Jul 23, 2025
Idk if this is anything
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Malaysia
seen from Ireland
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seen from China
seen from China
seen from Netherlands
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seen from United States
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seen from China
seen from China
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seen from United States
seen from United States
Idk if this is anything
Yes,it’s Awesome.
I favor the way they manage the backgrounds of each character ,along with his/her element.All of them are Great, I see tenderness on Masago’s sight and Kamon looks worried. I’m Curious,can this hint we might see, in a future arc,the Revival of Masago? Plus Hyakka smiles:)
Natsuno being in the side of Hakubi and Shiranui is enigmatic,nonetheless doesn’t refer to betrayal.Cause left above of her is Nanoka.I take it that the Gokou might plan how to hurt or kill her,cause Natsuno’s interferences have caused problems to their Plans.
Or even They would try to kill both girls,at once.
Why Takahashi Rumiko’s MAO is BLAST
Her current manga series MAO (story &art) has a lot of action.At the core of the story –deeper than time travel,magic,occult,dealings with yokai and ayakashi-are relationships of ex classmates have gone awry,plus a man’s pain and grief from the death his fiancee.The entire plot is based on events that occured during Japan’s Heian period(1000 AD),prior to the now timeline.
It begins with Kiba Nanoka,a female high school student,who 8 years ago escaped a near-death experience-due to some supernatural circumstances.She remembers it,even though She couldn’t figure the reasons and circumstances.
Now fifteen years old,she’s whiskered in the Taishou era,gets chased down by a man-eating yokai, but she’s saved by the mysterious Mao—a young man of this era.As she uses the time portal to pay visits to Mao(to get the answers about why her First death)she befriends with him.What’s more ?She likes Him.Now the two orphans cowork to unriddle the scheme in his past,that turned his friends into Vengeful Hunters Against Him.
(image above:Mao in his current appearance and outfit)
The Origin and the Grief
Mao was born in Japan,during 1000 AD.His early life began an orphanage,with many hardships,at the same time he was sharpening his higher skills and learning magic techniques.On his teens he entered a boarding school for onmyuji,being run by the prestigious Gokou clan.Where it was divided to five classes Water,Earth,Fire,Metal and Wood.
The earnest Mao got the good interest of the principal,and Sana’s cat Haimaru.The principal favored him,by entrusting him the magical,sentient-but Ominous-Hagunsei katana and arranging him(for a badding marriage)with his daughter Sana.Mao was in love with her.It would go smooth.But overnight Shishou Gokou was killed by an unknown perpetrator,Mao was shot by many arrows,meanwhile (Sana’s cat who had transformed to a Horrible Cat Demon)the Byouki rampaged the manor and its men.Soon it came face to face with Mao. To defend himself, with the Hagunsei ,he severed Byouki’s head from the body,while its head led way –there causing a freak mishap:Byouki’s body got fused with Mao’s,transmutating him to a Hanyou.
When after hours he turned to human and regained his consciousness he saw devastation everywhere: Sana was dead, many guards too ,as for the Temple was burned down.Ever since (for 9 centuries) he wandered across Japan ,having assumed the Byouki was someone’s field agent[Image below:Lady Sana].
(Above:The Daughter of Onmyuji Instructor Lady Sana and her cat Haimaru)
Now,in the Taishou era,Mao gets vehemently blamed,by ex classmates for the murder of the Gokou Instructor and Sana,and for the arson.All these while He’s unable to remember all the events of that night.
Sadly ex disciples Shiranui,Hakubi detest Mao for his alleged treason,they hunt Him down to eliminate him.Weird they gladly take orders from a mysterious woman,called Yurako.Who has the exact appearance of the long ago deceased Sana sama!Is Sana resurrected,or is she a mere double?
The Mystery all around
So who(and how)could’ve killed the Gokou?All of it remaines a mystery.There were slight indications:The eyes of dead Shishou Gokou(with his chest on the floor)eyes were looking strait forward, with glare of shock.Implying he had come face to face with the would-be killer.
Plus ex worker in the manor,now turned to assassin,Mokuzu explaines (chapter 34)shocking details to Mao and Hyakka:As he followed a person’s orders he tossed Haimaru in a poison Imp hole,by killing snakes and boars he Transformed to the Byouki.This says it was the Beginning of the plan to destroy the Gokou.Telling hat Byouki ate the Secret Book of Taizunfukun.But in the Chamber there was Only Mao.So how did Mokuzu know of this?Can this imply that there was a watcher,from distance of the whole scene?
The Pendulum of Fate has turned for.
Nanoka’s encounter with Mao is a work of fate for the great Good.The Byuoki decided for a new vessel,so it soaked Nanoka to his blood,mutating her to an ayakashi.But it has good side effects on the story:When Nanoka accidentally gave her blood(chapter 38:Mixing Of Blood)to injured Mao it worked as transfusion healing him by any injuries.In addition:When they’re are together,due to Byouki’s Blood flowing in each of them,has amazing effects.Such as they become stealth for any onmyodo surveillance methods![image below Nanoka]
(Above:Japanese Student Kiba Nanoka)
But Mao unexpectadly finds for good an ex disciple:The girl Natsuno,an earth user,who reveales to Him and his friends how Sana sama was murdered.The very night of the fire in the Treasury a Black jaki(taking advantage of the commotion)ripped off Sana’s heart organ,taking along it while fleeing. She also clarifies something awful too:Every other disciple-albeit never saw it- simply assumed he had seen Mao have done it.
Due Hakubi,as the most respected pupil, strongly blamed Mao for it every one accepted it.That’s why the low value onmyoji Natsuno wasn’t believed at all! She objects to the notion about Sana being alive:”Sana sama is definitely dead.I saw it with my eyes”.
As she states to Mao “After that I couldn’t do anything,the Gokou family was finished.And no one cared about knowing the truth”.[image below
Natsuno]
(Above:Earth User natsuno as she tosses charms)
Hakubi the Dangerous.
The Flavors in there
a)The romance between Mao and Nanoka is what offers a Flavor to the Series,to his case as well.She likes him,she gladly comes to His Era and assist him,all these while she could chose easiness with classmate Shiraha kun.She also helps him muster the courage to get over with the issues of the long ago dead Sana.While Yurako is her mere lookalike. With now a difference they have their arguments,they mend them with maturity.Fascinating:)
b)The strong women.Nanoka,Natsuno,Tenko and Yurako.Their heart,their mind and their abilities convey the messages of Takahashi rumiko.Each one and all capture our interest.
Creepy Thoughts
If a Villainous Mastermind is always one step ahead of the hero that’s because of:
a)He’s quite networked,he’s got an immense organization to carry out projects instantly.
B)He has known Him.Probably has a personal grudge on Him.
C) All these two above .
Who in purpose did kill the Gokou,easily framed Mao for these crimes? Probably the Black Jaki followed orders by some one, a person who knew them,and others in there.Otherwise it wouldn’t be with out a pattern.[Below image of Romance]
At that time there was only one person who could’ve been the mastermind.One who had been disciple in the school,and relishing with the idea to manipulate people.Mao’s close friend from the orphanage,Daigo.
In chapter 59 he reveals to Mao the Great Desire.”You’ll be able to control the world from behind the scenes”,had told him. So his Goal,obsession,was to become a Ruthless,Manipulative Emperor.
But he was seen dead,at the start of a succession war.But what if it was his Ruse?
It will last for Very Long
Albeit early to tell it’s safe estimation that Mao team has a Quite long and Dangerous Route ahead.To unravel the Mystery,to publicly prove Mao’s Innocense to the other ex pupils,and to defeat the Villain of the story.It really worths it:)!
Plot Twist!
While Nanoka,Hyakka and Otoya are waiting for Mao suddenly Hakubi enters.
Hakubi admits as his work all these Assassinations,more he scoffs Hyakka.”Bastard,you’re the Gokou Family’s man too. Cursing people,killing things is the Gokou family business.Didn’t you come to the mansion knowing that,you Bastard?”
Hyakka,instantly straight up reveales: He entered the Gokou Mansion not knowing about the Curse Business!Everyone is quite surprised with this.
At this Statement Hakubi leaves, thanks to the teleport gate.Hyakka is so pissed that he follows through it,Nanoka along.
That was Stunning:Hyakka entered the Gokou Manor knowing nothing it’s a House of Curses too.He isn’t the Dirty Hakubi would enjoy to Berate.Why? We’ll wait,cause He took Hakubi’s Bait,entering easily in the barrier.
To walk in to your Enemy’s hand is Ugly for you
I do remember he yelled(Mao chapter 76) to Him:”Hakubi,you Bitch!What happened to telling me you were going to kill me?” With out giving any thought He was lured into this.
(Below:MAO chapter 68)
We’ll see a Fight between them.But Hakubi had come prepared,Nanoka chan hasn’t any weapon along(:All while Souma,the Beast User,might be there too....Let’s wait.
Yurako,your hands are Knifes!(:
MAO chapter 87 surpassed my expectations. But it’s Appropriate to see the many times Nanoka was exposed in Dangers:
She protected Him by every(except of Hitokabe village)Gokou trap,ambush.Recently Hakubi acknowledged Her as Competent enemy.He and Yurako would surely remember Her(:
(Image Above:Yurako extends her hands,but these are Knifes.Chapter 68)
(”Don’t!”)
So She got their Curiosity,but more their Animocity too.All of these did form up a Tension.Kagari using the magical Needle technique caught Nanoka,swiftly brought her to a Home.Where Yurako approaches her.This gives her chills,to us as well..
Yurako sat next to her,began talking.We need to get this gist:It’s only a bit of a conversation,it’s more as She soliloquizes.She admits she has lived since the Heian period,that she noticed Mao always watchful on Sana.
She claimes “I suppose I love Mao very much”.”This name was given by the head of the Gokou Family”.”This Is My Face”, she angrilly yells to Nanoka. Now having finished it,with the emotional impact all around,and with pissed expression unleashes her killing Ayakashi,on Nanoka…
Fortunately Mao followed the traces left by the careless Kagari.The gorgeous is he came prepared,with a Serious Plan.He calmly anticipated needles attack,Instantly he pulled a reifu,raising a barrier that repelled them on her! Lol,she’s got a dose of her medicine.Now controlling her he walks there.
(Way To Go,Mao:) You know to be Calm,Collective)I find it Very Interesting the writing in his Katashiro.
The Weird Points.
She did say some truths,but she also said some lies,and used a Lot of secrecy> She hides it if She ever believed the consensus opinion about “Mao the traitor”.She ignores Nanokas mention about the murderous Black jaki(we may call it anti Sana jaki)
She didn’t say a Honest Sorry,an apology:
a)For the Ambush on Mao,in underseas Shiranui’s Shrine(chapter 65).
b)About How she knocked Natsuno with the Black jaki.
c)About Hakubi’s constant ploys,which are all hers as well.
(image above:Yurako’s Deadly Jaki against Mao.Chapter 68)
She’s Sly in the choise of words:She made a distorted Version of facts.Why?
To induce remorse to Nanoka,to force her feel as an intruder between Yurako and the “Love Interest”,Mao! To Compel her feel unworthy of Mao’s love.Plus Yurako will kill off Nanoka in this narrow basement,no one will see anything(: Perfect for an Assassination(:
I wondered If this ploy was somewhere in a previous Mao arc. I realize that Shiranui used a similar one:It was meant to make Kamon feel remorse about Masago’s Murder,(in the Gokou estate)a little before suffocation attack!
It makes Creepy Sense.
My Conclusion:
What Horrible Ploy,with Rhetoric.Trick your opponent to compel on Him remorse ,then swiftly kill Him.Being so discouraged he won’t be in fighting Spirit any more. Let’s expect this won’t work on Nanoka chan.It’s Yurako with Hatred on Mao,cause She has believed this whole Accusation on Mao.If not for Shiranui it’s Hakubi’s goals match Yurako’s.
Well I guess She’s Sana’s Hidden Twin Sister.No other way can be explained either the Resemblance either the team up with Hakubi. I was impressed with a soliloque of Shiranui:”It’s Awesome.The obsession of that woman being slurped up…”.He referred to Yurako!She just wants Mao Dead.
In the Beast’s Den
The New MAO Arc opened with a simple way,Mao responded to a mother’s Desperate Call. As he and Nanoka arrived they beheld the Ominous Case.Thus he performed an exorcism to save the girl from a curse.As it unfolds High Stakes are revealed! Nanoka coming along with Mao,and even disguise for any investigation is a good ploy.Either to appear as a scholar to search in Shouko’s religious sect,either as a maid in a respectable salon.
But it’s now different:She’s been noticed by the Gokou.She also knows the stench of betrayal,such as of Kagami Souma of how someone won’t sweat just to get Power with not a bit of Morals.
On Mao’s plan Nanoka donned a borrowed sailor fuku,entered the School,confronted the Girls perpetrator of the Curse.Kagari,assistant of metal user Hakubi!Would we thought Nanoka foolishly charge to Kagari and ask her Questions? Well Mao had anticipated troubles,so he provided her with a Protective talisman.
Kagari pinned down Nanoka,now assuming of being in Power Position she states the reasons,Nanoka chan patiently listened to the story.Kagari stated it clearly:Hakubi doesn’t know about all this school cursing ,it’s a mixed of training and pleasure.Plus Her family is running curse Shop,all it’s Power derives from the Puppet Needle,they inherited it by an ancestor,ex pupil in the Gokou Manor.
Nanoka(albeit disgusted with the Mentality of Sadistic Curse doing)remained calm.Once She listened All the story she used the talisman,got free and raced on Kagari.At the same time Mao hears out in what kind of mess Nanoka chan’s got.
Points of the Arc:
Just how all things would’ve come,if Maonoka had gotten quite suspicious with the Kagami family? And with Souma’s Open eagerness for Beast Using too?By anticipating they would’ve searched this household and get the centuries old Scroll (see Kagami,or else as Ayakashi Beast Scroll arc),before Hakubi’s actions.Souma wouldn’t have betrayed Mao.Well,things came as we know them.
The Why Kagari is doing school cursing,with no strategic plan,doesn’t diminish the seriousness. Maonoka don’t have any luxury to be lax,like the beginning of the Kagami arc.It’s so Vital for them to make it,with the Lessons from the past arcs. As long as the Houshou family possesses the Tool it can curse people,and She’s a valuable Asset of Hakubi.So Vital to Mao team to deprive the Houshou family of the Tool .
I had wondered for a while:Just for how long will Mao be on the tiresome run,the prey of the Gokou and their underlings? Now comes this slight chance for Maonoka from prey to become Hunters.