaru mini ep and a hinako one over a kanna mini episode. This might sound shocking to some since I'm a big Kanna fan and I already stated my distaste for ranmaru but yes I would honestly prefer a mini ep about him first.

I think mini ep are an excellent way to give depth to a character make us change our way of seeing them and depenibg their already excellent traits. The kurumada mini ep is truly a masterpiece in my eyes because I already liked kurumada but it really deepened his character in so many way, he wasn't just an angry man. The kai mini ep, oh god the Kai mini ep is so good it made me realise that Kai was probably one of the best written characters in the game. Mini EPs make me like the characters even more, and give them so many layers.

Compared to what people might think I want to like ranmaru, really, I really hope that maybe this mini episode will make me like his character, for now I think that he is a bad person and a boring character, but I want to like him like the rest. Giving depth and explaining why he acts this way that's what I want. Hinako is such an interesting character which we know nothings of, who are you what's your real identity and name. Who are you truly fake hinako. I'm so interested into giving those characters depth complexity to make them truly special. Which I swhy I want characters who I do not care or like that much to get mini episode first before the others.

Kanna is already the best character in the game,I already love her, and having a mini ep will just be a bit of fanservice for me. Kanna does not NEED a mini episode right now, I do think she DESERVES to have one someday, but maybe later.

This is the same reason a Keiji mini episode would be useless I think, I know he will get one but we already know everythings about that guys. I know he will get one since he's the writer pet but still he does not NEED one immediately.

So yes nankidai please do mini episodes on characters that really need it, to give them depth such as Joe, hayasaka, Miley, ranmaru, fakehinako,mai etc.

BUT YTTS KANNA IS STILL MY ONLY HOPE IN LIFE I NEEED IT SO BADDDDD

[ultimate-character-design]

The 2nd Character Design Tournament

Please remember to vote for characters solely based on their design, rather than which character you are more familiar with or like more!

Uruu Seiren | Fairy Ranmaru

Stitches | The Last Halloween

*Image below the cut for: Body Horror

"Not too graphic but prepare to see some cartoony, non bloody organs with lots of frankenstein style stitches and also this character who is two dudes stitched together."

“The last halloween has so many good monster designs that it's almost difficult to pick just one! I like how expressive Stitches' design allows him to be, and the fact that the 'smiling' face has crossed stitches on the border of his speech bubbles while the 'frowning' face has single stitches (like pluses and minuses). His two faces squashed together are also kind of awful to look at, in a good way. The thing where he's entirely made of dry grafted together skin, including all of his insides is delightfully horrifying as well. As a god conceptually I think he's meant to represent a fear of bodily harm, and I think his design works really well for that.”

[yttd-silliness-showdown]

Round 1, Bracket 12:

Ranmaru propaganda:

Pros: we get a lot of time with him compared to the other dummies and he is in fact very cringefail. His fashion is wack and he probably listens to mcr all day and based his personality on that one ghost and pals song Appetite of a People Pleaser. I don’t think he’s really done anything that made sense, and is just a total loser around sara in general which leads to plenty of silly antics

Cons: gets a bit yandere, to the point of murder in the shin route and throws himself away with the joe ai in the kanna route. He can be a bit of a whiny bitch and sometimes the humour comes from him trying too hard or being a little annoying.

Shunsuke propaganda:

Pros: expects us to call him by his last name bc he’s a businessman, however this would imply that I respect him. He’s extremely pathetic which can be funny if you look past his office-ness.

Cons: often comes across as bland/boring/forgettable and his outfit does not help with that at all. His main appeal to most is gin liking him, and he can die extremely early if you’re an inexperienced player

[xreaderdumpster]

Being Ranmaru’s partner would include...

Will play the guitar for you any chance he’d get. Any song he plays though tends to be more romance/love based rock songs (think Baby, I love you by the Ramones and Girl all the bad guys want by Bowling for soup).

Likes cuddling but will never say it out loud. He’ll just rock up after practice, go “Oi”, gesture vaguely and then assume the cuddling position. Prefers spooning if it’s in bed or his head in your chest if it's on the sofa.

Always ensures he has headphones with him no matter where he goes. Both for himself but also for you if you’re a person sensitive to sounds.

Going out to pubs or underground gigs are his favourite dates with you. Holding you close, swaying to music. But he’s happy with anything as long as you’re happy!

Speaking of pub or gig dates, he would be really protective of you. Especially if you had one too many drinks or others flirted with you. He’d see someone flirting with you and would wrap an arm around your waist quietly. If they tried anything further, best pray you can pry him away from pummeling someone to the GROUND that night.

He’d bring you round to the Quartet Night shared apartment. You’d think it’s empty, Ranmaru even saying he’d asked the other members to let you both have some alone time. But of course Reiji, Camus and Ai would all be there, hiding.

Ranmaru would absolutely love showing you off to others. “See this? (Y/N) made it for me. My (Y/N)! They’re so goddamn talented it’s insane.” Always has his hand on you. If he doesn’t, he’s nearby.

[blueesnow]

Amakusa Shion's Birthday (Year 1) Voicelines Translation.

-You can look at it again on the Event Log, Mini-Event section (for the other boys messages to him) and Talk section (for a one-on-one conversation with you and him) in Idol Page.

-Also the translations might not be fully accurate since I'm not that fluent on jp/en, so if i ever made a mistake do correct me🙏

<You (Player)> Shion: To be hearing your voice as you give me your blessing…how soothing it is. So this is exactly what it means when people said that they're ascending to Heaven. Shion: Your words along with the gentle waves that you've gifted me are healing my soul. For today, I'd like to sleep with them as my lullaby.

<Otoya> Otoya: I heard that it's your birthday today, Happy Birthday! Since all of the members of HE★VENS are all close with each other, I was wondering if you guys sometime go stargazing together or something? Shion: Yes, there are indeed some occasions where we did that. To think that you can even feel the bond between us, I'm happy to hear that. My deepest gratitude for the blessing.

<Masato> Masato: I heard that it's your birthday today, Happy Birthday. I sincerely hope that you will have a good time with everyone at HE★VENS. Shion: Thank you. To be able to become a part of HE★VENS… Nothing could bring me more happiness in my life other than that.

<Natsuki> Natsuki: Happy Birthday! For celebrating your birthday, I'll secretly tell you the perfect place to bask in the sun~ Shion: Oh, my…! I'm very grateful for the information. In exchange, I'll also tell you some of the hidden spots that I know…

<Tokiya> Tokiya: I wish you a Happy Birthday. I heard that you like nature, so I brought you a landscape photography book. Shion: Oh…I really appreciate it. I'm sure that each one of them is stunning. Thank you for thinking of me…

<Ren> Ren: I heard that it's your birthday today. By chance, I actually saw a bird with a very unusual color just this morning. It probably wanted to celebrate your birthday too. Shion: I'd be delighted if that's the case. Perhaps it got attracted by your heart as you were trying to give me your blessing.

<Syo> Syo: Happy Birthday! You actually have more guts than I ever thought, don't you~ And I think that's good! Shion: Hearing that from you doesn't feel bad at all… And besides, Amakusa also like those optimistic part of yours.

<Cecil> Cecil: I wish you a Happy Birthday! I'm sure that your deep love for music will once again bring you many more blessings in return. Shion: Thank you. My heart is now full of happiness… But, to be able to give us even more than this, as I thought music is indeed amazing.

<Reiji> Reiji: Happy Birthday~! Your choice of words is very unique, aren't they? I'm always getting inspired by them☆ Shion: I'm happy to hear that… and I'm also grateful for the blessing as well. I'd like to learn some of your words too.

<Ranmaru> Ranmaru: I heard that it's your birthday today, Happy Birthday. You like forest, don't you? Sometimes there are some dangerous places out there, so be careful. Shion: Nature is a place of healing for me… However, you do have a point. It's better to be safe than sorry after all.

<Ai> Ai: Looking at you makes me to re-think more about our group. And I mean that in a good way of course. Happy Birthday. Shion: HE★VENS is everything to Amakusa. I'm sure that you also have your own feelings for your group as well. Let's both express our gratitude to our fellow comrades together.

<Camus> Camus: I wish you a Happy Birthday. For celebrating your birthday, how about some Japanese confectionary in the shape of autumn leaves? Shion: What a thoughtful gesture…! I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to make this arrangement for me…

<Eiichi> Eiichi: Let's continue to rise up to a higher place together with Shion's noble and pure singing voice. Happy Birthday. Shion: Thank you… I promise to devote all of my efforts so that my song can be a source of strength for Eiichi and HE★VENS.

<Kira> Kira: Happy…Birthday. Shion…has always been a part…that lives and stays in our heart. …Thank you. Shion: Likewise, I can't even count just how many times Kira has helped me out. I'm really happy from your nonchalant kindness. My deepest gratitude to you.

<Nagi> Nagi: Happy Birthday♪ You can cling to Nagi as much as you want for today. It's a special offer, okay~? Shion: Fufu, Nagi is indeed kind. Well then, I shall take your offer with no hesitation and snuggle in those warmth…

<Eiji> Eiji: Shion's love for HE★VENS has encouraged me many times. Let's celebrate your birthday a lot for today, shall we? Happy Birthday! Shion: I believe that Eiji's love for HE★VENS is also huge too… I'm glad to have you as a fellow singing comrade of mine.

<Van> Van: Happy Birthday, Shii-chan! We've all seen how hard you've been working. Let's celebrate your birthday in a big party today! Shion: Van's warm words and smiles has always make me feel happy. It's truly the best blessing I've ever received.

<Yamato> Yamato: Shion, Happy Birthday, It's your birthday today, so make sure you eat a lot of food, okay? HE★VENS can only exist with you around. Shion: I can't actually eat as much as Yamato did, but I'll give it a try for today… Thank you for your honest and straightforward blessing.

[ikeromantic]

Ikesen Boys React to Tattooed MC pt 6

Thank you again to @otomedad for this fantastic idea ^_^ This one has Mitsunari, Ranmaru, and Kyubei! Approx. 3000 words of tattoo and MC appreciation!

Mitsunari

You blink. Twice. Mitsunari is still standing in the doorway when your eyes open the second time. He’s still smiling, a book tucked under one arm. You scrabble for your kimono, draped on the bench across from you and manage to drape it over your damp skin. 

“Mitsunari!”

“Good morning!” He steps through the door as if it was no big deal to see you standing there in nothing but your skin. “I found this book and it reminded me of you. I thought you might like it.” He holds out the thin tome.

You look at the book and back up at his sweet, smiling face. You gesture toward the tub behind you. “Umm. Thanks? But I’m naked right now. And wet. Can you give it to me later?”

His eyes widen and for the first time since he opened the door, his gaze sweeps down your body and back up again. “Oh. Oh! Yes, we wouldn’t want to get the pages wet. You’re right, of course.” He glanced down again, at the kimono barely covering you from chest to knee, the thin fabric clinging to your skin. “Here, let me help dry you off.”

“That’s really ok. I can - I don’t need - Mitsunari!” You stumble over your words as he grabs a soft cloth and sets down the book. Your face is hot and your heart is pounding. You try to turn, to keep the modesty of the kimono between you, but Mitsunari can’t be so easily stopped.

“Your face is so -” he cuts off as his feet catch on a board and he tumbles forward. His hands catch on yours, and both of you end up on the floor. You are grateful that he somehow turned you so that he landed on the ground with you atop him. “Red?” He blinks. 

If he were anyone else, you’d think he did this on purpose. But it’s Mitsunari and he is so oblivious that you know he didn’t intend a thing by it. Now if you could convince your tummy to stop fluttering and your pulse to stop pounding . . . because this position is so . . . intimate. You feel frozen in place and like leaping out of your skin all at the same time. 

Mitsunari’s gaze narrows as his eyes light on the upper curve of your breast. “Is that irezumi? You have a tattoo! He reaches out, tracing the delicate lines of your peony tattoo. The flowers follow your natural curve so that the last blossom lands just above your heart. And that is where his hand stops as he looks up from the soft, pink blossoms to your eyes. 

You can’t move. You know you should stand but the feeling of his finger on your bare skin is electric. 

“Why are you holding your breath?” His wide, violet eyes search your face. 

“I-I’m not!” You gasp for a breath because you definitely were. With the moment broken, you manage to peel yourself off of him while positioning the kimono for maximum coverage. It drapes over your chest like a soft, silk blanket, and your inked skin buzzes under it, sensitized from Mitsunari’s touch. 

He stands, his clothes rumpled and damp now. “I didn’t know you had irezumi. It is beautiful.” His eyes sweep over you, widening slightly. Faint color touches his cheeks. His lips part and a slight, audible breath escapes. 

“Mitsunari -” You aren’t sure what to say. Scold him for walking in on you? Explain your tattoo? Thank him for the book? “They’re peonies. For a happy heart.” You pause again, and take a breath. “I’m glad you like them.”

“Yes. I . . . do.” He sounds out of breath. “I should go. I need to - I have to -” Mitsunari turns, almost tripping again. He knocks over a pile of drying cloths as he hurries out. 

You watch him go, a strange tightness in your chest.

Ranmaru

“Look at this one!” Ranmaru’s excited voice pulls your attention from the hairpins you are looking at to a carved jade and gold bracelet nearby. 

“Beautiful,” you say, looking at the carved stone, made to look like little flowers twined with golden vines. 

His attention has already moved on and he grabs your hand to bring you alongside him. “Oh and this one! The color would really suit you!” Ranmaru is pointing at another hair pin, this one more elaborate than the others. The slim pins hold a fall of delicate rose quartz that catch the light, glinting white and pink. 

You smile as his eyes meet yours. “It’s very pretty,” you agree. 

“They would look so nice in your hair. And look!” He lifts your hand to his chin, displaying the small, pinkish red peach tattooed at your wrist. “It would match!”

“Erm, yes,” you nod as you try to tug your hand down and cover the design with your sleeve. As much as you love your tattoo, you know in this age they aren’t common. 

Ranmaru isn’t letting you get away with hiding it though. Instead, he puts his thumb over it, rubbing your wrist in a small circle. “This is really pretty. I saw it when I met you. Remember?” He smiles brightly. “You stuck up for me.”

You nod, finding it a little hard to speak. Ranmaru is always so touchy-feely. It’s hard to remember sometimes that he doesn’t mean anything by it. A pleasant warmth washes up your arm from his touch and you do your best not to let it show. 

If he notices your reaction, he doesn’t give any sign. “You are always so nice. That’s why I decided right then that I wanted to be your friend.” His gaze drops back to your wrist. “So, can I ask you about this? Your little peach?”

“Y-yes?” You clear your throat, hoping you don’t sound like you feel. 

“Well? Where did you get it? Why did you get it?” His eyes are wide and innocent, though you detect a mischievous gleam in their depths. 

It takes you a moment to collect your thoughts and respond. “I got it in my, uhm, my home village. And I got it because I wanted to remember that I am strong. That I can protect myself.” Talking about it brings up a slew of unhappy memories. Bullying and teasing. The awfulness of your school years. 

Ranmaru must see something of those feelings in your expression because his smile fades. Then he brings your wrist to his lips and presses a quick kiss to it. 

You are pretty sure your heart almost bursts from the unexpected intimacy. His lips are warm and soft and the brush of them against your skin does all kinds of crazy things to your insides. Perhaps that was his intent, to wash away the bad memories under a deluge of cuteness. 

When he raises his head, his smile is back and twice as bright. “You really are strong. But I hope you know, I will be here to protect you too. Always.” 

There is something so genuine in the words that you don’t know how to react. You want to cry and hug him and get away all at once. Instead, you take a breath. “Thank you, Ranmaru. I’m glad you have my back. There’s no one I trust more.”

Something dark flits through the depths of his gaze. He looks away, but he keeps smiling. “I’m glad.” 

Days later, you find the rose quartz hair pin on your desk, with a small note. “You’re my favorite peach.”

Kyubei

You glare at Kyubei from your seat across the table. “What do you mean, I got it wrong?”

He shrugs uncomfortably and drops his gaze from yours. “The picture was painted by Kano Eitoku. You wrote -” He glances down at the paper, “Banksy. That isn’t the right answer.”

“I’m not an art major,” you huff, feeling a mix of embarrassment and exasperation. “Why does it matter if I know who painted what? I’m supposed to be a chatelaine. Cleaning and stuff, right?”

Kyubei sighs and you’d have to be blind and deaf not to see his exhaustion. You wonder if it’s your fault or if Mitsuhide is just running him ragged. “A good chatelaine can tell quality from the dross. And a noble lady would know this as well. I am not sure how you expect to pass as a princess if you don’t take your studies seriously.”

You rub a hand over your face. He’s right, of course. And even if he wasn’t, you can’t take your frustration out on him. Kyubei is just doing what he’s told. Which is what you’re supposed to be doing too. “Sorry.” You take the paper back from him, accidentally touching his hand as you do.

A slight flush heats his cheeks. “You don’t need to apologize. I - I shouldn’t have said that. If there’s any failure, it’s mine.”

“Kyubei, calm down. It’s fine. I’m not mad. It’s just hard to remember all this stuff.” You frown at the list of answers you wrote. Most of them are probably wrong. “Let’s go through it again.” You roll your sleeves up to keep them out of the ink.

His gaze returns to you, timidly, as if he isn’t sure whether or not you’re still annoyed. “Ok. If you like.” He clears his throat and looks down, the motion pausing as he notices the marks on your wrists. 

Your tattoos. You almost forget you have them. Geometric designs around your wrists and ankles, delicate and complex traceries that travel a little way up your forearm and calf. You love the way they look. At home, you’d show them off all the time but here, you’ve been cautious not to have them on display. 

Surprisingly, Kyubei says nothing about it, just launches into his lesson. You do your best to take careful notes this time. Writing the names of the current popular artists and poets, what they are known for. When he tests your knowledge at the end, you get nearly every question right.

You feel a rush of pleasure at his proud smile, and your heart does a tripping thud when he tells you, ‘good job.’

“Thanks,” you reply, reminding yourself that Kyubei is only here because he’s ordered to be. It’s not like he actually enjoys teaching you. 

He reaches out and puts a hand over yours. “You do very well when you focus. I should thank you, for giving me your time and attention.”

“You are a good teacher. I’m just - it’s a lot to remember all at once. Thank you for being patient with me.” You let your thumb brush the side of his palm.

The touch seems to draw his attention to where his hand rests and his eyes widen slightly. He pulls his hand back quickly, heat suffusing his cheeks. “Umm. Yes. I - I - it’s - we should -” Kyubei stumbles over his words as he stands. 

You watch, unsure what to make of this suddenly unsettled vassal. Usually, he’s the picture of appropriate. Serious, studious, and dutiful. Is he embarrassed about touching your hand? Curious, you reach out and take his hand again. “Should we?” You ask in your best bedroom voice, fluttering your eyelashes. 

His eyes go even wider, skin flushing to the roots of his hair. “I - I must. Go! Yes. Because. The lesson. It’s over.” Kyubei nearly falls in his haste to draw away from you. You let him go, though you’re tempted to keep hold of his hand just to see what he would do. 

Once he’s gone, you feel loneliness settle in again. The isolation of being a person outside the world at large. Belonging nowhere, with noone. You distract yourself for the rest of the afternoon with simple chores. It’s easy to ignore your feelings when you’re busy scrubbing the floors, dusting the shelves, and sweeping the halls.

Even with the distraction, you can’t stop thinking about your tutor. You start to feel a little guilty for teasing him. The poor guy has no choice but to train you, and you haven’t made that easy. Getting frustrated, not paying attention, and now today when you noticed him blushing you made it worse. 

You decide to go apologize once your work is done. After you put away your bucket and cleaning cloths, you grab some snacks from the kitchen and head over to his quarters in Mitsuhide’s manor. Kyubei doesn’t answer when you knock at his door. You could leave, but you decide to drop off the snacks and write him a note.

His room is surprisingly spartan. When you step inside, there is just a desk, and a small table stacked with papers held down by a flat, dark stone. No decorations, no sign anyone really lives here. You feel a spike of disappointment that this little adventure won’t tell you anything more about your tutor. 

You set the tray of snacks onto his desk and open a drawer to find something to write with. The drawer has odds and ends, including a pretty yatate. The slim pen compartment has a delicate jade inlay, and the ink box at the end bears the Akechi clan symbol. You lift it up, and the edge catches on something you didn’t see. A tiny mechanical switch hidden in the lip of the drawer. 

The bottom of the drawer makes a small pop as it opens. Sneaky, you think. And even though you know you shouldn’t snoop, you can’t help but look inside. A small notebook rests in the secret compartment. You pick it up and open to the last page with writing on it. 

She is clearly intelligent, but wholly ignorant of basic knowledge. I struggle to know what to teach her. Her accent, while lovely, places her nowhere I recognize. I also cannot place her features. Beautiful. Where is she from? The markings at her wrists and ankles may indicate Ainu heritage? <sketch of your wrist and ankle designs beneath>

Is this about you? You flip a few pages back.

Her perfume lingers in my nose. Tempting, like a sweet I know I cannot have. I asked again today to be reassigned. A common vassal should not instruct a princess. Again, the answer was no. Is my lord mocking me? Perhaps. He must know I am - no, he would not ask me to complete a task I cannot do. Besides, she has never looked at me as I look at her. 

“What are you doing in my room?”

The voice startles you. You drop the notebook. “Ah! Kyubei!” You know your cheeks are stained and your voice is unsteady. “I - I was bringing you a snack. And an apology.” You stand and point to the tray.

“Did you find . . . anything . . . in my desk?” He moves closer, his expression a tragic mask of embarrassed futility, made worse by a hint of hope.

“No!” You can’t help the way your gaze drops to the notebook you just let go of. His gaze follows.

Kyubei’s shoulders fall. “My observations.”

“Sorry.” You try for a smile. “I didn’t mean to be nosy.” Lie. “I mean, I guess I did but . . . I was just curious why you would hide a notebook.”

He lets out a long sigh. “Again, it is I that should apologize. I was tasked to keep watch over you and report anything of note to my lord. You have . . . every right to be angry.” Kyubei looks as if he is ready for a storm, his eyes downcast, his hands clenched.

That wasn’t the response you expected at all. He should be angry with you for snooping. “You - Kyubei, are you serious right now? You’re apologizing to me for coming into your room uninvited and looking through your things and -” you pause, “I mean, you did spy on me. But you said some really nice things.” 

“You - what?” His gaze snaps up, surprise evident in his features.

You can’t quite respond. Your breath catches as you see emotion in the depths of his dark gaze, a flicker of heat that has nothing to do with embarrassment. The words in his journal flit through your mind. 

Neither of you say anything for a long moment, the only sound is your shared breath and the quick-skip-stutter of your heartbeat. You clear your throat, trying to think of something to alleviate the tension between you. “So -” you start, and stop again. “Ai-ainu? M-my tattoos?”

Kyubei draws a breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Oh. That. Yes. Your ink reminds me of the northern people. I thought you might be from there but . . . I’m guessing you are not.”

You laugh, the sound a bit unsteady. “No. I’m not. I got these when I turned 18.” You show off your wrists, the geometric lines wrap your wrist and extend a little way down your forearm. “I liked the way they look. A bit like bracelets,” you grin, “or shackles, I guess.”

He takes advantage of your display to get a closer look. “They are very nice. You just got them because they were pretty?”

“That, and I like the meaning. Balance. Harmony. My place in, well, everything. I just really felt adrift and I wanted an anchor. So I got these to remind me every day. I belong. And since I came here, some days,” you pause, trying not to get emotional. The last thing you want to do is start crying. 

Kyubei reaches for you, his hand stopping just shy of your shoulder. “Is it alright if I - if you want - I could -”

You let yourself lean into the offered touch, his arm wrapping gently around your shoulder. 

“Thank you for telling me about your tattoos.” His cheek rests again the side of your head. “I hope you know. You do belong. Here. I like it that you’re here.” Kyubei’s voice is soft, barely audible.

A warmth flows through you, a comfort you didn’t expect or experience in a long time. There are questions to answer, but those can come later. You let yourself enjoy the moment. “Thanks, Kyubei. That means a lot.”