#and I think Bonz was a child too

[sweetiepie08]

Suddenly remembered 3 minor joke antagonists got dragged to actual, literal hell in yugioh.

[neverwatchedonepiece]

558-560: "The Noah Closing in! The Fish-Man Island Facing Destruction!", "Hurry up, Luffy! Shirahoshi's Life in Jeopardy!" and "The Fierce Fight Begins! Luffy vs. Hordy!"

This is like watching Hitler stab Elliot Roger. Can you even cheer for this?

I can’t because let’s just say I’m not the biggest fan of either of them. The most I could muster was a grim nod. “Yes, that’s brilliant. Now the other one needs to go.”

Luffy should step up in the next couple of episodes, so I’m looking forward to watching Hordy Jones chow down on a generous slice of Karma pie. It’ll be old and moldy too because Hordy’s comeuppance is long overdue.

I get the feeling that the (literally) biggest problem facing the Strawhats right now, though, is neither Decken nor Hordy. It’s Noah: the massive ship that is currently floating just above Fishman Island.

How big is this ship?

I’ll let Franky sum it up.

Noah: The Ship of Promise

The shots of Noah drifting straight for Fishman Island were weirdly beautiful. I mean, I know this thing was close to killing an entire nation full of people plus the Strawhats, but the art was so good. Dat perspective. Dat chiaroscuro. Dat cool shot of the surface tension stretching the bubble. The seaweed strung chains alone were so huge they demolished buildings and minor geological features with ease. Toei did a good job escalating the sense of threat here.

Another interesting thing is that, for the first time, Neptune has really freaked out with fear. But not for himself. It’s for Noah. Apparently, the ship has a nickname: the ship of promise. Neptune was worried because that ship was Not To Be Used before the appointed time. He even freaked out about the possibility of it being damaged.

Hmmm... Intriguing. I guess this means Noah is culturally significant to Fishman Island (or at least to the Royal Family/Neptune who is the only one who clearly understands its significance, as the princes called it “a relic from the past”). What did he mean by “the appointed time?” Why was it built in the first place? Starting to think it’s not an ancient weapon. Maybe it was built to transport Fishmen to a better place? It has loads of windows. I guess I’ll find out soon. :)

But first, there is a villain to be dealt with!

Long-Distance Roasting

Luffy scrapping with Hordy in 558 was glorious. I’m enjoying watching the new tricks he’s learned over his two year stint with Rayleigh. I love how surprised Luffy was that Hordy staggered upright after being punched through a wall.

He used hardening haki to obliterate iron shields, landed a blistering hardened kick and smacked Hordy with a hardened fist. Faced with an opponent who was levels above him, Hordy panicked and fired off water arrows indiscriminately. Luffy’s observation haki pretty much ruined that half-baked plan. It was hilarious watching Hordy get his ass handed to him. It must have really ground Hordy’s gears hearing the islanders praising the strength of the world-renowned Strawhat pirate captain.

Unfortunately, Luffy couldn’t finish the job because it was about that time the Noah Eclipse moved across the island. At that point, even the Strawhats were thinking, “Shiiiiiiiiit.....”

One of the smaller shadows belonged to the Sea Bonze dude that worked for Decken. It grew rapidly as he plummeted to earth. When he shook himself off, he looked up and freaked out because the ship was sailing without him.

“Stop the ship!” he yelled. “I slipped and fell off. I don’t wanna die!”

You know, I thought for one moment that Decken’s one saving grace was that he at least cared about his crew.

Turns out he doesn’t even have that. He said straight up to his Sea Bonze buddy: “Yeah, I’m gonna need you to become a sacrifice along with the rest of Fishman Island.” What a guy.

I mean, you’ve got to be a proper piece of crap when Hordy Jones, of all people, is pissed off with the psychotic shit you keep pulling.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

But Decken’s deeply creepy breakdown spurred one of my favourite moments of the arc. 

When Decken made his appearance, he, of course, took the opportunity to harass Shirahoshi one last time. “SHIRAHOSHI, NO ONE CAN LOVE YOU LIKE ME! SO DROP DEAD ALONG WITH THE REST OF FISHMAN ISLAND.”

Logic? Nah. It’s in very short supply with this guy. Must have departed long ago with the last crumb of sanity.

When it became obvious that Decken was about to involve the entire island in his mad quest to “prove his love”, Shirahoshi did something very brave. Decken had thrown Noah towards his marked target, just like all the knives and axes before. Knowing this, Shirahoshi he put her life on the line and swam right up to the ship, stopping it from crashing into the island where she stood.

“If I am the only one who you want to kill, please do not harm the other people of Ryugu Kingdom.”

She was willing to endanger herself in order to protect her people. Shirahoshi is most definitely no coward. In fact, she’s as brave as Otohime, who threw herself in front of a bullet to stop a revenge killing.

Despite Decken upping the creep factor, “How beautiful you are, even your mind! You’re taking the matter into your own hands to save the country, aren’t you? You’re definitely eligible to become Vander Decken IX’s wife after all. You’d better die while you’re still beautiful and live in my heart forever.”

I have no words. Unfortunately, I know this is not unrealistic.

Decken hurled a dagger at Shirahoshi. But despite being injured, she still swam off and lured Decken - and most importantly, Noah - away from the island. She swam all the way to the open sea.

As far as I’m concerned, Shirahoshi deserves major props for quick thinking and saving everyone from being, as Robin said, smashed all at once. (lol)

Hordy Has a Little Moment

While this was going down, Hordy hauled himself upright and stood there like a lost lemon, grinding his teeth and raging at Decken’s “betrayal.” Hordy, the guy has several screws loose. If he is distracted by Shirahoshi in any way, he will drop whatever dumb scheme he’s involved in to pursue his main interest.

He watched Luffy be lauched after Noah by Sanji (that was cool, by the way. Sanji was about to join him, but Luffy pulled him back and said he had to take care of the plaza. Instead of insisting on running after the mermaid princess, Sanji agreed. Obviously the order from his captain, who he also respects as a friend, takes precedence. That’s much better, Sanji! :D) 

Only then did his rage move him to action. He decided to hijack Decken’s plan. He leapt onto the hanging chains, even shooting at the islanders (who tried to slow Noah’s progress because they were so worried for Shirahoshi). I kept thinking, Luffy, now is the time to knock that dumbass off the chain.

But he didn’t. Shirahoshi broke through the bubble and Luffy emerged into open water. He had to use the Bubbly Coral Jimbei handed him. But he couldn’t use the full stretch and strength of his power confined in the small bubble.

Then Hordy swam up behind him and had a little moment when the tables turned. “How inconvenient it must be to be a human!” he gloated, using all his old favourite slurs. “You act so tough on the ground but you couldn’t even win a fight with a Fishman child in the sea!”

Of course, he forgot Zoro beat him in the water before he snacked on a fistful of Roids, but such thoughts are inconvenient. Luffy couldn’t replicate the feat because, as a DF user, he was at a major disadvantage and was forced to fight in the bubble. Hordy was straight up too fast and the water arrows pierced the bubble.

If it wasn’t for Fukaboshi, Luffy would have been screwed. I actually cheered when he showed up. xD It was also nice when Luffy asked how he was. “Thanks for rescuing me. You got hurt earlier. You okay?” (and it was funny when Fukaboshi told him off for being impressed at how Hordy was “almost like Zoro in the water”.) At least they have come to an understanding now. Fukaboshi apologised for suspecting the Strawhats, and Luffy, in his usual way, said, “Don’t mention it.”

They didn’t have time for a drawn out apology-fest, anyway, because Luffy had a plan and he was in a hurry.

Bye, Bye, Decken?

Now, I’m not sure if Ryuboshi and Mamboshi (is that how you spell his name?) gave Shirahoshi the best advice. She was swimming out into open sea away from the island. Instead, they advised her to swim upwards. I guess they couldn’t have predicted Hordy would spear Decken and, once the Mark Mark power wore off, the ship would come crashing down on top of Fishman Island, but still.

The betrayal scene was cool. Decken is obviously so detached from reality he had no idea Hordy was seething with rage when he hopped on deck.

“O hai, pal!” he laughed. “What happened to Neptune? Did you kill him? I’ve been tormenting Shirahoshi with the Noah. What do you think? Good idea, right?”

“Oh, I have an idea,” the shadowy figure of Hordy leered. “If you die now... what’ll happen to this ship?”

Then he stabbed Decken through the chest with his trident. That wasn’t the end of it. Decken hauled himself off it, blood dripping, then accidentally touched Hordy in the process, leaving  a mark on him.

“I panicked a bit when Noah sailed over,” Hordy admitted. “But I can’t kill you yet. Then the Mark Mark power will be ineffective and the ship will fall onto Fishman Island and destroy everything. More than anything, I want the Strawhats gone. Thousands of my men will die too, but I can get as many human slaves as I want later.” Nice, Hordy. Thousands of your men will die, but it’s okay, they can be replaced with human slaves. What happened to Fishman supremacy, eh?

Decken told him to drop dead and threw a blade. I’m not quite sure what happened here, but Hordy either ducked or moved behind Decken and the blade sliced into Decken. Ohhhhhhh, the shot of that sweet, sweet long distance body fall. Decken landed right next to his rose axe (which is a bit suspicious, to be honest. As I have not yet seen a body, I bet he’ll use the axe to take revenge against Hordy. The mark has not yet been removed, so...) 

Of course, counter betrayal accomplished, Hordy pressed on with his plan to hijack Decken’s psycho scheme. He caught up with Shirahoshi and grabbed her by the hair. Luckily, Luffy and Fukaboshi arrived fresh from a strategy talk. I have no idea what move it was Luffy pulled on Hordy, the snake shot one, but it looked like his hands were on fire? At any rate, Luffy said it didn’t work properly because he needed a bigger bubble, but it definitely hit Hordy hard. Looking forward to seeing it on a proper, ass-kicking scale! :D

“A fool like you can’t protect anything!” Hordy jeered.

“No,” Luffy said, absolutely dead pan. “I will protect them all. That’s what I’ve worked for over the past two years.”

For all Luffy adopts a happy-go-lucky attitude, I’ll never forget how low he was post-Marineford. It’s obviously affected him and this is one of the times he lets it show. He will never let something like that happen ever again. If anything threatens his crew, his friends or anyone he loves, they will regret it.

And speaking of...

Meanwhile... Back in the Plaza

Zoro and Sanji are having a great time!

I can’t wait to see Zoro kick that drunken Fishman swordsman’s ass. That guy is such a liability. Imagine killing all your allies just because you love cutting people. Great hire there, Hordy.

Classic Robin. xD

[lossantosdaily]

GREY'S FUTURE PLANS FOR THE YOUTH

Picture credits: Grey__Party

We reached out to Grey upon a suggestion from some of the youth services that he has helped. We asked Grey if we could ask a few questions. We were very lucky to be invited to Grey's home for the interview and appreciate that he was very happy to answer our questions.

Since our last article, what other things have you done/implemented for the youth?

"We have improved community programs to help the youth and young adults to follow their passions. Free classes and creative rooms that we have upgraded since we last spoke. This Christmas break, those in college will be able to work part-time for my shop, Manor, in all three locations. Along with programs to help them learn to trade with auto cars and bikes. Along with intern programs for ULSA students who are interested in trade or design. We also have follow-ups to check on students who have signed up for the free program."

What are your future plans?

"The future is bright and beautiful, continuing the same motives that we have for South LS, especially in the small business sector. As well as helping those who have been in prison be able to work again. I haven't been happy with high fashion due to its lack of acknowledging models and child abuse that goes on in the industry, so I most likely will be taking a step away from OffTrick. It did what it was supposed to do, create a world that most didn't think I was able to do. But my focus and my heart are with ManorDem. This year, we have financially improved rapidly, especially with the city always coming to sell out one of the skate videos we drop. That shit brings me to tears, seeing where the brand started. Personally, I can't complain, I just love getting shit done and building."

"I have a home, just finished in Vice City, currently doing Christmas shopping for family, got my parents a new home in the hills, and getting ready for my birthday on the 24th of this month. You know me and cars, so that's a given."

We also had the offer to see Grey's garage which we accepted.

Do you have any upcoming projects? "Upcoming projects, yes! A new film coming from me and my skate team producer, Spike Bonze. The date is coming soon. The new ManorDem collection is out now, and in all 3 stores in Liberty City, Los Santos, and London." How do you feel knowing that you've helped the youth and young adults so much?

"It honestly gets me emotional. I was like them at a point thinking that my block was it until I pushed myself and realized that the world is bigger. Even with some gang members, you can see a change, not all of them of course, but a solid majority that is trying to seek a better life. I think that's why I'm safe in any hood I got to, because yeah I bring million dollar cars around, however, I'm also dropping jewels and letting them know how they can get it too. They know my heart, and where I'm coming from. They see, when I put on for myself it's really for them letting them know that they can do it too. We have hired tons of folks who don't own small businesses from that area, got them warehouse work, or just any legal work in general. Just noticing a different vibe now, the people are focused not only with my help, by helping themselves. Anything other than that is a distraction."

[firethatgrewsolow]

Swiss Time - Chapter One

**Hey guys - here’s the next tale.  It’s going to be a long one … slow and steady.  I hope you like it. :-)  Another thank you to @ladygrange for getting me past a roadblock and providing the perfect title!!  What would I do without you? <3**

March 1, 1970

Montreux, Switzerland

She was nearly asleep, seduced by the steady hum of wheels on tracks racing to meet their schedule.  On time.  Always on time.  Trains never failed to make her feel that way.  Comfortable and drowsy.  Her aunt’s voice filled the compartment.

“So, what do you think?”  

Natalie’s eyes blinked open, taking in a blur of alpine white through the sheet of glass in front of her.

“Well?”

The word had garnered a bit of an edge.  She can tell I’ve been daydreaming. “I’m not sure, Aunt Sue.”

“What do you mean, you’re not sure.  This is costing us a lot of money.”

Nat’s gaze flickered back to the whirling landscape.  Us?  She means Christian.  There was no way she was going to say it out loud, though; that would only serve to pique Susan’s anger.  “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful.  I just need a little time to process everything.”  There was a skeptical hum in the back of her aunt’s throat as her mouth twisted, but she appeared to give up, at least for the moment, reclining into the leather bench seat.

Truth be told, Natalie didn’t need a little time to process everything.  It was all perfectly clear.  She’d been sent off.  Admittedly, there were worse places than a boarding school outside of Montreux, but the fact was, they’d given up on her.  At the ripe old age of fifteen.  Almost fifteen.  She couldn’t really blame them.  They weren’t prepared to be parents.  And she wasn’t prepared to be a kid.  It was an old joke in the family that she’d been born at the age of thirty, and she was beginning to believe they were right.  She made things difficult, and that wouldn’t do.  You’re lucky, and you know it.  Embrace the change.  Hell, you might even like it.  No longer content with the silence, her aunt began to shift in her seat, tapping a magazine against her leg as she reached for her cigarettes.  

“Christian’s got some guests coming tomorrow.”

Guests.  Natalie watched a ribbon of smoke trail through the air.  She’d been staying with Susan in a suite he’d procured for them in the hotel next to the casino.  It had only been a little over a week, but it was enough to catch on.  Guests almost always meant musicians.  Or people attached to them.  Christian had made quite a name for himself with the jazz festival he’d begun a few years before.  It had grown like wildfire, and he deserved the success.  He was a smart, kind man, endlessly fascinating to chat with and completely in love with her aunt.  For a brief moment, Natalie found herself wondering how many of the guests she’d slept with.  Maybe none.  Hopefully none.  Christian deserved better than that.

“Well, aren’t you going to ask who it is, Nat?”

Her tone was excited, expectant.  It’s a band. And she must know them.  Natalie stayed silent a beat longer and was rewarded with an impatient scowl.  I wasn’t born at thirty.  I was born at fifty.  Snickering to herself, she gave in.  “Who is it, Sue?  Wait, let me guess.  The Stones?”  Her aunt shook her head as the corner of her mouth curled up.  “Pink Floyd?”

“Keep going.”

She was grinning like the Cheshire Cat, and Natalie held up her hands in defeat.  “I really don’t know … just tell me.”

“Well, the singer’s about the most gorgeous man on the planet.”

She still has it, Nat mused, taking in Susan’s glowing smile.  The years had been kind to her.  She still looked twenty years old.  Her mother had glossed over the wild tales about her much younger sister’s dalliances with certain music men, but when Susan got a buzz, she’d always regale her with the full details.  Somehow, Natalie never felt shocked and was pretty sure that annoyed her aunt, as the stories inevitably grew more and more salacious.  The woman was a legend among the groupie circuit, although she hated the term “groupie,” much preferring the term “friend.”  Oh, she was a friend alright, a friend with benefits.  When she’d met Christian, sheer happenstance on one of his visits to New York, she’d given it all up, delighted to be whisked away to Lake Geneva to hobnob with entertainment stars and other high profile people.  At the clearing of her throat, Natalie realized she was daydreaming again.

“So, aren’t you excited?  They’re about to be the biggest band in the world!”

“I’m sorry, who did you say?”

“Good lord, Nat, get out of your head.  It’s Led Zeppelin, for heaven’s sake.”

Natalie knew of them, even listened to a few of their songs, courtesy of her best guy friend in the neighborhood.  Old neighborhood, she reminded herself.  “I’ve heard them.”

“They’re good, aren’t they?”

Nat nodded. They were pretty good.  But a little weird, too.  Kind of mysterious.  What had Will said that night?  They were into some heavy, dark stuff, dangerous, even.  He’d been pretty stoned, though.  She put it out of her mind as the train began to slow.  Our stop.

“Tres agreable!” Bonzo bellowed, supremely amused by his prowess with the French language.  

Or lack, thereof, Robert decided as he shook his head, exchanging a look with Jimmy.  It was the only phrase the drummer knew, and he seemed compelled and certainly content to repeat it over and over.  “Right, Bonz, we get it, tres agreable.”  The singer couldn’t suppress his chuckle as his friend roared with laughter, calling out for another drink.

Montreux.  It was their first visit to the Alpine city, and Robert had to admit he’d been looking forward to it.  A week’s vacation skiing, sledding and perhaps some other activities sounded like the perfect respite before it was back to the States.  After a quick stop in Germany, anyway.  Ahmet had set up a meeting with the band and Christian Rohner, the renowned European promoter and founder of the famous jazz festival the city hosted.  It was only in its fourth year, but it was already blowing up.  As a lovely blonde entered the dining car, he drained his glass.  Yeah, Montreux will do very nicely.   

“Let’s go, lads.  Grab your things.  This is it.”    

At Peter’s directive, Robert snatched up his bag, grimacing at the blanket of icy air that enveloped him as he stepped off the train.  Shivering, he tightened his coat around his shoulders.  At least they were on time.  You could always count on the Swiss for that.  “Bloody hell, it’s cold, man.  I thought it was supposed to be warmer here.”

“Yeah, Cole, where’s the bloody car, mate?” Bonzo grumbled, the heat from his breath forming puffy clouds of steam.  “I’m freezin’ me fuckin’ …”

“Quit your whining and start walkin’!” G boomed, following Richard’s lead as they filed across the platform.  “Hotel’s right next door.”

Robert dutifully squelched his complaint, stopping to light a cigarette.  While unseasonably cool, it was pretty, and after all, he’d certainly been in worse conditions.  With a backward glance at the train as it pulled away, he strode toward the station’s entrance.

“Watch where you’re going!“

Small hands pressed against his chest, pushing him back, and he spun around, an apology on his lips.  “Christ, I’m sorry, I …” He trailed off as he took in the young girl he’d nearly trampled.  She was a slight thing with long, dark hair, and big, dark eyes that were studying him intently.  And disapprovingly, he determined, doing his best to quell his grin.  Even with a frown, she was cute, nearly pretty, but in a quiet, understated way.  Like a child.  Bloody hell, she probably is.  Her eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second, and he was sure he’d met her before.  Or someone like her.  She speaks English … probably American.  He opened his mouth to begin where he’d left off, but she darted away, wrangling open the heavy glass doors and scurrying into the station.  He stood mute, watching her coast nimbly through the crowd.  She was calling out to someone, but it was lost in the throng.

“Robert, come on!”

Jimmy’s admonishment cut through the din, and the singer nodded, jogging to catch up with the rest of them.  He scanned the cavernous room for the girl one last time, but she was gone.

Grateful for the cozy warmth of the suite, Natalie slipped off her coat, hanging it neatly in the closet by the front door.  She shook her head, sending icy droplets across her shoulders.  Vowing to wear a hat next time, she padded to the window, mesmerized by the view.  The snow was thick and heavy, an unusual occurrence for the town, according to Christian.  She watched it take possession of the network of sidewalks around the hotel while she peeled off her boots.  The whole scene seemed enchanted, from the pristine swaths of white nestling into the ornate architecture of the buildings next door to the steely blue-green of now quiet Lake Geneva.  It was mystical, like nothing at home, and it dawned on her that she wasn’t sad anymore.  In fact, she felt kind of happy.  An alien emotion to be sure, but there it was.  Her smile was short-lived as she caught a glimpse of herself in the tall gilded mirror next to the fireplace.  God, I’m a mess.  Suddenly, she longed for nothing more than a cup of hot tea and a long bath.  She was about to announce her intentions when the phone began to ring.

“I’ll get it,” Susan called out from the bowels of her bedroom.

Natalie dropped onto the sofa, working the thin cotton socks from her frozen feet as she recalled the day.  Christian had offered to teach her how to ski, but duty had called in the form of a meeting with the headmaster of what would be her new school.  Maybe tomorrow.  She stretched her legs, wriggling her toes in hopes of feeling them again as her thoughts wandered back to the man at the train station.  Very tall, long hair … strange looking guy but kind of familiar in a weird way.  More soft spoken than I expected.  He’d sounded English, but who knew.  Everyone around her seemed to speak at least three languages.  She made a mental note to work on her French.

“Well, it looks like you’re my dinner date.”

There goes my long bath.  Natalie stifled her sigh.  “What happened to Christian?  Was that him on the phone?”

Susan nodded, perusing the array of wine in the fridge at the bar.  “Yes, says he has some last minute business to attend to.  That it can’t wait.”  She peeked her head over the top of the door.  “He told me to take you out for your birthday, and that he’ll try to meet us later.”  

“But it’s not for a few weeks.”  

She shrugged as she made her selection.  “Why not start celebrating early?  Have you ever had Champagne?”  

Not waiting for an answer, Susan peeled the foil from the cork, twisting the wire cage that surrounded it.  Nat jumped at the mighty pop, much to her aunt’s delight.  She plucked two stemmed flutes from the overhead rack and laid them on the coffee table.  Natalie watched transfixed as the shimmering liquid filled the crystal, nearly trickling over.  She had an expert hand, though, pouring just enough, then a bit more, until the bubbles were gently popping into the air above the rim.  

“I take it that’s a no?” Susan asked, her lips coiling mischievously.

“Yes, I mean, no, I mean, yes, you’re right.  I’ve never had it.”  Natalie had never had anything to drink, save for a very hot, very disgusting beer, once again, courtesy of her old friend Will.  Susan held up her flute, motioning for Nat to do the same, and she followed suit, clinking hers against her aunt’s a bit too loudly.  

“Careful, darling, these are expensive.”

“Sorry,” Natalie muttered, bringing the glass to her lips.  The fizz of the bubbles against her mouth sort of tickled.

“Well, cheers!  Bottoms up, doll,” Susan chirped, downing her champagne in one fell swoop.

Again, Natalie followed suit, erupting into a coughing fit as the bubbles turned traitor, burning all the way down her throat.  She finally caught her breath as her aunt’s laugh waned.

“Let’s try it one more time, shall we?”  Susan poured another round, this time sipping genteelly.  Nat did the same, feeling her head begin to spin.  It was pleasant, though, warm and fuzzy.  “Do you like it?” Sue asked, giving her a knowing smile.

“Yeah, I do,” Natalie whispered with a snicker.  At what, she had no idea.

“You’ve got a little buzz.”  Susan’s smile morphed into a grin.  “Come on, let’s get ready.”  

Nat attempted to stand but wobbled instead.  “Where are we going again?”

“To dinner, silly,“ Sue chided, pulling her up with a flourish.  “Have you ever thought about wearing makeup?”  

Natalie struggled to keep up as they made their way down the hall.  “Not really.”

Susan turned, giving her a wink.  “You will tonight.  Let’s have some fun.”

[millennium-puzzle]

11) Pegs: very cool villain, had by far the best deck in the season and the toons are very epic? too bad his very complex backstory is just an episode and not explored like it should have been; and what he did to Mokuba was suuuper creepy, Jesus, he really wanted to humiliate the Kaibas

12) Yami Bakura: can't wait to see him being relevant

13) Bakura: Can't wait to see him being relevant, also my fave hc for is that after Honda trew the MR Bakura woke up and started to desperatly search for it

14) Bonz (and pals): even if he is lower i think he is a better child character than Mokuba, he is feels his own person rather than another's extention, and he is easily the most badass child in DM, but still, protecc him tho

I like him in DL bc you can make him fight american machine man and dice satan and destroy them with Bonzy bc it's what they all deserves

15) Granpas: he is Yugi's personal damasel in distress ckhckhckg, he is Team Dad and a good grampa to Joey tho

16) Paradox Bros: i really like they don't have the anime nose

17) Duke, forgettable, at least he challenged the gang to something else other Duel Monsters, i hated his crappy cheerleaders tho, thank to god Bakura didn't get his

18) that guy that was robbed my Mokuba, he should return as endgame villain

19) the guy that duelled Mai and Yami Y. for their starchips: CREEP, and Ugly, but i must be honest, in his duel against YY i almost sided with him bc YY, just, never shut his mouth, of course he lost and was confused, YY's whole strategy was spamming insults nonstop!! annoying little shit :[, Mai must have learned this strategy bc she also never shut up when she duelled YY lol

20) EXTRAS: they exist, i wish for them many good first hands in card games, even the dead ones, the virtual world pals are uh high ranking extras

21) B5 i mean what scope do they even serve??

22) Tea: a big downgrade from s0, i mean she was as bland as in DM but at least she was more nice, funny and friendly, here she is such a terrible friend to Joey and Mai sometimes, i rank her higher than Tristan bc she was cool in a couple of eps at least but my feelings abt these two are almost the same

23) Tristan: he is the worst friend ever, if i was Jou i would have already cut ties with him (and Tea), he is like a over-protective mother with 0 faith in his children

also i wonder if the subbers made him and Tea even more henious bc i kinda think doubt KT really would make his heroes call Mai's beloved harpies "sluts" or call Jounouchi "a dog" (if a "friend" said that to me i would prob cry), i'm just,,,,,, SHUT UP NOBODY ASKED

Honestly Ryou was a way more pleasant commentator bc he at least knew what he was seeing and he just didn't spew the most obvious things

That's it, i think i said everything

Also off-topic, Joey is my favorite YGOTAS chara rn, he is super underrated, he is just ultra sassy, always calling other being shits while being a big shit himself

Also Joey x Kaiba is my YGOTAS otp

Bc it's been a while since i started s2 i want to make a charas rank based on the first season, in my s0 post i... weirdly managed to included every single characters and even more weirdly i can do it again, there aren't really many characters in this story, maybe even less than s0, so can make a more lengthy description:

1) probably Mai, i'm actually surprised that she ended up the person with the arc i loved more of all, but she was a very pleasant surprise, i didn't expect her character to be that good or consistent, specially for a girl in a shounen; but here i am, waiting for her to appear again.... and maybe win for once eh at least she has a win against Rex

2) Yami Yugi, much higher than the s0 ranking, it's ironic how despite DM!Yami Y is a way better person he actually feels much less than a Gary-Stu and more his own character, with real emotions, fear and desires; as much he sometimes makes choices that other people/characters don't like he is just a cool, nice guy at heart that just want to get along with other cool, nice people

3) Joey: i mean, i still love him for the same reasons in s0... that i didn't mention earlier, but anyway, it's so easy to like him i don't even mention why he did fell down from the top to bronze tho

4) uuuhhh Keith? He has the funniest design in the series and just like Mai he was much better than i expected, he is just absolutely, possessively, obsessed with revenge, and even if that's what consume 80% of his character (and personality) he still a enough dept to make him good, i'll tell you more, you know all those white male characters in "artsy" movies that are deeply fucked up and used as way to "criticize" american culture? Keith is infinitely better written and more interesting than all of them and wasn't even written by an american

Ok i'm done with the lengthy ones, these are my fave which are also the semi-finalist, i think the anime made a good job to make them care abt them, even as villans

5) Yugi, short king;;;;;; u know that i love you,,, but you should be more proactive sometime, and your Yami should be your magic pixie boyfriend not the reverse!!!!!

6) Mako, he appears for too few eps, but his good-natured personality and aesthetic are top notch, i appreciate his subtle mermaid theme, unlike everyone else his strategy is "remain on the beach and fish; actract opponent with food made by you, challenge them in a duel right so you can have ocean field vantage, win, take his star-chips and repeat" not too different from mermaids using their beautiful voices to actract sailors and causing shipwrecks, and he is very very hot and he is 19 just like me 0u0

7) Weevil or Bruchido in the ita ver. (why ita dubbers? Why?!): fuuuucking gremlin!!! Extremely iconic tiny bastard, he is a baby nerd bully, how can i not love him

Him trowing Exodia was one of the best defining moment of this anime and this 14yo smug kid did IT just because he couldn't find a way to beat a card game strategy, he literally defeated an ANCIENT GOD by trowing those divine piece of paper bc he didn't wait a banlist, accidental BDE

8) Rex; he is the dorky kid that is super obsessed with dinos,,, he is just "wow i like dinosaurs i wish i was one" dare i say relatable

9) Mokuba: the sweet Kaiba, whenever i think of him my brain goes :3

10) Kaiba: the edgy Kaiba, i would place him higher but he is a dick and also both me and Mokuba are waiting his redemption arc :/