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murasaki-murasame · 4 years ago

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Thoughts on Fruits Basket 2019 2nd Season Ep24 [”Here You Are“]:

Even though this wasn’t as comedy-focused as last week’s episode, things continue to be relatively chill and relaxed.

Just because there’s still one more episode left of this season and we’re almost exactly two thirds of the way into the overall story doesn’t mean things won’t suddenly and drastically change next week, right? :)))

Anyway, thoughts under the cut.

I mentioned this last week since the next episode preview confirmed it, but they really did skip the whole Kyoko backstory arc, in order to jump straight ahead and adapt chapters 94 and 95 in this episode.

I still think this will work out fine in the end, though. It’s pretty obvious at this point how they’re going to end season 2, and it’ll be appropriately climactic. They’ll probably just revisit Kyoko’s backstory later on when it comes up again, which will hopefully flow nicely and not feel too much like a lengthy detour in the story or anything.

Either way, this episode continues the recent focus on Yuki and Yuki-related plot points by being about Machi, and then the New Years stuff.

In spite of the fact that I’m really not a fan of the Yuki/Machi ship, I honestly still really like Machi as a character, and the first half of this episode where we get our first proper look into her thoughts and her life really go to show why. My whole family and upbringing situation was very different to hers, but her whole depressed mood and how it impacts her self-perception and how she carries herself in general is one of the more relatable parts of the whole series. The art and cinematography in her scenes was also really good at getting across the whole mood of the scene.

But ultimately I still feel like as a character she suffers too much from coming into focus way too late in the story, at almost the exact same time that other plot stuff starts kicking into high gear and there’s no time to really focus on her anymore, so she gets a handful of very concentrated, heavy moments to establish her entire character arc and her relationship with Yuki, and compared to the more long-form storytelling that the rest of the series displays, it just ends up feeling kinda artificial. And even though I do really like her as a character, and I do relate a lot to her, her and Kakeru’s whole backstory almost feels like a parody of Fruits Basket as a whole, and the fact that it’s delivered so quickly and barely delved into doesn’t really help that impression. Like I said last time, Kakeru at least benefits a lot from having been woven into the story a lot since a fair while ago, whereas for a variety of reasons Machi has largely been kept in the background until this episode.

I wasn’t really planning to go into full detail just yet about why I don’t like Yuki and Machi’s relationship [which is a more or less separate issue to Machi’s character in and of itself and how she’s handled in the story], but I think this episode alone pretty much summed it all up, especially going by how people are already reacting to it.

Basically I just really don’t like how aggressively the story wants you to realize how Yuki and Machi’s whole relationship is basically just a parallel to Tohru and Yuki’s relationship. It’s so heavy-handed that it just takes me out of the story, and the fact that they’re intentionally drawing that comparison feels like it actively goes against a big part of what Yuki’s recent development has been about.

When Yuki was opening up to Kakeru about all his feelings toward Tohru, he made it clear that he actively disliked the idea of that sort of dynamic developing into a romance, because it was so fundamentally unbalanced and one-sided that it would make him feel even more lonely. He didn’t want to be on the receiving end of a mostly one-sided flow of emotional support, so I just can’t help but dislike how it feels like his relationship with Machi is almost exactly the same thing, but this time it’s Yuki who’s providing the support.

It’s not like Machi doesn’t provide anything for Yuki emotionally, but it’s also not like Yuki didn’t provide anything emotionally for Tohru either. It was just a *mostly* one-sided and unbalanced dynamic, and I feel like the same thing applies here.

I just feel like, going by his own whole speech about his feelings and what type of relationship he wants, I’d want him to get a romantic partner who he feels more ‘equal’ with, in a sense. Someone who doesn’t just receive his support, or who just treats him normally, but someone who pushes him to be a better person, and forces him outside of his comfort zone in a way that helps him grow.

Basically this is just an elaborate way of me saying that I ship him and Kakeru, lol.

And honestly I don’t even dislike the core concept of Yuki and Machi’s relationship, I just don’t like that it goes in a romantic direction, since it feels like it happens with the exact same reasoning as why Yuki said he didn’t want a romantic relationship with Tohru. I really do like the idea of him being able to grow enough as a person to help someone else [even if the story really isn’t subtle about how Machi is almost exactly like how Yuki used to be, lol], but I’d just prefer that to play out in a more platonic way.

Plus, from a slightly different angle, I also don’t really like the idea of Machi getting into a romantic relationship where it feels like she’s mostly just on the receiving end of emotional support, for basically the same reasons why Yuki said he didn’t want that for himself. I think she also deserves better than that.

But to be honest an unavoidable part of the whole problem is also just that we barely even get to see what their relationship is actually like in practice, and we pretty much just see the part where it’s like ‘wow, they’re JUST LIKE how Tohru and Yuki used to be!’, and we just have to kinda guess at how things play out for them after that. Which is yet another reason why I think she really suffers from being focused on so late into the story, lol. It’s entirely possible that if we actually got to see how their relationship evolved I’d be more on board with it, but we only see a fairly small portion of it in the end, so that’s what I’m basing all my thoughts on.

[Also there’s the whole separate but related topic of how I still think it’s disappointing how Yuki’s whole struggle about feeling unable to love Tohru romantically, and feeling socially obligated to perform normative heterosexuality with her is just followed up by him finding a different girl to have as a love interest, but I could make another whole post about that so whatever]

ANYWAY, that was a whole bunch of opinions I’ve been sitting on for a long time now, lol. Even though I kinda don’t care much about Yuki as a character in a vacuum, I feel very strongly about the way his character arc plays out, and all the writing surrounding him.

That aside, the rest of the episode was just about the New Years banquet and getting some glimpses at most of the zodiac members to start setting the scene for the final third of the story. The transition between the two halves of the episode felt super abrupt and jarring, and you could really tell that it was jumping from one chapter of the manga to the next, but still, I liked the second half a lot.

There’s a lot of different moments with different characters, but I really liked seeing more of Tohru and Kyo. By this point it’s really obvious how they’re settling into a comfortable groove with each other, even if they aren’t exactly open about their feelings yet. I think it’s really neat to see how their relationship has slowly but surely been changing and progressing across the course of this season, without them even being entirely aware of it. This season as a whole might have been largely Yuki-focused, but Tohru and Kyo have come a long way with their relationship since the end of season 1.

Also, I think this is literally the only time we’re gonna see Ritsu in season 2 outside of the OP/EDs, which is kinda depressing, lol. I really hope they can come up with some original content in season 3 to give him some screen-time, but at this point I’m not getting my hopes up.

And even though this episode is mostly pretty laid back, the scene with Yuki and Akito really does set up for the next episode, and how things in general are about to come to a head and fall apart.

I’m curious to see exactly where they end the next episode, since they might decide to end it only partway into chapter 97, instead of going all the way to the end. But at this point I think they’re probably gonna go all the way up to that big cliffhanger, and we’re all just gonna have to wait like 6+ months for the anime to continue from that, lol. If they go that far with the next episode, then I’m definitely curious to see how anime-only people react to it, for better or worse.

#murasaki rambles #fruits basket #I really need to stop writing these at like 5am

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shogetsus · 6 years ago

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Stripes of Auburn, Eye of Sapphire

Prologue Pt. I

Read on Ao3 | Read on FFN | Masterlist

Some disclaimers to go by: - While this starts off as a sort of retelling, the story becomes quite canon divergent at a certain point. The only true retelling – to my standards, that is – is just the prologue when all the characters are introduced as in canon. - With that said, regardless of this narrative diverging from canon, there are heavy, full on spoilers for Masamune and Shingen’s route. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! - While MC’s name is Mai Mizusaki, it’s not truly my intention to portray her exactly as how her character is in the manga version. Only took her name by default to be honest, there’s not really too much into it. - I also made the decision to extend the wormhole’s apparition from three to six months, but this is only to my personal benefit and consideration. To be honest, I just think three months is just a very short span of time for everything that happens.

Mai

A gleeful smile clings to her lips, turning to the starry sky in sheer delight, free and careless as a bird. It has taken so long and almost taken too much of her, but finally, finally, her efforts bore fruit.

She’d just gotten her dream job! She’s really, really going to be a fashion designer! Good riddance, matte-gray cubicle! Good riddance, piles upon piles of resumes! Cheers and so long to all those suckers who’d strongly believed she wouldn’t make it!

I bet grandma is so proud of me now…

With a full and unabashed grin, her first resolution is to get all her partying out of her system in the next couple of days, with some of her friends currently staying or either visiting Kyoto. It surely won’t be easy to get used to the hurries and constant activity of such a big city at first—that, she’s pretty much sure of, as for being a small town girl—but regardless, that’s far from being one of the biggest challenges she’s faced.

And she does like some good challenges. Where’s the thrill and excitement of life, otherwise?

It’s been some time since Mai hasn’t felt as proud of herself as of then, and her feet are glad to show that, leading her into a stroll through the streets of Kyoto. Recalling something, she brings a magazine from her purse, titled ‘A Traveler’s Guide To Japan’s Hottest Warlords’. The cheesy title makes her chuckle in amusement once again, knowing the most basic reason she in fact got that has been for the whole silliness of it. However, Kyoto’s truly a hub of historical activity, and that guide promised to have plenty of information on good sightseeing spots.

Stopping at a red street light, Mai flicks through the pages, honey-colored eyes falling upon some—supposedly so—familiar names. ‘The Peerless Warrior – Yukimura Sanada’, reads the top of the page. Who this guy was famous for, again? Much to her family’s concern, she’d crammed for Japanese history last. And to point that out, for a so-called guide on ‘Hottest warlords’, having that one as an introduction is just about a tad bit disappointing.

But just this once, she actually didn’t get that book for some eye candy, and so Mai opts out on scrolling some more. Quick enough, there’s another name that rings a bell.

‘The One-Eyed Dragon – Masamune Date”

That one, she’s more familiar with, and there’s been quite a bunch of historical dramas made about him as well. Ah, ‘The One-Eyed Dragon’… Mai can’t help but savor that name, feeling too nice when rolled over the tip of her tongue. And that eye patch as portrayed on the picture? Well, well, apparently she has finally gotten to the real deal of that magazine, something about the intensity depicted in that one single eye making her bite her lower lip in excitement. It’s really too bad he’s not from Kyoto, though, or else she’d be visiting every single museum or sightseeing made about him.

With a certain itching, Mai drops the evident eye candy displayed all over the magazine for the time being. “Mmh, let’s see. Where’s the closest place I can visit?” She mumbles to herself.

Apparently there is one nearby—a stone monument to Honno-ji, carved at the ancient temple’s original location. Next to the map of the site, there’s a full page dedicated to the most famous man tied to that location; the notorious ‘Devil King of the 6th Heaven’, Nobunaga Oda.

And that is a man Mai can clearly remember. After all, and if she recalls it right, he almost unified all of Japan under his rule. That’s not something to go by unnoticed. Along the pages, it reads, “In the year 1582, betrayed by Mitsuhide Akechi, Nobunaga committed suicide amidst the fiery wreckage of Honno-ji.”

… Or as Mai recalls it better, “In 1582, Nobunaga’s ambitions burned in a coup!”

Amused after noticing she still remembers her past old mnemonics, her feet guide her across the map leading to where Honno-ji once stood. However, her face winces with disappointment as she makes it to the place.

So… this is it? Really? It’s just a simple, somber monument—and pretty small as well.

“So much for ‘the best sightseeing spots of Kyoto’, huh?” Her lips purse into a frown, wondering if the almighty Nobunaga Oda would be as disappointed as she is as of then. Regardless, Mai stands there for some more time, trying her best to picture how the famous temple would have been.

Not much later, another visitor joins her at the monument; a young man with thin glasses and a tad bit messy brunette hair. The fact of him wearing a lab coat in public clearly makes him stand out. Is he a doctor? Nah, probably not, Mai assumes, looking too young and probably just about her age, instead assuming he most likely is a med-school student.

Standing silently beside her, his eyes are fixed on the monument stone, his expression too serious, almost contemplative—Mai can’t help it when her eyes drift to him instead. In her defense, he clearly is more intriguing than a chunk of rock, after all.

Her thoughts vanish in the next second after a drop of rainwater falls on her nose, blinking and turning to the sky. All so very sudden, dark gray clouds are looming over them, making Mai frown in concern. Where did those clouds come from? It was a clear sky just moments ago!

“Oh, no…” Without any advice whatsoever, the clouds abruptly break open and the tiny drops give way to a downpour.

Her companion doesn’t seem to be surprised, however. “Talk about poor timing,” His voice drifts over before the storm roars over and muffles it down.

“’Clear skies, all day and night’, it said. Stupid weather report,” Mai opts out for a small chit chat, already glancing around them for the closest shelter, growing annoyed.

The man’s glasses glint as a thunder breaks through, giving her a somewhat worried once-over. “Are you alright? You have an umbrella?” His serious expression doesn’t waver, yet he seems as polite as for asking.

“Well, yeah, but back at my hotel,” Mai grunts, anticipating the immediate struggle of removing her wet bangs off her face, getting soaked within seconds.

Her gaze drifts from past the man’s shoulder to his face, yet only for a split second before the two of them come to a startle—a fierce lightning bolt striking through and coming down before their very faces. Mai can’t help but screech, but the sound is muffled as they’re left to watch the stone monument in front of them shatter into pieces. What the heck!?

She’s forced to blink past the thick downpour and the blinding light from the bolt, never having seen such a thing that close before. The man’s arm makes way to seemingly push her back, “Careful, miss—!” His voice is tinged with panic and Mai can only watch in a blur as her companion struggles to get a hold on her.

Overcome with fright as she is, she tries grabbing his offered hand but, for some reason, it warps and bends into a thick, overwhelming darkness, eventually disappearing. Dizziness overtakes all her senses, squeezing her eyes shut to fight the feeling of gagging and pass out altogether, heart hammering its way out of her chest.

What the hell is happening?

For what it could be a brief moment or days later, the dizziness finally recedes, but as Mai dares drifting her eyes open, her sight gets obscured once more with streams of billowing hot smoke. Her limbs shake violently, weak and sick to the core, and a heavy cough makes its way up her throat, sheer confusion getting a stronger hold of her. One moment it was just raining and then, there’s not even a hint of humidity around her.

She blinks harder to adjust her sights, but her sense of smell wasn’t deceiving her in the first place. Where am I? How did I get in here? Her heartbeat pounds in her ears, adrenaline flushing through her veins—for the hot smoke can only mean one thing…

This place is on fire!

With an urgency that could only attribute to the most basic human sense of survival, she covers her mouth and leaps on, a shot of adrenaline numbing the shaking of her legs and arms. Looking through the suffocating smoke to catch a glimpse of the lab coat from her last living companion, the man isn’t anywhere to be seen. There’s no shattered monument either, or even the cold concrete under her scraped knees.

Instead, her eyes lay over the most unbelievable sight—a man, dressed in a suit of ancient Japanese armor.

Her eyes almost bulge out and her breath catches on her mouth, taking too long to process what she’s seeing. The man seems to have passed out on the middle of the floor, but to make everything even worse, barely a second later, the thick smoke gives way to the silhouette of another man, this one appearing to hold some kind of walking stick.

It doesn’t take much longer for her brain to put two and two together, and not even the roaring noise of the roof falling apart makes Mai drift her eyes away from the newcomer. It’s not a walking stick, it’s a sword!

Sparks from the flaming paper wall illuminate the sharp edge of the metal blade, rising and pointing in direction of the fainted man. “Hey, you, look out!” Mai’s tongue is faster than her brain, crying at the armored man clearly about to be butchered.

Mai’s heart and breath stops, struggling not to fall herself into sheer panic—and justifiably so—but for some miraculous reason that shout seems to work, the figure with the menacing sword going still. A second later and apparently without a second thought, the figure turns and flees from the scene.

Without giving herself a moment to question her eyes, Mai crouches beside the unconscious man, shaking him urgently. Her efforts make way to a brief success, eyes drifting open lazily.

“W-who are you?” It’s the first he wonders, his voice gruff yet apparently stressing himself to give way to a tint of demand.

“No time for introductions. Come on, we have to get out of here!” They’re on a building on fire, literally about to fall apart at any moment, and with a man undoubtedly out to kill that one. If there’s a time for questions, that’s clearly not the one. “Take my hand!”

Apparently holding onto the same urgency as her yet still struggling with an understandable dizziness, he complies and takes Mai’s hand. As she hauls him to his feet, the next moment they’re running for their lives through the blazing fire. A column roars at her right as it falls apart before her eyes, clutching the man’s hand harder and sharply tugging him closer to keep him from facing a cloud of debris flying straight to them. She forces her feet to keep running despite the smoke threatening to burn her lungs, sheer adrenaline pumping through her veins.

It’s a miracle, but they manage to make it through, almost tripping with a set of stairs but finding a way out to the open regardless. Her legs are screaming in pain, knees and elbows skinned, thighs with burns in some places, with one sandal left behind. Thankfully so, the real sting hasn’t arrived just yet, leaving Mai to spare herself a moment to stare at the building they’ve left behind, panting hard.

At first sight, it looks out to be a… temple—or was, most precisely, considering the fact of it then being engulfed by uncontrollable flames, the whole structure already falling apart. Mai blinks again past the smoke and debris, her brain refusing to cooperate and process what her eyes are witnessing.

I must be dreaming. This has to be a dream…

Beside her, her companion seems to be slowly coming to his senses, panting slightly and coughing away the remains of the hot smoke. “Someone tried to do away with me while I slept? Audacious, but foolish…” He growls, clearly aggravated. “Killing my guards and getting that close to me is another matter.”

Mai gives him a brief once-over to check up on visible injuries before returning to the burning scene on display, getting hard to tear her gaze away from such a horrible sight. “… Woman, let go of me.”

A tug at her hand makes her realize she was still gripping him for dear life, her knuckles white. “Oh, right. Sorry.” She lets him go without hesitation, forcing her own fingers to pry themselves open.

The man she’d rescued then turns to look her over thoughtfully. “You saved my life.” He says with clear surprise in his voice, straightening his back, his chest still rising and falling as he slowly seems to be regaining his breathing. “You may be some woman the monks snuck in for amusement, but I owe you my thanks regardless...”

The innuendo isn’t lost in her, meeting the man’s eyes. “Oh, really? I must have missed all the amused monks in the massive fire we just escaped from. I don’t even know how I got in here,” Mai frowns, adrenaline slowly yet surely wearing down after getting some clearer air into her system. However, that also gives way to an impending rush of questions after questions.

Who exactly has she just saved? Why is he dressed like a star in a poor samurai drama? And why does he speak like one too? But his eyes look proud and brutal and, most importantly, all too genuine in his demeanor. To make it worse, she can tell by a mere brief look at his clothes that they are, in fact, authentic—and just as much as that sword hanging on his belt.

Suspicion narrows the stranger’s eyes as he acknowledges her. “What are you staring at?” He muses, brows knitting in a frown. “You surely know who I am…”

“I really don’t…” Mai doesn’t actually know what else to say, blinking in confusion. “Should I, though?”

The man seems taken aback by the admission, tilting his head back. “You saved me without knowing who I am? Not expecting a reward or favor?” He doesn’t seem to be letting that surprising—for him, that is—fact take over, an amused smirk clinging to his face. “So be it. I shall tell you my name.”

Leaning closer to her, a glint of pride and something more dangerous crosses his eyes, brighter than the reflection of the blazing fire dancing across his dirty face. “I am the man who will rule over all under the sun—“

Mai’s heart skips a beat, something akin to danger coursing through her. Abort, abort, abort! Her brain seems to shout. “Actually, you really don’t need to tell me,” She blurts out, unconsciously taking a step back and procuring herself some distance from that devious look in that man’s face.

As if he just took a slap in the cheek, the stranger blinks once. “What?” Mai’s aware she’s being pretty much rude, but her instincts are stronger, getting the feeling she most certainly will not going to like whatever it is he has to say.

Then again, his stunned look doesn’t last for long, a long, amused laugh echoing its way far into the night. “You’re a curious one, woman. No one has spoken so imprudently to me before…” Mai doesn’t feel up to join his sudden mirth, however, not finding anything about the situation funny in the slightest.

And, wow, that wicked smile could really kill a kitten.

“You intrigue me, which is almost as worthy of praise as saving my life.” He looks inclined to admit, the pride in his eyes also reaching his lips, quirking up into a grin. “I am the Lord of Azuchi Castle and Daimyo of Owari, Nobunaga Oda.”

A moment goes by, then two and then three, until her brain finally makes a connection. Her eyes go wide and mouth hangs open, jaw falling to the very floor. “Wait, what.” It’s all she can mumble, removing some bangs off her face as if that mere action would make her sense of hearing some more clearer. Did he just really say his name is Nobunaga Oda? Nah, I don’t buy it.

But as she returns to glance at her surroundings, her honey eyes turn towards the gate of the burning temple. The sign on the gate hasn’t yet fallen victim of the blazing fire and wreckage, engraved with a name she’s just read moments—or is it hours? Or days?—ago, deeming it unmistakable:

‘Honno-ji’.

Her shoulders slump down, limbs threatening to stop keeping her standing—if she wasn’t truly shocked at the horrible sight of a temple being engulfed in flames, she can certainly assure she is then.

With her brain still struggling to make any sense of the situation, Mai opts on for keeping herself together and just go through the basics of it. “Um, pardon me for asking something as strange as this but… what year is it?”

Thankfully so, he doesn’t seem to be taking too much into it. “It is 1582. Why?”

Memories of a sentence she’d just read not so long ago make a resurface. “In the year 1582, betrayed by Mitsuhide Akechi, Nobunaga committed suicide amidst the fiery wreckage of Honno-ji.”

As if that recalling had just hurt her eyes, she shakes her head sharply. I’ve got to be dreaming this. There’s absolutely no way this can’t be a dream. Following her most rational thought, she raises her hand to her cheek and pinches it hard. Okay, that hurt. There goes the dream theory…

But does that possibly mean she’s back in time to the night Nobunaga Oda died?

The aforementioned man looks amused once again, the wickedness in his eyes gleaming even brighter. “Why are you pinching yourself for? I’ve given my name. It’s only fair to hear yours.”

Pushing the situation even further, he closes the distance between them, taking Mai’s chin in his hand and forcing her to meet his eyes. “Tell me your name.” The self-proclaimed Nobunaga Oda all but demands, undoubtedly savoring the way he intends to corner her—if the near devilish look in his face is anything to go by.

She gulps hard, knowing there’s no use with denying him such a thing.

“M-Mai, it’s Mai. Mai Mizusaki…”

#Cassie writes #Stripes fic #Ikesen #Ikemen Sengoku #Ikesen Masamune x MC #Ikesen Shingen x MC #Ikesen fanfiction #Ikesennw reblog

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snkpolls · 7 years ago

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SnK Chapter 100 Poll Results

The chapter 100 poll closed with 1,915 responses. When we compiled the write in comments, they filled a 65 page word document. Since we can only share a fraction of those, we are linking to the document so it can be viewed in entirety.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

RATE THE CHAPTER 1,869 Responses

Close to 60% of the fandom gave this chapter the highest mark possible while those disapproving were negligible. Still, those selecting “5” on this highly anticipated chapter were down more than 10% from last month.

Can I have my white-and-black morality back, Isayama? Please?

this manga has successfully crushed my moral beliefs into rubble and I don't know how to feel about it

I hadn't felt dead inside like this after reading a chapter since chapter 84.

I really like the interaction with Eren and Reiner. Reiner’s breakdown felt so real and honest and Isayama really conveyed that he was suffering .

I'm disappointed, I expected great things of this chapter. Isayama really tends to unnecessarily lenghten scenes that don't need to be. You'd think he would've learned about pacing by now. I guess the real shit will go down next chapter... hopefully.

If feels as though we're finally getting somewhere but I'm not sure I like where we're getting

It definitely lives up to the large expectations from being the 100th chapter

It is clear to me that this chapter was meant to tease us with the very beginning of the fight that is to come and it's quite sad that a part of the fandom fails to see that. We were purposefully given too few information or images to make conclusions of. Any possibility (almost everything included in this poll) seems likely at this point.

It was so close for another Marcel Flashback but mystery still endures. Dissapointent!

One hell of a milestone chapter. Isayama truly delivered.

the anime better knock this one out of the park in 2000 years lmao

January pls

WHAT WAS THE MOST POWERFUL PART OF THE CHAPTER? 1,880 Responses

For the most powerful moment, “Eren’s titan transformation” takes a quarter of the vote, followed by “All of the above.” Reiner begging for Eren to kill him and “Attack on Willy“ round out the top four.

"Did I say that? Please, forget I said that."

after watching the same scenarios over and over, i'd say to finally see someone taking responsibilities of their actions: magath and will being conscious of the fact they are getting their hands dirty

Eren and his Freakish Toes

Eren's glare just before he transformed. And his flowing hair, are you sure he's not modelling for L'Oreal right now?!

For me, it was Eren's expressions throughout the chapter. Especially when he reacted to Willy's words.

Reiner. GET IT TOGETHER. Not the time, not the place, not the person you should be begging. But if you kept Falco alive and will fight for your fellow Eldians in the ghetto next chapter we're good.

ok but is there sour cream in marley?

WHAT WAS THE MOST INTERESTING NEW INFORMATION 1,866 Responses

The walls being named for Ymir Fritz’s daughters and Willy knowingly being set up as a martyr were nearly tied for “most interesting new information”. And you people are honestly freaks because Duck Shaped Potties came in third.

ISAYAMA DELIVERED ON THE BODY HORROR THIS CHAPTER. WHAT PART GROSSED YOU OUT THE MOST? 1,870 Responses

Carrot toes win by a landslide--and also made for the best write-in comments!

Dem Toes Be FREAKY

Don't regrow limbs anymore, please

Eren's foot regenerating is more gross than all the deaths in Attack on Titan I've ever seen. I hope he never does that again tbh.

Thank you for mentioning my "little baby carrots"

Everyone's complaining about the body horror, but I'm upset that Isayama held back on having Eren regenerate his left eyeball. Might've looked similar to Reiner when his head blew off, except with beautiful, long flowing hair.

the foot flower just (shudders).

as I try to gather my overwhelming amount of thoughts on this boy, and despite those gnarly baby toe sprouts close to ready for harvest, I will glorify those chiseled calves of a god.

THANKS MOM I CAN'T EAT BABY CARROTS EVER AGAIN

ON A SCALE OF “YOU CAN STAY RIGHT THERE CRYING ON THE FLOOR” TO “I WILL HOLD YOU AND NEVER EVER LET YOU GO,” HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT TO HUG REINER AFTER THIS CHAPTER? 1,880 Responses

When I compare this to the chapter 93 poll where 21% had little to no sympathy for Reiner, 18% were non-committal, and the remaining 60% felt strongly about him, it appears that seven months later those numbers have remained constant. People either like Reiner or they don’t, and no amount of effort on Isayama’s (or the poll co-creator's) part is going to change that.

I would steal all the stars in the sky so that Reiner can be happy I sWeAr

Never flipped opinion on a character faster than when we started seeing Reiner in Marley

Still finding it hard to care what happens to any of these characters. Apart from Reiner. He needs a hug, a strong drink and a long vacation.

I feel sorry for Reiner but I kinda got desensitized after watching him suffer so many times. He almost beats Levi in the worst life ever competition. I feel exhausted just thinking his life and suffering will continue... I can barely feel any sadness for him anymore, I think he should probably get his final rest soon.

A lot of Reiner's flaws get overlooked lately because readers pity him. His selfishness led a lot of people to their deaths and even though he regrets it now it is too late and he deserves that suffering as karma. Other characters had it much worse and they didn't deserve that suffering (ie Eren) while Reiner brought it upon himself with his own choices. He should have listened to Bertholdt and Annie and stopped the mission after Marcel's death but he even threatened them to continue multiple times.

Reiner baby deserves all the good in this world. Isayama please give the boy a little bit of peace!!

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU CRIED ABOUT REINER’S HORRIBLE LIFE IN THIS ARC? 1,881 Responses

While the majority have not metaphorically or otherwise shed tears for Reiner, 55.2% of the fandom have been touched by his story and for almost 30%, it’s been extreme.

I'm crying all day thinking about my sad Reiner ;-; he just want to disappear from the world. I want to hug him.

I have never loved a character quite like I love Reiner. Watching him break in front of Eren has been heart-wrenching. He wants judgement for his crimes, to help abate some of the guilt he feels so heavily… And Eren’s the only person that seems to understand him completely. I know Reiner isn’t long for this world anyway with the curse of Ymir, but I’m still holding out hope that before he dies he has a moment of peace and satisfaction.

HAS EREN MADE YOU CRY IN THIS ARC? 1,883 Responses

We felt like it was only fair to include this even though Eren hasn’t been presented as emotionally as Reiner in this arc. As a bonus, it allowed for us to acknowledge the two groups who were most vocal in the write-ins--the 18% who find Eren hot, and the 8% who are angry with him.

Eren has never been one of my favorites, but he's been breaking my heart almost as bad as Reiner in the past few chapters. He's come so far, and not really in a good way. If he's lost all hope, the relentless freedom chaser, we're heading for a truly dark end.

I'm sick of him. I'm sick of his anger, I'm sick of his angst, I'm sick of his selfishness, and I'm sick of watching teenagers struggle. Please bring my adult vets back.

I never thought that Eren would ever become close to sympathetic.

I cried my heart out when he told Reiner he understood him, his development just blew me away, I am so proud of this boy I want to cry again now. Let's wait till we understand his plan to pass any judgement over what he did.

Since this is the 100th chapter of SNK, let’s take a moment to appreciate the improvement that Isayama’s art has undergone, specifically his character art and expressions. The fandom at large has been quite vocal on the attractiveness of the characters after the timeskip ...so, in your opinion,

WHICH PICTURE OF REINER IS THE MOST HANDSOME (OR THAT YOU LIKE THE BEST)? 1,869 Responses

With so many handsome Reiners to choose from, I wish I could convey the agony my poll co-creator had in selecting these six images. The elimination process was intense and whether to include the booty pic probaby took years off her life.

As she’d predicted, Happy Daddy Reiner was declared most handsome! His full face was number two, and the last minute inclusion of the booty pic resulted in our number three.

Isayama will achieve perfection on drawing Reiner's asscrack showing through his clothes soon.

"Of course i’d pick the booty pic of Reiner. It’s not Erwin’s but with a little 👏🏼🌈Imaaaaagination👏🏼🌈 anything can be Erwin.

Roses are red, Reiner is handsome, SnK fanbase Is mostly awesome.

AND WHICH OF EREN? 1,851 Responses

There was no way Eren’s Loréal Paradis wasn’t going to win this. Eren’s soft smile after Willy’s declaration of war was second.

THAT FLOWING HAIR DAMNNNN SON

This homeless look is working for him

Eren has beautiful hair.

The panel where Eren is about to transform and Reiner looks at Falco in fear is the most badass panel in a long time. I could FEEL the YouSeeBigGirl sires just from looking at Eren's eyed in the panel

Eren, my ovaries are ready.

Eren's always been hot, I dunno why y'all think he's only been hot now, keep up! ;)

Damn we went from him being some courageous hot piece of ass to him being an older, smarter, and even hotter piece of ass even if he might be a bit emotionless

He's definitely Hobo Daddy™

EREN’S ATTACK ON WILLY AND HIS CONVERSATION WITH REINER HAVE THE FANDOM DIVIDED. HOW WOULD YOU RATE HIS MORALITY ON A SCALE FROM “GENOCIDAL KILLER” TO “TOTALLY JUSTIFIED” 1,881 Responses

Eren’s morality continues to be a point of contention in many discussions about the chapter, though a majority 83% find Eren’s actions morally neutral to justified. However, the write-ins in the following sections show a huge variation in opinions, with many being quite harsh on either end. Needless to say, everyone has something to say about Eren!

I don't think his actions are justified, but people calling him "genocidal killer" as he wanted to kill Falco and Reiner and all these people is quite idiot, i mean i didn't see any satisfaction on his eyes, while doing what he did. Just a " i need to do this, even if it is going to kill you"... This isn't a intent of kill... to me is his determination to get his freedom.

Someone, anyone, punch him for me, please.

I've seen how divided people are on Eren's behavior and his true motives, but I think we should all agree that Eren has grown out of the purely revenge-seeking hothead who constantly demonized his enemies. He now understands that they're all only human, but nonetheless he must do what needs to be done to save his people. I don't know at this point if Eren and Reiner will ever be on the same terms, but here's hoping they can all find forgiveness in the end.

Genocidal Bastard..still justified

He's a war criminal. Seriously, look it up.

Frankly, all this pearl clutching about how "evil" Eren is, is ridiculous, and just shows the willingness of certain part of the fandom to dunk on Eren at the drop of a hat. We don’t have the full contest of this scene yet, we don’t even know what Eren is trying to do, or why, we don’t even know with whom he is coordinating, but we know that he’s evil? Even when it’s been 2 chapters that Isayama is been hammering that Eren isn’t revenge obsessed anymore? But well, obviously that’s clearly Isayama’s intention, to toss out 24 vols. of character development for a cheap twist.

I think there's a reason behind what he's doing that is not even a little bit fueled by pure revenge.

I trust him. Something something greater good.

Still love him, he's my boi. Also this is a manga about war; there is no right or wrong. I think people forget that when pointing fingers at Eren for his actions. I highly doubt this was Eren's plan to begin with.

Eren did nothing wrong.

However justified Eren was or was not, innocent blood has been spilled due to his own actions, so whatever morale high ground Eren had is now gone.

He is a murder, plain and simple.

Feels like isayama's trying to make us believe that Eren is suddenly a bad guy. I ain't buying it.

I was rooting for you. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU! HOW DARE U?! T_T

I'm so disapointed in him. I am forever the believier that things can be done diplomatically and he just fucked that up and killed a bunch of people. I get why he did it, doesn't mean I'm not super disappointed.

The chapter justifies my feelings towards Eren for months now. Glad some readers are starting to see him in a more realistic, less idealized light. He had civilians killed back in Stohess, remember.

WAS EREN BEING SINCERE WITH REINER WHEN HE SAID HE UNDERSTOOD HIM? 1,880 Responses

I do think that Eren meant the things he said in response and maybe even forgave him, but apparently regardless of his personal feelings, he's trying to do something very specific, granted the margin of whatever extra casualties there are.

It seems like he still has this good core, but this story is highlighting that 'good' is relative. I thought he was quite sincere talking to Reiner, and Reiner's sincerity in return made me change my opinion of him (and I've hated him for ages).

It was so gratifying to see him say he understands Reiner and the other warriors finally. I've needed this understanding for so long. I'm so happy! Maybe it wasn't wholly sincere, but Eren's finally made the connection that Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie were just kids too, that they were fed information and forced into doing something they didn't necessarily want to. He finally understands how similar they all are; how screwed they all were from the start. And I'm just really happy that he's finally reached that point.

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT EREN INTENDED FOR REINER AND FALCO TO DIE IN THE BASEMENT? 1,878 Responses

Pretty sure he's protecting Reiner and Falco. He made contact with Reiner before the transformation. I don't know why he'd shake his hand before transforming. That would make for a very odd titan transformation. Either that, or he purposely crushed him as he transformed. But I doubt it, this chapter was about Eren gauging Reiner's alignment, imo.

Eren better not have intended to kill Falco

I believe he probably used some hardening to save Falco and Reiner in the basement, or somehow made it so that Reiner was able to save Falco. I definitely believe they're alive and well. I'd like to draw attention to the last panel of the manga, where it shows Eren's titan hands LITERALLY covered in blood. Emphasized, I believe, because Isayama is a master in symbolism and meaning.

I actually really like his eerily-calm demeanour. But I'll be so upset if he killed Reiner and Falco.

I really can't wrap my head around Eren killing Falco and I don't believe he did, its so unlike him. The whole events leading up to the transformation was beyond peculiar with Reiner snatching his hand back and looking horrified at Falco just before Eren transforms. I swear for some moments I was getting Grisha vibes from Eren and his Titan form.

I really hope Reiner has protected Falco, because he has survived worse things.

My personal belief so far is that from the get go Eren intended on using his hardening abilities to shield Reiner and Falco...with the plethora of parallels to the Reiss cave already in place, I dont think its too far fetched (or Im just in denial lmao)

Well he's clearly not fucking around. FWIW, I still think he did something to prevent Reiner/Falco from being instakilled

IS EREN WORKING WITH THE PARADISIANS OR APART FROM THEM? 1,877 Responses

Despite not seeing any other member of the Survey Corps, the vast majority of respondents still believe Eren is not working independently.

DO YOU BELIEVE EREN’S LETTER WAS ADDRESSED TO ZEKE? 1,867 Responses

We first asked this question with chapter 98. At the time 86% believed Zeke was the recipient of Eren’s letter. That number is now down to 61%. I suspect the use of the word “comrade” has dissuaded some people. DO YOU BELIEVE ZEKE AND EREN ARE WORKING TOGETHER? 1,874 Responses

This question was also asked with chapter 98. the number of people who believe in an Eren/Zeke alliance have only fractionally changed.

I'm glad we finally got some clarity regarding who is on what side, even though Zeke is still a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. I feel like Zeke is playing both sides of the fence, but also has his own little plan going and might doublecross everyone in the end.

He had inside info. Had to be Zeke

So Trapdoor-kun told Zeke to go in the front door yet here we see him still walking around the streets. Very suspicious and makes me believe the theory that he's working with Eren/Paradis Crew

Anyone considered the possibility that it might be Colt who's in touch with Eren and not Zeke? After all, he's played baseball too, and he's related to a deceased Eldian Restorationist.

ANY OTHER THOUGHTS ON EREN THIS CHAPTER? 626 Responses

He is clearly in his grunge/alternative-rock phase and just want to show to the world that he is edgy af. We've all been there.

I try very hard not to think about Eren at all tbh.

HOT DAMN EREN. Not too sure what I love the most! His looks of his growth as a character. This new Eren is a blessing. For better of for worse, we can all agree that Eren's change is amazing. Can't wait to see more of him!

baby's all grown up and meeting DSM-5 criteria for like seven different psychiatric diagnoses

Never liked Eren. Am a fan now. Give me a problematic murder boi and I’m fucking in.

He's certainly matured, not prone to regular angry outbursts like when he was 15. Now Eren is extremely controlled, the master of making grown men cry and his angry outburst is busting through a building in Titan form!

I loved seeing how much Eren has grown up. He's a far cry from the angry young boy he was at the start of the series. But on a final note, I think this chapter may be the one that finally sold me on this arc. I'm really enjoying seeing the (sometimes vastly) different political and moral motivations for the various (new and old) characters!

Had no choice after Willy’s declaration of war.

The willingness to sacrifice the lives of innocents is nothing new for the sc (see: armin's comment during the uprising) regardless of your feelings on its morality. Eren appears to have grown enough to accept that sometimes its necessary for whatever greater plan he (and the sc?) have right now. But the idea that eren wants to kill these innocent people or is still just out for revenge goes against all the development of his perspective that we see in his conversation with Reiner (which I believe is genuine). And there's no indication that he sees all marleyans as the enemy that must be destroyed. So Eren''s actions sit right in the moral ambiguity zone that isa is so fond of, but we can't say he's just some angry murderous genocidal kid (especially since we don't know anything about Paradis's full plan)

I understand his hate towards the country that made hell of his life (and of his beloved ones' libes too), but continuing this cyrcle of violence isn't the right solution. This isn't what the Scouts had died for, so I'm really hoping he isn't working with them anymore because it'd be an insult to all their efforts.

I was hoping he wouldn't take this route, but I don't think I can blame him for choosing it.

Initially I was torn about his decision, I didn't see it coming and didn't think it matched what he had been saying the past few chapters. But, this is war, and he must protect his loved ones. So I've come around to accept it. Oh, and that panel with his hair going up before he transformed is EPIC.

Is Eren playing the game, or is he still a pawn? He still has anger issues but I hope he has just learned to use them productivity.

I will admit he has matured since we last saw him as a teenager, but I believe he has turned that rage on the outside into something awful and gut-wrenching on the inside. He manipulated Falco and basically mentally tortured Reiner. The man may have matured... But he is not sane.

I'm conflicted, I was hoping he had a more elaborate plan than "kill 'em" after his speech to Reiner.

I’m gonna be honest here and say that eren has been one of my least favorite characters since I joined this fandom. I just saw him as this annoying, stupid, revenge-fueled kid. but suddenly he’s kinda started growing on me. we’ll see where this goes...

I'm impressed with his maturity and hope we get to see more of the backstory to his growth.

I'm very disappointed. I loved Eren.

I'm yours, Eren. All yours.

I'm sad he can't grow a beard

Sad that he has to keep compromising his humanity in order to save his people but also kinda proud of how much he has grown up.

I find it sad, and yet a sign of maturity, that he carries out the Attack on Willy out of perceived need to do so rather than desire.

It wish things would've turned out different. You can tell Erem is hurting just as much as Reiner. None of them are villains in my opinion

Please after this attack let Eren cut his god damn hair I CAN'T take looking at that hobo hair anymore IT ONLY LOOKS GOOD IN CERTAIN ANGLES I WILL EVEN TAKE HIS EMO MULLET FROM CHAPTER 90 JUST GET RID OF THAT HAIR AND THAT FACIAL HAIR TOO IT DOESNT LOOK RIGHT!

Step on me, Eren? Does that count?

Eren over the past few chapters has been incredibly interesting to me. For a character I found annoying from the start, made peace with, and then utterly disliked after the serum bowl, it’s been wonderful to find something else to latch onto for his character. I love this cold fire he has. He’s become an emotionally broken man who has shaken morality, turned into something he hates. The parallels between him and Reiner are honestly genius, and I love Isayama for giving us such nuanced and complicated characters in Eren and Reiner.

We love and appreciate Eren in this house.

What an incredible progression for this young man who started out as an unbearable kid with anger-management issues. I'm loving the new Eren to be quite honest. Plus he's hot.

the old eren definitely can't come to the phone

You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villian.

ANY BETS ON WHETHER REINER AND FALCO SURVIVED THE BLAST FROM EREN’S TRANSFORMATION? 1,875 Responses

A majority vote think that both Reiner and Falco will survive to see 101 (and god I hope we’re right).

I honestly hope Reiner protected Falco from the blast of Wren's transformation, I truly feel while deep down inside he hates himself - he couldn't stand to see another person, let alone a kid, get killed. So I hope for the best for the Warriors and the Warrior Cadets.

Honestly, I think Reiner's plot armor is too thick for him to die, not sure about Falco tho.

I really hope Eren's and Reiner's handshake was some magic bamboozle shit to protect Reiner and Falco. Please be alive boys :'(

Set-up for Reiner holding Falco's broken body next chapter.

DO YOU THINK WILLY REALLY IS THE WARHAMMER TITAN? 1,874 Responses

I highly doubt that Willy is the Warhammer Titan tbh. It just- doesn’t seem right? The commander that was talking to Willy at the beginning of the chapter (forgot his name oops) probably is since he’s shown sympathy towards the Eldians and also laid out 99% of the strategy to Willy. So Willy may be a decoy with who truly owns the power.

Villi himself said he saw the memories of Warhammer Titan so this kinda confirms he is, but maybe he was used as a vait bc warhammer titan is too powerful to risk and he was a puppet. Who knows!

Tall Guard is Warhammer Titan

Kiyomi is the Warhammer Titan

Warhammer titan doesn't exist.

The real War Hammer Titan is the friends we made along the way

DO YOU THINK WILLY IS DEAD? 1,872 Responses

Willy is an interestingly captivating character. A man who is full of self hatred and doubt, who tries to make the best of his bad situation, who also ends up sacrificing his own life to be taken seriously. Wow. Not saying he's a good person, but he's mighty interesting. Or, "was". Thanks, ERIN.

Honestly, I feel angry about Willy's death. Well, not sure if he is dead but probably he is or will be. I feel he was not 100% bad person, he had a lot of feelings and emotions inside. When he was crying while saying he didn't want to die, I felt that he was telling it to Eren. Willy was one of the characters I liked and I wanted him to cooperate with SC. Seeing him killed pissed me off really a lot. Does Isayama really MUST kill all my fav characters? Maybe he feels pleasure of killing good-written chars and leaving the most plain ones and the ones I don't give a crap about.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPEFUL FOR IN CHAPTER 101? 1,870 Responses

1,070 (57.2%) The Survey Corp. Finally!

1,038 (55.5%) What game is Zeke playing?

964 (51.6%) Finding out Eren’s ultimate goal

875 (46.8%) Trapdoor-kun’s identity is revealed

791 (42.3%) ANNIE

654 (35%) LEVI

581 (31.1%) More Grim reminder

424 (22.7%) More on Lady Kyomi

348 (18.6%) More Reiner suffering

327 (17.5%) Porco and Pieck use the potty

324 (17.3%) Reiner is saved from the purgatory that is his life

309 (16.5%) Armored Titan vs Attack Titan

267 (14.3%) Flashback of Marcel being eaten

243 (13%) Porco and Pieck are rescued

199 (10.6%) Karina dies

164 (8.8%) Willy survives

Everyone is still looking out for the survey corp to return, followed closely by working out allegiances and identities of several key players. Isayama keeps the mystery going for another chapter.

if 101 doesnt open with the grim reminder narration Im suing isayama

How will Porco and Pieck have any privacy while using the 'duck'? GUYS PLEASE, STOP WITH YOUR STUPID WAR THEORIES AND GET TO THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE

I honestly just want Ponytail Armin to happen by 105. That is all.

I just want Reiner to have survived, he could do so much good given the chance.

Honestly I'm dissapointed that we didn't get to see the Paradis cast in this chapter.

Flashback of marcel's death from the perspective of every atom present at the time

Kiyomi drinking wine with smirk in Cersei style watching the chaos in Liberio

Carla using the P A T H S to tell his son to fucking chill

Reiner to have some closure on Bert's death

Surprise! Ymir flashback.

HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT TO RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL CAST ON PARADIS? 1,871 Responses

With so much Eren in this chapter, there’s still a good amount of thirst to see the Paradis cast! Of those who chose option 5, we’re down from 38.1% last month to 35.9%, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that from the amount of write-ins we received begging for certain characters to return!

I really have a problem with the ask "How baldy do you want to return to the original cast on paradis?" because i highly suspect that the original cast is in marley but also want to return to their pov so badly! What should i answer?

Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts. Main casts.

WHICH CHARACTERS DO YOU GENERALLY ENJOY THE MOST 1,881 Responses

WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES 1,848 Responses

ANY OTHER CHAPTER THOUGHTS YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE? 292 Responses

*insert the most epic of Sawano tracks*

Woke AF. Adopting other shifter personality traits (scratching his ear like Zeke) possibly because PATHS?

"I will just keep moving forward until my enemies are destroyed" I dread the meaning behind this line because if "destroying his enemies" is like what happened to Willy then Eren is going down a very dangerous road.

*breaths in* *exhales* BOI

SO GLAD THAT I WON BINGO ON GRIM REMINDER 2.0. Thank you Isayama for the craziest ride to chapter 100! It's been fun, frightening, saddening and honestly, the best thing that has ever happened in my life. It's thanks to Isayama that I met so many amazing friends and experienced so many emotions that only he could ever create. I've been reading since chapter 49, and I will continue until the end.

I really miss Levi and Erwin. Seeing them in the fake preview from the new volume brought tears to my eyes... it was so nice to see Erwin so peaceful and calm. Part of me is glad that he's not seeing this shitshow, but I get the feeling that he would have come up with a better plan for dealing with the Tyburs than EREN SMASH! EREN ANGRY >:E

Man. Chapter 100. SnK has come a loooong way

Marley arc and especially this chapter have been a blessing so far, loving every second of it. I hope this arc will continue as is, seeing how well written it seems to be already. May the suffering of Reigner continue

If Annie dies off screen (aka gets Ymir'd) I will be indescribably upset

If Annie is now a comrade of the Paradis people after Eren successing on freeing her, I'm going to eat my pants for breakfast.

Is it me or does the Attack Titan looks a bit different (bulkier/bigger?)

Isayama and his brilliant parallels

Isayama hear my call please show me Hange Zoe I just need her back I need to see her again

Kudos to Isayama for being able to keep this story so engaging.

Magath reminds me a lot of Keith Shadis. He knows that he has sent so many people to death, regrets lots of things, and has started to think differently. He could be an interesting "boss", since some of us always expected Keith to be "bad".

Porco and Pieck are going to be in that pit long enough they're gonna need that little training potty. D:

When Eren cited Marley indoctrination following the word "but" on pg. 26, it told me unambiguously Eren admitted RBA & Warriors are more justified than he since he made a note of that difference. Funny how much of the fandom believed Marley Warriors cannot be justified, forgiven, etc., at all until Eren says 'me, too.' Then suddenly, "Eren's justified! He's just doing an job now!" sans RBA's tremendous guilt, esp. Bert & Reiner's.

IMAGINE FALCO TRYING TO WAKE UP THE IMPALED REINER THEN RUNNING OFF TO SAEV GABI THEN REINER REMENISING AND THINKING ABOUT WHAT EREN'S GONNA DO TO THE PEOPLE HE LOVES AND GOING "I'LL EXTERMINATE THEM, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM" THEN TRANSFORM THEN PUNCH EREN IN THE FACE.

Really epic okay, still left me with a bit of bitterness because it showed how Eren isn't changed in better but only believes in violence. It is madness and cruelty with no end. How sad

Reiner being the main character is the best thing in this manga. Porco migh sacrifice himself to save Reiner from Eren during their titan fight after getting more of his memories back (Eren eats Porco). Enraged, Reiner finally manages to get the advantage over Eren and eats Eren. Thus, Reiner succeeds in having 4 of the shifter powers in his control. Eventually Reiner will seek his own path separate from Paradise and the World itself.

That duck shaped potty thing, what the actual heck??? Is that what that was??? Anywho, this chapter had an interesting moment after Reiner's explanations of his actions. That alongside Willy's desire to live were the most powerful points in the chapter.... The panel where he begins to transform, he has a look of enhanced determination as opposed to desire to snap the olive branch. That in context to the whole conversation, it just makes it seem unlikely. But then, this is SNK. We'll see what happens.

The Guy with the newspaper who is he ?

The illustration in those last few pages was AMAZING. Maybe the best panels I've seen in the manga.

The way Eren listened to Willy's speech and was reconsidering his actions because of the line "I was born in this world" but then closing his eyes and accepting what he had to do after the declaration was chilling.

The whole thing got complicated all of a sudden. I still can't believe Paradis elaborated complex navigation in 3 years. We don't kniw what happened there, but no way they're on par with Marley. Who the hell is this trapdoor guy?

This chapter is THE bomb. It made me cry and smile like crazy. Isayama sure knows what he's doing. Can't wait for 101.

Even though i love the chapter, my issue is still same. Pacing is so slow! I felt this even more at the end of the chapter. Villi screaming "They're only Eldians!" to Magath was totally sick. Also Eren's crazy smile when he shaked hands with reiner..... damn it. I know reiner is fine and well, but i am scared for falco and rest.....

This chapter was amazing from a thematic and character standpoint. I hope that now that the action is beginning we'll get to see trapdoor-kun's identity and the rest of the sc soon.

This chapter was amazing. The way the chapter ended left me (once again) shaking in my seat. Isayama knows how to write his manga, kudos to him!

This chapter was the climax of Reiner and Eren's latest developments, I can tell the story is gonna kick into overdrive soon, and I can't wait.

This is a story about war, there will be lines crossed and sacrifices made. I learned not to label characters and their actions so carelessly without trying to put myself in their shoes or at least try to decipher what caused/pushed them to act as such. So to see other readers so ready to condemn Eren (and the rest of the walldians) as evil is ridiculous - especially after reading the tribulations Eren and the rest has gone through. I do not and will condone or support his actions if he does cause collateral damage, but at this point I'm just going to be on the neutral and observe how this story will unravel. With how things are going, I think...in the end, no one will get a decent happy ending here...perhaps some fool's hope.

This is a long poll

(You’re telling me!!!!)

Since the third Bessatsu Shonen popularity poll was released along with this chapter, we thought we'd ask your opinion...

WHAT BEST MATCHES YOUR THOUGHTS ON ERWIN BEING THE WINNER? 1,786 Responses

32.3% of you are my people and an additional 42.2% are welcome to eat at my table. There was lots of love for Erwin here, but Kasch and I were both a little surprised at amount of salt. I read it. I’m not including it. (And some of ya'll trashed my guy and added your names 😱 )

Look at this smart person:

Lol i'm not trashing Erwin on fucking momtaku's poll I'm not dumb or a jackass

Thank you for not being dumb or a jackass 👍!

Happily, there were some really great, smart, funny and probably beautiful people who smell nice and have lots of friends who included comments about Erwin’s win:

Erwins a great character and a handsy boy. He totally deserves it haha xD Rip Commander Eyebrows

He deserved it and I love Levi's expression that both asks his fans why they let him down but is also so proud and happy for Erwin!

He deserves it but his massive lead over Levi is surprising. Season 2 still fresh in people's minds, I suppose.

his eyebrows should have been #1

While Erwin deserves it his top place was probably a last homage from the fans. I found it strange that the poll numbers were so low compared to the other polls tho!

I'm guessing he won because of how cool and what a great leader he was this season in the anime and also from the manga readers still being bitter and enraged by the serum bowl? Erwin is definitely in top 10 interesting characters for me.

And a few more comments worth including:

Actually, I'm not even mad, I'm amazed that 2 dead people have the first and last positions....

I loved that fans were rabid enough to vote for a dude who died last year. If nothing else, that's some mighty fine trolling.

ARE YOU GENERALLY HAPPY WITH THE TOP 10? 1,813 Responses

A poll with only 6000 votes is not considerable neither representative of the fandom reality

At least it wasn't Levi.

Hanji Zoe deserves 1st place smh

Bertholt and mikasa are tie fighters now?

I wish that Ymir or Historia at least made it into the Top 10.

ANNIE WASN'T ON THE TOP 10, WTF, THIS IS A TRAGEDY

AND LASTLY FOR MY POLL CO-CREATOR, BECAUSE SHE WON’T LET ME OUT OF THIS LOCKED BASEMENT ROOM UNLESS I INCLUDE THIS, HOW SAD ARE YOU THAT REINER IS 9TH? 1,766 Responses

Sincerely I think Reiner deserves the first place because his character has really shown emotional depth this chapters.

I'm upset! the guy is already dead. Reiner really deserve it this time

Suffering and begging for death in the manga, 9th in the popularity poll... it's okay, I still love you, Reiner ; _ ;

If you made it to the end of this, thank you! See you next month!

#snk polls #snk poll results #snk chapter 100 #snk 100 #snk poll

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silverwindsblog · 7 years ago

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hi I have a big problem with how Anzu is written in yugioh and I wonder how much you agree. She is so weak and helpless and i wish the anime gave her more important and more mature nature and more complicated personalty. She is even worse in fanfiction! Everyone writes like they hate her or she is like really girly and damsel in distress. How would you write her different? have you seen anyone write her better. Sorry i am new to your page if you answered this question already

Hello anon. I don’t believe I have this type of question before, so no worries.

I strongly disagree on Anzu is weak and helpless. She has a badass, take no shit attitude in season 0 yugioh (both anime and manga). Not only she defended Yugi from bullies, she also bashed the globe on a brainwashed professor so they can escape from Shadi’s control, guided the group in Death T to avoid falling blocks. Oh, it happen offscreen but she even punched a man for touching her butt at work and got fired from it (manga based). Her badass attitude got really toned down and got reduced into a love interest role, which I have to admit as an Anzu fan, I’m disappointed on Anzu’s wasted potential. I can see why some people aren’t fond of Anzu and seeing her as a non action girl if people are not familiar with season 0 Yugioh in both anime and manga. The creators were more focused on Joey, Yugi, and Seto’s character development more so than female characters. Shounen anime (at least back in the 90’s), are more focused on male characters since their intended main audience are young boys. Female characters were used by creators as as eye candy and have limited roles that are stereotypical. For example, love interest, clingy jealous girl, the nagging wife, etc.

Despite that her badass attitude is toned down from season 0, she is strong. I just wish that the creators expand more of her character and have more complicated personality. She’s certain of her future as a dancer for a 16 yer old which is impressive. How many 16 years old already knew what they want in the future? Many adults don’t know what they want in their 20’s. She’s adventurous, headstrong, and confident. Season 0 Yugioh revealed that she’s the type of person that believe one can make one’s future rather than passively get through life. She rejected the fake psychic’s services and said something like “That I can make my own future and see it for myself.”

She helped both Yugi and Atem open up more, find Atem’s past by suggesting to go to the museum, supported her friends to go on when they want to give up, doesn’t take Seto’s attitude, and discover Atem’s name. If it weren’t for Anzu discovering Atem’s name, Atem would lost to Zorc.

I saw people wrote Anzu pretty well as a well rounded person and doesn’t fall into the homophobic girl/slut shaming for the fan’s shipping, damsel in distress, or make her a villain. I have some fanfic recs that has Anzu as a well rounded person. Some fanfics have shipping and I tagged them.

Schadenfreude by Scribbler

Variation on a Theme by Scribbler

A what if Anzu solved the puzzle instead of Yugi. Well written and fleshes her out along with other characters more.

Dandelion Days by Scribbler

A story how Anzu and Yugi become friends.

A Really Quite Serious Story About Hugging by Scribbler

Peachshipping. Explores Anzu and Yugi’s relationship on their moments when they hugged each other.

The Price of Fame is Not Tax Deductible by Scribbler

The North Wind and the Sun by Scribbler Anzu/Seto (Azureshipping)

Something Quiet to Ease My Mind by Scribbler

Anything by Scribbler honestly since she’s focused really well on Anzu and peachshipping (romantic & friendship). She does a nice job developing their relationship.

Ghost by kallistra (My all time favorite story). Vanishshipping. No words can describe on how well written and how much I love the story. Has a lot of Egyptian mythology. Be mindful that it’s rated M for drugs and alcohol, sexual assault, and a lemon.

I’m Not Your Salvation by Cryptographic_Delurk

Summary: Joey didn’t think about her much at first, except to dislike her. Jounouchi and Anzu get off to a rough start. This is, however, only the start. Friendship fanfic.

Author’s Warning: The misogyny tag isn’t there lightly. If you’re sensitive to portrayals of male objectification, sexual harassment, or assault of women, you might want to skip. Rated M for swearing.

Vices by Atemusluckygal

Summary: The Seal of Orichalcos is much more dangerous than a spell card, its agenda much grander than a game. Rated M for mature content (TW inside). Contains subplot Revolutionshipping, discussed Peachshipping.Be ware that there are dark themes that are not suitable for children. I love this story, but be mindful of the dark themes. It’s not pretty.

Anything by Saffroncremebrulee for Anzu centric/revolutionshipping centric. I love her writing style.

From Business To Pleasure by Higuchimon

Seto/Anzu (Azureshipping)

Chills and Thrills by Higuchimon Jououchi/Anzu (Devotionshipping)

A Sane Cheerleader by darkrunnerAnzu x Otogi (Persevereshipping)Oneshot. Short, but I love it. I like this pairing and it’s a fun one to explore.

Boiling Point by: Ryou VeRua Very short revolutionshipping. What happens when you mess with Anzu. The bullies learned the hard way. Moral of the lesson. She has legs of steel. And don’t fuck with Anzu.

A Revolution of the Spirit by Jenivi7Poker game with Revolutionshipping. Funny and I love how flirty Anzu and Atemu are to each other.

Define Dancing by darkrunnerRevolutionshipping

Memento by: DoubleplusgoodduckspeakerMirrors don’t tell lies, Anzu. To regain that which is lost all you need to do is come back. MarikxAnzu (Manipulashipping)

Fifteen Minutes by DoubleplusgoodduckspeakerYou don’t always get your happy ending, but sometimes that’s a blessing in disguise. Danceshipping MaixAnzu.

Completion by Cymoril AvalonDeath had stolen everything from Anzu, but after the story was over and life pursued its own end, she discovered that sometimes, love really does transcend physical boundaries. AnzuXYami no Yuugi (Revolutionshipping)

Pollux by palomino333Sequel to Dealing With It. Set after DOMA. “In that moment, Anzu grasped the fact that she had never felt so sorry for him before. Yami was surrounded by friends, but he was so alone.” Revolutionshipping.

The Sands of Solipsism by: Raving In The RainTea, an aspiring ballerina, never had a solo until the company put on “The Sands of Solipsism”. The role of Sekherta, the murderous Egyptian queen, is all she’s ever dreamed of. But when her rival dancer mysteriously dies, Tea’s dream becomes a nightmare; for whoever has the lead role is haunted by the sadistic queen’s spirit who wants revenge on her ancient husband- Yami. Revolutionshipping. On hiatus.

If I were to write Anzu for a story, I would expand Anzu’s backstory on how she and Yugi became friends. I would expand more on how she is independent & adaptive from the traveling due her family’s work. I would write her as a headstrong woman, while trying to avoid making her short tempered. She’s an expressive person and is not afraid to show her emotions. However, she is not easily flustered unless it’s someone she likes or in extreme situations. Once she’s more comfortable with someone she likes, she’s not easily flustered. Being emotional does not make a person weak. She’s emotional, but as a dancer, she is able to express her emotions as well staying calm in stressful situations considering that she has to do dance auditions for scholarships. In the manga, Anzu is the one in charge for leading the group to avoid the falling blocks at Death T. I would write her as a strong person yet have insecurities when it comes to love. She can be naive with trusting people too much, but she’s not taking shit from someone who mess with her. If a man cat calls her or say something sexist, Anzu would respond back with a sassy atttitude or call him out for cat calling.

Hopefully I answer your question! Thanks for the ask!

#Anonymous #silverwindsblog answers #yugioh fanfiction recommendation

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murasaki-murasame · 7 years ago

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Wasn’t really expecting chapter 18 to be up this early. I feel like the last few chapters’ translations have come out a bit earlier than usual. Not that I’m complaining.

I think I remember hearing mixed things about this chapter around when it came out in Japan, but I liked it. Then again, I like Futaba a lot as a character.

Anyway, more detailed thoughts under the cut.

Seeing Touma with a Vita at the start of the chapter was kinda amusing, since I actually got myself one a week or two ago. I feel kinda jealous that he has a Slim model, even though I know his friend just lent him it. I wanted to get one of them, but I could only get an original model. I wonder if Touma’s kinda bad/inexperienced with technology, given that he seemed kinda confused by what seemed to be the Vita going into sleep mode. I guess it makes sense that he’d be less into gaming and whatnot than Taichi.

It’s really cute that Touma feels kinda guilty about wanting Taichi to visit him every day. Thankfully Taichi’s fine with it, and wants to come anyway. I like that they’re getting a chance to hang out, even if the circumstances are kinda awkward.

I wonder how long Touma’s been in the hospital for, by this point. Apparently we’re near the end of July in-story, but I forget when the accident happened. I doubt it’s been THAT long, otherwise the fact that Futaba and Masumi apparently never visited after the first time would be a bit weird.

Mami still bugs me a bit, but at least she’s being way less rude to Taichi than I was fearing. She does kinda need to learn to back off a little, though. I still can’t tell if anything important is being set up with her character. It feels like her whole thing with Touma is going to lead to something dramatic, but I dunno.

I know that Touma probably genuinely likes his other friends, but man I can only imagine how awkward it must be for him to constantly be around Those Kinds of straight dudes. I think this is the second time that one dude’s visited Touma and immediately implied that he must be looking at some kind of porn. I wonder if Touma ever has moments of being like ‘haha yeah c: totally c: I sure do love those big, beautiful, incredibly female women c:’. It reminds me of when I was at school like five years ago and a random dude I was sitting next to turned toward me and was like ‘so which girls in this class do you think are hot?’. Like . . . dude . . . . please. Stop. I’m glad that his other friends seem to be regularly visiting him, though.

Are we . . . meant to know who that other group of girls are, and why they seem to have some kind of an issue with Mami and co? I feel like we are, but I can’t remember them.

On the one hand I can’t really blame them for complaining about Mami behind her back because she kinda deserves it, but on the other hand, they were way out of line with insulting Futaba like that. Thankfully one of them [who I guess is a friend of Futaba’s??? maybe???] defended her.

I can kinda see how an outsider might assume the worst about Futaba’s motives and actions in terms of her obviously having a crush on Touma while also being friends with Taichi, but it’s still kinda uncalled-for.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first, but I like how the story is handling this whole theme of Futaba’s confusion and frustration about all of the drama and baggage behind how society treats interactions and relationships between men and women. It really is awful that people, including Taichi herself, are giving her such a hard time because she just has multiple guys she knows who she likes and enjoys being around. It’s definitely kinda made wonky by the fact that she obviously DOES have romantic feelings for Taichi, but it sucks that the characters are basically all framing her desire to befriend and support Taichi as something manipulative and self-serving. It’s one of the reasons why I kinda hope that she doesn’t have an actual crush on Taichi, since it’d do a better job of hammering in the whole idea of ‘you don’t have to have a crush on someone to want to be around them and be nice to them’.

Usually I don’t care much for stories that are like ‘but what, like, IS love???’, but I kinda liked how it was discussed here. Probably because it also intersected with what I said above, of how Futaba is also grappling with the illogical and misogynistic ways that people view male-female interactions. It’s understandable why she feels so confused about it. Especially since she has pretty valid and clear reasons for why she’d feel strongly about wanting to support Taichi right now even if you ignore her probable crush on him. Like, she’s already witnessed how badly he’s taking this whole thing and how much he’s beating himself up and isolating himself over it. It makes perfect sense why she’d be hurting for him, and why she’d want to help him through it. You get what I mean.

I guess this explains why Futaba, at least, hasn’t really been visiting Touma. I hope she can come to understand that she doesn’t have to only choose to be around one of them, though.

I can really feel for how awkward Futaba must feel, being made to basically pit her feelings for Touma and her feelings for Taichi against each other, to justify why one of them is more important to her than the other one. Which, of course, also means having to label one of them as being the ‘less important’ one, which she obviously doesn’t want to do. Especially since, in this whole context, the idea of someone being ‘less important’ comes with the baggage of ‘you should just avoid them, then, and only stay with the person who’s more important to you’. It actually makes a good amount of sense that Masumi would kinda see things this way as well, with what she said earlier about not having any interest in caring about people outside of her immediate circle. It makes sense why she’d be more open to the idea of basically ranking people’s importance to her than Futaba is.

I can see where Masumi was coming from, in trying to dig deeper into Futaba’s feelings by seeing how she felt about the hypothetical idea of either of the boys already being in a relationship with someone else, but hoo boy do I not want to sit through that incredibly uncomfortable panel of Futaba imagining Touma and Masumi dating ever again. Yikes. It kinda hurt to see her gripping her arm like that when she talked about the hypothetical scenario of herself dating Taichi. I guess other people can read it differently, but she seems clearly uncomfortable about the idea of it because she’s, you know, not attracted to him like that. But on some level she might still feel almost guilty about not being able to experience those feelings.

[Also I really like the panel of Futaba thinking about Taichi after that. He looked really pretty in it. It also makes me even more envious of how Kaito draws hair. It’s a lot harder than it sounds to draw hair in a way that looks nice and actually ‘feels right’ when you look at it.]

And yeah this part makes it pretty clear that Futaba genuinely has a crush on Taichi. Which I have mixed feelings about. Like, at least in a vacuum, I really like her dynamic with Taichi, and I would probably ship them if they were in any other manga, but in the overall context of this series, it feels a little . . . too easy, I guess, that Taichi’s feelings might be requited. Since from day one the story has been all about unrequited love, it’s sorta disappointing to think that the protagonist’s crush would end up being requited, especially since it’s probably the one one that’ll go that way. I still think it’d just kinda suck if this ends with Taichi and Futaba hooking up, while Touma and Masumi just have to deal with their unrequited feelings. Especially since, even in that case, I doubt we’d get to actually see them properly move on and find other partners before the story ends.

I like the current conflict and tension between Taichi and Futaba, and I’m excited to see them overcome that, but it does leave a bit of a sour taste in my mouth to think that it’s probably going to end in a romantic way. We’ll see how it goes.

I know that, with the whole unrequited love theme, it’d kinda go against that if anyone’s crushes worked out, but it’s pretty undeniable that it’s just predictable and conventional to have the straight people get what they want in the end. At least if we got a Taichi/Touma ending, if not also a Futaba/Masumi ending, that would be genuinely surprising, unconventional, and against the norm for the genre. It’d be hard to call that a ‘betrayal of the central theme’ or whatever when basically nothing else like this actually ends that way.

Also, it must be bittersweet for Masumi to be increasingly aware of Futaba’s crush on Taichi, since it just makes it even clearer for her how her own feelings are doomed to stay one-sided.

I see why Futaba feels that way, but it’s sad seeing her feel like it’d be better if she stayed away from both Taichi and Touma now, in case she makes things worse for them.

I wonder how the next chapter will go. Given how long v2 was, I think the next chapter should be the end of v3, so if it’s anything like the last two volumes it’ll probably be something dramatic.

I can see why a lot of people probably disliked this chapter, but even though I have my aforementioned reservations about the idea of her having a crush on Taichi, I really do love Futaba as a character, so these sorts of chapters are nice.

#murasaki rambles #ao no flag

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