#The mysterious Yurako

[inu-yasha]

Good Day All The Day, good new month.

I'm stunned with these words,your statement about Rumiko sensei "She is completely dishonest. etc.." And you've been around the manga, and the Inukik ship much longer than I am! A rookie would be the one to dislike her.

Hmm. Dear, has someone(with his sly ways)manipulated you to force you on this so weird belief?

Btw this belief it's identical to call her "bad writer".I 've noticed those weirdos, trashcalling her it on reddit. I wonder,have they even once worked to write a such fantasy series- with commitment,consistency and seriousness and keep the deadline ? Or do they stay on the couch all they day and criticizing something they envy? Yet,they won't be bold to craft a fantasy story.

For me Rumiko sensei is a Great lady(who has inspired me )the author of great works*: Inuyasha,who's about two tragic lovers during the Sengoku Era, and a suspensful story to make amendments. And for him to go on ,with Kikyo's reincarnation.

MAO: An intriguing, police mystery weekly series.In fact about the power of precise words:

Words are a Curse,chapter 90

How Kamon explaines to Nanoka chan. "In other words Yurako has cursed you. ..Words really have a mysterious power. If,when they get uttered they can bind two hearts,or to be a curse".

In my homeland we have these quotes:

a)"The tongue has no bones,yet bones it shutters".

b)"You're master of what words you'll say,and you're limited under those you've utterd as well".

Cheers :)

ohh… it's been so long since I read Mao. I have some catching up to do…..

I can't write much because I seriously haven't read the chapters, but when I catch up I'll definitely make a post. Thanks for the question:)

[ashitakaxsan]

Why Takahashi Rumiko’s MAO is BLAST

Her current manga series MAO (story &art) has a lot of action.At the core of the story –deeper than time travel,magic,occult,dealings with yokai and ayakashi-are relationships of ex classmates have gone awry,plus a man’s pain and grief from the death his fiancee.The entire plot is based on events that occured during Japan’s Heian period(1000 AD),prior to the now timeline.

It begins with Kiba Nanoka,a female high school student,who 8 years ago escaped a near-death experience-due to some supernatural circumstances.She remembers it,even though She couldn’t figure the reasons and circumstances.

Now fifteen years old,she’s whiskered in the Taishou era,gets chased down by a man-eating yokai, but she’s saved by the mysterious Mao—a young man of this era.As she uses the time portal to pay visits to Mao(to get the answers about why her First death)she befriends with him.What’s more ?She likes Him.Now the two orphans cowork to unriddle the scheme in his past,that turned his friends into Vengeful Hunters Against Him.

(image above:Mao in his current appearance and outfit)

The Origin and the Grief

Mao was born in Japan,during 1000 AD.His early life began an orphanage,with many hardships,at the same time he was sharpening his higher skills and learning magic techniques.On his teens he entered a boarding school for onmyuji,being run by the prestigious Gokou clan.Where it was divided to five classes Water,Earth,Fire,Metal and Wood.

The earnest Mao got the good interest of the principal,and Sana’s cat Haimaru.The principal favored him,by entrusting him the magical,sentient-but Ominous-Hagunsei katana and arranging him(for a badding marriage)with his daughter Sana.Mao was in love with her.It would go smooth.But overnight Shishou Gokou was killed by an unknown perpetrator,Mao was shot by many arrows,meanwhile (Sana’s cat who had transformed to a Horrible Cat  Demon)the Byouki rampaged the manor and its men.Soon it came face to face with Mao. To defend himself, with the Hagunsei ,he severed Byouki’s head from the body,while its head led way –there causing a freak mishap:Byouki’s body got fused with Mao’s,transmutating him to a Hanyou.

When after hours he turned to human and regained his consciousness he saw devastation everywhere: Sana was dead, many guards too ,as for the Temple  was burned down.Ever since (for 9 centuries) he wandered across Japan ,having assumed the Byouki was someone’s field agent[Image below:Lady Sana]. 

(Above:The Daughter of Onmyuji Instructor Lady Sana and her cat Haimaru)

Now,in the Taishou era,Mao gets vehemently blamed,by ex classmates for the murder of the Gokou Instructor and Sana,and for the arson.All these while He’s unable to remember all the events of  that night.

Sadly  ex disciples Shiranui,Hakubi detest Mao for his  alleged treason,they hunt Him down to eliminate him.Weird they gladly take orders from a mysterious woman,called Yurako.Who has the exact appearance of the long ago deceased Sana sama!Is Sana resurrected,or is she a mere double?

The Mystery all around

So who(and how)could’ve killed the Gokou?All of it remaines a mystery.There were slight indications:The eyes of dead Shishou Gokou(with his chest on the floor)eyes were looking strait forward, with glare of shock.Implying he had come face to face with the would-be killer.

Plus ex worker in the manor,now turned to assassin,Mokuzu explaines (chapter 34)shocking details to Mao and Hyakka:As he followed a person’s orders he tossed Haimaru in a poison Imp hole,by killing snakes and boars he Transformed to the Byouki.This says it was  the Beginning of the plan to destroy the Gokou.Telling hat Byouki ate the Secret  Book of Taizunfukun.But in the Chamber there was Only Mao.So how did Mokuzu know of this?Can this imply that there was a  watcher,from distance of the whole scene?

The Pendulum of Fate has turned for.

Nanoka’s encounter with Mao  is a work of fate for the great Good.The Byuoki  decided for a new vessel,so  it soaked Nanoka to his blood,mutating her to an ayakashi.But it has good side effects on the story:When Nanoka  accidentally gave her blood(chapter 38:Mixing Of Blood)to injured Mao it worked as transfusion healing him by any injuries.In addition:When they’re are together,due to Byouki’s Blood flowing in each of them,has  amazing effects.Such as they become stealth for any onmyodo surveillance methods![image below Nanoka]

(Above:Japanese Student Kiba Nanoka)

But Mao unexpectadly finds for good an ex disciple:The girl Natsuno,an earth user,who reveales to Him and his friends how Sana sama was murdered.The very night of the fire in the Treasury a Black jaki(taking advantage of the commotion)ripped off Sana’s  heart organ,taking along it while fleeing. She also clarifies something awful too:Every other disciple-albeit never saw it- simply assumed he had seen  Mao have done it.

Due Hakubi,as the most respected pupil, strongly blamed  Mao for it every one accepted it.That’s why the low value onmyoji Natsuno wasn’t believed at all! She objects to the notion about Sana being alive:”Sana sama is definitely dead.I saw it with my eyes”.

As she states to Mao “After that I couldn’t do anything,the Gokou family was finished.And no one cared about knowing the truth”.[image below

Natsuno] 

(Above:Earth User natsuno as she tosses charms)

Hakubi the Dangerous.

The Flavors in there

a)The romance between Mao and Nanoka is what offers a Flavor to the Series,to his case as well.She likes him,she gladly comes to His Era and assist him,all these while she could chose easiness with classmate Shiraha kun.She also helps him muster the courage to get over with the issues of the long ago dead Sana.While Yurako is her mere lookalike. With now a difference they have their arguments,they mend them with maturity.Fascinating:)

b)The strong women.Nanoka,Natsuno,Tenko and Yurako.Their heart,their mind and their abilities convey the messages of Takahashi rumiko.Each one and all capture our interest.

Creepy Thoughts

If a Villainous Mastermind is always one step ahead of the hero that’s because of:

a)He’s quite networked,he’s got an immense organization to carry out projects instantly.

B)He has known Him.Probably has a personal grudge on Him.

C) All these two above .

Who in purpose did kill the Gokou,easily framed Mao for these crimes? Probably the Black Jaki followed orders by some one, a person who knew them,and others  in there.Otherwise it wouldn’t be  with out a pattern.[Below image of Romance]

 At that time there was only one person who could’ve been the mastermind.One who had been disciple in the school,and relishing with the idea to manipulate people.Mao’s close friend from the orphanage,Daigo.

In chapter 59 he reveals to Mao the Great Desire.”You’ll be able to control the world from behind the scenes”,had told him. So his Goal,obsession,was to become a Ruthless,Manipulative Emperor.

But he was seen dead,at the start of a succession war.But what if it was his Ruse?

It will last for Very Long

Albeit early to tell it’s  safe estimation that Mao team has a Quite long and Dangerous Route ahead.To unravel the Mystery,to publicly prove Mao’s Innocense to the other ex pupils,and to defeat the Villain of the story.It really worths it:)!

[hanmajoerin]

I've uploaded my post about Yurako. Have you read it?

For some reason, the mobile app doesn't notify me when I get submissions, but I was able to view your post on my laptop.

I liked the attention to detail you put into your theory about Yurako, and the allusion you made to Naraku. I hadn't thought about Yurako and Onigumo being in similar situations.

I really am eager to see what the big Mao mystery is, I'm sure Takahashi will surprise us all!

[letusmeetagain]

Okay. I have to admit that in some chapters when Yurako wasn't introduced as herself and there was this mystery around why she looked like Sana and if she was Sana, the plot was pulling the same resurrection move.

But. After her introduction as a different person and now them being twins... It's really different from Inuyasha.

Kagome and Kykyo's relationship was one of reincarnation.

Now Sana, here motives to search her own death, the way they were treated by the clan, Yurako's motives and goals... It's quite different... And really interesting.

There was a sort of love triangle but Rumiko deconstructed it which I'm glad about.

But let's say there are similarities. It's Rumiko. It's her style and I see no need to try to make things look different to make them enjoyable.

It's so annoying to see arrogant reviews about "Mao copying Inuyasha". DAMN NO! 😓

The dynamic is new, the setting is new. And again, there is no "rebirth of Kikyo" and no "love triangle" 😇 It's your right to feel "meh" about a story. But please be fair to the creator and to the story before you actually read it. The only reused element is "time travelling" which is commonly found in different manga.

[ashitakaxsan]

Nanoka really Shined.

Mao team was caught off guard from Hakubi’s plan,in a real ominous situation.  Truly Hakubi seemed having the Upper hand in the Whole Case:The eager for beast using(and quite a nihilist)Souma,the magic Puppet Pin on Mao’s back,thus commanding Him like a mere puppet.And the Teleportation Portal.

Naturally it came to Nanoka to fight the Gokou.

It did seem as “insane” for a girl to fight it.It was pure and sheer:I Fight,or we all get killed.She took the hagunsei katana,charged against the Beast. She really injured it!

So much Crucial that Hakubi decided to flee,taking Mao along.If He would make it then Mao would be doomed(: Nanoka flying with so much speed to his Rescue,sliced Hakubi’s cables that grabbing him.She ruined the abduction oparation.With so many at stake it would be foolish to brag about her prowess.Even though to us(on the surface)looked crazy she charged on rampaging Mao,keeping senses while extending her arm to His back,there She removed the Pin!:)

The Gokou realized(along with treacherous Souma)they had lost.Mao regained freedom,he jumped attacking them.But they teleported way!Souma mentions in sadness he was useless.That’s the hot Point:He betrayed the Benevolent doctor Mao for gain an Ayakashi beast,but he couldn’t beat Nanoka.

The whole arc,despite the bad taste from Souma’s betrayal,was a Real Strong.It’s Satisfaction Nanoka really shined,she exceeded her “usual” self to fight for the good of her beloved Mao,and her friends as well.Why to hide it?If She had stayed underpowered,throughout the series,that would be so alien for the Rumicworld.Plus it would convey a wrong message,such as:”All girls are weaklings”.

I reckon that from now on Nanoka is valued to learn the onmyuji techniques,to learn quite well also the use of a weapon(katana,or kusarigama).

Because Hakubi will always remember of how this Bold girl foiled the Plan(about Mao’s abduction).”I underestimated Nanoka”,he says at the closing.He can’t take it lightly(either as captain either as centuries old onmyuji)he lost to her.We can’t know,for now,if he had fought in the past against courageous women.

Takahashi Rumiko sama has seriously worked to give us a such Good Series.Manga needs to be Good.Anything good will be a series.As Simple as that:)

How will Nanoka act? How will Hakubi plan also to beat her?

[ashitakaxsan]

In the Beast’s Den

The New MAO Arc opened with a simple way,Mao responded to a mother’s Desperate Call. As he and Nanoka arrived they beheld the Ominous Case.Thus he performed  an exorcism to save the girl from a curse.As it unfolds High Stakes are revealed! Nanoka coming along with Mao,and even disguise for any investigation is a good ploy.Either to appear as a scholar to search in Shouko’s religious sect,either as a maid in a respectable salon.

But it’s now different:She’s been noticed by the Gokou.She also knows the stench of betrayal,such as of Kagami Souma of how someone won’t sweat just to get Power with not a bit of Morals.

On Mao’s plan Nanoka donned a borrowed sailor fuku,entered the School,confronted the  Girls perpetrator of the Curse.Kagari,assistant of metal user Hakubi!Would we thought Nanoka foolishly charge to Kagari and ask her Questions? Well Mao had anticipated troubles,so he provided her with a Protective talisman.

Kagari pinned down Nanoka,now assuming of being in Power Position   she states the reasons,Nanoka chan patiently listened to the story.Kagari stated it clearly:Hakubi doesn’t know about all this school cursing ,it’s a mixed of training and pleasure.Plus Her family is running curse Shop,all it’s Power derives from the Puppet Needle,they inherited it by an ancestor,ex pupil in the Gokou Manor.

Nanoka(albeit disgusted with the Mentality of Sadistic Curse doing)remained calm.Once She listened All the story she used the talisman,got free and raced on Kagari.At the same time Mao hears out in what kind of mess Nanoka chan’s got.

Points of the Arc:

Just how all things would’ve come,if Maonoka had gotten quite suspicious with the Kagami family? And with Souma’s Open eagerness for Beast Using too?By anticipating they would’ve searched this household and get the centuries old Scroll (see Kagami,or else as Ayakashi Beast Scroll arc),before Hakubi’s actions.Souma wouldn’t have betrayed Mao.Well,things came as we know them.

The Why Kagari is doing  school cursing,with no strategic plan,doesn’t diminish the seriousness. Maonoka don’t have any luxury to be lax,like the beginning of the Kagami arc.It’s so Vital for them to make it,with the Lessons from the past arcs. As long as the Houshou family possesses the Tool it can curse people,and She’s a valuable Asset of Hakubi.So Vital to Mao team to deprive the Houshou family of the Tool .

I had wondered for a while:Just for how long will Mao be on the tiresome run,the prey  of the Gokou and their underlings? Now comes this slight chance for Maonoka from  prey to become Hunters.

[ashitakaxsan]

This Rambling

I examined Mao,I sense as much Kikyo Mao is much  a tragic hero.Each one born in tough,hard era of Japan.Each one has kindness and principles.Each one possesses spiritual powers.

Each one got in tough situation.While each one had an encounter that turn to be awful.Kikyo sheltered the heavily injured,immobile Onigumo.From him came such Jealousy and malice.Mao encountered the disfigured girl Yurako,he approached her with kindness.Her Only responce turn to be Jealousy and Sadism.

Now let’s imagine:How would it be if  Kikyo had become Immortal? She has lived for centuries,until one day(in the modern day Japan)She hears by ex classmates that "she's the Treasonous".  Rumiko's MAO is as much Good as Inuyasha:)

[ashitakaxsan]

Status:Ominous.

In Chapter 75,of MAO,things are very Ominous.Nanoka chan saw her beloved Mao hurt-and manipulated by the magical needle on his back,plus Hyakka san is hurt too,while Kagami Souma has betrayed his Benefactor Mao! Nanoka sees  how much Callous is Hakubi,nearly monstrous.Also she hears from Him “as an experiment Mao will kill Hyakka”!

She’s Angry with Them.She resents the Gokou for their mentality,and hurting her Precious people.So it’s up to Her to Save them,while bust these ugly one.

“What can She do?”,you’ll ask me the question.She Will Do.It wil defined by:

a)Her Determination and her Abilities.

b)About how much the Goku have underestimated Her. Probably they have.

Hmm,will She use the Hagunsei longsword?

Let’s wait for the new MAO Chapters!:)

P.S:I just loath Souma.He’s so cold,so immoral and Selfish,just to become beast user at all costs,with-out morals at all.He has no excuse,even if it’s Hakubi’s Ploy,the notorious  “make the donkey follow the carrot”.

[ashitakaxsan]

Chilling Confrontations....

... And identical ploys.

The interlude arcs are about Nanoka chan's path to get Stronger and wiser.So that's Why Kamon kun hasn't made yet the herbacide.

However now it's Yurako's ploy. And we reach to a chilling Mao - Yurako Confrontation. It's parallel to the Kikyo-Naraku Confrontation. The irony is that while Mao, values so much his Beloved Nanoka,He takes so much of trouble on his shoulders. Or even underestimating his Enemy too(: "Is it really that Bad?", You'll ask me the question. It is.He might get Hurt,emotionally or physically. And I don't want anyone to see the series through pink spectre.

What if Yurako will use rhetoric to distort the image of the revelations.....?That she killed of Sana sama.

What is your say Fellas?

[ashitakaxsan]

Don’t see MAO through pink color.

Yes,fellas. Don’t ever see the series through Pink Color.Don’t Misinterpret MAO.Every one is ready to concede(to buy) everything he/she will read.Either in Fbk,either in reddit.On wikipedia etc..Then he’s/she’s  about to believe ΜΑΟ it’s “all fun and games”,or it’s “lessons about social change and the new generation”,”the morals of assassin Renji” .No offence,these are Nonsense.

It’s a Dark Fantasy story.Where onmyouji Mao had never known his parents,he was about to get married to his belobed Sana.But overnight all went awry-Actually in this House of Curses(rife with envy,discontent)one sparkle was sufficient to make a horrid Explosion.It did.

Not to hide it:Mao became a doctor to protect the Innocents,that’s his IKIGAI(yes,ikigai).And he sees value to himself,if hadn’t he would be dead from within,by very long ago.

Nanoka chan is  the modern Japanese girl,orphaned under Bizarre circumstances.She knew there was definetily something creepy behind the whole cave in Accident.Namely the Power of the Dread Byouki!

One day Nanoka makes the time travel,she encounters the weird young man Mao.Their Grim Adventure has just begun.

it took 900 years for Mao* to find out the Truth behind Sana’s murder,and about why,how mud was thrown on his reputation,the “I saw Mao killing off Sana sama.He’s a traitor,he’s our sworn Enemy”.

Yurako is the Culprit(:

And about the curse using ?...I quote,in a previous post,this:” We get to a Chilling point:Curse isn’t only a technique,it’s about violating a Person’s freedom,its right to personal development.That’s what Yurako attempted with Nanoka.To induce her in guilty thoughts,and ultimately deciding to abandon Mao.While she would assume “she was free to decice so”.A Subtle Violation”. See in : https://ashitakaxsan.tumblr.com/post/661034013693280256/to-uncover-it-kamon-made-this Plus take  a look on https://ashitakaxsan.tumblr.com/post/647372802134032384/yurakoyour-hands-are-knifes

I understand what Renji had gone through,his tragedy.Albeit he’s fine by being the same Evil as his parents.Why do adults bully children,thus having stooped that low to the level of their long ago tormentors?

There are Unresolved Mysteries:

a)Who did kill the Gokou father?Was he who manipulated the Byouki?

b)What sort of Power made them Immortals?

c)Who does give orders to Natsuno?I call him Entity.

d)What is the Objective of Entity?

e)Why Nanoka encounters all these Immortals(and their trusted shikigami)during the Taishou period-but not anymore in Reiwa Japan?

*Thanks to Nanoka Chan,and Natsuno chan.

What is your say Fellas?

[ashitakaxsan]

The Mystery,and the Blood.

Thus is how he got so wet,like a duck.

Mao team use a reastaurant to discuss,and decipher the oddity.

Hyakka is a Clever Onmyoji,so he deduces that Renji is an amateur.He couldn’t get all by his own,the Tormented Firebugs technique. Due to it was considered very advanced during the Heian era. Mao adds that growing the fire bugs requires resentment and anger.he mentions that ten years ago he read about a series of arsons that culminated in the burning of a house that belonged to a man and woman known for their philanthropy and charity.

My Say to this This arc isn’t only about Renji,it’s about a lot more:Namely the ugliest of the  modus operandi the Gokou have too. How to rise in Power with the use Terrorist attacks,and curse assassinations.Because they did these arsons.Maybe we’ll see soon Hakubi,or Yurako too.I fear Renji was an orphan,who hadbeen recruited by the Gokou.As if weren’t enough the troubles we read that the newspapers had absurd stuff about the tragedies.

If Mao would sense an affinity with him isn’t necessarily bad.The Bad would be if he would believe,under the light of naivety,to have a beneficial communication with him.Seriously? Look below at this Nasty Glare>

Someone who walks,motivated by Blind Hatred doesn’t change,nor quit the nasty habits.I don’t favor Renji,maybe he thinks he takes “revenge by all those who wrongdid him”-but he’s giving injuries to the whole society. He seems like a lost case.Besides Souma was eager to become an accomplished Beast user,that’s why he betrayed Mao,and why he hates Nanoka.

Either Mao team will solve this case peacefully(a good talk with Renji),either will permanently beat him.

[ashitakaxsan]

It Rocks!

The new chapters,of Takahashi Rumiko’s MAO,are an entry to Curse Killing Arc.It’s chilling that nearly all of Kagami family is been wiped out-except of the young Souma.Onmyoji Mao and Nanoka enter quickly,and save Him from the Deadly Attack of a Grim Ayakashi.

Interestingly they notice a similarity of the ayakashi jaki with Yurako jaki.

Souma is Greatful,Enthusiastic with what He sees from Mao’s hand too.So wants to become a Strong one,namely an onmyoji.But he’s also Impulsive,to a such degree where he easily rushes to open the door..He does,Despite Nanoka’s warning about not to do it! He get’s magically kidnapped to the kagami household,where Gokou Disciple Hakubi is having a nasty watch on Him.

Yes,the very one with the Grudge on Mao and Hyakka.Certain Hakubi pretended Ani-ue’s voice,to lure Souma to a Trap.Where He’ll finish Him off,way from witnesses!

At the same time Mao’s using his charms,attempting to track down the beast.Only to surprisingly see them repelled by a Force Field.

Why the Gokou are involved with such curse killing and traps?Why do they aim the Kagami?I guess it’s about the contracts from the Mysterious Client,it’s what Shiranui admited(in chapter 50).

In the new chapters we’ll see a Battle between Mao gang and Gokou Clan.And Nanoka’s Devotion to her boyfriend Mao:)

Plus this Life Lesson:Don’t you ever disobey orders you’ve taken,such as “stay on foot”,”don’t leave the place before I return”.Anything else will turn to Ugly(: