Inuyasha Manga: 077 Kagome's Voice

There was a kind of hullabaloo over that, wasn't there? Back when the original anime was out, I remember loads of Inuyasha fans coming out of the woodwork to piss and moan that Kagome's voice actress was "shrill" or some other surface complaint. When asked what "shrill" meant, none of the dissidents of Kagome's voice could ever give a straight answer. I didn't happen to think she did a half bad job of it, but I never gave the matter much thought either. My opinions on such things were never very popular to begin with, so to hell with it.

Uhh, never mind, I'll keep my opinions after all. I wouldn't want them to be stuck there with Kikyou forever...

Kagome screams at Inuyasha to run away, calling him stupid as she asks if he can see what's happening right in front of his dumb face. Sorry, couldn't resist throwing in my own insult. From what Kagome can see of Inuyasha's eyes, all glassy and out of focus, Kagome realizes that it's no good to yell at him because he's not even conscious. Instead, Kagome starts yelling at Kikyou, asking if she can hear her. Kikyou does have an eye on Kagome as Kagome hurriedly explains that her hatred is misplaced, because fifty years before, Kikyou and Inuyasha fell into a trap. Kagome tells Kikyou that a guy, called Naraku, is the one really to blame for making Inuyasha and Kikyou hate each other, and he's the one whom Kikyou should despise.

Kikyou turns her head more fully toward Kagome now, glaring, and Kagome thinks she might have gotten through to Kikyou. However, when Kikyou raises a hand...

Shit, that was RUDE.

Kagome whimpers Kikyou's name as Kikyou continues to glare, saying that even if she could get her revenge, her dirt body would not come back to life. Kikyou lifts her hands to caress at Inuyasha's face lovingly, claiming that it will be better for him to come with her rather than go on living unable to forget about her. Yeah, because being unable to forget about someone is debilitating and deserves euthanasia.

Veins pop out all over Kagome's head as she gets seriously ticked. She shouts at Kikyou to stop messing around and not to touch Inuyasha, which seems to do something shocking to Kikyou. Literally, there are tendrils of lightning drawn all over her taken-aback expression accompanied by a crackle.

Kagome's voice may not have bothered me none, but those souls are sure getting the fuck out of dodge, aren't they? Beyond the barrier, Miroku and Shippou observe with alarm the gigantic ball of souls escaping into the sky. They simultaneously speculate that the souls appear to be running away.

Kagome is no longer being held up by the soul-collectors, leaning on her hip in the grass. Kikyou realizes that Kagome had torn out her soul yet again, and she tightens her grip on Inuyasha's robe, trying to drag him down faster before she runs out of souls. However, Kagome utilizes her voice yet again; now that she's free, she tries to get Inuyasha's attention once more by shouting at him to wake up. Inuyasha's fuzzy brain picks up on it this time, and he takes a moment to realize that it's Kagome.

Inuyasha doesn't need anyone to tell him to get to work. He whips out Tessaiga and runs toward Kagome, leaving behind a hurt-looking Kikyou in his rescue wake. Inuyasha swings the Tessaiga down on the wafting soul-collectors, and Kagome flinches for how close the blade comes to her face with the strike. When Inuyasha asks Kagome what she's doing in a place like this, Kagome repeats the question indignantly, but Inuyasha is soon distracted by the remaining soul-collectors coiling around the ruined tree in front of him.

They pass him to hover around Kikyou, who kneels in the rubble of the broken ground where she tried to drag Inuyasha into Hell with her. Inuyasha sweats as he looks at the great cracks in the earth he just escaped.

Don't pout, Kikyou. You set yourself up for this. She asks Inuyasha if Kagome is more precious to him. More precious than being MURDERED by you? Yeah, that's not really a difficult choice to make, is it? Inuyasha looks flabbergasted at the question, not having the opportunity to answer before Kikyou allows herself to be carried away on the backs of her remaining soul-collectors. He calls after her and she responds with a demand for him not to forget...

Duly noted. Inuyasha gapes at her retreating form while Kagome glares at the ground with a heavy frown. Inuyasha watches the souls and Kikyou grow smaller in the night sky as she tells him not to forget again, and he contemplates her with sadness.

He hears a shift in the grass behind him and glances at Kagome now stomping off in the opposite direction to Kikyou over his shoulder. Confusion apparent on his face, he follows, trying to get her attention, but she tells him to go away. Inuyasha asks what she's so pissed off about, causing her to stop abruptly and turn to glare at him. She apologizes before she lets him know that she saw everything.

Inuyasha recoils a moment, sweatdropping, before repeating "everything" like a question. She confirms that she saw it all from beginning to end. Inuyasha sweatdrops even more while she sighs and asks with a crestfallen expression just what in the world she is to him. Inuyasha is taken aback again, searching for words, but when he reaches out and actually starts to talk, Kagome sits his ass. From his prone place in the ground, he shouts at Kagome, but Kagome sighs that she's going home. Miroku and Shippou find him laying in the dirt fuming, asking what happened. Miroku says it looks like something awful happened to him.

Meanwhile...

She's casual, for a dead girl.

So, what did I think of this chapter overall? Talk about a cat fight. Kagome and Kikyou bickering over Inuyasha never did entertain me much, and it's only become a LITTLE more bearable through a deeper understanding of Kikyou's motivations here. It's because delving deeper into the motivations is like wading knee-deep in the kiddie pool. Kikyou is essentially being a brat.

Sure, it was interesting seeing her admit that revenge won't get her her life back, and this after Kagome says that her hatred is totally misplaced. It's her admission that she's acknowledged the priest she killed had a point. She's clinging to a time that's long past, and the only thing she can do at this point is go back to death. Kikyou tries to bring Inuyasha with her to restore her warped sense of balance, because she had originally died with the notion that she was following Inuyasha her love.

It doesn't actually matter to her whose fault it is that she died. All that matters is making things the way they were SUPPOSED to be fifty years before. Which is the other part of the reason she's so upset that Inuyasha has moved on. The first part that we've already discussed is plain jealousy, but it's not JUST of Kagome's place in Inuyasha's life. It's jealousy of Inuyasha himself for still having a life to live and a path to keep going forward. That crack about him not being able to forget her was actually the vain hope that he was in some way LIKE HER in that he wouldn't be able to truly heal.

Of course, she knew all along that she had to trick him into going with her into death, that he wouldn't go willingly. It's no wonder she thought she had to remind him that her feelings are REAL, despite the trick she played on him.

As for Kagome's depression and anger at the end of the chapter, same ol' same ol'. He's anxious and wary of Kagome's temper, but still too unskilled socially to properly explain himself. She's focusing on the fact that Inuyasha' confession to Kikyou seemed to be expressing sentiments similar to those in the one he gave her, and confused by Inuyasha's seemingly contradictory actions. They'll go around in circles until one of them manages to express a message in a language the other actually understands.

Ah, young love.

Yu-Gi-Oh Manga: 135 The Set Trap

Oh no, manga, don't do this to me! I was enjoying the promise of a chapter free from Duel Monsters madness, but your talk about setting traps is giving me flashbacks! Can't my small vacation from Duel Monsters be more complete and not filled to the brim with reminders that we're eventually going to be returning to it? Can we manage that? Please?

Ryoji's side of the room are all looking pretty smug for his having pulled the lamest trick in the book. It's so lame, all Jonouchi would need to do to get Ryoji back is to tell him his fly is undone.

Unfortunately, Jonouchi is too busy gritting his teeth in embarrassment to do much of that, still in disbelief that he ever fell for such a childish trick. Yuugi just glares at Ryoji with that classic poop-face of his. Ryoji's thoughts are dedicated to his plan to tear apart Yuugi's so-called "friendship" piece by piece. Not sure how Ryoji is determining the friendship isn't legitimate to begin with, but Yuugi is jumping in to defend it regardless. Yuugi tells Jonouchi not to listen to a word Ryoji says while pointing accusingly at him, labeling his trick as cheap and a set-up.

Ryoji just grins at this, asking how it's cheap. Yuugi explains that while Ryoji claimed he could get the die without touching the cup, he tricked Jonouchi into moving the cup for him so he could snatch the die out from under it. Ryoji's deft fingers play with the die he used in his trick as he confirms Yuugi's assessment, saying that since his hand didn't touch the cup, he didn't cheat. He calls this gambling, which isn't what it is at all, but whatevz kid.

Yuugi begins to protest haltingly, but Ryoji insists that since Jonouchi didn't realize the weakness of the game from the beginning, it was his own damn fault for losing. The word "weakness" has Yuugi confused in some fashion, so Ryoji breaks it down for him; if Ryoji couldn't touch the cup, then of course he couldn't get the die, so the only thing he could do was convince Jonouchi to move the cup for him by convincing him to check if the die was still there. Jonouchi leans across the desk in indignation, asking if Ryoji really intended to trick him all along. Ryoji laughs that Jonouchi finally understands.

Because Jonouchi is a sucker for punishment, he demands that he and Ryoji compete again, and Ryoji agrees on the condition that if Jonouchi loses, he becomes Ryoji's "dog" for two weeks instead of just the one. What, like being walked and groomed and fed? That actually sounds like a dope deal. Still, Jonouchi is determined to win this time, despite Yuugi's advice not to play Ryoji's games again. Jonouchi tells him to mind his own business. Sheesh, losing really puts Jonouchi in a mood...

Ryoji holds up a deck of playing cards, telling Jonouchi they'll be using them this time, and Jonouchi says this is fine. Having pulled the four aces from the deck of cards, he mixes them up and puts them face-down on the table between himself and Jonouchi. He names the four suits of cards in a playing deck, and says they'll class hearts and diamonds as red, clubs and spades as black. From these four cards, Jonouchi is allowed to pick two.

No, I'm unclear about something here... When does your damn class actually start? Is this some sort of study period where your dumb teachers just leave you alone forever to gamble in the classroom? And when am I ever going to not be confused by the lack of adult presence in this comic?

Jonouchi examines his choices thoughtfully, noting that there are four color combinations available to him, and two of those are what he needs, so his chances lie in a solid 50/50. Now THIS is gambling, kids. Jonouchi decides that this seems plenty fair to him, so he calls for a start to the game. After a moment of concentration and Honda shouting that Jonouchi has to win from behind a crestfallen Yuugi, Jonouchi slaps the two center cards as his choices. When turned over, however, the ace of clubs and ace of hearts is revealed, making Jonouchi grind his teeth again due to his faulty guess.

Ryoji brags that he won, just fueling the teeth-clenching, cursing rage of Jonouchi. He demands that they play one more time, to which Ryoji responds that Jonouchi isn't being a good boy. There goes my gaydar again. Regardless, Ryoji arranges the cards face-down on the desk, while Jonouchi tells him to shut his trap.

As Jonouchi hunches in his chair and clenches his fists in frustration, Ryoji comments on how bad Jonouchi's luck is that he couldn't win once in a fair game. Yuugi says Jonouchi's name, wondering if this game isn't also a tad off. Meanwhile, Ryoji is telling Jonouchi that he has to keep to their agreement and be his dog from now on. Jonouchi silently curses.

The first order Ryoji has for Jonouchi is to speak to no one other than him, and bark when he's answering his "master's" call. Yuugi is pointing at Ryoji again when he shouts that they're all classmates here, and the game is too cruel for them. Also, I shit you not, he says that "this kind of friendship is too weird." Is it? I think YOU'RE too weird for assuming that friendship has anything whatsoever to do with this, Yuugi. This is pure malice, plain and simple.

However, Anzu agrees with Yuugi and tells Jonouchi not to listen to Ryoji. Jonouchi glances over his shoulder to tell Yuugi not to worry about him, because this is his own problem. Well, that's fair. You did walk right into this against everyone's better advice, Jonouchi.

What the fuck??? Ryoji, you just made it on my list. And my list is not a place you want to be.

Anzu and Honda hover over a thrashing Jonouchi as he pisses and moans about the die hitting his face, Honda calling Ryoji a skunk. Ryoji jovially commands Jonouchi to bark, and this is the last straw for Yuugi. He grabs hold of the chain on his Millennium Puzzle, thinking this has gone way too far.

In the next moment, Yami has come out, telling Ryoji he's awfully bold for bullying his friend right in front of him. Ryoji smirks, realizing this must be the "other" Yuugi everyone talks about that's finally showed up. Yami sits in Jonouchi's vacated chair, a cocky smile on his face, though Jonouchi is protesting. Yami says it's his turn to play a game with Ryoji, and if he wins he wants only a promise from Ryoji. Ryoji agrees, positing that if he wins, Yami has to do everything he says as well. Man, this kid is really into having indentured servants. And being certain he won't lose.

Yuugi asks Yami in their head if he's planning on playing the "four aces" game with Ryoji, and Yami asks why he's wondering. Yuugi says he's not sure this is a fair game, and Yami is glad Yuugi noticed this as well. Surprised this is true, Yuugi is also informed by Yami that Ryoji lured Jonouchi into playing a game called "Bar Bet", which Yuugi asks for more information on. It's a game that the gambler sets up so they never lose, the same thing regardless if it's with cards or dice. The "four aces" game only SEEMED to have a 50/50 chance, but in reality, the odds are skewed by the illusion of choosing two cards at the same time. Choosing one card at a time has the same odds, actually, because the other three cards are two of the opposite color and one of the same. Yuugi gasps, realizing that when explained this way, the odds are actually one in three. Yami appears to say that he's right out loud, but no one seems to notice.

This is super shocking to Ryoji, so much so that he's letting Yami continue to make all the rules. Yami says that they'll each take turns picking one of the face-down cards on the table, and the first one to get two of the same color wins, though they'll lose automatically if they draw that joker. Finally, Yami tells Ryoji that if they both end up getting mismatched cards, it'll be a tie, and he asks if this is okay. After a small pause Ryoji smiles and says it's fine.

The competitors glare at each other over the table for a panel, until Yami says he's going first. He grabs the second card from the right, identifying it as the ace of hearts. Then Ryoji leans forward and picks up the second card from HIS right, the ace of spades. Yami takes three panels to pick up a new card and look at it, maybe for some sort of attempt at suspense before it's revealed that the card Yami chose is the ace of clubs. The game will either be a tie or Ryoji's loss at this point, and it's difficult to tell which Ryoji's disgusted face indicates when he draws and looks over his new card.

Yami demands that Ryoji show his cards as he slaps his own down on the table, red and black. Ryoji grinds his teeth while he mirrors the move, black and joker. Yami smirks, declaring his win. Now Ryoji is cursing and asking for one more game, which Yami agrees to while Jonouchi snickers that Ryoji is getting an idea of who's better. Yami tells Ryoji he can go first this time, since he won the last, but when he announces the start of the game, he goes first again anyway. What a douche.

No one says anything about this inconsistency as Yami and Ryoji take their silent turns drawing cards again.

Doesn't feel nice, does it?

Yami's friends cheer, Honda shouting that Yami has managed to win again and Anzu saying that Ryoji will have a wait another ten years in order to beat him. Isn't the saying one hundred years? Ryoji hunches in his frustration, wondering why he's lost, until it looks like he has an epiphany. He slams his fist on the table, asking how Yami dares to set him up in a "bar bet". Yami chuckles, as he stands from his seat, and Jonouchi repeats "bar bet" as a confused question. Yami assures Jonouchi that he didn't lose in a fair game when he played. Ryoji mutters his unhappiness that his dirty tactics are about to be exposed.

In the game Yami played with Ryoji before, he explains, the only ways that the game can be a draw is when the joker card remains. That means that there's no winning in this game unless the other person loses by drawing the joker first. However, the chances of drawing the joker is only one in five... at first. It was one in four for Ryoji on his first turn, and one in two on his second, so Yami still had the better odds.

BUT because our Yami always has to be correct, Ryoji internally acknowledges that this isn't a bar bet game, but fair. Scoffing, Ryoji realizes that Yami added the joker just to break his own bar bet game. Jonouchi growls that he had THOUGHT there was something fishy about that "four aces" game, and Yami turns back to Ryoji to shout that he wouldn't have let his trick succeed.

How was that supposed to break up their friendship exactly? *shrug*

So, what did I think of this chapter overall? Useless. It was just useless, because there was no point to any of this. Not only was the concept of a "bar bet" game as opposed to a "fair" game ill-defined and vague, but from what I could glean, Yami's "fair" version of four aces was in the same category as a bar bet. He tries to lay it out as though the odds are more equal on both sides once the joker is added, but the person going first is always going to have better odds than the person going second, every time. I guess someone can lose right off the bat by drawing the joker on the first turn, but that person still had better odds of not drawing it than the person going after them would have. This game still only gives the ILLUSION of better odds, and therefore still seems like a bar bet.

More than that, though, this game served no purpose except to allow Yami a chance to show off, as though he doesn't get enough of those anyway. I mean, what were our villain's motivations? To break up Yuugi and pals, right? How would this game have done that? So, Jonouchi wouldn't have gotten to talk to Yuugi or any of his other friends for a couple of weeks, big whoop. Any friendship that can't withstand two weeks of not talking wasn't much of a friendship to begin with, and I doubt very much that Jonouchi's friendships are in that category.

If Ryoji had won against Yami, he might have tried to make the Yuugi and Jonouchi do mean things to each other, but I can't really see THAT breaking up their friendship either. They've been through similar situations in the past (Shadi tried to get Yami to kill Jonouchi in his twisted game, and Yuugi was bullied by Jonouchi for a long time while considering him a friend), and it didn't stop them being friends before.

It's not a really big stick, is what I'm saying.

Inuyasha Manga: 076 The Scent of Death

Ah, odor mortis. Purtiscene and cadaverine, those molecules that give a corpse that pungent quality during decomposition. And Inuyasha would pick that up too, given his dog-like scenting ability. It's easy to imagine him on a leash held by Kagome, trotting back and forth in a scent cone, tracking lost hikers in an avalanche. Or, at least it is for me.

I guess Kikyou's body wouldn't give off the smell of those chemicals I named so much as just dirt. So much for tracking lost hikers in an avalanche.

Inuyasha continues to wonder about Kikyou's hate for him and if she can't find peace without exchanging his life for it. Well, maybe if you would explain to her properly that you experienced something similar with a doppelganger of hers, she would lay off a bit. As it stands, she has Kagome tied to the tree she was laying in earlier with the soul-collecting bug things, watching Kagome as she frets that she's unable to move. Why restrain her when she's not mobile? I'm sure Kikyou has her reasons.

Kikyou tells Kagome that even if she screams, she won't be heard, and will be completely invisible to Inuyasha. Kikyou is absolutely determined not to let Kagome interfere. Kagome asks frantically if Kikyou intends to kill Inuyasha and if Kikyou really hates him that much. I guess Kagome's MOUTH can move just fine, which seems to be an established pattern with her now. Kikyou says that Inuyasha wants her to die too, but Kagome shouts that this isn't true.

Kagome is immediately regretful that she's going to such lengths to argue something so painful before both girls look off to the side where they hear a shuffle in the foliage. It's of course Inuyasha, staring agape at Kikyou's form in front of the tree. Kagome says his name, but he makes a beeline for a scowling Kikyou, not seeing her at all.

What, did you think Kikyou was just bluffing or what? Although to be fair, she did walk back that glare she was wearing on the previous page pretty far to this shiny-eyed almost-cry she has on now.

Inuyasha looks pretty close to crying himself, saying aloud his heartbreaking discovery that Kikyou was indeed the one stealing young girls' souls. As her soul-collectors swirl around her carrying those souls, Kikyou speechlessly holds a fist to her chest defensively, glare back in place. Inuyasha asks her why she would do this, and Kikyou explains that her imitation body made of her bones and dirt doesn't move well unless it's filled with souls. Interesting to me, but to Inuyasha it appears to be unspeakable. At least, he's not speaking as he stares at Kikyou.

Kikyou smirks, though there's a sad quality to the expression as she asks Inuyasha if he finds her repulsive for her driving hatred for him and her donning of the souls of the dead. Kagome thinks Kikyou's name in a pitying way from her position against the tree. Inuyasha, on the other hand, intensifies his glare while he leans back in indignation. He calls Kikyou a damn fool, and says though she may hate him...

Well okay, Elvis Presley.

Kagome's heart hammers with what she sees as confirmation that Inuyasha has been in love with Kikyou this whole time. She thinks back on when Inuyasha told her he wanted her by his side and wonders what the hell all THAT was about then, a bit peeved now. She adopts an indignant look while Inuyasha tells Kikyou that no matter what she looks like, he doesn't think he could ever hate or be repulsed by her. Kikyou stares at Inuyasha in shock.

She hangs her head demurely, hesitantly asking Inuyasha if he really means that. Inuyasha says her name as a question, and in response Kikyou takes another step toward him to lift her hand to his face. He looks alarmed, prompting Kikyou to ask if he doesn't find it dreadful that she could kill him right then and there with that very hand. He's speechless, sweat on his forehead and wearing a conflicted look. Kagome tries to shout at him to look out, trailing off in her warning for him to get away from Kikyou.

Awkward-sauce all over this scene.

Kagome looks ill as she stares in disbelief at the lip-lock in front of her. When Kikyou and he separate, Inuyasha's eyes are still wide and he utters a noise of surprise. Which is understandable, because it's got to be really weird to have someone who just claimed to hate you turn around and make out with you moments later. Kikyou embraces him, saying she wanted to do this intimate stuff with him when she was alive. Inuyasha says her name, returning the hug, and Kagome continues to stare with at hurt face as she tries to eke out what she's seeing in her head. She wonders if they're in love with each other after all, and what she's doing here shortly after she's closed her gaping mouth. She feels like an idiot, and has already begun to cry.

Inuyasha can't seem to say anything other than Kikyou's name at this point, most of his thoughts remaining internal. He knows the scent he's smelling is Kikyou's but there's also the scent of death from the grave dirt she's crafted out of. He finally speaks up, asking Kikyou what he should do. Kikyou tells him it's too late for them to return to where they were, so she would like to stay like they are now just a while longer.

Kagome looks off to the side with embarrassment, because she can't keep looking at the lovebirds. However, a strange hissing sound and an even stranger aura lures her gaze back. Around Kikyou and Inuyasha, Kagome sees the soul-collectors swirling while crackling, whooshing sounds surround them.

You dumbasses just HAD to have your rendezvous in the middle of a sinkhole, didn't you??

Yeah, not likely, Kagome.

So, what did I think of this chapter overall? This was one of the most beautiful chapters so far when it comes to the characters and their expressions. Every minute detail was so defined in not just the characters' faces, but their body language. The way Inuyasha clutched at his chest when he mentions that he had thought of her every day stood out particularly to me as just so evocative, driving that emotion home.

Which was really necessary for a chapter like this, because of the amount of emotional content presented in a whole host of ways. Kikyou's reaction to Kagome's claim that Inuyasha is still in love with her is a cold glare, which at first seems a bit odd until you recall that Kikyou's previous experience with Inuyasha was with him telling her to return to Kagome. The experience with "Inuyasha" before THAT was the one in which she died. There's reason for Kikyou to think that Inuyasha wants her dead.

So why did she get all tender toward him, then? Well, this was Kikyou's ego speaking. I mentioned in the last chapter that Kikyou is likely to be feeling the distinct sensation of being replaced by Kagome, and when Kagome tells her that Inuyasha is still in love with her, this feeling is lessened. If her "replacement" is saying this, there might be some truth to it. That's why Kikyou put on her puppy-dog eyes when Inuyasha sees her and tried to appear as vulnerable as possible, sneakily pushing him to admit that he still has feelings for her. It was emotionally gratifying as well as an in to force him to die with her. After all, her hatred of him has a base in the love they once shared and the betrayal she felt over it, and it's this same feeling that drives her ideas that both of them should die together now, since they didn't back then.

It's interesting that she brings up them not being able to go back to how they were when Inuyasha asks what he should do, considering she's grasping so desperately at righting what she sees as an injustice that he's alive while she can't move on. It appears that she's well aware by this moment that she, specifically, is incapable of picking up where she left off, meaning she has nothing to gain personally from manipulating Inuyasha's residual feelings for her except to create the illusion of the proper context for their demise. According to her, at least.

It's also interesting that Inuyasha asked what he should do to begin with. He knows this isn't the Kikyou he once loved, if not from her scent of graveyard soil alone. It was after smelling this and realizing this Kikyou was trapped in an imitation body not her own that he asks the question, which gives me the impression that he's specifically asking what part he should play in helping her to be at peace again.

And she answers in turn, although in a very sneaky way.

Yu-Gi-Oh Manga: 134 New Game

I'll raise a glass to THAT! After a whole tournament revolving around a card game that had me consistently confused for such a long time, I welcome anything that can break that particular monotony. So, what are we looking at here? A board game? A video game? One of those puzzle mystery games that you're always disappointed by because you solved it long before even reading the pamphlet detailing the clues?

Aww, what's wrong, dude? You've got back your body, in a new chapter with a new game and a new translator. Why so blue?

It might be because this translator is going out of their way not to translate perfectly translatable words and phrases in the next couple of panels. I guess "Good morning, grandpa!" is just too much English for this hipster translator to handle, so Anzu says "Ohayo, Ojiisan!" as she approaches Sugoroku instead. He also wishes her a good morning, or ohayo if you're so inclined, as Anzu informs him that she and Yuugi are set to go to school together. Sugoroku turns to yell up to Yuugi in the shop behind him, informing him that Anzu is there to meet him. From a window at the top, Yuugi calls back in surprise, saying he'll be right down.

He's fondling the puzzle around his neck, which is now attached to a chain instead of a rope. While Yami's image stands straight next to him, smiling, Yuugi grins awkwardly as he leans toward the mirror. Yami tells him it looks really cool, but Yuugi thinks putting the puzzle on a chain is kind of like showing it off. Kiddo, it's a big gold ornament you've been wearing for some time now. I doubt a chain could draw ANY more attention to it than it would normally have gotten. Yami says the chain is definitely not too showy and that he would wear a bracelet to match if he were in Yuugi's place, giving him a wink, a thumbs-up and a stuck out tongue all at the same time. When did he become so goofy?

Yami asks Yuugi if he wants to try out the bracelet idea, but Yuugi stutters that this idea isn't him at all. He runs out the door and past his mom, who shouts after him that he didn't eat his breakfast. Yuugi clearly isn't listening, because Yami takes that moment to tease him from within his head, urging him to let Anzu see his handsome side. Yuugi tells Yami not to joke, and his mom stares, holding up that ladle she had in her last appearance. She worries that Yuugi's been talking to himself a lot lately.

Better than carrying around a ladle all the time.

Okay translator, we get it, thanks for the Japanese lesson. Can you do your JOB now, please?

Anzu notes the chain on the Millennium Puzzle with a grin and Yuugi smiles down at it too. Yuugi explains that because the puzzle is the most important link between him and Yami, the chain is both a literal and symbolic installation that ensures it not be broken again. Smiling, Anzu thinks that since Yuugi met Yami in Duelist Kingdom, he understands that Yami will always be by his side. Which is why he must be concerned enough to put the puzzle on a chain now. Makes perfect sense.

They walk away, Yuugi calling out a goodbye to his grandfather. As they're leaving Sugoroku behind, Anzu says she's really glad. Yuug asks about what, and Anzu elaborates that Sugoroku looks really energetic. They had all been so worried that Sugoroku's soul wouldn't come back just a little while ago, so it's a relief to see him about. Yuugi nods and says that when Sugoroku came back, he said he saw Yuugi's grandmother, who had already passed away. Awwwww, that's really sweet! Man, Sugoroku has grown on me from the weirdo pervert that he once was.

I'm sure he's still that weirdo pervert, but at least he's not invoking my ire by reminding me. According to Yuugi, though, Sugoroku has some ire of his own. He whispers to Anzu that Sugoroku has been in an awfully bad mood lately, and when Anzu asks why, Sugoroku comes charging into their muted conversation to yell that it's just too much. He begins ranting and raving about how something can happen to a man so old as him, and that his beloved store will be closed soon. What is he talking about? He points to indicate what has shoved that giant bug up his ass.

Pennywise sure upgraded from that storm drain, didn't he? But do they still float in the big fancy building?

Anzu presses her forefinger to her chin as she examines the site, repeating the name. Yuugi explains that it's a new game shop that opens up tomorrow, adding that it's opening just opposite his house too. I don't think that needed to be said when everyone can see it across the street, Yuugi. Sugoroku watches the clown handing out balloons with a melancholy air, from his observation that it's really crowded even before it's opened, trailing off in his speculation at how much more so it will be once it DOES.

He says word on the street is that the Black Crown will have exclusive rights to sell certain games that their talented and equally exclusive inventor creates. Yuugi casts a curious gaze at his grandfather while he repeats the phrase "game inventor" in his head. Sugoroku continues that when the store opens tomorrow they'll be selling a brand new game from said inventor already. Yuugi internally admits that although he feels bad for Sugoroku, he's REALLY interested in this new game.

Yuugi begins to run across the street, calling for Anzu to join him in checking it out. Yuugi, you're being kind of a dick doing this right in front of your grandfather, aren't you? Sugoroku doesn't say anything about it, though, so I guess he can't be too terribly bothered. He's the kind of dude who speaks up when he's pissed off, for sure.

The clown continues to hand out his balloons while kids mill around the front of the brand new shop. When he turns around, Yuugi notices a sign on his back advertising a new game called "D.D.D.", and he wonders what kind of game it could be. The clown suddenly turns and leans close to Anzu while offering her a balloon silently, grinning. She recoils, holds up a hand, and says she doesn't want a balloon, as she thinks that the clown looks sick. Anzu turns to Yuugi and warns him that they'll be late to school if they keep hanging around, muttering about how his expression changes whenever he hears anything about a game. He denies it, but when they're walking away and Anzu suggests they can get together and play on Sunday, Yuugi happily agrees.

A hand in the next panel tosses a die in the air in the foreground as the kids retreat. The owner of said hand catches the die again, heavily lined eyes with black spikes drawn down his cheek from them closed, the clown leering over his shoulder in the same direction. They heard this tiny child referred to as Yuugi, and are intrigued.

So this clown has a history with Sugoroku, and that probably means that the Black Crown didn't show up opposite Sugoroku's store by accident. Color me interested; this is a fun development!

Eyeliner Kid asks the clown, whom he calls father, if he really lost a game to Sugoroku a long time ago, and the clown answers in the affirmative, claiming that as the reason he wears the clown mask and has never allowed anyone to see his true face. Man, I've suffered some humiliation in my day, but I was never driven into hiding my face. That must have been a pure spanking. Eyeliner Kid glares, determined to never forgive them. For what? Your dad's stupid decision to hide his face for eternity?

The clown exposits that he raised and trained Eyeliner Kid, so named Ryoji, so that he can exact revenge for his clown!dad. Secondary purpose of the clown mask: to hide his identity from the authorities if he's ever caught in his child abuse. Hey asshole, you don't have kids to exact your petty vengeance. You have kids to perform all the menial household labor that you don't feel like doing. Get it right.

Ryoji is so thoroughly brainwashed that he's well aware of the purpose forced on him and asks his clown!dad to watch him take away all the things precious to Yuugi one by one. He's already invented several games specifically so that he can face Yuugi, and to defeat him for daddy's revenge. He also really wants the title King of Games too, though that title doesn't mean jack. Still, Ryoji plans to start his chain of robberies of all of Yuugi's fun stuff today.

At school, someone is asking about Ryoji and clown!dad's new store with some gusto. Yuugi and pals are gathered around, with Anzu stating that the arrival of the store is pretty overwhelming, and Yuugi explaining that this is why his grandfather is in a terrible mood lately. Jonouchi leans back in his chair and tells them he knows about the store because their ad clip was in the newspaper that morning. Anzu asks if he subscribes to the newspaper and Jonouchi calls her stupid because he's just the delivery boy. Ahhh, throwbacks to the beginning of the manga. Good times.

He's still working that gig because the prize from Duelist Kingdom was spent entirely on Shizuka's surgery. Honda asks how Jonouchi's sister is, reminding Jonouchi to tell them all the great news that Shizuka's eyes are already completely healed. Anzu cheers and Honda suggests that they all visit her next they get the chance, which Jonouchi agrees would make her really happy.

Then Jonouchi turns the conversation back to the Black Crown, asking Yuugi if he knows what new game they're selling at their grand opening the next day. Yuugi answers that all he knows is that its name is D.D.D. Jonouchi says that sounds pretty interesting, despite the fact that it's not because it doesn't denote anything ABOUT the game. Regardless, Yuugi says its interesting (read: dull as rocks) name is the reason Yuugi has decided to buy it without letting his grandfather know. He's all about the dick moves today.

Elsewhere in the classroom, they hear a squeal about how cool something is, and look around to see what it's about.

Oh snap, guys! Bakura has some heavy competition in the form of Ryoji!! What a twist!

Ryoji says that THIS time, he'd like to place a bet. He adds another die to his collection, making a total of six, while he tells his admirers to buy him lunch if he's successful this time. No one protests to this bet, so he begins by scooping up the dice in the cup, shaking them around a bit, then slamming the cup down on the desk in front of him. The girls lean in expectantly before the cup is lifted.

You gotta admit, you would totally be impressed by that. The girls certainly are, huddling together to squeal about how awesome it is. Jonouchi asks what kind of show-off this guy is, and Honda questions if he's one of their classmates. Yuugi hesitantly says he remembers him, an Otogi Ryoji, if he recalls correctly. Anzu says that since they've just transferred to their second year of high school and are in a different classroom now, it's understandable that they don't know too many people. However, Honda says they're lucky to all be in the same class again. Way to hang that lampshade on it, Honda.

Jonouchi is still hung up on Ryoji, spitting that he hates those kinds of jerks who use little tricks to fool all the girls round in circles the most. Anzu mutters that he's actually just jealous of them, but he says with a grin that he's the type to hide his talents and never show off. Arms crossed, Honda questions what this hidden talent of Jonouchi's happens to be, and Jonouchi asks with some irritation if Honda didn't figure it out from Duelist Kingdom. He shouts out that his talent of playing Duel Monsters was already revealed on the island. What happened to not bragging about your talents, kid?

Ryoji takes notice, and comes up to Jonouchi asking if he really has that kind of talent, and Jonouchi confirms. They spend a moment glaring at one another before Jonouchi tells Ryoji the tale of Duelist Kingdom not that long ago, where the U.S. Duel Monsters champ Bandit Keith lost to him in the finals. Anzu and Honda look embarrassed, commenting on Jonouchi's arrogant look and the fact that he had wasted no time in becoming that show-off he claimed to hate seconds ago.

Sporting a friendly grin, Ryoji says that Jonouchi is really cool. Duel Monsters is one of Ryoji's favorite games, and he knows about Bandit Keith too, information that has Jonouchi looking like he's basking in the sun. His ego's not going to do him any favors.

Anyone else notice that this passing period has lasted a LONG time? When do you kids have class?

No one else is curious about this except for me, and Jonouchi takes the bait, ready to see who's afraid of whom. No one called you chicken, Jonouchi. Just slow your ass down boy. As Ryoji says he's ready to go, his fangirls all wish him good luck. At first, Jonouchi growls in jealousy, but he convinces himself in the next moment that he'll beat Ryoji and take away all those girls. Yeah, good luck with that.

Yuugi is side-eyeing the scene, thinking about the reasons "he" is playing this game, and I can't be sure if Yuugi is referring to Jonouchi or Ryoji here. No time to speculate, because Ryoji is starting his game by showing he has the cup in one hand and a single die in the other. He tells Jonouchi to watch carefully now, as he throws his single die into the cup. It rattles inside, and Jonouchi determines with a glare that it's really in there. Ryoji shakes it up a bit, eyes closed in concentration.

The cup is once more slammed onto the table, lip-down. Ryoji displays open hands to Jonouchi in the next panel, and I note Ryoji wears a ring on his right pinkie finger here where he didn't in the last. It's not important, but inconsistencies tweak my brain in the wrong way and I have to share the discomfort. Anyway, Ryoji tells Jonouchi that his die is now in the cup, and there's nothing in his hands. In the next panel, the ring is gone again while Ryoji asks Jonouchi if he wants to bet he can get the die out from under the cup without touching said cup.

Jonouchi smirks because it seems like a safe bet to him. He knows the die is in the cup and he can't think of how Ryoji can get it out. He doesn't seem to have realized that this, much like Ryoji's last show, is more of a magic trick than a game, and everyone knows you NEVER bet with a magician. But Ryoji sweetens the pot by offering to do anything Jonouchi commands if he should lose, like frog-jumping or barking. A couple of Ryoji's fans are freaking out at the promise, as Ryoji proposes the conditions if he WINS; Jonouchi has to do what Ryoji tells him for a whole week. Jonouchi thinks this is intriguing while I'm screaming at him not to take this bait. ABORT. ABORT.

Too late. Ryoji states that the bet is on, and Jonouchi confidently thinks that unless Ryoji is telekinetic or something, he can't get at the die. He looks forward to making Ryoji bark like a dog in front of all those girls and thus humiliating him. Again, good luck with that. Yuugi leans his head on his hand, knowing that the cup really DOES contain the die, so Jonouchi CAN'T lose. Except Yuugi is forgetting that Jonouchi has been goaded into a whole hell of a lot more than moving a cup for his opponent before.

Sure enough, Ryoji points to his right fist, claiming that during all this talking, the die has already moved. Jonouchi's eyes widen in shock as he shouts in disbelief, so Ryoji encourages him to check for himself. Jonouchi, you are hopelessly gullible.

Ryoji holds out the die and brags that he got it without touching the cup, winning just as he said he would. Jonouchi yells that Ryoji has got to be kidding him while Yuugi calls the move cheap indignantly. It may have been cheap, but countless suckers (including myself) have fallen for this trick before, so you guys should have seen that crap from a mile away. Ryoji asks if a game ISN'T won by exploiting an opponent's weakness, which leaves both his dissidents speechless. Jonouchi silently curses and Yuugi looks hurt by this turn of events.

Because a bet is a bet, Ryoji says that from this moment for a whole week, Jonouchi has to do what he says. While staring at Yuugi's poop-face, Ryoji internally declares that he's using Yuugi's friend as a puppet and will tear their friendship apart.

Insert evil laugh here.

So, what did I think of this chapter overall? We have another abusive step-father? I thought that was Kaiba's shtick. Maybe it worked so well for that character, KT decided to slap another villain with it. Can't have a character with a HEALTHY relationship with their parents, no sir... And hey, while we're at it, just give Ryoji a plot that revolves around him palling around with Yuugi and friends while hiding his ulterior motives and the expertise to invent something specifically designed to take Yuugi out.

For fuck's sake, he's like discount Kaiba, or Kaiba mixed with a bit of Bakura at least. But, Ryoji seems to have more social skill and a greater ability to hide those ulterior motives, so there's that. Still, he's striking me as annoyingly similar. KT should know better than anyone that the last thing we need is another Kaiba.

Other than that, I enjoyed all the reminders of the character's different stories and the updates on how they were resolved. It was great to see the chapter started with Sugoroku to alert the audience that he is, in fact, okay. It's nice to know that Shizuka's seeing great now as well, though she's a bit more removed from the immediate vicinity. Lastly, I'm glad there was a reference in this chapter about how much time has gone by - we get confirmation that indeed, these kids are officially a grade higher now, which helps drive home the amount of growth they've undergone in the past.

Not that they'll DO anything in this new grade. This school still doesn't seem to offer actual lessons so much as a place for the mains and their villains to bump into one another. Some things never change.

Inuyasha Manga: 075 Kikyou's Barrier

EVERYONE has one of these barriers, don't they? Kaede and Miroku, Tessaiga, now Kikyou, and a whole lot more in the future. It's like everybody's personal bubble gets an upgrade, and I feel left out. I want one too, dammit! I want to be able to selectively lock people out of my space, and even hide my presence in a cool cloaking device. Do you know how handy that would be when male strangers in public decide they want to tell me all about how I meet their standards for physical attractiveness because they somehow think it's NOT awkward to discuss those standards with a random woman who just came here to buy some fucking toilet paper?

VERY.

Yeah, I think the part of that memory you conveniently skipped over should have given you a hint that Kikyou doesn't WANT to be saved. She WANTS you dead, and there's no saving her from that.

Elsewhere, Miroku is following a sullen Kagome as she pushes her bike through a thick tall grass. He asks if it's really alright that Inuyasha went to meet Kikyou by himself, but Kagome doesn't answer, mind stuck on the memory of when he haltingly said that he wanted to go alone. She mutters that it's probably because he's still in love with Kikyou. Miroku makes a questioning noise while Kagome explains that this is her reasoning for why it's better they don't go with Inuyasha.

Confused, Shippou asks Kagome if Inuyasha DIDN'T go to kill the youkai. Kagome joins in this confusion, stuttering a moment before wondering just WHY he would go after all. Gazing off to the side, Miroku says he thinks that would explain things, prompting both Kagome and Shippou to look askance at him. He tells them that the girl that Inuyasha once loved might have changed completely, and he may not want strangers to see her in the new way. Shippou is indignant about being referred to as a stranger while Kagome hangs her head wordlessly. It's about the only part of this strange and disjointed conversation that makes sense.

Shippou asks Miroku what it would mean if it's worse than he thinks, and Miroku answers that if it were HIM, he would get back together with Kikyou, for the time being.

Miroku, maybe keep your thoughts to yourself in the future? Kagome might very well murder you in your sleep if you don't zip your insensitive lip.

Shippou has transferred to clinging to Miroku as he freezes in terror, saying he gets the feeling he was the subject of a very cold look just now. Shippou informs him it's not his imagination. Kagome continues to push her bike ahead, seething and realizing that she's just pissed off now. She remembers when Inuyasha told her that he wants her by his side, and trails off in a thought that now he might be going back on that sentiment.

Miroku cautiously addresses Kagome, which she responds to with annoyance. He suggests that they CAN go after him, but Kagome protests the idea, glancing back to ask him why she would when she catches sight of something strange. The sky above has become strangely clouded, and a dark energy swirls around Miroku and Kagome as they stare in shock. Kagome immediately identifies the feeling as that of youki. She and the others look around at a point of light shining through the trees, and they see one of the soul-collectors waft past.

Miroku breaks into a sprint, urging Kagome to join him in going after the creature, and Kagome stutters out an agreement. It speeds ahead for a while, and though Shippou isn't bothered by the chase, riding on Miroku's shoulder, he asks how far it's going to go. Miroku suggests that Shippou ask the youkai that question, because seriously, how the fuck should HE know?

Really? Again? What did you say to piss Kagome off this time, dude?

Oh, never mind, that's actually a BARRIER that they bumped up against, as Miroku explains to a dazed and questioning Shippou. Shippou's confusion only grows as he looks beyond the barrier, observing that Kagome is suddenly gone. Good job for losing her, guys!

Some ways ahead, Kagome is still chasing the soul-collector, down a hill. She grabs a tree next to her after she slides a bit and calls behind her for her companions to watch out for the slippery ground. When she's greeted by silence, she's surprised she's alone, looking this way and that for her friends. Kagome attempts to climb the hill again, but that slippery ground trips her up and sends her tumbling down, screaming. She lands on her backside at the bottom of the hill, groaning with a tear in her eye. That tear is quickly blinked away when she looks up ahead of her again, because the sight is quite the shock.

Kagome says Kikyou's name softly, staring at her form draped over the branches. It looks super uncomfortable, and I don't know why anyone would lay anywhere like that. But hey, Kikyou's weird.

Her eyes remain closed while Kagome stands there with a thundering heart, supposing she must be asleep. So, Kagome creeps closer, peering at Kikyou with the silent question of if Kikyou doesn't somehow look different than her. Then Kagome makes the judgment that Kikyou is indeed quite beautiful, slumbering away like that. Kagome has gone from zero to creepster in about ten seconds, guys.

Wow, I assumed that Kikyou was faking sleep earlier to get Kagome's guard down, but I guess she was really and truly conked judging by her surprise here. She must be a heavy sleeper not to have heard Kagome rolling down the hill earlier. XD

Kikyou mutters that Kagome managed to get through her barrier, and a still cringing Kagome stutters that she didn't know there WAS a barrier. After a moment of pause, Kikyou voices a realization that Kagome would be able to get through because Kagome IS her. Sweatdropping, Kagome utters a noise of uncertainty, eventually admitting that she thinks that's sort-of wrong. Kikyou doesn't give a fuck WHAT Kagome thinks, and turns her head to look around the tree, asking Kagome a trailing question about Inuyasha and why Kagome isn't with him.

Kagome frowns, pausing before casting her gaze to the side and admitting that Inuyasha went looking for Kikyou. This news doesn't appear to faze Kikyou, who follows it up with asking Kagome what she is to Inuyasha. Kagome's noise of confusion comes out again, and she looks down as she tries to figure out the answer. Again, she remembers Inuyasha saying that he wants her by his side, but can't think of a thing afterwards that really spoke to their relationship in a significant way.

And here begins the long string of sighs that this love triangle will cause me. Seriously, you'd think I was running a marathon when I read chapters like these.

I'm struck how much Kikyou looks like Sesshoumaru here. Are we sure she didn't take a bit of HIS soul in her resurrection too? And what does this say about INUYASHA that he wants to get with someone who resembles his BROTHER so much?

Okay, enough of THOSE creepy thoughts.

Kagome realizes that she's been rendered completely immobile by this weird touch, standing stock still in front of Kikyou as Kikyou lifts her chin to look into the nearby trees. I'm guessing this is where the soul-collectors are floating, and Inuyasha is shuffling through the grass after them, cursing the fact that he's right back where he started. He thinks Kikyou SHOULD be where those youkai are headed, but if that's the case, why is he heading in circles?

One of the soul-collectors comes to rest on Kikyou's raised hand while she tells Kagome that Inuyasha seems to have come back. I guess he was there before and Kikyou led him in a giant circle so she could have a little nap? *shrug*

Not sure anyone needed that clarification, but thanks meangirl!Kikyou.

So, what did I think of this chapter overall? I have to say, this is the content that I've always liked the LEAST about Inuyasha. Even when I was reading it for the first time in my teens, the same age as the characters, I couldn't stand this crap. It always just seemed like drama for drama's sake to me, and I kind of rushed over reading it because it never interested me as the stuff that had a more direct impact on the plot.

But by taking a closer look at it in this review, I have to admit that this content DID have its place. Kikyou is not only resurrected from a horrible death seeking revenge on the person she thinks was responsible, not only implied to be consistently rejected from all the various places that she has tried to pick up the broken pieces of her former life, but now it appears to her that she's been replaced by a girl who is essentially HER 2.0. That has to STING. Kikyou is obviously going through as much jealousy and heartache as Kagome is right now, if not more. Kagome is at least living a real life that isn't shattered and unnatural. Because Kikyou is stuck in the moment she died, feeling betrayed by the one she loved, those feelings of betrayal can only be magnified by Kagome and her presence in Inuyasha's life. This was just the more subtle way for Kikyou to express all of that, and I appreciate that this wasn't spelled out for the audience.

I wish the conversation at the beginning of the chapter had been as interpretable. I tried looking at it from quite a few angles, but I just couldn't parse how Kagome went from assuming Inuyasha went to catch Kikyou alone because he's still in love with her to questioning it again. Nothing about what Shippou said should have led her to question her initial assumptions. And Miroku's explanation about Inuyasha not wanting strangers to see Kikyou in her changed state seemed to come out of nowhere as well, like his statement that he would get back with her if he were Inuyasha. It was such a bizarre mishmash of sentiments that went together about as well as oil and water.

Sure, the characters can be so similar-looking that you could mistake them for another if you took off their hair, but their conversations can't be coherent? Okay.

Yu-Gi-Oh Manga: 133 The Precious Piece

What? MORE precious than the others? Usually one piece of a puzzle isn't any more crucial than the others, all of them being pretty important in forming the resulting picture. There are some pieces that can be HUBS though, for connecting all those pieces you hold on to for ages trying to figure out how they fit in. I guess those CAN be pretty precious, because placing them can be like hearing a key turn in a lock, which is SO satisfying.

Is that what we're talking about here?

Why are you still hanging out, kiddo? The tournament's over. Shouldn't they be sending you home with your prize money?

Yami is thoughtfully considering how a mystery only grows deeper with the new information he gained. Pegasus got that eye from Shadi in the Valley of the Kings, but the price seems pretty awful for Yami. He's also learned that there is a tablet with seven indentations for all the Millennium Items to be set inside, including his own puzzle.

As he stands out on the balcony, his friends are gathered in the room leading out to it. Bakura is turned to look at him, observing aloud that Yami doesn't seem too terribly happy about beating Pegasus. Yeah, he should be jumping for fucking joy, right? Jonouchi echoes this sentiment, revealing that Yami didn't even give Pegasus a penalty game. Oh thank every god that's listening right now! The LAST thing this comic needs is another of its villains to come back later having been driven mad by a botched punishment.

Jonouchi says he should have just slugged Pegasus, which actually sounds like it would have been a solid idea - if not for the guards Pegasus has flanking him. Yeah, probably better that you didn't do that, Jonouchi. Bakura admits that Pegasus IS unforgivable, but he still feels bad for the guy given how he got the Millennium Eye. See audience? Bakura feels bad for Pegasus! You should too! And Anzu too! She's reminding us how his lover dying was the start of his awful tragedy! Has KT dropped enough hints yet???

Anzu looks out the door at Yami as well, remembering how Pegasus mentioned what he called an "evil intelligence" in the items. She thinks it must have been hard to hear that if Yami came into Yuugi's head following his completion of the Millennium Puzzle. She imagines that Yami couldn't punish Pegasus without admitting that Pegasus was right about this intelligence being "evil". It IS a fine line to walk, and Yami DOES appear to be thinking along the lines Anzu predicted. As he stands staring out over the island, he wonders where he came from and who he is.

The murder child has returned! Joy!

Mokuba remains listless for a moment, staring straight forward, while Anzu, Bakura and Honda shout their salutations and relief at him. He freaks out, recoiling from them and shivering and he yanks the blanket over him up to his cheek. Anzu mothers about how the poor thing is so scared and Mokuba regains his bearings, recognizing their faces a bit late. He sits up, staring at his lap now and haltingly asking if he's back.

Anzu assures him that Yami beat Pegasus, and Honda tells him that Kaiba Corp is also perfectly safe now. Mokuba appears mystified by the notion that Yami saved him, and Yami, leaning on the doorway to the balcony, says that it wasn't just him, but everyone.

Mokuba suddenly throws his covers off, ranting that he can't just lay there when he has to go home and take care of his brother. Uh, dude, that's what you have trained medical professionals for. Regardless, Mokuba elbows Anzu out of the way to get past her, but is stopped by Yami calling to him, alerting him to the fact that Kaiba is on the island. Mokuba gapes at Yami for his assertion, and Yami confirms that it is indeed the case. In the next panel, Mokuba's locket with Kaiba's picture inside has popped open, but he hasn't noticed in his utter disbelief. Eventually, he snaps out of it and demands to know where his brother is.

RISE AND SHINE, SLEEPING BEAUTY! It's time to get up, greet the day, and keep your fingers crossed that you don't get put into another fucking coma!

Oh, and also follow a vivid hallucination of your younger self that's standing outside the open cell door. Hallucination!baby!Seto grins wide and reaches out as if to greet the real one, who is staring with pure shock. He staggers to his feet and out the door after hallucination!baby!Seto, because the vision is jumping up and down and pointing down the corridor in the dungeon like it's on crack. Kaiba's expression settles into a dazed hypnotism as he follows his inner-child's excited directions. They balance each other out well.

Back at Yuugi/Yami's room, there's a knock on the door. Jonouchi opens it to find Croquet standing outside, asking to be excused, and Jonouchi questions what the hell HE wants. Croquet inquires as to whether Yuugi is around, and Yami comes to join him in the hall. They stand face to face silently for a moment, until Croquet produces an envelope that he says contains the promised prize for winning the tournament. He also tasks Yami with returning the briefcase he's carrying to Kaiba, since it contains his Duel Disk device. Yami takes the case, mentally repeating the contents of it.

Croquet offers up an explanation for why Pegasus wanted to take over Kaiba Corp - for the Duel Disk itself. Yami stays silent and glares, so Croquet takes this as a blessing to continue. He reiterates the information that Kaiba Corp developed the virtual simulator that projected the monsters in the game as 3D holograms. However, "Solid Vision" from the Duel Disk can produce even more incredibly realistic projections, a technology that Pegasus was especially desperate for. This statement overlays the image of Cyndia on the card that Pegasus pulled out of his jacket for his story. As Croquet walks away from Yami, he suggests that Pegasus was always chasing the illusion of his lover. Yami watches him go with a frown.

Outside the castle, the gang has assembled at the bottom of the stairs, Mokuba clutching the briefcase that's almost as big as him and pacing. He glances this way and that nervously, stuttering out "big brother" every once in a while. Eventually, his impatience gets the better of him and he snaps at those waiting with him, asking where Kaiba is and if he's REALLY on the island. Kid, why would they lie about that? Just to fuck with you? Get real.

Honda says he and Bakura looked around, but couldn't find Kaiba. Jonouchi suggests with a guilty little smirk that Kaiba's soul was summoned to heaven, and Anzu shouts at him not to make jokes like that. Yeah, Jonouchi! If anything, Kaiba would be summoned to HELL! Suddenly, Anzu looks around, asking where Bakura went to. Jonouchi makes the considerably less cocky suggestion that Bakura is probably still in the castle looking for Kaiba.

Suddenly, Yami is surprised, but he doesn't LOOK it? The only indication is the exclamation point above his head. Mokuba's expression is a tad more... expressive.

Yami and Jonouchi also identify Kaiba with respective gaping faces. Mokuba spends a moment in tear-filled awe, before he launches himself toward Kaiba, calling his last name as though Mokuba doesn't have the same one. Kaiba calls out Mokuba's name too, and holds his arms out for the incoming little brother.

Jonouchi is a boy after my own heart, because he's just so moved by how sweet and brotherly the Kaibas are being that he just can't hate them. My sentiments exactly. Damn those Kaibas and being so... adorable...

I'd still punch the older one.

Anzu tries to color him stoked by mentioning how he got what he wanted too; getting that prize money to spend on his sister's eyesight. Jonouchi looks all the more troubled by this, though, pausing before he holds up the money envelope Yami got from Croquet and asking if it's REALLY okay he takes it. Yami sincerely tells Jonouchi that it's more than okay, because he's the REAL champion of the tournament.

Honda wears a sour expression while admitting that it's definitely true how much of a miracle it was that Jonouchi got to the finals at all. Anzu states happily that Jonouchi's level definitely raised the most. Still, Jonouchi tells Yami that he owes him BIG, who responds that their real challenge has only just begun. Yami says that Jonouchi can owe him until the day Jonouchi beats him. Anzu asks Jonouchi what the record is between him and Yami, and Jonouchi massages the back of his head out of embarrassment. He has officially 0 wins to the 187 losses he's had between last week and this tournament. That's... promising. Honda and Anzu don't look all that reassured either, muttering that Jonouchi has an awful long way to go.

While Jonouchi grabs Honda's collar and Honda holds up his hands in mock surrender, Yami watches. He's surprised when Yuugi shows up next to him, looking just as solid, though I doubt very much that he's really there. Yuugi assures Yami that it doesn't matter where he came from. Yami looks at him quizzically, Yuugi telling him that what DOES matter is his presence is definitely appreciated by his other self, and the ridiculous people play-fighting in front of them. Yami smiles and Yuugi grins happily.

Meanwhile...

HOLY FUCKING SHIT.

Well. That fucker is dead. And Bakura is going to wake up to a nasty copper taste in his mouth because Asshole Bakura is a creepy piece of shit. Hope Pegasus didn't have any blood-borne diseases!

Oh, and we're back outside again while the Kaibas face off with Yuugi and the gang. Okay, I guess KT didn't know where else to stick that page showing that Asshole Bakura murdered Pegasus. Could have placed it after Anzu asked where Bakura was a couple of pages ago to give me less severe whiplash, but whatever. Anyway, Yuugi asks Kaiba to take care of Mokuba, and I get the feeling there's an unspoken "better" tacked onto the end of that ultimatum. Kaiba says he owes Yuugi for helping out his little brother, which is about as close to gratitude as he's capable of getting, I'm sure. However, he follows this "almost" thank you with a request to tell Yami that their fight isn't over yet. Not until Kaiba can beat him in a TRUE battle. What's the definition of a TRUE battle, you may ask? Kaiba's not telling; the conditions of such a battle have to be opaque enough for him to change them if he doesn't like the outcome.

He turns to walk off, but Mokuba lingers to brag that he and his brother are going to fuck off in their private helicopter, and snarks that it's such a shame Yuugi and pals don't have one. If this murder child isn't careful, he'll soon become the murderED child. Jonouchi's hackles are raised as he growls out his anti-Mokuba sentiments at the teasing. Anzu just absently wonders aloud how they ARE getting home. Pegasus probably didn't plan for them to LEAVE the island, that's for sure.

Kaiba shoots a comment over his shoulder to Mokuba to come along, because losers like them will just have to swim in the ocean. This coming from the guy who has a habit of becoming literally comatose after HE loses. Mokuba, however, continues to look at the people who saved them, because it seems like he's actually starting to grow a conscience.

Bakura descends the stairs from the castle apologetically, for his lateness, and Jonouchi demands to know where the hell he was all this time. Without answering, Bakura informs everyone in the most blase manner possible that he looked out from the castle but didn't see any boats at all. Jonouchi is a bit more concerned with this news, shouting in disbelief.

Mokuba calls out to Kaiba hesitantly, suggesting that they let Yuugi and pals ride in the helicopter too. Kaiba's initial reaction is indignant questioning of this notion, growling as he looks back that those hated people who happened to SAVE HIM.

Elsewhere, Mai is throwing rocks into the ocean while complaining that she has no way to get home without a boat. That's when Kaiba's helicopter comes hovering over her from above the trees, and after a moment of bewilderment, she calls out to it. Good luck getting anyone to hear you over those propellers, Mai.

Ahhhh, Kaiba. He just can't seem to avoid buddying up with the people he hates. You'd think he actually CARED.

Hey Kaiba! Tell them the story about how you totally threw those other two guys out of the helicopter before!

The five folks squished into the back make faces of discomfort as they're all jostled around. Jonouchi soon notices that they're forgetting something though.

So, what did I think of this chapter overall? FUCK YES, IT'S OVER! We are done with this monstrous event, done with all the head-scratching I've been doing the whole time regarding how all these kids were ALLOWED to go to this island all by themselves, done with Pegasus...

And I mean REALLY done with Pegasus. More done with Pegasus than I anticipated, because I distinctly remember that he was alive well past this point in the show. Because the show was aiming for a more general audience than this comic, however, we have ourselves the first really BIG discontinuity since the beginning of it was completely axed. Though Bakura still took Pegasus's Millennium Eye, which brings up all KINDS of questions for me. How did anime!Pegasus let Bakura get away with that? Did he not try to stop him from leaving the island with his numerous trained guards and staff? Would Bakura be slapped with an aggravated assault charge sometime in the future, given the seriousness of what he did?

Not that Pegasus's death in this chapter makes anything less complicated. Now that Pegasus is dead, there are TWO dead bodies in this castle, one of which is a billionaire who created a card game that is immensely popular all around the world, so HIS death at least will be noticed. The people who find those bodies are going to have questions, and while Keith's body doesn't have a scratch on it and therefore can't be tied to anyone, Pegasus's body bears all the signs of this having been murder.

But somehow I think that the lack of meaningful law-enforcement presence (unless it is required by the plot, of course) will continue, and investigations will not proceed, because who the fuck cares let's play more games WOOOOOOOO!

Aside from this and the major disorientation of the PLACEMENT of Bakura's kill-scene, I did enjoy the content of this chapter. Mokuba's behavior in particular was very well-done. I said in a recent review for my other review project that it's often difficult to get kid characters across believably, but this is an instance of it being pulled off. Mokuba managed to be both anxious about his brother and the snotty little jerk we've always known him to be at the same time, and it was a nice blend of the traits. I also really enjoyed how he taunted the protagonists about the helicopter, but made the plea to Kaiba later that they should help them out. It was such a fundamentally childish move to be a jerk and then feel bad about it immediately afterward.

And finally, the fact that Yuugi reassured Yami that he was appreciated and loved by everyone was really sweet. Pegasus's comments about an "evil intelligence" in the Millennium Items was DESIGNED to make Yami self-conscious and question himself. There was no mention in Pegasus's tale about such an entity in the eye, so you can be mostly sure that Pegasus said that just to make Yami squirm. And it worked; Yami began to worry about his origins starting with the puzzle, and the implications that carries about WHO he is as a person.

But Yuugi isn't conflicted. Knowing Yami, the situations they've been through together, the allegiances that they've both formed over that time, Yuugi has no trouble assuring Yami that he and everyone else are better off having him around. The net positives are there, so no matter what Pegasus said, there's no way Yami could be ALL bad.