#being Fushimi is suffering

[ridiasfangirlings]

What if K was a sports anime?

K would probably translate really well to being a sports anime, it’s already got friendly rivals having sexual tension with each other, clearly defined teams, senpai graduating via a sword in the chest…it’s perfect XD I imagine K sports anime would probably split everyone up into different schools, with Homra as the rough and tumble delinquent school, Scepter 4 as the strict private school, jungle is the super high tech school and then Ashinaka as like the scrappy underdog school that Shiro joins. Shiro used to be good at [insert preferred sport here] but then his sister died and he got amnesia somehow and now he doesn’t remember how to play. He doesn’t intend to ever play sports again but new transfer student Kuroh recognizes him as this past ace. Shiro claims that isn’t him but on his way home he runs into the Homra guys who mistake him for a mysterious guy who’s been jumping sports players and was the one to break Totsuka’s ankle, forcing him to retire from playing sports (which is like death). They try to attack Shiro but he shows super athletic skills as he tries to escape. Kuroh shows up to help him get away and they play a friendly one on one match where Shiro shows he still has skills and they decide to revive their school’s [insert preferred sport here] club. 

Meanwhile a lot of time is spent on the various rival teams, especially Homra and S4. After Totsuka was injured Homra became determined to win the inter-high sports competition to avenge him, even if it causes Mikoto to have a career-ending injury (also like death). S4 wants to win the inter-high before Homra can, because otherwise Munakata will have to go all out to win in their match against Homra and Mikoto will be injured. Fushimi of course used to be a member of Homra and transferred schools after quitting the sports team, he and Yata were childhood friends who dreamed of going pro together and Yata feels so betrayed that Fushimi left him. Fushimi is determined to show Yata that only Fushimi can be his one true rival, their dialogue is basically the same as in the show including the whole blood and flesh line. Meanwhile it turns out Totsuka was actually injured by one of the players from jungle, a guy named Colorless who was obsessed with Shiro from his playing days and so tried to mimic him perfectly. Everyone finds this out in the climactic Homra vs jungle match where Mikoto defeats Colorless but stresses himself so much that he can only play a single symbolic one on one against Munakata before he suffers his career-ending injury and must graduate/die. Now everyone is trying to defeat jungle’s super strong team to determine who will win the greatest sports trophy, the Slate, and Shiro has to overcome his traumatic amnesia to become the ultimate [insert sport here] player.

[paniniichan]

Ballade of the Lost Ones - Wandering / Chapter 1

Characters: Yuzuru, Niki Proofreaders: Aru, Oli, Azu

Yuzuru: Excuse me, sir. Are you alright? You aren’t injured, are you?

Man: I’m safe, but my bag… Damn, it had something important inside…

Yuzuru: …

Shiina-sama. This could be dangerous, so please wait here for now. I will go and chase after that bag thie–

Niki: You thief~! You petty thief~! How dare you steal the stand’s churros along with that bag~!

Yuzuru: Shiina-sama!? P-Please wait a second!?

(What just happened? Before I could even move, Shiina-sama ran off to chase down that bag thief…) 

Ah, this is not good. Shiina-sama’s exceedingly strange behaviour caused my thoughts to cease for a moment.

Although we’re from different agencies, we’ve been placed in the same situation… I cannot risk Shiina-sama being exposed to danger. I must pursue him with haste.

Sir, I will also chase after that bag thief. I will do my best to deal with this situation and return your bag to you. 

Man: You’d do that for me!? Eh? Are you sure!?

Yuzuru: Yes, please leave it to me. 

(Now then. It seems that while I was busy dawdling around, the distance between myself and that bag thief had widened.)

(In order to catch up with and restrain him from here, I might have to take this a bit more seriously.)

(Fufu. I don’t normally have the opportunity to get this serious. It may be imprudent of me, but I’m getting a little excited.)

Don’t think you can successfully escape from my grasp. 

Man: …

Niki: Hey you~! Get back here right now!

Those who play with their food should suffer the absolute worst of the worst!? People like you deserve to be kicked to death by a horse, you hear me~!?¹

Yuzuru: That is an idiom said when a person interferes with another’s love life.  

Niki: Huh? When did you get here, Fushimi-kun? There wasn’t anyone next to me just a moment ago?  

Yuzuru: Fufu. In order to catch up, I decided to get a little serious. 

But let us set that aside. Shiina-sama, it seems like our bag thief is running into a back street.

Niki: Ah, you’re right! I wish he’d just accept the fact he’s going to be arrested already.² 

Yuzuru: Well, this might just be the perfect time for that. Since the main street is heavily crowded, pedestrians are simply in the way and I can’t take any extreme measures.  

But since the back street is devoid of people, it may be favourable for us.  

Shall we settle this in there?

＜Several Minutes Later＞

Bag Thief: Huff! Huff! How long are those guys gonna chase me!?

They’re way too stubbo–uwaah!?

Wh-What the!? Something hit me between my legs and I fell over… Is this a plastic bottle!?

Yuzuru: –Indeed. It was a little impolite, but I threw it to stop you from continuing to run away. 

Additionally, even if it had broken a bone in your leg, I would not have cared at all.

Well, I guess it is an extreme measure, even by today’s standards. 

But since I do have a position I need to protect, I tried to take the gentlest approach I could manage. 

 I humbly request for you to resign to your fate already. You won’t be able to escape anymore–

Bag Thief: Eek…! 

Niki: Ugh~, I’m shivering. Why does it feel five degrees colder in here? Is it because it’s so dark~?

Ah. It looks like he dropped all the bags right when he fell.

All righty, safe and sound ☆

We have successfully recovered the churros you snatched! 

Yuzuru: Shiina-sama, I think your priorities are out of order. Could you please secure the bag instead of those churros?

Man: Huff, huff…! Y-You two!

Yuzuru: –Hm? Ah, you followed us all this way?

It’s dangerous to approach a thief, so I had hoped you’d wait back there.

Niki: Hey sir, we managed to safely recover your churros! And we got your bag too! 

Man: Huff, huff… My bag! I’m sorry for the trouble, thank you very much!

Bag Thief: (Now. I’ll run away while they’re distracted…!) 

Yuzuru: …! Oh no! Stop right there!

Niki: Ngah! He’s running again!

Man: Please wait, you two! It’s alright, you don’t have to chase him anymore!

Yuzuru: …Why did you stop us? While we did return your baggage, he still committed a crime and should be handed over to the police. 

Niki: Yup yup. What he’s saying. 

Man: NO! This is so much more important! (He grabs Yuzuru and Niki’s hands)

Yuzuru and Niki: Eeh!?

Yuzuru:  …What exactly are you doing all of a sudden?

Man: Owowowowowowow!?

Niki: Fushimi-kun, Fushimi-kun. You’re really twisting the poor guy’s arm there.

Yuzuru: Please forgive my impoliteness. He suddenly grabbed our hands as if he was some kind of degenerate. My body simply moved for the sake of self-defence. 

Man: Me, a degenerate!? No, that’s wrong! That’s completely wrong! I’ve never even been a degenerate at all! 

–Please, won’t you two star in my movie!?

Yuzuru and Niki: …What?

Man: I’m sort of like a– huh? Where’d my business card go? Ah, not again! Well, uh, I’m a film director!

I’d like you to star in my film!

Yuzuru: E-Err…?

Man: My intuition is telling me to pick you! You two are high school… no, university students?

First of all, if you could kindly let go of my hand, please.

I’ll sufficiently compensate you for your performance of course! I don’t even mind if you treat it like a part-time job, could you please just collaborate with me on my film!?

Niki: This guy's super freaky!? He’s rattling on and on while leaning forward crazily, I’m getting a little freaked out!? Just what is his deal~?

Yuzuru: Uhm. Could you please take a moment to compose yourself?

Well. Unfortunately, we cannot appear in your film.

Man: Eh, you can’t? I promise I’m not a suspicious individual, and the job is respectable so–

Yuzuru: No. I’m not referring to that. 

The two of us are idols belonging to production offices. For that reason, any discussion of work must go through the appropriate processes with ES. Man: Idols…?

-----

¹ As Yuzuru mentions in the following line, “being kicked by a horse” is a Japanese expression used for people who interfere with others’ love lives.

² The expression Niki uses here (観念してお縄) can be exactly translated as “resign yourself to the policeman’s rope”. It basically refers to the art of restraining a person with a rope or cord, but also can refer to arresting.

[yata776]

Idolm@ster: Gakuen - Review

Let’s start positive. This game sells completely the strengths of Idolm@ster. All the idols are problematic students which for some reason or another are not realizing their full potential. Character-wise there are common staples of the genre: idols struggling with their gender identity or ones with self-esteem problems, but also other specific issues like a student who has given up on life after failing her previous dream, or one who has fallen into a self-hatred pit of isolation after breaking up with their previous idol unit. Not only are the character concepts here mostly interesting and likeable, but a school that encourages the alumni to be their best selves and clash with the other students is the ideal setting to explore these stories. In fact, the game is perfectly built around the idea of helping these girls to shine on stage and their personal lives.

You produce each of the idols and manage their schedules, constantly training and interacting with them through the visual novel sections to learn more about them, their insecurities, and their strengths, to see how you can make them the best person they could possibly be. Your first performances are terrible, your idols will not even be able to finish their song due to exhaustion and they will do an absolutely terrible job at it. With each produce run results start showing, learning the gimmicks of each idol’s gameplay style, using your resources correctly, and leveling up your cards all build to their visual growth on stage; they have memorized the entire song and choreography by now, a bigger audience will appear at their concerts, and more importantly, the girls start confidently smiling on stage, finally happy with themselves. Sorry to be corny but Gakumas absolutely understands why we love idols and why we want to support them. The game has been polished to a sheen to fully realize this idea. Even elements outside the game like the animated MVs for each girl make a great job on selling you on their individuality.

Sadly the game crashes and burns with the insipid writing, which is serviceable at best and God awful at worst. For some unexplainable reason Namco decided that the writing team would be helmed by Fushimi Tsukasa, from Oreimo and Eromanga sensei fame. You read that right. I was hoping time would prove me wrong but all of Gakuen’s interesting concepts are ruined by the writing. Main story scenarios get explicitly romantic with your idol of choice, and each route is plagued with the terrible tropes of your average LN, including the idols constantly reading the situation as sexual, feminizing the aforementioned idol struggling with their gender identity or your horny self insert constantly flirting with any near minor (even the teachers aren't excempt from this). The relationship between the idols and the self-insert skews from passable to creepy as shit at the drop of a hat and it’s really hard getting invested. I feel like I have to make up my own story in my head to not roll my eyes out of my skull.

Look, I wouldn’t be as frustrated here if this shit didn’t feel crowbarred into a game that does not need any of these shitty tropes to shine and that CONSTANTLY pushes the story in your face. A professional producer character who manages the girls’ schedules and gets to know them better is a great idea! But it really clashes with the juvenile dating sim thing that this game is constantly attempting. It’s even more infuriating when these tropes ruin the characters themselves. One of the idols is a genius girl who has excelled at everything academics all her life and has basically guaranteed her entire future, but decided against all odds to train as an idol despite absolutely failing at it only because she wanted to dedicate her life to her weaknesses. Fucking inspiring, right? Well, do I need to explain why giving her the shitty fetish gimmick of being aroused by pain and suffering fucking DESTROYS her character? This is past just wanting to attract a creep audience, this is terrible writing.

As you can see, I have a lot of thoughts about this game. In many ways I think this is an absolutely amazing concept and I will continue playing the game for now. The potential here is frankly outstanding, the gameplay is addictive, I love the art, and I am very curious on the long term content as a gacha, especially because it has been lamp shaded pretty hard Gakumas will be a series with an ever expanding cast of new students joining the school, meaning the writers can (hopefully, for the love of god) see what works and is not working for future storylines.

Unlike Song for Prism I am not sure what will be the future of Gakumas. Will it be a success or a failure? No idea, but I am sufficiently in love with the ideas here to be interested in this branch for the foreseeable future. Personally, the writing here is so bad I wouldn't reccomend it to anyone except the most hardcore of idol fans. I can see myself falling off hard after a certain point. My personal head canons are far more interesting than the actual story events here.

3/5

[cheiyunn]

Kimisute main story [4部] Part 5

Side: EpsilonΦ

[Sharehouse]

Reiji: This is….!

Kanata: Whats this~?? 「Reasoning behind SkyFox Record’s resuscitation」 ?

Kanata: Isn’t this like, super late by now? Why’s it getting posted on music gossip sites at a time like this?

Haruka: …who knows

Kanata: The stuff written is just about the previous director and stuff, like who gives a damn~

Reiji: Don’t just take people’s stuff, give it back…!

Kanata: Whoa, Karasuma-senpai, what’s with the scary face?

--[Door opens]--

Shu: Fwah~ (yawn).... Good morning

Reiji: Shu. Do you know anything about this news?

Shu: First thing in the morning…. what, a gossip article? Oh~ it’s about my label isn’t it

Reiji: ….So you weren’t the one who did this then?

Shu: Why would I do something like this. At this points there’s nothing too it anymore

--[Door opens]--

Tadaomi: Good morning. Everyone’s all riled up this morning, seems like you’re all having fun

Kanata: Kurama-senpai, take a lookie at this

Tadaomi: Hm~ It seems our label got on the news

Tadaomi: Since there are people with eyes on us, should we take it as a sign and be happy…

Reiji: NO FUCKING WAY

Kanata: God that scared me~ It’s rare to see you so angry Karasuma-senpai

Reiji: …shu. I’m going to make a visit to Sosui-san.

Shu: Sure. Today was a scheduled off-day after all, feel free to do so

Haruka: …do you have an appointment reserved

Reiji: …thats… I’m doing that NOW.

--[He runs off into his room]--

Kanata: Karasuma-senpai looked so panicked ~~

Haruka: If you poked around someone when they wanted to be left alone of course they'd snap

Haruka: You sure You didn’t do this

Shu: Both you and Reiji… why would you think I’d do something like this this far in. Morons, both of you.

Shu: I’d rather instead of you being so concerned about Reiji, to maybe be a little more concerned about your songwriting~

Shu: You making progress?

Haruka: …a bit

Tadaomi: We’re working on it while consulting each other right

Kanata: It’s unfair that you get him all to yourself Kurama-senpai. I wanna talk to aniki as well~~

[SkyFox Records office]

Reiji: I deeply apologize for making a sudden appointment.

Sosui: No, I’d say the same here. I didn’t expect that this far in there’d suddenly be talk Fushimi family either

Reiji: I just want to confirm but… this.. Is not your work is it

Sosui: No.

Sosui: To me, the previous director of SkyFox Records ; your actual father, was someone I deeply respected

Sosui: Even if I had thoughts of raising the popularity of SkyFox Records, I would never have resorted to these methods

Sosui: Or maybe, you can’t trust my words?

Reiji: …ah no. To start the suspicion I had was quite small but just in case, I had to confirm first hand

Reiji: This article, who do you think is possibly responsible for it

Sosui: …To be honest, I can’t think up any person who would target us at this time either…

Sosui: The timing isn’t right. If maybe it was when we first started, or during your debut live, I would see as to why but this time is…

Sosui: I can’t seem to pinpoint the reason as to ‘why now’

Reiji: …The possibility of it being from ‘Duck River’ is zero?

Sosui: If this was really the work of ‘that man’, then he would have chosen a more fragile time

Sosui: In the time I worked as his secretary, I understood his methods and reasoning

Reiji: is that so…

Sosui: I’ll also continue looking into this news as well

Sosui: On that topic, are you in contact with your family– your birth family ?

Reiji: ………

Sosui: ….I see. I’m sorry for asking a hard question…

Reiji: …the people of the Fushimi family, have already suffered enough everyday…

Reiji: I can’t have outsiders chase them around anymore either.

Reiji: I never want to ever see my mother, father…. brother, to be cornered again

Reiji: I’ll get to the bottom of who pulled this

Sosui: …I understand your feelings. I’ll help out too. That being said, having you take direct action right now is not recommended.

Reiji: So you’re telling me to Stay Put and Not Do Anything… !?

Sosui: I said 「right now」. In regards to your family, I’ll follow up on them

Reiji: …i …. i understand….

[itsuki-minamy]

"K - RETURN OF KINGS" (Novel)

CHAPTER 9: NEKO'S DREAM (Part 1)

* List of Chapters

Translation: Naru-kun Raws: Ridia

Awashima Seri let out a deep breath as she leaned back on the couch in the living room.

Ever since they were defeated in the decisive battle of Mihashira Tower, Awashima barely took a break. There was a lot to do. Pick up the injured, transport them to the hospital, rearrange shifts to fill in the gaps, contact and inform relevant parties, track down the missing "Dresden Slate" and gather information, while conducting normal activities such as crime patrol, in order to minimize the members' agitation due to defeat. She couldn't show even the slightest hesitation.

"Phew."

Awashima let out another sigh and rubbed her eyes.

"Please rest for a while." If Akiyama hadn't negotiated with a serious expression, Awashima would have kept working. And then she should have collapsed. Not to mention the physical exhaustion, the mental exhaustion was reaching its limit. Awashima still suffered from losing, and there was one thing that worried her more than anything else.

This is the case of Munakata and Fushimi.

It seems that there was an argument between Munakata and Fushimi in the early morning of the 25th. Even if she regretted not being there at that time, now it wasn't a big deal.

The most shocking thing was the fact that Munakata had an argument with someone. What that "King" made was a theory or a statement, even if there was, it would have been an argument, and it was unimaginable that he would fight violently with someone.

No, thinking so, Awashima smiled while she still covered her eyes.

She has only seen Munakata get angry once. How many years ago was that? When Suoh had just become the "Red King". Munakata tried to persuade Suoh and for some reason it turned into a battle.

At that time, Awashima could do almost nothing. When she became a member of the "Scepter 4" clan, she learned the entire history of supernatural powers. Among them, the clash between the predecessor "Blue King" and the "Red King", which is said to be the worst, and the "Kagutsu Incident" at the end. The clash between Munakata and Suoh seemed like a repeat of that.

Even Suoh couldn't have ignored that story. Despite that, that man easily kicked Munakata away. What made Munakata angry was Suoh's irresponsibility.

However, Fushimi is not a "King".

Even as capable as he is, he is just a member of the clan. He is in no way equal to Munakata. It was unthinkable that Munakata would have a fight with him and finally drive him out.

Could that also be because of the injuries he received?

Then...

"What I can do?"

Her gaze moved slowly, and settled into a gothic-style coffee table near the couch.

Awashima's saber was leaning there.

(Reisi Munakata's right-hand man is you, not me.)

The man who once said that to Awashima cut to his own "King". As a result, he saved this country. Habari Jin expected that? A clan member who is most loyal to himself brings death upon himself. Was that the right path for her?

What about Munakata?

Wait, who will be by his side when she drops his "Sword of Damocles"? Could it really be her?

Is it possible for her to kill the Captain...?

"......!"

The doubts that had been suppressed until now spilled over, and Awashima frowned as if she was enduring the pain.

Despite being defeated, Munakata is still alive and well. The Clansman are also desperately searching for the whereabouts of the "Green King". There is still a chance to get the "Slate" back. They did not lose completely.

Still, the second hand of doom is definitely advancing.

When "that moment" comes, she must draw that saber. That was the role of Seri Awashima, the Vice-Captain of "Scepter 4", which she couldn't cede to anyone else.

Lying back on the sofa she tried to catch her breath.

She didn't want to think about it anymore. She remembered that Akiyama took it from her when she tried to remove her PDA from her chest. Because if she does, she'll have to work.

From there, her thoughts turned elsewhere.

No one was able to contact Fushimi. All incoming calls from "Scepter 4" were blocked and in the case of "Homura" it was no different. Contact lost and gone. They have no idea where and what he is doing these days.

One of the reasons she wants him to come back is that Fushimi's disappearance is the cause of half of that hustle. He is a capable man. When it comes to information processing, there's no one better than Fushimi, and there are mountains of jobs that can't be done without Fushimi.

And she on the other hand is just worried about Fushimi.

Fushimi is not a nice person, even by flattery. Rather, to put it bluntly, he has a bad personality. He's the type of person people hate, and Awashima didn't like him either.

Still, there is something about Fushimi that cannot be left alone.

He is sharp as a knife, but has a brittle side like glass. Despite being extremely talented, he is fatally bad at trusting others. Where and what is he doing now that he has jumped from "Scepter 4"? Thinking about it makes her feel uncomfortable. Hopefully he doesn't get desperate and get involved in weird things.

Just as she was thinking about it, there was a knock on the break room door.

"Fu, Vice-Captain! It's hard!"

Awashima sat down heavily. A lot of hard things have happened in the last few days. Just adding one more thing now won't change anything, the voice from the other side of the door pushed away a careless thought.

"The "Jungle" clansman, Douhan Hirasaka has escaped from prison! It is believed that the missing Saruhiko Fushimi guided her!"

++++++++++

Blade proof suit, tactical vest, heeled boots and combat gloves. Even when she got dressed and moved her body, there was nothing unnatural about it. The grenades, flashbangs, and shurikens that Fushimi always kept on hand were nowhere to be found in the cardboard box that Fushimi brought, but it couldn't be helped. Those clothes were just "trial items", and the ones in there were "dangerous goods". In any case, if she went back to the hideout, she could replace it.

Fushimi looked coldly into the rearview mirror as Hirasaka adjusted her equipment in the back seat. There was no light inside the van parked in the dark alley, and the only light was the unreliable interior lights.

While he pretended to manipulate a PDA, Hirasaka also watched Fushimi without letting her guard down.

In a way, that place was dead.

If one of them wanted to, a battle would break out in no time. Other than Fushimi, Hirasaka has no reason to keep him alive. If the freedom that was fortunately obtained was solidified, it would have been better to shut Fushimi's mouth there.

She wondered if she could.

She answered herself that she could do it. Dangerous goods have been seized across the board, but she's got a switchblade in her combat gloves. Make a hole and pick his throat. That would be enough.

"Do not think too much."

Leaning down from the driver's seat, Fushimi stabbed into the nail.

"I took the knife out of your glove. Right now you don't have anything you can stab or cut with."

Hirasaka tried to operate the glove. Shukon, a stupid sound resonated and the knife did not come out. Hirasaka shrugged as she gave him a cool look.

"You have quite a hobby going through women's clothing."

"I never thought of you as a woman, wall-breaker. I tell you, there's no use trying to escape. Next time, I'll sew your whole body to the back seat."

Before she knew it, a knife appeared in Fushimi's palm. When she thought about it, she remembered that this man was also a concealed weapon user.

"Alright."

Hirasaka raised both hands as if she was giving up.

"Cancel the plan to kill the enemy. It's impossible. So what do you want from me?"

Fushimi snorted and waved his hand, and the knife disappeared like a magic trick. Then, he said...

"I'm going to be a ranker. Help me with that."

As expected, she was surprised.

But once she got past the initial shock, a thought came to her: "That must be so.". Fushimi's actions were clearly a rebellion against "Scepter 4". In that case, Fushimi should have given up on the Blue Clan, so it was only natural for him to run to "Jungle".

Hirasaka said...

"If it's the second time, is betrayal something you're good at? Even I frown."

"Don't lie, you say it's wrong because it's against morality. Your parents seem to have seen through your true nature."

Of course, Douhan was not a name given to her by her parents.

But that didn't matter. Hirasaka asked.

"What are my benefits?"

"I got you out of jail."

"Do you want me to return the favor? Unfortunately, I don't remember turning into a crane."

"I know, you can't follow me without millet dumplings."

Saying that, Fushimi blurted out something.

She received it reflexively. Of course, it was not a millet dumpling. It was a wad of rubber-bound bills. 500,000, guessed by touch.

"Is it a deposit?"

"If the mission is successful, I will give you the same reward. In return, all the points earned are mine."

Hirasaka thought fast.

Exchanging points for cash violates the "Jungle" rules. However, there are loopholes in any rule, and even though two people completed the quest, there are often situations where only one person gets points. You can help one without accepting the quest. So if the other checks it with cash, he is effectively buying points with money.

A million per mission, not a bad amount. However, drinking only in "not bad" conditions would not be a business.

"A million, regardless of the difficulty of the mission. That's not worth it."

Fushimi responded flatly.

"I will generate incentives based on the difficulty level. When I rank up, it will come with a bonus."

1,000,000 is the minimum guaranteed amount and the incentive is negotiable. It was perfect, or rather, it was definitely a delightful piece of work. Hirasaka thought for a few seconds and decided that there was no point in throwing it any further. Instead of sticking around and getting concessions, it will be more profitable to stay in a short and long relationship.

"Alright."

Facing Hirasaka, who briefly agreed, Fushimi nodded and started the engine.

Hirasaka asked while she was a bit surprised.

"No way, from now on?"

"What do you think of that 500,000? I already sent you the mission details. It's an easy job, so there's no incentive."

Saying that, Fushimi started the van.

Inside the trembling car, Hirasaka pressed the switch on her neck. A full-face tactical mask covered her head. A glowing green HUD appeared in front of her and various information was projected onto her retina.

"Work.", she murmured into her mask.

Hirasaka is a professional. There is a precise calculation formula behind the action, and it is not moved by emotions.

Still, this situation brought a kind of excitement to Hirasaka. She could work. It was the only thing in her empty life that gave Hirasaka a feeling similar to joy.

Feeling the electricity of "Jungle" running through her body, Hirasaka slowly began to read the details of the mission.

++++++++++

Neko was gone.

After the "Decisive Battle at Mihashira Tower" ended that day, and after she disappeared due to recognition tampering, she never appeared again. It was the same when he returned to School Island, and no matter how many times he called her, never got a single answer.

"Where did she go? No way..."

Shiro smiled and shook his head at Kuro who frowned in concern.

"No. Neko is close, because this island is her home."

Although there was no wind, he felt the rustling of the leaves and the branches of the trees. Neko was close. She was probably close enough to hear their voices.

"Then why doesn't she appear in front of us?"

At Kuro's question, Shiro made a slightly sad face.

"...I wonder if she is afraid of us."

Emotions are everything to her. Anger, sadness, joy and fear. Get closer to comfort and move away from fear. That's how she lived her whole life.

Not long ago, her peace was with Shiro.

It was different now.

Shiro has become an object of fear for her. That's because Shiro has realized the root of Neko's fear.

What Neko fears the most is "Ameno Miyabi".

Her real name. The real me of her. She is terrified of who she really is.

Not that Neko understands why she's afraid of him. Of course, Shiro doesn't know either. If Neko herself doesn't understand how she ended up in that state, no one can.

But at that moment, the image of a scared, trembling and cowering Neko broke his heart.

Shiro looked away from Kuro and slowly looked around him. Somewhere in that field of vision, Neko could be. Maybe not. Using the power of the "King", it is easy to remove the disguise from her. But doing so would not solve anything.

Instead, Shiro raised his voice.

"You should go to Kukuri. She's not scary, right? So, when you've calmed down, can you come back? I want to talk to you, Neko."

There was no answer. The trees were quiet. Kuro lowered his eyes pitifully.

Still, Shiro muttered under his breath.

"...I'll be waiting."

Then he walked away. To the student dormitory, to the place where Shiro was, to the place where Kuro and Neko should return.

++++++++++

"Eeeh?!"

The reason she unintentionally let out a voice was because there was someone in her room, which should have been empty. A student dormitory where the students of Gakuenjima live. After classes were over for the day, Yukizome Kukuri found that "lump" when she returned home humming.

The lump was in her bed. She was using a futon. She knows that she is a person, but she doesn't know who she is. As far as Kukuri knows, however, there is only one person who would likely do such a thing.

That is to say...

"...Wagahai-chan? What are you doing?"

The "lump" collapsed. From the mouth of the futon, from the dark shadow, only a glimpse of blue eyes peeked out.

"...Alright."

"Eh?"

"I'm Neko."

Her voice was tinged with tears.

With a small sigh, Kukuri put her school bag on the ground. As she sat on the bed, the ''lump'' began to move. Kukuri asked kindly.

"Did you fight with Kuro-kun?"

The "lump" moved again. She shook her head. Kukuri continued, placing her palm along the back of the futon.

"So, Shiro-kun?"

She moved a little more this time. She denied it even more than before. Knowing it wasn't a fight between the two of them, Kukuri let her gaze wander through the air.

"Well, then..."

Saying that, Kukuri remembered that she didn't know anything else about Neko.

Both Kuro and Neko live in a different world than Kukuri. The two are not students at the school, but for some reason they are mysterious beings who have settled on that island. Recently, a boy named Isana Yashiro joined them. She knew they weren't ordinary people, but Kukuri didn't quite understand who they were.

When she was searching for the words, the "lump" came to her.

"It's frightening."

"Eh?"

Wide-eyed, Kukuri asked the futon.

"What are you afraid of?"

"......"

The futon moved. as if trembling After a brief silence, she heard a muffled voice.

"Ameno Miyabi."

She had no idea what she was talking about.

"Hmm, I see..."

Kukuri crossed her arms and thought deeply. It's like asking a baby. She didn't understand what Neko meant. She has no way of expressing what she wants to say. Or maybe she doesn't want to say it in the first place. The only way to fill in the missing information is by marking each one.

"Why are you afraid of that?"

After a while, Kukuri asked.

"There is a door."

A door. Is it some kind of metaphor? Kukuri blinked and waited patiently for the word of the ''lump''.

"I hear a voice coming from the door. It's calling me. Her name is Ameno Miyabi..."

Kukuri took a deep breath.

She calling her. Does that mean "Ameno Miyabi" is Neko?

As if she read Kukuri's thoughts, the ''lump'' moved violently.

"No! Wagahai is a cat! It's not like that!"

Neko is an emotional girl. Jumping, crying and laughing, she has seen that kind of thing many times.

However, it was the first time she had seen Neko deny something so desperately.

A conflict was born within Kukuri. She doesn't know much about Neko. She might be safe to say that she doesn't know anything. And yet, is it okay to say something to Neko now? Surely Neko is afraid of a fundamental "something". Also, is she okay if she carelessly touches her?

No.

It is neither good nor bad.

She wanted to do it.

This innocent girl is scared to the point of death. She wrapped in a futon and snuggled up. If so, she would love to help her. Those were Kukuri's true feelings.

"Well, the door is..."

As if groping, Kukuri twisted the words.

"Isn't it possible to throw it somewhere? How about we throw it in the sea or in the mountains?"

Neko shook her head at the trivial idea.

"Impossible..."

"Well, what about opening it? If you try to open it unexpectedly, you might wonder what it is."

Once again, Neko denied.

"No..."

Laughing softly, Kukuri patted Neko's back.

"I see. That's true. You can't open scary things by yourself. Fine, then…"

Kukuri said what came to her mind.

"What if you're with someone?"

"......"

"Kuro-kun or Shiro-kun. If it's those two, can you open it together? That way, it's much less scary than opening it yourself."

The "lump" didn't even move.

Just when she was wondering if she said something wrong, Neko whispered.

"You can stay?"

"Eh?"

"Even if I'm not a cat, will Shiro and Kuro still be together?"

She wished could tell her that it's normal.

But saying that, Kukuri was not irresponsible, nor was she familiar with those two. She doesn't know what kind of people Yatogami Kuro and Isana Yashiro really are.

That's why Kukuri said...

"What do you think, Wagahai-chan? So, do you think those two will break up?"

After a short pause, the "lump" began to move.

Seeing that, Kukuri smiled.

"I see. Good for you."

"......"

The mouth of the futon, from the shadow inside, peered out blue and gold eyes. When she blinked once and opened her eyelids, the tears had already disappeared.

++++++++++

She heard a voice.

From inside the closet. through the door. The voice kept calling her name.

"Ameno Miyabi."

The owner of that voice was not alone.

An old man's voice yelled as if he was crazy.

The voices of a man and a woman cursing the monster and asking it to return the child.

The voice of a young man, intelligent and cold.

But they were all different. She knew it wasn't true.

"Ameno Miyabi."

Actually, it's her voice.

Wagahai's voice. Her voice.

She was the one who made the door and pushed everything through it. She forgot about it. After all, Wagahai is a cat. Cats do not think about anything, do not remember, do not worry, they just need to sleep comfortably in a safe place. Because that's all she wanted, she turned into a cat.

Even though that was all she wanted.

"Ameno Miyabi."

She heard a voice on the other side of the door. She heard her own voice. "Ameno Miyabi" is called "Ameno Miyabi". She was calling Wagahai.

Maybe she could open the door, because she was the one who closed it. Cancel recognition manipulation ability. It's easy because she's done it before with Shiro.

But then she doesn't know what will happen.

What would those two say if she was selfish? Will they accept her as she is?

Or like those people, will they fear her and turn away from her?

If that happens, she is certain that she will never be able to find peace again.

That's the only thing Neko was afraid of.

"Oh."

Her heart jumped a lot, and Neko reflexively jumped high.

With wide blue and gold eyes, she Neko saw him.

On the bedroom ceiling. A green parrot perched on a windswept water tower.

The entire body is covered with hair. A real cat would have curled her fat tail. Fear and chill numbed Neko's judgment.

Suddenly, the parrot spread its wings and screamed.

"Whoa! Stupid cat, scared, scared!"

Her face turned red. Anger overcame fear and Neko threatened Kotosaka with her entire body.

"There's no such thing as scary! Stupid!"

"Whoah, whoah, whoah, whoah!"

Kotosaka laughed triumphantly, and Neko shifted into a battle stance. Just when she thought she was going to catch him, rip off his wings, and dunk him in the sauce, Kotosaka's demeanor changed in an instant.

"Please stop, Kotosaka. I came looking for her today. Don't make her angry."

"Whoah!"

After a sharp cry, Kotosaka fell silent. Sensing a touch of intelligence behind his camera gaze, Neko braced herself.

"Eh?"

Of course, Neko knows the names of the others. Even so, the reason she asked was to delay the main topic, even if it was a bit.

The parrot nodded and answered.

"Right. It's my first time speaking like this, so let me introduce myself again. My name is Hisui Nagare. I am the "Green King". What is your name?"

A name. It's nothing, it was accompanied by the pain of spitting fire.

"Wagahai... I'm Neko..."

"Oh, really?"

Neko froze at the question which he immediately returned to.

"Is your name really Neko? No, that's not the right question. Do you really think your name is Neko?"

"......"

"In that case, I'll teach you. Your name is Ameno Miyabi. The only daughter of Ameno Taichi and Ameno Hinako, who lived on 1-3-21 Higashi Naebara, Naebara City, Kanagawa Prefecture."

Neko certainly remembered the feeling of something entwined under her feet.

"14 years ago. You were 2 years old at the time and miraculously survived the Kagutsu Incident in southern Kanto. Perhaps your super power was awakened at that time."

That grabbed a leg like it was mud, crawled like an ivy and tried to bind Neko's body. She was afraid and wanted to run away, but she couldn't move her body.

Neko knew what that was. The true nature of what she herself had confined and bound.

It's called "past."

"You lost your parents and used your cognitive manipulation to survive. Even so, you were still young, so maybe it was instinctive. You manipulated the perceptions of a couple, and underneath them..." 

"Stop."

Neko said that to Nagare, who was talking about her own "past" with a machine voice that spoke clearly of the record nonchalantly.

Surprisingly, Nagare suddenly stopped speaking. Kotosaka tilted his head curiously.

"You really don't remember. I get it. Apparently, you can even manipulate your own perception."

"I don't know, Wagahai is like that..."

"Of course. You've even sealed the memory of sealing your memory. It's natural that you don't know. I also didn't come here to talk about the past. My origin is in the past, but I always look to the future."

Then Kotosaka spread his wings.

As if he extended.

"I came looking for you. Ameno Miyabi, or simply Neko. We are compatriots."

Neko blinked slowly, looked at Nagare and asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Let's put it another way. We are comrades."

At those words, Neko violently shook her head. She looked up with her blue and gold eyes like a kitten cowering in fear and threatening her enemies.

"No. I'm not your friend. You bully Kuro and Shiro! I hate those kind of people!"

"You don't like people bullying those two. Is it because they're your friends?"

"That's right! Shiro and Kuro are Wagahai's friends!"

"Even if they know your true identity, will those two still be your friends?"

Like an awl, Nagare's voice accurately pierced Neko's weak and soft parts.

"Ameno Miyabi. Or Neko. That's what you fear the most. Fearing your true identity would be known, you kept your true identity away from yourself. It must have been painful to be called a monster by those you believed in. I feel sorry for you."

Her chest ached as if she had been stabbed. Breathing became rapid and shallow. Not knowing why that happened, Neko's face twisted in pain and fear.

"Is there any guarantee that those two won't do that? Any guarantee that they won't run away from you after finding out who you really are?"

Yes. That was terrifying.

She was sure that she would be fine. That's what she wanted to believe. It was easy and logical to think so. Shiro forgave Neko. She gave him a fake personality and memories, manipulated him conveniently, even so, Shiro told her that she could stay by his side.

But, now, if that didn't happen...

Just thinking about it made her body shudder. Even if she knows it's impossible, it's like there's a physical obstacle and her thoughts stop moving forward.

As if he huddled against Neko's fear, Nagare whispered softly.

"I would not do that."

Neko looked at Nagare.

"Because I already know your true identity. How did you do that? Why did you do that? Because I know more than you do."

"......"

"Neko. Or Ameno Miyabi. We are compatriots. We are friends. If you are a monster, I am a ghost. I died because of that incident, and then I was reborn because of that incident."

Monster. The words that once drove her to loneliness strangely no longer scared Neko.

That's probably because Nagare is telling the truth. It's not because he's blaming himself or cursing, but because he believes he's a true partner.

"But I deny my own words. I am not a ghost, I am a human. You are not a monster either, you are a human. To survive, to pave the way, we will use all the power we have. If that is not human, then all the humans in this world would be inhuman."

With his intellectual tone intact, Nagare's words took on a tinge of warmth. It's as if he was silently revealing his hidden feelings that he had been thinking about for a long time.

Neko muttered in a weak voice.

"I am a cat..."

"Yes. You can also be a cat. That's what it means to be human. It doesn't matter if there is someone who will become the "King". It's okay to have humans turn into cats. It's okay to have a parrot to be your friend. That's the kind of world I'm aiming for."

At those words, Neko's eyes widened.

The first thing that came to her mind was a warm world. No one would harass Neko there. They would not throw stones at her or call her a monster. Because there is a world where everyone has turned into a monster. Manipulate people's memories, spit flames, and fly freely. In a world where everyone is like this, Wagahai, she could still be a cat.

[pmkscanlations]

PMK DVD Booklet Interviews 5

Thanks to @/pmkloveadmin and their kind friend yuunsoba who provided the raws for these interviews! Here’s the fifth set; please enjoy!  I’ll be posting the final set tomorrow!

STAFF COMMENTARY Kimiya Shigeru (Director)

I believe the production work has currently reached its climax, but please tell us your frank impressions as the director of the Peacemaker Kurogane movies.

I’ve always wanted to direct something based on the end of the Edo period, so I was delighted to come across this. In particular, I’m a fan of the Shinsengumi, so seeing all the typical characters like Kondo and Hijikata made me excited. I’m also glad that I got to know the lesser-known member Ichimura Tetsunosuke through it.

In working on this movie, were there any things you kept conscious awareness of?

Above all else, I tried not to change the flavor of the original work. I also thought carefully about the art setting and tools etc., because even though it’s a fictional work, the audience won’t be immersed without creating the world view of the Bakumatsu era. Finally, I was careful not to turn the enemies into mere villains. After all, even with the differing factions, the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate was an era where everyone simply lived according to their own ideas and ideals.

Tell us about a scene you had a particularly hard time directing and put a lot of time into. Please let fans know if there are any points in particular that you want them paying attention to.

There are plenty of parts that mirror real historical fact, so I took care to pay extra attention to Saito’s death chronology records and its consistency with historical timelines. I had the hardest time deciding how far to adjust historical facts and which parts to arrange. Though it’s a small detail, I tried to add a natural Tennen Rishin-Ryu flair to the way they drew and cut with their swords.

In a nutshell, how would you describe Peacemaker Kurogane from the view of a director?

An ensemble drama full of tragedy. As far as easily understood examples go, there’s the budding love between Saya and Tetsunosuke, the brotherly love between Tetsunosuke and Tatsunosuke… All of the main characters in this work are fighting for someone else while suffering. I think even Suzu, who has fallen into the dark path of revenge, still does it out of his admiration and affection for Toshimaro Yoshida. I think there’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what relationship diagrams and so on they think up for their favorite characters.

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

In part two, the Shinsengumi will be swallowed up by the times as the battle of Toba-Fushimi starts. It focuses on the previously invincible Shinsengumi suffering its first defeat, and the friendship between Tetsunosuke and Yamazaki, who are each struggling with their own ways of life. Last year marked the 150th year anniversary of the Meiji Restoration. I would like to consider this work a bouquet dedicated to it.

Eiji Umehara (Script & Series Composition)

Please tell us your first impressions for being in charge of the script for this work.

It was a very meaningful and rewarding script to do. I remember rushing to buy Shinsengumi-related books at the bookstore on the day I got the script order. The original work is quite dense and complex. If you move this, you can’t draw that, and if you add this, then that becomes a contradiction. On top of that, it has some heavy drama. While scripting, I often thought things like, “Chrono-sensei often draws things like this, huh?” and “the staff who chose to make this into a movie were brave”.

Where did you stick close to the source material, where did you struggle, and where did you pay the closest attention to?

I always asked, “do they both reflect the feelings of the characters?” The plan was to start filming immediately after the Aburanokoji Incident. So at this point, for example, Shinpachi and Sanosuke had just lost Heisuke, Tetsunosuke discovered the depth of Suzu’s darkness, Tatsunosuke saw how powerless he was… Everyone’s feelings and situations were quite dire. After writing, I was immediately thrust into having to put them all together in the movie and it was a bit more of a barrier than I expected.

As the screenwriter, are there any scenes you want people to pay particular attention to?

First of all, probably the scenes with Tetsunosuke and Saya in general. Even with all of the various things happening, these two make up the main axis of the drama in the first part. Then, the scenes with Hijikata and Okita. As I mentioned, because the original work was so dense, I didn’t have much space to add original elements. However, I wanted to dig down and see a bit more in-depth interaction between these two in particular, so I added back a few scenes that would have been omitted originally.

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

Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to watch. While writing the script, I read and re-read the original series and related books many times and became entranced by the world views there. I’m proud to say I’m a decent Peacemaker Kurogane fan, but I’m sure all of you are even bigger fans that I can’t even compare myself to. All staff members brought their all in facing this behemoth of a work by Chrono-sensei. I’d appreciate it if there were parts that tugged on everyone’s heartstrings even a little.

Yoko Shiraishi (Producer)

This work has numerous different forms of media. How did you settle on a movie?

Actually, I’ve been working on Nanae Chrono’s other series since Vassalord. Though that serialization is ending, I heard about Peacemaker Kurogane starting up again and asked if I could take part. We started with talk of a drama CD first but then eventually started discussing a movie instead. It’s been a long time since I’ve made a movie, so I wanted to draw the main character Tetsunosuke with my full heart. That’s why I designed the movie after the theme of the two partings that occur after the Aburanokoji Incident, and Tetsunosuke growing up during it.

From the producer’s point of view, what is Peacemaker Kurogane? Where does its power lie?

I drew the Shinsengumi head-on, parallel to their historically factual story. The Shinsengumi began its decline after the Ikedaya Incident. In it, characters are running away and worrying without caring about looking cool, which felt very human. I was able to empathize. I also cried several times when reading the original when people would die, because my feelings for that character and those around them were so chaotic. As far as characters go, I like both Shinpachi and Susumu, but Tetsunosuke is the one that makes me feel the most emotion.

Did any scenes or lines leave a particularly big impression on you? Please explain why.

The scene where Tetsunosuke and Susumu use Tatsunosuke’s loincloth to play a prank while they’re practicing shooting. I loved how the three had this relaxed conversation in the middle of an otherwise tense movie. Outside of that, the scene where Okita asks Hijikata, “can I have a rifle too?” Even if Okita’s body is yielding, he still wants to be of use to Hijikata and the Shinsengumi. On the other hand, Hijikata wants Okita to live as long as possible, so he doesn’t want to force him too hard. When feelings differ like that, it’s painful and leaves a deep impression.

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

Thank you for watching part one of the Peacemaker Kurogane movies. Part two begins with the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, and things just get rougher for the Shinsengumi from there. But there are still plenty of scenes well worth watching, like their actions and the appearance of a certain nostalgic person. Please look forward to it. I hope everyone will continue on to watch part two.

Toshiki Denyama (Sound Director)

What was your first impression after reading Peacemaker Kurogane for the first time? Did the drama CD or anime change that?

When I think about the path from prosperity to ruin that the Shinsengumi, which bloomed like a flower in a troubling time, took – it imbues the characters with a sort of endearing sadness as they struggle bravely and desperately to live. The already harrowing story of loss becomes even more poignant in movie form. But it’s impressive that a certain level of transparency exists in depicting the hearts of these characters.

Various scenes exist in this show, ranging from daily life to serious matters of life or death. As sound director, what did you keep in mind while working?

Seeing these characters all trying to move forward with deep trauma, it lit a fire in my heart and I decided it was my mission to bring that theme into my work. At the same time, when drawing the Shinsengumi – a dying force – I always kept “partings” and the reason why “here and now” is so precious in mind to explain the regret seeping through the story. That’s remained the same even through the movie.

There are plenty of interesting characters, but do you relate to any on a personal level? Please tell me why.

It’s the second division captain, Nagakura Shinpachi. Rather than just calling him a favorite, it’s more like I want to watch over him. Historically, he survives, so I’m sure he’ll survive in the series. But then I think about what he would have thought, crossing the turbulent times into the Meiji era. I imagine that the weight of his losses and the proof of his life are immeasurable, along with the depth of his feelings.

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

I think people may not be able to fully realize just how precious the “now” is. Even if you think it’s important now, you’ll have to wait until later to truly feel the weight of that importance. I think that’s why stories like this, which depict the bright souls of people who once lived, shake our hearts. Please stay tuned for more!

[a-student-out-of-time]

ASOOT Timeline: February 2013 (#FreetheNijiueKids)

I’m so sorry this took so long, but here’s the rest of the AEOM arc!–Timeline Anon

February 1:

It’s Day 2 of the charity event, and while bidding happens, Chiaki, Mahiru, Suzuko, Taro, and Ayumi are bored out of their skulls. To pass the time, they get to know each other, talk about Hope’s Peak, and discuss game development. Ayumi will be in Class 78-B as the Ultimate Game Developer (she’s a big fan of Tenmei’s), and her cousin, Kenrou Arima, will be the Ultimate Equestrian. She’s close friends with Chihiro and knows his secret, and she also is looking forward to getting to know Kazuichi better. Over the course of the conversation, a comment from Ayumi causes Chiaki and Mahiru to realize that they didn’t know their parents as well as they thought they did. 

Mahiru goes to talk to Hitoshi and finds him in a conversation with Ayato and Akira. They discuss art and photography, and Ayato goes on way too long about his views on suffering and his traditional values (although he doesn’t want to discuss why he didn’t go to Hope’s Peak), complaining about how “ungrateful” his children are. When Hitoshi suggests lightening up on them, Ayato attacks him and makes fun of him for “quitting” after being paralyzed, claiming that he hasn’t done anything with his life since. Hitoshi responds by epically explaining his role in the investigation of the Sampoong Department Store disaster of 1995, leaving Ayato speechless. Mahiru privately tells him how cool he is and is sad that she didn’t know this sooner. She apologizes for being so hard on him for so long and for all her other past mistakes. Hitoshi admits that he wasn’t sure if he was cut out for being a parent at first, expresses his love for Mahiru, and apologizes for making her feel like he doesn’t care. The two hug, take a picture together, and reaffirm their bond.

Chiaki goes looking for Hanami and runs into Kasumi, who assures her that Harumi and Fushimi are keeping Emina busy. Chiaki also gets a business card from her so she can get some of her friends therapy. Then, she finds Hanami and confides to her about how she never knew all this stuff about her parents because she’s not good with people and doesn’t know how to help them. She doesn’t even understand why people like her so much. Hanami says that a lot of her old classmates could relate and advises Chiaki to just speak with her loved ones about these issues (and also not to be afraid to call them out if necessary). She assures her that she can be better, that she’s done so much to help everyone, and that her family loves her.

As Iroha, Satomi, Ayaka, and Minami set up for Sayaka’s performance, Sayaka chats with Makoto, who’s still having a little trouble wrapping his head around his Tragedy timeline future. Sayaka tells him that he’s an amazing person in every timeline, and that even in a world where he’s not the Ultimate Hope, he can still do great things. In fact, she envies him for still being a good person with a supportive family, whereas she only ever had a distant dad and ended up doing questionable things as an idol. Sayaka also tells Makoto that Kyoko has been keeping an eye on her younger cousin, Miharu Kirigiri. Makoto ponders how he and Kyoko were friends before, wondering if everything will be the same. Sayaka knows that things will change, but just wants everyone to be safe and live better lives.

Rumi, meanwhile, is bonding some more with Akemi, and as they tell stories about themselves to each other, things get somewhat flirty. Rumi invites Akemi to her hotel room after the show. She admits to Iroha that she has a crush on Akemi, and Iroha gives her permission to date her if all goes well.

It comes time for Sayaka and her band to perform. She sings a new song inspired by her personal experiences and feelings regarding what happened in the Tragedy timeline. Everyone is blown away by her performance, even Ayato and Emina. As Emina suggests that Rumi and Akemi spend more time together (because of money), Makoto comforts an emotional Sayaka and advises her to work on forgiving herself. They agree to talk later.

During Sayaka’s performance, Iroha sets up wires and speakers in the hallway to set connections to the public broadcasting system, where she runs into Masa, who questions why a public confrontation is necessary. Iroha admits that she’s trying to protect Akemi, and she claims that the plot to expose the Nijiues is Akemi’s plan. Masa is absolutely sick of the Nijiue parents at this point and will do whatever she can to help. She’s eager to keep Ayato out of their way. The conversation also inspires Iroha to consider modeling as a career.

Meanwhile, Erina and Kenji are out on a date together, and Nikei suggests to Nekomaru and Kazuichi that they shadow said date. Kazuichi assures him that his dad is a good guy and that they’ll have a good time. Nikei calms down, admits that he tends to jump to the worst case scenario, and worries about Iroha. On the bright side, Ayumi has apologized to Kazuichi, and their relationship is going better now. But as the three boys follow Ayumi’s livetweeting of the charity event, Nikei spots a picture of Iroha talking to Masa and flips his lid, thinking that Masa must be trying to get something out of Iroha. Nekomaru and Kazuichi calm him down, assuring him that Iroha knows what she’s doing. Nikei gives them permission to stop him if he tries anything stupid.

The boys’ conversation gets interrupted by a message from the 2030 squad. Mizuki and Kaori bring urgent news: Hitaru and Jiro have finally agreed to come in and tell everyone what happened the night Akemi died. Also, there’s been a drop in robot attacks lately, meaning that the Basilisk might be planning something. Nikei, Nekomaru, and Kazuichi are tasked with gathering everyone for the reveal at 9 PM.

Hitaru pulls Iroha aside to check in on her and to ask if there’s anything she can do to help. She doesn’t want to sit on the sidelines anymore. After Iroha apologizes once again for not showing enough appreciation for everything Hitaru’s done to support her and keep her sane in that house, Hitaru shows her scars and tells Iroha what their parents have done to her. Iroha tells her that she should be proud of herself for staying kind even in the face of such terrible trauma. She also tells her about how Emina and Ayato have been copying their children’s work and encourages her to get righteously angry. They embrace and look forward to creating a new family of four.

Hitaru confides to Jiro that there’s a chance that the Nijiues might have to leave Tokyo, but she doesn’t want to take Iroha away from her new family. Jiro promises to protect them no matter what. They also know that Akemi is gay and are totally cool with it.

Akemi and Rumi sneak out of the charity event to spend the rest of the day together. They go shopping, Akemi tells Rumi about her body image issues and the corset she’s forced to wear, and Rumi easily convinces her to take it off. Akemi blushingly admits that she enjoys Rumi’s company. Come evening, they return to the hotel, and they both admit their feelings to each other, with Akemi finally coming to terms with her sexuality in the process. They almost kiss but are interrupted by Hitaru, here to bring her sister up to speed on the plan to publicly expose their parents. Akemi’s all for it, but Rumi privately worries for her new love interest’s safety. Then she has to go meet up with the rest of the crew. Hitaru proposes the idea of leaving Japan to Akemi, but Akemi wants to stay with Rumi.

At 9 PM, the Quantum Crew and their allies finally hear the truth from 2030 Hitaru. Akemi died because she was planning to run away, Emina caught her, and things escalated from there. Furthermore, Masa failed to prevent it because she was too focused on Ayato and didn’t even consider Emina to be a threat. Afterwards, Emina fled the country, while Ayato was arrested and put in jail for (among their other crimes) stealing ideas from people and blacklisting them, often driving them to suicide. Iroha bursts into tears upon hearing this and apologizes. Hitaru also admits to being overprotective of Akemi Naegi-Maizono because of this, resulting in the girl becoming a nervous wreck.

2030 Mikako drops yet another bombshell: if the gang pulls this off, saves Akemi, and exposes the Nijiues, it will result in a massive investigation of Hope’s Peak admissions. This will get Harumi retroactive recognition for her talent, but could also result in thousands of people losing their old Ultimate titles, including Hitoshi. Elsewhere, Akira (who was one of Hope’s Peak’s original scouts) tells Class 49 the same thing and promises to help them as best he can. They will assemble a legal team consisting of Akira, Ernesto Gomez (who is now a lawyer), Kakeru, Juri, and (of course) Harumi herself. But even so, the resulting mass investigation will put everyone associated with Hope’s Peak at risk, and the Quantum Crew will have only a week to prepare. Despite this, they decide that saving Akemi is still the priority, much to Hitaru’s gratitude.

After the meeting is over, Chiaki and Harumi touch base, and Chiaki asks her mother if she still wants to be a forensic investigator. Harumi confirms that she’s willing to go back to her old career to help people. Also, Tenmei might take up a job as an IT engineer. Harumi apologizes to Chiaki for snapping at her and thanks her for all she’s done on this matter.

Makoto talks to Sayaka and Iroha. He’s very bothered about being the Ultimate Hope in the future, and doesn’t want that title if it means that people he’ll become friends with have to die for it. On top of that, he’s become very disillusioned with Hope’s Peak. He questions if Sayaka and Iroha are only here because of his Tragedy destiny, but Sayaka says that she’s here because she genuinely wanted to apologize to him and that he doesn’t have to be the Ultimate Hope if he doesn’t want to. He just has to be himself. Makoto worries if he could be like Emina, but Sayaka assures him that he’s nothing like her because he cares about others. Iroha also says that she loves Makoto for who he is now, not for who he could be. She lets slip that she knew about his Worst Day Ever, which gets Makoto thinking about the person who would’ve been the Ultimate Lucky Student if not for that, and he decides that if their identity is revealed during the investigation, he’ll let them go instead of him. This is also where Makoto finds out that he’ll marry Iroha, Sayaka, and Tamami in the future and have kids with the former two. The girls explain that the future isn’t set in stone, and that they can decide how it goes from here. Makoto decides that he does want to be with them, and he confesses that he’s had feelings for Sayaka since middle school. Sayaka kisses him and Iroha, and the new three-way relationship (called the Hope Brigade from here on out) blossoms.

Elsewhere, Harumi, Fushimi, and Arima let Emina know that they know her dirty little secrets. They offer her one last chance to confess and apologize at the event tomorrow before things escalate, but Emina refuses, declaring herself Harumi’s superior for “winning.” (Little does she know that Harumi recorded the conversation.) After the others leave, Kasumi shows up to psychoanalyze and scare Emina, mocking her winners vs. losers mentality and reminding her that it’s a long way down from the top.

Ayato gets mad at Akemi for spending the day with Rumi, hits her, calls her a homophobic slur, and threatens her if she doesn’t come to the charity event’s last day.

February 2:

At 6 AM, the Nanamis and Kasumi get ready to begin their plan. Harumi hands Kasumi the recording from the previous night as a little extra insurance. 

Sayaka encourages a nervous Iroha, and they’re planning how to talk to Masa about this when they get a call from Nikei, who’s decided to come to the event because he still doesn’t trust Masa. Iroha tries to talk him out of it and then loses her patience and snaps at him for letting his disdain for Masa overtake his trust in her. She begs him to let her do this on her own, and wonders if she’ll always be just a dumb sidekick to him. Sayaka also talks to him about it; she can tell that he cares a lot for Iroha, but she doesn’t know if he actually trusts her. Nikei says that he trusts Iroha, he just doesn’t trust the others because of his trust issues. Sayaka, on the other hand, points out that people are better than they can be given credit for. She tells him the story of her former idol rival, Rika Mitsushima, and how she sabotaged her audition; she regrets it now. She hopes she can make it up to her someday, but for now, she’s here to tell Nikei that not everyone is out to get him. She suggests that he spend some time with people who make him happy. Finally, she hints that the full story that Sunako and her ilk have kept from them is not a happy one, and it has something to do with a future that 2030’s Mikako saw.

Even after talking with Iroha and Sayaka, Nikei still lets his paranoia get the better of him and decides to go to the event. He is intercepted by Nekomaru (fresh off a morning jog with Maku) and Kazuichi. After their last-ditch attempt to talk him out of it fails, they honor their promise to not let him do anything stupid by locking him in the closet for the rest of the day.

Iroha asks Masa to keep an eye on Emina, but Masa is convinced that Ayato is the real threat here and completely dismisses the possibility of a nobody like Emina being dangerous. Her attitude is colored in part by the fact that her mother cheated on her father with a rich son of a CEO, and she had to gather evidence of her affair to expose her in court. Iroha almost tells Masa the truth, but Sora stops her, and they quickly come up with a cover story, saying that Hitaru’s scars and Akemi’s corset indicate that Emina could kill one of her children by accident. Masa seems to buy it, but then drops the bomb that she’s already figured out that their mission has to do with time travel, if only because of Umeko’s involvement. Iroha admits it, Masa promises not to tell anyone, and Sora congratulates Iroha on her luck before going to call Umeko so she can get her lab cleaned up before the upcoming investigation.

Akemi drops a bombshell of her own to Rumi: she plans to run away today. Ayato hitting her the previous night was the last straw. She breaks down sobbing in Rumi’s arms, and Rumi does her best to comfort her. Then, they go to breakfast together, where they spend time with Jiro. Akemi hints to Jiro that she wants to leave, and while Jiro tries to talk her out of it, he accidentally blurts out that she’s a lesbian. Akemi pulls them both aside and confesses that Ayato hit her because of Rumi. When Rumi admits that she’s part of Iroha’s plan and is here to protect Akemi if anything goes wrong, Akemi misunderstands, thinking that Rumi only got close to her as part of the mission, and she leaves in anger. After Jiro assures Rumi that they’ll make up, he goes to Akemi, and the two of them decide to hide in a side-room restaurant for a while.

At 10 AM, Hitaru is still having trouble finding Jiro and Akemi. Emina and Ayato go to look for them. Hitoshi angsts over the possibility that he might lose his title and his job after this, and he leaves to brood. Everyone else starts looking for the missing Nijiues, with Sora sending them all a map of the facility to help them in their search. Just then, Hitaru takes the stage and makes a speech exposing her parents, while Ayumi records it to post on social media. She even shares her scars.

In the restaurant, Jiro and Akemi contemplate what freedom might be like, and Akemi comes to realize that Rumi does genuinely care for her. They are interrupted by the sudden appearance of Ayato, so they sneak out of the restaurant and into the maintenance tunnels, but Ayato chases them. Jiro makes Akemi go on ahead while he faces his father, fighting him to protect his sisters. At first, Ayato has the upper hand, and Masa’s stuck on the other side of the door unable to intervene…but soon, Jiro turns the tables and kicks his ass. Masa and Akira break down the door and apprehend a bloodied Ayato shortly afterwards.

Akemi runs past a still-brooding Hitoshi and almost makes it to the exit, only to cross paths with her furious mother. She then proceeds to mock Emina, chew her out for her treatment of her and her siblings, and even snark about how she cheated to get into Hope’s Peak. This pushes Emina over the edge, and she begins to strangle her daughter…and is stopped by Hitoshi knocking her over with his wheelchair. He and Masa call Emina out on her crap, and Emina runs away thinking she can still salvage this somehow, only to run into Iroha, who rocks her world by revealing that she’s the mastermind behind the plot to take her down. She asks Emina why she’s so insistent on winning, and Emina says it’s because that’s the price of success and that she worked hard to become a prominent artist instead of a nobody. Iroha is glad that she didn’t go down such a path because she’s made friends who like her for her. Just as Emina admits that she only cares about succeeding, the remaining Nijiue siblings and the Nanamis arrive. Emina tries to say she knew what was best for her kids, but Hitaru has had enough, berates Emina for how she treated them like art slaves instead of kids, declares that she’s kind because she chooses to be kind even as Emina says that’s weakness, and then swears at her. Harumi gets a shot at Emina as well, blaming her for the deaths caused by the lack of development in the police department, and when Emina tries to insult her, Chiaki slaps her and tells her that Harumi is ten times the person she’ll ever be. Then, Harumi reveals the recording that proves Emina’s guilt. Emina freaks out, tries to run away, is stopped by a painted-on door courtesy of Iroha, and is terrified into a breakdown by Kasumi’s ruthless psychoanalyzation combined with some classic Ouma nightmare faces.

Ayato comes in quietly, admitting that he’s been beaten, and thanks Harumi for catching his father’s killer. He even admits that his children are the best of the Nijiue family, although they refuse to forgive him.

With the video of Hitaru’s speech already #2 on trending with 25 thousand views, the Nijiue parents’ downfall is cemented. The Nijiue siblings have won. The four of them cry, share a group hug, celebrate that they can finally be a family, and promise never to let anyone hurt each other ever again. Hibito will give them a medical examination, and Sayaka and her band offer the crowd a chance to donate to far more charitable causes.

Akemi and Rumi reconcile, kiss, and become an official couple.

The Nanamis reaffirm their familial bond, and Chiaki asks if they can visit Hitomi soon. Hanami says farewell to the family and offers her help whenever they need it.

Biju tells Fushimi that he called Ernesto and secured his help. Fushimi is a little pensive about the fact that everyone has kids but her, but she’s still satisfied with her career in Red Ribbon. The two agree to work together.

Makoto has told Komaru that he’s dating Sayaka now, and she has been predictably fangirling. He’s still committed to giving up his title to the original Ultimate Lucky Student, and although he might not join the Quantum Crew, he will help them wherever he can.. Sayaka probably won’t be around that much before next semester, but she’ll call often. When Makoto says that he wants to get to know Tamami better, Sayaka mentions that she and another girl will be in danger next month, and asks that he keep her safe.

The Nijiue siblings are selling their old house. Hitoshi generously offers to build them a new one.

Iroha reunites with the other Voids and Jataro. Nikei apologizes for his idiocy earlier, admitting that he couldn’t put his rivalry aside and didn’t want to feel like Iroha outgrew him. Iroha hugs him and assures him that she’d never leave him behind. The Voids are all a little sad that Iroha’s moving out, but they know it’s for the best. Plus, Hitaru can adopt Jataro, and he and Iroha can be real siblings. Hitaru also will let the Voids stay with the Nijiues whenever they want, as she considers them family as well for taking care of Iroha. Both of Iroha’s families bond together, with Hitaru thanking Emma for her support and Maku offering to teach Jiro how to fight. Iroha couldn’t be happier.

Masa also apologizes to Iroha for her shortsightedness. She assures her that her secret is safe with her.

Hitoshi and Hitaru celebrate how far they’ve come.

Iroha takes Makoto home, then tells him that they’ll have their child together when she’s only 19. They admit that they probably won’t be ready for that. However, Iroha has decided to pursue a modeling career with Red Ribbon and get some extra education as well, and she’s going to start moving in with her siblings tomorrow. She’s excited to see what things will be like in the new version of the future.

Iroha travels forward in time to 2030. (For information on what happens there, please consult July 23, 2030.)

February 3: 

Iroha visits Ui at the hospital to check up on her. She tells her that she took her advice and has done her best to improve herself, and now she’s finally grown up and figured out her path in life. The two artists paint together.

It’s Kaori’s birthday. She turns 47.

//It’s finally here!

[nvrcmplt]

Sasaharu, Shingo and Tatsuya - Known as the Old Guard.

The trio used to roam the streets together from school to drug dealing to fighting in spats across the red district until they were picked up by the Kimon Family after a brutal beat down. Uemura suffered a punctured eardrum and Katsukaya lost several fingers to a knife fight gone wrong and Kamiko had his stomach impaled - though they did win. They were completely fucked up when the gang that were out for those people came across them.

It was a saving grace after that night, picked up by the men in suits at the voice of the vehicle bound oyabun - they took to the clan house within minutes. At the ripe ages of 15, the three of them gave their promise to the Kimon Clan and in time grew within the ranks.

Sasaharu learnt through the body, a protector - a shield. Tatsuya learnt through dominance, a killer - a sword. Shingo learnt through money, a mastermind - a gun.

Though they were separated for only a few years in their duties of learning how to function in a family like this, they learnt to be brothers and a family even more than just being on the streets. The knowledge that each of them were to grow to be the strength and arms of the Oyabun that gave them mercy and healing in their times of need.

It's without a doubt that it was thanks to that man, that the three of them survived and lived to their current days and with the death of their Leader, the trio all fell into rhythm, Sasaharu, left first with his Daughter and Wife's death as his trigger. Katsutaka followed with his training of Clarence and Kenta, over - though the immortal was older than him, he held only some knowledge of the vast network Katsu' had formed. Uemura was the last to leave, with his debt paid with just over 300 deaths in the name of his Oyabun completed.

They took their paths, though kept a promise to be there when called for. Fushimi needed not them, but the new family he's forged from the despair of his Grandfather's death and thus - allowing these old crows to go was the best idea. Though not under the Kimon name so securely - Fushimi knew that they'd never betray him and in turn, they would remain in touch with Fushimi and the clan in all the ways useful.

Sasaharu, took over his wife's mochi store. Uemura, learned how to bake bread with a sudden inheritance of a local old geezer he once knew. Katsutaka opened his own clinic for eye health and took his own merits high.

Sasaharu is the only one to not return in any form of duty - as he lives his life clean with his daughter.

Uemura and Katsukata however, repay the information network with their talents. Murder and Weapons Dealing.

[usagimen]

( hc // meta) Strength is such an interesting concept, it’s been established, Sayuri lives on a tier not many can ever hope to achieve. Already, it’s been predetermined, her role in Clan Kobayashi is not the Shikomi with wide eyes aspiring to become a Maiko, it’s far more greater. Interestingly enough, she sees no loyalty in aspiring for the title as Matriarch, since she watched her Aunt suffer under the weight of such responsibility, it’s burdensome && old.

It robs everyone of happiness, her aspiration as a child was simple; she wished to be stronger than anyone, that way, no one she loved would suffer - most importantly, the only woman she views in life as her mother would be free. It’s noble, but, it’s also pure like most children carry altruistic && it’s heavily debated why Tsukuyomi would grant her that one desire, maybe it was her innocence that touched the vacant abyss in his chest, as she is meant to reflect him but as the Eclipse. 

       The terms of binding vow is that he remains dormant, despite being highly dangerous when awakened, he’s viewed solely as an entity that is dead - gone, forever a relic of bygone days. Sayuri doesn’t understand when others make a huge predicament of her being a vessel, she sees it as bland, Itadori really ended up with all the fun. All the while, she does forget to mention despite her death serving as repayment to Tsukuyomi’s debt, he was very serious when telling a then ten year old Sayuri; this is a new era && despite his benevolence, there was a reason he was tethered to isolation for eternity but that’s another meta for another day. Yes, it’s imprinted upon her old identification card, it follows her everywhere, but it’s just a moniker - another crown to wear.

      For Sayuri, strength is not defined by Tsukuyomi’s presence nor in what some view as misfortune to be cursed by an entity that is deity most have forgotten. It’s ritually joked, she’s small - 4’8 while shaped like a rabbit, harmless in all senses && that is the nature of her deceit. Clan Kobayashi lives by the natural order; to live is to lie. It has kept them safe but cultivated their world, the realm that forbids outsiders to be apart of, illusive && beautiful - the memory that everything is not what it seems. In a way, sixteen year old Sayuri resigned herself to this fate, she was fine being another face that would reign impeccable beauty && it was fine to live in deceit so long as the outcome was what she desired. The Past Arc plays into who she is now, the cutting of her impossibly long hair done by friends (a little haphazard, clumsy, yet such a pivotal moment shared with others) even having a friend, the first introduction to the other first years, Minato extending an invitation to Fushimi towards his daughter && newly found company.

         It’s just never touched, well, how did Sayuri become the God Hand? It wasn’t during JJK0 since she was already viewed as such. She was predisposed already to using her body in a fight, after all, a shikomi most learn each dance thus, it wasn’t that shocking to rely solely on what she knew. The binding of her hands was to control her CT until she learned herself how to utilize it properly or how she tells students ‘flow just like water’. It’s an act that is done out of sheer love by Clan Kobayashi, who painstakingly sit && wraps each bandage, the silence that transpires because they know - it will be extraordinary when she rejects Tsukuyomi’s proposal of strength. There’s always been an underlying motif, Sayuri rejects personal desires, even when it hurts her the most.  

Life in Tokyo was new, she learned that the aspirations harbored in Kyoto were nothing more than ideals placed before her - in blunter terms, she was very sheltered. By rejecting Tsukuyomi’s proposal, it granted her control, as she saw no point in cursed tools, childishly remarking to her friend group; it’s rather boring to use such weapons, isn’t it? Crass && crude. Since her CT revolves highly on physical movement, she used unorthodox methods of training, constantly watching the latest pop-stars && their moves, Plastic Love would soon evolve into group support but also act as a critical boost for her martial arts. It’s fun, reflecting on Sayuri’s innocent nature, her girlish ways && ungodly charm that is natural. She was constantly training, always seen moving && strengthening herself, even her diet changed dramatically to fuel her body.

     This is the basis of her love and her belief; if I remain the sword, then none shall suffer. It does stem from the rejection she faced as a child, the late bloomer who walked in Hatsuko’s shadows, how could she ever live up to such a powerful sorcerer when she was a girl with nothing? Sayuri was strong already by the extension of Tsukuyomi, yet it was not hers, the body she dwells in && her grasp defines her truly as a special grade. One of unfathomable mental fortitude, who in the worst hours of her life, rejected hatred && malice but did not supplement with heroism, it is the balance that moves in harmony from her core down to each fingertip. The God Hand is a play on mercy, the touch that is benevolent for she holds the hands of those who suffer && casts judgment on what is impure. It is deeply engraved in her like grief; the ideal she holds the dead within her to keep them safe, loved && forever alive.

   She is the epitome of loving what is unlovable && it is not her body that dictates her grade level, it is the mentality she carries. Maybe this is why her fight with Uro is so cathartic, she is not held to the degree of such standards, it’s all for amusement. The laughter that is so jubilant even if she knows it’s life && death, this is an ancient sorcerer who could easily kill her, but she’s having fun solely on the basis it’s all for glory - perverse as it may be, it once more solidifies she is a catalyst, enough to make a storm envious. It’s just a status, just a rank, a crown she views as nothing more than bondage but it does not define her. In that alone, it makes her wildly dangerous as she transcends the need for any praise, idolization, or luxury that is bestowed upon her - this solely comes from her own ambition.   

[profnodanna]

What do you think about Cathedral, old Scepter 4, and Purgatory?

I haven't read BEFORE ZERO yet (I know, I have no excuse), but I can confidently say I can't wait to know more about these clans and their dynamics.

So far the best shaped is Habari's Scepter 4: we have already had the opportunity to know two of its clansmen (Zenjoh and Shiotsu, four counting the twins) and thanks to War Stories we got a clear idea of what meant to be a blue coat under Habari's kingship.

Since both Scepter 4 (Habari's and Munakata's) have the same role as "guardian of the order" and the blue vs red unavoidable fate my first concern was that going back to talk about the previous clans would have just turned in another version of Scepter 4 vs Homra we already saw. This wasn't the case, and I'm really glad for it.

Old Scepter 4 has showed to have its own characterization that makes it different from new Scepter 4, thanks to its main trio (Habari, Shiotsu, Zenjoh) and its experience in fighting the red clan.

I must say that I find the Habari-Shiotsu-Zenjoh dynamic a lot more interesting than the Munakata-Awashima-Fushimi one (idk why, but in my head they're not a trio? Maybe it's because I compare them to the Mikoto-Kusanagi-Totsuka trio, so the comparison it's just unfair, idk... Well, that's another story).

I want to know EVERYTHING about Cathedral: so far I only know that it was a powerful clan of pacifists. I want to know more about Seigo, his kingship and his relationships with the other Kings. I don't have any particular wish about what I want to find, just give me a new cool clan to love (before it's wiped out, because why having nice things when you can suffer?)

Last one, Purgatory. So in War Stories we saw some interesting characters, like the man who saved a woman from being enslaved. I like the idea of the red clan made - also - by desperate and hopeless people who feel they can't be part of the society anymore, who only know violence to survive. At the same time, to me it's the less interesting clan: so far Kagutsu doesn't seem to be a "proper" character, he's more like this crazy villain only useful to advance your plot, and with him all his clan. It's a bit like Fushimi Niki, a sincere evil character whose main purpose is to help building a story rather than exploring why this character is the way he is. It's not bad in itself, it's just... not interesting to explore, I guess.

[ridiasfangirlings]

What does it take for sarumi from the main universe to plunge into the darkest depths of their souls and become the worst versions of themselves? And what are their worst versions? Like Sarumi from Dark Au or better or worse?

I think their ‘worst versions’ might not be quite Dark AU, since I tend to look at Dark AU as a more extreme twisting of their existing personalities rather than a darker extension of their personalities, if that makes sense. For Yata, in both cases I imagine the worst version of him being a lot more violent and angry, though I think particularly if we’re talking beyond Dark AU it would be more of a person who thinks what he’s doing is right and is willing to trample over anyone else in order to do what he considers to be the ‘heroic’ thing. I think for Yata to become twisted that way he would definitely need to suffer some kind of extreme lasting trauma (well, I’d expect for both of them some sort of trauma catalyst would need to occur but let’s face it, Fushimi is like one additional mental health crisis away from his worst version even as it is, Yata needs a bigger push). I feel like for Yata this would involve losing a bunch of people that he loves, like some twisted Strain kills his family and then kills all of the main Homra members and maybe even Fushimi too, and Yata decides to be the one who takes revenge. I think he’d have to kinda snap, basically, and for Yata to become what he himself would probably see as the ‘worst version of himself’ I think that means becoming a bully who really does trample over everyone else’s feelings. Like he’s decided to hunt down the guys who did all this, he doesn’t care if he has to threaten women and children to do it, and if anyone tries to stop him he’ll beat them up too, and everyone around him should be grateful that he’s the one willing to dirty his hands for this.

On Fushimi’s end in particular I think his worst self would be different from the Dark AU because I imagine Dark AU Fushimi as a more extreme yandere-type version of him, but I think if we’re talking Fushimi turning into his worst self that would involve becoming more like Niki. Like despite Fushimi taking on some of Niki’s mannerisms what I think is an interesting differentiator in canon is that Niki purposefully leaves Fushimi for long periods because he thinks if he sees his little monkey all the time it will become boring, but then by contrast to all accounts Fushimi seems to be constantly seeking out Yata because for all he’s pretending to be Niki he doesn’t see Yata as a toy (he sees Yata as ‘Fushimi Saruhiko’s precious thing,’ which means it’s something for Niki to break). So if Fushimi were to really become that twisted I think it would involve at the very least Yata’s death and possibly Munakata’s too, leaving Fushimi with little support system — Awashima and the squad would I think try to help him but none of them have the forcefulness that Yata or Munakata would have in this situation, and I think it would be easier for Fushimi to blow them off — and he basically decides to abandon caring about anything and simply seeks out things that amuse him, even if that amusement involves hurting someone else. I think for Fushimi the real darkest depth of himself would be turning fully into the thing he feared and hated most, losing any of that ‘sense of guilt’ and just letting himself be twisted into someone whose only interest is his own pleasure and nothing else, even as he’s aware nothing makes him truly happy.

[mankaithings]

A3! characters that I would fight previously find sorry about that

Disclaimer: I’m not trying to sound rude and please don’t take this seriously because this is just a random thought that I got at 2 am, yes it’s unedited, yes it’s nothing serious

Harugumi

Sakuya Sakuma: -100/10 He’s babie no way I’m fighting him. Who in their right mind would fight someone so lovable? 

Usui Masumi: 9/10 dude come and catch these hands I’m ready to take you on psycho stalker

Minagi Tsuzuru: 6/10 my man would fall even before we could fight, give the guy a break, he’s in college and a scriptwriter and the big brother of Harugumi. If there’s anybody who’s catching anything is me when he finally decides to get some sleep 

Chikagasaki Itaru: 10/10 pretty sure I could beat him in a physical fight as long as he doesn’t challenge me to anything that relates to games, I suck at those yes both real life games and virtual ones

Citron: 5/10 might not even fight me and if he does I’m pretty sure he knows some kind of fighting technique or something

Utsuki Chikage: 0/10 no way, not only am I sure he’s good at fighting the dude might find some kind of dirt on me and tell the whole world. Nope, no way. I value my dignity 

Harugumi

Sumeragi Tenma: 100/10 I’m confident I can beat this one, I can probably take him to an empty field and leave him there and I already won 

Rurikawa Yuki: -1000/10 no way, no no no. He might be small but this boy can slander me without being physical

Sakisaka Muku: -100/10 babie 2, too cute if there’s any fight happening that’s me and whoever tries to fight Muku 

Ikaruga Misumi: -10/10 no way, he’ll ask me for sankaku and I’m willing to go triangle hunting with him besides he can run, I’m not in the mood to play tag 

Miyoshi Kazunari: 9/10 I’ll take his phone away and watch him suffer 

Hyodo Kumon: -100/10 babie 3, no way I’ll fight him, if I fight him I’ll probably end up having to face his big brother 

Akigumi

Settsu Banri: 5/10 I’m confident in clowning him but physical? Nah dude as much as I hate to admit it the guy’s got some skills in fighting

Hyodo Juza: 0/10 Gets enough from Banri, another cutie I’m willing to buy free sweets rather than fight with 

Fushimi Omi: 7/10 Pretty sure he won’t actually fight me but if he does then good luck me! I’ll be on the ground within the next minutes :’)

Nanao Taichi: 9/10 Come get me yo-yo boy but if it gets too much tell me okay? I don’t want to hurt you too much 

Furuichi Sakyo: 5/10 my man’s tired let him rest, he’s the father of 23 children, lives in the same roof with the love of his life he can’t confess to. Nah dude he’s too old for this

Izumida Azami: 1/10 Nope nope nope. He’s young, he’s strong and can slander me with my nonexistent knowledge in make-up 

Fuyugumi

Tsukioka Tsumugi: -1/10 Nah, he’s a softie I’m not willing to hurt. I’ll even help him water his gardens if he wants me to

Takato Tasuku: 9/10 mans probably smart enough to not fight with me (not that I’m strong he’s just smart), would most likely sigh at me in exasperation 

Arisugawa Homare: 10/10 come at me poem boy, I’ll show you bad poem if you want it 

Mikage Hisoka: 4/10 dude’s probably asleep most of the time, I’ll just tire myself if I wait for him to wake up and I’m not willing to put my savings for his marshmallows and when he wakes up he can most likely beat me up on the spot :’)

Yukishiro Azuma: 8/10 He’s old and would let me win because he doesn’t like to get anything on him but my man can make me fall on my knees if he asks me to

Guy: 5/10 He can say no to me cause he looks sensible but if he says yes then I’m pretty much gone :)

Bonus: 

Tachibana Izumi: -2/10 no way I would fight a queen, if she wants me to eat curry for the whole week I’ll gladly do it for your highness besides she’s got 24 guys ready to jump me if I hurt her

Matsukawa Isuke: 11/10 yeah I’m sure he could beat him, come and get me Matsukawa, I’ll take away your glasses and see if you can even see me properly

[playeryumi]

Seiyuu Entry #2

im back with new seiyuu research. this one is much more informative than the last one. tho having too much info is also suffering lol I just realize. so he is an interesting actor. so there is no stable date when will be my next one lol (I wanna to make vids too)

Kumagai Kentaro

Lil nerd info

Started at year 2012 at 18yrs old. From Tokyo Actor's Consumer's Cooperative Society or Haikyo for short. He categorizes as chameleon va since he can have both high cute voice and sexy low voice. (tho sometimes i can detect his voice probably the accent but lol dont trust me)

Seiyuu Project (if ya wanna find the song he is in)

A3! [Autumn Troupe]

A3 is an actor-rising game and surprisingly they also make songs and anime. The game reached global but sadly it cease to operate in 2021 but JP server is going strong. So his character is Omi Fushimi the troupe’s “mom” figure (despite being a guy) he is also an ex-delinquent in the past.

One x One [A3! First AUTUMN EP]

Just for myself [A3! Blooming AUTUMN EP]

Finder Goshi no Kizuna [A3! Blooming AUTUMN EP]

SECOND SHOT [A3! Vivid AUTUMN EP]

Muddy Hero [A3! Bright AUTUMN EP]

Ever Blooming! [A3! Bright AUTUMN EP]

Lone Wolves [A3! Sunny AUTUMN EP]

Sorachika [A3! Mix Seasons LP]

Hungry Neighbors [A3! EVER LASTING LP]

Zero Limit [Autumn Troupe Anime Theme]

ReFlap

I already discuss it in my first entry but its a vr concept idol project. They use vr tech instead sprites to make their idols alive. And they also have voting system among 7 chosen idols to make top. So his character Reiji Kujakuseki is a host. I can't say much about the story. I think it's not updating anymore. The last update is 2021 of September.

https://www.youtube.com/c/ReFlapProjectOfficial

Entertain [ReFlap Startup Song "Entertain"]

Start over [ReFlap End and Beginning【きゃにめ限定】]

Moment [ReFlap Startup Song "Entertain"]

Diamonds [ReFlap Rising RePlayers' Collection]

Spotlight [ReFlap Rising RePlayers' Collection]

Idolmaster [Frame]

Hideo Akuno, Ex-police turned idol from the frame. He is the center and leader of the Frame. Unlike his 2 members, he is also the not-so-buff. He is cute tho lol.

DRIVE A LIVE (all stars)

Beyond The Dream (all stars)

NEXT STAGE! (all stars)

Growing Smiles! (all stars)

Pride Star(all stars)

Reason(all stars)[there's cd of 46 of them singing in 5th anniv]

Heartful Patroller (solo song)

Yuukan Naru Kimi e (Frame)

MISSION is Peaceful! (Frame)

Swing Your Leaves (Frame)

Three Brace (Frame)

Living Eyes Hero (Frame)

Plus 1 Good Day! (Frame)

SOOTHING PLACE (Frame)

Towa Naru Yonjuushi (France ver w/ Suzaku Akai, Amehiko Kuzunoha, and Teru Tendo)

MEET THE WORLD! (France ver w/ Suzaku Akai, Amehiko Kuzunoha, and Teru Tendo)

ALL nOR NOTHING (Best Game 2 ～Meiun o Kakeru Trigger w/ Yukihiro Kamiya, Sora Kitamura, Shoma Hanamura, Natsuki Sakaki, and Nao Okamura)

LIVE in your SMILE (Altessimo, W, FRAME, Sai, Shinsoku Ikkon, S.E.M, THE Kogadou, and Legenders)

Compass Gripper!!! (Frame, Mofumofuen, F-LAGs)

Bet your intuition! (Frame, S.E.M, Legenders)

POKER FAITH (Intelligent Idols)

ANYWHERE (Intelligent Idols)

Handead [ALBA/修羅浄土(Shura Jodo)]

Ok in handead every seiyuu has dual(or 4 for the original 4 seiyuu but kumachan is one of new seiyuu so he got 2) characters and man kumachan uses his deep and bit high energetic voice here. He is both Genjiro Chibana and Shimon Guri. so its about half zombies idols??? And the current “living” are already dead inside because of overwork… so they have to be “half dead” to be creative or something again. Yeah i know weird plot lol. They are just new so there aint much songs here but he is so cool.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsf-F8FU21Rm1wmxyfMNs7w

AWAKE

SCREAM [修羅浄土]

Go up [ALBA]

GOALOUS5

So its bit different seiyuu project again lol. Its 5 dark heroes who wanna take the world with their voices? Its mostly yt variety seiyuu show with dummy mic. Ofcourse all of them are singing seiyuus so they have theme songs lol. His charater Goalous Blue Fukami Aoto is… i dunno lol i cant read im sorry but kumachan is so clown i love him lol

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-SN6YFilACrIE6CRE8s1w

5 AHEAD！

RosyBeat

GO5！GOALOUS5！

Let's GOALOUS5！

MIRAGE SHOW

Dreaming Time

{i know its all about GOALOUS5 lol}

Idol Fantasy [Brave hearts]

So a dead idol game lol. It might be not much info about the game and can see it as more of an idol raising game. His character Soma Kanon and the odds are he is also the “mother” of the group lol. The group brave hearts has 2 singles (i am not sure if they where released or not)

STORYBOOK FANTASIA

JUSTICE

Technoroid [機関紳士 - (Institutional gentleman)]

One of the new groups along with DMA. they are a group of gentleman. As you know technoid is about android idols and a game. His character is Einsatz a butler-type android.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCENHXNNJTTQ_ddEQ-YiZBbA

システマティックジェントリィ - Systematic Gentry

Op8♪ [SHINE★彡]

I can't find much about songs here cause it’s a mobile game that runs for around 2 or 3 years? There ain’t much in here so ill just say the bit summary and his character. So it’s an idol raising game that the idols are specialized in a certain instrument. One of them is Reizei Itsuki, his character, from SHINE★彡 and he is the pianist of the group. I can't find songs I’m sorry

GangxRock [ASTRAGALUS]

Yankee theme plot with rock battles. So this is a rough atmosphere. His character Ginjiro Kimura a poor man, formed the band ASTRAGALUS to earn money. He is the bass of the band. About songs, the last release was 2019 but their Twitter keeps updating so it’s pretty much alive?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0fK4O-eqNIE2kEHl37ubg

Bet, the Dead [GANG×ROCK 皇位争奪トーナメント ENTRY03 ASTRAGALUS]

憂刻(Urei koku-Worry) [GANG×ROCK 皇位争奪トーナメント ENTRY03 ASTRAGALUS]

Yoshimaho

It’s mostly situational or drama cd from youtube. The theme "Infant Experience Adult Healing Content" cause “you” the watcher isekaid and become a 5-year-old kid surrounded by nursery teachers. It’s wholesome lol if ya wanna kid again check it out. They also have English sub in yt so ya can understand. So his character is Jun from kogumagumi. He is uhm he has no stars Sensei but he is positive and energetic character. he is also gentle uwu

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoVjjN--B8_k4rSr_sebN-w

Yoshi Yoshi Magic [Theme song]

Once Upon a “yoshi-yoshi” Time [a singing storytelling mv]

Yarichinbitchibu

I think I overexplain this in my first entry cause I am too excited about this bahaha. So yall know this one is all about smex club. His character Tooru Fujisaki (Jimmy) aint a member of the club but he is yuri’s…. Admirer and stalker. He always breaks down even in his songs…

Touch you [OP]

Mellow Mellow Lily [character song]

Get Up Get Live (i am not sure where to put this lol)

So this one is more of seiyuu acting? It’s about 6 people who aim to be comedians. I think it’s more of a comedy duo or manzai in Japanese. His character Komae Kazuma has cute pink hair. Ngl tho his acting is so good. I can still laugh even tho I cant understand Japanese cause of his actions. lol

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdSs079eonU76YK2Vg5iPlw

OWARAI BANZAI

Games

Idolmaster SideM: Glowing Stars as Hideo Akuno

Ikemen Revolution: love and magic in wonderland as Zero

A3! As Omi Fushimi (oh yah its a3 en server is dead now)

The Thousand Noble Musketeers: Rhodoknight as Marks (it is still in jp but he is the poster boi so lol)

Hero Cantare as Han Daiwi

Touken Ranbu as Chiganemaru

Caravan Stories as Felix

SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays as Aston Altland

Grancrest War: QuartetConflict as Theo Cornaro (its a ded game btw tho it has en)

Anime

God of High school as Han Daiwi (MAH GOD HE VOICED MY EXCRUSH!?)

A3! As Omi Fushimi

Yarichinbitchibu as Tooru Fujisaki (Jimmy)

Free! As Aoba Usami

Grancrest Senki as Theo Cornaro

Hataraku Saibou as Neutrophil 4989

Hinomaruzumou as Yuuma Gojou

Fugou Keiji: Balance:Unlimited as Shinnosuke Kamei

Get Up! Get Live! #Geragera as Kazuma Komae

Ikebukuro West Gate Park as Makoto Majima

Delicious in Dungeon Laios Touden

They said he is in Super Lovers and SSSS.GRIDMAN but it might just be a minor role

Dub

The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia as Stick

Euphoria as Ethan

Abominable as Jin

{he seams new to dub so there ain’t much}

Others

So he collabs with LIVERTINE AGE in a clothing line called “Gray” and models for them (can’t argue with that he’s attractive lol)

There is one interview that he is allergic to alcohol and it is so bad

He has 2 younger brothers

He is also used to be in sports(soccer) when he was younger

So there is a rumor that he can’t cook (i saw a YT clip him cooking ramen so i cant confirm lol)

Kumagai san is a great host he can control the show when he gets the mic. Except in a3’s autumn troupe’s seiyuu events lol with chaotic VA’s like chiharu san, jose and others (what can he do chiharu is the leader lmao)

He might be not that active but he has experience in acting and he was included in a seiyuu movie called k4 company (reminds me of a3 hahha)

Speaking of acting he is in a troupe called Poseidon for Rent

Get up Get live! and GOALOUS5 shows his talent for acting.

His hobbies are Soccer, professional wrestling, watching baseball games, reading, collecting manga (some remind me of omi again hahaha don’t touch me)

https://haikyo.co.jp/profile/profile.php?ActorID=12741

https://www.handthatfeedshq.com/seiyuu-digest-60-kentarou-kumagai/

https://twitter.com/k_kumagaihk

Thanks, wiki (for now)

also while making this I feel a bit sad for dead games I encounter but lol its inevitable I'm just feel things hahaha

[uwua3]

drivers license.

🍁📸 fushimi omi

summary: omi receives his license and goes to the cemetery to celebrate

warnings: angst, anxiety, arguments, car crashes, driving, family trauma/issues, grieving/mourning, major character death/parental death

author’s note: if you are going through the loss of a loved one, please remember you will always have people in this world who support and love you endlessly ♡ you are not alone and you will make it through. i believe in you with all my heart—i cannot tell you it’s okay, but i can tell you it’ll get better. please keep trying, it’ll be worth it. i hope you wake up tomorrow with a lighter heart, i love you

this is not romantic! this is a headcanon i have of omi’s family history as he only lives with his father and two brothers (ＴｗＴ。) thank you!!!

word count: 2,619

music: drivers license – olivia rodrigo

I GOT MY DRIVER’S LICENSE LAST WEEK

JUST LIKE WE ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT

‘CAUSE YOU WERE SO EXCITED FOR ME

TO FINALLY DRIVE UP TO YOUR HOUSE

Omi was the first person to pass his driver’s license test in his family.

His father wasn’t getting any younger, so his hands were hesitant and shaky every time they hovered over the stick shift. The buttons out of the corners of his eyes were much too confusing for his old brain so Omi’s father insisted on walking everywhere. As he grew older, the Fushimi household reached a compromise of taking public transport during the weekdays.

Omi’s two younger brothers weren’t old enough. They were still in their early preteen years, so getting behind the wheel wasn’t a legal option. As the oldest son, Omi took it upon himself to get into a four-wheeler and figure out all the tricky mechanics for himself. Hours and hours passed borrowing his friend’s vehicle, spinning around in circles in abandoned parking lots, and studying road laws.

When Omi learned all by himself and paid for it with his own money, his father clapped his shoulder with his usual proud smile and congratulated him.

The leather beneath his father’s wrinkled hands suddenly felt like skin, as if he could see right through him. When Omi took a moment to take a deep breath in, he closed his eyes and could almost see a younger version of his father. A father that wouldn’t be so close to retirement, that wasn’t so fragile and slow.

What did his father see? Could he see Omi was still the little boy sitting in the backseat all those years ago?

“That’s my boy! You’re just like your—” Omi didn’t want to hear the rest of the sentence, so he hurried upstairs and left his father alone in the corridor. Sometimes, he regrets it. But, most times, Omi’s glad he didn’t stay.

Whenever Omi got into a car after that, he sometimes still heard it in his head.

Omi knew he was like his mother.

BUT TODAY I DROVE THROUGH THE SUBURBS

CRYING ‘CAUSE YOU WEREN’T AROUND

YEAH, TODAY I DROVE THROUGH THE SUBURBS

‘CAUSE HOW COULD I EVER LOVE SOMEONE ELSE?

The first thing Omi did after receiving his license was visit his mother.

The car wasn’t preferable by any means, but it did its job. The seat creaked every time Omi had to adjust it, the air freshner didn’t make anything better, and there was no possibility that the air conditioning worked. But, the windows rolled down all the way, the wheels rarely ran out of air, and the car door only jammed sometimes. At the red light, Omi shifted and heard the crease of his jacket.

Omi didn’t know why he still wore it. Those days were long past him now, but the aged material made this whole experience a little easier. Before Omi could let himself reminicse, the light turned green and Omi automatically pushed forward.

Check the rear-view mirror. Two hands on the wheels at all time. Eyes on the road. Pay attention to stop signs. Be aware of everything around you. Omi repeated this again and again until the GPS on his phone announced he reached his location. Parking carefully, Omi let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding until everything stopped moving.

Picking up the small bouquet of flowers on the passenger’s seat, Omi locked his car and nodded at the security guard at the gates.

“Hi, Ma.” Omi said, pausing at a worn-down grave with the same flowers as last time.

“I got my driver’s license last week.”

AND I KNOW WE WEREN’T PERFECT

BUT I’VE NEVER FELT THIS WAY FOR ANYONE

AND I JUST CAN’T IMAGINE

HOW COULD YOU BE SO OKAY NOW THAT I’M GONE?

Omi sat besides her, leaning his head upon the cold grey stone. Like her tombstone, she was always strong, resilient, and offered a shoulder to cry on. Omi shuddered and wrapped an arm around the grave, as if she was still here.

“I did it.” Omi breathed and closed his eyes shut, hearing the distant rumbling of a thunderstorm. Even though Omi knew he should’ve left to get ahead of the rain, his legs were too weak. He couldn’t move without feeling like he was going to crash and burn.

“Ma... it was so hard.” Omi finally admitted to himself, squeezing the plastic of the bouquet in his hands and distracting himself with the crinkle. “Every time I sat in the driver’s side, I thought of you. I was... I’m so scared.”

Silence, before a clap of thunder. Omi flinched, hiding his face in the grey. “You were such a good driver, you followed every single rule. You should’ve been the one to teach me...”

Omi hated this feeling, like he was selfish for wanting his mother to be here with him. But, he knew he was right. Omi shouldn’t have had to suffer through panic attacks by himself. Make close calls with no one by his side. Balance school, work, family, and driving every single day. Omi could feel the exhaustion in his bones, as if he was the one who was dead.

“Pa couldn’t. Ever since...” Omi didn’t dare relive the tragedy. All he could bear was the inhumane screams, shattering glass, and alarms of the ambulance from miles away before snapping back to reality. “... the accident, he’s been so, so sad.”

It was an under-statement to say the Fushimi boys were struggling. Losing a parent didn’t hurt just emotionally, but financially as well. As Omi’s father picked up more shifts, more and more of that money went to medical bills that should’ve been years down the line.

“Your boys miss you so much. I miss you, so much. You would’ve been so proud... just like Pa. He said—” Omi’s voice cracked and he hated himself for it. Pulling the jacket tighter, Omi winced as the sudden gust of wind chilled his spine. The leaves rustled unceremoniously and Omi wished he could fly away, too.

“I’m just like you, Ma.” Placing the small flowers at the base of her grave, Omi read the faded engraving upon the surface until his vision was clearer.

Omi moved onto the next grave without a goodbye, because he’s had too many of those in this lifetime.

GUESS YOU DIDN’T MEAN WHAT YOU WROTE IN THAT SONG ABOUT ME

‘CAUSE YOU SAID FOREVER, NOW I DRIVE ALONE PAST YOUR STREET

After visiting his mother and Nachi, Omi returned to his car. It looked nothing like the car he almost died in. Back then, that car was big enough to hold a family of five snugly. Now, Omi’s car didn’t need all that room. His father would never get back into a car ever again, and his brothers could just sit in the back.

Resting his hand upon the car door, Omi didn’t have the heart to open it. Going inside meant driving home; driving home meant seeing his father flinch whenever the car pulled into the driveway. Driving home meant preparing dinner, making sure the boys did their homework, giving Pa his proper medications, doing homework, and barely sleeping. Going home meant being mom.

As the rain began to pour, Omi didn’t move. Soaked and unable to distinguish if he was crying or just stupid, Omi hung his head and let the water run over him. Was this his Ma’s way of crying for him? Omi didn’t want to know.

Omi finally yanked open the car door when a pair of glowing headlights passed by him. He nearly missed the splash of a puddle by his feet as Omi started the engine. Something was wrong. The usual ignition wasn’t audible and the lights barely illuminated the darkening path. Omi sat in the driver’s side with frustration that’s been growing ever since the car accident.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” Omi swore, kicking the floor uselessly as he lifted his fist to hit the surface. Before he could slam his hand down, Omi sighed and simply hit the dashboard lightly at the last second. He had spent far too much money only to pay for repairs later on.

Omi pulled out his phone and checked, only to see no bars and no signal. Omi was cold, shivering, and crying in a cemetery and he had never felt more alone.

AND ALL MY FRIENDS ARE TIRED

OF HEARING HOW MUCH I MISS YOU, BUT

I KINDA FEEL SORRY FOR THEM

‘CAUSE THEY’LL NEVER KNOW YOU THE WAY I DO

Omi bought his first car after saving for months.

He honestly didn’t have to. Leaving behind the delinquent life meant making good friends. Friends that didn’t start fights, disobey the law, or be at risk of being put behind bars. Therefore, Omi had a friend that was willing to just give him a car.

“Come on, this is our gift to you. You don’t have to worry about this!” Omi’s friends insisted, trying to push the keys into Omi’s tight fists. No matter how much pressure was put upon him, Omi never faltered, just like stone.

“I’m sorry, but I... can’t take this.” Omi guiltily rejected the brand-new car. It was a model only rich people drove, the same exact demographic his friend was apart of. It was freshly washed with the proper tags and everything. Omi could’ve just taken it and saved thousands of dollars.

Except, he couldn’t. The car by no means was a vehicle he sat in before. But, the white color was the same. If Omi wasn’t paying attention, maybe he could ignore it. Yet every time he saw the exterior, it brought him back to that rainy day, desparately fumbling to rip off his seatbelt and wake his mother up.

“Omi... you can’t afford to say no...” They sympathetically tried to reason with him, but Omi was far gone. He backed up, nearly tripping with how hurriedly he stepped on his own heels. If he blinked, he could see the new car wrecked. If he didn’t focus, he could hear the sickening sound of the brakes failing.

“Omi, it’s been years since she—”

If he let himself get consumed by the past, he’d surely die.

“Thank you for this, but I can’t. I’m sorry.”

Omi bought a car a week later and when his father asked about price, Omi lied through his teeth.

“My friends saved up and bought me one for my birthday. Don’t worry, Pa. We can make the bills.”

Even when his friends sold it and tried to give him the money, Omi didn’t take it. His mother didn’t raise her son to take money from anyone.

Like mother, like son.

TODAY I DROVE THROUGH THE SUBURBS

AND PICTURED I WAS DRIVING HOME TO YOU

Omi left the windshield wipers on, watching as the rain drops got caught in the way. The heating wasn’t functioning, so Omi huddled in on himself and waited for some sort of sign that he could make it home tonight. The radio crackled every now and then, making Omi jump every time a voice spoke a word before getting cut off.

The world continued on as Omi lived through another rainy dark sky. Omi remembered staring up at this type of sky, his back laid out on a stretcher and hand reaching for the closest family member. Omi mentally punched himself, finding that he was getting caught up in his own trauma much more often than usual. Ever since driving lessons.

When it got too much to handle, the assignments, the expectations, the pressure, Omi indulged in make-believe. Omi imagined an universe where he was driving home to be welcomed by the warm embrace of his mother. Where his father was standing taller, where his brothers left their rooms on their own accord, where he wasn’t the backbone of the household anymore. It didn’t do him any good to hope for something impossible, but Omi did so anyways sometimes.

Perhaps it was his punishment for not being the one who died that night.

As Omi swiped mindlessly through his phone, willing for a bar, a crack of lightning made his skin crawl. Yet, beneath the pounding rain, a single yell of shock alerted Omi to look up from his screen. A deep sense of familarity forced Omi to look past his window, hoping to see past the blurriness of it all.

At the sight of a dark frame, Omi didn’t think twice before hurdling him outside, barely able to close his door before stripping his jacket and throwing it around the man. The shivering man weakly holding onto an umbrella that did nothing but cause more problems.

“Pa?! What are you doing here?”

RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS

I STILL SEE YOUR FACE IN WHITE CARS, FRONT YARDS

CAN’T DRIVE PAST THE PLACES WE USED TO GO TO

‘CAUSE I STILL FUCKING YOU LOVE YOU, BABY

“Son!” Omi’s father happily greeted despite being on the verge of catching a cold. Omi held the umbrella over his father’s head, taking the brunt of the cold willingly.

“I took the bus here. I knew you’d be visiting her today, but it was quite late.” He explained, wearing a newsboy cap that he must’ve had since youth. The sight of his father with a runny nose and wet clothes at his expense set something off in Omi.

“Why did you come?”

“To bring you home—”

“What would’ve happened if you died?”

The sound of rain was defeaning. Omi’s father stopped, staring at his son like he was seeing him for the first time. Omi’s arm started shaking, his grip on the umbrella’s handle was slacking. The truth weighed upon his shoulders, like he was about to collapse.

What if the bus had crashed? What if something happened to Pa while walking to the cemetery? What if it was Omi’s fault? Before Omi could apologize, he felt a pair of arms wrap around his shoulders.

Omi dropped the umbrella.

SIDEWALKS WE CROSSED

I STILL HEAR YOUR VOICE IN THE TRAFFIC, WE’RE LAUGHING OVER ALL THE NOISE

GOD, I’M SO BLUE, KNOW WE’RE THROUGH

Omi couldn’t die.

Not when he raised his weak father that wasn’t getting any younger. He had to take care of his two younger brothers. Omi had to finish university, graduate, and be hired at a high-paying job to support his family. Fushimi Omi couldn’t die.

But, here he was, breaking.

“My boy, I’m not going anywhere.” Omi’s father said it so surely, like it was a promise he could control. Omi hesitated before resting his chin on his father’s shoulder, closing his eyes and inhaling the scent of cologne. It was the brand his mother used to love, but he knew his father hated this one. It was so fitting, Omi refrained from crying.

“You’re so strong, I’m so proud of you.” Omi nodded, hugging his father with unsaid words he’d never be able to speak. Omi could never tell him his greatest fear was Pa dying. Could never admit that seeing his father react a second late makes him pace. Could never reveal he only went to university close-by in case an emergency occurred. Everything Omi did was for his father, his Pa, his only parent.

“She’d be so proud of who you are today. You are her son.” Omi’s father patted him once, twice, then pulled back. He rested his aged palm upon Omi’s cheek gently, just like his mother used to. His thumb ran over his scar with no judgment, just fatherly love.

Omi had never felt more loved.

‘CAUSE I STILL FUCKING YOU LOVE YOU, BABY

“You’re just like your mother, Omi.”

[intcritus]

[ THRONE ]: having found the receiver sitting in their throne, the sender sits in their lap in order to symbolically and physically share the seat. //Reverse for Fushimi and Itachi

Fushimi sitting there, in his throne makes Itachi somewhat breathless. It fits him, sturdy, unbreakable and awe-inspiring. The only thing he’s missing is a crown and even then, Itachi is sure that his horns are surely enough. Oyabun, King, same thing though his husband definitely holds the power of either. Lingering in the doorway, the feline inhales slowly, lashes fluttering low, needing the scent of his husband in his nostrils, letting the scent wrap around him, in him and finding that center of calm as the more animalistic instincts demand he claim the Oni. Why it amuses him, even now, Itachi isn’t sure. Those baser instincts rule him some days and others, they fade into the background, 

Moving away from the doorway, he quietly saunters over, past the cushions and such in the pathway, until he reaches Fushimi, gracefully climbing into his lap and nuzzling his features into the Oni’s chest. A low rumble leaves him, fingers dipping into the opening of the other’s yukata, nails gently scraping over skin.Something catches his attention, though he doesn’t move his hand from beneath fabric. Tilting his head, he looks at the detail on the throne in question, and he can only smile to himself. Madara. Must’ve gifted it. Anyone who knew his great-uncle knew he liked to give extravagant gifts without saying a thing, it's just who he was. But he’ll worry about that later.

Shifting in his husband’s lap, cupping his features and pressing lips to every inch of his face. Sure, they can share this throne, but the need to express his affection, no matter who might enter the room. They can wait until he’s done and even then, Itachi is occupied. ❝ ━ You’ve been busy, ❞ he murmurs, nuzzling along Fushimi’s jaw, leaving his scent along every patch of skin that beckons his attention. ❝ ━ Kenta says I take up too much of your time, ❞ There’s laughter in his voice,dragging the tip of his tongue along his mate’s pulse. ❝ ━ I tried to behave, because I know you have a lot to do. But I miss you terribly. Especially being able to be back home. I’m feeling a little possessive, just a little.  ❞ It makes him feel a bit overbearing and idly, he wonders if Kenta suffers when Itachi is feeling greedy for familiarity.

Ah, he doesn’t think so, but he’d have to find out later. For now though, he’ll continue to kiss and touch to his heart’s content. Fingers gently tilt Fushimi’s features down, pressing a kiss to his mouth. There’s no more need for words, just the taste of his beloved’s mouth, the feel of his hands in his hair, on his back. It’s perfect, understated and sorely needed.

thinking about christening that throne. / @nvrcmplt

[k-project-singularity]

Facts & Trivia || Tatara Totsuka

The following is part of a series of posts made by me. The information listed is official canon provided by GoRa. Sources will go from the anime, to mangas and novels as well as official short stories. These are NOT fanmade headcanons. The purpose of these posts is to provide useful information for fans as well as roleplayers looking for confirmed lore for their muses. Please do not reply to argue with me about what you read here. I did not come up with this stuff myself. GoRa did. I’ll come back to edit these as I find more info.

Born on February 14, 1990 (The same year as Tatsuya Enomoto, Yō Chitose, Seri Awashima, Masaomi Dewa and Akira Hidaka). He died on December 8th 2012, shot by the Colorless King.

The second clansman of Mikoto Suoh, co-founder of Homra since 2007, when he was 17. He and Kusanagi performed their test together.

His Homra insigna was on the left shoulder blade, opposite of Kusanagi’s.

He was known as “Homra’s weakest executive”, as his powers did not seem fit for battle.

Because of his ability to placate the Red King’s power within him, he was also known as “the beast tamer” of Homra.

His Homra aura was typically used for tasks requiring precision. Totsuka was able to melt a door’s lock with his gaze and allegedly burn people’s fingers off for torture (though that might have been a bluff from Kusanagi to scare a member of the Yakuza). Totsuka could also shape his aura into espers, like a Phoenix or butterflies that he used to entertain Anna. After using his power, Totsuka would typically be exhausted.

He met Mikoto Suoh and Izumo Kusanagi in high school (though Totsuka himself was still in junior high) and the three of them have been friends since.

The first thing he said to Suoh was that he looked like a real king. He followed him around like a puppy.

Since he got his camera he liked to record the meeting of every new candidate to become a member of Homra. He also used it to extort information during interrogations of yakuza members.

He typically took care of newcomers in Homra and helped them get integrated.

He has an extremely careless and chill personality. Hardly anything ever fazes him, even when he’s in the middle of violent disasters and dangerous situations Totsuka always finds something cheerful to say.

He had a signature phrase that he often repeated: “It’s fine, it’s fine! Things will work out somehow!”

Always called Mikoto “King”, even before he became a King.

Always called Bandō “San-chan” (like Shōhei).

He was known for getting into a lot of hobbies only to get bored with them soon afterwards. The only exception has been photography. Tatara said that’s because he couldn’t ever get tired of keeping memories alive.

He preferred to use an old style camera rather than digital devices. His camera was an old Nikon 8mm model.

He once let Anna borrow his camera while he was out on a fishing trip with Homra. When Suoh broke it, he didn’t get upset. He later bought a new one.

His hobbies included cooking and he liked to experiment recipes. He once made preserved pickles without any real reason.

He liked to involve Homra members in many different activities. Among these were offering to help fishermen during the high season, stepping on udon, growing tomatoes, picking strawberries, going to harvest festivals, cultivating sprouts and making food.

He always made comments that seemed to imply he knew more than he should. Totsuka was very discerning, but at times this was very coincidental (like when he told Fushimi it would be the last time he’d talk to him casually, ironically, on what would end up being their last conversation before Totsuka’s death).

Despite his kindness, he had a strange and sometimes twisted sense of humor, laughing about things that hurt or offend others. He also did random things that would seem cruel, like when he didn’t hesitate to run away while Chitose was in danger; or when he “cheered up” Yata with preserved pickles as a gift, mainly because he didn’t know what to do with them after making them.

His main mean of defense when attacked was to throw his enemy off guard with his words and then run away.

He appeared to be careless for his own life, often putting himself in danger. Kusanagi and Suoh knew this well and didn’t hesitate to scold him (Izumo) or hit him (Mikoto) when that happened.

He was extremely fond of Anna and always indulged in her small whims.

He jokingly described Anna as “the only girl he has eyes for”, showing no interest in having a girlfriend.

As a teenager he got himself hurt a lot, showing a very clumsy and airheaded attitude.

He taught Suoh how to play Chicken Race and Kick the Can when they were teenagers.

Could fall asleep without much need for comfort, anywhere.

He was humored by Kamamoto’s transformation in summer and liked to make up ridiculous stories about it with the most naive clansmen, much to Kusanagi’s chagrin.

He didn’t believe in ghosts, but thought it would be nice if they were real.

Once he got a new camera, Totsuka took on recording the city at night often times. He enjoyed filming the red lights of the “Candle” app, said to be used by people who are suffering. Totsuka liked to stop by those he found using the app to listen to their stories.

He found umbrellas bothersome and preferred to walk under the rain, to Kusanagi’s concern.

Kuroh Yatogami once saved his life from other gangsters. Totsuka returned the favor by taking care of his fever and offering a can of peaches. The two never got to really exchange any word with each other. Totsuka wished he had a chance to listen to Kuroh’s story.

Inspired by what he learned about Kuroh, he asked Suoh if he could become his loyal dog. Suoh was horrified at the idea.

He was given peaches by Kusanagi once when he was sick and has since believed them to be a good remedy for a cold.

He composed a song called “Circle of Friends”, which talks about Homra and his friends. Totsuka is excellent at singing and playing the guitar.

He tried to teach Yata how to play the guitar. He also tried to learn how to skateboard from Yata himself, but wasn’t very successful.

He wanted to get Anna a 5m tall birthday cake.

Shot in the chest by the Colorless King, Totsuka managed to fight blood loss for about twenty minutes before dying in Yata’s arms.

In his final moments, Totsuka connected with Anna in her dreams.

His camera recorded his murder and was retrieved by Kusanagi.

His body was cremated by Suoh’s power on the beach Homra visited the previous summer.