#Total War Battles: Shogun

[noticiasarquelogicasjaponesas]

Sean bienvenidos, japonistasarqueologicos a una nueva entrega de historia nipona en la que os explico la evolución del artefacto Tanegashima, una vez dicho esto pónganse cómodos, que empezamos. - Fue introducido por los portugueses en 1543, en pleno periodo Muromachi desde la isla que lleva su mismo nombre, el polvo negro químico fue inventado por los chinos en el siglo IX, se usaba para los fuegos artificiales, después se trasladó a otros ámbitos. - Se cuenta que cuando llegó a Japón, un herrero vendió a su hija para poder producir dicho artefacto, era un producto raro y poco efectivo, no todos los samuráis la utilizaban, ya que muchos preferían, todavía, las técnicas tradicionales más efectivas, además la consideraban un elemento deshonroso. El hecho más notable fue el 28 de junio de 1575 en Nagashino, en la Provincia de Mikawa. El clan de Oda Nobunaga se enfrentaba contra el clan Takeda conocido por su temible caballería, Oda Nobunaga emplearía unas empalizadas para proteger a sus soldados de las sucesivas cargas, en esta batalla se usaría el artefacto en masa. Esto lo podéis ver en el famoso videojuego de Total War: Shogun 2. - Esperó que os haya gustado y nos vemos en próximas publicaciones que pasen una buena semana. - 日本の考古学者の皆さん、種子島の遺物の変遷を説明する新しい日本史へようこそ。 - 室町時代中期の 1543 年に、同じ名前の島からポルトガル人によって導入されました。化学黒色火薬は 9 世紀に中国人によって発明され、花火に使用されましたが、その後他の用途に移りました。地域。 - 彼が日本に到着したとき、鍛冶屋はその工芸品を製造できるように娘を売ったと言われています。それは希少で非効率な製品でした。多くの武士が依然として最も効果的な伝統的な技術を好んだため、すべての武士がそれを使用したわけではありません。彼らはそれを考慮しました不名誉な要素。 最も注目すべき出来事は、1575 年 6 月 28 日に三河国長篠で起こった。 織田信長の一族は、恐ろしい騎兵で知られる武田家と対峙しました。織田信長は連続突撃から兵士を守るために柵を使用しました。この戦いでは、アーティファクトが一斉に使用されました。 これは、有名なビデオ ゲーム Total War: Shogun 2 で見ることができます。 - 気に入っていただければ幸いです。今後の投稿でお会いしましょう。良い一週間をお過ごしください。 - Welcome, Japanesearchaeologicalists, to a new installment of Japanese history in which I explain the evolution of the Tanegashima artifact. Having said that, make yourself comfortable, let's begin. - It was introduced by the Portuguese in 1543, in the middle of the Muromachi period from the island that bears the same name. The chemical black powder was invented by the Chinese in the 9th century. It was used for fireworks, then it moved to other areas. - It is said that when he arrived in Japan, a blacksmith sold his daughter to be able to produce said artifact. It was a rare and ineffective product. Not all samurai used it, since many still preferred the most effective traditional techniques. They considered it a dishonorable element. The most notable event was on June 28, 1575 in Nagashino, Mikawa Province. Oda Nobunaga's clan faced the Takeda clan, known for its fearsome cavalry. Oda Nobunaga would use palisades to protect his soldiers from successive charges. In this battle, the artifact would be used en masse. You can see this in the famous video game Total War: Shogun 2. - He hoped you liked it and see you in future posts, have a good week.

[kingdoms-and-empires]

Oh Brother , as a fellow Total War enjoyer I know your pain all too well.

To distract from the pain, which were your favorite TW games? Personally loved Shogun 2/FotS n Med II until Warhammer II stole me away. Been back playing them recently and ughhh I've missed it.

Especially Naval bombardments. Love them.

You know, weirdly enough, I actually started not playing the series once Warhammer was introduced. I know it brought alot of players to the franchise, but there was a noticeable shift that sorta turned me off to the series.

As for favorites, Shogun 2 remains as my fav as it lets you have armies without a lord or general to guide them, while still looking amazing.

All time though, has to be either Rome 2 or Medieval 2. Medieval 2 for the mods, but its so outdated now that the graphics and shit controls affect me now lol

Rome 2 with the mod Divide Et Impera however is amazing. The battles feel great.

I thought i would use the franchise to help me with Kingdoms and Empires but I actually find myself going to Mount and Blade Bannerlord to see cities and towns, and the battles. Gives a good idea of what i can write and describe while walking thoughout the city or battlefield.

[anotherchariotpulledbycats]

Dear Total War developers and mod developers,

You are not Firaxis.

You are not making Sid Meyer's Civilization.*

Civilization is a fundamentally different strategy game design with a totally different gameplay loop. The campaigns in Total War are designed to facilitate context for battles first, and being an empire-building minigame second. If the latter's mechanics are interfering with the former, by increasing the downtime between battles, they are fundamentally misguided.

Every Total War game since Rome 2: The building slots system is godawful, it makes building new armies a chore, and you should not be restricted to six structures in a major city. Pull the entire system up from its roots and go back to the system from Shogun 2 and backward.

Total War: Warhammer 3: Your map is too cluttered and the campaign movement speed is too slow in proportion to the distances between territories. Trim them. Also, your city battles are more painful then fighting Kairos in his bullshit ambush stance.

Mod developers of Europa Barbarorum: Your garrisons for minor settlements are too huge, your buildings and armies are too slow and expensive and also, no, actually, I think my armies should be able to cross the distance between the borders of Denmark and Saxony in a single winter.

*-(If I'm being cruelly honest, I don't think anyone should be making Civilization, but that's probably more my distaste for turn-based 4x games.)

[riplever]

Conceptualizing Tomo as the Raiden Shogun during the Archon War [Raiden Shogun Tomo AU]

From my non-romance fanfic about Raiden Shogun-Tomo and his pet bunny Kazuha here, these are my character-building notes that didn't really get to see the light of day.

Archon War candidate of Narukami — and eventual victor

During the Archon Wars, Tomo of Narukami island proved himself not only as a candidate for his country's shogunate government, but also as a candidate for one of the seven Archon seats.

As Archon War-era Inazuman archipelago is not unified, other candidates for the Archon seat also heralding from the Inazuman archipelago include Orobaxi of Watatsumi island and Kapatcir of Tsurumi-Seirai isles.

Tomo of Narukami is proactive about consolidating his power and rule, for the sake of uniting the separate island-states into one single country — the future Inazuma. To advance his interests, he allied together with the strongest candidate of the Guili region, Rex Lapis.

Eventually, victory is awarded to these two formidable friends.

Thousand Faces, Hundred Eyes, Ten Hearts, One Truth

This is Shogun-Tomo's epithet.

The numbers were selected for to be symmetrical, balanced, referencing the numerology & symbology of 1, for power, independence and leadership, as well as to represent a divine entity who considers themselves a supreme being. A little bit arrogant, but also totally justified at his power level.

1000 Faces: Shogun-Tomo is said to own a thousand porcelain mask in his personal collection, and that he will grant wishes to a thousand lucky individuals in a year. Will you be one of those thousand?

It's quite true that he owns a thousand porcelain masks or somewhere thereabout - there's too many for him to actually count. He prefers not to repeat masks (except for his favorite ones), and he also sometimes likes to leave his masks in places that he's visited (which turn into electroculus over time), which means there's always a reason to make new, inspired masks.

Besides making these masks as an expression of creativity, the masks also enable him to roam his nation in incognito mode with his second-truest face - the face of a young man, ronin-like, mid-length straw hair, lilac-grey eyes, that accompanies the mortal body he dons.

His true face is the one that he was born with, which is the face of a kitsune spirit.

100 Eyes: Shogun-Tomo is said to have a hundred eyes to watch over all notable areas and persons of interests on Narukami island.

In battle, the Raiden Shogun's form is often accompanied by glowing purple ball lightning, either concentrated on his back or homing in on his enemies on the field.

Outside of battle, the Raiden Shogun employs the use of kemono yokai - various mythical animals - to be his eyes and ears throughout Narukami island. He's been known to inhabit crows, cows, beavers, cats, dogs and foxes.

Writer's note: This is inspired by the recurring "eye" motifs in Genshin — the electroculus, the Omnipresent Statue, and Raiden Shogun's E skill, which results in a hovering eye acting on behalf of the active character to deal damage, said to be a "piece of her euthymia".

10 Hearts: Shogun-Tomo is said to have ten hearts for his ten great loves: Narukami, Inazumans, art, song, dance, wine, battle, blade, fox, rabbit.

Or perhaps this number refers to ten beloved acquaintances, friends through blood and song, ranging from the divine to the yokai.

Or perhaps this number refers to ten lovers, beautiful of body, of mind, and of character.

Or perhaps this number had simply been made up by the folklore storytellers, so as to believe that their god had within him the capacity to love them ordinary mortals.

1 Truth: Shogun-Tomo is said to have a single truth: the hitotachi, a bladework that will bare open the heart.

Widely regarded as Shogun-Tomo's signature, the hitotachi simultaneously strikes awe and fear in the hearts of those who see it.

Despite the reputation of the hitotachi, - or perhaps because it is simply that powerful, Shogun-Tomo doesn't seem too keen on using it often. He is a brilliant warrior, and can just as easily emerge victorious without having to unsheathe the hitotachi.

In fact, the truth is much more humbling. Shogun-Tomo is dissatisfied with his hitotachi. The only person he's consulted this issue with is Rex Lapis. A martial god, political ally and sparring partner, Rex Lapis has suggested that the hitotachi in its present state lacks foundation, as its wielder's ambition is as ordinary as that of mortal rulers. This could very well be a fatal flaw for an Archon candidate - how can one presume to be a part of the ruling divinity if their ambition doesn't dare to shake the heavens?

Shogun-Tomo gives much thought to this, and believes that he should one day obtain the answer after he has travelled and witnessed as many things of Teyvat as possible. Indeed, the hitotachi is shaping up to be more than just a singular slash - but rather a whole set of motions that define a very distinctive bladework style, as Shogun-Tomo will eventually come to wield it.

Philosopher of the Narukami nation

Shogun-Tomo believes in Elegance: The beauty of nature's elements is inimitable. Shogun-Tomo is naturally confident, and has an unwavering belief in his ideals and his ways. He does not need to take the path of others before him; for he is on his way of attaining a level that they have not. Though they compete against each other, the other Archon candidates may become friends and allies. Though he is a great warrior, sometimes the killing blow is not a slash, but rather a parry.

Shogun-Tomo believes in Transience: Lightning cannot be caught. The beauty of living things is often most apparent during the period of precious time known as "youth". As their ruler, he feels melancholy on their behalf, that they should experience a state of such goodness only to ultimately lose it for ever. This is why Shogun-Tomo prefers to conceal his face when dealing with these other living things — he would rather not remind them that for him, in fact, youth can be eternal.

Shogun-Tomo believes in Light: The greatest light of all is hope. Even as a godling, Shogun-Tomo has never once doubted the truth behind this axiom. As a man relentless pursuing after his many goals, dreams and ambitions, light is something that he effortlessly summons from the ether; that he brings forth by his own merit and abilities; that he makes happen by his resolve and willpower. He believes that by pursuing enough singular instances of light at a rate quick enough, he can construct a eternal and undying light forever.

Personality traits and interests headcanons

- Animal lover [canon]

- Curious & adventurous, like Kazuha [canon]

- Creative and inspired, appreciative of the beauty of the world = his philosophy

- Passionate about martial arts and the art of the battle, such as musou no hitotachi [canon]

- Great sense of humor, thunderous roaring laughter

- Generally quite tolerant and generous with his energy and time

- Sharp judgement, decisive in execution, like lightning

- Respected by people for his physical power, and generally high intelligence in nation-ruling and governnance

- Loved by people for providing abundance through the lands

- Feared by his people, for they know not his face, and they see the war rampage that he causes against the other Archon seat contestants

- Highly selective with his inner circle

- Strives to keep a work-life balance between play and divine duties

An affinity for animals, especially the kitsune

Shogun-Tomo's original form is that of a humble kitsune spirit. When he ascended to Archon, this entire species of animal was also elevated to sacred and protected status in the country.

[kuiperblog]

How often do men think about Japan's warring states period?

Imagine a woman who is obsessed with Miyamoto Musashi, the 16th century Japanese swordsman and philosopher. Okay, she might deny that she's obsessed with Musashi, but here are the things that an objective observer might note:

When people ask her what her favorite book is, she says it's the The Book of Five Rings, the book which contains Musashi's teachings, or the Niten Ki, the earliest biography of Musashi.

At least once a week, she makes a post on her Instagram that is a quote from the The Book of Five Rings or Dokkodo, like "Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love" or "Do not fear death"

She has a group of friends that she specifically met through her love of Musashi. Once a week, she grabs her copy of The Book of Five Rings, and goes to meet up with her friends to discuss a specific passage from the book and how to apply its message to their lives.

(She used to have a previous friend group that was really into Musashi in the city where she went to college; when she moved, one of the first things she did was find a new group of people who like Musashi as much as she does.)

If you asked her what she's looking for in a husband, one of her qualifying criteria would be, "He has to love Musashi and live in accordance with Musashi's teachings."

One day, she's scrolling through TikTok and sees a video from a woman saying, "Ladies, did you know that all men are obsessed with Sengoku-era Japan? If you don't believe me, go and ask your man how often he thinks about the Japanese warring states period."

Our Musashi-loving heroine laughs and says, "Oh, my boyfriend would never." But, amused by the idea, she asks him, "Hey babe, how often do you think about the Sengoku period?" He pauses and says, "Hmm, maybe once a day. Isn't it common for most men to think about serving under a daimyo who orders them to pick up a katana and march into battle?" She laughs and says, "You're doing this as a bit, aren't you?" He says, "No, I was obsessed with the Sengoku period as a kid, and I still am." He pulls up his Steam profile and shows her that he has spent 500 hours playing "Total War: Shogun 2," then shows her his PlayStation profile, where he's completed all of the achievements for Sengoku Basara 3, Sengoku Basara 4, Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. He then shows her his DVD collection, which contains movies like Seven Samurai and Heaven and Earth. He says, "when I was a kid, I had a LEGO set with samurai characters, and I would play with them and imagine what it would be like to live in Japan during the warring states period. I still think about that, from time to time. Sometimes, I'll see a knife with a particular shape that looks sort of like a katana, and it makes me think about the Sengoku period."

She laughs. "Okay, okay, you've convinced me. I didn't realize that men spent so much time thinking about the Sengoku period."

He then asks her how often she thinks about Sengoku-era Japan. "I don't know," she says. "Like...never? Not since high school history class."

During this conversation, it doesn't occur to either of them to comment on the fact that she is a huge fan of Musashi, one of the most famous historical figures who lived during the Sengoku period.

That would be weird, right?

Okay, now replace "Musashi" with "Jesus," and "Sengoku-era Japan" with "the Roman Empire."

[mountainofhistory]

How would Momiji fare well if she played Shogun 2: Total War?

"Losses almost in the thousands... I knew that facing the legendary Oda Nobunaga of all people wouldn't be easy, but even so... I'm glad I brought two armies. I'd have lost that battle for sure otherwise."

"Well, no question how we continue now. If I stop and let him recuperate, this'll turn into a slog. I'll just have to get clever."

As an experienced strategy game player and guard captain, I have to think that any Total War game would be very much up Momiji's alley, especially Shogun or Three Kingdoms. She would of course only play on the hardest difficulty and deal with any struggles that occur as a result of doing so. And as someone who actually lived through the Sengoku Jidai, it would probably bring back a lot of memories for her... if she can tear herself away from the management and tactical aspects.

[tamashiiraiden]

FACELESS LEADER

ARATAKI ITTO X RAIDEN! READER

In which the puppet of Raiden Ei receives a secret admirer all around Inazuma. But, this admirer seems to be scared to show himself. What happens if they cross paths? The faceless puppet y/n is, decides to look for him without Hiding her face

DEFINITIONS BEFORE YOU READ

(ARCHON NAMES)

archon name examples; (Morax, Barbatos, Beelzebub, Baal, Buer)

"Lady Y/n it seems that you get many gifts in Valentines day more than in your own Birthday? how ironic." Yae miko, the spoiled yokai she is compliments

"At least I actually get something."

"oh, giving me the cold shoulders I see?" she smirks as she drinks her macha tea specially made for her.

'in total of all these its 126 gifts.' I think to myself but finally I came down to see a Letter with a beetle sticker on it.

FOR MY BELOVED FUTURE ARCHON WIFE

I'm so sorry for the scribbles! don't mind them, but ..I just want to say to you Y/n Raiden, that you are so amazing let alone a puppet. You have survived countless wars during Inazuma's hardest times. Especially for the Oni's ! Though I did not give this to you with pride I'm glad you are able to read this and rather than ripping it into shreads.

I..I Love you Lady Y/n, In the shadows. I have always admired you but. I'm no Shrek and your no Princess Fiona, Who would look at me and consider me as a human? I'm just an Oni living in a Demigod's shadow knowing that your feelings would never return, all I can ever do is Give up.

But I'll say this one more time.

I LOVE YOU

-Love the one and Oni.

I was suprised, No man has ever dedicated their lives for me and.. he is an oni?

" " "

Lately, Sara has been dealing with some oni business so I quickly went to the training grounds where she always trains.

"pardon me Sara,'' I come up to her as she stopped to look at me and bowed in respect ''Lady Y/n! I am glad to see you in good condition, what is the issue?'' she asks and I sigh and responded

''do you know anyone who claims to go by 'the one and oni?" she quickly reacted and her face looked upset

"did he do anything bad to you?!" she yelled a bit but I shook my head signing a 'no' and It made her calm down a bit

"that guy is a jerk of a delinquent. He doesn't like defeat,a total idiot and a fucking oni!'' she yelled she seemed annoyed

''whatever you want to ask me, his name is Arataki Itto, a crimson oni, a gang leader, has a geo vision. one thing you have to know is that I'm on bad terms with him and I can't wait to arrest him again."

I was more shocked, I didn't expect a Delinquent to be attracted by me and did she say Itto ..? If I could remember it, He was the boy I always played with as a kid alongside some children. Nobody even knew I was the Puppet of Beelzebub.

" " "

I was currently walking around all alone, I sneaked out of the Shogunate Palace to find this Itto guy I know I should've at least informed someone,

but guards would be by my side by now. It's funny how I'm literally stronger than Sara, and I'm still being pampered like a fragile puppet. Well I was but that was when I still had ball joints, and to my luck. It disappeared on its own.

It was a cold night and no human in Inazuma has ever seen my face before, take Morax as an example (before he became Zhongli) no one had ever seen his face as the Geo Archon, nor' he'd ever did.

people has seen me but not without the cloth I was wearing I think only Ayato and mom have been the only people who saw me without it.

'cold .. its cold..'

" " "

'ahh shit .. it's too cold..' I thought to myself but then I spotted men coming in my way so I quickly prepared for battle.

"who's there?"

I had no cloth in me to Identify as Y/n the next Electro Archon.

"don't worry ma'am I won't harm you a green haired youth showed herself in the shadows "who are you?" I asked suspicous about her I mean her face is literally covered.

"I am Kuki Shinobu, May I help you? you seem lost. Do you seek shelter? I know a place'' She responded

I NEEDED TO LIE.

"Yes I need shelter real fast but.. do you happen to recognize a guy named, Arataki Itto..? m-my lady Y/n sent me off to find them, all she said was that she received a letter to him and told me to look for him.." the girl who is identified as Shinobu looked surprised and suddenly

"WHAT? THE GREAT LADY Y/N RESPONDED TO BOSS' LOVE CONFESSION?" Some random dude came out and yelled behind the bushes where Shinobu came out.

"y-yes..'' I faked stuttered

"let us take you to him then.'' Shinobu said as we left off to go to their meeting area

" " "

I was currently talking to one of the members of Itto's gang, it seems that he was on a meeting and we were planning to surprise him. I didn't care about it I'm already 500 years old, we were planning to tell it to him when he's finally annoyed.

he was reportedly the one who annoys everyone and everywhere, he was always around their necks. "I want him to taste his own medicine." Shinobu looked awfully annoyed by him

"we finally arrived"

I was getting stares by the delinquents, trying to terrify me? funny. "where's boss?'' Shinobu asked one of them "in a meeting with the entire Oni Gangs, he's fucking busy."

I could feel this scent everywhere I decided to follow it, it led me to a room and a bunch of men arguing

"WE GOTTA ATTACK THE TENRYOU COMISSION!" One yelled

"YOU TRYNA DIE BITCH? GO TO HELL YOU STUPID ONI"

I decided to knock the door but this time I quickly put on a cloth I saw near me

a gentleman/butler answered "hello?- LADY Y/N?"

"Hello."

ARATAKI ITTO'S POINT OF VIEW

All of us Oni leaders were arguing about attacking the Tenryou Comission because of the vision hunt decree, of course I was against the decree but attacking them is just too much for me and the gang.

''WE GOTTA ATTACK THE TENRYOU COMISSION!" The lavender Oni yelled

I respond "YOU TRYNA DIE BITCH? GO TO HELL YOU STUPID ONI" But then someone knocked the door and the butler of the blue Oni opened it and he suddenly yelled

"hello?- LADY Y/N?" he yelled and made us look at him in shock as he back away.

"Hello."

I looked at her in shock and so was the other Oni's

'' good evening to you too all Oni's but I'm afraid you're not nice to my friends? do I serve my stand?"

everyone was silent Until the Lavender Oni responded an anxious response "I- Uh .. Lady Y/n.. we can explain.."

'' and I thought our clans were friends lavender Oni you have failed me and the entire government attorneys.''

''But I'm not looking forward to fight Oni's today I just want to take you're little Crimson Oni" she said as everyone looked at me dead serious like

'you better fucking go you stupid idiot.'

"y-yea sure.. my lady ..'' I stood up from my desk and walked up to her I was indeed turning as red as my old skin.

"l-look, if it's about the letter thing I gave you yesterday- please just tell it to me straight in my face..''

at a sudden, she started taking off her cloth

"do you not recognize me, Itto ..?'' she looks up at me as I admired her beauty, she was so beautiful. I don't think any man wouldn't admit it,

"n-no.. who are you- well.. who were you?.." I asked as I peck her chin

"don't you remember?"

FLASHBACK

NO ONE'S POV

a young crimson Oni was running around to get the Onikabuto but he suddenly tripped and bleed severely. It seems like the boy had tripped in an Oni trap filled with different types of beans, he was screaming in utter pain and kept crying as hives started to show in his beautiful red skin

"HAHAHAHHA what a loser!" a human boy came out ''fortune in Oni out! fortune in Oni out!"

"FORTUNE IN ONI OUT!"

they kept repeating that stupid chant.. until..

-

-

-

"oi! leave him alone!"

-

the boy couldn't take the pain any longer. And he passed out in severe pain.

-

-

-

-

The boy suddenly felt warm liquid being pressed into his bruise he finally squinted his eyes and saw the same exact girl that defended him, he reacted and backed away, not until a tree hit his weak back as he groaned in pain and possibly had cried a bit

"don't come near me!" he covered himself as he tears up and sobs unbelievable ugly cries

''AW come on! I defended you with my kind and this is what you react to me? that's frustrating!" he finally looked at her and saw her beautiful lilac orbs and dark purple hair those looks gave him a feeling..

"eh.. uhm.. why do you look like the Shogunate?"

the girl flinched at his words "eh.. uh..''

'' I suppose, People can get lucky..?" '' not when they are from Inazuma.."

"but here, let me help you..'' she soon became emotionless and treated my wounds

"t-thank you.. uh.."

'' call me (archon name)"

"Wow your parents really picked that out for you huh"

"you?"

"Oh! It's Arataki Itto!"

END OF FLASHBACK

''W-Wait.. that was you..?'' Itto blushed as you nodded

"what made you come up with (Archon name)? pretty weird yk.." ''uhm.. that's my name as an Archon you know.. something like Morax or Barbatos?"

"o-oh! I'm sorry hahaha I'm not used to calling people by their god names." he lightly chuckled

"but lets get to the point.." she responded as his face become serious

"Itto, do you still love me?" she looks at him straight in his face he swore his horns were melting

"n.."

-

It was a quiet silence for the two

-

'' yes.. yes my lady.. even after all those things I had gone through, My eyes were onto you the whole entire time.." he held her hand tightly

"all I want to know.. is that do you love me back?"

,,,

''..Yes, I love you back. Ever since we were still young"

,,,

A bird started to fly away from It's tree

as the bird flew it landed to it's owners hand

"oh? I see she is safe," the woman talked

"huh? with the Arataki gang leader? loving eachother? saving him from an Oni trap at a young age?"

"I see,"

"She'll be talking to me when she gets back."

Raiden Ei looks at the sky as she is ready to talk with her last puppet.

TO BE CONTINUED

[pmkscanlations]

PMK DVD Booklet Interviews 1

Thanks again to @/pmkloveadmin and their kind friend yuunsoba who provided the raws for this booklet! I’ll be posting the interview translations in parts over the next few days. Please note that I’ll just be doing text posts due to the newer, stricter restrictions re: posting magazine images & the scan donator’s request! Thank you and please enjoy the first set!

INTERVIEW 1: ICHIMURA TETSUNOSUKE (Voice actor: Kaji Yuki)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

Peacemaker was a project I took on along the way while auditioning about 4 years ago. It was a great honor to portray an older Tetsunosuke, who showed great growth even in the original work. At the same time, I was very nervous. I was involved with the drama CD initially, so this was my first time doing post-recording for the anime side of things. I dreamed of working as a voice actor when I was in school, so being able to do this was deeply moving for me.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

This makes me sound like a total newbie, but I just thought, “Uwah! It’s a Peacemaker Kurogane script!” (laughs). The drama CD script was just paper, so I was delighted to see a fully bound script with a picture of an adolescent Tetsunosuke on the cover. While Kobayashi Yumiko kicked the whole thing off with a line from a young Tetsunosuke, there are plenty of heroic scenes between then and the main storyline, so I felt like making the tonal change would be quite difficult. There are scenes of tragedy and scenes that make you laugh, and throughout it all, I was reintroduced to the variety of expressions these characters wear. As Tetsunosuke, I was also left thinking “what will happen next?!” because of how it ended. I’m sure everyone who watched felt the same, but I’m just excited for the continuation.

Quite some time has passed between the drama CD and the movie, but please tell us if you carried over any impressions from then into your acting this time.

When I played Tetsunosuke in the drama CD, it was the Hokujou Arc, so I didn’t have a chance to play the lively Tetsunosuke that everyone thinks of until now. Because of that, it was a really tough place to start, and I had to overcome my concerns and anxieties that I wouldn’t match up with the mental image everyone had. The “Tetsunosuke” in me is energetic, bright, and able to face any conflicts head-on, just like the version depicted in the movies. So I was happy that I got to play both the young version and the adolescent version that I imagined. With these fresh feelings, I was able to take that along with the “Tetsunosuke” created by Kobayashi Yumiko and really dive into the character.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

I was happy to see a young Tetsunosuke at the start. It paints a good picture of the events that led him to the current story arc that the movie covers. After that, I very abruptly went into a montage of famous lines and scenes, so I got to say a lot of high-impact things in every way (laughs). I think that’s how I was able to manage the switch to the energy of the Shinsengumi’s sharpness and the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

I think the most notable scene is where Tetsunosuke goes to buy Saya’s freedom! Naturally, the story is full of tons of interesting drama, but I think that stories about pure love are universal regardless of era or rank. I think this will become particularly important to Tetsunosuke, who will surely be embroiled in battles from here on. Even the flashback scene between those two in happier times reminded me of just how big of a presence Saya has in Tetsunosuke’s life.

The scene where Hijikata talks to Tetsunosuke about Saya’s miuke* is impressive, isn’t it? To Tetsunosuke, what kind of person is Hijikata Toshizo?

From Tetsunosuke’s childhood, Hijikata has been an overwhelming presence. As a man, human being and warrior, he’s unbeatable, you know? That’s why I think there are both parts he admires and parts that he can’t understand. I think Hijikata is a lot like a father to him in that respect. Tetsunosuke didn’t carry out his orders with full obedience and backtalked instead of respecting him. I’m sure that Hijikata will become an even more important person in the future, and Hijikata will likely undergo changes himself, but I hope their relationship will carry on as-is.

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

2017 was the year of climbing Mount Fuji and having unprecedented peach wars. With that all done, I’m mostly focusing on myself and my daily life again. I want to handle each job as a voice actor with precision and care.

Also, I’ve been saying this for ages, but someday I want to master conversational English. I like to travel, and learning English would help me expand my circle of communication and enjoy the world even more fully. So I’d like to study when I have time.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

Thank you for viewing the show! It’s delightful to see that a work I have such strong personal ties to has made it to theaters, and that so many people have come to see it.

Many dramas cover the history of the Shinsengumi. With the amount of time they’ve spent together and all of their meetings and partings, it feels like they’re really here, and I hope you can enjoy this first part of the movie set.

How will this Tetsunosuke, with all of his growth, handle the conflicts that may appear with Suzu, Saya, and the Shinsengumi that he views as a family? Fortunately, the development will continue, but I think the glimpses of their will to live and hope are charm points of the series. Please watch over us until the end. Thank you!

INTERVIEW 2: YAMAZAKI SUSUMU (Voice actor: Sakurai Takahiro)

Please tell us your genuine reaction to the announcement of the movie project.

Even though it’s been a long time since the anime, my first thought was that I’m happy to be involved in the franchise even all these years later. I still remember the original TV series, so seeing Tetsunosuke grown up gave me a sense of time passing by in both the show and also real life. Because of that, it all feels fresh even though it’s a continuation of an old story.

Please tell us your genuine reaction to your first read-through of the script.

It was really nostalgic (laughs). The cast’s feelings toward the work is strong, and I was reminded all over again of how this story has the power to connect people. Even though about 15 years have passed since the anime, I didn’t feel the gap. Despite the strong nostalgia, there was no confusion or stumbling. I think it must be because Kobayashi-san and Kaji-kun are there supporting the foundation.

Quite some time has passed between the drama CD and the movie, but please tell us if you carried over any impressions from then into your acting this time.

Yamazaki’s really grown, huh? It feels like he climbed a mountain with his older sister, and from his line about retiring, you can guess that he’s peeled away his old veneer and done some growing up. Since he can see so many things and people around him clearly - including Tetsunosuke - and is someone with many connections, I was struck once again by his importance as a character.

The gap that changed moment by moment and developed into something serious was also deeply impressive.

What scene do you think has the biggest impact, and what scene do you want people to pay attention to?

Okita’s line where he says, “If there are extra rifles... could you give one to me?” really left a big impression. I was wondering what he meant... Whether they’re aware of it or not, I think most characters in this series are desperately trying to live. But among them all, Okita, who gave off a feeling of loneliness, caught my eye. Even though Yamazaki wasn’t in the scene, I couldn’t help but wonder what sort of words he’d have for Okita if he had been. I was also impressed by the unchanged parts, like the Ichimura brothers using Tatsunosuke’s loincloth for target practice, and the way that things shifted bit by bit toward more serious developments.

The Shinsengumi members are all fascinating people, don’t you think? What’s your impression of Saito Hajime, one of the key players?

I used to think that even among the Shinsengumi, Saito Hajime stood out as particularly manic, but he’s really gained a lot of popularity through these stories, hasn’t he? In my mind’s eye, I associate Saito Hajime with Takashi Matsuyama-san’s take on him, which involves the strong image of a slight downer who’s very mysterious. I think that in this story, Saito’s humanity – or backbone, rather – became visible.

This is a story about the Shinsengumi’s great ambitions. After this, what sort of challenges do you want to tackle?

To be honest, I can’t join this challenge... (laughs). I guess I want to play a role I haven’t before. It’d be nice if I could see a version of myself that I haven’t yet. Rather than trying to master something in a totally new field, I think I’d do best with deepening my own strengths.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

I think that the shape and depth of the story will change depending on who’s viewing it, but if you feel something when you watch it, I hope you can cherish those emotions. There’s also a sequel, so please keep an eye out. Thank you!

[danvolodar]

On unnoticeable progress

Spent a couple evenings with Total War: Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai. I remember how groundbreaking it seemed back when it first came out; yet now I return to it from Total War: Warhammer, and it's overwhelming how much better the latter is.

It's not even so much quality per se, as in, attention to detail, etc, but rather just how much more varied TW:Warhammer is. The difference is qualitative, not quantitative. In addition to the unit types found in FotS, WH has single entities, including large ones, fliers, mages, different kinds of animals. Different-sized animals were also in TW:Rome and TW:Medieval, but I don't think they made it to Shogun. Rome and Medieval also didn't really have artillery to speak of, the way Shogun has.

The variety is not limited to the tactical layer, either. Factions in Shogun are all much the same, their unit roster is like 90% the same, and campaign mechanics are the same in their entirety. In Warhammer, each faction plays differently, down to different city management and unit hiring mechanics.

Shogun seemed fantastic at the time, but Warhammer is really head and shoulders better. The only thing Shogun has that Warhammer doesn't are tactical fleet battles.

[kingofaquariumsyt]

The COWARDS on the hill || Total War: Shogun 2 Battle gameplay

[freepcgame24]

Total War: Shogun 2 Overview

In the darkest age of Japan, endless war leaves a country divided. It is the middle of the 16th Century in Feudal Japan. The country, once ruled by a unified government, is now split into many warring clans. Ten legendary warlords strive for supremacy as conspiracies and conflicts wither the empire. Only one will rise above all to win the heart of a nation as the new shogun…The others will die by his sword. Take on the role of one Daimyo, the clan leader, and use military engagements, economics and diplomacy to achieve the ultimate goal: re-unite Japan under his supreme command and become the new Shogun – the undisputed ruler of a pacified nation. Total War: SHOGUN 2 features enhanced full 3D battles via land and sea, which made a name for the series, as well as the tactical campaign map that many refer to as the heart and soul of Total War. Featuring a brand-new AI system inspired by the scriptures that influenced Japanese warfare, the millennia old Chinese “Art of War”, the Creative Assembly brings the wisdom of Master Sun Tsu to Total War: SHOGUN 2. Analyzing this ancient text enabled the Creative Assembly to implement easy to understand yet deep strategical gameplay.

[ai-war-fleet-command-cheat8]

ai war fleet command cheats

⭐ ⏩⏩⏩️ DOWNLOAD MOD - LINK 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Enter a galaxy on the brink of war as Federation, Klingon, and Romulan forces vie for control of the Alpha and Beta quadrants. Discover an ancient secret that. Good feel for WWI at strategic level. Limited operational flavor. Strong AI but there may be some AI cheats. In terms of history, Russia. Cheats, useful commands and how to use them. Write a comment below and you'll How to Easily Win World War II for New Players. From the creators of AI War: Fleet Command. Turn-based tactical combat, with up to 5 factions competing at once. Extremely deep simulation of an entire solar. Command grand fleets and wage strategic wars on an interstellar scale The AI engages honorably in battle, and refrains from cowardly and. Nos esforzamos por añadir nuevos juegos a diario como command conquer o command Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars Guide - Walkthrough - Tips - Cheats. Listado top ventas para Command conquer · Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars Guide - Walkthrough - Tips - Cheats - And More! · Command And Conquer: Tiberium Wars (. Shogun 2: Total War is the long-awaited follow-up to the original PC game in with a new Artificial Intelligence (AI), revolutionary multiplayer modes.

[foremanissleepy]

If these battles that draw from actual, real life history teach you anything, let it be this. 

The Oda are useless nerds and bombs are handy for causing big problems.

[mysteamgrids]

Total War Battles: Shogun

[constellarations]

blood is red, but so is my heart

gorou soulmate au!! secret santa gift for @haliya-mori , i apologize in advance for the lack of quality... ;;

pairing: gorou x gn!reader

warnings: gore, violence (war), implied death, archon story spoilers? (the resistance), mc has a cryo vision, mentions of blood

notes: eifjiejfiejrigjeifjs

soulmate au: when you make eye contact with your soulmate, your vision bursts with color.

“I-It’s cold…”

“I know.” Gorou’s ears flick, gritting his fanged teeth. But we must keep going. For our freedom. For Her Excellency. His troops are trailing behind him, they trust him, they trust me.

But I do not trust myself. The general looks back, they are shivering, his people are shivering. The world is dull, and the air reeks of carnage. This is war. The war between mortality and immortality, between humans and eternity. I will breach the barrier. He growls. I will breach it, until it no longer exists.

Why must his soldiers suffer the wrath of an archon? The wind carries the scent of rain, and Gorou immediately turns out. His comrades are first — always. No matter what.

“Seek shelter! There is a storm incoming!” Two storms. One made of rain and thunder, the other made of weapons and people.

They scramble. Gorou knows each and every one of their names, their hometowns — if it was not in the Sangonomiya territory. He knows, and he carries their will, their future.

“General Gorou!” One of them, Teppei, exclaims. He is new, it is obvious in his fear-stricken eyes and shaky handling of his spear. “Shall we build a fire?”

The general’s — colored eyes, flicker over to the clouds. They smell earthy, freshly, dangerously.

“Only build a small fire, but put it out after you get warmed up.” He feels his tail swishing slowly. “If it burns for too long, the enemy will be able to see the smoke.”

“Yes, sir!” Teppei salutes, before running back. Gorou sighs, overlooking his men before sitting down, lacing his fingers together as he hunches over.

The grass is… nothing. Gorou has heard that it’s a color called “green”, but he has never seen such a hue. His world is dull. Why would there be vibrancy in war, anyway? The blood of his fallen comrades is the same color as water, he cannot tell the difference, even though he should, he should.

Where are you? He has long given up on looking for his soulmate, at least, after the war started. He doesn’t remember life before the war, he doesn’t want to. Peace will never come for a warrior, only silence. The yells of his soldiers, the clanging of metal, it all resounds in his dreams. An endless timpani drum, a gong to reality.

I want to see color. Gorou has heard from his lucky men that his eyes are a brilliant shade of blue. What is blue? He brushes his hand over the grass. It is nothing, his hand is nothing. He is nothing in the midst of a cyclone.

I want to see you. He wonders what his soulmate is like. Are they nice? They better be — Gorou wouldn’t be able to stand someone who is mean to his men. His ears subconsciously flick, and the hairs on his neck and tail rise.

The storm is here. He feels it. The thunder of the Earth is here, and the thunder of the Shogun is yet to come. I’m sure they’ll attack during the rain. He stands up. That’s just how Kujou Sara is.

“Do not lower your guard!” He announces, hands on his hips. His… ‘blue’ eyes flicker over to the campfire that has been lit. “Warm yourselves up. We have a war to fight!”

—

“Are you sure this is it?” Asks [Name], who is, playing Tic-Tac-Toe by themselves on the beach’s sand. This is totally anticlimactic! They glance up. Where’s the battling? The excitement?

“I assure you, this is where the map marks.” Their companion, Kaedehara Kazuha, is too used to their antics to say anything. “Stay vigilant, [Name]. We do not know when they will strike.”

“Okay.” [Name] stood up, stretching their arms.

Kazuha took a deep breath. This was the part where [Name] would sa—

“Soo… where’s the battle?”

He closed his eyes, mentally applauding himself. “Soon. This is where the resistance and the Shogun’s army will meet up. We are just here in advance. You should not rush the rotation of the Earth, [Name].”

[Name] sat back down again, continuing their one-man game of Tic-Tac-Toe.

Kazuha, too, has never seen color before. If he did, his haikus would be filled with the descriptions of colors for decades. [Name] shivers. I’m glad he hasn’t, honestly.

The two wanderers were content with not being able to see color. The world was still beautiful, even if it was simply black and white (that’s what Beidou described it as. Lucky captain met her soulmate in Liyue).

“Bummer.” [Name] grins, sparing a glance towards the man before ushering him over to where they sat in the sand.

“Wanna play Tic-Tac-Toe with me?”

—

The sound of the soggy sand was not very pleasing.

Gorou ran quickly through the barraging thunder, his men following suit. This is where Kazuha should be. His ears twist and turn to their greatest lengths, trying to distinguish something beyond the rain. His vision… his eyes, are of no use to him. They see, but cannot pick up each individual color. Everything is a shape, there is no beauty.

This war is essential. Every battle, every inch of land, it will be accounted for in the factor towards victory or defeat. Her Excellency has a section prepared for this. He opens a small notebook mid-run. Passage 52: Beach Terrain.

Keep a supply of fresh water near. Do not cross the river to meet your enemy, wait for half of their army to get across before launching an attack. Gorou hastily shields the pages with his hand. Water fills every crevice of the world. He manages to squeeze in the last line before closing the book.

The difference between life and death is between freshwater and saltwater sources. Gorou averts his eyes from the ocean. Great. Gorou remembers much of Her Excellency’s writings, but they all seem to leave his mind when in the midst of a battle.

Kazuha. He continues his search, there are people in the distance. It’s the Shogun’s army.

“Prepare to fight!” He yells, his throat no longer hurts, he is running on adrenaline while he is running with his feet. Where is he? Where is the other person he said he’d bring? Every vision counts, every man does too. They all matter to him, anyway.

The world is dull. Gorou takes out his bow, flaring his nose slightly. I must prepare for the scent of blood. He raises his weapon as some of his men charge forward. One eye closes, and he hones in on the distant figures.

This is war. The general subconsciously bares his teeth. They are sharp, but he cannot bite. Today, I might die.

—

“They have arrived. Prepare your will and your weapon.” Kazuha stands up, unsheathing his sword. [Name] follows, albeit, too lax for the wanderer’s liking.

“Are you going to take out your spear?”

[Name] grins. “Yep.”

Kazuha’s irises flicker to the vision on their neck. It has a cryo emblem screwed onto it, far below the transparent exterior. It’s supposed to be blue. He wonders what color his own vision was.

“Goodbye, Kazuha,” they say, seriously. They are serious — he is, too. This is life or death, one of them may not be returning to this same shore. This Tic-Tac-Toe shore.

“Goodbye, [Name]. See you soon,” he adds. He adds the ‘see you soon’ part in order to reassure his own mind. ‘I will be back’ he tells himself—but will he? He hopes so. This life is far too gorgeous to stop living.

“Of course.” [Name] does a two-fingered salute. They’re smiling, but it doesn’t reach their eyes. The samurai contemplates whether or not he’ll ever be able to see its color.

—

There are cries, and yells, and screams. Gorou knows these sounds, he’s far too attuned to them for his liking. This is for freedom. He repeats over and over, freedom, freedom. His muscle-memory does everything for him. Arrows are fired, his vision charges. We will win. It is not false hope. It is the truth.

Wisps of wind brush through his ears. Kazuha? There’s also something cold. He hopes that the source is on the resistance’s side, and not the Shogun’s. The smell of blood is back, but he cannot see it. It’s water. It’s water. Blood is not red, like the elderly couples say, blood is nothing.

Everything goes by so slowly yet so quickly. His men writhe in agony, but so do the Shogun’s. Stay alive. Stay alive, he chants to no archon. There is no archon left for him. Stay alive so you too can see color! He notices that boy — Teppei, on the ground. He’s clutching his side, but he’s still putting up a fight with his spear high in the air.

He’s a warrior. They all are. Not anybody can fight in a war, not anybody can keep doing it after one battle. These men are all exceptional. He glances over and notices a stranger. They wield a spear and seem to be freezing some of the Shogunate soldiers. You, who are you?

As if they could sense his stare, they looked back up at him.

Everything exploded. Nothing became everything, his world was no longer dull. The general stumbled back, eyes wide — were they blue?! He darted around anxiously, bow still firing as he aimlessly stared at his enemies.

They wore … uniforms. The uniforms were something — they were no longer nothing. What color was this? He glances up at the sky. He’s heard the sky was blue, but right now, he hopes that blue is not the color of those clouds. They are dull and dark.

The clouds were the color his world was, before he saw them. Who are they? He glances back, they’re gone. Of course. He grits his teeth. This is war.

Stay alive — you! His tail swishes back and forth, his ears flickering back and forth uncontrollably. A growl escapes his throat, and his canines finally bite. It reeks. The Shogunate soldiers are retreating, they do not have Kujou Sara with them today. He curls his fingers. That is probably why they are running.

“General Gorou!” A familiar voice yells. They are all familiar, for they are all his men. The general is too lost in his thoughts, examining each and every one of his soldiers with the widest smile imaginable. His canines are showing, his tail wagging. This is embarrassing. But it is them, these are his troops.

“They have retreated!” His throat still does not hurt. His adrenaline has yet to wear off. “We will stand guard here for a few days before returning to the shrine!”

“Yes, sir!”

—

“[Name].” Kazuha deadpanned for the nth time today. The said individual was busy admiring themselves in the pond, tracing their finger through their cheeks and lips.

“Kazuha.” [Name] stands up. “What color are my eyes?”

He blinks once, then twice. “Surely you are not asking me such a question?”

“But I am?”

“[Name], I have yet to experience color.” He strikes a ghost of a grin. “Surely you haven’t forgotten life for us lowly ones at the bottom?”

“Hey! I did not!” Their accused expression morphs into a strict one. “I’m just so very… colorful.”

They grinned, and Kazuha resisted the urge to turn around and walk away.

“Haha.”

“I know, wasn’t that so funny?”

—

Gorou wove through the crowds of his soldiers. His eyes were so fixated on the blades of grass, and the speckles of rain. I can see blood. He shivers, red was a ferocious color, but it was devastatingly beautiful.

He remembers their face, and the cryo vision on their neck. [Surname] [Name]. His tail is, regrettably, wagging passionately.

“Gorou.” A wisp of the wind tickles his ear. He turns around, and there is Kazuha. He’s calm, and his clothes are red, but it is not devastating. He is the crimson side of peace, the opposite of blood.

“Kazuha! It’s good to see you!”

The general instantly notices that same person from before, [Name]. It’s [Name], it’s them, the person who brought his dull world color. It’s beautiful. They’re beautiful. He examines them closely. He’s lucky.

“Oh, it’s Mr. Soulmate.” They hold their hand out, and Gorou gazes at it in confusion.

“A handshake. You grab my hand and shake it lightly,” they explain, waiting for his own callused hands to meet theirs.

He nods stiffly, holding his own hand out. I’m sweating— AH! I’M SWEATING!

Gorou quickly wipes his hand on his leg before grabbing onto [Name]’s palm. “It’s nice to meet you, I’m Gorou!”

—

[Name] is many things. Gorou has only known them for a few days, but he knows that, as fate had planned, they are the one.

War is inevitable. The general doesn’t like war, even though his occupation relies on it. He longs for a day where he can simply reside in the countryside with a fishing rod and sunhat, throwing bait into the ocean instead of his arrows.

“Is there a reason why you’ve joined this war?” Gorou glances over to [Name]. Their eyes are pretty. He muses silently, expectantly waiting for their answer.

“No.” [Name] looks away. Gorou wonders why, but they are speaking faster than he can get his words out.

“I wanted an opportunity to go beyond the restraints of my parents,” [Name] pauses, “they’re back in Liyue.”

“Why?”

[Name] stops moving, and Gorou does, too. He freezes, the subconscious wag of his tail when they’re around — also, stops.

“I’m tired.”

He perks up. “Oh! You’re right, we should head back to cam—”

“No.” There’s a bittersweet smile on [Name]’s face, as if they were reminiscing a memory. “I was… tired. I just…” Their expression is fatal to his heart, and he already regrets asking. Don’t force yourself. His throat hurts, but he didn’t even yell that much today.

“I just couldn’t do it anymore. I’m kind of lame, so—”

“It’s okay.”

Gorou’s eyes widened at his own response. “I mean, wait, it’s not okay to be burnt out— but like, it’s okay to feel that way and—”

[Name] laughs, and for a second, Gorou wonders if this is his future. The war — one day, it too, will be a memory. And then what? Will he live the rest of his days on Sangonomiya Island? As much as he appreciates Her Excellency, the cakes on this island were not as magnificent as back in Inazuma City.

“Gorou,” [Name] says, and he shuts up. For real, this time. His stomach flutters, and even his ears seem to freeze in order to hear what [Name] has to say.

“Yes?” His voice is meek, and he flushes at the sound of it. I sound totally dumb right now! He hopes [Name] won’t make fun of him for it later.

“Thank you. For everything.”

—

“[Name].” Gorou is awfully used to saying their name, he finds himself always having it in the back of his throat. His throat, which is now suffering from the repercussions of his robust commands and booming voice.

“Gorou.” [Name] doesn’t look up — they’re too busy doodling a snowman in the sand. It’s a sandman. He suppresses a grin.

“Once the war is over…” He knows he is speaking boldly, and there’s a higher chance that they may not make it out alive than the chance of the war ending, “would you—”

“Yes.”

“But you don’t even know what I was going to say?”

“It doesn’t matter.” [Name] still doesn’t tear their eyes from their doodle. “We are bound together. By colors.”

The world was dull. It’s dull, it was — it’s no longer dull, it’s beautiful. They, they are beautiful. But wait—

“Gorou.”

[Name] no longer waits for him to respond. They know him well enough, so well, that the flick of his ears and the shake of his tail is enough for them to understand. Reds, oranges, pinks… They are gorgeous. Of course, of course they are. He was also… gorgeous. We are bound together.

“We will be okay.”

He nods, his bashful smile turning into a determined grin. Of course. If not, what are we?

It’s warm. He notices. It’s warm, you’re warm. I’m warm. There are butterflies, and they no longer remain in his stomach alone.

“Yeah.” He curls his fingers, the knuckles of his hand turning white. “We will.”