#i would honestly rather be dead

[sskk-manifesto]

Bungou Stray Dogs: Dead Apple and how “ability users” (opposite to “normal people”) learning to accept themselves through the acceptance of their own abilities is a queer metaphor of acceptance of own's sexual orientation and gender: an essay by me

[chilei-the-hotsauce]

15 + mafia chilei? For gore prompt?

:D

[cyarskj1899]

They have freed us from worrying about them.

That is exactly the feeling. It's clarity and a free feeling because now all we have to concern ourselves with is US.

And honestly with the talent insights education and creativity Black women possess i think we are gonna build something beautiful despite this hell

[nyaruhodou]

gege realized that he doesnt have to write a developed main female character if he just bricks her for 3 years and has her come back just for the final battle. this is great writing

[kay9leo]

Tectonic Plates - Time Travel AU

I saw this post and it made me think of something.

Okay, so going back to the idea of Iñaki being an accidental time traveler stuck in 1890 and seeing a picture of Sebastian's lookout point in Feldcroft made me thing of something funny. Iñaki being from the future (late naught/2000s) knows about tectonic plates might mention on an off comment as a fun fact about the Highlands...of and it isn't until after she starts explaining to Sebastian about Tectonic plates....she realizes she runs into a new problem being stuck in the past.

(From my "A New York Yankee in Hogwarts' Courtyard, 1890" AU).

Iñaki: ...In fact, the Appalachian Mountains were once part of the same mountain ranges as the Scottish Highlands. It's the reason why a number of Scot-Irish immigrants settled in that region - aside from the cheap land, the place reminded them of home like what you see here in the Highlands. 🤓 *Iñaki smiles as she stares at the scenery* it also reminds me of home when I would go on hikes by the Hudson River. 🥹

Sebastian: Huh, that makes sense. 🤔 So in what year did this Alfred Wegener made this theory? 🧐🤓

Iñaki: He proposed the theory in 19- 😃😐🫤 *Freezes when she realizes she's about to spoil a future event (Alfred Wegener proposed the theory in 1912)* ...or was 25 years ago...umm...I'm not sure...I tend to forget small details like that after an exam hahah....🙃😅😓

Sebastian: *knowing Iñaki doesn't forget small details*🤨

....

Years later after Iñaki has mysteriously vanished (and Sebastian was unable to find her despite his best efforts) in the Year 1912, a 37 year old Sebastian reads the muggle newspaper and finds an article about the new Tectonic Plate theory.

Sebastian: How is this news? 🤨 Iñaki told me about the guy being in her his...tory....exam....wait a minute! 😶😐🫤😳

...

Meanwhile in the future:

Iñaki: Why do I get the feeling I need to go back in time and obliviate Sebastian? 😑

...

Meanwhile in the year 1912:

Sebastian: Ominis I'm telling you, Iñaki didn't go missing! She's from the future! My best friend still alive somewhere out there! 😃🤩 She told me about Alfred Wegener and tectonic plates before it was a thing!

Ominis: I thought we agreed she was secretly a seer! That makes more sense then for her to be a TIME TRAVELER! 😩Sebastian, this is the opposite of making peace with her disappearance! 😤🥺😢

Sebastian: She's Time Traveler! That's why we could never find her nor find any records of her in the States! 🤩

Ominis: Why would a time traveler even want to meet us? You're overthinking it Sebastian! 😩

Sebastian: She also said to not get on some ship called the Titanic. Remember how it sank earlier in the year? Back in April? She's a time traveler! 🤩

Ominis: Sebastian please.😩SHE. IS. SECRETLY. A. SEER! 😭

[magnusmodig]

||. thor's heart's desire being that he wants his brother back by his side constantly has me in a chokehold you guys don't understand

T: Loki! I should have realized such mischief wasn't the result of past misdeeds... but a real and present plot from my scheming brother. Was father's punishment not enough for you? F!L: All-Father Odin released me, Thor. For in his wisdom, he believed I'd learned the error of my ways. This is no trick, Brother. Only your heart's desire. T: I'll admit... such an outcome has never been far from my hope.

The fact that Thor auto-assumes it's a malicious trick and that Loki is up to no good... even in his own illusion of his own make.... the way he so readily wants to believe that Loki could change and that Odin could spare some mercy to let that happen... my man just wants his best friend back it's so tragic.

F!L: What does your heart tell you? T: How I've longed for this day...brother... F!L: Your hammer! My staff! Father conceded his own failings as well, and ordered we rule together, and crush the enemies of Asgard as Odin should have but never could!

like obviously, yes, he figures out literally immediately that this tower is preying on his heart's desire and kicks its butt, but in the small space of time before that? There was nothing that Thor wanted more than to go back to how things were... back when things made sense. Back when it was him and his brother and they were meant to rule together as one. Close-knit brothers. His hammer, and Loki's staff.

(It's probably also worth noting that in this same heart's desire illusion he kinda wishes Odin would stop being a jerk but y'know that's for another post)

[twinknote]

cleaning my car’s interior in the sun -> drenched in sweat -> debilitating cramps evil pipeline

[nyhti]

Awww, that’s so cute <33 Bruce teaching him martial arts.

Action Comics #318

[tethys-the-aquatic-sea-godness]

One other thing that bothers me in the Bhaal plot of BG3 is that they made it sound like Bhaal created his Bhaalspawns as... servants? Puppets? And that's never been the purpose of the Bhaalpsawns? Ever? Every new Bhaalspawn he created in BG3 is counterproductive to his plan.

Bhaal knew in advance he would die, so he divided his divine essense into many mortal vessels. Then he charged his faithful (cough) high priestess Amelyssan to ensure every Bhaalspawn was killed after his passing, so that his power could be returned to him and he could be reborn.

Thats' the plan. A plan that's impeded, not helped, by more Bhaalspawns. It means splitting more of his essence.

Bhaal never wanted those spawns, he never intended to keep them, he never wanted a 'perfect child', they were fuel, born to be consumed for his return.

And that Larian has to make their dark urge the one true most *specialest* Bhaalspawn is just... pathetic. Can't find another word for it. They're trying to push aside Gorion's ward entire storyline, two incredible previous games, just to shove in their perfect, most special Bhaalspawn of all Bhaalspawns. And what flesh and blood of Bhaal is the Dark Urge made of? When Cyric killed him, he didn't have a mortal body, he was possessing one. Is the Dark Urge made of the dead flesh and blood of the guy he was possessing? Doesn't feel that special, but sure, go ahead.

I'm not saying their main charatcers shouldn't have been special somehow, it's part of the salt, but they should've have made it special with their own story. Not by trying too hard, and failing, to match the previous two games. I don't know, make the main character special reguarding something Illithid? You know, the supposed main focus of this game?

And yes, they do fail. The original game gives you the opportunity to become a god, in this one, your great evil achievement would be to be to work for a god. Congratulation, you've got a job. The one where you control the brain would be the only one where you truly achieve your evil overlord dreams. Surprise, surprise, that's the one connected to Illithid plot, not the Bhaal plot. They can do good work when they're not trying to one up their predecessors.

[maxiwaxipads]

i once wrote notes based on hello kitty's furry tale theatre cartoon (fragaria memories ofc because this is my current fixation aha haha)

i tried formatting this appropriately so itll be easy to read but I gave up at the point of character profiles

(I wanted to write something that is at least based on Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater(?)) (Hallritt, Merold, and Tuxam appearances) (That also means making characters based on Catnip, Grinder, Mowzer, and Fangora) (Other than obviously featuring a play of sorts, what will the overall plot will be(?)) (I kinda want to introduce the idea of Merold and Tuxam knowing each other) (Because I like the idea that both are senior knights of their respective bouquets and may have met each other, even if it was once) (And also the idea of retired knights of Fragaria, or at least the knights before our current cast) (Hello Kitty's knight before Hallritt(?)) (Tuxam who visited with his lord because Tuxedo Sam wanted to visit the Orchid Theatre)

(Plot Synopsis): In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Orchid Theatre, Hallritt, Merold, and Tuxam visit the Theatre with their lords but are caught in a mysterious case of incidents where members of Hello Kitty’s Men wound up with mysterious injuries.

Nica (Lord: Catnip) - “So, what if you’re an amateur? With enough passion and drive,—we can start from somewhere. But don’t think this excuses you from essential training.” A hot-headed person with incredible drive and passion. They’re a bit foul-mouthed and strict with themselves and others. Somewhat older than Merold, Hallritt, and Tuxam (around their late 20s or early 30s(?)). Considered a talented actor. (Orchestrated from their hometown, but was saved by Catnip(?)) (Feels incredibly indebted to the troupe and their lord) (Someone with a “let’s get it over with” attitude and has an ego where they know they’re perfect, so it won’t be lazy or with poor taste at all(?)) “I trust myself that I can deliver a satisfactory performance. But it won’t be just satisfactory—it will be beautiful and mesmerizing!”

Anfora (Lord: Fangora) - “Everyone bothers me about retirement this… retirement that…! No. I’ve decided that my fate is to die here.” A senior member of the troupe who had been around before Oz was made the current troupe master. (The current personality trait I have is: yapper) (like if I wrote it down, it could be summarized as yapper) (Still acts and helps behind the scenes) (May also help and advise with/for Oz) (Considered dependable and someone who is also just as passionate about the Orchid Theatre and for the troupe)

Rin (Lord: Grinder) - "Heheh… Look right here! Funny, right? No? Guess I shoulda let the script to ol' Oz…" A jack-of-all-trades when it comes to instrumentals, Rin is a prankster who tries to lighten the mood and make everyone laugh. Rowdy, but has a heart of gold. (Someone who would stop immediately if the prank seems to become too severe(?)) (I feel like out of everyone in the Orchid Theatre, Rin is the most normal and average guy in the troupe and everyone could be said as insane) A little bit older than everyone else, but closer in age to Merold, Tuxam, and Hallritt. (I want him to be a himbo or at least akin to one(?)) (Originally his family pushed for him to become a knight but Rin desired to become an actor) (Still follows the same training regiment that is somewhat modified from his days of training to be a knight)

Oz (Lord: Mowzer) - “I think… Each life serves a singular purpose, and mine is to write. I will do it. No matter how insane I become, or if I forget my humanity. It has been decided.” Troupe Master of Hello Kitty's Men. Oz leans on the more quiet side and has an illicit passion for the stage. Makes his contributions by writing scripts and helps when it comes to directing. He isn't much of an actor and mainly focuses from behind the scenes.

Oz - “We have all resigned ourselves to continue performing even in the face of death.” Oz - “So why worry about us?” “Merely—If the chance allows, we’d sing and dance on the stage even after death.” Oz - “As your lords mean everything, the performance is our life and everything.” Oz - “‘In your hands, it will be brilliant.’ Call it what it is… I simply laugh in joy. I would hear those many—no, an infinite amount of times! It could never grow old!” Oz - “That is how we all feel.” “Be it because of ego or to make someone in the audience moved.” Oz - "It is an art form I am proud of…"

and from this moment forward, idea hailstorm will occur </3

“i am so pathetic for this character” and you turn around to see its tuxam from fragaria memories

(Taking place in the Orchid Theatre that is currently occupied by the playing company, Hello Kitty’s Men(?))

(Hallritt has been tasked to guard the theatre for the night and his lord, Hello Kitty will attend to watch the play)

(The 1000th Anniversary of the Orchid Theatre(?))

(Merold and Tuxam appearances)

(History of the Orchid Theatre and the playing company)

(Either shenanigans happen—Hallritt, Merold, and Tuxam become actors)

(SEEDs issue happens(?))

(A member of the troupe is possessed by a SEED and attempts to sabotage the play(?))

(As the Orchid Theatre’s Millennium Anniversary approaches,  members of the troupe are injured through things like a falling stage light or rubbish falling on top of them)

(This is overlooked because of the preparations for the Orchid Theatre’s Anniversary but it is suspected to be intentional)

(Rather than a random person, I think it would be more impactful to explore an already written character(?))

(I think Nica might fit the role better(?))

(Still troubled by her past and believes everyone is out to get her(?))

(I wanted the idea that the SEED elevates her emotions to a high degree, especially since it has possessed her for days)

Nica - “Everyone… Everyone is out to get me. I know how they look at me.” “No matter what I do, I’m just despicable and easily hatable.”

Nica - “So to protect myself… I have to hurt others.”

(Nica who doesn’t remember when a SEED possessed her, but starts to receive headaches) (She ignores this in order to prepare for the Millennium Anniversary) 

(Possibly gaps within her memory during the sabotages(?))

(Do you think people can semi-transform into SEEDs(?))

(Imagine being semi-transformed into a SEED and the SEED half of you attacks people while you desperately cry trying to stop yourself but it does nothing)

(These negative emotions only amplify the SEED, and the answer is either having someone remove the SEEd from your body, dying, or abandoning emotion)

Nica - “Everyone looks down on me. Everyone hates me.”

Nica - “They…They—Who even tolerates me… at this point?” “Am I even likable? What does everyone think of me…?”

Nica - “It is quite natural, yes?” “Everything I do… Is to protect myself.”

(Is it dormancy that completely stops the takeover of a SEED, or does the dormancy simply mean a void that the SEED can take over(?)) (Is nothingness a negativity(?))

Nica - “This life is solely for the stage.” “If I have to die, I hope it will be a thrilling act.”

(The SEED feeds into Nica’s intrusive thoughts which leads to hurting her fellow actors) (Albeit, discreetly)

(When Hallritt arrives, Oz does intend to inform him because his hands are busy and gives permission to search the premise of Orchid Theatre)

(Both Tuxam and Merold join along)

(I imagine it isn’t until he last moment everyone realizes that Nica is behind the attacks and confront her about it)

(From this point, they don’t have a motivation as to why)

(I kinda want Nica to lunge the nearest person, that being Merold, with a weapon but Hallritt moves aside and gets stabbed himself)

(And then Nica is semi-transformed into a SEED)

woah!! character dynamics and how i imagined them

(Character Dynamics or How I Imagine Them(?)) -

Hallritt and Merold - Hallritt who wants to get close and Merold who doesn’t want to.

(Merold is willing to cooperate with Hallritt if the situation deems necessary but only tolerates him)

Merold - “As your senior, won’t you do something for me—Hallritt?”

Hallritt - “Sure! Whatever do you need?”

(Hallritt who wants to get along with Merold and willing to do almost anything)

Tuxam - “HALT! This is an abuse of hierarchy, Merold…!”

(I feel like Merold would be the type to make bad excuses to get Hallritt away from him(?)) 

Merold - “It’d be bad if the theatre wasn’t surrounded by rubble… Oh, Hallritt! Why don’t you go over there and clean.”

Hallritt - “I suppose it would be bad. Yes! I’ll go over there!”

Tuxam - “For once, that is true… Merold. You’re coming with. Don’t think you can get away with a bad excuse.”

Merold - “(Sigh). Yeah. Yeah.”

Hallritt and Tuxam - Tuxam who is willing to be dependable and help Hallritt as a senior Knight of Fragaria! He’s more helpful than Merold, but still nagging. Tuxam also helps Hallritt avoid Merold’s plots.

Tuxam - “So… About our lords.”

(Tuxam who tries not being obvious about wanting their lords to meet each other) (Hallritt thinks he’s planning something and it’s obvious that Tuxam trying not to be obvious is being obvious) (Kind, but still nagging)

Merold and Tuxam - Knighted around the same time, they’ve met before when visiting the Orchid Theatre years ago.

(I imagine Merold as someone who frequently teases Tuxam)

(Someone who Merold is comfortable having deep conversations with or reminiscing about the past(?))

Tuxam - “You’re impossible, Merold.”

Merold - “And you’re a riot, Tuxam.”

(If I have to describe Merold on how I write him, I would say its like a love child between how I think Hangyon and Pikero talk) (But Merold has more Hangyon genetics than Pikero’s)

(I should probably elaborate on how I think Merold talks) (But with a flair of arrogance(?))

(I feel like Merold would be the type to bend down to his knees just to annoy Tuxam) 

(Would sorta rest himself on Tuxam as well(?)) (Like sorta leaning onto him and resting his elbow on his head sorta rest)

(I mentioned before, but I wanted to write or mention about Hello Kitty’s previous knight who I’ll dub as “Elliot”)

(To give backstory)

(Elliot, Tuxam, and Merold who visited the Orchid Theatre in a similar situation of celebrating the Orchid Theatre’s 995th Anniversary(?)) (I should probably write a little bit more than that or at least brainstorm it)

(Would 5 years be considered a long time(?))

(The Orchid Theatre having connections with the Hello Kitty Kingdom, MyMelody Kingdom, and Tuxedo sam Kingdom)

(Every 5 - 10 years the lords will come and visit the theatre yet again(?))

(I won’t lie I’ve always been picky about the names I give to characters) (Is “Elliot” too basic???) (I found an anagram maker and put "Hello Kitty" in it and saw Elliot)

Tuxam - “You’re like a bad dream—no…! ! The reminder of the reality (Hangyon and Pikero) I already face!”

Merold - “Wow~ That hurt y’know? I can’t believe Tuxam was capable of being rude.”

Merold - “Did he even grow to become a gentleman at all…?”

Tuxam - “H—Huh…! But I am a gentleman to my very core…?!” “At least I believe so?”

Merold - “Support me, will you?”

Tuxam - “Naturally. Let us eliminate the SEED.”

(Merold who solely focuses on attacking the SEED)

(Tuxam who attempts to multitask helping Merold and keeping surrounding damage to a minimum)

Merold - “Tuxam~ You know trying to keep the theatre from being destroyed is basically impossible!”

Tuxam - “Why not think about the people who’ll have to patch up the theatre…!”

(Possible Story Outline or Events I Want(?)) -

(I want the scenario to reveal Nica as the culprit in a brief flashback but without the context at this point of the story)

(Hallritt is called out by Merold, who snaps him from his daze) (Introduction of the Orchid Theatre)

(If not, I want a dream sequence where Hallritt overhears a few vague words before realizing a sharp pain in his shoulder and a knife has been plunged in that location)

(Hallritt wakes up, and sequence ends where we arrive at the Orchid Theatre)

(I’m unsure if it’ll be effective to a viewer, but it’s a outline so it can be removed whenever)

(Hallritt and Merold with their lords, who have just arrived to the location)

(They’re waiting for someone else, this cues Tuxam’s arrival with his lord)

(Brief mention of the history of the Orchid Theatre, I imagine Oz takes them around a tour of the theatre itself(?)) 

(Mostly for Hallritt)

(Shenanigans ensue, the event will be highly guarded with the presence of 3 lords in the same location) (There’s already guards around the premise, mainly on standby)

(When given the chance, Oz will find a discreet location and inform about reoccurring incidents of actors or members of the troupe getting mysterious hurt(?)) (Because of the upcoming 1000th Anniversary of the Orchid Theatre, there wasn’t time to properly investigate this(?))

(I imagine since the introduction of Oz, you can tell something is up but unsure(?))

(Merold overhears this and joins Hallritt for investigations, Tuxam joins but only because he was about to scold Merold for eavesdropping)

(I personally feel like it’ll be more effective if the audience already knows the culprit and it has to take the characters to realize(?)) (I want it to be more rewarding rather than beating around the bush too much(?))

(I do want this to be time to flesh out new characters as well before the final happens)

(Oz will be approached to start off the mission)

(Rin will be approached to know more about the building plan of the Orchid Theatre)

(Anfora will be approached to understand possible motivation and being a senior member—will share her past experiences)

(Nica will be approached to better understand the play and her character(?)) (Considered talented as an actor) (<—I probably need to think about this a bit more)

Merold - “I can’t imagine you doing anything discreetly.”

Rin - “HaHa! Same!”

(During the final confrontation, Nica lunges Merold with a weapon but Hallritt gets in front of Merold to protect him)

(Hallritt ends up getting stabbed)

(I feel like Merold would feel offended yet somewhat thankful for Hallritt) 

Merold - “YOU. BIG IDIOT.”

Merold - “Do you not understand the title ‘Strongest Knight?’”

(What if final confrontation is done on the Orchid Theatre’s stage and it is a big reveal)

(Merold - “What are you?”)

(Hallritt - “…An idiot sandwich.”)

you know i would compile these notes properly and summarize them but when you’re in a bad mental state and listening to revolutionary girl utena all duel songs can you really?

earth as a character gallery is a banger 

allegory allegorier allegoriest 

the black rose songs are the best frfr

maybe i should make revolutionary girl utena inspired lyrics for fragaria memories

that honestly sounds fun if i can commit to it

WAIT I CAN MAKE ACE ATTORNEY REFERENCES

BUT I HAVENT SEEN IT IN FOREVER WAAAAAAAHHHH

(Outdated grandiose that makes the old appear new)

(Aged like fine wine) (Apple motifs)

(Operates as mainly a stage for performers, but has been modified to be used as a cinema(?)) (both on a stage and has a projector or screen for cinema usage(?))

(i imagine the cinema itself is open at least 2 - 3 times a week and the rest of the days is for the performers of the Orchid Theatre to practice their craft for the next big play(?))

(Beautifully elaborate, has Hello Kitty motifs)

(Also contains Mowzer, Catnip, Fangora, and Grinder motifs of course(?))

(Rather than Mowzer, Catnip, Fangora, and Grinder being lords like Hello Kitty and the others) (I rather have them be historical figures that aren’t around today(?))

(It’s said in lore that the lords somehow ascending into the world of Fragria, so I kinda want the opposite of the 4 coming back to their world instead of death)

(Considered figures that represent the spirit of acting(?))

(Similar to the greek muses of comedy and tragedy) (the smiling and frowning masks i mean) (imagine their faces plastered as masks similar to the theatre masks(?)) (like what im saying is a comedy mask with characteristics similar to catnip or grinder(?))

(i should really learn a little bit about theatres… i have somewhat relied on wikipedia but that can only go so far)

i did try writing a fragraia memories revolutionary girl utena song but I don't really know if its really fragmem? Spirit circuit—illusionary deficient, a cruel hook dangles the prey midair Lo’! — Awake from dream. the hook, fish, or the fisherman? Sealed, Spilled, Anchored. Forbidden life’s mead bleeds. Forbidden landscapes defy the unreal.  Naturality pacifies and requites the unnatural. Beloved, Unreal Realness. Are you surprised? It’s a big mistake to think you’re the only one who can turn into a car. I’m a car now too!

i promise the last line is real just look up revolutionary girl utena car scene

[musclesandhammering]

Unpopular opinion: I don’t want og!Loki to be in Valhalla after Thanos killed him, I want him to be the new ruler of Hel.

[spectral-central]

The fact that so many people are less willing to believe spiderverse gwen stacy is trans and more willing to believe that her peter, who got so bullied it ended up killing him, was is. Like it's not bad i guess but it's. It's something alright

[shame-kink]

today's jjk ep

[todayisafridaynight]

So I was going to comment I don’t know your favorite Yakuza character then I remembered it was Jo and I have to ask what specifically about him makes him number one?

if you're referring to my baddie baddies tier list, then that wasn't a tier list of my favorite yakuza characters it was a tier list specifically of how hot i found each antagonist to be unless you're coming from my DB blog where i said he was one of my faves but this/that amirite

regardless tho i will talk about why i love jo cause he genuinely is one of my fave charas in general and the reason for that uhhhhh he's neat :) and hot.

But In All Seriousness i unno, it's hard for me to explain why i like characters sometimes. i'll try under the cut tho cause It Gets Long

for jo, a big part of it is how he is as a father- or trying to be a father anyway. he didn't think twice about giving aoki up as a baby- he didn't even really care if he died or not. it was only thanks to masumi that aoki got that chance at life, and if it weren't for the fact he accidentally walked by masumi and aoki that one day jo probably would've gone the rest of his life without having a second thought about it

but thats the thing: they did cross paths that day, and jo's forced to confront the fact his actions did have consequences. he was forced to grow up out of that mentality he had as a kid- that if you don't look at the problem, it'll go away. evidently, they didn't: his actions had consequences, consequences that affected not only his or ikumi's life, but aoki was ultimately going to be the one to shoulder the burden the most because they couldn't be bothered to just give him to someone and tried to leave him in a locker of all places. it's what heightens jo's quote to ichi about taking responsibility as a yakuza all the more impactful in retrospect as well, and it's details like that that make revisiting the game all the more fun

but back to jo, he fully realizes what he did was fucked up, and that there's no conceivable way he can ever make amends or right his wrongs. joining the yakuza would be the next best thing for his goals, not like he saw much of an honest future for himself anyway. at the very least, he can try to support his son anyway he can no matter the cost- or at least, anyway he can for the most part.

jo's inability to kill masumi despite it being a direct order from aoki himself is also such a telling part of his character that makes me weep a little. he entered the yakuza with sole intentions of looking after aoki and taking care of him, nothing more or nothing less. ergo, it would be up to masumi to decide how much jo gets to be involved in his son's life

but that's the thing right: masumi would be the one primarily taking care of aoki. we know masumi tries to keep in touch with aoki via the beginning of the game where he laments his calls don't get returned, and masumi seemed to spend whatever time he could with aoki growing up based off of ichi's brief flashback.

being a yakuza boss be damned, jo got to see first hand how much masumi loved his son despite his circumstances that would've made a lesser parent quit or despise him- that despite his status as a yakuza boss, he would be there and be an active presence in aoki's life enough to annoy him and think of him as nothing more than a helicopter parent. i'm willing to bet that despite jo trying to brush off the sentiment that masumi was anything more than a patriarch to him, he probably did harbor genuine respect dare i say adoration for him. how could he not? even if masumi didn't know aoki wasn't really his son, he took care of him as though he were, complications and all.

if we wanna stretch it, then based off the RGGO iteration of sawashiro, he got his tattoo in direct honor of arakawa: if we're to believe that bits of RGGO sawashiro made it to Y7 sawashiro, then it's fair to say sawashiro's dedication and respect to masumi were immense (though we can make the argument that Y7 sawashiro might not have the same tattoo, or that his tattoo now could be dedicated to taking care of aoki instead- BUT this is speculation at this point, its just something i think of and i figured i'd add it).

which what makes One Of My Favorite Yakuza Scenes all the more meaningful: the day masumi is found dead, that's when we get to see jo really lose it and gives us one of the bloodier moments in the franchise. us getting to see jo actually puncture someone's eye in really heightens his anger with the circumstances at hand- i concede that jo was genuinely frustrated with how the yakuza were being toyed with, but i also dont doubt for a second he was sincere when he told ishioda he wanted to maim whoever took out masumi ishioda was probably thanking the stars tendo was the one to do him in amirite LMAOO. whether it's because of yakuza honor or having lost someone he cared about, jo's dedication is palpable and frightening when it's allowed to flourish

its weird to say tho someone said it a long time ago on one of my tags, but jo's sentimental for a yakuza, even if he wants to be a hard ass about it. he's made his life's purpose trying to right a wrong that can never be fixed (hell, his manner of fighting can be translated as "shame style" reaffirming that despite the years gone by and aoki's actions and disregard for him, he can't quell his guilt. never mind he was ready to take off ichi's finger based on the assumption he took aoki's money from him with his permission), and along the way i'm Hopeful in saying he found SOMEWHAT of a confidant in masumi to make his burden a bit lighter.

jo's by no means a good guy- not even by a long shot. he IS however an incredibly compelling character, and i'm glad that we get to see him somewhat again in LaD8 for however long they'll keep him around in that.

also his theme fucks 11/10 brutality's a fucking banger

[jovalencia]

not to be dramatic but I literally feel like I’m going insane lol

[whimsyprinx]

I am also very much afraid that one day I’ll be happy and I won’t want to die and then like I will