#i was watching akatsuki no yona

[fictionblossom]

My Eyes On You

“So that’s the kind of expression she puts on your face” [Itasaku][Non Massacre AU]

Short drabble in which Itachi recalls the time Shisui pointed out his behaviour that one morning (I was also inspired by a scene in Akatsuki no Yona. I wish there were more eps! :S)

Itachi stares at the hot steaming bowl of rice in front of him. He sees a feminine delicate fingers coming to and from his line of vision as Sakura takes the chopsticks in her hand and passes small bits of fish and vegetables into his bowl. His eyes dart towards her face, to her hand and to the food she lays for him. He hears her muttering words on the fish, telling him that the multiple nutrition today’s lunch is. The words don’t seem to register in his mind as he observes the sparkle in her eyes as she speaks. 

He catches sight of her finger tapping at her chin, whilst the chopsticks are in her hands as she thinks of what other food that she could make for him when he goes to her home after a gruesome mission or the Hokage tower or his clan’s meeting. He takes in the fact that her mind is a whole library of its own, even bigger that the infamous Uchiha library, that Itachi hasn’t been able to fully discover even as they have been speaking almost every day now.  They are not lovers of any kind at this point, but he would very much want to shower (more like, drowning) his feelings, his explosive, enormous, ardent, I-can’t-contain-it-any-longer feelings that he has been harboring for her. 

His stress lines fade slightly into his face as he gives her a small smile of his own. 

He nods at her occasionally, assuring her that he is listening to her, acknowledging her presence and all the sunshine she carries everywhere. He could not grasp how this kunoichi could express so much of her emotions on her sleeve yet she’s one of the most accomplished medic nin Konoha has ever seen. His peeks at her byakugou, her years of grit, hard work and resilience in harnessing not just physical skills expected of a Konoha shinobi, but also one of the many jutsu that seemed like only she could pull off for the entire village. 

“You’re staring! Lunch wouldn’t be good if it’s cold!” she grins at him. In the privacy of their presence, he chuckles and returns her grin. “Itadakimasu,” he whispers. He picks up the chopsticks laid by her, and gathers a negligible rice onto and captures in his mouth. Something so simple yet so much skills poured into a small lunch. So very Sakura.   

His lips curved and he savors the taste of the rice he picked up earlier.  

“So that’s the kind of expression she puts on your face” he recalls his meet up with Shisui earlier that morning as his cousin points out that he seemed different, less agitated, less brooding, after telling Shisui that he had plans with Sakura that afternoon. 

\End/

[distinguished-slacker]

Yona♦️💖

[skelelli]

Yona sketch cause I love her

[pink-pavlove]

aaaaaand I’m crying 😭

[soo-won]

"Well in that case, pretend you're aiming at Su-won"

I'm so obsessed with the musical with just the practice videos and the previews of the songs I feel possessed. I had to draw Suwon throwing flowers in Akatsuki no Negai no matter what it's sooo good. I won't make it when I will see it with the stage lights and costumes.

[luckycheesefoodie321]

PUKYUU WATCH CH 42

The introduction of what I wager is one of the most complex written characters I have ever personally read about.

My guy, genuinely asking, how long has it been since you last ate?

BUT ALSO LOOK AT AO ALSO WITH HER LIL HANDS PRAYING FOR THE DEER

[utanoprincendymion]

Of the Dawn

[boku-no-anime-phase]

Thinkin about him. My most unpleasant sweet boy

[arkive78]

10 gifs from my favorite shows!

Tagged by @my-love-is-sunlight ✨💖

Tagging but don’t feel pressured: @sheerxfiction @lehguru

[tepli-mravenci]

Akatsuki no Yona has probably the healthiest main couple dynamic I've seen in an anime, it's done with such care and respect I can't believe it IS an anime

[the-earth-priestess]

i am making an akayona playlist......

[pipinboots]

ANIMES l have a (probably unhealthy)obsession with 🥳

 

YONA OF THE DAWN ✨ (the manga)

ok here me out YES it is sorta classified as a Romance manga and YES there's a crack head romance BUUUUUUTTTTT if you get past that jazz its a Fabulous story of growth as a person, hard ships and BLOODY DRAGONS ❤️ l mean who wouldn't want to read a manga about 4 amazingly dence dragons with powers and a tendency to attract attention and problems, a Dude who is amazingly strong and could beat up anyone and anything, but has the personality of a cheeky CAT and the romance skills of one as well a x-princes who was a air headed selfish prick but is now a badass marks man with a bow and is as tough as nails and dense as a brick in some cases AND a SELF PROCLAIMED PRETTY BOY GENUS who is litterly the mum of the group and they all know it 💅 try to survive while everyone is at war or trying to kill them. L LOVE IT SOOOOOO MUCH 🤩🥳 ESPECIALLY HOW EVERYONE ARE JUST CRACK HEAD BROS WHEN YOU COME DOWN TO IT 🤣🤣💀🤩🥳💅

 

BUNGO STRY DOGS😺💅

(warning lots of death, suicide mentions, a mafia and fighting)

Ok yesssss it's a bit dark BUT it's one of the most engaging and interesting story's ever CREATED 🥳  litterly it's so well put together there's background info on all the characters beautiful placed into the story, there's reasons and motivations for every single murder, you don't get the 6 hour of WHO DID ? Especially not when rampos around ❤️ it's a very strait to the point and everything links into the story. 😺💅🥳 it's pretty much groups of people with special abilities (powers) fighting to keep safe there home from others who want to control or destroy them 🥳💅🔥 

L CAN'T EXPRESS HOW GOOD IT IS  there’s always something new to learn and the backstory’s....... THERE SOOO HEART RENCHING ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😺

[thatfizzyyyy]

does anyone have any good manga recommendations that are of manga that are either completed or not being continued? anything like shoujo, yuri, or horror... actually anything really as long as you think its good. and completed or discontinued only pls. ALSO if you are ve me recs can you tell me on a scale of 1-10 how anime/manga tropey it is. higher numbers being stuff like bnha or ouran high school host club and lower numbers being stuff like oyasumi punpun, chi no wadachi, nana, or fma (would you say its not very anime/manga tropey?) i hope that makes sense also thank you in advance

[laflynn]

Some sketches I made after binge watching and reading akatsuki no yona

[frostfires-blog]

✦✴Top 10 2024 Anime✴✦

So, surprisingly, this option was the winner of this poll that I did a few weeks ago... I wanted to put this out sooner, but I got caught up with other things.

Overall, I added 49 new entries to MyAnimeList in 2024... This might not seem like much to most of you, but it was considerable considering I'm pretty picky. The fact that 47% of the series were newly airing anime was surprising—particularly compared to the 24% from the previous year—as I typically only watch subsequent seasons and marathon series that have already been released.

*P.S. I included all anime that finished airing in 2024 even if they started in 2023 (e.g. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) but didn't include anime that are still airing in 2025 even if they started airing in 2024 (e.g. Ao no Hako) since that's typically how the official anime awards handles things... I also opted to include anime that I started and completed in 2024 even if they didn't originally air in 2024. I also didn't include any sequel seasons, only new series.

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-> Honorable Mentions:

⦁ Seijo no Maryoku wa Bannou desu / The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent

⦁ Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai / A Condition Called Love

⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺

-> Top 10 New 2024 Anime:

10) Goukon ni Ittara Onna ga Inakatta Hanashi / How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Kaichou wa Maid-sama!, Romantic Killer & Kiss Him Not Me! Although this series is not for everyone—considering its unconventional premise—its balanced blend of comedy, romance, and slice-of-life elements make it an enjoyable and wholesome watch. The series' superb voice acting, simplicity, and colourful array of relatable characters are its key strengths. While it does not have a lot of depth, its unique premise allows it to subvert several classic tropes—making the series feel refreshingly nostalgic.

09) Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi / The Elusive Samurai

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Akatsuki no Yona, Gintama, Kemono Jihen & Kimetsu no Yaiba While at first glance this anime appears to be a typical action-adventure shounen series—its art direction, tone, and humour are incredibly distinct. This series also challenges the conventional notion of a hero by substituting brute strength with agility and keen instincts. This anime balances its brutal historical setting—which is rife with war and political power struggles—with its anachronistic, self-aware comedy. Another strong point is its dynamic character design and natural synergy between its vibrant cast. The series' kaleidoscopic and mind-bending visuals are a testament to its creativity and distinctiveness—as it skillfully employs colour, imagery, and symbolism to enhance its allure and tone.

08) Kaijuu 8-gou / Kaijuu No. 8

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Attack on Titan & Jujutsu Kaisen Firstly, I wanted to note that #09 and #08 are completely interchangeable—I just thought it would be funny to place Kaijuu No. 8 in 8th place haha. This series follows an organisation that uses strength, wits and technology to defend Japan by fighting monstrous creatures called Kaiju. At its heart, this series is simple yet entertaining classic battle shounen anime. Its strong points are its amazing soundtrack, quirky characters and clever cliffhangers. While I wished it explored its setting, themes and characters more thoroughly—its high-paced action sequences were very satisfying. (P.S. Hoshina lives in my head rent-free.)

07) Loop 7-kaime no Akuyaku Reijou wa, Moto Tekikoku de Jiyuu Kimama na Hanayome Seikatsu wo Mankitsu suru / 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke's Mansion & The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent Once again, #07 and #06 are interchangeable—I just thought it would be funny to place 7th Time Loop in 7th place. Don't let this series' ridiculously long title deter you—if you're a fan of shojosei historical fantasy romance, then I'd highly recommend it. This series captivated me with its compelling blend of romance, drama, and mystery—in addition to its dynamic animation and music. The narrative follows our heroine—who is stuck in a seemingly endless time loop—through her 7th life. Using her vast array of skills from her past lives, she endeavours to stop the war that inevitably claims her life by becoming the fiancee of the man who will start it. The series' protagonist is compelling, capable, and confident—while the male lead is mysterious, complex, and captivating. The series' strong points are its complex characters, compelling narrative, and the strong chemistry between its main couple.

06) Yubisaki to Renren: A Sign of Affection

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Kimi Ni Todoke & Ao Haru Ride This series follows its protagonist, Yuki, as she navigates everyday life and relationships with a hearing disability. This anime conveys that there is beauty in simplicity, striking a great balance between depicting the perspective of a deaf protagonist and portraying a sincere and authentic romance. The series' meticulous attention to detail is especially noteworthy—particularly in its use of colour, imagery, sound, and body language to adequately convey emotions and subtleties, thereby allowing the viewer to fully engage with the characters' differing perspectives. Another commendable aspect of the series is that it recognises Yuki's challenges without excessively embellishing or romanticising them. We not only witness the beginnings of a heartfelt romance between Yuki and Itsuomi as they gradually learn to communicate with each other—but also develop an appreciation of the value of human connection and exposure to various languages and cultures. If you're looking for a cosy slice-of-life romance series, then I'd recommend this series.

05) Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai / Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master

Check this out if you're a fan of: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, Kokyuu no Karasu & Mo Dao Zu Shi This series is arguably the most underrated anime of 2024. This series is an enthralling blend of historical fantasy, mystery, drama, and action set in a universe where mystical shape-shifting ravens are embroiled in an intricate political power struggle. This anime's selling points are its carefully crafted multi-layered narrative, characters, and world-building—which collectively create an incredibly immersive and compelling viewing experience. This series does a great job of playing with the viewer's perceptions of characters throughout the series as they encounter substantial moral and emotional and moral obstacles. Its unpredictability stems from not only its originality but also its well-executed twists and complex character interactions—which force viewers to consistently reassess alliances and plot points. If you're looking for a compelling and multidimensional series with fluid action sequences, stellar music, and captivating aesthetics—then look no further.

04) Hoshifuru Oukoku no Nina / Nina the Starry Bride

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Akatsuki no Yona, Kaizouku Oujo & Fushigi Yugi Although this series seems like another retake of the classic rags-to-riches romance—it is an enthralling blend of drama, romance, and historical fantasy. While many complain that this anime does not bring anything revolutionary to the genre, I do not believe it needs to. Its selling points are not its originality, but rather its endearing characters, stunning designs and fantastical setting. This series is both nostalgic and engaging while refraining from being overly reliant on classic tropes—demonstrating that a tried-and-true formula can be effective without feeling unimaginative. Although love triangles typically possess a negative connotation within the anime community—this series employs the trope to enhance our comprehension of the primary characters, advance the plot, and fuel character development, rather than to force the main pairing together or introduce superfluous drama and miscommunication. I haven't seen a love triangle this compelling and unpredictable in anything else besides Chihayafuru, Fruits Basket and Who Made Me A Princess. Ultimately your enjoyment of this series will be heavily influenced by how much you care about its characters and genre. So ,I'd only recommend it if you're a fan of shoujosei historical, fantasy romance. That being said, I'm very excited to read the manga, which from what I've seen is much better-paced and more detailed than the anime.

03) Wind Breaker

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Tokyo Revengers, Jujutsu Kaisen and Tsurune This series centres around a group of delinquents at an all-boys school that have banded together to protect their town and its people from nearby thugs. It is generally critiqued for its simplistic story, but I believe it is another example of how simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. The series' best attributes are its character development, character interactions, animation, pacing and character design. What differentiates Wind Breaker from many other series is that it is equally as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed addressing several relevant themes such as isolation, discrimination, self-discovery, camaraderie, acceptance, redemption and integrity. The series' lack of fantastical elements augments its emotional resonance by adding a degree of sincerity and realness. The series' exceptional voice acting, complex characters and authentic character interactions further add to its resonance. I'm incredibly excited to see how much more the characters will grow in the upcoming sequel season...

02) Sousou no Frieren / Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Fumetsu no Anata e & Violet Evergarden I have to start this off by admitting that I obstinately avoided watching this series until around five months after it finished airing—only relenting after discovering my favourite seiyuu cast in it—because I allowed my prejudices to obscure my judgment. I obviously regret being so petty now and want to take this as a lesson going forward and hope you guys will learn from my mistakes too. Although Frieren seems like another archetypal action-fantasy series with an OP protagonist—there is so much more to the series. After having watched it I was honestly surprised at its popularity given its focus on sentiments, subtleties and symbolism rather than action. The series presents us with its primary recurring themes from the very beginning: the value of forging relationships, the purpose of life, and the gravity of goodbyes. Through these themes the series imparts to us the message that life is short thus we should strive to live in the moment and embrace every connection and small happenstance. Sousou no Frieren is one of the anime series that has the potential to shift your approach to how you choose to live your life, as a result of this message. Aside from its thematic richness and emotional resonance, the series boasts incredible animation, music, and voice acting along with compelling characters and fluid battles. An understated part of the series is how tactfully it handles its heavy themes, without making an overt spectacle out of them but rather maintaining a consistent melancholic tone.

01) Kusuriya no Hitorigoto / The Apothecary Diaries

> Check this out if you're a fan of: Kokyuu no Karasu, Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai, Sauinkoku Monogatari & Akagami no Shirayuki-hime I'm sure no one is shocked that this series is at number one, given that I've written three hanakotoba posts about it and it made my top ten favourite series and top fifteen favourite female characters lists. In many respects, this series feels like a breath of fresh air, yet it still retains a sense of nostalgia. At its core, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto is a blend of mystery, drama, comedy and historical romance. The series follows Maomao, our protagonist, as she utilises her analytical mind and knowledge of various medicines, plants and poisons to fulfil tasks and solve mysteries in Imperial China's Rear Palace. This series differentiates itself from many other series in the mystery genre by resolving its cases through the application of worldly knowledge—which just is not commonplace given its historic and secluded setting—rather than in a pretentious or cryptic manner. This does not detract from Maomao's intelligence, but it does give the series a grounded and authentic atmosphere that other mystery series lack. Much of the series' appeal stems from its dynamic cast—particularly its compelling yet flawed protagonist whose personality is defined by the juxtaposing qualities of cautiousness and curiosity. Although the series starts with episodic mysteries, it gradually unravels into a more complex overarching mystery allowing its characters and narrative to naturally evolve—thus highlighting the series' pacing as one of its strong points. The series' immersive ambience and aesthetics are not only the result of its careful integration of Chinese cultural elements but also its skilled application of colour, lighting, and music to convey various connotations to the viewer. My favourite aspect of the series is its deft integration of numerous flowers as visual motifs for different characters and story arcs. The integration of floriography not only complements the series—considering Maomao's expertise with plants and herbs—but also augments its richness and immersiveness, highlighting the series' meticulous production.

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P.S. I've posted two polls centred around this post. If you want to participate here are the links: Part 1 │Part 2

[soo-won]

Za Hana to Yume Fantasy 2025 : Akatsuki no Yona / Shishidou Akari X Kusanagi Mizuho Q&A

Everything the Vtuber Shishidou Akari is curious about in Akatsuki no Yona!

The story is in the middle of its final arc! Akatsuki no Yona keeps getting more and more exciting. Shishidou Akari, an avid Akatsuki no Yona reader who is part of the group of virtual streamers “Nijisanji”, is now asking all she’s curious about in the story! What are the scenes that left an impact on Kusanagi-sensei? What are her tricks when she feels blocked with her work…?! A must-read for all fans ☆ Plus, Shishidou Akari also shares with us her favorite parts and scenes in Akatsuki no Yona ♪

The story of the fan Shishidou Akari! The best points of Akatsuki no Yona.

The meeting with Akatsuki no Yona:

Shishidou: I learned about Akatsuki no Yona from my recommendations on an anime streaming site. At first I wasn’t sure if it was a battle anime, but I thought I would give the first episode a try. So I thought, but before I realized I was at the final episode, I had bought all the manga volumes and it had already become my favorite series! It’s only been a couple of years so I’m still a novice, but I’m so happy I got to know such a great story!!

The best points of Akatsuki no Yona:

Shishidou: The characters! The story! The art! Everything is the best! My favorite characters are Yona, Hak and Yoon. I love Yona’s continuous growth, how Hak is so unwavering and reassuring, and how Yoon is always so reliable despite being cute, but I think everyone is amazing and that every character  has their own individual charm! There are 45 volumes now, and I keep wondering how can such a long series be so thoroughly enjoyable?! Everytime I add a volume to my pile, my heart swings between impatiently waiting for what will happen next and really not wanting it to end…! I’m really looking forward to this campaign as well!

My favorite scenes in Akatsuki no Yona: 

Shishidou: This is at the very beginning, but I love the scene when Yona is captured by Soo-won and his followers and Hak rescues her. (Yona has other allies but,) watching Hak fight countless enemies and protect Yona to cling to life as her only ally really shoots me right in the heart. I have so many scenes I love that I could never write about all of them here, but I’m very happy that in a story full of battles and about reuniting new friends, there are also regular scenes between Hak and Yona that get me so many butterflies in my stomach. I think it’s amazing that both women and men can enjoy it! I will keep watching over Yona and Hak!

Shishidou Akari x Kusanagi Mizuho 

Q&A about everything Shishidou Akari wants to know!

Kusanagi-sensei replied to the 9 questions Shishidou-san asked her! Now sharing it in the form of a conversation.

Shishidou: My favorite character is Hak, but do you have favorites and characters you particularly like too? I wonder if creating characters you love can become an obstacle for the manga…? Is there anything like this for you? 

Kusanagi: I don’t have any favorite characters, but I really like to draw characters that don’t often appear in the story like Tae-woo and Hen-dae, or Algira&co. When it comes to Yona’s group and Soo-won, it’s more like I’m fighting alongside them. The characters I love in other stories are a different thing from my own characters.

Shishidou: Akatsuki no Yona has been adored for many years, but what are the scenes that left an impression on you in particular? 

Kusanagi: If we go back several years in the past, chapter 91 “He was a very precious friend”, chapter 120 “Reach” and chapter 152 “I care about many things” come to mind.

In the present, I’d say chapter 197 “Shaky handwriting” from Yonhi’s memoirs arc. It’s the episode where Il addresses a letter to the departed Yonhi. I don’t often have the occasion to portray the emotions of characters like him so I’m glad I could draw it.

Shishidou: Is there any scene that makes you like “Ah! This one has a deeper meaning, you know!”? If so, please tell us which ones!

Kusanagi: I’m not sure if this counts, but when Zeno transformed into a dragon in chapter 259, he swept Hak and Yona away in the direction of Hiryuu’s coffin with his dragon’s hand. He actually did this on purpose so they wouldn’t be crushed by the debris of the collapsing palace. (Zeno knew that no debris would fall on the coffin because of the Dragon Gods’ protection.)

Shishidou: If you could change into any of your characters, which one would you like to be? I’d want to be Jae-ha so I could fly!

Kusanagi: I feel this! I’d like to be Jaeha too so I could jump around anywhere like in parkour. I’d like to have a healthy body with good motor skills.

Shishidou: If you could become a citizen of any of the five tribes, which tribe would you choose?

Kusanagi: Of course, the wind tribe is the first that comes to mind. You probably can live freely and at your own leisure without any pressure from above, there. But public order has been restored in all the tribes, and they have improved in many ways, so any of them might be pretty nice now.

Shishidou: How do you get back on track when you feel blocked and can’t advance on your work? 

Kusanagi: Generally the root of the block is that I’m sleep deprived, so lately I’ve been trying to stop pushing myself more than strictly needed to get some sleep. When I absolutely don’t have the time to sleep, I shake myself like “It’s bad!! It’s very bad!!” to get things done. Eating makes me sleepy so I’m also holding off eating a little in those cases. 

Shishidou: In the story, the characters are wearing Chinese garments, but what would Yona and the others wear if they were living in the real world of today? 

Kusanagi: I’d like to make Yona wear boyish clothes. Otherwise it’s pretty basic, but I’d give tall characters like Hak and Jae-ha a long coat with a mature look.

Shishidou: What kind of cooking is Yoon skilled at? I want to eat it.

Kusanagi: He’s good at hot pot cooking and any recipes that mix rice with various ingredients. But it’s not like he could get any fancy ingredients when he was living with Ik-soo or when he traveled, so his culinary repertoire is actually not that big.

Shishidou: What kind of person is Kye-sook…? I wonder if he’s nothing more than an advisor…? Who is he really? 

Kusanagi: Since he was a central figure with Soo-won that planned out the usurpation of the throne, he probably has a lot of discretion for a simple advisor. As he said himself, he “was born with no status to speak of”. He was a commoner, joined the general troops of the sky tribe army when he was a young boy, and after being gravely injured and picked up by Yuhon, he received an education and studied the art of war together with Soo-won and Min-soo in Yu-hon’s mansion. (Min-soo’s major study was medecine)

Speaking of Soo-won’s childhood friends, there are of course Yona and Hak, but Kye-sook and Min-soo were his childhood friends as well. Since he was living in the same place as Soo-won day to day, it means that Kye-sook even spent more time by Soo-won’s side than YonaHak did. He worshiped Yu-hon and deeply despised Il, so he used every means necessary to make Soo-won the King, and he was very wary of Hak that (seemed to) threaten Soo-won’s life.