#matsuko answers

[ask-matsuko-matsuno]

CHEERS

[new-squidbese-fattoon]

Loot for New 3: 10000 EXP acquired due to slaying Metal Slimes!

Went up by three levels!

Attack up by 5

Def up by 7

Belly up by 10

Softness up by 9

Roundness up by 11

“Aw yeah, NOW we’re talking!”

Sure, it was a little harder for Neo to move due to her fat leveling up as well, but she was able to carry her own load.

Which may have something to do with the fact she’s half mammal

[liliththunder]

Adoption request for Mahoroba Kanata into the Hakumyu fan community

“Mahoroba Kanata” is a original work of the screen writer Nishida Daisuke, it follows the story of the Choshu clan centered by Takasugi Shinsaku, set in the Bakumatsu period. “Mahoroba” also called the ‘land of blessings’ in the Japanese folklore is something Takasugi dreams of to obtain.

Why do I want adopt it into Hakumyu (Hakuouki)?

The reason are simple and overflowing:

time period and story: 1) both are settled in the Bakumatsu period in a time frame between 1850ties and 1860ties 2) both are concentrate on a contrary opinions, none of them follows the concept of “We are right, you are wrong” 3) there is lot of suffering (maybe a bit more love in Mahoroba) 4) both like to joke and have unique, relatable characters 5) all characters are as well based on real history figures

cast and stuff 1) well as said before: Nishida Daisuke as director (active in Hakumyu since 2018) 2) Tomita Maho: - fourth Chizuru in Kazama Hen                            - playing the role of Shinsaku’s faithfull and tomboiish                                   wife O-Masa 3) Tanoue Marina: - fifth Chizuru in Toudou Hen                               - playing the younger sister of Yoshida Shouin, named                                  Fumi 4) Motonishi Sakiho: - ninth Chizuru in Shitan Kazama Hen                                  - playing the lover of Takasugi Shinsaku, called Ouno 5) Matsuda Ryo: - first Saito Hajime active until Kazama Hen                            - playing the role of Katsuragi Goro

Shinsengumi yes, they do appear and they play a minor role

publication and fandom since it’s on one side an original work and on the other side not part of a series, there’s is no ‘active’ fandom, I would claim (at least outside of Japan) AND they don’t plan on ever publishing a DVD/BD, but since it’s such a high quality play, I find it sad to let it disappear into history’s shadow.

Why is Mahoroba Kanata attractive on it’s own?

It’s easy to be answered, because it has it all: great music, great story, overwhelming feelings, great actors and great acting, fun bits and good bits and and tearing apart sad parts, great visuals, a beautiful stage - did I forgot something?

Whole cast list:

高杉晋作 Takasugi Shinsaku (1839-1867) samurai, who fought against the Bakufu 阪本奨悟 Sakamoto Shougo (https://twitter.com/Sakamoto_Shogo)

山縣狂介 Yamagata Aritomo (1838-1922) 糸川耀士郎 Itokawa Youjirou (https://twitter.com/yohhg)

大村蔵六  Oomura Zouroku (1825-1869) 和合真一 Wago Shin’ichi (https://twitter.com/wagoshin1)

伊藤春輔 Itou Hirobumi (1841-1909) politican in the later Meiji goverment 廣野凌大 Hirono Ryouta (https://twitter.com/hironobimistaff)

勝海舟 Katsu Kaishuu (1823-1899) former samurai, politican and bakufu supporter 根本正勝 Nemoto Masakazu (https://twitter.com/oni_fukucyo)

お雅 O-Masa (1845-1922), wife of Shinsaku, real name Masako 富田麻帆 Tomita Maho (https://twitter.com/maho_tomita6261)

文 Yoshida Fumi, later Katori Miwako (1843-1921), sister of Yoshida Shouin 田上真里奈 Tanoue Marina (https://twitter.com/tanouemarina)

おうの Ouno, Shinsaku’s lover (1843-1909), former Geiko, later nun 本西彩希帆 Motonishi Sakiho (https://twitter.com/sakiho_46)

すみ子 (Itou) Sumiko, Hirobumi’s ex wife 平井琴望 Hirai Kotomi (https://www.instagram.com/kotomi915/)

幾松  Ikumatsu (1843-1886) later  Kido Matsuko (Katsuragis wife) 律 Ritsu (https://twitter.com/LizLiz_ritsu)

吉田松陰 (1830-1859), proponent of the Sonnou Jooi, got arrested and later executed 中村亀鶴 Nakamura Kikaku (2nd gen) (https://twitter.com/KIKAKU0618)

桂小五郎 Katsuragi Goro (1833-1877) later  Kido Takayoshi, former samurai, Meiji goverment politican 松田凌 Matsuda Ryo (https://www.instagram.com/matsudaryo_9)

(pictures taken from the official twitter page : https://twitter.com/mahorobakanata

Still not convinced? Then hear for yourself (and thanks for sticking until the end)

Will you accept my request, Hakumyu-Community?  Thanks for listening to me (I decided to translate it within this year, but please be patient with me LIVE 3 is still being nosy on my desk (;^_^A)

[spgod]

When you get this ask you have to answer with 5 of ur fav songs and then send this ask to 10 of ur favourite followers!

Hohoemi no Bakudan - Matsuko Mawatari

Mayonaka no Door - Miki Matsubara

Poisonous Gas - Anamanaguchi

Resonance - Home

Prismatic - she

[musaics]

“ before you reprimand me , take a moment to consider your own failings ” says @peepingtoad​‘s Jiraiya to Matsuko, prompted by fe3h starters.

        As she calmly points the edge of her blade towards her neck, Su takes in his words.  Failings? What failings?

        He was attempting to court a woman whom was obviously disinterested; Her body was turned away from his, her smile forced, her eyes glued on some other man across the room. Su had to step in and save this poor woman from such an obnoxious man.  What an idiot, Su thought as she brought her blade to just brush against his neck.  He tries though she does not express interest.  Had he suffered from a brain injury that made it so he could not read body language?  Or was he just dumb?

        But a shriek pulls the Samurai from her thoughts.  The small establishment’s staff had re-entered the room and saw Su’s little display and was clearly startled/horrified.  The hostess backed out of the room— Probably going to call authorities. And those around them? They were dead silent and staring at Su as if she were crazy.  

        Oh.  Oh.  

                “I see.” Matsuko finally answers flatly.  Though her expression remains blank, her cheeks turn red with embarrassment.  “This is not how this land deals with men behaving shamefully.” She should probably lower her sword, but her arm is. . Stuck? Maybe out of embarrassment?

[shincbis-a]

@bestninjaclub said: Matsuko bursts into the bakery, katana raised high in the air as she shouts triumphantly, "I would like to purchase all of the bread!"

kou lands at her feet almost as soon as the bakery door is shunted open, already on her knees grovelling at the taller woman’s feet. normally she’d dismiss any offer to buy her entire stock - the other villagers need a chance to buy it, ne! but now? now she’s being plagued, almost haunted by the baked goods.

“ matsuko-chan-- ” kou all but sobs.  “ just take it... get it away from me. ”

[byutak]

So I would take it as a 'yes'. Alriiiight I'm sorryy, in fact I was being serious, you seem like a very cool person. Oh, and I heard somewhere that you like to write? Owowo me too! Maybe some day you could show me :3 (also poor Aito xd)

poor Aito indeed

[filmkatt]

Best aesthetic and film recommendations

Hi♡

I can easily recommend 200 films lol I'm absolutely a sucker for stunning visuals in film. For me I use this tag on LB to keep track of aesthetics films I watch but if I had to recommend a few favorites it'd be :

Memories Of Matsuko 2006

Dr. Caligari 1988

A Snake of June 2002 & all of Tsukamoto's he's my absolute fav ♡♡♡♡

The Living dead girl 1982 & all of Jean Rollin's tbh

Help me, Eros 2007

Donkey Skin 1979

Blind Beast 1969

Singapore Sling 1990

Les Fruits De La Passion 1981

Dolls 2002

Andromedia 1998

Hex 1989

The Cell 2000

TeknoLust 2002

Kamikaze Girls 2004

I.K.U. 2000

Subconscious Cruelty 2000

Rampo Noir 2005

The Taste of Tea 2004

And a lot more don't want this answer to be a page long lol:)

Also I made this list recently containing my holy grails.

[tsuyokuma]

Matsuko is in awe of Mayu's strength. So much raw power- No weapons necessary! On this day, she's been approaching Mayu with random items, asking her to smash them with her raw strength. "Have you ever cracked a man's skull?" She asks excitedly.

* @bestninjaclub

                +  MATSUKO !​​

              Was Matsuko's fascination inflating her already large ego? Undoubtedly. She soaked up all of the attention and was more than ready to show off her talent for smashing and breaking things with her full force. Matsuko with all her wonder and enthusiasm posed as the perfect audience of one for her boastful presentation.

              Has she ever cracked a man's skull? Boy was she prepared for this display. Mayu gestured Matsuko with a nod to place the watermelon she requested earlier by her feet; the 'Watermelon Smash'—a classic.

            ❝  oh—'have i ever' ?  ❞ she begins, a playfully cocky echo of Matsuko's burning question. Mayu rests her right foot at the top of the melon, building suspense; she wasn't going to crush it just yet, not until she established some hype for her answer.

           ❝  matsuko , i think th'better question would be ...  ❞ she paused, lifting her foot that was resting on the fruit. Mayu's black sandals hovered over it momentarily before she forcefully striked her heel down through the large watermelon with all of her might. The thick rind of the melon fragmented as the red, fruity insides splashed and spread around them. What a mess—Mayu would try to keep her cool so she could deliver her zinger line,

           ❝  ... how many ?  ❞

            Wow, Mayu that was so cool. She'd hope that was worth the absolute waste of a fresh watermelon in the middle of summer.

[batsugame]

I was tagged by @lichias (💗thank u 💞)

rules: list 13 songs ur currently vibing with

ode to the mets - the strokes

money machine - 100 gecs

asahinagu - mass of the fermenting dregs

bed - galileo galilei ft. aimer

iphone - rico nasty

dynasty - rina sawayama

criminal - taemin

blind - monsta x

hohoemi no bakudan - matsuko mawatari

last dinosaur - the pillows

sp813 - polkadot stingray

sage - onlyoneof

answer - bump of chicken

im tagging @iheartruki @sjowgren @vamp1re @primaveras @star99 and @fallenangels1995 💚🍃🌿🌼💚

[mayday-phanade]

“All About Makky” Q&A!

because it’s makki’s 30th, i decided to translate 30 questions from his long interview book! there’s so much content here and if you want to see more, please consider buying!!

“All About Makky” Q&A!

(100 Questions for Aramaki Yoshihiko)

-Taken from his Interview Book, “crossroads”

[notes are in **]

Q001: What do you think of your own personality?

A: Fluffy. (lol)

Q004: What is the charm point of your body?

A: My fingers. I’m told that they’re long and narrow.

Q005: What is a complex you have?

A: [My] Atopic dermatitis. 

**Atopic Dermatitis is commonly known as Eczema. He’s talked about this before but that’s a topic for another day,,

Q006: What is something you always find yourself eating?

A: Beef Jerky!!

**He answers beef jerky like 5000 times through this thing… too cute

Q007: Your favorite drink?

A: Calpis!

Q010: The music that you like?

A: I like J-Pop, specifically Funky Monkey Babys and Porno graffiti. My favorite Funky Monkey Babys song is “Koi no Katamichi Kippu”.

**He really likes Funmon!! He’s mentioned before that he listens to them before going onstage to hype him up. 

Q011: A manga that you like?

A: There’s a lot but… probably Death Note. From middle school to high school, each week I would excitedly wait for the new chapter and read it in Weekly Jump.

Q013: A movie that you like?

A: Because I like comedy genre, maybe “Sister Act”.

Q014: A TV show that you like?

A: Matsuko Kaigi! It’s funny!

Q015: Your favorite color?

A: Violet. I also like red and blue.

Q016: A vehicle that you like?

A: Cars! I used to often go on drives when I was a university student.

Q017: Your favorite place?

A: My house. I feel most calm in my own home.

Q021: Something you treasure?

A: My fans! Would you call that sly… But it’s the truth! 

Q027: If you had a vacation for one whole week, what would you do?

A: I’ll stay indoors for about two days, and then I’ll go have a meal with people I don’t usually meet because we’re always busy. But I also want to travel…

Q029: When do you feel happy?

A: Whenever the curtains of the stage lift and close down. You’ll never experience the feeling of hearing applause in the dark and the happiness that transcends with it anywhere else. 

Q032: When do you feel most pumped up?

A: Before a play starts. While I hang around backstage, I get pumped up (lol). When we practice sword fighting, and my breathing pattern perfectly matches my opponent’s. In Tousute, whenever I do sword fight with Suzuki Hiroki, that happens a lot and it gets me pumped up. 

Q036: A song you’re proud of singing in Karaoke?

A: Funky Monkey Babys and Porno graffiti songs. I also often sing ORANGE RANGE’s “Hana”. 

Q039: What is your coping mechanism for when you’re feeling troubled by something?

A: Sleep. When I sleep, I’ll feel refreshed when I wake up!

Q043: What part of you makes you think to yourself, “I’m still a kid, huh”?

A: I hate losing. Even losing to a friend when we do “Juice Janken” makes me frustrated.

**Juice Janken - It’s basically a rock-papers-scissors game where the loser has to buy juice.

Q050: If you would be reincarnated, what would you want to be?

A: I want to be a cat and be loved and pampered. (Lol)

Q053: What animal would you compare yourself to?

A: A dog. I’m often told that I’m like a dog.

Q062: Is there a part-time job you wanted to try?

A: A convenience store staff.

Q068: What is your favorite place in your bedroom?

A: The bed! I love rolling around in it!

Q069: Is there a home appliance in your room that you like?

A: PS4! Wait, it’s not a home appliance-! (Lol)

Q073: At night, what do you think about before you go to sleep?

A: What time is work tomorrow again?

Q083: What is your type in women?

A: Someone who is sensitive to people’s feelings is good!

Q089: Where do your eyes go first when you see a woman?

A: Her eyes!

Q097: A line that has left a strong impression on you?

A: From A3!’s Tsumugi Tsukioka, “You can’t stand on the stage on your own.” It’s because I really thought the same as well. 

Q098: What is a role you’ve wanted to try acting as?

A3!’s Settsu Banri. Also, I also wanted to do Dynasty Warriors’ Zhao Yun. 

[stars-on-fyre]

I dare y’all to name two better anime openings than Yu Yu Hakusho with the song “Smile Bomb” (and I’m talking BOTH versions with Matsuko Mawatari and Sara White) and March Comes In Like A Lion with the song “Answer” by Bump of Chicken I DARE Y’ALL-

[maryb121813]

Displaced Affections.

Part 4

A little over six months pass and neither Yukimura nor Ai haven’t spoken to each other, alone that is. They would greet each other in passing if they were with other people or in a big group but other than that nothing. It broke her heart. She thought it was because he was still embarrassed about the confession he made but it’s been months. Lord Nobuyuki and his bride came back after the confession and had been noticed together in the garden every day after tea. All she feels now is happiness for them and sends them well wishes. Ai was walking back to the kitchens, to help with dinner. Her body felt a little heavy, maybe she was coming down with a cold. Then, she heard his voice. She looked out at the training area and saw the owner of the voice. “Yukimura,” she whispered. He was training new retainers that arrived a couple of days ago. He was covered in sweat and dirt. She smiled as he helped up his opponent he knocked down. She sighed softly and went on her way but not before being stopped by a certain silver headed ninja. “Little lady.” “Oh hello, Saizo. What can I do for you?” she asked. “Dango.” was all he said. She smiled softly, “Okay, I’ll make some dango.” “And donuts!” yelled Sasuke. She looked over at the boy and gave him a confirming nod. As she walked by Saizo, he whispered “Can you make extra donuts for the little lord? He’s been craving some for a few weeks now.” She looked up at the man, he had a sad smile on his face, his eyes showed that he cared for his friend. She gave him a small smile. “Yeah, I’ll make extra for him,” she whispered back. Saizo slowly closed his eyes, like a cat and nodded once. He walked off, probably to his napping tree. ________________________________________ Yukimura knew when she was near and looked over and saw her talking to Saizo. She was smiling. His heart soared but also ached. He knew avoiding her wasn’t helping him get closer to her but his declaration of chivalry didn’t go well, and he felt ashamed, He jumped to conclusions about that night and didn’t get her side of things before opening his mouth. “Little Lord, maybe it’s time to take a break.” said a lounging Saizo. He looked up at Saizo, who was lounging in a tree and then around the training yard. Most of the men around were breathing heavily and looked like they were about to fall over. He sighed. “Okay everyone, we’re done. Great work today.” he yelled out. Everyone dropped to their knees or backs. He felt guilty that he worked them to hard and long. He wanted to work hard and long but forgot that he was training new retainers, and they weren’t use to his training yet. “Hey, did you see that cute maid earlier?” asked one of the young men. “Yeah. I didn’t know that the palace was hiding these cuties. I would’ve signed up months ago.” replied another. “I wonder if I’ll see her again.” said the first. “What? You think you have a chance with her?” Yukimura’s hand tightened around his bamboo sword. He knew they were talking about Ai. He knew he shouldn’t get angry over their talk, but he couldn’t help it. They were talking about the woman he loves. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I? I’m a strong and handsome guy, what woman wouldn’t want to share my bed?” the young man laughed. The other man swiped him upside the head, “Oh yeah? She’ll be running for the hills once she sees you're coming.” They started to wrestle around in the dirt, like they were the only two people there. Yukimura stood a few yards away from the brats, with a scary look on his face. No one else noticed his scowl, except for Saizo. He noticed the air around Yukimura change as soon as the whelps started talking about Ai. He slowly got down from his tree and quietly walked up behind them and waited for them to get into the right place. Once they were in an upright position, laughing, he quickly placed his hands on one side of each of their heads and knocked their heads together. They yelped in pain and turned to look at Saizo. “What was that for?” one of them asked while rubbing his sore head. “Yeah and who the hell are you and what right do you have for that stunt?” asked the other while still clutching his head. Saizo looked down at them, giving them an intimidating stare, “Do not go near the little lady. She is off-limits to you and any new retainer here.” The men stood up and faced Saizo. The man who made the first comment about Ai didn’t back down, “You have no right to make that kind of order.” “Actually he does,” says Yukimura walking up next to Saizo, “He is one of the Sanada Ten Braves, Kirigakure Saizo. Know your place retainer.” The young retainer pulled back his hand, making a fist and was about to strike Yukimura when an older retainer tackled the man down the ground. The other man backed away from the struggling brutes. “Get the hell off me! I was only defending myself.” he yelled. “You were going to assault our Lord Sanada Yukimura, The sword of Japan.” said the older retainer. The color in the young man’s face drained, he looked up at Yukimura and Saizo. _______________________________________________ In the kitchens, Ai was finishing up frying a batch of donuts while the dango dough sat. She was just turning the donuts over to brown the other side when Umeko came flying in sputtering incoherently. Matsuko took hold of the woman by the shoulders, “Umeko, calm down and use actually words. We can’t understand rambling.” Umeko took deep calming breaths, she started to speak with a little speed with her words. “One of the new retainers attempted to bushwhack Lord Yukimura and now I just saw some older retainers tossing him out at the front gate.” Matsuko released Umeko, she heaved a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. “So that’s the reason why you came running in here like you had an Akuma chasing you?” Umeko nodded vigorously. “That happens every time we get new retainers! They just want to show off who has the bigger balls! Ai please tell this airhead that this happens every year.” Matsuko waited for Ai to say something but was met with silence, she turned to look at her. She noticed the far look in her eyes as she went through the motions of molding and frying donuts. Umeko didn’t notice as she walked up beside her and tapped her on her shoulder. “Ai? Are you okay?” she asked. She was still lost in thought, turning over another donut. Matsuko and Umeko looked at each other with looks of concern, wondering what is going on in her mind. “Ai?” asked a serene voice. That snapped Ai out of her thoughts, her head quickly turned towards the door where the voice came from. In the doorway stood Lord Nobuyuki. “Yes, my lord?” she asked “Are you available after you’re done in here?” “I just have to finish making some dango then I’ll be done till dinner.” she answered. “Perfect, can you bring tea to the study, enough for three servings please?” he asked sweetly. She gave a small nod, “Yes, my Lord.” He smiled and went on his way. Matsuko went up beside Ai,” Are you sure that’s wise Ai? Shouldn’t you let either myself or Umeko bring him tea?” Ai looked at Matsuko’s dark brown eyes and nodded with a smile. “I’ll be fine Matsuko. I now realized that what I felt for Lord Nuboyuki was just an infatuation, not true love. Matsuko was shocked at her statement, but she smiled, “I’ll put the kettle on for you while you finish up.” “Thank you Matsuko.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After she served Saizo and Sasuke their treats, she took a tray of treats and tea to the study where Lord Nobuyuki was waiting. She knocked on the sliding door and heard someone say ‘come in’. When she slides open the door she saw that all three Sanada men were sitting around a map and were talking about war strategy. Then it hit her, she looked down at the tray and remembered that Saizo had snatched up some donuts before Sasuke could stuff his cheeks with all the golden rings. She must’ve looked at the ninja confused because he said, “For the little lord when you see him.” She knew before she could even get in throwing distance of him he would bolt from her. “That kitsune.” she thought. The sly ninja knew he would be here. She mentally damned and thanked him. She started making her way around the group, starting with Lord Masayuki, then Lord Nobuyuki, pouring tea and placing plates of treats within reach. When she got to Yukimura, she noticed his body tense up, his cheek had a slight coloring to them. He looked like he wanted to run, but couldn’t. He gave her a couple side glances, but was still listening and giving his input in the conversation. She placed the tea cup in his reach and poured the tea. When the lat drop hit the cup, he snatched up and took a big gulp of the piping hot tea. His eyes grew wide, and he made a small yelp and started fanning his open mouth. “Yukimura, how many times are you going to burn your mouth till you learn to wait patiently?” asked Masayuki with a giggle. Nubuyuki was holding in a laugh. “Sorry, Father.” he said. Ai smiled. She found him quite adorable. She finally placed to plate of donuts where Yukimura could see them. His eyes lit up, like a shining star, at the golden brown rings. That look made her feel giddy as a child in a sweets shop. She bowed to the men, “I’ll return for the dished later, my Lords.” Masayuki nodded and waved his hand and continued talking of battle. She quietly stood and left the room. She was heading back to the kitchens to drop off the tray, her mind kept going back to Yukimura’s smile. “Definitely more beautiful that his brother’s.” she said to no one in-particular. She then started to think about the conversation she had with Lord Masayuki. He suggested that she think about what she liked about the men that she had confusing emotions for and if one gets more than the other than she’ll know who her heart truly belongs to. That night that’s exactly what she did. She wrote out what traits or actions they’ve done or even talks they’ve she had with them since coming to the palace. Her list had more for Yukimura had more than her list for Nobuyuki. While she was lost in thought, Saizo appeared in her line of sight, he had a knowing smile plastered on his face. And some times she hated that smile. “So little lady, the little lord loved his donuts,” he said as a statement. She smiled, “He always has, ever since I started making them for him.” she replied as she passed the smug looking ninja.

_____________________________________

To be continued.

[draconivn]

C.007 | Daughter of the Takeda

Disclaimer: I don’t own Samurai Love Ballad: PARTY or its characters. Hints of spoilers to one of the routes. Summary: You wanted to do more than just be in the kitchen like any woman would’ve known how to do. You want to explore. You want to become so much more. But when you live in a world of war, what you decide to do in your past ends up following you to your future, even though the battlefield is no place for a woman. Will you find love or will you only find blood? Saizo x OC MC Masterpost: LINK

Chapter 7: A New Instruction

It had been two days since then that I was carrying Lord Shingen's morning tea to his chambers when a retainer approached me to tell me I was being summoned. Breakfast service was done, so I didn’t have to rush and tell Umeko or Matsuko to proceed without me. I thanked him, and continued on my way over. I could hear Lord Yukimura's voice from within, so I knocked before announcing myself. "Lord Shingen, it's Zaria."

"Come in."

There wasn't much of a pause from when I announced myself to when he told me to come in, so I slid open the door and entered, bowing my head with the tray. It seemed that Master Sasuke and Saizo was also in here with them, and I glanced down at the tray I brought. "Pardon the intrusion, Milords. Lord Shingen, I was bringing your tea when I was informed you summoned for me?"

“You’re just in time.” He gestured to the edge of his desk. “You can place it there for now and have a seat.”

I nodded. “Pardon me, Milords.” I placed the tray down on his desk carefully, pouring the cup before taking a seat. I glanced over at others, but it seemed that neither Lord Yukimura or Saizo had an idea of where this conversation was headed now that I was here.

“Zaria, I’m sending you to Ueda to live and train with Yukimura.”

“What–” I was speechless. Train with Lord Yukimura in Ueda?

Surprise and confusion hung in the air, while Master Sasuke seemed calm about it as Lord Shingen kept speaking. 

“This is only temporary. Yukimura, I’m tasking you to train her in the proper ways of a samurai, from weapons to riding a horse. I don’t want a single thing left out. If she needs to be trained alongside your men, so be it.”

Lord Yukimura looked at me, then back to him, a stammered response coming out before he could finally find the words, “B-But Milord… I don’t understand the reason for all of this.”

“Even an onna-bugeisha of my house needs to ensure she has her basics, Yukimura.” Lord Shingen spoke so matter-of-factly as he explained the reason like he was talking about the weather, but it didn’t seem to settle the surprise we felt over the matter. 

It was all so sudden, and my gaze was on Saizo for his reaction, but he had already schooled his expressions while we were more verbal and expressive on the matter. 

“I won’t be around forever, and she’s going to need to learn everything she can before she can lead the clan.” Lord Shingen’s words were like a last will of sorts, leaving me with an unsettling feeling.

“Lead the clan…?”

“But…” I looked to Lord Shingen. “...I don’t quite understand why I’d have to be sent to Ueda, Milord.”

“Many people would want the head of the clan dead, Zaria. If people were to know you were next in line, then you wouldn’t be safe in the condition you’re in. By sending you to Ueda where you can get the utmost amount of training since Yukimura is already training his men and others, rather than consume that time through travelling back and forth from here. You will also be safer this way, but I expect you to be fully trained in two months.”

Saizo seemed to not care, but rather, question the usage of Lord Yukimura’s time. “So we’re expected to turn a castle cook into the new head of the Takeda? That’s a pretty tall order, Shingen.”

Master Sasuke spoke up next, drawing our attention to him. “She’s already got quite a bit of skill, so you don’t have to worry about her being able to lift, but it’s just a matter of making sure she has the foundations of a samurai. Well, in her case, an onna-bugeisha.” He looked over to me with a grin. “But with everything you already know, you might end up being a new kind of onna-bugeisha."

I diverted my gaze from Lord Yukimura and Saizo. This discussion was far from what I expected to happen in telling them. Then again, I didn't have a plan of how to tell them properly. But it was too late, now that Lord Shingen and Master Sasuke were saying all these things. "You say that as if I know more than you, but I only know what you’ve all taught me before.”

Lord Shingen chuckled, his reaction halting any starts of protests. "I trust you'll be learning a lot, Zaria. Yukimura is one of our best in the army, I'm sure you know that already, but there is no one else I'd trust to train you." His laughing expression turned serious. "But we can't have word of this spreading around. In Ueda, it will be fine if everyone knows where she stands in the clan, but anyone else may pose a danger if they were to know. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Milord."

Despite the fact that I responded with the both of them, I felt hesitation and uncertainty. I wasn’t schooling my expressions today, and it seemed that Lord Shingen caught sight of it when he called to me,

"Zaria, stay back for a moment." He waited as Master Sasuke, Lord Yukimura and Saizo got up to leave, shutting the door behind them. "Something on your mind, little cub?"

I relaxed a bit when he addressed me as such, though I could only glance at the doorway. "I know you said that it'd be safer to go to Ueda but… is there really no other way?"

“Come here.” Lord Shingen motioned me over.

I got up and sat right in front of him, his large hand coming up to rest on my head. 

"You have a big responsibility, Zaria. If someone doesn't take over this clan, you will, and I know you’ve seen the things everyone has had to do around here to ensure the Takeda continue to survive. This is the only option we have right now if you’re nowhere near ready." He had to say it so bluntly, like there was really no other answer, no matter how much I wanted to stay and learn here. 

"But I can also learn about the clan's affairs just as well by being here!"

"I know you've been listening well when you come to deliver tea, but knowing how to handle the politics of the Takeda is only half the battle. You'll go to Ueda with Yukimura and Saizo when they leave for the day. Use this time to learn from Yukimura and then come back to me. I'll teach you as much as I can. I know you like cooking, but don't overdo it when you get there, yeah?" He grinned, ruffling my hair.

"L-Lord Shingen!"

"Hey now, aren't you being a bit too informal? I'm your old man now."

I chewed on my lower lip, as the words sunk into my head. That's right. I have someone to call that now. I looked up at him after a moment and smiled. "Thank you, Father. I'll make sure to train well."

"That's my little cub." He grinned. "Now go see Kiku. If we're going to show you off as a lady of this House, she'll make sure you know how to knock 'em dead. Just make sure you give yourself some time to pack."

"Thank you, L- Father." I nodded and stood up, excusing myself from his chambers. I appreciated the things that Lord Shingen was doing for me, and it seemed that there was really no other way to go about it. I couldn't keep being scared and hiding in my fear of others knowing, but I had to work hard to show that his decision to allow me in was not for nothing. I knew Lord Yukimura and Saizo would start questioning everything as soon as they saw me but up ahead, I could see them talking to Master Sasuke before I slipped around the corner. My footsteps picked up at the sound of my name being called but I pretended to not hear it.

What was that about not being scared and hiding in your fear of others knowing?

… J-Just give me a bit more time and I'll talk to them.

You're contradicting yourself again.

I'm trying my best. I shook my head clear and went down an alternate corridor towards Lady Kiku's chambers in hopes she was there.

Lady Kiku was Lord Shingen's niece, beautiful and sweet. We had met before in passing, though I wasn't sure if she remembered me at first. Or at least, I was mistaken to think so, the very thought flying out the window when I saw the way she lit up when I came in. Sounds of glee filled the room and kimonos flew in every direction in every attempt to help me dress the part of my new station, hardly wasting any time in dolling me up with lessons for the entire morning. Lunch had been spent focused on mannerisms, while her lessons on how to walk and behave like a noble lady were ruthless, meaning to undo every way I knew how to walk as it already was. 

"–Is what Uncle says is true? That you'll be fighting on the battlefield too?"

"Huh?" I stopped in my tracks to look at her. I nearly dropped the book I was using to keep my head steady to the floor, my hands reflexively catching it for my practice to halt temporarily. "He told you about that, did he…"

Lady Kiku was intuitive, but she also had a curiosity that seemed to try and understand the freedom Lord Shingen seemed to brazenly have, as if wanting that for her own. While she sat there looking pretty and elegant, her way of speaking had become more casual as she went on. "When he told me about teaching you, I didn't quite understand why he had taken on a daughter instead of a bride. I know it's not my business to ask, but he told me anyhow." She smiled and leaned forward a little, her eyes curious. "But you're too pretty for the battlefield. Any man would probably fall in love with you if you were more confident in yourself. Hmm…"

I never wanted to disagree more than I did then and there, but it was hard to deny it when she was getting a little too close, making me blink and lean back bit by bit. "W-What is it…?"

She had an innocent look on her face, mischief flickering over for a moment. "If you had to marry a samurai, who would you pick?"

I was taken aback at the question. "W-Why the s-sudden question?" My cheeks flared up, taking a step back to avoid her peering gaze.

She smiled, leaning back as if she enjoyed being able to get this out of me. "It's been so long since I've been able to have any girl talk. Come on, do tell! One day we'll have to get married, but if you could pick, what kind of man would marry?" She patted the spot next to her, drawing me away from my practice.

"If I could…?" I echoed back.

"It doesn't hurt to dream a little, would it?"

Lord Shingen's words about marriage a few nights ago were no longer a worry, yet I still felt like I had done this irreversible crime that slapped Saizo in the face. But I was ready to be hated for what I was doing, out of my own selfishness, out of the need for duty. I wanted to make sure the people I cared about didn't die, and unfortunately, this was the consequence of my selfishness. Even though I had considered Saizo in my decision-making, I was that much more afraid of losing him physically than emotionally.

Then Lord Yukimura would lose someone close to him, and he would have to deal with that. Other people's happiness was my happiness, and I didn't want to see anyone suffer.

In this position, I held responsibility for my simple yes. It was a trade-off that never would've given me equal to what it would receive. I had much to learn in so little time.

Being at Ueda wouldn't do anything to save that affection. 

So after a moment of thinking, I gave Lady Kiku a sheepish smile. I’ll let my words betray my thoughts just this once. "I wouldn't know, Lady Kiku. It's never really crossed my mind."

[frywen-babbles]

Sounds of Silence pt14

TW: Minor character death

Part1 | Part2 | Part3 | Part4 | Part5 | Part6 | Part7 | Part8 | Part9 | Part10 | Part11 | Part12 | Part13

***

"We were just about to call you. She fell out of the bed and had to go to surgery again to stop the bleeding. Everything should be fine now, you can see her in a couple of hours."

A couple of hours turned into several more. Hideyoshi went home and came back, but Mitsunari stayed and waited. Waited alone, his thoughts in a turmoil which turned worse and worse every passing hour.

Hideyoshi nudged his shoulder, "Look, one of the nurses came back, maybe she knows something."

Mitsunari got up and walked to the nurses' station like a zombie.

"What-" His voice broke and he had to stop and start again, "What happened?"

"We don't know yet, but rest assured we are doing everything we can to save her life and treat all of her injuries. We'll notify you as soon as we know something. I was just about to call her husband too to let him know her situation has changed since he visited."

Mitsunari stared at the nurse dumbstruck.

"...call... her husband...?" he repeated the words like saying them aloud would make more sense.

"We checked her info for relatives to let them know and found her husband's number. Is there a problem?"

"He... they're separated," was all he managed to come up with. Every single word the nurse said filled him with more and more dread, his blood turning into ice in his veins.

"Oh, her husband didn't say anything when he came to visit. Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. She's living with me and my roommate at the moment." He tried to keep his tone calm, but his usual bite seeped through because of the sheer idiocy of the nurse's question.

"...Okay. I'll make a note." The nurse didn't sound convinced but typed something on the computer anyway. "I'll let you know as soon as we know something. You really should go home to sleep, you must be exhausted."

Mitsunari didn't reply anything. He just turned around and returned to Hideyoshi.

"...What did the nurse say?" Hideyoshi asked quietly after a short silence. Mitsunari lifted his head and stared at the wall.

"Her ex was here."

Hideyoshi didn't say a word. They just sat in silence, waiting for any news to come.

Mitsunari tried to think. Tried to come up with anything he could do.

He was so tired.

He dug out his phone and stepped away from Hideyoshi to call the only person he could think of.

"Yes?" a woman answered the phone.

"Raven?" he asked to make sure he had received the correct number.

"Fox! Why did you call?"

"Her ex found her. He was here earlier."

"What did he do?"

"I... I don't know. The nurse said she fell out of the bed but..."

"...Shit. I'll be in touch." Matsuko hung up before he could reply.

Mitsunari walked back to Hideyoshi and slumped back to his chair.

"... Who did you call?" Hideyoshi asked after a short silence.

"Matsuko."

"... Okay."

They sat in silence until Matsuko arrived an hour later. She took one look at him before she sat down.

"You need to go home and sleep. And change clothes. Take a shower. Have you been at home at all since the first time your friend here forced you to go home?"

Mitsunari shook his head. Matsuko turned to Hideyoshi with her plea, "Back me up on this, will you?"

"...She's right you know. You need to go home and sleep properly."

"No, I need to stay."

"If you don't go, I'll throw you out myself," Matsuko threatened and pushed some money on his hand. "Go grab a taxi, there's no way you'll get home on a bus."

Mitsunari stared at the money in his hand. "I'll pay you back..." he said and stuffed the money in his pocket.

"Pfffft, with what money, kiddo? Just go. And don't come back before morning." Matsuko laughed at his face and turned him towards the exit giving him a firm push on the back.

***

He barely made his way back to the hospital after a short restless sleep, when his phone rang.

"I'm sorry to inform you your mother passed away early this morning. She went into heart failure. We did everything we could, but it was impossible to save her. I'm sorry for your loss."

Mitsunari had no words. The phone dropped from his hand as surely as he felt the world crumble around him.

This was not happening.

This couldn't be real.

He faintly registered Hideyoshi shaking his shoulder, but he just turned around and walked away.

He needed to get out. Away from here, from this, from everything. He was suffocating.

He didn't even realise where he had walked to until he heard a gentle voice talk to him.

"Mitsunari? Why are you huddled in the children's reading corner?"

He lifted his head to find Mr Otani crouched next to him, a gentle, kind smile on his face.

"...sorry..." he mumbled and averted his gaze, burying his head on his knees again.

"Want to go for a cup of tea for old times sake? Remember when you used to come here and I lured you out with the promise of tea and sweets?"

“I’m not a child.”

“Then it’s settled, come on now.” Mr Otani stood up and looked at him waiting for him to follow. Mitsunari had no energy to argue so he stood up and followed Mr Otani to the librarians' break room.

He sat on the familiar chair and watched Mr Otani's back as he prepared the tea. He placed the cup in front of him and sat down holding his cup of tea.

Mitsunari just stared at the cup sitting at the table. At the warm liquid swirling slowly to a standstill. At the steam rising from the tea until it cooled down.

"Mother... died..." Mitsunari whispered as if saying it aloud would finally make it true. "She... died... and... I wasn't there..."

"I'm so sorry for your loss. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I-... I don't know... I don't know..." Mitsunari pulled his legs up on the chair and buried his face on his knees to hide his tears. It was too much.

Everything was too much.

"Do you want me to contact our lovely storyteller so she could come to get you? I don't think you should be alone now."

"She... she might die... It's my fault she might die...!" Saying it aloud finally made it a reality.

He felt his world shatter around him like there was a void ready to suck him in and there was nothing he could hold on onto.

There was no meaning in any of this.

Just when he felt like he really might lose himself, he felt a tug on his arm and he was engulfed in a warm gentle hug.

"It's okay. You are not alone. You will get through this. You're not alone."

Nothing had ever felt as comforting as those gently murmured words at that moment.

Mitsunari didn't know how long they sat there, but when Mr Otani finally let go he felt much calmer.

"Have you gone to see your mother?" Mr Otani asked as he offered Mitsunari another tissue.

"No..."

"Do you want to?"

"...yes..."

"Come on then. You tell me where we're going and I'll drive. You can talk to me on the way if you want to."

Somehow, Mitsunari managed to remember the correct hospital. He stared out of the window without saying a word the whole way.

His mother looked so calm.

He sat by her bed and took her hand in his.

"I'm...I'm sorry, mother. I'm sorry I wasn't here. I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you." Tears fell from his eyes in an endless stream and he buried his face on the bed.

What was he going to do without his mother?

How would he even continue after something like this?

"Mitsunari. Mitsunari? We need to go now." He woke up when he heard someone call his name. He didn't want to be awake. The massive headache pounding behind his eyes didn't help, it only made it harder to think anything sensible.

Sorrow.

Guilt.

The only two things he could feel. Think. And he felt, felt so hard it was hard to breathe. It was hard to breathe and he was drowning, drowning so fast he didn't even realise he was crying until he felt the teardrops fall on his hands.

Someone put a hand on his shoulder and somehow it grounded him to the present, to the hospital room.

"Mitsunari." Mr Otani said, handing him a tissue. "We need to go."

Mitsunari stood up and touched his mother's hand for the last time, stroking it gently. He leant down to press a kiss on her forehead.

"I love you, mother. Goodbye," he whispered, quiet enough not to be heard by anyone else.

Mr Otani escorted him out of the room and all the way back to his car.

"Where do you want me to take you?" Mr Otani broke the silence after they had sat in the car for, Mitsunari didn't even know how long. He felt so empty, time just seemed to slip away from him like an endless stream running through his fingers.

When they reached the hospital a part of him wanted to run away. Run away, and not know what had happened with her.

But not knowing was worse than knowing. With information, he could form a plan of action and proceed accordingly.

At least he hoped he would.

Mr Otani followed him to the room she was supposed to be at. But no one was there, not even a sight of Hideyoshi or Matsuko.

He walked to the nurses' station like in a trance and asked after her.

"She was moved to neuro. We tried to reach you earlier to tell you, but your friend answered your phone."

Relief flooded him with such strength tears welled in his eyes and fell to his cheeks. And for the second time that day he was engulfed in a firm hug. This time he didn't just stay still. This time he buried his face in Mr Otani's shoulder and wrapped his arms around him, grasping his jacket so hard his knuckles turned white.

Why was he so weak?

Why did he fail so hard?

All he had wanted to do was to see his mother happy and her safe. And he had failed in both of them.

When he finally mustered the strength to lift his head, Mr Otani ruffled his hair and offered him a smile and a tissue. He led them to another part of the hospital, where he asked after her from the nurses.

Mitsunari stood still and listened. He didn't have the energy to do else, he just concentrated on pushing his feelings down so he could face her.

Mr Otani escorted him to the door of the correct room and opened it up for him, encouraging him to step in.

Mitsunari faintly registered Hideyoshi sitting in the room, Kiyomasa next to him, the laters face hidden by a book. All of his attention was focused on her.

She looked pale and frail, covered in bruises and bandages, half of her head shaven clean.

Her eyes opened and she blinked a couple of times before she looked at the door.

As soon as she saw him her eyes grew as big as saucers and she struggled to sit up, only to get Hideyoshi to jump next to her bed to push her down.

“No! Do. Not. Get. Up.”

Her eyes didn’t stay at Hideyoshi to see his words, instead, they were glued on Mitsunari as she struggled against Hideyoshi’s hands on her shoulders.

Her eyes welled with tears and she hid her face with her hands finally staying still.

Mitsunari didn’t know what to do. What to say. He stood still at the doorway staring at her as if that would give him the answers he wanted.

Hideyoshi turned around and strode to him. He took a hold of his shoulders and shook him like he was a ragdoll.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? Where the hell were you? How dare you just leave your phone and disappear?! Do you have any idea how scared she has been? Every time someone has walked through that door you haven’t seen the dejected look she’s had on her face when it hasn’t been you! How dare you leave like that, huh?!”

No one tried to stop Hideyoshi as he screamed at Mitsunari. Not even he did. He just stood still as Hideyoshi shook him his face a calm mask.

“I think that’s enough for now.” Mr Otani put his hand on Hideyoshi’s shoulder a gentle smile on his face. “We were to see Mitsunari’s mother. She passed away last night.”

"Oh." Hideyoshi let go of Mitsunari's shoulders. "I just..." He stepped away and snatched the book lying on Kiyomasa's face and gently slapped him with it. "We're going." Kiyomasa scrambled after Hideyoshi, still half asleep.

"I'll be just outside." Mr Otani put his hand on Mitsunari's shoulder and squeezed before he followed Kiyomasa and Hideyoshi out of the door.

She had her face covered with her hands, but her breath was even. He took her bandaged, plaster covered hand on his so he could see her face. She was asleep, tears still clinging to her eyelashes.

"...I'm so sorry..." Mitsunari knew she couldn't see him, but he needed to say it. If just for himself.

***

@honeybeelily    @you-mass-effect-my-dragon-age    @han-pan    @masamunesmistress    @dreamfar628 @enchantress96 

[kenkamishiro]

Ishida’s Q&A comments from YJ compilation, Part 3

More recommendations from Ishida, plus an unexpected comment about/from Togashi!

For anyone who doesn’t know about the relevant Questions to Ishida contest, please read here. You can start from Part 1 here.

The recent set of zakki:re and interview translations take a lot of time and effort, so if you enjoyed it please leave a like or reblog. Thank you!

2012 (cont.)

(Editor’s note: The Table of Contents (ToC) comments from 2011-12 consist of the answer to the question plus a brief statement of what’s happening in their lives.

No. 32

Tanabata is coming soon, but do you have an event that you enjoy that comes around once a year?

My birthday, which is on December 28. It's not celebrated much since it's during winter vacation.

It's celebrated now ever since Tokyo Ghoul was serialized. Thank you.

No. 33

Do you recall a moment when you were proud of yourself?

In junior high when I high-jumped 155 cm, I felt like I did my best compared to those who weren't in any clubs.

That's pretty high.

No. 34

It’s the London Olympics. Please share with us the event or athlete you're most looking forward to!!

[On break.]

I like artistic gymnastics. Also I wasn't taking a break.

No. 35

Please share with us an anecdote related to pets!!

I had a hamster. Its name was Fattie. I'm late, but thank you for your hard work, Saruwatari-sensei.

I was a fattie too at the time.

[T/N: Referring to the mangaka Saruwatari Tetsuya who finished his longest running series "Tough" roughly around this time.]

No. 36

Summer is buzzing around with bugs!! Please share with us an anecdote related to bugs that happened during summer break.

I lived together with a giant spider for a while. I'm going to buy a whole bunch of comedy DVDs.

I had bugs often show up in my room during my time in Tokyo.

No. 37-38

Give us a recommendation for a summer song!!

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure's album was really cool. Tokyo Jungle is simple but at the same time interesting.

It's TK-”san" damn it!! Death to you!

[T/N: Referring to TK’s first album “flowering” based on the date. Tokyo Jungle is a PS3 game.]

No. 39

Please tell us a weakness of yours that you secretly but really want to fix!!

I want to live a normal life, but it's more difficult than I expected. I was moved by Ishikawa-san fighting back with all her strength in table tennis.

"Being late.” I want to spend the rest of my life fixing that.

[T/N: Probably referring to one of Ishikawa Kasumi’s semi-final/bronze medal matches during the 2012 Olympics.]

No. 40

If you have a website you want to recommend please tell us!!

These days I've only had time to look at Yahoo! News. I bought a Wii so I can play Smash Bros.

Not any different from today.

No. 41

What's an impressive full-time/part-time job you've experienced outside of being a mangaka? Also, what kind of job did you want to do a long time ago?

I flipped the patties at Mos Burger. I would like to teach manga at school.

I don't want to teach manga at school. I'd rather flip the patties.

No. 42

Please tell us any numbers you're unintentionally conscious of!!

The number 4. The number of times that I'd look at a clock and it'd say 4:44 was so high that I decided it’d be my lucky number.

It does happen every so often.

No. 43

Are there any instruments you're good at, or would like to play?

I play the piano occasionally. I had a meeting at Ringer Hut for 8 hours.

Glad the meeting went well.

No. 44

Please list one person who you think is a genius!

Togashi Yoshihiro-sensei, Miura Kentarou-sensei, Umino Chica-sensei, Miyazaki Hayao-san and George Lucas.

Truth.

[T/N: The creators of Hunter x Hunter/Yu Yu Hakusho, Berserk, Honey and Clover/March Comes In Like A Lion, Studio Ghibli, and Star Wars respectively. Truth indeed.]

No. 45

Art Autumn has arrived!! Any artists or art you recommend?

Cirque du Soleil has truly stolen my heart. Volume 4 is currently on sale. I'm beyond happy to see Togashi-sensei's comment on the obi...

I still say that. I was really happy about the comment on the obi. It was on the Tsukiyama cover.

[T/N: Togashi’s comment said,  「混色たちの鮮やかで醜いお話がここに在ります。」 “Here lies an unsightly story with the vividness of a motley of colours.” ]

No. 46

It's Appetite Autumn! What's your favourite fast food!?

Lawson's 2-colour jelly is delicious. I'm addicted to Hirayama Yumeaki.

It's Hirayama Yumeaki-"san", goddammit!! Perish.

[T/N: Hirayama is a writer and director known for his horror stories like “The Diner”.]

No. 47

It's Reader Autumn! Please share with us any memorable novels, children's books, or picture books you read in your childhood!

I read Count Dracula at my elementary school library, I was scared and dreamed of it a lot. Now I love that kind of stuff.

Now I'm not really into that stuff anymore.

No. 48

"I can't die until I get to meet this person!!" Please tell us who this person to you is.

Matsuko Deluxe-san. I bought Resident Evil 6. I'm looking forward to playing it.

I want to meet him...but do I really? Though I do like him.

No. 49

What holiday resort do you want to go to even if you have to take a bullet train to get there?

I want to show my face at my parents’ house. I met the editor-in-chief and the designer Shimada. I had a very good time.

Now it’s because no one’s there.

No. 50

What's your favourite alcoholic drink? For those who don't drink, please share with us your favourite beverage.

Yuzu Hachimitsu. I went to karaoke with the staff members. My assistant's rendition of "Magical DoReMi" sounded like it was sung by a mosquito.

Darjeeling Cooler, these days. I remember, it was Ide-san.

No. 51

Please share with us the person/character who you thought was shockingly handsome!

Ashitaka from Princess Mononoke. He's a natural womanizer.

I wonder if he's a shy boy when he's riding together [with San].

No. 52

Checking here to see if you follow the world news!!

I skim Yahoo! News. I bought Animal Crossing. The name of my village is Ishi Village.

Nothing's changed here too!

No. 53

What is a food that is a must for warming you up during the cold season?

I've never eaten convenience store oden so I'd like to buy some to try. I liked the mochi kinchaku at home.

I got to eat the convenience store oden. It was delicious.

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