#glad oda learned from it at least

[hccupit]

Could you also upload that trans one piece timeline? It’s pretty neat!

sure !

if you ever wanted to get into one piece as a trans person, especially if it's for specific characters you've seen, heres a timeline of trans representation and how it's handled lol (as vague and spoiler free as possible)

#one piece #transgender #transphobia cw #it really goes from well intentioned but slighly misguided #to very bad and problematic #to really good and positive #the worst parts are brief in the grand scheme though but its something that helps to be prepared for #glad oda learned from it at least

[selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs]

Oh, this fun October!

Self-Aware! BSD Characters x GN! Reader

Description: BSD's Cast First Halloween in real world! Full of cute moments. You are sure, that you will enjoy this Halloween as much as them.

Fluff

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Warning: OOC. English is my second language.

____

Pumpkin

You walked inside the kitchen, looking unamused. The room was cowered in pumpkin pulp.

In the middle of the room sat the reason for the whole mess.

Akutagawa was clutching the pumpkin remains in his hands. Rasenmon was hovering above him, its maw was covered in orange pulp.

You left him for one minute. And now, only two pumpkins from seven were left.

You rub your forehead.

"What did I tell you?"

Akutagawa looked a tiny bit guilty. Just a little. Somewhere deep inside him, Ryunosuke regret not listening to you. Probably.

"Don't use my ability for pumpkin carving."

"And what did you do?"

"Used it. It's faster that way."

Akutagawa looked at the mess he created.

"Just let me get hold of it."

Rasenmon strike forward remaining pumpkins.

***

At the end, Oda and kids will do the carving. As for Ryunosuke's pumpkins... Well, backed pumpkin is delicious.

Ryunosuke wasn't good with pumpkin carving.

But, he is good at cutting food. At least, cutting pumpkin.

______

Leaves

You were carrying red maple leaves in your hand. Red, orange and yellow leaves were crunching under your feet.

Shibusawa, dressed in kimono, was looking near you. He was twirling a single maple leaf in his hands.

"Sorry, if it's not that interesting." spoke you, looking at Shibusawa. He smiled at you.

"Don't worry, [Y/N]. It is interesting." Shibusawa looked up. "This autumn full of imperfections... And it makes it so perfect. So interesting."

Shibusawa looked at you again.

"I heard, that there is a kiosk, where you can buy pumpkin latte. Let's buy some."

He walked further down the road.

You hummed and walked after Shibusawa.

_______

Tea party

You breathe in the tea aroma. Golden, warm liquid looked magnificent.

You taste it.

"Mm! Apple Cinnamon tea. You outdid yourself, Ivan!"

Ivan smiled, drinking some of his own tea.

"I am glad, that you liked it, [Y/N]."

For a few minutes, you two enjoy the warm drink with some bubliks¹.

Warm tea was perfect for October. Especially, if you are drinking it with a friend.

_______

Candy apples

"Ranpo, for the future reference, never try to make candy apples again." sigh you, trying to tear off the caramel-coated apple from Ranpo's forehead.

Detective just waved his hand and took a bite from the apple you already removed.

"Come on, [Y/N], it's not like it was completely my fault! You opened the door when I had the plate with caramel apples in hands. You startled me and made me drop apples on me."

You licked some caramel off your fingers and tear another caramel apple from Ranpo's cheek.

"Yes... But you were the one, who added so much caramel, that apples are practically became coated in thick sphere. And you are the one, who start carrying apples before caramel hardened."

Ranpo only tool another bite.

_______

Moonlight

The moonlight was bright tonight.

Under the moonlight, fully transformed Atsushi was running. Magnificent white tiger was fast.

And you were riding on his back.

It was a spontaneous decision, but, after learning, that Atsushi manage to fully control his tiger form, you proclaimed, that you want to ride on his back.

That's why you two were here.

Atsushi stopped running and start slowly walking.

You gently scratch behind his ears.

White tiger huffs.

______

Fog

Fog was heavy. So heavy, you could barely see your fingertips. Thankfully, Herman Melville was with you.

Old man was skillful in navigating through the fog. With small compass in his hand and will your phone's flashlight, you two manage to navigate through the woods near your house.

The road were destroyed because of the rain, so you two need to walk through the woods.

Soon you will be home.

______

Haunted

The screams of terror were coming from the "House of Horrors".

A few minutes later, Nikolai walked outside the attraction, whistling a cheerful tune.

Soon, people and actors start running away from the attraction.

He was holding your left hand. In your right hand, you were holding cotton candy.

Nikolai grinned.

"It was fun, Birdy, isn't it?"

You took a bite from your cotton candy. At first, Nikolai didn't like the "House of Horrors". So, he decided to join actors into scaring people. In his own way.

"Yea. Especially, when you pretend to be sewn in half by a fake saw... You didn't..."

Nikolai immediately stopped you.

"Ketchup and red paint, don't worry, [Y/N]. So... To the next attraction?"

You nodded and Nikolai start leading you to the next ride.

______

Black cat

You turned your back on one second and Fukuzawa was already done. How you could lose him? Where did he go?

You start searching for him through the nearest shops.

You found him in the pet shop.

Local animal shelter decide to show some of their animals, dressed in Halloween themed costumes, in hopes, that they will be adopted.

Fukuzawa, man, who was almost two meters tall, was cradling a small black kitten, that was dressed as a bat.

"Good little bat..."

It was so strange to see Fukuzawa, whose expression remains stern, tickling kitten's chin.

But... Should you really take the kitten?

***

On your way back, kitten was held against Fukuzawa's chest.

_____

Spider

It was in your house...

It was terrible...

It was awful...

The spider crawl at your direction. You jumped on the nearest person and hold to them for dear life.

"DAZAI, KILL IT!"

Dazai himself looked uncomfortable.

"I don't want to touch it!"

Spider crawl closer.

Dazai, with you on his back, jumped on the nearest person.

_____

Few jumps later

______

"CHUUYA! KILL IT!"

"And how do you expect me to do it?" asked Chuuya, who, somehow, still was standing, despite the fact, that you, Dazai, Kirako, Higuichi, Pushkin and Q hung on him like grapes on a branch.

***

Tetchou was the one, who killed the spider, while Tachihara and Teruko tried to make all of you let go of Chuuya.

______

Rats

"When I was little, I start feeding some rats from the alley, that I passed on my way to school. Soon, they start bringing me little gifts. Rocks, twigs, old paper. But, one day, they brought me money. So, I gave them better food. Rats quickly learned, that if they want good food, they need to bring me money... So, Fyodor, do you think, I could train a new rat pack to bring me something good? I have a sandwich" asked you, leaning towards Fyodor.

He pinched your nose.

"Stop it. Cake is for tomorrow's party. I won't steal you a piece of it. Even if you give me a sandwich."

You stuck out your tongue.

"You are no fun."

Fyodor chuckled and patted your head.

"Let's go, Al Capone from National Geographic Channel, let's play checkers."

_____

Vampires

Today, everyone woke up because of loud noises and sounds of something being thrown around in the library.

A quick check up reveals, that it was probably Bram. No one see Count Stoker since yesterday.

Or you were being robbed.

You (because, if it is Bram, you could calm him down) and Fukuchi (because if it is a robbery, he will calm thieves down), enter the library.

For the next ten minutes everything was quiet.

Then you opened the door. You looked slightly angry.

"Okay. Confess immediately. Who in the world gave Bram "The Twilight Saga" and called it a good book about vampires?"

____

Party

The party was a blast.

Pumpkin lanterns were lit.

Everyone was wearing costumes.

Kenji, Q, Elise, Kyouka, Katsumi, Kousuke, Sakura, Shinji and Yu just returned from trick or treating and were showing, what they got.

Food was delicious. Drinks were refreshing.

You heard Kaji's voice.

"Hey, everyone, the camera is ready! Gather around!"

You were stuck in the middle of the photo, surrounded by all of your friends. You were holding Karl in your arms, Ayatsuji's cats were sitting near your legs and Fukuzawa's new kitten was sitting on Fukuzawa's head. Kaji continued.

"Okay. On three. One, two, three..."

All of you, together, exclaimed.

"HAPPY HALLOWEEN!"

And another group photo was taken.

____

¹Bublik (also booblik or bublyk; Russian: бублик, tr. búblik, plural: bubliki; Ukrainian: бублик, romanized: búblyk) is a traditional Eastern European bread roll. Like a bagel, it is a ring of yeast-leavened wheat dough, that has been boiled in water for a short time before baking.

#self-awarebsd #self-awareau #bungou stray dogs au #bsd #bungou stray dogs #bsd anime #bsd x gender neutral reader #gender neutral reader

[purplehairedwonder]

Chapter 1057: In the End (It Doesn’t Even Matter)

No regrets for the Linkin Park lyric in the title. (RIP Chester.)

Well, it’s happened. Wano is officially over. I have some mixed feelings on how this final chapter plays out.

So, let’s start with the elephant (or wolf? considering his DF) in the room: Yamato decides not to leave Wano with the Straw Hats.

I’ve made no secret of the fact I’m not a Yamato fan, so on a personal level, I’m relieved he’s not joining the crew. Plus, the fact his DF is of the guardian deity of Wano was a flashing neon sign that he would probably stay as well as the way he was with Momo for basically the entire raid connects him to Wano. 

But on a storytelling note, this is such a strange choice for a few reasons. 

First, it seems like every third sentence Yamato has said is about wanting to go to sea and wanting to join Luffy. What was the point of all that build up if Yamato decides to stay -- and the conversation he has with Luffy about it is off-screened!

Second, in hindsight, what is the point of the character at all? One of the reasons I wasn’t a big Yamato fan was his late entrance to the story and sudden screen time despite... not really doing all that much. But if he joins the Straw Hats, there’s at least some kind of payoff to that. 

With Yamato staying behind, well, you can remove him from the story and very little actually changes. The functions he does perform, like help hide Momo or delay Kaido, could have been performed by myriad other characters. That’s panel space that could have been given to a lot of other interesting plotlines that were going.

I don’t doubt we’ll be seeing Yamato again before the end -- maybe with Pluton? -- but for now, everything surrounding this character’s portrayal has been... odd.

Then we get Momo’s farewell to Luffy. The Straw Hats head to the port in the last chapter without saying anything to Momo or Kin’emon, and they’re both upset about this.

(Side note: I think too much space was spent on flashbacks to other moments in the manga; this would be a great place for the anime to flesh out but to save page space in the chapter.)

Something that makes zero sense to me is that everyone left without saying anything to Momo or Kin’emon but then Luffy says they’ve been waiting so they could give Momo their flag? 

Why would they be waiting if there was no way to know if Momo would realize they’d left before they actually set off?

Luffy’s response is just “we’re meeting now, aren’t we?”

Zero sense.

Still, this is a great panel. Luffy is truly an Emperor. He’s come so far from that barrel in the East Blue.

And Momo’s tearful farewell. Despite his adult body, he’s still a boy and is going to miss his hero. I’m glad we got such a lovely farewell for a character who has been with us for so long.

Sticking with the Kozuki, we see the story of the raid being told to the people of Wano with some dramatic flourishes. Hiyori gets a lot of focus (ironic considering how she was sidelined).

This panel is absolutely gorgeous...

But that is a weird message. I get the parallel to the “I am Oden, and I was born to boil” catchphrase but switching from Oden’s first name to the Kurozumi clan name and saying they were born to burn when the Kurozumi had been persecuted for the actions of a few, leading to festering hatred in people like Orochi and Kanjuro, and making it a motto for people to cheer along to...

Feels like lessons were not learned.

ANYWAY. Poor Raizo didn’t get the same glow-up that Shinobu did from Greenbull’s attack, and that makes makes the latter turning tall and thin even worse. Oda, c’mon.

AND. Saving the best for last: the departure of the crews. 

The Straw-Heart alliance is over (I cry), and Law continues to be tsundere AF.

Law:

Everyone else:

Side note: I love Nami’s outfit here.

But we can’t end Wano without one final round of Captain Trio shenanigans. I never get tired of the way these three bring out the chaos demons in each other.

This gave me a flashback to the Sabaody auction house. Even the sound effect is the same for Luffy and Law.

Some things never change XD

The ships going over the waterfall is a great panel.

Dumbasses, all three of them.

Get you a man who can do both?

I love this trio so much. I miss them already.

So, that’s it for Wano. Gotta say, somehow it was both rushed and slow, stretched and overfull. I feel like Oda may have bitten off more than he could chew with the scope here, and the rushed ending was the result. Lots of good stuff but also a lot of questionable things as well.

And now... hopefully we’ll see more about what’s happening around the world. 

#Yamato #Kozuki Momonosuke #Kozuki Hiyori #Kin'emon #Monkey D. Luffy #Trafalgar Law #Eustass Kid #One Piece #One Piece chapter 1057 #One Piece 1057 #One Piece spoilers

[mega-ringsandthings-world]

Ahh! Well that be glad for I also love talking about this au! And I have some many questions!

So Mihawk activates armament on their way out? Any chance, since he doesn’t know how armament works, he uses it in such a way that it’s like, well shit, I don’t know enough about armament to say that can't work, and then he does something fucking crazy with it? Like how Sanji lights himself on fire or Zoro creates several other body parts? Like it’s an extension of your will—why should it be limited when your ambition isn’t?

Thoughts on tattoos? The boys could get them to cover up scars or other forced tattoos or brands. Also, will Mihawk dress less exposed in this AU? Maybe in the beginning of their escape, slightly ashamed of his scars, a bit self-conscious or at people looking at his body, developed body dysphoria from all the torture--the scars could trigger memories maybe? Maybe as they heal more slowly, he starts to stop covering up as much as he does? I don't know. Shanks would be just as much of a disaster when it comes to clothes as his older counterpart, and you know, for those first few years of freedom and being able to wear whatever they want, they'd either A. Freak out over all the choices now that they have them. Or B. Wear some of the most outlandish stuff, which from One Piece probably makes everyone shrug and go, "Yeah, they can slaughter a whole Marine base without breaking a sweat; we don’t give a shit what they wear." I still want to write/draw Shanks clothes covered in Mihawks embroidery projects though.

Oh yeah, wanna bet about how absolutely terrifying and confusing freedom is for them once they get out? For two years, they had a routine, had their life structured, and even if it was horrible, it was a predictable type of horrible. Do you think they sometimes lie awake at night wishing they could go back and then hating themselves for thinking it? And are absolutely confused with stuff like shopping and human interaction that’s beyond fighting, faked complacency, and/or trauma-bound?

Do they freak out grocery shopping and walking in a crowd? Does Mihawk forget how to act human, and all the refined intricacies that are no longer muscle memory? Does Shanks refuse to talk to anybody who isn’t Mihawk for a good long while? Like if he talked to anyone else, it was probably interrogation or something worse? Are they confused by normal everyday things that they used to understand, but now it just doesn't make sense? Do they do things in public or around people that were fine when captured but are completely faux pas or uncomfortable to see in public?

Anyway, healing sucks, and learning to rejoin society and not try to kill everyone who so much as looks at you wrong will probably take a long time for them, like a soldier rejoining from the army or an inmate getting out of prison. And I've read and watched a lot of interviews from soldiers and former prisoners, and one of the things you can spot after you get out is another prisoner or soldier. Do you think the Loguetown kidnapped can just spot each other across a crowded room? Can they just look and go, "Yeah, them. I know that general vibe?"

Are their conversations then from their perspective reminiscing while everyone else is like, "Uhh, that's torture, you all were tortured? And your wistfully looking off into the sunset thinking about it?”

Like a conversation can go— "And man, food, Oda Christ! When we first got out and I had a peach again, I thought I'd fucking die, man. But then, sometimes, it's like the food is too much? You know what I mean? Like too much flavor and color and choices and health and shit? Like, we can't just eat chocolate all the time, and while gruel was disgusting, it at least kept us in top shape, ya know?"

"Oh my god, man, I totally get it. Sometimes I'll just be sitting, wondering why I'm hungry, and then remember, 'Oh yeah, I actually have to make my food now,' and like, food is just so much, man. I miss the gruel sometimes." And everyone, like staring at them, talking about getting their teeth pulled out like it was the good old times and not deeply horrifying.

Keep 'em coming, lol! Both Mihawk and Shanks discover their full haki while escaping/shortly after escaping. There's some amount of discourse on this, but I'm planning for Mihawk to use his Armament haki to turn Yoru black. Or more black. Haki (and armament haki's black color )wasn't a thing yet when Yoru was shown to be black, so Yoru is technically a black blade with no influence of haki, but shhhh, I do what I want. We also know Yoru is one of the twelve supreme grade blades, among which Roger's blade, Ace, is one of, so a big thing is that Mihawk takes Yoru from the marines, because Marines had rounded up as many of the twelve blades as they could. As far as doing improbable feats with Armament Haki, Mihawk does, because at that point, he's desperate enough to. And so does Shanks with his. And while we're peaking of tattoos...armament-black imprints from Mihawk grabbing Shanks to protect him, anyone? (Yes, I know that's not how it works. I can get a pass here.) Tattoos are always a draw. What they'd actually be of is really interesting to think about. I think they'd dress as close as possible to the way they did before their capture, because it's a way of maintaining control/grasping at their former selves. But of course, there will be be the aspect of a security blanket, so while the style remains the same, their clothes become armor. (Mihawk does wear high-collared vampire shirts for quite a while, though. And he won't be found without his coat.) They'll be more structured and ornate, meant to project status and stop people dead in their tracks. i.e Mihawk gets his hat, his coats are fully embroidered and embossed/beaded and have gold hardwear, he wears gold jewellery. Shanks takes to wearing long heavy leather cloaks he can wrap himself fully in, flowing red silk sashes. Silk shirts too. Real shoes. Mihawk embroiders everything of his. All those patterns canon Shanks wears? Loguetown Shanks wears Mihawk's patterns. Dripping bloody red flowers and gold filigree everywhere. Oh, it would be. During the times when they are fighting/unable to be around each other because of their recovery, they would think that. Too, they both secretly expected the other to be the one who would survive. They'd never thought it probable that they'd both be free again. And now they are, and they are dealing with it, and they can't. pt.2 coming up

[cptn-m]

One Piece chapter 1101 review

I'm very pleased to finally see full colour schemes for all the Vegapunks. Sure, we got a hint at their intended appearances with the vol 106 animated trailer, but I'm glad Oda found the chance to circle back around and give us his vision by his own hands, because there are some differences. Putting this next to the Strawhat outfits and environments on the vol 106 cover and you can see that Egghead is going to be a vibrant piece of work when the colour manga catches up to it a few years from now.

Despite the milestone colour spread, this is another transitional chapter plotwise, continuing to fill in the timeline as the present day looms. Maybe Oda really is just looking to show everything up to Sabaody and/or the present and is fine taking his time with it, but I can't shake the feeling that there's one last tragic twist to Kuma's story yet to be revealed. But even without immediate plot progression or huge reveals, this ends up being another emotionally impactful, as so much of this flashback has already managed to be.

Kuma's visit to Windmill Village ends up not being a huge deal in the long term, something done more to provide a cliffhanger than anything else. As expected, Kuma's orders have nothing to do with Luffy or Goa. But copout though it might be, it does give Oda the chance to show us a little more of Dragon's motivations and personality. I get it, the high stakes battle he's fighting, he can't afford to give the Government the leverage of using his child against him (as we saw with Roger and Ace, you don't even have to be alive for them to try it), and he obviously cares enough that he knows it would work.

What's interesting is that the conversation with Dragon happens in flashback, seemingly when they were in the area for the Grey Terminal fire. Interesting that Kuma has chosen, of his own volition, to check in on Luffy as he passes by. Does he see it as a favour to Dragon, who he can no longer contact, to check in on the kid while he has a chance? Does he feel the similarity between himself and the Revolutionary, both forced to keep a distance from their children, and visit Luffy as penance for not being able to see Bonney. And you would hope this development at least slightly dampens the number of people online memeing on Dragon for being a deadbeat or whatever. Probably not though. Memes are short and snappy and more fun to spread the nuance, even it becomes impossible to have serious discussions on places like Reddit because you can't tell what level of irony anyone's on when they seem to be experiencing the story purely through agenda and slander posting.

So, I initially thought I'd dedicate a section of this review to going back over Kuma's scenes in Thriller Bark and Sabaody and analysing his actions with what we know now. Obviously it was clear from the start that Kuma went into Sabaody intending to save the crew, but somehow I got it in my head over the years that Kuma's actions and intentions at Thriller Bark were more ambiguous, and that there was a chance he'd sincerely tried to take out the crew before learning more or changing his mind later. But then I rediscovered the scene right after Zoro's big moment where he says that Luffy has exceptional friends because "he's your son, after all… Dragon." So yeah, Kuma knew from the start. Oda knew Kuma knew from the start. There's no possible retcon or new motive to look closely at, just the same info we've actually had since 2008. I love these kinds of discoveries (or rediscoveries in my case); they're going to make the series so much fun to fully reread when it's done.

There are some things of note though. I feel very differently about Kuma asking Nami if Ace was really Luffy's brother having seen the conversation about Dragon's weakness in this chapter. Ivan would also mistakenly worry that there was a blood connection that would drive Dragon to do something rash when he heard they were brothers during the Impel Down arc.

Knowing that by this point on the timeline Bonney had already escaped does shed a little light on Kuma's willingness to toy with the crew and let them go, despite Moria deriding him as the only Warlord who follows orders a few chapters earlier. I wonder how differently things would have played out if he'd been put up against Luffy while the knife was still at his daughter's throat.

My main thought about Kuma at Sabaody is that Sentomaru doesn't seem like he's written to be as familiar with Kuma as we know he would be. "But no one knows if that's true," he says of the rumour that Kuma's powers send people flying for three days and nights, as if he couldn't have just asked at some point. When he calls Kuma out for attacking the Pacifista he calls him 'bear-man' instead of his name. But maybe the harshness is something he's putting on to distance himself, knowing what his boss is going to be forced to do to Kuma in the near future.

But getting back to the chapter at hand, I was caught off-guard by how upset I was when Kuma's letter was intercepted and destroyed. His message is simple but heartfelt, but you understand how much it would mean to a child still too young to understand why her dad isn't around and what's been done for her. Alpha's choice to destroy the communication is just so callous and unnecessary, far beyond what was needed to keep a hostage, and you can't help but empathising with how let down and abandoned the young Bonney must have felt. If anything, keeping her satisfied with the promise of going to the sea in the future in the letters must have made it easier to keep the girl under control. But Alpha, as the kind of person who'd take on this kind of assignment for the Government, just needs to be cruel.

I'm not sure what to make of Stussy's comment about free will. She's perhaps already gone into Government service, but she also gets to moonlight as an underworld boss, and obviously retains her loyalty to Vegapunk, given what's happened at present-day Egghead. What parts of this vibrant career did she choose, and which ones were expected of her as one of Vegapunk's successes?

It's heartwarming to see the locals and Conny come together to dupe the Government and facilitate Bonney's escape. The simple joy of getting to go outside for the first time in years is cathartic for Bonney as well. Similar to the fishmen trapped at the bottom of the ocean, Oda uses the absence of the sun as a symbol of oppression, and it didn't even occur to me how similar Bonney's indoors incarceration was until she was appreciating the sun in this sequence. No wonder she got so into her dad's stories about a liberating sun god. Whether you're a prisoner, a slave, an underclass, a hostage or just unwell, the sun is freedom; its absence, chains.

I actually don't love what Bonney is able to do with her fruit at the end. It feels too extreme. Ageing like a particular person? Fine. Getting super buff or anything else a human could reasonably achieve in a lifetime? Yeah, great. But I don't get what the power is drawing on to warp her appearance that much. And while she was kept conveniently unconscious (fainted because of bugs) for the Gear Five sequence in the lower lab and blasted away before the transformation in the upper one to keep her from recognising Nika, she did personally stop Luffy from using Gear Three against a Pacifista near the start of the arc, so you'd think there'd be some kind of conversation to be had there. Could be that she was just too distracted thinking about her dad to connect the dots at the time though.

But weird power-releated stuff aside, it is immensely satisfying to see Alpha cop it after what she's done. And to see Bonney win her freedom and take to the seas like she always dreamed.

I think the flashback is nearing its end as we close out the year and start exploring volume 109, but there's still this gut feeling that there's one last stinger or final bit of info we haven't been shown yet, maybe relating to the moment Kuma fully loses himself. But even if we're just taking it slow filling in the time up to the present with Kuma's perspective of Thriller Bark, Sabaody, protecting the Sunny and the Reverie, Oda's proven here that he can still make low-plot chapters tug on the heartstrings, cuing up a quick but effective combo of frustration followed by catharsis. Very much looking forward to all this pain and suffering and emotional build-up coming to a head when Kuma arrives at Egghead in the present, presumably in the new year.

Wordpress!

#one piece #one piece spoilers #bartholomew kuma #manga review #OP1101

[eluvion]

do you have any dazai-centric fic recs? i've read through yours and intimatopia's fics already and seem to have picked up a new blorbo

HELLO HI THIS TOOK FOREVER SORRY FINALS WEEK ALMOST KILLED ME

firstly, intimitopia's fics are so wonderful and lovely and im so glad that you read their writing it deserves everything!! secondly, most of my recs are in my bookmarks, most of which i keep public, so you're always welcome to look through those!! third, because my taste in angst can be very intense, please please read the tags for all of these.

now onto the actual rec list!!

The Many Pleasant Deaths of Dazai Osamu by Allegory_for_Hatred

43k, gen this was done for Whumptober 2019, and it is very well done!! short and angsty one-shots, wonderful characterization - I love it a lot. This author also has a few other angst pieces and a "dazai goes to hogwarts" au

A mouth to empty into (series) by osamuchuu

Soukoku, and learning to love and also, to live. Featuring addict!Dazai, addiction, relapse, recovery, and relationship building. ~23k, soukoku literally one of my favorite fic series of all time!! ive always liked the idea of dazai being an addict, and chuuya in this series is so wonderfully written and realistic

Head Full of Lies by AbsoluteNegation

Chuuya embarks on a drastic course of action. Dazai is the last one to know why. ~125k, soukoku VERY well done, literally one of my favorite fics ever!! featuring the complications and mixed feelings of being raised by mori ougai, mafia boss chuuya, and some of the best writing ive ever read

the orange sunset (series) by Metallic_Sweet

In a world where Oda Sakunosuke survives, Dazai Osamu becomes the Boss of the Port Mafia. ~30k, soukoku and odazai this series made me stare at a wall for like ten minutes its so heartbreaking and well written, and it has the same kind of feeling that beast does where everyone/someone surviving is not a good think and actually hurts a lot

hopelessly devoted by soukocacola (hongbabey)

"Get your grades up." Oda tells him. "Then we'll talk."  Well, Dazai thinks. If he's going to be miserable, the least he can do is make Chuuya miserable, too. Maybe then Chuuya will ditch him and Dazai can fail out of college with no regrets.  ~129k, ongoing, soukoku everything i could ask from a college au!! the angst is so good, and i absolutely love how setting everything in a different context makes the pain even sharper. fyodor IS ooc but its such a GOOD ooc that i accepted it

pockets full of stones by Misila

It was like talking to a wall. Or it would be, if walls could talk back and be annoying and try their best to push everyone away whenever they weren’t alright. 2.7k, kunikidazai very horrifying and angsty (compliment)!! brings up a lot of the realities of what dazai's ability could mean.

given and taken by somnium_sin

Dazai knows that death and life are part of one another. They are not their antithesis. Oda Sakunosuke is alive. (It must count for something, the way in which Dazai unravels so quickly.) Oda is alive and he doesn't remember Dazai. (Dazai feels like he’s dying.) 42k, ongoing, odazai so so so good i love this so much. takes everything i love about odazai as a ship and stretches it out to 42k words i am so so ahhhhhhhh

it takes a village by magicandlight

He's been sick for weeks when he finally gives in and goes to a free clinic. If it weren't for his promise to Odasaku, he wouldn't have bothered. Dazai would have just allowed whatever mysterious illness he had to kill him. But he promised Oda he'd be better, and he hasn't done that yet. Maybe it's cancer, he thinks. The symptoms technically fit. (Spoiler: It's Not.) ~23k, ongoing, soukoku i had a lot of hesitation when i read the tags (im not really one for reading pregnancy or my favorite characters having children) but when i read it, those doubts instantly melted away. the fic is really well done and beautifully written, and in the last few chapters especially, it delves into how dazai parents with depression. i always love trans dazai, and in the extra snippets theres also trans tanizaki which makes me so !!!!

carve your love into my skin by Dont_Wake_The_Writer

Chuuya looks underneath Dazai's bandages without his permission. This breach of trust isn't one mendable with words alone. or Dazai is the Book itself, and only so many pages remain. ~82k, ongoing, soukoku another one of my favorite fics ever!! this is so well written and angsty and i love it a lot. especially in the later chapters, it carves into the history of humanity - a lot of it very recent history. as a person raised in america, i never got to hear about the war crimes we committed in detail, and this fic really delves into that. paired with the beautiful writing i!! could not stop thinking abt this fic for like a month

thank you for the ask anon!!

#dazai osamu #bungou stray dogs #fanfiction #fic rec #conversationing #anonymous

[beneaththetangles]

Let Them Eat Cake: One Piece’s Study of Narcissism

Today’s guest post from an old and familiar friend, Matthew, who in addition to writing many articles for us during his time on staff, hosted the Team Anchester portion of the TangleCast. I hope you enjoy his brief return to the blog as he tackles the classic and still popular One Piece.

-----

This is the story of when I finally learned how good One Piece can be.

I’m not your average One Piece fan and, compared to the fanaticism of others, sometimes I wonder if I fit the bill. I started watching because I thought, being one of The Big Three, it was practically mandatory viewing. I was told it might take some getting into. Some said it takes off in Arlong Park. Others said you have to wait until Alabasta; that’s when it gets good. I noticed most of the arcs in the series had at least some coalition who claimed it as their personal turning point, while others said that it’s been good from the jump and just keeps getting better. While it’s true that each arc has its moments, I wasn’t having the same experience.

You may or may not realize it but One Piece tackles deep themes like racism, the mistreatment of native peoples, caste systems, punitive vs restorative justice in a broken prison system, and political corruption. Punk Hazard takes on drug addiction, pharmaceutical corruption, and unethical practices in science and medicine. Dressrosa had more themes and take-aways than I can fit in a sentence (partly because of how stinkin’ drawn-out the arc was). But then, nearly 800 episodes in, I had MY turning point moment.

800 episodes is a long time to hear One Piece fangirls and boys swear by Eiichiro Oda’s genius but never feel like you’ve seen it for yourself. I’m not even sure why I held out through eight-tenths of the series, but I’m glad I did.

Whole Cake Island was my turning point. It spoke to my childhood experience. That experience isn’t one that I hope any of you have had or have the current displeasure of experiencing for yourself. But, if my explanation of how I saw this arc can provide a little bit of hope to those of you who know where I’m coming from, I’m glad to lay it all out for you.

(Read More)

#Anime #Christianity #One Piece #Charlotte Linlin #Narcissism #Guest Posts #Articles #Author: Matthew G

[ikeromantic]

Peace

A Mitsuhide Akechi fanfic. This scene occurs just past the midpoint of Ch.10 in his main route. Approx. 1700 words of pure, uncut fluff!

First: Mitsuhide and the Maiden

Previous: Not an End

Mitsuhide swam up towards the light. His eyelids opened, heavy as stones. He was in a room, on a futon. A lantern sat nearby, throwing off a warm glow. His bloodstained clothes were gone, replaced by a clean nightrobe. And someone had freshly bandaged his wounds. Hideyoshi? 

No. The mother-hen wasn’t there, but his little mouse sat on the floor beside him, her chin resting against her chest. Her eyes moved under shuttered lashes. Her breath came in little gasps. A nightmare, perhaps? Not surprising given the battle she’d survived. 

“What hells I have put you through,” he said softly. His mouth was so dry the words were barely a whisper. Still, it was enough to jolt his beauty awake. 

She turned, eyes wide and damp with the remnants of her tears. “Mitsuhide? You’re awake?” Her smile at his nod was like the sun. Without being asked, she put a cup to his lips and helped him drink.

The water slid down his throat, a cool burn against smoke-raw flesh. He pushed the cup away and sighed. “It seems I passed out in the middle of our discussion. Have I slept for long?”

“Not long, no. We’re still in Honno-ji. Hideyoshi helped me put you to bed.” Her gaze was heavy with worry. 

Mitsuhide chuckled, which almost turned into a cough. “After all his rage, he still tucked me in? It seems he will be a mother hen to the end.”

This brought a smile to her face. She looked down, her hair falling forward to hide her laugh. “He kept lecturing me on how to bandage you properly and wouldn’t leave until you were clean, dressed, and in bed.”

He sat up, tucking her hair back from her face so that he could see her better. She was beautiful. It almost hurt to be so close to her again, after telling himself he could let her go. 

“You should lay back down. Everyone else is still asleep. The sun won’t be up for a few hours yet.”

“Mmm. If I close my eyes, I won’t be able to see you.” His fingertips moved from her hair to her cheek. Soft skin. Warm. There was such joy in these simple touches.

His little mouse blushed. 

“I am so glad you are unharmed. I cannot tell you how worried I was,” he said earnestly.

She tried to blink her tears away before they could fall, but they escaped to trickle down her cheeks.

“You still cry so easily.” Mitsuhide wiped them away with the pad of his thumb. 

“Only around you . . .”

He wished that was not true. But he couldn’t deny being the source of her tears. Were he a more romantic man, he thought, he would promise her only joy. He would kiss the tears from her face and swear to never make her cry again. But that would be a lie. He had no sweet words, only the ache in his chest.

She took his hand, her warm fingers stroking his bruised knuckles gently. “You are so - so reckless! Did you even sleep since you escaped the dungeon in Azuchi? Or stop to eat?” 

Mitsuhide raised an eyebrow. “I took sufficient care of myself to finish my mission.”

“Oh?” She met his gaze, her eyes red rimmed from her anxiety and sleepless nights following after him. “People who take sufficient care of themselves don’t pass out mid-conversation.”

He hadn’t considered how his peril might hurt her. That she would worry for him like this. He didn’t have a ready reply. 

She took a deep, shaky breath. “You knew what the shogun planned didn’t you? Before anyone else? But . . . why didn’t you tell Nobunaga at least? Or warned Hideyoshi?”

“Little one.” His gentle tone quieted her. “It wasn’t that kind of fight. Nobunaga is not a man to strike from the shadows. Neither is Hideyoshi.” He smiled. “And if they tried to battle Ashikaga on their terms, he would have won.”

“So you took it all on yourself? Alone?”

“That is -”

She narrowed her eyes. “If you lie to me, I will leave you here alone in this room for the rest of the night.”

Mitsuhide chuckled. “I can see that you’ve learned my lessons well. Fine.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I couldn’t tell anyone what I knew, even if I could trust them to let me handle this in my own way. The Oda forces had an infiltrator. A spy close enough to Nobunaga to know the contents of our private meetings. The list of suspects was short but . . . I could not be certain who was involved or if I’d identified them all. So it made more sense to simply move forward with my plans on my own.”

“So you really thought you couldn’t talk to anyone?” His little mouse raised an eyebrow. “You could have told Hideyoshi when he came to visit you in the dungeon. There weren’t any spies around then.”

Mitsuhide remembered that visit well. Hideyoshi’s pain at betrayal. His anger. He wore his emotions openly, and his actions followed suit. “No . . . Hideyoshi is terrible with subterfuge. He is a man of honesty and people love him for that. He must remain in the light. And the light suits him well.”

She watched him with wide-eyes, clearly thinking over his reply. “And there was never a moment you might have had Nobunaga alone? At least to tell him your plans?”

“Ah. Perhaps I could have,” Mitushide nodded. “But I chose not to. Nobunaga has bloodied his hands time and again. Gone to great lengths for his dreams of unification.” He tapped a finger to his chest. “But it was my actions at Enryaku-ji that earned him the sobriquet ‘Devil King’. I did not want to see that happen again. I will bear the cost of my own actions.”

“Well, but what about -”

Mitsuhide shook his head. “No, there is no one I would share the burden with. And none suited to this work, regardless.” He smiled and gave a slight shrug. He thought of explaining further, but his eyelids felt so heavy and his body was aching to lie down again.

His little mouse looked as if she might cry again. “But you’ve sacrificed everything. For what?”

“Peace.” He sighed. “Before Nobunaga, hundreds of petty warlords fought and wasted the lives of their vassals for nothing but pride. People starved. Life was a coin to be spent, and lower class lives were spent cheaply.” Mitsuhide did not want to tell her what it looked like to clear the streets of bodies dead from starvation. Nor to ride through towns where the only men left were ancient and toothless or still suckling because the rest had died in war. He fixed his gaze on her. “That kind of chaos must never be allowed to happen again.”

She leaned forward to rest her head on his chest. “I - I think I understand.”

He settled an arm around her, taking comfort from her touch. “Little one . . . I am not a kind man or a good one. I do these things for my own purposes. Don’t think of this as a noble sacrifice.” 

“Mmm, you say that but . . . you won’t even get to see this peace you’re working for. You will die first. And people will curse your name. Even your friends. No one will know what you did. That sounds pretty noble to me.”

“If you say so, little mouse.” He kissed the top of her head. Her words were so sweet. Just as she was. He wished they were true. Mitsuhide settled his chin atop her head and pulled her closer. “You know. When I left Azuchi, I wanted to say goodbye to you. You have a home to return to. A life that is safe and good. But I couldn’t do it. I wasn’t able to lie to my own heart. There is no one I treasure more . . .” Speaking the truth to her felt right. Like freedom after a lifetime in shackles, yet he could barely get the words out.

She looked up at him, nestled in his arms as if she belonged there.

Mitsuhide wanted to kiss her, but he held himself back. “I cannot change who I am and I would not. Yet, despite all my sins . . . my faults . . . I want you - I want you to stay with me.” The words tumbled from his lips, heedless of the consequences.

His little one gave him a slow, warm smile. It lit her from within, and somehow made her even more beautiful. “I never want to leave you Mitsuhide. I don’t want to be apart.”

“I hope you know, it is too late for you now that you’ve said this. I won’t let you go again.” He leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss so deep he felt it in his soul. There was no release from a love like this, he knew, and yet, he didn’t want to be released. He wanted more.

When he broke the kiss, she was pink cheeked, lips red and swollen. A look that stirred him and made his aching body want more than it could handle. He could see the desire in her heavy-lidded gaze too.

“Y-you should probably . . . get some rest,” she said unconvincingly.

“I should,” he nodded, and kissed her again. His hand slid beneath her kimono, caressing her skin lightly. He wanted to pull it from her. To see her . . . and worship every inch of her with kisses. He might have, had his vision not burst with little sparkling lights, darkness framing the edges. Mitsuhide released her regretfully.

She pulled away from him with great reluctance, slowly adjusting her clothes. “You ah, you need to- to recover.”

“I would sleep better with you beside me.” He wasn’t at all sure he would but he wanted her close. Even if it was a sweet self torment.

His little one smiled. “I told you I wouldn’t leave your side.”

Mitsuhide scooted over and she snuggled in beside him. It was as wonderful - and terrible - as he’d feared. She smelled wonderful, and he could feel every inch of her pressed tight to him. The thin layer of cloth did nothing to hide her curves or her softness. 

“I love you,” she told him sleepily.

“I know.” He kissed the edge of her ear. “I love you too.”

Sleep took him by surprise, hidden in the rhythmic breath and comforting warmth of his love.

Next: Reunion

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen mitsuhide #ikemen mitsuhide #Mitsuhide Akechi #otome guys #otome #fanfiction #fanfic #fluff

[writingwhimsey]

Lady of Azuchi Ch. 5

Chapter 5

I sat in the healer's quarters after Asuna had just finished my exam. She had been at the castle for around a month now. By my calculations, I was coming to the end of my first trimester and thankfully the morning sickness was subsiding.

"You have your appetite back yet, my lady?" Asuna asked.

"Yes...with a vengeance." I answered, somewhat sheepishly.

Asuna smiled. "No need to look ashamed. You are eating for two." She then patted my belly which had started to swell ever so slightly.

I smiled. "Sometimes I feel like I'm eating for three." I said with a laugh. "And sleeping like a cat."

Asuna laughed. "It takes a lot out of a woman to carry a child." Her eyes then took on a gentle look. "How are you feeling with it all by the way?"

"Just fine." I answered "Very happy...especially now that I am not felling sick anymore."

"Good. Just know, if you ever feel like anything is bothering you, you can talk to me."

I smiled. "Thank you, that truly means a lot...and makes me very glad I chose you as my midwife."

"I am quite happy you chose me as well."

"Speaking of, would you like to join me for some tea and shopping?" I asked. "I have to get some more fabric for the seamstresses as well as for my personal project."

"A personal project?"

"A blanket I am making for the baby." I answered, putting my hand over my belly. "If you don't want to come, I understand, but I would appreciate the company."

"Are you sure it's alright for me to come with you? I know Lord Hideyoshi doesn't trust me still."

I shrugged. "If I say it is alright, it is. Not only that but it's not like we will be alone. Ever since I became pregnant, I haven't been out of the castle much and when I am...I have at least a three guards with me...or Nobunaga or one of the other lords."

Asuna gave me a small smile. "A bit protective are they?"

I smiled. "Just a teensy bit. I know it is only because Nobunaga is worried that something would happen to me. If anyone were to try to take me hostage...well they'd be getting two for the price of one."

I felt Asuna's hand on mine and looked up into her eyes. "I swear to you, no matter what I would not let that happen."

I am not sure what it was, but there was something in her eyes, a strong conviction there. I could sense it. She truly meant it. "Thank you..."

Asuna smiled. "Tea and shopping do sound nice."

We got ready and then headed out. Hideyoshi was accompanying us as my guard. We went to the tea shop first, getting tea and sweets, as I was just craving their dumplings.

"You probably shouldn't eat too many sweets, Ava." Hideyoshi said, sounding so much like a mother hen it wasn't even funny.

I glared at him.

"While I hate to say it Lord Hideyoshi is right. Too many sweets is bad for you and the baby." Asuna said. "Though there is nothing wrong with indulging in them here and there."

"Oh, so now you're against me as well?" I asked, my tone accusatory. "Or is this just you trying to get on Hideyoshi's good side?"

Asuna laughed. "No, no. I am merely doing my job as your midwife."

"If you want to work on her sweets intake you'll have to talk to Lord Nobunaga about the sugar candies and to Masamune about the amount he makes." Hideyoshi said.

Asuna nodded. "I will have to have a talk with them."

"Hey, stop plotting against me, you two!" I said, my tone teasing.

"I only want the best for my patients." Asuna said.

"And I will always look out for you." Hideyoshi added. "And I will always help look out for the baby, too."

I smiled, happy to have them both here being so kind and caring. "I know."

It was then that the gaggle of Hideyoshi fans approached our table. "Lord Hideyoshi! It is so good to see you!"

"It has been too long!"

"Won't you join us?"

Asuna looked at me. "What's going on?"

"Hideyoshi has fans." I answered. "If he's not suspicious of you, he's actually quite kind and everyone loves him."

Asuna crossed her arms and looked at Hideyoshi, her eyes scanning up and down. "I don't see it."

I let out a small giggle. "Don't let them hear you say that."

"I would love to join you ladies, but I am ensuring Lady Ava's safety during her shopping trip into town." Hideyoshi answered the women. "Perhaps another time."

"Alright, but you really should come over to my place and let me make you dinner sometime." One of the women said.

When they finally left, Hideyoshi turned to us a sheepish look on his face. Asuna was sipping her tea and eyeing him over her cup. I had to fight back a laugh. The look Asuna had on her face was too funny.

"Sorry about that." He said. "They're very kind people."

"Uh-huh." Asuna replied. "I don't get it, but to each their own."

Hideyoshi blushed and let out that awkward cough.

I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing. The look on their faces were just to much.

"What's so funny?" Hideyoshi asked.

"Your...faces...both...of...you." I got out in between my laughter. I managed to calm myself after a few moments. "I'm sorry, the looks on your faces were just too much."

"Don't be sorry. Laughter is good for you and for the baby." Asuna replied.

"Even if it is at my expense, I can't get mad at you when you're happy." Hideyoshi said.

That made me feel a bit awkward and reminded me of how Hideyoshi felt about me. Though I know he would never act on it. When he had confessed to me, my heart already belonged to Nobunaga, and he knew it. He had told me he would watch from the sidelines and be happy to know I was happy.

"You know, you might want to actually give one of those girls a chance some day." I found myself saying, as I wanted him to be happy. "One could make you very happy."

"I don't know about that." Hideyoshi replied. "Besides, I am just too busy helping Lord Nobunaga achieve his goals. Someone has to help keep everyone else in line."

We all sat and finished our tea and dumplings before getting up and heading to the market place.

Asuna...

Asuna sat, watching Hideyoshi talk with Ava. She noticed the way he looked at her. He couldn't get mad at her when she was happy? Hmm...interesting. Asuna thought.

When they all finally got up and got to shopping, Asuna watched as Ava looked excitedly through the fabric stalls. The way in which she looked at the fabric, as if she could see the items they could make, it was quite fascinating.

"You must really enjoy sewing?" Asuna asked.

"That is an understatement." Ava had replied, not taking her eyes from the bolts of fabric. "It is my passion. That's why I love working with the castle seamstresses."

"A noble lady who loves to work with her hands." Asuna said. "You know some of your questions at my interview make a lot more sense now."

Ava turned and smiled at her. "I don't really see myself as a noble lady. I am just a person and I want to do my fair share. I'm not a fan of just lazing around and playing with makeup games." She said. "And I do love being a seamstress. I like making clothes that make people happy."

"And that is why Ava's clothes are the best." Hideyoshi said. "Everyone knows if they want quality clothes to request her. She also keeps all of the Oda forces in the best Kimonos."

Asuna's eyes widened. "You mean you all have ordered something from her?"

"Of course."

"I don't think I'm all that special, but I am glad that everyone likes my work." Ava said, her cheeks reddening. She had picked out a several bolts of fabric that were to go to the seamstresses, but she was still searching.

"What are you looking for, exactly?" Hideyoshi asked.

"Something that will be a perfect compliment to the fabric I've got going on a personal project." Ava answered.

"You making something for yourself?" Hideyoshi asked.

"No, but it will be used often." Ava replied. She then spied some fabric that looked perfect in her mind's eye. "This is it!" She went over to the fabric. It was a beautiful white fabric with some light flower print dyed onto it. The colors were muted and subtle, but yet quite pretty.

"It is a very pretty fabric." Asuna agreed.

After finishing up her purchases in the fabric stall, they walked out. Hideyoshi insisting on carrying the packages, though he had managed to arrange for some to be delivered to the castle directly. "Is there anything you'd like to look at?" Ava asked, looking at Asuna.

"Well, there are some supplies I need to pick up." Asuna answered. "Is there an apothecary somewhere?"

"Yes, the best one is this way." Hideyoshi answered. "Are you sure you are not tired, though, Ava?"

"I am perfectly fine." Ava answered.

"Walking s a very safe activity for her." Asuna assured him. "But we shouldn't keep you on your feet for too long."

"I don't feel tired yet. I will let you know if I do."

Hideyoshi then led them to an apothecary, knowing this was the one Ieyasu went to for the few herbs that he did not grow himself. There were a few other supplies Asuna needed as well and Hideyoshi kindly showed her to each stall where she could find the best goods.

As they were walking around, Asuna couldn't help but to glance at Hideyoshi as he showed her around Azuchi and kept an eye out for trouble concerning Ava. He still didn't trust her and yet he was taking the time to help make sure she had the best of what she needed.

Before long they were finished and returning to the castle. Upon their return, they were all called to the main hall for meeting. Asuna was surprised that she was invited as well.

"Why am I being invited?" Asuna asked.

"Lord Nobunaga requested you there." The vassal who had greeted them answered. "He did not say why."

There's no way he could have found out my connection to Lord Shingen. Asuna thought, though she did not let it show on her face that she was concerned. All my letters have been sent in code and they don't go to Echigo...not directly anyways.

"I am not sure I like this." Hideyoshi said. "Though I doubt this won't be a war council."

"He always has a reason for everything...as I've come to learn and as someone else once told me, when I questioned his orders." Ava said, giving Hideyoshi a wry smile.

"Throwing my own words back at me?"

"Of course." Ava replied. "Now we should get going."

The three of them walked to the main hall. Ava walked up to take her seat beside Nobunaga on the dais. he instantly put an arm around her waist and pulled her close, giving her an affectionate kiss on the cheek. Hideyoshi took his seat to Nobunaga's right and Mitsuhide was sitting to his left. The other war lords were in their seats, which appeared to Asuna their normal seats.

"Midwife Asuna, you can sit here." Mitsunari said, giving her a kind angelic smile, as he gestured to the seat beside him.

"Thank you." Asuna said, taking the seat and returning the smile.

"Lady Ava used to take this seat, but after our last battle with the Uesugi-Takeda alliance, her role changed...and of course now as Lord Nobunaga's wife, he wants to keep her close." Mitsunari said.

"I see." Asuna said. So, he's rather demanding? That seems to fit more with what I know of him. She thought, though she couldn't help but to look up at the way Nobunaga gently held Ava and how his gaze was hard and icy yet warmed the instant his eyes were on his wife.

Once everyone was gathered, Nobunaga looked around the room. "Good, you are all here." He said. "Asuna."

"Yes, my lord?" Asuna asked, looking up surprised to be addressed right away.

"Is riding an okay activity for Ava to partake in?" He asked.

"Riding...a horse?" Asuna asked.

"Yes. I don't know what else I would be talking about."

"I am sorry, it just surprised me." Asuna answered. "How long is the ride?"

"It would be a bit of a journey. It normally takes three days." Nobunaga answered.

"The real risk is if she were to fall off of her horse." Asuna answered. "But there is also a need for frequent breaks."

Nobunaga nodded. "The risk of falling would not be there. She has become a skilled rider, but more importantly she would be riding with me and I would keep her from falling."

Ava looked at him. "What are you planning?"

Nobunaga smiled. "Are you worried I'll be taking you to battle again? See if you still carry fortune's favor?" He asked, his smile teasing.

That's right. I had heard that he had taken her to battle a couple of times. Why in the world he would do that I don't understand.

"I never know with you." Ava replied, though she was smiling.

"There is a festival to be held in one month's time at one of my more recently acquired territories." Nobunaga began to explain. "It is a tradition that they hold this festival and I believe it will bring good will if we were to attend."

Ava's eyes lit up. "A festival? That means festival food."

"What is my food not good enough for you lass?" Masamune asked, feigning hurt.

"Oh you know you're the best cook, Masamune." Ava replied. "There's just something about festival food, though."

Nobunaga chuckled. "I take it you want to go then?"

"Yes." Ava answered, an excited smile on her face.

"I thought it would please you." He said. He then turned back to Asuna. "You will be coming too, to help assure Ava's health."

"Of course." Asuna replied. "I was about to ask to come...I would also like to make the suggestion that we start the journey a couple of days earlier than planned, making it a five day journey instead of a three day one."

Nobunaga nodded his agreement. "Then it is settled."

"I would like to request to attend as well, my lord." Hideyoshi spoke up, his suspicious gaze finding its way to Asuna.

"I was planning on you coming, Hideyoshi." Nobunaga replied." As well as Masamune."

"Oh...of course...as you say." Hideyoshi replied.

Later that night Asuna was up late working out the supplies she was going to need. Though the trip was a month away, she wanted to make sure she had enough supplies. She also knew she was going to need to ask someone to teach her how to ride, though she wasn't sure who she should ask.

There was a knock on her door. "Asuna, I am coming in."

Asuna didn't look up as Hideyoshi walked in. "What brings you here, Lord Hideyoshi?" She asked, continuing to write down her supply list.

"I was doing a sweep of the castle and saw your light still on. Why are you still up?"

"I am working on a list of supplies I will need for the trip." She answered. "I need to be prepared for anything that might occur while we are gone. I want to make sure I have everything to properly care for Lady Ava."

"I see." Hideyoshi replied. "If you need anything let me know. I will see to it that you get it."

"There is one thing..." Asuna said, almost hesitantly. I can't believe of all the skills I've learned that horseback riding was not one of them...nor that I am about to ask this.

"Yes?" Hideyoshi asked.

"I am a bit embarrassed by this, but I don't know how to ride...could you teach me?"

Hideyoshi seemed surprised. "There's no need to be embarrassed. Ava couldn't ride either when she first arrived here. Now she can keep up with the rest of us...except maybe Masamune, but no one can keep up with him."

"You think very highly of Lady Ava." Asuna observed unable to help herself from speaking her thoughts aloud.

"She is my liege lord's wife and a rather remarkable woman."

"She said you were once suspicious of her as well...what changed your mind?"

"I got to know her and learned that she has no malice in her heart, no mean bone in her body." Hideyoshi replied, answering honestly. "And what a hard worker she is."

Asuna nodded. "I see. You never answered my question on if you were going to teach me to ride though."

"I will help you." Hideyoshi replied. "I may not trust you, but as Ava's midwife you are now a member of the Oda forces whether I like it or not. I will see to it you have everything you need to properly do your job."

"I thank you for that." Asuna said. "And I hope one day you can come to trust me and see that I really do mean no harm and only want to care for Lady Ava and the baby."

"Time will tell." Hideyoshi replied. "Goodnight...and be sure you get some rest. There is plenty of time to plan. Not to mention we will have a long day tomorrow starting your riding lessons."

Chapter 6 below!

https://writingwhimsey.tumblr.com/post/661174929193041920/lady-of-azuchi-ch-6

#ikesen nobunaga #ikesen #ikemen sengoku #ikemen series #fanfiction #fanfic #romance #chapter 5

[danwhobrowses]

One Piece Chapter 1023 - Initial Thoughts

15 Minutes is on the clock

Onigashima reaches the mainland and the fights continue on. Including the Wings of the King vs the Disasters of the Beast

Without further ado, let's get into it

Spoilers for Chapter 1023, Support the Official Release too

Vivi cover page is nice, proper Disney Princess action with Karoo being jealous birb again, but now I have worries because last we heard something went down with Alabasta...all those post-Reverie questions

Back to where we left off with the boys being back in town

Miyagi can you not ominously foreshadow Zoro's future pain please?

Kawamatsu's here to save Zoro from interference, and Hyou's telling the Yakuza not to get in the way of this fight

Marco though is a pensive Pineapple, taking a good long look at King as he recalls Whitebeard telling him about King's race living on the Red Line before the world nobles, Void Century and before stuff

Mention of Gods does fuel one of my old post fan theories, but also fuels that the WG kicked King's race out of the Red Line

Izo though out here saving Marco from being an easy target, tbh Marineford did show he was prone to a surprise attack

Asking Izo if they believe in God though in a raid that may lead to their deaths is kinda irreverent right now though huh?

Queen back to hyping themselves up though

Hm? Is there a limitation to Sanji's raid suit? Sanji's saying he feels weird

Zoro wasting no time to banter with it though, saving Sanji from King as Sanji returns the favour with Queen

Queen does make a valid point though, as much as Sanji expresses that he is unenhanced by Germa he can also set himself on fire, I do wonder if it is just part of that enhancement in there that he expresses as his 'fiery hot passion'

Lunarian though, that must be King's species' name: moon people again I bet which feeds my fan theories

Also since we mentioned Germa again what happened to them? Jimbei made it out after all and I wanna see me some alive and well Baeju

I would issue doubt on Queen's claim that their enhancements are beyond Vegapunk's, given how little we know of Vegapunk after all

King's got a special sword too, it can change its edge to be teethy which he used to ensnare Zoro's swords

Wado saves Zoro's face from eating King's spiked fist though

King does make a fair point though, traditional weapons are romanticized but a fight's about getting every advantage you can, Zoro at least respects that since King never claimed to be a Swordsman, while also reminding King that he could be a feral bastard too

Kinda gave me mini Mr. 1 fight vibes there

Oh here we go, potential Zoro lineage time

Kawamatsu and Hyou muse over how Zoro was like Ushimaru when he was young, even down to his style (though that could be more Shimotsuki Koushiro's doing since he's Zoro's master)

Also Ushimaru was Ryuma's direct descendant, which means that 1. Ryuma banged, 2. Swordsmanship runs in the blood and 3. Ryuma banged

Also Ryuma also had the one eye, and it does seem pretty mythical that a swordsman of similar skill and stature returns Shusui back to Wano (even though this should mean that Shusui would be Zoro's birthright and he was kinda forced into relinquishing it)

Also worth reminding that Kozaburo was Kuina's grandpa so there may only be loose relations if Zoro is a Shimotsuki too, we don't exactly know how Kozaburo and Ushimaru are related if it's by blood or clan, plus I still wonder about Tashigi

Over to Jack vs Inu though, and Jack's hybrid form is just...weird

I did not need to see an Elephant head with abs you know Oda!

Both are pretty tired, as Jack mocks Inu saying he has forgiven Zou for the Raizo stuff, since he already destroyed most of it

Inu though with the shoulder toss, reminding Jack that they had to make these sacrifices to get to here

But we're getting the epic speech, and the hole in the roof caused by Ashura's sacrifice is changing Inu back into Su Long

Same thing is happening with Neko, turning Su Long in front of Carrot and Wanda (who I guess are covering from the moon) as he stares down Perospero

And I'm glad Neko's pointing out that Pedro's sacrifice is valid. I truthfully always felt a bit iffy about people saying that Carrot's desire to avenge Pedro was ill-found because 'Pedro killed himself'. Had Pedro not sacrificed himself then Brook and Chopper would've been dead by candy and Big Mom would've obliterated the rest on the ship

Raizo and Megaforehead though prelude with the mention of maturity, that everyone - even the Akazaya - needed time to mature into who they wanted to be

Down to the surface though and the Heart Pirates are on high alert/panic, they think Kaido's here

But it's Momo, and he looks magnificent

Shinobu's aged him up to 28, the age he'd be had he not been leapt through time, but now she's upset he looks like Kaido

There's new fire in Momo's eyes though, the return ascent begins!

Can you feel that? It feels like the last stretch before the ultimate battle of Wano

Sanji and Zoro vs King and Queen hopefully will remain a tag bout, but I am curious as to King's abilities and what's affecting Sanji in terms of the raid suit. It's not bad to have a limitation but this is the first we've heard of it after seeing him use it 4 times. I don't hate Zoro being a Shimotsuki, though I do feel like we could've built to this, plus we're still lacking in the how.

One wonders what role Marco will now play, and whether Tiny Tiny Chopper is due to recover. We haven't heard from the others for a bit, nor CP0 nor Yamato. Our Pineapple does have unfinished business with Edward Weevil tbf so he could make it out, Izo may be a variable in that, they've yet to learn of Kiku's fate.

Also we never did see who that mystery person was did we? Still could be Hiyori

Marco's musing about gods does feel like we're gonna get more about King, and more lore of the world that Robin will love to soak up like a sponge, Oda have been leaving these seeds since Skypeia, and where there are Gods, there are Devils.

We are however getting major death flags from the minks, one last turn to Su Long to enable their efforts. I like how Ashura's sacrifice is not in vain because of this though, it makes me wonder if there's a slither of hope for Kin and Kiku. If anything though the minks will die from exhaustion rather than being defeated, Su Long eats away at you after all, it's probably gonna be traumatizing for Carrot a little but I hope we see some resolve out of her more like when she was in Zou and WCI, I still want her for Nakama.

And then the final coup de grace, giant dragon Momo, it's one hell of a panel and it means we're bringing Luffy back into the fight. But the extent of Momo's ripening is only in body remember, in mind he's still young. But now we have the setup for the final fight between Luffy and Kaido, I'll expect in that time we'll have to try and finish off everything else with the Akazaya, reconvening the Straw Hats, King, Queen, Big Mom, Kid, Law, Killer, Hawkins, Apoo and Drake.

Act's not over yet, less than 15 minutes until Onigashima Falls.

#one piece #op spoilers #one piece spoilers #one piece meme #wano country arc #wano arc #onigashima raid #straw hat pirates #monkey d. luffy #roronoa zoro #vinsmoke sanji #akazaya nine #raizo of the mist #inuarashi #nekomamushi #beasts pirates #animal kingdom pirates #jack the drought #queen the plague #king the wildfire #big mom pirates #charlotte perospero #whitebeard pirates #marco the phoenix #marco the pineapple #izo one piece #carrot one piece #wanda one piece #kozuki momonosuke

[ikemen-girl]

Hello, sweety! I don't know if you're currently taking up request or not (please don't mind this ask if you're not doing it right now ^^). I'm a teacher and seeing how Mitsuhide teaches MC in his route, may I request you for a HC of Mitsuhide finds out that his MC is a teacher as well in her future life? I really want to know how he would react on that. Thank you for visiting my blog beforehand and hoping you a wonderful upcoming weekend! ✨🍀

Hellooooo dear 😍😍♥️♥️, thank you very much for this interesting request 🥰💗! I am also aspiring to become a teacher in few years so I am very glad to meet you😍😍! And I would like to say that you are an amazing artist👏🙌! I hope you also have a great weekend💃🌹! So, here we go😉~

Ikesen Headcanon⚔💗

Mitsuhide reacting to a MC being a Teacher👩‍🏫:

You loved teaching children😍❤ but you ended up in the sengoku era while travelling to Kyoto on a school trip with your students & other teachers leaving a very good life in the modern era😩 & accidentally saved Nobunaga's life to your surprise & Mitsuhide took a special interest in you👀 & his mind-reading skills used to freak you out😨.

You were honestly terrified after stepping on the battlefield for the first time in your life😱 when you have been always surrounded by the laughter & twinkling eyes of children and you were missing it terribly😭, to top it all, the shock of seeing a man die infront of your eyes was too overwhelming, so you fell unconscious😵 & Mitsuhide carried you back in Azuchi Castle.

"Starting from tomorrow, I will be your teacher, little mouse, for the subject matters, I think, tactics, equestrianism, self defense, firearms seems a good start😏!", said Mitsuhide with a huge smirk on his face.

"I hope you will be a good pupil, little mouse🐭!", said Mitsuhide as he stood and gave you a head-pat.

"Pffffttttt, I am waiting for that moment", you murmured, chuckling to yourself🤭.

"Did you say something?", asked Mitsuhide turning back to look at her.

"I am looking forward for tomorrow, Mitsuhide-sensei, goodnight😅!", she straighten up with a slight bow. Mitsuhide smiled at her🙂 and goes outside the room.

"His smile creeps me out, well, nevermind. I am excited to see the surprise on his face tomorrow😁", she let out a huge grin.

"Before starting up on the actual studies, I would like to test your knowledge base, here is your questions sheet, fill it up, little mouse📝!", said Mitsuhide as he gave her the question paper with a smirk on his face😏.

You took it, pretending to be afraid of the test making him amused, "Go on, little mouse, it's not that difficult, I assure you!", he said with a amused grin on his face😄. As you look down at the questions on Japanese literature, history & general knowledge, on the inside, you were so happy 💃while on the outside, you kept a face of a child who is horrified at the thought of giving an exam😱.

You submitted your answer sheet to him and as Mitsuhide scanned it, his eyes went wide with shock😲, he was NOT expecting this at all. You honestly wished that you have a camera 📷 to capture his expression which was so funny to say the least. Each & every answer was correct💯.

"How😳?", it's the only word that came out his mouth. You couldn't control anymore & burst out laughing loudly🤣. "Because I am also a teacher, Mitsuhide👩‍🏫", you said with a proud look on your face. "What😳?", he was left speechless once again which only made it harder for you to control your laughter.

"You really surprised me there, little mouse😅!", Mitsuhide laughs along with you to hide his flustered expression. "So, what do you teach🤔?", he asked, curious to know about you.

"Let's see, I mainly teach japanese literature & history, apart from it, I am well versed in general knowledge, english literature, I love art, psychology, etc, so if any child wants to learn it, I teach these skills to them as well with full excitement as being around them & seeing them grow in their lives makes me so happy🤩❤!", you said with a biggest smile on your face🥰 & eyes shining with happiness since you came to this era👀✨. Mitsuhide was, to be very honest, awestruck seeing your genuine happiness☺️.

As much as Mitsuhide didn't want to interrupt you, but he grew suspicious of your origin as being this educated in this era was surprisingly rare especially in something like english literature🤔. "Who are you & where are you from, mysterious little mouse? Tell me all your secrets, little one", he asked, narrowing his gaze at you👀.

You froze for a moment😳 as you knew very well that you have raised his suspicions when you were rambling non-stop😬 & you couldn't lie or else you will be in huge trouble😓. "Why should I tell you when you are also a potential "traitor" in Oda forces infront of everyone, hm?", you asked jokingly trying to avoid the question😅. "Little mouse, I am used to prying out the secrets and I would not prefer to use the same techniques on you", he said with a frown on his face🤨 unknown to him but you noticed the discomfort in his expression & sighed.

So you showed him your purse👜 and told him everything about yourself as Mitsuhide listened patiently. "So our little mouse came from 500 years in the future, it's hard to believe but you have proof with yourself, now I can see the reason how you are so innocent & untouched by the realities of this time", said Mitsuhide with a amused smirk😏.

"I have only told you the truth, rest is up to you to believe in me", you said with a pout☹.

"Don't pout, I believe in you, little one, as you have been a very nice girl, I will treat you with tea & sweets🍵🍡 as a reward, little mouse", Mitsuhide said caressing your cheek with his thumb😏. You honestly couldn't stop yourself from smiling after hearing the offer😍.

Mitsuhide was overcome with affection for her as she believed in him as a person despite having her doubts and confided in him with everything, he made a secret vow to himself to protect her from everything❤.

You both went to the teahouse together & suddenly Kyubei called Mitsuhide for giving some urgent information. Mitsuhide excused himself for a moment while you were happily eating your sweets😍, but then, you heard some men were talking bad things about him behind his back & you couldn't stand seeing & listening something wrong so you strongly defended him infront of them😡, not caring for the fact that you had no weapons on yourself, one of the men tried to hit you but Mitsuhide arrived in time to rescue you from them😎.

So this started the strong feeling of love in heart of Mitsuhide towards you😍💓💞 as nobody has ever done something like this for him, he was so impressed by the fact that you strongly stood for your values proving your strength of sense of justice as a teacher & a good person by heart☺️💯.

He continued training you in survival skills like self defense, horseriding, shooting as you were already were well-versed in theory. In exchange, you would definitely teach him english literature & tell him about many fascinating things about the human mind & everything you know about future along with many other things😍, you both loved spending time with each other and always look forward to such meetings everyday.

Once, you were well trained in these skills, you gave your gratitude towards your "teacher" Mitsuhide by gifting him a very beautiful portrait✍❤ of him playing with his pet fox, Chimaki🦊. He couldn't resist hugging you tightly the moment, he laid his eyes on it🤗💗. You yourself was the biggest & the most precious gift for him in his life but your gift made him the most happiest person💓😢, he would definitely try to hide his happiness with a amused smirk & headpat but you can see through his facade that he is genuinely happy🥰. He would definitely put the portrait in such a place where everyone could see his little mouse's amazing skills😎😏.

After facing many difficulties together, you both confessed your feelings towards each other💐 and you both were a lovely couple infront of everyone😍👫💗.

You would both use knowledge of english as a medium for infiltration as spies together in other territories🧐. Surprisingly, a language, i.e., english, became a special kind of exchange & secret code between you☺️ and Mitsuhide😏 as you both would often converse in english infront of other warlords much to their surprise & confusion🙄😳🤔.

As you were always willing to stay by his side, he used to take you along to infiltrate certain places, your skill of art would definitely come as a big help for Mitsuhide💯, as you could easily draw the suspects making his workload way more easier than it was before✍😌.

In exchange, Mitsuhide would always make sure that you were not uncomfortable in such investigation trips, he would always give you tips in dancing, singing, acting, etc 🤗 and also expect loads of teasings while he is at it, fufufufu😘.

You both being the best teachers around in Azuchi would definitely use this opportunity to teach as many children as possible who don't have access to proper education without asking for anything in return as you both did it for your own self-satisfaction & happiness in your free times💛. Mitsuhide generally taught the skills of self defense🤼‍♂️, weaponry🔫, etc while you would educate the kids in literatures, general knowledge & art👩‍🏫. Children would also always look forward to meeting both of you everyday🥰❤🤗. It became one of your most favourite & productive ways to spend time with each other❤. Children also ships you both together, mind you👀❤🤭!

Mitsuhide loved the way your eyes sparkles with happiness👀✨ whenever you are around the children🥰😘❤ and can't help falling more deeply in love with you😍💓.

He would always praise you infront of everyone, everytime he gets a chance😏. Cue warlords- We know that already, Mitsuhide, you just told us🤦‍♂️. Mitsuhide: Hooooh~But not that...😏 endless praise begins & he shuts up only when you take him outside the council room dying of embarrasment😳🙈🤦‍♀️ to which he only laughs loudly🤣😏.

Mitsuhide would often call you "my brilliant little mouse💯🐭!", as his way of showing affection towards you💗😏. Cue you blushing deep shade of red tomato and running away from him😳🙈🍅.

Extra~

"You really love her, huh?", asked Hideyoshi as he was walking down the hallways😆. "Obviously, I love her with all my heart💗, she is the brightest star of my life🌟!", said Mitsuhide, his eyes filled with love and a beautiful smile on his face.

"Was that a genuine smile on your face, Mitsuhide?!", exclaimed Hideyoshi, shocked😲.

"My, My, Hideyoshi, I don't have any idea what you are talking about😏", said Mitsuhide as he realised that his facade broke their for a moment out of his love for you. Hideyoshi *eye twitch* : whatever🙄!

Mitsuhide then went looking for you to tease and shower you with all his love & affection❤😏.

Hope, you all enjoyed it❤😍🤗. Comments are appreciated😇!

#ikesen mitsuhide #akechi mitsuhide #ikesen #ikemen sengoku #teacher #ikesen headcanons #otome games #ikemen series #ikesen hideyoshi #ikesen nobunaga

[selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs]

random, stupid idea you can ignore, but what is the reader was like, a kitsune or something? like their world didn't have abilities, but they had yokai or something? you can ignore this if it's to complicated or you have to much work already!!

Kitsune! Reader

Self-Aware! BSD Character x GN! Kitsune! Reader

Description: For some reason, you were always wearing a fox costume, while reading BSD. At least, BSD character were sure, that it's a costume.

Warning: OOC. Mentions of alcohol. I add eight links in the A/N, if you want to learn more about mentioned youkai or see, how BSD characters looked like in costumes. English is my second language.

You were having a time of your life. You had a plate of fried tofu, some good sake and new volume of BSD manga. You feet like a happy kitsune.

With your tails and ears visible, you were reading manga. Suddenly, you noticed, that your phone started to glow.

Two things happened.

First, a bunch of people appeared in your living room.

Second, you, for the first time in centuries, lost control and turned into a fox.

For one moment everything was fine. Then, you tried to set the intruders on fire. Perhaps, they were your fellow kitsunes, who decide to prank you.

Well, you didnt like it in one bit.

Time to teach them a lesson.

________

🐾 Okay, when they see you for the first time, they thought that you were wearing a costume. Like... You have fox ears and nine tails... You have to be wearing a costume.

🐾 But, when you transformed into a nine-tailed fox, because they startled you, when they appeared in your world, they realized, that you are, indeed, not a human. Especially, after you, an angry nine-tailed fox, tried to set them on fire.

🐾 After some explanations, fried tofu (thanks, Kyouka) and sake (thanks, Kaji) you calmed down and turned back into your half-fox half-human form.

🐾 And then, the time for an explanation from you arrived.

🐾 You told them, that your world has youkai, that were living near humans for thousands of years.

🐾 While youkai were hiding their existence from humans a secret, it doesn't mean, that youkais were hiding from humans.

🐾 With some cautious behaviour and with help from each other, youkais were secretly living among humans.

🐾 You quickly noticed, that BSD Cast looked guilty. They thought, that you will be uncomfortable with them knowing your secret. You assured them, that you are actually happy. You liked humans and were glad to have human friends who will accept you as a kitsune.

🐾 You bond with BSD Cast really quickly.

🐾 You, Dazai and Gogol formed a prankster group. You three became a worse nightmare for Kunikida, and, from time to time, for Dostoevsky.

🐾 You and Kyouka often eat tofu together.

🐾 You, Dazai, Fukuzawa, Verlaine, Rimbaud, Fukuchi, Kaji, Yosano, Oda, Ango and Taneda became drinking buddies.

🐾 Kenji want to meet other youkais. He talks with every animal he can find.

🐾 You nap on Kenji's lap in your fox form from time to time.

🐾 After characters get their costumes from the app (their costumes from their cards), you had a photoshoot.

🐾 Now, you have a photo with Yamawaro! Kenji, Diviners! Fukuzawa, Atsushi, Junchirou, Naomi, Kunikida, Mori, Elise and Higuchi, Tengu! Dazai, Kitsune! Kyouka, Chokeshin!Yosano, Jorogumo! Kouyou, Shutendoji! Chuuya and Inugami! Akutagawa.

🐾 You had a feeling, that this year Halloween will be awesome. The neighborhood will be 'terrorized' by a group of youkai.

🐾 You have a feeling, that your life will never be boring again.

🐾 All thanks to your human friends.

🐾 You were a one lucky fox. You were friends with so many humans. And BSD cast were so happy to be your friends.

______

A/N.

Youkai.

Yamawaro - https://yokai.com/yamawaro/

Shutendōji - https://yokai.com/shutendouji/

Jorōgumo - https://yokai.com/jorougumo/

Inugami - https://yokai.com/inugami/

Kitsune - https://yokai.com/kitsune/

Tengu - https://yokai.fandom.com/wiki/Tengu

Chokeshin - yokai that were human and became butterflies after they died.

How characters looked like.

ADA - https://bsdmayoi.fandom.com/wiki/Detective_Agency_Ghost_Stories%EF%BD%9EThe_Second_Night%EF%BD%9E/Jun_2023_(JP)

PM - https://bsdmayoi.fandom.com/wiki/Port_Mafia_Ghost_Stories/Feb_2023_(EN)

#self-awareau #self-awarebsd #bungou stray dogs au #bsd #bungou stray dogs #bsd anime #bsd x gender neutral reader #gender neutral reader #kitsune #youkai

[pompompurin1028]

Oh my God!! I had never thought of it that way, that’s awesome! Good catch, Kat :o

That is so true, we read Yozo’s life and deeds completely through his own eyes therefore we can’t treat it as an objective narrative. When this is combined with all the analyses you made yesterday, it’s all coming together and this is the best feeling ever, when I first read your response I went crazy with euphoria😭

And exactly! We can definitely distinguish these two narratives -Yozo’s and the woman’s- in the last scene under the sunset. Dazai, for some reason, always denies his good intentions and is “blinded to his better side” as you said and I totally adore this way of putting it. I really hope Atsushi will be able to bring him back to reality😔

I mean, of course he’s not the most snow white person out there, he still has really gray morals, but isn’t this already an incredible step considering that he was born in pitch black? He needs to see how much he’s achieved since then, but he still feels guilty and this totally blocks the good parts of his journey in his mind, which is probably why he always has that façade to keep him from breaking down. Just like how Yozo had this façade of “clowning” even though he was feeling empty inside all while entertaining people and seeming so cheerful. This clowning thing was a really beautiful parallelism between BSD Dazai and Yozo.

Exactly😭 For someone as traumatised as Atsushi, that poor cinnamon roll is really so precious with his amount of trust and kindness🥺 And yeah… There’s no way I would be able to 100% restore my trust for him -if I had it in the first place, of course, you never know with Dazai😂-, I would question constantly if he’s planning new things with several villains “for the sake of the city”, and this is just what Atsushi says, he denies this as well like what- then why😭 He owes a really good explanation to the ADA, tbh. I hope they treat this subject in S3 or I’ll get really mad if he just gets away with it as if people didn’t die because of his shenanigans😤

And oh my God! I never knew that! This is really intriguing, I’m totally on Dazai-sensei’s side on this matter, Run, Melos! will be so interesting to read :o And as always, I’d love to read your analysis on it😌

And that’s so true😞 His plans are always so complex and detailed that if the littlest thing goes wrong, it would all be over, I mean, trusting that Chuuya punches him in the face or he’ll die?? He’s really walking on thin ice there haha. Which, of course, comes with great stress. And omg I LOVED THAT ANALYSIS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING💕 I reblogged it privately to come back to it whenever I start having doubts or feeling bad about Dazai which happened way too often even before Dead Apple, I just couldn’t keep a healthy relationship with him like I do with Kunikida I have no idea why this will really be a useful thing to come back to 💫 It pains me to see that how much he suffers in reality yet he’s not even able to acknowledge that it’s not his fault😞 (you can gimme all your analyses don’t be shy👀)

I’m planning on reading this one, it has several chapters and they all seem really explanatory. (I hope linking system works in asks🤔)

Exactly, I honestly used to miss all these about Akutagawa and just overlook him, consider him as a mere invincible rabid dog with an unhealthy obsession, whose ability is just to murder. But that’s not true at all, he’s more than his ability. To be honest, I think this movie made this sentence valid for everyone, especially if the ability is too strong, one always tends to consider them as their ability and nothing else, but that’s not true, their abilities are a part of them but they don’t assure their existence. Each one of them is more than their ability and I loved seeing that, I even felt sad when Aku regained his Rashōmon😭

Haha, always!!❤️ Never hesitate to share anything about any theory/headcanon you have, I love discussing them🥰

These asks and responses are getting longer and longer but I’m not complaining😂

Thank you so much!🥺 That makes me really happy that you said that!

And yes exactly! We have to make note that the novel is written in an I-novel narrative, and like all first person perspectives, they are unreliable. And "crazy with euphoria", that makes me so happy to hear😭💕

But yes, we can clearly see the distinct difference between how Yozo sees himself, vs how the woman sees him. (Side note: And one of the reasons why I love this book despite its dark themes and narratives, is that it talks about the goodness of humanity that still exists in even the worst people. Dazai-sensei's narration of Yozo is written in a way that almost makes us hate him. But we have to always be reminded that despite this, there are goodness, even in people like Yozo, which I felt is an amazing reminder) And his own blindness to his better side is obviously self-destructive, as seen in the novel, and I believe that if Dazai continues to see this way, he will not be able to heal despite following what Oda wants him to do. No, he first has to face his past, and as you said he has to recognize how far he has come, even though he is still learning, he is still changing. Like all other characters in Dead Apple, Dazai is also facing his past, or more so an introduction to having to face his past, as I believe that Atsushi had also said that he hopes that Dazai can put his past behind him or something similar to that. And I personally feel that Dazai would have a happy ending because unlike in the novel, he has someone (Atsushi) to remind him of his goodness, the fact that he can go beyond what he is in the past. I just love Dead Apple so much😭

And the clowning part breaks my heart too... In addition to being a facade to stop others from seeing how empty he is inside, which would deviate himself from being "human". It gives me a saddening understanding that Dazai is keeping everyone at a distance. Although he wants others to understand him, and his whole existence is basically a cry for help, he fears being hurt, or at least that's what I believe how Yozo thinks. And it should be noted that the act of clowning, can also be seen in The Setting Sun as well, which he once again uses a mask to attempt to blend into society, yet knowing that he'll still be different from the rest of them

Also one thing I also realized as I am writing this is how Dazai-sensei intentionally in a sense villanizes himself (as it is semi-biographical) as well as Yozo in No Longer Human, and I can't help but wonder if this is another parallel to Dead Apple?🤔

But unfortunately, the consequences of him making that meticulous plan which endangered everyone will not be resolved, as it should be noted that this is a sort of spinoff from the main storyline. But in a sense I like the ending it gave us, as it allows open interpretation. And I feel that it also might symbolize the fact that all the main characters in the movie are still growing, are still learning and are continuing on their paths to face their pasts... And what I think is also quite important to note that is there's also a sense of trust Dazai gives to the people involved in his plans, he trusts them to make that exact move to make his plan whole. And also, what also makes me sad is that Dazai seems to be asking for forgiveness for what he did during dead apple, at least that's what it sounds like to me as he said: "Atsushi what I did earlier-"

And I totally agree that it is impossible to restore full trust back to Dazai. That itself is impossible, for it is a disillusionment, it is a stage you cannot go back to. But and I agree with Dazai-sensei, I believe that this could help Dazai see the better parts of humanity like when he said to Oda, that the good side is really more beautiful.

And I'm so glad to know that you want to save it🥺 It can definitely be hard to see Dazai's good side at times, he is quite confusing and is easily misunderstood ngl. But sometimes I think he intentionally does that so no one can see through his true intentions, to keep himself at a distance, while at the same time wanting others to see through him, to help him😔

And oo thank you for the analysis! I'll definitely have to read it soon☺ Also if you have any analysis that you'd like to discuss or want me to know, feel free to drop them in my ask box as well!

And yes exactly! That about Aku is so beautifully said.

And honestly I'm not complaining either haha. These have been quite fun🥰

#asks💌 #Req🎻 #bsd dazai #bungou stray dogs #dazai osamu #dead apple #bungou stray dogs analysis #bsd theories #kat rambles #I have a lot to say about no longer human and it shows haha

[tsvaling]

Ok, I finally read the latest OP chapter and I have FEELINGS OMG.

1. The chapter title being a play on 'Anarchy in the UK' and featuring a well timed entrance from Mister Punk Pirate himself is just perfect (more on that later).

2. While I am super disappointed Nami didn't get a chance to truly fight Ulti, I am hoping she uses this heartache to find a way to grow stronger and amplify her lightning without Zeus. Usopp had mentioned something about a 'magic wand' he hadn't been able to incorporate into her new staff, so that might be a hint at Nami's growth potential.

Entering the Grand Line and feeling unable to truly fight to protect her friends and help Vivi drove her to have Usopp create her first Climatact.

Encountering Enel and just barely blocking his weakest, half-hearted lightning attacks further inspired her to improve her Climatact (plus learning about tone dials in that same arc to give her the necessary tools).

And then being separated from the crew and unable to help Luffy save Ace pushed her to learn weather science and develop an improved Climatact on her own, and then give notes and research to Usopp to further advance her staff.

I'm hoping this is just one more push for her to grow stronger in her own way, if only so that she can better protect herself and her friends, since I know that is a need that eats at her heart every time she has to face her weaknesses.

3. Zeus. Sweety. Baby. The only time I will associate those words with a character named Zeus. He's just like Nami. Just a coward at heart who fell for the first show of genuine friendship he ever received. I'm so sad for them, but also curious what will happen to Hera after eating him, along with the black balls from Nami's staff. There's just so many possibilities with that.

4. Eustass-fucking-Kid just saved Nami. I am just. So. Happy. She has now been saved by Law and Kid. I just. As much as I want Nami to save herself, I am always a sucker for the guys I ship her with to come to the rescue. Plus, there was literally no chance she could defend herself against an angry Big Mom, so I'm pleased with this.

5. Last chapter Law also began to head toward Big Mom, so here's me hoping he runs into Nami and Tama so he can be his doctor self and treat their injuries. (Usopp, too, of course, but shipper heart gonna focus on Law and Nami taking care of a child together).

6. But seriously, Kid. Just. Kid. Look at how tiny Nami is behind him.

I just love size differences. And I love the trope of huge angry punk guy standing in front of small woman to protect her (especially when you know he won't admit to that being the reason he's standing like that). Seriously, that is a protective position. Kid doesn't come across as the protective sort, at least not toward people outside of his crew (he is obviously very protective of them), and bellows about not caring about collateral damage, but he literally reached over Nami and Usopp to stop Big Mom's strike from coming down on them, and then leaped over them to slam Big Mom back and land in front of them, giving them a shield so they can get away.

That boy just saved their lives. Purposefully. Usopp and Nami are gonna love him so much after this. He's gonna be their new shield to hide behind whenever he's around and Zoro isn't available. He's gonna be so pissed about it but probably won't do anything but yell about how annoying it is. At least that's how I'm imagining it. 🤣

But seriously, look at their faces

He's got two new fans right there.

7. It's okay. Luffy's gonna be just fine. He's always gotta lose a couple times before he wins.

He's totally fine

Just a quick nap

Totally gonna be okay

8. Fucking cliffhanger. Fucking break. Fucking hell.

Edit: just fyi, I am glad Oda takes regular breaks now. He very much needs as much time off as possible for his health. The suspension of cliffhangers is a good thing, even if I still want more. His story is always worth waiting for.

#opspoilers #kidnami #tagging the ship since i am clearly just squealing over that #only other thing i need from this arc shipwise is robin and drake interacting lol

[randomidiocyncrazies]

i know you like them both so yunichika and oda/aoki for the ship ask

thank you for giving me a chance to gush about these kids!!! they’re precious.... this got pretty long so imma put it under a cut

YuniChika, the main boys of 2.43:

• when or if I started shipping it:

tbh i didn’t really ship them when i read the first book... they’re the kind of pairing that i can see people shipping and i think it’s cute, but i’m not super invested in them as a romantic pairing. I think i was more sold about them as a ship in the second book, but i can’t quite remember if there was a specific moment that made me change my mind, or if it was a gradual process

• my thoughts:

i think the anime definitely played up the tension between them (allll the blushes lol), but i’m glad people are enjoying the YuniChika content XD they’re pretty cute!

also, i think they balance each other well and spur each other to become better—Yuni and Chika are both self-centered(?) in very different ways: Yuni lacks drive because he mostly wanted to please people so they’ll like him, while Chika has the opposite problem in that he acts like he doesn’t care what people think of him. 

but now Yuni is able to take a stand for his interest in volleyball and for Chika, and while Chika doesn’t really soften and still has a problem with not realizing how harsh he could be, he’s more willing to communicate his thoughts.

• what makes me happy about them:

boys reuniting! relearning how to have a relationship with one another! learning from past mistakes and trying to be better people together! HELL YEAH

• what makes me sad about them:

boys, please use your words to communicate with each other...

also, from Yuni’s perspective, it’s kinda sad when someone you used to know really well comes back into your life, but they’ve changed so much that they are essentially a different person... but of course they have a new opportunity to become closer now 😉 so i’m not that sad about it

• things done in art/fic that annoys me:

... there are fanworks for them????????? 

(on a more serious note, erasing their flaws to make them more likable... please don’t make Chika ‘secretly nice’ or whatever, the kid is blunt as hell, and not realizing how his words affect others is his biggest flaw. on the other hand, Yuni can still be a little spineless at times, and sometimes his priorities are. questionable.)

• things I look for in art/fic:

hm, i’d like a future fic about them as professional players! i think their inclination is to stick together (they’re a package deal!) but it’d be super interesting to read something where they’re on rival teams years down the line

EDIT: haha Chika actually transferred to Keisei High School after their first Spring Tournament, so he and Yuni have faced each other as rivals since then (2.43 next 4years). they’re go to the same university and are on the same team now though!

• who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other:

uh i don’t really have specific people for this, but Chika would probably have to be with someone who understands his love of volleyball (like Oda, but if Oda wasn’t their team captain and thus too much of a dad friend to qualify as a romantic interest), and someone who can inspire Yuni would be good for him

also, i know who i’d NOT be comfy about: the first book (and anime i guess) had this weird tension between Itoko and Yuni, COUSINS who BASICALLY GREW UP TOGETHER. i think(?) their weird whatever was mostly dropped in the 2nd book and wasn’t really made explicit, but like. what the hell. (i have no idea what happens beyond the 2nd book.)

• my happily ever after for them:

the YuniChika in college arc is being serialized rn, so in a way that’s already fulfilled? (i have NO idea what’s going on tho) 

in general i just hope they can play volleyball together until one or both decide not to, for whatever reason, and that they stay in each other’s lives and support each other even after they’ve retired from competitive volleyball. i think with Yuni’s personality he could be a good coach after getting more experience, and Chika... he’s really valuable as a strategist, but I think he’d always be a little brusque, so he’s respected but hard to bond with if he does take on coaching?

• what is their favorite non-sexual activity?

bold of you to assume Chika even cares about sex

anyway, they don’t go to movies for a romantic date night, they go watch volleyball matches. sometimes this backfires when Chika gets too frustrated at bad plays tho

and of course i will never pass up an opportunity to talk about Oda/Aoki, the main guys of my heart (my OTP for this series tbh):

• when or if I started shipping it:

they pinged on my radar when they were bickering in Ibara’s chapter, but i wasn’t super duper invested... and then I got to The Dog’s Perspective and the Giraffe’s Perspective (specifically The Kick™) and oh god i’ve never fallen so fast

• my thoughts: 

GOD WOW Aoki really loves Oda... even though objectively Oda’s height prevents him from being a super ace, he is the coolest, strongest super ace to Aoki. i think it’s beautiful that someone can see you as your best self even when you’re feeling shitty about yourself. Aoki knows that objectively Oda faces a lot of obstacles, and wants to support him as best as he can—not out of pity (pity would’ve burned out long ago), but because he really respects Oda’s passion and drive.

also, these two have unaddressed issues that they should talk about! Oda, i know you feel inferior but you are so much better than you think you are. please accept that Aoki really does respect you, and that you are worthy of it (or like, you don’t have to be ‘’’worthy’’’’ or ‘’’’’’deserving’’’’’’’’’’ of it, because it is Aoki’s choice to support you and play volleyball with you!!! it’s not something you gotta earn, it’s something freely and happily given to you)

(ahhhhhh i die when i think of them)

• what makes me happy about them: 

gosh i love their dynamic SO MUCH! Oda is exactly my type of character (passionate, determined, knowing that he can never be the best at what he’s passionate about due to factors he cannot control, trying to be kind and gracious but struggling with feelings of inferiority and jealousy, thinks of himself as a selfish person, a supporting character...) and Aoki’s devotion is really touching. 

again: even when you feel like crap about yourself, there’s someone out there who thinks you’re the best thing that happened to them.

there’s also the fact that Oda thinks the world of Aoki as well (to the point of feeling inferior, which is like... c’mon Oda :/ you are better than you think you are!) he trusts Aoki a lot, despite knowing his willingness to engage in, uh, underhanded methods

• what makes me sad about them: 

it’s their last year together, and they’d be approaching a new phase of their lives in different places... although Aoki offered to lower his rankings so they’d go to the same university, realistically they’ll go to different colleges, and most likely end up in different prefectures. (like, not only do i think it’s a Terrible Idea to give up your dream school so that you could stay with someone else, there is no way Oda would accept the offer without being crushed by guilt. something like that would actually ruin their relationship, which i think Aoki knows as well.)

there’s also a lot left unsaid between them at this point and i just want them to lay everything out between them and move forward together

• things done in art/fic that annoys me: 

the fact that there’s NONE >:[ what does a gal have to do to get some content for them???????

• things I look for in art/fic: 

at this point anything is fine.... it’s a desert out there and i’m dying

more specifically i’m Extremely Down for a get together fic; i personally only see them getting together after high school, at least several months (or even longer) studying in different prefectures and no longer able to see each other every day. (i mean... absence makes the heart grow fonder right?)

i’d also love to see Oda using Aoki’s first name, considering Aoki calls him “Shin” and all. Oda managing to surprise/fluster Aoki would be nice too.

EDIT: they’re both in the Kansai region (2.43 next 4years prologue). Oda’s revealed to be studying in Osaka, and assuming Aoki got into KyoDai, they should be around 2 hours away from each other by train? so visiting each other over short breaks would be cute! also, apparently Oda took a gap year before going to Osaka (2.43 next 4years Ch 1.2), so something set during that time would also be awesome :V

• who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: 

hm... if i had to imagine people well-suited to them, i’d say Aoki’s type is people who are straightforwardly passionate about their interests (Oda hooked him with his unbridled love of volleyball way back in their first year of high school after all), and I think Oda probably needs someone who is willing to indulge him a little (like Chika he can be pretty dang determined about what he wants, though without the single-minded intensity at the expense of everything else)

... this is just a roundabout way of saying i think they’re ideal for each other, especially if they resolve the problem of hiding things from the other

• my happily ever after for them: 

they get careers/hobbies they enjoy, and get a place together as boyfriends/husbands. no i will not hear any criticism of this idea

i can see Aoki working in the private sector (this guy is fine with ‘joking’ about blackmail after all!) after getting his law degree. this is super self-indulgent, but given his penchant of rooting for passionate but objectively disadvantaged entities, i think it’d be pretty awesome if he works for a smaller company that truly believes in their work, instead of working at a big firm pulling in big bucks.

while I’m not sure what Oda is canonically studying, I can see him going into sports education or sports therapy—i think he’d be really good at nurturing the talents of other athletes, and he’s good at rallying the team (Aoki pretty much says he’s the heart of the team in the epilogue of the first book, though Aoki’s kiiinda biased lol). i think it’d be really cute if Oda coaches a grade school team!

neither plays volleyball competitively after high school, but sometimes they watch matches for fun (esp if their ex-teammates are playing). Oda also makes Aoki come to his students’ matches if he doesn’t have work

EDIT: apparently Oda continues competing as a wing spiker in college, playing in Kaisai’s 2nd Collegiate Division (2.43 next 4years Ch 1.2)—Aoki probably watches his matches, even when he’s busy (and Oda probably chides him for neglecting his work, but they both know Aoki can manage his workload).

• what is their favorite non-sexual activity?

hm... idk, i think they’re the kind of couple who are cool with just chilling with each other doing their own work. like, Oda planning strategies for the kids he’s coaching while Aoki reads next to him, occasionally glancing over to make comments, stuff like that

also since Oda says they mostly talked about volleyball during high school, I can kinda see them finding something new they both enjoy after they get together? Maybe shounen manga, for something fun

#2.43 #2.43 anime #2.43 seiin high school boys volleyball team #2.43 seiin koukou danshi volley bu #yunichika #odaoki #replies

[ikeservant]

Ummm hi! Can I ask for HCs for the warlords (maybe from the Uesugi side) with a feisty MC? Feisty as in when someone bad shows up she just punches and kicks them in the groin and just like overall fights uncontrollably? Sorry if it's confusing, hehe

Oh my goodness I finally finished! Sorry school has caused me to suffer from burnout but I finally wrote, @drawwriterpganime712 ! To all that have requested, sorry its been taking so long but school is a lil hectic, but I will get it finished! Hope you enjoy :)

Kenshin- He was drinking sake in an Azuichi bar when all of the sudden a couple guys started to harass the elderly owner for free drinks. Kenshin was getting annoyed by the commotion and was about to stand up until mc stomped right over and demanded that they stop. “Mind your own business, woman, unless you want to be next.” Kenshin watched as she sighed, walked away, came back with a stool and SWUNG IT FULL FORCE across the back of one of the bad guys, breaking the stool into splinters. Holding the broken stool legs like a pair of sharp, splintery daggers, she threatens to turn them into swiss cheese. Kenshin, actually glad this turned out interesting, steps in and joins the fight. MC and Kenshin vs the bad guys. After mc and Kenshin obviously won, he had to recheck his whole “women are passive and weak” mentality and stated how impressed and surprised he was that she had fighting spirit and decided to give her a few pointers on how to fight more precisely instead of going out of control with broken stool legs. She is HYPED to learn how to beat up bad guys better so she learns from the best, which is Kenshin. He relates to how much mc has that feisty fighting spirit but keeps telling her to observe the situation and gage her opponents before she goes wild on them. Falls in love with her and her spirit. It’s like the God of War met his Goddess of War. Power couple. If any bad or sketchy guys show up, mc will knee them in the groin. “My love that’s not necessary. I’m sorry sir, you don’t deserve that.” “You’re going to show me mercy?” “No, you deserve worse.” *screaming ensues.*

Shingen- He learned the hard way about mc’s feistiness. He knew of mc due to intel and spy intel and how she was connected to the Oda so he was following her, not knowing she sensed him and thought he was gonna do something sketchy but played it cool, walking around in circles. When he decided to swoop in and make his move to suavely get info from her, he walked behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. “You must be an ang-eeeeeeel.”, not finishing his pickup line before she punched him in the crotch, causing him to get winded and go down on his knees. Pushing her knee into his back, she demanded why he was following her. Luckily he had a backup plan that involved a lil lying. “Hey I know Sasuke, your ninja friend. He wants to meet with you about the current state of the war. I can take you to hii-“ Mc pressed her sandal into his back, angry. “You think I would follow a strange man who has his tiddies out?” “This time, yes.” Sasuke came out from the shadows and it turns out he did want to talk about the war and how it’d be safer to come over to their side. Mc agrees as long as Shingen stays at least 10 feet away from her. She eventually warms up to him and he adores how fiery she is and calls her a fiery goddess. “Did you see that maniac woman whack that thief with a fabric roll?” “That woman is an angel and I will marry her someday” he’d reply to a very confused civilian with hearts in his eyes.

Yukimura- If this boy calls her a wild boar, he’s gonna be met with the force of a wild boar. Mc punched him out of fearful instinct when he saved her from running off the cliff, which made her feel bad for the misunderstanding but they got into a heated argument until Sasuke stepped in. Whenever they’d bump into eachother in the Azuichi market, they would have a bickering tradition where he called her a boar and she’d threaten to hit him (except this time she doesn’t bc she knows he’s not a bad person and is friends with Sasuke). He learns fast what she does to people she truly dislikes or labels as bad. Yuki decided to treat mc to sweet buns for always purchasing the products he fails to sell. She noticed a soldier towering over a young woman who looked uncomfortable. “There’s that jackass guard I was telling you about. I’ll be back.”mc stood up as Yuki started to protest for her safety. “I’ll give you 3 seconds to walk away from this young lady.” “Or else what? You’re nothing but a little who-“ the man didn’t even get to finish his sentence when mc lashed out and broke a pitcher across his face. She then grabbed him by the hair, pushing his face into her knee and breaking his nose. Before the soldier was going to swing at her, Yukimura dashed in between, helping knock out the guy before things got uglier. “The only one around here that’s allowed to call me names is my man, Yukimura!” she cockily shouts, causing Yuki to go blushy blushy mode.

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikesen headcanon #ikesen hc