#three assassins

[pianobandit]

The assassins and their handlers.

Moral of the stories, keep your employees happy and you can stay alive. Also, as employer, you should be capable of handling the types of job you assign yourself too. Clearly Maria is doing great.

[sohcah--toa]

bullet train/マリアビートル details ~

Hello!! I recently dug up the Bullet Train script (if you search it up, you should be able to find it relatively easily!! I'm not sure if it's completely reliable but it seems to be the first version) and listened to the soundtrack. (It's awesome, you should listen if you haven't already!!)

There's a lot of stuff here about マリアビートル, I hope you enjoy reading 🥳 (It's really ridiculous)

-- 1 ) LEMON'S CHILDHOOD // BACKGROUND(??)

I attached a photo for reference in the book!! :D (there's highlighter marks, I'm sorry) His backstory is tragic and aahh noo 🥹... I won't say much on it because we're all thinking the same thing. In the script, this is carried over when Lemon passes out because of the water. But apparently, in the final movie, this isn't shown a lot. In the book and movie, they aren't brothers and have a considerably colder relationship, so I can understand why the childhood scene in the cut is so much more wholesome. (Still supersuper cool though!!)

-- 2) "I'm forever blowing bubbles"

The original reason why this song was chosen for Bullet Train was because of Tangerine's West Ham United sticker (turns out, that's a football club). Hey!! But wait a minute!! There's a funny coincidence because Ladybug in the book was trying to become a football star. He has a quote that's like "my friend told me that someone like me could either become a footballer or a criminal, so I did both" and he says that his first crime was stealing a football.

The song delves into themes surrounding fortune as well!! I love their music selection 🙇‍♂️😤

-- 3) THREE ASSASSINS/グラスホッパー REFERENCES

Okay this part (in a way...) contains spoilers for Three Assassins, which is the first book of the "series"! ! The story revolves around a guy named Suzuki, who appears again in Bullet Train!! He kinda-sorta becomes friends with Ladybug and it's like 😊 they are so happy. To be completely honest, Suzuki's a bit traumatised but so is Ladybug, right?? Lovely friendship!!

It's also so interesting that he's reading a hotel buffet menu because his wife used to love eating at buffets and he adopted the habit of hoarding all the food as well. He's on the train to meet with his dead wife's family (which was extremely difficult for him after her passing).

-- 4) BULLET TRAIN REFERENCES IN THE MANTIS/AX

There's this other book in the series called The Mantis or AX for the Japanese version. This one isn't talked about a lot but if you like family stories, this book is so so soo good. It really pulled at my heartstrings when I first read it but I can't say too much without spoiling everything. Anyway, it makes a few references to Bullet Train and literally starts with the main character, Kabuto (an assassin), having a flashback to talking to Tangerine and Lemon during one of his missions, where they had the same target so they worked together. The Twins really respect him, actually, but find it funny that he's so careful around his wife (YES KABUTO, AN ASSASSIN, HAS A WIFE). Some characters reappear so.. :")) yay!!

-- 5) 777

Ladybug comes back!! He comes back in the latest book in the series; 777. So far, the Japanese reviews have been pretty positive and I think there's an English translation coming in November!! 🥳 I like how the title is 777; 7 like 7 tails in Nanao (七尾), car 7, his favourite number is 7 (if I recall correctly), 7 the "lucky number".

-- 6) THIS GUY

No one asked but I heavily dislike the Prince in the book. (to be honest, who doesn't...) He's just mean for no reason and likes ruining people's lives, makes fun of poor Ladybug (this really isn't that bad compared to the other stuff he does) and yeah, the list goes on. Also apparently he (heavily) tortures other schoolmates and it's not like he gets paid for it like the Twins or the other guys. He just does it for fun?? OK!! The premise of his character is amazing and it's great to see a villain that's actually just straight evil but since he's designed that way, we are validated when hating him ww. He talks about politics as well for some reason... keeps referencing historical tragedies.... man.

-- 7) ASAGAO/THE PUSHER

The Pusher is back too!! Weee~ (not really)

In the movie, it seems as though this entire part got cut out which, like, is reasonable. I attached a photo from the Grasshopper (2015) movie for reference hahaha. The guy in the black suit is the Pusher!! Yeah, he pushes people!! (not in the fun way!!)

He is in charge of protecting Wataru from the Prince's guy, although he's reluctant at first. He's obsessed with bugs and stuff. Whenever he opens his mouth, it's probably going to be about bugs. The Pusher's also strangely poetic. Maybe it's because he likes old bands like the Rolling stones? Oh!! And he gets mentioned in The Mantis.

And speaking of the Kimura family, Yuichi Kimura says something very true and it's:

"who do they gotta make the train toilets so nasty"

-- 8) LADYBUG IS COOL

This is very much a fact. In Mariabeetle, he gets kidnapped when he's 8 years old because he gets mistaken for a rich kid (after he lost a bet with his wealthy friend and had to wear his "rich person backpack"), then in the place he's being held captive, he escapes by HIMSELF since his dad isn't able to give the guys money for his son back (since they took the wrong person!!). But heyy he's resourceful and smart.

AND guess what?? He gets traumatised because there was this other boy being held but Ladybug didn't save him and it's haunted him ever since. This is also one of the reasons why he ends up helping the Prince even though he knows it won't do him any good.

Obviously, it gets worse from there. He makes it back to his family and they're pretty happy. Unfortunately, they're far from rich and Ladybug has to study extremely hard to get into a college. Spoiler alert, he doesn't. THE THING IS!! He studied so hard!! It's just that during his exam, some kid sneezed on his paper and he wiped it, smudging all his work and even his name!! Nanao! No!!

-- 9) TANGERINE BOOK RECS

To the Lighthouse - Virginia Woolf

"We perished, each alone."

-> He really loves that quote. A lot. Also he's a Virginia Woolf fan!!

2. Forbidden Colours - Yukio Mishima

-> He's also a Yukio Mishima fan... I wonder if he's ever read "The Sound of Waves". What would he think about it? Hahaha this will keep me up at night 😅 (<- SLANTED EMOJI!!)

3. The Sailor who Fell from Grace with the Sea - Yukio Mishima

-> To talk about Article 41 of the Penal Code of Japan. (Mr Kotaro Isaka, the author, studied law, by the way!! It's interesting!!) However, here, Tangerine quotes Mishima on Article 41 ;)

4. Hemingway and Faulkner

-> Actually it's a collection so it's not really a book recommendation but these two people are real - Ernst Hemingway (the Old Man and the Sea guy) and William Faulkner. They didn't really get along, by the way, and even though they respected the other's work, they criticised more than praised. Sounds like the Twins.

5. Demons - Fyodor Dostoevsky

-> "Crime is no longer insanity, but simply common sense, almost a duty; anyway, a gallant protest."

I think the author is a heavy Fyodor Dostoevsky fan, just because he also referenced his works in Three Assassins.

6. Crime and Punishment ;D

-> "Science now tells us, love yourself before all men, for everything in the world relies on self-interest."

(CONT'D) yeahh this book was referenced in Three Assassins and one of the characters is obsessed with it. Glad to see that Tangerine is a fan too hahahaha.

-- 10) LEMON IS AWESOME

Opinionated text here but Lemon is plain awesome.

"Between the principal's name and Doraemon's gadgets, it was blindingly obvious which one was more important."

To each their own and I know he's a criminal but he seems like he has no enemies. Sounds very wholesome.

-- 11) HORNET THE MVP

She's in Three Assassins AND the Mantis!! Hypercool. In both books, the Hornet is a team of a male and a female. The female is eliminated (this word choice ww) by Ladybug but the male is still up and kicking, though Ladybug feels bad about it. They use poison needles, like the movie, but they trigger anaphylaxis, which is a really dangerous allergic reaction that causes body shocks.

-- 12) SUZUKI: PHILOSOPHER AND ECONOMIST

"If people knew that they might be killed by someone tomorrow, economic activity would grind to a halt."

... well 😅 take from that what you will.

(that's Suzuki!!)

Cela dit... that's all.... so long, I'm sorry. But thank you so much if you read until the end!! I hope you at least found it a bit entertaining!! :"))

[ohletsdance]

Desperately need someone to talk about The Mantis by Kotaro Isaka or just the hitman trilogy please I’m dying

[blingblingsparklesparkle]

THREE ASSASSINS ART DUMP YAY

[saltysupercomputer]

Hey Isaka Fandom! I'm in a bit of a creative slope right now, so I'm gonna be taking Bullet Train/Assasin Series doodle requests! Just send me and ask and I'll draw whatever you want me to draw! :)

[ishiptables]

Writing Commissions

Hello everyone, I've decided to open some commissions for fanfics or small pieces of my writing. It is the first time I open them, so I am available for discussion/criticism or whatever comes to mind.

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to deny any commissions and they are not refundable. You may pay half beforehand and half afterwards.

Prices: I usually write one-shots that range from 1k-2k words, but if there is enough content I am happy to write longer fics.

0-500 words: 5€ 500-1000 words: 10€ 1000-2000 words: 15€ 2000-2500 words: 20€ Any more than this can be negotiated.

If the content given is not enough for your request, you may get a discount or we can arrange more scenes to be included. You may also get a little bonus if I end up writing more than agreed on, but it depends. I accept payment through PayPal.

Will Do: Fluff of any sort, x reader, ships, angst, hurt/comfort, MCD, chatfics Won't Do: Excessive Gore/Violence, Pedo/Incest/Pro-ships, RPFs Maybe (can be discussed): Smut (including certain more taboo kinks), Crack

I will list the fandoms I am more active in, but I am open to writing for others, though obviously the characters may not be as accurate. The list may get reviewed and improved upon down the line. Persona 3, 4 and 5 Haikyuu!! Sherlock Holmes (any version) Bullet Train (books and movies) Genshin Impact Honkai Star Rail RDR2 The Stanley Parable Overwatch Carmen Sandiego Nimona Yuri On Ice Marvel Seraph of the End The picture of Dorian Gray Hamilton (musical) Ace Attorney (all games) Resident Evil Good Omens The Dragon Prince The watchmaker of Filigree Street Again, these aren't necessarily all of the fandoms I'm in, and I won't write exclusively for these. Feel free to ask me about any other fandom! You can see some of my work on my ao3 account: https://archiveofourown.org/users/Viola836/works Thanks for reading and feel free to ask any further questions in DMs!

[professionallydeadinside]

Wake up babe, Three Assassins fanfic I started on August 2023 finally got fuckign finished wasdfghgf

“What the fuck?!”

Before Iwanishi could scream any louder, Cicada clapped a hand over his mouth and dragged him away into the bathroom, locking the door behind them. 

Far away from the Whale who was busy listening to an audiobook on Cicada’s phone. 

“I don’t want to hear a fucking word, okay? And especially not any Jack Chrispin quotes.” Iwanishi opened his mouth then snapped it shut, opting instead to scowl as Cicada talked. 

“Remember that assignment I fucked up?” 

“It’s a recurring nightmare of mine, yes.” 

“Regardless.” Cicada growled. “He was the guy I needed to kill. For that politician, remember?” 

“And you’re just letting him stay in your apartment?!” 

“I let you stay whenever you want.” 

“That’s different!” Iwanishi’s voice cracked a bit as he raised it. Self conscious, he lowered his volume as he continued. 

“What if this is just for an assignment of his? Some revenge hit? What if you’re his target and you’re just letting him mosey on in for an easy kill?” 

“He’s not here to kill me.” Cicada insisted. Iwanishi looked unimpressed by the answer. 

“Watch. I’ll introduce you to him.” Without any warning nor care towards Iwanishi, Cicada yanked his handler up and unlocked the bathroom door. 

“Wait!” Iwanishi wasn’t strong enough to pull himself and Cicada back into the bathroom before they entered the living room where the Whale still stayed seated. 

“Kujira-san.” Cicada asked, tapping the broad man on the shoulder. The Whale looked up and took out one of his earphones. 

“This is my handler Iwanishi. Iwanishi, this is the Whale. You know him.” 

“I do indeed know him.” Iwanishi said curtly. He continued to act huffy until the Whale fully stood up to his massive height. Seeing how easily he could be killed, Iwanishi promptly shut his mouth. The tension between the two parties was palpable as they exchanged a quick handshake. 

Cicada looked between the two with an annoyed expression. 

“Kujira, Iwanishi.” He clapped his hands to get their attention. “How about we go out for dinner? I’ll pay.” That seemed to relax Iwanishi a bit, his shoulders visibly untensing. 

“Fine. That sounds…fine.” He muttered. 

“Sounds good. Thank you.” The Whale leaned down (quite a significant amount considering the foot of height difference between the two of them) and right before an incredulous Iwanishi, kissed Cicada on the cheek. 

Cicada turned bright red as Iwanishi made a face that could only be described as a mixture of complete awe and disgust.  

“I told you I knew he wasn’t here to kill me.” Cicada finally said sheepishly. 

“No shit!”

[rhapsody-tomoe]

Bought new books!

Red White and Royal Blue has always been on my to-read list🤩🤩 For Three Assassins, I’m in a murder mood recently LMAOOOO

Can’t Spell Treason without Tea sounds interesting so I’m gonna give it a try :3

[bookfi3nd]

[bellairdine]

A Review of Three Assassins (Kōtarō Isaka)

About the book: Written originally in Japanese, Three Assassins (first titled Grasshopper in the original Japanese version) is a novel that shifts between three perspectives: Suzuki (the Grasshopper), the Cicada, and the Whale. After Suzuki's wife gets killed in an accident, Suzuki meddles in the criminal world in order to avenge her by going after the man who killed her. After the man behind the wheel was assassinated by someone named the Pusher, and Suzuki is forced to follow and find out who the Pusher is. The Cicada is an assassin who takes jobs with the help of his employer, and the Whale is an assassin that forces his victims into suicide.

The Review: Three Assassins was a wonderful and enjoyable read. I loved the writing, pacing and characters, and the shifts between the perspectives were not at all confusing. Suzuki is an interesting character. He's someone who stays true to his beliefs. He also has his flaws. The Cicada is my favourite character, mostly because I get interested in the more outspoken characters often. The Whale is the most secretive and reserved of the three. I love the ending, which can be interpreted differently in some ways. My rating would be 8/10, I recommend this book.

[mysockiswetter]

✅️ Finished Three Assassins today and all I can say is this book had such a grip on my attention and it will be the only thing I talk about for a week

[pianobandit]

🚆📖Momo 🍑

As owner of the biggest underground info broker, Momo must be pretty good at handling herself among all the dangerous ppl. She’s got the deets on everyone and nobody wants her dead?

Oh and ya…all the lovely boys…🥲

[sohcah--toa]

Cicada

I'M SORRY the quality kinda looks like dogwater in pic 1 (have no idea what happened) 🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️

But ahh!! Here are some doodles!! I was thinking of doing a few for Bullet Train as well~ :")) YEAH I was pleasantly surprised by how good the story was. Is the movie accurate to the novel or completely different? haha

Oh!! And also!! There's a third book in the series and it's called The Mantis. It's pretty interesting as well!! You should definitely read it if you have time!! It's quite different from BT and TA since it's centered on 1 character: Kabuto (who is honestly very wholesome despite his career choice lolol)

Thank you for reading!! I hope you liked the posttt :DD Have a good day or night!!

[black-rabbit-razumikhin]

January Reading Wrap-Up

January is always the month I finish the most books in. Minimal commitments and taking advantage of specials in local bookshops will do that for you.

And I think on the most part, this year started off strong! Here's hoping the rest of it is filled with good books.

Samurai by John Man - Could have skipped. 2/5

All The Lovers In The Night by Meiko Kawakami - The relationships between the characters and the pivotal role light plays throughout the book made me feel like I was floating. 5/5

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong - Domestic, painful, beautiful. 5/5

The Analects by Confucius - I read this to a parrot I was looking after; one of the most strangely dark academia things I've done. 4/5

Red, White And Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston - As sugary sweet as the opening cake. 4/5

Boy Parts by Eliza Clark - Good in its own right, but calling it the 'female American Psycho' does a disservice to both books. 3/5

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart - Bound to be one of the most depressing books I'll read this year. 4/5

Three Assassins by Kotaro Isaka - Pop art violence; the ending makes everything wrap up so neatly. 4/5

Find Me by Andre Aciman - Ironically, not what I was looking for. 2/5

No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy - Chigurh makes me understand why slasherfuckers are like that. 4/5

The Seven Military Classics Of Ancient China by Various Men - War never changes. 3/5

Bunkai-Jutsu: The Practical Application Of Karate Kata by Iain Abernethy - I'm not a karateka, but the discussions in this book were eye-opening in their own regard. 4/5

Bunny by Mona Awad - It's Fight Club, it's The Rehearsal, it's everything that came before and something entirely new 5/5

[blingblingsparklesparkle]

Cicada, my love

[four-white-trees]

Isaka does it again