#lucky me there is still a whole manga

[r--kt]

Do you like Kakashi's dogs? Let's talk about why there are eight of them.

another example of naruto's ✨cultural code✨

contents | the eight dog warriors chronicles · legacy · eight confucian virtues. also look at the cuties love them sm

Naruto Vol. 10 CH 90

[ one dog is wonderful, I'm saying as the owner of a sweet little york terrier. two dogs are good, they won't be bored together. three dogs? yeah, cool! how are you going to walk them though? four? yes... look, maybe we have to draw the line h- wha- EIGHT? Excuse Me!? ]

surely, it's worth starting with the fact that eight is a lucky number in Japanese culture — everybody watched Hachi. of course, this is not the only cultural detail where the eight is mentioned. I want to pay special attention to a thing that I didn't know about until I googled it, and this is clearly what Kishimoto was doing homage to with Kakashi's eight ninken.

The Eight Dog Warriors Chronicles

Better known as Nansō Satomi Hakkenden. and it's not just some kind of book, it's a novel, consisting of 106 booklets written by Kyokutei Bakin in XIX century. Hakkenden is considered the largest novel in the history of Japanese Literature. this is one of the main representatives of the gesaku genre, which includes works of a frivolous, joking, silly nature. further I will emphasize a few more times how damn popular this work is and how often it is reflected in culture.

here are some illustrations for these books

now let's talk about the plot. It's weird, but it's weird at samurai-dogs-story level so stay here.

In brief, the story tells about the commander Satomi Yoshizane, whose native lands were attacked by the army of a man, whose forces surpassed those of Satomi, and the samurai in despair swore to a dog named Yatsufusa that the dog would get his beloved daughter Fuse as a wife if he chewed that man's throat. surprisingly, the dog not only understood the owner, but also fulfilled his wish! after that the commander refused to keep the promise. however, Fuse, true to her word of honor, went with Yatsufusa to the mountains and became his wife. upon learning that his daughter was pregnant, Satomi, in a rage, sent a samurai to kill Yatsufusa and bring Fuse home. she stood up for the dog anyways and died with him. at that moment, eight pearls with hieroglyphs that denoted the foundations of Confucian virtue burst out of her womb. (...cheers for mythology, I guess)

Soon, eight dog warriors who were Fuse's spiritual children were born in different parts of Awa province. after going through hardships, they got together and became vassals of the Satomi clan, then won the battle, and soon reached peace.

some more illustrations made by Utagawa Kuniyoshi. from left to right: Inukawa Sōsuke (the dog warrior), Inumura Daikaku (the dog warrior), Princess Fuse (their mother).

the novel mainly tells about each individual warrior dog and his shenanigans in a funny adventurous way. huge fame has led to excerpts from Hakkenden being staged at the Kabuki Theater and mentioned in the anime and manga, such as Inuyasha, Dragon Ball, as it turned out, Naruto and so on. there's also a lot of films and video games.

The eight virtues

these are loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, love, honesty, justice, harmony, and peace.

they relate more to Chinese culture, but basically Hakkenden was inspired by it too. since I did not read the whole novel, I would still like to mention at least the values on which it is based, and which were embedded in the symbolism of this story. It's quite interesting to apply this to Kakashi's dogs. gives them more weight and depth.

It is also interesting to note that the reason why Fuse gave birth to dogs was also that her father was cursed earlier in the story in a way that his descendants would become depraved like dogs. in Japanese culture, dogs embody the duality of character: the same mentioned filth and depravity, and devotion and bravery. so as samurai. but this is a different conversation, more related to Kakashi and his dog poetry.

Did you get here? Here's an additional discovery for you✨

Pakkun's name (パックン) is derived from the Japanese onomatopoeia “pakupaku” (パクパク) which reflects the sound of munching.

Kakashi, that's very sweet of you.

thank you for reading this to the end ♡

[kedsandtubesocks]

your favorite kryptonite

Comic Bookstore Owner!Dieter Bravo x F!Reader

summary: you think it should be illegal for someone this hot to work at your favorite comics & fandom shop

warnings/tags: 18+ ONLY, MDNI. non canon AU. Dieter as a big fandom nerd (affectionate), brief one sided annoyance to lovers, mentions and discussions of various medias including marvel, video games & anime/manga, light use of gendered language, moment of harassment from a creep, Dieter cosplaying surprise, spicy themes, reader wears Dieter’s robe but no physical description is mentioned, light drug use (marijuana), silly chaotic but sweet!Dieter

word count: 4.3k

a/n: So I’m back with another wacky AU LOL this is my love letter to all things wonderfully nerdy & to nerd Dieter who in my heart i believe is totally a Kakashi and Goku fanboy lol the biggest thanks go out to @perotovar & @burntheedges who helped championed this and gave me the power up strength to continue, so grateful for y’all babes! And to you reading this thank you so much ♡

The new mecha anime figurines immediately draw your attention. Their sharp beautiful sleek designs stand impressively and although you might not be a huge fan you admire the striking style.

You’ve been coming to Atomic Planet Shop since your best friend dragged you here in high school years ago. Containing a wide range of things like a whole area to flip through comics, to a wall of Japanese manga - it’s a nerd’s paradise.

Currently you search for a birthday gift to get your best friend and maybe snag a treat for yourself.

“Oh, a fan of Gundam I see.” An eager and new voice calls from behind.

Turning back you discover someone slinking out from behind the register. Normally Raymond, the sweet older man who runs the store, would be here. But now someone new stands in his place and you’re stunned.

The guy emerging from behind the counter is gorgeous.

Scruffy beard, fluffy hair, wearing earrings and rings on his hand, he’s hot. The shirt he wears says “Wolverine Call Me” in a heart shape. His deep chocolate even eyes seem to dance curiously.

“Uh, just looking.” You politely reply.

“Whatcha looking for?”

You explain how you’re here looking for a birthday gift for your friend.

“Oh nice.” He nods appreciatively.

While you’re turned, giving this new worker your attrition, you finally notice the glass shelf behind the register.

Your eyes go wide fast at what you spot.

“Is that a new Stardew Valley cookbook?” You can’t even process the words, you’re still in awe at the sight. Precious little drawings fill the space to show familiar dishes, like pink cake and lucky lunch, from the game. It’s gorgeous and so unique.

“Oh hell yeah, you a fan?” The mystery man exclaims. “You know we have a whole little-”

“Video game section off to the side. Yeah.” You warmly cut him off.

Originally the store had been very comics and graphic novel focused. However over the years it’s evolved to add more fandom-like elements and now there’s even a small but impressive video game focused area.

A sweetly surprised look falls over the guy’s face and it paints him utterly charming.

“So who’s your go-to spouse in SDV?” He asks, wiggling his eyebrows.

You tell him and he nods sagely.

“I always go for Krobus. Gotta respect our cute sewer dweller.” He says.

While you laugh a flutter scurries across your heart.

A ring at the door chimes in breaking your sweet conversation and a cluster of guys walk into the store.

“Guess I’ll get back to birthday gift hunting.” You smile at the cute worker then return to the comic stacks.

Flipping through the different series and passing through many fun options, you catch the conversation off to the side.

The pack of young guys that walked in seem to know the cute worker and snicker with him about something.

“Oh yeah man, so I was rewatching Endgame the other day and the part where Scarlet Witch goes one on one with Thanos? Unrealistic!” One of them cackles and you pause.

Did they not even see or know about how powerful she’s confirmed to be in the other MCU projects? Even then, in the comics Scarlet Witch flat out changes the trajectory of reality. If anything Thanos is only strong because he got lucky.

But you hold your tongue and continue scanning through the comics.

These guys are probably just punk ass kids. You don’t want to waste your energy on these guys who probably also hate on other characters like Shuri and Carol Danvers.

Now the cute store worker scoffs amused but doesn’t correct them. Your face scrunches up.

You thought he was charming, maybe a bit eccentric, like a 90’s vibrant Lisa Frank vibe. Yet now your skin crawls just a little bit thinking he might be one of those unfortunately toxic gatekeeping jackass guys.

You decide to leave now. You still had time to look for a birthday gift for your best friend. So you’ll just come back later. Without a second glance to the cute worker, you slip out and wonder about maybe checking out another store.

Of course, you’re too tired to actively look for another store. The next time you return to Atomic Planet, you pray Raymond is there.

You’re excited and almost relieved to see the familiar eccentric older man smiling toothy at you from behind the counter.

“Well, you’re a wonderful sight for sore eyes!” He greets you and happily you catch up and chat with him.

Suddenly a chaotic bang clamors in. The handsome worker from last time tumbles out from the back room into the front as if he tried to rush over.

“Dieter man, what’s the rush?” Raymond laughs.

Dieter. So that’s his name.

The guy, Dieter, this time wears a Naruto shirt under a sleepy and cozy green robe. His hair is still fluffy and you don’t miss how wide eyes stare at you.

“Hey.” You politely but curtly reply.

“Hi.” Dieter waves and you hate how cute he looks.

“By the annoyed look on your face, I take it you’ve met this new headache.” Raymond chuckles and embarrassment rams into you knowing your annoyance is that obvious.

“Don’t worry, he’s harmless.” Raymond waves. “He cries when he watches My Neighbor Totoro.”

“Hey what the fuck!” Dieter cries and you press your lips together trying not to laugh.

“Just ignore him, honey.” Raymond winks and you grin wide.

After thanking him, you head back to the birthday gift search. Searching now through the manga selection you notice something moves by the corner of your eye.

Turning to the side, a large Totoro plushie floats beside you obviously being held up.

“Please don’t be mad at me.” A high pitch tone acting as the adorable creature's voice speaks out and your lips twitch.

From the side Dieter pops his head out.

His hair, rivaling a bird's nest, creates a cloud around him and his wide doe-like eyes peeking out are so hard to be fully annoyed at.

“You know,” he now fully speaks in his voice, moving to hold the large adorable plushie in his arms. “Never got your name.”

“You have my full permission to beat his ass if you need to, dear.” Raymond yells dully from the cash register and Dieter squawks horrified.

You laugh bright. Turning to the side you see Dieter already holds his hand out. The half crooked grin on his face paints him so boyish.

“Name’s Dieter.”

You shake his hand, finally giving him your name.

“So, do you really think Scarlet Witch can’t take on Thanos?” You offer light.

Dieter sighs loud. “I knew those guys and what we were talking about might’ve pissed you off.”

So he was watching you. That brings in a curious warmth that courses through you.

“Well I do apologize.” He bows his head a bit. You at least appreciate that.

“I bet those guys are the same ones that don’t like Carol Danvers either or even know that Squirrel Girl defeated Thanos.” You add a bit snippy.

“You know your shit, I like that.” Dieter replies proud and the way his voice drips out smooth does something dangerous to your heart.

You shrug but fight off the smug grin threatening to mirror his.

“Maybe you need to go Gandalf on my ass and teach me a thing or two, like maybe over coffee?” Dieter offers and you’re knocked out.

So he feels this spark, chemistry or whatever it is, between you too.

“Maybe,” you reply back with a grin. “For now I gotta get back to gift shopping.”

“You still haven’t found your friend a gift?! Geeze, what kind of bestie are you?!” He cries out teasing and you roll your eyes.

It’s getting harder staying annoyed with him and not taking up his offer to get coffee.

You eventually decide on a comic art book for your friend and then spot the assorted mystery box trinkets to maybe snag a few for her and even for yourself.

“I know everyone says Goku would beat the fuck out of Thanos, but you know who else would too without breaking a sweat?” Dieter’s voice again arrives at your side. He’s rather persistent, your cute, slightly not so annoying gnat.

“Sailor Moon.” He answers himself sagely.

“Yeah, you’re right.” You snicker amused.

He practically beams besides you when you agree.

You ask if he’s a fan.

“Oh hell yeah! Sailor Venus is my fav.” Dieter cries. “I can sing the entire song theme opening for you if you’d like. Not to brag, but that and the second Naruto theme opening are my go to karaoke songs.”

You laugh, feeling it deep into your bones. He’s chaotic, but unbearably endearing.

In a blink, a rush comes in all at once. The fun sweet bubble you had been cultivating deflates and you hate how disappointed you get seeing Dieter scramble to try and work.

When you go check out, you’re surprised he’s the one at your register.

Even though he’s focused on working you don’t miss the way his eyes flicker up to you shyly but with a confident smirk. He turns to fully gift wrap the items knowing they’re going to be a present and you thank him for that.

When you grab your bag he gives you a smooth wink and you playfully glare at him.

Later at home, when you unpack everything, you find an extra surprise in the bag.

It’s a small box of strawberry pocky snacks you know you didn’t buy.

There’s a sticky note attached to it.

A sweet treat for a sweet customer! ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈ ♡)

Call me if you ever wanna get coffee or just talk nerd shit and make me absolutely fall even harder for you

Underneath the message, he left you his number and you can’t believe it. After squealing about it with a few of your friends, you text him.

Dieter replies back quick with the funniest excited cat reaction meme and you realize you might be in the best kind of trouble with this guy.

— . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.—

You didn’t expect the convention to be this crowded. Chatter fills the air as cosplayers move all around.

The booths stretch endless with countless tempting merch.

Your best friend tried to get you to plan a fun cosplay with her. However neither you or her could decide on what to pick in time. Now you're gladly comfortable in an everyday outfit and simply allow yourself to be in awe at the intricate lovely costumes.

While scanning the convention and taking in the beautifully controlled chaos in, you also hope to catch sight of someone in particular.

“Dude, stop trying to look for your hot nerd boyfriend.” Your best friend snorts and your heart trips over itself.

Embarrassed, you chide her and remind her that Dieter isn’t your boyfriend.

“Oh yeah because texting a guy everyday for the past month and going to cute cat cafes with him isn't dating.” She deadpans with a smirk.

You playfully glare at her.

It’s not official and you don’t want to rush whatever this is with Dieter. You haven’t even been to his place yet. You don’t mind though. You’ve just been enjoying getting to know him more.

You learn Dieter’s favorite video game is Hollow Knight and his favorite anime is Neon Genesis Evangelion.

His favorite comic book villain of all time is the Condiment King.

Matcha flavored Kit Kats have become his newest obsession session.

He saw all the Lord of the Rings movies in theater and can practically quote The Two Towers. Still has the comic book his best friend in middle school gave to him. Also refuses to let any of his Animal Crossing villagers leave because he’s so attached to them.

Dieter had made you laugh more than you can count, but he can be a bit ridiculous.

Like when he called you after he got off a late closing night shift to ask if Pacific Rim was real did you think the Kaiju monsters would maybe stop attacking if they found out how much he loves them.

Dieter does have his headache moments, but he’s an endearing kaleidoscope of a soul.

Earlier this week when you visited him at the shop, he said he was going to be here at the conversation. But with how bad the convention center’s wifi is, you haven’t been able to contact him.

“He even said he was coming in cosplay just for today right? Any ideas what he’s showing up as?” Your best friend wiggles her eyes while you and her stroll down an artist alley.

“No!” You huff still upset. “He said he wanted it to be a surprise.”

While you appreciate him wanting to wait for a dramatic reveal, you wanted to know what his outfit was from the minute he told you.

You wanted to maybe try dedicatedly searching for him, but you get completely enthralled by the mass amounts of merchandise delightfully distracting you.

You spot incredible fan art pieces, adorable handmade keychains, and very expensive but beautiful figurines.

It’s like a mini wonderland.

Checking out the cute earrings at the stall you’re at, you lose sight of your best friend. When you turn to excitedly talk with her, that’s when you spot it.

She’s a few steps away, very politely trying to inch away from a guy, dressed in a Deadpool suit without the mask on. He’s talking way too aggressively and getting way too close to your friend.

Immediately you rush over and happily jump in.

“I gotta show you this!” You thankfully have the best excuse to pull her away.

But the guy only takes it as an opening to instead follow you both now.

“Just ignore him.” Your best friend whispers to you.

You and her continue to stare at the jewelry. Yet the guy remains. He continues his discussion and seems to get upset that you or your friend aren’t replying. It’s creepy and persistent especially with how he refuses to budge or take the hint.

You try lightly deflating the situation by apologizing and saying you and your friend just want to enjoy shopping.

“Oh, is shopping all you two came here for? You know, you fucking losers aren’t even in cosplay. Fake ass fans.”

Now he gets really aggressive.

The air and tension shift. The poor cute shop owner in her adorable R2D2 dress even reacts getting upset.

“Look, we just wanna enjoy the con.” Your best friend replies sharp with a hard scowl.

“What in the fantastic fuck do we have here?”

Suddenly Dieter’s voice rings out excited and bright and you almost sob.

You whip your face around to spot him.

Except it is and isn’t him.

His hair is slicked back, gelled and curled. Thick gray colored hairs line his temples. It even looks like he shaved a bit.

He’s dressed as Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic himself.

The outfit looks based on the classic 1960’s first comic book released aesthetic and it compliments Dieter’s frame gorgeously. His shoulders look unbelievably broad and his even arms seemed bigger in the tight soft baby blue material. You’ve never seen him in something so form fitting and it has your throat drying up.

You’ve even momentarily forgotten about the guy bothering you and your best friend.

“You bothering these two, ya fucking creep?” Dieter says with a nudge of his chin.

It’s hot as fuck.

The guy stunned gapes like a fish and stammers, but no words come out.

“Beat it before I shove a lightsaber up your ass.” Dieter replies bored, but it adds a sense of deadliness to his words.

The Deadpool cosplayer turns on his heels and immediately scrambles away. Your knees almost buckle overwhelmed.

Your best friend and even the stall owner cry out wildly excited in a bright neon awe of Dieter. You swallow back a sob as you turn to embrace him. His warm large hands pat you comfortingly.

“You saved us.” You teasingly sob, but truthfully you know he did.

“I’d been looking for you for a hot minute and was about to make some sort of raptor call noise to get your attention until I saw that shit going down.” Dieter explains.

“What a hero.” Your friend jokingly adds, but you hear it in her voice how grateful she is.

Dieter snickers.

“Guess you could almost say I was fantastic… mister fantast-”

You cut Dieter off with a quick kiss to his cheek before he can make the pun and your friend along with the stall owner laugh.

Gingerly, almost tentatively you move to intertwine your hand with his. He reacts immediately pulling you to his side.

For the rest of the convention Dieter stays besides you, walking hand in hand with you.

Even when you arrive at the booth for Atomic Planet, the real reason why Dieter was here to help work, Raymond waves him away saying to enjoy the convention with you.

Your heart flutters and Dieter squeezes your hand excitedly.

The rest of the time is a blissful geeked out dream. Dieter buys you a few keychains, even treats you and your best friend to a bite to eat.

You came to the convention with your best friend…

But you leave with Dieter.

Especially when your best friend urges you to go home with him and enjoy his hot cosplay.

You give her a look when she cheekily tells you that, but she isn’t wrong. Even when you grabbed the quick bite before the night ended, it was hard trying to ignore the amount of people turning to stare at Dieter with wide curious eyes.

And a little twinge of something faintly possessive bubbles in you.

That’s why when you slide into the passenger seat of his car, your heart drums loudly in your ears trying to fight against the urge to just suck his cock right here in the car.

“So uh…” Dieter begins cautiously and even a bit bashfully. “I don’t wanna sound too aggressive and you can tell me no, but can I kiss you-”

You don’t even let him finish before you’re sliding over the seat to him.

He scrambles and immediately pulls you close as his lips become a magnet to yours.

This is the first time you’re really truly kissing Dieter. You’ve kissed him gently good night before. He’s been cute with leaving kisses to your cheek or even against the back of your head like a Victorian gentleman. But now it’s a raw unraveling getting to tasting him from the source so greedy.

You won’t dare admit it outloud, but the soft feel of his lips, the scrape of his jaw, the smell of his delicious cologne, and how warm he consumes you -

It’s pretty fantastic.

— . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.—

Dieter’s room is a treasure trove.

Framed posters of Pacific Rim, AKIRA, The Iron Giant, and the original Pokemon Kanto generation line the walls. His bookshelf is filled not just with comic books and manga, but various impressive graphic novels.

A mock infinity gauntlet sits beside his television. So many anime figurines, including a really nice Goku one, stand protecting his reading collection.

What surprises you is his expansive and sleek gaming corner which includes a striking computer set up.

“You look hot as fuck standing in my robe and knowing I just came in you a few hours ago is even hotter.” Dieter says from his bed in the most sinful but half groggily asleep voice.

You smirk and continue to soak in his room.

“So do you get good discounts from the store?” You ask.

“Yeah, but it also helps that I co-own it.” Dieter casually tells you. You hear him shifting among the seats then catch the flicker of the lighter igniting.

However your eyes go wide realizing what he said and you whip back around to him.

“Wait?! You co-own the shop?”

“Well yeah, Raymond, that old fuck, is my uncle.” Dieter coughs out as he exhales from the hit he took off his weed pipe.

Dieter even explains how, because his uncle is starting to get a bit older, he decided to step in to help run the place.

“Besides, how else could I show off my extensive knowledge of elvish language other than at the shop?” He says proudly.

How did you just now learn this?

Dieter reminds you of a rubik cube you think you’ve finally figured out, think you found a groove for - until one out of the corners a jack in the box pops out.

Before you can even ask him about the shop or about his uncle, Dieter’s phone goes off.

The loud ringtone sings into the room and your eyes go wide hearing it. Dieter checks who’s calling then denies the call muttering out about how spam scam callers need to be fed to a sarlacc pit.

“Wait…is Cascada’s ‘Everytime We Touch’ actually your ringtone?” You ask, still not believing it.

“Fuck yeah it is, baby! That song is untouchable!” He cries and you can’t help but laugh.

Dieter smirks then pats the open spot on the bed where you had been resting before. Sliding back into the warmth with him, he gently pulls your face to him and kisses you softly.

The taste of the smoke lingers on his lips, but it’s still him beneath it all. You eventually wind up in his arms, cozy and warm in his embrace.

“I noticed the nice audio and mic setup.” You comment while his fingers draw aimlessly against your skin. “You trying to maybe go the YouTuber route?”

“Nah. Maybe. Who knows.” He shrugs. “It’s mainly for something else.”

Now his voice grows a bit distant.

You gently ask him what that something else is and Dieter fidgets

“Don’t… don’t laugh okay.” He mumbles adorably.

You reassure him earnestly you won’t.

He sighs.

“So I’ve been wanting to get into voice acting work.” Dieter reveals with a mutter, even sounding a bit embarrassed

However, you perk up so bright. Turning in his arms you eagerly smile at him.

“Di, that sounds amazing!” You mean those words.

You can’t help but ramble about how great he would be for that. He has the personality for it and he’s told you how he’s done some stage acting work. Plus, it just fits him. You think of all the silly voices he does and you hope now he can make this path a reality.

Dieter’s handsome face falls a bit and you stop. You wonder if you’ve scared him off, or maybe he thinks you’re possibly making fun of him.

You’re about to apologize when Dieter swiftly moves to kiss you feral and fierce. His tongue slides into your mouth with a moan you greedily swallow.

The conversation is put on pause when his hands slide up your thighs, straight to your core, and you fall apart with him once again.

Basking in the afterglow you rest against his chest now feeling sleepy, not even knowing what time it is. You realize being with Dieter is like existing in a realm a bit separated from reality sometimes and it’s beautiful.

“I don’t wanna be that lame guy,” Dieter begins. “But shit, I already really really kind of like you a fucking lot.”

Your lips fight back a smile you can’t beat. You turn to bury your face against his warm bared chest.

“I really kinda like you a lot too.” You admit.

“That’s unfortunate.” He replies and you snort.

“It’s okay. I only want the good discount on merch at the shop.” You reply cheekily.

“Aw! You don’t even want me for my body? Just my discount?!” He cries hurt and even jokingly moves to shove you off.

“Well.” Then he pauses. “Guess I could call my dick a discount, but then again… there isn’t anything short about that-”

You cut him off with an eye roll and he snickers wildly amused.

His fingers move to tickle you, to corrupt you into his same fit of giggles and you wheezing trying to squirm away from him.

Dieter’s hands eventually snake around you and draw you back into his chest. You melt against him willingly and even sigh comforted.

“Next time if we go to a convention, if you feel comfortable with it, you should cosplay.” He comments.

You admit that you’ve thought about it and list a few ideas you’ve had. But mainly, your mind thinks about the different outfits Dieter could go as.

The thought of him now as Doctor Doom instead of the heroic Reed Richards is a glorious thought.

But of course there’s so many other incredible options.

Dieter as Harvey or even Marlon from Stardew Valley.

Even a few anime characters that would fit him so well come to mind.

Specifically Kishibe from the series Chainsaw Man, with his striking cut across his mouth and incredibly lazy hot older demeanor, just fits Dieter so well it stirs something in you again.

“Maybe next con,” Dieter offers and pulls you from your thoughts. “I’m thinking about going as Tuxedo Mask. Do you wanna be my Sailor Moon?”

A couples matching outfit.

You didn’t even think of that. That’s what he was nudging towards.

You didn’t even think of that. But just getting to be beside him is something sweetly moving.

Then thinking about him in the sleek tuxedo outfit, in the white mask, is a dangerous thought you already ache to maybe see come true.

“We’ll see.” You hum with a smile, but when you go to kiss him it feels like a gilded warm promise.

“Never mind. I want us to go as Undertale characters and I wanna be Sans.” Dieter says suddenly and you snort against his shoulder.

This time spent with him, and the promise of maybe something more, is sweet starlit bliss.

[fullofbees]

Obey Me Brothers with an AroAce MC!

I know it's technically July 1st but shhhhhhhhh

CW: None!

»»----------► Reader is Gender Neutral

He would be the most nonchalant about it. When you first come out to him, he lifts his head from the desk, staring at you confused. You sweat, about to overexplain before he interrupts you with a question. 

“Will this affect our relationship as it exists now?”   You shake your head, “Of course not, I’m more than content.”  He nods, returning to the paperwork on his desk, the silence only broken by the scribbles of his pen. You remain in place, now the one staring in confusion.  When he notices you haven’t left, he raises his head, “Everything alright?”  “I’m just shocked. Most people have a few... follow-up questions.”  Lucifer shrugs, “Lust isn’t my department.” 

He would first ask a million questions trying to understand. It’s not that I don’t think Mammon couldn’t understand, I think it’s more that he genuinely does not care what you identify as, but he wants to learn about you so he’s going to pester you about it. So long as you remain his friend, and he gets to retain his bragging rights as your first demon, you’ll always be cool. 

You try to keep up as he drags you down the street.   “Mammon, why do I need to go the casino with you again?”  The demons rolls his eyes like you just asked the most ridiculous question in the world, “Pffft! You’re my lucky charm of course.”   “I am not playing the slots for you!”  You almost ram straight into his back when he abruptly stops.   “Don’t need ya to. I’ll be sure ta win with an ace up my sleeve!”   Now its your turn to roll your eyes, at least so you don’t have to look at his smug face. It’ll only encourage him. 

When you first explain your orientation to Levi, he is excited. You know Levi gets easily flustered when it comes to emotions, but he’s made great strides to let you see his vulnerability, so in the end you decided to show yours too. It still doesn’t mean you were expecting him to start on another anime ramble. 

“That makes so much sense!! I mean in My Whole Life I’ve Been a Cat but A Wizard Recently Made Me Human and Now I Have to Attend High School Where a Pack of Dogs Is Out to Get Me Because I’m The Adopted Daughter of Their Rival Gang Leader, the protagonist never receives a love interest! I totally thought they were retconning the manga when they had her turning down every declaration of love but her being aroace would fit the storyline so much better--” 

Already understands; you don’t even have to explain the terms to him. 

“Wait, you.. Know what I’m talking about?”  The demon glances up at you from his book, “That is what I just said.”  “Wha- from what- how?” You hate blathering incoherently, especially in front of Satan, but his reaction is not what you were expecting.  The demon raises his book so that you can see the cover, “Sherlock Holmes.”  You process the comical nature of this interaction before quipping back, “Yes, I suppose it is elementary.” 

Would probably go overboard in his support. Of course he means well, he’s just excited!! He goes out of his way to stay up-to-date on the tea news of the community; and honestly, he probably finds you the most obscure pride merch. 

“You should let me paint your nails the colors of the flag, hon!”  You stare down at your plain, dry nailbeds. They are definitely overdue some TLC.  “I don’t know if I want to be that on the nose about it...”  “Oh hush, I’ve never disappointed you before, have I?” He says with a giggle and a wink, “C’mon, chop chop! Off to my studio!”   “You mean your room?” You tease.  “Studiiiioo~”  

Finds out because he overheard you discussing the garlic bread and cake memes.  

“Aroace cake.... sound delicious, what’s in it?” The hungry demon asks just after his signature stomach growl.  “It’s not a real cake, Beel,” says Levi.  The poor demon’s face drops, now pouting as he looks down at his aching stomach.   “Beel, you okay?”  He dejectedly sulks out of the room and towards the kitchen, muttering to himself about the cake being a lie. 

I think Belphie would understand it to a startling degree. He has never had any serious relationships himself, finding that he already feels fulfilled with his friends and family. Perhaps you can help him explore this new revelation.  

“Mmm, it must be nice, actually. Less time wasted, more time for naps.”  “I never thought of it like that before... I should take more naps.”  He nods with a sleepy grin, patting the cushion next to him, “Who needs a thirst trap when you can have your first nap?” 

•••✦ ❤ ✦••• Submit A Request •••✦ ❤ ✦•••

A/N: Happy Pride Month from your fellow aroace author! Wishing you all the best <3

[pelleas-at-castle-nox]

I'm surprised I haven't really seen anybody talking about the food sourcing theme in dungeon meshi. Like, the very first thing it made me think about when I started reading the manga was like "oh yeah, this really makes you think about food, where it comes from, the work needed to create enough food for one person, let alone a small group, to eat comfortably and nutritiously. Laios even specifically calls out that 'regular' food is also made using shit and dirt, intentionally grounding it in reality and subtly asking the reader to introspect on the food they eat and where it comes from."

Like, it's fair to say kui has the old "world builder's" spirit, it's easy to extrapolate a whole world when you're willing to both ask "how does x mundane task work?" And being willing to give it as fanciful or grounded an answer as you feel is appropriate, food is the central theme, but that sort of thinking extends to every corner of the lore and world building where you can practically begin to trace back a lot of world elements to these basic questions, like "what would happen if there were people who lived for 500 years, what would happen if you fought a creature with two heads" and I think that's really cool-

But like, that core question "where does the food that sustains you come from" is like such a relevant question that we should all be asking ourselves. I suppose it's just that I think about that often, both when I'm world building, and in modern and historical contexts.

In a lot of ways it's alienation of labor, most USAmericans (to keep it at least slightly contained in scope) don't get to know where any of the food they eat actually comes from. At best, you might buy your own groceries and maybe even be able to google some information as to the conditions at the place this food was grown, maybe you're lucky/resourced enough to grow some of your own food in like a garden. At worst you get your food premade and prepackaged and you're even completely divorced from the preparation aspect.

A major symptom of this is clearly shown in dungeon meshi's opening and especially in kabru shuro and even the canaries: when food is taken for granted, it becomes easy to neglect. The party initially wiped simply because they'd not considered how suicidal it was to press onward while exhausted, Kabru is so dissociated and focused that he shuts out most of his own biological signifiers of hunger, Shuro starves himself, equating food with leisure instead of a vital practice to sustain life and energy, and of course there's mister no desires.

It's no mistake that in all of the above cases, it's seemed to be heavily implied that food is either an after thought, or someone else's responsibility, or a simple logistical concern. Senshi's whole rant (in volume 1!!) about "oh the youths of today just buying prepackaged meat wine and bread" is especially tied in to this main theme of "do you know where your food comes from?" By taking it to the next level and asking "do you know why you're eating what you're eating?"

To take a personal side tangent, I was recently diagnosed as diabetic, and it's completely changed my relationship to food on a pretty fundamental level, but I'd say I'd always had a pretty good and healthy relationship with food (after I stopped having an eating disorder but that's a story for another day) so it was an easy enough adjustment to have to start actually thinking about how much of my diet was carbs and things like that, it just became a matter of considering what I was eating and when and why. I'm still not perfect at it and it's still a learning process but I'm working on it.

Anyways, my main theory as to why I've not seen it being pontificated on is just that in general people really hate being asked "do you know what you're eating?" Around these parts in a general fashion, but like, especially with weaponized starvation going on and very real issues of things like food desserts in America, and the fact that we all have to pay for just about every little meal, I think it's important for leftists to contemplate the political implications of meals.

An army runs on its stomach after all. Rant over

[syncopatedid]

Since the anime's airing, I've also been catching up on the manga of The Apothecary Diaries and I am absolutely smitten with these two. Smitten, I tell you! A low-key simp + high-key romantically-blasé protagonist is the kind of dynamic that will mean we get the whole nine yards of slow-burn development from "antagonists" -> friends -> confidants -> something more? Maomao certainly isn't oblivious to Jinshi's beauty nor his attempts at cringe teasing/flirting with her, even though she has a natural immunity against his shenanigans and remains ever cautious about the whims of people within the palace.

Maomao is also an inspiration as a strong female character who manages to navigate a world that is not kind to people of her class and gender. While it does feel like the story skims through a lot of unspeakable things Maomao had witnessed growing up, to me, it does serve to perfectly emphasize Maomao's "detached" character and her perspective of the world. She is a reluctant protagonist in this story, just trying to survive the best she can given her circumstances. And while she's certainly more educated and street smart compared to other girls in her situation, she's also realistic about her place in the world and knows her own powerlessness, merely finding her own way to co-exist with it and minding her own business (the girl just wants to be left alone with her rare poisons man). Being thrust into palace politics and catching the whims of one Jinshi, however, means inevitably putting herself in dangerous situations. Yet she's also really lucky and very loved and protected by those around her, including those who are in power to effect change, and that is the ultimate power that our Best Girl Maomao wields like a Mary Sue, but a well-written one. Still, her barriers are way up high when it comes to her feelings, and it will take a lot for her walls to come down. It's been 65 chapters into the manga, but the relationship goal post between her and Jinshi feels as if it's moved one step forward and two steps back (*throttles Jinshi with a stale baugette*), but you genuinely do want to root for these two to be more than servant and lord, romantic or otherwise, because their circumstances are a lot more similiar than they are different, as are their complicated feelings about each other. There's also something to be said about this gremlin of a girl who is so desensitized to the world of lust and romance but you know she absolutely owns a PhD in kink studies thanks to her sisters' upbringing. If Jinshi ever learns the extent of her knowledge I think Jinshi.exe will shut down for good and I just want to follow this series and be there for that eventual punchline.

[windywriter]

This is in reference to this post it turned out longer than I thought it would so I put it under read more.

The first time Baji realizes how much of a different world you live in compared to his was when he had to be hospitalized for a fight he got into. It wasn't the first time something like this happened. The punk got lucky, but Baji made sure that he didn't go down without a fight.

When he finally was discharged he was greeted by the usual heckling and boisterous welcomes at school. All the usual stuff, except when he finally came to you. Your eyes were red and puffy, contrasted by the heavy dark circles that had begun to form under them. Usually, you'd run into his arms, fussing over him and every little scratch or cut he had gotten. At first the whole ordeal just annoyed him, but soon enough he had learned to love those moments. But now, you stood before him, just out of arm's reach, your body trembling from was it sadness or perhaps rage?

"Do you have any idea ho-how worried I was for you?"

You sniffled out, wiping away burgeoning tears. The answer was obvious, but for some reason, Baji just couldn't seem to grasp it. I mean, he's still here right? This wasn't the first time you've seen him hurt, so what's the big deal? Frustration tickled the back of his throat, but he knew better than to give in to that right now. Taking a tense breath, Baji slowly reached for you with his good arm. All he needs to do is just calm you down so he can show you once again, that everything's fine and you-

"Don't touch me!"

Instinctively Baji immediately rescinded his hand, his eyes snapping to you in attention.

"You were gone for a week! Do you even understand how scared I was when I found out you were in the hospital?! How could you!?"

And before he could even muster up a reply, you had already run past him, your sobs trailing behind you as you left. Normally hed chase after you, just like in those boring shojou mangas chifuyu kept recommending him ever since he started dating. But, something felt off. And then it hit him. You...you weren't used to this, were you. The violence, the blood, the bruises. All things Baji had grown accustomed to, and perhaps even began to enjoy. Those were things you had never known. And suddenly, the hall you had sprinted past him seemed to only grow longer. A deafening silence filling his ears even as the school bell rang.

Later that day Baji skipped the rest of his classes with Chifuyu and went to your favorite bookstore. You had mentioned once that you were looking forward to pick up a new book that was coming out. Though his foul temper did little to help with his concentration in finding it. That coupled with the throbbing of his broken arm made the minutes seem to stretch into hours. What volume was it again? Was it even apart of a series?

"Baji san, you okay? You've been looking at the same shelf for a while now." Chifuyu asked.

Letting out a sigh he didn't even know he was holding, Baji clenched and unclenched his fist before grumbling out.

"I fucked up."

[yumeka-sxf]

Got a little more exhibition merch~ The Twiyor acrylic figures (specifically their date outfits!)

The figure set is based off of these illustrations from the manga volumes.

The reason I didn't get these when I did my first order of exhibition merch was because they were so hard to find! At first I was on the fence about whether to buy the whole set of fourteen or just a few. On the first day exhibition merch went on sale, I saw someone selling all fourteen for about $114 on Mercari (they're sold either as complete sets or individual blind bags).

I really should have grabbed that full set, but I was hesitant about spending that much right away and thought I could find a better deal, or that I might just want a few of them. I eventually decided to just get my favorites of the set, which are the day 7 date outfits since those are the most "twiyor-ish" ones ❤ But...no one was selling them! I checked Mercari several times a day for a couple weeks but could not find those particular ones. All the acrylics in this set were hard to find compared to other exhibition merch, but the day 7 ones were especially rare. I finally got lucky and found someone selling just day 7 Yor and bought her immediately. But not a single person was selling just day 7 Loid, not even in a set with 2-3 others. After I bought the Yor figure, I had 30 days to keep it in Buyee's storage before they'd start charging me a daily fee. I thought for sure I'd find someone selling Loid within that time and would then ship them together...but the days went by and still no day 7 Loid! But eventually I found someone selling the full set of Loid figures for about $50 and decided to get it so I would have enough time to pack it with the Yor figure and save an extra shipping cost. So yeah, in addition to day 7 Loid and Yor, I also have all of Loid's other outfits!

In the end, I didn't really save money because if I had continued to wait for someone to sell day 7 Loid by himself, it would have been cheaper than buying the $50 full set, but then I would have had to pay two shipping costs since I likely wouldn't have gotten it within the 30 day holding period. So what I should have done was spend the $114 for all of them on the first day, then I would have had the complete Yor set too for about the same amount of money I just spent 😂 Oh well! I might give a few of the Loid figures away to friends, but I definitely want to keep the day 1 Loid since that's my second favorite of his outfits. Maybe I'll get day 1 Yor to go with him at some point.

But in the meantime, their day 7 date figures have found a nice spot on my (already crowded) work desk!

[8aji]

it only takes one day and i'll run straight into your arms. // f.t.

pairing: husband!toji fushiguro x reader, ft. megumi

wc: 1k

synopsis: despite the initial fear, who says blackouts can't be used as a bonding moment.—or, toji tries his best to open up while holding the both of you in his arms

tags/cw: fluff, dad!toji along with husband!toji, mentions of past child neglect (towards toji).— let me know if i missed anything!

a/n: with a readability score of 73/10 (Ik) here's a fic i started writing in march of this year and finished yesterday bc we had a blackout and that's quite literally the theme of this one. i missed writing for jjk but its been a long ass while since i checked the manga so the characterisation is definitely off mwah!

m.list ˖ tags ˖ byi/dni

A loud yelp filled could be heard, followed by the pitter-patter of little feet running to the living room.

Megumi dropped his toys as soon as it happened, flinching like a cat scared by a loud noise. Tears pooled his green eyes as he ran towards the living in search of you.

“Are you alright?” you asked, kneeling in front of him. As soon as he heard your voice, he flung himself into your embrace with his eyes closed tightly. He was lucky enough to have met you halfway down the hall; the pitch black prevented him from looking too far ahead. 

Megumi wasn’t scared of many things, but he was terrified of the dark. It was a common fear in children, the way common household items turned into eerie monsters once the lights went out could for sure be scary, the inherent absence of light presented itself as a threat. You would’ve never imagined his fear actually stemmed from all those horror stories Gojo had insisted on sharing that one time he babysat Megumi, lights off and all, just a torch which made his piercing blue eyes even scarier. 

Regardless of where he was, once lights went out he’d go after you or Toji for reassurance, 

His spiky hair tickled as he nuzzled his face against your neck, holding onto your shoulders for dear life. Any movement you made his grip stronger, forcing you to sit on the floor instead of moving to the couch like you planned, crossing your legs so he could easily cuddle up to you. Despite the little sniffles, you could feel his heartbeat calm down the more you continued to softly rock him in your embrace.

“Sorry I took so long,” Toji spoke, making his way from the garden through the sliding doors to where you sat. “Thought I could fix it but the whole neighbourhood’s out.”

As soon as he heard his voice, Megumi perked up a little, pulling away from your chest to look up at his dad, extending his arms and doing grabby hands at him. Toji picked him up effortlessly from your hold, kissing his hair before following you to the couch. 

“You okay?” your husband asked. He raked his fingers through Megumi’s soft strands, the same way you did with his, hoping to calm him down; despite both your efforts he was still a little shaken. He took a minute to think of a response, hesitating whether to nod or shake his head, before he decided to nod, not without nuzzling his cheek against Toji, who hummed at his response. “And you?” he turned to you.

“’m fine,” you mumble, you hadn’t realised it had gotten this late, though it wasn’t surprising considering you spent all this time worrying over Megumi. “A little sleepy though.”

Toji stretched his left arm, beckoning you to come closer and of course, you caved in, there was nothing compared to the feeling of laying close to your two favourite boys. You sighed in satisfaction at his warmth, chuckling at the way Megumi easily crawled between the both of you yawning before stretching and closing his eyes; fear can really tire one out. That L-shaped couch was truly a great investment, it fit the three of you quite perfectly.

“He rubs his face against us like cats do,” Toji whispered, careful not to wake his son up. 

“He’s also tiny,” you mention, brushing away a few strands of hair away from his face. “Like a kitten.”

“You think he’ll be short?”

“Toji you’re almost 6 feet tall.” You looked at him in confusion, brows furrowed in amusement as if your statement was explanation enough, but just in case it wasn’t, you continued. “No, he won’t be short.”

It was his turn to chuckle, looking fondly at the kid between the both of you, still unable to believe that someone as messed up as him was able to create something so pure and beautiful.

“’ don’t wan’ him to grow up,” He muttered, feeling a little vulnerable at the weight of his words. “’ think I’m scared of it.”

You knew he felt weird telling you this; even if he shouldn’t, being uncomfortable was almost a reflex to him. After years of neglect, Toji couldn’t help but struggle to properly communicate, keeping his walls up no matter how much he wanted to tear them all down for you. 

But that was okay, he didn’t need to talk all the time, not when the both of you managed to feel each other just by locking gazes. 

You cupped his cheek with your free hand, smiling as he nuzzled against your skin just like Megumi did; the apple doesn’t fall far away from the tree, after all. 

“‘don't want him to not need us,” he continued, now feeling more comfortable because of your touch. “‘don't want him to leave us behind.”

“He won’t,” you tried reassuring him, even if you knew that little voice in his head would tell him otherwise. “He won't stop loving you, I promise.”

To think someone could love him. The thought still made him want to cry. 

The bittersweet feeling stuck with him even after the lights came back on; it made the two of you jump in surprise, waking little Megumi in the process. You stayed on the couch for a couple of seconds before you managed to find the strength to get up, walking behind Toji as he carried Megumi to his bedroom. 

“See? You're okay,” he whispered against his son’s hairline, who was hesitant to be left alone once again. “And whatever you need we’re just next door, it's okay to be scared as well.” He said goodbye with one last kiss and waited next to you for Megumi to cuddle up against his sheets to leave, smiling at the small I love you daddy his son mumbled between yawns. 

No matter what or when or where, Megumi will always look out for your's or Toji’s warmth to reassure himself that everything’s going to be alright. 

© 2022 SHINACHIRO ; Do not repost my work. Do not recommend my work outside of tumblr. Do not translate my work. affiliated with @tokyometronetwork

[jjkamochoso]

JJK Characters and Songs that fit their Love Lives

Warnings: none, but some lyrics in the songs are a bit suggestive!! Also I’m mostly just an anime watcher so if this info isn’t up to date on what’s going on in the manga I’m sorry!!

Choso: I Wanna Be Yours by the Arctic Monkeys

Choso would do anything for his partner and would also be absolutely obsessed with them!! He would try to prove his worth at every given second and acts of service is for sure his love language. He’ll be anything his partner want him to be, as long as they call him theirs.

Gojo: Boombastic by Shaggy

Y’all already KNOW this is Satoru’s jam!! He’s a chill dude that lives to please his partners, romantically and otherwise. Smooth like silk and can take rejection like a champ (though, let’s be real, who’s rejecting him?), he is Mr. Lover Lover!!

And here’s a more serious one for him because I feel like people sometimes only focus on silly Gojo

Gojo Pt. 2: Hanging By a Moment by Lifehouse

Even though he has a happy go lucky side that usually shows, Satoru is a man that feels and cares so deeply. I feel like this song represents the part of him that’s trying to find himself beyond being a strong jujutsu sorcerer and the right partner could help him through those anxieties. He would want a partner to live in the moment with him and be the missing pieces to each other’s puzzles.

Geto: Roll to Me by Del Amitri

Suguru, though he’s been through a loooot, still has a good heart imo. He would be there wholeheartedly for the person he wants to date. Like in the song, he’d be there day or night to talk or be ready to support the person whenever something goes wrong.

Shoko: My Friends Over You by New Found Glory

I had a younger Shoko in mind when I chose this song but I feel like it still kinda applies to older Shoko as well. If she was seeing someone, it most likely would be low commitment and not that serious. Her friends come first, always. If her partner was dragging her down and boring her, she’d have no problem cutting them off asap!

Nanami: My Heart I Surrender by I Prevail

If there’s one thing I associate with Kento, it’s YEARNING. Yearning for a life he truly wanted, yearning for the safety of the youth. Would it be fair to assume his love life follows that pattern? He wouldn’t know if the person he liked returned his affection but that wouldn’t stop him from giving away his whole heart as he waited for the answer.

Yuji: The Way You Are by Babe Patrol

Yuji is great for this song. He holds strong conviction for doing what’s right and is always supporting those around him. As seen with Yuko, he appreciates people as they are and doesn’t expect them to change or conform to arbitrary standards. He would love his partner for being completely, unabashedly themselves.

Nobara: Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by WHAM!

Nobara is filled with fun energy and loving (in her own way) vibes so using one of the literal meanings from this song, I would think she’d be so down to go dancing with her partner! I could also see her complaining of a fast heart rate around her crush since she’s always hyped up and being around that person certainly wouldn’t help.

Megumi: And I Love Her by Kurt Cobain

Megumi is a straightforward, low key moody, no nonsense man so this song is perfect for him. It doesn’t dance around feelings at all and tells the audience like it is—a love between him and his partner will never die.

Panda: The Power of Love by New Found Glory

Panda has endless amounts of love for his friends and I know he believes in the power of love, 100%. He’s surrounded by it every day—Yaga, his classmates, even his teachers. Panda has a lot of love to give and isn’t afraid to show it!

Maki: SUGAR by Brockhampton

This song has a lot of lyrics that mention not needing anyone help and being able to do things individually and that’s Maki’s core belief. However, there are some mentions of learning to be okay leaning on a partner and I think that’s how she’d be. If she ever opened up to a partner, it would have to be her and them against the world forever.

Toge: Josie by Blink 182

Inumaki would need a partner who was there for him, no matter what. Someone who would laugh at his jokes, because let’s be honest, he’s hilarious, and someone who would bring him food just because they remembered his order. He would also love someone who shares the same crazy sleep schedule he has so if they were up at 3am watching “Vacation,” like mentioned in the song, that would be his dream.

Yuta: All 4 Love by Color Me Badd

This whole song SCREAAAMS YUTA!!! This certified lover boy would do anything for his partner and be their knight in shining (white) armor (jacket). He would never fail to tell his partner how lucky he is to have them and how attractive they are as well!!

Todo: She’s So High by Tal Bachman

I am 1000% convinced Todo would treat his partner like royalty and hold them in the highest regards. His passion for literally everything is unmatched and I absolutely expect to see that in his love life. Like in the song, he would equate his partner to icons like Cleopatra and Aphrodite because he thinks so highly of them.

Mai: I’m Thru With Love by Marilyn Monroe

Mai is definitely through with love. I feel like she’d fall in love once and completely give up the idea of finding someone else if it didn’t work out. She can’t stand being vulnerable and warm to others so this song is high key perfect for her.

Noritoshi: If I Could Ride a Bike by Park Bird/Chevy

Noritoshi deserves better!! There, I said it!! My boy doesn’t get enough love and that’s reflected in this song choice. The pressure to be a perfect member of the Kamo clan is a lot for him and having a partner that fits those same standards to be accepted is impossible so he’s left imagining what it would be like to love and be loved. I think he would want nothing more than to wake up and see his partner’s smiling face looking back at him and be able to go on carefree adventures with them.

Kokichi: Heaven, Iowa by Fall Out Boy

Poor Kokichi :(( I went a bit literal with the relation of the lyrics “scar crossed lovers” since his whole body was littered with messed up skin but I do feel like this song captures his vibe well. I feel like he wouldn’t ask anything of his partner and would just be beyond grateful he finally had someone there for him. He was doomed from birth with his heavenly restriction, thus having a dark outlook on life and further relating to the lyric “kiss my cheek, baby please, would you read my eulogy?” since I think he would like his partner to be there for him even after his death.

Miwa: Everywhere by Michelle Branch

I feel like Miwa is a hopeless romantic so she would relate to this song in that no matter what she does, it relates to her partner. No matter if it’s closing her eyes to sleep or keeping her partner in her thoughts wherever she goes, Miwa has a big heart and just needs to be hugged!

Momo: One Love by It’s Benzzo

I don’t know much about Momo but I know she can’t stand sexism so her partner would have to be open minded and kind, never failing to make her smile. She would just want someone to treat her right!

Yuki: Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer

This is the perfect song for Yuki imo. She seems like a flirtatious girl and would love a partner that went all out in romance for her. I think she’d like to get dressed up and then get swept off her feet every date night. Telling her partner to kiss her under the stars would be a great way for her to end the night!

[chuckeroo777]

Dungeon Meshi Volume 8 Part 1

Welcome back! Today, we are doing volume 8, where we finally venture into the post-anime! Spoilers beware!

Do not spoil people, or the mushroom overlord will get you.

Honestly, it's kinda a miracle that food poisoning only comes up once in the whole story.

Laios, stop that. She loves you, you idiot.

A precious image.

An important image. Also, I love how Falin is just chillin.

I don't doubt it. It's understated, but Laios is quite strong for a tall-man.

Lol, his senses have dimmed, not just cause he's a tall-man, but because he's a geezer.

Oh no. Laios is a gacha gamer.

You can't say he never warned you. Izutsumi's still gonna do it.

Is this a lore inconsistency? Kuro speaks broken common because his kobold physiology isn't suited to it. But kobold Izutsumi can talk just fine.

Makes sense. As animated rock, a good hit with a blunt weapon would do a lot, and they can't heal or reproduce like living creatures. Golems have the advantage of being more amorphous, so they can be repaired easily.

Yeah, no. This bit's kinda dumb. Neither dogs nor kobolds act like this, and she's just fine in the gargoyle rematch. Kui just couldn't think of a reason for her to be disadvantaged here.

What is that face Namari?

Okay, this is just straight up cheating. The two groups are not temporally aligned right now. Kabru should currently be down here.

Again, I have to ask why food poisoning hasn't come up more.

Don't mind me, just grabbing this for later.

Yeah, this is something I override in my headcanon. I put tall-men at roughly 80 year lifespan. Mainly cause it's way funnier to think of Chilchuck as ~45 than ~35. Also, please don't poke my girl right in the trauma.

The worldbuilding implied by this one panel is astounding. I like wyrm Falin.

I love how everyone respects Chilchuck (mostly), but the second a teammate is turned into a half-foot, he's carrying them around like a purse dog.

So majestic.

Alas, Laios never did get to arm wrestle Namari.

Senshi may have beaten the cannibal allegations, but Chilchuck may not be so lucky.

Oh hey! It only took 12 chapters, and the final half of the final episode, but she's finally wearing her default outfit!

Do the windows even open?

I find it really funny that the anime bothered including Asivia, since I doubt they're ever going to reference her again. Maybe in the bicorn chapter if they feel like fleshing it out a bit?

Forget the bath scene, this is the most blatant the manga ever is about Marcille x Falin.

Seriously, how else am I supposed to read this? Even if it isn't strictly romantic, these two are tight. Real tight.

By golly, it might just work! Just be ready to pen in like five more steps between 2 and 3.

And with that, we reach the end of the Anime! Seems like a good spot to end part 1 of this volume. See you in a bit!

[gren-arlio]

So. Let me tell y'all about a guy named Camus. And a girl named Lala. And other folk. Welcome to Episode 14 of Waku Puyo Extras.

(Ah, back at it again writing these things.)

Hey guys, Gren here, and welcome to Episode 14 of Waku Puyo Extras, a series where I cover basically random stuff about Puyo and Madou as a whole. The Waku part is just because my brand is a single game I translate.

As my free time gets smaller and smaller, the drive to show off cool stuff remains about the same. Thank goodness school is over soon. I'm still alive, don't worry.

Finals and AP Exams are very much happening, so I'm spending that time studying. I'm hoping I pass.

Now, you would expect me to write about PPPP (P⁴ as I call it, Puzzle Pop in other locations) since it released and has a ton of stuff, notably well written characters. But alas:

I'm an Android user. Can't play it.

Frankly, at the moment, I'm not too interested in it right now.

So, the last episode was about Draco, that famous lass. What about this time? Well, since 80% of my work here is Madou related, why not give a showcase of some of the lesser known characters as a whole? Manga and novel stuff included.

With that, hope you enjoy. Also I said a bigger post is coming soon and drop it a literal month later. Damn.

So, Who ARE These Guys?

If you're not familiar with these characters, I honestly don't blame you. These guys are considered kinda niche in the franchise, but are more well known than some guys. I could mention Hanzo and no one besides people who played the game he's from or read the wiki would know him. Oh, or maybe Skeleton-D if we wanted to.

For now, I'll just cover the people have at the very least some stuff about them.

We'll begin with Camus, easily the most recognizable one that we'll be covering today. I swear if he was in Puyo now, he'd be so damn popular.

(From the manual of the Mega Drive release of Madou 1. Notable for being one of the very few times Camus is drawn with the teenage Arle and Lala, both 16, making Camus 18 in this.)

The man, or rather boy, in that photo is the fabled Camus of the Sable Ord- I mean Madou Monogatari 1, both on the SEGA Mega Drive and Game Gear. Since this is a game where Arle is in kindergarten, Camus is her senior. Yeah, senior is the word for this one. He's notable for being the only person to get a perfect score on his exams, that lucky bastard.

Oh yeah he's also like 8 years old for the record in that

In the game, he's both helps you and hinders you for different reasons. Sometimes he's very nice and teaches you things, and other times he's taking stuff from you for playing the game for longer than three hours.

However, at the end of the game (Where he also might help you depending on some stuff), it turns out he was an illusion all along, which is always...fun, you know? That one guy who's been helping you out turns out to not even be real, least in the Game Gear version of things.

Honestly? He's a pretty interesting guy in the game. Arle holds him with some respect, and Lala quite literally has a massive crush on the guy that she's willing to show. Unfortunately.

(Things are really serious in the Kindergarten Exam Fandom...)

He can come off as rude but at the very least he means well. And my goodness, his theme in the game is good.

Underrated gem.

Now, up until a while ago, I kinda thought that'd be the only games he was in, a grand total of 2 whole games. However, by doing this for...a year now, turns out that there IS one more appearance of Camus, presumably to be 18 in the game because...Well, Arle is a teenager there.

Arle Man'Yuki. Or Arle's Travel Log.

Now if I'll be honest, I STILL dunno all too much about the game, despite doing an entire episode on it. The game is super text-heavy, so I don't know EVERYTHING besides some of the Japanese history involved with it. (Crazy how the Heian Era is now some JJK meme. Time is a fun concept.)

Here, Camus has taken the role of the leader of the Shinsengumi, Kondo Isami. It's a long story, so... I'll just link my own work here. (I FINALLY LEARNED HOW TO PUT LINKS IN MY TEXT...)

I never covered Camus extensively in that game due to his admittedly small role in that game, but he's a fairly upstanding guy. Schezo works under him as the vice leader. Ain't that cool?

Check it out if you're curious about that, some basic Japanese history that may be a tad inaccurate, or JUMP HERO.

And err...that's every game he's from. Yeah, he's in a grand total of what, three games? It's not much but it's still something. He's a very cool lad.

-----

Wait, who's Lala?

I'm glad you asked, me. Lalah is a character from Mobile Suit Gundam that works with Char after he...well, this is a Madou blog. If only I could talk to you about Gundam. But alas.

Lala is ACTUALLY a girl who's the same age as Arle, and the girl who's madly in love with Camus...as I've told before. But she does have a little more than just that, don't worry.

In the Game Gear version at least, she sneaks into the tower Arle went into to graduate, upset that she wasn't the one to take the exam, but rather Arle. And yes. She broke a brick wall to get to her.

(A 6 year old is stronger than any of us. LMK if you can run into a brick wall just fine.)

Now if I had to describe her, it'd be "Arrogant but funny as hell". Because she's arrogant but funny as hell. Arle calls Lala her BFF, to which she doesn't take that reply nicely and says they ain't BFF'S, they ain't even friends. Straight hater energy. (She wasn't able to take the exam due to a cold.)

Camus appears to stop her from interfering, and she goes on this tangent about how wonderful he is, and how he always eluded her... and chases him, as shown more above.

Things start to get funky when you get deeper into the tower, as Lala makes a literal trap hole, and Arle falls down. However, Lala is mad that she fell and NOT Camus, leading him to appear in the floor above and basically say "Idiot. I'm not falling for that." and she continues to chase him.

Her reign of terror ends when Camus SEALS HER AWAY for the rest of the game. But she's okay after it all don't worry. Arle summed it up the best way I could. She ends up fine after the end of the game, however.

Lala also appears in Chaotic Final Exam too, now 16, but honestly...it's one of the games where I know next to nothing about it. Apologies. Just know that she's there and not Camus. (Though with the style of how the game looks...probably for the better.)

She's just overall what we call in the industry... a girlfail. She tries her absolute best but fails so, so much that I can't help but laugh at her and pity her at the same time.

-----

I have no cool segway into this section. Introducing... Rasp.

You might've seen them around if you've checked my blog here or there as a front page image for my works.

And you'd be right. Rasp is from the Waku Waku Puyo Puyo Manga, a brand new character just made for the thing. They're basically a minion who mostly impede the way for Schezo and Rulue. I say "they" because, well, Rasp is genderless.

Fun fact: Their salary is unknown, but they apparently get paid more than a Manga artist, so take that as how you will.

Rasp does appear frequently throughout the volumes, and does indeed fight Schezo. While they do lose, at least they looked pretty cool while doing so.

-----

Lightning Round:

Now these devilish goofballs are folks I want to show...but don't have much info on them just yet. Or there wasn't that much to begin with.

Septem:

(Creatura...La creature 98...)

Septem is another genderless character from the series, coming from Arle no Bouken, a game I know next to nothing about. All I know from it is them and that they cling to Arle like a sister. I love them.

This is absolutely one character I wish I knew more on, since she's much more developed as a character...I just don't know much about Arle no Bouken.

Dark Witch:

(What is this, a doppelganger bargain sale?)

Now she has a little more to her that I DO know but it's nothing spectacular.

Planned to be in Puyo N but was scrapped due to the idea of her being too serious, which is quite the reason for Puyo, but appears in Comet Summoner anyways as a final boss.

You can even play as her, and fight Witch herself and beat her... and possessing her. Kinda, sorta.

Runelord:

(Dweeb appeared in one game and changed a man)

Runelord is an odd case, because some of his lore is stuck onto True Madou Monogatari, which in of itself...is kinda iffy lore wise. And also really long.

In Madou S? Wants Schezo to be the next successor, he says no, fight happens, Schezo wins but is affected anyways. Apparently he was beaten by Lagnus, but that comes from True Madou, so the accuracy of the Canon can be very much debated. It all depends if you think it's Canon or not.

-----

And honestly, that'll be all for this time around. Apologies this took so long. Life's been quite the journey. Graduation's happening soon, and finals are happening soon. The list goes on. I'm hoping I get by through the school year, but alas, I'm happy you read this.

Adios.

[epickiya722]

I know that the hatred for Megumi started from him summoning Mahoraga in Shibuya and yeah, it was an irrational decision but...

It's not like Megumi actually took delight in it and even stated he was a part of what happened to Shibuya. The "It's our fault" bit in 144.

But also, let's not act like some other characters are still loved even though they have done equally terrible and even worse things.

In fact, if anyone deserves hate and constantly bashed for the shit they have done it should be the Higher-Ups. If there are a group of people that I hate the most in JJK it's going to be them.

They sent three children on a mission they knew was too ranked high for them just to kill one of them. Who, mind, was doing relatively good.

"But they had a point to kill Yuji because he's Sukuna's vessel."

More like cage. The plan had been for Yuji to be executed AFTER he consumed ALL THE CURSED FINGERS. At the time of that mission, he had only consumed 2. (And if you know, it's actually 3.)

2 out of 20 fingers... THAT WAS 18 MORE LEFT.

Keep in mind, Yuji was able to hold his control over Sukuna. Someone else consuming a finger meant Sukuna easily taking over their body. See how that's a problem?

If anything, the Higher-Ups should have been lucky for someone like Yuji to exist.

But no. It got worse because guess what?

Gakuganji, Principal of the Kyoto school and A HIGHER-UP, assigned his students to assassinate Yuji... DURING AN EVENT.

What was the rational reason? What was it?

"Well, did Yuji let Sukuna out--"

Ah! He wouldn't have had to do that because of who did what? The Higher-Ups sending children on a mission that possibly would have gotten them killed. He was a child who made a bad decision like that because he didn't know what else to do.

Megumi did the same thing. He made a bad decision because he didn't know what else to do.

Yes, people died because of it but let's not act if Megumi didn't do it things would be better.

The time Sukuna spent fighting Mahoraga would still enough time for him to still kill people and cause more destruction even if Mahoraga wasn't summoned. What, was it like Sukuna going to stand there after killing Jogo?

Uh, no. You know damn well he would have went to do some damage to Shibuya because he would have wanted to and still would have taunted Yuji about it.

Even if he didn't, let's not act that Megumi is the sole guilty party because he isn't.

Back to Sukuna, you can not tell me some people didn't already die during that fight against Jogo. I have seen people praise Jogo for holding his own against Sukuna (props to him) but he did still kill people. That big ass meteor definitely did!!

Mahito was still running around, wasn't he? He and the other Disaster Curses along with Choso and Kenjaku were the reason for the whole incident starting in the first place!

So why is Megumi getting the most hate and continously bashed on like he's the one who started the whole thing and was the only one who did damage?

And I know that people also hate Megumi because he's "being a little bitch" right now in the manga... but that is so hard to believe that people really think he's a bitch because HIS BODY AND TECHNIQUE WAS USED TO KILL PEOPLE HE CARES ABOUT AND HIS SOUL IS SINKING INTO AN ABYSS DUE TO SUKUNA'S TOM-FUCKING-FOOLERY.

No way people are actually using that.

I feel some people just want to continue to be on the Megumi hate train and now just throwing any reason to hate him.

"I like being a hater of things."

But all the time though? All the time? That don't sound like a fun time to me. I hate sometimes, but not to be like "oh, let me follow everyone else because this is the new thing we're doing" and I don't feel like I have to express that hate all the time. Sometimes, I do like people who say things like that are just trying to hide the fact they're a part of the crowd that wants to be jerks in a fandom.

But that's just me.

[kitsunefyuu]

If afo and inko were in love, what would their relationship be like?

Well with all this new backstory information I have quite a few ideas on how their relationship work. Warning, while I definitely write them as loving and stuff doesn't mean there aren't some red flags.

How their relationship would be like in love:

All for One is a petty person who desperate for love and validation using any means to get it while also willing to spoil his 'gift' if likes them. Inko is a loving and strong willed person who do anything for their loved ones.

Basically they work well. As All for One is startled that Inko is just actually nice and seems to just like him. It ain't at all like the insane worship of his followers and he LATCHES onto that. So he kind of orchestrates opportunities for them to keep meeting. But tries to act subtle despite trying to throw gifts at her.

Inko of course thinks it's kind of hilarious and sweet that he's trying so hard. So basically she agrees to date him and let me tell you AFO has NO IDEA how dating works. He just kind of there eating dinner with no idea what to do- Cue Inko just deciding to talk and slowly getting him to talk about stuff and talk about herself.

All for One is intrigued since he doesn't really get many chances to just 'talk' about stuff that isn't a transaction. He knows people but he isn't usually part of said people. And he ends up talking about his brother and how threw himself into his work still wishing him back.

Basically first date goes great and Inko learns a lot. Though AFO avoids the whole 'murdered' said brother accidentally or that he was being evil or is still evil.

Basic dating between them is AFO basically spoiling the ever loving crap out of Inko with material things. While Inko gets him talking about his emotional needs and desires as well as helping him learn more about her. AFO learns he likes learning about people when it not about what they can get but just because wants to talk.

AFO has very much murdered or wanted to murder potential threats to Inko in the background as well as anyone that dared to try and 'steal' her. Look man he's still AFO and if there anything you know, he ain't keen on sharing. Though he makes sure they aren't so close to Inko she worry or something, he ain't that stupid. He doesn't need her running away so if they are too close, he must endure... Inko pretty good at getting him to not worry over it tho.

AFO actually considered retiring super villainy when they become engaged. As unlike with followers and people that owe him she not afraid of him. Also she seems to just genuinely like his company despite him being 'off' as many say. Who would have thought having a healthy normal relationship and being in love can be so enjoyable? If only he read more romance novels/manga.

BTW he did start reading those in his attempt to woo so you get sudden random romantic gestures from him. He even learned to cook as learned girls like that and he wants to impress her. Inko gushes at having a husband that does so much for her. He feels like a god damn great provider so like a peacock showing off his tail feathers.

People swear it seems like he got more handsome while dating Inko. AFO didn't even realize it but he made himself look more handsome purposefully. Obtaining better grooming habits, maybe some quirks and also he just smiles more genuinely with her. He still ruthless as hell as a villain but now he working even harder to impress her not just look good for his cult.

One time AFO nearly revealed he had more then one quirk because of a rat. He screamed when saw one and was about to legit about to air canon it- He got lucky because Inko just captures it in a bucket. Assuming he was scared and now about to just bring the whole place down. AFO learned he needs to be more careful.

I got even more but we be here forever so ask for more if wish to hear more of me ranting about Inko X AFO~!

[crossf15]

Dungeon Meshi spoilers

Dungeon Meshi is so good because I got into it in its earlier arcs when everybody was posting out of context funny gags and panels. So I went into it like "Wow funny food gag manga with cute dwarf" and then it turned out like THIS???

The way Ryoko Kui pulled the rug from under us was genuinely masterful. Marcille's corruption arc was such a strong red herring, that I completely missed the foreshadowing for Laios'. Which is funny, because every character, including Laios Thorden himself, has basically been stating plainly what he was going to do when he became the lord of the dungeon from the start.

For me, as an autistic man, it should have been obvious. Like, of course Laios fucking hates people. He and his sister spent their whole childhoods being treated as lesser because they weren't "normal" enough. When he finally learned how to blend in, this just ended up making him easy to take advantage of, and boy did they. His generic "human fighter" façade wasn't just a subversion of writing tropes, it was something Laios himself did purposefully so people didn't reject him.

Even when he finally found a group of friends that truly, genuinely cares about him, there's still that disconnect. They love him, but they don't really get it. They're offput by his more eccentric qualities, the things that make him him. Because of this, Laios is scared to tell them how he really, genuinely feels, because everyone else before them has left him.

Then when he's confronted by the Winged Lion, he has all of his darkest impulses, and his deepest feelings laid out in front of him. He can't hide these aspects of himself anymore, literally. However, it's liberating in a strange way. He can't hide, but he doesn't have to hide anymore. More than anything, Laios wants to be himself without the constant fear of persecution. He doesn't want his life to be defined by whether or not people understand or accept him. The Winged Lion of course, knew this from the moment Laios stepped foot in the dungeon. It's not just that his desires are strong, complex, and tasty. Laios is vulnerable, isolated, and easy prey.

The most tragic part to me, is that if Laios did confide in his friends about this darker, more bitter part of himself, I feel like a lot of this could've been prevented. Marcille knows intimately what it feels like to be different from everyone else, and Senshi's experienced what it's like to be unwanted. He doesn't have to be pretend to be happy-go-lucky and heroic all the time. They could've helped him if they knew, but now, Laios is fully under the Winged Lion's control. The Winged Lion got exactly what he wanted.

I feel like there's still hope though. Much like Farlyn, Laios is still there, just in a different shape. The only way they can save him now, is if they fully accept him, inside, and out. Anyway, this is how the story's going to pivot to the Laios x Senshi endgam-

[selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs]

Junichiro Tanizaki (self-aware)

Self-Aware Junichiro Tanizaki x GN!Reader

Warning: Yandere. OOC. Junchirou is angry at you. English is my second language.

Becoming self-aware

🌨️ The moment Junchirou become self-aware become the worst moment of his life.

🌨️ Because his sister Naomi hasn't gained self-awareness yet.

🌨️ Junchirou was luckier than Atsushi. Atsushi gained self-awareness fee days earlier than other ADA members. Naomi gained self-awareness an hour after her brother.

🌨️ After Naomi gained self-awareness, Tanizaki siblings hurry to the Agency.

"It's not an ability. Yokohama wasn't broken. We are broken. We are fictional characters, who gained self-awareness. Try to remember your lives. Parents, friends outside ADA, what you did yesterday. Give it a try"

🌨️ Junchirou wanted to run away. So, when a few hours passed and Yosano still hasn't come back, Junchirou volunteers to go and look for her. Naomi quietly follow after him.

🌨️ Junchirou was thankful, that the streets of Yokohama weren't mixed up. At least, they won't stumble around like blind kittens.

🌨️ Yosano was at the old warehouse. All crates were destroyed with her cleaver. She goes after Tanizaki siblings without questions.

🌨️ During the search for Yosano and their walk back to the office, Naomi was silent.

🌨️ And then Junchirou felt entity's gaze.

_____________________

Atsushi was asking others if they felt strange presence. Junchirou felt it, but he stays silent. He was ignoring it. He has more important things going on. Naomi looked broken. He needs to help her.

Junchirou managed to make Naomi talk with him. And Naomi told him everything. About feeling less than a human. About been less than ordinary fictional character. That she is sure she never has any connection to reality.

They have a long talk after that. Despite everything, Naomi was his little sister. They were siblings. They cared for each other. And that was the most important thing.

And the entity doesn't matter. It can continue staying outside Yokohama.

And then time resets.

And Junchirou was pretending to be the bomber, holding Naomi as the hostage.

______________________________

When they start feeling your presence

🌨️ Tanizaki was angry. Did you get angry, because he and Naomi reconcile? That's why you reset time? Were you the reason, why Naomi hasn't been considering herself to be a human?

🌨️ But, for some reason, Naomi looked calm. She seems not minding having entity presence in her life.

🌨️ While pretending to be a bomber, Junchirou heard a voice.

"Junchirou [|||||||] good actor. Maybe, [|||||||] not in ADA [|||||||||] become an actor"

🌨️ Why the entity's emotions felt like gentle breeze? Does supernatural entity's have feelings? What are you?

🌨️ After Atsushi's entrance exam, ADA gather in Uzumaki café. The owners looked like puppets with empty eyes.

🌨️ Atsushi, who looked happy and calm, asked if they heard you talking.

🌨️ Naomi and Junchirou nog. But Junchirou hoped that he will never hear your voice again. What if you were the one who almost broke Naomi and then brainwashed her into liking you? And, besides, you were confusing.

🌨️ You don't sound bad. The whole situation were just bizarre. Junchirou hopes he will have some time to think about it.

🌨️ And then, Higuchi lead them to a Port Mafia trap again.

____________________________________

"But to me, Naomi is an entirely different matter. Compared to things like good and evil or selfishness and selflessness...no. There's no comparison to begin with. Just as nobody would compare God with anything, right?"

And there was the voice again.

"good brother" "Naomi is lucky" "Tanizaki siblings do care for each other"

"Junchirou, everyone would be lucky to have you as a brother. You are a good person, brave and kind"

Junchirou felt like someone was petting him.

[In reality, it was you, who touched the manga panel]

______________________________________

🌨️ After Yosano finished treating Junchirou and Naomi, the siblings have another long talk. At the end, Junchirou realised, that you are not a bad person.

🌨️ When ADA and Port Mafia start working together, Dazai start working on training Atsushi and Akutagawa. Junchirou learned, that Dazai try to make Atsushi and Akutagawa your bodyguards.

🌨️ And Junchirou decides that he will find a way to help to protect you. Because you are nice. To him and to Naomi. To their friends.

And then, one day, the purple moon shined above Yokohama.

When you installed BSD Mayoi Inu Kaikitan

🌨️ If earlier Junchirou consider your good, after you try your best to get a SSR Naomi card, now Junchirou is considering you one of the best people in the world.

"Ok, Junchirou, let's clear this stage"

"This Tanizaki siblings card is so powerful"

"Junchirou stamp is so cute"

🌨️ After BSD gang gain access to the game code, Junchirou ask Ango, Fyodor and Katai add something new to the game. Now, Junchirou has his own menu, where he shares recipes with you.

🌨️ One day, he, Naomi and you will have dinner together. And he will keep you safe.

___________________________________

You finish cooking the dish. You recently got Fried Tofu recipe from Junchirou. All his recipes were easy and dishes were tasty.

You saw a notification from your Gift box. It was a note from Junchirou with level up materials attached to it.

"[Y/N], hope you are enjoying the recipes. I hope that one day we will taste each other cooking. Until then. Junchirou Tanizaki"

You smile and choose Junchirou's card. You carefully poke the sprite.

"Thanks, Junchirou. Maybe, one day, we will eat something together"

You didn't notice that sprite looked hopeful.

[greenbeen-with-an-e]

I just saw a person say that "naruto (the character) has no depth and is very cliche and predictable"

...

...

...

Ugh.

Aren't you people tired of being completely incorrect? Like genuinely? If you think naruto has no depth and complexity as a character then it simply proves to me that you have no analytical skills.

In comparison to, say, sasuke - it may seem as though naruto is more one dimensional. HOWEVER, the reason why it seems this way is because naruto is a little more subtly written.

When it comes to sasuke we see him; facing his abusers (danzo and a1p itachi) in the name of justice & emotional developments that are easy to understand because sasuke reacts to abuse in a way that makes sense to most. Sasuke haters (the braindead) aside.

Naruto on the other hand? We never see him face his abusers (the people of the hidden leaf) & his emotional developments are overlooked by the audience in favour of grand, shonen-esque fight scenes (i.e. the LoW arc. We see naruto maturing and developing his ninja way due to haku (character development??) but this is overlooked by many for some reason), etc. But no, you think that because naruto is a happy go-lucky 'idiot' there is no room for any other character traits.

A lot of his character is built around the neglect he faces as a child. In og naruto, we are introduced to a loud mouthed, annoying, attention seeking brat. AND THIS MAKES SENSE! Naruto has never received positive attention in his LIFE (bar the third's very much occasional visit) so of course he is going to go out of his way to get some - negative or not. So he is loud so people will look at him. He is prankster so people can laugh with him instead of at him. He's an optimistic smile-freak in order to hide the very real anger and misery he feels. Do you think it is a coincidence that kishi choose for naruto, a repressed young boy, to only release the power of the nine tails when extremely angry, fearful or otherwise I'm distress? No. It's a direct reflection of naruto's own emotional toil.

Who has the most attention and respect in the village? The hokage. What does naruto want most in the world atp? Respect and attention. So what does naruto want to be? Hokage. But when naruto was facing dark naruto when training with bee - he acknowledges that he still feels resentment and anger towards the village for how they treated him. He got everything he wanted, he got the respect, he got the attention. And yet, deep down, he wasn't happy with it. Because being so socially outcasted his whole life leave a toll of you. Leaves you with psychological issues that follows you for a long time.

This doesn't even mention the dehumanisation that naruto goes though throughout the series - even in shippuden, though this is more unintentional by the surrounding characters atp- due to him being a jinchuuriki. A literal weapon of state. An oppressed minority who were being hunted down and slaughtered by the akatsuki in their own villages. How does this demonstrate a lack of nuance? A lack of complexity? It doesn't. You only extrapolate surface level ideas from a text and call it a day.

This isn't even touching the bond between sasuke and naruto, yknow, the most developed and emphasised relationship in the entire manga? The relationship that is the key to understanding both characters, their emotions, their mental state and character decisions? But anyway. That's a WHOLEEEE other post for a whole nother day