Name:
=3Kat

About this blog:
I usually write about the manga that I'm currently reading. At times, I write about the anime/tv shows I watched and the PS2 games I played. Since it is hard to share and talk my thoughts about a certain manga series when people don't know about it, I tend to summarize them from Chinese scanlations so beware, this blog is filled with spoilers and they are not 100% perfect. Feel free to point out my mistakes. Occasionally, I would blog about myself and other misc. things. ^_^

Layout:
The blog picture is from shel's Wind & Clover artbook scanned by YIXIN for JumpC. Quote is from the anime Boys Be. Edited in Photoshop CS2. The background is from GRSites. The GB animated gif used to be from this site, Gin-san of Gintama is a screecap from piyopiyo2006 in Youtube and Pleinair by Takehito Harada is from JumpC. Gin and Pleinair edited and animated in Photoshop. Moyashimon germ and Rabi gif are taken from ikunlun forum.

PS. The 2nd season is entitled Vampire Knight Guilty. Lol Did they run out of ideas? ^^;

Answers to FAQ:
1. If there are no new summaries of certain series here for some time now, it is because there are no new Chinese/English scans of it so I can’t do anything about it but to wait for their release. I can’t read Japanese.
2. Scans of the series are in the link below. Just click the titles. If it isn’t there, that means it isn’t available in public sites yet. Iieye sites seems to work only on IE.

Persona 3

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Past Dreams:
2008

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

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Manga pics from
Sky-fire, Iieye, & Billwang.

Most of the Quotes are from
Quote Garden, ThinkExist & Our Daily Bread

Hana to Akuma [Chapters 9 - 10]
Wednesday, July 9, 2008 @ 09:29 p.m.

[Yay, it’s finally out! ^^ Chapter 9 scans by Hiromao. Chapter 10 raw scans by Sandy225. I’ve used the raws since it is much clearer than the Chinese ones especially for the climax of that chapter ^^]

Chapter 9: In a mansion in the Akuma world, a girl with twirl pony tails angrily shouts, “What is the meaning of this?! How could he just left me here and be away for such a long time?! When I thought he has finally come back, he ends up going to the human world and hangs around Vivi’s house. I can’t wait any longer. I’ll go to the human world! Just you wait, Felton!” In Vivi’s castle in the human world, Hana is looking grumpy and upset. She, together with Felton and Vivi, is in the living room. Without a care, Vivi is reading a book. Felton asks Hana as to why does she look unhappy. Hana angrily says that this morning, she saw Ayame coming out of Vivi’s room. Felton blushes over this as he exclaims in surprise. Vivi says, “I have told you already. She just stayed for the night. What’s the big deal about it?” Felton says, “Staying for the night is really just an alibi, isn’t it?” Hana angrily slams the table and shouts, “Of course, it’s a big deal! Hana also wants to sleep with Vivi! It’s unfair if it’s only Ayame!” She said that with 100% pure thoughts. Helping Hana, Felton tells Vivi to let Hana sleep with him. Vivi thinks for a while and says, “After three years, it will be okay for us to sleep together.” Felton is shock as Hana complains that it’s such a long time. Felton tells Hana to give it up because Vivi is a pervert king. Vivi says, “I’m just joking, there is no way that will happen, idiot.”

Just then, the window crashes. Felton exclaims, “What is it? Is it a robber?” Hana exclaims, “Ah, a robber? I haven’t seen a robber before.” A shadow of a winged girl comes in the room. Felton looks frightened. The girl says, “What robber? You’re too cruel, Felton.” Felton gloomily says, “Long time no see, Elenore.” Elenore says, “That’s right, it has been 50 years since we last saw each other.” She goes to Felton and gives him a hug. Elenore happily says that she misses him. Felton looks aghast as he says, “Of course, I miss you, too.” Vivi and Hana are looking at the broken window. Vivi says, “What kind of entrance is that? It’s more vicious than a robber.” Elenore apologizes and says that it is because she has seen Felton from outside that she quickly rushed in. Vivi tells her to be careful else she might destroy his house. Vivi complains that she still haven’t changed, quite violent as ever. Hana asks Vivi who that girl is. Before Vivi can answer, Elenore says that she is Elenore, a younger childhood friend of Vivi and others. “And, I’m Felton’s fiancée. It’s nice to meet you, human girl.” Hana exclaims in surprise about Felton going to get married. Felton says that isn’t true because it is their parents who decided on it when they were born. Felton asks Elenore, “Isn’t it so?” Ignoring him, Elenore says that she wants for them to get married now. While Vivi complains that they’re noisy and Hana observing them, Felton tells Elenore to think more about it. Elenore angrily asks, “What are you so unsatisfied about getting married to me?!” Felton says that there is no problem with her but.. Felton thinks of an alibi and says that he already has someone he loves. Elenore gets angry and shouts that he is lying. “Do you hate getting married to me that much?” Felton says that he isn’t lying. “I have already agreed to get married to a human girl!” Elenore angrily shouts, “Okay, then I would want to talk with that girl. In one hour, bring her here.” Felton is shock as he realized that he just dug his own grave.

In Ayame’s house, Ayame is informed by her butler that she has a phone call from Felton. Ayame doesn’t look too happy about it. Answering the phone, Ayame says, “So, just to make your fiancée give up, you want me to pretend to be your lover?” Felton says that she is the only one whom she could ask. With a smile, Ayame says, “That will be quite troublesome. I’m sorry but I decline.” Ayame then slams the phone on him. Felton is dejected. Felton, together with Hana and Vivi, are in Vivi’s library/study room. As usual, Vivi is reading a book without a care. Elenore is waiting in a different room. Felton emotes, “I..don’t hate Elenore. I also like that cute girl but I want my love to spread out to many women. That’s right..for now, I cannot just abandon the forest and just settle down for one tree.” Vivi sighs and tells him that he is quite noisy so would he please leave. Felton cries, “Do you really want me to be forced to a marriage that I don’t agree to?” Vivi says, “As long as you’re not noisy, I’m content.” Then, Felton cries to Hana, asking if she wants him to get married. Hana innocently tells him that she is fine with it. Then, Hana tells Vivi that she is fine with it but Felton is too pitiful. “Getting married to someone he doesn’t like, and it is being decided by someone else. Can’t we help him?” Felton is happy when he heard this. Vivi tells Hana that she doesn’t even know a thing about the situation yet she wants to interfere.

Flashback: About 50 years ago, in Vivi’s castle in the Akuma world, Vivi and Felton are having tea together at the balcony. Being a bookworm, Vivi is reading a book while drinking. Felton asked, “In this world, could there be many more beautiful girls that I don’t know about?” Vivi said “If that is so, then why are you always staying in my place.” Felton told him not to think that way. “You are my friend.” Vivi angrily asked, “Who’s your friend?” Just then, Graves came in and shouted if Felton is there. Felton is surprised to see him there while Vivi thought that another noisy person has arrived. Felton asked Graves, “What happened? How come you came to your mortal enemy, Vivi’s house?” Graves shouted that Felton dared play around with the elder’s granddaughter. “You have been demoted from earl to baron.” Felton laughed about it and said that Graves has heard of it. Graves shouted that it is no laughing matter. Felton doesn’t care if he got stripped of his title. Vivi just looked bored and complained to himself that they are quite noisy. Ignoring Graves, Felton tells Vivi that he has decided. “In order to meet the girls that I haven’t met yet, in Akuma world, no, I will go to the world above and travel around!!” This surprised Vivi and Graves. Graves shouted to Felton, “Wait! Felton, are you serious? This matter isn’t resolved yet!” Felton told Graves to just tell the others about it. Graves shouted for him to quit joking. “I’ll get killed.” Felton spread out his wings and said that he is now going home to prepare for his travel. Felton put on his hat and winked at the two. He said, “Goodbye, until we meet again.” Leaving shouting Graves and speechless Vivi, Felton flew away. And that is the start of Felton’s ‘hunt’ for women. End Flashback.

Vivi says, “During those 50 years, he didn’t come back home. When he did return, he was quickly nabbed by the elder. And then, he was sent to this place. You know the rest. That person is really an idiot.” Felton cries and complains what’s with Vivi’s talk. “I won”t invite you to spring’s Hanami [flower appreciation/viewing usually cherry blossoms] party.” Vivi says, “Party again. That’s enough already.” Felton says, “I’ll go with Hana.” Vivi replies “Do what you want.” When Felton mentioned party, Hana remembers that ever since Felton came, he has done a lot of things [preparing for the parties] for her. “If Felton isn’t here, Vivi wouldn’t agree to touch me until now.” Looking sad, Hana decided to do something for Felton this time around. Hana exclaims that she will be Felton’s lover. Felton looks at her then cries that Hana thinking like that isn’t enough. Hana is shock. She shouts, “Vivi, Can’t Hana do something?!” Vivi is irritated that there are now two noisy people. He sighs and tells Hana to call Tony to bring that potion from the basement storage. Later on, everyone surrounds the potion that is placed on the table. Tony says that this potion can make any living thing grow older in a period of time. “Even in Akuma world, this is a ‘very hard to get’ secret potion.” Hana exclaims that if she drinks it, she will grow older. Tony says, “That’s right but only for a few hours.” Felton worriedly asked if it is okay for a human to drink it. Tony tells him that there is evidence that there are no symptoms, whatsoever, if a human drank it. Felton is still hesitant about making Hana to do. Hana happily tells Felton that she will drink it so that in spring, they can go to Hanami together. This surprises Felton as he smiles back to Hana and thanks her.

Hana tells Vivi that she is going to give it to him for safe keeping. Vivi is surprised when Hana takes off her necklace that he gave her and gives it to him. In tears, Hana says, “I will momentarily forget about Vivi. I will do my best!” Hana runs off crying. Speechlessly, Vivi looks at her. He looks at the flower pendant of the necklace and looks visibly unhappy about it. Then, Elenore shouts, “Felton, it’s almost an hour already!” Felton exclaims that Elenore is coming. Hana tells them that she is just going to the other room to get changed. The two maids tell them to leave things to them. After they left, Elenore enters the room and says she has found Felton. Felton tells her to wait for some more time. After 30 minutes, Elenore angrily asks, “Up to when are you guys going to make me wait?” Grabbing Felton, she shouts that he lied about having a lover. Felton says that he isn’t lying and that she should just wait a bit. Vivi angrily thinks why everyone is gathered in the library. They were interrupted when someone shouts, “It’s not a lie. It’s me”. They all look at the direction of the voice. It is grown up Hana. Hana says, “I’m Felton’s lover. My name is Hana. It’s nice to meet you.” The guys look stunned. Elenore approaches her and says, “Hana? Isn’t that little girl also called ‘Hana’. Speaking of that, the two of you look quite similar.”

This surprises Hana so she quickly explains that girl is her younger sister. “My formal name is ‘Hana number 2’!”. The guys are shock and think, “What kind of name is that?!” Elenore says, “Number 2? What a weird name. You’re the elder sister so how come you are number 2?” Hana is about to explain but Felton covers her mouth. Felton nervously laughs and says that it is just a name. Holding Hana’s shoulder, Felton says, “Elenore, this is the girl that I love.” Elenore shouts, “I’m the one who loves Felton the most!” Hana shouts, “I..I also love him!” Hana gives Felton a kiss on the cheek. This made Vivi furious. Elenore is also angry about it. Felton blushes and touches his cheek. He says, “Hana-chan, then, I will, too..” Felton leans to give Hana a kiss on the cheek. Vivi is already removing the candles from the candlestick and almost stabbed Felton with it if Felton hasn’t evaded it. Felton’s cheek is wounded. He looks scared to death. Vivi darkly says, “Dare try that again and I’ll really skewer you.” Felton exclaims to Vivi to calm down since it is just pretending. “Aren’t you going to help me?” Vivi angrily says, “No. Elenore, that number 2 is..” Elenore is surprised when Hana quickly covers Vivi’s mouth. She pushes him down so hard that they fell on the floor. Vivi angrily shouts, “What the, don’t mind that idiot!” To his surprise, Hana puts her index finger on his lips. Hana whispers, “Don’t. Hana has decided to protect Felton. So Vivi, Sh-- Understood!” Hana then stands up and walks away. Vivi is stunned then blushes. He touches his lips with the back of his hand. He thinks, “Suddenly, showing that mature kind of expression. What is this.” Hana thinks, “I will definitely save you, Felton.”

[Chapter 10:] Hana goes back to Felton’s side. The two tells Elenore that they both love each other. Vivi is still touching his lips with the back of his hand and wonders, “What is this feeling?” Elenore angrily asks, “Felton, are you really with this girl..?!” Felton and Hana hug each other. Felton says, “Of course, Hana-chan.” Hana says, “That’s right, Felton.” This made Elenore so angry that she crashes out the window and exclaims, “I don’t care about you anymore! Felton, you idiot!!” Vivi is angry. Tony says, “Even here, it’s destroyed.” Felton says, “I”m sorry, Elenore. This way, she’ll give up. But, she might still be around the house. I don’t want to trouble you but could I ask you to continue helping me with this act until the end, Hana-chan?” Hana isn’t listening anymore as she goes to Vivi. Hana says, “Vivi, it’s great. This potion has really made Hana grow older.” Vivi is surprised when Hana touches his face. Hana says, “Vivi’s face is so near. I’m so happy.” Vivi has felt that feeling has come back. He pushes Hana away and angrily says, “Don’t come near me. What is this about? Looking at you right now..” Vivi thinks, “Why do I have this turbulent feeling?” Hana is stunned. Vivi walks away as Felton goes to Hana. Felton shouts at Vivi as to how could he talk like that to a girl. Vivi shouts, “Too noisy. Before this room is also destroyed, quickly get Elenore to go back. It would be better if you also go away, troublesome person.” Felton is shock as he exclaims that Vivi is too cruel. Vivi tells him that it would be better not to involve the library while he is at it. Throughout their conversation, Hana looks down. She then says, “Hana will..go take a walk outside.” Hana quickly runs out. Felton shouts for her to wait then at Vivi. Vivi touches his lips again with the back of his hand. He wonders, “Really, what is this.”

Walking at the corridor that faces the garden, Hana wonders why Vivi is agitated. “Doesn’t he like grown up Hana? Can’t Hana help Felton? It’s really puzzling, Vivi.” Hana is in tears when the shadow bird goes to her. Hana is surprised that it recognizes her even if she has grown up. She hugs it while it perches on her shoulder. She tells herself that she has decided to help Felton so it is better for her to do this for now. She decides to adorn herself with a flower to cheer herself up. She cuts a rose[?] from the bushes and puts it on her hair. She hears a sobbing sound. She turns around to see Elenore crying. Hana calls out to her. Elenore is surprised to see her. Elenore accuses her of coming there to laugh at her. Hana is surprised and answers that she didn’t because she just came to pick a flower. Elenore looks at the flower on Hana’s hair and says, ‘Flower’, I have heard of it but it is the first time I have seen it. There are many pretty things here but every time, I touch them, they are destroyed.” Hana exclaims, “Ah, flowers touched by akuma will wither.” Elenore shouts, “What! Are you picking a fight?” Hana shouts that she isn’t. Elenore says she’s nice. “If I wear a flower like you, will Felton also like me?” Hana feels uneasy and sad for Elenore. Elenore shouts at her, “Hey, don’t just suddenly stop talking. I’m already quite miserable. I know already. Such a flower doesn’t suit a ‘not cute’ girl. How could a flower just change a person’s appearance?” Hana realizes something. She tells Elenore to wait. She then rushes off some place. Hana returns and says that she is going to give Elenore an origami [paper] flower. Elenore is surprised as Hana put the flower on Elenore’s hair. Hana smiles at her and says, “See, with that, you’re cuter.” Elenore blushes and says that even if Hana said that, she still won’t be happy. Hana just bids her goodbye and leaves. Elenore shouts for her to listen. Elenore then takes out a mirror to look at herself. She blushes at herself. She says, “what..a strange girl.”

In the library, Vivi is sitting while looking at Hana’s necklace. Vivi wonders why Hana did that to Felton. He becomes angry when he remembers Hana kissing Felton. He becomes even angrier when he thinks of Felton laughing. Vivi admits that if that idiot didn’t come, he would still not have touched Hana until now. He angrily thinks that he just can’t help himself [from feeling agitated]. In the living room, the window that was destroyed is now all boarded up by wood planks. Hana and Felton are sitting together on a bench-like chair. Hana sadly says, “Elenore is crying. She really likes Felton. Hana..is only thinking of the matter between myself and Felton. Tricking Elenore and made her cry.” Felton asked, “Didn’t she already stop crying?” Hana says, “But I have decided to help Felton. What should I do? What should I do to make it okay?” Felton says, “Looking at Elenore, did you think of Vivi and your own situation? So you don’t feel good about it?” Hana protests that it isn’t so then, she retracts that perhaps it is so. Felton laughs about this and says that Hana is always thinking of Vivi. “As your lover now, I’m somewhat jealous. Vivi didn’t say anything about it but I really like the current Hana. How about becoming my lover for real?” Leaning to Hana, Felton said that with a smile and sparkles but Hana flatly says no. Meanwhile, Elenore is outside. Elenore thinks that because of Hana is such a strange girl, she starts to feel a bit strange. She plans to straighten out herself in the Akuma world then return there. She then sees Hana and Felton together from the planked up window. She thinks that the two are being lovey-dovey that she became really furious. She crashes into the window again. Elenore angrily says, “What is this..when I was feeling quite troubled, the two of you are going lovey-dovey here..I can’t stand it anymore!” Elenore creates a huge hammer. Felton is shock that Elenore has taken out a dangerous thing. Felton quickly grabs Hana and runs off. Elenore smashes the table with her hammer. The two are cornered as Elenore about to hit them. Felton shouts for her to wait and just calm down.

Someone then shouts, “It’s too noisy!” Vivi kicks the door open and cut the handle of Elenore’s hammer. While holding Elenore’s wrist, Vivi grabs the handle and points the sharp cut end at Elenore’s neck. Vivi tells her that is enough. “Do you plan on destroying my house?” Felton shouts for Vivi not to be reckless. Vivi says okay as he drops the handle. Vivi angrily tells Elenore that even if she forces Felton, he won’t go back with her. Elenore is surprised and asked why. Vivi apologizes to Elenore. He then points to Felton and says, “In the name of Duke Vivi, this idiot is staying here.” Elenore is about to protest but Vivi glares at her and says, “If you have any objections, then [I dare you to] tell me.” Elenore didn’t continue as she becomes scared. Vivi thinks to himself that he never thought that nonsense title would actually be helpful. Felton is happy that Vivi has helped him. Elenore is in the verge of tears as she says, “Okay, I’ll go back. It’s really like that. I’m not cute because I can’t touch flowers.” She throws away the paper flower. She is about to run off as Felton call for her. She stops when Vivi angrily says that he forgot to tell her something important. He goes to Felton and kicks him away. He tells Hana to stretch her neck towards him. Hana did as told. Vivi put the necklace on her. Holding the necklace and pulling Hana close to him, Vivi says, “Elenore, you can relax. This isn’t Felton’s. This is mine.” With a bleeding nose, Felton is shock and tells Vivi to wait. Elenore is shock and angrily asked Felton what is the meaning of this. Felton looks scared as he is leaning on the wall, shaking. He thinks to himself, “Wasn’t Vivi going to help me?” I think there is some beating sounds. Vivi says how about fixing the room first. Felton shouts that he can’t. Vivi leaves the room. Hana looks sad as she remembers Vivi telling her not to touch him. Hana holds her pendant.

Outside at the corridor which faces the garden, Hana chases after Vivi. She then calls out to him. Vivi turns around and asks, “What is it?” Vivi feels that turbulent feeling in his heart has returned. Hana apologizes about the necklace and promises not to remove it again. “If Vivi hates it, then I won’t drink that potion again. So, now, can you touch me?” Hana is in tears and is looking sad. Vivi thinks that the feeling has now stirred up that he can’t stop it anymore. Vivi gives Hana a hug. “I know already. Don’t cry anymore.” He looks at her and tells her to close her eyes. She is a bit nervous as she closes her eyes. Vivi leans to her and is about to give her a kiss. Then, poof! She changes back to normal. Vivi just freezes there. Hana says, “I’m back to normal. The potion’s effect is gone. The skirt has become quite a hindrance. [Since, it’s big] Vivi nervously thinks to himself, “What was I thinking? It can’t be..the partner is Hana. No way. No way.” He keeps on thinking when Hana happily hugs him. Vivi tells her not to do that on her own initiative. Vivi thinks to himself, “That feeling is gone. Is it because Hana changed back? What was it anyway?” He then sees Elenore happily clinging on to Felton who is looking sad. Elenore says she won’t give up. “I will stay here with Felton.” With a tear in his face, Felton says, “That’s how it is.” Vivi angrily tells them to leave immediately.

Hehe, these two chapters confirm that if Hana becomes grown up, it is most likely that Vivi will fall for her. Hehe, we are dealing with two characters that are oblivious about love that is why Hana thought that Vivi is angry about the necklace but he is actually just jealous while Vivi didn’t know as to what is that feeling he is experiencing. ^^; Well, it is quite cute nevertheless. With Elenore”s introduction, this removes Felton from becoming a Vivi’s potential rival for Hana. I think Felton and Elenore will be ‘guides/advisers’ to both Vivi and Hana. It somewhat reminds me of the two couples in V.B. Rose. Hehe, Hana and Elenore’s common denominator is they are ‘chasing’ after the guys. Because of Hana”s kindness and innocent, she has pretty much won over Elenore. ^^ As usual, Vivi has to be forced before he would help others and it is related to Hana. He can no longer stand Hana playing Felton’s lover and almost being squashed by a hammer. =P Too bad for him, Elenore decided to stay so he will now have two frequent visitors instead of one. Even if Vivi is more of an antisocial, I think he is very lucky to have Felton as a friend who is patient with him and still keeps him company. As Hana and Vivi admitted, if it weren’t for Felton, Vivi would still not dare touch her in fear of making her wither. Oh ya, about Felton’s position, I did wonder before why he is only ranked a baron since he seems to act older than Vivi and Graves. It turns out that he got demoted for womanizing. =P

Quote of the day:
A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway. ~ Fr. Jerome Cummings

Weekly Jump Update: Naruto, One Piece, D. Grayman, Reborn, and PSYREN
Monday, July 7, 2008 @ 11:48 a.m.

In the coding room, Naruto shows the others that he is quite observant when he knew that the first ‘number’ in the code is actually a character in Naruto [c. 407]. From what Naruto said, they also realize that it could be from one of the novels that Jiraiya wrote. Kakashi happens to pass by. He is holding a novel that has that character as its title. They theorize that the numbers are pages from the novel. Shiho, the nerdy code breaker, gets the first sentences of each page then the first characters of the sentences. They still didn’t get the hidden message so they would ask grandpa frog through Tsunade. Shiho wants to tag along. Meanwhile, Tobi meets up with Pain who is now concentrating on getting the nine tails/kyuubi. Tobi warns him to quickly do the job since Konoha is already alerted about him and might think of a way to defeat him. Konan assures Tobi that Pain is invincible. With a replacement from the one that Jiraiya stole, Pain[s] are ready to attack Konoha. I would laugh if they haven’t broken the code and Pain already arrives there. They didn’t expect Pain to be attacking them nor that he is tasked to get Naruto/kyuubi. How soon will Pain get there anyway? Hm..I wonder who is going to finish of Pain if he does die there..Naruto or Tsunade?

While Law and his crew are trying to escape, they met up with Kidd who is fighting against Kuma in One Piece [c. 506]. Kuma recognizes Law and attacks him. They think it is just coincidence that Kuma is there since that place is near the marine headquarters. Since more marines are behind them. Kidd and Law decide to quickly force their way out before they meet up with an admiral. Meanwhile, after beating up those who kidnapped Camie, Duval and others are about to bid Strawhats goodbye. Duval assures to help them until they arrive at fisherman’s island. Duval gives Camie back her backpack from the kidnappers. Duval and others then left. Soon, they all go back to Shakky’s place to have Hachi treated. After everyone has a cup of drink, they were all shock except for Robin that Silvers is the vice-captain of pirate king. Hachi didn’t told them because they only need Silvers for coating their ship. Silvers tell them that Hachi saved him before and they were pretty much together until Hachi joined Arlong’s group. Sanji asks why is he safe [not executed] when it was said that their crew has been captured. Silvers tell them that they weren’t caught but rather Rogers gave himself up. The marine just made it appear that they captured him. While on their journey, four years before the execution, Roger had acquired an illness. It is an incurable disease that they got Crocus to help ease the pain. The Strawhats inform him that they knew Crocus. Silvers said that Crocus went with them to look for a pirate crew [Brook’s group for Laboon] for three years. Roger likes flashy things and seems to even rejoice his impending death. Soon, they have disbanded and everyone go their separate ways. Roger gave himself up and is to be executed. The marines plan to make Roger an example to other pirates but Roger turned the tables on them by announcing his famous speech which started the pirate age. Silvers says that one can’t say if it is really the pirate age or not since the ones who will make it so are the ones alive. He then informs them that Shanks and Buggy were also in Roger’s ship as apprentice. Ten years ago, he met Shanks to find him missing his straw hat and left arm. When he asked Shanks about it, Shanks told him about Luffy who said the same thing as Roger. The last scene is Kizaru arriving in Shabondy. For a history lesson, the author is keeping it short. It seems it is going to the same theme as Naruto wherein the new generation are going to shape the future. I wonder if that incurable disease will be Chopper’s goal soon. With Kizaru arrival, I guess we will have a fight soon.

The first page in D. Gray-man [c. 165] is a recording from Cross asking if Allen likes Ticampi. He planned to give it to him rather than just making Allen take care of it. Allen said he found that message after that rainy day. It is raining when Allen, Rinali, Johnny and Komui head to the headquarters earlier to set up the gate of the ark which will make the moving much easier. Rinali and Johnny note that Allen has become less formal when he talks and that means they are now much closer. At the new place, while Allen set up the gate, Komui remembers talking with Allen. Allen has told him that he knew that it was a lie that Cross made about anyone can use the ark if they knew the song. The truth is he [Allen] is the only one who could use it. Allen reassured Komui that he will do as what he was ordered. Back in the present, they have finished setting up the ark. They say that the move will be done tomorrow. Just then they are surrounded by cloaked and masked people. Rabi and Bookman go to that place via the ark. They have other business there. Malcolm arrives and tells Allen that he will be following his orders. Rinali and Johnny are worried about Allen. Allen’s left hand is sealed. Komui asks Malcolm if Allen’s life will be endangered. Malcolm assures him it will be not as long as he obeys orders. Bookman tells Rabi to go check on Allen as he will observe things there. Bookman reminds Rabi of their duty there as bookman. Meanwhile, Allen wonders if he is going to be interrogated. He is then lead to a door. He was told that Cross is inside. With the hints of something bad is going to happened that I wonder if something happened to Cross. ^^; If that’s not it, perhaps to Allen. Poor Allen, after all he has done for them, they are still treating him like that. They’re lucky that Allen is quite nice to have tolerated all of that.

Genkishi doesn’t believe when Takeshi tells him that Squalo knew that he faked his defeat in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 200]. Takeshi plans to prove it. Genkishi warns Takeshi that his sword will crumb soon. Takeshi doesn’t care about that. He just attacks Genkishi. He remembers Squalo saying after defeating Genkishi that if they went there the next day, the fragments of Genkishi’s sword won’t be there. It is infused with flames that it is getting hard to detect if it’s real or not each year. Squalo advised that one uses one’s own senses. Takeshi realized now why there is a bonus disc to the 100 battles that Squalo fought. It is because he doesn’t recognizes winning over Genkishi. Takeshi feels that the cracks on his sword is just an illusion. Takeshi and Genkishi crosses swords and it is revealed that Takeshi’s sword is perfectly fine. Takeshi informs him that he practiced everyday so he would know if his sword is chipped off – lost weight. Genkishi realizes that his arm is shaking. Takeshi says it is a technique of Squalo to attack quite forceful thus somewhat numb the opponent. Takeshi prepares his most powerful attack as he charges in but ends up hitting a steel wall barrier. Ouch. Genkishi informs Takeshi that wall is real but the other things he saw is just an illusion. Genkishi gloats that there is no one in Vongola who is as good as him in wielding mist. Takeshi slides down the wall in shock. Meanwhile, the wounded captain, Nichola with two companions are walking around and finds a couple of white spell guards. They are the ones who reported to Irie that Hibari is close to being defeated in Vongola headquarters. Nichola tells them the map from the terminal is all wrong. They inform him that Irie has used a device to reconstruct the place. Nichola asks for the new map. The man informs him that he has to verify his identification before getting it from the terminal. Nichola says that’s problematic then stabs one of the guards. To the other guard’s surprise, Nichola changes into a girl with a spear. She apologizes then hits the man with it. Hehe, obviously it is Chrome. I’m sure the other two are Chikusa and Ken. Does this mean that Mukuro is alright since Chrome is okay now? Hehe, I got fooled by that..ya, there is no way Hibari is going to be defeated by some random soldiers. =) I actually thought they are in Vongola when they contacted Irie ^^;; Hm, does this mean it is Chrome vs Genkishi? Genkishi is quite formidable since he is a swordsman and also an illusionist. I feel like sooner or later, more Vongola allies will descend into Millefiore headquarters as back up since the first group are pretty much badly injured except for Tsuna.

Yoshina is training with Matsuri to control his Melchsee’s door in PSYREN [c. 29] but Yoshina still fails in doing so. Hiryuu is training with Kagetora. Elmore is watching tv that night and sees Oboro on tv. She decides to invite him to her house. Oboro doesn’t want to go alone so he picks up Yoshina and Amamiya to accompany him. Oboro tells them that Elmore is the millionaire who offers rewards about the secret of psyren. They are made to wait outside as the driver calls Elmore. Yoshina catches a koi/carp in the mountain that a little boy thought he was an intruder and attacked him. The boy introduces himself as Kyle. He says that he is in charge of the security in that place. He taunts Yoshina so Yoshina decides to teach him a lesson. Yoshina chases after Kyle. The others go inside to talk. Elmore tells them that the children she gathered there have psi who are abandoned because of their powers. She tells them she has the power of prediction so she knew about what happened in the future which they saw in psyren. Van is eavesdropping but was told by three other kids to stop it. Elmore says that these children are the hope for the future since she felt that what happened to earth will happen in the near future. Nothing much happened here. I guess Elmore knew the potential psi battle so she has been taking care of kids with psi. So does this mean that she wants to know the psyren secrets in order to stop the destruction from happening or at least, give the people a fighting chance in the unknown future?

Quote of the day:
Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Nana [Chapter 76]
Saturday, July 5, 2008 @ 04:59 p.m.

While on the highway, Kinoshita [Ren’s manager]’s mobile phone is ringing. Ren asks if it is okay if he doesn’t answer that, it might be the office. Kinoshita says even if he doesn’t answer it, it’s okay. Ren sweatdrops and says if Kinoshita gets fired because of it, it will be none of his business. Kinoshita says even if he is fired, it is okay because this time, he is really disappointed with the company and Takumi. He cannot just obey them anymore. Putting aside the boss, Takeda [don’t know who he is ^^;] and Takumi are still talking about work schedules when they know that if Ren isn’t dependent on drugs, he can’t work. Let Ren rest immediately! That is what he’ll say. Ren asks what is he saying. Is he misunderstanding the situation. Kinoshita says he totally understands if Ren just suddenly takes a vacation, it will arouse the media regarding this and if they are not cautious, the whole thing might be exposed. He really knows that Takumi has also thought of all the possible scenarios. Doing that would seem that it is for Ren but actually, it is just for the sake of work. Ren angrily shouts that he said too much, listen to me. The one whom you are really feeling disappointed, it isn’t Takumi nor the company but me, right? Kinoshita didn’t answer since it’s true. Ren tells him to turn the car around. Kinoshita refuses. Ren shouts that he doesn’t want more people around him to feel disappointed with him. Quickly turn the car around. Then, a scene of Nana having a meeting with some people.

In the dorm’s lounge, Nobu and Yuri are watching the tv. Yuri tries to tell something to him but wasn’t able to. This made Nobu curious as he asks what is it. Just then Miu comes in and asks Yuri to come with her. They were surprised that she is back and wonder when did she return. Nobu happily asks her how was Hong Kong, did she had fun, where’s the souvenir/omiyage. A bit irritated, Miu tells him that he doesn’t need to come [with them]. Nobu is brokenhearted. At the elevator, Miu tells Yuri that she stops by the office on her way back to greet the chairman. Yuri begins to gossip that the chairman has a fling with Misato and it was Sugimura who told her so it’s probably true. Miu says that Sugimura has tricked her again. She just never learn her lesson. Yuri asks if she said something wrong. Miu tells her that she knew that she renew her contract. Yuri is surprised then gets angry since she told Sugimura to keep it a secret. Miu says it is pretty much known already. Why did she did this important thing on her own and kept it from Nobu. As they enter Miu’s room, Yuri admits that if she tells it to Nobu, he will definitely oppose to it. Miu asks if it is because of the money since before, she decisively wanted to terminate the contract even if it causes an uproar. Yuri defends herself that it is a leading role in a movie that someone specially requested her to do so she wants to try it. It is a movie adaptation of.. Miu says she knows about that even if the novel sold well, it is still porn/erotica. Yuri asks her don’t treat her as a fool, what’s wrong with playing that role. Miu realizes that she has hit a nerve so she says she didn’t say anything wrong about it. Yuri says she doesn’t want to be lectured by someone who has never seen such films. She asks Miu that she still haven’t done that yet, if she continue on like that, Yasu might two-time her. This made Miu embarrassed. Yuri is shock that Miu really haven’t done it yet when she always let Yasu stay in her room. She’s already 27 and yet she is still a virgin. Miu goes back to topic by saying that she is just worried about Yuri accepting this work. If she thought that this is a job that she wants to do then she should have talked about it with Nobu and surely, he will understand.

Yuri says if she didn’t get Nobu to understand, she will lose her enthusiasm for the job. Miu says but she has already signed the contract. Yuri says it is because they told her that if she didn’t do it immediately, she might lose it to someone else. Miu sadly says that it is just a ploy to get her to sign since they knew if she discussed it with Nobu, she would definitely decline the offer. That is what she [Miu] meant when she said that she [Yuri] was tricked. Yuri insists that Sugimura really does recognize her talent as he always watches her during filming. He gave her advices on how to improve, more than the director did. Yuri is in tears as she says that Nobu always tell her to do her best yet doesn’t ask about her work. Yuri cries and asks Miu if she thought that she is contradicting herself. Since Miu tend to analyze things, Miu can never understand her feelings. Miu looks sad for crying Yuri. Just then, Yasu enters and welcomes Miu back home. He has heard from Nobu. Yuri bumps into Yasu as she quickly runs out of the room and rides the elevator. Yasu asks what are they quarrelling about. Miu says they are talking about some important thing. Why didn’t he just stayed downstairs and wait for her. Yasu sweatdrops and apologizes. Miu smiles. She offers him some Jasmine tea which she bought. Yasu asks her if it is okay for her not to go after Yuri. Miu says it’s okay for it is Nobu whom she should be crying to and not her. Just then, Yasu’s phone rang. It is Shion. Miu is shock when she heard that Yasu will be going out [to Shion] right away. Yasu apologizes and says he has something to do so he’ll be right back. He leaves and Miu feels sad. She is surprised when Yasu comes back and says he forgot something. Miu asks what did he left in her room. Yasu pulls her head to his and gives her a kiss. While holding Miu, Yasu tells her to help him take his sunglasses off. Miu tells him to do that on his own. Yasu says his hands are busy. His hands are busy holding her. This made Miu blush. She did as told and gives him a kiss.

Back at the lounge, Yuri is crying as Nobu asks her what’s the matter. Yuri says she wants to thank him for taking care of her until now. Nobu is shock [since that is usually what people say when they are going to break up]. Yuri struggles to say that in this world, there are many, many more girls who are more suitable for him. Nobu becomes nervous as he asks her what role is she acting. Yuri says she got chosen to play the lead in a movie. Nobu asks what movie. In Shin’s room, Shin is shock that ‘Next Door Madam’, the novel he is reading will be made into a movie. Shin says he doesn’t want that since it’ll destroy is illusion on Kelly/Kion? [lead character of the novel]. Nobu grabs him and asks what if the lead character is Yuri Kousaka. Shin is awestruck and happily screams that it’s perfect. Nobu apparently agrees with Shin. The two then argue as Shin claims that he was the first one who mentioned that Yuri is like Kelly. Nobu defends himself that he likes Kelly more than anyone else. Didn’t Shin always say that novel is nonsense. Yuri sweatdrops and asks what are they fighting about. Shin says compared with the two leads, he likes Junichirou since he’s cool. He says it suits him and wonders if he can play the part. Nobu shouts that Junichirou is 24 years old and 180cm tall. Yuri says isn’t Shin still under probation/confinement. Shin goes out of the room as he plans to consult Yasu about it. Nobu wants to tell Nana about it. Yuri angrily shouts at Nobu and asks if it doesn’t matter to him if she become intimate with another man in the movie. Nobu is surprised and then says but she is going to play the role of Kelly. Yuri cries as she asks if he likes Kelly more than her. Nobu says it isn’t like that but they are just the same.

Yuri cries that renewing the contract also means that she will be continuing doing AVs, is it okay. Nobu says he is now immune to those compared than before so she doesn’t have to cry and she should just do her best. If the movie is a success, she will get many more work compared to this one. This is a huge opportunity. Yuri says she will do her best and asks if he will watch the movie. Nobu assures her he will and if she doesn’t object, he’ll even watch the AVs. Because after all, he is her fan. Yuri starts to cry. Nobu tells her not to treat him as an outsider. For what other reason would I be staying with you? Yuri apologizes and hugs him. Shin comes back and says that Yasu isn’t in his room. Yuri tells him that he is Miu’s room. Shin perks up when he learns that Miu is back. He is about to go there but Nobu shouts for him not to be an unwanted guest [do not disturb them]. Shin gets a drink from the vending machine as he complains that there are two ‘older women/sisters’ there and yet, he didn’t get one when he is obviously cute [than the others]. And also, that place [where Yuri and Nobu are doing it] is his room. He remembers Ryouko exclaiming for him not to grow up because he will not be cute anymore. He then chooses milk from the vending machine. While drinking it, he writes an email to Ryouko – goodbye, becoming Junichirou is my goal. He then thinks that Ryouko would probably not get that message. He then proceeds to write a message to Reira. A scene of Reira walking near the seaside while listening to music in a snowy day.

At Trapnest dressing room, Marie is apologizing as Ren has just arrived. Naoki is already there. Marie says she got the message from Reira early that day to consult her about it. She tells Reira to do as what Takumi instructed. She didn’t know what else to do. Ren reads the message Reira left on the laptop computer for Marie. She apologizes for the trouble she is giving Marie. It seems like irony for someone like her is now going to use her singing as a weapon. Right now, there is a way for her to do something and fight by not singing. If the media asks about this, just tell them that the princess is having an tantrum/having a temper fit that they can’t pacify her. Use this time to allow Ren to rest and if he wants, he can go see a doctor. She will also gather herself and contemplate anew as to what is the meaning/reason of her singing [why she sings]. Hachi has already finished baking a cake when a depressed looking Takumi comes back home. She asks him what’s the matter and what about work. Takumi didn’t answer as he just head to the bedroom and lies down on the bed. Worried, Hachi asks him what happened. Just then Nana calls Hachi. Nana tells her that she will be a bit busy so she will be late in coming back to her hotel but she will do her best to come back early. Nana happily says if Hachi knows her room number, she can just email her about it. Hachi apologizes that she can’t come since Takumi doesn’t look good so she is worried about him. She apologizes again since it was she who said she will go. Nana tells her that it’s okay [but she doesn’t look like it’s okay for her]. Hachi says tomorrow is Nana’s birthday and also their anniversary. She will check the situation and if she can, she will go to Nana. She asks Nana not to forget and email her the hotel room number. Nana hangs up and tells herself not to mind it too much for this has happened before. Because Hachi always places Takumi ahead of her. Everyone has someone/thing more precious compared to her.

Ren returns to his apartment and quickly opens a drawer filled with books. Underneath the books, there is a small gift wrapped box. He kisses it and heads out of the room. Meanwhile, Reira is reading her emails on her phone when she notices Shin’s. She is surprised and quickly reads it. Shin wrote wait until I become Junichirou, I’ll go greet/meet up with you. Reira wonders what is Junichirou but seeing the ‘going to greet you’, Reira starts to cry over it. Nana’s narration says that she will be 21 that year and she doesn’t want this to continue wherein time is too long and yet nothing is happening. She doesn’t want this to continue [not see Hachi] and gradually grow old. So another band goes down the drain thanks to it’s bass guitarist and this time, with collaboration with the singer. It made me think what’s up with the Takumi x Reira before. ^^; I guess things didn’t turn out as planned for Takumi. Protecting the castle by doing whatever the princess pleases but in the end, the princess brings the castle down. In that situation, Reira has pretty much no choice but to do that to protect and help Ren. The only ones who will be unhappy are probably just Takumi, the company and the fans. It does seems that this is pay back/karma for all Takumi has done and he really does look devastated. As for Ren, that gift, I think it’s for Nana. Maybe because of this, he decides to head to Osaka. I hope it is since Nana will be like getting Ren to visit her instead of Hachi. But then, I think it is around this time that Nana faked her death/tried to commit suicide so things might not turn out okay. Yasu and Nobu’s love life seems to be doing fine even if they lost their jobs. I forgot if I had mentioned this before but it seems like the author is saying that just because one is good looking doesn’t mean that everything would go smoothly for that person, like they aren’t perfectly nice. It seems the same for Paradise Kiss. Those who tend to be happy with their respective girlfriends are the one’s who aren’t exactly good looking. ^^;

Word of the day:
God places us in unique circumstances where our abilities match the problem He wants to fix. ~ Our Daily Bread

Kaichou wa Maid-sama [Chapter 27]
Thursday, July 3, 2008 @ 07:39 p.m.

[Edit: I revised some things which I had misunderstood =P. I've crosschecked it with jojohot's scanlation.]

Misaki Ayuzama, Seika’s demon female president, is the childhood friend of Hinata Fukaya. After ten years, Hinata arrives with the goal of meeting his darling Misaki-chan once again. Hinata happily exclaims, Misaki-chan ♥ Misaki turns around and says, I told you, don’t eat bread strips while you’re walking. In a temple, Misaki is meditating. She opens her eyes and starts wiping the floor with a rag. She then vigorously sweeps the leaves that made the other boys surprised. She also vigorously cleans the toilet [it’s a squat/Asian toilet] Right now, it is the first day of Seika High’s summer camp. Every year, second year students will go deep in the mountains for this constructive ‘training’. It’s a summer camp for ‘living a pious life or practicing moral/religious teachings’. Throwing away their rags, the boys are all screaming that’s not right. Their sempai [upper classmen] said it is a great place, a memory that they will always remember and rave that it is really fun. What is this ‘living a pious life’!! Why is it in a Buddhist temple! Seika High’s summer camp is a free paradise to enjoy life! That is what our sempai told us!!! They complain about the things they want to do like collecting insects and meeting girls but this place is so deep in the mountains that there is nothing there. They have heard that there is a lot of fun things there that they are pretty interested in it. Carrying a bundle of sticks, Misaki interrupts their whines by saying it is a lie. It is called the Seika High tradition of ‘Tricking the Second Years’.

She explains that it is not known when it started but since this summer camp is really boring that it made the past students really disappointed, the sempai-s started to lie about it so that their feelings of anticipation isn’t wasted. It is also to eliminate their anger and resentment about the summer camp. Later on, those who are tricked wanted to ‘revenge’ thus they also spread that lie. It’s like how a mice reproduces – one angry person spreads the lie to two who gets angry for being trick so passes it to others, etc. The boys start to cry that it is too cruel. Our dreams and our hopes..It all turns out to be this kind of summer camp. Misaki shouts for them to quit being spoiled. They aren’t there for this school activity to play around. If they understand this then go back-- She's interrupted when Hinata happily shouts, Misaki-chan♥ Let’s play♪ The boys exclaim that it’s the ‘typhoon’ transfer student. You’re still quite stupid today, Fukaya. Hinata is about to happy say that today is the time for love confession-- He stops when Misaki motions for him to stop. She tells him that this isn’t free time so go back to his place of work. The other boys tell Misaki isn’t she too cold [to him]. This is cute Hinata so how about be a little kind to him.

Misaki goes into demon mode as she says that it seems lately, she haven’t been strict. The boys get scared. Shouichirou shouts for Usui to let him go. Usui picks up Shoichirou from the back of his collar. The other boys quickly grab Hinata and make run for it. Shoichirou shouts for Misaki to save him. Misaki asks what are they doing. Usui says they are just sweeping. Misaki shouts it’s a lie. Shoichirou cries and says that no matter how much he moves, he just stays in that place. Misaki says okay already, that pervert is trying to hinder me. Usui releases Shoichirou who runs off. Misaki tells Usui that she wondered where he went, what was he doing. Usui repeats, doing what.. Bending closer to Misaki, Usui says jealous of someone, so I’m just making a commotion. This surprises and made Misaki blush. Usui asks is it not okay? Misaki shouts of course it isn’t okay because it seems like his motive is to make fun of Shoichirou. Usui says it’s a great motive. Misaki just shouts for him to just go sweep. While being dragged by the boys, Hinata notices Misaki’s blushing face as she argues with Usui.

In the kitchen, Misaki is kneeling in one corner as she gloomily talks to herself, why every time she talks with Usui, she gets confused and stirred up. She thinks that aside from the matters about the summer camp, there is also childish Hinata to be concerned with. She’s worried about him that she can’t just let him be. Her thoughts are interrupted when Sakura and others come in. Sakura says Misaki is there early. Misaki looks cheerful as she stands up and says yes. The girls say they are really lucky because all they have to do is meditate, learn lessons, sweep around, and other things that doesn’t need much effort. They are also responsible for cooking. The guys are all going to the waterfall. A scene of the boys looking pretty scared as they follow monks to the waterfall for training. The girls wonder what should they cook since the ingredients are all vegetables. Where is the meat for the curry? Another suggest that they use a different vegetable [amorphopallus riveri] as substitute for meat. Sakura asks Misaki about the division of work. Soon, there are girls who are chopping the vegetables, preparing the things and washing the utensils. Misaki is with the group that washes the dishes. Sakura praises Misaki on how she divided the work. Misaki thanks her then gives tips on how to clean the dishes. Shizuko says she haven’t thought of that. Misaki is about to say that she learned it from Maid∙Latte but pause and thought that she can’t say it. Misaki is surprised when Sakura asks what is it she is saying. Misaki says it’s nothing. It’s just that for someone like her who is bad in cooking, she can at least be good at washing the dishes.

Sakura laughs about it then goes direct to the question she wants to ask, how is it with Hinata? This caught Misaki by surprise as she asks why is she asking that all of a sudden. Sakura says it is because she is really curious. Shizuko says that this is the major reason why Sakura went to the summer camp. It is to chat about Misaki’s love life. Sakura happily exclaims that doing this kind of work [washing dishes] and while Hinata isn’t around, it’s the perfect timing! The other girls start to crowd around them as Shizuko says that the others are also interested in that. Misaki asks why are they..[curious]! Sakura says it is because such a hot blooded boy is rarely seen especially since the other one [partner] is Misaki. Cute Hinata who is like a dog, they unexpectedly are a match. Misaki is shock. With twinkling eyes, the girls except for Shizuko ask, so what is he to her? Misaki sighs and says that there is really nothing. He is only a childhood friend. That’s all there is to it. Sakura asks if there is really no other feeling beside that. Misaki says that generally she doesn’t have time to think/focus on that [love]. As the president of Seika’s students, there are many things that I have to do. Just like before, that is to look after those guys. Meanwhile the boys are made to stand at the bottom of the waterfall. They are screaming it’s cold, it hurts and it’s hell. Hinata is shouting, This is great!! A boy says only one person is being enthusiastic about it. The boys tell Hinata that he is wild and yet inside he is like a elementary kid. Hinata says is that so.

Hinata then grabs a fruit from a shrub and ate it. A boy exclaims what did he just ate. Another student says Hinata really doesn’t know fear. Hinata looks back to see Usui who just came out of the waterfall. Serious looking, Usui notices him looking at him. While walking, the two are pretty much looking at each other. A boy is surprised and asks where is Hinata going when Hinata goes to Usui. The boys get tense as they asks what does he plan to do with Usui. Hinata looks angry then he pats Usui’s shoulder and says, it seems you’re amazing! Even your muscles are quite well-formed. How great--the ideal body! Shoichirou shouts for Hinata to stop that. Another boy says that is quite dangerous if he continues. Hinata says, no, Usui, if I’m a girl, I would fall in love with you. This freaks out Shoichirou and others. [I didn’t get the arrow on Shoichirou, maybe because he admires Usui and he is girlish or he knows that what Hinata is saying is like a challenge to Usui.] Shoichirou tells Hinata that he can’t continue with such reckless talk for this is Usui whom he is talking to. Hinata asks what’s wrong with it. Shoichirou says what’s wrong with it is anytime he could be attacked and he won’t know it. Hinata laughs and says what are you saying, but I’m a guy. Shoichirou says that Usui doesn’t care about that. Hinata’s attention is then divert to a delicious looking red fruit. Shoichirou shouts for Hinata to wait for he isn’t finished talking. Usui just exhales and looks away.

At the dining hall, the Buddhist priest says meditating and sweeping, eating and taking a bath and many other activities compromise the ‘living a pious life’. He tells them that they are not going to eat without even whispering to each other. No discussion hence there will be no interruption so, ‘Itadakimasu’ [Let’s eat] The boys look aghast at the food since the portion of food is so small and there is no meat in the curry. They were surprised when Hinata raises up his hand and shouts he wants another serving. A boy tries to call Hinata’s attention but the priest says he already said earlier that there is no second servings. Hinata cries that it isn’t enough. The priest says so he should just chew slowly to savor the flavor of the food. Hinata shouts that he already finished eating and it isn’t enough!! Misaki looks aghast as she says, what is the idiot doing. Hinata whines that he can’t endure his hunger. Another student tells Hinata doesn’t he even notice the mood, he shouldn’t do that to that degree. The priest gets angry. A scene of grumpy Hinata holding a broom and thinks, no way. Later on, while the students come out of the bathroom, some people are talking that Hinata is punished by making him sweep outside. They wonder if he is okay since they are deep in the mountain and it’s midnight, Hinata is sweeping outside the temple. Is it a test of courage? Another says that taking a bath is the last of the things they are going to do. The boys says that if Hinata isn’t sweeping, he will definitely try to find food. Hinata might even think the ‘religious sacrifice’ food is his snack. They laugh about it then think that it is actually possible for that to happen. If that person is all alone, no one knows what will happen. Misaki and others just pass by the boys who are talking. She then says, most likely, really.. A girl asks her what’s the matter. Misaki scratches her head and tries to tell herself not to mind. Usui notices this then walks away with the other boys.

In the end, Misaki did went to try find Hinata as she complains why Hinata is that kind of person who makes people worried. She looks around and angrily says to herself that Hinata ditched his sweeping punishment. Where could he went, that idiot? She is then surprised by some noise which is in the direction of a small storehouse . Inside, she sees Hinata looking for some things inside. Hinata complains that he doesn’t have a flashlight. He wants it to be a bit brighter so that he can go into the mountains and look for food. Misaki is fuming in anger that she hits him on the head. Turning around, Hinata holds his head where Misaki hit him and asks what is it..Misaki-chan?! Misaki angrily shouts why did he open the storehouse on his own. Do you plan on becoming a thief?! Pouting, Hinata says it isn’t so, he is just borrowing things. Misaki angrily shouts for him to shut up and quickly leave. If the temple people find out that this is used/taken by a Seika student.. Then hears someone outside who says, that’s strange-- Why is this open? Hello, is there anyone inside? Really-- who could have let it open. Misaki has covered Hinata’s mouth but she then realizes that they are locked inside by the person/monk. Misaki tries to pull open the door but it is lock tight. Looking around, Hinata says there are no other way out. Feeling regretful, Misaki says to herself why at that time, she has to hide, if she just come out and just explained things. Hinata then says but like this.. He starts to blush really red and says being alone together in that place, doesn’t it make one’s heart beat fast. Misaki says,..is this person. She then looks aghast at Hinata. Hinata starts to freak out as he exclaims it’s alright, he has read things like this in the manga [comic]. He has to find some food and something warm. Wait, it isn’t cold. Since they don’t have their mobile phone, should they use a wireless communication. But what to do now.. Holding Misaki’s shoulder, he says that they embrace and sleep until morning. Misaki asks what kind of manga is he reading. Still blushing, Hinata asks if Misaki’s heart is beating fast since the two of them are all alone. Looking away, Misaki asks why should her heart beat very fast, compared to that, they should just quickly find a way out. Someone is outside the storehouse.

Hinata holds Misaki’s hand and says we..we are both 16 years old already. Misaki blushes a bit as she is surprised and calls Hinata’s name. Hinata continues Misaki-chan doesn’t think of me that way [like him] but I..wish Misaki-chan would recognize and look at me as a man. This surprises Misaki. Outside, Usui overhears this. After a pause, Hinata quickly covers his face with his hands. Misaki asks him what’s the matter. Hinata says it’s nothing..generally, one could say..he is really embarrassed. Misaki looks surprised as her expressions soften. Blushing Hinata exclaims what should he do. My face is quite hot..is my face really red? He tells Misaki not to look at him like that, he’ll be more embarrassed. Misaki giggles. She smiles and says wanting me to look, not wanting me to look. What do you really want me to do? [Jojohot translated it as ‘What do you like about me’ but Alice’s seems more appropriate] Usui looks dark. Hinata looks at Misaki and says why? That is..I.. The door slams open. Usui asks you want to be looked at as a man? This surprised both Misaki and Hinata. Usui grabs Misaki and carries her on his shoulder. Serious looking Usui says, then, what do I look like, as a man? [Jojohot’s is ‘Want me to show you? As a man’] Hinata looks surprised and maybe a bit intimidated. Around this time at the boys sleeping quarters, everyone is sleeping except for the three idiots who are playing around. Shirakawa wants to have a pillow fight, Sarashina wants to go on a courage test and Kurosaki wants to look at girls taking a bath. Some of the guys tell them to go to sleep already.

I can’t help but laugh at the first part of this chapter. Actually, I can’t decide if I should laugh or feel sorry for them since they get tricked about their summer camp. It is such a downer when you expect something like a hiking in the forest, having fun, etc and it ends up like a boot camp well, not that strict of a boot camp but still..^^; I guess Hinata is somewhat like of a delinquent since he doesn’t exactly follow rules and just goes to do everything he wants or what his stomach dictates =P Unlike other delinquents, he gains the sympathy and worry of others because he does it in such a cute, naïve way like a kid. Since he tend to do what he wants, there is nothing hindering much from confessing to Misaki. It is pretty much a confession but Usui interrupted. Usui doesn’t look happy throughout this chapter. I’m sure he is pretty jealous of Hinata and angry that all his hard work to get Misaki’s good side and for him to be special to her is easily thrown to the side by Hinata. Hinata doesn’t even have to do much to make Misaki worry about him and get her attention to be fully his. I think Usui’s last line is pretty much a challenge to Hinata that he is a rival. Usui is forced to do that else Misaki might be taken away from him under his nose. Hehe, and Misaki isn’t exactly interested in going into a relationship. ^^; I like the tension that it makes things quite interesting and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter. Scans from Alice’s Chinese scanlation.

Quote of the day:
Life is short, don't waste time worrying about what people think of you Hold on to the ones that care, in the end they will be the only ones there. ~ Author Unknown

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Grayman, Reborn, and PSYREN
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 @ 02:25 p.m.

Hollows are self-destructing in Bleach [c. 316]. Maybe from the overwhelming power of Aizen and others + Yamato and others. The shinigamis are wondering who among the espada is the strongest and if Aizen will interfere if they fight them. Yamato decides to seal off Aizen, Gin and Tousen in a burning barrier so that they can fight the espadas without disturbance. Gin asks Aizen what should they do. Aizen confidently says that they didn’t even have to do anything for soon the fight will be over so they’ll just wait. Back in Hueco Mundo, Ulquiorra approaches Inoue and asks if she is afraid since Aizen has no use for her anymore and no one is there to protect her hence she will die. Inoue says she isn’t afraid because the others came to save her so her heart is with them. I do find it strange for Ulquiorra to sometimes ask such questions to Inoue since if he is the typical hollow, she would already be dead and no more questions. Does he take pleasure if Inoue says she is afraid? Actually, I think Ichigo is the only one needed to save her since he is the only one heading to find/rescue her. I have no idea what are the purpose of the other there since the only one left is Yammy and since he is the tenth so that’s no challenge at all. Oh ya, there is also Wanderweiss. As for the battle in the human world, from Aizen’s comment, I guess shinigamis will be fighting the espadas while Aizen and the two will be fighting against Shinji and others.

Tsunade brings the frog which carries a rain village ninja who will be interrogated by Ibiki in Naruto [c. 406]. In the autopsy room, some people are going to learn more about the Pain copy which Jiraiya manage to get. Shikamaru tries to get decipher the code but according to the code breakers, they need a key for it to decode. They hint that maybe it is something related or someone close to Jiraiya. Shikamaru asks around and ends up talking to Naruto. Naruto still seems to be out of it so Shikamaru made him visit pregnant Kurenai. Shikamaru then gives Naruto a pep talk about they have to grow up and move on since they are now going to be like their sensei – the adults in the village. Naruto remembers Jiraiya and smiles. Shikamaru then shows him the picture of the code on the frog’s back. Okay, if it takes Iruka to make Naruto stop crying, it takes Shikamaru to make him stop moping around and move on + grow up. Hm..is that all it takes for Naruto to mature? Well, at least Naruto momentarily forgot about his obsession with Sasuke. =P

Luffy, Law and Kidd made short work of the marines in One Piece [c. 505]. When Zoro and others come out, they were surprised that Luffy and others have beaten most of the marines. The remaining marines plan to fight on. When Kidd is bidding Luffy goodbye, Luffy said he is after one piece. This surprises both Kidd and Law that Kidd’s underling has to cover him from a marine’s attack. Kidd seems to praise Luffy for having the guts to say that and hopes to see him again in the ‘New World’. Kidd and his crew charge away to escape. Law is also saved by his underling then he heads back inside the auction house. Law has rescued a pirate from slavery to serve him. The pirate thanks him but Law says the other half of that should belong to the Strawhats. The Strawhats are busy fighting as they head to Duval and others. While walking away, Kidd is attacked. It is Kuma. Kidd is shock as to why a Shichibukai is there. I came to be interested in these two other pirates. I wonder if it will be Kidd and others vs Kuma. Why would Kuma attack him? Aren’t they suppose to be fighting White Beard as Doflamingo mentioned in the last chapter? This arc seems to be like anything goes that it is quite unpredictable as to where the story is going to head and it’s good that way ^^

Possessed Rinali laughs that they will all stay there with her in D. Gray-man [c. 164]. Reever got bitten as he vows to be more strict with Komui next time regarding his experiments. Komui exclaims weren’t they also making strange experiments. Komuirin protects Komui from Crowley. It bites Crowley but is later punched away by Crowley. Rinali pins Komui down to be bitten but Komui starts to narrate a lot of names. This surprises Rinali. Rinali then shouts for Crowley to stop. Komui says didn’t she said she forgot her name. Surely, her name is in one of those names he mentioned. He has all of them memorized since it will be like they are all there with them with no one being left behind if he didn’t forget them. Even if he can’t do much but this is something that he can do. He tells her that even if she didn’t do this, he will not forget them. Rinali starts to cry but Crowley is about to attack. She says it’s too late. Komuirin just then injected the vaccine on Crowley from the bite earlier. He then frees Komui. Komuirin is about to cure the others but he was thrashed by Winters. Crowley goes to Allen and Rabi so he is promptly bitten and turned into a zombie again. Soon, Komui and Rinali are also bitten. Rinali says she was really happy over what Komui said. She then thanks him. So, that’s how the Black Order is defeated. The next day, Bak comes to help in moving. After much trouble, he made a new vaccine. Ya, as expected, they are indeed defeated by a ghost. =P I guess the next arc will be back to the doom and gloom as the story goes back to fighting the Earl and the Noahs.

The Takeshi that Genkishi stabbed did turn out to be just an illusion in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 199]. After continuous attacks, Takeshi manages to force Genkishi to use his sword. They fight some more and Genkishi’s last attack has cracked Takeshi’s sword. Genkishi says that now Takeshi has no chance of winning. He tells Takeshi that he has to be pretty convincing in order to fool Squalo that he has defeated him. Genkishi releases his chi that made Takeshi afraid. He remembers watching the video of Squalo vs Genkishi. In the video, after Genkishi’s defeat, Squalo is telling someone that sometimes there is someone stronger than you and can make you afraid. It is okay since fear makes one sense that one’s life is in danger so it would be better not to fight such people. But then, there are times the fight is unavoidable, one should win because there is nothing to gain in defeat. With victory, there are rewards just like getting the ring. Takeshi laughs to himself and tells himself that he should win this. Genkishi asks if he wants some more. Takeshi apologizes and says he just remembered that his sword’s style is the strongest and unbeatable. Genkishi says it’s nonsense. Takeshi then informs Genkishi that Squalo isn’t dumb as he thinks for Squalo just gave him a hint as to how to defeat him [Genkishi] and Squalo knew that Genkishi lost on purpose. Hm, I wonder what that hint is? Never give up? ^^; I guess in the next chapter it’s Takeshi’s turn to get the upper hand and hopefully, it is what he learned from Reborn. With the colorspread, I guess Xanxus, Squalo and others will later on join the fight. That will be fun.

PSYREN [c. 28] starts with Yoshina’s classmates thinking that he is dating with Amamiya since they are always together. Back at the warehouse, Yoshina and Hiryuu have pretty much finished their lessons in ‘rise’. Yoshina is noted to be good at ‘hit and attack’ using his senses while Hiryuu is good in ‘strength’ Kagetora wonders what with the sudden rise of psi users. Matsuri informs him not to think too much about it. Oboro is then asked to try it out since cure uses both burst and rise. Oboro manages to get Kagetora’s sunglasses which surprises everyone. Matsuri gives them tips on ‘rise’ training to improve. Kagetora offers to practice with them. Yoshina and Hiryuu want to but Amamiya tells Yoshina that he has a different training. Amamiya and Matsuri walk with Yoshina outside as Hiryuu trains with Kagetora. They inform Yoshina that his black burst is called Melchsee/Melza’s Door which can destroy anything involving psi if the user wishes for it. From the records of psi users made by scholars, that power is mentioned. A certain Price wielded that power and was said to suffer because of his inability to control it. Before dying, he mentioned that there is a demon named Melchsee/Melza who urges him to destroy. He died when his mind is destroyed by it. Yoshina exclaims that he doesn’t want that power since he doesn’t want to die from it nor hurt other but then, it did saved them while in psyren.

They tell Yoshina that they are going to train him to control that power and if he manages to do that, he will become very powerful. Yoshina is very happy about. He feels sorry for Amamiya’s room if they are going to train there because of the damage he is going to do in it. He says that he is going to get his underwear if he is going to train there for some time. Amamiya angrily grabs his head and asks who said anything about letting him in her room. Meanwhile, Kabuto arrives at his uncle’s house in the mountains that he saw still exists when they are in psyren. Hm, it kind of feels weird if the training is easily finished. I must have gotten used to long training chapters. ^^; Anyway, it’s good that the ‘rise’ training is pretty much over so that the story can move along. I do wonder what is the connection between psi users who got their powers from psyren and those who just naturally have it. Yoshina’s power is indeed a wild card and like some powers in shounen, it can cost one’s life/health. Hm..I wonder what Kabuto will learn in the next chapter.

Quote of the day:
Winning isn't everything, but the will to win is everything. ~ Vince Lombardi

Ouran High Host Club [Chapter 62]
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 @ 08:59 p.m.

Hikaru says he likes Haruhi so would she go steady with him. Haruhi blankly looks at him and says that..could it be.. Hikaru quickly exclaims, wait!! Let me finish what I’m saying until the end so that you won’t be clueless. What I’m saying isn’t what you think as ‘tsukiau’ [keeping company with]. What’s happening now is very much like what happens in a shoujo manga. And also, you don’t have to answer me quickly. If you tell me now, my heart might not be able to bear it!! If possible, tell me next time!! Even if it isn’t 100%, it’s okay. Even if it’s just a little bit, it’s okay. I hope that you will see me in that way [as a boyfriend]. Please take your time to think about it. Haruhi is about to call his name when Hikaru quickly prepares to leave. He says he will be staying in the room with Kaoru and Souga. The trip will end tomorrow but at the end of year, there will be a ‘forget the year, greatly forget the year’ party at his house so she should join. Haruhi exclaims what is that, she never heard anything about it. Hikaru happily says he is going so good night. Haruhi shouts for him to wait and tell her as to what kind of party but he already left. Haruhi then thinks to herself that Hikaru thinks of her like something in a shoujo manga. She then goes in shock when she realizes what he meant. ^^;; At the hallway, Hikaru is blushing and thinks, I have said it. He goes into shock that he has actually said it. What should I do! Wait, this is my decision. He wonders if delaying the answer would be better but that way, Tamaki.. Honey, Kaoru, Mori and Kyoya see him on the hallway. Honey asks if he can already move around. Kyoya says that Hikaru’s face is really red, does he have a fever. Hikaru says he is alright and sorry for making them worried.

Some quick footsteps can be heard. Tamaki shouts where are you, Hikaru! They were all surprised to see Tamaki. Tamaki starts to pat Hikaru to check if he is okay. Kyoya says there’s no problem, it’s the real Hikaru. Holding his shoulder, Tamaki is relieved as he is really worried when he learned that Hikaru is unconscious and haven’t wake up. Hikaru is touched and thinks that there is no backing out. Hikaru tells Tamaki that he has confessed to Haruhi. Kaoru is pretty shock about this as the others sweatdrop. Tamaki looks surprised. Hikaru says there is no answer yet but he will do his best so Tamaki should also not lose to some trauma. Do your best!! Hikaru thinks that this is for Haruhi, for Tamaki and for himself so he will do this best. Holding Tamaki’s shoulder, Hikaru is ‘burning’ as he shouts, do you understand?! Answer me?! Tamaki freaks out and just exclaims yes. In the hotel where Kyoya and others are staying, Kyoya has just taken a bath and asks Tamaki who is in the balcony if he is going to take a bath, it is his favorite outdoor bath. Tamaki asks if Kyoya has heard what Hikaru said. Does he look like he has a trauma. He doesn’t even know about that in his heart, there is a hidden trauma. Kyoya doesn’t bother answering as he just sighs and tells Tamaki to close the balcony door because it’s cold otherwise just go back to Tokyo. Kyoya remembers something and informs Tamaki that Hikaru has called and said that the yearend forget the year party will be held at Hitachiin residence so they freed that time for party. Tamaki asks Kyoya if he can join that. Kyoya says it seems to be mandatory because Hikaru said he has prepared invitations for the host club’s guests. Tamaki says is that so. Tamaki wonders if Haruhi is going. She will go...how will she answer Hikaru? Tamaki bends a bit as his heart is hurting. He remembers Hikaru telling him to do his best. Tamaki thinks, what is he referring that I do my best, I just want everyone to be a family forever.

On the day of the party, the twins happily welcome the guests to their residence. The girls thank their invitation. Kaoru says they also thank them for ‘taking care’ of them the whole year and it was really fun. A girl asks how’s Souga’s foot. Souga replies that it is more or less okay now. Tamaki and others have arrived. Tamaki is a bit nervous as he thanks Hikaru for the invitation. Pushing Tamaki, Hikaru tells him that he isn’t there as a guest but as a host. Because there are a lot of girls who came, Tamaki should entertain them. Tamaki is surprised when Honey asks Hikaru where Haruhi is. Hikaru says Haruhi has arrived earlier with Mei/Meiko. Tamaki is looking around for Haruhi but there are already some girls who are talking to him so he goes to entertain them. Standing near the wall, Mei asks Haruhi isn’t she going to eat. Haruhi tells her that she can go, it’s okay. Mei says that many girls are looking at Haruhi. Haruhi says Mei can go chat with them, it’s okay. The girls remember Mei during the sports festival and wonder if she is going steady with Haruhi. Finally, Mei angrily shouts that being invited in this kind of party, how can she just stay calm. Don’t just leave her alone. Haruhi tries to tell Mei to keep it down but Mei isn’t finished. Mei exclaims that there might be some rich guys there who would fall in love with her at first sight so Haruhi should help her. As a friend, shouldn’t Haruhi leave her with a company rather than make her go on her own. Haruhi apologizes about that. Mei tells Haruhi that she really doesn’t know what other people are feeling inside. This made Haruhi sad. She apologizes and says it is true.

Mei asks what is it, is it about Hikaru. Haruhi asks her if she is really ‘slow’/naïve. Mei says she is so ‘slow’ that she comes out as unfeeling. In her situation, it can be called as a sin. To be honest, it is something that medicine couldn’t even cure. She is so ‘slow’ that she comes out as uncaring and super rude. This shocks Haruhi that she becomes depressed. She says is that so and honestly, she only noticed it recently. When Hikaru told her about that, she is really shock. Lately, she always noticed Hikaru’s strange expressions. Why is it that she just thought it was nothing. Haruhi worries that she could have done a lot of unfeeling things without knowing to Hikaru that made him really troubled. Mei sighs and says didn’t she already did that before. She definitely did. Haruhi says thinking about that, she did a lot of rude things to Arai [the grocery delivery boy in Karuizawa]. Mei says that when she stayed in Karuizawa for a year, she was like a demon who rejects boys. Haruhi becomes gloomy again and says like a demon, how could she have done those things. Mei apologizes about that and tells Haruhi to continue. Haruhi says that falling in love with someone should be something great but how come until now, she doesn’t understand it. Mei is aghast and wonders what’s up with all this as Haruhi continues to ponder on her problem. They were interrupted by Kaoru who calls out to Haruhi. He tells her that Hikaru who is out in the balcony wants to see her. Mei advises Haruhi that from the start, she mustn’t answer just because of having the same feelings or feeling guilty. If she said it like that, it will be really rude to the other person. Haruhi smiles and thanks her. As she leaves, Mei wonders if Haruhi understood what she just said. Mei asks Kaoru what Hikaru is thinking in organizing the party, is it for Haruhi’s answer. Kaoru says he also doesn’t quite understand but as long as it doesn’t make Hikaru depress, it’s okay. Hikaru pretty much know already what Haruhi’s answer but he still confessed anyway. It could be that Hikaru has decided on something on his own. Then, Kaoru looks at Tamaki’s direction. Mei is puzzled.

In the balcony, Haruhi calls out to Hikaru. Hikaru asks how is it, is she having fun. Haruhi says yes. Hikaru says there is a question he doesn’t want to ask but he’ll ask anyway, regarding a few days ago.. Hikaru’s smile freezes when Haruhi bows and shouts, I’m sorry, Hikaru!! I cannot go steady with you!! After a pause, Hikaru freaks out and shouts that it’s too quick. I haven’t finished what I was saying. Give me some time to prepare my heart, okay! Check the mood..Do you want my heart to stop! Haruhi also freaks out and apologizes since this is the way she thinks she should do because he is her friend. It won’t do if she didn’t say it clearly. I’m really sorry!! Hikaru shouts back for her to stop apologizing for she is making him depressed. At this time, don’t say ‘friend’ because it makes me cry!! The two then takes a breather after much shouting. Haruhi then thanks him and he is an important friend to her. After this, she wants for the things between them to be the same. Even if I had given you a lot of trouble, but ever since I got involved with them, her world has expanded so regarding this, I’m really grateful to you. Hikaru then asks her if she likes Tamaki. This freaks out Haruhi. She exclaims why..how can it be? Hikaru says it is obvious from her actions. Haruhi shouts that he is lying, she doesn’t. Hikaru says, no, [it’s true] just from her reaction now. Blushing, Haruhi says she respects Tamaki but she feels that he is a troublesome person [regarding acting silly in the club]. Hikaru sweatdrops and says is that so. He forces a smile and says so that means that I still have a chance. This made Haruhi blush and surprised. Later on, Mei is busy eating when Tamaki interrupts her to ask where Haruhi is. Mei tries to think of an alibi when Hikaru quickly grabs Tamaki and runs away. He shouts that Tamaki should come with him quick. Tamaki asks what is it as Hikaru takes him inside a room. Hikaru locks the door and informs Tamaki that Haruhi has rejected him. But, I won’t give up!! I apologize for the many things that I made you accommodate to. I also apologize for destroying the club’s mood and making you uneasy. But our relationship won’t just be destroyed by this little thing, right? Use your true feelings in facing us, facing yourself and facing Haruhi. Open your eyes in face regarding this matter. Tamaki looks surprised.

Then, Tamaki and Hikaru join the others. Honey asks where were they. Kyoya tells Hikaru that he is the one who held this party so he shouldn’t just run off. Don’t make him help when he is a guest there. Tamaki is still wondering what does Hikaru meant by ‘not want to destroy’, ‘true feelings’. What is it that I’m not facing? Hikaru happily tells Kyoya that Tamaki got lost while going to the toilet. Tamaki angrily denies it for how can he get lost in that place. He asks Hikaru how could he say that embarrassing thing in front of everyone. Hikaru says that he won’t say that Tamaki is so lost that he almost peed on his pants. Regarding this, he will definitely not tell especially to Haruhi. Tamaki shouts that he didn’t pee on his pants. Let me tell you that from the day I was born, I’m a ‘never peed on my pants’ gentleman. It is only when I was young that I could have a ‘peed because I’m too excited’ situation. Kaoru giggles that it is quite embarrassing since Tamaki ‘peed when he was excited’. Tamaki exclaims that it was his father’s scheme. Basically it’s a beautiful shaped male’s toilet have... [I don’t get it that line ^^;] Tamaki is grabbing Hikaru’s collar as Hikaru tells him to calm down for he is making everyone hear about that toilet incident. Haruhi and the girls are all looking in their direction. Haruhi says ‘peed because of being excited’, peed on pants. Tamaki tries to explain that it is because he is everyone’s idol so regarding that toilet.. Haruhi turns around and says it’s enough, don’t explain further. She can’t believe that he would say that in front of everyone..even the one in Paris. Tamaki is shock as Hikaru laughs at him. Tamaki cries and says it isn’t so for regarding Paris, that is Kyoya’s strategy. [I think it’s the diarrhea alibi so Haruhi is saying that Tamaki is gross] Kyoya says is that the way you should act to your savior who helped cover for you. Honey says in spring, everyone should go pay a formal visit [at the temple/shrine]. Hikaru[?] approves of it. Tamaki is already moping in one corner. Smiling Hikaru then asks Haruhi to join them since everyone is going. Haruhi smiles back and says yes. Tamaki exclaims that he wants to go to if everyone is going. He can eat cream potatoes in the shrine. Haruhi says the toilet in shrines are quite crowded so Tamaki shouldn’t force himself. Tamaki shouts that he said that it isn’t what she thinks. Kaoru/Hikaru asks why is the commoner’s money offering is 15 yen. Kyoya says ‘jyuugoen’ in a wrong pronunciation. [Goen is 5 so jyuugoen can sound like ‘have destined/luck’ or what you pray for will happen] Mei also wants to go with them. Honey exclaims for everyone to go.

So, Hikaru has been rejected. They manage to somehow act normal as possible though I wonder if Hikaru is still forcing it. It is indeed a blow for any guy who likes the girl when the girl says she thinks of him only as a friend. ^^; I guess Haruhi thinks that beating around the bush won’t be fair to Hikaru so she just said it as honestly and bluntly as possible. Hopefully, Haruhi will improve on this weak point because I think knowing people’s feelings and thoughts is important since she wants to be a lawyer. The way she says she respects Tamaki is like how Kyouko of Skip Beat! will categorize her fondness for Ren. I guess they just need something more to transcend their way of thinking from respect to love. I think Hikaru isn’t giving up yet especially since Haruhi and Tamaki are still somewhat clueless with their feelings for each other. Hehe, so many hints and Tamaki still didn’t get it. ^^; I guess Tamaki is at the bottom chain of being clueless when it is about love and himself. The trauma I guess is really bad that he can only think of the group as ‘family’ and well, that is his only wish. I guess Hikaru has somewhat mature to do that confession and about giving Tamaki an advice which Tamaki didn’t get. Everything ends with the usual teasing of Tamaki just like old times. Hikaru’s revenge for not getting Haruhi? =P Is it just me or is Kaoru being paired with Mei? I wonder if it is just a coincidence. So, next chapter would probably the start of a new arc.

Quote of the day:
When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time." ~ Author Unknown

Kaichou wa Maid-sama [Chapter 26]
Monday, June 30, 2008 @ 11:38 a.m.

[Well, I decided to summarize this series since the story is becoming interesting. I’m sorry though but I won’t be summarizing the past chapters. Just wait for the English scanlation to catch up.]

It’s cat ears day in Maid Latte. Usui is currently working there temporarily. His job is to make desserts for the café. Misaki is asking Usui if he is really alright and he doesn’t have to force himself. It would be better for you to rest a bit. Usui seems to be a bit distracted by her cat ears that he turns around and asks when did she become such a worrier. Blushing Misaki shouts that it is because what he did was very dangerous. If one doesn’t mind him, he would have died. Usui asks really, he actually thought he is going to be killed thanks to her congee. This made Misaki angry. She then notices some cream on his face. She wipes it off. This surprises both of them. Misaki apologizes for minding other people’s business. She is busy freaking out as she exclaims that her hand just move on its own. Usui holds Misaki’s hand that still has the cream and says lately she has been quite nice. Usui eats the cream from her finger and asks if she has totally fallen for him. [Actually, it isn’t ‘fallen’ but like gotten really close to him] Misaki blushes really red. When the boss enters and is about to tell them that they are closing, she finds the two fighting. She happily asks if she is disturbing them. Removing her cat ears, Misaki tells the boss that she doesn’t like the way the boss look at them, it’s quite painful. The boss goes sparkling eyes and exclaims but.. Pointing to Usui, Misaki shouts that for her, that guy is a pervert alien. The boss says really.. She asks Usui if it is the first time he has encountered an unyielding girl and it has always been easy for him to get girls. Surrounded by girls, it is impossible for Usui to not care about/get rid of them. The boss implies that it is the first time he met a girl like Misaki who’s not bad. The boss tells Misaki if she isn’t being honest, she might not find happiness for no one knows where a love rival would suddenly appear. Misaki becomes gloomy and shouts at the leaving boss that things between them isn’t what she is thinking. She looks at Usui who asks her if she is curious about his past. Misaki blushes and shouts that she isn’t interested.

The next day, at school, Misaki is actually curious. She wants to know why is he living in that high class apartment alone. What is he really thinking. She has become very curious about a lot of unclear things concerning Usui. Shoichirou calls out that she is so surprised as if her heart is going to jump out. She asks him what is it. Shoichirou asks back as to what happened to her. She says she is just surprised. Shoichirou informs her that he will be a little late for the meeting that day about the summer camp. Misaki just tells him to try to come as early as he could. After he left, Misaki goes in a shock again as if her heart is going to jump out when Usui appears behind her. He says a summer camp is an activity that is quite stressful for her [as kaichou] has already arrive. Do your best. Misaki angrily shouts why does he always just suddenly appear then disappear. Usui says is that so, he just appeared normally. Misaki shouts what’s normal about that. While they are arguing, someone from the window is looking at them while eating what seems to be a jerky. That person jumps down just when Usui is telling Misaki that it isn’t like he just fell down from the sky. Misaki call him stupid for there is no one who will just fall down from the sky. They were stunned when a boy did falls from above and lands in between them. The boy just laughs and says he wasn’t careful that he dropped the precious food. He tells himself that he is quite careless and just walks away leaving stunned Misaki and reaction-less Usui.

In 2-1 classroom, the teacher tells the student to be quiet since there is an announcement. They have a transfer student. He is Hinata Fukaya who lived in Kyushu for the last ten years so he isn’t familiar with that place. Misaki is surprised to see that it is the boy from earlier. The teacher stops his introduction when he notices that Hinata is drooling. He asks Hinata what’s the matter. Hinata approaches Shirakawa [the light haired student of the 3 idiots] who asks what does he want, does he want to fight already. Sniffing around, Hinata says it’s honey lemon flavor. The other students wonder what is he talking about. Shirakawa then wonders if this is what he is talking about. He takes out a honey lemon candy from his pocket and puts it on the table. Hinata is extremely happy and drooling over it. Everyone thinks that Hinata wants it so Shirakawa has no choice but to give it to him. Hinata thanks him and says he is a good person. He happily says itadakimasu [let’s eat] as he is about to open the candy. The teacher shouts that he can’t eat it during classes. Hinata looks at him with tearfully puppy eyes. Everyone starts to feel sorry for him. Hinata is shaking as he is in near tears. He asks the teacher, can’t I, really? The teacher becomes nervous and relents by saying that he can. Misaki angrily shouts to the teacher that he can’t do that because he is already spoiling Hinata right from the start. There should be no special treatment. The teacher says is that so. Misaki tells Hinata to give the candy to her. Hinata starts to cry and shouts that she is bullying him. Misaki shouts hey, what’s with you!!

While carrying a bag of strips of bread, Hinata is given a tour around the school by Misaki. The other students about Hinata who is said to come from the province, why is he carrying that bag of bread strips and why is he always eating. The three idiots think that Hinata has that stupid look that irritates them. They plan to give him a greeting [usually bullying] when he is alone. Then, Misaki turns around to face Hinata only to find that Hinata is eating. She wants to confiscate it but Hinata doesn’t want to let go of the bag. He says ah..don’t. Misaki who looks like a demon is grabbing the bag shouts what do you mean ‘don’t’, how many times should I tell you, ‘don’t eat while walking’ until you are satisfied. Hinata says he can’t help it because he is hungry. Kosugi, secretary of the student council, interrupts them as he informs Misaki about the meeting wherein they have to look over the documents. Misaki remembers the meeting about the summer camp. She tells Kosugi that she will be going to the student council room. She apologizes to Hinata for not finishing the tour and says that she will be back. She remembers something then takes the bag of bread strips. She says that she will keep it for him. Hinata is shock that he shouts that Misaki is a demon and an idiot. While walking away with Kosugi, Misaki wonders if Hinata is really a high school student. Hinata walks away downcast as his stomach is rumbling. Just then, someone called him and says that they want to greet him.

In the student council room, Misaki tells Kosugi/Shoichirou about the rest of the details regarding the meeting and photographing the finished copy. She leaves him as she wants to finish her duty in accompanying the transfer student even if it is already a bit late. When she goes out of the room, Usui tells her that she has been with the transfer student all day long. Doesn’t you mind that I’m very lonely? Misaki denies that she mind at all. Usui says that he has been looking at her [while she is giving Hinata the tour outside, Usui is looking at them from the window] Misaki says that he has turned from pervert to a stalker. Misaki is shock and embarrassed when Usui asks if she has noticed and she is curious about him. A scene of Misaki looking up and noticing a shadow [Usui] looking at her from the window. Usui says she is really curious even if she clearly said yesterday that she isn’t interested. Misaki’s heart is surprised he knew that it seems her heart is about to jump out. She quickly turns around and denies it. Usui says it isn’t easy for him to just tell her about many things. Misaki asks what does he want to say. Usui says tell me, what do you want to know? Is it my past? Misaki denies that she is interested in his past. Misaki thinks to herself that she is really curious but if she said so, she feels that she has lost to him. Misaki says as long as one lives, anyone would have those kind of things [secrets] even I have those kind of things so.. Usui asks those kind of things..what? Misaki turns around to face him and says it is those kind of things..by the way, it has only been a few months since we started talking to each other. Then, Misaki gets her fourth shock [heart going to come out] for the day when Sakura and Shizuko call out to her. They inform her that the transfer student is surrounded by the boys. They felt that it was a dangerous aura there so they thought that they should tell her about it. Misaki is shock. She thanks the girls then head to the hallway where Hinata and others are.

Misaki and the girls are surprised to see Hinata happily smiling and drooling while holding many kinds of food like a sandwich, drink, banana, chips, etc. Pointing to Hinata, Misaki asks dangerous. Shizuko says it looks like a fight a while ago. A student is holding something behind his back. He asks Hinata to guess what it is and if he gets it, there will be a reward. Sniffing a bit, Hinata shouts it’s a food stick [elongated snack/candy with different flavors] sandwich with cheese flavor! [Another translation said it is fish roe and cheese] The student brings it out and shouts bingo! The student asks how did he know even if it isn’t opened yet. As Hinata happily eats, the others shout that Hinata is great and he is like a dog. A student asks Hinata why he isn’t fat after all that eating. While still eating, Hinata answers that before he is fat. When he was in elementary, my parents had an accident and passed away. I moved to my grandfather who is in Kyushu. Since there are no stores in the province, he just always eats fresh vegetables that he now turned out like that. His grandfather even complained that if he is there, no matter how many fields, it isn’t enough [to feed Hinata] so he moved back to the place where he used to live. This made Misaki and everyone else nervous and surprise over this sad story. A student asks if he is now living with his relative’s family. Hinata says no. They asks so he lives alone. Hinata says yes and he is using his father’s remaining money for school expenses. The students are crying and says he lives a hard life. Hinata asks is that so. The guys start to cry and says they thought he is just a gluttonous fool but it turns he is hiding his hardship with that carefree look. Hinata has finished eating everything that food he got. To everyone’s shock, he says the main reason why he came to that city is because he is looking for his first love. I can no longer bear not to see her but grandfather said I’m just joking, stay here. Flashback: Hinata backed his bags and told his grandpa that he will be back when he [grandpa] is dying. His grandfather shouted compared to him, he is more worried about Hinata. End flashback.

Everyone looks ill as they say it is all just to meet a girl. Hinata says that’s right and from then on, he will be busy trying to look for her. He goes into a monologue/mental trip: Why? She is kind, carefree and likes to care for people. That’s right..if I were to use an analogy it would be she is a single pitiful flower in a vast grassland. I want to eat you again the delicious cake I ate. [Not sure about that line if he is comparing the girl to a delicious cake or he is remembering a delicious cake he ate. It think it’s the former because I don’t think ‘she’ can bake =P ] I’m thinking of you. Wait for me, my darling!! I’ll quickly find you. The other students were at first surprised then thinks that it’s fun so they want to join him in looking for the girl. A note says long live idiots. ^^; Misaki shouts for Hinata to wait. She asks if that girl is in that school. Hinata says I don’t know. Misaki starts to perspire and asks where does he plan on looking for the girl. It is currently lunch break. Hinata says he doesn’t know. Misaki asks if he has any clues. Hinata says he doesn’t have any clues whatsoever. Misaki gets angry as she is speechless. Hinata says but we made a promise and that is, “[I’ll] follow Misaki-chan throughout my life” Misaki is stunned as Sakura repeats, Mi..Misaki-chan? A student tells Hinata why would he say that when it is usually the girls who’ll say they want to follow [the guy]. Hinata says but that is how he promised. Another says okay, they’ll start looking for her in the school first. Another student wonders where does he heard the name Misaki before. [It seems they only call Misaki as “kaichou” or “Ayuzawa” so they didn’t know.] Misaki is surprised as Usui realizes that Hinata meant Misaki.

Flashback: Young Misaki shouted to Hinata that it is dangerous. That cherry that he is trying to get is too high. Then, Hinata fell down from the tree. At the hospital, Misaki visited him. She told him that she really can’t do anything about him. Misaki seems to be feeding him something. Misaki said from now on, he shouldn’t climb up the tree. He should just follow her from behind. I can’t just let you be. Hinata said okay, Misaki-chan. I’ll promise you. “Follow Misaki-chan throughout my life” A scene of Hinata who is really fat then. End flashback. Misaki looks utterly shock as she remembered. Sakura and Shizuko ask if it is her. Shizuko says if it is so then they would have realized earlier. Misaki mutters Hinata...Youkou/Yokou. During elementary, there is a guy named Youkou because the kanji of his name can also be read that way. A scene of kids saying that Youkou is eating again in class. Misaki says that guy always like to eat...is very fat.. Sakura says that means.. Shizuko says then his first love is.. Misaki says most likely me. A young Misaki said that she can’t just let Hinata by himself. Note says she likes to help/mind others. Misaki says that before her life is peaceful and her disposition is calm. Sakura has an idea then asks could it be that she is going steady with Hinata. She likes the development of this story. Misaki says ha..why is she saying that. Usui is looking away and seems to be thinking. From the window, Misaki overhears the boys shouting that Hinata is great and if he is okay. Misaki looks out and is surprised. She shouts, that idiot! Then, she rushes off.

In the school grounds, Hinata has climbed up the tree. He says from there he can even see the whole school. Okay-- Misaki-chan come out!! The boys find Hinata’s idiotic way of looking for the girl really interesting. Misaki runs to the tree and shouts to the boys if this is the time to be laughing. Misaki shouts for Hinata to come down. Hinata makes a face at her and says even a stupid demon won’t hinder him. Misaki shouts if he falls AGAIN, she won’t care. Hinata continues on shouting for Misaki-chan. Misaki gets angry since Hinata is ignoring him. She shouts if he doesn’t come down quickly, she isn’t going to return his candy and bag of bread strips. This made Hinata surprised and scared that he looses his footing. Misaki is shock and remembers the time when Hinata is also falling. This made Misaki shout, Hinata-kun! Hinata looks surprised as he looks down to see Misaki. He quickly holds on a branch and swing down to Misaki. Hinata asks her name. Misaki says Misaki Ayuzawa. I’m sorry. I’m not longer the same as before.. Hinata hugs her as she blushes. Hinata happily exclaims Misaki-chan! You’re here after all.. All the other boys freak out and shouts, really?! Misaki shouts for Hinata to let go of her already. Usui is looking at them from the window above. Narration: From the sky, a transfer student has fell and has surge a storm. After it has quelled down, the summer camp will start soon. Meanwhile, the three idiots are talking about [Shirakawa] how much is money they have for in between snack, [Kurosaki] banana is an in between snack, [Sarashina] I want a Japanese rhinoceros beetle. Shoichirou is holding a notebook for records and says that everyone is happy ♪.

I like this new character. ^^ He is quite cute and interesting. I wonder if he is patterned after a dog – good at smelling and loyal as in keeps his promise aka looks for one’s ‘owner’. Actually, I thought just from this chapter, it can be a oneshot story. It’s quite romantic in a way for him to just go to that place to look for a girl just because of a promise and no clues as to where she is or anything. And, in the end, he found her. But of course, Usui is the lead guy here so Misaki will definitely end up with him. Honestly, I only started to get interested in this story because I’m also curious about Usui as to why he lives alone in that expensive looking place. ^^; This rival is somewhat the opposite of Usui and their similarity seems to be that they are quite athletic. I think that is one reason why Hinata is now thin. I wonder if Hinata stayed there for a long time, he will become fat again. =P Since they are going to summer camp, I don’t think Hinata will know of Misaki’s maid parttime job yet. Hehe, Misaki got another ‘alien’ in her life. When one of the boys mentioned about looking carefree to hide one’s pain reminded me of Usui. It doesn’t seem to point to Hinata since Hinata seems genuinely not care too much about a hard life as in he is just really carefree. Well, Hinata does have that serious look at times. Also, the boss saying about being honest about one’s feelings else soon, a rival appears. It ended up being more of a message to Usui rather than for Misaki. So, it’s summer camp by next chapter. I wonder what will happen there. ^-^

Quote of the day:
When you give your word, keep it. ~ Our Daily Bread

Random Blahs: Nana [Chapter 76] Teaser
Sunday, June 29, 2008 @ 02:38 p.m.

[Edit:This is an unconfirmed spoiler so take it with a grain of salt. It turned out to be true.]

On the way to Osaka, Ren told the manager to go back. Yuri gets to play a role which is based on a novel that Shin read, ‘Next Door Madam’. Nobu has decided to accept it or not protest over Yuri playing that role. Shin is happy for Yuri and says he wants to play the male lead. Nobu says that role is of a 24 year old and 160 cm height. Shin remembers Ryouko [sorry, I can’t remember who she is, maybe his pimp before] saying that growing up is not cute. He writes a message to her that his goal is that role. Then he writes a message to Reira. Reira has decided to stop singing in order for Ren to rest. She decides to go back to her hometown. This shocks Takumi so much that he doesn’t want to talk to Hachi about it. Hachi becomes worried about him so she decided to cancel her trip to Osaka to meet with Nana. Nana thought that Hachi chose Takumi over her so it was a great shock to her. Ren came back home. He takes out a box and kisses it then he left. In the last part, Reira has arrived in her hometown and gets Shin’s message that if he gets the role [name of the character], he is going to greet/welcome her. Even if Reira didn’t get what he meant about the name of the role, Reira is so happy that she starts crying.

Vampire Knight [ Chapter 41]
Friday, June 27, 2008 @ 04:22 p.m.

Beside sleeping Rima, Senri wakes up to see Takuma who seems to have just killed something. Takuma says that a strange vampire came trying to disturb their sleep. Senri asks if Takuma is going somewhere. Takuma looks surprised. Senri assures him that he is okay. Takuma sheaths his katana and says that he’ll leave Rima under his care. After Takuma left, Senri looks at sleeping Rima. Senri remembers someone [Rido?] who told him if he doesn’t want his mother to be uneasy then he should live like a puppet. He then remembers Rima shouting that he should love himself more. He hugs sleeping Rima and apologizes to her. He moves from Rima when he sees a sunglasses guy standing from the window. The guy tells him not to worry for he doesn’t plan on fighting someone who is currently weakened. He just came to check up on Senri who is Rido’s puppet. Preparing to fight, Senri says it’s okay for a puppet can also use his own consciousness to move. In the day dorm, Kain is telling the two girls who tried to go out to stay inside the dorm if they don’t want to be endangered. The two girls are asking what are those people who seems to be human but isn’t and who are they [Kain and Ruka] really. Kain just tells them that he will protect them and they can ask their questions later. He goes to where Ruka is. Ruka tells him that the enemy who are hiding behind the trees are planning to wait until sunset to attack so they should finish this before then. They then notice Takuma and Seiren approaching them. Takuma says he has something to tell them. Kain asks where is he all this time. Takuma didn’t answer the question but just tells them that if they continue to act out Kaname’s plan, they will become the enemy of the council of ancient. Since Kaname didn’t use his power as a pureblood to control them, so they are free to use their free will if they want to back out of this. Takuma tells Seiren to tell this to the others since that is what her master [Kaname] would have wanted. Takuma then jumps on to the roof. Ruka asks where he is going. Takuma says something that he is going to finish.

Touga looks at the hand of a vampire and it has the mark of being a human turned to a vampire. The vampire turns into dust. Touga tells the headmaster that it is the spell used by hunters which enticed the vampires to come. Definitely, the association has a hand in this. The headmaster isn’t answering so Touga kicks him. Touga shouts that it’s hard to say if Zero is being protected or being hunted so how about using this shock as a motivation to go back to his original job. The headmaster says for Yuuki, Zero and the night class students, hunting vampires would have meant negating their existence. Touga tells him that at this time, one should wield one’s sword at the opponent. Headmaster replies he knows and as he said before, he has already killed a lot of vampires and up to now, I.. don’t plan to be confused on what my current role is. In front of the vampires stand the association head. She tells them that their association has been messed up by the night class and it seems Cross [headmaster]’s pacifism didn’t work. Touga shouts if she is planning to finish off innocent vampires again. Headmaster unsheathes his sword and says since the day class are protected by the night class then it is his job to protect the night class. He doesn’t plan on giving that child to them. In the room where Yuuki and others are, Yuuki asks if this mean they are going to leave the school. Yuuki isn’t used to the sunlight so Kaname hugs her to protect her from the light. He tells her that he is going to protect her and there is a place where they should go. Yuuki suddenly remembers Rido’s face. She tells Kaname that she senses the ‘eyes’ that are the same as 10 years ago as well as other scary vampires so she can’t just leave Yori and others in that place. She asks Kaname if she can stay in the school. Kaname just hugs her tightly. He says she has just awakened so she is just like a baby who has no strength so what can she do even if she stayed there. Kaname then tells Aidou to accompany Yuuki’s friend to a safe place. Yori looks at Yuki as Aidou pulls her away. Looking at Yori, Yuuki asks Kaname to let go. Yuuki feels that familiar hug has become like a stranger’s. The rose gift that Kaname gave her shines/cracks. Kaname tells her that he can force her to come with him. Yuuki replies if he did that, she will never ever forgive him. This made Kaname release her. Yuuki quickly grabs her weapon which is on top of her day uniform on the bed. Holding it tightly, she tells Kaname that even if she doesn’t have the strength to go against him but she still has her weapon so..

Yuuki’s hands start to react to Artemis that it hurts her. Kaname explains that since her weapon doesn’t have any handle because it exists to totally repel vampires. Touching her face, Kaname tells her that it isn’t the same as before since she isn’t human anymore. Yuuki turns her face away from him and tells him even if she seems stupid [for doing this] but this is the path she has chosen and firmly believed in walking on. If she abandons it then she feels that she won’t be the same person anymore. With her resolve, Artemis doesn’t repel her much anymore. Holding her hand that is touching his chest, Kaname sadly says he has already experienced a ‘departing/farewell’ before and has carried that pain throughout the last ten years, does she plan on making him bear [that pain] again. Yuuki looks flustered and begs him not to make that kind of expression. She then hugs him and gives him a kiss on the lips. Kaname looks surprised as Yuuki address him as brother and tells him that it will be alright. Yuuki assures him that she will go back to him [as her brother] so he should go to where he has to go and do what only he can do. Later on, Kaname is on his way but Aidou, Kain and Ruka meet with him. Aidou asks why Kaname is heading somewhere. Kaname answers that even if they don’t want to know, they will know about it later on. Ruka tells Kaname that at this time, he is still being distance with them that it made her wonder if he doesn’t trust them. Kaname didn’t reply. Kain says it is okay for him to say it that they are to destroy the monsters in the council of ancients. Aidou says Kaname plans to leave his most precious thing there, it can’t be that he doesn’t trust them. Kaname tells them to think what they want to think. He says that it will soon be Kiryuu’s turn. Somewhere else, the vampires have approach Rido asking what are his orders as he seems to be biting into someone to sober up after awakening. In the room, Yuuki dresses up in her uniform and takes her weapon which turns into a scythe-like weapon.

It amuses me when I realized that Kaname and Zero just exchanged in fighting their personal nemesis. =P So, everyone has someone to fight and they are pretty much the major bosses of this series that it made me think, perhaps this story is going to end soon. I don’t think there is anything to worry about the others since their enemies are just minor vampires. I don’t know how powerful the association head is but then, she is against two seemingly powerful hunters so I think they will easily win that one. Takuma is probably going to the council of ancient to finish things there. Kaname seems to be going there too or maybe some place not revealed yet. I’m a bit worried though since these two are going some place alone in contrast to the ones in the school since they are near each other and can easily help each other. I don’t think Aidou and others went with him. I’m sure it will be Zero + Yuuki vs Rido. I think it would be nice if Yuuki is the one who finishes off Rido since everything seems to have started with Rido going after her. The way Kaname talked about Artemis, it made me wonder if he created it or something and if he was the one who gave it to Yuuki. Just the fact that it supposedly repels all vampires is like it is made to protect Yuuki while she is a human. Since it also transformed, it made me think that it isn’t a weapon made by hunters. I shouldn’t be surprised over Yuuki ruining the kiss by calling him brother. I’m sure she means brother as in brother and not brother as a fiancé. Okay, Kaname’s confession before did ended up like a blackmail. ^^; I’m thinking if the author is planning a Zero X Yuuki in the end. I’m somewhat convinced that it is a goodbye kiss since Kaname still has that sad look when he left. I’m sure it’s sad rather than worried. It reminded me in the anime wherein dying Shizuka said that Kaname is going to walk in darkness. I thought Yuuki won’t be the light for him nor will walk with him in that darkness. Maybe it’s time for him to just move on and just find someone else or find his own happiness.

I think this is going to be a Zero x Yuuki ending because: 1. Zero isn’t going to be killed off since the author won’t want to be chased after by angry Zero fans and after all that has happened to him, he does deserve a happy ending. What is a happy ending for him? That will be to be with Yuuki. She is after all his major reason for living. 2. the most popular couple in the poll is Zero x Yuuki and if the author is aiming to please her fans, that will be the pairing. 3. Since I think the aim of the series is for everyone to get along with each other, I think Zero X Yuuki is more likely as an example that vampires and hunters can live peacefully with each other. I’m actually a surprised with the rose in a glass since it is still being shown. It reminds me of the rose in Beauty and the Beast. ^^; Anyway, again since they are all aiming for the bosses of the two different groups and if this is ending, my guess is that the ending might be something like this. Takuma/Kaname will head the ancient of council/all vampires. Yuuki and the headmaster will still be running the school. It is appropriate since Yuuki’s mother seems to be the one who gave the idea of pacifism to the headmaster. Touga/Zero will head the association/hunters. Somewhat a cliché ending but who knows maybe the author will surprise me. The ‘or - /’ there is I’m still leaving the possibility either one of the guys will be staying with Yuuki in the school as to who she will choose. I really hope that it won’t be like the three of them in the school again like before since I will really feel sorry for the other guy unless Yuuki didn’t choose any guy. Haha, if the fans are unsatisfied, they can just alter the anime ending =P Speaking of anime, the second season will be on October and not December and it is most probably about the Rido arc after all.

Quote of the day:
Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. ~ Denis Waitley

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 14]
Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 10:03 p.m.

[Hehe, I made a mistake. I’ve gotten confused with the ‘bears’ in this series ^^; I thought Retsu’s group is panda, but it is Higuma = ‘fire bear’ and the school is actually named Kumaneco/Panda High. So, the one who saw them from the hotel is a student from their school.]

Fumino narrates that the sweet date which started in the aquarium where Kazuma confessing and ended in the hotel where many things happened is over. Teppei has just woke up and is already sitting at the table. Fumino must have made breakfast since she is wearing an apron on her uniform. She goes in to call Kazuma. She greets him good morning and asks if his cold is better. Fumino is shock that Kazuma is still on bed. She goes to him while shouting if his cold got worse. To her surprise, Kazuma pulls her to his bed and tells her that he is joking, he is already well. He greets her a good morning. She frantically tries to get up but Kazuma won’t let go. Teppei muses that it seems fun. Kazuma asks her if she didn’t get infected by him. This made Fumino become more embarrassed as she remembers their ‘mask kiss’ yesterday. She imagines it as if they are prince and princess. ^^; Fumino nervously says that it is because AT THAT TIME, she is wearing a mask so.. Teppei is already happily clinging on to Kazuma. Kazuma asks ‘at that time’, what did I do to you yesterday? He laughs and says because the fever is quite high yesterday, my recollection is quite hazy. I don’t remember the rest after you agreed to let me lie on your leg as a pillow. Fumino is utterly shock about this. She gloomily then angrily shouts..don’t..don’t play with a girl’s pure feelings!! She punches him out to the roof. [Hehe, if I were their neighbor, I’ll thought it is a missile/rocket flying off ^^;;] Fumino narrates that their kiss as a couple has become zero.

In 2-C, Fumino is still angry over it as she tries to comfort herself that it isn’t really a kiss since she is wearing a mask. She enters the classroom then notices that everyone in class are looking at her. She wonders what it is about when she suddenly hears a commotion outside. Ken has angrily grabbed Kazuma’s collar. Kazuma asks him what is the matter. Ken angrily shouts you stupid, pervert sensei!! What is this about you ‘staying with Fumino in a hotel until morning’!! A student asks what is the matter. Another tells that student that it is about the rumors that is spreading which is heard from the baseball club. Kazuma calls Ken’s name. Ken shouts what is it. Pointing to Fumino who has become stone, Kazuma tells Ken that he is talking so loudly. It is okay with me but how about thinking of Fumino, won’t she be bothered by it? Ken is shock that he let go of Kazuma and apologizes to Fumino. Kazuma pats Fumino’s shoulder and says that they can explain things clearly so there is nothing to fret about. Seeing that, someone shouts that it’s true. Fumino is still utterly shock that after that nice date, something bad has now happened. Someone has seen them. Later on, everyone is talking about it. They say that they never thought that Kazuma had it in him to do that and Fumino who isn’t interested in boys.

After class, Lao [PE teacher] calls out to Fumino to go with him to the principal’s office. Kazuma is already there at the office. The principal is a jolly looking man. At his right stands the visibly furious guidance counselor. [I think he is the one who is always reprimanding them during the beach trip in chapters 4-5] At the left stands Lao. Not sure who is talking but I’m guessing it is the guidance counselor who says that the rumors have already spread throughout the school. They have already heard about the rumor as to what it is all about so what do they have to say about it. The principal says to be blunt, did you to anything ‘intimate’ there. Kazuma says they didn’t and please listen to his explanation. Fumino’s friends from 2C which includes Ken[?] and some members of the volleyball club are listening outside. Kazuma says that they are currently neighbors in the apartment he is staying and he is in good terms with Fumino’s family. Because of this situation, that Saturday, we all went to a trip to the aquarium. While on our way home, Fumino is riding with me on the motorcycle. Soon, it is raining. The principal perks up and says then it is becoming night soon. Kazuma says that’s right, because the motorcycle broke down, there is no other choice then but to stay at a nearby hotel. The guidance counselor shouts what, so you two went in together!! Ojiro-sensei, your moral standing-- Fumino shouts that Kazuma didn’t do anything. After leaving me in the hotel, he then went to get the motorcycle repaired. The guidance counselor shouts back that isn’t that such a convenient alibi. Fumino shouts that it is true. The guidance counselor starts to accuse Fumino of seducing Kazuma since she is a delinquent. Fumino is shock that she wasn’t able to answer back.

Kazuma goes in front of her as he calls the guidance counselor [to stop his accusation]. Taking out his mobile phone, Kazuma tells the guidance counselor if he wants proof that he stayed up the whole night to get the motorcycle repaired, they can just call the gas station. That will prove that what I said is really true so about the things you said about Fumino, take it back. Fumino is in near tears. The principal says so choosing THAT hotel is your fault. You should reflect on that. Kazuma bows and says yes, as a teacher, I was lacking in thinking of the student’s situation. The principal says since the situation has already become serious, how about three days suspension with reduced pay. Since there is no problem with Fumino, she will not be held responsible. After that, they go out of the office. Fumino apologizes to Kazuma. Kazuma says what is she saying. All of this is because I wasn’t cautious enough, I’m sorry.. Fumino realizes that Kazuma is about to touch her that she quickly backs away. She shouts that temporarily, he should not come near her so that the weird rumor won’t spread anymore. She quickly runs off. Shoma is standing nearby and seems to have overheard everything. While walking on her way out of the school, Fumino thinks that she did that so that she won’t cause anymore trouble to Kazuma. She is then called by Shoma. Shoma suggests that she transfer to another school during school break. If you stayed in Kumaneco High, you will just be a burden to my brother. Aren’t you bothered about staining ‘Ojiro-sensei’ reputation/experience? Oka overheard them from the bushes. While looking at Shoma walking away, Fumino remembers Kazuma telling her to come home with him when she is prepared to leave the place. It has been half a year already since then.

Crying Oka calls out to Fumino. Fumino turns around to see her and two other volleyball girls. Oka pleads for Fumino not to leave and she believes her. Yoru [tall black haired girl] says even if Fumino apologized, this time she won’t make excuses for her. She tells Fumino that she is surrounded by guys – Kazuma, Ryuu, Shoma and Ken – that she doesn’t know clearly as to who it really is [that Fumino likes]. Is it Ryuu? Fumino gets embarrassed over this. They were interrupted when they overhear some baseball guys talking loudly about the incident. A guy insists that something definitely happened after they came out of the hotel. When they saw it, sensei is all black/dirty though. Fumino tells her friends that they will be troubled if they come near her. A baseball guy then says that Fumino is really something for wasn’t her younger brother the only one left in her family. Leaving her younger brother and just hooking up with a guy, her character is really awful. Could it be that she is going after guys just for the money? Fumino tells herself to just endure it, this kind of rumor. She is surprised when Oka and Yoru press down the faucet to splash water on the gossiping boys. The boys shout what are they doing. Yoru shouts that they don’t know the truth so they shouldn’t just talk about that recklessly. Okay cries that Fumino won’t do that and just by looking at Teppei, one would know. Teppei-kun is a heaven sent sweet angel!! They continue to splash water on the boys who try to shield themselves. Fumino is surprised and touched by what they did. Kazuma and Lao are walking by and see the incident.

Fumino thinks to herself that she wants to stay there. She tells Oka and Yoru to stop. She hugs the two and thanks them. A baseball guy shouts don’t think that it’ll just end there!! Fumino shouts for them to stop it already and shouts for the others to duck. Fumino faces them so that she will be the one who will get splashed by the water. She thinks that the one who gave her this place [to stay] is -- [sensei] She is surprised to see Kazuma in front of her and he got wet instead of her. I think it is Oka who apologizes to Kazuma for getting him wet because he protected them. Kazuma frettingly asks Fumino and others if they are alright. He is using his handkerchief in drying Fumino’s face. Fumino cries as to what is he doing. Do you want your cold to come back?! Kazuma tells her not to worry because compared to him, the others [baseball guys] at that side are more wet than him. [The words are so small but I think the baseball guys are surprised and talking about Kazuma having a cold.] Giving his handkerchief to her, Kazuma apologizes and tells her that this won’t happen again. Lao shouts at the boys. One of them runs away while another one seems to be giving Kazuma a towel. Yoru is saying something about Kazuma while Oka is surprised as she sees Fumino, holding the handkerchief, crying. Fumino says stupid, I said not to come near me... The girls quickly go to her and ask why she is crying. Fumino says even if she feels she is troublesome yet she won’t run away. So, I will become a student whom sensei can be proud of and graduate in Kumaneco High. The three girls then realize who is the one that Fumino likes.

While studying in a room with Teppei, Kazuma calls her to give him the ring. Fumino asks why. Kazuma tells her to sit beside her. Teppei looks at them and wonders what’s up. Kazuma holds Fumino’s hand and says he is quite impulsive lately. As a ‘teacher’ and a ‘husband’, I’m quite lacking and the truth is that we cannot go back to the original situation. Fumino slightly blushes and says yes. Still holding her hand, Kazuma says from now on, this incident won’t happen for a second time. I swear on this ring. Fumino blushes as Kazuma kisses her ring. She then feels his lips on her fingers as he leans to her. He asks is it enough if it is only on the ring. Blushing really red, Fumino pushes his face away and shouts that the ring is enough. She mutters that the kiss yesterday is okay already. Kazuma says, that’s enough? Ah, about what I did to you yesterday, please tell me. Fumino angrily shouts ah..wait..you..you really don’t remember anything?! Teppei must have closed the door with a small open gap. He just happily reads his book and thinks that they are doing that playing again so he shouldn’t disturb them. Fumino narrates that it is three steps forward and two steps back. Nevertheless, as husband and wife, there is a bit of progress. The last scene reveals that the principal and Lao are quite lenient with them is because their wives used to be students, too. The two are drinking tea. The principal says that student-teacher love is quite nice-- soon,[the student] will become an adult. Lao agrees. The guidance counselor is just angrily shouting at the background in disagreement.

I’m feeling a slight déjà vu of Chocolate Cosmos since it is rumors spreading about the teacher-student. I wonder if Kazuma has really forgotten about the kiss or he is just teasing Fumino. ^^; If it is the latter, he is such a good actor. Since the baseball guys aren’t named, I guess they are just extra characters who would not appear anymore later on. It’s good that Kazuma got the number of the gas station for them to call as their proof. It is quite frustrating for Fumino to see all those things to happen to Kazuma just because he is protecting her. I guess she did consider leaving when Shoma suggested it to her but she changed her mind since her friends and Kazuma are there for her. I like that ring kiss scene. I guess they are really lucky since the principal and Lao have underwent that situation that they are more forgiving. They should indeed me more careful next time. Scans from Tongs’ scanlation.

Quote of the day:
What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth. ~ Jewish Proverb

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta [Chapters 14]
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 @ 09:54 a.m.

Yukito hugs Kotori and she hugs him back. Suddenly, Yukito realizes something and pushes her away. Kotori wonders what is the matter then she begins to worry that it is because of their ‘word war’ on the mobile phone yesterday and the possibility of Yukito knowing about the thing with Kera. Kotori is about to explain when it suddenly rained really hard. Kotori tries to cover her head but Yukito pulls her and points to a small storehouse. Yukito says that they take refuge there. While running there, Yukito put his hand on Kotori’s head that made Kotori think that he is protecting her from the rain. They arrive at the place as Yukito comments that it was sunny a while ago. Kotori is blushing as Yukito’s arm is still on her shoulder. Kotori thanks her for the t-shirt. Weren’t you the one who lent it to me? Yukito blushes and quickly takes his arm off her. He tells her not to get too close to her since it’s hot. Kotori is shock and as she thinks it was him who was hugging her so why is he telling her not to go near him. Still blushing, Yukito says he doesn’t know why he has two t-shirts, it is just a coincidence. Looking at Yukito being topless, Kotori doesn’t buy his alibi and she starts to laugh. Yukito asks why is she laughing. I’m not wearing anything on top because it’s hot and it has nothing to do with you. Kotori asks if he is still angry because of the ‘word war’ on the phone. She thinks there is also about rejecting his kiss as well as the thing about Kera. Yukito says angry about what? I don’t know what you are talking about. I forgot. He tells her to forget about the thing with Kera. Kotori is shock that Yukito knew about it.

Yukito tells her that he used his own way to resolve it. He shows a picture from his mobile phone and it is a picture of Yukito pulling Kera’s head to him and kisses him on the lips. Kotori screams in shock as to what is that. Yukito says I took back your first kiss. About the ‘word war’, we are both wrong so forget about it. Kotori is so happy that she hugs Yukito and they both fall on the floor. Yukito asks what is she doing, that’s dangerous. Blushing, Kotori says she didn’t know but she suddenly thought of doing this. Yukito blushes and tells her not to get close to him. Kotori asks why, is he still angry. Yukito confesses that it is because he reeks of stinky sweat since he just finished the race and also, he is wet from the rain so for her to do that suddenly isn’t good. Yukito looks away blushing then he is shock when Kotori pulls up his arm and starts sniffing him like a dog. Lol Kotori happily gives him a two thumbs up and says that it is okay because he doesn’t stink. There’s no smell at all! And, because it’s Yukito so it doesn’t matter. Yukito says that Kotori really doesn’t understand guys. Yukito goes closer to her and they kiss. Kotori blushes as Yukito moves away. He says because of this, he forgives her. Kotori suddenly remembers the picture of Yukito and Kera kissing that she wipes her mouth. Yukito shouts what is she doing. Kotori sheepishly says that it feels like it is an indirect kiss [with Kera]. Yukito puts her in a headgrip and exclaims why you. He then raises his arm and tries to make her smell his armpit. [Hehe, they act like kids] They stop when there is the thunder roars. Kotori then realizes that she is touching Yukito’s chest. Yukito puts his arm on Kotori’s shoulder and says that they are ‘predestined’ with the rain. Kotori agrees.

In a canteen, Kera is looking at a picture of Kotori taken when she is looking away during their junior high days. He put the phone on the table then sighs out loud. He then gets an email. It is from Yukito who sent him a picture of their kiss. Kera says, really that guy, I told him I don’t need it. Just then a girl from behind Kera exclaims what is that picture. Kera calls her, Aki. Aki has already grab his phone and looks at the picture. Aki exclaims what is that about and what are they doing. She asks Kera if he is gay. Kera tells her not to talk about it since it is just a joke between his old friend. Aki points to the picture of Kotori and asks Kera what about this one, is it a guy, too? It is Kotori’s picture. Kera grabs the phone and tells her not to look. Aki is suspicious so she asks him who is that girl. Kera says it’s an old friend. Aki asks from where is she his friend. Kera says it’s a long time ago and it has nothing to do with her. Aki says it does, since they are going steady, there should be no secrets between them. Kera says this is this, and that is that, they are two different things. I’m going steady with you now, aren’t you happy with that? Aki shouts that she doesn’t understand him. You should tell me everything about your past. I don’t want to not know something about you. If you see a cute girl or idol, you will quickly says ‘very cute’ so the one in the phone is really suspicious and also about that gay picture, do you have another lover? Kera exclaims, ah, enough already, you’re too bothersome. Kera then caught himself and says, uh-oh as Aki looks at him in shock.

At a convenient store, Kera wonders why are girls like that. He looks at the candies [it’s a Japanese candy in a long wrapper in different flavors and the mascot looks like Doraemon; it is what Yukito and Kera eats when they are together] he usually buys in the candies section. He is shock that they are all gone. He exclaims that they are usually put there, who could have bought all of them. From behind him, someone shows a plastic bag filled with the candies. It is Yukito who tells him he will share some to him. Kera shouts he’s cruel. In Kera’s apartment, the boys are picking out the flavors they want to eat. While they are eating, Kera’s mobile phone is ringing that he has mail but Kera isn’t answering. Yukito asks about it but Kera says he doesn’t care. Yukito asks if it’s his girlfriend. Kera says that she said he is gay, it is so bothersome. Yukito asks what happened. Kera teases him by asking if he really wants for it to become real about being gay. Yukito gloomily asks what does he mean making it real. Kera sighs and says it is because he doesn’t really like. Yukito thinks for a while and asks if he meant his girlfriend. Kera says yes and from the start when they started dating, he isn’t really attracted to her in a big way. Yukito asks Kera what does he think of Kotori now. The two guys look at each other. Kera asks think of her, isn’t she Yukito’s girl. Yukito slips that Kotori is actually into Hikaru, the character of a shoujo game. Yukito shouts that isn’t important and don’t change the question. Yukito tells him that he told Kotori that he doesn’t remember but the truth is Kera do remember [the kiss]. We are friends for a long time so I know you. Kera asks what will Yukito do if he says he still likes Kotori. Yukito says, if the rival is you, I will continue on fighting until I win against you because we are very good friends so I won’t want to think too much about it. The two slightly smile at each other.

Kera then shouts that there are some candies left. He grabs one and says he wants that. Yukito shouts that is roast octopus flavor. [What he wants] As revenge, Yukito shoves the rest into his mouth. After some arguing, the two starts to laugh. Later on, Kera’s mother reprimands them as to what are they doing for eating snacks before dinner. The two are feeling ill from eating too much but they still give each other a thumbs up. Yukito then bid him goodbye as they will email each other next time. Kera lies in bed and is thinking of something. He then takes his mobile phone and deletes Kotori’s picture. At the train station, Yukito calls Kotori who is at home playing her DS. Kotori stops playing and asks him what is the matter. Yukito says he just wants to talk to her. Kotori blushes and thanks him. Yukito laughs and asks what does she mean by that. He asks what is she doing. Kotori answers that she isn’t playing Memories of Falling in Love game. Yukito looks down and asks if she is still playing. Kotori is flustered and denies that she is playing. Yukito says liar, you must be thinking that I just disturbed your playing. Kotori slips when she asks how did he know. Yukito shouts that Kotori still doesn’t understand his feelings. Kotori asks what? Why are you angry? Yukito shouts how should I know! Next day at school during lunch break, Yukito asks Kotori what will she be eating for lunch. Kotori says that she brought a bento/lunch box today. Yukito says he will go buy his lunch first so she can go outside first. Kotori says yes. She then looks at Natsume’s empty seat. She thinks to herself that she wants to thank Natsume for her encouragement that day. While walking, she passes by the gaming club room. She finds the door open so she becomes curious and decides to check it out. Inside, she finds the girl in the magazine [from chapter 11].

I still love Yukito-Kotori scenes ^^ They are sweet and cute. That is really a strange way of taking back the first kiss. ^^; I give Yukito high points on how he handled this problem. I can easily see Kotori’s charm here. I think it’s rare for a girl to be not bother by all the sweat that she hugs him and would even smell him. Lol. She is so easy to please but then, she is quite naïve that she still didn’t know that Yukito is jealous over the game character, Hikaru. Even if Yukito and Kera can be childish and all that, I find it somewhat mature for Kera to give up on Kotori. Rather than mess their friendship up, Kera decides to just let it go. I think Yukito has a sweet tooth since with Kera and Kotori, he would associate a particular candy with them. =P Haha, is that a good basis? Well, he does carry a lollipop around before he met Kotori. About Aki’s want to know everything, I guess that is understandable but since she keeps on nagging about it that it irritated Kera. I guess he doesn’t want her to suspect that he still have some feelings for Kotori. This reminds me of a question before about when one is going steady, should one tell everything about oneself including past relationships? It is good to be honest and everything but what if they break up and the other partner starts to gossip about the secrets you told him/her. That is a problem. The story seems to be going back to the best friend part. I wonder if she’ll know Natsume’s real identity..I’m sure she is that girl in the magazine. ^^ I wonder if Natsume did something to Harada, I didn’t see her around lately. Scans by Tongyanen

Quote of the day:
A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Grayman, Reborn, and PSYREN
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 @ 11:29 a.m.

Urahara wakes up and looks at Shinji who is still a hollow in Bleach [c. -97]. He decides to go out for some air when he and Tessai are being arrested by guards from the Central 46. In the Central 46, they are accused of performing ‘hollow transformation’ experiments. Urahara tries to tell them that it is all Aizen’s fault but they all have witnesses who have seen Aizen inside. Their proof is the hollows of Shinji and the others in Urahara’s division hence they are sentenced to imprisonment/exile. They suggest that Shinji and others be dealt with as hollows. Urahara tries to protest when Yoruichi arrives and helps them escape. Yoruichi also brought Shinji and others in some place. Urahara prepares to make gigais for the them except for Yoruichi who is just going to escape. Then, they are going to hide out in the human world. Urahara hopes to find a way to reverse the hollow transformation and from the looks of it, he wasn’t able to so they ended up becoming vizards. Back to the present, Shinji tells the others that they owe Urahara and Aizen for what they have become. They now all head out probably to fight Aizen and others. So, that explains the exile and why Shinji and others become like that. I guess the next chapter will be the start of multiple fight scenes again. Hm..also, I guess Ichigo’s level is only at espada 4 – Ulquiorra since the others are going to deal with Aizen and the top 3 espada.

The grandpa frog tells the others how Jiraiya is killed and shows them the code that he left behind for them in Naruto [c. 405]. Naruto blames Tsunade for letting Jiraiya go and even said that if Jiraiya would have been the hokage, he won’t let Tsunade go. Naruto left as Tsunade is obviously trying to keep things to herself even if she is hurt by Jiraiya’s loss. Kakashi apologizes for Naruto’s behavior but grandpa frog is okay with it since it is obvious that Naruto really loves Jiraiya and he hopes that Naruto is the prophesized child. Naruto remembers all the times he was with Jiraiya. He is so down that he turns down Iruka’s offer for a free ramen. That night, Naruto is crying near a bench while holding a twin popsicle that Jiraiya used to offer to him. Iruka comes to comfort and cheers him up. It works as Naruto stopped crying and thanks Iruka. The next day, Shikamaru is tasked to break the code with the help of the code breakers since Tsunade has finally at her limit that she starts to cry while remembering the time when she first met Jiraiya. Well, the chapter is practically grieving over Jiraiya. I think it’s more painful to grieve if there is no body to grieve to. It does seem that Iruka is closer to Naruto than Kakashi since Iruka is the one who cheers him up. Iruka is such a good role model of a teacher even if he isn’t the powerful type of character. ^^

Everything is in chaos in Shabondy when news of Luffy sending the tenryubito spreads like wild fire in One Piece [c. 504]. Some pirates decide to evacuate while others decide to stay. In Mariejoa, Sengoku is getting a headache because of Luffy and his crew. They think that the tenryubito are made hostages so Kizaru decides to go there himself. Inside the auction house, the one in charge of the place reports to Doflamingo since Doflamingo is the owner of that place. Doflamingo tells him he doesn’t care about that anymore because the new era is coming. He informs him they, Shichibukai, have been called by the marines to fight with White Beard and his crew. The marines have already surrounded the auction house and they were surprise when they learned that Kizazu is coming with a certain troops. Meanwhile, to the Strawhats’ surprise, Silvers removes Camie’s collar using his bare hands. Since the keys that Franky found are useless, he decides to give them to the other slaves to free themselves and escape. Silvers notices that the other pirates, Law and Kidd aren’t effected by his power so he muses that they are not ordinary pirates. They also know who Silvers is. Luffy asks why does Silvers want to meet him but Silvers tells him that they will talk after they get out of there. The marines call out for them to give up before an admiral arrives there. This made Law and Kidd think that they are now tagged as accomplices of Strawhats. Kidd tells them that he will deal with the ones in front since he is leaving. Because of their pride, Law and Luffy also goes out with Kidd. The plan is for Zoro and others to also charge through in front while Silvers and others will go the other way. They are all to meet in Grove 13. The giant, along with the other captives, will be escaping, too. The giant says if they meet again, he’ll repay that debt. The marines attack the three captains with cannons but it is futile as they use their devil fruit powers. Nice of them to cooperate ^^ Just like Bleach, next chapters will be a lot of fighting. The whole arc is becoming like marines vs pirates.

D. Gray-man [c. 163] starts with a flashback of Johnny and the others hiding the dangerous experiments and Rabi found them. They have no choice but to show him the room which is said to be haunted because experiments were done there before. Lurking behind them is the ghost of the woman. Back to present, Komui insists to the ghost that he cannot stop the move since it is the decision of the top people. He tells her that it is useless to threaten the ‘middle men’. The ghost then gives up as she says she is just asking if that will work. She tells them her story about being brought there and subjected into experiments until she died. She says she is envious because there is no one who would sacrifice himself for her. Komui tells her it isn’t like that for they are there in order for them to be able to live together. The ghost goes out of Reever’s body and goes to Rinali as the ghost exclaims that she also want happiness. Komui and Reever shout at the ghost but the room suddenly shake because of the generals catching up with Allen and the others. Everyone is then bitten except for Johnny who cries over being powerless to save the others. The ghost has then possessed Rinali and tells Komui and others that they aren’t going to leave that place as they will all be infected with the virus. Hm..I guess the ghost is just lonely that she doesn’t want them to leave especially after what the people there before had done to her. It is amusing that they are all defeated just by one single ghost. ^^; I wonder who will save them all.

Takeshi recognizes Genkishi from the Squalo’s video in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 198]. Genkishi informs him that he deliberately lost so that Millefiore can be formed. He tells Takeshi that he did a couple of things in order for Takeshi to have an advantage. First, the place has an artificial rain which is Takeshi’s attribute and second, Genkishi will fight bare-handed. He is doing this because Takeshi is a Vongola. Takeshi isn’t too happy that he is being looked down upon. When Genkishi unleash his killing intent, Takeshi realizes that he is in trouble because it is more fierce than Reborn’s. Takeshi decides to try and make Genkishi draw his sword. He attacks but Genkishi evades it. Genkishi made himself into two and stab Takeshi’s throat. Meanwhile, Irie is pleased that things are going as planned with the defeat of Ryohei, injury of Hayato and making Takeshi face Genkishi. He got a couple of news from his men. The good news is that his henchmen at the Vongola hideout tell him that they are in battle with Hibari. They currently have the upper hand and it will be a matter of time before they defeat Hibari. The bad news is they learned that Spanner lied about Tsuna after they analyzed the mosca data. They tried to find Spanner to explain but he is currently missing. Irie orders Gingerbread and Iris to find Tsuna and if Spanner did betrayed him, they can kill Spanner. Elsewhere, Tsuna is already using the lens that Spanner gave him. His vision is blurry so Spanner tells him that it needs to be tuned up which takes 20 minutes. Tsuna is worried about the others but Reborn says they can’t do anything but pray that everyone is alright since they don’t have contact with the others. I hope the Takeshi that Genkishi has stabbed is just an illusion. He still haven’t used the new technique he had used so he can’t be fatally injured yet. They already know of Spanner missing and could be together with Tsuna. Is that a good chance of Spanner teaming up with Tsuna’s group? Things aren’t looking good for the good guys.

Everyone thinks that Kagetora is a yakuza but Kagetora tries to convince them that he isn’t one in PSYREN [c. 27] . He also tells them the story on how he met Matsuri. It was when he got hit by a bullet by a rival gang though he tried to alibi that it was an accident. He thinks that Matsuri is the one who saved her so he lives for her but then, when Matsuri found him then, she was practically laughing at him. ^^; Amamiya warns the other telepathically not to mention anything about psyren else, they’ll die. Matsuri tells them that the test is to try to hit Kagetora in the face. If they do that, they would have learned the basics of ‘rise’. They were shock as Kagetora assures them that he will use only 50% of his strength on them. They ask Matsuri if there is a trick to it. Matsuri says they need to have a bigger mental picture in order to use ‘rise’. Kagetora adds that it is learned through experience. Kagetora attacks them and they are all down. Kagetora tells them that their injury is already healing fast means they are already using rise but are unconscious of it. He decides to keep on attacking them until they get the mental picture of something. Yoshina and Hiryuu decide to give it a try. The other two guys don’t want to join in. Outside, Amamiya is surprised that Matsuri has already been in the siren tower once and have met the silver haired guy that Amamiya mentioned. She got in and was surrounded by some people which includes the silver haired guy who wants her dead since she is part of the resistance. Dholaki, silver haired guy called themselves as the Wise, rulers of that world. He wanted to ask her some questions but the others attacked her. She managed to escape and the warning in the card is true about not going there unless one is very strong.

Amamiya can’t believe that Matsuri lied to her about going to the tower will turn one into ash. Matsuri apologizes and says that she thought that if she tell her about it, she might do something reckless. She thinks that now, even if Amamiya does something reckless, she has comrades to help her out. They go in to find that Yoshina and Hiryuu still being beaten up by Kagetora but then, they pretty much get a mental picture of things and decide to try again. Oboro tells Yoshina he’ll hug him if it hurts. Yoshina freaks out over this. Amamiya is telling Kabuto that they’ll do a different training for him but Kabuto has already ran away. Midway running, Kabuto thinks he is interested in psi but that is too crazy. He then wonders if he can earn money with it without doing much. Inside, Hiryuu is already unconscious. Kagetora is finishing Yoshina when he mentally tells himself that he has to evade this. He suddenly finds himself jumping away fast and crashing into the wall. Yoshina is surprised by what he did. Hehe, I actually thought that the author is planning on a running gag on Yoshina not being able to really do it until they are in psyren. From past training, it is obvious that he is strong but he can’t control the power so I guess that is why he get tossed. I guess Yoshina and Hiryuu are more suitable for this training because they are used to fighting. Kabuto is more on running away. I wonder if he is planning to sell the card or tell about psyren to earn some money from it. Oboro does have an attachment to Yoshina that amuses me. Is he gay or he finds Yoshina cute and interesting like having a pet animal? Oboro is also unsuitable for fighting. The author is really changing the cliché gender roles here and I’m happy about it since it makes things interesting. I also like the chibi drawings. ^^ About the Wise, I wonder if Nemesis Q is part of that group like there is a traitor in their group or well, maybe it’s just a game for him/her.

Quote of the day:
A teacher's purpose is not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image. ~ Author Unknown

Hanayome-sama wa 16 Sai [Chapter 3]
Monday, June 23, 2008 @ 11:42 a.m.

In section II-C of an exclusive girls school, a nun tells everyone that because of what happened to Tamaki’s mother, Tamaki has been adopted by her relatives and now, she is called Ohtori Tamaki. The other students exclaim isn’t Ohtori that famous make-up brand. A girl says that she uses that brand. They can’t believe it that Tamaki is a relative of the Ohtori. The nun tells them to be quiet. She then informs them because they have to formalize the papers and everything that is why Tamaki has to be absent for three days so she hopes the others will help Tamaki catch up with the lessons. Tamaki greets the others. She thinks to herself that she won’t dare say it that she is already the wife of that company’s president [sachou] and the last three days is really their honeymoon. After school dismissal, Tamaki is talking with Saki, her friend in the hallways as the other girls are getting ready to leave the school. Tamaki tells Saki the truth about everything. Saki exclaims in disbelief that Tamaki got married to Ohtori’s president because of the will. Tamaki quickly whispers to her not to say it out loud. Saki says that she never thought of the real reason behind the ‘relative’ and ‘adopted’ mentioned by the nun. Tamaki says that is the alibi because their school is very strict. Saki giggles as she says she never thought that Tamaki will be a woman ahead of her. Tamaki tells her that she haven’t done it yet because she isn’t going to do it unless she likes him. Saki is surprised that nothing happened in the honeymoon. She asks Tamaki about her husband, does he like her. Tamaki says that she doesn’t know. He says things that are cruel and likes to tease her yet at times, he is nice and makes her happy. Tamaki thinks to herself that she also doesn’t know if he is a good or a bad guy.

They were interrupted by some girls screaming over a sports car by the gate. They wonder whom is that guy going to fetch and whose boyfriend is that guy is. Saki looks out the window and exclaims that it is really a nice car. Tamaki is shock to see that it is Shinga. She quickly bids goodbye to Saki and runs off. While running out, Tamaki thinks to herself as to what is this all about. What is he thinking coming there at school? She is already outside and calls out him, ah.. Before she can continue, Shinga asks why did she turned her mobile phone off. Tamaki is surprised then remembers Shinga giving her a mobile phone. Shinga says that because she doesn’t have one, so he gave her one yesterday. Tamaki pulls out the phone from her pocket and says she haven’t used it yet. She quickly goes back to ask why is he there. Her school is very strict and if they learn about the marriage, she will definitely be expelled from school. Shinga isn’t listening as he just says, really, if there is an emergency and I can’t contact you, what’s the use of giving you a phone? He then carries her on his shoulder. Tamaki is protesting but before she knew it, she is already in the car which speeds away. She can only shout where are they going. The other students have seen her. From the window, Saki can’t believe that is Tamaki’s husband..a super goodlooking guy. The couple are now in front of a huge Japanese styled house. Tamaki looks at the name plate and it says Ohtori. Shinga says it is uncle, the chairman/president [kaichou] of Ohtori Group. [Note: I researched about shachou and kaichou in a Japanese company hierarchy context. Hehe, I tend to be confused about it since it means somewhat the same in the Chinese dictionary ^^; Shachou is the president/CEO that runs the company aka company president. Kaichou is the chairman who is above the shachou. That person can be a representative of the board of directors in a stock company. Usually a former shachou occupies this post as a honorary post. It is like Tamaki’s dad in Ouran is the shachou while Tamaki’s grandmother is the kaichou.]

Tamaki is shock. Shinga explains that he has heard that because of not informing his uncle about their marriage, his uncle is offended. He has no choice but for them to go there and send their regards. Tamaki thinks to herself that isn’t the chairman the person with the highest authority. She asks Shinga if it is okay for her to just dress up like that [in her uniform]. Won’t the chairman be angry? Shinga grabs her imaginary rabbit ears and says it’s okay. Tamaki thinks, no way! Inside, Shinga’s uncle and aunt meet them as a long line of servants bow. His uncle says that [he/they] finally showed up. He glares at Tamaki who is surprised by this. She quickly bows and introduces herself. Shinga says because she is quite nervous, they had arrived late. The uncle says, hmph then starts to leave. His uncle tells Shinga to follow him for he wants to talk to him. The aunt then invites Tamaki to a tea ceremony. She menacingly tells her that through the tea ceremony, one can distinguish a person’s thoughts and breed. I really want to drink a cup of tea with the girl that Shinga has chosen. Tamaki is really scared as she thinks that she has seen her mother doing that before. She looks at Shinga as if to ask for help. Shinga smiles and asks if she wants him to get her to wear an interesting kimono. Tamaki is nervous about that so she quickly just says that she is fine with what she is wearing. She angrily wonders what’s the deal with that smile. I definitely won’t depend on you! She follows the aunt and meets with the other relatives. A middle aged woman introduces herself as Shinga’s ‘auntie’ [second cousin/father’s cousin]. Holding the shoulders of a young lady, the ‘auntie’ says she is her daughter, Ruriko. A man says he is the second son of the chairman, Takagi and the one behind him is his sister, Ayame. Tamaki says it is nice to meet them. She thinks that she feels that they aren’t welcoming her.

Tamaki is surprised when the second cousin sudden shouts that she cannot accept this kind of sloppy girl. What is this about obeying the will to get married. Ruruko is quite pitiful. Ruriko tells her mother not to talk about it anymore. Takagi laughs and says it seems that Shinga isn’t satisfied with this kind of marriage. He approaches Tamaki and says if she is someone whom Shinga truly loves then in this important visit, he would have not let her go there, wearing a school uniform. It’s hard to say if after graduation, you will still be liked. Tamaki holds her hands tight and wonders what’s up with these people. In a small room, everyone is sitting in seiza position as the aunt is making the tea. Tamaki keeps her cool and politely thanks the aunt for inviting her [to the tea ceremony]. Tamaki tells herself that she will not lose to these people who hate her. The aunt says that she is very honored that Tamaki is able to accept the invitation and she tells her to feel comfortable. Then, the aunt and everyone else stare at Tamaki with that arrogant look. Tamaki becomes nervous as she feels that it is a cue for her to say something. She wonders what should she say. She tries to remember what her mother would say from the very start. It is my first time so there is no one whom she could consult about this. She then sees a scroll calligraphy on the wall. She wonders if she should praise the scroll. She mentally calls out to her mother as she exclaims that this scroll is not bad.

Meanwhile, in a different room, the uncle asks Shinga as to what is he thinking. Are you really serious about being married to that girl? Shinga says he is serious and didn’t he saw the will. The uncle doesn’t believe him because how could Shinga just respect his parent’s will when Shinga doesn’t even listen to him and went on to expand the business on his own. Shinga tells him to please not meddle with the way he does things. The business is okay. Other things are okay. This is how I do things. His uncle wasn’t able to say anything. Shinga stands up and bids him goodbye. He says he is going to look for Tamaki around there since she is surely in the process of being given a difficult training by aunt and the others. Just as he leaves, his uncle comments that Shinga is like his father, attached to that woman. Shinga passes by the tea room and overhears his aunt exclaims that scroll is a national treasure written by a certain Torigawa Harudo[?]. She laughs and says that even if she tell Tamaki the name, she won’t know who that is anyway. Shinga smiles a bit and thinks that it seems that Tamaki is being bullied by the others. Inside, Tamaki can only mutter that indeed, she doesn’t know the author. She thinks that in saying that, she didn’t do anything wrong. The aunt asks Tamaki to read the scroll. The other women laugh and whisper that Tamaki can’t read it. To their surprise, Tamaki can read it. She says ‘A Bundle/Roll One Iron’. It means that ‘in a roll of iron wires, one can pull just the end of the iron wire until it’s straight. Not giving up, continuously pulling it [to untangle the roll/mess to untangle the problem].’ It means wishing for me and Shinga to always be together no matter what happens. So, for this reason, that [scroll] is hanged there. Tamaki smiles and thanks them.

Shinga overhears this. He looks surprised and smiles as he is pleased while the aunt and others are also silent and displeased that Tamaki turned the tables on them. The aunt says that Tamaki can really talk, did she depend on that mouth to please Shinga. The others are smirking and laughing. Tamaki becomes red [because she’s being laughed at] and wonders what does the aunt meant by that. They were interrupted when Shinga slides open the door and tells her aunt to give him a cup of tea, too. He asks what’s up this kind of tea ceremony. The aunt tries to explain but Shinga interrupts saying that he has overheard everything outside and he thinks that this isn’t the formal type of tea ceremony. The aunt is surprised and speechless. Shinga pulls up Tamaki and tells the others, let me tell this out front. When you humiliate Tamaki, it is really towards the head of the Ohtori family – my humiliation. I would want you all to remember that clearly. Tamaki is surprised about he said. Then, Shinga leads her away and tells her that they are going. The aunt is flustered and embarrassed. Ruriko is also surprised and holds her fan tightly. At the hallway, Tamaki pulls her hand from Shinga’s hold. Tamaki exclaims that he knew from the start that she isn’t welcomed there and that this will actually happen, didn’t he. But, why should I wear this [uniform] when you brought me here? Shinga says I want to let the others know what kind of person is my wife and isn’t this the best way? Tamaki is surprised and asks what does he mean by that..didn’t he know what she felt. Holding her wrist and pulling her to him so that his face is close to her, Shinga says, no matter how old you are, what you wear, you are my wife! I don’t care what other people think!

Tamaki is flustered and says it is really strange. She thinks to herself, that Shinga tends to do things as he wishes and made her go around in circles. I don’t know what he is thinking. I also don’t know what does he think of me. Shinga is surprised when Tamaki says, Shinga, I hate you..I hate you! I hate Shinga! Shinga then kisses her on the lips. Tamaki wonders why he did that. Shinga says I won’t allow. I won’t allow you to hate me! Take back what you said! But my name, call it like how you did a while ago. Tamaki is at first confused then blushes beet red when she realizes that she just called out his name. Shinga says that she said before that she wants to get along with him and that means she likes him. Then, say that you like me. Say it. Shinga starts to keep on kiss Tamaki deeply. Then, Tamaki realizes that Shinga plans to keep on kissing until she calls his name and for her to say that she likes him. Tamaki pushes him then says I know already. I..I don’t hate you..! But, I still won’t say that I like Shinga! Tamaki blushes then quickly runs off saying that she is going to the toilet. Shinga smiles and touches his lips. In the toilet, Tamaki washes her face. She thinks to herself that her face has become really hot. Kissing me like that..when obviously he doesn’t like me..why would he kiss me like that?

I think Shinga does like her or else why would he save her from his relatives and warned them of the implication of humiliating Tamaki. He also made her take back what she said about hating him. From his personality, it does seem unlikely for him to just follow a will to get married to someone he didn’t know. I can't blame her for not wanting to say that she likes him because of what happened in their first night together. She might be laughed at and teased more if she admitted it. He is quite cunning that he wants her to admit first. Also, I think a reason why she is confused about him liking her or not is because of his personality. As his uncle said, he tends to do things as he wishes and he also doesn't care what others think. That is how he tends to deal with her and the others. After all, he is depicted as a cat by the author. So, she will tend to equate teasing and him being forceful with her as 'he doesn't like me'. I do think that part of Shinga’s personality might get Tamaki in trouble later on if he is still reckless in doing what he wants. I’m referring to the school knowing that Tamaki is married. This is a strict school run by nuns. I’m actually surprised that Shinga still has relatives who are quite mean and dominating. It seems that Ruriko is suppose to be married to Shinga and she has a crush on him. I’m guessing that aside from looking down on Tamaki, they could be bullying her just to get back at Shinga. I’m assuming they are jealous of him or hate him. I’m imagining some rivalry between Shinga and Takagi for the head of the family or popularity. Even if their family has a group of families, based on Tamaki’s classmates’ reaction, they only mentioned Ohtori being famous for make-up which is under Shinga. I think Shinga is more modern and western in his approach just basing on his mansion’s design in contrast with his uncle’s Japanese style house and they all wear kimonos. I guess Shinga’s family relationship with the uncle isn’t that good that Shinga didn’t bother telling them about his marriage. So, I can understand why Shinga’s parent would want him to marry a friend’s daughter. ^^ From the looks of things, it seems like everyone vs them and hopefully, Tamaki will learn of Shinga’s true feelings because the others can easily ‘twist’ things to intimidate and sow doubts in Tamaki’s mind. Here, it is the aunt, cousin and other relatives. In the last chapter, it was the secretary and maids. I guess that’s another reason why Tamaki thinks Shinga doesn’t like her. Scans by Tongyanen

Quote of the day:
God always gives enough strength for the next step. ~ Our Daily Bread

Random Blahs: Vampire Knight [Chapter 41] Teaser
Saturday, June 21, 2008 @ 02:39 p.m.

This is the summary from gougouzhizuozu forum by 镜花水月. I’m just translating it as is and there are things that I’m not quite sure since they didn’t quite make sense or I understood it wrong so it might not be accurate ^^; It seems to be a great chapter from the summary. The ones in ( ) are also her comments. The colored page is a beautiful spread of Yuuki and Kaname. Zero is not present in the chapter. Senri wakes up and goes to sleeping Rima’s side and apologizes to her. He decides to stand at the opposite side [be an enemy] of his father, Rido. Takuma then goes to tell Ruka and Kain that their enemy are the vampires in the council of ancients (After Yuuki decides to stay behind, Kaname protects the day class from the front of the courtyard. Then, Takuma learns the truth about the council that he decides to be with Kaname.) Hanabusa’s expression is so cute.

镜花水月 then wrote she wasn’t able to look further because her family doesn’t allow her to read manga and she doesn’t want the other pedestrians to look at her strangely. She wrote that in the end, Yuuki and Kaname stayed behind because they probably don’t want to run away. At the school park, Yuuki wears her day school uniform and takes her ‘hunting goddess’ Artemis weapon. Her weapon changes into a sickle scythe. [Thanks again alyzzahp ^^] (No doubt that it is the one that is used by Western god of death [Shinigami]) P.S. the director holding the sword looks cool (love him), Zero's teacher and director also knew the association is controlling all of this from behind. (Then, face-to-face with the association head who came to the school) <- [Not sure about this one]

镜花水月 says I feel like there is a big progress for ‘Kaname x Yuuki’ because.. Yuuki kissed Kaname on her own initiative!!! Kaname is most likely moved by Yuuki’s words. In addition to one’s own initiative and the kiss, the decision is to stay behind. That is what 镜花水月 remembered from the chapter that she peeked and it seems she still has a test so she will scan it later on. Someone asked what is Kaname’s reaction to the kiss. 镜花水月 replied Kaname is very shock that his eyes are wide open. Hehe, I got to see that and also, Yuuki's new weapon among other things. Thanks to alyzzahp for the info that the spoilers are out in baidu ^^

Edit: I have seen the raws. It is indeed like everyone is now going to a fight. hehe The director looks like Zero without his glasses and his hair down. ^^; I guess Yuuki wearing her uniform is like symbolizing that she is still a perfect. In the cover, is that Zero's hand below? Anyway, here is the link: http://tieba.baidu.com/f?kz=415150886

Random Blahs: Two Series that Ended
Friday, June 20, 2008 @ 02:31 p.m.

Shinshi Doumei Cross has ended. Hehe, I just read the first few chapters and the last few chapters at the end. ^^; The way to solve the love triangle is get rid of the other guy by making him go away. The little twist in this one is even if the girl is married, the other guy who returned, isn’t going to give up. ^^;; Maybe he will when they get a kid already. =P He will then be demoted to ‘uncle’. The author has a new series and that is, Zettai Kakusei Tenshi Mistress Fortune. Geez, what a long title. I had seen it in crappy Chinese scans that I thought it is quite childish but reading it in English, it doesn’t seem that bad. I think the author is going back to a genre she is more comfortable with – magical girls. I’m actually amused that she immediately has a new series when usually, it takes some time for authors to think of a new series. Then, the super long series of Inu Yasha has ended. I lost track of it a couple or more years then I learned it ended so I just read the last chapter just to see who ends up with who. Hehe, it is an okay ending of Kagome going to the past and living with Inu Yasha after she graduate. Everyone is happy and the end. ^^

Random Blahs: News about VK2 anime and SB! anime
Thursday, June 19, 2008 @ 09:19 p.m.

Are you still watching Vampire Knight anime? If you didn’t read the tagboard, according to bleachop from BW, there will be a season two coming out by this December. The reaction in BW isn’t that good since some can’t bear to watch the anime because of the art. I can’t blame them. ^^; At times I feel like crying when I watch the anime. ^^;; For those who watched, they wonder if they will still cover the manga or just invent the rest of the story. I’m a bit lazy to estimate but my guess is the first season will Shizuka as the final boss then in the next one, it will be Rido. =P Speaking of Vampire Knight, in a different forum, someone bring up the question about Kaname’s choice of flower as the blue rose as to what it means. Ah, is the flower that he gave Yuuki in that crystal a blue rose? I’m just basing this info on the cover of Lala Special wherein Kaname is surrounded by blue roses. ^^; Blue roses can mean grant the owner youth or grant wishes. It can also mean impossible, unique, precious, honest or good. Hehe, someone even said it just meant blue blood. I’m intrigued with the meaning about hoping for a miracle/something unattainable especially about it’s Chinese/oriental meaning of hope against unattainable love. Well, the last one about love is from wiki so take it with a grain of salt. That made me think that Kaname will not end up with Yuuki in the end. Diva from Blood+ is associated with blue roses and she didn’t exactly get a happy ending. Hehe, I wonder if the author actually researched about it and if it is applicable to Kaname but then, most mangaka tend to know their floriography – language of flowers.

Then, it is official that there will be a Skip Beat! anime. Someone in BW said it is tentatively on autumn season so probably by October. The other info is director: Kiyoko Sayama, series composition: Sekijima Mayor and anime studio: HAL Film Maker. Let’s hope it turn out to be a good one and didn’t ruin the character designs much ^^ In the manga, the latest arc is basically about Kyouko trying to get in character with her new role but she isn’t doing well that the other co-stars are looking down on her. My guess is right that the author tend to switch back and forth from work theme to romance theme per arc. I’m not to enthusiastic about summarizing that. Today, I’m a bit tired from work so I wasn’t able to summarize. Actually, I should have done some last night but I spend it trying to find the name of a new character in a series. Sigh, and it’s just one name. ^^; I’m going to summarizes the series with one chapter first then the series with multiple chapters out. Hehe, I’ll take my time since they aren’t exactly ‘popular’ ones. =P The popular ones are tentatively coming out by next week and I won’t want to have a ‘burnout’ by then. ^^ I hope scans will come out early again..exams are finished, right? Haha, unless everyone goes on a vacation this time. =P

Chocolate Cosmos [Chapter 10]
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 @ 03:58 p.m.

Sayuki tells Katsuya that she has something to tell him. Katsuya turns around and asks what is it. Sayuki psyche herself that this is it. She says, I like you, sensei. Sayuki braces for his answer as she thinks to herself that she has finally said it. Katsuya says, thanks, I’m very happy but I’m sorry. It is best for a student to go steady with another student. Sayuki looks at him and asks if he answered that way is because she is a student. Katsuya says Sayuki is a student. Sayuki looks down and says really. Then, she quickly runs off. Sayuki is in tears as she feels like she is a fool. That night, she is moping in her bedroom when her friends visit her since they are worried about her for not answering her phone. Seeing Sayuki wiping her tears, they tell her not to force herself to tell them if she doesn’t want to. Mina exclaims that even if she is dumped, she should try to start once again with a new love. Sayuki asks who is dumped. Her friends are puzzled and asks isn’t it so? Sayuki says she has been rejected but she isn’t going to give up. At first, her brain became blank but later on, she became angry. She is angry for being just categorized as a ‘student’ by Katsuya and not rejected as herself ‘Sakurai Sayuki’. Mina comments that she is quite strong. Sayuki says not really, it is because even if she force herself to change the way she thinks, she cannot escape her own feelings. She decided not to run away.

The next day in school, she tells herself not to run away yet she wonders how is she going to face Katsuya. When Sayuki enters the classroom, she notices that some girls are talking about her. Her friends tell her that the situation is really bad. Shiori points for them to be quiet. It turns out that Sayuki’s confession has been seen by someone at school and now, rumors are going wild that she even dare come to school after being rejected. She is now the talk of the whole school that even Youshi and Kaji overheard about it. In class, Sayuki is really gloomy since she can no longer go near Katsuya because of the rumors. Just then, Katsuya comes in their classroom to talk to a student. Sayuki looks at him and thinks that it’s been a long time since she heard his voice and she wanted to talk to him. She then caught herself when she overhears some girls gossiping that Saiyuki is looking at Katsuya and Katsuya must have been troubled by the confession. Youshi slams something and says that he doesn’t want to hear such nonsense talk when he’s around. The girls ask why is he angry when it has nothing to do with him. Youshi says yes, it does. Pointing to Sayuki, Youshi exclaims this person and I are going steady! How could she confess to that uncle Katsuya! Youshi grabs stunned Sayuki and runs out of the classroom.

At the hallway, Sayuki slaps away Youshi’s hand and asks what is that all about. Youshi angrily shouts that it is because he is angry that people are gossiping about it when they didn’t even know of the real situation. Sayuki shouts then what about his claim that she is his girlfriend. Youshi exclaims that it is what he can think of in that situation. Sayuki isn’t happy about it being told to everyone especially since Katsuya is there. Kaji and Mina go to the two and say that it is a good plan to stop the rumors if Youshi pretends to be Sayuki’s boyfriend. That way, Sayuki can get near Katsuya again without being talked about by others. At first, Youshi protest over the idea but Kaji convinces him that even if it’s just pretend and to cover up things up, the fact doesn’t change that he is still the boyfriend so shouldn’t he be happy. Youshi agrees to it even as Sayuki tells him that she isn’t asking him to do that. Shiori tells Sayuki that it is best for the rumors to die out soon before it reaches the ears of the other teachers. For the school, it isn’t good and if there is any problem that arises, she feels that the first one who will be held responsible will be Katsuya.

After classes, Katsuya answers Sayuki’s call. She apologizes for the trouble the rumors had caused but everything is okay now since the rumors will quickly die down. Katsuya then opens the window and finds Sayuki sitting on the ground. Sayuki exclaims and asks how did he knew he was there. Katsuya says he can hear her voice from outside. He asks if she meant that everything is okay is because she is going steady with Youshi. Sayuki tells him that it is just pretend in order for the rumors to die down. She then tells him that she isn’t going to give up [on him]. Katsuya asks so she is going steady with Youshi. Sayuki says it is just pretend. She’ll just go home with Youshi for the mean time but they won’t do anything else outside. Katsuya says that’s quite interesting. You really don’t understand why you are rejected. It is best for you to really go steady with Youshi. Sayuki becomes gloomy and shouts why should she, the one she likes is.. Katsuya says who? Sayuki is furious and tells Katsuya that she really doesn’t understand why she is rejected because he didn’t tell her what he is really thinking. Say it more clearly! They were interrupted by Youshi who is looking for Sayuki. Sayuki tells him to go home ahead of her for he doesn’t have to accompany her everyday. Youshi angrily shouts what is she saying, the first day is the most important. Sayuki shouts for him not to force her. Youshi answers back if she thinks that it is okay for them [Sayuki and Katsuya] to be together like that now. Sayuki relents and decides to leave with Youshi. Looking at Katsuya, Youshi says goodbye, sensei. Katsuya looks speechless as he looks at the two leaving. Katsuya remembers Sayuki saying that he didn’t tell her what he really thinks nor clearly say it. He just says it makes one feel annoyed.

Honestly, my favorite scene in this chapter is Youshi helping Sayuki by telling everyone she is his girlfriend. Just for that, I hope Youshi finds the one for him if Sayuki ends up with Katsuya. I think it’s hard to pretend to be someone’s lover especially if deep down you know that person is in love with someone else. It’s like a choosing playing lover to at least experience what it’s like as a cherish memory or spare oneself from the hurt if the pretend is over. Maybe Youshi is also hoping that Sayuki would fall for him. It is a gamble. Sayuki is indeed brave enough to face Katsuya after being rejected. Well, because of Katsuya’s lame excuse of a rejection, Sayuki isn’t giving up yet. I guess Sayuki just wants to confirm if she isn’t a student anymore, would he change his mind? I’m not quite sure what Katsuya meant about being annoyed though. Annoyed over Sayuki wanting to know the reason of the rejection or annoyed at seeing the two together? I guess we’ll know by next chapter. Scans by Tongyanen.

Quote of the day:
Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice. ~ Wayne Dyer

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Grayman, Reborn, and PSYREN
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 @ 10:40 a.m.

Shinji claims to have knew that Aizen is up to now good that is why he made him his lieutenant to keep a close eye on him in Bleach [c. -99-98]. To Shinji’s shock, Aizen tells him that the one who has been following him for the last month is actually someone else. If Shinji had interacted with him like Shinji would the others, he would have learned that the one behind him is a fake. Aizen reveals his power which he called, absolute hypnosis. He also tells Shinji that it isn’t that Shinji chose him but he chose Shinji because Shinji always keep his distance from Aizen whom he distrust. Aizen provokes Shinji by blaming him as the reason why his friends are all lying down on the ground now. Shinji tries to draw his zanpaku but his hollow starts to spread on his face. He realizes that it isn’t only him but also the others. He shouts to Aizen as to what it happening. Aizen just notes that anger makes the hollow transformation faster. Shinji asks what does he mean but Aizen doesn’t plan on telling him. Hiyori is still standing and weakly calls out to Shinji. Aizen calls out to Tousen who then slashes Hiyori even as Shinji shouts for him to stop. Aizen thanks Shinji for being suspicious of him that he always kept himself distant from him and for making excellent test subjects. He tells him a betrayal that he knew will happen is better than a betrayal wherein one doesn’t know will happen. Just when he is about to finish of Shinji, Urahara blocks the attack. Urahara has arrive with Tessai. It seems that Tousen has been submissive to Aizen ever since before since he want to kill Urahara but was stopped by Aizen.

After chatting a bit with Shinji, Urahara glances at Hiyori then asks Aizen what is he doing. Aizen tries to tell him that he is innocent over what happened to others by claiming to try to help the others. Urahara tells him to quit lying because obviously they aren’t injured by made to become hollows. To Urahara’s surprise, Aizen looks more menacing as he says that Urahara is indeed the person he thought he was. Aizen is glad that Urahara is there and decides to retreat. Tessai tries to stop them but Aizen is too powerful to Tessai’s shock even if he is just a lieutenant. Realizing that Urahara seems to know something about the hollow transformation that the others are going through, Tessai decides to assist Urahara by using a forbidden technique to bring everyone to the twelfth division where Urahara has his equipment. Urahara tells Tessai that he discovered that a shinigami can become more powerful by undergoing into a hollow transformation. Urahara shows him the hougyoku which can save the others. I guess after he used the hougyoku to save the others, Aizen rat on him that all of them are exiled to the human world. I wonder when did Urahara did it in Rukia..when she is in the human world? Well, Aizen must have realized then that Urahara has already perfected hollow transformation or is into it that he is always spying on Urahara. If Urahara get exiled after this, that means while Aizen is trying to look for the hougyoku, he is still doing those hollow experiments that created hollows that attacked Renji and others + Kaien. In order not to make others too suspicious, instead of experimenting with shinigami, he started playing around with hollows. Also, it turns out that Aizen is already super strong already ever since before. At first, I wondered what’s the point of replacing himself with someone else, I then realized that Aizen wanted to prove to Shinji that even if he is close to him as Shinji thought, he can do something bad like this experiment somewhere else.

Naruto is on bed and remembers his encounter with Itachi before in Naruto [c. 403-404]. Flashback: Itachi tested Naruto’s determination in getting Sasuke back by saying him what if Sasuke attacks Konoha. Naruto insisted that he will stop Sasuke without killing him and once he gave his word, he never take it back. Itachi was pleased with his answer so he gave part of his power to Naruto and hoped that Naruto will never get to use it. Then, he left. End flashback. Naruto wonders what it is all about and if Sasuke is okay. Somewhere else, Sasuke started to believe what Tobi/Madara said because he remembed seeing Itachi cry that night. He still decided to do things his own way in rebuilding Uchiha clan and not as Itachi wanted. Later on, Kisame plans on leaving but decided to stay when Tobi reveals that he is Madara. Back at Konoha, Kakashi calls out to Naruto to see the Fifth. He notices Jiraiya’s frogs there so he thinks something is up but they don’t tell him what it is. At the Fifth’s office, Sakura and Sai are there including the other frogs. After some talk, they drop the bomb on Naruto that Jiraiya has died in battle. Back to some place, Sasuke tells the other he plans to kill off the heads of Konoha. After some skirmishes between Kisame and Suigetsu, Tobi proposes that Sasuke’s Taka work together with Akatsuki and they offer a bijuu [two tail] which is a monster of pure chakra. He did warn Sasuke not to betray them else he’ll die. Tobi says that they only need to get two other tailed beasts. Sasuke’s group will get the other one while Akatsuki will deal with Naruto, the kyuubi [nine tail]. The final part is Tobi talking with Zetsu that his plan went smoothly since he got Sasuke and now, he can attack Konoha without Itachi being an obstacle. Hehe, laugh now Tobi/Madara but Sasuke is a known backstabber. You might end up like Orochimaru. He’ll throw you away if you are already useless to him. It’s nice that Itachi also gave part of his power to Naruto. Itachi is really looking out for his brother and it is practical for him to help Naruto who is still being stubborn about bringing back Sasuke no matter what. ^^

The auction continues and this time, Carlos, another tenryubito joins in One Piece [c. 502-503]. Soon, Camie is presented and Carlos bid five hundred million beli. Nami and others are in a pinch since they don’t have that much money to outbid Carlos. Pappagg tries to stop Hachi from saving Camie since she already has a collar that can explode. Camie cannot hear what is happening from outside. Just when Kidd and other pirates are about to leave and the bid is about to be closed, Luffy who got Zoro with him crash into the building. Luffy tries to get Camie but Hachi tries to stop him. Hachi reveals his other arms that the people starts to hurl insults at him because he is a fishman. Pappagg tells Hachi to leave since he might make things worse that they would have to rescue him. Some men tries to stop Luffy but Strawhats are shock when Carlos shot Hachi. Carlos laughs out loud about having a free fishman slave. The other people are laughing and is glad about it since they fear they might get some disease from Hachi. Camie is crying and tries to break free from the aquarium. Luffy is furious that he walks toward Carlos. Hachi stops him saying that it is his fault since he just wanted to make up for the things he did to Nami and also, he deserves it because he is a pirate. He apologizes for always getting in the way and being useless. Carlos points the gun again at Hachi for talking after he was shot. Luffy angrily stares at Carlos and goes to him. To everyone’s shock, Luffy give Carlos a punch on the face. Everyone is totally shock but the other pirates seem pleased about it. Luffy then apologizes to his crew for doing it since an admiral is going after them. They approve of what Luffy did and decide that will be their plan – charge to rescue Camie and getting her key for the collar. Chopper then treats Hachi’s wound.

The audience starts to go out of the building when Roswald is shooting and screaming his head off about Luffy punching his son. Sanji kicks away the gun and starts to thrash Roswald’s guards. More guards appear and even try to get to Hachi and Chopper but Zoro protects them. Franky tries to get to Camie. Zoro manages to cut the top of the aquarium that Camie is in so she can now surface and calls out to the others. Usopp and others arrive. Usopp lands on Roswald’s head. Robin and Brook help out in the fight. Luffy informs Usopp that they are going to free Camie by getting that collar off her then they have to quickly leave before an admiral comes. Law, the pirate, tells Luffy that the marines have already surrounded the place though he doesn’t know what they are after. They were surprised when they hear that Shalulia [daughter tenryubito] decides to kill Camie whom everyone are after. Usopp, Robin and Zoro are poised to attack but then, Shalulia suddenly collapses. From behind, the giant carrying Silvers come out. Silvers tells the giant that he was right about the chaos there and he got his money back. He also planned to steal some money from whoever bought him. The guards are all shock since they don’t know how to handle a giant or recapturing prisoners. Hachi calls out to Silvers. He greets Hachi back and asks what is he doing there and why is he wounded. Looking at Camie and the situation, Silvers realizes Hachi is in trouble so the Strawhats save him. Silvers glare at the guards and they all collapse just like Shalulia. They were surprised over his power and when Silvers said that he wanted to meet Luffy. Things are really moving in this series. They are now going to face an admiral. Just as I expected, Luffy cannot just look away when people are being maltreated. Silvers is quite powerful and he has brains. I wonder what is he going to talk about to Luffy. Well, with Silvers with them, I’m sure they can easily escape there.

Suspecting that Crowley is also infected, Allen and others decides to get Komurin the robot to open the door in D. Gray-man [c. 162]. As they expected, Crowley kicks away Komurin’s head away and starts to attack them. Everyone is beaten up but Allen manages to hit Crowley in the stomach. Crowley spits out a bottle cap which Johnny says is the bottle that contains drug that made everyone into zombies. They realize the Crowley is the source of the infection and tries chasing after him but they ended up being chased by zombie generals. In a room, Reever is tying up Komui who just wake up and sees Rinali and another guy are tied up and gagged. Reever tells Komui that his body is doing this on its own. To Komui’s shock, he sees a decomposing woman from Reever’s body who threatens Komui to listen to her else she gets Reever to slit his own throat with a knife. At first, Komui even thought she is Reever’s illegitimate child. Lol It turns out that the woman just wants them to stop moving from that place. Komui tells her that she would have to talk to his boss since they are the ones in charge of that. Reever shouts in pain as the ghost made him cut his throat. Poor Reever. Hehe, I guess the ghost likes their company. Hm..I wonder what should they do to make the ghost happy. Will they stay or just bring the ghost to their new place for her to haunt? Also, I wonder if this arc is just a filler as in do not really contribute to the story. ^^;

Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 196-197] is mostly about Gamma’s flashback. Gamma and Tazaru went back to headquarters as they seem to be chased by some group. Gamma learned from Genkishi that their boss has passed away from illness. Gamma is devastated about it and he seems to have some affection towards her. A little girl then claimed to be the boss’ daughter. She is Uni and she has her mother’s pacifier. It turns out that Uni can read other people’s thoughts. Gamma doesn’t want to believe at first since Uni looks happy but he noticed that Uni’s sleeves is wet just like his boss’s was before when she hid the fact that she is crying. Gamma remembered talking with his boss before about her ability of seeing something which could be because of their blood or the curse. She told Gamma that she was taught to smile no matter what she saw with the hope that everyone around her are happy. Seeing the faint orange light on the pacifier, Gamma thought that with Uni, it will seem as if the boss is still alive within her. Gamma quickly pledged that he will protect Uni with his life. A short break from the flashback, Gamma tells Hayato that he plans to bring Byakuran down and Vongola is the stepping stone for him to do it. Hayato is confused and asks isn’t Byakuran his boss. Gamma then tells him as to why his family, Giglio Nero is forced to merge with Byakuran’s Gesso. Three months after Uni became boss, Genkishi came wounded. He told them that he is tasked to defeat a certain swordsman by Gesso in exchange of leaving them alone for five years. He had decided to do this since Uni doesn’t like fights. He apologized to Uni who said that she understands what he felt. Genkishi looks a bit nervous. Against the wishes of Gamma and the others, Uni decided to meet with Byakuran as she believed that she is the only one who can stop him.

Gamma and others escorted Uni to Gesso. A guy is about to lead them to a guest room but Uni can immediately tell that the other guy in the hallway is Byakuran. Gamma and another guy quickly tried to protect Uni. Byakuran said he expected a baby but he finds Uni charming. Uni replied that she thinks Byakuran looks ordinary than what she imagined. Byakuran immediately recognized that Gamma is one of the mare ring guardian and asked about the other one. Gamma told him that the mist guardian [Genkishi] is injured because of Byakuran’s plot. Byakuran just said that Uni’s family is responsible for protecting the mare rings which is part of the 7^3. Byakuran asked for a one on one talk with Uni. Uni accepted it. Gamma tried to protest but Uni calmed him down as if to hint that she already seen the outcome of the meeting. She smiled and hugged him then whispered something. Outside the meeting room, Gamma and a couple of bodyguards talked that it seemed that Uni has always been with the family as if she is the shadow of the former bosses. Her smile is like light to them. Gamma told them to stop that talk as if they are lolicon. They told him that he is the more guilty of that than them. Gamma said that he is still heartbroken about the former boss and Uni’s light is too bright for him. After the meeting, Uni told Gamma and others that they are going to merge with the Gesso family. Gamma held Uni asking what is she saying. Uni slapped his hand away saying that Byakuran is the only one who can touch her. Gamma looked at her eyes and realized that Uni isn’t there anymore. Gamma shouted at Byakuran as to what he did to Uni and tried to attack him but Uni shielded Byakuran. Afterwards, Gamma returned that box he got from Uni’s mother since he doesn’t intent to use it for Millefiore. He will use it only for their own family. Back to the present, Hayato still can’t reconcile the thought that Gamma doesn’t think of Byakuran and Irie as his comrades. Gamma informs him that within Black spell there are traitors and the most cunning of them all is Genkishi who sold their family. Elsewhere, Takeshi who is carrying Lal is trying to find his way out using the map but he kept on ending up in a dead end. He then notices a killer chi so he puts Lal down and prepares to battle. It is Genkishi whom Gamma accuses as the greatest traitor to their family yet the strongest swordsman of their era.

A lot of revelation in this two chapters. With Uni having a pacifier, I wonder if her family will become allies with Vongola later on. They have a good reason now since they also plan to bring Byakuran down. No wonder some Black spell members seem nice like Spanner as compared to people from White spell. From Gamma’s flashback, I think he will not die in this series else why provide a backstory. It somewhat amuses me that Giglio Negro has a bit of similarities with Vongola like Gamma’s being protective of the boss is like Hayato and the other guy beside the boss is a swordsman. With Gamma’s revelation about Genkishi, I guess he lied about the reason as to why he is injured. I’m guessing that he wants to live so he bargained that he be set free and in return get Uni to go to Gesso. Uni do know this but she decided to go anyway. I do wonder what Byakuran did to her. It made me think that this is part of the reason as to why Mukuro is intent in knowing the secret about Byakuran’s powers. Oh ya, I wonder if Byakuran will also do that to Tsuna as what he did with Uni. What would the others do then? I have the impression that it works on young people or something since Byakuran and others were forced to ‘kill’ the older Tsuna when they had a talk. It’s seems apparent that it didn’t work on him. Hm..Hayato vs Gamma isn’t really over yet and now, there is a fight between Takeshi and Genkishi. I wonder though about what will happen next after that fight since all of Tsuna’s members in the group has already fought and since three [Hayato, Ryohei and Lal] are either injured or down, things don’t look good unless they find Irie asap.

Tatsuo assures Yoshina that he is in his right mind again in PSYREN [c. 25-26] . He tells them a bit about what happened when he was captured. He said a guy with a core on his chest congratulated him for not turning into a monster after the core is implanted. The guy asked him questions as to where he is from but Tatsuo wasn’t able to answer. He then ordered Tatsuo to kill all psi users who oppose them. Tatsuo thanked Yoshina for saving him. Kabuto complains about being left behind so Amamiya carries him to where the others are. Oboro tells the others that he did what he can do so Amamiya tells the others that they should head back to the present in order to treat Hiryuu/Hiryuu. Oboro tells Tatsuo that the core is imbedded in him that he can’t remove it. Tatsuo is fine with it. Everyone starts to use their cards on the phone booth to go back to the present. Kabuto notices something from the mountain and exclaims but he already teleports back. Tatsuo gets the other half of Hiryuu’s dragon medallion then Hiryuu gets teleported. It is only when Yoshina is about to go that Tatsuo thanked him and said goodbye when Yoshina realized that Tatsuo lied about having a card to get back to the present. When Oboro teleported, he tells the others that Tatsuo has gone to find his card. He didn’t want to cause trouble since they have to save Hiryuu. Back at psyren, Tatsuo knows that he will die if the power from the core is used up. He can’t tell Yoshina about it since he did save him. He plans on finding a way to extend his life and a way to go back without a card. He promise to Hiryuu that they will meet again. Later on, Hiryuu wakes up and finds himself in Matsuri’s apartment. Matsuri tells him that he is lucky to be alive thanks to Yoshina and Oboro. A new guy named Ian claims to be the one who totally healed Hiryuu’s wound. Ian complains about being called to help and not wanting others to know about it else he will lose his peaceful life. Matsuri teases that Ian proposed to her 12x and she always turns him down. Ian exclaims that he doesn’t plan on giving up yet.

Hiryuu wants to ask about what happened in psyren but Matsuri motions for him to be quiet. Matsuri informs Hiryuu telepathically that Ian isn’t a drifter in psyren but just have that in born talent. She warns him not to talk about psyren in front of Ian else he’ll be dead. Ian senses that they are having a secret conversation so Matsuri told him that one day, she will tell him all about it. Matsuri then tells Hiryuu telepathically as to what happened according to Amamiya after he passed out. In Yoshina’s apartment, Yoshina’s sister cannot believe that Yoshina is friends with Oboro that she happily hugs Yoshina. Yoshina is just glad that he manages to escape from his sister’s torture session. Oboro is glad to help and asks if they can talk somewhere else. Yoshina tells him later after breakfast since his sister works hard on it. Oboro praises Yoshina’s sister’s cooking so she is really happy. Outside, they are glad that Hiryuu is okay. Oboro seems to have taken a break without his manager’s permission. They talk about the points in the cards which deducts according to the distance and difficulty of each trip. They think that they don’t have much chance to finish the game unless the become stronger and not rely on Amamiya too much. Yoshina is determined in order not to lose anything again. Amamiya tries to enter Matsuri’s place but Ian won’t let her since he thinks she is taking his time with Matsuri. Hiryuu comes out and had a talk with her. Hiryuu is okay with what happened with Tatsuo as he believes that Tatsuo can return and if not, he’ll just go to him. He tells Amamiya that he wants to become stronger. Yoshina and Oboro join them and say that this isn’t the time to be depressed for they have to move on.

In a warehouse, Matsuri plans to train them more since they were called earlier than expected before their training is complete. It seems that Amamiya manages to trick Kabuto to come with a promise of a date. Yoshina wants to learn ‘rise’. Matsuri says they will learn it and she made them know ‘burst’ first in order to be able to use psi efficiently. Amamiya wants to talk with Matsuri about the guy controlling the tavoo but Matsuri says they’ll talk while the guys are training. Matsuri has called someone else to teach them rather than relying on Amamiya. Kagetora, a yakuza looking guy arrives and claims to do anything for Matsuri. He asks who is the one he is going to beat up. This scares the boys. Matsuri laughs that Kagetora proposed to her 22 times and she turned him down. Hiryuu thinks this guy, too. Kagetora asks if he can use rise. Matsuri says he can. I’m really beginning to like this series as there are lots of funny and amusing characters and scenes. I hope Tatsuo does make it through. Yoshina did use Oboro to stop his sister from beating him up. It is indeed a change to read a shounen wherein the females are quite stronger [for now] than the guys that it is only the guys who need training. Well, their healer is a guy ^^;

Quote of the day:
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. ~ Edmund Burke

My 8-day Tour in Japan
Monday, June 16, 2008 @ 06:01 p.m.

This trip is just a spur of the moment. My mom wants to go on Holy Week because there are a lot of holidays then but then, I kept on insisting on wanting to see sakura so we planned again to go next year. Then, after Holy Week had passed, some of our neighbors/friends has been telling my mom that they went to Japan. Then, my aunt called about wanting to order things from the hardware because prices are going up. Gas and food prices are still going up. My sis-in-law told us to go and use their airplane mileage unfortunately, that plane isn’t the one used for tours so it is only my nephew who got to go. He is into anime – Dragon Ball, Pokemon and Bleach - lately so he declares that he wants to go to the country that created it. My mother suddenly decided that this is the best time to go because things might be too expensive by next year. Looking from the flyers we got last year, the tours this year is more expensive. It is choice of tour or just go by ourselves. I chose tour because we don’t know Japanese, in tour, we can go to many places rather than just be in Tokyo, hehe, even if everything is rush. I have the mindset that this is the first and probably last so might as well visit as many places as I can. So, mom decided to call several travel agencies and get tips on getting visas. We decided on this newbie travel agency which is like a group of people who split off from a popular travel agency. It is the cheapest of all the tours available and pretty much covers all of the places that the other tours have. This tour just scrapped Tokyo Disneyland and go to Nikko instead. It is recommended by bro-in-law’s friend who is also going there with his wife.

We borrowed my sister’s airplane mileage to at least lessen the expense. It is last minute since we are in a hurry because the airplane tax/expense is going to go up already because of oil prices. Hehe, we got airplane tickets even before we got the visa. We wonder if we can still exchange it later on if we didn’t get the visas. ^^; Even the paper work is pretty much last minute. We have to get our certified true copy of birth certificate which took a week instead of 3 days. My mom have to go through the hassle to go to the city hall since the statistic office no longer has her true copy because it got destroyed during WW2. Then, go to the statistics office to certify that there is no true copy. The weird thing is that this true copy expires in 6 months. What kind of birth certificate copy expires in 6 months? ^^;; Mom said most people applying there are complaining about it and feels that the government is ripping us off. Then, we have to process my nephew’s guardian card/permission to go abroad with consent of parents since he isn’t going with his parents. It took another week. We decided to leave it to God if we are going or not since it is already one week before we are leaving and the visa isn’t processed it. Fortunately, it took 2-3 days for it to process. We got the travel agency to do it since it is said to be easier to get it via group visa rather than individual. From the visa, if going by oneself, one has to have a referral from someone who lives in Japan. We don’t have one. ^^; Then, we started packing things, etc, until the day has arrived.

June 6, Day 1: We went to the airport around 11am. Check in and immigration stuff went smoothly. It is already past lunch time. It turns out that my brother is right about there is nothing to eat at the Centennial Terminal except for Delifrance. To eat pasta is too much of a hassle and I don’t want to eat sandwiches since they have raw vegetables. The last thing I want to have is having loose bowel. =P So, I just ate a mamon [Filipino sponge cake] and just bet on the possibility that they will serve something in the airplane. My nephew is actually more eager than me in going to Japan. He kept on asking what time will the plane arrive, etc. ^^; Then, they say that the plane is delayed. From 1425, it is moved to 1455. I somewhat dread that it might become like the China tour but to my surprise, we didn’t actually wait that long since around 1430, we can already board the plane. We ate spicy beef with rice as our on-flight meal. There aren’t much passengers in the plane because there are a lot of vacant seats. There are a lot of kids/toddlers in the plane. Some of them cried throughout the flight. I feel sorry for the mother who had to take care of 2-3 kids on her own. My nephew kept on asking are we there yet and how many more hours to go. It takes four hours to fly to Osaka. It is around 8pm when we got there. When we are about to land, I took picture of the nice sunset from the window. The night lights are very pretty especially the one on the huge ferris wheel. Japan is ahead by one hour so I adjusted my watch.

Before we go to the immigration, we found our tour-mates. It turns out that the others are all old as in mother to grandma-types. We are 16 in all. The couple from the travel agency who is there to assist the local tour guide. An old couple wherein I recall seeing the woman before on the streets when I go to the store. A young couple who are my brother-in-law’s friends – the one who told us about this tour. A woman who is a friend of the travel agency couple. Two old ladies who are friends. Actually, the other one is her mother’s friend whom her mother asked her to take care. There is also a couple of middle aged ladies, iirc, they are in-laws and lastly, a mother-daughter. There should be other kids but then, it’s already school opening. My nephew just absent from classes since they learned belatedly when his school opens. Of course, my nephew is the ‘talk of the ladies’ as they think he’s cute and handsome. Hehe, even a few older Japanese women said so..kawaii they exclaimed. In the immigration, there is already the new policy of fingerprinting and taking picture of the people going in the country. My nephew is all pep up to do this until the immigration officer told him that kids didn’t have to do that. We then pass through customs and met with our tour guide. The guy is actually a Taiwanese who now lives in Japan. He’s married with a Chinese who is born in Japan. The travel agency woman knows him and must have worked with him before. Harada is quite accommodating and he said he is in this business for 20+ years. He is a lot better than the ones in the China tour. His English isn’t that good so he tends to use Mandarin Chinese..well, I think it is also because the people in our group understand Chinese more than English. I can only thank God that I can somewhat understand what he is saying.

So, we rode on the bus as he started to talk about things about Osaka. Also, some laws that are newly implemented like we have to wear seatbelts else the bus driver will be fined. I think after three times, the license is cancelled. There are few people who have cars in Japan since it is expensive and most people just commute. The bus drivers of the buses we used seem to be conserving energy that they don’t open the air conditioner until everyone is already in the bus. We went to a town which is quite dark. He said that most people are in Osaka City [going out or working] so there isn’t much people there where they live. We ate dinner at this family-style eat-all-you-can Italian restaurant. I mentioned family-styled because I recall in a Japanese drama that this is a place you don’t bring your dates to. After that, we went to Osaka city to stay in our hotel, Osaka Dai-ichi Hotel. It is a nice hotel though the ones in our group said it is just 3-4 star hotel. Obviously, they went to better ones. I like the architecture of the building which is circular that one can get a nice view from the window. Japanese hotels provide yukata/robes in the rooms. Is it because Japanese tend to take baths at night then wear the yukata to sleep? I’m a bit surprised that they don’t provide lotions though. Most hotels in other countries have those. Later on, I noticed that they don’t sell body lotions that much in cosmetics stores. It is mostly shampoos and face moisturizers. Hehe, is it because they have such nice skin that they don’t need it? The toilet bowl is nice with auto-spray. I forgot to ask what’s the use of the flashing of toilet sound button is for. The body soap, shampoo and conditioner are all in dispensers so as to save the environment from too much containers. Outside, most of the sinks, soap and hand dryer have automatic sensor so one doesn’t have to touch anything. ^^ I didn’t get to watch much anime except for Chi’s Sweet Home, Yaiba, [both are early morning anime] Bleach and last part of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. I did get to see the start of Da Capo 2 but it’s late already and we have to wake up early tomorrow. In the end, I can’t sleep much since my nephew tend to be really hyper at night. ^^;

June 7, Day 2: We wake up early and had an eat-all-you-can continental breakfast at the restaurant downstairs. We leave at 830 in the morning. The weather is cool and a bit overcast. We had to Universal Studios Japan (USJ). The older ones want to go shopping so instead of the whole day there, we cut it short to 4pm. The young couple with us is complaining but I’m not. I didn’t go to Japan just to go to a theme park. The travel agency lady told us to go check the Spiderman ride. So, we head there first. I think it is quite creative to put in somewhat like a new agency exhibit outside so that people won’t notice that the wait is too long. The plot is basically like you are in a car then all sorts of villains are attacking you – electrocuting, splashing water, thrown down a building, etc. Haha, I practically guess that in the end, after going through all that Spider man is going to save us and easily capture the villains. I’m not going to give myself nightmares and fright so I practically closed my eyes throughout the ride. Lol. I’m a coward and well, the 3D is giving me a headache and eyestrain. =P After that, we walk around the whole place. Hm..maybe I would have enjoyed the place a bit if I understood Japanese since everyone is talking in Japanese. I thought that the other rides concept is pretty much the same so I didn’t bother going in. There are also a lot of people there especially since it is a weekend. A ride takes an hour or so to wait. My nephew is interested in Snoopy race but after seeing the rides with people screaming, he backed out. We ate at the Snoopy restaurant opposite the place. The hamburger set isn’t that good. Pigeons keep on coming around there and I guess they know there are crumbs there. I noticed that the people would put their trash into the trash bin after eating there. The water is quite expensive. A small bottle is 200+ yen when outside that place, a huge bottle can be bought at 98-100+ yen. We walked around some more and finished the whole place quite early. My nephew then wants to go to the ET ride. I don’t like ET so I just waited outside. So that it doesn’t feel like I’m wasting time, I decided to do some people watching there. Hehe There are a lot of families who are there then some students and few couples. I think children isn’t suitable for this place since outside the ET exit, kids are crying their eyes out.

While waiting, I sat with the tour members, the couple of old ‘friends’ ladies, who are also not interested in the rides and are just killing time. One of them is quite talkative. She begins to interview me and asking my age. I suddenly feel like she is trying to set me up with someone when she is asking the other old woman about Chinese horoscope of some guy. Then, my mom and nephew came out of the ride. My mom starts to talk with the old woman while my nephew is playing in the store shop. I’m a bit surprised that the old woman turns out to be around the same age as my mom. I guess being in stress can really make one look old. Then, I went to buy some water but I can’t find any so I decided to ask one of the USJ people who are there helping people. I said where is the water. He can’t understand. I rack my brains as to what is water in Japanese..umi..ah, no that’s sea, could it be mizu? I said mizu with motion of drinking. He pointed to a vending machine. I looked at others as to how to operate it then picked the one that looks like water. It is after I finished buying when I realized that it is not water but some kind of sports drink. Iirc, it is Aquarius and it is delicious. Soon, it’s around time to meet up so we walk out and meet with the group. According to the travel agency woman, they would treat us to Kobe beef in Kobe since we are a small group unlike the other groups who went there before. I’m not sure if she is just pulling our leg. I’m thinking maybe it is really in the itinerary or they are going to cut the money from the other meals for this one. Anyway, at least, I get to go to Kobe. We head there as the tour guide tell us about Kobe. The old and the new part which is constructed after the earthquake. It isn’t accessible before and they used the money they got from donations to repair everything. There is a Chinatown here, too. We went to eat teppanyaki of Kobe beef in this district. It is in a small street where from anime/drama, people tend to get beaten up. ^^; The place outside is a bit dirty/old look as compared to other parts of Osaka where I have went. I wonder if this is part of the old Kobe. About the food, hehe, I actually liked the mushrooms better than the beef. The beef is okay for me but then, I’m a picky eater but judging from the other’s reactions, it is delicious. Haha, maybe I want the more marbled beef but the tour guide said if you want higher grade, pay up. My nephew who isn’t exactly fond of beef, ate all of his portion.

After that, we went back to the hotel. It is still early so we decided to walk around and go to the Daimaru department store we saw. Stores here closes at 9pm. We walked around and things are pretty much expensive that we didn’t buy. My nephew is interested in toys so we decided to find the toys section. It is a bit hard since the salespeople doesn’t understand English. Maybe we should have tried Chinese because some understood it. ^^; We asked a guy which floor are the toys located. He told us that this is 13th floor. He thought we are asking what floor we are in. ^^; We then go to some ladies and asked again but they don’t understand us. I remembered a tip from the internet that Japanese would most probably understood you if you write it down. It is like the pronunciation there is different so they can’t understand. I took out my notebook and wrote toys. They then understand what we are looking for and told us which floor it is in. I have noticed that in department stores, their toy sections tend to cater to babies/toddlers. My mom bought a Sanrio shinkansen water container for my other nephew which my sis asked her to buy. We also bought some water then went back to the hotel. When we are on our way back, my nephew pointed out to me that their manholes have designs and I should take a picture of it. I did. Since last night, my nephew is fond of taking baths or rather playing in the bathtub that since then to the time we left, he has been taking baths every night. We packed our things since we are moving to a different hotel tomorrow.

June 8, Day 3: After breakfast, we loaded our luggage to the bus. The bus driver is with a young apprentice. First stop is to Nara Deer Park and Tōdai-ji where there is a Great Buddha statue is. Our tour guide tend to give us wrong weather information. If he says it’s cold, it’s hot and if it’s hot, he says it’s cold. ^^; Iirc, Nara is the first capital. There are mostly small buildings here. Outside the temple, there are a lot of deer which is believed to be messengers to Buddha. If you do go here, I advise you not to buy the food which is 100+ yen, iirc, to feed the deer. Some people including the one in our group bought it. Before she knew it, some deer are already running after her that she ends up running and just throwing all of the biscuits away for the deer to stop chasing her. ^^; Walking to the main temple, there is thunder god and wind god at the gates. Then, there is a pond-Japanese garden at the right and souvenir shops at the left. There are Japanese styled structures behind those two which I think were the monks reside or other private places of the temple. There is a spring water near the temple which is for drinking. My nephew likes the water in those temples even if it is suppose to be ceremonial cleaning or drinking. Outside the temple door, on the right, there is this statue which is said to cure ailments. Inside is of course, the huge Buddha. Going to the right, there is a huge petal with scriptures. Moving further, there are other statues, mini building display, and wishes written on wooden plates with beautiful decorated animals on front.

There is a bit of a line in one section of the temple. A huge wooden pole with a hole at the bottom. I recalled the tour guide telling us about Buddha will bless those who pass through it. It is mostly kids who can pass through it as their parents cheer them on. A grown up woman tries to but in the end, she couldn’t. There are high school girls who also line up. A somewhat chubby girl asked her sensei who is at the other side if he thinks she can go in it. The sensei says no. The chubby girl says he is cruel. [Okay, I might be making that up but for some reason that is what I understood ^^;] She didn’t get to pass through but her friend did by extending one arm first so that she can fit rather than both arms at the same time. Of course, my nephew passes through it easily. Then, there are a lot of souvenir and charms shop. Then, before we got out, I did a good deed for the day. I saw this young man who seems to be in a hurry yet doesn’t know where he is going. Something fell down when he takes out his handkerchief. I took it and rushes after him to give it back. He takes it and just says, sumimasen, arigato. He then left and it does seem he is looking for someone. Walking back to where the deer are, I was again extra careful as to not to step on any poop. Most of the people who go here are old people in tours and of course, students. I wonder if it is field trip time in schools. Most of the toilets here have that water spray thing though in some, the toilets are those types wherein one has to squat down. I think that is for the people who are from provinces who are not used to western style toilets. The people in our group doesn’t like it since their pants will get wet and well, the older ones fear that they cannot stand up after squatting down. I don’t care much about it anymore since those are basically the same in China.

After that, we head to Kyoto for our lunch. It is in this place which makes kimono. We watch the kimono fashion show first then had lunch in another building of delicious food in bento box. ^^ The place reminds me of the ones in China wherein tourists are brought there so that they can buy souvenirs there. At least here, we can leave even if we didn’t buy anything or they don’t harass you to buy something. The sweets on the shelves look yummy and of course, expensive. There is some free taste. I like the triangle shape tikoy/mochi with red bean inside. It is a popular treat as souvenir since I seen it in most places. Actually, there are different shapes and flavor of it. Then, there’s the usual nuts and other kinds of Japanese treats. We then head to the bus again to go to another temple. It is around this time when the tour guide started to give out some sample treats which we can buy for souvenir. Hehe, I guess it is an extra income for him. Oh well, it is better like that rather than going to a place just to buy those stuff. We only bought a couple of packages of pistachio nuts for my brother and sister. The others bought much more like dried scallop, salmon treat, green tea, etc. The type of foods that one finds in Aji IchiBan. Later on, it’s this cleanser and moisturizer. ^^; The cleanser is unique that you put it on your hand and the dried skin is removed. He said it is the most used product by housewives.

The next stop is the Heian Shrine, a Shinto shrine. I like this one since one can easily notice the Zen – balance and symmetry. Instead of grasses, etc, the place is covered with whitish/light greyish stones and the shrine buildings are in bright red. Both sides have kumquat [small oranges] trees and trees where one ties one’s bad fortune. We didn’t get to go to the garden though. I think the tour guide said it is said to open when it is cherry blossom time. It seems that this is the place where weeping sakura are located. I saw it on tv before and it’s really nice. Haha, maybe we just didn’t went in because there is a fee to go in the garden. Outside the shrine, there is huge caskets of sake on the right and water for cleansing on the left. Across the street, there is a huge torii. Nearby, there are also those rent ricksaw. On the way to the parking are lots of souvenir stalls. There aren’t much people in this shrine as compared to Nara. Next stop is Kiyomizu ‘Clear Water’ temple. The tour guide told us to drink water in a certain place there for health, long life and family though in wiki, it said, wisdom. When we went there, there is a huge number of students. Ah, praying to graduate or passing the exams? There are some who even wear kimonos. ^^ The ones I specially remember is these four girls in pink kimonos and two couples who are in kimonos. I immediately thought of V.B. Rose and imagine it would be nice if the four characters will do that in the future chapters. ^^

Going up the steep temple hill street is quite fun as both sides are filled with stores for souvenirs, food and other Japanese stuff. I recall the tour guide said that most of them cater to the students. We went through the different buildings there and it is a nice view since it is pretty much in the mountain. I thought it will be absolutely pretty if it is autumn with all those trees. We then reached the place where there are three streams of water falling down. This is the place and most of the people in our group went there. I didn’t since I’m not interested in it and I’m going to take pictures of my mom and nephew. After that, we head back out. We saw a cute dog on a ninja outfit. ^^ Then, it is heading back down. There are still a lot of people there. It is around here that I resided to the fact that I’m not going to buy a fan just as I wanted since one costs for 2,000 yen. A grandma from our tour said, one can buy three for 100 pesos/200 yen in our country. My mom later told me that maybe it is expensive because the fans are for display and not for use. The toilet near the parking there smells really bad but I guess it can’t be helped with a lot of people going there. We then go on a really long bus trip to Toyohashi where our hotel is located. I think that is around Nagoya.

On the way there, there are a lot of rice fields and the trees that filled the mountains. There is even a huge field area which the tour guide said where a certain critical battle was held that made Japan as one country. The tour guide is talking about the history in Japanese and I’m sleepy so I didn’t quite get what he is saying. I later asked if he meant the Shinsengumi but he said it is afterwards that since Shinsengumi battle is in Edo. I recall the tour guide saying that it is said that it is nice to marry girls there in Aichi because it is where most of the rich live. It is where Toyota was founded. The parents would usually give large dowry like I give you money, house and car so please take care of my daughter. If you like demure and elegant girls, then, Kyoto is the place to find them. We then rested for 15 minutes at a stop for toilet break and shop a bit at a convenient store. I bought a Weekly Jump here since it is the cheapest magazine and I want to know what happened that week. =P I’m a bit interested in Code Breaker though, a new series from SDK author. From the cover of the the other magazine, it looks interesting. It is already night when we arrive at the hotel, Toyohashi Nikko Hotel. My butt has become numb already and my legs are stiff. ^^; We ate dinner at the hotel. It is international cuisine and I don’t like it that much. We then head out to the supermarket at the side to buy some more water. We didn’t go to the 100 yen store across the street anymore since we are tired. The tour guide said that the things sold there are usually made from China or Vietnam. It is on the news that night about the killing in Akihabara.

June 9, Day 4: We have to bring our luggage down early in the morning since the bus is going ahead of us. We ate breakfast and rode on a small bus. As the tour guide said, since we are in Japan, how about riding on a one stop in the Shinkansen just for experience. I guess it is more expensive if we just rode it straight in going to Tokyo. When we see the Shinkansen on the moving bus, it doesn’t seem that fast but when at the train station, it is really fast. I took a crappy blurry photo of the ticket and good thing I did since the ticket won’t be returned when we got out. While riding, it didn’t seem that fast as it is stable. If another train passes by, you can feel the vibration of it. We got off at the next stop in Hamamatsu. The bus wasn’t there yet so we have to wait a bit. It is raining a bit and most of us thought that we won’t be seeing Mt. Fuji anymore. It is rainy season after all. I think it is already about half an hour when the bus arrived. The tour guide tells us that Hamamatsu is where Yamaha and Kawai pianos are made. He mentioned about the killing in Akihabara. He told us that Japanese tend to be polite, etc but then at times, stress build up and they run amok. That is why after work, they socialize by drinking and going for karaoke as a way to express their emotions and vent out their frustrations from all the stress. They usually go home at around 11-12 midnight. It is like the work hard and party/spend hard. So after retirement, they usually go abroad or out of town and spend all their money. When we are in the mountains, we are sadden to see the thick fog covering the place. The tour guide offered to pray and even sing hoping that we get to see Mt. Fuji. Some of the people are wisecracking that it might rain harder because he sang. When we arrived at the lake side for the Ashi Cruise and lunch. The lunch this time has this little hot pot for each one with the usual bento setting. We got to see the top of Mt. Fuji before eating but afterwards, we didn’t get to see it anymore.

After a little break, we ride on the ship. I and some others went on top of the ship to watch the view. We go to three stops before getting down. It is really nice with the fresh mountain air. After we got off, we ride on the bus again and head to level 5 of Mt. Fuji. The travel agency guy said we are already very luck to get to see part of Mt. Fuji because he went there for 3x already and this is the first time he get to see it. Also, before, they only reach the entrance of the first level since it is still snowing. They just get a toilet break and head down. At the fifth level, it is really quite cold. Tour guide said it is 10C. There is some snow at the bottom. We now get to see the middle part of Mt. Fuji. Toilets here are also dirty and in some shops, they ask for payment. It is around 4-5pm when they closes. When we head to the bus, it is already raining and cloudy. The apprentice bus driver is the one who drove us down. Maybe because the older man can’t see the road anymore. The tour guide again said we are lucky that it didn’t rain when we got up else we haven’t reached there. Then, we went to Kawaguchiko, one of the lakes located below Mt. Fuji to stay at our hotel, Kawaguchiko Hotel Maizuno. It is a Japanese style ryokan. The room is covered with tatami which makes the room smell like tea according to my mom. We are going to sleep on a futon. We ate traditional Japanese dinner which is like the one we had during lunch.

Then, after half an hour, we went to the onsen. It is the public one since I guess the private one is more expensive. Only a few of us went since I guess others don’t want to be seen fully naked. It is only our group who are there. We put our yukata on the basket and wash. Hehe, fully naked. The shampoo, conditioner, and body soap smell nice though. Then, time for the dip. We went to the small outdoor tub. They are dipping their feet first so we followed them. It’s so hot! They had said that it is 40C. No wonder eggs can be soft-boiled in hot spring water – called hot spring eggs. The newbies like me are screaming hot as I go down. Lol It is actually a funny sight. The water does have this smell just as mentioned by Tamaki in Ouran High but I don’t know if it is like rotten eggs since I haven’t smelled that before. Here, it is only mild. Later on, my skin on the legs start to feel itchy. The next day, I learned from others that they are also itchy. I wonder if it is because of that particular place or it is a usual effect on hot springs. ^^; We went out and wash a bit in a bit cool water. I got greedy and decided to go on a second dip. By then, everyone is out that small outdoor circular tub. It’s nice if one’s alone ^^ I prefer the outdoor rather than the indoor because in outdoor, at least the air somewhat cools one down. Isn’t it ideal to go on onsen when it is winter in Hokkaido? So, outdoor is much nicer. Haha, when I got out and shower + soap again. I already feel faint. I thought uh-oh, did I overdid it. After I soap, I no longer feel itchy. It’s true though the skin feels smoother..haha, the reason for the itchiness, why they don’t sell lotion? We went up to our room. I stayed for a few minutes at the balcony to cool down and watch the night scene + the moon. After fixing some of the stuff, we went to sleep. Haha, around midnight, my watching of Japanese horror movies before started to haunt me as I start to imagine some long haired woman coming out of the sliding door. ^^; It doesn’t help when I sometimes hear creaks of the wood in the room when I was about to sleep. Thank God, somewhat later, I did get to sleep. Oh ya, it is around this day when my memory card run out of space. I had to delete some pictures and resize the new ones to smaller size. I should have resized it early on so that I don’t have to delete. It is the first time the memory card got all filled up. ^^; My mom reprimands me for taking pictures of unimportant things. Hehe

June 10, Day 5: In the morning, we finally get to see Mt. Fuji in full view. The tour guide again said we are lucky for the whole year, it appears about 90 days and it is our first time in Japan yet we already got to see it when others weren’t able to even if they went many times. I’m just glad that there is still snow on top else, it will look like an ordinary mountain. After a Japanese styled breakfast, we pass by Kawasaki to go to Toshiba Museum. Tour guide said many people who work in Tokyo live there in Kawasaki because it is cheaper to buy a house there. For example, there it costs about 30 million but in Tokyo, it is 50-60 million yen. We only spent 45 minutes at the museum as we just go through the famous exhibits. Those are putting make-up on a person using mapping, then there is motion capture, static energy to make one’s hair go up and making a frozen ceramic box filled with liquid nitrogen ‘fly’ around circles in a circular magnet track. The first two are probably the ones used in making computer/console games. The last one, I guess cars/trains will now float later on. I’m not sure if the technology is already being used. The guide said that the ‘car’ won’t divert from the tracks since it memorize or being pulled in. There ones here are mostly kindergarten kids and some old people. The ones in our group are complaining why isn’t there anything being sold at the museum like Toshiba products. Hehe, Chinese really tend to talk about business. The travel agency guy said that they should have sell things there to get more people to go there. He thinks that it is because Japanese doesn’t need the money. But then, I thought to myself, it is a science museum for learning, not to sell stuff. ^^;

In the original itinerary, we are suppose to go to Sanrio Puroland instead of Toshiba Science Museum. Also, the other half of the day, we are suppose to go to Tokyo City Tour. That is scrapped into shopping day. Hehe, as if we can actually buy things here when everything is expensive. Just as I told my brother, we didn’t went on a tour to go shopping, if that is my goal then, I would just go to Hong Kong. Anyway, no more complaining since it is rather nice to walk around rather than be stuck in the bus for a long time to visit different popular places for short period of time. We only went to two places in Tokyo. The first one is in Ginza where we had our lunch in an eat-all-you-can barbecue. Just like in all the other meal times, I’m always thinking that I would have enjoyed them much more if one isn’t always in a hurry. There are a lot of people there. It is more expensive if one eats there at night. After lunch, we walked around Ginza. I think it is called Ginza-5 street. We went to a toy building. I didn’t get to see anything I want to buy. It made me think that toys are usually just for whole buildings or places like Akihabara rather than in department stores. Then, we walk around. The travel agency girl said that Uniqlo clothing shop is nice but the things we saw there are quite ordinary. It is like the ones in Giordano. Then, we went walk a bit in Mitsukoshi and Matsukaya department stores. Most of the shops there are brand names like Zara, Burberry, Mont Blanc, and etc. I recommend going inside Swarovski store since it beautifully decorated with crystals especially the stairs. It’s really nice even if you, like us, are just looking around. After that, we drove around to go to Shinjuku since some people want to buy electronics. We can only take blurry pictures from the bus of the imperial place and the diet building. ^^; Hehe, a lot of my pics are from the bus anyway.

Oh ya, if in Kyoto, it is nice to observe traditional and cultural stuff but in Tokyo, as mentioned by sis’ father-in-law, it is nice to observe architecture. Each building like condominiums/apartments look the same with the stairs/fire escape protruding out of the building, they aren’t the same. The stairs are placed at times in the middle or at the sides and in different design. The outer appearance is also different with the use of color and texture. There are many unique buildings in Tokyo. There is one I saw in Ginza wherein it is two colored – the color below is different from the top. Anyway, we are dropped off at Shinjuku near the Sakuraya store which is near a JR station. We didn’t see anything we went to buy so we walked around. There are a lot of people here and mostly young whereas in Ginza are mostly middle-aged and older. There are also a lot of people shouting here for advertisement, giving out leaflets and etc. We went back to the meeting place early since we don’t want to go further else we get lost. We then go backwards to the other street to see what else is there. There is a part where we went is filled with restaurants and bars. Then, in one part of the street, I saw young good looking men in suits handling out what seems to be tissue and approaching girls. The thing that I immediately thought is they are hosts. If they are just giving out ad leaflets as the tour guide said, I thought but there are too many of them in just one place and they seem to know each other so I stick to the thought that they are hosts. I didn’t take a picture or look at them much else, they might think I’m a customer or something. ^^; Then, I saw this ramen shop with a tanuki in front but the head is of a pig which some tourists are taking pictures of.

Some info that the tour guide has been telling us: Most tourists there are from Taiwan, Korean and America. It is only recently that they have been lenient with the Philippines if one applies through group visa. There are very few tourists here and according to the tour guide, most sights there are aimed at local tourists rather than foreigners. If one is going to Japan during summer, it is nice to go to Hokkaido which is like Europe since it is cooler there. Kyoto is best visited on autumn. He also mentioned that there is less pollution there because there are cameras on streets to catch smoke-belching. The old ones which are smoke-belching are already ‘sold’ to Southeast Asia countries like the Philippines. We can actually drink the water in the faucet but to be safe, we are buying bottled waters. The waters in the rivers are quite greenish so it’s ‘alive’ than the ones we have there which are mostly black. About yakuza, they are mostly good citizens because justice is quite tough in Japan. They punish you no matter who you are even if you are from a big corporation. I forgot what they are called. Also, yakuza doesn’t tend to go to onsen because others will see their tattoo and will make others frightened. Yakuza tend to be notorious if they are outside the country since they can easily pay off weak governments or justice systems. About housewives, he said that they are actually home managers since they take care of everything in the house. They are already used to their husbands coming home late from drinking/socializing since her male family members do that. When the husband goes home, she prepares everything for him. He said not to look down on them since they are really good. He said that the wives are the ones who buy the clothes and other necessities of the husband and family. When he mentioned that, I immediately thought of Hachi of Nana when Hachi is picking out the necktie that suits Takumi and doing everything for him.

He said that wives has a separate account which she can use to buy things. It is only when the kid is young when they are with the father as evident in the theme parks but they don’t really have the responsibility of bringing them up. Since the tour guide said this all in Chinese, I think I missed some points. ^^; He said that other cultures doesn’t understand why the husband walks ahead of the wife. It isn’t because they are being submissive but more like, taking care of the husband from behind. Being a mother is a fulltime job for Japanese women that is why some doesn’t want to marry since they would have to quit their jobs. I guess in the manga, some women can’t let go of work that they tend to leave the child all alone at home. There is a new trend lately wherein couples tend to divorce after the kids are all grown up. It is for them to be free from each other and enjoy life if they can’t stand each other. ^^; There is a new law now that when the husband dies, the pension of the husband will be added to the wife thus empowering the woman. Oh ya, the responsibility of the wife includes putting money in the wallet of the husband. So, if there is no money inside, the husband will be ashamed to have such a wife. Saving face/being ashamed is really such a big thing in Japan that it can kill people. That isn’t surprising after all, honor is a big thing even before during the samurai period. That is why there is no piracy in Japan, he said. It is very shameful to do that. And when he saw my nephew doesn’t like to eat vegetables, he said that kids can’t go to school if they don’t eat vegetables. He also said that prices in stores are usually that’s that and no discrimination like if it is higher for tourists or other foreigners. Unfortunately, I already forgot about the history lesson about shogunate and land lords, etc. He also mentioned about forgiving the Japanese for what they did during the WW2 since the present Japanese did a lot of good things.

Back to Shinjuku, We tried to find the Uniqlo there but with the Japanese named shops on the board, we can’t find it. We later on find out from others that it is on the 5th floor. We went back to the meeting place but we are still a bit too early. Instead of waiting there with no seats to sit on, we went across the street near the station where we can easily see where the meeting place. I watch a bit of tv on the building about the Akihabara killing and people watching who are passing by. By then, there are a lot more people at the place. After everyone re-grouped, it is time to eat dinner. To my surprise later on, we are going to eat dinner at that pig-headed tanuki ramen shop. It is sliced pork with milk based ramen. It is unlimited noodle and soup. It is already filling with just one bowl. The owner took a liking to my nephew that they gave him a box of Meiji almond chocolates. Too bad, he doesn’t like nuts. My mom suggested that he give it to his mom as a gift. It is almost night and luckily, some stores are already opening their night lights that I get to take some pictures. We passed through Tokyo Tower too fast that I failed to get a decent picture. It is somewhat seen in our hotel, Hotel Pacific Tokyo, but I still can’t get a good picture of it. After a brief rest, we head out again for some shopping downstairs. We didn’t get to see much so we just headed to the other Wing store opposite – near the station for some grocery shopping. Then, we head back. My nephew is hoarding the bathroom again and thankfully, DragonBall Z was on the television that it made him get out immediately to watch. Even if it is in Japanese, he manages to enjoy it and laughing himself silly that he had a nightmare and sleepwalked that night. ^^;;

June 10, Day 6: We ate continental breakfast wherein there is a garden view outside. We ride out again to go to Nikko. It is a long ride that we have to stop midway for toilet break. There are some vending machines here and there is one for Code Geass R. I decided to try out my luck and I got C.C. ^^ We then go up the mountain to see Kegon Water Falls via Irohazaka jigzag driveway. If you play Initial D arcade, you will know that place. Since it is steep, that one side, it is only going upwards [uphill] and at the other side, it is only going downwards [downhill]. I look for tire tracks if people really do race in this place. There are some tire tracks and hits on the fences. Not enough evidence and I forgot to ask the tour guide. I was too busy looking for those that I didn’t notice how many curves the road suppose to have. They even numbered it with a small sign per curve. Ya, it will be nice if it is autumn here. The tour guide said that people tend to go to Nikko for snow ski. He said we will be lucky if we get to see monkeys near the road. We didn’t get to see any. We then went to see the Kegon Water Falls. Someone in our group said it is really clean unlike the one we have, Pagsanjan Falls. I haven’t been there so I take their word for it. Then we head to a restaurant with souvenir shop which is near a lake. The dried sweetened fish that was served is said to be from the lake. Others plan to buy it for souvenir but backed out when someone said, according to my mother, that it is to cheap since we have lots of dried fish in the country. ^^;

After that, we head down the Irohazaka jigzag which had so many hairpin curves. I can see many cars have probably had an accident there since the fences have a lot of bents and one part have some red paint on it. I somewhat doubt people race downhill here. Afterwards, we head to Toshogu Shrine which is a mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. There are so many students who are there on that day. This is where the famous carving of monkeys – see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Also a picture of a sleeping cat which is said to scare away rats. There are a lot of buildings there and some gifts which include a bell from Korea. From the student tour, there is a lot of other information about the place which isn’t told to us. It is mostly self-exploration for us and well, those detailed tour probably has a fee. The tour guide said that school just organizes the field trips but the students or their family will have to pay for it. Then, in the inner part, we are to walk high up the stairs which leave most of us panting and tired. I’m amazed at some of our tour members who are quite strong enough to go up even if they are old already. There is nothing much on top except for some structures. It is only when I googled that the metal pagoda shape with bell body is the tomb of Ieyasu. The first time I went there I thought, that’s it just some structures and a cut tree with a robe on it. Hehe, my mom just told me that the tour guide mentioned that..^^; Totally forgot that it is a mausoleum. Then as we head back, the tour guide explained the saying at the middle of the staircase. He said life is like that long staircase that at times, when we are so busy in life, we have to stop and reflect over what we are doing before we head up or continue our busy life if that is where we really want to go. I just know that temples tend to be high up in staircases is so that one would mediate about things before approaching the deities.

We took our time going down. The toilet there is really smelly that the kids are covering their noses. The boys are making puking sounds. ^^; Inside, the toilet there is a perfume though that it masked the smell and made one think that it doesn’t smell that bad after all. =P Outside the place, there is a small Shinto shrine which we went to check it out. I find it amusing that there is a frog mascot enshrined there. I wonder what’s it’s story. After that, we again boarded the bus for the long trip back to Tokyo. Somewhere outskirts in Tokyo, we ate dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Most of the tour mates are really happy about it since they are tired of Japanese food. I think Chinese people like my dad or some older people in the group don’t like Japanese food because it is sweet for them. I didn’t know where that place is but it seems to be an old neighborhood because of the Japanese lanterns and the sound of Buddhist[?] chanting out loud from a nearby temple. We head back to our hotel. I asked the tour guide how far is Akihabara from there. He said 20 minutes by car. He mentioned about the killing and his friend who went there said there is a huge funeral procession. I asked it isn’t a good time to go there. He said yes. So that pretty much put an end to the possibility of somehow quickly going to Akihabara just to check it out. Since my nephew is tired and just want to take a bath, we left him to the ‘friend’ old women in our group as we walk around downstairs some more. We tried to find if there are more shops downstairs. We did which is near Prince Hotel. We get to buy some stuff there which are most probably sale products. I flipped and bought a kids kimono that fits me. Hehe, kids is cheaper than for ladies. =P Then, we bought our last batch of bottled water and pudding for my nephew.

June 12, Day 7: It is raining and I wore the wrong jacket. ^^; We packed all our luggage to stay at a hotel that is near Narita. We went to Tokyo DisneySea. Since it is still raining, Disney just get a huge killing from the people who bought raincoats and umbrellas. We then rode on a gondola. The guy who rows the gondola is making jokes which only the other Japanese understands. He is gesturing praying and I don’t quite get what he is saying until in a portion, he says make wish. It turns out he is saying that there will be making a wish part when we pass by a certain structure. ^^; When we did, he starts singing ala what Venice people sing. Then, we head to the middle part for a program which is unfortunately is cancelled because of the weather. We only get to see on boat with Mickey Mouse and the others. We walked around and pass by this Canyon-like structure. We rode on the 20,000 Leagues under the sea ride which isn’t that good and what’s with those alien like creatures at the end. Okay, I didn’t watch the animation so I didn’t know. After that, we went to Mermaid Lagoon. I rode the kiddie rides with my nephew and watched the theater show. The story is Ariel singing about wanting to go to the human world then Ursula came and has a proposal but in the end, she decides to stay in the sea. The effects here are really nice with the use of human controlled mechanical structures of the fishes, jellyfish and the huge head and hands of Ursula. Ariel’s wig is also made of a cloth with the texture of crepe paper so that it looks more like in the animation rather than using a wig with hair. The effect is more convincing. It does seem she is swimming about as she is hold up with wires.

We then went to see the Sinbad ride which is like going around the place of ‘It’s a small world after all’ since most of it are just robots singing and telling the story about how Sinbad and his little tiger traveled in an adventure to find treasure to return to his hometown. Instead of eating near there which is Arabian inspired, we went to the American inspired one where Indiana Jones ride is located. I ate chicken with rice which is pretty good while my nephew ate kiddie meal of hamburger and rice. My mom settled with a bread from the morning breakfast. We were carrying lots of water here so that we can save money. It is quite enough since we finished it all up by the time we went home. =P Hehe, we did have to go to the toilet a lot of times. ^^; Then, we went back to the Arabian place to see the Lamp theater which is about Genie helping out a magician assistant to become a great magician instead of the bad magician. There are some jokes here but since it is in Japanese, I have no idea what are the other audience is laughing about except for the slapstick magic trick. The acting of the boy and the magician aren’t that good for me. Genie is mostly in 3D. We are suppose to ride the steamboat but it will run again at 5pm. It is already 430pm so we didn’t wait anymore. We are suppose to go to the Indiana Jones ride but my nephew chickened out. We then head for a train ride which turns out to be just one way. It is a mistake since we should have walked around first at port of discovery before riding the train.

There are some kids playing at the fountain wherein the trick is to walk around and not get hit by the water. My nephew also played and just when we are leaving, he got wet. I thought so much for buying him a raincoat, he got wet anyway. ^^; My mom did brought an extra t-shirt for him. Around this time, it has already stopped raining. Then, there are people going to see this show, Big Band Beat so we decided to go in. It is like a Jazz band with Broadway type musical. It is quite good and I enjoyed it but others seemed bored since I noticed that my two companions and some other people are looking really sleepy. ^^;; Then, we head back to Port of Discovery. Ride on a kiddie ride twice and this Storm Rider which is a ride as if one is in a plane trying to blast a twister to dissipate it. It is okay though I feel the mission is a failure since we are mostly always are in hazards like the missle hitting the ship, nosediving when we are hit and things hitting us. I didn’t notice we hit the twister but the next thing I knew, the twister is already gone. I’m thinking, could it be that when the missle is thrown out, it hit the twister thus it dissipated. ^^; Then, we head out back to the bus. A bit late for the appointed time. ^^;; I’m not complaining much about the rain since because of it, there are less people there and we can go to many rides though ya, it is quite kiddie/childish. I think that Disney is a good place for kids and kids at heart while USJ is for teens and adults. We then head to Narita. We ate at this small shabu-shabu restaurant then head to our hotel, Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu. There is not much stores outside so we decided to get ready for tomorrow and sleep early since the flight is early.

June 13, Day 8: I wake up early and prepare. As usual, it is hard to wake up my nephew. By the time we head down for breakfast, it is already 10 minutes before departure. We ate as fast as we can. While I was shoving a waffle into my mouth, there is this guy who entered. The thing that came to my mind is hey, this guy looks like Eita, the Japanese actor. He looks as if he just woke up and dressed in casual clothes with a friendship band on his wrist. He doesn’t look to happy about being looked at though. ^^; Then, I noticed that there are a lot of guys behind him in suits with id tags. Ah, they are his security guards? So, is it really Eita? I even saw a couple of the security hurrying inside and looks like they were late and overslept with bed hair. I’m amused and wonder if I’m just thinking too much about it since this isn’t exactly a high class hotel and he would have just gone to the Hilton at the side. Anyway, no time to think about it since we are in a hurry and I’ll just assume that it is him. We ride on the shuttle bus to the airport. My mother noted that this tour guide is quite nice enough to wait for us to finish our check-in and lead us to the immigration before leaving since most tour guides just leave us when we arrive at the airport. They say that he has another group to go to as he is going to fly back to Osaka. During the check-in of luggage, I noticed a lot of Filipinos carrying Nissin instant noodles as their souvenirs for their family. A guy behind us asked if he can check his noodle with us since he might be overweighed. My mom agreed but later on thought that she shouldn’t have because who knows if there are drugs or something in it. ^^; Fortunately, it is safe even as I write down the name’s guy in case we have to find him later on. I think drugs are caught usually if it is hand carried.

There are a lot of people going to the Philippines so the time we arrived there is pretty much good since we have an hour to shop around. Our plane is in the farthest end of the airport as well as the baggage check-in ^^; After that, we said sayonara to our tour guide and went in. It went smoothly. We walked around but it is mostly signature shops. Then, we found an Akihabara [Fa So La] named store. I told my nephew that there are toys there and in he went. He manages to buy his favorite character in DBZ. I was planning to buy Newtype but it costs 600+ yen so I decided to buy some trinkets for 300 yen each which I can use rather than a magazine. I bought a cute girl in black kimono key/phone strap and a hair clip. My mom bought a small goldfish-cat key/phone strap for herself. We also bought some last minute stuff for other souvenirs for sis [hairclip], niece [cat figurine] and sis-in-law [a purplish girl kimono key/phone strap] as well as some Royce’ chocolates which the others say is cheaper there than in Singapore. We got the flavors which are almost gone in the refrigerator. Almost gone = bestseller. Since I don’t like chocolates, the others say that it is really delicious and melts in the mouth. If you like chocolates, I suggest you try to buy some. I searched in the net and it turns out to be from a Japanese company. Then, we head to the plane. The plane is full this time. The meal served is again beef rice. I tried the noodles dipped in sauce. It is pretty okay except there is wasabi in it so I can’t eat it. The small taiyaki [fish shaped waffle with red bean paste inside] dessert is actually quite yummy.

Thus, we arrive back to the Philippines. My nephew is already complaining that it is dirty and polluted there. He wants to go back to Japan. ^^; The news we got after arriving reminds us that we are back to the reality. A well known reporter got kidnapped by some rebel kidnap gang. My sis-in-law saleslady got hit by a stray bullet during a hold-up. They have to see to her needs in a hospital which my brother said is so dirty. Sis-in-law was frantic since the doctors are not helping. They just say that someone else need their attention more and the saleslady is okay since it isn’t that major. Everyone is outside at the hospital waiting to be treated. Then, we got news that near our place, there is a hold-up and killing. My nose irritation is somewhat back, too. ^^; On the way home, there are many kid beggars carrying pails of water to forcibly clean windows and make you pay. Ya, it makes the trip to Japan surreal. But as the tour guide said, in different countries and people, there are different good things and bad, nothing is perfect, since after all, this country is known for having a high level of ‘being happy’ as compared to Japan. So, that’s our trip to Japan. ^^

Quote of the day:
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. ~ Jawaharal Nehru