#definitely normal about Kurama

[t4tyoko]

he’s fine

[eikichi-supremacy]

sorry, sorry. i know- i know you wear the pompadour to- yes, yes i know it's very intimidating and delinquent like but-and again I'm sorry-it just makes you look a little cute I'm sorry-

[cannellee]

NARUTO OMEGAVERSE ☆

୨୧ alpha! naruto au x omega! reader (f)

— what they would give you as a courting gift (pairing : naruto, shikamaru, sasuke, itachi, rock lee, neji)

my masterlist : ☆

ALPHA! NARUTO

naruto is a joyous and energetic person, his gift are as vibrant as him. in order to court you, he would definitely take you out on some dates. ichiraku ramen sounds like the perfect place to begin his courting! it's a place which holds countless of precious memories for him and he wants you to get to know him better. he's someone who speaks his mind, so I think he'll really talk openly about his desires and interests in you, it's one of the rare times he's being serious and it's truly a sight to see.

onto a more materialistic approach, naruto will 100% gifts you plushies. he thinks it's an adorable way to connect the both of you. extra points if the plushie is the effigy of kurama! he will sometimes scent it, sometimes not. it all depends on how you react to them, he'll pay attention to your reactions and decides if that was the right move.

I also think naruto will choose a more natural and spontaneous courting, surprising you with cute and funny outings. helping you escape at night so you can both see the stars together. he'll throw cute notes at you to cheer you up during class...

overall, naruto just wishes to spend more time with you, make you laugh and smile. he really considers your happy face as a reward, it literally makes his day. he wants the both of you to know each other and grow closer.

ALPHA! SASUKE

now sasuke is definitely more reserved in his approach and less explicit about his feelings for you. nonetheless, he won't stay on the sidelines and let other alphas steal you from him. I don't think he'll give you gifts at the very beginning, he's prudent and will first and foremost test the waters by subtly scenting you at times and assess your reaction. if he considers it a green light, he'll start acting more assertive. probably a few stargazing sessions to begin with and when you start to get closer, he'll be more possessive about his courting.

I think he would give an item related to his clan. it could be a luxurious silk robe with the uchiha crest at its back. he would love to see you wear it, in his mind, it serves as a symbol of unity and pride, having his omega wear that would reinforce the seriousness of your relationship along with solidifying his potential claim on you.

in the same spirit, later into the courting, sasuke would gift you a uchiha clan heirloom. that way, he puts you under his protection and his claim on you is now strong and clear, serving as a warning to all alphas that you're his. its strengthens your bond as it's a deep acknowledgment of the importance your hold in his life.

and in fact, sasuke's gift serves as a proof of his commitment to you and your relationship and it feels reassuring to know that he considers you as a member of his clan.

ALPHA! SHIKAMARU

as expected of shikamaru, he has a pretty good understanding of omegas' nature and will therefore, make pretty good gifts. he has a pretty laidback behaviour, this is why I think he wouldn't want to make courting seems too ceremonial and will adopt a more casual approach. oh you're cold ? here's his jacket, scented. you don't even have to ask, shikamaru is just great at making things seem so normal. you mentioned you liked soft items ? here's a cute blanket he bought today, no it's not really a gift, just a thanks for spending the day with him. and it's just that. of course if you're careful you'll catch him blushing if he sees you snuggling his scarf, it's redolent with his pheromones and he's pleased to see you look so safe.

other than that, it's mainly lazy indoor dates. just you taking a few naps, progressively getting closer to each other until you eventually fall asleep on his chest.

overall, shikamaru likes to do things according to your tastes and doesn't want his courting to seem unnatural and bizarre. he tries his best to be his usual self while also trying not to get too shy, surprisingly.

ALPHA! ROCK LEE

lee is a great alpha, always cheering you on. he's very open about his love for you and he just needs you to give in. of course he knows you're more reserved and needs more time to get to know him before you can make a decision. that's why he's so patient and devoted to you during the courting process. flowers, cheesy love notes, wood sculptures with your initials... with lee it's never ending and you're always surprised with what he was able to come up with.

he will give you gifts, but he'll also often take you out on dates for fun adventures, at least that's what he calls them. genuinely thinks rock climbing & hiking are the best ideas. if he discovers you're not sporty at all, don't worry! lee is more than happy to carry you around, take your hands to help you walk through a particularly tricky path and asks you if you need a break every five minutes. he takes it as his chance to prove to you how alpha, how reliable he is. how much his unwavering determination and passion are yours only.

probably will try cooking snacks, like cookies or brownies but I don't think he's that much of a cook so it'll end up messy. you'll have to console him about this fail attempt and reassure him that you can be the one cooking for him instead!

ALPHA! NEJI

neji is a great observer, he has your tastes and hobbies all figured out and he knows how to choose the perfect gifts. he is very gentle with the omega he is trying to court and his gifts are as thoughtful as you can imagine. small accessories! after assessing what you like, he'll settle on a small hairpin with soft colours, which compliment your eyes. jewelry as well! a subtle bracelet, a ring or anything, just to remind you that he thinks about you all the time. it's a way to show people that you too are connected and that neji is already pursuing you, the others can back off.

he knows you're sensitive to smells, so probably a few candles with sweet fragrant and cute designs. perfumes? (or insence burner) as long as he likes the smell, he's buying. he loves to know you're wearing the scent he has chosen for you, it's like a pre-mark. it's not his scent yet but it's only a matter of time.

however, neiji will not force things, you'll wear his pheromones yes, but only when you feel ready and you have completely accepted him.

a delicately sewed kimono, or an item you'll be able to wear more easily, like a scarf, gloves... but! his favourite courting gift and the gift which really sealed your relationship is the cute pendant around your neck, carrying a piece of his cloth so that you always smell like him. it's subtle, but enough for the time being, he'll have plenty more time later to scent you profusely!

ALPHA! ITACHI

to. provide.

this man's main goal is to provide for you and to show you he can do it. he's reliable and he's desperate to have a chance with you. please notice him.

while getting to know him, you'll get plenty of nest items, scented of course. a lot of blankets, a few pillows and some of his clothes, he'll give it all to you. he'll even help you build your nest if you let him, he's not so sure about what he's doing but he's attentive and learns fast so you can count on him!

he'll get you food as well. you'll never be hungry with itachi. when you meet up, if he didn't already brought snacks with him, you can be sure he'll buy some later just for you. you paying isn't even a option.

just like his brother, he'll give you clothes you can wear on a daily basis with the uchiha clan crest on them. all that to assure your protection and to claim you, nobody wants to meet a jealous uchiha anyways.

he's a bit quiet at times so he'll use notes to share his feelings. it's always really touching and delicate, you know he means it.

[sasukeless]

what are your modern au sns headcanons?

i like to incorporate as many things from canon into modern aus as possible tbh so i kinda already joked about sasuke being probably hunted down by true crime obsessed ppl trying to interview him about his insane murderer brother and also naruto finding out later in life he might be a nepo baby and his father was a big political figure idk it’s funny to me

as for narusasu specific hcs

they met at an orphanage (because unlike konoha who lets children raise themselves i feel modern au they just get shove into the system)

growing up they definitely liked to vandalize places, especially monuments. or well naruto did and sasuke covered for him because he likes naruto.

naruto spends half of his time in middle and high school carving sasuke’s name into tables and walls. he says he does it so sasuke gets blamed but he’s just in love and has a sasuke brainrot.

naruto is a collage drop out and ends up working with plants (i refuse to let him suffer by going into politics) and sasuke also drops out with him but comes back later to finish some because he ends working with reptiles specifically snakes.

naruto loves buy matching stuff All the time but he never admits it’s matching. he just buys things like bracelets or mugs in purple and orange and that’s it. sasuke is very aware of this but he never complains and uses everything naruto buys.

after they start dating they do wear those stupid matching necklaces kishimoto drew.

in their free time, sasuke is really good at playing instruments whereas naruto is more into painting (he’s so into street art!!!). sasuke for sure has a electric guitar btw

sasuke did naruto’s first piercing (eyebrow one) when they were 14. it hurt so bad they had a physical fight. still, sasuke does the rest of naruto’s piercings too.

they fight a lot!!! everyone is weirded outtt. but it’s normal to them. and five minutes later they are making out. they have a thing for fighting during sex too so there’s always a black eye or busted lip in the morning.

i can’t really see them dating other people prior each other tbh. it’s like in canon they are The One for each other since forever. they have some surface level crushes here and there before they get together but it’s never serious or affects them.

naruto picks kurama when he’s a kid and mistakes it for a puppy. it is in fact a fox but like by the time he’s told that (an hour later) he has already developed affection so no one can do anything about it, that’s his pet.

neither has a driver license. sasuke gets too annoyed at the traffic and the people in said traffic. meanwhile naruto gets distracted all the time. naruto still has a car and drives it because he thinks it’s fun and since sasuke lets him get away with anything he’s okay with both dying in a car crash because naruto kept singing loudly.

naruto texts sasuke 24/7 and even if sasuke doesn’t reply to all, he does read them and remembers them. sasuke’s texts consist in these two emojis: 👍 and 💜

i disagree with the idea that either of them smokes sorry. naruto tries it once but sasuke says he doesn’t like the taste after he kisses him and it makes naruto want to kill himself so bad, he never again gets close to do it again.

yeah, they share toothbrush and all (gross)

they are super competitive over video games and it’s probably the reason of 90% of their fights

each of them has seen like ten psychiatrists through their lives but they never stick around nor follow any instructions. they are rawdogging it at life and it’s okay, they make each other happy that’s what matters

they get married at 18th on impulse. when their friends find out they disapprove and think it won’t last but they do! they never file for divorce or anything

these are all so messy but yeah i can’t see narusasu being normal in any setting, they also don’t want to be normal

[suqueenaryomen]

Sukuna's wrath & Yuji's Last Memories?

What really disturbs me and makes me a little worried is, when I reread the manga (hoping the translation is correct). So, if I understood correctly, Yuji apparently shows and shares his last thoughts and memories with Sukuna before he dies. Because it looks that way? Because Yuji's sentence where he said, "I thought I just wanted to show or tell you, even if I might be wrong." These sentences made me think. It sounds like he feels he is wrong in the end and later loses to Sukuna?

This means that everyone had the wrong idea about Sukuna all along (since some thought he was actually good or would become a good guy like Kurama or Meruem). Sukuna himself has stated that he has never been interested in anything or needed anyone in his life. This is now clearly evident again, as one cannot have proper conversations with him, negotiate, or reconcile. He seems like a personification of evil, like a sociopath or psychopath if you will, without clear reactions or emotions, which has been observed multiple times with other characters as well. They are masters in acting and manipulation! (The fact that Sukuna gets very angry confirms that you misunderstood and mistaken him). He is bored by these kinds of conversations and even feels disgusted, especially he cannot stand compassion. He does not need it and does not want it. For him, it is an insult! (And holy crap, now he is devilishly wild like a demon).

However, it is also possible that Sukuna will unfortunately be the one to show Yuji love (but well Yuji is the Main Character anyway). The whole conversation about love was something else the whole time. It was never about romance, but always about battle, who is the strongest, their philosophies, their worldviews, friends or even no connections, and who is right or even remains right in the end. Because Sukuna said he understands Yuji and yet he has no interest in it, he finds it disgusting, and to Kashimo he said he also understands love because we are loved because we are strong. (Because there, respect and recognition are gained through fear, power, etc.). But that does not mean that Sukuna will not get a flashback from his past. It is possible, but whether it will be a sad story? remains to be seen. Maybe it could be a sad story but then with this theme as an unwanted child or maybe even something with the theme of a monster? (and that starts as a child, cuz no normal baby eats another baby without any problems or monstrous abilities). Something good or evil can happen. Both are possible. I do not rule anything out! What I also can see is, he really don't like humans. It is definitely a real hate! That's why he eats them...

Also disturbing is that Yuji has just now finally awakened Sukuna's wrath. Perhaps we will see a new monstrous side of Sukuna with this ember of anger, where he uses even more of his abilities. (As Uraume said, he still has many secrets and is moody to reveal everything). I'm just saying, if the translations are correct and Gege has not yet finished his big plans for Sukuna and the whole story, it will get exciting again or even brutal soon.

Oh boy now he’s hella mad (*gritting his teeth*)

[patibato]

[Bitter Sweet Sixteen] 002-A28 - Stand by "ME"

Momiji: Huh…?

Nanaki: …Failed?

Ushio: …

Muneuji: …

Kiroku: …Wh …

Akuta: —Huh, I failed?

Even though everyone else passed, it's just me?

……Wo~w.

Muneuji: Sensei, I do not agree with that grading.

Akuta: …Muneujii…

Muneuji: I tried applying Isotake's actions to the criteria you set out, and in my opinion, there are a few discrepancies.

Sakujiro: Oh? A grade from a student's point of view? That's rather brazen, but interesting. Do enlighten me on what is wrong, and how.

Muneuji: With both being selected as candidates, and going on the tour, I didn't have any heartfelt expectations, and yet—

Carried along on Isotake's energy, I wound up participating. There are some parts I regret about it.

But I completed all the work left in my hands. I accomplished all that and more.

I fulfilled my duties and became passionate. It had been a while since I enjoyed myself so much.

The funny faces he showed me on sleepless nights were very amusing.

Nanaki: Sakuchan-sensei, can I say something too?

…I started getting annoyed with people a few days in. I felt like I didn't care what happened anymore.

But… Akuta. When looking at what a dumb, reckless idiot he is—

I feel like the things I worry about are stupid. I felt like I was an idiot for trying to look cool.

It's fine to be more unpresentable. It's fine to not give up on connecting with people-

It's fine to eat the omelette rice he got from the convenience store by putting natto on it…!

Akuta: Natto omelettes are good…

Nanaki: That's how he made me think. It… might be different to Sakuchan-sensei's opinion.

Kiroku: I-

…Isotake… accepted… my strange art, and sensibilities… without… denying… me…

And… compared to me, who didn't finish the lantern… …Isotake… is different—

……He didn't… give in…!

The success, of the festival… was definitely because… he kept on… going… and opened a path… with his own power…

And he… wore the same t-shirt… for three days… straight…

Akuta: Guess I didn't get changed much…

Kiroku: …I wouldn't, be able… to do that… it's incredible…

Sakujiro: …I see, so you all have your own thoughts on this. I understand.

Kurama-kun, do you have anything to add?

Ushio: …

Akuta: …

Ushio: I wonder. To be frank, nothing much comes to mind—

Akuta: Doh!

Ushio: He's blatantly egotistic, blatantly stupid, and a full-fledged loser.

He's a dumbass, I never understand what he's saying. The way he acts is nonsensical—

But, I think it's fine for a kid to put his all into being one.

Akuta: …Hey, are you complimenting me?

Ushio: With my whole body and soul.

Sakujiro: —Is that all?

Ushio: …

Sakujiro: Does anyone else have more to say?

Muneuji: I do. …I'm just, in the middle of calculating what.

Nanaki: Umm… there's that. …You know, that.

Kiroku: … …

Ushio: Yeah, we've got nothing.

We can't think of anything. Let's give up.

Akuta: -…Aaah… got it…

Well, c'est la vie. What can't be done can't be done.

Thanks for searching so much for me, guys! I love you. …You too, Sensei.

—Well, I'll be off.

Momiji: W-wait! Akuta-kun-

Sakujiro: …Mwaha…

Momiji: Sakujiro-san?

Sakujiro: Mwahaha… hahaha…

AAH HA HA! FUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Kafka: …

Akuta: Huh… no, what…? D-did I not time my exit right…?

Muneuji: Have you gone mad, Karigane-sensei?

Momiji: (His true nature's coming out… Even though he said earlier that he acts relatively normal at school.)

Sakujiro: That's RIGHT! Leaving now is MUCH too soon, Akuta-kun! Sit down! I'll aim this chalk right for your brow!

Akuta: Awawawawah, g-g-g-got it!

Sakujiro: Please listen closely, everyone.

Though I have a purpose in life, I do not possess a dream.

I've none of the glittering, shining hopes, dreams, or passion that you youngsters emit.

Not even when I was your age. Not before, nor ever since.

However—

When I heard Akuta-kun's speech at the festival venue, with his ego on full display, giving his straightforward and honest thoughts…

I felt as if something was suddenly circulating through my body.

I learned through firsthand experience that someone's passion could be transmitted into me, in which nothing had ever naturally occurred.

To put it simply, it "touched my heart"… that's what I would call that phenomenon.

For Tourism Ward Mayors, spreading "affinity" to those with no relation to the area is your duty, your work.

Imparting new passion to travellers will change it from a stranger's area into their own—giving meaning to the moment they experience that is our ambition.

And so, I have established a new grading criteria just now.

"Passion Evangelist"—

Isotake Akuta-kun. I offer you ten thousand points for that talent of yours, and along with that, I endorse you as the leader of the Day Team.

What do you think, Young Master.

Kafka: …

Akuta: …

Kafka: I approve.

Momiji: …!

Akuta: … For real?

…

Hoo—

All Five: HOORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

Akuta: Well, my place is this way, so…

Muneuji: Right.

Akuta: …

Ushio: …Aren't you going to go?

Akuta: No, I'm just reluctant? It's a weird feeling!

Kiroku: ……That's… rare…

Muneuji: …

Nanaki: With all of us passing like this… I can't help but feel like we did something bad to the egg.

Kiroku: -…

Akuta: Cheer up! Don't you suppose it's enjoying itself at a beautiful lady's house or something!?

Nanaki: Y-yeah, yeah! I mean, its shell is sturdy! I'm sure it's fine. Yeah.

Kiroku: …Mhm…

Ushio: …Anyway, me and Muuchan live this way, so. See ya.

Muneuji: Hold on.

Ushio: Hm?

Muneuji: …I have something I wish to discuss with you all.

Akuta: Huh, what what? You sound serious, what's up?

Muneuji: I recalled this during Oguro-san's explanation earlier. That day, at the old school building—

I saw the Principal.

Ushio: Huh?

Nanaki: Really? Why would he be there?

Muneuji: I don't know myself. At first, I assumed he was simply on night patrol.

However, the reports said there were no injured parties. And then, too, I assumed he managed to escape one way or another like we did.

After all, at the online closing ceremony held afterwards, the Principal gave a speech as usual. However, try to recall.

That day, the speech was given through voice alone, with his camera off.

Kiroku: …Now that, you mention it…

Nanaki: So to summarise, you think that has something to do with the egg?

Muneuji: Correct. …There's also the matter of that mysterious slimy substance, and Ohno's disappearance.

Nanaki: …Right. Ohno-kun… They still haven't found him, have they.

Akuta: Yeah~ if I'd gotten a proper shot at that time, it could've been used as evidence…

Kiroku: …M… maybe you… didn't see… right.

Ushio: Muuchan's got good eyesight, even in the dark. And he absolutely doesn't lie.

Nanaki: But of all people, the Principal would have no reason to go out of his way to bring that extraterrestrial egg and sticky stuff to the old school building.

Muneuji: …

You… may be right. Perhaps I'm being too suspicious.

However, I felt it best to tell you all about it. …Please keep it in mind.

Nanaki: Got it. Thanks for letting us know.

Kiroku: …ank, yo…

Akuta: —Alright! With that said and done!

No point staying here forever. I'm starving, so let's head on home!

Nanaki: Yep. See you tomorrow.

Kiroku: … Bye… bye.

Muneuji: Let's continue getting on tomorrow.

Ushio: Let's go, Muuchan.

*tapping and bubbling*

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Masterlist

[crypt1dcorv1dae]

I think the way kuwabara and Hiei can't ever seem to get along (tho they are friends, they just won't admit it) is bc they're as opposite as they could be, basically...

Like, Hiei can't understand human things, even for a DEMON the way he was "raised" was pretty fucked up, soft normal human life makes absolutely no sense to him at all...

But kuwabara is also the only one who can't understand Demon things, his life hasn't been perfect (mom doesn't seem to be around, and his dad isn't around much either, mostly just being raised by his teenage sister) it's still leagues softer than almost any demon's life, and the brutality that is normal for demons is foreign to him (he's the only one who seems to actively avoid killing opponents, at least the named ones)

So yeah, to Hiei kuwabara seems like a soft, wimpy human bc he's like... Well, he is kinda soft, he's kind to people and loves animals and has his heart on his sleeve, and he definitely doesn't like... Murder people

And to kuwabara Hiei is a little asshole who goes out of his way to be mean and cruel and violent even when it isn't necessary (it always was for him though in his past, it's all he ever knew) and doesn't have any respect for other's lives and doesn't care about anything or anyone but himself (he has no idea how much he cares about his sister!!! He doesn't even know she IS his sister!!)

But really it's just... Hiei has had to fight to survive, he was taught from a very young age that it's kill or be killed, take or be taken from, eat or be eaten, that's the only life he's ever known until very recently, now having people he can actually trust, people he's willing to protect OTHER than yukina, who he knows will protect him too... It's very new to him!!! He's not used to it!!! And knowing him, he doesn't WANT to get used to it for fear of becoming "weak"

... Idk what else I wanted to say, I forgot, I just realized that within the 4, they're the only ones who really really can't understand each other's perspectives at all, where yusuke and kurama (both being halfway in both worlds by the end) can understand both of them well enough to sorta... Translate.

Which is why I think the whole group can only really work as just that, A GROUP.

Team polymeshi ftw they're all gay godbless

[dark-elf-writes]

Naruto mothering his plants is delightful and I adore it.

However, it also opens the door for so much angst because for a long time Naruto wouldn’t have any human outlets for those instincts. And plants, while beautiful, can hardly return affection or offer the comfort a person does. And since that would be most of his early experiences with affection (which I assume is vital aspect of healthy childhood development in omegaverse), if he was ever in a bad relationship with only him putting in effort + showing affection, it’d probably register as normal because that’s how it always been? Just him taking care of dependent life forms completely unable to love him back even when something bone deep craved being able to rely on someone too.

What if Kurama is the closest thing he has to family 0-0

Anskksjsnsbs

Naruto accepts the first person to ask him out because that’s what’s expected of him right? He’s an omega. It’s not like anyone else is interested in the demon container after all (there very much are several people interested but Naruto is oblivious). At first he’s happy because he gets to care for someone real that can tell him he’s doing a good job and being a good omega. Someone that will care for him back.

Only it never comes.

Naruto keeps pouring his heart and soul into the relationship and gets nothing back.

Something in him wilts. Begins to fade.

Kurama tries of course but he is more of a parent than anything and Naruto’s instincts demand for him to care for a partner. For kits.

His partner makes him pull away from his friends. Slowly. So slowly they don’t really notice.

All except for one.

Kakashi “accidentally” runs into Naruto when he’s out and about. They start talking. Naruto is definitely remembering that crush he had for years.

Kakashi helps him get out. Let’s Naruto crash in his apartment while he gets back in his feet. Let’s Naruto dote on him and returns it in kind.

That crush comes back with a vengeance and soon enough Naruto has everything he ever wanted.

[aishangotome]

Minamoto no Yoshitsune: Chapter 6

Chapter 5 Premium Story

♡———♡

The moment I returned to my room, exhaustion washed over me, and I collapsed onto the floor.

(It feels like a dream that I was just with Yoshitsune-sama.)

But the words we exchanged, evidence that it was real, remained vividly in my heart.

*flashback**

Yoshino: Isn’t there any way other than killing each other?

Yoshitsune: That path has long been closed.

Yoshino: B-but—

Yoshitsune: Why?

Yoshitsune: Why do you care so much? You were just caught up in this.

Yoshitsune: Whether Yoritomo and I hate each other or kill each other… it shouldn’t matter to you.

Yoshino: B-but even so…

**End of flashback**

(I really did want to know more about Yoshitsune-sama.)

(He helped me, and he helped the lost child find his brother...)

(He's always so polite and sincere, and I'm sure he's a kind person at heart.)

(At first, I thought he was a scary person, but he's not.)

I wondered why I was so concerned about an enemy general.

(No, that's not it. I'm concerned because he's an enemy general.)

If he were just a frightening opponent, I could fight him without thinking.

Even so, I don't regret learning the truth.

(There's still time before the battle with the rebels.)

(I need to sort out my feelings before I go to the battlefield.)

-

A few days after Yoshitsune visited Kamakura—

Benkei came rushing in as Yoshitsune was resting in his room in Hiraizumi.

Benkei: Yoshitsune-sama!

Yoshitsune: What is it, Benkei?

Benkei: I heard you went to Kamakura alone!

Yoshitsune: ...Where did you hear that?

Benkei: I got it out of Kurama.

A deep wrinkle formed between Benkei's eyebrows.

Benkei: I was wondering what you were up to, being absent for the past few days...

Benkei: That's the enemy's headquarters! What if something happened to you, Yoshitsune-sama?

Benkei: I know you have your reasons, and I'm not saying you should never go there.

Benkei: But if you had just told me, I would have gone with you—

Yoshitsune: You might have caused a scene if you went.

Benkei: Yoshitsune-sama!

Yoshitsune: ...I'm joking.

???: Now, now, Benkei. Calm down.

A relaxed voice interjected.

Yoichi: It's not like it's the first time our lord has wandered off somewhere.

Benkei: Yoichi... Don't eavesdrop.

Yoichi: I heard your voice as I was passing by.

Yoichi: I understand you're worried, but you should trust Yoshitsune-sama a little more.

Benkei: I trust Yoshitsune-sama, even if you don't tell me to.

Benkei: But what if something unexpected happened?

Yoichi: Our lord is the kind of person who doesn't have unexpected things happen to him. Look, he came back safe and sound.

Benkei: ...

Seemingly unconvinced, Benkei glared silently at Yoichi.

Unfazed, Yoichi grinned at Yoshitsune.

Yoichi: Did you have a good time, Yoshitsune-sama?

Yoshitsune: Yes. I'm glad I was able to see the town of Kamakura one last time.

Yoshitsune narrowed his eyes as if reminiscing, and Benkei let out a deep sigh.

Benkei: ...I won't say anything more about this incident.

Benkei: But please let me know next time, without fail!

Yoshitsune: ...Yes.

Benkei: What was that pause for!?

Yoshitsune: It's nothing.

Benkei: No, it's definitely not nothing.

Yoichi: It's great that you love Yoshitsune-sama so much, but you're a little overprotective, Benkei.

Benkei: This isn't even close to being overprotective.

Yoichi shrugged at Benkei's seemingly oblivious statement, and Yoshitsune suddenly spoke up.

Yoshitsune: Speaking of which, I met the fox princess.

Benkei and Yoichi: ...

Benkei: ...You said you met her in the battle the other day too, right?

Yoichi: What a coincidence.

Yoichi: The fox princess, you mean the one who looked like an ordinary towns girl at first glance?

Benkei: It's not normal to help a yokai you've just met.

Yoichi: That's why I said at first glance. Oh yeah, she helped our soldiers too, right?

Benkei: Ha, I don't know what she's thinking.

Yoshitsune: I know.

Yoshitsune had a faint smile on his lips.

Yoshitsune: ...She was a more intriguing person than I expected.

Benkei: Yoshitsune-sama...

Yoichi: ...

Benkei and Yoichi exchanged glances at his unexpected reaction.

Yoichi: ...Huh.

Yoichi: That's rare. It's not often we hear you talk about others like that, Yoshitsune-sama.

Yoshitsune: Is that so?

Yoshitsune thought for a moment before speaking.

Yoshitsune: Maybe she caught my attention because she's an enemy.

Benkei: Is that how it is?

Yoichi: ...

Next to Benkei, who looked a little unconvinced, Yoichi remained silent, as if pondering something.

-

A few days later—

I was heading to the training grounds to deliver some medicine I had been asked to make.

(I'll have to make more medicine when I get back to my room because I'll run out after this delivery!)

Yoshino: Whoa!

Lost in thought, I bumped into a retainer passing by.

Yoshino: I apologize.

Samurai: No, I apologize.

I managed to keep my balance and apologized, and the retainer quickly replied and left.

(He seems busy...)

The retainers passing by were all rushing down the hallway.

(Kagetoki mentioned it, didn't he?)

I recalled a conversation from a day when I was helping Kagetoki as usual.

**flashback**

Yoshino: A drought, you say?

Kagetoki: Yes, you know there's a nationwide drought going on...

Kagetoki: Countries with few reserves are expected to be in dire straits.

Yoshino: Ah... Yes, that's right.

Kagetoki: We've already received several requests for aid.

Kagetoki: Although we're on the verge of war with the rebels, we want to focus on domestic affairs before gathering provisions.

Kagetoki: That's probably the same for the enemy army as well.

**end of flashback**

(The drought is still going on, and it's a difficult situation...)

(I hope it rains soon.)

Yoritomo: ...It's Yoshino, I hear.

(Hmm?)

As I passed by the hall, I heard my name.

(That voice, Yoritomo-sama? What are they talking about?)

(Eavesdropping isn't good, but just a little...)

I stopped and listened through the sliding door.

Inside the hall, Yoritomo-sama and Kagetoki were discussing something.

Yoritomo: This morning, we received a letter from the rebels asking to postpone the battle.

Yoritomo: They want to make an agreement not to attack each other during that time.

Kagetoki: And in exchange, they want to trade Yoshino and Benkei as hostages in Hiraizumi and Kamakura?

Kagetoki folded his arms and pondered.

Kagetoki: That's an unusual proposal for Yoshitsune-sama.

Yoritomo: Yeah, that guy wouldn't hesitate to attack us.

Yoritomo: Maybe someone put him up to it.

(What? Hostages...?)

I blinked in surprise at the conversation I overheard.

And the person to be exchanged is Benkei, Yoshitsune-sama's close aide.

(What are Yoritomo-sama and Kagetoki planning to do...?)

I felt guilty for eavesdropping, but I couldn't help but be curious since it involved me.

The conversation continued on the other side of the sliding door where I was...

Yoritomo: At the very least, they must be in a difficult situation to make such a proposal.

Kagetoki: In any case, it's appealing that we wouldn't have to worry about external enemies in this situation and could focus on domestic affairs.

Yoritomo: If we let the people starve any longer, it will lead to trouble.

Kagetoki: Do you intend to accept?

Yoritomo: No.

Yoritomo glanced at Yoshino's name written in the letter.

Yoritomo: If she's exchanged for Benkei, his right-hand man, she won't be killed.

Yoritomo: However, Yoshino's spirit won't hold up.

Kagetoki: I agree.

Kagetoki: Unfortunately, Yoshino is a key figure who could influence the outcome of the war.

Kagetoki: If her spirit breaks, she won't even be able to stand on the battlefield. The hostage exchange is a bad move.

(...So that's what's happening.)

(I'm glad Yoritomo-sama and Kagetoki are thinking of me.)

(But is that really okay?)

(If my becoming a hostage could help the starving people...)

Yoritomo: It's decided then.

Kagetoki: Then, we'll send a letter of refusal to the rebels.

(Ah, the conversation is ending!)

I made up my mind and put my hand on the sliding door.

(I don't want to turn a blind eye when there's something I can do...)

Yoshino: Please wait!

Yoritomo: You...

Yoritomo-sama and Kagetoki's eyes widened slightly at my sudden appearance.

Yoshino: Please let me go.

Kagetoki: Eavesdropping is a bad habit, isn't it?

Yoshino: I apologize for that... I'm sorry.

I bowed my head and carefully chose my words.

(This isn't about self-sacrifice. I'm scared too, but...)

Yoshino: Yoritomo-sama said I wouldn't be killed even if I went.

Yoshino: If the only reason to refuse the offer is my feelings...

Yoshino: If I can endure a little and many people can be helped, I want to choose to go to Hiraizumi of my own free will!

Kagetoki: Oh, so you're not just saying this on impulse.

Yoshino: That's right.

(I've thought about it carefully so I won't regret it.)

Yoritomo: ...

He looked at me with his night sky-colored eyes as if questioning my true intentions.

Yoritomo: You'll be surrounded by enemies. You won't have a single ally.

Yoritomo: Even as a hostage, your life isn't guaranteed if things go south.

Yoritomo: In that situation—can you honestly say you'll be okay?

--CHOICES--

There are some anxieties, but...

Well...

Of course!

--------------

Yoshino: Of course, there are some anxieties, but...

(If it's Yoshitsune-sama... I'm sure he won't break his promise.)

Yoshino: Even so, I want to do what I can.

Yoritomo: I understand your resolve.

Yoshino: Th-then...

Yoritomo: I'll send a letter of acceptance to the rebels.

(Thank goodness! He accepted...)

Yoritomo: Kagetoki, are you okay with that?

Kagetoki: Yes. There's no reason to stop someone who wants to go of their own free will.

Kagetoki: Although this is a completely unexpected turn of events.

Yoritomo: Indeed.

Yoshino: I-I'm sorry.

Yoritomo: Silly girl. What are you apologizing for?

Yoritomo-sama shrugged.

Yoritomo: You're making a sacrifice for the Kamakura shogunate. Act more proud.

Yoshino: Ehh, I can't do that.

Kagetoki: Even though you have the guts to interrupt the shogun during a meeting?

(Ugh...)

Yoshino: ...I have no words to respond to that.

(I thought if I didn't speak up now, I wouldn't have another chance...)

Seeing me at a loss for words, Yoritomo-sama smiled.

Yoritomo: You're a strange woman.

Yoritomo: Well, when you come back, I'll welcome you as a hero.

(A hero... That's a bit of an exaggeration, but I'm happy.)

Yoshino: Thank you! I'll do my best.

I was encouraged by Yoritomo-sama's concern hidden beneath his teasing tone.

-

Time passed—

The day of my departure arrived, and everyone came to see me off.

Tamamo: I was surprised to hear you volunteered to be a hostage...

Tamamo: But as expected of the woman I chose.

Yoshino: You're exaggerating. Of course, I'm anxious.

Tamamo: That's understandable.

Tamamo: By the way, there's always the option of me secretly following you.

(That's something Tamamo would actually do!)

I couldn't help but laugh at Tamamo's playful suggestion.

Yoshino: Thank you! But I'll be fine.

Yoshino: I'd feel more reassured if you were there, but... wouldn't that be unfair?

Yoshino: I want to face this with sincerity.

Tamamo: Hmm...

A playful smile appeared on Tamamo's lips.

Tamamo: If I'm rejected, there's nothing I can do. I'll just have to wait for your return while playing around in the palace.

Shigehira: What are you saying so nonchalantly, Tamamo?

Shigehira glared at the smug Tamamo and then turned his gaze to me.

(What is it?)

Shigehira: I thought this when you started helping us, but you really do a lot.

Shigehira: Even though you ended up joining the shogunate by chance, there's no need to go that far.

Morinaga: Shigehira, if you're worried about Yoshino again, why don't you just say so?

(Huh?)

Yoshino: Is that so, Shigehira-san?

(This conversation feels familiar...)

Shigehira: ...It's not like that. I'm just stating the facts.

Yoritomo: Oh really?

Yoritomo: That doesn't sound like something a man who came to protest to me when he found out Yoshino was going to be a hostage would say.

Shigehira: Hey...

(I knew it...!)

Kagetoki spoke calmly as Shigehira was at a loss for words.

Kagetoki: He was vehemently protesting, asking, "Isn't there any other way?"

Kagetoki: He only backed down when he learned of Yoshino's firm resolve.

Kagetoki: It's been a while since I've seen Shigehira so desperate.

Shigehira: ...

(He was that worried about me...)

Hearing that, I wasn't as surprised as I would have been before, but I felt even happier because...

Now I know that Shigehira is a kind person.

Yoshino: Thank you for always being there for me, Shigehira-san!

Shigehira: ...Can you stop that?

Yoshino: Huh?

Shigehira: The formal language. You're probably not used to it, so it's cringeworthy to hear.

Shigehira: Besides... I can respect your courage to go into enemy territory.

Yoshino: Shigehira-san...

Shigehira: You don't need the "-san" either. Just call me however you like.

Yoshino: Really... You mean it!?

(Wow, I'm so happy...!)

Shigehira: Don't make me say it again.

Yoshino: Thank you! Um... Shigehira.

Shigehira: ...Hmm.

Morinaga: I see, I see. So Shigehira wanted to get closer to Yozuki.

Tamamo: You've been waiting for a chance, haven't you?

Shigehira brushed off the two hands placed on his shoulders with annoyance.

Shigehira: Stop making assumptions!

As we chatted lively, the time for departure arrived before we knew it.

(I'm going to miss everyone...)

Tamamo: Don't cry because you miss me, okay? I won't be able to wipe your tears away.

Yoshino: Oh, come on... You're the one who shouldn't get too lonely without me, Tamamo!

Tamamo: You've gotten cheeky.

Kagetoki: Please be careful. I don't mean anything by it, but you're irreplaceable.

Yoshino: Yes. You too, Kagetoki. Please don't overwork yourself.

Morinaga: You know him well. Kagetoki tends to work too much if left alone.

Yoshino: I've been helping him with his work, so I kind of know.

I exchanged a smile with Morinaga.

(He's not just a scary person. Kagetoki also works for the shogunate with conviction.)

Kagetoki: You're cheeky. I'll increase your workload when you get back, so be prepared.

Yoshino: ...I'll keep that in mind!

Everyone was smiling before I knew it.

Morinaga: Yoshino. I look forward to seeing you again.

Shigehira: It shouldn't be too long, but well...

Shigehira: ...Do your best.

Yoshino: ...Thank you so much, everyone.

Seeing me say goodbye while holding back my sadness, Yoritomo-sama spoke last.

Yoritomo: Go out there and give it your all, Yoshino.

Yoritomo: You're a member of the shogunate. Don't let the rebels see you crying and looking pathetic.

(A member, huh?)

(Even though I've only spent a short time in the shogunate...)

(I've come to trust these people so much without realizing it.)

(As long as everyone is waiting for me, I feel like I can do this.)

I straightened my posture and smiled again, this time from the heart.

Yoshino: Yes, I'm off!

With the many words I received as my strength, I took a step forward.

.

.

.

.

.

Chapter 7

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[deathblossomed]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 & 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒

@thuganomxcs :

He was going to the states for college, spending at least a year or two there to grab his diploma and then return with the plans to open his restaurant and per usual Yusuke had packed...far TOO LIGHT. "Yeah, I'm definitely ready..got my phone t' send a goodbye video to my mom cause I'm not a fan of long goodbyes. You wouldn't mind tellin' 'em I left right? As far as they know my plane's leaving in two days." When it's actually leaving on this day.

THE WEEKS LEADING UP TO Yusuke's departure are busier than usual. Making sure he has everything ready for his enrollment, that his house and truck are settled, and some last minute English practice. On the outside, Botan seems more excited than Yusuke does but that's pretty normal for them. She's had her own dealings between her own work and home in Reikai and Japan. But she had no intention of letting Yusuke spend the next few years alone, not again. There were certain perks to being able to commute via magic portals.

Aside from that, she has another plan up her sleeve. She knows Yusuke. He's going to pack more hair care items than clothes and 'figure it out when he gets there'. And he's going to avoid any kind of emotional departure. He's so lucky she's a busybody.

"I knew I shouldn't have let you pack by yourself," playing her part, she rolls eyes. "Sure, I would love to tell everyone you lied to them and disappeared. Again." This is what lead to the women in their group learning about the other worlds in the first place; bullying it out of Botan when they couldn't get to Yusuke.

Well, he'll be in for a surprise when he gets to the airport and finds everyone waiting to see him off -- Kurama and Yukina were put in charge of wrangling Hiei so that was unconfirmed. He can be mad at her later.

Botan leans over to kiss him, excited for the future. "Come on or you're going to be late."

[rouge-the-bat]

Please tell me more about Kurama (Shuichi Minamino) going to school with Yusuke and Kuwabara.

Personally I don't think he'd be close to either of them prior to Yusuke coming back to life, wherin he would call spirit world shenanigans. If we go with the idea that Hiei would follow Kurama around even prior to his arrest, I would not be shocked if local anime protag who hangs out on roof would find the little hellion once or twice.

Hiei would watch Yusuke beat up Kuwabara on a near daily bases, and when they meet he would give Yusuke a little "nice work, try explaining me to anyone and I will kill you" before blinking away. Or the classic Bill Murray of "no one will ever believe you". Kurama overhears Yusuke yelling to Keiko about some short black blur of a boy on the roof and local fox in disguise has to keep a straight face.

You know, if anything, Keiko and Kurama might know each other best out of all the group. They are both top ranking students, so they were probably teamed up for assignments or class activities.

Just some of my thoughts, love to hear more of yours.

HEHE YEAS U ACTUALLY ARE RIGHT ON THE MONEY OF SOME OF MY THOUGHTS ALREADY !!!

i already figured that Kurama wouldnt be close to Yusuke and Kuwabara prior to the actual events of normal canon, he avoids most people to keep a distance from them since hes a demon, aside from Maya who would tag along with him on her own accord (and he ends up making an exception for her since he was lonely prior to meeting Hiei, i also have a little Maya-related thought ill get into later).

and i think hed expressly avoid Kuwabara, not out of dislike for him or anything and hed be rather polite about it, but Kurama would hear the rumors of Kuwabaras spiritual awareness and figured itd be safer to stay away from him so he wouldnt detect his clearly non-human energy. and despite Kurama often being distant to many people, Kuwabara still picks up on how Shuichi seems to avoid him particularly- which ofc Yusuke has to make a joke that Shuichi probably thinks Kuwabara is a freak and that he should stay away, and says his assumption is right [cue another fight between Kuwabara and Yusuke lol].

AND YES YES Hiei absolutely follows Kurama around all the time, and i defintely think at some point when Yusuke goes up to the roof during lunch he ends up finding Kurama sitting with Hiei and sharing his lunch (packed by shiori of course) with him. and catches Kurama being Very Flirty with Hiei, who gets VERY blushy hehe. finally it clicks to Yusuke why Shuichi never goes out with any of the many girls that fawn over him lol (though he also wonders how the hell the kid that doesnt go to their school even got up onto the roof in the first place). i didnt think about Yusuke encountering Hiei up there alone at some point but thatd also be really fun, i love the thought of Hiei not giving a shit and just disappearing into thin air in front of him, which would put Kurama in a bit of a weird spot when Yusuke later sees them together and clearly are close. i definitely have to think more about the weird meetings Hiei can have with Yusuke and Kuwabara more lol. so many possible interactions to make them think "wow Shuichis secret punk boyfriend is weird as fuck" HGJDHFJ

I do think Hiei would find Yusuke and Kuwabaras antics amusing, gives something more interesting going on to witness at the school besides people just going about their usual business (though of course he also enjoys just watching Kurama because hes very pretty :'3 though he doesnt understand why he keeps to playing the part of perfect school boy). at some point Yusuke probably sees Hiei watching Shuichi from a tree or something and thinks hes his stalker until he finds them hanging out together jfksjjfd

and yeah i figured Kurama probably interacts with Keiko the most before the main story! since shes part of the student council, i think theyd sometimes work together for that even though Kurama isnt actually a part of it, since many clubs and stuff tend to ask him for various favors since hes the top student and great at problem solving of all kinds n stuff. and through that Kurama would sometimes interact a bit with Yusuke because hed totally come in to bother Keiko while shes working lmao. and sometimes during their spats one of them- usually Keiko- will try dragging Kurama into it to share his opinion, to which hed usually give a polite smile and laugh and say its not his place- if he DOES tell his stance though Yusuke knows Shuichi is probably gonna give advice that mostly sides with Keiko jgksjfjd

i also think that when Yusuke comes back from the dead, itd get Kuramas attention and hed try prodding Keiko about it, since he figured itd be more natural to find out the situation from her rather than Yusuke directly since he never really had much connection with him. because it wouldnt be likely for spirit world to just bring someone back to life for no reason and it makes him wonder whats up. but when Keiko doesnt really know the specifics of what happened (and fumbles and shyly avoids the part where she essentially kissed Yusuke back to life), Kurama doesnt really pry too much into it in the end though because he doesnt find it worth his time or energy since hes basically depressed around this time because of his mothers illness and is already planning to be sacrificing his life for her.

he quickly puts the pieces together during the artifacts of darkness arc when Yusuke calls himself a spirit detective, but Kurama ultimately doesnt act too much different here compared to the events of canon, because what would it matter if a classmate knows hes a demon criminal if (according to his plan) hes going to be dead soon? i also think that before this while Shiori has been sick, Yusuke and Kuwabara noticed that Shuichi still seems to be acting as he usually does, and still smiles, but his eyes look completely drained of life like a zombie.

i also see that before Kurama had a total personality overhaul because of his mother protecting him, when he was little he was quite a little shit. he wasnt overtly confrontational like Yusuke and Kuwabara were, but he always clearly held himself as above everyone in school- students and teachers alike. he never shared and wasnt so polite about avoiding people back then, especially since he found being surrounded by a bunch of little kids quite annoying, on top of being agitated back then about being stuck in such a tiny weak child body. Kurama also totally pulled pranks all the time, both to appease his boredom and to get revenge on anyone that pissed him off- particularly any teachers that tried to talk down to him. they tended to be of the ~supernatural~ variety, like mushrooms suddenly filling up a teachers desk files like theyd been growing there for a month, so he was never found out.

and Yusuke never personally clashed with Kurama, but he did have a bit of a grudge against him because whenever it seemed like Shuichi was gonna get in trouble for something, he got off the hook because of him being such a model student, while Yusuke never got off easy. He was especially salty about it because he always swore Shuichi was a thief but no one believed him. sure he never actually saw him steal anything, but the day the snack he brought went missing, Shuichi later had that same snack during lunch, and Yusuke swore it wasnt a coincidence (and it wasnt lmao, but he couldnt prove it). anytime some kids brought their gameboys or whatnot and their games went missing, Yusuke always suspected Shuichi (and he was right :p ). Yusuke knew if he confronted Shuichi hed probably get into way worse trouble for punching the lights out of the model student than he does for his roughhousing with Kuwabara. he also figured it probably wouldnt be satisfying to hit Shuichi anyways, because he thought he looked fragile like a doll and would crumple like tinfoil (oh how wrong he was about that though LOL).

then over one summer the situation of Shiori catching Kurama so he doesnt fall on broken glass happens, and he begins to change to how he is now. so when hes back at school, he suddenly seems TOTALLY different and is actually polite to others. he may still be rather quiet and reserved, but he smiles more, and actually helps people out often. he doesnt distance himself quite as much as he used to. the number of pranks and missing items dont stop completely, but they diminish quite a bit. his change was so drastic and sudden that Yusuke and Kuwabara would joke that Shuichi got abducted by aliens, had his brain wiped, and replaced with an alien trying to fit in and gain the humans trust LOL. i think Keiko would also sometimes nag Yusuke about how he should make a change in himself and be nicer to others like Shuichi has, which would make Yusuke a bit irritable around Kurama even though it wasnt really him that was the source of his annoyance

also once they get into junior high, Yusuke and Kuwabara are happy to see the number of pranks around the school have skyrocketed again. because even though Kurama is fake nice to Iwamoto and Akashi, he HATES them because theyre such assholes, even if they tend to be nice to him because of him being the top student. and Yusuke doesnt even particularly care that he tends to be blamed for the pranks by those two teachers, because seeing them being pranked is VERY fun, and theyll pin anything on him and Kuwabara anyways so theres no point hating whatever genius is actually pranking them. im unsure though on if Yusuke has ever found Kurama before in the process of setting up a prank, and thus figures all of the crazy pranks he has no clue how someone could even pull off is from Shuichi, or if he and Kuwabara are totally clueless on whos doing them.

after the events of two shots, i think even though he never really interacted with her before, Kuwabara would notice that Maya suddenly stopped following Shuichi around all the time, and Kuwabara assumes (rather accurately, though of course clueless of the supernatural happenings) that Maya asked him out and was turned down, and feels sympathy for her. Yusuke is like, 'oh what, youre gonna swoop in and be her knight in shining armor?' Kuwabars ofc denies that, saying shes very pretty and if she wanted to date he wouldnt turn her down, but he will not take advantage of her in her time of sorrow! so he tries being nice to her and they become sorta-friends (though Kuwabara is a bit freaked out from her interest in paranormal stuff lol). through this would also be a key moment where Yusuke and Kuwabars start noticing that theres something strange about Shuichi, as from Kurama using his flower of forgetfulness on her so she forgets her feelings for him, so too came a bit of alteration of her memories where she no longer has much memory about him in general, and thus doesnt recall spending much time with him. so when at some point Shuichi becomes a topic of conversation, its clear that she doesnt know him that well and is confused when people are surprised about that, and even more so when people insist that she used to hang around him a lot. her saying that thats not true and never happened puts the idea in Kuwabaras head that theres something Very weird about the situation.

also Yusuke totally does a "your mom" joke to Kurama at some point and is met with a COMPLETE DEATH GLARE and feels a weird threatening energy, while Kurama says with a very flat unemotive voice 'do not make those sorts of jokes about my mother.' Yusukes like 'jeez he looked like he was going to strangle me over a your mom joke' fkdbjgbdjf

THIS GOT REALLY LONG BUT. I JUST THINK THIS IDEA IS REALLY FUN N I WANNA DO SOMETHING WITH IT FKBDJ its fun to think about :'3

[gayuu-the-necromancer]

just wondering but what's Yoshino's personality like? She sounds like a great woman from the way you speak of her :)

Great is an understatement, if you ask me. She is the BEST WOMAN TO COME OUT OF CYBIRD!!! Of course, this is not a biased statement by any means. You can ask any players who have played genjiden, they all have only nice things to say about her! If anyone says, they hate her.................................................well, they have bad taste in women. That's all I can say!

My Yoshino is the definition of cute! You can google the definition of cute and the very sentence describes Yoshino. From her design to her personality, all screams cuteness!! Ikemen MCs are like a symbol of purity and kindness and I think out of all the MCs (excluding Kate for now) Yoshino fits that perfectly! She is very kind, considerate of others, adaptable, and very brave indeed. I'm not exaggerating this. As a doctor, she will treat anyone she can! Even including a demon. You can argue that it's because she is a doctor and all doctors would treat a wounded person regardless of whether they are friends or enemies. That could be true, but Yoshino's goal in life is also to open her own pharmacy and help anyone she can as long as she is alive. She doesn't do her job half-heartedly and treats everyone's injuries carefully as if she really wants her patients to be healthy. She also doesn't think she is too great of a doctor, because she also wants to study. If she finds any books on medicines, she will be sitting down and studying them for the whole night to the point that male leads have to carry her to bed. All male leads love watching her work because it heals their heart, but they would also have to make sure that she doesn't overwork because, yes! Yoshino is kind of a workaholic. I'll come to this matter later!

Now her being considerate. She doesn't care if the person standing in front of her is an enemy or a demon. Her kind heart will be still praying for their safety first. This can be clearly seen in some scenes, for example, in Yoshitsune's chap 1 and 2, Yoshino finds a fatally injured enemy soldier inside a hut where she took refuge from the ongoing war. Despite knowing that he's an enemy, she still decides to treat his injuries. She went out to get some water for her treatment but unfortunately confronts Yoshitsune on the battlefield. Yoshitsune of course was about to slice her head off, and Yoshino, after knowing that she is about to die and there is no one to rescue her, the first thing she recalls is the injured enemy soldier who is waiting for her in the hut. She immediately stops Yoshitsune from killing her saying that she's in the middle of her treatment and he can't kill her until she finishes it. This is just one example. No matter which situation she is in, the first thing she asks about is if her friends are safe or not.

Yoshino is very brave and adaptable. As long as she understands that the enemy in front of her has no intention of killing her, she will not be scared and will talk to him normally. The best example of this is Kurama's route. As you all know, Kurama has a unique personality. Yes, he glares and threatens everyone all the time, but he doesn't find weak people interesting. In his Chap 1, Kurama doesn't kill Yoshino despite her being an enemy because she's weak (physically). When Yoshino learned this, she started being less wary of Kurama and soon started understanding his personality. Kurama too finds it fascinating, how she bravely, talks her thoughts to him, eye-to-eye, without trembling. After she's taken hostage, she looked Yoshitsune and the others in the eye despite being a tad bit nervous. Yoshitsune and the others immediately like that about her because in this way she conveys that she doesn't have hatred towards Yoshitsune and his friends. She later even helped one of their citizens, which led to all of them giving her a party.

Yoshino is also brave or sometimes even more than the male lead in some cases. She will go to any lengths to save her loved ones. Like in Kagetoki's route, there is literally a scene where she shoves a knife at Akihito's throat and shows that she is actually ready to kill him. But this was just her plan to lure out Yasuchika, so he could stop Akihito from killing Kagetoki because she knows that Akihito is Yasuchika's weakness. Another scene from Kagetoki's route, which is my personal favorite, is when Kagetoki was suspected of being a spy of the Imperial Court. When everyone was blaming Kagetoki, Yoshino stepped in to prove his innocence by doing the investigation herself and bringing in actual proof. The beauty of this scene is that no one asked her to, not even Kagetoki. She did it all on her own. Even Kagetoki was shocked that she would be this brave to do something outside her comfort zone. There is also this scene in Yoichi's route where she fights a demon with a little bit of encouragement from Yoichi. There are scenes like this in almost every route.

Now coming to my favorite part. Yoshino is super seductive. It's not she wears revealing clothes to excite the male leads and get's all touchy, but instead when the male leads talk to her, they are all so smitten because she's so honest! It's not like she's trying to woo someone. Whatever she says and whatever reactions give, all are so honest. When she wants to understand someone, she openly asks and when she's bullied by the male leads, she blushes so much. Yes! Yoshino is a masochist. She really enjoys it when the male leads are a little 'mean' towards her. I'm not joking! She actually said it herself. Also, she has her own pick-up lines to excite the male leads. Here are some of my favorite pick-up lines:

Yoshino to Yoritomo: "I know, Yoritomo-sama is a man who doesn't show his weakness to anyone. But at least when we are together, I want you to be yourself."

Yoshino to Kagetoki: "Okay, Ibuki. I'll be your woman if Kagetoki-san loses the chess match....so let's see Kagetoki-san, if you can actually win this or not."

Yoshino to Shigehira: "Whenever you want me, I'll always be there for you."

Yoshino to Morinaga: "I wonder if I can be like you. If Yoritomo-sama is the one who changes the whole world, Morinaga-san is the one who saves his people. But I also learned that it is very difficult to save someone, I learned that today. That's why I really admire you....from the bottom of my heart."

Yoshino to Yoshitsune: "Please...Yoshitsune-sama....please leave a mark on me."

Yoshino to Benkei: "Benkei, can I hug you one more time? I feel safe and happy when I hug you."

Yoshino to Yoichi: "Just so you know! No matter what happens, I'm not giving up on you!"

Yoshino to Kurama: "Whenever we're doing it, I always end up fainting. I was a little sad because I thought I wasn't satisfying you enough. But last night, I didn't faint at all! So I'm not sad anymore!

Yoshino to Sueharu: "When I'm with you, I get excited. Even more, than you think."

Yoshino to Yasuchika: "I'll choose this purple one because it's the same color as Yasuchika."

Yoshino to Akihito: "I'll protect you from all the darkness in the world."

Yoshino to Tamamo: "I will never abandon you no matter what!"

Yoshino to Ibuki: "I didn't feel scared Ibuki. When I saw your horns coming out of your shiny blond hair, I thought they looked really beautiful under the evening sun."

Now let me explain some of her flaws so that no one complains.

As I said, Yoshino is a workaholic. Due to this she never takes care of herself. There was a scene in one of Ibuki's stories, where she ACTUALLY faints in the middle of the road at night due to anemia. Even though the male leads keep asking her to rest, she will still be stubborn and will always keep working hard. They all know that she loves her job but they also have to make sure that she doesn't go overboard. So the best way they find to stop Yoshino from working is to distract her by hugging and kissing her and whispering affectionate words to her ears.

She can also be reckless. She is someone who tries to do everything on her own. The male leads are always like "RELY ON ME!! I'LL PROTECT YOU!!" but this line goes above her head because she still becomes reckless no matter how many times the male leads begs her to not be reckless. In the end, the male leads gave up and told her to do whatever she wants and that they will be behind her back protecting her.

I could go on more if you want!

[kuipernebula]

Naruto is a Full Moon Lunar exalted, with the Fox as his spirit shape. His tell is his whisker markings on his face. He obviously makes use of Cunning Anglerfish Decoy and, when he reaches Essence 3, Ant-and-Starfish Trick to employ his shadow clones. There's actually a number of ways to work in Sexy Jutsu. The Rasengan is odd, though, because it's actually probably a Sorcery spell - and his control spell, at that. (The whole Frog Sage thing is almost CERTAINLY a Sorcerous Initiation. Hell, Sage Chakra is basically how Sorcerous Motes work.) Fox Mode is just his hybrid form, and becoming the Fox uses the Kaiju charms. (For what it is worth, Kurama is likely the name of his previous incarnation, and he gets unusually strong memories/perceptions of that incarnation later on.)

Sasuke is odd for a number of reasons - he's a Solaroid, but picking between Solar and Infernal depends on a lot of things. Either way, he's Day/Nadir caste, perfect for being a Ninja. Plus, the Uchiha clan is clearly a (probably Fire) Dragon-Blooded clan. The Sharingan is probably a Sorcerous Working with unique Evocations, which are probably Resonant with those of Uchiha descent - hence why Kakashi isn't as strong with it. His Cursed Form could definitely be inspiration for a Devil-Body if he's Infernal (and Susanoo could be an offshoot of that, for ease of use) Either way he's probably Naruto's Solar(/Infernal) Mate. (Whether that's romantic or not is. Up to interpretation.) Also like Naruto he has a Snake Sage Sorcerous Awakening and his Command Spell is the Chidori, probably.

Sakura... Is weird in that she exalts much later than Sasuke and Naruto, it being during her training with Tsunade. She could theoretically also be a Twilight Solar with Medicine Supernal and Brawl Charms - her Seal would be a Sorcerous Working, and she has a Sorcerous Initiation with the Slugs. She could also be an Exigent to a Medicine God of some variety, and her Seal could theoretically be a proper Charm Tree. (She's a rare Exigent that is on equal footing to Celestial Exalted)

Kakashi is... probably a Dragon-Blood, given his position in the village and what it means. I'd guess Wood Aspect or Earth Aspect, but we know very little about the Hatake clan. The White Light Chakra Saber is almost certainly an Artifact of White Jade (hence Earth Aspect) and he got his eye via Sorcerous Working (and has invested in it via Evocations.) His Sorcerous Control Spell is the dogs, somehow...

Sai is a Chosen of Secrets Sidereal (despite Endings being a better color), his birth and exaltation signs being The Sword and The Mask, respectively. His art technique is a Sidereal Martial Art (Sable Ink of Imitation, with the Scripture of the Lonely Maiden.) He's heavily invested in Integrity charms (hence he seems emotionless) but also in his SMA, as well as a normal martial art using a brush. (Don't ask me to name it now I can't) The reason no one remembers him until he shows up is Arcane Fate, and he is using a Resplendant Destiny.

Shikako (Dreaming of Sunshine) is a Getimian, which I find endlessly funny that she slots perfectly into this. Despite Summer being the right color, she's got the vibes of a Spring caste. Her Origin is either the DoS timeline, or the Real World, and either way she can pull a lot of shenanigans with that Origin. Her Seals may be odd applications of the Alchemy Tinctures that Getimians get, unclear because we only have a partial look at them. Most of her "I know how things go" is from her Origin stuff and Intelligence charms, though.

Maybe later I'll do Team 8 but they're two Lunars and a Sidereal/Solar (still deciding for Hinata) so they're going to be cracked. InoShikaCho are all Dragon-Blooded, clan shit is too integral to their whole deal. Aspects to be decided later.

Akatsuki is also going to be odd but I do know Pain is a Heart-Eater. Probably the only Heart-Eater of the series.

... oh and Orochimaru is probably a Lunar? Maybe???

[translationandbetrayals]

Animated human I: Anger

So, from the last post we can conclude that anime is meant to show things people can not express directly, just like every other form of art.

A painting expresses loneliness as well as a manga panel.

A character can express a certain kind of development as well as a poet.

  So, what's so important for us to appreciate? For example, we can talk about forgiveness. It's a delicate topic, since it's pretty difficult to do in real life; saying sorry or forgive, both just as hard as the other one but ironically, forgiveness is way easier when we notice regret; meaning, it's easier if the person to forgive did apologize first. Ironic definitely, but not less true.

It was even talked about by the famous philosopher Hannah Arednt, after she experienced the judgement of one of the worst nazi doctors. She thought that he looked normal, despite his crimes against humanity, and we know how that led her to talk about the banality of evil, but in the way she found this rock of the forgiveness dilemma.

  We can see it through plenty of characters, like Kurapika from Hunter x Hunter. It's not hard to understand why he cant forgive genei ryodan for their acts, but it gets hard to understand when, in the other hand, we see a character like Naruto, who tries his best to manage that kind of feelings and, unlike Kurapika, does forgive, even when the other being doesnt want his forgiveness; i'm not saying it was easy for him to do it, forgiveness it's a rough path itself, and i'm not comparing situations, because when it comes to pain, there's no pain worse than others.

So, we could say, just like Naruto did his forgiveness path, Kurapika could do it if he'd wanted to. And that's exactly the problem, in no moment of the Huxter x Hunter manga or anime we see Kurapika regret his rage and thirst for revenge, again unlike Naruto, who does think twice about his emotions for the problems that these cause because of the control that Kurama takes over him when his emotions are not controlled. 

Not so far from real human anger, that has destroyed people in the past in huge massacres. 

  It's hard to express tho, because anger is a big emotion it's hard to express without hurting anyone else; but we have seen what anger can take us to, in real human history as in anime. So we may prefer forgiveness, even though we haven't seen big history moments around it, we can see it through anime and in our everyday lives.

  By: Valentina Leyton.

[patibato]

[Bitter Sweet Sixteen] 002-A17 - Alien Egg

Ushio: …

The washbasin isn't dried after use, and of course, the mirror's covered in water.

The towels are wet, and the paper I brought for my own use is empty.

And best of all, they're playing appropriately loud music for a quiet night…

…Hahaha, hahahahaha…!

(This is why I don't want to live together with humans!)

*footsteps*

*door opens*

Ushio: You lot- -!?

*spray*

Akuta: Ah, whoopsie.

Ushio: What… is this…?

Akuta: Cola!

Nanaki: Aaah, it got all over your face. That's what happens when you come in without notice. Poor thing.

Muneuji: Are there towels? Kinugawa, please check to see if the floor's dirty.

Kiroku: …

Nanaki: We were having an "Adult-Free American-Style Party". Didn't invite you cuz we figure you hate lively stuff.

Ushio: … …

Akuta: YEAH~! I always give a warm welcome~! The carbonation'll reduce the wrinkles on your brow~♪

Ushio: …Why are you sucking the can from the side.

Akuta: This is "shotgunning". Saw it in a movie. You make a hole in the cola's guts, put your mouth there, and drink it di-rect-ly!

Makes you look like a super refi~ned adult. Popular with the ladies too!

Ushio: …

Nanaki: Ahahaha, you really are stupid. So soothing.

Ushio: It's not.

Muneuji: I see, so that's how all adults consume canned beer. I learned something new.

Ushio: …Is your helmet fully waterproof?

Muneuji: Yes. It's very pleasant, being guarded from the spray.

Akuta: Gimme another!

Nanaki: Aaalright, what song do we put on next. DJ's gotta be good at picking something to liven things up

Ushio: You guys can go to hell.

Akuta: Huh!? Of course we can! Falling, falling~!

Nanaki: Fine by me. When that happens, you'll be going there with us.

Ushio: …

Kiroku: …Ku… …

…Kurama… you might… know this, but-

Right now, the adults are… at a gathering… with some of the locals-

Ushio: -Buddharupa…

Kiroku: …!

Ushio: Idiotake doesn't listen, and it's annoying how Panda just has to get the last word in, so I'm gonna talk to you.

Kiroku: … …

Ushio: Why is it that you aren't stopping them?

Aren't things in a terrible state all over? Are you calm, even seeing such a disastrous scene?

Kiroku: Disastrous… scene?

Ushio: Selfishly using other people's paper, leaving clothes lying around after getting changed. Making my face all wet and sticky with cola. Saying things are noisy is an understatement, aren't they causing a disturbance?

What are you doing, hiding in a safety zone without stopping them? It's obvious the adults will be angry when they return, isn't it?

Kiroku: … Uh… ah…

Ushio: Hey, why? I'm absolutely not letting you get away until I get an answer.

Kiroku: … Ah… um…

Egg: …!

Kiroku: Ah.

*beep*

Ushio: … …

Muneuji: Oh. It's the egg.

Akuta: It's clinging to Ushio's face…!

Kiroku: …The, egg…

Ushio: Hh…

HOGYAaaAAAAAAAAAGH!

Kiroku: …Has, sprouted… legs…

Ushio: AAAAAH NO, WHAT IS THIS! OFF! GET IT OFF! SOMEONE GET IT OOOFF! NOOOOOO!

Kiroku: Kurama… you're kind of… r-reacting like a little girl…

Ushio: I can't see anything! Oi, Buddharupa! You're there aren't you! Huwwy and, and, get, get it, get it aaawff!

Kiroku: …Don't, move…

Egg: …

Ushio: …What the hell…

Kiroku: The egg has… legs…

Ushio: I can SEE that! That's so disgusting! Something like that, on my face…!

I'm going to wash my face. With a scourer.

Kiroku: -…But it's… so cute…

Ushio: Is something wrong with your aesthetic sense.

Kiroku: ……

Akuta: Yeah, I also got mega scared when I saw it earlier! It's all squiggly! So cool!

Nanaki: …I don't think it's alive, but I wonder if it has a purpose.

Kiroku: …I don't know… but, it's… cute…

Muneuji: I'm proud to be able to witness the miracles of space.

Ushio: You guys, what are you talking about this so casually for!? That's not normal!

This is ridiculous! Ridiculous, ridiculous, ridiculous! Saying it upfront, I'm changing my mind!

No way we can keep this! We've gotta throw it in the sea! It's my turn next, so I'm telling you now I'll definitely throw it away!

Nanaki: Yes, we're on the same page.

Ushio: First time I'll agree with you. Alright, the people who want to throw it away are me, Panda, and Kinugawa, so that's three. Majority rules means-

Kiroku: …!!

Ushio: …What is it.

Kiroku: I won't hand it over…

Ushio: Huh!?

Kiroku: I absolutely… won't hand it, to anyone… won't let you… be cruel to it.

Akuta: Ah, you comin' over to our side? Then we're the majority once again~! I'm not throwing it away!

Muneuji: Not throwing it away.

Kiroku: … Not…

Nanaki: shit.

Ushio: …

Right. That's fine. Give it here.

Kiroku: I won't, let you… throw…

Ushio: You're too suspicious. I won't. It's just my turn now.

Or do you think I'm a guy who's so bad at reading the room that I'd try overturning a majority decision?

Kiroku: …

Ushio: (I mean, obviously I'll throw it away. Aaah, but I don't want to touch it directly… I'll put it in a bug cage or something later…)

-Later, then. You guys make sure to clean up properly.

Akuta: 'Kaaay, good niiight. Nanaki, put a new song on! Something with oomph~!

Ushio: …

*door closes*

*Akuta and Nanaki laughing*

Muneuji: ……

News Reporter: "Moving on to our next report."

News Reporter: "Early this morning, a fire broke out at a coastal park in a metropolitan area. A cleanup robot's entire body was…"

Ushio: ……

News Reporter: "The incident saw no casualties."

Ushio: ……

Momiji: (Ushio's watching the news like it's the end of the world… I wonder if he's alright.)

Ushio-kun?

Ushio: …

Momiji: (No response. …Seems he doesn't want to talk.)

*door opens*

Muneuji: I have returned.

Momiji: Ah, welcome back. Thanks for going in my place!

Muneuji: No need to thank me.

In regards to Kinugawa, who is working hard by himself in the atelier, I would be happy if I was of even a bit of help.

Momiji: Kiroku-kun… how was he?

Muneuji: He's holed himself up in there, immersed in his creation like a man possessed, but-

*knock knock*

Muneuji: Kinugawa.

Kiroku: …

Muneuji: Pardon me for entering while you're concentrating. I come with provisions from Chief.

It's a large size bento centered around deep-fried food. An irresistible course for any growing Japanese boy.

Kiroku: …It's big… and… tawny… Thanks…

Muneuji: I'll leave it here. Well then.

Muneuji: Though there didn't seem to be any signs of it just yet, I'm sure he'll wolf it down sooner or later once he gets hungry.

And - I feel his countenance has changed somewhat. Any indication of his melancholic worrying has disappeared, or rather-

It was like an evil spirit had been purged from him.

Momiji: I see. That's great! Good job… ah.

Is that a souvenir? Did you get that for your family?

Muneuji: Yes. I took a quick look at a souvenir shop on my way back, and as there were many good-looking items, I got this for my younger sister.

Momiji: (So you really love your little sister, Muneuji-kun.)

Alright then, could I get your report on how everyone's getting on?

Muneuji: Understood. To start, as I'm sure you are aware, Nanamegi has begun composing his own music as he found simply operating it to be boring - he's full of motivation, and doing well.

Isotake has been vigorously shooting various scenes in Shodoshima, and is enthusiastic about editing them to match shots from the festival.

Momiji: Everything's progressing soundly, then!

(It's Day Five of the study tour, too… the festival's the day after tomorrow.)

(My only concern is…)

Ushio: …

Momiji: (This kid, who's lying down in front of the TV… I guess.)

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Masterlist

[rayshippouuchiha]

Naruto Always Blind through Canon Prompt

A few months after the Fourth Shinobi War during a mission to a old bunker a trap is set off and the team is whammied with a blinding poison powder. Getting back to Konoha Tsunade insists on a checkup on the people who were unaffected by the poison just to be safe. Tsunade, Sakura and all their tests say by definition Naruto is legally blind, Naruto says he doesn't understand what's supposed to be wrong because he doesn't feel different at all.

Cue Naruto's precious people realising that Naruto's been blind his entire life and no one cared enough to notice.

(Let's say in this AU Naruto subconsciously navigates around people by sensing emotions and the environment by using his chakra and thinks that's normal for everyone.)

OHHH OH the goddamn angst because it would explain so much about Naruto's past. The poor grades in school, the love of orange, etc etc

the absolute devestation of everyone else realizing that there was something like that going on with Naruto and no one cared enough to ever realize

Kurama could even fix him up later if you like