athena's anime blog

Yugioh GX 43

2005-07-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

Yuigoh GX Ep 43: Asuka's Second Love Chance?

thoughts

O__o First post in what feels like forever.

Sorry to have neglected this blog for a long while. But thanks for stopping by to check every so often, and I'm sort of back now to hopefully clear out at least some of my backlog. Since I'm so behind now, I don't really think I'll cover everything I missed, since as I understand it, there are other places where summaries are available. I'm going to start with the latest episode and work my way back. Not sure how far back yet.

Episode 43 was really cute! We get to see Asuka at her finest (though I still think there's something rather lacking about her deck...), and Judai is clueless as usual. I really liked the new character they introduced, "Boy." Although I get the feeling he's one of those one episode-only characters we'll probably not see ever again. Overall, a fun little episode!

summary

The story opens onboard a luxury cruise ship with a casino. A young man is seen playing poker with a older rich looking guy. The rich guy reveals his cards: a straight flush. He's confident he's won this one, but the younger guy reveals his cards: a royal straight flush.

Later on the deck, the older guy joins the young guy, calling him "Boy." He says there are probably few people who could compete against him in cards. Then he points to the island where Duel Academia is located as they pass by it on the ship, and explains to him the story of the 7 Stars, and how 7 selected duelists are battling against them to protect the 3 Legendary Demon cards. And never one to be left out of a card match, Boy jumps ship aboard a little jet ski boat and heads off to Duel Academia.

Meanwhile at the cliff's edge, Asuka approaches and brooding Judai, who says that Daitokuji must have left the island, since they haven't been able to find him after all this searching. Asuka wants to ask him questions, as to why he sent her brother off to the shadow games.

Boy has arrived on the island, and has found his way to the principal's office. He's arguing with Sameshima and Chronos, insisting that he should be one of the duelists chosen to fight against the 7 stars. Sameshima tries to play it off like he's ever heard of it, but Boy doesn't believe him. He says he'll stay in this office until they agree to let him duel. Chronos sends in his little band of enforcers to throw the guy out, but he tosses cards in their direction. The cards are apparently the same variety as the ones that Kaiba has, that can embed themselves into the backs of people's hands. *smirks* Some of the cards slash through Chronos's clothes. O__o

Asuka and Judai arrive in front of the office, where a small crowd has gathered. They say that someone's in there arguing with the principal, and she takes a peek, and apparently recognizes the Boy. She marches in and challenges him to a duel. She calls him Mitsuo-kun, and says that if he wins, she'll let him take her key and duel in her place. But if she wins, she gets to take the important thing he has away from him. He agrees. Sameshima and company have no idea what's going on...

* Duel *

Boy: He tucks in the red scarf he has in his shirt pocket, and Asuka glares at him... (the meaning of the scarf will be later revealed). He summons Gambler Angel Bunny in attack (atk: 1200). Shou is smitten by Bunny. Judai says: "I thought you were all about Black Magician Girl?" Shou replies, "Of..of course!"

Boy sets a m/t card and activates Bunny's special effect: flip a coin, and guess which face it lands on. If correct, inflict 1000 LP damage to opponent. If incorrect, 1000 LP damage to self. He flips and calls it wrong. But he's activated the card on his field, the continuous magic card Second Chance, which lets him flip a coin a second time. He can only activate this effect once per turn. He flips again, gets it correct. (Asuka LP: 3000). He sets a m/t.

Asuka: Summons Cyber Chu Chu in attack (atk: 1000). (I really like this card, for some reason ^__^) She activates her effect: this card can directly attack opponent if all monsters on opponent field have more atk than this card. But Boy activates his trap card Monster Box. He flips a coin, and if he's correct, the attacking opponent monster's atk goes to zero. He gets it incorrect the first time, but activates Second Chance to get it right. Asuka sets one m/t.

Asuka says that Mitsuo-kun hasn't changed at all. He demands that she not call him that. She says he's still the selfish, fake guy she remembers. Shou and Judai talk about it, and say maybe there is an aspect of fakeness in him that's not quite the 'gambler spirit' he claims he is.. since with Second Chance, he's boosting his gambling chances. There's a flashback to their history together. She says they were in 6th grade when he transferred to her school. Back then, he had a face of an angel, and yet she realized he was much more selfish and devious than he appeared. He would play cards with the other kids in class, betting his prized possessions against those of his classmates. And even if he lost, he always had an amble supply to bet. So he would keep betting them until he won, and eventually took away the other kids' prized possessions one by one.

Annoyed by Mitsuo's selfishness, Asuka challenged him to a game of Duel Monsters, betting her prized possession, a red scarf her mother gave her. He kept losing to her and she tells him he'll never win. But he gets angry and snatches the scarf away, saying it'll be his eventually anyways. He transfers away again, taking the scarf with him. Asuka's still angry about it, because it had great sentimental value to her.

Boy says this scarf has been his lucky charm since then, and that when he has it with him, he never loses a gamble.

The duel resumes..

Boy: Pays 500 LP for Monster Box's cost. (Boy LP: 3500). He activates Bunny's effect, and combined with Second Chance, inflicts 1000 LP damage. (Asuka LP: 2000). Summons another Bunny. This time, he doesn't activate her effect. He attacks Cyber Chu Chu with Bunny. Asuka activates trap card Double Passe, taking Bunny's attack to herself (Asuka LP: 800). Chu Chu now attacks Boy directly (Boy LP: 2500). Second Bunny attacks Chu Chu, destroying her (Asuka LP: 600).

Asuka: Sets one m/t. Activates Scape Goat.

Boy: Pays 500 LP cost for Monster Box (Boy LP: 2000). Summons Sand Gambler in attack (atk: 300). Activates his effect: toss a coin 3 times. If it's heads all 3 times, destroy all monsters on opponent field. If it's tails all 3 times, destroy all monster on your own field. With the help of Second Chance, he's able to pull off 3 heads, and destroys all Scape Goats. But Asuka activates the trap card Holy Life Barrier, which lets her discard one card from her hand and negate all LP damage this turn.

Asuka: Activates Warrior Returning Alive to take Chu Chu back from grave to hand. She summons it. Then she activates the instant magic card Prima's Light, which lets her sacrifice Chu Chu to summon Cyber Prima in attack (atk: 2300). She activates her effect: when this card is successfully summoned, destroy all magic card on opponent field. She destroys Second Chance.

She attacks Sand Gambler. Boy activates Monster Box, but without the Second Chance's effect, he misses. Asuka says he can't be a true gambler, because he lacks the confidence of getting it right when he only has once chance (thus, he didn't activate Bunny's effect when he had two of them on his field, because he wouldn't be able to use Second Chance for the second Bunny). Asuka attacks with Prima for the win.

* End Duel *

"Take it with you...my prized possession. The scarf that belonged to the girl I liked. I had really wanted it..." Boy says. "I'll give it back to you. Though now, I won't be able to make all or nothing bets anymore."

Sameshima, Chronos, Shou and Hayato all gush as Boy tosses the scarf to Asuka.

"Mituso-kun!" Asuka says.

"Not Mitsuo! Boy! Though...whichever is alright." He says as he walks away.

Judai is all excited about Asuka's victory. Hayato says, "But it looks there was no second chance at love."

"Eh?" Judai has no idea what he's talking about. And he yells at Boy's retreating back, "Great duel! Next time, duel me!" Boy doesn't look too happy with that prospect. ^___^

Next week: Shadow of the Seventh Person

Haven't run away, yet...

2005-07-22T11:42:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

I'm sorry I've been rather absent lately. I've been having a very busy summer, and haven't been able to keep with the blog. I really apologize, as I should have at least stopped by here to tell everyone about taking a hiatus, but kept hesitating to come. ^___^;;

I've been keeping up with the recent episodes, and I must say that the story is really getting interesting! Episode 42 was so sweet, I loved it. I'm thinking that after the end of this upcoming week, I might be able to come back here and start working on some more things here.

The question is, I'm not sure how far back I should go. I wonder if everyone has already been getting summaries elsewhere in any case, and wouldn't need any from me, at least of the later episodes? If you have any suggestions, please comment to this post and let me know.

Thanks, and sorry again! I'll drop in again maybe in a week. ^____^

Yugioh GX 33

2005-05-22T16:37:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 33: Shine! Shining Flare Wingman

thoughts

I am a blogging maniac today! Do you love me or what? ^___^

So I finally got around to watching this episode a few minutes ago. They certainly concluded the angst from last episode rather nicely and swiftly, though I expected to see it linger for a little while longer, perhaps. But then again, when the duel involves Judai and lives at stake, you already know what's got to happen.

Carmulla's actually a sympathetic character, and I felt a bit sorry that she had to go. Hm.

But I was happy to see everyone back and safe! Now, on to next week, where they all go to the hotsprings! XDD (must...contain...Manjoume fangirl inside...)

summary

An ominous cloud hangs over Duel Acadamia, as Sameshima looks out the window from his office. Two keys have already been taken, and the gates are beginning to open. The principal expresses concern over these developments. A sinister shadowy figure materializes on his TV screen to speak to him. The voice says that Sameshima should just give up and hand over the remaining five keys, but the principal adamantly insists that it's not over until the final combo has been played. "It's not my problem then, if everyone falls prey to the vampire...mwa ha ha..." the figure says before disappearing from the screen.

Over at the infirmary, Judai is having a rough time trying to sleep. Asuka watches over him and her brother, and despairs over Ryou. Her brother has finally returned, but now Ryou is the one who has been taken. The pendant around Fubuki's neck begins to glow, and his hand twitches. His eyes flutter open...

At the lake shore, Shou and Hayato are begging Daitokuji to save Ryou, because he's an expert in the shadow game. But Daitokuji insists that teaching and doing are quite different, and he's very reluctant...not to mention frightened out of his wits. Manjoume and Misawa are already waiting by the red carpet.

"Everyone...good for you for seeing off Manjoume Thunder," Manjoume says in a calm voice. Misawa says that logically, he should be the next to duel. But Asuka drives up in a speed boat to stop them. She says that only one person can duel Carmulla - Judai. Judai steps out of the boat, seemingly in better health. There's a flashback to the scene from the infirmary just as Fubuki wakes up. Fubuki had told them that Carmulla is ruthless even among the Seven Stars, and that to defeat her, you must have control over the shadow game. Judai now has Fubuki's half of the pendant as well, and he's prepared to challenge Carmulla.

Asuka says that though they don't understand the shadow games, there is no doubt that they exist. "You are right..." Manjoume says, looking down at the Chronos doll in his pocket. "Yes, true..." the doll squeaks.

They proceed into the castle, and Judai announces his presence. Carmulla is waiting for them. The duel begins...

* DUEL *

Judai: Fusion summons Tempester (atk: 2800) (wow, right from the start! Recall that Tempester is: Bubbleman, Featherman and Sparkman). The kids remark that he's going full speed from the very beginning, and Daitokuji nods, saying Judai plans to crush her before that killer card is played. Judai sets one m/t.

Carmulla: Activates Gate of Illusions. She tries to use all the souls of the peanut gallery as sacrifices to the card, and a dark cloud sweeps over them. She's quite certain that Judai couldn't choose their souls to be lost over winning. But Judai's pendant clasps together, forming one piece. A piercing light shines from it, and it drives out the dark cloud, negating the shadowy effects of Carmulla's shadow item (her choker). So she must sacrifice her own soul to the card (if she loses the duel), because the card is already in play. She destroys Tempester and then regains control over it, summoning it to her field. She summons Werewolf (atk: 1200) and attacks directly with Tempester. (Judai LP: 1200). The kids realize that if Werewolf's attack goes through, Judai's done for.

"He rushed the duel and made a mistake!" Manjoume says.

Judai activates trap card Cross Heart, which can be activated when he receives battle damage from his opponent. It allows him to gain control of the attacking monster. Tempester returns to his field.

"Hmph...that Judai has managed to survive it," Manjoume remarks, impressed.

"Seem so," Chronos doll squeaks.

Judai: Attacks and destroys Werewolf with Tempester. (Carmulla LP: 2400). She activates Werewolf's effect and special summons another Werewolf from her deck at +500 atk for a total of 1700. He sets one m/t.

"LP are at 1200 and 2400...the outcome has become uncertain," Daitokuji says. Shou looks back at him with a confused look, saying that it appears that he (Daitokuji) is enjoying himself too much. "Eh?? That's not true!" he says.

Carmulla: Activates Pot of Greed. She says that Judai hasn't experienced the true dangerousness of vampires: their immortality. She sacrifices Werewolf to summon Vampire Lord. She removes him from the game to special summon Vampire Genesis (atk: 3000). (Geez, doesn't she have any other moves? And how is this combo possible duel after duel? *rolls eyes*) She activates continuous magic Genesis Crisis, which lets her bring one undead monster from deck to hand once per turn. She takes this monster card and discard to grave to activate Genesis's effect: discard one undead monster from deck to grave in order to special summon one lower level monster of same subtype from grave. She special summons Werewolf. She activates Hurricane so all m/t on field return to players' hands (to stop Tempester's effect of escaping destruction by sacrificing one card from field).

They are all surprised that she seems to know so much about everyone's decks, and she tells them that her bats have reported everything to her. "Don't say I'm cruel...the battle has begun even before the duel," she laughs.

She attacks and destroys Tempester with Genesis, then attacks directly with Werewolf. This should've been the end for Judai, but the trap card that returned to his hand can be activated when it returns to the player's hand. This card (Insurance) raises the player's LP by 500 upon activation. (Judai LP: 300).

She activates Genesis Crisis one more time and ends.

Judai tells Carmulla that she's strong enough, and shouldn't have to rely on the shadow powers to duel. But she says dueling has no meaning for her. There's a flashback to medival times, when vampires still existed. She says that humans hated her kind, and hunted them down and killed them off. She despaired, and went into an eternal slumber. But one day, a shadowy figure appeared to her, and told her that she could use the power of the shadow game to bring back her brethren.

She says that each doll she collects brings her closer to reviving her loved ones. Thus, defeat is not an option, and she will use any means necessary to win. And that once vampires have revived, they will exact revenge upon humankind. Judai realizes that there is much more at stake here than he imagined. But he says he cannot lose, either, for there is much on the line for his friends as well.

Judai: Activates Pot of Greed. Activates Dark Assembly Line, which lets him bring two normal monsters from his grave to his hand. He chooses Featherman and Sparkman. Activates field magic Fusion Gate. Fusion summons Flame Wingman, then does an additional fusion with Flame Wingman and Sparkman to summon Shining Flare Wingman (atl: 2500).

Carmulla is shocked, because she doesn't remember seeing this card before. Judai says that he put it in his deck as a spur of the moment thing, because he thought it was fitting to use a shining monster to fight a shadow game.

Shining Flare Wingman's effect boosts his atk by 300 for every E-Hero in the grave. There's two (Tempester and Bubbleman), bringing him to 3100. Judai declares that dark monsters - vampires - become ash with the morning light. "Go! Shine upon them with the ultimate light! Shining Shoot!" He attacks and destroys Genesis, destroying Werewolf in the process because of Genesis Crisis's effect. Shining Flare Wingman has the same effect as Flame Wingman - inflict LP damage equal to the atk of monsters it destroys. Carmulla is toast.

* End Duel *

The Gate rises up behind her, and opens. A clawed hand reaches out and grabs her by the neck, pulling out her soul and dragging it into its door, screaming. Carmulla's empty shell of a body shudders and turns to dust, as the Ryou doll and her choker fall to the ground.

Judai looks on in horror: "Are you serious??"

The Ryou doll transforms back into its human form...and meanwhile, Chronos has also been revived, and he's clinging to a very annoyed looking Manjoume. "Senor Manjoume!" he pleads. "Get the hell off of me!" Manjoume yells, as the group makes a break for it - for the castle is crumbling to the ground.

By the lake shore again, and the sky clears up, bringing sunlight and peace back to the scenery. Asuka remarks that it was like watching a nightmare...

"It was no nightmare..." Judai says as he looks at the choker that Misawa hands to him. "And more dangerous people will come..."

Next episode: The Heart of the Traveler! Blue Eyes White Dragon

Yugioh GX 32

2005-05-22T13:28:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 32: Kaiser vs. Carmulla: Activate the Door of Illusions

thoughts

Ok...whoa! Total angst! I never expected Yugioh GX to take this turn, though I suppose it was inevitable, with the revival of the shadow games. But still, it was completely unexpected for me, especially since Kaiser is...well, The Kaiser! I was pretty shocked by the outcome. What about everyone else? I truly wish it didn't have to end this way, and I'm so sad for Shou and Ryou and all the rest of them. It was reminiscent of Kaiba's sacrifice for Mokuba back in the old school Yugioh world, when he choose defeat in order to take up Mokuba's soul. Such brotherly love! Guess it's always going to be a prominent theme in this series. I loved it. But still v sad indeed. -__-

summary

All the students are gathered by Judai's bedside. Judai's still pretty angry about what's happened to Chronos, as Manjoume looks down sadly at the Chronos doll in his hand. "What do we have to do to bring him back?" Judai asks desperately. Datokuji replies that it looks like they must win in a shadow game in order to do that. "But if you lose...you become a doll! I don't wanna...!" he freaks out, gripping tightly at Pharaoh in his arms. The cat jumps out of his arms in surprise.

Daitokuji jumps under the bed in fear, and says that if an invite for him arrives from Carmulla, "tell her I'll be absent!" Misawa quietly observes that shadow games do exist, afterall... Asuka ponders on this, saying it's a duel where one must put their life and soul on the line.

"Damn it! So we gotta win, right??" Judai says.

"Gotta win? Then it's simple!!" Manjoume grabs the covers and throws them over Judai's face. "Then leave it to me, Manjoume-san!

"No, I'm next!" Judai insists, sitting up in bed and tossing the covers from his face.

"Shut up! You're injured, so keep quiet!" Manjoume says with frustration, yanking the covers over him again. He pushes him back to the bed.

"You're too rough with him, Manjoume-kun!" Shou says.

"If you're whining even before the fight, then you're just gonna get in the way," Manjoume insists.

"Who's in the way?" Misawa counters dangerously. "I'm not gonna run away! Whoever it is, and whether it's a shadow game or not...I will win!"

Manjoume: "Hmph."

Judai: (in a muffled voice from under the covers) "That's what I was gonna saaaaay!!"

Manjoume: "Shut up!!"

Judai: (small voice) "Ok..."

Asuka stands up and says that shadow games are indeed dangerous...but that is exactly why one cannot lose. Judai complains that everyone keeps stealing all the words from his mouth... Ryou steps out of the room, and Shou follows after him.

Shou asks, "You're no planning on fighting those scary people, are you?" He looks really concerned. Ryou just smiles affectionately at him and walks off.

Carmulla's bats are watching, and she still has her sights on Ryou...

Back at his dorm, Manjoume's sorting through his deck. For some reason, he is holding on to the Chronos doll, and it's sitting on top of his desk. Ojama Yellow materializes and says "Do your best, Aniki!" whilst rubbing his butt in Manjoume's face. For his efforts, Ojama gets smacked across the room. "What do you want, attack points zero??" Manjoume says in frustration.

"That's no my name! It's Ojama Yellow!" Ojama flies back to Manjoume's side and reassures him, "for I am by your side." Ojama gets smacked back across the room, this time landing on top of the doll, and he can hear a "meep, that hurts!" in a distinctly Chronos accent. Ojama knees beside the doll and pokes at it, and it yelps, "That tickles!"

Manjoume realizes that Chronos isn't quite dead... He hears the rustling of bats in the sky, and he runs outside. He follows after them. The other kids have seen it too, and have now gathered in front of the lake. They bravely venture forward, across the red carpet that's still floating on the surface of the water.

Once inside the dark castle, Carmulla welcomes them. Judai says he's her opponent, but Manjoume steps up, insisting it should be him. "No, me!" Misawa says. "I don't have time for little boys and that girl." Carmulla drawls. "Who's a little boy?" Misawa demands, whipping back to look at Manjoume. "Why are you looking at me??" Manjoume yells.

But this time, Ryou is determined to take down Carmulla himself. The rules are the same...loser gets sealed into a doll. The duel begins...

* DUEL *

Carmulla: Summons Vampire Lady in defense. (def: 1550). Sets one m/t.

Ryou: Activates Power Bond to fusion summon Cyber End Dragon (atk: 4000). (Um...wow, he has the miraculous draw of Kaiba, it appears. He had all 3 Cyber Dragons in his hand!). Atk points double to 8000 by Power Bond's effect. Shou thinks to himself that his brother always respects his opponents, and gives it his all in a duel. But thinks that today, it's different: his brother is truly angry.

He attacks Vampire Lady (recall, Cyber End's trample ability. If this attack goes through, he could win it in one turn). She activates her trap card Red Moon of Deception. This lets her negate the attack, end battle phase, and add the attacking monster's atk points to her LP. But Ryou activates Defusion from his hand, separating Cyber End into 3 Cyber Dragons, canceling the attack. He sets one m/t.

Everyone's pretty impressed by Kaiser's dueling prowess. Carmulla's impressed as well, and says he's got what it takes to have landed in her sights. "Sorry, but I have my taste also," Ryou replies. "How cold...but that makes it even more amusing for me when you are mine," Carmulla says.

Carmulla: Sacrifices Vampire Lady to summon Vampire Lord. Removes him from the game to special summon Vampire Genesis. She praises Ryou for his combo, but says that he's obviously at a disadvantage, since he's lost his key card. Attacks one Cyber Dragon with Genesis. Ryou says that he's been sorely underestimated, if she thinks that Cyber End is all he's got.

He activates trap card Attack Reflector Unit, which lets him sacrifice his Cyber Dragon and summon in its place Cyber Barrier Dragon (atk: 800). When this monster is in atk position, negate opponent's attack once per turn.

Ryou: Activates Pot of Greed. Activates instant magic Photon Generator Unit. Sacrifices 2 Cyber Dragons to special summon Cyber Laser Dragon (atk: 2400). This monster lets you destroy a monster with more def or atk points than itself once per turn. He destroys Genesis by this effect. Directly attacks with both his monsters. (Carmulla LP: 800). Sets one m/t.

Carmulla: Her face is getting weird again. She activates Gate of Illusions from her hand. This is a card that no one has ever seen before. It allows her to destroy all monsters on opponent's field. This card also lets her summon without drawbacks any monster that has been used during this duel. She chooses Cyber End Dragon (it's at atk: 4000). In exchange, she must sacrifice her soul to the card if she loses. But she decides to use Shou's soul in her place. Ryou tells him to run, but it's too late...she nabs poor Shou, and uses him as her shield... She tells him that if she loses, Shou's soul will never be able to return to this world.

Ryou's face down card is Call of the Living Dead. If he activates it and brings back Cyber Barrier Dragon, he could live out one more turn. But he realizes that even if he did this, it would make no difference for Shou.

Shou and Ryou have at touching exchange here, where Shou tells his brother not to sacrifice himself for a no-good brother like himself. He says that he's just an embarrassment for Ryou, being a drop out boy from Osiris Red. Ryou tells him he has improved his duel, so much so that it can't even compare to his past duels. "Have more confidence in yourself," he says to him, "Do your best in the future too, Shou..."

Ryou rests his hands at his side. "NO, Oniisan!!" Shou screams.

Carmulla attacks with Cyber End Dragon, wiping out Ryou's LP in one move... His soul is sealed into the doll, and his body dissipates into the shadows.

"The key and doll are mine. I shall take good care of them..." Carmulla laughs as she disappears.

By the lake's shore, Shou cries for his brother. Judai angrily shouts into the air: "Duels are supposed to be fun, right? Why does Shou have to cry? Why does this have to happen to Kaiser? I will never forgive those who made us duel this way! I'm gonna win, and bring back all the souls that were taken! Shit! Just you wait, Carmulla...just you wait, Seven Stars! Your next opponent is... ME!"

Next episode: Shine! Shining Flare Wingman

Yugioh GX 31

2005-05-22T09:59:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 31: Chronos vs. Vampire Carmulla

thoughts

Um....yeah, so sorry for the delay, but I'm finally getting around to updating my blog. Thanks for your patience! I had a slight detour also known as final exams (or four exams and a paper, to be exact), and after that, I was a little too drained to even think about writing summaries. I hope to get my backlog done this weekend.

So...episode 31. To those of you who have never liked Chronos, this may be a turning point. I've always enjoyed his silly antics and the crazy things that he always says ("Gorgonzola Cheese!"), but never really thought of him as a serious character. But he really shows his true colors in this episode, and I loved him for that. He's actually quite a deep character, who sincerely cares about his students, and goes out with a bang. His steadfast philosophy of believing in the "light" versus darkness is very touching.

summary

The episode opens at sea, with a gondola floating seemingly aimlessly. Onboard is a single casket, and it opens slowly to reveal a vampire lady. She curls her lips in a sinister smirk, as her bats fly off...

Judai wakes up with a start. He's in the infirmary bed, and he looks like he's in pain. Shou's sitting beside him, concerned. Judai says he just had a bad dream. His teacher (a woman - I forget her name), walks up as she notices that he's awakened. He asks about Asuka's brother, and she responds that he still hasn't regained consciousness, but he's hanging in there. (Fubuki is resting in a bed in the same room, with Asuka by his side).

Scene switches back to the vampire lady, who commands her bats to fly off and do their thing. "I shall not go in the same way as Darkness," she says.

Next day, rumors abound in the school about the appearance of a vampire lady. People are pretty spooked. The students entrusted with the keys have been summoned to Sameshima's office to discuss this matter, and Manjoume's really surprised by the news. "Vampire??" he says, wide-eyed. They find it hard to believe, but the principal warns that they should all be careful.

Later, all the kids are going through their decks, preparing for battle...but they don't realize that bats are spying on their moves, reporting back to the vampire lady the contents of their decks...

At the infirmary, Asuka asks about Judai, and Shou responds that he hasn't woken up since that one time last night when he regained consciousness. Asuka replies that her brother hasn't woken either, but she's glad he's alive. She wonders to herself how long these duels are going to last.

Meanwhile, the vamp herself is soaking in the tub hearing the reports back from her bats. It looks like she's chosen Ryou as her target.

Nightfall, and the group has gathered once again at Sameshima's office. "We're ready," Manjoume says proudly. Hayato runs in, panicked, saying she's appeared at the banks of the lake. They go out to investigate. A red carpet slides out over the surface of the lake towards them.

"Is this what they call the virgin road?" Manjoume asks.

"I don't think so," Daitokuji replies.

"She's calling to us," Ryou says. Everyone freaks out. "We have no choice but rise to the challenge."

"Who will go?" Manjoume asks, as the teachers cower behind the students. (Hehe...looks like the kids are braver than the adults!). In his haste to hide, Chronos trips and jumps out in front of everyone, and they mistakenly think he's volunteered himself for the job. They are all so impressed, that he can't very well back down now. So he reluctantly accepts the challenge.

(Hayato meanwhile runs over to the infirmary to inform Asuka, Shou and Judai (who's now awake) that Chronos will be dueling the next shadow game).

Chronos is obviously really scared, and Manjoume asks him, "Are you alright? You're trembling!"

The vampire appears before them, and introduces herself as Carmulla. She's disappointed that it's Chronos, not Ryou, but grudgingly decides to duel him...but not before warning that the loser will have their soul locked inside a doll.

Chronos adamantly denies the existence of shadow games. The duel begins...

* DUEL *

Carmulla: Summons Immortal Werewolf in atk (atk: 1200). Sets one m/t.

Chronos: Activates continuous magic card Antique Gear Castle. Summons Antique Gear Soldier in atk (atk: 1300). Its atk goes up by 300 to 1600 by Castle's effect (increase atk of all monsters with "Antique" in its name). Ryou also notes that Solider has an effect of its own - when attacking, the opponent can't activate any traps or magic cards. Chronos attacks Werewolf with Soldier. (Carmulla LP: 3600). Carmulla activates Werewolf's special ability: when destroyed in battle, special summon a card with the same name from deck with +500 atk.

Chronos looks surprised by this, and Manjoume says, "Hey hey, don't tell me you didn't know?" But Chronos plays it off, saying of course he knew, it's all part of his plan. He sets one m/t.

Carmulla: Summons Vampire Bats in atk (atk: 800). When this card is on her field, all her undead subtype monsters get a 200 atk boost. (So bats are at 1000, and werewolf at 1900). Attacks and destroys Solider with Werewolf. (Chronos LP: 3700). Attacks directly with Bats (Chronos LP: 2700). Chronos feels great pain, and wonders to himself if this is the effect of the shadow game.

Carmulla says in a bored tone that this is no fun at all...she'd much rather have dueled Ryou. It's no too late to change, she says.

Chronos stands up and announces that Ryou is his precious student, and that he won't let her lay a finger on him! And besides, he says with determination: as the person vested with the most responsibility for Duel Acadamia's dueling program, he can never accept the existence of the shadow games.

"But you're a mess," Manjoume nicely points out.

"No worries!" Chronos says, "I will bury the darkness with the light." He activates trap card Damage Condenser, which lets him special summon one monster from his deck in attack position with less atk points than the LP damage he just received this turn (1300). He special summons Antique Gear Solider. (atk 1300, ups to 1600 by Castle's effect).

Chronos: Sacrifices Solider to summon Antique Gear Beast (atk: 2000, ups to 2300). Attacks and destroys Werewolf with Beast. Monsters destroyed by Beast can't activate their special effects. (Carmulla LP: 3200). Chronos gloats that the illusion of shadow games will be no more. The students smirk and say that he's gonna deny it to the end.

Carmulla: Activates field magic Immortal Kingdom Hellvania. She can destroy all monsters on the field by discarding one undead monster from her hand. Manjoume points out that this destroys her monsters as well, and that she won't be able to normal summon after activating this effect. But Bats have an effect: when this card is destroyed, send one card with the same name from deck to grave to negate destruction. She activates Hellvania's effect by sending Vampire Lord from her hand to grave, and destroys all monsters on field except Bats (she activates Bats effect to keep it on the field). Direct attack with Bats (Chronos LP: 1700). He's experiencing a lot of pain, again.

Chronos rebukes himself for making the same mistake again, and tells his students to use him as the model for what not to do. He falls to the ground.

"I should've been the one to duel!" Ryou says.

Carmulla says she's disappointed that they would thrust such a sorry duelist at her.

"That's not true!" Judai's voice calls out from behind them. He's being carried by Hayato, and arrives with Shou and Asuka. "Chronos is strong! I have fought him so I know. Chronos sensei, show us your turn!" he says.

Chronos struggles to stand up. He says he can never be defeated by a shadow duel. "This is because duels give youth hope and light, not fear and darkness!"

"So that is what he was saying...that shadow games do not exist..." Misawa says.

"...that they cannot be allowed to exist," Ryou finishes.

Chronos: Summons Antique Gear Gollem (atk: 3000). He can summon it without sacrifices due to Castle's effect. Sacrifice this card to summon a high level Antique monster that requires the same amount of sacrifices as the number of turns this card has been on the field. Castle was on the field for 2 turns, so Chronos can summon Gear Gollem, which normally requires 2 sacrifices. Attacks Bats with Gear Gollem. (Carmulla LP: 1200). Bats are destroyed, but come back due to its effect. Chronos activates Heavy Storm to destroy all magic and traps on the field.
Carmulla's face gets all creepy and she activates trap card Undead Bed, which can be activated only when it's destroyed. By its effect, she special summons Werewolf in atk.

Carmulla: Activates magic card Book of Life, which lets her special summon Vampire Lord from grave (atk 2000 ups to 2200 by Bats effect). This card also lets her remove Beast from Chronos's grave from the game. By removing Vampire Lord from the game, she summons Vampire Genesis (atk 3000 ups to 3200).

"Watch carefully, and promise me..." Chronos says. "Even if you are defeated in a shadow game, darkness cannot surpass the light. Believe in this, and never yield your heart. Promise me."

Carmulla attacks Gollem with Genesis, then directly attacks with her other two monsters for the win.

* End Duel *

Everyone is shocked.

"You looked real cool...Chronos sensei..." Judai says.

Chronos is indeed sealed into a doll. Judai gets really angry, but Ryou stops him from stepping up. Carmulla says she will send a special invitation eventually... A castle materializes from the far reaches of the lake, as she disappears...

Next episode: Kaiser vs. Carmulla: Activate the Door of Illusions

Yugioh GX 30

2005-05-01T23:53:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 30: vs. Darkness (part 2)
The Attack of the Red Eyes Black Dragon

thoughts

Wow, very good episode indeed! I really enjoyed this latest installment of the seven assassins story. It obviously turns out that Darkness is Asuka's brother Fubuki. Quite an interesting twist, for it seems he was possessed by another soul, which ends up being sealed away in the card. I still don't understand how she could NOT know who he was, despite the silly mask, but I guess we just have to suspend our disbelief on that. But aside from her inexplicable blanking out of recognizing her own brother, Asuka has really moved up a few notches in my book. I liked her as a character, but she didn't seem to stand out until this episode, when she offers herself to be sealed off in place of Judai. It was very courageous and noble.

Just a note before I go on to the summary - I will be quite busy for the next few weeks, so my updates are going to be slow. Please bear with me. And thanks for reading, as always. Comments are always welcome! ^__^

summary

The duel continues from where it left off last week...

Darkness LP - 3000
Monster - REBD
m/t - none

Judai LP - 700
Monster - Rampart Gunner
m/t - Attachment Dragon (equip to Rampart)

Judai: Activates Pot of Greed. Draws two. Activates Defusion and Rampart becomes Burst Lady and Clayman. The Attachment Dragon gets sent to Darkness's grave. Activates Fusion Sage, and brings Fusion from deck to hand. Fusions Clayman and Sparkman (from hand) to summon Thunder Giant. Attacks and destroys REBD with Giant, destroying Giant along with it. Direct attack with Burst Lady (Darkness LP: 1800). Finally, he activates Mirage of Nightmares, sets 1 m/t.

Darkness: Draws. Judai activates Mirage's effect, drawing 4 cards. He then activates facedown card Emergency Rations, destroys Mirage, ups his LP to 1700. (Ok, is anyone else tired of this combo?? How in the world does he pull it off every single time? This is the third time I've seen this! I'm not a duelist, but I would think that it's rare you should have this combo to pull every time. Geez). Darkness summons Mirage Dragon (atk: 1600). Attacks and destroys Burst Lady (Judai LP: 1300).

Judai: Summons Bubbleman. He has no other card on the field, so he activates his effect, drawing 2 more cards. Activates Silent Dead from hand, summoning Sparkman from grave. Activates Fusion Gate. Fusion summons Tempester. Attacks and destroys Mirage Dragon (Darkness LP: 600).

Judai's pretty happy with the tables having turned, but Darkness is not phased. He says these mid-way results mean nothing in a shadow game - what matters is who's left standing at the end. Judai declares that he may be right - but that the "I will be one who will be left standing at the end." Sets 1 m/t.

Darkness: He draws. "I can hear it... the voices of my dragons whisper to me from the grave," he says in a sinister voice. Judai is really creeped out by this statement. Flames in the shape of dragons flare up around them. Darkness continues, by saying that his dragons beg to come forth once again and burn the earth with their smoldering fire. And he says he will summon the ultimate dragon that will fulfill their desire. He summons Black Dragon Chick in atk. He activates its effect - send to graveyard to special summon REBD from hand. He then sacrifices REBD to special summon Red Eyes Darkness Dragon (atk 2400). By its effect, its atk goes up by 300 for every dragon in his grave. (atk 4500). He attacks. Judai activate Negate Attack.

Meanwhile, on the pier, Ryou says he can "sense" something. He looks toward the volcano with a concerned expression. Misawa and Manjoume have also sensed it. (Manjoume argues with Ojama Yellow about the eeriness). Chronos is fast asleep and doesn't know. But Datokuji, who's holding the key pendant (and not wearing it around his neck like everyone else), silently looks on toward the mountain. Sameshima is worried that he's put too much of a burden on the children...but that it can't be helped. "Please, protect the seven keys," he says.

Judai: Summons Friendock in def. Puts Tempester in def.

Darkness: He taunts Judai, saying staying in defense won't help his pitiful friends, who await their death. Hayato and Shou tell Judai not to worry about them, and to concentrate on his duel. Judai tells them to hang in there, because he's going to save them. "Are you done saying your goodbyes?" Darkness says. "Hurry up and draw," Judai responds.

Darknes summons Spear Dragon (atk 1900). Attacks and destroys Friendock (Judai LP: 600, by Spear Dragon's trample effect). Judai takes back an E-Hero and fusion from his deck by Friendock's effect. Spear goes into def (def 0). To stop Judai from activating Tempester's effect (save this card from destruction by sacrificing one m/t card on the field), Darkness uses Cyclone to wipe out Fusion Gate. Attacks and destroys Tempester by REDD.

Judai collapses to the ground, to everyone's dismay. Asuka steps up and tells Darkness to stop this. "And you are?" Darkness asks. "Tenjoin Asuka. I have a key too. I will give you this if you let Judai, Shou and Hayato go," she replies.

"Asuka..." the thought runs through Darkness's mind.

Asuka goes on to say, "I will be sealed off in that card,"

"Wait...Asuka...I can't give this passionate duel up," Judai says, crawling back up. "I still have cards left!" The lava starts to bubble over rapidly, threatening to engulf Shou and Hayato.

Judai: Summons Wildman in atk. He activates the magic card Wild Half, which can be activated only when Wildman is on his field. It lowers opponent monster's atk to one half of its original atk, and special summons one token of the same nature to opponent's field. REDD goes to a base atk of 1200, and now there's a token with the same qualities too. Even so, their atk is still at 3300 due to REDD's effect. He fusions Wildman and Edge man to special summon Wild Juggyman (sp?) (atk 2600). This monster can attack each opponent monster once. He activates Skyscraper. Juggyman goes up to 3600. He attacks with Juggyman for the win.

* End Duel *

Shou, Hayato and Asuka wake up on the rocky mountain side and find Judai unconscious. He's injured, by doesn't seem to be dying. Asuka notices that Darkness is also lying a ways off. She picks up the card nearby. It is an empty card, but as she watches, an image of the mask behind chains appears on it, signifying the trapped soul. She goes over to Darkness's side, and Darkness wakes up and looks at her, stammering "Asuka..." before dropping off into unconsciousness again. Asuka realizes who it is, at last, and holds him close.

Ryou, Manjoume and Misawa run up and discover what's happened. Asuka meets them in tears, saying that a different soul had been inside, and now that it's sealed away, the original soul has returned to its body.

"Don't you see? It is my brother, Fubuki..."

The kids stand there, stunned, as daylight breaks slowly over the horizon...

Next Episode: Chronos vs. Vampire Carmulla
(Yes, that's a 'u' not 'i') ^__^;;

Since Last Goodbye

2005-04-25T16:09:00.000-05:00

Since Last Goodbye - Lyrics translation
Tezuka Kunimitsu character single

This was one of the first Prince of Tennis character singles I really got into... And I have to say that I listened to it to death. I can never get enough of Tezuka's mellow, beautiful voice! This song is performed by Tezuka's excellent VA, Okiayu Ryoutarou (who currently plays Kuchiki Byakuya on Bleach).

Translated by athena.

~~~ * ~~~ * ~~~ * ~~~

Since Last Goodbye

So many seasons have passed
Since we left each other's side
Yet here I am now, gazing at you

This chance reunion
Came about with no warning...
A gift brought in on a gentle breeze

Last Goodbye
You speak of sad memories
With a smile on your face
Though you had always been
A cry baby before

"If we want to meet again,
Then it will happen"
You had said, as you cried
You have become so much stronger since then...

The early blooming flowers dance
On this tranquil day
And here I am now, gazing at you

I stand here listening to your voice,
Unable to call you by the name
I had used when we first met...

Last Goodbye
I only realized what I had after losing it
And the last lies I told
Bring me no comfort still

"If we want to meet again,
Then it will happen"
You said with a smile, as we parted
You have become so much stronger...

"If we want to meet again,
Then it will happen"
You had said, as you cried
You have become so much stronger since then...

Yugioh GX 29

2005-04-21T20:38:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 29: vs. Darkness (part 1) -
The Challenge from Red Eyes Black Dragon

thoughts

Hmm....intriguing. The plot thickens, as the story takes a more sinister turn. I think people who have been clamoring for a "real" plot might begin to enjoy this new adventure for our GX characters, as they tackle the mysterious group of 7 assassins who are apparently bent on world domination. Hah. Well, it seems that the "dueling just for fun" attitude isn't going to fly anymore for Judai. Although the "taking over the world" stuff sounds pretty far fetched and cliche, I think this should prove to be an interesting twist in the story, which up until now hasn't had too much of a focus. I'm looking forward to more...

summary

So the episode begins in a dark cavern, where a group of shadowy figures are meeting to discuss their plans. The seeming leader figure ominously announces that the time has finally arrived...and that those gathered have pledged to help him bring about destiny. "Who will destroy the first one?" he asks. A figure steps forward and volunteers... "Darkness..." the leader utters his name...

Darkness takes off into the night sky on a hang glider that looks a lot like the bat signal. It begins to storm pretty badly outside. He's spotted in the air by Marufuji Ryou and Asuka, who have been having a conversation on the pier. (They weren't really talking about much... Ryou just tells Asuka that her expression has gotten softer lately...and that it's a good thing. Aww....!) Sameshima also spots the hang glider, and notes that "they have come, just as I had been informed."

Darkness alights upon a rocky hill top, and tosses aside his glider, which goes up in flames..inexplicably. He's got the other half of that pendant we saw in the last episode hanging from his neck. It begins to glow..

Over at the Osiris dorm, Judai's pendant is also glowing, but he's so far gone in sleep that he doesn't notice it. Shou and Hayato are amazed that the kid can sleep through a storm as bad as this. They don't notice his glowing pendant..

Next day at Duel Acadamia, Judai is sleeping in class again, and gets up in time to partake in his lunch... but Daitokuji tells him he will have to postpone his meal, because the Principal wants to talk to him. His friends fear that maybe he's done something wrong again and going to be expelled.. Manjoume gets up and cackles, saying, "Well, it was short time, but it was nice knowin' ya. Sayonara!" (By the way, he's still wearing his hot outfit from North School. Whee!! No Osiris red for him!) But Daitokuji tells Manjoume that he, too, is being called to the office. (Manjoume: "Ehh??") And while he's at it, he tells Misawa and Asuka the same.

They all gather at the office, along with Chronos and Ryou. Chronos makes another odd ball comment ("Tiramisu fuumi!" - or tiramisu flavor!) and looks at Judai, saying that there's someone here who doesn't really belong in this group. Judai smiles at Manjoume and says, "Don't worry about it, Thunder." Manjoume counters with, "He's talking about you!" XD They're so adorable..

So in the office, Sameshima explains the story of the Three Legendary Demon cards. (FYI: He calls them "san-gen-ma." This is like "san-gen-shin" - or Three Legendary Gods, only instead of god, he uses the word for demon, or magic. I'm assuming he means demon. I'll correct myself later if I'm mistaken. ^_^;;) He says these three cards have been sealed within this island since ancient times.

Judai: "Eh? Has this school been here that long?"

Manjoume: "Shut up and pay attention!"

Sameshima goes on to say that this school is built on top of the place where the cards have been sealed. He says that they are buried deep underground, and that according to legend, if these cards are ever brought out to the surface, the world will be enveloped in evil and that the darkness within people will be released. This will mark the destruction of the world...that is how powerful these cards are. Sameshima says that people have arrived to unseal the cards - 7 assassins / duelists that call themselves the Seven Stars. He says there is little known about this group..but he knows that one of them has already arrived on this island.

Asuka asks how they plan to unseal the cards, and Sameshima explains that the cards are protected by seven stone gates, which can only be opened by a key. He opens a box, and reveals seven pendants, which he says are these very keys. He asks that each of them take one and protect it. For as the ritual goes, the seven assassins will come for each of them and challenge them for the key. He pleads for them to keep these keys safe...

Judai figures that the first guy will always come after the strongest of the group...which of course must be..him! Heh. (Chronos taunts Judai, saying it couldn't be him, for according to his sources, he's lost miserably to Ryou.. but Manjoume has a come back, saying "So you say, and yet you lost to Judai as well..")

Judai later comes to his more modest senses, and figures that he'll probably go after Kaiser first. He falls asleep quite soundly, considering the circumstances. Asuka, meantime, had figured that they will likely come for the weakest link, too. And although Judai is a strong duelist, they will come for him first because he's in red. So she's rushing to his dorm, when she sees a strange light coming from inside. She rushes forward.

Meanwhile, Judai has been woken up by Hane Kuribo, and he realizes that there's an odd light coming into his room. He tries to wake Shou and Hayato, to no avail. Asuka rushes inside, and the light increases.. The two of them wake up to find themselves standing on a lighted disk that's floating over lava. Darkness arrives in a flare of heat, and challenges Judai to a duel.. He says he has been guided here by the pendant.

He points down to reveal that further in the lava pit, Hayato and Shou are trapped inside a lighted bubble. The longer they stay there, the quicker the walls of that bubble will begin to disintigrate. He says that if Judai wants to save his friends, he'll have to win this shadow duel. He also says that the loser of the duel will have his soul sealed away in a card...

* DUEL *

Darkness: Summons Army Dragon in def (def: 800). Sets one m/t.

Judai: Summons Wildman in atk (atk: 1500). Attacks and destroys Army Dragon. Darkness activates this monster's effect - when goes to the grave, special summon another Army Dragon from deck.

Darkness: Activates trap card Call of the Living Dead to summon back Army Dragon (atk: 700). He sacrifices both monsters to summon Red Eyes Black Dragon (atk: 2400). He attacks and destroys Wildman. (Judai LP: 3100).

Hayato knocks at the wall in the bubble to make sure it'll hold, but the walls have already begun to fall away...

Judai: Fusion summons Rampart Gunner in def. Activates her ability to directly attack from def position using half her atk. (Darkness LP: 3000).

Darkness: Activates magic card Dark Mega Flare, which lets him inflict direct damage to Judai equal to REBD's atk when REBD is on his field. (Judai LP: 700). Summons Attachment Dragon (atk: 100). Activates its effect to convert it into a equip card on opponent monster, forcing it to change positions. He has thus effectively sealed off Rampart's special ability.

The walls protecting Shou and Hayato continues to dissolve... "I'm not gonna lose!!" Judai thinks to himself. "Draw!!"

The episode ends to some rockin' background music...

Next Week: vs. Darkness (part 2) - Attack of the Red Eyes Black Dragon

Yugioh GX 28

2005-04-15T22:35:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 28: The Extra Curricular Class -
Is a Shadow Duel? (part 2)

thoughts

Um....yeah, Judai pulls another fast one. Nuf said.

The good thing is, this sets up the next story line, and I'm intrigued about who the owner of the other half of the pendant is. (Fubuki?)

Oh, and *Manjoume!* will be in the next episode. Yay!

summary

The duel continues...

Tomb Keeper (TK) LP: 900
Monsters: Tomb Keeper's Sorceror (1300 atk), Tomb Keeper's Assassin (2000 atk)

Judai LP: 1000
Monsters: none
M/T: one

Asuka and company are still panicking in their caskets below, and urge Judai to try his best. Daitokuji chuckles to himself, thinking that this shadow game is exactly what is needed to bring out Judai's true capabilities, and he's eager to witness it. Only, he can't see because the lid to his casket is blocking his view, gah!

Judai: Summons Hane Kuribo in def.

TK: Attacks Kuribo with Assassin. Judai activates instant magic Wings of Evolution, transforming Kuribo into LVL 10 by discarding 2 cards from his hand. But TK activates the effect of his monster Tomb Keeper's Overseer from his hand. By discarding this card to his hand, he can negate the activation of Judai's magic (presumably because this magic card involved the discarding of cards). He destroys Kuribo. He taunts Judai, asking him if he's got any moves, now that his small fry monster has been destroyed. Judai isn't pleased.

Judai: Activates Pot of Greed. Summons Dark Catapulter in def (1500 def). Activates magic card Mirage of Nightmares. Sets 3 m/t. Judai thinks to himself that he can reverse this situation, by destroying Necro Valley with Dark Catapulter's effect, and calling into his hand a good combo using Mirage.

TK: Draws. Judai activates Mirage's effect, drawing cards until his hand is 4. TK notes that even if he drew good cards, it's meaningless in a shadow duel. He sacrifices Sorceror to summon himself, Leader of the Tomb Keepers (original atk 1900, ups to 2400 by Necro Valley). As long as this card is on his field, his graveyard isn't affected by Necro Valley. And he can also special summon one Tomb Keeper monster from his grave. He special summons Long Spear Soldier (atk 1500 --> 2000). He activates a trap card Ritual of Spiritual Summons, which lets him special summon a Tomb Keeper from the grave, without regard to Necro Valley's effect. He special summons Sorceror. When this card is summoned, flip summoned or special summoned, it inflicts 500 LP damage to opponent. (Judai LP: 500).

Although the pain courses through Judai from the shadow game's effect, he stands up unphased, saying he's got a dream - to become the king of duelists. He's inspired by Yugi, who had battled through lots of shadow games. TK attacks with Assassin, after changing Catapulter into atk by her effect. Assassin hesitates as she attack, much to the anger of TK. Judai activates the magic card Emergency Rations and sacrifices one face down m/t card on his field to increase his LP (Judai LP: 2500). Catapulter is destroyed (Judai LP 1500). TK smacks the Assassin for her hesitation, and Judai gets angry, saying he hates people who disrespect their monsters.

TK continues his attack. He attacks with himself, and Judai activates the trap Drain Shield, negating one monter's attack, and increasing his LP by that monter's atk points. (Judai LP: 3900). Direct attack with Sorceror and Long Spear. (Judai LP: 600). Activates the magic card Imperial Sacrifice, which sends all monster cards in both players' hand to the grave, if Necro Valley is in play.

Judai: Was writhing in pain from the attack, but manages to get up and smirk. Heh. He draws Edgeman. He tells TK that Necro Valley prevents activation of cards from this world that affect the world of the dead...but that it doesn't necessarily follow that the dead can't reach up into the world of the living. He activates the effect of E-Hero Necro Darkman, which lets him summon a high level E-Hero monster without sacrifice. This can only be done once, and only when Necro Darkman is in the grave. He summons Edgeman (2600 atk) and attacks Sorceror (1300 atk) for the win.

* End Duel *

Judai rushes to TK's side to see if he's ok. He says it was a fun duel, much to TK's surprise. "That shadow game was fun?" he asks. Judai replies that it was cool to be able to play with real spirits, even though it hurt a little. TK says he's only the 2nd person to have passed the ritual, though the first person to beat him didn't enjoy the duel, as Judai did.

He gives him a pendant and tells him that the first guy who passed this ritual has the remaining half of the pendant. He says ominously that should he find himself in a shadow duel again, this pendant will probably help him. TK releases his friends, and they prepare to leave the alternate universe. However, the tomb keepers try to stop them, even though their leader tells Judai's group that they are free to leave. The Assassin steps in between, and tells the soldiers that they will have to get through her before laying a finger on Judai and friends. Her mask falls away, revealing the girl who had saved Judai in the last episode. She tells Judai that she has a message for the first guy who passed the ritual: "Tell him that I have never forgotten him, even though we live in different worlds...and that I have faith we shall see one another again."

The group then makes a break for the gates of the tomb, and manage to return to their world, as the three suns merge into one... (there's a funny scene where Hayato trips and injures himself, and his Koala monster materializes so he can carry Hayato out with the rest of them... ^_^ )

Judai awakens in the real world with Asuka leaning against his shoulder, unconscious. The rest of his friends are sprawled out on the ground, also unconsious. Judai thinks it was all a dream, but looks down and sees the pendant around his neck, and realizes it was all real..

Next Week: vs. Darkness (part 1) - The Challenge from Red Eyes Black Dragon

Prince of Tennis Finale

2005-04-09T08:55:00.000-05:00

Prince of Tennis Ep 177: The Unforgettable Promise
Prince of Tennis Ep 178 (Finale): Farewell My Prince

thoughts

Apologies for the delayed posting. Such as it is with longer episodes, they take more time to do. Actually, it's not so much that I've been working on this post for a while...it's more like the hesitation in starting it. But it must be done. In fact, I waited several days to watch the final episode of Prince of Tennis, because I really was dreading having to see it come to an end. In retrospect, however, I probably didn't prolong much of anything, in terms of bitterness at the ending, since the finale was very much a...disappointment.

If you truly loved this episode and couldn't bear to hear anything negative about it, please feel free to skip ahead to my summary, where I will at least attempt to be more objective. ^_^;;

First of all, we all had to suspend our disbelief since the moment Ryoma had been invited to play in the US Open. I know he's good, but can he truly be THAT good? But I was completely willing to play along with this charade, and was even quite touched in those episodes where Momo tells him he "has to go" and that episode where they see him off a the airport. And that's exactly the point...we've already had our tearful farewells, he's over in America doing his thing...there is nothing more to add. And yet, the story writers insisted upon uprooting Ryoma and have him travel back to Japan in the middle of the US Open just so he can beat Tezuka in a game of tennis. I know surpassing Tezuka has always been one of his goals, but I found this so unbelieveably farfetched and out of control that it sort of ruined the story for me. In any case, it seemed that the animators were in a rush to wrap things up in a nice little finale package: Ryoma has to defeat Tezuka for his "closure" before he goes on to bigger and better things as a pro. There could've been a better ending that was more open ended, I think.

The other thing is: they totally skipped over appearances by most of the rivals schools. They showed Hyoutei and some of Rikkai (not nearly enough), and quickly panned across images of some of the rival students, but that was it. The entire ending credits was a recap from the first episode of Prince of Tennis, where Ryoma plays that high school jerk, Sasabe. After having taken so much of a liking for the rival school characters, I found it hard to swallow. I mean, who the hell cares about Sasabe?? Show me flashback shots of Rikkaidai. And more Rikkaidai. And maybe some Hyoutei, Fudoumine and Yamabuki. (You can skip Jousei Shounan). And maybe a little more Rikkaidai.

The best part about this final episode was the scene at Hyoutei, where they find out that they will be allowed to participate in the Nationals tournament. Atobe's reaction to the news is just...so Atobe. Classic. I love this guy, and he was lookin' fine in his final appearance. The other high point of the show was the final scene at Nationals, where the now-recovered Yukimura greets Tezuka, and tells him he's looking forward to playing a match against him. Damn, he was looking hot. Yukimura in his Rikkai uniform = sexy bitch. I can't wait to see what he's got when they get to him in the Nationals tournament for the manga.

summary

Story opens at the US Open, with Ryoma using his Drive B to win his match. He's now won the preliminary rounds, and can go on to the main tournament itself. Kevin cheers him on from the stands. The American reporter guy catches up with Ryoma afterwards and tries to get some thoughts from him, but Ryoma isn't being forthcoming. In fact, when the reporter asks him how he feels about being "#1" in Japan, he hesitates. He's likely thinking about how he's never beaten Tezuka. The man who brought Ryoma here says the boy is tired, and that he can't interview right now. Kevin tells him that he's gonna coach him in preparation for the Open, and that he'll swing by to pick him up tomorrow morning at the hotel. (Kevin's soo cute!)

Ryoma falls asleep in the car on the way to his hotel, and has that same dream again, where he's running through a dark corridor, past all his former rivals. At the end of the tunnel is a light. He looks back, and sees a figure, which he had thought was his father. But it's someone else...

He wakes up.

Back in Japan, they are celebrating Ryoma's US Open success at the Echizen household (Taka-san delivers sushi there..) As they're celebrating, Nanako looks a little sad, thinking that Ryoma's never coming back, somehow...

In Ryoma's hotel, Karupin wakes the boy up because his cell phone is going off. It's Momo, Kikumaru and Taka-san, calling to congratulate his success. Momo tells him who the regular members will be at Nationals, and as he rattles off their names, Kikumaru immitates each character in the background. Lol... They gleefully tell him about the awesome Fuji/Tezuka match. Ryoma is now alert, and asks who won...and is shocked to hear that Fuji lost.

Ryoma ponders over this news. He realizes that the person in his dream is Tezuka. And he's still a very imposing presence in his life. He angrily thinks to himself that he's "not #1." He reaches for his cell phone...

Next morning, he meets up early with that manager guy, and tells him that he's got something to discuss with him... Meanwhile, Kevin has arrived in the neighborhood, to pick up Ryoma. He doesn't know the name of the hotel, so he stops at a nearby convenience store to ask whether he knows about Ryoma. The guy tells him that Ryoma is leaving for Japan this morning. He begins to say something else, but the infuriated Kevin storms off before he can finish.

Kevin catches up with Ryoma at the airport and decks him. (Heh...poor Ochibi! But it actually looks less painful than that Tezuka bitchslap). The manager dude tells Kevin to calm down...that Ryoma's only going back temporarily to Japan, and will be back soon. Ryoma explains that he's gotta go back to conclude things between him and Tezuka. Kevin understands, and feels bad for socking him, and stands up, telling Ryoma that's only fair that he hit him back. But Ryoma walks off, instead, saying he'll be back before the Open resumes.

Meanwhile over at Hyoutei, Sakaki gets some news.. The team is out practicing, determined to get to Nationals next year. "Where's Atobe?" Shishido asks. He's working out at the Atobe Sports Center...and after his workout, there's a gratuitous fanservice scene of him taking a shower. Hotness. He gets out of the shower and is toweling off his hair when his eye catches the headlines on the newspaper...Ryoma has passed through the preliminaries. The proud boy pulls the towel from his head in a huff...

Sakaki announces to his team that the Nationals will be held in Tokyo, and as a sort of courtesy, Hyoutei was chosen to participate in the Nationals. The team is ecstatic, and go looking for Atobe to tell him the news. They're not so sure if the proud Atobe would wanna go to Nationals in this manner, and are a little worried about his reaction. They finally catch up with him at the tennis court, where he's hitting some balls. They tell him the news, and the school is cheering them on with great enthusiasm: "Hyoutei, Hyoutei, Hyoutei..." Atobe says with a smirk: "Everyone's too worked up..." He raises his hand in the air and dramatically snaps them. The crowd instantly goes silent. He says... "Everyone...follow me to the Nationals!" (He addresses himself as 'ore-sama', of course ^_^ ) The crowd goes wild...

Seigaku has heard the news, and resolve to do even better at Nationals. They wonder where Tezuka is...Ryuzaki is also missing. They're a little worried, and wonder if something's up.

There's a flashback of when Ryoma had called to ask Tezuka for a rematch on the phone. Back in the present, Tezuka meets up with Ryoma at that tennis court below the trainstop. Tezuka says that they had promised, afterall. Up on the train platform, the 1st years spot Ryoma and Tezuka in the court below, and rush over the Seigaku to tell everyone. The whole crowd runs over to see the match.

Tezuka asks if he remembers what he told him after their first match: "Next time, be strong enough to beat me."

"Of course I remember," Ryoma says. "That is why I have returned."

The match itself is super cheesy, so I'm not even going to go into it. Suffice it to say that it's DBZ on the courts like you've never seen before.
Near the end of the match, he begins to cry, as he yells out to all his senpais his heartfelt thanks for everything they've done for him thus far. He wins the match (they don't tell you the score), and Tezuka graciously accepts his defeat.

"No matter where you are, you are Seigaku's pillar...and will always be with us," Tezuka tells a crying Ryoma. The team nods and tells him to do his best.. Momo tells him that they'll catch up with him sooner or later. Ryoma responds, "I will be waiting."

Over at the Echizens, Ryoma's mom and dad are preparing to go the States...indefinitely, it seems. They leave things in the care of Nanako.

Fast forward to Nationals, the opening ceremony. Yukimura greets Tezuka, and tells him he is looking forward to playing a match with him...as they are finally both in full health. "See you on the court at finals," Yukimura says.

The Seigaku regular huddle together to get their fighting spirit together.

The final words are from Tezuka, which are of course...

"Yudan sezu ni ikou!!"

~ FIN ~

Glass Mask 1

2005-04-08T23:42:00.000-05:00

Glass Mask Ep 1: The Girl With a Thousand Masks

thoughts

First of all, I'll note that I'm not sure if this is a re-broadcast of this series or completely new. I'm quite ignorant of the animated history of this story, since I only have the manga version. So if anyone can enlighten me, please do. ^_^ I'm a little too lazy right now to do my own research on this.

In any case, this series now being animated is based on the classic (well, I like to think of it as classic) shojo series known as "Garasu no Kamen," or Glass Mask. I thought this first episode was an excellent start. I loved the animation and character design. It looks a little softer than the manga (which is still good, I might add), and for some reason, I really liked how they drew Ayumi. But the most breathtaking part was the scenery, which was beautifully drawn in fading colors. The music is also quite good.

The anime so far seems to hold quite closely to the manga. I will probably note the similarities and differences if I continue to blog this series. ^_~

My summaries will likely be brief.

summary

So we get introduced to Kitajima Maya, quite the ordinary 13 year old girl. She lives with her mother (father has died) and helps out at the noodle shop where her mother works. She delivers noodles to customers, but they always know that they should never send her on a delivery to the movie theater, because she ends up sneaking into one of the shows and staying for hours on end, forgetting her work.

She comes home after another such incident, hours late. Her mother is understandably exasperated, and scolds her for having no sense at all. She's actually quite harsh to her daughter, saying she has no other skills, or anything to her credit.

Asked why she loves the theater so much, she answers that she hardly understands, herself. Only...when she watches, she becomes enamored by the fantasy of becoming somebody else...anybody but herself.

Maya likes to act out scenes from what she's seen on television for the children in the park...and one such day, an old woman happens upon her as she is performing. Something strikes this woman about Maya, and she instantly realizes that this is the girl she had been searching for. She approaches Maya and tries to talk to her, but the wind blows the hair from the woman's face, revealing a horrible scar. Maya runs from her, scared for her life (understandably...lol).

Later, Maya discovers that there is a play showing at the local theater - La Traviata - and she desperately wants to go. Sugiko, the evil daughter of her mother's boss, tells her that she's got tickets to see this play. On the night of New Year's eve (the busiest night of the year for the noodle shop), one of the part time workers call out sick...leaving only Maya and Sugiko to do all the deliveries. Sugiko offers Maya a proposition: :Do all the deliveries by yourself, and I will give you this ticket." Maya agrees.

So on the night of New Year's eve, she runs herself ragged, and manages to make all the deliveries, in time. But Sugiko, the evil girl she is, deliberately releases the ticket into the winds, and it flies into the river below the bridge they are standing upon. Maya jumps into the cold waters below after it...

Her mother, watching in horror from the side, wonders...what kind of person will Maya grow up to be, reckless as she is...? Also watching on the sidelines is that mysterious woman who had earlier tried to talk to Maya.

Maya goes to the theater on the day of the play, and as she's looking for her seat, she bumps into a very handsome man...who turns out to be Hayami Masumi. He helps her find her seat (or rather, he authoritatively tells the usher to help her). Maya blushes as she looks up at this young man...mmmm....lol. The usher explains to Maya after he leaves that he is the young president of Daito Productions, a major entertainment company that owns theaters and such all over the place, and manages many talented actors and performers.

Just before the play begins, Maya also catches sight of Himekawa Ayumi, the young girl who has been acting since childhood. She has come with her father to see this play - as it is her mother Utako who is in the starring role.

The episode ends with the narrator telling us that at this point in time, no one was to know that these two young ladies will eventually become heated rivals...

Next Week: Bibi's Mask

Glass Mask

2005-04-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

~~~ Glass Mask ~~~

athena's entries for Glass Mask:

Ep 1: The Girl With a Thousand Masks

about:

Airs on Tuedays
Total episodes: 52 (?)
Official website
RAWS at Saiyaman

This is the story about Kitajima Maya, a very ordinary, plain looking 13 year old girl, who has hidden talents that even she does not realize. She has always loved movies and theater, but has been stuck in a relatively meager life, helping her mother make a living assisting at a noodle shop. One day, she is "discovered" by Tsukikage Chigusa, a retired actress and sole owner to the rights of the legendary play, The Crimson Goddess.

It turns out that Maya is a prodigy in acting, who has the natural gift of expression...also known as the one who possesses "a thousand masks." She has the ability to memorize entire scripts and gestures of a 3 hour play after watching it only once. Her talents can indeed take her very far...but of course, there are many enemies and obstacles she must overcome before she finds success in her genius.

Her main rival is Himekawa Ayumi, a young girl of the same age, who is the daughter of a famous actress and a movie director. The two girls will eventually be pitted against each other for the chance to gain the role of a lifetime - the Crimson Goddess.

The proud and reputed icy businessman of the entertainment industry - Hayami Masumi will also play a prominent role in Maya's life.

athena's notes:

I almost fell out of my chair in shock when I stumbled upon the torrent for Glass Mask (Garasu no Kamen) episode 1. I have loved this series for longer than I can remember, and you could say that it's truly part of my childhood. I have collected all the manga that have been published in volumes so far (41), but am very disappointed by the fact that they have yet to publish the rest. I am dying to know what happens in the end... Gah!

But I am so thrilled by the prospect of seeing this animated. I think it will be so much better than the live-action version. I do own the live action version, but I was so angered by the fact that they completely miscast the role of Masumi, that I can't bear to watch it. Masumi is supposed to be HOT, damn it! Lol...

In any case, I really loved the first episode, so I'm quite optimistic about this series.

other bloggers of Glass Mask:

(none I know of yet...please comment to be added here. ^_^;;)

Yugioh GX 27

2005-04-08T21:59:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 27: The Extra Curricular Class -
Is a Shadow Duel? (part 1)

thoughts

This episode was just ok... I thought it was pretty random and out of left-field. I should get used to it, since that's the way it's been since the series began, pretty much. You definitely have to suspend your disbelief - even more so than usual - for this particular episode.

...

I have nothing more to add.

summary

The episode opens with Shou waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. In his stupor, he inadvertantly opens the door to Daitokuji's room, and catches him speaking to someone mysterious over the phone.

"I think it is time we tried it out," the voice on the other line says.

"But what if they end up being buried in a grave...?" Daitokuji asks.

"Then it simply means that he only had that much strength in him," the voice replies. "Then we must let them lie in their graves."

Shou's pretty freaked out, as well he should be, because Daitokuji actually looks pretty scary here. The computer screen does this glowy thingie over his face, and he looks like he's up to no good...

Next day, Daitokuji's teaching alchemy class, and messes up an experiment. He mixes together some chemicals, and they explode in his face...heh. Judai is sleeping in class, but has eyes drawn over his eyelids so he appears to be awake. Before the class lets out, the teacher announces that this following Sunday, they're going to have a picnic near the ancient ruins, and he insists that the people from his dorm attend.

Sunday comes around, and Judai, Shou, Hayato and Asuka have shown up for the outing. Asuka, being in Blue, doesn't have to go, but she says that there might be a hint about her brother's whereabouts, in the ancient shadow games. Shou pulls Judai aside and tells him about Daitokuji's suspicious behavior from the night before, but Judai's pretty relaxed about it, and doesn't make much out of the issue.

They set off, making their way through forest and river before finally reaching their destination. They sit down to eat in front of the ruins, and Daitokuji's pretty excited about his food, which was prepared by Tome. He says the students can't have any, because there isn't enough to go around. But his cat Pharaoh has stowed away in his bag, and has already eaten all his food. The kids aren't too willing to share their food with Daitokuji ... understandably so.

Pharaoh is out exploring, and he stumbles upon some object in the ground, and it sets off some odd light. Everyone looks up, and they are surprised to find that there are 3 suns in the sky... Kuribo appears to warn them of danger. They rush for cover in the ruins, but Judai says he'll be right back. He runs toward the light, and he ends up passing out.

When he comes to, he's shocked to see that the ruins are now completely recreated in their original form, including a large pyramid. Kuribo appears before him, and to his surprise, he can touch him, like he really exists. Suddenly, a young girl walks up and spots him, and tells him urgently that he shouldn't be there. She's carrying Hayato's backpack.. She hears footsteps approaches, and she swiftly pulls him aside in the shadows so they will avoid being seen. "Do you want to be captured by the tomb keeper, like the rest of them??" she asks. "Rest of them?" Judai says. But he blushes as she presses close to him so they will remain undetected. (awww....!) The danger passes, and Judai asks again about those who were captured. He recognizes Hayato's bag in her hand...

She replies that this is a sacred burial place, and those who step into it unauthorized, will be subjected to punishment - by being buried alive. Judai insists that he be taken to his friends, so he can help them escape. She warns that he, too, shall be buried alive if caught. She takes him inside a building and tells him to wait. As he waits, he hears voices of his friends, and climbs up the wall to look out the window...and sees everyone in a pit below, half mummified and lying in caskets. He freaks out, but before can do anything, someone pokes his butt with the tip of a spear.

He's been discovered by the tomb keepers, and they are not pleased. He asks that they release his friends, but they of course, refuse. They say that as tomb raiders, Daitokuji and company will be executed by live burial. But there is a way out. Their leader steps up and challenges him to a duel, saying that if Judai wins, he will release his friends. (The leader explains that people have "come over from your world" before, so he thus understands their language...and even has his own deck of cards, heh.)

* Duel *

Tomb Keeper (hereinafter TK): Sets one monster face down.

Judai: Summons Bubbleman in atk. Activates his effect and draws 2 more cards. Sets one m/t.

TK: Summons Tomb Keeper's Long-Spear Soldier in atk (atk: 1500). Flip summons Tomb Keeper's Guard (atk: 1000). He activates its flip effect: return one monster on field to hand. He chooses Bubbleman. Direct attack with both his monsters. (Judai LP: 1500). Judai actually feels the pain of the attack, and as his LP drops, the lids on the caskets begin to close...

Judai: Fusion summons Flame Wingman. Destroys Long-Spear Soldier, and activate Flame Wingman's effect. (TK LP: 1900). Summons Friendock in def.

TK: Changes Guard to def (def: 1900). Sets one monster face down.

Judai: Attacks and destroys Guard with Flame Wingman. (TK LP: 900).

TK: Activates Pot of Greed. Summons Tomb Keeper's Assassin in atk (atk: 1500). Flip summons Tomb Keeper's Sorceror (atk: 800). Its flip effect takes away 500 LP from Judai (Judai LP: 1000). Activates field magic Valley of the Kings: Necro Valley. All Tomb Keeper monsters' atk and def increase by 500. He activates Assassin's effect - change a monster's position - on Flame Wingman (his def is 1200). He attacks and destroys Flame Wingman with Assasin. Attacks and destroys Friendock with Sorceror. Judai tries to activate Friendock's effect, but TK tells him he cannot, for the field magic in play negates all magic, trap, and monster effects that permit tomb raiding. In other words - no cards can be special summoned from the grave, nor can they be taken out of the grave to be removed from the game.

(By the way, the BGM is really cool here, lol...)

The episode ends with a close up of a very concerned looking Judai, who realizes that he has no monsters on his field, and that the lives of his friends depend upon his victory...

Next Week: The Extra Curricular Class - Is a Shadow Duel? (part 2)

Shinjitsu

2005-04-07T23:16:00.000-05:00

Shinjitsu - Lyrics (romanization & translation)
Yukimura Seiichi character single

thoughts

I recently stumbled upon Yukimura Seiichi's character single from Prince of Tennis and absolutely fell in love with it! I think it really reflects upon the quiet and smouldering passion behind this young Rikkaidai captain. It's a beautiful song. I loved the lyrics, and wanted to do my own translation of it, and decided to post them, while I was at it. This song really adds depth to this character, who is otherwise quite mysterious in the anime and manga. But I do think that he's a character with a lot of potential, and his enigmatic qualities only add to the intrigue. There is certainly much more to this sweet looking boy than you would expect.

Certainly, his quote from episode 127 is one of the passionate words I've ever heard:

If you take tennis away from me, nothing remains.
For I am tennis itself.

This song is performed by Yukimura's VA, Nagai Sachiko.

In her voice message at the end of the CD, she begins by quoting the above passage from the anime. She then introduces herself as Yukimura's VA. She never thought that think she would ever release a CD, and says if you live long enough, strange things can happen. She wonders whether yuki's passionate feelings have reached you through his song. She then says she's so thrilled that Yukimura's surgery was a success, and that he's gonna live. For she remembers the first time she spoke his lines, she sounded so dark, she was afraid he was gonna die. The director told her to try to sound a little stronger. And she has been thinking lately that she does need to be stronger for him, since he is the leader of Rikkaidai. This was her first voice acting job, but she also worked as a stage actress. She says she would always sort of "become" whoever she was acting on stage in real life and thinks that is why she's been rather serene lately...an influence of Yukimura.

If you would like to listen to this song (which I truly recommend!) be sure to visit Tsubame Gaeshi. Yukimura's single is located under Best of Rivals.

romanization

Shinjitsu

Hitori tatazumu jikan
Touku shizumu yuuhi wo mitsumeteru
Sugitekita kisetsu wa azayaka na omoide
Eien ni kagayaki tsuzukeru

Kokoni ima mo nokoru atsui omoi
Namiutsu jounetsu no kodou ga
Oshieru yo fukaku hibiite
Hontou no kokoro wo

Tomadou hodo tsuyoi omoi
Hirogaru sora ni tsutsumare teku
Tokihanasou oikosu toki wo
Hontou no kokoro de

Sotto te no hira hiraku
Yume ga kobore ochiru yo otomonaku
Ase ni kakusu namida
Yureteita kokoro mo
Tomo ni sou, norikoete kitane

Kokoni ima mo nokoru semaru omoi
Tsuyosa no imo wo motome nagara
Kanaeteku kimitachi ga iru
Hontou no yuuki de

Soba ni aruyo atsui omoi
Kagayaku jounetsu no tsuyosa ga
Oshieru yo, hitotsu hitotsu ga
Hontou no kokoro wo

Kokoni ima mo nokoru atsui omoi
Namiutsu jounetsu no kodou ga
Oshieru yo fukaku hibiite
Hontou no kokoro wo

Tomadou hodo tsuyoi omoi
Hirogaru sora ni tsutsumare teku
Tokihanasou oikosu toki wo
Hontou no kokoro de

Ima mo nokoru semaru omoi
Tsuyosa no imo wo motome nagara
Kanaeteku kimitachi ga iru
Hontou no yuuki de

Soba ni aruyo atsui omoi
Kagayaku jounetsu no tsuyosa ga
Oshieru yo, hitotsu hitotsu ga
Hontou no kokoro wo

translation

Truth

As I stand here alone
I watch the sun setting in the distance
Vivid memories of seasons past
Shine for eternity...

And even now, these heated emotions remain here
As the ripples coursing from my passionate beat
Reverberate deeply, speaking to me
Of my true heart

Almost bewildering, these feelings so strong..
As the sky spreads over, it envelopes me
And we should let go of these passing times
With our true heart

I gently open the palm of my hand
And my dreams spill over, without a sound
Tears hidden, within my sweat
And my wavering heart,
Together have come thus far...

And even now, these pressing emotions remain here
As I seek for my source of strength
I find my answer with you by my side
And with true courage...

They are by my side, these heated emotions
And the strength of my glimmering passion
Speaks to me, each to each
Of my true heart

And even now, these heated emotions remain here
As the ripples coursing from my passionate beat
Reverberate deeply, speaking to me
Of my true heart

Almost bewildering, these feelings so strong..
As the sky spreads over, it envelopes me
And we should let go of these passing times
With our true heart

And even now, these pressing emotions remain here
As I seek for my source of strength
I find my answer with you by my side
And with true courage...

They are by my side, these heated emotions
And the strength of my glimmering passion
Speaks to me, each to each
Of my true heart

Kirihara Akaya

2005-04-06T01:25:00.000-05:00

Kirihara Akaya
a Prince of Tennis character analysis by athena
...and some profile info from fanbook 20.5

Name: Kirihara Akaya
School: Rikkaidai Fuzoku, 2nd yr
DOB: September 25 (Libra)
Height: 168 cm
Weight: 61 kg
Blood type: O

thoughts

Ok, so I did say that Atobe was my favorite character didn't I? Hehe...am I allowed to take that back? Hey, not to say that I still don't think he's an awesome character, but lately, I have completely fallen in love with the Rikkaidai ace, Kirihara Akaya! He's my baby! Lol. Well, you could literally say that he's my literary baby anyway, because I've been RP-ing him for a few weeks, and he is the most enjoyable little guy I've ever come across. Not only do I find him extremely intriguing as a character, I also think he's actually quite similar to me, in some ways. And of course, it also helps that he is absolutely adorable. What is it about Kirihara? He's definitely an angry young man, with violent / psychotic tendencies...lol... But the really troubled boys are always the ones that appeal to me the most, it seems. More on this later.

tennis stats

Dominant hand: Right
Playing style: Aggressive baseliner
Favorite brand:

Shoes - DT Wilson (Dynosphere Technology)
Racket - Pro Staff 5.5 Wilson Stretch

Best skill: Knuckle serve, Speed play
(anime only): Phantom ball
(manga only): State of Self Actualization

personal

Hobbies: Fighting games
Favorite food: Grilled beef, Sushi
Family: Father, mother, older sister
Father's occupation: Businessman
Best subject: Japanese, PE
Worst subject: English
Favorite type: Someone who's cheerful!

quotes

I will crush you.
(to Tezuka) If you keep your face so stiff, it'll tire you out.
(to Yanagi) Can you really see?

from his teammates

Sanada: There is no denying his skill. However, he needs to learn how to control himself.
Jackal: When I'm with him, I'm always getting in trouble. But I get this feeling that he can accomplish anything.

looks

Aside from the times that he gets all blood shot and creepy looking, I think Kirihara is one sexy bitch (excuse the language XD). And the reason why I say this...is probably self-explanatory. I love his wild curly hair that never seems to settle. It matches his fiery personality, most certainly. Plus, he's got amazing green eyes, which is quite striking in anybody - but especially in a Japanese guy, lol. His best feature is his expression, which changes all the time. His game face ("come hither") look is my favorite, but he can also put on a joker face, like when he says a gag (which is actually quite often)...I think it's adorable.

personality

His personality is really interesting to me, and of course, this is what makes him so much fun to RP. You could say he's got a dual personality, but I think deep inside, he is still the same person. The usual "good" personality that he shows is rather fun-loving and jokes around a lot. You see this in his first appearance in the series, when he inadvertantly stumbles upon Seigaku when he oversleeps his stop on the bus. He steps onto the court and not only challenges Tezuka to a match...but also tells him that he shouldn't look so serious all the time because it's tiring. Heh.

Then there's that classic moment, when his senpai Yanagi says something to the effect of: "It feels good, watching this game," whereupon Kirihara (with a really funny expression), replies: "Can you really see?" Hilarious! Such funny moments lead me to believe that his "true" self is really just a light hearted kid...

His most noticeable trait is his passionate and ambitious nature. Definitely a little pompous to boot, but like Atobe, he's got the undeniable skills to justify his attitude. He's got a lot of pride, and he can get quite scary when someone tips him off his high and mighty ass... Thus the red-eye mode, when he becomes this crazy destructive force to be reckoned with on the tennis court. But when he becomes psychotic like this, I don't think he really has true control over himself. I would surmise to say that he would rather avoid being this way, but can't help but unleash the demon inside when confronted by a powerful enemy.

In a way, he's quite vulnerable and probably has a lot of insecurities that he hides with his overpowering personality. I also think that being the youngest regular member of his team has contributed not only to his cocky attitude, but also to a kind of complex at having to become something greater than he is. His heartbreaking realization that he couldn't defeat the 3 top players at Rikkai may have been a catharsis in his red-eye style of playing.

anime vs. manga

There are parts in the manga that were never animated, which I'm still disappointed about. Of course the main chapter would be the one where Echizen challenges Kirihara to a match days before the Kantou finals. I think this was an important match for Kirihara, because he came to realize that even his red-eye mode has its limitations, and that there were higher boundaries to be crossed before he could reach his true potential.

I thought it was really sad, but a necessary lesson for him. (And we also get to see the first Sanada bitch slap...which I think is also important, to show how much Rikkai means business. This was totally watered down in the anime...)

The Kirihara vs. Fuji match was also changed up quite a bit in the anime. I didn't like how they made Kirihara into this quivering scardy cat at the end, when Fuji comes into his (close to) full potential. I thought the manga version was much better, because Kirihara does not back down from Fuji, and in fact acquires the State of Self Actualization. So even though he does ultimately lose, he gains something more important, instead.

On the otherhand, the anime did have a wonderful filler, which I enjoyed a lot: the Junior Invitationals. Kirihara had a prominent role there, which pleases me greatly. I loved the little side story they had of Kirihara and Kamio (so...sweet!), and how they showed a "reformed" Kirihara. I also adored Coach Sakaki for sending Kirihara in for Singles 1. As he explained it, Kirihara had both the ambition and talent to clinch that position. I was disappointed that he wasn't able to finish his match...but nonetheless very happy that his skills as a top tennis player were recognized.

pairings

For some reason, I see him often paired with Yanagi...but I don't really see that at all.

If choosing from among the Rikkai players, I prefer him with Yukimura, his buchou. (I'll have to say that my fellow RP-er for Yukimura has convinced me of this). I think they're a really sweet pair, and I have the feeling that Yukimura is able to bring out the tenderness in Kirihara. And in my view, Kirihara would do anything for buchou...

My other favorite pairing for Kirihara (again, inspired by an excellent RP-er!) is Kamio. Ah...the classic love-hate relationship. Of course, this is quite different from the Yukimura pairing - first because they are more like equals in this case, being in the same year. I'm sure that changes the dynamic quite a bit. And also their rocky history together, which always makes for good drama. Lol... But I do think that they would get along quite well, if given the chance. Kamio's upbeat outlook on life and head-strong attitude is a good match for Kirihara's ambition and passion.

character single

Kirihara's character single absolutely rocks!! This is by far my favorite character song out of all of them (at least, the ones I've heard), because it's got an awesome beat, his VA (Morikubo Shotaro) has an excellent voice, and the lyrics are perfect for this character. Listen to it if you get the chance!

Akaku Someru Tsuki
(The Crimson-Dyed Moon)

lyrics translated by athena

There is no future for dreams you place upon
The sharp curves of the white moon

Burning soul - come here beside me
And create a blade from which hot blood be shed

The greater the pain is inflicted,
The greater the joy that flows from it

This cleansed body of mine is the RULE
And I shall dye the whole moon crimson

Betrayal can never be forgiven
Destroy the enemy before you, that is all

I, with this cleansed body
Shall have the final laugh

The blood, so beautiful...that is the RULE
Nobody can stop me now
The crimson dyed moon shall be mine
And I shall rule over all the world

This cleansed body of mine is the RULE
And I shall dye the whole moon crimson
The blood, so beautiful...that is the RULE
And I shall rule over all the world

Yugioh GX 26

2005-04-05T21:32:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 26: vs Manjoume Thunder! (part 2)
Armed Dragon LVL 7

thoughts

First of all, apologies for the late post. I just haven't had much energy to update my blog this past week. Also, if you truly enjoyed this episode and would rather not listen to my rant, you are welcome to skip ahead to the summary.

Those of you who know me or have been reading my blog already know what I'm going to say. I can't believe they did it yet AGAIN. How many times does Manjoume have to duel before he actually gets to be victorious over Judai? I swear that not even Seto Kaiba had it this bad. Nothing makes the winning streak even more disappointing than the fact that they try to use Judai's happy go-lucky "I wanna have fun dueling" attitude to try to justify it. As Manjoume says at the end of the episode, "Just shut up, because it makes me feel even more pathetic."

I don't mean to sound bitter. It's not that this was a bad episode, either. Any episode with Manjoume is a good episode! But the "lessons to be learned" crap just gets on my nerves. "You can never win when you're dueling for someone else," is how Judai explains it. Just duel with all your heart, and everything is possible, etc. blah blah blah. I think I just need to remember that this is a kid's show, afterall, and things don't always turn out the way they should because they have to explain that the hero always wins at the end. Somehow, the heart of the cards BS didn't seem to bother me as much during Yugioh Duel Monsters.

Manjoume explains that he didn't use the cards given to him by his brothers because he wanted desperately to win "with my own cards." Isn't that enough? That he put his heart into building that deck - a deck that evolves, no less (which seems to suit his personality quite well). Maybe if he had the godly draw power of Judai, he could actually get a win under his belt before the show is over.

All in all, I'm happy at least that he's going to remain at Duel Acadamia. So I look forward to more episodes with him in them...though I still think he'll look really bad in red. ^_~

summary

So the episode continues with where the duel left off last week...

Manjoume LP: 3600
Monster: Armed Dragon LVL 7 (atk: 2800)
m/t: none

Judai LP: 1600
Monster: none
m/t: one

Manjoume: Attacks directly with LVL 7. Judai activates his trap card Hero Spirits. This card lets him bring battle damage to zero when one of his E-Heroes have been destroyed in battle. Manjoume isn't phased, saying nothing can win against his Armed Dragon.

Judai: He draws Hane Kuribo and summons it in def.

Manjoume: Manjoume taunts Judai, saying that being on the defensive won't help him at all. Kuribo gets angry, and Manjoume scoffs at how it's acting that way. Ojama Yellow appears beside Manjoume and says that maybe Kuribo knows the whereabouts of his siblings, and begs him to play him the duel so he can ask. Manjoume tells him to shut up, and that Ojama has no place in this important duel. "Awww, don't say that Aniki...pleeeeaaasee??" the little thing pleads.

Kuribo gets a little excited, and points in their direction for Judai to see. "What? Manjoume? Isn't that...?" Manjoume panics, and tells Ojama to beat it, because he's not gonna use him. He swipes around after the critter, and finally manages to get rid of him. He draws, then attacks and destroys Kuribo.

Of course, he doesn't activate LVL 7's ability, as there is no point - Hane Kuribo's effect would negate all LP damage done that turn anyways.

Judai: Activates Pot of Greed. He discards one card from his hand to activate the magic card Special Hurricane, which lets him destroy all specially summoned monsters on the field. LVL 7 is thus destroyed. Summons Wildman in atk. Direct attack on Manjoume...Thunder! (Manjoume LP: 2100). Manjoume despairs at his pitiful situation... (poor thing...)

Manjoume's brothers get irritated, and say, "What the hell is Jun doing?? Why doesn't he use the cards that we gave him?"

Manjoume: Activates the magic card Grave from the Fourth Dimension, letting him return two LVL monster cards from the grave to his deck and shuffle. He chooses LVL 3 and 7. He summons LVL 3 in def. Sets one m/t.

Misawa remarks that sees Manjoume's pattern, and surmises that he's beginning to panic. Manjoume senses his brother's glares, and thinks to himself: "Don't...look at me with those eyes! Niisan..."

Judai notices where Manjoume is looking...into the stands. He remembers seeing Manjoume in the bathroom, earlier, despairing over his burden of having to win for the family honor. Judai says that dueling is supposed to be fun...it's beyond winning and losing, and it's not about playing for someone else. "You duel because because it's fun...Manjoume!"

"Manjoume-san da!"

The crowds also enthusiastically responds: "Manjoume-san da!"

Judai: Attacks and destroys LVL 3 with Wildman. Manjoume activates his trap card Grave of Revival, which can be activated when your monster is destroyed in battle. It allows both plays special summon one monster from their grave in def. These monsters cannot change their battle positions. Manjoume summons LVL 5. Judai summons Hero Kids (def: 600), which he had discarded one turn earlier. When this card is special summoned, the player can special summon monsters with the same name from his deck. He special summons two more Hero Kids in def. Sets one m/t.

Manjoume: Activates Level Up, which lets him level up his monster to LVL 7. He equips his monster with Armed Changer, which can be activated by discarding one equip card from his hand. He destroys Wildman with LVL 7. (Judai LP: 300). He activates the equip card's effect: when you destroy an opponent's monstor in battle, take one monster card with atk that's less than destroyed monster from grave to hand. He takes Masked Dragon. He discards it to activate LVL 7's effect, destroying all of Judai's monsters.

Manjoume laughs maniacally, and tells Judai that he should just surrender. But of course, he doesn't.. And his victory music begins to play, so you know he's about to pull something out of his you know what. But he says something sweet here, actually: "I really wish I could've played with the real Manjoume...Thunder..."

"You're saying I'm not playing for real?" a surprised Manjoume asks.

"Yeah...you don't seem to be looking at me, but were fighting with someone else.. Next time...let's have more fun when we duel."

"Fun...is dueling supposed to be...fun..?"

Judai: Activates Warrior Returning Alive to take back Featherman from his grave to hand. He fusion summons Flame Wingman (of course...) He activates his trap card Miracle Kids, which lets him lower his opponent monster's atk by 400 for every Hero Kids in his grave. LVL 7 is decreased to 1600. He attacks and destroys LVL 7 with Flame Wingman, then activates its effect for the win. Blah....

* End Duel *

Oh, and just before the final attack, the TV cameras are snapped off, so as to avoid embarassment to the Manjoume broadcast. But this doesn't stop the brothers from taking out their wrath on poor Manjoume. *sad*

They stand over the defeated Manjoume and berate him for disgracing their family. Manjoume apologizes...and his brothers demand to know why he didn't use the cards they gave him. He replies that he wanted to win using his own deck.

"You idiot!!" one of his brothers grabs him by the collar, while the other one yells, "That's why you're the bum of the family!!"

Judai runs up and tells them to cut it out...that Manjoume dueled valiantly. The older brother says that strangers should butt out of sibling matters. "If you're siblings, then you shouldn't treat each other like this!" Judai protests. "Me and Manjoume--Thunder dueled with all our best!"

"We don't care about the process," the younger brother announces. "We care about results."

Chronos agrees that results are important...but still, something about this situation doesn't sit right, even with him.

The older brother agrees, results and winning are everything. "Besides, how much money do you think we spent on this duel??" he yells. (gah! what a jerk!!!) "And yet he disgraced us!"

Judai, now shaking with anger, says: "but he fought against all the stupid pressures you put upon him...and he won! Even in his suffering, Thunder was able to surpass you!"

"Exactly, exactly!!" Chronos says, crying buckets...

"Dueling isn't just about winning and losing...it's about gaining something more important!" Judai says.

"Shut up...Judai! Don't make me feel...even more pathetic..." Manjoume whispers.

"Jun..." his brothers say authoritatively.

"Go home...my brothers," Manjoume says quietly.

"That's right! Go home!!" the crowd yells. They yell out Manjoume's name..

The brothers leave in a huff. Manjoume sees them off from the hill top...

The school is now gathered at the pier, to see off the North School folks, and Judai says to Manjoume that they should duel again soon. But Manjoume says he's not leaving for North school...he's staying here, because there are things he has left unfinished. "Edogawa...I return the title of King to you," he says to the former North school king.

The prize for winning the duel is announced by Chronos: a kiss on the cheek by Miss Duel Acadamia herself...Tome! Sameshima gleefully accepts his award while Ichinose fumes in the back. The kids are pretty speechless...they made all this hubbub over a freakin' kiss??

In any case, it turns out that due to his 3 month absense, Manjoume will be demoted to Osiris Red.. Judai and his friends rejoice at the prospect at having Manjoume among his buddies, although Manjoume himself is none to happy.. Hehe. The episode ends with all the friends gathered around Manjoume, cheering him on: ichi, juu, hyaku, sen, Manjoume...THUNDER~!!!!

XD Ok, so the ending wasn't so bad eh? ^_^;;

Next Episode: The Extra-Curricular Class - Is a Shadow Duel?

Sound Duel 4

2005-03-29T12:03:00.000-05:00

Sound Duel 4

Sound Duel 4 has been released! This is the much awaited final soundtrack from Yugioh Duel Monsters, and includes BGM from the 2nd Yugioh Movie, the Egypt arc, and KC Grandprix. It also includes TV size versions of the final OP and ED themes, Overlap and EYES.

Of course, the theme I was most anxiously waiting for was Mahaad's death theme, which turns out to be track 10, entitled "A King with No Memories." It is absolutely beautiful. Now, if they'll only release GX soundtrack, I'll be pretty happy. ^_^

I've decided to post my own translations of Sound Duel 4 tracks. Enjoy!

Images from CD are from janime. Used with permission.

Sound Duel 4

1. OVERLAP (TV size)
2. Anubis Attacks
3. Awakening of Anubis
4. Evil of Anubis
5. Power of Anubis
6. Anubis, King of Destruction
7. The Nameless Pharaoh
8. Duel!
9. The Order of the Priests
10. A King with No Memories
11. Priest Seth
12. Mahaad and Mana
13. Kisara
14. Daily Life in Ancient Egypt
15. Millenium Item
16. Priest Akunadin
17. Ancient Egypt
18. Evil Will
19. Bakura, King of Bandits
20. The Kaa Spirit Diabound
21. Zork Necrophadis
22. Summoning of the Kaa
23. Summoning of the Three Gods
24. Hope
25. Vivian Wong
26. Tense Duel
27. Card for Counter Attack
28. Stagnate
29. One card for Reversal
30. The Calm before Battle
31. Destiny
32. Fierce Attack
33. Grand Conclusions
34. Promising Power
35. Companions
36. Yugi
37. EYE'S (TV size)

Yugioh GX 25

2005-03-24T22:33:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 25: vs. Manjoume Thunder! (part 1)
The Fearsome Armored Dragon!

thoughts

Waaaahhh!!!!! *cries for Manjoume-san* Why why why are your brothers so mean to you, Manjoume-san?? I think you're quite worthy, win or lose, thank you very much. Now go tell those butt heads to shove it! T.T

V sad for my Manjoume-san, but also v proud that he held his own, as he stepped up like nobody's business. You have to give this guy props. Even you player haters out there (if there even are any...) have to admit, he was looking damn fine in this episode! XD Great. Episode. Nuf said. [/end fangirl rave]

Actually, this is not the end of the fangirl rave. It will be sprinkled in throughout this summary. Apologies. I love this character too much. ^_^

summary

Episode begins with Manjoume standing on top of a large building rooftop, where the principal of the North School bestows him with a card...amongst the chanting of the students: "King, King, King!" The card is something that has been passed down through generations at the North school, and is their secret weapon. "You should be able to master this card," he says, as he gives it to him: "Now, take this card, King Manjoume...no, Manjoume Thunder!" The students respond in chorus, "Manjoume...Thunder...thunder .. thunder..!!"

He turns to his adoring crowd and raises his fist: "Manjoume Thunder!" he cries out. The crowd roars in response...

Meanwhile back at Duel Acadamia, Judai has summoned his monsters and he's having a pep talk with them, when Shou runs up and tells him that the North school reps have arrived. They hurry outside to meet them. The two principals of the schools are exchanging greetings at the pier. Ichinose asks about Tome-san, and Sameshima replies that "of course, she's doing well," explaining rather enigmatically that she is a person without which this event could not be held. Hmm...

Judai's pretty excited to meet his opponent, and jumps in between them to ask who the opponent is. Sameshima rebukes him for being rude, but Judai can't contain his excitement. "Who's my opponent?" he pleads.

"Me," Manjoume responds. He's standing on the deck of the submarine, and his followers are surrounding him protectively.

"Manjoume...It's Manjoume!" Judai looks surprised.

"It's Manjoume-san!" he says sternly.

"So who is it?" Judai asks

"He's right in front of you," Manjoume says.

"Who?"

"Me."

"Who?"

"Like I said, ME!" He looks a little frustrated. It finally dawns on Judai, the dense fool. Lol... "So my opponent is...Manjoume??"

"Manjoume-san da!" Manjoume says. "San dan!!" his classmates step in and announce. The former king of North school angrily confronts Judai for omitting the honorific "san" from Manjoume's name. (He refers to Manjoume as "Thunder-san") "Let him be," Manjoume says calmly. There's a determined look on his face. He and Judai face off..

All the sudden, the wind whips up around them, and two helicopters make a dramatic entrance. The helicopters are clearly marked as belonging to the "Manjoume Group."

"That's right!" from inside the helicopter, Manjoume's older brother Shouji yells. "It's been a while, Jun! Are you doing well?" his other brother Chousaku asks.

"Chousaku niisan, Shouji niisan, what are you doing here?" Manjoume asks, a little annoyed. (His hair whips around the wind...so cute!) "Of course, to watch over your victory," he replies, "don't worry us too much, Jun!" TV cameras crowd around, much to the surprise of the people there. Apparently, they have to come to broadcast this duel all over Japan.

Judai freaks out over the idea that his face is going to show up on TV screens all across Japan.

Back in a private room, Manjoume demands an explanation from his brothers. They reply, it's obvious...this is part of their grand scheme that they promised among themselves...their dream to found the "Manjoume Empire" of the world!! (There's a shot of the three them standing proudly behind a big sign. The sign says, "Let's Go San-biki" (Let's go, three of us!)) They explain that today, they plan to promote him, and make him a star of the dueling world.

"Jun," Shouji says sternly. Manjoume looks up with a worried look on his face. (So. adorable.) "We heard from that Chronos or other that you were expelled from this school 3 months ago."

"That...that was..."

"Do you hear me, Jun?? You were the always the bum out of the three of us!"

"Since the Manjoume Group is sponsoring this broadcast, a defeat is unforgiveable!!"

"In this briefcase is contained a load of cards that me and aniki have put together with our money. Use them to construct the ultimate deck! Do you understand me, Jun? You had better not do anything to disgrace the Manjoume name!!" Manjoume looks down and frowns...

Judai meanwhile, is running through the hallways with brush and mousse in hand, upset that no one told him he was going to be on TV. He rushes in to the bathroom, but stops short when he sees Manjoume inside. He watches from outside, as Manjoume despairs under this terrible burden put upon him by his brothers...

"I can't! I can't! I can't! Damn it! Win! Win! I can't possibly be the bum of the family! I have to win, win and keep winning! I've got to win! Tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that! I'm gonna win, and win and keep winning! Nobody understands the weight of this burden I bear. All they say is 'Win...just win...win...'"

*sniffs....*

Judai overhears it all, and sneaks away quietly, as Manjoume crumples to the ground...

Back at the duel arena, the principals are sitting together. "If we win this year, then that prize will be ours, is that ok?" Ichinose asks, mysteriously. Sameshima agrees, saying this day is the day he looks forward to all year.

Shou tells Judai to just relax and take it easy, because afterall, he's won against Manjoume before, so it should be a cinch. Judai replies that "he wonders about that." Hayato says he can't be uncertain about things now. Judai says he's not being uncertain, only, "I respect Manjoume. He became head of that school all by himself, and brought his fight to this doorstep. He looks...kinda cool."

Chronos introduces the players. He's a little nervous b/c he's being broadcast around Japan. "First I'll introduce Drop out bo- I mean, Yuki Judai! vs, from the North School..."

"Nevermind, I will introduce myself," Manjoume says.

"Huh?"

"I said shut up and move it, you kappa-bastard!" (* A kappa is a water demon, who's got a weird hair-do) A shocked looking Chronos says his hair is done by a charismatic stylist! He gets frustrated, then all wound up in his mic wire, and he trips and falls off stage. "Drop...out!" he says as he takes a plunge.

(This part's Manjoume is so awesome!!!! Kyaaaa!!!! Manjoume-sama!!!)

Manjoume steps forward and thrusts his fist into the air and announces with great authority... "All of you...Do you remember ME??? Those of you who were relieved that I left! Those of you who said that I got what I deserved! If you don't know, then I will tell you: listen well! I have been resurrected from the depths of hell, like a phoenix! My name is... ichi, jyuu, hyaku, sen! Manjoume! Thunder!!!"

(His school mates yell the last part in unison with him, in a very dramatic fashion) Shou's surprised at how popular Manjoume is.

Manjoume continues: "I am.."

"THUNDER!"

"Manjoume..."

"THUNDER!!"

(Heheh...definitely reminds me of one Atobe Keigo and his little self-proclaming antics before vs. Tezuka..lol)

"Here I go, Judai...I can't lose this one!"

"Come, Manjoume!"

"It's Manjoume-san!"

His brothers in the audience look on proudly: "Jun...for the Manjoume Group!"

"DUEL!!"

* Duel *

Manjoume: Summons Masked Dragon in def (def: 1100).

Judai: Summons Burst Lady. Destroys Masked Dragon. Manjoume activates its ability: when this monster is destroyed in battle, special summon one dragon monster w/ less than 1500 atk from deck. He summons Armed Dragon LVL 3 (atk: 1200).

Shou asks about this card, and Asuka says it's a card that can evolve into stronger monsters by leveling up. Misawa says they are extremely rare, and wonders how he got it. In the stands, Sameshima is shocked, and asks if this is the legendary card passed down from the North school. "I told you, I'm serious. The prize will be ours," Ichinose replies. "No! It's going to be mine again this year! Judai, you had better not lose!" he yells.

Sets one m/t.

Manjoume: Standby phase, and his dragon evolves. He sacrifices it to special summon LVL 5 (atk: 2400) from his deck or hand. Judai activates his trap card Hero Halo, which prevents any monster with more than 1900 atk from attacking that turn.

Manjoume is not phased. He activates LVL 5's special ability: discard one monster from hand to destroy one opponent monster with less atk points than discard monster. He discards Dragonfly (atk: 1400). Destroys Burst Lady. Direct attack. (Judai LP: 1600). He's blown away and falls dramatically on his side. "What's the matter, Judai? Is that all you've got?" He sets one m/t and ends.

Judai realizes he's being broadcast, and says he can't look too uncool in front of the audience. "That Jun, he's doing well," his brother say with pride. "But we don't want him to win too quickly...we still have time left in the broadcast. Mwa hahahaha!!" (Jerks...!)

Judai: Summons Bubbleman in atk. Draws 2 cards by its effect. Fusion summons Tempester (atk: 2800) (Bubbleman, Featherman & Sparkman). Destroys LVL 5. (Manjoume LP: 3600). Manjoume activates Call of the Living Dead (Yay! his signature card!) to bring back LVL 5. Sets one m/t.

Hayato notes that even tho LVL 5 is back, you still have to discard a monster to activates its effect. He says there aren't many monsters that have more than 2800 atk.

"Don't underestimate my deck," Manjoume responds.

Manjoume: Discards Despair from the Dark (atk: 2800) to activate LVL 5's effect. Judai activates his magic card Defusion, saving his Tempester and breaking it down into its 3 monster parts. He proceeds with battle and destroys Sparkman.

He laughs and says Judai made a mistake using Defusion. Now, his dragon can level up even more! He sacrifices it to special summon LVL 7 (atk: 2800). In a dramatic wave of his hand, and thundering roar of the crowd, his monster emerges... It's very very big. The crowd chants, "Thunder, Thunder...Manjoume thunder!!!"

Shouji says with shock that this card was not among the cards he gave Jun. Chousaku is surprised.

(Ok, this scene is DEFINITELY straight out of Atobe vs. Tezuka!!! Prince of Tennis fans, you know what I'm talkin' about!! XD )

Manjoume yells, "The winner is..."

"Thunder!!" The crowd reacts enthusiastically. "Manjoume Thunder!!!"

Judai's really excited at seeing this monster and says he wants one too. Manjoume calls him an idiot, saying it's not time to be starry eyed. Judai bounces around with joy, saying he's so happy he can duel like this. Manjoume is a little miffed by this attitude.

"I can't be like you, thinking about nothing all day and skipping through life. Look! The pressure of that glare!" The scene pans over to his brothers as they watch over him from the stands. "That is the heaviness of the glare under which all of the dreams and desires of the Manjoume family rest...upon MY shoulders! In order to fulfill my brothers' expectations, and to prove my worth, I have to defeat you here, no matter what!!"

"You're not going to defeat me so easily, Manjoume!"

"Manjoume san da!!" he yells out.

Judai: Summons Friendock in def, sets one m/t.

Manjoume: He activates LVL 7's ability: discard one monster from hand, and destroy ALL opponent monsters that have fewer atk points than discarded monster. He discards LVL 3, and destroys all 3 monsters on Judai's field. "Go!! Genocide Cutter!!"

The crowd goes wild...

Judai activates Friendock's ability, and takes back Fusion and Burst Lady from grave.

"Behold, my brothers! My power!! This is the end! Armed Dragon, LVL 7, Direct attack!! Hahahahaha......."

The dragon's claw swipes at Judai dramatically, as the screen blacks out.

To be continued...

(Hm...the first time they've ever showed "to be continued" at the end... ^^)

Next week: vs. Manjoume Thunder (part 2) Armed Dragon LVL 7

Dialects in Anime

2005-03-22T21:13:00.000-05:00

Dialects in Anime

I am not an expert of anime by any means, and compared to most fans, the repertoire of mangas and anime I've seen is probably relatively slim. But from what I've observed, it seems that including a character with some kind of dialect is pretty common, so I wanted to do an entry on anime characters who speak them! Characters who speak dialects always stand out in my mind, because it makes them unique and fun to listen to. They also usually add subtle dimension to their personality, which I appreciate. The most commonly used dialect is by far the Kansai dialect, and among the Kansai dialects, the Osaka dialect in particular. This pleases me very much, being a native speaker of this dialect...and I always end up being quite partial to characters who speak it. ^_^

Any characters I missed, that you love? Mention it to me in my comments! ^_~

~~~~ * ~~~~ * ~~~~

Name: Oshitari Yuushi
Anime: Prince of Tennis
Dialect: Osaka
Quote: "Eekagen ni se!"

("Quit it!")

About:

I love this character! My second favorite Hyoutei player after Atobe, this guy's accent is so endearing I wish he could be in more episodes just so I can listen to him speak! Aside from his unusual affinity for romantic movies and girls with pretty feet, he has strong ties to his Osakan roots. Even as he goes to school in Tokyo, he craves Osakan food, and goes back home just so he can experience certain cuisines in their peak seasons. Like most Osakans, he probably hates nattou (fermented soy beans), though I haven't been able to confirm it. He has some metrosexual tendencies, as is evidenced by the fact that he wears glasses (non-prescription), just for the looks of it... Hehe. He has also been seen playing manzai tennis - possibly the funniest tennis match I've ever seen. ^_^

~~~~ * ~~~~ * ~~~~

Name: Dinosaur Ryuzaki
Anime: Yugioh
Dialect: Osaka
Quote: "Wai no turn!"

("My turn!")

About:

This character isn't extremely popular, but I've always liked him. He's got a lot of spunk, and unlike Insector Haga, he doesn't cheat to get his way. I kind of wished that he wasn't always subjected to bitter defeats, as he was at Duelist Kingdom or Doom (or Battle City, for that matter). I'm not especially fond of his dinosaur deck, but I did think REBD and Tyrant Dragon were pretty cool, and suited him quite well. I love his accent... It's actually probably a more rural form of Osakan, and he uses words that I wouldn't use, like referring to himself as "wai." I think his dialect sounds rougher around the edges, and it's definitely not your typical Osakan.

~~~~ * ~~~~ * ~~~~

Name: Kajiki Ryouta
Anime: Yugioh
Dialect: Tosa
Quote: "Kondo wa kanarazu katsu kini!"

("I'll definitely win next time!")

About:

I don't know much about the Tosa dialect, except that it was spoken by Sakamoto Ryoma...lol. But this character is lots of fun, and has a lot energy, which I love. I like how he's always trying to earn money to buy a fishing boat...he's got dreams, which is cute. And his relationship with his father was really sweet too.

~~~~ * ~~~~ * ~~~~

Name: Fujino Shizuru
Anime: Mai HiME
Dialect: Kyoto
Quote: "Tayori ni shitemasu sakai ni"

("I am counting on you")

About:

Although her accent is a little off, I do enjoy listening to Shizuru speak, as she has a very delicate way about it, and it's fun to hear her speak the Kyoto dialect. Maybe it's her dialect that helps too, but she seems to come across as a very cultured person, and is often seen wearing a kimono at home. She also trained in sadou, or the Japanese tea ceremony.

A little off topic of dialects, but one interesting fact about this character: Her Child is named Kiyo Hime, which suits her personality quite well. Kiyo Hime is a character from an old Japanese story (later made into Kabuki), who fell in love with a monk in training, Anchin. Her love was obsessive to the point of being stalker like, and she ends up chasing after him, even after he told her their love could never be. Anchin flees across a river into a temple, but she follows after him, turning into a large serpent so she could swim across the river. Eventually, she catches up with him...he had hidden himself inside a large iron bell. She wraps her serpent body around the bell and with the burning flames of her love, she creates a suffocating heat, wherein he perishes. Hmm...who does this remind you of?

~~~~ * ~~~~ * ~~~~

Name: Ichimaru Gin
Anime: Bleach
Dialect: Osaka
Quote: "Akan naa.."

("That's no good")

About:

I don't know anything about this character, except to say that he's a Soul Reaper, and a pretty strong one at that. ^_^;;

~~~~ * ~~~~ * ~~~~

Name: Kuonji Ukyo
Anime: Ranma 1/2
Dialect: Osaka
Quote: "Uchi mo Ran-chan no iinazuke nan ya de!"

("I am Ran-chan's fiancee too!")

About:

Ukyo's my second fave minor character in Ranma, after Ryoga. She's got lots of spunk (What's with these Osakans and their spunk?? ^^) and I love her fighting spirit and no-nonsense attitude. She's got her own okonomiyaki restaurant at high school age, and knows how to make it on her own. She's got a lot of mercantile pride and professionalism, which seems to be marks of her Osakan roots. ^_^

Samurai Champloo 26

2005-03-21T22:27:00.000-05:00

Samurai Champloo 26: Evanescent Encounter (part 3)

*sniffs* I suppose all good things must come to an end. This last episode of Champloo was excellent, I must say. It was a very good ending...but call me a sentimentalist, I really wanted the three of them to stay together forever. At the least, I was happy that they made it through this ordeal alive, but did they really have to end it like it was all just nothing? Because it obviously wasn't. But all in all, I loved it.

Just some thoughts on the show in general: This is definitely one of the more sophisticated animes I have ever seen. Just like Cowboy Bebop, (and there are some obvious similarities), Watanabe has delivered a wonderful, likeable cast of vivid characters with an intriguing story line that kept you wanting more. I think the "traveling" theme was very well incorporated as the backdrop for what was truly important: the developing of the characters and their relationships with each other.

I especially loved how they had a real love-hate dynamic, very reminiscent of Bebop (which I also loved). They work together for a common goal, and yet bicker and fight amongst themselves at the same time. And despite all their differences and clashes of personality, they each in turn care very much about each other. This is the type of storyline that is classic, and therefore always golden.

My favorite episode has got to be "The Art of Altercation," the hilarious episode featuring Spike Spiegel's VA as Nagamitsu, the guy who's aiming to be "BIG." Hehe... that episode had me rolling on the floor. I also loved "Gamblers and Gallantry," the episode where Jin falls in love. That scene where he has to make broiled eel was just too precious! Other scenes that I will never forget...

Jin, Fuu and Mugen enter the all-you-can eat contest!
Mugen trains a beetle to fight
Mugen gets high and forgets to rescue his friends
Jin dresses up as a geisha
Fuu plumping up everytime she pigs out
Mugen imagines Fuu & Jin laughing at his illiteracy

And much, much more!

*sighs* Champloo...I will miss you!!

Mai HiME 24

2005-03-21T21:45:00.000-05:00

Mai HiME Ep 24: Love is a Battle

thoughts

Ha! You Mai HiME fans must've thought I dropped off the face of the blogging world, did you not? Well, I have to admit I did get a little complacent with blogging this show, because there are so many other great bloggers of Mai HiME out there...you know who you are! But you know, I'm not the only one who's behind, right? Besides, the fansubs have pretty much caught up, apparently, so not as urgent a demand for full summaries, I suppose...

I'm going to skip the summaries, and just a few thoughts, since we are in the home stretch for this series. (So many shows ending...though I'm the most upset about Prince of Tennis ending... *sniffs*...)

Anyway, aside from the cheesiness of this episode being named after "Love is Battlefield," I thought it was really good! Tate has redeemed himself in my eyes, amazingly enough. It seems me and Reito were of the same mind when he said that he thought Tate would meet a more pathetic end...but he surprized us both with his honorable and honest end....though still a "martyr" of sorts anyway. Tate's death was the second time I cried while watching Mai HiME. (The first time being Haruka's death...I thought that was so sad...)

They really did a nice job of bringing the whole Mai, Tate, Shiho triangle to an end, with Tate sacrificing himself so that neither girl would end up hurting the other. And Mai's tearful farewell and crazed sorrow was really well done. It still creeps me out how Reito is supposedly manipulating the entire situation, as he has nothing but his own self-serving interests in mind. People who think they can control other people's emotional reactions really piss me off. But I have a feeling that he is going to be in for the shock of his life in the upcoming episodes...because I'm quite sure that Mai is not going to give him what he wants.

As for Natsuki and Shizuru...that situation keeps getting more and more bizarre. All the sudden, Shizuru becomes this really unstable stalker type crazy person. Was this predictable? I guess the people who appear to have it together the most are the ones that are the real crazies, but it really wasn't something I would've predicted. And who exactly is Natsuki's important person? I'm just full of questions at this point...

Finally, just a quick rant: What's up with unstable female lovers in this show? Shiho, Shizuru and Yukariko all have really unhealthy ideas of how to love somebody. It either means you become obsessive of that person, or end up debasing yourself. As someone who's always intrigued by female stereotypes in media and anime, this is something that doesn't feel very satisfying to me.

Next week: The Time of Destiny

Prince of Tennis 176

2005-03-21T17:29:00.000-05:00

Prince of Tennis Ep 176: Climax

thoughts

Spoiler alert, obviously.

This was a really bitter sweet episode for me. It made me really sad to see Fuji lose to Tezuka...though it was to be expected, since Tezuka is untouchable at the moment. I personally thought that Fuji was supposed to be better than Tezuka, particularly in light of the manga...during his match against Kirihara, Ryuzaki said that his talents surpass even those of Tezuka. It can't be that he's been hyped as the sleeping genius for nothing.

In any case, after he lost, I thought about how sad it was, and that if I were Fuji, I would cry...then the scene switches to Fuji's face, and sure enough, he was crying! Awww.... So much crying these last episodes... Momo...Kaidoh, and now Fuji! I wonder who's next, Inui? Tezuka? I know we've seen Oishi and probably Kikumaru cry before. For those of you who saw the episode "To my dear friend," do you recall that scene where Momo cried, and told Ryoma that if he wants to go to the US, then he has to go? I could have sworn Ryoma was crying just then too. I'm sure he was...it wasn't just the water from the fountain! ^_^

This was a great episode, other than the Fuji-defeat part. Tezuka talks more than he has in all other episodes combined. Heh...well, not really. But he definitely talks a lot. Mostly his contemplations on Fuji...Hmm....

By the way, since this is the next-to-last episode, and I enjoyed the Fuji Tezuka goodness so much, I made a few Winamp skins for the occasion... enjoy! ^_^

[[ download ]] [[ download ]]

summary

The match resumes at 15-0, Fuji's service. Oishi is shocked that the Tezuka zone has been broken. Inui says the Triple counter (Higuma Otoshi) has revitalized itself... Fuji serves his underhanded disappearing serve. Tezuka manages to return it: Fuji thinks, "As expected of you. But..!" Fuji jumps up and smashes, winning the point. 30-0. He serves underhand again, but Tezuka says it's not going to work again. He returns it, and Fuji counters with the Tsubame Gaeshi. 40-0. Tezuka notes that Fuji has led one step ahead on this one. Oishi expresses surprise by the fact that Fuji has surpassed Tezuka's expectations. Inui says it's not possible for Tezuka to activate his zone in such a situation.

Fuji thinks to himself: I don't sense the surrounding sounds and scenery...I may never have had such intense concentration before. Thanks...Tezuka!

This time, it's a normal serve. Eiji notes that he's never seen Fuji like this before. "Of course," Ryuzaki responds. "It's because up until now, Fuji has never had a passion for winning." She turns to the players on the team and ask each of them in turn what they do when they lose.

Eiji: "I go cry on Oishi's shoulder, and ponder back on what I did wrong..."

Inui: "I go over the data from the match, and analyze it, and try to work out the weaknesses for future games."

Kaidoh: "I get pissed...so I'll double my practice."

Ryuzaki says, "Exactly. Everyone feels bad about losing, and try to do better for next time, so they can win. But Fuji doesn't play to win or to get stronger. He enjoys the thrill of it, and it's like a game to him." She explains that in his matches against Kirihara and Mizuki, he played for other people (his brother and Tachibana), and didn't truly bring out his talent. This match, however, is different. For the first time ever, he is serious about wanting to win...against Tezuka, his teammate since first year...and a guy who is in many ways, his opposite.

Fuji wins the game with his Higuma Otoshi. 4-3.

Tezuka thinks that it's been a long time since he's felt this cornered in a match where he was in top condition. He serves. They rally, and then Fuji hits his Tsubame Gaeshi...it goes to the Tezuka zone, and he returns it. But Fuji says "That won't work on me anymore," dashing to the net. He hits his Hakugei, and Tezuka anticipates that it will bounce back toward him. It does indeed bounce back, but at a sharp angle, away from him. It hits the net... 0-15. Momo's shocked that even the Zero shiki doesn't work on Fuji. The team's surprized that Fuji was able to change the direction where the Hakugei bounces. Ryuzaki notes that this is certainly the arrival of a Fuji that no one has ever seen before.

Tezuka is now hitting balls without a topspin, supposedly to stop the Tsubame gaeshi...but Fuji manags to hit one back anyways, 0-30. Inui says it's like the Tsubame Gaeshi, but he returned a slice with a topspin...

A reverse Tsubame Gaeshi, Tezuka thinks. To think he's come up with such a skill on the spot...a guy to be feared....more so than I ever imagined. As they are facing each other across the net, the scene switches to the time when they were first years...

* Flashback *

Tezuka's thoughts:

Back when we were first years, I thought you were a more quiet type... Kawamura's power... Kikumaru's reflexes... Oishi's accuracy... and Inui's analytic powers... Among the teammates with individuality, you didn't stand out as much... However...

There's a scene where Fuji manages to return a fly ball with great precision. Tezuka is watching from the side, and ponders. Later, they are collecting balls, and Fuji asks Tezuka whether he's actually left handed. "How did you know? Not even Ryuzaki sensei knows about it," Tezuka says. It's just something that Fuji had surmised from his observation.. Tezuka says, "You have good instincts," to which Fuji replies that they should go home soon...the gates will be locked before long. Tezuka watches Fuji as he walks away...

Back in the present, the match continues. 0-40. Tezuka thinks, He's strong...certainly, he is one of the top players I have ever played against. In truth, back then... He flashes back to the scene where he promises Fuji to play a match, back in first year.

The reason why I promised...was because I wanted to reveal your true identity. Just like I wasn't using my left hand, you haven't been playing your best either. I wanted to expose the true you. But...

The scene changes to their first year's match.

Under usual circumstances, I would have asked him to reschedule our match, when I could be in my best condition. But the reason I didn't may have been that I was a little over-anxious to measure the true strength of this mysterious teammate of mine.

Eventually...you slowly began to reveal your skills. There's a flashback from year 2, when Fuji's playing against another school as a Seigaku regular. By second year, the name of Seigaku's "Fuji Shusuke" was already famous. But in my eyes, it still didn't appear as though you were playing to your capacity.

The scene switches to 1st year Momo and Kaidoh competing against each other during practice, with 2nd year Eiji remarking to Fuji how those two are really going at it. Tezuka's thoughts continue... If you had more of a fighting spirit, we may have been more like rivals...like Momoshiro and Kaidoh. I thought that you were purposely avoiding playing me...that subconsciously, you were saving your strength. And time passed, without us ever determining who was the stronger player. One day, when my left arm is healed, we will have a rematch...and this time, I will bring out your true abilities... that had become my desire.

Scene is now on the school rooftop, 3rd year, before Tezuka leaves for Germany.

Fuji: "Germany, huh? That's pretty far..."

Tezuka: "Don't worry. Although I won't be here, Seigaku has Oishi...and you."

"How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know...I'm going to concentrate on getting better, for now.

"So when you return, you will be Tezuka Kunimitsu, in perfect condition."

"Yeah. I'll be able to play in my best condition. Against anybody."

"Anybody?"

"Anybody." He emphasizes the word meaningfully.

"Is that right? Well...I look forward to it," Fuji says hesitantly.

Back in the present, Oishi is asking, "Then...this lineup was Tezuka's request?" Ryuzaki answers "Yes, but it's not like I manipulated it just to take in the player's wishes. It was my wish as well."

The teammates note that Tezuka's hits have become sharper and stronger. (The flying ball turns into a cheesy looking aparition of a dragon...hehe... Fuji's ball turns into some kind of bear?)

Tezuka thinks: "I finally understand...why I was wishing for a match with you so much..."

Fuji thinks: "I finally understand...why I was avoiding a match against you so much, even though I wanted it at the same time..."

Tezuka: "...because I knew that by playing you, I can better myself."

Fuji: "...because by playing you, I will change myself. I was scared of that."

Tezuka: "Now, you are truly my best rival!"

Fuji: "You once asked me where my true self really was. The answer is finally revealed itself. My true self is...HERE! Here, on this court, as I battle against you!"

Fuji hits a Tsubame Gaeshi, but it returns to the Tezuka zone. He hits a Hakugei, and Tezuka flies up (v dramatically, I might add) and smashes it. Fuji think he can return it with the Higuma Otoshi, but the ball hits the top fo the net, and falls behind him. 6-6. Fuji realizes that it is the same technique Ryoma used to break his Higuma.

It goes into tiebreak. It's now 6-5, Tezuka's match point. Fuji serves, thinking, "I won't let you take this point...Tezuka!" The ball eventually makes it to Tezuka zone, and Fuji thinks he's gonna do a drop shot. But Tezuka grabs the racket with both hands, hitting the ball back with great power. Fuji Hakugeis the return, and Tezuka smashes, hitting it onto the net again. Fuji does the Higuma, thinking he has won the point...but Tezuka spins the air and switches hands at the last minute, and manages to swing around to hit a right-handed Zero shiki drop. Fuji is in shock. Tezuka wins, 7-6.

"I didn't think you would hit a right-handed Zero-shiki right there... You are truly amazing, Tezuka," Fuji says.

"It's not like I was aiming for it. My body just moved by reflex..." He looks up. Tears are streaming down Fuji's face. "Fuji..."

"I didn't know that losing could be so bitter," he says. "But it feels great..." Tezuka smiles, and offers his hand. They shake...

Ryuzaki says.."Ryoma...Fuji and Tezuka had a great match." There's a once in a lifetime pic of Fuji and Tezuka with their arms around each other, and Tezuka has on a million dollar smile. Absolutely. Adorable. So I forgive him for beating Fujiko-chan. ^_^

In the states, Ryoma wins his first match. He says, "I can't lose so easily...I've left a lot behind." He grins...

Next time: Final episode! 1 hour special! *cries*
Airs on March 30th.

Yugioh GX 24

2005-03-18T00:19:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 24: Revival! Manjoume Thunder!

thoughts

At long last!! He returns!! Manjoume-san-daaa....Thunder!!! XD I must say that never before has there been a GX episode I anticipated more than this one, and it truly delivered. I loved every minute of it! I've loved Manjoume ever since the first episode (it's one of those "You had me at hello" moments...lol), and really, the show is just not the same without him. He had too long of an absence... It's funny if you think about it...out of all the characters besides Judai, he's dueled a grand total of 3 times...which is a lot! (Though still not enough by me..) That makes me think that the story writers love this character as much as I do.

There was plenty of Manjoume-isms in this episode to make me very happy indeed. I fell over laughing every time he said, "Manjoume-san da!" ("It's Manjoume SAN!!") which was quite often. Not to mention the classic line, "Just who do you think I am??" I swear, every one of my all-time favorite characters say that line at one point or another.

I don't know what that says about me...hehehe...

This episode was actually quite funny, which I wasn't expecting. The whole Ojama yellow thing was hilarious! I liked Manjoume's interaction with the guy, and it really showed his personality. And I also loved that moment where he chose to give his 40th card to the man, at the cost of his own ticket into the North school. It goes to show that Manjoume, despite his toughness, is really just a softy on the inside. What a cutie!!

And for tormenting my cutie...shame on you, Judai!

Note: Thanks to Horoko for card translations...I was too lazy to look up the names...lol.

summary

So the episode opens with Manjoume stranded on a sinking boat. (It's really odd...how did this happen? It's not explained. Anyway, it's halfway submerged in the water...how is that?) "Damn you, Chronos...Misawa Daichi...Yuki Judai!" He's pretty bitter. An imaginary Judai appears above him: "I won! That was a fun duel!" "Shut up!!" Manjoume yells at him, and Judai looks surprised. "Yeah yeah, you must be living it up over there..."

He puts on his duel disk and says with determination that the next time they duel, HE'S going to be victorious. Imaginary Judai is impressed, and says it's a good thing he's really hyped! Manjoume takes a swing at him, but his arm cuts through the air. He cackles, then reaches for his water bottle. His water is running low. Judai appears again, and smiles, saying: "Come on, Manjoume...hurry home! Duel with me!" "Gah!" Manjoume throws his water bottle at the cursed illusion, and then he realizes his mistake. He lunges after the bottle, and ends up taking a nose dive into the waters below... He curses Judai's name as he loses consciousness...

He's washed up somewhere dark and damp. A yellow glow appears, and a voice calls to him. It's a squeeky voice that addresses him as "Aniki" (big brother), and it appears as a really weird looking thing in a bikini, and it begs Manjoume to wake up. It rubs his butt in his face... (I thought this was a kid's show??) Manjoume grabs it, and it disappears. "So you've finally awakened," a man says. Manjoume wakes up and faces a strange man in a mask, who's covered in seaweed. "Who the hell are you?"

The man says his name is unimportant. He's holding a bunch of cards, and asks Manjoume if he's a duelist. "That's my deck! Give it back!" The man replies that it's soaked through and ruined, and he drops them into a puddle. "You geezer!" The man tosses him a card, saying it's a gift from him. It's Ojama yellow. Manjoume's disgusted, and tries to throw it away, but the man objects. "You will regret it if you throw it away," he says, rather ominously. He continues, "You were being tormented in your sleep...kept murmuring names, like Chronos and Judai.."

Manjoume looks away: "To think I've come to this..." (He addresses himself as "ore-sama" ^_^) The man says, "You want to be strong, don't you?" Judai appears again, and gloats: "Didn't I tell you? I'm number 1." Manjoume angrily responds, "Of course! Show me a man who DOESN'T want to be strong!" (Wooo hoo! That's what I'm talkin about!) The man then says, "Are you willing to put in the effort, then?"

Manjoume: "Effort? Who do you think I am?? I am Manjoume Jun...Manjoume-san!!" XD

The man is a little flabbergasted, saying that he wants to be strong, yet doesn't want to put in the effort..."and yet, I sense some abilities in you that other people lack. Very well...I will take you to a good place." Water pours in from the roof over Manjoume, and he gets blasted out of the vessel, on shore.

He's landed on some icy island. He spots a tall building in the distances, and realizes that the man is planning on testing him. "Hmph. Fine." He straightens out his collar. "Don't underestimate Manjoume Jun!" He arrives at the gate, and pounds on it, demanding entry. There's no response. A man is sitting by the gate next to a campfire, and he explains that to enter the North school (which is behind the gate), one must have 40 cards. Manjoume says he lost his deck on the way here. The man says that cards are scattered in perilous places throughout the island, and he only managed to collect 39. He's been stuck outside for quite sometime. Manjoume says "so you've despaired," and he fishes out a credit card from his shirt pocket and says, "Why don't you sell me those cards?" (Hehehe....rich boy!! FYI, the card is an "Anix" card, and his name is spelt "Manjoume Jun" on it).

The man says he couldn't possibly part with them...they are his life! "Hmph. Fine then, I'll take care of myself." He walks off to find cards. As he's climbing cliffs and such, he says, "Just you wait...Judai! I'm never gonna be a drop out!!"

He returns, a little run down, but with success. "Are you still here, old man?" He says to the guy outside. He tells him that he fought polar bears and vampire bats to get his deck together. (I love his expression when he's running from the polar bear!)

The man is really happy to see him, and says that he actually regretted not giving him his cards...because he realized that a young man like Manjoume shouldn't end up washed-up, like him. Manjoume looks a little surprised, and somewhat taken. "Now, enter the gates!" the man says. I think Manjoume felt rather sorry for the man, because he says that the two of them are going in together...because he will give him one of his cards. "But if you did that...!" the man says, surprised. "Don't mistake me...I've got 41 cards." Manjoume says. He grabs his Ojama yellow ("useless to me") and tries to give it over, but his hand keeps swinging away. "Hey, I thought you said you were giving me card??" the man looks confused.

"My arm...it keeps moving on its own!" Ojama yellow pops out and whines, asking why Aniki wants to get rid of it. "Who are you?" Manjoume says. The man looks confused, as he can't see the thing, and Ojama says that only Manjoume can see it. "I've got real siblings, and I'm looking for them...help me find them!" it pleads. A really frustrated Manjoume puts the card back in his deck, and he hands the man another card. The man thanks him. "What is your name?" he asks.

"My name is Manjoume...Manjoume Jun!"

The man says they should go in together, but Manjoume says he's tired and going to rest for a while. "Thank you, you're such a nice guy!" the man says. "Shut up, or I'll take my card back," Manjoume responds. "Now go."

He plops down beside the fire, and says, "Damn...now I'm one card short..." Judai appears again, and laughs, saying "Manjoume...you're really a nice guy!" "Shut up!" Manjoume takes a swing at him. And looks down to see that there's a card on the ground. It is Chaos End...

Now with 40 cards, Manjoume gains entry into the academy. He walks in, and it looks like a old Western town. The man who entered earlier is being thrown out of a building. Manjoume runs up to him and asks what's happened. The students of North school begin milling around them. One of them, "King," is sitting in a rocking chair, and he explains that by the rules of this academy, new students must duel against all 50 students, beginning with the lowest ranking one. Only after beating all of them can they duel him, the king. If you lose, that is what your rank is...for at this school, powers speaks for everything. "Fine, bring it on!" Manjoume says, as he hasn't dueled in a while, and is itching for a challenge. The lowest ranking guy comes up and says he's his first opponent. He addresses Manjoume as "temee" ("you" in a very rude manner).
Manjoume: "Not temee...I am...ichi! Juu! Hyaku! Sen! Manjoume...san-da!!!"

He easily wipes the floor with the first 46 opponents. (In the first duel, he activates Limiter Removal on Death Scissors to finish his opponent). All the other duels aren't shown, except the part where his oppoents fall miserably in a dramatic explosion of dust and smoke... The final four claim that they will not allow Manjoume to get a piece of their King. Manjoume takes the challenge, saying it's too bothersome to fight them individually: "I'll take you all on at once!"

First guy summons Marauding Captain, and activates his special ability and summons another Marauding Captain. The other three guys also play the same monster, and there are eventually 8 captains on the field. When there is more than one of these on the field, the opponent cannot target this monster in battle. Manjoume smirks and draws. He sets two m/t, and summons Giant Rat in defense. His opponents mock his weak monster. But Manjoume says...

"I can see it...your duel. As I was surviving out there and finding my cards, I was thinking up different ways to work around the limitations of a weak deck...and strategies on maximizing their worth." Ojama says: "You're so cool! You must be talking about me, right?" Manjoume looks annoyed, and tells him, "Don't be stupid! Duel is power! Weak cards can't win over stronger ones! What I learned is that small fry are useable in their own small-fry kind of way!" His giant rat looks really hurt by this comment...aww....

His opponents are weirded out, because it looks to them like he's arguing with himself.. The first guy's turn comes around again, and he activates United Army, which lets him raise one warrior type monster's atk by 200 for every warrior on the field. His Marauding Captain goes up to 2800. He attacks and destroys the rat. Manjoume activates the rat's effect, and summons one earth type monster with less than 1500 atk from his deck. He summons Gyaku-gire Panda (atk: 800), and activates its effect - for every monster on opponent's field, increase atk by 500. It increases to 4800. He activates his trap card destruction ring on Panda. His opponents think he's planning on going down with the rest of them, but he activates Defense Ring, protecting his LP. (Hmmm...this looks familiar...lol) All his opponents are annihilated in one sweeping move. Go, Manjoume!!

"Now...you're the only one left!" Manjoume points at the king. The King finallys steps up for his duel. Judai appears again, and says: "He looks pretty strong! Are you gonna be ok, Manjoume?" ("It's Manjoume-san!!") He says he's seen Manjoume's dueling and has seen through all his tactics.

* Duel *

King: Activates two Devil's Sanctuary to summon two devil tokens. He sacrifices them to summon Devilzoa (atk: 2600). He sets two m/t. "Now...taste your defeat...Manjoume!"

"It's Manjoume-san!!"

Manjoume: He draws. It's Ojama yellow. "YOU AGAIN??" Ojama's intimidated by King, and whines about how it doesn't look good. He says being number 2 isn't so bad, right?? Manjoume says, "Shut up! Quit your yammering and go fight!" He summons his "small fry" in def (def: 1000). "Noooo!!" the creature says... Sets two m/t.

King: Activates trap card, Metal Conversion - Magic Reflex Armor on his Devilzoa. He sacrifices it to summon Metal Devilzoa (atk: 3000). He then activates Call of the Living Dead (that's Manjoume's staple card!!) to summon back Devilzoa. Manjoume says "Hmph...interesting." King attacks with Devilzoa and destroys Ojama. ("Aniki...you dummy!!" it screams before being destroyed). Manjoume thinks to himself that he's got one combo that King hasn't seen... "I have to rely on that!" Direct attack from Metal Devilzoa. (Manjoume LP: 1000). King says he's good as gone, but Manjoume replies: "Are you sure about that? I was waiting for this." He activates instant magic Hell Tempest. When he takes over 3000 LP damage, he can activate this card, and remove every monster card from both people's deck and grave. "You say you know my strategies inside and out? Then I'll remove all my monsters from my deck!"

King taunts that "Manjoume" must've given up.

"It's Manjoume-san!!"

Manjoume: "Kisama...you had better regret having challenged ME, Manjoume Jun!!" He activates Chaos End, destroying all monsters on opponent's field when more than 7 cards of his own are removed from the game. He then activates trap card Return from a Different Dimension, special summoning as many monsters removed as possible. He summons 4 monsters with 1000 atk (one of them is the Scissors thing...the rest I don't recognize), and Ojama. Ojama looks all proud, but bursts into tears with Manjoume tells "You, with zero attack points" to take a hike.

He attacks directly for the win. ("Go! Manjoume Thunder Special!!!") Yay!!!

* End duel *

A strange man approaches..."it seems a new king is born..." He's got the same mask as that guy he met after he drowned. It turns out he's the same guy who was pretending to be stuck outside the school with only 39 cards. He's the principal of the school, Ichinose. Manjoume demands an explanation. It turns out that the vessel that picked him up was the school's submarine, and he saved him because the Ojama guys found Manjoume. He had predicted that a first year would become the reprentative from their school, and thus had already told Duel Acadamia about this...and therefore, Acadamia has also chosen a first year.... Manjoume's surprised that he had predicted that he would become the new king. The man replies, "Didn't I tell you? That I detected a different kind of power from you."

Manjoume asks who he'll be fighting, and he says...Yuki Judai.

As the students all bow before their new king, Manjoume revels in this opportunity to crush Judai once and for all. The episode ends as Manjoume cackles with delight...

Next Week: vs. Manjoume Thunder! (part 1) The Fearsome Armored Dragon!

Samurai Champloo 24-25

2005-03-16T20:08:00.000-05:00

Samurai Champloo Ep 24-25: Evanescent Encounter
(part 1-2)

All good things must come to an end, and this lovely series is swiftly reaching its climax... I wish it could go on forever, but I think they've done a wonderful job with these last few episodes, so there's not much left for regrets.

I don't want to give anything away, because even for those who like spoilers, I guarantee that these last episodes must be seen spoiler-free. It's much more exciting that way. ^_~

For those of you who did see it...I was quite intrigued by Fuu and Jin's lake-side conversation. There was so little said, and yet there was much communicated. It's so frustrating, because I can't read minds! But my theory is that Fuu and Jin have some type of understanding between them...I think it's a romantic connection. But they can't leave Mugen behind, can they? What do you say?

I will say this...more and more things finally come to light regarding each characters' past lives. And like it did in Cowboy Bebop, the past is quickly catching up with the characters in unexpected ways. Episode 25 ended with yet another agonziing cliffhanger, so I am again left suspended for one more week until the conclusion, which I'm sure will not disappoint...

Prince of Tennis 175

2005-03-16T19:13:00.000-05:00

Prince of Tennis Ep 175: The Third Year's True Heart*

thoughts

I put an asterisk next to "true heart" because I've seen this episode translated as such elsewhere...and honestly I couldn't come up with a better title. But the title is actually "Sannenme no honki" which means something more like "true strength" of the third year... In context, this would mean that the true powers of (Fuji) are finally coming to surface after this, his third year. I really like this title. I think his "awakening," which happened in the manga during his match against Kirihara, is being shown now in the anime...and who better to bring out the true powers of Fuji than his friend and "rival" Tezuka?

And that's the main question here, which is brought up throughout the episode: What is truly the nature of Tezuka and Fuji's relationship? Yaoi fandom aside (and trust me, there's plenty of "innuendo" for those who want it), I think the issue is that the two characters have never had the same type of intense rivalry that exists, for example, between Momo and Kaidoh. In fact, they hadn't even played against each other for 3 years... How is it that the two best players on the Seigaku team never confronted each other on the courts, although they could have played practice matches any time they wished? I think they both knew that something fundamental would change about their tennis when they did meet on the court...and perhaps wanted to avoid it for as long as possible. A certain level of comfort can be had from such a stalemate...

But it all comes down to this one match...the result of which will have to wait until the next episode, unfortunately. Gah! But maybe then, we will finally see the ultimate strength that resides in Fuji...the prodigy.

This is again, a must-see episode for Tezuka / Fuji fans! I loved all the flashbacks, and so much emotion...it was one of the best episodes ever. Can't wait til 176!

summary

In New York, Ryoma is blasting away the competition...he says he's not much impressed by the players he's come up against at the Open. "Mada mada dane," he says. Cocky as ever!

Back in Japan, Fuji and Tezuka's match continues where we left off, with Fuji's Tsubame Gaeshi. (Recall, it's 1 game-all, and Fuji's service game). Kikumaru and Inui have finished their own matches and have rushed over to watch. The teammates note how Fuji's moves are brilliant, as ever. "So you have finally begun...Fuji!" Tezuka thinks to himself..

The first years wonder who's stronger, and Oishi answers that it's hard to tell. He says that going by track record alone, Tezuka is definitely the stronger player - as he is a Nationals level athlete, no doubt. And yet...they recall hearing that Fuji defeated Tezuka utterly and completely first year...

Tezuka hits the ball onto the net, and it bounces into Fuji's side. Fuji runs up and manages to hit it back, another net-hitting ball, but it too, jumps back to the other side. (note: they call this a "cord" (?) ball. I don't think this is an English term...does anyone know?) Momo remarks that he's never seen someone return a "cord" ball with a cord ball before. Fuji now leads 2-1. Ryuzaki thinks that this is going to be unpredictable indeed.

Inui ponders how for Fuji and Tezuka, he has never been able to accurately collect their data, because they manage to beat most of their opponents before bringing out their full capacities. He notes that this match, however, is different, because each player needs to play with all their powers if they want to win.

Momo says that maybe Tezuka is actually a little nervous, but Kaidoh angrily snaps, "Are you blind? Does he look nervous to you?" Oishi tells them to quiet down...

Tezuka thinks that Fuji's quite good, as expected. He serves, and wins the next point. Inui notes that Fuji's been having problems with Tezuka's killer serve... Fuji thinks that simply returning the ball will not be enough. It's Tezuka's game point. He serves, and Fuji returns it with a double hander. 40-15. The teammates remark that it's now Fuji on the offensive. 40-30. Fuji thinks, "The wind has picked up...this is mine." He hits his Hakugei, but when it bounces back toward him, Tezuka jumps up and smashes it. Fuji realizes that Tezuka had predicted his move. He returns the smash with the Higuma otoshi, but it flies straight toward the Tezuka zone. Fuji returns this with his Tsubame Gaeshi, but Tezuka hits that one back too! (Gah!) Fuji thinks he can get to it in time, but once the ball hits the ground, it rolls back toward the net. Zero shiki... 2-2.

Fuji's pretty shocked... "I thought this day would come," he thinks, "the day when we would play against each other with all our strength..." Cherry blossom petals scatter in the winds... "Yes...ever since the day we met..."

* Flashback *

It's first year. Tezuka is cleaning up after practice...apparently, the upperclassmen have been picking on him again, and forced him to do extra work.

"Tezuka-kun," an adorable 1st year Fuji says, approaching him.

"Er...Fuji..kun? What do you want?"

"I'm going to help you."

Tezuka tries to stop him, saying it's his penalty job. Fuji replies that he must get in trouble a lot. Tezuka replies that he probably comes across as cocky... "And I do answer back a lot.."

"And you're strong too. You beat the senpais today, didn't you? Ever since I joined the team, I've thought you were incredible.. And you're diligent too," Fuji says.

Tezuka looks away. "I'm just doing what I'm supposed to. Now go home...I appreciate the thought, but I don't want you to get in trouble too."

"That's ok...when we get in trouble, let's get in trouble together...all of us."

"All?" He looks around, and Oishi, Taka-san and Inui are all helping out too. Awww...

* End flashback *

"That's right...even back then, you had all our trust and respect," Fuji thinks. He serves. It goes into the Tezuka zone. Inui is stunned that the Tezuka zone works even on Fuji's triple counters. Momo wonders if Fuji's going to lose now...him and Kaidoh get into a fight again, because Kaidoh tells him to just shut up and watch. The first years say that they must fight a lot because they're in the same year, and are rivals...so then the question comes up: Fuji and Tezuka - are both third years...do they consider each other rivals? Horio says that has to be the case, since they are in the same year, and are both very strong...but one of the kids notes that it doesn't seem like that type of atmosphere exists between the two of them. Kachiro says, "What kind of relationship do they really have?" Hmmm...

"I hit it and hit it, but the ball always gets sucked in toward you... That's right, I wanted to have a match like this with you," Fuji thinks.

* Flashback *

"A match?" 1st year Tezuka says to Fuji. They're in the hallway of the school, and Fuji has just suggested that the two of them secretly play a match, although 1st years aren't allowed to play one without permission. Tezuka looks down. Fuji frowns and says "Don't you want to?" "No, let's do it," Tezuka says. "Really?" Fuji's really excited... "I wanted to play against you too, Fuji-kun." Fuji grabs Tezuka's hands and thanks him...he's got a huge (adorable!) smile on his face...

(Present Fuji thinks to himself, "There was never a match I looked forward to more than that one. And yet...")

It's the day of their match. Tezuka's holding his racket in his left hand. "Left hand...he's serious. That makes me happy," Fuji thinks. But Tezuka keeps missing the ball, and he's obviously not at the top of his game. Fuji asks if he's ok, and he insists that he is. "Something's wrong...there's no power in his returns. This isn't the Tezuka I know," Fuji thinks. Tezuka tries to return a ball, and collapses in pain. Fuji runs over and says he must not have been in top condition, afterall...

"I've lost," Tezuka says. Fuji angrily confronts him, asking him why he risked injury: "Why don't you take care of yourself more?"

"Because we promised. And I told you...I wanted to play you too." Fuji grabs him by the shirt and yells that keeping a promise in this manner doesn't make him happy in the least. "I'm sorry..." Tezuka says.

They're walking home together in the pretty twilight, and they make promise to play one another again when Tezuka is fully healed.

* End flashback *

"But we never played again...Why is that?" Fuji thinks to hiself. "At one point, your arm had healed, and if we wanted, we could have played anytime... Maybe I was afraid...afraid to find out who was really stronger." Fuji hits a Tsubame Gaeshi, but it heads into Tezuka zone. Fuji's really losing his momentum now. Tezuka breaks Fuji's service game. 3-2.

"If we played a match, it would have determined who was better...maybe I didn't want that," Fuji thinks. "We were good teammates...and classmates at times." He remembers all the times they had spent together...

* Flashback *

Tezuka is leaving the hospital, and Fuji is waiting for him outside. (They are apparently now in 2nd year, as their II pin notes). Tezuka had just come from his check-up. Fuji had seen him go into the hospital and decided to wait for him to see if everything was ok.

"You should've waited inside," Tezuka says. Fuji replies that he didn't want to get in patients' way... and besides, he was thinking.

"Thinking..?"

"If we had gone to different schools, what would have happened?"

"That's what you were thinking?"

"We may have met in a tournament someplace, and might have had an all-out match."

"Perhaps."

"Which do you think would've been better? Being in the same school like this? Or being enemies on different teams?"

"I don't know...it's not my taste to wonder about such things."

"That's very like you." Fuji suddenly stops. "Tezuka."

"Hm?"

"It's snowing." Fuji asks him if he's going to Yukiyama again this year, and Tezuka replies that it's likely. "I want to climb it too...with everyone else." Tezuka says, "if we get the chance.." He walks off.

Fuji looks at his back as he walks away, and thinks to himself, "Tezuka...if I am with you, I feel like I could climb to whatever heights..." He runs up to catch up. "What's wrong?" Tezuka says. "Nothing..." Fuji opens his umbrella and they walk off together under it....

* End flashback *

Back in the present, it's 4-2. The teammates remark that they didn't think it would be so one-sided. "Hey! Fuji! Get it together!" Kikumaru yells at him. "This might be the first and last time you'll ever play against each other while on the same team!"

Fuji realizes that Kikumaru's right...they are 3rd years, afterall. "To lose like this...I'd have too many regrets." His play has become much sharper. Tezuka smashes, and Fuji returns it with a killer Higuma Otoshi, winning the point. The teammates look on in awe.

"He has come," Ryuzaki thinks.

Tezuka: "Fuji...the sleeping lion has awakened..."

Next Week: Climax

Anime winamp skins

2005-03-13T02:05:00.000-05:00

Anime Winamp Skins
by athena

EDIT: I've found a place that can host my skins! I won't have to rotate them around anymore! I will be adding new skins here periodically, so do check back. I will announce new postings on my sidebar, probably in the "news" section. ^_^

Please note that I have a 10 MB bandwidth limit per 24 hour period. So if the download links are not available, please try again in a few hours.

Ha...well, I just discovered how to make my own winamp skins via a program called skinamp, and I've been at it like a maniac...lol. It's a pretty simple program, and anyone who can cut and paste stuff in Photoshop can make a skin. It's so much fun...hehe... Even though it's pretty basic. Anyway, you can tell I go for a real basic look, with no frills. I don't use the equilizer anyway...

You can also download my featured skin, which I'll have on my sidebar. Click on images for larger view.

*Images for "tezuka dreams" and "be awed" were taken from Seigaku! Karupin.net*

*Images for Cowboy Bebop were taken from easy come easy go*

Prince of Tennis

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Yugioh GX

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Inuyasha

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Cowboy Bebop

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Bleach

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Mai HiME

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Yugioh

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Samurai Champloo

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Yugioh GX 23

2005-03-12T20:28:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 23: Removal Power! Moke Moke Duel

* * Countdown to Manjoume: Next Episode!! * *

thoughts

Ah....sorry for the delay. I do have a life, you know...lol! This was a fun little episode, although I will say that the best thing about it was the preview for next week's episode, featuring Manjoume!!! Gah! I can't wait!! Best preview. Ever. So good, in fact, that I'm posting the script translated by me...yeah yeah to all those at janime who've already seen it. Too bad! I'm subjecting you to it again! Lol... ^_^

preview for Ep 24:

Shou: Do you guys remember...that they used to sing praise of one legendary duelist at Duel Acadamia?

Judai: He left this island like the wind....and was wilful like the storm!

Shou: And his pride, bigger than a mountain - his willpower, deeper than the sea!

Judai: And like the fire, he revives again!

Shou: That's right! And that man's name is...

Judai: Ichi!

Shou: Juu!

Judai: Hyaku!

Shou: Sen!

Judai: Manjoume....*

Judai / Shou: ...THUNDER!!!

Shou: Next time - Revive! Manjoume Thunder!

Judai: Manjoume....you're SO COOL!! (heheh....my sentiments exactly!)

* definition:
ichi - one
juu - ten
hyaku - hundred
sen - thousand
man - ten thousand

Anyway, it's gonna be awesome. And to everyone's who's tired of seeing Judai dueling every episode, it'll be a slight breather. (heheh...)

Ok, Moke Moke duel...cute, as I said. And some more goofiness from Chronos! Although in terms of crazy foreigners, I will always prefer the lovely Pegasus over all others, Chronos does a pretty good job with the comedy touch.

summary

So the episode opens with Chronos pretty pissed about how Judai managed to get himself chosen as the school rep. He's muttering nonsense again: "Choco-pudding! Choco-a la mode!!....Has it really been decided? No, no, no!! There has to be another way..." Gears start turning in his head, which always spells trouble for you-know-who... He makes his way toward the chicken coop, while counting in Chinese...weird. The chickens begin pecking at Chronos's head, angry at his intrusion. This part is hilarious! ("Not the head! Not the head!!") He finally finds the passage way he was looking for, and manages to drop down into the secret chamber, but a few chickens fall in with him...he picks them up and throws them violently out of the room, and the chamber door slams behind them.

He dons a strange looking space suit and enters an inner chamber that's been sealed. He says he's opening Pandora's box, but that in that box, there is always a bit of hope...

Meanwhile, Judai's constructing his deck for his upcoming duel against Manjoume... (hehe...of course, they don't know it's Manjoume he's gonna be dueling) All his friends keep pestering him to include their favorite cards in his deck! (But really, what's he gonna do with a Power Bond or Etoile Cyber in his E-Hero deck? Are they crazy??) Finally, he has to break out and escape to his secret hiding place on the rooftop, where he goes when he's skipping class.

It's his secret location, but some kid in rags in already hanging out there, and Judai's a little surprised. The kid says the weather's so nice...the sun's shining, clouds so fluffy..."it makes you wanna do nothing at all!" Hane Kuriboh comes out and bounces around, and the kid asks Judai if that's his spirit. "You can see him?" Judai asks. "He's so cute...oh that's right...you must be Yuki Judai. I'm Motegi Mokeo. It's sudden, but why don't we duel?"

Motegi says he's always wanted to duel against someone who can speak to spirits... Judai figures he's got some special powers too, so he agrees to the duel. Judai's buddies catch up with him, and decide to watch the duel...

Chronos is hanging out on one of the pillars surrounding the roof, in his space suit. He says it's going as planned...since he already knew that this was Judai's fave location to hang out when he's skipping class.

* Duel *

Motegi: Summons Moke Moke in def (def: 100). "Moke moke....!!" Judai's friends all ooo and aahh at how cute this monster is! He makes them feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Hayato says he's getting sleepy all the sudden... Motegi sets two m/t.

Judai: Summons Sparkman in atk. Fusion summons Flame Wingman by combining Featherman and Burst Lady from hand. Motegi's thrilled to see such moves, and it throws Judai off a little... He attacks Moke Moke with Sparkman. Motegi activates his trap, Crowd Tactics. By this card's effect, during his or his opponent's end phases, he can special summon one monster from his deck for every normal monster lower than level 2 that was destroyed in that turn. (Special summoned monster must be of the same level). Battle commences. Moke Moke is destroyed. Attacks again directly with Flame Wingman. (Motegi LP: 1900). Motegi special summons Happy Lover in atk (atk: 800).

Motegi: Summons Moke Moke in atk (atk: 300). The friends freak out again.

Misawa: "Moke moke...pretty cool.
Asuka: "Maybe I should put one in my deck too!"
Shou: "He'll make you happy!"
Hayato: *Yawns*

Motegi activates continuous magic card Angry Moke Moke. Attacks Sparkman with Happy Lover, destroying Happy Lover. (Motegi LP: 1300). Moke Moke freaks out...heheh.... and turns into angry Moke Moke, boosting his atk to 3000. (This is by the magic card's effect - when an angel type monster is destroyed, his attack is raised to 3000 until the end of the turn). "Angry Moke Moke is so cute too!!" Judai's friends applaud. "Who are you rooting for, anyway??" Judai says angrily. "Aahh...Whoever!" Misawa says rather happily.

Motegi attacks and destroys Flame Wingman with Moke Moke. (Judai LP: 3100). "Moke moke!! Moke moke!!" Judai's friends say. Motegi activates Mystic Wok, which lets him sacrifice one monster on his field and boost his LP equal to that monster's atk (or def...he can choose which). He sacrifices Moke Moke. (Motegi LP: 4100). He then activates Crowd Tactic's effect, and special summons Haniwa from his deck in def (def: 500).

Misawa: "Yo...Judai! No need to try."
Asuka: "That's right...fighting isn't good! Let's go with peace!"
Shou: "Like Moke moke!"
All: "Moke moke!!!"
Judai: "Huh....???"

Chronos says Motegi's powers have taken effect! He flies down with his space suit, and explains: "This is Motegi's power removal tactic". Motegi used to be the academy's #1 duelist. But apparently, his duel style changed all the sudden one day, and every duelist he now duels loses interest in dueling afterwards, and quit school, leaving the island. The people at Duel Acadamia realized this was dangerous, so they stowed him off on his own personal dorm, away from everyone else. Judai comments how cruel that is...but it seems Motegi's satisfied with his arrangements, as it's on a remote island with all the best amenities..

Motegi explains that he doesn't understand either, but ever since he's gotten Moke Moke, all his duels turn out this way. Judai asks why he's returned now, and Motegi says that when he heard about Judai from Chronos, he suspected that he too could hear the voices of the spirits. "I want to release your cute little spirits from dueling!" Motegi says. "They're happier this way."

Judai says he's wrong..that Hane Kuriboh loves to duel, and is happy as he is. The duel continues.

Judai: Summons Wildman in atk. Attacks and destroys Haniwa. Attacks directly with Sparkman (Motegi LP: 2500). Sets one m/t. Motegi special summons Happy Lover in atk. Chronos goes berserk because Judai's still got his fighting spirit. "Why Why why???" he says...

Motegi: Activates Pot of Greed. Activates Dark Assembly Line, which lets him choose 2 normal monsters from his grave and add them to his hand. He chooses 2 Moke Moke. He fuses them with his third Moke Moke in hand to summon King Moke Moke in atk (atk: 300). He attacks Wildman with King Moke Moke, destroying King. (Motegi LP: 1300). Special summons 3 Moke Moke in atk from his grave by King Moke Moke's effect. Attacks Wildman with Happy Lover, destroying Lover (Motegi LP: 600). Again, the little Moke's freak out, and their atk raises to 3000. Attacks Wildman and Sparkman with two Mokes. (Judai LP: 1600) Judai activates his trap card Hero Barrier to protect his Sparkman from the 2nd attack. But Motegi commences to attack with 3rd Moke, destroying Sparkman. (Judai LP: 200). Motegi special summons Happy Lover in def. Activates Holy Elf's Blessing, which raises his LP by 300 for each monster on the field. (Motegi LP: 1800).

Judai: Summons Bubbleman in atk. Motegi wonders why Judai's still fighting, and Judai replies that he's having so much fun, he can't quit now! He activates Bubbleman's effect to draw 2 more cards. Activates Hero Heart from his hand. This card halves his monster's atk points, but lets that monster attack twice. Bubbleman is reduced to 400. He attacks Moke Moke with Bubbleman, destroying it. (Motegi LP: 1700). Attacks Moke Moke (now atk 3000) with Bubbleman. Activates instant magic Bubble Illusion. This card can only be activated when Bubbleman is on the field, and lets him activate a trap card from his hand. He chooses Dimension Tunnel Mirror Gate, which lets him switch monsters during battle. Moke Moke switches with Bubbleman... (Motegi LP: 0).

Motegi looks thrilled that Moke Moke wants to fight! Judai goes up to Motegi and says his usual line, "I won! That was a fun duel!" Motegi says that it's not so easy being relaxed all the time, and Judai replies that of course, it's hard because dueling can be so much fun! Motegi says he's now all spent, and dozes off.. Everyone else is also fast asleep...hehe...

Next Week: Revival! Manjoume Thunder!!
Lol...what is this, Jounouchi Fire? I think I like Manjoume Thunder better. Can't wait!!!

Prince of Tennis 163

2005-03-06T23:46:00.000-05:00

Prince of Tennis Ep 163: Kaidoh's Unknown World
Special thanks to David for getting me this episode!

thoughts

Lol...this has got to be the goofiest episode ever! But in a good way, because I'm a huge fan of Kaidoh. I can't tell you how adorable I find Kaidoh. I think he's one of the most emotional and sensitive characters in the story, so I always love it when they do a feature episode on him. (Ah...recollections of that great episode where he's forced to impersonate Ryoma. Hey, only a guy with a big heart can stand that much humiliation just so he wouldn't break a little kid's heart. I love this guy!) So in this episode, he saves Ryoma from the Momoshiro Special, only to get zonked in the head instead...and ends up temporarily losing his memory.

I couldn't stop laughing when Mizuki tried to take advantage of this situation...hehe. And one of my other fave characters Yuuta makes a rare appearance (and even an even more rare tennis playing appearance - yay!!). I was actually caught slightly off guard by the way Yuuta addressed Kaidoh without the honorific -san or -kun, and he called him 'omae', a term used for familiars or subordinates. But then I remembered that Yuuta's a second year, same as Kaidoh. I tend to forget that about him, because most of his lines involve speaking to senpais, and he always speaks properly to them.

Anyways, quirky, but very fun episode!

summary

Episode opens with Kaidoh and Ryoma doing some jogging... Ryoma says, "You're tough as usual, Kaidoh senpai! Everyone's here today, but you're not gonna swing a racket? I'm feeling really good today..." But Kaidoh doesn't respond, so Ryoma looks disappointed and proceeds to run ahead of him...

The two of them reach the school courts, and Ryoma's out of breath... "Hydrate yourself before you warm up," Kaidoh advises him, as he enters the court area. Kaidoh doesn't look out of breath at all..heh. Ryoma walks up to Kaidoh and offers him a beverage (it looks like....milk??) I don't know why I thought this scene was just adorable. ^_^

In the courts, Momo and Eiji are playing a practice match. Momo jumps up for his super special dunk smash...and inadvertently hits it on the edge of his racket, sending the ball flying in Ryoma's direction. Kaidoh pushes Ryoma out of the way, and gets hit in the head instead...

His teamates take him to the infirmary, and he seems to be doing fine. Eiji's relieved that "Kaoru-chan" is ok...but then Kaidoh turns to Inui and asks him if he's the teacher in charge of their club. Momo tells him he should quit joking around, but Oishi points out the obvious: Kaidoh does not joke around. The kids begin to freak out, and Oishi and Eiji do this little chibi routine (really wild...) and say this is a job for Inui! As the brain of Seigaku, it's up to him to figure out what's wrong with Kaidoh. But Inui has gone blank...apparently extremely shocked by the fact that Kaidoh didn't recognize him... Awww.....

Meanwhile, Fuji and Taka-san have gone to visit Ryuzaki at the hospital and are on their way back...but they keep running into bad omens, like a row of black cats crossing their path. Fuji gets worried and tries calling his brother, but it's not connecting. At the same time, Yuuta's shoe string breaks... Mizuki says it's bad luck. "Aniki?" Yuuta remarks... (I'm not really sure what this sequence is supposed to mean...? I was kinda confused by what Fuji's whole role in this story was).

Back at the club room, they've figured out that Kaidoh's memory might come back naturally by some kind of trigger... Kaidoh looks down at the racket in his hand, and thinks..."Who are these guys??" They find a tape of Kaidoh's doubles match against St. Rudolph and play it for him, to jog his memory. He doesn't remember anything. But he reacts oddly when he sees Karupin on the video. "Did you remember something? Hey!" Momo says, grabbing his shoulder. Kaidoh then inexplicably turns and punches Momo across the face, and starts fighting him...almost like a cat. He's freaking out! Only Inui can tame the crazed Kaidoh, and he manges to calm him down...he even pets him on the head. "That's a good boy. And for good boys, I have this," he says, whipping out his Inui juice. Kaidoh freaks out even more...

They take Kaidoh out walking by the river where he practiced perfecting his swing for the Boomerang. He still doesn't remember anything, and gets frustrated. Eiji then says that maybe they should hit him in the head with a ball again, and his memories might come back! "That's logical," Inui says, but Kaidoh isn't happy with that prospect at all. (Kaidoh looks so cute when he's freaking out here! "Eeeeeehh???") He starts to run off, and Inui grabs him by the arm. "Kaidoh...why don't you entrust your future...to me?" Kaidoh looks at him and flatly refuses. He takes off running...Inui goes blank with shock, again.

Over in the street tennis courts, Mizuki has dragged Yuuta along on his scouting expedition. They bump into Kaidoh, and Mizuki realizes that it's his chance to nab this player for his team, while his memory is gone. He lies to Kaidoh and tells him he actually used to play for St. Rudolph's team, and that he was on loan to Seigaku. He tries to get him to sign an agreement to return to St. Rudolph when Momo intercedes and tries to stop him. "Don't be deceived!" he yells. Ryoma says they should settle this with tennis, and Mizuki agrees: "However, if you lose, we're going to take Kaidoh-kun. Nfu."

So the match begins. It's a doubles match between Kaidoh / Yuuta (yay!) and Ryoma / Momo. Kaidoh's all up on Yuuta's corner, and Yuuta has to tell him to move back to his side of the court! But as they begin to play, his body remembers what it's supposed to do, and things slowly come back to him... Yuuta misses a ball, and he yells at him to get it together! Yuuta looks at him, a little surprised, and Kaidoh immediately apologizes. "Oh...that's ok," Yuuta replies, "That's more like you anyway." Kaidoh's a little surprised that such rough language is "usual" for him. ("What kind of guy was I, anway??")

The ball comes their direction, and Yuuta lunges for it, but Kaidoh yells at him to get out of the way...and he hits it back, knocking poor Yuuta off his feet in the process.. ^_^;;; But when Momo returns the ball, it smacks Kaidoh in the forehead. Kaidoh, now pretty pissed, swings back and hits the ball into Momo's head, knocking HIM down too.

But the impact from the second ball has brought Kaidoh back to his usual self, much to the relief of everyone. Unfortunately, it is now Momo who has lost his memory...

Prince of Tennis 174

2005-03-04T00:26:00.000-05:00

Prince of Tennis 174: Tezuka Kunimitsu vs. Fuji Shusuke

thoughts

WOW...this is one of the best Prince of Tennis episodes I have seen!! I knew a Tezuka / Fuji match was going to be off the hook, but this had me on the edge of my seat! It's funny, because the characters watching the match kept saying how tense and excited they were, and those were my own sentiments exactly. We hear some interesting revelations about Fuji and Tezuka's past match together...apparently, Fuji defeated Tezuka utterly and completely back when they were first years. Pretty unusual for Tezuka, who was amazingly skilled even back then. There seems to be more to that story, and it's quite secretive, for some reason...so hopefully, we'll see more of what happened next week.

Ah, and for those of you who read my post on Fuji, which I did a few days ago, you would know that I had JUST finished lamenting over the fact that they never animated one of my favorite Fuji moments in the manga - when he talks to Tezuka after his match with Ryoma. And what do you know - they included it in THIS episode! I was beyond excited when I saw that! The scene was a little different, with the conversation taking place indoors, as opposed to the rain outside (which kind of made it moodier), but the dialogue was the same. ^_^

They did an unusual play-by-play for this match...guess they're really trying to hype it up. I can't wait to find out what happens next week! Really, this is a must see for any fan of Tezuka or Fuji!

summary

The story opens as Ryoma awaits his next match for the US Open. He's in the waiting room, and some jerk who looks like American Sasabe starts to harass him, saying this isn't a place for little brats... "You must have a lot of time to spare," Ryoma says before he walks away. The guy throws a ball in his direction, but Ryoma flips around and hits the ball right back at him with amazing precision. "Mada mada dane," he says.

Back in Japan, the morning ranking matches have finished up. More matches will resume in the afternoon. Momo remarks that they have to work hard to keep up with Ryoma in America. Taka-san says he's completely on a different level now, but that they should try their hardest in their own matches as well. The first years note that Tezuka and Fuji aren't around. Inui says that the two of them must be heightening their concentration elsewhere. Momo reminds them that the biggest match is going to take place that afternoon...Fuji vs. Tezuka. Oishi says that the winner of this match will play Singles 1 at Nationals.

Eiji's really excited, saying that none of them have ever seen Tezuka play Fuji. Inui says that these two have never played one another in a ranking match before. Oishi frowns, and he says that he may not have the liberty to say...but that he knows Tezuka and Fuji had played a match during their first year at Seigaku. Everyone's really excited to hear this, and demand to know the result of that match. Oishi says he overheard Captain Yamato talking about it with Ryuzaki...and that the match apparently ended in Tezuka's complete defeat. The teammates are amazed by this, but Taka-san notes that it's probably believable, considering Fuji's abilities. Oishi knows nothing else about the match, and that Yamato wouldn't tell him what happened. He says Ryuzaki probably knows more...

Meanwhile, Tezuka and Fuji have entered the court.

Fuji: "Let's make this a good match."
Tezuka: "Let's go."

The crowd gathers... (Eiji and Inui have their own matches to play, and regretfully leave...but they even consider forfeiting their own matches just so they can watch! Which they don't of course...) Ryuzaki thinks to herself that there is no imagining what can happen when these two meet in a serious match against one another. "Show me how far you have progressed, these three years," she notes.

"Tezuka..." Fuji remembers their match from first year. He is towering over a defeated Tezuka, who's on his knees... (almost looks like that "I beat Mizuki" scene...hehe..) In the flashback, Fuji has grabbed Tezuka by the shoulders and is shaking him... "It's strange," he thinks to himself, "We have seen each other almost everyday since first year...and yet, as we stand here with this net between us, it feels as though I'm seeing you for the first time in a long while. Tezuka...you can't imagine how much I have been looking forward to this match... I'm going to give it my all!"

Fuji serves and dashes to the net. Tezuka hits it back, and also dashes to the net. Fuji returns the ball and it hits the net, but goes over. Tezuka lobs it, and Fuji smashes, winning the first point. Oishi says with disbelief - that it couldn't be possible that Fuji hit it onto the net on purpose? Taka-san says that even Fuji couldn't do that in such an intense rally. Tezuka already knows that Fuji purposefully hit it to the net, though. Fuji thinks that he was lucky to have been able to win the point with his smash...

He serves again. They rally for a bit... The tension builds, and Kaidoh says that just watching brings shivers.. Hm. ^_^ Fuji dashes to the net, and wins the next point. He looks at Tezuka with almost a surprised expression. As he walks back to the baseline, he thinks to himself, "It's only been 2 points, and my palms are already sweating. Tezuka...what are you feeling now?"

Tezuka's thoughts: "How will you come at me next, Fuji?"

He serves and does another net dash. Upon Tezuka's return, it looks like Fuji's going to smash again, but he steps back and hits it off to the side instead. Fuji takes the next point too, for a love-game.

Tezuka thinks, "It's been a while since someone's gotten a love-game from me. So this is your greeting to me...then, this is my response!" His serve is so powerful, it flies past an astonished Fuji for an ace. He manages to return the second ball, but it's extremely heavy...Tezuka gets the next three points. The teammates are amazed by how this time, it's Fuji's love-game. "But neither one has used their best moves yet," Oishi notes.

Fuji thinks: "You have always surpassed my expectations." He flashes back to that day in the rain, after his match against Ryoma. He speaks to Tezuka in the locker room...

"Was it like this for you too, when you played Echizen?"

"So you knew?"

"Somewhat."

"This match with Echizen...why didn't you go at it with the will to win? Inui says you don't let him take your data....where is the true you, Fuji?"

"Hm...Tezuka, it seems I don't have the passion for winning."

"Fuji."

"I think I just enjoy the thrill bringing out the best in my opponents... What about you?"

"What do you mean? I'll win at all cost. Winning at Nationals is all I can think of now."

Fuji frowns. He looks down and says, "If it is a mark against me...then you should remove me from my regular spot."

Fuji thinks how he used to believe Tezuka was the same as he was...until he had seen Tezuka fight for victory with so much passion during his match against Atobe at the Kantou Tournament. "I wonder...can I become as serious as that....?" He serves. This time, when Tezuka hits it back, he returns it with his triple counter...the Tsubame Gaeshi. The ball slides along the ground past Tezuka. Tezuka turns and looks back at the ball, and there's an odd expression on his face...he looks happy...

Momo says it's so exciting, as a match to determine Singles 1 should be. "That's not it," Oishi replies, "this may very well be...the match that decides the number one player in Japan."

Next Week: The Third Year's True Heart
Whee! More flashbacks...can't wait!!

Yugioh GX 22

2005-03-03T23:01:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 22: Summon Wildman! Judai vs. Misawa
(part 2)

* * Countdown to Manjoume: ONE more episode! * *

thoughts

I didn't think I was going to like this episode, but it turned out to be really good! Aside from the fact that Misawa takes the cake for Nerdiest Deck ever (aka: Science Geek Deck), the duel was pretty exciting, and fairly complex, making for some interesting play. I have some new found respect for Misawa, who had initially struck me as a vanilla character...but he's shown some passion and spunk in these past episodes, and I've come to appreciate him more as a character.

So one more episode until we see Manjoume-san kick butt at the North School! Can't wait! XD

summary

Episode opens with Kunisaki in the library hacking into the computer system. He's managed to tap a database of kids who have supposedly gone on a study abroad program in America for duel research. But he's suspicious that so MANY kids are part of this so-called program, and surmises that it must be some kind of cover up. He figures that if he's able to expose the truth, there will be quite the stir.

There's a shot of Tenjouin Fubuki (damn, he's cute!)...

Back at the auditorium, the duel continues...

stats from last duel:
Judai LP 2800, Sparkman in atk, Featherman in def.
Misawa LP 1600, Water Dragon in atk.

Judai: Changes Sparkman to def. He hasn't given up yet, and cheerfully says that he's looking forward to breaking Misawa's 7th deck.

Misawa: Summons Math Magician in atk (atk: 1500). When this monster is summoned, controller must discard one card from his deck. (In addition, when this card is destroyed in battle, draw one card from deck). Attacks and destroys Sparkman with Water Dragon. ("Aqua Punisher!!!" lol...) Attacks and destroys Featherman with Math Magician ("Battle Curriculum!!" gah! Too much corniness!!)

Chronos celebrates Misawa's imminent victory. But Daitokuji points out how Misawa's "only" in Ra Yellow, and yet has performed so well... Chronos is less than thrilled by the reminder that a student as skilled as Misawa is in the non-elite dorm...

Meanwhile, Kunisaki has now left the library is walking out, thinking to himself that with this new story, fame and fortune are his for the taking. He doesn't feel too bad about the fact that this would probably ruin this school's reputation. He passes by the auditorium, and steps in. He decides to watch the duel...

Judai: He still hasn't lost hope. He says Misawa's "calculations" have no impact on him...so long as his will to fight lives on. Summons Bubbleman in atk. No other cards are on his field, so he activates Bubbleman's effect and draws 2 more cards from his deck. He equips Bubbleshot to Bubbleman, and atk goes up to 1600. He attacks and destroys Math Magician. (Misawa LP: 1500) Misawa activates Math Magician's effect and draws a card. Sets two m/t, and activates continuous magic card Mirage of Nightmares.

Judai claims that his deck isn't just about fusions...that an E-Hero deck's true power lies in its ability to be used in seamless combination with trap, magic and monster cards. Misawa acknowledges that he only thought about sealing Judai's fusions, but declares that even so, he will still be victorious.

Misawa: Draws. Judai activates Mirage of Nightmares, drawing 4 cards. He then activates Emergency Rations and destroys Mirage of Nightmares, boosting his LP to 3800.

Kunisaki's pretty impressed by Judai's move. But he realizes he doesn't have time for this, and turns to leave..but hesitates. He stays to watch some more...

Kaiser notes that it isn't so easy afterall, to seal Judai's powers, and Asuka agrees.

Misawa activates Pot of Greed. At this point, 10 cards have piled on top of the Carbonedon in the graveyard. This card's effect is activated...with the pressure of 10 cards, the "carbon" transforms itself into... Diamond Dragon! (When will the corniness end? lol...) He special summons Diamond Dragon (atk: 2100) by removing Carbonedon from the game. He attacks Bubbleman with Diamond Dragon. Judai destroys Bubbleshot to negate the destruction of his monster. (No battle damage calculated). Bubbleman's atk goes back down to 800. Misawa attacks Bubbleman with Water Dragon. (Judai LP: 1800). Judai activates his trap, Hero Signal. He can special summon an E-Hero from deck or hand when a monster of his is destroyed. He summons Clayman in atk. Misawa sets one m/t.

Judai: Activates Warrior Returning Alive to place a Warrior type monster in his hand from the grave. He takes Bubbleman, and summons it in atk. Activates the magic card Bubble Shuffle, which lets him change Bubbleman and one monster on opponent's field into def. (Water Dragon def: 2600, Bubbleman def: 1200). The card also lets him sacrifice Bubbleman to special summon an E-Hero from his hand. He summons Edgeman (atk: 2600). Kaiser's impressed that he was able to summon such a strong monster w/o fusion. Judai activates Skyscraper. Edgeman's attack goes up to 3600. He attacks and destroys Water Dragon. Edgeman is a trampler, so he does damage even if the monster is in def. (Misawa LP: 500).

Misawa activates Water Dragon's effect - when this monster is destroyed, special summon from grave one Oxygedon and 2 Hydrogens in def. He also activates his continuous trap card Last Magnet, which activates when one of his monsters is destroyed. This card acts as an equip card to the monster that destroyed his monster, and lowers its attack by 800. Edgeman's atk is reduced to 1800. (3600-1000=2600 from Skyscraper's effect wearing off; 2600-800=1800 from Magnet's effect)

Judai continues his attack. Clayman's atk increases to 1800, destroys Oxygedon.

Kunisaki remembers his own duel long ago, when he used Skyscraper...it seems he really liked this card.

Misawa: Activates ritual magic card Litmus Ritual (of Death?). He sacrifices two Hydrogedons to summon Litmus Swordsman of Death. (atk: 0). This card is not affected by traps, and cannot be destroyed in battle. When there is a trap card on the field, this monster's attack & defense increase to 3000. Judai has Last Magnet on the field, so Litmus goes up to 3000. He attacks Edgeman with Litmus. (Judai LP: 1600). Attacks Clayman with Diamond Dragon (Judai LP: 1300). Activates Flight of the Dragon from his hand. By returning a level 5 dragon monster from field to hand, he can destroy every magic and trap card on the field. Sets one m/t.

Kunisaki thinks that Judai should probably give up now...just like he did, long ago to Kaiba...

Judai: Smiles and says this is the most exiciting duel ever. He summons E-Hero Wildman in atk (atk 1500). Misawa activates the continuous trap card Spirit Barrier, and Litmus's atk is 3000 again. This trap card negates battle damage so long as there is a monster on his field. Judai says traps have no effect on Wildman. Judai equips Cyclone Boomerang to Wildman. Atk increases by 500 to 2000. He attacks Litmus, and Wildman is destroyed. (Judai LP: 300). He activates Cyclone Boomerang's effect: when this card and its equip monster are destroyed, destroy every magic and trap card on the field, and inflict 500 LP damage per card to opponent. (Misawa LP: 0).

Kaiser smiles and walks off: "So it seems one cannot measure Judai by calculations alone."

Kunisaki is cheering, "Way to GO! Judai!" He stops and smirks when he realizes how excited he's become over dueling... Asuka sees him, and runs over to talk to him.

"I won!" Judai says, in his usual manner...but it's Misawa who finishes his sentence: "It was a fun duel!" Awww....such sportsmanship! He extends his hand for a handshake, but Judai slap it instead, in highfive manner... ^_^

Asuka catches up with Kunisaki, and demands to know who he is. "I've remembered," he replies, "long ago, I wanted to be a top duelist too, so I traveled the world...but I was defeated by stronger duelists, and gave up on my dream." He says that since then, he worked dirty deals as a journalist, selling stories to whoever would buy them. He didn't care about dueling, until he saw Judai and Misawa's passionate duel. He decides to start over again. He tells Asuka that he won't reveal what he's discovered here at Duel Acadamia. But he says he'll continue his own personal investigation, and will let her know if anything comes up... (Hmmm...this may develop into something interesting?)

Next time: Removal Power! Moke Moke Duel

Bleach 21

2005-03-01T21:35:00.000-05:00

Bleach Ep 21: Breaking in to the World of the Soul Reapers

thoughts

Haha...sorry for missing last week, but I just didn't feel up to it. And this being a hobby, I figured if it begins to feel like a chore, I might as well skip it altogether. ^_~

Anyways, this week's epsiode was just ok. I get this feeling that I'm not going to like the Soul Society arc very much, if it's just going to be more of the same...as in, Ichigo & friends fighting other Soul Reapers. Unless the fights become more interesting. And unless Rukia's story become more central. I miss Kon, too...

brief summary

So Ichigo and his friends are running through a dark corridor on their way to the Soul Society. They only have a limited amount of time to get there, or they will stuck in between the two worlds forever. The walls seem to be caving in on them, and Ishida's cape gets hooked in. Ichigo begins to draw his sword, but the cat warns him against using his spiritual powers here - they will be taken in by the force around them. Chad rips off Ishida's cape and throws him over his shoulder and runs with him, as Ishida yells at him to let him down! Something sinister draws near, and almost catches up with them, but Orihime uses her shield to block it, and they manage to blast out of the entrance.

They land in a heap in what looks like an old Japanese city. Ishida takes out his replacement cloak, much to the shock of his friends...hehe...("He brought a spare??? ^_^;;;;) The cat (sorry, forgot his name) tells them they are in the Rukongai, the place where souls live when they first arrive in Soul Society. It surrounds the "Seireitei", the place where soul reapers live, and is the poorest area of Soul Society where most of the souls reside. But the friends wonder why it looks so abandoned...

Ichigo sees an area that looks quite different from the Rukongai, and he walks towards it, when all the sudden, a huge wall falls down in front of him, blocking his path. A large giant of a soul reaper appears before them. It turns out that this man is the gate keeper, and one must defeat him if they are to continue on their way. He has protected the gates successfully for over 300 years, and looks pretty formidable. He's a pretty weird guy who keeps spouting off of manners, and says that the newcomers must take him on one at a time. Ishida, Chad and Orihime have no choice but to stand back as Ichigo fights the guy. The soul reaper starts swinging around his giant axe, but Ichigo is able to block them with his Zanpakutou. He eventually takes out a second axe, but Ichigo slices through them both, destroying them.

Ichigo explains that he was able to take back his soul reaper powers in only 5 days, so he had spent the extra 5 days fighting Urahara. Not that the guy taught him anything about fighting. But Chad thinks to himself later, that in those 5 days, Ichigo was able to obtain the one thing he lacked...fighting experience. With that in hand, Chad believes that Ichigo has no limit to his powers...

So anyway, the soul reaper guy sees that his axes have been broken, and breaks down in tears. Ichigo - all weirded out - comforts the guy. He says Ichigo must be a nice guy, etc. and decides to let him pass. He lets the other pass too, since their "boss" defeated him. Ishida freaks out, yelling "Kurosaki!! Since when have you become our boss??"

Soul reaper dude says "So your name is Kurosaki?"

"Yeah...Kurosaki Ichigo."

"Ichigo? That's cute." Hehehe...

He raises the massive gates for them, but stops speechless... Ichigo walks past him and asks whether everything is ok....it seems the gate keeper's attention was drawn toward a single figure, who has made his way toward the group. "Captain of the Third Division...Ichimaru Gin!!"

To be continued....

Fuji Shusuke

2005-02-27T21:35:00.000-05:00

Fuji Shusuke (Syusuke)
a Prince of Tennis character analysis by athena
...and some profile info from fanbook 10.5 & 20.5
...plus manga scans from my favorite Fuji scenes!

* * Happy Birthday, Shusuke!! * *

Name: Fuji Shusuke
AKA: The Prodigy, Fujiko-chan
School: Seigaku Jr. High, 3rd yr
DOB: February 29 (Pisces)
Height: 167 cm (5' 6")
Weight: 53 kg (117 lbs)
Blood type: B

thoughts

I'm writing this partly because I love this character and in part because his birthday's coming up on February 29th (leap year baby!). Fuji is my second favorite Prince of Tennis character, just behind Atobe, whom I profiled a few days ago. Fuji's one of my faves because he's not quite what he appears to be, and always has some qualities about him that are hidden, which truly make him intriguing. People say some unfair things about this character, the two of which I hear the most are: 1) he is a sadist; 2) he is in love with his brother. I don't think either is true. But more on that later. On to some interesting profile info from fanbooks 10.5 and 20.5. By the way, I did an analysis on the meaning of his name, so please check that out too! ^_~

tennis stats

Dominant hand: Right
Playing style: Counter puncher
Favorite brands:

Shoes - Nike (Ready Air Biscayne MID III)
Racket - prince (Triple Threat Rip)
prince - (Michael Chang Titanium)

Best skill: Tsubame Gaeshi, Higuma Otoshi, Hakugei

Hobbies: Collecting cacti, photography
Favorite Food: Apples, Cajun food, spicy curry
Family: parents, older sister, younger brother (Yuuta)
Father's occupation: Works for a foreign company
Best subject: Japanese classics
Favorite color: beige

Favorite type: Someone with pretty fingers

quotes

Thank you for taking care of my brother.
I will break them!
Sorry, Tezuka...I don't think it will come around to you this time.

what's in his bag

Cell phone - his family is out a lot, so this is a necessity.

Pass case - holds his schedule for commuting to school, ATM card and the like.

The Little Prince - (English version) A book close to his heart. He's already read the Japanese version, so he's reading the English version now.

Vocabulary book - If he comes across a word he doesn't know in The Little Prince, he writes it down so he can look it up later. (awww...a diligent one!)

Notebook - so he can write down a description of the photos he takes.

Compact camera - so he can take beautiful pictures when he comes across a great photo-op.

Compact mirror - to check his appearance, and also doubles as a reflector for taking pictures.

results from fanbook reader survey

"Who do you want as an older brother?"
Ranking first under this question, he responds, "If we could be siblings, I hope we'll get along instead of fighting all the time."

"Who do you want as your tennis coach?"
Also ranking first here, he says, "Sorry, but I'm a strict coach. Because I want you to become a stronger player."

"Who would you want to be with if stuck on a deserted island?"
First ranking Fuji replies, "A deserted island seems kinda of fun. I think I could get used to a life filled with gentle breezes and the sound of waves. Fufu..."

Q & A

Q: Fuji-kun, how did you like that Aozu?
A: My strength suddenly left me... In fact, I don't have a memory of those moments right after I drank it. I thought I was ok the instant I drank it... But actually, I don't like vinegar that much...

looks

Ok, so I said in my post on Atobe that I preferred Atobe's looks over Fuji's. That still remains true, but that doesn't mean Fuji's not a hottie too! Usually, he's got a pretty smile on his face and looks cute & jovial. I like that happy look a lot. But he also gets very serious look, and that's when you know he's about to kick some ass on the tennis court! I really like how there's a dual side to him, which shows through so clearly in his appearance. You never know which one is his true self. You could say that's opposite of Atobe, who's so over-the-top about who he is, and is quite proud of announcing to everyone "Who do you think I am??" But the variations in these two characters are lots of fun, to me.

Anyway, I truly love the way the author draws this character in the manga, so I'm posting one of my favorite pictures of him here. His hair looks cool in this pic, and the serious expression on his face is pretty hot, too. ^_^

personality

There are lots of things about this character that are easily misunderstood, because people probably take his actions out of context. The infamous line he says once, "I like to see people suffer even more," was blown out of proportion, I think. That was in reference to him wanting to see people spaz after drinking Inui's latest concoction. I think of it as revealing his slightly mischievious streak, but I doubt he literally enjoys seeing people in pain. In fact, he's quite the opposite.

He's an extremely compassionate person, who would do anything to protect his brother Yuuta. It's true that with people who have done harm to those he loves, he is quite ruthless...particularly memorable is his match against Mizuki. He let him come to the brink of victory before making an incredible come-back, beating him utterly and completely. My favorite line from Fuji comes right after he defeated Mizuki: "Thank you for taking care of my brother." This is actually something that's often said by Yakuza, as a not-so-subtle threat. Underneath the nicety of this statement lies the true meaning: "Mistreat my brother again, and I'll kick your ass." I don't think this makes him a nasty person necessarily. Afterall, in the manga, Mizuki told him that his "dumb younger brother" was so easy to manipulate. I think it was justified, considering the circumstances.

People also tend to accuse Fuji of being in love with his brother, but I don't really see that at all. He loves his brother very much, and I think it's a sweet relationship...definitely not incestuous. He wants to give him room to grow, and to become a worthy tennis player - but at the same time, has concerns that any older brother might have for him. I especially loved the scene where he asks his brother to hit a few rounds with him the day before the Rikkaidai tournament. Yuuta says he's not a worthy practice opponent, but Fuji smiles and says, "I just wanted to hit some rounds with you...isn't that ok?" His brother, in turn, can't quite show his affection for Fuji so openly, although he does try. Like the time he came home to check up on Fuji before his big match. Fuji tells him their sister isn't home to make him his favorite pie, and Yuuta gets a little miffed and says, "It's not like that's the only thing I come home for..." (And yet not quite able to say he came home to wish his brother luck...) ^_^

the true Fuji?

One of the most interesting things about Fuji is that he keeps his true powers hidden most of the time. He once explains this to Tezuka, right after his practice match with Ryoma. (I don't think this scene was ever animated... If it was, I'd appreciate it if someone would let me know which episode!) He tells Tezuka that he doesn't think he has the passion for winning, and that he merely enjoys the thrill in bringing out the best in his opponents. (In fact, he even told Tezuka that if he had his doubts, Tezuka should remove him from his regular spot). He always figured Tezuka felt the same way, but is proven wrong when he watches Tezuka's passionate play against Atobe at the Kantou tournament. My favorite Fuji scene is when he finally comes into his own during his match against Kirihara Akaya. Though temporarily blinded, he is able to bring out his hidden genius, which amazes everyone...including Coach Ryuzaki, who notes that his skills surpass even those of Tezuka...

I'm really looking forward to next week's Fuji vs. Tezuka match. I have a feeling Tezuka's going to win, but I'm sure it'll be a great game!

other sites you should visit

Tenipuri Fandom
...for scans and translations of Fuji's room and Q & A from fanbook 10.5.

Fuji Syuusuke.com
...best Fuji dedicated site I've seen (unfortunately, the bandwidth is currently exceeded for this site, but be sure to visit back later!)

Samurai Champloo 23

2005-02-26T22:21:00.000-05:00

Samurai Champloo Ep 23: Baseball Blues

Hehe...is every anime doing a spo-kon* spoof? First Yugioh GX with their tennis episode, and now Samurai Champloo, of all animes! This was actually a hilarious episode, although it was a bit goofy. It had me laughing out loud, and I really enjoyed myself...

Basically you have Fuu, Jin and Mugen (and some other random Japanese characters) vs. the American team. The Americans have arrived with bombs and threats, saying that unless Japan agrees to trade with them, they will wage a war...and so instead of bloodshed, they decide to have everything come down to a baseball game. The Japan team is pretty raggedy, but they're actually doing pretty well, until the Americans start some under-handed tactics to stop them in their tracks - namely, beating the crap out of them. (Hehe...it was pretty funny when Jin tried to run the bases while the American team members were trying to jump him. He almost got to home, but they snatched home plate away from him, poor guy). Mugen pitching lethally speedy dead balls at the players had me laughing so hard....

I found it amusing that the Japanese subtitles translated the English "F*ck you!" into what would translate back as "eat sh*t!" (see screencap above). Anyway, fun episode! Much better than last week's, which you might notice that I skipped.

By the way...New ending theme! A very groovy rap song: "Fly" feat. Azuma Riki by Small Circle of Friends.

* Spo-kon: Short for "Sports konjou" (sporting spirit), this term refers to the sports manga genre, usually associated with crazy, scientifically impossible feats of sporting genius, and always involves an underdog feel-good winner at the end. ^_^

Prince of Tennis 173

2005-02-25T12:11:00.000-05:00

Prince of Tennis Ep 173: Samurai New York

thoughts

Hehe...well, this was a bit of a throw-away episode, but if it means the series is winding down to a close, then maybe it's a good thing to slow down the pace just a little. I really liked this episode, even though I haven't really seen any of the Kevin episodes from earlier in the series, and thus don't know much about this character. The appearance of the American versions of Kaidoh and Momo was pretty funny, and I enjoyed watching Ryoma navigate the streets of New York.

I really found Ryoma endearing in this episode. I think he truly loves his father, and wants to rise to his expectations because he knows deep down that Nanjirou has entrusted his own dreams of professional tennis stardom upon his son. Although the two of them bicker all the time, it's quite obvious that Nanjirou is a huge presence in Ryoma's life, and it is through surpassing his father that Ryoma will demonstrate the depth of his appreciation and love for him. Lol...can you tell I'm a bit of a sentimentalist?

summary

Ryoma's dreaming that he's in bed back at home, and his father has just stormed into his room for a rude awakening. (it's a pretty funny scene, with Nanjiro trying to wake Ryoma up by pressing his foot into his face!) "Crap! I'm gonna miss my flight!" Ryoma jumps up. But then he realizes he's in his hotel room in America. He holds Karupin and looks out into the New York cityscape from his window...

He gets up and makes his way to the convenience store, where he buys breakfast. The dude behind the counter asks if he's Chinese, and Ryoma replies he's Japanese. "I went there when I was younger," the man replies, "Sumo! Samurai! What an exciting country! But I couldn't stand the nattou!" (Ugh...neither can I. Who can eat them fermented beans? Yuck!)

Ryoma has his food at Central Park - it's a really beautiful day.

*flashback of the day before: The man driving him to his hotel remarks that he figured Ryoma might be a little nervous, but it appears that he isn't. "There's Samurai Nanjiro Junior for you," the man says. He also says that he chose Ryoma as a wild card choice after seeing him play at the Junior Japan-America Tournament...but the man looks into the rear view mirror, and Ryoma's nodding off.
*end flashback*

Ryoma's hitting balls off the wall. People around him are watching him in amazement... He takes a break and lays down on the grass, when Kevin catches up with him. "I was looking for you, Echizen Ryoma," he says. With him is a sports journalist, Jeffery Carlyle. He's worked with Pro Tennis Monthly, so he knows Inoue, and has been keeping up with Ryoma's achievements.

They're standing next to a tennis court, and there's a dispute going on between some young kids and two punks - they look like American versions of Kaidoh and Momo, except Kaidoh is voiced by Momo's VA, and vice versa...heheheh... (Kaidoh dude is "Rick" and Momo guy is "Rod") They bully the kids out of the court, and rough them up a bit. Kevin sends a ball flying in their direction, hitting one them. The punks challenge Kevin and Ryoma to a match. The reporter tries to talk them out of it, but the punks are determined to humiliate Kevin & Ryoma (little do they know...)
"Ret's GO!" Kevin says. (lol..)

"I know some guys that look like you," Ryoma says, "...but they're much cooler!" Hehehe.... He then hits his Twist serve, which smacks Rick in the head. Rick and Rod get really serious and start burning up in flames: "We're gonna send you to HELL!" they yell. (Ryoma remarks that this is like American cartoons..) But of course, Kevin and Ryoma beat the crap out of these imposters...despite getting in each other's way. The punks beat a hasty retreat.

Later, Kevin says he's got something to show him, and takes him to the US Open tennis courts. Kevin tells him that he had thought that he would get to the Open before Ryoma...but now that Ryoma's here, he'd better do his best! They each had fathers who were unable to get to the top of pro tennis - and their role is to fulfill those dreams in their place. The reporter recounts Nanjirou's unexplained disappearance from the tennis world when he was at the top of his game (it was right before the final match of the US Open). It was surmised by Inoue that Nanjiro quit because he obtained something even more precious. (And this is, of course, when Ryoma was born...)

Ryoma has a flashback of his father telling him at the airport to go fulfill the dreams he wasn't able to. He dreams that night of running through a dark path and at the end of it is a shadowy figure..."Dad? DAD!!" Ryoma wakes up. "A dream?"

He sets out for the courts, but not before convenience store dude calls out to him "Yo, Samurai Boy!" (Ugh! If someone ever said that to me, I would have the urge to drop kick them...although it wouldn't be the most ignorant thing I've ever heard...) "And which Junior Tournament are you in?" he asks. "Check page 32 in that magazine," he replies. Ryoma's featured in the article, with a picture...

He's at the Open, and in the waiting room. The man comes to get him for the preliminary rounds. "Do your best," the man says. "Of course," Ryoma replies, in English. ^_^

He steps onto the court... "Dad...here I go...!"

Next Week: Tezuka Kunimitsu vs. Fuji Shuusuke
Gah! I can't wait!!!

Yugioh GX 21

2005-02-25T10:52:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 21: Seal the Fusions! Judai vs. Misawa (part 1)

* * Count down to Manjoume: 2 more episodes! * *

thoughts

This was a really fun episode! It seems like an interesting set-up for what's inevitably coming - the match against the North School. They mention that the student chosen from the North school is a first year, which means of course, that it HAS to be Manjoume!! I'm very excited by this, and if / when Judai is chosen, it had better be the case that Manjoume finally gets his well deserved triumph! I'll never forget it if Judai wins YET AGAIN. It might actually cause me to give up on this series if that happens! Well, maybe not...but I'll definitely think that this series is way to cliche (hero always wins, yadda yadda).

Is it just me, or does Misawa have the most unimaginative looking monsters ever? Although the ritual monster he apparently summons next episode looks semi-interesting.

summary

The episode opens with some mysterious dude with a pony tail in scuba gear, who comes up out of the water and sneaka onto the shores of the island of Duel Acadamia. His name is Kunisaki Kousuke, and he says that he's going to figure out "that secret" of Duel Acadamia...

Meanwhile, the faculty members of Duel Acadamia are discussing who they should choose to represent their school in the match against the North School. It had already been assumed that the Kaiser would step up to the challenge, but they've since learned that it is a first year student that the North School has chosen. They consider that maybe they should choose a first year too. Ryou, who's also part of this meeting, immediately recommends Yuki Judai. (Awww...it's so cute! He didn't even hesitate before mentioning his name!) The faculty for the most part nod in agreement, but of course - Chronos is upset, and insists that they choose Misawa instead. Thus it's decided that there will be a duel between these two, in order to decide who should be chosen.
The decision is announced in class the next day, and Shou's really excited for Judai. No one from red has ever been chosen before. Misawa notes that his seventh deck is almost complete. Judai says he's looking forward to the match. Judai's pumped, and he says he's gonna go home and work on his deck now!

Kunisaki's managed to swipe an Osiris red coat, and he's walking around the halls trying to ask a question, but no one will listen to some kid in red. (Although he looks too old to be a student, as Shou points out). Judai approaches him, and he says, "I get it, you've been set back a few years, haven't you? That's alright...if you keep trying, you'll eventually be promoted. Don't give up! Now let's go back to our dorm!" Then he drags the guy back to the red dorm. They partake in a very meager meal, which Judai chomps down with great enthusiasm.

After dinner, Judai's putting his deck together. "I'm gonna have faith in these guys, no matter what Misawa comes at me with!" he says, as he holds his deck to his face. Kunisaki's been hanging out with them too, and thinks to himself how childish Judai is. Then he notices a card on the floor and picks it up. It's Judai's Skyscraper card. Kunisaki gets a nasty flashback, where - with Skyscraper as a backdrop - he's utterly crushed in a duel against a shadowy figure that's no doubt Kaiba Seto. It looks like he was a hapless victim of the Blue Eyes White Dragon. Kunizaki gets infuriated...

Judai asks him "What's the matter, old man?" "Don't call me old man! I'm Kunisaki Kousuke!" (But he realizes too late that he's said his real name by mistake..) Judai asks him if he likes the Skyscraper card too, and he responds that he hates dueling! The kid wonder why he's at Duel Acadamia? And he tries to play it off, saying "It's no fun failing all the time..." Hayato tries to cheer him up, saying that he used to feel that way, before watching Judai duel...and now he's been inspired to do better. Awww...

Kunisaki thinks to himself that he's got no time to waste hanging out with these kids, but then realizes that maybe they might know something about kids disappearing from Duel Acadamia. "You mean the ghost dorm?" Judai asks.

Outside the abandoned dorm, Asuka places a rose on the ground for her brother. Kunisaki approaches her, and says that he's heard that students have disappeared from this dorm...and asks her if she's got some kind of connection with someone who's disappeared. She tells him it's none of his business and stalks off. Kunisaki mutters that he can't give up quite yet. This is a juicy story that's going to bring lots of money... He takes some pictures of the dorm building and grins.

Misawa is at his dorm room computer trying to figure out what to put in his deck. He realizes that all of Judai's powerful monsters are fusions, and therein lies the key... Misawa actually looks pretty sinister when he's plotting his moves...hehe. He even does a Kaiba-esque cackle when he figures out the best way to defeat Judai!

It's the day of the duel, and Judai's the same old, in high spirits. Shou's a little tense, and says Judai should be too. But of course, this kind of thing doesn't phase him. They wonder where Kunisaki's gone to...?

Finally, the duel's about to begin. Chronos announces that this is the duel that will determine who will represent the school against the North school. He introduces Misawa with great flair. Then mumbles Judai's name as his opponent... ^_^;; Asuka's watching from the audience, and Ryou walks up, saying it looks to be an interesting duel. Asuka says rather angrily, "yeah." "Asuka?" Ryou looks at her with a concerned expression. "It's nothing," she replies, trying to smile. (Obviously still upset about her encounter with Kunisaki last night). Meanwhile, Kunisaki's sneaking around the library trying to hack into the computer. He momentarily gets sidetracked when he remembers Judai, but mutters that duels are just games, and that his story is waiting for him.

The duel begins.

* Duel *

Misawa: Summons Carbonedon in defense (def: 600).

Judai: Summons Burst Lady and destroys Carbonedon with her. Sets one m/t.

Misawa: He draws card and thinks, "Here it is...my key card to destroying you!" Summons Oxygedon in attack (atk: 1800). He declares an attack on Burst Lady, but Judai activates Hero Barrier, which negates one attack by an opponent monster when an E-Hero is on the field. Misawa sets one m/t.

Ryou notes that Misawa has probably calculated to precision how to defeat Judai, and wonders how Judai will respond. Asuka replies that calculations only take you so far...that Judai has an inate ability to grasp the flow of a duel. Ryou looks at her, and she makes an excuse: "I'm not saying that as favoratism...it's what I think, having watched his duel!" (Ooo...is Ryou jealous??? Hmm.....what's going on? XD )

Judai: Summons Sparkman in atk. (atk 1600). He equips Sparkgun to Sparkman, and changes Oxygedon into def (def 800). He attacks Oxygedon with Burst Lady. Oxygedon is destroyed, but when this monster is destroyed by a Fire attribute monster, it inflicts 800 LP damage to both players (Misawa, Judai LP: 3200). He attacks directly with Sparkman (Misawa LP: 1600).

Misawa: He tells Judai that although his Heroes are strong, he doesn't even have a 1 % chance of winning. (What is he, Kaiba?? Talking about duel results in percentages...) Misawa thinks to himself that in order for Judai to use his key card (Fusion), he in turn has to bring out the best in Judai. He summons Hydrogedon in attack (atk: 1600). He attacks and destroys Burst Lady (Judai LP: 2800). He activates Hydrogedon's special ability - when this monster destroys a monster in battle, special summon another Hydrogedon from deck. He activates Living Fossil (equip magic), which lets him special summon a monster from his grave and equip it to that monster. The monster's attack is decreased by 1000 and it loses its special ability by the equip card's effect. He special summons Oxygedon. He activates Bonding H2O, which lets him sacrifice 2 Hydrogedons and 1 Oxygedon to special summon Water Dragon. (atk: 2800).

Judai: Activates fusion with the idea of summoning Tempester (Bubbleman + Featherman + Sparkman). But Misawa activates his trap card, Curse of Sealing Magic. By discarding one magic card from his hand, he can negate the activation of a magic card and destroy it. And for the rest of the duel, his opponent will be unable to use that card. Misawa laughs, saying he's managed to seal all of Judai's fusions! (guess he's forgotten that Judai also has Fusion Gate.. ^_^;;; )

Next Week: Summon Wildman! Judai vs. Misawa (part 2)

Atobe Keigo

2005-02-24T16:45:00.000-05:00

Atobe Keigo
a Prince of Tennis character analysis by athena
...and some profile info from fanbook 20.5

Name: Atobe Keigo
School: Hyoutei Jr. High, 3rd yr
Title: Captain, Tennis team
DOB: October 4 (Libra)
Height: 175 cm (5' 8")
Weight: 62 kg (137 pounds)
Blood type: A

thoughts

This guy is by far my favorite character from Prince of Tennis. Why do I always go for the divas? Lol... You have to admit that this guy has a lot of charisma, and I love a guy who's the sh*t and knows it, too. ^_^ Of course, in Atobe's case, he makes sure everyone ELSE knows. He loves making a grand entrance in a very "I have arrived" sort of way. It's definitely his flamboyance that struck me the most. I'll quickly go over some of his info from the Prince of Tennis fanbook 20.5, and then describe what I think about him in more detail...

tennis stats

Dominant hand: Right
Playing style: All-rounder
Favorite brand:

Shoes - HEAD (C,TEch 1000 OM)
Racket - HEAD (Premier Tour 600)

Best skill: Rondo toward Destruction, Insight

personal

Hobbies: Fly fishing, reading
Favorite Food: Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding
Family: Grandparents, parents
Father's occupation: Securities company executive
Best subject: All (particularly German & Greek)
Favorite colors: Gold, black
Favorite type: Someone who likes to win

quotes

Be awed by my prowess.
My prowess grows more brilliant every day.
Right, Kabaji?
Aaaaahh??
Forget the rules. I AM the rule.

what's in his bag

Cell phone - for international calls. People have witnessed Atobe speaking in German over this phone.

Cell phone - with video phone capabilities in FOMA. (Note: FOMA stand for Freedom of Mobile multimedia access, and it's a service provided by NTT Dokomo, a Japanese communications company). Used mainly to contact family members.

Cell phone x 2 - Equipped with camera. He uses these phones for most normal usage, but doesn't use the camera much.

PHS - (Personal Handy Phone) He uses this as a backup for underground use, where it's hard to get a signal. Doesn't use it much.

Lip balm - Dry lips are the ultimate indignity! Since he couldn't possibly show himself in public with chapped lips, he always carries this around.

Cologne - Uses one spritz of this as a finishing touch after his post-practice shower. Thus switching to "private mode."

Foreign book - When he's alone, he's mostly reading. Right now, he particularly likes reading Goethe.

A gold compact mirror

results from fanbook reader survey

"Who do you want as a boyfriend?"
Atobe placed 1st under this question, knocking out Kikumaru from the top spot. In response, he says: "'Hyotei, Hyotei, Hyotei, Hyotei, Hyotei,' *SNAP!*...I'm number 1. Well, that's obviously to be expected. To everyone who voted for me: I'll take care of you all at once!"

"If you could be someone for one day, who would you pick?"
Again, Atobe placed first here. His response: "You wanna try to be ore-sama? I don't mind, if it's just for one day. Enjoy the taste of the sweet life."

looks

What can I say, he's a hottie. Everyone always talks about Fuji being the favored bishi of this series, but I personally prefer Atobe's looks over Fuji's, if only because his personality comes through so well in his expression. This always makes for much cuter looking plushies too...lol. I still can't get over how well they managed to capture his saucy expression in this lovely plushie I just got from Windy (thank you!! *glomps*). The beauty mark under his right eye is cute, too. Anyways, I get the impression that Atobe has a killer wardrobe, and probably has some metrosexual tendencies...which would mean he's always well groomed and has immaculate taste in clothes. He's a rich boy, and can certainly afford to look sharp.

personality

Definitely one of the most charismatic characters in the story, if not the most so. He heads the 200 member team of Hyoutei tennis, and it's obvious that they respect his skills and follow his lead. He started out as a semi-nasty character, taunting some of the Seigaku people...but the author notes that he did this on purpose so as to make a greater impact later, when Atobe sort of reforms himself. You could tell that although his over-the-top personality doesn't change too much, he is not as snide as he may have been before.

But it is his signature narcissistic and arrogant nature that is his trademark, and I think it's his most endearing trait. Coming from anyone else, it would just result in the roll of the eyes, but he makes it work somehow. No one else can pull off quotes like "Be in awe of my prowess" or "I AM the rule," quite like he can. He acts like everyone should worship his greatness precisely because it's well deserved. And although the other characters grin at his antics, they know that he has the skills to back up his ego.

Some people look down on Atobe for destroying Tezuka's shoulder in his Singles 1 match at the Kantou tournament. Although his initial plan was to destroy his shoulder, I have a feeling Atobe didn't expect Tezuka to actually continue that far in the match. He probably thought that Tezuka would forfeit rather than put his own shoulder on the line. He regrets doing this to him later, because he didn't realize that Tezuka had such a reckless and passionate zeal for Seigaku. He didn't expect Tezuka to choose Seigaku over his own health. So although Atobe is an expert at finding his opponent's weaknesses, you could say that he failed in this regard, to truly read his opponent. This is why he feels that although he won this match, he didn't win in the true sense of the word.

The cool part about Atobe is that he works very hard to get where his. And he continues to perservere to better himself...not only for the sake of beating Tezuka in a "real" match, but also to set an example for his team. Despite his seeming aloofness about his team, he is quite dedicated to them. I loved the scene where he stands up for Shishido and asks his coach to give Shishido another chance as a regular, despite his loss to Tachibana. He also is willing to help out his rival team, when he agreed to play practice matches with Seigaku in preparation for their tournament against Rikkaidai. So despite appearances of being self-absorbed, he is quite aware of his peers, and is willing to help them out when they need it.

I'm really looking forward to seeing more of him in Nationals...although my sense is that he will likely lose when he comes up against Tezuka next time (since that's the way the story always goes). But I'm sure he'll continue to impress us with his prowess... ^_~

Prince of Tennis 165

2005-02-21T01:11:00.000-05:00

Prince of Tennis Ep 165
(pt 1): Tenipuri Family Goes to Hawaii?
(pt 2): The Tenipuri Family Christmas
an athena backtrack special!

thoughts

This chibi episode has some sentimental value to me because it's really what got me started on Prince of Tennis! If you've read my new categories page on Prince of Tennis (do check it out if you have the chance...I've tried to make it easier to navigate my pages here), you'll know that I'm a new fan of this series. Anyway, I randomnly watched this episode and thought it was so quirky! I had to find out more... Now that I've seen a lot more episodes, I understand much more of what's going on in this episode...and even know what "tenipuri" means...lol!

Anyway, this is an adorable chibi episode! I thought the first Tenipuri family episode was hilarious, but this one's quite good too.

summary

Tenipuri Family Goes to Hawaii?

The story opens with Shuuko mama and the kids looking at a travel brochure for Hawaii, and fantasizing a dream vacation. Ryoma points out that Kirihara is going to Hawaii this vacation, and Mama whines that she wants to go too! She glares over at her husband Inui, who swiftly pretends to be engrossed in the paper. Shuuko Moon Volleys a teddy bear right smack into Inui's face!

Shuuko's mother (Fuji) is watching from the yard outside, and rebukes her for being so violent. But then Fuji looks in the direction of husband Tezuka, who's talking to his bonsai plant like it's his lover: "I love you Marilyn...you're the only one that comforts my heart..." Fuji gets angry and hits a flower pot in his direction. Tezuka blocks it from hitting his precious plant, and the pot beelines straight into his forehead. "TEZUKA ZOOOONE!" he mumbles, as he starts to glow...

Later, Shuuko and her kids are out shopping, when they come across a lottery opportunity, where you spin some wheel mechanism for a chance to draw a winning ball... Ryoma and Momoko fight over who gets to spin the wheel, but lil' Kaoru gets to it first. He draws a winner - a trip to Hawaii! The family rejoices in their great fortune: grandma Fuji pumps air into her Hakugei (whale-shaped floatation device), while Shuuko tries on her bathing suit. ^_^;;; But when they look over at Kaoru, he's ripped up their winning pass! Inui papa manages to piece it back together again, but then they read the fine print...and it turns out that they only won free hotel fare, and that they would have to pay all other expenses, including airfare...

So they manage to strike a deal to win a trip to the hot springs / ski resort instead.

Once there, the parents and grandparents take off to the baths. The kids hit the slopes, but not before plowing over Sanada and Yukimura in the hallway. ^_^;;

As Ryoma and Momoko are snowboarding, they bump into Kirihara, who was supposed to be in Hawaii...the three of them leave Kaoru and their cat Kikumaru behind, and take a lift to the top of the mountain. Once there, they end up slipping from the peak, and falling straight down the steep mountain side. Kirihara manages to stop, but Ryoma and Momoko keep falling. They wake up moments later to find a bear licking at their faces..

Meanwhile, the parents and grandparents have discovered the kids missing and have gone to look for them. Kaoru points at the lift to indicate where they went. "The possibility of kids coming down from that gondola safely...0.9%!!" Inui papa says. A very tired looking Kirihara finally catches up with them to tell them where Ryoma and Momoko have gone..

Ryoma and Momoko aren't doing so well...they've managed to find shelter in a shack, but the fire is dying out. Ryoma takes out his matches and lights one...whena huge Ponta appears! (What is this, the Little Match Girl?? Hehe..) Momoko wants one too, and they fight over the matches, when they inadvertently light them all at once! They start to panic, when all the sudden through the door, Taka-san appears with a huge plate of sushi for delivery. He realizes he's got the wrong house, and starts to leave, when Ryoma and Momoko beg him to stay! That's when the rest of their family shows up...awww...a nice reunion takes place, and the whole family sits down to a nice sushi dinner...

~~~~ * ~~~~ * ~~~~

(pt 2): The Tenipuri Family Christmas

It's almost Christmas, and Ryoma & Momoko are having a blast decorating their tree, when Shuuko mama and grandma Fuji walk in: "Were you able to decorate the tree alright?" Mama asks...but when she sees that the kids have managed to string up poor Kaoru onto the tree with garland and lights, Mama snaps, and grabs the nearest object to hurl at the naughty kids! Ryoma and Momoko dash for cover and speed out the front door, past Inui papa and grandpa Tezuka, who are arriving home from work. Mama volleys a can in their direction, but it smacks straight into Tezuka's head! Tezuka glows as he mutters: "Tezuka ZOOOONE!!"

"Are...are you alright, Dad?" Inui asks. Tezuka looks at him briefly before bellowing, "OF COURSE I'M NOT OK!!! Everyone - 10 laps around the neighborhood, NOW!!"

Later the evening, Inui papa is looking at his notebook with a concerned expression: "I need more data..." he says. "What data?" Shuuko mama asks. "OH!" she says, as she sees what Inui's been looking at...

It appears the parents need to find out what their kids want for Christmas, so they decide to have them write their wishes on slips of paper and hang them from the tree. "It's not even Tanabata," Ryoma complains, "Why do we have to write down what we want?" (note: Tanabata is a Japanese holiday where one writes their wishes on a paper and hang them from bamboo).

Grandpa Tezuka begins to answer, "If you don't, then we won't know..." when Fuji slams an uppercut right into his chin and knocks him out. Inui papa rephrases: "This is so SANTA will know what to get you!" Kaoru is scribbling something, and realizes that he can't write yet, and panics...

Afterwards, the parents and grandparents gather around the tree to see what the kids wrote.

"Please give me Ponta. --Ryoma"

"Give me Babaroa. --Momoko" (note: Momoko's asking for Bavarian cream cake)

They remark on how cute these kids are...but then Tezuka notices that there's more hanging on the back of the tree. He flips it around, and there's much, much more:

"I want games. --Ryoma"
"I want Very Berry Coco Parfait. --Momoko"
"I wanna eat sushi. --Ryoma"
"I wanna eat steak. --Momoko"
"I want a dog. --Ryoma"

etc....

"Those kids.....!!!" ^_^;;;

Shuuko mama sees Kaoru's scribbles and smiles, saying she forgot that he can't write yet. Kaoru's under the table, and crying, thinking Santa's not going to bring him anything!

Nighttime, and Shuuko asks her husband whether he's thought of anything good to get the kids. "99.7% certain," he replies. Shuuko acts all coy and says, "Is Santa going to bring something for his cute wife, too??" She bats her eyes... Inui tries to avoid to question, and notes how he still needs to think up of the missing 0.3%. Shuuko gets angry and hits an alarm clock in his direction...but Inui, without even looking up, says: "It won't reach." And indeed, it flies right past him and slams in to the wall behind him. "Sadaharu-saaaan!!!" his wife screams, as she wrestles him to the ground.

The next day, the women go out to shop, leaving the kids alone. Ryoma and Momoko instantly begin causing all kinds of mischief. Meanwhile, Kaoru takes it upon himself to go find Santa so he can tell him what he wants for Christmas! He comes upon Sanada & Yukimura dressed like Santa and his reindeer. Kaoru speeds up on his tricycle and slams into Sanada, sending Yukimura flying off. Sanada's Santa beard falls of, and Kaoru is shocked to see that he's an imposter! He continues on in his mission to find the real santa...

Meanwhile, at the mall, Fuji and Shuuko have managed to finish their shopping - they've even bought presents for their men at super bargain prices. They spot sales for women's clothing, and go to forage, when they come across Inui, who's desperately trying to find some gifts for his wife... Shuuko complains that he's buying her stuff from the bargain bin (though Fuji reminds her that they were doing to same for him, too...)

Back at home, Ryoma and Momoko realize that Kaoru's gone missing, and they go look for him, using Kikumaru to sniff him out. They come upon the remains of the entire Rikkaidai team, all dressed as santas, and all bruised up and passed out on the street - apparent victims of Kaoru's wrath. Kaoru's really getting frustrated...but then he spots someone who looks like he may be santa walking into the department store. He follows after...

Inside, he discovers the area where a dressed up santa is taking gift wish requests from kids. (It's actually Ryuzaki sensei. And awwww!! There are chibi Hyoutei kids in the play area, including Atobe!). Inui, Shuuko and Fuji arrive on that floor, and kids are running out of the area in tears. (even lil' Atobe! Awwww!!!) They're all upset that Kaoru had ripped the fake beard off of the santa and exposed her as a fraud!

Ryuzaki's upset, and the parents apologize to her...Ryoma, Momoko and Kikumaru also arrive on the scene. But Kaoru has finally spotted his "santa" - this old bearded guy - and he catches up with him. The old man gently pats him on the head and leaves. Kaoru's convinced that he's met the real santa!

Christmas eve, and the family's having a sushi feast delivered by Taka-san. Ryoma asks, "Do you know what day Christmas is?" And Momoko says, "isn't it the day we great presents and eat lots of good food?" Kaoru tugs at her dress and points out the window...it's santa flying through the sky on his sleigh. The kids look up with dreamy faces: "it's santa!!" Kaoru smiles...

"Kids are so innocent," Shuuko mama remarks...

Manjoume Jun

2005-02-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

Manjoume Jun
a Yugioh GX character analysis by athena

Name: Manjoume Jun
Age: 15
Dorm: Obelisk Blue
Deck type: Hell deck, V to Z deck
Key card: Call of the Living Dead
VA: Matsuno Taiki

Quotes:

Why don't you taste to the fullest...the sorrow of one who lacks
Only one...there is no need for two Kings at Duel Acadamia
Call me Manjoume-san!

Ah...Manjoume-san... This guy has got to be my favorite GX character! Not only is he voiced by the excellent Matsuno Taiki (who did a great job as Kouga from Inuyasha - gotta love that voice!), he's one of the most expressive characters of the show, and has demonstrated a wide range of emotions...making him most intriguing. In addition, he's got a great background story and has the potential to become one of the key players in the episodes yet to come.

Looks:

He's definitely not lacking in the looks department! So he's got some wild spikey hair, but most anime guys do, right? Lol. Anyway, Momoe (or was it the other girl?) did say he had a great looking face...well, the exact words she said were "ike-men." ^_^ I'm really glad he's in Obelisk blue (or was, anyway), because the long blue jacket suits him quite well. As others have pointed out before, he would look horrible in red...

Personality:

Definitely not the type of person who's easy going or carefree, Manjoume does start off as quite the arrogant elitist of the academy. And he demands respect of others, like when he told Judai that he should not forget to call him with the "-san" honorific! But much like Atobe Keigo from Prince of Tennis, Manjoume's diva-isms are well deserved, because he's got the skills to match his attitude. He looks down upon those who are not as skilled as he is, but will also acknowledge when somebody has capabilities, as he did with Judai back in episode 2. He likely picked up his elitism while being raised in a family of over-achievers who always expected nothing but the best from him. You could say his obsession with winning is similar to Kaiba Seto's own complex. (See discussion below for more on that).

Obviously, this kid also has a soft spot. I will never forget how he blushed when he realized that Asuka had been watching his duel against Judai (ep 2)... He also is quite the responsible young man, who tries hard to live up to his brothers' expectations. He's got some insecurities as well, likely caused by the pressure put upon him by his family. These insecurities at times lead him to do stupid things, like in episode 12, when he tried to cheat his way into winning against Misawa. But with all things Manjoume related, of course I am willing to forgive these faults...hehe... He's very vulnerable and confused at times, which make him all the more vivid to me.

His story:

Well first off, he's a top-rate duelist. He's already got a pretty well constructed Hell deck, which we saw in episodes 2 and 12. This deck centers arounds a "hell" theme, and as episode 12 demonstrated, can be quite powerful when used with a focus on Hell Soldier. But he also has the amazing ability to quickly take in other deck themes, like in episode 4, where he expertly constructed and dueled with the V to Z deck. There, he put together an extremely powerful deck with new rare cards he'd never used before, summoning VWXYZ Dragon Catapult Cannon after only 2 turns!

But the skills he's got are only part of his story. As I mentioned earlier, his obsession with winning is connected to his upbringing. He has two older brothers - one who's at the top of his career in finance, and the other in politics. Both of them expect their kid brother to get top grades, and to live up to their family name. He feels extreme pressure by this, and is determined not to let them down. (Doesn't this sound a little like Kaiba - who has to keep winning not only to prove himself to his father, but also because his company's stock depends upon it?) He doesn't feel confident that he can to this, after losing to Judai...which is why he cannot bring himself to admit to his brothers that he is not doing so well at the moment.

Currently, after his defeat to Misawa, Manjoume has left Duel Acadamia to pursue some unknown goals. My thinking is that he has gone to improve his skills, and that he will return before long, better than ever. I was kind of upset by his defeat to Misawa, because I really wanted him to win...and I do think he's capable of getting the best of that Misawa. But like Kaiba had to lose to Yugi before realizing that something was missing from his dueling, I believe Manjoume also has to learn something in the process. We know he's going to appear in episode 24 at the North School... maybe then it will be clear whether he's truly going to step up! ^_^

Farewell to David

2005-02-19T01:49:00.000-05:00

Bye & Good luck David!

For everyone who's been watching David's anime blog, we all know that his decision to close down his site is very saddening news... Although I will admit that I do not watch Naruto, which was his main focus, I loved reading his anime reviews - particularly on Samurai Champloo & Bleach. Lots of insightful and interesting stuff to read there... He's going to be missed. Hopefully he'll keep the archives available?? ^_^

So David - best of of luck with everything, and hope you have time to stop by on occasion!

Mai HiME 20

2005-02-18T23:06:00.000-05:00

Mai HiME Ep 20: Mai's Flames, Destiny's Tears

thoughts

Um.....WOW. I think I needed to see this episode like I needed a kick in the head. Not to say that it was "bad" per se...I just thought it had a completely and utterly unexpected turn of events which left me feeling rather quesy inside. I definitely want to see this through to the end, but I'm not sure I like this story as much anymore.

First off, why is it that all the guys in this show (with the exception of Takumi) just creep the hell out of me? All of them - from Reito, Nagi and Ishigami (and don't get me started on Tate) - are just disgusting! I guess this is supposed to be a bishoujo-centered story, but does it necessarily have to follow that all the guys are such jerks/creeps/bastards?

Second and more importantly perhaps - why are they doing this? I feel like my guts were being ripped out, watching all this suffering and anguish, in addition to my favorite couple being torn apart. I wasn't expecting this series to be so serious. On the one hand, I totally would have accepted these events if I knew that this was what I should expect. But the mere shock of it all made it very unsavory and unwelcomed...

Don't get me wrong - this was an EXCELLENT episode. I just wish I was prepared for it. And now I feel like I need to go watch some Prince of Tennis to cleanse myself. ^_^;;;

ps. the images once again focus on my favorite pair, Takumi & Akira. I'm still so upset about this... T.T

summary

Episode starts with Takumi being assaulted by a very pissed Nao, who tells him that "your sister and her friends did this to me," pointing at her bandaged eye. She tells him she's in pain...and she will bring the same kind of pain right back at him. Akira has heard the disturbance, and rushed in, driving Nao off. Akira grabs Takumi from his hospital bed and crashes through the window, summoning Gennai. She wills him to disappear, using the ninja technique, Kirigakure no jutsu. (I love her ninja style...and it's cool how her Child is a frog - a perfect match for a ninja!). Nao grins...it looks like she's already hooked her threads into the two of them to make it easier for her to follow them...

Meanwhile, Nagi is looking into the sky and says to himself, "What a beautiful night...I wonder what color your all-out dancing will dye this night...Mai Hime.." He grins evilly.

Mai's in her room, still looking depressed. She gets a phone call and she hurridly picks up, saying "Mikoto??" But it's actually Nao, who says, "I'm chasing after your brother, and a Hime disguised as a boy..." She tells her she wants her brother to suffer as she has suffered. Mai begs her to stop, but Nao tells her, "But don't you just want your brother to go away?...I'm gonna start hunting now, you lying sister.." she hangs up on her.

Natsuki is meeting with her contact at a smokey bar. He tells her that Akane has been transferred to a regular hospital. It appears that somebody from the Searrs organization wants to exchange information. But before she can talk to him, she gets a phone call from Midori. It looks like Mai's in trouble. Nobody from the hospital has been able to contact Mai to tell her that her brother's disappered from his room, so they had called her teacher Midori instead. Natsuki runs out, as the man she was talking to turns to another man in a booth...(from Searrs?).

At the hospital, Tate has heard that Takumi is missing, and is concern about it. He remarks that Mai's probably really worried... Shiho suddenly looks extremely evil. (Wow...v v disturbing look. Eeeek). In the trees outside, a crow appears to react. Tate asks if anything's wrong, but she denies it. (Hmmm...it seems Shiho is controlling something? I guess she must be connected to that mysterious ghost hime...or she IS the ghost hime).

Nao has caught up with Akira and Takumi: "Found you! If you're gonna hate somebody, hate your sister." She draws out her claws...but Midori jumps in on her Child and saves them, telling them to run! They hastily make off after thanking her.

Mai's running out to find her brother, when she's haunted by what Nao has said...she trips and falls. She tries to drive the thoughts out of her mind. "It's not true!" She flashes back to her past - it turns out that she was babysitting her brother, when she left him alone to go play with a friend. He ended up drowning in a river, and her mother had jumped in to save him, losing her life in the process. She feels responsible for what happened. "I promised her..." Mai cries. Natsuki suddenly slaps her, and tells her to snap out of it. "I don't have anything important to protect, but you do! What have you been fighting for all this time? Remember??" Natsuki tells her. Suddenly, the ghost hime appears with her Child / crow. "Die..." she hisses. The Child attacks, striking a nearby dorm. Natsuki tells Mai that she'll take care of it - and that Mai should go look for her brother. Mai runs off, and Natsuki turns to face the Child. "Not you," the ghost mutters. The Child flings dagger like weapons at Natsuki. She parries them, but when she turns to face her attacker, she's disappeared...

Akira and Takumi are lost in the forest...they keep backtracking the same location. Takumi pleads to know what's going on. Akira explains everything to him about the Hime...how his sister is one too, and how if a hime is defeated...the person she loves the most must die. Akira is crying, saying that this will surely be Takumi! "Why...? Why did it have to be this weak, unmasculine, and compassionate...just compassionate..." she blushes, and looks into Takumi's eyes. Takumi smiles at her and says, "it's ok...If I'm with you. You're the one who gave me the will to live." "Idiot!....you...idiot..." Akira says, and they embrace tightly...

Meanwhile, on some hilltop, Yukariko is with her Child, and praying. "I don't ask for you to forgive me...but that God's blessing be with you." Ishigami creeps up behind and says, "is it clear? You must confuse them and stop them in their tracks. By defeating another, a Child absorbs their powers and becomes stronger. But Mai's powers are much too great." He explains that they must remove Mai's MVP first, and then let Nao kill Mai, who has lost the ability to summon her Child. He says that's the way to save the world and make Yukariko into the ultimate Hime. Yukariko protests...but Ishigami says he will become the Kukuyou's prince in her place and take the powers of the star.

Shizuru is trying to control the mayhem over at the dorm that Nao struck, which is now burning. Haruka arrives with Yukino, but Natsuki gets there too and drags Yukino away, saying she needs her help. Yukino sends out Diana's seeing eye to locate Takumi. She tells Mai where they are. "Thank you, Yukino-chan," Mai says, quietly. "I'm so sorry...Mai-san.." Yukino says sadly.

Mikoto is wandering around the forest, when the Crow Child flies above her. She remembers that it attacked Mai, and she turns into a rage, and runs after it.

Mai finally locates Akira and Takumi, and they are under attack by the crow and Mikoto. And before her eyes, she watches in horror as a rabid Mikoto slices through Gennai... Akira looks crushed, and she wimpers, "Takumi...."
Mai runs to Takumi's side, but he's already fallen, and begins to disintigrate. "I'm sorry....thank you...neechan..." he says, before he melts away.

Mai screams in sorrow... She's shell shocked and in disbelief. She turns torward Mikoto, in a daze. Mikoto's a little dazed too. Mai slowly stands. "Why did you...to Takumi..." She's enraged. "You did this!" she bites her lip until the blood comes running down. She summons Kagutsuchi and out he comes in a blazing flame. She commences her attack on Mikoto.

Mikoto tries to absorb what's going on... She begins her counterattack, after remembering her brother's words: those who attack you are your enemies, and enemies must be destroyed.

Elsewhere, Mashiro says that they were too late...that this was something that they should have avoided at all cost.

Yukariko looks on in shock, as Ishigami is also expressed surprise, saying it wasn't supposed to be like this.

Only Nagi is happy, as he cackles wickedly...

Natsuki runs in to stop Mikoto. Mai screams that she knows what's she'd doing...it was Mikoto who did this to Takumi. Suddenly, a large unknown Child comes into the fray and pushes Kagutsuchi back. (I'm guessing this is Fumi? There's a shadow of a Hime holding something like a scythe). Mikoto jumps up and is about to come down on Mai with her sword, when Natsuki yells at her to remember...that's Mai...the one you said you loved! She hesitates, and falls short. Natsuki shoots the sword out of her hands..

Mikoto then flashes back to her past...apparently, she had to defeat her grandfather, for whom she cared very much, in order to pass some kind of test? In any case, her grandfather warned her that she should not care for anyone else in her life except her brother, the Kokuyou prince. But Mikoto remembers how she really cared about Mai...she cries. "I really never loved anyone at all..." Mai looks at her and hesitates. But Kagutsuchi is already firing up his next blow, and thrusts it at Mikoto before Mai can stop him. Mikoto just stands there as a blazing path blows through her, burning up half of the forest...

Mai looks on in shock. She limps over to Takumi's pill bottle and clutches it close, crying. It begins to rain.

She walks through the rain in a daze: "Takumi...it's because I forgot about you for just a moment...if only we were only together always... Now, I truly have nothing left..." she remembers Tate, but denies it to herself, saying she cannot desire anything at all.

"Is that right? Haven't you already realized feelings of love?" Reito asks. He approaches her as she tries to deny it... He holds her, and she bursts into tears...

Next week: The Black Prince Awakens

Yugioh GX 20

2005-02-18T13:54:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 20: The All Powerful Lady-in-Love Deck!

thoughts

This was the campiest episode ever, but in a good way! It was lots of fun to see all of Judai's monsters go ga-ga over a girl...lol. And of course, it's always interesting to see a slightly rattled Kaiser, who's rarely if ever caught off guard. Hints to the reappearance of Manjoume...of course, I'd pick up on that, since I already know the title to the upcoming episode 24 (still 3 eps away T.T), when he comes back again. They talk of a match against the North School, which seems to be a satellite location of their academy. Hmmm....is this gonna become a face-off between Manjoume and Kaiser? I need to go back to janime's page and confirm the previews for those episodes... I can't wait! ^_^

summary

So there's a new student joining the Osiris red dorm...Saotome Rei. (Wheee!! A boy/girl, just like Saotome Ranma! lol...) He looks down and shifts uncomfortably. "He's pretty like a girl," Hayato says. Judai, the happy go-lucky kid that he is, tries to make the boy feel at ease. "That's ok, don't feel bad that your grades suck!" he says. But Daitokuji corrects him, saying that all mid-term transfer students are placed in red at first...but Rei's grades are good enough for yellow. But while they're at it..the teacher places Rei in Judai's room, since they seem to get along so well.

Back at the dorm, they've put a bed for Rei in the middle of the room, leaving no space at all for moving around. Judai suggests they all take a bath together, cuz there's nothing like naked male bonding while bathing together and rinsing off each other's backs. O.o (these were his exact words...heh...Judai's actually pretty fit looking, lol). Rei blushes and looks away, saying he can't, cuz he's sick. Judai, Hayato and Shou go off to the bath, and indeed, are washing each other's backs. Some strange hairy arm appears to be washing Judai's back, and he turns around to discover...a bear! XD So much goofiness!

Next day at school, the principal announces that the good-will games with their sister school, the North School is quickly approaching. Last year, Kaiser, then a second year, managed to claim victory for Duel Acadamia. "That's my brother!" Shou whispers proudly to Rei, "He's got better grades than me..." The representative for this year has not been selected yet. Judai's determined that it should be him, but Shou tells him it's probably gonna be his brother, Kaiser Ryou! What a loyal kid. ^_^

Later, the three of them are walking outside when they see Rei sneaking off somewhere. Judai runs off after him. He sees Rei climb up into a dorm room at Obelisk blue. Judai climbs up after him...it's a huge room...and very neat and tidy, as would be expected of Kaiser's room (which we later find out it is). Judai's shocked to see Rei take out Kaiser's deck and nuzzle it. Judai runs in, and tells him to get out...that he'll be mistaken for a spy from the North. Suddenly, people approach...Rei jumps up and tries to escape, but Judai grabs him...and his hat falls off, revealing Rei as a girl. She drops her hair clip in the process, but she doesn't have time to get it, and jumps out the window. Judai tries to go after her, but the people have returned to Kaiser's room and spot him, dragging him in. "It's a misunderstanding, I swear!!" Judai yells, but they won't have any of it. He doesn't tell them that someone else was in the room, either. Kaiser walks in, and spots his cards scattered on the floor, along with a hair clip. "Let him go," he tells his dorm mates. "This time, leave from the front door, Judai."

It's evening, and Ryou has called out Asuka to talk about something, much to her surprise. "I need to talk to you about something," he says. Asuka smiles, saying it's unsual to see the Kaiser having concerns about something. He shows her the hair clip...

Meanwhile, Shou returns to the dorm to discover that Judai and Rei are gone. He and Hayato follow after them. Outside, they overhear Judai asking Rei why she's been dressing like a guy and sneaking into people's dorms. He suggests that they can duel, because that's the best way to communicate with someone... Ryou and Asuka also arrive to watch as the duel commences...

* Duel *

Rei: Summons Lady in Love (400 atk).

Judai: Summons Featherman. He attacks Lady. (Rei LP: 3400). Lady has a special ability...if she's in atk mode, she can't be destroyed in battle. Also, the monster that attacks her gets one Maiden Counter. Featherman is enamored by the lovely lady, and he asks her if she's alright. Poor Judai's exacerbated, yelling at his monster to get it together and act like a true hero!

Rei: Equips Lady with Cupid Kiss. Attacks Featherman with Lady "Featherman-san!!! Please accept my love!!" she says, but trips and falls. Featherman apologizes...and falls under Lady's spell. By her equip effect, a monster she attacks with a Maiden Counter comes under the control of the opponent (when she receives damage). "You'll listen to what I say won't you?" she asks him. "Of course! Anything for you!" Featherman says. She tells him to attack Judai, and he does. (Rei LP: 2800, Judai LP: 3000). Sets one m/t.

Judai: Summons Sparkman to attack Featherman. But Rei activates her trap card, Defense Maiden, which makes it so Lady takes the attack instead. (Rei LP: 1600). Featherman is angered by this: "Sparkman! You're a hero, aren't you? How could you attack a defenseless little gir??" Sparkman apologizes, and feels really badly..."Arrrghh!! What have I done???" He falls in love with her too!

Shou notes how oddly Judai's reacting. Ryou remarks that entire nations have fallen due to one woman's beauty... "That would explain why a guy called 'Kaiser' has met his match," Asuka says.

Rei: Equips Happy Marriage to Lady, bringing her attack up by Featherman's 1000. She attacks Sparkman (Rei LP: 1400). Sparkman goes under Rei's control. Direct attack with Featherman and Sparkman. (Judai LP: 400). Asuka remarks that seducing duel monsters is probably quite easy for this girl, who's come all this way to their southern island to follow her first love.

Judai: Summons Burst Lady. She doesn't look happy. She rebukes Sparkman and Featherman for being so pathetic! Activates Burst Return, which can be activated when Burst Lady is on his field. He brings back Featherman and Sparkman to his hand. "The two of you...hurry up and get back here!" Burst Lady says. "Yes, ma'am!" they say, and snap to it! Judai fusion summons Flame Wingman for the win.

* End Duel *

Aw....so it turns out that Rei had fallen in love with Ryou, and had come all this way to see him. Ryou looks slightly uncomfortable, but manages to compose himself, and tells her she has to go back. She starts to cry, and Judai gets angry at Ryou for saying too much. But Ryou says, "but this girl..." and Judai thinks...does she have another secret? Is she actually a guy pretending to be a girl dressing like a guy??? But no, it turns out that she's actually in the 5th grade!

Later, as she takes off on a ship, the kids see her off... She says she'll definitely try to go this school next year, after graduating elementary school. Ryou remarks (with slight relief?) that he won't be here next year. But it looks like Rei's switched her target to Judai, much to his shock and dismay... "I'll leave the rest to you," Ryou says as he walks off... Judai: ^_^;;;;

Next Week: Seal the Fusions! Judai vs. Misawa (part 1)

Prince of Tennis 172

2005-02-18T10:47:00.000-05:00

Prince of Tennis Ep 172: Goodbye Seigaku!

thoughts

"Awwww~~~!!!" is the best I can say about this episode, which I thought was so sweet! Although there wasn't as much of Kaidoh as I expected (as in, no full blown match), there was plenty of great scenes with him...and we definitely see his sensitive / emotional side too, which I love! I don't know...it makes me sad how Ryoma's going away to bigger things... But it's exciting too. Can't wait for the next episodes!

summary

As the story opens, Sakuno and Tomo-chan are talking about Ryoma's going away, and how they have to re-do his banner. Sakuno's kind of sad, and asks Tomoka if she's not sad either, since she seems so cheerful. "Well, it's not like we're never going to see him again! We have to be supportive and see him off with a smile!" she says. (Now I know Tomo-chan can get annoying with her fan-girlisms sometimes, but I personally love how she's always thinking of the best for Ryoma... ^_^)

It's after practice, and after Ryoma leaves for home, Horio, Kachiro and gang walk up to Tezuka and tell him they're collecting messages from everyone for Ryoma on shikishi (it's like a nice quality cardboard sheet for autographs)...they wanted to do something for him, since he's leaving. They want the captain to sign first. Momo-chan says, "Aww, you guys are so nice," and Horio replies: "I'm so proud of him, for participating in the US Open at that age... It's not like this is our last goodbye or anything, but we wanted to do something for him..." Momo remarks how great it is that there's so much friendship loving going around, "Eh, Mamushi?" he says, toward Kaidoh, who's standing with his back to them behind a bush. Kaidoh's startled. He's been crying, and he swiftly wipes away his tears. (Awww~~~!!!! I love this guy!!) "We should get him something too, don't you think?" Momo asks. "Keh! Get him something yourself!" Kaidoh yells, "I have no interest in that kind of stuff." Momo knows that's not quite what Kaidoh's feeling...

Ryoma's packing for America, and he picks up Karupin to tell him goodbye. He's got a really sad expression on his face...

Next morning, Sakuno and Tomo-chan are thanking Mr. Kawamura, who's agreed to drive all their stuff to the airport and meet them there. Taka-san comes out with his gift for Ryoma, a big bottle of soy sauce. His dad rebukes him for bringing something so heavy, and Taka-san rushes back in to put it in a smaller container. Sakuno realizes that she hasn't gotten anything for Ryoma yet, and she runs off to buy something...

Ryoma's family is still getting him ready to leave, when somebody arrives at their home... Moments later, Nanjirou goes to fetch Ryoma, telling him some kid with a turban and a sour look in his eye is waiting for him out front. It's Kaidoh, of course, and he's come seeking a match against Ryoma. (Damn, I love the way Kaidoh dresses!!) "Didn't think you could leave Japan with a winning streak on me, did yoU?" he says. They play a few rounds, and Kaidoh says, "This is my going away present for you!" as he swings, sending a powerful Boomerang Snake his way. There's so much power behind it, it knocks Ryoma's racket away. Ryoma's pretty impressed by how powerful it is, and his hand is still ringing from the impact. "That's all for now," Kaidoh says. "We'll finish this when you get back....Give 'em, hell...Echizen" As Kaidoh walks off, Ryoma smiles and nods...

It's later in the day, and the whole gang has come out to see Ryoma off. "Give us your thoughts!" they ask him. "I'm hungry..." he replies. ^_^;;; The first years have put up a banner in the upper deck, and are making a ruckus cheering him on, much to Ryoma's embarrassment. Oishi, of course, goes up to quiet them down, for making a scene in the airport.

Ryuzaki says this reminds her of when she saw Nanjirou off, when he left for America.. (damn, he used to be hot! That pervert monk...)

Everyone has gifts for Ryoma, in addition to the messages from the team:

-- Momo: his favorite grip tape

-- Inui: all the notebooks filled with Ryoma's data since he's come to Seigaku. (Fuji grins evilly and says they could probably sell that to other schools for lots of money, and Kaidoh blushes hard..)

-- Fuji: a CD with relaxing music "You can meditate to it"

-- Oishi: a guardian amulet, or omamori (he's got one for everyone too)

-- Eiji: his treasured autograph by the Chocolates

-- Taka-san: vial of soy sauce. ("But can't you get soy sauce in NYC these days?" to which Taka-san replies that this isn't any ordinary soy sauce!)

Meanwhile, Sakuno's been having a tough time.. After finally getting a gift, she's hopped on the train, but it's delayed. When she arrives at last to the airport, it's already after Ryoma's flight was scheduled to leave. She slumps down in a disappointment...when Ryoma walks up sipping on Ponta, saying "You're too late." She looks up in shock... (Ryoma's flight was delayed). Ryoma then says, "Bad planning...Hair too long." The crowd around them tease the two of them, and Sakuno blushes...but she manages to give him his gift - a tennis ball on which she's written, "All Nationals, #1" "All Nationals?" he says. "I don't mean the Nationals Tournament...this means all nations...so #1 in the world! You can do it, Ryoma!" He thanks her, and takes the ball...then walks off, as his flight is announced. Everyone looks on, as flashbacks to their various experiences are shown...

Nanjirou proudly says, "Ryoma...you will live out the dream that I wasn't able to realize!" To which his wife says, "It's not that you couldn't fulfill your dream...it's that you decided not to - because you had an even bigger dream, right?" *flashback to a very young and adorable looking Ryoma clutching a racket* ^_^

Ryoma arrives in America, and is picked up by this American guy, and as he's being driven to his hotel, he realizes that Karupin has stowed away in his bag! "Karupin!! What are you doing here??"

Hehe....so cute! If you've read this far, just wanted to apologize if I sounded too goofy or fangirly in this post. I just loved it too much!

Next week: Samurai New York

Prince of Tennis 162

2005-02-16T20:10:00.000-05:00

Prince of Tennis Ep 162: Memories of the Golden Pair
an athena backtrack special!

thoughts & thanks

Since trinity was kind enough to provide episode 162, I thought I'd return the favor by posting a summary, since no fansub is available yet. ^_~ Thanks so much! I really wanted to see this episode, and I know I would've wanted to read a review about it too.

This is one of the sweetest episodes you'll ever see, filled with Golden Pair cuteness! Really, I think the two of them are just too cute for words. Sometimes I think the animators purposely try to cater to the yaoi fandom. Lol... It's pretty cool to see how they met and became a doubles team. My only regret is that they didn't show their work together as a pair - I would've liked to see flashbacks of how they became the Golden Pair! ^_^ But this was a great episode!

summary

As the story opens, Ryoma and Oishi are walking to school early in the morning, when Eiji runs up and looks quite panicked. "You've gotta come with me!!" he says, as he drags Oishi away by the hand. They arrive at the location where their bin is...the place where they always go to contemplate after being defeated in a match. It's fenced off, and scheduled to be removed from the premises. "The place where we've talked about all our problems and everything is gonna be taken away!" Eiji laments. "It looks that way..." Oishi replies, looking down. Eiji frowns, saying Oishi seems too lax about the situation: "Don't you care? Have you forgotten everything we've been through on top of this container?" Oishi looks up and says, "Hey, Eiji...do you remember when we first met? That was two years ago, when we were in first year..."

* flashback *

Lil' Oishi is walking to school while reading a book on doubles. It talks about how being in sync with your partner is important. He thinks that might be difficult.. All the sudden, Lil' Eiji comes running behind him, and knocks into him, knocking the book to the ground. It's on the edge of the road, and it's about to fall down into bushes below, when Eiji manages to grab it just in time. As he hands it back to Oishi, he says, "Doubles? You play tennis?" Oishi tells him he's in the tennis club, and Eiji is about to say something, when he realizes he's late, and runs off. As he leaves, he turns around and says, "See you soon!"

Later that day at tennis practice, the captain has gathered the team together to introduce a new student. It's Eiji, and he introduces himself... "Kikumaru Eiji, age 12. Born on November 28th, Sagittarius. Blood type is A. I guess my best subject is Japanese History. I live with my grandfather, grandmother, parents, two older sisters, two older brothers..." The captain cuts him off, saying there's plenty of time to get to know him later. The team laughs... Eiji sees Oishi, and says, "Hey, it's you! Long time no see!" Oishi blushes...

Oishi later helps him find a new locker... Eiji's looking at all the trophies in the locker room with admiration. Oishi asks him why he joined up, and Eiji replies that he's always wanted to wear the regular jersey because they look so cool! "Well, it's pretty hard to become a regular" Oishi says...practical as always. "No, if I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna become #1 in Seigaku...no, Japan...no, the world!"

At practice, Oishi is training as a doubles team with his sempais. He tries to get a ball, but ends up bumping into his doubles partner. The sempai rebukes him, saying he needs to pay attention to his moves. Eiji and the other first years are on ball gathering duties. Eiji asks why Oishi is the only first year practicing doubles when all the other first years are still collecting balls. The first years reply that he specially asked to be included in the doubles training...they aren't too happy about it, saying it's pretty sneaky of Oishi to try to gather favor with the captain. "But doubles has nothing to do with me," Eiji says. "Men play singles!"

The practice isn't going well for Oishi. He starts to go for a ball, but remembers what happened earlier, and holds back. The ball goes past his sempai, who gets angry again. "That was your ball!" he yells. "Well...but..." Oishi begins to say something, but decides against it. "Anyway, your playing style is so plain, it doesn't suit me," his sempai says. "If I have to play with a first year, I might as well pair with that new kid." Oishi looks frowns...

After practice, and Eiji catches up with Oishi. He says he's got something to tell him. "I've heard rumors about you. They say lots of stuff about you. Isn't it just more painful for you, to force your way into playing doubles?" he asks. Oishi tries to excuse himself, but Eiji gets upset. "That's the reason why things aren't going well with sempai, isn't it?" Eiji says. "I watched that match earlier...why didn't you tell him what you really felt?" Oishi gets angry, and leaves.

He thinks to himself as he walks home, "He knows nothing about me!"

It's practice time again (days later?) and it's announced that practice matches will take place, and first years will be allowed to participate! Out of the first year class, Captain Yamato chooses Tezuka and Oishi. Everyone's pretty pissed that Oishi's been favored, again. Oishi's kind of upset, and asks the captain why he's been chosen. "Whatever do you mean?" the captain says. "I chose with confidence. Unless you don't want to participate in a match? It seems you have forgotten something important."

Eiji is angry, saying that he should be happy to have been chosen. "That's why people spread rumors about you!" Oishi gets angry: "What rumors? I haven't done anything wrong!" Eiji replies, "Just be casual about it! Afterall, it's ONLY doubles." Oishi is upset by Eiji's attitude about doubles... Eiji challenges him to a match, and Oishi accepts.

During the match, Eiji uses his acrobatic play and manages to drive Oishi into a corner. But Oishi makes a comeback, and in his effort to break Eiji's game, begins to remember his passion for the sport. He does a Moon Volley...hehe (I love this move!). Oishi wins, 6-4. But more importantly, he's remembered why he loves this game so much... His teammates are impressed too, never having realized how good Oishi was.

It's evening, and Eiji is lamenting over his loss on top of that container, when all the sudden, he's rattled by a banging sound. He looks down, and it's Oishi, hitting a ball against the container. Eiji's impressed that Oishi keeps hitting the exact same location.. He jumps down and starts hitting against the container too. "Wow, you're pretty good," Oishi says. "What are you talking about? You're good too! You practice here after school everyday, huh? No wonder you're so good," Eiji says.

"That's not true...recently, I've been having a lot of problems...but because of that match, with you, I've been able to come back. Thank you," Oishi says.

Eiji apologizes for having said all those things to him before, without having known anything. Oishi apologizes too. Awwww~~~! ^_^

Eiji smiles, and then asks..."Oishi...do you wanna play doubles with me?"

"Doubles? With you? But doubles..."

"So I guess it's no good with me..?"

"No, not at all! Let's do it! Let's play doubles!"

"Yay!" Eiji jumps on top of the container.

"Kikumaru-kun!"

"You can call me Eiji!"

* end flash back, as the two of them look out into the red sunset from their container...*

They reminisce about how they decided to become the #1 doubles teams in Seigaku, and Japan...and how every time they lost, they would come to that container to sulk...

"Eiji, I don't think we need this container anymore," Oishi says.

"What do you mean??" Eiji frowns, "Don't you wanna play doubles with me anymore??"

"No, that's not what I mean. We, as the Golden Pair will never lose again."

Ryoma calls to them, and tells them they'll be late! The three of them run off.

"Let's run all the way to school, Oishi!"

"Ok!"

Bleach 19

2005-02-16T18:19:00.000-05:00

Bleach Ep 19: Ichigo Degenerates into a Hollow!

thoughts

This week's episode was much better than last week's, although it's still along the same lines of training, which isn't very interesting to me. Ichigo's powers it seems, are more than they appear...and the developments with his Zanpakutou intrigue me. Ok...and Byakuya...what's up with him? I keep thinking there's got to be more to this character than just cold hearted distancing, but he's really starting to look like that's all there is!? Come on, Tezuka buchou!! Lol...I know there's some honor in there somewhere. ^_^;;;

I'll be brief today. It seems the fansubbers are stepping up the pace! I feel I've outgrown my usage. XD

summary

So the episode opens with a shocked-looking Abarai Renji, who asks that Byakuya repeat what he just said. "Just as I told you. Don't make me repeat myself." He says it is the final decision of the Souls Society to execute Rukia 25 days hence. "We will not speak again. Rukia, the next time I see you...will be the date of your execution."

Rukia thinks to herself, she is not allowed to cry. For that symbolizes the defeat of the body to the soul...

Meanwhile, Ichigo is still struggling with his second test, which he has 72 hours to complete...

Elsewhere, Chad and Orihime are training so they can be strong enough to go to the Soul Society. But they're not having much luck. The cat (forget his name..) says they should remember the first time they used their powers. (Chad thinks: Ichigo's sister...she had a hat...hair...Ichigo's looks...and he pictures Ichigo in drag, and gets sick. Hehe). Orihime's more successful, as she remembers trying to protect Tatsuki. Her little fairies materialize, and Tsubaki, the head-strong one, starts to torment her...

Back with Ichigo, the fifth link to his chain has deteriorated. They seem to eat and sleep in cycles. He thinks that it's while they're sleeping that he's got a chance. He tries running up the walls of the cave with his hands still bound behind him, without much success... (I'll skip to the interesting part)

So Ichigo's been down there for 70 hours now, and all the sudden, the last few links go all at once. He screams in pain as the hollow within him begins to take over... Ururu prepares to take him out, but Urahara tells her to wait...something is not right. Usually, when one becomes a hollow, the mask is the last thing to materialize. But with Ichigo, the order is all wrong - the mask is the first thing to appear. Urahara explains that Ichigo is fighting the hollow within himself.

Suddenly, Ichigo wakes up to find himself in a strange world. A man draped in black addresses him. "Who are you?" Ichigo asks. He says his name, but it's garbled, and he can't hear. The man says, "So...you cannot hear my name yet. How sad...how many times to do I have to say it before my voice reaches you? And yet you are the only person in this world who can know me." All the sudden, Ichigo realizes that he's been sitting vertically on a building. He falls... The mysterious man flies down after him, and tells him that he must remember his powers as a Soul Reaper. Those powers that he had - were not limited to those given to him by Rukia. He had powers slumbering within him before he met her, and they were awakened by her powers. This was Byakuya's grave miscalculation...he did not expect that Ichigo had his own powers within. The world begins to crumble around Ichigo, as thousands of boxes fall around him. The man tells Ichigo that he must find the one box that hides his Soul Reaper powers...otherwise, he will never be able to return.

Ichigo tries to remember...Ishida once told him how he knew he was a Soul Reaper...there is something different about them. The red thread - a Soul Reaper's reiraku is red, compared to all others. He finds his powers in the box, and within it is his Zanpakutou. "So...at last you have found me. It would be hoped that next time...my voice shall reach you. Now...draw me out!" the man says.

Back in the real world, Ichigo bursts out of the cave in a flash of light and comes crashing down... When the dust settles, Urahara and the kids see Ichigo, dressed as a Soul Reaper, but with a hollow-like mask. He grabs his sword - which is broken at the hilt - and with the butt of his grip, he cracks off his mask....his face is still same old Ichigo. "Congrats! You were able to become a Soul Reaper again! You've cleared lesson 2!" Urahara says.

Ichigo's not very happy. "Shut up!" he yells, as he knocks Urahara over. "That I have come back alive means your luck has run out. I promised myself, if I came out alive, that I'd KILL YOU!!"

Urahara replies that they can now proceed to lesson 3...to knock off Urahara's hat, time is unlimited. "I can do it in 5 minutes!" Ichigo yells. "Fine...then try to do it in 5 minutes," Urahara replies, drawing a sword out of his cane...

Next week: The Shadow of Ichimaru Gin

Samurai Champloo 21

2005-02-13T15:28:00.000-05:00

Samurai Champloo 21: Elegy of Entrapment (verse 2)

Wow...what an amazing conclusion (if you can even call it that) to last week's story! The visuals and music were stunning, especially the effect during the crazy fight scenes between Mugen and Sara. I won't really do a summary here, but just note some of my thoughts.

I really loved how this episode really brings out the bond that the three main characters have established. Particularly touching were the parts where Fuu throws herself over Mugen to save him from being killed, and the part where Mugen notes to Jin, "You went with Sara by yourself because you knew she was after our lives, didn't you?" Also, Fuu and Mugen desperately look for Jin when he disappeared into the river, and Mugen was extremely upset when he thought Sara had killed Jin. It's sweet how despite all their bickering, they've all grown quite attached to one another. I know, I'm quite the sentimentalist. ^_^

The plot thickens, as we see that whoever sent Sara is extremely powerful, and have had their eyes set on this trio for quite some time... I'm really looking forward to more!

For a more detailed summary and analysis, check out Momotato's page.

Fanart Sites

2005-02-13T14:16:00.000-05:00

My Favorite Fanart Sites

I'm posting some of my favorite fanart sites here because I know they can be tricky to find sometimes. I love using the pictures for my personal wallpapers! I really wish I could use the pics on my site, but of course, the images belong to their respective owners - all of them very talented artists! If anyone knows the artist who drew the picture I'm currently using for my wallpaper, please let me know...I'd really like to see other works by them - I love the style!

By the way, some of these sites have shounen-ai / yaoi themed pics, as is common with a lot of Japanese fanarts. If you don't like it, or don't know what that means, don't visit them. ^_^;;;

Yugioh GX

Ten Fiftynine

es-4
(absolutely beautiful artwork! You must visit this site.)

Yugioh & GX

House Blitz

Carmine

BC Room
(check back for weekly updates. This person has also recently started a doujinshi based on Manjoume getting tutoring lessons from Kaiba...v funny!)

Kukureitai
(...is a little behind on the GX episodes, but has fanart posted through Episode 13, though she skipped some episodes.)

Prince of Tennis

Why is it so hard to find decent Prince of Tennis fanart out there? It's kind of unusual to not find great Japanese fanart sites on such a popular series, and yet most of the pages I come across...the art is very mediocre. I feel like I'm looking in all the wrong places. If anyone has any suggestion as to where I should look, please let me know. Thanks! But meantime, here are some of the sites I found where I actually liked the drawing style.

Media 26
Mostly Hyoutei fanart. Not as "finished" a look in the artwork, but very pretty style of drawing nonetheless.

Mitsuki ya
Only 3 pics up the last time I checked, but a beautiful style! I hope they add more soon.

Giga Sweet
More Hyoute fanart, not quite chibi style, but very cute!

Office Nekomata
I love the way this person does their colors. Also has some Bleach & Samurai Champloo fanart.

ss-cm
Mostly Ryoma and Tezuka fanart.

Mai HiME 19

2005-02-11T21:46:00.000-05:00

Mai HiME Ep 19: Maze of the Heart

thoughts

That's it. Tate is officially on my "Pathetic Losers" list. If he gets together with Shiho, then he deserves her. He certainly doesn't deserve Mai (despite the fact that she's starting to get on my nerves too). So ok, he's giving up what's in his heart to do the "right" thing...but in essense, he's taking the easy way out and thinks he's all the more nobler, yadda yadda. Please. (Ok...so those of you who know my fave manga Candy Candy might say to me, "Hey, isn't that the same thing Terry did to Candy?" And yeah, you'd be right....however, at least Terry left Candy for Suzanna, a very worthy and wonderful woman. Whereas Shiho's just an annoying and selfish brat. Anyway, at least Terry was hot, so whatever his setbacks...they're forgiveable, whereas Tate has nothing else going for him).

I know I said I love melodrama, but come on...the Tate-Mai-Shiho thing has degenerated to the point where I don't give a crap what happens. And Mai's supposedly all wonderful, hardworking, compassionate &tc., and I know we're all supposed to love her...and yet I find that she's the least likeable main character I have ever come across. I think it's because it's so obvious that we're supposed to feel sorry for her, that I don't. Mai has lots of flaws for a main character, which is usually a good thing. But in this case, they overdo her sympathetic-ness too much. I'm just fed up with her. [/end rant]

Other than the above angst, I thought this was a great episode, for a Mai Hime episode. Lots of great Akira scenes, as we begin to see more of her budding feelings for Takumi, whom I've come to like much more than his sister. The various relationships are slowly beginning to fall apart with promise of lots of drama and in-fighting to come. Bring it on!

(note: I've purposely left out screencaps of the characters that have annoyed me this episode. Besides, I think Akira/Takumi are so cute together! Lol...)

summary

So the story begins back at school, as Mai and everyone are thinking about what's happened to Nao. Mikoto has tried checking up on her, but her roommate apparently doesn't know where she's gone. Midori is safe, although she obviously lost her battle against Fumi. She's been told by Mashiro that if she thinks she can change destiny, then please go right ahead.

As class ends, the students are gossiping about Tate and Shiho. They surmise that he's chosen to be with her...especially since back when "that" happened, she stuck by his side, despite that fact that he was being a (even greater than now) pain in the @ss. Apparently, he was really into kendou for a while, but he injured his knee, and wasn't able to play. Shiho cheered him up. Yay.

Mai hears all this and ponders on whether that's the reason why he's chosen Shiho. The kendou guy (I forget his name) catches up with Tate, and Tate tells him he doesn't want to play anymore...he's sticking Shiho, who may not be able to run ever again. It's all his fault, etc. etc.

Meanwhile, Yukino's been looking at her cell phone...she keeps getting messages. Haruka asks her if someone's been sending her harassing mail..if so, she'll do something about it. Yukino denies it.

Mai and Mikoto are heading over to see Takumi, when they happen upon him talking to Akira. Akira's asking why he doesn't go to the hospital. Takumi replies that since they were younger, he's always been taken care of by his sister, and he always figured that was just the way it was supposed to be. But recently, he's realized how much work she puts into taking care of him, and yet always keeps a smile on her face, and he thinks that it's more of a burden than anything else. He says after all the money and work, this surgery might not even work. He wouldn't survive, and yet the debt would remain. He wonders whether it's better if he just died. Akira angrily rebukes him, saying if he were a real man, he should put an effort into getting better, and once he's healthy, to work and pay back the money. "Your sister wants you to live...that's why she works so hard! And I...I want you to live, too..." she blushes as she looks up at him. He blushes too. Awww.... Mai's all shocked by what she's heard. Akira hears something from the bushes where Mai's hiding. Akira thinks it may be an enemy, and she steps in front of Takumi to protect him...her weapon materializes. Mai and Mikoto are surprised by this new revelation - but they swiftly retreat without being seen...

As Mai and Mikoto walk away, Mai's still depressed by what Takumi has said, and she snaps at Mikoto (who'd been chatting up about how surprised she was that Akira is a girl/Hime). "Just leave me alone for a while, ok?" she says to Mikoto. Yukino has been watching from behind a tree...she sends some kind of message on her phone....which apparently reaches Ishigami, the creep. He's painting a nude portrait of Yukariko, as she models for him. Geez...things are getting creepier by the minute. He ponders that an attack strategy is coming to light. He excuses Yukariko, saying he's got something to take of.

Shizuru walks into a classroom, where Natsuki is dozing off in front of a computer. She walks up behind her and strokes her hair. Natsuki wakes up to find Shizuru in the room, looking out the window.. "You slept well," she says. "...and you've got some drool on your face." Natsuki swiftly tries to wipe her face. "I'm just kidding," Shizuru says. Shizuru asks if there's anything she can do to help, but Natsuki says no. "I'm always thinking about you...don't forget," Shizuru says...to which Natsuki replies, "I thank you...but will you please stay out...?" (Ah...trying to protect her VIP?)

Mikoto's worried about Mai, and how angry she was. Reito approaches her, and tells her she should do what she feels is right for Mai. Mikoto feels better, and runs off before saying how much Reito is like her brother...

Back at the dorm, Takumi and Akira walk into their room. Takumi drops his pill case, and when he reaches down to grab it, he notices a sketch book stashed away. He picks it up and opens it, but Akira rushes in and grabs it from him. "You didn't see, did you??" Akira says. "I'm sorry..." Takumi says. He suddenly gets another spasm, and as he goes down, he drops the sketch book...it's filled with pictures Akira has drawn of Takumi...

Mai's at the beach, still angst ridden about what Takumi said. And she's also worried that Takumi is Akira's VIP, and might die. Yukino is hiding behind a boulder, and she's haunted by messages she's been getting on her phone saying she's the weakest one ("You are the weakest link...Good Bye!!!"), that Haruka's gonna die, etc. She summons Diana and tries to attack Mai, but Mikoto jumps in to save her. Yukino runs off crying and apologizing. Mai yells at Mikoto, saying she's told her fighting was off limits. "But I was just trying to protect you...because I like you, Mai..." But Mai isn't having any of it. "You said you liked Yukino too, and look what you've done!" She finally tells Mikoto to get out...that if she's around, everything's going to fall apart. Mikoto bursts into tears.

Mai gets a message that her brother's in the hospital, and she rushes over. Takumi tells her he's ok, he's decided to go to America by himself for the surgery. He tells her that he can take care of himself, and that she should think about what she really wants for herself. Of course, Mai's all confused now, because she's never thought about that before...it's always been about working hard, and taking care of her brother. There's nothing left... or so she thinks.

She's outside the hospital on the swings, and she looks up to see Tate wheeling Shiho around on her wheelchair. Shiho spots Mai, but Tate doesn't see her...yet. Shiho asks Tate to prove his love for her. "Kiss me," she says, and he actually does. Ack. Mai sees all, cries, runs off. Tate spots her, and makes like he'll go after her, but doesn't. Shiho looks on with wicked expression. Ugh.

The clock ticks on...

At the hospital, it's lights out...but in Takumi's room, a menacing shadow appears, in the shape of Nao...

Mai's back at her dorm, eating alone. She goes to bed as she thinks, "I have lost...everything...."

Next time: Mai's Flames / Destiny's Tears

Prince of Tennis 171

2005-02-10T16:54:00.000-05:00

Prince of Tennis Ep 171: To My Dear Friend

thoughts

This was the most adorable episode. ^_^ I've always loved Ryoma and Momo's little friendly rivalry, and somehow Momo (although he doesn't seem to have too many fans, if I'm not mistaken?) is exactly the type of guy that seems the most real to me. A little machismo and acting "cool" all the time, but at the same time, extremely emotional and sentimental. He may be slightly on the dense side, much to Kaidoh's exaserbation, but he's a good kid at heart, and this episode really does him justice. The story comes along as was expected...Ryoma's inner conflicts finally come to light: of course, he wants to participate in the Open, and yet feels badly about leaving his team behind. But everyone at Seigaku are so supportive of him, he finally makes up his mind to do what's in his heart. There were parts of this episode that were a bit corny, with the very obvious symbolism of birds taking flight, etc...but it fit in well overall, and the music and acting were so great, I'm willing to overlook it. A slightly bitter sweet episode, but very nicely done.

summary

The episode continues with Ryoma's announcement that he's forfeiting the match. Everyone's pretty shocked, especially Momo, who gets extremely angry... "Are you sure that's ok? That means Momoshiro wins," Tezuka says. Ryoma says yes, but Momo jumps over the net and rushes toward Ryoma, saying it's not ok with him, and demands an explanation. "I don't have an explanation...even if I continued, it wouldn't change the fact that I'll lose," he says. "Is that what you think of our match??" Momo yells, grabbing Ryoma by the front of his shirt...all the Seigaku teammates rush up to get between them. Kaidoh throws a bucket of water over Momo (while Kikumaru holds him back...aw, he gets all wet too..) "I'm telling you to calm down," Kaidoh says. (note: Where did this bucket of water appear from? I wonder...)

The match is forfeitted, and Momo wins by default. He doesn't look happy. The teammates wonder what's gotten into Ryoma..

Momo apologizes to Ryuzaki for what happened, but explains that he can't understand what's happened. He'd never seen Ryoma like that before. He says he doesn't feel right beating Ryoma in that manner and becoming a regular. Ryuzaki notes that if Momo says so, then it must be case that Ryoma wasn't putting his heart into it. "But there are things you cannot see, precisely because you two are so close," she tells him.

Clouds sweep overhead, covering the sunlight...

Meanwhile over on the roof, Tezuka finds Ryoma: "That was a rather pitiful match," he says. "I'm sorry," Ryoma says, "I've done something terrible to Momo-senpai. And Captain, at this rate, I won't be able to live up to your expectations." Tezuka asks him to explain, and Ryoma recalls what Tezuka told him those months ago at the overpass: to become a pillar for Seigaku. Tezuka replies, "Don't misunderstand me. When I said that to you, I didn't mean for you to forsake your own future."

Momo's still feeling depressed. Ryuzaki asks him if he truly saw how Ryoma's expression looked like when they were playing. Momo remembers how pained Ryoma appeared... Ryuzaki notes that Ryoma's heart is likely no longer here. "Not here...?" Momo says.

Back on the roof, Tezuka tells Ryoma that being the pillar doesn't specify time and location...that he can be a support for the team by futhering his own dreams in America, and providing inspiration for the team back home. "It's true that we are preparing for Nationals right now. But Echizen...isn't your mind already made up?"

The clouds pass over, and the sunlight breaks over them. The birds take flight...

"So that's it!" Momo rushes off to find Ryoma. Momo searches everywhere in desperation, but he can't seem to locate him... "How could I have been such an idiot?" he thinks to himself, "When he said he wasn't going to America, I just took his word for it...but your real feelings were..."

When he finally catches up with Ryoma, it's in front of the water fountain.

"Echizen!" he calls out. Ryoma apologizes about earlier. Momo is looking down... "Momo...senpai?"

"You idiot!" Momo yells, "Yeah...I...I really wanted to go to Nationals with you. But if you want to go to America...then you have to go!!" He looks up, and tears are streaming down his face. "Momo senpai..."

"Damn it, I was so caught up looking for you that it's made me sweat weird..." he tries to play it off. "Move it!" he says, dunking his head under the water faucet. Ryoma looks on and smiles..

It's evening, and Ryoma and Momo are starting their rematch. It's just a practice match, since the official ranking results recorded the default win by Momo. This time, however, the guys play with everything they've got. Ryoma wins by 6-2. After the match ends, he announces to everyone that he's going to America...everyone looks on and nods. More birds fly off into the sunset, with one particular one that flies off, higher and away from the flock... (oh, the symbolism...)

The episode ends with a scene from the Echizen residence, where a proud Nanjirou has bought a big fish (tai, for "medeTAI": celebration) to celebrate Ryoma's decision to go to America.

Next week: Goodbye, Seigaku
Looks like Kaidoh shows up at the Echizen's to demand a match for the ranking match that never happened between them. Ooo, goodie...more Mamushi! XD

Yugioh GX 19

2005-02-09T23:45:00.000-05:00

Yugioh GX Ep 19: vs. Yugi Deck (part 2)

thoughts

I have to say I'm impressed...this week's episode was much better than last week's, even though it's just a continuation of that Judai duel against Yugi's deck. Something about it just made it more interesting. Plus we get an appearance by the Kaiser at the end, who's unusually talkative...not to mention smiling for a change. I think I've only seen him smile once, and only for a split second. ^_^ We see a little more of Yugi's deck, including the adorable Black Magician Girl and Watapon! Hehe... A new monster's introduced though - the incredibly lame and broken Chaos Soldier: Envoy of the Beginning. Meh...I definitely prefer the ritual version of this card.

summary

Misawa notes that Kagurazaka is still undamaged, and he's got the Black Magician of Chaos on his field. Things don't look good for Judai.

The duel continues...

Judai: Draws Hane Kuribo, and summons him in defense (def: 200). Sets one m/t.

Kagu: Summons Kuribo in attack (atk: 300). Attacks Burst Lady with BM of Chaos. Judai activates trap card Super Junior Showdown, which negates an attack and forces the opponent's monster w/ lowest atk and his own monster w/ lowest def into battle. The battle phase is then ended. Judai's Hane Kuribo is destroyed by Kuribo. Kagu sets one m/t.

Judai: Activates Pot of Greed. Summons Bubbleman in attack and activates Skyscraper. (I love this card...and the music that plays with it! Hehe..) Equips Bubbleshot to Bubbleman, increasing his atk by 800 for a total of 1600. (Also, when equipped monster is about to be destroyed, this equip card is destroyed in its place). Attacks Kuribo with Bubbleman. Kagu activates instant magic Multiply. By this card's effect, he sacrifices Kuribo and summons Kuribo tokens (def: 200) to fill all his empty monster zones, for a total of 4. One of them is destroyed by Bubbleman. Sets one m/t.

Misawa is pretty impressed by how well Kagu is playing with Yugi's deck.

Kagu: Activates Coins from Heaven to get 6 cards total. Special summons Watapon. Sacrifices it to summon Black Magician Girl (atk: 2300). Awwww....Shou is enamored by the cute BMG. She winks at him. "I wanna root for her!!!" he says. (I love the music that's playing in this scene..) He attacks Bubbleman w/ BM of Choas. His equip card is destroyed instead. (atk: 800). Destroys Bubbleman w/ BMG. (Judai LP: 800).

"Gah! She's pretty strong, despite her appearances..." Shou says. "Beautiful flowers have thorns, as they say," Hayato notes.

Judai: Fusion summons Flame Wingman. Activates Soldier Returning Alive to bring back Sparkman. He summons it in atk. Attacks BM of Chaos w/ Flame Wingman (whose atk has gone up to 3100 b/c of his field card). He activates Flame Wingmans effect. (Kagu LP: 900). Attacks & destroys Kuribo token with Sparkman. Sets 2 m/t cards. Activates Emergency Rations and sacrifices one of the set cards to bring up his LP by 1000. (Judai LP: 1800).

Kagu: Puts BMG in def. Activates Spider's Thread, which lets him bring one card that his opponent sent to the grave in the last turn back to his own hand. He chooses Emergency Rations. He sets two m/t and activates Monster Reincarnation. He brings back Kuribo to his hand. He sacrifices all three cards to boost his LP by 3000 (Kagu LP: 3900).

Judai: Attacks & destroys BMG with Flame Wingman. (Kagu LP: 1600). Activates Defusion and defuses Flame Wingman. Attacks Kuribo tokens with Featherman and Burst Lady. Attacks directly with Sparkman, but Kagu discards Kuribo, so no damage. Kagu impersonates Yugi, by thanking Kuribo for his sacrifice. "This is why I have chosen you from all the 1000's of cards out there. Thanks, Kuribo...you've saved me many times." The kids kinda look at him like he's crazy...and even Kuribo has a little sweatdrop. Lol..

Kagu: Removes Watapon and Kuribo from his grave to special summon Chaos Soldier: Envoy of the Beginning. Misawa notes that this is one of the legendary powerful cards that can be summoned in this manner...the other is CED, which has been banned because it's too powerful. Attacks & destroys Featherman. Attacks Burst Lady by Chaos Soldier's effect (attacks again when you destroy one monster), but Judai activates the trap card Hero Spirits. This can be activated in the turn when a hero has been destroyed. Negate an attack by one opponent monster.

Judai: Judai panics for a second, thinking he can't win. Hane Kuribo comes out and rebukes him for trying to give up. Then Judai realizes that he's not fighting Yugi...therefore, he's got something that Kagu doesn't have. Activates Silent Dead to special summon Featherman. Activates Double Magic: discard one magic card from his hand to use one magic card from opponent's grave. He chooses Fusion. Fuses Burst Lady and Featherman to summon Flame Wingman. Attacks Choas Soldier, activating effect of Skyscraper and Flame Wingman for the win.

Kagu feels crushed, thinking that he can't win, even with the best cards. "I don't have any talent after all!"

"No, that's not true..." From behind the cliff, Ryou appears, along with Asuka. They'd been watching this whole time. They had also snuck in to the building to get an early glimpse of the deck, and had found Judai dueling Kagu when they went looking for the missing cards. Ryou explains that it takes talent to do what Kagu did...and besides, everyone wanted to see Yugi's deck in action, so they probably feel grateful to him, and won't be mad at him for taking the deck. The kids look up and find that all the students from the school had been gathered around, watching the duel the whole time. Everyone's pretty impressed by Kagu's playing.

Judai explains that even if the cards are strong, you still have to have confidence in your own deck. Ryou agrees, saying that people become stronger because they put their heart into building their decks, and learn to rely on them. He says if it were Yugi playing with that same deck, Judai may not have been able to win.

The next day, Yugi's deck is back safe and sound, and is on display. Meanwhile, Shou runs up and tells Judai that an imposter has appeared! They run out and find Kagu wearing a ridiculous Judai wig... "I out figured why I couldn't win...it's because my impersonations weren't perfected!!" Judai laments that the kid hasn't learned anything at all. And to boot, he sucks at his impersonation! "No, that's not how you do that finger point!" He proceeds to show him how to really be Yuki Judai... Lol...

Next week: The All Powerful Lady-in-Love Deck!

Band of Princes

2005-02-09T19:06:00.000-05:00

Band of Princes: Music Video

I just got this recently, and I just had to make a post about it! This is a 10 minute video featuring two songs, "Birthday" and "Rock 54." I really like the first song in particular. ^_^ But this video is not so much about the songs as it is about the lovely pics we get of all the Seigaku boys! (And some of the rival schools too...)

The video begins as Tezuka arrives home from Germany...there's a heart-felt little Seigaku reunion. Following the return of their Captain, the bands get together to jam & to practice for their big concert. That's Aozu featuring Ryoma (Guitar and Vocal), Tezuka (Drums), Oishi (Bass), and Fuji (Keyboard); and Cap & Bin, featuring Taka-san (Drums), Inui (Keyboard), Kikumaru (Guitar and Vocal), Momo (Guitar) and Kaido (Bass). The kids think it might rain on their parade, but hurrah!...the sun comes out, and lots of concert fun is had by all. Hehe...

Aaaaaah!!! Fuji kicking some @ss as a samurai? Gaaah! I love this! Cowboy Taka-san is cute too. XD

I love Atobe.... his arrogance is just too much. ^_^ Ah, and the Prince Police is quite funny...

Bleach 18

2005-02-09T01:29:00.000-05:00

Bleach Ep 18: Take it Back! The Powers of a Soul Reaper!

thoughts

Well, I guess it's expected that after a great episode, you'll feel slightly let down by what follows. Not to say that this was a bad episode. Just a little less dramatic, I suppose...and I tend to be a huge fan of drama. ALso, the story seems to be going in the direction I feared...the pre-kick your @ss training session in manner of Dragon Ball has begun. It just seems like a mood-killer after the emotional last episode. But I have high hopes! And I'm looking forward to seeing more of the goings on at the Soul Society...particularly with character development of Renji and Byakuya. I still don't believe that he's as cold as they portray him, despite what even Rukia seems to believe. Why do I always have the most interest in characters like him in a story? Lol.

Which leads me to a related but not-so-related note I wanted to make: Did you know that Okiayu Ryoutarou - the talented voice behind Byakuya - has an excellent singing voice? I just recently heard some stuff he recorded for Prince of Tennis, and I fell in love with his voice! XD

Ok, so back to my summary...

summary

Story opens with some serious / eerie music, as life has returned to "normal" back at school...except Ichigo knows that nobody remembers Rukia, and have moved on as though nothing has happened. He realizes that this is what it means to return to the Soul Society...such beings that don't belong in this world are rightfully forgotten, disappearing from this world and from the hearts of people. He's feeling quite disturbed by these turn of events...

School lets out for summer vacation. Ichigo notes that Ishida hasn't made it to the last day of class...he'd been hoping that he, at least, would have remembered Rukia. Ichigo's friend (forgot his name) approaches him and asks if he wants to go the beach for vacation, but he declines. Ichigo's walking home, and is deep in thought about Rukia. He thinks that perhaps there never was a place for her in this world. Orihime approaches him, and asks after Rukia. Ichigo's surprised that she remembers her...they discuss the situation, and Ichigo learns that Orihime has remembered everything, since the day her brother was saved by Ichigo and Rukia. "I'm very grateful for what you did for my brother...for guiding him. I'm sure he's very happy where he is now, I can feel it," she says, "I wonder if Rukia's happy there too...she's probably got friends and family..."

Ichigo gets a flash recollection of Byakuya, and flinches. He tells Orihime that he has to bring Rukia back, because she may be killed any day now. "Your mind is already made up then, isn't it?" she says. Ichigo: "She was definitely here...she has a place here." He stands up with determination..."Thanks, Inoue," he says.

Meanwhile over in Soul Society, Renji (in a pretty uh...feminine looking outfit a la Sesshoumaru, except sans cool looking armor) is stalking through some hallway. He approaches a large door with the number six written on it, and opens it with a strange looking key. He has come to visit the prisoner, Rukia in her cell.

"Why aren't you eating?" he asks her. She replies that she's not hungry, "Vice Captain." Renji is angered by her tone. "Go! Vice Captain! The one with weird eyebrows!" Rukia says in a mocking voice... Joking aside, Rukia gets serious and asks if she's really going to be killed. "Of course!" Renji says. "I suppose you're right," she says. Renji is taken aback, and says of course he's kidding...that Byakuya would surely prevent that from happening. He wouldn't stand and watch his own sister be killed.

Rukia frowns. "I wonder. No...that person will kill me. I know very well...what that person is like. In the forty years since I was adopted by the Kuchiki family...he's never looked at me once."

* begin training session part *
(I'll probably be brief here ^_^;;)

Back in the human world, Ichigo has come to Urahara's underground training area - a huge world dug underneath the man's store. Urahara jabs Ichigo out of his body with a swift motion from his cane. Soul-Ichigo is dressed in normal clothes, and he's got a chain coming out of his chest. He has a hard time breathing. Urahara says that Ichigo has lost all his spiritual energy, and that he must begin by getting back those powers. (Specifically, he says that Ichigo's lost his "hakusui," the source of his spiritual energy, and the booster, "saketsu")

Urahara explains that his first test is to knock out Ururu in a fight. It turns out she's quite the lethal fighter, and Ichigo runs around in a panic until he realizes that he can keep up with her speed, at least. He turns around and manages to parry one of her attacks. She still knocks him down, but Urahara says he's passed the first test. Indeed, he doesn't find it difficult to breathe anymore.

Suddenly, beard-dude comes down with an axe and breaks off Ichigo's soul-chain, much to his dismay...

Elsewhere, Chad and Orihime are approached by the Yoruichi the talking cat, who's trying to convince them to help save Rukia over in Soul Society. They also approach Ishida about the matter (and Ishida freaks out at the fact that the cat speaks!) Ishida refuses, saying he can't help her, and that he's only trying to train to get stronger than the soul reapers... But Orihime seems to know what's going on.. After Chad & Orihime leave, Ishida says, "I'm sorry, Inoue...what I'm about to do can't be done in front of other people." He proceeds to open a box, which begins to glow. "Please help me...sensei..."

Back in Urahara's place, bearded dude is sitting on top of a struggling Ichigo. He's now officially "dead," and he only has two choices now: either become a hollow, or pass the second test, and regain the powers of a soul reaper. "It's your choice, what'll it be?" Urahara says. "That's obvious," Ichigo replies. Urahara nods, and waves his hand...suddenly, a large hole appears under Ichigo, and he falls in, falling down and down...and down.

At the bottom, he finds himself with his arms bound behind him. Ichigo looks down, and sees that strange creatures have begun to knaw at his chain. Urahara explains that he's got 72 hours to come up out of that hole as a soul reaper. "Otherwise...we may have to destroy you..."

Next Week: Ichigo, Degenerates into a Hollow!