#Lady Masumi

[berrys-hide-out]

A home we share

Hello everyone! Welcome to the world of Heario, hope you have fun wile reading this

Warnings; My own characters I guess

————————-

“Have a nice day~!” Athena called after a customer as her brown-blond middle long hair bounced with her enthusiastic waving. “Heh, you seem rather cheerful today.” Ace said making her smile “yeah Yukai said she’d help clean since she hasn’t had any customers.” She chirped as she looked at the brown-red haired male. It was already turning evening so Yukai wasn’t far from them anymore and customers already left, in fact- “Athena~ I’m here.” A young 15 year old with dark brown and red hair hair announced as the doorbell rang and she came in.

Ace and Athena looked up “Yukai! Welcome welcome!” Athena greeted the younger “thanks for helping out Yuki~!” She said rushing over and throwing an arm over her shoulders. “Ah, I’m no problem” she said, looking at her hands shyly before Athena dropped the keys into the others hands “remember only close the doors.” She smiled at Yukai who nodded “don’t worry I got this.” She said before waving the two off.

Yukai was done cleaning rather fast before she started packing up and heading home, she locked the door, tested if it was actually closed and then put the keys into hey pocket.

“Yuuuuu-Kai!” Someone behind her suddenly sang as they wrapping their hands around her neck. “Ma-su-mi~ hello there hehe” the dark brown haired girl smiled at the blondes antics as she held the arms of the slightly taller girl.

Masumi hummed and let the other go “what are you doing at Athena’s shop? They have closed since over an hour.” The blonde asked and walked next to Yukai. “I took over of the cleaning today, Athena was quite overworked and needed a break.” Yukai explained as she rubbed a sore spot on her hand before looking up at Masumi “how was your day?”

Masumi looked at Yukai before sighing a chuckle “we had some very interesting customers today, as you know we are a food store that sell traditional foods, but someone came in today and asked for hair products..” the blonde noticed Yukai holding her hand over her mouth and looking away, still titters flew through her defences. “Thehe, you know you can laugh, no need to hold back” she reassured making Yukai shake her head with a light smile on her lips and dropping her hand to lightly hit her shoulder.

“Sometimes you got some weird things going on in your little shop. Last time you guys were supposed to be a usual supermarket.” Masumi grinned at her “what you remember that?” Yukai huffed but grinned “how can I forget that you spilled coke on your colleges on accident?” “HEY!” Yukai giggled and ran forward to not get caught in her friends embrace “it was funny!” She exclaimed with a bright smile which Masumi basically copied “I’ll show you fun!” She announced playfully before the two races home.

“Miss Elanor, little Ruki, we’re back!” Yukai called from the door as they came in and took off their shoes. “Yuki, Mai-Chan!” Ruki’s Little Voice was filled with excitement as he came running to them to hug the two. “Little Ruki~!” Yukai chirped and picked the white haired child in his sweater up.

“Welcome home you two.” Elanor greeted and bowed down. Masumi walked to her and pat the white golden hair. “Hey you don’t need to bow remember?” She said carefully lifting the woman’s shoulders up to stand. “Yes I’m sorry Lady Masumi.” Yukai huffed “cut the formalities Elanor! You might be hired as a maid but by now you’re a part of this family, isn’t that right Ruki?” The little child in her arms who was wearing the same pout nodded making the wonderful looking woman chuckle. “Alright, alright, I made some food before I helped Little Ruki with his homework, are you hungry by chance?” She asked making Yukai smile brightly “what did you make?!” She asked jumping over to her with the child.

“Sister Elanor made Curryrice” Ruki said making Yukais eyes light up and excitement “what are we waiting for then?!” She exclaimed sat Ruki down and rushed to get plates “ELANOR, RUKI, YOU EATING TOO??” The girl yelled form the kitchen “yes, let me assist you!” Elanor called and rushed to aid Yukai so she doesn’t drop anything in her exited state.

Masumi chuckled and watched them fondly.

——————

Hope you enjoyed this little Drabble of my own Oc’s! ヾ(＠⌒ー⌒＠)ノ　

The world of Heario where monsters and humans live in harmony, still humans don’t always accept them as it hasn’t been too long since they started living together. Will Masumi ever find out the secret of her little friends?

[the-himawari]

A3! Usui Masumi - Translation [SR] Rumoured Lady (1/2)

*Please disclaimer on blog; default name set as Izumi

---

Girl A: Thank God they had vanilla kipfels~.

Girl B: We’re sure lucky they had some left.

Masumi: (Vanilla kipfels…? Those girls came out from that bakery just now.) (…Are those crescent shaped sweets vanilla kipfels? There’s only 1 bag left…) (Maybe she’ll be happy if I bought and brought them home for her.)

-pause-

Masumi: (Transfer them to a plate… and there.) (I’ll bring them over to Director.)

*flies over*

Kamekichi: Ooh, are those cashew nuts!?

Masumi: Oi. These aren’t like the stuff you eat.

Kamekichi: What? They’re not?

Masumi: You better not put any in your mouth.

Kamekichi: I just pecked them. I didn’t put them in my mouth!

Masumi: …That’s fine then.

Kamekichi: And here I thought those were a bonus for me~.

Masumi: You can ask someone else for one. (But I don’t feel like giving these to her anymore…) (What should I do…)

*door opens*

Omi: I’m back.

Masumi: …

Omi: Oh. What’s the matter, Masumi? …Wait, are those vanilla kipfels?

Masumi: I bought them to give them to Director. But Kamekichi pecked at them, so I don’t think that’s a good idea anymore.

Kamekichi: I didn’t mean anything bad by that, you know!

Masumi: I know. I admit they do look like cashew nuts.

Omi: Haha, I see how it is.

Masumi: I hope I can go buy some again. But they seemed popular, so I’m not sure whether they’ll have them next time.

Omi: …Why don’t you make them yourself in that case? I know a recipe. And I think I could teach you.

Masumi: Really?

Omi: How about using that recipe to make some with Director some time? They’re fun to bake together.

Masumi: Together… I’m sure that’ll be fun if it’s with Director. I’ll invite her.

*door closes*

Omi: Haha. He jumps right into action like usual.

-pause-

*knock, knock*

Izumi: Come in.

*door opens*

Izumi: Masumi-kun? What do you need?

Masumi: Director… won’t you make vanilla kipfels with me?

Izumi: Vanilla kipfels???

---

| next

[blueraimo]

[sylhea-raemi]

WHAT THE FUCK A3

[masterdetectivexx]

Hi mtx hope you are doing well

what are your thoughts on last case? who do you think that old woman and who she is focus on is it amuro or conan? and what abt the baby is it possible for him to be KARASUMA ?!!

File 1126-1128 Review

I think this latest case was very refreshing, similar to the Butler shinkansen case, where we revisited classic DC mystery themes and settings that aren't often used. You immediately get a classic kidnapping case with the added trait of a seemingly gory and highstake threat from the start through the reveal of a head in a jar (File 1126).

The twist that the gory atmosphere was ultimately a fakeout is such a callback to the very old Ayumi kidnapping case (File 83), where the head she was stuck with was a prop as well. It was also a neat trick on how to create the illusion of a 3D head out of a 2D paper.

The trick of opening a lock with a mini-explosion using matchsticks (File 1128) was also quite genius and I hadn’t thought of such a way to actually work (as expected of Gosho).

Another revisited theme was Masumi and her protective and watchful gazes against anyone with potentially ill intent towards Conan, which I always love to see more of. Her noticing Amuro's nosiness towards Conan (File 1126) took me immediately back to Yusaku cold case in Bourbon arc (File 814), where she started glaring the same way towards Subaru after he alluded to figuring out Conan's true identity discreetly.

As for whether her eventually revealing to Conan, that Amuro is investigating him (File 1128), is gonna lead to any actions from Conan's side is all up in the air. Since Conan already views Amuro as an ally, he most likely wouldn't be too concerned of it, since unlike his Bourbon worries in File 1009 (after his recent Kudo Shinichi publicity) he has no reason to suspect the BO is onto Edogawa Conan.

One thing I somewhat got right was something I speculated in regards to one of the suspects that Ran and Sonoko found so familiar. I had speculated that Kanamaru was an employee who has worked in Poirot since before Amuro & Masumi intro, based on the clues that were given in File 1127 (Knowledge on behind-the-counter, familarity, etc).

I was convinced, but mainly hopeful, that we were finally getting the reveal of the mysterious never-appearing owner of Café Poirot. It seems however unfortunately that, while the line of thought was correct, it was rather a former employee who covered for the owner when he was hospitalized in the past (File 1128).

It was however cool to learn that Kanamaru had previously appeared as a background Poirot employee in the anime, making his general design and official manga debut pretty cohesive in the DC franchise.

Now... as for the important question of yours, who is the old lady that looked unique in how she appeared as a witness with a mysterious toddler in a stroller and who also appeared once again at the very end...?

She is none other than: Karasuma Renya's mother pushing her shrunken Boss son in a stroller!!!

Jokes aside, she did pretty much catch every other fan's attention the moment she appeared and it was a running joke that the boss has finally made his appearance xD

As for what I really think, I'm not really entertaining the idea that the Boss would have first of all shrunken into a younger age than our main protagonist (a 7-year-old), since it would lose any air of suspending disbelief and start becoming more comical than serious (especially since a toddler boss would be too vulnerable as a threat). The old lady also looked quite generic for a character design, which of course doesn't need to mean she isn't important, but it does ultimately lessen the chance that she is a major player in the story. What I however entertained was the possibility that she could be another named, but unrevealed, old woman character in the story, who has the best timing to appear in this stage of the ongoing plot. I'm talking about Haneda Kohji's mother, Haneda Ichiyo.

Considering that Gosho is very likely already setting up the introduction of Haneda Yasuharu (Kohji's named father in the marriage registration in File 947) through the mystery of Vader (respirator elder), it couldn’t be more fitting to have the also-named wife being setup to get introduced in such a discreet way that once she eventually appears in association with Vader (assuming it's Haneda Yasuharu), it will leave a bigger and better impression on the reader than a simple worthless appearance of a new character.

As for her motives for appearing around Poirot Café, it could be that similar to Vader, who this old lady is actually being watchful of is neither Conan nor Amuro, but rather Sera Masumi. Vader has had his eyes on Masumi and Mary (which again fits with him being Yasuharu) and seemingly realized that Akai Mary has become a middle-schooler (File 1096), so in a similar fashion, this could be Gosho sprinkling in some hidden continuation of that plot thread, but with the twist being that Ichiyo (Kohji's mother) is trying to confirm her husband's (Vader/Yasuharu) crazy findings by borrowing one of her housemaids' baby as a part of her cover as a passerby, rather than glamorously appearing in a vintage/expensive car that shows her status of being from the powerful Haneda family.

The ending of the chapter had a sidenote mentioning that many premonitions were swirling around Café Poirot, which is ultimately enough that it is referring to what Masumi brought up about Conan being investigated by Amuro, but it could also indeed covertly be including the looming old lady literally outside the Café hearing the rom-com commotion inside. What is however the most exciting is that the awaited Osaka Heizuha likely-confession case in Naniwa has been teased even in the to-be-continued note to be the next big 5-chapter case coming in Aug 7. I can't wait to finally see more development of not only the main characters of this stage (Heiji & Kazuha) but also Rum arc's new stars of this subplot that have thoroughly been a joy to follow (Momiji and Muga).

[detectiveagathaau]

A role-swap alternative universe of Detective Conan.

This is an alternative take on Detective Conan series, where it swaps almost every character's role while maintaining some of their personality and creating new ideas for them.

CHARACTER SWAPS:

Shinichi/Conan ⇄ Ran/Agatha

Mouri Kogoro ⇄ Prof. Agasa

Ayumi → Mitsuhiko

Mitsuhiko → Genta

Genta → Ayumi

Sonoko ⇄ Kyogoku

Megure ⇄ Midori

Takagi ⇄ Sato

Heiji ⇄ Kazuha

Kobayashi ⇄ Rumi

Kaito Kid ⇄ Akako Koizumi

Shiratori ⇄ Yumi

Chiba ⇄ Naeko

Akai Shuichi/Subaru Okiya ⇄ Jodie Starling/Jodie Saintemilion

Miyano Shiho/Sherry/Ai Haibara → ???/Gin/(to be revealed)

???/Gin/(to be revealed) → The Silver Fox leader/French 75

Vodka ⇄ Shiho Miyano & Akemi Miyano (both Shiho and Akemi are gonna be normal BO agents like Vodka, while repurposing the character "Lady in black" from Ep. 129 to take Gin's role)

Dr. Araide ⇄ Chris/Vermouth

Hidemi Hondou/Kir ⇄ Mary Sera

Masumi Sera ⇄ Eisuke Hondou

Rei Furuya/Amuro/Bourbon ⇄ Hiromitsu Morofushi/Scotch

Hakuba → Kaito & Aoko

Eri Kisaki ⇄ Yukiko Kudo (their jobs only switched)

Momiji ⇄ Okita

Kazami ⇄ Iori

Azusa ⇄ Sakurako

Nakamori ⇄ Superintendent Hakuba

(These are up to change, there's more characters to cover).

Notes:

Feedback is pretty much appreciated. It is still work-in-progress, but maybe one day I can make more detailed profiles for each character. You're welcome in making any takes and fanworks of my swap AU, no permission required. Credits is appreciated.

Not planning to rewrite the entire series as a fanfic but with characters swapped, sorry.

[bestygogirl]

BEST YGO GIRL TOURNAMENT

Submissions: Closed

Tournament begins evening of September 26. Polls will last one week.

There will be 64 match ups in round 1 and to make it easier, these will be split up into four groups of 16.

I will not reblog propaganda that is bashing one opponent rather than being primarily focused on supporting one.

Mod IS biased but won't be voting.

Groups and match ups under the cut!

(match orders subject to change)

Group A:

Barbara VS Rovian Kirishima

Aqua VS Yoko Sakaki

Eve VS Sushiko Maki

Gloria Tyler VS Princess G

Dog-Chan VS Ranran Nanahoshi

Melissa Claire VS Miyu Sugisaki

Brooke Walker/Umimi VS Epoch

Himika Akaba VS Queen

Akari Tsukumo VS Aileen Rao

Reira Akaba VS Kyoko Taki

Luna (zexal manga) VS Sorako Noodle

Grace Tyler VS Sunavalon Dryatrentiay

Cathy Katherine VS Manya Atachi

Ray Akaba VS Kiku Kamishirakawa

E’Rah VS Asaka Mutsuba

Houchun Mieru VS Nanaho Nanahoshi

Group B:

Yuzu Hiragi VS Entermate Uni

Aoi Zaizen/Blue Angel VS Entermate Corn

Sayaka Sasayama VS Dian Keto

Mimi Atachi VS Diabellestar

Asana Mutsuba VS Cyber Tutu

Yuamu Ohdo VS Dark Magician Girl

Ranze Nanahoshi VS Darklord Ixchel

Yuna Goha VS Cyber Angel Dakini

Light Tsukiko VS Blue Eyes Abyss Dragon

Rebecca Hawkins VS Condemned Darklord/Maiden/Witch

Ecclesia VS Baronne de Fleur

Yugi’s Mom VS Ash Blossom & Joyus Spring

Echo VS Sky Striker Raye

Princess Rose VS Apollousa

Mizuchi Saiou VS Tour Guide from the Underworld

Emi Ayukawa VS Sunny

Group C:

Masumi Kotsu VS Winda

Tiger (Haruka Kamijo) VS Traptrix Rafflesia

Yuka Goha VS Tearlaments Kitkallos

Anzu Mazaki VS Silent Magician

Mitsuko Hiramori VS Sevens Road Wtich

Isis Ishtar VS Pumprincess of Ghosts

Mana VS Prima Guitarna

Rei Saotome VS Performapal Ladyange

Luna VS Nini the Mirror Mikanko

Tome VS Lyna the Light Charmer

Yubel VS Madolche Queen Tiaramisu

Mikage Sagari VS Insect Queen

Anna Kozuki VS Lady Labyrinth

Misty Lola VS Kitt

Rio Kamishiro VS Hu-Li the Jewel Mikanko

Ayu Ayukawa VS Ha-Ra the Sword Mikanko

Group D:

Serena/Celina VS Emma

Asuka Tenjoin VS Miss Mystery

Carly Nagisa VS Haru Tsukumo

Miho Nosaka VS Patty

Kotori Mizuki VS Momoe Hamaguchi

Romin Kirishima VS Junko Makurada

Ghost Girl/Emma Bessho VS Sera

Ruri Kurosaki VS Vivian Wong

Mai Kujaku VS Dinois Velgear

Kisara VS Droite

Shizuka Kawai VS Princess Adena

Camula VS Risa Kagayama

Martha VS Tilla Mook

Aki Izayou VS Xiangsheng Magician

Sherry LeBlanc VS Blaze Maiden, Rino

Rin VS Underworld Goddess of the Closed World

[jujumin-translates]

Event | Ayakashi Summer Festival | Chapter 3

Misumi: Hmmm, what would be good~? It’s gotta be something that both Madoka and the other people attending will enjoy…

Misumi: (Well, Madoka is a scriptwriter, so…)

Misumi: (I know! Since there’s a stage at the summer festival site, maybe a scriptwriting award or something would be something he’d like!?)

Azuma: Oh, what are you doing out here?

Misumi: Ah, Azuma! Are you gonna drink here?

Azuma: I thought I’d have a drink out here for a change… I’m not interrupting anything, am I?

Misumi: Nope, you can go ahead~!

Azuma: Thank you.

Azuma: Something on your mind, Misumi?

Misumi: Madoka is gonna come to the festival, and I want him to have fun~.

Misumi: So I was trying to think of good ideas to bring up at tomorrow’s meeting!

Azuma: I see, that’s so kind of you, Misumi.

Azuma: Have you thought of anything good?

Misumi: Mhm, so remember how we had a theater contest before…

Misumi: I was thinking of having a theater contest with an award for scriptwriting or something!

Azuma: An award for scriptwriting… Sounds interesting.

Azuma: If I remember correctly, the theater contest at Veludo Summer Festival from before had etudes…

Azuma: So how about making it a short scripted contest this time instead?

Misumi: Oh, yeah!

Misumi: Let’s bring that up at tomorrow’s meeting! Thanks for the advice, Azuma!

Azuma: You’re welcome.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: (Since it’s the first meeting, all the members from our troupe who are participating came…)

Hisoka: …There’s more people here than I thought there would be.

Guy: It must be people involved with the summer festival just like we are.

Masumi: And it’s gonna be a joint effort between the shopping district and Veludo Way too.

Omi: There are quite a few people I’ve seen in the shopping district before here. Just over there is the owner of the fruit and vegetable store and the bakery clerk.

Izumi: It is! There’s some of the shoppers who have taken our flyers too.

Guy: Hmm, and the lady from the shoe store is over there.

Hisoka: …There’s some of the regulars from the bar too.

Shift: Ah, MANKAI Company. ‘Sup, guys!

Misumi: Ah, Shift, Haruto!

Azuma: Hello, you two.

Haruto: Hi. The meeting is about to start, so we’d better get to our seats.

Masumi: I’m sitting next to Director. None of you get to.

Haruto: Yeah, yeah, whatever.

Shopping District Chairman: Everyone, thank you all for coming here today. Let’s get the joint summer festival meeting started.

Summer Festival Organizer: First, let’s start with the planning. If anyone has any suggestions, please raise your hand.

Haruto: Yes, I have one.

Summer Festival Organizer: Yes, go ahead.

Haruto: I’m Haruto Asuka from GOD-za. This time we’ll be having MANKAI Company joining us…

Haruto: So how about holding a theater contest with the theme of ayakashi, led by both theater companies?

Misumi: Ah…!

Azuma: Seems like Haruto also thought of doing a theater contest.

Misumi: Yeah. I was gonna make that suggestion, but what Haruto said might be better!

Participant A: Led by both theater companies, huh?

Participant B: It would certainly draw in more excitement.

Summer Festival Organizer: We think it’s a good idea, but what does MANKAI Company think?

Izumi: I’m in agreement. I’m all for it!

Summer Festival Organizer: Thank you so much. Well then, a theater contest between the two troupes has been decided on.

Misumi: I have something!

Summer Festival Organizer: Oh? Yes, you, over there.

Misumi: For the theater contest, I was thinking maybe we could do plays with short scripts and then have a scriptwriting award or something!

Izumi: (That must’ve been what Misumi-kun was thinking of proposing today.)

Participant C: I see, an award like that could work.

Participant D: We’ve never done anything like that before. Sounds interesting!

Shift: I think it’d be super cool to put the spotlight on those working behind the scenes. I’m def in agreement!

Guy: Yes, I as well.

Shopping District Chairman: Seems like everyone is in agreement.

Summer Festival Organizer: It does. We’ll make sure to work that in. Thank you for the lovely suggestions, everyone!

Misumi: Waah, yay~! Thank you so much!

Azuma: I’m glad it all worked out, Misumi.

Misumi: Ehehe, it’s thanks to you, Azuma!

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

[kingsbride-moved]

~ Playlist for Fairylace, the one-and-only Spiderwoman of Niwe Yorke. Genres: Classical / folk / synth-pop / etc.

Kawai Eri ~ Undine (Zougoshi Ver.) / Yoko Ueno ~ Ashita Kitto Kikasete / ZABADAK ~ Asa / Yoko Kanno ft. Gabriela Robin ~ Folly Fall / Sakaue Masumi ~ Rosa's Theme / Arai Akino ~ Adesso e Fortuna / Loreena McKennitt ~ The Lady of Shalott / Vashti Bunyan ~ If I Were & Same But Different / DAZBEE ~ Scarborough Fair / Philharmonia Orchestra ~ Le Cygne / Yoko Kanno ft. Donna Cumberbatch ~ Reunion / Toby Fox ~ Fallen Down (Peaceful River and Birdsong Version)

~ Listen on you*tube

[isekai-crow]

Cherry Magic Ep 3

I thought we were gonna get the partner for Masato in episode 3, but we got him in episode 4. INSTEAD HOWEVER, in episode 3 we got some other fun characters!!

ONE OF THEM BEING VOICED BY FUCKING YUUSUKE SHIRAI!!!!

Was not expecting his high pitched whiney voice to appear OUT OF A CHARACTER LIKE THIS but also I really SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SURPRISED. HE'S A STAPLE IN BL ANIME AND AUDIO DRAMAS. High pitched whiney is a compliment by the way because its CUTE and made Capybara have conniptions while listening cause this is his favorite VA, and also DAMN THIS DUDE HAS RANGE.

GO listen to the character Ramuda's voice from HypMic and you'll see what I'm talking about. His other characters are friggen Sasaki from Sasaki and Miyano, Nikaido from Idolish7, Usui Masumi from A3!, and basically this man can SING and has RANGE and is bread and butter in the anime idol boy world.

So yea, Shirai, Yuusuke plays the annoying kouhai Yuuta Rokkaku, whose only purpose is to make Kurosawa jealous of Adachi spending time with someone and make Adachi jealous of Kurosawa's 'perfection' when Kurosawa starts showing off trying to get his attention away from Rokkaku. I also hope he becomes a Shipper On Deck with the other new character, Nozomi Fujisaki!

Koshimizu, Ami is the voice of Fujisaki sempai, who is so far just a stereotypical Japanese office lady, but having seen her in the opening we know that she is the CAPTAIN of this Ship, All Hands On Deck, and has fucking Acrylic Stands of these two that she's absolutely gonna make kiss like barbie dolls.

She also voices fricken Ryuuko fro Kill La Kill, Kallen Stadtfield from Code Geass, Sailor Jupiter from Sailer Moon Crystal, and a TON of other big name female characters!! Delightful.

LMAO if this isn't the first thing that pops up in episode 3!! I'VE TAKEN THIS MEDICINE BEFORE. It's OTC anti-hangover meds THAT FUCKING WORK. They're also really good for dealing with certain IBS symptoms. OTC Meds in Japan are Great. (*w*)b

Episode 3 is the Karaoke Episode, standard Japanese business life going drinking with your superiors to "improve moral" (This shit sucks, and I only had to deal with it the first 3 years I lived here. Bosses don't know what boundaries are, don't even know the word).

There's tons of funny faces. This episode was having so much fun.

Poor Kurosawa fails at impressing his love interest with Karaoke cause the man is too upset by how perfect he is. WHY DOES HE HAVE TO BE GOOD AT EVERYTHING. I'm waiting for the moment when that perfection is peeled back to show the person underneath.

Adachi tries to rescue his female co-worker whose being catcalled / harrased by drunk dudes not even from their company, only to get rescued himself.

Fujisaki is all of us. She knows EXACTLY WHAT'S GOING ON. Even if Adachi doesn't lmao. She doesn't need to read minds. She's got Fujoshi-Senses.

Adachi is also not subtle at ALL ABOUT TOUCHING?????? But he's also NEVER successful???????? MY BOY. THINK. USE THAT SINGULAR BRAIN CELL TO FIND A BETTER WAY.

I guess Adachi like Rokkoku enough to go to a Sauna with him? And Kurosawa is of course tags along because he gets to see Adachi naked.

This is also SUCH a Japanese thing. Someone's hobby is always something boring like "listening to music" or "watching movies" or "drinking socially" which aren't REAL hobbies, OR IT'S WEIRD RANDOM STUFF LIKE GOING TO A SAUNA.

OH LOOK HIS NIPPLES ARE GROWN IN. (This is a running joke between me and Capybara about whether a character is an adult or not)

Bless this poor simping man. Some day. Just you wait.

STEAM CONDUCTS THOUGHTS!!!!! Poor Adachi clutching his towel and running like the fair maiden heart he is after seeing all of Kuroswa's fantasies.

So capybara and my theory is that it's BODY heat that transfers the thoughts, otherwise it wouldn't work through clothing. (What happens if we get an Adachi or Kurosawa with hypothermia? Sick Fic anyone?)

But also this is the kind of stuff I feel bad for Kurosawa about. He's allowed to have fantasies damnit! They shouldn't be held against him! Unless he does something to Adachi that he doesn't want or consent to LET THE MAN LIVE DAMNIT.

But also poor Adachi for having to experience that anyways haha.

We get a rare moment here of hearing Kurosawa's inner thoughts (mostly self pity about the situation his heart has gotten him into), and it's NOT filtered through Adachi for once! So it humanizes him a bit more (not that he wasn't human before? But like people idolize him rather than villanize him... I don't know the word I'm looking for... endears us to him?) and we get to see his thoughts on the situation, the damage that's been done from being basically a "Gifted Kid" in more ways than one, fucking SA'd by a CEO Lady and also WHY he likes Adachi and damn, it took someone seeing him as something less then Ken Doll Perfect for once in his life to fall for someone of the same sex. It's definitely more than that, but like. That's so story book sweet and a little sad type romantic. I love it.

It took one man giving him a Dom Face to awaken the Inner Sub in him, and his heart was stolen, lmao. (I think this might be Capybara projecting and wanting someone to look at HIM like that tho >w>) (im gonna get murdered for that)

I hope they continue to play with tropes and don't follow the standard "One of these MALE characters is just a stand in for a FEMALE, so one is the seme/top and one is the uke/bottom and they NEVER switch."

God I hope they switch. And/Or Adachi makes the first real move. Or like, Pins / Kabe-Don's Kurosawa to the wall. That would make me so happy.

CAREFUL ADACHI. HE'S ON TO YOU. HE'S STARTING TO SUSPECT YOU'RE USING WITCH CRAFT ON HIM.

also AHHHH THIS IS SO CUTE. Kurosawa is adorable and so in love and so worried, and it's fairly realistic! I can't wait for more.

[taruchisguide]

A3! 7th Anniversary: Revival Token Choices

[A3! 7TH ANNIVERSARY: REVIVAL TOKEN CHOICES]

A visual and text chart of all the cards available in this year's anniversary revival token pool. Earned tokens can be used up until February 14 13:59 JST. Thank you and shout out to An, who helped translate Chikage's SR, Tenma's R, and Reni's SSR titles for me!

Twitter Version Here

↓↓↓ Text version below!  ↓↓↓    

🌸 Spring Troupe Revival Token Cards 🌸

Sakuya Sakuma: The Garden that Bounded the Four Seasons (Act 12 Advancement Campaign), Packing Crimson Tomatoes (YABATAN VEGETABLE), Gentle Oni's Weapon (ONISAN KOCHIRA)

Masumi Usui: Sweet Ripe ☆ Spring Fruit (SUMMER VACATION Collection), Rumored Lady (La Vie En Rose), Promising Young Employee (SPRING SUIT COLLECTION)

Tsuzuru Minagi: Captive Fairy (Fairy in the Bottle), Huggy Bear (Welcome to the Bear Shop), Oriental Note (MY FAVORITE FRAGRANCE)

Itaru Chigasaki: Delinquent Upperclassman Behind the School (Nostalgic Gymnasium zwei), Puppet of Uro (ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTION), Night's Farewell (All aboard!)

Citron: Childhood Friend's Caretaker (SCHOOL UNIFORM COLLECTION), Accessorized with Flowering Dogwood (SUMMER YUKATA COLLECTION), Spirited Arrow (Thus Begins the Horseback Archery)

Chikage Utsuki: Tailor-made (Graceful tailor), One Hundred Gazes (Summer Hyakki Yagyo), Hit the Target! Perfect (Hat Trick)

△△△△△△△

🌻 Summer Troupe Revival Token Cards 🌻

Tenma Sumeragi: Determined Move-in Day (The MANKAI Dorm in Those Days: Spring-Summer Edition), Happy and Joyful Mariachi (To the Person I Want to See, but Can’t), Your Magnificent Self in the Endless Summer (Thinking of You Under the Light Crimson)

Yuki Rurikawa: Audacious×Rocker (69'n' Roll 4ever!), Stockings and Stilettos (FAVORITE SHOES COLLECTION), Rose Quartz Palette (Beautiful eyes)

Muku Sakisaka: Makeup: Ice (Yummy☆Cosmetics), Aquamarine Dream (Beautiful eyes), Curiosity Guide (Jurassic Memoir)

Misumi Ikaruga: Prodigy Top Dancer (Welcome to BURLESQUE), Exhilarating Back Shot (Kiss Shot), The Floral Prince (fairy-tale kingdom)

Kazunari Miyoshi: The Cat's and My Secret (Sunday With a Cat), Wink When the Rain Pauses (In the Sky After the Rain), Dance of Prayer (Dancer of Rituals)

Kumon Hyodo: Jump In! Parkour (3,2,1, START!), Mischievous Fairy (Fairy in the Bottle), Underclassman's Assignment (Nostalgic Gymnasium)

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🍁 Autumn Troupe Revival Token Cards 🍁

Banri Settsu: The Garden that Bounded the Four Seasons (Act 11 Advancement Campaign), Gaze of the Taiko Player (World's No. 1 Ohina-sama), Delicious Assortment (BOUQUET CREPE)

Juza Hyodo: Novice Photographer (June Tuxedo), Elated Cigar Box (Hyakka Ryouran), A Single Breakthrough Skill (Majestic Magic Teacher)

Taichi Nanao: Smile☆Decoration (Toppings of Your Choice), My Ideal Way to Soak (Midsummer Paradise), Emperor Penguin's Invitation (WHITE WINTER COLLECTION)

Omi Fushimi: Grateful to This Once-In-a-Lifetime Experience (Farewell!), Kitsune Waiter (The Ayakashi Ryokan is Open), Run around the field. (Us Back Then)

Sakyo Furuichi: Seize Your Fate (EnDgame StuDy), Master of the Royal Palace (Beautiful Country), Magical☆Keemun (Magical Toys)

Azami Izumida: The Pleasure of Battle (SURVIVAL STRATEGY), Tub-Washed Laundry Method (WASH & DRY), Unique Sole (FAVORITE SHOES COLLECTION)

△△△△△△△

❄️ Winter Troupe Revival Token Cards ❄️

Tsumugi Tsukioka: Renewed Move-in Day (The MANKAI Dorm in Those Days: Autumn-Winter Edition), Blessed Ribbon Wands (June Promise), The Shirt's a Perfect Match (VELUDO WINTER COLLECTION)

Tasuku Takato: Astride a Noble Steed (Thus Begins the Horseback Archery), Focusing on a Single Point (Hat Trick), Hunter of Justice (Many Many Candy)

Hisoka Mikage: Admired by All the Students in School (Nostalgic Gymnasium), KING・OF・PUMPKIN (AUTUMN HALLOWEEN COLLECTION), Yappy Ventriloquist Pillow (Hyakka Ryouran)

Homare Arisugawa: Sense Ruler (Tarot of Fate), The ABC of a Man who Can (Night Walker), Bubbly and Jittery (NOSTALGIA)

Azuma Yukishiro: Empress Beauty (Heaven's Arcana), Tempting Chocolate (99％ CACAO:HOLIC), Sexy×Rocker (69'n' Roll 4ever!)

Guy: Roses et chocolat (Moment of Bliss), The Ultimate Pair (Graceful tailor), Smart LIVE! (Our 2nd LIVE)

△△△△△△△

🎭 Other Revival Token Cards 🎭

Isuke Matsukawa: No SSR, No SR, The Prince of April 1st (April Fool's 2017)

Ken Sakoda: The Newcomer Host of April 1st (April Fool's 2018), No SR, No R

Yuzo Kashima: The Champion of April 1st (April Fool's 2019), No SR, No R

Tetsuro Iwai: April Fool's Carpenter (April Fool's 2020), No SR, No R

Kaya Mizuno: The Company President of April 1st (April Fool's 2021), No SR, No R

Madoka Ikaruga: Wizard of April First (April Fool's 2022), No SR, No R

Reni Kamikizaka: Us on April 1st (April Fool's 2023), No SR, No R

[the-himawari]

A3! Outing Event Translation - You're my first and last love. (11/11 Epilogue)

*Please read disclaimer on blog

---

Today's Princess

*knock, knock*  

Izumi: …N-Nghh. What time is it right now…  

???: It is morning. Please wake up.  

Izumi: Morning…? (Whew, I slept like a log after the event ended. Come to think of it, I feel like I’ve heard those words somewhere before…)

*door opens*  

Troupe members: Good morning.  

Guy: Were you having a pleasant dream?  

Izumi: Huh!? Ah, yes… um, what…?  

Chikage: My, my. It still looks like you just woke up. Perhaps you should wash your face first?  

Izumi: Ah, right… wait, that’s not the point—.  

Kumon: The weather’s great today, so it’s a great day to go out and play catch! You’ll join me, right?  

Azami: Who would play catch first thing after wakin' up? Ahem… err, would you like rice or bread for breakfast this morning?  

Izumi: U-Uh… I’ll go with bread then.  

Azami: Comin’ right up.  

*leaves*

Izumi: (I’ve had this conversation before…! Which means this is—.)

*knock, knock*

*door opens*  

Summer troupe: Rise and shine.  

Izumi: G-Good morning…!  

Kazunari: Excuse me. Please allow us to help you get ready.  

Yuki: Heh, you’ve got some adorable bedhead. I’ll brush your hair for you, so come over here.  

Misumi: How about this outfit for today? I’ve prepared some trendy triangle patterns.  

Muku: I’ll hang the clothes you’re going to wear on the hanger. Is there anything else you need?  

Izumi: I-I’m good.  

Tenma: Alright, please call us once you’re finished changing.  

Izumi: O-Okay… (Yep, I remember this too…!)  

-pause-  

Sakuya: I see you’re done getting ready. Now then, we’ll guide you to the dining room.  

Itaru: You look wonderful in your outfit.  

Tsuzuru: Right… you look very beautiful.  

Izumi: Thank you? By the way, is this…  

Citron: Please come over here.  

Tsuzuru: Breakfast is ready.  

-pause-  

Sakyo: Thank you for waiting, my lady. Please give me your hand.  

Izumi: !  

Juza: Here’s your seat. …Go ahead.  

Taichi: Today’s breakfast is the chef’s special eggs benedict!  

Omi: As sides, I’ve prepared pickled bell peppers and mushroom potage.  

Izumi: Woah, it looks delicious. What a fancy breakfast…!  

Banri: And we’ve got seasonal fruits over here. I also prepared some jelly—.  

Juza: …  

Banri: Dude. This ain’t for you, got it!  

Taichi: Hold it, hold it! It’s gonna get wrecked!  

Omi: I made some for everyone. We’ll have our share later.  

Sakyo: God, guys…  

Izumi: Ahaha!  

Azuma: What kind of tea would you like? Or would you rather have coffee?  

Izumi: I’m good with tea.  

Tsumugi: Darjeeling, earl grey… we have all of them on hand. We shall prepare whichever you like.  

Homare: Would you like some lemon or milk with that as well?  

Izumi: I’ll take lemon then…  

Tasuku: How about some nilgiri tea that pairs well with lemon?  

Izumi: Err… sure.  

Hisoka: I’ll prepare some special marshmallows that go with it too.  

Homare: We shall pour our hearts into making it. Please do wait a moment.  

Izumi: Thank you very much. Um hey, is all of this…  

Masumi: Today is your very own Princess Day.  

Izumi: Masumi-kun! Yeah, I thought that was what was happening. Why are you all doing Princess Day again though?  

Sakyo: He came up with the idea. He said we couldn’t repay you enough.  

Azami: I can’t believe Masumi-san asked everyone to help out.  

Izumi: Masumi-kun did?  

Masumi: …You said you like all of us, remember? I would’ve liked it to be just the two of us. But I thought you’d be happier receiving thanks from everyone… so I asked them.  

Izumi: Oh, I see. Thank you, Masumi-kun. It was a lot of work, wasn’t it?  

Masumi: Not at all.

Hisoka: Everyone responded immediately, saying it was for Director.  

Misumi: Yeah~! Hisoka responded super quickly too!  

Azuma: And you lent a hand too, Sakyo-kun?  

Sakyo: …Well, I gave him a hard time earlier. Besides, I agree with what he said. You’re helping out for the same reason, aren’t you?  

Azuma: Mhm…? You’re being quite accommodating.  

Sakyo: Oh, shush. …I haven’t lost to that brat yet.  

Azuma: My, my. How childish of you.  

Sakuta: I’m sure everyone feels the same way. We all want to convey our gratitude towards you, Director.  

Izumi: You guys…  

Sakyo: C’mon. There’s still somethin’ Usui has to do.  

Masumi: I was going to even if you didn’t tell me. …Now then, let’s head out, princess. We will take you anywhere you wish.  

Izumi: Fufu, thank you. In that case, where should I go…  

Itaru: Btw, senpai and I will be the ones driving.  

Chikage: That’s the way it is. That’s why we can’t let you two be alone together. No hard feelings, alright?  

Citron: That’s right! All of us are going to serve as Director’s escorts all day today! We won’t let Masumi screech you away!  

Tsuzuru: It’s sneak away!  

Masumi: …I’ll bear with it just for today. I know I can’t prepare a play or surprise by myself, and they wouldn’t make you happy.  

Izumi: Masumi-kun…  

Sakuya: Alright then, let’s decide where to go while we eat breakfast.  

Izumi: Yeah, good plan!  

Masumi: Tell me whatever you’d like. I’ll make all your wishes come true.

---

previous |

[mothy-chan]

Masumi: The last time I thought a lady was pregnant, it ended badly for me.

Naoka: I still haven't forgiven you.

Masumi: You drank water instead of wine, what other options could there be?!

[icharchivist]

You should tell me about Citron 💛

HELPPP

posted enough picture of Citron to interest you i see....

Citron is one of the members of the Spring Troupe, the first troupe that was created by the company.

When the Main Character, Izumi, was trying to rebuild the company, she was tasked with finding people to fill a Spring Troupe in a couple of days, which kinda led her to drastic measure to find beginners by having them interested with street acts and the likes. It's while doing that that she met Citron, an extravagant man who was hiding his face behind a mask, who was really amused by Sakuya, Masumi and Tsuzuru's hammy acting.

Citron presented himself as an exchange foreign student who didn't have a great grasp on Japanese, but was really excited and wanting to learn as well as he could. He's also a jokester at heart, constantly making jokes, definitely messing up his Japanese on purpose to drive Tsuzuru (the writer of the crew) insane, and he has a tendency to make shit up too (like completely lying about some of his experiences in the past just to entertain Sakuya for instance).

Spring is the troupe that sees each other as family, especially because of their own messed up relationship with their families, and Citron appointed himself as the "mom" friend, as one of the oldest member of said troupe.

While a jokester at first, Citron started to show how attentive and caring he was with his others members. He's the one who notices when the rest of his troupe isn't feeling too well, like explaining to Masumi why Sakuya was having trouble, or the only one to notice Itaru was powering through a twisted ankle for the last few days of their plays. When Itaru almost leave the troupe, the Troupe pulls off an improv where they try to hold him back because "Father we know you suck and you have gambling debts but you can't do that to mom :(" and then Citron acts like Itaru's wife who loves him despite everything, it's great, and it is one of the things that have Itaru stays.

he's also a major gamer which makes him connect with Itaru right away when Itaru's gaming addiction is revealed. Tsuzuru asks what the fuck was Itaru doing and Citron, who spoke with a bit of a broken Japanese first, suddenly flawlessly talks about gaming terms to Tsuzuru's dismay being like "why is THIS the topic you're fluent in."

we also learn that he's so charming with the way he can get flirty with the old ladies in the neighborhood that he gets all sort of discount in local shops just because everyone loves him so much.

But we also discover that something isn't what it seems with him, as he's really careful about the way he's seen in public, and believe people have been sent to follow him because of problems from his country. He's very secretive about it and it's the few times he kinda drop his cheerful mask for some very serious moments.

We will not learn what's going on with him until act 2, but we learn he really dislikes the concept of royalty when he's casted as the King of Hearts in their Alice in Wonderland's play, talking about how cutthroat it is to imagine that, and Azuma from the Winter Troupe, who has a good grasp at reading people, constantly calls him "your Highness." Muku from the Summer Troupe, who wants to become a princely person, looks up to Citron a lot because Citron embodies what being a Prince is to Muku, and Citron is originally a bit pained by that but ends up taking Muku under his wings because Muku reminds him of his little brother. So much so that when he has to do improv with Muku, he will cast himself as a king in order to make Muku a prince, and it's really sweet.

He is Tsuzuru's colead for the 3rd Spring Play, where Tsuzuru is going through a writer block realizing he's projecting on his writing the relationship he lost with his childhood best friend, who's parents forced him to cut ties with Tsuzuru because of the class divide between them (Tsuzuru being rather poor while Mizuno, said guy, was from a rich family). Citron tries to help him as he can by dragging him into doing Manzai with him, but he will open up with a heavy heart about knowing how it feels like when class gets between a friendship and wondering if there's even anything one can do if your words don't reach the person you're trying to connect with, especially when said person denies their own humanity.

Act 2 starts with a new member of the Spring Troupe joining, Chikage, who is a guy who lies all the time, so Citron and Itaru who also lie a lot kinda see through him and especially try to bond with him.

It's only in act 2 that we will learn, as Guy joins the Winter Troupe, that Citron is the Crown Prince of the fictional country of Zafra, and that the struggle for the crown has strained his relationship extremely badly with two of his younger brothers. He also has a third little brother, the one Muku reminds him of, who never participated into that power struggle.

Citron grew up therefore disconnected from his royal parents and seeing the family falling apart due to the struggle for the throne, which led him to be yearning terribly for a family he could connect with, and it's why he eventually ran away for one year in Japan to try to get a breather before he would legally have to take his responsibilities as the crown prince.

Guy was his bodyguard when they were younger, because he had joined the army when he was quite young believing himself to be a robot, and Citron originally found that so funny he wanted to spend more time with him and appointed him as his assistant. But as Citron tried to connect with him and tried to become his friend, trying to have him acknowledge his burried memories, Guy just kept his feelings locked in, and their relationship ended up really strained because of that. It is the friendship Citron was refering to in the previous story above.

When Guy arrives to tell Citron he is supposed to come back home, Citron will reveal his identity to his friends, and then will decide to leave to go back home without telling the rest of his troupe, while also framing Guy as a criminal so he can't come back to Zafra and therefore has to spend time in Mankai. This whole plan was for Guy to actually try to experience some life and try to reconnect with his humanity, which Guy will do as he joins the Winter Troupe. While the Spring Troupe is devastated from Citron leaving them.

but Citron especially left clues for the Winter Troupe to pick up for Guy to reconnect with his memories, which also implies Citron has been looking into helping Guy all this time and was now leaving him into good hands.

once Guy remembers and feels himself loved by his own troupe, he will understand why Citron didn't want to leave at first, and will prompt the Spring and Winter troupes to go to Zafra to try to get Citron back.

Lots of things happen here, including a murder attempt on Citron's life that gets thwarted by Chikage and Itaru who were working to find him again, which got them into the good graces of the King enough that our troupe mates managed to argue that Citron is much happier with his troupe, and that they all want him back, and that Citron wants to go back too. The King, seeing his son happy for the first time, decides therefore to pass the title of Crown Prince to his youngest son, and will appoint Citron as the Minister of Foreign Relationship with Japan to justify why Citron should come back.

And so now he can stay with his family here, and also be able to see Guy bloom as a person.

plugging in a duet he had with Guy later on because i love this song: (mentioning also that Guy is voiced by m!Logia's VA, again)

After that Citron happily settled back with his new found family. The English server closed near the end of Act 2 and i still haven't caught up on all that came up on the Japanese server but... yeah that's a good run up </3

he also has been lead on a play about classical music with Masumi, on a play about Kabuki with Azuma, but the last one i'll link to is his co-lead song with Itaru as they play the perfect family, because i think everyone needs to see Citron fully embracing his "mom" side

and on top of that his two duets, even if they are more centring on his passion for Japan culture 1, 2

this should be a good rundown of what you need to know about Citron ;D charming, isn't he..........

[ippenx]

A3! Act 1 Thoughts (1) | Reread

Ouch, Sakyo. Please, don’t torture Izumi like that! Like damn, he was rough.

Izumi’s room is on the 2nd floor – noted for fic purposes.

And Sakuya calling her ma’am, Imma cry!! So official.

*holds Sakuya gently* you poor traumatized child, I’m so sorry for your parents.

Lol, they settled this with rock paper scissors (they both threw rock).

TSUZURU! And Sakuya warning everyone about the food, but in vain ….

Birth of our bi-curry-ous queen. We stan.

The Yuzo-appeal at play, I see.

Adding bakery to list of places Tsuzuru worked at.

That is so me honestly, Matsukawa you go, don’t let them slander you.

Anyway, Tsuzuru has such gorgeous eyes, if his story had gone differently, I assume I would have been a massively down-horrendous Tsuzuru fan.

Lol, Izumi zoning in on the broke uni student demographic almost immediately! Girl should be in marketing.

Here he is accused of being homeless. Saving this as a reaction pic.

Izumi, that is an eloping ruler of a foreign nation whom your upcoming actions over the next year or so will save from a literal assassination attempt. Mind your words, lady!

Citron my love, given some of your subsequent fruity behavior, I would actually not be surprised if that was on your bucket list of things to do before you are dragged back to Zafra.

CitoIzu likers, all idk, two of you? Here’s your crumbs.

Tsuzuru really killing it with the reaction shots.

*checks notes* honey according to like half the fandom, that’s your future husband so mind your words. But also, you are so right. It’s a love-hate relationship, isn’t it? Hehehe.

Masumi, you weren’t even there when she ran into the hottest man in Veludo way and just casually exchanged words like it was nothing. When Izumi does hit on someone, I am pretty sure they would be dead on the ground. I know I would be!

And they picked up Itaru via Sakuya getting spun around by Citron and then bumping into Itaru? Something something SSR tier gacha pull, otsu Sakuya!

Itaru, you massive, massive weeb. I feel you. But also, sharing that with Chikage of all people … you are so cursed or *ship glasses on* so blessed.

CitoIzu crumb number two? Noted.

YAAAASSSS queen, put yourself out there bestie!

I would say “no” to that, Matsukawa. Sorry not sorry!

Spoken like a true writer! If my life’s dream depended on it, I too would get through 10k words a day and more.

*furiously taking notes for my upcoming TasuIzu fic that revolves specifically around getting Izumi back into acting*

Birth of Tsuzuru ‘Nothing a little gender-bend can’t fix’ Minagi.

Really though, Izumi makes me so happy with this, cause sometimes you just need A CHANCE to go crazy and being given that chance is everything.

Girl you are so easily swindled, I worry for you sometimes.

It’s kinda funny how this might be intended to set up a total demolition of our expectations, but in all honesty, she’s right. All my responsible adult circles are full of geeks with money funneled into hobbies, that’s the best brand of responsible adult in my opinion. Itaru just needs to learn to maybe do a little more room keeping.

I could open a special folder just for these.

Next: Act 1 Part 2 →

← Previous: Prologue

[justmoveyourhand]

ArcV Month: Catch-Up Mode!

Hooo boy was I excited to hear about this. I loved Arc V, and am pleasantly surprised to hear it has a month of prompts. I have no art talent whatsoever, so get ready for a month of text post love gushing.

(heads up, I'm gonna be using sub names. I tried watching the dub after finishing the series subbed initially and it was just not the vibe)

Day 2: Bracelet Girls

These four are an ode to wasted potential. Early Yuzu is probably the strongest lady friend the franchise has ever had. Yes, above Akiza. She's got her own goals and motivations, a solid design, and a believable friendship with Yuya, feeling very appropriately like "our parents are friends so we were forced to hang out a lot when we were little." Trying to figure out who Yuto is without tipping off Yuya off, losing to Masumi and using it to motivate her own growth, and actively seeking out Sora's tutelage all showed her agency, something I to that point didn't expect out of side characters much. Admittedly, that started to fade as soon as she was kidnapped by Yugo in the Battle Royale, but their interaction was a lot of fun, and being thrust into a literal alternate reality would probably curb my independence too.

Serena. Bruh SERENA tho? She was perfect. Fiercely independent. Rebellious. Clever. Interdimensional terrorist-turned-Lancer. Banger outfit design, both in her modified Academia uniform and the street clothes she's in after. Not quite as much focus, due to the cast expanding significantly not long after her introduction, but damn if she didn't steal the show every time she was on screen. She's probably the most competent Lancer, aside from Reiji, and probably in my top ten characters of the series.

While we didn't get much of Rin or Ruri, I can firmly say that Ruri has one of the best designs in the franchise. I'm a sucker for purple, black, and bird motifs (no foreshadowing there whatsoever). I do however enjoy that all 4 girls had functional decks. In the TCG, WindWitch was probably the best generic synchro package you could run until P.U.N.K. came out, Lyrulisc/TriBrigade was meta relevant for YEARS, and while Lunalight isnt quite the powerhouse it used to be, it's still probably the best thing you can do in pauper, and it showcased some of the best card design choices of the early pendulum era; high consistency, recyclability, and the first twinkling of backrow having effects when banished from the graveyard. Unfortunately, it's only competitive success came from duel links or the era where it enabled a Rank4 toolbox, getting Tiger banned, taking the Fusion build out of rouge playability. Melodious...well it wasn't ever truly relevant but I did have a buddy who played it as a floodgate simulator so I have a strong aversion towards it.

I dunno. That's probably it for this one.