#niino crow

[azureflight]

Oshi no Ko's ending is unironically indefensible

Yes, I said indefensible. And I am going to prove it.

There are essentially two angles with which some people are trying to justify this ending, and neither of these work. The first one is this:

"This is a heroic sacrifice. Aqua has to die to protect Ruby. It's so sad and noble. Not every story has to have a happy ending you know?"

Why doesn't this work? Because Aqua doesn't have to die. There are a million and one ways to get rid off Hikaru and protect Ruby, that doesn't require Aqua to die. What's worse is that Aqua himself knows this. This isn't some hidden knowledge only revealed to the audience but kept from the character himself.

He has two willing and capable accomplices in Akane and Ichigo. He knows that they are. These two have worked with him in various different times, cooperated to protect Ruby, and have multiple times affirmed their desire to kill Hikaru/help Aqua/protect Hoshino twins. Akane has done so as early as their fake relationship days and Aqua knows, for a fact, that she means business. He know he can rely on them, and he knows they want to help.

And imagining a workable plan/conspiracy without killing Aqua, is not hard, not even for the average audience. People get away with murder all the time in real life. Only 50% of murders in the US are solved, and Japan itself is notorious for recording everything as "suicide" unless they catch the killer standing next to the corpse with bloody hands. And there is nothing in Oshi no Ko setting to imply a more cut-throat law enforcement or a more rigorous investigative prosecution.

Officials never bothered to dig deeper into Ai's murder. They went with "oh this crazed fan murdered her because she had kids, and then killed himself, case closed." They never bothered to figure out how in the hell did that guy figure out her address, or whether he had any accomplices or not.

People didn't even know Gorou was killed. There wasn't even a real missing person's case about him. This 30 something doctor disappeared without any warnings and everyone went "oh well, that happens." If it wasn't for the crow goddess intentionally leading Ruby and Akane to the corpse, no one would ever find out about it. And of course, they had zero leads. They will only ever solve it, if they can, because of Niino's confession. Guess who trapped Niino and got that confession our of her? Spoiler alert: Not the police.

Indeed, Aqua's own suicidal plan rests on the assumption that police will look at only the most superficial of evidence and go for the simplest answer.

They could have killed Hikaru, bury his body in a ditch and make it look like he skipped town after Niino got caught and started singing. Combined with increased public scrutiny due to the movie, it would be an extremely easy sell and the simplest answer to reach for. This is just one plan those 3 could have gone with. Spare a moment, and I am sure you all can come up with plenty more workable plans.

So what happens if Aqua's sacrifice is actually completely unnecessary? Well, then his death becomes meaningless, pointless suicide. He had a million options, and instead he chose to kill himself because???? Because he would rather die than spend another moment listening to Akane? He really dislikes talking to Ichigo he would rather die? The prospect of dating Arima Kana was so repulsive he wanted to just end it here?

Dumb, and meaningless. Not a heroic sacrifice, but a worthless suicide, by a moron.

The second excuse, tries to rationalize the suicide angle. It goes like this:

"Aqua was a depressed, suicidal guy, and in the end he fell victim to his demons. He just couldn't heal. It's a terrible tragedy. Not every story has to have a happy ending you know?"

Why doesn't this one work? Because at this stage in the story, Aqua isn't actually depressed or suicidal. You read that one correct. I am not saying he shouldn't be, I am saying he isn't.

We had our suicidal, depressed Gorou/Aqua. We had him since the start. But the story developed him towards healing. First we saw that Aqua can actually be freed from his guilt and be happy, during the time he though his father was already dead. He was unburdened and free, happy to continue his life instead of being without purpose and feeling an even deeper void.

And later, deep in the movie arc where he was all but hellbent on self-destructing to take down Hikaru, he was once again pulled from the brink, truly this time. Ruby-Sarina reveal was the start of it. That gave him a sense of duty to survive.

Afterwards we have seen that the personification of his guilt, self-loathing and lack of self-worth, the shadowy apparition of Gorou, turned into a normal guy. A chill, a bit jokey, supportive guy even. He has forgiven, not only himself, but the very target of his vengeance. He wasn't merely thinking or trying, he had actively forgiven Hikaru and put it all behind.

We have him enjoy a regular day with Ruby, go on a date with Kana, and repeatedly express desires about the future including education and career. Indeed, even as he is pulling the knife committing to his plan, he shares his hopes for his own future, his desire to live, all the things he wants to do and experience. Aqua who stabbed himself and jumped off with Hikaru, was not a suicidal depressed dude.

Indeed, the story is trying to frame this as heroic sacrifice, not mindless depression fueled suicide. And I have already explained why that angle doesn't work neither.

So the only two potential ways that this ending could have worked, were botched. The heroic sacrifice doesn't work, because it is unnecessary. Depressed guys kills himself doesn't work, because he is not like that anymore.

Could the story make either of these two endings work? Sure.

You want a "heroic sacrifice"? Than do a real heroic sacrifice. Make Aqua die fighting off some guy who was attacking Ruby. Make him stand on the way of a knife or jump in front of an incoming bullet targeting her. Whatever you do, just make it so him dying is actually a consequence or necessity of her survival, and not some needless, mindless suicide.

You want a "depressed suicidal guy cannot heal and succumbs to his mental illness" story? Then remove the parts showing his recovery. Show that ghastly shadow continues to haunt him and taunt him. Show that he has no real plans for the future. Show that he avoids contact with people and pursues no joys, only the "mission". Don't have an entire chapter where he talks about how much he wants to live and how much he has to live for from his own mouth.

But truly, nothing exposes a botched ending, as well as putting it side by side with a successful one. And bittersweet, tragic, sad, dark, bleak endings, are neither rare, nor impossible to pull off. Indeed, there are a plenty, and the only polite reason I can think of why anyone would defend Oshi no Ko's ending, is that they are young and have not yet been exposed to the giant canon of anime, manga movies, games, tv shows and books out there that do it right. So I am now going to give bunch of successful examples and yes, to simply share them is to spoil their ending, but it is no issue. Their watch value is not reduced by knowing. Indeed, if you go in armed with the knowledge of the kind of ending that awaits you, you might pay greater attention to how its built up. Who knows, maybe you'll learn something.

SPOILERS FOR VARIOUS MOVIES AND A TTRPG ACROSS DECADES

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Do you want a story where a man tries to fight off against a corrupt system or a terrible conspiracy, but all of his efforts are in vain and it all ends horribly?

The Parallax View (1974), Blow Out (1981)

Do you want a story where the bad guy wins, there is no resolution for anyone, and all the struggles of the hero is for nothing in the end?

No Country for Old Men (2007), Chinatown (1974)

Do you want a story where people with self-destructive habits cannot let go of their ways, cannot heal, cannot rise above their failings and then meet tragic ends?

Requiem for a Dream (2000), Uncut Gems (2019)

Do you want a story that acts like it will follow the typical mystery/investigation thriller formula, only to reveal in the end that the usual and expected win and vindication for the hero will be no where to be found?

Seven (1995), Arlington Road (1999)

Do you want a story, that has a mostly comedic setup and tone, but slowly builds tension in the background before it all comes crashing down in the complete tragedy for everyone in the final act?

Parasite (2019)

Do you want a story where a morally compromised, emotionally damaged anti-hero tries to protect a child, whose naive crush he cannot reciprocate?

Léon: The Professional (1994)

Do you want a story where the hero intentionally gets himself killed by the bad guy, because that's the only true way he can defeat the villains and protect the innocents?

Gran Torino (2008)

Do you want a story with a pair of twins who share a strong and loving sibling bond, have a dead mother, a shit father, a vengeance to seek? One that has a bittersweet ending, complete with a beautiful romance cut tragically short?

Critical Role Campaign 1: Vox Machina (2015-2017)

[caw4brandon]

Tis a Small World of ACCA 13

Amidst the sea of "Fine” anime, manga and light novels to watch or read. I like to find things that, from the outside. Looks deceiving. Like say, a rather plain trailer or cover but with a bopping song or with a cool art style that peaks my interest and awareness to shoot for the dark.

I like Anime that surprises me both positively and negatively because I believe, it teaches us things about unpopular stories and plots that has potential to be realized which could place it in the Cult Classic Category. By that theory, this is the part where I talk about stumbling across this one song, [Shadow and Truth by ONE Ⅲ NOTES] that caught my attention and, after a very quick search. I discovered that the song is the opening for the Anime;

- <ACCA: 13-ku Kansatsu-ka> by Ono Natsume -

Or just, ACCA 13...follows our main character, Jean Otus. From the kingdom of Dowa. The second-in-command of the Inspection Department of ACCA who was tasked to travel around the kingdom to inspect the 13 state branches of the kingdom.

As he makes his rounds, Jean uncovers some frightening rumors that would disturb the peace of the kingdom, with him playing a crucial role to it all. As the episodes progress, we learn more about what makes the kingdom of Dowa tick, what local problems do they have in their respective states and what their state leaders think about the rumors.

We also follow Jean’s younger sister. Lotta Otus who manages the Celebrity Mansion Condominium. We also follow her daily, relatively normal school life while experiencing second-hand sweetness with her eating some of the most popular and delicious looking desserts and breads in the kingdom.

Other than Lotta, the supporting characters are just as beautiful and charming. From the silver foxes of the head leaders in ACCA, to the named officers, and friends of Jean. Such as Jean’s superior and love interest. The Korore Branch Chief, Mauve. 

A tall, intelligent, mature and beautiful woman with long luscious blue hair who allied and kept in contact with Jean on his journeys. Developing reliable intel instead of making hasty action to choose a side surrounding the rumors.

Eye candies aside, the world of ACCA provides a more Noir feel to its peaceful environment with monotone colors and sleek character designs. All respectfully beautiful and portrayed by a cast of extremely talented but niche voice actors within the Seiyuu industry. Atsuko Tanaka, Hiro Shimono, Kenjirou Tsuda, and Aoi Yuuki.

- Stay Cool, Smoke Another Cigarette -

That said, the world and story of ACCA 13 is rather slow and relies heavily on its hook by introducing the wild mystery of the disturbing rumors with Jean listening and gathering information through the characters he meets as well as unveiling the true intentions the characters.

A lot of what happens occurs in meetings at bars, restaurants, back allies and hotel rooms. With Jean listening and comprehending between the lines with the people he meets. It requires close attention to some of the dialogue that is spoken as well as piecing the sequence of events that happened in-between that lead to the finale.

With its overarching plot, ACCA 13 provides a small world tour around the kingdom of Dowa. Experiencing the different vibes and culture of every state while consuming the state’s richest exports in commerce as well as solving the many unique problems and complaints of each state.

From the ghetto parts of Suitsu, the frozen tundra of Birra, the laid back countryside of Fãmasu, the glorious city of Furawau and others. Each state represents a part of Dowa which makes up the shape of a bird. Some parts represent the Head, the Tail, the Chest and so on which is very similar to how the real Japan is in its respective prefectures. 

Attempting not to get into spoilers, let’s just say that Jean has quite a number of allies in high places to help him deliberate his stands which determines the fate of the kingdom. Aside from Mauve, Jean is best friends with Niino Crow, a reporter who lives a double life as a private detective with his loyalties shrouded in shadow. Compared to your typical high action mainstream anime.

ACCA 13 requires patience. Its slow in build up and despite its aesthetic. There really isn’t much to get around to peek a new comer’s interest to watch the show. But perhaps, that’s its intention. A rather basic show that is less about the action, the deeper meanings but more about secrets, vibe checking and of course, the eye candies. Making it a potential Cult Favorite. 

- Use your Eyes to Perceive the Way -

While it is a struggle to form a good case for why one should watch ACCA 13, I should start with its run time. Which is rather harmless with only 12 episodes and an OVA (Original Video Animation) ACCA 13 doesn’t overstay its welcome. It provides progression which lead to its finale but with results that is never as clear as it should be since, to my knowledge. Its a show about politics in a fictional country.

Nothing is what it seems in ACCA 13. Individuals could be deceiving by their looks, their actions and their reasons. Its up to our hero, Jean to figure things out and play his cards right to solve the potential time bomb that threatens the future of the kingdom. 

As the inspector, Jean has to stay unbiased and unfazed from what he was told in order to deduce the true intentions of the other state leaders and determine them from a political perspective and as an inspector that is vowed to the highest laws of the country. 

Anime is a media that caters more towards fiction or metaphorical iconography but some of its authors love to translate reality or mature themes into fiction which, was what ACCA 13 tried to do. In a time where things need to happen quickly to keep the audience hooked. ACCA 13′s shallow show of politics, truth, lies and secrets under the backdrop of a beautiful and diverse country gets shun to the corner by its consumers which, I won’t fault anyone for.

Politics is a tough subject and it’s not as black and white as we assume it to be and ACCA 13, just like the subject itself is complicated. It is unfortunate that viewers would look past it because it doesn’t fit in with the typical conventions of popular Anime compared with its other competitors. This post is not meant to say “Go watch ACCA 13! You’ll love it!”  because, that’s not my intention. I'm aware that its not for everyone.

What I want to show is that, Anime is more than just insane action, illustrative romance and questionable concepts. Rather, Anime can take a boring subject and make it as interesting with its aesthetics and lack of supernatural elements. As bland as it was, I got hooked to click to the next episode to see how it ends. Because what you see and hear, 

It's never really what it seems.

Thanks for reading

- Caw4B -

[keikakus]

[leojoxaren]

👑🚬

[arirna]

[jumatviivi]

what do you mean there wasn’t any foreshadowing

[naruysae]

NINO // CROW

[creylune]

Jean otus naturally pure and erotic very oblivious to how erotic he is (HAVE YOU SEEN HIS CASUAL SHIRTS ONE PULL YOU CAN SEE HIS NIPS he leans down you can see his nips niino probably seen his nips more than twice lucky crow and his amazing self control) anyways I really like how you color

I FEEL LIKE BECAUSE I MARATHONED THE ANIME I MISSED DETAILS LIKE THIS i’m definitely rewatching when i get time so i can see this for myself since i can’t recall what his casual shirts look like LOOL 

and aw!! thank you ;o;

[tobioiisms-blog]

acca 13 characters: niino (crow)

[sweetchcolate]

about jean he was clueless about niino watching him (niino was 25 when jean was 15 afterall) until someone *spoilers* told him. When it came to niino, jean never thought of anything that was how comfortable he was with niino niino just knew him (all his life)

Ahhh, now considering episode 5, it does make more sense. Thanks for adding the character ages too, it helps to guess how old they are right now :.

Jean never thought of anything, that was how comfortable he was with niino 

YEEEE, I really loved the scene where Jean confronted Nino about his Crow identity. I loved how there was no big dramatic moment or talks about friendship or betrayal. Just “hey so that’s your job?” “yeah” “cool, tell me about it some other day” “ay sure, wanna drink?”

IT’S JUST… SO CASUAL??? 

I LOVE IT!

Like you said, he’s really comfortable with Nino, knows him so well, and their relationship is so strong that even something as big as being a double agent doesn’t phase Jean much or hurts their friendship. I really like those two dorks :>

[aerobird]

What's the the meaning behind Niino's name?

Spoiler warning (if you haven’t watched past episode 2/3).

His code name is Crow. After the bird. That’s all.

I’m not sure if his actual name refers to anything, but anyone’s free to correct me. I might edit that post, but maybe some people haven’t watch the series yet, so…

[magickedteacup]

Just the thought of him losing jean got niino all lifeless like that even tho he should know who jean is so he was expecting the worse during the snow scene where he was crow for a moment but as always Jean jusr don't care and life return to niino's body

that sequence of events was amazing, I did not expect Nino to react so strongly to the situation; incredible; someone save Nino from himself

[arirna]

Nino in Episode 12

[recentanimenews]

ACCA: 13-ku Kansatsu-ka – 09

So far ACCA has proven a success in the school of the classic slow-burn, in which those patient enough to stick around are lushly rewarded, like the high one gets when about to complete a huge, elaborate jigsaw puzzle (don’t judge).

Last week laid out the details of the show’s central mystery of what’s up with Jean and Lotta, and this week deals with the consequences for everyone once the truth is officially out there, and decide on a course of action. It also allows some previous bit players on the margins play significant roles.

Oh yeah, and a shared love of sandwich bread of all things proves absolutely vital in preventing Lotta’s assassination by the First Princess’ goons. The food isn’t just window-dressing.

As soon as Magie hears from the prince that the knives may be out for Lotta, he makes a call to his comrade-in-bread, Rail, who makes Lotta’s protection his top priority. Rail has his suspicions, but doesn’t know the whole picture, but that doesn’t matter, because he’s a decent dude, trusts his fellow bread-lover’s warning.

As for poor Lotta, no one’s told her anything, and with both Jean and Niino away, a part of her already feels vulnerable. So as out-of-the-blue (or blonde) as it seems, she seems happy to have Rail (a sworn ACCA officer) by her side.

Jean is away because he’s on a sprawling three-district trip starting in Peshi (the port district) and moving on to Yakkara (the casino district, and another instance of ACCA imitating Sonic The Hedgehog levels). And Jean is no longer oblivious like Lotta.

He knows what the score is, and even understands what all those cigarettes on his past inspection visits were about. It’s need to see the change in Jean’s overall demeanor. He seems more focused, alert, and suspicious…as he should. Peshi’s chiefs drop the pretense and pledge their support for Jean’s ascension, unaware that Jean himself has no such plans.

I like how ultimately, it’s only a matter of time before Rail, a good kid but not a professional bodyguard, and Lotta finally get surrounded by the ominous goons and shoved into a car. Unfortunately for the goons, the traffic in Badon flares up just when they need to make their getaway.

Also unfortunately for them, pure dumb luck is on Lotta’s side, as Chief Oulu (whom Jean asked to keep an eye on her) happens to lean on the open window sill of the goons’ car, sees Lotta, and secures her and Rail’s release.

Like Rail, Oulu doesn’t have the whole story, and unlike Rail, he isn’t a sandwich bread fanatic (though we’ve seen him indulge in the office treats du jour) but he does have Jean and Lotta’s bests interests at heart, and it’s gratifying to see how competently (yet without undue violence) Oulu manages to wrest the crazy kids from certain doom.

With Lotta and Rail nicely rescued, Oulu suggests they—what else—go to grab a bite with his ACCA staff. Coups and assassination plots be damned—you gotta eat.

With Lotta out of immediate danger and surrounded by friends, we move on, somewhat relieved but still troubled, to the other major storyline of the episode: Grossular coming clean to the other chiefs, which takes such a crazy turn I’d have nearly fell out of my chair, had I not already been sitting on the carpeted floor.

Grossular lays out the plan that’s been in motion since the beginning, with the ultimate goal of instigating an ACCA-led coup d’etat to prevent Schwan from becoming King, thus preserving peace, democracy, an, well, ACCA itself.

Grossular has known about the danger of a King Schwan for some time, but gained a powerful barometer (whom he observed through Crow) for the attitudes (be they pro- or anti-coup) of the districts in Jean, which is why his inspection department was suddenly saved from oblivion.

Once it was clear a majority of districts were in favor of a coup, the time grows near for that coup to commence, but a coup led by ACCA, as an extreme expression of their ‘protect & serve’ credo. The coup will, Grossular promises, “pose no danger” to ordinary people. Allowing Schwan to dissolve ACCA and create an autocracy might.

Grossular asks his four colleagues whether they stand with him or not, and everyone to a man is with him, all thanks to Lilium, who speaks first in response.

Because Lilium and Grossular have never, to the others’ knowledge, ever agreed on anything before, it’s all the proof they need to know the right course (on top of their pride in their roles as leaders of ACCA, along with their existing awareness that, ya know, Schwan is bad news). This is to be an act of patriotism, not treason.

Later, we learn that Lilium and Grossular’s constant disagreements in front of the others masks the fact that Grossular is, in fact, Lilium’s servant. Always a fairly inscrutable guy, we finally see a hint of subservience when Lilium grabs him by the hair and promises him in a threatening tone that “he will manage” in his next objective: do something about Director-General Mauve.

It’s this huge, sudden, surprising, yet still well-supported (by both plot and character) shift in character dynamics, as well as the timely utilization of Rail and Oulu, that propelled this episode into the ’10th district.�� It’s also a interesting episode in that many cards have been played, but many choice ones remain in the show’s hand.

It’s that ‘floating potential’, as it were, that makes episode nine feel special. Hopefully it can be properly harnessed in the tenth, which I eagerly await.

By: braverade

[naruysae]

“Pick 5 (ish) of your favourite drawings and tag 5 other artists.”

Tagged by the talented @ev1ct ! (thank you ^///^)

I tag @eryen-art, @vinzha-vz, @uselesstoxicwords, @enalizarine and @frescomayor, if you guys feel like to do it :)

It’s difficult to pick my faves because my satisfaction never last more than 2 days but... here we go !

TeruMob and the knives / Teru’ struggles : too many feels, The hands are weirds but I drew it with all my love lol ! —  PREVIEW + CLOSE UPS

“I musn’t run away” : same here : too many feels about NGE and Shinji and I also like this piece (despite Shinji almost looks like an alcoholic with his red-ish nose and cheeks lol) because of the background. It’s pretty simple but I’m happy with it. — FULL SIZE

Grossular : I’m just proud because I managed to do some sequential pictures based on 3 really tiny sketches lol. I like the colors as well and I think / hope they express Grossular’s feelings (in the 9th episode) properly. — FULL SIZE

Nino // Crow : I tried to show the differents sides of Niino (who is my fave character from ACCA). It took me a lot of time to do this one. I changed my mind very often concerning the way to color it but the final version is okay to me (and I’m glad tumblr’s people seem to like it too). — FULL SIZE

Bum (pls save him) : just a wip but still... This piece may *potentially* be my fave among all my Killing Stalking fanarts... Or maybe not x)   — MORE SCREENCAPS

“Spinne was my guinea pig to test some brushes and it ended well” lol : I like the colors and lights. Also I remember the way I ended to draw them. I just drew a sort of circular shape and “Oh yeah, they’re Spinne !” as if it was obvious. Of course it was NOT. —  FULL-SIZE / TBFW is awesome and belongs to @starfleetrambo, READ IT NOW

[arirna]

- My job is simply to watch over you.

- To watch over me? You should stop already, Nino. You don’t exist to serve Dowa family. Neither Lotta nor I want that.