Naruto 621 – Hashirama and Madara
Summary:
Creating a humanoid, Hashirama grabs the Tailed Beast Ball, initially thrown at him, and slams it unto Madara’s Susanoo creating an explosion. As the smoke clears, Madara reveals a Susanoo-armoured Nine-Tails ready to attack Hashirama’s shield. With Hashirama praising Madara, he quickly grabs the ethereal beast’s blade and counters by creating wooden hands to suppress the beast only for the tailed beast to destroy with its other blade. Noting his disadvantage, Hashirama quickly retreats to the coastline prompting Madara to charge a sword-enhanced Tailed Beast Ball. Trying to defend himself, Hashirama summons a set of barriers which was enough to at least redirect the attack. Before continuing, Hashirama and Madara exchange different opinions with Hashirama wanting to stop the battle and Madara wanting to best Hashirama. Knowing that Madara can no longer be persuaded, Hashirama enters Sage Mode and summons a gigantic wooden construct which clashed with the Nine-Tails causing another huge explosion. As the battle progresses, Hashirama remembers the first time when he and Madara crossed paths.
More:
Naruto Manga // Naruto 620 // Naruto 622
According to this year’s 13th issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shounen Jump magazine, the Hunter x Hunter anime will continue into the Chimera Ant story arc, starting April 21st.
The arc starts after Gon and Killua finishes the Greed Island, and was brought to Kite, instead of his mentor and Gon’s father, Ging Freecss. Rough designs for the Queen, Meleoron, the thousand-fisted ant, Yunju, and the mosquito-type ant were also revealed in the magazine.
Hunter x Hunter manga: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/hunter_x_hunter/
Bleach 527 – Eliminate from Heaven
Summary:
Zaraki stabs Unohana but screams for Unohana not to die because he hasn’t fought enough yet. Unohana dies happy having brought out Zaraki’s true power, and Zaraki then hears the voice of his zanpukto calling out to him.
Meanwhile back at Nimaiya’s shack, Renji has stands bloodied but triumphant but Ichigo seems to have flunked Nimaiya’s test. Ichigo wants to continue but Nimaiya states that the asauchi didn’t choose Ichigo which means he’s not a real shinigami and therefore Nimaiya is not going to fix his zanpukto. Nimaiya tells Mela to remove Ichigo and send him home. Ichigo breaks free, but Nimaiya sends Ichigo away with some teleport technique.
More:
Bleach Manga // Bleach 526 // Bleach 528
According to the April issue of Takarajima’s Smart magazine, the third Puella Magi Madoka Magica movie, Gekijō-ban Mahō Shōjo Madoka Magica Shinpen: Hangyaku no Monogatari (Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: The Rebellion Story) will be premiering in Japan this summer.
Unlike the first and second movies, which are a condensed re-telling of the original TV anime series, the third one will be based on a completely new script and it will be a direct sequel to the series.
[Staff]
Director: Akiyuki Shinbo
Yukihiro Miyamoto
Screenplay: Gen Urobuchi
Original Character Design: Ume Aoki
Producer: Atsuhiro Iwakami
Animation Production: SHAFT
Madoka Magica manga:
http://www.mangahere.com/manga/mahou_shoujo_madoka_magica/
One Piece 699 – Morning Paper
Summary:
Kuzan is attempting to freeze Doflamingo to stop him from killing Smoker. However, Doflamingo survives the attack but refuses to fight the former admiral. He then leaves with Buffalo and Baby 5 while asking “what Kuzan really is”. Smoker is then treated by the G-5 Marines who ask whether Kuzan is now a boss of the underworld.
Meanwhile on the Thousand Sunny, Usopp and Chopper are paranoid about an attack from Doflamingo, and are dressed in armor created by Kin’emon’s powers. Kin’emon is angry with Zoro because he believes that Zoro has defiled the famous samurai Ryuma’s grave to obtain Shuusui. Meanwhile, Momonosuke, who is playing cute gets a lot of attention from Robin and Nami, making Brook, Kin’emon and Sanji jealous of him.
After a quiet but anxious night, the party receives the morning newspaper which reads that Doflamingo has indeed quit his position as a Shichibukai. It is also reported that the Heart Pirates and the Straw Hat Pirates have formed an alliance, and so have the On Air, Kid and Hawkins Pirates. All three news are declared as huge threats to the world. The chapter is ended with Doflamingo at Dressrosa receiving a call from Law via a Den Den Mushi.
More:
One Piece Manga // One Piece 698 // One Piece 700
Fairy Tail 320 – Violent Thunder
Summary:
The chaos outside the Grand Magic Games continues as Natsu and his team battle their way out of Mercurius and Arcadios, Hisui and Jellal ponder over the coming apocalypse they have been told about. In the Games, Minerva moves to confront the weakened and bloodied Erza, utilizing her Magic to pick her up and throw her around. As she smashes her through a nearby pillar, Minerva gleefully states that she will deliver Erza’s public execution.
Also beginning to battle it out are the tag teams of Lyon and Chelia, Gray and Juvia, Lyon quickly casting an array of Ice-Make spells, and Gray responding with his own. However, Gray soon gets a slight advantage, as Juvia, from the river below the bridge the battle is taking place on, sends water upward for Gray to instantly freeze and use. Seeing this, Lyon tries some more powerful attacks, however Chelia soon demands that he attack Juvia as well. Lyon refuses though, stating that Chelia has to attack Juvia, albeit not harm her. As Chelia begins to argue at this, Gray notices that their teamwork is off, believing this will give himself and Juvia a chance at taking the battle.
Meanwhile, in another part of Crocus, Laxus, Orga and Jura stand in their own three-way confrontation. Orga is the first to speak, facing Jura and stating that he wants to see the Wizard Saint go all out, moreover, he wants to see if Jura has the guts to block one of his attacks head on. As the Lamia Scale Mage agrees, Laxus notes that Jura seems to be creating a trap, though Orga, oblivious to this, immediately attacks with Lightning God’s Atomic Bolt Cannon. However, Jura merely dodges the attack and grabs Orga in the forehead, smashing him straight into the ground with incredible force. As Laxus and the crowd stare on in sheer disbelief, the debris of the attack clears, showing Orga to be completely unconscious, whilst Jura states that he remembered the Sabertooth Mage’s fight from the first day, and wanted to end everything instantly too. With this win, Jura receives another point for Lamia Scale, turning to then face Laxus. From the stands, Ooba congratulates Jura and gloating states that Makarov stands no chance, as, during the seven years he was absent, Jura climbed in the rankings of the Ten Wizard Saints, now being considered the fifth strongest of the group. Beside her, Sherry points out that there are still four people stronger than Jura, though Ooba quickly defends him by stating that the four higher ranked members are as strong as gods, and should therefore not be considered human, calling Jura the strongest human Wizard Saint.
Back on the battlefield, Jura begins to state that he has always wanted to fight Laxus, however the Fairy Tail Mage quickly interrupts him, annoyed by Jura’s fancy use of titles. He states that formalities have no place in their fight, as, on the battlefield, they are no more than two men. With this being said, Laxus surges forward shrouded in lightning, though just before he can touch Jura, he is brutally hit on the back of the head and sent slamming into the ground. From the stands, the crowd and commentators begin to think that Jura has once again taken somebody down with a single blow, Jura too openly telling Laxus that there are always people in the world stronger than oneself. Laxus though, surprises the Lamia Scale Mage by suddenly jumping up and sharply upper-cutting him, replying that it’s good to look down too, as those stronger people may be just at your feet.
More:
Fairy Tail Manga // Fairy Tail 319 // Fairy Tail 321
Bleach 526 – The Battle
Summary:
Zaraki thinks he has beaten Unohana but he gets cut instead. The battle continues on Unohana goes bankai. Zaraki “awakens” and realizes this is the “fighting” he has been looking for. Silently, Unohana and Zaraki agree thtat they both live for fighting. Unohana has developed her healing techniques so that she can keep on fighting, while Zaraki limited himself so he can enjoy fighting. When Unohana fought Zaraki for the first time, she realized that Zaraki would take over the title of Kenpachi and that her job is to bring him to the next level. Back in the present, Unohana silently bids farewell as Zaraki stabs her with his sword.
More:
Bleach Manga // Bleach 525 // Bleach 527
One Piece 698 – Doflamingo Arrives
Summary:
The Straw Hat Pirates, along with their allies and prisoner are heading out to Dressrosa on the Thousand Sunny where they are informed of Luffy’s goal to defeat all of the Yonko and the plan by Trafalgar Law to reduce Kaido’s power in the New World by destroying Doflamingo’s SMILE factory. Regardless of the dangers involving an army of SMILE users and a potential encounter with Kaido himself, Kin’emon along with his son Momonosuke are coming along with the Straw Hats as one of Kin’emon’s comrades is being held prisoner in Dressrosa.
Back on Punk Hazard, Smoker allows the G-5 Marines and Brownbeard to retrieve their comrades from their petrified states. One of Smoker’s men questions if they should arrest the headless bodies of Doflamingo’s subordinates. However, the heads suddenly come flying back to their bodies and the men are viciously attacked by Doflamingo himself. Doflamingo stands in front of Smoker and demands the location of the Straw Hats, but Smoker tells him he has no idea where they are going and call him by his alias “Joker”. Seeing that his alias is exposed, Doflamingo strike a blow to Smoker’s face severely injuring him. He then attempts to deliver the killing blow but is interrupted by the arrival of Kuzan, the former Admiral.
More:
One Piece Manga // One Piece 697 / /One Piece 699
In the March issue of Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shounen Magazine, the three leading voice actors of the TV anime adaptation of Aku no Hana (The Flowers of Evil) manga have been revealed. The anime will be premiering this April.
Shinichiroh Ueda, a newbie who was a finalist in the 24th Junon Super Boy Contest, will voice the main character, Takao Kasuga.
Sawa Nakamura, the main heroine will be voiced by Mariya Ise, a veteran voice actor who voiced Ringo in Air Gear and voiced Killua in Hunter x Hunter.
Nanako Saeki will be voiced by Yoko Hikasa.
Aku no Hana is a school romance manga series by Shuuzou Oshimi. It began serialization in the inaugural issue of Bessatsu Shounen Magazine in 2009.
Aku no Hana manga: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/aku_no_hana/
Naruto 620 – Hashirama Senju
Summary:
As Sasuke boldly declares that Hashirama’s response would decide whether or not he should take revenge on Konohagakure, Tobirama, who had become angered at this sentiment, notes that he would not allow such a thing to happen. In a fierce exchange of silent wills, which sends those around them into near-frenzied panic and begins to destroy the Naka Shrine, Tobirama finally adheres to his brother’s command and lowers his fingers from around the bands on his arms. Reverting almost immediately to his jovial, carefree self as Hiruzen breathed a sigh of relief and Minato marvelled, Hashirama praises Itachi, telling Sasuke that Itachi was a better shinobi than himself, and that he will happily tell the lengthy answer to the question he had posed to him. Telling him to make it as short as possible as they were strapped for time with a war going on, Hiruzen tells Orochimaru that if it were a case where Madara was currently on the battlefield then they needed to head out as well. With Minato and Tobirama sensing the situation on the battlefield and confirming it to be true, Minato is glad that his son was able to achieve what he had wanted him to do when he sealed the beast into him. Tobirama, however, discards Orochimaru’s threat to bind them entirely and declares that he was going to the battlefield. However, thanks to now acquiring Hashirama’s genetic material, the binding of the Impure World Reincarnation had become more powerful as Hashirama noted, telling his brother that he had grown dull. Easily breaking free of the additional restraint as Orochimaru noted, Hashirama allays the Sannin’s fears, telling him that first he would free Sasuke of the darkness that surrounded him before he became another Madara and casually takes a seat on the ground and begins the retelling of the story of his confrontation with Madara at the Valley of the End and the history of the Senju and Uchiha.
More:
Naruto Manga // Naruto 619 // Naruto 621
Fairy Tail 319 – Holy Knight
Summary:
With Gajeel having activated his Iron Shadow Dragon Mode, “Shadow” and the audience are all surprised by the turn of events, with “Shadow” noting that Gajeel now has two elemental types. Gajeel moves in for the attack, making himself disappear by turning into a shadow before hitting “Shadow” in the head from behind. “Shadow” takes on the form of a shadow as well and the two move around the area in said form until “Shadow” is grabbed by the shadow by Gajeel and pulled out before being promptly smashed into the surroundings. As he claims this is not the Gajeel he knows, Gajeel tosses him into the air and unleashes his Iron Shadow Dragon’s Roar, creating a devastating blast that engulfs the Shadow Dragon Slayer and shocks all the viewers.
Rogue crashes down to the ground from above, defeated. For his victory, Gajeel earns one point for Team Fairy Tail. Claiming it to be Rogue’s limit, “Shadow” leaves his body. Suddenly, Frosch appears in tears and asks Gajeel not to do anything else, lest Rogue die. Gajeel claims the fight is over and he won’t do anything else, resulting in Frosch going to his partner’s side and trying to wake him up. Rogue wakes up and asks Frosch what happened to him, signifying that he doesn’t remember being possessed. Mavis refers to it as an evil shadow whose Magic she’s never heard of.
Inside Mercurius, Natsu, Loke and Wendy continue to attack the guards who get in their way. As Lucy wonders how many there are, her future counterpart states they shouldn’t have come the way they did. Carla claims it doesn’t matter since they have Magic, to which Happy tells her to stay back so he can protect her. As Pantherlily moves in to attack, he is stopped by an acid attack from a member of the Garou Knights. Kamika appears as well, stating that they shouldn’t be underestimated and notes that Mirajane isn’t around either. Uosuke is carried in on a chair while the leader arrives as well, stating he won’t let them leave, much to Natsu’s chagrin.
Elsewhere in the castle, Arcadios dons a suit of white armor and the Fiore knights respond in shock given that he should’ve been removed from his post, but he simply asks where the princess is. Told that she is on the last floor, he heads to meet her. Arcadios states to himself that he has to make sure of what he knows, since the Lucy of the future wasn’t lying and that the liar was the princess.
More:
Fairy Tail Manga // Fairy Tail 318 // Fairy Tail 320
Back in 2012, A-1 Pictures produced the first anime ad for Takeshi Azuma’s Denpa Kyoushi manga and it started airing in October. The second ad has begun airing in Japan this month. Click here to watch.
The story revolves around a physics genius named Junichiro Kagami, who is obsessed with his anime blog and never wants to get a job after graduating college. Desperate to help him get his life together, Kagami’s sister gets him to work as a teacher at Icho Academy.
The manga, created by Takeshi Azuma, debuted in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine in 2011.
Denpa Kyoushi manga: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/denpa_kyoushi/
Fairy Tail 317 – Frog
Summary:
After hearing about the 10,000 dragons that are said to be coming to attack Fiore, the rescue team stares in disbelief at the Lucy from the future. Similarly, Datong questions the assertion, with Princess Hisui stating that it’s hard to believe and that she not until she sees the results of the Grand Magic Games.
Meanwhile, an extremely shocked Natsu questions the revelation, with several others wondering about it as well. As Wendy asks whether it could be related to the events in the Dragon Graveyard, Natsu takes weaponry and suggests fighting the dragons, much to the surprise of the others. Lucy wonders whether anyone will really believe what is said to happen, though Natsu claims they will since it’s her who told them. Lucy talks to her future self, telling her not to be sad since she has her friends.
Carla recalls her vision and realizes Lucy wasn’t singing, but rather, crying and screaming as the castle came down. Quickly, Carla asks the Lucy of the future what happened to them in the castle, which is answered by silence, to everyone’s sadness. Stating that she didn’t know how many days passed after that, the future Lucy explains that she came to the past after waking up and using the Eclipse, despite not knowing how, and arrived on July 4th. When asked why she only came to the recent past, she states that the machine was damaged. The future Lucy then asks the group to meet Jellal, who she explained everything to and should be forming a strategy, claiming that she doesn’t have one.
Arcadios recalls a previous conversation with the princess in which she stated that Eclipse had gathered Magic energy over the last seven years and was approaching the same level of power as Etherion. Claiming it could be used to defeat the dragons, the princess stated it would be Phase 2 of the Eclipse project. Arcadios states it was a lie when the future Lucy said that she came on July 4th and questions why she would lie to her friends. As the future Lucy states she just walked around town, she apologizes to the group. However, Natsu thanks her for the information and states that they’ll protect the future.
On the rocky cliffs, Ultear comments that they don’t know whether what Jellal heard was true, causing Meredy to ask the person he spoke to was lying. Thinking about the dragons, the Magic and Eclipse, Jellal states that something doesn’t feel right and that either what he was told was not true or that the Lucy he spoke to was a fake.
In Crocus, Gajeel, dominating Rogue in their fight, asks again what Rogue said about him being weaker than Natsu. As Frosch worries, Rogue he now understand why Gajeel joined Fairy Tail. Claiming that he admired Gajeel as a child and wanted to join Phantom Lord, he states he was surprised when Phantom Lord lost the guild war and Gajeel joined Fairy Tail. Stating that it didn’t make sense, he believes Gajeel stayed because of his friends.
Stating that it is a concept which doesn’t exist in Sabertooth, Rogue wonders what to fight for as Gajeel fights for his friends and thus, he can’t win. In response, Gajeel asks Rogue whether or not Frosch is his friend, which he admits that he is, to Frosch’s delight. Suddenly, Rogue hears a voice calling him weak, causing him to look around and ask who it is. Turning around, Rogue realizes his shadow is talking to him. Telling him to kill Gajeel, Rogue’s shadow offers him the strength to help him.
More:
Fairy Tail Manga // Fairy Tail 316 // Fairy Tail 318
One Piece 697 – Transaction
Summary:
In the flashback, Law is surprised by Luffy’s plan on taking down all of the Yonko, and warn him that he is heavily underestimating them, as they are powerful enough to challenge Whitebeard before his death. Law continues on saying that Kaido is said to be the strongest creature alive, and even with their alliance, the probability of succeeding in defeating Kaido is still only 30%. Nami says the chances are too low, and they should not agree to the alliance. Despite her protesting, Luffy agrees to the alliance.
Back to the present, Law tells Smoker that he is planning on heading to Green Bit with the Straw Hat Pirates, and remarks that he has his hands full with them. The children are getting ready to leave the island on the tanker with the G-5 Marines. The Marines then draw up a line and tell the Straw Hat Pirates not to cross the line, as they are pirates and therefore, a strain on humanity. The Marines continues to badmouth the pirates, but the pirates largely ignore this, and Nami tells Chopper that Vegapunk is going to help cure the side effects of the drugged candy. As the Marines keep badmouthing the pirates, the children want to thank the pirates for helping them, but cannot do so, as the Marines are trying to prevent the children from doing so. The children are upset since they are the ones who asked the pirates to rescue them but cannot thank them, let alone say goodbye to them. Tashigi stops the Marines, saying that it is disgraceful for them to prevent the children. The Marines explain why they are badmouthing the pirates; if they do not, then they will admire and respect the Straw Hat Pirates, despite the fact they are pirates. They then break down in tears, as Tashigi laughs and Smoker groans. The children thanks the pirates for rescuing them, and say that when they grow up, they will become pirates, to which the Marines protest at.
Meanwhile, Doflamingo is crossing the New World when he notices a raft. The raft holds the decapitated heads of Baby 5 and Buffalo as well as a Den Den Mushi. Baby 5 and Buffalo apologize for their failure in taking back Caesar Clown, but Doflamingo tells them to relax, as they were doing as he ordered. The Den Den Mushi then speaks up, revealing to be from Law. Law tells Doflamingo that he has Caesar, and wants to discuss business. Doflamingo laughs and tells him that he does not do business with kids, and warns Law not to screw with him. Law ignores that, and says that Kaido is Doflamingo’s principle trading partner. If Kaido learns that Doflamingo cannot produce any more Smiles, then he will have to suffer the consequences, terrifying him. Increasingly becoming frustrated, Doflamingo asks what does Law want in exchange for Caesar, to which Law tells him to step down from the Shichibukai, a status he worked over a decade to attain. As pointed out by Law, this resignation would also leave him open to the wrath of the admirals. If the next day’s newspapers has the news of Doflamingo’s resignment, Law shall contact him again, but if the newspapers do not have the news, then the deal is off and Doflamingo will have to deal with Kaido. He then drops the call, leaving Doflamingo infuriated.
More:
One Piece Manga // One Piece 696 // One Piece 698
Bleach 525 – Edges
Summary:
While being hurled across the arena, Zaraki struggles to discover why he keeps suddenly losing consciousness in the middle of the fight. He feels nostalgic as it happened once before.
Meanwhile, Unohana thinks back to a time when she was on a mission in Rukongai. Her subordinate arrives at her presence and informs her that no matter how much he searched, he will be able to find a single person in Rukongai strong enough to satisfy her. Unohana remarks that he realized her real intentions. The subordinate states that the mission is to “subjugate the warriors on the outskirts of Rukongai to keep the peace in Seireitei”, and that if there wasn’t such a reason there would be no need to send someone like her. He further tells her that he considers that the size of the mountain of corpses beside them represents the amount of her displeasure. Then, a young Zaraki suddenly appears on top of the mountains. Zaraki and Unohana immediately face off, and Unohana states she never thought she’d find so much pleasure facing a child.
Back in the present, the two Kenpachis continue to battle. Zaraki realizes that he is now fighting by reflex, instead of reacting to the sword like before. He feels that every time he regains his consciousness, he feels like he’s been reborn. In her thoughts, Unohana remarks that Zaraki probably did not realize that he was restraining his fighting power to the extreme all along. She also notes that during their previous fight, they both enjoyed an experience they’ve never felt before and he found pleasure in fighting to the limit. She was weaker than him, and he had to restrain his power to make the fight longer, as he was afraid of losing the only opportunity to enjoy a fight. He got weaker because of her worthlessness. She noted that as Zaraki fought more fights to the verge of death, he was releasing his shackles and growing back to his normal self. As Unohana impales Zaraki with her sword, she thinks that she will kill Zaraki a hundred thousand times and heal him again and again, until he returns to his former self, even after he surpasses her. Engulfed with blood, Zaraki strikes Unohana down her entire body.
More:
Bleach Manga // Bleach 524 // Bleach 526
Naruto 618 – The Ones Who Know Everything
Summary:
Orochimaru brings Sasuke, Suigetsu and Jugo to the ruined Uzumaki Clan’s Mask Temple. Inside, Orochimaru searches for a particular mask, disturbing Suigetsu who found it strange that he knew exactly which one to choose. As they head back towards the village, Sasuke breaks away from the group to survey the village from a high point, which Orochimaru comments as something he needs to do as Konoha is still his birthplace. Arriving at the Uchiha clan’s destroyed compound, Sasuke unseals the passageway leading towards the secret room of the Naka Shrine, lamenting its current condition. There, Orochimaru dons the mask which invokes the Shinigami, and explaining as he went along, slashes the Shinigami’s stomach releasing the contents. These turn out to be the spirits of those the Shinigami had consumed, which returns Orochimaru’s hands to him, but has the negative effect of reflecting the wound on him as well. On Orochimaru’s instructions, Jugo uses natural energy to activate the spores Obito had Zetsu leave on Sasuke to monitor him: six in total. Sacrificing four of them while Jugo and Suigetsu held down the other two, Orochimaru uses the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation and then transfers his being into one of the restrained Zetsu while Jūgo absorbed the other. The screaming White Zetsu spore clones are silenced once shrouded in dirt and ash, turned into the vessels of the men who collectively possessed knowledge of Konoha’s history: the deceased First, Second, Third, and Fourth Hokage.
More:
Naruto Manga // Naruto 617 // Naruto 619
Fairy Tail 316 – Acceleration Towards A Doomed Future
Summary:
In the aftermath of her having stabbed and eliminated Kagura from the game, Minerva taunts Erza, telling her she’s next but stating she knows how the battle between them will end given her wound. Erza looks down at a defeated Kagura, who tearfully asks her to save Millianna. Upon hearing her name, Minerva brings the cat girl to the battle, out of the game and earning Minerva another point. As Erza checks up on her, she notices heavy wounds on her back, which Minerva states she inflicted in order to have fun while she waited. As Minerva comments on having enjoyed her screaming, Erza stares at her with a vengeful glare.
Meanwhile, Gajeel attacks Rogue, who is unable to land a blow. Gajeel tells the Sabertooth Mage that he can’t get stronger than him in one day and that he should give up since, even while paired with Sting, he couldn’t defeat Natsu Dragneel. In response, Rogue tells Gajeel that he isn’t as powerful as Natsu, angering the Iron Dragon Slayer.
Elsewhere, Laxus and Orga clash. Orga comments on Laxus’ passion, stating it is just as what he thought. In response, Laxus asks him if what he’s shown is all he’s got, given how big he talks. Orga and Laxus ready themselves again just as Jura arrives, commenting on their strength and asking if he can join them, stating he can feel his blood boil. Orga gets nervous as the Wizard Saint approaches while Laxus calls him a monster.
At the same time, Juvia and Chelia continue their battle. Chelia accuses Juvia of bewitching Lyon, though the latter claims she only has eyes for Gray. Suddenly, Lyon arrives, commenting that it’s surprising to see Chelia having a hard time and that Juvia must be strong while Gray arrives as well. As the girls are surprised to see the two boys arrive, Lyon comments on Gray’s beat-up appearance, though Gray retorts that they’ll still take care of him. Juvia misunderstand Gray’s words as being representative of his affectionate feelings for her and asks when they’ll go on their honeymoon, causing Gray to ask what she’s got going on in her mind. As Lyon stares, stating that he needs to make Juvia realize, Chelia tells him he’s the one who needs to realize.
Inside Mercurius, the rescue team, having gotten lost inside the massive castle, wonders about their next course of action. Natsu suggests fighting soldiers, though Carla points out that they have injured parties. Mirajane claims that since their guild is in the Grand Magic Games, they also need to make a good impression since the king sponsors it, though Yukino states that having beaten the Garou Knights, it’s too late for that. At the same time, a worried Lucy looks over her future counterpart. Loke tells her that she needn’t worry, since he can love both of them. Suddenly, the Lucy from the future wakes up and begins wondering where she is. Learning she’s inside the castle, she recalls her memory which tells her that after escaping Abyss Palace, they get captured again. Though the Mages are skeptical, she states that since they came across the Eclipse Machine, they couldn’t use Magic and were susceptible. Due to their bad luck, they stayed in jail. Wendy asks the Lucy of the future why she came back to the past, to which she states that she did so to change the worst possible future, alarming the Mages.
While watching the games, Princess Hisui states she was told that a herd of 10,000 dragons was coming to attack Fiore, resulting in the city being burned down, the castle destroyed and many people dying. While Datong questions the truth of it, Hisui states that she was told the answer and that the results of the Grand Magic Games will guide her decision.
More:
Fairy Tail Manga // Fairy Tail 315 // Fairy Tail 317
One Piece 696 – Matching Interests
Summary:
The G-5 Marines have drawn a line between the Straw Hats and the Marines, saying that it is a line between evil and justice. Smoker thinks it is stupid and says that he just didn’t want them to mingle with pirates. Meanwhile, he has managed to contact the G-5 base and says that a ship will come pick them up soon.
Luffy converses with Brownbeard, who intends to turn himself in. He says that if the Marines capture them, they can get cured and that a life in prison is far better than being a guinea pig of Caesar.
Franky, and some other G-5 Marines are repairing the SAD Tanker together, as one of its masts had been severely damaged during the former’s battle with Baby 5 and Buffalo.
Meanwhile, Chopper is yelling out that Law is a murderer. Brook screams that he himself is a murderer as well, as Kinemon had already been dead, but Brook accidentally broke him into pieces. Suddenly, the “pieces” crack and Kinemon rises, screaming. Sanji kicks him, asking why is he alive. Kinemon is revealed to be alive, and Momonosuke transforms from his dragon form to his human form and the father and son hug. Kinemon conjures some clothes on him just before Momonosuke faints from starvation.
Trafalgar Law steps out from the cabin, saying that he just finished cutting up the children’s bodies. Chopper runs in and sees that the children are okay. Tashigi comes in and says that the Marines will take care of them, much to most of the kids’ displeasure, who want to see the other Straw Hats. Nami talks a little bit about them on the deck, and says that the kids should be saved by a strong Marine woman.
At the same time, Sanji is cooking some food, Newkama Kenpo technique, 99 vital recipe, which he learned to make during the timeskip. It is Offal Soup with Sea Pig Meal. Finally, the food is served, but Momonosuke is too proud to eat. Therefore, Kinemon starts eating, and says that it’s okay to accept the food.
The Marines and pirates all start a party despite Law’s sense of urgency. Smoker then starts to talk to Law, where it is revealed that Law told Luffy that they are going to try to defeat Kaido of the Yonko. Luffy states that the order doesn’t matter since he’s going to defeat all four of them.
More:
One Piece Manga // One Piece 695 // One Piece 697
Bleach 524 – The Drop
Summary:
Unohana has left a letter to her lieutenant Isane, while Zaraki leaves his eye patch for Yachiru to find. In the dark, isolated cave, Unohana and Zaraki start their battle with Unohana easily getting the better of Zaraki with her two sword style. Zaraki is slashed and beat up and Unohana tells him that he’s weak. Eventually Unohana disarms Zaraki and stabs him through the throat. Zaraki thinks he is done for, but moments later he is fighting Unohana again. Zaraki isn’t sure what happened but decides to focus on the fight instead. Little does Zaraki know, Unohana’s plan is for Zaraki to get stronger by sending him cross the boundary the death again and again, and this is a mistake on Zaraki’s part and a sin on Unohana’s part.
More:
Bleach Manga // Bleach 523 // Bleach 525
Naruto 617 – Whirling and Enduring 2
Summary:
Reflecting on Naruto’s words, Lee remembers his time with Neji growing up and as Naruto transfers some of his chakra to Lee, the young man — now resolved — respectfully closes his fallen comrade’s eyes. Amazed by the chakra which also surrounded him, Kakashi reflected on his previous conversation with Shikaku as Kurama thought about Naruto’s ability to match his own chakra with that of the different shinobi. Noting his lineage, Kurama silently mused to Kushina and Minato that their son had surpassed them, but notes that this is the power they wanted to pass onto their son. Meanwhile, atop the Ten-Tails, Madara decides to lend a hand to Obito and is able to break out of the Nara clan’s Shadow Imitation Technique. With the beast’s tails bearing down on the Alliance, several shinobi attack them, causing the great damage to the beast. As Hiashi declares that Neji’s sacrifice would not be in vain, Obito mocks him noting that his clan had a system in place that essentially left persons in a “cage” just waiting to die. Despite this, the newly-empowered Alliance charges forward as Naruto notes that Neji will was not dead just yet, cutting through the Ten-Tails with one of his Rasenshuriken. With Lee declaring that he would take care of Madara, Naruto’s left arm which was still dislocated is fixed by Hinata via her Gentle Fist. Reaching the Uchiha, Lee delivers a powerful kick that bisects Madara and Naruto throws his Rasenshuriken which phases through Obito; both of these attacks successfully cut off the Uchiha’s connection to the beast, causing them to retreat. With this, Naruto states that, unlike Obito, he did not want to cut off bonds with his comrades, nor did he want them to cut off the ones from them. Meanwhile in Konohagakure, Orochimaru and Taka seemingly arrive at their destination.
More:
Naruto Manga // Naruto 616 // Naruto 618
Japanese public broadcaster NHK recently announced that the 2nd season of Kingdom anime series is slated to premiere in June.
The story sets in the Warring States Period of ancient China (475-221 BC). Shin and Hyou are war-orphans in the kingdom of Qin. They dream of one day proving themselves on the battlefield. One day, however, Hyou is taken to the palace by a minister. Winding up on the losing side of a power-struggle, Hyou manages to return to the village, barely alive. Shin then meets a boy who closely resembles Hyou, Ei Sei. For now he is the king of Qin; later he will become the emperor Shi Huangdi.
The first season of the series was inspired by a manga of the same name. The original manga series, created by Yasuhisa Hara, debuted in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine in 2006. The first anime series premiered last June.
Kingdom manga:
http://www.mangahere.com/manga/kingdom/
According to the 127th “Sono Na mo J” handout for Media Factory’s MF Bunko J imprint, a TV anime adaptation of Kikou Shoujo wa Kizutsukanai (Unbreakable Machine Doll) light novel series has been green-lit for production.
Kikou Shoujo wa Kizutsukanai is an action-fantasy light novel series written by Reiji Kaitou and illustrated by Ruroo. It currently has 9 volumes and the 10th volume will be released on the 25th of January. Hakaru Takagi launched a manga adaptation in Media Factory’s Monthly Comic Alive magazine in 2010. And the series also inspired a radio drama 2010.
The story follows a boy puppeteer named Raishin Akabane who travels from Japan with his female automaton Yaya to study at the highest institution for “Machinart” (the craft of making automatons). A combat tournament at this Walpurgis Royal Academy in England determines the top puppeteer or “Maō.”
Kikou Shoujo wa Kizutsukanai manga:
http://www.mangahere.com/manga/kikou_shoujo_wa_kizutsukanai/
One Piece 695 – Leave It To Me
Summary:
Buffalo is surprised by how strong Franky Shogun is. He then charges at Franky, saying that no one has ever been able to dodge the next attack. Using his powers, he spins Baby 5 on one of his chains, who in turn uses Sickle Girl, and then slams her into Franky Shogun’s left arm, impaling it. Franky laughs and says he will give them credit, but only for breaking through the robot’s armor, and compares the pair to a praying mantis taking on a warship. He then grabs Baby 5 and yanks on the chain, causing Buffalo to lose his balance and hurl forward. He then declares that the Gaon Cannon has set foot on land, and shoots them with Franky Shogun’s most powerful attack, General Cannon. As Buffalo and Baby 5 are reeling from the attack, they wonder why someone like this would try to impede them taking Caesar. Franky then looks down from the tanker and sees Caesar lying there, and wonders how the scientist got there. Buffalo stands up, declaring that he is not going down that easily, saying that such a defeat would drag Joker’s name through the mud. Baby 5 then declares that they will be taking Caesar with them, no matter what it takes. Franky then asks them if he is correct in concluding that they want Caesar.
Back in R-66, the exit is in sight. Usopp begs Nami to conjure up some wind, so they will not die. Everyone cheers as they exit. Franky is happy to see that everyone made it out. Baby 5 and Buffalo are surprised by their sudden arrival. Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and the rest of the males in the cart are very excited to see the robot, while Nami, Robin, Tashigi, and the rest of the girls are visibly unimpressed. Law is surprised to see Buffalo and Baby 5, who asks him if he is really going to defy Joker, who has been saving the heart seat for him. Luffy asks if those two are Law’s friends, and Law tells him no. Realizing their sudden disadvantage, Buffalo and Baby 5 grab Caesar and start to fly away. Usopp tells everyone to leave the escaping pair to him. Law is about to use his powers and tries to argue, but Luffy cuts him off, telling him that Usopp has things under control, and Zoro tells him not to underestimate Usopp. Law argues, saying that if they get away, the plan will be ruined. Nami cuts him off again, saying that if they are going to have an alliance, then Law needs to trust them more, adding that she needs to do a little fighting after doing nothing but run. Usopp and Nami then declare that they will take care of the far away enemies with their backs turned, and Zoro tells them to hurry up. Usopp then orders his Bakun Grass to grow into his Kuro Kabuto, which then starts eating the nearby rubble and twisted metal. Buffalo tells Baby 5 to watch the rear, since he cannot while flying. While Baby 5 vows to defend them with her life, a giant weather egg, called Lightning-chan by Nami, flies over them and releases a huge storm cloud. Baby 5 looks at the cloud worriedly while Nami declares they will not get away. She then attacks them with Thunder Breed Tempo, landing a direct hit.
As they start falling, Buffalo calls to Baby 5 and realizes she is unconscious. Usopp then attacks them with Killer Shooting Star Rush, shooting several pieces of stone from the rubble at them. Baby 5 tells Buffalo that she cannot move, and Buffalo declares that he will complete a mission for the Donquixote family as they are pelted with rubble. As the two go down, Caesar manages to stay airborne as the shots pass through him. He then decides he will go to Dressrosa by himself. Usopp tells him that escape is useless, since the last shot is kairoseki handcuffs. The cuffs catch Caesar around the neck. Everyone cheers as Usopp proudly declares that he will fight anyone whose back is turned. As the three fall into the ocean, Law declares the first step complete and Luffy asks what he thought about his crew’s abilities.
Somewhere on the sea, a shadowy figure has overslept, and wonders how to get to Punk Hazard.
More:
One Piece Manga // One Piece 694 // One Piece 696
Bleach 523 – Swords of Origin
Summary:
Ichigo and Renji find themselves pitted in a test of combat with nameless Zanpakuto, which Nimaiya reveals to be the Asauchi. Nimaiya explains that the Asauchi every member of the Gotei 13 is given upon graduation from the Shin’o Academy is essentially a blank template, and that over time the essence of the wielder’s soul is projected onto the blade, thus creating the wielder’s personal Zanpakutō. These Asauchi are all made by Nimaiya himself.
Nimaiya further explains that the Asauchi feel anger towards Ichigo and Renji, because of their incorrect usage of their Zanpakuto, and finally questions who is truly superior in the relationship between Shinigami and Zanpakuto.
Meanwhile, on the lowest floor of the Central Underground Prison, “Muken,” Zaraki Kenpachi and Unohana enter a dark cavernous space. Unohana explains that this is the only place she and Zaraki could freely fight, and that it was only due to special permission from the Head Captain that they were permitted there. Under normal circumstances, no one, even condemned criminals are forbidden to enter, to which Zaraki states that if not for their strength they would be deemed criminals themselves. Unohana gives Kenpachi a chilling look, and remarking upon how talkative he has been, reveals a scar above her heart. Unohana says her wound is throbbing, and Kenpachi echoes her, pointing at the scar over his left eye.
In another room Captain Commander Kyoraku remarks upon the strength of the original Gotei 13, and says that their 11th Division Captain (Unohana) was famed for her mastery of different swords and schools of swordsmanship, taking the name “Yachiru.” He then says that when Zaraki and Unohana clash, it is inevitable that one of them will die. Back in Muken, the two jump towards each other and the fight begins.
More:
Bleach Manga // Bleach 522 // Bleach 524
Naruto 616 – Whirling and Enduring
Summary:
Taka and Orochimaru arrive in Konohagakure as they continue their journey to their destination, sensing Naruto’s chakra as they press on at Sasuke Uchiha’s behest. Meanwhile on the battlefield, everyone looks on in shock at the shroud that had surrounded Hinata Hyuga, which a wounded C comments on. Advising Naruto of what had happened, Kurama commended Shikaku Nara’s analysis of its chakra before telling Naruto, who had gotten the gist of the situation, that using some shadow clones would be fine. Dispersing the clones around the battlefield, Naruto begins tapping the shinobi on the battlefield, thus transferring Kurama’s chakra which envelops them in the same manner it did Hinata. Moving to attack once again, the Ten-Tails’ tail is rebuffed by Hinata, which leads Hiashi to marvel at the fact that she had used that simple technique, to such devastating effects. Also noticed by Madara, Obito nonetheless sends out several more of the beast’s tails to attack the shinobi which are subsequently blocked by Choji and several other enlarged members of the Akimichi clan. Signalling to his team-mates, Ino and Shikamaru prepare their techniques while remembering the final words their fathers had left them with. Just as Obito was about to fire off several wooden projectiles, Ino is able to take control of the Uchiha once again and veer the attack off-course. Following through with an attempt to instead crush the shinobi with its tail, the beast’s body is bound by Shikamaru and several other Nara who boldly declare that their clan wasn’t to be underestimated. With Lee mourning the loss of his close friend and comrade, Might Guy and Tenten try to comfort him. Decrying Guy’s words as nothing more that the prolonging of a curse, Kakashi and Naruto rebuff Obito’s sentiments, and Naruto tells the Uchiha that shinobi were meant to endure and that even if remembering your friends was a curse, he did not care as he wanted to keep the real Neji in his heart forever.
More:
Naruto Manga // Naruto 615 // Naruto 617
According to 2013’s 7th issue of Shogakukan’s Weekly Shounen Sunday magazine, Fullmetal Alchemist creator’s Silver Spoon manga is getting a TV anime adaptation. The awaited anime is slated to run on Fuji TV’s late night noitaminA block (00:45 to 1:45 Friday morning) this July. A new site has launched for the anime, but no further details were revealed.
Silver Spoon (Gin no Saji) is a slice-of-life manga by Hiromu Arakawa. It began serialization in Weekly Shounen Sunday magazine last year and won the great prize for the 5th Manga Taishō award.
Arakawa drew on her upbringing as a Hokkaido farmer to write this story. The story follows Yugo Hachiken, a boy who enrolls in an agricultural school so that he can live in its dorms and get away from his family. He assumes that he will have no problems due to his talent in studying. However, he soon discovers that there’s a lot for a city boy to learn about agriculture.
Silver Spoon manga: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/silver_spoon/
A teaser trailer for the new Crayon Shin-chan film titled Eiga Crayon Shin-chan: Bakauma—! B-Kyū Gourmet Survival!! has been streamed last month. Click here to watch the video. The film is scheduled to be released on April 20, 2013. In the story, Shin-chan is gonna save B-grade cuisine which is in danger of being wiped out without a special sauce.
Crayon Shin-chan is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yoshito Usui. The new movie in 2013 will be the 21st film of this franchise. Masakazu Hashimoto is the director and Yoshio Urasawa and Kimiko Ueno wrote the screenplay.
Crayon Shin-chan manga: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/crayon_shin_chan/
A special teaser after the ending credits of the Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge film revealed on Saturday that a second film has been green-lit to production. The teaser, featuring Netero, the chairperson of the Hunters Association, was added to the film on its official opening day.
The first film, Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge, opened Saturday Jan 12, 2013. The movie centers around Kurapika, who became a hunter to seek revenge on the Phantom Troupe for killing his clan.
Hunter X Hunter manga: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/hunter_x_hunter/
Introduction to extinct animals in Cage of Eden manga
Gigantopithecus
Debut: Chapter 74
Gigantopithecus (“giant ape”) is the largest of all the primates in history. Only fossils of its jaws and teeth have been discovered, but judging from the size of its teeth, it’s about twice the size of modern gorillas. It’s an omnivore that lived on the ground in caves. They’re not ancestors of modern homo sapiens, but come from a different line of anthropoid fossils. There are also theories that these still exist today, and are living in the Himalayas and the area surrounding it.
Gigantopithecus is an extinct genus of ape that existed from roughly one million years to as recently as three hundred thousand years ago, in what is now China, India, and Vietnam, placing Gigantopithecus in the same time frame and geographical location as several hominin species. The fossil record suggests that the Gigantopithecus blacki species were the largest apes that ever lived, standing up to 3 metres, and weighing up to 540 kilograms.
The genus has entered the popular culture lexicon as a result of cryptozoologic claims that Gigantopithecus survives in remote parts of Asia and the Americas even today and is known variously as the yeti, the yeren, the mande-barung, the sasquatch, and the skunk ape.
Cage of Eden
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first broadcast of animated TV series Astro Boy, Fuji TV now allows viewers to pay to watch this 1963 anime series starting January 1, 2013.
Astro Boy is a Japanese television series that premiered on Fuji TV on New Year’s Day. It was adapted from a manga of the same name in 1952 by Osamu Tezuka. As the show that jump-started the TV anime industry, Astro Boy later aired in the United States. The series, as a result, carries historical significance for both countries.
Astro Boy manga: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/astro_boy_tetsuwan_atom/
It was announced that popular manga Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) is getting a live-action movie adaptation. The project will be co-directed by NANA’s Kentaro Otani and Tiger & Bunny’s Keiichi Satou.
The movie will begin shooting in April and is slated to be released by mid-2013. It’s also reported that the movie will be set in 130 years later from the manga and follow a completely original story.
Black Butler is a manga written and illustrated by Yana Toboso. It has been serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly G Fantasy magazine since 2006. And it already inspired a TV anime series in 2008 and a stage play in 2009. The story revolves around a “flawless demon butler” character named Sebastian Michealis who personifies grace, knowledge, and physical perfection as he investigates dark and mysterious incidents.
The main protagonist, Sebastian Michaelis, will be played by popular Japanese actor Hiro Mizushima. Mizushima previously played another eminently capable butler inspired by a manga series, Mei-chan no Shitsuji.
According to producer Shinzo Matsuhashi, Mizushima was the only Japanese person right for the part and if he can’t comply, there wouldn’t be a movie. Finally after meeting with the actor several times, Mizushima accepted. It is also said that Yana Toboso, the author of the manga series, has received a lot of offers to adapt the manga into live-action but the consent was given only after she knew that Sebastian will be played by Mizushima Hiro.
Black Butler manga: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/kuroshitsuji/
According to the February issue of Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Magazine, manga Capeta will end in two more chapters. The final two chapters will be longer than normal ones, with the final one being 90 pages in length.
Capeta is a Japanese manga and anime about kart racing by Masahito Soda. The manga series debuted in 2003 and won the Kodansha Manga Award for shōnen in 2005. It was later adapted into an anime series in 2005.
Capeta manga: http://www.mangahere.com/manga/capeta/
Fairy Tail 314 – Erza vs Kagura
Summary:
Standing on the outskirts of town near the Domus Flau, Meredy and Ultear ponder over the apparent end of the world in a day’s time, wondering if they should try and evacuate the townsfolk. Jellal however seems skeptical of “future Lucy’s” words, stating that there is something wrong with what she said.
Meanwhile, in the streets of Crocus, Erza and Kagura finally decide to end the tension between them with their swords, jumping in to strike one another. Kagura manages to push Erza back, the Fairy Tail Mage Requipping into her Heaven’s Wheel Armor to retaliate, though Kagura manages to once again break her defenses, even when Erza resorts to using her Adamantine Armor as a defense and her Flight Armor to land some swift blows. Falling to the ground, Erza asks Kagura if her strength comes from her hatred for Jellal, causing Kagura to angrily kick her in the gut and send her flying. As Kagura walks to Erza’s fallen figure, Erza asks her not to drag Millianna along with her hatred of Jellal, as Millianna, being free from the Tower of Heaven, has finally started to have an optimistic life. Kagura however states that it is Millianna’s own choice, and once again strikes Erza as the female knight questions what Jellal ever did to her.
Enraged to the point of no return, Kagura states that she is the younger sister of Simon, and that the two lived happily together until Simon was kidnapped and taken away. Conveying that she tried desperately to locate her brother, Kagura recounts how she eventually found out about his slave life and death at Jellal’s hands when she met Millianna some time ago, vowing from that moment on that she would seek revenge by taking Jellal’s life.
Hearing these words, Erza replies that Millianna was never at the scene of Simon’s death, rather just herself, Jellal, Simon and Natsu. Tearing up, Erza then says that whilst Simon’s death was Jellal’s fault, she is to blame, as it was her weakness that caused Simon to die.
Beginning to cry herself, Kagura’s heart starts to beat faster and faster as her mind races. Finally, with a mighty cry, Kagura draws her sword and aims straight at Erza as the crowd all stare on in shock and Jellal sits with a saddened expression.
More:
Fairy Tail Manga // Fairy Tail 313 // Fairy Tail 315
