~Entering the Unknown~

Phantom - Requiem for the Phantom #04: Assassination

Kwei was waiting at a swim suit shop when Ein finally finished trying out some swim suit. Later, they went shopping around. Later, they ran into a lady whom Kwei accidentially knocked her ice cream, he later treated her and Ein ice cream in a shop. They parted shortly.

Later in the car, they got serious in the memorising the structure of the mall. Ein commented that Zwei's acting skill sucked. In a room, the members of Inferno were discussing about being using Phantom too frequently. In a room, Zwei was looking at his fake passport indicating him with the first name of his victim - Wallace Yang. His and Ein's mission was to assassinate an elderly man. Ein entered the room and briefed him with details with weapons. Later, they went inspecting the mall and analysing ways to shoot their target. Ein noticed Zwei's change of eyes and suggested going back to their rooms. Later, the target entered the mall with his bodyguards. Zwei and Ein monitored the security of the target. Two of the bodyguards stalked Ein. She called Zwei for assistance. Zwei ran to Ein who slapped him in act to fool the bodyguards. When the guards were gone, Ein told Zwei location of their target. When the target made his way to his car, Ein and Zwei prepared to strike. They confronted the car with the target and attacked. Zwei appeared in time to pull Ein away from being shoot. Ein and Zwei's master arrived to fetch them from the scene. The pursuers chased them. Their mission was completed. On the car, Ein and Zwei thought of each other while they had acted as couple in the mall.

In a hall, Claudia praised Ein and Zwei's master. In the airport, Ein and Zwei met the lady whom they had ice cream in a store last time. They bidded farewell to each other. Ein commented that Zwei's acting improved. Later at the laundry shop, Ein collected her items while Zwei waited. In their room, Ein cleaned their guns while Zwei watched television, thinking of their roles that resembled hound dogs waiting for missions. Ein watched him and left for bath. In the bathroom, she thought of her master's comment that Zwei's achievement which had took her longer time to reach. Zwei reminded her of her older self. She thought she might want to see whom she really was and felt Zwei's eyes scary.

Shangri-La #03:

A voice called someone to finish Altas before a child was born and Kuniko woke in shock. In a shop next day, Kuniko told an old lady of her dream and the old lady told her that her mother used to stay in Atlas. Just then, Kuniko's friends called her and pulled her elsewhere. Among the greenery, some men led by Takehiko were watching an approaching train in hiding and attacked it after obstructing its track. In the hall, Momoko's friend wailed as Kuniko and others celebrated her success in winning the lottery to Altas. She told Kuniko of their dream to set up the dream shop in Altas. Momoko arrived and gave her the signpost of 'Tropical Fish' before they had last left their old city, vowing to revive their shop one day. All of them sent her off. Tekahiko also sent her off in nick of time. Later, Takehiko distributed flour but was being scolded by the town people as the military had attacked them because of their stealing of things from Altas. They demanded leaving of Metal Age. Just then, the alarm sounded again. The ice bergs fell from the sky. Kuniko's friends passed her chocolate from Altas and bidded her farewell. In the hospital, Kuniko watched the injured people. Later, she sat alone, looking at the chocolate and told Momoko that she had forgotten everything since she had been living in Altas detention camp. She wondered if everyone would be happy when they reached Altas. She begun to eat the chocolate and decided to go to Altas one day. Momoko smiled at her.

Other place, another girl - Karin was being when her online friends called her. Another place, Hiruko sensed something within her vaccuum zone while her subordinates were discussing their findings in the forest.

In the town, Momoko and Kuniko obtained fake entry cards to Altas from Takehiko so that they could see how Altas was like. They begun their infiltration process through the underground tunnel, disguising as workers to a crowded train. They heard shouts from other Metal Age group from their confinement as they made their way. In other place, Momoko's friend and other people were led to the Moon Palace where they were to leave their belongings behind before they were being sprayed with smoke. Nearby, their belongings were burnt. Momoko's friend was horrified and tried to resist but the people shot needles at her and put her to sleep. When she came to, she found herself before Hiruko who was asking for her medication. Confused, the friend took a tray towards Hiruko. Other place, Kuniko and others made their way through a sensor and the alarm sounded when Kuniko went through. They ran through a closing trapdoor and continued to run. Same time, another lady commanded the shooting of intruders. Meanwhile, Kuniko and others were making their way through the stopped machines and were attacked by rifle shoots. They ran. Kuniko noticed how small Doumo was from the top. Takehiko pulled her away as she was in a daze looking at the scene. She told Momoko her confusion. They felt vibration and knew it was Altas earthquake. They managed to make their way to other side of another building. Kuniko continued to rant her confusion of the giant house that was Doumo where she and others had been living for a long time.

One Piece Issue #540:

Luffy and others made it through into Level Six to save Ace. Luffy was horrified to find Ace's cell empty. The other prisoners told Luffy that Ace had been taken away through the lift and urged him to hurry. Finding that the lift was locked and not operable, they decided to climb up. The path was blocked and so was the staircase. Gas begun flooding in. Iva suspected it to be sleeping gas. At floor 1, outside the lift, one of the main warder had Ace pinned to the ground by his head. Ace was hoping the rumor about Luffy's presence was a lie. At level 6, one of Iva's helpers - Inazuma was cutting up the floor like paper to block the gas. Iva stated that Inazuma had ate the Choki choki no mi and had became a scissorman. Knowing the situation, Iva told Luffy that Ace was probably handed over to the Marine HQ and told Luffy to give up and to leave the rest to Whitebeard. Luffy stated that he would also go to Marine HQ to follow Ace. He refused to give up (AU: this part reminds me of Naruto). His attitude reminded Iva of Dragon. Just then, one prisoner told Luffy to release him as he could open great hole in the ceiling of the room. Luffy was shocked to see Crocodile, Mr O, the former leader of Baroque Works, there and remembered him as the one who tore Vivi's country. Iva suggested releasing Mr O as he was important for the mission, besides Iva knew Mr O's weakness and was not worried for his possible betrayal. Other prisoners called Iva to free them too and were being silenced by his Death Wink. One prisoner pleaded for his release as he was close with Ace. Touched by his sincerety, Iva agreed to let him go. With two new comers, they decided to go for their next move.

Phantom - Requiem for the Phantom #03: Practice

Claudia was looking at Zwei's original passport, revealing his real name to be Reiji until Lizzie approached her. Other place during daytime, Zwei underwent physical training to be an assassin. In the town, a man saw a dead man in the Gents. On the street, Lizzie wandered along the path. In the house, Zwei was listening to a news about the murder of a cop. He knew it was the doing of the girl assassin - Ein as she went off for another assassin job. She was being asked on Zwei's progress by her master. He told her to take off her clothes as he rubbed lotion over her skin. He told her to finish Zwei turning him into perfect assassin machine. Next day, Zwei saw the return of Ein. She told him to prepare for something. In other room, a man - Wallace was ranting to Claudia and Ein's master about his contribution and him being suspected by them. He demanded assistance by Inferno. In a room, Ein told Zwei to choose a gun for his first mission as a test. She led him to the location. They met Wallace with other members of Inferno just outside their warehouse. Syncth - Ein's master told Wallace to run in 10 minutes' time. Failing which, he would send someone to take his life. Angered, Wallace stomped into the house. Syncth commanded Zwei to kill Wallace. Zwei was horrified. Ein threatened him to carry out the mission by pointing her pistol at his forehead. Leaving with no other choice, Zwei took the pistol and set off. McGwire was invited to witness Zwei's ability. In the house, Zwei tried to think in the way of the hunted, what weapon he might choose or method to carry out. Outside, Ein was confident of Zwei's skills. In the house, Zwei confronted Wallace who kicked off his own gun and demanded negotiation and asked him about his own life. Zwei noticed another gun hidden on Wallace's waist. Zwei shot him but he ran and ducked from the shot. Outside, the others waited in the car in case Zwei failed his mission. In the warehouse, the shooting battle went on and Wallace stepped on Zwei's hand and kicked him in his gut. He hit him against the wall and pointed his gun at his head. Zwei cut him with his knife and shot him. He fell on his knees as Ein approached him, praising his success for the first time. She told him that he had to throw away his heart and emotion in order to be free as Zwei. She pointed her gun at him. She shot at other direction. Zwei stared at the ceiling and was commanded to stand. In the car, McGwire asked Claudia where she found Zwei and she told him that the Japanese Governement had recommended and sent him to her. In the warehouse, Ein told Zwei that he was now officially a member of Inferno.

07-Ghost #03:

Children ran across the passage and lit up the lamps. Outside, Teito was looking at the flower. Two priests were approached by two nuns who wanted to attend to Teito whom they couldn't find. Outside, the people were called to enter the building before it was dark. Teito was making his way out when one of the 7 priests pulled him back. He carried Teito back. Another priest put the flower in Teito's hair. They took him to the dining hall. The nuns were happy and pulled him to the food. Teito was shocked to see the food was fisheyes. Another priest ate flower. Hungry, he did not care and ate eyefish and found it good to eat. The nuns asked for Teito's name. He did not answer and they did not mind. Teito continued to worry for Mikage.

Other place, Ayanami was concerned for Teito's whereout. Chairman Miroku asked Ayanami to make Teito his Beglenier. Ayanami questioned Miroku's intention to take in Teito. He replied that he was just concerned as he had been a slave. Meanwhile, the nuns were happy to clear the place for Teito who assisted them in mopping the floor. Flashback, some students bullied Teito who was an ex-slave. Mikage went to his aid that time. Later, Mikage asked Teito for his name and he told him. Back to present, Teito prayed to God for safety of Mikage and did not wish to stay in the church forever. Just then, he saw an old man approaching him in the middle of the night. He told him about his late wife who was buried in the church. Being lonely, he did not want to go home as there was no one whom he could return to. He commented that Teito had the same sad eyes as him. He asked Teito for his problem. Teito told him that he could only recall bits of his past and he couldn't protect his own friend. The old man stated a particular him could grant his wish if he went before the midnight bell tolls. Just then, the nuns went looking for Teito. Meanwhile, Teito returned to his room, placed the flower on his bed and planned to leave the place. He sneaked out of the building. One of the priests was waiting before him. Another appeared. Teito revealed his Zaiphon power, determined to save Mikage. The priests knew where he learnt the power from the institution. The blond priest - Frac dodged Teito's attacks calmly. Frac hit Teito in his gut and pushed him to the other priests. In his bed, Teito called for Mikage's name. In the dark room of the school, Mikage was bound to the chair while Ayanami threatened him with his family members, especially his younger sister. In his bed, Teito woke in shock. He remembered the old man's words and got up. Outside, the bell sounded. Frac was feeding a cat when he sensed something. In the corridor, Teito waited and met the old man again.

Bleach #216:

Ichigo confronted Ulquiorra and demanded him to leave Orihime. Ulquiorra reassured that he was not commanded to kill Orihime but he intended to kill Ichigo by his sword. Ichigo was pleased as Ulquiorra had acknowledged his skill by drawing his own sword. With that, they exchanged blows.

Out above the city, the Arrancar leader decided on the people to fight on behalf of Aizen who was trapped by Chief Commander's flames. He was awared of the four pillars set up the Soul Society and got an Espada to reveal location of the four pillars. Giant Hollows were summoned. Saifon's vice captain was aghast. The Hollows grabbed the pillars revealing their forms. The Hollows started to attack the pillars which could send the city back if broke. The Chief Commander was not worried as he had already prepared protectors to each pillar. Meanwhile, the four protectors - Shinigamis, including Kira and Hisagi attacked the Hollows and killed them in an instance. Saifon was not pleased with her vice captain's reaction. The Arrancar leader assigned four Arrancars to fight the pillar guards. Kira was being provoked by his opponent who recognised him as being ditched by Gin who left Soul Society. Kira slashed him in his face.

Valkyria Chronicles:

Just came across this anime, like Sengoku Basara and Tales of the Abyss, it is also developed from games. The style of the anime reminds me more of Tales of the Abyss. I'll likely check out this anime since I'm giving up on Sengoku Basara.

Dragon Ball Kai #03:

Raditz used dirty trick to convince Sun Goku letting off his tail before Piccolo could use his new technique to finish him off. As Raditz hit Goku, Gohan crushed his way out and hit Raditz who was shocked at Gohan's power level. As he prepared to kill Gohan who had difficulty manipulating his own power, Goku grabbed Raditz by his back so that Piccolo could finish him off along with him. Before Raditz's death, Piccolo told him about dragon balls which could grant wishes and that he planned to revive Goku who was near his end. Raditz told Piccolo that he had delivered the message to his two comrades and died with a smile as he told him that they would come to Earth a year from now to bring him to life with the dragon balls and to destroy Earth. Piccolo was aghast. In other planet, the two comrades prepared to get the dragon balls to obtain eternal youth so that they could fight forever. On Earth, Buma and others reached Goku who passed away.

Rewatch Naruto #124 - #129:

Lee's drunken technique was broken by Kimimaru. Meanwhile, Shikamaru and Kiba were in danger. In nick of time, Kankuro went to Kiba's aid, Temari to Shikamaru and Gaara to Lee. Kankuro killed Ukon/Sakon and Temari killed Tayuya. Same time, Kimimaru had a flashback of his past as he fought Gaara. Flashback, Kimimaru was sealed and released by his clan people to annihilate the Mist clan which ended up in failure. As a result, all Kimimaru's clan people were killed and the alone Kimimaru was taken in by Orochimaru. Back to present, Kimimaru entered his cursed final stage against Gaara. In other place, Sasuke placed Naruto into gentjutsu. Neji's words brought Naruto's sense back to light as he continued his pursue after Sasuke.

Meanwhile, Gaara criticised Kimimaru for being brainwashed by Orochimaru as the latter spouted bones across vast piece of land, forcing Gaara to utilise a lot of chakra to bring himself and Lee to safety in the air. Kimimaru struck at Gaara for his statements but died before his fatal blow hit the exhausted and weakened Gaara. At the aftermath of the battle, Gaara stated Kimimaru, like Naruto and Lee, fought for people they cherished.

Same time, Naruto pursued Sasuke and reached the Valley of the End where the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara had fought years ago. As Naruto fought Sasuke who easily hit him off with his new strength, Sasuke thought of his past. Flashback, Itachi used to be a loving elder brother of Sasuke and often won praise from their father who never noticed Sasuke's effort everytime. One day, some time since Sasuke's joining of ANBU, he witnessed other Uchiha police members confronting Itachi, suspecting his involvement in his closest friend's suicide. It was the first time Sasuke witnessed his elder brother's dark side. Sasuke/Itachi's father was growing disappointed with Itachi's increasingly strange behaviour and activity. Back to present, Sasuke faced off Naruto.

ADDITION: New OP & ED at episode #129.

Thoughts after Naruto Manga Issue #443:

Managed to find the soundtrack of Naruto Shippuuden Movie - Kizuna.
Cannot keep my mind off the latest Naruto issue content whereby Naruto finally confronted Nagato and Konan.

The Akatsuki is most likely going to be finished, only 3 official members left minus Nagato and Konan since it's highly possible they desert Akatsuki after their talks with Naruto. Don't understand why there must be a kage summit after 7 biiju out of 9 were extracted and also after Akatsuki had so few people left as threat to Shinobi world. Think just Konoha alone is enough to take down the organisation unless Madara introduced new members into Akatsuki in addition to Sasuke's team Hawk. At how the current plot goes, I guess Naruto won't be caught for a long time.

There's also a possibility that Sasuke might desire Naruto's kyuubi chakra as his MS techique is going to cause him blindness. Wonder if Sasuke will fight Madara over Naruto in the end. It'll be so gay if this happens. Nevertheless, I presume that once the Akatsuki collapses, Naruto will not be pursued by villians anymore unless the author decides to go macro by having the feudal lords after him.

Phantom - Requiem for the Phantom #02: Training

Zwei woke in the same bedroom and saw Ein visiting him. She told him that she was attacking him earlier to test his ability as assassin because of his natural special ability. Zwei was upset over his lost memory of real name. Ein told him that his real memory was erased by Inferno. Other place, some people were discussing about Phantom as well as a Japanese tourist who witnessed the assassination was cleared (the tourist was Zwei who had been used as future assassin tool). In the room, Zwei was upset over his new role to kill people. Ein told him that to live, he had to kill. Later that day, Zwei was ordered to train under Ein. End of the day, Zwei laid exhausted and blank on his bed. Same time, Lizzie and Claudia were talking with a man over Zwei's training as Inferno's pawn. Next day, Ein taught Zwei how to shoot with pistol. Day and night, Zwei trained himself blankly as instructed by Ein. Each day, Zwei felt losing himself. One morning, Zwei watched Ein left with a man she called 'Master' for her mission. In the car, Ein was asked of Zwei's training while she was briefed of details of mission and weather condition. In the house, Claudia visited Zwei to tell him of Inferno whose aim was to reunite mafia using Phantom. She told him not to think himself as slave as he had the freedom to progress. Other place, Ein shot her target from afar. Same time, Claudia drove off after bidding farewell to Zwei. In the house, Zwei thought over Claudia's words. That night, Ein returned and went to Zwei's room and he asked her why she became an assassin. Like Zwei, her memory had been erased to become an assassin. He told her of Claudia and her words. She did not feel anything and she told him that he would feel the same once he started killing people. When Ein went to sleep, Zwei watched the bricks and his training ground. Ein woke and encouraged him to shoot the bricks. He obliged.

07-Ghost #01:

A flashback, a boy was looking up at a man. The city was in ruins outside the building. The boy - Teito woke, confused of the identity of the man in his dream when his friends rushed him out for the day. The kids were elite group in a military school. In the hall, they assembled. The elite students had special abilities. The city appeared futuristic and peaceful. From school, Teito and his friend - Mikage watched the plane outside and spoke of their dreams. Teito had no recollection whom his family was as he had lost all his memories. Later, Teito and Mikage duelled to prepare for their final exams. Teito won.

That night, Teito and Mikage chatted about their past. Teito told Mikage that before he came to the school, he was a slave who was to fight to his death until the school chairman - Miroku took him in. Mikage was happy that Teito spoke so openly about himself and sworn that both of them would go through the exam smoothly.

Next day, the students were being assigned to different teams for exams. A student - Shuri taunted Teito for his ex slave identity before walking away. In the hall, Teito and others were to kill a criminal to pass the exam. The criminal was taller and larger than them and he was fast. He begun to attack the students. Outside, the senior military people were talking. In the exam hall, Shuri was panicking and pleaded to leave while his followers were being tossed around. The criminal attacked him. Teito saved him in nick of time and fought the criminal with Mikage bravely. Teito managed to subdue the criminal but the senior military - Ayanami killed the criminal and taunted Teito for being soft. That night, Mikage told Teito that including both of them, only 19 students passed. Mikage was proud of Teito for not being a killer. In the middle of the night, Teito dreamt again of the same man who promised to come for him one day. Redness covered him.

Next day, the students were schooling as Teito thought of his dream. He sensed something and heard sound. Someone was talking behind the door. It was Ayanami who was ordering for the finding of a stone - The Eye of Mikaru. Teito recalled something in his dream. In his dream, a plane as well as a troop of people were coming for him and the man - his father. One of the man in the troop was Ayanami who killed his father before his eyes. Teito whimed in pain and he entered the room attacking Ayanami. A man appeared and defeated Teito instantly. Ayanami questioned him and remembered Teito as a former slave. Teito was dragged to a cell and chained up. Teito's belongings was searched. Mikage was told of the incident. He ran to look for Teito. He entered the cell and saw Teito covered in blood of the warders. Mikage pulled Teito and fleed together with him. Teito begged the divine to protect Mikage as they were faced with oppositions. Teito tried to prevent Mikage from being criminal by taking Mikage hostage and escaped by himself on a plane. Ayanami watched him and attacked the plane from the balcony.

COMMENT: Looks good enough with quality rival that of D.Gray Man's. Will consider continue with it. The OP is pretty nice too. The opening is 'Hiiro no Kakera' by Suzuki Yuki and the closing is 'Hitomi no Kotae' by Noria

Shangri-La #01:

A girl - Kuniko was being released from her confinement and was fetched by a group of people who ranted over their anxieties over her. They headed to Duomo. Everywhere, the cities were in ruins, covered in algae. Many towns were half submerged in the sea as they rode on a boat. Kuniko ran around the town happily. Along the way, people greeted her warmly. In a place, a woman - Ryoko was being attended by her servants while she enquired on news of the moon and other matters including Kuniko's current whereouts. On the road, a couple were being taken away for blocking a royalty girl's path. Meanwhile, Kuniko was yelling to the world of her return. In a place, some people from the top were discussing on taxation on emission of carbon dioxide in Japan as they were questioned by a girl via a computer. The people were being told off for using cheap labour and being irresponsible for carbon dioxide emission. They begun to argue over some proposals to give in to the girl's MEDUSA plan. The politician finally gave in to the girl's plan. In her room, a little girl was playing with her teddy bear after her successful negotiation for wealth. Ryoko talked to her people of Metal-Age which was an anti-government organsiation. In other place, Kuniko was chatting with a woman who had fetched her earlier. They saw some factories emitting carbon dioxide and went to stop the situation. They told Tehiksho off for the carbon emission. All of them were alerted of arrival of military which promptly bombed the city. The people were Altas Military. Kuniko ran of to deal with them. The military knew she was Digma 2. She tried to talk them off and had to dodge off their bullets. The woman whom she talked earlier came to her aid. As Kuniko struck, the three knives held by different people (Tehiksho's knife that represented head of Metal Age, a royal girl and Ryuko) all over the world vibrated. Kuniko felt the noise familar.

COMMENT: The two ladies who fetched Kuniko were voiced by men, wonder if the characters are men in fact. Argh.. Anyway, the anime looks better than that Samurai anime I've watched the night before. This anime is promoting environmental danger if carbon dioxide is emitted too much.

Phantom - Requiem for the Phantom #01: The Awakening

An assassin was carrying out a mission.

Flashback, he woke to find himself in a room, losing his memories. Other place, a woman - Lizzie told another woman - Kuro off in her job as bodyguard. In a lab, two men were examining a subject - the assassin. In a rundown building, the assassin was moving through the corridor. In the lab, the two men were observing his activity. A girl was being summoned to carry out her task to test the assassin. She shot him. He ran. At the brink of his death, he reached his sub conscious and defeated the girl, slashing away part of her mask and remembered seeing her somewhere before in the past. Flashback, a girl was begging for answers of the world on a swing in playground. Back to present, the assassin stopped himself from stabbing the girl as her mask fell away. He left the building and saw the barren land outside. He yelled for answer to his name and the girl told him that he was Zwei and she was Ein. She shot him and he collapsed. The people and a lady - Kuro approached them, marvelling over Zwei's ability. Ein was being summoned back to work as Phantom.

Back to present, Ein and Zwei were carrying out their assassin mission in the estate. Their target was shot after Ein told him that they were phantom - Inferno's top assassins. From afar, Lizzie returned back to her relaxation. In a room, Kuro announced that another miafia was destroyed so that they could bring about a new order. In the airport, some men were approaching the custom. In a building, a girl was looking out of window. In the city, Ein and Zwei were riding in a car, remembering their identity as just puppets.

COMMENT: This anime plot and arts style reminds me of 'Darker than Black', except the songs aren't as good.