#minami ( mindset )

[yuzukahibiscus]

Minami Maito on Bling! – A closeup on the updates of Senka members.

(Source from 2024 TAKARAZUKA GRAPH November Issue)

— You transferred from Flower Troupe to Senka in late April 2923, and your first performance was the Star Troupe performance “ME AND MY GIRL” in Hakataza.

I was really nervous before the first day of rehearsals, but I became more reassured with the presence of Maisora (Hitomi) who was in Flower Troupe with me before. I met Ari-chan (Akatsuki Chisei) for the first time and with Maisora Hitomi, the three of us had our first interview together. Ari-chan and I were both really shy with each other, and we couldn’t’ talk to each other without the help of Maisora (LOL), but later when we went to Fukuoka for our press conference, the three of us quickly got along in that 2-day-1-night trip. Afterwards, our relationship was really good when rehearsals began. As rehearsals started, I truly felt that since Maisora had a more important status (as Top Musumeyaku) now, that compared to her Flower Troupe times she worked even more diligently, and I realised that I could only do my very best to support her. I feel like I knew her, but at the same time discovered something new from her as I watched her performance… I’m grateful to spend this time with her. Ari-chan and I played either Bill or Sir John in the role swap arrangement, and there was so much to remember about the details of these 2 roles, so it was really challenging… But it can be a form of support being close with someone who’s also playing the same role, and we can cooperate together. We’d point out and be careful in scenes when we’re wearing tap shoes but not dancing in tap yet. We’d remind each other, “What about the playing cards? And the hat? Don’t forget the watch!” (LOL) Through our role swap arrangement, we had th experience of looking at our roles objectively and creating our own, so it was really fun.

— How was Star Troupe?

When I was in Flower Troupe, I find Star Troupe a contrasting troupe, because I see different colours in this troupe. So while I imagined how I’d feel, I found it stimulating to have rehearsals with them. When I tried something, I was surprised how fast they adapted to my acting. I realized that I used to be too reserved with my acting, and I learned the importance of just trying things without overthinking them. What’s more, Star Troupe members have this energetic and bright ambience so I felt very comfortable with them.

— Were there any changes becoming a Senka member?

I had a long rest before “ME AND MY GIRL” performances, and I went to London, Paris and the Versailles Palace…at that time I didn’t know I would be performing in the “Rose of Versailles 50” concert (LOL)… In that vacation, I took dance lessons in London, and surely I had a change in mindset. As I become more senior in year, with much gratitude I took on more important roles and received more attention from the audience, but that’s also why I have to aim higher, and have more things I want to pursue. With that, I could only see my weaknesses, and at one point there were more things that “I needed to do” rather than “I wanted to do”. Yet, in the lessons in London, there were people wearing pointe shoes; some weren’t; some were dancing the same moves over and over again…the people were dancing freely and enjoying it. Then I realise: that’s right! It’s because I wanted to enjoy dancing freely that I entered Takarazuka. I was able to return to my primal joy and these lessons became a very significant experience for me.

— Later, it was announced that you were performing in the external performance of “HiGH&LOW: THE SENGOKU” produced by LDH.

When I heard the news, I really didn’t know what was going to happen. I thought, “Am I playing an otokoyaku? Or a woman? Or am I part of a choir?” (LOL) I had so many question marks in mind, at the same time I believe it would be an interesting experience to have during my time in Takarazuka so I was excited. During the interview, many asked if I felt the difference between Takarazuka and LDH, but I think both companies wanted to create good stage performances, so fundamentally they can’t be too different. But in comparison with Takarazuka where the director basically manages everything, the scriptwriter, the director and the music directors in LDH have different sections to guide us , so it was refreshing to lean from their way of work. What’s more, when there’s professionals of different fields all in one place, in one-to-one sessions, they teach us the techniques generously and I really learnt more new things. Also, we have Top Stars in Takarazuka as leading roles of each story, so the story would be created to make the Top Star stand out, but it’s different in LDH. Certainly, I’d say they have a concept of making every member as important as a lead role, and there are directions which I question, “Is it okay when the audience cannot see Katayose-san in this scene?!”. At first I was really confused with Seo, who also performed with me this time. LDH members said that we could ask them if we have any questions, and so we told them things that didn’t make sense to us “That in Takarazuka, we would…”, and discussed these parts thoroughly with the members.

— It must be a rare experience to play otokoyaku among men.

Since we were always supported by musumeyaku around us, so I’d always feel that I want to play my roles more masculine! But they advised me that, “Men don’t stand with arms that wide apart. You’ll be fine as long as you’re keeping your mindset as if you’re a real man.” But since I felt really apprehensive if people would see me as a woman when the performance started, I think this frustration helped me shape Kamisuzaki Yusui’s troubles and concerns as the leader of a state. After the first day finished successfully, I was relieved that I could tone down my thick eyebrow makeup (LOL) and I applied lighter makeup, in which I became more confident in conveying my role as a man, rather than simply relying on makeup.

— You had various swordfight choreography scenes with the men.

I love swordfight choreography, and they have this momentum as men and it was so satisfying learning, “That’s how I have to fall down when I’m being slain!” (LOL). Since this was a performance about 5 warring states, our teacher said that we’d be learning different fighting styles depending on which state we belonged to. I was the state leader of Nogi-kuni, a state holding pride for its flourishing waters, so the teachers taught us swordfight choreography that is smooth as the flow of water. It was really difficult, but I enjoyed learning it.

— Continuing from there, you played Andre in “Rose of Versailles 50” with the distinguished OGs.

A total opposite to LDH! (LOL). But I savoured the experience of being one of the youngest underclassmen again while playing among legends (LOL). Well~ the rehearsals every day was so fun and as I checked the schedule timetable, I’d be excited when I realized, “Oh, tomorrow’s the day they’re going to play Oscar! I look forward to it~!” I know that’s not a timetable is really for (LOL). But actually it was super thrilling being in the same rehearsal classroom with those legendary Oscar, Andre, Fersen actresses. Originally, these OGs have established their individual careers, but when they’re all assembled in one place, it felt so extravagant that it was a feast for the eyes. Kacha-san (Nagina Ruumi) who paired up with me as Oscar was busy performing in the bow hall for an external performance, so it was really me that was still a current Takarasienne…and I couldn’t believe I had the chance of rehearsing with other legendary OG Oscars during rehearsals. I panicked so much because “the people I looked up to are looking at me! They’re holding me in their arms~!” (LOL). I develop these different feelings depending on which OG I’m acting with. Of course, the ambience changed drastically from the different combinations, and I wanted to take all these experiences with me. When I wore the costume on stage, and when they watch me from the audience, they come to give me advice, “Mina-chan! You’d look better this way!” I couldn’t be more grateful to have spent this time.

— And now, you’re rehearsing the Moon Troupe national tour performance “In the Amber Hued Rain” and “GRANDE TAKARAZUKA 110!” You’re performing with Houzuki An again after being in Flower Troupe together in the past.

That’s right! First of all, many people are looking forward to Chinatsu-san (Houzuki) and Juri-chan (Amashi Juri)’s debut performance so I’m very glad to be part of it. And I really love Moon Troupe’s acting, so I look forward to seeing how they create a play from start to finish. This is also a troupe that I haven’t performed with, so I believe I’ll be inspired by them. I acted with Chinatsu-san before in “Stardom” back in the Flower Troupe times, but I was still an underclassman at that time, and I didn’t know much about acting or how to establish my presence in the troupe yet, now that I’m an upperclassman, I believe we can talk more about those issues. What’s more, I really love Chinatsu’s acting, so I want to feel more concretely how it feels and I will do my best to follow her.

[nakoayas]

Maisora Hitomi × Minami Maito Special Talk for Maisora's photobook Sincerely ~my twinkling dreams~

Scanned from my personal collection.

Translated interview by @yuzukahibiscus under the cut!

Maisora: It almost felt like I had been in Flower Troupe for so many years and months, and yet it’s hard to believe that it’s only 3 years. I think the reason I felt that this time felt so meaningful was because of the time I spent together with Minami-san. I wanted to take this opportunity to say what I’m grateful for… so thank you for coming today!

Minami: Thank you for inviting me, I’m very glad to be here (LOL). When Maisora came to Flower Troupe… and when I saw you play Hanna in Hanna’s Florist, I thought “this girl will definitely become a star”. But at the time, since I still saw you as “the underclassman Maisora Hitomi”, we didn’t talk much (LOL).

Maisora: Both Minami-san and I are shy people… (LOL)

Minami: I’m not the type to talk to underclassmen so enthusiastically (LOL).

Maisora: I think our relationship changed because of Minami-san’s starring Bow Hall performance Senhor CRUZEIRO!. When it was announced that I would be in this performance, before we went into our actual rehearsals… I remember that we went to take tango lessons together after our Tokyo performances in our previous Grand Theatre performance (The Poe Clan).

Minami: But at first both of us were very careful. Just wondering, “should we do it…like this…today?” (LOL).

Maisora: Both of us were quite nervous (LOL). This was almost the first time that I’m paired to dance with an otokoyaku, not to mention how difficult the dance genre of tango is… it became a greater challenge. From when we began our rehearsals, there were also other genres of dance I had to perform in various scenes, but every day Minami-san would take the time to practise tango with me. After the various lessons, you would say “Okay, let’s practise tango now!!”

Minami: I thought “let’s go!!!” (LOL). We kept practising. I think in Takarazuka revue shows, rather than just the genre of tango, this concentration for serious choreography between the pairing of otokoyaku and musumeyaku, so they’re quite difficult. In normal Takarazuka dance scenes, I’d say a complimentary effect happens when the otokoyakuk leads the musumeyaku step by step, but tango can’t be made possible if the otokoyaku and musumeyaku aren’t dancing as contrasting equals. Then I started to realise there’s no time to be shy anymore (LOL). We started thinking how we could make the dance look better, and our relationship became one like comrades when we had the same goal.

Maisora: Yes. I couldn’t remember how many times I accidentally stepped on your feet…

Minami: (LOL).

Maisora: You said “Don’t worry about it!’ “It’s okay if you got it wrong, just try it once more!” Every day, I observed how sharp Minami-san was with her dance moves… I think that didn’t impact just me, but also all of our members too.

Minami: No, no, no…

Maisora: During the performances, when I came back to the company every morning before the performances, you were already getting ready (LOL). You were always so diligent on yourself.

Minami: Did that really happen…

Maisora: Since going on stage and going to rehearsals were so different, I still felt nervous over it. I thought, what if I couldn’t dance as I thought I would? But at the time, I thought of overcoming this with an unwavering mindset…

Minami: I felt the same. Because if one of us were uncertain, then the other should support her!

Maisora: You were so fantastic at leading the dance.

Minami: No, Maisora has great sense too. You’re like this now as well, but you have always been straightforward without thinking too much.

Maisora: Because at the time, I didn’t know anything.

Minami: Yes, but that also makes accomplishing things much easier. And your body balance has always been firm. I guess both of us were diligent in body training. I also think that we’re quite passionate the same way we approach things.

Maisora: Yes. I wanted to focus on that scene, because it conveyed a world where only two people remain. Then on the closing day, before I realised it, the scene was already over… Before I noticed it, I was already hearing the audience’s applause.

Minami: The applause was deafening. I was really glad.

Maisora: The moment I heard the applause, I remember how happy I felt to be on stage, that I still remember how it feels now.

Minami: Me too.

Maisora: I was truly happy. And then afterwards, we went on the national tour Melancolique Gigolo / EXCITER!! 2018 in the same year.

Minami: We danced tango as a pair again in the prologue of this show. Because the two of us wanted to show this burning passion, to look cooler than any other couple! (LOL).

Maisora: It was as if we turned this switch on (LOL).

Minami: Yes, yes.

Maisora: You told me, “Dance more, dance more!”, so I said, “Yes, I’m coming!!”

Minami: (LOL). I don’t usually do that. But that’s because I trust Maisora.

Maisora: The “Havana” scene too..!!

Minami: That was fun too. I remember that scene made me realise again, “Wow, Maisora is so good!”

Maisora: No, no, no… I’ve loved EXCITER!! for a long time, so I was really happy to be in this scene in this show that I used to watch a lot. And as the national tour ended, there was the TAKARAZUKA SPECIALS, and the rehearsals for CASANOVA began… what a dizzying schedule.

Minami: That’s true.

Maisora: In which you told me after the TAKARAZUKA SPECIALS was over, “You did great in the national tour, let’s work hard together!”

Minami: Huh, really? I don’t remember that at all (LOL).

Maisora: I thought Minami-san also worked so hard for it too, but hearing your words really made me so happy.

Minami: No, I mean Maisora too was so busy, but didn’t you and Hana Yuuki-chan create this national tour photo album for Rei (Yuzuka) and me? “How cute these girls are”, we thought. Now I still cherish that album. I come to look at it once in a while.

Maisora: Thank you. Later, it was announced that I’d be transferring.

Minami: I was too shocked to hear that…

Maisora: When I told everyone, I remembered Minami-san disappeared elsewhere.

Minami: At that time, I just couldn’t come to accept it… I don’t know (LOL).

Maisora: Even after we were in different troupes, every time we met, it was as if our relationship never changed, since you’d call out to me, “Hey, Maisora!” like that.

Minami: That’s because I still see you as my friend and comrade.

Maisora: Thank you. I’m so grateful. And then time flew by… then came the Hakataza performance Me And My Girl!!

Minami: I was surprised. Hearing from the company that I’d be performing in Star Troupe’s Me And My Girl and Maisora would be playing Sally, I screamed… I even worry if the whole company could hear the echoes of my screaming (LOL). After I became a Senka member, when I heard that my first performance would be with Maisora, I was deeply thankful from the bottom of my heart. How can this destiny be possible, I thought.

Maisora: I was also surprised. Before our rehearsals, together with Akatsuki-san, the three of us went to Hakataza for the interviews.

Minami: That’s right. Both me and Ari-chan (Akatsuki Chisei) were shy (LOL). Thanks to Maisora that we were able to break the ice. I was grateful to spend the time with you two.

Maisora: Then our rehearsals began. You had to play both Bill and Sir John… I can’t imagine how difficult that would be.

Minami: At first, I was like “you’re lying” (LOL). But looking back, that was such a valuable experience. I think Star Troupe members, led by Co-chan (Rei Makoto), were all very energetic and powerful, and that’s exactly how you all were. At first I was really overwhelmed by your power.

Maisora: I remember you telling me that.

Minami: Everyone was so bright and straightforward, so I was inspired by the Star Troupe members’ philosophy of “Let’s give it a try” on anything. While creating the role, I could feel how difficult it was because many seniors performed this performance in the past. And to me, I wanted to bring something out of me, so that I could perform it like how a particular actress did it in my favourite Me And My Girl version. But the director Miki Akio-sensei said, focus on creating the Me And My Girl with these members this time. And then, I was most moved by Maisora’s growth. As a Top Musemayku, you had various experiences… and there must be countless things you have to consider that I didn’t know. But with the guidance from Co-chan and from all members of Star Troupe, I believe you worked even harder. So to feel this Maisora Hitomi was really amazing…

Maisora: Nothing… like that at all. It’s because everyone was guiding me.

Minami: The applause was deafening. I was really glad.

Maisora: Since this was a musumeyaku role I admire, I was concerned and frustrated and couldn’t find myself breaking through this bottleneck, and when I was troubled with these things, Minami-san would kindly guide me along. Since you already knew me back when I knew nothing, so I’m delighted that you could tell me how you really felt or thought when you look at me now.

Minami: Sometimes I find it difficult to express my thoughts if what I say will have a negative effect, but I also believe that there`s no good in being reserved and not telling you... because you`re my comrade Maisora.

Maisora: I’m so thankful.

Minami: Even though it would be great if I took care of myself the same way (LOL). But I certainly feel that the quality of the performance shouldn’t drop. And I think that’s possible because the members were leading me.

Maisora: No, no, I believe that it’s because Minami-san led everyone!! You always cared how everyone was doing… And even though you were already busy with your two roles, you wrote every one of us a letter and gave it to us on the last day of performance, just like what you did during Senhor CRUZEIRO!!.

Minami: Well, there’s that (LOL).

Maisora: You wrote to me, “When I’m with Maisora, there’s nothing I have to worry about and I can tell you everything, and so I’d like to aim higher”. You don’t know how happy that made me feel. Thank you so much (cries).

Minami: Thank you too.

Minami: Earlier, I watched your Music Salon, and it was really amazing.

Maisora: Thank you, for writing such a warm message to me.

Minami: Did I (LOL)? Well, that’s because you sent me a long message first. I hope that you’ll be healthy in mind and body until the end… I’m looking forward to it, that while you may be fighting it to the end, I hope you can accomplish everything and complete your Takarazuka journey to the end.

Maisora: Thank you.

Minami: Ah yes. My fans told me that they found me calling you “Maisora” in a manner with such affection and love… so I hope you understand if I continue calling this as such (LOL).

Maisora: Speaking of that, during Me And My Girl, I think you called me “Hitomi” at some point.

Minami: I did (LOL). Everyone in Star Troupe were surprised to see me calling you “Maisora”... even you told me so. I remember you telling me, “You called Hana (Yuuki)-san as Hana-chan♡ too so why are you calling me ‘Maisora’”... And I had to do my best explaining to you why my affection for each of you was different, but in the end I did call you ‘Hitomi’. I said, “Hitomi, you did well.” But then…

Maisora: It was quite awkward for me to hear that… So I said you can still call me Maisora just fine (LOL).

Minami: And I’m like what… In the end, I’m back to calling you Maisora.

Maisora: (LOL).

Minami: … With that, I hope Maisora will always be Maisora.

Maisora: Okay!! (LOL)

BONUS!!!

Caption: In this photoshoot, since both are splendid dancers, they kept doing more mature and fantastic poses, but... they kept chattering before and after the shoot, and that's the Maitii and Maisora who kept laughing all about.`

[tenebraevesper]

Sonadow Moments in Sonic Cyber Revolution (The Starfall Arc & The Green Hill Zone Arc)

The Starfall Arc

[...]

''Minami is kinda right, Lucas. You almost ran into a tree because it was too dark to see anything before you,'' Sonic said, giving Lucas a teasing grin. Lucas just sighed, with everyone else looking slightly amused. Sonic then glanced at Shadow, who was just observing the scene before him, before turning away and looking at the starry sky. Sonic ran up to him, giving him a curious look. ''Hey, Shads, are you excited for The Starfall?''

''I suppose I am curious to see the meteor shower,'' Shadow replied as he sat down, only for him to narrow his eyes as Sonic sat right next to him with a big grin on his expression. However, instead of telling him to leave, Shadow just let him be. After all, there was something that had been on his mind over the past days, and he needed to talk to Sonic about it. ''Your persistence is as annoying as it is admirable.''

''What do you mean?'' Sonic asked, confused. Shadow sighed, his ears drooping.

''I don't believe that I have ever apologized to you for my outburst,'' he muttered. Sonic rose an eyebrow, at first not understanding what he was talking about, but then it dawned upon him.

''You mean the battle we had a few days ago?'' Sonic asked, with Shadow nodding, only for Sonic to smile in response. ''Don't worry about that, all is already forgiven and forgotten. After all, you were placed in a difficult situation and I wasn't exactly the most helpful person.''

''Yet, you helped more than anyone else. If it weren't for you, I don't think I would've snapped out of that broken mindset,'' Shadow responded, staring straight ahead as he closed his eyes. ''Thank you for being a thorn in my side.''

''Awww, Shads, you're welcome,'' Sonic said, prompting Shadow to look up at his rival, a bit irked to see a smirk on Sonic's expression. However, he knew that Sonic wasn't teasing him, but was instead just happy to see that Shadow doing well. ''I'm sure you'd do the same if I were in your shoes.''

''I would,'' Shadow replied, with Sonic just giving him a cheerful gaze. Shadow paused for a moment, observing Sonic, then lowered his gaze. ''I still have difficulty comprehending how easy it is for you to just move on from the past so easily.''

''Well, I just prefer to live in the present. Why should I worry over past mistakes when I can just focus on doing better now?'' Sonic responded. ''I'm just doing my best to live my life to the fullest. Mistakes will always happen, whether I want it or not, but I'm not going to lose sleep over that. No one is perfect.''

''I was created to be perfect,'' Shadow said in a serious tone, with Sonic giving him a sympathetic look. ''I wasn't supposed to fail, no matter under how much pressure I was. Yet, I did.''

''Shadow…'' Sonic placed his hand on Shadow's shoulder, drawing the dark hedgehog's attention. ''If you ever feel under pressure again, I'll gladly share the burden with you.''

''I know. You made that clear during our battle,'' Shadow said, glancing at Sonic's hand on his shoulder. Sonic's eyes suddenly flicked from Shadow to his hand, only for him to quickly take it off, while giving him a sheepish smile.

''Right, sorry. You don't like people intruding into your space,'' Sonic said, only to be surprised when he saw a smirk on Shadow's expression.

''Don't worry, I don't mind your presence,'' Shadow told him, with Sonic feeling genuinely happy to hear that. Shadow just stared at him, wondering if he should even say the next part. After all, he was already opening his heart to Sonic, telling him what was on his mind and showing vulnerability. He took a sharp breath, deciding to at least tell Sonic part of what he had been bothering him for a while now. ''I suppose you are someone I can trust with my life.''

Shadow noted Sonic's eyes widening in joy, if not even sparking as he looked quite excited. Shadow wondered if he was going to regret this, only to get an answer when Sonic gave him a knowing smirk, his eye-lids lowered, ''So, you want to admit that you see me as your friend? I didn't expect I'd see the day this would happen.''

''Don't make any mistake, we are rivals and teammates, nothing else. Don't expect any kind of special treatment,'' Shadow told him in a sharp tone, frowning at Sonic. However, it was clear that nothing he said would wipe that smile off of Sonic's expression.

''Don't worry, I know that you're not the type who likes to be buddy-buddy with other people. Still, I'm happy to hear that you trust me and that you want to keep up with our rivalry,'' Sonic replied. Shadow wanted to respond that he shouldn't think too much about it, but he kept quiet. He was aware that, while he would never voice it, he did indeed see Sonic as a friend.

''Hey, it has started!'' Touka suddenly shouted.

Sonic and Shadow looked at the sky, their eyes widening when they saw a burst of light, followed by a trail falling across the night sky like an arrow. Then, another appeared, followed by another, followed by two more.

The Green Hill Zone Arc

[...]

Sonic rung the bell, rocking back and forth on the balls of his toes, hoping that the person he was searching for was at home. He could hear steps on the other side, and then saw Shadow opening the door. The dark hedgehog's gaze was that of disinterest when he opened it first, only for him to frown when he saw that it was Sonic.

''What are you doing here, Sonic?'' Shadow asked, wavering between whether he wanted to know the answer or just close the door into Sonic's face.

''Hey, Shads! I was wondering, well…'' Sonic rubbed the back of his head, while Shadow just closed the door behind him and leaned against it, arms folded as he rose an eyebrow at Sonic. ''Uh, remember how we talked about how next time you feel like venting your frustrations through a battle to just ask me for a sparring match?''

''Yes, I do,'' Shadow replied, already having an idea where this was going.

''That's great, because I wanted to ask you whether you'd like to have a sparring match with me. You know, the two of hanging out together, beating each other up, but instead of you doing it because you have been traumatized again, we're just having fun. What do you say?'' Sonic asked, smiling widely. Shadow lowered his eye-lids.

''What if I don't want to fight you?'' he asked. Sonic gasped dramatically.

''Okay, who are you and what have you done to Shadow?'' he demanded, glaring at Shadow, who remained unperturbed. Sonic then snorted, unable to stay serious for too long. ''So, what do you say?''

Shadow was silent as he stared at Sonic, mulling over the proposal, but then nodded. ''Fine, but I want to know why you suddenly want to have a sparring match with me.''

''Hey, can't I just have a sparring match with you because I feel like it?'' Sonic asked, with Shadow giving him a doubtful look. Sonic groaned, rolling his eyes and wondering how was it possible that people saw through him so easily. But then, a sneaky thought crawled into his mind. ''Okay, I'll explain it to you if you manage to catch up to me.''

The moment he said that, Sonic ran off, startling Shadow, if only for a moment. The dark hedgehog immediately followed Sonic, both of them speeding through Eas. Sonic was grinning the whole time, only to get startled when Shadow appeared right next to him.

''Don't underestimate me!'' Shadow told him as he skated beside Sonic. Sonic flashed him a grin.

''Yeah, I had figured you'd catch up anyway,'' he replied.

''Where we you going to?'' Shadow asked him.

''Eh… I'm not really sure, I haven't thought about it,'' Sonic replied, trying to figure out a what would be a good place for a sparring match. ''How about Heizeru Park?''

Shadow nodded. ''Try keeping up, Faker!''

Much to Sonic's surprise, Shadow then sped up. Sonic chuckled, figuring that Shadow was getting a bit competitive and rest assured, he wasn't going to let his rival win. They ended up in Sentoraru, weaving through the crowds of humans and ARNavs, both being neck-to-neck. However, Sonic still had an ace up his glove and the moment the street cleared up and they got closer to Heizeru Park, he sped up again, using his Boost to gain an edge. Shadow was stunned to suddenly see Sonic turn into a blue blur, zooming past him and towards the park. Once Shadow arrived there, Sonic was already leaning with his hand against a tree, his other hand on his hip.

''What took you so long, Faker?'' Sonic asked in a teasing tone, a smirk on his expression and his eye-lids lowered.

''What was that?'' Shadow asked as he approached Sonic.

''I'm calling it 'Boost'. Impressive, huh?'' Sonic replied.

''I suppose it is a good asset to your current skillset,'' Shadow said, with Sonic grinning at him proudly. Shadow tilted his head. ''Is this why you asked me for a sparring match? To show off?''

''Well, to some extent,'' Sonic admitted.

''What is the other reason?'' Shadow asked.

''Do I really need one?'' Sonic asked, acting as if he didn't know what Shadow was asking about.

Shadow, in turn, just rolled his eyes, figuring that Sonic wasn't going to talk. He sighed and took a battle stance. ''Fine. Make your move.''

Sonic blinked in surprise, but then smirked. He charged at Shadow, attempting to punch him, but Shadow quickly side-stepped. Sonic turned back, now attempting to kick him, but Shadow side-stepped again, easily dodging the attack, a smug smirk on his lips.

''I thought you'd be more of a challenge,'' Shadow taunted Sonic, who gave him an annoyed look. Sonic charged once again at him, but Shadow managed to dodge it and kick him in the back. Sonic rolled back, but caught himself, curling up into a ball and launching at Shadow. Shadow did the same, with both clashing several times and flying back, grinding to a halt as they faced each other.

''How's that for a challenge?'' Sonic replied.

''Not bad,'' Shadow responded, adding in a taunting tone. ''Are you trying to prove something?''

''What are you talking about?'' Sonic asked.

''You wouldn't just challenge me to a sparring match for no reason,'' Shadow responded, then rose an eyebrow. ''Is this because you lost to Metal Sonic?''

Sonic groaned. ''Why is everyone assuming that?''

''Everyone?'' Shadow gave him a pointed look, with Sonic realizing that there's no way for him to come up with more excuses or avoid the topic. He sighed.

''Okay, I had realized that I'm not that good at close combat, especially in a confined space, and I asked Knux for some help. He and Lily gave me some pointers and I had figured that I could ask you about a sparring match,'' Sonic explained.

''You could've told me that earlier,'' Shadow told him, arms folded across his chest. Sonic rubbed the back of his head.

''I don't want people to worry about me,'' he said. ''Lucas is still blaming himself for not helping me when Metal Sonic attacked, even though I could handle the situation and there was a crisis that needed to be dealt with. I had told him I'm fine, but he he still feels guilty for not doing more.''

''Why don't you just talk to Lucas about it instead of acting like everything is fine?'' Shadow asked.

''I'm not acting like everything's…'' Sonic saw Shadow's doubtful look, then sighed, his ears drooping. ''Okay, I know I'm not good at expressing emotions, just like you,'' Sonic said, with Shadow glaring at him, torn between telling Sonic that he was quite open with Touka and the urge to smack him upside the head. The latter option was more appealing. ''But, I'm not going to let this hold me back. I want to be ready next time I fight Metal.''

Shadow observed him for a moment, then nodded. ''I can respect that.''

Sonic smiled back in response, then elbowed Shadow as he kept giving him a smug look. ''Aww, it's nice to see that you care.''

''Don't push it, Sonic,'' Shadow told him, frowning. However, Sonic kept smiling, leaving Shadow wondering what was going through his head. ''What?''

''Nothing, I'm just happy that we've managed to grow this close, especially with how things were in the beginning,'' Sonic said. Shadow hummed, having to admit that things really have changed over time, and while he wasn't to keen on being part of a team or just being around other people in general, he was content with his new life here. Shadow then suddenly felt an arm around his shoulder, noting Sonic smiling at him. ''I'm sure you feel the same.''

''How about we focus on the sparring match?'' Shadow responded, glaring at him. Sonic quickly stepped back, well aware what that glare meant and to respect Shadow's space. However, Shadow appeared just to be mildly annoyed, which Sonic took as a good sign.

''Alright, let's continue with the sparring match!'' Sonic said enthusiastically.

[...]

Sonic had no clue what had happened. One moment, he was exchanging blows with Shadow, and the next, he was racing across a green track with an invisible wall closing in on him. ''As if that thing could ever get me… huh?''

Sonic's eyes widened as he realized that the invisible wall was indeed getting closer, being able to sense it just behind him, almost touching his quills. He sped up, trying to escape it, but it seemed that, the faster he got, the faster the invisible wall was. ''That's not good!''

xXx

''Sonic?''

Shadow stepped back, having been caught off guard by Sonic's disappearance. He looked around, wondering if it was some kind of trick, waiting for Sonic to attack him, but nothing had happened. Suspicious, he walked over to where he saw Sonic vanishing, his eyes narrowing as he saw something translucent glimmering next to a bush. An AR Field? He walked over to it, placing his hand over it and realizing that he couldn't enter it, as it seemed as if there was a barrier. He looked down, noticing a device on the ground resembling the portable AR Field generator he had seen Warren and Tails carrying around. However, this one also had a strange marking on it, a wave in a white and black colour with five stars across it. He had no clue what it was doing here, but he had a bad feeling about this.

He tapped on his AR Visor, with a holographic screen appearing before him and calling Lucas. The teenager was quite surprised to see who had called him. ''Shadow?''

''Sonic has gone missing. I believe that this has something to do with his disappearance,'' Shadow showed Lucas the device. Lucas, in turn, was stunned, trying to process the sudden information dump.

''That looks like the device I had found when Tails had vanished,'' Warren said, suddenly appearing on the screen and holding up the same device. ''It seems to be a portable AR Field generator, but one that doesn't allow for anyone else to enter it.''

''I had figured that one out by myself,'' Shadow responded in a deadpan tone. ''I don't believe it was placed here or at the workshop by chance.''

''That's what we also assumed,'' Lucas said, glancing at the device Warren was holding, frowning at the familiarity of the markings on it. ''Someone placed it here deliberately, and I have a bad feeling in regards to who it is. Shadow, where are you now?''

''I'm at Heizeru Park,'' Shadow responded.

''Okay, stay there, I'll be there soon,'' Lucas said, grabbing his hoverboard and running off, the holographic screen closing. Shadow stepped back, glancing at the device in his hands, wondering where exactly Sonic was and what happened to him.

[...]

Before they could do anything, the portable AR Field generator suddenly short-circuited, resulting in a small explosion and causing Lucas to drop it, waving his hand as it had gotten burned. The AR Field then disappeared, with Sonic appearing on the ground before the two, breathing heavily and lying on his knees.

''Sonic, are you okay?'' Lucas asked, kneeling down next to the blue hedgehog.

''Y-Yeah… I'm f-fine…'' Sonic tried to get up, only to feel a sudden wave of dizziness and nausea, almost falling over. Luckily, Lucas caught him, with Shadow shooting him a glare. Sonic noticed it, rolling his eyes. ''Okay, maybe I'm not fine.''

''Good to see that you're finally being honest,'' Shadow snarked at him. Lucas gave the two a confused look, before turning to Sonic.

''Sonic, what happened? Shadow told me that you just vanished into an AR Field?'' he asked.

''So, that's what it was…'' Sonic muttered as he tried to sit up, placing his hand against his forehead. ''I just found myself on this field where I was forced to run as fast as possible. I had no idea what it was… what happened to your hand?''

Lucas looked down at the burn on his palm. It did hurt him, but it wasn't that bad. ''Don't worry, I'm fine.''

Shadow rose an eyebrow as he looked at Lucas, folding his arms across his chest. ''I suppose Sonic isn't the only one with a habit of downplaying his injuries.''

''Not now, Shadow,'' Sonic growled, now feeling annoyed on top of feeling nauseous, while Lucas was just confused. Sonic tried to get up, but his knees buckled and he almost fell over if it weren't for Lucas supporting him. However, he was determined to power through it, managing to eventually stand on his own. Lucas, who was still worried about Sonic's condition, took out a handkerchief of his pocket and wrapped it around his injured hand, trying to figure out what their next move should be. A moment later, he got a call not only from Warren, but also Lily.

[...]

''Blaze, Sana, these are my friends; Shadow and Touka!'' Sonic quickly introduced them. Sana waved at the two, both her and Blaze noting that neither Touka nor Shadow seemed to be keen on socializing.

''Wait, are you the…?'' Touka trailed off when she saw Lucas shaking his head, clearly not wanting her to say anything.

''Sonic and Lucas had been showing us around Neos City and suggested visiting the Solar Stadium,'' Blaze explained. ''I assume you two are hoverboard racers.''

''You're right, but someone else is currently hogging the track we wanted to race on,'' Touka said, slightly bitter. As if on cue, Chase and Jet emerged from the AR Field, shouting in victory. ''They've been at it for the past two hours.''

''Why don't you confront them about it?'' Blaze asked.

''We've actually been thinking about challenging them, but we'd prefer to wait until their arrogance has reached its peak to topple them,'' Shadow explained, with both Sana and Blaze giving them a confused look. Shadow then turned to Sonic, not looking all too happy. ''Jet wants to challenge you to another race.''

''What have you told him?'' Sonic asked.

''That I'm not your secretary and to ask you in person,'' Shadow growled, with Sonic sweatdropping, rubbing the back of his head.

''I'll keep that in mind.''

[...]

The platform they were standing on suddenly tilted, forcing the group to run towards the next platform. They were all breathing heavily, their surroundings becoming smaller and smaller as Sky Sanctuary was falling apart. They exchanged glances, only to get startled by a flash of blue light, with Sonic, Lucas, Amy and Minami appearing before them.

''Guys, are you-?'' Sonic was cut off by Shadow, who had managed to gather the Chaos Emeralds from Knuckles, Silver and Tails.

''Ask questions later, Sonic! We need to escape!'' he growled, with Sonic nodding, him and Amy giving up their own Chaos Emeralds. The seven gems started to surround Shadow as he focused on their energy, now far greater than the one he sensed from just one Chaos Emerald. A bright glow surrounded him and the rest of Team Neos as their surroundings grew darker and darker, turning into an unending void. ''CHAOS CONTROL!!!''

Links:

#Sonadow Moments in Sonic Cyber Revolution (The Final Haunt Arc)

#Sonadow Moments in Sonic Cyber Revolution (The Team Dark Arc)

#Sonic Cyber Revolution (Masterlist)

[tulipsenpaiii]

Hello everyone! ~

So, as if all of you follow me and seen my page, you know I obviously love precure and obsessed with it! But here's the thing, I have some takes on it that could've been dealt with differently, some stuff wrong in it, and just bugs me know general,

So this is gonna be my hot takes and unpopular opinions post about precure!

‼️‼️‼️ Just a reminder, please don't harass or doxx me for those (I know how some of y'all are) as these are just my opinions! And I know not everyone is gonna agree with me here and have the same mindset and it's fine! Also the only seasons I've seen are go princess precure, smile precure, (first 3) episodes of wonderful precure etc, so basically I HAVEN'T SEEN ALL of its seasons so don't go bashing and spamming my page for this pls‼️‼️‼️

Other then that, let's get to the post lol

I find any villain x cure & fairy x cure ships to be hella nasty asf either way

I find joker to be interesting villains as he's one of my favorites, I get that he's not a character for everyone and that he can be weird sometimes but other then a few moments, I genuinely love him as a character as he's one of my favorites, and the ones that actually interested me too

(Despise the joker x cure beauty ship tho)

Wonderful precure was mid and disappointing asf

(I'm sorry)

I like the villains more then the cures since I find them to be more interesting

I don't like go5! Precure because of the one cannon fairy x cure ship that makes me hella uncomfortable

I lowkey wish there were more LGBT, body types, disability, mental health and POC rep or just any form of diversity in precure in general

Wish the female villains were well written and not just redeemable cures that become good later on, and actually more female villains, or ones with the same body type or end up being just "ugly"

(Drspear and majornia are the exceptions tho)

I wish there was more actual well written villains (like drspear, joker, shut, close, lock, etc) in general

We need more adult male characters like prince Kanata where every adult male character is just weird as fuck and doesn't end up dating the main protagonist or any other cure in general (coco I'm looking at you, you ugly ass rat *cough*)

I'm actually proud of glitter force being removed from Netflix and I'm celebrating its downfall, idc, stay mad

Candys design was ugly and I found her annoying and whiny

(I'm sorry)

Minami (cure mermaid) should've just cut ties and just never forgive her suppose "fiance" after what he just did and said to Haruka (cure flora) by calling her a groupie because of him being the incel that guy was and whining over minami "changing"

(If I we're her and my partner said that to my friend right in front of me and complained on what I've been doing and blaming it on them, I would've had fucking smacked and snapped on him if my partner said that to my friend idc)

I wish we were given more lore & backstory about the villains and how they are as characters in general and how they came to be (like joker, Pierrot, drspear, etc)

So, theres my takes and that's probably all, I don't have any more to talk about except I wish these were further dealt with, written differently, and more etc, that's all for now lol that's all folks!

[nitunio]

i pretty much know ur ryou thoughts so hmm. touma, banri, and torao (for the bingo)

THANQ FOR THE ASK... im not good at thought articulation but 👍 incoherency is the key

As for Touma...

He has been my ultimate ZOOL fave ever since they were shown together as a group (even though he was nice to my nemesis Riku) . He's adorable in all the senses you could imagine this word in, but most importantly, I care about him a lot. He's honest and shows his feelings and sure, the moments when he is are shown as silly sometimes, but there is a lot about his internal struggles, (CRYING OVER HIS ARC). Him helping Re:vale in pt3? Amazing. Guy got a lot of guts

Toraaaaooo

I HATE HIM (affectionate). HE IS GENDER, I FUCK WITH HIS AESTHETIC SO HARD, HIS CARD ART IS NEVER A MISS, HE MAKES ME SO ILL (lighthearted). Of ZOOLs he and Minami share the "second fave" place, and I used to hate him (enraged) so much after what he's done especially in relation to Ryuu. But in the part 3 already you can see some of the Very subtle cracks that let you peek inside the kind of core values and mindset he has. I'm really glad they've fleshed out his character this much, and the issues he's working on are. Wow. I would have wanted to give him a pat on the shoulder in reassurance IF IT WASN'T FOR HIS DAMN SINGLE. "DUSTYYY LOVE", and i need to prefix it with a big "I LOVE THE SEIYUUS RANGE AND VOCALS AND VOICE", RUINED MY LIFE. ever since ive heard it i could NOT for the life of me stop whatever vocal repetition it's called and randomly start singing the chorus of this damn song in the weirdest voices imaginable to try to recreate the absolutely phenomenal vocals DUSTYYY LOOOUVE I WANNA KISSE YOU. eevery time im in the voice chat i hold myself back from the song thats spinning in my head. Torao you need to get bullied more (lovingly) but also people cam be mean about you (rightfully so, for serving so much)

Banri!

I'm putting him in a salad spinner. I have a version of Banri that's in my head and it only serves my angst fantasies, but I haven't really got much to say about him. I really care about him as a character, and from pt1 he's been. So good. And then bam. Light fixture! I CRIED LIKE HELL. I got chills when Ryou was near him I thought it could go to a 100 real quick (and it only got to about 50, wjat a cute ponytail (i agree btw))

I love him as a MEZZO manager, I love him as the guy that denies Yuki which is the funniest part of their dynamic. I loveeeee him as a dilf lover that's good for him. I also love how kind he is to Momo. To me personally he is the Supporting Character Ever

[purgemarchlockdown]

for the milgram ask game!!! i looked through your answers but if anything repeats im sorry😭

9,10,11 - kazui

15,16 - amane

9,10,15,16 - muu

Its alright! Everytime someone sends me an ask for an ask game my power grows...

Kazui:

9. do you forgive/not forgive their crime on its own?

Hm, well, gonna be honest I'm not super sure what his crime is now. I know what I find the most interesting storytelling wise but Kazui is also a Lying Liar Man.

If were referring to specifically lying to his wife...I think id forgive him...I think.

Like its a horrible fucking thing to do but...I understand that "if you just lie it'll be Fine Eventually" mindset pretty well. I see how he got here. Still: Horrible thing to do! Im a bit conflicted here! I should have an easier time with this considering characters who I've forgiven before but damn, me not being really sure what he did is Getting To Me.

Though its also (presumably) NOT ACTUALLY MURDER and I know law isnt a big deal here but ALSO I dont think he should be tortured and possibly given the death penalty for this, yknow? Bit Much I Think.

10. is the answer to the previous question different from your vote(s) on the character themselves (do you vote them based on anything else aside from the crime)?

My forgiven gets a bit stronger if thats the case? I vote him forgiven because of a lot of things. For example: Even if I didn't like his character so much Id have forgiven him for Amane's sake...

11. what are your favorite points about their story and the narrative surrounding them?

I Love It When Characters are Horribly Resigned To Their Situations!!!! "Tragedy Enjoyers when The Tragedy Happens" Moment Fr. Kazui's super interesting to me since he's basically...given up. He's given up on getting anything he wanted and he has horrible self-loathing and is just resigned to never being really Happy, and yet he still Wants and that Wanting is already "bad" no matter if he acts on it or not.

Jupiter: But if it's only what I feel inside that matters, what am I supposed to do? I can't stop that kind of touch.

(this is an ask I get to put in appropriate quotes from Jupiter)

He's unsatisfied and disillusioned and self-destructive and it be so much easier if he was just...not "like this". Whatever This is. His family seems to be very traditional overall too and there's a lot of discussion going on about societal normal and standards.

Also also! His relationship with love fucks me up, both him and Mahiru's. It's like an obligation of sorts. Something that makes them more marketable and presentable. Their love can feel so...impersonal as a result if that makes sense. Like it's just a quota they need to fill.

Even Mahiru's actually! It's weird to think about considering how loud Mahiru is about it but there's something so vaguely impersonal about Mahiru's love. Like "This is how to be in love with you" as a title plays off that in a way. The other person doesn't get to put any input into it, this is how your Supposed to be loved.

Kazui's relationship with love is so interesting to me as a result, it's so performative and is used for his own Marketability as a person. I'm still obsessed about how Kazui and Mahiru portray love as something that is sold to people-

Plus all of this gives him some Fun Parallels with the other cat person he's paired up with. It's interesting to see how both of them deal with being perceived as inherently sinful in some way and against societal norms.

I dunno I just think Kazui is super interesting! He's an interesting fella!

Amane:

15. what do you think of their voice?

I love how she sounds so much! She can sound so happy and cheeky and sweet in one moment and then ominous, angry and downright terrifying the next. Her VA is great, Tanaka Minami does such a fantastic job as her. Amane can sound so very different and yet still sound like Her. Compare Animal to Positive Parade or Magic to Purge March and even though they sound so different they still sound like Her! Magic's mostly consistent tone and emotions making it feel restrained and carefully presented vs Purge March's various different emotions and tones and just how Different it can sound depending on the part is So cool! She can go from angry to sad to bitter to defeated to joyfully ecstatic and all of those at once!

Like at the end of Purge March, Amane always sounds like she's at the verge of crying to me. The emotional catharsis was so very real there!!! It's so good!!! It's so good!!!!

16. how do you think they actually sing in regular life?

Once again directing people to how Amane seems to be in Choir.

I know people who were in choir those people can Sing Alright. Out of everyone in the cast she is probably the most likely person to know how to actually sing properly. Plus I always think it's funny that Amane quietly calls the cult's music boring in an interrogation. I choose to believe she can Sing Really Well and that when she gets out of the cult she gets Really Into Metal.

In the wise words of my dad: "Metalheads are the happiest because we let out all our anger through the power of METAL!!!!!"

Muu:

9. do you forgive/not forgive their crime on its own?

I Do Not Forgive Her! Sorry Muu but the Consequences of your Actions are here! I know you have a lot of problems and that the murder seems actually pretty impulsive overall but like...sorry Muu can't really forgive you if we're judging my your crime alone.

10. is the answer to the previous question different from your vote(s) on the character themselves (do you vote them based on anything else aside from the crime)?

Hmm, maybe? I still want to not forgive her honestly for some personal reasons but I do know that not forgiving her might not be the best decision overall...I dunno very conflicted I guess.

15. what do you think of their voice?

Kouri Arisa is a wonderful singer and I'm incredibly impressed with her vocals and acting. I don't have much to say on her compared to Amane but I love how she sounds so much. There's something kinda...floaty about it I guess? I dunno how to describe it, it's just sort of airy and whispery like, Muu is telling you a secret. I think it's really cool and it makes the parts where she sounds more confident and loud contrast really well.

It's so good I love it hhhhh-

16. how do you think they actually sing in regular life?

Decently I think? Like average overall. I think she knows a few songs by heart though and for those in particular she sounds really good.

[thisloveforyourmom]

been reflecting on yuri plisetsky's role in yoi recently because on the surface it's kind of weird that he's one of the main characters....like victor and yuuri, clearly, but yuri's not just a main character, he's one of only three characters that get to be in the title sequence. there are several episodes he's just not even in. he's not the love interest or lead. why him specifically

and i think more and more the biggest theme of yoi is inspiration. yuri's initial role is to create conflict and make us really believe and understand that yuuri feels like the skating world has it out for him - that his competitors are cold, that he is taking up space in a major scene in which he doesn't belong.

and then...yuri plisetsky gets put on a narrative bus back to russia. why? because yuuri isn't ready to confront the true nature of their relationship. it's not time for that yet.

in early story, we see a lot of yuuri finding inspiration in the people around him. in victor most of all, because he's always found inspiration in victor, but in yuuko when he first performs stammi vicino, and in his family when he needs a reminder that he's valuable outside of skating, and in the love he's been shown from various sources all his life.

except...not various sources, exactly. sources that inspire him, but in a one sided way - sources he feels intrinsically lower than or, for lack of a better word, submissive to. older people. family. people with seniority. he sees that relationship as one-sided. victor inspires yuuri, but of course he does - victor is victor! but yuuri couldn't possibly inspire victor. yuuko inspires yuuri, but of course she does, she's kind, stable, successful, in a loving family. yuuri is just yuuri.

and that mindset is painted as something that affects mostly just yuuri. it poisons his relationships, but only because he can't see how kind and selfless and successful he really is, right?

well...no. because in the regionals, we meet minami kenjirou for the first time, and get to see a side of yuuri that even yuuri, with all his issues, isn't aware enough of to beat himself up for: his selfishness.

and it is selfishness. it's selfishness inspired by such cripplingly low self-esteem that he doesn't see how he could have an impact on other people, but still selfishness. and it's not really a red flag to yuuri - or to the audience, who sees things through his eyes - until victor gives him a wakeup call and gets genuinely upset with him for some of the things he's been saying and doing with the younger skaters. it's how insisting like he doesn't matter hurts more than just himself; it hurts everyone he's close to by invalidating everything they're trying to communicate to him.

it's an issue yuuri doesn't fully solve in the series (hello, being shocked that victor, his fiancee, cried when he said he wanted to end their relationship in episode 11). but it's the start of yuuri seeing for the first time that his responsibility to be kind to other people extends into and influences his responsibility to be kind to himself. and it begins here, with minami.

doesn't it?

well, no, actually. because later on we find out that yuri plisetsky was inspired by yuuri, too. that he thought his step sequences were amazing, and only followed him to - like yuuri did with victor at the banquet night - spend time with him. meet him. see what he was really like. and the angry, dismissive yuri we've seen thus far in the series isn't just teen angst, but another result of yuuri's improper understanding of his own position in skating. he's not jealous, he's disappointed, because he's the kind of skater who'd never give up, and hoped yuuri would be that person too. no matter how valid yuri's disappointment with yuuri is or isn't (and much of it isn't - but he's only fifteen, and he's going to have emotions that aren't as fair to other people as they ought to be), the fact remains that it was inspired by yuuri's behavior.

and does yuuri need to be an entirely different person because of yuri's expectations? no, of course not. yuri does have some unreasonable expectations for him, and they met at yuuri's lowest, in a mental state where his only priority could be himself. and growing past those expectations is yuri's character arc, as we see later on when he admits to himself that he wants to keep skating with and against yuuri even though yuuri still very much struggles with his mental state.

yoi as a whole is an exploration of inspiration, how it influences you, how it influences your loved ones, how important it is to nurture and respect and protect even in the smallest of ways. and victor and yuri are two sides of the same coin with regard to yuuri. victor is someone he's inspired by, yuri is someone he's inspired. yuuri's arc is learning to use that inspiration responsibly - not as a yoke to be feared or a standard of comparison, but as the precious gift that it is.

[rosietrace]

Sarah Marigold

"Tch, these fools... If I were Vivi-chan, I'd have their head on a platter by now."

Very important note: Sarah was actually created by one of my friends, @mintychocolate04

Full Name: Sarah De Gracia Marigold

Japanese Name: サラ デ グラシア マリーゴールド

Romaji: Sara De Gurashia Marigorudo

Twisted from: The hunter's dagger/The lightning that struck the beautiful queen

V/A: Asami Seto(瀬戸麻沙美)

Age: 18

Birthday: November 1

Horoscope: Scorpio ♏

Species: Human, (alleged) Demoness

Height: 180 cm

Hair color: Ink black

Eye color: Red(normal), purple(using magic)

♝•°•══════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══════•°•♝

Homeland: Shaftlands

Position in Shard clan: distant family member, house Marigold

Dormitory: Pomefiore, transferred to Ignihyde

Class: 3-D (seat no. 19)

Sexuality: Pansexual/Demisexual

Dominant hand: Ambidextrous

{ Family:

Hawthorne(Father)

Shuella Meilin Marigold(Mother)

Velveteen Belladonna Marigold(Aunt)

Ivan Marigold(Uncle)

Vivian Marigold(Aunt)

Florian Shard(Uncle)

Yona Von Monarch(Aunt)

Minami Rhys Von Monarch(Uncle)

Ludwig Von Monarch(Grandfather)

Grimhilde Shard Von Monarch(Grandmother)

Camilla Marigold(Cousin)

Aurelie Marigold(Cousin)

Mercury Von Monarch(Cousin)

Kiara Rhys(Cousin)

Victoria Shard(Cousin) }

Best class(es): Physical education

Worst class(es): Alchemy, incantations, herbology

Likes: Victoria, her cousins, her parents, sparring/training, honing her abilities, swordsmanship, spending time with her family, reading, Zen(platonically), Ignihyde's advanced technology, modifying her weaponry to her liking

Dislikes: False rumors, paparazzi, noble society, rumors surrounding her family, Malleus Draconia, Aurelie Marigold, Koral Larrane, rusted swords, blurry vision, alchemy, Camilla's singing

Hobbies: Swordsmanship, meditating, reading, walks in the forest, sparring, listening to music during class, slandering the Draconias to filth, helping Victoria with her "plans"

Talent(s): Agility, flexibility, dexterity, speed, strength, predicting attacks, swordsmanship, combat in general, ambidextrous, photographic memory

Flaw(s): Judgemental, overprotective, aggressive, (partially) manipulative, defensive, easily annoyed

♝•°•══════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══════•°•♝

Personality

Making her appearance in NRC in the middle of the second semester, Sarah is what one would call…. A bit unpredictable.

She's a very complicated young woman, especially considering she transferred to Ignihyde a couple of months into her stay in Pomefiore. Even though the latter dorm had her beloved cousin as a resident.

Speaking of which, Sarah's entire mindset is family oriented. She loves and cares for most of her family, practically unconditionally, and would do anything to protect them.

Hell, she admits to being influenced by Camilla and Mercury when it came to her insistence on willingly killing for her family's sake.

She's passionate, doting, carefree, and unabashedly fun-loving with all of her cousins, excluding Aurelie.

Although that does come at the cost of Sarah being rather overprotective of her cousins. Victoria specifically, since Sarah's admired Victoria since they were children.

When family isn't involved, Sarah remains closed off and painfully blunt, often coming off as sassy at times. And for whatever reason, she seems to have a vendetta against men.

Sarah is judgemental. With little to no shame, she's always saying things she probably shouldn't be saying aloud, and it barely bothers her as much as it bothered everyone else around her.

No matter who you are, family, friend, or foe. Sarah will shamelessly speak her mind with as little care as possible.

♝•°•══════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══════•°•♝

Unique magic: Thunder strikes(落雷)

Song: Thunder(Imagine dragons)

Like thunder, Sarah strikes fast, and in a flash, is able to hurt others at unspeakable levels, so it isn't a surprise that her unique magic reflects so much of her personality

This ability, though limited, allows Sarah to summon an occasional strike of thunder every time she snaps her fingers

Unfortunately, Sarah's energy will rapidly deplete the more she uses this ability, so she prefers not to use it unless the situation calls for it

As a child, Sarah would often use her unique magic to joke around with Zen and her cousins, but she decided to stop once she came to realize how much it was affecting her health

When they were children, Aurelie mocked Sarah for not being strong enough to control her abilities, which was enough motivation for the (at the time) 8-year-old to almost electrocute Aurelie into nothing but ash.

♝•°•══════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══════•°•♝

Name meaning

Sarah: In Hebrew, Sarah (שָׂרָה‎) is the feminine form of the noun Sar (שַׂר), which commonly translates to "chief", "ruler" or "prince"

De Gracia: "Of grace" in Spanish

Marigold: Marigolds were often linked to the powerful strength of the sun and represent the power, strength, and light that lives inside of a person

Trivia

Sarah was homeschooled up until she managed to convince her parents to allow her to attend night raven college

She didn't have a personal reason to transfer to Ignihyde, she just personally preferred being there compared to Pomefiore (Which was enough for Crowley to let her transfer)

She won't admit it but her favorite cousin is probably Victoria

Calls Victoria "Vivi Chan" as her term of endearment

Sarah has an intense level of second hand embarrassment every time Camilla sings, it's just excruciatingly painful to listen to

One time she jokingly put on some of Mercury's corsets and realized just how fucking snatched his waist actually was

She originally took up swordsmanship in order to learn how to protect her cousins, but she eventually saw it as a hobby after a while

Due to the fact that most Marigolds had blonde hair, Sarah saw herself as a genetic defect and had a bit of trouble fitting in growing up in the Marigold side of the family

Victoria became Sarah's beacon of light because she convinced her to be more confident in herself

Absolutely hates what Aurelie did to inflict Camilla's curse, which is why she isn't as keen on protecting Aurelie compared to the rest of her cousins

Her father, Hawthorne, is a man who often smiles at all times and for whatever reason, doesn't have a last name

Sarah never questioned her father's lack of a surname, at least not out loud

Liked reading with Yona as a child and they continue to have reading sessions together whenever they find time in their schedules

One of the first people to notice signs of Grimhilde's abuse toward Victoria, but unfortunately no one believed her when she tried to tell others about it

Hates Ludwig and especially hates Grimhilde for what she did to Victoria

The only person she probably hates more than Grimhilde is Malleus Draconia, and that's saying something because Sarah proclaimed that she hated Grimhilde more than life itself

Sarah (after eventually meeting Roya) would relate to Roya's insecurities over his horns, as she also dawn's a pair of horns as well

Had to be convinced to wear a different pair of glasses when she was 15 because she was using the same pair for 6 years (Only because Victoria gave her the glasses to begin with)

Denies any protectiveness she has over her cousins especially Victoria

Treats Zen like an annoying little brother even though he's technically older than her

Chose not to participate in the swordsman solstice because she wanted to support Victoria and try to memorize the players' techniques

Accidentally exploded her family laboratory when she was 5

Mostly ties her hair up, but doesn't mind having it styled

Threatened to rip Koral's throat open but had to be restrained before that could happen

[regarding-stories]

A fun romp: "Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki"

There is a tricky genre that can be both fun and very frustrating (and stupid) - I'm talking about harem anime. Wait, wait! Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki shares some commonalities with the genre in assembling its cast, but I think it avoids many of the annoying traits and tropes that authors use in their wish-fulfillment fantasies.

The story of Tomozaki actually does have a believable premise - that you can change certain things about yourself to make yourself more popular. To start with, Fumiya Tomozaki is an obsessive gamer whose only joy in live is a game called "TackFam" that he mastered to a degree that he's Japan's #1 online player, "nanashi". At the same time we see that in school and in class he's opted out - he sulks on his desk, he doesn't care about his appearance, he doesn't talk to girls - we don't even see him even have friends.

Two things get the story rolling: He plays TackFam with a popular classmate who can't handle that Tomozaki completely schools him. And he agrees to an offline meeting with the #2 that never beat him, NO_NAME. Which turns out to be the most popular girl in school, Hinami Aoi. And she gives him a good scolding.

The source of her disappointment is that Fumiya does not apply his gamer mindset to the "game of life" and simply refuses to engage with what she considers a "god tier game" - a game so good and deep that it is accessible to everyone but mastered only by a select few - like they both view TackFam. Accepting her logic, Fumiya pledges to playing the game the way it is meant to played, and Hinami puts herself in the role as his coach - she will teach him the skills he needs and set goals he has to beat, one by one.

There will be spoilers, sadly...

Life is a game, you just suck at it

This premise is executed surprisingly well. Hinami builds (mostly) believable steps meant to turn Fumiya around. Smile more. Improve your posture. Just start talking to people. And that means girls. And it seems to work. Fumiya overcomes his isolation and starts to get sucked into the loose circle of friends surrounding Hinami composed of classmates and their friends.

Let me shortly digress regarding a minor detail, though, especially since the anime makes the point of mentioning it: The school allows girls to wear either a neck tie like the boys or a bow. And somehow the school's inner social structure decided that "popular girls" get to wear the necktie, and the other girls have to do with the bow. I don't want to imagine how something like that would be "enforced" in real life and what kind of bullying would be involved if a girl suddenly decided to show up with a necktie... Given that almost all manga/anime girls are indistinguishably gorgeous, I chose to consider this a convenient shorthand for the viewer - something that was never explored further, anyway.

Without further ado, then, let's meet some of the cast.

There's Izumi, a hanger-on in the popular clique and infatuated with the most popular boy. She unknowingly has to endure being Tomozaki's first practice target because of sitting next to him.

Behind her sits the shy Fuuka who we basically see addressed by her surname Kikuchi instead.

And finally the ultra-sociable Mimimi (Nanami Minami).

As Fumiya basically tries to get the time of day from Izumi, it's actually Kikuchi that responds to him instead (sort of). Hinami, acting as an experienced observer, notices that Fuuka is quite keen on getting in touch with Fumiya - or at least very responsive. Mimimi, in turn, is more of a happy accident, as she decides that Fumiya's weird way of speaking is kind of adorkable. Actually hilarious. (It is.)

Sequence breaker

And from this get-go the story actually undermines Hinami's premise. Hinami makes him memorize facts about his classmates, sets goals for him regarding whom to talk to and what to talk about. She even sets him a target to have a girlfriend before he enters the third and final year of high school. But if you pay close attention, that's not what makes Fumiya ultimately succeed. It only gets him out of the shell he built around himself.

Talking to Izumi seems awkward and forced, and in fact I was wondering how extremely awkward and imposing it must feel to Izumi. What gets them to click is an entirely different thing. Izumi sits despondent outside of school and Fumiya actually engages her about it - and she lets down her guard and shares with him that her crush Nakamura is obsessed with TackFam but refuses to play with her because she's not good enough. Fumiya enlists as her coach and ultimately becomes part of the effort of getting these two together - something that people believe will happen but moving at glacial pace due to Izumi's awkward personality and Nakamura's snobbish attitude.

Fuuka is singled out by Hinami as a prime target for dating and a potential girlfriend - and she seems quite interested. Fumiya in a tight spot even pretends to like a book series that Kikuchi is into - providing an opening into her world. And this is when he goes off-script. Fumiya is not okay with pretending or living a lie. He comes clean about his initial white lie and commits himself to actually sharing Fuuka's interests.

Fuuka in turn becomes the dividing point between Hinami's and Fumiya's approaches to life, bringing him to develop his own approach to "playing the game" and challenging Hinami that she's wrong about how she approaches life. Because for Hinami it's all about goals. To her it's no problem if Fumiya makes use of Fuuka's feelings and makes her his girlfriend. But with Fuuka, Tomozaki learns that she likes him best when he's himself and not on script and that his own feelings matter, that his earnest nature and blunt honesty actually are part of what makes him him and that in the end it's never "selling points" that get him to make friends, but the heart-to-heart he shares with people. He engages with the original premise - that going out with Fuuka on dates is for learning what he feels. And he butts heads with Hinami over whether he refuses to play the game right or if she's rather wrong about what matters in life.

This is all rather beautiful. And what else is beautiful? Out of all the girls Fumiya meets, only Fuuka has an outright crush on him. With all the others - Mimimi, the tomboyish and blunt "Tama" Hinabi, the awkward Izumi - he forges bonds of friendship. None of them is running after him. If this is a harem, it's thankfully on slow boil. He enlists in Mimimi's cause and neither does he desire for her to fall for him nor does she show signs of doing so - but he joins with Tama in concern over her.

And while at every turn Hinami's cues get his foot in the door, it's when Fumiya goes off-script and is himself that he actually does best.

The circle is now complete.

What drives this home is when Fumiya breaks away from Hinami's goals.

Until then, Hinami devoted massive time to Fumiya's "cause." She meets him twice a day for review, defines goals, goes out with him on pretend dates, helps him buy clothes, makes him flashcards, works him into social circles, introduces him to people. This part is very skillfully done. I personally can't help but think - this girl is actually quite interested in him. But her mind is rather skewed.

Tomozaki slowly becomes the observer. He realizes that he is the only person that sees the real Hinami - the obsessive gamer. The one that has decided to beat life like it's a game. And he sees her put on masks even if another person drops their mask around her. She's basically always a character, prepared to reveal another mask when the situation calls for dropping the surface mask.

Hinami is super-competitive. To her, only being number 1 matters. I think it's fair to assume that some part of her deeply admires Fumiya for being Japan's #1 and beating her, and wants to shape up the rest of him to match. You can tell that she enjoys hanging around with him more than she lets on and she is upfront that she sometimes choses to hang around him - even though he could be set up for one of her challenges at the same time - because she wants some time to be herself.

No, Hinami is not the type to blush and suddenly develop jealousy or possessiveness. It's subtle. Maybe I'm imagining it. But I don't think I do.

It takes a talking to from his little sister to clue Fumiya in. He is not the best player of Japan because he wants to be. That's Hinami's approach. She sets a goal and combines talent and hard work into beating it, yet she can't beat him. Not once. And he realizes why. Because he enjoys playing the game. He is the best because he loses himself in its nuances. And he decides to be the same about life.

His challenge to Hinami is that he will continue playing the game of life with her as his coach. But that he will decide what goals he will make and which ones are off according to what he feels to matter and be true. He choses a soulful, intuitive path over her mental and goal-oriented path. He vows not to slack off. No, he will prove to her that his approach is the better one to winning at the game of life - the one that brings fulfillment.

First season (end of volume 3 of the books) leaves us with this change in premise. Given the somewhat lackluster title (something it shares with My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) I was actually quite pleasantly surprised how deep the series takes its premise.

And yes, a lot of girls populate Fumiya's new life. Mimimi's teasing nature will ensure that there is fan service, as will odd camera angles (to the downright bizarre), a bathing scene... you know, "the works." Still, the series isn't taken over by it, and Fumiya is a great protagonist and I'm curious what else unfolds in his new life.

[cxrsedsouls]

ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕟

Minami might not be a very violent woman, usually preferring to get her revenge in some other fashion (it really depends on who it is and what they had done). Typically it's carefully thought out plans all perfectly executed and verging on the point where most can't even tell if she is doing it on purpose or not. Obviously, there are some that can tell, some are smart enough to figure it out but most aren't. But, the few rare times someone does invoke something violent out of her, even then it comes to life in some intricate plan that also makes it difficult to tell if that was, in fact, her intention or not.

[boyjumps]

Make a distant friend who you can talk about your problems.

Find someone who you can talk your honest feelings.

Your problems become distinct by talking to someone who can mirror you.

That helps you to take the first step towards solving your problem.

You can ask for help, when you don’t have much luck to find solutions to your problem. However, I wouldn’t recommend choosing your close friends & family.

Someone you can get along and trust her/him, but you don’t often see each other. I’d say, it’s a sort of ‘a distant friend’.

You may treat as a hint of solving your problems, if you can see what is going on in your life by talking to your distant friend. If by any chance, you could find an answer during the conversation, that’s great. You owe to remember that even though, you won’t know that is correct, until you try.

[shctteredillusions]

The vampires and preferences. Taken from @arcxnumvitae and @thewolfisawake. I’ve also written out who is taken relationship-wise just to make sure it’s not confusing.

Megane: What isn’t this woman into? Pretty much everything and anything. She literally is the furthest from picky you can get and is the literal definition of pansexual. Men, women, any gender, any species, she’s the type to find something attractive about everyone.

Haru: Women with an attitude. A woman who isn’t afraid to tell him no. Confidence, long dark hair with no particular preference on a color other than that. He likes a woman with style, someone who can take his BS and fire it right back. A baker is a huge selling point since he has such a big sweet tooth. And he’s definitely not into a woman who shows too much skin, funnily enough. He does actually like some modesty in that department and keeping certain things to the imagination until they’ve gotten to that point.

Minami: Intelligence, a man who can give her a challenge in some way shape or form. She has what usually comes off as a harsh and severe type of personality, can be quite controlling and is a bit of a neat freak so they’d have to be able to handle that with ease. Mystery is a big seller for her though because she’s so used to knowing mostly everything that when she comes across someone or something she doesn’t know or can’t figure out she’s instantly intrigued.

Seto: He isn’t a sexually active man and isn’t really interested in becoming one. But if he were, it’d likely be with someone soft and caring, but still confident and strong. He’s got a thing for good voices and no particular preference for men or women. At the same time, he doesn’t like anyone who talks too much because he really enjoys the quiet and peaceful times.

Kensei: Strong and fierce warrior type women. Holy crap can he be weak to soldiers. Especially when she’s actually in a uniform. Skills with a weapon of any kind, good training, someone who knows how to show respect where it’s deserved and demands the same in return. Confidence but without it being overbearing.

Vasilios (unavailable): Long dark hair, coy smiles, flirty personalities, and intense eyes. He’s never had any preference of one gender over another but he does prefer thicker women, whether that’s simply curves or even those with some weight on them. Bigger girls. Men though he likes lean and fit. But more so than anything he likes a battle for dominance. Whether he ends up the dominant one or submissive doesn’t matter nearly as much as the fight itself. Plus he is hypersexual and shit if someone can match his urges, needs, and stamina then man is he in heaven.

Raiden: Women. Women. Women. Gosh, he’s far from picky. Cute girls, gorgeous girls, badass girls, dorky girls. It doesn’t matter because Raiden will find every girl he meets to be utterly beautiful in their own right. Which of course means he’s sexually attracted to them too.

Ariadne: While she prefers men more, she isn’t against women on the subject. She likes height, attitude, someone who can take her fiery personality and deal it right back. She also seems to prefer humans more so than not. But other than that there isn’t a lot she’s shown interest in.

Zephyr: Zephyr is a lover and a fighter but boy is he such a huge sap of a lover too. Big gestures, lots of teasing, old school courting type stuff gets him the most. He likes to banter, someone with a big heart and a playful side. And man he has the hots for the motherly types. Women with thick curves, nice thighs, big chests but a thoughtful and caring smile but eyes that speak of wisdom and experience. Men with more athletic builds, nice hair and a charming personality.

Odette: I don’t really know for sure with her but I think she’d prefer someone gentle. Someone she feels she can trust. She does prefer men, she’s had quite a few bad times with women before and doesn’t trust them as easily. But I don’t think she even knows what she’s attracted to since she’s never really been given the chance to explore it.

Shiori (taken): Assholes. Fuck she loves someone with an attitude, a smart mouth, and a good smirk. I mean, technically I’d think she’d have an easier time with women considering her past with men. Sarcasm, someone with a violent streak who can handle her.

Ichirou (taken): Strong, confident, independent women. Women with goals and priorities. Stylish women with curves that could break his neck from looking back. There’s just something utterly entrancing about a woman who doesn’t need anyone else.

Yuka (taken): Never really had a preference in most ways, but she likes revealing eyes, charming smiles. Oh yeah and nice voices with really good accents. She likes someone who she can talk to, feels comfortable with. And she definitely has a thing for taller people and thick hair.

Ayame (taken): someone who is calming, feels safe. Someone with a bright smile and this warmth that makes her feel alive. Musically talented in any way is a huge bonus for her. Someone with a relatively sunny disposition and affectionate. Adventurous personalities but nothing that overbearing personality wise like overly confident or self-assured. Someone with a warm and gentle presence.

Liam (unavailable): Sexual wise, Liam is far from picky. Generally, because he uses such things as a distraction more than anything else. But preference wise he does seem to have a thing for the unusual ladies. One he can’t quite understand and ones that take him by surprise. He’s a leg man and loves long legs and creamy thighs and can be so easily ruined when that’s used against him. Short skirts, heels, tight jeans, a nice rear, boy he’ll fall apart at the seams if she has a sexy walk too.

Kaname: No clue! Kaname is still a mystery to me. I know physical attraction is possible and that there’s no particular preference but he is like the image of Demisexual and won’t feel attraction in the slightest until a bond is formed.

[witchinghouracademy]

Voltlove meeting Meryl for the first time?

Minami: You think we can get a ransom for her.Jojo: Probably. What sum are we talking.Giselle, taking Meryl in her arms: Don't listen to them angel. Do ya want a song? I can teach you one of my dances!

All of them know who Meryl is, either bc they keep up with important people and competition, or talking with Scepter Hall students.

Minami is.... not good with kids. She doesn't understand them, and they can't read her, so she just ignores them. She'll keep a nice smile and nod while Meryl talks but that's it. Pretty unilateral. And despite how cute Meryl might be, Minami won't let het touch her phone or inventions. Absolutely not. But they can make something new with scraps if Meryl insits tho.

Jojo is good with kids! She has two younger, twin cousins she babysat all the time. Jojo would ask Meryl questions to find that one topic she can ramble about on and on. A lot of kids don't felt heard, so Jojo is happy to lend them an ear. And teach Meryl on any topic she's interested! Just... don't ask her to play tag or hide and seek. She can't keep up.

Giselle seems good with kids. She knows how to appeal to them, kids are the most unwavering fans for whatever short attention span they have. Of the three she tries the hardest to get Meryl to like her. Just think what that could do for her! The daughter of Eclair Hollow becoming a big fan! Minami and Jojo see right throught it, but Meryl doesn't. They share a snicker after Giselle is out of breath from all the games and Meryl wants to play another one. But outside that interested mindset, she does think Meryl is a sweet kid.

[x0401x]

Hoshiai no Sora: Cast Comments

Q & A with the voice actors of the main cast. Translated from the official Twitter. Feel free to point out any corrections, and please check out some of the creators’ accounts:

Akane Kazuki (director)

Itsuka (character designer)

Takeshi (animator)

Kyuujou Kiyo (illustrator)

Takahashi Yuuichi (animator)

MLANG (animator)

Hanae Natsuki-san (voice of Katsuragi Maki)

Q1. Please tells us your impression about the character you play.

At first, I guessed he was a cool and behaved kid, but this changed into the impression that he was a child with no two-facedness to him and a feel-good personality, who firmly conveys his own opinions without being swayed by the people around him. Also, he laughs and makes merry in accordance to his age too, so it is fun to play him.

Q2. Please tell us a memory of club activities from your middle school days.

I was part of the soft tennis club, so I am extremely happy to get to perform in this production. Through this series, many things had me thinking, “This happens, this happens” and it makes me reminisce to my school days. I was the vice-president, but our tennis club was not that earnest about competing, so we did not go as far as Shijou Minami Junior High, but I believe the club activities had a similar air to them.

Q3. Leave a message for the people watching the series.

This is a work that touches the rare subject of soft tennis, while the number of schools that only have regular tennis gradually increases as one goes from middle to high school. It is a given for people who take part in soft tennis, but the delicate feelings of middle schoolers are also being depicted here through getting quite deep into their core, so I believe this is a series that makes the ones watching feel and think all sorts of things. Please watch over it until the very end.

Hatanaka Tasuku-san (voice of Shinjou Touma)

Q1. Please tells us your impression about the character you play.

Shinjou Touma is a child with an extremely strong sense of responsibility. The environment he grew up in has an influence on this, but he ends up exploding due to shouldering too many things and not knowing how to let it out when it became hard for him... The more I get to know him, the more I feel like giving him a hug. That’s the kind of person he is.

Q2. Please tell us a memory of club activities from your middle school days.

I was part of the basket club during my six years from middle to high school and on the bench. That’s why I would let my voice out higher than anyone, and since I could not manage to do anything whenever I entered the court, I would just run, anyhow. The nickname I earned from this was “Runner”. I was neither “center” nor “forward”, just “Runner”.

Q3. Leave a message for the people watching the series.

Honestly, I have absolutely no idea of how this work will be receptioned. But I thought, “I want to respond to the things that the director wants to write about and to his passion, from the bottom of my heart”. That’s why I had strong thoughts about getting close to the individuals that appear in this story, being hurt and moving forward together with them, and taking part in this series. I am truly glad to have become involved with it. Please do have expectations for it.

Matsuoka Yoshitsugu-san (voice of Ameno Itsuki)

Q1. Please tells us your impression about the character you play.

He is a boy with a deep darkness to him, except this darkness has a proper reason to be, so I look forward to when people get shocked upon finding that out. He is also a cute boy, so I hope people will enjoy the many emotions, expressions and lines from him.

Q2. Please tell us a memory of club activities from your middle school days.

I was in the wind instruments club, but I was always thinking about skipping. There were few guys in it, so whenever classes ended, a senior would often come to pick me up! Like, “Matsuoka! I’ll go with you!!” I really gave him a lot of trouble.

Q3. Leave a message for the people watching the series.

It is turning into a story that will not go through conventional methods. Many individuals of all kinds appear in it, but this is a series that depicts each human being very rawly, so I hope people will enjoy this rich story until the end. We also want to perform “Hoshiai no Sora” to our utmost, so we will be in your care from now on too!

Satou Gen-san (voice of Futsu Rintarou)

Q1. Please tells us your impression about the character you play.

Rintarou is a very serious and kindhearted person who can observe his surroundings better than anyone. On one side, he is extremely sensible, overthinks, does not manage to give his opinions and ends up hiding his true thoughts, so when I perform him, I make sure to do it while deciding in my mind, “Don’t leave Rintarou on his own no matter what” and, “Stay close to him until the end”.

Q2. Please tell us a memory of club activities from your middle school days.

I used to belong to the kendou club, but the club activities were aimed to win the nationals, so practice was extremely severe. During practice match expeditions, we would ride in the late-night bus and keep practicing from morning to evening non-stop just like that, and to make our bodies grow bigger, we would eat a mountain of curry, fist-sized minced meat fried cakes and gigantic hot dogs in one go until we got upset stomatches, so I have the strong impression that it was strict and terrible if nothing else.

Q3. Leave a message for the people watching the series.

I think its contents resonate with the hearts of both people who are currently students and people who are working as members of society. If they could love the characters of Hoshiai no Sora, who are somewhat heartrending but try to live day by day with utmost effort, I would be really happy.

Toyonaga Toshiyuki-san (voice of Soga Tsubasa)

Q1. Please tells us your impression about the character you play.

I have the impression that he is a child right in the middle of puberty, who ends up saying what he thinks aloud. It feels like he takes a while to find the will to do things, so I think he is simply carefree.

Q2. Please tell us a memory of club activities from your middle school days.

I was a ghost member of the basket club. I joined because a girl I liked back then was a member of the female basket club. My motive was impure, huh (laughs).

Q3. Leave a message for the people watching the series.

I think it will be pretty impactful for those who watch it thinking that it is an uplifting youth-and-sports thing. It depicts all sorts of problems that actually happen in reality. Please do watch these strong messages with your families; I would be happy if they become a trigger for people to reflect on things.

Satou Keisuke-san (voice of Takenouchi Shingo)

Q1. Please tells us your impression about the character you play.

I thought Shingo was an upfront kid in a very good sense. Also, I felt that, in contrast with his strong-look appearance, he is very considerate of his friends, has a side to him that’s got guts, and is adorable too. I am really looking forward to how he will progress from now on.

Q2. Please tell us a memory of club activities from your middle school days.

I was in the basket club, but all I did was slack off. There were only four members and the club activities only included running, and after that, we would do nothing but chat. Then we would run off so that the teacher of that period would not find us out (laughs). I would think, “One way or another, these are also memories of my youth”.

Q3. Leave a message for the people watching the series.

Developments that people cannot predict at all are waiting, and they make you extremely anxious. It is fully loaded with obsession for even minute details, so you will be unable to take your eyes off it from the beginning to the end! I hope to enjoy these moments together with everyone. “Hoshiai no Sora” is in your care!

Koyabashi Yuusuke-san (voice of Tsukinose Nao)

Q1. Please tells us your impression about the character you play.

Nao is a child whose appearance and mind are flighty, and also a mysterious kid who speaks of dellusions as if they were actually reality. But during club activities, he makes efforts in his own way so that he will not drag everyone down, so the gap between this and his fickle personality left an impression on me.

Q2. Please tell us a memory of club activities from your middle school days.

I was in the wind instruments club. I wanted to play the trumpet, but the pretty senior who was teaching us during the trial enrollment played the horn, so I was swayed by her sweet talk, and before I realized it, I was playing the horn myself (laughs). I should beware of sweet temptations, is what I thought during my middle school years.

Q3. Leave a message for the people watching the series.

People might get tripped up if they are watching it thinking that it is an anime where children are enjoyably playing soft tennis to their utmost. It is precisely because those kids are at that age that I would like people to observe thoroughly the depiction of the mindsets they embrace.

Amasaki Kouhei-san (voice of Ishigami Taiyou)

Q1. Please tells us your impression about the character you play.

I think Taiyou-kun is a gentle child. He cannot decide things on his own, always taking action by matching up with other’s opinions. I felt that the way his Kansai dialect sometimes has a common language ring to it was realistic.

Q2. Please tell us a memory of club activities from your middle school days.

I was in the swim club. During summer, we would swim over 10km from morning to evening. We would run the competitive club relays in the PE festival wearing one layer of swimsuit. I think it was an experience I can no longer manage.

Q3. Leave a message for the people watching the series.

“Hoshiai no Sora” is a work made extremely carefully, and even during the post-recording, the love I can feel from the creators is huge, so I think it is a very good series. There is not much I can say, so I hope you all can see for your own eyes when you watch it on-air! We will be in your care!

Mineda Mayu-san (voice of Mitsue Kanako)

Q1. Please tells us your impression about the character you play.

When I first saw her, I thought, “I guess she’s a shy and quiet girl?”, but that was splendidly betrayed. Kanako is the type to straightforwardly say what she thinks to the other party, and I think this aspect of hers, in a good sense, reeks of humanity quite a bit.

Q2. Please tell us a memory of club activities from your middle school days.

I was the president of the art club, but I would walk around campus after school and observe the activities of other clubs. That includes the soft tennis club and the like. To all the art club members of back then, I’m sorry for being such an undisciplined club president...

Q3. Leave a message for the people watching the series.

This story intersects with the many emotions of middle schoolers living in the current era, who might actually exist somewhere within Japan. Also, the sounds of batted balls and squealing of sneakers are very real and have intensity, so I would like people to pay attention to them as well.

Yamaya Yoshitaka-san (voice of Asuka Yuuta)

Q1. Please tells us your impression about the character you play.

He is androgynous and has a soft demeanor, and I think he is truly a boy of kindhearted disposition. He somewhat lacks confidence, so he steps back and has a bird’s-eye view of things, but there is a reason for it. I would like people to pay attention to him along with the other characters’ worries.

Q2. Please tell us a memory of club activities from your middle school days.

I was in the soccer club. I had many experiences, like how plain fun it was kicking the ball, having awkward relationships, and learning the joy of getting sweaty doing practice and winning.

Q3. Leave a message for the people watching the series.

This is not just a multi-protagonist story about the youth of bright and uplifting boys. Troubles and issues that surely exist somewhere out there, though people usually do not try to look at them, are depicted realistically in it, and there were times it made my chest hurt. I want everyone to watch how each of them will face the things they are shouldering until the very end.

[courage-a-word-of-justice]

Iruma-kun 10 - 12 | Shinchou Yuusha 9 - 12 (FINAL) | Dr Stone 22 - 24 (FINAL) | BnHA 72 - 74 | Stars Align 9 - 12 (FINAL) | No Guns Life 10 - 12 (FINAL)

Iruma-kun 10

That mascot is still around to annoy poor Kalego, huh? (LOL) I also noticed the demonstration demons have horns like oni.

Oh no! This means Azz-Azz is a prime target for Iruma!

(I was going to write something. Then I got so engrossed in the action, I forgot to…)

LOL, Sabro’s too heavy for Team A to lift!

Oh, Iruma’s hair isn’t tied anymore…

“…pruning this cactus.” – Does Eggie-sensei like plants?

Ooh, the first double-parter ever for this show, I think it is.

Shinchou Yuusha 9

Apparently ep 10 got delayed…*sigh*

LOL, thre’s product placement for a certain ice cream brand in this episode, huh?

Can we not with the boob grope???

*Rista takes care of Mash and Elulu* - Rista’s such a mom sometimes…

Stars Align 9

This one scene with Nao looks really blue…it’s almost unsettling.

Oh dear…I understand the sentiment of an inferiority complex all too well.

Dr Stone 22

Now we’re back to good ol’ science vs. survival of the fittest philosophy clash. Now, see, that’s the Dr Stone I like best!

Torricelli’s law.

Why is mica like baumkuchen? Probably because it has a lot of layers…

Wow, for WSJ – which encouraged fangirls all over the world to make yaoi/shonen ai ships – they sure tossed out the yaoi/shonen ai option real fast…

Skarn. I’ve never heard of it until now.

Magma, staring at the product of magma…LOL.

I…don’t get it. Even after watching the bit again, I don’t understand why Magma was trying to save Senku.

So…as is said for most WSJ series, the treasure was the friends we made along the way…LOL, what a way to acknowledge a trope.

Lemme guess…surprise birthday party? (Sorry, when I was reading up on Magma earlier, I saw that Magma helps with a birthday surprise for Senku and I found out what it was.)

I wonder if Rei is still up there at this point…? (Who’s Rei? You’ll find out if you read the Byakuya reboot…)

Well, “Rock Day” only works in Japanese. The language would’ve drifted over thousands of years so it shouldn’t work in the year 5731 (or whatever year Dr Stone is set).

Dr Stone 23

One episode until the end…but I’m away over Christmas, so I’ll have quite a bit to catch up on when I’m back. Update: I never did end up going away over Christmas.

Senku is much more of a trickster hero than an action hero. That’s been pretty obvious all the way through, but here it’s at its most obvious.

Oh, so Kaseki made the village bridge? Is that a correct assumption…? Update: I think the answer was yes from the manga.

How much chemistry does Gen know, anyway? Assuming he’s a humanities person because of psychology and his tricks, it must only be basic, right?

Thse intense stares…I’ve been reading JJBA: DiU lately, so I’m expecting an 80s-style “!!” to appear over someone’s head at this point, LOL.

Ooh, hardware. In fact, it looks like the inside of a computer…or, more relevant to this case, a phone.

So it’s not “rules are rules” anymore? Now Kinro’s changed his words to reflect his faith in Senku…hmm! Interesting! (Update: A quick google says Kinro is 18. Senku is about 18 (+ 3700 years). Plus, after they start dragging Ginro away, Kinro says his trademark line.)

Wouldn’t the coal smoke alert Tsukasa of the village’s location, though…? Then again, thanks to Homura and Hyouga, Tsukasa already knows their location…oops.

Rochelle salt.  

I saw that one shot of the world from the 1st OP and I thought there was meant to be a post-credits segment…LOL, nope.

Dr Stone 24 (FINAL)

The “acquisition message” basically said “We didn’t (just) need one cell phone, (so) it was useless!” Notably, it uses the counter for large items (like computers) for the phone.

Having finished the Byakuya reboot now, I wanna cry every time I hear about the guy…

Oh! The eyecatch is a record!

Basically, what records do is that they recreate sounds by using vibrations created by the grooves of the disc. Sound is a set of vibrations.

“Astronauts are science elites…” – Except maybe Lillian Weinberg…

I like Shamil out of the guys from the Soyuz the most. He’s a cross between Tsukasa and Senku. Stoic yet skeptical, a voice of reason for Byakuya’s sillier outbursts.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the shield was made with CGI, tbh.

Byakuya’s humour here is betraying the emotional capacity of the scene…it’s gone from “100% tear-inducing” to “confusing”.

Please sing Tsubasa wo Kudasai, Lillian…*crosses fingers*

I didn’t get what I wanted, but oh well. This song is good too. (I wouldn’t be surprised if most of the record player was CGI too. It’s good CGI for sure.)

LOL, Puyo Puyo! Even Sherlock Holmes! Dragon Ball, Nintendo Switch, VR, Saiyuki! It’s like a treasure trove of references!

Normally the s2 announcement comes after the credits, so I was thrown for a loop when it was announced before the ED…anyways, this is the end of the s1 coverage. See you for s2!

BnHA 72

[no notes, sorry!]

Iruma-kun 11

Robin looks like Iruma…(this vaguely annoys me.)

I noticed Keroli (sp?) is in the back left, alone…that’s kinda sad.

Sabro is hella tall…even taller than Azz-kun, and that says something.

Ah…I love Eggie-sensei. He’s so funny!

Really? I thought Sullivan wrote them (the rules).

I wanna see an episode where Eggie-sensei can’t turn into his fuzzy form and has to do familiar activities with Iruma. That, or an episode where Eggie-sensei has some human parts and some familiar ones (although that would scare some little kids, I think…)

What a Machiavellian mindset Eggie-sensei has!

Iruma’s got wine, people! Underage drinking is a no-no! (partially joking)

Good on ya, Clara! Go kick those girls to the kerb!

The butterflies are so beautiful in this show!

So basically school clubs.

Hmm…it’s almost a Fordist approach. I mean, “freeing yourself up to do other things” is basically the entire ethos of that.

NGL 10

I was reading JJBA: DiU today and Colt seriously looks like a Jojo’s character…

“Your face is just like…”

N-No way! You mean, the Victor Mary’s wanted to see all along…is the other gunhead…?! Geesh, what a plot twist!

Stars Align 10

“We all play to win.” – That’s very Maki of you, Maki.

Shinjo/Oshimi???? That must be Ryoma…! By the way, what’s up with these Itsuse twins…?

Who’s Hatanooka? Update: That’s the team with Joy in it…and those fangirls who busted Mitsue up.

F*** it…Arashi, I wanna pummel you someday.

LOL, you can sell your temmates out with chanpuru, huh, Arashi?

Did Maki suggest something subliminally…?

*Maki and Toma run around* - LOL, this play is completely unorthodox, haha. I can tell even if I’m no expert.

Shinchou Yuusha 10

We’re back after another week’s break…

Come to think of it, how do fantasy worlds have concepts of “hours”?

LOL, how convenient it was that there just happened to be a dude needing healing walking past! (partially sarcastic, partially meaning it since the circumstances foreshadowed it)

“Talent”, eh? *stares at the camera, which is showing Rista’s boobs, with disapproval*

The Demon Spirit Orb is basically a monster cell from OPM 2, isn’t it…?

If Seiya came from our world…then I’m sorry, Wolks, but whoever told you is completely and utterly wrong. *gestures at all the conflicts around the world, including political turmoil*

“Are you calling…”  

No Guns Life 11

Second-last ep!

Oh great…another yandere?(I read JJBA: DiU hardcover vol. 2 yesterday, so I’m still thinking about Yukako Yamagishi…)

There’s a convertible in the OP, though…I wonder if that will come into play later. Update: Even if it does come into play in the future, it doesn’t happen in ths cour.

Stars Align 11

It was like Joy was showing off to the camera…LOL.

Apparently, Joy’s name is a weird reading for yorokobi (happiness).

This feels like a final episode…

Hmm. I thought Yonex sponsored this. Turns out that’s a parody logo after all (or at least, here it’s a parody).

One of the Itsuse bros looks exactly like Maki, so it’s confusing…

I’m still confused as to why Shijo Minami’s shirts say nantei on them. The minami might be nan in another way of reading it, but…the shi can only be read kokorozashi otherwise and while the jou can be read many, many ways, tei isn’t one of them.

Ume = plum blossom, so that purple-pink colour really suits them.

BnHA 73

Eri’s name means, literally, “to break reason”.

This scene with the stars and the dancefloor…that’s new.

Iruma-kun 12

Sometims you forget this dork *points at Azz* is more powerful than Iruma and Clara…

You can see Clara and Iruma in the shot of Azz-kun.

The reason why I like calling Kalego “Eggie-sensei” is because he doesn’t like it! 

I love how the narrator is even aware it’s been mentioned several times Iruma can’t decline requests.

New Magic is basically science…?

Oh, it would be hilarious if this character Iruma just bumped into and he (Iruma) would be in a Battler together…but I’ve read spoilers, so I know what Iruma will join…

Is this some kind of allegory for technology…?! *eyes sparkle* Yes, I want in! Iruma! Join this club!

Even this demon’s clip is a book! Amazing!

Clara! She dab! In a pot!

Come to think of it, in the basic premise, Iruma-kun (the show) is Kenja no Mago, right? The Wise Man’s Grandson…sort of.

Shinchou Yuusha 11

Almost at the end…I’ll sorely miss this show.

Is Tiana some former version of Rista…?

How old is Seiya again…? Update: Apparently he’s 17…and if he’s the same age as he used to be in this flashback, then…kinda squicky, no?

Stars Align 12 (FINAL)

I heard this show dropped the ball and that Nao’s mother got a rant, but otherwise I don’t quite know what happens here…so let’s finish what we started. Update: Nao’s mother’s rant was in a previous episode.

Oh hey! It’s that running thing Nao and Taiyo were doing…I think. (I don’t think I’ve grasped everyone’s names, even over 12 eps, so I had to check Taiyo’s name up.)

Oh, these gremlins…*sighs happily but also exasperatedly* No wonder this show took out a top 10 position for my 2019 list.

I’m worried now…there’s always a last minute thing to ruin an episode on this show.

I always thought Ryoma’s hair was pretty nice…(small LOL). That’s just my bias for bishonen showing though.

I’m…scared now…Maki’s dad must’ve come back and the red in the sky really sold that moment…

Maki…no!!!!!!!! Aw, f***, that’s the final seconds…geesh, way to end the series. If this were a 2 cour, I’d definitely watch the next one, but since I heard through ANN that this is all we have so far, really, the only thing I can do for a passion project is hope another cour gets funded and (maybe) purchase what I can to help out. Well, that’s it, folks, skedaddle out of here until next time.

No Guns Life 12 (FINAL)

This pendant reminds me of the mana compass I saw in Fate/Zero yesterday.

I bet Danny planted those footprints…or something like that. Update: Yup, he did.

Come to think of it, is Juzo still missing his arm from last time…?

“You weren’t my client, little lady.” – There’s one of two possible options here, I think: 1) the hands guy was or 2) Danny was.

I wonder, will the hand Extended ever become his (Juzo’s) left hand? Or will he get an Extension for it?

Wow, second huge end-of-season cliffhanger! Juzo got a new buddy, it seems…anyway, see you in spring!

Cautious Hero 12 (FINAL)

If the Valkyryja (sp?) isn’t magic…what is it???

That one guy lying on the side of the fountain, looking all drunk…LOL.

Geez, you make me wanna cry, show!!!

Even the alarm clock is dejected…geez…

This is…the best conclusion of the fall season in that Seiya defeated the Demon King and the story wrapped up properly, but the worst in that Seiya died. No one died in Stars Align, even if they failed a tonne! So…I dunno. I guess it should be happy it ended optimistically…anyways, enough of my moping. See you next time.

BnHA 74

Shin Nemoto = “the truth of the origin of the sound”, if you stuck the particle no between each character.

Tintin got scary, LOL.

Lemillion, making “no capes” go out of fashion again (LOL).

Wow, talk about a clip show…! This is really one.

Check the end of the episode, don’t forget to watch the post-credits segments, people.

[crybaby-ninja]

👫 // we haven't rlly interacted but... hcs...

No. 1: Tobi definitely annoys the shit out of her if they’re ever paired up. For the persona, of course, but also because he finds her responses amusing. Pein probably knows better than to pair them up after one time because Peak Chaotic Energy and also because Tobi would definitely see how far he could push her temper (arrogant little shit he is, he doesn’t fear her wrath).

No. 2: Their personalities + their parallels,, They’re angry, determined, but love/hate too strongly. If there was ever a time or universe where Obito was true to himself during his time in the Akatsuki they might even get along. Or maybe they’d just be at each other’s throats bc amgry. ‾\_(ツ)_/‾ Or both?

No. 3: He probably doesn’t take much interest in her personally though, either as Tobi or Madara. She’s just another pawn to him, like the vast majority of the other Akatsuki members. Amusing at times, perhaps useful, but nothing more than that.

No. 4: Obito is so deeply caught in hopelessness and delusion at this point that I think even if he found out about Minami being able to see spirits, he’d brush off the chance to hear of Rin at first (not only because he would call bullshit and not believe it). Why does he need to know of her spirit if he’ll see her again after his plans reach completion anyway, in a more peaceful world? But I think that mindset would eventually break down the more he considered the idea and he’d find a way to demand to communicate with her, or at least hear about her (maybe it’d even snap him out of his no-good evil plan earlier in the game if he learned of Rin’s disapproval, because she’s undoubtedly glaring at him from the afterlife for his terrible, terrible decisions).

Bonus?: idek how this would come to be but Obito and Minami comparing their teleportation skills with Blood Release vs. Kamui would be pretty funny (at least in my head but its also almost 5am and i need sleep so who knows). Obito thinks his technique is way better and cooler and brags about it Uchiha Style™. He also laughs at her when she lands on her face bc he’s an unrepentant jerk.