#chapter 189

[your-zipper-is-down]

The OG team

[tadpolebobatea]

Last chapter of the year baby!!!! Live slug reaction

Sean you’re so real for this. I adore his stupid ass

Poor fuuko… but yeah understandable

Sorry fuuko but you’ll never be an ojou-sama type. Maybe give it another hundred years?

special mention to chikara taking pictures in the back . Also hooray for a second instalment of Sean and Gina, middle siblings from hell.

A selection of Gina’s for your viewing pleasure. She’s rapidly becoming a favourite. Poor girl puts up with so much shit

God a new uma? It feels like it’s been forever.

Anna seems like a real one, I already like her. I’m happy julia does feel like a separate person to juiz but you can definitely see the roots yknow?

I’m guess the uma controls people using the power of money since it looks like she wasn’t speaking intentionally

That’s all I got. See ya next year you lugs <3

[plusthinkingteam]

✦ CHAPTER 189 (MAGAZINE VER.) ✦

Links to the Chapter: Imgur | Mediafire | Mega

Credits

raw provider: misomilk (misomilk)

translator: misomilk (misomilk)

proofreaders: Nat Korch (Nat_Krea), Stylin’ Breeze (stylinbreeze60)  

cleaner: angela (unlshthfrckngbt)  

redrawer: angela (unlshthfrckngbt)  

typesetter:  Nat Korch (Nat_Krea)  

quality check:  nin (_ninthebin_)

[calekinnieplus]

Glaring at him, Matthew's voice raised a few pitches.

"Don't feign ignorance with me!"

"She killed herself because of you! Mom killed herself because of you!"

"Ever since young you've done nothing but instill your ideals to me, countless times you've beaten me and mom, yet, I never fought back. Why? Because mom was with me, my young self was somehow able to get through your harsh beatings and scoldings...but...but, you killed her! Because of you, I was forced to betray the ones that I held dear to my heart just so that I could kill you in the most pathetic and humiliating way!"

..."forced," you say? 🤨

I mean, rip on the sad backstory, man. I would definitely sympathize with you way more if the situation was just Slightly different.

Credit where credit is due, tho:

He was abused from a young age, and I don't have first-hand or second-hand experience with this (thank goodness), but I Am aware of how damaging it can be to someone's self-esteem, to their perception of the world and like. So many other things. I can't properly discuss how much of an impact this has on someone. So obviously, the consequences of such an experience are still felt now for young Matthew.

His first and strongest support, his mother, was taken from him. By his abuser. Definitely was a tipping point for the descent into madness.

This is a world where demons pray on those who are in their darkest moments, those who are vulnerable. And after the loss of his mother, of COURSE Matthew would feel like he has no choice.

OG!Ren did everything he could, but he couldn't shield Matthew from his father. He could only do so much. I guess in this case... Matthew's hate for his father was stronger than his love for Ren.

So yeah, it's valid.

BUT THAT DOESN'T CHANGE THE FACT THAT HIS ACTIONS ANNOY ME. WHY, OH WHY. DID YOU TARGET REN??

I can understand where someone is coming from and also strongly dislike them >:(

[bobauthorman]

Look at the head sideways

A while back, @opbackgrounds pointed out the odd shape of the weapons used by the Alabasta army (Can't remember which post.)

Now with this latest revelation on the Nefertari line, I can't help but wonder if that was supposed to be some sort of clue...

[seekers-who-are-lovers]

The Butler, Snickering. S on the latest Yana Toboso’s website header

[demonfujo]

[shinigami-mistress]

So, in chapter 189, Bard 'opens his eyes' to find himself back home with his family.

This is clearly his idea of Heaven.

Sebastian then appears and quite literally destroys Bard's Heaven and causing Bard to fall.

Rather fitting for a demon, don't you think?

Perhaps this mean that Bardroy understands, at least on a subconscious level, Sebastian's true nature.

[dxlltears]

Schrödinger's Bard...

[everyneji]

[shiroageha042]

Sebastian is such an a** for breaking Bard’s lie 😂 it was getting sad until he appears

BUT:

I hope wherever he’s taking Bard it is home

[your-zipper-is-down]

Nico and Ichico working!

[evildeadfan102]

I re read Eden’s Zero chapter 189.

[gofancyninjaworld]

OPM Manga Review: Schemes and Heroes

Yup, this is the long-delayed review of updates 235 and 236, variously numbered as chapters 190-1 (Cubari) or 188-189 (Viz, Tonarinoyj). I've made several starts but somehow, never got far.

Summary: Slowly, then all at once

That's how bankruptcy is supposed to happen: the trouble sneaks up on you, and then suddenly, it's all falling apart. When it comes to the crisis of confidence that the Hero Association is facing, they've realised that they're in some bother since they're now struggling to get new recruits. However, things are about to get a lot worse.

We have Child Emperor, spurred by disgust and frustration at the Hero Association's faults and unwillingness to address those flaws, all topped with rage about discovering the pun that his hero name is, who has left the organization for the Neo Heroes. He's announced his new hero name, now known as Wild Emperor.

Zombieman has gone to consult Dr. Genus about possibly removing his limiter like Saitama has. He's concerned for Isamu's well-being and Genos's testimony is one he can't afford to ignore. The doctor has agreed to show him something interesting in the basement.

There's no question that the Hero Association is in deep trouble. We'd seen in earlier chapters that they were struggling to recruit new heroes. Now, we're beginning to see how they lose existing heroes. We see Snek given a brief to investigate a monster attack on a donor, only to learn from Isamu that the monster is long caught as it's one of the many monsters sold as exotic pets. Far from being an investigator trusted to handle a delicate cold case, Snek has been given some busy work. To say he's unimpressed is an understatement.

They still seem to imagine heroes grow on trees the way they're treating the most loyal ones.

More seriously, as Amai Mask tells the executives gathered to discuss the problem of heroes defecting, the executives have ignored Isamu's recommendations to address the shortcomings. He's got an idea other than ditching the HA: raise a hero to serve as a standard-bearer to inspire heroes to join and recommit. It's a great idea, but his choice of Saitama is going to be a hard sell from the get-go. Still, he gets the go-ahead.

We know that 'perfect' and 'Saitama' do not go together. Amai is about to find that out the hard way.

The next chapter starts at another meeting of the executives. And another shock defection. This time, it's not a hero, but Sekingar, who returns his HA-provided artificial eye and hand. He says that he's going to the Neo Heroes as their organisational details and plans for hero development are superior. He stands his ground and counters McCoy's accusation of his jumping ship to sell HA secrets to the Neo Heroes with some shade of his own, saying that he's a company man and knows no one trusts a traitor.

All starts to make sense once Sekingar picks up his new equipment and establishes comms with Wild Emperor. This is all part of a plan to infiltrate the Neo Heroes, find out what they're up to, and assess whether it poses a threat to heroes. Sekingar exits the lift to go out to the pick-up helicopter, only to find Metal Bat waiting for him. Metal Bat will be joining him as his body guard, after having been asked to do so by Sicchi as a favour. Since Sekingar is someone who has earned Metal Bat's respect -- not to mention going into danger like a hero -- he's only too happy to do so. The pair make their way to the Neo Hero chopper.

The earned trust and respect between those two is wonderful to see.

Changing topic, there's another not-quite-a-hero guy we've yet to hear about. Garou. We start out with a glimpse of what the Bang dojo dynamics must have been like. Toxic! He's back, and he's starting right where he's left off, terrorising Charanko. Bang quickly puts an end to it with a knock to his head and puts him to wiping the floor. Working his way up from the bottom of the pecking order is the only way to be accepted anew, Bang insists. Soon, it's time for Garou to head out to his court-ordered part-time job. Even as he grumbles about having too much to do, there's an eagerness and lightness to Garou as he heads off to earn money. The dojo sees him off.

Charanko settles down to relax at last, only to be shocked to see King come pay a visit. Inside, King tries to explain his current predicament to Bang, telling the old man about the near-miss he had with Atomic Samurai the day before. Unfortunately, between the old man's hardness of hearing, King's roaring heart beat, and how much King is muttering, Bang can't hear it. Finally, desperately, King shouts, 'Please make me stronger.' And that is where we end the chapter.

Shall we have some meta then?

META

Self-Efficacy

I love it when characters help themselves. There was a time that I nearly quit watching One-Punch Man: it was in episode 9, when despite everyone's efforts, the Deep Sea King had not been checked, and then Saitama dispatched it with one punch. I felt acutely depressed rather than elated or relieved: what was the point of a series where only one character's actions mattered? Thankfully, I gave it one more episode and the other S-Class heroes started getting introduced, with Tatsumaki showing that she was far from chopped liver. Good. The manga has more space, and it has given characters the opportunity to try more ways of understanding and trying to solve their predicaments, and I. LOVE. IT.

Carefully weighing up the threats and any opportunities this new thing poses rather than simply reacting.

I've Got My Eye On You

Sorry, I'm allowed one Dad Joke a day and today's your turn for me to set it upon you. The sight of the two one-eyed men casting sidelong glances at each other, sizing each other up, and each daring the other to come clean was splendid. McCoy has put himself in a great position to do harm to the Hero Association. He's the vice chief of operations and has made himself seem indispensable in these frightening times. He may be up to evil dealings -- and in chapter 188 we've seen that he's actively set up Amai Mask to fail and is colluding with the Neo Heroes, but he's nowhere near as untouchable as he thinks he is. It's good to see Sekingar and Isamu working together to thoroughly understand what McCoy is really up to and what the Neo Heroes' true intentions are, rather than simply jumping on the first evidence of wrongdoing and losing their leads. I'll come back to this in a sec.

However, McCoy knows that Wild Emperor is onto him, and what with having suggested the Neo Heroes to Sekingar in the first place, is sure to be wary about Sekingar's true intentions. This isn't going to be an easy mission for either of them. I have no doubt in the strength of Metal Bat's arm, but man, he's a little too open for a mission, isn't he?

They know each has dirt on the other. Who will crack first?

​

A Hero Is As A Hero Does

What I love about the cover of 189 is that it features people who act heroically whether or not it's in a capacity traditionally known as 'hero'. This pair of chapters has really been bringing that out. Sekingar's frustrated heroism is finding an outlet in looking out for heroes, even at risk to himself. Sicchi may not want to be a hero, but his unwavering concern for the well-being of humanity and willingness to find ways to use his position to help those who can make a difference shine here. He's a good boss. King and Saitama over in the distance need no explaining. And as for Garou, even as he's not willing to admit it yet, he's a hero through and through.

Speaking of Garou...

​

The Years Come Off, What New Experiences Will Grow?

It really disconcerted a lot of fans to see Garou be the slightly immature teenager he actually is rather than the young man he's been posturing as. Despite how he's being knocked around, there's a lightness to Garou which just goes to show how heavy the burden he'd placed on himself as Fixer of the World was. I've ranted before about Bang's style of dojo management -- the idea of being able to punch down definitely came from him.

Apples don't fall far from trees, after all.

It's not just Garou who has gotten a second chance to do better, but Bang as well. Between Garou and the former disciples who have started coming back, there are a lot of people looking to see if he'll do right by them this time. I hope he's up to it.

King? Eh, I'll leave his tale of woe to the next review!

​

Small Note

How did you know that? Why are you telling me this? These are questions that ONE takes the time to scrupulously ask: knowledge doesn't come to one just because one is smart. It has to have a source, and that source has to have a reason for sharing it with you. It's really nice to see that Phoenixman's knowledge of the Hero Association's backroom dealings comes from having been a previous captive.

I spy with my little eye, a little monster not all growed up yet

[calekinnieplus]

Smiling, Everblood tempted, "Well how about it? don't you want to take revenge on the person responsible for all of this?"

"Revenge?"

"Yeah, take revenge on the one that caused you to fall this low. If you work with me, I'll show you the grandest of spectacles...what do you think?"

"...Revenge on Ren?"

Yes...

Now that he thought about it, none of this would've happened if not for Ren.

Had Ren not found a way to cure his parents he would've still comfortably been relaxing in the hotel room enjoying his new life...

Yet, now, because of what happened, he had lost everything.

OH MY GOD, THESE TWO ANNOY ME SO FUCKING MUCH!

First guy, Everblood. YOU TRIED TO KILL REN FIRST! YOU LITERALLY TRIED TO TORTURE AN INNOCENT GUY WHO JUST. STUMBLED UPON YOU. and now? NOW YOU'RE DEDICATED TO MAKING HIM MISERABLE? Just because he defeated a CLONE of you ONCE in DESPERATION, now you gotta STALK THE GUY and RUIN HIS LIFE?? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. HAVE SOME PRIDE, DAMN IT! I know you're a demon ruled by emotions and shit, but FUCKING HELL.

Second guy, Matthew. Ok, you have sad backstory, boo hoo. REN IS NOT THE REASON FOR IT. HE WAS LITERALLY THE GUY HAVING YOUR BACK! You absolute traitorous son of a bitch, switching on a dime, what a little SHIT.

Yeah ok, the abuse? Fucked up. But goddamn, not only did he turn on Ren, he ACTIVELY PLOTTED HIS DOWNFALL! At least have the decency to target someone else. But NO. You chose your oldest, most loyal, kindest friend you've had. Your one and only true friend.

AND NOT JUST HIM! His entire family! Who treated you with kindness and welcomed you in their midst! You absolute piece of shit. Shamless fucker.

"Fuck Ren! Because he didn't want his parents to die a sad and painful death, now I can't relax in my 5 star hotel anymore! I'm gonna make everyone in a 5-mile radius of him die a slow and excruciating death. That'll show him!" Oh, shut the fuck up

I can't wait for what Ren has in store next.

I hope these two miserably FAIL in their respective goals. An absolute, GUT-WRENCHING loss for them.

I trust in Ren <33

[completeoveranalysis]

[5]

I suppose this doesn't rule out any Sakuras with 100% certainty but this IS too juicy of a connection to keep me away from embracing Cardcaptor Sakura as the most likely candidate. I'M TAKING THE BAIT. I BELIEVE IT IN MY HEART.

Also also ALSO OH The joy of the idea that Cardcaptor Sakura, in her future, knows about Yuuko Ichihara and what she can do.

Have they met. Have they talked.

OH I NEED IT.

OH I was just hit with the psychic damage of the fact that this Syaoran is named after his father, Syaoran, who married Sakura and now this Syaoran is off to presumably go and meet a different Sakura who LOOKS THE SAME AS HIS MOTHER WITH THE SAME NAME? 

I'm suddenly aware of a couple of preconceptions I seem to have collected over the years that must be wrong now. I think with the parallel to the clone Syaoran and Sakura (and also CCS Sakura and Syaoran), along side the whole "Your Sakura is waiting for you", I had assumed that Lava Lamp was in love with His Sakura. But then again do we KNOW that, or was that me just filling in the blanks? Is it too weird to fall in love with someone who looks exactly like your mother with the same name, even if you have the same name as your father and look the same as him? Probably! Perhaps they're not a love match at all! Maybe they're just friends! Maybe it's something completely unrelated!

Quick erase everything I thought I knew and start again. From the top.

I mean she’s right! All Syaorans share this fundamental personality trait.