#she's a bad influence on sakura

[sea-owl]

in the same vein of her knowing something only haruka knows, sakura regularly brings up clan secrets without realizing and freaks everyone out lmao

Not only does Sakura bring up clan secrets but she also brings up village secrets that are part of the foundation to the village. As the wives of the founders Haruka and Mito defiantly knew some secrets.

Imagine in like a non massacre au baby genin Sakura just being the one who casually says this stuff but she doesn't know what she says are clan secrets or village secrets. Haruka is not gonna tell her those are secrets because she likes watching the chaos and Shachi secretly likes watching it as well. Sakura's not dumb either, she catches on at some point that maybe some of the things she knows she probably shouldn't. But hey she's having fun. Free entertainment is free entertainment they're not gonna be picky.

Meanwhile all these adults are trying to figure out how this civilian born girl knows all of this?! Sakura's had anbu stalk her, she's had Uchiha police stalk her, they even had Kakashi and Sasuke try to pry where she was getting this information from. But they come back with nothing. And Sakura doesn't know how to explain that she can speak with her past lives in her head and one of them just so happens to know all this.

Things come to head during the fight with Ino during the chunin exams.

So in my mind the Haruno thing with being able to communicate and interact with their past lives has always meant to be a defense mechanism against genjutsu and mental attacks like the Yamanaka's mind transfer jutsu. But because they are a civilian clan they never fully unlocked their chakra the way ninjas do so it never progressed to that point. Haruka, while never officially becoming a ninja, partially unlocked her chakra to the point she was able to perform some jutsus but mostly infused her chakra into her teas and poisons. This allowed her to look into Shachi's memories and made it harder to put her under a genjutsu. Sakura has fully unlocked her chakra so as she advances it brings up more of the defensive side to it.

When Ino put Sakura under the mind transfer jutsu the defensive side kicked into high gear. Sakura broke the jutsu but the second spirit that pushed Ino out was Haruka while Shachi checked over Sakura's psyche. That's when something weird happened.

A ghostly form came out of Sakura as if chasing Ino back to her body and that ghost actually pinned Ino to the floor. The ghost was a woman who wore a mask and had pink hair. Holding her updo in place is a hair piece that looked suspiciously like the Uchiha fan. If one were to try and sense chakra from her they would feel her's and Sakura's.

Sakura recognized Haruka right away, but she was confused how she was seeing her. Haruka was also confused by her surroundings. The match was called with Sakura as the winner since Haruka still had Ino pinned to the floor and then Sakura was swept away by Kakashi with Haruka following behind. She didn't trust any of these fuckers with her reincarnation. And what were they gonna do tell her no? Yeah right.

They were brought into a separate room where they joined by Fugaku not long after. This girl just broke one of the Yamanka's mind jutsus. already they don't want to bring in another one just yet. Too much mystery was surrounding this girl they needed to find out what was going on. Haruka does one of her favorite things and starts arguing with the Uchiha. Whoever this woman was she knows the old laws too well, and Fugaku really wanted to know why she wore the Uchiha fan in her hair.

"Don't worry Sakura they can't touch you. You did nothing wrong," Haruka reassures her reincarnation. She points at Fugaku. "Besides that one is more chomping at the bit to figure out why I'm wearing his clan symbol."

Sakura looked confused. "Wasn't that a wedding gift?"

Haruka's posture turned bored. "Yep, my husband Madara Uchiha gifted me this." She turned back towards Fugaku. She points to him and then back to herself. "Clan Head, former Clan Lady."

Well at least Fugaku now knew where Sakura learned all those clan secrets.

[wombrion]

You probably get this a lot, but the way you go at drawing the Madoka cast is great and I love Homura being a gangly wet cat of a teenager. It's very fun. Kyoko also has incredible vibes. Also[this goes on for several minutes]

waaa thank yuuuuuuuu!! these two are one of my faves dynamic wise.. even though they dont really got going on in canon i think theyre so fun together:)

[littlest-god]

So does anyone else think the way Ino and Sai got together is extremely suspicious? I mean, it was established early on that Sai did not find Ino attractive and other than those few episodes where she "saves him" they don't really interact at all. Now one could say that she really did move him in those episodes and he really did fall in love but that's boring and personally, I wholly believe Sai to be 100% gay so hear me out. We know the Yamanaka's excel in mind oriented jutsus. They can take over another's body, delve into memories and with training, even break another's mind. So it's not that big a jump to assume they could change memories or even, use they're abilities to access the hypothalamus part of the brain perhaps? Sai, as stated earlier, never showed interest in Ino previous to the day she delved into the deepest parts of his mind. Ino on the other hand DID show interest in Sai. She's also been shown to be a emotionally driven individual. What if while she was in Sai's head she did more than just break him free? What if she just switched who's hand was holding the leash? She could access the hypothalamus and change what emotions are stimulated in him whenever he thinks, sees, or hears about her. And why stop there? With most of the emotional manipulation blueprints left from whatever Danzo did with him, She could make him into her ideal man.

[rdlain]

He Would Not Fucking Say That lmao

[sapphic-kpop-fics]

Masterlist

groups i write for

aespa

Karina/Yu Jimin:

rivalries and reconciliations (smau) (on pause)

ITZY

Shin Ryujin:

Bad Influence (series) (on pause)

Hwang Yeji:

Needy. (Smut)

Le Sserafim

Huh Yunjin:

Sunlit admiration (fluff, suggestive)

NSFW headcanons (smut)

Fri(end)s (angst)

Sitting Pretty (smut)

NSFW alphabet (smut)

Hometown (smut, fluff, angst)

Miyawaki Sakura:

Saki’s Girl (smut)

Old Flame (smau)

Under the table (smut)

Nakamura Kazuha:

She’s like a cloud (smut)

Twice

Hirai Momo:

Distraction (smut)

Challengers w/Jihyo (smut)

Undercover (smut,fluff)

Im Nayeon:

Toxic (angst, smut)

Cat and Mouse (smut)

Park Jihyo:

Challengers w/Momo (smut)

i miss you (smut, angst)

Backseat (smut)

Minatozaki Sana

Princess Treatment (Fluff,Smut)

Yoo Jeongyeon

Throw Me Around (smut, fluff)

Son Chaeyoung

Faded (angst, smut, fluff)

Katseye

Daniela Avanzini:

Smoke Slow pt.2 (suggestive,slight smut)

Sophia laforteza:

Her Best Friend (smut)

Jealousy headcanons

Manon Bannerman:

Reflection (smut)

Megan Skiendiel:

Quiet Afternoon (smut)

Blackpink

Rosé/Park Chaeyoung:

Smile, you’re on camera (smut)

[varteeny1234]

list of sbk storylines i'm crying about and i'm dragging you all down with me

(and i need to scream about just how many there are)

-cloneman died. rue died. golden fool died. none of them are coming back. they're just... gone. permanently. and we have to deal with this! three characters are just dead!

-avid never actually made it home- neither version of him did. his best friend made it back to her home, but avid himself is still trapped under olm's control. i don't think he's going to make it back to new salem any time soon, if at all

-we don't know where summertime is. he might be dead? we don't know! less of an ending, but... with how things are going, i'm not sure if we'll ever see summertime again

-in the marmvid-stuck-in-limbo au, only marm managed to escape, and she's still not connected to the void anymore, or even in sbk

-golden fool died because he thought milkman didn't trust him. librarian fool replaced him. milkman does not know that golden is dead. he does not know his island partner is gone. he's placed his full trust in fool, but too late

-m1g-526 might just straight up die defending sbk from 621

-we don't know who knows that rue's dead.

-anathra is losing his memory, there was some sort of error in his programming, his friends can only try their best to help him. he's being taken over by the sculk. acorn also still has sculk on her body.

-sakura spouses... everything about them. ruby's from somewhere else, and someone ze knew from there gave them... orders? instructions? something! ruby is keeping secrets. xyr eyes are changing color. vintage is possessed by olm and we don't know how much of it is what she wants versus what olm is influencing her to do. i don't think this world's sakura spouses will have a happy ending

-blocks are falling from the sky. people are falling from the sky. why are hey here? who knows! something bad is happening. the void is getting upset again. marm is panicking. anathra's sculk room is growing wild again. the mood is pensive and fearful. i don't know how many are going to live to see the end of this

-leon knows something. he's paranoid, keeping watch for a mysterious it, they, he, something that is coming for him and his friends. he's going to protect them no matter what the consequences are for him

-everything bad is crashing into sbk. everyone's running from something, and all those somethings seem to have found them, and it's only a matter of time before we see who will be able to escape the end

[deusvervewrites]

Kith And Kin AU: So, I know that it was established that Sakura revealing why she hates Bakugou causes him to be ostracized from Class 1-A. Do you think that it would eventually come to an end, or just become less bad? And how does Bakugou handle this? Actually, how does Aizawa handle this?

Sakura standing up to Bakugou--and Izuku as well because of Sakura's influence--means Bakugou was never actually as bad as he was in canon. He was still bad don't get me wrong, but it means that when he starts improving it's more obvious to the class.

Bakugou himself doesn't handle it well because he's used to being widely praised, and also he needs that praise due to his crippling self-worth issues.

Honestly I don't think Aizawa would do anything about it.

[team7-headquarter]

Thinking again about how Sakura and Tsunade are depicted as violent women for comedy relief purposes and how much it links to their value as people in the war setting of Naruto.

Let's start with the obvious: In Naruto, the more capable of violence an individual is, the more the shinobi system finds them valuable.

That's because they are always at war or waiting to be at war. They need to be a threat in order to be respected and in consequences, defenseless people can't speak without someone with great power or influence willing to back them up.

The Land of the Waves is the perfect example.

Now, it's very important to say that comedy relief moments in Naruto aren't meant to be taken all seriously. They tell us about the characters and their dynamics, but "women beats men" is a trope that most of the time is meant to be taken as a sort of compliment for the female characters of Naruto. It means they are strong and won't take any bullshit, that they are assertive, have a strong personality and generally they are great fighters.

I'm not defending the trope. I don't like the trope myself, but it is what it is.

This sort of "masculinization" of the women of a story is common for older media. "She's not like the other girls!", "she was raised with 5 brothers, so she's very tough!", "she does (insert activity that is associated with the male stereotype) so she worries no man will ever find her feminine enough to date her", blah blah blah.

It is followed by the author stating that they are still very much women, capable of being wanted and being feminine— you know the rest.

Those characters are always overcompensating for some vulnerability of their past. They were or felt like helpless little girls at some point, so they decided to grow strong to prevent anyone from hurting them or their loved ones again.

It doesn't matter if their natural positions should have given them some advantage. They were kids and more than that, they were women. It's a given that they were going to be discredited.

In Tsunade's case, she was the granddaughter of the two Hokages, a student of the third one, she was a Senju, a promising medic nin. Yet, it took Dan to speak for her for other shinobis to take seriously her proposal of assigning a medic nin to each team, at least until the war was over.

Tsunade innovated the way wars were fought. It is a fact. What needs to be said about medic nins in times of war is that their services will always work in favor of violence. They save soldiers so they can keep fighting, right? To have the best medic nins on your side makes your tropes terrifying to other countries, 'cause yours would not stay down for long. They would die less, get less sick, it'd be harder to take them down.

Tsunade's first vulnerable moment was when her little brother (Nawaki) died. That's her first time really feeling like a helpless little child. Orochimaru was a strong punch to the gut too, but nothing as bad as losing Dan. She convinced herself that she had put a curse on them by accident and isolated herself.

You remember what she's famous for?

Her beauty, her temperament and her skills.

She's pretty, but don't play with her because she will punch your guts to a new galaxy if you dare.

And that's the joke. Haha, this woman won't let you fool around or disrespect her. She doesn't like feeling like she's being dismissed. In many of the comedy relief situations, Tsunade is punching someone (Jiraiya, Naruto) for being inappropriate when talking to women or existing around women

So it's interesting to think how those scenes were supposed to show the audience that Tsunade was strong and capable and worthy of respect. Look, she is dangerous so it's better not to interrupt her while she's speaking or do not underestimate her for being a women

It was explicitly stated in her fight with Madara, where he called her a weak woman. No comedy there.

Now, those funny-violence gags are not reserved for women. We saw Naruto punch people too because he thought they were being unserious.

I think the real problem comes with the fact that such comedy was maximized with Sakura Haruno

Sakura is the original helpless little girl. Before any other female character, we were presented with a too smart for her own good brat with anger issues who based all her worth on how well she could compete on the social scenario of teenage girls.

In order to understand Sakura, we need to place her side by side with Naruto. They are the hero and the heroine of the manga. They were the first male and female characters we saw being bullied. They were both loud and annoying. None of them thought before speaking or considering how their actions could hurt others. They blindly thought they knew what they wanted, who they liked and who they hated. They had their rivals/best friends and that feeling of not belonging, of always being invisible, of being ignored. Naruto accumulated rage appeared in the form of Kurama, but Sakura had that inner version of herself.

All I'm saying is that Sakura is full of issues and insecurities. Her normal life didn't save her from it, despite what other characters could think.

What was Sakura's arc through Naruto Classic? Do you remember? It was her learning that being shinobis was not a game and that she needed to become dangerous if she wanted to be and do anything in that world of hers. It was not enough to memorize concepts, because applying that knowledge in the safety of a classroom was very different from actually fighting for her life.

Sakura spoke mostly through Naruto back in their genin days. We know she impressed Ibiki Morino with her intelligence and Kakashi gave her some high praise during the Chunning Exams. Those comedy relief was meant to show us that she had the potential, but she needed to learn first.

Turning her into a new version of Tsunade was Kishimoto's way of complimenting her. He gave her the beauty, the strength and the skills. Most importantly, Kishimoto gave Sakura the means to make people shut up and listen to her. There is a reason to consider her within the narrative that doesn't extend to her value to other characters (aka how much team 7 cared about her).

What another example? Think of Temari or Chiyo or Kushina. They are all accomplished kunoichis with attitude and a mean punch.

The contrary is the stereotype of quiet girls who are either made fun of for being weird or get discredited for not being the "violent" type.

[lunaneko14]

They want Sakura to be relevant so bad 😂

This manga is KILLING them

Like really who would’ve thought Sakura would fade into obscurity like that after the (fake) promises Kishimoto made to make her equal to Naruto and Sasuke.

Yet here we are.

Naruto is relevant because he’s the title characters father and the source of his conflict with Kawaki. Now he has passed Kurama to Hima.

Sasuke trained Boruto and you can see how heavily he influenced his style and personality.

Both are sealed

Sakura ISN’T

We ain’t see the pink bitch since Boruto part one.

EVEN INO MADE AN APPEARANCE because (like I’ve been saying) she has more usefulness than Sakura being the one to be the phone line to the most important people of Konoha.

Sakura punches and heals. And she doesn’t even do it as well as Tsunade.

THEY DIDNT EVEN SHOW HER IN RELATION TO THE DEAD NINJA. Seeing if there are survivors???? Healing them???? Surely if Sakura has surpassed Tsunade she figured out how to heal these kind of wounds or at least have snails out but NOPE

And then the real kicker

The fact that Hima is getting the spotlight now. You know, THAT *irrelevant* characters daughter?

Remember when they said Himawari was gonna be like her mom (barely having screentime)?

LOOK AT YOU NOW!

Maybe it’s time they start sitting this battle out.

[theuchihalawyer]

SHIKAMARU NEVER WAS NARUTO BEST FRIEND.

(EXCUSE ME FOR BEING BAD AT EXPLAINING)

First, no, Shikamaru was never there for Naruto during his childhood. That was just another filler if you watched that one episode, they never interacted until the chunin exam. Their so called "friendship" doesn't have that much development for Shikamaru to be called Naruto "best friend", either.

—

Now, the first time we see them "interacting" with each other:

Whining fool

Naruto impression of Shikamaru..do I even have to explain? It's obvious that they don't get along and both don't like each other. And we have this panel too, Shikamaru talking about Naruto and his reaction:

Then,

"Choji, Shikamaru and Ino chased after Naruto team in hopes to steal their scroll" (Page 6 from one of those chapters)

Shikamaru sees Naruto as nothing more than a weakling, someone he can take down and discard from the chunin exams, Naruto team is the first one to come up in his mind when Ino talks about finding weaklings, and he makes it clear. Specifically, "Naruto" team, he emphasizes on him.

Sakura's in deep, we can't just leave her, can we!? Wasn't she like your best friend!?

Naruto doesn't influence Shikamaru in this, he was mostly concerned about Ino because of her past friendship with Sakura. It's never about saving Naruto or do something for him.

He only thinks about Ino and what she may decide to do, because if Ino is willing to get into the fight, then her team should too. Not for Naruto. If Ino had decided not to join, I'm assuming they wouldn't have done anything, and continue the exam.

Ino.. Ino.. come on!

He does say "Naruto and Sasuke are deep in trouble!" some pages earlier, but that doesn't change anything, he's joining because Ino decided to:

We can't run away when Ino's ready to risk her life fighting! Not even if we die!

I repeat, it's not about Naruto.

They do their plan, and Sasuke wakes up, and Shikamaru decides to leave for his team's sake (Naruto was unconscious still)

But they end up staying, since the sound team leaves.

Shikamaru checks up on him.. So what about this one? Shall we kick him until he's awake?

Hah, and Choji does want that. Well, comic relief. Anyway..

Just watching you pisses me off!

....Naruto expression also talks by itself. But I mean, the guy wakes up after days of being unconscious, and the first thing he sees the whining fool who called him a idiot earlier telling him "just watching you pisses me off", of course, he's confused.

—

It doesn't let me add more images, but eh, maybe I'll continue it in another post because there are another interactions and development.

[mr-celestial-writings]

Could we please get general relationship headcanons for Ann, Makoto, Futaba, Haru and Sumire? Thank you!

You got it, Anon! I hope Gender Neutral reader is okay!

Paring(s): Ann Takamaki, Makoto Nijima, Futaba Sakura, Haru Okumura, Sumire Yoshizawa x GN! Reader

Trigger Warnings: Spoilers for Persona 5, Spoilers for Persona 5 Royal

================================================

Ann Takamaki:

She often brings you out on shopping dates. Even if you two don't by anything, it's the most common date.

Quality Time and Gift Giving are her love languages. I think the more she cares about you the more she wants to be around you. After all, we see her spend a lot of time with Shiho and Joker. And if you just so happen

If you two were together before Kamoshida's change of heart, you and Shiho were her supports. You stayed with her despite the rumors, and the Phantom Thieves absolutely gave you the shovel talk after they changed Kamoshida's heart.

I Think Ann would have Stern Boundaries. Especially after Kamoshida. She would not let you push them. She would also respect yours.

She is far from weak, she can fight her own battles. But if she see's you getting protective after she was cat called... Well just don't hurt 'em too bad, okay babe?

Has dragged you to photoshoots for moral support, will do it again.

Makoto Nijima:

The Queen (hehe) Of Study Dates. She wants you to be ready, and at the very best you can be. Can you fault her?

Words of Affirmation and Acts of service. Tied into her own Trauma. She hates feeling useless, she doesn't want that for you either.

I highly doubt you two were dating before the Phantom Thieves changed Kaneshiro's heart. She was too busy and obsessive with her task at the time, and she was trying to prove herself to be useful.

She has her boundaries, and she will not hesitate to enforce them. She will also encourage you to do the same.

She very much has told people off for catcalling her. She was even prepared to through a few punches. It's rare, though. You don't really feel worried.

Futaba Sakura:

Do you want to learn how to play video games and Featherman lore? No? Too damn bad because Futaba's idea of a date is plopping herself in your lap like Morgana A Cat and blab your ear off. You love it.

Quality Time is the way she expresses her love. She's still learning the world and how to manage with her social anxiety, and still coming out of her shell. For her, spending time together is how she goes.

Another person who you would not be in a relationship Pre-Palace. She would probably know about you though because you most likely hung out with Joker a lot.

She left you alone with Sojiro once for half an hour, when she came back you were nearly in tears and Sojiro was brewing Coffee. you learned that Sojiro does not fuck around when it comes to his daughter that day.

She has trouble communicating, so you gotta double check her boundaries. Actively make you you aren't crossing any lines because she will not tell you if you are.

She got catcalled once, and she just stood by as you beat the shit out of the guy. She cheered you on.

Haru Okumura:

Sweet Girl is still learning to navigate the world on her own, without her Father's influence. So you lead the charge on dates. You normally take her to cozy cafes and bookstores.

Gift Giving and Words of Affirmation are how Haru shows her love. She doesn't want you to feel unappreciated, especially with all you do for her.

You two wouldn't be dating before Okumura's Shutdown, but you two would be close friends! Probably her only friend away from her father's influence.

You didn't actively try and date her immediately after her father died, in fact you didn't even ask her out! It was about 2 months after what happened, and she asked you out. She giggled at your flustered expression as you stuttered out a yes.

You have beaten the shit out of her ex-fiance multiple times. He has tried to sue you, multiple times. Every Lawsuit falls through, for some reason.

You help her establish her boundaries. You respect them like you need to in order to breath.

Sumire Yoshizawa:

You love her for her. Kasumi, Sumire. You just love her. No amount of Maruki's powers will ever change that.

Your Dates would probable be random. No set schedule or theme. She'll just text you if you want to go out, and then you two would end up at the park somehow.

Words of Affirmation and Acts of Service. She just... needs to feel useful. She loves you and she wants you to never doubt that!

If you two were dating before the accident and before Maruki, you and Kasumi would have gotten along great! Cheering her on and helping her confidence. If you two started dating post accident and her becoming Kasumi, you would still love her after the reveal.

You have prepared to square up with any and all catcallers, Sumire has had to talk you down more times than she could count. She appreciates the thought, but she would rather not have her anchor sitting in jail.

You help her work through her problems and set up healthy boundaries. You also encourage her to talk through what she's feeling so you can better help her.

================================================

[camiefromstatefarm]

We're back with some more 'Upper Moon Demons' headcanons!!! Today, we're focusing on my personal favorite. Slight NSFW warning.

Upper Moon 4

Hantengu/Hanito Jigoku (Part 1)

- Born in 1611, in a less populated town near Kyōto City.

Koki Jigoku, his father, was an extremely handsome and charismatic ladies' man. Parenthood was unexpected, but his heart melted when he saw his newborn son, who bore a striking resemblance to him. Despite his love for his wife, Koki struggled to abandon his womanizing ways..

Otsuru Jigoku (née Aisaki), his mother, was a strikingly attractive young woman with a caring personality. She had sun-kissed skin, a slender yet dramatic lean body, reminiscent of Devon Aoki, a heart-shaped face, warm brown hair, and silver to orchid eyes always filled with energy. Otsuru loved her husband intensely, but her love often turned deranged, driving her to murderous jealousy towards his frequent infidelities. She came from a wealthy family.

- Even as a young boy, Hanito was a stunningly handsome child with a sturdy athletic build and tanned skin. His spiky black hair messy and full, framing his brooding heart-shaped face and accentuating his piercing onyx eyes. His eyebrows were thick and expressive, often laced with a dramatic display of emotions. His features were sharp and chiseled, with high cheekbones and a straight high-bridged nose. He also bore a mischievous devilish grin.

- Hanito's life of crime began at just seven years old, not out of necessity, but sheer desire and bad influences. He ran with a trio of urchin boys, forming a band of young thieves who stole whatever they could to fill their pockets. Surprisingly, his parents, Koki and Otsuru, didn't reprimand him for his delinquent behavior. Instead, they adopted a lenient approach, telling him that as long as he avoided getting caught, he wouldn't face trouble at home. This unconventional parenting allowed Hanito to hone his thieving skills, shaping him into a skilled young thief.

- Stealing meant buying whatever they wanted, but for free. Hanito-kun rarely strayed from his tight-knit group, seeking the safety net of their protection. Hanito had a knack for evading capture, thanks to three key factors: his incredible speed, his skillful lying and manipulation, which convinced people he was just an innocent child, and his loyal clique of local fangirls who often helped him out of sticky situations.

Emiko-chan, gasps: Girls! Here comes Hanito-kun, act natural!

(Hanito passes by and smiles slightly before leaving)

Sakura-chan, giggles: You see that? He smiled at me!

Yumi-chan, cooing: No, I'm pretty sure he had his eyes on me!

Emiko-chan, huffing: Nuh uh! He was definitely checking out my hair!

(None of them realizing their missing hairpins)

Hanito, gripping all 3 hair pins: Too easy.

- The manifestations of Hantengu's emotions take on physical forms that reflect the age where he experienced those emotions most intensely.

Zohakuten 👹

Year 1623; a store clerk by the name of Mr. Yamada was fed up with the troublesome child's lies.

Hanito, defiantly: Let me go you big bully! There really was a wolf!

(He struggles trying to free his ear from the store clerk's harsh grip)

Mr. Yamada, angrily opens the door: Otsuru, your brat is at it againー

Horrifying. There knelt Otsuru ominously, in a tattered old kimono ー stained with blood spatter, one she kept specifically for these occasions ー with an ecstatic expression. Before her lay the lifeless body of a curvaceous young woman, a ravishing beauty with a face like a porcelain doll and dark sea-green hair. Her thighs impaled by two knives and her pale mint eyes froze in perpetual horror, surrounded by beads of sweat.

Otsuru, glances behind her: Ah, welcome Yamada-sama! Do come in, we're having a family reunion of sorts...

Hanito swiftly averted his gaze, closing his eyes to shield himself from the uncomfortable graphics. His reaction betrayed a familiarity with his mother's brutal outbursts, a hint that he had witnessed her madness before. In contrast, Mr. Yamada stood frozen, his voice caught in his throat as shock and terror rendered him speechless.

(Otsuru rose, her movements graceful like a cat)

Otsuru, curls her lips: And you, dear friend, are just in time for dinner. I do hope you have an... appetite for the macabre.

(She walks closer making Mr. Yamada free his grasp on Hanito's ear, slowly retreating)

Mr. Yamada, sweating: No... no! What have you done to that poor woman!

Otsuru, pats her son's head: Hush now, everything is fine... I'm bound to tidy the house after this.

Hanito, crying: How much more that nasty stuff is going to happen here?

Otsuru, gently and soothing: Darling, you know I don't have other options...

Mr. Yamada, pointing: You... what are you teaching that poor child, youー you crazy bitch!

Otsuru's eyes blazed with a dark intensity, her gaze flashing like a stormy sky. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with malevolence, as the unhinged madness gave way to a sinister wrath. Her long hair whipped around her face like a flail, as if the wind itself was fueling her fury. Her stained kimono fluttering behind her like a dark cloud.

Otsuru, in an ominous voice: Forgive me, good sir... but I'm afraid you've dug your own grave!

(A knife slid out of her sleeve and she launched at him. However, Mr. Yamada was quicker and dodged her attack)

Mr. Yamada, cornering her from behind: So reckless...

Hanito, yelling: Momma!

(Basically what happened was Mr. Yamada managed to grab Otsuru's wrist, twisting it, forcing her to drop the knife, and knocked the woman out.)

Mr. Yamada, grumbles: I'd be damned if I wasn't a former martial artist. I'm sorry to say it, kid, but your mother's actions have earned her a reckoning. She'll face trial and judgment for her wrongdoings.

Hanito's tear-stained face twisted into a furious scowl, his large bushy eyebrows furrowing in anger. His piercing eyes narrowed, flashing with intense animosity, his glare so heavy that it almost crushed the store clerk. It was unnerving to see how this boy could be both seriously handsome and intimidatingly fierce at the same time.

Hanito, darkly: You evil son of prick! Leave my momma alone or... or I'll kill you!

(He charges at Mr. Yamada attempting to punch the latter, but was triped over by Yamada's sliding kick)

Mr. Yamada, lifts Otsuru up: Don't try to fight me, Hanito, I'm three times your size.

Hanito, grabbing onto Yamada's ankle: No!!! I won't let a scumbag like you give me orders!!!

(Hanito twists Yamada's ankle causing the latter to wince and kick him back)

Mr. Yamada, scoffs: Blasted child. You're lucky I respect your father enough to let you off the hook.

The 12-year-old's rage thickened, his glare twice as spiteful as he rose from his position, gracefully like the fall was nothing. He balled both hands fist, ready to spring into action when two people showed up. A samurai and a middle-aged woman with the same green hair as the victim.

Samurai, analyzing the situation: So if I'm correct, this was the lady who your daughter was last seen with.

(The middle-aged woman just nodded)

Mr. Yamada: I fear to inform you... that your daughter is dead...

(The middle-aged woman weaped)

Mr. Yamada, frowning: I was just taking her son, Hanito, back home. That kid has been in a lot of hot water lately, I wanted to have a word with Otsuru about this...

Hanito, looks down bitterly: I was telling the truth...

Mr. Yamada, shouts: There was no wolf and never one to begin with!

Samurai, tapping chin: Note the freshness of the blood suggests the incident occurred within the past 30 minutes.

Mr. Yamada, still disturbed: The girl is inside. Poor thing was bleeding head to toe.

This was a night no one forgotten, especially Zohakuten who held onto that memory like an ideology.

Basically after that fiasco, Otsuru was convinced of 13 accounts of homicide and sentenced to death by hanging. Nobody wanted to inform Hanito what happened to his mother, believing it'd be too hard on him.

- To cope with the void left by his mother's absence, Hanito's fragile mind conjured a distorted narrative, convincing himself that she was a monster who had abandoned him, rather than confront the painful truth of her fate.

- After his mother's departure, Hanito spent his remaining teenage years by his father's side. Seeking a new beginning, they relocated to Gion, a prestigious district in Kyōto renowned for its vibrant entertainment and traditional geisha culture.

- Hanito only grew more handsome by the day. His voice deepened, and he became taller & stronger. His spiky hair had grown longer, reaching his shoulders. His heart-shaped face still brooded with intensity, but his features had matured, sharpening his cheekbones and nose. His piercing onyx eyes smoldering and framed by thick eyebrows that gave him a debonair look. At thirteen, he was already the most attractive guy in Gion.

- He idolized his womanizer father, emulating his ways but with a more sinister edge.

Hanito, exclaiming: Father, teach me how to charm the ladies!

Koki, smiling: Ah, my son, it's all about confidence and charm. Watch and learn!

- As young Hanito honed his skills, his reputation grew, and so did his ego. He began to see himself as a legend, a master of charm and deception. And his father, well, he was the one who had taught him everything he knew.

- He employed his charms to lure unsuspecting girls into his trap, only to rob them blind. Unlike his father, Koki, who had treated his mistresses with kindness and sincerity, Hanito's intentions were far more dark. He delighted in leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake, his beauty and charisma mere tools for exploitation. With each conquest, Hanito's confidence grew, as did his reputation as a heartless Casanova.

His father, Koki, looked on with a mix of pride and concern, aware of the darkness brewing within his son. Yet, he remained silent, allowing Hanito's destructive path to continue unchecked.

- At 14, Hanito experienced his first kiss under the soft glow of a lantern on a bench, in a secluded area of the Gion District. Maiya, his girlfriend, rested her head on his shoulder, her gentle eyes sparkling in the dim light. With his arm wrapped around her, Hanito felt a sense of vulnerability he'd never known before. As their lips touched, he tasted the sweetness of innocence, leaving him breathless. Maiya may not have been as pretty as the ryotei girls who often fawned over him, but to Hanito, she was cute in her own right. Her gentle soul and kind eyes captivated him. In that moment, Hanito felt like a different kind of man.

- Unfortunately, their relationship wouldn't last very long. Hanito's temper and insensitivity brought Maiya distress. Because of that, their relationship ended on bad terms that would leave the spiky-haired boy with his guard up.

- On his 16th birthday, Hanito's life took a reckless turn. He lost his virginity in a wild encounter with three bad bitches in one room, quite tumultuous but worth it.

Rorerei: a former geisha that kind of resembles a young Meisa Kuroki.

Kyoka: the daughter of the second wealthiest man in town & somewhat resembles young Fukada Kyoko.

Nozomi: a waitress who looked a bit like a young Nozomi Sasaki.

- They'd do it again the next night in the same Ryokan. Hanito enjoyed every minute of it. A cute girl named Mika ー cousin of Maiya ー would walk in on them while trying to find her room. This would fluster the young man greatly. However, Mika was... chilled with it and even joined in the fun.

When Maiya found out about what happened, she gave her cousin a 48 hour long lecture.

✅️

Aizetsu 😿

- At 18, Hanito's world was shattered when his father, Koki, died under mysterious circumstances. The discovery of Koki's lifeless body at dawn, drained of blood and beyond salvation, left Hanito reeling. Consumed by grief and abandonment, he plummeted into a dark depression, desperately seeking solace from the anguish. In his darkest moments, Hanito attempted to escape the pain through self-destructive means, but the void left by his father's absence only seemed to grow.

Aizetsu is the second physically youngest of Hantengu's clones. Since Hanito would no longer wore his hair spiky after turning 19.

- This led him craving solitude in the most somber area of Nishijin, where he could escape the world for a while. His only companion was a Japanese Bobtail cat he found injured by the roadside. He took her in, nursing her back to health by bandaging her paw and feeding her. He named her Usui, inspired by the rain that fell on the day they met.

- This was the second time Hanito displayed compassion towards another being. Together, he and Usui weathered the rainy days, a somber but comforting duo in the midst of Kyoto's bustling streets.

- In moments of introspection, Hanito would often hear his father's gentle voice whispering in his mind, urging him to stay strong and press on. The memory of Koki's words, though faint, remained a comforting presence, echoing through Hanito's thoughts like a soft breeze on a summer night.

- Eleven months later, Usui would find her siblings again. Although Hanito didn't want her to go, he did as he knew what it was like to be separated from family. But not before Usui rubbed against her close companion's leg and purred contentedly.

This version of Hanito became the base/blueprint for Aizetsu's creation. Each clone gain power using a series of events in Hanito's 87 years everytime he'd experience that emotion.

✅️

✅️

Karaku 💚

Year 1630; was when Hanito finally decided to move again and start over.

- Having grown into a stunningly gorgeous young man, his hair grew moderately past shoulder-length and wavy in a very sexy, satisfying, and stylish sense. His charm and good looks intensified, making him a magnet and true Casanova Killer. With his narrow piercing gaze, captivating smile, thick eyebrows, lean muscular build, nimble fingers, and glowing tawny skin, he was extremely irresistible to many. His voice fully deepened, and he grew taller, exuding confidence and allure.

- New year, new him. Hanito moved to Shimabara, a fascinating red-light district in Kyōto where life was an endless party.

- Hanito got to try liquor for the first time. A quarter cup of shochu mixed with ¾ cup of yuzu was enough to satisfy his taste buds. By the way, when he says the ladies at Shimabara were fine, he means it. During his time in Shimabara, he found himself hooking up with every woman who flirted with him. And that's saying a lot because Hanito was the talk of all town, a head-turner. Husbands would told onto their wives more closely at the charmer's presence, bachelors envied Hanito and wanted to be him and some were even mesmerized, many maidens found themselves falling for his charms and brooding persona, and the top most gorgeous women would even spend the night with him. As a result, Hanito acted overly cocky and prideful in many situations.

Let's just say, the ladies at Shimabara were like Makio/Mitsuri/Daki-level badness. Effortlessly pretty faces, voluptuous figures, stylish sense of fashion, sexy, and hot personalities.

- Let's just say, Hanito almost encountered the dreaded Kukushisen (Syphilis) this one fateful night. Nana, the chick he was with was really hot and was very experienced, luckily she brought mika (paper condoms) with her and they had a blast.

- Hanito actually first met Muzan at a party....

Hantengu's name holds a dual meaning, translating to both "Braggart" and "Half Tengu". The former suggests that The Demon King encountered him in a state of boastful pride, while the latter reveals a connection to the mythical Tengu creatures from Japanese folklore. Tengu are known for their striking appearance, featuring wings, beaks, and formidable magical abilities, as well as their mischievous and powerful nature. This namesake is fitting, as Hantengu's Blood Demon Art allows him to split his body in half, unleashing Tengu-like clones that embody the same quick and cunning spirit as their mythical counterparts.

- Unfortunately, they never got the chance to interact as the party got raided by a bunch of drunken thugs. However, despite being initially annoyed by Hanito's ego and two-faced nature, Muzan was intrigued by his soon-to-be-UM4's ability to charm and pickpocket people.

- Hanito's journey would take an interesting turn as he developed sadomasochistic tendencies. This transformation began with a chance encounter, where he found himself engaged in a captivating conversation with an alluring older woman... whose name remains a mystery. Deciding to step outside for some alone time, she pretty much... just dined in, left an indelible mark on his sensitive place. The sensation made him wince, but somehow he was enjoying it.

- Giving and receiving pain was more than just a fetish. He found himself really enjoying the suffering of people who wronged him. Heartbreak no longer hurt anymore, he was addicted to agony it brought him. Pain was pleasure.

- At 21, Hanito visited his boyhood town, only to discover his old home gone. In its place stood an Inari Shrine, alongside a garden where 13 graves lay next to cherry blossom trees in silent remembrance. He thought this view was rather satisfying and pleasing.

After Otsuru's heinous crimes came to light, the authorities embarked on a meticulous investigation, meticulously dismantling the house piece by piece to uncover the gruesome secrets within. Their grim task was to retrieve the remains of the 13 unfortunate women who had fallen victim to her brutality, whose bodies had been hidden or buried in various clandestine locations throughout the dwelling.

✅️

✅️

✅️

Urogi 🕊

Years 1623-1632, the town's population and commercial activities would slowly increase throughout the years.

The trio of urchins Hanito used to hang out with years ago were now successful yashi/yamichi (peddlers) ー by the way; their names were Bakuto, Omaru, and Kaito respectively: smooth-talking salesmen who may not be the honest people when it came selling things (Scam Artist Douma-san from the Academy AU should really hire these guys)

You may or may not have remembered the three girls who were obsessed with Hanito from the beginning. Emiko embraced her distinctive hair color - a pale silver with a soft baby blue undertone - rejecting the pressure to conform by dyeing it black. Meanwhile, Sakura harbored subtle affections for Yumi, but ultimately chose duty over desire and married a lord. In contrast, Yumi found true happiness with Omaru, her heart full of joy in their union.

Sakura, curiously: Who is that tall, dark, strong, and handsome brute over there?

Yumi, blushing: You're telling me. He's a snack.

Sakura, in a teasing voice: But, Yumi-chan. What about Omaru?

Yumi, nervous giggles: Oh, yeah... I forgot.

Emiko, looks up from sweeping: Girls? The porch isn't gunna clean itself.

Sakura, without looking away: Just a minute Emiko. We're too busy swooning over this hot new boy.

Emiko, raises a brow: Who?

(She walks over, trying to get a peak)

Emiko, surprised: H-Hanito-sama?

Well, they were both surprised to see each other. Emiko has now grown into the most beautiful woman Hanito has ever see. With her fierce meadow green eyes, flowy white hair, adorable smile, delicate frame, femininity, and great personality; she became the first woman he ever truly loved.

And Emiko; she always had a thing for that boy. Even after realizing he swiftly swiped her hair pin when they were little. She was absolutely smitten upon seeing this man again. He made her heart sing like no other person has.

- The time Hanito spent with Emiko were the best 2 months of his life. They shared an instant connection, discovering a deep affinity for each other's interests and values. Hanito, attuned to the subtleties of human emotions, realized his feelings for Emiko went beyond friendship after just three weeks of togetherness - he had fallen deeply in love.

- They got married on the first day of July, in the same Inari Shrine built where Hanito's childhood home used to be. He was overjoyed by this event, believing he might have a chance to a normal life.

- After bidding farewell to the town, they escaped to a serene foothill of Mt. Hiei, where they built a secluded haven near the charming town of Sakamoto.

"We are in love in love, haven't you heard. How we rock each other's world!"

(- Avril Lavigne)

Well that was fun to write! Considering Hantengu's backstory wasn't as detailed or shown like some of the other characters, and due the fact that he lived a relatively long human life... It made room for plenty of creativity.

[descendant-of-truth]

A Rudimentary Translation of: The Dark Mage, Schezo

(The video here is not mine, it's from the channel "The Madou Puyo Archivist." It's just here so you can follow along the translation with audio)

So, I was already considering doing something like this, since so many of these Puyo Drama CDs remain untranslated as far as I could find. But upon seeing this post from @douglasanondr, I ended up checking out this particular CD, and after deciding that it seemed doable, I got to work.

I'm definitely not fluent in Japanese yet, so some parts are missing with a summary of the general gist, and the phrasing isn't always the most accurate, but! This fandom needs all the translators it can get, so even if I'm not the "best" person for the job, I still wanted to contribute. I also included translator notes when applicable.

With the preamble out of the way, I hope you all enjoy it!

-The Dark Mage, Schezo-

Schezo: S-stop it! Don't lay a hand on him!

Witch: Aaaand… got it!

Schezo: Please, Witch! Stop!!

Witch: Now then, here we go! *cheerful effort sound*

Onion Pixie: *despair noises*

---

Witch: *giggles* I've gotten the magic skins from this big ol' onion!

Onion Pixie: *sad onion noises*

Schezo: O-Onion's skin…! YOU DEMON! VILLAINESS!!

Witch: What's the problem? I only took a single piece of it, it's fine!

Schezo: But he's so cute, don't you feel bad for him?!

Witch: …You…

Schezo: What?!

Witch: Somehow, it feels like you've grown soft.

Schezo: Huh?

Witch: Like, it feels as though even you're expression's gotten softer than before.

Schezo: Hmph! What nonsense are you speaking? I am the Dark Mage, Schezo. To say I'm soft--

Witch: Yeah, yeah. Well, it might just be a misunderstanding on my part. Now then, have a nice day!

---

Schezo: I've gotten soft, she says? Hmph! That can't be… but then again, it might be possible that I've been influenced by this place called Primp in some ways, lately. After all, it's peaceful and quiet here--

Amitie: Ah! It's Mr. Pervert! Heyoo~!

Sig: Pervert--!

Lidelle: H-hello!

Schezo: Who. are you. calling. A PERVERT?!

Amitie: Hahaha! Sorry, sorry! [something I can't make out] But honestly, what does "pervert" mean, anyway?

Sig: "Pervert…"

Sig: I'll explain! It is the process of a bug changing its shape, with the purpose of developing from a pupa into a proper insect.

Lidelle: So that's what it means…

Sig: Uh-huh.

Amitie: Impressive!

Schezo: Who are you talking about?!

Amitie: Hey, Mr. Pervert, when will you transform into one?

Schezo: I WON'T!

[Side note: this might be a play on the words "hentai" (pervert) and "henshin" (transform). Perhaps Sig got the second half of the words mixed up?]

Lidelle: Aah! I-I'm scared…

Amitie: Whoops, I guess we got him angry?

Schezo: Hmph! Do as you please! Farewell!

---

Schezo: The children here sure are carefree, and stupid, and full of it! [another thing I can't make out, he might be proclaiming himself a "stoic"] If I've gotten soft, then it's their fault! I need to look for a way back…!

*sounds of Raffina training*

Raffina: Not done yet! RAFFINA SPECIAL!

*boom!*

Schezo: Hey, you.

Raffina: KYAA!

Schezo: What are you doing?

Raffina: I-interrupting a lady's training, that's awfully rude of you!

Schezo: I see. Training, huh?

Raffina: Yes, pay attention! …If you would!

Schezo: But if you're training to be a mage, you shouldn't be practicing martial arts, but spells… hm?

Raffina: Shut up, if you please! That's my choice, isn't it?!

Schezo: I see, you're similar to Rulue, then.

Raffina: Huh?

Schezo: You're not very good at spells, so you use martial arts, isn't that right?

Raffina: H-how… how do you know about that?

Schezo: I understand power when I see it.

Raffina: Ah, is that so? Well, that's enough. Get going along to somewhere else. I need to continue my training. …Hey, wait!

Schezo: Hgk! What with this?! It's quite heavy…

Raffina: Don't just randomly try to pick up one of my dumbbells!

Schezo: Well, I'm somewhat interested in it. However, I think it's a little too heavy for a "lady"--

Raffina: It's not "a little too" anything! If I'm going to aim for the top of my school, then I'm going to need strong muscles!

Schezo: Hmm.

Raffina: Wh-what?

Schezo: Why do you work so hard for that?

Raffina: Huh?

Schezo: This "Primp" place is quiet and peaceful. You don't need to be strong to live here. Even the magic school's students are peaceful simpletons. I don't think it's necessary for you to go to so much trouble for it.

Raffina: I don't understand what you're babbling about!

Schezo: Like I said…

Raffina: I'm doing all of this to reach my ideal self. Whether it's peaceful or not, I don't care in the slightest! O~hohohoho!

Schezo: Ahh! I see… Heh. I get it now.

Raffina: Huh?

Schezo: It's nothing. I just think you have the right idea.

Raffina: Well, I'm not really sure what you mean, but alright. That aside, you mentioned the other students from the magic school earlier, right?

Schezo: That I did.

Raffina: They're… t-they're, they're sort of my friends, so I would rather you didn't make fun of them.

Schezo: Hm?

Raffina: It's true that they're awfully carefree, but at the same time… well, at least to some extent, they're working hard, too.

Schezo: Oh?

Raffina: That's why, I've decided that I'm going to shine the most out of all of them!

Schezo: Hm.

Raffina: So… um, so that's… hm? AAAH, I FOUND HIM!

Schezo: AAH, what's this, all of a sudden?!

Raffina: It's him, it's him! It's that guy I've been seeing that guy a lot around here lately!

Schezo: Hm? That's… Satan?!

Raffina: [can't quite make out what she says here, but basically she plans to challenge him to a Puyo Battle]

Schezo: Wait, no, he's--!

Raffina: Hold it! You there!

Satan: Hm? And the reason this person is interrupting the Demon King's lovely stroll would be…?

Raffina: You're pretty strong, aren't you? [Another thing I can't quite make out, she's making an offer of some kind but it doesn't immediately sound like it has the word "battle" in it]

Satan: Hmph. How interesting… to approach the great Satan, you must be strong yourself, no?

Raffina: *giggles*

Satan: I won't treat anyone who comes at me differently, even if they're a girl. Let's go!

Schezo: W-wait!

Raffina: O~hohoho! That's exactly how I want it!

*puyos go bloop bloop*

Satan: Ohh? It seems you're actually pretty good. However, it's too bad; nobody else can match the great Satan! Let's go, Catastrophe!

Raffina: H-he's fast! There's no way I can keep up! My chain isn't enough, it's going to collapse!

[I couldn't make out if she actually said "collapse" or not but it was the closest thing that made sense]

Schezo: Hm! Dunamis!

Raffina: Eh? I've… been protected?

Schezo: This battle… is on me.

Raffina: Don't underestimate me! Even without your help, I--!

Schezo: Don't get the wrong idea. This geezer is still too much for you.

Schezo: Besides…

Satan: Oh? The Dark Mage, huh? What's wrong? You've got a good expression on your face today.

Schezo: Besides! For some reason, I've suddenly felt like competing in battle.

Satan: HAHAHAHAHA! It's been a while since we've had a serious competition. Come at me, Schezo!

Schezo: I was thinking the same thing! Let's go, Satan!

Raffina: Urrgh, even though this was MY battle…!

Schezo: Just as Witch said, I may have gotten a little softer. But no matter where I go, no matter who I meet, it doesn't matter. I strive for my ideal, regardless of where I am. I'm the most spectacular Dark Mage, Schezo!

-The End-

[theheirofthesharingan]

Random question, but let's say that Itachi lived right? Like all the way to Boruto, do you think Itachi would probably be that one, almost, father figure to Sarada in a way? Considering since Sasuke has always been away from the two of them (Sakura and Sarada) if Itachi decided to stay in Konoha instead of traveling with Sasuke? Also I wonder how Itachi would react to Sasuke being with Sakura as well, I wonder, what do you think?

Interesting question.

To answer this, we need to consider some major factors that were crucial in shaping their lives.

If itachi lived, he should have the development he did during the war i.e. realizing treating Sasuke like a baby was a bad choice he made all along.

Sasuke doesn't know Itachi is alive. Why would he leave the village in the first place if Itachi was alive?

Itachi doesn't know where Sasuke is. Why else would Itachi stay in the village if he could be with his brother?

Konoha has somehow cleared his name and acknowledged its own crimes against the clan.

Still, I'm going to answer this question with the ideas that are independent of each other and don't need each other to exist (if that makes sense?)

I think Itachi would be a terrible father figure to Sarada. He didn't grow up to lead a normal life full of love and comfort. He was a Shinobi who was trained to kill. That's what he did all his life and he never had the time to be anything other than that. He loved Sasuke a lot, but his expression was thoroughly violent, although under extreme duress, and in a slightly easier life he'd have served better. He doesn't know how to be a normal person. He doesn't understand how to be something that's not a Shinobi and a killer. He was conditioned since his childhood to live a certain way and the change in the lifestyle would not change anything for him. I personally don't see him being able to guide Sarada or be a positive/healthy influence in her life. He can't give anything to her, or anyone, for that matter.

He's way, way too damaged as a person. Even if you include therapy sessions those won't erase his past and what he feels about himself. He can't offer anything in a bonding that isn't with Sasuke. He'd still feel some affection towards Sarada. He has no reason to not like her, but he can't be a parent figure to her. I mean, isn't that the whole reason Sasuke, too, isn't a 'good father' to Sarada? He too is damaged beyond repair.

Some anti-SS content under the cut. No slander or bashing of the characters, but my opinion on why Itachi might not approve of Sakura as his brother's life partner. I'll tag the post accordingly. Please don't read if you're a fan of the pairing.

He will not be overly thrilled about Sakura being in Sasuke's life. Sasuke didn't love Sakura and Sakura never loved Sasuke. She was obsessed with an image of his she found alluring and his absence in her life fed that longing further, making her feel she loved him. He was a trophy for her she was to win in the contest of her rivalry against Ino.

In other words, she had no genuine feelings for Sasuke.

Sasuke, too, never felt any affiliation towards her. Yes, there were some moments he cared about her deeply, but he's genuinely kind and caring towards people. If he loved her he'd be more open about his feelings.

When Itachi met Team 7 in the Kazekage Rescue Arc, he paid no attention to Sakura. His attention was solely on Naruto and was happy to see Naruto had grown so much from the last time they met. There was a reason he entrusted Sasuke with Naruto. And he wouldn't be too pleased to know that Sakura once tried to kill his brother for whom he bore the worst pains and sins in his heart.

That alone would infuriate him. However, it wouldn't matter to him if Sasuke really loved Sakura, because I don't think the Itachi that bid farewell to Sasuke in the war would claim any stakes on him. If Sasuke loved Sakura he would be okay with it, but not trust her. Itachi's brain works in different ways. xD

Itachi would also understand there's a reason his brother doesn't want to be with his family. And his lack of affection towards them would tell him everything. He decided things for Sasuke when he saw him as a child in the past, but won't make the same mistakes again.

I think he'd like Sarada, but won't be extremely fond of Sakura. Though I don't see him being good with kids at all.

[z-nightshade]

Hey gang, I'm back on my ORV x aoo bs, her to share some few things about drum island

When the crew first got to the island and the inhabitants tried to scare them off, I think Yoo Joonghyuk would get a lil pissy about the threats.

Kim Dokja's reader-sense would tingle when told about Blackbeard's raid on the island and prolly follow Cass around while they try to get as much info as possible about everything that happened.

Han Sooyoung is ThatBitch™ and would definitely have hitched a ride with Kureha when she and Chopper were going back to the castle.

Also I know in my heart that Han Sooyoung would be the bad influence kinda aunt to Chopper. She'd give him sweets, teach him swear words and most importantly, how to utilise the cuteness that he has within him. Sure he's a lil uncanny and a lil wired (pre time skip ofc, his post time skip design is flanderized imo) but you saw how the Foxy Pirates treated him!

Yoo Joonghyuk would have zero patience for Wapool. Wapool might even die in this au. Maybe he died in the very beginning of the arc. Yoo Joonghyuk would have definitely noticed how attached Usopp is to the Merry and definitely would have noticed how Cass has noticed that Usopp is attached to the Merry, so when Wapool goes Fugly Munch Mode on their ship, well... Yk.

I also think that the disaster trio would definitely try and grow an actual sakura tree in Drum. Not because they particularly care, but because it'd be a fun challenge.

I love being back on bullshit! It's always so much fun!

Yoo Joonghyuk definitely contemplates just brute forcing his way through. One of his kids are deathly ill after all

Cass will be a little ,,, preoccupied on Drum Island but I can definitely see them saying something that would tip Kim Dokja off that Blackbeard is Plot Relevant

Han Sooyoung Best Bad Influence Ever. She's such a casual bitch, I love her.

Yoo Joonghyuk is a very no nonsense type of person (unless your his husband or found family) so Wapool is gonna have to deal with that. Or rather get dealt with

Oh definitely. Kim Doja and Han Sooyoung are the ones who want to plant sakura trees and they drag Yoo Joonghyuk into it. The trio have their own little side quest

[seekers-who-are-lovers]

Wakamiya, Yukiya and the lady ravens

So far, I’d like to commend the series composition writer Yukiko Yamamuro for reinterpreting Chisato Abe’s novel and patching up the first two volumes of the book series (and the others maybe) into one cohesive narrative while altering some things to make it more comprehensible.

If you haven’t seen the 12th episode, beware of spoilers from here on:

Yukiya

In the manga, he only showed up when Wakamiya asked him to assist him on how to demonstrate the utility of the Ue, their raven suit, concerning Samomo’s death. (Of course, it is given that he might just be in the background the whole time.) While in the anime, he’s become the stand-in for Hamayu. The writer altered the dialogue and scenes to fit to Yukiya, a sort of Jiminy Cricket to Wakamiya. His assistant through and through.

The barriers

Instead of setting up a screen between the Prince and the princesses, Anime*Wakamiya has once again broken the protocol that he can see them and talk to them without the bamboo curtains. (He is allowed to break the rules, but the candidates cannot.)

Shiratama

Honestly, this is the most heartwarming scene in the 12th episode. It is not a big smile, but Wakamiya has done so, perhaps relieved, seeing that Shiratama has finally listened to her heart, while Yukiya is beaming watching his cousin reunited with her lover Kazumi. The bluffing has worked, even though Yukiya thinks it is an overkill while Wakamiya insists they haven’t done the deed yet. Anyway, he has done the scrutiny with so much care and respect. He was not as brutal as in the manga where calling her out was actually a push for her to think of her own mind.

He is exercising his right to be a just ruler here, which he at first was not so sure of how would it turn out.

Yukiya: What are you trying to get out of this choice?

Wakamiya: I wonder. Heaven knows how this will go.

But in the end, he’s begun to weigh both sides, give advices, tell it what it is, and encourage Shiratama and Masuho no Susuki to see what are their other opportunities other than marrying him.

It is true that he also doesn’t have a good opinion on Sakura Blossom Palace due to what transpired and/or is transpiring there. For him it stands for prison, of human follies, a snake pit, of the way humans drag each other down to the point of wishing the other harm, powerful men using young women as mere tools to advance power and influence. He knows it because his own mother had been one.

From the novel:

The wind was fluttering the young master's black hair. His face was white in the moonlight. A handsome, unpleasant person. But affectionate. Yukiya looked at the prince for a long time and spoke cautiously a little later.

“I know that my words will sound cowardly now. But Shiratama from the North House is my cousin... When I found out that Your Highness cares about the hearts of the daughters of the four houses, I felt lighter in my heart. After all, you don't consider them as tools in the political struggle.”

He's wilful, no doubt. Sharp, often misunderstood. But being with him turned out to be not bad at all.

(Note: this isn’t an official EN translation)

Masuho no Susuki

Because they changed so much from the manga, I guess we have to wait what will happen in the upcoming episodes concerning Masuho no Susuki.

(In the novel, she wrote to Wakamiya to personally come to the Sakura Blossom Palace, asked Sumio to find Hamayū and when he did Masuho kept her in her entourage secretly.)

The way Wakamiya asks the candidates if they can foresee a future with him as his empress is devoid of romanticism. He doesn’t mince words nor let them expect heaven when it is not.

One gets the impression that he really doesn’t want to get married. It is just a stupid rule that he must have a consort when he ascends the throne.

Did I say that I love Masuho’s hairstyle? Yes, I do!

Asebi

It is amusing to read the shocked comments from the Team Asebi fans. (Sorry!) The Girl has fooled many with her demure and innocent, yet naive, face.

From Asebi’s VA, Rina Honnizumi:

Asebi is very lovely, and it makes you think, “This kind of child is called a princess,” and has a charm that makes you want to protect her. But when I auditioned, I read the original work and said, “I see, this kind of girl!” The way she looks is quite different at the beginning and at the end.

Many people still don’t want to believe that she is not what everyone thinks she is. Behind this face is a wily young woman ready to crush everyone who is on her way. And we all thought it was Shiratama.

On the other hand, her half sister, Futaba, has entered the list of characters officially. Poor girl, who suffered in the hands of her own sister.

The way Asebi answers Wakamiya, “no matter what the cost,” her cunningness, and her clear discrimination between the court ravens and hill ravens, you cannot simply excuse her ignorance. Neither Wakamiya. He hates her from the bottom of his heart. We will find out more next week the reasons he does. And it seems that it is ominous as the sound director posted on X that they “deliberately left out the music for the preview of the next episode.”

Hamayu

I am curious how will they reintroduce her to the story. Are they preparing for her mini-arc? Will they follow the novel/manga but with a different twist?

The fluttering cherry blossoms

They symbolise two different things and always in tune with the music. They can be flying softly, dancing around the characters (a positive realisation) or hitting them harshly when the wind blows (signals danger, distress).

What a nice touch.