#tank nagai

[retrosofa]

I guess a lot of people didn't realize this but the English release of the original Cutie Honey manga sold poorly. It tanked so bad, Seven Seas Entertainment decided against licensing anymore Go Nagai manga.

It's heartbreaking but that's just how the cookie crumbles, I guess. What's funny is that as far as I know, Cutie Honey does pretty well for Discotek? I'm assuming the original TV series did well for them, since they went on to nab New Cutey Honey, The Live, and Re: Cutie Honey. I guess American fans just weren't feeling the manga.

Also, if you see a copy of the Cutie Honey manga in a local comic shop: buy it. It's officially out of print and copies are going for a lot online.

[thunder-jolt]

Every Incorrect Quote/”Based on Vine” with my Go Nagai Linkers; Sayaka, Mirai, Qiao, Rosita, and Hyeong...

Qiao: WHAT THE HELL KIND OF BULLSHIT?! EXCITEMINT MY ASS!

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Sayaka: Are you hungry right now?

Rosita: Not at all.

Sayaka: REALLY?! I’m SO hungry!

Rosita: Then you should probably eat. (I’m sure there’s a restaurant nearby...)

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*Just Dance by Lady Gaga plays, Mirai Asuka drives in, and lowers the music’s volume*

Mirai: It’s Britney, bitch.

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Qiao: WHAT DID YOU DO?!

Hyeong: I, shaved my eyebrows.

Qiao: WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!

Hyeong: I don’t know.

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Sayaka: Violets are blue, Roses are red-

Hyeong: *sees Enma-Kun’s death* YO, HOLY SHIT HE DEAD!

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Mirai: Photobombing is so 2014, stop it YA STUPID, FUCKING DINOSAUR!

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Sayaka: Story time! *introduces the Go Nagai Linkers* Only one of them can strike the mightiest of poses.

Mirai: *tries her best to pose*

Rosita: *poses like a female sports star*

Hyeong: *does a split*

Sayaka: Oh shi-

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Rosita: I DON’T WHAT YOU’RE ON- *Hyeong burns an evil corporation’s building, full of people inside* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! YOU BETTER STOP! STOP!

Hyeong: Woah!

Rosita: BITCH STOP! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-!

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Sayaka: I love you!

80s Devilman chibi: I rove rou!

Sayaka: I love you!

80s Devilman chibi: I ROVE ROU!

Sayaka: I love you!

80s Devilman chibi: I ROVE ROOUUU!

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Hyeong: Hey, you sell crack here?

Mirai: Hm. I wish, but no.

Hyeong: Oh.

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Some girl: So is this gonna be a thing? Me and you?

Hyeong: Uhhhh...

Some girl:

Hyeong: Uhhhh...

Some girl:

Hyeong: MY DICK FELL OFF!

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Mirai: You wanna make out?

Sayaka: No. (Not right now...)

Mirai: *internally crying* Me neither, I wanna go to sleep. *snores*

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Rosita: Hi, welcome to Chili’s.

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Devilman, roasting Shadius: His hair? WACK! His jewelry? WACK! His foot stance? WACK! The way that he talks? WACK! The way that he doesn’t like to smile? WACK! Me? I’M TIGHT AS FU-

--- --- ---

Rosita: Every kiss starts with K!

Ryo Asuka: Actually, every kiss starts with consent.

Rosita: Go back to your linker, Mirai. *sprays water*

Ryo Asuka: God damn it-

--- --- ---

Hyeong: Hey girls, and Qiao! I’M HOME!

Rosita: Oh how ni- OH GOD!

Qiao: What in?

Mirai: Oh fu-

Sayaka: Eheheh... Uh, Hyeong? Who or what’s that you got there?

Hyeong: *sipping a boba while holding a leash that holds a giant-ass centipede* A boba! And I got Jo-Jo-Joey!

Rosita, Sayaka, Mirai, and Qiao: *unsure* Uh-huh...

---------

Ryo Asuka, seeing it all go down in Singapore and seeing Shadius: I’m disgusted. I revolted. I dedicate my entire life to our lord and savior: Go Nagai, AND THIS IS THE STUFF WE GET?!

Qiao: I just had a burst of energy and I think it's my body's last "hooray" before it completely shuts down...

====

Rosita: They're right there.

Mirai: What the fuck is this?

Rosita: Watch your profanity...

Mirai: (replaces Mirai's voice for Ryo's dub voice from the 80s Devilman dub) I don't give a shit.

====

Rosita: *walking* *turns her head* Hazzzt!

One of Hyeong's Yokai (in this case; a Kappa): *sitting on a stack of boxes*

Qiao: Is- Is it real?

====

Hyeong: *to Mirai, in an argument* WHAT THE FUCK IS UP, MIRAI?! NO, SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE FUCK, DUDE!? STEP THE FUCK UP, MIRAI!

====

Sayaka: How do I start this darned thing?

*Devilman No Uta plays*

Mirai: Man Sayaka, I've been having a bad day- Oh my god, it's our song! IT'S OUR SONG!

Sayaka: *screeches demonically*

====

Rosita: Hyeong, get out of the tank.

Hyeong: You ain't my mummy.

Rosita: Get out of the fricking tank, I am your mum. (Mum-figure I may add.)

Hyeong: You ain't my mum.

Rosita: I'm your mum, get out of the ta-

Hyeong: I'M IN A TANK, AND YOU AIN'T!

(this continues before Mirai decides to take the "ordering people out of things" business)

====

Hyeong: *narrating, as a tanuki walks in* You got this, Tanny, make him wait for it... Boom.

====

Sayaka: Mother-trucker, dude! That hurt like a buttcheek on a stick.

Qiao: Watch your profanity.

====

Qiao: Rose, they following me, Rose! THEY'RE FOLLOWING ME!

Rosita: OH, OH WHO'S FOLLOWING YOU?!

Qiao: *points to Hyeong's moth yokai* The moths!

Rosita: THE MOTHS?!

====

Hyeong: Woah- WOAH! HAHA! HURRICANE KATRINA! More like Hurricane Tortilla~

====

Mirai: *beating up a Despairus (Despairiuses is plural, right?)* HATE THIS THIS DAMN ASS BITCH DESPAIR! FUCK THEM! *continues beating it up*

====

Mirai: *opens up gift, to see it's an empty book* It's an empty book. Thanks...

====

Hyeong: *seeing Sayaka's demon form, amazed* HELL FUCKIN' YEAH!

====

Hyeong: OH MY GAAAAAAAAWD! A TORNADO IS FORMIN'! BYE!

Hyeong's Yokai: *demonic screeching* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

Hyeong: But we're going shopping!

Hyeong and her Yokai: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

====

Qiao: When I say "slavery", you all say "sorry", SLAVERY!

His classmates: Sorry.

Qiao: *internally* It's okay.

====

Mirai: *slides across the ice to the reader/self-insert* Good evening.

====

Hyeong: I have an idea, imagine this but-

Rosita: WHAT THE FUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCK!

Hyeong: OH MY GAWD! A SNAKE!

The rest of the Go Nagai Linkers: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!

====

Hyeong: Back at it again at Krispy Kreme. *does a backflip, breaks sign*

====

Rosita: Who wants to get crazy for NEW YEARS!?

The Linkers: YEEAAAAAAAAAAH!

Sayaka: *breaks glass bowl full of ornaments* YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

====

Rosita: Welcome to my kitchen... We have bananas and avocadoes...

====

Hyeong: The cheese OF TRUTH! *whaps cheese on newspaper* Immigrants cause cancer...

====

Qiao: Toss me my keys.

Sayaka: *throws printer* *printer shatters*

Qiao: I said my keys.

Sayaka: I thought you said printer!

Qiao: Why the fuck would I say printer?

====

Qiao: *narrating about the 80s Devilman chibi* Even the chibis are one of the most dangerous creatures in the world, so I built this cage to keep them secure so there's no possible- *80s Devilman chibi escapes* Oh my god-

====

Mirai: This demon child is definitely on crack right now...

Hyeong: *ball bounces on her head* Yas! *ball bounces on her head again* YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

====

Sayaka: Look it. Look it! It's frickin' bats! I love Halloween.

====

Hyeong: MIRAI!

Mirai: *stares deeply into someone's soul* *dabs*

Hyeong: OOOOOOOOOHHHHH!

====

Sayaka: Wait, oh yeah, wait a minute, Mr. Postman.

Qiao: Yeeeeeee...

====

Hyeong: Heheh, what're you doing?

Sayaka: Dancing.

Hyeong: There's no music playing.

Sayaka:

====

Hyeong: *about to prank the 80s Devilman chibi* Hey, I shoved that ball down my pants.

80s Devilman chibi: *drops ball in fear*

====

Mirai: We all die, either kill yourself or get killed. *dances* Whatchu gonna do? *dances* Whatchu gonna do?

====

Sayaka: *Akira Fudo through Sayaka* Honestly, I don't remember, I was probably fucked up. Yeah, I was crazy back then... Ehehehehh...

====

Hyeong: Get to Del Taco! They got a new thing called "Fre Sha Vacado" FRE SHA VA-!

====

Meanwhile, the links...

Cutie Honey: Enma-Kun, your speech is so good!

Enma-Kun: OHIDIDN'TEVENREALYTRYTHATMUCH,IT'SJUSTALLIMPROVEAND-

Devilman: OH MY GOD, WHY CAN'T YOU JUST TAKE THE FRICKING COMPLIMENT, AAAAAAAAA----

====

Kouji Kabuto: Yo, Enma! You want some? *passes an empty can*

Enma-Kun: This bitch empty! YEET! *throws can*

====

Devilman: I wanna see my lil boy!

Sayaka: *holds the 80s Devilman chibi* Here he comes!

Devilman: I wanna see my lil boy!

====

Rosita or Cutie Honey: Let me see what you have!

Hyeong or Enma-Kun: A KNIFE!

Rosita or Cutie Honey: NO!

====

80s Devilman chibi: Who-Ah... Whuah?

Devilman: What does that say, Devi-bi?

80s Devilman chibi: Whuah?

Devilman: NO!

80s Devilman chibi: Whuah?

====

Kouji and Devilman: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Kouji: That’ll be the last time-

Devilman: NO! DON’T LET GO!

Kouji: I’M DYING! I’M DYING-

Kouji and Devilman: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

====

Devilman: So bored...

Enma-Kun: I wish Kouji’s here...

Kouji: HEY GUYS!

Devilman and Enma-Kun: KOUJI!

====

Mirai or Ryo: You’re all going to hell. Good bye~

====

Sayaka: *to Devilman* You are my DAAAD~!

Chorus: You’re my dad! Boogie-woogie!

====

Hyeong: Hey, how much money do you have?

Sayaka: Oh, like 69 cents...

Hyeong: Oh! You know what that means?

Sayaka: *cries* I don’t have enough money for teriyaki chicken...

====

Rosita: Um Hyeong, would you read number 23 for the class?

Hyeong: Nah, I can not.

Hyeong: What up? I’m Hyeong, I’m 16, and I never fucking learned how to read.

====

Mirai: Psycho Jenny, Psycho Jenny... PSYCHO JENNY! Oh my fucking god, she fucking dead...

====

Mirai: *to a Despairus* GIVE ME YOUR FUCKING MONEY! *throws Despairus so hard to a wall*

====

Hyeong: All I wanted to tell you all is that school’s not important; be who you wanted to be. If you wanted to be a dog, RUFF! Y’know?

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

May make two more Linkers that aren’t Go Nagai-related, but all and all, here!

@sundove88 and @shonenlinkage

[jasvvy]

HOLYYYYYYYYY HELLLLLLLL

[yanoisablessing]

[kud-lucas]

[reelinplace]

somebody should steal this

[bruiserminody]

[keepingthespiritalive]

K-DOJO results for October 22, 2017

K-DOJO results for October 22, 2017

KAIENTAI DOJO “CLUB-K 3000”, 10/22/2017 [Sun] 17:00 @ Blue Field in Chiba (1) Bambi vs. Ayame Sasamura ◆Winner: Bambi (8:11) with the BamLock. (2) Shiori Asahi vs. Yoshihiro Horaguchi vs. Ishikiri (LAND’S END) ◆Winner: Asahi (9:26) via pin-fall on Horaguchi. (3) Yuma & Marines Mask vs. Ayumu Honda & Kyu Mogami ◆Winner: Marines (12:20) following the Sliding of Marine on Mogami. (4) Ricky Fuji vs.…

[epic-potato-crisp]

Caramel Syrup

Note: Dear @gingerrhd, I was your secret santa this year! You mentioned KouKei, autumn, sarcasm, and the worst coffee date ever in the prompts, so I decided to go with a coffeshop! AU for the story. I hope you enjoy!  ^-^

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The bell jingled over his head as Kei pried open the heavy door of “Fantôme.” There weren’t many customers around, which is what he had been going for for when he decided to pick a small, secluded coffeeshop to study in favor of the larger franchise store down the road. It had been his go-to-place, before Kei discovered just how many students from his High School spend their free hours and afternoons there.

No thank you. Kei could do without the obligatory socialization every time he tried to get ahead in his homework. Also, their management had changed and for some absurd reason he had a strange feeling about the new shift manager behind the counter, an old man approaching pension age who graced him with a downright unsettling smile every time they met. So Fantôme it was. As it turned out, not only was the store empty, and offered “Free Wifi” if one were to believe the obnoxious signs plastered throughout, it also held a large amount of seating opportunities. That was welcome news to Kei, who despised encountering his classmates almost as the lack of free tables. “Welcome!” The red-haired boy behind the counter shouted as soon as he spotted him, bowing promptly. Kei grimaced at the ear-splitting volume. “A gingerbread latte please.” he ordered, after a customary glance at the menu. “That will be 600 yen.” Kei nodded, and handed over the required amount. “Alright. Please take a seat. Coming right up!!” the barista responded, flashing him an irritatingly cheerful smile. Kei rolled his eyes and went to find a table.

  “Here you go, sorry for the delay.” A good ten minutes later, a steaming cup of coffee was placed in front of him. Kei had already spread himself out over the desk, his laptop turned on and class notes on his side. “Thanks.” Kei graced the barista-server-whatever he was with a court nod, before turning back to his screen. “Oh, what are you doing there?”

Someone save him.

“Homework.” “Oh, cool, for what subject?” The redhead didn’t seem the slightest bit deterred by the venomous look Kei shot him, sliding into the empty next to him. On the contrary. “History.” “Oh man, I hate that subject. But you know what I hate even more?” Kei did not remember asking, but the barista generously provided him with an update anyway. “Biology. Seriously man, I didn’t know there were so many complicating things to know about plans. Don’t you just water them?” He gestured wildly as he spoke. “Oh, and don’t get me started on Japanese Literature-“ “Don’t you have work to do?” Kei cut across him. “Nah, actually, my shift break just started. Lucky, eh?” the barista grinned.

Oh God, he should have gone to his old place. Not even his classmates talked this much.

“I’m Nakano Kou, by the way! Nice to meet you!” He held out his hand. Kei grimaced, but forced himself into the polite response and shook it briefly. “Likewise.” He replied monotonously. Nakano tilted his head, his bushy eyebrows travelling skywards. So much for privacy. “I’m Nagai Kei.” Kei grumbled, “And I have work to do, so if you excuse me-“

It was at that moment a tall man with glasses and silver hair appeared behind the counter. “Nakano!” he barked, as soon as he spotted the pair of them, “If you have time to harass the customers, you might as well get to work! The tables won’t clear themselves.” Nakano winced, caught and got to his feet with a sigh. “Sorry, my shift manager is no fun. I’ll see you around, yeah?” Kei didn’t dignify that with a response. He got to work.

  “Welcome! Oh, Nagai, it’s great to see you back!” “Likewise.” Kei ground out between clenched teeth, cursing his luck. The shop was fuller this time, the tables being occupied by elderly people enjoying their afternoon treat and college students typing away at laptops alike. Did the Fantôme not employ anyone else? Either Nakano was the epitome of obliviousness, or he purposefully ignored Kei’s hostile tone. He took his order- Kei went with his regular, with an extra helping of caramel syrup- chatting away merrily as he did. “Honestly, I’m really glad you chose our store. You know, the bigger franchise one down the road?” “Hard to miss.” Kei deadpanned. “Yeah, that one! So, they drive away most of our customers. But Hirasawa-san- that’s my boss, you know- he says not to worry. That the Phantom has its own unique charm, ya know?” The coffee machine beeped shrilly. “Oh, whoops, gotta refill the water tank. Just a second!” “It’s Fantôme.” Kei couldn’t help himself. “What?” Nakano appeared genuinely confused, as he filled a large container under the sink. “The shop. It’s pronounced Fantôme.” Correcting other people’s pronounciation had always been one of Kei’s biggest pet peeves. It hadn’t exactly helped him in making friends at school. “Sure, if you say so! French confuses the heck out of me.” Kei was about to spitefully remark what doesn’t, but held his tongue.

Nakano, who had meanwhile successfully managed to get the machine working again, turned his back on the cup filling with coffee and grabbed a chocolate pastry from showcase, placed it on a tiny plate and handed it to Kei.” “Voila!” “I didn’t order that.” Kei said. “Yeah, I know. Consider it on the house.” Kou winked and rang him up.

Kei managed about an hour of successfully typing away at his essay before a certain redheaded menace decided to join him again at the table.

“Hey, hope you don’t mind!” He declared energetically, before taking a seat next to Kei, armed with a piece of cake and sparkling glass of soda. Kei did mind, but apparently that was obsolete.

“So what are you doing today?” “History again. Citing my sources.” “Ugh, that sounds boring.” Nakano said emphatically. “Tell me about it.” “So you’re going to Kaisei?” Nakano said, with a nod to his blazer. “I guess.” “Isn’t that crazy hard to get into?” Kei shrugs. “Maybe. I didn’t think the entrance exam was that difficult.” “Woah!” If Kou’s eyes widened any further, they would have popped out of their sockets. “You’re really fucking smart, aren’t you?” Kei, much to his disagreement, felt his cheeks warm at the unexpected praise. “So, you’re in High School too? What year?” Kei asked, in an attempt to redirect  the conversation towards Nakano himself. “Year 2.” “Same as me.” Nakano groaned pitifully. “End of term exams are going to kill me once I start studying for them.” Kei stopped his typing. “What do you mean once you start studying for them? They’re in February.” “Yeah, so? “It’s December.” Kei knew it wasn’t his place to advise the other boy on study methods, but he was adept at spotting a train wreck in the making. Or perhaps, that was just his OCD talking. “When were you going to start?” “End of January?” Nakano responded. It sounded like a question.

Oh dear God.

“Anyway.” Nakano said, misinterpreting his stunned silence for agreement, “You know how I said that the larger store drives our customers away? Know why that is?” His eyes sparkled excitedly. Kei glanced at the counter, hoping the coffee machine would decide to act up again and save him from the rest of this conversation. “Other than that they’re an internationally renowned franchise with stores all over the world? No. Couldn’t possibly imagine.” Kei replied sarcastically, which went right over Nakano’s head. “Nah, that’s not it.” Nakano said, dismissing Kei’s perfectly logical statement with a wave of his hand. He grinned conspiratorially. “Listen to this. There are rumors that their new manager is cahoots with the yakuza. The Yakuza! Crazy, right?” “Wow.” Kei said, not knowing what else to respond to this. Indeed, the grandpa behind the counter did look like he could murder his him in his sleep and get away with it. It would probably a merciful death by comparison, he thought, side-eyeing Nakano, who rambled on as though there was no tomorrow. A few minutes later, he was saved by the same sour-faced shift manager that had come to his aid the other day. “Stop trash-talking the competition, Nakano! Table 3 wants to order!” “Ah, yessir!” Nakano yelled, making Kei wince. He jumped up and gave a wave. “Laters!” Kei pinched his forehead, and returned to his sources.

For someone who had vowed to never return here, Kei thought glumly to himself, as he walked into the Fantôme a week later on a rainy Thursday afternoon, he was really bad at keeping promises. Even to himself. The lady behind the counter was tiny. “Good afternoon.” She greeted him monotonously, staring at him with dark, soulful eyes that looked like they’d seen enough. “What would you like?” Kei thought decisively that he didn’t miss the exciting chatter that had accompanied his earlier orders, and got out his wallet.  

“Oh, hey! Nagai! Izumi-san, I’m taking this one.” Kei didn’t know what exactly possessed him to return the very next day, but there was work he had to yet finish, and the atmosphere of the coffeeshop had provided to aid his levels of productivity. Well, for the most part. “Alright.” The petite woman from yesterday replied, eyes even more weary than the day before, and moved on to the next customer. Fridays were busy, even at the Fantôme. “Gingerbread latte?” Nakano asked, as soon as Nagai reached the counter. Nagai nodded. “And, one of these pastries, please.” he said. “Coming right up! And, sorry, but I guess I’ll have to charge you for the pastry this time. Tosaki-san- that’s my shift manager said I’m not allowed to give out freebies.” He shrugged. “That’s fine.” Kei said. “But I’m starting to convince him of the fact that you’re a regular, so that might change!” Nakano winked. “Don’t count on it.” “Yeah, yeah, that’s what they all say.” Nakano said teasingly, and rang him up.

Kei was impressed to learn that even a rush on a Friday afternoon was not enough to deter Nakano from bothering him at his table. Strangely enough, he found himself not really minding the company. Even if it did keep him from his statistics homework. “Fun fact.” Nakano said, “You know that this store was originally gonna be called IBM? But you know, that’s trademarked, so Hirasawa-san didn’t go ahead with it.” “What the hell would IBM even stand for?” Kei shut his laptop screen, deciding that perhaps a small break would not completely ruin his progress. He took a bite out of his pastry, which tasted more delicious than it had any business being. “I don’t know, man. International Brewery Masters?” “You literally have one store.” “Point taken.” Nakano grinned.

Kei rolled his eyes. “Shouldn’t you be at the register?” “My coworker’s handling it.” Nakano said, making large puppy eyes at him, “I have a double shift on Saturday, give me a break.” “Your coworker?” “Well, yeah, Izumi-san. You’ve met her, right?” Nakano’s voice picked up, excitedly. “She’s really hot, isn’t she?” “What exactly is hot, Nakano-kun?” a quiet voice asked behind him asked. Nakano choked on his soda. The woman in question had approached with the stealth of a panther. She narrowed her eyes at the younger employee. “I-Izumi-san!” Nakano responded, flustered, “I, uh, I meant the coffee! Right, Kei? It’s really nice and hot, isn’t it?” “It’s very good, indeed.” Kei responded, after a delighting moment of watching Nakano struggle in embarrassment. Izumi left, but not without shooting last glare in Nakano’s direction. “I feel like she doesn’t like me.” Nakano whined, as soon as she was out of earshot. “How on earth did you reach that conclusion?” Kei asked, raising an eyebrow. He glanced at his watch. It was already close to 6 pm. “I’m sorry, but I’m leaving in a bit.” Eriko was home from the hospital for the weekend. And as strained as their relationship might be, Kei did feel guilty for not spending as much time with his little sister as he probably should have. “Oh, that’s perfect!” Nakano replied, “I’ll get off in half an hour. Want to walk to the station together?” Oh well. He needed to catch his train either way. “Sure.”

   Nakano, predictably, talked the entire way to the station. Which suited Kei well this time, as it saved him from having to make awkward small talk. He learned that Nakano had been working at the Fantôme for a year already. He was one of two High Schoolers the shop’s owner, Hirsawa-san had employed. Most other employees were college students. There was Tosaki, who was studying for his masters at Keio University, and Izumi, an undergrad student at Sophia. He also learned that Nakano lived on his own, and had barely scraped by his first year in High School. When asked about his parents, he shrugged. “They didn’t pay the rent, and got us kicked out of our place. My uncle’s helping me pay for a room, but I’m pretty much on my own with all other expenses. Sucks, but that’s the way it is.” “I’m sorry.” Kei answered, not knowing what else to say. “Don’t be.” Nakano gave him a smile that seemed genuine, “I do like my job. Even though Tosaki-san can be a pain at times.” An awkward silence fell between them. “Want to exchange LINE ID’s?” Nakano asked, just before they reached the station. “Sure, whatever.” “You can call me Kou, by the way. Nakano’s so freaking formal. And can I call you Kei, too?” “Whatever.” Kei repeated, ignoring the pleased feeling in the pit of his stomach when he realized Nakano had bothered to remember his first name.

Ten minutes later, on a crowded train heading back home, Kei muted his phone notifications when Kou wouldn’t stop spamming their chat with rilakumma emojis.

  Despite his better judgement, Kei started showing up at the Fantôme once a week. His visits fell mostly on Mondays, which was coincidentally also the day that Kou was on his regular shift. Kei blamed it on the workload the school assigned with the beginning of every week.

He had slowly developed a craving for the Fantôme’s coffee specials, and the place did offer a rather peaceful study atmosphere, if he left aside Kou’s chattering during his impromptu visits at Kei’s table.

But even those, he secretly grew to like. Not that he would ever admit to it.

  “Welcome! Your order?” The barista at the counter was not Kou. A shadow fell over Kei as the man towered above him at what was easily two meters of height. The Fantome’s signature apron barely reached his midriff. The accompanying cream-coloured frills provided a striking contrast to his perpetual scowl. Tanaka, the name tag read. “I, um-“ “Oh, hello Kei.” Izumi greeted him, emerging from the kitchen with a rare smile. He did know when exactly she had learned his name, but somewhere between his first and his fifteenth visit, he had apparently made an impression. It was what came with being a “regular” , he supposed, which wasn’t nearly as beneficial as Kou made it out to be. Even though he enjoyed the occasional complimentary pastry. Where was he, anyway? It was a Monday like any other. “Nakano’s not working today.” she said, apparently having read his thoughts, “He’s at home studying. His exams are coming up soon.” “Oh, I see.” Kei said, “Then, well…” he glanced at the mountain of a barista that looked like he could take him out in one ill-timed blow, “I just wanted to get drinks for takeaway. One gingerbread latte, please.” he said. “600 yen.” “Actually, can you make that two?” Tanaka grunted, which Kei understood as a confirmation. “Visiting a friend?” Izumi-san asked, a knowing look in her eyes. “Just for my sister.” Kei responded. His heart was racing, which was a little odd, he thought. He was yet to consume any amount of caffeine. “I see.”

  This was most likely a bad idea, Kei thought. In between spamming him with memes, links to prank compilations on youtube and various emojis, Kou had also written his address.

“What would I need that for? ”Kei had texted back. “In case you ever wanna hang out!” Kei had left him on read.

Now, standing in front of his door, he considered turning around. But he had already come all this way, to a ward on the suburbs of Tokyo. Also, the coffee was getting cold. He sighed, and pressed the doorbell. “Kei!!” Nakano’s surprised expression gave way to a joyful one when he noticed his unexpected visitor. “Come in, please!” He beckoned him inside eagerly. “Please excuse the intrusion.” Kei mumbled, taking off his shoes and stepping into Nakano’s apartment. It was tiny. There was bed and a dresser, a floor table and seating pillows. A fridge, and a single stove with a microwave took up one corner of the room. Kei spotted a door in the another one, probably leading to a bathroom. Also, it looked like a bomb had exploded in here. “Please have a seat. Sorry, it’s not very tidy.” Nakano said, That put it lightly, Kei thought, stepping over books, socks and empty bottles. Nakano brought him a glass of water, and they sat down at the table. “I heard you were studying for exams.” “Yeah, I have some tests coming up.” Kou sighed, “Tosaki-san told me to take the week off and study. When I came into work this afternoon, he yelled at me, so… I guess I’m here.” He laughed embarrassedly. “When are your exams?” Kei asked, with an impending feeling of doom, taking a sip of his water. “Thursday. Friday.” Nakano said. “This week?” “Yep.” He should have just gone home. “Do you have trouble with any of the material?” Nakano flashed him a saccharine smile. “Perhaps you could tutor me?” Kei could feel a headache coming on. “Depends on the subjects.” “Math, I can mostly do, but I am struggling with biology.” Nakano said, giving him the largest puppy eyes Kei had ever witnessed. “Alright, fine. Let’s do this.” Kei agreed with a sigh, opening a textbook. How hard could that possibly be? He aced biology every time. Surely tutoring someone else was not that vastly different.

One hour later, their styrofoam cups were empty and Kei was about to lose his sanity. “What exactly are you not getting about the polymerase chain reaction?” He snapped, twisting a pen in his hand, ink smudging all over his fingers, “It’s not that hard!”

“Yes, it is.” Nakano yelled, desperation clawing its way into his voice. “Well, what part?” “Everything.” Nakano moaned, burying his face in his hands. “Oh man, I’m sorry. Nagai. I’m a lost cause. You should just go home.” Kei felt very tempted to do just that, but he took a way at Kou’s room and the tense way he hunched his shoulders and the staple of bills on the corner of the desk, and felt like an asshole for even considering it. But wait. He still had an ace up his sleeve. He stepped out onto the balcony, and made a call.

“I came as fast as I could.” Kaito leaned against the doorframe, motorcycle helmet underneath his arm, “Lucky I live nearby.” “Thank you. I owe you one.” Kei said. Kaito waved him off. “No, believe me, you’ll call in that favor once you see what I mean.” Kei said dryly. Kaito laughed at his pained expression. “It’ll be fine.” “Kei, are you leaving?” Nakano called, emerging from the bathroom. He paused in his tracks once he saw Kaito. “Oh, hi, you are-“ “Your new biology teacher.” Kei said coldly. Kou tilted his head in confusion. “A friend of mine. Who’s good at biology. He agreed to teach you. That’s all.” Kei grumbled. Immediately, Kou’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Hey! Wow, thanks for doing this! I’m really an idiot, so sorry in advance for taking up your time. I’m Nakano, by the way. Come in!” “Kaito. Pleasure.” the blond replied, giving him a warm smile. “I’m gonna go and get some food from the conbini down the road.” Kei responded, “Have fun.” “Get me some tuna onigiri, yeah?” Kou called after him. “In your dreams.” Kaito laughed.

  Three hours later, they sat at Kou’s table together, feasting on rice balls, soba noodles and lemon tea. “Kaito, you’re seriously the best.” Kou said, mid-chew. Kei turned his face away in disgust. “I feel like I really understood the stuff for the first-time!” “You’re welcome.” Kaito replied, “And by the way, Kou, don’t be so hard on yourself. You do understand more than you think. I think you just have trouble remembering the detail, but that’s okay. It’s what you study for, after all.” “You’re so nice, Kaito.” Kou fawned, “You’re much nicer than Kei.” “Hey. Remember who got him here in the first place?” Kei snapped, irritated. “I know, sorry. That was pretty great of you.” Kou said apologetically, grinning at him cheekily. Pretty great of you. Kei felt his cheeks heating up. “Bathroom.” he said, leaving as quickly as he could, and ignoring the smile on Kaito’s face.

  “So, what’s the result?” Kou’s shift manager had apparently been waiting for them already when they walked into the store on Monday. “Hello, Tosaki-san, nice to see you too.” Kou said, rolling his eyes. Tosaki glared at him. “Okay, okay, fine!” Kou held up his hands in defeat. “I passed. Both exams. B in maths, C in biology.” “Just a C, after all the tutoring that Kaito gave you.” Kei comments acidly, “Were you even trying?” “Hey, I passed, okay? Wasn’t that the goal?” Kou pouted at him. Kei sighed, wishing that his puppy eyes didn’t have that much of an effect on him.

“I guess you did. Well done.”

Kou smiled at him. Kei felt his heart flutter, and looked away. “Well done, Nakano-kun.” Izumi said, who’d apparently overheard a part of their conversation, “Nagai’s drink is on me.” “Thanks.” Kei said. “Well then, get to work.” Tosaki adjusted his glasses. “Seriously, that’s all? Don’t I get a reward or something?” “Your reward is the tables you’ll be clearing.” Tosaki says haughtily, crossing his arms in front of his chest, “You’re late, so get moving.” “Yes, boss.” Kou sighs. “…Well done.” Kou turned in his tracks. “What was that?” “Move it!”

“Your regular?” Izumi asked, just as Nakano trudged off to get changed, “It’s on me.” “Is the gingerbread latte even a seasonal item anymore?” Kei said, seriously. “We make exceptions for our frequent customers.” Izumi responds, lowering her voice secretively. “Well, then I won’t say no.”

Izumi hummed and got to work preparing his drink. “Oh, in case you were worried. Nakano-kun still has all his vacation days. I guess that’s a type of reward, isn’t it?” “Hadn’t crossed my mind to be worried at all.” Kei answered, too quickly for it to be true. “I see.” Izumi said, with this knowing smile Kei hoped he interpreted too much into. “Here you go.” “Thank you.”

Kou came out from the staff room at this very second, wearing his work-shirt and apron. “Grab a seat, yeah?” he told Kei, “I’ll be with you as soon as I get a free minute.” “You don’t have to-“ His voice cut off, his brain short-circuiting in shock once he realized that Kou had kissed his cheek. “I-“ “That’s your reward.” Kou said, smiling at him, gentle and invigorating like summer rain, and for the first time in months, Kei was speechless.

[omophagist]

: of the destroyed : this brilliant city that lives for its dreamed future : the city lay in ruins : then rebuilt, first shacks, then permanent : it moves forward as its inhabitants walk, not looking back : the war has been over for a decade : ten years, in this city, is another lifetime ago : buildings pop up like mushrooms after a rainy season : a man without legs sits on the sidewalk, wearing the white of the past : he begs, I am a former soldier, have mercy : people walk by, carrying their invisible losses & griefs : they do not look at him : (we all lost someone or something ten years ago) : another war has started in Korea : another war brews in Indochina : this brilliant city lives on the backs of wars : see that tower, Tokyo Tower, made out of decommissioned tanks from the Korean War : see that building : built from profits earned from wars close & far : roads are built over rivers : rivers lie fallow & forgotten : people do not look back : the hunger they felt during that war another lifetime ago ghosts their steps : they walk, trampling away the past : (we all lost someone or something ten years ago) : the sun rises : the sun sets : the city shines bright at night, eradicating the darkness : the city has conquered nights & darkness & the past : another man walks by in his construction worker's clothes : he sees the legless man in white : he carries with him an anger : I lost my parents in the war : my father died like a dog on some South Pacific island, they said that he starved to death, & when you are starving, hunger consumes you : my mother died that night when Tokyo burned bright : she was trapped underneath a burning beam : I was only five years old : I couldn't lift the beam to save her : she said, Go, go, leave me, or you'll die with me, go, go : I cried & cried & no one helped me or my mom : I know hunger : I don't ever want to be hungry : he walks by the legless man in his steps of his anger : (we all lost someone or something ten years ago) : the night is here : the city burns : the city burns with hunger for more : & there is never enough in this city : the city shines brilliant & hums its electric song, footsteps keeping beats : (we all lost someone or something in that war a lifetime ago) : there is never enough in this brilliant city : the city hungers : it can never conquer its hunger 

- This Brilliant City, Mariko Nagai

[pkjd]

A new key visual and PV for Gen Urobuchi’s original CG anime series “OBSOLETE” has been revealed. It will premiere on YouTube on December 3rd; all episodes available with YouTube Premium or free on weekly basis.

-Synopsis-

“The year is 2014 and aliens have come to earth without warning to request for a “trade” - they offer conscious-control robots, “Exo-frames”, in return for limestone. “Exo-frames” are cheaper than fighter jets, tanks, or guns, and anyone can easily ride them. They quickly spread and begin to change the world.”

-Staff-

Original Plan, Series Composition: Gen Urobuchi

Director: Hiroki Yamada, Seiichi Shirato

Mechanical Design: Makoto Ishiwata

Character Design: Akihiko Yoshida, Yuya Nagai

Studio: BUEMON

via: project-obsolete.com

[thunder-jolt]

Shounen Jump Power Linkage: The Go Nagai Linkers in either nutshell, or just repeating some vines. (With some additions)

Qiao: I just had a burst of energy and I think it's my body's last "hooray" before it completely shuts down...

====

Rosita: They're right there.

Mirai: What the fuck is this?

Rosita: Watch your profanity...

Mirai: (replaces Mirai's voice for Ryo's dub voice from the 80s Devilman dub) I don't give a shit.

====

Rosita: *walking* *turns her head* Hazzzt!

One of Hyeong's Yokai (in this case; a Kappa): *sitting on a stack of boxes*

Qiao: Is- Is it real?

====

Hyeong: *to Mirai, in an argument* WHAT THE FUCK IS UP, MIRAI?! NO, SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE FUCK, DUDE!? STEP THE FUCK UP, MIRAI!

====

Sayaka: How do I start this darned thing?

*Devilman No Uta plays*

Mirai: Man Sayaka, I've been having a bad day- Oh my god, it's our song! IT'S OUR SONG!

Sayaka: *screeches demonically*

====

Rosita: Hyeong, get out of the tank.

Hyeong: You ain't my mummy.

Rosita: Get out of the fricking tank, I am your mum. (Mum-figure I may add.)

Hyeong: You ain't my mum.

Rosita: I'm your mum, get out of the ta-

Hyeong: I'M IN A TANK, AND YOU AIN'T!

(this continues before Mirai decides to take the "ordering people out of things" business)

====

Hyeong: *narrating, as a tanuki walks in* You got this, Tanny, make him wait for it... Boom.

====

Sayaka: Mother-trucker, dude! That hurt like a buttcheek on a stick.

Qiao: Watch your profanity.

====

Qiao: Rose, they following me, Rose! THEY'RE FOLLOWING ME!

Rosita: OH, OH WHO'S FOLLOWING YOU?!

Qiao: *points to Hyeong's moth yokai* The moths!

Rosita: THE MOTHS?!

====

Hyeong: Woah- WOAH! HAHA! HURRICANE KATRINA! More like Hurricane Tortilla~

====

Mirai: *beating up a Despairus (Despairiuses is plural, right?)* HATE THIS THIS DAMN ASS BITCH DESPAIR! FUCK THEM! *continues beating it up*

====

Mirai: *opens up gift, to see it's an empty book* It's an empty book. Thanks...

====

Hyeong: *seeing Sayaka's demon form, amazed* HELL FUCKIN' YEEEAAAAAAAH!

====

Hyeong: OH MY GAAAAAAAAWD! A TORNADO IS FORMIN'! BYE!

Hyeong's Yokai: *demonic screeching* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

Hyeong: But we're going shopping!

Hyeong and her Yokai: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

====

Qiao: When I say "slavery", you all say "sorry", SLAVERY!

His classmates: Sorry.

Qiao: *internally* It's okay.

====

Mirai: *slides across the ice to the reader/self-insert* Good evening.

====

Hyeong: I have an idea, imagine this but-

Rosita: WHAT THE FUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCK!

Hyeong: OH MY GAWD! A SNAKE!

The rest of the Go Nagai Linkers: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!

====

Hyeong: Back at it again at Krispy Kreme. *does backflip, breaks sign*

====

Rosita: Who wants to get crazy for NEW YEARS!?

The Linkers: YEEAAAAAAAAAAH!

Sayaka: *breaks glass bowl full of ornaments* YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

====

Rosita: Welcome to my kitchen... We have bananas, and avocadoes...

====

Hyeong: The cheese OF TRUTH! *whaps cheese on newpaper* Immigrants cause cancer...

====

Qiao: Toss me my keys.

Sayaka: *throws printer* *printer shatters*

Qiao: I said my keys.

Sayaka: I thought you said printer!

Qiao: Why the fuck would I say printer?

====

Qiao: *narrating about the 80s Devilman chibi* Even the chibis are one of the most dangerous creatures in the world, so I built this cage to keep them secure so there's no possible- *80s Devilman chibi escapes* Oh my god-

====

Mirai: This demon child is definitely on crack right now...

Hyeong: *ball bounces on her head* Yas! *ball bounces on her head again* YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

====

Sayaka: Look it. Look it! It's frickin' bats! I love Halloween.

====

Hyeong: MIRAI!

Mirai: *stares deeply into someone's soul* *dabs*

Hyeong: OOOOOOOOOHHHHH!

====

Sayaka: Wait, oh yeah, wait a minute, Mr. Postman.

Qiao: Yeeeeeee...

====

Hyeong: Heheh, what're you doing?

Sayaka: Dancing.

Hyeong: There's no music playing.

Sayaka:

====

Hyeong: *about to prank the 80s Devilman chibi* Hey, I shoved that ball down my pants.

80s Devilman chibi: *drops ball in fear*

====

Mirai: We all die, either kill yourself or get killed. *dances* Whatchu gonna do? *dances* Whatchu gonna do?

====

Sayaka: *Akira Fudo through Sayaka* Honestly, I don't remember, I was probably fucked up. Yeah, I was crazy back then... Ehehehehh...

====

Hyeong: Get to Del Taco! They got a new thing called "Fre Sha Vacado" FRE SHA VA-!

====

Meanwhile, the links...

Cutie Honey: Enma-Kun, your speech is so good!

Enma-Kun: OHIDIDN'TEVENREALYTRYTHATMUCH,IT'SJUSTALLIMPROVEAND-

Devilman: OH MY GOD, WHY CAN'T YOU JUST TAKE THE FRICKING COMPLIMENT, AAAAAAAAA----

====

Kouji Kabuto: Yo, Enma! You want some? *passes an empty can*

Enma-Kun: This bitch empty! YEET! *throws can*

====

Devilman: I wanna see my lil boy!

Sayaka: *holds the 80s Devilman chibi* Here he comes!

Devilman: I wanna see my lil boy!

====

Rosita or Cutie Honey: Let me see what you have!

Hyeong or Enma-Kun: A KNIFE!

Rosita or Cutie Honey: NO!

====

80s Devilman chibi: Who-Ah... Whuah?

Devilman: What does that say, Devi-bi?

80s Devilman chibi: Whuah?

Devilman: NO!

80s Devilman chibi: Whuah?

====

Kouji and Devilman: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Kouji: That’ll be the last time-

Devilman: NO! DON’T LET GO!

Kouji: I’M DYING! I’M DYING-

Kouji and Devilman: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

====

Devilman: So bored...

Enma-Kun: I wish Kouji’s here...

Kouji: HEY GUYS!

Devilman and Enma-Kun: KOUJI!

====

Mirai or Ryo: You’re all going to hell. Good bye~

====

Sayaka: *to Devilman* You are my DAAAD~!

Chorus: You’re my dad! Boogie-woogie!

====

Hyeong: Hey, how much money do you have?

Sayaka: Oh, like 69 cents...

Hyeong: Oh! You know what that means?

Sayaka: *cries* I don’t have enough money for teriyaki chicken...

====

Rosita: Um Hyeong, would you read number 23 for the class?

Hyeong: Nah, I can not.

Hyeong: What up? I’m Hyeong, I’m 16, and I never fucking learned how to read.

====

Mirai: Psycho Jenny, Psycho Jenny... PSYCHO JENNY! Oh my fucking god, she fucking dead...

====

Mirai: *to a Despairus* GIVE ME YOUR FUCKING MONEY! *throws Despairus so hard to a wall*

====

Hyeong: All I wanted to tell you all is that school’s not important; be who you wanted to be. If you wanted to be a dog, RUFF! Y’know?

--- --- ---

For @sundove88 and @shonenlinkage

[jasvvy]

omg

[yanoisablessing]

[tokupedia]

While the recent Hellboy film may have tanked, we can be thankful it brought Go Nagai and Mike Mignola together for crossover ad art pieces. Mr. Nagai says he is now a fan of Mike’s creation thanks to the movie. 

[theartofmany]

“Please support the artist, buy the original CD if you like it ©Mirai records,Etsuko Yakushimaru,Seiichi Nagai ,Shūichi Manabe,Kensuke Nishiura  ©Soutaiseiriron http://mirairecords.com/index.html/” From Youtube channel Ema Tank: Sōtaisei Riron ( 相対性理论)-Hi Fi Anatomia (Full Album) Great album - very chill music Enjoy =) ...