#which is... the opposite of kabuto

[everykabuto]

[rusty-noodle]

「 ✦ straw hat cuddling ✦ 」

hiii! this is gonna be kinda a, tiny fic + a little bit of headcannons too! muah okay love you enjoy! synopsis: How each of the Straw Hats would cuddle you (I'm excluding jinbe, brook and chopper, I'm sorry...!😭) CW:fluff/SFW, pet names, teasing(in robin’s part), no use of y/n, gen-neutral reader, not proof read 😭 -noodle

Luffy

trapping you, like a animal in need of caging Blankets, lots and lots of blankets, snuggled up like a bug. He likes to be warm while cuddling you!

“mmh, your elbow is digging into me…” you whine, pushing him off of you-which is, of course to no avail. Both his legs and arms wrapped around you. “Luffy!” You groan as you get a response of pure silence from him, pulling up the blankets you discover Luffys head is sleeping steadily on your chest. You roll your eyes and pull the blanket back down, engulfing him under again.

“whatever…” you grumble sighing and closing your own eyes to fall asleep with him

oh and if you’d let him he would stretch as far as he could to wrap his arms around you as much as possible.

Nami

Nami is a princess, holding her is how she likes it

your hand is running aimlessly on her back, her smooth skin shining off if the dimly lit light in her room, your other hand on her upper thigh, keeping her in place ontop of you.

“i want… you to change into linen” she hums “the good stuff” she lets out a little giggle

you smile and roll your eyes, fauxing annoyance “so needy? You even need the material of my shirt to be changed?” You huff your hands coming up to cup her cheeks in your palms, squishing her face and leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead “but ill do it for you cutie…”

I think she would like cuddles while she did random stuff too, hugging her from behind when shes painting her nails, picking out a dress, or simply chilling leaning on the railing of the ship

Sanji

tries his best to please you, anything for you

“is this okay?” He whispers softly into your ear, his fingers rubbing your arm gently,

“Or would you rather want this?” He adjusts himself, your legs coming on either side of his hips

“or maybe this-“ You interrupt him “whatever is okay baby!” You huff, getting slightly annoyed

“oh..!” He frowns, eyebrows furrowing upwards as he tries to stay still, inconveniencing you is the opposite of what he wants, his eyes stare down into yours

you sigh and groan “ugh…!” You dig your face into his chest, those damn puppy eyes get you every time,

definitely prioritizes your happiness over his, (MY BABBYYY)

Zoro

sloppily, whatever’s comfortable for you two

You're laying on his chest, hes sleeping, he always falls asleep immediately, his chest rising with every snore, you two are laid on the floor, his arms sprawled out. its not much, but your content, laying on his warm chest, it all feel so natural… the.. interesting noises he makes,

and when he wakes up or needs to do something he puts you on his back,

“your like a koala back there loosen up…” me murmurs, patting your side with one of his free hands, your arms wrapped around his neck tracing patterns on his exposed collar bone.

mentioned it, but definitely falls asleep half the time, and when he’s sleeping by himself, propped against a wall or some other random item, you come up and snuggle into his arms.

Ussop

sitting on his lap, listening to him

“and then, he slashed his sword and i dodged! Im quick on me feet! I slayed him with one shoot of my weapon!” He laughed “youve got a skilled Lover dont you?!” He smiled, peering down at you who rested on his lap

“oh and! I just got kabuto a new grip! Now when i hold it, its a lot comfier now!”

soon his voice and endless rambles faded into nothing as you focused on the feeling of being in his lap,

you grumble and interrupt him “m’sleepy…” you whine

“oh aww” he cooed starting to shift you into a better position on the bed, “ill tell you a bedtime story” he snickered

sometimes he can be quiet… sometimes

and he would randomly sit up, pushing you off to show you what he was talking about, please go easy on him. Even if it gets annoying, he loves you, as you are his favorite story to tell others about.

Robin

spooning, little spoon to be exact

you might think shes going to big spoon you, but halt! You are dead wrong!

you snake your arms around her waist “robin love~ give me some kisses or something sweet!” You whine pressing a soft kiss to her neck,

“im reading… and its getting interesting, ill kiss you later” she hums flipping a page followed by a crinkling sound

of course she wants to love you back, bur i believe her to secretly be a little teasing minx

“hii sweetie!” You smile crawling up behind her, she sips a cup of steaming tea, you take it from her hand and sit it down on the bedside table, pulling her down, placing your leg over her own “love you~” you smile as a hands poof out of no where, pulling a book towards her

she might like to tease you, but she actually does love little spooning, feeling secure and safe, somewhere she belongs, right in your arms.

Franky

warm and reassuring, like a safe space

His metallic arms were wrapped around you, being heated by his, robotic internal heating mechanism, you don't really understand it

“your so pretty you know that?” He whispered into your ear

“so super…” he yawned “i love love love love you!”

he smiled “so warm and comfortable..”

he would constantly make you feel like you’re int he right place, like with him is where you want to spend your time, i feel like sometimes it wouldn’t always be sunshine and rainbows with a cyborg… sorry franky

you and franky were resting on a couch in his room, his hand rubbing your back, when something poked your side “hey!” You grumble hand immediately going to the spot

“Oh! Sorry!” Franky frowned, “i never thought i would need to sand that down…!”

you forgive him, of course, hes a silly little boy… superr!!! Hehehe

—————————————————————————wrote this in one sitting, and honestly it was fun but also a little hard, i definitely go off topic randomly! If i missed any CW tags please tell me! (I never really know what to say) Hheeh thanks for reading love you muah!!

[twomiddlefingersforthehaters]

Land of Waves arc... After killing Gato, Zabuza collapses on the bridge, exhausted, and in the end he asks Kakashi to take him be by Haku's side. He want to see Haku's face. Zabuza honestly expresses his feelings for Haku.

Kakashi looks away, as he desperately trying to hold back the emotions that are threatening to overflow. There was no need to fight anymore... so Kakashi put his forehead protector over his eye and turned off his combat mode. I think this was an expression of his feelings, that he no longer sees Zabuza as an enemy, but as a person.

So Kakashi picked up Zabuza in his arms and gently took him to Haku's side

Zabuza: 悪いな...カカシ

warui na... Kakashi

I'm sorry (for making you do this)/Thanks (for doing this to me).... Kakashi

悪いな = it is a super casual expression used by males toward equal or lower ranking persons. It sounds rough not polite expression. 悪い → bad → it's my bad (sorry) I'm bothering you → → thank you

When kids talk to each other, either ごめん or 悪い are often used as the conversation or given situation tends to be less serious than the ones adults have.

During the Fourth Shinobi World War, Kakashi meets the Edo Tensei Zabuza & Haku, who asks him to stop them by any means necessary. And Kakashi, he pushes up the forehead protector with his left hand and says, "Yeah, I know."

Kakashi has taken Zabuza's feelings to heart, and is determined to protect their death "as the final enemy." The part where he places his hand on his forehead and answers "ああ..." is the same as in chapter 33 of Land of Waves arc, and it also a sign of determination that, "I have certainly received your feelings, and I will protect your way of death".

Zabuza entrusted Kakashi, believing that Kakashi would be able to stop them from this.

In Edo Tensei, Zabuza is bound by Kabuto and turned him into "an emotionless fighting tool". In other words, in the opposite situation to last time, Zabuza has been transformed "from a human into a tool." So Kakashi ended up pushing up the forehead protector...which was the opposite of what happened during the battle in the Land of Waves. By fighting, "I will protect the way you die"..., this was a manifestation of that determination.

When Naruto said about Zabuza and Haku that, "I kinda liked them," Kakashi replied happily, "Me too". The "strange emotion" that he felt towards their enemies Zabuza and Haku, it made him unable to hate them and empathize with them. Kakashi seemed very happy to know that Naruto had similar feelings towards them.

Kakashi could able to understand that Zabuza was hesitated to cut down Haku at that time...and he couldn't hide his shock at Haku's death. He was able to understand that Zabuza didn't see Haku just as a tool and they deeply cared about their bond.

Instead of hating your enemies, understand and come to terms with them. Love your enemies. And instead of defeating your enemies, save their hearts.

Kakashi believes that Naruto who will change the ninja world, and he wants to say "thank you" to Zabuza and Haku for creating the Naruto he is today. Even though he was deeply wounded, Kakashi smiles at Zabuza. When Naruto instinctively tries to look away from Zabuza's brutal death (Low), but Kakashi says "Don't look away... this is the end of a man who lived his life to the fullest," it is their responsibility as the "final enemy" to witness the death and leave it in their memory (and Naruto abides by this). I think Kakashi gently closed Haku's eyes and carried the dying Zabuza next to Haku as a sign of respect for the way they died. The way they lived and died.

[madara-fate]

I think the only problem in ss, the actual real problem is the murder attempts only and the sakura dislike plays the bigger role imo.

i mean look at eren and mikasa. I am pretty sure there wasw not an explicitly romantic moment amongst them, as in like sakura and sasuke. There were mikasa's feelings highlighted and i guess the other gave them a beginning of her emerging feelings, but i dont remember a moment until the end which highlighted feelings from eren side.

but the way the anime community eats this couple up, i do too i love them obv.

Yeah pre Gaiden, the murder attempts were the only thing that I thought were a little too extreme. However, when taking the context of the Naruto universe as a whole into consideration, it makes more sense. The Naruto universe proved itself on multiple occasions to be an unrealistically forgiving place.

Hinata forgiving Neji for trying to kill her during the Chuunin Exams.

Sasuke trying to kill Naruto multiple times, and those two still being the best of friends.

Gaara being elected as the Kazekage after being feared in that very village as a killing machine who killed many innocents.

Naruto describing Obito as "cool" despite the latter causing by far the most shit in the entire series, and who was personally responsible for his own parents' deaths.

Kabuto becoming head of the Konoha orphanage despite his leading role as part of the opposition during the 4th Shinobi War.

Orochimaru having an amicable relationship with Konoha despite everything that he had done during the main series.

When taking all of those things into account, Sasuke and Sakura's relationship surviving those murder attempts and becoming romantically involved several years later, is no longer so far fetched.

[olegfeel]

Kabuto and his hair.

As a person with a PHD in Kabutology, I have analyzed various aspects of him a lot, including his appearance. To be more specific, his hairstyle.

You can start with his childhood.

The neat square, coupled with the uniform of the orphanage, create the image of an innocent and good child, which he actually is. His image is immaculate, unblemished by blood, and therefore this hairstyle fits well into this image without causing dissonance.

But that changes after Kabuto is recruited by the root. He still has his old hairstyle, which now does not fit with his childish face and shinobi form, which always implies the opposite of innocence. Now his clothes are soaked in blood and tears, and not always his, and therefore this square ceases to fit into his image, causing ambivalent feelings.

Under Orochimaru's lead, he builds his new identity of the perfect prize possession. He's smart, collected, he always has everything under control and everything goes according to plan, and in addition to everything, his hairstyle matches. A neat, styled ponytail and bangs, as a small detail, making his image more friendly to others. It's his stability and his routine.

Which collapses after death of the main pillar of his life, on which all his self-awareness was based. During this crisis, he completely rejected his former human form.

Perhaps this is quite stupid and stereotypical, but a radical change in appearance, including hairstyle, is an important stage for a person with depersonalization, for a complete personality change and escape from his past and previous self (I speak as a person with depersonalization). Accordingly, for this reason, Kabuto cuts his long hair back into a square. But why is there no feeling of returning to the roots, to the original "self"? Because, unlike before, this square is uneven, with locks of different lengths, and overall looks messy, which indicates Kabuto's troubled state of mind. His mental state is worse than ever, always being a few steps away from the abyss.

I can also talk about chikara ark, even though it is a filler. In general, the degree of crazy has been increased for the entire ark. The main villain who's losing his mind, Hidan, who's lost his mind a long time ago, Kabuto is losing his mind bc of his allies, and the viewer is losing his mind bc of the whole arc SO! Personally, I have a direct association with madness - this is the shape of a spiral, which can be visually found in the curls of hair.

As for Boruto, I already have my own theories about the intermediate hairstyle between fourth shinobi war and Boruto.

The Kabuto in the middle is caught between that terrible state of the war period and healing in a new generation. He lets his hair grow carelessly, the locks are still of different lengths, the hair itself is loose, which gives the image the feeling that Kabuto has "let go" of the situation around him. The image is also complemented by long bangs that cover most of the face, which shows his closeness from the outside world or attempts to hide his own emotions and state of mind.

Later in Boruto, when he finally reaches peace of mind and balance, he puts his hair back in a ponytail, which symbolizes that he has finally taken control of his life and let go of the past.

[sunshinemoonrx]

Woke up this morning thinking about how most of the Riders in Kabuto are introduced as if they're Tendou's new rival but quickly fall into his narrative gravity and just sorta orbit around him sequestered in their own corners because they're competing for the same spot and the path of heaven is narrow

EXCEPT when the Hoppers becomes the Hoppers and they don't even care about him anymore because they're seeking the exact opposite (Hell) and they fully escape that tension and gravity. They're almost able to escape Kabuto itself, they've got it figured out

(Similarly, Kagami goes through the same cycle from trying to use Kabuto, then TheBee, which have established types, until getting his moment by continuing to try and be the very different kind of hero of his own story to the kind of hero this show actually has. The HBV of all things is entirely about this)

It's not that Tendou /is/ The Best Guy, he's just more himself than anyone else in the world has ever been themself, and you can't be the most you by trying to be someone else, you have to be you

In other words:

Kamen Rider Kabuto is the only show ever maybe

P.S. this bit in the final episode:

I used to think it was a sweet bookend but a bit out of nowhere...fool that I was. Fool that I was!

[sannin-three]

so interesting to me the animal traits some characters and their clans just Have. even more interesting that we don't see other snake folk apart from orochimaru (and later clone kiddos). like how the inuzukas are clearly very doglike, kisame is a literal shark guy, wasabi from boruto and her clan are basically cats. similar to how the byakugan and sharingan and other visual powers are passed down from the otsutsuki, i sometimes wonder about if those animal traits come from literal animals like you say oro's clan might be. or if it's maybe something like sage powers that were once more phenotypical and obvious (or just visually apparent 24/7 before and are now latent or have to emerge with training). kinda wonder what your thoughts are on that.

wish we had more snake folks but your stuff is very good at filling that void.

I also found it interesting that Orochimaru seemed to be the old snake-like individual (prior to them creating their children of course)! I believe I've seen some people theorize about their parents doing human experiments on them when they were a baby, which is certainly interesting, but as you noted I preferred to go the route of them being descended from yōkai. I did that because Orochimaru tends to reference a lot of Japanese mythology (the tale of Jiraiya, the kusanagi sword, the masks, etc.) so tying their origin in with a myth felt appropriate! And I'm so happy to hear that you like them! Sal and I have gotten a lot of enjoyment out of developing them and we hope to write and draw them more going forward ☺️ I too wish we had more snake folks in canon though, and if nothing else it would be interesting if they could delve more into Log and Mitsuki's anatomy.

For the sage powers causing physical traits, I really like that idea too! The Naruto-verse takes the approach that the more human someone looks during sage mode indicates the better they're able to control sage mode. Personally though, I always found the opposite to be more interesting - that the better they control a power, the more animalistic they look. Just a personal preference as I think it's more visually interesting! Take lizard Kabuto for example - he's more powerful than usual and so cool to look at! Much more so than if they'd just simply changed his pupils slightly.

for the other clans you mentioned, I was thinking it could be interesting if the Inuzuka and/or Hatake clan(s) had a similar backstory to Romulus and Remus, where some early member(s) were raised by wolves and since then there's been a close bond. In Kisame's case I've know I've seen a really cool set of OC parents for him but I can't for the life of me find a link (there was I believe a humanoid shark mom and human dad?)

[shrimpleasthat77]

So hey guys uh I finally got the thing I was working on beta read (in an Applebees no less) so here’s my super secret little project!!! I hope the two aren’t too out of character. If they are then uh sorry chat 🐎🐎🐎

Kabuto would like to think that he’s a rational man.

Undoubtedly, he possessed a brilliant mind and boundless talent, and that fact was known. Any village would kill to have someone as adept as him, whether for his medical prowess or his skills as a spy. If it weren't for him, Otogakure would not run as seamlessly as it does. He was a cog in the machine, but one that was central to the mechanism as a whole. A heavy responsibility would require someone to be level-headed not easily swayed by emotions.

Kabuto thinks he fills that role on most occasions.

On most occasions, he can compose himself. Tonight, however, was not one of these instances.

He was not on a mission; quite the opposite. Tonight, he found himself in his Lord’s quarters, sitting behind him on the silk sheets. He had been summoned for “personal matters,” which just resulted in giving the older man a massage. Kabuto would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy these moments with Orochimaru.

“You are incredibly adept with your fingers, my dear…” Orochimaru sighed, leaning into the younger man’s touches. “I could not imagine anyone else providing this service.”

“It's nothing, My Lord. This is the least I could do for you." Despite his clinical tone, Kanuto truly meant it.

The serpentine man chuckled, leaning his head back. “I wonder…would you do this for any other ‘master’ of yours? A target you had to warm up to, perchance?”

The bespectacled man stopped his firm movements, a gasp escaping him. “N-no, My Lord! The thought wouldn’t cross my mind-“

“-I jest, Kabuto, I jest.” Orochimaru turned towards him, spindly hands caressing Kabuto’s cheeks. “You are oh so easy to rile up~”

Under the gaze of his master’s golden eyes, he feels vulnerable. He may have been fully clothed, but he felt almost as naked as the day he was born. Orochimaru had that effect on people, and Kabuto was no outlier. The only thing he could think of doing now was leaning into his master’s touch.

“You do not have any more tasks for tonight, do you, Kabuto?” The older man questioned, moving his thumbs in a circular motion.

“I don’t think so, My Lord. Do you need anything else from me?” Even in tender moments like this, Kabuto found it hard to articulate his words affectionately.

“Ever so serious, my sweet boy.” He pinched at his cheeks, “I would request that you spend the night with me. It gets oh so cold here, and my body just cannot handle it.”

Kabuto faltered for a moment. “Of course, My Lord, if you’ll have me.”

Orochimaru’s face dropped. “That is what I just asked of you, Kabuto.”

“My apologies, My-“

Before he could finish, his body was quickly arranged to be propped up against the older man. His face was now against a wall of ivory, the skin feeling smooth and dry. His Lord’s left hand gently held his head while the other limply rested on his forearm. The sensation of skin-to-skin contact in such a way fulfilled an ache within the bespectacled man, something he could not place a finger on. His mind couldn’t catch up with how fast everything escalated.

“There, you may relax now. You are always so wound up, my sweetness.”

With that, he did what his lord asked of him. It was foolish to be so vulnerable in front of someone like his master, an extremely volatile and manipulative man, but none of that mattered in the moment.

Kabuto was a rational man, but not when it came to Orochimaru.

[theheirofthesharingan]

Hi, sorry to bother. There is something that has been bugging me about Itachi and maybe you are the right person to ask this to. I found on Tumblr that a lot of people in the fandom hate on Itachi based on something he said during the fight with Sasuke against Kabuto. Apparently, when he is about to release the Edo Tensei, he says that he was able to defend the village as Itachi Uchiha of the Leaf, and that he has "no regrets".

I was super confused by this because it is not at all what he says on the anime version for my language. Here he says he will dispel the Edo Tensei, Sasuke asks "then you will leave as well", and Itachi answers that, as he managed to defend Konoha again, there is nothing left to keep him in this world. To which Sasuke reacts angrily because he demanded answers for him and Itachi seems to want to leave without telling him anything, and he does not understand why he wants to protect Konoha after all they did to him. I watched the arc many times, and Itachi never says he has no regrets. Quite the opposite.

Do you think this is maybe a translation problem? Do you have any idea of what he says in the original version? Because "I have no regrets" really does not fit with what Itachi had said all the time in that fight. He kept mentioning his fails and his regrets. And it does not fit Sasuke's reaction at all. If Itachi had said he had not regrets, Sasuke should have been confused and enraged.

Anyway, sorry for the rant and have a nice day.

I'll say the people in your country's dubbing made a wiser choice, because 'I have no other regrets' is what he says in the anime and manga both. I don't have the original Japanese manga, because it's hard to find it, I think. Every time I read or watch that part, I roll my eyes, not at Itachi but at Kishimoto's writing. He just knew how to ruin a perfect character development for silly drama. Now, I'm not the kind of person to blame the authors for the characters saying things and I'm not overly critical of Kishimoto either, although I'd still make some changes in how he wrote Itachi. But Kishi just inserted that one sentence that sticks out like a sore thumb that has no connection with what he's said so far or behaved with Sasuke.

Like you said, his entire interaction with Sasuke as well as Kabuto leading upto this moment bleeds of his regrets and guilts. He didn't have just one regret, but a cluster of it, which he had to face eventually accepting in the ways he failed.

The first time he meant Sasuke this was his first reaction.

He wasn't denying Sasuke was wrong - a criminal, at that, but he knew it wasn't Sasuke's fault either. It was his own doing, the hatred Itachi wanted to exploit to make Sasuke stronger ended up backfiring badly. There was no positive outcome that came out of him handling Sasuke the way he did.

Here, too, Itachi knew he had no right to lecture Sasuke on the paths he had chosen or what he wanted to do. He couldn't just say "you're wrong" when he himself had pushed Sasuke on that path, and he acknowledged it. If it's not regret, I'm not sure what else does it look like.

Itachi spent his whole life lying and as good as his intentions were he messed up real bad, especially Sasuke. One more admission of his failure. No one without regrets will ever say something like this. It's also to note that he's dead, so he can't make up for the damage he's caused, so the least he can do is accept he failed. And he does.

This particular page is so much more important than anything to assess Itachi's character. After he's shown Sasuke the truth he admits he's been wrong and he's nothing but a man built on the skeletons of his kins and lies he himself protected. He admits Sasuke is a better person than him, purer than him, who could have succeeded where Itachi failed; and it was his fault that he never trusted anyone, not even Sasuke. He can't do anything else now, but he at least can be truthful and let Sasuke have his share of truth he rightfully deserved.

At long last this. He knew he can't be forgiven so he doesn't beg for Sasuke's forgiveness. He knows nothing - no words, no tears, no apologies can ever make up for what he did. And sasuke isn't obliged to forgive him. He's still okay if Sasuke continues to hate him. He didn't think he was worthy of Sasuke's devotion, love, and his forgiveness. If he'd lived, yes, it would be a different story, but his death prevented him from making up for the things he'd done.

With all this available info, I'm not going to let that one phrase decide that "Itachi had no regrets". These are the instances that are in sync with his actual character and personality, and what he know about him from the beginning (that is, Sasuke's flashbacks). He loves Sasuke and throughout their fight against Kabuto, he protects Sasuke on his instincts. Like I said, he didn't have just one regret, that of ruining Sasuke's life, but so many more. People really expect Itachi to fall to Sasuke's feet and beg for forgiveness with tears in his eyes. I'd love a scene like that too, but Itachi lived his life suppressing his feelings, never verbalized them. Here, talking to Sasuke is literally the only time he expresses himself honestly. It's the only time he openly admits he was wrong, he failed, and most importantly, he loves his brother so much. Being dead didn't mean he was in therapy for the time being so he could communicate with Sasuke more openly and in a "healthy" way. He does try to be the kind of brother he would have been had he not been in the circumstances he was put in, thanks to the village.

Although, I don't entirely hate that one line, but that has more to do with Sasuke's reaction to it. Many people comment that Sasuke was just blind towards Itachi's flaws because of his love, which is why he forgave him so easily, but when he calls him out for this, we know that's not true. He doesn't go "I understand you were trying to help me and save my life so it's okay you put me through hell." He never tries to justify Itachi and neither does Itachi defend himself using this "excuse". They both knew Itachi's actions had no justification, which is why Itachi was okay with still not being forgiven and Sasuke, despite forgiving him doesn't use this as an excuse to defend his brother.

As far as Itachi's haters are concerned, I've stopped taking them seriously. Once upon a time I used to think it was probably a matter of different opinions because he's a "minimalistic" character where most info on him comes from unreliable narrators and can be taken either way. However, when I got into reading manga, it turned out that haters usually have no basis other than being angry on the things he's already acknowledged himself. So, why are you so outraged? What do you want to prove with the longish gibberish you call meta? This website is infested with his rabid haters so you'll find them even if you block the anti tag. I just see hypocrisy, ignoring canon for their own convenience because it feeds their hateful bias. This one is one of those countless instances. They can just seethe.

[throughtrialbyfire]

For the Dragonborn trio!

10) How does your OC handle their mental health? Do they take care of themselves?

11) What was your inspiration for your OC?

hi there!!!!!!!! <33333

10) How does your OC handle their mental health? Do they take care of themselves?

-Emeros is a very… "if you don't think about it, it isn't real" person in regards to his mental health issues. he can do all of the breathing exercises and mindfulness in the world, but he never slows down, and if he never slows down he never addresses anything. it kind of takes a real miracle (or him getting ill from stress) for anything to come to the surface.

-Wyndrelis can open up if he needs to, but he just never wants to. he tries to not let anything get to him, but you'll find that he has many habits from times of stress. in this way, you know how dads will just drop the craziest lore and it shows that they're severely depressed but they don't address that at all, and brush it off and keep moving with a joke? that's wyndrelis.

-Athenath is… well, let's just say he's good at performing a role. they dont have any really healthy coping mechanisms, which has lead to some bad habits that still crop up every now and then. they're also prone to pushing people away whom they think have gotten too close, both wanting someone to confide in and also terrified of that person seeing him for everything he is.

so, needless to say, none of them are mentally well

11) What was your inspiration for your OC?

for the trio, i have multiple inspirations (some of which are more personal), but here are a few of them!!

-Emeros - a huge inspiration for him was a character from CoD Zombies i've fixated on since i was like, 11. his voice claim, his personality, his speech patterns, a lot of that came from this character. i also took some inspiration from daniel of mayfair in the game Amnesia: The Dark Descent, in that he's not a perfect person - in fact, for being as compassionate as Emeros is and as much as he tries to heal people, he is very capable of violence - but he wants to set things right whenever he can. he's uptight and arrogant at times, but he's also extremely caring and, in complete opposition to his arrogant and sometimes prickly attitude, can be a bit of a mother hen to his friends. he wants the people he cares about to make it out of this alive, and will do anything he can to make sure that they do. i also just have some character archetypes i write with often, even in original works, and emeros, wyndrelis, and athenath are examples of some of those.

-Wyndrelis - same situation as above, with CoD Zombies and the fixation on a character. this time, he's also inspired by characters like kabuto yakushi from naruto, specifically the first series. this is due to his nature as a scholar who has studied some unethical fields, and pursued some forms of magic less than favored by other institutions. i also think that the silent hill series (especially 1 and 2) have a lot to do with him as a person, mainly his overall vibe. he's a quiet person who can be a bit sarcastic, he's witty, he's studious, but he's also painfully anxious at times, morose, and rejection hurts like a battering ram to the head for him. he's someone who doesn't know how to show how he cares for people, but he does, fairly deeply.

-Athenath - this is where the inspiration kind of splits. he's somewhat inspired by - in attitude - naruto uzumaki from, well, naruto, and aang from ATLA due to their outward happy-go-lucky nature in the face of tragedy. i think a lot of what subconsciously inspired athenath is the idea of a character who pretends to have an unbreakable optimism, but still deals with a shitton under the surface. that's all i can trace them back to without getting too deep. they're very good at playing the part of the young bard with a big smile and plenty to laugh about, but that's not always the case. they're introspective, curious, a bit mischievous, cunning, and playful. he has issues he won't talk about for a long time, and when he starts to behave more like how they feel on the inside, it's… well, not pretty.

all of them were inspired partially by music, as well!

thank you so much for the asks!!!!!!!!!! <333333333

ask game

[kabuki-draws]

What happened when Tsukino and Madara saw each other after so long in the war ?

I could write a whole essay about that encounter, holy moly! 😮‍💨✨

When the Allied Shinobi Forces were left in a desperate situation against Madara in the Fourth Shinobi World War, it was the resurrected Itachi Uchiha, who persuaded Tsukino to intervene and join the fight against her husband.

With suppressed chakra, Tsukino faced Madara, knowing full well that it would be her last fight. Through her Byakugou Seal she´d stored chakra over decades to keep herself young and prevent herself from dying. As a veteran of the First Ninja World War, sister of Hashirama Senju and user of Mokuton-Jutsus, she was one of the most powerful Shinobi, yet fighting against Madara would require immense usage of Chakra and could lead to an instant death if her seal would break. It was an immense risk she took, but she did because she was horrified by the things Madara had done up to this point. She needed to be his end - and die in the process.

At first she didn´t show herself - as said - she appeared on the battlefield in disguise with a tengu mask that covered her face. It wasn´t just to hide herself but also because she couldn´t bare to look Madara in the eyes. Even though she fought like a thunderstorm that crashed over Madara, it didn´t took long until he recognized her Jutsus from the time they'd fought on opposite sides in the First Ninja World War. When her mask broke, it revealed Tsukino´s scarred face - she was alive, which Madara didn´t know before. His plan was to bring her back sooner or later through the reincarnation Jutsu and free her just like he did with himself. But since neither Kabuto nor Obito had found her body, seeing her alive was the explanation for it.

But their encounter was not as happy as both of them had wished to be. Madara noticed right away that he was there to fight him, which for him was amusing. He tried to persuade her to join his cause, calling back the deep love he still felt for her - that they were still husband and wife. Yet Tsukino resisted, even though it was a painful thing to do. On her side she tried to convince Madara that he could stop this War once and for all, but he was too far gone with his plan to back off at that point. So there was no way out of a fight of life and death.

[smilingshxdows]

So, I've detailed that Margaret escaped the Northern Hideout among the chaos of a break out, right? Of course, we know the one that Team Taka walked into.

However, I'm willing to wager there was one before that, one that ended up enhancing security up until the last breach shown in the series. Every jailhouse, prison, or what have you that's full of detainees is going to have a slip in security at some point, which means a chance at escape. I guarantee you that at every moment Margaret was outside of her cell that she took in every minor tail that she could. The schedule of the wardens, of Orochimaru and Kabuto, key locations, etc. Now, of course the hideout doesn't have any sunshine that comes inside, but when you've been in one place for years, you get a feel for exactly when something happens.

So, Margaret knew where Orochimaru and Kabuto kept the keys to the lesser cells, the ones full of test subjects awaiting to be seen, on themselves or in a secret location. It was only during the time she was due for testing, when one of the medical staff standing in for Kabuto left to one of the opposite rooms for something, that Margaret hurriedly ran for one of the cells nearby and used her elongated claw to pick at the lock herself and hurried back into place once she heard the click. All while keeping her footsteps as light as possible.

To describe it in a few words, Margaret caused a breach and fled into the chaos that eventually made it outside. And while wardens began to quickly incapacitate and wrangle the majority who neared the water's edge, Margaret snuck around, departing from the chaos pressed against the wall of rock before making the plunge into the sea.

She was NOT risking a boat and sought to swim all the way to land if she had to (of course, keeping herself below the water surface while she was still CLOSE to the island). It was also during this time that she triggered a mutation to give herself webbed toes for this specific situation. It helped to keep her moving, but the travel to land was still very, very far. Long story short, she was eventually found by a passing boat hours later and was brought to land... where she ran off into the wilderness the minute she had the energy to do so.

[lowder-the-koopa]

The Return of Lowder Reviews: Kamen Rider Decade Part 1: Start of a New Decade

Fun fact: This was my first Rider Show but I never finished it.

Warning: These are my opinions and you and I can disagree and agree on some things.

Plot Summary

Natsumi Hikari has repeatedly been having dreams of the Rider War, where every single Rider from the Heisei-era attack one being, a warrior known as "Decade." In reality, she lives with Tsukasa Kadoya, a young man who doesn't seem to be able to call Hikari Studio home. One day, monsters from different dimensions begin to attack people, with the world starting to fall in chaos. Tsukasa, who had been separated from Natsumi, meets the mysterious Wataru Kurenai, who informs Tsukasa about his title as Kamen Rider Decade, the Destroyer of Worlds. Discovering that the nine universes of the Kamen Riders from the Heisei-era are merging into one, which would result in the collapse of multiverse, Tsukasa inherits the mission of traveling across these worlds to eliminate the anomaly in each, while embarking on a journey to find one world where he can call home.

Episode Reviews

The Start of the Journey ~The 9 Rider Worlds~ Arc: 1-19 and Onigashima Warship

Episode 1: "Rider War"

Synopsis

After Natsumi Hikari has a nightmare of every Kamen Rider including Kuuga in his fearsome Ultimate Form, being defeated by a figure called Decade, she helps her grandfather Eijiro deal with unsatisfied customers. The photographer, Tsukasa Kadoya, seems to be at fault, but he simply tells Natsumi the photos are bad because he does not belong in this world. After the argument, various holes in reality open, allowing the Orphnoch, Undead, Makamou, Worms, Imagin and Fangires to start terrorizing their world. In the bedlam, she finds a corroded belt and book, recalling it as Decade's from her dream. She gives Tsukasa the belt and book, allowing him to transform into Kamen Rider Decade by using a card from the book and inserting it into the belt. Using other cards, he fights the various monsters that have invaded his reality by transforming into Kamen Riders Kabuto, Faiz, and Hibiki. Back in his own reality, Tsukasa is warned by Wataru Kurenai that his reality is being superseded by the nine previous Kamen Riders' realities. He must go to their worlds and defeat the other Kamen Riders to save his own world, while Wataru keeps it frozen in place. Back in the Hikari Studio, Eijiro reveals a large photo that shows another world. Stepping outside, Tsukasa finds himself in this world as a police officer while Kamen Rider Kuuga appears to aid the police against two Gurongi.

Thoughts

The first episode of Decade is wild and a quite an interesting start to the show. This episode sets up what we are going to be doing for the next 18 episodes. This a nice way to introduce some of our cast and establish what their characters are like with Tsukasa being somewhat of a dick and Natsumi being the opposite. The action is pretty good and is better than the previous three shows in that aspect.

Rating: 9/10: Good Introduction to the series and story

Episode 2: "The World of Kuuga"

Synopsis

Arriving in the World of Kuuga, Tsukasa takes the disguise of a policeman and watches Kuuga destroy a pair of Gurongi, La·Doldo·Gu and Me·Garido·Gi, before reverting to his human form, Yusuke Onodera. Tsukasa later destroys Go·Babel·Da as Decade, but is mistaken for a Gurongi by Yusuke and Ai. When Yusuke and Ai arrive at the Hikari Studio to discuss this strange Gurongi, Tsukasa offers Ai his help in solving the mystery behind the Gurongi's female targets and the location of their lair. On the foot of Mount Hitoki, the Gurongi's Lair, Tsukasa reveals he used Ai as bait to lure out the remaining Gurongi, revealing their plan to revive their leader before ruining their game. While attempting to destroy the Gurongi, Decade is attacked by Kuuga, who reveals he knows about Decade's mission and will stop him at all costs. Natsumi pleads for them to stop, recalling her dream in which Decade and Kuuga seemingly destroy each other. A dimensional rift occurs, and their fight is interrupted by the appearance of Kamen Riders KickHopper and PunchHopper.

Thoughts

Our first tribute and another fun episode. The plot is fine for what it is and this is a nice way to tribute a Rider of the past with its different take on Kuuga. We're introduced to our new Kuuga, Onodera, and enjoyed how different he is. Fights are stellar as always. Negatives are this episode ending on a cliffhanger but that's what the next episode is for.

Rating: 8/10: Another fun episode.

Episode 3: "Transcendence"

Synopsis

After fending off the Hoppers who disappeared into another dimensional rift, Yusuke reveals he was told of Decade by a mysterious man. When Ai and her task force go to investigate Mount Hitoki, a black mist begins to rise from within, signaling the revival of N·Gamio·Zeda. Resurrected by the dimensional chaos, he uses his miasma to convert humans into Gurongi. While Yusuke saves Ai and takes her to the hospital, Tsukasa fights the Gurongi alone. A dying Ai requests Yusuke to overcome his angst and fight to protect everyone's smiles, and so Kuuga and Decade work together to destroy the remaining Gurongi. N·Gamio·Zeda, in a last effort, absorbs all the Gurongi to power himself up, but he is ultimately overpowered by both Decade and Kuuga, who destroy him with a combo attack. After returning to the hospital, Yusuke finds that Ai has died and vows to honor her dying wish, setting off on his own journey with a mysterious white bat following him. Meanwhile, Tsukasa and Natsumi return to the photo studio, preparing to leave for the next world in their journey.

Thoughts

Second half of the tribute and a lot happens in this episode. We are introduced to a recurring villain, Narutaki, and it seems that he has some history with Tsukasa, wonder what it is? The moment between Yusuke and Tsukasa was nice because it shows that despite being a bit dick, Tsukasa is still a good person and is willing to stand up for others. Biggest problem with the episode is how they glanced over on what to those that became Gurongi by N·Gamio·Zeda, but maybe it wasn't important.

Rating: 9/10: Great episode with a lot of emotion in it.

Episode 4: "Second Movement ♬ Prince Kiva"

Synopsis

Arriving in the World of Kiva, Tsukasa and company discover that the Fangires of this world have made a truce with the humans. However, when Tsukasa finds the Lion Fangire attacking a young woman, he transforms into Decade to fight him. Wataru, the King of the Fangire Race, witnesses this and becomes Kamen Rider Kiva to fight him with the aid of his Arms Monsters, forcing Decade to assume Kamen Rider Kuuga's Mighty, Titan, and Dragon Forms to counter. Yusuke manages to stop the fight, and the Swallowtail Fangire reveals that the young woman was actually a renegade Fangire. Yusuke reveals he has promised to help Wataru because he is uncomfortable with being the King. After meeting a mysterious man who is disgusted with the human/Fangire treaty, Tsukasa later encounters Kiva-la, who uses her power to send him into another world where he is attacked by Kamen Rider Kaixa. Back in the World of Kiva, after having fed on many humans, the Beetle Fangire arrives at Castle Doran with the intent to kill Wataru and take his place as the King.

Thoughts

Now we arrive at the Kiva tribute and it has quite the interesting concept of the Humans coexisting alongside each other. The concept is executed well enough and I enjoyed what it brought to the table. Fights are still going strong. Characters are about as strong and I think seeing Tsukasa be proven wrong is good as it shows that he has flaws. Also, Narutaki continues to let other primary Riders try to defeat Tsukasa but failing, wonder this will be a trend.

Rating: 8/10: Good Episode with interesting concept.

Episode 5: "The Biting King's Qualifications"

Synopsis

As Tsukasa is fighting against Kaixa in another dimension, the Beetle Fangire defeats Wataru and becomes the new Fangire king, claiming Kivat. After the new King dissolves the truce, Yusuke arrives to protect Wataru before the boy runs off. After Yusuke expresses his reasons for helping the dethroned boy, Wataru takes refuge in the Hikari Studio. After being caught up on current events, Tsukasa makes his way to Castle Doran to save Yusuke as the Beetle Fangire absorbs the Arms Monsters into himself. After destroying the Swallowtail Fangire, Decade encounters the Beetle Fangire, who assumes Kiva's DoGaBaKi Form. When their fight makes its way to Yusuke and Wataru, the boy finds his courage to overcome his Fangire impulses and declares himself the King once more. He takes back the Kiva power and helps Decade battle the Beetle Fangire, mortally wounding him with a Darkness Moon Break/Dimension Kick combo. Later, Tsukasa pays a final visit to the Kurenai manor to play a final song for the dying Beetle Fangire, whom he knew was the man he met earlier and is Wataru's father. Soon after, as Yusuke moves into the Hikari Studio with Kiva-la sneaking in, the group prepares to enter yet another world.

Thoughts

Second half of the Kiva tribute and another good episode with great character moments like Yusuke and Wataru's friendship. Liked seeing a double Rider kick being what finishes the Beetle Fangire instead of being the Final Form Ride. Also, Narutaki finally introduces himself to Tsukasa and it will probably come up more later on.

Rating: 8/10: Good episode with great character moments.

Episode 6: "Battle Trial: Ryuki World"

Synopsis

Upon arriving in the World of Ryuki, Natsumi goes to the Atashi Journal headquarters to learn about the world's Kamen Riders from its editor, Reiko Momoi. After Natsumi's arrival at the journal's offices, Reiko is mysteriously murdered, leaving Natsumi as the culprit as she had a small fork in her hand. Natsumi is arrested under suspicion of murder, and is to be sentenced with a Kamen Rider Trial: a system where Kamen Riders fight in the Mirror World to determine the outcome of criminal cases. Natsumi calls upon Tsukasa to be her lawyer, who meets with Shinji Tatsumi to hear what he knows of what happened to Reiko. As Shinji reveals that he is Kamen Rider Ryuki and he believes Natsumi was framed, his former friend Kamen Rider Knight is fighting in the Kamen Rider Trial, defeating several opponents. Shinji suggests to Tsukasa that he should fight as Decade in the Kamen Rider Trial to clear Natsumi's name. At the scene, he finds that Ren Haguro was also at the scene of the crime before he is brought into the Mirror World along with the sub-editor of the Atashi Journal: Kamata. Decade and Abyss' fight, however, is interrupted by Kamen Rider Imperer, and Abyss leaves to watch Decade's abilities. Elsewhere, Shinji confronts Ren, believing he is Reiko's real murderer, and he challenges him as Kamen Rider Ryuki. Their fight is also interrupted by Decade, having just defeated Imperer and now turning his sights on Knight, easily overwhelming him in Kiva's various forms with Shinji watching.

Thoughts

Another tribute and another good episode with something new as it doesn't start with the group just arriving but already trying to find other and this is good because it can help differentiate it from other episodes. Like the murder mystery aspect because while it's obvious who it's going to be, you can still guess who will be the one who did it. Also, we get a new Rider with Kamen Ride Abyss and he looks cool.

Rating: 8/10: Good episode that tries something new.

Episode 7: "Super Trick of the Real Criminal"

Synopsis

After defeating Knight, Decade is about to finish him off when Ryuki pleads with him not to deliver the final blow, as he feels Knight must answer for his crime by his hand. However, Abyss uses this time to make his move to take out all three Riders at once, forcing them to retreat with Ren refusing to answer Shinji as he leaves. After her brief encounter with Narutaki, Natsumi learns that Shinji and Tsukasa are convinced that Ren is Reiko's murderer, although Yusuke sees otherwise. Meanwhile, a wounded Ren battles Kamen Rider Odin and defeats him, emerging from Mirror World with Odin's Time Vent as Shinji and Yusuke find him. Learning that Ren obtained the card to save Reiko, Shinji uses the card to go back in time as Tsukasa holds Abyss off. Arriving seconds before Reiko's death, Shinji and Tsukasa manage to save Reiko with the latter cornering her true murderer, Kamata. Despite this, Kamata arrives and absorbs his past self before becoming Abyss and unleashing his monsters on Decade. After learning the truth behind Ren coming to the Atashi Journal and why he left, a relieved Shinji runs to Tsukasa's aid. Though the two manage to defeat Abyss together, they learn from Narutaki that Kamata is actually an Undead as the two depart. After he receives Shinji's photo of himself and Yusuke, Tsukasa and company enter the World of Blade.

Thoughts

Second half of the tribute and another fun episode as the real murderer is revealed to be Abyss which didn't shock me but what did shock me was that he's from another world and an undead. Character moments are still good and liked they were able to find out it was Abyss by using Time Vent, even if it felt kinda forced.

Rating: 7/10: Good Episode with a nice twist.

Episode 8: "Welcome to the Blade Restaurant"

Synopsis

Arriving in the World of Blade, Tsukasa assumes the disguise of the Chief Waiter of the BOARD Corporation, a mega corporate with hired Kamen Riders to battle the Undead under an immoral ranking system. When the Elephant Undead goes on the attack, Sakuya Hishigata battles the Undead as Kamen Rider Garren as Kazuma Kendate arrives and transforms into Kamen Rider Blade. When the Capricorn Undead joins the fray, Tsukasa joins the fight, dispatching the Elephant Undead using Ryuki's powers. Afterwards, Natsumi and Yusuke meet BOARD's president Hajime Shijyo, who decides to promote Tsukasa to the rank of King while Kazuma Kendate is demoted from Ace to 7 for disobedience and Mutsuki Kuroha is promoted from King to Ace, thereby becoming Kamen Rider Leangle. As a result, he is forced to work under Tsukasa in the cafeteria. When he is forced to give up the Blay Buckle after being demoted a second time, Kazuma refuses and runs off. Just as Tsukasa tries to convince Kazuma to do the right thing, Kamata arrives and attacks them as the Paradoxa Undead. As Decade battles the Paradoxa Undead with the Capricorn Undead backing him up, Kazuma becomes Blade and fights Garren and Leangle. However, both fights are interrupted with the appearance of Kamen Rider Chalice, who takes the Blay Buckle off of Kazuma and takes out the other Riders before fighting Decade one-on-one.

Thoughts

Another tribute and another good episode with a fun premise. This episode is fun and give it a rouzing applause as it is somehow the most realistic when it comes to working in a company despite the joke of being Kamen Rider Salaryman. While, I have never worked at a company, I can still enjoy this episode no matter what. This arc looks likes it's shaping up to be my favorite.

Rating: 9/10: A fun episode with a great premise.

Episode 9: "Blade Blade"

Synopsis

Decade continues his fight with Chalice, with Garren losing his Garren Buckle in the process. The fight comes to a sudden halt when Kamen Rider Todoroki shows up. Back at BOARD, Hishigata is demoted to Rank 3 while Kazuma is fired from BOARD. After he understands Tsukasa's intent to help him, Kazuma stays on in the kitchen as he opens the Ace Lunch to all BOARD members. Meanwhile, Mutsuki and Hishigata search for Chalice to get back the Rider systems, and are subsequently ambushed by Chalice, who knocks them out after they find out his true identity. After hearing that the two have supposedly resigned from the company, Kazuma decides to find Hajime with Yusuke's help. As Tsukasa meets a mysterious figure who recognizes him, Kazuma and Yusuke arrive too late to save Hishigata and Mutsuki as Hajime uses the created card from the Rider Systems to become the Joker, revealing his reasons to Kazuma. Decade arrives as Ryuki with the Blay Buckle and gives Kazuma the resolve to fight back. Once Kazuma becomes Blade, he and Decade destroy the two Undead together. Soon after parting ways with Kazuma, Tsukasa and company begin their next venture into the World of Faiz.

Thoughts

This episode is fun and cements to me that the Blade arc is my favorite as of now, because of its concept, execution, and Characters as this world's cast of characters are the most fun. The character moments help make this arc feel strong in my opinion. Also, we get a cameo for one Daiki Kaito.

Rating: 9/10: Another good episode to my favorite arc up until now.

Episode 10: "Faiz High School's Phantom Thief"

Synopsis

Upon arriving in the World of Faiz and once more encountering the mysterious Daiki Kaito, Tsukasa finds himself in a school uniform and enrolled at Smart Brain High School. He learns that the high school is attacked on a nightly basis by beings called the Orphnoch, with only Faiz to protect the school. Daiki challenges Tsukasa to find out who Faiz is, and Tsukasa then challenges the Lucky Clover clique to a tennis match to see if any of them are Faiz. He beats them, learning that they are Orphnoch who are also after Faiz, and is forced to become Decade, using Blade's power against them. However, Decade is outclassed when Momose appears as the Tiger Orphnoch and warns him to back off. Daiki then confronts the group, giving them a hint as to who Faiz is before going off. Then, the Lucky Clover members target Yuri Tomoda and Takumi Ogami, believing Yuri is Faiz until Takumi transforms and fights them off. When Tsukasa learns that Yuri is the target, he goes off to fight the Orphnoch, watching Faiz get defeated and losing the belt. The fight is then interrupted by Daiki Kaito who transforms into Kamen Rider Diend while revealing he used the Lucky Clover to take the belt for himself. Once the Centipede Orphnoch is destroyed, Decade and Diend have a stand off over the Faiz Belt as Momose attacks Yuri as the Tiger Orphnoch only to meet his match with Takumi who transforms into the Wolf Orphnoch to protect his friend.

Thoughts

Another good episode and a good introduction to our secondary Rider. Characters are as good as always and this episode helps us get used to our new secondary Rider, Daiki Kaito aka Kamen Rider Diend. This episode also hints at Tsukasa's past with Daiki knowing him.

Rating: 8/10: Good episode and introduction to our Secondary Rider.

Episode 11: "555 Faces, 1 Treasure"

Synopsis

After Tsukasa recovers the Faiz Gear, he learns Diend's reasons for wanting the belt before Takumi regains it so he and a shocked Yuri can escape on the Autovajin. However, as he exposed himself as the Wolf Orphnoch to protect her only to be forsaken, a saddened Takumi attempts to dispose of the Faiz Gear into the river. Managing to save the Gear while following him, Tsukasa returns to the photo studio where he put Yuri's confusion at ease. The next day, Daiki attacks Takumi to get the belt from him, nearly killing him when Tsukasa arrives with it. Refusing to take Tsukasa's words of something more precious than the Faiz Gear seriously, Daiki takes Decade's Ride Booker, and Narutaki takes advantage of the situation as he takes Tsukasa into another dimension to be killed by Kamen Rider Ryuga. However, after interrogating Kiva-la on the whereabouts, Daiki intervenes while claiming it was to get the Faiz Gear as he gives Tsukasa back the Ride Booker. While this occurs, the remaining Lucky Clover members start taking over the school to sire more of their kind until Takumi arrives to fight them in Orphnoch form. Though no match, Takumi attempts to protect Yuri's camera until Tsukasa arrives as he regains Faiz's Rider Cards. Decade and the Wolf Orphnoch are outmatched until Daiki arrives with the Faiz Gear and gives it to Takumi. The two transform and destroy the Dragon and Lobster Orphnoch. However, the Tiger Orphnoch revives his followers, and Decade counters with the Final Attack Ride Faiz Blaster, destroying him and his followers in one shot. As Takumi and Yuri rekindle their friendship, Daiki steals the Orga Belt from the ruins of the school, and Tsukasa follows him to the World of Agito.

Thoughts

Another good episode with great character moments like Takumi defending the students from the Orphonoch, even if they see him has a monster. Narutaki reappears hints at what will potentially happen to Tsukasa and Daiki.

Rating: 8/10: Good episode with great character moments.

Episode 12: "Reunion: Project Agito"

Synopsis

Upon arriving in the World of Agito, Yusuke is shocked that there are Gurongi in the world which are being dealt with by Kamen Rider G3-X. He is further shocked when he sees an interview with Tohko Yashiro, who is physically identical to the Ai Yashiro that died back in the World of Kuuga. Arriving at the police station, Yusuke offers to be the new user of the G3-X suit, but loses the position to Kaito. While this occurs, finding himself in a mailman outfit with a letter to Shoichi Ashikawa, Tsukasa and Natsumi find the man before they are attacked by what they think to be a Gurongi. But during the fight, Tsukasa realizes he is fighting an Unknown, an Ant Lord called Formica Pedes. After destroying the Ant Lord, Shouichi refuses the letter before he and Tsukasa dodge an attack meant for him by a mysterious Unknown. Later that night, as Tsukasa reads the letter's contents, Yusuke leaves the Hikari Studio to remain in the World of Agito with Toko. The next day, Kaito is deployed as G3-X to take out the Gurongi with Yusuke supporting him. During the fight, Kaito takes off the armor to finish the Gurongi off as Diend, revealing that he only became G3-X for his own agenda. Though he destroys Me·Ginoga·De, Xu·Mevio·Da attempts to run off only to destroyed by a couple of Formica Pedes. While this occurs, Tsukasa finds Shouichi and offers protection, only to see him transform into Exceed Gills. Tsukasa attempts to restrain him as Kiva in Garulu Form. Gills, in pain of sensing the Ant Lords' attack, runs off and destroys them both before Yusuke's eyes. When Diend targets Gills, Decade tries to protect him, only to have his belt stolen by Gills with no defense against Diend's summoned Delta's Lucifer's Hammer finisher.

Thoughts

Another fun episode as the Agito tribute doesn't have the primary Rider immediately debut, and I love this change of pace. The mystery of why Shoichi is the way he is going to be interesting to find out. Also, Tsukasa is about to die at the end and the face he makes is hilarious.

Rating: 8/10: Good episode with interesting mystery.

Episode 13: "Awakening: Tornado of Souls"

Synopsis

After Yusuke saves Tsukasa from Delta's attack, Gills is about to fight when he's overcome with pain as the Unknown shows up to kill him. As Shouichi escapes, Toko recognizes him via G3-X's camera. While Tsukasa insists on protecting an annoyed Shouichi, Yusuke reports the defeat of the Gurongi and the emergence of the Unknown. He finds Toko saddened, but has little time to help her as Kaito takes the G4 chip stored within locker belongs to Shouichi. Yusuke demands the chip back, but during the struggle, Toko blasts the chip to bits and a disappointed Kaito leaves. The next day, as Tsukasa continues to keep Shouichi safe from the Unknowns' attack, Yusuke learns that Shouichi was the original user of the G3 suit when he receives the letter for Shouichi from Toko. As Gills fights the Buffalo Lord Taurus Ballista, Yusuke arrives in the G3-X suit to make Shouichi realize that Toko knew the truth and it was the reason for creating the G3-X suit. Diend arrives to selfishly aid them with Blade's power until Ballista arrives. But Tsukasa shows up to state the Buffalo Lord's idealogical flaws as Shouichi awakens as Agito. As Diend takes his leave noting Agito is beyond G4, Decade, Agito, and G3-X battle Ballista and Formica Regia before the latter is destroyed by Agito. After turning Agito into the Agito Tornador, Decade and G3-X ride on the hoverboard to finish the Lord off. Soon after, Yusuke gives Toko his thanks as he says goodbye to her, and Shouichi returns to resume his place by Toko's side as Agito. As Kiva-la is happy to see Yusuke returning to the Studio, the gang ends up in another world: the World of Den-O.

Thoughts

Another Great episode with a reason for why Shoichi left the G3 Unit and his relationship with Yashiro is nice. The Agito tribute gave Yusuke some much needed significance compared to previous episodes and this helped for me as he was somewhat lacking in actual importance. Overall, love this episode.

Rating: 9/10: Great episode that Yusuke a lot of character.

Episode 14: "Super Den-O Beginning"

Synopsis

When the Hikari Studio appears in the World of Den-O, Tsukasa finds himself dressed in a strange detective-like attire with possession of a Rider Pass. He is then suddenly possessed by an Imagin, who battles a Mole Imagin as Kamen Rider Den-O. After taking out the Imagin, the possessed Tsukasa walks off until Natsumi uses her pressure point move to drive the Imagin out of him. When the Imagin known as Momotaros tries to possess Tsukasa, again, he throws Yusuke in front of him and Yusuke becomes possessed. After easily overcoming M-Yusuke and treating him to pudding for answers, Tsukasa learns that the Imagin lost his physical form some time before they arrived. The possessed Yusuke then runs out of the Hikari Studio to go after the other Mole Imagin with Tsukasa and Natsumi close behind as they look for the DenLiner to solve the mystery. However, Urataros, Kintaros, and Ryutaros possess Tsukasa and chase after Natsumi for answers. When Tsukasa forces the three out and they enter Natsumi to fight him, Decade uses Agito's power on each form while a mysterious Kamen Rider-like figure and his lackies attack a group of delivery men, with the Alligator Imagin taking advantage of the chaos. When a dimensional rift sends Decade and Den-O into the dimension where Natsumi saw the Rider War, the two Kamen Riders reach a stalemate as they are picked up by the DenLiner. While the DenLiner's Owner realizes that they have to work together, Yusuke and Momotaros as Den-O are in a losing battle against Diend with Narutaki as witness.

Thoughts

Another fun episode and one that brings more levity despite this being the first time we start to witness a world start to be destroyed. Momotaros possessing Yusuke made Yusuke more useful and helps give him something to do. Natsumi being is fun as she really hasn't done a lot of noteworthy things apart from being morale support and potential love interest to Tsukasa. The Imagin are fun characters and I enjoyed them a lot.

Rating: 8/10: Great episode with fun moments.

Episode 15: "Here Comes Super Momotaros!"

Synopsis

After getting on the DenLiner, Tsukasa takes pictures of the DenLiner's gang before the Taros. But after Kohana sets the three Imagin in their place, they suddently find the Hikari Studio as the front car. Kohana explains to Natsumi about the Imagin's new attack pattern as well as Momotaros, who Tsukasa decides to find. After surviving his confrontation with Diend and taking out another Mole Imagin, M-Yuusuke tends to his injuries as Tsukasa finds him and scolds him for being an idiot. M-Yuusuke senses the Imagin boss, and he and Tsukasa chase after the Alligator Imagin until he reveals himself. Using the Mole Imagin to cover his escape into the past, the Alligator Imagin battles Den-O and Decade, using the former's own DenGasher against him. After Decade saves Den-O's life and attempt, Diend makes his presence known with his Riotroopers holding the Alligator Imagin at bay as he once more offers Momotaros a physical form as a DenLiner. But Decade takes the card, poorly defending Momotaros and giving him back his sense of self as he regains access to Den-O's powers. As the Alligator Imagin destroys the Riotroopers, Decade uses the modified Den-O Final Form card to give Momotaros back his original physical form. After a misunderstanding from Yuusuke, Decade gives Momotaros the power to execute his Decade Version Extreme Slash with Kuuga Gouram. As Momotaros returns to the DenLiner, only to receive a violent welcome back from the gang, Tsukasa and company were about to enter the World of Kabuto when they get an unexpected visit from the Imagin Sieg. With a manuscript on Sieg's person, it appears that the adventures in the World of Den-O are far from over.

Thoughts

Another Great episode and this arc may be my second favorite as of now. This entire arc was a lot more comedic and it was good. The character moments were fun like The Imagins and all of that. Also, next up is our first film in these.

Rating: 9/10: Great episode with a lot of fun moments.

Movie: "Cho Kamen Rider Den-O & Decade Neo Generations: The Onigashima Warship"

Synopsis

Taking place after the events of Kamen Rider Decade episode 15, under the impression that they saved the World of Den-O, Tsukasa Kadoya and company begin their journey to the World of Kabuto when they are halted by Sieg who presents them a manuscript that detailed the legendary Oni Conquest with Momotaros' image on it. As this occurred, the Tarōs mysteriously vanish from the DenLiner as they are about to help Kotaro Nogami out with the true threat to their world.

Meanwhile, in the year 1980, a boy named Yu encounters Mimihiko and then Yu is possessed by Deneb who gets him away from the Gelnewts before New Den-O arrives to cover his escape. Deneb then brings Yu to Ryotaro, revealing Mimihiko to be one of the Oni of legend and is searching for the Trump Stone which Yu possesses. Seeing Yu reluctant to give them the item, Ryotaro leaves him with a DenLiner admission ticket should he change his mind. The next day, Yu runs off after learns that his father wants him to leave with him. Learning he is hunted by the Gelnewts, Yu tries to outrun the monsters on his bike before managing to reach the sands of time where the DenLiner is waiting for him. Giving them the Trump Stone, Yu wishes to be remain on the train. Though Owner warns him their intent to go back in time to fight the Oni, Yu refuses to turn back. After Yu is informed on the effects the distortions had on Ryotaro and Yuto, the former regressed to a child while the latter has mysteriously disappeared, the DenLiner arrives at the Junction Point where they meet the Stationmaster who reveals a 1935 newspaper documenting that Urataros, Kintaros, and Ryutaros caught a band of rice thieves; they have been possessing the bodies of another trio named Jiro, Ramon, and Riki (the Arms Monsters of Kamen Rider Kiva). Traveling to that time, the kids find Tsukasa who offers his aid. Kotaro is reluctant to accept his help until Tsukasa reveals the scroll Sieg brought with him that has Momotaros on it.

Arriving in the Muromachi period, DenLiner gang arrive and defeat the Gelnewts, meeting Toki and joining her at the village's pleas. Once at Onigashima, New Den-O and the villagers catch the Gelnewts off guard as the kids find Momotaros. Deneb asks Yu to form a contract with him, at least until Yuto returns, to be able to assist the others in. Den-O and Deneb join the fray as Kuchihiko arrives and assumes his Rider form Goludora. During the fight, Toki takes a hit meant for Yu before New Den-O is defeated. Using Kotaro as a bargaining chip, Goludora gives them a day to accept his demands for both the Trump Stone and the DenLiner. The next day, after planning it out, the DenLiner gang gives up both the Trump Stone and the DenLiner. Once the Owner and Naomi are evicted, Kuchihiko ditches Kotaro as he enters the DenLiner to reach his brother in the present time period. However, his journey is staged as the evicted "Owner" is the Stationmaster in disguise as the real Owner pulled the emergency break as everyone else has erected a massive set designed to look like modern Tokyo. Once the DenLiner staff and the Stationmaster enter the train, with Kohana guarding the door, Den-O, the Tarōs, and New Den-O battle Goludora and the Gelnewts with Toki providing backup, until she is wounded in battle.

However, Diend appears long enough to summon Kamen Riders Ouja, G3, and Caucasus as wild cards in the fight and Kuchihiko reassembles the Oni's Trump Stone with Mimihiko activating the Demon's Warship in the present and using it to return to the past. The Oni Brothers are able to defeat them until Tsukasa and Sieg arrive, allowing Den-O to assume Wing form as Momotaros possess Tsukasa to fight as Decade. The other Tarōs do the same with Diend's summoned Riders (Urataros with G3, Kintaros with Caucasus, and Ryutaros with Ouja) while Deneb enters Kotaro, enabling Kamen Rider New Den-O to assume Vega Form. Helping Toki fire her arrow, Yu manages to break the Demon's Warship’s anchor to give the Kamen Riders time to set up a way to end the fight. At Decade's suggestion, Ryotaro forms Kamen Rider Den-O Super Climax Form with the Tarōs and Sieg. Cho-Den-O and Decade manage to overwhelm the Oni Brothers with New Den-O Vega Form and Teddy's aid. After Shilubara sacrifices himself to protect his brother, an enraged Goludora enters the Warship and engages the DenLiner in a battle with Decade taking his leave as the DenLiner gang manages to sink the Warship from the inside out as Kamen Rider Den-O Sword finishes Goludora off with a Rider Kick. Soon after, Yu bids farewell to Toki as she is revealed to be his ancestor. Though offered a slight detour before they return to present, Yu turns it down as he wants to be back in his time. After they part ways, Deneb is dropped back in 2009 where he finds Yuto Sakurai waiting for him and it is revealed that he went by the name Yu as a child and they return to the ZeroLiner.

Thoughts

This film is fine and kind of average. It's serviceable enough when it comes to plot. The characters are fine and they had fun moments. I don't really have a lot to say about this film as not a lot happens and barely involves Decade apart from looking for the Taros and the battle against the Oni. Also, the director's cut barely adds anything apart from showing us the filming process and it looked like fun.

Rating: 7/10: Average movie that barely involves Decade.

Episode 16: "Warning: Kabuto Running Amok"

Synopsis

After helping the DenLiner gang in the past, Tsukasa and company begin their venture in the World of Kabuto. Posing as a ZECTrooper, Tsukasa is deployed to aid Brightroopers in the containment of a Worm as Kamen Riders Gatack and TheBee manage to exterminate it with the unseen aid of Kabuto. Soon after, Tsukasa brings Arata to the Studio to explain about his world, only to find a Worm had mimicked Tsukasa's form.

After Natsumi uses the pressure point to expose one of the Tsukasas as a Worm, Decade fights it before it attacks a girl and is destroyed by Kabuto. Deciding to investigate the girl Mayu, they host a photo shoot for her, and Natsumi learns of Mayu's older brother who was supposedly killed by Kabuto. At ZECT's headquarters, TheBee's user, Soh Otogiri, tells Arata that the final prepation for the plans to capture Kabuto are nearly done. Tsukasa talks with Mayu more about her brother after attempting to help at her grandmother's oden shop, the Heaven House, and when walking back to the Hikari Studio they are attacked by a Geophilid Worm. Tsukasa destroys it as Kuuga Pegasus Form, and is then attacked by TheBee and Gatack.

Decade attempts to use Den-O's powers against the Riders, but learns to his dismay that the cards only cause him to perform the forms' trademark phrases, not attacks. Decade is eventually assisted by Diend who fights Gatack to gain his Clock Up system while TheBee and Decade battle, eventually becoming Faiz in Axel Form to match TheBee's Clock Up. When Decade realizes Mayu is in the same area being attacked by Worms, he goes off to save her but is intercepted by an attack from TheBee.

Just as TheBee's stray shots are within inches of Mayu, Kabuto arrives to save her from both the attack and the Worms, disappearing as everyone's transformations end. However, when Mayu sees Sou, she recognizes him as her brother.

Thoughts

Another great episode and this one is a lot more fast-paced compared to previous episodes and I love it here. Moments didn't really feel dragged out and I love seeing this world's Rider not immediately be revealed who it is.

Rating: 8/10: Great with a lot of fast-paced moments.

Episode 17: "The Grandma Way of Taste"

Synopsis

Believing that TheBee's user is her brother, Mayu attempts to look for him with Natsumi's aid until they are attacked by a Worm. Counting on Kamen Rider Kabuto to save them, Diend fights him to acquire his Clock Up system, summoning Ixa and Psyga to hold him down before Kabuto defeats them and runs off. By the time Tsukasa finds Natsumi and Mayu, the latter is shocked that she became a Worm as she runs off.

She runs into Sou who reveals himself as the Phylloxera Worm and brings her to ZECT HQ as part of the Kabuto Capture plan, much to Arata's dismay before he is beaten to a bloody pulp questioning the plan. After escaping, Arata makes his way to Tsukasa and reveals the plan to him, confirming Tsukasa's notion. Kabuto falls for the trap as the Clock Down takes effect while the Worms reveal themselves among the ZECTroopers, with Sou exposing Kabuto as Mayu's real brother Sohji.

Tsukasa arrives and reveals the truth behind the Phylloxera Worm to Mayu while explaining that Sohji and Mayu are still family regardless of the latter being a Worm. But believing he has the advantage, the Phylloxera Worm sics his Worm minions on Tsukasa. Sohji frees Mayu and joins Tsukasa as they assume their Rider forms to finish off the Worm (Chrysalis) before forcing the Phylloxera Worm into the open. Decade and Kabuto finish him off, but the tower projecting the Clock Down waves is destroyed in the process, forcing Sohji to fade back into Clock Up space with Mayu watching. After taking Mayu home and giving Daiki a "treasure" for his trouble, Tsukasa and company begin the final phase of their journey. But as they deal with two Kiva-las fighting over which of them is fake, the real Kiva-la is with Narutaki as he decides to personally deal with Decade in the final world, the World of Hibiki.

Thoughts

Another great episode and one that has some nice emotional moments like Sohji reuniting with his sister before he returns to Clock Up. The fights are cool and the twist while obvious is still well done. This arc maybe one of my favorites excluding the Blade arc.

Rating: 9/10: Great episode with a good emotional beat.

Episode 18: "Idle Hibiki"

Synopsis

Arriving in the last world, the World of Hibiki, Tsukasa and company begin the search for Kamen Rider Hibiki when they are ambushed by the Makamou, Kappa. An Oni in training named Asumu battles the monster until Decade uses Kamen Rider Kabuto's powers to destroy it. On learning he is Hibiki's pupil, Tsukasa has Asumu bring him to his mentor. Upon seeing Tsukasa, Hibiki, who is shirking off from his duties as an Oni, believes him to be the legendary Ongekidō Grand Master.

Meanwhile, Zanki slays a band of Bakeneko as Ibuki arrives to take them out as well. But when the last Bakeneko escapes them, Decade destroys it with the two groups as witness. Tsukasa visits Ibuki's school afterwads and talks with Ibuki and Akira about three special scrolls. Meanwhile, after failing to rob Hibiki as he takes his leave, Daiki is forced into becoming Asumu's mentor. Like Tsukasa, Daiki learns of the three scrolls of the Oni classes, and he convinces Asumu to become Hibiki's pupil again, before taking his leave to Zanki's dojo where he offers a proposition. Returning to find Hibiki and Asumu attacked by a Tengu, Kuuga attempts to battle the Makamou. At the same time, Natsumi encounters Narutaki as he reveals Tsukasa's actions actually doomed the worlds rather than saved them.

When Kuuga is nearly killed, Hibiki assumes his Oni form to destroy the Tengu before he suddenly transforms into the monstrous Gyuki. While this occurs, the Ibuki School and Tsukasa receive a challenge from Zanki's School and Daiki with the scrolls on the line. With them representing the two Oni schools, Decade and Diend do battle. But once Diend reveals his intentions to steal both scrolls, he summons Momotaros who attacks the Oni Kamen Riders until Gyuki storms in and overwhelms the Oni. The episode ends with Decade using Ryuki's powers to take on the Makamou.

Thoughts

Second to last episode for now it is quite as interesting as our primary aslo doubles as one of the villains to be face which is a nice change of pace. I liked seeing the three school being at odds with each other as it gave a fresh dynamic. Quite the fun episode isn't it.

Rating: 8/10: Fun episode with an interesting concept.

Episode 19: "Ending Journey"

Synopsis

Using Ryuki's powers, Decade battles Gyuki while Ibuki and Zanki argue whose fault this was. When Akira and Todoroki join the fray in their Oni forms to save Asumu as he tries to protect them, with Decade joining them by using Den-O's Ax Form, they manage to defeat Gyuki. He runs off before regressing to Hibiki, and Yusuke and Natsumi find him shortly after.

Later that night, after talking to Asumu, Akira and Todoroki confront their mentors to put aside their differences, with Tsukasa supporting them. Ibuki and Zanki promote them to the role of new teachers of their respective schools. Meanwhile, Hibiki reveals the nature of Gyuki to Yusuke and Natsumi as Daiki arrives to claim the last scroll. Hibiki stops him and gives Daiki his Onsa to give to Asumu with a final request. The next day, after suffering a Narutaki-induced vision of the future resulting from their actions, Natsumi finds Daiki, who uses Asumu as his cover to steal the final scroll. But as Tsukasa arrives, Daiki evokes Hibiki's final change into Gyuki to Asumu's horror, and the thief leaves them.

After learning the secret of the three scrolls to be all schools as one, Daiki returns to give Asumu the Onsa. Asumu becomes Kamen Rider Hibiki in order to honor his mentor's final request: slay the Makamou to free Hibiki's soul. However, Narutaki arrives on a giant Bakegani (summoned with the help of Kamen Rider Ouja), with Todoroki and Amaki showing up shortly after. Once Diend destroys the scrolls, revealing that the true Ongekidō is all three styles in harmony, Decade regains Hibiki's powers. Decade, Diend, and the Oni all finish the Makamou off together. After Asumu and company thank Daiki for uniting the schools, Tsukasa and company return to Natsumi's world with Natsumi a bit worried.

Thoughts

Our final episode for this part of the review and we end on a high note with great character moments and a great ending fight. Instead of Tsukasa, Daiki gets a more prominent here as he helps Asamu. Asamu becoming was a highlight as while he saw himself as useless, he had potential and rose to the occassion.

Rating: 9/10: A great episode and a great way to end our fist saga.

Thoughts so far

Kamen Rider Decade is shockingly good. The story for the first arc is simple and effective. The characters are all fun and they work each other well. Tsukasa is good protagonist and is probably my favorite Rider protagonist as of now and favorite protagonist out of all the shows I've reviewed as despite being a dick, he is still good at heart. Natsumi is good enough female lead and is great counter to Tsukasa's more dickishness with her kindness. Yusuke is kind of there, he really doesn't do a lot despite being a Rider, but when he is used, I think that's were he is at his best. Daiki is a good enough secondary Rider and serves as a great wild card as you never know if he is or isn't going to help Tsukasa and the others. Narutaki is not really a good villain as he sometimes does something like in world Faiz or Hibiki by trying to kill Tsukasa, or just warns other Riders of Tsukasa and then just does nothing to make sure it succeeds. Hopefully, he actually does something or we get a better antagonist. Visually speaking, this the best show so far as everything is HD and that helps it age better visually compared to previous shows I've reviewed. Music wise, this is probably the best so far with songs like Journey through the Decade and Ride the Wind being good songs. Fight wise, this the best of all the shows so far as they are well choreographed and the use of cgi helps amplify the fights with things like the explosions, even if it looks outdated. Overall, I think Kamen Rider Decade is a fun show and so far, 19 episodes and a movie in, I am enjoying my time with what is essentially my first Rider series that I never finished. My rating as of now ranges from a high 8/10 to a low 9/10 but I wonder if that will change with later episodes.

Ranking of the arcs from favorite to least favorite:

Blade Arc (Favorite)

Kabuto Arc

Den-O Arc

Hibiki Arc

Ryuki Arc

Kuuga Arc

Agito Arc

Kiva Arc

Faiz Arc (Least favorite)

Let's continue this journey through the Decade with part 2.

[perfecttenth]

Usually not much can be said about the character design in Kinnikuman. But in the case of The Man and The One, the contrast between their designs is top-notch. 10/10.

The most obvious contrast is between their attires. The Man was designed to resemble the Ancient Greek god Zeus, and the Greek influence can primarily be seen in the golden laurel wreath that's a part of his helmet and the white toga. The golden helmet, jewelry as well as his cape fittingly give him a regal appearance, as Zeus was regarded to be the king of the gods of Mount Olympus. It overall results in a Western style.

The One on the other hand was specifically designed to have a more threatening aura than even Shogun, and his spiked armor accomplishes just that. His armor resembles those of the samurai and generals of feudal Japan, with his helmet looking nearly identical to the kabuto-type helmet, of which some tended to be adorned with horns. His style comes across as martial and Eastern, accentuated by the war fan he wields.

Partially as a result of their attires, their silhouettes on their own also contrast one another: The Man's form is wider and shorter with rounded edges, The One is a bit slimmer and taller, with his silhouette being edgier due to the spikes and horns sticking out.

There's also the colors. The Man's palette consists of the saturated primary colors pink, yellow, blue plus white. Meanwhile The One's colors are much paler and desaturated, with only monochromatic shades of red. His bright red eyes are the most saturated part of him, corresponding to The Man's blue ones.

Even their names contrast each other. The God of Harmony giving himself the name "The One" with his descent makes it feel like he's further reinforcing the binary between the two of them when comparing it to The God of Mercy's group-based title "Perfect Zero". The Japanese spelling of their name are only one kana off from each other too, "Za Wan" (ザ・ワン) vs. "Za Man" (ザ・マン).

When you look at the way The One used to look when he was first submitted as Hermoz, it all feels like very deliberate choices. Personally I would've preferred it if they had kept the asymmetrical helmet and horns, but it might have been unbefitting for a choushin design, being perfect beings and all.

The dynamic these two have is also great. I hope we get to see these old men bicker some more over the course of the story. They're defined by having opposite views on the matter of choujin: It was The Man who suggested the creation of the choujin race to fill the 108th god seat back in heaven and held up his hope in them, descending in order to save and train them himself, when The One gave up on the choujin almost immediately and lead the group of gods who advocated for their erasure.

This is also reflected in how they see themselves, and by extent the rest of the gods who descended: The One regards himself to be a choushin on the same level as the other gods, but The Man only ever calls himself a choujin, seeing himself as an equal to the mortal choujin, despite both him and The One being ex-gods.

The Gordian Knot metaphor lays out their differing views the best. The Man patiently attempted to untie the knot with his own hands, making more progress than any of the other gods, but The One chose to simply cut the un-untieable knot in half with his fan. It's similar to how he used the Capillaria Rays as a tool to eradicate the majority of choujin, a bold and drastic solution for their constant infighting that shows his contempt for them. Nowadays, The Man's approach to handling the choujin in the form of directly teaching them over a long course of time is starting to be seen as the right decision, with him believing that choujin have resolved the issue and have grown on their own.

This does not mean that The One's unconventional way of problem-solving is wrong, as his reformation plan to redefine what it means to be a choujin and demote the unqualified to human status in order to equilibrize the universal energy imbalance doesn't feel all that unreasonable considering the direness of the situation. Whether it is his idea or The Man's idea of effectively using the circulatory Friendship Power system that will be realized we'll have to see.

Everything about them is coming together so well and I can't wait to see how their plans for fighting back against the God of Time's forces are going to work out.

[prof-lemon]

Kabuto have a long and extensive fossil record, dating its development and evolution throughout prehistory. One of the most amazing variations among Kabuto is the eyes, which have a great many variations and changes.

The earliest Kabuto fossils revealed crescent-shaped lenses. These lenses allowed it a spectacular range, allowing it to scan its surroundings at nearly 360 degrees around it. These lenses lasted about 50 million years.

The variations afterward are of an astounding volume. Some Kabuto were found with eyestalks! These fossils were not complete enough to be revived reliably, but a handful of revived eyestalk Kabuto are owned by researchers. Eyestalks give it a better field of view, extending its sight outside of its shell. This gives Kabuto a better view above it. Eyestalks also meant Kabuto could bury themselves under the sand and still have full view of the ocean around it.

The standard Kabuto revived from fossils are all but standard. These Kabuto have some of the most advanced optics of any Pokemon, living or extinct! Many, many lenses are stacked on each other, ranging from 10 to an impressive 50. This gives Kabuto a particularly vivid view, one that humans can not even properly percieve! Kabuto with stacked lenses see the world in excessive detail and in a vibrant array of colors.

The later fossils show two distinct types of eyes. These reflect the environment Kabuto live in, either the deepest depths of the ocean or on the shallow shores.

For the Kabuto in shallow waters, their eyes developed a stack of over 200 individual lenses. That is an insane amount of detail for such a little guy!

In the complete opposite spectrum, Kabuto living in the deep sea lost nearly all of their lenses. They were practically blind! Their eyes also got much smaller as a result, as they had little need for strong vision.

(OOC: Most information here was adapted from this article on trilobite eyes. Its a fascinating read if you have the time, and it has pictures!)

[ao3fujoshevik]

1 and 21 for haku ❄ !!

and 25 and 6 for kabuto! 👓

26 BONUS ROUND who is ur favorite akatsuki member and why

ahhh ty!!

haku:

1. Why do you like or dislike this character?

oh, there’s a few reasons!! I really appreciate how much his gentleness affects those around him. Naruto coming in to the Waves arc was very self-centered, but Haku is how he established his nindo. In general, I really appreciate his narrative importance and the themes he introduces, but I also really just like his vibe.

excellent character design as well!!! and his mirror technique is just so cool and creative and idea to take from just ice.

but he’s a good kid who shouldve gotten to grow up. 🥹😭

21. If you're a fic writer and have written for this character, what's your favorite thing to do when you're writing for this character? What's something you don't like?

in terms of what I actually do *when* writing, haku is mostly written to the “born to die” album haha. but my fav thing is to like. make him think he is soo so calm and composed rn even as he’s actively losing it.

don’t like….. hm. I struggle with wanting to make him more active, but his preference is to Wait and See, which I worry makes for less engaging storytelling even if it just is his character.

kabuto:

25. What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

first impression: I knew he was Bad Guy going in due to Spoilers, but I really liked the subterfuge angle to his story and the early tensions in his loyalty. as a fan of spy fiction, it really appealed to me. While I liked his backstory, I disliked how it resolved, with him just becoming like, a nun.

I think I tend to focus more on the early character of Kabuto for that reason, but I worry I miss out on the details of his personality that are revealed as he McLoses It after orochimaru.

I still think he’s a delightful spy character, and an example of like someone designed to be disposable, in high risk positions, desperately trying to make himself worthy of being kept. There’s this idea in spy fiction of how once someone goes undercover, goes “out in the cold,” they can never really come back, and I’m really compelled by how lost he is as a man more loyal to people than villages in a deeply nationalist setting.

That he goes from pawn to queen interests me as well, because when he does have the power to do what he wants, he is aimless without anyone to use it for.

tl; dr: first impression: oooh cool nerd spy guy. current impression: angsty spy guy nerd

6. What's something you have in common with this character?

i love wearing a ponytail and a high collar shirt, it must be said. But probably his nerdy qualities lol. as someone who frequently looks up the wiki pages to see what abilities characters have, I can definitely relate to the card collection 💜

and favorite akatsuki member ….

for a long time it was Tobi, but now I have to say Deidara. he’s forced in as a 14 year old but just fully accepts being part of akatsuki. he’s petty and vindictive and loud enough that it makes people underestimate how clever he is, but he never pretends to be anything else. I like his technique; in general, I appreciate how he and Sasori have the clearest vision of themselves and their place.

Like the opposite issue of Kabuto, lol. Deidara is completely clear-sighted and open about who he is and why he does what he does. he’s so refreshingly honest and communicative in a setting full of deception and miscommunication. also he has good hair.

thank you againfor asking!!! v fun to answer:))

(numbers from this ask game!!)