#hanshiro

[soylamejorok]

Fanfic, esta traducido de inglés a español, con créditos a la creadora original de la historia.

[namelesspastel]

You and Your Words

Gonzaburou Tashiro has lived his whole adult life feeling like something was… missing. After a wild night with a handsome, sexy stranger, he feels as if everything has fallen into place. But who was that stranger? And will they be able to help him from now? (Dom/subverse AU)

“You know how there’s Doms and there’s Subs and then there’s Normals who don’t have any type of dynamics?” I suddenly asked my friends, Miyano, Kuresawa and Shirahama as we were standing around a table at a club. It was one of the few days our time off aligned and the four of us had decided to get together (taking advantage of the fact that Miyano and Kuresawa finally got away from their lovers for once).

“… what?” Shirahama gave me a look that clearly said he thought I was insane while Kuresawa and Miyano both stopped what they were doing to also look at me, but theirs’ was looks of curiosity.

“Well it’s like, Doms need to dominate, right? And Subs need to be dominated. And Normals don’t need any of that. But is there anyone for like, someone who’s in-between? Someone that needs to be dominated but also needs to dominate?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Where did this even come from, Tashiro?” Miyano asked after sharing a look with Kuresawa.

“I keep seeing those commercials for that new drama series that’s coming out and it got me wondering if it’s based on any fact.” I said with a small shrug.

“Seriously??” Shirahama asked, incredulously and I nodded, which got me a big sigh in response.

“Oh! I know what drama you’re talking about! The one where the guy goes to the doctor ‘cause he’s been feeling off and then the doctor tells him he’s not a Normal but a Sub and then when he goes to get dominated it doesn’t work so he goes back to the doctor and the doctor tells him he’s both, right?” Miyano asked.

I nodded along with what he was saying. Kuresawa glanced at him, “Why did you focus so much on that?”

“The main character is a guy and so is the doctor they show in the ads. The doctor is totally a Dom top so it gave me Ideas.” Miyano explained and Kuresawa nodded, as if that answered all his questions.

“But why were you so focused on that, Tashiro? You think you’re turning into a Sub or something?” Shirahama asked, glossing over the debate that had suddenly started between Kuresawa and Miyano about who the main character of the drama should end up with (the doctor or the friend/co-worker that briefly showed up at the beginning).

I shook my head, “No, just curious. Everyone in my family is a Normal but I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to be a Dom.”

“Not a Sub?” Kuresawa asked, suddenly breaking off his conversation with Miyano and joining us again.

“I guess either or. Doms just seem like they have more power, ya know?”

“Well it is in the name,”

“Aren’t you guys curious? About dynamics and stuff?” I asked them and they all shook their heads, (even Miyano which surprised me the most). “Really?”

“I like reading about those type of situations but I can’t say I wanna be in them myself,” Miyano explained. “Shuumei-san is already really attentive as it is, I can’t imagine what it’d be like if we had a Dom/Sub relationship.”

“You’d be going into Subspace every second, huh?” I asked teasingly. Miyano thought about it for a moment before blushing and nodding his head.

“Probably.”

“What about you, Kuresawa? You seem like you’d be interested in that type of stuff.”

“My girlfriend is similar to Miyano, in that regard. She said that she likes the stories that come out of Dom/Sub dynamics but she doesn’t really want to experience any. I guess being in and out of the hospital as often as she has, has made her see some things that she’d rather not experience.”

“Ooh, I guess that makes sense, too.”

“What about me?” Shirahama asked after there was a lapse of silence where only the music in the club filled in.

“What about you, Shirahama?”

“Aren’t you going to ask me how I feel??”

“I already know how you feel. You don’t like Doms ‘cause you think they take all the cute Sub girls away and you don’t like Subs ‘cause you think they take all the hot Dom girls away.” I stated. I had been friends with Shirahama since middle school and we had been together throughout high school and now college. I was pretty good at reading him at this point.

“Still let me complain a little at least!” He groaned and then chugged his drink at all once. “It’s not fair! All they do is just exist and they can get any partner they want!”

“I don’t think it’s that. I mean, Doms and Subs have a codependent relationship. Doms need to give commands and Subs need to be commanded. If either doesn’t get what their body needs, they can have serious consquences to their health. Isn’t that why they make Dom and Sub suppressants? So they can live like a Normal?” Miyano pondered.

“So what you’re saying is being a Normal is the ideal everyone wants to achieve…?” Shirahama sniffed, lifting his head.

“… sure!” A million thoughts probably flew through his head at that question but clearly, he didn’t voice any of them.

“Miyano!” Suddenly Shirahama launched himself at Miyano, wrapping his arms around him and hugging him tight. “I knew I could count on you!”

“Mya-chan?” We all jumped and looked to see Sasaki Shuumei, Miyano’s boyfriend, giving us a cold, hard stare. Well, not us. Shirahama.

“Shuumei-san!” Miyano shoved Shirhama away and went directly into Sasaki-san’s arms, nuzzling into him. Sasaki-san went from a look that clearly said Want to kill you to I adore him so quickly that I simply blinked at all the harshness was gone from his expression. “What are you doing here?”

“I was hanging out with my friends from school and saw you and just wanted to say hi,” He said, gently stroking Miyano’s hair as he gave me and Kuresawa a nod. Shirahama had crumpled into a ball on the floor. “Is he okay?”

“He’s just drunk and wallowing in his sorrows.” I told him as Kuresawa and I dragged Shirahama to his feet.

“Speaking of, it’s getting pretty late. I have to be up early tomorrow so I’m gonna take this guy home. See you, Miyano, Tashiro.” Kuresawa said, hefting one of Shirahama’s arms over his shoulder. We both waved goodbye and soon the two of them were gone.

“What about you, Sasaki-san? Are you gonna hang around? You said you were with your friends.”

“Oh, no. Not anymore. I’m gonna go tell them I’m leaving, okay?” He directed that last part to Miyano, who nodded and let him go. Soon he blended in with the crowd.

“Is that okay?” I asked after I made sure he was gone.

“I mean, I’m not really okay with him ditching his friends every time for me but I also know at this point in our relationship that I’m not gonna be able to stop him. Even if I told him not to, he would agree in the moment but then come home two minutes after me so it’s just easier this way.”

“That’s so nice… you guys have been dating since high school and are still all lovey-dovey. You even live together and see each other every day, too…”

M iyano blushed, “It’s not that big of a deal…”

“Ready to go?” Sasaki-san returned faster than I had expected.

“Yeah!” Miyano grinned at him and slipped his hand into Sasaki-san’s. “See you later, Tashiro!”

“Bye,” I waved to the two of them, watching them go off hand in hand and couldn’t help but let out a wistful sigh. How nice it would be to have a partner that would dote on me in the way Sasaki-san did to Miyano… wait, or would I rather be the one doing the doting?

“Well, whatever.” I shrugged and drank the last of my beer. I didn’t want to go home just yet, but now that my friends were gone I didn’t really see much point in staying later. One more, and I’ll call it a night. I thought and made my way to the bar.

I got to the bar and sat in one of the empty stools. Once I placed my order and had a drink in my hand, I turned and watched the people in the club, This club in particular was one of our favorite places to meet up for end of night drinks because, while it was popular, it wasn’t ever too crowded and the music was nice. It wasn’t like a typical nightclub, it was way more relaxed than that.

There were people dancing and chatting, as you would see at any club, but there were also clearly couples doing what couples do at nightclubs. I tried my best to avert my eyes from the more steamy moments and as I did, I made eye contact with someone who looked like he was about to start one of those more steamy moments himself.

As he stared me down from across the room, I froze like prey suddenly being spotted by a predator. Unable to run as he made his way towards me.

***

I woke up the next morning, look up at a completely unfamiliar ceiling. I shot up in the bed and looked around. I was… alone? I was pretty sure I was alone, anyway.

“Okay, Gonzaburou… think… what happened last night…?” I muttered to myself after taking in the clothing (mine) strewn across the room. I had gone to the club with Miyano and my other friends… Shirahama got drunk so Kuresawa took him home and then Sasaki came and he and Miyano went home… I was left on my own and I saw… “That guy!”

I suddenly remembered. He had been one of the most gorgeous men I had ever seen. Short, glossy deep brown hair and eyes that were so dark they actually seemed to be purple. He had been slightly shorter than me and I remember his cologne was… intoxicating… he smelled so good. We had made eye contact and he had approached me and… and…

“What happened after that?” I asked aloud. I could remember everything up until the moment he had started to talk to me but I couldn’t even remember what he had said. Clearly, whatever it was had led to us sleeping together, given the large circumstantial evidence, but I couldn’t for the life of me remember what he had said that led to this moment.

I know nothing funny happened… in fact, I feel amazing! Like I got the best sleep ever. My body doesn’t feel heavy like it did and I feel… refreshed? I wonder if we even did anything. If we did I guess I was on top, I don’t feel like anything was done to me . I thought, patting my body over. I even still had my underwear on. What was it Miyano had said? That when the bottom gets done the for first time there’s always pain in their lower back area ? I bent over the bedside, grabbing my shirt off the floor but didn’t feel any sort of discomfort in my back or lower region in general. “Maybe nothing really did happen…”

I shrugged and got out of bed, gathering up the rest of my things. I never did get his name or anything. Was this one of those one night stands people had? I had only had a few relationships since college (all girls) and they never lasted very long. I always felt… stifled when I was with them and eventually we would just drift apart and our break up would come naturally. I had never actually just slept with someone for one night only. And I definitely never slept with someone in some random hotel and woke up completely alone.

After leaving the room I went to check out and pay (silently praying I had enough to cover it) but to my surprise, the person behind the desk said that the room was already paid for. They said someone had left this morning and paid for it until noon. It was only a little after ten in the morning so I still had some time but I also had work later in the afternoon and still needed to go home.

***

I let out a large, loud sigh once I was in my apartment. Last night was… insane. I had never done that before and the more I thought about the more I just couldn’t believe it happened. Me? A one night stand? With a guy??? Well, that part wasn’t that big a deal. I didn’t really care that he was a guy. It was more because he had just been so attractive, I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that I had slept with him… well, if I even did sleep with him. Jury was still out on that one.

I still had some time before work so I decided to take a quick shower. Probably better to take one after last night than not, after all. I made my way into the bathroom like always but paused when I passed by the mirror. I couldn’t believe it…

“Whoa…” I tripled checked my reflection. My coworkers and such had made comments about my complexion – saying it looked like I hadn’t gotten any good rest in months – and normally, I could just wave it off. After all, I always looked like that but now… now I understood what they meant. My skin looked vibrant, compared to before. The bags under my eyes that had been there for as long as I could remember where gone, too. Just what the hell had happened last night?!

If you enjoyed that at all, you can read what's the rest here! It is still ongoing. It's slow going and I'm not as adamant about updating it cuz I wanna take it slow but it would mean a lot if you gave it a read! Keep in mind, the rest of the story is rated M so be aware if you plan on reading the rest!

[commanderthalys]

Silly guy (doomed to live forever)

[character-smash-or-pass-3]

"The best samurai movie with the best rugged actor man. With a sword. Dead wife too. What’s not to love."

[crowwolf]

Suspicious Minds

“The suspicious mind conjures its own demons.” ― Hanshiro Tsugomu Lately I’ve been going down some Reddit rabbit holes involving couples who never seem to trust each other, or who destroy what trust they had. Sometimes it seems that they are completing a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ie: expect distrust and less of my partner, ergo distrust and less happens. Suspicious minds can destroy…

[violentmusebox]

Standing here I realize meme, but it’s Akihiro.

"What do you know about 'the weak'? You weren't born poor. You've never been hungry. You don't know what it's like to fight and steal and kill just to survive!"

"But you did survive! Through sheer force of will, following your own set of rules! With your own two hands, you took back your own life!"

"And now, I'll take yours..."

[wistrea]

v. DRAGON AGE [ ORIGIN - VEILGUARD ] * very slight spoilers in the veilguard arc, but only in the very last part of this post. there's a warning for when the veilguard stuff starts, don't worry!

peril in their eyes, the battle has begun. death becomes the ashes of the evils yet to come. [ ... ] inquisitor's delight, a destiny it shines. magister, your ancient hand is broken in the light. — FALL OF THE MAGISTER

name: kira shirogane trevelyan -> house trevelyan is a noble family that acted as the ruling bloodline of the teyrnir of ostwick in the free marches, though a minor house in the standards of most of thedas. it is currently headed by bann and lady trevelyan, and it is noted that most of house trevelyan have close ties to the chantry in ostwick; as was their tradition, most of their kin are trained to go into service to the chantry.

aliases: the chaos witch, the beast of ostwick, archmage of rift magic, the " herald of andraste " title/s: lady trevelyan ( formerly ), the inquisitor, comtesse in kirkwall

species: " human " / half - elf ( mother was an elf, father was a human ) age: 21 ( origin ), 31 - 33 ( inquisition + trespasser ), 43 ( veilguard )

class: mage ( specialization: battle mage, arcane warrior, rift mage, spellblade )

affiliation: the ferelden circle of mages ( formerly ), the traveling party of the hero of ferelden during the fifth blight ( formerly ), the inquisition ( currently )

occupation: mage of the ferelden circle and apprentice to first enchanter irving ( formerly ), apostate mage and mercenary ( origin ), head of the spider lily order, the inquisitor, archmage of rift magic

weapons: yavanalis ( staff, cold ), staff of corruption ( staff, electricity ), the blade of tidarion ( staff, post-inquisition ), a cutpurse slicer dagger that had been a gift from a friend and she keeps with her at all times

current location: skyhold ( where she can often be found whilst the inquisition was still active ). post - trespasser location is currently unknown, but it is said that sending a raven with an intriguing enough letter to anyone bearing the sign of the inquisition may grant you an audience with the inquisitor.

companions: a raven named sanzu, the bog unicorn that serves as her usual mount.

[ FAMILY ]

parents: masako and hanshiro shirogane ( birth parents ), bann and lady trevelyan ( adoptive parents ) siblings: matsuko shirogane ( older brother ), ashitaka shirogane ( older brother ), yuuichiro shirogane ( younger brother ), the children of bann and lady trevelyan ( adoptive older siblings ) other relatives: lord albrecht ( distant relative on the trevelyan side ), lady osher lotharn trevelyan bayart ( cousin )

children: akihiko and ryoko shirogane -> said to have been born some years after the fifth blight, the identity of their father unknown, the shirogane twins were born to who thedas had called the chaos witch. while their identity was kept secret, they were raised by their mother somewhere in the free marches, rumored to be kirkwall.

[ BACKSTORY : PROLOGUE + ORIGIN ]

when their youngest and only daughter was four summers old, hanshiro and masako shirogane were killed by bandits in their rural village, leaving their three children in the woods after their parents told them to run. they were found by templars before the the sun had set, though unbeknownst to them, the child had seen how their commander had killed their mother, an elf, for having been an apostate mage in hiding. the children were brought back to the nearby chantry, where the bann and lady trevelyan had been visiting from the free marchest, and out of the kindness of their hearts ( or perhaps for the sake of their image, as pious followers of the maker's scripture ) had adopted the children and brought them back to ostwick. they were given their family's name and raised as their own.

in ostwick, kira trevelyan was adored by nearly all those who came across the bann's youngest daughter. she could often be found dressed in fabrics of lilacs and holding onto her mother's hand, as the lady brought her often to the chantry in prayer or to hosted galas where she never strayed far from their side. a quiet girl with a kind smile that earned her the favor of many a noble who cooed at her as though she were a bird in a lovely cage. she was taught the scriptures of andraste and how to wield weapons, as was the house's tradition, in hopes that the child will become useful to the chantry, for the trevelyans have always been devout followers of the maker. although kira did not truly hold devotion towards the maker was willing to do everything for the trevelyans, to pay them back for all they had done for her and her brothers, for they were her family. the bann had often reminded her of what they had done for her and her brothers, as though there was a debt to be paid, but not without affection.

at the age of twelve, all would change for the youngest trevelyan when her magic had manifested. standing in a tempest of her own creation when she had accompanied her eldest brother to one of the smaller towns within the free marches, the bandits who had overrun them now trapped in a fury of hail and lightning. the beast of ostwick, they called her. she never forgot the way her father had looked at her whilst she sat in the templars' holding cell, the pleas of his eldest son, or the way her mother never bothered to see her be sent away, as though she was nothing to them the moment she had become a mage. nearly the next morning, she was sent to the ferelden circle, as though there was no place for her in ostwick, not even their circle.

kira was a very talented and powerful mage, but she learned how to keep her skills subtle in order to quiet the rumors amongst the enchanters that they wished to turn her tranquil should she prove too much to handle. at the age of sixteen, she had undergone and passed her harrowing. she eventually becomes the apprentice of first enchanter irving and gets sent on an assignment with her mentor and a group of templars who were headed to ferelden. they had unexpectedly been ambushed by a group of darkspawn, no more than a dozen and yet the damage done to their small, traveling group was far more devastating than they anticipated. kira had managed to survive after slaying a few by her own staff, and came across a grey warden who aided them. it was said that the warden had wanted to invoke conscription and recruit the young mage, but did not have the chance to. taking the opportunity of a disarray band of templars, kira had fled, ignoring the shouts of the first enchanter behind her. she was unable to be found afterwards, and declared an apostate mage. her first order of business was to destroy her phylactery.

during her time as an apostate, kira travels all throughout thedas, surviving with her cunning alone and eventually taking a few mercenary jobs wherein a mage was useful but hard to come by, involving herself in several criminal circles that ran through thedas's underground. in this time, her ambition continued to grow more than the circle of mages had ever allowed it to, and she eventually manages to start a hidden network of her own that consisted of spies and blades sworn to her. it was known as the spider lily order.

during the events of the fifth blight, kira is able to be recruited as a companion by the hero of ferelden, after she offers her services when whispers of the grey warden's activities reach her ears as told to her by the spider lily. after the events of origin, she parts ways with the party, and otherwise disappears for the following decade. she spends her time studying forbidden arts of magic, investigating the fade as well, following all that happened with the archdemon. the only proof of her life was the occasional dissertation she would send to the ferelden circle by untraceable raven that contained her latest studies, with only the condition that they would credit her work otherwise she would " make them pay " as she always vaguely threatened at the end of every letter.

[ ARC: DA 2 ]

some years following the fifth blight, kira had made her way to kirkwall, under the disguise of simply an outlander with two children barely a handful of summers old who were her own. she lived within the shadows of the free marches, true name or intentions shrouded beneath her attempt at disguising her nature as a mage and as one who had fought alongside the hero of ferelden. it is only when the trevelyan name could be heard mentioned through the streets does trouble begin to stir for her.

[ ARC: INQUISITION + TRESPASSER ]

a tear in the very sky, and a conclave turned into ruin : her motivations for having snuck into the conclave were curiosity at best, upon hearing word that the ostwick circle and trevelyan name were to make an appearance. what followed was a blur of light, swallowed by darkness and finding herself chained in a dungeon, and a fragment of that same light embedded into her very arm. it was a dangerous thing, to put a mage of her reputation once known as the chaos witch, and now branded as the " herald of andraste " with the only anchor that could close the tears within the veil, as well as heading the inquisition. apart from being the inquisitor, kira is also known as the archmage of rift magic, after her studies in the last decade being the foundation upon which the new practice of rift magic was built in the first place.

[ ARC: VEILGUARD ] * will be updated as i progress through the game ... i haven't even finished act one yet so that's about as far as my info on kira here goes so far LMAO

kira is mostly busy attempting to keep the southern lands of thedas in tact amidst he onslaught of blight and armies alike running rampant. although she had disbanded the inquisition, she is still the inquisitor to many, and remains a leader to the armies at the front lines of these efforts to push back against the destruction that comes in waves. she continues to orchestrate evacuations and strategies that take up most of her time.

[japaneseaesthetics]

Kabuki Actor Iwai Hanshiro, by Toyohara Kunichika, 19th century, Japan

[a-bit-of-japanology]

Daughter Okoro Iwai Hanshiro - Noshoryuzen Nakamura Nakazo

Adachi Ginko

[romanceyourdemons]

i am a staunch hannai shipper. tsugumo hanshiro and chijiiwa jinnai were having crazy widower samurai sex whenever the cameras weren’t on them i just know it

[namelesspastel]

Fox and Chick: Chapter 1

Hanzawa Masato has changed since his high school days. No longer feeling the pressure to be the best of the best, he has decided to let off some steam now that he's in college. However, with that decision comes some complications. He needs to find a way to keep more complications from happening while still managing his carefree days. Enter Tashiro Gonzaburou. Will Tashiro be able to keep Hanzawa entertained long enough to keep more complications from rising? Or will things get even more complicated than before?

“Today is finally the day!” Tashiro Gonzaburou, cried out, racing ahead of his friends and spinning around to flash the victory sign at them.

“What are you talking about?” One asked.

“Wait, did you finally get the date with that cute girl in our seminar?” The other asked.

“No, no, no,” Tashiro shook his head and waggled his finger in time. “Today is the day… the ping-pong club is holding their first party!” He cried out. His friends gave a dull round of applause as he continued, “After spending my high school career in the ping pong club, I was forced into the captain position after the previous captain had to step down… I thought for sure I would never be able to have fun lightheartedly again but… but… the club here is so great! It has cute girls, the drinking parties are legendary, and it has cute girls!”

“What is it with him and girls?”

“He went to an all boys school for high school,”

“Ah,”

“Now, after studying my butt off I’m finally here and I can party and play ping pong as much as I want without that demon captain breathing down my neck that I’m slacking off! Three cheers for college life!”

***

Tashiro arrived outside the venue and took a deep breath. I can do this. Starting right after you pass through those doors, you are no longer Tashiro Gonzaburou, the guy who couldn’t talk to girls. You are Tashiro Gonzaburou who can talk to girls! “Okay!” Eyes blazing, Tashiro pushed open the doors and was immediately greeted by a loud cheer.

“Hey it’s the first year!”

“Eh? He’s cute!”

“Another pitcher over here, please!”

Tashiro eyes sparkled as he looked around the room. The club must’ve rented out the whole place, it was packed with students he had recognized from the first meeting. It was more people than he had been expecting for a ping-pong club though…

“Yo, Tashiro-kun!” The second year that had helped him sign up caught Tashiro’s eye and waved him over. Tashiro gladly joined him and he was immediately surrounded on all sides. “Introductions, introductions.”

“Yes! I’m Tashiro Gonzaburou, a first year in the Economics department! I joined this club because I love ping-pong! Nice to meet you all!” Tashiro introduced himself loud and proud and the end of his speech was met with applause.

“What other sports do you like?” One of the girls asked.

“Hmm…” Tashiro thought about it for a moment, “I’ll play anything but ping-pong is what I’m best at.”

“So you aren’t going to play any of the other sports?” The second year asked.

“Other sports?” Tashiro repeated, cocking his head.

“Oh, c’mon. You didn’t join just for ping-pong.” He said but when Tashiro continued to give him a blank smile he realized he wasn’t joking. “You do know this is a multi-sport club, right?”

“Really?!” Tashiro went wide eyed.

One of the other girls laughed, “Really. The original founders of the club just wanted to create a space where people could get together and play sports even if they weren’t athletic. It’s developed into this huge club where if people have a specific sport they want to play – like bowling or ping-pong – they can and if they’re good enough they can go to competitions and stuff. But if you want to play like soccer or basketball or even baseball just casually you can without worry.”

“It’s a nice easy going club, but if you have something you’re good at you can just focus on that.” The second year said.

“Huh…” Tashiro nodded along. He hadn’t been paying much attention when he had signed up. He just asked the nearest senpai if there was a ping-pong club and had been directed to the table. He didn’t look into it much and just signed up. That being the case though, all these people here makes a lot more sense. “Are any of the other groups good?”

“Yeah! The bowling team has won quite a few small competitions in the past.”

“What about the ping-pong team?”

“Well…” The second year shared a glance with his friends. “They weren’t that good honestly… in fact they were really bad to the point where people didn’t even want to play it even casually… but last year, we got this crazy strict person to join. They totally turned the team around, like magic! Thanks to them, the ping-pong team actually won some super important competitions last year and brought in a bunch of prizes and money.”

Another guy picked up the story, “Now the whole school knows our club and thanks to that person, we have more first years joining than ever!” He leaned close to Tashiro and said in a whisper, “A lot of really beautiful girls even joined just because that person brought so much to the table.”

“Wow… who is this person?” Tashiro asked his senpais.

“Um… they decided to be the vice captain of the team, right?”

“Not the captain?”

The second year shook his head, “They said they didn’t want to be captain yet. Said that it was too much with them just being a second year.”

“They’re only a second year and they’ve already done that much for one section of the club?” Tashiro asked and everyone nodded. “Wow…” That guy must be crazy talented.

“That’s enough about that. This is a welcoming party. So, let’s party!” Another loud cheer erupted throughout the room, this time with Tashiro joining in. Laughter, food, beer and drinks passed all around as everyone began to settle in and let loose. Tashiro didn’t have a lot of experience talking to girls, let alone ones who were older than him, but thanks to his senpais, he was able to jump into conversations without many problems.

“Hey, Tashiro-kun, is this your real hair?” One of the second year girls asked with a slight slur to her words. She reached across the table to lightly tug at his hair.

“No, it’s dyed.”

“Heeeh… what’s your normal color?”

“Hmm… a lot darker than this?” He said, pulling at his own hair to get a better look. “It’s like a dark brown. In high school I actually dyed it blonde but when I joined the ping-pong team I was told I couldn’t have dyed hair.”

“Did you dye it back?”

“No, I let it grow! They couldn’t complain if it wasn’t all blonde. But when I took my exams my mom made me get a hair cut and dye it back. She didn’t care what I did with it after I got into my school of choice though, and I didn’t really want to do blonde again so I just chose a lighter color instead.”

“If your hair is that dark, this dye job is really well done.” The girl next to him said. She leaned over a bit and sniffed the air around him, making him tense up and blush to his ears. “You don’t even smell like any dye!”

“Um…”

“Tashiro-kun, why are you blushing! You haven’t even drank anything yet!” The third year on his other said, slurring his words harshly.

Thankful for the distraction, Tashiro turned to him, “Senpai! You know I’m underage!”

“Oh, it’s fine!” He said, pushing a glass of overflowing beer into his hands. “I won’t tell anyone if you won’t,” He slurred, giving Tashiro a sloppy wink.

Tashiro laughed nervously and glanced at the beer in his hand. Just one little sip wouldn’t hurt… right? He thought, and slowly brought the glass to his lips.

Before the liquid even had the chance to enter his mouth, the glass was taken out of his hands, “Alright. I think that’s enough.” A voice said lowly next to his ear.

“Huuuhh?!?!” The third year drunkenly turned to see the person who had taken the drink and immediately went pale.

“Senpai? What’s wrong…?” Tashiro asked and also turned. He felt all the blood drain from his face as he turned around and saw, “Hana… zawa… sen… pai…?”

“Hm?” Hanzawa looked down and Tashiro felt a shiver run down his spine. He would never forgot that parted hair or those fox like eyes… when he would smile rather than make you feel some sort of comfort it would make you feel a sense of dread like never before.

“Oh my,” Hanzawa stared at him for a moment before giving him his classic smile that made Tashiro tense up. “It seems this party was worth coming to after all."

***

“Masato-san, I really like you! Please… please go out with me!”

“Sorry but my answer is no,” Hanzawa Masato said with a soft smile and a tilt of his head.

“But-”

“No,”

“I-”

“No.” Hanzawa said again. He had the same smile on his face as before but somehow… his tone…. The girl froze for a moment before lowering her head and scurrying away. Hanzawa sighed and returned to his table.

“That was rough to watch,” Hirano Taiga, a friend and classmate from his high school days, said as Hanzawa took his seat again.

“I was as gentle as I could be,” Hanzawa said with a sigh.

“I don’t get how you’re so popular, man.” Hirano scoffed.

“Well, it’s not like those girls go into it knowing nothing. They agree to a set of rules when we start,” Hanzawa explained lightly.

“Rules?” Hirano asked, ignoring the feeling in his gut that said he shouldn’t ask.

“Yes. See, in order to make sure things stay fun and stress free, I create a set of rules. Rule number one is, don’t expect me to like you back. Rule number two is, we can stay together as long as it’s fun (for me).” Hanzawa said, counting the rules out on his hand, “The third rule isn’t so much a rule as it as a label on the relationship itself. I am simply looking for a partner to have some fun and release stress. It’s purely physical.”

“And these girls agree to that?”

“Oh yes, they’re more than okay with it at first. But, inevitably, they always end up thinking it’s something more and try to push the boundary further. I suppose I should admit, a small group of them are perfectly okay with it just being a physical thing and in fact have other friends in which they do the same thing.”

Hirano groaned, “I don’t know why I asked.”

“I had to play the perfect honors student throughout my high school years and even before that, Hirano-san.” Hanzawa said. “College is just a good place to let a little loose after all,”

“Agree to disagree,” Hirano said with another sigh.

“But I must admit, it is becoming a problem.”

“How so?”

“It seems like more and more girls think they’re on some type of pedestal, higher than the rest and therefore have the right to become my lover.”

“So?”

“I’m not quite sure how to stop this from happening.”

“Have you thought about getting an actual partner?” Hirano asked and Hanzawa frowned.

“How would that help? That would defeat the whole purpose of my attempts at trying to keep a casual relationship.”

“Well think about it, if you got an actual partner wouldn’t the girls who are looking for that type of relationship with you back off? And I wouldn’t think it would change anything for the ones that don’t care.”

“Hmm… so you’re saying get a decoy lover? Someone I can play the part with that wouldn’t take it too seriously from the start?”

Hirano closed his eyes and let out a long sigh, “Sure.”

“I suppose I could… but who would there be to ask?” Hanzawa mulled it over. “I couldn’t possibly ask another girl. The possibility that they take it seriously is high. Plus, I wouldn’t want put an unsuspecting girl through the harassment some of the more persistent ones are likely cause…”

“Um… Hanzawa-san?” A quiet voice broke through his stupor.

“Hm?” Hanzawa and Hirano turned and saw a group of rather skittish looking students at their table side.

“Um, you know how we’re having that party for the first years?” One of them asked.

“Party…? Oh, for the multi-sport club. Yes?”

“We were wondering if you would show up…?”

“Oh… well…”

“Just go,” Hirano said, kicking him lightly under the table. “It’s possible you could find the answer to your solution there, after all.”

“Hmm… I suppose you’re right. It’s certainly worth a shot, at the very least. Okay,” He gave the group a smile. “I can show my face at least.”

“Great!” They beamed at him. “We’ll send the info in the group chat. See you there!”

Hanzawa waved them goodbye and turned back to Hirano who was giving him a skeptic look. “Yes?”

“You came up with a solution, didn’t you?”

“Why yes, I did. If I can’t ask a girl to help me… then why not ask a guy instead?”

“Are you really okay with that though?” Hirano asked with a frown.

“It doesn’t really matter for this. If I ask guy for assistance, it’s more likely for me to reach my ultimate goal anyway. The persistent ones most likely won’t mess with a guy and if the girls who wish to start a relationship with me see with another male, they’ll probably back off as well. Add onto the fact that you are correct about the ones who didn’t care from the start most likely not minding either way, finding a male partner to play lovers with is the best option. Oh, would you look at the time? I’m going to be late for my next class.” Hanzawa began to gather up his things.

He waved to Hirano and left for his class, leaving Hirano to slump into his chair, “Good luck to the poor soul that has to play along with that crazy bastard…”

***

By the time the day of the welcoming party arrived, Hanzawa-san had completely forgotten. Between lectures, work and his ‘dates’ it had completely slipped his mind. It wasn’t until he had already said goodbye to his ‘date’ did he think to check his phone. He saw several messages from his club mates asking him when he was going to show up.

“Oh my… I had forgotten all about this. Let’s see… oh, it’s remarkably near by.” Hanzawa followed the directions and was quickly led to an izakaya style restaurant. He could hear the chaos from inside just by simply being near the door. Well… aren’t they lively?

He put on his best smile and opened the door. He was greeted by a roar of noise. A quick glance around the room showed that his club mates were well into the evening. Some were passed out face first on the tables, others were harassing first years. The sober ones that were left were trying to get everyone under some semblance of control.

His attention was drawn to a table towards the back corner of the room. A clearly flustered (most likely first year) club member was between a somewhat drunk second year girl and a very drunk third year. Hanzawa realized that aside from the girl sitting across from the three, every other person at that table was either passed out drunk or in the middle of something else. He sighed and made his way over.

“… I’m underage!” The flustered club member cried. Hanzawa realized at this point it wasn’t a boyish girl but rather, an actual boy.

“Oh, it’s fine!” The third year said, pushing a glass of overflowing beer into his hands. “I won’t tell anyone if you won’t,”

The boy laughed nervously and Hanzawa would see him wavering. After a few moments hesitation, he slowly brought the glass to his lips. Hanzawa quickly leaned over and took the glass of beer from him before he could take a drink.

“Alright, that’s enough of that.” Hanzawa said lowly, trying not to let his anger bubble over. A fun party where the first years had a few sips was fine as long as they weren’t being forced into it. Hanzawa wasn’t going to forgive anyone – even a senpai – for forcing someone else to drink.

“Huuuhh?!?!” The third year drunkenly turned to face Hanzawa and was met with his cold glare. The third year froze and went pale.

“Senpai? What’s wrong…?” The boy asked and turned around. “Hana… zawa… sen… pai…?”

“Hm?” Hanzawa glanced down. Oh. Tashrio Gonzaburou, his adorable underclassman from his high school days gazed back at him. Hanzawa felt his face break out into a grin. “Oh my, it seems this party was worth coming to after all.”

If you enjoyed that, you can read the full thing here! This is one of my favorite stories I've written (it's actually the first one I ever wrote for the Sasamiya fandom). I just love Tashiro and Hanzawa together, Idk I think they bounce well off each other. They're both my favorite characters aside from Sasaki and Miyano, I love them so much.

[byneddiedingo]

Tatsuya Nakadai in Harakiri (Masaki Kobayashi, 1962)

Cast: Tatsuya Nakadai, Rentarō Mikuni, Akira Ishihama, Shima Iwashita, Tetsuro Tanba, Masao Mishima, Ichiro Nakatani, Kei Sato, Yoshio Inaba. Screenplay: Shinobu Hashimoto, based on a novel by Yasuhiko Takiguchi. Cinematography: Yoshio Miyajima. Art Direction: Junpei Oosumi, Shigemasa Toda. Film editing: Hisashi Sagara. Music: Toro Takemitsu.   

A study in tragic irony, Harakiri was intended as a commentary on Japan's history of hierarchical societies, from the feudal era through the Tokugawa shogunate and down to the militarism that brought the country into World War II and finally the corporate capitalism in which the salaryman becomes the latest iteration of the serf, pledging fidelity to a ruling lord. Director Masaki Kobayashi sets his film on a steady pace that at first feels static. There are long scenes of talk, with little moving except the camera's slow pans and zooms. But as Kobayashi's protagonist, Hanshiro Tsugumo (brilliantly played by Tatsuya Nakadai), tells his harrowing tale of loss, the film opens out into beautifully crafted scenes of action, as well as one terrifying and painful scene of cruelty, in which a man is made to commit the title's ritual disembowelment with a sword made of bamboo. Although there is an extended fight sequence in which Hanshiro takes on the entire household of the Ii clan, the true climax of the film is the duel between Hanshiro and Hikokuro Omodaka (Tetsuro Tanba), the greatest swordsman in the Ii household. Especially in this scene, the cinematography of Yoshio Miyajima makes a brilliant case for black and white film, aided by the editing of Hisashi Sagara that cuts between the dueling men and the waving grasses on the windswept hillside where the fight takes place. Harakiri is one of the best samurai films ever made, but even that observation contains its own note of irony, since Kobayashi's aim with the film is to validate his protagonist's assertion that "samurai honor is ultimately nothing but a façade." 

[commanderthalys]

Meet Hanshiro Cho!

Possibly cursed by a wizard to roam the earth and never die, just to sell strange magical artifacts to anyone who has the coin…

He’s made the most of his unfortunate situation and is very well known with many skritt colonies across Tyria, who he has had friendships with that have lasted generations.

He’s also a descendent of Minister Cho’s line, and although he has lost the noble status, he still keeps the family business of collecting alive!

[masqsims4]

Fourth Invasion Aftermath

Seindu Kingdom

With the death of King Tristiran during the Fourth Invasion, Dowager Queen Winter made an announcement in regards to the succession of the next ruler. Princess-honorary Nifsara La Croy, adopted by Queen Winter and King Tristiran when they were teenage rulers, is to be the Regent until Crown Prince Ari becomes an adult and can prove himself worthy of the crown. The public is divided by this decision, as the popular choice is now a "queen", but it is only temporary.

Crown Prince Ari announced that he will step up as a royal to better serve his people and be the King they need for Seindu to be peaceful and prosperous. Currently drawn factions are becoming more vocal of their choices, and the kingdom is feeling more and more divided.

Regent Queen Nifsara La Croy and Regent King Emmett Braieforma-La Croy have not made any comments, however onlookers have said that the Regent Queen is "infuriated" by the state of affairs.

Third Empress (Komorebi Empire)

After the passing of the Regent Empress Yamaguchi Mai from the Fourth Invasion, the empire kept the promise of the late Emperor Yamaguchi Hanshiro to make their niece, Ohara Nadeshiko, the next in line. This morning, Third Empress Ohara Nadeshiko was crowned and throned at the age of sixteen.

"I do wish I had more time to prepare for this day," the new Empress laments, "but I am ready to serve as the first Empress in one hundred years."

Those close to the Empress have noted that she had been near tears since getting the news about the Regent Empress. While the whole country mourns of a powerful figure and great hero, they are ready to support their new Empress, who is already showing grace and resolve.

Alliance Queen (Braieforma Alliance)

Another kingdom mourns a great tragedy in the royal family! After widowed King Archer remarried and had children with world-class ballerina Regan Kincaid, he suffered a brain aneurism and passed away on the palace steps. While the now widowed Regan Kincaid has locked herself away in one of the royal properties in Willow Creek, the next in line for the throne, Crown Princess Samantha Braieforma, stepped up to become the Queen.

"I will see to my duties as Queen on my coronation." the new Queen promised. "For now, please allow my family and I time to grieve these sudden turn of events. We will stand stronger as we serve together, when we are ready."

The Alliance is all but forgiving and willing to help with what the royal family needs to thrive. And this is the beauty of the Alliance, they serve each other with equal love and care.

New Heir Announced (Faltal Industries)

Landgrave Little Faltal announced their heir to the company and title: Lord Balor Faltal, first born of their three triplets. Landgrave Faltal listed the qualities they preferred in an heir, including a drive to succeed and aggressive push through academics and a need to be a leader. This overlooks the first born son of Landgrave Faltal: Lord Valentine Braie-Iona Faltal, whom the public had also not previously favored. Lord Valentine commented: "I am not slighted or bitter. I can look after my father in our ancestral home now. Being his son is worth more to me than any company or crown. Please leave us in peace." Lord Valentine has also been spending time being a professional dancer and making connections in Sulani.

Crown Prince No More (New Sixam Empire)

Waves swept through Windenburg and through the Beerloith family as Crown Prince Kolt Seindu V announced he would step down as next in line, and gave the position to his half-brother, "Cesar." This came as a shock to the immediate family, with King Kolt Seindu IV attempting to strike down the decision.

The former crown prince sited a lack of ambition and lack of confidence in leading the richest country in the world, as well as praising Cesar for having drive, compassion and goals as a future king. First Queen Shino Kani, Cesar's mother, is more than supportive of this decision and is pushing for the change. The people are not divided on the issue, but are unsure of how to take the news of a direct lineage being broken. There is debate if a direct lineage even broke in the first place, as not only is Cesar the son of King Kolt Seindu IV, but Cesar's legal name is also Kolt Seindu V.

The King has vowed to not let this change of power come to pass, but the people, for once, may be more vocal than the king and royal family themselves.

Britechester in Ruins

The Fourth Invasion rocked the foundations of the two oldest colleges on Earth. The ground is sensitive and gives way at just the slightest step, and construction crews are working slowly to repair both campuses. Many students, teachers, faculty and civilians were injured and killed in the earthquakes, uprooting and crossfire of the Fourth Invasion, and it may take the world eons to recover. Not just lives were lost, but information, research and archives may never be recovered.

The Strangerville Militia is doing its best to investigate ground zero of the attack, noting the address where the Mother Plant sprouted from was the Bureau of Paranormal Activities headquarters, and reporting that all inside were killed upon impact. The Paranormal Botanical Garden is promising to keep us up to date. Until then, all college activity has been halted and online courses are being created and petitioned as alternates to higher education.

A New High Witch Rises! (WhiteTree Coven)

The WhiteTree Coven announced the happy news of a new High Witch leading the coven: High Witch Samara WhiteTree, daughter of Rhomari WhiteTree. The coven sings the praises of Samara, who defeated her mother in the deciding duel in the very first round, which is a first for the family line! The coven has gathered around Samara and her wishes, as she so far is not implementing changes except for one: as other countries, kingdoms and empires have been putting in requests for "Court Wizards," High Witch Samara stated that any coven member who takes on the job will not be welcomed back.

The small controversy will be discussed between the witches and keepers privately. This news outlet will keep the world posted on any changes.

Fate of the Island Divine (Sulani)

Many Divine elders were killed in the mysterious Third Invasion that happened in Sulani, but the cult continues to thrive with a new generation. Divine Luca Kani had announced after the horrific Fourth Invasion that the Mother Plant was unable to take hold on Sulani soil, and wilted with the power of Sulani Mana, which the Divine wields. Luca Kani has also announced that Sulani Mana is the ultimate defense against Infection, as none with Mana have been Infected and those with Mana react very poorly to vaccines for the Infection. Luca Kani continues to invite the world to join their movement, to take in Sulani Mana for themselves and eventually take away any of those who could be Infected by the Mother Plant.

The Strangerville Army and Paranormal Botanical Garden cannot verify these claims, as the Divine is not releasing the long dead body of the Third Invasion Mother Plant or allowing investigations of the site of the attack. Adding to the stress of the situation is the now aggressive "enforcer" of the Divine, Kiraseindu Megumi, who is attempting to silence any and all news articles about the Divine, positive or negative. After one Influencer publicly called out Megumi, that they "can't silence all of us!", Megumi loudly proclaimed to the world "YES I CAN"!

The Divine is now mostly made up of its younger members, now that many of the elders have perished, and the tone of the cult seems to be shifting. News outlets are not allowed to interview or advertise for these groups, so we cannot give specifics at this time. However, Sulani seems to be pushing against this group, as are other organizations around the world. With a change of power, and to a softer leader, the Divine may be no more within the next generation.

(Update: Hours after posting this section of the article, Kiraseindu Megumi has physically attacked the lead news investigator. Lawsuits are underway.)

Heroes on Horseback (Henford-on-Bagley, Chestnut Ridge)

The Forth Invasion has introduced fighters on horseback, coming from Chestnut Ridge, Henford-on-Bagley and Glimmerbrook. The citizens of Chestnut Ridge were able to move fighters to anywhere on the growing battlefield, while ambitious teen equestrian Eleanor Strangreix-Bongrin was able to sharpshoot with a rifle at a full gallop! From Glimmerbrook, Keeper Inushan Kani brought back the legendary unicorns from the White Tree itself, and was able to bring mobile medics through healing magic. In these quiet, tense moments waiting for the next Mother Plant to strike, the world has taken an interest in riding sports to pass the time and come together.

Many are excited for the first annual Chestnut Cup where the best horse riders will come together and compete for the world to see.

[wistrea]

sits here, thinking about the horikoshi siblings again 🧍‍♀️

for those who don't know! kira has three brothers: matsuko, the eldest. ashitaka, the second son and older than kira by two years. and yuuichiro who's the youngest and adopted when he was a baby.

kira cares for her brothers a lot. they're like a lifeline for keeping her humanity in check because they're the only family she has left. while their parents loved them very much, matsuko practically raised his siblings a lot of the time, with their father always busy defending their land and their mother needing help with four children to raise while she pursued her own ambitions.

they are truly ride or die for each other and they've proven it time and time again. when their parents died, they were the ones who kept the isle of anmatsuri and their clan's standing in place even if they are still so young at that time. its the reason why everyone in their home adores them so much.

if someone wronged or hurt one of them, the others immediately hate that person and will kill them :) no questions asked.

they trained together all throughout their youth even if their ages were different. matsuko took on training his younger siblings after their father passed, wielding his claymore while both kira and ashitaka tried to best him at the same time, and the clash of steel and magic was enough to have the other warriors in their estate always avoid the courtyard when the three of them were there.

eventually, there came a time when ashitaka and kira both surpassed him and he was so proud of them.

it's also the fact that despite their good standing as lords and protectors of anmatsuri, the empire of hazakura has to admit that they are frightened of the horikoshi siblings because of the power that they possess. the sons and daughter of hanshiro and masako horikoshi who time and time again have flaunted their prowess in battle and power whenever they came to participate in the tournaments, as if they were some kind of monsters with mortal blood.