What fresh hell is this

ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕊𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕗𝕖 + ℤ𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝔽𝕒𝕚𝕣

(mod 1) + (mod 2)

𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝔽𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕪 𝕍𝕀𝕀 ℝ𝕖𝕓𝕚𝕣𝕥𝕙

Who is Kokuto Neji?

Kokuto or Kuro is one of the love interests (LIs) in the otome game titled Jack Jeanne. He is the Boss/Leader/Director/Playwright/Lyricist of Quartz Class, he is also one of the third year students alongside Kai and Sarafumi.

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This is going to be a long ass post because this dude got me on CHOKEHOLD and second, WHY THE FUCK DID THEY MADE HIM SO FREAKIN' HOT?!

I have standards in otome games y'know? I like smart, kuuderes, serious/villain characters, well Kokuto is kinda opposite, he's so freakin' loud, whimsical and eccentric for my taste.

When I started playing the game I was aiming for Mutsumi Kai, I was attracted to him because he is a classically handsome otome LI, and definitely exudes kuudere vibes lol. Despite the urge of playing Kai's route first, I decided to stick with the reviews, I've played Suzu, Fumi and Kai's route.

Wait whut? So where is Soshi and Mitsuki?

Okay, believe me—I really intended to finish all the routes before Kokuto, but I just couldn’t take it anymore. I ended up skipping Soshi and Mitsuki for him (I’m so sorry). I was completely drawn in—it honestly felt like he was watching me from behind, urging me, “Please, just play my route already.” You have no idea how intense it was, or how hard it was to resist the urge to jump straight into his route because what the hell???

Why he got me on CHOKEHOLD [May Contain Minor/Major/Out of Context Spoiler]

Character Design: 10/10

Yeah I know, some of you will probably attack me for this rating because some players hated his hair, but let's not talk about that, I love his hair it suits him perfectly, period. I like his uniform a lot! He looks so neat and likes wearing long polo sleeves which I sooooo fuckin' love! I like his aesthetic. I actually realized that he really does look like a film director. Also, those jaded eyes dude, those freakin' eyes, he looks like a CAT and I love cats! I think he deviates to the "usual" otome handsome LI due to his design that is very Tokyo Ghoul(ish), but nevertheless he is very very handsome and attractive, 100/10 would smash, lol.

Talent: 10/10

LISTEN. Kokuto Neji is INSANELY TALENTED, it's not even an exaggeration. He excels in writing and directing, but I was at complete shock that he can also ACT, SING, DANCE, and even WRITE A SONG! And oh, the fact that he can play both Jack and Jeanne roles is a major WOW to me. At first, I was not taking his acting seriously because he picks a role that is so so so random lol, but not until he played as Domina in Oh! Rama Havenna! like urgh! His acting is superb, there's already a foreshadowing about his personal story there. His singing voice is so gooooood as well, I love Ghost Party and Intense Confessions at the Confessional, he ate those songs up!

Kisa's inner monologue (same girl, same)

Yep he did that!

Personality: 9/10

Fuck my life and why I haven't met a person like him in real life? Haha! Kokuto is too complex since you'll never know what's going on inside his head, in fact, Kai mentioned that Kokuto doesn't know how to communicate very well. And despite all his eccentricity, Neji can be surprisingly serious—iykyk. It's a no brainer, Kokuto is a gifted one, a genius as many would call him and because he had egocentric tendecies, he is somewhat inconsiderate, unreasonable and brutally honest at times, I think this is a conundrum with intelligent people in general. I also believed that the writers (Sui Ishida and Shin Towada) perfectly convey the word "genius" through Neji. While I admit that he is quite a self-centered I think Neji just wants the best for the members and for the Quartz, he is the class leader and has the responsibility over them.

Neji realizing that he went overboard, lol, he is so precious huhu

This hit me like a train

Of all LIs Kokuto's dialogues are my favorite, they are deep but at the same time very sensible, I like introspective people in real life. Also, Kokuto is so freakin' FUNNY! Oh good lord, you have no idea, there were no dull moments with him! I had to admit, his role as Crowley in their final performance almost got me so emotional but his comedic lines ruined it for me and ended up laughing instead, LOL! Despite being a troublemaker to Quartz and to his previous class, I love how his teachers acknowledged his talent and even waited for him to finish the final script when they had an option to use the Univeil archive instead (Neji best boy >.<).

LMAO! This is probably one of his unforgettable dialogues!

STORY: 10/10

Despite all the spoilers I've read, his story still surprised me to a great extent. Okay, perhaps the main reason why I liked Kokuto is because his story and my personal story is similar even his contemplations/sentiments are the same as mine. Of course, unlike him I am no genius, but I also like doing things that piques my interest, we have the same blood type and love over food especially rice lol. I've read reviews about his route being lackluster or Kokuto being irrational, some even said that his route has a great potential but went down hill for some reason. I'd say Neji's route is not for everyone, of course he has flaws. With his experience with his father Kokuto formed a certain defense mechanism channeling his emotional burden to somebody else. Despite the trauma, Kokuto still respects his father, admired him as an excellent director, and even inspired him to become an excellent playwright. My mind and heart were so conflicted when Neji got his writer's block because huh? Why he can't accept the fact that he's inlove, of course he cannot think of anything duh? I emphatize with Kisa like it's not her fault to begin with, however I can't also invalidate Neji's feeling because after all he's protecting himself from potential heartache and because of his trauma *sob*. Moreover, it so refreshing too see Neji in stage acting as a lead actor, and bringing his own script to life. He's always been working so hard behind Quartz and let other members shine. Also, I am convinced that Neji purposely wrote the Sissia of the Central Nation for Kisa even before his route, I said this because I've played 3 routes prior to him and to think that the final play was actually based on Kisa's story is quite a mystery, perhaps he knew her secret after all?

Yes Chui, I agree.

ROMANCE: 100/10

Hoo boy, we’ve come this far, haven’t we? I remember saying he really deviates from the classically handsome otome type. At first, I was like, “This character is so random—what’s with the hair? Can he even romance me? What’s that route going to be like?” Those questions ended up being exactly what pushed me to finally give in. BRUH?! Kokuto’s affection events left me in awe, my heart really went “doki doki” did I also mentioned that I liked Kai?! Yes, Kai’s affection events were good but Neji went TRIPLE! He got me kicking my feet, giggling and twirling my hair, I had to put down my switch in order to process my emotions because goddamn what was even that for?! He was such a tease like I didn’t even expect those.

KYAHHHHH!!! This one left me in SHOOKT! Yep this is not an acting anymore lol

Despite JJ's limited romantic offerings, Kokuto's affection events can compete with Piofiore or other similar games I've played even without kissing CG or 18+ CGs, that's how impactful his route is. I'd say his route had a right amount of romance. His antics and exaggeration makes him even more adorable his lines were the best! I guess it all boils down to him being a writer and an actor, gosh he knows exactly how to play with words! My favorite line of his is probably during the Univeil Performance, the scene where Sissia (Kisa) and Crowley (Kokuto) where about to perform the final song: Sissia: I can’t understand 80% of what you say. Crowley: Though it may be trouble for you, I absolutely love the time I spend with you. DUDDDEEEEEEE this line particular is so touching! :( please help me to hold all these feels. After playing his route I can say that Kokuto and Kisa really fit and compliment each other and could make a power couple! (Me to myself: you wish that was you huh?) which actually make sense since Kokuto has always been looking for a "gear" as he claimed himself as the "mechanic"

(fan art by me!)

I really love Neji, and I haven't done any translations in a long time. I drew this on his birthday last year and felt like spiffing it up a little more to go with the translation I did back then. Disclaimer, I'm not a native speaker—just another otome-loving netizen~ I hope you enjoy!

Dear Neji Kokuto,

Are you still alive?

I'm still alive.

Hello everyone. Neji Kokuto here.

I'm currently… deeply dissatisfied with the world around me.

Behold! Univeil, at our feet!

And not just Univeil—the whole town of Tamasaka is beneath me. It makes me feel downright depressed.

"…Kuro."

See this baby bird here? This sharp, clever, bespectacled one. A genius, really.

And what does a genius deserve?

That's right—food, also known as love.

You hear my cries, so why aren't you feeding my talent!? Give me a stage! Nurture me!

"…Kokuto."

But no. What do I get instead?

"Learn the fundamentals." "Follow tradition." "Respect the classics."

Sure, sure, they have a point—you can't break form until you've learned it first. But isn't that just child neglect with a fancy historical label!?

"I get it already. You're pissed because the Tamasaka higher-ups chewed you out."

Fumi scolds gently, as calm as ever.

"…Wait, did I say all that out loud?"

Feigning surprise, I tilt my head, hand on my cheek.

"You set a record with how quickly you angered the people in charge, or so the seniors are saying."

Kai tosses in that unhelpful comment like it's nothing.

"And whose fault is that!? I'm starving!"

Feed me and maybe I'll shut my beak!

"Then eat. Here."

Kai hands me a white box. Inside are a variety of colorful cakes.

"No mere cake can soothe my sorrow!"

And yet, I snatch one and shove it straight into my mouth.

"…I take it back. I'm cured!"

Wiping my hands with the paper towel Kai gave me, I exclaim, "Delicious! Absolutely incredible!"

Fumi just sighs, saying "Good for you," with a deadpan face, while Kai shrugs. "If that's not enough, there's plenty more."

"So, seriously, what's with the cakes? They don't exactly scream 'normal day'."

"…It's your birthday, obviously."

Fumi drops it flatly, without a shred of sentimentality.

"Wait—what's this cake doing here!?"

I rephrase more dramatically. I'm fishing for a different answer here!

Fumi's glare sharpens—oh no, he's getting annoyed! My pulse quickens. And yeah, I can think of a few reasons I probably deserve it...!

"Happy birthday, Kokuto."

Kai swoops in, slicing through the tension.

"Thank you very much!"

I bow, deliberately being polite.

There it is! That's what I wanted to hear.

Fumi smiles—arms crossed, eyes narrowed. What a scary guy.

"C'mon, you guys eat too!"

Trying to change the mood, I offer them the cakes.

Fumi sighs, then mutters, "Yeah, happy birthday," like it's a truce.

Surely, this will go down in history as the legendary Kokuto-Sarafumi Ceasefire Agreement.

"Still though, Tamasaka Troupe really is pretentious."

I glare up at the towering building with a derisive snort.

I figured this would happen when I came here. And sure enough, I've done it all—fastest in history, just as Kai said.

I turn back to where Univeil's campus lies below us.

"What kind of stage will they create?"

Those juniors…

Fumi and Kai naturally follow my gaze toward Univeil.

"There's so much we left behind there…" I say, half to myself. "And honestly? I want them to throw it all away."

They both turn to me, brows raised in surprise.

"Isn't that for the best? We can't become the next Tachibana Tsuki."

I can feel the breath catch in their throats. Their whole time at Univeil was a battle against Tachibana Tsuki. The crown jewel of Univeil.

But hey, if I'm being honest, we were legends too. Me? An undeniable genius, of course. Fumi, whose charisma lit up Univeil from day one like it was the center of the world. And Kai, who graduated as one of Univeil's top names.

And unlike a certain spiky-haired, glasses-wearing someone, these two are absurdly good at looking after people.

Our juniors will surely think of us—the 76th graduating class—whenever they hit a crossroads.

That's fine if it pushes them forward. But if it drags them down? Unacceptable.

"So yeah. I want them to throw away everything we left behind. Burn it, even. Scatter the ashes far and wide—if they bloom into cherry blossoms, even better!"

I'm so convinced of my answer that I find myself sounding more serious than I intended.

"There's nothing to worry about."

"Huh?"

Kai's voice softens the air around us, melting the frost from my heart.

"They'll handle it. They won't burn our legacy, and we shouldn't let them if they tried."

His steady gaze locks onto mine.

Yeah… He's right. Of course.

Why is it that I always pick the most painful option?

Why do I pretend it's the only story there is to tell?

That's… my big problem, isn't it?

There's an infinite number of stages left for me to create. The possibilities go on forever.

But the time I've got? That's limited. Every minute, every second—every grain of sand—brims with everything I never got to do.

So I cling to the path that makes me suffer the most and try to make it feel absolute.

Then I force that onto other people.

…Or maybe that was a passing thought. I'm not sure if that's really true.

Before I know it, my imagination runs wild, loses sight of the real me, and invents someone else entirely.

Chasing the shape of crashing waves, you forget to gaze at the ocean.

"…So in the end, you just want them to be free to forge their own paths, huh?"

Fumi's voice flows with the rhythm of a gentle tide.

"You're scared that because they respect us so much, they'll cling to the Quartz we made, instead of building a new one."

"So if burning it all clears the way, you're ready to hand them the matches."

His words snap my thoughts into place.

"Sure, I won't say there's no chance of that. They're already familiar with that shape, after all. But, knowing them, they'll take their time and create a new one."

Fumi laughs quietly. "Remember how long it took us to make our new Quartz?"

People are forever fledglings. Our surroundings change. We change. There's no such thing as permanence.

"…Yeah."

Life's a cycle of death and rebirth. So what's there to be afraid of?

"I was scared that their love for my talent would hold them back! Because, well, I'm just too much of a genius!"

A divine revelation strikes me like lightning.

I lunge toward Fumi to share my excitement—he dodges, every bit the scion of a dance family.

"And you two love my talent too, right!?"

I pounce on Kai this time.

"No."

"Wait, what!?"

A direct rejection!? How am I supposed to take that!?

"Not just your talent, Kokuto. We love you—all of you."

"Hey, that's… Such a 'happy birthday' thing to say…"

Flustered, I hide my true feelings awkwardly. Fumi pretends not to see it. Kai takes it all in quietly.

They're amazing, aren't they? Friends. Even a guy like me can feel their warmth.

To feel that on my birthday? That's the best gift ever.

I turn my gaze back toward Univeil.

I don't have juniors just in Quartz, but in Amber, too.

I wonder what path he'll walk.

Chui. Don't go turning into a god, alright?

"…Huh?"

Amid the crowd of students at Univeil, I spot a budding flower.

"…A cherry blossom?"

Fumi and Kai notice too—a student with hair the color of sakura petals.

"…So flowers will bloom even without ashes, huh?"

A soft sigh escapes me.

"Well, guess I'll go spark a revolution!"

I shout, fist raised. Fumi snaps, "Hey!" and Kai glances around warily.

I march forward. Tamasaka ahead, Univeil behind.

Univeil isn't something that holds me back. It pushes me forward.

I wish my entire past could be that way.

Until next time, Neji Kokuto.

Sincerely.

Thanks for reading! Let me know your thoughts and feedback if you'd like 💕

You can find all the birthday stories here!

This short voiced drama played in two parts during the 5th Anniversary Live Stream. The full text can be found by going to the special section of the site, scrolling all the way to the side until you see the poster, and then clicking on it. Since that's cumbersome, and the text barely even shows up on some browsers, I've copied it all for your reference under the cut. A brief synopsis : Part One: Kisa runs into Kaido, Sugachi, and Ion, who are on their way to eat out somewhere. Kaido and Sugachi ran into Ion in the music room, who helped them out with music, so as thanks, Kaido invited him to eat. He invites Kisa to join. Part Two: Scene One: Neji finds Chui in the courtyard and announces that Kaido is taking people to go eat yummy food. They have what can generously be called a conversation. Chui asks Neji why the sudden interest, considering he ran off last year. He tells Neji to let Kisa go to Amber again, then leaves. Neji Muses about Some Stuff, and runs off to ask "FumiKai" if they want yummy food. Scene Two: Kisa and Sugachi talk after the meal. Sugachi mentions how the other class 77 students seem pretty taken with Kisa, including Chui. Kisa asks Sugachi for his thoughts on Chui. Sugachi says he seems heartbreakingly lonely.

Don't take my word for it, though -- Full Japanese Text under the cut

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