#so I will work on something non-waka related

[imaushiji]

I was hoping to post part 2 today but tbh, editing it has been the bane of my existence

[thehollowwriter]

Summary: Jade and Malleus get the "one bed trope" treatment

A fic inspired by a post by @letmedisolveintomoss about the various clubs getting stuck in the "only one bed" trope, with Jade and Malleus being put together because they're the only members of their respective clubs.

This can be interpreted as either romantic or platonic

(Pls reblog and leave a comment ❤)

There's Not Mush-Room For Both of Us

It was a sweltering 36 degrees when the busses pulled up to the hotel parking lot.

Inside were groups of rambunctious, hot and sweaty teenagers who were tired and cramped.

The hotel stood tall, white and gold theme glittering in the sunlight and stark against the clear blue sky. It was a five star, very popular, and about to be terrorized by Night Raven College.

Malleus gazed out the window he was seated at as the bus drew to a stop. This was not as pleasant as the car ride he had in Kalim's hometown, but it was interesting none the less.

Sebek, unsurprisingly, was livid at the idea of his waka-sama travelling so casually in such a rickety vehicle that had clearly seen better days, but Malleus didn't mind. It was nice to experience something simply as a normal student on a school trip for a few days.

The clubs of Night Raven College were all going to give presentations at another school, showing off their work and research relating to magic or magical technology.

Malleus knew that gargoyles in the Valley of Thorns were magical, although not living like in Noble Bell College. They were quite useful in turning rain water into drinking water.

He was excited to share his discoveries and facts with others, now that he wasn't left behind like in his first year. That was an upsetting time.

"Alright." Said Crewel, who looked like he wished the bus crashed when they swerved earlier. "Puppies, I want you all to climb out and line up. You will be assigned hotel rooms according to your club, so make sure to stay with your fellow members."

Malleus blinked. He was the only member of his own club, and it wasn't like he made any acquaintances on the three hour drive here. Everyone in the bus avoided him.

Was he going to just be alone in a hotel room for two weeks?

Malleus sighed and accepted his fate with a pinch of salt. Other clubs were so big they could not fit into a single room and had to to be spread out. Malleus doubted there was any other club with only one number.

All the students from the busses gathered and the teachers began reading out groups and room numbers in order of club size.

To pass the time, Malleus gazed at the hotel, trying to see if he could find any gargoyles. To his disappointment, he couldn't see any.

Well then, he would have to take a flight to search further tonight.

The numbers dwindled slowly but surely, Sebek making off with Riddle and Silver and Lilia flying after Cater and Kalim.

Malleus found himself standing alone. That was fine. He was... used to being alone.

"Malleus Draconia." Trein looked at the list and back at him. "You will be sharing a room with Jade Leech, as you're both the only members of your clubs and Crowley did not want to book an extra room."

"Of course, professor." Came a voice and Malleus turned.

The Octavinelle vice stood there with a number of bags in his hands and floating around his head. Malleus hadn't seen him there.

"Room 609 on the top floor."

Jade took the key and sent a close-lipped smile Malleus's way. "I look forward to a two weeks stay with you, Malleus-san." He said, placing a hand on his chest.

Malleus was... surprised by Jade's almost non-chalant behaviour. Most students would try get a different room or swap with someone, pale faced and avoiding his gaze.

But Jade simply smiled and looked right into his eyes without even a hint of fear or even weariness.

"I return the sentiment, Leech." Malleus said, walking inside the hotel alongside the second year. "I'm sure we will enjoy each other's company."

Sharp teeth just barely poked out Jade's lips. "Please, Malleus-san, you may call me Jade."

Malleus was surprised for the second time in the span of three minutes. Nobody in his two and a half years of Night Raven College had ever asked him to call them by anything besides what he called them.

"Yes, of course... Jade." It felt strange on his tongue, but not unwelcome. Finally, somebody besides Sebek, Silver, and Lilia to be on first-name basis with.

They came up to an elevator and Malleus stopped short, looking the two metal doors up and down.

"Is something the matter, Malleus-san?" Jade inquired.

Malleus shook his head. "Not at all. I am simply unsure of how to use this contraption."

"Ah." Jade nodded. "You don't have this type of technology in the Valley of Thorns, then?"

"No, we use magic for almost everything. We have no need for technology."

"Well." Said Jade, looking at the elevator. "This type of technology would not be necessary in the Coral Sea, since all you need to do is swim up. It appears I don't know how to use this either." He looked sheepish for a split second before his face became neutral again. "I had meant to research it but it slipped my mind."

Jade looked at Malleus. Malleus looked at Jade. They both looked at the elevator.

"Shall we take the stairs?"

"Indeed."

Malleus would have teleported but... he would like to see if Jade would start a conversation.

As they made their way to the top floor, Malleus was impressed at how Jade was able to keep up with him. He certainly had more stamina than his dorm leader.

Jade tilted his head to the side at Malleus and hummed. "You are part of the Gargoyle Research Club, yes?"

"That is correct." Said Malleus, smiling proudly. "Not enough people appreciate that magnificence of gargoyles. And your club is?"

"The Mountain Lovers Club." Jade's voice pitched an octave as excitement lit up his heterochromatic eyes. "I often travel to the mountains for a few days to study various plant life. Although, my main focus is mushrooms."

"Mushrooms?"

"Indeed. Though they aren't plants. They are fungus that are more plant-like."

Malleus raised an eyebrow and they arrived at the top floor. "I did not know that." He said curiously. "But... mushrooms?

Jade smiled, closed eyes forming crescent shapes. "I simply adore mushrooms. They are endlessly fascinating and there is so much to learn about them. There thousands of variations and no single one is the same. They can be poisonous or delicious in a meal or function as a hallucinogenic."

Malleus's eyes widened slightly as he came a realization. "So... you could say that how you feel about mushrooms is like how I feel about gargoyles. They too, are endlessly fascinating, and there is no such thing as identical gargoyles. Not truly."

Jade's smile widened just a bit. "I suppose so, yes. Perhaps we could swap information, if you wish."

Malleus smiled back. "That sounds good. Ah, here we are."

They came to a stop to their door and Jade took the key from his pocket.

"I have heard good reviews of this hotel." Said Jade as he placed the key in the lock and turned it. "Excellent service, gorgeous views, and luxurious rooms. Let's see what we have."

He opened the door and Malleus would be lying if he said he wasn't impressed. He didn't know humans could make such lovely suites.

He and Jade stepped inside, admiring the white and gold colour palette and decor. There was a kitchen tucked into the corner, then a dining table and a lounge area with large couches and a flat screen television and just beyond that; a balcony looking out to the sea.

Jade put his bags down waved his magical pen. The bags that were floating by him opened up and at least twenty terrariums were pulled out, all containing different types of mushrooms.

Malleus looked at them in interest, taking note of the different species and colours and shapes, and he suddenly wished he knew what each of them were.

Jade made his way to the door that lead to the bedrooms and opened and stopped suddenly. "Oh." He blinked, looking into the bedroom of the hotel room in surprise. "Oh dear."

Malleus, who was poking curiously at the television, looked at him. "What is it?"

"It appears there may have been a mistake in the booking process." Jade murmured. "There is only one room. An en suite. And... only one bed."

Malleus left the tv and peered into the room. Jade was right. The room was large and lovely, but there was only one king sized bed, sitting pretty in the centre. "I see."

"It is too much of a hassle to change rooms now." Said Jade. "I can take the couch."

Malleus frowned. "That is a kind offer, Jade." He said slowly, carefully weighing his next words. "But that will not do. I cannot take the bed and leave you to sleep on a couch of all things." He hesitated before gesturing to the bed. "We can share, if you are comfortable with that."

Jade nodded and stepped into the room, letting his own guide his terrariums to settle about the room. "That sounds good, then." He checked his watch. "We should unpack. It is almost six and we have to go downstairs for dinner."

Malleus agreed and the two of them split the cupboard in half, Malleus's clothes on the left, Jade's on the right, and both their toiletries neatly packed in the bathroom.

When they went down for supper, Malleus felt quite disappointed when Silver, Sebek, and Lilia came over to him and Jade left his side to join Azul and Floyd.

Malleus almost wanted to make the room disappear so that he could talk to Jade some more. They promised to share their interests after all. But he would not be so brash.

Patience is key.

Dinner came to an end and Malleus bid his goodbyes, standing in the corner and patiently waiting for Jade to finish his conversation.

Jade waved to Azul and patted Floyd's head when his twin squeezed him goodbye, and then they went their separate ways.

Jade caught sight of Malleus and went to him, smiling.

"Hello, Malleus-san." He said. "It appears we are not the only ones with a rooming issue. Both Floyd and Azul's rooms only have one bed as well. It is quite amusing."

"Ah." Malleus smiled. "Lilia, Silver and Sebek have the same issue. It seems we have quite a conundrum on our hands."

"Indeed. Woe is us~"

The two of them chuckled slightly and then Jade went to take the stairs. Malleus stopped him, carefully taking his hand.

"I will take us there." Said the dragon fae. "It is quicker."

Before Jade could respond there was a flash of green light and they were in the bedroom. Jade stumbled slightly, lights dancing in his eyes, before straightening himself.

"Oh my." He said, blinking. "That was unexpected."

"My apologies!" Malleus said quickly, praying to the witch of Thorns that he hasn't just scared off his new companion. "I should have asked you."

"No no, it's quite alright." Jade waved him off, and touched the remaining green sparks curiously. "It was an interesting experience. Now, I believe we should get ready for bed. We have an early day tomorrow."

They brushed their teeth and Jade went to change in the bathroom, Malleus simply snapping his fingers to change into long black and gold pajamas.

He pulled open the covers in got in, sitting up and looking at the spot next to him. It was strange, knowing it wasn't going to be empty.  Knowing that he wasn't going to be alone.

Jade emerged from the bathroom and Malleus would have laughed if he weren't confused.

"Are those... mushrooms?"

Jade had a look of pride on his face as he opened his arms to show off his light purple pajamas littered with mushrooms and the word "kinoko" from top to bottom.

"I love all things mushroom, Malleus-san. Merchandise is no exception."

He then proceeded to climb into bed with no hesitation whatsoever and Malleus could not help but quirk an eyebrow at the casualness.

"You seem awfully calm in the presence of the Prince of Fae, Jade. Are you not afraid?"

Jade simply smiled at him. "I apologize if I have offended you, Malleus-san. In the deep of the Coral Sea there are horrors you could not begin to imagine. As they say, there is always a bigger fish. I have learned to be weary, but fear will only make you even tastier prey."

Malleus started. He looked at Jade curiously in silence for a moment, focusing on his face.

There was not a trace of fear, some slight guardedness and a bit of weariness, yes, but no fear or reluctance at all.

"How fascinating." He said at last. "I have heard about the Coral Sea, but never- ah- straight from a merman's mouth. It seems things are different there."

"They are bound to be. It is a dangerous life." Suddenly Jade laid and pulled the covers up to his chest. "Well? Are you going to tell me about gargoyles now? I never thought about gargoyles being interesting, I'm eager to hear what you have to say."

Malleus quirked an eyebrow at the uncharacteristic impatience and lay down as well. "I have to say the same for your mushrooms."

They turned off the lights and, in the dark, began to quietly share every little tidbit of history, features, and facts about their passions, listening intently and commenting when they could.

Jade was quite surprised. He never truly thought about gargoyles in this way. He supposed that he would have to look into them more.

"We should go look at gargoyles together sometime, then." He said softly  staring into Malleus's emerald green eyes. "I am sure it would be fun."

Malleus couldn't help but gasp a bit at that. "Really?"

"But of course."

Jade had originally wanted to use this situation to his advantage and slip something worthwhile from Malleus for Azul, but he decided against it.

Never before had somebody taken such keen interest in his mushrooms. It made him happy to see Malleus nod along, actually listening, and ask him various questions.

Malleus, meanwhile, was astounded. He never took much interest in mushrooms, even if there were a few fairy rings in Ramshackle's garden.

As far as Malleus was concerned, there were brown mushrooms and red mushrooms with white spots, and those were all he cared to know. But now, listening to Jade and looking at his terrariums, he wanted to know more. To see more.

"Jade, if you will be accompanying me to look at gargoyles, how about I accompany you to the mountains?"

...To spend more time with his... friend.

Now Malleus knew, Jade Leech was not someone that made buddies. But as far as he was aware, thanks to Yuu, this sort of thing was what friends did. Have a "sleepover", share stories, talk about things, stay up late.

It was in fact, very late. Almost three in the morning. But that was alright. If they slept in, nobody would dare try come in to wake them up except Lilia.

Jade's eyebrows raised and a look of surprise flashed across his face and he smiled. "That sounds... absolutely lovely, Malleus."

Malleus took note of the lack of "san" and he would dare say he felt giddy. It might be because Jade was just tired, but still. It counted as something.

After a moment Malleus continued to tell Jade about the talking gargoyles of the city of flowers, and how he had been rude enough to mistake one for a simple statute. Malleus still shuddered to think of it.

His story continued, Malleus completely sucked into his tale, until became aware of a sudden weight on his chest. He looked down, frowning.

"Oh."

Jade was out a like a light. Head on Malleus's chest and breathing soft and even.

Malleus stared down at him  baffled, before chuckling. "Yes, it is quite late. I think next time we should set a time to stop." He faltered for a moment, then placed his hand on Jade's head.

"Goodnight, Jade. Thank you for not leaving me alone."

-End

....................................

Tagging: @adarkenedforest @honey-milk-depresso @cupids-chamber @twisted-wonderland-but-gayer

I hope you all enjoyed, I'm really proud of this fic, especially since I don't write Malleus often.

Also these two are an underrated pair

[twsttheory]

⚠️Chapter 5 spoilers⚠️ Chapter Recaps and Predictions for Future Dormitory Chapters.

Pardon me for being a little slow but I have just realized a trend? Aside from the fact that Twisted Wonderland seems to be a very “Screw society” game, the take-away of every Twisted Wonderland arc reflects the morals the of their respective Disney classic, except the villains are the ones experiencing it. 

Heartslabyul: 

Just like Alice in Wonderland, the first plot of the first Chapter centres around the idea that rules are not always meant to be followed. However, as I have mentioned in a previous post, many have theorized that the story of Alice in Wonderland is the journey of a child towards adulthood, during which they begin to realize their individual personalities. The Queen of Heart’s tyranny thus represents societal rules and expectations. In the first chapter, this is not illustrated by Riddle’s strictness. Instead, it is illustrated by the expectations and rules that Riddle’s mother has imposed on him. Riddle will then learn that not everything his mother said is correct, and will grow to have his own opinions. We even see him screwing up the mont-blanc. His mistake is very... um... him though. 

Savanaclaw:

Following the Heartslabyul arc is the Savanaclaw arc. Again, the plot is similar to that of The Lion King. Both Leona and Scar are the second-born, and the fact that their brothers have a son makes it impossible for them to become kings. This has lead to Leona’s somewhat inferiority complex. The lazy lion proceeds to come up with a plan to overthrow the more powerful Malleus in the Magift competition, but fails because of the Heartslabyul gang. No matter what he does, not everything goes according to plan. This is where “Hakuna Matata” becomes important. In the Lion King, it is taught to Simba, the protagonist, but in Twisted Wonderland, it has become a lesson that Leona has learnt. Life is not fair, but instead of choosing to dwell on that concept and suffer, you could choose to be happy instead. Despite not being able to become King, Leona is still very intelligent and very much capable, earning the respect of his dorm members and many more people. 

Octavinelle:

Fish arc covers the topic of bullying, which many of us have experienced. In this chapter, Azul strives to become more powerful as a result of bullying, and has thus grown to become a very talented mage. His collection of contracts is similar to both Ariel’s collection of human objects and Ursula’s collections of those who failed to pay their debt. All these collections are but material collections, and in Azul’s eyes, his collection is a measure of his worth, as seen from when he declares that he will be useless if Leona were to destroy the contracts. What both Ariel and Azul were missing was as a matter of fact not their material collection. Instead, it was love for Ariel, and friendship for Azul. Jade and Floyd gave him friendship, which he did not have as a victim of bullying, and I’m pretty sure that he realizes that both their presences are more valuable than mere material contracts. I am also certain that Jade and Floyd think so too, although they say otherwise. 

Scarabia:

Scarabia arc’s overblot goes to Jamil, you poor boy. Because of his position as the Asim family’s servant, he believes that as long as he is in the presence of Kalim, he will never be able to be who he really is. Aladdin also thinks that he cannot be with Jasmine if he isn’t royalty. However, we all know that Jamil has more to offer as an individual. He is intelligent and powerful, and will remain intelligent and powerful despite his position as a servant. Aladdin is loved by Jasmine despite being a non-royal. Scarabia’s chapter centres around the idea that an individual’s potential and worth is not defined or limited by their status or position, as Jamil has surely proven to us. 

Pomefiore:

The recent Pomefiore arc is also very relatable and nothing less than outstanding, highlighting the importance of “beauty” in more than one way. This chapter straight up tells us that ballet is not restricted to girls, and it has already earned my respect. What’s more outstanding is its emphasis of effort. Vil is shown to be frustrated because of being in Neige’s shadow. GIVE HIM THE LICENSE TO BE FRUSTRATED HE WORKED SO HARD! Despite his hard work, he is less popular than the cheery and pretty Neige. In the VDC, Neige’s cover of a children song grabbed more attention than the song he poured his sweat, blood and tears over. No one cares about the effort behind the scenes, and all the praise goes to the final product. In Snow White, the Evil Queen will never be the most beautiful, because she is ugly inside. This could apply to this chapter. Despite being more successful, Neige, unless stated otherwise, lacks the diligence and hard work that Vil has put into his craft.

Ignihyde:

All right folks this is where the predictions starts. The recurring theme of this game is conflict against society. From this, I will predict that Idia and Hercules will share a common theme. People call them monsters. Hercules is called a monster because of his inhuman strength, while Idia’s case will most likely be because of Ortho. Idia is undoubtedly a genius engineer, and since Ortho is a cyborg, there are chances that he was once a human but died, and is turned into a cyborg by his brother. Idia creating him from scratch is not likely because he already mentioned a “previous Ortho”. Because of this, Idia is feared by many people as well. However, if this theory were to be correct, it would mean that the story will follow the moral in Hercules that underlines the importance of staying true to oneself and that people will love you for who you are. Hercules definitely stayed true to himself, and in the end, instead of being labelled a monster, he became loved by many. I’m sure that it will be the same way with Idia, although I am not sure about the situation that will help incite this. 

From how he encouraged Riddle to break away from his mother’s rules in the first chapter,, it is highly possible that Ace would play a role in helping Idia express his mad scientist vibes. If Ace does not help Idia, he will probably still play a big role alongside Ortho, as they are both younger siblings. From ghost marriage, we can also see Ortho’s ability to call Ace out on his bullshit. Ace is a child full of lies, and his true personality may also not be what he displays every day. With Ortho’s advance “Your body sayin you lyin boy” technology, I think that we could finally see a change in our dumb ginger boy’s personality, as well as gain some juicy insight into the Trappola household. Epel is also a plausible factor, seeing that he has embraced his cute and wild side in Chapter 5. However, if the story were to follow the same pattern as in Chapter 3 with Jack and Octavinelle, Epel will most likely only help the main character, and Vil would help with the dorm leader in question. But we’ll see about that.

Diasomnia

Sleeping beauty is a story where love is a powerful force. In the dorm that is very family orientated, there is no doubt that love will be a common theme in this story arc. However, just like Pomefiore, the first year also has to play an important role in the story. Sebek, unlike waka sama, is probably mortal. Another theme in sleeping beauty is that growing up presents all sorts of existential crisis. I am pretty certain that Sebek’s existential crisis would come in the form of fey vs human. Power vs mortality. How will Malleus overblot then? Following the pattern, it would likely be because of a problem that contrasts to their first year. As Sebek gets to know the idiot combo, he will gain more friends, and Malleus might find his most loyal guard taken away from him, or it may come in the form of Sebek or Silver, or both, objecting him in some way. If both happen to be proven wrong, it is still likely that he will overblot because of something that involves his loneliness or lack of understanding of mortality. It could even be caused by seeing Sebek and Silver grow up, and suddenly be hit with the realization that they both may one day leave his side or pass away, and that the main character, who does not fear him at all, will also one day return to their world or die, leaving him behind once again. 

The conflict will probably then be resolved by the understanding that despite all this, he has friends. Lilia, Sebek, Silver, the main character, and perhaps even Ace and Deuce, and Idia and Ortho for good measure, are people precious to him, and it is important for him to treasure the time that he has with them.

That’s all for today! These are probably not accurate, and I’m sure that Yana Toboso is at least 10 dimensions away from me when playing chess, but it is fun to compare the storyline with their respective classic film. Either ways, only time will tell how the story progresses. So I’ll keep an eye out for any previews! Thank you for reading!

[littleeyesofpallas]

Bleach - Name Games

Continuing with the zanpakutou posts... One that seemed to get broadly misinterpreted is,

Katen Kyokotsu(花天狂骨)

...written as 花: “Flower,” 天: “Heaven,” 狂: “Madness,” and 骨: “Bone.”  Viz translated this as "Flower-Heaven Bone of Madness," and later changed it to “Flower Crazed Heaven Bone Spirit.”  But what I keep seeing overlooked is that Kyoukotsu(狂骨) is the name of a youkai; a white haired elderly man emerging from a well to act upon a grudge, cursing people who would drink from its well. (It’s also a homonym with the word for Kyoukotsu(胸骨) “Sternum” written “Breast”+”Bone” which is played on in Kyokotsu’s design for the anime as a skull-clad busty woman.)  “Bone-Spirit” actually does seem like it’s referring to the youkai, but then it scrambles up all the other adjectives and nouns. 

Kyoukotsu(狂骨)  is also a slang term in some regions for someone in a state of looking wild and and in noisy disarray --which basically refers to either a a mentally unstable person, or a raucous drunkard.  I think the logic in that might have to do with the idea of the Kyoukotsu cursing its well, and the idea that a belligerent or gibbering drunk being that way from having drank something evil... i.e. from a cursed well?  Given the nature of zanpakutou as reflections of their wielders’ inner-selves and Kyouraku’s disposition as a frivolous drinker, it may have been meant to imply a darker side to that.

I’ll be honest, I can’t tell if Katen is supposed to evoke “A Flower (from) Heaven” or “A Heaven (made/full of) Flowers.”  They more or less imply the same tone, but it’s the difference between a singular item or a whole landscape.  The only more specific phraseology I can find that would point in one direction over any other is katengecchi(花天月地) which refers to a scene of flowers blooming in moonlight, and kind of makes me lean more toward the landscape imagery of a field of flowers so beautiful that it is like heaven.  But I don’t know that those terms are even really related.

Together, at least to me, it seems to give off the impression of getting sloppy drunk in a field of flowers, which seems pretty in line with his general vibe.

But adding to these themes, his release call is notably longer than most, and appears to be specifically split up into one call for each of his two identical swords (and Ukitake’s the same, but noticeably Ukitake’s sword can’t be interpreted as two different names, like what they did with Katen and Kyoukotsu).  These and Ukitake’s, more than any other zanpakutou calls, and more like the hadou spells, lean into Kubo’s affinity for poetry --something he also indulges in in his tankobon poems.

花風紊れて, 花神啼き: “Flower-Wind* in disarray, Flower-spirit(s) call out/cry/wail”

*I think... think... maybe...  this is supposed to be an abbreviated form of Kachou-Fuugetsu(花鳥風月), written “Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon” which is a term used in classical Japanese art to refer to “the beauty of nature” as subject matter.  It doesn’t have to literally include Flowers, Birds, the Wind, or the Moon.  Basically, it just refers to a nature scene meant to display the beauty of nature (as opposed to being a slice of life or a strictly historical depiction, or other non-aesthetic-primary focus.)

Also the construction Kashin(花神) here written as “Flower kami*” doesn’t seem to refer to a specific deity, but worth noting is that it’s a homonym with Kashin(歌神): the kami* of Waka and of song --Waka being a traditional Japanese form of poetry, which are also sometimes translated as “muse” if that gives you a better sense of what they are.  Functionally they are closely related, because it’s the spirit of nature that inspire poetry/song about the beauty of said nature.  Moreover, as discussed previously, Shunsui has a distinct theme of both flowers and of music, so both feel kind of relevant here.

*I feel like this is kind of a Japanese mythos 101 thing to point out, but if you’re not aware, Shinto being an animist religion means they believe in an innate spirit in basically all things.  The word kami does not mean “god,” it refers broadly to that innate spirit that all things possess.  The most powerful kami are analogous to gods in other religions, but a kami’s only real definitive quality is that it is a spirit and that is exists...  the spirit of a flower has no power nor grand design nor will, nor any other quality that would make sense attributing to what we call a “god” in the West.  But that doesn’t make it any less a kami.

Also the naki(啼き) here is the same root as the nake(啼け) that Urahara and Benihime uses.  It can, in this context, read like “yelps” or “wails” or even “screams” but all in the tone of, “cries of distress.” (As opposed to quiet weeping; it’s “cry” as in the sound, not the tears.)

Also it’s kinds awkward but the verb midarete(紊れて) is the conjunctive form of the verb “to disturb” but I don’t know how to say that in English without throwing a lot of extra words into it, and I didn’t want to imply that there were more words and their implicit meaning involved.

And then...  

天風紊れて, 天���嗤う: “Heaven-Wind in disarray, Tenma* laughs/sneers/ridicules”

I feel like “Heavenly Wind” here is supposed to refer to something more specific than just the two words mashed together, but I can’t really find anything that clarifies this for me...  But my first assumption is that like kamikaze(神風) “Divine Wind” it’s meant to describe a favorable wind, sent to protect or relieve someone in need; hence it being “spoiled,” “thrown about,” or “dispersed” being a bad thing, in the same tone as the Flower-Wind phrase above.  It’s the same verb, but i feel like “disarray” of something like “a wind” doesn’t visualize clearly.

And the specific term Kamikaze went from a general term to a specific title to refer to the two notable historic typhoons that coincidentally sank invading Mongolian fleets in the 13th century.  For their immense power and convenient timing they were attributed to acts of the divine defending Japan.  In turn it’s why the Japanese kamikaze pilots of WWII were so named.

*Tenma is the Japanese name of the Hindu Mara, of Buddhist mythos.  He is a kind of temptor figure presiding over both lust and desire as well as hesitation and fear such that they interfere with a buddhist's ability to meditate, focus, and adhere to their virtues.  In particular he's responsible for having tempted Siddharta Gautama Buddha with beautiful women. (in some iterations said to be the deva's own daughters.)

Yes, it’s the same Mara as the SMT franchise, but the giant penis monster Mara isn’t based on any real mythology, it’s actually a pun on the Japanese Mara(摩羅), written as “chafe/rub/polish/grind (against) thin-silk,” and used as a term meaning “obstacle to Buddhist practice” in accordance with the actual Hindu Mara’s role in mythology.  I’ll be honest though, I don’t know if the construction is supposed to reference masturbation or dry humping.  Maybe both?

So, trying to work all this into something a little more readable in English, what I think the overall vibe of this is, is...

“The-Beauty-of-Nature is being thrown into disarray, and the Flower-spirits wail;  Saving-Graces aren’t going to arrive, and ‘The Devil’ laughs(mockingly).”

The theme here is that the beauty of nature suffers, a heavenly blessing is interrupted, and a demonic figure laughs at it: There’s nothing to sing about, there’s no relief, the tempter wins.  It’s actually a little weird because thematically it feels very much the opposite of what his shikai actually does.  I feel like he wanted Shunsui using his shikai to be that moment of serious-ing up, but by the time he came back around to actually using it, he wanted to keep Shunsui’s powers more in line with his personality and save the change of mood for his big bankai reveal instead.  but we’ll get to that in a bit...

For context, Kyouraku Shunsui’s own name reading as “Capital(City) Music, Flower Water” points to his lazy personality: he’s a big city type who’s all about lounging and luxury and sweet indulgences.  So, his sword release by contrast is those declaration that playtime is over, Kyoraku is done being lazy.

Broadly speaking I never really liked Masashi Kudou’s anime-original designs for most of Bleach’s filler arcs, other than just not really aesthetically fitting with Kubo’s design sensibilities(all Kudou’s designs look like bad cosplay with big swatched of empty solid space, flat colors, no color balance, and no implicit weight or texture) they don’t really gel with most of their names and themes, but Katen Kyoukotsu in particular got kind of tragically reduced to a generic waifu design.  I honestly really hate that Kubo went and ran with that design for Shunsui’s bankai.

And speaking of bankai...

Karamatsu Shinjuu(枯松心中)

is tacked onto the end of the same name as the shikai to make the new bankai name.  Kara(枯) and matsu(松) just read as “Withered/Withering PineTree.”  Fun fact: when chapter 647 first ran in Weekly JUMP, the title was Kuromatsu(黒松) which is the specific species of “Japanese Black Pine,” Pinus thunbergii, which is the specific iconic tree used in Noh theatre.

And Shinjuu(心中) is written as “heart”/”mind” and “inside,” meaning “inner thoughts/feelings” but in the context of the bankai’s theatre theme refers to a “double suicide”/“lover’s suicide.“  It’s a theme in classical Japanese theatre and literature (but notably in Japanese puppet theatre) that when lovers, or sometimes parents and children are unable to live together due to social restrictions, they will tragically but nobly opt to die together with the expectation that they will be reunited either in the afterlife or in the next life via reincarnation.

I like the idea behind his powers and the progression of forcing people to play by the rules of children’s games, to forcing people to play by the “rules” of theatre plots.  But I was surprised his bankai didn’t come with the drawback of forcing himself to abide the same limitations: they both get sick together, they both drown together, they both hang themselves, etc...  The initial scene’s power walked right into this, but then the effect disappeared with the subsequent scenes...

All in all there’s just a lot going on in these names despite how little most of it ever really got addressed or elaborated on in the series.  Like a lot of stuff that got sort of awkwardly shoehorned into the final arc it feels like it wasn’t really played out to its fullest potential, but it’s still a super cool assortment of themes and motifs to think about.

[fantranslatorbychoice]

Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi Volume 6 Chapter 4 - Secret Girls' Night-out

T/N: Hi y’all, it’s me again, it took a bit longer because I did my best to beta-as much as I could, but if it’s still wonky, I apologize, it's not like I get paid to do it lol also it's rather challenging when I had to convert my brain waves from Japanese to English to my native language and however those combinations work just to spew all of these out in sufficiently passable English. So I hope you all don't mind stuff like typos or inconsistencies with the tenses srsly even the original text has that and I just literally gave up evening out the tenses, like really apparently it's no biggie to have an entire paragraph in Japanese that both has past and present tenses (they mostly don't have future tenses) but if that happened in English some would just nitpick that shit out. I mean, yeah, for sure when I do editing and get paid for it I would, but if I'm just reading fanfics from writers who don't have English as their native language I just don't give a hoot, as long as the story's good, to heck with grammar, spelling and syntax. Srsly some non-native EN speakers get turned-off or even scared when nitpickers hit on their imperfect spellings or grammar or dictions, srsly honestly just give them a break, they worked hard to learn another language. I felt this even more so when I started learning Nihongo, like srsly as long as a person gets to say what they want to say even if it's not perfect in anyway, then that's more than enough for me.  srsly I am forgiving like that. Also this chapter has more notes than usual, especially regarding Nihongo and stuff, so if you don't like it you can always move along lololol Also I gave up, I'm keeping the titles and roles in Japanese i.e. Odanna-sama, Wakadanna-sama, Bantou-san, etc. I'll just stick in more notes instead lol

Also if you like this translation, you can heart it, share the link, reblog, I just respectfully ask that DO NOT REPOST ELSEWHERE. This is my contribution to the scant English content of this fandom, and I worked really hard to finish this thing, it’s not like I just copy-pasted everything. I even had to build the kanji in Jisho one by one. Try it and you’ll see what I mean.You can rave about this, rant about this, but if possible please link back to this page. If you’re unsure how to do that, just copy the web address of this page. If you’re on a blogsite just insert the web address as a hyperlink as a link back to here. Honestly if this light novel was officially-published in English, I wouldn’t even be doing this right now... And if it did, I’d take this offline to support the publishers and Yuuma-sensei. Creators support creators, is what I believe in. As previously-mentioned in earlier chapters, if you stumbled upon this one, the two seasons of the anime covered volumes 1-5, so other than the extra details, you didn’t miss much stuff. OK, with all of that out of the way, here's Chapter 4 now. P116 "Th... These are... The Southern Lands' cultured Japanese amberjack**... A bundle of Kiseki beef.. And there are so many other local products from the Southern Lands too. Ah, there's even the coconut oil that I always wanted!" So many extravagant ingredients have been hauled into Yugao, and I was flabbergasted by them all. There were also so many cans of various contents as well as dried fish and other products stuffed inside. Canned tuna and other canned stuff were considered as high-end products in Kakuriyo, and I am very grateful. Ginji-san and the Daruma gang from the kitchens delivered a box packed with so many ingredients to Yugao, and we had no idea why. "Well, the Dog said that these are their repayment to our kindness. It's because a while ago, Ranmaru came to Tenjin-ya." "Really, Ranmaru from Orio-ya?" "Hatori-san also came too, with him." In some way, Ginji-san's mood was good. For a while now, his nine fluffy tails were wagging from left to right. "It's from our head accountant Byakuya-san, Aoi-san's rewards for your achievement, and for Tenjin-ya's cooperative business venture and all sorts of other demands that were deemed justifiable, and because they wanted to give other things as a way of expressing their gratitude, they brought in many other souvenirs and products as well. They also exchanged with us various other information." T/N: This is related to tuna fish, but don't ask me how they cultured it. Probably in the open sea, like in sea cages. Yes, that's a thing, and yeah I was also in the fishing industry at some point in time, if you're wondering. Also if you're wondering why I rarely use "you" in the dialogues of the translations, it's because in polite Japanese conversations, instead of saying ANATA or OMAE= you, one's name is mentioned instead. In the original text, when people are talking to each other, rather than say "you" they say the other person's name or occupation + san instead i.e. bengoshi-san= lawyer san, Ginji-san, or if it's a username because they don't like using their true names- USERNAME-san. Because using "you" in any way, shape or form in conversations is deemed rude AF. So the next time you chat with Japanese people, please remember to address them by their name, or occupation, unless you've established rapport with them. I forgot to put this explanation in my earlier posts, but it's one of the most important stuff I learned in my Japanese classes, the Japanese folk won't care so much on grammar but more on being polite and taking care of remembering social status stratification aka just be polite by using polite terms. I actually experienced this first hand after chatting with some of them, they just told me not to use Google translate and just chat with them with whatever I know. They're very grateful when people could talk to them in their native tongue, especially when the honorifics are used. This note's long AF but I did say that I'm gonna drag you all with me in this whole learning Nihongo thing, and I'm doing just that. P117 "That friendly Ranmaru did that? Doesn't he hate Tenjin-ya?" "Hee hee. Well, don't take this too seriously, OK?" Even though saying it that way, I imagined that Ranmaru's horrible words and demeanour were probably due to his circumstances. Orio-ya sees Tenjin-ya as its rival, it's hard to imagine them having an image of humbly bringing over souvenirs. And the business dealings, I wonder what those are...? "Oh that, Ranmaru saw that you had a strong sense of duty. He wanted to particularly express his gratitude to Aoi-san." And thereupon, these ingredients from the Southern Lands. Stuff I rarely get hold of, especially something like that one round amberjack, and I unconsciously grinned. "Even so, if the circumstances allowed, he would have stopped by and said it himself** ..." "It was before Aoi-san's business hours, and Ranmaru is also busy it seems, so he had to go back immediately. Even I wanted to take our time since I thought it was fine, but it can't be helped... Because Ranmaru is the Southern Lands' Hachiyo." "Ha ha. Then what happens next is that if it's possible, Ginji-san will go to Orio-ya, won't he? Nothing's stopping you two from visiting each other now?" "Aoi-san...." Up until recently, Ginji-san and Ranmaru's long sibling feud previously ended sometime ago, and the long-standing so-called inn rivalry and clash between Orio-ya and Tenjin-ya has been cut. T/N: aisatsu=挨拶=greeting, introducing one's self, improving relations by dropping by every now and then, can also mean like popping up to say hi or whatnot. I don't know how to directly translate it since aisatsu has more of a sense of how a supervisor pops up in the work place or a teacher suddenly appears in a class just to check, it's not as informal as a neighbor dropping by the house just to have idle chitchat. Hweh. P118 But after the ceremony, the changed relationship between the two has been noticeable. "Oh, that, I see. Someday soon, I will take a break and go visit him too." "Yeah, I agree, that's great. Oh, I wonder if everyone's doing well... Hatori-san and Tokihiko-san, Hideyoshi and Nene, the cute twin chefs.. And Nobunaga." "It seems that everyone's doing fine. The twins Kai-san and Mei-san, Orio-ya profoundly realized that they're really suited to be chefs, and everyone seems to cheer them on, Hatori-san was still the same as ever, but sometimes he returns to Shumonzan. He says that he bickers with Matsuba-sama as always, but one way or another they've become in good terms with each other." Ginji-san asked Ranmaru, and he told things about Orio-ya's management staff. I see, everyone in each of their own way have been doing their best to move on forward. "Oh, and somehow Hideyoshi-san and Nene-san seems to have been engaged." "Whaaat? Why that fast?" Wait a minute. Hideyoshi knew that Nene-chan has decided, that she likes Ranmaru, wasn't it? But that's what Hideyoshi said... My astonished face must have looked funny, and Ginji-san turned away his face and giggled. "It's surely shocking, isn't it? Why, it's amazing, Hideyoshi was especially honest and manly. P119 I simply cannot..." Ginji-san let out a tiny laugh again. What is it about his old haunting grounds, being delighted at the many changes in Orio-ya? At any rate, I was surprised with Hideyoshi and Nene's engagement. Firstly, congratulations Hideyoshi. You thought that your unrequited love has been going on for so long, it was outside your thoughts early on, but now your love bore its fruit. I'm glad, as I'm rooting for you on from the sides. What the heck, behind my back, how did they get involved in that, that was surprisingly an unusual story, if I meet Nene this time I need to get information from her. "But the when the trustworthy Waka-danna** and Waka-Okami** get married, Orio-ya will surely become peaceful, and Ranmaru will also be pleased. Certainly after the marriage, their organization will grow even stronger. He'll get exhausted if it's just Ranmaru holding everything together." "Isn't Tenjin-ya also reasonably solid?" "I guess, although the position for Waka-Okami easily changes. Originally the person in that position is supposed to only resign once, but right now Kikuno-san has temporarily retired as the Young Mistress and supposed to come back. However, there have been circumstances in her family, and she immediately relinquished her seat as the Waka-Okami." "Ehh, like that?" After showing my disbelief, Ginji-san sadly nodded.

T/N: Waka-danna=young master, Waka-Okami=young mistress P120 "If it comes to that, when a new Waka-Okami doesn't hold the position for very long, we can say that there's a gifted person in Tenjin-ya, and it's only a little issue.** Likewise, during that matter with Orio-ya, we in the management staff really wanted the former Waka-Okami O-ryo san to come back and give it another go. Her abilities are very outstanding." "Even I too... I was shocked to see O-ryo completely doing her job well. Even Nene, one way or another admires her so much." "Yes, I agree. But, oh well... O-ryo-san returning to her former position, it's already a huge chance and a necessity. Right now she's drifting away from supporting her fellow waiters and waitresses, well, O-ryo-san must be intending to. To me, she seems to be enjoying having lesser responsibilities and more carefree in her current position." "Well, that's for sure..." Based on how Ginji-san talked about it, lately it seems that O-ryo has no obsession on the position of Waka-Okami. A little bit until recently, she seems, to have returned the bearing of her Waka-Okami decorum, but lately she's wholly just wanting to eat and eat, when she finally gets some free time she goes to Yugao, and lately has been persisting on going out hunting for marriage partners. However, I could say with confidence that she seems to be taking advantage of being relieved of her position as a Waka-Okami , and surely Tenjin-ya will realize that they need O-ryo's abilities. O-ryo's strength, is diligently doing her duties in that position. "Anyway, Aoi-san. I was preparing and building up the Autumn Festival here in Tenjin-ya at the end of this month, and I was thinking of using pumpkins, is it possible for Yugao to make Autumn foods and sweets for us?" T/N: Honestly double-triple negatives are a pain in the ass, srsly it's like inception to the nth power, I had trouble deciphering this line and almost this entire page in the original text so if it doesn't make sense, meh, I did my best within my current abilities. P121 "Pumpkin? Of course. It's gonna be fun, like Halloween." "Oh, right! There's a foreign festival called Halloween in Utsushiyo, but I thought it's impossible to recreate that here in in Kakuriyo, though I could imagine it to be made into a Pumpkin Festival." "Oh, not at all, we can make that same Halloween theme here because Tenjin-ya is mostly full of Ayakashi." A Japanese Halloween that doesn't use costumes... "But certainly, this year's pumpkins are delicious, so Pumpkin Festival sounds good, doesn't it? It's also a great idea to give out candies to our young guests." "We can probably decorate with paper lanterns and pumpkins too. We can place ogre-fire inside, and make them float all around Tenjin-ya." "Wow! That's very much like Utsushiyo's Halloween!" Why, the Autumn Festival goes well with the Pumpkin Event and our imaginations ran wild. "Also, Aoi-san. Pumpkins are not Odanna-sama's favorite." "..." Abruptly, the topic on Odanna-sama popped up, and I stiffened a bit. Some days ago, we came back from the orchard park date. I remembered being hugged in the airship's deck...** "How are you feeling, Aoi-san? Why is your face all red?" T/N: **insert lenny face here** You can't stop me wahahaha P122 "Hm? Oh, it's nothing, this is nothing. Odanna-sama not liking pumpkins, I wonder if I somehow  asked that before..." "Oh, right. I saw that Odanna-sama often puts a lot of his boiled pumpkins in Byakuya-san's small bowl." "...really, isn't Odanna-sama unbelievable?" "Yes, he is. I don't know when Byakuya-san patience will end, but I want Odanna-sama to overcome his distaste for pumpkins." "You're right. His pickiness for food would not end... In this event I will feed Odanna-sama with the pumpkin cuisines I wanted him to try..." I haven't yet known what Odanna-sama likes, but I know what food he doesn't like. It wasn't at all regretable to make fun of Odanna-sama, but this time I got surprised. "Aoi-sama-- Manjuu-steaming has been finished!" Ai-chan's face suddenly popped out of the kitchen. She seemed to have established her affairs in Hyakumeyama, and she has changed her appearance to that which she made herself. Her time before returning to the pendant is still short, but she's working hard right now as a newly-hired employee. "You were steaming manjuu**? I thought I was smelling something good." "Yeah. Just a while ago Dr. Saraku was asked by Tenjin-ya to do some manufacturing trials for a new souvenir product.** T/N:  Steamed bread with bean jam filling. They’re really good, try them when you can!

when I write souvenir product, it's translated from omiyage=お土産= something that you take home for your friends or family when you go have fun somewhere like a national park or a museum or amusement park. Like when you buy takeaways -  T-shirts, food, keychains, etc. and bring them home or something. Is there an English equivalent for this? Because I don't know. In my native language we have an equivalent, well, for most Asian languages I guess. Don't know about others though.. Hm.... korewa....*inhales* O_O

P123 "We're still only in the middle of improving it, but once we're done we want Ginji-san to be the very first to try them out." "Wah, that sounds fun. When Byakuya-san saw the special products from Orio-ya, he also also saw the need for Tenjin-ya to make new specialties and other famous products, and he's going to be considerably sensitive about it." "Uhm.... But we have no confidence to meet that expectation..." If we couldn't get to sell all of the products that we made, what will we do if Tenjin-ya gets struck greatly by that? What will we do if Tenjin-ya's status and popularity crashes down? With regards to that, we had to think very hard. For Yugao as a small establishment it is a challenge, and the pressure feels a bit different. "It's alright. With regards to hit products, through time and through fads, luck always has a greater control. To me, the only thing needed by Dr. Saraku are failures no matter how many times, in his division. That is why it is important to fail when tackling new challenges." ".. Ginji-san..." "Because I think, we become stronger, don't we?" Ginji-san's relieving smile is so bright, even today it's promising. Having his support, for today as well, I will work harder for Yugao's business operations. P124 The next day, around noon. Tomorrow Tenjin-ya will be closed for a break. Since today Tenjin-ya's business operations will end and all shall check out at the same time, everyone's waiting to be free of work. Today, Yugao also has no business transactions, so tonight I was making up my mind to call all of the ladies to make hotpot. I was thinking of calling out all about to all the members who could attend, I only need to walk to the inner garden. "Oh, it's Kasuga." I noticed Kasuga first. On the other side of the log bridge, she was under the ginko tree. I was about to call out "Hey Kasuga--" but she seems to be talking to someone and I stopped. Behind the base of the ginko tree whose yellow leaves were slightly changing color, what the... Kasuga is usually cheerful but her face now weirdly has this blank expression. "Isn't that..." Beside her, it was Chiaki-san, the doorman in charge of the footwear. A Bake-Tanuki like Kasuga. Normally he doesn't get involved with her much deeply, but this time their dialogues seem to be at a crossroads. I thought that the young man was humble and modest, somehow trying his best to look cool, but somehow he is speaking to Kasuga with a harsh expression, the atmosphere doesn't seem good in there, the impression is very different from the usual funny and light. What is up with those two. These two were different from how I knew them. "Oh, Aoi-chan." P125 From far away, Kasuga noticed me, her Tanuki ears popped up, and rushed towards me. "Aoi-chan, are you going to the main building?" "Ehhhrm, yeah. That was weird, seeing the two of you." "You think so? Chiaki is my relative you know. We were just talking." "Oh, I see..." I don't understand but, I wonder what's normal for those two. "Speaking of, Kasuga, tonight, uhm, won't you come to Yugao after work?" "To Yugao? To make me eat food?" "Yeah. I was thinking of actually holding a ladies-only hotpot banquet. I'll set up the kotatsu, and there's also mountain apple liquor. Let's have a girls' night-out once in a while." "Girls night-out..." Kasuga said "That sounds so much fun" with a wicked Tanuki face. I wonder if she's recalling amusing stories she got out of everyone. "I was thinking of calling O-ryo and Shizuna-chan too. I'm going out to meet them now." "If you say so, I'll go tell them. I'm roommates with Shizuna-chan, and I'm assigned to the banquet hall with O-ryo sama." P126 "Oh, is it OK to ask? Sorry about that." "It's fine, it's like the usual running of errands." Smiling like a beast, Kasuga nimbly dashed away. Under the deep autumn air that feels cold, her fluffy Tanuki tail swings left to right. "..." Looking back at the ginko tree, Chiaki-san the chief doorman wasn't there anymore. I wonder what the two talked about. He seemed to have casually listened to the girls night-out plan. The strong mountain apple liquor, lend me your strength... "Aoi-dono" "Wah, Sasuke-kun!" Without warning, Sasuke-kun the O-niwaban fell down beside me. He has a long scarf hanging down his neck, ninja-style from sunrise to sunset. Normally, during the day he usually wears a monk's robe as he sweeps the garden. "What's up? Something happened during work?" "I am patrolling around. Lately, there has been some disturbances." "Well, tomorrow the inn will have its break, it must be difficult. Are you hungry?" "Ah, my stomach is..." P127 Grrrrrmmmmm. Sasuke-kun's hungry stomach made some noise. "My stomach is probably hungry..." "Hee hee. When your duties are done, while on break come to Yugao. We received a lot from Orio-ya, blessings from the sea. The Southern Lands were also grateful to Sasuke-kun, would you want anything?" "Is that true?" Sasuke-kun always had a cool expression, but when it comes to food his eyes sparkle with joy, like  a child's. Realizing that he's let out his enthusiasm, he cleared his throat and hid his mouth with the scarf while saying "Well then, until later," and he disappeared into the wind. Sasuke-kun is just as always very earnest, it's adorable. "Nevertheless, some disturbance..." I heard about that by accident, recently. The disturbance, it's shady, things don't look good, among other things. I was working and doing my best in Yugao, and whatever lurks up in my surroundings I don't notice anything at all. But, at the moment I don't know about  the things that have started happening, and I got more anxious and worried. P128 Today is a secret girls; night-out, no guys allowed. It's going to happen after Yugao's working hours, a hotpot party will be opened for the ladies of Tenjin-ya. Today it's not at Yugao, the venue will be at my room at the back, and I will bring out the kotatsu. Tonight's dinner will be amberjack shabu-shabu. We'll make a light konbu/kelp dashi amberjack shabu-shabu from the many seafoods from Orio-ya. "We'll use the top shelf kelp to make the konbu dashi for the seafoods of the Southern Lands. It's a hotpot filled with crunchy mustard greens and thinly-sliced daikon, Welsh onions and enoki mushrooms, I'm going to fill it with amberjack as much as I want." "OK--- Let's eat!" Despite it being after work, the ladies' eyes will get fired up. I wonder if that's the case when they get hungry after working hours. I immediately placed in the fatty slices of amberjack in the hotpot's boiled  konbu dashi, and let it cook. I will add in here some ponzu for that single tingly flavor.** "Ahhh, what is this luxury. It's been a while since I had amberjack shabu-shabu..." "O-ryo sama, eat the vegetables too. Adding the thinly-sliced daikon makes this a shabu-shabu." "Alright, I get it..." O-ryo just ate only the amberjack, and Kasuga sneakily added in the vegetables. She also placed some of the boiled enoki, and placed a lot of the dashi along with the fish slices, placing all of these together she took a bite. T/N: Sour-tasting soups are best with fatty meats and fish, so I'd get that Aoi would do this to cut the fat and make the shabu-shabu taste even better and also to cut the fat and greasy feels. P129 The two closed their eyes in contentment. Certainly, when the raw amberjack was cooked over a flame, the entire flavor of the fish changes. Instantly the soft slices of amberjack became tough, and over that ponzu was added,  this was entirely different when eaten as sashimi or with pickles, it can be an enjoyable, extravagant yet healthy food. Well, not really, it's just the season to eat hotpot deliciously. "Speaking of, what time is Shizuna-chan coming?" "The bath hours haven't ended yet, I think she'll come over after fixing and cleaning up the bath houses. She's the only one from the management staff, and she has to stay in her working area up until the end of business hours." "Oh, yeah. I see. Shizuna-chan is part of the management staff." I lightly glanced at O-ryo. O-ryo was a former management staff member, but she seems to be unaffected by my words. It seems that the person in question enjoys whatever working position she's in right now, and is drinking carbonated water as well as the mountain apple liquors equally. Somewhat it's like being that annoying single office-lady... "Perhaps I should say it- did you know? Orio-ya's Nene is married to their Waka-danna?" "No, aren't they just engaged? It seems like that for the time being, before getting married?" P130 Uhm, Kasuga and I looked at each other. But O-ryo wasn't listening. "Hmmph. That young girl, she'll be suffering so much marrying so young. That Waka-danna called Hideyoshi, that tiny squirt, he'll noisily scold her." "You think so? I've seen that Hideyoshi, he seems good enough. Well, he is pretty noisy. But he seems to like Nene very much, I think it's wonderful that he got his feelings through." I feel like an aunty who's earnestly chatting away about her relatives. If I could talk about it better, those two make a cute, tiny couple. "Gah! Enough chatting about a guy's love for some girl! I am not interested in the happiness of other people!" With a thud, O-ryo slapped her empty wine glass on the kotatsu. "Ahhhh, O-ryo sama don't start complaing about envying other people..." As always, Kasuga started telling her off with her "good grief!" pose. "I'm sorry I'm late--" A breath of fresh air, Shizuna-chan has joined the party.** Shizuna-chan takes care of the bath houses and bears the task of keeping them in order, and is Tenjin-ya's sole management staff for that purpose. "Shizuna, you're late! The battle has already started!" T/N: well the transliteration of the original text was "Shizuna-chan has arrived in the battlefield", but I think this has the same feel, from RPGs honestly IDK anymore lol anyways IMO food parties are always a battlefield so wth it's the same gahaha P131 "Ah, yes--? I'm sorry, ehhh, a battle?" After that, even if O-ryo was just a waitress who glared at her instantly, Shizuna-chan humbly apologized. It seemed that she had no idea what O-ryo meant with her words of choice. Shizuna-chan brought a box for us, filled with so many delicious sweets.This seemed delicious to eat as dessert. "Shizuna-chan, come sit beside me. Say, do you like amberjack shabu-shabu?" Shizuna-chan rarely visits here. I did my best to take care of whatever she needs. "Well, it has been a while since I had some amberjack shabu-shabu, how nostalgic..." "Oh, right. When you were young, you were a staff at Orio-ya. During that time, did you ate a lot?" "Yes, it was my favorite. Shishou-sama** made a lot of it for me..." Talking while bashfully fidgeting, Shizuna-chan started to eat with a lot of etiquette. Suddenly, O-ryo started looking at Shizuna-chan like a sister-in-law. "I say, uhm, Shizuna? There's someone in Orio-ya like you, who's also nice and has good vibes?" "Yes? A person with good vibes?" "Hey, weren't you explicitly pursued here in Tenjin-ya? Who was it.... That guy who looks withered up, called Tokihiko. You like someone who looks bitter and glum, don't you? It's illogical and unadult-like. Don't think that somehow you're under the shadow of that guy.. *hic*" T/N: I don't know how to call the main artist or the one who takes in a lot of disciples or students or apprentices so this is the next best thing, I guess? I mean, it’s directly translated as Master=師匠-Shishou, but it can mean other stuff, not just like sensei though. P132 "Oh, uhm.. that.. Shishou-sama.... he is uhm..." Shizuna-chan's face started blushing, like she had some beer or whatnot. Once that conversation was started, she immediately got perplexed. "Wait a minute, O-ryo! Shizuna-chan just started eating, don't ask her such direct questions, her throat might block off the shabu-shabu." "You're loud Aoi! Shut up, what's more important than looks are the uses**, you crazed-cook!" "What the.." Whom on earth did she think this hotpot party was prepared for? When O-ryo drinks liquor, she always blurts out unapologetic things. "Haaahhh... Aoi may be crazy about cooking, but in the end, eventually she'll get married to Odanna-sama... He'll pick up an excessively-expensive palanquin for you, you won't understand how miserable I am..." "What the heck are you saying... I'm doing my best to avoid being his fiancee." "But Aoi-chan, didn't you and Odanna-sama went out, and you were away for more than a night?" "Hold up, Kasuga, it's a weird, story, it can't be helped. We were captured by the mountain's Kaku-zaru." "Ah, but.. Odanna-sama pulled you out of a pinch, didn't that made you have a change of heart? Or some progress?"

T/N: hanayoridango=function before looks, like buying food first before buying flowers, yeah that’s the literal meaning of the phrase. P133 "...what?" A while ago Shizuna-chan got asked the same kind of questions. Suddenly, the  three girls gazed at me. What the, what's up with their eyes, those three? They look like hyenas having an eye on their prey. "I.. I didn't mean it that way! Uhmm... Odanna-sama just.. gives his all as he saves me..." Speaking of progress, what on earth is progressing right now? My first-hand experiences weren't much, and even using those as my basis, I still don't understand. In the end, somehow despite never having an idea on what occurred, the warmth I felt when I was hugged just abruptly pops back again into my mind, and ultimately my face remains blushing, as I chattered and gritted my teeth in silence. I really don't understand this, I wonder... what is this feeling? "What the heck is that..?" "Yeah, what gives? It's weird, Aoi-chan's face is so red, why is that?" I could hear Kasuga and Shizuna-chan somewhat breaking the silence with their hushed conversations. "OK--- that's enough talking about sweethearts and whatnot--  That's every last one of them--" "Yeah, I heard you, I heard you!" O-ryo had enough of the topic already, and she rolled down into the kotatsu with an angry and dead-drunk expression. She probably got one-punched...** T/N: Yeah I feel you O-ryo, when everyone has some special someone and you're the lonely third wheel I mean, I can't blame you girl, I really can't. It's worse than getting one-punched by Saitama, but... Still lol tho sry my bad P134 "O-ryo sama, with that middle-aged man attitude such as yours, you'll miss your chances of getting married." "Kasuga? With the romance that a little girl-chama like you would know, wouldn't have an idea on what love is like, there's no such thing as an immediate fated encounter. Really esteemed women like me, wouldn't have to rush in choosing.There's no leeway for mistakes--" "Yeah, yeah. But regarding myself, I have a first love..." "What, that story about when you were young? Yeah, yeah, sure, that story that smells of inexperience is good enough. Kasuga, go pour me some more.." "Y-yes... Good grief..." The esteemed woman bully lied down again. And as the junior poured more liquor for her, she drank heartily, again. "But Kasuga, speaking of that, during the day, I saw you being with the Gesokuban** Chiaki-san. What on earth were you two chatting about?" "....uhm..." I suddenly remembered it, and without thinking I asked. Kasuga's facial expression slightly changed. "Reallyyyyy?! What the, Kasuga is with that Chiaki?!" Hearing that topic, O-ryo suddenly bolted upright. She kicked her legs inside the kotatsu, and Shizuna-chan let out a tiny, pained "ouch". "What is it, O-ryo?" "Chiaki may look sloppy and gaudy, but so many waitresses are eyeing on him. Not only does his face look good,

T/N: Gesokuban=下足番= doorman in charge of the footwear, normally in Japanese inns or hotels the footwear are kept outside the halls to prevent dirt from coming in. I think elsewhere in the world this is a practice, there’s a thing called indoor and outdoor slippers or shoes. P135 but being a Gesokuban, he's pretty much a member of the management staff. If he gets married, it's easy to dominate him. That's what I understand from hearing other people. Kasuga, he's also your type?" "...what are you talking about, O-ryo sama? Chiaki is my Uncle. Simply put, my father's younger brother.**" "Whaaa... Really?" Everyone got shocked. Everyone in here seemed to be unaware of that fact. Kasuga went "Uh-oh". Her face spelled out "I shouldn't have said that." "It's probably due to this liquor.. I may have said too much..." Kasuga was scratching an itch on her temple. Taking the opportunity, Shizuna-chan suddenly seemed to have remembered something. "Speaking of that... Kasuga is taking a long vacation to go back to her parents' home, and at the same time, Chiaki-san probably won't we working too, isn't it? Could it possibly be that, he's going home with you?" Somehow, a lot of suspicions and doubts started rising up, and Kasuga started clamoring and wailing. "Geez... stop it already! What I told you is already enough! More importantly, hotpot! Look, the mustard greens and onions, and the tofu had all boiled down.The umami of the vegetables and the amberjack have already dissolved into this precious konbu dashi, and it's considerably better now. Aoi-chan, how are we going to divide this?" With dexterity, Kasuga started distributing the contents of the hotpot into smaller bowls, but I was still determined to press information out of her. This girl is pushily taking charge over the hotpot... T/N: I don't know about you guys, but in some families due to the age gaps between the siblings, some of the nieces and nephews ar more closer in age to their aunts and uncles than the aunts and uncles have to the children's parents. I was actually raised by an elder cousin, and her eldest brother was around the age of my father, so yeah, I could understand how this whole thing with Kasuga goes. P136 "Ok, with this, it's definitely udon!" "Udon!" "Yeah let's do that" Shizuna-chan gratefully put her hands together, and O-ryo's sparkling eyes were on standby. Immediately, the udon balls were brought in, and these were dunked into the deliciously-filled dashi stock. After boiling it down, we only had to wait for the noodles to absorb the flavors. "By the way, you all, what do you think of the single guys in Tenjin-ya?" "Yes?" "Do you have anything funny about them to talk about?" While O-ryo poured some newly-opened liquor, she drunkenly pushed the question at me. This woman, sets herself aside and starts gossiping about Tenjin-ya's male army. "First of, let's start with Akatsuki. That guy's the youngest male in the management staff, he may have a promising future, surely being young his composure isn't yet enough, I think. Well, in desperate times I could say that he's adorable, but he's the type that holds grudges, and it's not a good thing that he easily snaps out. For certain, I think he doesn't have a girl." "It seems that O-ryo sama has a problem with the Bantou** -sama snapping out at her words and deeds, don't you?" "Shut up Kasuga--" "Owwwww" T/N:Bantou=番頭=head clerk, or the head receptionist

P137 O-ryo pulled out Kasuga's cheeks. Kasuga's cheeks stretched out so much. "Akatsuki-san's face is a bit scary, but he is a hard-working employee, in my opinion. But, well... I'm not interested in someone younger than me..." "That's right Shizuna, you have an older guy fetish don't you?" "Yeah, the guy has been living for 500 years now, yes..." Shizuna-chan just casually blurted out that she wasn't interested in Akatsuki. She's probably a bit drunk. She's drinking the mountain apple liquor on the rocks... "Akatsuki, you say... When I met him he shouted like he was going to kill me, that guy gave me the impression that he was the worst but... Now I think he's a really good chap. One way or another way though, he's not someone who likes taking care of others. I remember her younger sister.." That child** comes here to Yugao, his eyes may look evil but he's a caring person. Surely, I think that he's concerned about troubling his younger sister Suzuran and grandpa, among others. "Oh, and by the way..." At this point, Kasuga secretly pulled out a notebook and started telling us the stuff that she wrote. What the... What the heck, that is scary. "According to my research, the Bantou-sama doesn't have a woman's touch on him. He's aloof, and he easily and earnestly gets resentful. It also seems that despite the lady waitresses asking him out to have fun, he always doesn't go with them." "As expected..." T/N: the term Yuuma-sensei used for Akatsuki is mame=マメ=bean, but can also mean a child, a little person, etc. Honestly it's not wrong, Akatsuki is an actual precious bean IMO lol protect that spider bean lelz P138 "But that guy, a little girl once invited him to play with her..." Surprisingly, I thought this was a bit rude. Most likely, Akatsuki is sneezing a lot right now. "Wah, udon, udon--" Finally, the udon has been boiled enough. Everyone started putting udon on their bowls. "Gahh... This is it. The udon to finish the hotpot."** "Cooking this in the dashi makes it yummier, doesn't it?" The udon has surely absorbed the umami and the fatty flavors of the amberjack. I added the refreshing taste of the Sudachi Ponzu in mine. This went smoothly down the throat, and this perfectly wraps up the the meal. No, I mean, this is a work of art. "Hey Aoi, you only drank one glass of the liquor? You go drink some more..." "Sorry but, I dont drink more than a cup. Previously, drinking made my eyes hurt when I look at things." A cup of that liquor tastes great. But I dread getting drunk if I drink more than my limit. But everyone was just drinking heartily, so I guess it's fine. The mountain apple liquor also has another nickname, it's called "Easy Bandit-Killer". "Well then, next is the Waka-danna sama's turn" O-ryo continued the conversation where we previously left off. "Waaat? Even Ginji-san?! But.. Isn't Ginji-san perfect? No, a perfect Youkai? I couldn't find any fault with him." T/N: Just in case you're wondering how this works, it's rather easy.. After eating all of the ingredients in the Japanese hotpot, like taking out the veggies and meat, there's a lot of soup left. It's easier to just drink the soup but in Japan, they add stuff to help it go down easy. Choices are either noodles or rice, and the young ones love putting the noodles in. It actually tastes good either way, but I prefer noodles. I think in Persona 5 they also had this same dilemma lol Also yeah Ginji is just the ball, perfect ball of fur lol but he also has this shadowy and mysterious side so if you want a dude of mystery, Ginji's your man gahahaha P139 "Eh. You don't understand, Aoi. Seeing no faults or imperfections is that person's shortcoming-" An adultish smile floating up her face, O-ryo started spinning her glass around. "Waka-danna sama is, well, fanstastic. When you look at him he's handsome, he is well-mannered, and is skillful at his job." "Yeah I get that. He's very sweet, and he always lends a hand... But for sure, Ginji-san seems to have no interests in romantic relationships..." Even I haven't unraveled the reasons to why Ginji-san is still single. But I'm not surprised that he's well-liked. "Oh, well, based on what O-ryo-san was saying, Ginji-sama has no chink in his armor, doesn't he? When a little girl couldn't get any confidence from everyone and has to hold it together by herself, when that perfect Ginji-sama sees that person, his voice would probably not break so easily." "The Waka-danna sama isn't a greedy type, but look, what Aoi-chan is saying is that the Waka-danna seems to have no hobbies or interests. Aoi-chan doesn't understand how, but among the employees he seems to be the type that only admires one person. In that case, his attraction for this one girl could unfortunately end. And she won't be pursued relentlessly." Oh, I get it... Shizuna-chan and Kasuga pointed this out, and I could understand it better. "But after that thing with Orio-ya, somehow the air around the Waka-danna sama has changed, didn't it? T/N: OK I just translated from Japanese what I'd say if I was fan-girling over Ginji, srsly arrrghhh does a guy like this exist? I'd want the extra tails and the transformation powers but I'm OK without those as long as he's into romantic stuff.. Does he? Does he not? I don't know yet lol are there any Ginji fan-fams here too lololol P140 I heard it from the lady waitresses that aren't easy to talk to. That person, he has undoubtedly became likeable. And then, the Waka-danna sama, didn't he take care of you in your condition?" "..." With a wicked face, O-ryo was testing me with her words. But to me, up until now I think that Ginji-san is likeable, and in that case it's not even a joke. He hardly comes to Yugao now, and because of that it's gotten lonely... "On another point, among the Waka-danna sama's nine tails, the third one below, from the right seems to be the most unique.That is somehow a weak spot." "Kasuga, how did you know such information?" It's scary... Kasuga's information is creepy. Even though she's drunk the power of her research skills scared all of us. "Well then... Choubachou** Byakuya-sama--" "O-ryo, don't you dare take another step over there--" We suddenly exercised caution with Byakuya-san. If we speak rudely of him, we feel like we're going to get cursed.** "I honestly couldn't remember a time when he got angry..." "Me either..." "Me too..." T/N: OK so my bad, Byakuya’s supposed position ranges from accounting to reception, but I just previously translated his position as head accountant because it’s what I got before. But he’s more or less the chief of management operations, which includes accounting. Anyway... Hey, I mean, if Byakuya can kick Raijuu's ass then it's justifiable that Byakuya is always in a sour mood, and it's bad to talk about him rudely. Raijuu's a pain in the ass for sure. Arrrgh P141 In the end, this girls' group had nothing more to say. We shuddered when we remembered stuff, and inside the kotatsu we all curled up. Though we were only just talking about him, his pressure on us made us feel defeated even in here. "H.. However, Byakuya-sama stealthily spoils the pipe cats living at the back of the mountain..." "Kasuga, nobody knows about that yet. Don't talk about it, if that gets leaked out we'll get killed." Well, in short, Byakuya-sama pours all of his love to the pipe cats. "Geez, we've wrapped out heads too much on these puzzles, and my hands have lost all feeling. Like Odanna-sama, he also exists above the clouds." "That's because Byakuya-sama is Odanna-sama's good old wife." O-ryo and Kasuga opened the box that Shizuna-chan brought for us, and while munching on these they were sloppily chatting. "Good old wife?" Isn't Byakuya-san a guy? as I tilted my head. "Since long ago, he has assisted in the running of Tenjin-ya. Odanna-sama is able to go here and there freely for work, and Byakuya-sama was staying in Tenjin-ya and presides over it. He has long been in good terms with Odanna-sama, and Byakuya-sama could readily and frankly give out his opinions to him." Come to think of it, before Odanna-sama and I went out, him and Byakuya-san were talking about something one way or the other. P142 In that case, other than the other employess and executives, nobody sees it like an older wife giving encouragement to her husband. "And for sure, when the Oo-Okami** sama isn't here, Byakuya-sama also takes in that role as well, doesn't he?" "Oo-Okami?" Shizuna-chan was drinking the last drop of the sweet liquor, she was reminded of her old home and started talking. "Ougondouji-sama is currently residing in Orio-ya. Previously, Ougondouji-sama was asked to be the Oo-Okami. She holds the same position and rank as Odanna-sama, therefore ever since Ougondouji-sama left Tenjin-ya,the position has been vacant." "Oh, I see... If that's so, with regards to that old tale, I have asked Ginji-san about that." And with that, Byakuya-san also holds the position of Oo-Okami. "Haaaahhh... That weird chat about the Oo-Okami has been a bit too much already." "O-ryo sama, didn't you tell me back then that you'd focus intently on becoming Oo-Okami ,once upon a time?" "Shut up Kasuga! It's a harsh fact that I have to live with!" With O-ryo and Kasuga's conversation, my ears grew eager to listen. "But isn't that.. O-ryo already has no interest with the Waka-Okami position?" "Whaaat? Aoi, you're asking that question? Did't I tell you that I won't get into the position of Waka-Okami again?" T/N: Oo-Okami, Mistress of the House, or something, like the big lady boss.

P143 "R..Really?" "It's fine, really it is. My enthusiastic, indomitable personality is dead. I want to enjoy living a carefree life. I plan to marry a rich guy, then immediately stop working--" "..." Somehow, the atmosphere became tense. Could it be possible that, among all the people in here right now, we're all thinking that O-ryo didn't really want to give up that position? Especially Kasuga, she was shell-shocked, and her face looked troubled. I felt that the mood has changed, so I tapped my fist in my hand. "Oh, right, right. I brought some large-sized grapes from the fruit orchard park, and I made some grape tarts. Let's eat some? I added a lot of grapes on it, it's a custard cream dessert." "Kasstard? OK OK let's eat--" It seems that nobody understood what I meant, but everybody nodded their heads excitedly. Grape tart. I made the crust with the coconut oil from Orio-ya and baked it, and by adding the large grapes called Daishisui that I gathered with Odanna-sama yesterday, the tart looks like a sparkly jewelry box. On top of the crust, I laid down an easily-made custard cream made of Cassowary egg and some wheat flour, with cow's milk and a bit of sugar, P144 and these buried the grapes cut in halves, which I later baked in the oven. After baking this for a while, I topped everything with raw grapes and pure cream. These were arranged as such because the tightly-packed grapes beneath this layer cannot be seen. "Woooooow!" Those dynamic-seeing eyes, everyone's eyes were sparkling. I sliced the large tart in front of everyone, and when the neatly-arranged grapes were cut through, Shizuna-chan let out a regretful-sounding "Awww".** There wasn't any fork, we used kuromoji, special wooden chopsticks** normally used for Japanese sweets or just ate them using our bare hands. "Uwahhh this is juicy-- What is this, I thought this food has raw grapes, but this tastes is like it was meant to be a baked dessert!" "This is the first time I ate something that tastes like this, but the grapes' sweetness stands out, it's really delicious--" O-ryo eating with her hands and Shizuna-chan using a kuromoji, they fell into a trance like typical ladies who love sweets. "This is generally called a fruit tart, and with the rich taste of the eggs in the custard cream, it blends well with the sweet and sour freshness of the fruits, and together these really bring about the best-tasting combination. The sweetness gets reduced, and the sourness becomes mild." As I was explaining how the mild taste came about, Kasuga haven't taken a single bite of the grape tart, and while propping her chin with her hand, she was observing it quietly. T/N: Lol I feel you Shizuna-chan, I feel the same when a freshly-bought ice cream tub looks so neat I don't wanna cut through it lol that's why ASMR of perfectly arranged anything are famous bahaha

Kuromoji=黒文字= Japanese sweets are eaten traditionally by using tiny wooden chopsticks, to cut and skewer them. You can check them out via search engine or smth P145 "What is it, Kasuga? Don't tell me, you don't like grapes?" "Hmm? No, it's not like that.. I really love grapes. That dessert you called tart, I was thinking of something." Kasuga ate held tart like it was a hard cookie, and bit on it heartily despite doubting what it was, before chewing on it. She filled her cheeks with the grapes, the custard, and the fragrant crust. "Mmmm, I wanted to eat some more. The grapes are heavy, and they burst in my mouth." Just a while ago we were enjoying some amberjack shabu-shabu, but we still had room for dessert, and all of the girls ate as much of the grape tart to their hearts' content. "Aoi-dono--" In that moment, came a boy's voice that can be heard from inside Yugao. "It's Sasuke-kun. I told him that I was going to give him something to eat after his working hours." The three ladies around me went "It's.. Sasuke-kun?", and they looked at me from the side. "Say, Aoi, tell Sasuke-kun to come here too." "Really? Even if today's a no-guys-allowed girls' night-out, it's OK to call him in?" "Yes, it's totally OK. Sasuke-kun is an adorable and good boy." "..." Even though there was a nagging feeling, I went outside of Yugao and called out to Sasuke-kun. "Sasuke-kun, thank you for your hard work. We were just having a hotpot party inside but, P146 I'll also add something for you, OK?" "Hotpot, is it? Is it because it has already gotten a bit cold?" "Come in. Everyone's waiting for you. I'll go and prep up." "I understand." Sasuke-kun unknowingly trudged toward the innermost room, and opened the door. "?!" No sooner than opening the door. Sasuke-kun the ninja couldn't react fast enough, and he was dragged into the room. "Gyaaaaahhh! Aoi-dono, Aoi-dono---" Sasuke-kun, the innocent and sweet Sasuke-kun, he was preyed upon by the ladies starved of men. "I- I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun. I'll make you a delicious hotpot, OK?" I feel guilty that he gets harassed, and using another earthen pot I added dashi stock, vegetables and the amberjack slices, and hurriedly went towards the innermost room. Please, please let Sasuke-kun be OK! "..." Sasuke-kun was already pestered by the drunken ladies, here and there he was grumbling being urged to drink liquor, P147 his hair has been tousled and his scarf stretched out, it was horrible, but he was being coddled and spoiled. "Aoi-dono--" Poor Sasuke-kun, he was crying out of fear. He was unprotected, and the swarming girls were getting their fill, it was another shabu-shabu over the kotatsu setting. They're feeding him too much. While he's eating delicious food, I will protect Sasuke-kun.

Despite the determination of that bunch, just like turning off a lamp, the girls suddenly collapsed. 

Zzzz.... The effects of the mountain liquor came at last, and the intense sleepiness has struck. "Aoi-dono.. What on earth, were you doing here?" "Hmm? It's a secret girls' night-out, Sasuke-kun." "Secret girls' night-out..."

It's really too much to handle drunkeness. The true intents and personalities of the girls, were hidden and unseen, in this empty room these must not get out. Everything that they spewed out, they'll probably forget in the morning. And that was the so-called, girls' night-out.

End of Chapter 4, Volume 6. Previous - Intermission 1 Next - Intermission 2

References:

Wonderful site for the youkai references

Other stuff I used to do this: Kodansha Kanji Learner’s Dictionary (you can buy here, I’m not sponsored btw). I was about to buy the older edition but then the newer one came out 2013 so I bought that instead. Worth buying since I was able to find nearly all of the words I needed just by stroke pattern alone.

Merriam-Webster's Japanese-English Dictionary (the red-covered 1996 version is apparently out of print right now). This is what I have been using for a very long time, I bought it when I was still a fetus (yes I am old so what lol), and after so many years, when compared to newer editions, I still prefer this one since its entirety is Japanese-English, the English to Japanese gloss are just 16 pages tops, so you get more Japanese words for your buck. But that’s just my opinion, maybe other people prefer the Jap-En x En-Jap IDEK.

Basic online dictionary, Jisho. Knowledge of verb conjugations  and other words are necessary since not all have entries.

If you can read Japanese, you can buy the whole set in Amazon Japan, they’re shipping worldwide now, I think.

[courage-a-word-of-justice]

BnHA 80 - 81 | Uchitama 6 | Iruma 21

BnHA 80

I feel like Todoroki would be good with children…given some experience, that is.

Bakugo is Tsundere…Act 1(…?)

I know Horikoshi was trying to make this light-hearted because of the serious nature of the last arc, but I’ve seen people lose faith in the series because the dude doesn’t have much skill in humour. His previous series were all axed and fairly serious, so I can see why he never needed to until now.

Ohmygosh, I can’t believe Shouto is capable of acting like Bakugo to his dad! Not that there’s zero precedent…it’s just that this is the most Bakugo-like he’s ever become, I think, and that includes the tournament.

Integrals? I’m stumped with the humble modulo! (Since that’s based on division anyway, it should be possible to learn that during secondary education.)

I think I remember there was this meme…the “[X] is the traitor” meme…and Aoyama was one of the top suspects. What they’re a traitor for I wouldn’t know since I’m not that far ahead, but I wonder if the reason for this meme will show up soon.

“…sometimes my���”    

Financier…? What? What does this have to do with financ-oh…right.

BnHA 81

Wow…I sure didn’t miss this intro, huh?

This is the Culture Festival, specifically.

So “gappoi!” is short for (ryakugo, meaning “abbreviation”) gakkouppoi (school-like).

Well, with the new OP and the hints Kaminari dropped, it’s no surprise what 1-A will do.

There’s even a “Boo?” option…

“The Lexington Dance Band live at Festival Pluse” (give or take capitalisation and a few letters)…wow, Todoroki must wanna go to Glastonbury or something…

“[T]he hiphop” in the background, LOL.

Ooh, Gentle…I saw his name in the ANN stuff, so I know what he looks like (roughly).

The video got encoded funny again…

“The school festival is a festival that takes place at our school.” – Yeah, and people die when they are killed…(<-This is a carryover from Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works’s notes, if you didn’t know. It means the obvious thing is obvious.)

Mirio’s hand gestures look like he’s suggesting boobs or hips, LOL. That’s far too lewd for a show like this, but perfectly in line for a teenage boy.

Date, huh? Ohhhhhh…wait…I thought it was cute, then I realised Eri is probably younger than 10 (update: she’s 6) and Mirio is 18. Mirio is thrice her age!!! No! I am not shipping that in any way but a puppy-dog-love way!

Wha-What was that?! Gentle is so stupid!!!

“Funnest”? I’m no grammar police, but heck! You just wanna piss me off, don’t you, BnHA?!

Uchitama 6

Notice how the chome is highlighted in red behind the cats. That’s not a street…that’s a frickin’ suburb!

Is it just the subs, or are these guys seriously doing a HypMic parody…?

I can’t seem to be invested in this turf war. I mean, we know basically nothing about Waka right now, aside from his haughtiness…

Hmm? Bull’s face is on the titlecard this time.

Meowster is probably Twitter, but it reminds me of Napster (an older music service) more…I never used Napster anyway, I just know it from old logo games.

I was just about to ask that, Gon: is Nora a cat or a wolf with a title like that…?

Yup…listening to Nora’s lines and even the music, it’s clearly a HypMic (or other rap battle) parody.

“My whiskers were twitching.” – Considering in human form you don’t have any whiskers, Nora…LOL.

Well, at least this brings new meaning to “fighting like cats and dogs”, huh?

Huh? So Waka looks like that in dog form, huh?

Momo’s face is on the titlecard now.

Yotsukoshi = parody of Mitsukoshi, a classy Japanese department store.

They’re all doing the “sheeeeeeh!” pose from Osomatsu-kun. Just…no legs.

Non-caffeinated barley tea…that’s a very Gon drink for you.

I noticed Tama’s lost poster on the left side of the bar…plus one of the pictures on the TV is a dog. A small furry brown-haired breed (which I don’t know the exact name for, but I think it’s a Pomeranian).

I just realised that Nora seems to have makeup around his eyes in human form because he has a marking around one eye.

Iruma 21

Makuhari Messe/Metlife Dome.

That’s a strangely rational explanation for idols…for this world, that is.

Oh. It’s akushukai (“shake hands meeting”) but it’s akushukai (“take evil meeting”), hence “meet and grate”.

Kami taiou (“godly answers”, basically the responses people get from entertainers which don’t say much because they’re restricted by business but people go gaga for them anyway) but then switching out the “god” for “hair” (different kanji, but also “kami”). That’s why it’s “cuticle” vs “cute”.

Aw, Kuromu is kinda cute after all. Very relatable.

Mal- = bad in some languages.

Ohh! So this is how Iruma (spoilers for a future episode) becomes a Devidol! Possibly Asmodeus too!

[lilyjoycemfa]

He waiata aroha James Tapsell Kururangi

Text taken from here

How does time pass in a day, in a year, in a life? Within Māori cosmology, Māui and his brothers famously bound Tama-nui-te-rā, onwatcher to our humanity. Before, it was cold and Māori were starved of time. Perhaps our movements were slow. Inhibited by an endless night."

He waiata aroha is a new moving-image installation by Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist James Tapsell-Kururangi. Moving closer towards his whānau oral histories, the film meditates on aroha, living and Māori conceptions of time and history. The work was filmed at two locations: on the Tongariro River, close to where the artist’ great grandfather passed, and inside the house of his kuia in Rotorua. The film transits the length of the Te Arawa Waka, as Tama-nui-te-rāi comes to rest. Rather than acting to document these places, the film moves towards a semi-fictional space, where locations dense with meaning and memory for the artist act as touchstones, gateways into an imagined celestial space.

Produced by Tapsell-Kururangi in close collaboration with his whānau, friends and mentors, He waiata aroha is a song for the artist’s kuia, and for her father.

-

Above I have highlighted the things that spoke to me in terms of mine and Dani’s collaborative process. The idea of time being a made up concept, relating back to the Ti Tiriti discussion. “It was summer when it was warm”. Slow, non-capitalist living. 

Dani and I are also interested in the concept of time fading, time passing, and memory. How memory stays with us in odd shapes. Sometimes soft, something violent, often somewhere in between. I myself am particularly interested in the idea of love and light. How it meets. How it intercepts. How it carries in philosophical and conceptual sense.

If our when Dani and I turn to video work, I can see us looking into similar ambiguous settings. Something that can’t be recognised necessarily, but driven more by memory. Such is what we did in ‘soft afternoon’, our text based vinyl work on gallery walls. To elicit a feeling rather than something tangible.

James’ collaboration with family holds me close to something out of my own comfort zone or maybe even own logistics. Community in Maori seems to mean something different in Pākehā ideals. Collaborating with friends make so much more sense for me personal. There is too much in family (for me) that is uncomfortable. 

[xbrokenxdollsx]

what is the PH and why are u salty about it?

PH is the Pearl Harbor movie that was made in 2001. It’s a “romantic” period drama about these two best friends who sign up for the Air Force/Navy in the 1940s, before America was physically involved with WWII, and they strain their 18+ years of friendship over a nurse in Pearl Harbor. 

The film was over 3 hours long, and had a budget of roughly 140 million (source from Wiki); and was written by Michael Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer, who are respected writers in Hollywood, and I admit to being a fan of some of their works. The film made Box Office with 449.2+ million.

ALL MY SALTINESS IS UNDER CUT. FEEL FREE TO READ IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, BUT IT’S JUST ME BEING A CRITICAL BITCH TOWARDS WWII FILMS.

My Basic (yet still bitchy) Description of the Plot:

So we got these two guys, right? Been best friends for over 18 years and have been through thick and thing - One of the guys has German ancestry and was ridiculed by the other’s father who served in WWI against the Germans as well. So this is also a major time in America where racial discrimination from the first war and ethnicity play an important role that they could have dive deeper into, but they didn’t. To me, this would have been a Hollywood rare, but seriously important key to provide to the audience about the real home front behavior…

Then we have the girl who steals the hearts of our two protagonists and best friends forever, Evelyn, the cute brunette who also patches men up with her signature red lipstick. She dates Rafe, the German-ancestry soldier before he is shipped off as a Eagle Squadron, and supposedly dies during one of his missions at sea. Then, three months or so, Evelyn goes over to Danny, who “mourn” for the loss and then get jiggy.

AND HOOKY DOOKY, guess who rises from the dead? It’s yo boi Rafe, who discovers that Evelyn moved on to his best friend and then both him and Danny get into a fight and waka-waka. Then the attack happens and things go to shit with the love-triangle and ends with a bittersweet monologue and music provided by Celine Dion with the credits rolling.

NOW HERE’S WHERE I WILL CUT SOME PEOPLE.

First, I want you all to meet Doris Miller. Here he is in his uniform:

This heroic angel of a dude was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross (I will add that this medal was the third most important medal to ever receive during his time), for his bravery in the Pearl Harbor Attack. This guy was just a cook on one of the major ships the Japanese targeted, but he got his ass in gear as soon as the attack happened and got ahold of a gun and began shooting when he was only assigned to provide ammunition. Then he moved to using a naval machine gun and hit planes attacking his fleet. Then he assisted in saving as many living sailors and soldiers from the watery oil and fires as possible before even considering abandoning the ship, including his captain. This man went through oil fires to save his comrades (which I will say presently that oil fires, especially in water, is dangerous and spreads rapidly).

I will say that Miller became MIA a year or so later after the attack as he continued his service overseas in WWII, involved in three to five other major mission, until in a battle of Makin Islands where his ship sank and he was never accounted for.

The film only presented Doris Miller for roughly 15 minutes or something, where they could have touched on Doris’ treatment and training within working in Pearl Harbor to his last mission on Makin Island. But they didn’t. They showed Danny and Rafe training for the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings where the emotional climax of the film is presented instead. How many Hollywood films can people name about about Doris Miller or the Makin Island, or even know where Makin Island is??

I get it, it was a way to get back at Japan for attacking Pearl Harbor, but we all already knew that since we were little kids. But they also showed Battle of Britain, so…-makes faces-

NEXT UP IS THE REST OF THE CREW STATIONED AT PEARL HARBOR.

I’m not that pissed about Danny and Rafe’s relationship. On the other hand, I am fond of strong friendship/brotherly-bonds among period dramas and especially war dramas (Band of Brothers is one that I recommend for such taste).

But did you know that there were over 45+ families serving in Pearl Harbor during the attack? Nearly 98% of those families lost all their sons or brothers during the attack within those hours. Now, this may be considered a rare fact, but it’s also really important on the impact of WWII where families were lost instantly all over the world!!

Having been an intern for a Hollywood writer in my years, I know how hard it can be to write about numerous families during the war. BUT, AND I DO SAY BUT!! They could have taken it to the level of Danny and Rafe!! I would have loved to see or hear about Danny and Rafe’s relationship with Rafe’s side of the family - how they could have “unofficially” adopted Danny from his abusive father and taught him that the Germans weren’t all evil and the love you could get from a parent. The way they would react upon the delivery of Danny’s flag when he “died” on his mission, or discovering Evelyn’s secret after the battle. BECAUSE DANNY AND RAFE WERE FUCKIN’ FAMILY, AND NO ONE WILL TELL ME OTHERWISE. BECAUSE FAMILIES WERE SO IMPORTANT AND QUICKLY TAKEN AWAY FROM WWII, YET THE DIRECTOR’S FOCUS ON THE ROMANCE AND THE COMPLICATION OF A FRIGGIN’ LOVE TRIANGLE THAT WAS TOO CLICHE FOR MY TASTE.

AND THERE IS THE HISTORICAL ACTIONS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PUT INTO THE FILM, BECAUSE IT WAS A MAJOR FACTOR TO THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK.

There was a scene in the film that had the sonar navigators notice the fleet of Japanese and gets written off as a delivery shipment from the mainland. From the Japanese position, they planned to deliver a warning message to the US before the attack (if I remember right, it’s for honorable reasons from the military general and the ruler of Japan at the time), and was written off as a non-important telly before it was noticed during the attack. There was also more miscommunication among the US Navy and Pearl Harbor to the White House (the film Tora! Tora! Tora! show this as accurately as possible), and the news to the Japanese Naval Commander and planner of the Pearl Harbor attack was upset by the lateness of the warning and how the attack planned out - it also saved Pearl Harbor from a third attack once all the planes returned, when soldiers wanted to go again.

Another important factor during the attack was the hospital. The hospital quickly ran out of blood for transfusion and was attack by the Japanese as well, so they needed as much blood as possible… They accepted blood from homosexuals, Hawaiian natives and prostitutes even during the attack - WHICH IS SERIOUSLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE NEVER ACCEPTED BLOOD OTHERWISE. The organization of the hospital also changed throughout the attack, as they switched patients to different buildings surrounding the hospital and constructed tents during the battle, too. The film had a scene of Rafe and Danny giving blood into Coke bottles, but it fails to ever mention the other citizens and “undesired” donors during the attack, but it could be excused for the film’s POV focus. Still disappointed.

CITIZENS ALSO DIED, TOO, but the film also fails to provide the context of casualties of innocent, non-military trained people’s death. Those came from Japanese planes that targeted anybody, but also a plane that crashed. This would have also brought a strong impact for the audience to see people closely related to them being affected as well, in opinion. Instead, they provided a shot of citizens seeing the planes fly by without harm - as if the hospital and harbor were completely separate from the island itself.

SOME MEN WERE ALSO FREED FROM BEING TRAPPED IN A SHIP. You can look this up, but film portrayed that any soldier within the boats died from drowning, but that’s not entirely true. I can’t remember which ship it was, but it took them a week or so to free the men, since the metal that built the ship was difficult to break through with blow torches or cutters at the time. The film most likely used the deaths of anyone trapped inside a ship for a more dramatic affect, but I have read that some survivors felt disrespected by the lack of representation of those who actually tried to save their comrades long after the attack.

TL;DR

I have studied WWII and Pearl Harbor long enough to just not enjoy the film for different reasons. I find the romance plot absolutely pointless and feel disappointed that it missed a lot of important characters and segments in history that could have impacted the audience so much more than what they’ve shown.

Then again, I do appreciate the time and money that went into filming the attack scene, other battles, and the bombing and showing pieces of the Japanese side of planning, but I will not accept the fact that the fuckin’ romance blocking the historical importance in the war.

I’ll still fight about it because I’m just a salty bitch and will make a long rant about it.