#hitomi kobayashi

[cultfaction]

Preview: Evil Dead Trap (Bluray)

When Nami, the host of a late-night TV show, receives a videotape containing brutal scenes of a woman being tortured and dismembered, she takes her camera crew out to the abandoned military base where she discerns the footage was shot in order to investigate whether what she has witnessed is a snuff film. One by one, her fellow investigators succumb to a grisly fate. You can pre-order…

[pierppasolini]

Apollo My Love (1984) // dir. Satoru Kobayashi

[myost]

[now-playing] - pacific breeze : japanese city pop, aor & boogie - 1976~1986

[risingfire17-the-weeb-trash]

40 Day Anime Challenge Day 10- A character you despise with all your heart and soul: Almost everyone in Welcome to the NHK (2006)

I was excited to watch this. It had great reviews, and fans raved that it was a realistic and positive portrayal of people with mental health issues. As someone with these myself, of course I was excited.

But here are my thoughts after watching the anime: 

1) It is not a realistic portrayal of people with mental illness, because the characters are not given much characterization beyond the problematic behaviors of their disorders, no redeeming qualities, and very little character development that was rushed at the end.

2) It is not a positive portrayal of people with mental illness at all. Once again, they are almost entirely reduced to stereotypes, and they’re pretty terrible people. If this is the representation people like me, who has put in a lifetime of therapy and self-reflection to continue overcoming my issues and have healthy relationships, then I fear what those without mental illness would think of me based on what they see in these individuals.

So let’s get to why I despise the characters, yeah? (Spoilers ahead)

Tatsuhiro Sato, our protagonist. 

I don’t have a problem with the fact that he is a NEET. I have a problem with the fact that he never got professional help. I have a problem with the fact that he lied to his parents to keep getting their money, and cursed them when they finally cut him off. I have a problem with the way he treated his friends, yelling, name calling, throwing things, and then guilting them into letting him mooch off of them. I have a problem with his attraction to Misaki. First, because she is a teenager, and instead of staying away from her so he doesn’t act on this, he continues to spend time with her, has her pretend to be his girlfriend at one point, uses her as a cook and housekeeper, and ultimately confesses his love and starts dating her. The second reason is that until a rushed confession in the last episode that may not even be genuine because he said it to literally talk her off the ledge, he was only attracted to her physically and because she would do anything he wanted. He told her multiple times that she was a nuisance, a nag, had a terrible personality, etc. He belittled and bullied her through most of the series.

Misaki Nakahara, our wannabe hero. 

Clearly, she’s a struggling teen and needs help. What she does not need to do is berate and enable a grown man that she only latches on to because looking down on him helps her feel good about herself (which she admitted to halfway through the series and never worked at changing afterward) She coerces him to go along with her “treatment plan” rather than encouraging him to seek actual professional help. She nags at him, bursts into his home, and often pushes him farther out of his comfort zone than he can handle at the time. She enables his codependency when she starts cooking and cleaning for him, all the while scolding him for not doing it himself, so he learns that he is incompetent and should just let her do everything and accept her criticism when he does. I’ll give her a bit more of a pass than the other characters, because unlike the other characters behaving like children, she is literally a child. But she is still a toxic and manipulative person and her problematic behavior needs to be addressed by her guardians (and a licensed therapist)

Hitomi Kashiwa. 

This girl was the catalyst for Sato having a breakdown, always talking about conspiracies. When she comes back into his life, she asks him to join a group she is part of for a trip, not telling him that they are all there to commit suicide! She takes her vulnerable junior, who, despite all his flaws, is at least trying to get himself together, and exposes him to a group exacerbate his depression and he almost gets killed because of it. I haven’t read the manga, but I am told she tries to have an affair with Sato after she is married with a kid. (And the person she is married to, Akira Jogasaki, is so sweet and supportive, he’s the only character I like in this show, so it really hurts to see her betray him like that.)

Kauru Yamazaki, Sato’s best friend, giving otakus everywhere a bad name.

 This guy is supposed to be the “functional” one of the group, being the only one who has a job and is in school to pursue a meaningful career. That’s great and all, but he has a shit personality. His life revolves around perving on 2D women, and complaining that real women can never compare because of the imperfections that make them human, like having their own personalities, motives, and goals. He voices this in a way that is very misogynistic, painting women as manipulative. When he finally starts to fall for a human girl, he pursues her after being rejected, gets mad at her for interacting with other males, and has Sato videotape his confession to her without her knowledge for reference for their game. After moving home, he dates a girl who looks just like her, implying that he does not love this girl, but just sees her as a stand-in. And this is the guy Sato goes to for advice, ugh.

Finally, Megumi Kobayashi. 

After finding out about Sato’s issues, she lies to him and manipulates him into joining a toxic MLM scheme. Even when he tries to get out, she tricks him multiple times into buying her stuff. Look, I feel sorry for her circumstances, but that doesn’t excuse her behavior.

This show was painful to watch. (Even with Akira Jogasaki carrying the whole show on his back) I don’t know if the manga did any better and never will because I’m never touching this series again. I hate these people. Time to search for an anime that is actually a realistic and positive portrayal of people with mental illness.

[nintendocompositions]

Wave Race 64 | Kazumi Totaka - Podium: 4th Place (From Nintendo Sound Selection Vol. 1: Healing Music) Pizzicato Five | Let's Go Away For a While (Concert Arrangements)

Hi everyone, I just finished my nostalgic frutiger/y2k mix, Dolphin Bedroom! ^_^ Please sign the guestbook on YouTube!! (^^;)

(Hey You, Pikachu!) Miki Obata - Good Night!

(Sonic CD) Naofumi Hataya, Masafumi Ogata - Quartz Quadrant “G” Mix (JP)

(NiGHTS Into Dreams) Tomoko Sasaki & SEGA Sound Team - Dreams Dreams ~In Silent Memory~

(Phantasy Star Online) Hideaki Kobayashi, Fumie Kumatani - Title

(We ♥ Katamari) Karie Kahimi, Tomoki Kanda - Blue Orb

(Wave Race 64) Kazumi Totaka - Podium: 4th Place (From Nintendo Sound Selection Vol. 1: Healing Music)

Pizzicato Five - Let’s Go Away For A While (Concert Arrangements)

(Wave Race: Blue Storm) Lawrence Schwedler, James Phillipsen - Aspen Lake REPLAY

(NiGHTS Into Dreams) Tomoko Sasaki & SEGA Sound Team - After the Dream

Serani Poji - mune-aki (Instrumental)

(Final Fantasy XIII) Masashi Hamauzu - Sunleth Waterscape (Instrumental)

(Pokémon Legends: Arceus) Go Ichinose, Hitomi Sato, Hiromitsu Maeba - Cobalt Coastlands 2 (Alt. Version)

(Super Smash Bros Ultimate) Asuka Ito - Pedal Glider

(Chrono Cross) Yasunori Mitsuda - Sailing (Another World)

(Wii Photo Channel) Kazumi Totaka - Scenic

(Sonic CD) Naofumi Hataya, Masafumi Ogata - Collision Chaos “G” Mix (JP) (Final Fantasy X) Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, Junya Nakano - Illusion

Lone - AM Portal

Fantastic Plastic Machine - Mr. Fantasy’s Love

(Sonic Adventure) Jun Senoue, Kenichi Tokoi, Fumie Kumatani - Join Us 4 Happy Time …for CHAO Race

(Katamari Forever) Rei Harakami - Do-re-mi Katamari Do (-rh rehabilitation re-arrange-)

(Ico) Michiru Ōshima - Heal

(The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) Koji Kondo/MOKA - Great Fairy's Fountain (From The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Re-Arranged Album)

[imasallstars]

INTERDIMENSION FESTIVAL: IDOLM@STER★♥LOVE LIVE! UTA GASSEN

Information regarding the first IJIGEN FES 2023 live has been revealed! The live will occur in the TOKYO DOME on the 9th and 10th of December 2023. This first fes will feature three branches of IDOLM@STER performing with four branches of Love Live!

The voice providers participating in this stop are as follows:

DAY 1 ONLY

IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS 　Kotomi Aihara (Shiki Ichinose), Hiromi Igarashi (Anzu Futaba), Asami Takano (Frederica Miyamoto), Yuki Nakashima (Yuuki Otokura), Yuko Iida (Kanade Hayami), Honoka Inoue (Nanami Asari), Sumire Uesaka (Anastasia), Aya Suzaki (Minami Nitta), Miyu Tomita (Akira Sunazuka), Ru Thing (Syuko Shiomi), Teru Ikuta (Natalia), Hina Tachibana (Nagi Hisakawa), Nanami Yamashita (Yui Ohtsuki) IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE 　Haruka Yamazaki (Mirai Kasuga), Azusa Tadokoro (Shizuka Mogami), Machico (Tsubasa Ibuki), Momo Asakura (Serika Hakozaki), Kotori Koiwai (Tomoka Tenkubashi), Atsuki Nakamura (Roco Handa), Emi Hirayama (Reika Kitakami), Yui Watanabe (Nao Yokoyama) IDOLM@STER SHINY COLORS 　Karin Isobe (Kogane Tsukioka), Chisa Suginuma (Mamimi Tanaka), Anna Yamaki (Sakuya Shirase), Shio Watanabe (Yuika Mitsumine), Yuina Mizuki (Kiriko Yukoku), Honoka Kuroki (Amana Osaki), Ryoko Maekawa (Tenka Osaki), Noriko Shibasaki (Chiyuki Kuwayama), Yuu Wakui (Toru Asakura), Rio Tsuchiya (Madoka Higuchi), Saran Tajima (Koito Fukumaru), Miho Okasaki (Hinana Ichikawa), Azusa Shizuki (Nichika Nanakusa), Aya Yamane (Mikoto Aketa)

DAY 2 ONLY

IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS 　Ayaka Ohashi (Uzuki Shimamura), Ayaka Fukuhara (Rin Shibuya), Sayuri Hara (Mio Honda), Amina Sato (Arisu Tachibana), Tomoyo Kurosawa (Miria Akagi), Hana Tamegai (Risa Matoba), Makoto Koichi (Haru Yuuki), Asaka Imai (Chie Sasaki), Natsumi Haruse (Kaoru Ryuzaki), Misaki Kuno (Nina Ichihara), Yuri Komori (Koharu Koga), Mina Nakazawa (Yukimi Sajo), Maki Hanatani (Kozue Yusa) IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE 　Aimi (Julia), Miku Itou (Yuriko Nanao), Ibuki Kido (Kana Yabuki), Arisa Kori (Kaori Sakuramori), Yuri Komagata (Sayoko Takayama), Rie Suegara (Fuka Toyokawa), Saki Minami (Tsumugi Shiraishi), Rikako Yamaguchi (Rio Momose) IDOLM@STER SHINY COLORS 　Hitomi Sekine (Mano Sakuragi), Reina Kondo (Hiori Kazano), Mayu Mineda (Meguru Hachimiya), Hiyori Konno (Kaho Komiya), Haruka Shiraishi (Chiyoko Sonoda), Mariko Nagai (Juri Saijo), Wakana Maruoka (Rinze Morino), Akiho Suzumoto (Natsuha Arisugawa), Yuki Tanaka (Asahi Serizawa), Eri Yukimura (Fuyuko Mayuzumi), Sayaka Kitahara (Mei Izumi), Rina Kawaguchi (Luca Ikaruga), Haruna Mikawa (Hana Suzuki), Rena Ozawa (Haruki Iketa)

DAY 1&2

AQOURS (LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!!) 　Anju Inami (Chika Takami), Rikako Aida (Riko Sakurauchi), Nanaka Suwa (Kana Matsuura), Arisa Komiya (Dia Kurosawa), Shukai Saito (You Watanabe), Aika Kobayashi (Yoshiko Tsushima), Kanako Takatsuki (Hanamaru Kunikida), Aina Suzuki (Mari Ohara), Ai Furihata (Ruby Kurosawa) NIJIGASAKU SCHOOL IDOL CLUB 　Aguri Ohnishi (Ayumu Uehara), Mayu Sagara (Kasumi Nakasu), Kaori Maede (Shizuku Osaka), Miyu Kubota (Karin Asaka), Natsumi Murakami (Ai Miyashia), Akari Kito (Kanata Konoe), Coco Hayashi (Setsuna Imura), Maria Sashide (Emma Verde), Chiemi Tanaka (Rina Tennoji), Moeka Koizumi (Shioriko Mifune), Shu Uchida (Mia Taylor), Akina Homoto (Zhong Lanzhu). 　Support Member: Hinaki Yano (Yu Takasaki) Liella! (LOVE LIVE! SUPERSTAR!!) 　Sayuri Date (Kanon Shibuya), Liyuu (Keke Tang), Nako Misaki (Chisato Arashi), Naomi Payton (Sumire Heanna), Nagisa Aoyama (Ren Hazuki), Nozomi Suzuhara (Kinako Sakurakoji), Akana Yabushima (Mei Yoneme), Wakana Okuma (Shiki Wakana), Aya Emori (Natsumi Onitsuka), Yuina (Wien Margarete), Sakura Sakakura (Tomari Onitsuka) HASUNOSORA SCHOOL IDOL CLUB 　Nirei Nozomi (Kaho Hinoshita), Kokona Nonaka (Sayaka Murano), Nina Hanamiya (Kozue Otomune), Kotoka Sasaki (Tsuzuri Yugiri), Kanna Kan (Rurino Osawa), Kona Tsukine (Megumi Fujishima)

[yuzukahibiscus]

Maisora Hitomi Retirement Press Conference

She has always been shining ever since she joined the revue, and in the blink of an eye, Maisora has been aiming for a higher level. After being in Flower Troupe, she became the Star Troupe Top Musumeyaku in 2019. She challenged the role of the heroine the many grand works, and she always coloured every performance with her grace and lovely stage presence, yet she announced her retirement in December. On April 8, she held the press conference in Takarazuka Revue.

Maisora's speech

To everyone whom I have met, who have guided me and raised me up, and also to all the fans who have been supporting me, I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. Until the last day, I wish to remember Kobayashi Ichizou's words of "Pure, Proper, and Beautiful and Bright" by heart, and continue to hone myself as a Takarazuka musumeyaku every day.

Extract of the Q&A

What was the moment you decided your retirement?

Since I became a Top Musumeyaku, I've always been thinking when I would be retiring. I was admitted into the Takarazuka Music School in the 100th anniversary of Takarazuka Revue. Now, I am still a current sienne in the 110th anniversary of Takarazuka. And at this year I call my turning point, I had played the role of Sally from "ME AND MY GIRL" that I admire so much, and I feel so satisfied, and that was when I thought of retiring.

When did you tell your partner Rei (Makoto)?

I told her during the rehearsals for "RRR x TAKA"R"AZUKA -√Bheem- / Violetopia". I'm not good at expressing my thoughts in words, but Rei-san has always been so understanding, and she knows who I really am... She slowly heard my words and said, "If that is what Naco-chan (Maisora) decides, I will support you fully", and said such warm words to me.

What is/are your memorable role(s)?

The first role I got with a name was during Flower Troupe times when I played Hanna in "Hanna's Florist" and it's still a very dear role to me even now. When I came to Star Troupe, I played Juliette in "Romeo & Juliette", and it was a time when I wanted to do my best and confront the challenges ahead, the teachers and everyone from Star Troupe helped me a lot and I felt that I was able to open a new door for myself. Also, I was able to perform in a musical written by Shibata Yukihiro "Valencian Passion", which is a dream come true for me and thus unforgettable.

What's the greatest hurdle you've faced?

When I transferred to another troupe, it was a great change in my Takarazuka life. There were so many hurdles to overcome, but Rei-san who was the closest to me and encouraged me, "It's okay if you can't do it. Just enjoy yourself the most on stage" and I was able to progress forward. Whenever the time, Star Troupe members never let go of my hand and guided me warmly, so my encounter with them is a great fortune, and I wanted to convey my gratitude for each and every one of them.

A message to the fans.

I'm truly thankful for all the fans that found me and cherished me. Even in the midst of the coronavirus that we couldn't meet each other in a close distance, it's because everyone was always supporting me and never left my side that I was able to continue walking on my path. Until the last day, I will convey my appreciation on stage and do my very best. Please continue to support me.

[elle-p]

Scan and transcription of the Persona 3 part of Newtype Magazine December 2013

結城 理

月光館学園へ転入する高校2年生。幼いころに事故で両親を失い、親戚に引き取られ郊外にいたが、10年ぶりにかつて暮らした街に戻る

「現場スタッフも、手ごたえを感じられる出来になりました」

秋田谷典昭 第一章監督

●あきたや・のりあき/アニメーション演出家。代表作に「バクマン。」(監督)、「コードギアス反逆のルルーシュ」シリー ズ(演出)ほか。「ペルソナ3」でお気に入りのキャラは岳羽ゆかり。はたして、ゆかりのスクリーンでの活躍のとは？

「PERSONA3 THE MOVIE」

#1 Spring of Birth

●11月23日(土)より、新宿バルト9梅田ブルク7ほかにて全国ロードショー

WEB▶http://p3m.jp/

Twitter▶@P3movie

illustrated by SINPEI KOBAYASHI

supervised by KEISUKE WATABE

background by BIHOU

finished by SAORI GODA

text by HITOMI WADA

©Index Corporation／劇場版「ペルソナ3」製作委員会

STAFF 原作＝「ペルソナ3」(ATLUS) 脚本＝熊谷純 スーパーバイザー・アニメーションディレクター＝岸誠二 キャラ���ターデザイン＝渡部圭祐 アクションディレクター＝田中良 ペルソナデザイン＝秋恭摩 プロップデザイン＝常木志伸 色彩設計＝合田沙織 美術設定＝青木薫 美術監督＝小濱俊裕 コンポジットディレクター＝今泉秀樹 ビジュアルデザインー＝高津純平 編集＝櫻井崇 音楽＝目黒将司 音響監督＝飯田里樹 アニメーション制作＝AIC ASTA 第一章監督＝秋田谷典昭

CAST 結城理＝石田彰 岳羽ゆかり＝豊口めぐみ 伊織順平＝鳥海浩輔 桐条美鶴＝田中理恵 真田明彦＝緑川光 山岸風花＝能登麻美子 荒垣真次郎＝中井和哉 イゴ ール＝田の中勇 (特別出演) エリザベス＝沢城みゆき

STORY 「影時間」にはびこる異形の怪物・シャドウに対抗できるのは、ぺルソナという特殊な能力をもつ者だけ。ぺルソナの力に覚醒した主人公・結城理は、特別課外活動部の仲間とともに長時間の真相を追うことになる

日常の生々しさとバトルのクールさ

一日の終わりと一日の始まり。そのはざまにきみは何を視る？

アニメーション化が待ち望まれていたゲーム「ペルソナ3」がついに劇場版シリーズへと昇華した。第一章の監督を務めるのは秋田谷典昭。「女神転生」の第一作からのファンだという彼が、動きだした劇場版「ペルソナ3」を語る。

「岸(誠二)さんともAICさんともご縁があるのにスケジュールにご縁がなくて、TVアニメ『ペルソナ4』にはかかわれなかったんですよね。それが残念で、やりたいやりたいと言っていたら、今回声をかけていただけて。そこから参加させていただきました」

岸が監督したTVアニメ「ペルソナ4」は、原作に通底するテンポ感をアニメに描き出し、原作を知らぬ者の心をも掴んだ作品だ。では、劇場版「ペルソナ3」の核となるのは

「スタイリッシュさ、ですね。『ペルソナ4』では“熱さ”がポイントだとしたら、『ペルソナ3』は“クールさ”が魅力。ペルソナとともに戦うという世界観は共通していますが、空気感としては正反対かもしれません」

物語は、私立月光館学園高等学校に主人公・結城理が転校してくるところから始まる。原作���の主人公はプレイヤーキャラのため性格設定が固定されていないが、劇場版ではどんな主人公が誕生するのだろう？

「とても重要なポイントですよね。実は、ほとんどシナリオができ上がっていた段階で、キャラづけをひっくり返したこともありました。初め、 主人公をクールにしすぎていて。みんなで『いいね』って言って進めてたんですけど、ふと、はたしてこれは愛される主人公なのか？と省みて。 そこからまた揺り戻しがあって、最終的には、石田彰さんのお芝居が最後のピースをはめてくださった感じです。『あ、これが“結城理”だ』と答えを見つけたような感覚でした」

「ペルソナ」といえば、日常シーンとバトルシーンのコントラストも気になるところ。「ペルソナ3」でバトルが展開されるのは、一日と一日のはざまにある「影時間」のあいだだ。

「日常は特別課外活動部とのコミュ感を意識しながらも、リアリティのある群像劇を。一方で、バトルはタガを外して、思い切りビジュアル重視で。今回はペルソナだけではなく人間キャラもそれぞれ武器を持って戦うので、アクションエンターテインメントとしての気持ちよさも、より感じていただけるのでは」

監督イチオシのシークエンスを問うと、「ラスト」との答えが。第一章のその1カットにたどり着くために、結城理の小さな心の動きをていねいに積み重ね、でき上がったのがこのフィルムなのだ。

公開は11月23日より。特別課外活動開始まで、あと少し。

↑最新PVではそれぞれのキャラクターが武器を持って戦う姿が。また、「ぺルソナを“メカ”のようにしたくないう秋田谷のこだわりから、ぺルソナの作画はCGを便わず、すべて手描きだ

[wolfertinger]

I was scrolling through this blog to get more context on what salem was doing behind the scene but hitomi's meant to be BE ASIAN?? WHA HUH i THOUGHT SHE'S WHITE

kinda feels weird when he pretended to be asian before

yes, judging by her name , "hitomi kobayashi"

yet her design, her style, her story, even her parents designs, show she is white coded. salem, does not try to code hitomi like she does hitch, her black coded oc. hitomi, is as bland as possible, so she can be a self insert for wis, his white gf.

the only thing i can think of, for "coding". is that salem made hitomi, a "cold, uncaring princess". which reads simply, as more orientalism.

[mindrat]

Hey Guys! Here are all the members of AKB48!

Team A 入山杏奈 [Anna Iriyama], 加藤玲奈 [Rena Kato], 佐藤美波 [Minami Sato], 篠崎彩奈 [Ayana Shinozaki], 鈴木くるみ [Kurumi Suzuki], 田口愛佳 [Manaka Taguchi], 千葉恵里 [Erii Chiba], 西川怜 [Rei Nishikawa], 古川夏凪 [Nazuna Furukawa], 道枝咲 [Saki Michieda], 宮崎美穂 [Miho Miyazaki], 向井地美音 [Mion Mukaichi], 山根涼羽 [Suzuha Yamane], 横山由依 [Yui Yokoyama]

Team K 市川愛美 [Manami Ichikawa], 岡田梨奈 [Rina Okada], 小林蘭 [Ran Kobayashi], 込山榛香 [Haruka Komiyama], 下口ひなな [Hinana Shimoguchi], 長友彩海 [Ayami Nagatomo], 永野恵 [Megumi Nagano], 武藤小麟 [Orin Muto], 武藤十夢 [Tomu Muto], 茂木忍 [Shinobu Mogi], 安田叶 [Kana Yasuda], 湯本亜美 [Ami Yumoto]

Team B 岩立沙穂 [Saho Iwatate], 大竹ひとみ [Hitomi Otake], 大盛真歩 [Maho Omori], 大家志津香 [Shizuka Oya], 柏木由紀 [Yuki Kashiwagi], 北澤早紀 [Saki Kitazawa], 久保怜音 [Satone Kubo], 齋藤陽菜 [Haruna Saito], 佐々木優佳里 [Yukari Sasaki], 田北香世子 [Kayoko Takita], 谷口めぐ [Megu Taniguchi], 中西智代梨 [Chiyori Nakanishi], 福岡聖菜 [Seina Fukuoka], 山邊歩夢 [Ayu Yamabe]

Team 4 浅井七海 [Nanami Asai], 石綿星南 [Sena Ishiwata], 稲垣香織 [Kaori Inagaki], 大森美優 [Miyuu Omori], 岡田奈々 [Nana Okada], 蔵本美結 [Miyuu Kuramoto], 黒須遥香 [Haruka Kurosu], 佐藤妃星 [Kiara Sato], 多田京加 [Kyoka Tada], 馬嘉伶 [Chia-Ling Ma], 村山彩希 [Yuiri Murayama], 山内瑞葵 [Mizuki Yamauchi], 吉橋柚花 [Yuzuka Yoshihashi]

Team 8 坂口渚沙 [Nagisa Sakaguchi], 横山結衣 [Yui Yokoyama], 御供茉白 [Mashiro Mitomo], 岡部麟 [Rin Okabe], 本田仁美 [Honda Hitomi], 清水麻璃亜 [Maria Shimizu], 髙橋彩音 [Ayane Takahashi], 吉川七瀬 [Nanase Yoshikawa], 小栗有以 [Yui Oguri], 小田えりな [Erina Oda], 左伴彩佳 [Ayaka Hidaritomo], 歌田初夏 [Hatsuka Utada], 服部有菜 [Yuna Hattori], 橋本陽菜 [Haruna Hashimoto], 平野ひかる [Hikaru Hirano], 坂川陽香 [Hiyuka Sakagawa], 髙橋彩香 [Sayaka Takahashi], 永野芹佳 [Serika Nagano], 福留光帆 [Mitsuho Fukutome], 大西桃香 [Momoka Onishi], 濵咲友菜 [Sayuna Hama], 徳永羚海 [Remi Tokunaga], 奥原妃奈子 [Hinako Okuhara], 奥本陽菜 [Hinano Okumoto], 下尾みう [Miu Shitao], 春本ゆき [Yuki Harumoto], 行天優莉奈 [Yurina Gyoten], 高岡薫 [Kaoru Takaoka], 吉田華恋 [Karen Yoshida], 川原美咲 [Misaki Kawahara], 倉野尾成美 [Narumi Kuranoo], 山田杏華 [Kyoka Yamada], 上見天乃 [Sorano Uemi], 藤園麗 [Rei Fujizono]

Wow! That's a lot of members!

[reikomania]

Today's "ChronoXAngel" character of the day is Rei Kobayashi!!

Rei is a Red Oni, is 6'4 in human form (8'4 in Oni) and built like a linebacker. She has shoet red hair, but keeps some length in a braid that all members of her warrior clan posses. Like all Oni she also has purple eyes. Rei's family originally comes from Okinawa, which is why she is more tanned than her teammates. (The art does not currently reflect her muscular build due to limitations of the modeling program I use.)

Rei is an absolute joy to be around if you're her friend, and a living nightmare if you are her enemy. Though a bit of an airhead, interjecting a "like" into almost every sentence, she is regarded by some as the strongest living Oni. Rei's physique is not just for show. As a young child she nearly died of a mysterious illness, but through sheer determination she survived, thrived, and became the powerhouse she is today.

Rei starts the series having just been dumped by her longtime girlfriend, Hitomi Nakadai, whom she had known since they were children. She had revealed her true form to her human partner, and scared the girl terribly. Though still processing her emotions after that sad night, Rei does her best to help Nonami track down a berserk Blue Oni stalking the streets of Fumizaki City!!

If you like Rei and want to see more of her, check out the novel series linked in this post!! "ChronoXAngel" is an ongoing series written by yours truly!!

Images, in order (images are older and do not reflect changes made to character design, ie tanned skin)

Rei in promotional material, with her Oni form in the background.

Kid Rei, who almost died of an illness

Rei's design up to book 5 next to her design from book 5 onwards

Rei in her Magical Girl form

The original sketch of Rei from late 2013 when her last name was "Kobayakawa" instead

Last pic is a glimpse of her tanned redesign, to give you an idea of how she is really meant to look.

[satoshi-mochida]

Rear Sekai opening movie, 15-second commercial

Gematsu Source

Publisher Bushiroad Games and developer HAKAMA have released the opening movie and a 15-second commercial for action RPG Rear Sekai, which will launch for Switch on October 12 in Japan.

Here is an overview of the game, via its official website:

About

The protagonist visits Ellentaros, a town at the furthest end of Melvania, where they interact with its unique residents and set out on an adventure in search of what can be done for them. However, during their adventure, they awaken surrounded by a light and find themselves in a completely different world. Perhaps this is their true world?

Unravel the secrets of these two worlds!

Characters

Hero (voiced by Kaito Ishikawa) – A young man who wakes up in the land of Melvania. A traveler. A good-natured man who will always take on a request.

Heroine (voiced by Saori Oonishi) – A young woman who wakes up in the land of Melvania. A traveler. A curious girl who always keeps her promises.

Hikari (voiced by Hitomi Ueda) – The maiden of light. Her and her younger sister live with family. Despite her aunt and uncle’s strictness, she is thinking of new ways to help out around the house. She is always worrying about everyone in town.

Lisa (voiced by Misaki Watada) – A halfling treasure hunter. On the surface, she is sociable, cheerful, and treats everyone the same. She likes doing outdoor activities, going on adventures, and having camp meals on her own.

Brad (voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi) – A young man incapable of having a serious interest in anything, but he met an old man while strolling around and started working in his shop. He is not great at directly expressing himself.

Hajime (voiced by Masaaki Mizunaka) – An alchemist. Due to the nature of his work, he is quite familiar with the natural sciences. He reads a lot of books and possesses a wealth of knowledge. He lives with his older sister.

Chitta (voiced by Sayumi Suzushiro) – A bow user and elf. She lives with an uncle and demi-human who lost their parents. She is calm and ladylike. Even in thought, she can be unique and somewhat leisurely.

System

Battle – Defeat enemies with consecutive attacks and magic tools. Progress on your adventure and clear missions.

Build – Weapons and armor are rich in awakening effects. Discover the finest builds!

Interact – Interact with the people of the town by helping them and giving them gifts. Strengthening your bonds may turn your relationship into a romantic one.

Watch the opening movie and commercial below. View a set of screenshots at the gallery.

Opening Movie

Commercial

[allen-san]

Voici rien que pour vous la fameuse musique du 14ème joué dans le manga par Allen et chanter par : Yumi Morita et chanter par dessus dans l'anime par : Sanae Kobayashi , seiyuu ( doubleuse ) de nôtre cher héros !!. Le titre est : Tsunaida te ni kisu wo.

En bonus les paroles de la chanson ! ^^

Sochite bouya wa nemuri ni tsuita . Ikizuku hai no naka no honou . Hitotsu , futatsu to.....ukabu fukurami itoshii yokogao . Daichi ni taruru ikusen no , yume , yume .

Gin no hitomi no yuragu yori ni , umara ochita kagayaku omae . Ikuoku no toshitsukiga , ikutsu , inori wo , tsuchie kaesshitemo .

Watashi wa inori tsuzukeru , douka kono ko ni ai wo , tsunaida te ni kisu wo .

Sochite bouya wa nemuri ni tsuita . Ikizuku hai no naka no honou . Hitotsu , futatsu to.....ukabu fukurami itoshii yokogao . Daichi ni taruru ikusen no , yume , yume .

Gin no hitomi no yuragu yori ni , umare ochita kagayaku omae . Ikuoku no toshitsukiga , ikutsu , inori wo , tsuchie kaesshitemo .

Watashi wa inori tsuzukeru , douka kono ko ni ai wo , tsunaida te ni kisu wo . Watashi wa inori tsuzukeru , douka kono ko ni ai wo , tsunaida te ni kisu wo .

[izdatazn]

S.U.I.T.S OUTBREAK

BISONET 12 - Blind Attribute (Medusa)

"What's the status, Miyoung?" I asked eagerly.

"We're currently approaching the facility," Miyoung replied. "Buwan Valencia is accompanying me along with Serpent Squadron, Blitz Crew, and duos Sergeant Kimberly Abel and Sergeant Sky Watson. We also have a second squad joining us.” She continued"Although it's a small team, we can't afford to bring in any more personnel for this critical mission and risk losing the territories we've gained on this continent."

"Bertha, could you please provide the time and date?" I inquired.

Bertha chimed in, "It is June 20th, 2082. In the Bisonet time zone, it is currently midnight, equivalent to 6 PM in the Earth Time Zone."

"I explained, "If we can access the facility's information, it's likely we will discover the actual whereabouts of the five of hearts."

"It's astonishing to think that the facility is located 20 clicks northwest of where Raynara was slain," Aikawa remarked. "It's quite remarkable that it took this long to piece together the puzzle through the recent notes from Raynara and Kryzahn."

"If the five of hearts is indeed there," I added, "we've conducted extensive surveillance of the research facility and haven't detected any signs of guards or life inside. It is believed to be deserted."

"We shall find out soon enough," Miyoung declared with determination. "We are going dark."

As communication with Miyoung's team went offline, I released a heavy sigh, weighed down by stress. A real-time map of the continent materialized before me, illustrating the substantial advances made by SUITS as we secured control over three-fourths of the territory. Surrounding the map, dozens of floating screens provided live feeds from our teammates on the battlefield—some making progress, others entrenched in difficult positions. These views also exposed several new fronts initiated by our enemy, testing the resilience of our defenses amidst our constrained resources.

"Those numbers look grim," a somewhat familiar voice remarked.

I turned around, following the sound of the voice, and there she stood, leaning against the wall near the door. I stared at her for a few moments before briefly making eye contact with Aikawa and returning my gaze to her.

"Aikawa, I haven't slept well for weeks," I confessed. "Am I seeing her correctly?"

"You're not dreaming, Kobayashi," Aikawa confirmed. "I see her too."

"You both must be sleep deprived if you think someone as beautiful as me is standing right before you," she chuckled, walking towards us and slapping both Aikawa and me on the back. She joined our small huddle.

"Nakamura Hitomi at your service," she introduced herself. 

Nakamura Hitomi is not only one of Asuka's close friends but also someone with whom she has shared a bond for the past seven years. They embarked on a challenging mission together, navigating through the depths of the Siberian wilderness to confront an enigmatic anomaly. Fascinatingly, Hitomi's historical lineage traces back to the late Sengoku Period of 1580, wherein they served as a trusted ally to Tokugawa Ieyasu during the unification of Japan. Tragically, Hitomi's life was cut short when they were assassinated a year after stepping into the role of shogunate, following Ieyasu's demise.

"And before you ask, Asuka forced me to come to Bisonet to assist you guys. You probably already know by now that she's quite angry with Aikawa."

"We could tell the moment we heard your voice," I said with a hint of amusement. "She's enraged that I almost lost my life and believes Aikawa isn't enough to protect me."

"Bro, that hurts," Aikawa protested, clutching his chest near his heart.

Ignoring him, Hitomi continued, “Under Zion’s order as well, I’ve brought fresh reinforcements of 500,000 human soldiers, 500,000 SUITS’s and Blackstone’s robotic soldiers, and a vast number of heavy armaments ready to assist you." I breathed a sigh of relief. "Judging by the state of your map, it's clear you could use the reinforcements."

"Ever since we killed Raynara, our enemies have aggressively opened multiple fronts to weaken our lines," I explained. "With limited resources and teams spread too thin to hold the line, things were looking dire every day. Our mission is to reclaim the entire continent from our enemies and launch an assault on the next continent to the east."

"What awaits us to the east?" Hitomi inquired curiously.

“Information on stopping the infection on Earth in the Zyger lab facilities, and the remaining hearts on Bisonet.” I answered. “A lot of things going on in our mission.” “And where is this blip going?” Hitomi asked.

“A possible location that might know where the five of heart whereabouts is.” I answered.

Two VTOL aircraft descended noiselessly onto a raised mound near the research facility. The team swiftly disembarked the aerial vehicles, moving with purpose towards the vantage point overlooking the facility. Pausing at the summit, they meticulously scanned the pitch-dark horizon, their senses heightened by the profound stillness. Not a single sound reverberated through the surrounding area, intensifying the eerie silence that enveloped them.

"What are your thoughts?" Dren inquired.

"We've thoroughly scouted the surrounding area and found no signs of any suspicious activity for days," Miyoung replied. "Yet, I still have a strong belief that someone or something is lurking inside the facility."

"What's our approach?" Buwan questioned.

"There are no signs of electricity running in the facility, meaning the security cameras are down," Miyoung observed. “Buwan will take Lawan, Marko, Anya and Filip will infiltrate through the backdoor, while I will make our entry from the rooftop with Dren, Alexsander, Mia, and Archie. Our rendezvous point will be the main room, situated on the fifth level underground."

Approaching the facility, they silently split off, ensuring they were within close proximity to their designated locations. Instead of relying on jetpacks to avoid making noise, they expertly deployed a single claw that ascended to the roof, securely anchoring itself to a sturdy point. With calculated precision, they each ascended the claw, reaching the rooftop undetected. As their entire team safely gathered on the roof, they collectively decided to forgo the emergency door in favor of a more inconspicuous path through the ventilation system. Miyoung took the lead, guiding the team through the vents with silent determination. Eventually, the vent split into two, and Miyoung's team descended into the left vent, which led them to the sleeping quarters. Crawling out of the vents, they regrouped in a room containing a single bed.

Miyoung swiftly accessed the real-time map of the facility's interior, a valuable resource they had acquired a month prior. As the team gathered around the map, their scanners remained active and alert, poised to detect any movement within the complex.

"Other than Buwan's team on the first floor, I don't detect any heartbeats or signs of activity," Miyoung informed the others. "Yet, I can't shake this lingering unease. It's unlikely that they would leave a facility like this unguarded."

Dren, engrossed in her data, reported, "The air quality appears to be suitable for human respiration." With that assurance, one by one, the team members began removing their helmets. The nano machines disintegrated the helmets, revealing their faces as they examined the sleeping quarters.

Having shared the map with the rest of the team, Miyoung led them out of the sleeping quarters and into a dimly lit, narrow hallway. Proceeding with utmost caution and maintaining an eerie silence, they meticulously secured each floor. Their thorough search ultimately led them to converge with Buwan's team on the main floor near the elevator.

"Any findings?" Miyoung inquired, eager for any information.

"The recreational area and kitchen are in a state of disarray," Buwan replied. "Food is scattered about, left to rot. Our tech indicates that it has been decaying for almost four years. We did come across some shed skin in isolated corners of other rooms, but that's about it. What about your discoveries?"

Dren interjected, "Above us, we observed a total of 50 individual rooms. Interestingly, each room was meticulously cleaned, and the closets and drawers remained filled with clothing. However, there were no signs of any residents. Did they simply abandon everything and vanish?"

Turning to Miyoung, Buwan sought her insight, asking, "What do you think?"

Miyoung responded with a hint of concern in her voice, "Apart from the ten of us, I haven't detected a single heartbeat or any signs of movement since our arrival. Furthermore, our scans have yet to explore the underground area, leaving us entirely clueless as to what awaits us. I have an unsettling feeling about this."

"I agree," Filip chimed in. "Proceeding cautiously is imperative as we venture into the underground facility, as we remain in the dark about its contents.”

As the elevator doors slid open, the team heard a chime that made their hearts skip a beat. What they witnessed next sent a shiver down their spines, rendering them momentarily frozen in fear. Miyoung could feel the rapid thumping of her teammates' hearts, mirroring her own intensifying rhythm. Acting on instinct, she swiftly raised her gun, poised to defend themselves against the unknown threat lurking within the elevator. However, Buwan intervened quickly, gently guiding Miyoung's hand down to lower the weapon.

"What do you see?" Miyoung inquired, her voice filled with both curiosity and apprehension.

Buwan cautiously approached the elevator and reached out to examine the stone figures before them. "Two residents," he replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of astonishment and concern. He closely observed every detail of the statues, each frozen in a state of terror. "Something dreadful must have transpired underground. Both of them appear deathly frightened."

Silence enveloped the team for a few moments as they absorbed the gravity of the situation. Miyoung sensed the rising unease pulsating through her teammates' bodies, prompting her to offer an opportunity to retreat from the ordeal.

"It's alright if anyone wants to back out," she stated, her voice filled with understanding.

"We're with you," Dren tremulously declared. "We're committed to the mission, no matter the dangers that lie ahead." Miyoung acknowledged and respected their unwavering decision. With Buwan carefully removing the stone statues from the elevator, the team steeled themselves and entered, ready to confront the unknown challenge that awaited them underground.

As the elevator doors slid closed, enveloping them in a sense of confinement, the team sensed the descent into the unknown depths of the underground. The silence weighing heavily on their collective consciousness, Miyoung keenly felt the intense heartbeat of Serpent Squadron, a testament to their youthful and inexperienced nature, contrasting with the composed presence of the veteran soldiers in Blitz Crew. Buwan, observant of Serpent Squadron's nervousness displayed on their faces and in their body language, positioned himself near the corner of the elevator, providing a reassuring presence.

"Remember to breathe," Buwan gently reminded them, his voice filled with warmth. "You're making me nervous with all that tension." He couldn't help but chuckle playfully. "You'll be just fine." Moving gracefully, Buwan took a step forward, leading the way. "Leave it to me to take the lead."

As the elevator came to a halt, each member steeled themselves for the unknown that awaited beyond the doors. With bated breath, they prepared for any potential threat. As the elevator doors slid open, Buwan swiftly exited, his movements calculated and deliberate. Miyoung followed suit, mirroring his actions. Buwan focused his attention to the right and then shifted to the left as he cautiously moved forward. Miyoung maintained her vigilant focus on their right side. The rest of the team swiftly poured out of the elevator, readying their weapons and scanning their surroundings with precision, covering multiple directions.

They noticed firsthand is multiple statues spread out in the dim hallways running towards the elevator. It didn’t ease both squadron’s tension as they have the remaining residents turned into stone statue. 

“We found the rest of the residence.” Lawan whispered. Buwan noticed shedded skin wrapped around a statue’s arm. He observed the statue again. Lawan asked “What is it?” 

Buwan gently ripped the skin off the arm and looked at it closer. “Shedded skin? Were snakes let loose?”

“Buwan, take Kimberly, Lawan, Dren, Mia, and Archie to your left.�� Miyoung said. “I’ll take the rest to my right and meet back here.”

The two teams split up, with Buwan leading his team down the left hallway and Miyoung taking charge of her team down the right hallway. Miyoung meticulously inspected each small laboratory along the right hallway until they reached the end, retracing their steps until they were back by the elevator. They prepared themselves while waiting for Buwan, who joined them a few minutes later.

"Did you find anything significant?" Alexsander inquired.

"Other than more statues resembling residents, there was nothing out of the ordinary except for additional shedded skin and a few lifeless snakes," Buwan reported. "What about your team's findings, Miyoung?"

Miyoung replied, "We encountered a similar situation on our end."

Suddenly, Miyoung's instincts kicked in, causing her to swiftly raise her gun and position herself at the center of the hallway, her teammates falling silent as they observed her poised stance. Minutes seemed to stretch on as they awaited an explanation. It was Buwan who finally broke the silence.

"What do you see?" he inquired, his voice laced with curiosity.

"It's not just a feeling," Miyoung explained. "I heard something—a whisper echoing through this hallway." Miyoung cautiously took another step forward, followed closely by Dren and Filip. They stood there in silence, deep in the dimly lit expanse of the hallway, waiting for any sign of what lay ahead.

"Miyoung," Filip whispered softly, "I don't hear anything."

Miyoung responded, determination in her voice, "I heard it again."

Pressing on, with Filip and Dren as her trusted companions, Miyoung continued forward. The rest of the team followed closely behind, led by Buwan, who diligently protected their rear. The whispers Miyoung heard intensified, yet they seemed to resonate only within her ears as they ventured further down the hallway, a seemingly endless array of statues lining their path. Finally, they reached the door at the end of the narrow corridor.

With a slight touch, the door sensors immediately sprung to life, causing the door to open. The team swiftly stepped into a vast, brightly lit atrium, methodically clearing every available spot despite the openness that surrounded them.

"It's clear," Filip remarked.

As the team regrouped, Miyoung positioned herself in the center where the main consoles were located. Buwan joined her, taking charge of activating the console. Serpent Squadron and Blitz Crew formed a defensive circle around the main console, ready and alert as they awaited Buwan to uncover valuable information.

"What do you see?" Miyoung inquired.

"For a research facility, I expected more formidable security measures to overcome, but it took me less than a minute to crack the code," Buwan shared. "There is a wealth of data regarding the BLADES parasite, as well as extensive notes from the Five of Hearts. It also potentially contains information about their latest whereabouts. The last entry was made a year ago in Earth years."

Miyoung processed the information, her features reflecting a blend of fascination and unease. "So, it seems that the Five of Hearts was utilizing this facility even as the residents were being transformed into statues," she concluded, her voice tinged with a hint of solemnity.

Suddenly, multiple massive screens materialized above them, displaying a frozen recording of an unknown male figure gazing intently at the screen. Miyoung spoke up, her voice laced with curiosity. "I hear a buzzing sound. What do you see?"

Buwan's gaze remained fixed on the screen, deep in contemplation. "I cannot be certain, but based on the available data, this figure appears to be unidentified. However, there is a possibility that it holds significance. Allow me to play the recording." With a decisive press of a button, the frozen scene came to life, immediately capturing Miyoung's undivided attention, while the rest of the team maintained a vigilant stance.

"Is this thing working?" the figure on the screen questioned, peering closely at the camera. "Ah, good." Stepping back, the individual adjusted the screen to hover in front of them. A hint of uncertainty colored their voice as they asked, "How do I begin?"

An irritated male voice joined the conversation from off-screen. "Do we really have to go through this whole process every time we want to take notes? It's a waste of time." The second man, clearly annoyed by the first's antics, made his appearance on the screen.

Undeterred, the enthusiastic first individual responded, "Of course! It's all in the name of science! How else can we learn from our failures and successes and continually improve?" The second individual turned away, followed reluctantly by the first. The screen faithfully tracked their movements as they halted beside a table upon which sat a test tube containing a larvae. "This baby will continue to grow even without our presence," the recording abruptly came to an end.

"It seems that the recording has been corrupted. We will gather this footage and subject it to further analysis," Buwan concluded, a determined resolve in his voice.

In a heightened state of alarm, Miyoung instinctively raised her gun, her senses tingling with unease. As she failed to detect a heartbeat from Sergeant Kimberly Abel, she urgently called out, her voice laced with worry. "Sergeant Abel, why can't I sense your heartbeat?" The air hung heavy with tension as Miyoung's plea went unanswered, escalating her concern. "Kimberly Abel, please, respond."

Buwan, his eyes fixed on Kimberly's position, turned to face Miyoung and delivered a shocking revelation. "Miyoung, she's turned to stone."

Miyoung's voice wavered with disbelief. "What do you mean she's turned to stone? If there was another enemy present, I would have sensed their presence the moment we entered the room."

Assuredly, Filip chimed in, his senses keenly attuned. "We thoroughly searched the room, and our perimeters around the console are secure. We would have heard any disturbances or noises."

Miyoung's focus sharpened, her brow furrowing in concentration. The panicked chatter of her teammates and the chaotic hum of the consoles faded into the background as she honed in on a disquieting sound. A faint hissing noise, imperceptible to her companions, reverberated through the room. Acting with urgency, Miyoung commanded, "Close your eyes! Now!"

Sky, her voice filled with nervousness, complied immediately, shutting her eyes tightly. Turning toward Miyoung, she asked, her voice laced with anxiety, "What is it? What do you hear?"

In that moment, Miyoung sensed something swiftly flying through the air, its whistling sound trailing behind. She felt a sudden impact, striking Sky's shoulder. Miyoung then heard Sky's panicked and unfamiliar response, filled with fear, as she distanced herself from the group. And then, an eerie silence ensued.

Dren, her voice trembling, voiced the question that lingered in the air. "Miyoung, what do we do?"

With unwavering determination, Miyoung's voice resounded with the weight of authority. "Keep your eyes shuttered, no matter what unfolds. Trust in the guidance of your hearing." Retrieve a scarf concealed in her pocket, she clasped it tightly in her hand, ready to shield herself and her comrades. As she pulled the fabric over her eyes, her voice softened in a whispered plea. "My queen," she murmured. Securing the scarf firmly, she added, "Protect me."

A palpable stillness settled around them, thick with apprehension, as Miyoung purposefully shut out the clamor of her teammates and the incessant hum of the consoles. Rooted in determination, she held her ground, patiently awaiting the next turn of events amidst the enveloping hush. After a tense passage of minutes, Miyoung's body subtly tilted to the left, registering a faint brush against her clothing—a fleeting touch that betrayed the presence of an object in motion. As the impact reverberated through the chamber, her suspicions were confirmed.

Yet, absorbed in her single-minded focus, Miyoung remained oblivious to the stealthy danger that approached. The sudden sting of a foreign weapon grazing her left cheek jolted her out of her reverie, catching her off guard. Unbeknownst to her, while deciphering the earlier sounds, she had left herself vulnerable to attack.

"Guide Me, Kimchi 가이드해줘, 김치," Miyoung commanded urgently, addressing her teammates. "Stay within this circle, attune yourselves to what I sense. I promise you, I will shield and defend each of you, even if it means sharing every ounce of my energy."

With remarkable agility and grace, Miyoung shifted her body, elegantly dodging a relentless barrage of projectiles aimed her way. Swiftly intercepting one that targeted her face, she snapped it into two, casting it aside with practiced ease. Her movements flowed seamlessly, defying the onslaught of additional projectiles that sought to overwhelm her.

Amidst the chaos, Miyoung's perceptive abilities extended beyond her own actions. Sensing the racing heartbeats of her teammates, she shared in their adrenaline-fueled evasion of hundreds of projectiles. Despite the overwhelming sensory input, Miyoung maintained a crystal-clear focus on the barrage of impacts against the walls, taking note of the ever-increasing count.

Abruptly, an eerie stillness enveloped them, the relentless barrage of projectiles ceasing in an instant. Miyoung maintained her poised and silent demeanor, attuned to the harmonious symphony of her nine teammates' heartbeats and the punctuated cadence of their shallow, heavy breaths. Through her acute auditory perception, she caught the faint whispers of micro movements originating from the countless arrows lodged in the walls.

A surge of aggression emanated from the arrows positioned behind her, their subtle shifts betraying their presence. Reacting with lightning speed, Miyoung pivoted on her heel, aligning herself with the direction of the arrows. Unwavering in her aim, she released a searing shot from her gun. Within moments, the reverberating impact thundered through the room, carrying an undeniable force as it collided with the unyielding wall.

"You missed me," a female voice echoed, resonating in a frequency only Miyoung could perceive. Immovable, she stood still, her senses attuned to the lingering echoes of the voice that crackled through the air. Suddenly, a hissing sound brushed near her ears, accompanied by the touch of something or someone against her face. "Your senses won't save you here, missy," the voice whispered, its words laced with malicious intent, accompanied by a gentle caress of Miyoung's face. "You'll remain here forever, as my little plaything," it taunted, crackling into Miyoung's ear.

"We'll see about that," Miyoung whispered defiantly. "Medusa."

As Medusa’s eerie laughter and the sinister hissing of her serpentine locks faded from Miyoung’s ears, an arrow landed alarmingly close to her foot. Moments later, another darted by her leg, the threat of danger looming ever nearer in their unyielding pursuit.

“정밀함이 핵심이야, 김치 (Jeongmilhami haeksimiya, Kimchi). Precision is key, Kimchi,” Miyoung commanded.

Expanding her powers, Miyoung transmitted detailed information to her comrades within their collective space. They, too, now perceived Medusa’s whispers, though at a different frequency. Miyoung could sense her team’s heartbeats quickening and their muscles tensing. A slight breeze seemed to brush past them as they held their positions.

“Miyoung, what are you doing?” Dren asked cautiously.

“Protecting you,” Miyoung responded with unwavering resolve.

A gentle breeze swiftly intensified into a hurried gale, causing Miyoung and her teammates to feel the wind tingling their exposed skin. Miyoung concentrated fiercely, zeroing in on Medusa's location while the serpent-haired entity's whispers filled their ears at varied frequencies.

With a swift, practiced motion, Miyoung darted to her left and intercepted a projectile inches from her face. She snapped it in half effortlessly and tossed the fragments aside without a second glance. Calculating her next move, she pivoted 30 degrees, aimed her gun, and fired. The sound of the bullet hitting the wall echoed in her ears, but she didn't pause. Instead, Miyoung methodically continued to pivot and fire, each 30-degree shift carried out with faultless precision.

Quickly, Miyoung secured her rifle onto her back and drew the pistol holstered on her thigh, repeating the same motion over the next couple of minutes, aiming from above her head down to eye level. Each shot missed its mark as she continuously reloaded and fired into the void. Her teammates held their breath, waiting for her command, their attention fixed on the sound of her gunfire. Without breaking her rhythm, she reached out with her free hand and snagged something invisible in the air.

"You think you could hide from me, Medusa," Miyoung uttered, her grip tightening on her unseen adversary. Medusa's cloaking device stuttered, causing her image to flicker between visibility and invisibility. Miyoung clenched tighter on Medusa’s throat, debilitating the device further until Medusa was fully revealed. "You wonder how I caught you despite all your advantages?" Miyoung pressed on, her voice fierce. "With your cloaking device, your synthetic anti-seismic sense slime, and your changing tones, I also feared I'd forever be your captive."

She loosened her grip on Medusa’s throat only to shove her pistol against Medusa’s lips. "I fired knowing I would miss my target, but my bullets emit a special frequency that only I can detect." Miyoung slowly forced the gun deeper into Medusa's mouth. "Being blind does not equate to being powerless."

Miyoung's blind eyes stared down Medusa’s. "First Sound: Double Tap." She pulled the trigger, and a bullet burst through the back of Medusa's mouth, sending her crumpling to the ground. Miyoung then lowered her gun and aimed it at Medusa's forehead. After a momentary pause, she fired again, delivering the final shot that ended Medusa’s existence.

Buwan swiftly stepped in to support Miyoung as her knees buckled, catching her before she hit the ground. Gasping for breath, Miyoung felt her energy ebbing away, drained from channeling her powers to her teammates. The others quickly congregated around both Buwan and Miyoung, concern etched on their faces.

"Thank you," Miyoung managed to whisper, her voice strained and weak. "For lending me your strength, Buwan."

Buwan replied softly, with a touch of modesty, "I don’t know what you’re talking about. You did most of the work." He then gently laid her down on the ground, making sure she was comfortable.

Caught up in the situation, Dren looked around before asking, "What do we do with Kimberly and Sky?"

"We’ll take them back. We'll take a sample of Medusa but leave her body here," Miyoung answered with authority, despite her exhaustion. "Grab all the data from the console; we'll sift through whatever they left behind for anything useful.”

[salanaii]

BTS Recommendations - Nodame Cantabile - Suga / V

Link to Amazon.

[aroyams]

so uh yeah, there are 6 persuable characters. i haven't decided on a unit name for all of them, but they also come in 3 duos for easy sorting :)

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keep on, boys: soft, romantic imagery, with less of a focus on dancing and more on heart-felt lyrics and emotional delivery

akihiko kobayashi (19): energetic, straightforward, not terribly clever, surprisingly stubborn kazuya terashita (21): a somewhat meek "big brother" type, always thinking of others, can be wishy-washy, clumsy but affectionate

worldwide pop up!: bubbly melodies, fun and comedic lyrics, dancing tends to lean heavily into gymnastics

daichi arase (19): stoic, earnest, hard-working, good with children mugen otosaka (18): upbeat, loves a good prank, blunt to the point of insensitive

rosen: aggressive dancing, hypnotic beats, nigh-scandalous lyrics, but always with an air of artistry and class

shunsuke sekiguchi (24): confident, worldly, flirts for fun, but gets really flustered when flirted with hitomi morishige (23): soft-spoken, composed, a little mysterious?

so like, i've been turning an idea for a visual novel over in my head for a little while now. you play as the manager of an idol group and you can pick one or more of them to 'pursue' (romantically, sexually, or platonically) but like. the thing is. every single one of these guys is kinda fucked up - like one's in a dependent relationship with his toxic subunit-mate, one is some kind of eldritch monstrosity masquerading as a human just for kicks, one has severe religious trauma, one is depressed and suicidal, one's self-aware and trying to escape the game, one's literally a serial killer, etc.

depending on the type of relationship you initiate with each character and at which point in the story, you, they, or everyone can end up dead. there's gonna be like 20 different endings, each more unhinged than the last, including a few silly goofy joke endings <3