January 29, 2017

Kono Oto Tomare [Chapter 54 - Starting Line]

It is announced that the 32nd Kanagawa Perfecture High School Japan Music preliminary tournament has ended. Near the entrance, Isaki, together with Mashiro and Tetsuki, joins Chika and the others. Isaki calls out to everyone and says, ‘good job’ [/otsukaresama].

Chika calls out to Isaki and Tetsuki while Takezou calls out to Mashiro. Isaki congratulates them for being able to advance to the Nationals and they are all so amazing. “That performance is really quite splendid---” Putting his hands on her shoulder, Kouta thanks her. Surprised Hiro asks if that is Chika’s aunt, she’s so young and she only heard rumors about her [/maternal aunt].
Isaki looks at Chika. Chika proudly says, “Ah, what about it, Isaki. Didn’t I tell you that we’ll get into the Nationals--” To his surprise, Isaki suddenly hugs him and exclaims, “Well done! *pats his head* You strived hard. You’re amazing!”

This made Chika blush that he immediately pushes her away and tells her to stop that, stupid. Isaki tells him not to be shy. Tetsuki teases Chika by laughing and repeatedly say, ‘amazing, amazing’. This made angry Chika to want to elbow Tetsuki who angrily tries to push him away.

At the side, Tetsuki says that Mashiro also came. Mashiro exclaims of course, and furthermore, it turns out that they know Isaki whom she was sitting with... “Congratulations, Takezou. It’s so incredible that you’ll get to advance to the Nationals. It’s really so amazing!! Thank you for enabling me to listen to such an awesome performance.”
Takezou calls out her name and they happily talk with each other. Hiro looks at them and smiles. Satowa calls out to Hiro and happily tells her that she feels that until now, this is her happiest and most blissful day until now.

After calling out her name, Hiro happily exclaims, yes, for her too! While the others are happily chatting, Suzuka says that is the end of that. Akira says yes, good work. She comments that from start to end, he looks quite capable [/this is a piece of cake’] and it’s really amazing.

Suzuka asks if she is kidding for he was always anxious that he is breaking into a cold sweat. “In case those guys use that kind of performance and wasn’t able to advance into the Nationals, then it will be because of my arranged piece.” Surprised Akira asks how can that be...
Suzuka says that in the end, a lot of people also think that ‘easy to understand’ piece is a frivolous piece so I can heave a sigh of relief from the bottom of his heart. Akira laughs and says that this is the first time she heard of his weakness [/soft side].

Suzuka asks how come she looks happy about that... While Akira tries to say, no--, someone calls out to her. She turns around to see her brother, Keishi. Thinking that he came, Akira was at a loss over what to say. Keishi approaches her and holds her shoulders.

He shouts, “So amazing!! Advancing to the Nationals!! Ah, geez-- *wipes tears* It’s no wonder it’s Akira who taught them [/brought it out]!” While saying ah, no..., Akira wonders what to do for it is too sudden that she couldn’t think of what to say--...
Seeing Suzuka behind her, Keishi calls out to him and asks if he is Tokize High’s teacher. He introduces himself as Akira’s older brother and thanks him for taking her of her sister [/yoroshiku]. Suzuka greets him and introduces himself as Takinami, the adviser and he was the one who is under the care of his younger sister.

Keishi is surprised when Sane, Michi and Kouta appear behind Suzuka and asks if he is Akira’s older brother, and they look quite the same! Keishi admits that he was quite startled when he saw them on stage since there are a lot of guys among them! “Everyone looks quite happy!”

Kouta exclaims, yes, they are very happy-! “But then, Akira-chan sensei’s style is super Sparta [/strict].” Keishi exclaims is that so. Akira shouts wait... Keishi tells her that it turns out that her style is super Sparta. Embarrassed Akira exclaims that it is very ordinary!
Looking at her, Sane says, “But, if it wasn’t Akira-sensei who had coached us, I feel that we have no way of advancing to the Nationals. *smiles* Thank you, Akira-sensei. *the siblings look surprised* ...what. *blushes* I said that so formally that it feels quite embarrassing.”

Kouta chuckles and says that it is really great that Akira taught them. Michi agrees. The three are surprised when Keishi suddenly hugs them. Aghast Sane tells him to wait, older brother, is this the time when they need to be hugged by the brother?
Keishi says that he is substituting for Akira in giving them a hug. Kou tearfully exclaims that it will be good if Akira was the one who came and hug them! Keishi angrily shouts, “In your dreams!” Aghast Akira wonders what this situation is.

Keishi says, “I listened to your [plural] performance today... Your timbre is frank, bent on gentleness and it’s also very warm. Each sound conveyed out your love for koto. ...Akira, thank you for telling me to come here today. It is really quite great that I was able to listen to your ‘current timbre’.”
Akira looks surprised. She recalls how he playfully patted her head when they were young. He says, “...ya, thank you, brother.” This made Keishi look surprised and turn towards her. He sees Akira blushing who tensely looks back at him.
She is surprised when he happily smiled. He quickly rushes back to Akira and shouts, my cute younger sister!! This made Akira says, wait, stop! The Himesaka group is still at the auditorium. While Kazusa is still sitting on the chair, Fumi tells her that they should go.

Fumi stops calling her when she notices that Kazusa is trembling. Biting her lips, Kazusa thinks that from the time she heard Tokize’s performance, she already have a premonition within her heart. “That person... [recalls Chika saying, that’s right!]
...Always until the end, firmly believed in their timbre, but I--... *tightly closes her eyes* I cannot cry. I cannot cry, I cannot cry, I cannot cry, I cannot cry, I cannot cry...! *remembers Hozumi* I have no right to cry.” 

Noticing this, Wakaba calls out to Kazusa and says up to when she plans to stay there. “You’re not the only one who is quite frustrated---” Hozumi gently calls out to Wakaba [to move aside/stop that] then she goes to call out to Kazusa who becomes startled.

Kazusa recalls her promise that they’ll definitely go and play in the Nationals together. Hozumi bends down to Kazusa and starts to call her name when Kazusa interrupts by saying, “..ry. I’m sorry…!!! Sorry. Sorry. I’m sorry. *everyone looks surprised as flustered Kazusa is clenching her fists* I’m sorry. SORRY. Sorr...”
Hozumi smiles and exclaims, “What are you saying! There is nothing for you to be sorry about, isn’t there? You made us listen to such a wonderful timbre. Everyone who were chosen, and us who have assisted, together, we worked hard together. *holds Kazusa’s hand*...

...Thank you for giving it all your full strength. It is alright. It is fine to start once again from here. From here, it is okay to create [/do it] once again.” Meanwhile, Hakuto group have all gathered at the hallway. Taishin says, “---I’m sorry everyone. Everyone strived hard with their practice but my ability isn’t enough... Truly...very sorry.”

Aragaki shouts for him to wait, don’t be like that and why is he apologizing! “It would be better that we apologize. From the start, we even talk big about saying that we’ll use the eligibility to get in the Nationals as our farewell gift. In the end, we weren’t able to achieve that, sorry...”
Taishin exclaims for them not to say that!! “For everyone to be able to perform the piece that I made like that, I’m very happy just with that. So really, thank you everyone... It is simply, if I’m more ability in coaching...”

He looks up and stops talking. It made everyone look back to see Mio crying. This freaks them out especially Aragaki who shouted, “Mio!!? What is this!? Ah, could it be that you’re crying because you’re quite frustrated!?”

Mio says, “Today, I basically wanted to win. I really wanted to win.” Aragaki says that’s quite unexpected that he is really concerned about winning or losing. Mio says no, he wasn’t. This made Aragaki angrily shouts that in the end, he wasn’t.
Mio continues to say, “But, whether it is sensei, or you, club president, today is the already the last time. If I were able to do it earlier a bit like today, this kind of performance, perhaps, the outcome would be different...

...Perhaps, everyone would be smiling right now. *slightly bows down* ...I’m sorry.” This cause Aragaki and others become teary eyed. Aragaki says, “Wait... Darn, why would you sudden say that kind of words? Don’t be like that, normally, you would simply be listless and wander around...

...For you to say that kind of works, it is us who should apologize for we have totally depended on a first year, on your performance!” Taishin notices that everyone starts to cry. He bites his lips and shouts that it is forbidden for everyone to apologize.
Aragaki shouts what he is saying when obviously, he was the first one who started to apologize!? Aghast Taishin exclaims, about that..! “That’s right!! Okay, I also won’t apologize again!” Aragi shouts, really—what!?

Taishin shouts, “Because!! Regarding today’s performance, in which part does everyone have to apologize for!? In all our performances, today is everyone’s most amazing one!! I’ll make today’s performance as my life’s honor!!!” This made everyone look at him.

Mio says, “The first time I saw the music sheets that sensei wrote, I felt that it is like the starry sky [/heavens]. It’s so beautiful. *smiles* I really like sensei’s piece. It’s really great that I [we] am able to play sensei’s piece.” Taishin’s closes his eyes and bites his lips. Then, he says, “Thank you.”
Walking outside at the streets, Tsukagi curses and complains that he didn’t think that he’ll cry like that during the preliminary competition. Tsukaji says that is true for it startled her since he totally won’t stop crying. Tsukaji angrily shouts back that didn’t she also cry.

She says but, it felt that she can understand now what he said before the competition. Tsukaji is puzzled so she says that it is the preliminary competition is all high schoolers. “Youth’s collision! It’s really like that. *stretches arms* Ah-- It would be good if I can do a bit of something during high school---”

Tsukaji says that right now isn’t too late yet. “Even if you’re an adult, if you are like the today’s them [youth], giving it all your strength and enjoying the moment, you can also brightly dazzle...
...It is only that there are actually a lot of adults who merely forget their initial intention, and blindly believing within themselves that ‘I’m already powerless’. Isn’t it strange...

...Adults are far freer than when they were young. They are in charge of everything. So as long as they wanted to do it, they can do anything.” Komaki says, ah...

She happily says that compared to that troublesome stuff, how about they think of where they are going to eat since she is already hungry. This made him hit her. Komaki whines that he’s so mean that he hit her again. He angrily tells her to quickly go back and write a report like that!!
Back at the competition venue, Suzuka says that it is almost time to leave. He asks if they forgot anything. Sane mentioned about something being tight. Michi is looking in his bag if he left his pick/s there. Chika glances at the side to see Kazusa, together with her group, walking towards the door.

Kazusa sees him and they look at each other. While Michi continues to look for his pick and Takezou is talking with Hiro, Satowa also looks at Kazusa. Kazusa looks away so Chika also looks away. Kazusa bites her lips and angrily turns towards them to shout, “Tokize High!!!”

Chika and others look back. Fumi tries to stop her but Kazusa says, “...absolutely win. You guys won over us and will advance to the Nationals. *looks at them* If you don’t bring back the champion [reward], I absolutely won’t forgive you all!!!”
Chika and others look surprised. Chika answers back, “—ah, but of course [we will].” The other Tokize members look serious. This made Kazusa smile as she walks away.

Just then, Mio’s head appears on top of Chika’s shoulder and he says that this way of cheering [/ encouragement] is really amazing. Quickly moving away, Chika screams in fright and shouts here he is again. Mio congratulates him for the getting first place even if they are very frustrated that they lost. “Gambatte [Do your best] on the Nationals.”
Then, he leaves with the others. Taishin happily shakes Suzuka’s hand. Chiharu happily looks on. Kinoshita and others also leave. Narration: “—like that, what’s left behind are so many happiness and pain.”

Going out of the building somewhere, Meiryou’s Ousuke says that Kanagawa’s representative will be Tokize. “The finals appear to have become very interesting♪” Narration: “Kanagawa’s preliminary tournament has come to an end.”
Comment: Ah, there is still the feels in this chapter. We obviously have the ‘shy-types’ this time who aren’t used to being praise and expressing their feelings among other things . Chika is the first one. It is probably slightly ‘strange’ for Isaki to say and do that to him.

It is the same with Akira who kind of patch up with her brother who has a sister complex. Hehe, beware whichever guy goes to court her =P It is probably music in his ears that Akira had called Keishi ‘brother’ again. Since he also played koto before, he knew the extent of Akira’s contribution for the group since it is Akira’s style to treasure/give importance to each note.

Unlike before, it seems that Hiro is quite happy for Takezou talking with Mashiro instead of having any jealous of that type. Satowa and Hiro confide to each other about this being their happiest day. It makes me think, brace yourselves, it will be topped later on =P

It is understandable for Kazusa to be very frustrated for failing to deliver. Even if Hozumi is seemingly the weakest one in the group, she is the one who can say the right words. Here, she made everyone want to pick themselves up again and move on after thanking everyone for what they did, and complimenting everyone’s hard work to pull off that amazing performance.

If Tokize lost, Hakuto’s dialogues would be theirs. Everyone was blaming each other for what happened. But the ‘feels’ is pulled out by Mio. After some cheer up speech from Taishin, Mio’s final line will probably be something Taishin will remember for the rest of his life along with his students’ performance. It is an amazing feat for someone who has zero background on music.

Komaki and Tsukaji’s conversation is quite good, too. Komaki pretty much symbolizes the people who dreams, wants this and that, but cannot really push through it due to other things or it’s too much work. She did mention that it is troublesome and yes, it is. After all, these kids used a lot of time and effort to pull off those kinds of performances. That is not something that can be done half-heartedly.

I’m not too sure how to take Kazusa’s ‘cheering’. Isn’t that more pressure for them? But, Chika is quite confident about it. ^^ Everyone looks so serious, too. So, they would have to show to the ‘losers’ that it wasn’t just a fluke.

Now, upon seeing Ousuke there at the end, it makes me wonder what would be the theme for their Nationals’ piece. Iirc, Ousuke has an unrequited love. It makes me wonder if that will be it and there will definitely be ‘feels’ from that. Something like, it is about an unrequited relationship.

That will fit Hiro’s current situation. I would even start imagining that there has to be some sort of love confession during the Nationals. =P ‘Unrequited’ might also fit Chika’s relationship with his father in some way. Perhaps, it is also applicable for the Doujima siblings with their grandmother. Anyway, let’s wait and see what it will be ^^ Scans by 二次元秘店

Word of the day:
What is a day well-lived? It’s a day when you have your priorities clear, and your time is spent on what is most important. It’s a day when you show kindness. It’s a day in which you are grateful. ‘This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24’ ~ 101 mottos for success by J. Richards and M.S. Fontaine.

58 comments:

  1. Thank you for the summary!

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  2. Woot it's here! Thanks so muvh and I can't wait to see what happens next during the break between now and the nationals, hopefully some of that romantic development that got put on hold for the prelims (here's hoping for some kore Suzuka and Akira development :D)

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    1. Yup, and you're welcome, Krimzon Striker ^-^

      Looking at the pics, they're wearing thick jackets, etc...don't you think Christmas is coming soon? ^^ So, ya, I'm thinking there might be some romantic stuff.

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  3. Thank you so much the summary!! When the manga sites fail you always come through! I appreciate very much! Also the nites you put in are fun to read as well :) goodluck always! <3

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  4. Thank you very much :)

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  5. Hi Kat!
    Once again thank you thank you thank you. Akira is so cute aww. I know it's supposed to be a shounen revolving around music but I wish for more romantic moments now that the preliminaries are over. I want heart fluttering moments between Chika and Houtsuki, Hiro and Takezou so badly, I've had enough crying for the last three chapters now lol. Do you also wish to see that happen quickly or are you solely interested in the focus on music part and self development for the moment?

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    1. You're welcome, Sabrina ^-^

      Yup. I'm thinking that it will happen soon...if my guess is right, it will be Christmas soon in their timeline and that is usually portrayed as romantic in Japan ^^

      For me, I'm interested in all of it though I'm not too fond of training parts like in most shounen =P

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    2. You're right Kat! The preliminaries are in december. What gift will Hiro prepare for Takezou, will she ask him out for a "date" and pretend it is koto related hehe I also kind of like the chemistry between Chika and Kazusa. I still want Chika and Satowa to end up together though. Feels nice to talk about this manga with someone^^

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    3. Yup, most likely something like that ^^

      He'll most likely end up with Satowa.

      =)

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  6. Very nice chapt, thank you Kat.

    Don't have much to talk about, but I found good that the author portrayed the losers side as well and also showed their frustration. It's not always we see that if they aren't main chars. Still have issues with how good they are with such little time, but Suzuka said that his piece wasn't so difficult, so there's that, I'll buy it and won't talk about it anymore, lol.

    Hiro has grown, hasn't it? Not getting jealous right now just show how she valued their perfomance and her trust in Take's words. As shallow as she was first presented, I think now she's one of my fav.

    I'm also hoping to see some ships sailing now, lol.
    -
    'Bout Drifters, yea, most of them.
    -
    I think she was getting tired of our 'fun times' and then she just up and left, though didn't have to happen that way, I don't know. Maybe she just couldn't picture us in the future, though, like I said, it wasn't anything serious from the start, so I really don't know. If it was serious, then I'd say that she was my Ayane and I was her Kento, and obviously nobody I know'd get the reference, lol.
    -
    It sounds and it's bad, very. But there's not much we/I can do, except keep trying, as dishearted as I am, I know very well that I just can't give up, though sometimes it's really hard to keep at it.

    The media over here are very against Trump, anything Trump related, for obvious reasons too. Even if some things he tries to do are for the better of his own country/people, they get at his case, and if it's bad for everyone, they get at it worse, lol. But any 'good' thing, they don't speak, any scandal he's innocent they don't talk about it either.

    The gov and the media had very nice deals with the democrates so I guess that's to be expected.
    -
    Forgot to say that reading such nice chapters as this, and the recent uploaded Oremono are always good to end the day. Thanks again.

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    1. You're welcome, Fê ^-^

      Hehe. But I guess it would be kind of unbelievable if they win the Nationals? Hm...thinking about it, it does make me wonder how long has the other groups playing. I mean a lot of the members ought to have only started to play during high school whereas those who are super serious/hobby in it would have started younger.

      In a way, do you think they have a bigger chance at winning because it is a group effort rather than an individual one? Or, they put in a lot of practice which was pretty much the equivalent of what the others could have practiced before even if they started earlier?

      Indeed ^^

      Hehe...a possibility. I think Christmas is coming soon in their time =P

      - - -

      Oh...I was talking about the friend ^^; = possessed by devil and stuff so what could have snapped him out of it.

      Ah..KnT huh.

      - - -

      Indeed.

      Hehe...sounds like our media during the ex-president's time. These days, they and other militants are the government's 'allies' so they aren't that noisy. For example, if there was an overseas worker who will be put to death over some crime, the ex-president would do everything to save that person and well, even get blamed for it. Now, an overseas worker was put to death, all those noisy militants are very quiet and don't care at all even if that person is in some unmarked grave.

      Times are changing in a way. Like Trump is like 'we first' then China is going for globalization.

      - - -

      Indeed ^^

      =)

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    2. The Hime girls seemed to praticed from a very young age and some people from Mio's school too. I can give Tokize the credit 'cause they really praticed a lot and were serious about, plus Satowa, Akira and Suzuka, but still, aaah I said I wouldn't talk about it anymore, lol.

      I think they might win, just to top all feelings, you know? Chika's dead, Take's bro, Akira's gran and the whole Houdzuki clan, but realistic spealing, it'd be nothing short of a miracle for them to win again.

      Do you think Hiro'll invite Take to some sight seeing? I can imagine Chika or Satowa invinting each other, so maybe a group hang out and something happens?
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      Lol! And I was thinking we were on the same page here. My friend's girl were quite the weirdo and I can surely call her yandere. His snapped out of it when she started to freak him out with demands and ideas and so on.

      Yea, sadly, I don't know anyone irl who read it. Such good story too. Still prefers others series, but it's very good.
      -
      Tbh, I don't keep up to date very much 'cause most of the times the news are 'bad' in the sense it's crooked or manipulated somewho to adjust their interests; So whenever I can I read a lot of stuff 'bout the subjetc. Can't really trust almost nothing around here.

      Yea, I think I said before, as bad as Trump is, I still rather him than Hillary. Can just hope that he's not that much of an idiot as he makes himself appear.

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    3. True.

      Ya...but if we go for shounen 'feels', they might win it. If it is being 'realistic', that would be Chihayafuru. The team/lead kept on losing for two years, iirc, that it makes me think that for the 'feels', they'll most likely win the finals. I stopped reading it. Lol, I got bored ^^; But it would be unrealistic if it is like Prince of Tennis, iirc, the lead never loses.

      Possible. Group hang out most likely. Chika/Satowa inviting each other...not too sure. Invite to a koto concert?

      - - -

      I see. Ah, what kind of demands? Jump off a cliff? =P

      Ah, but perhaps, if you're still in high school, the chance is higher? Here, I think it is mostly high school to college students who read manga/watch anime. These days, there are a lot of entertainment to choose from. I'm not sure a lot of people have patience in reading low release manga except if it's popular shounen/read subtitled anime.

      I'm not too sure about the Spanish scanlations, for the Chinese ones, it is somewhat evident that they have slowed down compared to a few years ago. I would think that they are busy and/or there are no new recruits who would 'use' a lot of their time doing this. Aside from the fact that there might be 'threats' from official publications.

      - - -

      I see.

      Lol. Hopefully not. But, you'll never know. It is just starting and there are a lot of 'protests' going around already.

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    4. Yea, that's why I came to terms already, and let's face it, I don't think anyone'd mind the feels, unrealistic as it may be. Unless it's done very poorly, which I doubt it.

      I stopped Chihaya too, couldn't bare the triangle, though I give that everything else was pretty good. And stopped KnT sometime ago, same way with Namaiki, just letting go to binge it all later, though I'm not too sure if I'll ever go back reading Chihaya.

      Well, if it's for a 'group date', I can see either inviting each other, but if was for just the two of them, I can't, lol. Maybe, or just a stroll to see the big christmas three or something like that.
      -
      More like, stop talking to that person, that one and that other too, aah, and your best friend, also stop talking to him, the same goes for your 'crazy family' that don't accept me. Though we all know who the crazy one was, lol.

      I don't know, really. 'Till today, only some of my cousins read the most pop ones, everyone else I met read pop or nothing at all - and it's only being recent, like, since a couple years back that I've been seeing people that like manga and anime, still, only the pop ones. In my days, even with Dragon Ball, was pretty hard to meet anyone who'd read. Though most people knew about DB, nearly none watched.

      Well, some spanish scans are pretty ahead of the english, that goes for Namaiki, Life so Happy and a couple of other shoujos and some shonens like Trinity Seven. And strange as it is, I see more official publication in spanish than in english, and still, they upload much more.
      -
      Ah, there'll always be. Unless is someone like Obama, who was treated like the savior 'cause his antecessor was pure crap, eventhough Obama wasn't all that good either, at least he had charisma and that 'savior or at least it's not Bush' to support him, lol.

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    5. Yup. And, this is quite nicely done ^^

      Hehe, that's part of the reason for me too. Then, I get bored with the kurata stuff ^^;; The second season anime seems to be missing something since I enjoyed the first one better.

      KnT...because of the Kent thing? Chihaya...I might just check the last chapter =P

      Ya, most likely or they somehow ended up together =P

      - - -

      Lol...wow, that demanding huh. She's pretty much isolating him. Possessiveness in a very different level.

      Ah, it's different here. We don't have manga unless you read it on the internet. It is mostly local dub anime. The most popular was DBZ and Naruto.

      Hm...ahead as in up to date to the current release? It used to be like that in Chinese, actually, even a few days after but of course, with licensing and warnings, they were purposely delaying it...and add being busy in school/work...and if the series is getting boring. Well, you know where that leads =P

      Oh, they have official publication. Ah, that is Spanish published in..? South America? Hm...if it is like that, I guess people there will still buy the official ones even if there are scanlations? Are these sold in bookstores or manga only bookstores?

      - - -

      I see. Well, you know, impression/charisma counts and it is a plus if you're good looking ^^ Here, our previous president doesn't have that. He is kind of a 'wimp' with glasses and balding. Everyone will nitpick almost everything even small things.

      Now, the current president is charismatic and macho/manly with a bit of jerk-type personality. The things that the others were nitpicking before as if it was a serious thing, they had pretty much become mute about it =P

      One example, an overseas worker is going to be executed for a crime. Before, they will complain about saving that one life or a few, and blame the president/government for not doing everything to save them. To their credit, they did save one person. Now, an overseas work was executed and everyone go about their business as if it is not much a big deal unlike before.

      Out of curiosity, are there such a thing as senior citizen cards there? That is, if you are a senior citizen aged 60 and above, you get a discount on certain items like medicine, restaurant food, groceries, etc. With all the budget-cutting, I wonder if your government still has that.

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    6. I didn't watch the anime, but I hear most people like, and is of one of best sellers shoujos still.

      Nah, I just felt like it'd be better to check all at once, since things didn't seem to progress much and I was fairly tired of almost everything, so I put on hold, with a lot of things.
      -
      She was always like that, but he didn't seem to realize 'till later.

      We have manga publication, but people don't buy it. The translations here aren't always good, tbh, so very few people buy just to support the author. They read online but, like I said, it's still not much. IRL, I don't see people reading.

      Not up to date, but ahead of the english ones. The spanish licence is in Spain, europe, they have a lot of manga publich there, specially in France.
      -
      I can picture his image as wimp, poor guy, lol. It's always like that, right? Like I said, charisma and the 'saviour' counts a lot.

      Why were they executed? Here we had some fuss about it, but it ended soon. Our gov is the most wimp of all, if I may say, they don't want conflicts with anyone, so they just suck it up even if there's reason to fight it over.

      There is, but not like that. They get free public transport and some medicine - which is always out of stock if it's expensive - but nothing like restaurant, groceries or anything else aside of what I mentioned.

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    7. Oh. I only knew of its existence through the anime. Yup, apparently, it is. I think the most popular shoujo in Japan is KnT.

      I see.

      - - -

      Lol...okay.

      Oh...so they only publish a few books? I mean, is there a profit in it? I assume there is if they kept on publishing. Strange that even English readers complain about the translations. Are they trying to keep the profit high or that is what they can afford without operating on a loss? ^^;

      I see.

      - - -

      Indeed. And the ex-president is a bachelor who has dated many women but still couldn't find THE ONE. Whereas the current one has an ex-wife, current live-in partner and other mistresses/women.

      They were executed because of murder or for being drug mules. The one saved was a drug mule as she claimed that a relative/friend told her to bring this luggage to Indonesia and she did...and there's drugs in the luggage. The one recently executed was, according to the people here, it was a frame up like the mother killed the married daughter/son after being caught in an affair. Ordered the maid to clean it up. Mother called the police who arrested the maid cleaning it up = suspect = killer.

      It was in Kuwait, iirc. They tried to go for blood money. Ah, that is give the victim's family a certain amount of money to 'forgive' and spare the culprit. In this case, victim's family refuse so that's it. Regarding murder, it usually involve maids. In most cases, maltreated or rape that the maid got fed up and killed that person.

      Hehe, is that so. That isn't exactly a conflict yet. Here, I would think that it just depends on the policy of the current president on who to 'fight'. The ex-president actually sued China for trying to take some of our islands at the west...and they are even building islands there. This president tends to lean towards the US.

      Now, we won the case but the current president 'loves' China. The policy is why bother 'fighting' China, we can't win. Let's just get whatever things/crumbs [depending on who you are talking to] China gives to us. Then, he always badmouth the US especially Obama.

      Ah, that is because Obama disapprove the killings of suspected drug lords/addicts/pushers. So far, he is very 'nice' to Trump since they are in the policy of 'I do what I want in the country, don't bother lecturing me about it'. A lot of people say that he is quite similar with Trump and you know, birds of the same feather...

      I see. Hm...if the expensive medicine is out of stock, they'll have to do with the cheaper version? Are there still rich people in your place? Won't they need those medicines? Unless, ah...they import it.

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    8. Yes, KnT is the best seller shoujo too. At least, it was when I used to check the sales.
      -
      Tbh, they publish a lot and I've never seen lots of them, so I suppose there's a good profit. And when I think back on the quality of the paper, the price and the not always good translation, I guess there're some profit alright.
      -
      Lol! It's always something, right? I'll just hope for them to be good presidents, can't touch anything else, lol.

      I see, so it was most likely a set up, or there's room for doubt? I for one, when the same thing happened, I couldn't care less and thought to myself, if only our regiment'd treat criminals like that, I bet the glamour in which they live here wouldn't look so promising to so many people. The police arrests, the judges play dead and they're back in the streets commiting more crimes...
      -
      Wow. Well, I could understand if the case was similar with that with Ukraine and Russia, but if it's not...

      I see. there's a candidate here that has this same vide as Trump, and I got say, if only he had some project to gov, I'd vote for him 'cause at least he's not as dumb and it doesn't seem to be as corrupt as the others. But, the project he has is not letting others bad projects pass, so as a candidate, he's lacking.
      -
      If it's out of stock, they must pay for it themselves, and if they don't have money, they'll have to get through without, this happens to me, my mom and happened to my gran and father too. Always the expensive ones, the ones we could afford neve ran out of it. The cheaper version is still expensive as hell and not always recommended since sometimes it's just 'flour' in the pills. We don't have a policy for imported medicine, there're some remedies that our gov don't approve, even if it's aprroved in other countries.

      Delete
    9. Hehe, I see. Thinking about it, if the license is from Spain, won't that include shipping fee if it is sold at your place?

      - - -

      Yup. That's way, when presidents step out of office, they look really older than when they started. Ah, usually US presidents =P

      I'm not sure if it is a setup but perhaps, more on being naive. I hear it often like, I'm your friend/ask a strange, telling you to please bring this box/luggage in check in since I'm overweight, and I'll get it back when we landed. You agree and it got drugs/illegal stuff in it. Well, of course, that's their alibi.

      Out in the streets due to bail? Here, the ones usually back in streets are that and if they are in cahoots with the police. They share the loot from small time snatchers who are in and out the jail. People are usually scared of police since they'll extort money from you whether you are guilty or not. So, usually, if they cannot get what they want, they'll say, hey, I'm a police. People usually cower since they don't want any trouble.

      Judges may play dead but of course, money is always in it either to drag the case or pay them. Lawyers have good ways in dragging a case for years. If it is a high profile case, it might be a bit more difficult to 'get out'. But of course, if the price is right, you might get VIP room and treatment in jail.

      - - -

      Ah, so no alternative projects to the bad projects?

      - - -

      I see. Are those generic brands? If it has 'flour' in it, isn't it fake? We have fake drugs here so we usually just buy in this well known drug store just to be sure.

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    10. Yes, but I only buy the ones published here, and I bet some aren't directly translated from the original japanese, so 'we' could very well be paying those taxes without even knowing for second handed translations.
      -
      It's not hard to imagine why, right? Lol. I won't say poor bastards 'cause some are really bastards and not poor, but...

      I see, but, tbh, I don't know if it's really being naive. I mean, I wouldn't for the hell of it cross borders with packages/luggages that I don't know what's inside. Maybe they're offered money to do that, and if so, this happens a lot over here.

      If only was due to bail, sometimes they're out just 'cause there's not enough evidence - even if they're caught red handed - to keep them, or the jails are overburdened. And if they're minors, there's not even an excuse, those 'human rights' protectors made laws so we must reintegrate them into society so 'we' can reabilitate them, but in truth, they just go and commit more crimes, most even worse than the ones they were caught in the first place.

      Police here faces the same problem, but like I said, it's hard to be an upright man if the system is downright corrupt or just doesn't work the way it should.

      I know, my mom still trying to get her retirement fee and it's beeing over 15y since the process began.
      -
      He has, but it's just to bar/stop the bad ones, it's not one to help/improve our system. So then he falls flat 'cause of it.
      -
      Yes, and yes. Some are not even generic and have 'flour', and still priced as if were the real ones. Same goes here, but it's not very often, I just told 'cause I saw it happen, but it's not really that common over here.

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    11. Haha, I see. Strange that you'll say paying taxes as compared to them earning profit for second handed translations =P Everything is taxed there? I guess it is very strictly enforced?

      - - -

      Ya...

      Ah, that's the debate these days. About the minors, I think the good intention was that if the minors are jailed, they'll be with hardened criminals and will be forced to become much worse. But then, the failure comes from the rehabilitation. There aren't enough of them to keep track of all the delinquents so yes, they are set free to do it all over again.

      They want to lower the criminal liability to age 9. There are also talks about reviving the death penalty. So, I'm not sure though if a kid at age 9 kill someone, will s/he be given the death penalty?

      True. You know, here we are already doing what you're mentioning. Killing all the drug suspects whether they are pushers or addicts. We are at around 7,000 deaths in around 7 months. Of course that includes, mistaken identities and collateral damage like the drug addict is with his kid or the neighbor's kid got accidentally shot.

      The problem with it is most if not all are poor. So far the big shots aren't touched at all. The police who are mostly corrupt and vigilantes are doing it so of course, there are those who'll take advantage of it. There are already news about them planting drugs in houses/offices for extortion or just a reason to kill. I mean, if you are my enemy, I'll just kill you and toss drugs on you/placard that you are a drug pusher and that's it. The police or public won't bother about the truth since you got drugs on you and someone said your an addict pusher.

      Human rights are of course complaining that they are just 'suspects' but of course, with the slow justice, unaffected people won't exactly complain <- rich/well to do. Petty crime did went down but there are too many murders. It hit a major setback when the corrupt police kidnapped a Korean businessman.

      He was said to have drugs. They go to his house, loot his stuff and take his car along with him and the maid. After setting the maid free, they killed him right inside the police headquarters near the police chief's office. After that, they brought the body to a funeral home, cremated the body and flushed it in the toilet.

      Then, they ask ransom pay from the widow. It was 8 million. The widow paid. Then, they ask for another 5 million. The widow refused until she gets proof of life. They use that as an alibi as a reason to kill the husband even if he is already dead. All this happen in October, but it is only released in public this December when a newspaper reported on it.

      Well, you know here, if you are a foreigner, you get more attention but if you're a nobody/local, well...shrug. It is amusing though the police chief is threatening on TV for the suspect to surrender etc, and he didn't know that the guy is still working in the headquarters in a different position. ^^;

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    12. Then, for the rest of the corrupt cops who extorted some Koreans who are golfing here, they are just made to do push ups in public as punishment. ^^; Then, for the others, taking out water lilies from a river = community service. So, again, the distinction of 'death' for the poor but just 'slap on the wrist' for police or any other people in power/wealth.

      I also don't know what alternative can be done actually. Leaving to the corrupt police to do the job of judge and executioner isn't good. The so-called drug list isn't that infallible for there are innocent people included in it. ^^; Justice system is too slow.

      The others say that it is better to give jobs, better economy especially to the lower layers of society so that they won't do drugs or become pushers for easy profits. Then, educate the kids, etc.

      Haha, that's quite long. But they always mention something about things in Mexico and Columbia having the same problem so they are doing this. Save the country by killing all drug addicts/pushers who just happen to be the poor ones.

      Wow. 15 years. Hm...so the economy problem there is a long time problem there? That is pretty long even here. Actually, someone would have gone on TV about it already.


      - - -

      I see.

      - - -

      I see. Hm...if they are priced like the real ones, why would people buy the generic? The reason people are urged to buy generic here is because it is cheaper. Is it because there are no real ones there?

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    13. You have no idea, everything and anything is taxed over here, and I'm not joking at all. That's why sometimes I rather import from other countries, most of the times is cheaper.
      -
      There's debate over there, too? But I guess it's not that bad like here, though 9y totally responsible is a bit much, isn't it? Here we're still debating if 12y can be held responsible for their actions, but this age goes from 12 to 16 and we consider of 'age' with 18y - and even so, there're times they don't press charges even with 18y. We have a statute here that takes all duties from the minors and left them only with rights, so we have a lot of murders and other hideous crimes committed mostly by young. And a lot of those crimes are related to drugs and rape, in school, believe it or not.

      The police can't put a hand of them, even if caught red handed 'cause of the statute - even if the minor is firing against them.
      -
      The corruption there is that bad, uh? I don't remember such scheme here, but I wouldn't put it behind them, though, like I said, I feel really bad generalizing things. Now, in Espirito Santo, the police finally had enough and are in work strike - they haven't have any change in sallary in almost 10y aaaand, believe, they weren't being paid for almost six months - the result - have you ever heard of a movie called 'The Purge'? And that's 'cause people were saying they'd prefer to call batman than the police to protect them - so now I'm asking them, where's batman? There's a wave of crimes there, from rape to murder, in broad they light, and nobody does sh*t and even goes to the big midia saying everything's control, totally lying...

      And there was a debate of if the gov should take away police guns, lol.
      -
      Job and education normally work well against drugs, but it's really hard when the whole system is rigged in a way that there's no way to triumph in life being honest and sincere. And yes, here too, the justice system is too slow, when there's justice.
      -
      Taxes, the generics are cheaper, but not by much. And yes again, the economy here is bad from a long, long time, people were just being deceived with fake prosperity, now the whole thing came down and we are really in deep sh*t.

      It's not that easy going to tv over here, and not always work, too, since most of the time you have to pay or have a really big scoop so the emissors take an interested.

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    14. Is that so. I'm thinking that there should be vendors and 'underground/blackmarket' so those are not taxed. But then, you mentioned everyone must have an id and vote so perhaps, ah...they are also covered or else, no social services?

      Ah, they won't tax imports? Or, those are smuggled?

      - - -

      True. Currently, it is at 15-18 but 16-18 will be evaluated if they actually knew what they're doing. After checking, it seems that before the amendment, it was originally at 9. ^^; Then, some wants a compromise for it to just be at 12.

      I see. Though, we have those types here, too. Usually, I hear that they'll go to 'social welfare' places to 'change' their ways/re-educate? Ah, speaking of that, I recall that there was a planned curfew before for minors to be at home. It was nixed because in some areas, college students are going home at night.

      Here, the common reason for not lowering it, aside from what I mentioned about being jailed with hardened criminals is that they are most likely 'recruited' by the adults to do 'bad things' and they don't know that it is 'bad'. Well, if we are talking about 9 year olds.

      I see. They are that protected there.

      - - -

      Yup. In comparison, I recall that there is this corruption perception index. Last year, Brazil is ranked 79/176 countries. We are ranked 101/176.

      Oh. That's not good. Here, the president has been promising higher pay and he'll go to jail with them if they are jailed, defended police 'killers' who murdered a jailed politician...and this still happened.

      Ah. I see. So, the police would now engage in criminal activities to make ends meet? Since the people would rather call batman rather than police. Speaking of batman, that's a vigilante right? Here, if someone doesn't want to go through the slow justice system, just hire a vigilante/police to get rid of that 'enemy' permanently. It is cheaper.

      I haven't heard of it but after reading the plot from wiki. I'm a bit confused, how exactly does the purge help the 'country'? Letting people do whatever they want to vent out their anger, and rescue teams, etc not sent out saves money? Unless, it is more on population control. Which is somehow I thinking one result of the 'drug war' here. ^^;;

      Lol. Really. That might be disastrous. That is for saving money?

      - - -

      True. Thinking about it, I recall someone mentioning that it might be hard to change the system because someone/some group, most likely powerful, is benefiting from the system and they won't want it changed. Is it the same there? Here, it is, the current powerful and rich.

      - - -

      Oh. I think you already mentioned it but how were the people deceived again? Providing things to the people that the government couldn't afford? Too much spending but not much income going in? I actually won't know that it is bad there because there is always the grand carnivals every year...and what happened in the Olympics.

      I think Greece was like that, too much spending. I'm not too sure about Venezuela. Something about the oil. But then, I thought they're doing well since they usually win in beauty pageants. ^^;;

      Ah, I see. Hm...does the media there state controlled? Usually, media unless paid, will broadcast such stuff. So at times, the government/president usually blame the media for the 'bad image'. But then, they can be paid by the opposition to say negative things.

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    15. For manga/anime and stuff like that, no, we don't have underground market. We have a place call 'Liberdade' here in my city that deals with mostly smuggled products, but even that it's taxed, believe it or not. Also, in Liberdade is the safest and easiest to import anything from Japan - I had my Claymore artbook and another one from my friend there. 'Cause most of the people living and working there are straight up korean, chinese or japanese or have relatives in these countries, so it's easiest to buy there and send here as a present - not so much tax - than to import directly from there.

      We do have for movies and games, but since we can get those from internet...
      -
      Sorry, but I had to laugh at "if the actually knew what they're doing", lol. In a serious note, I guess 12y is fine, nowadays, there's no 12y dumb enough that wouldn't know what's right or wrong, specially in countries like ours.

      We have those too here, but like I said, it just doesn't work like in paper 'cause we have this other 'great' statute that only privileges them, so if we don't take this down first, we won't ever be able to do something to solve the problem.
      -
      I think Brazil should be ranked at the top of the list as one of the most corrupt one, iirc, this index was before some schemes were brought to light here.

      I'm starting to think your president must be a relative of this Bolsonaro guy we have here, lol. He's crazy with his speeches like that, though, he never ever said anything like your president saying that bull* about rape.
      -
      Sometimes so police do that, can't lie about it. They don't earn enough to risk their lives and go against a broken system, but we still have some upright ones, that, at least, are trying to stay out of dirty things, even if they know something, they don't go near so it doesn't rub on them.

      I don't if that's easy over here. I never met one, though, we talk about vigilants a lot. And those who said'd prefer call batman are drugs user and people who don't know what they're talking or never had any need of the police. Speaking truthly, mostly rich people.
      -
      The movie must be about what you said, I never watched either, just heard from my friend, but the situation I mentioned is that in Espirito Santo there's no police, no one to keep you safe and if you don't have what it takes to protect yourself, you're f***up.

      Sadly, yea.
      -
      Yes. The gov. have those so called 'social projects' that only stimulate people to do nothing but children, and obviously, those children'll start some sh* when they get old enough to know what's going on. So, the gov.'d provide those families with money and lots of benefits so they'd continue to do nothing - and ofc sooner or later that'd f***up our bank and that's what happened.

      The carnivals, the olympics, the world cup, all banked up with dirty and private money, what's left for the gov what to be borrow more money which, ofc, would break too, since the debt is too high.

      It's not openly said, but the big media is obviously if not controlled, have they're own agenda to manipulate things in order to look good to the ones in power and not look bad to the people.

      Delete
    16. Interesting. How is smuggled products taxed? When it is sold?

      - - -

      I see. Well, in 'harsh conditions', innocence is usually lost early.

      True. They usually say here, the law is good but how it was implemented is the problem. Aside from the, you broke no law unless you're caught.

      - - -

      Oh...maybe next year? Unless other countries beat that.

      I see. Somewhat like Trump, too?

      - - -

      It would be hard though to 'close one's eyes' on such things especially if it is all over the organization.

      So, it is also cheaper to hire a vigilante/hired killer for instant justice there, too? Ah, because rich people have security guards?

      - - -

      I see. So, crime rate there is high? Won't the people buy/use own weapons/guns to protect themselves? Then, they won't exactly be jailed if it is self-defense? Something like the wild wild west.

      - - -

      Ah, too much welfare. And, they're still doing that? Hm...there's no condition for providing all those money and benefits? Here, before, they have to send the kids to school for the extra cash. I'm not sure if that is still continued since I seem to hear that they want it unconditional.

      I see. And, no hope in sight like they are now fixing it? Or, I guess, they're still at it.

      Somewhat of a balance? What will they get from 'look good to the ones in power? They won't be shut down?

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    17. It's like that, if you send me anything from there, the tax is less than if I order from here. If I go there, buy it and come back, there won't be any tax since is like I'm coming with a gift. But, if I want to sell anything, the product'll have to be taxed anyways, more if it comes from outside the country. So if you sell without tax, you're basically smuggling, even if it's for your friend - since the gov. won't have it's part - but if you have a legal 'store', you must pay tax, if you have a illegal 'store' you need to pay grease money to be able to still be on 'business'. Kinda complicated if you don't live the system since you were born.
      -
      There're some laws that are bad and made with ill intentions, but it's like you said. And that last line was written some 100y ago by one of 'our' most notorious writer, lol. It's only a sin if someone caught you, lol.
      -
      I doubt any country could beat that, not that there aren't any that are more corrupt, but their corruption is pretty well covered, so it'll be hard to get over, lol.

      More or less. I went after some more information about him and 'discovered' that he has one project that seems pretty good and could resolve one of our most troublesome problem with the dry in northern regions, others are quite good, but not as a whole. Glad I remembered him in our talk and wen after info, lol.

      But, he won't win, and even if he does, the camera and senate won't let him do any good, in order to stain his reputation. It's how things work here.
      -
      Yea, they just don't 'touch' it or stay as far away as possible, otherewise...

      About that, I don't know and never seen anyone hiring killers or vivgilantes, at least, professional ones, those drug addicts that do anything for their fix don't count as hired killer, count it? And yes, rich people have it good in that way.
      -
      Pretty high and it's not higher 'cause the midia covers some of it in order to not make our country look bad, so we can gather more tourists, enterprises and etc. Business sh*.

      And no, here the gov made a statute that makes almost impossible to any citizen to have a gun, a legal one, that is. So most of our population don't have legal guns. Unless, you count kitchen knives as one, like some people here were trying to do too. But the criminals have a lot, even better guns than the police and our army. Ofc it's not legal, but...
      -
      Still, if they stop, the population that receive it will rise up and 'cause one hell of a mess, and our country doesn't need any more. It's pretty hellish here, tbh. That law of sending kids to school goes here too, but it's awful. The kids only go to school so their family gets the benefit, but they don't study, only 'cause trouble for teachers and everyone else, and nobody can't touch them, like I said before. They should change the law to only the ones well behaving and who has good grades shoud receive, at least, they'd be pressured to study or not to cause too much trouble to the ones serious about it.

      Their trying to fix only aggravates the problems since everyone must have a piece of the cake, so the general population continues to suffer and I don't see any kind of hope, or good will, to see the problems really solved like they should.
      -
      Well, the ones in power will continue to be in power if the mass population doesn't know how bad they are, and to make sure of that, the midia must show only things that corroborates that. But, if there's too much pressure from the mass, they'll switch sides 'till that calms down, then switch again once it stabilizes and continue to support what gives them more privileges. That's what happened here during the impeachment and what's happening even now.
      -
      Changing the subject, have you read Shingeki? This time, I liked overall.

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    18. I see. And for the grease money, that will be paid to? Here, I heard that it depends, sometimes to the police or the local government. But if it is vendors that are walking around to sell their goods, I don't think they get to pay.

      - - -

      Well covered = they can get away with it?

      I see.

      - - -

      Depends. But do drug addicts make good assassins? Usually, from the stories I heard, the assassins are ex-police/military and current convicts who are good at it. The only problem would be paying for their silence for life, as the others say, aside from the hit pay. It is usually so, if caught like, pay for the living expenses of his family. I think there are those who hire middle men to do it so they won't know the real culprit who wanted the hit.

      - - -

      Interesting. Here, the media always covers it. And sometimes repeatedly show that news. So, sometimes, it is up to the higher ups to divert the attention by throwing out some issues that will make people forget about a certain serious issue like that Korean murder I told you about. It is pretty much forgotten now with all the other 'noise' the government is making. They even tried to pin the murder to a Korean mafia but it didn't 'sell'.

      I see. Interesting. You see, here, they anti-gun advocates would say to make it illegal to have guns so that we can be like Japan = non-violent, etc. But the pro-gun mentioned what you have said. The criminals are the ones who have guns and yes, better guns than the police and army. Actually, it is the same with the rebels here. Some traitors are selling them arms and often, from the military/police's own arsenal. ^^;

      - - -

      Oh. So, education system there isn't good either? I had presumed that the kids sent to school would become better people compared to not sending them to school. From that description, it seems like an addict who'll run amok if the drugs are driven away from him/her. That's a good one. So, no one proposed it? Or, they want the situation to continue like this?

      Ah, what exactly is 'must have a piece of the cake'? Profit from it? How exactly? I can only think that it would be for votes. Here, poor are usually pampered for their votes and afterwards, they're on their own...until election. It is a cycle.

      I see. It's pretty much the same here. I think they are called political butterflies or turncoats. I think I told you before that people here remember them as personalities like celebrities rather for than the party. There are some who kept on changing parties = whichever political party won the election. But most of the people don't mind it anymore.

      - - -

      I just read it. I think it is okay though the art can be somewhat distracting. ^^; I'm not too sure what to think of this chapter in terms of how the series will progress.

      Regarding the flashback, I guess Grisham had a fit when the 'king' turned his request down and decided to take her power. The talk before the ceremony would mean...everyone aren't too happy about the turn of events with Armin alive and Erwin dead. Will that be problematic later on? Potential backstabbers or 'told you so'?

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    19. They pay mostly to police officers so they overlook the illegal commerce, ofc, there's much more behind the scene.
      -
      Not that they can get away, it's just well covered, so nobody knows, no one can accuse them of anything 'cause there's no proof. Here, we have plenty of proof, but we have to work to prove the proof just so they can think to start a process, lol.
      -
      I don't know, like I said, I never heard anything like it around here, though I wouldn't say it doesn't exist. The ones I heard were some rich girl paid some junkies to kill her parents, or something like that, but ex military officers, never heard. Probably they do their work pretty well 'cause I'm pretty sure they are around.
      -
      I see, midia is like they say, bad with them, worst without, 'cause there's some good they can do, it's just not probable, buuut, lol.

      People think Japan's pretty 'safe' 'cause the low rate crimes, but that's not related to guns at all.
      -
      Very, very bad. At least the public system. We have a saying here that, nothing the gov runs is good, and, unfortunately, is true. I can't name one single thing for the general public that is any kind of good. The private education, on the other hand, is pretty good, if you can afford the best private schools.

      I think there's no one wanting to change that, 'cause if the people get smarter, who'll vote for them next election? No sane person'd vote for someone who admited being corrupt, is being processed and accused of a lot of other crimes besides corruption - but, still, he's leading the intented votes for president in the next election... Ofc they the people to stay stupid and over dependent on gov'charity'.
      -
      I hope for told you so, but wouldn't put behind backstabbers. They are heroes, but no one acknoledge them, even when Erwin himself told to trust their choice - Levy's. The thing that got to me was the 'Mikasa gave up', while Eren still fought.

      I like it 'cause now we don't really know how the story'll go. Will they really cross the ocean? Will they really go to the continent? But, we all know Reiner's people is still on the island, so... What now? That's the feeling I got from this chapt and I liked.

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    20. I see so it's more or less, the same here. Speaking of that, are there loan shark types in your place? I heard that with vendors, they sometimes lend money from them for their business for the day or so.

      - -

      I see. Here, it is usually someone ratting on someone because they didn't get enough slice of the cake, or one trying to liquidate an ex-associate. =P But they can get away with it because of the lawyers, poor evidence, the witness/es are as dirty as the ones they accuse, etc. And of course, with the correct connections and amount, you can get out of jail.

      - - -

      Hehe, I see.

      - - -

      I see. ^^;

      That is true here. But, people still vote for people with crimes either as suspects or convicted. As I mentioned, it is usually for popularity and money given around during elections. Or, the people would say they're all the same, better vote for the devil you know rather than the one you don't know.

      Aside from the charity, they will distribute goods during calamity with their names on the bags. We have this 'attitude' which we called 'gratitude' wherein if someone helped you, you have to help that person or else you're an ingrate. So, voters would most likely vote for politicians who 'helped' them.

      And, well, politicians also help those who donated for them during the elections so the ones in position are donors, friends, supporters and relatives ^^;; Is there such a thing there, too?

      - - -

      Heroes but no one acknowledges them -- seems quite true to life. Ah, I think that showed that Mikasa had a bit of pragmatic side. Of course, that might haunt her later on. Hm...in a way, perhaps, she tried to go against what she would have done before.

      Before, she tried to save Eren no matter what from the female titan that it cost an injury to Levi. So now, she probably won't insist on it yet she seems to be 'giving up' on the friend. Of course, perhaps, it is so because Eren is involved and not Armin =P

      True. Reiner and other will probably try to stop such plans. I'm not too sure if the people in the island would agree for them to go there because they'll be defenseless without Eren. I mean what if they are going to the continent but there is another ship/airship going to the island with their new titans to attack. Ah, that is especially so if they have a few more titan-human-types. Are there? Or, perhaps, Reiner and others taking advantage of wiping them off.

      Basically, if they went, I have a bad feeling that something bad is going to happen in the island whether due to their enemies or their current 'allies'. Won't it cross Eren's mind if it is worth sacrificing his life for these people's 'freedom'? Of course, it is so for his friends and colleagues. What do you think?

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    21. There were a lot some years ago, nowadays you rarely seem them, but there's still store/build renting and 'patronage'.
      -
      That's what's happening here, but the ones accused and prosecuted are in home arrest, instead of real jail... It's so revolting that I try my best not to think about it, I get furious, lol.
      -
      Donors, supporters and friends, yea. The 'rest of the people' are just brainless puppets or downright lazy folk who don't want to work and rather be 'sustained' by the gov social projects.
      -
      I can see that happening and it'd be interesting as all hell'd be on earth if happened. Imagine Reiner's people and the ones that don't like Eren/Levy people?

      I'm pretty sure she 'gave up' 'cause it wasn't Eren, if he died, she'd probably go on another rampage and find a way to kill hersel along side, lol.

      As of now, the series regained my curiosity it had lost some months ago, let's see where it goes.

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    22. I see. Also ran out of business?

      - - -

      Ah...yes, here, it is either home arrest or hospital arrest. Once they are arrested, they'll be in a wheelchair or even neck brace like an ex-president. But after the case is dismissed/paid off or pardoned, lo and behold, a miracle, they are cured and can go back to office in a lower position. <- ya, people still vote for them. So, one ex-president is now a mayor and another is a congresswoman. ^^;;

      - - -

      Yup, a lot of them here, too.

      - - -

      True.

      Lol...most likely.

      I see. For me, it doesn't seem that much interesting as it was before ^^; Perhaps, because it is more on explanations, etc rather than suspense-action?

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    23. Most that ran out are due to their own 'faults'. Like, they open a restaurant in a bad place with no demands for that, or a eletronics store in some shady road, so... But I guess there are those that are just unluck and had trouble to pay their bills, employees and so on.
      -
      Yea, I think I told you about that it happened something really similar here, right? Got sick only after went to jail, lol.

      Our ex president, Lula, you may heard of him since he was seem as very charismatic in outsiders eyes, just recently said that even if a politician is corrupt and a thief, he's still more honest than the ones who study to pass the national exams to work for the state/federal gov. Like me - though I didn't study and the only effort I put was waking up really early to take the test - but I know people who struggle real hard to pass, cram school, 'cursinhos' - sorry, don't know the word for that, it's like cram school, but specialized in that area you want - self study and much more just to get a ridiculous sallary, and he says the ones that put the most effort are less honest than a corrupt thief... And yes, he's still leading the intented votes for the next election...
      -
      Maybe yes? I for one never was into the suspence action, what really took me was the pacing, the way he paneled the framework, leaving clues all over and, the art that really matched the first chapters with the brutal feeling of impeding death. Afterwards was just the chars that had me interested, tbh. Even if I read a lot of action of fight mangas, those are the least I care, lol.
      -
      Didn't read the new KoT chapter 'cause I'm way too high on meds right now, and haven't being doing really good these last days. Good news is that I'm on sickleave now, more time to try and appeal to do the surgey, more physiotherapies and some other exams to see what else is making me even worse.

      But keep up the good work, Kat. Thank you for all you've done and do!

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    24. I see.

      - - -

      Indeed. Here, it is more than one that it had become a joke already yet people tolerate it. Ah, I don't know about there but people tend to just joke about such people to relieve stress so we are pretty high on the 'happiest people in the world' list even with the corruption, poverty, etc.

      Ah, that is because they would want to get the investment of 'working hard and cram school, etc' back? If a politician here said that, s/he'll be refuted. =P You see the politician would invest millions for a job that pays only in the thousands. I think I heard the name but didn't seem to made an impression to me. ^^;; Ah, ex-presidents can run for president again in your place? Here they cannot but recently, they can run in lower posts since it isn't illegal in the law.

      - - -

      I see.

      - - -

      Oh. Well, hopefully good news soon ^^

      Thanks for the comment and you're welcome ^^

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    25. The joke is on us, right? 'Cause it's unbelievible. I guess ignorance is a bliss and stupid people are happier, if we look on how things are in our countries.

      aaah, I may sound too bitter/sour saying things like that, but the situation over here, political and etc, is very bad. I can't seem to get it out of my system.

      And, tbh, they can't run to presidential anymore, buuuuuuuut, if the public claim is high, if the camara approves, the senators and the vast majority of the congress, they could/can run again with a constitutional amendment, don't know if that's the right word for what it is here.
      -
      Yea, just in those days when everything seems bad, but it's not that bad, lol. Went to the doctor today/yesterday just to know that my health care didn't covered the exams, though it was supposed to. And I wasn't alone in that, I heard some people complaining about the same thing - the same health care... That's too much, really.
      -
      Yea, like I always say, these little things makes us happier and able to bear more sh***y thing that life throw at us. It's a very good work you do.

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    26. Indeed. It isn't bliss for the ones who aren't ignorant.

      I see. And, it's getting worse, I presume?

      Oh...that is also one reason why they want constitutional amendment here or rather, have a new constitution and that is extend their terms. One presidential candidate even proudly says that if he can be president/politician forever, why not, because he wants to serve the people throughout his life. And people are laughing for it is obviously to serve his own due to some corrupt cases he had.

      - - -

      They are really cost-cutting. And, nothing people can do about it, yes?

      - - -

      =)

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    27. Yea, and that's what our gov here is working for, keeping people ignorant so they can be happy, even in this situation. I wonder if they consider it a good thing, lol.

      It is.

      Hahaha, it'd be pretty bad if people didn't see through that, right? Serve his people, lol.

      Cutting or downright erasing. It's been two months since I last saw my sallary - which was already cut. I other words, two months without beeing paid. I'm going through the channels I'm suppose to, but it's a long way down through the burocracy hole.

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    28. Yup.

      It will indeed be a long way especially if the people along the way wanted some grease money. Good luck ^^

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    29. Yea, had to go to work and talk to one of the secretaries so we could work things together, so far, so good. No need of grease money or me getting angry and giving free cranes to the head either.

      But still, we need to wait, don't know how long.

      Thank you for the wishes.^^

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    30. Ah, the wait is always one of the difficult things to do especially if it is unknown until when.

      =)

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  7. thank you KAT for your translation...

    i like it when people listen to their music people change for the better. even if they have lousy personality. they change.

    so about romance for Tokize group i think is soon too...
    there are 3 pair right..? chika and satowa, takezou and hori, sensei(Suzuka and Akira)..
    mio really like chika hah (sorry FUJOSHI mind crawl)

    oh yeah the reporter mention about 2 group right? one is school that won, one is for mix group..but they never mention about the mix group ..it is very interesting when houtsuki,chika, mio, and kasuza play together if there is really all star group... what do you think?

    once again thank for translating
    _hinai_57


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    1. sorry...Suzuki i mean

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    2. Thanks for reading, hinai_57 ^-^

      Yup ^^

      Sensei and Akira...might include Sane ^^; Then, there is a possibility of Tetsuki and Isaki. Hehe..ya.

      Iirc, the mix group won't include the winners who'll probably be busy for the competition. So, it would be most likely a combination of Hakuto and Himesaka, and others? It is just for a performance = consolation prize to play in the Nationals.

      =)

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  8. Didn't Ousuke's school lose at the preliminaries?

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    1. no its not...the one they lost is for last year competition...they say that they big four. himesaka lost too. So.. right now for this year they not yet enter preliminaries...the competition is for one whole year...preliminaries start from winter.. and national in summer next year...

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    2. I didn't read in detail the previous chapters ^^;

      I would think that the various preliminaries for the Nationals are currently being held. So, as Anonymous [2], mentioned, it was last year.

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    3. Sorry to intrude, but Ousuke's school is in another prefecture, that time they lost was another event with nothing in common to nationals.

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    4. no..meiryo(ousuke school) won (ch 28)...the one that they feel lost is actually about because there are 2 winner... hakuto (tokyo) ang meiryo (kanagawa)..and in national meiryo lost..(ch22) big four..

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    5. sorry..broken english hakuto (kanagawa) and meiryo (tokyo)

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    6. I'm sorry if I'm mistaken, but aren't we talking about that first Tokize's performance, which ended with Hakuto's win? If so, that event didn't have to do with the nationals or preliminaries.

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  9. Hi, Kat! ♥
    How are you?
    Thanks as always for Kono Oto! ╰(▔∀▔)╯

    It was really intense & amazing arc... I am really happy for Tokize and glad to see so many colors from other schools & new characters as well. Now before the National competition, I want to see the everyday life & romantic development! (Hiro & Takezou as well, but now from Takezou`s side xD; Satowa x Chika pffff of course; so Akira & Suzuchan-sensei... anyway I continue to see the hidden hints from Sane to Akira. But maybe it only me, btw, I would be happy to see Akira x Suzuka/Akira x Sane/Sane x Akira x Suzuka as well ┐(︶▽︶)┌).
    Hmm... very hope that the mangaka fill interm time (I do not like the time skips ><) with slice of life, romance and other competitions.. and yup - I also want to see Chikas dad D:
    So, keep reading the story! Its only starting line xD (okay, I really hope that manga do not end soon ;-;)

    One more time - thank u so much, Kat! HAVE A NICE DAY! ♥

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    Replies
    1. Doing fine, Hokodate, thanks ^^

      Thanks for reading ^-^

      Indeed ^^

      Most likely...it will be Christmas soon and that is usually a romantic time in Japan ^^ I also see the hints. ^^ Hehe, threesome?

      I think that there will be such time. And, to also build things up before the Nationals arc ^^

      =)

      You're welcome and have a nice day, too ^-^

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  10. Hii, thank you for the translation. By the Chapter 55 is up!! yey :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for reading, Nams ^-^

      Japanese? I cannot read that. I'm still waiting for the Chinese scanlation.

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