Name:
=3Kat

About this blog:
I write about the manga I read , the anime/tv shows I watched and somtimes, the PS2 games I played. I tend to summarize them so beware, this blog is filled with spoilers and they are not 100% perfect. Feel free to point out my mistakes. Occasionally, I would blog about myself and other misc. things. ^_^

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

Final Fantasy 12

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Past Dreams:
2007

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

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Manga pics from
Sky-fire & Billwang.

while Papillon -Hana to Chou- and The One are scanned by Yukiru from BW

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

Monthly Blahs: Manga and Anime
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 @ 10:43 a.m.

Manga: I have seen a Parfait Tic! side story which happened after the story ended in BW forum. It is in Japanese so I wonder if there will be a Chinese version later on. It is Koto’s side story. She is now in junior high and a Daiya-nerdy looking guy is courting her. Ah, is it just a coincidence that her uniform looks just like Hanabi’s when she was in junior high? It will be fun if they do cameos in Koibana! Hehe I can’t say much about it since I don’t understand what they are talking about. I have found a new series that seems to be interesting. The title is Hana to Akuma which is Flower and Devil. The story reminds me of Vampire Knight but just the part wherein Yuuki is saved by Kaname as in when Yuuki is still young. The names aren’t the official names since I just used a kanji->romanji translator. During a snow storm, a devil/monster, Vivi who seems to be a vampire finds a basket which held a baby and he decides to adopt her and names her Kobana [small flower]. Sounds familiar? It is a cute, light-hearted series, well based on the first chapter, and the leads are nice-looking. =P I’m not sure if it is a love story though for the girl is just 10 years old human while he is already 200 years old akuma. ^^; The art is okay though at sometimes it looks nice. I think the mangaka is new. She is Oto Hisamu. This is serialized in Hana to Yume. The covers which I found using google are pretty nice though. I think in Japan, it is in chapters 4-5 and I only found the first chapter in Chinese, thanks to BW. I wonder if this will be just a short series or a longer one.

The Room has ended in chapter 3. Talk about rushed endings, this one is a prime example of it. The girl learns magic in magic land then comes back. Vampire guy finds her and apologizes. His excuse is he is used to be alone because of some sad past. Then, they live happily ever after, the end. Okay..that was pretty short. The author is a newbie so maybe he/she got lazy and just fast-forward it to the inevitable end. Oh ya, I have also updated on Claymore. It was quite an entertaining series that I got a bit addicted to it like wanting to see more of it though it isn’t my type of genre. I have also updated on Fullmetal Alchemist. I never thought that their father will be a philosopher’s stone in human form. I still wonder what Father of the homunculi’s goal is. Have you heard about Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta by Kaho Miyasaka? The alternate title in bakamanga is We Experienced the Affair. What a crappy title. ^^; Anyway, I think that is the title for the Chinese is Love Course. I like that better. Hehe. I have never read any of her series so I’m not exactly sure what to expect. From bakamanga, the story is about a shy girl named Kotori who has trouble making friends especially guys then she is made fun by Yukito who is some sort of delinquent. Clamp-inspired names? ^^; Well, she doesn’t have that much friends because most people are making fun of her name which literally means little bird. Of course, it won’t be too hard to guess who befriends her and whom she falls in love with later on. The story is not that bad nor is the art. I’m still checking this one out and currently in chapter 3. This is serialized in Cheese! So far, there are 8 chapters out in Chinese. There is an English scanlation of chapter 1 by some group for those who are interested in it. I like the cover page though. =P

In Spicy Pink [c. 2-3], Sakura tells her friend, Misono that Edaiki asked to go steady with her but she refused for she doesn’t want to go out with a guy like that. She then goes to Kyoto to meet a guy friend but he ends up whining about things in work that she felt she lost a friend. While seated in the train to go back home, she is shock to find Edaiki there, too. After some talk, she agrees to go steady with him even if she doesn’t like him. Edaiki agrees for he doesn’t like her either. Sakura is furious and wonders what’s wrong with this guy. After work, they are going to a date. She goes to the clinic where he works. She is then introduced to his family. Sakura realizes that he wants to go steady with her so that his parents would stop pressuring him. While on the elevator, they met Edaiki’s younger sister. Edaiki forgot something that he left the two talking as the sister is a fan of Sakura. His sister slipped into saying that she was worried about her brother who can’t forget his ex-girlfriend who had passed away. While eating dinner, Sakura wonders if it is because of that painful past that Edaiki doesn’t want to fall in love again. Sakura exclaims that the soup that was served was delicious. Edaiki asks if she can cook it after tasting it. Sakura answers of course not. Edaiki says it seems that she doesn’t excel in cooking. Sakura shouts that he is rude but then, what he said is true that it made Sakura angry for such an irritating guy could not have such a sad past though it seems that he is a bit distant.

While walking home, Sakura thanks him for the meal. Edaiki leans to kiss her but she tells him that she isn’t going to have plastic surgery. To Sakura’s embarrassment, it turned out that Edaiki is just teasing her then because he thought she was interesting. When she is about to protest, Edaiki takes the chance to kiss her. After the kiss, Edaiki asks if they want to go to her house or his. Sakura pushes him away and says that she doesn’t want that, only when she already likes him. Edaiki says that if it is okay with her even if they are going steady then it’s okay with him. After he left, Sakura felt that she was the one rejected when she is the one rejecting. Meanwhile, Misono is having her own problems when the boyfriend she goes out with confesses that he isn’t a doctor as he told her but he is just some bookstore clerk. He asks for forgiveness because it was a suggestion by a friend so that she would notice him but things got out of hand that he didn’t get to tell her the truth. He asks if they can start all over again. Misono just steps on his shoe hard. Misono eats out with Sakura as she cries over her predicament. Sakura asks if she cannot really forgive the guy. Misono says that she doesn’t want an ordinary person for it won’t go smoothly. She then asks what happened to Sakura’s date. Sakura tells her nothing much happened. Misono teases that she give Edaiki to him. To Sakura’s surprise, she say no. Misono is happy about that while Sakura is surprised over what she just said.

While reading a manga, Sakura gets a call from Edaiki who asks her to see him at that diner before in ten minutes. Sakura says that is too fast but Edaiki says it is okay if she doesn’t wear make-up or wear her jogging outfit. To Sakura’s shock, he hangs up the phone before she could tell him to wait for 30 minutes. Sakura huffs as she arrives while Edaiki congrats her for making it within 10 minutes. She begins to wonder what the heck is she doing for she could just decline going there. She is a bit embarrassed that Edaiki is looking at her smiling. She decides to order something. Someone then calls out Edaiki’s ex-girlfriend’s name that Edaiki quickly turns to see who it is. It turned out to be some little girl. Edaiki apologizes for it. Sakura asks if it is Edaiki’s deceased girlfriend’s name. Edaiki is surprised that she knew. Sakura tells him that she learns it from his younger sister who thought they are really going out together. Sakura wants to ask more about it but Edaiki refuses to tell her more and asks her not to ask about that girlfriend again because he doesn’t want to remember and wants to totally forget about it. While walking home, Sakura thought that Edaiki wants to forget the happy memories with that girl and her passing away hurts him very much that he had such a sad and painful expression. Sakura begins to wonder what kind of person that girl was then she realizes that she is jealous of Edaiki’s decreased girlfriend. Okay, so the story is like a love triangle wherein the ‘other girl’ has already deceased. I guess that girl is really great since Edaiki has asked Sakura if she can cook something she just tasted because I’m sure he is comparing Sakura with her – consciously or not. There is hope for it seems that there is something in Sakura that attracts Edaiki to her. Hehe, being silly and easy to tease? ^^;; This series still make me feel as if the series is a plot for some Japanese drama.

In Air Gear [c. 178-184], the battle between White wolf aided by Kururu vs Ikki’s group is finally over. White wolf won as they realized that their determination is not enough, they need powered up gears and ATs, too. Ikki has asked Kururu to make them for him. The contract is void when Kururu’s father’s friend destroyed it. Kururu’s father asked Ikki to take care of Kururu but Kururu and Ikki tell him not to misunderstand things. Meanwhile, some reporter is investigating Sora but gets killed by Aeon Clock. What? He is still alive?! Ah, could it be that Spitfire is also alive for he seems to be still communicating with them via computer. I mean there is a limit to the things that one can advise when one is already dead. I do have some feeling that it is possible that no major character dies in this series and in the end, everyone is a good guy..ah, much like KAMUI? ^^;; In Liar Game [c. 58], mouse guy turns the table on Akiyama who turns out to have a back-up plan. He has managed to take a huge portion of his group’s money for himself. Mouse guy gloats that Akiyama contradicts himself in trying to save others in a liar game. Nao then says that it is mouse guy who is contradicting himself. This shocks everyone and the cliffhanger is that Nao seems to have something up her sleeve. It’s good that Akiyama is outwitted for it would be boring if he always wins but then, it is surprising that Nao seems to have a plan for after all, she is the one who faced mouse guy in the last few rounds.

After reading Silvery Crow [c. 19-23], I have a feeling that this series will end soon. John fights with Fukurou and when he is about to be beaten, Fukurou summons crows. They were easily defeated by Kazami and others. They also brought mouse guy who turned out to be alive. Fukurou tells them to hurry up and give the demon stone to him for that guy is coming. John remembers his guardian being killed by Fukurou as he plummets from the building with a crow’s hand in his body. Kazami and Fukurou are about to fight but John stops them saying that the demon stone isn’t worth for them to it for them to fight each other and die. They were interrupted by his guardian, Kuloye [Chinese name ^^;]. After shock and greeting with talk about curry, Kuloye asks for the stone. Fukurou tries to attack him but is easily defeated. They were shock when Kuloye tells them he wants to be the new demon king. He easily snatches all of the pieces of demon stone from Fukurou. John refuses to join him so they are going to fight for it. Larue saves Fukurou from falling into the hole then tells the others to try to get her close to John. Everyone does teamwork and John manages to power-up with Larue’s help. Unfortunately, Kuloye is still too powerful and got John and Larue separated from the others. Larue tells John not to run away as she isn’t then a bright light appears. It turned out Fukurou isn’t that much of a villain but it is John’s guardian who is the main villain. If they manages to defeat him and get the stones, then, this series will end, I mean, it’s like fighting the big boss in a game and it does seems to be an out of the blue thought. ^^;

The brother of big eye takes the earth god which is a bear and make it fall down to where Masamori’s men were in Kekkaishi [c. 185-186]. The guy with a sword tells the others to escape but to their surprise, the bear explodes as it is killed by a carp-looking creature with tentacles. It attacks them and left only two alive. Masamori is shock over the deaths as he talks with the guy with a sword who has survived about the forest that it has many wounds though he hit it only once. Those were from big eye’s brother. He tells Masamori that something strange is happening. Masamori then calls to Sen regarding what is happening and also that other bandana guy about things which seems to be not to trust sack guy. While on the roof, Yoshimori sees big eye that he quickly goes to him. They have a little chit chat as he asks Yoshimori what is he protecting that place for. When Yoshimori doesn’t know the truth, the big eye starts to leave and tells him that his existence will be lonely that his brother and mother has left the family. Yoshimori shouts what does he meant by that but he left saying that Yoshimori doesn’t know because he doesn’t find power interesting. Masamori then remembers what he talked about with sack guy about betraying the family then he decides to go to the sea side for the wind isn’t strong enough. Yoshimori grumpily walks home and sees a moth-like shikigami. He follows it. Tokine sees him and decides to follow. It is the guy who was with big eye before. His face is covered as he showed his scarred face to Yoshimori that it is thanks to that day. He apologizes for what was said to Yoshimori’s mother and brother and asks if he can talk with him. Yoshimori agrees to listen while Tokine tries to eavesdrop. Mm, I wonder what he will them him. Hehe, I’m still not exactly sure what is happening but maybe the author is going to reveal the secret of that place and something is going to happen to that place soon.

Anime: For this anime season, the ones I can’t wait to see more are Gundam 00 and Moyashimon. There is really a big difference in watching an anime in HD that I actually re-watched the past Gundam 00 episodes. Lol It really reminds me of Full metal Panic! with a bit of Gundam Wing. Hehe, I can’t believe that germs would look so cute in Moyashimon even if most of it tends to be quite lectures about germs. ^^; Dragonaut turns out to be a bit corny that at times, I feel a bit embarrassed that I’m watching it especially the huge breasts scenes. ^^;; Myself;Yourself is still quite entertaining because I’m curious over their past and some hints about things even if I don’t quite like the art nor some of the seiyuu. Nothing much is happening in Shakugan no Shana II though it seems that something is interesting in it yet they keep on going to unnecessary scenes. So far, I still understand what is happening even if I haven’t watched the first season. I’m a bit lazy into watching Clannad and ef ~ a tale of memories. Bleach is in filler mode again while I skipped some of the Gaara arc and just watched Naruto Shippuden where they are going to see Sasuke again which introduces Sai. I’m still a bit disappointed over the skin tone they used for Sai for it is so unnatural since it look like a corpse’s. ^^; I had finally watched the finale episodes of Code Geass. That was quite a cliffhanger and I’m sure Lelouch survives that after all, Code Geass won’t be fun without him. I don’t think many people as in from the cast have died except from some extra characters. I’m amused when it was noted that Jeremiah’s mecha looks like an orange. ^-^ I’m one and half episode from finishing Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto and I’m disappointed where the series went to half-way. It seems to be a deliberate forced dragging just to get Hijitaka into the story and the history lesson to end where the resistance ends.

Word of the day:
Praise to God comes naturally when you count your blessings. ~ Our Daily Bread

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Grayman, Reborn and Gintama
Monday, November 19, 2007 @ 10:11 a.m.

Zommari tells Byakuya not to be too proud for he should be at his level in Bleach [c. 300]. Zommari releases his zanpaku and become some sort of pumpkin with many eyes. Zommari shows his palm which have an eye. Byakuya quickly moves but there is a mark on his left foot. Zommari exclaims that it is now his for it will follow his command. Zommari orders Byakuya’s foot to move forward and it did so Byakuya just wounded his leg to make it stop from obeying Zommari. Zommari tries to do it to Rukia but Byakuya quickly protects Rukia. Byakuya is really angry when Hanatarou arrives. Hanatarou complains that Byakuya has left him that he might have gotten lost. He the freaks out upon seeing Byakuya’s bleeding leg and passed out Rukia. Byakuya tells Hanatarou to move back for he will not assure his safety in his current mood. Well, it seems that Zommari is putting up a fight so I might as well, type his name. ^^; Hehe, Byakuya is really in a bad mood. It is one thing to target him but getting Rukia involved, Zommari will really get it. I’m amused that Hanatarou actually came. Would that mean more will be coming? I’m beginning to wonder how did they knew who’s who are injured. I mean is it just a coincidence that Hanatarou is with Byakuya or they knew Rukia is injured so he brought him along with him.

Jiraiya retreats from the three Pein’s in order to re-think their strategy in Naruto [c. 378]. With three Peins, all of their moves can be seen from different points of view. Jiraiya says he would have a chance if he fought with Pein one on one. Guy frog suggests that they use an illusion technique. They think they have that advantage because Jiraiya is really bad with that technique and it could be Pein’s weakpoint for Jiraiya didn’t taught Pein about that technique. They decided to hide and do something to separate the three Peins while the two frogs will be focusing on the technique. While running after Jiraiya, Pein hears sound of frogs and realizes that it is an illusion technique. Jiraiya uses a clone to fire attack Pein. Fat Pein absorbs it. Jiraiya thought that he had guessed right for Fat Pein’s power is only to absorb while the other Pein is used for summoning. The other Pein jumps up to the ceiling to evade the attack but was caught in somewhat like a quicksand. Pein is falling down while Jiraiya is preparing to punch him. Jiraiya is confident for it is now one on one. Hm, even if Jiraiya seems to be going to win, I think this isn’t Pein’s real power yet. Wasn’t he able to control the rain? Was he just playing around for he isn’t doing much offensive attacks yet. He still haven’t summoned his other bodies.

Lola’s group comes to get the passed out Strawhats out of harm’s way in One Piece [c. 479]. Nami and Usopp decides to go down to check who they are. The other zombies are still in shock as Odz and Moria are getting beaten up by Luffy. Lola and her crew explains what happened to Nami and Usopp saying that Luffy has around 2-3 minutes left before the shadows escape. They apologize for doing such a thing to their captain. They cheer for Luffy as Luffy is whacking Odz to the ground multiple times. He twirled Odz and toss him away that made Lola and others who were carrying the unconscious Strawhats away to safety. Luffy quickly evades Odz’s punch and wounds Odz with his katana. Moria is angry over what happened and plans to escape but Luffy has already punched him by punching through Odz’s stomach. Luffy made himself into a cylinder-shaped balloon and gives Odz a storm rain of punches that also hits Moria. Odz falls down to the side of the mansion. They then sees the shadows escaping from Luffy’s body. Nami and Usopp go to Luffy who has shrunk back to his original size. Lola and others are rejoicing for Luffy has defeated Odz and Moria so they will all get their shadows back. Odz and Moria are knocked out as Luffy is sleeping/unconscious. Nice. Luffy finishes it in one chapter. I wonder how are they going to get their shadows from Moria. The arc is going to wrap up soon. I wonder if Kuma is still around and will Luffy learn what happened to Ace.

Link offers some pie to Allen as he introduces himself to be the one in charge over watching over him in D. Gray-man [c. 137]. Allen eagerly tries to eat it but Rabi stops him saying that Link just said he is going to ‘watch over’ you. Rinali tries to find her brother to talk about that but she freezes when she saw Malcolm with Komui. She remembers how she was captured back by Malcolm when she tried to escape before. Komui quickly tells River to get Rinali for a check-up as an excuse for her to leave because Rinali is shaking from her trauma from Malcolm. While being lead away, she worries about Allen. Link tells Allen that the 14th is part of the Noah family who was removed. Allen asks what has that got to do with him. Link puts out a huge pile of papers for Allen to answer. Link suggests that they go to the archive room and dissuades Rabi from accompanying Allen. When Allen is going to wrong way, he overhears Cross whining about the cheap wine that they brought him. Allen tries to ask why he knows the score but he was quickly taken away. Allen learns that he is ordered not to communicate with Cross for he is suspected to have collaborated with the 14th. Komui learns from Malcolm that the will of the 14th is passed on humans and not just one. Cross is one of them and they assume that Allen is also because Cross took him in as an apprentice for Allen is the ‘musician’. Malcolm says it will be quite troubling if people associated with the 14th will be together for who knows what are they plotting.

Allen denies his involvement with the 14th but Link doesn’t believe him because Allen was able to move the ark. Allen angrily hypothesize that he could have been brainwashed to know how to play and sing by Cross and Maria while he is still an apprentice. Link asks then how does he know about the musical score, is it the 14th's? Allen angrily thought that it is just something he and Mana made up but he can’t tell him that. Mana is just a traveling clown who took him in and become an akuma who cursed him then, he become an exorcist. Malcolm has told Komui that they have a witness from someone who has collaborated with the 14th. That elderly person has asked for sanctuary from them for he fears that the Earl is after his life. Allen drops the papers he is carrying in shock when he sees the shadow figure behind him from the window’s reflection. Allen shouts what is he doing there. Link tells Allen to quit that tricks for there is no one there except for the two of them. Allen starts to get scared as he begins to wonder if Mana and he weren’t just clowns and a youngster, who are they. Ya, Allen is indeed in big trouble. I’m not saying about wondering what is his relationship with Mana but as I thought before that Chaoji will be testifying against him. Since it is assumed that Allen is part of the 14th, an ex-Noah, Chaoji could say that Allen who saved another Noah, Tiki. I really think that Allen would have to sever his ties with Black Order. Strange, why are they so intent on Allen when Cross is also associated with the 14th? Well, at least, we know the reason why Cross is hell-bent on not returning to Black Order.

Tsuna and Hibari are training again but Tsuna ends up being defeated in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 170]. Kusa and Lal discuss between themselves that Tsuna has two kinds of flames, one is for movement which Tsuna can easily control while the other one is for offensive which Tsuna can’t control. Since Tsuna is fighting against Hibari who isn’t using a box, it would be difficult for him to fight with the enemies which has boxes. Hibari decides to take a break and tells Tsuna that he haven’t been using his weapon yet. This surprises Tsuna and starts to wonder if there is anything else he can do with his gloves. Lal tells Tsuna to rest for 4 hours then they will train again. While walking around, thinking what Hibari said, he finds Lambo hiding. Tsuna lures him out with a candy and made up with him. He then finds Haru crying. While fretting what to do, Haru notices him. She tells him not to mind her for it has been her habit. Tsuna tries to apologize but ends up falling down the stairs. Tsuna apologizes for what happened earlier. Haru tells Tsuna to accompany her to the amusement park when they get back. Tsuna shouts why did the topic end up like that. Haru shouts that it is because Tsuna was angry and she likes the weakling side of Tsuna. Tsuna says he doesn’t understand what she is saying but he has already told Lambo they will go to the amusement park. Haru is happy to learn that Tsuna has made up with Lambo. Haru says that this is the Tsuna she knows so she will do her best and support him and the others which she and Kyouko have decided on doing. If he has any problem, he can come to her. Tsuna is glad that Haru is back to her cheerful self. Tsuna thought that he is able to fight and everything is because of everyone’s support. He realizes something and starts to leave. He thanks Haru and tells her to thank Kyouko for him, too. Back in the training room, Tsuna tries out his theory of using the offensive fire by uses the soft fire to support him so that he can control it. He manages to do it. It actually looked cool. I guess that is the appeal of Tsuna being so down to earth to apologize when he is wrong and is powerful when pressured. It is like that when it is not surprising why he was chosen to be the 10th. Since he has powered up, I guess the next ones would be Takeshi and Hayato.

Still in the rpg, Shinpachi is telling the two to play within the rules else it will be game over in Gintama [c. 190]. Then, Gin and Kagura=Jasant start to argue about their names. Shinpachi suggests that they find a hunter so that they can easily level up and knows about the place. A huge gorilla tries to attack them. Gin uses a spotted banana but Jasant was the one who ate it. The gorilla tosses Jasant away. Shinpachi puts a trap but when Jasant falls down, she was the one who got into the trap. Someone then fires upon the gorilla. It is a guy with a cannon. Shinpachi is excited but it turned out to be just Katsura whose body is also turned into a screw driver. Then, they found another hunter with arrows whom Katsura starts to fight since they have similar names/handles with fruits warrior. That person turned out to be Kondou whose body has also turned into a screwdriver. Katsura suggests that they look for M who is a hunter who knows a lot about that place. They travel together and finds a girl who is tied up above a bonfire. She thought that she was captured or something but it turned out to be self-inflicted. They realized that she is Sacchan. A huge monkey attacks them but they were saved by M who looks like a female version of Gin. ^^;; Ah..is the author spoofing Hunter x Hunter? With all the gorillas, it begins to remind me of Dragon Ball Z. Mm, I wonder who is M – was she/he the one whose face is bandaged earlier?

Quote of the day:
We are dependent on the strength we draw from one another; Words spoken give encouragement, love practiced draws us closer. ~ Sper from Our Daily Bread

Skip Beat! [Chapter 113]
Saturday, November 17, 2007 @ 12:44 p.m.

Five years ago, in their car garage, Kuon is brooding. Simply just let myself wither and disappear. Cannot chose whether to progress or regress. The me who cannot budge at all. So dark. In the deepest depths of darkness, the president [Lory] came. Kura looked on worriedly as Lory talks to Kuon. Lory asked him, do you want to get away from where you are now? If you have that intention, I’ll help prepare a stage for you. Let your origin be totally hidden and become another person in the country where your father was born and grew up. Try to become a more superior actor than your father. With no famous name, you can make your own path and progress up to whatever level you can. If you can sufficiently become an actor, then come back to your homeland. You will depend on your own strength and if it is regarding work, I will not give you any support. How about it, want to try it? Then, Kura is arguing with Lory about something when Kura is surprised to see Kuon standing up. Not hesitating at all, according to what Lory said, I only need to bring my passport and that is how I left my home. Not having any other thoughts to even think of the feelings of my parents who were left behind. Kura could only look depressed as Kuon left with Lory. The scene changes to Japan, Kuon as Ren is busy studying scripts while typing on the computer – ah looking for kanji translation? ^^; I intensely focus on becoming a person, becoming an actor so that I will fit in this new place where I can recover myself. So that I will blend in the society as a Japanese. And also because of work. Totally giving my all-out into existing as ‘Ren Tsuruga’. Ren looked at the telephone. Before long, I realized that I had cut off any communication with my parents. This is how the two years of my life had passed.

In a small ‘beauty parlor/dressing’ room, a young looking woman is closing a bottle. She is surprised that since Ren came to Japan, this is the only time he is going get in touch with his parents through a videotape. Lory says, that right. The woman says Ren is really amazing for he is alone for 5 years, it would have been quite lonely, it’s no surprise since he is a boy. Lory says it also make him admire Ren for it. Lory thought, because Ren is someone who would treat himself very strictly into perfection. What is he thinking that he never once try to get in touch with them though even if I didn’t ask, I would know. Lory tells the woman that it isn’t easy for Ren’s attitude to loosen up a bit. Ren is quite apologetic since you, who is on vacation, has to come and help him until the end, Ten [means heaven/sky]. Only those who are close to her can call her by her pet name, Ten whose professional name is Jelly Woods. Ten sighs and says, okay, okay, it’s alright. Ten angrily grumbles that if the customer wasn’t Ren, giving her such order like ‘come back’ and ‘right now’, she will just reject it and will not come back. Lory tells her that since she returned, he will give her a reward. Ten’s heart beat loud in anticipation but she becomes angry when Lory gives her a candy. Lory says, here’s a candy for you to eat. A note says that Ten is already 33 years old and 148 cm tall. Ten angrily shouts that she hates it when Lory does that – praising someone as if she is his granddaughter from the province. [Lol, didn’t Lory just did that to Kura, too ^^;] Lory says her granddaughter cannot resist a candy. In the end, Ten accepts the candy and eats it. Ten grumpily thought that she was made to wait for half a day and she would have want an ‘adult reward’ that even a kiss will be okay. Looking at the candy wrapper, Ten thinks it is pretty so she decides to keep it.

They hear a door opens. Lory asks if he is finished filming. Back to his original hair color, Ren enters carrying the video camera. Ren says, yes. Ten is still awed by Ren’s appearance that she is shock when Lory informs her to change it back to Ren’s hair color. Ten shouts, that fast! Lory says that’s right, because there is no need for it anymore. Ten angrily says that she is made to come back just for this 15 minutes, that’s really incredible. Lory says because other than you, there is no one else whom they can trust. Ten freezes. Ten shouts, No problem! Ren, no need to apologize. Ren says even so, he still should, more or less. Ten happily giggles and giddily moves about, with hearts all over her. Ten says it’s okay, it’s okay, even if you pay, I cannot forgive this stupid thing but there is love, so I can forgive because she is the type of person who values love more than money though it is more like an order. Only me, only me, love, whom you can trust. Ren thought that Ten is easy to read through woman. Note says that Ten likes older men. Pointing to Ren, Ten winks at him and says it is because of beautiful things that she is like a fool, who would put all her effort into her profession as a beautician. Do you know why the word ‘beautician’ is written that way? It is because we think beauty can give unlimited tolerance. [It means like if one is beautiful, it is easier to forgive or be lenient to them.] Ren says, really, I still didn’t know that. The two stops their talk when Lory calls out to Ren asking if he doesn’t want to return back. Ten looks at him and says, come, let’s go, Ren. Ren starts to go to her and says, yes.

It’s morning again. I think they are in hotel where Kura is staying. Lory hands over a small envelope to Kura. Kura takes the envelope and thanks Lory. Lory tells Kura that Ren will be seeing him off. Kura is surprised and asks, huh, he will come? Lory says, you are still insisting on being perfect, even if you two have met once in the tv station, you would still call Ren as ‘he’. Kura says but of course, because we cannot be close to even call each other’s name. Pride of being an actor. Lory thought that Ren’s perfectionism is absolutely like this guy..—that is the cause.. Kura says maybe, even if Lory didn’t say about that provision, while he is still being ‘Ren Tsuruga’, treating each other as strangers, it will be Ren’s nature to act like that. Lory laughs and says he also know that and honestly, just seeing Ren being a perfectionist, that he [Lory] was the one who gave that ‘provision’ to the two of them [Ren’s parents]. Kura is shock when he learned the truth. The ‘provision’ is only for the adult’s side. Lory says but of course, the two of them are quite fussy with their child, if I didn’t restrain you guys, from the very start, you won’t be able to restrain yourselves. Kura says, ah, I can’t answer back, how vexing.

At the lobby, Kyouko is surprised to see Ren at the hotel lobby. Ren just looks away innocently. Kyouko asks him why is he there. Ren tells Kyouko that it is Lory’s order who told him that a representative of ‘Dark Moon’ should be present. Ren thought that is a lie though. Kyouko happily says that’s right, Ren had met Kura in the tv station earlier. Ren didn’t answer as he thought she actually believed it..not even doubting like, ‘saying it like that, won’t it be enough if I’m already here’, though this is really more like Kyouko. Kyouko says that now, it seems that they don’t have any chance to talk [with Kura] because of the situation. There are many people in the lobby. A couple of men were wondering if they should have some sort of ceremony there. Three women were also talking. It’s disappointing for I would have want to invite him to a dinner party. It will become quite lonely. Really, I just learned of the news yesterday and I was surprised. It seems that when it was reported that Kura is leaving, the presenters of the show came to see him off. Ren just laughs and says that it can’t be helped for when it was announced, many people are taken by surprise because many people love and admire Kura. Kyouko gloomily thought that it is problematic, this is something that doesn’t need to be said, for she will not be noticed at all especially because she didn’t mentioned to Kura that she will be there to see him off. Ren smiles and says if you call out to him, I think he will notice you..just like the day before, calling him, ‘papa’. Kyouko looks a bit embarrassed.

They then hear a commotion as Kura has already arrived. Kyouko tries to call him but the other people have already surrounded Kura. Kura is surprised to see that they are all there. Kyouko struggles to say ‘papa’ then thought, how about ‘old man’. She remembers Kura holding a takoyaki cookware [that is a pan with circular holes to make octopus batter balls] saying that every house should have one of this. It seems as if he is some Osaka noodle/ramen vendor. Kyouko gloomily thought that it is hard to call out ‘papa’ like before because she has never done it before [as Kyouko]. Kyouko then realizes something. A guy is asking Kura when is he coming back, would it be when they publicize the second part of his movie. Kura apologizes and says he doesn’t know. A woman pulls Kura’s arm asking for a picture together which she promised for her daughter. The others start to ask for a picture together with Kura, too. While taking a picture with the woman, someone shouts, ‘Papa!’ Ren just stands there and thought, she really is going over there. Kyouko starts to walk towards Kura as everyone is looking at her. Kura also turns around to see who it is. Kyouko looks at him. Everyone is murmuring who is that girl wearing that shocking color outfit, she doesn’t match this high class hotel so why would she be here, is she a dangerous person but she did call out, ‘papa’. Whose daughter is it? Kyouko smiles at Kura like when she acted as Kuon. Kura smiles and says,..you have come..Kuon. This surprised everyone.

I separated Ren’s message to her mother so that it won’t be confusing since in the chapter, it is spread all throughout the chapter. My dearest mommy, Julie. I have heard that you were really worried about me. If I could, I really do not want to do this through a videotape but see you personally, hug you tight and apologize. From my heart, I would want to apologize to you. Not because for not getting in touch with you even once in all this five years but because of a misunderstanding with you and father. Regarding this important thing, it is only now that I realized that it is because the two of you are waiting for me. The two of you are really restraining the impulse of wanting to see me to the point wherein the you two were almost not able to bear it. It is all because of me, your son. But I have also misunderstood it for I thought my parents doesn’t want to contact me anymore, perhaps thinking that I’m a failure so I was abandoned – that kind of misunderstanding. Because I wanted to protect myself that I have runaway from home. Without permission, I started acting as Ren Tsuruga, an unworthy son but even if I was like that, you both still pardon, you both still protect [me]. Honestly, five years ago, from my heart, I am really deeply grateful to the both of you because the two of you gave me such a deep and profound love. If I was young like before, I would have call out to you, the one who stubbornly support me even if it seems that you cannot support anymore. Although, I haven’t been able to call you out just like before, I will definitely depend on my own strength and go back to your [both his parents] side. When that time comes, please let me freely call out to you.

Hehe, that took some time because I waited for BW scans. The one that is available isn’t that accurate based on the last chapter that she did. Anyway, the author is nice enough to show us how Ren looks as Kuon. So, it is just the hair? I cannot be quite sure if the color of the eyes are different, too. ^^; From the flashback, Ren is really well off. I think it is quite amazing for him to be able to leave all out and start anew. I guess his problem has become too overwhelming that to get out of there is the only alternative for him. It turned out that Ren’s parents aren’t the problem. It was only when I re-read the past chapters when I noticed that Ren used to call Kura, ‘that person’, too. He must have gotten so used to being Ren that he calls his parents, ‘that person’ even if in front of those who knew. ^^; I’m beginning to wonder if this is what Lory meant before about Ren should forgive himself for and it is okay to fall in love. Does that mean Ren would be more active in pursuing Kyouko but not scarring her away? Well, if it isn’t that, then it would be whatever was Ren’s problem that made him leave his home. I wonder if we will see of Ten/Jelly again like if she will show up again or it is only for this chapter. She is so cute and easy to please. She seems to be a contrast with Kyouko on how they think of ‘love’. I’m amazed that Kyouko is really brave enough to do what Ren has suggested. I wonder what Kura will tell the others later on, that they are playing as son/daughter-father. I’m sure the author will cook up something unpredictable. I’m hoping that they will go with Kura to the airport and well, they can talk in the car but then about what. ^^;; I wonder if that is all to Ren’s message to his parents or there is something ‘special’ for Kura which will be ‘read’ in the next chapter.

Quote of the day:
God has given us no greater blessing than that of belonging to a loving and loyal family - and it will be so, always and forever. ~ Richard L. Evans

The One [Chapter 41]
Thursday, November 15, 2007 @ 09:50 a.m.

Eros is shock to see Angus and asks about his hair. After removing his sunglasses, Angus quickly hugs him and shouts, Brother, I have missed you!!! To Eros’ horror, Angus gives him a 5 minute long French kiss. Then, Angus looks energized as Eros is twitching on the floor over what had just happened. Angus removes his coat and scarf. He shouts, Great!! The ‘spiritual’ food is achieved and now to satisfy the ‘flesh’, come quickly, brother! Eros is still in shock and thought, what? To Eros’s surprise, Angus meant he wants to eat. Angus is a choosy eater. Angus laments that after each fashion season, he would lose 5-6 kilograms. It was okay when he is in Italy and in the US for he can eat a lot but when he went to England, it was brutal for he would only eat salads. Angus shows his thin body to Eros. Smiling, Angus says that he wants to eat Chinese food that Eros cooks. After Eros finished cooking, he looks at Angus who is devouring the fried rice that he made. Removing his apron, Eros asks if there is something that happened that made him upset. Angus is shock when he heard this. Eros says that every year after each fashion season, Angus would be so tired that he would go directly to his own house and sleep. If he wasn’t able to rest for 3-5 days, he would not go out and see anyone, so what had happened to him. Angus becomes flustered and embarrassed. Angus says no wonder Eros is such a good brother, he is so keen on these things. Eros angrily looks at Angus and asks if he wasn’t able to control himself again. [acting like a playboy] Angus sweatdrops over this and says he does not yet have such a humiliating record but Eros’ intuition isn’t far too off.

To Eros surprise, Angus leans his head on him. Angus looks depressed and says that he feels as if he will soon fade out, being a model for 5 years, his being ‘fresh and new’ will soon be over. Eros asks so, a newcomer has made him that afraid. Angus says before, he knew that there is no one who could threaten him nor does he realize the big deal about being a model. But when something that was originally his is being taken by someone else, he suddenly have that feeling that it is really, really bad/devastating. Angus becomes fired up and shouts, what is the problem with this world’s aesthetics/taste, welcoming in that bamboo thin, weak-looking, and pale as a ghost, looking like a dead kid. Eros sweatdrops and says that it is the trend among new comers lately, ‘vampire good looking’. It is thanks to the intensive campaign that made young newcomer Wheeler Dowlan famous. [I invented that ^^; In Chinese, it is Wei-er-Dao-Lan. I’ll revise if the author writes his English name] Angus sweatdrops when Eros asks if Angus agreed to sign into Zac is because of that guy. Embarrassed, Angus turns around and denies it by saying who would even mind that corpse-looking guy. Eros smiles and says he heard that Angus is going to collaborate with Feidna. Angus says about that, he should ask Feidna herself for he has heard that when that lioness opens her mouth, Zac is not able to deal with her. So when F•Fin has heard the news, they would also want to ‘steal/pirate’ people and in the end, it could be Feidna and Wheeler who got the job. [Ah, about last chapter 39, I made a mistake there about saying that Zac will become F•Fin if they collaborate. It turned out to be that Zac and F•Fin are two different companies who are rivals.]

Angus says that he isn’t too happy working with Feidna so when she chose the other side, it doesn’t bother him at all. He decided to accept the job with Zac and the major reason is that he wants to work with photographer there. He wants to see what kind of other pictures he can have other than what was taken before. Eros says so that is why he has cut his hair. Eros muses that it seems that Angus has started to put his heart into working as a model. Angus is surprised. Eros says honestly before, you are not seriously working. Angus sighs and says he is admitting that is true. Eros says when he is on the spotlight, his body instinctly moves and create a sex scandal. Angus says it can’t be helped because it is a heavenly gift to him. [I think he means his sex appeal] Eros says so now when he doesn’t get that many jobs, people would think what would they associate Angus with since none of the photos he had before stands out, they don’t even remember which fashion show he appeared before, but could only remember the times he have been on the gossip news. This stabs Angus with multiple imaginary knives as he shouts to Eros, hey, hey! For the final blow, Eros says in the end, Angus will only be remembered as the most notorious playboy. Angus freaks out and shouts, ah, don’t say it anymore! Eros says but, since it is like that, it will make people wonder what he can do if he is serious into his work as a model. Even if you weren’t serious, you manage to get people to chase after you until now, what is behind that charisma that even I am curious. Eros tells Angus to let him see what he can do when he give it his all-out strength. Angus is surprised by this.

The men’s fashion shows are over and now, it is the women’s fashion shows that are being shown. [I cannot read the notes but it seems men’s come first then women’s.] Lele, together with Judy and Leo, is watching a fashion show by Misonni. Lele is really happy over getting to watch three shows already and it is thanks to them that she gets to sit in the front. Leo thought that every season, this is the most tiring part. Judy muses that Lele is really happy. Lele starts to imagine when would she become part of such shows that tour in Milan, Paris, New York and London and into the world stage. Judy tells them that the leading model in this show will be Feidna. Leo says that they didn’t get to see of Feidna last year in New York so why would she come back this year. Judy says that a model of Feidna’s caliber can rest when she wants to and she doesn’t need much exposure. Lele is thrilled that Feidna is also in the show. Feidna comes out of the stage. I think it is Judy who exclaims that tonight, Feidna has again captivated the audience for everyone wants to know whether or not, she will work together with Angus in the new advertisement season. Lele is captivated by Feidna’s appearance. No wonder she is the fiery goddess – she is really beautiful. Leo thought that Feidna is using that look again which gets the audience attention. Feidna comes out in different outfits as Lele looks at her admiringly. Today, I have seen Feidna’s famous trademark. Even if the fashion styles of the clothes she is wearing is different, confidence is shown in every pose and expression. Also, her captivating confident stare...would make everyone watch her every step and movement. How could she be so gorgeous...how envious!! For the final walk, Leo and Judy were surprised to see Feidna with another man. Lele thought that the guy looks cool, who is he. When Feidna and that guy model comes out, all the photographers start taking pictures of the couple. Later on, I learned that he is a one of the hottest models in the past 3 years, new supermodel, Wheeler Dowlan. Wheeler sports a vampire look. Lele happily thought that he looks good that she is drooling, a bsho/pretty boy who looks differently from Angus. Leo says it seems the two are trying to announce something. Leo is also admiring Wheeler while Judy wonders what Leo meant. It seems that gut feeling is true for the next day, F•Fin has released their advertisements for the season wherein the models are ---

Paymian Zac, the chairman of Zac, sees the advertisement on the magazine and shouts, ah! They were one step ahead! You should die, F•Fin. He starts kicking the wall as his assistant tells him to calm down. He tells Paymian that they can just look for another person. Paymian angrily shouts look for whom, does he know who would be suitable if F•Fin is faster than them in releasing the advertisement, they will be already be too preoccupied and frantic. The assistant suggests that they find a new model to partner with Angus. Feidna and Wheeler looks like a heavenly king and queen type of pair, and it will be very hard to find something that can be superior to their pairing. Even if Angus is one of the finest, but compared to Wheeler, he isn’t that ‘fresh new’ so he thinks that for the female model, they should use a new person. Paymian asks, new person, what kind of new person. The assistant says lately, there is a rise in the trend for models with oriental looks so why not choose an Asian model. Also, if he isn’t wrong, Angus has a bit of oriental blood, so it will be a good combination. Paymian says but I hate oriental-looking women for they seems to be deceitful. [I’m not sure if he means they look deceitful or he has been deceive before..the words are too small to read clearly ^^] The assistant says but.. Paymian says that’s enough, he will think about it. He tells the assistant to prepare for the weekend party and for the invitations. The assistant is flustered as he says, yes.

In Eros’ apartment, Eros asks how could she be free that she even came there. Sitting on the sofa, Feidna says they haven’t seen each other for many months, doesn’t he want to see her or is it he is angry at her because of the new advertisement. Eros says that the advertisement has nothing to do with him so why should he be angry though Angus is very angry. Even if Angus doesn’t want to work with you, but he is frustrated that you would ‘betray’ him. Feidna laughs and says she deliberately did that to make Angus angry, who told him to hate her. Angus drinks his coffee and says Angus hating her is something that cannot be prevented for who told her to totally ‘hurt’ his beloved brother. Feidna sweatdrops and says, ah..then he, fears and deeply hates my index. [I don’t get that ^^;] Feidna smiles and tells Eros, coming today, the truth is that I have something important that I want to tell you, I...have fallen in love again~~!!

I can pretty much guess who is the lucky girl who will be Angus’ partner for Zac. =P Haha, if Lele is invited in that party, she might make that great first impression again just what she did to Nick. Lol About the chapter, Angus did got a haircut because he wants to change his image. I’m beginning to think that Angus has gay tendencies, more like twin-cest towards Eros. ^^;; I’ll just dismiss that as joking around. hehe It seems to be the first time that Angus looks depressed and uneasy. It can’t be helped when a newcomer is going to become famous than him. I think most celebrities will one way or the other experience this when newcomers are now in the limelight. They would have to do something to keep on the limelight. Those who aren’t able to through their talent, tend to do it through scandals. ^^; Since Angus has talent and charisma which even Eros recognizes, I think it will be easy for him to bounce back. I can’t wait for Lele to be chosen and see Angus’ shock face when he learns whom he is going to work with but then, I’m sure Lele would be shock, too. If I recall correctly, Lele has only been posing on advertisements by herself so I wonder if she poses with Angus, would that make Eros jealous? I’m beginning to wonder if the author will make this a love triangle between the twins. From what Feidna said in the last part, it makes me think that she has fallen for Wheeler. I think Lele will replace Feidna in regard with her former place with the twins specifically, Eros’ lover-friend. I tend to think that Eros is the one whom Feidna would always go to after she is dumped/separated with her boyfriend. Does it mean that Eros still loves her? I think it is a bit of complicated relationship like it is okay for Feidna to go out with other men but she gets jealous when Eros is treating Lele differently as if she wants Eros for herself that she would even tell Angus about it even if she doesn’t like Angus. Well, the author is already preparing the setting for Lele’s modeling debut so until the next chapter.

Quote of the day:
Life's up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals - Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want ~ Marsha Sinetar

Venus Capriccio [Chapter 9]
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 @ 07:56 p.m.

In Lesson room 2, Takami is playing on the piano. After she finished, she happily asks Shinobu how was it. Shinobu looks at her gloomily. Takami apologizes for her playing. Shinobu says that this piece, in the last part, it should be elegiaco [sorrowful] as if one is hurt and feeling pain. Shinobu shouts so why is she playing it so cheerfully. Takami asks if she is really playing it cheerfully. Shinobu says it is super cheerful, she should focus that part’s mood, play it again, and if she plays it right then he will give her a kiss as a reward. Takami says there’s no need. Takami then tries to feel sad and start playing again as Shinobu watches. Later on, Shinobu shows her a flyer and asks if she wants to participate in the Aoba Piano Concourus - a piano competition. Takami says she has stage fright so she doesn’t participate in contests. Shinobu says it is okay for it isn’t a major competition and she can assess her own ability. Takami sighs and says she really doesn’t want to participate. Shinobu says he has heard from the store manager, Aoyama that after many years, she didn’t participate in competitions as well as Akira. Takami happily says right, right, right, because Akira doesn’t participate so she also doesn’t participate. Shinobu says that’s not it, he thinks that she has a chance in winning. Takami is surprised. Shinobu holds her chin and says that there are many people who play better than her but someone like her who happily practices and would even play a sorrowful piece cheerfully to that degree, those people are rare. Takami bites his finger and tells him not to say whatever he wants, there is no way she will win. Shinobu insists that it is true, if she practices whole-heartedly. Takami looks at him as Shinobu says her skill is not that bad.

In Lesson room 1, showing Akira the flyer, Aoyama keeps on trying to convince Akira to join the competition but Akira keeps on declining. They were interrupted by Takami who is also holding the flyer. Takami shouts, Akira! This!! Let me tell you!! I have decided to participate in this piano competition. Akira says really. Takami shouts for him to also join. Takami calms herself down and says it is not much, Shinobu has said that with her skill, she can win. Takami tells Akira that he should also join, with his skill, he will surely be able to win in the elementary division championship. Akira smiles slightly and looks away saying he doesn’t want to participate because he isn’t interested in competitions. Takami asks so you’re not joining. Shinobu passes by the room. Akira smiles at her and touches her face saying, yes, for if I’m able to make you alone listen to my playing, in that way, I am already very satisfied. Takami shouts and that is what he said, Aoyama. Takami hugs Akira tightly and exclaims how cute! Aoyama cries over this as he is defeated. Leaning on the doorpost, Shinobu asks Akira if he wants to participate. Akira says he isn’t going to participate. He tells Takami that he has something to do so he is going ahead. He passes by Shinobu and steps hard on Shinobu’s shoe. Shinobu bends down holding his shoe as Takami asks what is the matter.

In rm 301 apartment, Takami is sitting near her piano and wondering that even if she said – that is what Akira said, Aoyama – but if Akira participated, it would have been splendid. She walks around her room as she ponders why Akira does not want to participate. She then remembers the first time she had participated in a competition when she looks at a picture of herself and Akira on the wall. During that time, Akira would always a contestant in those competitions. Five years ago, after a piano competition, Takami’s eldest brother, Shuu, praised her that she is great and she is able to finish playing the piece. Takami exclaimed, really. Taiki, the fourth brother, said but she didn’t won any award. The first, second and third brother patted Takami’s head and said that it is okay for the award isn’t important since she did her best. Taiki ‘sourgrapes’ by saying that everyone thinks that Takami is really great. Takami’s mother is crying as she is very moved that Takami manages to go up in that huge stage and finished the whole piece. Takami blushed over the praises. Taiki told the others that they go eat something before going home. Their mother agreed and asked Takami if she wants to eat some cake. Takami exclaimed, cake, can I ask Akira to come with us. Her mother said okay. Takami told her that she will ask Akira and proceeded to run to find Akira. After she left, Taiki said that western dress, it would look better on Akira than on Takami. The mother cried and said that is what she also thought, it is really frustrating, that she cannot say it but why is he... [saying that] Looking around, Takami finally found Akira. She is about to call him when she overheard what Akira’s mother is telling Akira. Akira is holding his certificate and trophy – he won second place in the grade 3 – 4th year division. Takami is shocked over what Akira’s mother said to Akira. She said, listen up, I have already told you many times, if you are not the champion then it is meaningless, if you didn’t get first place, ‘that person’ won’t turn around and notice us, do you understand? After a pause, Akira said, yes. End of flashback.

With her elbows on the bed, Takami thought, that’s right, that thing happened. Her thoughts were interrupted when her mother calls out that dinner is ready. She puts the flyer on the table and starts to eat. Takami is still thinking if what happened before is the reason why Akira doesn’t like to participate in competitions. Taiki who is going to sit beside her notices the flyer and asks Takami if she is joining. Takami quickly grabs it back from him and tells him not to look at it for she wants mom to see it first. Taiki says what, let her see, of course mom will not agree, who does Takami think she is going to ask for the 13,000 yen participation fee. Takami shouts she is going to use the money from her part-time work before. Takami lowers her voice, half of it. Taiki shouts, Half of it! Half is it, I will not let the half of the money allotted for me to be deducted. Takami shouts then why don’t you get a job. Before long, Takami and Taiki are fighting – as in physically fighting each other. Their mother must be used to this that she doesn’t pay attention to them and just reads the flyer. She asks Takami if she wants to join. Without missing a beat while fighting, Takami says yes, she wants to join. Their mother agrees to help her pay for the participation fee. Takami is happy about that.

Their mother’s eyes are flashing as she tells Takami that she will be choosing the dress for the competition. Takami sweatdrops and tells her that an ordinary dress is okay. Shin, her third brother, says that he will also watch to see if Takami plays better now. Takami is happy and asks, really. Shin says he will only watch formal competitions. Takami sweatdrops and says okay. Shin asks their mother if Shuu [first brother] and Rikujin [second brother] will also go. The two are living in dorms. Their mother says she will tell them to come. Takami is happy about that. Taiki is grumbling that she won’t buy a PS3 for him but she is willing to spend the money for Takami’s participation fee. Their mother pats Takami’s head and says that Shuu and Rikujin are busy so it isn’t sure yet if they can come but since Takami haven’t joined a competition for such a long time already, if they are free they will all go, just leave the dress for the competition to her. Takami smiles and says yes. Honestly, I would also want Akira to participate, too, now, I want to do my best to prepare for the competition. Takami exclaims, I will do my best. Taiki shouts you’re too noisy.

While walking in the streets to go to the piano school, Takami is busy reading her piano piece and didn’t listen to Akira even if he is calling out to her. Akira then puts his hand on Takami’s face to get her attention. Takami shouts what is it. Akira says poster. Takami realizes that she almost hits the poster. Takami apologizes. Akira asks if what she is reading is for the competition. Takami says that’s right, she is going to play Bach and Clementi pieces. Akira notes that she is really preparing for the competition. Takami happily says that it is great for after many years, she gets to participate in a competition. When she decided to participate, she really wants to quickly play and she has that urge to whole-heartedly practice and see if she can play really well. Akira didn’t answer and just looks away. Akira then says, I see. In Aoyama piano school, Takami tells Akira that they meet each other after class. Then, Shinobu calls out to the two. After Shinobu and Takami exchange greetings, Shinobu tells Akira that the deadline for joining in the competition will be on the day after tomorrow so won’t he be joining. Akira says didn’t I said I’m not joining. Shinobu then pats Takami’s head and tells her to go to the room first for he is going to talk with Akira.

Takami is a bit confused but she still goes in the room. She seems curious as she pressed her face on the small window on the door, wondering what Shinobu is going to tell Akira. Akira starts to walk away and says they don’t have anything to talk about. Shinobu grabs his arm to stop him. Shinobu tells Akira that Takami’s playing is getting better and better. Do you know? She used to just play around while practicing, but when she decided to participate in the competition, her progress has become more apparent. Takami is frustrated that she can’t hear anything so she decides to open the door a bit. Shinobu continues, even if her technique isn’t that special, she really enjoys playing that she isn’t afraid of losing. Akira, from today on, Takami will surely go more and more into a far away place that your hand cannot reach her. Akira says, your saying that is because you want to stir me up into joining the competition. Shinobu says she is a girl and she will become more and more charming at times when he doesn’t see her. Shinobu pats Akira’s head and says if it has come to that, let me come and get her unobstructed. Akira didn’t answer so Shinobu leaves. Shinobu obviously provoked Akira for Akira is clenching his fists tightly.

Shinobu is surprised to find Takami looking out from the door. Closing the door, Shinobu asks if she is eavesdropping. Takami tells Shinobu that Akira already said that he isn’t going to participate so why provoking Akira like that. Why is he unreasonable forcing Akira to participate... Shinobu interrupts her and says that he wants her to listen to something good. Takami is shock that he is changing the subject. Shinobu looks through a collection of CDs and he says, I found it. He plays it on the player. Shinobu says it is Rachmaninov - Moments Musicaux, op.16 – 4 [Presto in E minor] which he likes. Takami wonders what kind of music is it, it’s very hard and terrifying yet the timber is rich and the music is warm, full of strength. Takami is moved into tears. Shinobu stops the player. Takami quickly wipes the tear from her eyes as she shouts what kind of music is it. Shinobu asks if it is praise-worthy. Takami denies it and says it is just an ordinary music. Holding the CD, Shinobu asks if she knows this person. Takami reads it, Franz Kraus. She says she does for he is a very famous pianist, so what. Shinobu says it seems that Akira didn’t tell her about it but then, it isn’t surprising for that is Akira’s character. I think Akira generally won’t talk about it. I recognize that in this world, there is no one plays better piano than Franz. Takami is confused and tells Shinobu that she doesn’t understand what he is saying. Shinobu tells Takami that Akira has inherited this guy’s genes. To Takami’s shock, she learns that Franz Kraus is Akira’s father.

Holding the CD, Takami thought that she knows that Akira’s father is a pianist but Akira never mentioned the name. Akira never mentions about his father, could it be, could it be because of this.. Shinobu says this is just his selfish thinking, but I really want to see, that person..if Akira can..progress up to what level. In Lesson room 1, Aoyama is teaching Akira but Akira’s thoughts are disturbed by what Shinobu said earlier to him about Takami going to a far away place and what Takami said about practicing wholeheartedly to see what she can play. Akira then calls out to Aoyama. Takami and Shinobu is surprised when Akira enters their room while Takami is still playing. Akira pushes the entrance form to the competition on Shinobu’s head and angrily says, I accept your provocation, I’ll participate in the competition. Takami is shock and asks why when he insisted on not participating. Akira says it is because Shinobu is too noisy, so he decides to fulfill Shinobu’s desire but in joining.. Akira holds both of Takami’s hand and says I will definitely win the championship, you should watch, Takami. Takami starts to freak out and blushes. She exclaims, ah, yes! Is that so! I will also do my best! Akira says yes. Looking serious, Akira side glances at Shinobu who tells him, that is really good, you will let us listen to your performance, I will be waiting.

This chapter shows the contrast of Takami and Akira’s family. Takami’s family supports her even if she didn’t win any reward in the competition whereas Akira’s mother is not satisfied if Akira isn’t in the first place. I think this is why they play differently. Lavished with praise and support, Takami will enjoy playing the piano while Akira being forced to excel beyond his capability and only to think of piano playing 24/7 –no play time or going out- , of course, he will not enjoy playing it even if he is good at it. From how Akira’s mother say about Akira’s father, I’m beginning to think that Akira is an illegitimate child. ^^; I mean if they are divorced, would Akira’s mother desperately have to get her ex-husband’s attention. I mean why would Franz leave his wife and son alone and it seems that he doesn’t recognize or pay attention to them. Akira’s mother seems to want to make Franz notice them by showing that Akira is also good in playing the piano. And since Akira’s mother has passed away, why didn’t Franz bother taking up Akira to live with him or something. I just realized that Akira lives in that huge house alone. I’m thinking that Akira is living with the use of the money his mother left behind or maybe Franz is providing for him. That is another contrast to Takami’s house which is an apartment and they are a bit tight on money. Also, Takami has her family even if she is always fighting/arguing with Taiki, her fourth brother who seems to be jealous of her. Because of the contrast upbringing, that is why Takami is an extrovert and is a bit immature while Akira is an introvert and mature. I can see now why Akira is really attached to Takami. During those times when his mother is pressuring him and everything plus bullies around the corner, Takami is the only one there for him. So, when provoked that Takami might leave him, of course, this will make Akira really uneasy that in the end, he is forced to participate in the contest. Will everything turn out okay?..until the next chapter. This is the last Chinese VC scans available so no VC summaries for a while. The next one is suppose to be out by Nov 5. It will be just a tiny bit of wait until the uploader scans and uploads the new one in BW forum.

Quote of the day:
A happy family is but an earlier heaven ~ John Bowring

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Grayman, Reborn and Gintama
Monday, November 12, 2007 @ 10:44 a.m.

As Kenpachi and Nnoitra happily crossed swords, the arrancar squad retreats from Unohana and Isane in Bleach [c. 299]. They then proceed to heal Sado and afro-arrancar. Aporro decides not to introduce himself to Mayuri claiming it will be over soon. Mayuri sarcastically laments that he won’t know what to label him when he becomes a test specimen. [That is a good one =P] Dark-skinned espada and Byakuya starts to fight. Dark-skinned can move fast and can create clones of himself. Byakuya manages to evade his attack and prepares to attack him using techniques he learned from Yoruichi. From how Byakuya is talking to this espada, it seems that dark-skinned is below his level. Hehe, and I’m not going to bother to know his name either since he might not last after a few chapters when Byakuya is finished with him. I like Mayuri’s answer to Aporro. I think Aporro’s technique won’t work on him for Mayuri can regenerate his body parts. I hope Byakuya’s fight is over in the next chapter, I’m more interested in the other two’s fight.

Jiraiya + two frogs attacks Pein + two others in Naruto [c. 377]. To Jiraiya and two frogs surprise, all their attacks were useless against Pein because the other two block Jiraiya’s attacks easily. The larger guy even absorbs Jiraiya’s attacks. Jiraiya tries to attack Pein from behind but without even turning around, Pein summons a panda to block the needles. Jiraiya and frogs think that there is something strange for Pein easily reads their attacks as if he is seeing everything from the other two’s point of view. They wonder what kind of person is Pein and the other two. Mm, Jiraiya might be in trouble since Pein is way to powerful. I think the other two he summoned are also himself so they don’t have to communicate when they are dodging Jiraiya’s attacks. If things get bad, I wonder if Jiraiya can still retreat or maybe there will be reinforcements from the frog that took the hostage. I guess if Jiraiya has used up all of his techniques, it is time for Pein to counterattack.

Zoro decides to attack Odz’s right arm to give Usopp an opportunity to use the salt in One Piece [c. 478]. Zoro is beaten then Usopp manages to get the bag of salt in Odz’s mouth. Unfortunately, Moria’s shadow is in Odz’s mouth. The shadow throws the salt back to Usopp. Moria orders Odz to finish off Usopp and Nami. Odz starts to stomp on the ground to crush them. From behind Odz, someone shouted, hey big idiot, what are you stepping on. It is monster-like Luffy carrying Usopp and Nami who almost didn’t recognize Luffy. They inform Luffy that everyone else were defeated except for the two of them. Moria wonders why Luffy changed form but then, he just orders Odz to finish off Luffy. The two tells Luffy that Odz is really like him and can do all of his techniques. To everybody’s shock, Luffy manages to hold back Odz’s fist attack. Luffy tells Odz that there is only one Luffy as he punches Odz and sends Odz flying. Outside the castle, the zombies wonder what it that flying thing and realizes it was Odz when Odz crashed on them. Luffy jumps behind Odz’s back and backflips/does a german suplex on Odz. Nami and Usopp rub their eyes and look shock again. Awesome ^_^ Luffy has finally come and he delivers. He won’t be very lenient with Odz and Moria after what they did to his nakama.

In D. Gray-man [c. 136], Malcolm’s assistant Link narrates that Cross was ordered to destroy the akuma plant [egg device] but he disappeared since then and resurfaces only recently in the ark. Malcolm interrogates why Cross break off any communication. Cross says that while he is just hiding himself so that the Earl won’t notice him. Malcolm says he won’t get excused for that just because he did managed to fulfill his mission. Bak and others talk a bit about how scary Malcolm looks. Malcolm is pleased with this victory for they have delayed the Earl’s plans. With the help of the ark, they can gather more innocence and disciples for the upcoming war against the Earl. He wants the exorcists on the ark to start their missions but Bak wants to investigate the ark first. Malcolm tells him that their priority is to win the war and not to protect the exorcists. This made Bak angry but Komui calms him down. Komui thought that he is there for the purpose of prevent more senseless deaths of exorcists. Malcolm changes the topic and tells Bak that he should be investigating Allen and learn why was Allen able to control the ark – isn’t Allen an enemy. This made Komui nervous and Bak surprised. Cross just says that people can do things when they are in critical situation. Malcolm tells him that he can’t fool him for Allen became his apprentice when he was given the order to destroy the plant and could Allen be sent to the Black Order because it is the will of the Fourteenth. Cross is surprised by that. Malcolm asks is Allen the musician left by the Fourteenth.

Komui and others are already wondering what are they talking about. Cross realizes that they knew about that so they sent him on that mission. Cross asks where did he learn about that. Malcolm refuses to tell Cross and says that he wants to know if Allen is an enemy or not. Bak exclaims that Allen is an exorcist. Malcolm says that it is why it is more dangerous for they should all be ‘pure’ and doesn’t associate with the enemy. Bak is furious for Malcolm just said he wanted to use the ark – which is from the enemy. Malcolm wants to put Allen in trial for heresy wherein the sentence is death. This made Komui and Bak nervous as Bak protests. Komui tells Malcolm that he first wants to know the details about things like the Fourteenth and Musician since most of them doesn’t know what they are talking about. Malcolm is about to say it but Komui decides to buy some time by telling Malcolm to put it all in writing. Cross tells Malcolm to investigate all he want and he can decide what to do with Allen later on. Malcolm is pleased with that and orders Cross to remain at the headquarters as one in charge of Central Administration. Cross will be forbidden to communicate with Allen while Allen is placed on 24 hour surveillance which Link will be tasked with. Elsewhere, the head nurse is pinching the ears of Allen and Kanda who tried to escape. She is leading them back to the medical ward as Allen wonders where is sensei is. I think Allen is in big trouble. If Chaoji tells the others that Allen tried to save a Noah/Tiki and a Noah/Rhode is into Allen, Allen is finished. Even if Komui, Bak and others back him up, since they are not in command, I think they can do little to help Allen. From the looks of things, I think Allen might have to depart from Black Order. I do wonder if the others will be joining him though. Malcolm is indeed strict and treacherous as his appearance seems to be – well, he is based on Hitler’s appearance so what can one expect. I guess they plan to keep Cross where they can see him..I do think it is a bit stupid since Cross is really good in battle and yet, they are giving him administration work. ^^;; Oh well, they have some doubts about Cross and as they say keep your enemies a closer eye on.

Chrome is in pain and vomiting blood when Tsuna goes into her room in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 169]. Bianchi informs Tsuna that Chrome’s internal organs are disappearing. She tries to tell him about Mukuro but she is in pain again. Tsuna wonders what happened to Mukuro. Elsewhere, Mukuro’s spear is broken and his right eye is bleeding. Mukuro says that Byakuran is too strong. Byakuran says that Mukuro is lying since Mukuro isn’t serious in fighting and only wants to learn of Byakuran’s power and inform the others about it. Mukuro denies it. Byakuran says he won’t let Mukuro see it and says that the room is sealed in preventing everything to pass through. Mukuro tries to escape but to his shock, he can’t go back to his own body. Byakuran informs him that is why the room is sealed, to prevent his escape. Byakuran says he isn’t interested in Mukuro since he doesn’t have a Vongola ring so he would die there. Byakuran’s ring flashes and Byakuran bids bleeding Mukuro goodbye. Back in the medical ward, Chrome is spitting blood again as Tsuna and Bianchi are at a loss what to do. Hibari comes in and tells Chrome that it will be troublesome if she dies there. Kusa tells Tsuna to go out for a while.

In the meeting room, Kusa returns and informs them that Chrome is fine for now. With Hibari’s urging, Chrome manages to keep her organs functioning thanks to the Vongola ring. Ryohei doesn’t have any information about Mukuro’s whereabouts and only trusted the instructions Mukuro has left to Varia. Bianchi says that they can only guess that something bad has happened to Mukuro to make him break off his illusions on Chrome. Lal volunteers to replace Chrome in fighting but Reborn doesn’t agree for Chrome is not feeling well either because of the non 7^3 radiation. Lal accuses Milliefiore to be the reason of its emission even if it isn’t proven yet. Ryohei says it would be best to postpone the fight so he will inform the others. Tsuna decides that they should go with it for they can’t delay things anymore. They will not only be able to go back to the past, but they will also know what happened to Mukuro and about that non 7^3 radiation. Tsuna then breaks out of his seriousness and says that is what he thought. When Ryohei praised him for it, Tsuna goes to his reborn mode and tells the others that they only have 5 days of training so they shouldn’t waste it. The others agree. With that, I’m sure Takeshi and Hayato will be serious in their training. Tsuna tends to get serious when he sees people hurt and he can’t stand that so he is forced to make that decision. This shows why he is chosen as the 10th. I’m sure Mukuro isn’t dead yet though I won’t be seeing him again for some time. I think they will be in trouble if while fighting, Hibari and Mukuro from the past gets teleported there for they didn’t have any training with the boxes. I guess Lambo doesn’t need any training because his future self will be fighting..wait, do they still have the 10 years cannon, if not, Lambo is the weakest in the group. Well, Chrome is currently down, too. Things aren’t looking well, indeed.

Gin and Shinpachi are watching the news about alien abduction in Gintama [c. 189] when Shinpachi realized that his right pointing finger has been changed into a Phillips screwdriver. Shinpachi remembers that on night, while walking home after shopping, a light from a ufo shone on him. When he woke up inside the ufo, he found two aliens talking about fixing their Sony PSP and made Shinpachi’s finger into a Phillips screwdriver. Shinpachi is furious and told them to change his finger back but he got thrown back to earth. Gin is laughing at him as he goes to the comfort room. Shinpachi is shock when he sees Kagura who just woke up for her whole body has become a flat screwdriver. Shinpachi runs to tell Gin about it but it seems that Gin’s ‘little brother’ has been changed into a box-type screwdriver. This made Gin really mad. The three decided to join an RPG entitled Monkey Hunter in the hope that they find the aliens who changed them are also playing that game. Shinpachi logged in as himself a hunter with glasses. Gin logged in as a cute girl since his ‘little brother’ has been changed. Kagura logged in as a scarred powerful looking swordsman. Shinpachi suggests they ask a pig-faced soldier if they knew the aliens but Gin and Kagura ended up trying to roast it. Soon, many pig-faced soldiers are running after them. As they run away, a black face-bandaged man looks over a commotion. Hehe, from alien abduction has changed into RPG again. I wonder who that black-bandaged guy is..Hijitaka, investigating..nah, that will be too good to be true.

Quote of the day:
It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are. ~ Roy Disney

Venus Capriccio [Chapter 8]
Saturday, November 10, 2007 @ 09:05 p.m.

While walking upstairs to the second floor in Aoyama Piano School, Takami asks Akira if he knows the music piece called Watermark. Akira says he doesn’t know and asks who’s music was it. Takami says it is by Enya. Akira says he knows her but why is Takami asking about that music. Takami says it is nothing, she heard it in an advertisement and it sounds really nice that she would like to play.. Takami then loses her footing and starts to fall backwards. Akira tries to grab her using his arm but he also slipped probably because he can’t support her weight with just one arm. They were both caught by Shinobu. Shinobu asks if they were okay and that was dangerous. Takami thanks him while Akira says sorry about that but he is okay so would he please let him go. Shinobu happily calls them two princesses. Akira darkly shouts who is a princess? Takami starts to get tense and tells the two to quit fighting while the two are angrily staring at each other. Aoyama arrives and asks if they are alright. He apologizes for the stairs were just waxed yesterday. Takami says they are okay since Shinobu has helped them. Aoyama says he will write a notice about it. After he left, Takami asks Akira what’s wrong. Akira is pouting – air in his cheek. He tells her it is nothing. Takami thought that he is cute. Shinobu asks Takami isn’t Akira is really cute. Akira angrily says who’s cute. Shinobu tells Takami that they should go since it is already time for their lesson. Takami tells Akira that she will see him later after the lesson and goes up to the second floor with Shinobu. Shinobu tells her to be careful. Takami sweatdrops and says yes. While they walk up, Akira looks at his hand – probably thinking of not being able to ‘save’ Takami when she fell.

After the lesson, as they are going home, Shinobu tells them that he is going somewhere that day and since he is free [no longer have any classes to go to], he can drive them home. Takami exclaims really. Shinobu tells her of course. Takami is about to say that’s great when Akira gloomily says no need, Takami is going home with me. Takami is speechless and stunned over what Akira said. Shinobu laughs and says no problem, just go in the car. Akira sarcastically says thanks for the thought. Shinobu says, thanks for what, yes? Or no? Ah, it’s yes. Akira shouts who had said, yes! Takami tries to stop them from arguing as there are people around and they are going to disturb the others. Some other people are already asking what is happening. Shinobu says, go in the car. Akira says how many times should I says it, no thanks. Takami gets angry at them and shouts that the two of them are so noisy, hurry and just decide it with a jakenpon [scissors, paper, rock] game. The two were speechless and did as told. Akira’s is rock while Shinobu’s is paper. Shinobu won. In the car, they are pretty quiet and gloomy as Akira is sitting in the front seat with Shinobu while Takami is in the backseat. Shinobu tells Akira that he wants Takami to sit beside him. Akira asks why does Takami have to specially sit beside him. Shinobu says of course, it is better to have a girl should sitting at the side/front seat. Takami glances at Akira and says, forget it, you are pretty so it is okay. Akira snubs him. Shinobu teases Akira by saying that Akira’s angry expression is also cute. Akira continues to snub him. Takami tells Shinobu to look in front since he is driving. Takami wonders what’s with these two.

On the next lesson at Aoyama Piano school, Akira is sitting in the sofa waiting for Takami. A couple of girl high school students start to talk to him. The girl asks him if he is waiting for Takami. Akira says he is. The other girl asks if both of their classes start around 5. Akira says yes. The girl says that Takami seems to take her time after class. Akira says it is because after class, Takami is still chatting with the teacher and it has been like that before. The two then bids him goodbye. Akira smiles a bit and also says goodbye. The two blushes and envies Takami. Outside the classroom, Takami and Shinobu are talking. Shinobu asks Takami if she has a music sheet, would she like to play it and use the piano on the first floor. Takami exclaims, no way, for she can’t play a piano piece just from looking at it for the first time. If she has a music sheet, she would buy it and practice at home. Takami asks if Shinobu can play it for her. Shinobu says of course, if he has the music sheet. The two walk downstairs as both greets Akira who is waiting. Takami apologizes for being late. Akira says no problem, but the guy behind you, I’m not waiting for him. Shinobu tells Akira that Takami asks him to go down with her. Akira is slightly surprised.

There is a bookcase beside the sofa where Akira is waiting. Takami asks him if he remembers about ‘Watermark’. Akira says the music she mentioned before. Takami says that’s it, she told it to Shinobu and he said that the store owner likes Western music and he has music sheets of them. Pointing to the bookcase, Takami says she can look for it there. Takami tells him that if she finds the music sheet he would play it for her so would he listen to it with her. Akira says he doesn’t want to listen to it and he is going ahead. Takami sweatdrops as the two are glaring at each other again. Shinobu tells Akira it’s okay, listen first before leaving. Takami thought that those two’s relationship is really bad. They were interrupted when Takami finds the title. She tries to reach for it but it is too high. Akira tries to help her but he stops when Shinobu was the one who got it for Takami. Looking at Akira, Shinobu says ah, princess..no, prince, am I the hen? Akira angrily says no. He looks at Takami then pokes her head then to his [as if comparing their height] Takami shouts that it hurts and asks what’s that about. Akira says it is nothing. Laughing, Shinobu tells Nakayama that he is going to use the piano. Nakayama asks what is he going to play today. Shinobu says something for Takami. Before playing, Shinobu says if he isn’t mistaken this is the music’s mood/feeling. Nakayama says it is a nice piece. Takami blushes and thought, why? Shinobu says, so? Takami says it is really great. Shinobu says it is beautiful for the piece is really moving one’s feelings. Why, when I first hear it, it sounds so melodious, moves one’s feelings, sounds as if one is in the sea. Takami is really moved and thanks Shinobu for playing it. Nakayama applauds. Shinobu asks Akira if he will also play. Akira didn’t answer. Passing by Akira, Shinobu whispers, ah, don’t you dare, play it behind my back. Shinobu leaves Akira looking a bit gloomy.

While walking home, Takami happily tells Akira that Shinobu’s piano playing skill is really.. She sweatdrops when she realizes that Akira isn’t listening. She calls his name a few times. Akira then calls her name and tells her to go to his house. She asks him what is it. Akira holds her hand and leads the way as Takami is confused what’s the matter. In Akira’s room, he tells her to listen as he plays ‘Watermark’. Takami wonders why all of a sudden then realizes that it sounds different from how Akira’s normal playing sounds. Akira asks, so? Takami is surprised and says eh, asking me ‘so’ Then, Takami remembers that it was Shinobu who asked, so and she said it was really great. Looking at Akira who is looking at her, Takami thought,..Akira, you.. Folding her arms, Takami tells Akira, let me tell you, it was really awful. Akira looks stunned and looks down. Akira says it’s awful, huh. Takami tells him, if you don’t want to lose to Shinobu then put your spirit into playing this beautiful music, so that it would sound more nicely. Takami realized that Akira is attempting to surpass Shinobu.

Takami tells him that from today on, wasn’t he still progressing. After ten years, he will grow taller and his skill in piano playing would be really great. Takami pats Akira’s head and shouts, Akira, you will become a more fascinating, great guy. Takami lowers her hand and says..so..you shouldn’t be worried/hurried about it. Akira apologizes for making her listen to such an awful performance. He confesses that he is very uneasy and frustrated, because that guy [Shinobu] is good looking and hot compared to him. His playing is also great..I’m worried..that you would like him..because all your past boyfriends are the same type as him. It seems that Takami has already three boyfriends and all three are tall, handsome and a playboy type. Takami is embarrassed and shouts that unlike before, she will not easily like another person again. Takami timidly apologizes again and asks if she would want to listen again. Takami smiles and says, she can’t say no to him. Akira then plays again.

The next time they are in Aoyama Piano school, the two were walking down the stairs together. Takami asks if he would want to eat something after the lesson. Akira says sure, what does she want to eat. Takami says let’s go eat cake and drink coke. Akira sees a music sheet lying on the stairs and tells Takami to be careful. Takami slips. Just then, Shinobu is also going up the stairs. Shinobu opens his arms ready to catch her as he says again? It’s okay, I’ll catch you. Akira uses both hands to catch Takami to keep her from falling. He tells her to look where she is walking. Takami is still in a shock as she apologizes. Akira smiles and says it is good that she isn’t hurt. Takami blushes a bit while looking a bit tense. Shinobu says, princess, you seems to have strength, ah, sorry, is it your highness the prince. Akira says call me what ever you want. Shinobu asks ah, you don’t mind? Holding Takami’s hand, he says, it doesn’t matter, you can call me like that, will only be for a short period of time. Takami looks a bit surprised and thought, even if I said that in ten years time, he will progress, looking at it now, it seems that it won’t happen in the far off future. While they were leaving, Shinobu happily says, goodbye princesses. Takami sweatdrops as it irks Akira when he heard it.

Well, Akira has lost his cool and has become really uneasy because Shinobu is better than him in everything that he uses to impress Takami. It was really funny to see Takami’s reaction when he said that Shinobu is like Takami’s past boyfriends. Hehe Anyway, thanks to Takami’s assurance and lecture, Akira manages to keep his cool again in the end. I do think that Akira will be better than Shinobu in playing because he just played the piece without looking at the music sheet after he just heard it the first time! Wow. Shinobu really likes to tease Akira, well, Akira can’t do much about it since Shinobu is amused when Akira gets angry. ^^; He really knows what ticks Akira off. Well, Akira has really met his match especially since Shinobu knew that Akira likes Takami. I think a reason why they hate each other is that Shinobu knows that Akira will be better than him when he grows up while for Akira, he wants to at Shinobu’s level now. Mm, that somewhat reminds me of a couple of characters in Honey and Clover. They have to just bear with each other for Takami. =P Hehe, I think Akira should practice his jakenpon in case Takami wants to solve more of their arguments that way.

Word of the day:
Contentment comes when we want God's will more than our own way. ~ Our Daily Bread

Venus Capriccio [Chapter 7]
Thursday, November 8, 2007 @ 11:50 a.m.

Takami and Akira are going to Aoyama Piano School. Aizawa, her piano teacher has gone on a pregnancy leave so today, she will have a new piano teacher. They enter the room and calls out to Aoyama, the owner of the school. Takami says that the first floor rooms are being renovated so how about the second floor. Aoyama says he doesn’t have enough money. They notice a man standing next to Aoyama. When Akira saw the man, he starts to scowl. The man calls out to Akira. This surprises Takami and Aoyama. Akira darkly says that he has mistaken him for someone else. The man calls out to Akira again and starts to rumple Akira’s hair. Akira says I said, you are mistaken. The man exclaims that he has grown taller. The man holds Akira’s chin and says Akira is still the same being handsome-pretty. Akira angrily slaps the man’s hand away. Akira tells Takami that they should go. Takami shouts what, weren’t they suppose to study, doesn’t he know that man. Akira insists that they go home. Aoyama tells the man that it seems he knows Akira. The man tells him that when Akira is still in the elementary, he is Akira’s home piano teacher but then, it is only for a short time. The man holds Akira’s head from behind and shouts, isn’t it so, Akira. Akira tells Takami he doesn’t know this man. Takami sweatdrops and says so, he used to be his teacher. Aoyama introduces the man to Takami as the replacement for Aizawa, Oda Shinobu. Shinobu asks if Takami is also a student there. Takami introduces herself and says that she is Akira’s childhood playmate. Akira tells her there is no need to say that. Takami asks why. To Akira’s anger, Shinobu tells Takami that Akira has become cute though he is cute even before. Takami agrees with him and that before, Akira is super cute. Akira can only shout, hey you, two!

Looking at Takami, Shinobu says that Takami also looks cute and she doesn’t look bad. This made Akira go between them as he tells Takami to not go near Shinobu. Takami wonders what is that about while Shinobu seems to think of something. He then tells Akira to play piano for him sometime for he wants to know what kind of music he plays now. Akira tells him, I don’t want to. Poking Akira’s face, Shinobu says why, it doesn’t matter for sooner or later, during class he can hear.. Akira angrily says that Shinobu haven’t change one bit. He takes Takami’s arm saying that they should go to class. Shinobu grabs Takami’s shoulder and pulls her to him saying that today, he is Takami’s teacher. They take their leave. Akira darkly asks Aoyama why [did they got] Shinobu. Aoyama says there is no big issue there for he was introduced by a friend as someone who has great playing technique so he called Shinobu up and he quickly agreed. Akira sighs and asks, really. Aoyama wonders what did he do wrong. During Takami and Shinobu’s piano class, they spend the time talking about Akira when he was young. Shinobu is telling her that when he showed a bit of temper, Akira will already cry, it’s really cute. Takami says in front of her, he would calmly eat it but it turned out that he hates eating bitter melon.

While walking home, Takami says that the first half of her class is really fun [talking about Akira] and he is really an interesting guy. Akira says he isn’t one bit interesting. Takami is loss for words and says wasn’t Akira happy to have met him again. Akira says he hates him. Takami is surprised. Akira says that Shinobu is like that, smiling and amusing himself when in front of others for he is that kind of person. Just like before, when I first met him.. Flashback: Akira’s mother introduced Shinobu to young Akira. Akira politely bowed and introduced himself. Shinobu then introduced himself. Akira’s mother said that she will leave it to him and left the room. Shinobu looked at Akira then held Akira’s head. Shinobu exclaimed that Akira is really cute, is he really a boy. Akira just told him that they should start the lesson. Three months later, the last day of piano lesson, Shinobu asks Akira if he feels happy when playing the piano. Akira answers, no, not really. Shinobu says I thought so, sorry for saying this but allow me to say it anyway, I hate your piano playing, for a second grader, your technique is really good but then, that’s all there is to it. In the end, why do you play the piano? Young Akira looked stunned. End of flashback. Akira tells Takami then, he came to hate Shinobu that he doesn’t want to study piano with Shinobu. Akira kept on walking as Takami is surprised for it is the first time she has seen Akira, really hating someone.

In Lesson room 1 [at the second floor], Takami asks Shinobu if his relationship with Akira is not good. Shinobu asks why is she asking. Takami says she just wants to know. Shinobu says that’s right, I hate him. Takami is shock and asks but didn’t he happily talk about Akira before. Shinobu says ya, I really like him. Sweatdrop-ing, Takami asks which is it, like or hate. Shinobu says it is both. When he first met Akira, his age doesn’t match the behavior for his age, as if he is a machine/robot. It is the same with how he plays the piano. But then, Akira’s technique is really good that it makes him angry. So, he couldn’t bear it and while Akira is still a child, he told Akira the truth and it still makes him angry. Shinobu notices that Takami looks gloomy over it. He pats her head and apologizes for saying bad things to her childhood playmate. Takami says it isn’t that. She then wonder about Akira’s piano playing and he himself is like a machine. Shinobu asks Takami how does Akira’s music sound like now. Takami says, now, even if you ask me, the Akira she knows is the same as the present Akira..what kind of music..this..it is a happy music..generally. I don’t quite understand it, but I really like Akira’s piano playing. Shinobu says really, then I would want to hear it sometime.

Sitting on a sofa downstairs, Akira waits for Takami to finish her lesson. Takami goes down with Shinobu. When they are about to leave, Shinobu calls out to Akira to have a piano playing contest against him and the winner gets to eat dinner with Takami. Takami shouts are you stupid, what dinner. Shinobu tells Takami that it is because she is so cute that he would want to know her better, what would she like to eat, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, he wants to eat fried dumplings [probably gyoza]. Akira pushes Shinobu’s head away from Takami and says if he wins, would he please stop saying those things to Takami. Shinobu says that Takami will be the judge. Takami tells them to stop arguing as the two angrily stare at each other. Akira asks Nakayama, the receptionist, if they can play a bit. She tells them it is okay. Takami tries to stop Akira. Akira says that he is going to play Chopin’s 12th Etude, ‘Revolutionary’. Shinobu says he will also play that. Takami tells Akira to stop it but Akira says that he wants Shinobu to listen to it so that he will lose his desire to play piano. Shinobu whispers to Akira who is sitting in front of the piano that he should choose a more graceful piece something he would play for Takami. Akira says that he will not take responsibility if he regrets it. Akira looks at Takami and starts playing. Some other people say that it is ‘Jesus, We look up to You’ [I don’t know the exact title of the piece]. Shinobu says, so that’s it, this is a singing praise hymn to God. The other people applauds after Akira finished playing.

Shinobu pats Akira’s head and says that the music he played is not bad. Akira pushes his hand off his head and asks if he is playing. Shinobu says of course. Akira says don’t try to force yourself. Shinobu says of course not, I’m going to win. Akira says the one who will decide that will be Takami. Takami gets irritated that the two are snubbing her when she is trying to call out to them. Takami tells them, hey you two, doing this kind of thing, who cares who wins or who loses, also, don’t treat someone like a toy. Takami shouts, if you want to eat then the three of them should go out and eat together. After a pause, Akira looks gloomy and scared. Akira tells her that he doesn’t want that. Takami shouts what? let’s go! Is fried dumplings, okay? Akira tells her to wait and he is sorry. Shinobu keeps on laughing and shouts that no one can lose to Takami. He apologizes to the two. Takami shouts, really, please don’t do this laughable thing. Shinobu tells Akira that he has already decided, did Akira changed the way he plays for Takami. Akira angrily says he has no right to say that. Shinobu says that he will play a piece for the two of them. Akira prepares to leave and says do whatever you want. Shinobu sits down and plays, ‘Revolutionary’.

Takami thought that she doesn’t quite understand the music but Shinobu’s playing is great, Shinobu’s music is serious and powerful. The sound is different, compare to Akira’s, it is more.. When Shinobu finished playing, the other people breaks in a loud applause. Akira looks at him darkly and says, really irritating. Shinobu glitters and says that is the best kind of praise. He tells Akira that they will be seeing each other more frequently so quit having that foul-looking face, he will take care of him and Takami. To Takami’s surprise, Shinobu kisses her hand and says nice to meet you. Takami freaks out and asks what is he doing. With his handkerchief, Akira wipes Takami’s hand where Shinobu kissed it. Akira says he recognizes Shinobu’s piano playing ability but with that kind of nature.. Akira shouts I really hate it. Staring at Takami, Shinobu says it seems that talking with Takami can make Akira shout that loud. Takami, you are really becoming more and more interesting. Takami shouts, what? Akira prepares to leave as he shouts, let’s go, Takami. Takami is surprised. Shinobu waves goodbye and says see you next time. From today on, I fear the place will become a bit more noisy.

Hehe, things become more fun with a new ‘rival’ for Akira. Shinobu really knows how to provoke Akira and push all of his buttons. Shinobu and Akira really clash and I think it is more on pride. Well, if I were Akira, I would also hate Shinobu if he said that to me..but ya, the truth hurts. It seems that Akira acts ‘normal’ or as himself and not like what Shinobu think of as a machine, is only when he is with Takami. Shinobu is using Takami to get Akira to do things – like play piano for him to listen to. I think Shinobu deliberately suggest to Akira to play something else so that he won’t lose face for Shinobu obviously is a better piano player. Haha, Shinobu is right, they are no match for Takami who just suggested that the three of them go eat dinner together. Poor Akira, his patience will really be tested.

Quote of the day:
Anyone who angers you conquers you ~ Author Unknown

Papillon -Hana to Chou- [Chapter 15]
Tuesday, November 6, 2007 @ 01:44 p.m.

Title: Kiss. In Kyuu’s room, Kyuu happily test out his new pillow by lying on it. He exclaims that it is really soft and comfortable. He praises Chou for really knowing what gift to buy. Chou is happy about that. He says that she even brought ear plugs and eye sleep mask and a letter.. Embarrassed, Chou remembers about the letter that she quickly snatches it away from Kyuu. Chou tells him that there is no need to see it. Kyuu asks why. Chou says she already have told him what she wanted to say. Kyuu insists that he wants to see it because it is written specially for him. Chou shouts, no. Kyuu shouts it’s okay. Hiding the letter behind her back, Chou says that even if he didn’t see it, it is alright. Kyuu still insists on wanting to see it so give the letter back. To their surprise, they are too close to each other already. Chou blushes as Kyuu quickly backs away. Away from Chou, Kyuu says that was dangerous, they almost kissed. He changes the topic by saying that it is already late and she should be going home soon. He offers to walk her home.

While walking home, Chou thought that she won’t mind if they have really kissed. Chou steals a glance at Kyuu who seems to be talking. Getting a kiss, huh? We will kiss sooner or later if we continue on going steady. While looking at Kyuu’s lips, she wonders, sensei’s kiss what does it feel like? Kyuu turns to face her which made Chou’s heart beat loudly as she looks extremely embarrassed and surprised. Kyuu continuing to what he is saying, but, you are really like that. I’m saying you are really upright that no matter what other people say, she will quickly believe so she is very honest. Chou grumpy asks if he is praising her or ridiculing her. Kyuu happily assures her that he is praising her. Kyuu says that the first time they met, she didn’t even doubt him and believe what he had said. He is really shocked that he never thought she will do it. A flashback of Kyuu looking shock as Chou shouting, I am going steady with Ryuusei, everyday, is really blissful and romantic. Chou is very embarrassed as she shouts at Kyuu that he was just teasing her then. Kyuu laughs and tells Chou that there are many people in this world who wants to ‘change’ but there are also many people who just say but not do it. But when they first met, instead of doubting him who is just a stranger, she has taken a big step towards changing herself. I really admire your honest nature that I think this is one reason why I’m going steady with you. Chou blushes over this. While the two are happily smiling and laughing, they didn’t notice Kana behind them looking very displeased.

In school, Chou is happily smiling to herself as she remembers Kyuu’s praise about her honest nature. She really wanted to tell someone what he told her. Do you know? I have a boyfriend! That guy really praised me. I’m really, really happy. Chou is really in a happy mood as she laugh with her friends when Meiji showed her a magazine. Looking at them, Ryuusei says Chou has become really cheerful. Writing something on the notebook, Kana says Chou is happy because she has a boyfriend. Ryuusei freaks out that Chou has one and asks who it is. Kana says she doesn’t know. Ryuusei is still surprised and says, really, no wonder Chou has become really beautiful and her expression has become warmer. Ryuusei freezes as Kana angrily glares at him. Ryuusei quickly says but Kana is more beautiful. Taking her notebook and prepares to leave, Kana shouts then why don’t you go out with Chou. Chou and Meiji look surprised at the two as Ryuusei chases after Kana.

At the hallway, Ryuusei grabs Kana’s hand and shouts what’s with her. Kana says that Ryuusei and Chou’s relationship was really good wasn’t it, she thinks that Ryuusei must be regretting that he didn’t go steady with Chou. This surprises and angers Ryuusei that he shouts, what! I just praised Chou a bit and you are already saying things like that. Ryuusei says that he has already noticed that Kana is a overly fussy about Chou when Chou didn’t do anything to her, Kana always decline to defend Chou. Kana looks at him as Ryuusei doesn’t flinch. Kana looks away and was silent. Then, Kana says that is true..I also hate being like this, but I can never forgive her. Ryuusei asks why. After another pause, Kana says because Chou stole my boyfriend. Ryuusei is shock and is at loss for words. Looking at Ryuusei, Kana says Ryuusei, do you like me? You won’t betray me, right! Kana puts her head on Ryuusei’s chest. Ryuusei is still too stunned. Kana then looks serious and seems to be thinking of something.

Chou is still in a happy state as she looks at Kyuu’s picture in her mobile phone. She have took his picture. She goes to the guidance counselor room with hoping to seee Kyuu even if they will see each other tomorrow. She daydreams about Kyuu doing his work while she happily says if it is possible, she would want to him with him always. Unfortunately, the girls who were flirting with Kyuu before are already inside the room. Two girls are sitting between Kyuu while the other girl is on a different seat. The girl on the left tells Kyuu what should she do, she has broken up with her boyfriend so Kyuu will be held responsible. Kyuu tells her that he has already told her but she didn’t listen to him so of course, her boyfriend will hate it. The girl whines that it is too much. Chou peeks from the door and starts to eavesdrop. She thought it is that girl again so she can’t get close. Chou happily thought, so what, she can always meet with Kyuu whenever she wants and she is Kyuu’s girlfriend. Chou is then surprised when she overhears the girl asking Kyuu to be her boyfriend. Kyuu says to ask again after ten years, for he will still think about it since there is nothing good about going steady with her. Chou happily thought, good answer.

The girl says of course there is. She then tries to show her cleavage and puts his arm on her chest. To Chou’s dismay and anger, Kyuu changes his tone as he happily says then she will be his 93th fling. The girl exclaims 93th? The other girls were laughing. Another girl says that she wants to be the 94th. Chou angrily thought what is that about. The girl then tells Kyuu to give her something to commemorate being his fling. To Kyuu’s shock, the girl kisses him on the lips. Chou is freaking out. The other two girls exclaims that she really kissed him. They shout that she is sly and they want one, too. The other two girls dives in and tries to kiss Kyuu, too. Kyuu shouts for them to stop it as they ‘attack’ him. They were interrupted when Chou angrily opens the door. Kyuu starts to look scared being caught in that situation. The other girls asks what is it, that she is staring at them. Kyuu pushes the head of the two girls and says what are they saying, she is also someone whom he counsels. The two girls say okay, sorry. The girl then tells Chou sorry but our time for counseling isn’t over yet, so would she please leave. Kyuu is gesturing sorry to her as Chou has no choice but to leave. She is on the verge of tears and runs to the hallway. I don’t want, I don’t want! I hate that, I hate – a scene of the girl stealing a kiss from Kyuu. After the girls left, Kyuu looks at his mobile phone to see a text/sms from Chou saying that she has something that she wants to tell him.

In the park, Chou angrily asks why did Kyuu let them kiss him. Kyuu says it isn’t like that, things just turned out that way and he wants to break free but he couldn’t. Chou says then he should quickly separate from them and leaving them would be for the best. Kyuu says that they also have a problem that is why they approached him. Chou says but with me, when we almost touched [lips], you quickly departed from me. Kyuu is surprised then quickly apologizes to Chou saying that he doesn’t mean it that way, he didn’t depart from her because he is rejecting her. [as in does not want to kiss her] Chou grumpily says that it seems that Kyuu just can’t resist. Kyuu still smiling tries to tell her don’t be like that. Chou says that’s right, it is because Kyuu is too ‘welcoming/inviting’. He surely enjoys the feeling of being chased since he is quite perverted so he is being kissed. Kyuu sweatdrops over this as Chou angrily looks at him. Chou says she doesn’t care about the past but right now, he is going out with her so she doesn’t want him to be close with other girls. Kyuu tries to explain that it is hard to do that for there are many things that he wants to do, if she wants a reason, he can only say that he wants to become a guidance counselor that students can look up to in the future. Even if he becomes a bit serious, he cannot guarantee that it will not happen again. If every time she wants to see him to be accountable for things like this then it will never end. Chou is in the verge of tears as she says does he mean that kissing is no big deal. Kyuu says no, I’m not saying.. Chou angrily shouts that if she kisses someone else, would it also be no big deal for him, too. Kyuu tells her to calm down and listen to him. Chou shouts that she doesn’t want to listen, he is an idiot. Kyuu can only look melancholic at her as she quickly runs away.

Ryuusei is also looking melancholic as he sighs deeply and starts to walk in the street when he sees ‘Chou’ peeking from a lamp post. ‘Chou’ is wearing her glasses again and wears her hairstyle into ponytails. ‘Chou’ looks depressed as Ryuusei calls out to her. In Ryuusei’s house, he gives ‘Chou’ a glass of water/juice to drink. Ryuusei happily says that it is the first time that Chou came into his house. He reminisces that he used to play at her grandma’s house. He asks how is grandma. ‘Chou’ says that she can soon be discharge from the hospital. Ryuusei says that’s good. He notices ‘Chou’ smiles a bit shyly. Ryuusei asks why did she changed her hairstyle back to what it was before when her hairstyle before now, looks cute on her. ‘Chou’ asks, cuter before? Ryuusei says that’s right for he likes her hair better if it is left down. Ryuusei asks by the way, didn’t she say that she has something that she wants to consult him about, what is troubling her. ‘Chou’ looks gloomy then she stands up. Ryuusei is surprised and calls out her name. To his shock, ‘Chou’ kisses him on the lips. Blurb says What! What is the meaning of this?! Were Chou’s feelings for Ryuusei rekindled?!

Hehe, when I first read the title, I thought it will be Chou and Kyuu’s kiss but it turned out that the kiss is the cause of the problems they are now facing. Ah, their first lover’s quarrel. It is really hard to judge either as to who is right or wrong. For Chou, of course, it won’t sit well on her when other girls are flirting and taking stolen kisses from Kyuu. She has a right to be jealous and get angry but then, for Kyuu, this is part of his work. From how I look at it, it seems that he is trying to get into the other girls side while trying to help them out. As Chou even admitted, Kyuu is too welcoming unlike the other counselor before who lectured Chou that a teacher and a student cannot be together. It is indeed part of his job so that students will come to him with their problems though from what happened there, it seems that Kyuu was just too lenient/friendly. ^^; Haha, maybe this is one reason why he doesn’t have a girlfriend before. I think things would work out if they compromise something but then, Chou left before they can properly talk about it. Chou seems to be a bit too emotional about it when it seems that the kiss was no big deal to Kyuu. She also seems a bit too possessive and too serious. Somehow, I think that he didn’t continue the almost kiss is because he values Chou to not to kiss her when he still doesn’t have romantic feelings for her yet. He looks a bit disappointed over her reaction.

About Kana’s reason for hating Chou, I wonder if that is the truth or Kana is just bluffing. I mean, when would that happen..don’t tell me it is when they were still young and Chou unwittingly made a boy that Kana likes to fall for her which made Kana angry hence she is bullying Chou so that Chou won’t find happiness. Also, I do find it a bit strange that Kana didn’t tell Ryuusei whom Chou is going out with. If she is really mean and everything, just revealing that could create rumors and trouble for Chou like the other girls will harass her. I think Kana’s main goal is just to make sure Chou doesn’t have a boyfriend but not really hurt Chou. It would make sense for she didn’t go along with Kanda before and only made a move when she saw Chou with Ryuusei. It does seem that Ryuusei is falling for Chou again so it does seem that Chou has ‘stolen’ Kana’s boyfriend again. As for the last few scenes, I’m debating whether that is really Chou or not. My guess leans more on that it is Kana in disguise as Chou again. I don’t think Chou is stupid enough to do this just to make Kyuu jealous or prove her point. If it is Kana, then, she confirmed that Ryuusei has indeed ‘betrayed’ her when he said that he likes Chou’s hair down because it is cuter. She kissed Ryuusei to make things complicated like later on, Ryuusei might confront Chou about the kiss or well, maybe to check if Ryuusei returns it. Anyway, it will be another month’s wait to know if it is indeed Chou or Kana.

Quote of the day:
Sweeter than the stolen kiss are the granted kisses. ~ Bayard Taylor

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, One Piece, D. Grayman, Reborn and Gintama
Monday, November 5, 2007 @ 02:08 p.m.

Ichigo is very shock to see Kenpachi there that he wonders if he is imagining him in Bleach [c. 298]. Kenpachi asks him what kind of question is that, was he beaten too much that his brain is malfunctioning. Nnoitra quickly pushes Inoue aside and punches the ground, probably to sense how strong Kenpachi is. Tesla tries to attack Kenpachi. Nnoitra tries to stop him but it is too late for Kenpachi easily slices him and Tesla falls down. Kenpachi says one down and you’re next to Nnoitra. Ichigo asks why is he there when Soul Society doesn’t want to [do anything with this] but Kenpachi just picks him up and tosses him farther away. Lol Kenpachi says he is an obstruction so go there. Ichigo curses him. Kenpachi along with Yachiru explains that Urahara has already finished the gate earlier than expected so they decided to go there to help rescue Inoue. Kenpachi senses the others and says that he already told the others that he alone will be enough. The others were Byakuya, Unohana with Isane and Mayuri with Nemu. Of course, Byakuya goes to help Rukia and is angry at that espada who admitted he plans to finish off Rukia. Unohana and Isane face the arrancar that is about to finish off Sado. Unohana says that they are only there to tend to the wounded. Mayuri is very excited over the new ‘species’ of arrancar and espada that he can experiment on. The last scene is of Kenpachi and Nnoitra happily say their names as they crossed zanpaku. So much for Tesla, and I’m surprised that Nnoitra actually cared about him. ^^; Hehe, most of my guesses is right except for Unohana. I actually expected Yamada would come for healing. ^^;; So, more fighting and hopefully, Inoue will take this chance to heal Ichigo.

Moria quickly gets his shadow off Odz and attacks Robin in One Piece [c. 477] Robin tries to concentrate and break Moria’s neck. Unfortunately, Moria has switched himself with his shadow. Moria quickly takes Robin’s shadow from her and this has made Robin unconscious. Sanji tries to attack Moria but he again switches to his shadow. Odz tries to finish off Robin but Sanji manages to divert the attack. Usopp quickly takes Robin to safety. Chopper standing on Odz’s right shoulder says that it isn’t Odz original right arm and it has an old injury. Chopper theorizes that Odz has died because of extreme cold since he is wearing only his underwear. Zoro and Sanji shouts that they do not want to lose to that kind of idiot. Chopper suggests that they attack it so that Odz’s power will be lowered. Sanji and Chopper attacks the right arm but when they were tossed down, Odz takes advantage by raining multiple blows at them. Moria laughs that now, there are only three of them – Zoro, Nami and Usopp. Is it just a coincidence but it seems how each member is defeated corresponds to the last to first members that Luffy has recruited except for Franky. Unlike Bleach wherein helpers came out of the blue, I can expect that Luffy will be coming soon. Hopefully next chapter, I can see his new form. I’m somewhat thinking it is funny-looking. ^^;

Bak and some scientists are exploring the ark in D. Gray-man [c. 135]. It seems that each door in the arc leads to a different place like a door is to Asia when in reality it is above Black Order. River wonders why Baku is there as Baku’s assistant asks for their understanding for Bak is just sulking since he can’t visit Rinali. It seems that Komui banned everyone from entering the hospital ward. In the ward, Komui is crying over Rinali’s hair. Rinali tells him to go to work as he plans to leave a mascot of himself who annoyingly tells Rinali to sleep. Rinali apologizes to Miranda who notes that Rinali looks happy upon seeing her brother. Crowley’s stomach is roaring loudly as Rabi complains about it. Kanda tries to go to his own room to sleep but is stopped by Theodore who wants to take care of his apprentices as his own children. Chaoji will be an apprentice of Theodore and his friends will be finders. Rabi asks Allen if he wants to go eat but when Rabi opens Allen’s blanket, it is filled with empty plates and eaten up food. Rabi gloomily thought that Allen already ate. Allen managed to escape into the ark’s piano room as he recites a poem. He says that the piano piece is written in a code that he and Mana invented. He begins to wonder if he is walking his path that he chosen himself or was it just prepared for him. In some hall, the generals are meeting headed by an investigator named Malcolm who wants to asks some questions from Cross. When I first saw Malcolm, the first thing came to my mind is Hitler. ^^;; Does that mean he is as strict and is a bad guy? Cross obviously doesn’t have any respect for the others that he put his feet on the table. I’m beginning to wonder if he is the youngest of the generals. I’m think that Mana is still living within Allen after he cursed him for making him in an akuma. I somewhat doubt if Mana is the 14th for why would the Earl not recognize him when he changed him into an akuma unless the 14th changes bodies like Noahs.

While Tsuna is having serious doubts about fighting since they are not prepared, he finds Lal who isn’t feeling well in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 168]. Tsuna wants to call someone to help but she stops him and tells him that she doesn’t want to be a burden when they are going to fight within 5 days. Tsuna protests that he has the power to postpone it and he isn’t really interested in the fight. Lal angrily grabs and says that Ryohei is too lenient with him for deciding to fight or delay it, it will still lead to many people dying, it isn’t just a matter of life and death, it is more choosing on what kind of hell he prefer. Lal then left him. Meanwhile, Irie cannot contact Byakuran and starts to worry what has happened. To where Byakuran is, he approaches Leonard and had a little chat. Leonard asks if he can resign for personal reasons. Byakuran says it is such a waste for his talent for he made 11th squad leave and sent Glo to Kokuyo land. Byakuran accusses Leonard that he planned everything, to let Chrome from 10 years ago win the fight, giving him a wrong report and tricking Glo to go there. Leonard tries to deny it but Byakuran has already seen through him and calls him Mukuro. Leonard finally admits it and asks when did Byakuran noticed. It turned out that Mukuro also knew that Byakuran was suspicious of him from the time Byakuran asks for flowers to be decorated in the room and those flowers mean ‘disguise’. Leonard laments that they can’t have more fun pretending since Irie already knew. Byakuran says he even dare say it when he is already helping Vongola. Leonard denies helping them and says that Tsuna is just his prey. He then transforms into Mukuro. Byakura wonders if he as Guido/Leonard is just like how he uses Chrome. Mukuro says you guess. Byakuran says if it is a secret then he won’t force him to tell it to him. Byakuran notices that Mukuro has two hell rings which are rated 5 stars so is he really going to fight. Mukuro says of course for he wanted to know the secret of Byakuran’s power and he will possess him. Mukuro pulls out his box. Byakuran holds out his hand with a ring – a gem with wings and says it is time for after eating exercise.

Tsuna is stressing himself over what to do when Lambo came wanting to write on Tsuna. Tsuna tries to tell him that he isn’t in the mood but Lambo kept on pestering him that Tsuna snapped at him. Haru comes to comfort Lambo who is in the verge of tears. Haru tells Lambo not to cry. Tsuna tells Haru didn’t he tell her to take care of Lambo. Haru apologizes and says that Tsuna just didn’t know that Lambo isn’t only playing but also helping out. This made Tsuna snap again shouting that they are the ones who don’t know anything. Haru was hurt by his words as she just tells him that he could just tell her whenever he wants. Tsuna tries to apologize but she quickly left with Lambo. Tsuna berates himself for saying that for they were the ones who hid it from the others so that they won’t worry. Reborn finds him. Tsuna starts to whine about his helplessness and inability to handle the responsibility. Reborn darkly tells him that he doesn’t have time to hear about that for Chrome’s condition has worsen. Reborn tells Tsuna that Chrome’s internal organs start to break down. Chrome is spitting blood from internal bleeding. Tsuna looks worried and wonders if that means.. That means Mukuro is losing the fight. Well, older Mukuro looks hot ^_^ I can’t really blame Tsuna for being tossed into that situation, he will really snap because of the weight of responsibility. I think it would have been better if they talked to him about the things he has to consider than just toss in, want to fight or not. I think it haven’t sink in to Tsuna how bad the situation is and he is now the head of Vongola. Of course, he will pick not to fight especially after seeing how bad their training is. From the looks of things, either way – attacking without proper training or sitting ducks - it is suicide. He can’t be a leader overnight but then, he might be with all the circumstances especially Chrome’s condition. I think if he really decides to fight and probably the others’ morale will improve and they would really be more serious. But then, with Chrome’s condition, won’t it be like they have to attack quickly to save Mukuro ^^;; Unless Mukuro manages to win or escape.

In Gintama [c. 188], Hijitaka tells the others of their daily duties. To Okita and his division’s shock, they are responsible for cleaning the toilets. While cleaning, everyone is complaining about it except for Kiyoshi who takes pride in cleaning it. Obviously, Okita isn’t too happy about that since he is using the toilet brush on Kiyoshi’s face. While there is some ruckus, the others take advantage and escape. Kiyoshi laments about it to Okita saying that they are too much for everyone uses the toilet and after peeing, most don’t wash their hands. Soon, the whole place will be filled with germs. Together with Okita, Kiyoshi goes to Hijitaka asking to renovate the toilets by illustrating how Hijitaka doesn’t wash his hands after peeing. Hijitaka isn’t convinced that he goes out. When Yamazaki holds Hijitaka’s shoulder, Hijitaka freaks out from seeing the monster-germs on him. Kiyoshi asks Hijitaka if he sees them, too. Hijitaka sees them from the other shinsengumi. The monster-germs pretty much covered Kondou’s whole body. Kondou asks if he and others want to eat out together. Hijitaka finally agrees to think of a way to stop the spread of germs. First try is putting Hijitaka’s photo on the urinals so that they will target it but it failed because the test subject didn’t pee but instead pooped. Second try is Okita and Kiyoshi lying on the ground talking loudly as if they are on a high in drugs. It freaked out the test subject who quickly left. Hijitaka kicks them saying that they are scaring people. Third try is Okita drawing faces on a board with a hole in the mouth. Kiyoshi tells Okita to make the hole bigger but someone is coming in so they quickly hid. It was too quiet so they decided to see what happened. It turned out that Kondou’s is stuck in the board. They just left poor Kondou there as their mission to improve the toilet failed. Yeah, that was pretty gross and disgusting that I think only guys can appreciate. ^^;; Well, so much for good hygiene for shinsengumi headquarters.

Quote of the day:
A good leader inspires others with confidence in him; a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves. ~ Author Unknown.

Vampire Knight [ Chapter 33]
Saturday, November 3, 2007 @ 10:46 p.m.

At the director’s office, the president asks if there is no problem with the council of Ancient’s letter of introduction, written test and interview. Ichiru says he is still talking about that until now. The president yawns out loud. While showing Kaname as if to introduce each other, the president apologizes to Ichiru for calling him out so late at night, it is because of his ‘night nature’. [Probably meant it is because of Kaname] Kaname says that it is the first time that they meet each other. Ichiru says that the moon dorm’s dorm master would call him, is it to ascertain his value..do they want him to be a [chess] piece which they can use..really troublesome, they who have long lives, seems to want some fun to pass their time. Kaname smiles and says, troublesome is also okay, anything is also okay, you are now in the playing chess board..in the end, who is your goal? Ichiru says even if he knows, there is nothing he can do about it. I am not a vampire hunter but just an ordinary ‘human’ and he cannot do anything to me so the council of Ancients decided to use me. Before going out of the room, Ichiru says if Kaname thinks he is a disliked obstacle then he should make him disappear now. After he left, the president sighs as he leans back on his chair. He tells Kaname that trying to recruit someone whom he knew will become hot-headed really takes courage. Kaname says that is true, this place is the president’s peaceful place [where vampires and humans co-exist] and he also has no plans in ruining it. The president removes his glasses and says that he believes Kaname for he has take her place in fulfilling her wish. A scene of a long dark haired woman who seems to carry a baby shouted, ‘That is enough! Could it be that you have forgotten?! We, vampires has come from humans and both of us have grieving hearts.’ While wiping his glasses, the president says relax, he has not forgotten, that is the origin as to why he decided with Kaname to make the night class and Kaname has the whole authority over the vampires in the school. But about Yuuki, what does he plan about her, I am now feeling uneasy. You don’t really plan to make her a ‘lover’, right...

That night, Yuuki has difficulty sleeping as she toss about in her bed. Become..my lover? If we grow up a bit..we will become.. While she holds her hand, she sees a bloodied hand reaching out to her and says, ‘Become my...then it’s okay..’ Yuuki wakes up in a start and screams, No! This awaken Yori who quickly tries to calm her down. Yuuki is holding her head and says that her head hurts. The next day, while putting back the plates after breakfast with Yori, Yuuki apologizes to her for she has been having a hard time sleeping lately. Yori tells her to find time to take some sleep and she should after class. She also notices that Yuuki haven’t been eating much. Yuuki says that she has no appetite. Yori says lately, Yuuki has been quite nervous so what is making her nervous. Yuuki has loss of words as she comes out of the dorm with Yori. Yori notices Zero waiting outside. She greets him and says that he doesn’t seem to be oversleeping that day. She finds it strange. Yuuki greets him a good morning as Zero just says morning. Yuuki thought that the mood is quite awkward. Yori tells Yuuki to hurry up for they are leaving. Yuuki and other other girls in the dorm were surprised to see Kain, Aidou, Rima and another girl were outside of the dorm, too. Kain says that this is Kaname’s command, would Yuuki-sama let them be at her side to protect her. They then bow to her. Yuuki is confused and is beginning to freak out, what?! –sama?! Yori asks Yuuki if she has done anything bad. Yuuki says she didn’t. Zero tells her not to mind them and they should go. While walking, Yuuki is freaking out that she is being followed by the night class students. It feels like bullying a new student. All the other girls are wondering what’s it about. Zero can only sigh. Yuuki can’t take it anymore that she turns around and shouts, sorry about this, I do not know what Kaname instructed them but would they please think that the place and object/girlfriend first. [I think basically be discreet about it] Aidou says be quiet, Yuuki Kurosu, –sama is what they will use to people who are special to Kaname so they will also treat her special. You are a human girl who is afraid and doesn’t know anything, but this is our nobility’s boast. [Ah..how they treat nobility, I guess ^^;]

In class, while the teacher is teaching, Yuuki looks at the closed doors. Aidou is waiting patiently outside the classroom. Yuuki sighs and wonders why would Kaname do this. Sitting behind him, Zero whispers for her to let it go, staying beside that guy, what is it for, haven’t she decided to confront that guy. Yuuki bends down her head as if to say yes. Zero asks does she remember what he said before. Yuuki turns around to him and remembers Zero saying that he will never let her become a vampire. Zero says if that guy wants to ‘do that’ to you, I will surely.. Yuuki realizes that Zero is really suppressing his ‘killer chi’ [intent to kill] deep down in her heart, it hurts her but then, why doesn’t she feel or imagine any dread. Yori has heard what Zero says that she looks a bit nervous. During lunch break, Aidou tells Kaname is asking for her and Zero can come along, too. Yuuki exclaims now. Aidou just tells her hurry up. The girls in her class are gossiping as Ichiru just looks at Yuuki’s direction. They walk in the hallway with Aidou in front of Yuuki and Zero behind Yuuki. Aidou asks if Yuuki doesn’t have any memories of her past. Yuuki says that is right, what about it. Aidou says that he will do some investigation. Yuuki exclaims that she never thought that Aidou is a nice person that he will do that when she didn’t even ask. Aidou freaks out and shouts that’s not it, he doesn’t meant her, he meant about Kaname’s family. He tells her that Yuuki surely knows that Kaname’s parents has passed away. He is investigating the circumstances about the reason why they ‘died’. He will thoroughly investigate everything for he still might find some clues that isn’t burned nor erased..something that is hidden, just like her memories. Kaname making a girl like her as his ‘lover’ there should be a great/exaggerated reason. Do you understand? It is through this way that they will be made to protect her. From now on, whatever [danger?] will come to her, Kaname will surely know what it is.

Outside, Yuuki finds Kaname reading a book while sitting on some cushions near a tree. There is a table being set up beside him. Aidou takes his leave and tells her not to do any rude things. Kaname turns around and calls out to her. Holding out his hand, he tells her to come to him so that he can see her more closely. Yuuki blushes then looks away. Kaname says that now there is no need for them to be shy. Yuuki goes to Kaname but she is still standing. Kaname tells her not to stand dumbly there and it seems she isn’t yet self-conscious. Yuuki sits down beside him and tells him about what happened in the morning, there is no need to be treated that special. Kaname says it is okay though it seems he went over the top. He then asks a huge favor from her, since it is noon, he would want to eat lunch with Yuuki. Yuuki doesn’t want Kaname to avoid the subject about her past anymore so she shouts about that, Kaname-sempai. Kaname looks at her and asks doesn’t she like the school’s dining hall food. Yuuki says that they have agreed that he will tell her about her past.

After a pause, Kaname says he can’t right now because he doesn’t want to tell Yuuki who has such a frightened expression. Yuuki says does he think that he can just change the topic like that, just tell her about her past. Kaname then calls out to Zero who is leaning on the wall. He tells him that he is quite idle, have he heard, ordinary students already knew that he is there so would he help him chase them away. Zero looks grumpy as he leaves. Kaname thanks him for his help. Yuuki says she noticed it a bit before that Kaname’s nature has turned bad. Kaname says that ever since before, his nature is bad but Yuuki just didn’t notice it. Also right now, he enjoys seeing Yuuki’s various expressions. About me and you, since yesterday until today, what have she been thinking. Yuuki quickly looks away and says that she will not answer that kind of question. Kaname says is that so, thinking about it makes her not want to say it. Yuuki is about to protest but Kaname says he is very happy that Yuuki is conscious about him. Yuuki suddenly holds her head in pain. Kaname asks what is the matter. Yuuki says her body is like that since morning. Why..why for me..you would even think of me up to this degree. Wanting to keep the secret up to this degree. I really want to believe you. I don’t understand. I do not understand why this guy would protect me. You are my what? Before she collapses on Kaname, she asks, is it okay if I like you? Holding her, Kaname says, Yuuki..it’s okay..I will come to protect you.

That night, Zero is looking over Yuuki who is sleeping. Zero is surprised to see Ichiru at the door saying that he has heard that Yuuki has collapsed. From behind Ichiru, the president says that he has asked Ichiru to come join them to dinner so that they will become closer to each other. Before leaving, he says that he will be finished soon so they should wait nicely and not fight. After some uneasiness, Ichiru says, I’ll say..Zero..that girl..it is better for you to leave/abandon her. Zero looks at him in surprise. Before leaving, Ichiru says what I mean to say is your taste has changed a bit. Yuuki is breathing heavily as if having a nightmare. Looking at a bottle with a liquid inside, Ichiru says that even without it, that will happen to that girl, this, it seems not necessary anymore. A car is driving though the woods. Ichijou looks behind from the front seat and says, Senri, we will be there soon. He then makes a side glance. Senri/Rishi says yes. He smiles while holding a chained coffin beside him. He says the true head of the family has now arrived, what will you do..fake heir..

Well, Kaname does know how to treat his ‘lover’ and it seems that everyone knows that there is a reason why he made Yuuki as his lover and it isn’t because he loves her. Aidou did think that she has something to do with Kaname’s parent’s death. Mm..he might not be far off the mark based on how the woman is that Kaname and the president remembered. I’m beginning to think that Kaname is blood-related to Yuuki or something. If that woman is Yuuki’s mother and Kaname seems to know her then that would mean that Kaname is really old. ^^; Haha, unless, Kaname was a kid then. I’m beginning to think that Zero is the outside of all of this as he doesn’t seem to have a role in the grand scheme of things except as Yuuki’s bodyguard unless the author tie in some conspiracy with the vampire hunters or Zero’s parents or Shizuka. I also wonder if Kaname making Yuuki as his lover a coincidence or was it deliberate that Yuuki is already dreaming about that person whom I think is Rishi – bloodied hand and bloodied tub before. I think Yuuki will have her memories back if she sees Rishi..well, if that is what is in the coffin. I’m not quite sure if hiding it from Yuuki up to now will do any good but then, maybe Kaname just wants to let her enjoy her ignorance bliss for she is starting to remember bits and pieces through her dreams. Mm, I wonder what that liquid that Ichiru has will do to Yuuki – make her remember? I begin to think that maybe Yuuki has vampire blood. ^^;; Anyway, next chapter will be interesting as what would the other vampires do when the true heir of Kaname family has arrived. Those I’m sure will be at Kaname’s side would be Aidou and the president.

Word of the day:
No one is more secure than those who are in God's hands. ~ Our Daily Bread

Papillon -Hana to Chou- [Chapter 14]
Thursday, November 1, 2007 @ 11:12 a.m.

Title: Uneasy Happiness. On that rainy day, Chou and Kyuu ride on the ferris wheel in that amusement park. There, Kyuu tells Chou the whole story of what had happened regarding Kana pretending to be her. A bit embarrassed, Kyuu says that it is only recently he realized that it is strange since Chou would call him ‘sensei’ while Kana would call him ‘Kyuu-chan’. Chou dries herself with a towel that Kyuu brought. She is furious as she exclaims, ‘Kyuu-chan?!’. Kyuu laments that he never really thought that there would be a switch that he was really tricked thoroughly. He apologizes to Chou. Chou’s heart skips as she blushes. She is really glad that Kyuu doesn’t hate her. Holding that note that Kyuu supposedly left, Chou says that’s right, how could Kyuu do such a terrible thing. Kyuu says that he won’t make someone wait and write up such a childish break-up letter. He tells her that Chou is also easily fooled for if she used her head, she will realize that it isn’t his handwriting. Chou pouts and says that she doesn’t know his handwriting and to think of it, she doesn’t even know Kyuu’s mobile phone number. While looking away from him and twirling her finger on the seat, she says that she doesn’t know anything about him. Kyuu is speechless.

He then asks for her mobile phone. After typing in something, Kyuu says he has finished inputting the data. While giving her phone back, he asks will that make her more at ease. Chou is surprised to see that Kyuu filled in his mobile phone, telephone number and email address. [From his email, his name is Hayato but for consistency, I’ll continue using Kyuu.] Chou exclaims if she really can call and send a sms/text message to him. Kyuu says if she wants to. Chou thanks Kyuu and tells him that he is really happy. Kyuu is a bit surprised with her reaction. Chou squeals that she is really moved that she is going to cry for her phone address book now has Kyuu’s phone number, it’s great. Chou exclaims to him that with this, it really feels that they are going steady. Kyuu laughs as Chou asks what is it. Kyuu says it is nothing for he feels that going steady with her is a really good thing. Holding out his hand, Kyuu says so, nice to meet you. Chou shakes his hand. Later on, Kyuu says didn’t he gave her his business card – which has his number and email address. Chou is surprised for she forgot all about that. That time, she rode the ferris wheel with Kyuu for a long time.

In her room, Chou is still happily looking at her mobile phone as she says that she is really happy. Kana walks by and tells her that she is all alone, yet she is smiling like a fool. Chou thought that the cause of all this trouble has finally appeared. From her door, Chou shouts to Kana that she is really vile, pretending to be her and doing that terrible thing to Kyuu. Chou exclaims up to when Kana will hinder her until she is satisfied and pretending to be her is really too much. Kana tells her that it is for Chou’s own good for that guy isn’t good. Kana says that Kyuu is just playing around with her that after going steady, she will be left crying and broken hearted. Chou protests that it won’t happen for Kyuu isn’t that kind of person. Before going into her room, Kana says then ask him, that guy has hugged me and told me ‘I like you’. Kana closes the door and bids her good night. Chou looks stunned. The next scene is Chou and Kyuu in the counseling room. She is telling Kyuu about what happened and wasn’t it funny for Kana would say that and didn’t even reflect on what she did. Chou says that Kyuu would never do that to Kana and even if it is true, it is because Kyuu thought that Kana was her, isn’t it. Kyuu doesn’t reply. Chou calls out to him and to her surprise, he says, sorry, I still..there’s no way to be with you. Chou wakes up in a fright. It turns out to be a dream.

In Kyuu’s apartment, there is a loud knocking on the door. Kyuu screams that it is too noisy, who is it so early in the morning. He opens the door to see Chou holding her mobile phone calling out to him and asks why didn’t he reply her text message which she send him yesterday. Kyuu looks at it and it says, ‘Did sensei really hugged Kana and says ‘I like you’ to her’ Kyuu is speechless. Chou exclaims that she waited until midnight for him to reply that she couldn’t even sleep. Kyuu angrily asks if she came there so early in the morning just because of this. Chou says of course. Kyuu hits her head and shouts, Stupid. Kyuu shouts that he did that to entice Kana to that little ‘play’ so don’t come here just because of this little matter. Chou asks so that means that Kana just lied to her. Kyuu kicks her out and shout about that little matter, if she knows already then leave for he has just finished a report and it is only now when he is able to sleep. Chou is shock as Kyuu goes back to sleep. Chou thought that Kyuu is awful for he knew that she is really uneasy and she also wasn’t able to sleep until morning. Chou angrily texts on her phone as she thought that even if he is busy, answering a text only takes 5 minutes. She texts that if he only answered then, she won’t be worried and go to his house# *popped vein* Stupid! Stupid!

In school, an hour passed. Then two hours has passed. Chou looks at her phone and thought that Kyuu is snubbing her. She starts to doodle on her notebook and writes, stupid, disrespectful, etc. What? Calling me stupid, idiot? Weren’t you also tricked by Kana? That’s right! If sensei wasn’t tricked, there won’t be too many questions, that made her nervous, it is all sensei’s fault. She and Ryuusei exclaim, it is really irritating. The two were surprised. They both ask each other what is the matter. Ryuusei becomes silent that Chou asks if he is troubled because of Kana. Ryuusei confesses that it is true. Later on, in a hallway outside, Ryuusei tells her that Kana is really becoming quite demanding [doing as she pleases] for in the middle of the night, she would call him out, then if he didn’t answer, she will go to his house and if he delayed in answering her, she will get mad. A bit nervous, Chou asks, really. Ryuusei says that at first he thought that she is testing her but lately, it is really getting too much and lastly, no matter what he has to smile and answer/do all her little whims. This stabs through Chou. Ryuusei grumbles that it is really irritating. Chou nervously laughs then thought, no way, could he be actually talking about me, does it mean that I and Kana are really terrible. Chou excuses herself for a moment then starts to type a text to Kyuu. She wonders if Kyuu is angry so he isn’t replying to her text. In a room with people doing an interview or library work, Kyuu notices that his phone has a text message. It reads, ‘In the morning while you are still sleeping, I woke you up, I’m really, really sorry. (>_<) It is because I’m angry that I wrote that text, I’m wrong. I’m really sorry. m(_ _)m I’m going to reflect.’

Chou is happy when Kyuu replies back. It reads, ‘If it is no big deal, don’t call nor come running unauthorized #’ [Unauthorized like going without permission] Chou freaks out that Kyuu is angry because of the # -> big popped vein. Ryuusei contemplates loudly that he plans to break up with Kana. This freaks Chou out even more. Ryuusei says it is because Kana only thinks of herself and didn’t even think of his feelings. It is like that everyday that is he already tired. Chou tells Ryuusei not to do it for Kana could be like that because she is uneasy so why don’t he talk with Kana about it first. Ryuusei says, but.. Chou shouts to Ryuusei to please not let go. Ryuusei asks why is Chou helping out Kana with all her might. Chou blushes and says she just cannot let things be. Chou then thought that she is really stupid. I only think of my feelings, how could I forget? When I ran to the college to find sensei, he looks really troubled. Then, she goes to him so early in the morning just because he didn’t reply her text. Remembering Kyuu’s words of breaking up, Chou freaks out that she is now being hated. I have already told Kyuu that I will reflect on this but how would I let him know that I’m not ‘demanding’. But, I cannot text sensei anymore. I cannot just talk to him over nothing nor go to his house unauthorized. Ah, what should I do?

Tip-toeing to Kyuu’s apartment, Chou leaves a bag on the door handle. She thought that writing a letter would be okay. She prays that it will protect her so that Kyuu won’t hate her. She turns around and is shock to see Kyuu in the hallway. Kyuu asks what is she doing. Chou freaks out and cries, I’m-I’m sorry. She quickly runs off. Kyuu looks at the bag on his door. Chou thought that she is finished for she just want to leave something and leave. Kyuu shouts for her to stop and wait. Chou stops and is really scared. She cries that such a troublesome girl like her, she will surely be hated. Kyuu pokes her head and asks why is she too nervous from the start. Chou bows down to him and kept on apologizing for troubling him. Kyuu asks why is she so afraid. Chou says it is because he already hates her. Kyuu exclaims, HA? What are you saying? Why would I hate you? Chou cries that it is because she and Kana did the same things and if she is ‘demanding’ like Kana she will definitely be dumped so she.. Chou cries as Kyuu looks at her. Kyuu notes that it seems that the break-up has really left a ‘shadow’ in her heart. Chou explains that it is because she likes him one-sidedly and he doesn’t like her..she is really lucky that she was able to go steady with him but on that day, he suddenly changed and want to break up, she really cannot do anything then now, she has become quite ‘demanding’. Kyuu holds her head and says, so that’s why, is she still mindful of that, they haven’t been going steady for too long then quickly break up, her heart will have a wound so she will be uneasy over every little thing. Chou admits it is so then cries some more as Kyuu comforts her. Chou says that Kyuu has coldly stared at her and said ‘I have no way of being with you.’ So if he did that again, what should she do..she is really scared. Kyuu tells her that even if he said that, it is not to her but to Kana who pretended to be her. He tells her not to worry about it too much. Chou tries to protest.

Kyuu wonders what’s in the bag. He is surprised to see that there is a therapeutic contour pillow, ear plugs and sleep eye mask. Kyuu blushes over it. Chou tells him that it is because she woke him up. She asks him if she can ask him a question, why did he go steady with her, does he like her? Kyuu says didn’t he told her already. Chou says, huh. Kyuu realizes that he has told Kana whom he thought was her. Butterfly in my Stomach, do you know what it means? A butterfly inside the stomach means being uneasy and anxious for an interview/exam or while dating someone. Inside my heart stays a butterfly named Chou. Right now, she is a chrysalis or pupa that her life is still limited. But if I followed her until she grows, she will definitely grow big and one day, she will have wings to fly up high. Until then, I want to protect this butterfly until she grows up and it could be said, if she can become the beautiful butterfly because of me, won’t that be great. Kyuu asks is that okay? Chou cries and says of course.

Well, that whole twins’ switch to trick Kyuu has finally resolved so do you think that everything will go well for the two of them..of course, not, else that would be the end of the story, hehe. Kana isn’t repentant for what she did and surely, she will do something else to break the two apart. I think her alibi of doing it for Chou’s good is really lame and one of the oldest excuse in the book. It is times like this when it would be better for Chou to just change her hairstyle like make it shorter or something to minimize confusions unless of course, Kana copied it. ^^; Also, Kyuu’s reason for going steady with her seems like he just want to be a guardian angel/fairy godfather in this case to make sure Chou turns out okay. It will be easy to break them up if the relationship seems to be a bit one-sided as Chou said. But then, from the way Kyuu is reacting over what Chou is doing – being happy and giving him gifts - in this chapter, it seems that he will fall for her soon enough. Chou has only recently came out of her shell so she will still have a lot of ‘learning’ and ‘growth’ to go through. She is easily tricked by Kana and is fussy about everything because she is still insecure. That goes to show how much damage Kana can make. Good thing that she realized her mistake early on, thanks to Ryuusei who told her what Kana is doing to him. Chou seems to be experiencing a range of emotions lately – sadness to happiness to anger to insecurity back to happiness ^^;;

Word of the day:
When we give all our cares to God, our worries will depart; He gives to us a peace of mind that calms our anxious heart. ~ Sper from Our Daily Bread

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Grayman, Reborn and Gintama
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 @ 05:59 p.m.

Ichigo shouts for Nel as Nnoitra kicks her in Bleach [c. 297] but Nnoitra easily pins him to the ground. Nnoitra tells Tesla that they will switch so that Tesla would be the one to finish Ichigo off. Tesla releases his zanpaku and becomes a horse head satyr-like monster. Tesla starts to crush Ichigo’s leg by stepping on it. Inoue tries to call out to him but Nnoitra puts his hand in her mouth and tells her to just watch in silence as her rescuer be cut into pieces. Scene switch to Ishida and others as Peshe and Dondo were shock that their attack didn’t work. Aporro says it is because they took their sweet time to unleash it that he had already analyzed them and render them useless. Aporro is going to get ready to finish them off. Scene goes to Rukia where a dark skinned espada comments that Aronico, the last of the original espada, didn’t finish off Rukia so he will do it. Scene changes to some arrancar troops who are going to finish off Sado and the afro ex-espada. Back to Ichigo, he is being beaten and bones broken by Tesla. Inoue can only cry and mentally call out to him. When Tesla is about to punch him down, it was blocked by Zaraki Kenpachi of 11th division. Yay! Reinforcements have arrived. It is really hard to watch/read all that beating and hopeless scenes but before Kenpachi is shown, I have already guessed that someone will be saving them. I just didn’t expect that it will be Kenpachi. Hmm, how did he got there without being noticed? I think division 10 and 11 people are the ones who went there. I would want to see Aporro vs Mayuri though. Hehe Also, Yachiru..well, to know what her powers would be like ^_^

Jiraiya’s look changed as there is a frog on each shoulders in Naruto [c. 376]. He tells the situation about Pein being his former student. They wondered if it is the student that the older frog has predicted before. A snake comes out from one of the frog and quickly kills the chameleon beast. They can now see Pein. Flashback on a huge frog telling of Jiraiya’s fate – being a pervert, training a student who will either create peace or destruction then Jiraiya will have to make a choice and will travel while writing a book. Pein then summons two people wearing Akatsuki outfits. Jiraiya says that Pein will destroy the world so he as his teacher will have to stop him. I think Pein just summoned his other bodies since there is those black nail-thingies on the neck of one of the two summoned. Jiraiya already knew about that prophecy so why didn’t he bother to watch over Nagato until he grew up? I mean, this guy can bring peace so why didn’t Jiraiya make sure he turn out alright. Just because he didn’t turn out okay, he wants to kill/beat Nagato up. ^^; The author will be on a break so no Naruto next week.

The real Lola pirate tells Luffy where Moria is and shows him how to get a special power in One Piece [c. 476]. That power is putting in the shadows that they had captured into Luffy’s body so that he will have their powers. With a swordman’s shadow inside him, Luffy can easily cut a tree into pieces. They decide to put more shadows into Luffy but he can have them only for 10 minutes before they go back to their rightful owners. After putting into 100 shadows, Luffy has become bigger yet in control of himself. He wants to wreck things but still have to be shown the direction where Moria and Odz were. Back to the others, Moria tells them that his shadow is in Odz’s that his shadow can manipulate Odz’s body into whatever it wants – stretch, etc. They used the same attack that Franky did but now, it is Brook. They managed to hit Odz’s shoulder and Zoro wounds Odz. Odz gets angry that he tries to finish off Brook. Usopp distracts Odz which made Odz want to clobber Usopp. To Usopp’s surprise, Odz didn’t stretch. It turned out that Robin used her powers to pin down Moria. Robin tells him not to use his shadow anymore as Usopp cheers for her to finish off Moria. It seems that Luffy has become a Frankenstein monster based on the shadow. I wonder what he looks like. Another time limit, hopefully, next chapter Luffy will find Moria/Odz already because I don’t think Robin can hold Moria that long.

It is only now that Allen properly reunites with Timcampi as he cries with joy and says that it has grown bigger in D. Gray-man [c. 134]. Allen must have fetched the others as they walk around the ark wondering where is the exit. Kanda notes that there is no Noah around anymore. Allen asks what is with the huge symbol mark on Kanda’s chest. Kanda says it is nothing. Allen and Kanda are arguing again when Allen didn’t noticed that he stepped into nothingness when he opened the door. They form a human chain as Chaoji is trying to keep them from falling. Chaoji haven’t forgiven Allen yet for trying to save Tiki before then his innocence formed into bracelets. He manages to pull them all out. As they talk about innocence, Kanda and Rabi lament that theirs are in pieces as they put their innocence inside their respective bags/pouches. Allen wonders why Crowley haven’t wake up yet but then, Rinali and Cross are with him. They then realize that they have left Rinali with Cross alone. In the room, Cross tells Rinali that Crowley’s innocence has overexerted his body so he would need some medical attention. Cross notes that Rinali is able to express herself more than before and she has become a beautiful lady. Rinali asks about when Cross was in the ark. Cross says that he was there when they were fighting below and he would appeared sooner if he knew that she was hurt and it is such a waste for her beautiful hair is gone. Cross is now holding her face. Rinali says that what he said is similar to what Anita has told her. Cross’s face soften as he says that he has told her to stay put but then, if she is intent on doing it, she cannot be stopped. Cross turns around to see the others freaking out. Allen is shouting that it is a crime. Rinali tries to explain. Cross says that Rinali is already 16 years old.

Somewhere else, the Earl is furious that he wasn’t able to complete the download of the egg to their new ark. It seemed that the 14th’s curse is in that old ark and there shouldn’t be a piano inside. Back to Allen, Cross has told Allen how to move the ark. The ark materializes to where Miranda and others were. They have a reunion as everyone is glad that they are okay. They then go to where Bak was. Loufa happily greets Allen. Cross pushes Allen away trying to escape as he asks if Loufa [female scientist] is Allen’s woman. Allen shouts that Cross is trying to escape as he asks Cross to stop. Rinali holds Cross from behind begging him not to leave. Cross couldn’t refuse because she looked too cute as the others are freaking out especially Bak. Rinali holds on tight for she doesn’t want to search for Cross all over again. Allen realizes why Rinali is in the group to find Cross. They then go to Black Order where Komui and others welcome them back. Haha, they finally made it back alive and got Cross to stay with them. I guess next chapter is more on recuperation and power-up of innocence-s that were broken.

Ryohei tells Tsuna that he still has the ‘say’ if they would attack in 5 days or not as he is the boss in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 167] Tsuna realizes that he has already gathered everyone with the Vongola rings. Ryohei says he has up to the end of that day to decide and he will tell the others of his decision. Before Ryohei goes to eat and sleep, he tells Lal that he will tell her about his teacher Colonello later on. Reborn and Lal tells Tsuna that they should focus on training within 5 days. Kusa informs Hibari about what happened. Hibari declines to see Chrome since Mukuro isn’t there anymore. Kusa tells him that the one whom Chrome met in the airport is Guido, a 17 year old murderer who escaped from prison. After training, Lal isn’t satisfied with Tsuna’s performance that she will make him practice with Hibari in the afternoon. Lal senses something and tells Tsuna to check on the others if they are fit to fight in the next 5 days. Tsuna finds Yamamoto fighting and is shock to learn that Yamamoto isn’t doing well as the glow in the dark paint bullets have all hit Yamamoto. Then, he finds that Gokudera is skipping his training with Bianchi. Tsuna begins to wonder if they will be ready in 5 days time. Meanwhile, Irie has accidentally recorded Byakuran’s video earlier. He asks the Cervello who is the young boy behind Byakuran. They inform him that he is Leonard as replacement for the deceased Luigi of Communications department. Irie says he knows that name because he was the one who recommended Leonard but then, the Leonard he recommended is a 60 year old short man. Ah, it seems that Irie has found the traitor within their group. Mm, would he find the bug that Glo planted, too? If that is the case, then Tsuna would have no choice but to attack after 5 days whether they are ready or not.

Gintama [c. 187] is really silly and doesn’t make much sense to me. ^^; Taizou just opened a sushi bar and invites the others to eat. Unfortunately, he only makes cucumber sushi. Tama then accidentally destroys the machine when she is suppose to like ‘communicate’ with it or something. They all decided to help in making sushi. Otae tends to use too much force that she squeezes the sushi into a black mess. Katsura makes them too big. Gin makes them into parfaits. They manage to get people to come back thanks to Tama who ate the ingredients and puke it into shrimp sushi which the customers like. Soon the ingredients are all used up so Gin tells Taizou to get some more and leave the place to them. Kondou and Hijitaka are eating in the sushi bar but only cucumber sushi comes out, then, the black mess sushi and parfait sushi. Then, a curry rice is in the conveyor belt sushi. Lastly, this guy who is a singer but his name is pronounced like a sushi is sitting in the conveyor belt. The guy angrily looks at them that they decided to leave. The guy holds the curry plates and chases after them. In the end, there is fighting that Gin and others made their escape while Taizou is still catching a swordtail fish. Mm, I’m unsure if this has a continuation or not but it is just one of those Taizou’s-bad luck-can’t-get-a-job chapter. ^^;

Word of the day:
Though to your shortsighted vision, no way of escape may appear, trust, for when you least expect it, the help of the Father is near. ~ Anon from Our Daily Bread

Venus Capriccio [Chapter 6]
Monday, October 29, 2007 @ 06:32 p.m.

Takami happily points to Akira a poster. It is an advertisement - Need all-around help in Club Blue from 6-10pm for 950 yen. Akira says he objects. Takami asks why, what’s the problem, Kawachi [Club Blue owner] is a good guy so she can be at ease when working. Akira says her mother will object. Takami says she will convince her. Akira says, I object. Takami looks at Akira in shock. She angrily looks at him and asks, why. Akira says it is because he won’t be at ease if she would go work alone. Takami angrily shouts he thinks that she will break things, doesn’t he, well, relax, she won’t break anything. Akira says a youngster working so late at night, does she think that is appropriate. Takami says that he has no right to say that because he himself play piano at Club Blue late at night. Akira says that he can play so it is okay. Akira asks if she is listening. [Takami just did the whole introduction thing again so she isn’t listening] Takami insists that if he can work so can she, she will work. At the staffroom of Club Blue, Kawachi tells Takami that she will work every M-W-F from 6-10pm. Kawachi says that she will help him a lot since one of his workers got injured. Kawachi tells her that her duty will be attending to the customers [as in a waitress] Takami shouts, sure, leave it to me. Akira tells Kawachi that he likes a job like Takami’s. Takami asks why does Akira have to work. Akira says didn’t he said earlier that he won’t be at ease letting her work alone. Takami angrily shouts didn’t she also said that there won’t be any problem. Kawachi is very happy as he shouts if Akira would really do this mundane job. Akira says he will. Kawachi welcomes him to do it and he hopes Akira will also serve the customers and play the piano. Takami tries to tell Kawachi to wait [don’t hire Akira] but Kawachi is already rejoicing over the money he will earn since if Akira is there, there would be more customers. Akira smiles at Takami and says he will do his best. Takami can’t believe what Akira just did – I’m not a kid anymore!!

First day of work. A couple of customers goes in Club Blue. Takami shouts, ‘Welcome in!’ Akira says, ‘Welcome in.’ then in a softer voice to Takami, ‘This is not a sushi bar, don’t shout.’ Takami turns around to him as Akira quickly turns away. She goes to serve the customers as she says, thanks for waiting, here is your Caesar’s salad. The woman says that it isn’t what she ordered. Takami is surprised and quickly apologizes. Akira then comes to give the woman the food she ordered. He apologizes and says that this is what she want, Shrimp Ceasar’s salad. The woman blushes and thanks him. Akira then stares at Takami who shouts that she won’t make a mistake again. Kawachi just laughs at them as he cooks. It is already 10:10pm when they left Club Blue. While walking home, Akira says that she almost break a plate. Takami shouts that he is too picky. She is about to say something what Akira did wrong but she didn’t continue it since Akira didn’t do anything wrong. After walking her to her house, Akira bids Takami goodbye and teases her not to break any plates in her house. Takami angrily shouts for him to go home already. Her older [the oldest] brother has already arrive home and pats her head. He tells her why is she saying such words to someone who brought her home. Takami tries to protest.

On Wednesday, Takami greets a couple of female customers who exclaim that it is here, the student-worker Habara [Takami’s surname], that her friend talked about, is very active and cool. They tell Takami that they came there to see her. Takami blushes as she is surprised. She thanks them and quickly looks at Akira. Akira doesn’t look at her as he continues on serving the customers. Takami is angry and she will show him. She then asks the two girls to sit down. They would then ask what dish does she recommend that has shrimps. Takami is caught in surprise then she quickly remembers the dish before and says Shrimp Caesar’s Salad. Akira smiles at her as Takami orders it to Kawachi. While dressing up, Akira notices from the schedule board that next week Takami will be working almost everyday. Takami says it is because Kusunoki cannot come on his duty – Thur-Sat-Sun so Kawachi asks her to take over. Akira says on Thursday her work will be very late so he will also go to work. Takami quickly puts her hand on Akira’s mouth and says no need, it is okay even if she is alone. Takami thought that she wants to make Akira understand that even if she is alone, she can do it. Akira just looks at her as Takami says they should hurry and go home.

Next week’s Thursday at 10:15pm. A guy named Yasue [who also helps at the club] bids Kawachi and Takami goodbye. Then, Kawachi quickly shouts for Yasue to walk Takami home. This surprises Takami as she protests that there is no need for that. Yasue asks if he was called. Kawachi tells Takami that Akira isn’t there during Thur-Sat-Sun [to accompany her]. Takami asks why is he talking about Akira, she isn’t a kid anymore. Yasue asks again if he was called. Takami says it is nothing as she leaves. Kawachi tries to protest but was ignored. Soon, it starts to rain. Takami quickly runs for cover and wait for it to stop. Unfortunately, the rain is getting stronger the longer she waits. She begins to wish for it to stop. She is surprised to see Akira coming with an extra umbrella for her. Akira says he knew this will happen, didn’t she watch the weather forecast. Takami asks what is he doing there. Akira says of course, to accompany you home. Takami apologizes for the hassle as Akira uses his handkerchief to wipe Takami’s wet face. Akira tells her that he already knows that she is doing her best so she doesn’t need to show off. Takami is surprised then starts to blush. She says, I know that. Akira says he didn’t hear that. This made Takami angry and shouts that Akira bumps his umbrella on her. Akira calmly says she is the one who did.

Another week has passed at work then on Friday at 7:45pm. Takami orders one Marguerite and two Volka. Takami wonders why Akira will start working at 8pm. Someone comes in and Takami greets the customer but is surprised that it is Akira who is all dressed up. The customers begin to talk that Akira has arrived and if that good looking boy is Akira. Takami asks why is with that outfit. Akira greets her good evening, sister. Takami thought what do you mean sister. Akira asks didn’t he told her. Takami asks tell her what. Akira says he is going to play the piano. Kawachi already starts to introduce Akira to the audience. A woman customer asks Akira if he can play a song for her. Akira obliges. The woman says, it is John Coltrane’s Say It. Akira plays it and the customers were pleased and comments that Akira is great. They were surprised that Akira is just a third year junior student. Kawachi is happy that Akira is being praised. Takami asks why, she knew that he is going to play only on that day. Kawachi is surprised and apologizes for he thought that she knew and didn’t he mentioned that there will be a ‘performance’ that day. Kawachi apologizes again since Takami looks displeased as she blows air in her cheek – kind of pouting. Takami tells him not to mind her for she is just like that. Takami says Akira didn’t tell her about playing the piano there. Takami begins to wonder if Akira fiercely objects about her working there is because he doesn’t want her there. Kawachi asks what is she saying for today’s performance is written in the board outside so maybe Akira didn’t tell her about it because he thought she already knew. Takami sweatdrops and says is that so. Kawachi says that like Akira, he also agrees why Akira didn’t tell her the reason why [he protest about her working there]. Takami asks what is it.

They were interrupted when two drunk men go in the club while saying this is the third one. Everyone looks at them in surprise. To Kawachi’s surprise, Takami asks if there are only the two of them to be seated. The two drunk men says yup, there are only the two of them. Kawachi tells Takami to let him handle this type of customers. Takami asks why. Kawachi says why are you asking why, she cannot serve two drunken men. Takami tells him that it is okay. She leads the two men to their seat and says if they need anything just call her. As she is about to leave, one of the men holds her wrist. The man says that upon arriving there, he realizes she looks cute. Takami tells the man to let her go. The man asks what time will she be off work, would she like to have a happy time with him. Takami tells the man she isn’t going. The man says that she is quite strong willed and he likes that type of woman. He then tells her that there is a karaoke nearby so let’s go sing there. To Takami’s shock, the man stands up and starts to pull her out to the door. Takami shouts for him to let her go. Takami realizes that a drunk guy can be quite strong as she can’t break free of his hold. Kawachi tries to stop the man. Takami starts to get tense as this isn’t a joke anymore. Akira pours a glass of water on the guy’s head as he pulls Takami to him. Akira tells him that it would be best to cool off his head first. Kawachi tells the man to please leave. The man slaps away Akira’s other hand that is holding the glass and quickly grabs Akira’s collar. The man shouts didn’t he know that they are customers. Akira tells him then why don’t they just quietly eat as customers. The other customers begin to say that they are adults and still doing such embarrassing things. The man gets angry and embarrassed that he quickly goes to the door and shouts he isn’t coming back to that place. His friend shouts for him to wait. Kawachi angrily makes a face and shouts don’t come back.

Akira fixes Takami’s collar and says didn’t I tell you, I won’t be at ease if you are alone, you are a girl, you should realize that. Takami realizes that this is the reason why Akira protest to her working there. Akira continues that Takami should be more careful for she is walking home alone late at night and she should have just let Kawachi handle those kind of customers. Takami apologizes as she realizes that it isn’t about Akira worried about her breaking plates nor it is about not wanting her to go there. Akira sighs and says that it seems that doing his best of wanting her to stay beside him while playing the piano has no meaning. Takami blushes and apologizes again. On the way home, Akira walks ahead of Takami and they haven’t been talking. Takami thought that Akira is always walking her home and she only things she said is ‘go home already’. She realizes that she is too much so she decided to say it. She calls out to Akira. Akira turns around and asks what is it. She is about to thank him but is interrupted by the loud ringing of her mobile phone. It is her mother. Her mother asks why haven’t she arrived home when it is already late. Takami says that she worked overtime. Her mother then confesses that she didn’t tell Takami but the reason why she agreed for her to work so late at night is because Akira called home and told her that he will accompany Takami back home so Takami should remember to thank him. Her mother tells her that she will make a thank you gift for Akira later on. Takami looks at Akira in shock as Akira asks what is it. Takami says it is nothing. She then bows at Akira and shouts her thanks for accompanying her back and forth at work. Akira is surprised. Takami raises up her head and sees Akira smiling. Takami quickly looks away as she blushes. She then asks what does he want as a thank you gift that she will give next time. Akira holds her hand and says that this will be enough. Takami shouts what, that is enough. Akira says didn’t she ask what would he want as thank you gift. Takami sweatdrops but can’t say much about it.

Akira does seem to be a bit overprotective but then over what happened, there is a good reason for it. The way Takami acted here reminds me of when Haruhi of Ouran forgot that she is a girl that she faced some bullies during their beach vacation at Nekozawa’s beach. How nice of Akira to go out of his way to do all these for Takami. Hehe It seems that Akira’s charms are getting through Takami based on how she acted. Hehe It is nice that Takami is humble enough to apologize over what she did and thank Akira for the trouble he has gone through. ^_^ Well, that isn’t a surprise for I’m sure that is one of the reasons why Akira has fallen for her.

Word of the day: We can do great things for the Lord if we are willing to do little things for others. ~ Our Daily Bread

Ouran High Host Club [Chapter 56]
Saturday, October 27, 2007 @ 11:35 p.m.

[Edit: I have changed some minor things since a third scanlation is out and I understand it more. They are even nice enough to put in the English terms of the supposed Kyoto-stuff that Anne mentioned.]

Barbizon, France at 6AM. Inside the car, Kyouya’s bodyguards are waking up Kyouya who wrapped himself around a blanket. Kyouya looks haggard and sleepy. They tell him that it is already morning so he should wake up. Kyouya says that he is already awake. He complains that they shouldn’t wake him up for he haven’t slept, in this cramp car, how could he possibly sleep there. Tachibana says that is why they are telling him to check in a hotel to rest for they have reached Paris to Barbizon yesterday late at night so resting at the hotel until morning won’t be a big deal. Kyouya angrily says what if they missed Tamaki’s mother. They thought but she isn’t the type of woman who would go out in the middle of the night. Kyouya says that the free time for the trip will end that night and they will go back to Japan tomorrow so they cannot waste time. Kyouya puts on his glasses and says, most importantly, if I slept in the hotel, I’m not confident that I will manage to wake myself up on time. Kyouya has low blood pressure and very tired. The bodyguards sweatdrop for Kyouya actually knew himself. Kyouya sighs and says that he is about to reach his extreme limit. He goes out of the car and starts to walk. He complains that his breathing is labored and his body aches, also Hotta snores so loudly the whole night. Hotta is surprised and apologizes. Tachibana asks where is he going. Kyouya says it is too early to ask for directions so he will sleep there. He sleeps on the sidewalk as he tells them to wake him up when the sun is up high. Kyouya has already reach his sleepiness and tiredness limit. Tachibana shouts to Kyouya not to sleep there. As they were trying to wake Kyouya up, a dog comes near them. Tachibana asks if it is Antoinette. They quickly hide behind the car when a woman calls out to it as Hachibee. She tells it not to run too fast. She bends down to Kyouya and says that it is the [youngster] from the other day. When she sees his face, she looks surprised and then she smiles.

In a two floor country-style house, there is some piano music being played. Sleeping on a bed, Kyouya wonders if it is Tamaki who is playing the piano. He overhears some people talking. The woman says, Lawrence [Thanks to Leenie for the name] do you recall this tune, let’s practice this next time. Lawrence says it is such a nice moving music, thanks, Anne Sophie. Kyouya turns around in bed and thought Anne Sophie, where did I hear that before. Lawrence asks Anne, what are you going to do later on. Anne says that she will go to the field. Lawrence says not to overtire herself for doesn’t she have fever occasionally. Anne says it is okay and she will accompany him part of the way. The door closes. After some time, Kyouya wakes up in a startle. He wonders where is he for he thought he heard the name Anne Sophie. He puts on his glasses and walks around. He sees Tamaki’s pictures on the mantle above the fireplace. It includes a picture of Tamaki during the sports festival. Kyouya thought the photos include recent ones. Kyouya is surprise to see a bit dirty looking Anne carrying a basket of potatoes and onions. She asks if he has slept well. Kyouya tries to say, can I ask.. Anne brings the basket in and says even if the streets is quiet, it is still quite dangerous to sleep on the road side even if he is tired when his parents moved to that place. Kyouya says, sorry about that but can I ask.. Anne says look, these are some potatoes and onions that I dug out from our field, are you hungry, I’ll cook something for you. She then tells him to look at the flowers from the courtyard that has opened, aren’t they beautiful. She placed a couple of flowers on a bottle with water. Kyouya is a bit tense and thought isn’t she suppose to be sickly. Kyouya asks about her Japanese [where she learned it] Anne realizes something and says speaking of Japanese, I forgot to ask something important. She happily asks Kyouya if his house has a kotatsu. Kyouya is shock and thought that this seems to be déjà vu.

After eating, Anne looks gloomy and says so Kyoto is Japan’s fairyland is a lie. Kyouya looks tense. Anne is depressed as she says that Goryokaku [star fort in the city of Hakodate in southern Hokkaidō, Japan], Shisa/ lion statues [in Okinawa] and Namahage [is Japanese traditional folkways which is observed throughout Oga Peninsula, Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. Originally it is said to be a ritual for cleansing people's soul, and praying coming year to be a good one] are not from Kyoto. Kyouya explains that Kyoto is currently a tourist cultural city so she shouldn’t be too depressed about it. Kyouya muses that he thought that Tamaki’s nature is inherited from his father but it seems that he also got some [of his nature] from his mother. Anne perks up and says that no matter, knowing it now has increased her knowledge. Kyouya thought that she recovered pretty fast. Anne asks him if he want some more food. Kyouya thanks her for entertaining him but he would just want a cup of tea. Anne obliges as she goes to prepare some tea. Kyouya says it seems that she is living well. Anne asks huh. Kyouya then says he is just worried for he has heard that she is sickly yet she is doing farm work. Anne says it is thanks to moving to that place though definitely, she wasn’t healthy before. She used to live near Paris and there are a lot of maids so she doesn’t need to do much. Then, slowly, her father’s company started to decline. Because of her poor health, in the end, she is forced to abandon her most treasured thing. If I depend on the support from that place and continue on living as I had before, that would be really unforgivable, for someone like me who has sold away my son.

Kyouya is about to protest but Anne smiles and tells him but moving to that place, her health starts to improve. She has been interested in farm life since before. Even if there is a caretaker who comes to check on her, she still want to depend on her own hands to live. During her free time when she isn’t sick, she will teach people nearby how to play the piano. She also have a small field. Her father and other relatives are working hard to bring up their company again even her mother is helping. How can she be at ease that she alone will be living a comfortable life. She cannot even communicate with her son but knowing that he is living well, she is satisfied. Kyouya begins to think about things that there is something fishy about it. He knows that Grantaine family sought help from Suou family but the main reason that Tamaki agrees to the deal is because of his mother’s health condition. Since she is healthy now, shouldn’t things change? I feel a bit unsure about something. In the Suou family, the one with the most power is the president [Tamaki’s grandma]. She had used her son like a chess piece to expand the family’s company to become a strong leader in business and he has been gathering talented people. But behind the president’s back, he doesn’t seem to be respecting all of the president’s wishes for there is a possibility that the director-general and Tamaki’s mother has been communicating with each other secretly. But why not let Tamaki know this. Regarding all this, that person is the main culprit that he calmly agreed to separate Tamaki from his mother. Kyouya’s clenched fist is shaking in anger. What is the director-general thinking? It is as if he is waiting for something. And if he is indeed secretly waiting for something, what is that something? A different scene shows someone handling an envelope to Tamaki’s grandmother. That person says that it is the list of Tamaki’s friends. She looks at the papers and says that he/she is dismissed.

Kyouya is at the door bidding Anne goodbye. He apologizes for the trouble and the food was delicious. Anne says it is nothing and she feels she should apologize for making him listen to her nonsense talk. Anne asks when is he going back to Japan. Kyouya says he will be leaving tomorrow morning. He apologizes to Anne for being nosy but he would want to know, doesn’t she feel hatred that she is forced to abandon her son. If she can hate someone, it will be towards that person [Tamaki’s father], she must have.. Anne says no, because she decided to believe. Kyouya asks believe in that person. Anne says he could say that..she belives that part of her who chose that man. Kyouya is surprised and then laughs. He tells her that they are really alike. Anne is puzzled. Kyouya says with his good friend, just looking at her, he can see his [Tamaki’s] image. Anne blushed and smiled. Kyouya is then greeted back by his bodyguards. Anne goes back to her house and lift up the turned down photo on the mantle. It is a picture of Tamaki with the host club members. With tears in her eyes, Anne happily says I never thought that in such a faraway place, there will be such good friends beside you, Tamaki.

The bell rings. In the third music room, Kyouya smiles and says everyone, come here, it is time to give away souvenirs. Demon king-sama has arrived. Everyone exclaims happily except Haruhi who probably expect she won’t get any and Tamaki who is sulking, faced towards the wall with a paper taped on his back which says Big Liar. Kyouya is happily smiling as he gives out the gifts. He gives the twins the books and magazines they asked for. Kyouya gives Honey and Mori some roasted snacks and stuffed toys. A chick for Mori and a monkey for Honey. Honey calls for Haruhi to come for the monkey doll is hers. He gives Haruhi some chocolates and accessories which he thinks will suit her. Haruhi thanks him as she thought that Kyouya’s smile is scary. Kyouya is deliberately says this to Haruhi make to Tamaki angry as revenge for all the trouble he had endured. Tamaki cries in shock over this. He approaches Kyouya and asks what about his two meter high Eiffel Tower. Kyouya snubs him as Kyouya praises Hikaru’s newly dyed hair that it suits him. Hikaru laughs and says it does, he knew that Kyouya will praise him like that unlike a certain person who didn’t even notice. Tamaki angrily shouts that upon seeing it, he already noticed it, the twins are liars. The twins and the sempai-s look at him angrily and asks, ...liar, who are you referring to? Tamaki cries.

The twins says have you heard of that person has hidden the fact that he didn’t went to the trip and he made such crime-like plans. Honey weeps over not being trusted as friends, it hurts. Tamaki shouts that he has already apologized about that to them yesterday. Tamaki calls out to Haruhi and says that she has forgiven him already else, she wouldn’t have given him some onigiri. Haruhi is surprised by this that she dropped the piece of chocolate that she is about to eat. Haruhi blushes and says, about that.. She quickly goes to the twins and asks what kind of books did they got, can she see them. Tamaki cries over this as the twins were puzzled by Haruhi’s behavior. Hikaru asks what had happened. Haruhi is blushing and looks uneasy as she says it is nothing. Hikaru looks surprised over this. Then, Kyouya says, ah, by the way, I have met a golden haired woman in France. The twins were surprised. Tamaki is just twirling his finger on the wall that he is facing. Kyouya continues, she has a dog that is similar with Antoinette and she said that its sibling is in Japan. Tamaki seemed startled. Kyouya says, she says that everyday, she cannot forget her son who was separated from her and she lives at that side together with the dog and her family member. The others realizes whom Kyouya is referring to.

Honey asks if she is beautiful. Kyouya says she is very beautiful. Hikaru notices that Haruhi is gripping his arm tight as she asks if she is doing well. Kyouya says, yes. Tamaki looks surprised. Kyouya continues she is because she is quite energetic and from time to time, she smiles. She even said that she prays that her son in Japan would be happy and live his own life. The others were touched by that as tears start to form in Tamaki’s eyes. Tamaki says..really, that is good..her smiling face haven’t disappeared..that is good. Tamaki cries as he wipes his tears. Haruhi is also teary-eyed. Later on, Tamaki calls his father regarding what he proposed before, he has already sincerely thought about it. At the director-general office, the secretary asks if he is finished talking on the phone, would he please look at the data. He then noticed that the director-general is slightly smiling with tears in his eyes. At home, blushing Haruhi is holding a seat cushion as she wonders what’s wrong with her. It is so strange for she can’t dare face Tamaki because if she does, her heart will beat so fast. She then realizes that she is holding the seat cushion tight. She quickly goes to bed crying that maybe she caught a cold so she should sleep early. If you want to know what happened regarding Tamaki’s decision, it should be around the turning point when host club ends but then, who know about the future, let’s focus first on host club for that will come a long time after this story.

And so, Kyouya finally finds Tamaki’s mother. She is really like Tamaki as to how they react. I wonder if she influenced him about what he thought of Japan like asking if Kyouya has a kotatsu and wanting to go to Kyoto when Tamaki met Kyouya. It is good to see that his mother is living well as she moved on and trying to support herself. It would indeed be quite ‘unsightly’ for her to live off comfortably with the money used to ‘sell off’ Tamaki. I agree with her decision to work and do what she can. It is nice that his father is keeping in touch with her that he shows through pictures that Tamaki is doing well. Anne took Kyouya in because she recognizes him from the pictures though they both pretend not to know each other. Kyouya has already realizes that Tamaki’s father is up to something but like Anne, I’m sure it isn’t something bad. It is somewhat like momentarily pain for future happiness. Kyouya sees her like Tamaki because they both don’t ‘hate’ people and ‘believe’ in them. Hehe, Kyouya puts revenge first before telling Tamaki his ‘souvenir’ for him. Haha, Kyouya deliberately bought things for everyone except Tamaki. They all love to bully him. Hikaru has noticed that Haruhi is acting strange. Hehe, it seems Haruhi didn’t realize that she has fallen for Tamaki. I wonder what Tamaki’s grandmother is plotting regarding the list of Tamaki’s friends. Anyway, I guess this ends this arc and a brand new one next chapter.

Word of the day:
We can trust our all-knowing God for the unknown future. ~ Our Daily Bread

Koibana! Koiseyo Hanabi [Chapter 1]
Thursday, October 25, 2007 @ 06:24 p.m.

[The scans are a bit small so I can’t read some of the words no matter how hard I squint so I skipped some stuff. ^^;; The Chinese title is Let’s fall in love, Hanabi. For those who didn’t read the preview, this is Nanaji Nagamu’s new manga. Her previous work is Parfait Tic! ]

[Edit: I re-did some parts since I found larger scans]

This spring, I will definitely get into an all-girls school even if I die. Wearing her junior high uniform, Hanabi looks sick as she goes out of her house. Her mother and sisters tell her to let it go, she already has a fever of 42C, so how can she have an exam like that. Hanabi didn’t get pass the pathway from their house because she already fainted near her dog’s house. [I think she has allergies because there is a note saying it is all thanks to sakura] Girls can be said to be cute, beautiful, glittering and noisy, emitting nice shampoo and make-up fragrance. Unlike BOYS! She is now in high school as she prepares to go to school. Talking to her dog, Nanpa, Hanabi asks Nanpa to pray for her. Pray for her good fortune with boys all throughout the day. Her mother shouts for her to hurry and go. Hanabi shouts she will. Her older sister teasingly says, go to boys heaven. Hanabi shouts, it is boys hell. Nanpa narrates that Marui family is mostly of girls – parents and three daughters. Older sister Minato says it is such a waste for usually, one should be really happy about going to an almost all boys school. Youngest sister Anzu says it will be if only Hanabi doesn’t have that – Loathe Boys disease. Hanabi’s mother says that Hanabi is quite problematic and how come she is okay with her father. To her father’s dismay, Hanabi says it is because her father is an old man already so it is okay. Nanpa narrates that it is another day of Hanabi happily goes to high school though it doesn’t know if Hanabi will still have that big smile all throughout the day.

Going to school, 800m, Hanabi is still smiling. 500m, Hanabi is getting uneasy as a few boys are around her. 0m at the school’s hallway, Hanabi is slouching as she walks. There are boys around talking. I tested into this school because of its all-girl class. Nanayo Academy [I invented that –yo part ^^; I can’t find the romanji of the second kanji] has a ratio of 7 boys is to 1 girl in the school. The classes are divided into three specialized classrooms. I Class has four classrooms with all boys. B Class has three classrooms with all boys. L Class has one classroom with all girls. Hanabi is in L Class studying cooking and everyday going to her classroom is so hard and painful for her. While walking, Hanabi tries to tell herself to endure it and she shouldn’t look around so that she will be okay. She then mentally complains over her hell. She can hear offensive voices and they seem to be overly fussy boys. Why does I have to smell that foul odor so early in the morning. What is that? It is like the clothes are half-dried and smell of mold. Note says this is to show to everyone what Hanabi experiences when she is around boys. Hanabi decides to stop breathing to stop smelling it. She closes her eyes. Holding her bag tight as she bends down and continue walking to her classroom. A boy walking with his friend notices her. When he passes by her, he says, your back is like a cat’s back. Hanabi quickly opens her eyes. Blushing, she quickly turns around. What? She is surprised that he smelled of fresh and clean lemon scent when he is a boy. Still walking away from her, the boy’s friend is asking what’s up as the boy says it is nothing. Hanabi gets angry over his comment that her back being like a cat’s. She furiously marches to her classroom and thought that it is the fault of you, boys!

Hanabi finally reaches 1-L. All the girls greet her a good morning. Hanabi cries tears of joy as she shouts that she is finally in girls heaven – her healing garden. The girls laugh and tell her good work for enduring it. This is what happens when Hanabi finally reach the door of her classroom. My ‘disease’ started when I was in Junior High. I started to abhor boys around my school. Even so, I liked a certain guy named Ike. I doesn’t know what reason is but for me, I think that he is beautiful. That is until the summer of that day when we went swimming and I saw the *beep* [hair] on his *beep* [armpits]. Hanabi fainted with foam in the mouth. The end of that romance. From then on, I have loathe boys disease. During cooking class, Hanabi complains to her friends about the boy who said that her back has become like a cat’s. Her chubby friend tells her to forget it and just test what they cooked. Hanabi perks up as she tells her friend that it tastes good. Hanabi has three friends. [I will be using their Chinese names since I can’t find the Jap names or rather they sound weird in Japanese] They are Yuan Shi who likes to cook and eat, Meiyi who dislike being troubled and Xiao Xu who is really close with her boyfriend. Yuan Shi is pleased with what she cooked. Meiyi is going to put some mayonnaise on the salad she made. Xiao Xu is packing food in small plastic containers. That’s the kind of people the four of them are. A girl looks out the window and shouts that I-Class is at the courtyard doing physical labor. All the girls except the four go to the window shouting, I-Class, no way, I-Class is doing craftwork, it’s Uno’s class. Because of the commotion, Meiyi has squeezed too much mayonnaise on the salad. Hanabi and her friends continue on cooking as they didn’t look out the window as the other girls did. Hanabi says that the other girls are really scary. I don’t understand. I couldn’t understand those kind of feelings that everyone else have.

I-Class students are making some benches. The boys are blushing as they knew that the girls from first year are looking at them from above. Glasses guy asks if the girl wearing pretty clothes is there. The other guy says he haven’t seen her. Glasses guy says that girl is really cute. The other guy says he likes smiling girls better, was she a cheerleader. They then asks Chikai what about him, which of the girls in first year does he like. Chikai says except for that girl, aside from her, everyone else is okay. Glasses guy then points upwards and shouts different names of girls. Chikai faces wherever glasses guy points. Glasses guy shouts that it seems that it doesn’t matter whom he calls. Chikai says he is a young healthy boy. Hanabi’s other classmates start to laugh at them as the teacher tells them to come back in. A girl then asks if someone have a ‘something’. [I couldn’t find what the word means or rather it means ‘to carry’ and it doesn’t make sense so I think it is a kind of cosmetics] Hanabi shouts that she has and there are still three kinds inside which she can use. The girl thanks Hanabi as Hanabi tosses her small makeup bag. To Hanabi’s shock, she tosses it too high that it falls out of the window. It hits Chikai’s head. Hanabi quickly looks out the window to see where it landed. The other girls are exclaiming that it is Chikai Uno who got it. Hanabi mentally remembers his name as she shouts for him to return it back. Chikai looks up at her. Chikai starts to feel sick as she is in tears. She quickly hides underneath the window and asks who will get it. I want to disappear... The box is then tossed back to them [probably by Chikai].

It is now school dismissal. Hanabi says that singing will make her forget. Her friend says that loathing guys can be quite troublesome though Hanabi seems to be okay during the opening. Hanabi says she is able to bear it during the opening because she is with them. The girls say every day in the morning, Hanabi will come in the classroom as if she is really happy. Hanabi smiles at them and says, it is because she is indeed happy. She proposes to sing to them as thanks for making her day peaceful. The girls laugh and say there is no need. A girl’s mobile phone starts ringing and the girl answers it. Hanabi then remembers that she left her phone in her apron. Someone asks if she would would accompany Hanabi. Hanabi says it is okay for generally, there isn’t any people in school anymore. Hanabi tells them to go ahead to the same old place. They tell her that they will wait for her there. Hanabi shouts back that she will hurry to catch up to them.

Hanabi decides to take a shortcut which passes behind the L-Class building. She is thrilled to find a small wooded path. Hanabi blushes as she is delighted in finding that pretty small path. She happily strolls and thought that she would return there again next time. She is mentally singing, how beautiful, how beautiful then she freezes. She sees her natural enemy – Chikai walking towards her direction. She thought, furthermore ‘the makeup bag is soft’ – this is a nightmare. Hanabi quickly tries to walk pass him. To her dismay, Chikai calls out to her, hey, what is it? Hanabi thought, wah, don’t talk to me. Hanabi mutters it..it is nothing. Chikai asks what’s with that attitude, is it just incidentally. Hanabi exclaims ha?! She then freaks out that Chikai is too close to her. This made Chikai angry that he holds her face and says, Hey, I’m tell you, none, you don’t have. Hanabi looks at him in surprise and thought, Ha? None? Ha? This lemon scent. An arrow points that it is from Chikai’s chewing gum. She remembers the guy who said her back is like a cat’s. Nevertheless!! A BOY.. Hanabi starts to look sick as she is in tears then her vision fades. To Chikai’s surprise, Hanabi faints while foaming in the mouth. Nanpa narrates, Hanabi, a person cannot avoid boys forever.

Hehe, it turned out that Chikai is a playboy type much like Daiya was. So, Chikai is a bit like a merge of Ichi and Daiya. I don’t quite understand what he is telling Hanabi at the end about that ‘none, you don’t have’. I’m assuming he is telling her not to fall for him or something since I think he meant that other girls in the first year is okay as long as it isn’t that girl and I’m assuming that it is Hanabi. I’ll know for sure by the time chapter two is out. I guess he thought that Hanabi is acting like that only towards him. ^^;; So I kind of think the story is about the romance of a girl who can’t stand boys or rather boys grosses her out and a boy who is the crush of most of the girls and likes girls though doesn’t particularly like her. It will be amusing to know what will happen next. Will she wakes up in the clinic with Chikai looking after her? Would her ‘disease’ be exposed? Hehe, probably, she thought she is dreaming at first. Anyway, it seems Chikai will help her get cured of her ‘disease’. =P About her school, somehow, I think it used to be an exclusive all boys school and has just recently gone coed hence the boys is to girls ratio and the girls are only in freshman.

Quote of the day:
We need not fear life’s dark shadows when we rest under the shadow of God’s wings. ~ Our Daily Bread

Preview from Raws: Ouran High Host Club, Vampire Knight and Penguin Revolution
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 @ 11:35 p.m.

He finally found her in Ouran High Host Club [c. 56]. Sleeping in the car, Kyouya is awaken by the bodyguards to tell him that they have arrived. It is 6am so Kyouya is looking very haggard and sleepy. Kyouya goes out of the car and drops asleep on the doorstep. The bodyguards were about to wake Kyouya up but Hachibee has arrived. They quickly hid as Tamaki’s mother finds sleeping Kyouya on her doorstep. Kyouya is sleeping on bed and wonders if it is Tamaki who is playing the piano. He wakes up and finds himself in a room. He then sees pictures of Tamaki on top of the fireplace and realizes that those are recent pictures. Tamaki’s mother came and happily entertains him. She is all sparkles that I think Tamaki got that trait from his mother. ^^; They then had a very long talk. Kyouya has returned back to Ouran and gives everyone presents except for Tamaki who is sulking as usual. Hikaru noticed Haruhi blushing over something – something related to Tamaki. Then, Kyouya tells Tamaki something. I think it is about his mother as Tamaki is surprised and starts to cry. Haruhi has tears in her eyes. Tamaki would later on tell this to his father who seems to also have tears in his eyes.

Kaname really knows how to give special treatment to Yuuki in Vampire Knight [c. 33]. It starts with a talk among Kaname, the president and Ichiru. After Ichiru left, the president and Kaname talk about something. There is a flashback of a long haired woman who seems to be carrying a baby. Ah, Yuuki’s mom? She seems to be involved with vampires. That night, Yuuki is restless as she wakes up in a startle from her nightmare - a bloodied hand reaching to her. Yuka comforts her as Yuuki is holding her head. The next morning, Yuuki and Yuka go out of the dorm. She sees Zero and to her surprise, Aidou and others. Kain even address her as Yuuki-sama. Yuuki freaks out as they all accompany her to school. In the classroom, Zero is saying something to Yuuki while Aidou is waiting outside as bodyguard. Then, some talk between Aidou and Yuuki probably about why she is treated that way. Yuuki goes outside to see Kaname sitting on some cushions near a tree with a table set up for them. He is reading a book then greets her when he saw her. She sits beside him embarrassed and then some more talk again. That night, Yuuki looks sick again as if having a nightmare. Ichiru says something to Zero which surprised Zero. After Ichiru leaves the room, he is holding a small bottle with liquid inside. The last scene is of Senri/Rishi in a car with Ichijou. Rishi has a coffin locked in chains beside him as he smiles.

In Penguin Revolution [c. 33], Ryou dries up Yukari then notices a script on the staircase. The president is then shown in some sort of hologram as he congratulates them and also Ayaori who just arrives. They follow the pathway as they read the script something about a king and a woman. Then, they arrived in the castle that Yukari found before. They go into hot springs. What the other actors are doing is also shown. Yukari then thinks of things like when she and her father is moving places and wonders about Ryou and his mother. After a brief talk between Ryou and Ayaori, they heard some guys talking about something that they hurriedly went to the female hot springs, worried about Yukari. Yukari is just about to open the door and she punches them for trying to go in. Yukari then pats Ayaori’s head as Ryou realizes something that Ayaori said earlier then starts to blush all over. The next morning, they are having breakfast in a hall as the president is greeting everyone. Others are gloomy over what they just experienced. The president starts to narrate I think over the roles as Ryou is looking very pleased. Yukari blushes, probably because she is also happy. To her surprise, Ayaori then stands up and starts to leave the place. Ayaori says something that surprised Yukari as Ayaori closes the door on her.

Well, like before, detailed summaries will be up when Chinese scans are out. ^_^ Scans are from BW forum. Argh, it’s late already since I was waiting for the scans to be uploaded and Penguin Revolution is the last one uploaded among the other Lala series. ^^;

Quote of the day:
The secret of patience is doing something else in the meanwhile ~ Author Unknown

The One [Chapter 40]
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 @ 12:42 p.m.

Lele is already nosebleeding while she still watches on the telescope of Eros takes off his t-shirt. It isn’t over yet as Eros starts to unbutton his pants and unzipped it. Lele falls over nose bleeding on the floor. There is a short eulogy of how Lele died an early death over a guy. Eros lights a cigarette and starts to smoke as he looks out the window. Lele is back up and still looking at him over the telescope. ^^;; She begins to wonder why is Eros is in that apartment, could it be that he is Leo’s neighbor. Lele then notices the scar on Eros lower right abdomen. She is shock by it and thought isn’t that a bullet-wound scar. Just then, Leo arrives with some stuff. He asks Lele if she has seen it. He tells her not to tell it to anyone and don’t let Eros know that he is spying on him. Lele looking a bit pale as she asks Leo what kind of person is Eros for why would he have a bullet wound. Leo is surprised and asks if she has seen it. Lele nods and says she did. She then asks, could it be that guy is some pervert assassin. Leo falls down and shouts for her not to randomly guess such a thing for his prince won’t do those kind of bad things.

While preparing something to drink for the two of them, Leo tells Lele that he doesn’t know of Eros’ past but he do know that Eros is really a good guy. Even if Eros is cold to people, his heart is really warm. It could be said that he [Leo] is in the fashion industry as a stage coordinator because of Eros. Leo starts to tell Lele as to how he met Eros. When Leo was young, his crude physical appearance and delicate behavior doesn’t match. When he was teased, he almost beat up a guy to death that made his family and friends afraid of him. Then, he decided to be more strict with himself but he still is easily angered that his student life is quite turbulent – likes to fight others. After graduation, he start to work in the fashion industry and that is when he met Eros. Lele then realizes that Leo is younger than Eros. Leo pouts and tells her that he is only 21 years old, two years younger than Eros. Lele is embarrassed for she thought he is around 30 years old already. Continuing with his story, Leo tells her that when he saw Eros, he was demonstrating a catwalk and Leo is very impressed that he wondered why Eros didn’t become a model. It is when Eros is directing the models and his eyes sparkling as if he is deserving of his position is when Leo came to admire Eros. But at that time, Leo still doesn’t know what he wants to do nor know what he can do. He is helping carry a pillar props when a couple of guys are laughing at him as he carried the pillar with his pinkie fingers up. He started to beat up the guy and even carry him up as he is angered for being teased. He likes fashion yet he can’t wear those dresses that models wear. He doesn’t think he will be satisfied by being a fashion designer. He only have this brute strength. As the two guys quickly left, tears fell from Leo’s eyes which always happen when he got into a fight.

A guy angrily reprimanded Leo for going wild and hurting people. He shouts that Leo not to come back the next day. Eros overheard this and asked the guy is he planning on ruining the opening day. Eros told the guy that they are already short on people and such a huge guy can be quite useful. Eros tells Leo to follow him. Eros gives him a huge catalogue book and tells him to look through it then help the models in picking the clothes, shoes, and accessories to match and when they go out to the runway, it would also be Leo’s responsibility. Leo is a bit surprised when Eros tells him that he will give Leo free-rein as to what he want to do with the models for he thinks that is what Leo can do. Leo realized that Eros knew that he likes to comment about what people wear if they match or not. A scene of Leo pushing some wardrobe and noticed a model. He reprimands the model of her style of her belt not a match with her hat and scarf. Then, looking at the runaway, Leo would criticize how a model walks and if he is a girl, he can walk better. It turned out that Eros is observing Leo and from then on, Eros didn’t let Leo go. Back to present, Leo tells Lele that it is thanks to Eros that he has a lot of opportunity to learn because of that work that now he follows Eros. He has become successful and if it is Eros’ fashion show, he will gladly train models for him. Lele claps her hands as she praises Leo’s ‘ladder to success’.

Lele asks didn’t Eros tell him anything about himself since they knew each other for a long time. Leo says he only knows that Eros starts working in the fashion industry around the age of 10 with his step father, Taylor. He heard that Angus is brought up by his stepfather from Sweden. The twins met each other when they were already 18 years old. Lele says that maybe Angus is brought up by a rich man that he seems the type who likes to play around. The two of them looks the same but their temperaments are really different. Leo is surprised that Lele also realized it. Leo says compared to Angus, Eros is quite deep and suave that it seemed as if a part of his lifetime is quite painful and the bullet-wound on his body is a proof of it. Lele asks does he think Angus knew about it. Leo says that he thinks Angus doesn’t know for Angus would always complain that Eros doesn’t want him to be too close to him. Even when they met each other, Eros doesn’t agree to let Angus live with him. Leo thinks that it is because Eros is hiding something. Leo tells Lele that they should pretend that they didn’t know for he doesn’t want to pry on Eros’ painful thing. He is satisfied just watching at Eros from the window. From the window, Eros seems to notice something. Someone rings the doorbell and the door is open. It is Angus with a new haircut. He greets, Hi, I’m back.

So, Lele now knows of Eros’ scar. I think she might treat him a bit differently next time they meet upon knowing that. I think it is after that incident - of being shot - then, Eros is adopted by Taylor. Eros doesn’t seem ready to tell his twin what happened at that time. Most of this chapter is basically how Leo succeeded in the fashion industry. I wonder if he will give some tips to Lele to help her become famous. About Leo’s peeping, I don’t think through the window on a telescope qualifies as something as just want to watch Eros. Talk about no privacy. ^^; From the flashback, I think Eros somehow knew that Leo is gay being the intelligent guy he is. I mean Eros overheard him saying that he can walk better than the model. I guess this is a reason why Eros approve of Leo taking care of Lele for Leo won’t be doing anything bad to Lele. However, I don’t think Eros knew that Leo likes him. If he knew, I wonder if Eros will start avoiding Leo especially if he knew that Leo is peeping on him. Now, Angus is back. I’m surprised he cut his hair. I guess the author won’t be pulling that mistaken twin incident like before and I’m not complaining. I can’t wait to see how he will react when he learns that Lele is in New York.

Thought of the day:
Life's up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals - Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want ~ Marsha Sinetar

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, D. Grayman, Reborn and Gintama
Monday, October 22, 2007 @ 01:40 p.m.

Nel transform into a centaur with a lance in Bleach [c. 296]. Nnoitra got hit. Meanwhile, Peshe jumps down the caterpillar and manages to wound Aporro to Renji’s shock. Peshe says his weapon is like Ishida’s that materializes by using spirit particles. Aporro calls out his giants but Dondo takes out a club from his mouth and sends them flying. Peshe tells Aporro not to underestimate them just because he defeated them once. They have trained harder and created a new type of cero. Peshe and Dondo simultaneously make a cero to attack Aporro. Nel tells injured Nnoitra that it is over though she won’t take his life. To everybody’s shock, Nel goes back to her chibi form. Nel seems back to have amnesia as she asks what happened that Nnoitra quickly steps on her head and laughs out loud. He shouts are you finished playing, Nel. Well, it seems that Nnoitra didn’t have to release his zanpaku as Nel went back to chibi form. I guess it isn’t good not to inform Nel to train while outside and it is her subordinates who become stronger in the hope of protecting her. Nel is in big trouble so Peshe and Dondo better go where she is quick. I doubt Ichigo can do something as he isn’t healed yet.

Jiraiya prepares to summon more powerful frogs so he asked the one he summoned to buy some time in Naruto [c. 375]. Pein then goes invisible. Jiraiya uses a kekkai to know his location so Pein changed his summoned monster into a dog which multiplies when attacked. Jiraiya then wonders why does Pein just kept on using summoning techniques when he was able to master many other techniques when he was young. Just when a buffalo type beast is about to finish off Jiraiya, he gets the other frog to go back and became powerful with the help of two more frogs whom Jiraiya calls boss. From the shadow, it seems that the two frogs has merged into his body specifically on his shoulders as Pein looks surprised. Mm..I noticed that the black nail-things on Pein’s face is also on his summoned beasts. Okay, I’m not sure if it is just one beast or he just summons different ones. I begin to think that someone experimented on him or he is just into pain. ^^;; I guess each separate bodies he has are for each different technique. I wonder if Pein’s original body has ‘passed away’ that he has to rely on different bodies.

Brook claims to be okay just because he drank some milk in One Piece [c. 475] but the others don’t believe and just want to use the salt that Brook has to defeat Odz. They start to attack Odz again as Odz is getting better with a little help from Moria’s coaching. Franky got beaten and is about to be finished but is saved by Nami’s thunder attack. Because of Sanji calling out to Nami, Odz has noticed Nami. They thought that Odz won’t hit her since she is faraway but to their shock, Odz has stretched. Robin saves Nami from falling as Usopp got Franky back to their side. Moria laughs at them as Zoro thinks that Moria did something. Odz is now really like Luffy. Meanwhile, Luffy is being held on by some pirates from Lola’s group. They told him that they know the secret of Moria’s power and they are going to give him a strong power to defeat Moria. Mm..I wonder that that is. I guess it will be up to Luffy to save the others.

D. Gray-man [c. 133] starts with what happened before the ark is restored. Allen is surprised that he is able to play the piano just as Cross and the shadow told him he could. While playing, Allen’s eye mark changed. Cross then tells him to put in his wish so that the ark would be granted. Allen remembers his talk with Komui before over the celebration after this is all over. Allen shouts that he wants his nakama back so ark don’t disappear. Cross rejoices over his victory as everything went back to normal. Since Rinali is worried about Allen, Cross tells Allen to make a door so that they can go to the room. Allen is then reunited with Cross and Rinali. Rinali is relieved to see that he is okay. Allen is angrily looking at Cross and is about to ask about the piano piece when they were interrupted by Rabi’s shouting, it is time to eat. It turned out that Rabi is randomly shouting it is time to eat and all sorts of food to lure Allen out to him. Allen and Rinali are happy to see him and Chaoji alive. Cross said that they were just in a dimension rift so if the ark returns, they are alive. Allen is gloomy for he thought they were dead as Cross tells him that he just misunderstood him. Allen tries to shout that they are in the room but Rabi can’t hear him. Rabi then realizes that if they are alive then Kanda and Crowley should also be alive. Rabi is about to shout that Kanda’s underwear is. But Kanda has already arrived where they are. He is carrying unconscious Crowley. Rabi revises his shout by shouting bean sprout [Allen] to come out. Allen angrily shouts who is he calling bean sprout. They heard him as Kanda tells them that bean sprout’s voice comes from above them. Allen shouts that his name is Allen. Crowley even murmurs Elizalde’s name. Rinali is crying that everyone is safe as the others were still arguing. So, everything turns out okay. In this whole long arc, Rinali still haven’t able to do something about her innocence. Maybe when they return, they will be able to do something about it. I do wonder if they can get Cross back to go with them.

Irie laments that another one from the past has came to the future in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 166]. He then learns that Glo is seriously injured from a fight in Kokuyo land. Byakuran then contacts him and tells him he doesn’t know what happened but it seemed Glo went there on his own. They decided to communicate personally for their line might be tapped. Irie wonders who told Glo to go to Kokuyo land so he wants to go see Glo. Back to Tsuna’s group, they got a communication from an assassin group. Obviously, that is Varia. The first thing they hear is a loud shout from Squalo who proceeds to insult them as stupid and garbage. ^^; Squalo tells them not to go out of their headquarters no matter what even if they were afraid about what will happen outside. Reborn realizes that he meant what happened in Kokuyo land. Bel appears and tells them to just wait for a simple message from someone. Squalo gets angry from being interrupted that he ends up fighting with Bel. The last thing Squalo said was that it would be nice if they can meet in that world so they should stay alive. The communication then got cut off. Takeshi muses that they haven’t changed. Then, Ryohei arrives with unconscious Chrome and owl. At the hospital, Irie is surprised to find Glo fully damaged as the nurse said that his jaw is broken or something that he can’t talk. Glo tries to mentally talk to Irie but obviously it failed when Irie tells him he will know why Glo went to Kokuyo one day but Glo should be ready since he rebelled against them. Glo gets angry calling Irie stupid for he was the victim of a trap and there is a traitor within the group. Glo tries to tell Irie that he must realize the souvenir that he has left.

Back at the base, Kyoko is delighted to see her brother. Ryohei tells them that he came from Varia though he forgot the message they gave him. Fortunately, he wrote it down. He starts to become uneasy and tells them there is a nice sumo fight in Italy. Kusa, Hibari’s representative, tells Tsuna that Mukuro is in the box and they should investigate it. Tsuna says since it is Chrome’s stuff, they shouldn’t mess with it. Kusa thought that Tsuna has already accepted Chrome as his nakama. Chrome is sleeping on a bed with tubes attached to her, probably IV, as Bianchi puts her clothes and stuff in a basket. Binachi feels sorry for Chrome for other than her wounds, Chrome haven’t eaten for some days. When Kyoko and others left to prepare the meals, Ryohei tells him that the 10th ordered him to go to Varia then that is when the Vongola hunting started. He learned from Varia that the 10 years past of themselves will be coming there. Some of the members didn’t believe it. He also tells them that Dino’s group is still alive. Upon learning of their existence, they drew up a battle plan. They decided that in 5 days, they will attack the Milfiore branch in Japan. Everyone is surprised by this. Meanwhile, inside Chrome’s bag, there is some gadget inside. Glo mentally thought that Irie should realize this for with it, they can investigate where their [Vongola] hideout is. So, it came to which group will attack first. If Milfiore found out of the bug first or the 5 days is over and Vongola attacks first. It seems that they are in good terms with Varia again. Well, internal disputes tend to end when there is an external threat. Typical of mafia, there are betrayals and plots. Hehe

Gin hits Kyojirou as a return gift for what he got before in Gintama [c. 186]. Kyojirou then tells him that he no longer has anything to protect and the yakuza there are not his allies for they all want to be the boss of the group. They are now after his life. A flashback around the time when the boss got his son back from the clothing shop. Yu Chang shouted that he doesn’t want to inherit the group for he wants to live his own life and doesn’t he have Kyojirou already who is smart and strong, who is more important than him. This made boss angry that he hit his son. Yu Chang got angry and hid in the storehouse. The boss is coughing blood as he told Kyojirou to laugh at him if he wants that he can’t even deal with his own son. That night, Kyojirou forced himself in storehouse only to find Yu Chang dead. Yu Chang has hanged himself. Kyojirou decided to keep Yu Chang’s death to himself so that boss won’t be heartbroken and tells the others that he was the one who killed Yu Chang. They will hide the truth from the boss who is going to die soon anyway. Back to the present, Kyojirou is fighting the other yakuza as he thought that he is now satisfied for he has protected the truth from the boss until the end and his duty is over. To Kyojirou’s surprise, Gin helps him.

Gin explains that he isn’t going to let Kyojirou die there for he has to live and give flowers on the boss’ grave. Gin shouts that he isn’t going to let the boss’ son [Gin is already treating Kyojirou as the boss’ son] die there for he is going to accompany him to the old man’s grave as what the boss as a client had asked him to do – bring his son to him. He is holding Kyojirou while beating the yakuza but Kyojirou is fatally stabbed. It starts to rain as Gin tells bleeding Kyojirou to hang on for he is going to call a doctor. Kyojirou says it is useless and just let it be. Gin praises him for being able to protect something until the end. Gin then help carry him to the old man’s grave. Gin slightly smiles as unconscious Kyojirou is leaning on the tombstone with a smile on his face. Geez, such a depressing ending yet it is a good ending for he is united with the boss who is like a father to him. But still...sigh. Well, Gin did fulfill the boss’s request.

Quote of the day:
Every parting is a form of death, as every reunion is a type of heaven. ~ Tryon Edwards