#hikari minami

[stuff-diary]

First Love: Hatsukoi (初恋)

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2022

First Love: Hatsukoi (初恋) (2022, Japan)

Director & Writer: Yuri Kanchiku

Mini-review:

I'm going to start by saying that, from the very moment this drama was announced, it was like a dream come true for me: a story inspired by music from one of my favorite artists of all time (Hikaru Utada) and starring one of my favorite actresses in the world (Hikari Mitsushima). My expectations were obviously super-high, and fortunately, it didn't disappoint at all. Sure, there were a lot of clichés, but I firmly belive that clichés are great when you know how to use them properly, and it's clear Yuri Kanchiku knew exactly what she was doing. The acting is brilliant and there is no weak link in the cast, but I need to give a special shoutout to Taisei Kido. I had never seen him before and I felt he was so charming and charismatic, I really hope this becomes a breakout role for him. Another thing I want to highlight is the cinematography, which is absolutely gorgeous and unlike anything I've seen in a J-drama, it looked even better than many movies. To sum up, this is without a doubt the best Netflix Japan Original released so far.

P.S. The one little complain that I have is that I wish they had used more Utada music, beyond the title songs and Automatic. They have a lot of hits that span more than 20 years, and those songs would have helped a lot with setting up the time-periods. But anyway, that's it.

[voicehydrangea]

Sketch #7. Idk man, Stairway to Heaven?

[kusakabesimp]

@95lexx requested that I address fandom comments still circulating that Kusakabe is a coward. While this kind of talk has improved since Ch 254 and his fight with Sukuna, it still exists in some circles (sadly, even with some Kusa fans). So, I've compiled as many examples of his courage and compassion as possible throughout the series.

The concept of supposed cowardice can be closely tied to the act of protecting others, especially when the person in question is skilled at concealing their actual intentions and abilities. Instead of rushing into situations head-on, Kusakabe is highly resourceful, using his intelligence to protect others in subtle ways. By appearing cowardly, he turns situations to his advantage, protecting others without drawing unwanted attention to himself.

He Never Runs: Despite repeatedly saying he'll run away, Kusakabe never does. He's very good at convincing himself that he's afraid of dying, (L and M) but there is no doubt that he will risk his own life for those he loves, and those who respect him most know that. In Ch 254, Nanami explicitly states that he supports Kusakabe as a Grade 1 because he's reliable. (R)

When he isn't supporting others on the battlefield, Kusakabe takes charge on the sidelines, adjusting strategies and coordinating the next round of attacks. He's not just there to observe; he's there because he wants to be. If he didn't care, he wouldn't stay.

Protecting Civilians in Shibuya: In Ch 83, Kusakabe and Panda are walking just outside the curtain at Jr Shibuya Station, Shin Minami entrance, sometime between 8:14 PM and 9:22 PM. When Panda expresses concern about the safety of civilians, Kusakabe reveals that he's already checked in on them inside the curtain, despite Nitta's instructions to wait. (R)

He also mentions that there are special-grade curses in the basement of the Hikarie building, (L) which means Kusakabe didn't just go inside the curtain; he also went to Hikarie BF5. Before you assume he just abandoned everyone inside, he explicitly states he made sure there were no curses or curse users in the civilian area. He genuinely cares about their safety but downplays it and casually tells Panda to calm down.

Adding to proof: I believe Kusakabe checked into the curtain between 8:31 and 8:40 -- Gojo entered the curtain at 8:31, Hikarie BF1 at at 8:38, and dropped down to BF5 to fight Jogo and Hanami at 8:40. Kusakabe can sense the special-grades, so he can also sense Gojo. In his mind, Gojo has it handled. He didn't know Gojo was even sealed until almost an hour later. (Full timeline [here on reddit])

— KEEP GOING !! —

Even though Kusakabe swore he wouldn't go back to Hikarie, (R) he does. In Ch 114, Team Kusakabe searches the area between 9:40 PM and 11:01 PM. The search isn't a stalling tactic — the two of them cover about 25% more area in total than Ino's team. (You can see the comparison maps [here on Reddit].)

They eventually circle back to their starting point outside Shibuya Stream, directly across the street from the Hikarie building, and enter the station where they began, at the Shin Minami entrance.

Protecting his Kids: [Miwa:] You all know Kusakabe-Dad and Miwa are my favorite thing in this world; THEY ARE PRECIOUS, AND I LOVE THEM. Even in canon, it's obvious that Miwa is his favorite kid. When he talks about the other sorcerers, Miwa's name always comes first.

And he's very, VERY protective. In Ch 244, he may seem callous when he says there's no point in sending someone to the front lines who will only end up dying, like Miwa, referencing her binding vow.

But really, what he's saying is, "If any of you fuckers even think about sending my daughter into battle, I will fight you myself."

The manga shows just how close Miwa is to Maximum Uzumaki (left). Kusakabe was already on his way across the battlefield. And knowing she was the main target of the spell, he reached her first.

After the dust settles, we see that Miwa has been pushed the farthest back. Though he does save all three, he's clearly placing Miwa's safety above all else. (I will be doing a further analysis of this scene down the road when I discuss New Shadow Style)

[Panda]: In Ch 114, as they search around the upper levels of the Hikarie basement, Kusakabe worries that Panda might wander off on his own. With the special-grade curses still lurking on BF5, Kusakabe feels the weight of the responsibility for his student. But again, he hides his concern behind fear and pretends to be lost.

He knows absolutely nothing about the special-grades' power or CTs. Taking his student, a lower-grade sorcerer, into a fight blind — especially knowing that this group has just sealed the most powerful sorcerer he knows — would be a very dangerous decision.

In Chapter 114, he sets Panda free but tells him to keep it a secret. Maybe he's worried about appearing too soft to other sorcerers, but we know they consider his kindness as his most admirable quality.

He claims it's a way to repay Yaga for helping his sister and nephew, but his prior actions show a deep affection for Panda beyond mere obligation. (If you want more on his sister and nephew, you can read my post [here].)

There are plenty of other examples of his love and protection, but I didn't include every example since he has ten kids.

Protecting Higuruma: This is the most obvious example of Kusakabe's courage in word and action. In Ch 254, Kusakabe anticipates Sukuna's attack on Higuruma and rushes in head-on to support his right flank.

He quickly realizes there's no time to draw his katana (L), so he throws himself unarmed in front of Higuruma, (R) bearing the brunt of the damage. It is hard to see in the picture, but he's actually sliding in front of Hiromi to both push him back and shield him with his entire body, not just his arm. By prioritizing Higuruma's safety over his own, Kusaskabe again proves that his actions are fueled by selflessness, not by fear.

He's also very vocal about this protection. He constantly checks in on Higuruma, organizes support for him, and is ultimately willing to lay down his life to protect this man because YOUR HONOR THEY ARE IN LOVE.

Protecting Cursed Users: In Ch 114, two curse users confront Team Kusakabe, just as the Jogo vs Sukuna fight heads their way. Despite being moments away from potential death, Kusakabe alerts them to the impending collapse and urges them to run for safety.

These were the same cursed users who, just seconds before, were ready to kill him. Kusakabe's actions, even in moments of crisis, demonstrate a concern for preserving life and extending compassion (even to those who intend to harm him).

The Fight with Sukuna: Here, I'm going to focus solely on his courage. If you need a serious, in-depth fighting analysis, you can read my previous posts [here] on his adaptability in combat and [here] on his expert swordsmanship. There was a lot of back-and-forth in Ch 253 that Kusakabe would run away from this battle before it even started. But Kusakabe chose to be there. He made it clear before the fight that only those with RCT and those who wanted to die or didn't mind dying should be the only ones going to confront Sukuna. Some sorcerers didn't go, but Kusakabe did. And he stayed.

He'd already been fighting alongside Higuruma and then with the students as they moved onto the battlefield. Again, although he complains about what he has to do, he still goes to meet Sukuna willingly.

Courage isn't always in grand gestures; sometimes, it's small, subtle actions that show true bravery. Before and during the fight, he drops subtle clues about his willingness to risk everything without hesitation. The one I love: how he holds the katana (my KsHg friends know how much I love him with his katana *drool*

On the left: the last panel of 253. Take a look at his draw hand. (L) When drawing a katana, the sheath is positioned at an angle across the body, and the tsuba (handguard) is aligned with the center of the body. The sword is released from the sheath by pushing up on the tsuba with the non-draw hand and pulling it up and out with the draw hand. The index finger is relaxed until the sword reaches a point where it can be rotated for the cut. There's no hesitation. Even as Kusakabe thinks, "Is this really happening?" he's already decided to fight and is drawing his blade.

In the opening panel of 254, he immediately casts New Shadow Style, prepares to draw two-handed (R), and then continues to draw over and over again in order to deflect Sukuna's slashes. And again, with no hesitation, even after his katana breaks, Our King throws hands with the King of Curses. He knows he doesn't have a chance of beating him, but he's absolutely willing to lay down his life to try.

Kusakabe's deep love for those around him (despite his attempts to say otherwise) is a driving force behind his dedication to protect them. These subtle acts of devotion prove that love itself can be one of the greatest forms of bravery.

WE RESPECT KUSAKABE ATSUYA IN THIS HOUSE

[tsunflowers]

list of which precures I think are lesbians

nagisa: we see her suffering from terrible comphet. one day she will see herself as bi honoka: lesbian hikari: I don't know her :(

saki: doesn't know she's bi yet. probably will swing more towards girls once she figures out mai: lesbian michiru: I think she would go on a date with a boy to gather intel and feel nothing but if she went on a date with a girl she would feel something kaoru: I can't imagine her crushing on anyone but maybe that'll change

I feel like I still don't know the yespre girls well enough but I do think karen and milk are both lesbians

love: bi but completely oblivious to romantic overtures from any gender miki: I could see her dating another girl one time but she's mostly straight inori: ally setsuna: lesbian

tsubomi: probably bi or lesbian but the idea of romance in real life is still kinda scary erika: girl who calls her friends her girlfriends and it makes tsubomi uncomfortable for reasons she doesn't understand yet itsuki: bi but around the end of the series and immediately after she'll explore her interest in boys more bc she never thought she could express that before yuri: lesbian

hibiki: lesbian bc if she dated a boy she'd be letting us girls down kanade: bi ellen: I just can't imagine ellen having a crush on anyone bc it's been so long since I watched the show ako: still too young to be interested and also the examples of romance she's seen are hibikana and whatever her parents have going on so she's sort of down on the whole concept

miyuki: well her crush is peter pan. I think she's not interested in romance in real life. maybe she will be someday, maybe not akane: I remember shipping her with nao but somehow it's funny to me to say she's straight. she did have a crush on brian yayoi: like miyuki she's more interested in fictional romance. if she dated someone she would expect it to be like in anime nao: bi. she's like makoto sailor jupiter where she thinks boys dont like her bc she's too tall so she has to date girls reika: lesbian

mana: canonically straight rikka: canonically into mana. lesbian alice: I think she's still working on developing her own self-image outside the expectations of her family, who would certainly want her to marry a man makopi: disease where instead of brain you have princess marie-ange. lesbian aguri: still at the age where she thinks romance is something that happens in a movie where a prince rides in on a white horse

megumi, hime, yuuko, iona: bi

haruka: lesbian minami: lesbian kirara: bi towa: bi

mirai and riko: lesbian kotoha: I don't see her ever being interested in romance due to her whole thing

ichika: bi himari, aoi, yukari, akira, ciel: lesbian ciel flirts with guys but it's like when a gay man jokingly flirts with a woman. no real interest

hana: I don't have a strong feeling for her. wait she was into homare that one time. bi saaya: I don't have a strong feeling for her either homare: I think homare's straight actually emiru: lesbian lulu: no interest in boys, ever. lesbian

hikaru, lala, elena, madoka, yuni: lesbian I don't know if they have lesbians on lala's planet though

nodoka: I think for most of her life she was like "romance is something that happens to other people" so she hasn't spent time figuring it out yet chiyu: bi hinata: bi asumi: doesn't have those feelings which is good bc can you imagine asumi trying to date

manatsu, sango, minori, asuka, laura: lesbian

yui: bi but oblivious, like love kokone: lesbian ran: bi amane: lesbian

sora: lesbian. replace every time she says hero with lesbian mashiro: she definitely thinks she likes boys but I'm not sure if she does tsubasa: his curse is that if he hangs out with anyone his own age ageha will keep elbowing him and raising her eyebrows and he has to be like "it's not like that!!" so he doesn't know what it is like yet ageha: I feel like she does kind of have straight girl who calls her friends girlfriend energy elle: I dont know what to say about elle due to her situation

komugi: lesbian in dog years iroha: I think bi but hasn't explored it at all bc she's told herself it's not important yuki: lesbian cat mayu: lesbian human

[kirric-the-fan]

Fun idea: The precure cures accidentally end up stuck with their cure hair in civilian form for a while. Highlights include:

- Several cures now have blonde hair. Amane and Hinata are having particular trouble adjusting.

- Several cures now have pink hair. Yui and Hibiki are a bit uncertain about theirs. It's alright in cure form, but a bit showy for real life.

- Saaya is desperately trying to figure out how to manage this mass of hair she now has

- Minami trying to figure out how to explain hers, and what the heck to do with it.

- A lot of cures are actually okay with this. More than you think.

- No-one bats an eye at Asuka. Except for Yuriko, who rather likes the change.

- Mirai and Liko are kind-of okay until they sneeze or something and their hair changes styles randomly

- Kirakira are sweating bullets depending on whether I make this include ears and tails or not.

- Aguri is happier with her look. It's more like the princess.

- Miyuki keeps knocking people over with her pigtails. Hikaru is a bit more spacially aware with hers, but still has believability issues.

- Out of everyone, Nodoka is probably the most delighted with hers

- Hapchar has a pj party where they just do each others hair.

- Nagisa and Honoka don't even notice until they are contacted by a frantic Saki, or see Hikari and notice she has, like, 4x as much hair as usual. They don't even notice that straight away.

[yasutomoe]

Full Metal Alchemist The Stage [dl]

Cast: Isshiki Yohei : Edward Elric (double cast) Hirono Ryota : Edward Elric (double cast) Mashima Shuto : Alphonse Elric Okabe Rin : Winry Rockbell Aoki Jin : Roy Mustang (double cast) Wada Takuma : Roy Mustang (double cast) Tsukui Minami : Riza Hawkeye Metal Yoshida : Alex Louis Armstrong Okamoto Yuki : Maes Hughes Kimisawa Yuki : Jean Havoc Harashima Motohisa : Denny Brosh Mizuki Sakurako : Maria Ross Abe Yutaka : Tim Marco Oishi Keita : Shou Tucker Ono Hikari : Izumi Curtis Sao Kurama : Lust Hiramatsu Raima : Envy Kusano Taisei : Gluttony Hoshi Tomoya : Scar Suzuki Shogo : Solf J. Kimblee Kuge Megumi : Pinako Rockbell Saito Mizuki : Gracia Hughes Ogawa Himari : Nina Tucker (double cast) Shiribiki Yuika : Nina Tucker (double cast) Tatsumi Takuro : King Bradley Sakurada Kosei : Alphonse Elric (suit actor)

✨🦾✨

hello, 2.5D community! this would be my first time sharing my copy of a blu ray purchase so i hope i ripped the files properly. i haven't checked them due to my very packed schedule, so please message me if there are any problems.

here is the link to the files for both disc 1 (hirono ryo as edward elric, wada takuma as roy mustang) and disc 2 (isshiki yohei as edward elric, aoki jin as roy mustang). i might remove the link on this post after a while so please save it asap.

then as for the rules, just like the others, please do not upload on streaming sites.

enjoy the stage play!

[mono-blogs-art]

Revue Starlight Sports Festival Draft!

As you know, the big Stage Girl Sports Festival Revival will take place in February - literally just a full day event of the various cast members of Revue Starlight (from anime, game, and stage plays) will participate in a funky pretend-highschool sports festival. Today the full teams were decided via draft stream!

The team leaders had previously been announced:

Koyama Momoyo (Aijo Karen, Seisho) - Yellow Team "ZERO" Tomita Maho (Tendo Maya, Seisho) - Blue Team "This is..." Nomoto Hotaru (Yukishiro Akira, Siegfeld) - Red Team "HOT" Nanaki Kanon (Yanagi Koharu, Seiran) - Green Team "shuThuarunomi" (集中あるのみ; "sTay focused")

Also quite funny to me that 3 of the team leaders (all but Maho) are former Sera Myu performers... the Sailor Moon squad has taken over

As is tradition at this point, ensemble member Jinko Moe is the MC for this stream and explains the rules. In the first two rounds, all leaders are free to pick 1 stage girl of their chosing per round from the roster as their top picks. If any chose the same person, they will have to decide by draft - the loser can then choose freely again. After round 2, all other rounds are chosen by draft completely by luck. We already knew not all cast members are going to be there so not every stage girl is available for chosing. Suzuko Mimori (Hikari), Emiri Kato (Tsukasa) and Shiina Hekiru (Souda-sensei) are going to be the MCs at the event, so they won't be participating as athletes either. Also, Tsukui Minami (Suzu) and Kobayashi Yuka (Yakumo-sensei) are a "2 for 1" deal, as they won't be able to make the whole event (iirc).

Team Zero's name is the most easily explained. Moyo gets a lot of praise from her colleagues and chat for her genius team logo design. The E is a crown with tomato jewels... I'm in awe

Maho explains the pronunciation of her team: The "..." is performed dramatically with the eyes, like the above. Lol

Nossan's design of course features Hot-kun, Akira's favourite food & beloved plushie. The Hot-kun icon is actually the inside of a chili, not a sun. Apparently.

Kanon struggled quite a bit with finding a team name, and after consulting with the other leaders in their Line chat group, she wanted a good Koharu line as the team name. Koharu's "うるさい." ("Shut up.") came to mind, but she thought that was too rude for a team name, so shuchuarunomi it became. She placed a big T (position zero!) for the "ch" sound. Complicated, but clever.

Time for drawing the teams! In round 1, everyone is asked to present their top picks for their team.

Moyo's is: MATSUZAWA! Aka Matsuzawa Kanon, who plays Shiro from Siegfeld Middle School!

Maho's is the one and only Sato Hinata - student council president of Seisho herself, Hoshimi Junna.

Nossan's top pick is: Ikuta Teru of Futaba fame!! And funnily enough...

Kanon's pick is also Teru!!! She even drew a tiny Ponzu (Teru's dog) to sway the public. The crowd goes wild. They have to let fate decide who wins over Teru for their team, and Nossan comes out on top. So Kanon gets to choose again, and her next free pick is Haruchan! Aka her fellow Photon Maiden bestie, Iwata Haruki of Mahiru fame.

Time for round 2, and last round of free picks! Again, Moyo goes first.

Moyo's second pick is Saeki Iori, who plays Rinmeikan's Yuyuko!

Maho's second pick is Sasaki Mikoi aka Mikoron, Shizuha of Frontier!

Nossan's next pick is Koizumi Moeka aka Moepii, who plays the one and only Banana! Complaints from the other leaders are heard for her making her team too strong. Lol. We'll see about that.

Kanon's pick is Kuge Kokoro of the Siegfeld Middle Schoolers, who plays Minku! No overlaps this time, so everyone gets their first pick!

The next picks are all made by random draft, so it's really just up to luck. Kanon is praying to get at least one other Seiran member for her heart. Everyone is praying not to get Aiai (lmao). Kanon manages to draw Tsumutsumu, another Photon Maiden member, making it a 3/4 for her team (with the fourth PM member, Hinata, sitting in Maho's team). For Nossan, she manages to draw two people very close to her - Ozaki Yuka (Michiru) and Kadoyama Yoko (Hisame), two of Akira's girlfriends. Moyo gets both of the Yumeoji siblings. Maho gets to draw her bestie's wife, KDHR. Kanon's wish is fulfilled by drawing the 2for1 duo of Minami&Kobayashi, her fellow Seirans. The crowd goes wild when Nossan draws Aiai, her team being declared the noisiest for sure (they're not wrong, this will be utter chaos).

Final distribution:

Yellow Team "Zero": Koyama Momoyo (leader; Karen), Matsuzawa Kanon (Shiro), Saeki Iori (Yuyuko), Tono Hikaru (Shiori), Fukagawa Ruka (Ryoko), Kurachi Reo (Fumi)

Blue Team "This is...": Tomita Maho (leader; Maya), Sato Hinata (Junna), Sasaki Mikoi (Shizuha), Ito Ayasa (Kaoruko), Kudo Haruka (Yachiyo), Takeuchi Yume (Mei Fan)

Red Team "HOT": Nomoto Hotaru (leader; Akira), Ikuta Teru (Futaba), Koizumi Moeka (Nana), Ozaki Yuka (Michiru), Kadoyama Yoko (Hisame), Aiba Aina (Claudine)

Green Team "shuThuarunomi": Nanaki Kanon (leader; Koharu), Iwata Haruki (Mahiru), Kuge Kokoro (Minku), Tsumugi Risa (Rui), Sato Yuria (Kuina), Tsukui Minami (Suzu) & Kobayashi Yuka (Yakumo-sensei)

Info & Graphics can be found on the official Revstar twt , the stream was archived so you can watch the shenanigans yourself here!

[cure-mango]

Precure x MLP

What I think the characters would be (only doing the seasons I've watched)

Nagisa/Cure Black - Pegasus

Honoka/Cure White - Unicorn

Hikari/Shiny Luminous - Earth Pony

Saki/Cure Bloom - Earth Pony

Mai/Cure Egret - Pegasus

Hibiki/Cure Melody - Unicorn

Kanade/Cure Rhythm - Earth Pony

Ellen/Cure Beat - Changling

Ako/Cure Muse - Alicorn (wears clothes that hide wings so everybody thinks she's a unicorn)

Miyuki/Cure Happy - Earth Pony

Akane/Cure Rouge - Pegasus

Yayoi/Cure Peace - Pegasus

Nao/Cure March - Earth Pony

Reika/Cure Beauty - Unicorn

Ayumi/Cure Echo - Earth Pony

Megumi/Cure Lovely - Earth Pony

Hime/Cure Princess - Alicorn

Yuuko/Cure Honey - Earth Pony

Iona/Cure Fortune - Pegasus

Seiji - Earth Pony

Haruka/Cure Flora - Earth Pony (Turns into Alicorn when transformed)

Minami/Cure Mermaid - Unicorn (Turns into Alicorn when transformed)

Kirara/Cure Twinkle - Pegasus (Turns into Alicorn when transformed)

Towa/Cure Scarlet - Alicorn

Mirai/Cure Miracle - Earth Pony

Riko/Cure Magical - Unicorn

Kotoha/Cure Felice - Breezie

Ichika/Cure Whip - Earth Pony

Himari/Cure Custard - Earth Pony

Aoi/Cure Gelato - Earth Pony

Yukari/Cure Macaron - Unicorn

Akira/Cure Chocolat - Pegasus

Ciel/Cure Parfait - Pegasus

Rio/Pikario - Unicorn

Bibury - Pegasus

Hana/Cure Yell - Unicorn

Saaya/Cure Ange - Earth Pony

Homare/Cure Etoile - Pegasus

Emiru/Cure MaCherie - Unicorn

Ruru/Cure Amour - Earth Pony shaped Android

Henri/Cure Infini - Pegasus

Hikaru/Cure Star - Earth Pony

Elena/Cure Soleil - Kirin

Madoka/Cure Selene - Unicorn

Lala/Cure Milky & Yuni/Cure Cosmo - still aliens but more pony shaped aliens

Nodoka/Cure Grace - Earth Pony

Chiyu/Cure Fontaine - Pegasus

Hinata/Cure Sparkle - Earth Pony

Asumi/Cure Earth - Pegasus (Was Alicorn when born but gave up her horn)

Manatsu/Cure Summer - Pegasus

Sango/Cure Coral - Unicorn

Minori/Cure Papaya - Earth Pony

Asuka/Cure Flamingo - Pegasus

Laura/Cure La Mer - Seapony/Hippogriff

Yui/Cure Precious - Earth Pony

Kokone/Cure Spicy - Unicorn

Ran/Cure Yum Yum - Pegasus

Amane/Cure Finale - Unicorn

Takumi/Black Pepper - Earth Pony

Sora/Cure Sky - Pegasus

Mashiro/Cure Prism - Unicorn

Tsubasa/Cure Wing - Disabled Pegasus

Ageha/Cure Butterfly - Earth Pony

Ellee/Cure Majesty - Alicorn

Preme/Cure Supreme - Earth Pony (Alicorn as Supreme)

Cure Puca - Alicorn

Komugi/Cure Wonderful - Dog/Earth Pony

Iroha/Cure Friendy - Earth Pony

Yuki/Cure Nyammy - Cat/Unicorn

Mayu/Cure Lillian - Unicorn

Satoru - Pegasus

[linettefox]

Every character that appears in All Stars F

I have too much free time... Have a list of every character in the new Precure movie! They're in order of appearance.

KEY:

👑 - Main role

🎤 - Speaks at least once.

🤜 - Partakes in battle.

🎞️ - Appears in flashback.

🎭 - Cameo.

⭐ - Exclusive character.

LIST:

Sora Harewataru/Cure Sky 👑

Nagomi Yui/Cure Precious 👑

Kome-Kome/Cure Kome-Kome 👑

Natsuumi Manatsu/Cure Summer 👑

Preme/Cure Supreme 👑⭐

Nijigaoka Mashiro/Cure Prism 👑

Laura/Cure La Mer 👑

Kasai Amane/Cure Finale 👑

Puka 👑⭐

Hanadera Nodoka/Cure Grace 👑

Rabirin 👑

Yuunagi Tsubasa/Cure Wing 👑

Ha-chan/Hanami Kotoha/Cure Felice 👑

Yakushiji Saaya/Cure Ange 👑

Haruno Haruka/Cure Flora 👑

Elle-chan/Cure Majesty 👑

Hijiri Ageha/Cure Butterfly 👑

Kotozume Yukari/Cure Macaron 👑

Hagoromo Lala/Cure Milky 👑

Fuurin Asumi/Cure Earth 👑

Latte 👑

Kenjou Akira/Cure Chocolat 🎞️🤜🎤

Ark & his monsters ⭐

Milk/Mimino Kurumi/Milky Rose 🎞️🤜

Kujou Hikari/Shiny Luminous 🎞️🤜

Madoka Aguri/Cure Ace 🎞️🤜

Yuni/Cure Cosmo 🎞️🤜

Tsukikage Yuri/Cure Moonlight 🎞️🤜

Hoshina Hikaru/Cure Star 🎞️🤜🎤

Usami Ichika/Cure Whip 🎞️🤜🎤

Ichinose Minori/Cure Papaya 🎞️🤜

Kaido Minami/Cure Mermaid 🎞️🤜🎤

Yotsuba Alice/Cure Rosetta 🎞️🤜

Akimoto Komachi/Cure Mint 🎞️🤜

Minazuki Karen/Cure Aqua🎞️🤜

Suzumura Sango/Cure Coral 🎞️🤜

Kise Yayoi/Cure Peace 🎞️🤜

Fuwa Kokone/Cure Spicy 🎞️🤜

Misumi Nagisa/Cure Black 🎞️🤜🎤

Yukishiro Honoka/Cure White 🎞️🤜🎤

Hoshizora Miyuki/Cure Happy 🎞️🤜🎤

Aida Mana/Cure Heart 🎞️🤜🎤

Momozino Love/Cure Peach 🎞️🤜🎤

Nono Hana/Cure Yell 🎞️🤜🎤

Hyuuga Saki/Cure Bloom/Cure Bright 🎞️🤜🎤

Mishou Mai/Cure Egret/Cure Windy 🎞️🤜

Ruru Amour/Cure Amour 🎞️🤜

Aisaki Emiru/Cure Macherie 🎞️🤜

Hojo Hibiki/Cure Melody 🎞️🤜🎤

Minamino Kanade/Cure Rhythm 🎞️🤜

Asahina Mirai/Cure Miracle (All forms) 🎞️🤜

Izayoi Riko/Cure Magical (All forms) 🎞️🤜

Tategami Aoi/Cure Gelato 🎞️🤜

Amanogawa Kirara/Cure Twinkle 🎞️🤜

Akagi Towa/Cure Scarlet 🎞️🤜

Sawaizumi Chiyu/Cure Fontaine 🎞️🤜

Hanamichi Ran/Cure Yum Yum 🎞️🤜

Yumehara Nozomi/Cure Dream 🎞️🤜🎤

Coco 🎞️🎭

Kurumi Erika/Cure Marine 🎞️🤜

Myoudouin Itsuki/Cure Sunshine 🎞️🤜

Chypre 🎞️🎭

Coffret 🎞️🎭

Potpourri 🎞️🎭

Regina 🎞️🎭

Aino Megumi/Cure Lovely 🎞️🤜🎤

Sagara Seiju 🎞️🎭

Hikawa Iona/Cure Fortune (All forms) 🎞️🤜

Omori Yuka/Cure Honey (All forms) 🎞️🤜

Shirayuki Hime/Cure Princess (All forms) 🎞️🤜

Aoki Reika/Cure Beauty 🎞️🤜

Hino Akane/Cure Sunny 🎞️🤜

Midorikawa Nao/Cure March 🎞️🤜

Higashi Setsuna/Cure Passion (Eas makes a brief cameo) 🎞️🎭🤜

Yamabuki Inori/Cure Pine 🎞️🤜

Aono Miki/Cure Berry 🎞️🤜

Kiryuu Michiru/Cure Bright 🎞️🎭

Kiryuu Kaoru/Cure Windy 🎞️🎭

Shirabe Ako/Cure Muse (Masked Cure Muse also makes a brief cameo) 🎞️🎭🤜

Zakenna 🎞️🎭

Natsuki Rin/Cure Rouge 🎞️🤜

Kasugano Urara/Cure Lemonade 🎞️🤜

Kagayaki Homare/Cure Etoile 🎞️🤜

Kawakami Aya 🎞️🎭

Prince Kanata 🎞️🎭

Pafu 🎞️🎭

Nanase Yui 🎞️🎭

Aroma 🎞️🎭

Amamiya Elena/Cure Soleil 🤜

Ai-chan 🎭

Hishikawa Rikka/Cure Diamond 🤜

Kururun 🎭

Tarte 🎭

Chiffon 🎭

Hiramirsu Hinata/Cure Sparkle 🤜

Pekorin/Cure Pekorin🎭

Ribbon 🎭

Hummy 🎭

Prince 🎭

Fuwa 🎭

Harry 🎭

Hugtan/Cure Tomorrow 🎭

Syrup 🎭

Kirahoshi Ciel/Cure Parfait 🤜

Mofurun/Cure Mofurun 🎭

Nijigaoka Yoyo 🎭

Kurokawa Ellen/Cure Beat 🤜

Takizawa Asuka/Cure Flamingo 🤜

Kaguya Madoka/Cure Selene 🤜

Pop 🎭

Candy/Royale Candy 🎭

Natts 🎭

Mailpo 🎭

Chourou 🎭

Miss Shamour 🎭

Kuroro 🎭

Shiri (Purple fairy tone) 🎭

Miri (Orange fairy tone) 🎭

Sori (Green fairy tone) 🎭

Fari (Yellow fairy tone) 🎭

PhanPhan🎭

Glassun 🎭

Masuko Michio 🎭

Masuko Mika 🎭

Masuko Miyo 🎭

Shirabe Otokichi 🎭

Shiratori Yuriko 🎭

Koshino Natsuki 🎭

Mori Kyoko 🎭

Himenojou Sakurako 🎭

Karube Tatsunori 🎭

Chinen Miyuki 🎭

Aihara Yuuki 🎭

Ichijo Ranko 🎭

Pikario/Julio (Or Cure Waffle if that's what you like to call him) 🎭

Ban Kenji 🎭

Sebastian/Cure Sebastian 🎭

Wakamiya Henri/Cure Infini 🎭

Shinada Takumi/Black Pepper 🎭

Fujiwara 🎭

Princess Filia 🎭

Flora 🎭

Captain Shalala 🎭

AI (Lala's rocket) 🎭

Kouchou 🎭

Lord Coupe 🎭

Bibury 🎭

Bunbee 🎭

Wisdom/Stone Keeper 🎭

Soular 🎭

Westar 🎭

Aphrodite 🎭

Mephisto 🎭

Lady Teatine 🎭

Sir Johnathan Klondike 🎭

Mermaid Queen 🎭

Rosemary 🎭

Blue 🎭

Past Princess Precure 🎭

Cure Lumiere 🎭

Aunete/Cure Oasis 🎭

Cure Empress 🎭

Cure Echo 🎭

Gueru 🎭

EnEn 🎭

Hanasaki Kaoruko/Cure Flower 🎭

Mirage/Cure Mirage 🎭

Hikawa Iona/Cure Tender 🎭

Cure Nile 🎭

Wonderful Net Precure 🎭

Ohana/Cure Sunset 🎭

Olina/Cure Wave 🎭

Bomber Girls Precure 🎭

Cure Art 🎭

[itsmangacap]

A manga caps cleaning tutorial. requested by @noctemys

Program: photoshop cc2019 but could work on any older or newer versions.

i’ve been working on this and a hard time choosing which cap should i work on, i decided to write it using an easy one to work on and writing the tutorial on, but you could work this one even in more challanging caps to clean! i’ll show examples of different difficulty at the end of this tutorial. i’m still a work on a process when it comes to cleaning caps!

*tip: always try to use a high quality files! i personally like to work on the official files if they’re available. they make a huge difference as seen between this old and newcleaned cap!

step.1 first step is choosing a cap of your choice and crop the panel that you like. mine is from Special A by minami maki.

step.2 zoom in the cap, i usually go with x800! then using the lasso tool i select all the area i would like to erase and clean! this step could take a long time with some caps that have overlaying background effect with the characters. you could also use the pen tool or the magnet tool, whichever feel more comfortable using.

step.3 once you finish selecting the whole area you want to clean, with a white color fill the layer with white color!

step.4 some caps do need to up the contrast in them just like this one, i usually use the levels to increase the blacks and whites by ticking the black point to the left to increase the blackness and the white to the right until i like the result i get. for this one as it leans more to the grey than black i only needed to increase the blackness.

step.5 some caps aren’t truly in black/white so i just add a gradient black and white!

step.6 add a new colorfill layer and fill it with #f1f1f1 and set it to multiply. and delete the mask!!!

step.7 this step could be the last step or will need an extra step to make. and in this case we’ll need the extra step use magic wand tool select the background that i just cleaned you’ll notice the selection will include parts of both hikari’s hair and kei’s face.

step.8 after deselecting, with a round brush with a grey shade color - my choice is shade is #373737 -, i would zoom in the cap again and notice where the gaps that’s causing the selecting mess is. and while in the cap layers i would redraw those tiny parts��� sometimes the gaps are big and there’ll be many gaps.. you could either redraw by the mouse directly if the missing parts are small and tiny or use the pen tool to do that!

step.9 using the magic wand again select the area you want and select the colorfill layer click the mask icon from the layers box and you’re all set!

step.9 - optional- a last step i’ve been adding lately to my manga caps edits is adding this texture at the top of layers and lowering its opacity to 8% for a nice little touch!

the final layer box will look like this.

other cleaned caps before and after: before→ after | before → after | before→ after| before → after

you could add any background you like at the end for a different ending result

[puellamagishowdown]

Round 1 Has Finished!

Thank you all for voting! Some results are exactly what I expected but quite a few were confusing to me. Sometimes I wish I knew why people voted the way they did. Also, just for the record, I did randomize these. None of these pairings were planned.

Now for something important I'm going to say before things get too bad.

I've seen a few heated replies that are getting too close to aggressive for my taste. Guys, this is for fun. There are no real world consequences to the result of this poll bracket. If I believe someone is getting too aggressive or insulting towards other voters (or me), I will block. I don't want any true negativity here and if preventing some people from interacting keeps peace, I will do it. You all are free to try and convince others to vote the way you want, but keep it civil.

If you would like a list of results along with some commentary, feel free to click the keep reading button. Otherwise, see you all soon for the next round.

Suzune Amano vs Ayame Mikuri (54.3%) - The first result gives me sadness. I'm a real fan of Suzune's character.

Niko Kanna vs Miyuri Yukari (63.8%)

Pia Undo (59.2%) vs Yuuri Asuka

Tsubasa Hanekawa (50.4%) vs Alexandra Kurusu - This one was close. It was switching back and forth until the end.

Toyo (81.1%) vs Ebony

Sasa Yuuki vs Madoka Kaname (91.2%) - I wonder how Sasa would have done against someone other than Madoka. You know, the magical girl who will probably be in the top 5 if not win the whole bracket.

Livia Medeiros (67.1%) vs Hikari Kirai

Hayate Yagami vs Rena Minami (81.3%)

Tart vs Sana Futaba (67.1%)

Arisa Narumi vs Asahi Miura (68.1%)

Manaka Kurumi vs Kaede Akino (68.9%)

Ranka Chizu vs Sudachi Suwa (52.6%)

Mikoto Sena (81.5%) vs Hagumu Azumi - I'm sad we'll probably never see Mikoto animated. Her design is really pretty.

Hotaru Yura (83.3%) vs Moka Megumi

Himika Mao vs Saki Asami (60%)

Melissa de Vignolles vs Mikage Yakumo (58.9%)

Yukika Nanase vs Sasara Minagi (55.4%)

Amaryllis (61.3%) vs Shizuka Tokime

Ren Isuzu (83.1%) vs Pernelle

Shizuku Hozumi vs Kokoro Awane (56.1%)

Kuro (58%) vs Kaoru Maki - The character without eyes won. Okay.

Kagome Satori vs Nanaka Tokiwa (54.1%)

Kagari Hinata (66.7%) vs Mayoi Hachikuji

Alina Gray (69.1%) vs Ria Ami - I really love Ria's design. I would like to think she would have moved on if she wasn't against a major character like Alina.

Mikura Komachi (60.3%) vs Umika Misaki

Yu (77.5%) vs Lavi Himuro - Why? Is there some real love for Yu out there for some reason or is it just voting against Lavi? I really don't understand this one.

Kushu Irina vs Himena Aika (50.6%)

Sayuki Fumino (51.7%) vs Chika Aoba - The first of two tiebreakers. What a peculiar duo to be a tie. And I messed up the title of the poll like a loser.

Ashley Taylor (73.2%) vs Akira Shinobu

Yuuri vs Meiyui Chun (87.7%)

Hinano Miyako vs Mel Anna (67.1%)

Satomi Usagi vs Ryoko Natsu (76.1%) - Satomi was the reason I decided to use fan art for the Kazumi girls. The only colored art of her I could find had SAMPLE across the front of it. And she didn't even win.

Ayase Souju vs Hazuki Yusa (75.7%)

Tsukuyo Amane vs Eternal Sakura (75.3%)

Kanami Honoka vs Mayu Kozue (92.3%) - Poor Kanami got bodied.

Kako Natsume (58%) vs Hanna Sarasa

Maria Yuki vs Rui Mizuki (65.8%)

San Kagura vs Kanoko Yayoi (65%)

Chizuru vs Masara Kagami (70.4%)

Ryo Midori vs Juri Oba (66.7%)

Isabeau vs Kyoko Sakura (84.6%)

Tsubaki Mikoto (70.8%) vs Chisato Shion

Riz Hawkwood (83.9%) vs Temari Kira

Kanna Hijiri (52.6%) vs Jun Kazari

Sunao Toki vs Chiharu Hiroe (55%)

Aimi Eri vs Mito Aino (66.7%)

Kuroe vs Corbeau (51%) - The cloak girl showdown was really close. I really never knew who would win.

Nemu Hiiragi vs Tsuruno Yui (70.2%)

Kazumi vs Yuma Chitose (52.6%)

Hitagi Senjougahara vs Mitama Yakumo (59.6%) - I'll be honest, I kinda thought the Monogatari fans would have risen and voted. Then again, I have no idea how large the Monogatari fanbase is in the first place.

Shinobu Oshino vs Yuna Kureha (62.5%)

Yuuna Kaharu vs Riko Chiaki (70.5%)

Ayaka Mariko (53.5%) vs Takina Inoue

Meguru Hibiki (60.8%) vs Akari Mai

Nadeko Sengoku vs Momoko Togame (55.6%)

Mirai Wakaba vs Ui Tamaki (86.2%)

Ao Kasane (57.3%) vs Matsuri Hinata - I'm actually a bit crushed. I love both Matsuri's design and character. The fact she didn't get through but her sister did is almost worse.

Suruga Kanbaru (52.8%) vs Fate T. Harlaown

Seira Mihono vs Gunhild (69.8%)

Rion Yuzuki vs Homura Akemi (93.1%) - Rion was destroyed. I almost feel bad.

Asuka Tatsuki vs Sae Kirino (58.1%) - Fun fact, when the poll ended the first time it said 50.6% Asuka. Only the next day did it say it was tied. That's why the tiebreaker poll went up so much later.

Nagisa Momoe (83.2%) vs Sakuya Suzuka

Iroha Tamaki (66.9%) vs Chisato Nishikigi - I have no idea what Lycoris Recoil is about, but both of the crossover girls had really nice designs.

Mitsune Miwa vs Yachiyo Nanami (74.6%)

Seika Kumi (61.9%) vs Emika Kisaki

Nayuta Satomi (52.6%) vs Tsuyu Mizuna - The first time I saw Tsuyu, I just thought Ayaka Kamisato. Keep in mind, I was not playing Genshin at the time.

Yozuru Sasame vs Karin Misono (50.9%)

Urara Yume vs Kanae Yukino (75%)

Konoha Shizumi (61.5%) vs Eliza Celjska

Shigure Miyabi (62.4%) vs Haruka Kanade - Really? I thought Haruka had one of the better designs but apparently I'm wrong. Or maybe Shigure's story is really that good.

Tsukasa Amane vs Oriko Mikuni (63.8%) - Also a little sad neither Amane twin got through. I like their designs but that might just be my personal bias towards kimono-styled outfits.

Hotori Yuzuki vs Lapin (72%)

Tsumugi Wakana vs Olga (75.2%)

Mifuyu Azusa (59.2%) vs Mabayu Aki - Mabuyu has a design I think would have fit with the Holy Quintet if she was released back in the day (and the clothes were green). But I have heard Scene 0 is pretty meh so that probably held her back quite a lot.

Natsuki Utsuho vs Felicia Mitsuki (83.3%)

Mami Tomoe (71.4%) vs Touka Satomi

Rika Ayano (58.7%) vs Heruka

Sayaka Miki (86.1%) vs Nanoha Takamichi - I also thought the MGLN fans would have risen from depths and really voted for their titular character. But then again, Sayaka is a force to be reckoned with in this bracket.

Mitsuru Inami (73.6%) vs Luca Souju - Every single one of the characters I used fan art for didn't even move onto the second round. I could have just not included them and nothing would have changed. And that's a shame because I feel Kazumi has some real underrated designs, especially the Soujus.

Ikumi Makino (66.3%) vs Minou

Kanagi Izumi vs Kirika Kure (52.9%)

Konomi Haruna (76.5%) vs Leila Ibuki

[satoshi-mochida]

Memories Off Sousou: Not always true adds PS5 version, delayed to early 2025 in Japan - Gematsu

MAGES. has delayed romance visual novel Memories Off Sousou: Not always true from its previously planned 2024 release window to early 2025 in Japan, as well as announced that it will now launch for PlayStation 5 alongside its previously announced PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC versions.

Additionally, MAGES. announced plans to release an Asian version with support for Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese language options. Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese official websites were also opened alongside its Japanese website.

The game’s voice cast was also announced:

Sae Sunomiya (voiced by Lynn)

Nene Amaha (voiced by Ai Kakuma)

Kazune Kitakata (voiced by Hitomi Sekine)

Forster Mary Akira (voiced by Ami Aimoto)

Setsuka Nakamori (voiced by Aya Yamane)

Itsuki Kusumegi (voiced by Yuuya Hirose)

Arata Ootaki (voiced by Tomoya Itou)

Shin Inaho (voiced by Junji Majima)

Hikari Kurauchi (voiced by Riona Imaizumi)

Tsubame Minami (voiced by Haruna Ikezawa)

View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.

[fudgesoup]

The Stars are Cheering for You

Chapter 4: Determination

Rated: Teen - 4.1k - Rena Natsukawa x Original Character

Previous chapter | current chapter | Next Chapter | Masterlist |  AO3

Tags: Hokkaido Gals are Super Adorable, Rena Natsukawa x Original Character, Rena Natsukawa x OC, Rena x OC, Fuyuki Minami, Natsukawa Rena, Shiki Tsubasa, Original Character, Rena Natsukawa, Minami Fuyuki, Tsubasa Shiki, Akino Sayuri, Manga & Anime, Alternate Universe, College/University AU, Fluff, Friendship, College, Romance, Eventual Romance, Slow Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Fate, Drama, Light Angst, Tokyo, I didn't sleep to write this, Gossip, Love Confessions, Confessions, Crushes, Dating, Falling In Love, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, Kendo, Plot, Slice of Life, Canon Spoilers, Tension, Family Drama, Plot Twists, Idiots in Love, post-epilogue

Finals came and went in a whirlwind, leaving Rena feeling triumphant, as if she had just slain a beast. Each test that had once stood in her way, now lay defeated. She had slayed them all: every problem, every essay, and every equation, claiming what felt like an inevitable victory over Akimitsu. In the week that followed, she allowed herself a rare indulgence: a well-earned break. With the semester officially behind her, Rena found herself in a state of restless anticipation, eagerly awaiting the moment when Akimitsu would reveal his scores. She had been chasing this moment for so long, desperate to see all her efforts pay off..

During those carefree post-finals days, Rena often took walks through her neighborhood, occasionally with Umi and Hikari at her side. Unlike before, they went relatively unnoticed during their outings, a stark contrast to the unwanted attention that had once been a constant nuisance. However, Rena had begun to notice a peculiarity. Whenever she arrived at a place, any men who appeared to be university students mysteriously vanished. For someone of her petite stature, who didn’t exactly exude an intimidating presence, this sudden avoidance was strange.

One afternoon, curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to Umi with a puzzled expression. "Hey, have you noticed how guys just seem to… vanish whenever we show up?"

Umi raised an eyebrow, clearly not having given it much thought. “Huh. Now that you mention it, yeah, that is weird. I hadn’t really paid attention until you pointed it out.” She shared Rena's confusion, glancing around as if trying to catch one of these disappearing men in the act.

“Bizarre, right?” Rena mused, shaking her head with a soft laugh. "Not that I’m complaining. It’s actually kind of nice not to be harassed every other time we’re out."

They both laughed, but Rena couldn’t shake the peculiarity of it all. Ever since that incident when she was rescued, when those miscreants had assaulted her, and someone had stepped in to help, things had been different. Odd, yet refreshingly different. She could go anywhere now without constantly being on edge, without glancing over her shoulder.

On one particularly bright and sunny afternoon, Hikari was busy with drama club, leaving Rena and Umi free to wander the bustling streets of the shopping district. Their walk led them to a cozy little bookstore tucked away in a side alley, one of Umi’s favorite hidden gems. Umi, an avid reader with a love for historical and romantic novels, had brought Rena here before, but today she was especially animated. As they browsed through the shelves, Rena couldn’t help but notice Umi’s eyes light up when she spotted a series she adored. 

“Oh my gosh, you have to read this!” Umi exclaimed, clutching a book to her chest as if it were a precious treasure. The excitement in her voice was contagious.

Rena raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Umi’s enthusiasm. “What’s it about?”

“It’s about these two lovers from different social classes who meet in secret, despite the risks. It’s so tragic but so beautiful!” Umi’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke, clearly lost in the story already.

Rena chuckled, watching this new side of her friend with amusement. “Wow, I didn’t know you were such a romantic,” a playful grin spread across her face.

Umi blushed, laughing a little at her own giddiness. “Well, I guess I can be,” she admitted, glancing down at the book with a shy smile. “But Hikari isn’t really into the lovey-dovey stuff, you know? She’s more into the… uh, steamy, adult themes.” Umi squirmed as she confessed this, clearly embarrassed.

Rena couldn’t help but laugh at the contrast. “Really? Hikari’s into that?”

Umi nodded, still a little red. “Yeah, but it’s fine. I mean, it’s not really my thing, but I’m glad she doesn’t judge me for being, you know… more of a hopeless romantic.”

Rena gave her a playful nudge. “Hey, no judgment here. Besides, someone’s gotta balance out all the steam with some pure, heartwarming love stories.”

Umi was relieved, laughing off her earlier embarrassment.. "Thanks, Rena. I’ll leave the steamy stuff to Hikari, and I’ll stick to my tragic romances." 

They both laughed, Umi grabbed a couple of books and they found a table to sit and read the back cover teasers.

Umi leaned in just a touch closer to Rena examining her, her eyes gleamed with mischief. “So,” she began, voice dripping with curiosity, “what’s your take on romantic novels, hmm?” Her question seemed innocent enough, but the undertone gave ulterior motives. Umi wasn’t just idly wondering about Rena’s reading habits—she was fishing, trying to unearth something deeper, a suspicion that had been brewing in her mind for a while now.

Much like Akino and Minami before her, Umi had started to notice little signs, small shifts in Rena's demeanor whenever Akimitsu's name came up. It wasn’t anything over the top though, just small instances noticed in their time in class. Rena, after all, was nothing if not composed, but there was definitely something there; A flicker in her eyes, a hesitation in her speech. Umi, ever the detective, was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Rena played it cool, though the question had caught her off guard. She tapped her fingers lightly on the table, a thoughtful look crossing her face as she considered her response. Umi, however, was having none of her aloofness. She raised an eyebrow and went to work. “Oh, don’t think too hard about it, Rena. Just tell me, do you swoon over all those grand romantic gestures, or are you more of a realist?”

Rena narrowed her eyes playfully. “And what exactly are you insinuating, Umi?”

“Oh, nothing,” Umi said feigning innocence with a shrug.. “Just that… maybe, just maybe, someone we know has a secret soft spot for a certain someone. You know, someone tall, rugged, and easy on the eyes?”

Rena felt the heat rise to her cheeks before she could stop it, and Umi, ever observant, did not miss the faint blush. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Rena shot back, trying to maintain her usual calm. But her attempt to deflect only made Umi more convinced she was on the right track.

“Sure,” Umi teased, an expression of complete amusement sprawled on her face. “But you know, they say that romantic novels tend to reveal more about what we want in real life than we think. Just a thought.”

Rena tried to hold her composure, but Umi’s probing had clearly struck a nerve. “Romantic novels, huh?” she echoed, leaning back slightly as she pretended to mull over the question further. But in reality, her mind stalled at her questions. Why was Umi digging around this subject? This wasn’t just about books anymore, and Rena could feel the unspoken topic hanging in the air between them.

Of course, Umi wasn’t going to let her off easy. She had a glint in her eye, she was onto something and wasn’t about to let it go. “Come on, Rena,” Umi pressed, “Are you telling me you’ve never been swept off your feet by some grand romantic gesture in one of those novels? Or at least imagined what it’d be like?”

Rena scoffed, her fingers now drumming a steady rhythm on the table as if that might distract her from the creeping chills she could feel rising up her neck. “Swooning over some fictional prince charming isn’t exactly my style,” she replied, trying to sound dismissive.

Umi wasn’t buying it. “Really? Not even once? I mean, what about someone who’s not fictional? Someone… real?”

Rena rolled her eyes, but she could feel Umi’s gaze on her, sharp and unrelenting. It was obvious now that Umi wasn’t just talking about some random love story, she was digging for something far more specific.

“I think you’re reading too much into this,” Rena said with a sigh, but her voice didn’t carry the conviction she had hoped for. There was a slight waver, and Umi’s smile only grew wider.

“Am I, though?” Umi tilted her head, her voice turning sing-song. “Because, you know… you’ve been acting a little funny lately. Especially when a certain someone’s name comes up.”

Rena stiffened, and Umi pounced. “Akimitsu,” she said, dropping the name with a dramatic flourish. “You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed how often his name gets brought up in conversation these days. And how you always get just a little, what’s the word, flustered?”

Rena felt her heart skip a beat, but she refused to let it show. “Umi!” she scoffed in an attempt to play it cool but failing miserably. “That’s a bit of a stretch, don’t you think?”

But Umi wasn’t backing down. “I don’t know… is it?” she teased. “I mean, come on, Rena. You’ve been locked in these ‘fights’ with him forever, right? And now that finals are over, you’re just sitting here, waiting for him to reveal his scores like it’s some kind of life-or-death showdown. Don’t tell me there isn’t more to it than just who scored higher on the math test. You've been at each other's throats all semester.”

Rena’s fingers paused mid-drum as Umi’s words sank in. It was true, she had been obsessing over Akimitsu’s scores more than usual. But wasn’t that just part of the deal? Part of the competition she thrived on? She tried to convince herself that’s all it was, but Umi’s knowing smirk was making it harder to believe.

“His deal is a big part of it,” Rena said after a moment, her voice carefully measured. “I’ve been dying to find out why he only goes by his first name all semester. Of course, I want to know how he did even though I hate him”

Umi let out a dramatic sigh, leaning back in her chair. “Yeah, yeah, The Deal. But you know what they say, right?”

Rena blinked. “What?”

“There’s a fine line between hate and… something else.” Umi gave her a pointed look, one that said she wasn’t fooled by Rena’s cool exterior.

Rena crossed her arms, leaning back herself as if mimicking Umi’s posture might give her some control over the conversation. “I think you’re confusing this with something it’s not,” she replied, but the defensiveness in her tone was impossible to miss.

“Or maybe you’re not ready to admit that there’s more going on here. It’s fine, you know? You wouldn’t be the first person in history to develop feelings for the person they’ve been beefing with,” Umi added.

Rena opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out. She wasn’t sure why Umi’s words had gotten under her skin the way they had. It wasn’t like she hadn’t thought about Akimitsu before, he was boorish, carefree, and unmannered. All things she despised. Feelings of romance toward him? That was a complete stretch. Wasn’t it?

“I don’t have feelings for Akimitsu,” she bluntly stated, the words feeling strange on her tongue.

“Of course you don’t,” Umi replied smoothly, but the sarcasm cut through Rena’s statement. She leaned forward, her tone playful but pointed. “I’m just saying, if you did, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.”

Rena narrowed her eyes. “I don’t.”

“Uh-huh.” Umi stood up, her smile still firmly in place as she stretched and grabbed her bag. “Well, when you finally figure out what’s going on in that overachieving brain of yours, let me know. I’ll be waiting.”

Rena watched her go and purchase the books, her mind spinning in the wake of the conversation. She didn’t have feelings for Akimitsu… did she? It was just a competition for the sake of information. Just fighting and irritation. That’s all it had ever been. But as she sat there, her fingers tapping absentmindedly on the table once more, she couldn’t help but wonder if Umi had a point.

With a frustrated sigh, Rena grabbed her things, bought a book that caught her attention, and headed out of the bookstore. Umi’s words had disturbed a side of her that lay dormant inside. 

Days later, Rena found herself lounging on her sofa, trying to lose herself in the historical novel she had picked up during her last outing with Umi. The summer heat was at its peak, but her thoughts were elsewhere, constantly drifting to Akimitsu. His scores still hadn’t come in, and the waiting was gnawing at her. She had done everything she could to distract herself from the anticipation, but it lingered like a shadow in the back of her mind. She needed to know that she had succeeded. To her, victory over him was inevitable, a confirmation of her hard work. Damn it Umi… She thought to herself as she was reminded of her friend's analysis from the other day. But speak of the devil and she shall appear:

The universe had heard her inner thoughts, her phone buzzed on the armrest beside her. It was a message from Umi: Meet Hikari and I at the diner in half an hour. I have something for you. It’s from him.

Rena’s heart leapt into her throat the second she read the message. This was it—the moment. The triumph she had been waiting for. She shot up from the couch, her heart pounding. Her hands were trembling as she hurried to change into something more suitable, opting for a nicer top, fitted shorts, and her white sneakers. She hesitated for a moment before grabbing her fan, the one she never left home without these days. It was her comfort, her shield, the thing that always steadied her when the world felt too chaotic.

Once she was ready, she set off for the diner, the tension and excitement building with every step. She couldn’t wait to finally claim her victory over Akimitsu, to throw his smugness back in his face after enduring his ridiculous attitude for the latter half the semester. As she walked, her fingers subconsciously tightened around the fan, clutching it close to her chest.

When she arrived at the diner, she spotted Umi and Hikari sitting at their usual booth, the same spot they always gathered for late-night talks and spontaneous get-togethers. Rena crept up behind them, sliding into the booth without a sound, grinning mischievously as she caught them both by surprise.

Hikari jumped, nearly spilling her drink. “Jeez, Rena! Could you not be a ninja for once? Say something next time!”

Umi burst out laughing, wiping a tear from her eye as she tried to catch her breath. “I swear, Rena, you’re way too good at sneaking up on people! Poor Hikari didn’t stand a chance.”

Rena grinned, pleased with herself as they exchanged greetings, but she quickly cut to the chase. “Alright, enough messing around. Where is it?”

“I’m happy to see you too Rena,” Umi joked, “I'm kidding, I know exactly how much you've been wanting this. Luckily I saw him out in the wild and badgered him for it.” 

Umi’s playful expression softened, and she reached into her bag, pulling out an unopened envelope. She slid it across the table towards her, a glimmer of curiosity in eyes. On the front, it read: To Natsukawa 

Rena’s fingers shook slightly as she tore open the envelope, and inside were two sheets of paper. The first was a letter labeled ‘READ THIS FIRST’, while the second, folded beneath it, could only be his results. Her instincts screamed at her to skip the letter and dive straight into the numbers, to see the proof of her victory, but something about the letter demanded her attention. Why would he write a personal note? What is he playing at? Her curiosity won out, and she unfolded the letter, eyes darting over the words.

To Natsukawa,

I do hope there aren’t any hard feelings. I know how much you wanted to win this little competition of ours. I respect your dedication, and I’m sure you gave it your best. As promised, my results are enclosed. But, as you’ll soon see, there was only ever one outcome.

This semester has been… entertaining, to say the least. Watching you get agitated at my presence was amusing. You tried so hard not to show it, but I could tell. You snuck more than a few glances my way during class—don’t think I didn’t notice.

Unfortunately, this is goodbye. At least for a while. I won’t be around to enjoy your attempts at scolding me or that adorable blush that matches your pink hair.

Until fate allows us to meet again, -Akimitsu S.

Rena's heart hammered in her chest. The arrogance in his words was maddening, but that wasn’t what froze her in place. It was the way he’d written his name at the end…that final hint... Akimitsu S. The letter had given her something she hadn’t expected, a small clue about his family name. She was a step closer to figuring out who he really was.

But her mind barely had time to process it before she remembered—the results. She quickly unfolded the second page, her eyes scanning the numbers, and then… her breath hitched.

She had lost.

The numbers didn’t lie. Akimitsu had beaten her by a narrow margin, just enough to rob her of the victory she had been so certain of. She sat there, staring at the page, her heart sinking. The smugness in his letter made sense now—he had known. Of course, he had known all along that he had won. And now, he was rubbing it in her face, his final words taunting her: until fate allows us to meet again.

For a moment, Rena couldn’t speak. The shock of her defeat was too fresh, too sharp. She had worked tirelessly, pushing herself past her limits all semester. How did this happen?

Umi and Hikari exchanged concerned glances, noticing the change in Rena’s expression. Umi leaned forward, waving her hand in front of Rena’s face. “Rena? You okay? What does it say?”

Rena blinked, still numb from the shock. She swallowed, forcing her voice to work. “I… lost.”

The silence that followed was palpable. Both Umi and Hikari stared at her, disbelief flickering in their eyes. Hikari was the first to speak, her voice soft but incredulous. “You lost? To Akimitsu?”

Rena nodded, barely able to process it herself. “By a tiny margin… but yeah. He won.”

Umi leaned back in her seat, folding her arms with a sigh. “Well, damn. I thought for sure you had this one.”

Rena sat in stunned silence for a moment, she switched back to the letter and kept on rereading his final words. The way he signed it—Akimitsu S.—was maddeningly vague. His family name was within her grasp, but that single letter wasn’t enough. Not for her. She had to know more, to uncover the full truth behind this elusive, frustrating guy who had gotten under her skin.

“S? Just S? What kind of ridiculous hint is that?” she muttered, her fingers tightening around the letter.

Hikari, always quick to jump to conclusions, scoffed. “Honestly, are we even sure he didn’t cheat? I mean, it’s Akimitsu! He seems like the type who would do anything to win.”

That accusation made Rena’s blood boil. She snapped her gaze to Hikari, eyes flashing. “Cheat? No way. Akimitsu may be obnoxious, but he wouldn’t cheat. He’d want to win fair and square, just so he could rub it in my face.”

Hikari raised her hands defensively. “Okay, okay, just saying! You don’t have to get all fiery about it, jeez.. Anyway, whatever, don't worry about it, what are you going to do now? You’re obviously not going to drop it.”

She was right on the money, Rena gritted her teeth. She couldn’t just accept this loss, not without at least finding out who he really was. She stood up abruptly, startling both Umi and Hikari. “I need to find him.”

Umi frowned, a flicker of concern in her eyes. “Really? Right now? Sit down and I'll order you a milkshake or boba.”

“No,” Rena responded. “I’m not thirsty… I’m so lost right now, I’ve never felt this way before. I want to find him and I don’t know where to start.”

Umi examined her with the utmost concern and took Rena’s hand in her own. 

Hikari bit her lip as if deep in thought before her face lit up with sudden realization. “Actually… wait a minute. I think I have a lead.”

Rena faced her, her heart skipping. “What lead?”

“Well, I know someone who dated him back in high school,” Hikari responded calmly. “My friend Mai’s older sister went out with Akimitsu for a little while. You know I always thought he was a jerk, but maybe she knows something useful.”

Rena’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

Hikari nodded, already pulling out her phone. “I’ll text Mai and ask.”

The minutes dragged by slowly. Rena’s pulse thrummed with nervous energy as she waited. It wasn’t long before Hikari’s phone buzzed, and she glanced down at the screen, eyes widening.

“She says she knows where he goes often, a rec center nearby. He goes there for some kind of regular event.”

“Event?” Rena asked, leaning in, eager for details.

“Yeah. Mai says it’s something extra. Hold on, let me get more info.” Hikari typed furiously, and after another tense few seconds, she raised her head with a smirk. “It’s a kendo tournament. Apparently, Akimitsu is really into it. She even sent me a link to the event’s website.” Hikari scanned the website thoroughly, “Hey, there’s a tournament coming up soon, and you can buy tickets. And there’s a catch: formal traditional attire is required for spectators.”

“Kendo?” Rena blinked, the pieces of Akimitsu’s hidden life clicking into place. Kendo? Of all things, she hadn’t expected that. He didn’t strike her as the traditional, martial arts type. “There's so much I don't know about him,” she murmured, both surprised and intrigued. This was a side of him she hadn’t anticipated before, one that added more layers to his mysterious persona. And formal attire? That detail had stirred her personal interest. She had always loved traditional dress, the grace and poise it required. Now, she had even more reason to go.

Without missing a beat, Rena pulled out her phone and quickly looked up the event. The tournament was happening in just a few days. She scanned the page, taking in the details. This was her best shot at finding him, at getting some real answers.

She let out a determined huff and couldn’t risk waiting any longer. This was the perfect opportunity to confront Akimitsu, to finally get the truth about his family name and maybe, just maybe, to understand why he had been so enigmatic and difficult all semester.

Rena clenched her fists, her stubbornness and determination swelling within her. “I’m going,” she declared, the fire in her eyes burning brighter. “I have to go to this event. It’s the only way.”

Umi leaned forward, mingling with curiosity and concern. “Are you sure about this, Rena? What if he’s not even there?”

“He’ll be there,” Rena said firmly, her gaze locked on the website. “He wouldn’t miss this. I just know it.” 

Hikari grinned, clearly enjoying Rena’s fiery determination. “Wow Rena, you have it bad. In that case, you’d better go all out then. You’ll need to get your hands on some formal attire. You can’t show up to a kendo tournament looking casual.”

Rena didn't pay any mind to her comment, her actions were beyond rationality. She was already mentally planning her outfit. “Don’t worry, I know exactly what I’m going to wear.”

Knowing her next step, Rena was finally able to relax and socialize with her friends in a normal fashion. Umi and Hikari offered their support and teased Rena about her newfound determination to track Akimitsu down. 

Umi couldn’t help but give Rena an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “You’ve got this. Just… don’t kill him when you find him, alright?”

Rena laughed, the fire in her eyes had not dimmed. “No promises.”

With a final round of thanks to both of her friends, Rena stood up, determination radiating off her. She knew what she had to do next—prepare for the tournament, plan her outfit, and, most importantly, confront Akimitsu. She couldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

As she left the diner, her mind buzzed with plans. The clock was ticking, and the tournament was fast approaching. She only had a short time to prepare, but that only made her more determined.

This wasn’t over… not until she had her answers.

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[rknchan]

pretty cures as enneatypes!

(typings are not taken from personality database, these are my opinions on precure's enneatypes and they might differ from yours)

e1 - madoka kaguya (sp 1w9) & minami kaido (so 1w2) e2 - megumi aino (so 2w1) & erika kurumi (sp 2w3) e3 - kirara amanogawa (so?3w2) & miki aono (so 3w2) e4 - homare kagayaki (sp 4w5) e5 - yuri tsukikage (sx 5w4) & ruru amour (sp 5w6) e6 - setsuna higashi (so 6w5) & hime shirayuki (sp 6w7) e7 - hikaru hoshina (sx 7w6) & love momozono (so 7w8) e8 - nagisa misumi (so 8w7) e9 - yuko omori (so 9w1) & hikari kujou (sx 9w1)

[yuzukahibiscus]

Minami Maito’s Research 100

This was taken from the Minami Maito photobook, as kindly scanned by a mutual. At this time, Maiti was still in Flower Troupe.

Note: This is the second of my Research-100 translation series and it couldn’t be made possible without the contributions of fellow mutuals. Find my first translation of Aizuki Hikari’s photobook here!)

PROFILE

Name: Minami Maito Troupe: Flower Troupe Birthday: June 28 Blood Type:  O Nickname: Minami, Maitii Height: 170cm Vision: 2.0 Shoe size:  24.5 Finger size: I don’t know! Charm point: Nose Strenghts: I am passionate on anything Weaknesses: Shy Catchphrase: I want to be “All Maiti!!”...so I’ll do my best!! Birthplace: Osaka

FAVOURITE THINGS

1. Favourite season –> Autumn 2. Favourite event –> New year 3. Place that you want to go –> New York. Because I want to see Broadway musicals. 4. Favourite animal –> Dog 5. Favourite song –> Yuzu’s “Bridge of Glory” and Ozaki Yukata’s songs 6. Favourite movie –> “Les Misérables” 7. Favourite musical genre –> Musical 8. Favouite television genre –> Probably TV dramas. Recently I’m watching “Stepmom and Daughter Blues” (Japanese drama 義母と娘のブルース), “Your Turn to Kill” (Japanese drama あなたの番です), “TWO WEEKS”. (Korean dramas 투윅스） 。 9. Favourite colours –> White and Black 10. Favourite book –> “A Letter from Father”（父からの手紙） 11. Favourite scent –> I like how the clothes smell after I finish washing them.

FOOD

12. Favourite thing to eat –> Noodles 13. Things I dislike eating –> This is probably quite problematic for me... (sweating) but there’s actually a lot. I hate all kinds of beans but I can eat Edamame!  I also don’t like foods with too strong taste, but I also don’t like foods that’d be difficult for me to guess “What is this smell”? Oh and I also can’t eat bugs (laughs)/ 14. Good at cooking –> Fried vegetables maybe.

I LIKE...

15. Meat or fish –> Um... meat 16. Japanese or Western or Chinese food –> Japanese 17. Japanese sweets or Western sweets –> Japanese. 18. Coffee or red tea –> I’m conflicted! Usually, it would be coffee, but on rest days or when I want to spend the day slowly, it would be red tea!! 19. Salt or soy sauce or sauce –> Because I’m from Kansai, it might be more often to say “sauce”... (laughs) but it’s probably salt for me.

OFF (STAGE)-ME

20. Morning or night type –> Night 21. The first thing I do in the morning –> Wash my face 22. I shower with hot water or cold water –> Hot water 23. When you sleep do you like to turn on some lights or leave it dark –> Leave it dark 24. What is the longest time you’ve slept before –> More than 12 hours 25. What do you do for a change of moods –> Clean up the house, watch television 26. How much time do you use your phone –> Depending on time and circumstances, around 2-3 hours a day 27. Do you like to contact by mail or by phone –> Mail 28. Usually I’m the speaker or the listener –> The listener 29. The joker or the teaser –> Depending on the partner, but I think I’m mostly the teaser. 30. Only hot or only cold –> Either. I feel I can be more tolerant than others on the very hot or very cold side. 31. You like to go on group activity or individual activity –> Individual activity. 32. Qualifications you have –> Car license. And also, Kanji qualification, English qualification and mathematics qualification. But I forgot which level I was at (laughs). 33. Favourite kind of shoes –> Sneakers 34. Your taste in interior design –> I don’t want to have too sharp colours. So it’d probably be just all white. 35. Things that you can’t stop doing, or habits –> My go-to phrase is always saying “Well, I dunno but” (laughs). I’m from Kansai so I can’t stop saying with a Kansai-dialect. 36. Jinx (bad luck) –> Don’t particularly have one 37. Something you’re scared of –> Bugs 38. Treasure –> People I’ve met so far

REST DAYS...

39. Indoor or outdoor –> Outdoor 40. Karaoke must-sing choice –> Ozaki Yukata’s songs 41. The place you’d always go to shopping –> Umeda 42. You’re quick to decide or conflicted when you’re shopping –> Quick to decide 43. The thing you want to do the most in rest days –> Would it be going to have a massage or going to a cafe...But it’d probably be going for a massage. 44. You spend your rest days slowly or with a plan –> Slowly.

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES...

45. The childhood nickname –> Minami 46. Favourite subject –> Sports 47. The subject you dislike –> Science. 48. The game you’d always play is –> Dodgeball 49. The club or interest you were engaged in –> Classical ballet 50. The dream job –> It has been being a Takarasienne since I was little. But if I could have another choice, would I be a cashier (laughs). Recently, there were more self-service cashier services and I thought it could be fun being a cashier.

RECENTLY, I...

51. Recently I’d always wear –> White 52. Last time I cried –> It was the shonichi performance of “Dream On!” where everyone wrote a message and autographed on their photos even though given a tight schedule. I was touched by the collaged decorated makeup desk I had. 53. Last time I laughed –> It was during a troupe dinner party where we were watching the DVDs of when Sayumi-san (Asumi) has become Top [Star]. Rather than feeling all nostalgic, everyone was happily singing and dancing together. From the tug of war to the relay videos in the sports day, even though we didn’t know about the results, we saw how everyone was supporting for their own troupes, and that excitement had been so long ago that I laughed and cried watching it. 54. Last time I was surprised –> I returned home and when I opened the curtains, some big moths flew in. I immediately took the bug spray and chased after them. 55. Something I could do –> I could come out of the shower and finish putting on makeup in 5 minutes. That’s only for the makeup spray part though (laughs). 56. Something I’m obsessed with –> Looking at the news in my smartphone.

IF 〇〇?!

57. If you have to describe yourself with a colour –> Marble. I have many emotions and they’re quite flexible. 58. If you have to describe yourself as an animal –> Since I’m shy it’s not easy for me to be close to others, but upperclassmen have described me that I was like a big dog. 59. If you lost your way, would you return to the original path or continue moving forward on an unknown path –> Even though I’m confused, I’d continue moving forward. Since I’m already at somewhere I don’t recognise, it would be difficult returning back. 60. If you’re a musumeyaku, what outfit would you wear? –> I want to wear a wide dress with a gradation that expands spreads out. 61. If you have to challenge to be a director or a choreographer, which would it be –> Director. I think it would be touching when you could portray your thoughts through the people, the lighting, the set through this dynamic stage. 62. If you could be born again would you be a boy or a girl –> Maybe a boy. I want to try walk on a different life. 63. If you have a time machine, would you go to the past or future –> I don’t want to go to both. 64. If you could use magic –> I want to wake up quickly in the morning and I want to have a charger for my body energy where I would never be tired no matter how much I dance. 65. If you could meet a historical figure –> Elisabeth. I love “ELISABETH” and I also want to try to be a role like Elisabeth, and when I was playing as Lucheni in the newcomers’ performance, I was always chasing on Elisabeth, so I was curious as to what she thought while she was living. I also want to hear how her real voice sounded like.

FAVOURITE 〇〇!! 66. Favourite tourist spot –> Saipan Islands. The shallow water below my knees continued all the way to the other islands that I could see, and the water was so beautiful that I thought I could walk there, so I recommend it. 67. Favourite stretching method –> Yamuna ball. It really helps the blood flow for the whole body. 68. Your favourite skincare routine –> Washing your face without using soap in the morning.

A-LA CARTE

69. Favourite picture style would be close up or full photo –> Close up 70. Do you like coloured or monochrome photos –> Coloured 71. Standby motion –> My dog, the toypoodle Pochi-kun.

72. Something you want to try –> Gymnastics. Because there were many cool actions such as backflip. 73. Someone that’s always influenced you –> Mother. Because she knows me the best, she’d be the first to realise if I had any changes, if I was doing something other people won’t be doing. Because that is really moving to me, I would often realise so much more about the stage performance and about being an otokoyaku from my mother’s words. 74. A thing I want the most –> Perfect head-body balance ratio (laughs). But if we’re talking it realistically, maybe I’d be wanting more time. To spend time slower, to relax at a home a little more, to think more about the stage performances. If only there was more time, then I could do so much more.

RELATED TO STAGE 

75. When do you enter in the dressing room –> 2 hours and a half before the performance begins. 76. When do you leave the dressing room –>  If I have to return to the dressing room it would take about an hour. 77. Which is your start of the warmup routine –>  Stretching. I start from stretching. 78. A detail in stage makeup –>  Eyes. Of course it’s important to do the foundation well, but it’s also about considering if it’s a cute role, a beautiful role, a fresh role, a warm-hearted role, the way I do my eye makeup would determine the role that I’m going to be playing. 79. The time to do makeup –>  Around 45 minutes. I’m not sure but I could probably do 30 minutes the quickets but recently I’m trying to do it carefully and slowly (laughs). 80. Nervous level before entering for your scene –> Since it’s probably not a good thing to be nervous, I would say I am focused but not really nervous. But even on Shonichi (first day) performances, I am nervous as I could almost hear my heart beating. 81. Quickest time you could finish changing –> Within 1 minute 82. How far could you see into the audience –> Around until row 15 83. What would you do after a performance –> Sit on the chair 84. Are you good or bad at remembering choreography –> Good at it 85. Are you good or bad at adlibs –> Bad... Even if I could do, I probably wouldn’t (laughs). Because if you say this, then you would think of the next thing to say and it would be a hit or miss. 86. Do you like wearing military uniform or black tailcoat –> Tailcoat 87. Do you like acting in tragedy or comedy –> Tragedy 88. For love scenes, do you want to act in wordless embraces or say pretentious (shameless) lines –> Wordless embrace 89. Your detail in tailcoats –> Since black tailcoast are the royality scene of Takarazuka, when I’m wearing the tailcoat, I would have the feeling of “Otokoyaku Minami Maito!” And also depending on the difference of dancing, I’d focus on my bodyline and how the white shirt and the black jacket juxtapositions, and I’d also have to pay attention to how I do my hairstyle for the dance.

TILL NOW, MY FAVOURITE...

90. Song –> Nathan’s song when he was thinking about the difficulties with his father in “Stardom”  91. Dance –> “SANTE!!” where I paired up with Seto-san in the dance and when I danced as the character of Death in the bullfight scene choreographed by Yan-san in “Beautiful Garden -A Profusion of Flowers-”. 92. Costume –> That white and orange gradation jacket and that it was fluttering on the sides of the costume in the Finale of “DREAM ON!” 93. Scene –> In “For the People: Lincoln, the Man Who Sought Freedom”, when I saluted to Todoroki-san playing as Lincoln till Elmer died. (Mr) Lincoln was probably far away from where was, but he called out “Elmer!!” to [when Elmer died]. I really like how the flow of sentiments from Elmer was delivered to (Mr) Lincoln like that. 94. Still –> “CASANOVA” where I had a new image there. 95. Lines –> In “Messiah -The Legend of Shiroh Amakusa-” that final battle scene where [Matsudaira Nobutsuna] (her role) successfully advances and then he later said “You couldn’t come forward, could you” I thought how much emotion could I put into this line and it was so important so I was nervous eery day when I spoke that. 96. Role –> I can’t choose!!

CHALLENGE 〇〇!!

97. Handgrip –> Right 42kg, Left 38.5 kg 98. Wink (could you do left and right?) –> I could do left and right 99. Sit and reach –> 30.5cm 100. Ken-dama (you were given 10 chances) –> Done in one try successfully!

[gayest-persona-character]

Round 1!

Rules

Vote for who you think is more queer/gay (doesn't matter if you think they're bi, pan, gay, lesbian, etc. Who's the most not straight!)

I will allow propaganda in the form of asks or notes (tags and comments)

Be nice and respectful. Not everyone has the same headcanons.

Remember, this is mostly just for fun! We have a few submitted characters for this exact purpose, so don't take things too seriously. (It doesn't matter what the results are, most persona characters will be queer-coded in my heart)

The list of polls is as follows:

Labrys vs. Daisuke Todoroki

Principal Kobayakawa vs. Yukiko Amagi

Mayumi Yamano vs. Suguru Kamoshida

Bebe vs. Sho Minazuki

Isako Toriumi (Maya) vs. Ann Takamaki

Ichiryusai Madarame vs. Ichiko Ohya

Chihiro Fushimi vs. Ai Ebihara

Philemon vs.Shibusawa

Kou Ichijo vs. Fuuka Yamagishi

Munehisa Iwai vs. Miyabi Hanakouji

President Tanaka vs. Akihiko Sanada

Ryuji Sakamoto vs. Taro Namatame

Kanami Mashita vs. Haru Okumura

Nozomi Suemitsu vs. Angel and Julian

Ryotaro Dojima vs. Rio Iwasaki

Sadayo Kawakami vs. Maya Amano

Nagi vs. Saori Hasegawa

Cashier from Peace Diner vs. Junpei Iori

Chizuru Ishigami vs. Minoru Inoue

Chihaya Mifune vs. Mamoru Hayase

Misuzu Hiiragi vs. Lala Escargot

Setsuko Sonomura vs. Junko Kurosu

Eri Minami vs. Tae Takemi

Zen vs. Kenji Tomochika

Eriko Kirishima vs. Takeharu Kirijo

Mika vs. Metis

Junya Kaneshiro vs. Takuto Maruki

Moel Gas Station Attendant vs. Hanako Ohtani

Maya Okamura vs. Igor

Sayoko Uehara vs. Makoto Yuki

Lesbian Student from P3 vs. Mami Shibata

Shunsuke Fujii vs. Saki Konishi

Tatsuya Suou vs. Akinari Kashihara

Miho Ogishima vs. Kinshiro Morooka

Hisano Kuroda vs. Ayane Matsunaga

Kanji Tatsumi vs. Makoto Nijiima

Marie vs. Tatsuya Sudou

SIU Director vs. Reiji Kido

Baofu vs. Takahisa Kandori

Yuuki Mishima vs. Tamaki Uchida

Zenkichi Hasegawa vs. Yosuke Hanamura

Mitsuo Kubo vs. Aigis

Kei Nanjo vs. Margaret

Masao Inaba vs. Noriko Katayama

Yukino Mayuzumi vs. Saeko Takami

Tadashi Satomi vs. Chidori Yoshino

Yumi Ozawa vs. Gay Demons P2

Kasumi Yoshizawa vs. Yuka Ayase

Hidetoshi Odagiri vs. Mutatsu

Shinjiro Aragaki vs. Kazushi Miyamoto

Localized version of Naoya vs. Ren Amamiya

Coach Hiraguchi vs. Chie Satonaka

Shuji Ikutsuki vs. Shiho Suzui

Futaba Sakura vs. Naoto Shirogane

Jin Shirato vs. Hifumi Togo

Keisuke Hiraga vs. Eikichi Mishina

Maki Sonomura vs. Toranosuke Yoshida

Rise Kujikawa vs. Elizabeth

Goro Akechi vs. Yuko Nishiwaki

Noriko Kashiwagi vs. Ulala Serizawa

Yuko Himeno vs. Anna Yoshizaka

Hikari vs. Joker (IS)

Mitsuru Kirijo vs. Hidehiko Uesugi

Masayoshi Shido vs. Youichi Makimura