Okay, so I know I was literally just like "Wonder what Kaisei's real name is..."
Well. Good news. Didn't have to wait long at all.
青梅春
And Well ISSHO YOU HAVE A SENSE IF HUMOR.
Actually it's all symbolism...and I will bestow it upon the rest of the fandom (def in someone's translator notes somewhere)
Anyway-
青梅(おうめ) or Oume is an unripe plum. In japanese, in the old day green and blue were the same word. So it literally translates as a "green plum." That is literally his family name. However, this plums are also toxic when eaten raw in this state. With a little treatment though, it becomes various tasty things. Perhaps this is a reference to the dark side of Kaisei, something toxic beneath the surface.
Speaking of the plums, the blossoms symbolize resistance as the bloom in the cold. This is also why there's all the winter imagery.
春(はる)or Haru. Is just....well spring. I'm sure you can understand the imagery there. I think we all got that one.
In spring, there is a flower the blooms before all other. The plum. The forerunning flower. Kaisei(魁生).
That's why there's the talk of plums.
Side note: he looks at his mother with starts in his eyes. Genuinely almost brought me to tears I want to hug young him. This poor kid. I have a feeling we're going to watch him unravel little by little. I really hope so.
Why is this manga so GOOD. I'm scratching at the walls all week every week.
Akane Banashi manga spoilers ahead
Akane Banashi's current arc is a phenomenal look into Akane and Kaisei as characters. Whether or not Kaisei wins does not matter at this point because he is already bothered.
His character has been kept mysterious on purpose so every time we get a look into his character I am scratching at the walls. Either way, the pout he made tell's us what he's thinking. It's been a hot minute since Kaisei has actually had to try. Not to say that he'd ever give a lack luster performance but there was nothing for him to fight for, he was already at the top. So this has definitely bothered him.
We have a real rivalry on our hands FINALLY!
I know at some point he is going to lose. I wonder when that mistep will be and what it does for his character.
Also- wonder what Kaisei's legal name is. Technically it doesn't matter even a little bit. The story takes place in the rakugo world so the legal name has no place.
Just like Shinta and Toru are the same person.
Still I makes me curious tho. I'ma keep this in my back pocket.
Man with the anime coming up for Akane Banashi (April 4 on YouTube so you better watch it, you have no excuse.) I am super excited and terrified at the same time.
One the one hand, more people (Horary!) We desperately need them too. I love my tiny little fandom but we are a little too tiny, it's driving me insane. The tag is held up by a handful of people.
On the other, I am like doing rituals to to manifest that the people that find this fandom aren't like terrible. (Please let us become a good and healthy fandom as we grow)
Usually the manga I read already has an anime so this is one of the few times I am actually there to see it change. Super exciting tho. I know I will be forcefully subjecting all of my friends to this show.
You know, I'm not usually a shipper. Not my kinda thing but every once in a while I see a pair and I'm like "okay, so maybe."
I fear I am at that point with Kaisei and Akane. You have to admit, they make a damn good pair. Akane is so unapologetically herself and Kaisei looks the least miserable when she is around.
(Side note: I don't know now what Issho did to him in the time skip but they unbabied my girl and now he just looks sad most of the time.)
Anyway, I don't actually care what they end up being because I am just so excited to see them every time. They bring a little smile to my face.
So maybe...I ship them just a bit. If we're talking about head cannons here tho I have two:
Either they're both oblivious to it and everyone else is just forced to watch.
OR
Kaisei knows he's down fucking bad and Akane over here is just living her best life (girl slay)
And what makes me finally break my Tumblr silence? Only one of my favorite manga: Akane Banashi.
I am here to give my analysis rambles chalked with unsubstantiated claims and vibe analysis
Go read it if you haven't >:[
Anyway spoilers for everything up to Chapter 187
Akane and Kaisei are such an interesting dynamic. After watching the two of them on the beach I have never felt so intrigued but relaxed at the same time. The conversation felt incredibly natural and it makes me unreasonably happy (my guys!)
Anyway I think it's an interesting rival dynamic. They're rivals. They're on opposite sides of this generation long feud, but they're so similar.
Two people of less fortunate backgrounds who owe their lives to their art and teachers. It makes me wonder in a different universe if they could have been friends this entire time. (God knows Kaisei needs some.)
Speaking of Kaisei (my babygirl), he fascinates me. He's got the classic two-faced persona that never gives things away. It's hard to tell when he's being genuine and what has been trained into him. He's passionate but isolated. Issho is really over here passing down generational trauma to a kid he found outside. Which is why I think that Kaisei will be consumed by his art eventually. I can't explain why but I feel like Kaisei is set up to spiral. Perhaps we see a cruel streak or something.
There's literally too much wrong with Kaisei for him to not. Akane and Kaisei will break this cycle but it's a matter of where the go before that point. I fear it will get bad though. I know both of them are willing to push themselves and Kaisei has got baggage™. I am here for whatever we light on fire though, the manga is so damn good.
It would also be an interesting moment to see all of the growth Akane has gone through.
Friends? Lovers? I don't care. I just need more of these two interacting.
Edit: They're gonna perform Shinigami which I am so hyped for. I absolutely adore that story. It's is so good. They'll kill it.
Guys. I need to know what happens next. I NEED IT. Akane is changing and I don't think it's for the better, but I need to read her performance now. I need to eat this manga. Dissect and put it back to better. There is not enough content I'm going insane.
Okay this is my contribution to being a DELTARUNE detective.
SPOILER ALERTS FOR CHAPTER 3 OF DELTARUNE
(Go play the game, dumbass)
Okay so I have had Deltarune brain rot for days anyway something came to my attention while watching a video. When playing the game and Kris looks to the side sometimes they are this color.
Originally I thought this was just some weird lighting. That is not the case. The color is actually draining from Kris's face here. This only happens on a few occasions
When:
- "You were all used up" at the end of the Northern Lights part of the Mantle game.
- Killing Susie and Ralsei in the 3rd part of the game
- When Susie asks "You seriously enjoy this?" When she comes up to you if you're still in the game room.
But if you use the mini Kris to attack Kris or Susie they're not pale at all.
Also there is one more expression they make and from what I've seen they only make this expression when you choose to say "Of Course. Games are fun."
I'll put their other pale face next to it for comparison
(From what I've seen this expression is only present is the avatar is gone or far enough that Kris is not paying attention to it. So this sprite can be overridden by Kris looking at the mini Kris)
It's clear to me that they don't enjoy the game or at least they don't want to enjoy it. Why else would saying that be such a bad thing to them? Something about this game scares them.
Although curiously Susie doesn't outright say anything about their face or anything. You get the sense that she possibly noticed something because of this.
I wonder what Toby is trying to tell us about Kris with the way they're reacting. This definitely has something to do with their past in some way. I can't draw any conclusions and I don't have enough for a theory but this shouldn't be missed!
ALERT!! IDOLS OF STARLIGHT GOT AN UPDATE YESTERDAY!! I ONLY JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT AND YOURE ONE OF TWO(?) BLOGS I THINK I FOLLOW FOCUSED ON THE GAME SO I THOUGHT I WOULD LET YOU KNOW IF YOU DIDNT KNOW (sorry I’m yelling I’m just SO EXCITED)
I JUST FOUND OUT HIDNUTBSM I GOTTA LOCK IN AT COLLEGE BUT TRUST THAT I HAVE THINGS BREWING
Okay, so I have actual character analyses on my alt, @rian-on-demand, but I figure my personal thoughts could be posted on my main
Mild Spoiler Warning? I only vaguly talk about the plot beats, so it should be fine.
General Thoughts:
This game really surprised me, I don't know what I was expecting when I first downloaded the game at 10 PM on my spring break, but I had a lot of fun playing it. The characters are fun and I like all of them, which is rare for me. I wish that the routes were long to get to know the characters better, but it's pretty good for what we have.
Game Length:
This game is too damn short. A little heartbroken that I now have to resort to creating my own content of them. There's no real promotion from the company and I have contemplated sending them an inquiry
Okay, now let's talk characters in order of when I finished their routes.
Rian Akatsuka
I am down bad for this man. I don't know if it's because I'm a dancer or I like his back story, but man, do I think he's cute. Especially wearing the big sweater. Also, his voice acting is just amazing. His route had me hooked from the beginning. I would hope the day passes quickly so that I could wake up and get coins to level my characters so I could keep playing his story. His route has a lot of twists and turns. I do like his character more than I like his route. It started to get serious, but the last chapter kinda took me out of it a bit. How do we go from heavy emotions to a dance battle?
Noah Uzuki
He's so cute. He was actually the first one I took a liking to, partly because he is kinda purple-coded, and I like his voice. Also, he's the cute gamer type, and I found his antics adorable. He reminds me of a kitten, and I want to give him all the hugs. His backstory also surprised me—this poor kid. His route wasn't the most intense story-wise, but I did enjoy spending time with his character.
Ren Yuzuriha
This man stressed me out. Every time he would do something, I was worried he was gonna pass out or something. Like please, I'm begging, take care of yourself. He's the one character I didn't really understand before his route, I had the hardest time trying to fluster him. So I took it as a personal challenge. Ren isn't a character I have much attraction for but I still like him.
Finn Kinase
Broo I didn't like Finn when I first met him. He was too flirty for my taste, and I spent the entire main route just picking the options that ignored his charms. Then I played his route, and everything changed. Okay, I admit, I think he's cute. His outfits are absolutely immaculate and him secretly being the clingy type was the cherry on top. I was very invested in his conflict, and something about him being so vulnerable appealed to me. Chapters 10 and 11 had just the perfect amount of angst. It really showcased his character in the best way. This is my favorite route.
Shuu Ikouga
Shuu was one of the characters that I originally wasn't that interested in, but as I thought about it, I became more curious about what his route would be. When I actually played it, I was pleasantly surprised. His route is one of the more wholesome ones, and I think it really fits his personality. That one moment in his room where he was like, "I'm not sure if my parents love me," threw me for a loop in the best way. The MC really stepped up in this route, which is another thing I liked. I'm honestly really surprised he didn't cry because it really seemed like it was in the cards. I would want to be
Hikaru Kirishima
Hikaru! Had the route that I enjoyed the least. Nothing personal; it's just not my thing. I don't really have much to say about tbh. I mean, I kinda liked the fake dating trope, but it gave me too much secondhand embarrassment. Funnily enough, I had originally started this route before Finn's. I liked Finn in this route so much that I decided to switch gears. Hikaru is a personality I would want to be friends with, but not really date.
I played the Arlecchino story quest- it's yappin time! Or time for a kinda long post.
I'll fix the spelling eventually
Spoilers ahead
More analysis! Except we're going through sequentially because that's how I remember it!
1. Lyney is the big brother to everyone in the house
The way he could talk everyone so easily was cute to see. He seems so unbothered by everyone's little quirks. Like- taking to those kids and dropping the most diabolical lore? Kinda scary I'm not gonna lie. Even if unintentionally, a lot of people look up to him. Although, there is the question of how much of his interactions are masking because he does have a silver tongue. Either way, he's definitely the ring leader.
2. Lyney is the cooking sibling
This one isn't actually all that important but I think it's cute. His big brother energy is strong.
3. Lyney hates having secrets kept from him
I think that this one is kinda ironic, but then again, it could be because he keeps secrets he knows how it feels. Also- that line about Freminet lying to him was disrespectful. My jaw hit the floor when he went "You're not like me- your lying skills still need some work." Even if it's true just damn. It's very clear though that the fact Fremi was hiding something hurt him. It seems that at moments like this his passion can be the downfall as we witness the world's most awkward argument. Which resulted in Fremi crying and I must wonder how often this happens.
4. He has the entire roster memorized.
I for one, am still not over this fact. When you ask about Clervie's name he's instantly like: Nope! Not in the roster. It's the same with Perrie. Perhaps this is just me, but that seems like a lot of people to just know of the top of your head.
5. Lynette is almost as good at stealth as Arlecchino.
When they do the first bump and Lynette scares the soul out of everyone involved made me realize something. Maybe it's a combination of her cat features and personality, but she's quiet. The way she made her entrance was so reminiscent of Arlecchino earlier and she was definitely trained in it by her. It's absolutely adorable how much she emulate her "Father."
6. Lyney's voice rises when he breaks composure.
This is possibly just because of the amazing acting of his English VA but I'd like to think it's true. So you can able this one more of a headcanon with evidence. It happens a few times, mostly towards the end but this it the first time it happens. He was so surprised by Lynette that he just completely loses his composure for a second and practically squeaks for a second. He then obviously fixes it but it's a nice moment. Later, he's just desperate but we'll get to that.
7. A lot of the stories we hear about Arlecchino are misconceptions.
This woman is so freaking scary. I just have to say it, I could feel the tension through the screen as we talked. Thank god for child because I was stressed. What we do learn from this besides the fact she's not one for conversation is that they're a lot of half truths about her. This woman would let you call her by the wrong name of it benefits her so everyone saying she's a backstabber and crazy is far from the full story. Childe got his information from the Rooster which uh- was phrased in a weird way. However, she saw no reason to really correct it, so she didn't. Scaramouche however, I'm starting to wonder if he's speaking from personal experience. He's clearly witnessed something and now I wanna know what.
8. Lyney's lying skills were definitely improved by Arlecchino.
Miss Girly is the queen of misinformation and it's clear Lyney learned from him. Like I'm talking to this woman and she's so manipulative I'm doubting myself- AND I WENT IN KNOWING THE STORY! The way she side steps and misdirects is so reminiscent of Lyney that I got deja vu. The main difference is Arlecchino is so much colder so she doesn't break easily. Lyney is an absolute softy and can break way easier.
9. Arlecchino is not fond of the other harbingers.
This is pretty clear in her voice lines and is also obvious because of her personality. However, this is something about watching her shit talk her coworkers in front of me that I'm just living for. Especially with the new plan Project Stuzha? Girly pop isn't having that shit. If she pulls up, I wanna witness this.
10. Lynette is Lyney's voice of reason.
I feel like I've said this before but it deserves to be said again because she's the second baddest bitch alive. Arlecchino is the first.
11. Lyney's angry eyes are unnerving to me.
Maybe this is just me but then is eyes narrow it makes me wanna back away. I don't know if it's because of the way he presents himself but it just gives a certain vibe. I find that vibe slightly terrifying.
12. The reason Lyney is the next king and his passion.
Now, this was a question I had ever since Lyney came out. Seeing him in the Archon Quest had me wondering why he was the next director. Then during the last part of this quest I realized something. It was like a moment of recognition. I think when he stood up to defend everyone. The way he was so determined was really touching. It's also something I already knew. In the Fortress when he charged at Wriothesley was a moment of desperation. Then here, he stands to duel the freaking Knave. He obviously knew the was no way he could win but he wasn't gonna give up with his family on the line. His passion and conviction for his family know no bounds, after all, it's how he got his vision in the first place. Every part of his character and lore just screams family man. The way he's so dedicated to the big brother role and protection those close fits perfectly for what the Knave hopes the House becomes. However, it's this same damn passion that has him disregarding his health and jumping in front of Lynette with no way to parry and his squishy ass body.
All I can think about are the shenanigans that must bless the House of the Hearth. They're such a cast of characters with a loving but incredibly scary "father". I like to think that hanging out with them either stresses you out or makes you laugh so hard that your sides turn red. From the sheer absurdity of what they can get up to.
Playing the new quest was a mistake because all I wanna do is run my mouth to the freaking moon by my friends are taking their sweet time.
This quest was such a a rollercoaster and I don't care what anyone says I like it. Even if I almost cried several times and ended with a headache and a heartache.
