#you never see people questioning it when Yuki talks about being competitive

[rickybaby]

not to be a bitch on main but if vcarb were just yuki and liam nobody would be saying shit

call me a delusional daniel girlie but it's him on a podium they fear

Somehow Yuki’s comment which is more or less in the same vein, doesn’t get the added question mark of whether that would be good for the sport or not.

To be that b*tch, if it was Yuki and Liam, the whole narrative would have been about two young drivers getting the opportunity to fight at the front ….

[princesscrownprince]

【 30 Questions of CP, OC & Fandom 】

— credits : @mukami-kuron-mrsadisticcat

1. How long have you been in this fandom?

🎀 I believe I joined the fandom since 2016, so about 6 years from now. Though, it wasn't until a year ago that I started diving deep into its lore. 🎀

2. Who's your fictional boyfriend/husband?

🎀 Assuming it's for DL, I'll have to say Kanato and Reiji. I know, it's a little weird, seeing as I've barely interacted with a Reiji DL blog but some of you may have seen my shenanigans with a Kanato DL blog ( @kanato--sakamaki ). 🎀

3. Why do you like them?

🎀 Now, these two aren't particularly my top fictional boyfriend/husband ( It's Kenma from Haikyuu HAHAHA ) so this may be a little short.

Starting off, I like Kanato mainly because he shares the same voice actor as Kenma; that being Kaji Yuki. Yes, he's a brat. Yes, he's a difficult vampire to deal with. But there's just something about him that's endearing. Maybe it's his childish personality. Maybe it's his whole boy lolita aesthetic that draws me in. Or maybe it's because it seems fun to tease with him. Yes, he's incredibly violent but I find that aspect of him to be fun. I know, Estelle is a little twisted when it comes to their fictional crushes. Though I know he may never change, I can't help but feel the need to take care of him too, you know? I want to spoil him a lot, all while poking fun at him.

As for Reiji, I have a liking for men that are prim and proper in all aspects. He may seem like a gentleman but I know deep down, he's a sadistic bastard. And I suppose, the whole evil gentleman vibes he gives off is what made me find him attractive. Besides that, I do relate to Reiji a lot in terms of his relationship with Shuu, but I can only dream to be as responsible and mature as Reiji when it comes to family. He's also not that horrible of a person. As stated on his wiki page : "Reiji is shown to become highly emotional when drunk.", "It's shown Reiji has a fear of ghosts (though doesn't openly admit to it).", and, "Reiji states he enjoys rollercoasters, finding them interesting and fun."

I find that so adorable and such a stark contrast to his usual strict personality. I'm not saying that he's good, but he isn't entirely all that bad. After all, these boys grew up from a bad environment, thus developing an unpleasant character as a result of their poor upbringing.

With all that said, I may like these two a lot but in real life? I would never consider dating either of them. 🎀

4. Have you made an acquaintance with anyone that ships themselves with the same character?

🎀 Not that I'm aware of, no. 🎀

5. How do you feel about it?

🎀 Nothing HAHAHA! I mean, if I do meet someone who likes them so much so they ship themselves with them, I don't particularly feel anything but excitement that I get to talk and/or fanboy over said character with them. 🎀

6. Do you feel any negativity towards them?

🎀 Again, no. 🎀

7. Do you like seeing their oc(s) interact with your man/woman?

🎀 Again, I don't particularly care. Although, I would jokingly act jealous and competitive but in the end, it's all good vibes. They aren't mine to own, after all. 🎀

8. Do you feel competitive against them?

🎀 Nope. Though, I act as if I am in a joking way. Just to bring humor in, you know? 🎀

9. Confident, or pessimistic?

🎀 A little bit of both. I don't really understand this one. 🎀

10. Would you like more people to get to know about your ship, or would you rather it being lowkey?

🎀 Either is good. I'd be happy if either happens. Though, deep down, I do hope that people are interested enough to know about my ships.

If any of you aren't aware. I have 6 main OCs and 3 of them have official ships : Rukas ( @ruki--mukami's Ruki × Lukas ), Irigiel ( @iricathel's Irina × Hagiel ), and Kin ( @bunny--love/Lin × Kai ).

It would be nice knowing that some people are interested in them enough to want to know about them more and hopefully follow their story. 🎀

11. Do you follow any of those people (them whom ship themselves with your fictional lover)

🎀 Refer to my answer on number 4. 🎀

12. Are you friends with them?

🎀 Refer to my answer on number 4. 🎀

13. What do you think about the 'stans' ?

🎀 Neutral. You do you, and I do I. 🎀

14. Are you worried about plagiarism or copying of your oc(s) by others?

🎀 Not really because I don't think anyone has ever done that to me. However, if that were to happen, it would piss me off and make me feel upset, but I'm willing to listen to their reason and properly talk it through. 🎀

15. How do you handle such a situation if it happens?

🎀 Refer to my answer on number 14. 🎀

16. Is your cp public or only between a particular circle of friends?

🎀 Public. Rukas gradually occured in public and so did Kin but Irigiel happened in private that I'm slowly trying to push into the public. 🎀

17. Do you lock a specific cp ship, whats the reason? (I dare you to tag them~!)

🎀 Not at all. I never really thought about it so I'm a little confused about locking certain couple pairing ships. 🎀

18. What kind of behaviors do you suppose is pretentious to you?

🎀 Yandere behavior and claiming ownership of a character or ship that isn't entirely yours. 🎀

19. What kind of comments do you dislike the most when it comes to cp feedbacks of your oc(s)?

🎀 None. I never received any. 🎀

20. Have you receive hates about your oc(s) before?

🎀 No, but I expected some sort of hatred to come by. Especially with how Lukas is, and how Kai has a brother complex. I anticipated, but none came. 🎀

21. Do you have a complete love story of your cp?

🎀 Depends. My OCs in their own canon world and story, don't really have any romantic pairing. Well, except for Zaliki and Asra where Asra harbors an unrequited love for Zaliki who claims to hate getting into a serious relationship again. However, with Lukas' situation, he was supposed to be shipped with Reiji but that side of his story has been completely scrapped as I've decided to focus on Lukas' relationship with his family, friends and himself.

Out of their own canon world, my OCs' ships ( Rukas, Irigiel, & Kin ), all have their own love story going on. Although the progress is slow and gradual, I hope to reach the point where they finally settle together as a married couple. 🎀

22. Do you allow joint of alternate universe with the canon version of your cp story?

🎀 Yes! Such as the case with @mcchild-alischer, Kai and Lin's future child. As well as Irina and Lukas being best friends despite being shipped to the same man, Ruki Mukami. Kin also occured within the Rukas universe. And I may be wrong but there are hints of @kauzebridgerton's Kauze being in the Rukas universe too, seeing as Kauze used to tease Ruki about Lukas a lot! HAHAHA! I always find that hilarious! 🎀

23. Are you okay with people shipping their oc(s) with yours?

🎀 Absolutely! Though keep in mind that I can't force my OCs to grow romantic feelings for someone they can't pair well with. Oh! and don't let their main ships stop you from shipping yours with mine! I'd be happy to talk about it too! 🎀

24. Ever gone through a bad experience in the fandom?

🎀 Not quite. None that I recall. 🎀

25. The ocs that you admire in this fandom are? (Tag them~)

🎀 These following accounts :

@kindan-no-kanojo @iricathel @retelling-of-ragnarok @fruit-of-infidelity @kauze-bridgerton @kauzebridgerton @harrybridgerton @dialovers-angelica @cursed--requiem @diabolic-harlequin @celenod @mukami-kuron-mrsadisticcat @mino-diabolik @mchallwrites

You all have such wonderful OCs that I enjoy getting to know and I hope to interact with. Keep up the good work with developing them as a character as I enjoy reading their development and seeing how well you've created them. It truly sparks motivation and inspiration within me when I see your OCs. Thank you so much for creating such lovely creations and spending so much time and hard work into their character. You deserve all the love and support! 🎀

26. What is the moment that caused you to feel most disappointed or excited?

🎀 Disappointed — Not being able to reply as fast as I used to before, and leaving so many roleplays unfinished and undone. I've been so busy that I can't even find the right time to sit down and just reply to them all yet. And for that, I deeply apologize. I'm mostly disappointed with myself.

Excited — Creating headcanons and lore for my OCs. All of which will occur as soon as I receive my laptop to work with. 🎀

27. The scariest era that you have come across in the fandom?

🎀 None that I recall. 🎀

28. The most wonderful thing you have come across in this fandom?

🎀 Meeting my everlasting group of friends and being able to call them my friends. If Jas had never inspired me to create Lukas and Kai to interact with her Ruki before, I would have never met such wonderful and talented people.

@ruki--mukami @iricathel @kindan-no-kanojo @bunny--love @dialovers-angelica @yui-komori-ask

I love you all. Thank you so much for being my friends. I hope we get to know each other more! 🎀

29. Say something towards those that support and admire your cp~

🎀 Special thanks to : @haru1237 @renamami

I remember both of you being so supportive and active on Rukas' love story a lot and I enjoy the little comments both of you would post on Jas and I's roleplays. It was always a fun thing to read and see! And thank you to @retelling-of-ragnarok as well for liking my OCs all the way from the beginning, to the point that you even drew Lukas and Ruki together. Overall, thank you so much! 🎀

30. You've worked hard, keep up the good work!

🎀 You as well! I've seen how hard you're working on in creating your OC and developing them. It's admirable and I hope to reach that level of development with mine soon. Thank you for creating this 30 questions post! 🎀

[chaosxcrushed]

Sam’s perception of love in yhs is SO weird. So here’s me talking about it along with my speculations + headcanons

He's a 2nd year highschooler that's sort of antisocial and prefers to spend his time with his best friend Taurtis or his teddy bear. In YANDERE, he said he didn't want to meet new people or to have more friends other than Snugglemuffins, but he warmed up to Taurtis pretty quickly since they had some stuff in common.

So what does this mean? Well, it's suggested that the two have been very close during YANDERE and all the way to Tokyo Soul, so not spending time with people other than your best friend all the time can give you some pretty weird perspectives in life, especially considering how unique Taurtis and Sam are.

Episode 1 of Yandere high, Sam gave Sookie a carrot all because she was staring at him (and she stares quite a bit after re-watching, tho that’s only near the start of the series) and thought that she was now his girlfriend after that, with Taurtis giving him a thumbs up for trying even though she returned it. That simple thing lead him to check out Sookie more and eventually, he fell for her hard to the point it got dangerous, since he would smell her hair, cross dress and poison Soul just to win her over.

He was later hitting on Yuki when Taurtis asked her out to prom, which I found surprising at first, but he was just doing it for competition and admitted it when Taurtis got together with Chan. Though later on, even after being threatened to date her, he chose to stay with her even though he still had a crush on Sookie. He forgets about her near the end of the series and stops mentioning he's using Yuki to make her jealous (which didn't work, mind you), breaking up with her in the end.

Sam doesn't even mention Sookie around Tokyo Soul, only his "dead girlfriend" and Invader after she gets to the school. This brings up the question of how he forgot her so easily and just moved on, even though he was crazy obsessed with her?

Well, I have two things leading on with this. First one is that Sam is just really that terrible at love, and the second is that he blocked her out of his memory.

First explanation- Sam doesn't really seem to,,, understand love. He know friendship though it's a little twisted in his eyes, but it works since his best friend is Taurtis, who forgave Sam for stabbing him (leaving Grian absolutely baffled for putting up with his shit lmao) and it's hinted that they take baths together. Hell, they even share the same room no matter where they move, which I think indirectly suggests they're friends with SOMEWHAT benefits. They look like they have the "bros just being bros" relationship (same kinda applies to Taurtis and Grian in ts), which I think really does confuses Sam's perception of love.

His friendship with Taurtis is very strong, to the point where he believes what they're doing is normal. Sam says yes to Jerry/Taurtis kissing his bruises, and even checked him out whenever he'd wear girly outfits like Sookie's stolen uniform or that one uh,,, nurse costume. He seems to believe that's all normal behavior as best friends, which you can do as well, but he doesn't really do the same with Sookie. He was very awkward, has violent tendencies after figuring out she's with Soul, and will do something creepy towards her whenever she's near, thinking that this is how love is. Yeesh.

So, for this argument, seeing how quickly he developed a crush for Sookie, he also swiftly lost interest in her after the Yuki accident, seeing as he can't really be near her anymore and would rather be safe and sound with his friends.

Second explanation! Sam's memory could be very,,, weird at times. When he made Grian dress as Taurtis temporarily, he forgot that he stabbed Taurtis in the first place and who Grian was, but recovered after Taurtis gained his memory back. He's able to block out his own memories to cope with his situations, which is possibly what happened to Sookie.

She never really loved him back and got embarrassed after revealing that Samantha wasn't real, so he probably didn't want to get hurt further and blocked her out around the start of Tokyo Soul, since he still seemed somewhat attached when Yuki dated him.

And for this one, I think Sam's head messes up his own memories just so that he's happy and sane, because we know what happens when Taurtis isn't around, and we especially know how he acts whenever he "snaps". He probably found out that he can never be with Sookie, who he was overly obsessed with, so he made himself forget about her.

ALSO, enough of his crushing on Sookie, let's move on to Invader, then Yuki.

With Invader's case, she's just as obsessed with Sam like he is with Sookie, but he found that creepy. He still acts somewhat kind to her and decided to break up with her even though they weren't in a relationship in the first place, but still hates her clinginess. It's sort of hypocritical since it's what he does to Sookie too, but since Invader isn't really his type, he's ultimately uninterested and doesn't reciprocate her feelings, even though they act mostly the same coming to their crushes.

With Yuki, he started flirting with her only for the competition, but later on was okay with dating her. He does seem annoyed with clingy people since she wouldn't leave him alone on the Taurtis 2 episode, but warmed up to her eventually. She gives him space, supports him with harming people and only decided to break up with her after she killed Rowan, which is pretty nuts. He does admit that he killed a certain percentage of people as well, only breaking up with her after she got rid of his PE teacher, suggesting that if they never killed Karu and she never killed Rowan, they'd still be together.

One last thing, I don't think he's ever experienced proper love himself to know how to treat others he "loves". Sure, his dad is seen to be overly loving towards Sam but it's hinted he spend his whole life with Taurtis after the playdate. They've never been separated which is why he goes mad whenever he's not around and only thinks they're very best friends, nothing more and less. He does call his mother sometimes, but they had limited contact throughout yhs' first season, and never again in Tokyo Soul. They do talk, but not enough to be checking up or caring towards each other.

Sam also has a lack of remorse- admitted by himself during Tokyo Soul- which means he doesn't feel bad whenever he hurts someone, thinking that's normal. He harmed Taurtis for talking about Yuki, and threatens a lot of people whenever he has the power even though he's seen to be more kinder at the start of yhs. He thinks it's for people's own good, and eventually insinuated it with romantic love, which is probably why he acts the way that he is.

In conclusion, Sam isn't the best with most interactions and his actions lead to some dire consequences. Him and Taurtis have been unaware of this, which is why they think nothing's wrong unless there's certain situations where the other says no. Even though he's my favorite, he's a little cray-cray in the head. He was raised with some morals, but still makes bad decisions.

[edie-baby]

Les Fleurs du Mal Chapter 1| Pierre Gasly

Summary: Sava Dvorakova had big dreams for Formula One. An opportunity of a lifetime comes around, so she takes it and runs. She proved just about everyone wrong, and is awarded a very controversial seat on the F1 grid. There’s smiles and grins, hugs and kisses, love and laughter. There’s tears and sobs, fights and break ups. There’s evil where you least expect it, hidden in the garden of eden. The Flowers of Evil.

Warnings: a lot of swearing, shitty parents (they’re a recurring theme), sexism, i ignored a lot of actual f1 rules because i couldn’t be bothered writing it into the story tbh, yuki is fcking adorable, a lot of smut eventually, like a lot.

There were hundreds, thousands, maybe even a million girls who have dreamed of making it into Formula One. It is the pinnacle of motorsport, the highest calibre and the most competitive of its many engine-based counterparts. Many women over the years have tried to make their way into the sport, but as each season becomes more competitive, it seems as though the women of motorsport keep slipping through the cracks. Perhaps it’s a timing thing - they weren’t in the right place at the right time - or perhaps it’s a sexism thing, or maybe the female drivers just simply are not at the same level that a lot of the men are at.

Sava Dvorakova feared being one of those women. One that would try their hardest, but were still unable to make their mark on a sport they had very clear passion for. The seventeen year old had been karting since her fifth birthday, progressing through the levels the Czech Republic had to offer before she moved onto European championships. Nearly every weekend of the year, Sava was in her kart, racing against boys three years her senior and thrashing them each time. However, she didn’t get the opportunity to progress into single-seaters for many years.

It was September 2020, just like any other race weekend when it happened, Sava piled into her kart as the marshalling for her heat was called. Her uncle patted the top of her helmet for good luck, a tradition the two had kept for about twelve years at this point, and she made it out onto her starting place - pole position as usual. Sava pulled clean moves the entire race, defended her position without being reckless or desperate, and had perfect pace. As she pulled back into the pits under her team’s marquee, she spotted her uncle speaking with an older man in a button up and slacks, something quite odd for a normal karting weekend. Sava hopped out, practically ripping her helmet and balaclava off as her footsteps increased in pace to get to her uncle. He scooped her up into a hug, spinning the girl a few times and congratulating her on another victory for the season.

“Bunny, this is Doctor Helmut Marko, he’s the director of Red Bull Racing. He’d like to speak with you about a driving opportunity.” Sebastian, her uncle, stated clearly, his excitement spilling into his eyes as he stared at his seventeen year old niece. Her dyed-pink hair sat matted to her forehead, the majority of it spun into Dutch braids down her back that would be tucked into the back of her race suit before the next race, her cheeks were flushed red, and her bottom lip was cracked in places from how much the Czech nibbled on it on and off track. Sebastian almost laughed at the situation she had ended up in.

“Dr Marko, it’s lovely to meet you. I have an hour until my next heat, so if you would like to speak urgently, there is a small cafe about a hundred metres from the track. If you’d like less of a time constraint, I will be completely free after 4pm today.” Sava told the man in front of her, Czech accent so thick the Austrian could barely understand her.

“It should only take about 10 minutes, so if you’d like, I can buy you and your uncle a coffee at the cafe while we speak.” Dr Marko offered. Sava nodded calmly, her uncle much more vocal about his excitement. Sava excused herself to change into less sweaty clothes, returning in a halter-neck singlet and a pair of ripped skinny jeans. Her trusty combat boots stepped over all of the tools, debris, and shit that was scattered around the pits as she made it back to the two men.

“So, Sava, what is your goal in karting?” Dr Marko began almost immediately after the trio had sat down in the cafe.

“To make it into formula one and win multiple world championships.” Sava responded confidently, barely a second between the question and her reply as it was something she had thought about for a very long time.

“So why aren’t you already driving in single seaters?” Dr Marko questioned further, and from the corner of her eye, Sava could see her uncle tense up.

“Because no one’s willing to give me a chance in the big leagues because they know I’ll do a lot better than half the boys on the grid.” The seventeen year old replied. Helmut seemed impressed with the rapid fire, confidence laden responses he was receiving.

“Well, I’m willing to. Jehan Daruvala, a Red Bull junior currently driving for Carlin in formula two is unable to attend the last three races of the season because of health issues. I want you to take his seat for those races, and if you’re as good in a single seater as you are in that kart, I’ll make sure you have a seat for next year.” Helmut laid out, and Sebastian audibly choked. Sava smirked at her uncle’s reaction, and stared into the eyes of the man offering her a fast track to her dreams.

“I’d love to. When and where is the next race?” Sava chuckled, her uncle’s recovery from his choking fit was slow, and Helmut looked on in amusement. He had seen many similar reactions from the drivers he was propositioning, but it seemed as though this duo had reversed the normal roles.

“The weekend begins on Thursday in Italy. You’ll be racing in Mugello.” Helmut told the pair dryly. Sebastian began coughing once again, Sava simply rubbing his back soothingly while she nodded.

“I’ll need to make arrangements with my school, but I presume you’ll make travel and accommodation arrangements from Prague to Mugello?” Sava continued her calm conversation, though she could feel her natural bubbliness and excitement ready to burst through.

“Yes. There will be a Carlin race suit and boots in Mugello when you arrive, as well as a helmet and teamwear. You’ll have a personal assistant for the time you’re in Jehan’s seat, to keep up with the media and to navigate the paddock. I’ll have all of the relevant information forwarded to you tonight, and there will be a contract for you to sign upon your arrival in Italy.”

“Then I’ll see you there, sir. I best be on my way, I’ll need time to change back into my race suit before my heat is called in about half an hour. It was lovely to meet you, and I look forward to meeting and exceeding your expectations.” Sava concluded, standing up to give her new boss a handshake before she turned on her heels and practically sprinted out of the cafe. She speed walked back to the track and into the changing rooms before letting out the ear splitting squeal she had been holding in since she won her race forty five minutes ago.

It was easy enough to sort out her absence with her school, as there were no assessments due and Sava was already miles ahead of the rest of her peers, so her teachers had no qualms with letting their champion out to represent the country.

The issue however, was with her parents. Her father, a man she had been emancipated from for over a year, decided he would give her grief for throwing away her education to take someone’s spot for a few weeks before they would inevitably drop her once they realised how bad she was. Her mother wasn’t much better. As her legal guardian, she technically did have the right to stop her daughter from going into the F2 seat, but after a gruelling discussion and many threats from Sava to emancipate from her mother as well, she conceded.

So, on a very sunny, very early Thursday morning in September, Sava hopped onto a plane with an overnight bag to begin catching her dreams. Unfortunately, Sebastian had work during the week, but would be flying out to Italy on Friday night to watch his niece’s races on Saturday and Sunday. But, Sava arrived in Italy as bubbly and excitable as ever. Her pink hair was split into her iconic high pigtails, a white crop top, and pastel pink pleated skirt and trusted combat boots covered her form, black duffel bag thrown over her shoulder with some clothes for the weekend, and all of her travel documents. The PA standing with her name printed on a sign was very confused when a very small, very pink teenage girl bumbled over to her and said ‘Hi, I’m Sava. But everyone calls me Bunny’.

“I’m sorry, I expected someone a little more gritty.” The twenty-something woman spoke, her blonde hair in a high ponytail with a Carlin shirt and dark wash jeans. Sava guessed the PA expected someone who looked more like herself.

“It’s okay, I get that a lot. Most people don’t recognise me out of my race suit, so I definitely don’t expect someone who’s never seen me to anticipate my looks. What’s your name?” Sava’s Czech accent, combined with her hyperactivity meant she talked extremely fast, and often it was all nonsense, and she simply spoke for the sake of speaking. The PA took a few seconds to process the words Sava had spoken before finally replying with a simple ‘Amelia’. The two made it to the car that was waiting and travelled to the track in silence, Sava taking in the sights, and Amelia tapping away at her phone. When they got out, Amelia handed Sava a paddock pass, explaining the importance of it and demonstrating how to use it at the gates. They walked through to the Carlin garage, one half working away excitedly, while the other side seemed rather dead.

“Everyone, can I have your attention please? This is Sava Dvorakova, she’s our reserve driver for the rest of the season. Make her comfortable, and make sure she feels welcome!” Amelia yelled, very quickly causing silence to spread over the entire garage.

“Hi! I’m Sava, but most people call me Bunny, so feel free to do either! Or if you’d like, Dvorakova works just as well, but it’s a bit of a mouthful so I understand if you mispronounce it. I’ll also probably respond to ‘hey you’ so anything works. I’m really looking forward to working with you all and giving you some good results this weekend!” Sava giggled at the end, her fists clenched in front of her chest as she gave a small cheer with her hands and the entire garage remained silent for a few moments before breaking out into whispers, their eyes trailing over the teenager’s body. The anxiety in Sava’s belly bubbled, and she began playing with her hands until she was approached by a boy who was a little taller than her with a friendly smile on his face.

“Hi, I’m Yuki. I drive the other Carlin. It’s nice to meet you Bunny.” Yuki introduced with a smile and fist bump. He was unbelievably pleased to meet a driver who was smaller than him, though he supposed that her being a girl wouldn’t ease all of the teasing he got from other drivers on the grid. The two chatted about their background in racing, and Yuki gave Sava a few pointers on handling the car she was about to drive for the first time ever.

“Sava, I have all of your race gear to try on, and later on you’ll need to do a seat fitting as the mechanics are just going to modify one of Yuki’s seats since you two are similar height.” Amelia stated, breaking up the conversation between the two youngsters. Sava apologised to her new friend before practically skipping behind Amelia. She received a few weird looks from others in the paddock, including a few F1 drivers she recognised from TV and her Instagram feed. She wasn’t sure why they were in this paddock, but supposed a few of the younger guys had only recently come out of F2.

When she got into a Carlin motorhome, race overalls and her flame-retardant undersuit were thrust into her hands by Amelia, and then pointed toward a tiny bathroom within the motorhome while the PA continued scrolling through emails, updating social media, and answering calls. Sava pulled the suits on excitedly, and though it was a bit tight in the hips, thighs and chest, she thought it looked pretty damn good.

“So, I think this was definitely made for a guy with less boobs and smaller hips, but the fit is still really good.” Sava joked to Amelia when she stepped out, only to see Helmut Marko standing alongside her new assistant. She went red instantly, her shoulders tensing and sliding up toward her head.

“Yes, well, we can certainly fix that before the next race, but right now, I believe you’re needed for fittings in the garage, so throw on your helmet and get down there.” Helmut ordered. Sava quickly snatched up her balaclava and helmet, threading the two onto her arm as she began undoing the pigtails to braid them on her way back to the Carlin garage while Amelia and Helmut stayed behind to talk.

If Sava thought she was getting weird looks on her way to the motorhome, she was getting even weirder ones on the way back from it. From what she could tell, it seemed more like mechanics, engineers and other personnel from other teams and she couldn’t see any drivers she recognised before she slipped into the Carlin garage, one braid half finished, and her helmet banging against her head every time she moved her arm. Yuki laughed at her struggles, ambling over to thread the helmet and balaclava off her arm while she held the half finished braid precariously. Sava thanked him with a quick smile and continued braiding, her tongue occasionally poking out the side of her mouth in concentration. One she was finished, and the long braids were tucked into the back of her suit, she pulled on the balaclava and helmet in record speed, and then was ushered into the F2 car to begin the tedious process of trying and changing one of Yuki’s seats to suit her height and posture. 

After about an hour of fiddling, she was allowed to take the helmet off, and was beginning to doze off in the cockpit while a few of the employees debated different ways of measuring and fixing the seat nearby. Amelia came into the garage to find the new driver fully asleep in her car with everyone still talking around her. She took a photo and uploaded it to Carlin’s Instagram story, tagging the driver and writing a quick word about the reserve driver they hadn’t officially announced yet. She giggled slightly, and when two of the mechanics came back over to lift the seat out of the car, they accidentally lifted the driver out with it. Amelia took more photos of the seventeen year old comfortably in her race suit, curled in her seat while two mechanics held the entire ensemble up above the car.

Suffice to say, Carlin’s Instragram was flooded with adoring new fans, angered stans, and a few cheeky formula one drivers on private accounts. 

[osakaso5]

Yamato & Momo Shuffle Talk Part 3: A Food Tour

Part 1 | Part 2

Yamato Nikaido: Here we are at the market.

Momo: Wow! They've got everything here! It's so colorful!

Momo: Oranges, apples, watermelons, and so much more.

Momo: It's a treasure trove of food~!

Yamato Nikaido: We need to stay professional, remember!?

Momo: Ahaha! Sorry about that. I got all caught up in this bustling atmosphere!

Momo: Being in a new place like this is so exciting, I couldn't control myself!

Yamato Nikaido: Personally, being in a huge crowd in this heat is just making me dizzy.

Momo: Oh come on, Yamato! Live a little!

Momo: Ah! Look, they sell baguettes over there. It smells delicious..! Wanna  buy one and split it with me!?

Yamato Nikaido: Ah, it really does smell pretty good... No, really good.

Momo: Oh ho! Are you finally getting a bit of pep in your step!?

Yamato Nikaido: As much pep as I can, sure. Should we do our questions while we browse the stalls, too?

Momo: Oh yeah, I almost forgot!

Momo: Do you mind going first?

Yamato Nikaido: Me? Uh, sure, I guess.

Yamato Nikaido: You're always really nice to everyone, even though there's bound to be at least a couple people you don't like all that much.

Yamato Nikaido: Do you have any tips for getting along with people you don't like?

Momo: Thanks for the compliment! We're off to a great start already!

Yamato Nikaido: I'm not the only person who thinks you're nice, though.

Momo: As happy as I am to hear that, you don't exactly seem to have trouble with people yourself.

Yamato Nikaido: I've always been good at petty small talk, if that's what you mean. Keeping things as broad and shallow as possible.

Momo: I totally do that sometimes, too! ...But please keep this off the record!

Momo: Anyway, back to your question. You wanted tips to help you better get along with people?

Yamato Nikaido: If you have any, then yes please.

Momo: Hmm... Nothing comes to mind!

Yamato Nikaido: Nothing? Seriously?

Momo: Nope, nothing!

Momo: Instead of forcing yourself to do anything, I think it's important to find something you already like about the other person.

Momo: Once you find that thing about them that makes you happy, you'll naturally be more drawn to them. As long as they're not a really scary person, anyway.

Momo: And they'll start liking you back!

Yamato Nikaido: I have to admit, there's definitely something... disarming about you.

Yamato Nikaido: I feel like my heart is behind ten locks, but with you I forget to lock at least eight of them.

Momo: Your heart's usually behind ten locks!? Your defenses must be impenetrable..!

Yamato Nikaido: I dunno about that. I think some of my locks are gone now, actually.

Momo: Just as I thought!

Yamato Nikaido: Haha. I find it hard to relax around you, truth be told. Sometimes it feels like you're teasing me.

Momo: Hehehe!

Momo: Alright, now it's time for my question!

Momo: Ahem.

Momo: What kind of snacks do I have to buy so you'll come over to my place for a drink sometime?

Yamato Nikaido: You're asking me to hang out with you?

Momo: You can tell?

Yamato Nikaido: Sure, I'll come over. And I like Japanese foods, just so you know.

Momo: Hmm, interesting...

Yamato Nikaido: I've been really into roasted stingray recently. Whenever Tsunashi-san and I go drinking, we tend to order some.

Momo: Wow, your tastes must be super refined!

Yamato Nikaido: Tsunashi-san took me to this place that serves really tasty stingray, and that's how I got into it.

Momo: I see! I never knew a spot like that existed. You guys gotta take me with you sometime!

Yamato Nikaido: Of course. It's real good stuff, wouldn't want you to miss out on it.

Momo: When we get back to Japan, we're gonna stop by there, and also a fish market!

Momo: I'll find something that'll make you sting ray connoisseurs' mouths water, and then you and Ryu can come over to my place.

Yamato Nikaido: I wouldn't call us connoisseurs! But I am curious about what first-rate stingray tastes like... So I'm definitely going to take you up on that offer.

Momo: It's gonna be so much fun!

Yamato Nikaido: We should probably buy that baguette you were talking about first, though.

Momo: Yep! Let's buy lots of fruit, too!

Yamato Nikaido: I was actually eyeing that stall over there earlier.

Yamato Nikaido: Instead of fresh produce, they sell dried fruits, nuts, that kind of stuff. They seem like they'd make for tasty snacks.

Momo: Ahaha, more snacks!? I know you like to drink, but now's not the time, Yamato!

Yamato Nikaido: My eyes were instantly drawn to that stall when we started talking about drinking. Couldn't help it.

Momo: Dried fruits do seem like a good treat to go with some wine.

Momo: In any case, let's look around some more!

Yamato Nikaido: Okay. 

- - - -

Momo: We bought a ton of stuff..!

Yamato Nikaido: Yeah, no way are we gonna eat all of this without outside help.

Momo: If we give it our all, we just might..!

Yamato Nikaido: I don't recall coming here to have an eating competition.

Momo: I even got a souvenir for Yuki. Check out these dried tomatoes! They're cut up into these cute little slices.

Momo: I bet I could make earrings out of these!

Yamato Nikaido: That'd certainly be... unique?

Momo: Do you think Yuki would like that!?

Yamato Nikaido: I'm pretty sure he'll like just about anything, as long as it's from you.

Momo: Yeah, I guess you're right! Ugh, I wanna give these to him so bad! I can't wait to see how happy he'll be!

Yamato Nikaido: I bought a bunch of stuff, too. Guess even I ended up getting caught up in this lively atmosphere.

Momo: That's not a bad thing, y'know! Doing something and regretting it is better than not doing something and regretting it!

Yamato Nikaido: You're such an optimist!

Momo: Besides, don't you think we'd look nice if we posed for pictures with all these groceries?

Yamato Nikaido: I suppose we would. I'll make our market visit look more authentic.

Momo: Let's have our picture taken, then!

Yamato Nikaido: Sure! 

[Snap]

Momo: We look so rustic! Even if we're technically not in the countryside!

Yamato Nikaido: The picture turned out pretty nice.

Momo: Good thing we bought so much stuff, huh!?

Momo: ...Wait, what are those tiny green fruits you've got there, Yamato?

Yamato Nikaido: Kiwi berries. They're supposed to be somewhat of a local specialty.

Yamato Nikaido: I got them for free when I bought all my other fruits. The seller said I had to try them, since they're so good.

Momo: Wow! That was really nice of them!

Momo: They look like grapes... I wonder if they taste the same, too.

Yamato Nikaido: Wanna try some? You don't even have to peel these things.

Momo: Yeah!

Momo: They're so sweet..!

Yamato Nikaido: Yeah. Not bad at all.

Momo: I was expecting them to be way more sour, since they're called kiwi berries.

Momo: I feel like I could eat these all day.

Momo: I can't stop having more~!

Yamato Nikaido: Hmm?

Yamato Nikaido: That man over there is selling oranges, and waving to us.

Momo: What does he want? Are we supposed to try his wares?

Yamato Nikaido: Maybe.

Yamato Nikaido: Why don't we try some oranges, too?

Momo: Absolutely!

Momo: We're gonna empty out this whole market!

Yamato Nikaido: It's like we're actually gonna have an eating competition! 

End of Part 3.

Translator’s notes..? 

Next up, Nagi & Yuki’s Shuffle Talk Rabbit TVs! 

[thefinalcinderella]

Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru Chapter 6 - The Sound of a Shouting Soul (Part 3)

Wanted to get this out a lot sooner but life got in the way

Full list of translations here

Translation Notes

1. So there’s like rankings for how much someone can hold their drink. Waku (which includes all of Chikusei-sou) are people who don’t get drunk no matter how much they drink. Zaru are people who only get a little bit drunk after drinking. Geko are people who can’t drink at all.

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They had to completely get rid of their summer fatigue and they had to rest their bodies gradually before the meet; they trained a lot during the fall, but they didn’t run as much as they did during the training camp. Even so, as expected, even Kakeru began to feel both physically and mentally tired.

It was from the pressure of thinking “What if we do all this and it doesn’t go well on the day of the meet and it ends up being all for nothing?”

Unlike the previous meets, the qualifiers were a one-round competition with no redos; if you didn’t get the time you wanted, you couldn’t just bet on the next one, and that tension weighed heavily on Kakeru’s mind and body.

The training regimen had become denser. Twenty kilometers was the norm for cross-country, and build-ups were introduced into track practice. For instance, if you ran seven thousand meters, you ran the first thousand meters at a pace of less than three minutes and ten seconds, and then worked your way up to two minutes and fifty seconds at the end.

As they ran long distances faster and faster, the pain was not negligible. The inability to breathe during the endurance runs and the violent palpitations of the heart after running as fast as you can assailed you at the same time. It was like playing water polo while drowning, and Prince and the others threw up many times. However, every time Kiyose would caution, “Endure as much as you can.”

“You’ll get into the habit of throwing up. Hold it in and run.”

“I can’t do it.”

“I’ll choke on my own vomit.”

Prince collapsed onto the grass next to the track, and the twins, who were trying to look after him, also threw up with him. It was a miserable situation.

However, sandwiching the proper amount of rest needed between training sessions, the residents of Chikusei-sou gradually became able to keep up with the build-ups and the twenty kilometer cross-country runs. They went to the Showa Memorial Park in Tachikawa, where the qualifiers would take place, and everyone did a trial run of the course.

One day, less than half a month before the qualifiers, Kiyose gathered everyone after they had finished a cross-country run. A chilly wind blew through the open field in the approaching sunset. The tips of the grass had lost their vigor, and there was no trace of summer left. The fruit on the swaying persimmon trees, which no one was picking, were the same color as the setting sun.

“It’s a battle of concentration from now until the qualifiers,” Kiyose said. “Focus and control yourselves so that you’ll be at your peak both physically and mentally on the day.”

“Well that’s easy to say.” Nico-chan sighed. The stress from the tension was giving him an unusually large appetite these days and he was having a hard time regulating himself.

“I feel like my delicate heart has already reached its peak.” King couldn’t help but get stomach cramps during training. “I wonder if I can last until the qualifiers.”

“Don’t be afraid.” Kiyose’s tone was calm, reassuring everyone. “You’ve all done more than enough training; all that’s left to do is use that pressure to hone yourselves. Envision yourself as a beautiful blade running in the qualifiers, and sharpen and polish it well.”

“What a poetic expression,” Yuki said.

“But I get it,” Prince said. “You don’t want to sharpen it too much or you’ll snap before the qualifiers, but if you keep it too dull, it will be useless if the blade still seems cloudy on the day of the competition. It’s something like that, right?”

“Exactly,” Kiyose nodded. “You can’t get there just by recklessly practicing; it’s a battle within yourself. I want you to listen closely to your mind and body, and sharpen yourselves carefully.”

I see, Kakeru thought. This might be one of the strengths that’s required for long-distance.

Long-distance didn’t require explosive power nor was it something that required extreme concentration during a competition to perform a technique—all you did was send forth your legs alternately and plainly moved forward. All you had to do was sustain the simple act of “running”, which most people had experienced, for a set distance. The stamina needed to sustain that was cultivated during daily training.

In spite of that, Kakeru had seen runners whose health broke down during or right before a competition many times: they ran well at first, but suddenly their pace was thrown into disorder; their bodies were in good shape, but three days before the race, their times during practice suddenly stalled; there were those that caught colds even though they were very careful, and ended up getting taken off the lineup on the day of the competition.

Kakeru couldn’t help but feel confused. Practice makes perfect. Why did people ruin themselves when all they had to do was run? Kakeru himself had gotten diarrhea at the last Inter-High he participated in. He hadn’t eaten anything cold or rotten, but his stomach suddenly took a bad turn. He was still able to run, so there were no problems, but he kept wondering, “Of all days, why did I get a stomach ache right before the race?”

He understood now. It was described as a “failure to adjust”. The reason for almost all of them was pressure; the anxiety of suddenly wondering “Is this enough?” no matter how much you trained; the fearful thought of “What if I still lose?” arising as soon as you were confident that it was enough. The more you sharpened your body and mind, the more fragile you became; you got colds and stomach pains more easily, like a precision instrument that breaks down abruptly from just a little bit of dust.

Honing yourself until you were sharp and smooth enough to overcome fear and anxiety and withstand any dust—that power was probably one aspect of the “strength” Kiyose talked about.

Kakeru understood all that, but there was still the question of whether or not he could put it into practice. The more serious you were about running, the less easily you were able to free yourself from pre-competition nerves, and confronting your own body and mind was a very lonely process. You always had to fight alone in the space between compromise and excess.

Kakeru eventually stopped thinking about everything. The more he thought about it, the more fear would arise, because he could only imagine bad things.

People were afraid of ghosts because they thought about and imagined them. Kakeru hated those sorts of ambiguous, vague things; he didn’t want to be bothered by the irritating dullness of “If I think it exists, it exists”, he wanted clarification on whether it was “there” or “not”. Just like being able to move forward if you simply moved your legs, one foot in front of the other.

Kakeru ran without thinking anything. He threw himself into training and repeated the act of “running” as he remembered it with his body. He didn’t know any other way to overcome pressure.

The other members of Chikusei-sou, unlike Kakeru, were inexperienced, so they hadn’t yet established a way to relieve tension. Some, like Kakeru, practiced harder and harder, some burned incense and slept, and some reread sports manga from beginning to end. Everyone was working hard to make their final adjustments for the qualifiers.

With two days to go before the qualifiers, Kakeru felt that his concentration was improving at a good pace.

Practice that day was light, as they shouldn’t be tired on the day of the competition. Of course, each person did their morning and evening jogs, but there was no real practice scheduled on the day before the qualifiers either. They had done everything they had to do, all that was left was relaxing their bodies while keeping an eye on their health while raising their fighting spirits and concentration.

“Let’s do one last finishing touch.”

At Jouji’s suggestion, everyone at Chikusei-sou decided to have a small drinking party two days before the qualifiers. For this group, drinking was the easiest way to relieve tension and solidify their bonds.

The landlord was invited as well, because he was more or less their coach, but there was a problem: the landlord had entrusted Kiyose with the money to fix the hole, but Kiyose had given that money to Shindou to put aside for the Hakone Ekiden; with the transportation and lodging costs, they never had enough money.

As the landlord stepped over the threshold of the front door, Jouta crossed in front of him while looking at the gravure page of a magazine. Distracted by the photo of a woman in a bathing suit, he took off his shoes without looking up at the ceiling and kept close to Jouta as they went upstairs. The tactic was a success. Kakeru and Jouji, watching the situation from the kitchen, gave each other a small high-five.

It was arranged for Prince to sit on top of the hole. You must not stand up as long as the landlord is here, not even if there’s an earthquake or you have to go to the bathroom. Given that strict order by Kiyose and Shindou, Prince obediently hid the hole while reading manga.

“Now, we would like a few words from our coach,” Kiyose said when the liquor was flowing well. The landlord, hugging a large bottle, got up unsteadily. Wondering if he might see him act like a coach for the first time, Kakeru looked forward to what he was going to say.

“It’s finally time for the qualifiers…let me tell you the secret to winning,” the landlord solemnly stated in his hoarse voice. “Move your left and right legs one after the other and go forward!”

The room fell completely silent. The landlord seemed to have sensed the overflowing disappointment and despair.

“…You do that, and you’ll reach your goal one day. That’s all!”

“’That’s all’?!” King roughly put down his cup.

“Is this person okay?” Yuki said.

“Can’t we get a coach who’s a little bit better?” Nico-chan said.

“Ah, my motivation has completely gone down now,” Jouta said.

Quiet unsatisfied voices filled the room. Kakeru hurriedly turned to Kiyose.

“Haiji-san, from the beginning, you believed that this team could definitely make it to Hakone. I thought it was more than impossible, but…why were you so confident?’

“Mm?” Kiyose looked up from his cup and smiled. “Because everyone can handle their liquor.”

“What?”

Everyone immediately stopped complaining about the landlord and now turned to look at Kiyose.

“There are many long-distance runners who can drink a lot. I guess it’s thanks to their internal metabolism. You guys have surpassed being heavy drinkers, you’re bottomless pits, aren’t you? (1) I’ve been observing your drinking habits for a long time and I thought, ‘This could work.’”

“There are plenty of heavy drinkers in the world.”

Shindou looked up at the sky as though to say “I can’t believe this.”

“You dragged people into this thing for that reason!?” Yuki’s voice cracked with anger. Kakeru groaned. He had wanted Kiyose to get everyone motivated again, but it had had the opposite effect.

“Did we really come all this way based only on how much we drink?” Prince, shocked, was about to get up, but Shindou restrained him with his eyes and he hurriedly sat back down. “That’s like building a skyscraper on top of mud with just willpower.”

“Of course that’s not the only reason,” Kiyose said, but his articulation was a bit odd. “I noticed the spark of talent that had been sleeping in all of you.”

“Haiji-san’s drunk,” Kakeru sighed.

“Aaah, isn’t there anything livelier to talk about?” King fell onto the tatami, looking up.

“By the way, how are things with Hanako-san?” Musa asked the twins.

“Hana-chan?”

“What do you mean by things? We get along well?”

The twins both answered innocently.

They don’t know. These guys really don’t know at all. Everyone else muttered to each other.

“By the way, you guys don’t have girlfriends, right?” Nico-chan, who had been nibbling on a piece of dried squid since earlier, said as though it had just occurred to him. “If you do, you’ll have to get them to cheer for us the day after tomorrow.”

It was rare to hear such a topic discussed at Chikusei-sou. Part of it was because their living spaces were so close, they were careful not to deliberately step into each other’s private lives, but it was also because they would all somehow know even without being told expressly.

However, for almost half a year, all of them had been busy training and weren’t able to keep track of each other’s love lives at all. Of course, no one had ever brought their girlfriend to their room before—their conversations and anything else could be overheard, after all.

The twins said, “We’re recruiting one!” in unison. If you’re recruiting, then you should be aware of the existence of applicants, Kakeru thought. King silently curled his back.

“What about you?” Yuki asked Nico-chan.

“I don’t have that kind of energy left right now,” Nico-chan scratched his stubbled chin.

“Same here,” Shindou hung his head. “I’ve been going all around negotiating with the supporters’ association and the school, so I’m afraid that she’ll run out of patience with me soon.”

“You’re dating someone?” Kakeru was surprised. He couldn’t quite connect the reserved and honest Shindou with the brilliance of love.

“Shindou-san has been in a relationship with a woman since he started school,” Musa explained. “It is hopeless for me. I cannot find anyone who will come to my hometown.”

You don’t have to suddenly go all the way there… Kakeru thought.

“Don’t you have a girlfriend, Kakeru?” Musa asked. Kakeru shook his head.

“I’m not popular, after all.”

“It does not seem that way, though.”

“Um, what about you, Prince-san?” He hurriedly shifted targets, but Prince’s eyes were still on his manga.

“I’m only interested in 2-D girls.”

Even though he was born with an idol-like face, it was like pearls before swine. Prince glanced at Kiyose.

“Leaving that aside, I sometimes hear rumors about Haiji-san in the literature department, you know? He looks like that, but there’s all kinds of…Ow!”

Crying out in pain slightly, Prince shut his mouth. A peanut flicked by Kiyose had hit him right between the eyebrows. There was no one brave enough to press Kiyose more than that.

Kiyose laughed slightly and asked, “What about Yuki?”

“I’ve got prospects, a good personality and my looks aren’t bad? Of course I have one,” Yuki answered calmly. King curled himself up more and more.

“Aren’t you going to ask me?” As the landlord was pouring shochu into his teacup right to the brim, a phone rang. It was Yuki’s. Excuse me, Yuki said and left the room.

“What, was that his girlfriend again?” Nico-chan said. Kakeru also noticed that Yuki’s phone had been ringing a lot these days.

“But Yuki has been looking somewhat somber recently, has he not?” Musa tilted his head in worry.

King seemed to have decided to drown his sorrows in alcohol. “There’s no ice,” he said, shaking the empty bowl. Kakeru, who was near the door, stood up and said, “I’ll go get some.”

He went downstairs and saw that the entrance’s sliding door was open, and that Yuki was outside on the phone. He could hear his voice slightly. It seemed like he was arguing about something, and although Kakeru was curious, he crept into the kitchen, concealing his footsteps so that he wouldn’t disturb him.

He transferred the ice into the bowl and refilled the fridge’s ice maker with water. Judging by the way everyone was drinking, it might not be ready in time. Kakeru turned the fridge’s temperature knob to “strong” and left the kitchen with the bowl. 

The front door was still open. But there was no sound of talking. After some hesitation, Kakeru put on his sandals and peeked outside.

Yuki was squatting next to the door, looking up at the night sky.

“I made ice,” Kakeru called out to him softly. “Let’s go back and keep drinking with everyone.”

“‘Kay,” Yuki answered, but he made no attempt to stand up. He looked absentminded, his left hand gripping his phone.

“Did you get some kind of bad news?” Kakeru stepped over the threshold and squatted down next to Yuki while holding the bowl.

“No,” Yuki said. “My parents saw the news story and nagged me about showing up back home once in a while.”

“Where do you live?”

“Tokyo.”

If that’s the case, then it wouldn’t take much time to go back home, and there’s no need for him to lodge in a rundown apartment like Chikusei-sou in the first place. That reminds me, Yuki-senpai said he didn’t go back home for New Year’s, Kakeru recalled, and sensed that there were some circumstances behind it.

Insects were buzzing loudly in the grass of the yard.

“Kakeru, why aren’t you excited about getting interviewed?” Yuki asked.

“Umm,” Kakeru said. “I’m resented a lot. I think my parents and the guys from my high school team probably don’t want to see my face, so that’s why: I want to be as inconspicuous as possible.”

“You’ve been through a lot, I see. I thought you were just a track maniac,” Yuki’s words were biting, but he didn’t pry any deeper.

“Thanks to being a track maniac, I ended up having to keep secretly running away from interviews,” Kakeru laughed.

Noise suddenly erupted from the twins’ room. There were sounds of people running around and shouting something.

“What’s going on?” Kakeru and Yuki looked overhead and stood up.

The window facing the yard opened. “Yuki! Are you there!” Kiyose shouted.

“Yeah, what’s wrong?”

“Call an ambulance!” Kiyose recognized Kakeru and Yuki and waved his arms to hurry them. “The landlord’s throwing up blood!”

Kiyose got on the ambulance and accompanied the landlord to the hospital, and then finally returned to Chikusei-sou some time after the next day had already started.

The early to bed and early to rise routine was so ingrained in everyone that they couldn’t keep their eyes open, but they were all worried about the landlord’s condition, so they had stayed up and waited. Kiyose, surrounded by the residents at the entrance, gloomily told them the news with a tired expression.

“He’s got a stomach ulcer, so he’ll stay in hospital for a week. Apparently the reason is stress from extreme nervousness.”

“Stress!?” Jouji shouted hysterically. “Why was he stressed?”

“He was a carefree coach with no sense of responsibility though?” Jouta tilted his head. He definitely just drank too much, Kakeru thought.

“I also have a lot of questions about the reason, but…the landlord was probably worrying about us in his own way,” Kiyose rubbed his temple. “For that reason, the day after tomorrow—or rather, tomorrow—we will do the qualifiers without the coach there.”

“I don’t really mind, though.”

“It’s not like he’s ever there.”

The twins stated their candid thoughts, and Kakeru nodded.

“Didn’t you say we can count on him when we need it?” Kakeru muttered.

“I said ‘probably,’” Kiyose responded, and as though to say “good grief,” took off the hoodie he had on.

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[emilycollins00]

hello! i've recently stumbled across your works and i really love your characterization and writing uwu if it's not too much, is it okay for me to request for a scenario where some actors accidentally found out that their director is actually good dancer? like maybe somebody was watching tv and 'hey doesn't that backup dancer look familiar?' ((you can decide on whoever finds out about it and you can also choose to use izumi's name or just write mc)) AAAA thank you very much! ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ♡

Thank you, dear! 💕 I feel so happy when I read I you guys like it. Sometimes it gets difficult to not fall into OOC!

I opted to choose Izumi, mainly because I don’t think I’ve written anything with her even though I love her so much! As for the actors, well, couldn’t decided wich one so everyone is making an appearance.

 Hope you like it!  💕

The dorm discovering Izumi’s dancing skills

“Tenma, hurryyyyy”

“Yeah, yeah... Uh? Hey, who didn’t wash their dishes this morning, it stinks!” the summer leader complained outloud, leaving the kitchen with Misumi with the last chopsticks and glasses to place on the lounge. 

Tsuzuru entered and looked at the sink, frowning. Indeed, it smelled awful. He walked towards the couches to get the culprit.

“Itaru-san, don’t ask me why, but I know whatever that was in that plate was yours. Please clean it right now”

“Oh shit, my shield fell” 

The man in question was laying next to Kazunari and Banri, all of them most likely playing a battle game, judging by the way they were staring intensely at their phones.

 “Itaru-san!”

“Yes, yes, one minute…”

“Dang, Itaroon! You can’t pull something like that to win, I don’t have any more resources!”

Omi put a hand on Tsuzuru’s shoulder when he saw the scriptwriter was about to start scolding them “It’s okay Tsuzuru, we have enough plates. Itaru-san can clean later so dinner doesn’t get cold”

At that moment Juza, Taichi, Muku and Sakuya arrived. 

“Ah, Omi-san! After Tenma-kun and Misumi-san finish the table will be set” the cheerily the spring leader informed approaching them.

“At least we get things done quickly, having so many people at Mankai” Tsuzuru smiled tired but gratefully at the four of them “…although it would be quicker if others offered to help from time to time” he looked at the gaming group and a certain pair watching TV.

“Tsuzuru, this program is too important to sip!”

“You mean to skip? Also, I truly don’t think so. That’s one old program you’re watching” he looked around resting his hands on his hips. No one had moved an inch “That indirect was also to the rest of you, you know”

“Noted” 

“Aha”

“So you want me to set the table instead of trying to come up for ideas with customes? Fine by me”

Misumi and Tenma entered before an argument could take place “Table’s set. Someone should call Masumi, Sakyo-san and the winter troupe. They were in the practice room with director, right?” 

As if by pure summoning, the last spring member arrived, taking off his headphones “…I’m here”

“We are here too!” Tsumugi waved as the rest of the winter troupe entered talking to each other. Their play schedule had been decided and they had had a run through while Izumi and Sakyo discussed the final details for the performance.

“Okay then everyone, time to dig in!”

                                         …………………………..

Everyone sat on their chairs and started moving plates around and refilling glasses with drinks. It wasn’t often, due to the difference in schedules, but some nights the whole dorm got together and opted to eat at the same time. It was a bit of a mess but in the end, everyone had fun.

Citron was still watching silently the TV when he paused it, concerned. Getting up, he headed to the dinner table as everyone ate and talked “Director?”

Izumi looked up, stopping  herself from grabbing the delicious tonkatsu in front of her “You called, Citron? Ah, leave the TV and sit, come on. Omi’s food will get cold!” she motioned the chair that was empty.

He did as told, but kept his eyes locked on her “Director I must ask you an important question”

“Uh… ok?”

He nodded as his chopsticks grabbed some rice “Are you maybe a twist?”

Everyone turned to him, confused, but not surprised. The young woman found herself blinking in confusion too “…Twist?”

Masumi nodded in agreement “You can twist my heart anytime you want”

No one even tried to contradict the young boy, still trying to decipher Citron’s meaning.

“I don’t think Citron means twist”

“…Twix”

“Yeah Hyodo sure, Citron meant Twix. I swear your brain is a fucking sugar cube”

“You are sweet like a twix to me, director”

“Ugh, someone tell the Psycho Stalker off”

“Y-yuki-kun!”

“Citron, I don’t think your phrasing is right” Tsumugi laughed as he saw everyone starting to debate. 

The foreigner crossed his arms, deep his thought “Mmm… this word is meant to be a clone… of another person! Is it close enough, Tsumugi?”

“C-clone?!” Taichi looked up from his seat, eyes wide open “Director has a clone?!”

“Guys, come on...”

“Mhm… I might be wrong, but maybe Citron meant if our dear director has a twin?”

Citron gasped “Twin, yes! Azuma’s wisdom is as always precise!”

The winter member received the compliment from the blond with a soft laugh as the rest frowned. Sakuya raised his hand from the other side of the table “U-Um! Why do you say that, Citron-san?”

“You have sisters?” Tasuku raised his eyebrows at Izumi.

“Of course not! I’m an only child”

“But that cannot be. I saw you with my two very eyes!”

“Me?”

He nodded seriously, getting up from the chair and turning on the TV again “I will demonstrate now, the director’s clone!”

Izumi sighed. Why couldn’t they have a normal night? Just for once. It was weekday for christ’s sake. The sudden gasps and exclamations brought her back to reality.

“It really looks like Izumi-san!”

“She looks younger though, is it really her?”

“Waaah, director you are moving so beautifully!”

“Wait, seriously?”

Izumi got up and approached the TV screen, concerned for the amount of attention it was getting “Come on, how can I-“

“That is you, isn’t it?” Sakyo pointed the TV with his head.

As everyone came to the realization that it was indeed Izumi. the woman in question stood there, watching her younger self.

“Oh, you meant that!” she sat on the arm of the couch, forgetting dinner and the fact that everybody was still trying to make sense of it. Their director? In TV? “It’s not been that long but... ” she laughed “Might be the one and only time I made it for a play in a performance, come to think of it!”

Kazunari, who was at that point recording the whole situation, turned his phone towards her in awe “I am beyond SHOCK, director! What play? How come we didn’t know you danced so well? Any declarations?”

She pushed the phone away from her, laughing “I did my studies and entered in the dancing club from my university for a change of peace”

“But this amazing choreography? The moves? Not to mention you are totes on TV!”

She looked  back at the TV and a smiled appeared. Competing in friendly dancing competitions had been nice at the time “That program shows musicals, right? My university dancing club just happened to want to enter the competition and we decided to do a mute dancing play trying to tell a story without speaking. Forgot it had been recorded then”

Everyone stopped talking and looked at each other.

“…Oh”

“That’s right”

“Director had another life before Mankai…”

“Feels weird to think about it”

Izumi blinked confused. Of course, she had tried to make a life outside of acting! It had been rough, but she had had to come to terms with herself that she had to move on, at the time.

“Ey, ey, director let’s dance too!” Misumi grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to the courtyard. She found herself stumbling to keep up.

“W-whoah, Misumi-kun, we haven’t finished eating!”

He laughed releasing her as he tried to copy what they all had watched “That looked fun! What other dances did you do?”

Izumi laughed at his excitment.

“Well, there was nothing specific…?” she listed a few songs on the top of her head. The rest of the dorm gathered around the frames of the courtyard, watching curiously. 

“I also want to see director’s dancing!”

“Anyone has a phone?”

“On it~”

“Enough! Why are you…” Sakyo came out too, ready to start scolding when one of the songs mentioned before started playing and saw Izumi’s bright face.

It was as if some kind of adrenaline had been injected into her, enough to make her body start moving along the music, not a single movement being wasted.

It had been a while.

                                       ………………………………

“Oh my, such a stunning view… the turning of grand jetes! If this moment was to be engraved…”

Hisoka frowned next to him “Arisu… you’re too loud. Can’t enjoy it” 

“Director… is really good!” Sakuya was practically beaming as he watched Izumi moving around “She looks like a fairy!”

No one there disagreed. Her movements flowed, taking away the breath of every person in that familiar audience. Izumi had never been able to act well, but somehow her dancing expressed more than she could in a play.

Omi smiled at the view and crossed his arms “A pity I left the camera in my room” he looked at his left and saw how Sakyo looked at her.

The blond’s eyes followed her figure entranced, not moving an inch.

A few minutes later, Izumi stopped, breathing heavily after song. She looked up, greeted by a big amount of applause. Were those claps for her? Her cheeks grew hot. She didn’t remember last time she got an applause and smiled bashfully.

“Fufu that was wonderful, Izumi-san”

“Epic. I think I just fell in love all over again, director! Gonna need to post the clip on my instablam!”

“Not bad. I guess currian has another thing she’s good at, uh”

“Well, if we ever have a dancing play, now we know who to ask for notes, isn’t that right, Tsuzuru?” 

Taichi gasped in excitement looking at the scriptwriter “Oh man, I definitely want to do a dancing play now, girls would love it!”

Of course, as theatre fanatics as they were, the conversation headed into their future performances.

“Maybe like a musical?”

“But dancing as you act is…”

“I want to do a triangle dance in our play!”

Izumi laughed, gaining everyone’s attention “Okay, okay, this is enough. Let’s go back and finish dinner. Can’t believe you all tricked me to dance in front of you, geez” she still felt her breath uneven from the workout.

“But you did look beautiful out there, director” Tsumugi smiled as he pushed a complaining Taichi and entranced Masumi inside.

Tasuku sighed as he watched everyone returning to their normal behaviors “Well, I guess we must thank you are more an acting addict than a dancer” he sent a small smile to Izumi, placing a hand on her shoulder and going inside to help the adults tame the youngest.

Izumi was about to follow when she heard Sakyo’s voice from behind “You danced well”

“Ah, Sakyo-san, thanks”

He dropped his eyes momentarily before looking at everyone going back to finish dinner inside “…Think you will miss it? Dancing like that”

Izumi lifted her head up and closed her eyes, enjoying the night’s breeze. She had set it aside for so long she hadn’t really been able to think about it.

Dancing to her was like turning back the clock, returning to a previous life that might have been good. However, she had always felt something was missing. 

She smiled tenderly. Just thinking about everyone at the dorm made her heart go warm. 

“It’s become a good memory to keep”

She tore her gaze away from the night sky to smile at him, assuring him that she was being honest to those words just said.

True. She had loved dancing, but theatre? Ah.

That was her life.

_________________________________________________________

I enjoyed it a lot, hopefully, you guys did too. Have a wonderful day!  💕

[derireo]

A3! And What Sports They’d Play ↦ All Troupes

So.. I was talking to a friend about the sports we used to play in the past. I loved sports as a kid and thinking of Haikyu also pushed me to do this. All troupes are included, and individual characters gets their own sport and my take on how well I think they’d do in it!

Kind of went off on Autumn and Winter Troupe;; sorry.

Uh, E-Sports, of course. He gets absolutely winded from walking, so sitting down and competitively playing a game he loves is his dream. On particularly intense matches, he breaks a heavy sweat and needs a lot of water and snacks to keep himself focused and in the game.

He's a popular player and a great one as well! Sometimes he gets asked to host little bits of the tournaments he attends because he has such a big fanbase and he's awesome at entertainment despite his normally deadpan tone with jokes.

He has a lot of energy, so I think running in track or doing marathons would be good for him. Afterall, he's one of the first to run after Tsuzuru in the prologue of the game. He isn't the best nor is he the fastest runner, but his stamina is impressive and lets him outlast many of his competitors.

I also see him doing kayaking? Not competitively, but he definitely loves the thrill of crashing down small waterfalls and regaining his balance right after. The flow of the currents is exhilarating and he has a good sense of balance, so he'd rarely overturn in a kayak (which is absolutely dangerous by the way).

He wouldn't do any competitive sports, but skate/longboarding is something I can definitely see him doing. If he needs time to himself or just simply wants to chill, he'll go out and enjoy the breeze as he boards down the bike lane in the park or on the road, hands in pockets.

He becomes a bit of an attraction at skate parks though. He's always seen there on his board, headphones donned and hands in pockets like I said; effortlessly performing tricks that a lot of other skaters would struggle doing. People are very attracted to the sight, and he lures them in whenever someone finds out he's at the park that day.

He's already suffering so much and is always tired— I wouldn't put it past him to play shuffleboard. It's not a laborious sport, and he can play with anyone like his siblings or any elders who need the company. It's a slow paced sport and is great for sleepy Tsuzuru who needs a break from scrip writing. I don't know if there were any canon stories of him actually being involved in a sport at some point, but I think he'd be pretty okay at tennis or table tennis.

Tennis is a very intense sport so he didn't play it for long because practice cut into his studying, his part-time jobs, and his babysitting. Table tennis is similar to tennis with it's concept, except you can just kind of stand in one spot and don't have to run around as much. It's a fun game to play with his siblings since they enjoy it so much, and they always run after the ball so he doesn't have to do much other than play along with them and clean up when they're done.

I honestly have no idea with Citron. I don't remember any canon details of Zahra (I think that's where he's from?) so I don't want to assume what kind of environment he was in that would influence his choice of athletics, but I think he would enjoy swimming! In the beach event, he ran into the water happily with Kazunari if I can remember, and I'd like to think he had a good body type for water.

There's also another part of me that thinks he'd love skydiving! The thrill of jumping out of the helicopter and letting the winds beat against him as he soared down towards the ground below would be awesome. He's practically shouting for joy as he glides down and loves the look of the city from above. Impressively enough, he can do flips in the air and loves twirling around, much to the dismay of other skydivers as they fear for him.

He's not one for actively moving, but ballet seemed interesting to him and he wanted to try it out. He had no idea how intense ballet was, from strict teachers, to getting blisters on his ankles and feet, Yuki actually almost quit. What prevented him from doing so was probably watching a performance where his seniors were giving the juniors an extravagant scene to watch and they inspired Yuki to keep going.

I would have said acrobatics/gymnastics as well, but Yuki's arms aren't very strong and he doesn't like doing flashy things like that anyways (no offense...? I don't know, I haven't watched videos of this sport in years). If he did pursue acrobatics/gymnastics, I'm not sure if he'd be amazing at it, but he would definitely be decent! He's got the flare;;

Running! Since he was in track for a while and was rumoured to be great at it, he would definitely be doing marathons and track alongside Sakuya. He had great speed and a stamina to match so he's a terribly good opponent to go against if you like to get pushed past your limits. If he kept pursuing track he would train during late nights and early morning with Tasuku, who has his routine jogs at those times.

Absolutely adores the sport too! His team of runners were basically second family to him, so if he chose to return, he would have the time of his life growing as a sportsman with them. He would grow into a fine and very popular runner! Hitting his growth spurt would only make him an even more fearsome competitor as his legs would get longer and his intense training with Omi and Tasuku would get his stamina maxed out.

He has no time to do sports since he's always acting, so I honestly can't say what he'd do. He isn't the best runner either and extreme sports is out of the question since he's a bit of a scaredy cat. I guess he would enjoy a casual game of table tennis though? But despite liking the sport, I'm going to say that he kind of sucks at it. He understands the rules and everything, but his rhythm is off and he never manages to hit the ball back.

He's good at receiving a strike back though! He's always lucky at standing in the right spot with his paddle in the correct position to receive a smash hit, and that's basically the only time he wins a point because he catches his opponent off guard. It doesn't happen often though, so he still gets absolutely destroyed during a game of table tennis.

I believe Misumi would be amazing at track & field. He runs extremely fast for one, and he does parkour like no other; he would definitely place first in sports like long jump, high jump, pole vault, and sprints. He doesn't have a particular favourite event to do though, but always does his best when someone gives him an incentive to do his best.

Izumi and Omi offer him triangle onigiri? He's going to run as fast as he can! Jump as high as he can and as far as he can! No one will be able to stop Misumi. But then again, competitive parkour is a thing, I'm pretty sure, so he can just do that sport for fun and still place in the top 3 at least. He would be terrible awesome at Ultimate Frisbee, but the disc isn't a triangle, so. :p

Him? Sports? No.

I'm kidding. Do not know at all what sport he would enjoy playing, but billiards is something that suits him in my opinion. It doesn't have to be competitive, but he's greatly skilled at handling a cue stick, and his aim is impeccable. He's real lucky with trick-shots too, so don't go and start betting money with him; you'll definitely splurge all of your cash on him within seconds.

Sigh. It's super annoying that he's good at everything, and sports are no exception. He plays futsal with Omi and Tasuku the most, and is very light on his feet. He's so good that during competitive games he'll do a trickshot and score, or will play around with his check and do something like dribble the ball between their legs when they're at their most vulnerable.

I'm sure he would fall in love with ice hockey, though. Ice hockey is fast paced and is a contact sport so Banri would feel free on the ice rink. Good thing is that he's pretty good looking, so he's a fan favourite player. The cold air biting into his skin as he pushes himself across the rink to get to the puck is exciting and he loves body checking opponents into the walls (this also makes him a controversial player since he plays rough and dirty).

He'd be a monster at competitive martial arts. Taekwondo especially, considering his kicks come in hot and fast. His spinning kicks are ones to avoid if you go against him, but he's so quick on his feet and can kick higher than his head so you might get a quick KO if you can't read his body language fast enough. Judo is also high on the list despite it being more of a grappling and throwing sport, but Juza's quick reflexes make him a difficult opponent to beat. Normally wins a match using jiu-jitsu grappling techniques on the floor.

He would also be great at ice hockey. His large figure and quick feet would make him a great player, and his posture is always low to the ground so it wouldn't be easy to knock him over on the rink. Not exactly the best at dribbling the puck though, but give him a one-timer when he's open and he'll send that thing flying through the net. No one tries to pick fights with him on the rink though lol, he's notorious for one hit ko's.

Taichi gives off the chaotic vibes of Nishinoya from Haikyu, but he would suck at volleyball so I'm giving him badminton cause height doesn't matter too much I think as long as he's quick on his feet and is able to read the body language of his opponents well. His form would be perfect though and he's super agile so getting to that shuttlecock is no problem for him. He's got a bit of muscle too so he can send those babies flying!

Doesn't really use strategy most of the time, so he'll just keep hitting and receiving the shuttlecock however he wants until his opponent tires or until someone messed up a smash. No one else in Mankai plays badminton so finding him a coach is a bit difficult. He eventually learns other ways to hit the shuttlecock, so when he learns how to slice or do drop shots, he's a little monster on the court!

Oh, the sports he would play.. Obviously, he plays futsal with Tasuku unless you haven't seen his card where he's playing as goalkeeper! With that information, he would absolutely destroy volleyball teams as a middle. Now I don't know if calling middles 'middle blocker' and outside hitters 'wing spikers' is like.. a cultural thing, and I know that's what they call the players in Haikyu, but it definitely catches me off guard and really confused lol. So, yeah! Omi would be amazing as a middle in the front since he's so tall and can shuffle fast on his feet to block a front row opponent. He's like Tendou in a way where he's great at reading people, the only thing is that he's better than Tendou (no offense, I'm serious) because he doesn't need to guess. He already knows. UGH, I want to go off on volleyball (both indoor & outdoor), but this part is getting long. Lmk if you want to hear me talk more about A3! & volleyball.

American football/rugby. Don't tell me I'm wrong please, I'll cry. Both of these are a full contact sport, and looking at Omi's past and his physical structure, you can't tell me he would not obliterate everyone on the field. He is either the offensive guard or the tackle. He will not start offensive plays, but he will end defensive plays. He stops any player from tackling their centre and tackles those who try to hit a blindside. I don't know much about rugby other than it is just as rough as American Football, just with less protective gear. I'm stopping here because I'm thirsting too much for Omi rn.

HOO, baby! When I looked at Sakyo, I just knew he would be able to do something with swords, so I chose kendo/fencing. Keno is a traditional martial art stemming from Japan and is practised with wooden swords. I won't say I know much about the sport, but it is definitely tense and is very noisy. Noisy because kendokas/kenshis shout whenever they strike, this is to show their spirit. Sakyo kind of hates shouting during the sport, but it definitely lets off some steam and gives him more momentum when he strikes.

I also think fencing because there are swords involved here too, it's just that it seems to be more of a European sport and has some sort of specific footwork involved. The piste may seem a bit narrow as well compared to kendo where they have a whole floor to themselves, so Sakyo doesn't practice fencing as often. (The clothing he's required to wear for this sport is also quite stifling as well.)

I'm ngl, but I didn't know what sport to give Tsumugi, omg, so I ended up giving him cup stacking. You know, you remember; I feel like you should do some research if you don't though because cup stacking was a huge thing in the early 2000's (?) and kids were setting world records here and there non-stop. Tsumugi uses his hands a lot for things like gardening, tutoring, bouquet arranging, etc, so he's deft and talented with them.

As long as he puts his mind to it, cup stacking is a piece of cake for him. He doesn't play anymore, but every now and then he'll look at his old kit in the corner of his room and will set it up with Tasuku in the lounge room for everyone to have a go at it. He loves the thrill and the way his adrenaline runs through his veins as he focuses on trying not to mess up the stack down.

HOOOO! Okay, so we already know Tasuku plays futsal so I'm not going to bother, but man.. He would be the same as Omi in volleyball; an absolute monster of a middle player. He's well rounded in the sport, so his coaches/team actually refuse to switch him out with a libero/defence specialist. His digs are almost on point with the setter, and he's always at the right spot when receiving, making sure no one gets an empty spot on the court.

When he's in the front blocking or hitting, he's almost always successful, and since he trains a lot with different drills and regimes, he perfects a lot of things like tipping, tooling, slicing, and even setting. His height added along with his vertical makes it almost impossible for opponents to block him, and when he's feeling good in a game, he'll start doing things like float serves and jump serves. If he's feeling any better, he'll play around and start doing slide hits at the front or will hit from position A on the back court (left corner facing the net). He'd also do swimming!!!!!!!!! BUT THIS IS GETTING TOO LONG

Definitely would do archery/darts. He's got impeccable aim if you take evidence from his outside work chats with Banri and has no problem pulling the string on a bow. Archery is difficult and I am not lying. Pulling the string until it's taut takes a large amount of strength and it digs deep into your fingertips, leaving calluses after one or two pulls.

Figuring out the trajectory and weighing in the factors of weather (if you're outside) takes a lot of skill and practice, and Hisoka always manages to hit the centre of the target with no hesitancy with his release of the string. His hands are all rough from the string digging into his fingers all the time, showing you how long he's been practising the sport.

I don't think Homare was very athletic growing up. I'm saying this only because his body type is quite lean and he's a poet after all who seems to stay inside more often than not if he isn't meeting with an editor/publisher. I think figure skating would suit him very well as it is an elegant and cold weathered sport. I also think he would fall in love with the suits if Yuki made them as they'd sparkle brilliantly and show off his flare as a skater.

He figure skates as a casual hobby rather than competitive, but he definitely makes a lot of famous friends in the community due to his whimsical personality and beautiful posture.

Kyudo (Japanese archery) was a sport that popped into my mind for Azuma, despite the strain it puts on the skin of his fingertips. His skin is very delicate with how much he takes care of it, so he wears a glove on his dominant hand to protect him. Kyudo seems to be more of a peaceful archery, and with the sight of Azuma in the kyudo uniform, the scene in front of you would be quite serene and calming.

I also think he would be great at figure skating since his body is lithe and he has lovely facial features that would complement the body suits that Yuki would create for him. His long hair flowing in the breeze he creates as he glides throughout the rink would be gorgeous along with the way his body looks as he does an axle in the air. His performances on the rink are always mesmerising, and he'll receive a few claps from fellow rink goers when he's in the centre just casually practising.

[little-ideas]

Mankai Dumbasses

THIS IS ALL I’VE GOT FOR NOW BUT THESE MORONS ARE SO FUCKING FUNNY!!! 🤣 Their dynamic is glorious. Keep at it you fools ❤

These assholes are dense as fuck and almost don't get together. Almost

Taichi has definitely complained about the tension between these 2 multiple times

It's a miracle he hasn't just shouted it at them, but he's probably scared of what the 2 of them would do

Omi has a surprising mean/playful streak and there's no guarantee he'd intervene on Taichi's behalf

Sakyo won't step in unless things get bad

The handcuffs have happened more than once

It's never any more pleasant these later times. They may notice some weird feelings/reactions -they just think it's their disdain for one another Fucking morons

Sakoda has taught Banri some techniques for when he tries to engage in physical fights with Juza. Juza always wins anyway

Izumi and Sakyo question their rooming of the two all the time

However, they are pretty respectful of each others' stuff

This is mostly from a bad experience whereupon the 2 made a truce

The truce ONLY applies to their possessions

Banri draws dicks on Juza's scripts

It doesn't matter what they say, their families (sans Kumon) only see them as best friends. They've met the other's parents after a show, and now Banri's parents and sister give Juza their regards whenever Banri calls them

Juza and Kumon will end up bringing back extra sweets for Banri from their mother.

For all the shit Banri gave Juza about his motorcycle, he loves to ride on it

Juza is probably one of the safest/most cautious drivers in Mankai

The two have definitely had the cops called on them when riding together though

May have raced each other once or twice

Omi oversaw it might have even suggested the location so they don't get caught 

It was because of Sakoda's encouragement and he wanted them to be safe

Juza has strawberry flavored toothpaste and Banri won't shut up about it

The two got banned from the kitchen once when Juza wanted to make sweets and Banri decided to prove he was better. They ended up with ingredients everywhere. No one ever saw Omi angry before then. If the two don't have someone else around, they're required to cook in different kitchens.

Banri is a petty bastard who holds grudges

Juza is quick to forgive everyone BUT Banri

They have logs where they chronicle what the other's done to bother them this time

Izumi made them get rid of them when she found out

Banri still keeps one and eventually entries start including things like "He looks almost as good as I do when he smiles and "I keep challenging him to fights but am still losing" + something about Juza's muscles

Have had competitions where they try to out-romance the other, claiming they'd be the better partner

Only stopped because the entirety of Summer Troupe yelled at them to "get a room"

That anime where the students try to scientifically figure out what love is? That was them

They now have some results + feelings to think over

For all their bickering, when the other is truly down, they can tell and will leave the other alone or awkwardly try to do something nice

As their feelings develop, they'll start doing nice things for each other

Juza leaves Banri some sweets (he still refuses the kamebuns) or pick him up from school

Banri helps Juza study

Izumi makes them do tons of trust/partner exercises

They either nail or fail them. There is no in-between

Banri tried to get Juza to unsuspectingly eat wasabi kitkats, but failed because Juza could immediately tell what kind it was by the color

Muku, Sakyo, and Omi get involved with Juza's figuring out his feelings

Muku is flustered but holds it in since it's Juza

Omi is supportive and listens

Sakyo doesn't understand why Muku insisted he be present, but he is and listens

The one who flat out identifies Juza's feelings as romantic

Banri is more stubborn and it's not until his sister or Itaru say something that he confronts his feelings

Juza might wait around forever, but Banri doesn't, so as soon as he's come to terms with his feelings, he approaches Juza

Probably looks pissed off as hell and Juza prepares to fight him

Nope. Just Banri bitching about what Juza does to him and demanding he kiss him "I'll punch you on the lips with my lips!"

Once they're an item, the dorm grows to fear any argument containing the phases:

Oh yeah?

Prove it

Make me

Shut up

What are you going to do about it?

I hate your fucking face

Stop being so goddamn hot

Basically anything that involves the 2 yelling at each other

Because it always ends with them making out

Unless they start when Muku or Kumon are in the room -Juza has enough self-awareness around family

Kumon is so conflicted when Banri and Juza reveal they're a couple

Kumon's probably the only one who's shocked at the news

Azuma, Yuki, and Citron win the betting pool

OMI SITS THEM DOWN FOR THE TALK™ AND RESPECTING THE SURROUNDING DORM ROOMS Poor Taichi

Juza's so red. So is Banri but he kind of finds it funny

Banri is whipped for Juza

Will still tease Juza for his love of sweets, but definitely didn't spend hours watching videos and reading recipes to make and decorate a cake for him. Of course not

If Banri is somehow still receiving Valentine's chocolates, will give them all to Juza

Juza purposefully picks out some of the most gaudy attire for Banri and he always loves it wtf Banri

At this point Juza's taken it as a personal challenge to find something even Banri won't wear

Juza doesn't wear Banri's clothes, but Banri will steal his. The first time he did it, Yuki wept with joy thinking Banri had finally seen the fashion light. He wept again upon learning they were Juza's clothes and now tries to bribe Juza into arranging Banri's outfits

Tenma refuses to go to karaoke with only Banri and Juza. They literally will not stop unless kicked out because Banri thinks Juza's voice is hot as fuck

Karaoke is the only time he'll admit this

Tsuzuru is constantly conflicted on whether to write a romance with Banri & Juza as leads

Itaru sometimes calls Juza over to distract Banri when they're gaming. Has a 50/50 chance of backfiring as Banri wants to showoff in front of Juza

Unless Juza initiates any sort of skinship with Banri, then Banri short-circuits

Banri usually initiates any form of affection, so becomes super compliant and soft if Juza does it

Banri gets a little less self-centered as he gets older, but especially at the beginning would attempt to encourage Juza/refute his negative thoughts by saying things like, "Well I'm good at × and you’re just slightly better at it than me, so you're good at it too!"

Aka Banri really sucks at encouraging people

If Banri refuses or doesn't care about celebrating his birthday, Juza will get Mankai to help put together a joint party for Banri and him

They only tell Banri it's for Juza (of course they gave Banri gifts/did something small on Banri's birthday so he knows they care about him)

Banri doesn't cry what are you talking about?

They have joint celebrations every year since then

They both have secret stashes of shoujo manga & romance books for ideas on dates and how to be "proper" partners to each other

Kamekichi outs them

[madtype]

Cabaret Club Czar Training - YUKI (Part 4)

yuki’s training continues! this time she and majima discuss personal improvement, unsuccessful job hunting, and how yuki ended up as a hostess.

highlights: - majima being very kind and supportive to yuki regardless of the option chosen - yuki still being too nervous to even theoretically sit a job interview - majima making brazen assumptions about yuki’s love life...

full transcript under the cut!

---

MAJIMA: Okay, ready for another round of talking?

YUKI: Yes, please!

M: Wow, Yuki-chan. You've got those battle butterflies all sorted out, don't ya?

Y: Well, it is just you, Majima-san.

M: Hey, we'll have none of that, thanks.

M: Alright! I'm the customer, you're the hostess, same as always. Are ya ready?

Y: Yeah! Of course!

Y: Welcome to Club Sunshine, Yuki! I mean, customer!

M: ...We still ain't there.

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Y: Majima-san, thank you for requesting me. It's pretty cold today, isn't it?

M: Hey, Yuki-chan. You're lookin' cute as ever today.

Y: Haha... Hahahahaha...

M: Yo, what's with the giggles? I'm tryin' to talk to you like a customer would.

Y: Oh, I'm sorry! Majima-san, when you're the one telling me I'm cute, I can't help it... Hahaha.

M: Well, whatever works. At least you're doing okay when it's me you're practicin' with.

Y: Y-Yeah. I used to get nervous even talking to you, Majima-san. But with your help, I feel like... I'm getting it now.

Y: Even the conversations with my customers are getting longer lately. I'm actually starting to have fun at work!

M: That so? What ya been talkin' about?

Y: Everything and nothing. What they've done recently, what they ate... Oh, and hobbies!

M: Hobbies? Yeah, I seem to recall yours was...

> Writing in a diary.

M: ...Writing in a diary, right?

Y: That's right! I've recently started keeping a log of the customers I get each day, and I note all of their unique qualities and conversation topics.

M: Ah, that's some nice dedication to your customers. Way to go, Yuki-chan.

Y: I know my customer service skills aren't that great yet, so I thought I'd do what I can to get better.

Y: Well, I'm still working at it. I know I've got room to grow.

M: Hey, that's some good stuff right there, Yuki-chan. You've come a real long way.

> Bonsai.

M: It was bonsai, right?

Y: Wow, Majima-san, you actually remembered I raise bonsai? That's amazing! I only mentioned it briefly, didn't I?

M: Heh. When you're working at a cabaret club, a steel trap memory is half the battle.

Y: That's true. I found myself forgetting little things, so I started keeping a log of my customers' unique qualities and conversation topics in my diary.

M: Ahh, so now you've practically got a case file on your customers. Way to go, Yuki-chan.

Y: I know my customer service skills aren't that great yet, so I thought I'd do what I can to get better.

Y: Well, I'm still working at it. I know I've got room to grow.

M: Hey, that's some good stuff right there, Yuki-chan. You've come a real long way.

> Reading self-help books.

M: ...Reading relationship self-help books, right?

Y: N-No, it isn't! I mean, I guess I did read one. Once.

M: Yeah, what was the line you fed me? “Meat and potatoes are the quickest way to a man's heart!” Somethin' like that?

Y: Ahhhhh! Seriously! Just forget about that, please!

M: Heh heh heh.

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M: So, the club's come quite a long way, hasn't it? And you've been here since the beginning to see it all change.

Y: Yes, right. I've only been here for six months, though. I graduated from college just this year.

M: Yeah, remember when this place had three girls in it, including you?

M: So tell me somethin'. Why's a girl like you working in a club like this, anyway?

Y: Th-That's because...

M: Last time I asked, ya clammed up just like this. Maybe it's time ya cleared the air.

Y: ...... (uehh..)

Y: I... I couldn't find a job.

M: Eh?

Y: After I graduated from college, my job search was going nowhere, and I couldn't find anything!

M: Really? In this day and age? Companies are practically hirin' bums off the street, and you couldn't get a bite?

Y: I-It's true! I'm a pathetic woman who couldn't get an offer from a single company!

Y: I do pretty well on written tests, but I get nervous easily, so I'm terrible at interviews. I'm not a good liar like most people are, either.

Y: *sighs* I'm a real loser, aren't I?

> They were clueless.

M: Lettin' someone like you slip through the cracks was a mistake, Yuki-chan. Those fool companies were clueless.

Y: What?

M: Look around ya. It's the times we're in. Everybody's dressed to the nines in lies and vanity, tryin' to one up the competition.

M: But you don't do that. You just put yourself out there the way ya are, honest almost to a fault.

M: I wanna work with people I can believe in. I'd hire an awkward gal who can't tell a lie over a buncha smooth-talkin' succubi any day of the week.

Y: Majima-san, you've made me so happy. I... faced a lot of rejection, but in the end, I'm glad I got to work here.

M: Really?

Y: Yes. Otherwise, I never would have learned to talk to people like this. And I met you, Majima-san, along with everyone else here.

M: Well then, I'm glad ya got rejected too. If you weren't here at the club, who knows what woulda happened.

Y: I'm glad I'm awkward.

> Honesty is a talent.

M: I'd say bein' unable to tell a lie is actually a pretty positive quality, Yuki-chan.

Y: What?

M: Look around ya. It's the times we live in. Everybody's dressed to the nines in lies and vanity, tryin'to one up the competition.

M: But you don't do that. You just put yourself out there the way ya are, honest almost to a fault.

M: I wanna work with people I can believe in. I'd hire an awkward gal who can't tell a lie over a buncha smooth-talkin' succubi any day of the week.

Y: Majima-san, you've made me so happy. I... faced a lot of rejection, but in the end, I'm glad I got to work here.

M: Really?

Y: Yes. Otherwise, I never would have learned to talk to people like this. And I met you, Majima-san, along with everyone else here.

M: Well then, I'm glad ya got rejected too. If you weren't here at the club, who knows what woulda happened.

Y: I'm glad I'm awkward.

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M: So how'd it happen? I imagine ya musta met Youda-chan somehow, eh?

Y: Yeah. I was spacing out at a park by myself. I shudder to think what would've happened if he didn't approach me.

M: Interesting. I wonder what possessed Youda-chan to roll up on you.

Y: I remember him saying, “There's something brilliant within you! You're the kind of girl that only appears once in a decade!” That's Youda-san for you.

M: Oh. Uhh... I see.

Y: Youda-san is a really bad judge of character, isn't he?

M: Nah, nah, I disagree.

M: So, Yuki-chan, if you could get a normal day job now, would ya still wanna go do that instead of the cabaret club?

Y: I don't know. Until recently, I really wanted to quit this job, to be honest.

Y: But now, I want to see what I can make of myself at this club for a while.

M: I see.

Y: Of course, at some point I'd like to resume my job search and try to get an office job.

Y: But, this club is a comfortable place to be, and I learn so much every day. So I'm thinking maybe I should grow up a little more here before I start looking again.

> You gotta get sexier.

M: If that's the case, your next goalpost's gotta be sexiness.

Y: Me, s-sexy? Why's that?

M: Considering the world we live in, bein' sexy is a great way to land an interview. Women got some tools men don't, so ain't no harm in usin' em.

Y: I-I see. That makes sense. Maybe I failed my interviews because I wasn't sexy enough.

M: Yeah, maybe that was the problem. And maybe a bunch of other things, too...

M: Nothin' better than an interviewer flustered by a sexy woman, though. He's tryin' to ask ya questions when all he really wants to know is the color of your damn underwear!

Y: O-Okay! But I wouldn't want to answer that question...

> You can network here!

M: Ya never know, one of your clients could turn out to be a corporate manager.

Y: What?

M: If he likes ya, he might offer you a job right there on the spot. Haha.

Y: Whaaat? Though I guess that does happen in manga!

Y: Wh-What would I do? I'm getting nervous just thinking about it...

M: Hey, relax, Yuki-chan. Lay your best line on me.

Y: Wh-What can I do for you Mr. President... My name Yuki... It nice to meet you...

M: Oh man, you sound more nervous than a foreigner on her first day at a shady bar.

> I'll work ya hard!

M: Nice. But fair warning, I'm gonna put the screws to ya!

Y: Y-Yes! I'm looking forward to it! I'll work hard!

M: Heh. You've changed, Yuki-chan. Look at that confidence. I bet you'd ace a company interview now.

Y: R-Really? Heh heh... Hahahaha.

M: ...Just make sure ya don't laugh like that at the interview, or they'll boot ya right out.

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M: Alright, let's call it a day. Good job, Yuki-chan.

Y: Sure. Thank you very much. Whew... Now I'm getting sleepy all of a sudden, now that I can relax. *yawn*

M: You gettin' enough sleep at night, Yuki-chan?

Y: Oh, y-yes. I just had an unexpected guest over last night, so...

M: Oh, I see. A late night guest, eh? Well, now.

Y: Huh? What is it?

> A lady needs sleep.

M: Nothin', nothin'. Just get your beauty sleep, Yuki-chan.

M: Lack of sleep's bad for the skin! And it's doubly bad if ya fall asleep on the job.

Y: Y-Yes! Thanks for your concern. They say nothing's more important to a woman than her skin, after all. And it would be rude to the customer. I'll be careful!

M: Yeah, nothin' wrong with going out for a night on the town. Just don't overdo it, right?

Y: Huh? Going out? I don't really understand, but, anyway, I'll get more sleep!

> I wish ya the best.

M: Well then, Yuki-chan, I wish ya nothin' but happiness.

Y: Huh? Wh-What are you talking about? I don't understand what you're getting at!

M: It's okay, it's no problem. A bit of a shame, I guess, but if you're happy, I'm happy too.

Y: Um, uh. Thank you? Well, I am happy. I guess I'll keep on being happy!

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M: Okay, I think that'll do it.

Y: Th-Thank you for the lesson.

M: Sure thing. Good job.

[fieryanmitsu]

Since I saw that you like ikemen series as well I was wondering 👉🏻👈🏻 who do you think from the ikemen series would get along with each other? Like Sirius and Tsumugi tending to a garden together :3

Hi there Nonnie~ Oh man, that’s not something I’ve ever thought about, but now that you mention it… My mind is now on overdrive, HAHA! I was just going to throw around some thoughts off the top of my head, but before I knew it… it kinda blew up into a super long and full blown headcanon about what would happen if Mankai Company got transported to Cradle?!?!

I’m sorry, you were just asking me such a general question about the Ikemen series in general, but I ended up going on a huge IkeRev ramble. Anyway, here’s my long and convoluted headcanon of who I think would get along with each other between the main cast of A3! and Ikemen Revolution!

This got so out of hand and is ridiculously long, haha. Feel free to just skim for the bolded headings, which state who I think would be paired well together. But if you want, you can read the rest of my nonsense! Hope you enjoy this train wreck, haha!

MANKAI COMPANY IN CRADLE! (an A3! x Ikemen Revolution crossover headcanon)

CHARACTERS: All Troupes from A3! (plus Izumi) and all suitors from Ikemen Revolution (plus Alice)

My fanfic masterpost: Here

Prologue

On the night of the full moon, (another) mysterious door opens up at Mankai Company. Matsukawa discovers the room first. When he finds out that the door opens into a into a giant gaping hole, he freaks out and calls Izumi over to examine it.

When Izumi goes to check it out, all of the actors get curious as well and follow. However, when Izumi leans over to try and look down into the hole, Matsukawa accidentally knocks her into the hole and she falls in.

Masumi and Sakyo are the first to try and jump in after her, but they end up struggling with each other to see who should go first. Omi and Tsuzuru try to break them up, but all four of them end up falling in during the scuffle.

As he falls, Tsuzuru reflexively reaches out and grabs the closest thing to him, which happens to be a quaking Tenma, and the Summer Troupe leader gets dragged down with him.

The rest of the Autumn Troupe don’t hesitate to jump in after their oldest members to try and help them out.

Itaru and Sakuya are concerned, but much more cautious about whether they should just blindly jump down the hole. Itaru thinks they should call the fire department instead.

Citron says that they have to find a way to save their friends, but that, in such a drastic situation, it would be better to “jump first and think later.” Itaru says: “I think you mean to say ‘look before you leap’.” Citron’s response is: “No no no! I mean exactly what I said.” And then Citron, without any remorse, shoves both Itaru and Sakuya into the hole and dives right in behind them.

Misumi thinks they’re playing a game after seeing Citron dive right in. Thinking that there might be triangles in the hole, he shakes Hisoka awake (since Hisoka is good at jumping, so he should come with him). Hisoka miraculously wakes up long enough to be dragged into the hole with Misumi (and still has no idea what’s going on even as he falls).

Homare tries to save Hisoka, but ends up tumbling in after him.

Muku and Tsumugi are in a panic as they see their fellow troupe members falling into the hole. They’re beside themselves with what to do and somehow settle on: “We need to go after them!” They scrunch up their eyes and leap before they can think better of it.

Tasuku and Yuki yell to stop them, but it’s too late. They can’t believe what’s happening – has everyone lost the last of their brain cells?!

Azuma laughs at the absurdity of the situation, and claps both Tasuku and Yuki on the shoulder. He smiles at them serenely and just says: “Well, this kind of thing doesn’t happen every day, we may as well join the fun, right?”

“NO, THAT’S A TERRIBLE IDEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!”

Kazunari is the last one left, but only because he’s been filming it all on his smartphone so that he can upload it to his Instablam later. He gives the camera a victory sign before he steps off backwards into the hole and screams as he falls (but that red light keeps blinking away).

Matsukawa faints from the shock.

The whole Mankai Company arrives safe and sound in Cradle, somehow, but they happen to crash land into a joint Red and Black Army tea party being held at the Civic Centre to celebrate the recent peace treaty.

It is absolute chaos considering a group of 21 people suddenly fell from the sky, but with Blanc’s help they sort out the situation.

Blanc informs them that there’s some kind of bizarre once-in-a-hundred-years astrological phenomenon that has made the boundaries between Cradle and the Land of Reason even more unstable than usual, and that’s how the portal between the worlds had opened so suddenly. Luckily, according to his almanac, the portal will open again at midnight (rather than one month later) and the Mankai Company actors and director will be able to get back safely at that time.

Until then, the Red and Black Army decide to graciously host their guests for the day until the portal opens.

[THE REST UNDER THE CUT]

Alice and Izumi

It might be because they’re both “main characters”, but Alice and Izumi get along right away. Alice is the first to strike up a conversation since it’s been a while since she’s met another young woman close to her age.

Izumi feels more relieved after talking with Alice and learning that she is also from the Land of Reason.

The two young women end up finding out that they have a lot in common – especially when it came to their appetite. When Alice finds out that Izumi loves curry, she offers to take her to one of the local curry restaurants in Central Quarter (which serves a curry quite similar to the ones in London).

Izumi is full speed ahead and they’re gone before the Mankai boys can even notice she’s missing.

Ray and Sakuya

Sakuya and Ray hit it off right away. Sakuya tells Ray all about Mankai Company and how they are actors. Ray’s love of reading and books extends to plays as well and the two start chatting about the different plays that each world has.

Ray offers to show Sakuya some of the plays in his library collection and the two end up going back to the Black Army headquarters.

Sakuya happens to have their latest script in his pocket (since he had just been reading it before the whole incident happened) and lets Ray read it. Ray is captivated by Tsuzuru’s script and devours it.

In Ray’s room, Sakuya meets Belle and is instantly in love. He adores cats and has the time of his life reading through plays and exchanging thoughts with Ray as Belle purrs away in his lap.

Fenrir, Kazunari and Taichi

Fenrir’s friendly demeanor immediately catches Kazunari’s attention and the two mesh instantly. Kazunari is excited about everything, and Fenrir is completely raring to show off his amazing home to the newcomers.

Taichi feels a bit overwhelmed by everything that’s happening around him and doesn’t quite know where to turn first. Fenrir, used to looking out for the newest recruits, catches on to this instantly and puts a hand on Taichi’s shoulder and introduces himself. He immediately asks if he wants to come along with him and Kazu to check out the town.

The youngest Autumn Troupe member instantly brightens at this thought and agrees enthusiastically. For some reason, Taichi reminds Fenrir of Shu Shu, and Fenrir takes an immediate liking to the younger boy.

The three of them set out on the town and Fenrir takes them to his favourite haunts all around Central Quarter. While out in town, they even find an interesting toy that’s similar to a yo-yo and Taichi shows off his skills. Fenrir turns it into a competition. Kazunari becomes an impromptu emcee and narrates the entire competition to the amusement of nearby citizens.

Kazunari also shows Fenrir his phone and shows him how to take selfies. Fenrir doesn’t quite understand the technology behind it, but seeing his image show up immediately on the screen amuses him to no end and the three of them end up snapping photos all around the Central Quarter.

Seth and Yuki

Seth immediately takes notice of Yuki because of his cute looks and fashionable outfit. The 10 of Spades compliments Yuki, but Yuki isn’t impressed – of course he’s cute, that was a given.

Yuki only gives Seth the time of day when Seth adds: “You put even girls to shame!” It wasn’t often that someone picked up that he was a boy right away.

Seeing Yuki open up, Seth immediately invites Yuki to go shopping with him. Seth hasn’t had the urge to dress someone up this badly since Alice came into their lives and he just knows that Yuki would look absolutely adorable in Cradle’s latest fashion.

Intrigued by the notion of seeing this foreign country’s clothes, Yuki agrees to go with him. They spend the entire day going from store to store admiring and trying on different outfits.

Seth ends up buying Yuki a huge bag of cute outfits and fabrics for him to take home as a gift (paid out of Sirius’ wallet – but he didn’t know that yet).

Luka, Muku and Omi

Muku is too shy and intimidated to talk to anyone, so he just hangs out along the sidelines. But, the poor boy hadn’t eaten lunch yet when the incident happened and soon his stomach grumbles so loudly that Luka, also standing quietly nearby, hears it.

Never one to leave someone hungry, Luka grabs a plate of some of the dainties leftover from the tea party and offers it to Muku.

The pink-haired boy is flustered at first, but his hunger overrides his embarrassment. As soon as he takes the first bite of a scone, he’s amazed at the taste. It was just as good as Omi’s – maybe even better!

In fact, Omi happened to be within eyesight, and Muku immediately calls him over and has him try some as well.

Omi is very impressed and wonders if he could somehow talk to the chef who made this, because he’d love to exchange recipes and ideas.

At this point, Luka is blushing because the two actors have turned their attention to him for a response. He quietly admits that he was the one who had baked for the tea party that day.

Before he knows it, he’s somehow taken Omi and Muku back to the Black Army’s headquarters and they spend the rest of the day exchanging recipes and cooking a gigantic dinner feast (with Muku as their cute assistant) for everyone to eat.

Sirius, Tsumugi and Sakyo

Sirius ends up talking to Sakyo after seeing Sakyo yelling at Banri and Juza to stop fighting. He offers his condolences to Sakyo and says that he sympathizes with him – he’s got his own crew of rowdy children to look after, too.

They end up venting to each other about all the trouble they have to deal with and find kindred spirits in each other. Of course, they also end up bragging about their “kids” too, but they would never admit that.

Nearby, Tsumugi is automatically attracted to the flowers in the Civic Centre gardens and can’t help admiring them. He is practically falling into the bushes, he’s so excited.

From where he’s standing with Sakyo, Sirius sees this and asks Tsumugi if he’s interested in the flowers. Tsumugi replies enthusiastically that he is and Sirius, happy to see someone so interested in gardening, offers to show both him and Sakyo around the gardens more.

Sirius ends up taking them around to his family’s flower shop as well once they finish their tour of the Civic Centre garden. Tsumugi is asking him questions at a mile a minute while Sirius’ siblings pester Sakyo with questions about the Land of Reason.

Eventually they return to the Black Army headquarters and all pitch in to help Luka and Omi finish making dinner and set the tables.

Jonah and Juza

Juza doesn’t really understand too much of what’s going on, but he’s immediately attracted to all of the leftover desserts from the tea party. When he thinks no one is looking, he sneaks a plate and shoves the dessert into his mouth. The sweets are one of the best he’s ever had and he can’t stop eating them.

Jonah spots him sneaking the desserts and confronts him when he realizes that all of the leftovers are gone. He’s furious because he had wanted to eat some, too.

Juza blanches when he turns around and comes face to face with Jonah. He knows that this man is important, and ends up looking at the ground and apologizing for eating all of the desserts, but that he couldn’t help it because the best desserts were the best he’s ever had.

Jonah had meant to scold him, but the second he hears Juza’s compliments about Luka’s baking, he immediately goes into a tirade: “Of course they are the best desserts, my dearest Luka made them after all.”

Jonah determines that Juza is clearly someone who has good taste and it really would be a waste to let him go home without trying more of Cradle’s sweet delicacies. Also, Jonah still hasn’t satisfied his sweet tooth.

He orders Juza to follow him and ends up taking him around to all of his favourite dessert shops in the Central Quarter. The Queen of Hearts is quite pleased with his company, since Juza listens quietly to everything he says and always nods in agreement. He supposes that he could adopt him as another little brother for the day and buys him many boxes of desserts to bring home as a souvenir.

Kyle and Azuma

When the formalities end, Kyle immediately yells out that he wants to go for a drink. He tries to ask Blanc and Oliver to go with him to Oasis, but they’re both occupied with talking to the newcomers and he’s ignored.

Kyle is about to resign himself to drinking alone when a soft voice interrupts him and asks: “Did you say you were looking for a drinking companion?”

Kyle isn’t picky and is ecstatic to find a new friend to drink with. He immediately leads Azuma to Dum’s bar and grabs them seats at his usual table. Kyle orders his beer and Azuma starts off with a bottle of red wine.

The wine in Cradle tastes completely different from the wine he’s had before, and Azuma soon orders glass after glass of different wines. Kyle’s just happy to have such an enthusiastic drinking buddy and offers to pay for it all (since Azuma didn’t have any money he could pay with anyway).

It doesn’t take long for Kyle to get completely sloshed, but Azuma finds him to be a very cute drunk. The actor enjoys listening to Kyle’s drunken rambling since it made for boisterous and cheerful company.

At one point in the evening, Azuma is surprised to see that Banri is suddenly the one serving him his wine, but the Autumn Troupe leader just shrugs and saunters off to serve another table.

It was hours later when Fenrir, Kazunari and Taichi stumble upon them and they all head back to the Black Army’s headquarters together. Kyle has to be carried on Fenrir’s back the entire way.

Edgar and Itaru

Even though his phone has no signal, Itaru wasn’t bothered for once, because being transported to another world was the epitome of every nerd’s highest fantasy. He can’t help himself from examining everything around him – you never know if there’s a hidden item somewhere, after all.

Edgar finds Itaru’s behaviour to be curious and keeps an eye on the other man who is scrutinizing everything in detail. Eventually, he sneaks up behind him and asks: “Are you looking for something?”

Itaru jumps, but quickly covers up his surprise and gives Edgar one of his classic disarming smiles and just says that he’s fascinated because they’re in a different world.

Edgar is impressed by Itaru’s composure. He’s a bit suspicious of him, because he was obviously hiding something beneath a very well-made mask, but decides that this makes him very interesting. Since he was bored, he decides that chatting with Itaru will be quite fun.

Edgar soon finds out that Itaru is hungry and takes him over to the food table, but they find that there’s nothing left (which is odd, since he remembered there being a lot of leftovers). He catches Itaru sigh and mutter under his breath: “Man, even a bag of chips right now would be good.” Hearing a familiar word, Edgar asks: “Chips? Do you mean fish and chips?” Itaru looks at him with wide eyes and says: “Huh? Fish and chips? I guess we must be in an AU England.”

Edgar has no idea what half of those words mean, but the two soon find out that they both share a love of junk food and the Jack of Hearts takes Itaru to sample various junk food around the Central Quarter.

Itaru also greatly enjoys just walking around the town and admiring every aspect. Edgar often catches him muttering incomprehensible words under his breath, but shrugs it away.

Eventually they return to the Red Army’s base and run into Zero and Masumi. It’s at this point that they discover something else they have in common: they both enjoy mercilessly teasing their colleagues.

Lancelot and Citron

Citron immediately picks up on Lancelot’s regal aura and can’t help but scrutinize him silently. He wonders what kind of king he is, especially with such a stoic face.

Lancelot awkwardly tries to ignore the strange man staring a hole into his head and eventually turns to look at Citron and asks him if he can help him with anything.

Citron is surprised because he didn’t expect the other man to talk to him. Caught off guard, Citron spins an elaborate story about how, in his country, calling out to another person in public is a rude greeting and, instead, one must communicate your intentions through headwaves by staring at the other person until they sense your presence.

Lancelot, gullible as he is, immediately believes Citron and apologizes for not understanding his culture and asks if Citron can tell him more. Citron doesn’t miss the curious glimmer in the other man’s eyes and, soon has Lancelot hanging onto his every (unbelievable) word – though Lancelot sometimes has problems understanding exactly what he’s saying.

At one point Citron speaks about how he has a pet leopard, to which Lancelot replies: “Ah, I understand. I have a pet lion.”

Citron is immediately captivated and instantly demands to meet Shine. Lancelot ends up taking him back to the Red Army’s base and they spend the next few hours playing with Shine.

Zero and Masumi

After losing sight of Izumi, Masumi loses interest in everything and ends up being dragged along with Citron back to the Red Army base.

Zero follows his King and returns with them as well. Once they get back, Zero resumes his afternoon training drills with his soldiers.

Masumi, with nothing else to do, ends up taking a seat in the garden and watches Zero’s training. As he watches, he realizes that Zero’s stances and fighting look really good and he tries to memorize his movements in the hopes that he can use it to improve his stage fighting skills. After all, if he gets even better, then Izumi will give him more compliments and maybe she’ll even reward him with a date.

As soon as Zero dismisses his men, Masumi goes up to him and demands that he train him too.

Zero is surprised at the sudden request, but seeing Masumi’s determined face, he decides to go along with it.

The two of them spend the next several hours training with practice swords and Zero is impressed with how quickly Masumi picks up on his instruction. He thinks that Masumi is a bit odd, but very earnest and can appreciate how much effort he is putting in.

Though he hadn’t intended to, Masumi ends up enjoying himself more than he expects. Zero is a patient teacher and he finds the exercise invigorating.

The fun ends, though, when Edgar and Itaru return and start messing with them. Edgar remarks that they could be twins considering the identical scathing expressions on their faces.

Blanc and Tsuzuru

Somehow or another, the Red and Black Army officers had all trickled out of the Civic Centre along with several Mankai Company members.

Tsuzuru, Tenma, Misumi, Tasuku and Homare realize that they are the only Mankai Company members left behind. Even their director was gone.

Blanc notices that they are unsure of what to do and graciously invites them over to his home for a rest and some tea.

With no other option left to them, the remaining Mankai Company members follow Blanc and Oliver back to their home.

As they walk through the Central Quarter, Blanc informs them that he is the record keeper of Cradle. This immediately catches Tsuzuru’s attention. Once he realizes that this means that Blanc observes and records the events of all that happens, he immediately starts bombarding the white-haired man with questions about his writing techniques.

When they get to Blanc’s home, Tsuzuru ends up spending his day poring over Blanc’s records, devouring ideas and writing styles. Blanc happily answers his questions as he pours the scriptwriter tea and cuts him carrot cake.

Blanc and Tsuzuru are too distracted to realize that, on the way to Blanc’s home, they had actually somehow lost every other member of their party except for Oliver and Tasuku.

Oliver and Tasuku

While walking back to Blanc and Oliver’s house, Tasuku can’t help but scrutinize the technology and machinery around them. He immediately picks up that there is no electricity and that the lamps are not powered with the usual means he’s seen in the Land of Reason.

He unconsciously remarks on this out loud and Oliver is impressed, as he hadn’t expected any of them to notice this. Seeing Tasuku’s curiosity, Oliver explains to him how Cradle’s technology primarily runs on magic crystals.

Tasuku’s love of machines immediately takes over and he and Oliver are soon deep in discussion as the taller man asks question after question.

Oliver finds Tasuku to be forthcoming and intelligent, which was a pleasant change from his usual air-headed company. When they arrive at Blanc and Oliver’s home, Oliver takes Tasuku to his workshop and shows him the various gadgets he’s been working on.

Tasuku is absorbed right away and even helps Oliver with some of his repairs, picking up quickly on the unfamiliar technology.

It’s not until the sun begins to set that he realizes he hasn’t even bothered to eat or drink. It’s also at this point that Tasuku realizes that it’s been much too quiet and that this is because they are missing many (noisy) members of their party.

Dean and Homare

Homare follows the others as they head to Blanc’s house, but as they walk through the Central Quarter, he becomes quite taken by his surroundings. Everything is so different and beautiful, and suddenly he is hit by inspiration.

He stops walking and recites a poem, quickly jotting it down in a notebook before he forgets his genius. However, when he looks up, everyone is gone and he’s alone.

Not one to let the situation get him down, he follows his instincts and wanders about the Central Quarter until he finds a bookstore. He walks in and is captivated by all of the new books that he has never seen before.

At one point he reaches out for a poetry book and bumps into someone who was reaching for the same book and comes face to face with Dean.

The professor had been looking for new books for his lesson planning. He hadn’t expected someone else to be in this bookstore, which was off the beaten path.

Dean strikes up a conversation with Homare out of curiosity.  What he thought would be passing casual conversation turns into an hours-long poetry seminar courtesy of Homare.

Dean somehow can’t find the willpower to get away – Homare’s poetry was bizarre and morbidly fascinating.

Eventually he finds out that Homare is lost and leads him to Blanc’s house, where they arrive just in time to see the others preparing to come out to look for them.

Loki and Misumi

As soon as they had exited the Civic Centre, Misumi was immediately distracted by all the things – after all, there must be tons of new triangles to find in this new place. Before anyone can stop him (and Banri tries), he shoots off into the crowds and leaves everyone in his dust.

It isn’t long before he catches his first triangle: “Gotcha, triangle kitty~”

It turns out that the triangles were the ones attached to the top of Loki’s hood.

Loki is alarmed that someone has managed to sneak up on him as he was playing with his cat friends. Intrigued by this stranger, he asks Misumi where he’s from and Misumi explains, while playing with the cats around them, that he and his friends fell out of a giant hole in the sky.

Before Loki can ask any more questions, Misumi declares that he’s going to go hunt for triangles and that the Triangle Kitty should come too, because he’s sure that he’d be great at it.

Loki doesn’t understand what a triangle hunt is supposed to be, but decides that since his cat friends trusted Misumi, then he can’t be that bad of a person. Not to mention, he was bored anyway since Alice was occupied with that stupid boring tea party and Misumi looked like he could be a great source of entertainment.

They end up running around all of Central Quarter and eventually end up in the Forbidden Forest. There they run into Harr, along with someone else that Harr had bumped into, and they all head back to Blanc’s house together.

Dum and Banri

Banri tries to chase after Misumi when the other boy suddenly broke off from the group. However, he soon loses him and finds that he has also lost the main group.

Grumbling to himself about his bad luck, Banri accidentally wanders into a back alley and gets cornered by a couple of thugs who try to rob him.

Banri wants to beat them up, but notices that they’re carrying knives. Instead, he tosses a nearby flowerpot at them before he books it down the alley.

They cause quite a ruckus as they dash through the side streets, and Banri quickly ducks into an open doorway and hopes that he can hide until he’s sure he’s lost the thugs.

Turns out he had dashed through the back door of a kitchen and comes face to face with Dum, who is not amused by some street rat running onto his turf.

He’s about to kick Banri out, but Banri begs to let him stay for a bit since he’s trying to lose the thugs (he can hear them yelling outside). Dum reluctantly lets him stay, but tells him he needs to work for it.

At first, he tells Banri to peel some potatoes, but Banri negotiates with him to let him help out at the front of the house instead (since peeling potatoes was boring).

Dum finds Banri’s sassy attitude to be amusing – and also picks up quite quickly that he’s from the Land of Reason. He gives Banri a chance and the actor soon charms all of the customers into buying extra food and drinks. At the end of the night he just gives Dum a cocky “I told you so” grin.

When Fenrir and company arrive to tell them about the dinner feast plans, Banri tells Dum that he should come along as thanks for helping him out. Since it was a weeknight anyway, Dum decides to take him up on the offer – this boy was proving to be very amusing and it wasn’t every day that he was presented with such an interesting opportunity.

Harr and Tenma

Tenma panics when Misumi, Banri and Homare get separated from them. But, the streets are crowded and he realizes it’s no use to try and find them when he didn’t know where he was going. Instead, he focuses his attention on following Blanc, Oliver, Tsuzuru and Tasuku.

However, as they pass through a busy market, the crown jostles him away from the others and he soon loses them in the crowd.

He tries to remain calm as he makes his way through the street and even asks for directions to find Blanc’s house – the old ladies at the stalls were especially nice about helping him.

However, even though he’s sure he followed their directions properly, he soon finds himself walking through a forest and it’s dark and eerie and – did he just hear something?!

Tenma screams when he feels someone clap a hand on his shoulder. He spins around and sees a strange face with a mask and, thinking he is seeing some kind of ghost or monster, he runs away deeper into the forest. He bursts into a clearing, but trips and ends up falling straight into the lake.

Harr had been taking a walk through the woods when he had seen the young man, looking clearly lost. Seeing him fall into the lake, he quickly runs over and pulls him out of the water.

Tenma is shaking like a rain-soaked kitten, so Harr leads Tenma back to his home to dry him off.

At first, Tenma is too scared to say anything and only manages to start talking when Harr offers him a lollipop. Tenma scoffs that he isn’t a child, but he takes the lollipop anyway and puts it in his mouth.

Harr smiles – he’s reminded of how Loki was when they first met. It seems he’s good at picking up stray cats.

Eventually, Harr figures out the situation and offers to lead Tenma back to Blanc’s house. Tenma clings to the back of Harr’s coat the entire way, looking around furtively and jumping at every shadow.

On their way, they run into Loki and Misumi. They arrive at Blanc’s just in time to see the record keeper receiving a message from a Black Army messenger.

Mousse and Hisoka

Taking advantage of the hubbub, Mousse sneaks off to sleep under a tree in the garden (making sure that Jonah didn’t spot him).

With no marshmallows in sight, Hisoka felt his eyes beginning to close. Before he completely lost consciousness, he saw a figure sprawled out under a tree. He thinks that this must mean that it was a designated napping spot – why else would there be someone sleeping there?

Thankful for this discovery, Hisoka stumbles his way over over to Mousse and curls up on the soft gross. The tree provides the perfect amount of shade and the flowers there smelled just as nice as whatever Azuma used to scent his room. It didn’t take long for Hisoka to drift off.

He doesn’t wake up until Homare and Tasuku (along with the white-haired bunny man) come to find him.

The man next to him also wakes up at that time. He non-chalantly turns towards Hisoka and says: “This is a great spot for a nap, isn’t it?” Hisoka responds with a nod.

Epilogue

Ray had sent messengers to the Red Army and Blanc to inform them that they had prepared a feast at the Black Army’s headquarters for their guests, so everyone eventually trickles into the Black Army’s base by the time dinner starts. 

Some unexpected guests also pop by, but no one particularly minded.

Everyone enjoys the feast prepared by Omi and Luka. Even those who had been eating beforehand found their appetites returning at the sight and smell of the delicious food in front of them.

After the meal, everyone says their goodbyes to the new friends they made. Even though their time together had been short, everyone would treasure the memories of their experiences that day.

Blanc, Alice and the two Kings lead the Mankai Company back to the Civic Centre’s rooftop garden. As predicted by Blanc, there was indeed a giant hole in the ground.

Bidding their farewells one last time, the Mankai Company jumped through the hole, and after what felt like minutes of falling, they finally saw a blinding light rushing up to meet them.

Moments later, they all tumbled out onto soft green grass in a giant pile-up.

After an exciting and unbelievable day, they were finally back home. 

FIN

To anyone who stuck around through this entire thing, thank you for reading, haha! I hope you enjoyed this random bit of nonsense! I still have three routes to play, so hopefully I didn’t mess up anyone’s personalities (especially with the new characters as I don’t have much knowledge of them yet)!

I think that there could be a lot of other character combinations that would get along with each other, but I wanted to make sure that each main character from A3! and IkeRev were featured, so these were the combinations that I ended up with without having to compromise too much!

Thanks for dropping such a fun topic into my inbox, Anon!! Hope to see you around again!

-Anmitsu

[mankai-onlyfans]

Mankai Method Acting 6/2

Character Profiles

Spring Troupe: 🙇‍♂️ Host Club

Itaru Chigasaki --- Ruby

• Welcome to the Shining Jewel Host Club, where all our guests are treated like royalty, the shining jewels in our crown. Ruby is the ringleader of the host club, and the most requested member of the club. He began the Shining Jewel as a fun side business with his friends. Charming, suave, and considerate, he's the picturesque boyfriend.

Sakuya Sakuma --- Emerald

• Emerald has been friends with Ruby since high school, and they've always talked about going into business together. While Ruby is the dreamer and visionary, Emerald serves as the critic, considering each plan and picking out the flaws to be solved. He's as sharp as his name, quick to call out those around him, and is perfect for guests who prefer a tsundere type.

Citron --- Jasper

• Jasper has the most gap between his real personality and his host persona. In real life, he's cunning and sly, always arranging the chess board in his favor. But if you showed any of his guests this side of him, they wouldn't recognize him. As a host, Jasper is the epitome of the boy next door, and he charms guests of all types with his innocent and sweet charm.

Masumi Usui --- Sapphire

• Sapphire takes care of most of the runnings of the Host Club, from budgeting to catering. If Ruby is the director, then Sapphire is the stage manager. Sapphire aims to be the caretaker boyfriend, anticipating his guests needs and pampering them beyond their wildest dreams.

Tsuzuru Minagi --- Onyx

• Onyx plays the part of the sleepy boyfriend. Cuddling, dozing, and sharing snacks is the way he shows affection to his guests. He loves any form of skinship, and will get pouty if his guests play coy about it. Onyx is fully content with this arrangement, and most of the time doesn't even consider being a host as work.

Summer Troupe: ⚽️ Sports Stars

Misumi Ikaruga --- Kenta

• Kenta loves soccer. It's his biggest passion in life, and all he wants is to be able to play with his friends and have fun. But once he enters high school, team tryouts start to get more cutthroat. He's the only one of his friends who makes it onto the new team. Faced between a chance of popularity and his closest friends, Kenta decides to rewrite the rules, and forms his own soccer team with himself and his friends, determined that they can be successful if they all stick together.

Tenma Sumeragi --- Hiroshi

A ball of energy, Hiroshi is team's loveable goofball. He's always cracking jokes and keeping his friends' spirits up. He was the first to join Kenta's new team - the Uncooked Noodles - and is the most determined, behind Kenta himself, to see them succeed.

Muku Sakisaka --- Aito

Aito is a jack of all trades, but he struggles with focus. He's in almost every extracurricular at school, and his friends don't know how he keeps track of everything. The answer is his digital planner, which is more valuable to him than gold. Aito is under a lot of pressure from his parents to get excellent grades, and upkeep all of his extracurriculars, even though soccer is the only one he really enjoys.

Yuki Rurikawa --- Yosuke

Yosuke was always a lone wolf. He hasn't been playing for as long as the others, and his biggest fear is being deadweight to the team. That's why he trains twice as hard, oftentimes collapsing by the end of practice. But seeing his friends' smiling faces as they help him to his feet makes him feel like he's finally a part of something.

Kazunari Miyoshi --- Koji

• Koji is the goalie for the team, and the biggest skeptic of Kenta's plan. He was the last one to officially join the new team, but after seeing how passionate Kenta was, it made him start to believe that this crazy idea could really work.

Autumn Troupe: 🎤 Rock Band

Taichi Nanao --- James

• The battle of the bands is coming up soon, and James is ecstatic. It's always been his dream to take his garage band Static Shock to new heights. As the leader and drummer, he doesn't get as much spotlight, but that's alright with him. All he wants is to have fun making music with his best friends. But trouble starts brewing when the rival band in town scouts his lead singer, Tony. Will he and the rest of his crew be able to pull together and win the competition?

Banri Settsu --- Lenny

• Lenny steps in as lead singer after Tony leaves, but they are some big shoes to fill. He'd only done backup vocals until now, and he's struggling to balance playing guitar and delivering consistent vocals. He's worried he may have to give up guitar for the good of the team, but he's not giving up yet. Determined and fierce, Lenny is eager to make the most of the limelight now that it's on him.

Sakyo Furuichi --- Griffin

• Bassist of Static Shock. Griffin is laid back and positive. He's always offering food and drinks to the others, and breaking the tension with a joke or two. He was best friends with Tony before he left, and without Tony's serious attitude to balance him out, Griffin hasn't been taking this competition seriously enough. Now James is worried that Griffin may jump ship too, to stick with Tony...

Omi Fushimi --- Squash

• Squash is a man of few words. He plays the keyboard exceptionally well, because he's actually a classically trained pianist. But ever since his friends started Static Shock, he's had more fun playing simple chords for them than the accomplishment he feels from playing even the most intricate pieces of music. Though he doesn't say much, he's always there for his friends, offering a shoulder to cry or lean on. And when he does choose to speak, it's often to give incredibly good advice.

Juza Hyodo --- Tony

• Tony didn't want to turn on his friends, but the Zippers made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Actually getting paid to sing. Having a paid gig to put on his resume will put him one step closer to going pro. He tried to tell the others it was nothing personal, but he still feels bad about abandoning them.

Winter Troupe: 💥 Yandere

Tasuku Takato --- Daniel

• Daniel is a businessman, unassuming, and utterly alone. He's stressed and unsatisfied with his job, and is looking for a change. That's when he stumbles across a business card for "Silken Thread", a night club. Figuring he has nothing to lose, he visits the club that weekend, is able to relieve a little stress and get in a few drinks. Little does he know that his movements were being closely monitored by the club owners, who have found a new muse in Daniel. After he heads home, he expects his life to go back to normal... expect now it seems that he has four new secret stalkers- er, admirers.

Tsumugi Tsukioka --- William

William invades Daniel's workplace under the guise of a new intern. He's clumsy, but a hardworker, and very friendly. He wants to get closer to Daniel, and loves everything about him, his face, his body, his voice, his cute expression when he's confused or scared... but William would never hurt Daniel, and in fact protects him from others most of the time. Yandere level : 3/10.

Hisoka Mikage --- Timothy

• Timothy isn't as subtle as some of the others, and instead begins following Daniel. Daniel grows paranoid and eventually confronts him, but Timothy insists that he and Daniel are old friends, that they went to the same college campus, doesn't Daniel remember? Timothy seems harmless and friendly, but he slowly begins gaslighting and charming the people in Daniel's life, including his family, in the hopes of seamlessly becoming an important person to Daniel. Pretty soon, it'll be like he had been there from the start, just like it should be... Yandere level : 5/10

Homare Arisugawa --- Jeffrey

• Jefferey is a romantic. He starts sending Daniel love letters, handwritten. In his own blood. Isn't that the ultimate show of devotion? After Daniel changes addresses, he starts calling him on the phone, leaving cryptic voicemails and promises that soon they'll be together and nothing can tear them apart. Daniel tries to contact the police about it, but he's unaware that the voice he spoke to was actually Jeffrey once again. Daniel's so cute, thinking he can call anyone he wants to... Yandere level : 8/10

Azuma Yukishiro --- Charles

• Charles becomes Daniel's new therapist. Even tempered and soothing, he fits the roll so perfectly that no one would suspect the madness lingering just below the surface. Charles is singleminded with his infatuation of Daniel, and in his role of a therapist, he's able to learn all the details of Daniel's life, slowly twisting Daniel's memories and mindset to love Charles himself, and him alone. He may play nice on the outside with his fellow club owners, but Charles is not above killing to keep Daniel all to himself... Yandere level : 10/10.

----------

Please send in any questions you have for these characters today (6/2) and our actors will respond in character, as part of our 100 followers celebration! 🎉

[darkmindsthinktwistedthoughts]

Devil’s Trust pt6

Warnings: Strong language, Moblord styling warlords.

Masterlist

—

Chapter 6

“Someone want to tell me why we’re all here again?” Ieyasu grumbled as he joined the rest of the men in the meeting room. There were no papers or anything on the large glass table to hint as to why they were all to gather again and yet they were all here because they all received the same summons.

Since the unification of the companies the chairs around this table hardly ever seemed empty. The brightness of the room felt dull even with the contrast of the fresh flowers against the white walls that usually felt strangely warming in the otherwise blank space.

“We’re here to discuss what we are going to do next.” Nobunaga replied. He was already sitting in his seat when they arrived which only served to make this all feel more unusual.

“Do we have to do anything right now? I mean aren’t we in kind of a stalemate over this whole thing?” Yukimura asked as he took his place between Shingen and Sasuke. Mitsuhide noted that Kenshin drifted to his own chair like a frosty breeze, the look on his face seemed to be a mask of disinterest. Well, it does seem that Peace isn’t favourable to all in the realm.

“It will be better to at least put countermeasures in place even if we cannot find a direct target that lynchpins this whole fiasco.” Nobunaga countered the enquiry bluntly. Shutting down further questions on the subject easily. “Mitsuhide did you find anything further?”

“So, you decided to send your dog out after all? This shouldn’t take long to see what he dug up.” Shingen scoffed and sat up in his chair to his full height. He was one of the tallest at the table and there was no doubt his postulating was imposing but it failed to hit its mark. Well now isn’t that cute? The Tiger is wanting to play games.

“I find I’m inclined to agree. After all it would appear that a certain cat did manage to drag home most of the information on the topic at hand.” Mitsuhide held Shingen’s gaze across the table. The infuriating taunting smirk never leaving him as he watched the facial muscles twitch on the other man.

“What did you call him!?” Ever the one to jump to the defence of Shingen, Yuki moved to get up from the chair he had only just begun to occupy and found his arm locked in a firm grip by Shingen himself.

“It’s no worse than his reference to me. I was simply returning the curtesy.” Mitsuhide goaded the smile on his face never leaving his eyes remaining locked on the black eyes that flashed in controlled anger back at him across the table. Well, would you look at that. To think I’d be graced with witnessing the legendary Trading Tiger’s quiet rage.

“Why you—” Yukimura moved against the grip on him.

“Hush Yuki. You said “most of the information”. What could you have possibly found that my network couldn’t?” Whatever anger he felt over the banter-like name-calling was being painted over with his own curiosity to find out what he might have missed. He had crossed Azuchi before and come up wanting. If this was to be a case of his own network being the issue he wanted to know where the broken links were.

“It seems your old as the hills stock and trade isn’t without its flaws after all.” Nobunaga chuckled. He had not missed the hungry looks from Shingen as he feasted on what was happening. The fact that the tables were turned now gave him back the feeling of superiority he had been missing. “What did you find?”

“There is a higher power moving under the table in the boardroom of Esshu. I looked into the situation myself after seeing the information Shingen provided had certain, discrepancies.” Mitsuhide made sure to emphasise the last word as he produced a flash drive and placed it with a click on the table as if it were a chess piece.

“Discrepancies? You think I would provide information that was tampered with?” Shingen’s quiet rage was seeping into his words despite his best efforts to keep them masked. Of all the men sitting at the table, it seemed that it wasn’t just Mitsuhide and Nobu to be gaining some entertainment from this. Kenshin’s ice-cold disposition of boredom in peacetime was showing palpable flashes of interest like dry ice hitting moisture. Your fingers are twitching, God of war.

“Not at all, I have every confidence that you did, in fact, provide all the information you were given but that did not mean that it was complete. You can after all only provide what you know.” Mitsuhide smiled and changed the angle of the digital device. He continued in the style of lecturer giving a lesson after taking a second to pause and be sure that what he had just said hit its mark. “Well now. It would seem that the reason there seemed to be minor failures in the deception Esshu were providing was because what we are seeing is only what they are willing to show.”

“Sounds familiar.” The words slipped out of Sasuke’s mouth before he realised, he had inadvertently voiced what should have been an inner thought. Shingen tensed and Nobu turned a heated look towards the young tech expert after the unusual display of tactlessness. Sasuke coughed and adjusted his glasses in a way that practically screamed how apologetic he felt and that he wouldn’t do it again.

“Mitsuhide what are we looking at?” Nobu turned again to his left hand seemingly happy enough that the outburst would not occur again.

“Currently I’m still asking around but it does look like there is still someone governing the company, even if the orders are being split up around the table. The links between the two are severed after they have made contact so there seems to be no trail back. I’m hopeful that a pattern should eventually present itself so a move can be made.” Mitsuhide lay the USB flat on the tabletop as if to say he is presentation was no done.

“Very well. I trust you won’t return empty-handed.” Nobu allowed his words to linger as a silent threat that he knew the man next to him wouldn’t miss. “Now we need to think about how we are going to—.”

“Excuse me but aren’t we missing one? Where is Masa?” Mitsunari interrupted after receiving a rather firm nudge from Hideyoshi to remind him of the meeting they were all in. Violet eyes blinked as he put his reading glasses safely in his breast pocket on his blazer. 

The girls in the office had some choice names for a lot of the men at the table, but the way they swoon and call Nari the model professor was one that tended to stick. He was always happy to help, giving with explanations and he smiled no matter who approached him. To top that off with the stylish yet comfortable academic look to his wardrobe just increased that appeal. A gift that seemed wasted on one so oblivious.

“He sent a text saying he was going to be late.” Hideyoshi replied rather tiredly. It was nothing new to have the errant head of the Date family turn up late to meetings and usually he had the good grace to message beforehand but it was rather frustrating when the man tended to appear almost on time despite the communication.

– Crash –

As if waiting for the perfectly timed wrong moment to appear, the doors to the room were thrown open and a rather flushed out of breath Masa appeared. He made it over to his chair and clung on to it as he tried to regain some oxygen.

“Guys you need to hear—”

“I was in the middle of talking Masa.” Nobu interjected before Masa could continue with little of his usual success in shutting down the interruption.

“Yeah? Well, sorry ‘bout that but Esshu is on the news.” Masa reached over to the sideboard and plucked the remote control for the projector screen which lowered from the ceiling over the end of the table. An image becoming revealed inch by inch of a what looked like a press conference outside a building made of mostly glass.

“They what?” Nobunaga got up out of his chair, snatched the controller form Masa’s hand and hit the volume. All attention in the room had shifted to the screen waiting for whatever was about to happen.

“… So, it is with the future in mind that we would like to announce our company’s official interest in moving towards the International Trade market. We feel it to be the only choice in providing our shareholders and investors with a more stable turnabout. It will also provide more jobs and secure futures for the many people employed as part of our company.”

“You say this will provide a more secure future for the company and employees but what of the benefits to the people of the city?”

“Thank you for your interest. We would like to make a quote from our sadly departed former CEO - Lack of diversity breeds stagnation. Basically, we are hoping that by moving into this area we will also open up the field for competitive prices and trading. Naturally, this will provide the people of this city with more choice and better opportunities to find what they desire which we hope to give an overall positive effect for both the commercial sectors but also private ones respectively.”

– Click –

“What the hell was that?” Yukimura’s voice broke the spell that had been cast in the room. All eyes that had been firmly locked on the screen unable to look away. Every detail of what was being said seeping into them all leaving a feeling that chilled and burnt like glacial ice.

“A direct declaration of war.” Shingen and Nobunaga answered in perfect synchronisation. The mixture of shock and dread that rolled around the room had changed into something a lot more interesting.  

“Good I was thinking things were getting boring around here.” Kenshin smiled and brought his hand to his side. The feel of the cold moulded metal sending a shiver of anticipation through him. Oh yes, Peace is not favourable to all.

---

Final requests…  Confessions on a death bed…  The last hopes and dreams of hundreds of people…  His head was filled with them. How many had he been witness to? How many more would he see before the end? After all, everything comes to an end, even if it doesn’t seem to.

The café was a quaint little family-run establishment. Somehow in the wave of franchises and brand label takeovers it had managed to survive and he was thankful for that. Not only was it a prime position to view the trade building but it had a large selection of teas that they managed to brew perfectly. He raised his cup to his mouth and took a sip. The subtle flavour of jasmine-infused with the matcha caused him to smile. Green tea was hardly his usual preference but when in Rome.  He took out a fob watch from his waistcoat and glanced at the enamel face as fine golden pieces moved silently under the glass. Almost time.

---

“Well thank you very much for making time for us today Mr Date, not to mention the food you’ve supplied for the staff is phenomenal.” A well turned out professional woman smiled politely at the man they called the one-eyed dragon. They were standing in the flagship location for his restaurants waiting on the other members of her reporting staff to finish setting up for their interview.

“Not at all always happy to make time for my favourite reporter. And what did I tell you about calling me that?” Masa slipped a little closer to her side. It was just enough to feel slightly scandalous given the public place they were standing in and the number of people present. After everything that was happening and the way that dry meeting from earlier had concluded, he was itching as much as the God of war for some action. What kind of action didn’t matter to him, a quick fumble or a gunfight was neither here nor there. What he really wanted was to let off some steam.

“I’m working right now Mr Da—Masa.” She moved creating a little space between them and tried to suppress a laugh at the boyish actions of the terrible flirt she had come to know over the years of covering his career and food.

“Fair enough kitten, have it your way.” Masa shrugged and moved to pick up one of the caramelised onion-and-roast beef vol au vents.

– Crash, Bang, Clatter –

The relaxed atmosphere was shattered like the window and door to the restaurant as what looked like an army descended. They were all dressed in the typical black standard-issue gear that the police gave to their special ops teams. Printed in foot-high lettering on the back of the bulletproof vests was the word S.W.A.T.

“Freeze. Everyone hands where we can see them and don’t move.” One of the first to burst into the building was slightly crouched holding his weapon and scanning the room. The rest of his team were fanning out and making sure to secure the area blocking off exits.

“What the hell?” A camera guy had to drag his gear quickly out of the way to avoid it being crushed under heavy boots.

“Is this a raid?” The make-up girl squealed.

“Why is there a Swat team here?” A crewman who was standing next to her helped shield her from a couple of the armed police as they pushed past.

“Omg, they brought dogs too!” The make-up girl squealed again as one of the dogs put a cold wet nose on her leg making her jump.

The news staff were thrown into confusion and panic as they made moves to group together in clusters avoiding the intruders. They were too scared to even imagine what would happen if they looked too long at any of the officials holding guns.

“Where is Masamune Date?” The leader spoke again and the news staff automatically looked at the Chef that was still holding his food.

“Right here, Guys. I realise it’s a rather long waitlist for a table but this is taking it a little far don’t ya think?” Masa popped the vol au vent in his mouth in one motion and smiled. The female reporter next to him gave an audible gasp as she watched the complete lack of worry or concern, he was displaying. He was the head of a respectable dining empire and he was also surrounded by members of his own staff and hers. Yet here he was displaying an almost sociopathic response to an otherwise shocking situation.

“Shut up and cuff him.” One of the team wrapped a pair of metal cuffs around his wrists and tightened them. The brush of unforgiving cold steel on his bare skin just made his smile grow. Someone was playing a dangerous game here and he was interested to find out where it was going.

“Masa?” Finding her voice, the reporter called out as the staff were being sent through to another location in the restaurant for questioning so the dogs could do their thing.

“Sorry kitten looks like we’ll have to do a rain check on the interview.”

---

Sitting in his office Ieyasu was looking over the latest figures from the last round of testing for their newest drugs. The figures were improving and that was promising. Clearly, it had been the right move to change the quantities they had used in the last test. It did look like it might still be days before they could make an announcement about the new medicine. He sighed as he looked out of the window and frowned.

A cluster of vans had pulled up to the security gates for the building. They were unmarked but he knew they were a favourite for the police. His office phone started to ring the id displaying that the front gate was trying to contact him. This isn’t going to be good.

---

It was the end of the day finally and [Name] slipped her arms back inside her jacket as she picked up her bag and made for the doors. It had been a boring uneventful day if you didn’t include the lunch date with her friend. She smiled as he left the building as part of the small crowd of straggling staff that had stayed a little later in the building than the rest.

The fresh air was turning a little crisp which had the benefit of clearing her head from the stuffy feeling of being in a grey cube most of the day. As she crossed the street to head to the underground for a train, a well-dressed man stepped out from a small café she sometimes frequented and gave her the most disarming smile as he removed his hat.

“Miss [Name]? I was wondering if you could spare a moment?” Something about the man felt familiar and instantly had her guard up. Still interacting in such a public place shouldn’t have been nearly as much of an issue as it might have been had they been in a deserted side street.

She nodded and his smile grew wider until the edges of his eyes crinkled with delight. He motioned to the café doors and held them open for her as she stepped in. There was a chair by the window that already seemed to have a man’s coat draped over it. The gentleman moved like smoke past it and pulled out the chair on the opposite side for her. Waiting until she was comfortably arranged before gently pushing it under her.

“Thank you.”

“Not at all. I should be thanking you in fact. I had wondered if I had missed you but you saved me some time by appearing just as I was about to give up hope.” He motioned to the young girl behind the counter who nodded and went to pick up a notepad and pen.

“You said you wanted to speak to me. Can I ask about what?” [Name] didn’t remove eyes from the man before her. Something was telling her that if she did it might be the last thing she would do. He was pleasant and well-mannered but she also knew all too well how those sorts of things could easily be faked.

“Your father.”

---

A fresh arrangement of Snapdragons had been placed in a vase. The long-stemmed perennials held a variety of hues that seemed rather shocking in this otherwise dead space. The phone next to them on the table vibrated as a new text arrived.

“Awaiting the opponent’s counterplay.”

---   

[kylermalloy]

1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 25, 31, 38, 39, 41, 44, 50, 51, 73, 74, 76, 78, 79, 86, 92 erm. I hope these aren’t a lot of questions! 😅

Yuki! No such thing as too many questions 😂 ♥️

1. What’s one animal you wish you could have as a pet but can’t?

This is weird, but I’m...not a pet person. I enjoy hanging out with other people’s animals, esp cats and dogs, but I don’t want one myself. Not even an outlandish one, like an elephant lol.

3. What song really gets you going?

Lately, this song from the TO soundtrack. I learned it on the piano and it’s really fun to play! But it invokes a lot of feels.

6. Most embarrassing habit?

My tendency to hum out loud randomly. I used to do it in college a lot—which was usually fine, but once I caught myself doing it during a test in a room full of silent people! Even my kids at school have noticed I do it when they’re having quiet work time.

9. Worst way to break up a fight?

Step in between the people fighting (or about to fight) and say “come on guys, we don’t want to hit each other, do we?”

Or to call back to a beloved show of ours, pick up a coin to stop your surrogate dad from murdering all your friends.

OR! When warring factions are at each other’s throats, encourage the slaughter by pointing out why every faction is guilty and deserving of death. (Still can’t believe that actually worked!)

12. Any hidden talents?

I mean. I talk about my music on here all the time, so that hardly counts as a hidden talent. So uhhh...I know sign language?

18. Do you sing in the shower?

Oh yes. I usually listen to either music or a podcast in the shower—if it’s music, I’m almost always singing along!

24. What do you typically wear to formal events?

For this, I’ll go with the last few weddings I’ve been to—a cute dress, usually pretty short, and wedge heels. I feel powerful when I’m tall!

25. Favorite memory?

Since it’s almost 4th of July and I’m feeling nostalgic—my best friend and I drove, like, an hour last year to see a big firework display. Nothing super special happened, it was very hot and muggy and we didn’t even have food, but it was just fun hanging out and being together. And the fireworks were amazeballs.

31. Most dangerous thing you’ve ever done?

Okay this is a funny story. When I was little, there was a window on the second story that looked over our roof. There was also no protective screen in that window.

One rainy day, my mom and sister and I (about 5 or 6 years old) were hanging out upstairs with the window open. I remarked offhand that it would be cool to climb out the window and walk around on the roof. My mom agreed, also offhand.

She and my sister left the room for a minute, and when they got back, I was outside on the wet, slick, angled roof, ~30 feet in the air. Having the time of my life.

38. What color do you wear the most?

Navy blue. I had a ton of blue shirts—so many that, for a while, I refused to buy anything else blue just to balance out my closet.

39. Favorite season?

Summer, for the sole reason that I’m off work during it!

41. Have you ever fallen out of a tree?

Surprisingly, no! I was an avid tree climber in my youth, but I never fell out of one! There was a mimosa tree in my front yard that was absurdly dangerous to climb—I would crawl out on a single distended branch, about 10 inches wide. Also, the branch extended out over a hill, doubling the height I would fall. Thankfully, I never did!

44. Are you a competitive person?

Yep. I can’t help comparing myself to others, unfortunately. Sometimes it helps push me to do better, but most of the time I just beat up on myself for not being “as good as” the people around me. But when it comes to actual competition, like games, it makes things more fun!

50. Talk about something you’re passionate about.

So I’m a musician. I took ten years of piano lessons, but now I mostly just play for fun. To me, each key around the circle of fifths has a distinct personality and aesthetic to accompany it—I’ve made a post about that before. One of the most beautiful sounds on a piano is the 1st chord and 4th chord of any key combined. There’s this absolute serenity in it that makes me go feral inside.

Minor keys (they’re the sad ones) have incredible power. There’s nothing creepier than hearing a familiar song played in a minor key—you know *something* is wrong, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. For an example of this, listen to the Imperial March (usually minor) in a major key. It’s right but it’s *so* wrong.

OhandalsothekeyofCsucks

51. What are some of your hobbies?

Watching tv while playing on my phone. Reading fanfic/books while listening to music. Pretending to read fanfic/books while actually playing on my phone. Writing fanfic. Thinking about writing fanfic. Drawing fanart. Agonizing over my fanart. Shouting at my fanart. Playing the same five songs on the piano over and over. Learning new songs on the piano and never playing them again.

73. Tell a funny story.

When I was in college, my parents came to visit me for the weekend. That weekend happened to be Mother’s Day, and I in my idiocy had not planned anything or even gotten anything for my wonderful mom. The least I could do was surprise her with some flowers, right? Unfortunately, I spent the whole day with my parents, and even stayed with them in their hotel. No time to run off and grab some roses from the store. Except...

That’s right, I waited until my parents were sleeping (close to midnight), took the keys to their truck (my car was at school) and drove to the nearest store to buy some flowers—and a vase. I shared a 15x15 room with another person. I had no vase.

So that’s the story of the first time I snuck out at night. To buy Mother’s Day roses.

Then my mom had to hold them on her lap their entire drive home the next day. Whoops.

74. What’s one interesting thing about your culture?

Ooh, interesting question! I’m from the southern USA, and I grew up in a church-going community. The highlight of my summer growing up wasn’t summer camp, or even church camp—it was this thing called vacation bible school. It sounds ridiculous now, even to me, but as a kid it was an absolute riot to go to church every night for a week and play games and make cute crafts and sing silly songs (what, you thought Baby Shark was a new phenomenon? You fools. You absolute fools.) and hang out with friends! Some families make a summer of it, and send their kids to literally every church in the area when they held their vbs.

76. What job would you be terrible at?

Any job that would require me to go to different places and talk to new people all the time. I was watching a procedural show the other day, and it occurred to me how anxiety-inducing it would be to have a job where I didn’t go to the same place and see the same people every day. There’s plenty of unpredictability in teaching, but at least I’m comfortable with it!

78. What’s your favorite compliment to give?

At the risk of sounding generic... “you’re sweet” ???

So many people are “nice” or even “kind” but sweetness implies personal thought and intent. Kindness can be a way of life, but sweetness is deliberate and direct.

79. What’s your favorite compliment to receive?

Literally any compliment has me on the floor curled into the fetal position mumbling “thanks, happy bday to you too”

But as a teacher, one of the most glowing compliments is along the lines of “you made that interesting for me” or “you made me enjoy ____ for the first time” or “you made this easy for me.”

86. What’s one amazing thing you did that nobody was around to see?

I once sang Let it Go and actually hit all the notes. Once. I was alone. No recording available. You’ll have to trust me. But it happened. ;)

92. What’s something you would get arrested for?

Assaulting someone who really annoyed me—note I say assault and not battery because I am Small and cannot actually hurt anyone even if I were trying.

Send me a number!

[badlydrawndrawnings]

Mega Round Up Royal Spoilers

So I ended up finding like, three different streams going at different rates. Out of the three, only two I stayed with. One is mid-late game (Okumura’s Palace from I can recall before they stop playing). One is a Speed Runner and rushing through vanilla Persona 5 stuff to get into the Third semester, only slowing down to read the new updated content.

Thanks to Speed Runner Tim Barry, I was able see much of the game where the second stream hasn’t reach yet (not all, but much). Tim Barry’s stream is the closest stream (to my knowledge) that got close to Third Semester by playing for over 30 hours (part of me think they’re two people because any person would crash after just 12 hours). He finally decided to call it a night and the stream seemingly got nuke by Atlus because he stop on 12/24 before Third Semester even got reach.

I was going to post only Third Semester Stuff, but I’m gonna do a mega roundup of Royal Spoilers up to 12/24 that appeared on the nuked stream (as well as the Second Stream) as a honor for Tim Barry’s service.

There’s a lot of second hand information from either the chat or the spoiler mega thread on the Persona 5 reddit, and information from Second Stream. I think I was able to fill in most blanks. Read under the cut if you’re curious.

Kasumi Spoiler Round Up

Has a twin sister who died in a car accident before the game start

In a slump/downward spiral in gymnastics as a result of her dead sister.

To get something out of the way, and to act as a PSA, someone on TV Tropes added incorrect information abut the twin.

This is the entry- Posthumous Sibling: A recent one at that. A month before Joker arrived in Tokyo, her twin sister was killed in a car accident, heavily implied to be the result of a mental shutdown incident

As of November 1 (when this post is published), I can not find information that gives the implication Kasumi’s twin died as a result of a mental shutdown incident. I have no idea who believed it enough to write it in, but I know that the possible source came when the game broke street date (aka, before official release), being something of a joke (a mess up joke because it’s referring to Wakaba). I mean, who knows for sure in Third Semester, but for now, I’ll assume it’s just a real car accident

Father works at the TV Station, and father knows Goro

This is a bit iffy since Speed Runner Tim Barry’s chat went fast, but from the main translator, Kasumi is on a scholarship at Shujin. In October, the school/a teacher (plans to) revokes her scholarship because she got third place. 3. Third!

Around same time, Kasumi awakens her Persona between Okumura’s Palace and Sae’s Palace (October 3 seems to by the set date when it happens?)

The (Research Facility?) Palace is the Gym Competition Building that is under construction throughout Royal

Kasumi doesn’t join the PT before Goro because she turns down the offer from Joker...and her phone died before the keywords were given so no one is going to check it out 8P

Kasumi apparently tries to join on the 11/25 (I had to leave stream for a bit and I came back a little after it ended) but Mona (and Joker if one apparently pick the option) turn her down due to the danger

Kasumi meets Futaba in this scene. Interesting, in the (Research Facility?) Palace you see that old Kasumi looks a bit like Futaba (Kasumi confirms she wears contacts in Rank 5 I think)

Kasumi Ranks 1 through 5 can be completed before October 3 (?)

Going back to TV tropes, apparently Kasumi’s Arcana change? I didn’t read anything implying that as well, but this I’m willing to believe since it’s likely Kasumi is lock at 5 until a certain point.

Goro Spoiler Round Up

All of Goro’s original automatic Co-Op are still in the game. 

Tim Barry and Second Streamer seem to be dead set on doing Goro’s new Co-Op and getting that Goro Content. So, it begs the question: is the original automatic Co-Op is still there, and only activate to players who don’t make an attempt to do the New Co-Op and be doom for Vanilla Good Ending, or did they just promoted the automatic Co-Op to regular plot scenes?

 From Rank 2 to Five (I think), Joker has to go to Goro

The messy hair Goro appears in Rank 3, the Cafe from Proof of Justice appears in Rank 4

Rank 6 (I think) through 8 seems to be a mixture of automatic and manual. From what I saw once (and second hand info) Goro has to contact Joker, and Joker have to accept

In Rank 6, Goro reveals his mother is a prostitute. Goro recalls his mother sends him to the bathhouse when she had ‘clients’. Goro apparently never told this part of his life before to anyone 

I have no idea if Goro meant his mother, after getting dump by Shido, had to turn to prostitution to support her son, or if he meant Goro is the son of a politician and his lady of the night

Rank 7 I missed completely, so this is all second hand info. It seems Goro ask Joker about joining his side, and Joker answered ‘let me think about it’, and Goro replied with something of the lines  ‘don’t make promises if you can’t keep it’. I have no idea if there was another choice that could lead to some Accomplice Ending.

Rank 8 is interesting. I got to Tim Barry’s stream and caught the aftermath freak out on the chat. Goro thinks that he and Joker fight one on one. Goro loses, and when they leave Mementos...he throws his glove and acts a bit like his Rank 9 and 10 self.  

BTW, it’s unknown how Goro reacts if he wins

Nine and Ten are automatically ranked up, and it’s the whole Engine Room Scene, meaning Goro suffers from his MIA fate

HOWEVER, Rank Ten got a redo. Via translations, when Goro is about to go MIA, Goro apparently wants him and Joker to have an eventual rematch, in which Joker can reply with either deciding to keep that promise or something of the lines, ‘i’ll keep your gloves’. I didn’t even think Joker took Goro’s glove. Goro’s animation is apparently also different too. That I couldn’t spot lol.

A little after Goro goes MIA, Joker is on his bed. He thinks of Goro, apparently wondering or not if can see Goro again (?)

The main translator of Tim Barry’s steam is quiet (or gone), and Tim Barry pick the first option. I don’t know who said it, but apparently word got out that he may have pick the wrong choice: to Forget. Cue Major Freak Out by everyone in the chat

Main Translator comes back, and they agree that the first option is to forget Goro’s promise. A civil war happened in the chat if Tim Barry should reload or not, because he was right about to take on Shido. Because Tim Barry is dead set on getting that Goro content, he took the risk of reloading the game, redo about an hour and a bit of gameplay, and pick the second option.

Back to Goro, he won’t say the PT’s name anymore

Main spot is apparently Kichijoji?

Takuto Spoiler Round Up

Is doing research as well as counselling

According to translations, Takuto is dealing with the same stuff as Wakaba: Cognitive research (and of the collective unconscious)

Oh no...

Took care of Kasumi (I assume counseling) because of her sister’s death

Is extremely worry and cares for Kasumi

Seriously. He tried to get the school/teacher to undo their decision of revoking her scholarship.

Obsess with hearts/heartache and happiness.

In one of the Ranks (I don’t know which), it’s reveal he has a former girlfriend who got rob and it affected her big time. What happened to her factor into who/what he is doing now

You apparently meet one of Takuto’s friend in one the Ranks. I have no idea what the friend looks like.

In apparently Rank 10 (don’t trust me with this; I assume 10 because of its content), Takuto tells Joker he knows who are the Phantom Thieves 

Or rather, he knows the original members because he spotted them disappearing into thin air (something like that)

And since then, he been indirectly been using them as a way of collecting research or something. 

And then he leaves Shujin

Oh nooooo...

Think that’s fishy enough? Takuto was able to meet almost all of the Phantom Thieves members and talk to them. Those at Shujin go to him for a small meeting/counsel

Apparently he visits LeBlanc when everyone goes to Hawaii and that’s how he met Futaba and Morgana

He meets Yusuke at the School Festival

8U I don’t feel so good...

Other Notes of Importance Round Up

So all of the bosses have a new gimmick, as seen with Kamoshida, Madarame, and  Okumura via press material pre-release). I actually haven’t seen much of the Boss Fights, so I won’t go into much detail other than what I seen with my own eyes (except for one)

I swear to God someone better figure out what’s the point of Cognitive!Shiho in Kamoshida’s boss fight I think she serves a possible strategy for Kamoshida like doesn’t Cognitive!Yuki have something akin to that?

Sae: It has something to do with roulette in her second form,  deciding what her attack/weakness (I had no idea what lol I like, entered in the middle of it and the PT won seven minutes later).

Shido: So Shido ‘kills’ Joker’s teammates, and he and Joker have a freaking one on one fight when he’s in his shirtless buff form. Shido got some new powerful skills

I’m utterly disappoint Shido got the one on one boss fight but not Goro and Joker like maybe we’ll be getting it in Third Semester

Sae’s Co-Op is still Automatic (maybe there’s no valentine date after all!)

Ryuji still gets beaten up (COME ON ATLUS GIVE HIM A BREAK!)

You can spot Co-Ops in the BG at times before you meet them

[thefinalcinderella]

Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru Chapter 4 - The Track Meet (Part 1)

Full list of translations here

Previous | Next

The period from spring to early summer was the season for tournaments; it seemed that every week there was a track meet organized by a university or an athletic meet sponsored by a corporation.

With track meets being their immediate goal, there was also more commitment to practice. Now only Prince and King jogged with Kiyose in the mornings and evenings. Everyone else was now actively completing the training regimen, with Kiyose almost never having to drag them out of bed anymore.

Kiyose casually instructed them according to each of their personalities. For Shindou, who found joy in steadily completing quotas, he created a detailed regimen, and he responded to discussions about training methods until the scholarly Yuki was convinced. Jouta got more motivated when he was praised, so Haiji frequently cheered him on during training, and for Jouji, who ran even if left alone, he purposely didn’t bring up any topic related to running.

Kiyose basically let the residents run however they liked. He thoroughly explained the plan for the training to them and only gave a little advice on what was needed. That way, he skillfully brought out each resident’s motivation. Kakeru felt like he was seeing magic. Without coercion, without setting up penalties, Kiyose waited so patiently to an almost persistent degree until they felt like running. Until now, Kakeru hadn’t known there was such a way of doing things.

If Haiji-san had been my coach when I first started doing track, maybe I could have been a faster runner by now. That was what Kakeru thought. In fact, the residents of Chikusei-sou were slowly but certainly shrinking their times.

On the other hand, Kiyose’s attitude also felt too lenient. The people he was dealing with were impromptu runners; no better than amateurs. He had to have them train even harder or they wouldn’t be good enough for the qualifiers. Kakeru was irritated, wondering if Haiji really was serious about going to the Hakone Ekiden.

“Most of you have now gained the ability to safely run five-thousand meters in under seventeen minutes,” Kiyose said to the gathered residents, who were in the midst of having a drinking party in the twins’ room. No matter how exhausted they got from training, everyone drank together once every ten days—there were no non-drinkers in Chikusei-sou. Since they were a group that liked alcohol, when everyone drank together it was good stress relief in and of itself.

“It’s just that we have many beginners here. You’re probably also worried for your first race. I’ve signed us up for some track meets, so just take it easy and get a time under seventeen minutes at some point.”

Prince, who was reading a manga next to Kakeru, stealthily asked, “Why is Haiji-san so fixated on seventeen minutes?”

“You need an official record of five-thousand meters within seventeen minutes in order to participate in the Hakone Ekiden qualifiers,” Kakeru whispered to Prince, who didn’t seem to have remembered any of the rules at all. “We’re participating in official tournaments and track meets in order to get that official record.”

“Did you forget that even though it was explained before?” The rim of Yuki’s glasses glittered, as though he was saying, But you sure do remember manga titles well. “No matter how you look at it, it seems like Haiji’s strategy is only focused on participating in the qualifiers.”

“It seems like it.” Kakeru nodded at Yuki’s words.

“Well, I also think that’s reasonable, though.” Yuki somberly took off his glasses and wiped his lenses with a handkerchief that didn’t have a single wrinkle. “Kakeru, shouldn’t you be in an intercollegiate?”

Kakeru was silent. Instead, Prince asked, “What’s an intercollegiate?” Yuki immediately went over to the corner of the room where Nico-chan was making wire dolls. Prince was still waiting for an answer, his manga open in his hands.

“It’s a track-and-field championship between universities,” Kakeru said. “The Kanto Intercollegiate is in May, and the All-Japan Intercollegiate is in July.”

“Why don’t we join too?”

“It’s a tournament for top-level student runners, so the base time that’s the standard for participation is stricter than for the Hakone qualifiers.”

“Hmm,” Prince seemed puzzled and returned his gaze to the manga on his lap. “But Kakeru, you can clear that time, right?”

Of course he could. However, Kakeru ended the conversation with only a vague smile.

Kiyose passed around a handout to the residents, who were all sitting wherever they liked. It had the schedule of various track meets organized by universities and Kakeru immediately put the paper down on the tatami mats like it was something awfully heavy. He was hesitant to go to a track meet, much less an intercollegiate; the people who he was with on his high school track team would surely be in places where strong schools gathered, and Kakeru still didn’t want to face his old teammates yet.

Kiyose continued to explain with the paper in hand.

“First is the Tokyo Sport University track meet. The Douchidou University track meet is at the start of May. The Kikui University meet is two weeks later. If those don’t work out, there’s a TSU meet again at the end of June. I want you all to take your time breaking through the seventeen-minute wall, without rushing.”

 “There’s meets during Golden Week?”

“The end of June is rainy season. I don’t wanna run in the rain.”

Jouta and Jouji complained, but it was all talk. Because they were already gaining confidence in training as it was, their eyes were filled with a determination that said “I’ll definitely get a time within seventeen minutes at the earliest stage!”

“But, if you want to take part in the intercollegiate, you’ll need to go full throttle starting from the first TSU meet. The deadline for creating a standard participation record for the intercollegiate is this meet,” Kiyose said. “We won’t get intercollegiate points, but as track athletes, it’s important to join intercollegiate competitions. What do you think, Kakeru?”

Kiyose had called out to him, but Kakeru’s mind was elsewhere. When he was asked another question—“Kakeru, what’s wrong?”—his gaze jumped up from the handout.

“No, it’s nothing.”

“Hey, hey, what’s an intercollegiate point?” Because Jouji asked that, Kakeru was able to escape from Kiyose’s probing gaze.

“I’ve been keeping quiet until now, but...” Kiyose straightened his back and raised his voice to convey it to everyone, not just Jouji. “The Hakone Ekiden qualifiers aren’t just a competition based on the pure combined times of ten people running twenty kilometers.”

The residents, who were all chatting as they pleased, shut their mouths. The room fell into silence, and gazes filled with doubt and confusion focused on Kiyose.

“There are ten spots in the main race for teams that advance from the qualifiers, but one of them is actually the ‘selected team’. Even among the universities that don’t advance to the main race, there will be some runners with good times in the qualifiers; that team is a relief measure for them. It’s not a very good choice of words, but it’s basically a mishmash team.”

“So in actuality, there’s only nine schools that can take part in the Hakone Ekiden through the qualifiers?” Shindou said.

“Exactly. Among those schools, the universities that are ranked seventh or lower have their final ranking determined by adding intercollegiate points to their total time in the qualifiers. It’s a huge pain to explain, but to put it simply, how it works is that schools that produce good results in intercollegiates will get points accordingly, and seconds will be deducted from their total time. There have been cases where, thanks to intercollegiate points, the final total time was more than five minutes less than the actual time.”

“So, does that mean that even if you’re in the top rankings just from your results in the qualifiers, it’s possible for you to not be able to compete in the main race because of sudden turn-arounds due to intercollegiate points?” Jouta asked.

“Yeah. The Hakone Ekiden is broadcast on TV in January, so it’s good publicity for universities. So, the schools tend to think that all they need to do is recruit a bunch of good runners and compete efficiently in the Hakone Ekiden. The intercollegiate point system is meant to discourage those schools from doing that. It’s telling them to participate in competitions properly and develop runners who can not only handle a long-distance road relay race but also the track itself, which is the main focus in track and field.”

“Sounds pretty fishy,” Nico-chan smiled wryly.

“I guess money is involved no matter what world you’re in,” Shindou sighed drearily, perhaps thinking about the importance of publicity.

In defiance of the daunted atmosphere in the room, King spoke.

“Alright. Haiji, Kakeru, go out to that intercollegiate and earn those points.”

“They can’t do that,” Yuki cut him down coldly. “We’re a small club. The points are based on the ranking of each university in the intercollegiate and the number of participants. No matter how hard Haiji and Kakeru work in the intercollegiate, it’s hopeless.”

“We are in a difficult situation. We have no money, and apparently we can’t take part in intercollegiates either. What in the world are we going to do?”

“Don’t worry.” Pulling himself together, Shindou encouraged Musa, who had his shoulders slumped. “We just have to get within the top six at the qualifiers. The intercollegiate points won’t matter that way. A weak school should act like a weak school and compete proudly with their total time alone.”

 “Well said, Shindou,” Kiyose nodded, looking pleased.

“I think that total time is the biggest problem we’re currently facing, though,” Yuki pointed out quietly.

“Well, let’s assume that we go to the meets and gradually improve our times,” Nico-chan said while producing wire dolls. “Kakeru and Haiji should go to the intercollegiate and blow away those guys from the other schools.”

“Alright. Kakeru, Haiji. In any case, earn those points,” King said again.

“I told you…it’s impossible for just two people to earn points.”

“King-san isn’t listening to anyone at all.”

Jouta and Jouji reproached King. Kakeru continued to say nothing; he couldn’t afford to mind King, who was encouraging him to take part in the intercollegiate. While looking at the letters “TSU”, he remembered something.

I’m pretty sure Sakaki got into TSU… His high school teammate’s face appeared in his mind. He felt gloomy, like the rainy season had come slightly early.

If he took part in the TSU meet, he would definitely come face to face with Sakaki. I wonder what would happen when that time comes. Can the current me beat Sakaki, who got into a powerhouse track school?

Kakeru, who left the twins’ room pretending to go to the washroom, immediately went down the stairs and opened the sliding door of the entrance. The gravel in the yard glowed under the starlight. It was as though it was inviting him—to a shining white road—to a place deep within Kakeru’s very heart.

Reflexively, he was about to start running, but then noticed that he was in his orthopedic sandals and stopped. He sensed Nira coming out from beneath the veranda. Kakeru breathed a sigh and then slowly walked towards the main house. Nira’s wet nose pushed against his toes, and Kakeru knelt down and stroked his warm fur.

Nira suddenly wagged his tail vigorously. The sound of gravel being stepped on came from behind him. He knew who it was without turning around; it was Kiyose.

Kiyose, who knelt down next to him, tickled Nira between his ears. Nira snorted happily. He waited for a while, but Kiyose kept silent, so Kakeru was the one who broke the ice.

“Are you really going to make me compete in the meets and intercollegiate?”

“Of course. We’re ultimately going to the Hakone Ekiden, after all.”

“It’ll definitely be a bad experience. I’ve been told that a lot.”

“Why?” Kiyose asked with a mild tone, working the meat around Nira’s neck. Kakeru looked at his face from the side.

“Haiji-san, you know, don’t you? You’ve probably heard about my reputation in high school.”

“About how you’re very fast?”

“That’s a good reputation. I’m talking about…”

“Kakeru,” Kiyose interrupted him. “Listen, your past or reputation aren’t the ones running. You yourself right now are the one running. Don’t be fooled. Don’t turn around. Become stronger.”

Kiyose stretched his knees and stood up while saying “ow ow ow”. Kakeru and Nira looked up at him. Above his head, the spring constellations glittered like a noble crown.

“Stronger…?” Kakeru asked.

“I believe in you.” Kiyose smiled. He tread over the gravel again and returned to Chikusei-sou.

Kakeru contemplated for a bit while rubbing Nira’s back with his palm. Until now, most people had told him to be faster. But this was the first time he had been told to be strong. What did it mean to be strong?

He wasn’t sure. But Kiyose said he believed in Kakeru.

In his chest, which had been frozen for a long time, he felt a small fire being lit. It kept back the torrent of violence that was always surging within him and kept away the voice of temptation that pushed him on into dark places. Kiyose’s words were filled with a quiet power; it was as though they blew off the fear and trepidation within him.

“Alright.”

Muttering, Kakeru also stood. He wasn’t very good at thinking about the details anyways. That was why he should just run—just run, without caring about whether he might meet someone unpleasant or have bad experiences. That was the only thing Kakeru could do.

Kakeru told Nira good night.

His fear and hesitation towards taking part in meets faded. On the contrary, he was almost looking forward to seeing how much he could run.

As the TSU meet approached, Kakeru became more and more excited.

It was his first battle in a long while. He was confident that his training until now had been flawless, but even so, every night before he went to bed, various thoughts passed through his mind. If I ran into my old acquaintances, I might get shaken and lose my ability to concentrate on the race. My competition instincts might have gotten dull and I might get the spot where I should make my decisive move wrong. I was able to set a time that grabbed attention in the high school track world, but will that still apply in university?

Bad thoughts came up one after another when he closed his eyes, so he pushed aside his futon and got up. Desperately suppressing the urge to jog right that instant, he steadied his breathing. “Don’t panic, don’t panic.” He stood in the middle of the dark room by himself.

Don’t think about anything. Just imagine. Kakeru told himself. All you have to do is run. While feeling every muscle in your body moving, just keep moving forward.

When he recalled the heat from that time, his anxieties immediately receded, and now he felt unbearably restless and eager, like Nira when he was taken out for a walk.

Alongside the training, Kakeru also diligently attended his classes. Someone who can’t even get their credits can’t get results from running. That was Kiyose’s pet theory. But because he had training, he had to constantly turn down get-togethers and drinking parties. The other residents of Chikusei-sou were also enthusiastic about the meets, so they came home punctually without making side trips and immediately tackled training.

For that reason, it started to become known not only to the shopping district, but also to the people at the university: “Those guys who are living in that rundown apartment seem to be running pretty intently.”

The day before the TSU meet, Kakeru asked a friend from his foreign language class to answer roll call for him in several of his lectures the next day. 

“What’s going on, Kurahara? Are you taking a day off tomorrow?”

“I’m going to a track meet.”

“Oh. That’s right, I heard you’re running a marathon, right?”

“No, it’s not a marathon…”

I’m aiming for the Hakone Ekiden and the track event tomorrow is the five-thousand meter. Kakeru thought, but left out the explanation.

It wasn’t until he entered university that Kakeru discovered this: people who had nothing to do with track didn’t know the difference between marathons and long-distance relay races. When it came to track events, people would laugh like they were shocked, “You’re running five kilometers? Running round and round the track?” Apparently to them, it seemed like a ritual of uncertain origin that they had no idea why anyone would do.

Even though it’s so important to me, track and field is treated surprisingly plainly by the general public. That was his thought when he learned what was to him a shocking truth. At the same time, he felt somewhat amused. So, every day we’re desperately pursuing something most people don’t even care about?

That was why he decided to laugh and be vague this time as well.

“Yeah, well, it’s a meet that’s like a shortened version of a marathon. I’m counting on you.”

“Leave it to me. Good luck,” his friend said with a serious expression. Even though they didn’t understand the situation well, he could tell that they were supporting him wholeheartedly.

That night, Kakeru lay still in a shallow sleep. It was a light, sharp, taut sleep. Good. Kakeru thought in the space between dreaming and waking. This sensation of all the useless and unnecessary things that remained until the end being scraped off, and transforming into a body and mind made for running overnight. 

That was something he had pretended to forget for a long time—the fighting spirit before a competition.

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