The Official Anime & Manga Thread Vol: 三

[iYen]

I find it humorous that that abbreviations for Sons of Anarchy and Sword Art Online are almost identical.

I wonder how many soa fans stumbled upon sao or vice versa, by messing up on the abbreviation in google.

"The .... is this?"

 

 

[shogun]

The second part of seasons for SAO are definitely boring but at least the show hasn't turned into a pile of crap like soa did the last few seasons.

 

[iYen]

I didn't like seasons 1-4 of soa, but I did 5-7. Surprisingly after not watching it for 2.7 years.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[2sappy]

New chapter of Akame ga Kill is out.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Wild Hunt got crushed, and Tatsumi is one step closer to death.

 

[marcielago]

 

imo, its kind of a ****** show wrapped in good presentation. Thats all I can say about FSNUBW

Great to see Bell and his skills flourishing. He doesn't even need to go into dungeons, the women are all over him. That scene where Hestia and Lili were rubbing their cleavage on him was funny. Aiz is cool but I would rock with Hestia.

This had me thinking: why are the male protagonists in these series so oblivious to females practically throwing them the box? Either that or they're so scared of the p they find any excuse to run away? Is that kind of thing charming in Japan?

 

[jays25]

i probably would've liked the movies if I hadn't seen the older anime but so much was left out of the movies that was in like a 20 ep anime

I gotta be frank bro, that last movie was hard to watch. It was SCRONG. lol too scrong for ya boy. I enjoyed all the movies tho.

I thought all three movies were solid, and got to the heart of the characters, while understandably cutting some content out. I need to catch up on that manga though, so far behind

 

[leb13]

Pretty good editorial looking at Yakuza inspiration in One Piece

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

[h1]http://onepiecepodcast.com/2015/05/27/chao-time-pirates-without-honor-and-humanity/[/h1][h1]Chao Time: Pirates With(out) Honor and Humanity[/h1]
4 hours ago

by chaozek

0 Comments

Written by chaozek

Japanese Pirates

Pirates are robbers at sea who raid ships and pillage ports. Throughout history, they have garnered various names, such as buccaneers, corsairs, and privateers. Whether in the real world or the One Piece world, piracy is considered to be a crime, though some exceptions are given to privateers and warlords. Despite considering themselves as pirates, the Straw Hats are not the type who plunder every island they encounter. Even if they are wanted criminals, they provide assistance to the inhabitants in need, making them chivalrous outlaws.

Due to the manga’s roots in Japan, it is expected that some elements in the story would have influences from the local culture. Being a criminal organization, the pirates in One Piece  are similar to the yakuza in a number of ways. In addition, Oda took some inspiration from the yakuza for two particular members of the Navy.

「暴力のヤクザ」The Japanese Mafia

A typical portrayal of yakuza members.

The yakuza  is a criminal syndicate that has its origin in Japan. They are basically the Japanese equivalent of the American mob, the Italian mafia, and the Chinese triads. Also known as the gokudō  (極道 “immoral; extreme path”), the yakuza regard themselves as a “chivalrous organization” (仁侠団体ninkyō dantai), while the government refer to them as “violent groups” (暴力団 bōryokudan). Considering their long history as a legitimate organization in their home nation, as well as their heavy involvement in political affairs, their operations have extend to the neighboring countries, as well as America and Europe.

「壊れたものたち」Outcasts, Delinquents, and Broken Things

Burakumin tanners

Members of yakuza tend to mainly comprise descendants of feudal outcasts known as the burakumin  and other discriminated members of society such as the resident aliens. The burakumin  (部落民 “village people”) are a group of people ostracized for having occupations that were considered to be impure, such as butchers, tanners, executioners, and undertakers. Members of this group lived in separate communities of their own before the feudal caste system was abolished during the Meiji Restoration. However, descendants of this group still face discrimination from society in the present day, where they still face social stigma and background checks for employment and marriage.

Modern-day stalls of peddlers

Historically, the predecessors of the yakuza were the tekiya (peddlers) and the bakuto(gamblers). Tekiya  (的屋) were peddlers of shoddy or stolen goods and considered to be one of the lowest social classes in ancient Japan. The peddlers formed organizations, whose leaders were known as the oyabun  (親分). These organizations were eventually recognized by the government, and their leaders were given the permission to carry a short samurai sword known as the wakizashi  (脇差) in a time where only noblemen and samurai held swords. Later on, misfits and delinquents became a part of the yakuza to extort customers to buy their goods.

Shintaro Katsu as Zatoichi

As gambling was an illegal activity, the bakuto  (博徒) were considered to be a lower class than the peddlers. The gamblers were social outcasts who wander around feudal Japan, playing dice and card games known ashanafuda. Their bodies are typically covered with elaborate tattoos, which served as the precursor to the tattoo tradition of the yakuza. The local government would occasionally hire these gamblers to gamble back the earnings of their workers. One famed fictional bakuto is Zatoichi, originally played by Shintaro Katsu, and served as the basis for admiral Fujitora. Wandering around towns as a masseur and gambler, Zatoichi was a skilled blind swordsman who wielded a cane sword known as the shikomi-zue  (仕込み杖).  In his youth, he was a member of the yakuza and killed many people, which he came to regret later in life. He came to the aid of the innocent and the helpless during his journey. Similarly, Issho showed a lot of concern towards the citizen of Dressrosa.

Considering its origin and its constituents, the yakuza was a product of society’s shortcoming. The outcasts had formed groups in order to survive and find companionship through a shared suffering. In One Piece, many of the characters became pirates because their lives were either directly or indirectly ruined by the World Government. While pirates are generally hated, the offspring of pirates have also been discriminated by ordinary citizens. Nami began stealing to buy her town back since the government failed to free her town from Arlong’s reign. Robin and Law were forced into a life of piracy in their childhood after the World Government had their hometowns destroyed.  Several members of the Sun Pirates were former slaves, while the Don Quixote family where formed from those with abusive childhoods. Having abandoned these people in their time of need or creating a crisis in their lives, many had ended up creating the pirates the government works hard to fight against.

「赤いサカズキ」Sakazuki

Bunta Sugawara as Shozo Hirono

Much like Fujitora and the other admirals, Akainu is also modeled after a Japanese actor. In this case, Oda based him on Bunta Sugawara  (菅原文太), who is famed for his role in various yakuza films  such as the five-part yakuza epicBattle Without Honor and Humanity. Based on a real life incident in Hiroshima, Sugawara plays the role of a Japanese ex-soldier named Shozo Hirono as he undergoes the tribulations of the tumultuous underground society.

Irezumi

Akainu resembles a stereotypical yakuza member, typically depicted in a sharp suit that covers his elaborate tattoo. Known as the irezumi(入れ墨), this traditional Japanese form of tattooing features decorative designs such as powerful or mythical beasts, flowers, and heroic scenes of men. In Akainu’s case, the tattoo on his upper body seems to be cherry blossoms set upon dark spiraling stripes. The process is painful, expensive, and time consuming, and a body suit can take one to five years depending on the design.

Three sake cups

Akainu’s real name is Sakazuki, in reference to the ceremonial sake cup  of the same name. Sharing the cups is a ritual in uniting non-blood related people, and thus forms an integral part in Shinto  marriage and fraternal oaths. This ceremony was even featured in the series when Ace, Sabo, and Luffy become sworn brothers. In yakuza culture, members are ranked based on hierarchy of sake-sharing that is also referred to as sakazuki  (盃), where the kobun  (子分 “adopted child”) swears an oath towards the oyabun.

「任侠が如く」Chivalrous Outlaws

Poster of “Brutal Tales of Chivalry 5: Man With The Karajishi Tattoo”

Due to its apparent roots, the culture of the yakuza develops the code of justice and duty (仁義 ningi), emphasizing loyalty and respect as a way of life. As such, they consider themselves to be of a higher status than thieves, but below the ordinary citizens with respectable occupations (堅気 katagi). Indeed, the prevailing rule of the yakuza is “not cause trouble to the ordinary citizens” (堅気に迷惑かけない katagi ni meiwaku wo kakenai).

In the event of a disaster, the yakuza would swiftly provide aid and relief goods to the devastated areas and send enforcers to bring order into the region. Due to their quick response, they have been praised as being more efficient with the provisions than the Japanese government. Similarly, the Straw Hats provided immediate assistance to the islands in need as opposed to the slow or lack of response from the World Government, assisting the inhabitants of Alabasta, Skypiea, and Dressrosa against their respective former tyrants. This ideology is even referenced by Zoro when he tells Pica to “quit makin’ trouble for those on the straight and narrow.”

「強奪と庇護」Current Activities

Kabukichō, a red light district in Shinjuku

Recently, the yakuza have involved themselves with various large corporations. Despite considering themselves legitimate businessmen, yakuza make their living out of extortion and blackmailing, as well as engaging extensively in drug and human trafficking.

While smaller pirate crews raid the islands they encounter, larger pirate crew have been shown to engage in similar activities as the yakuza. During the Arlong Park arc, Arlong established a base to extort the money of the people and bribe officials. As underground brokers, the Don Quixote Pirates have been known to engage in the trafficking business, as shown in Sabaody and Punk Hazard. Doflamingo even extorted the king of Dressrosa for a large sum of money before he usurped the throne. Larger pirate crews also do some extortion on a larger scale.

Kobe, headquarter of the largest yakuza organization in Japan

The yakuza have also been known to provide protection. Due to the imposing nature of the organization, small time criminals tend to be driven off in fear of these enforcers, reducing crime rates around their bases. Similarly, various islands in the New World affiliate themselves with powerful pirate organizations and hang their flags to drive off would-be raiders. In Big Mom’s case, she would extort patron islands for candy in exchange for protection, all while treating it as a legitimate business.

While the yakuza is known for its violent tactics, some of its members still act in accordance with their ideals and carry out their duty in assisting people who are in need. Despite having a negative reputation, the Straw Hats also continue to do what is right and bring aid to the oppressed citizens, enforcing the idea that morality in One Piece is not black and white.

Further Reference
* Reconstructing 3/11: Sometimes The Yakuza Live Up To Their Ideals

 

[2sappy]

OP and NG are out.

NG

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

I see Sasuke's justification for his actions towards his family, but I still dont like it.
I swear when they showed that dude's arm I thought Danzou was back. I was about to go off.
I like naruto's casual look over his shoulder when they were being attacked, like "These N's are ruining a family moment".

OP

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

I really like this chapter. Everyone coming together.
I hope Viola doesnt die though. It was cool how she confronted Doffy like that. .

 

[KingdomFlatbush]

That boy Sasuke Da Gawd had the perfect excuse like I knew he would


Classified information can't have ya kids knowing everything

 

[jays25]

Naruto Gaiden

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Sasuke going out of his way to be a bad father man ***** talk to your child with some love and respect before Naruto lays another smackdown on you.

Naruto ain't even bothered by these new villains. Just watching it all happen like "Son, I fought on the moon. Why are y'all even trying?"

I also thought that Danzo had returned and was on the edge of my seat. Damn shame This new guy looks like *** and his plan seems boring as hell.

One Piece

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

My man Law's about to come in clutch for the finale Wait on it.

 

[waitwut]

Whewww cant wait to see sasuke and naruto flex

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

these ****** is wildin talm bout akatsuki revival do they know who da OGs are

 

[illwill8710]

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Danzou got his son out here making B grade sharingans lol. But seriously who the hell is homie. Also, Narutos face when Sarada whip out that picture

 

[leb13]

One Piece

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

This chapter seemed more about thorough storytelling than anything else. I liked it more on my 2nd read through of it than the first. It had a couple really good things, and then one thing that has become ridiculous, the birdcage.
The first good thing- the limits on Mansherry's powers. They're working more like an adrenaline shot than real healing. Although she's making a lot of this dandehealions, hopefully just around the outer edge so one doesn't hit Doflamingo. It'd be nice if cub took her to Luffy at the start of next chapter so we don't spend the whole chapter with his recovery. I hope the fight ends with the next chapter and doesn't spend the whole chapter on the 1 minute he has left to recover. 

Also, I hope Law sticks to just babysitting and when Luffy is recovered just teleports him to Doflamingo rather than trying to fight again. 

2nd thing I really liked- Violet confronting Doffy. She's my favorite Dressrosian, but she hasn't had a chance to do too much. I doubt she dies with Law and Mansherry alive, but I like her stepping up and trying. Also she stopped stupid Rebecca from running to her death. I'd like to see what else she can do with her powers, but I doubt we'll see it really. But then we get Rebecca crying again at the end. Should have given her Mansherry's devil fruit, she would have flooded the damn island with healing tears by now. 

Also, people are getting what they wanted right? Barto using his barrier to try and stop the cage. No one is really attacking the cage tho to try and cut it open.

Here's the real problem.  Before where the birdcage was an interesting plot point and worked because no one of any consequence was really messing with it, it just became terrible, because too many strong characters are trying to stop it now. I have to believe Fuji is giving minimal effort in helping to stop this cage. I mean honestly it'd be more effective for Zoro to go finish off a Doflamingo who last chapter was having trouble walking straight than play with the cage, at this point. If this cage requires this much effort to stop, even with an admiral there then why is Doffy afraid of Kaido? He could just set up a birdcage around Kaido then laugh from the outside. The pushing of the cage should have been handled by the dwarves, Zoro and the samurai, and regular citizens, rather than every character to make this believable. Or Fuji should have just used a ring of gravity to slow it down alone and that would have sufficed as his minimal intervention. Also it doesn't seem like Fuji considers the birdcage a threat to himself, just the average citizens. Sabo and Burgess don't seem to care about it either, so do they feel they can break through anytime or do they feel it can't really harm them or do they just figure it'll all get worked out before it becomes their concern?

I know Oda likes to write based on emotion, but it's things like this that affect the rest of the series' power structure going forward. He also likes to amp up villains as much as possible when people don't like the previous ones and it seems Doflamingo has become a victim of that, meaning the top tiers from here on out have to be even bigger monsters to justify this. I know Doffy is a veteran pirate who has had his fruit for like 30 years and has been able to thrive in the new world and has been hinted and hyped since Jaya, but still the scale of everything from here on out will have to grow to make this seem feasible for the beginning of the new world. 

 

[delete1234]

How do yall read this naruto **** :x I feel like I'm reading a drama TV show and then you got these random *** danzo clone dude coming back from nowhere

OP chap was gabbage. Zoro and Fuji can't even stop the birdcage

This is oda's first naruto/bleach-ish arc since before enies lobby(around water 7) **** making no sense

 

[2sappy]

Bleach

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Wahrwelt = True World for those wondering.
I wonder who's gonna become the new soul king when this is over.

 

[tdogg2k]

the OP arc is brilliant, it's showing Depth of the series. Everyone getting screen time, good action, good history good story....

what's not to like?

 

[jays25]

How do yall read this naruto **** :x I feel like I'm reading a drama TV show and then you got these random *** danzo clone dude coming back from nowhere

OP chap was gabbage. Zoro and Fuji can't even stop the birdcage

This is oda's first naruto/bleach-ish arc since before enies lobby(around water 7) **** making no sense

Man if you've made it through Naruto's trashy war arc then you can make it through anything

 

[d3si]

Naruto

Spoiler

In flashback, when Sasuke called Naruto a Hokage at the private meeting, it made me thinking that Sarada might be an experiment after all. Didn't Naruto become a Hokage after his both kids' birth?

I am not sure it's either Danzo or Shisui. I believe it is Shisui. He thinks highly of Itachi. Danzo doesn't strike me a guy who loves Uchiha. Maybe I am wrong.

Naruto knows he's the powerful man on the planet. He looked unimpressed once again when he's about to get attacked. Well, he's always been that since he was a kid. This time, it's more humble and mature.

Bleach

Spoiler

Yoruichi's brother looks girly. I was surprised when this chapter mentioned her brother.

I really like what Yhwach has done with the Soul Palace.

 

[KingdomFlatbush]

Naruto and Sasuke really bout to flex

 

[illwill8710]

Naruto

Spoiler

In flashback, when Sasuke called Naruto a Hokage at the private meeting, it made me thinking that Sarada might be an experiment after all. Didn't Naruto become a Hokage after his both kids' birth?

I am not sure it's either Danzo or Shisui. I believe it is Shisui. He thinks highly of Itachi. Danzo doesn't strike me a guy who loves Uchiha. Maybe I am wrong.

Naruto knows he's the powerful man on the planet. He looked unimpressed once again when he's about to get attacked. Well, he's always been that since he was a kid. This time, it's more humble and mature.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

I doubt it was just Shisui. They made him out in the Kakashi filler as the most stand-up and caring of all the Uchiha. It's hard to believe that he would be set out for revenge. But I do believe he plays a significant role and his body or eye may be in use. I say this because the same eye that the hairless guy has with the scar/stitches is in the same location as the one that Danzo plucked from Shisui(but then again he did give Kakashi his other eye). Also, it appears that they have the same mangekyou sharingan. He is the polar opposite of Shisui from the picture they painted but brainwashing and plot no jutsu is a naruto theme.

 

[waitwut]

is it me or does sasuke look almost EXACTLY like madara on that last page

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 

[W)taps]

is it me or does sasuke look almost EXACTLY like madara on that last page

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

doubt sasuke is ever going to be evil again. it ran its course.

 

[waitwut]

is it me or does sasuke look almost EXACTLY like madara on that last page

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

doubt sasuke is ever going to be evil again. it ran its course.

probably right but do yall see the resemblance too

 

[2sappy]

Romcom Snafu

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Good feels all around this episode, until that ending.
Poor Iroha.

 

[2sappy]

My *****, Dio muther******* Brando is in the house. Showing everyone what true evil really is.