Nanatsuiro Drops

[big bad birtha]

This is an anime that came out like three weeks ago, and I have thoroughly enjoyed both of the episodes that have come out. Now, the strange thing about this is the fact that I am hooked on this for the sole reason that it is just downright adorable and very very sweet. That's IT. The story's not that original and it is a magical girl anime (I really don't like magical girl anime except maybe CCS).

Anyway, off to the story. This is about this dude who is not social at all. He drinks this drink that was dropped by this masked dude with sunglasses and cat ears. After that, he turns into this stuffed lamb. His teacher tells him that he needs to have someone collect these star drops (I think that's what they are called) to return back to normal. After that, he whacks the main dude (it's too early to learn his name) into Sumomo's house. She quickly befriends him and names him Yuki. The super adorable Sumomo is supposed to use her overgrown spoon (that's basically what it is) to collect the star drops.

Sure, it sounds crappy, but Sumomo is adorable. Hell, she's almost as adorable as Ayu =O. If you remember the picture I posted in my suggestion box with her sitting beside Shana, you know how adorable she is. She is this shy crybaby around the main dude (I'm positive that she likes him), but that is one of the many reasons to love her. Also, this isn't THAT corny. One of the things that I hate about magical girl anime is the transformation sequences. This doesn't have them. It's like CCS where her outfit is given to her.

Now for some fun facts about this. First off, this was originally a PC h-game that was released last year. Honestly, I don't think that's right. Adorable things are supposed to be hugged, not ****ed. I'm not going to rant anymore on that though.

Secondly, if you did notice the picture of Sumomo sitting by Shana, well, you should of realized that the character designer of this also did the character design of Shakugan no Shana. Umm, not really much comment for that.

Anyway, I will continue to watch this, and if you want something nice and cute to look at, then I recommend this.

[Raptor Jesus]

Noizi Ito is awesome.

Haruhi. Shana. Now this. More pedo dreams for me.

lol.

You think I'm joking.

[Talon87]

I can only wonder what sort of Phoenix Wright dreams you have had ... Pearl is so cute! >o<

[Raptor Jesus]

If I can commission someone at Otakon to make it true, I will make a copy for you.

[big bad birtha]

Umm, isn't Phoenix Wright a lawyer game for the DS? I was just wondering because I didn't think a DS game would contribute to wet dreams....

Anyway, I have found some excellent images from Nanatsuiro Drops. I couldn't find any screen-shots unfortunately. All of them are scans that are done in the same style as the game. That's a shame because I think that the anime looks cuter than the game. I think I will just DL the first episode and just save them like that.

The three main ND girls (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img30&img=/9/7/18/superfreddyjacksonman/f_NanatsuiroDm_fa3ac7b.jpg)
A less energetic, but just as cute image of the ND girls (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img28&img=/9/7/18/superfreddyjacksonman/f_NanatsuiroDm_7a48f34.jpg)
Loki, don't get any strange ideas =P (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img36&img=/9/7/18/superfreddyjacksonman/f_Sumomo2m_fd5d21c.jpg)
Sumomo sitting with her giant spoon (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img29&img=/9/7/18/superfreddyjacksonman/f_Sumomo3m_ecf95a3.jpg)
Aww, she's hugging Yuki X3 (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img26&img=/9/7/18/superfreddyjacksonman/f_Sumomo4m_6bf9007.jpg)

I have a few more, but that's all I really feel like showing off. I just started an account on that site, so I don't have too much there yet. Also, as you might be able to tell, I got most of those images from the same site. If I can manage, expect screen-shots too, because I want everyone to experience the full power of "OMG I wanna hug her!"

[Talon87]

That is absolutely adorable, and I have an image of the main girl on my computer which I mistook for an Asahina Mikuru look-alike in some random visual novel. Now I see that it was taken from this game.

My big problem with this title will probably be, "I will not be able to watch this without thinking about how many lolikons are getting hard-ons to it." She looks absolutely adorable, though, in a completely asexual way. Real shame that (in all likelihood) the original game is intended for lolikons.

[Doppleganger]

Yeah, I got this show because of BBB's recommendation. Thoughts pending (?). Short version:

1. Dopple doen't really like Sumomo. I don't dislike her, there's just nothing really compelling for me to like her.
2. SATOSHI HINO IS THE GLASSES DUDE HOLY CRACK!! ï½·ï¾€â��â��â��â��â��â ��(ﾟ∀ﾟ)â��â��â��â⠀��â��â�� !!!!!
3. Really surreal-like quality to this show. Looks great.
4. Main dude is surprisingly interesting.
5. Do not care for the furries.

[Lindz]

I like the blue-haired glasses girl but aside from her hate the character designs and art style. The first episode was really colorful so I guess I like that part of it but everything else was pretty generic. If they were playing this as a straight magical girl series I might like but since I've seen what it is based off of (>.>) I'm expecting the worst. Yeah Sumomo will win but the series will still have a non-end or eventual OVA where the other girls do. I'll probably get to watching episode two tommorow~been way behind in watching stuff lately.

[Doppleganger]

I'm watching episode two right now. Halfway through, I'm seriously insulted by how "sensitive" Sumomo is supposed to be.

...


*does a face-flip*

SUMOMO IS JUN?! 8O

[big bad birtha]

Wow, you are actually watching it =O. She proves to be a bigger crybaby in episode three, but I think that's adorable. Anyway, I got the screen-shot problem solved and I have screen-shots from the first episode. Here we go...

Sumomo in the sky with Yuki (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img34&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_d87eb6b.png)
Another adorable picture of Sumomo (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img40&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_bece122.png)
The three main girls (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img30&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_b39e04c.png)
The cast of Nanatsuiro Drops (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img31&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_8019209.png)
This is self explanatory (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img30&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_eab2f00.png)
A fateful encounter (I guess) (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img37&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_b5d0617.png)
Have you been neutered or spade? (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img26&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_43053cc.png)
Here's the strange dude with the drink. (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img39&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_d94b752.png)
Awwwww X3 (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img29&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_1be3233.png)
Sumomo using her giant spoon. (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img37&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_768042e.png)
The arrival of a generic villan. (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img40&img=/9/7/19/superfreddyjacksonman/f_snapshot200m_ce0e5a2.png)

Well, there you go. Oh, and just so you know, this (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?srv=img35&img=/9/7/18/superfreddyjacksonman/f_Ayu9m_38c8fdb.jpg) is still more adorable than Sumomo will ever be =P

[Talon87]

Based on looks alone, the other two girls are blah while Sumomo is like (no shitting) an 11/10 on the Cuteness Scale. Yes, an impossible score. Because she's just so amazingly cu~~~~~ute. But hey, when was the last time looks ever counted for the full enjoyment factor? (Case in point, Yuki proved to be far greater than Mikuru come Episode K10 of Haruhi last summer.)

[Doppleganger]

I'm really liking the surreal quality of the night-time romps of Yuki and Sumomo. I cannot put my finger on why, but it's bringing back memories I cannot completely remember from simmilarly fantastical shows, and one game in particular - Rayman. Along with Interplay's LOTR and Baldur's Gate, Rayman is probably my most favourite game of all time. Rayman's politeness inspired how I talk today, and I became a more serious music student in Elementary School/Junior High because of the magical Bandland and a better athlete because of the Blue Mountains/Cave of Skops.

[Talon87]

*recommends the fictional rated PG version of the game to Doppel*
*goes to enjoy Narcissu*

[Doppleganger]

She proves to be a bigger crybaby in episode three...


No kidding. I'm getting really pissed off with her weakling attitude, someone should punch her in the face and knock some sense into her!

Like...Kamina. This series needs a Kamina. I desperately want to hear, "Sumomo! Your ladle is the ladle that will scoop up the heavens!"

Except for the main dude, and Satoshi Hino, there's a great deal of FABULOUS guys in ND, and it's quite grating. The chibis don't help either...

[Talon87]

You're looking for GAR and all you're finding is GAY.

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

[Doppleganger]

The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. There's such a dichotomy as FABULOUS GAR afterall...

But that's beside the point - while awesome male characters is always a plus, I can stomach a show with a lot of girls or people who act like girls. In fact, I haven't seen a show for a long time with males who weren't FABULOUS or GAR. The problem is...well, Sumomo's angst reading is quite outrageous, totally disproportionate to how she's treated in the series. So much so that it's disgusting - if there was a valid reason for her being such a wimp, like maybe she saw her mother burn to death or something, then maybe her timid attitude would be justified.

This is just the scene I finished and I was digging my nails into my skull in agony trying to get through it. It sounds a LOT better in text than in animation, I will say that.


Sumomo gets her star stolen by this other girl, so she starts crying. Then she sits on a swing and cries and cries. Tawamari (I believe that's his name) comes over and suggests she just do her best, that's all Yuki can ask for. When she sees Yuki, she calls herself useless and says, "the only thing I can do is smile, so I'll do it" them promptly tries to hold a smile, fails, and cries. BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW.


I'm worried about the show moving in the direction of Nanoha (I can just imagine the drool oozing from Lindsay's gaping maw) and the midsummer-night's dream segment of the story vanishing away. Frankly, I'd like to go back toward the Mushishi laid-back storytelling style, not the competitive shoujo tournament deal.

[Talon87]

Dude. She's waving around a magical spoon-staff. MAHOU SHOUJO like I never did see.

[Doppleganger]

Yeah yeah, I know that. But Sumomo is a far, far, far, faaaaar bigger baby than Serena/Usagi from Sailor Moon was, who managed to kick arse and whine comedically when she fell on her arse. Sumomo doens't even grant us something along the lines of funny (that was reserved for the other girl, who, when introduced, brought fanservice along for the ride) - she's just irritating. =_=

I might take up your suggestion on the game, but I need to get through Planetarian and possibly Clannad (if translated) first - awaiting your imput, BPK.

[big bad birtha]

No kidding. I'm getting really pissed off with her weakling attitude, someone should punch her in the face and knock some sense into her!


Dude, that's horrible! I mean, would you like to see someone punch a kitten? I don't know if she will raise her spoon to her generic rival, but I'm sure she won't cry as much later on. Also, look at how she is constantly guarded by her best friend. I'm sure she has a reason for being a crybaby. Even though her crying did get little on my nerves later episode three.


Based on looks alone, the other two girls are blah while Sumomo is like (no shitting) an 11/10 on the Cuteness Scale. Yes, an impossible score. Because she's just so amazingly cu~~~~~ute. But hey, when was the last time looks ever counted for the full enjoyment factor? (Case in point, Yuki proved to be far greater than Mikuru come Episode K10 of Haruhi last summer.)


Well, Sumomo is about nothing but pure cuteness. When she's not crying, you just wanna hug the stuffing out of her. Honestly, that's about it. Her personality doesn't stand out, but she's very sweet. Her best friend (the one with the spade) is a pretty good character. She's like the very understanding but headstrong guardian (pretty much) of Sumomo. She's not unnecessarily violent, and how she handles episode two gets the tip of the hat from me.

Ok, I have a quick question for everyone here. As you see, I posted some pictures from the game and some from the anime. Now, according to a link that Suigin showed me before I made this thread, the people think that the game is cuter, while I think that the anime is cuter. Which do you think is cuter? The game or the anime?

[Doppleganger]

Dude, that's horrible! I mean, would you like to see someone punch a kitten? I don't know if she will raise her spoon to her generic rival, but I'm sure she won't cry as much later on. Also, look at how she is constantly guarded by her best friend. I'm sure she has a reason for being a crybaby. Even though her crying did get little on my nerves later episode three.


She's no kitten. There's absolutely no being in anime history I can think of who can compare to Sumomo's whining.

Well, no. That's wrong. There is one.

Shinji Ikari.


Ok, I have a quick question for everyone here. As you see, I posted some pictures from the game and some from the anime. Now, according to a link that Suigin showed me before I made this thread, the people think that the game is cuter, while I think that the anime is cuter. Which do you think is cuter? The game or the anime?


Anime.

[big bad birtha]

She's no kitten. There's absolutely no being in anime history I can think of who can compare to Sumomo's whining.


I'm not saying she's a kitten. I'm saying that punching her in the face would be just as horrible as punching a kitten in the face. Both of them are cute and harmless.

As for the whining thing...I have to agree. Of course, crying excessively usually doesn't get on my nerves (I hated Gundam SEED for the bad drama and excessive crying though), so I don't notice that much. There is only one whiny character that really bothered me and that is definitely Yuji from Shana. However, he wasn't as bad as the episodes went on, so I forgave.

[Doppleganger]

At the very least, Yuuji tried to do something beyond his limits to curb his weakness - training with Shana, strengthening the output of his Hougou, fighting alongside her. He was angsty, yeah, but with good reason - he was dead. Ghost-types are bound to be the most depressed of all folks, and Yuuji wasn't depressed in the latter part of the show.

Bad omens if Sumomo doesn't shape up soon, though. :|

[Talon87]

You know my opinion already, but since you addressed your question to the entire forum ...

Game. I love Noizi Ito's artwork, and a lot of it seems to be lost in translation from the game to the anime just as it was in Shana and (to a much lesser extent) in Haruhi.

[big bad birtha]

Well, since someone other than me is actually watching this, I will speak my thoughts on each episode as they are released. The episodes usually release RAW on Tuesday while the subbed comes out on Thursday. This series won't take long to finish because there's only 12 episodes =/.

Well, since I did present the question about which is cuter, I might as well explain why I think the anime is cuter. I personally prefer the way the anime looks because I like the coloring better and the characters have more personality in their expressions.

[Doppleganger]

Well, since someone other than me is actually watching this, I will speak my thoughts on each episode as they are released. The episodes usually release RAW on Tuesday while the subbed comes out on Thursday. This series won't take long to finish because there's only 12 episodes =/.


Huh? I read it was twenty six. *checks*

...

o_O

oh shi-


Well, since I did present the question about which is cuter, I might as well explain why I think the anime is cuter. I personally prefer the way the anime looks because I like the coloring better and the characters have more personality in their expressions.


Ito's coloured work is good, but her sketches are not usually better than anime adaptions. Not to say her art is bad, the anime is just superior - Shana is one of the rare exceptions where I would say novel > anime art. Haruhi's anime is better, and Nanatsuiro's art is pretty close to Haruhi's.

[Lindz]

Bleh. After seeing episode two I decided to drop the series. Since its only 12 eps (plus inevitable OVA) I may pick it back up later when I got less on my platter or something.

[Doppleganger]

So is Nanatsuiro Drops...dropped? I haven't found anything on episode four and the episode five RAW just came out. Anyone know something?

[big bad birtha]

I really don't know. I could go to the subber's site, to check it out, but I don't feel like it right now. It's real troubling though, because I was enjoying this.

[big bad birtha]

I looked into kedex's (the people who sub Nanatsuiro Drops) site, and they said that the subber for it is addicted to Little Busters! so yea....(If you don't know what Little Busters is, you have been paying NO attention to my previous comments in my suggestion box). AQS has started subbing ND, so episode four might be translated in a week or so. =/

[big bad birtha]

Alright, if you have paid attention to my suggestion box, you will realize that the fourth episode has been subbed. Well, I have watched it and here's my brief thoughts.

Nanatsuiro Drops (4)- Ok, this was a little corny. Oh no, Sumomo is afraid of water, but she has to overcome her fear to get a star drop (sarcasm). It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. Even more adorable Sumomo moments didn't keep this in my pants (ewwwww). I'm sure Doppleganger will get pissed at Sumomo's sensitivity, but that is to be expected (I am getting a little sick of it myself). Honestly, watching this made me want to watch something violent. However, violence is not accepted when I am hooked on Ever17.

[Doppleganger]

Have I seen episode four? :?:

Didn't that involve the introduction of that rival? I thought Sumomo got the drop from a fountain somewhere?

[big bad birtha]

No. That was episode three. This is where the rival made a challenge for Sumomo to receive a star drop where she has to overcome her fear of water. The rival's true form was uncovered an awesome way though.

[Doppleganger]

Downloading~

[Doppleganger]

What.

This is getting outrageous. I'm really starting to dislike Sumomo with each episode - she better grow up soon!

...

Tsuwabuki is so awesome, it's hard to believe his cool is balanced out by Sumomo being so wimpy. At least we know why Sumomo got powers now...but that school must be full of jerks to do this to someone like her. The teacher fellow is still a mystery.

And "yukio" my foot, being afraid of a little water when one has to take BATHS and SHOWERS is the hallmark of a sissy. Seriously, Tsuwabuki was giving Sumomo too much credit by calling her brave - that wasn't courageous at all since the fear was stupid.

[big bad birtha]

Alrightey. I have watched episode 5 and 6 of Nanatsuiro Drops. Here's my thoughts on each individual episode.

Episode 5- Beach episode. I have never seen that one before (sarcasm). Anyway, this just seems to be where Yuuki's path in the game might of started. It's mostly about her, and Tsuwabaki's kindness toward her. That's really about it.

Episode 6- Probably the best episode so far. It's just soooo sweet. I don't want to get into detail because it will spoil the fun (well, it was for me). Sure, it still had more Sumomo crybaby moments, but that's all well and good because this episode more than made up for it.

[Doppleganger]

I just got those two episodes. Will watch when I wake up.

[Doppleganger]

I can't take this anymore. Nanatsuiro Drops has worn me down with the clear stereotypical "weak girl with an adult body" paradigm and it's irritating my brain to the point of undue and burgeoning fake romance. It's driven by carnal energies at the core...clearly. Tsuwabuki is too generic to save it.

Dopple pledges to do his best to get through episode six, but if it could very well make or beak this series for me.

[Mcsweeney]

I posted in the wrong thread again, so durr

[big bad birtha]

I just watched episode 7 and all I have to say is this. This was such an unbelievably corny episode that even the great visuals couldn't distract me from it. I just felt like every stereotypical plot line was just thrown at this episode. This is so corny that I just have to mention the following......

Did you know that Korn is putting corn oil in their buses to emit less environment damaging fumes? Yes, a hardcore metal band has turned into environmentalists. Sure, it won't effect their music (I hope the hell not), but it still puts a dent on their overall look. Honestly, they can still redeem themselves if they piss in their gas tanks and say "I'm putting ****ing Korn oil in our buses!!!" That would be so awesome.

Yes, that is how corny the last episode of Nanatsuiro Drops was. Well, I DID say that about the only reason for watching this was for the art, so I guess that is to be expected.

[big bad birtha]

I have watched the latest episode (8). Here are my thoughts.

Don't you just hate it when popcorn gets stuck between your teeth? God, I do. You can't ignore it and continue eating because it will tear at your gums, so you'll have to dig at the stuck piece of popcorn and get it out to even eat some more without bleeding gums. Then the other thing that sucks is the fact that popcorn isn't even that good. Sure, it's extremely cheap, but still......

As you could guess from the rambling, the episode was extremely corny. Well, the episode was extra adorable, so that's a plus (I think).

[big bad birtha]

As you could've guessed by my post, I just got through watching episode 9. Here's my thoughts, bitches (well, I'm pretty much talking to myself, but whatever).

This episode wasn't that bad. Unlike the past two episodes, I didn't feel awkward by how corny it was. Sumomo's generic rival got all mad at Sumomo's increase in power and challenged her to a duel. However, Sumomo of course beat her, and everything was fun in the sun, until, as everyone with a brain could've guessed, Sumomo found out about Yuki being Tsuwabaki and he became a lifeless doll. I'm sure they will find a way around it with the generic rival's help, and save him. It wasn't corny, but it was a little bland. 'tis alright though, because there's still more adorable Sumomo moments ^o^.

Only three episodes to go. Damn.....Both this and School Days are about to kick the bucket......

[Doppleganger]

Wait, what?! How did Sumomo find that out? Why did that happen to Tsuwabuki?

[big bad birtha]

Ha ha. This one's a real knee slapper.

He simply told her. After the little battle with the rival, he was like "I am Yuki." and when he transformed into Yuki, he was lifeless. Well, it is kind of sweet if you really look at it, but it is also very stupid. You see, he didn't want to lie to Sumomo about being Yuki. You know, them being a new couple and all, so he didn't want to lie to her. It was stupid though, because they only had one star drop left, and the teacher warned him that if she knew, that he would become a lifeless doll. Now, I guarantee that they would've gotten the star drop really quickly because of Sumomo's newfound power.

Oh, and here's an interesting tidbit of information. I'm pretty sure that the beginning of this episode and the beginning of episode one are the same scene. Well, either that, or the last of episode eight and the beginning of episode one are the same scene. It's one of the two.

[big bad birtha]

I just got through watching episode 10, so here's my thoughts.

Have you ever known someone with Xenosaga? If you don't know, Xenosaga is a disease where you turn into Bill Clinton after seven days. My cousin recently caught a case of it, and he was already showing signs of turning into Bill Clinton. You see, every time I walked up to him, he always said "I did NOT have sexual relations with that panda!" and he had this inexplicable urge to tip over cows. However, there is one cure. You have to find the eye of anoobis! Now, even I haven't found the eye of anoobis. I have been on a long journey to find it, but there was no luck. Oh well. After thinking about it, I realized that my cousin is a douchebag, and it would be really cool to have Bill Clinton as a cousin, so I let the disease to take place.

Yup, very corny episode. I don't even want to bother explaining how corny it was >.<

[Doppleganger]

Xenosaga sounds like quite the far trip. o_o

[big bad birtha]

Well, I just posted here, so anyone must know that I have watched episode 11. I won't throw any random nonsense at you this time though....

Anyway, the episode was pretty good. Even though it was traveling through the memories of Sumomo and Tsuwabuki, because whenever they collect the star drops, Tsuwabuki will forget everything from the past months of knowing Sumomo, it was still a really sweet episode. It was also pretty devoid of any corny things that this usually has. Also, even after that, Sumomo toughened up and didn't cry (she did when the discovery was made though), even after Tsuwabuki forgot everything and asked who she was at the end of the episode.

Now I will have to wait for the subs to come out for episode 12.

[Doppleganger]

Is twelve the final episode?

[big bad birtha]

Yuppers. Actually, the RAW has been out for a couple of weeks, but the subbers have just now hit episode 11.

[big bad birtha]

What? I am posting here again? That must mean I have watched the latest and final Nanatsuiro Drops. If you think that, you are correct my good sirs!

Nanatsuiro Drops- To tell the truth, the only reason I even watched this is because of just how utterly adorable everything (especially Sumomo) is. You see, I hate magical girl anime because they are extremely corny. The only one that did not give those same vibes were CCS. Anyway, behind the thick coating of stereotypical magical girl plot elements is a very sweet and adorable romance. Honestly, for a mahou shoujo, this wasn't that corny, but it was corny nonetheless. As you know, I really liked the art style. The fact that I took the time to watch every episode, despite my hatred for magical girl anime, really says alot. I give Nanatsuiro Drops a pretty good.

Oh, if you want to know what happened in the last episode, I can talk about it if you wish.

[Doppleganger]

Please do. I'm giving it a Poor no matter what though, show was just too mundane to really be entertaining.

[big bad birtha]

Well, if you care enough to actually want to know what happens, then you might actually like it more than you say =P.

Anyway, since no-one else who cares to watch this is going to read, I am not going to bother with spoiler tags. In the last episode, Tsuwabuki was trying to remember what happened. He starts looking at a bunch of things, which bring familiar feelings, but no recollection. He eventually somewhat remembers his feelings for Sumomo and he eventually confesses to her again. They become a couple again and then it's episode over. Oh, and he never remembers what happens =/.

[Doppleganger]

Never remembering = good. Falling with Sumomo = ugh. x_x