Anime Vampire

2012 Year of the Black Water Dragon

2012-01-19T08:05:00.002+08:00

Dragon of the Darkness Flame (Jaō Ensatsu Kokuryūha or literally Tyrant-King's Blaze-Murdering Black-Dragon-Wave; aka Black Dragon Hellfire)

"I have the power of the black dragon, because now I am the dragon." - Hiei, Yu Yu Hakusho

Green with Envy

2011-12-14T06:45:00.001+08:00

Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own.
- Harold Coffin

Let the Homunculus guide you

2011-12-03T01:01:00.003+08:00

in the depths of my heart
pride is my dearest friend
wrath is my source of energy
greed is my greatest motivator
lust is my enduring partner
envy is my inspiration
gluttony is my driving force
sloth is my action

Bark is worse than the Bite

2011-12-02T20:12:00.002+08:00

"I don't care how many damned dogs you got. They don't amount a jack of being tough enough to bark when they're not alone." - Mugen, Samurai Champloo

Magma Element Blazing Boulder Steam

2011-11-27T04:14:00.002+08:00

Roshi's Ninjutsu Yōton: Shaku Garyūgan no Jutsu (Lava Release: Blazing Boulder Stream Technique) spews out a number of molten rocks to random directions, making it difficult to avoid.

Water Release: Bubble Boom Technique

2011-11-27T04:07:00.002+08:00

Filling the battlefield with bubbles, Utakata can detonate them to explode by snapping his fingers or when the bubbles come into physical contact. Such is the blast of his Ninjutsu Suiton: Hōmatsu no Jutsu.

Secret Technique: Scale Camouflage

2011-11-27T04:00:00.003+08:00

Hiden: Rinpungakure no Jutsu (Hidden Technique: Hiding in Scale Powder Technique) enables Fuu to create a cloud of insect scales which conceals her and her allies from enemies' vision, gaining an advantage.

Water Release: Water Mirror Technique

2011-11-27T03:52:00.002+08:00

Yagura creates a pool of water resembling a mirror against an incoming foe. The Ninjutsu Suiton: Mizukagami no Jutsu then materializes a water clone which dispels the enemy's attack and upon completion of its purpose, disperses back to water.

Don't Mess with B

2011-11-27T03:15:00.002+08:00

Sad Meaningless World

2011-11-27T03:02:00.004+08:00

"Life's so fragile, a successful virus clinging to a speck of mud, suspended in endless nothing."

- Alan Moore, Watchmen

Tobi or not Tobi

2011-11-27T02:35:00.003+08:00

Naruto 564
No One

Major Plot Developments
Naruto and Killer B is now fighting against the Masked Man (aka Madara) with the six previous Jinchuuriki's - Yugito Nii, Yagura, Roshi, Han, Utakata, and Fu.

Minor Details
Madara's left eye, which now dons the Rinnegan, was actually taken from Nagato. Naruto was oblivious to this and thought that Madara was covering the Rinnegan all along due to his previous mask which only reveals one eye.

Madara (or Tobi) says that his identity does not matter when Naruto informs him that the "other" Madara is out.

The Kyuubi was surprised to hear Naruto say that he does not think negatively about being a Jinchuuriki.

Shield of Sand and Stone Golem

2011-11-22T02:45:00.003+08:00

Oonoki and Gaara were able to guard themselves from Madara's assault by merging two bulwark techniques, which are:

"Suna no Tate" (Sand Shield) is a technique wherein the sand which Gaara always carries defends him from harm and can be rivaled only by the spirit of an overprotective mother.

Oonoki can summon an "Iwa no Gōremu" (Rock Golem) to act as a barrier Ninjutsu from incoming attacks.

Water Release Hidden Mist Technique

2011-11-22T02:42:00.003+08:00

"Suiton: Kirigakure no Jutsu" (Water Style: Hiding in Mist Technique) is a basic Ninjutsu from Kirigakure where the shinobi uses mist to obscure the enemies' sight by producing steam from a nearby water source or usually by breathing it out from the mouth.

Lava Release Melting Apparition Technique

2011-11-22T02:38:00.005+08:00

Mizukage Mei is known to coat her enemies in lava to prevent them from jumping to escape through her Kekkei Genkai Ninjutsu "Yōton: Yōkai no Jutsu" (Lava Style: Demon Dissolution Technique). Yokai is a pun for the two meanings - demon and dissolution.

Lightning Oppression Horizontal Chop

2011-11-22T02:34:00.004+08:00

"Raigyaku Suihei Choppu" (Lightning Oppression Horizontal Millennial Dance) is Raikage Ei's Taijustu wherein he increases the force of his attacks, in this case - a smashing fist - by coating himself with Lightning aura.

Compliment usually depends on the Source

2011-11-22T02:25:00.005+08:00

Women are never disarmed by compliments; men always are.
- Oscar Wilde

Clash of the Shinobi Titans!

2011-11-22T00:16:00.004+08:00

Naruto 563
Gathering of the Five Kages

The fight between the Five Kages against the "zombie" Madara has now started and things are heating up.

Meanwhile, Naruto encounters and clashes with the "other" Madara.

Suffer to be Wiser

2011-11-07T13:10:00.002+08:00

We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival. - Winston Churchill

When a Shinobi forgets other Shinobi

2011-11-07T13:05:00.003+08:00

A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor's. - Richard Whately

The Dream Team

2011-11-05T15:04:00.004+08:00

Naruto 562
Find Yourself

Tsunade ordered Mabui to send them to the battlefield using Mabui's Teleportation Technique, which was not designed for human flesh. But Tsunade and Raikage insisted and were able to successfully teleport without harm with the help of Tsunade's Yin Seal Release Ninja Art Genesis Rebirth. Mei Terumi was transported to the battlefield as well with the help of Genma and his team. Now, the Five Kage faces Madara.

A Victor's Defeat

2011-11-05T14:39:00.003+08:00

Naruto 561
The Power in a Name

Major Plot Developments
Even though Madara lost to Hashirama, he gained a portion of his opponent's strength. Thus, Madara is able to use Wood Jutsu and has a high possibility that he will be able to successfully capture the Kyuubi.

The Kyuubi recognizes Madara's chakra and lends his chakra to Naruto because he dislikes that Uchiha controlling him.

Oonoki stopped Madara's destructive planetary spell using Earth Release: Ultra Lightweight Rock Technique but was severly injured. Despite that, he is still eager to fight Madara.

Where does the Rinnegan come from?

2011-10-24T09:01:00.002+08:00

Naruto Chapter 560
Uchiha Madara

Major Plot Developments
+ Madara was able to unlock his "prime" shortly before his death. This "prime" is the Rinnegan, and it evolved from his Sharingan. Kabuto gave Madara a special version of his Impure World Resurrection to experiment this hypothesis, which has now been proven true via Madara and Kabut would like a fragment of this power.

Minor Details
+ Madara reveals staple Uchiha techniques such as Katon and the Susanoo.

+ Muu is unable to use Dust techniques when his body is split.

Techniques revealed/used
Katon: Gouka Mekyakku [Fire Technique: Inferno Destruction]
Madara breathes out a huge reach of flames. Madara used it against the many ninjas of the Joint Shinobi Army.

[Water Technique: Water Fortification]
The Joint Shinobi Army spits out a wall of aqua. They used it to defend against Madara's Gouka Mekyakku but was conquered nonetheless.

[Super Giant Ball Rasengan]
Naruto's much improved Rasengan. He used it to leap attack on Madara.

[Earth Technique: Earth Core Shift]
Oonoki causes the earth below his target to shift, carrying him upwards. He used this against Madara so that Naruto's [Super Giant Ball Rasengan] may connect.

Summon Susanoo
Madara calls upon a gigantic spirit which takes up damage for him. He used it against Naruto's [Super Giant Ball Rasengan] and Oonoki's [Earth Technique: Earth Core Shift] combo.

[Earth Technique: Relative Weight Rock Technique]
Oonoki causes the weight of the things he touches to be lighter. He cast this on Gaara so that his sand will become lighter and thus, much faster.

Rasen Shuriken
Naruto evolves his Rasengan into a wind shuriken. He used it against Madara.

Activate Rinnegan
Madara activates the Rinnegan using his Sharingan and soaks up incoming attacks (To be confirmed). This was used by Madara against Naruto's Rasen Shuriken.

Summon World
Madara summons what seems like a giant planet from the skies. (To be confirmed)

How to Hunt and Create a Demon

2011-10-18T07:43:00.003+08:00

D Gray Man is an anime about Allen Walker set in the Industrial Revolution timeline. In the first episode, it is revealed that he is an exorcist travelling his way to the exorcist headquarters and his encounter with a demon.

His left hand has the ability to transform into one gigantic claw capable of tearing demons to oblivion.

Of interesting note is the process as to how to create a demon.

Do not judge the shinobi by his jutsu

2011-10-18T05:50:00.002+08:00

Naruto Chapter 559

2011-10-17T04:34:00.006+08:00

"Reinforcements Arrive"

Major Plot Development
+ It is revealed that Kabuto's trump card is none other than Uchiha Madara himself! Which puzzles everyone about the true identity of the Madara who has acquired the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and Rinnegan.

+ Naruto is now in every battlefield thanks to his staple Shadow Clone Technique.Talk about being the main protagonist of this manga.

Minor Details
+ Despite Kiba's heightened sense of smell and Neji's chakra detecting bloodline Byakugan, they were not able to recognize Naruto's chakra.

Stock Ahead on Apples

2011-10-07T03:15:00.001+08:00

Hollow Ichigo

2011-10-04T22:01:00.001+08:00

Mathematics of Cooking

2011-09-18T10:08:00.002+08:00

Cooking is Synthesis!

Even if the ingredients are lacking or even if it's starting to rot. Cooking it in heat, and a perfect blend of seasoning will naturally bring out the flavor.

- Shugarl, Defense Devil Ch42
Note: Shugarl is a demon who is obsessed with getting things done perfectly right through precise mathematical formulations.

Naruto Chapter 553

2011-09-07T23:53:00.005+08:00

Arrival at the Main Battleground

Naruto, Gaara and Onoki up against Muu
While Muu was casting his Dust Release on Onoki when Naruto came at him from the back using his new and modified technique Planetary Rasengan. Naruto missed because Muu is revealed to be a Sensor-Type by Onoki. But Naruto instructed Gaara to make a base for him using his sand. With it, Naruto bounced back and is about to make a counterattack on the Second Tsuchikage. Muu, thinking that his jutsu is faster, continued casting his Dust Release. Later did he realize that it was too late as Naruto's Rankaiten Rasengan connected, throwing him from the air and into the ground. Onoki then cast Doton: Kajuugan no Jutsu (Earth Element: Sinking Rock Technique) on Muu, immobilizing him. Muu sarcastically congratulated Onoki, being a shinobi who detested other villages, on his victory with the aid of the other shinobis. Onoki replied that he had lived too long like that and would appreciate a change before the Second Tsuchikage was sealed for good. After their victory, Shikaku Nara informs the puzzled Gaara and Onoki as to why Naruto was allowed on the battlefield. Later on, they separated ways.

Second Mizukage and the Third Raikage
A squad of the Joint Shinobi Army is defeated by the lone Second Mizukage. Meanwhile, the Third Raikage is up against another group of Joint Shinobi Army with which one of the members is Dodai. Dodai has previously worked with the Third Raikage and he reveals that in order for their allies to retreat safely, the Third Raikage fought against 10,000 opponents in 3 nights and 3 days. He also said that they needed more Wind-Element Users with which Temari admitted to being one. Temari also revealed that there are not much Wind-Element Users around - except Naruto, who conveniently arrived at the scene to offer his aid.

Sasuke's Mangekyou Sharingan
Somewhere underground, some white Zetsu clones where made target practice by Sasuke's Susanoo. When offered to test his abilities outside where there is sunlight, Sasuke refused the offer with "these eyes can see fine in the darkness" - revealing a newly unlocked Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan.

Defense Devil

2011-09-07T18:54:00.005+08:00

This is a manga about a devil who helps humans who were mistakenly sent to hell. The devil's name is Mephisto Bart Kucabara and is accompanied by his devil dragon sidekick Bichura. The manga is written by Youn In-Wan and illustrated by Yang Kyung-il and started out as a one-shot manga entitled "Akuma Bengoshi Kukabara" (Devil Advocate Kukabara).

How to Batch Convert PNG to JPG

2011-09-06T01:20:00.004+08:00

When reading manga, there are times that some file types are not readable or are unsupported by certain softwares (comic book reader, for instance). But worry not for you can easily do this using Photoshop's "Automate" feature. First you have to establish the "process flow".

1. Open the file.
2. Go to Window then select Actions (Hotkey: Alt+F9).
3. "Create New Action". Name it and you may also give it a function key which will act like a hotkey. From here on, it will be recording your "process flow".
4. Go to File then select Save for Web (Hotkey: Ctrl=Alt+Shift+S). Make sure to save the file using the extension that is supported by your software of choice. Also, do note that the location where you saved the first file will become the destination folder for any other files that you converted using such Action.
5. Now Go to File then select Automate then choose Batch. (Hotkey: Alt+F, U, B)
6. Choose the Action using the name that you saved previously.
7. Choose the source folder then press Ok.
8. Done! Enjoy!

Source: [How To] Batch Convert PNG to JPEG Using Photoshop CS2

Capricorn Horoscope August 26 2011

2011-08-26T07:02:00.001+08:00

Capricorn Horoscope August 15 2011

2011-08-15T23:39:00.002+08:00

However, the only thing I'm creative about right now is writing names on a Death Note.

Favorite Bleach Couple - Yoruichi love Urahara

2011-08-11T22:47:00.004+08:00

Urahara Kisuke
and
Yuroichi Shihoin

Panty and Stocking Police

2011-08-01T14:54:00.004+08:00

These are Panty and Stocking (make no mistake, that's their name) wearing police uniforms from the anime "Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt"

Self-Acceptance Kei Yuuki Quote

2011-07-11T22:21:00.004+08:00

"It's hard to live without being hated but you'll be hated if others find out you're trying to live so that other's won't hate you"
- Yuuki Kei, Moyashimon

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood

2011-06-28T06:31:00.004+08:00

"Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain it, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange."

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the second adaptation of the hit manga series "Full Metal Alchemist" by Hirumo Arakawa, the first adaptation being "Full Metal Alchemist". It is set in the European Industrial Revolution period where the main science is Alchemy. The story centers on two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who have committed an Alchemy taboo and must face the consequences of their actions.

Demon's Cogito

2011-06-19T01:06:00.006+08:00

"I think therefore I am a demon"
- Pierrot, D'Grayman

Such quote is a refitting of "I think therefore I am", the philosophical statement of Rene Descartes more popular in Latin as "Cogito ergo sum".

Sakura's Resolve

2011-05-20T06:09:00.002+08:00

Naruto Shippuden episode 212 - Sakura's Resolve

Sakura reminisce the days when she was totally infatuated with Sasuke but failed to see the shadow that grows inside the renegade ninja she fell in love with. Now that she finally has the chance to meet Sasuke, what will she resolve to do?

Nine Cutting Fingers of Ninjutsu

2011-04-04T01:14:00.002+08:00

A great finger exercise for those who are always in front of their PC/computers/laptops. Quite similar to the hand seals used during battles in Naruto. It appears those finger seals prove to be useful and are not only for show.

The Fourth Ninja War

2010-11-12T11:33:00.001+08:00

Naruto 515 - The War begins!

The Turtle island, carried by the Tsuchikage in mid-air to avoid being tracked by Kabuto's giant snake scout, has finally arrived to its destination - the location of the United Shinobi Army. Naruto and Bee is still housed safe and sound in the Turtle Island. Inside, both Jinchuuriki are training to be one with their chakra, specially Naruto. The United Shinobi Army received new intel from Konoha about Mountain's Grave which appears to be the current location of the Akatsuki and wasting no time, they send scouts right away. They also made a new head protector, donning it as one entity - The United Shinobi Army. They have also been assigned to groups fitting to their abilities:
Ambush Company - Kankurou, Sai
Medical Logistics - Shizune is the Company Captain
Sensor Company 1- Inoichi is the Company Captain. Aoba is one of the members
Sensor Company 2 - Ao is the Company Captain
Joint Shinobi Army Commander General - Gaara as well s the
Division 1: Midrange Fighter Division - Darui is the Division General. Ten ten is one of the members
Division 2: Close Range Fighter Division - Kitsuchi is the Division General. Hinata, Neji are some of the members
Division 3: Close/Midrange Fighter Division - Kakashi is the Division General. Rock Lee, Sakura, Guy are some of the members
Division 4: Long Range Fighter Division - Gaara is the Division General. Shikamaru, Temari, Chouji are some of the members
Division 5 Special Ops - Mifune is the Division General Ino. Kiba, Shino are some of the members

Elsewhere, Yamato is captured by Kabuto - his wood element jutsu suppressed through snake poison. Kabuto is confident, with his truth serum and Madara's Sharingan, they can extract a lot of valuable information from Yamato. Yamato is later revealed to be sealed in the same statue where Harishima is. The Akatsuki Army consists of:
Former Members of Akatsuki - Nagato, Kakuzu, Deidara, Sasori and Itachi
Former Jinchuurikis
Previous Kages
Infamous Ninjas - Zabusa, Haku, Kimimaro, Chiyo, Hanzou, Asuma, a Hyuuga (probably Neji's father and )Tsunade's lover
and of course, the Zetsu Army

Everyone is preparing for battle. The Fourth Ninja War is coming!

Death of Pein - Nagato and Yahiko

2010-11-05T15:20:00.003+08:00

Naruto Shippuuden 175 Hero of the Hidden Leaf

Just when Kakashi has forgiven his father in where appears to be "afterlife", a strange green light struck him. Elsewhere, Fukasaku and Shizune along with everybody else have been revived as soon as the same strange green light struck them. It appears those are their souls finding their way back to their earthly bodies. Everyone is shocked at what's happening. Somehow, Naruto was able to talk sense into Nagato which caused this unexpected and remarkable phenomena. As payment for the impossible jutsu, Nagato's life ends but his trust on Naruto brining about peace still does not die. Konan takes Nagato and Yahiko's corpses and decides to leave Akatsuki. Naruto returns to the village and is welcomed whole heartedly as the Hero of Konoha.

"I pray that you will be the blossom of hope that never wilts" - Konan

Kabuto, Zetsu, Madara - Akatsuki on the Move

2010-11-05T15:13:00.001+08:00

Naruto 512 The Truth Behind Zetsu

Now that the enemy Akatsuki knows where the Nine Tails and the Eight Tails are hidden, Naruto and the gang decided to move away from their current location but at the same time must remain on the island. How can that be possible? It appears that the island is a moving fortress atop a giant "hatchling" tortoise which the Cloud Village have taken care of since ancient times. They intend to move closer to Hidden Cloud for safety.

Meanwhile, Kabuto offers to capture the two Jinchuriki's to earn Madara's trust. He has also been interested with Orochimaru's First Hokage Copy experiment Yamato. Zetsu has also been revealed to be "the key to fighting their numbers". The 3 Akatsuki goes to a room where the Heretical Demon Statue is kept, trapped within it is the First Hokage Senju Hashirama. But that is not what Madara wanted to show Kabuto. It appears that Madara has created an army of Zetsu, one hundred thousand of them.

Image courtesy of Mangastream

Elsewhere, the Council of Kage's are discussing their options and ended with Tsuchikage going to Naruto's location since he can fly. Now, accompanied by the late Deidara, Kabuto prepares to initiate Akatsuki's action plan.

Where to download Berserk manga?

2010-10-05T01:55:00.003+08:00

Wonderful Griffith rendition by "gtako"

Wondering where to download Berserk manga? Naruto Community is a good resource for Berserk manga (as well as other manga). Registration, which is quite easy and quick, is required though if one intends to download from the site. Enjoy!

Naruto Manga Chapter 511 - We'll All Come Home

2010-10-03T21:32:00.003+08:00

As Konan slowly fades away, memories of her past with Yahiko and Nagato revisits her. Back when they were being trained by Jiraiya about planks to decode warning signals so that the young shinobis would be able to react to an emergency accordingly. She also remembers how they had to abandon the secret room to fulfill their dreams, and how they would all return home again and celebrate.

Meanwhile, the current circumstances apparently favors the remaining Akatsuki members - Zetsu recovers crucial information about the Jinchuurikis from Kisame while Kabuto rendezvous with Madara who reclaims the Rinnegan from Nagato's corpse, receives a new mask, and is now hell bent on capturing the Jinchuuriki Naruto.

Where is your god now?

2010-04-03T14:18:00.006+08:00

Berserk Chapter 139 - Retribution: Bound in Iron Coming and Going

True enough, Gatsu succesfully fended off the group of possessed wild dogs as soon as dawn broke. He had to chop off every limb from each beast so that the demons cannot revive themselves. The hostage noble Farnese attempted to escape by mounting on Gatsu's horse, only to find out that the steed was also possessed by a demon. The scene where the demonic horse trying to defile Farnese made Gatsu remember of the time when Casca was being violated by the demons during Griffith's descent to demonhood. The rage that Gatsu felt upon recalling such scene inspired him to effectively defend Farnese from the hellish horse and annihilate the diabolic dog pack. Shocked and confused of the horrors and carnage right before her eyes, Farnese made a realization about herself and her god...

Naruto manga chapter 466 "Battle behind Closed Doors"

2009-10-05T02:30:00.007+08:00

"But I'll give you a kiss to remember me by" - Mizukage

Click on the image to read Naruto manga chapter 466 "Battle behind Closed Doors" courtesy of Onemanga

With the help of her assistant Choujiro, Mizukage trapped Sasuke inside a confined room she created using her "Yoton Yokai no Jutsu". Choujiro utilized his "Hiramekarei Release" technique in order to drive Sasuke into such closed space. Mizukage now has the upper hand when she cornered Sasuke and claimed that she has more than one "Kekkei Genkai". Mizukage's breathes out an Acid Mist called "Futton Komu no Jutsu" which dissolved Sasuke's so called ultimate defense technique "Susanoo". Luckily for Sasuke, Zetsu's "Hoshi no Jutsu" starts to kick in and drains those affected of their chakra, interrupting Mizukage and the others. The strange technique also replenishes Sasuke as it made contact with him. Now replenished of Chakra, Sasuke breaks free from the confined room but Mizukage's Acid Mist also made it outside such room.

Tsuchikage decides to join the fight against Sasuke when he noticed Mizukage having difficulty. His assistant Akatsuchi used a strange Earth technique to free themselves of Zetsu's "Hoshi no Jutsu". Tsuchikage used "Doton Kajugan no Jutsu" to shatter the earth beneath him and used "Jinton Genkai Hakuri no Jutsu" to smash Sasuke to smithereens. Raikage and Kazekage Gaara finally arrived at the meeting room and Raikage was furious at Tsuchikage for depriving him of defeating Sasuke. However, Uchiha Madara reveals himself, saves Sasuke in time, and intends to disclose to the Five Kage about his so called "The Moon's Eye Plan."

Bleach manga chapter 376 "Execution, Extinction 2"

2009-10-04T06:05:00.009+08:00

"I never thought after all the trouble I went through gathering you Espadas, that I alone would be more powerful than the lot of you." - Sousoke Aizen

Click on the image to read Bleach manga chapter 376
"Execution, Extinction 2" courtesy of BleachWorld.

The Espada has greatly disappointed Aizen who then decides to dispose off the remaining Espada Tia Halibel. Halibel manages to counter attack by stabbing Aizen back but it to turns out be one of Aizen's mirage. Not only was Aizen safe and unscathed, he also managed to land the final blow and end Halibel's life. Yet again another sad and mediocre death for a like-able Primera Espada. Could this be goodbye to Halibel? Aizen then taunts both Gotei 13 and the Vizards afterwards.

Nearby, Kuna Mashiro was surprised with this rather interesting turn of events while fighting Margera Wonderweiss. Muguruma Kensei, who is Mashiro's captain, scolds Mashiro of her rather reckless use of her Hollowfication which was activated for too long. But Mashiro discloses that she can activate Hollowfication for 15 hours. When Wonderweiss tore Mashiro's scarf, she got pissed off and attacks with a "Mashiro Super Cero", a technique where she launches a Cero blast by doing a kick motion. Wonderweiss erased the Hollow spell without effort though. When Mashiro was about to launch another one of her "Mashiro Super" attacks, her Hollow mask unexpectedly shatters which left her prone for Wonderweiss to punch her in the head. However, Wonderweiss' succeeding attack was blocked by Kensei who saved his unconscious lieutenant in time.

Naruto manga chapter 465 "Attack on the Summit"

2009-09-28T00:20:00.006+08:00

Click on the image to read Naruto manga chapter 465 "Attack on the Summit" courtesy of Onemanga.

It appears that Sasuke fought Raikage and Kazekage Gaara only to try out if he could summon the Susanoo, with which he was rather successful. His Susanoo, however, was different from Itachi not only in appearance but also its evil aura. Sasuke used Susanoo to collapse the building and find a way to escape and get to Danzo. He saved Karin since she can detect chakra and he needs her to get to Danzou, leaving Suigetsu and Jugo behind. Soon, Sasuke arrived at the room where Mizukage, Tsuchikage and the current Hokage Danzo are but Sasuke was too late. Danzo managed to escape unnoticed. Sasuke intends to pursue Danzo but he was stopped by Mizukage using her Kekkei Genkai, Yoton no Jutsu, a corrosive liquid technique. Looks like Sasuke will be busy for a while.

Some interesting details:

- Suigetsu managed to fix Zabusa's blade before the building caved in on him.
- Sasuke saved Karin from the falling rocks using Susanoo but threw her cold afterwards.
- Jugo sucked chakra (or blood) from a Samurai to heal himself.
- Mizukage is hot!

Bleach manga chaper 375 "Execution, Extinction"

2009-09-27T00:28:00.004+08:00

"Only underlings get caught up in matters of style and lose the battle. A captain can't afford such indulgences." - Shunsui Kyoraku

Click on the image to read Bleach manga chaper 375 "Execution, Extinction" courtesy of Onemanga. The Stark and Halibel image is a wallpaper manip by Master Kenny.

They say that life flashes right before your eyes before you die. The Espada were no exemption as Stark reminisce the time when Aizen found him alone somewhere in Hueco Mundo. Is Stark's power really tremendous that the Hollows died just by being with him? At any rate, that doesn't really matter now as Stark falls down from the sky after receiving a deadly blow from Kyoraku. The hole, which represents the "heart" of a Hollow, in Stark's chest shattered when he fell. Could it signify his end (and any other Arrancar's death for that matter)? If so, that was a rather short and disappointing end to a powerful Primera Espada ranked as number 1.

"Crush, Haguro Tonbu" - Yadomaru, Lisa

The Vizard Yadomaru Lisa finally revealed the true form of her Zanpakutou. It appears to be a long spear with a shovel-shaped blade tip.

"Chop, Kubikiri Orochi" - Sarugaki Hiyori

Sarugaki Hiyori also released her Zanpakutou which takes the form of a large sword with a saw-like teeth blade in one end. With Lisa and Toushiro, the trio simultaneously attacked the remaining (and perhaps the last) Primera Espada Halibel. Halibel survived the attack long enough to see Aizen heading towards her direction...and disposing her. It appears that Aizen, still calm and composed despite losing almost all his soldiers, is moving to the next phase of his ever inscrutable plan.

Bleach manga chapter 374 "Grey Wolves, Red Blood, Black Clothes, White Bones"

2009-09-21T20:46:00.003+08:00

"I want to be weak. If that's impossible, at least give me someone as strong as I am" - Coyote Stark

Click on the image to read Bleach manga chapter 374 "Grey Wolves, Red Blood, Black Clothes, White Bones" courtesy of Onemanga

Kyoraku reveals the interesting ability of his Zanpakutou, Katen Kyokotsu - to make children's games real. Also, Stark's Zanpakutou reverted to its default katana form for reason which was not explained. Kyoraku was able to hide and strike from the shadows through Katen Kyokotsu's Kageoni(Shadow Demon) game. Another game of Katen Kyokotsu is Takaoni (Mountain Demon) wherein whoever is in higher ground wins. Kyoraku played another gamed called Irooni (Colored Demon) and slashed Stark in the arm after calling out the color "Gray". Stark noticed that he only took minimal damage despite the attack, he was slashed in his hands where there were gray fur, and saw that Kyoraku didn't wear anything gray. Kyoraku revealed that "Irooni" is a game of colors - one must declare the color he intends to cut and he can't cut anything aside from that color. Also, the color chosen can damage the person as well. The higher the risk, the more damage it inflicts. But there was no need for Kyoraku to declare the rules of the game since Stark was able to decipher this within one blow from Kyoraku. The Shinigami captain complimented the Primera Espada for being a "tough opponent" but Stark only felt loneliness. Stark lost all his friends because they were weaker than him. He was so lonely that he split his soul into two - Coyote Stark and Lilynette Gingerback. This is perhaps another rare and interesting characteristic coming from an Espada - the desire to be weak. The chapter ends when Kyoraku uttered "Black" and slashed Stark's head, blood gushing out from his hair.

Bleach manga chapter 373 "Wolves Ain't Howl Alone"

2009-09-20T16:03:00.005+08:00

"We are the Primera Espada, Coyote Stark and Lilynette Gingerback...and this is our power" - Coyote Stark

Click image to read Bleach manga chapter 373
"Wolves Ain't Howl Alone" courtesy of Onemanga

The chapter reveals Coyote Stark's ability to summon and command a spirit wolf pack which greatly outnumbers Love and Rose. The Vizards had to resort to their Hollow masks in order to fend off the attacking canines. Some of Rose's powers and abilities were also briefly displayed here. With the command "Play, Kinshara", Rose's Zanpakutou transforms into a steel whip with a flower-like blade tip at the end. Despite disliking magical attacks such as Stark's Spirit Wolves, Rose has a somewhat magical attack which he calls "Kinshara Sonata no.11: Izayoi Bara". It enables the flower-shaped tip to release an energy blast. Despite what Rose said that it's not a magical attack but an art, it still does look magical to Love. The spirit wolves appear to be composed of flames (later thought to be Cero as Love theorized) and will explode on impact. Stark later reveals that the spirit wolves were not flames nor Cero but were really pieces of Lilynette's soul as well as his own, and are therefore more destructive than Cero. Why are the Espada fond of revealing their abilities? Stark allowed the Vizards to make a run for it, as expected of his lazy attitude, and tells them that he will not chase them. But their conversation and fight was discontinued when a blade from an unknown source pierced Stark from the back and through the chest.

Bleach manga chapter 372 "The Metal Cudgel Flinger"

2009-09-20T11:17:00.003+08:00

"After someone dies, it always become a battle for revenge." - Love Aikawa

Click on the image to read Bleach manga chapter 372 "The Metal Cudgel Flinger" courtesy of Onemanga.

This chapter spotlights Love Aikawa, the Vizard sporting an afro and full green outfit. In this chapter we see him attacking Coyote Stark. It is revealed that his Zanpakutou turns into a giant spiky cudgel, as what the chapter title suggests, bigger than himself with the command "Crush, Tengumaru". He can wield such enormous weapon because of his enormous strength. His Hollow mask which resembles a Japanese Oni mask is also shown albeit only for a brief period. He has the ability to ignite the cudgel into flames. The technique is called "Hifuku no Kozuchi". Stark, however, thinks that the fight is pointless, intends to sleep instead and does not take the fight seriously. However, at the end of the chapter, Stark is accompanied by a lot of ghost wolves which he summoned. It's about time Stark gets serious!

Naruto Shippuden episode 126 "Twilight"

2009-09-18T02:45:00.006+08:00

Click on the image to watch Naruto Shippuden episode 126 "Twilight" in Crunchyroll

Naruto and the other Konoha shinobis are currently tracking Sasuke. With the use of ninja hounds tracking Sasuke scent, the search team seems to be doing great. However, Karin, Sasuke's chakra-sensing kunoichi, noticed they are being tracked and she hurriedly informed team Hebi about this. Sasuke decided that the group move on with their search for Itachi, or at least any Akatsuki. Sasuke was quick to recover thanks to Orochimaru's White Snake power. Karin further confused Konoha's search team by attaching birds with Sasuke's old clothing and dispersed them to different and scattered locations.

Meanwhile, Naruto encountered a Sharingan user while looking for Sasuke. The Uchiha was then revealed to be Itachi, and that he wishes to speak to Naruto. Almost instantly, Naruto falls into a genjutsu which Itachi is infamous for. After the illusion was done, Itachi vanishes saying he has an important task to fulfill.

Back in Konoha, Jiraiya and Tsunade went out for a drink and discussed some important matters. After some merry making and trips to memory lane, Jiraiya informs Tsunade that he intends to infiltrate Rain Village in order to confirm if the Leader of the Akatsuki is really there. The Village is said to be divided into two warring groups and rumors say that one of the groups is lead by the leader of the Akatsuki. Finally after warning Tsunade of the "Foundation", Jiraiya sets off to his journey leaving Tsunade with a heavy heart.

Naruto manga chapter 464 "The Power of Darkness"

2009-09-17T19:57:00.004+08:00

Warning: Spoiler below! Click on the image to read Naruto manga
chapter 464 "The Power of Darkness" courtesy of Onemanga.com

Both lived in darkness, but only one made it to the light. The other one holds on to the darkness and plunges in it even more, while the other one, who had shared the same loneliness and darkness but made it out, sheds a tear...

Sasuke blocked Raikage's Guillotine Drop with an Enton Kagusuchi, but both were intercepted by Gaara. Raikage allowed Gaara to talk to Sasuke while having his wounds healed. Gaara thinks that it's not yet too late for Sasuke but Sasuke, having lost everything, disagrees. Having been given an answer that Sasuke intends to plunge more into the darkness, Gaara sheds a tear before he and his group attacks Sasuke. All attacks were rendered useless with Sasuke's new defensive ability which was originally given to him by his elder brother Itachi - an improved Susanoo.

"We have walked through the darkness of this world, that's why we are able to see even a sliver of light...both back then...and even now..." - Sabaku no Gaara

"I have long since closed my eyes...my only goal is the darkness." - Uchiha Sasuke

Detroit Metal City - Live Action

2009-09-15T19:36:00.004+08:00

Click on the image to view Detroit Metal City Live Action movie.
Image courtesy of Anime News Network.

The live action adaptation of the rock comedy anime Detroit Metal City can be viewed in Mysoju, a site where you can watch free Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese Drama online. The movie features Ken'ichi Matsuyama, played "L" from the Death Note live action adaptations, cast as the innocent popstar wannabe Soichi Negishi who also happens to be the rockstar Johannes Krauser II, leader of the Detroit Metal City heavy metal band. Negishi's life becomes a living hell (in a hilarious way) when both these totally opposite characters try co-exist within him.

Another character worthy of note is Negishi's love interest Yuri Aikawa played by Rosa Kato. Image courtesy of J-Friends.

Bleach manga chapter 371 "Kingdom of Hollowes"

2009-09-13T16:39:00.005+08:00

"If I sent his own power inside his body...and it looks like I was right." - Hacchigen Ushoda

Click image above to read Bleach manga chapter 371
"Kingdom of Hollowes" courtesy of Onemanga
Barragan recalls the past when Aizen, Gin and Tousen first visited his palace of Las Noches and took it away from him in an instant. For that, He swore to hunt Aizen Sousuke down. With his last ounce of energy, he threw his axe at Aizen before disappearing forever. Devoured by his own dreadful power, such is the humiliating end for someone who claims himself to be god of Hueco Mundo. Sometimes it is our own power that consumes us and ultimately destroys us instead of the belief that it is what makes us god.

Meanwhile, it appears the other two Primera Espada - Stark and Halibel were not affected by Barragan's demise...or weren't they?

Also...it appears that a Nurse Arrancar resembles Vega, a Spanish assassin from Capcom's popular fighting game Street Fighter.

Bleach manga chapter 370 "Debating Life from God's Viewpoint"

2009-09-13T09:21:00.002+08:00

"Shinigami and Humans and Hollows and Arrancars. Each have their own differences, their own quarrels. But only Death is truly absolute. Everything else is tiny and insignificant. Equality is not born from rivalry"
- Barragan Luisenbarn

Click image to read Bleach manga chapter 370 "Debating Life from God's Viewpoint" courtesy of Onemanga.

No matter how much we insist whether we are right or we are better, in reality, these quarrels have no true significant value. Only one thing truly prevails - Death. Bleach manga chapter 370 continues with Barragan having survived Soi Fon and Hacchi's well-coordinated plan and is now enraged like a vengeful god. He attempted to consume Hacchigen's right arm. But Hacchi placed his right arm inside one of his barriers and sent it to Barragan's stomach, which in turn consumed the Espada of Death too.

"In Soul Society, there are no gods other than the Shinigami, the gods of death. So perhaps we cannot fully understand the weight of your words. Forgive us our unbelief, god of Hueco Mundo". - Hacchigen Ushoda

In this chapter it has been revealed that Soi Fon cannot cast her Ban Kai more than once in three days, but this time she was able to cast it twice - perhaps due to dire need.

Bleach manga Chapter 369 "Spit on your own god"

2009-09-12T18:48:00.004+08:00

"The word 'Forever' is nothing more than a meaningless word born out of the fear of aging" - Barragan Luisenbarn

Click the image to read Bleach manga Chapter 369 "Spit on Your Own God", courtesy of Onemanga.

Barragan proved nothing lasts forever when Hachigen's Kidou, a Shinigami spell that binds the Primiera Espada to his place, dissipates within Barragan's command. Barragan explains that Man ages, and so does his creations - one of which is Kidou. Hacchigen's attempt to use Kidou against Barragan was as futile as "spitting at your own god". But Hacchi still managed to trap Barragan inside a confined space using his various Seal and Binding Techniques. The trap was not to seal Barragan, however, it was intended to keep him locked in position for Soi Fon's Ban Kai "Jakuho Raikoben".

Humans conceptualized many things in order to satiate their many fears. These may quell their fears temporarily but the fact still remains...

Eternity is indeed just an illusion...

Bleach manga Chapter 368 - The Fearless Child

2009-09-11T23:18:00.003+08:00

"What're you doing dressed like a captain at your age anyway? Are you really a captain? I thought you were just playing Dress-up!! I get it!! Let me guess!! You cheated somehow to get made Captain..." - Hiyori Sarugaki

Click the image above to read Bleach manga
Chapter 368 - "The Fearless Child", courtesy of Onemanga.

Why, I was wondering myself how indeed did Hitsugaya Toushiro made it to the Captain rank, my dear Hiyori. He does not even show or prove what it takes to be a "Genius Kid". Perhaps the few things that qualifies him to be a Captain would be his ability to release Ban Kai at such a young age and his ability to control such massive ice power. He could not even think straight thinking he can handle Aizen when he cannot even handle Halibel. Such arrogance, I admire it though. But then again, not everyone in power is necessarily trustworthy. Being garbed in a Captain's kimono does not make one a true Captain, he/she probably merely got the opportunity.

"Those who do not know fear are not fit to do battle"
- Kaname Tousen

Kaname Tousen finally meets up with his former lieutenant Hisagi Shuuhei, and he is not pleased with the fact that his subordinate lacks fear. Fear is not necessarily a hindrance to a challenge but an awakening to a reality. Hisagi is going to be beaten if he intends to fight in a weakened condition, not to mention it's Kaname he's about to face. But perhaps Sajin Komamura can change that. Perhaps.

"I'm not surprised...you don't think well of us"
- Hachigen Ushoda

Apparently, the Shinigamis aren't too delighted with their reunion with the Vizards. Perhaps Hachi (Hachigen Ushoda's nickname) shares a bitter past with Soi Fon seeing she denied they were acquainted. But now is not the time for that, for both forces must unite to face a common and dreadful enemy, the Arrancars.

Blue Bird by Ikimono Gakari

2009-08-31T18:26:00.010+08:00

"Blue Bird" is the third opening song for the anime series Naruto Shippuuden from the Japanese rock band Ikimono Gakari. This song, I believe,is dedicated to Sasuke from Naruto. The line "You say if you could fly, you would never come back" tells us of Sasuke's obsession for revenge against Itachi. "You aimed for that blue, blue sky" could signify Sasuke's thirst for power. The lyrics and translation are provided by Anime Lyrics. The official music video below featuring Ikimono gakari is uploaded by Arraroche in Youtube.

Blue Bird
Ikimono Gakari

Habata itara modoranai to ittte
Mezashita no wa aoi aoi ano sora

"Kanashimi" wa mada oboerarezu
"Setsunasa" wa ima tsukami hajimeta
Anata e to daku kono kanjou mo
Ima "kotoba" ni kawatte iku

Michi naru sekai no yume kara mezamete
kono hane wo hiroge tobitatsu

Habata itara modoranai to itte
Mezashita no wa shiroi shiroi ano kumo
Tsukinuketara mitsukaru to shitte
Furikiru hodo aoi aoi ano sora
aoi aoi ano sora
aoi aoi ano sora

Aisou sukita you na oto de
Sabireta furui mado wa kowareta
Miakita kago wa hora sutete iku
Furikaeru koto wa mou nai

Takanaru kodou ni kokyuu wo azukete
Kono mado wo kette tobitatsu

Kakedashitara te ni dekiru to ittte
Izanau no wa tooi tooi ano koe
Mabushi sugita anata no te mo nigitte
Motomeru hodo aoi aoi ano sora

Adlib

Ochite iku to wakatte ita
Soredemo hikari wo oi tsudzukete iku yo

Habata itara modoranai to ittte
Sagashita no wa shiroi shiroi ano kumo
Tsukinuketara mitsukaru to shitte
Furikiru hodo aoi aoi ano sora
Aoi aoi ano sora
aoi aoi ano sora

English Translation:

Blue Bird
Ikimono Gakari

You say if you could fly, you would never come back
You aimed for that blue, blue sky

You've yet to remember "sadness"
Just now began to grasp "pain"
Even the feelings I held onto for you
Are just now changing into words

As you awaken from the dream of an unknown world
Spread your wings and take off

You say if you could fly, you would never come back
You aimed for those white, white clouds
If you break through, you know you'll find it
So try until you break free to that blue, blue sky
That blue, blue sky
That blue, blue sky

With a sound like all civility was gone
The rusted, old window broke
Look, you're so sick of looking at that cage that you're throwing it away
Without ever looking back again

That throbbing beat takes your breath away
And you kick open that window and take off

You said if you could run, you would obtain it
You're tempted by that distant, distant voice
It grasps your far too dazzling hand
Until you pursue that blue, blue sky

Adlib

I understand that you are falling
But still, continue to follow the light

You say if you could fly, you would never come back
You searched for those white, white clouds
If you break through, you know you'll find it
So try until you break free to that blue, blue sky
That blue, blue sky
That blue, blue sky

Related:
Hotaru no Hikari by Ikimono Gakari
Naruto Official Soundtrack
Halcali Long Kiss Goodbye Lyrics

Hotaru no Hikari by Ikimono Gakari

2009-08-13T22:32:00.005+08:00

Another catchy song from the Japanese rock band Ikimono Gakari is featured as the fifth opening song for the Naruto Shippuden series. What makes it so catchy is the repetitive "Sha-La-La" in the chorus. I have reason to believe that most people would mistaken "Sha-La-La" as it's song title. "Hotaru no Hikari" translates to "A Firefly's Light". Below is the official music video of the song uploaded by PPrinKaren

Sha-la-la itsuka kitto boku wa te ni surun da
Hakanaki mune ni sotto hikari moete ike

Aitaku naru no "shoudou" nakitaku naru no "juunjou"
Natsu no hi ni tobikonda hotaru wa kaeranai

Anata wa nanimo iwazu kuchidzuke wo nokoshite
Kizu tsuku mama unadzuita ne
Kanashii hodo inochi yurameite ita

Sha-la-la itsuka kitto boku wa te ni surun da
Hakanaki mune ni sotto hikari moete ike
Sha-la-la itoshiki hito anata mo miete iru no
Mabayui tsuki ga sotto ashita wo terashite
Tsuyoku tsuyoku kagayaite

Kaze ni fukareru hodo hageshiku naru kokoro ni
Haguresou na omoide ga mata yasashiku tomoru

Muchuu de kakedashitara furerareru ki ga shita
Omomuku mama te wo nobasu yo
Setsunai hodo inochi yurameite iku

Sha-la-la boku wa zutto utai tsudzukete iku yo
Furueru mune ni sotto hikari moete ike
Sha-la-la itoshiki hito anata ni todoku you ni
Hatenai sora ni sotto omoi tsunorasete
Tsuyoku tsuyoku hibikasete

Sha-la-la itsuka kitto hotaru wa moe tsukichitte
Kie yuku mune ni sotto yume yo kagayaite
Sha-la-la itoshiki hito anta mo wasurenai de
Kirameku natsu ni sotto negai wo kasanete

Sha-la-la itsuka kitto boku wa te ni surun da
Hakanaki mune ni sotto hikari moete ike
Sha-la-la itoshiki hito anata mo miete iru no
Mabayui tsuki ga sotto ashita wo terashite
Tsuyoku tsuyoku kagayaite

English Translation:

Sha-La-La I'm sure, someday, I'll obtain it
Softly in my fleeting heart, a light is burning

The "urge" of wanting to see you, the "innocence" that made me want to cry
The fireflies that flew into the fire of summer will not return

Don't say anything, just leave me with a kiss
Whilst being burnt, you nodded
Life, to the point of sadness, flickered

Sha-La-La I'm sure, someday, I'll obtain it
Softly in my fleeting heart, a light is burning
Sha-La-La Person dear to me, you, too, can see it
The dazzling moon softly illuminates tomorrow
Shining strongly, strongly

In my violent heart, the nearly lost memories
That had been blown out are gently lit again

I got the feeling that if I ran on in a daze, I'd touch it
So I go on, arm outstretched
Life, to the point of pain, flickers

Sha-La-La I want to go on singing forever
Softly in my shivering heart, a light is burning
Sha-La-La Person dear to me, so that I can reach you
Let these feelings softly be invited into the endless sky
Let them resound strongly, strongly

Sha-La-La I'm sure, someday, the fireflies will stop lighting
Softly in my disappearing heart, a dream is shining
Sha-La-La Person dear to me, don't you forget, either
Softly in the glittering summer, wishes are piling up

Sha-La-La I'm sure, someday, I'll obtain it
Softly in my fleeting heart, a light is burning
Sha-La-La Person dear to me, you, too, can see it
The dazzling moon softly illuminates tomorrow
Shining strongly, strongly

Source

The Naruto Official Sound Track 3

2009-05-27T11:01:00.004+08:00

Toshiro Masuda is responsible for the background music in the captivating scenes in the Naruto anime. The unique combination of modern rock guitars and traditional Japanese instruments animates the emotions that are present in any given Naruto scene. Favorite rock guitar pieces are Sarutobi ansd Heavy Violence (although I am not quite sure if those are the real titles of such Naruto intrumentals). Below is a sample playlist.

Naruto Original Soundtrack III

Naruto Shippuden Episode 109 Counterattack of the Curse Mark

2009-05-18T01:33:00.004+08:00

The Sealing Team, composed of the girls Hinata, Ino, Sakura and Shizune, are done with the necessary preparations to seal the Three-Tails. Yuukimaru was brought to safety by Sai but not for long when Kabuto's men attacked him. Tenten, Rock Lee, Kiba and Akamaru were soon found safe after attacked by the Cursed Kabuto's men. Kabuto's men now attempts to interfere with the sealing ritual but were engaged by Shino, Yamato and Kakashi. Konoha shinobis were slowly being overpowered by Kabuto's men and Kakashi could feel that their opponents have greatly improved. Yuukimaru was taken back to Rinji and was forced to swallow the pills which enables him to control the Three-Tails. Guren and Naruto, now safe, finds out that Yuukimaru has once again unleashed the Three-Tails power!

Naruto's answer to Nagato

2009-05-17T18:57:00.005+08:00

Read Naruto manga chapter 447 "Believe" at Onemanga.com

Nagato, driven mad by the death of Yahiko, single-handedly decimated a whole squad of shinobi. He used a summoning technique "Kuchiyose Gedo Mazo" and bound himself to it, which explains the spikes on his back. The ritual summoned a giant creature which reaped the souls of Nagato's enemy shinobi. The leader of the squad, however, managed to escape. The said leader's final words: "So you were the one really pulling the strings! Your Rinnegan surprised me." were rather intriguing. The summoned creature looks awfully similar to the one the Akatsuki used to siphon any of the Tailed-Monsters.

Now back to present where Nagato faces off with Naruto, Nagato explains that Konoha's peace is violence towards them. The leader of the Akatsuki also dismisses Jiraiya's belief that a time will come when people will understand each other. But Naruto responds by noting that Jiraiya believed in him, and despite the fact that Naruto hates Nagato for what he did to Konoha, he withdraws further violence towards the Akatsuki leader.

Bleach Episode 219 - Hisagi's Shikai! The Name is...

2009-05-16T20:27:00.005+08:00

It's been a while since I haven't blog about the Bleach anime with which I will hopefully catch up.

The episode begins with the conclusion of the fight between Kira Izuru and Abirama Redder. Having pulled Abirama down to the ground by increasing the weight of his wings using Wabisuke, Izuru won the fight.

"Warriors aren't supposed to beg for their lives"
- Kira Izuru
To where another pillar was located, Hisagi Shuuhei and Findore Carias are found battling and testing each others level. Findore fights by gauging the capabilities of his enemy and fight at a level higher than that level of his enemy. Every time he breaks a portion of his Hollow mask, his power and level increases. Findore responds and compliments Hisegi everytime he gets a right answer by saying "Exacta!" which pissed Hisegi off. Findore explains that getting correct answers is the way to survival.

"Life is an onslaught of difficult problems. And the ones who find the correct answers get to survive. In which case, I think everyone wants to get as many right ones as they can. Wouldn't you agree?"
- Findore Carias
Hisegi continued to fight despite the fact that he is exhausted and it seems he cannot compare to Findore's skill and speed. Findore even released his Resurreccion with the command "Carve through the surface of water, Pinza Aguda (Sharp Pincer)" to further boost his advantage. Releasing his Zanpakutou has given Findore a massive crab-like claw for a right arm.

However, the tides turn when Findore was so overconfident of his level over Hisegi that he was caught offguard by Hisegi's sudden counterattacks. These counter attacks involve using his chains as Spirit Explosives and attempting to hold Findore down with Way of Binding No. Sadly, these weren't enough to hold Findore down as he can shoot highly pressurized water that can cut like blades from his crab-like claw despite being pinned. He also shot multiple waves of water and successfully trapped Hisegi.

In order to break free, Hisegi performed a Shikai by summoning "Reap, Kazeshini (Death Wind)". It has an odd shape and looks as if it's designed to reap life itself. The battle continues and stopped only when Hisegi explains to Findore what true power is. It is not knowing exactly what your capabilties are, but fearing them. Hisegi remembers a quote from his former captain Kaname Tousen about power: one cannot wield it if one does not fear it.

"Those who do not fear the sword they wield
have no right to wield such sword at all"
- Kaname Tousen
Findore merely laughed at the notion, called Hisagi a braggart and smashed another part of his Hollow mask making him comparable to that of a Soul Society captain. But it was all a front when Hisegi manages to damage Findore's claw. In desperation, Findore fired a Cero at the shinigami. But Hisegi survived the Cero by throwing his Kazeshini, cutting through both the Cero and the Arrancar.

For the next episode, it appears Madarame Ikkaku has been defeated by his Fraccion contender. Is this the end for Ikkaku?

Bleach Manga Chapter 357 Colossus of Fear Review

2009-05-14T19:48:00.007+08:00

Now with Barragan's Resureccion released, his ability to age and decay anything he grasps is augmented. Everything that is near him seemingly collapse and decay fast making upfront attacks impossible. As if that wasn't enough, he can also channel such dreadful ability into a cloud, calling such blight as the "Death Breath". Even if a portion of one's body gets afflicted by the blight, it will eventually decay and spread all throughout the body. I must admit Barragan's ability is one of the scariest Espada ability thus far (Ulquiorra's final ability was rather lame). Soi Fong's right arm was caught in the Death Breath and soon her whole forearm was decaying. She had to order Omaeda to sever her arm to stop the infection from spreading to her whole body.
"It seems even shinigami fear Death..."
- Barragan Luisenbarn

Meanwhile, Halibel and Hitsugaya continues the battle between Frost and Water. In one of Halibel's usual Water Assaults, Hitsugaya used the water to his advantage by freezing Halibel's projectile but he missed since Halibel noticed it in time. Halibel taunts and Hitsugaya, thinking that such taunt was an attempt to have him engage the Espada in close combat, released a Frost Dragon. But before it could reach Halibel, she melted the Hitsugaya's ice. It appears she can use Hitsugaya's ice to her advantage too. She named such technique as "Burning Current".

"The moment you arrive at the idea that my water will become your weapon,
you must also realize the opposite may be possible as well.
That is the Iron Law of Battle."
- Halibel

Next chapter, we will find out what becomes of Hitsugaya after Halibel released a mysterious water attack known only as "Cutting Waterfall".

Bleach Manga Chapter 356 Tyrant of Skulls

2009-05-11T18:22:00.004+08:00

Just as I predicted, the only way for Hitsugaya Toushiro to get out of that situation was to use an Ice Clone technique of some sort. With which he did although it was somewhat justified in that it can only be used once. This saves us a lot of why's from Hitsugaya's fans seeing that he is the most popular character in Bleach. Also, I must say that Halibel looked more wicked previously than she does now, specially with that rather lame makeshift skirt. It also appears that Halibel has grown a vengeful spite against Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai because he decimated her Fraccions. I can't help but wonder why Yamamoto just stood there and left Hitsugaya on his own. Does this prove that Yamamoto trusts Hitsugaya to be the genius kid that the boy is known to be?

Meanwhile, Barragan Luisenbarn revealed that his ability manifests from that of "Old Age", one of the many Aspects of Death. No wonder he can slow down Soi Fong's movements whenever she attempts to land a blow at him. Looks like it's "Time's Up!" for our Chinese Kung Fu girl Soi Fong. Barragan also revealed that each Espada represents an Aspect of Death which was a rather very interesting detail.

Barragan finished the chapter by releasing his Resurreccion - "Rot, Arrogante"

Bleach Manga Chapter 353 The Ash

2009-04-10T23:26:00.004+08:00

Farewell Ulquiorra...

After defeating and purging the evil that dwells inside Ichigo, Ulquiorra's body exhausts and expires to ashes. His regeneration ability was not able to mend the internal wounds caused by the revenant Hollow Ichigo. In the end, Ulquiorra found the Humans to be interesting. He helped Ishida by pulling out Ichigo's Zanpakutou off therefore relieving the Quincy of pain. He also asked Ichigo to finish him off as he dissipates. He even tried to reach out for Inoue's hand before finally dissolving into ashes.

Another favorite villain of mine bites the dust...

Speaking of ashes. When there's ash, there's fire. Inoue, Rukia, Nel, and Rangiku were looking hot in one of the page folds.

Bleach Episode 203 Karakura Town Gathers! Aizen versus Shinigami

2009-02-16T01:14:00.004+08:00

We travel back to Nnoitra's past where he shows no pity to those he defeated. Neliel does not understand the purpose behind Nnoitra's fights. He insists that the fight IS the purpose and that his dream is to die in battle. Even Aizen's arrival does not seem like a promise of salvation to him. Kenpachi, however, has given Nnoitora the peace he wanted.

Everyone seems to be ready to go home since Inoue has been rescued but such isn't so when a new Arrancar arrived to kidnap Orihime yet again. Because Ichigo and his friends defeated most of the Espada, Aizen rewarded them by telling them of his plans using Way of Binding 77: Soaring Net of the Heavens. He intends to enter the human world and destroy Karakura town to create the King's Key.

He sees he is at an advantage knowing full well that Soul Society's power lies within its Captains. Tousen, Gin and himself had left for Hueco Mundo which leaves Soul Society with 3 Captains less. Kenpachi, Mayuri, Unohana and Byakuya had to aid Ichigo inside Hueco Mundo and were trapped inside which leaves the Soul Society with another 4 Captains less. The population of Soul Society Captains have been cut down to about a half!

However, Yama-jii has taken necessary precautions beforehand. First, he asked urahara to transport Karakura town to the outskirts of Rukongai using a four pillar device. The inhabitants of Karakura town are currently dormant and unaware of what's happening. What Aizen sees now as the current Karakura town is therefore empty and fake. Another task that Yama-jii asked of Urahara was to transport the remaining 6 captains to the false Karakura town to engage Aizen and his minions.

Aizen is not affected by this and still intends to create the King's Key and defeat the Shinigami Captains. Tousen and Gin were not the only ones beside him. With him are the three of his most powerful Espada - Barragan, Halibel and Stark and their respective Fraccions. Aizen also leaves Las Noches to Ulquiorra, who had finally manage to break free from Grimmjow's dimensional prison. Ulquiorra has now returned and intends to settle some score with Ichigo.

Sky Chord Otona ni naru kimi he - Shion Tsuji

2009-02-08T18:41:00.012+08:00

"Sky Chord Otona ni naru kimi he" by Shion Tsuji is the new ending song for the Bleach anime. It was first flashed after Bleach Episode 202. It's a mellow love song with melancholic guitars and mushy lyrics. The lyrics below, however, are not the lyrics to the full song. The video features Inoue all by her lonesome, watching the sunset or lying in the flowery garden. There are also hints of the upcoming Bleach arc which concerns the masked Shinigami, the Vizards.

Song Title: Sky Chord Otona ni naru kimi he
Artist: Shion Tsuji

sunao na uta ga utaenai
kazaritsuketeshimau kara
itsukara konna ni raku ni jibun
mamoru koto wo oboeta no?

ikanai Sky Chord
mukashi nara atta no ni yeah yeah
nakushita Sky Chord
dare no sei demo naku jibun

kitto otona ni naru koto nanka yori
taisetsu na mono ga aru no
kitto sore wo mitsukerannai mama
otona ni natte yukun da

zutto kono mama ja irenaitte
wakatteru yo, aruki dase

English Translation:
I can't sing a song with honest lyrics
because I always end up sugar coating the worlds
When did someone as laid-back as me
realize he had something worth protecting?

Don't leave me, Sky Chord
You would've stayed here back then yeah yeah
I've lost you , Sky Chord
It's not anyone's fault but...

I know there are things more important to me
than becoming and adult
But I'll be growing up the whole time
I'm trying to figure out what they are

You say we can't stay like this forever?
I know so let's take the first step

(Ending video from Bleach Episode 202 uploaded in Youtube by Find the Web)

Bleach Episode 202 Fierce Fighting Conclusion! Who's the Strongest?

2009-01-27T23:08:00.006+08:00

Nnoitora turned out to have six arms instead of four, but Kenpachi was not intimidated by this. The two battle it out in a tremendous display of sword play until Kenpachi realizes that he might actually lose if he keeps this up. He decided to use what Yamamoto taught him about sword fighting. A sword is said to be more powerful if you held it with both of your hands than just one.

Nnoitora found this two-hand wielding concept to be obvious as well as stupid and thus he charged towards Kenpachi recklessly. This carelessness proved to be the Espada's downfall. Surprisingly, Kenpachi released a tremendous amount of reaitsu when he swings his sword using both of his hands. Nnoitora was overwhelmed and seriously wounded but still resumed his battle with Kenpachi. Nnoitora's past reveals that he does not like it when his challenger spares his life after losing a battle. To him, it is the greatest humiliation. That is why he never feels remorse for his enemies when in battle. This barbaric bravado contributed greatly to his imminent downfall.

Keanu Reeves as Spike Spiegel

2009-01-17T13:28:00.008+08:00

There have been rumors circulating around the net that Keanu Reeves will portray as Spike Spiegel in the upcoming live-action movie adaptation of the hit anime series Cowboy Bebop. IF Magazine confirmed such rumor and announced that 20th Century Fox is currently developing the said live-action movie adaptation.

I really thought such rumor circulating around the net was merely a joke. I guess the said news was true after all. Spike Spiegel is one of the most iconic characters in the anime kingdom and I certainly hope that Keanu Reeves will give justice to the character. The news that Keanu Reeves will portray Cowboy Bebop's Spike have been met with the same disappointment by most anime fans across the net as the Hollywood Dragon Ball live-action movie adaptation. I am, however, holding back judgment about the said actor being Spike Spiegel after I see the film. I do admit I am eager to see how the movie will turn out and see for myself how effective(or otherwise) Keanu portray this certain favorite anime character of mine.

Naruto Shippuden Episode 86 Shikamaru's Genius

2009-01-11T22:42:00.009+08:00

This episode is the first part of the 1-hour special "The Will of Fire passed on, a new technique bursts forth!"

Hidan has finally made all the preparations for his strange ritual and defeat Shikamaru. Somewhere, Kakuzu starts to advance at Kakashi relentlessly all the while commanding his mask creatures to aid him. Kakashi was able to incapacitate the Lightning-element monster by bringing it down to the ground and trapping it. Kakashi fends off the projectiles from the Fire and Wind mask creature using "Suiton, Suijinheki" (Water Element, Circular Water Wall) but it seems such water element technique is not enough to stop the monster's fire and wind combination technique.

(Kakashi protects himself from the Fire and Wind combination technique of Kakuzu's mask monsters using "Suiton Suijinheki", a water type technique)
While Kakashi is preoccupied dealing with the Wind/Fire mask monster, Kakuzu strikes from behind and manages to subdue Kakashi. Now that Kakashi is helpless, Kakuzu attempts to take back what Kakashi has taken away from him - a heart. But before Kakuzu was able to take Kakashi's heart, he was afflicted with a sudden pain in the chest.

(Kakuzu was incapacitated just when he was about to take Kakashi's heart)
It appears that Shikamaru is not yet done fore. Shikamaru revealed that he was merely playing possum and that the blood that Hidan ingested was not his but Kakuzu's. Kakashi took some of Kakuzu's blood when he used Chidori and placed it inside a blood capsule. Kakashi gave the blood capsule to Shikamaru and Shikamaru was able to use it when he fought Hidan alone. Therefore, Hidan's ritual took Kakuzu's life instead. However, Kakuzu revived himself by merging with the Lightning, Fire and Wind mask monsters. They still managed to merge with Kakuzu even though Chouji tried to stop them with "Chou Harite" (Mega Palm Thrust) after a "Baika no Jutsu". Now merged with all the creatures, Kakuzu has become a monster.

(Kakuzu took the Lightning creature's heart and
merged with the Fire and Wind mask monsters.)
But just when Kakuzu was about to burn Kakashi, Chouji and Ino to a crisp, a "Gufuu Suika no Jutsu" (Water Typhoon Vortex technique) consumed Kakuzu's flame/wind technique. Such technique was a combination of Naruto's "Fuuton Rasengan" (Wind Element, Spiraling Sphere) and Yamato's "Suiton Hahonryuu (Water Element, Crashing Rapids). Yamato, Sakura, Sai and Naruto arrived just in time.

(The cavalry arrives just in time to save their allies.)

Bleach Episode 201 Nnoitora Released! Multiplying Arms

2009-01-09T01:48:00.011+08:00

Kenpachi and Nnoitora resume the sword fight trading blows after blows. Things got interesting when Nnoitora was suprisingly wounded by Kenpachi. The Shinigami Captain reveals that he is finally getting used to Nnoitora's Hierro thus being able to cut it. It also appears that Kenpachi have not been practicing lately and this has deteriorated the strength and sk!ll of his sword swings. Kenpachi is said to have regained these sk!lls after trading blows with Nnoitora. Kenpachi even managed to cut Nnoitora's blade. Nnoitora lashed back and fired a yellow Cero but Kenpachi merely grabbed it with his bare hand and redirected it. In desperation, Nnoitora charged and ripped off Kenpachi's eyepatch but this only proved to be a disadvantage for Nnoitora. Kenpachi puts on that eyepatch to seal his overflowing reiatsu and now that it has been taken off Kenpachi is stronger than he previously was. Not being able to accept that Nnoitora is being overpowered, he released his Resurreccion with the command "Pray, Santa Theresa" (Praying Mantis). It can be observed that both Nnoitora and Kenpachi exude a reiatsu aura of the same color: Yellow. Upon release, Nnoitora was not only healed of his previous injuries but he also grew a pair of uneven horns and bone-like hands - having a total of four hands, each wielding a scythe.

(Nnotiora in his released Hollow form.)
Nnoitora now has the upper hand when parrying and slashing, and true enough, he was able to deliver a critical slash on Kenpachi and knocked him down. Nnoitora figured Kenpachi was defeated and so he moved on to his new target - Yachiru. Inoue ran off to Yachiru's direction to assist the kid while Ichigo was repelled by Inoue's force field when he tried to stop her. Could it be Ichigo's Hollowfication that caused this? Just when Nnoitora was about to strike Yachiru, one of his hands was severed by Kenpachi.

(One of Nnoitora's arms was cut off by Kenpachi when the Arrancar was unaware.)
It appears that Kenpachi wasn't knocked out but was merely thinking of a strategy. He figured that fighting against the Espada who has four arms would be a hassle and decided to cut them off one by one. But Nnoitora taunts that Kenpachi would not be able to cut any of his hands as it appears that he has the ability to regenerate any severed limbs.

(Nnoitora has the grotesque ability to regenerate skeletal arms.)
Now back with four arms, Nnotira charged back at Kenpachi and resumed the sword fight, until Nnotora blocked Kenpachi's swing with all four hands but still managed to stab one of his arms through the Shinigami Captain. With Nnoitora's grotesque ability, he grew two more arms now having a total of six arms!

Download Bleach Episode 201

(Nnoitora now has six arms!)

Naruto Shippuden Episode 85 Terrifying Secret

2009-01-06T01:17:00.008+08:00

The terrifying secret to Kakuzu's immortality and abilities are finally known. It is revealed that Kakuzu has five hearts, four for each masked monster he summoned and one for his own. One had already been defeated at the hands of Kakashi. Kakuzu claimed that each heart is taken from a shinobi he previously k*lled. That explains why each monster had a deep affinity for a specific element. Separate hearts also mean that each mask monster move independent of Kakuzu's will. This poses a challenge to the Konoha team . They will have to k*ll Kakuzu four more times before they could truly get rid of him.

(Kakuzu and three of his masked monsters.)
Hidan and Kakuzu's combo moves have been difficult for the Konoha team and so they decided to fight them separately. Shikamaru trapped Hidan by capturing his shadow cast on a tree when the Akatsuki member was in mid-air.

(Shikamaru manages to trap Hidan's shadow
cast to a nearby tree while the Akatsuki was in mid-air. )
Using his Kage Mane no Jutsu, Shikamaru lured Hidan far away from the rest of the team to another part of the forest. Deep in the forest, Shikamaru makes sure there is no espace for Hidan by rigging the place with explosive tags. Chouji, Ino and Kakashi are left to deal with Kakuzu who reveals himself to have fought the First Hokage of Konoha. Hidan noticed that Shikamaru can use Kage Mane no Jutsu for a duration of five minutes. Once free of the techinique, Hidan declares that being alone with his target is the best situation for him. He charged, successfully wounded Shikamaru, drank his blood, and performed necessary actions to begin his ritual.

(The fire and wind masked monsters summoned
by Kakuzu merged with each other.)
Meanwhile, Kakuzu also made his own preparations before battle by having the wind and fire masked monsters merge with each other. Kakuzu intends to take Kakashi's heart as a replacement for the heart he destroyed with his Raikiri. The episode ends with Hidan completing his ritual and stabbing himself.

(Hidan frantically delivers the fatal blow.)

Bleach Episode 200 The Hardest Body!? Cut Down Nnoitra

2009-01-05T15:33:00.010+08:00

Perfect ending for a perfect being
I strongly agree with Mayuri's perspective about perfection. Perfection is a null idea for scientists. There is no such thing as perfect in this world. Achieving perfection makes no room for imagination, no additional abilities or information to gain. Szayel Aporro have been defeated the moment he thought himself to be the perfect being. Such conceit of being indestructible merely paved way for his carelessness and in effect brought about his loss. Mayuri stabbed Szayel Aporro through the hand and the heart. Mayuri snapped the Zanpakutou and left the blade to pierce Szayel Aporro, causing him more pain. It seems that any Zanpakutou can be remade in the event its blade will be broken from the hilt. One may also stop and think how Mayuri revived Nemu. The scientist ressurected his assistant in a rather "mysterious" manner that it caused Nemu to moan. Or was Renji and Ishida just imagining naughty thoughts? After being revived, Nemu was ordered to dig through the ruins excavating not only Pesche and Dondochakka but also Szayel Aporro's laboratory. Behind the door is said to be where Szayel Aporro keeps his specimens well protected.

(Szayel Aporro, regardless of being immortal, still
suffers from the stab for a thousand years.)
Indestructible
Kenpachi's Zanpakutou slashed Nnoitora's skin but it did not cut the Espada. Nnoitora, however, managed to wound Kenpachi using his strangely shaped Zanpakutou. Just as Zommari prides himself of having the fastest Sonido, Nnoitora claims to have the toughest Hierro among the Espada. Hierro is the ability of an Arrancar to condense his spiritual energy and use it to coat his skin for additional protection. Kenpachi had been targeting Nnoitora's body and so he opt for Nnoitora's head this time. Nnoitora dodged when he was about to be hit in the head and this maneuver gave Kenpachi new hope. Dodging means Nnoitora is not as indestructible as he claims to be. But Nnoitora did not seem bothered and say that dodging is merely warrior's instinct. Kenpachi finally got the opening that he needed and stabbed his Zanpakutou through Nnoitora's left eye.

(Nnoitora claims to be indestructible but
Kenpachi stabbed him through the head.)
What proved to be a fatal blow was rendered useless because Kenpachi's Zanpakutou merely passed through Nnoitora's left eye. Nnoitora revealed that the location of his Hollow hole is in his left eye and the remnants of his Hollow mask takes form of an upper and lower jaw, always opened, where his left eye is. That means that Kenpachi's Zanpakutou merely passed through that hole, never hurting Nnoitora.

(Nnoitora's Hollow hole and remnant of his Hollow mask
replaced his left eye, leaving the area void and empty.)

2009! Happy New Year of the Ox!

2009-01-03T07:50:00.002+08:00

(A Happy New Year greeting artwork by Aozamurai
featuring a kawaii megane cowgirl)

Naruto Shippuden Episode 84 Kakuzu's Ability

2008-12-28T11:23:00.012+08:00

Yamato gave Naruto a brief discussion on the elemental advantages and vulnerability to other elements. Naruto's Wind-type technique will only augment Sasuke's Fire techniques and Naruto will certainly lose. But Naruto may have an upper hand against Sasuke's ultimate Lightning element technique, which is the "Chidori", since Wind element techniques overpower Lightning types. With this information, Naruto realized that the only person who can save Sasuke is himself. After all, only Wind can save Fire from getting extinguished. But just when Naruto, Sai, and Sakura are convinced that the training is nearly done, Yamato asked for more time because he wants to try something out. What could it be?

(Sakura, Sai, and Naruto are ready to back up
Kakashi's team but Yamato has other plans.)
Kakuzu used his Body Solidifying technique just in time to block Chouji's rolling move. Basically no physical assault can harm Kakuzu because of this ability. But such is not the case for elemental techniques as Kakashi managed to land a successful hit with his "Chidori". It is also revealed that the Iron Skin technique had an Earth affinity and is therefore weak against Lightning elemental techniques.

(Using Chidori, Kakashi sinks his hands on Kakuzu, aiming the Akatsuki's heart.)
Kakashi proceeded to Hidan seeing that Shikamaru's Kage Mane no Jutsu seems to be wearing off. But to his surprise, Kakuzu kicked and knocked him away. Miraculously, Kakuzu survived Kakashi's Raikiri. Kakuzu unleashed four strange creatures from his body, each had a mask for a head.

(Kakuzu has four masks on his back, one of them was broken by Kakashi's Chidori.)

(Kakuzu released the four masks from his back.)

One of them melted right after it was summoned. Kakashi concluded that it might have been the one that was hit by his Raikiri and not Kakuzu which explains why he is still alive. Hidan has also been loose of Shikamaru's Kage Mane no Jutsu. Hidan and Kakuzu assaulted Kakashi, synchronizing their techniques and taking advantage of Hidan's immortality.

(Shikamaru and Chouji watched in shock as the powerful wind technique "Fuuton Atsugai", Wind Element: Bleeding Force, consumed both Hidan and Kakashi.)

One of the creatures used "Fuuton Atsugai" (Wind Element: Bleeding Force) on Kakashi and another used "Raiton Gian" (Lightning Element: Mock Darkness) on both Chouji and Shikamaru.

(One of the masked creatures that popped off Kakuzu charged
a "Raiton Gian", Lightning Element: Mock Darkness)

Kakashi was able to thwart both techniques but he is puzzled as to why Kakuzu was able to perform such devastating elemental techniques. Such jutsu were only available to a shinobi if one has a natural affinity to an element and one person usually only has one to two elemental affinity. To their surprise, another masked creature stepped forward and let out a "Katon Zukokku" (Fire Element Cranium Carver) and engulfs the surrounding area in flames.

(Kakashi, Shikamaru, Chouji and Ino awaits for their doom as the fires from
"Katon Zukokku" Fire Element Cranium Carver engulfs the area)

Naruto Shippuden Episode 83 Locked on Target

2008-12-27T00:17:00.012+08:00

Naruto has been training hard for his new technique but it is far from complete. To add up to pressure, Tsunade gave out orders that if Naruto won't complete his training in time, she would be forced to send another squad to act as back up for the team of Shikamaru, Ino, Chouji and Kakashi. As a result, the 24 hour limit which Tsunade imposed inspired Naruto to furnish up his new technique as soon as possible.

(The new Team Ten composed of Shikamaru,
Chouji, Ino and Kakashi filling in for Asuma.)
Meanwhile, Kakashi, Ino, Chouji and Shikamaru had a few preparations before engaging the Akatsuki, thanks to Shikamaru's genius. Elsewhere, Akatsuki is done with extracting the Niibi from the Jinchuuriki and the pair of Hidan and Kakuzu are back on their k!lling spree. This time, however, they are headed for Konoha. Kakuzu knows very well that if they go back to where they left off the Konoha shinobis, they are waltzing right into an ambush. Therefore, he decided to change course and head straight to Konoha. That way, he can claim Asuma's body and at the same time capture the Jinchuuriki Naruto. Shikamaru, however, did not miss this fact and knew the Akatsuki pair is heading for Konoha. Ino used her Mind Transfer Technique on a hawk, used it to scout, and spotted the pair heading for Konoha as predicted. With that, Team Ten was able to make necessary preparations to engage the Two Akatsuki.

(Shikamaru stabbed Hidan and Kakuzu's shadow
using Asuma's Chakra Blades and in effect, made them unable to move.)
Shikamaru managed to trick and capture both Hidan and Kakuzu. He imbued his "Kage Mane no Jutsu" (Shadow Binding Tecnique) chakra on Asuma's chakra blades giving the weapons the ability to bind the Akatsuki in place and unable to move. Such technique is called "Kage Mane Shuriken no Jutsu" (Shuriken Shadow Mimic Technique).

(Kakuzu's unknown ability enables him to
detach his arm as it seems to move on its own.)
Using Kage Mane no Jutsu this time, Shikamaru forced Hidan to k!ll his partner Kakuzu. But Kakuzu managed to break free from the Shadow Bind by detaching his arm and making it pull Asuma's Chakra Blade off his shadow. It seems that Kakuzu's arm can move on its own even when severed.

"Even if you analyze every aspect of a battle,
things don't always go according to plan."
- Kakuzu

Having control of Hidan's body, Shikamaru forced Kakuzu back to a corner while Chouji advanced from above using "Nikudan Harisensha" (Spiked Meat Tank) and crushed Kakuzu.

(Nikudan, Harisensha, a physical technique where Chouji's hair
turns into spikes and his body solidifies into a boulder.)

Bleach Episode 199 Holy Birth, The Resurrected Szayel Aporro

2008-12-19T01:29:00.008+08:00

Mayuri's Bankai Konjiki Ashisogi Jizou swallowed Szayel Aporro until only the feeler that was grappling Nemu was left. Suddenly, Nemu started to act strange as if she was suffering. It was Szayel Aporro's Gabriel ability kicking in. The ability allows Szayel Aporro to use his enemy's body to reconstruct and resurrect himself. Nemu weakens as Szayel Aporro is reborn. This proves that Szayel Aporro is an immortal and perfect being.

(Szayel Aporro is reborn.)
But Mayuri seemed unfazed by this. In fact, Szayel Aporro's immortality even piqued the Captain's interest. Mayuri was so sure that the Espada had other hidden abilities aside from immortality and so the Captain taunted Arrancar. Szayel Aporro, having been eaten earlier by Mayuri's Bankai, had managed to fused with the Bankai's central nervous system and control it to devour Mayuri. But the captain had configured the Bankai if in case it would try to turn against him.

(Mayuri re-summons his Bankai)
Not only that, Szayel Aporro had somehow fell to Mayuri's trap. The Captain also administered some medicine on Nemu if in case she gets eaten or controlled by the enemy. The Espada had been intoxicated by the Superhuman Formula the moment he used Nemu to resurrect himself. Such drug is said to greatly amplify one's sense of time. In other words, One second to the real world would feel like a century to Szayel Aporro. For Szayel Aporro, Mayuri's blade piercing his body would take 100 years. With immortality comes eternal pain.

(The two scientists Mayuri and Szayel Aporro.)

Naruto Shippuden Episode 82 Team Ten

2008-12-18T01:02:00.006+08:00

A ceremony was held for Sarutobi Asuma and sadness engulfed the people who considered him part of their lives. Shikamaru,however, did not attend the ceremony and was nowhere to be found. He had been sulking somewhere else, staring blankly for hours and wandering off randomly. His father attempted to console Shikamaru by playing Shogi with him but instead agitated Shikamaru when his father mentioned Asuma. Shikamaru was apparently blaming himself for the loss of Asuma but his father consoled him. Only when Shikamaru acknowledged his sadness, fear, and anger was he free of them.

(Shikamaru's Determination)

Now free of guilt and with new determination, Shikamaru picked up the missing pieces and resumed the game of Shogi. The day after, he went to meet up with his team mates Chouji and Ino. The three of them visited their captain's grave and paid honor to him. Later that night, the three intended to head out to track the Akatsuki once again but was hindered by the Hokage. The Hokage thinks that what Team Ten is about to do is rather reckless and impulsive. Shikamaru explained that the Hokage's orders are still in effect and that the three have worked out a sound plan. Just when Tsunade was about to refuse yet again, Kakashi volunteered to lead the team of Chouji, Ino and Shikamaru. Tsunade was obliged to agree but not without hesitance. With Kakashi acting as the captain, the new Team Ten was formed.

(Kakashi trying to convince Tsunade to let him lead Team Ten)

Bleach Episode 198 The Two Scientists, Mayuri's Trap

2008-12-16T01:04:00.009+08:00

Somehow, Zommari managed to survive Byakuya's Bankai "Goukei Senbonzakura Kageyoshi" despite being ripped to shreds by the Bankai's blades. Zommari used the lower portion of his body, which looks like a squash, as a protective shield. Zommari had all of his eyes shut and managed to transfer all the eyes to his forehead and attempted to cast Amor yet again on Byakuya. But the Captain merely created a barrier "Way of Binding No. 81: Severing Void" which protects him from almost every Kidou spells. When Byakuya was able to hinder further movements from Rukia under Zommari's Amor using Six Rod Prison of Light, he concluded that Zommari's ability must be akin to Kidou. Apparently, Byakuya was not mistaken.

(Byakuya overpowers Zommari in every conceivable way.)
Just when Byakuya was about to deliver the finishing blow, Zommari attempted to plead mercy from Byakuya by stating why Shinigami judged Hollows so arbitrarily. Why must Shinigami hunt Hollows? Is it because Hollows devour humans and Shinigamis are merely protecting the humans? But who gave Shinigamis such right to protect humans? But Byakuya merely replied "When did I claim I would defeat you as a Shinigami?". The true reason why Byakuya is going to end Zommari's life is because the Hollow pointed his blade at Byakuya's pride. With that, Byakuya ended Zommari's pathetic existence.

(Kuchiki Byakuya stands triumphant and defeats Zommari LeRoux.)
Meanwhile, Mayuri is being tortured by Szayel Aporro with the same voodoo doll technique the Espada used on Ishida and Renji. After sadistically torturing the Captain, the Arrancar eventually grew tired of the game and decided to finish it by severing the veins on Mayuri's neck.

(The Espada scientist Szayel Aporro smiles in a sinister manner as he stands triumphant over Mayuri, the Shinigami Captain scientist)
Before Szayel Aporro could rejoice over the defeat of a Captain, it turns out that Mayuri was merely toying with the Espada. Mayuri had already seen through Szayel Aporro's cheap tricks thanks to Ishida. Mayuri implanted some sort of bacteria on Ishida and observed the Quincy after the archer defeated Mayuri a long time ago. With this, the Shinigami Captain replaced his internal organs with dummy ones beforehand and Szayel Aporro's voodoo technique was rendered useless. Szayel Aporro wasted no time and captured Nemu. But Nemu merely spoke to discourage Szayel Aporro that there's no way she can be utilized as a hostage. This event, however, forced Mayuri to use his Bankai "Tear Off, Konjiki Ashisogi Jizou" (Golden Animal-K!lling Jizou). The monstrous caterpillar-like monstrosity emitted a vile purple poisonous gas that eventually contaminated Szayel Aporro's body. Rendered immobile and helpless, Szayel Aporro was devoured by Mayuri's Bankai in one single gulp.

(Szayel Aporro was helpless before Mayuri's Bankai
Konjiki Ashisogi Jizou as he was exposed to its poisonous gas.)

Bleach: Fade to Black, I call your Name Theme Song Revealed

2008-12-14T23:13:00.006+08:00

"Koyoi, Tuki ga Miezu tomo" is P*rno Graffiti's latest single released last December 10, 2008. Such track will be featured as the theme song for the upcoming third Bleach movie "Fade to Black, I call your Name." It boasts a rather catchy chorus and impressive guitar solo.

(The full version of the Bleach movie's theme song
by P*rno Grafitti: "Koyoi, Tuki ga Miezu tomo")

Halcali - Long Kiss Goodbye Chords

2008-12-11T00:28:00.010+08:00

The following chords are based on my personal attempt to transcribe the song "Long Kiss Goodbye" from Halcali. It basically revolves around the same guitar chord pattern for both chorus and stanza. Also included below is the music video for such song from the Naruto Shippuden anime series. Alternately, find the English translation here. Comment below for corrections/opinions.

(Music Video for the song "Long Kiss Goodbye" by Halcali,
uploaded in Youtube thanks to Naruto Fans SM)

Intro:
C-D-Em--;
Am-D-G--;

(C)Kondo wa itsu aeru ka nante
(D)Sonna kao shite yoku ieru tte
(Em)Omotteta yo nande darou
(Am)Nanimo ki ni naranai furi shite
(D)Iiwake suru nara kiku wa asa made
(G)Tsunagatte(Bm)tai kara

(C)Mou kao mo mitakunai meguro gawasoi
(D)Arienai tenkai odoru keetai
(Em)Gubbai meeru naraba wasuretai
"Hold me tight" but "dokka kietai"
(Am)any time shaberi sugi no K.Y.
(D)Chirari miseru tsuyogari na "I cry"
(G)Namida no kouka wa dore kurai?

Chorus
Watashi (C)nari ni "ai saretai"(D)
afureru no ni (Em)kimi ga mienai
Nido to (C)kimi ni aenai(D) sonna ki ga (G)surunda...(Bm)
Tsutae(C)tai no ni umai(D)
kotoba miata(Em)ranai watashi tabun
Uso demo (C)ii no ni
(Cm)"ikanai de" mo (G)ienai yo

(C)Kushami suru to deru henna koe to
(D)Kushakusha ni warau busaiku na kao
(Em)Tomaranai ase me wo kosuru kuse
Dousetsu maranai aitsu no tokusei

(C)Nite mo nitsu kenai futari no sutairu
(D)Muda ni Shy sensu wa yayanai
(G)Uso tsuku toki no fukumi warai uzai
Tokku ni barebare mendokusai

(C)Tamatama kareshi ga inai taimingu de
(D)Hima tsubushi teido no koitte
(Em)Tomodachi ni mo iiwake shitete
Masaka watashi ga oikaketeru... nande?

(Am)Tsumaranai jooku wa ittsumo kudoku
(D)Dokomademo tsudzuku akiaki na tooku
(G)Sono tabi rokku kondo wa watashi kara knock

Repeat Chorus

(Am)Nigitte(Bm)tate ga hana(Em)retara
Kimi wa (Am)itsuka wasure(A)chau no?
(D)Watashi no (B)koto

Adlib:
C-D-Em--;
A-D-G--;

Repeat Chorus

Lyrics from Anime Lyrics

Halcali - Long Kiss Goodbye English Translation

2008-12-09T13:43:00.009+08:00

Below is the English translation for the recent Naruto Shippuden ending song entitled "Long Kiss Goodbye" by Halcali. Apparently, there's confusion, hesitation and indecision to the song's message. The girl does not like the guy at first but ends up falling for him in the end when he has gone away. Well, the title alone "Long Kiss Goodbye" would have been appropriate for Sarutobi Asuma's demise but could it be that this is how he and Kurenai ended up?

"How long before we see each other again?"
What made me think that
You were saying it with a nice expression?
I pretend that there's nothing bothering me
I'll listen 'till morning as you make excuses
Because I want us to be connected

I don't even want to see your face along the Meguro river anymore
No development will come from this, my cell phone dances
If It's goodbye mail, I want to forget about it
"Hold me tight" but "I want to disappear to somewhere"
Any time that you're talking too much you don't seem to notice
I let you see that "I cry" a little while pretending to be strong
How well did those tears work on you?

Chorus
Even though "I want to be loved" in my own way, it fills me, but I can't see you
I just have the feeling that I'll never see you again...
I want to tell you that, but I can't find the right words
Maybe it's okay if I lie, but I can't even say "Don't go away"

The strange voice he has when he sneezes
The screwed up face he has when he laughs
His habit of rubbing his eyes when he can't stop sweating
No matter how you look at, his personality is boring

Our styles aren't similar at all
He's uselessly shy, a bit in bad taste
The smirk he has when he lies is annoying
I figured those out ages ago, it sucks

I just didn't have a boyfriend at the time
It was just a relationship for me to kill time with
Those are the excuses I told my friends
There's no way I was pursuing him...huh?

He tries to win me over with boring jokes
And I'm sick of his nonstop talking
I've always locked him out, and now I'm knocking

Repeat Chorus

When our hands come apart
Will you forget someday?
About me?

Repeat Chorus

Note:
Meguro - is an area in Tokyo where HALCALI is based. The place is known for the cherry blossom trees along its river. Seeing that cherry blossom signifies romance, could it be that Meguro is a lover's lane?
Find the Romaji/Japanese lyrics for Halcali's Long Kiss Goodbye here

Source

Halcali - Long Kiss Goodbye Lyrics

2008-12-09T08:36:00.011+08:00

"Long Kiss Goodbye" by Halcali is the 7th ending song for the anime series Naruto Shippuden. It first came out in Naruto Shippuden Episode 79 - Unfulfilled Scream. It is probably a tribute to Sarutobi Asuma's permanent "departure" from the series. Kurenai's reccurring presence in the ending song video (closing credits) is rather relevant to the song's message. Find the English translation for Long Kiss Goodbye by Halicali here.

Kondo wa itsu aeru ka nante
Sonna kao shite yoku ieru tte
Omotteta yo nande darou
Nanimo ki ni naranai furi shite
Iiwake suru nara kiku wa asa made
Tsunagattetai kara

Mou kao mo mitakunai meguro gawasoi
Arienai tenkai odoru keetai
Gubbai meeru naraba wasuretai
"Hold me tight" but "dokka kietai"
any time shaberi sugi no KY
Chirari miseru tsuyogari na "I cry"
Namida no kouka wa dore kurai?

Chorus
Watashi nari ni "ai saretai"
afureru no ni kimi ga mienai
Nido to kimi ni aenai sonna ki ga surunda...
Tsutaetai no ni umai
kotoba miataranai
Watashi tabun uso demo ii no ni
"ikanai de" mo ienai yo

Kushami suru to deru henna koe to
Kushakusha ni warau busaiku na kao
Tomaranai ase me wo kosuru kuse
Dousetsu maranai aitsu no tokusei

Nite mo nitsu kenai futari no sutairu
Muda ni Shy sensu wa yayanai
Uso tsuku toki no fukumi warai uzai
Tokku ni barebare mendokusai

Tamatama kareshi ga inai taimingu de
Hima tsubushi teido no koitte
Tomodachi ni mo iiwake shitete
Masaka watashi ga oikaketeru... nande?

Tsumaranai jooku wa ittsumo kudoku
Dokomademo tsudzuku akiaki na tooku
Sono tabi rokku kondo wa watashi kara knock

Repeat Chorus

Nigittetate ga hanaretara
Kimi wa itsuka wasurechau no?
Watashi no koto

Repeat Chorus

(A fanart of Asuma and Kurenai meeting up before sunset.)Source

Naruto Shippuden Episode 81 Sad News

2008-12-09T00:53:00.007+08:00

Naruto's Training
Going back to Naruto training for his new jutsu, the young shinobi finally got an idea on how to maintain focus on both nature manipulation and chakra manipulation at the same time. Kakashi's idea of "looking left and right at the same time" by using a bunshin gave Naruto the needed trick to complete his new jutsu.

(Naruto loses hope seeing that focusing both nature manipulation and chakra manipulation is like looking left and right at the same time)
Naruto breaks the task into three steps, and thus summons two clones. One is in charge with the chakra flow, the second manipulates the shape of the chakra, and the third apply the wind element. This was successful but Naruto still needs more training to do. But all the glee caused by this discovery vanishes as Naruto, Kakashi, Yamato and the whole villagers of Konoha heed news of Asuma's mishap.

(Naruto summons two Bunshins and does the trick)
Akatsuki's True Motive Revealed
Elsewhere, the Akatsuki have started extracting the Two Tails from the Jinchuriki. Hidan was whiny as usual and was ranting basically about everything. The topic of what Akatsuki's plan really is surfaced due to the argument. It is revealed that acquiring financial resources is the first aim of Akatsuki, but such is merely a tool to accomplish Akatsuki's "true plans". Using the acquired money, Akatsuki intends to create the first shinobi mercenary organization allied to no country. They will instigate wars and because they have the edge over the other shinobi organizations, it would be inevitable that they will emerge triumphant and therefore monopolize war. Then comes the third and final step, they take control of the world.

(The Akatsuki leader looks over the city
same as Akatsuki's desire to control the world)
Umbrella Bat
Sai made an umbrella out of a giant bat to shelter Sakura from the rain. The bat is apparently one of the animals he can conjure using his ink summoning jutsu. Very creative, I must say.

(Sai and Sakura watches Naruto train under a bat mimicking an umbrella)

Naruto Shippuden Episode 80 Last Words

2008-12-07T20:01:00.007+08:00

The episode starts off with a strange wind passing through Sandaime's memorial then through Kurenai, two most precious persons to Asuma.

(Kurenai feels an uneasy wind, could it be a premonition?)
Hidan successfully deals a fatal hit to Asuma as hinted when he reverted to his regular human skin form from his ritual curse form. Moments later, Chouji, Ino and two reinforcement Konoha jounins arrived but Kakuzu and Hidan are still persistent in getting Asuma's body for the bounty. Thankfully, the Akatsuki leader summoned Hidan and Kakuzu to start the extraction of the Two Tails and they were forced to fall back. The later episodes was loaded with memories of Asuma, Shikamaru, Ino and Chouji in their mishaps and serious moments. In the end, Ino was not able to heal Asuma because he was hit in four vital organs. Asuma's death became inevitable.

(Asuma's last stick of cigarette before he passed away.)
Hidan's Curse
It seems that after dealing a fatal hit to the cursed target, Hidan's skin changes back to its normal color.

(Hidan's skin changes back as the ceremony ended)
The Two Jounins
Chouji and Ino have been accompanied by two jounins whose name may have been previously mentioned but I wasn't able to catch up. They arrived rather too late when Hidan had already dealt a fatal blow to Asuma. Nevertheless, their arrival was crucial to the safety of Shikamaru, Izumo and Kotetsu.

(Two unknown jounins who were with Chouji and Ino's squad.)
The Jounin with shades on commands the crow swarm, perhaps it's a summoning jutsu. His jutsu is basically for diversion.
(The jounin with shades on controls the swarm of crows.)
The scar faced Jounin puts on a black cloak for camouflage and uses a black sword to hide and strike amongst the swarm of crows. His jutsu are yet to be revealed.
(Jounin in black cloak attempts to strike Kakuzu.)

A True Shinobi and Sensei
Asuma-sensei's pupils Shikamaru, Chouji and Ino mourn for the passing of their teacher who has taught them so well. It is a pain for them to lose someone who have become not only a shinobi teacher, but a father.

Bleach Third Movie - Fade to Black, I Call your Name

2008-12-07T15:40:00.004+08:00

First it was "Memories of Nobody", then came "The Diamond Dust Rebellion", now comes the third movie from the popular anime series "Bleach" entitled "Fade to Black, I Call your Name".

(Rukia changed her form and now wields a death scythe.)

(One of the new characters introduced in the third movie
who wields a death scythe which Ichigo fights against.)

(A new female character revealed in the third movie
who has the same outfit as those who wield a death scythe
but does not have any. She greatly resembles a pixie.)

The tagline of the movie is interestingly "Goodbye Rukia" and the plot revolves around Rukia and Ichigo (Hurray for Rukia-Ichigo love team fans). It is revealed that Soul Society had somehow forgotten about Ichigo and Rukia and deemed them to be enemies of Soul Society. Rukia, also struck with amnesia, had become one with a group of people wielding death scythes. Grim Reapers perhaps?

(Apparently, Rukia seems to have a blank expression
on her face, could it be a sign that she was hypnotized?)

(Bleach third movie trailer entitled "Fade to Black, I Call your Name"
out this December 13 in Japan)

Interestingly, former Captains Uruhara Kisuke and Yoruichi Shihōin joins the battle. Kisuke is even wearing his former haori which symbolizes him being a captain.

(Former Soul Society captains Urahara Kisuke and
Yoruichi Shihōin join the battle.)

Bleach Episode 197 Byakuya's Bankai, the Quiet Anger

2008-12-06T22:47:00.006+08:00

The opening theme used clips from the upcoming Bleach movie which will be released around 13th of December. Ichigo and the Soul Society guys seem to be against a Death Scythe weilding character. Grim Reaper against Death Gods(Shinigami) anyone?

(Zommari decides to release his true form and gets in position.)

This week's episode sheds light on Byakuya in all his pinkish majestic glory as he fights against the apparently weak Espada Zommari. Elsewhere Hanatarou, unable to use Shunpo (Flash Step) searches and eventually catches up with Byakuya after he left him. Byakuya was said to move with haste as soon as he got into Hueco Mundo, an apparent display of concern for his sister-in-law Rukia. Byakuya brushes off Zommari's idea that a Shinigami Captain is of equal level with an Arrancar Espada as mere arrogance. Zommari, seeing that he cannot overpower Byakuya with speed, decides to release his true form to humiliate the appallingly arrogant Captain.

(Zommari's released form Brujeria looks like a torso of a man atop a squash.)

Zommari's ressureccion command is "Quash, Brujeria" and his true form changes his lower body into a giant squash and his whole body is completely covered with eyes, which is rather funny-looking in my opinion. From speed, Zommari has shifted the situation to a battle of sovereignty. Zommari reveals that Brujeira has the power to control anything which his eyes have marked. Such power is called "Amor" (Love) and has marked Byakuya's left leg. This ability seems to be the greatest insult to Byakuya, seeing that he has a rather arrogant pride of a noble. Zommari commands Byakuya's left leg and it moved according to the Espada's wishes. After attempting to resist, Byakuya slashes the nerves that connect his left leg thus rendering the Amor technique useless.

(Byakuya's left hand has been marked by Amor, Brujeria's controlling abilities available to Zommari)

Zommari used the same technique and gained sovereignty over Byakuya's left arm which Byakuya dismisses immediately by slashing the nerves. Byakuya cast "Way of Binding No.1: Thrust" upon Rukia to free her from the ice. But it appears that for each of Zommari's eye that is activated, he is able to mark one object and this time had activated two eyes. He happened to put a mark on Rukia's head (why didn't Zommari do this to Byakuya in the first place?), and such location enables Zommari to control Rukia's whole body. Rukia, under Zommari's control, severely wounded Hanatarou and fights Byakuya. The Captain, never losing composure, merely dodged the attacks. Zommari held Rukia hostage by making her attempt suicide but Byakuya merely cast "Way of Binding no. 61: Six Rod Prison of Light" and held Rukia in check.

(Byakuya gets into position to release his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi)

The pathetic Espada panicked frantically. With that, Byakuya released Bankai "Senbonzakura Kageyoshi". The Arrancar used his last resort by using all his eyes to gain sovereignty over Byakuya's Senbonzakura but to no avail seeing that the Bankai utilizes a thousand blade petals while Zommari only had 50 Brujeira eyes in his body. With "Goukei, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi"(Throat Scene, One Thousand Cherry Blossom Petals Vibrant Display), the blade petals exploded into a bright pink flash engulfing the Arrancar and destroying the building.

(The blade petals burst into a bright pink flash upon Byakuya's command "Goukei, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi")

Aqua Timez - Velonica Lyrics

2008-12-05T13:42:00.012+08:00

This is the new 9th opening song for the popular anime series Bleach. According to Wikipedia, the full version of the song will be out this coming January 14, 2009 so watch out for it. This song is composed by Aqua Timez and 2 of their songs have been previously used in Bleach. "Sen no Yoru wo Koete" was featured in the Bleach movie while "Alones" was the opening song for the Bleach series during the start of the Arrancar arc. Below are the Japanese/Nihongo Lyrics of the said song:

Stanza:
Saa setsunai no kono magira shiawase no furi wo shiteita
Motto hashitta no iikikashita mugon de sotto tsukamiai
Kita michi wo ichibetsu hitori wo gaman shi man suru sansan no sugu wa
Kao ni amaru toriai no kaori
Chiri wa tsumotte
Hateshinai tabi no tochuu de machi no hazure ni tachiyoru tsukareta ryouashi wo
Sotto nagedashite nekorobu to
Kurikaesareru asai memorii
Nando mo onaji ano yokogao nandomo onaji ano kotoba wo
Ikiteiru dake de kanashii to omou no wa watashi dake na no kiita ano

Pre-Chorus:
Niteru ni wa chuui no nai
Utsuro ni kieru kitto mada chikara naki osanai kimi

Chorus:
Minakute ii kanashimi wo mitekita kimi wa ima
Koraenakute ii namida wo koraete sugoshiteru
Hontou no koto dake de ikite yukeru hodo
Bokura wa tsuyokunaisa tsuyokunakute ii ii

Source of Aqua Timez Lyrics

(The new opening song for Bleach entitled "Velonica" by Aqua Timez in Youtube, uploaded by Arrancar Nel tu)

Hidan wallpaper download

2008-12-02T23:54:00.008+08:00

Hidan has been the focus of the Naruto Shippuden anime episodes recently and so I decided to feature a rather impressive work of art depicting such Akatsuki. Here's a Hidan wallpaper that I found from Naruto Wallpaper Biz which I find to be aesthetically simple yet dark and effective.

Click here or click the image to Download the Hidan Wallpaper

Naruto Shippuden Episode 79 Unfulfilled Scream

2008-12-01T03:19:00.006+08:00

The second part of the "Asuma Dies! The Naruto Shipuuden Special of Despair and Imprisonment" starts with the decapitation of Hidan. To everyone's shock, Hidan was still alive despite the fact that his head have been severed from his body.

(Kakuzu stitches Hidan's head back in place using a black wire.)

Kakuzu gets involved and helps Hidan fight the team of Asuma, Shikamaru, Kotetsu and Izumo. He sews Hidan's decapitated head back to his body with a strange black wire coming from his hands. This black wire may be his unique shinobi technique. He charges in to attack Kotetsu, Izumu and Shikamaru.

(Izumo coats the ground with syrup using "Suiton: Mizuame Nabara")

(Kotetsu summons a giant mace from a scroll.)

Kotetsu summoned a giant weapon that resembles a morning star and he seems to be able to control the mace from a distance. Izumu used "Suiton: Mizuame Nabara" and coats the ground with syrup liquid which successfully immobilizes Kakuzu. But Kakuzu, being able to sew body parts back, also has the ability to detach them. He launched both of his arms and captures Kotetsu and Izumo.

(Kakuzu binds Kotetsu and Izumo with his unique black wire technique)

With Kotetsu and Izumo rendered helpless while Shikamaru still exhausted, Hidan shifted his attention back to Asuma and intends to finish his ceremony. He attacks Asuma but Asuma was able to dodge them. Dodging might have been a bad idea because the resulting attack hit Hidan, and thus Asuma suffers from the wound too. The episode concluded with Hidan stabbing himself with a metal stake and Shikamaru running and screaming, partly blaming himself for not being able to save Asuma.

(Hidan was hit by his own scythe but Asuma suffers the pain as well.)

New Ending Theme Song
"Long Kiss Goodbye" from Halcali is the latest ending theme song which is introduced in this episode. It is probably a tribute to Sarutobi Asuma's departure.

(Kurenai looking pretty in this episode.)

(Kurenai looks back in the ending song "Long Kiss Goodbye" by Halicali.)

Naruto Shippuden Episode 78 Given Judgement

2008-11-30T23:52:00.006+08:00

This is the first part of the "Asuma Dies! The Naruto Shipuuden Special of Despair and Imprisonment"

Hidan's curse
The color of Hidan's skin changed, making him look like a skeleton. Strangely, Asuma was burnt too even though only Hidan was caught in the blast. It appears that any attacks made to Hidan, Asuma suffers as well. The only difference is Hidan is immortal and this could prove fatal for Asuma if he does not break free of the curse. Apparently, Hidan's religion advocates equality and empathy wherein one suffers the same as the other does.

(Hidan's skin color changed when he started his "ritual")

Shikamaru's brilliant mind
Back in the past, Shikamaru never had an idea on how to deal with the Akatsuki because there was not much information about them. Shikamaru concludes that the best way to deal with them is to analyze them during battle, that is if the Akatsuki give him enough time to begin with. Now faced with this weird ritual that Hidan cursed upon Asuma, Shikamaru is forced to his limits both physically and mentally. But thanks to Asuma for delaying the fight and in effect revealed information about Hidan's technique, Shikamaru managed to decipher the truth behind the weird ceremony. Hidan's rather cumbersome scythe had a rather strange design which reveals that it is not meant for killing but to draw blood. Hidan will ingest the drawn blood from the weapon to form a link between his body and the owner of the blood, as he was seen licking such blood. Hidan rushing to the symbol even though he knew he will be caught up in the blast Asuma casted, means he needs the symbol to activate his curse. Using Shadow Neck Binding, Shikamaru pulled Hidan off the diagram and when he was successful, he used his Shadow Sewing technique to fasten Hidan to a position away from the said symbol. The episode ended when Asuma successfully beheaded Hidan using his chakra fist blades.

(Shikamaru fastened Hidan to the ground
using his Shadow Sewing technique.)

Shadow Sewing Technique
Shikamaru extends his shadow like his usual Shadow techniques (Shadow Binding and Shadow Neck Binding) only this time the shadow form sharp spikes and pierce their target. The spikes act like ropes that fasten an enemy to the ground, rendering him immobile. I believe this is the first time he used it and Hidan was the first victim of this technique.

(Shikamaru's shadow splits and become spikes, a manifestation
that he has started Shadow Sewing technique)

New opening theme song
"Closer" by Inoue Joe is the new opening song for the Naruto Shippuuden episode. Last week's episode opening song was previously Ikimono-gakari's "Blue Bird".

Naruto Shippuden Episode 77 Climbing Silver

2008-11-30T12:30:00.004+08:00

This episode is the second part of the one-hour Naruto Shippuuden special "Collision Course! Akatsuki vs Team Asuma". Konoha shinobis raid every possible exchange points with the hope of encountering the dreaded Akatsuki. But all four groups were forced to wait as they found no sign of Akatsuki yet. It was Asuma's team who was lucky enough (or unfortunate enough) to ambush the Akatsuki, starting with Hidan. Hidan was distracted by Asuma while Shikamaru held Hidan in place with his Shadow-Binding technique and Kotetsu and Izumu stabs him left and right. It was an easy vicotry, but such was short-lived when the Konoha shinobis realized that Hidan was an immortal.

(Kotetsu and Izumo stabbed Hidan left and right
and realized that Hidan is an immortal.)
Hidan recognizes the Twelve Guardian sash Asuma has been wearing and whines at another lucrative opportunity. The two opposing teams battle. While recovering, Hidan draws a peculiar diagram on the ground using his own blood and says something about a "ceremony". Asuma orients the team about his plans which to Shikamaru seems like a "Climbing Silver" strategy used in the Shougi chess game they were playing. It is a strategy that involves sacrificing one of your pieces, and Asuma does not like that strategy because, if it was in a real life battle situation, he cannot allow any of his "pieces" to die. Asuma fights Hidan while Shikamaru tries to capture Hidan with Shadow Sewing. Kotetsu and Izumo acts as Shikamaru's guards if in case Kakuzu attacks. Asuma copied Chiriku's technique to deflect an incoming attack by Hidan, proving that he indeed was one of the Twelve Guardians.

(Kakuzu stands still and watches the battle.)
Shikamaru, seeing that Kakuzu was just standing still and seemed to be harmless, asked Kotetsu and Izumo to help Asuma. They throw shurikens in hope to position Hidan where they want to, but Hidan did not dodge and ran up to attack Shikamaru. Asuma, Kotetsu, and Izumu reacted in a flash to protect Shikamaru but Hidan had other plans. He took the opportunity to sink his blades at Asuma's face, causing him to bleed slightly. Strangely, Hidan licks the tip of his scythe and ran back to his diagram. Asuma ended the episode with a bang from his ninjutsu "Katon: Haisekishou!" (Fire Element: Searing Ash Cloud), covering the whole area where Hidan is in ash before igniting it with flame.

(Asuma covers the area with smoke from his ninjutsu
"Katon: Haisekishou!" - Fire Element: Searing Ash Cloud)

Naruto Shippuden Episode 76 The Next Step

2008-11-30T02:02:00.006+08:00

This episode is the first part of the one-hour Naruto Shippuuden special "Collision Course! Akatsuki vs Team Asuma". Naruto has made quite a progress in his training and is now ready for the next step. It might sound encouraging at first thought but it's really disheartening because the next step happens to be the most difficult. Kakashi proves this when he revealed that not even the Fourth Hokage could complete it. The next phase of Naruto's training involves the mastery of both chakra manipulation and elemental based attacks. An example of a technique that involves chakra manipulation is Rasengan, which Naruto has already mastered. Kakashi's Chidori is a perfect example of an elemental based technique, which uses the element of Lightning. Another reason why this is the most difficult phase when making one's own jutsu is that this step is dependent on an individual's "innate ability" and "sense" as discussed by Yamato. Kakashi, knowing Naruto quite well, firmly believes that Naruto can pull this one out.

(Naruto is having a hard time infusing wind element to the Rasengan)

Naruto, inspired by the reassuring words of Kakashi, resumed training as he attempts to add wind nature element to his Rasengan. Naruto is already having a hard time concentrating on making the Rasengan, adding wind chakra would surely make him lose focus. This severe exertion of concentration caused the Kyuubi's chakra to leak out. But luckily, Yamato was able to subdue Naruto in time. Interestingly, Kakashi called out "Tenzou" in panic, which is probably Yamato's real name.

(The Kyuubi's chakra leaked while Naruto was in training.)

Konoha shinobis in pursuit of the Akatsuki have received news from Asuma's group that the criminal shinobis are possibly on their way towards extraction points. Elsewhere, Shikamaru noticed that his sensei Asuma had stopped smoking and he has never seen his sensei like this since the Third Hokage died. It appears that Asuma and Chiruku had been from the same group of Fire Country shinobis called "The Twelve Guardians" and revealed that they were as close as Shikamaru and Chouji, and that Chiruki was not the reason why he stopped smoking. Asuma must have been really tense about something.

Meanwhile, the Akatsuki reaches the exchange point. Kakuzu claims the bounty for Chiriku's body while Hidan, disgusted by the smell seeing that the exchange point was hidden inside a public restroom, waits outside. Asuma Sarutobi happened to be in the bingo book one page before Chiriku's when the the corpse and identity of Chiriku was being confirmed. It is also revealed that Kakuzu could not kill Hidan despite the fact that he is known to be ill-tempered and that all of his previous partners are dead. As Hidan waits for his partner Kakuzu outside, Konoha shinobis stalked nearby, ready to attack.

(Asuma waits for the Akatsuki Hidan and Kakuzu as they claim their bounty)

Bleach Episode 196 Joining the Battle! The Strongest Shinigami Army Appears

2008-11-28T00:33:00.005+08:00

Indeed. The Strongest among the Gotei 13 joins the fight and aids Ichigo and his friends in battle. Zaraki Kenpachi, along with his lieutenant Yachiru, saves Ichigo from certain death. Nnoitora knew of Kenpachi's power and tried to warn his Fraccion Tesla but it was rather too late. Tesla had been cut vertically in half by the Captain of the 11th Division. At first, Ichigo thought it was a mirage. There was no way in hell that Soul Society would aid them in their battles in Hueco Mundo. Kenpachi explains that Yama-jii had secretly ordered Uruhara Kisuke to help captain-level Shinigami enter Hueco Mundo using a Gargantua in preparation of the upcoming battle against the Espada. They had to use that gate due to the unfortunate events such as the abduction of Inoue and Ichigo's rather impatient and suicidal rescue attempt. Kenpachi against Nnoitora is a rather unmatched bout. Nnoitora has already been weakened physically and mentally (I bet his chauvinist Pride crumbled real bad, being beaten by a woman) due to the onslaught of Neliel's sudden comeback and Resurreccion, and to make matters worst, he is about to face the brute strength mad berserker captain from Soul Society. Like true warriors, both of them introduced their names before charging in to attack. These warriors are apparently loving the fight because not only are they looking for a challenge, they also share the same fashion - eyepatches.

From the 4th Squad Captain Unohana Retsu and her trusty lieutenant Kotetsu Isane came for Sado and negotiated with the Exequias that they do not intend to shed blood but rather to heal injuries. The Exequias leader acknowledged it was a wise decision and so they left the scene as it were.

It seems that Szayel Aporro's performance has been interrupted by the presence of a Soul Society Captain. Interestingly, this certain captain share the same blind devotion for scientific research and knowledge. It was none other than Mayuri Kurotsuchi accompanied by his daughter lieutenant Nemu. Mayuri seems to take interest in the Arrancar Espada specimen that is Szayel Aporro and so Mayuri asks Szayel Aporro's name so that he can label the specimen jar appropriately. This amuses Szayel Aporro that he gave the Captain the honor to tell him his name so that Mayuri can become Szayel's marrionette. With this, the Fornicaras' wings devoured the Shinigami Captain and produced a voodoo doll. But Mayuri merely laughs at Szayel Aporro and discloses that the Espada will experience a world far beyond his comprehension.

Zommari Leroux intended to cut off Rukia's head to make sure that the Shinigami is dead. But before the 7th Espada could do that, a Soul Society Captain came to Rukia's rescue. He was none other than her ever protective brother-in-law, Kuchiki Byakuya. Byakuya did not introduce himself seeing that it is irrelevant and that he will be viewed as an enemy regardless despite the fact that Zommari introduced himself. And so the two began a fight of speed. Zommari prides himself of being the Arrancar with the fastest Sonido. He can move so fast that with a few adjustments to his steps, he could create a clone. He calls this technique "Gemilos Sonido" (Twin Sound). But Byakuya only views this as an advantage because Zommari revealed his techniques rather blatantly. Byakuya attacks but nearly miscalculates because Zommari is not limited to making one clone of himself. Nevertheless, Byakuya reacted accordingly to the situation by casting an offensive kido "Way of Destruction No. 4: White Lightning". Even still, Gemelos Sonido enabled Zommari to make 5 copies of himself, thus outnumbering and successfully stabbing Byakuya. But the Captain, having learned subtlety techniques from Yuroichi, used Shihou Black Ops Step Technique 3: Molting Cicada and deceived Zommari to thinking that the Espada had killed him. Byakuya concluded the episode with a quote...

"Fear not for your arrogance will not be the reason why you will lose,
but purely because of the gap between our powers."

Naruto Shippuden Upcoming Episode List

2008-11-25T22:52:00.035+08:00

The following dates will be the airing schedule of the respective Naruto Shippuden Episodes.

Season 12: 2012

Episode 247 The Nine-Tails is Targeted (Feb 2)
Episode 246 The Orange Sparkle (Jan 26)
Episode 245 The Next Challenge! Naruto vs. The Nine Tails (Jan 19)
Episode 244 Killer Bee and Motoi (Jan 12)
Episode 243 Land Ahoy! Is this the Paradise Island? (Jan 5)

Season 10: The Gathering of the Five Kage (2011)

Episode 221 Storage (Jul 28)
Episode 220 Prophecy of the Great Lord Elder (Jul 21)
Episode 219 Kakashi Hatake, the Hokage (Jul 7)
Episode 218 The Five Great Nations Mobilize (Jun 30)
Episode 217 The Infiltrator (Jun 23)
Episode 216 High-Level Shinobi (Jun 16)
Episode 215 Two Fates (Jun 9)
Episode 214 The Burden (Jun 2)
Episode 213 Lost Bonds (May 26)
Episode 212 Sakura's Resolve (May 19)
Episode 211 Danzo Shimura (May 12)
Episode 210 The Fobidden Visual Jutsu (May 5)
Episode 209 Danzo's Right Arm (Apr 28)
Episode 208 As One's Friend (Apr 21)
Episode 207 The Tailed Beast vs. The Talless Tailed Beast (Apr 14)
Episode 206 Sakura's Feelings (Apr 7)
Episode 205 Declaration of War (Mar 31)
Episode 204 Power of the Five Kage (Mar 24)
Episode 203 Sasuke's Ninja Way (Mar 17)
Episode 202 Racing Lightning (Mar 10)
Episode 201 Painful Decision (Mar 3)
Episode 200 Naruto's Plea (Feb 24)
Episode 199 Enter the Five Kage! (Feb 17)
Episode 198 Five Kage Summit Eve (Feb 10)
Episode 197 The Sixth Hokage Danzo (Feb 10)

Season 8: Pain attacks Konoha arc
Episode 175 Hero of the Hidden Leaf (August 26, 2010)
Episode 174 Tale of Uzumaki Naruto (August 19, 2010)
Episode 173 Origin of Pain (August 12, 2010)
Episode 172 Meeting (August 5, 2010)
Episode 171 Big Adventure! The Quest for the Fourth Hokage's Legacy Part 2 (July 29, 2010)
Episode 170 Big Adventure! The Quest for the Fourth Hokage's Legacy Part 1 (July 29, 2010)
Episode 169 The Two Students (July 22, 2010)
Episode 168 The Fourth Hokage (July 15, 2010)
Episode 167 Planetary Devastation (July 1, 2010)
Episode 166 Confessions (June 24, 2010)
Episode 165 Nine-Tails, Captured! (June 17, 2010)
Episode 164 Danger! Sage Mode Limit Reached (June 10, 2010)
Episode 163 Explode! Sage Mode (June 3, 2010)
Episode 162 Pain to the World (May 27, 2010)
Episode 161 Surname is Sarutobi. Given Name, Konohamaru! (May 20, 2010)
Episode 160 Mystery of Pain (May 13, 2010)
Episode 159 Pain versus Kakashi (May 6, 2010)
Episode 158 Power to Believe (April 29, 2010)
Episode 157 Assault on the Leaf Village (April 22, 2010)
Episode 156 Suprassing the Master (April 15, 2010)
Episode 155 The First Challenge (April 8, 2010)
Episode 154 Decryption (April 8, 2010)
Episode 153 "Following the Master's Shadow" (March 25, 2010)
Episode 152 "Somber News" (March 25, 2010)

Season 4: Kakuzu and Hidan arc
Episode 88 Wind Style: Rasen Shuriken! (December 11, 2008)
Episode 87 When You Curse Someone, You Dig Your Own Grave (December 4, 2008)
Episode 86 Shikamaru's Genius (December 4, 2008)
Episode 85 The Terrifying Secret (November 20, 2008)
Episode 84 Kakuzu's Ablities (November 13, 2008)
Episode 83 Target: Locked On (November 6, 2008)
Episode 82 Team Ten (October 30, 2008)
Episode 81 Sad News (October 23, 2008)
Episode 80 Last Words (October 16, 2008)
Episode 79 Unfulfilled Scream (October 2, 2008)
Episode 78 The Judgment (October 2, 2008)
Episode 77 Climbing Silver (September 25, 2008)
Episode 76 The Next Step (September 25, 2008)
Episode 75 The Old Monk's Prayer (September 11, 2008)
Episode 74 Under the Starry Sky (September 4, 2008)
Episode 73 Akatsuki's Invasion (August 28, 2008)
Episode 72 The Quietly Approaching Threat (August 21, 2008)

Do stay tuned for these upcoming airing schedules!

May 21, 2009 - Episode 110
May 28, 2009 - Episode 111
Jun 04, 2009 - Episode 112

Bleach Episode 195 The Ultimate Union! Pesche's Seriousness

2008-11-23T18:04:00.015+08:00

Pesche and Dondochakka saves Ishida and Renji by stealing the voodoo dolls from Szayel Aporro. The location where Pesche hides his Zanpakutou is rather hilarious. His Zanpakutou is quite similar to Ishida's spirit blades and even brags of his similarity to the Quincy. The two Fraccions then unleashed an offensive attack by combining their Cero into one and called it "Cero, Sincretico" which translates to "Synchronize Zero". Szayel Aporro was shocked by this display of power that he was not able to react and was engulfed in the blast. Unfortunately, Szayel managed to analyze the identities and spirit signatures of both Pesche and Dondachakka beforehand. The Cero Sincretico was not yet fully merged, thus he was able to separate the two Ceros and managed to survive the blast. He even knew their real full names "Pesche Guatiche" and "Dondochakka Bilstin", and even discloses that their technique would have worked if they used it earlier. Szayel Apporo assumes that Ishida, Renji, Pesche and Dondochakka does not have any tricks up their sleeves and thus he intends to "draw the final curtain".

(Pesche and Dondochakka merge their
Cero into one destructive Cero Sincretico!)

Meanwhile, Neliel released her Zanpakutou with the command "Declare, Gamuza". Gamuza or Chamois means "Antelope Knight". Neliel's Ressureccion transformed her into a female centaur with knight-like armor and a double-edged lance. She launched an offensive by throwing the lance towards Nnoitora. Such lance attack is called "Lanzador Verde" or "Green Lancer". This attack impaled Nnoitora making him unable to move. But just when Neliel was about to land the finishing blow, she reverted back to her child form. The Resurreccion must have taken a huge toll on her body and caused her to transform back. Neliel was supposed to be Ichigo and Inoue's last hope but they are doomed the moment Neliel changed back to a child. Nnoitora commands Tesla to finish Ichigo off. Nnoitora preferred to grab and let Inoue watch as Ichigo suffers. Tesla released his Zanpakutou with the command "Blow away, Verruga" and the Resurreccion transformed him into a giant warthog humanoid. The Hollow monster crushes and beats Ichigo up, smashing him to the ground repeatedly. Will this be the end for Ichigo?

(Neliel's Ressureccion, Gamuz the Antelope Knight)

Ichigo's friends are not in any luck either. A new and unknown Espada appears where Rukia and Aaroneiro fought. Rukia seems to be unconscious but the new Espada intends to cut off her head to make sure. Will she be beheaded? Chado lay in the desert as a group of Arrancars and intends to begin the "Extraction". What will happen to Chad? But looks like there is hope after all as Zaraki Kenpachi blocks Tesla's attack in the nick of time and saves Ichigo from getting the final blow.

(A new and unknown Espada arrives
at the scene where Rukia is unconscious.)

Watch the Bleach episode 195 online at Anilinkz.

It makes me wonder as to why Nnoitora, after being a scaredy cat and overpowered by Neliel's Ressurrecion, merely insulted Nel and kicked the kid aside instead of finishing her off or torturing her to get even. What's worse is he even let Tesla deal with Ichigo instead of having the honor of killing Ichigo himself. What kind of a villain is Nnoitora? D:

Inoue can't say anything else except "Kurosaki-kun!" and would not do justice to her voice actress. The scenes where Ichigo was beaten up by Tesla's Ressureccion is rather long, probably to make it dramatic and to emphasize the bond between him and Inoue.