02-19-2012, 12:13 PM | #51 | |||||
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I did not. At the time I watched the episode, it did not stand out to me. Re-listening to it last night, there were hints of a familiar voice but nothing I could pinpoint. I was pretty sure at one point that it was the same person who voiced Horo in Wolf & Spice, but I guess that turned out to be wrong. Hirohashi Ryou? Never heard of her. Roles she's voiced that I'm familiar with include Fujibayashi Kyou (Clannad), Azumaya Koyuki (Keroro Gunsou), and Rakka (Haibane Renmei), but none of those voices really strike me as a match for the mermaid's. The mermaid sounded much more adult and gruff. Certainly the voice is different than the voice she provides for Koyuki. See sample here. Koyuki is the girl with the black-blue hair and the large pink ribbon in her hair. In the first thirty-three seconds, she talks a fair bit (first at the start, then after a bit of a pause once again at the end of that window of time), giving you a chance to hear what she sounds like. Skip ahead to 1m10s for a bit more. As you can tell for yourself, she sounds nothing like the mermaid. So I'd never have placed that in a million years. Kyou is certainly who she sounds closest to, but I'm not so sure I'd even say that those two share 90%+ the same voice. I think there are whispers of Kyou in the mermaid (and vice-versa) but that's about it. If you were able to sound-match the two just by watching the show, then good call!
In other news, I think I may have identified a subliminal reason why I love Taki Tooru so much (in addition to all the other deserving reasons): she's voiced by none other than Satou Rina, a.k.a. the voice of Minami Haruka. Didn't notice it for myself while watching Natsume Yuujinchou, but now that I've found it out, I can certainly hear it if I make the effort to. Quote:
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Romaji: Koko wa atashi no ... o ki ni iru ko no ie nandakara. Translation (lit.): Because this [place] is my ... kid I've taken an interest in's home. Translation (gen.): Because this is ... the home of a boy I've taken an interest in. In the CrunchyRoll version, she says "This is where the boy I like lives." Now, keep listening to the episode. At 18m00s, you'll hear Nyanko-sensei use the exact same verb to describe the ghost, Karime. (Listen for ki ni itta ie no mono, or "the people in the house he's taken an interest in.") Just like in English, "to take an interest in" in Japanese is full of ambiguity. It could mean "to fancy," it could also mean "to be curious about," it could also mean "to be pleased with." There's no romantic implications definitively in it ... but neither are there not. It's dead neutral, either side could argue it either way. Just like in English if I were to say "I'm interested in Megu," you don't know whether that means I fancy her or whether I'm curious about her and her abilities or whether it means that I do like her but aromantically -- not without more context to inform you, anyway. CR's translation is fine. It's a little cheeky -- before you asked, even I had smiled to myself and kinda rolled my eyes at them for going with such a leading English translation that'd get fangirls to ship Reiko x Shigeru -- but it's really not bad. To say "she likes him" is definitely right. The problem is, their translation then makes Natsume's follow-up where he says, "Reiko, normally you wouldn't say that about a friend, " get lost in translation. IMO, they probably should have just translated it literally as "the boy I've taken an interest in" / "the boy I'm interested in," let the fans squabble over what that might mean from there, and then it would have made Natsume's line make more sense. Because it'd be the very same attitude he'd have had in English: "Grandma, normally you don't describe your friends as being people you have taken an interest in. " In fact, to me, rather than romance, the direction I would probably fan-run with Reiko's line is that she's saying she's taken an interest in him sort of like property or like a surrogate little brother. That he's one of the very few humans whom she's ever liked and who's ever liked her back, so she's interested in him, has a reason to fight for his happiness, and won't let anything jeopardize that. This is no more romantic than it would be if Takashi were to have used the same verb to describe his feelings towards Shigeru and Touko. Or if Madara were to use the word (and I bet he very probably has ) to in describing Natsume. But I'll repeat: it almost has an air of "this is my property, and I won't let you have it" when Reiko chooses those words. Again: fan girls could then speculate that a girl who lays dibs to a guy as her property is claiming him romantically, but I think you and I both know that there are plenty of other circumstances under which a person may lay claim to another. Quote:
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02-19-2012, 01:24 PM | #52 | ||
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Looks like I'm gonna have to double-post again on Monday anyway, dangit. XP
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Whether Toukou does know something is hard to say. Seems impossible after a while that she'd really not recognize any strange signs though... This is a bit of tangent, but here's a theory that's been gnawing at me for a while: Spoiler: show Quote:
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02-19-2012, 02:11 PM | #53 |
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I of course haven't seen the relevant S3 episode, so I don't know, but here's a possibility I'd throw out there given what you've said:
Spoiler: show To be honest, though, I haven't gotten the overbearing impression at all. (Not through where I am, anyway.) Touko strikes me ... Spoiler: show I mean, I haven't seen all that you've seen, but these are just my impressions from Episodes 01 thru 24. But like I said ... if you're right about her being overbearing, then the theory that I've provided in Spoiler Box #1 would be my leading theory. Yuki: Urge to reply ... must ... resist! Mustn't ... post ... before ... Monday's post! X_x It's fun to have someone who engages you in discussion about a show you really enjoy, isn't it? ^_-
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02-20-2012, 05:15 PM | #54 |
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Episode 08:
This was a nice enough episode. Spoiler: show Who knows. Maybe I'm just the biggest skeptic. XP Oh, well. Fluffy happy endings are nice too~ Next week's preview: Ah, had a feeling it would be the moon-splitting festival. I know a lot of people have been looking forward to to this arc, but I guess once again I'm the odd one out, since this story never really captivated my attention in the manga. >.>; Even tried reading it again the other day, and still zoned out a few pages in. x.X Here's hoping seeing it animated will keep me fully engaged. =x Still, I'd rather it only be one episode. ^^; Would actually prefer to trim some fat here if it means getting more plot-relevant content, such as - dare I say it - the next Matoba arc? *dodges bullets* What? This one was actually interesting, and today's episode was a perfect lead-in. At least next week is sure to bring us the infamous "I'm not fabulous because I want to be!" line (the only memorable part of the chapter for me *shot*), assuming the subbers are in on it. XP ... MAGATAMA~
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02-29-2012, 11:38 AM | #55 |
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Nyanko-sensei has the right idea, practically remaining comatose through most of the episode. The beginning was handled well and perked me up a little, but after that it just kinda went back to snoozeville. Spoiler: show I dunno what it is about this plot. It's supposed to be super-epic and exciting, but it puts me to sleep. I just can't seem to get into it. *sigh* Up until the end it appeared it might not be a two-parter either, but alas. ...Can't believe I'm saying this, but ______, get your evil ... TOMORROW?! P.S. I saw the draft you did of Honey's drawing in your Natsume folder in Photobucket, Talon. ^~ Thanks for thinking of me~
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03-12-2012, 05:06 PM | #56 |
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IT'S HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERE! Oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh. I have no words to even describe. And it's only going to get worse with the next two episodes. ;; Ah. Before that, episode 10. Uh, the arc ended. Yay. NOW BACK TO DISCUSSING FEEEEEEELINGS~ Spoiler: show Before the episode aired I was beginning to think this arc should have rounded off S3 instead since it suited the overall theme so well, but this is fine too. I was also anticipating whether or not the whole arc would only last two episodes, and if so what could possibly fill up the final slot. Since the OP suggested they'd use the Kitamoto/Nishimura backstory chapter at some point, was half-wondering if they'd really potentially end the series with it, ha. But no, the preview seems to indicate each chapter of the arc will indeed get its own episode. Which is good, wouldn't want them to rush this. But oh gosh, that also means the pain will be prolonged. Ung, I don't know if my poor heart can take it. Not much else to say about the episode, it really speaks for itself. Just want to comment on how much I admired... Spoiler: show Just this morning I discovered one of the other songs on the OP single is a beautiful ballad, and was blown away. The lead singer does have a rather strong stand-alone voice, I liked the sound of his solo at 0:12 of the full OP. The rest of it is so nasally though, especially when combined with the other guy I didn't bother to download the album yet... But I'm definitely going to have to get it now. Upon reading a rough translation to the lyrics of the former song (spoiler tagged below), I near broke down at how perfectly it fits Natsume's situation right now. ...Okay fine, it's apparently about the Little Mermaid, which becomes more and more obvious as I re-read them. ^^; Spoiler: show *deep breath* Okay, I think writing this post has made me recover enough to watch Another. >.>; <.<; ... ... BAWWWWWWW
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03-12-2012, 05:13 PM | #57 |
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Haven't made any progress, of course, but just reading the first few and the last few sentences of this post, you've got me wondering if something crazy-bad happened like ...
(pure speculation) Spoiler: show
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03-12-2012, 05:48 PM | #58 | |
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You can probably tell by the tone of my posts I'm half-exaggerrating the fangirl spazziness. But it is one of the best and most heartbreaking stories of the series - depending on how much you care about the protagonist.
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04-04-2012, 10:39 AM | #59 |
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It's been over a week and everything's already a blur, but it's time to finally put this review to rest. First things first: I didn't cry. At least not during the finale. Like how Talon described Another, it was... Purely cerebral in its sadness. So it's not that I've needed time to recover or sort out my feelings when it seemed like there weren't many to begin with. Though perhaps that conflict is what confused me, seeing as whenever I stared at screencaps afterwards, mulling over memories... Just the thought of it puts a pang in my gut. Something pricks at my eyes, though I'm not sure what I'm feeling for exactly. Sadness at the knowledge that the animé is over? A deeper latent sense of sympathy for Natsume's pain? Most likely a combination of the two. With that, I haven't much to say about the last two episodes. It's a sobering and simple story, as with all of Natsume's adventures - much of its effect doesn't rely on words, and can't be described as such. It's the subtle gestures that make the magic. Not tragic, but, well... You'll just have to watch and decide what, or how much, it means for your own self. Episode 12: An intermission episode, basically. Personally, I don't feel particularly strong overall about the girl character one way or the other, grown-up or as a child. Her actions are understandable, I feel. Only major comment I have to say is... Spoiler: show Episode 13: What can I say but... Spoiler: show For Natsume it's been such a long journey, my time with him in comparison seems like the blink of an eye. Waiting for news of season 5 will be agony, though I'm sure it's been harder on fans who've followed this series from the beginning. Still, I've greatly appreciated getting to know Natsume and his friends over the course of a few months, and look forward to the day we meet again here. In the meantime, I shall continue watching over this series in another time, another place. (Raws for the latest manga chapter are just out, in fact, and I hear there's some very interesting Reiko development...) The Book of Friends closes on another chapter, for now. ... Sayonara, my friends.
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04-09-2012, 04:22 PM | #60 |
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On a random whim, I decided to watch Episode 25. As the ending credits roll right now, I'm left wondering how I burn out on this series so easily. Episode 25 was a really solid episode for this series. Why is it so hard for me to like Natsume Yuujinchou more? I don't know. But this was a wonderful episode filled with excitement and fan service and everything.
Spoiler: show Looking forward to watching 26. Let's see how far I can get this time before, pleasurable series though this has always been, I burn out once again. ^_^; (I really have no idea why it happens, especially after seeing an episode like this one.)
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04-09-2012, 05:11 PM | #61 | |||
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Somehow I had a feeling you might be whimming for more Natsume soon. ^~ Was it because of my AB post? XD
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Talon: You're as dense as Natsume! >_< I still believe Taki's intentions in leading Sasada away were as pure as Tanuma's, but you're free to interpret it how you want. XP I also like to think Sasada's only curious about Natsume's powers, but there is a serious(ly hilarious) incidental shiptease in season four. It's animé-only though, so consider it canon if you will. ^~ And now to really whet your palate... Spoiler: show Sappy as it is, I wouldn't have minded if they kept that line in the animé too. It is a really nice thought for him to hope for, and hopefully it does come true someday. ^-^ Think you'll start season three? 83 You'll probably like the first episode. ^~
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04-09-2012, 09:42 PM | #62 |
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Episode 26 was full of surprising developments. Though there was one thing I could count on ...
Spoiler: show It was a good episode but I don't have as much to say about it as I did 25. I guess it's on to 27 now. But oh ... one last thing: DAT FINAL SCENE. Spoiler: show In any event, it's on to Episode 27.
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04-09-2012, 10:00 PM | #63 | |
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One other intriguing difference I found is that... Spoiler: show
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04-10-2012, 01:59 PM | #64 |
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Episode 27 was pretty typical. ^^; It was boring and super-mellow in places, it was mildly exciting in others, we got some marginal development for some of the main characters, and the Youkai of the Week wasn't all that interesting. Definitely a pleasant but forgettable episode. I'm surprised that they decided, after such a long hiatus, to start back up with a story like this one. But then again, this episode is so typical of the franchise overall that I suppose it would have been like candy for most Natsume Yuujinchou fans. *sigh*
One thing which has been nagging at me for so long, and the issue sort of came up in this episode, is Madara's power level. I know, I know: this isn't the sort of series where we're meant to get into power level debates. But still: I'm quite intrigued to know how it was that he was sealed and by whom and for what purpose. And I'm very curious to also know what exactly he is. Most of the gods in this series, ŕ la Kannagi, are depicted as having withered away into powerless beings due to the people of the land forgetting about them. But by that same token, we've yet to meet a youkai or kami or any sort of ayakashi which has been more powerful than Madara. And the reason I bring this up now, having just finished Episode 27, is because of the old woman and Natsume's attacker. Spoiler: show One last thing: Spoiler: show As the credits for Episode 28 just loaded up, I spotted the author's name and ... LOL, yuki, is this part of why you like this series so much? XD
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04-10-2012, 02:39 PM | #65 | |||
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I think it's a good episode to start with since it re-introduces the entire concept of the Book of Friends and the importance of Natsume's grandmother, as well as his relationship with the Fujiwaras. The opening scene is fitting too since it shows just how accustomed Natsume's grown to dealing with youkai. You almost get the sense that he's grown up a bit since we last saw him (despite his more youthful appearance XP). Quote:
And besides, she herself seemed a bit clumsy and slow to react, whether due to her "old age" or what. ^^; She failed to steal a mirror from a little girl after all. XP Quote:
Speaking of, the next episode is animé-only again, and a rather weird one at that... Setting aside the main plot, I'll discuss some of the subtler implications of it afterwards. Season three had some duller arcs IMO, but makes up for it with a few really special gems. Episode 04 is another one of my overall favorites. Edit- Btw, forgot to say the teacup youkai is one of my favorites. <3 It's not sickeningly cute like some of the other creatures we've seen, but its intentions and actions are so earnest it's naturally endearing~
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04-13-2012, 06:56 PM | #66 |
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I forgot to talk about Episode 28 here after I saw it, though I know I did discuss it with Yuki on Skype. I actually enjoyed it more than I did 27. It's a little surprising to learn that it was a TV-only story because usually those kinds of episodes tend to be crappy in any franchise but this one was actually a pretty good episode and I never suspected that it was made for TV. (In fact, I didn't even remember Yuki telling me this until literally seconds after I told her on Skype that I'd just watched it.) Not much to say other than that I liked it. Oh, and Natsume Reiko showing up two episodes in a row certainly didn't hurt matters either. Episode 29's what I just watched right now. Going into it, I thought I was going to dislike it. I really, really tend to hate episodes where some random kid from the protagonist's childhood shows up. But the episode surprised me with a story that had little to do with this kid being a former acquaintance of Natsume's and more with the ghost story at hand, namely ... Spoiler: show It could have been anybody -- a no-name classmate of Natsume's, one of his friends, Tanuma or the glasses girl, even Natsume himself -- and this episode still would have been fascinating. (I omit Taki's name since I don't want her having eyes for anyone other than Natsume. ) What made it interesting wasn't who was involved but rather what they were involved with. Spoiler: show
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04-13-2012, 07:16 PM | #67 | ||
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Me: Yum. 83
Nyanko-sensei: YUM. *chomp* Quote:
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One of my favorite episodes coming up next. <3 Look forward to it!
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04-13-2012, 07:20 PM | #68 |
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I don't understand. You know that I enjoyed the firefly episode, so why would you question that I would like what you're arguing to be a similar episode? Even more confusing to me, though, is that you're comparing these two episodes. I ........ am not seeing the connection.
(Note: just because I far preferred the swallow episode doesn't mean I didn't care for the firefly episode.)
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04-13-2012, 07:24 PM | #69 | |
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04-13-2012, 08:11 PM | #70 |
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Those two were incredibly similar and one followed pretty closely on the heels of the other. This is either (1) different enough from them or else (2) viewed so long after the other two that I was able to enjoy it. *shrug* In any event, 27 remains the weakest episode so far for Season 3.
Just finished Episode 30. It was good. Rather different sort of story both in presentation and category than what we usually get with this show. I can see why Yuki liked it so much though : Spoiler: show I liked the spirit in this one quite a lot. It's too bad she lives so far away from where Natsume resides now since it all but guarantees we're likely to never see her again. I mean, I guess I should be grateful that this author has any recurring characters at all. XP ^^; But it sure would be nice if so many of the cute, powerful, or tragic spirits we meet weren't one-time deals. Just started up Episode 31 and L-O-L at what was on the other side of that door. Good lord do I love Taki.
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04-14-2012, 02:03 AM | #71 | |
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Spoiler: show Well, I said I'd only talk about little things... But it ended up being a long post anyway, since it's the little things that make this episode (and the series overall) IMO. ^^;
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04-14-2012, 09:56 AM | #72 |
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I paused the episode and shouted out loud when Touko said that. "I feel so guilty!" I was shouting "WHAT THE HELLLLLLLLL? " quite a few times. Touko takes Japanese humility to a whole other level. This was just absurd. You were the victim here, Touko, not the victimizer. What the hell. That girl was a total bitch to you. She should be the one haunted by this experience, not you. But I totally forgot about it by episode's end, whoops. ^_^;
The nyanko thing is a bit of a Japanese lesson. Not too long though ... Spoiler: show That's interesting to learn that the coat was originally ____'s instead of ____'s. That certainly does make the original walk back home awkward. (Small gripe: you reminded me that the sub I saw translated 埃臭い hokorikusai as "dusty" but really it's "smells like dust," which I think you could appreciate from how Natsume was sniffing it as he fell asleep.) You hit on a lot of good points. Given what you said last night, I guess you just didn't want to write up a huge post ............. but then your desire to do so overwhelmed your desire not to do so. But yeah, you clearly had a lot to say about this episode: a lot that would have gone unsaid had you never posted. So, cool that you posted.
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04-14-2012, 10:38 AM | #73 | |
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At any rate, I just find it cute that Natsume would hold onto that nickname from childhood. ^-^ Aw and D= @ "Nyanko Burger". I didn't expect to say that much about the episode, considering I forgot about the Touko issue myself until I revisited it. >>; But yeah, that was weird to me when I first saw it.
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04-14-2012, 03:32 PM | #74 |
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31 was an okay episode. Kind of like with Reiko, any episode featuring Taki is instantly +1'd, but to be quite honest the episode wasn't nearly as exciting as I think it was intended to be.
One thing that also bugs me about Season 3, and we saw it in this episode too, is that out of nowhere Natsume is suddenly coming on really strong about not liking youkai, what with lines like "nothing good ever comes out of seeing youkai." This is kind of absurd for him to be saying at this late stage of the game. It would have flown maybe back around Season 1 Episode 5 or earlier, but by Season 3 Episode 5, Natsume has been rescued so many times by Nyanko-sensei and has made so many sweet friends or had so many dear adventures with various kinds of youkai (like the fox spirit or the chick-dragon spirit) that lines like these just seem bizarre to be hearing now. Not to mention that Season 2 wrapped up specifically with ... Spoiler: show I dunno. I don't like it, but meh, maybe some of these Season 3 chapters showed up earlier in the manga than the finisher to Season 2 and that might explain the seeming contradictions. *shrug* If not ... then I guess I just get to be frustrated with the author's wishy-washy development for the boy's attitude towards youkai. Anyway, back to Episode 31. It was kind of sad to see that Taki's lineage died out so long ago, that even Taki's grandfather was perhaps less spiritually able than Tanuma is, never mind Natsume. It was also kind of sad to learn that her parents found this stuff creepy and didn't like her messing around with it. It's a shame that the family estate fell into the hands of such individuals. (Then again, perhaps Taki's is a branch family? Hell, that could even explain why they once had spiritual power but no longer do. Maybe. Possibly.) Kinda disappointed that Nyanko-sensei failed to detect the youkai. He was all like, "Yeah, there are some small fries here, but nothing too serious." And yet ... I dislike it because it enters into canon the idea that Madara isn't powerful enough or skilled enough to be able to detect serious threats that are masking or have had their spiritual energies masked.
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04-14-2012, 06:32 PM | #75 | |||
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Spoiler: show Plus, Team Takinatsuma ftw. It should be +3, lol. XP Quote:
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Honestly, I think you give the cat too much credit. ^^; He's probably not the most powerful youkai in all the land. Even he can be deceived sometimes, especially if he's not paying attention. Just like top predators can be fooled by simple tricks like camouflage, which prey have adapted to survive. There are always exceptions to the rule. He was sealed once too, remember? So he can be overpowered even by humans, meaning he's also susceptible to their spells.
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