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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 Credits:
Chang An Huan Ye picture is from BW shared by 十九 [Nineteen]. Quote is by Lao Tzu. Edited in Photoshop CS2. The background is from GRSites. Gin-san of Gintama is a screecap from piyopiyo2006 in Youtube, and Pleinair by Takehito Harada is from JumpC. Kimi ni Todoke pic is scanned by bluemiko. Gin and Pleinair edited and animated in Photoshop. Moyashimon germ and Rabi gif are taken from ikunlun forum. Onion is from BW forum. VBR's Ageha is from a scan by Amyangel19910323. SB! gif from lynncomic in baidu

Final Fantasy 12

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2009

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

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Manga pics from
Sky-fire, Iibq Iieye, 17kk, HRComic& BW Forum.

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

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapter 28]
Saturday, April 4, 2009

It is already the school’s third term. On February 13, Pin does a roll-call of the students and announces that he doesn’t like too sweet chocolates but nevertheless, he will accept them if it was given to him. During lunch, Sawako is eating with her friends. Ayane asks Sawako if she is already used to her new seat. Sawako says that she must be thinking too much but the girl from behind likes to tickle her while the guy beside her talks to her. They say that it is great. Sawako blushes and says that it is all thanks to them. She hopes that this situation will continue and she won’t be lonely anymore. She then looks at Shouta laughing with his friends. Her back seatmate tries to tickle her again. Chizuru offers to help tickle Sawako since the seatmate said that she can’t make Sawako laugh. Sawako is making a weird laugh as Yuu and others look at their direction. The guys tell Shouta that Sawako has become more cheerful. Sawako thinks that she is closer yet far from Shouta. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. On the way home, her friends ask if she made or buy chocolates. Upon seeing Sawako surprised, Ayane asks why she is stunned and could it be that she used to only give chocolates to her father before. Sawako is shock for she forgot about her father. Chizuru says that she will give Taylor[?] chocolates to Ryuu while Ayane says that she will give bribe chocolates. At home, Sawako has already prepared her chocolates – cupcake-shaped. She writes the names of everyone in each batch of chocolates including her father’s [which she probaby just made]. She blushes as she writes Shouta’s name. She is then shock that she put in many nuts and heart decorations in Shouta’s chocolates. She wonders if he won’t find it disgusting and it is just a ‘thank you gift’. She remembers the hat that she was supposed to give him and the cellphone strap that he gave her. She decided to give the chocolates to him..this time, she will definitely will.

At school, Sawako sees Shouta at the shoe lockers. She notices that Shouta taking a gift box from the locker and puts it into his pocket. Shouta turns around and is shock to see Sawako there. The two blurt out their good morning greeting. Sawako thinks that gift was a chocolate. The two stands in silence then Shouta shouts that he is going ahead. After he left, Sawako thinks that she should have given it to him that time. Sawako gives the handmade chocolates to her friends and her back seatmate. Ayane notices an extra bag of chocolates in Sawako’s bag. One of their girl classmates is holding a box of chocolates and shouts to Shouta to get one. Sawako’s friends say that they are just friends' chocolates. To their surprise, Sawako quickly runs off and tells them that she is going to the toilet. In the cubicle, Sawako is really nervous and fears that Shouta's blood sugar might go up because if she gives her chocolates to him, he will then have a total of three chocolates. She then realizes that he doesn’t need to eat them all at the same time and he can just put them in the refrigerator. She tells herself that she should do it like how she did with her friends by just casually giving Shouta the chocolates. She is still conscious about giving the chocolates to Shouta. In the classroom, Shouta notices that Ryuu got some chocolates. Ryuu offered him some. Shouta says that it tastes different from the others and asks Ryuu if it is okay if he ate it since it is handmade. To Shouta’s shock, it was made by Sawako and not the other two girls. The other students think that Shouta’s reaction was like that because it is made by Sawako – curse, stuff. Shouta looks a bit depressed then notices Sawako’s back seatmate having the same kind of chocolates. Since he is looking at the chocolates, the seatmate asks Shouta if he wants them. Shouta angrily declines. A classmate then calls out to Shouta that a girl is calling for him. The girl at the door is nervous and is holding a small gift bag while her friend tells her to do her best.

Then, Sawako goes out of the toilet and heads back to the classroom. She wonders if she is thinking too much about it and she should just give it casually. She then hears a ruckus among the students. She has noticed that a girl is giving Shouta some chocolates. In the classroom, the students are whispering that the girl got rejected. Sawako realizes that it isn’t ‘friends chocolate’. Sawako and Shouta look at each other, then Shouta walks towards his friends. Sawako starts thinking if her ‘thank you gift’ is a ‘friends chocolate’ or a ‘lovers chocolate’. She does like Shouta but in this situation, what kind of chocolate is it. She realizes the reality of the possibility of being rejected. It is finally class dismissal. Sawako’s friends are about to go home with her when Sawako sees Shouta with friends. Pin suddenly grabs Shouta and forces Shouta to come along with him. Pin says he has a job for him. Sawako just looks at the direction they left. Ayane notices this. Sawako thinks that classes are over and she still hasn’t given him the chocolates and now, Shouta is going to stay at school. Sawako tells the others to go ahead since she has to stay there for a while. She thinks that this is her last chance. Ayane urges Chizuru that they go on ahead and assures Sawako that it is okay for her to stay. Sawako is still scared about giving the chocolates. At the teacher’s room, Pin tells Shouta to give him a shoulder massage. Pin blackmails Shouta to do it else, he’ll announce through the school’s speakers about Shouta’s embarrassing moments like crying in the rain to bring him something, then wetting his pants while sleeping on the bed, etc. While massaging Pin, Shouta notices the same kind of chocolates that Sawako is giving the others. He asks Pin if they are Sawako’s. Pin denies it that Shouta pressed him too hard. Shouta says that it is becomes of some ghost that Pin freaks out and decides to eat Sawako’s delicious chocolates [for exorcism]. Upon learning that those are indeed Sawako’s chocolates, Shouta looks at Pin's leftover chocolates then sighs.

Sawako is waiting for him and finally, Shouta comes out and walks down the stairs. She is about to call him when Ume is waiting for Shouta downstairs. Sawako quickly hides. Ume tells Shouta that the chocolates she is giving is just a remembrance and it will be her first and last chocolates for him. Shouta accepts them and leaves. Sawako becomes nervous. Ume notices Sawako and asks if she is spying on them. Sawako tensely apologizes about it. Seeing Sawako is holding a bag of chocolates, Ume tells her that Shouta doesn’t accept ‘obligatory’ chocolates. She asks if the chocolates that Ume gave are ‘lovers’ chocolates. Ume says that they are special since she is already been dumped by Shouta. Ume asks if the chocolates Sawako is holding are for Shouta. Sawako says that it is a thank you gift. Ume asks her if it is true happy feelings [love] or is it really just a thank you gift. Sawako looks surprised and blushes. Ume tells her that if they are ‘lovers’ chocolate then Shouta will definitely accept it. Ume says that she is afraid that Sawako might regret it. Ume walks away, sticking out her tongue and thinks that it is just like that for Sawako not to succeed [in giving the chocolates] since Sawako got a little confused because of her mischief. Ume passes by a couple of guys. One of the guys tells her that he didn't receive her chocolates. Ume just says 'really' then walks away. The two guys talk whether the former Ume or the present Ume is much better. Just as they go down the stairs, one of the guys notice that Sawako is holding a bag of chocolates. He recognizes her from section D. His friend says that it is Sadako. The guy says that it is a rumor and it seems she also plans on giving chocolates. Shouta goes out to the school and shivers in the snow. He thinks that he didn't plan to but more than he anticipated, he really did expect to get Sawako's chocolates. In the end, Sawako never gave her chocolates because it might seem as an alibi if she said that it is a thank you gift. She is afraid because she anticipates it. She tells herself that it isn't a 'lovers' chocolate yet she wanted to be 'closer' with Shouta but she is afraid of being rejected.

So, that's how Sawako wasn't able to give her chocolates and just imagine what Shouta must be thinking..how come he is the only one who doesn't get her chocolates. It is irritating for Ume to do that. It is like everything is going smoothly as set up by Sawako's friends then, she throws a wrench in everything. Sawako has become overly conscious and worried about the possibility of Shouta rejecting her. The two are just clueless about their feelings for each other. ^^; About Shouta's embarrassing moments, those were pretty funny. It can ruin his reputation. =P

Quote of the day:
Anxiety is the rust of life, destroying its brightness and weakening its power. A childlike and abiding trust in Providence is its best preventive and remedy. ~ Author Unknown

Ojousama wa Oyomesama [Chapters 14-17]
Saturday, April 4, 2009

Towako is forced to go shopping with Kaoru. She wears all sorts of nice cute dresses which Kaoru says Yuuga would like. She ends up buying them. She tells him that if he wants to marry someone at least choose the one he is genuinely interested. To her surprise, Kaoru says that he did. Meanwhile, Reimi manages to trick Yuuga to go into his house by faking that she has a stomachache. Yuuga is about to change clothes when Reimi ‘attacks’ him and even put him in handcuffs courtesy of Kaoru. =P She confronted him about the marriage and that Towako doesn’t love him. She even showed him divorce papers. She then starts to seduce him. Back to Towako, she learns that Yuuga is with Reimi when Reimi answered Yuuga’s phone. Reimi tells her that Yuuga isn’t coming home for the night and they are going to have some fun. Towako is furious. Back at the house, Yuuga tells Reimi not to say such things to Towako. While the two are trying to grab the phone, Towako slams open the door to find them in such a..inappropriate position. The girls have a screaming match. Reimi is defeated when Towako tells her what happens between her is her and Yuuga’s business, not hers. Towako’s ninja-s then grabbed Reimi and left. =P Then, Yuuga and Towako sort out their problem. Yuuga promises to keep on trusting her. While they are kissing and making lovey-dovey, Tsubaki interrupts them and tells them that there are new problems regarding Towako’s family had arise.

When they arrive home, Towako’s parents tell them about the financial ruin they are going to be in and it seems to be caused by somebody. Setuna confronts Towako about it since he has asked Utsugi to research about Kaoru. Setsuna knows that Kaoru is after Towako because he doesn’t want to become the head of his family. That night, Yuuga assures Towako that everything will be alright. The next day in school, people start accusing Yuuga of doing something bad with Reimi who is absent from school. He stands to lose his scholarship and gets kick out of school if it proves to be true. There is even a picture of him chained together with Reimi. Towako looks at the divorce papers as Kaoru is sure that Towako will be going to see him soon. Yuuga then looks for Setsuna. Towako calls up Tsubaki and tells her that she will be going to see Kaoru. She tells Tsubaki not to tell the others about it. After hanging up, Tsubaki calls up Utsugi. =P

At Kaoru’s house, Kaoru’s father is reprimanding Kaoru about something when Towako came to see him. In some room, Towako notices a beautiful made flower arrangement. Kaoru comments if she likes it. He also notes that she even wore her kimono. Towako tells him that she usually wears her formal wear when visiting other people’s houses. He asks if she has finally decided to be his. Towako starts to berate Kaoru for what he is doing and that there might be no one to inherit his family’s name. Kaoru tells her that he isn’t interested in his family. It seems that Kaoru doesn’t like it being too strict that he doesn’t want to protect it but rather he wants to destroy it. Kaoru’s father is listening to them outside the room. Towako decides to burn a scroll that would make her inherit her family line. She tells him that she is willing to discard herself just for her family. Kaoru remembers all the time that everyone keeps on telling him about what he should and not do.

To his surprise, Towako asks him for some water because she doesn’t plan on getting herself burned. Kaoru takes his flower arrangement to use it to put out the fire but Towako shouts that he can’t since he likes that. They are interrupted by Kaoru’s father who enters with a fire extinguisher. Afterwards, the fire is put out. Kaoru’s father’s head are filled with flowers. He introduces himself to Towako. Kaoru shouts at him for eavesdropping and entering when he has a guest. His father shouted that he is worried about his son. To Kaoru’s shock, Towako likes Kaoru’s father’s hairstyle. Kaoru’s father starts putting flowers on delighted Towako’s hair. He tells her that it is their rule that the family head wear flowers on one’s head. Kaoru exclaims his displeasure about that. To his shock, Towako starts putting some flowers on his head. She says it suits him and they are cute. She also tells him that he really likes flowers. Putting the father and son’s hands together, Towako tells them to just create a modern ‘Hasujou’ [Kaoru’s surname] family. Kaoru pulls his hand away and says he doesn’t want to. They are interrupted when a servant tells them that they have other guests. At the hills, complete with tanks and battle gear, Towako’s family including Setsuna and Yuuga are ready to save Towako.

Hehe, I really like Towako when she gets angry. She can get things done. Hehe..she stops playing around with Kaoru when she learns that Reimi is after her man. =P Too bad, their lovey-dovey is interrupted with another new problem caused by Kaoru. Well, as usual, if it involves Yuuga, she will quickly do something reckless by going to the enemies' liar. It turns out that Kaoru has just problems with the tradition of putting flowers on the head. Lol Yey, her family isn't going to let her do all the work. ^^ I summarized this way before but I planned to at least finish the arc and suddenly, there are no Chinese scans anymore but then, shrug, might as well upload it.

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Gray-man, and Reborn
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

In Bleach [c. 352], Rukia is able to stop Ludbone by freezing his ‘stems’ so that he can’t produce more of his clones. He is finished off by Yammy who fell down on him. Sado tells Rukia and Renji that it is Yammy who went to the human world before but it seems that he has doubled his size. Then, they left something above which seems to be Ichigo. It was part of Hollow-Ichigo’s cero on Ulquiorra. Part of Ulquiorra’s upper body is still left. Inoue has shielded herself and Ishida from the attack. Hollow-Ichigo draws his zanpaku and is about to stab Ulquiorra’s head/throat but Ishida stops him, saying that he might lose his humanity if he did that. To Ishida’s shock, Ichigo just stabbed him instead. Hollow-Ichigo tells screaming Inoue that he will help her. Inoue realizes that it is all because she screamed for his help earlier and she thinks that it is all her fault for relying on him. Hollow-Ichigo is about to cero Ishida that Inoue shouts for him to stop. Just then, Ulquiorra attacks from behind. It seems that Ulquiorra slices Hollow-Ichigo’s horn and there is a huge explosion. Wow, I actually guessed it right that Ichigo will be attacking his comrade but then, it seems that he plans to kill everyone = all are enemies, except for Inoue. Since he didn’t finish off Ulquiorra with the first cero, I guess he really didn’t hear what Ulquiorra said earlier. Since it seems to be based on instinct, I guess he thought that Ishida is an enemy because he tried to save Ulquiorra. With the cut of the horn, I guess Ichigo might revert back to normal..at least partially. So, it seems that Rukia and others will be busy with Yammy. Again, what are the captains doing during this time?

While Sakura is healing Hinata in Naruto [c. 442], Lee and others head out to help Naruto but was told to stay put else, they will be in the way. Pain manages to evade the shuriken but was caught unaware that all the rocks around him are Naruto's clones. They charge to attack him that Pain 'expels' them all away. The clones support Naruto from being tossed far away. Pain shouts for him to give up because he doesn't know the answer to his question. Naruto prepares a rasengan but Pain thinks that Naruto is too far away to use it since a rasengan is a close attack but to his surprise, the clones tosses Naruto towards Pain. Naruto hits Pain with his rasengan. I guess Naruto doesn't need any help after all. I begin to wonder what the villagers would think of Naruto afterwards, I mean he is the reason why Pain is there but then, Naruto is the one who defeated him. Anyway, at least they all know that Naruto is powerful enough to defeat him. Iirc, this is his second Akatsuki defeated. I'm slightly amused because here, they can't help because they might get in the way. If it is in Bleach, others can't help because it is all about pride. What if it's One Piece? I don't recall anytime that has happened since One Piece is usually all about teamwork.

In One Piece [c. 538], it seems that Luffy exchanged 10 years of his life for Ivankov to heal him by injecting healing hormones. Ivankov tells him that whether he lives or die, it depends on his will power. Upon seeing Luffy in pain and screaming loudly for 10 hours, Bonclay asks for Ivankov to save Luffy else he’ll die but Ivankov just hits him and tells him that he cannot create miracles but rather, he just help people by injecting them ‘hormones’ then it is up to them and their will to make things happen. Back at the party, Ivankov tells Bonclay about the secret holes all over Impel Down that can lead to that place and they even have a spy snail in the monitor room so they know what’s happening in the place. That place is between level 5 and 6 which is supposedly created by someone who has ‘tunneling’ powers. He informs Bonclay that in level 6, where the government put in the prisoners that has caused problems or inconvenienced the government. He also tells Bonclay who are the people in level 6 likes an ex-goaler Shiryuu who caused a rampage before in Impel down and pirates like Crocodile, Jimbei and of course, Ace. Bonclay tells him that Luffy plans to rescue Ace but Ivankov says that it is useless for at 15:00 today, Ace will be already taken to be executed and Luffy isn’t well yet. Ivankov estimates that it will take Luffy 2 more days to heal then another three days to rest but Ace will be taken from that place at around 7-8 hours from now. Bonclay doesn’t want to sit around and wait so he heads to Luffy’s room and shouts for Luffy to do his best. Soon, the rest also shouts for Luffy not to give up.

After three hours, Magellan is informed that Luffy has gone missing. Hannyabal has been found. Jimbei is telling Ace not to think too much about what Hancock said but Ace believes her for Luffy is the type of person to do that, so he is usually worried about Luffy. Eight hours later, Domino tells Magellan that it is time to transport Ace but then, Magellan is still in the toilet. Then, to the others' surprise, there is blood coming out of Luffy's room and he has stopped screaming. Ivankov thought that he was dead until there is a loud bang on the door and Luffy shouts for food. Everyone rejoices as Ivankov couldn't believe that it took Luffy to heal in less than a day. I like this chapter. I believe that it's true that if one is sick or in the verge of dying, it is one's will to live that can spell out longer days of living. There are those who give up and they quickly die. Also, when one is sick, it helps to have people to be there for you. Just like Luffy, I believe that it helps him recover faster. I mean most of those people are just strangers to him. Also, it's nice to see Luffy not wasting anytime regretting stuff. I mean, if I were him and to be in that pain to the verge of dying, I might even regret going there but Luffy didn't, he just fight on and think of his immediate goal and that is to save Ace. Such an awesome guy..he'll even throw away his 10 years of life for Ace and probably for his crew to be with them again ^^ I guess the author just want Luffy to top it all because I already thought what Zoro has gone through for him is also 'wow'. Anyway, with him back on track and with some food, it is back to rescuing Ace again. I think it might somewhat like be how they saved Robin before.

Reever and Zhizhi has found the ladybugs that sealed the others in the building in D. Gray-man [c. 183]. Allen and Kanda are trying to get out but to no avail. Allen is worried about Noise's wounds. Madarao tells them that it can be deactivated outside so they should just wait for the science team to do it. Allen wonders who he is. Galmar is outside as he wonders why they are making it so hard to just open a door. Just as Zhizhi pick up one of the ladybug, Galmar opens the door and it breaks the barrier. Galmar wonders why they are all injured. Zhizhi plans to investigate the ladybug and tells Reever that it seems his guards aren't ordinary people. The skulls plan to report to the Earl about those 'guards' because only akuma should be able to enter the barrier. The director of the orphanage and the other kids are all fine. Emilia overhears her father telling the others that it was his fault for charging in recklessly to capture Timothy's father so he ended up with an orb on his head. Because of this, they plan to take Timothy in but every time Galmar sees his forehead, he feels guilty so they sent him to the orphanage. He swears to protect Timothy from the akuma but everyone says that it is unlikely he can do it. Timothy decides to join black order since he doesn't want the director and the other kids to get caught up with this kind of incident again. Timothy introduces himself and tells Komui that he will join in the condition that everything Phantom G has done to be compensated and even help in the finances of the orphanage. Komui freaks out over the amount. At the hospital, Galmar is keeping Emilia in company. To his shock, Emilia tells him that she is joining the Order to stay at Timothy's side since he said he was worried about him. The scientists pitied Galmar for Phantom G has also stolen his daughter =P Timothy tells the director about the nice things that they have in the Order while the director tells him about the place where they will go. The two are crying as they bid each other goodbye. Allen says that the two reminded him of himself and Mana. Link says that it is Allen's first time to talk about Mana to someone else. Allen becomes optimistic about it and comments that Link is like air to him that is why he is able to say it out loud. =P So, I guess that concludes this arc. I wonder what's Emilia's role in the Order. I didn't expect her to join. It seems that Timothy will be the 'want money' type of character in this series. I'm slowly liking Timothy. I think the only exorcist that I didn't like is Chaoji. ^^; Hm..I wonder if Madarao and his sister are akuma infused humans of some sort. I guess both sides has something that they will investigate about.

Everone heads out to their training rooms in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 236]. Kyouko and Haru spied on them and are displeased that they are the only ones who do not know of the real situation. Tsuna is talking to his box and when he threatened it, it became angrier. In the library, Ryohei gets irritated with Hayato that he takes out his kangaroo to beat up Hayato. Reborn praises Hayato for getting Ryohei to do that. Then, Uri attacks Hayato. Lambo joins in and hits Hayato. Hayato then hits him. Lambo is furious that he is emitting electricity and puts his flame into the box. A huge electric bull comes out and is ready to fight them. Soon, during the break, Hayato and others are fried. Tsuna tells them that he wasn't able to open his box yet. Yamato is jealous that they can all train already while he only can train by himself. Haru and the others meet with them and tells them to tell them about Millefiore, Byakuran and about the Mafia. Tsuna denies he knows anything about it. Kyouko tells them that they want to fight together with them. Tsuna tries to tell them to just wait and endure not knowing for they will soon be back in the past. This made Kyouko and others rebel not to do any of the chores anymore until Tsuna tells them what's going on. To Tsuna's shock, all the girls banded together. Hehe, so much for Hayato's patience, it turns out that it is his impatience that can force the others to show their powers ^^; Nevertheless, it seems that they get along with each other even if that happened. Boys will be boys =P Actually, it would be fun to see Tsuna and the other guys doing the chores..that will be lots of comedy but then, they are pressed for time so I wonder if the author can insert that in before Tsuna finally gives up and tells those two what is the real situation. Also, if those two girls can help out in fighting, that will be totally cool. ^^ I like that idea rather for them to be just in the sidelines as 'maids' or 'comforters' or 'damsel in distress'. =P After all, they will be Tsuna's 'women', right? ^^ [Since Psyren isn't up yet, I'll just summarize it next week.]

Word of the day:
Asking God for miracles is no substitute for using God-given means. ~ Author Unknown

Skip Beat! [Chapter 138] Teaser
Saturday, April 4, 2009

Just saw the latest chapter ^^ Kya~~wish I know what they are talking about. It is in baidu . Lory is really happy because it is spring = love ^^ Kanae’s manager seems to inform her about what Lory plans on spring and she doesn’t seem to like it when the cost is mentioned. Everyone is happily buying chocolates for Feb 14. Kyouko is furious about being reminded what she did for Shou before – making chocolates for him. Then, her phone rings but there seems to be no answer. She even thought that it was Ren. Ta-Da! Reino is back, giving her his trademark blow behind her back. I don’t quite get what they are talking about but it is something related to Ren. Kyouko seems to be clueless about something guy-girl stuff. Kyouko shouts something at Reino but Reino just smiles and says something that scares=shock Kyouko. In Ren’s room, there are tons of gifts for him. Yashiro is shock at how many they are. He tells Ren to go on ahead to the set then he happily packs the gifts into boxes.

At the set, Kyouko is all gloomy probably because of her encounter with Reino. Then, she sees her co-stars carrying gifts which are for Ren. Kyouko says that it seems too early for Valentine’s Day. To Kyouko’s shock, that day is Ren’s birthday and it isn’t on the 19th as she thought it was. Ren looks at the board and is happy to see that Kyouko is in the set. Yehey! The story is finally back in the love arcs again. ^^ I wonder what Kyouko will quickly think of to give Ren since she totally didn’t know it was that day. Would Ren be expecting something from her? But I think for him, he is already happy that he gets to see her on that day. For the one who called and didn’t answer, could it be Shou? So, the fun parts are going to start again. ^^ Scan by yoming513

Reimei no Arcana -Dawn of the Arcana- [Chapter 1]
Thursday, April 2, 2009

In a balcony which faces a lot of people, the man takes off a lady's hat. The lady says that today, she becomes the enemy's posession. Everyone is shock that she has red hair because the royalty should have black hair. The man waves at the people to be quiet. He grabs the lady's braid and kisses it. He says that red is okay for it is like the passionate love he has for his country. The people cheers their congratulations to Prince Ceasar. The lady thinks that no one realized that he just grabbed her hair forcefully nor do they know that this is just so that peace will continue and she isn't really welcome there. She is like a sacrificial lamb..when will her blood be spilled. A small country is divided into two. On the north is Senan while on the south is Belquat. The calamity started ever since that small island has become two countries and the fighting continued on for 200 years. Curiously enough, the two countries have the same distortion wherein all black hair are deemed to become the royalty and they all belong to the ruling class. Red, yellow and brown hair are commoners. Half-humans who have ears and tails are inferior people who are designated as servants. Then, those people [monster-type] whose five senses are quite superior become the soldiers who are made to fight each other. Belquat has nice weather and fertile land so it is rich and wealthy whereas Senan's weather is cold because of the snow season that the country is poor and its military is weak. There is a river flowing downstream between the countries so the people of Senan would sometimes block the river or even put poison so that it will be cause a setback on the people of Belquat. In every war, the two countries will sometimes have some dialogue in order to have some peace though this usually doesn't last for more than five years but, they never learn, they still keep on doing it and yet, there is no lasting peace. So, as proof of peace [this time?], Senan's first princess Nakaba is given to marriage to Belquat's second prince Caesar. Early on, the royal people already have this discussion among themselves, when would the red-haired princess who was sent to Belquat be killed?

After the introduction, the two newly weds head back inside. Caesar grabs her hair again and says that he was given such an unexpected thing. Nakaba looks straight at him and asks him if grabbing a lady's hair is his style. Caesar tells her not to misunderstand things for she is just his posession. A half-human shouts for Caesar to let her go. Nakaba calls him, Loki. Loki tells her that she looks good in her wedding gown. Caesar did let go of her hair and calls Loki, an inferior . He says that Nakaba just pretends to be important when her companion is just an inferior. He taunts them by saying that it seems that Loki is a 'dog' based on his ears and he is a good match with the red haired princess. Loki draws his knife at Caesar. Suddenly, solders come out and point their swords at Loki. A long haired man calls Loki stupid for if he killed Caesar there, he would be sentenced to death..no, tortured to death. Loki is unfazed as he tells Caesar that he is being rude and he would not let it pass for Caesar to insult his master whether he is Belquat's prince nor Princess Nakaba's husband. Caesar calls him an untrained dog and it seems he is looking for his death. Nakaba looks at the long haired guy then she calls Loki. She gives Loki a slap on the face and tells him to apologize for being rude. Loki obeys that he bows down on the floor and apologizes. Caesar laughs that he is surprised by that and he didn't think that she knows royal etiquette since she is a red-haired. His happiness is cut short when Nakaba gives him a punch in the face. Nakaba tells Loki that it is her responsibility to rebuke her husband. Nakaba tells shocked Caesar that he is looking down on Loki and she thinks that the kind of discrimination by the whole country is a joke. Pissed off, Caesar stands up and strangles Nakaba. He tells her to be careful since it is easy for him to send her head back to her homeland. Nakaba tells him to do what he wants for he should know what kind of treatment she has endured because of her hair which he also dislikes. “This whole country and that other country..for me, it's just the same. And, it's only the place where I die is different.” Caesar let her go. Her eyes seem to dilate then she holds her head. Loki shouts for her then catches her as she faints. Caesar just says that she is really quite an unpredictable princess for hitting him then fainting. He doesn't like to see her red hair so he orders for her to be taken to her room.

Caesar and his men walk away silently then the long haired guy suddenly laughs. Caesar calls out Berias' name. Berias laughs and says that Caesar was just punched and he is willing to just sit this one down. He apologizes and says that princess is quite interesting. Caesar just says yes though essentially, the two of them [he and Nakaba] are just the country's instruments. In the room, Nakaba wakes up and finds herself on the bed. Loki is holding a tray of food and drink and says that she is awake. Nakaba says that she has fainted and it seems she had a dream. Nakaba laments why she is so weak when normally, she is okay. Loki tells her that she is definitely just tired from just recently coming to a strange country. He says that he brought something nice. He shows her a small candy. Nakaba is really happy to see that kernel candy that she quickly eats it and says that it is sweet. Loki asks if it is delicious. Nakaba says that it is. Loki smiles and says that's good. Nakaba then touches his face and apologizes for hitting him. She hugs him and says that it is great that he is there with her because in the whole country, she only has Loki. Loki slightly smiles and pats her head. He tells her that there is a banquet where the king will participate in so she should go change her clothes. Nakaba tells him that she doesn't want to wear the clothes from that place because it is uncomfortable. She says that she wants to wear her own clothes. Loki obliges. At the banquet, a short haired man asks Caesar that his princess hasn't arrive yet. Caesar tells his brother that she isn't a princess but a hostage. While wearing their own clothes, Nakaba, together with Loki, enters. A woman shouts at Nakaba for wearing those poor clothes when his majesty is coming.

Caesar tells his mother to let it pass for it is just a small matter because Nakaba has just arrived in this country and she is uneasy at such an unfamiliar place. He laughs that her country is so poor that what she is wearing is already their best formal clothes. Loki sits Nakaba in her seat. She thinks that she is already used to this being look at with scorn, ridicule, etc yet she will be strong, at least for herself. Then, the king arrives. He looks at Nakaba and says 'Red hair'. He is surprised upon seeing her clothes and asks what is with that. Loki tells King Conan that it was he who prepared it for her. Nakaba is surprised by this. Conan suddenly unsheathes his sword and slashes Loki. Everyone is shock by what happened. Holding his bleeding chest, Loki asks why he is so agitated by it. Conan is angry over what he said. Nakaba goes to Loki and shouts to the king that she was the one who wanted to wear that. The king orders for his soldiers to take Loki out and chop him into pieces. Nakaba is scared for Loki. He whispers to her to forgive him for momentarily leaving her side. Loki takes out his two swords and attacks a soldier. Taking one of the soldiers hostage, Loki disappears in the dark. The king calls Loki a beast for being able to move like that even after getting that kind of injury. Nakaba is shaking upon seeing Loki's blood on the floor. It seems that she has seen it before. This blood on the snow ground. Then, her eyes dilates. Caesar asks her what is the matter. Nakaba sees Conan saying that clan will bring disaster so kill them all. To Caesar's surprise, Nakaba faints. She wonders what is that scene she just saw.

Flashback: Young Nakaba called out to a long black haired woman as Mama and asked where Loki is. Her mother complained that Nakaba is looking for Loki again and not her. She said that Nakaba really likes Loki. Her mother calls out to Loki that Nakaba is looking for him. Young Loki entered with a bowl of something. Nakaba happily wants to touch his soft ears. To Loki's surprise, Nakaba's mother is also touching his ear saying that she also wants to touch it. Then, some kids enter telling Loki to teach them. Loki read some books to the kids. Nakaba is clinging on him while her mother happily watched over them. Elsewhere, Conan ordered his men to destroy a clan because they will cause a calamity. One of his men tried to protest because that power [can be of use] but Conan told him to be quiet and weeds should be exterminated. Back at the village, Loki is carrying Nakaba and said that they are heading out. Nakaba's mother told them to wait and put on a thick blanket on Nakaba. She said that it is cold so Nakaba shouldn't catch cold. She then put a scarf on Loki. Loki thanked her. Nakaba's mother happily told the two to have fun. Loki is playing with the kids as they build a snowman. Pointing to the village, one of the kids told Loki that a lot of horses are heading towards their village. Loki carried Nakaba back to the village. He is shock to see the people are being massacred by the soldiers. Looking ill, one of the soldiers, who is ready to kill Loki, apologized and said that it is the orders of the Belquat king. Nakaba's mother jumped between them that she ended up being slashed. Her blood splattered on Loki and Nakaba's faces. She told Loki to quickly escape and bring Nakaba to the capital and find her father. She gave Loki a necklace before she fell down. The soldier lamented about rarely seeing a beautiful woman and now, she got killed. He commented that in such a remote village, it is rare to see a precious item. Loki quickly took out his knife and stabs the soldier. He is in tears. A soldier shouted that there is someone there. Loki quickly ran off with Nakaba. He then saw the other kids dead in the snow. He just kept on running until they arrive in some cave in the mountains. Inside, Nakaba asked him where is her mother. Loki wiped her face and said that there is blood. Nakaba also pointed out that his face also has blood. Loki started crying as he hugged Nakaba. End flashback.

Nakaba wakes up crying and she wonders if it is a dream or the past. She says no matter what it is, her heart is aching so much that it hurts. Elsewhere, Loki is holding his chest. He then laughs out loud and thinks, “So that was Belquat's king.” He says that it seems that the king is totally shock upon seeing the clothes of the clan whose 'power' he fears. “That 'power' is awakened because of you--!!” 'Time's Arcana' is the ancient secret power that transversing time and space which can enable one to see the past, future and the truth. Walking at the hallway, Nakaba looks out the window. She is surprised when Caesar asks her what she is looking at. Nakaba says that it is nothing. Caesar asks if she is waiting for her dog. He tells her that he won't be coming back since he is already hacked into pieces as his punishment. Walking away while he is following her, Nakaba says that Loki will come back. Caesar asks her how about they have a bet and that is, if Loki didn't return tonight, he is going to kill her. Caesar tells her it is easy to kill her and he doesn't welcome a red haired bride. He walks away and tells her to wait in his room until dawn and she should pray that her dog returns. Later that night, sitting on a bench in his room, Caesar tells her that she is too slow [in coming] and asks if she is afraid. Nakaba tells him that she forgot to ask if Caesar will die if she wins the bet. Caesar says that he won't die but if that guy dare come back then he'll forgive him of his crime of rebellion and perhaps allow Loki to come back into the city. Nakaba says that she is relieved to hear that. She takes out a [dog] whistle and blows on it. Caesar asks what she just did since he didn't hear a sound. Nakaba smiles and says that he won't understand.

Then, Caesar pulls her hair and said that he is displeased since he is his wife and yet she depends on some other guy. Nakaba just looks at him and asks him what he is saying since earlier, he was taunting her red hair. Caesar tells her that it is because everyone is shouting that. To her shock, Caesar suddenly kisses her. He tells her that this is the first wedding night for the two countries that had good relations. He kisses her again but she tells him to stop. He tells her that he is that country's prince and there is nothing that he cannot attain. He is about to kiss her neck when Nakaba grabs her knife and slashes his face. Holding out her knife, she tells him, “So what if you are a prince. There are also things that you cannot attain. I will become that thing that you cannot attain no matter how you think of wanting it.” Caesar touches his small wound and says that she is really not cute. He asks her if she knows how stupid she is for pointing a knife at him. The two stare at each other. He then notices that her hand that is holding the knife is shaking. He then bends down to her and says that she does have a side of her that's cute since her hand is shaking. She attacks him but he quickly grabs the sword on the table to block it. Nakaba is quite emotional that she just charges and swings her sword at Caesar but Caesar can easily evade her attacks. Caesar laughs that she is strong even if she is a woman. Caesar grabs her wrist that holds the knife then kisses her. He then kisses her again that she tries to push him away. He holds her face towards him but now, he gives her a french kiss. This made Nakaba drop her knife and bend down on the floor. She looks flustered. Then, Caesar finds a knife at his throat. It is Yoki who says, “Princess Nakaba, may I beseech thee. Let the next order be..for me to kill him.”

Nice ^^ Thankfully, the story isn't that difficult to summarize as I expected. If it weren't for the fantasy, medieval setting, this would be like a love triangle of guy-girl-childhood friend + forced marriage. Someone in BW said that the story is like a game. It made me think so from dating sim, the author now goes into rpg. =P I think it is quite rare to see a first chapter of a series to be composed of 100 pages, usually it's around 50 pages. ^^; I would really want Nakaba to end up with Loki but then, in shoujo, usually the guy who gets to kiss the girl first is the winner. Anyway, because of her previous series showed how the lead guy is made to suffer a bit for his stolen kiss and playfulness, I'm rest assured that Caesar is going to get his 'punishment' no matter what. ^^ I think it would be interesting for them to kidnap him and made him suffer so that it will temper his arrogant personality. I guess his pride took a blow when Nakaba sincerely believes that Loki will come for her that is why he suddenly kisses her and stuff especially since Loki is thought to be inferior. I actually wanted what Nakaba said to come true – she will be something that he really wants but he cannot have her.

I really like Nakaba because she is really strong. It's rare to see girls punching arrogant guys though she has succumbed to his torrent kissing. ^^; It would be nice though if she can really fight later on and not just some girl who has a weapon but always ends up being a damsel in distress like in the other series. It seems that they still do not know of her power. I think she is the daughter of a royalty and a commoner. I do think that peace marriage is just a farce for they aren't really sincere since the Senan country sent a half-commoner princess while Belquat just let the second prince to marry her..why not the first one, unless of course, he is already married. I also like Loki though he seems a bit too reckless because he keeps on agitating people that I fear that he might really end up dead. Good thing that he is strong, though. About that flashback, for some reason, it reminded me of Vampire Knight when Yuuki's parents are murdered ^^;; Lastly, about the premise of the story, it reminds me of the caste system in India wherein one is 'segregated' to a group based on one's lineage and here, people discriminates based on their hair color and features. It's like a childish way of discriminating people though. ^^; I can actually already guess the ending and that is somehow, Nakaba is going to unite the country using her powers and probably the help of those two. =P Scans by tongyanen for iieye.

Quote of the day:
A first-class mistake is to treat anyone as a second-class person. ~ Author Unknown

Hapi Mari -Happy Marriage!?- [Chapter 2]
Wednesday, April 1, 2009

While walking at the hallway with her co-workers, Chiwa passes by Hokuto who is talking with someone. Chiwa hasn't told anyone about not being Takamashi Chiwa anymore but Mamiya Chiwa because she is now married to the company's president, Hokuto who is quite popular but people don't know what kind of person he really is. Chiwa's co-workers are blushing as they bow to Hokuto. Chiwa turns around and tells Hokuto that she placed his clothes and letters that are all over the place in the room. Hokuto quickly grabs her and takes off, surprising the others that the two suddenly vanishes. Some place else, Chiwa asks what's with him but Hokuto angrily tells him not to expose that. Chiwa asks what does he mean. Hokuto says about the marriage for she just said that stuff outside. Chiwa denies that she did and says so what if they know. Hokuto tells her that if people know that he married a poor woman like her, his stocks will sharply decline. It is all because in the magazines, he is perceived as a 'heroic elegant' bachelor president and it is related to the image of the company so his stocks will go down. [I don't understand what he said after this, I think he implied that he wanted to keep that kind of reputation.] He leaves and tells her to keep it a secret else she'll have to leave [fired]. Chiwa is furious for he obvious isn't some heroic elegant bachelor president because just by looking at his apartment since it is so messy. She really wants people to know his true nature. Upon arriving home, Chiwa cries upon seeing how messy the place is that it is like a garbage dump. She kicks something hard that she winces in pain. She thinks that she did think that he was quite like a hero when he saved her from those yakuza but then, her first impression of him is as someone who looks down on her. She has already resigned to her fate but then, the marriage doesn't seem that bad.

The next day, Chiwa is called into the president's office. Chiwa angrily tells Hokuto that people will be suspicious if she is always called there. Hokuto just says that she is quite attentive. He tells her that he would just want to introduce her to his executive secretary, Souma Taeko. Chiwa thinks that Taeko is beautiful and she is surprised when she was addressed as 'madam'. She is about to ask how she knows when Hokuto explains that she was sent there by his grandfather to supervise there and check on their situation so if there is any problem, Chiwa is to ask for Taeko's help. The two women exchange their greetings. During lunch, Chiwa's co-workers are gossiping about Taeko being Hokuto's executive secretary yet those in the secretary department didn't know who she really is. They say that Taeko is really beautiful and everything. Chiwa thinks that this is true and Taeko actually suits Hokuto's reputation about being 'heroic elegant'. Her co-workers ask Chiwa if she has seen the secretary. Chiwa denies that she did and she wonders what those two will think if they know the real situation. Then, afterwards, Taeko gives something to Chiwa to give to Hokuto then tells her that Hokuto asked her to tell Chiwa that he will be late in coming home. Chiwa asks if it is work. Taeko says that it is. Chiwa asks if they are together. She then gets angry at herself for asking that. Taeko says they will be because it is a business dinner. Chiwa then takes her leave. In the women's room, Chiwa berates herself for minding too much about those two. To her surprise, Taeko is also there. Chiwa exclaims if it is okay for her to just call her madam there. Taeko says it is because they are alone. Taeko comments that Chiwa really respects Hokuto's request [about keeping the marriage a secret] and if there is any problem that arises, Chiwa is to consult her because it is her job. Chiwa is shock to learn that Taeko knows about Hokuto's messy apartment because he doesn't like to clean/pick things up. This made Chiwa quickly bid her goodbye. Chiwa runs off and wonders how did Taeko know about that and who Taeko really is. She is shock when Taeko is calling after her. It turns out that Chiwa was in such a hurry that she forgot her bag.

The next day and a few days after, Chiwa notices that Taeko is always around her whether at work, in the toilet, and while she is walking. “Am I on surveillance?” One night, Chiwa waits for Hokuto to return home. Chiwa glumy greets Hokuto a good evening. Hokuto asks what's up because normally, she is already sleeping at that time. Chiwa says that something is up so she can't sleep. She asks him why is Taeko always watching her everyday as if she is on surveillance. Hokuto tosses his coat on the floor and says that he doesn't know because it is the chairman's orders and he can't do anything about it. Chiwa angrily picks up his coat and threatens Hokuto that if he doesn't do anything about it, she is going to tell everyone about their marriage. Hokuto shouts if she is threatening him. Chiwa shouts that he is threatening her first. She sticks out her tongue at him and tells her that if he fires her then go ahead since if she isn't his employee anymore, she doesn't have to think about his reputation as president. Chiwa quickly runs off, leaving Hokuto shaking in anger. The next day, Chiwa is furious that Hokuto goes to her apartment for an inspection but it is really just to give her more stress. Hokuto darkly glares at her as Chiwa thinks that he really doesn't want her to expose their secret. Upon seeing Hokuto together with Taeko, Chiwa thinks that she knows the reason why Hokuto wants to protect his image and she thinks that with Taeko, he will have a much dazzling image as compared to him being with her. Sayaka tells Chiwa that she has finally seen president but her other co-worker tells Sayaka not to bother because Chiwa won't understand. Chiwa is really frustrated. It's already 6:40pm, at the filling room, Chiwa cries that she has to do overtime work because she is hungry. It is because she is thinking too much about Hokuto that she made a lot of mistakes in her work. Chiwa angrily shouts that it is all that guy's fault. She is surprised when Hokuto stands behind her and asks, who that guy is.

Thinking that she is still being watched, Chiwa assures him that she won't tell anyone about the marriage. She is about to leave while Hokuto still wants to talk to her why he doesn't want it leaked out. Chiwa then realizes the room is locked. She asks Hokuto if he locked it. Hokuto says maybe the janitor carelessly locked it. Hokuto takes out his cellphone and says that he is going to call for help but it no longer has any power. Chiwa cries why he didn't charge his cellphone when he is supposed to be the president. Hokuto comments that it seems she didn't bring her cellphone. The lights suddenly went off. Hokuto laments about this but he is surprised when Chiwa suddenly bends over and starts screaming for someone to open the lights. She shouts about being scared that Hokuto quickly hugs her to him and tells her to calm down. It seems Chiwa has claustrophobia [? maybe it should be lygophobia or fear of darkness] so Hokuto pats her head and calms her down. Chiwa hears his heartbeat and thinks that she really is angry and infuriated yet she feels quite calm. The two are sitting on the floor. While holding his coat, Chiwa tells him that she is hungry, cold and it is dark. Hokuto says that even if she cried, it can't be helped. Chiwa asks why he is so calm. She cries what if they have to stay there until morning, and she doesn't want to stay there with him until morning. Hokuto tells him to let go of his coat [hemline]. Chiwa angrily shouts that she doesn't want to. He tells her to relax for if they don't find him around, [she] will look for him. Chiwa realizes that he meant Taeko. She tells him to tell Taeko to stop calling her 'madam' because from looking at them, they are more suitable for each other and she feels stupid if someone like Taeko calls her 'madam'. Hokuto asks if she is jealous. Chiwa blushes and angrily denies that she is jealous. Hokuto says that Taeko is indeed beautiful. Chiwa shouts that it isn't the reason why she is angry but rather because he doesn't want others to know about the marriage because of his reputation so as his wife, she is angry about that. Hokuto smiles and pulls her to him. He says that it seems that she is now aware about being his wife. Blushing, Chiwa tells him not to take her for granted for she.. Hokuto tells her to calm down for this is the first time that they are alone together and if their marriage is known, it won't be good for her, too. He asks her if it is really alright to expose it. She thinks that he is either misleading her or telling her the truth. She really doesn't understand him but she knows something a bit and that is he doesn't hate her.

To her shock, Hokuto kisses her head. He tells her that it has been a long time that he did that to a girl. It seems that Chiwa can't believe that he would treat her like that because of what he said before that it is just about obeying the agreement and that she thought that he will have a girlfriend even if they are married. To her surprise, Hokuto pulls her to him and gives her a kiss. He tells her to quit joking around and not to say such cheap words. He says that her 'awareness' is not enough. Chiwa is puzzled about what he meant as he probably kisses her neck. He tells her that she doesn't understand anything. She tells him to stop doing that. He tells her that he won't do anything for now but until that time, he won't let her go/get away. Chiwa wonders what he meant by what he is saying. Suddenly, a phone rings. Hokuto says that it must be Taeko so time is over. He answers his phone and tells Taeko the situation. Chiwa is shock as to why he has a cellphone. After talking to Taeko, Hokuto tells Chiwa that the phone that has no batteries is his private phone but his company phone always has batteries. Chiwa cannot believe it that she shouts that she is hungry and cold and she still has overtime work to do. Hokuto laughs and tells her that he will treat her with her favorite food when they get back. He says that it is good for them to be alone together at times for this is the so-called 'couple time'. Blushing, Chiwa asks him that she doesn't understand for wasn't she someone whom she doesn't want to marry nor lay a hand on. He is about to explain when Taeko already opened the door. Taeko asks if they are busy. Chiwa mutters that she still doesn't believe the things that he said. To her surprise, Hokuto tells Taeko that Chiwa is jealous of her so why don't Taeko tell her the true situation. Chiwa insists that she isn't jealous. Taeko says that she thought Hokuto already told her. Hokuto says that he didn't. To Chiwa's shock, Taeko tells her that this year, she is already 55 years old and she is born on 9/20/1954. She tells Chiwa that she used to be the secretary of the former president and during that time, Hokuto is just a small twerp and even if he is now all grown up, he is still a small twerp so there is nothing Chiwa should worry about.

Chiwa still wonders why he didn't use his other cellphone to call. Taeko then tells Chiwa that the one who told her to watch over Chiwa is the president and not the director. Hokuto exclaims at Taeko for saying that. Taeko tells him not to lie about that and for him to act like that, he is really like a small twerp. Chiwa angrily says up to what level he plans to trick her and how could he be like that when he already reached the status of a president. While Hokuto puts his finger on his ear, Chiwa shouts why does he lie, doing such mean things and if he really wants to close her mouth, then, he should just fire her. Hokuto shouts for her to shut up and what's wrong with wanting to watch over his woman. Chiwa blushes and shouts who is his woman and when did she become his woman. Hokuto angrily shouts that no matter what essentially it is, they are [she is his woman] by law so why don't she go do her overtime work. He takes back his word on treating her out. Chiwa can't believe him that she shouts that even if he didn't say it, she is going back to work. Hokuto angrily shouts for her to quickly go and not waste overtime pay. While Hokuto and Taeko walk away, Chiwa looks back and thinks that she still can't tell the marriage to others. Taeko laments over the progress of the two. So far, everything here is cliché especially the part about getting locked up together. The way the two are fighting, they are like kids. =P The thing that is different here is Taeko isn't a love rival and actually might play cupid between the two. Wow, she really look young for a 55 year old woman. From the way Hokuto acts, it seems that he is really interested or even possibly likes Chiwa even if he acts as if he isn't. I think that is partly because of his personality =P I'm beginning to wonder about the odds that they know each other from childhood. I guess he is waiting for her to fall for him. Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 in BW.

Quote of the day:
What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility. ~ Leo Tolstoy

Koibana! Koiseyo Hanabi [Chapters 32 -33]
Tuesday, March 31, 2009

During lunch, Atsumi is happily eating while crying about wanting to be happy. Hanabi tells her not to talk while eating. A girl asks what happened with Atsumi. Kareshi just tell her that Atsumi isn’t feeling well. Atsumi says that since the person she likes doesn’t have her happiness, she is going to give up. She urges her friends to eat in celebration of the new Atsumi. They make a toast with bread. Meanwhile, a couple of girls are walking together with Chikai to get some requirements for their project but Chikai doesn’t want to go. They insist that he should since they are grouped together. Chikai uses two fingers to slap their hands from grabbing his coat and smiles while telling them to keep their distance. The two girls are really happy about this and it seems that they are M. ^^; Holding the papers, Chikai says that he will be the one who’ll bring it to the others. In section I-B, Chikai tells a guy that is their group’s product and requirements. The other guy tell him that he will talk with others on how to make that product and will just give it to them when they are finished. The guy then asks Chikai what he thinks about the latest gossip regarding Sasa. Sasa is in that classroom. Chikai didn’t know it so the other guy whispers that Sasa is a gay. The other guy is shock that Chikai is quite calm about it as if it is no big deal. The guy tells Chikai about a girl named Hanabi, who was good friends with Sasa, went there this morning. Chikai is a bit surprised that Hanabi went there. Just then, Sasa’s friend is telling Sasa that Hanabi must absolutely like Sasa that she tries to protect him. Sasa tries to say that it isn’t true then he sees Chikai. The guy with Chikai looks away. To Sasa’s surprise, Chikai greets him with a hi. Chikai is a puzzled that Sasa didn’t reply back. After a pause, Sasa greets him back.

Walking at the hallway, Sasa’s friend ask Sasa if he thought of Chikai as ‘good looking’ and if Sasa also thinks of him that way. Sasa tells him to quit talking about that. To Sasa’s surprise, his friend says that he can tolerate that because he wants to be Sasa's friend always. His friend laughs as he says that he likes girls. Then someone calls out to Sasa. He sees Atsumi with the others going up the stairs. Atsumi smiles at him then waves. Hanabi sees Sasa so she also smiles and waves back. Sasa just looks at them. Hanabi remembers what Ami said about all sorts of love and love is the heart’s ‘discipline’ that can make one stronger. After dismissal, Sasa sees a crumpled note in his shoes at the shoe locker. It says, ‘Disgusting’ with a freak out expression. Sasa just crumples it again. When he takes out his shoes, another note falls down. He picks it up and it says, ‘You are not alone! Gambatte! Anonymous <- sorry, I’m not brave’. Then, Sasa breaks down and cries. On the way home, Chikai tells Hanabi that he has heard that she went to class B. Hanabi asks how he knew. Chikai says that he doesn’t want to know but he just coincidentally heard about it. Hanabi blushes when Chikai says that she has fought hard but he doesn’t have a reward for her. Hanabi is embarrassed by that as she shouts she knows. Then, from the corner, Mii and Shinichi come out. The foursome are now walking together in the same direction after they exchanged greetings. Shinichi tells Chikai for them to walk on ahead. Chikai answers back that they be the ones to walk ahead. Shinichi angrily calls him stupid for this is his precious time with Mii and he can do it only once a day. Hanabi pulls Chikai’s sleeve and tells him that they walk ahead and not bother those two. Chikai gives in and tells Shinichi that he owes him a treat next time. Just as he is going ahead, Shinichi stops Chikai and tells him to walk around his side and not Mii’s side. This made Chikai angry that he shouts what’s up with him lately. “I’m not interested in your girl!” Shinichi shouts back, “What did you say! You shouldn’t say that! Mii obviously likes you!” Then, we have four priceless shock expressions with Shinichi all blacked out – Opps.

Shinichi then tries to hang himself using a rope on a tree and a garbage can to stand on. He starts to bid everyone goodbye and tells Mii not to stop him. Mii is walking away. Hanabi quickly holds her arm and asks her if it is true. Mii denies it. To her irritation, Shinichi apologizes for not being careful and exposing her secret. Hanabi is about to call out to Mii again but she is already walking away. Shinichi is going to run after Mii but Chikai tells him to wait for he doesn’t understand what’s going on for wasn’t Mii his girl. Shinichi shouts that it is just ‘formally’. He is shaking as he shouts, “..Mii..just went steady with me so that he can forget about you!” Hanabi and Chikai are surprised. Shinichi then runs off to chase after Mii. Chikai looks away and calls Shinichi stupid. Hanabi is a bit stunned over this as she wonders that if it is true, what Mii is thinking when she was encouraging her to be with Chikai and not being able to tell anyone about it. In section 1-I, Shinichi put his head on the table. He wonders out loud if he still exists and asks if he is still there. Arashi and Soutarou are looking at him. Soutarou tells him that he is still there. He says it is quite strange. There is a flashback of Shinichi calling out to Mii to apologize for he can’t bear what Chikai said since he knows of her feelings. He kept on apologizing and asked what he should do to make it up to her. Mii just walked ahead and snubbed him. End flashback. Shinichi starts crying. He then shouts to his classmates if they see him. Coming into class, Chikai calls out to him and tells him that he likes his girl. This shocks Shinichi. Chikai asks him if it will be okay if he said that. After a pause, Shinichi shouts that he can’t but then, it’s too cruel if he said that he isn’t interested. Chikai tells him that he really isn’t interested. Shinichi cries that right now, that isn’t the problem and he is definitely hated when he likes Mii so much.

At home, Nanpa is howling out loud. Hanabi’s mother and older sister are talking what it means since it isn’t the usual bark. Hanabi’s mother says that maybe he is calling his friends and it means, ‘Hey, I’m here--” In school, Hanabi asks Atsumi and Kareshi if they know whom Mii likes. Atsumi thinks that it is Shinichi. Kareshi says that for her, she thinks that Mii didn’t go steady with Shinichi because she likes him. Hanabi realizes that Mii didn’t tell anyone and she also thought the same way as Kareshi but she didn’t realize that she and Mii like the same guy. She wonders when did Mii start to like Chikai and since when she has been hurting. During group work for the project, she looks at Mii while Chikai is looking either at Hanabi or at Mii. At a side of the classroom, while getting some things, Chikai tells Hanabi that Mii is quite calm while he is there and Shinichi didn’t come to work. Hanabi is surprised when Chikai says that it is really hard to understand a girl’s heart. Chikai looks down and walks away. Hanabi looks sad. [I guess he remembered Yukine.] At the workshop, Shinichi asks Chikai what Mii said. Chikai asks what about. Shinichi says like she is worried about him and why that glasses guy isn’t there. Chikai says that she didn’t say anything. Shinichi just says is that so. Chikai tells him his stupid for no matter what reason they've gone steady, it has been for some time already so she might already be ‘bias/attached’ to him. This changes Shinichi’s color back to normal. He happily tells Chikai that he had felt that for a moment because Mii smiled at him. Then, Shinichi slips on some oil and falls over to an operating drill machine behind. In the dressmaking classroom, the girls are complaining about the siren noise which is quite near them. Looking out the window, a girl shouts that the ambulance is in their school. At the same time, Hanabi reads an email from Chikai on her cellphone to inform her that Shinichi is injured. Hanabi informs Mii about this and tells her that the ambulance is going to get Shinichi so she should go to him. Mii just looks away and says that she doesn’t know him. Hanabi looks surprised. Nanpa is still howling as he tells Hanabi that at times, he wanted to call out and say, “I’m here..I’m here.” Shinichi is then unconscious and probably wheeled into the ambulance.

Sasa is really lucky to have such friends who would not snub him after knowing about those rumors about him. He actually didn’t expect kindness from the others and that note finally made him realize that he isn’t alone. I guess he cried because he was really touched. For Atsumi to be able to greet Sasa, she is indeed strong and cheerful-type of girl. Then, poor Shinichi. He blurted it out and that ruined the fragile state of things. I wonder what Hanabi will do, will she still pursue Chikai knowing her friend also likes him. I do think that Mii is somewhat like Yukine but instead of the fake smile, Mii isn’t the type to smile easily. They can be quite secretive and ‘cold’. She is unfazed about what happened and acted as if nothing happened then, she continues to act like Shinichi doesn’t exist after what happened. It seems that Chikai has mellowed down a bit regarding his playboy ways and well, he does seem to treat Hanabi a bit differently now though it’s still a long way for romance. Actually, he mentioned that it is hard to understand a girl’s heart but then, he can easily know Hanabi’s so does that mean he doesn’t treat her as a ‘girl’? ^^; Also, I think Hanabi and Shinichi are really similar – they are both in unrequited love and they have a tendency to make 'slips of the tongue'. ^^; Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 in BW.

Quote of the day:
A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. ~ Walter Winchell

Free Talk: Trip + Manga Reviews
Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Hiyo! Just want to inform you guys, that I will be out of the country from April 5-11 for a Korea tour, well, specifically Jeju and Seoul. There is a lot of holidays on that week in my country so we are taking advantage of that. Hopefully, everything will be okay as in no war will be started or something because the North is going to fire some satellite/rocket during the time I'm in Korea. ^^;; So, this means that I might not be able to summarize Skip Beat! or The One, if it is out this month, since I'm away. Of course, unless Skip Beat! comes out early. Also, I'm hoping that Kaichou wa Maid-sama 36 comes out before Friday so that I can summarize it if not, depending on how difficult it is, I might just summarize it when I return.

Next, I just read from Sagakure's lj that the next bonus VK chapter in Lala DX is about Zero then the next chapter is about a flashback when Yuuki is a junior high. What?! I was just joking about lots of flashback chapters before but really..another flashback? ^^; I'm currently reading a couple of new Jump series which I think it is quite good. The first one is Bakuman. It is about a nephew of a mangaka who becomes a mangaka artist thanks to the invitation of a classmate who is good in writing = mangaka writer and for the promise to marry his crush if he becomes a famous mangaka with his series turned into an anime by the time he is 18 so that his crush will be a voice actress in it. This was recommended to me by someone in BW. I actually think that the writer and the artist is somewhat spoofing themselves. The writer is the same as the one who wrote Death Note. I think it is a 'change' from the usual fighting Jump series. They are actually competing against the other mangaka so it is like 'battles' and it is also quite informative since it also shows how things work in Jump. Also, there is romance in this series which I think is rare in Jump. The way the title chapters are named is also interesting since they usually contrast each other. Second is Beelzebub which I discovered only this weekend. I saw it in skyfire and their Chinese title is Akuma Papa. I thought that it seems interesting from the picture of a delinquent-looking guy with a cute baby. It is about a notorious delinquent who was chosen to be the father of the future akuma king. It is hilariously funny and actually reminds me of the arc in Gintama before when Gin is carrying a baby wherever he goes. The comedy reminds me of Oresama Teacher. I guess this is a good substitute to Oresama Teacher which I currently have no access to anymore. ^^; The cast is quite likeable. For some reason, the lead and friend made me think of Akuma to Love Song's Shin and Yuusuke. The baby is cute and it is nice that it isn't annoying at all. The lead girl is like Psyren's Amamiya. Well, so far so good, I hope it keeps it up.

I've browsed through Black Bird. It's about Misao, a girl destined to be either food for monsters so that they will become immortal → reminds me of the original Saiyuki/Monkey King or be their bride so that their clan would prosper. Then, Kyo, her childhood friend whom she had a crush turns out to be a monster and become a head of his clan just for her so that he can 'take' her. Currently, he is posing as a teacher. That's the basic premise. Then, after the two finally mutually like each other. There are some other love rivals. There is Kyo's brother who tried to take advantage of Misao but then, Kyo tried to save her but is wounded. Fortunately, the subordinates come to save them. And, there is Shuuhei who tried to lure Misao into his territory to learn about some chronicle as to what will happen to the monster's bride after the monster have sex with her. Kyo saves her with his subordinates. Then, Shuuhei got a couple of other 'friends' to help him. Kensuke is sincerely nice and likes Misao while the girl likes Kyo. They trapped the two lovers but then, they made a mistake of trying to poison/attack Kyo in his own territory. Shuuhei shows his true self by betraying his comrades by attacking Kyo and Misao which isn't part of the deal. Kyo royally finishes him off. Bye-bye. Upon realizing that Misao likes Kyo, Kensuke bids her goodbye and gives her a little 'present'. Then, we meet Tadanobu, Shuuhei's brother who is good friends with Kyo. He seems tasked to avenge Shuuhei even if he doesn't want to. Misao then meets Renko, Tadanobu's girlfriend who can also sees the monsters. The two friends duel was stopped by Misao to 'protect' Kyo's heart even if Kyo is winning. She even healed Tadanobu. Renko is really happy about the outcome since she was ready to kill Kyo if he kills off Tadanobu. She is into archery. Then, they learned of news that the chronicle was stolen. Before leaving, Tadanobu tells Kyo about the chronicle that he mustn't have sex with Misao for there won't be just a once, twice and soon, he will come to regret it. Then, it is Christmas and the theme is about trusting the other even if it hurts especially since that person is hiding a secret. The focus is more on the long hair subordinate who turns out to be married but his wife is sickly. Then, there is a slight lover's quarrel and a talk between Misao and Tadanobu + Renko. And things are okay by the time it is New Year.

Then, Misao is going to Kyo's 'country'. Kyo personally asks Misao's mother's permission about it. She seems to approve of him and even remembers him as their neighbor before. There seems to be a slight problem regarding Kyo's brother that is why they returned back. After a grand welcome, Misao meets with Ayame who is really lovey-dovey with long haired subordinate. =P She is his wife. Ayame becomes good friends with Misao who shows her the power of using water to view other places. Misao sees her overprotective father freaking out that she left with her boyfriend. She informs Misao that Kyo also looks into it whenever he was injured before..probably looking at Misao. After sleeping in the same bed with Kyo, Misao walks around in the morning and got herself trapped in a storage house where Kyo's brother is, courtesy of a servant loyal to Kyo's brother. There is an avalanche to bury the storage house and it is planned by Kyo's brother with the help of some spider people. He had used the water communicating technique to talk with the spider people while he was imprisoned because of what he tried to pull before. Misao insists that Kyo will save her so she is beaten up by the brother. The brother isn't interested in becoming head anymore but he is going to use Misao to become stronger either by eating her or taking her. Misao is made to chose. Misao kisses him and manages to poison him using Kensuke's present. Then, a long flashback of why Kyo's brother turn out that way – he thinks that he kept losing things because of Kyo even Misao that he starts to treat them brutally. He is the one who erased Misao's memory to forget Kyo but it seems that it isn't a total wipe out. Thinking of a last chance, he manages to trick Misao to push the water beside him so that he can see Kyo's efforts in rescuing her. He attacks her and I think her screaming and reasoning out softens him that before the storage room finally collapse, he pushes her away to safety. Rip. [edit: It turns out that he has just gone missing.] Kyo and others rescue her. Then, they help her recover. The latest problem is about some guy whose Misao's father seemed to have hired to finish off monsters to protect Misao. The guy is living with them. While he and Misao is cooking together, Misao injures herself with a knife. She heads to Kyo's place to have it healed but it turns out that it is a trap. There is a seal on his powers when Kyo licked the wound. This made monsters or whatever attack the household. Kyo's subordinates try to fend them off but it is Kyo who in the end finishes them off even if he is in a bad condition. Finally, in chapter 32, they had sex.

Aly tagged that it is like Love Monster and does seem like it but I still think it somewhat reminds me of Fushigi Yuugi. I actually don't quite recall anymore the things that happened in Love Monster ^^; What made me think that this is like FY is because about the relationship have some sort of consequence and it is implied that they shouldn't have sex. Then, guys try to rape/use her and Misao seems to keep on going from one trouble to another on her own. Kyo is always the one who have to save her. Wait a minute..I think that happened in Love Monster, too ^^;; I think it is a nice change that she was able to poison the brother to defend herself. It would be nice if she is like Renko who can fight..use some weapon. Anyway, there are lots of steamy scenes here which I think will satisfy people who wants to see some lovey-dovey, dating, etc. The progress and pacing is quite good, too. They finally did it and two one love rival is dead. I guess the next part will probably about the supposed bad thing will happen afterwards. This is plot driven so I just summarized the basic things happening. The Chinese scans are only up to chapter 28, the rest are based on raws. Scans by flavia for BW.

Word of the day:
God gives freely to us so that we may give liberally to others. ~ Our Daily Bread

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Gray-man, Reborn and PSYREN
Monday, March 30, 2009

Inoue and Ishida are shock at how powerful hollow-Ichigo in Bleach [c. 351]. Ulquiorra tries to fight back but then, it is futile for hollow-Ichigo is stronger. He got slashed at and for the final blow, a cero by hollow-Ichigo to blast him away. Well, that was quick and seemingly easy. I think it is quite stupid of Ulquiorra to tell him/everyone about his weakness wherein he can't regenerate if his brain or organs are destroyed in an instant. Oh well, maybe hollow-Ichigo would do that even if Ulquiorra didn't say so. So, what will happen next? I actually wonder if Ulquiorra will be like the espada who were killed off before..he might still be barely alive and then, we have a flashback or more background about him then finally, bye-bye. If there is none of that, I wonder if hollow-Ichigo will attack his friends. I think even Ishida is shock at how merciless 'Ichigo' has become. Inoue would also be scared of him. Hm..I think Aizen might be interested in Ichigo again. =P

Naruto is a bit worried about the destruction that he created in the village but then, he was rest assured by the slug that he was really lucky that everyone miraculous weren't hurt by his rampage in b>Naruto [c. 441]. Hinata is still alive and Gai's group try to save her. Naruto goes into sennin mode and tries to talk to the real Pain but Nagato just wants to finish his mission. Naruto attacks Pain and stabs himself with a chakra stick to trace where Nagato is. Then, using Pain's 5 second interval weakness, he attacks Pain with two chakra shurikens consecutively. I guess that's that unless Pain manages to evade that, but then, just from Nagato's health, I think he might be dead/dying by the time Naruto reaches him. ^^; I wonder if Naruto will still have to fight Kanan. I still believe that Madara deliberately sent them there to their deaths since he no longer has any use for them. Sasuke and group can just finish everything for him. About Hinata, let's see..healer..Sakura?

One Piece [c. 537] starts with how Bonclay tricked Hanyabal by pretending to be Nami and seducing him before tying him up. Magellan is still in the toilet for using too much poison while the others are still looking for Bonclay. Meanwhile, Bonclay wakes up to find a party. He learns that is the place where the missing prisoners have gone to and there, they are all 'free'. The one who saved them introduces him/herself as Inazuma who brought them there. On the stage, Ivankof gets introduced and he introduces the place to Bonclay. It seems that it is some sort of stand-up comedy show for Ivankof. Then, there is a guy who tries to kill Ivankof for ruining his life since he made his father into an okama. Ivankof manages to repel back the huge bullet and changed the man into a woman. The 'woman' then rushes out in embarrassment. Seeing Ivankof's 'miracles', Bonclay asks him to save Luffy. Ivankof tells him that they usually don't save others but Luffy has selflessly asked them to save Bonclay even he is dying. He was so touched by what Luffy did that he is currently curing Luffy and it has been 10 hours ago since then. To Bonclay's shock, he learns that the treatment will last 2 days. Uh-oh, so that means Luffy won't be able to save Ace? Maybe he will get well faster because of his will to live? Maybe, some other people will be the one to save Ace like maybe Whitebeard and his group or even Ivankof. Anyway, this series' arcs has lately been about beating the deadline. I actually wonder if this will be the first time that Luffy won't be able to reach the deadline. I do highly doubt that the author will kill off Ace.

Allen and Kanda are fighting L4 in D. Gray-man [c. 182]. Just when Allen is in a pinch and the others can't help him, Allen got his crown clown to stab L4 and himself. Allen says it only affects akuma and Noah. To his shock, Allen is suddenly in pain. Everyone is surprised as to why it is affecting Allen. Just when L4 is about to finish off Allen, Allen whose hair seems to be longer and a bit curly, holds its head and greets L4 a good morning. L4 starts to cry and says, “Noah..” Kanda takes this opportunity to stab it and narrowly missing Allen's head. Kanda calls him stupid bean sprout. The two finishes off L4 with their swords. Allen seems to have returned to normal and tells Kanda to call him 'Allen'. It has been a long time already but I forgot what Cross said about the musician. Is Allen going to become the musician and lose his real self or will it be like co-existing like Bleach's Ichigo or Naruto. Anyway, this isn't good for Allen because the people whom he is with, except for Noise, would definitely tell the others what happened. They will now become more suspicious of Allen. I think they won't be that willing to work with a traitor Noah because no matter, 'he' is still a Noah. Interesting enough, Allen as the Noah greets the same way as the Earl.

After a grand entrance, Dino shows that he is still his clumsy self without his subordinates in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 235]. The next day, the other girls find Chrome washing the dishes. They become friends. Before they started training, Dino asks Chrome if they can count on her since she is from Mukuro's group. Chrome tells them that she wants to be stronger and return to the past to be with her important people. With that, Dino tells them that he learned some things from the future Tsuna and he has already started Hibari's training. To Tsuna's shock, he is to train alone until he opens the box the right way. To Hayato's shock, he is in charge of training Ryohei and Lambo. He doesn't want to do it at first but since Tsuna praised him, he decided to do it for Tsuna. Chrome will train using a program to strengthen illusions that was made by Mormon. Bianca and Pin will help her with her training. To Takeshi's surprise, he is just to rest and wait until for his tutor..and that is none other than Squallo who is heading to Japan. Apparently, he is angry that Takeshi lost and as Dino noted, the defeat seems nothing to Takeshi so I guess Takeshi is going to get a 'hell' training. It does seem that Tsuna's training is the easiest. I do get the reason why Hayato has to train those two - it will help him become more patient. =P

After frying Kabuto, Dholaki prepares to finish off Yoshina in PSYREN [c. 64] . Amamiya is also in her wits end when Oboro is also teleported to some place where the failed experiments are put in. Just before they are all finished, they are saved by the Elmore children who are now all grown up. Yay..it's nice to see them all grown up. I guess Yoshina did manage to stop Elmore from leaving in one way or another so that the kids are not reckless enough to fight WISE when they were still weak. This somewhat reminds me of what happened with Bleach before. If the kids can defeat the star commanders then, they probably are now stronger than Yoshina and others. Actually, I wonder how did they know they are there? Does it mean that the kids knew that Yoshina went to the future? About the two who were teleported, I wonder if they can still be saved unless they force Shiner to return them because I don't think any of the kids has similar powers like that. Also, saving Yoshina will make WISE know of their existence. I guess they decided that it is better to save Yoshina and others than keeping a low profile.

Quote of the day:
Winning isn't always finishing first. Sometimes winning is just finishing. ~ Manuel Diotte

Nana [Chapter 82]
Sunday, March 29, 2009

It's morning, Shin goes to the room 502, where Hachi is making omrice while Nana is smoking, for breakfast. While eating, Shin is complaining about the flower design with face on the omrice because he thinks that it is scary looking. To their surprise, Nana laughs. When Nana realizes it, she becomes glum again but Hachi is happy about this. In the lounge, while watching some music news, Yuri complains to Nobu until when is Hachi going to stay there when it is already half a month. Yuri says that even if Nana isn't talking much but she has already calmed down and she might want some time by herself. She also mentions about making a pregnant woman support Nana when she is about to give birth and does she plan on bring up the child there. Yuri is frustrated that Nobu isn't answering so she shouts at him that he should say something if he wants to complain. Nobu is puzzled and asks wasn't she the one complaining. Yuri exclaims that he is lying for he must be thinking that she is troublesome and she can no longer restrain herself. To her shock, Nobu tells her that he didn't think that way and he apologizes for making her unhappy but he plans to let Hachi stay until she wants. In the car, Yuri complains to her manager about Nobu for still thinking of Hachi even if she is already complaining. Her manager says that he already feels troubled whenever she vents her anger on someone when she is dumped. Yuri angrily protests that she wasn't dumped. The manager tells her why is she angry when he is trying to comfort her. Yuri says that this thing happens in life but then, to blame it on sadness is quite cunning.

In room 501, Hachi prays to a small altar of Ren that everyone will be okay and she will do her best. Nobu enters the room, too. Nobu asks where Yasu is. Hachi says that according to Miu, Yasu has gone out. Hachi informs him that Shin is staying at Nana's side. She says that Shin is a good kid and he'll definitely can be of help. Nobu lights up an incense and tells her to wait a minute before they chat since he is going to say hi to Ren. While he is praying, Hachi wonders what Nobu tells Ren everday and he definitely has a lot to say and Nana would have even more a lot to say to Ren. Hachi thinks that if Nana is okay, she will be staying in that place for a long time. Ren's gift wasn't given to Nana yet and she wasn't able to tell Nana yet about the name Ren gave to her child. There is a scene of Shin washing the dishes while Nana is sleeping. Nana wakes up then drinks a cup of coffee that Shin has put on the table for her. Shin looks a bit sad upon seeing Nana's wedding ring. Later on, Nobu is surprised that Nana laughed about the omrice and it seems she is slowly opening the door in her heart. Hachi says that Nana is always sleeping and not talking but upon preparing the food, Nana wakes up and eat. Nobu then compares Nana to a wandering cat who will one day be 'family' but then, it scratches when one tries to touch it. Hachi laughs about this. Hachi stands up and says that she is going to buy something and if he wants to buy something. Nobu tells her that he'll be the one to buy it and she should just rest there. Hachi tells him that it is okay for she just wants to go home and get a change of clothes for it has become warmer now. Before Hachi can go out the door, Nobu asks her if Takumi said anything. Hachi says that he didn't say anything. Nobu tells her that it is enough for her to stay at Nana's side and it is best for her to go home. Hachi is speechless over what he said.

Somewhere else, Takumi is watching a music program when to his irritation, Reira turns the television off just when it is going to show some singer that he seems interested in. Reira claims that she is sleepy so she turned it off. Takumi grabs her hand and tells her that she sleeps too much so she should just get up and eat. Reira cries that she isn't hungry. Takumi tells her that if she doesn't eat, she can't get discharged from the hospital. Reira asks what's wrong with her and if she has the same ailment as her father's. Takumi sweatdrops and tells her that it is just because she isn't eating and if she eats, she can go home. Takumi gives her a bowl of food. Reira says that even if she returns home, no one is there. Takumi asks her if her mother isn't at home. Reira says that her mother is busy at work and dating. Takumi says that her mother said that next month, she will be resting. Reira says that her mother will definitely have that 'awkward expression' while looking at her. Takumi tells her that they go back to Tokyo and for a change of mood, it would be good to move to a new place. He asks her where would she want to move. Reira whines that she will be more lonely. Takumi says that he'll be there. Reira then eats the food that he feeds her.

Back to the other couple, Nobu then says that he knows already and he won't mention again about her going back. Nobu angrily says that it is also okay for her to stay there with everyone after Satsuki-chan is born. Hachi is surprised that she asks him how did he know of that name. Nobu says that Ren told him since Ren had asked him if the name Satsuki is okay. Nobu says that he thought Ren is joking around then but Ren was really happy that he even said about teaching the child how to play a guitar. Hachi starts crying as she remembered Ren saying that he won't die until he saw Satsuki. Nobu says that it made him angry that he hung up on Ren and he never thought that will be the last time they talked to each other. Nobu laments that Ren just wants him to listen to his true feelings. Nobu starts crying and Hachi also cries. I think she just thought that she should have listened to Nobu as to what he wanted to say and even if she wants to give birth to the child, if Nobu doesn't want it, she would have aborted it at that time. Nobu then changes what he said for he urges her to go home because his girlfriend is angry, she is a hindrance and she shouldn't destroy his peace. Hachi asks him if the name Satsuki is fine. Nobu looks surprised. Hachi thinks that having the child that Nobu didn't anticipate on, from that day on, she cannot go back to that place but it is alright for she will just wait for Nana in room 707. Nobu looks at her and it looks like a yes. Nobu cries and says that he really wants to teach this child to play guitar. Hachi starts crying again and wonders why things turn out that way.

At the hospital, Reira tells Takumi that the nurse will scold him if he keeps on playing his guitar. Takumi tells her that he is bored. He urges her to sing so that he[?] will be happy. Reira tells him that she will not sing if it isn't Ren playing the guitar. Takumi sweatdrops about this and says if she is being sarcastic. There is a knock. Reira has visitors – Yasu and Naoki. Naoki greets them and Yasu tells the one who is playing the guitar to go out. Reira exclaims happily upon seeing Yasu. She says that it cheers her up when she sees Yasu's bald head. Naoki tells Reira that he is also there. Takumi sighs and I think he said he is saved. He stands up and says that he is going out to make a phone call then he'll return. Yasu tells him to rest up. Before Takumi can go out of the door, Reira calls for him. Takumi sweatdrops and says that he'll be right back. Reira asks him when Ren is coming back to Japan. Takumi is stunned. Nobu is looking at Reira then he looks away. Reira then dreamily says that Ren is definitely in England now, eating then flying around Hyde park with a pair of wings. Yasu just says, is that so and he also thinks the same way. Naoki starts crying. Takumi looks out the sea/lake-whatever and it is snowing. Ren's altar then last scene is of Nobu and Hachi hugging each other..probably comforting each other. Narration says about not knowing if the trial is right or wrong but one bears the punishment and then later on, pardoned but she will not blame it on sadness for in her hands are the things that are precious to her and only love stays there.

For the first half of this chapter, I was thinking that Takumi and Hachi can't be together because they are busy babysitting the two singers. ^^; It goes to show where their priority is. I was thinking like, maybe it will be okay for them if the singers are alright. The latter part made me think that maybe it will be Nobu and Hachi together is much better. I guess the problem with Nobu is that he is a bit wishy-washy. ^^; Though Hachi is also partly to blame for if she really has her resolve, she shouldn't have just left. It seems that the two are really the same. They both have regrets about Ren and they tend to think of 'others' before themselves. If they didn't, they would have been together already. In the present arc, I think it would be harder for Hachi to be with Nobu unless Nobu is willing to wait until the kids grow up or won't hate Hachi if she divorces Takumi. It won't be a win-win situation and she would have to sacrifice something. The two singers grieving are contrast with each other. I wonder if it is because of their different relationship with Ren or it is just their personality. It seems that they are on a 24-hour watch on Nana and someone has to always be with Nana..until that day and it better not because Shin left his post. Scans by ikunlun

Word of the day:
The best plan for our lives is to take God at His Word and always do what's right. Only then will we have a life with no regrets. ~ Mart De Haan

Koi, Hirari -Addicted to You- [Chapter 4]
Saturday, March 28, 2009

Walking to school together, Kaduki is telling Sumire about the weather being cold and it might snow. He turns around to see that she isn't listening for she is busy fixing her hair by pulling down the hair strands that are standing up. Kaduki laughs when she only made it much worse. He tells her that it isn't that bad and he actually thinks that it is a bit cute. Sumire is shock for he just said a while ago that it was messy. Blushing a bit, she asks him how he knew where she lives. Kaduki tells her that he just guessed that she must be living somewhere near his house so he searched around the houses until he found her house. [Japanese houses tend to put a name plate of their surname outside the door.] He tells her that he is worried about her upon seeing her walk away/acting strangely yesterday. Sumire is surprised about this since yesterday, he coldly told her to leave. Sumire exclaims that it is best that she didn't watch it because she doesn't understand Japanese dances. Kaduki admits that he doesn't want her to come but it is because he made a mistake in dancing. Sumire is shock as she exclaims about those guys telling him how great he was and he is a genius. Kaduki says that there are times when he is nervous. He also admits that he also wants her to go home earlier. Sumire laughs as she thinks that is why Kaduki has that reaction upon seeing her at the dressing room. Kaduki then says, “It's because Sumire..because you are watching so I'm nervous.” Sumire is surprised by this. Kaduki looks at his cellphone and exclaims that they are late. It's already 8:55.

The school bell is ringing. The gate is closing. Sumire can't run anymore that she told him to go ahead. Kaduki holds out his hand to her. Sumire holds his hand. He pulls her to him and carries her. He jumps over the gate with her then happily exclaims, “Sa-fe!” Kaduki then says that she is quite heavy and what's her weight. This made Sumire angry that she shouts for him to put her down. In class, Kaduki is reading a book during recitation. She thinks that he was in front of the stage in front of everybody yesterday but right now, he is in the same class as her..same world as hers. She thinks that he is also a normal person for he also gets nervous and Japanese dance seems fun and it suits him because of his strength and agility. She remembers him telling her that she'll fall for him. She is surprised when Kaduki turns around and asks her, “What about it?” Sumire shouts that it is impossible. Everyone is surprised by this but it turns out that it is just Sumire's turn to recite. Sumire is flustered upon seeing Kaduki laughing. She then looks out the window to see what Kaduki is looking at. It is snowing outside. She wonders why she remembered that day when they first met. At the roof, Sumire is holding her bento boxes and sees Kaduki is already there with a couple of girls. The two girls tell him that they head back to the classroom since it is cold. Kaduki tells them to go ahead for he wants to stay there for a while. Sumire becomes annoyed when Kaduki touches the face of one of the girls and says that her face is so cold that she might catch a cold. Just then, Umeko approaches behind Sumire and asks if Sumire really wants to eat outdoors. The two girls head downstairs and tell Kaduki that they will get their coats. Upon seeing Kaduki there, Umeko slaps Sumire's back and happily exclaims that things are alright with them so she'll just head back down. Sumire tries to protest but Kaduki already notices her there. The two stares at each other. Then, Kaduki smiles and says that he was thinking of her. He tells her about the first time they met on that kind of snowy day and she thought that he was dead that she called an ambulance. Sumire tells him to forget about it. Kaduki says, “I won't forget it...I can't forget it.”

Seeing her messy hair, he touches her hair and tries to fix it. Sumire blurted out that she left it as it is because he said that it is cute. After realizing what she just said, she tries to take it back but Kaduki just smiles at her. He shakes her hair and says that is really her cute style. He then tells her that she no longer refuses nor shocked by his touch and this morning, they even held hands. Sumire tries to explain that it is because all of a sudden but Kaduki just asks her why she went to the roof and is it because just like him, she remembered that day. Flustered, Sumire put out her bento boxes on the floor and says that she just wants to eat while it's snowing. Kaduki mutters that she has a couple of big bento boxes. Sumire sneezes so Kaduki puts his coat on her. He tells her that he already ate so he is going to exercise a bit. Kaduki starts dancing. She watches him and thinks that she only has eyes on him ever since that day when he fell from the wall, they held hands, he fixed her hair and that night when he was dancing. Kaduki finishes his dance and tells her that it is a special performance. Sumire thinks that Kaduki also said that to some other girl. She asks her if he usually practices in the middle of the night. Kaduki tells her that it is because he doesn't want the others to see. He explains that as a successor, one must naturally have talent and no one will think that it is really the result of hard work. “At the formal practice, I act as if I'm lazy because I'm pretending to be a genius. This is a secret.” The two girls have overheard them and say that it is impossible for Kaduki is a genius and it couldn't be just the result of hard work else ordinary people will lose face. They ask Kaduki if he is just lying a while ago. Sumire tells them what 'lose face' are they talking about. “Kaduki-kun is really cool. Is there anything to be ashamed about working hard?!” Kaduki smiles. Sumire is embarrassed by what she said. Before she knows it, Kaduki grabs her hand and runs off. “Ah, Really. Why do I have this kind of feeling? When I obviously do not want to be aware of it. The feelings of liking this person.”

So, Sumire has finally realized her feelings for Kaduki. Hehe..I think it is also obvious that Kaduki is smitten by her. He even looked around to find where she lived in order to straighten things out about the possible misunderstanding yesterday. Of course, there is also the special performance just for her. =P I think even if he is a playboy, he still treats Sumire differently from the rest that he even lends his coat to her and told her his secret. I actually don't know if it is really a good idea to pretend to be a genius but I guess he is just living to everyone's expectations. He is cunning enough though to pretend to be one. I guess he is really happy that Sumire likes and defends him even if he isn't really what the others think he is. Because of her appetite, I wonder if Kaduki will still like her if she becomes fat. ^^; I really think that this series is much like the author's previous series but instead of water, it is snow-theme. I wonder if this series will end with snow, too. =P Anyway, things are progressing nicely with the two, obstacles will come out soon. Scans by Amyangel19910323 for BW.

Word of the day:
Do your best and leave to God the rest. ~ Proverb

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 21]
Friday, March 27, 2009

Cover: Kazuma saying, “Come here, honey♥” It's the mid-December. After working, Fumino goes home at night. In a blink of an eye, it's already dark when it's still 5pm. At home, she calls out that she's home. Kazuma welcomes her back. Fumino is shock to see Kazuma and Teppei decorating a Christmas tree. Fumino exclaims what is that, it's so big. Kazuma happily says that he bought a Christmas tree. Wearing a Santa hat, Teppei excitedly says that it's really great. Fumino thinks that Christmas is coming soon and it seems sensei is in a bit of a festive holiday mood. Holding a cake list, Kazuma says, “Fumino! I've ordered a chocolate cake and a strawberry cake ♪” The cakes ranges from 5000-7000 yen. Fumino is shock at how expensive the cakes are. She angrily shouts for him not to waste too much money on celebrating Christmas. “One cake is enough!” Kazuma's smile freezes then he frowns. “..Sorry, did I trouble you? I've haven't celebrate Christmas before, so, I hope that this time around, I can celebrate it with you guys, that I can't help..” Fumino is moved by this that she apologizes to Kazuma, who is moping near the Christmas tree, for shouting at him. She exclaims that she eagerly anticipates the Christmas tree and the Christmas cake. Kazuma turns around with a big smile and says, “Ah, Really?” Holding a Santa bikini, Kazuma says “Then, on that day, will you wear this outfit?” Fumino blushes and angrily screams, “Who would wear that, --idiot!!!” Lots of shouting as Teppei just happily continues decorating the Christmas tree.

At school, Kazuma wishes the students a good year and greets them a Merry Christmas. Fumino thinks that she also anticipates Christmas because last year, while at the house of their caretaker/guardian, she and Teppei are just together at a corner of a room and before she knew it, Christmas is over. “But this year, I'll be with Teppei and sensei.” She works after school to buy a gift for the two. On December 23th, Fumino goes to the store and places an order for a cardigan sweater for Kazuma and a toy for Teppei. She tells the salesperson that she will pay for it tomorrow since that is when she will get her salary. She then meets with Shoma who asks her if she isn't going to give anything to his brother since she isn't holding anything. Fumino gets angry when he called her an eyesore so she quickly leaves and says that she will buy the stuff tomorrow. Following her, Shoma tells her that she doesn't have to force herself since she is poor. Fumino shouts why he is following her. Shoma says that he is also going that way. They see Meg sitting by the fountain and holding a shopping bag. Meg is surprised to see Fumino with Shoma. Shoma says that he just met her there. Fumino asks Meg if they are on a date. Fumino didn't ask what happened between the two after Meg courageous confessed in English, even if she didn't understand, a few days ago. Blushing really red, Meg hits Fumino with the bag and denies that it is a date. She exclaims that she is going back home on New Year so she bought a gift for her father. She then lost her grip on the bag which is about to fall into the fountain. Fumino manages to hit the bag to safety but she loses her balance. Shoma tries to grab her but Fumino falls into the fountain. That day is on the 23th and it is less than 1C and there is reportedly a strong cold wind current.

On December 24th, Fumino is coughing and her temperature is 38C. Kazuma says that she has a cold. Fumino says that she doesn't have a cold and she is going to work to get her salary. She tries to crawl away but Kazuma stops her. Kazuma exclaims that she obviously has a cold so she shouldn't work on that day. Teppei carries a glass of medicine water for Fumino. Fumino shouts that Kazuma is mistaken for she doesn't have a cold. “I'm going out, Let me go..” Still holding her, Kazuma says, “Okay, then, Fumino, let's kiss.” This surprises Fumino. Kazuma leans towards her and says, “If you have a cold, then you'll infect me. But you said you're okay, right?” When Kazuma's lips are inches away from hers, Fumino faints. ^^; Fumino thinks, “Oh no..I got a cold on Christmas day..” Later on, Ryuu and Teppei go out to a children's party. Ryuu tells her to rest up. Teppei tells her that they'll come back soon. Kazuma puts on his scarf and tells Fumino that he'll go and get Teppei's gift for her. Fumino apologizes and says that she'll pay him the money later on. Kazuma asks if there is anything else. Fumino remembers Kazuma's gift but she doesn't want Kazuma to get it for himself since it will be like he's buying it for himself. Fumino just says that it is alright and just wait a moment. She grabs his scarf and darkly says that on the 25th, no tonight..she will make herself well so that tomorrow, she will be the one to get his gift. Kazuma pats her head and tells her to sleep well and if there is any problem that arises, just quickly call him on the phone. Fumino closes her eyes and says yes. She thinks that she is an idiot when she is obviously troubling the others yet she feels happy.

The doorbell rings. Fumino wakes up and looks at the clock. It is already 4pm. She stands up and walks to the door. She thinks that she is feeling a bit better and wonders who is outside the door – Teppei or Kazuma. She looks at the peep hole and is surprised to see Shoma. Fumino opens the door and exclaims why he is there and Kazuma is.. Shoma asks if she has a cold. Fumino is shock as she apologizes for just wearing pajamas. She says that she just don't feel well. Shoma gives her a cake as an apology from Meg about yesterday. He is the one who brought it since Meg went back to America that day. Fumino is surprised at how big the cake was. Shoma also gives her another gift as an apology for not being able to grab her hand at that time. It is the sweater that she wanted to give to Kazuma. Shoma says that he already paid for it so she can just give it to his brother. Fumino says that there is no need for that. She returns the sweater but takes the cake. Shoma becomes dark about this. Fumino puts the gift to his chest and thanks her for his thoughts/consideration. Shoma angrily protests why when it isn't easy for him to.. Fumino says that she already said it before that this is an important feeling. “It has no meaning if I didn't use my own money to buy it! so--” This irks Shoma that he slaps the gift away. He shouts, “You really like to make a fuss! What Christmas! You're no longer a kid. Just because of a nonsense holiday, you're making my brother waste money. You're really shameless!” Shoma walks away then he hears a sound. He turns around to see Fumino angrily jumps to kick him. Fumino remembers Kazuma telling her that he hasn't celebrated Christmas before and he would want to celebrate it with them. Fumino grabs Shoma's scarf while she is on top of him. Blushing, Shoma angrily shouts what she is doing. Fumino shouts for him to shut up. She asks him what he felt when he was choosing a Christmas gift for sensei. “What are you feelings then? Weren't you happy?!..how could you say those words? This is a day when one thinks of one's important people. I won't allow you to say that it's 'nonsense'..!” Fumino thinks that it is a memory that includes Teppei, sensei and her family who won't come back. Fumino then faints and Kazuma catches her. Kazuma tells his brother that he has nothing to lecture Fumino about.

Later on, Fumino is crying. Kazuma tells her not to cry anymore. Fumino cries what she should do since it is already 11pm. Kazuma tells her that it can't be helped because she has a fever and he has already put Teppei's gifts beside his bed. Teppei is already sleeping. Holding a small towel, Kazuma tells her that he'll wipe her perspiration. He wipes her face since she is still crying. She cries that it's good that this year, Santa has come. [for Teppei's sake, I think] “Thank you, sensei..” Kazuma says, “You, too. Thank you for making me discover that Christmas is a beautiful day..” Narration: “I hear the sound of hearts touching each other.” Kazuma unbuttons her pajamas then tells her to turn around so that he can wipe her perspiration on her back. Fumino blushes while Kazuma is wiping her back. Kazuma says, “I'll put a spell on you, tomorrow Fumino's cold will be gone..” Kazuma kisses her back. Narration: “That quiet night..I can almost hear all of [my] body's sounds.” Fumino promptly faints. Kazuma smiles and says that her cold is now gone. Narration: “It was a silent, warm and happy night.” On the 25th, it's exchange gift time. Kazuma gets a sweater from Fumino and a card from Teppei. Fumino gets a cellphone from Kazuma and a card from Teppei. Teppei gets a wrestler's belt and spiked knuckles toy ^^; Teppei happily exclaims his thanks to Santa. Ah..will Teppei really become a delinquent later on? ^^; Hehe, Kazuma is really goofy and romantic here. Of course with him like that, Fumino can't refuse his whims for Christmas, except for the bikini. =P I'm still thinking about Shoma. From the picture of Fumino falling, he is holding out his hand but pulled away and closed his fist. I wonder if it is still he's dislike for her or he doesn't want to touch her else, he'll fall in love with her. Well, that can also be interpreted as he close his fist for he thinks that he grabbed her. Also, I think Shoma gets angry at her when she refuses the gift he bought for her to give to Kazuma and not really for being wasteful about buying gifts. Hehe..maybe he is just becoming 'soft' with her. I don't know if I'm thinking too much on this. ^^;; Anyway, the lovey-dovey scene is nice as usual. ^^ Too bad, Fumino kept on fainting on him. =P Scans by carolleung0808/minifrog for BW.

Quote of the day:
Creating memories is a priceless gift. Memories will last a lifetime; things only a short-period of time. ~ Alyice Edrich

Vampire Knight [Special Chapter – How Much the Madame Loves Her Husband]
Thursday, March 26, 2009

Juri is sitting on the table then says, “The smell of rain.” Young Yuuki asks her if she hates the smell of rain. She moves the chair towards Yuuki and tells her that she really hates it because it reminded her of something bad in the past because a certain person infuriated her the whole day. Yuuki sweatdrops and sweatdrops even more when Juri suddenly has this 'lovey-dovey' expression and says that it is complicated since it is also a sweet memory. Juri tells her that it has something that happened when she was young. She puts Yuuki on her lap and tells her the story of it. To Yuuki's shock, Juri confesses that she used to really hate her father. Flashback: At school, it is raining and Juri doesn't have an umbrella. A friend asked her why not call her boyfriend. Another friend said that Juri always brings an umbrella to school. Juri darkly replied that the umbrellas in her house have all disappeared. The other girl pitied her and asked if her brother is bullying her. One of the girls offered to share her umbrella with Juri but Juri ran off and said that she is going to a different direction. Juri passed by a corner and Haruka is waiting for her with an umbrella. He tried to share his umbrella with her but Juri just pushed the umbrella away. Juri walked ahead of him so Haruka followed and tried to share the umbrella again but Juri still pushed the umbrella away. He did it again that Juri shouted at him that he should be still in bed sleeping since it is still morning. She also shouted for him to quit following her. She accused him of knowing that it will rain in the afternoon so he hid all the umbrellas.

Haruka just smiled at her that Juri started calling him names. Juri told him if he thought that she won't be angry if he uses his excuse to fetch her from school. Juri walked away and started to complain that she was able to study in a place that has no vampires in the condition that she has to be with him but she is angry that she wasn't able to have a happy school life because he has been following her going back and forth from school that she wasn't able to walk with her friends. She stopped walking and looked back to hear Haruka's reply. To her surprise, Haruka just closed his umbrella then smiled at her. Both are now wet in the rain. Juri shouted at him again that she hates him for infuriating her like that since he is always looking friendly like that. Blushing a bit, Juri gave him permission to talk to her even when they are outside since no one else have such a distorted way of expressing his love like getting all of the umbrellas.. End flashback. Juri asks Yuuki if she can guess what her father said. Haruka said that he wanted to share an umbrella with her. [The word use is different but it is more like 'lovey-dovey under the umbrella'] Juri laughs as she tells Yuuki that Haruka said that since they are both wet, this is the crucial moment to do it. There is a scene of Haruka holding the umbrella to Juri who asked, “Are you an idiot?” Yuuki didn't understand what she meant about 'lovey-dovey under an umbrella'. Since Juri hears that Haruka and Kaname have returned, Juri offers to demonstrate that to Yuuki. Haruka and young Kaname enter the house. They say that it suddenly rained and they are going to let the umbrella dry in the hallway. Juri takes the umbrella and shares it with puzzled Haruka. Juri happily says that it is like that ♥. Haruka says that he doesn't know what's going on but he is really happy and her clothes suits her. Juri says, “Me, too.” Yuuki blushes as the two are lovey-dovey as they call each other's names. Kaname asks Yuuki if she wants to become like them when she grows old. Sparkling, Yuuki says yes.

Well, Yuuki has a long way for that because she isn't that lovey-dovey with either of her leading men =P Well, it seems that Kaname shares the trait of being patient from his father. =P From this chapter, it actually seems that Haruka is a nicer and likeable guy than Kaname. ^^ Just when I thought that this author can't write romantic scenes but it turns out that she can so why is it lacking in the main series? ^^;; Hopefully, there will be scenes like that in the main series. ^^ Anyway, for the scans, it is in this site. Scans by WATC for baidu.

Quote of the day:
Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. ~ John Quincy Adams

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta [Chapter 23]
Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Kotori is still shock that the guy whom she met on the train before is actually Yukito’s brother. Yukito returns her phone and says that she forgot it and that must be why she returned to get it. Ohara then asks if she is called Kotori. [since Yukito called her by her name] Yukito asks him, “What about it?” Ohara says that it is nothing then exclaims to Kotori that it is such a coincidence that she is his younger brother’s girlfriend. Blushing, Kotori thanks him for what happened in the train before and she didn’t think that he was Yukito’s brother. She apologizes for not properly thanking him before. Ohara says that it is nothing, it’s just small thing. Yukito can no longer take it that he quickly gets between them and says, “That’s enough.” Yukito tells Kotori that it is already late so she should quickly go home. Kotori says okay. Before she can leave, Ohara apologizes to her for Yukito for saying such unpleasant words and he’ll leave Yukito under her care. Kotori blushes.

In their house, Yukito asks what Ohara meant by ‘under your care’. Yukito comments that it’s quite disgusting to hear that from him. Ohara says what of it, it is just a greeting. Going upstairs, Yukito tells him that if they meet again, he [Ohara] shouldn’t talk too much. Ohara just says, yes, yes. Then, he smiles. Going into his room, Yukito thinks that he isn’t sensible to meet in the house that his plan is ruined because the two met each other. He looks at his bed then sits down on the floor. He says that ‘Ana’[peacock] is there awhile ago. Closing his eyes, he stretches his arm and imagines Kotori is sitting beside him. He then berates himself for daydreaming like that. Then, he hears a motorcycle outside. He looks out the window and sees his brother on a motorcycle. Ohara is about to put his helmet on when Yukito calls out to him. Ohara looks up and just smiles. Yukito is shock and tense as he says, “That guy..” Ohara then rides his motorcycle away. Walking home, Kotori imagines what Ohara said ‘under your care’ is the same as what Hikaru said in the game. She becomes really happy about it. She then thinks that if she gets married to Yukito, then Ohara will be her.. She then blushes for thinking that and that it is still too early. She is surprised when someone calls her name. It is Ohara in his motorcycle. Ohara asks her where she lives. “It’s quite dark already so it’s dangerous. I’ll drive you home. Hop on. ♪” Kotori is surprised by this.

In class, Kotori dreamily looks at the picture of Ohara on her phone. Last night, she has asked to take his solo picture to commemorate the meeting. Even if he offered if she wants to be in the picture, she declines. Kotori quickly closes her flip phone when Yukito gloomily asks her from behind as to what happened afterwards yesterday. She wonders if he has seen the picture on her phone. She asks, “Yesterday?” Embarrassed, Yukito drops the subject. She then says that about yesterday, she is really shock that his brother is someone she knew and after saying that it is dark and dangerous, his brother is quite considerate to drive her to her home in his motorcycle. Yukito gloomily asks what happens after that. Kotori is aghast upon seeing his expression. She wonders why he is angry. She just tells him that his brother just told her, nice to meet you/I'm under your care. Kotori starts to become nervous as she wonders if he is angry because he has looked in her cellphone and saw all the pictures of Memories of Falling in Love in her phone. Kotori then gloomily asks if he looked into her phone. Yukito says he did. This shocks Kotori. Then, Yukito asks that if he said that, what of it. Kotori is blushing as she nervously asks if he saw it or not. Yukito then says why she has that kind of expression as if it's the truth. He tells her that he didn't look at it and all the pictures in it are just Memories of Falling in Love. Kotori exclaims how did he know. The two looks aghast at each other. Yukito tells her it is infuriating since it's true. I think she asks if he wants her to give him one of the pictures. Yukito says that there is no need.

After a pause, he asks if she knows of her brother before. Kotori says she does from riding the train one time, his brother had helped her. She tells him that after that, she didn't get to meet him again and she doesn't know his name. “I didn't know that he is Yukito's brother but it's really great for in many ways, we seem to be connected. Now that I think of it, it is like fate..” She stops upon seeing Yukito looking downcast. Elsewhere, Harada is really happy that Ohara answered about when they would meet. Her friend asks if it is that Ohara guy whom Harada plans to meet with Kotori. Harada happily says that she is going to trick Kotori to go out and meet with Ohara then secretly take a picture of them together then let Yukito see it so that the two Kaiji-s will have a quarrel. Her friend asks if it will go smoothly especially since exams are coming soon. Harada says that it is okay and just lend her notes to her. Her friend asks if that is okay. Ohara gets an email from Harada who wrote that it's really great that he agreed for she wanted to surprise Kotori who is a fan of his and she is really happy that he is helping her out. [Harada has put in a lot of ♥ in that message ^^;] Ohara laughs and wonders what evil plan is Harada plotting. A friend asks Ohara if he is going on a group date with girl/s from that place again. Ohara says more or less. His friend says that he's really great for having free time when he is already in third year high. His other friend says that he is envious of Ohara since even if he goofs around, his grades doesn't go down. His friend tells the other friend if he knows that Ohara changes his name when joining group dates even if he is already quite popular. The other friend asks why since it will be quite troublesome. The friend says that if the other party isn't Ohara's type then, he won't tell the other the truth. The other friend asks Ohara what if the other party is someone whom he is serious with. Ohara says that won't happen because this is only a past time [for fun]. The two friends say that he is hateful and infuriating.

During a break, at the hallway, Kotori shows Ohara's picture to Natsume. Natsume tells her that he really looks like Hikaru and no wonder Yukito looks like a character in the game. She then notices Kotori looking gloomy so she asks her what's up. Kotori says that it is nothing but she is just a bit worried since Yukito seems strange a while ago. Natsume asks her what happened. Kotori says that it is because she wasn't careful and she said a lot of things about Yukito's brother. Kotori laments that it is her sickness to talk a lot and only realizing too late that Yukito doesn't like his brother. She thinks that they had a good time yesterday at Yukito's house. She berates herself for being stupid for being to excited about the picture and even imagining about getting married. She wonders why Yukito doesn't like his brother when his brother seems to be a nice guy and it is no big deal to her about her and his brother meeting. Looking out the window while holding a thin booklet, Yukito asks out loud if [she?] has realized it. His friends asks what he is saying and sighing about. Crumpling the booklet, Yukito says that he has lost and why he didn't walk Kotori home that time. He is angry at himself for not thinking that. His friends are puzzled over what it troubling Yukito. Yukito says that it is much cooler if it's on a motorcycle. He mutters that if he rides on a motorcycle, then he'll also be cool for isn't a motorcycle cooler than a bicycle. His friends ask if he is asking them. Abe holds his hand that is holding a booklet and asks if Yukito is planning on getting a motorcycle that is why he is reading that exam sheet. Blushing a bit, Yukito says that if he rides on a motorcycle, then she will be more infatuated with him. His friends look at each other, then tell Yukito that one can't take the license test if he is below 16 years old. They tell him that he is still 15 and isn't he a bit too impatient. Yukito becomes gloomy about this as he mutters, “I know.”

He then overhears Kotori telling Natsume that she will just delete the picture. Natsume asks why since it's a waste. Kotori says that if Yukito sees it, it would really bother him. Natsume says that she is thinking too much and that Kotori is just his fan. Yukito becomes gloomy when Natsume says that if the other party is that narrow-minded then she can't go steady with him and would think Yukito is a narrow-minded person. Natsume tells Kotori that everyone has that someone whom one idolizes about so it's okay. Kotori says if that is so then.. Natsume tells her that it is fine. Yukito looks gloomy as he walks behind them. He is shock to see his brother's picture on Kotori's phone. An arrow says that he minds. Natsume then tells Kotori that she learned from a strategy guide that there is a secret character in Memories of Falling in Love if one fulfills all the conditions. She says that it is Hikaru's younger brother. Kotori exclaims that she didn't know about that. She asks if Natsume has tried it out. Natsume says she did and no wonder it is a hidden character, he isn't easy to find. Kotori asks if he looks like Hikaru. Natsume says that she thinks that he isn't bad. Kotori says that she is really curious that she'll try it out. Yukito becomes gloomier and gloomier. He returns back to the classroom. His friends ask where he went for they were looking for him since he suddenly disappeared. Yukito asks how many days are there before it's Aug 27. They ask if it's Yukito's birthday..it's around three more months. Yukito becomes gloomy as he exclaims that he can't wait until he's 16 years old.

While everyone is preparing for lunch, Harada calls Kotori out. Natsume notices this. Outside, Kotori is a bit nervous and wonders if Harada is going to talk about things regarding Yukito and Natsume again. She is surprised when Harada asks if she wants to meet a person who looks like a Memories of Falling in Love character. Kotori is totally shock that Harada is talking about the game. Harada says that she also likes the game. She apologizes for not daring to say it before and she is envious of Yukito for being able to say that she likes the game. Harada claims that she wants to be the only one who likes the game since she likes the game more than anyone so the situation for her is that Kotori is a rival in her love for the game. She says that is why she is quite cold with Kotori before but upon seeing how Kotori and Natsume become good friends because of the game, she feels that it's not bad that she can also talk with someone who is also a fan of the game. She has this fake smile and tells Kotori to laugh at her if she wants to. Harada is thinking that this is disgusting for pretending to like the game. Kotori is still shock that Harada is actually a fan of the game when she despises the game. Harada says that she has met a guy from another school who looks like a character in the game. Harada offers to make them meet each other as her apology for what she did to Kotori before. She tells Kotori that he is like the hidden character. Kotori exclaims that Harada knows the hidden character and is she talking about Hikaru's younger brother. She asks Harada if she has found the younger brother and how she did it because she doesn't know about it even if she has played the game a lot of times. She exclaims that Harada is great for finding that character. Looking nervous, Harada asks Kotori again if she wants to come. Kotori thinks that since Harada found the hidden character then she must really be a fan of the game because before she thinks that Harada is just lying. She rationalizes that there are also times that she doesn't want to reveal that she is a fan of the game. She wonders if Harada is telling the truth or not. She thinks if it is Hikaru, what would his suggestion be. She imagines Hikaru saying that someone who likes the game isn't a bad person. Kotori blushes as she looks at Harada who looks aghast and asks her if she is going or not.

Kotori says that she is going. This made Harada happy. Kotori wants to bring Natsume along with her because Natsume also likes the game. Harada refuses and just says that her relationship with Natsume isn't that good and she isn't ready yet so, she'll just apologize to Natsume afterwards, then she'll go with her. Kotori just says okay. Looking from behind, Natsume wonders what Harada is telling Kotori. She thinks that Kotori is just too nice of a person. While Yukito is eating a bomb onigiri with Abe, Natsume approaches him and says that since she pities him, she will tell him something. Kotori walks back to the classroom as she still can't imagine what just happened but then, she thinks that everyone can get along with each other if they talk about something that interests them. She then notices that lunch break is going to be over soon and wonders if Natsume already ate ahead of her. Yukito calls out to her, 'Ana'[peacock]. Yukito tells her that they eat together and he already told this to Natsume. At the stairs, the two are eating in silence. Kotori says that it has been a long time since they ate together. Yukito lamely just says that it is true. Kotori thinks that something is wrong. She wonders if he is acting weird because of something she did and not something she said. She is about to ask about this when Yukito asks, “Ana--Do you like me?” This surprises Kotori. She blushes and asks why he asks this all of a sudden. Looking downcast, he asks her how much does she likes him. Kotori repeats what he said. He suddenly holds her down. This stuns Kotori. Yukito looks serious as he bends down to her neck. This made Kotori shouts no. I don't know if she slapped or pushed him away. Kotori is flustered that she quickly runs downstairs and thinks, “Why?!” while holding her lips.

Another misunderstanding. I feel sorry for Yukito. He somewhat reminds me of MnS' Kento who is good looking and everything on his own but then, if compared to his brother, he isn't cool enough. I had been thinking about why Yukito doesn't like his brother and why they aren't in the same school together. My guess is that every girl that Yukito likes was 'stolen' by his brother who isn't serious with girls. I think that is why Yukito doesn't want Kotori go to his house else they'll meet and she will be again 'stolen' by his brother. I wonder if this is why he is a bit of a delinquent and he transferred school so that he won't always be compared to his 'perfect' brother. I guess because of that, Yukito is insecure and uneasy since Kotori seems to be falling for his brother and even kept a picture of him in her phone. Also, it seems that Kotori likes 'Hikaru' more than him. Hehe, he doesn't want to ask Kotori to delete it else, he might be narrow-minded as Natsume said. It's understandable for him to be frustrated. I guess what he did is sheer desperation on his part, I wonder what Natsume will have to say about it. With things this way, I wonder if Kotori will still go with Harada. Kotori is really naive and nice that she has once again fallen for Harada's trap. I think Yukito being forceful has scared her since she is after all, timid and everything. Well, I think that Yukito might think of that as a rejection. I wonder how they are going to fix this misunderstanding. Maybe Natsume will help. As for Harada, she never knows when to give up. She still reminds me of the cayote in the cartoon Roadrunner. I have a feeling that her plot might backfire on her again. She didn't know that Kotori has already met Ohara. Hm, I'm still wondering of the possibility of Ohara falling in love with Kotori or he'll just be the type to play around until the end of the series. By the way, it was mentioned that he is using a fake name. I only realized that the 'O' of Ohara is actually Kaiji so maybe his real name is Kaiji Hara. I kept the Ohara until I know officially what's his real name. Nevertheless, things are getting interesting. ^^ Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 .

Quote of the day:
Every man is afraid of something. That's how you know he's in love with you; when he is afraid of losing you. ~ Author Unknown

Free Talk: VK Fanbook
Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Hehe..I belatedly found in BW about a VK fanbook. ^^; It was out last November. I'm sure some of you know about it, too and have seen some scans of it, if you searched on google. =P It seems that the one who is scanlating VK in English is going to scanlate the whole book. ^^ Let's wait for that. Most of the information I'm going to talk about here is from vergil_devil in BW who is a Kaname fan so everything about Zero is totally omitted. ^^; I admire her dedication as a Kaname fan that she would even buy a Kaname bedsheet – the picture is of the cover of Lala special before. Made in China ^^;; And, Good Night CD ver. Kaname. Has anyone heard of that? I'm interested because it features Kaname, Takuma and Senri. I like the cover inside of Yuuki with the two guys behind which are like her ears..she is like a teddy bear. =P Then, there is a Kaname id. She isn't interested with the data about the school, uniform, etc so that wasn't mentioned. Then, there is the omake as to who is S and M. Takumi says that he is a S but he doesn't want to violate the 'brotherhood' so he restrains himself. The other vampires agree. Kaname says that he is very S and very M. Hehe, vergil_devil comments that it is because he is S with others but M with Yuuki. =P His parents overheard him. Juri tells Haruka that their son is a pervert. Haruka says that it can't be helped because Kaname is like him. Kaname sweatdrops and asks what are they talking about.

Then, Kaname's data. He is 18 years old in human age/looks in human. 184cm height. Kain is the tallest at 188cm. Takumi and Kaien are the same with Kaname. Haruka is 185cm tall. Favorite subject: everything. Special ability: versatile = can do everything; original word used = almighty. [Now that I think of it, aside from earth based attack against Rido before, he transformed his blood into that weapon when fighting Zero..it is like Senri's power. Maybe because he is the ancestor, he has the powers of all the others.] Social class: of course, pureblood. Then, family: Juri and Haruka. Favorite food: anything that Yuuki cooks. =P Unfortunately, Yuuki can't cook and the food tastes inedible. People he respects are his parents. Then, there is a favorite stunt: something about bullying and lording it → filled up by Aidou. ^^; Favorite type[?]: Waiting in the snow wholeheartedly for that person to arrive. Interests: Reading books, chess, thinking of things regarding Yuuki. How he passed the vacation: doing all sorts of work and being uneasy while lying on the sofa because he can't see Yuuki. Favorite Clothes: High class tailored outfits. It seems that Kuran have their own tailor shop or something.
Question and answer:
Q: Kaname-sama, why don't you wear glasses? I think it looks good on you.
A: Thanks, but I don't need to wear them. But if Yuuki wants me to, then that's a different matter.
Q: In the end, how do you plan to deal with Aidou?
A: Deal with? I won't do it because it's too troublesome.
Q: If you are going on a date with the 'person you like', where would you go?
A: About this, I want to bring Yuuki..the person that I like, to wherever place she likes to go. As long as I see Yuuki..the person that I like, smiling then I already feel very happy.
Q: If Yuuki says, 'I hate you, Kaname-sempai.' What are you going to do? [probably asked by a Zero fan – vergil devil]
A:..Ah..you, your question is really interesting..do you really want me to think of that scenario..?
Q: What's Kaname-sama's favorite cake?
A: Although one is quite clumsy/awkward but as long as one puts all effort in making that cake..[I like] that one.
Q: Other than Yuuki, is there a possibility for you to like someone else?
A: I exist only to hug one person with my two arms. Also, it is already occupied..sorry?
Q: Kaname-sama, what do you think of Zero?
A: I don't think of anything...ah, sorry, I think it is better for him to live healthily. Because if at a critical moment, he can't be a shield then I will feel quite awkward/troubled. I have no need for small and weak shields.

Then, there are also about their weaknesses, etc. I don't quite get that so I'll skip that. Then data of the others. It seems that Juri and Haruka are already 3000 years old. Also, Kain and Aidou are cousins. Kain's interest/hobby is looking after Aidou and Ruka ^^; Takuma's father is an actor. He respects his mother who is from some clan and Zero. Senri's mother is a former actress. Everything about Seiren is unknown except her ability and height. There's too many texts and my brain tend to shut down because of that. ^^ So, I'll end this entry here. Scans are from WTAC of baidu. Those are the advertisements in this month's Lala for VK

Quote of the day:
Knowledge is of two kinds: we know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it. ~ Samuel Johnson

Ouran High Host Club [Chapter 70] + Teasers
Monday, March 23, 2009

In Ouran High Host Club [c. 70], the club went to some greenhouse with lots of exotic plants for the girls who won the curry contest. Kyouya is informing Kaoru about the frequent visits of Kousaka to Tamaki's grandmother. Kaoru says that it is normal for she is their lawyer but Kyouya explains some things which I think that Kousaka is a different field of lawyer but it is odd for her to always meet with the chairwoman. Kyouya says that he suspects that she is investigating them when she was at the shrine before. Kyouya thinks that Kousaka is lying when she told Haruhi that she knows Haruhi's mother. He is about to tell Kaoru who Kousaka really is when Tamaki interrupts them as he shouts that Hikaru is teasing him and will make him into food for the venus-fly trap plant. ^^; While the two girls are talking with Haruhi, Haruhi mentioned about liking food. Tamaki takes note of this. Soon, Tamaki and Hikaru are arguing again. Hikaru is really angry at Tamaki who kept on implying that Hikaru will lose against his perfect birthday plan. He tells everyone of his plan of playing happy birthday on the piano then Haruhi entered the room and eats the sushi where she'll find a ring then she is happy about it. Everyone else rejected the idea. As everyone leave, Haruhi tells him to leave if he isn't interested in the plants because he is irritating and it makes her want to beat someone up. Tamaki becomes nervous about this then says that he is interested. He offers to tell her the meaning of the flowers. Haruhi points to a flower. Tamaki tells her that it means 'frustration' and 'despair'. Haruhi says that it is very much like him. Haruhi then just walk away with the other two girls, leaving Tamaki crying on the floor. Tamaki isn't giving up as he looks at Haruhi from the tree. The others are aghast and sweatdrop over the new Tamaki. In Haruhi's apartment, Kousaka visits Ran. They call each other by their first names.

Back to the others, Honey mentioned about the twins going to give Haruhi a notebook/laptop computer. Tamaki scoffs that it isn't romantic. Hikaru explains about being poor and can't afford that expensive item. Then, they are talking about Haruhi having not much money then thinks of some convenient gifts – broom-slippers or extendable garden clippers. Kaoru tells the two that it should be something that suits her character. The two then imagines gadgets that will enable Haruhi to read in bed. The two girls ask Haruhi what the guys are talking about. Haruhi says who knows for there is something wrong with their brains. The girls wonder if Haruhi is troubled since today is no school day and she isn't interested in going there. Haruhi says that isn't true and she is happy to go there to widen her world/perspective. She thanks them for bringing her there. Haruhi tries to ignore Tamaki and Hikaru aruging while she talks with the girls but then, they are too loud being rude to Haruhi about her being poor. Mori gets between Tamaki and Hikaru and tells them that Haruhi is looking quite gloomy. They think that it is because she is getting bored so they quickly try to get her to become happy = related to food. The twins grab Haruhi and take her somewhere. Haruhi can only scream help at the two girls. ^^; The twins show her a banana tree and a mango tree. Honey climbs up a coconut tree and grabs a mango from the mango tree. He tosses it to Mori who squeezes the mango to make juice. Kyouya's men bring in some food and puts Haruhi on a chair. Tamaki apologizes for not noticing it and she must have been enduring it. To Haruhi's shock, Tamaki offers her to eat everything on the table. Haruhi angrily says what does he think she is. Tamaki and twins then nervously peels a banana and poses with it. Haruhi angrily tries to explain that it isn't about food when Honey exclaims that he can sit on the lily pad. The trio jump in with Honey on the lily pad. They created a ruckus and slashes into the water. They succeeded in making Haruhi wet. Everyone is fussing about then quickly runs away upon seeing fuming mad Haruhi.

At Hitachiin residence, Hikaru decided to get Haruhi some 'Happy Kitchen' aid from the net. [I think it is like the tv shopping type of gadgets – ladle with the handle can become a seasoning holder] Kaoru thinks about asking Kyouya when he had a chance about Kousaka lying about being mutually acquainted with Haruhi's mother. At Fujioka residence, Haruhi notices that they have a visitor because the glass is not arranged properly. Ran says that an old friend came and a lot of things has happened that even the surname is changed so at that time he didn't notice it. There is a flashback of Haruhi telling him about meeting a lawyer who is a kouhai of her mother whose surname is Kousaka. At that time, Ran said that he didn't know that person. Ran then asks Haruhi if she is happy at school. Haruhi asks him why he suddenly asked. He says that it is nothing, he is just asking. He remembers what Kousaka told him, “As an old friend, let me advise you for now. It isn't suitable for your daughter to stay at Ouran. From now on, especially with Suoh family, have nothing to do with them. This is the reason why I hope that your daughter can leave Ouran High.” Tamaki is looking at some magazine and find something to buy. On Haruhi's birthday, Tamaki and Hikaru bought the same gift..some sort of Tanuki brand flowing water machine. They lost to Ritsu who gave Haruhi some mushrooms. =P For the details, just wait for the English scanlation. ^^; This chapter is basically like the good old days wherein Tamaki and Hikaru are fighting then they try to please Haruhi but the result is contrary to what they expected. Hehe..I totally forgot about Ritsu. I guess he won because he is a natural whereas the other two are just 'trying too hard'. =P It's really funny as to what silly gifts that they thought of buying for Haruhi. They really think 'different' and I guess tv/online shopping will probably become rich because of them. It seems that the lawyer is an acquaintance of Haruhi's father. I wonder what Ran would do since he is already been warned about getting Haruhi out of Ouran and don't have anything to do with Suoh. I actually wonder what the others will do upon learning that Haruhi might be forced to leave because of Tamaki. I guess this chapter is to 'brighten up' things before we go to the depressing parts later on. I think whatever happens later on will change 'new' Tamaki again. =P I actually wonder if the author is just planning changes of Tamaki just like how Haruhi has changed many times before. It's slightly amusing that they change their 'first' transformation tend to be 'over the top'. Scans from BW-PSS group.

Just by looking at the raw of Kaichou wa Maid-sama! [c. 36], I do not understand what's going on. There are lots of text, too. My guess is that there will be some sort of election...for student council? Misaki seems to approve of Yukimura joining. During lunch, Yukimura joins Kanou at the table and it seems that Kanou is a bit uneasy about it since people are talking about them. Kanou is a very keen observer of people. On the way to school, Usui charmed Yukimura and he blushes. They talk a bit and some guys behind the bushes are listening on them. Yukimura seems to be a bit hesitant to join but with Sakura and Shizuko supporting him, he decided to join and recruit someone else. Then, there is some meeting with some guys and a head of something. In the men's room, some guys corner Kanou. I think they perceive him as the one who can control Yukimura and they don't want a hellish school life anymore. It seems he is the first year's last weapon. The guys then ask permission from that head of something and got it. They plan to recruit Kanou. They drag him to the council office. Misaki is sleeping on the table with Usui sitting on the table..as if guarding her. =P Usui's blowing of his chewing gum has scared them off. Kanou has noticed that Usui is touching Misaki's hand/shoulder. Everyone is scared that cerberus-Usui is guarding devil Misaki. Then, they are plotting something about Kanou..poor guy, he looks scared. Misaki learns from Yukimura about something the first years are plotting. Then, she is shock to see first years with banners for Kanou -final weapon- as their candidate? Hehe..they even got a poster of him, half-naked, looking menacing. Looking really nervous, Kanou is holding the application form. Misaki is angry. Usui just blows his chewing gum. Yukimura shock. I think the last note said that Kanou just dug his own grave. =P Anyway, no lovey-dovey scenes here and it is back to school life. It somewhat makes up for the lacking of that with chibis and funny stuff. I guess the author is leaving the stuff regarding Usui at the end just like how FtaK author isn't revealing much about Kazuma's fall out with his father and details about his past. Haha, actually, it's like not knowing much about VK's Kaname or SB!'s Ren's past. Scan by carolleung0808/minifrog for BW.

Then, in Faster than A Kiss [c. 23] raws, it's another relative of Fumino coming out of the woodwork to cause trouble. This time it is an uncle who looks young even if he is already 28 years old. The teacher actually thought he is a student. ^^; This guy seems to know to fight. At the outside hallway, while Kazuma is talking with Fumino, the uncle 'attacks'? Kazuma. Then, it's okay until the uncle said something which made Fumino protest but almost give way about their situation. Good thing that it is only Lao who overheard. He then said something to Kazuma like after the 'marriage' ended and Kazuma being a teacher. That night, the uncle invites himself to see Fumino's house. He then greets Teppei. It seems that he planned to take Fumino and Teppei away but Kazuma held on to Fumino and explained something and said that it is already late. Fumino and Teppei go to Kazuma. That night, Fumino and Kazuma had a talk..looks a bit sad but I guess Kazuma is reassuring Fumino with something. It seems the uncle is plotting something after talking with someone on the phone. I find it irritating that these relatives suddenly coming out from nowhere and 'complain' about Kazuma and his marriage with Fumino when they were not there for Fumino when she needs them before.

Word of the day:
Because life's circumstances change, our happiness may not remain; But if we're walking with the Lord, our inner joy He will sustain. ~ Sper from Our Daily Bread

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Gray-man, Reborn and PSYREN
Monday, March 23, 2009

Everyone is surprised at Ichigo's transformation into some sort of hollow in Bleach [c. 350]. It seems that Ichigo forces himself to fight upon hearing Inoue's cries for him. Ulquiorra tries to talk to him and ask who he is but hollow-Ichigo didn't answer. Ishida has pulled Inoue to his side else she gets caught in the fight. After a cero attack, hollow-Ichigo easily rips Ulquiorra's arm off. This made Inoue and Ishida a bit nervous as they wonder if he is really Ichigo. No surprises here. I wonder if Ichigo's consciousness is still there that he specifically got Ulquiorra's arm in 'revenge' for what he did to Ishida. I wonder if Ulquiorra can re-grow that arm...wait, he did pluck his own eye before..was it regrown? If he lives after this battle, I can't help but to think that Inoue might heal him since she is that type of person to do that. Anyway, I guess Ichigo will win this but then, will he be able to transform back? If I recall correctly, he has not yet killed off any espada so if Ulquiorra gets killed, it will be his first one. Actually, among their group, it is only Rukia who got to kill an espada.

In Naruto [c. 440], Naruto learns that the fourth Hokage is his dad. He is a bit confused whether to be happy to know that or angry that he has sealed the kyuubi in him. Minato tells him about his hunch that someone, the masked Akatsuki/Tobi/Madara, is behind it all and could probably be using Pain. Naruto insists that he can't forgive Pain. Minato just tells him to find a solution to the age old problem about the cycle of war and even if he nor Jiraiya doesn't know what the answer is, he believes that Naruto can do it. It is because of that, he has sealed the kyuubi in him, hoping that Naruto can harness its power. Minato seals the seal one last time so Naruto returns to normal and faces Pain. Well, that was pretty convenient and as I thought, dear old dad, told him everything he needs to know and well, now, he is probably much calmer in dealing with a problem like Pain, instead of being too emotional. With the mention of using kyuubi's powers, I'm hoping Naruto will learn to use it just like how Hachi did. I think for Hachi, it is more like a partnership whereas for Naruto, kyuubi is like 'using' each other. I wonder if after this battle, Naruto will brag to the others that he is Minato's son.

While pretending to be Hannyabal, Bonclay tries to ask around how to cure Luffy's poison in One Piece [c. 536]. Unfortunately, no one knows so he decides to pin his hopes in finding Iva, the okama queen who can make miracles. On the way to level 5 with Buggy and Mr. 3 who were pretending to be prisoners, they learn from the guards that sometimes, prisoners like Iva, just disappear in their prisons and they called it, 'demoning away' by demons since that place is like hell. They admired Hannyabal for personally escorting the prisoners there. Inside, they are met by some ferocious wolves. Buggy and Mr. 3 run away but Bonclay fights them. In some prison, Luffy is struggling not to die there while the other prisoners laugh at him for going there selflessly just to save someone. Then, to their surprise, bloodied Bonclay stands before them and came to get Luffy. Dragging Luffy with him, Bonclay goes from one prison to another trying to find Iva. Then, one of the prisoners tells him about an abandoned station where he could search for the person whom he is looking for but it turns out to be the wolves' den. The wolves attack Bonclay and before they could finish him off, Luffy manages to stand up and stare them using his 'haki' which made them all faint in fright. Bonclay wonders what that is but then, he passes out together with Luffy. Then, a mysterious person finds them. Twenty-six hours left before Ace's execution. I don't think he is the one whom Bonclay is looking for based on the shadow figure of what Bonclay imagined him to be. I'm thinking that person is probably the one 'whisking' the prisoners away to some place. Since Ace's execution is coming soon, I wonder if it is still possible for Luffy to rescue him secretly. Also, I admired what Bonclay did there. I think this series is one of those unique ones wherein I really feel the 'friendship' of the characters and to what lengths they will do for their friends.

In D. Gray-man [c. 181], Reever, Zhizhi and others goes to the orphanage but they can't enter in it. To everyone's surprise, one of the people from Central manages to get inside. Link has a hard time blocking L3's attack since his body hasn't fully recovered. L4 screams that Link can't concentrate anymore. Just when he is about to be finished off, the guy from Central manages to block of the L3's punch with one hand. The akuma doesn't think he's an exorcist because he doesn't have an innocence. The man knows what level of akuma it is then he transforms his hand which becomes like a vacuum which sucks L3. Link knows the man as Madarao and he wonders why a 'Crow' is there. L4 wonders if Madarao is a new exorcist. He also wonders how he was able to enter the barrier. It then hears Kanda arguing with Allen that they weren't able to defeat L4 because he isn't concentrating. So, one last akuma to deal with. It seems that Central people are very strong so why didn't they help in the fight before?..a lot of exorcists were killed. Are exorcists like the 'soldiers' in a chess game, dispensable? Could they be 'recently made'? I actually would like to see Madarao's 'sister' defeating that L4 and well, hurt Allen and Kanda's pride that a girl can easily defeat it. =P Unfortunately, it seems that she didn't go in with him. Since 'Crows' like Madarao are strong, I guess that is why one of them managed to gravely injured/killed Cross.

The others realize that the thing that Tsuna is fighting is from his vongola box in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 234]. Tsuna is getting beaten up by it. Hayato wants to help but Basil tells him that he'll use his box weapon to calm it since Hayato's flame might injure Tsuna with its destructive element. Basil's box weapon is a dolphin. He failed to calm it down because it is too powerful. Takeshi helps him out with his weapon – swallow. They manage to make it retreat back into the box. They all went to check on Tsuna. Tsuna tells them that he opened his box and it attacked him. They wonder why it isn't like an animal like the others and maybe Irie gave them a fake box. Dino arrives to inform them that Tsuna opened the box wrong and it isn't its true form. He warns Tsuna that if he did that again, he might ruin the box because sky flames are delicate. So much for training with a violent box weapon, it turns out that Tsuna opened it wrong. It is really implied that sky flames are really special, so special that you just don't open it with an ordinary flame. We also get to know Basil and Dino's box weapon animals. It seems that Takeshi opened his upgraded box so I guess it is just the same as the old one expect, perhaps powered up that it helped pacify Tsuna's box weapon.

PSYREN [c. 63] is as depressing as the other Jump series lately with the characters in grim situations. Yoshina is getting thrashed by Dholaki. Shiner is easily finishing off the others with only Amamiya left with the help of his teleportation powers. While running away, Kabuto is psyching himself that it is okay to leave Yoshina since he is weak and everything but he remembered his conversation with his uncle. In the end, he pushed Yoshina to safety from Dholaki's attack. Ah..is Kabuto really killed off? If that happens, I think Yoshina might do something reckless to avenge him. I honestly don't know how the others would survive Shiner unless they have some power-up of some sort..though, Oboro can just heal himself. It made me think if this is like Gantz then maybe Yoshina will be the only one left afterwards. ^^; It made me wonder if Nemesis Q deliberately sent them there because they are being 'stubborn' especially Yoshina about the 'rules' that he has to follow.

Goong [Chapter 133] + Mei-chan no Shitsuji [Chapters 60-61]
Saturday, March 21, 2009

In Goong [c. 133], Shin had a long talk with Chae-kyung. It started with if she remembered him saying that when things have become clearer, he promised to take her back. She asks him how he got there. He says that he took the opportunity while everyone inside the palace are busy. Then, the two realizes that both know as to who is the one who tried to destroy their marriage and caused them to divorce. Shin then asks her to go back with him. Chae-kyung accuses him of being drunk and crazy for saying that. Shin shouts that he isn't. Chae-kyung prepares to leave as she says that she is going to leave the palace tomorrow. Shin tells her that he isn't going to marry Hyo-rin. Chae-kyung looks aghast. He tells her not to look at him like that for he also knows what he did and that is using Hyo-rin but now, he realizes his mistake that he can't do in anymore so he decided to end it. Chae-kyung asks if all of the royalty are like that - selfish, gutless and vile. She complains about a lot of things about playing her around like a toy and does 'sorry' just makes it all okay. Shin just pulls her to him and hugs her. Chae-kyung is about to cry as she says that someone might see them. He tells her that if she wants to insult him then go ahead insult him. He says that he is shameless, selfish and vile person. “Only one thing..only remember one thing. No matter what happens, I won't will not let you go. I won't let you go again like that..never again.” Hehe, as kwanning who translated this said, what took him so long. ^^; This chapter is just basically the two making-up again. Hopefully, it will be much harder to break them apart now..well, the love rivals are already gone so I guess only the family is the only main problem. Scans by 一件小马甲 for BW.

Then, in Meichan no Shitsuji [c. 60-61], thinking that Rihito has made Mei cry again, Kento grabs his collar and is about to scold him when Mei gets between them and exclaims that it has nothing to do with Rihito for it is her fault. Mei tells Rihito that her crepe has dirtied that guy's clothes. It is only then Kento realizes the crepe stain at the back of his clothes. Mei apologizes and says that she doesn't have money right now but she'll definitely compensate for it next time. Rihito calmly tells Mei to just let that guy clean it on his own. This surprises Mei while Kento is shaking in anger. Rihito tells Kento that it seems Mei has totally forgotten about him during this past four years. Mei looks at the guy again and says, “Shi..bata?” Kento sweatdrops and whines that she is so slow-witted that she realizes it only now. Mei tries to explain that it is because he has grown taller and his voice has changed. Kento says that she haven't changed. Mei looks away and says that she also grew taller. Kento smiles and says, “No..you haven't changed, you're still the same Mei as before.” Mei blushes a bit. Rihito quickly carries Mei and says that they have to quickly go to the heliport. Kento can only shout for them to wait but Rihito quickly gets Mei into a taxi and left. Kento quickly flags down a taxi and chases after them.

In the taxi, Rihito mutters that Kento has finally come back. When Mei asked what he just said, Rihito says that it is nothing. Rihito brings up the topic that they were talking about earlier. Mei has lost her courage about telling him that lately, he hasn't kissed her, not even once. Rihito tells Mei that it is forbidden for a butler and an ojou-sama to fall in love with each other and if it discovered, the butler has to resign from his job. Mei says that she knows about that and it is about keeping the 'social position and economic status in harmony' but she.. To Mei's surprise, Rihito confesses that Kintaro-sama has ordered him to become Mei's husband. Blushing really red, Mei asks since when. Rihito says that it is four years ago before she came to Lucia. Mei is confused as she thinks that it is quite early then so how could this situation [no kiss nor hug] be the result of that. She thinks that it is because Rihito still doesn't look at her [or no feelings for her]. Rihito says that he disobeyed that command. Mei thinks, “But of course.” After a pause, Rihito says that he has a dream. Mei asks wasn't his dream is to serve the world's first ojou-sama. Rihito says that is right and at that time, Mei answered him.. Mei remembers that she said that she will do her best. Rihito smiles and says that even as he said it like that, she replied that way. Rihito says that he was really, very happy that time because he feels that Mei has that qualification else, as an impatient person like him, he wouldn't have served her for more than four years.

Mei asks if he is an impatient person. Rihito says that he is and he can easily give up and speaking of that, he didn't even listen to the old man's advice. Mei keeps silent as she sweatdrops. He tells her as a butler serving Mei, he can only be at her side until she becomes a gorgeous lady and until that moment, he will be fully satisfied. “And..when that time comes, if I'm still in Mei ojou-sama's heart..” Mei is surprised by this. Rihito then apologizes for his stubbornness and says that he didn't plan on saying that.. “I must have been the world's most stubborn butler..Can you once again tolerate my stubbornness..” Rihito slightly blushes as he asks Mei that. Mei smiles back and says, “..Yes.” She thinks that he is quite a troublesome and strange person but she likes him. She then realizes something then asks Rihito what is the reason that he doesn't kiss her lately when four years ago, he did. After a pause, Rihito says, “At that time, Mei ojou-sama is still 13 years old..but right now..” Mei asks, “..Right now?” After a pause, Rihito says, “..please do not seduce me. I'm also..a man.” Mei is surprised and thinks, “So this means..” She then blushes and her heart beats loudly.

At the heliport of whatever tall building in Shibuya, everyone is waiting for Mei and Rihito. Mei apologizes for being late and says that there is just some misunderstanding. Kento arrives and shouts for Rihito to wait for they haven't finished talking. Fujiko happily exclaims that it is younger brother Shibata. Girly prince asks her butler who it is. GP butler says that he looks familiar. Daimon happily gives him a manly hug and welcomes him back. He says that now, he won't be mistaken as a girl. Nezu gives Kento a friendly punch on the stomach and says that Kento is now quite manly. Kanzaki asks if Kento has already finished studying. Just as Kento is about to greet him, he quickly evades Tami's attack. It seems he kicks away Tami. Kanzaki comments that Kento's level has become higher and almost at level with Tami-hime. Kento is surprised that the one who attacked him was Tami. Tami asks, “Are you also..a love rival?” Mei then asks why Kento came back and if he graduated from a butler school in England. Kento exclaims that he is her.. Then, Arabian prince returns and asks where she went for he was looking for her. His two butlers are carrying a lot of packages of clothes which the Arabian prince says are all for Mei. Kento quickly goes in front so that Arabian prince won't go near Mei. Kento says, “Don't just casually call her, 'Mei', Id-iot.” A note says only idiot is in Japanese so I guess the others are either English or some other foreign language. Arabian prince darkly asks who he is. Nezu quickly apologizes and says that Kento is still a butler-in-training. Daimon grabs Kento back while Kiba introduces Kento to the Arabian prince as Kento-kun, Rihito's younger brother. Arabian prince looks at Rihito who didn't say anything. Arabian prince asks why Kento talked to him that way. Mei reprimands Kento for looking for trouble and acting like a kid that it is embarrassing. Kento tries to protest. Izumi decides to explain to everyone that Kento didn't return as a butler-in-training. “He's formal name is Kento Shibata Redford.” This surprises Rihito. “is England's Duke Redford's successor. Mei's fiancé.” Kento bends down and asks for Mei's hand in marriage. “Become my duchess tonight!” Mei is totally shock and imagines him as a prince proposing.

It's 8pm at Lucia Academy, Kento is shock that those other guys are also Mei's fiancés and it is not just him. He waves them away and thanks them for coming but they are of no competition against him. Kento then happily asks Mei if he is right and if she marries him, she will become a duchess. Mei gets angry and walks away. Kento is puzzled. Mei shouts back at him that the former Kento is much cooler. Kento shouts what she meant by that. Rihito tells Kento that he has no right to go in [follow Mei] since he isn't Mei's butler. Kento is stunned. Nezu says that is right for the young masters dorm are in that other side. Daimon says that it is quite regretful that they aren't in the same world anymore. Kiba tries to say that it is okay for Kento is still the same. Kento looks shock. Aoyama calls him a traitor for he is now in a position that is compatible [same level] with the ojou-samas. This surprises Kento as he looks a bit sad-lonely..I think they all just left him there. Elsewhere, Mei and the other girls are walking inside. She is furious that Kento has become like the Arabian prince after four years who suddenly wants to marry her. Mei sadly thinks that he wasn't like that before. Miruku asks Rihito when is his brother in a duke's household. Rihito says that it could be because his mother's twin brother is a duke and Kento has become his adopted son. The girls except Izumi are surprised by this. They were interrupted when someone calls out to Mei and says that her household called to inform her that her grandfather is very ill.

At Hongo residence, Rihito's father greets Mei who is accompanied by Rihito. He leads them to her grandfather's bedroom. Mei asks him what is the situation. He tells her that her grandfather is temporarily okay but then, he doesn't know until when he would be that way. Mei calls out to her grandfather who is sick in bed. Rihito's mother tells Mei not to agitate him. Mei goes to his grandfather's side. He asks her how was her trip to Shibuya. Mei says that it is okay. She apologizes for not knowing about his poor health. She never thought of seeing him so weak. Rihito apologizes for assuming but he notices it when Mei's grandfather is suddenly looking for a son-in-law. Mei is surprised by this. Mei's grandfather confesses that he also thought that he is going to live longer that he didn't think about his health but the doctor said that he only has at most three months to live. Mei is shock upon learning this. He then mentions all of Mei's girl friends and his memories about them that Mei is shock that he knows all of them. He tells her that having a long life, one has meet a lot of fates and he can say that it is because of fate, that he manages to accumulate a large amount of wealth/property. He wants Mei to have a much better fate than his own. Mei is surprised by this as she repeats what he said. He then says, “Family..after one month, it is, May 7th, Mei's 18th birthday. By then, her husband will be chosen. I don't care what method, be it through negotiation [debate?], through a battle [duel?], whatever you want. Rihito, you will be in charge of it.” Rihito is shock. Mei tries to protest but her grandfather just apologizes and if only his life is longer, then, he'll also think about Mei's own wishes. He tells her that the Hongo family isn't as easy she thinks it is and she can't shoulder it on her own. “If I die, you don't have any relative to depend on and you also don't have any backer. You don't have anything..so before I die..you can still use my strength in whatever way you want..” He suddenly cringes in pain. The butlers tell her to stand aside as they get a tranquilizer. Her grandfather says, “Remember..Mei..what you need is..family..a butler is not enough.” This shocks Mei and Rihito.

Mei and Rihito ride on the helicopter in silence. Chinese butler looks up to the moon and says, “The banquet is over then, let's go see the next generation 'eccentric person'.” [I'm not sure about it but basically a strange person though it can also mean monster or freak. I think he refers to Mei.] In the meeting hall in Lucia Academy, everyone are talking about Mei – if she is alright, how old is her grandfather, no one knows, that guy is really a 'freak', etc. Rika tells Izumi that they go to sleep since in this kind of situation, they can't do anything anyway. Izumi says that Mei was there at their side when they are having difficulties. Girly prince seems to agreed with that. Kiba tells the others that now, they should support Mei. While tea is served, glasses guy looks at Izumi but when Kiba turns around, he promptly looks away. [Iirc, glasses guy is that showbiz star's butler, not a suitor.] In the same room, Kento remembers what Rihito told him. He berates himself for not acting like Mei's butler and he just wanted to be the closest person to Mei. He wonders why..that now, Mei is hurting, he can't do anything to help her. Arabian prince's butlers tell them that Mei has come back. Mei looks depressed. Izumi asks how is her grandfather's health. Mei cries to her that he has only three months to live. Kento looks sorry for crying Mei. Arabian prince asks Rihito if the choosing of the son-in-law is postponed. Kento is surprised when Rihito says that it will continue. Rihito informs them what his master said that on the day Mei becomes 18 years old, her husband will be chosen in any method be it through talks or a fight. Izumi says what is that guy [grandpa] thinking. Fujiko exclaims that at this time, they should consider Mei's feelings. Arabian prince finds it interesting and asks what are they going to do since Hongo Kintaro said that even a fight is okay. Student suitor exclaims about saying it that way. Glasses guy says that they are only forced into it. Nerdy guy wants to participate. Chinese group also wants to participate. To the other girls' surprise, Tami also wants to participate. The girls think that Tami's real motive is exposed. Kento asks Mei if this is what she wants for that is what's really important. Mei wonders what she wants. She remembers Rihito telling her about his dream and she thinks that she still can't say it. Everyone is surprised when Rihito goes in front of Mei then says that he'll lay out the first condition. “Anyone who can defeat me is the man among the men and is really suitable to be Mei ojou-sama's husband. Come, all of you gentlemen and young masters, please fight against me. If you can't win against me, then I won't give Mei ojou-sama to you guys.”

Hehe..so it just takes a push and shove for Rihito to finally get his act together and stake a claim for Mei. Actually, I think he would have not 'confessed' to Mei if Kento didn't come back. Of all her possible husbands-to-be, Kento is the only one whom Rihito most probably consider a threat. With these two chapters, I can pretty much be assured that Kento has no chance to be with Mei. First, she didn't recognize him. Second, in my opinion, she treated him a bit too harshly upon his return. I find it a bit irritating how they 'tear him down' just because he got 'promoted' in his status in life. Anyway, what happened make Kento eat humble pie and I guess he was just too overjoyed over the possibility of getting married to Mei that it went to his head. Hopefully, he'll be back to his 'cool' self before. I really hope that he doesn't throw away his status and everything just to be her butler while Mei and Rihito are married and be lovey-dovey. ^^; I don't want that. I want him to move on with his life after this. About the grandfather, someone in BW said that maybe he is just faking it. Do you think he is faking it to force Mei to get married or force Rihito to marry Mei? Also, I wonder if this series will end at the time she chooses a husband..if she really gets to choose someone on her birthday because she still seems not that much of a 'fine lady' to me yet. Well, maybe it will happen in time for her birthday. =P Scans by Tongyanen and yukitokaji.

Word of the day:
The richest people on earth are those who invest their lives in heaven. ~ Our Daily Bread

Skip Beat! [Chapter 137]
Friday, March 20, 2009

While talking with Kyouko, Chiori re-evaluates the reason why she is acting. Kyouko has told her that the trigger for her was Chiori tears up her name plate on the door. It has made Kyouko think that Yumika is pretty much the same as Natsu – perfect in the outside but not in the inside. The 'Natsu' in Kyouko has made her guess that everything was done by Chiori. Kyouko returns the note that Chiori has written before and told her that no matter what, she will not forget about 'Mio' whom she had carefully created. Chiori feels that she is healed by what Kyouko said. It was evident to Kyouko as she told Hikaru while they are buying some food that Chiori seems to have changed during the next scenes that it seems that she is no longer holding back before in fear that the role will be too overpowering. She also told Hikaru that Mako has also become enthusiastic about being bullied after being praised by the director. After they bought their food, Kyouko overhears people talking and she spots that 'hideous' uniform. To her surprise, it isn't Kanae. The person wearing the Love Me uniform is looking around as if she is lost while holding a note probably about directions. Kyouko is shock when the girl turns around, it is Chiori!

Welcome, new member! As gixy tagged, someone who voluntarily wears that uniform. =P I guess that is why Chiori's background and everything are shown. She is going to be Kyouko's new friend/partner. I wonder what Kanae will have to say/react about this. The more the merrier? I guess Love Me will soon became for talented actresses who has a 'love' problem that hinders their acting. Ah..I wonder if there will be a male member soon or it is exclusively for girls. I think that Chiori changed her agency just to be with Kyouko and probably thought that Kyouko's agency is better than the one she is currently in. Well, Lory probably send Chiori to Love Me section because of her problem. I'm curious about the role she will play later on in the series. As I mentioned before, I think it has something to do with Ren since her past/showbiz background before has a lot of similarities with Ren. Scans by lynncomic for baidu.

Gasp! In SB! Fanbook, I just learned that Ren's birthday is on February 10. The current timeline is around January, right? So there is a huge chance that in the next arc which I guess will be about Ren's arc, Kyouko will prepare something for him as her sempai ^^ I'm sure Maria will inform her about it. *excited* Then, Valentine's day is coming soon and Kyouko will be oblige to give him chocolates. =P Sigh, first the pretty poster of Ren X Natsu-Kyouko now this, the author is really making us suffer while waiting for Ren to re-appear again. ^^; Scans by Tiffany722 for BW. Anyway, there are some stats of the three main characters:
Kyoko Mogami = age 17, Birthday Dec 25, Blood type B.
Sho Fuwa = age 17, Birthday May 29, Blood type O. Both are from Kyoto.
Ren Tsuruga = age 20, Birthday Feb 10, Blood type A and from America.

Hadashi de Bara wo Fume [Chapter 26]
Friday, March 20, 2009

While Keiko is fixing the bed, she informs Sumi that Soichiroh has collapsed and is currently on his way back. Komai helps Soichiroh up the stairs as he tells him to hang in there. Sumi asks if Soichiroh has already went to the hospital. Komai tells her that they got the doctor to go come to the house instead. Soichiroh is breathing hard while on the bed. The doctor informs them that it is food poisoning and it must be something that he ate. Natsuki says that maybe it is something that Soichiroh ate this morning. Sumi is shock as she exclaims it is the onigiri that she made. Komai tells her that he is responsible for he neglected to test Soichiroh's food first before he eats it. To their surprise, Natsuki says that is true and he heard some unpleasant rumors about Komai causing a ruckus/flirting with the maid he work with. Komai just looks at Natsuki as Sumi exclaims that it is just a misunderstanding. Natsuki says that even so, Komai's managing skills is still lacking since at an important business meeting, Soichiroh has fallen sick but then, it's a good thing that he [Natsuki] already dealt with the business meeting. Komai is shaking in anger and frustration. Later on, Sumi is taking care of Soichiroh by putting wet towel on his head. When he woke up, Sumi asks how he is feeling. He says that he is feeling better. Sumi tells him that he needs to rest one more day and he'll be fine. Soichiroh asks where Komai is. Sumi says that he is downstairs and she'll go call him. Just as Sumi stands up to go, Soichiroh grabs her skirt and tells her she doesn't have to. “Be at my side..” Sumi blushes and says, “I will..” She pulls up his blanket and watches him sleep. Later on, she tells him that she'll go change the water. She meets Komai out the door who seems to be waiting for her.

While filling the basin with water, Komai says that since he has been looking after Soichiroh, it has been his pride that Soichiroh has never caught a cold. Sumi apologizes and says that it is her fault. Komai exclaims that it isn't her fault. She then asks when he started working there. Komai says that as the fifth child in the family, he has been brought to Ashida residence to become a servant when he is in the age when he already knows things. [Probably 3 years old or age when one goes to nursery school] Even if he is just a servant, he received training and education – writing, studying while cleaning. After a few years, Soichiroh is brought to Ashida residence and it is his duty to take care of Soichiroh. Flashback: Young Komai greeted him. Soichiroh clung on his father who told him that Komai will be the one to take care of him from now on. Young Komai happily told him that they get along with each other. Soichiroh slightly smiled at him. End flashback. Komai says that seeing Soichiroh grow up marvelously, he is very happy. “And..I think that it is really great that young master married to you, Miss Sumi.” Sumi sadly says that they aren't really husband and wife. She remembers Soichiroh telling her that he won't love her. Komai asks if she doesn't like Soichiroh. Sumi blushes about this question. Before she can answer, Komai quickly tells her not to talk about that first. He just notices Keiko coming in the kitchen. Holding out a pot, Keiko says that she is going to make some congee for Soichiroh. Sumi says that she'll be the one to make it. Keiko glances at her and says that Sumi never learns for whose fault is it that the master is currently in pain. With a sly look, Keiko tells Komai to taste test it later on. Sumi and Komai can't say anything more.

In Ijuin residence, Nozomu's mother enters the bedroom and tells Miu that Nozomu, who is in the company,called to ask someone to bring him a change of clothes. Miu insists that she be the one to do it because she is Nozomu's wife and she should be doing such things related to Nozomu. Nozomu's mother agrees to let her do it. Miu opens the drawer and finds a handkerchief with Nozomu's initials which is covering something. Curious, Miu opens the handkerchief and is shock to see a bitten onigiri in it that she toss it on the floor. Aghast, she just looks at it. Back at Ashida residence, Komai is opening the drawers in Keiko's room. Keiko kept on protesting for him to stop else, she'll call the police. Sumi passes by and asks what's happening. Before Keiko can answer, Komai exclaims that he has found it and says that it seems that it is Keiko who did that 'good deed'. Keiko asks what is he saying. Komai quickly goes to Soichiroh's room with Keiko and Sumi following him. Komai exclaims to Soichiroh that he has something important to tell him. Soichiroh sits up on bed. Komai shows him a packet of medicine prescribed to Keiko. He tells Soichiroh that it is Keiko who put the medicine in the onigiri that Soichiroh ate. Sumi is shock while Keiko looks a bit nervous. Keiko quickly denies it and says that it is medicine for her own use. Komai exclaims for Soichiroh to quickly fire Keiko because she is going to bring the Ashida residence/family into disaster. Keiko insists that she didn't do anything wrong. “Please believe me!” Komai shouts for Soichiroh to quickly come to a decision. Soichiroh seems pressured then he says, “I will not fire Keiko.” Komai is shock while Keiko is elated and thanks Soichiroh. Komai asks, why. Soichiroh says that Komai has not seen Keiko putting the medicine herself so Komai shouldn't just easily doubt other people. Keiko happily says that from now on, she will work really hard from the bottom of her heart.

Komai is frustrated that he says, “Then..please let me resign.” This shocks Soichiroh and Sumi. No reaction from Keiko. Komai bows and thanks him for letting serve him all this time. He promptly leaves the room. Sumi tells Komai to wait and calls for Soichiroh to stop Komai. Soichiroh goes back into bed and says that he won't and just let Komai do what he wants. Sumi is tense. She quickly runs after Komai and tells him to think this over again. From below the stairs, Komai looks up to Sumi and says, “Miss Sumi, I'll leave young master to you.” Komai goes out of the door as Sumi can only shout his name. *Gloom* Ugh, Sumi just lost an ally so now, she is all alone in that place. It's like a lamb surrounded by a pack of wolves. Why did Soichiroh believe Keiko rather than Komai who has served him loyally all these years? I have no idea but I just tell myself, maybe they have a plan. The two are just pretending to have a quarrel and with Komai out of that house, he can freely do what he wants like investigate Keiko and at least, Keiko won't be always there to watch over him. And, if it isn't their plan, maybe it is for Komai himself because he is the one who dedicated his whole life in 'serving' Soichiroh so he isn't going to just stand by and ruin everything by that maid and Natsuki. The problem with that is more hardships for Sumi. I think Keiko's next target will be Sumi. Given Sumi's nature, I think she will still not be on guard against Keiko given all the stunts that Keiko tried to pull. ^^; About Nozomu's onigiri, I think Miu freaked out aside that it is there but maybe there is mold or something. How long does an onigiri 'stay fresh'? Nozomu is an idiot for keeping it in the cabinet because sooner or later, it will stink if it rots. Nevertheless, Nozomu is a bit creepy about his obsession with Sumi. Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 and yukitokaji for BW.

Quote of the day:
The hidden person of the heart must take priority because our inner character determines who we'll be ~ Sper

Ichigo Jikan [Chapter 2]
Tuesday, March 19, 2009

Ran comes out of a room in Tokyo University Hospital then says, “I'm sorry, Hayato..” In the apartment, Ichiko notices that it is raining so she quickly pulls the clothes inside from the hangers in the balcony. Ichiko narrates that she is preparing for the high school opening, one week from now. She exclaims that some of the clothes are wet and she wonders if Ran brought an umbrella. She then stops and looks at the dark clouds in the sky. She is surprised when a bag is put on her head. Ran asks her why she is staring off somewhere while holding his shorts. Ichiko freaks out about this then welcomes him home. Ran is wiping himself with a towel. Ichiko exclaims that his clothes are all wet then she stares at him. His wet clothes are clinging on his body. She suddenly blushes then looks away when Ran looks at her. She exclaims that she'll get a towel. He then asks if she is very bothered [conscious] of him. Ichiko denies it. With a teasing look, Ran goes near her and tells her that it is okay even if she looked. Ichiko declines as she shouts that she isn't used to dealing with guys. She begs him not to do that. Suddenly, a thunder roars. This surprise Ichiko that she bumps into the table and a glass falls on the floor. She apologizes and bends down to pick up the pieces. Ran asks if she is afraid of the thunder. Ichiko tells him to shut up for that is just her weakness. She says that she is just a bit afraid because when her father passed away, it is a stormy night so the thunder just made her remember that time. Ran looks flustered upon hearing that.

Ichiko then wounds her finger when she tries to pick a piece of glass. Ran tells her to show it to him. He puts a bandage [band-aid] on it and says that she is right because it stays in one's memory when something bad happens to one's relative/family member. Ichiko then notices that Ran looks a bit anxious. “Could it be that Ran-kun also had a same experience like mine?” Ran then says that he is finished. Ichiko thanks him. When she looks at her finger, she sees the words '300 yen' written on the bandage. She is puzzled by it. Holding his Iphone, Ran says that medical fee [for treating her] is included in that price. Ichiko can just say, “Huh?” He then says that the broken glass is 5525 yen then, there is also food and electricity. Showing the total amount in his Iphone to her = 17,329 yen, Ran says, “Look, this is your current debt. ♥” Ichiko shouts in shock that she haven't heard anything about this. Ran says it is because he didn't say it before. Ichiko shouts for him to reduce the debt because she has been cooking and doing the laundry. “Geez--I should just leave this place!” He casually tells her, “Then, leave.” Ichiko curses to herself and says that she is just joking. She thinks that she must be wrong about thinking that he was cool yesterday. He is typing on his phone when someone calls. He accidentally presses the button and made the call on speaker phone. “Ran! Where have you been goofing around?!” He then says that it is Akane and he answered it. Akane exclaims that if he dares hang up on her, she is going to break up with him. [There is note that Ichiko heard it as 'break up' but it is just a pun. I can't read the words since it is too small but I guess it is like 'won't deal with/work' with him anymore] He answers the phone and asks didn't she just blew her top off. Ichiko looks a bit sad as she thinks that 'Akane' is Ran's girlfriend. She then snaps out of it when she sees her sad-looking expression on the glass.

Ran changes his clothes and apologizes that he has to go out again. He says that it will not be good if that woman sees him living with her [Ichiko]. Ichiko tells him to wait for she should be the one to leave since she is just staying there. He calls her stupid for wasn't she afraid of the thunder. Ichiko tells him not to worry about her and for him to do that [be nice], it feels disgusting. Ran thinks that she's really not cute. As Ichiko prepares to go out, Ran gives her his phone and teasingly says, “If you're afraid then just call the phone in the house. I'll quickly go and hug you ♥” Ichiko angrily says that she will definitely not call. He tells her to come back after an hour. Ichiko says yes then leaves. Ran looks worried about her. Going out of the building, Ichiko says that although he has a girlfriend, he shouldn't be bother with other people's business. Later on, Akane arrives in Ran's apartment. Looking around the place, Akane tells Ran that it's quite rare to see the place all tidied up. Looking at a book, Ran casually says that he called someone from cleaning/housekeeping company. Akane says that she'll go make some tea. Akane then notices the dripping sink and the dishes on the dish tray. Akane gives Ran a cup of tea. While Ran is drinking, Akane asks if there is a girl there just now. This startles Ran. He tells her, so what..she also has no reason to care about such things. Akane tells him that he can't with a student because no matter what he says, he is the director [of the school]. “..I want you to understand that.” Ran didn't reply, just looking thoughtful. He then approaches her while she is typing in her laptop on the table. He tells her that she is stupid for he is only interested in older women. Akane didn’t turn around as Ran didn’t say anything. Akane then slaps some papers on his face. She goes back typing and tells him to quit joking around and to quickly go back to work. Ran looks at the paper and says, “Okay, okay..stinky old woman.” He then looks up to the sky from the balcony.

At the playground, Ichiko is taking shelter in a arch-like structure [where one can hide; I don’t know what’s it called ^^;] with a kitten. Holding a carton of milk [I think], Ichiko angrily says at the cat, “Hey, are you listening?! Geez-- Ran-kun is really infuriating!You already has a girlfriend yet you treat girls casually. You’re quite a cheapskate even as you are quite handsome..But I’m angrier at myself for being stirred up by that guy.” The kitten in the box just meows and licks her finger. She thinks that the kitten is cute and she wonders if Ran also thinks of her as a pet animal. “So, I absolutely shouldn’t fall for him. I hope the dorm renovation will be finished soon. I want to quickly leave and completely forget about Ran-kun…!” She is startled by the thunder. Covering her ears in fright, she complains why of all days, it is stormy that day. She then notices the phone on her hand. She holds it tight as she tells herself that Ran already has a girlfriend. Later on, Ran finds her and asks what she is doing. Ichiko has put the kitten’s box on her head while the kitten is on her leg. Ichiko asks why he is there when an hour isn’t over yet. “When you shouldn’t have come to get me..” Ran looks surprised then just looks at her. He slams his hand on the box and says that she is really not cute. Ichiko shouts in surprise and asks what he is doing. She peaks out of the box and she is crying badly in fright. Ran says that is quite an exaggerated expression. He tells her that she is so scared by the sound that she can't move, she should have called him. Ichiko is about to protest but Ran just holds out his hand to her and says, “Come. Throw away that box and come to my side.” Ichiko blushes as Ran tries to get the box from her. Then, a thunder roars that Ichiko hides back in the box and accidentally hits Ran with the box. Ouch.

This made Ran furious as he tries to grab the box from her and shout that it isn’t easy for him to get near her. “You’re so stubborn!” Ichiko angrily cries for him to stop. “Why are you trying to get near me?! I don’t know what you mean! It’s enough for me to just use this since it is dark here and I can be at ease. This is how I’ve always done it by myself before, so it’s okay!” Ran looks surprised and says, “By yourself?” Ichiko is puzzled upon hearing him sigh. He asks, “Ichiko..when did your father pass away?” She replies, “Huh..? Ah, it’s eight years ago…” He asks if during that time, her mother is always at work. She says yes. Ran says, “Then, that’s eight years of ‘stubbornness’. ” Peeking out a bit, she wonders if he just smiled then she is surprised when Ran grabs the box and tears it into two. Ichiko freaks out as he just destroyed her sanctuary. “What are you doing?!” Then the thunder roars again. Ichiko quickly covers her ears and to her surprise, Ran pulls her to him. He hugs her and covers her ears. He says, “Like this, you won’t hear the sound nor see the lightning.” [I guess even while covering her ears, she can hear him ^^;] Ichiko is blushing and wonders what she should do in this kind of position. Ran says, “..I won’t leave like your mother, I always have time.” Ichiko just says, okay. Ran then cups his hands on her face that she exclaims what he is doing. Ran smiles and says, “For a not-cute and stubborn brat like you, it’s okay to let someone spoil you a bit.” The thunder roars. Ichiko goes to Ran who hugs her tight and covers her ears. She thinks that Ran shouldn’t be so nice to her when he already has a girlfriend. Her heart is beating fast and she tries to think that it is because of the thunder. Still hugging her, Ran is blushing.

Even if the chapter is basically about Ichiko being scared of the thunder and Ran comforting her, there are some scenes which gives us information about the two’s background. Ran is showing his nice side upon hearing about Ichiko’s ‘sad and lonely’ past. Since it struck a chord in him, it made me think that it is the same for Ran that he wants to comfort her, aside from the obvious reason of he is falling for her. =P About accumulating Ichiko’s ‘debt’, it reminds me of Tokyo Crazy Paradise wherein the lead guy tries to increase the girl’s debt so that she will always be ‘tied’ to him. =P I still think that Ran is forced to become the school's director because he tends to be immature/lazy about that work. Also, with all his teasing, I wonder if he only does it with Ichiko since he is fond of her or he does it with any other girls. Well, his charms don’t work on Akane. =P I really love the chibis..so cute and funny. ^^ Scans by Amyangel19910323 for BW.

Word of the day:
When trouble flows in, look to God for His overflowing comfort--first to us, then through us to others. ~ David C. McCasland from Our Daily Bread

Majo wa Nido Aegu [Chapter 1]
Tuesday, March 17, 2009

This is Miyuki Kitagawa's new series for Petit magazine. I haven't read her just ended series but then, when I browsed it before in BW, it's pretty much for mature readers because of the sex scenes. It is different from the other Petit series which I've summarized because there isn't much comedy here but more on drama. The truth is, I used the second wallpaper to put up here as an introduction cover because the first one, the woman in her underwear and the guy is holding her thigh ^^;; I'm pretty sure that there will be lots of sex scenes here later on because the story is about a hostess. The art is okay but honestly, it is the Chinese title that intrigues me that made me read it. I think the Japanese title means, 'The Witch Gasps Twice'. The Chinese title is 'The Witch's Forbidden Love Song'. I actually thought that it is some sort of fantasy or the lead girl is a 'witch' = evil woman but then, she isn't. Maybe because she will be messing up people's lives and because she is a hostess = perceived bad in society = witch. Her story starts when one day, she goes to buy some cigarettes, a handsome young man approaches her and says, “Hey, Miss..will you buy me?” Fate suddenly arrives..

In a street in Ginza, Motomi, a woman in kimono with two other hostesses bid their customer goodbye. Motomi then tells Nene to buy some branded cigarettes. After Nene left, the other woman asks Motomi why she asked Nene to buy them when someone else [waiter guys] could do that. Motomi tells the other woman that Nene isn't of any help at all and she can't believe that Nene is the daughter of the legendary hostess. At a vending machine, Nene is busy picking which cigarettes to buy but decides to buy all the brands since she can't remember the ones mentioned by Motomi. She then hears a man calling her, “Miss..” Since it is repeated, Nene thinks that she was the one being called so she turns around. She sees a young man who smiles and says that she finally turned around. She didn't turn around right away because everyone there in Ginza, is called 'miss' so she didn't know he is calling her. She then notices the man's black-colored eyes. The man then says, “Will you buy me?” Holding the cigarettes that she bought, she wonders if he is a male prostitute. She tells him what he is saying for she is just a hostess in Ginza. The man says that he knows just by looking at her but then, a hostess is also a woman. He then uses his coat to hide her inside and starts touching her legs to her panties. He tells her if she knows that using a coat to hide her, they can do bad things even if they are in the streets. Nene can't break free as she tells him to stop. He tells her not to talk for he'll soon make her feel comfortable. She tells him that if she didn't return, she'll be scolded. She then thinks that this isn't the first time she has seen this guy since she has seen those eyes before. A bit aroused, Nene asks him where they have met before. Nene drops the cigarettes. He then bends down to pick them up and comments that it seems his technique has made her that aroused. He holds her hand and says that they are destined by fate. He puts a card on his mouth, while holding the cigarettes. He tells her that if she needs him then she can just call him on his cellphone. He puts the cigarettes back in her arms. Nene exclaims that he said she'll buy him but then, she doesn't have any money. While holding the card in his mouth, he just says yes. He passes the card to her mouth. Nene's heart is beating fast. He takes a pack of cigarettes and tells her that he'll take that instead [as payment]. She wonders what does that guy mean. She returns to the bar. A man, waiter?, tells her good work for buying those cigarettes for Motomi but then, why did it took her so long and why so many. She apologizes and says that it's quite expensive.

Talking to her mother in heaven, Nene narrates that she started working in Ginza when she is 20 years old. It has been three years already. She still makes a lot of mistakes and isn't quite helpful [when she doesn't have a customer, she helps the other hostesses] but one day, she will be able to attain the legendary hostess reputation of her mother. At the dressing room, some women greets Nene. Nene looks at the card that the man gave her, it is just a cellphone number with no name. The waiter then calls out to Mika and says that she has a customer. A different woman complains that because of the bad economy, there are fewer customers lately. The waiter then tells Nene that Asuka's customer is a 'chance bottle' so she should help her. Motomi tells her not to do it like before turning at the seat. [I think Nene puked at her seat before] Embarrassed, Nene says that it won't happen again. Chance bottle is when the bottle of wine is half-empty, they will get the wine girl to add a little water in then they will try to drink it all up so that the customer will order another bottle. Nene happily drinks while she thinks that if she is at her limit, she will just go to the toilet and puke. She then tells the others about a guy seducing her just now when she went out of the bar. “He even said some H words like, 'Will you buy me'. I was quite puzzled that he suddenly bends down and says that they are destined..” One of the hostess laughs and asks if she believed that. They tell her that guy is just a host and he is trying to make her his victim. Another said that if she is tricked by that then she isn't that qualified to be a hostess. Nene nervously laughs and exclaims that she didn't believe it. Some woman says that is right because Nene is the daughter of the legendary hostess. The customer asks whom he is destined to meet there. Nene thinks that it isn't because fate was mentioned that she believes but she feels as if she recognizes those beautiful black-colored eyes. Later on, Nene has an older man as her customer. The customer asks her how about they do an 'after' since he found a delicious steak house and he would like her to accompany him. Nene happily says that she is hungry so she is happy about his invitation. She thinks that she'll definitely have indigestion tomorrow but for him to take notice of her next time, she'll just do her best. 'After' is after working hours, the hostess will accompany the customer to drink, eat, sing karaoke, etc but of course, there is no 'overtime pay'. Nene asks Mr. Nakamura where the restaurant is.

To her surprise, he tells her to ride on his helicopter and go to that place. In a restaurant, Mr. Nakamura tells Nene that the Auberge [high class cuisine?] Hayama beef is really great. Nene freaks out that they are in Hayama. Nene excuses herself to go to the powder room. Mr. Nakamura tells her that he'll be waiting for her at the second floor. While putting powder on her face, Nene thinks that she is really in a bad situation because this Auberge place is a hotel with a Western restaurant. She thinks that Mr. Nakamura has planned this but then, there is no choice but for her to just call a taxi and head back. She tells herself that he has made that elaborate arrangement then invite a hostess so she mustn't offend him and maintain the customer's ego. With a smile, she enters the room and calls out to Mr. Nakamura. She is then stunned to see him totally naked, wearing only his socks. Nene wonders if she is dreaming. A bit drunk, Mr. Nakamura is holding a whip and tells her that it is his dream to be whipped by Nene. A hostess's job is that she should be able to cleverly decline if she cannot go along with the customer's plan in order to maintain the customer's ego. But then, Nene just screams out loud, “Pervert!” Outside, Nene is breathing hard from running. She wonders why he is carrying a whip and wearing nothing but socks..it's so bewildering. She tells herself that she even called that guy a pervert. “If it is the legendary hostess..she would have been able to cleverly leave.. right, mama..” She then sits down on the ground and starts crying because no matter what she does, she's an amateur. She knows that the people around her always compares her to her mother and after that, she will be ridiculed that she can't be enthusiastic about this. She cries that her feet hurts and it's already dark. She takes out the card with a cellphone number. She calls the man thinking that it's okay even if it's a host, who'll lie to her in order to pamper her. She is sitting by the rail when the man comes. She is surprised by this. The man asks her why she is surprised to see him when she was the one who called him. He asks her if she thought that he won't come because Hayama is far away. She thinks that she just wanted to whine to someone. Holding the pack of cigarettes, the man tells her to use that to buy him, he will very obedient to her. “You do not need to always call me, 'you'. Call me, Nao. At least call me by that name, master.” Nene thinks that she is like an idiot that although she doesn't know if what he's saying is true, but she cannot resist those eyes.

In the car, Nao tells her that a person has all sorts of inclinations and a hostess should have all sorts of experience. Nene laments that she is going to be fired for shouting pervert at the customer. He asks her, “But this isn't the first time, right? I'm a bit surprised with the whip, but then, that kind of thing is normal, right?” Nene is a bit tense as she asks what that thing he meant. He tells her that she is used to going to bed with the customer. Nene suddenly pulls up the hand break. The car skids on the road. Nao exclaims why she did that for it is dangerous. Nene removes his seatbelt and says, “Yes, what you said is right--pleasing a man is my job.” Looking seductive, she sits on top of him and pulls down the top of her dress so that her bra is exposed. She starts licking and stuff but stops as she unbuttons his pants. He touches her face and notices tears on his finger. He asks her if she's crying. Nene looks away and tells him if he didn't know that tears is also a method used by hostesses. He then pulls her face to him as he shouts for her to look at him so that he could know if the tears are fake. “I could at least know that...and this tears from what I know are tears that I can't just don't care about.” Nene slaps him and exclaims for saying such things at such a time. She shouts that even if the customer begs her, she wouldn't go to bed with someone just because it's work. She says that she only have sex with someone she likes. She wonders why she is so angry that she has to justify/explain herself to a host. “It's strange..my heart is in chaos.” She starts to cry as Nao holds her. “..A hostess..is also an ordinary woman.” Comforting her by caressing her hair, Nao says that his father's lover is a hostess so he discriminates a bit. He apologizes for saying that too frankly [tactless]. Nene begins to wonder if Nao is really a host for he said that she is used to going to bed with a customer and the one holding her hair [Nao] is quite uneasy. Nene tells him that after her father died, her mother became a hostess and took care of her until she grew up. “After having a lover, she left Ginza..ah, that's right! I thought I've seen you before, it is because..your eyes..are very similar to my mother's lover.” Nao sweatdrops and asks her if she is saying that he looks like a middle-aged man. Nene exclaims that the guy is quite cool and she likes that guy. Nao sweatdrops and asks if it is a troublesome love triangle. Nene says that it isn't so for it is just a one-sided [unrequited] love. Nao says that they shouldn't talk about that but they should continue. Nene blushes a bit and wonders, continue? He then gives her a can of beer. She says that if they did that then, they can't go home [he'll be drunk]. He then says that they can just look at the sky until they fall asleep. Nene drinks the can of beer and thinks that they didn't continue, she feels a bit regretful and relief because if she really did it..she might be really serious about it. The two then slept together at the car.

It's bright and sunny the next day. Nao exclaims in shock that it is already mid-afternoon and they are still in Hayama. “I will be late!” He starts waking Nene up. Nene tells him why the hurry when the bar opens at 8. Nao exclaims that he has an audition for a television drama. She looks surprised and asks if he is an actor. Nao says that he is a newcomer. While driving back, Nao tells her that the audition is for a male prostitute and since he wants to know what it feels like, he went to Ginza yesterday. Blushes a bit, Nene thinks so he isn't a lying host but just an actor trying to grasp a role. Upon realizing that, she becomes grumpy about it [feeling used]. Nao parks the car and says that they are there. He apologizes and tells her to just go back on her own. “Bye!” Nene sarcastically implies that he already got used to [lots of practice with] many Ginza girls so good luck to him. Nao stops and says that she is the only one. Looking a bit unhappy, he turns around and says, “The one whom I talked with is only you, Nene.” She blushes as he runs off to the building. She wonders why he talks like a real sweet-talking host and if it is really true that among the sea of people in Ginza, he only talked with her. Looking a bit flustered, she mutters for him not to move a person's heart then just leave like that. She then sees a poster of a television drama, Infernal. A guard then shouts at her and grabs her hand. He asks her if she is a visitor or if she is a fan. This surprises Nene that she shouts what's this about and for him to let her go. A man inside spots them. The man goes out and tells the guard that Nene is his friend. Nene is still struggling to free herself. The guard lets her go and apologizes. Nene exclaims to the man, “Ryuu-san!” In the movie audition of 'Fighter Ghost', the judges tell the applicants to have a break before they continue again. [Ah, I'm not sure if it is a drama or a movie because Nao said drama but the poster said movie ^^;;] Nao is relieved that he made it since it was arranged with him for him to be the last one in the audition. Holding a script, he wants to practice his lines and wonders what kind of feeling one should have upon saying those lines, “My tragedy is..” He then passes by the corner and sees Nene happily talking with a man. Nene sees Nao and apologizes for coming in there on her own. Nao says, “Father..” The man turns around and says, “Hi, Nao..” Behind him is a poster for Infernal wherein the leading man is Taka Ryuu. Looking from Ryuu to Nao, Nene becomes nervous as she says, “Nao..? No way..You are Ryuu-san's..son?” The two looks stunned at each other. Nene remembers Nao telling her that his father's lover is a hostess. He remembers Nene telling him that his eyes are like her mother's lover's eyes and she likes that guy. A flashback of Nao bending down to her and said that they are destined by fate. The script goes flying. Nene looks surprised. “My tragedy is..when the woman appears.”

So, that cliffhanger perked my interest in this series. It's like some television drama. I actually have to re-read it a few times over to make sure if they are actually half-siblings. Since Nao has that way of thinking about hostesses, I'm sure there is no way for him to be the son of Nene's mother. Well, things are complicated as it is. If the two become lovers, there are too many obstacles that it might be easier to just give up. First, it is an obstruction to his budding career. Media/paparazzi will have a feast day if they learn he is going out with a hostess. Actually, just the idea of the son of a famous [I assume] actor going out with the daughter of his mistress is already intriguing that can fill up tabloids. Second, Nene has told him that she liked Ryuu though I tend to think it is like admiration/infatuation type. It is slightly amusing that both son and daughter had similar tastes in the opposite sex. =P Of all girls, he had picked her..it's like fate as he said..probably quoting from the script. It is also amusing that they are currently in the same occupation as their parents. It's like a 'part two' of what happened with their parents but then, there is more pressure because their parents succeeded in their careers. Then, I'm a bit uneasy about Nene being a hostess because awful things tend to happen to them in stories like this, I think that there might be some rape scenes later on. Also, Nene isn't really good at this since she can't 'pretend' well and I think she isn't suitable for that kind of work..as of now. Then, I don't know if Ryuu will object but if his wife or relatives are alive, I'm sure they will object to the relationship. It's quite a scandal. Also, I've been wondering why Nene has to work as a hostess just like her mother. Didn't her mother send her to school to at least give her a better future rather than be stuck in that kind of business? Anyway, so far, the chapter one is quite intriguing that I want to know what happens next. ^^ Scans by Tongyanen for iieye

Quote of the day:
Never judge a man's actions until you know his motives ~ Author Unknown

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Gray-man, Reborn and PSYREN
Monday, March 16, 2009

Inoue is totally shock to see Ichigo dead with a hole in his chest in Bleach [c. 349]. She goes to him in the hopes of reviving him but Ulquiorra tells her that it is useless. Ishida takes on Ulquiorra but then, Ishida is totally powerless again Ulquiorra that he even lost an arm. Inoue is getting frantic as to how could this happen to Ichigo when she really believed that he will win. Then, she sees Ishida gets slashed right in front of her. She is at a loss what to do that she can only shout for Ichigo to save her. Suddenly, Ichigo's hair become long and he moved his arm as if to get up. It's a totally depressing chapter except for the last part since there is hope. Will Ichigo become 'hollow'? Will he become berserk like Naruto before and when he snaps out of it – maybe he hurt/kill Inoue or Ishida. Nah, that won't happen. This author doesn't kill off his characters. Anyway, I'm curious with the 'new' Ichigo and what he can do. And if this means that he is no longer a 'human'.

Against Konan's wishes, Nagato forces himself to use his power to try to trap fox-Naruto in a sphere made of rocks and soil in Naruto [c. 439]. Meanwhile, Naruto is still pondering on Pain's question on how is he going to bring about peace. Kyuubi suggests that he destroys everything. Fox-Naruto now has 8 tails and breaks free from the sphere. Kyuubi tells Naruto to take off the seal. Yamato is freaking out since the number 9 shows on his palm. Just before Naruto is about to remove the last seal, Minato appears and stops him. He greets Kyuubi then says that the seal is designed to make him appear upon breaking the 8th seal. Even if he doesn't want to meet Kyuubi again, he is glad to see his son. Ah..I'm not sure yet if Minato is like alive inside or summoned from the dead. ^^; Actually, I'm not sure how I should take this turn of events. I'm thinking..ah, so finally, there is a hokage who is going to teach Naruto to be a hokage and while he's at it, maybe he can tell him what's the answer to Pain's question. =P Lol, will it be a long talk like Kakashi and his dad? I think even if Naruto reverts back to normal, Nagato might not be in condition to capture him. Actually, if Naruto just keeps it up, Nagato would pretty much kill himself with the over-use of his powers. Maybe when Nagato is dying, he can like rest in peace upon knowing Naruto's solution to his problem/dream of world peace.

In One Piece [c. 535], Hannyabal defeats Buggy and Mr. 3 for attacking him even if he said that they can pass through so that he can get Magellan fired and he becomes the chief. Mr. 2 is still running away since he thinks that they can't defeat Magellan if they fight without any strategy. Meanwhile, Luffy tries to fight Magellan in vain that finally, he is poisoned and goes down. Ace is getting worried about Luffy. Magellan orders the others to put Luffy in the central tower of Level 5 to die. In Level 5, it is the freezing hell where Luffy is taken. Magellan goes to see Hannyabal and his men who are defeated by Mr. 2. Magellan orders the others to capture Mr. 2 who has gone upstairs. The rebellion in Level 2 has been suppressed. He tells the others to do whatever they want with Buggy and Mr. 3 since he is going back to his room because of his diarrhea. Hannyabal goes to the interrogation room with Buggy and Mr. 3. It turns out that Hannyabal is just Mr. 2 in disguise. Even as Buggy tries to dissuade him, Mr. 2 is still insistent on saving Luffy because he is his friend. Wow..this makes Mr. 2 a candidate again to be a Straw Hat or well be considered a 'special friend'. I think the first thing he/they should do is to get others to help them then steal an antidote from Magellan. I think the real Hannyabal helped them so that he can get Magellan fired. =P If Luffy pulled this off – saving Ace and escaping there, Hannyabal can take Magellan's position which is what he wanted. I think this isn't the first time that Luffy is defeated..he was pretty much done for before when he fought with Crocodile but then, he's now in level 5. Anyway, I wonder what will happen next...as to how they are going to save Luffy. Time is ticking..

Reever has finally went to prison to get Zhizhi and the others out in D. Gray-man [c. 180]. They even recruited Bonnaire, the gay boss of the prisoners, to be a finder. Zhizhi noticed some 'disguised' guys with Reever. Reever says that they are from Fey who sent them as his bodyguards. Zhizhi realizes that they are from Central. Back to the fight, Allen and others are a bit puzzled as to why the akuma-s are fighting each other. Then, Timothy's body falls on Allen. Timcapi tells Allen what happened to Timothy. Tsukikami explains to Timothy that the akuma is posses becomes an anti-akuma weapon since he can use the akuma-s power on the akuma. Timothy makes one of the akuma into a puppet then punches it. He then gets punched away by a level 3 akuma. Tsukikami poses Timothy's body and heads back to akuma-Timothy. Level 4 tells level 3 to kill off Timothy. Tsukikami explains to akuma-Timothy that there is a difference in levels among akuma so he can't defeat higher ones. Timothy leaves the level 2's body and tries to possess level 3 but failed. Tsukikami explains that at his current power, he can only possess level 2. Timothy wants to go back to level 2 but Tsukikami told him that it will be purified if he left an akuma body that he just possessed. Level 3 decides to just finish off Timothy's real body. Timothy rushes to his body but he can't evade the attack. Link saves him. It seems that once the akuma is purified, its effects of its power disappear. Yay, Link is back. So, I guess Link will finish level 3 while the others will finish level 4. Then, it's a wrap. I wonder if those who turned into puppets are okay, too.

Gianini informs everyone about the specs of the motorcycle in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 233]. Reborn tells them that they have to learn to use it while fighting with their box weapons. It can be useful since the 'choice' battlefield will be 10m. Hayato says that Tsuna doesn't need it since he can fly using his flame. They tell him that if Tsuna did that, then he will be detected on the radar. Reborn shows them their driving licenses which are used by their future selves. So, they went to the practice room to practice. Tsuna tries it first and crashes into the wall. It turns out that Reborn taught Tsuna wrong since it is his policy to teach Tsuna how it shouldn't be done. ^^; Soon, everyone learns how to drive it and Tsuna manages to learn how even if he never learned to ride a bike without training wheels. Bianchi comes and invites them to Basil and Ryohei's welcome back party. After the party, in his room, Tsuna ignites his vongola ring and his new box weapon moves. They are supposed to train with it tomorrow but Tsuna decides to open it. Everyone hears a crash. They all went to check Tsuna's room. They see him fighting a creature. Tsuna has flamed up and thinks that it is trying to kill him. Hm..pandora's box =P I guess this training with their boxes is the creature will submit to them..if and only if they defeat the creature inside. I think Reborn might tell the others not to interfere since this is Tsuna's 'training'.

In PSYREN [c. 61], it turns out that Kabuto manages to get out-of-the-way before he got 'shipped elsewhere' by Shinier. He sees a huge explosion nearby. Yoshina is fighting against Dholaki and well, his attacks aren't working because Dholaki has powered up with two cores. Shinier explains the cores to Amamiya and others that it powers them up but shortens their lives. It is basically an experiment since it either goes with with some but for most, they are killed or mutated. He also informs them that with two cores, Dholaki will die soon. He thinks that if Yoshina can't even defeat Dholaki then there is no need to bring him to Grana. Kabuto is just cowering nearby, unable/scared to help Yoshina. I guess Dholaki will be dead soon and Shinier doesn't seem interested in fighting with the others. I guess Yoshina's hope is to either think of a different attack or Kabuto/someone helps him. I do wonder if he will meet with Grana though in this trip in psyren.

Quote of the day:
If it were not for hopes, the heart would break. ~ Thomas Fuller