beste

Welcome, wandering soul — destiny has collided our paths together.

My name is Beste, a dreamer adrift upon the endless seas of thought. This little corner of the vast web is my sanctuary, a place where I spill the echoes of my mind into words, hoping they find their way to kindred spirits.

Here, I weave tales born from my passions: the ageless beauty of literature, the vivid worlds of anime, and the untamed spirit of rock music.

If you find a fragment of yourself reflected in these realms, do not hesitate to reach out. I cherish connection — fleeting or eternal — with those who hear the silent music of the heart.

Let us wander together between pages, melodies, and distant stars.

You can also find me on Instagram , YouTube , Wattpad

Masterlist

Reviews

Kemutai Hanashi - Review

Death Note: Another Note — The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases Review

Fanfictions

Silence Between Us - Bungou Stray Dogs

1000 Evil Men - The Song Of Achilles

Tea Shop Of An Old Friend - Avatar The Last Airbender

Lord Momo - Avatar The Last Airbender

Literature

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa's Life and Suicide

Ginga E Kickoff!!

Ginga e Kickoff!! — Why You Should Watch?

Ginga e Kickoff — Everything You Need To Know

Ginga e Kickoff!! — Character Guidelines

My Fandoms

Hello, wandering souls! I want to introduce you to the characters from my beloved anime: Ginga e Kickoff!!

For now, I’ll focus on the main characters — but if you’d like, I’ll happily write about the others as well.

Let's dive right in!

Shou Oota

Shou Oota is the protagonist of Ginga e Kickoff!! He plays as a defender and is the captain of the Momoyama Predators.

Shou is strong-willed, loud, and sometimes clumsy, but his passion and work ethic are unmatched. He always lifts his teammates’ spirits when morale is low.

Even though he lacks natural talent, his love for soccer is endless — and thanks to his hard work, his ball control has greatly improved.

Erika Takatou

Erika Takatou plays as a midfielder for the Momoyama Predators and is known as the team's "Speed Star."

She is cheerful, full of energy, and always speaks her mind.

Erika has a tomboyish personality and struggles with the idea that boys might think they are superior to her simply because she’s a girl. This sometimes hurts her deeply, but it also fuels her determination to prove herself.

Reika Saionji

Reika Saionji is a sixth-grade classmate of Shou and Erika, and she plays as a defender for the team.

Shy, timid, and kind-hearted, Reika comes from a wealthy family but is anything but spoiled.

At first, she joined the Predators for fun and to lose weight, but over time, she developed a genuine love for the sport.

She works hard, practicing early in the mornings, during training, and even in her free time.

Kota Furuya

Kota Furuya is a forward for the Momoyama Predators and the eldest of the "Triplet Demons."

Kota doesn’t talk much, but his passion for soccer burns brightly. When it comes to the game, he becomes intense and easily fired up.

Despite injuries, he constantly begs the coach to let him play, living by the motto: "Talk less, do more."

Ryuuji Furuya

Ryuuji Furuya is a midfielder and the second brother of the "Triplet Demons."

He is mild-mannered, calm, and often speaks on behalf of the triplets.

Ryuuji enjoys toying with his opponents and throwing them off their rhythm, sometimes even aiming to cause own goals just to shock them.

Ouozu Furuya

Ouozu Furuya is the youngest of the "Triplet Demons" and plays as a defensive midfielder.

Unlike his older brothers, Ouozu is more laid-back and carefree. He believes in finishing tasks quickly to maximize rest time.

He has a mischievous side and loves to joke around, making him the loudest and most spirited of the three brothers.

Aoto Gonzales Takuma

Aoto Gonzales Takuma is a forward and is hailed as a "genius striker" of the Momoyama Predators.

He usually appears cold and aloof, except when he's around his best friend, Tagi.

Aoto prefers focusing solely on offense and rarely helps out on defense.

He idolizes Diego Maradona, the legendary Argentinian soccer player.

Tagi Sugiyama

Tagi Sugiyama is the team's goalkeeper and Aoto’s best friend.

After realizing he couldn't keep up with the rapidly growing skills of the other players, he decided to leave the team and join a basketball team instead.

Hanashima Masaru

Hanashima Masaru is the coach of the Momoyama Predators.

A former player for the Chiba Thunderbolts, he was once nicknamed "Lightning Light" for his powerful right-footed shot.

Hanashima was on his way to joining the J-League before an injury ended his professional career.

Initially strict and controlling, he later adopted a quieter, more supportive coaching style. Many describe him as incredibly stubborn but deeply dedicated.

Kyouko

Kyouko is Hanashima Masaru’s girlfriend.

A cheerful and supportive presence, she often helps Hanashima take care of the team.

She is also a professional badminton player who was once selected as an Olympic athlete.

Achilles receives a new prophecy that promises he can rescue his beloved companion Patroclus from the underworld if he can kill 1000 evil men...

Inspired by My Chemical Romance - Demolition Lovers

Spoilers!

We are in the ninth year of the blood-soaked Trojan War. The breathtaking Helen has been stolen away by the treacherous Trojans, and the Achaeans have gathered to honor their solemn oaths.

I am Achilles, son of the goddess Thetis and the great King Peleus. To say I am the finest warrior of my age is not boasting; it is mere truth. The Achaeans know they cannot win this war without me. Yet I have long since withdrawn to the shadows.

King Agamemnon has robbed me of my rightful prize, the red-cheeked Briseis, and thus insulted my honor. From the shoreline, I hear it all — the desperate cries, the clashing of spears, the anguished deaths.

The Trojans have breached our walls and reached the ships. The flames that devour the sky rise from our burning vessels. We are on the edge of ruin, and though I could end it, I have sworn I will not.

Into this storm of despair rushes my dearest companion, Patroclus, eyes wide with horror. “They are dying,” he pleads. “You must do something. Achilles, please!”

If it had been any other matter, I would have obeyed his voice without hesitation. We grew up together, trained under the wise centaur Chiron. Patroclus — so gentle, so wise — knows I cannot fight. Still, he begs. And though it shatters my heart, I cannot break my oath.

Then he proposes another way.

He will wear my armor, and march onto the battlefield as if he were Achilles himself. By the mere mention of my name, the enemies would scatter in terror. I swear him to caution, weighing the value of his life beyond all treasures.

I cannot — will not — lose him.

The thunder of cheers and battle cries deafens me. Patroclus’s plan has worked! As I wait, the seconds stretch endlessly, each heartbeat dragging eternity behind it. When the Achaeans return, my heart nearly stops.I push into the throng, seeking him, praying. Too late, I realize. The crowd parts to reveal a body lying still and broken.

I would have chosen to be blinded or burned alive rather than see what lies before me. The scream that tears from my throat shatters the air.

“Patroclus!”

I clutch his ruined chest against mine, my tears mingling with his blood. I see nothing, hear nothing but the endless howl of my soul.

I try, gods know I try — after all our shared adventures, we were meant to be together forever. But now, there is nothing left for me to do. My hands fall useless against his bloodied skin. I stare into his lifeless eyes, sealed shut by death's decree.

Oh, Patroclus... My friend, my soul's companion. Time loses all meaning. Seconds stretch into days, and days into endless nights.

My mother, Thetis, comes to me, trailing a coldness that numbs the air. “He made his choice,” she says, reaching to wipe my tears away.

I pull back from her touch with rage burning in my veins. She never loved Patroclus. She has no right to speak of him now. But she did not come only to grieve — she bears a prophecy.

"Patroclus’s soul is trapped in the Underworld, a prisoner of Hades himself. There is but one way to bring him back — you must kill a thousand evil men."

993... Achilles didn’t even glance after the spear that flew from his hand like a bolt of lightning — he knew it would strike true. And it did.

994... He showed no mercy to anyone in his path, fighting with a blood-crazed ferocity, all the while keeping careful count.

995... Another Trojan fell.

Truthfully, Achilles despised this bloodshed, this endless horror. But it would soon be over. He had swum the oceans of sorrow and now was at the very edge. Perhaps it had taken years, but to him, it was worth everything. What drove Achilles to such relentless fury?

For countless years, the bloody Trojan War had raged on. Victory had swung between the two sides like a pendulum.

At first, the Achaeans had held the upper hand — until Achilles, slighted by the greedy King Agamemnon stealing his rightful prize, withdrew from battle. The Trojans surged forward. But now, with Achilles' wrath returned to the field, the tide once again favored the Achaeans.

996... With a mind as sharp as the tip of his spear, Achilles pressed onward, driven by one searing memory that never left his eyes.

997... Tears blurred his vision, though he scarcely noticed.

998... The end was near, so near he could almost taste it.

999... His heart thundered in his chest, a wild storm of anticipation. Only one remained. One last soul to complete his grim tally.

"Hector!" His cry shook the heavens and the earth, a roar that split the skies.

The mighty Trojan warrior, Hector, his equal in strength and skill, fled in terror. He knew he could not outrun Achilles forever — but if he could just reach the river, divine aid awaited. The rivers of Troy ran swift and fierce.

Hector dove into the icy waters. Achilles followed, the current twisting around them both. Too late Hector realized the trap: the river god Scamander, enraged by the blood of countless dead men, sought to drown Achilles in his fury.

Achilles fought back, driven by his sacred purpose. He was not alone — Hera and Hephaestus intervened, halting Scamander’s wrath.

Faster, Achilles ran.

Run, Achilles, run!

At last he cornered Hector, pinning him against the walls of Troy. Hector gazed at him with acceptance.

“When you kill me, grant that my body be returned to my family. Let me have honor in death.” Achilles’ eyes flickered to the spear Hector clutched — the very weapon that had slain Patroclus.

“You speak of honor,” Achilles spat, voice shaking with grief and rage. “You, who butchered him with these very hands! I will tear your body apart as a lion rends its prey!”

A wetness streaked his cheeks — only then did he realize he was weeping. No. Now was not the time for sorrow. Now was the time for the end.

One final strike, and his destiny would be fulfilled. It was the ninth year of the unrelenting war. After the second Trojan assault, they had broken through the Greek defenses, burning their ships, shattering hope.

Merciful-hearted Patroclus had knelt before Achilles, tears streaming down his face. “They are dying... You must do something. Achilles, please!”

They had grown up together, trained together under Chiron. Patroclus — dearest friend, truest soul — had always held Achilles' heart.

The flames devouring the ships tore at Achilles too, but an oath was an oath. He could not break it.

Then Patroclus had an idea: he would wear Achilles' armor, take the field in his name. The very sight of him would terrify the Trojans. Achilles had hesitated, but at last he agreed, after stern warnings to be cautious.

Patroclus was beyond precious to him — he could not, would not lose him.

The sky thundered with cheers as Patroclus led the charge. Minutes dragged into lifetimes as Achilles waited. When the Achaeans returned, he plunged into their midst, heart hammering. He drew nearer and nearer... Gods!

Better to have his eyes torn out, better to burn alive, than to see that lifeless body on the ground.

The scream that ripped from Achilles' throat seemed to rend the heavens:

“Patroclus!” He pulled the torn body into his arms, tears mingling with blood. Nothing else existed but his grief. He tried to call him back — oh, how he tried — but the silence was absolute. His hands trembled against Patroclus’ blood-soaked chest. He gazed into those closed eyes, forever sealed by death. Oh, Patroclus... Friend, beloved companion.

Time and place meant nothing anymore. Seconds stretched into endless days.

One day, his mother, Thetis, came to his tent. The icy chill she brought said everything. Achilles burned within, a flame fed by boundless sorrow.

“He made his choice,” she said, reaching to wipe away his tears. Achilles recoiled from her touch, seething. She had always despised Patroclus — what right had she to speak now?

But she came with a prophecy from the gods. "Patroclus' soul is trapped in the Underworld, held captive by Hades himself. There is but one way to free him — you must slay one thousand wicked men."

Only one remained: Hector.

The very armor Hector wore had been ripped from Patroclus’ dead body — armor that had once been Achilles’. It did not fit; his throat was left exposed.

Achilles aimed for that vulnerable spot. He would strike. He would fulfill the prophecy. But remember: no prophecy had ever been wrong.

When Hector fell, the countdown to Achilles' own death would begin...

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa proved to be one of Japan's most important intellectuals over his short career during the Taishō period (1912–1926). Akutagawa is regarded as the "father of the Japanese short story" and the Akutagawa Prize—Japan's premier literary award—is named after him. At thirty-five, he committed suicide through an overdose of barbital.

Akutagawa Ryonosuke was born in Tokyo into a family which had lived for generations in the shitamachi district of Tokyo, famous for its cultural traditions. At the time of his birth, Akutagawa's mother, Fuku, was thirty-three. Shortly after his birth she became insane and died when Akutagawa was about ten.

In his 1926 reminiscence Death Register, Akutagawa had described the health of his biological mother Fuku, as follows: ‘My mother was a madwoman. I never did feel close to her, as a son should feel toward his mother. Hair held in place by a comb, she would sit alone all day puffing on a long, skinny pipe in the house of my birth family in Tokyo’s Shiba Ward…I never had the experience of a mother’s care. I do seem to recall that one time, when my adoptive mother made a point of taking me upstairs to see her, she suddenly conked me on the head with her pipe. In general, though, she was a quiet lunatic… My mother died in the autumn of my eleventh year, not so much from illness, I think, as from simply wasting away. I have a fairly clear memory of the events surrounding her death.’

Niihara Toshizo, Akutagawa's father, was a dairyman. Because he was not able to take care of his son, Akutagawa was adopted by his uncle, Akutagawa Dosho, whose surname he assumed. The dominant female in his early life was his possessive maternal aunt Fuki. "I am not sure how I would have turned out without her," Akutagawa once said.

As a boy Akutagawa was sickly and hypersensitive, but he excelled at school and was a voracious reader. He began his literary career while attending Tokyo Imperial University, where he studied English literature from 1913 to 1916.

Akutagawa published his second short story "Rashōmon" the following year in the literary magazine Teikoku Bungaku ("Imperial Literature"), while still a student. The story, based on a twelfth-century tale, was not well received by Akutagawa's friends, who greatly criticized it. Nonetheless, Akutagawa gathered up the courage to visit his idol, Natsume Sōseki, in December 1915 for Sōseki's weekly literary circles. In November, he published the work in the literary magazine Teikoku Mongaku.[2] In early 1916 he published "Hana" ("The Nose", 1916), which received a letter of praise from Sōseki and secured Akutagawa his first taste of fame.

While still a student, he proposed marriage to a childhood friend, Yayoi Yoshida, but his adoptive family did not approve the union. In 1916 he became engaged to Fumi Tsukamoto, whom he married in 1918. They had three children.

Akutagawa created almost all his central works in the ten years before his suicide. His early short pieces were carefully plotted historical tales, but toward the end of his short life, he focused more on his own emotional state and contemporary settings.

Towards the end of his life, Akutagawa suffered from visual hallucinations and anxiety over the fear that he had inherited his mother's mental disorder. In 1927, he survived a suicide attempt, together with a friend of his wife. He later died of suicide after taking an overdose of Veronal. In his will he wrote that he felt a "vague insecurity" about the future. He was 35 years old.

The New York Times, in its brief obituary of Akutagawa noted: ‘His wife and children left him Saturday night writing as usual. Sunday morning his wife awoke to find him dying. He was thirty-five years old and leaves three sons.

‘Akutagawa left three “testaments”. The first was addressed to his wife, bidding her not to attempt to revive him if he was a long time dying, and containing directions about the children’s education and the disposal of his property. The second was addressed to another novelist, Kan Kikuchi. The third was addressed to various old friends and stated that he had meditated on death for the past two years, and while he had a duty to write honestly, he saw no need to explain his motives….’

What if Momo was also able to bend elements?

When team avatar was at the Southern Air Temple, a shadow silhouette appeared which, later, turns out to be Aang's fellow pet Momo. Katara thinks he is cute, even Sokka likes Momo, even though he wanted to eat him at the first sight.

As their journey together continued across the world, team avatar found out many other things about each other. One of the most interesting one was to realize that Momo is able to bend elements as well as them. They thought Aang was the last airbender, it's half true and half not. Let's say Aang is the last human airbender. Because there's an other creature who rules the air: an animal. Momo is an airbender!

After the eclipse the gaang and their friends went to the Western Air Temple. Zuko is, now, one of them and there are many things he wonders about.

Zuko was sitting in the serenity but it was almost impossible when you were together with the gaang, so it didn't last long. Here there is Momo, floating in the air but with a different method that he learned from Aang. Momo uses Aang's air scooter tactic for more speed.

Zuko's eyes widen. Although he was after the gaang for so long, he had no idea that Momo was an airbender too. A chuckle is heard when Aang follows Momo with his own air scooter. Then he notices Zuko's gaze and turns to him.

"Does this thing bend air?" Zuko's curios.

"Yeah, Momo is an airbender too!" Aang chuckles.

"I thought you were the last airbender."

"Well..." Aang rubs his neck "Technically?..."

"Dude the whole title is a lie."

Their conversation suddenly cuts by a loud explosion. It's Combustion Man, again. Damn, how did he managed to find them this time?...

Combustion Man's primary ability reflected his given moniker, the ability to perform combustionbending. A rare style of firebending that allows him to trigger explosions from a third-eye tattoo on his forehead. This is done by channeling chi energy from his stomach, focused it into his forehead on a third-eye tattoo.

The gaang gathers together and fights with Combustion Man. Zuko tries talk to him even. But all of these were useless. He kept on attacking them no matter what. The gaang's back was against the wall. They used the wide column of the temple as a shield. But Combustion Man's plan was to bring down the whole temple on their heads. He had to be stopped.

He aims his eyes at the column but there's someone who towers in front him. "Towers" might not be the best word to define the situation due to our little but feisty gaang member's size. Momo blocks Combustion Man's way and he gives Momo a confused look. What the hell is this creature and what is he doing?...

Momo takes advantage of his pause and uses his airbending to throw him down from the temple. Momo was a secret box of power till now but now, he wasn't holding back anymore. His fighting skills going to be helpful for the gaang.

What if it were Toph who stops by Iroh's tea shop instead of Katara?

The rest of the gang was busy with their own business while Toph was walking in the crowded streets of Ba Sing Se. Oh, spirits.. if only they knew how much she hated here! The capital city of rules..

She got annoyed by the crowd of the streets already. Yeah, I'm done here. She thought to herself and decided to make her way home, to be honest it was just a house for her because she never liked the place. For her luck, today's, Ba Sing Se was way more crowded than it supposed to be. Or she just haven't came this region of the city before. Either way, she was uncomfortable with the amount of people around her.

It was a good thing that she's fixable so she managed to avoid collide with a few people. But it was a matter of time before someone suddenly jumps on forward her out of nowhere. There was it, Toph couldn't help but collide them. Judging by his voice he was a man, an angry man..

"What the heck? Are you a blind petite??!"

What's with you people?... Toph clinched her fists and was about to spill out some dirty things before feeling a hand over her shoulder.

"Sorry for the little lady here, she meant no harm."

No, she did indeed. She could take that man down right here, right now but this guy appeared behind her before getting into some serious trouble. His voice, though... He does sound familiar...

He calms the angry man down. After the man makes his own way, Toph turns to her supporter.

"You're him! The old man in the forest!" Toph points him out.

"Yeah, you got me." Iroh smiles warmly. "Glad that you managed to know me."

"Just because I'm blind, doesn't mean I can't figure people out."

"Please, I meant no offense little lady.."

"Call me Toph." She never liked such formal names as lady.

"And I'm Mushi." Iroh introduces himself that way. His true identify was a secret here, in Ba Sing Se. "Want to stop by my tea shop? I'll treat you. You seem a little overwhelmed, but there's nothing a good tea couldn't heal." Iroh offers as he chuckles.

Toph accepts his offer and Iroh leads the way through his tea shop. When they arrived Zuko was busy with serving people but his eyes widens as he sees Iroh with the earthbender girl from the avatar's team. Without a word he makes some facial sings to Iroh, pointing him come to explain what's happening.

"Here.." Iroh shows the table to Toph and has her sit down. "I'll get your tea." then he goes to kitchen where Zuko waits him.

"Uncle!" Zuko snaps, his face almost red because how flustered he is. "Have you lost your mind??? She's a friend of the avatar, how could you bring her here? What if she figures out who we are?"

"She can't see us, Zuko. Besides.. I had a conversation with her earlier, she is a friend of me as well."

"By Agni!! You're gonna get us caught!"

"Oh, common.. there's nothing Mushi and Lee did wrong." Iroh winks and reaches a loud sigh from Zuko. However he manages to have Zuko serving them tea while sitting with Toph.

"So how did it went with your nephew?" Toph asks, remembering their earlier conversation in the forest.

"It was excellent!" Iroh pats Zuko's shoulder.

"Agh, uncle-"

"He helps me around. Young blood is useful in a shop like this."

"I'm glad things got better between you guys." Toph dings in the tea with quick sips "I've got to go, thanks for the tea!"

She stands up but turns to them one more time "You better not to have a row again. You might not tell each other that you actually love each other but man you do! I felt the bond between you and it's hella strong one!"

These was her affectionate goodbye words. She made her way home with a smirk on her lips. Spirits, if only she knew who were they...

Summary:

Trapped together, Atsushi and Akutagawa are forced to confront the tension that have defined their rivalry. It isn’t friendship they find, but maybe—just maybe—a fragile understanding.

The mission had gone sideways fast.

It was supposed to be a simple investigation—gather intel on an underground hideout and leave. But when the crumbling ceiling had come down on them, there was no intel, no escape route, only dust and silence. And now, of course, Akutagawa was stuck here. With Atsushi.

“Look what you’ve done, were-tiger,” Akutagawa’s voice broke the silence, edged with irritation. “Because of your clumsiness, we’re buried alive in this forsaken place.”

Atsushi sat across from him, his brow furrowed in annoyance but softened with something like guilt. “I didn’t plan for the whole ceiling to collapse, Akutagawa,” he said, casting a quick glance around the debris-filled room. “And it’s not like you were paying attention either.”

Akutagawa scowled and adjusted himself against the cold concrete, a sharp hiss slipping past his lips as his hand pressed over his side. The moment didn’t go unnoticed.

“You’re hurt.” Atsushi leaned forward, eyes focused on the hand Akutagawa was hiding behind his coat. “Let me see it.”

“I can handle a scratch,” Akutagawa shot back, his eyes daring Atsushi to push it. As if he would ever allow himself to look weak in front of him.

“A scratch that you’re flinching over? Right,” Atsushi countered. “I don’t care if you can ‘handle it.’ Just let me look.”

Akutagawa clicked his tongue but, after a long stare-off, finally relented, pulling his coat aside to reveal the wound. It wasn’t as minor as he claimed—a long, angry scrape just under his ribs, bleeding slowly but steadily.

Atsushi frowned, reaching into his own pocket and taking out a handkerchief. “You’re so stubborn all the time.”

“And you’re insufferable,” Akutagawa muttered, though he didn’t resist as Atsushi pressed the cloth gently to his side.

They sat there in silence, each watching the other in the dim light filtering through a crack in the ceiling. Atsushi kept his focus on the wound, and for a few seconds, there was nothing but the sound of his shallow breaths as he worked.

Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter than usual. “Why do you always have to turn everything into a fight?”

Akutagawa gave him a sharp look, then rolled his eyes. “Fight? Is that what you think this is? You’ve spent your whole life running, terrified of your own shadow. If anything, I am your reality check, Atsushi Nakajima.”

Atsushi’s fingers stilled for a moment. “Maybe that’s how you see it. But it just feels like…” He trailed off, as if unsure he should even be saying it. “Feels like you’re angry at me. Like, actually angry.”

Akutagawa let out a short, bitter laugh. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not angry. What you interpret as ‘anger’ is simply disdain—for how weak you insist on being.”

Atsushi’s shoulders tensed, though he didn’t pull his hand away. “You think I like being weak? That I haven’t tried to become stronger?” He looked down, almost talking to himself more than to Akutagawa. “I just… I don’t know. I thought if anyone could understand that feeling, it’d be you.”

Akutagawa shifted, his expression momentarily unreadable. “What are you talking about?”

“Never mind.” Atsushi’s voice softened. He continued treating the wound, hands gentle, almost methodical. "Forget I said anything."

The silence between them grew heavier, filling the dim, closed space with something neither could name. In that quiet, they were suddenly stripped of the walls they’d built—the excuses, the hostility, the roles they played. Just two people who knew each other far too well, bound by the kind of understanding only enemies—and, perhaps, allies—could ever share.

Hours had passed, each second dragging as they sat there in uncomfortable silence. The faint, gray light of early morning trickled through the cracks in the collapsed ceiling, casting shadows over the dust and debris around them. Despite the harshness of the situation, neither had spoken for a while. Atsushi could feel the strain of Akutagawa’s gaze as if he were trying to unravel something unsaid in the air between them.

Atsushi looked down, almost afraid to meet that intensity. “I just… I wish things could be different. Between us, I mean.”

Akutagawa snorted softly, the sound more exasperated than anything else. “Wishful thinking,” he muttered, though the edge in his tone had softened, just barely.

Atsushi raised his head, offering Akutagawa a weak, almost sheepish smile. “Maybe. But… we’re not that different, you know? It’s like—” He paused, searching for the right words, before his gaze met Akutagawa’s. “It’s like you’re always fighting to prove yourself. To show that you can be stronger than anyone else. And maybe… I’m trying to prove that I’m not as weak as everyone says.”

Akutagawa’s expression flickered, but he stayed silent, his dark eyes fixed on Atsushi’s face, as though seeing him in a different light.

“But I’m not your enemy, Akutagawa. Not really.” Atsushi’s voice was barely above a whisper. “We just got thrown onto opposite sides, that’s all.”

For a long moment, Akutagawa said nothing, his jaw tight, but Atsushi thought he saw something—something raw, almost unguarded—in his eyes. Maybe it was the fatigue, or maybe it was simply that they’d exhausted every reason to hate each other while stuck in this place, wounded and waiting, with nothing but the truth left between them.

“Perhaps,” Akutagawa finally murmured, the word slipping out like he hadn’t quite meant to say it.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the corridor beyond the rubble, accompanied by familiar, impatient voices. Atsushi and Akutagawa glanced up in surprise as the shadows of several figures grew visible through the narrow gap in the ceiling.

“There you are,” a sharp voice called out, unmistakably familiar. Atsushi recognized that voice in an instant—Higuchi. Moments later, she, Tachihara, and several other Port Mafia operatives were shifting the rubble, clearing a path to reach them.

“Boss wants you back safe, Akutagawa,” Higuchi said as she knelt down, her face a mask of relief thinly veiled by professional composure. She glanced over at Atsushi, her tone turning cold. “Guess we found the tiger, too.”

Akutagawa winced as he tried to stand, but Atsushi instinctively reached out to steady him, only to pull back when he realized what he was doing. Akutagawa merely gave him an unreadable look, almost as though he were studying him, deciding something in the silence.

“Save your concern for someone else, Jinko,” Akutagawa said, his voice clipped but softer than usual. He turned toward the Port Mafia agents, preparing to leave. But just as he stepped away, he paused, glancing back over his shoulder, his gaze meeting Atsushi’s one last time.

“I owe you nothing,” he said, his tone as cutting as ever. But there was something else, something softer beneath the ice, a rare crack in his defenses. “And yet… I suppose you’re not quite as weak as I thought.” He scoffed softly. “Or perhaps I’m just tired of proving myself to you.”

Atsushi smiled faintly, his eyes bright with understanding. “Maybe… maybe I’m tired of it, too.”

They didn’t shake hands, and they didn’t exchange any more words. They simply locked eyes—an unspoken agreement passing between them, something resembling respect, or at least a truce forged in exhaustion and grudging acceptance.

As the Port Mafia agents escorted Akutagawa away, Atsushi watched them leave, a strange weight lifting from his chest. It wasn’t friendship, and it certainly wasn’t peace, but… it was a start.

Find this on ao3!

Hello, wandering souls.

Today, I have gathered for you the essential knowledge about a precious and often overlooked series — Ginga e Kickoff!!

So come closer, and let us dive into this world of dreams, friendships, and the magic of football.

1. It All Began with a Novel

Before the anime, before the manga, there was a story written in the ink of passion: Ginga no World Cup, the original novel by Hiroto Kawabata, published in 2006.

This novel laid the foundation upon which the anime and manga were later built.

"Hanashima, a former J-League player, finds himself unemployed and wandering through life. By a twist of fate, he is invited to a simple park soccer game with elementary school children. At first reluctant, his attention is soon ensnared by three peculiar boys — triplets with identical faces and extraordinary football skills. Astonished by their seamless passing and uncanny dribbling, Hanashima accepts the call to coach them. Thus unfolds a vibrant coming-of-age tale, painting the bonds of friendship and the electric spirit of soccer in vivid hues."

2. Manga Was Born

As if the story’s spirit demanded more forms, Ginga e Kickoff!! also blossomed into manga pages.

Published from April 4, 2012, to August 4, 2013, the manga ran for four volumes, beautifully illustrated by Hiroshi Wakamatsu and penned by Hiroto Kawabata himself. It was serialized in Saikyou Jump magazine.

Though the manga follows the same heartbeat as the anime, subtle changes weave through its panels — for example, Erika’s hair color differs, and Tagi never quits Heavens FC in this version.

Small ripples, but noticeable for the devoted.

3. The Anime That Stole Our Hearts

And then, the dream soared into animation.

The Ginga e Kickoff!! anime brings to life the fierce passion of Shou Oota, a boy who refuses to let his lack of skill extinguish his love for the game. He is driven by the purest dream: to become a professional footballer.

The anime spans 39 episodes, each a step deeper into the vibrant journey of hope, struggle, and triumph.

And as a parting gift, it offers a timeskip in its finale — a bittersweet glance into the future, where dreams continue to chase the stars.

In every page, every frame, Ginga e Kickoff!! reminds us that greatness isn’t born from talent alone — it is forged in heart, in tears, and in the unbreakable spirit of youth.

Hello, wandering souls!

Today, I come bearing a hidden gem that deserves so much more love — Ginga e Kickoff!! (also known as Victory Kickoff).

I have watched this anime twice, and I can say with all my heart: it has carved out a place in my soul.

If you liked series like Haikyuu!!, Captain Tsubasa, or Blue Lock, then you will absolutely fall for this one too. It carries the same fiery spirit, the same heart-pounding energy, and a special warmth that makes it unforgettable.

A Sixth Grader with a Dream

At the heart of this story is Shou Oota, a sixth grader with an unstoppable dream: to rebuild his beloved soccer team, the Momotaro Predators.

Despite not being the most skilled player, Shou’s love for football burns brighter than anyone's. His dream? To become a professional footballer.

Representation: Girls in Football

Ginga e Kickoff!! doesn’t just stick to traditional sports anime tropes.

It proudly gives a voice to girls in sports through Erika, a fierce feminist character who is determined to prove that women can dominate the football field just as brilliantly as men.

If you’re seeking an anime with positive feminist themes and strong female athletes, this is a must-watch!

3. Body Positivity and Growth

One of the main characters, Reika, struggles with being overweight at the beginning of the story — facing not only self-doubt but bullying as well.

But her love for football inspires a powerful transformation, both physically and mentally.

Her journey is a touching representation of resilience, determination, and body positivity. Ginga e Kickoff shows that change doesn’t come from hatred toward oneself, but from the passion to become better for the love of the game.

4. We Have Triplets

How often do you see triplet brothers causing chaos and comedy in your typical sports anime?

Introducing the Evil Triplets — a trio of mischievous, wildly energetic siblings who will steal both the ball and your heart!

Their nickname alone should spark your curiosity — but trust me, watching their antics unfold is even more delightful.

5. A Boy Searching for His Father

Aoto is one of the more emotional pillars of the story.

Abandoned by his father as a baby, Aoto’s true goal is to become a world-class football player, hoping one day to be seen and recognized by the father who left him behind.

His dream of playing in Spain, the land of football legends, is not just about fame — it's a desperate, heart-wrenching quest for love and acknowledgement.

6. The Struggles of Growing Up: Self-Esteem and Identity

Tagi, another central character, battles a sense of alienation and insecurity as he grows up.

He loses his faith in himself so deeply that he gives up football entirely. Will he be able to comeback?...

Ginga e Kickoff!! gently explores whether someone can find their way back to their passions after losing belief in themselves — a theme many viewers, young and old, will find strikingly relatable.

And So Much More…

There are countless moments of joy, sadness, growth, and pure excitement waiting within this series. But I wouldn’t dare spoil all its treasures here.

In short:

Ginga e Kickoff!! is a criminally underrated, heartwarming sports anime that deserves a place on your watchlist.

It's a tale of dreams, friendships, and second chances — all wrapped in the beautiful, chaotic, magical world of youth and football.

Give it a shot. Let it touch your heart the way it touched mine.

A serial killer is loose on the streets of Los Angeles, and the local authorities are desperate for help.

For some reason, the killer leaves a series of maddeningly cryptic clues at each crime scene — each clue appearing like an unsolvable map leading to the next murder.

Enter the mysterious super-detective, L.

Despite his strange working habits, L is the world's most decorated detective, and he has never taken on a case he could not solve.

But this time, even L needs assistance.

He recruits the services of Naomi Misora, an FBI agent, and together they move secretly through the City of Angels.

It soon becomes clear that this killing spree is not random: it is a psychotic riddle, carefully designed to lure L into a deadly battle of wits.

Caught between killer and detective, Misora must navigate both the mounting corpses and the equally dangerous clash of egos to solve the Los Angeles BB Murder Cases.

This novel serves as a prequel to the Death Note manga series. It tells the story of L’s first encounter with Naomi Misora during the Los Angeles BB Serial Murder Cases — an incident briefly mentioned in Volume 2 of the manga.

The narrative revolves around Beyond Birthday, the serial killer roaming Los Angeles, and L, the super-detective attempting to crack the case.

Interestingly, the story is narrated by Mello, with the expectation that it will one day be read by Near and Kira. He begins by trying to write the case as if drafting a real crime report, occasionally interrupting himself to offer commentary.

Through Mello's perspective, readers gain valuable insight into the workings of Wammy’s House — the orphanage that raised child prodigies like L, Mello, and Near — and the system designed to cultivate geniuses.

Conclusion and Overall Commentary

My bookshelf hosts a wide range of classics, from Agatha Christie to Sherlock Holmes. As a reader well-versed in the crime and mystery genre, I can say with confidence that the mystery element in this novel is not a mere formality, nor a hollow nod to genre conventions. On the contrary, it is built upon solid, thoughtful foundations.

The author masterfully wields the essential tool of all great crime fiction: the art of misdirection. Without delving too deeply into spoilers, I can share this — at one point, I found myself thinking, "Could it be...?"

I felt I was on the verge of uncovering the killer’s identity. Yet the author's deft storytelling skillfully diverted my suspicions, leading me somewhere else entirely.

By the time you reach the final pages, tiny details that had been hiding in plain sight since the very beginning suddenly fall into place. And at that moment, you can’t help but ask yourself:

"So... was it like this all along?"

Takeda and Arita hadn't seen each other even once since graduating high school. Yet, on a rainy day, everything begins to change when they decide to take in a stray cat.

These two men are not friends, not lovers, not family. And yet, they long to be close.

A chance encounter leads two former classmates to share a home.

This slice-of-life manga portrays a relationship that defies easy labeling, resisting the urge to fit into conventional definitions.

But is it truly necessary to name what they share?

People need words to communicate with one another — but true connection, true understanding, often forms beyond language.

It blossoms in silences, in glances, in the rhythm of shared routines, and in moments felt rather than spoken.

In this way, the manga sheds light on the inner emotions that linger in the shadows of words — on things that cannot be defined, yet are wholly real, embodied not as entities, but as feelings.

Thus, Kemutai Hanashi becomes a quiet elegy to the sanctity of inexpressible emotions, hidden behind its warm and serene atmosphere.

It reminds us that some of the deepest bonds exist not through speech, but through silent understanding.

Some people, perhaps, are not meant to be explained — only experienced.

Is it friendship? No — it’s more than that. Love? Perhaps… but something here refuses to fit even within love’s boundaries.

The bond between Takeda and Arita transcends society’s relational categories.

Labels fail them — because while labels offer comfort and structure, they also impose limits, stifling what is genuine.

What they feel is not ordinary friendship, but neither do they seek to name it.

This avoidance is not born of fear, but from a quiet, conscious wish: to protect the purity of their connection, to keep it free from the constraints of definition.

Their relationship is more than companionship — it is a sanctuary, a quiet refuge, an unspoken understanding.

It is free because it is unnamed, real because it resists categorization.

The most striking part of their bond is that neither feels the need to claim it with a name. To name something often implies possession — and with possession comes burden.

But their bond is formed not from burden, but from understanding — from a shared existence, silent yet profoundly felt.

(Possible Spoilers)

Tiny chances... A greeting, a coincidence, a glance... Human relationships often balance precariously on these seemingly invisible details.

When the cat they had taken in dies, Takeda and Arita are forced to confront how fragile these unseen ties can be.

The fear that grows within the characters touches a universal anxiety lurking within us all:

The fear that one day, those we love — those who once felt inseparable — could simply drift away, as if nothing had ever connected us.

"At this rate, one day we'll stop seeing each other and forget like it never mattered."

What a brutal possibility...

Forgetting seems natural, like a fine layer of dust settling over the past.

Yet here, the manga captures not the naturalness of forgetting, but the terror of how easily it can happen.

Without continued contact, even the most precious memories can fade, lost as if they had never truly existed.

And haunting all of this is a silent fear:

Not just the fear of losing others, but the fear of disappearing ourselves — fading quietly from someone else's life without leaving a trace.

But the most poignant moment of the story lies in the line:

"Even if it’s easy to forget me, it doesn't mean you’re unimportant to me."

Here, we find the quiet resistance of a heart willing to endure — even when faced with the reality that love and connection may not always be reciprocated.

Even in the face of inevitable separation, the character holds fast to their emotions without denial.

Sometimes, as people grow apart, feelings deepen.

As meetings dwindle and voices fade, the memory of connection becomes all the more profound.

Forgetting, loss, and silent departures...

These emotions do not merely inspire fear; they awaken a deeper awareness of what — and who — truly matters.

Conclusion and Overall Commentary

Kemutai Hanashi initially offers readers a peaceful, soft slice-of-life experience.

Yet beneath this calm surface, there is another presence — a deep emotional resonance, like a quiet echo.

The true strength of the work lies hidden between the lines: In the silences between characters, in the bonds left unnamed, in the emotions that words fail to capture.

This delicate dance between two familiar souls speaks to the reader willing to look beyond the obvious.

For in this story, the loudest voices are those that remain unspoken.

Behind the warmth on the surface, the manga leaves readers quietly grappling with profound questions.

Thus, it offers not just a pleasant reading experience, but a subtle call to introspection.

Every calm scene reverberates through the emotional background of the reader’s own life:

Which bonds are strong enough to withstand forgetting?

Which relationships defy the need for labels?

When does someone’s place in our lives move beyond words?

Kemutai Hanashi is a story with two layers:

The first, a simple and serene portrait of life.

The second, the hidden emotions, fears, desires, and anxieties that seep through the cracks of that portrait.

And only those who look closely will truly perceive the deeper story, the one that lingers quietly — beyond words.

Tür: Manga, 192 Sayfa, Uykulu Kahve Yayınevi

Takeda ve Arita liseden mezun olmalarından bu yana bir kere bile görüşmemişlerdir. Ancak yağmurlu bir günde eve götürmeye karar verdikleri bir sokak kedisiyle bu durum değişmeye başlar.

Bu iki adam arkadaş değil, sevgili değil, aile değil. Ama yine de birbirlerine yakın olmak istiyorlar. Tesadüfi bir karşılaşma, iki eski sınıf arkadaşının birlikte yaşamasına yol açıyor. İlişkileri belirli bir şekilde etiketleme dürtüsünden kurtulmaya çalışan bir hayat kesiti manga serisi.

Peki buna isim vermeleri gerçekten şart mıdır?

İnsanlar, başkalarıyla iletişim kurabilmek için kelimelere ihtiyaç duyar ama gerçek bağ, gerçek anlayış, çoğu zaman kelimelerin ötesinde şekillenir. Sessizlikte, bakışlarda, alışkanlıkların içindeki ritimlerde, paylaşılmayan ama hissedilen anlarda... Manga, bu yönüyle kelimelerin gölgesinde saklanan içsel duygulara ışık tutuyor. Tanımlanamaz olan, olduğu gibi kabul edilen, bir varlık değil, bir hissin vücut bulmuş hali.

Böylece Kelimelerin Ötesinde, sıcak ve sakin atmosferinin ardında insanın kendi kelimesizliğine, ifade edilemeyen duyguların kutsallığına dair bir ağıt yakar. İletişimin sınırlarında gezinen, sessizliğin içindeki bağların ne denli derin ve sahici olabileceğini hatırlatır bize. Belki de bazı insanlar anlatılmaz, sadece yaşanır.

Arkadaşlık mı? Hayır, ondan daha fazla. Aşk mı? Belki... ama onun da sınırlarına sığmayan bir şey var burada. Bu ilişki, tanım gerektirmeyen, sadece varlığıyla anlam kazanan bir tür bağ.

İki insan arasında oluşan bu eşsiz bağ, toplumun dayattığı ilişkisel kategorilerin çok ötesinde bir yerde duruyor. Etiketler, onları anlatmaya yetmiyor; çünkü etiketler sınır çizer, sınırlar güven verir ama aynı zamanda özgünlüğü öldürür. Karakterlerin birbirlerine duyduğu şeyin sıradan bir arkadaşlık olmadığını, ama aynı zamanda adını koymaktan da kaçındıklarını görüyoruz. Bu kaçınma, bir korkudan değil; daha ziyade, o ilişkinin saflığını bozmamak, onun adına kelimelerle sınır koymamak için bir bilinçli susuştur.

Bu ilişki, bir yoldaşlıktan fazlası; belki bir kaçış noktası, bir sığınak, ya da birbirinin sessizliğini anlayabilme yetisi. Adı konmadığı için özgür, tanımsız olduğu için gerçek. Bu bağın en çarpıcı yönü, tarafların buna bir isim verme ihtiyacı duymamaları. Çünkü isim vermek, çoğu zaman sahiplenmek anlamına gelir ve sahiplenmek bir yük getirir. Oysa onların bağı yüklerden değil, anlayıştan ve varoluşsal bir tanıklık hissinden oluşur.

(Olası spoiler içerir!)

Küçücük fırsatlar... Bazen bir selam, bazen bir tesadüf, bir bakış... İnsan ilişkileri çoğu zaman bu görünmez ama hayati detayların üzerinde yürür. Takeda ve Arita'nın baktıkları kedi Dayı'nın ayrılışıyla bu görünmez bağların ne denli kolay kopabileceği gerçeğiyle yüzleşiyoruz. Karakterin içinde büyüyen korku, aslında hepimizin içinde bir yerlerde pusuda bekleyen bir endişeye dokunuyor: Sevdiklerimizi, bize bir zamanlar çok yakın olanları, hiçbir şey olmamış gibi bir gün kaybetme ihtimali.

"Bu gidişle bir gün görüşmeyi bırakıp hiçbir şey olmamış gibi unutacağız birbirimizi." Ne acımasız bir ihtimal bu… Unutmak, sanki geçmişin üstünü ince bir toz gibi örten zamanın doğasında var. Ama burada anlatılan şey unutmanın doğallığı değil, unutmanın kolaylığı karşısındaki dehşet. İnsanlar, kimi zaman en kıymetli anıları bile, yeterince temas kurulmazsa sanki hiç yaşanmamış gibi bırakabiliyor ardında. Ve bu işte tam da burada, bir hayalet gibi dolaşan duygunun adı: korku. Kaybetme korkusu değil yalnızca, kaybolma, silinme, bir başkasının hayatından fark edilmeden eksilme korkusu...

Ancak bu anlatının en dokunaklı yeri, “Ama sırf kolayca unutulabiliyor diye benim için önemsiz biri olacağını sanmıyorum.” cümlesinde saklı. İşte burada, ilişkinin tek taraflı kalabileceği gerçeğiyle yüzleşen ama buna rağmen kalbinden vazgeçmeyen bir insanın direnişi yatıyor. Unutulmak ihtimali acı verse de, karşı tarafın içinde bir iz bırakmayacağı düşüncesi yaralasa da, kişinin kendi içsel değerini, duygularını inkâr etmeden taşıdığı görülüyor.

Bazen insanlar birbirlerinden uzaklaştıkça, duyguların değeri artar. Görüşmeler azaldıkça, sesler silindikçe, o bağın hatırası daha da derinleşir. Yine de unutulmak, kaybetmek ya da sessizce uzaklaşmak... Bu tür duygular sadece korku yaratmaz; aynı zamanda bize bir şeyin değerini fark ettirir.

Sonuç ve Genel Yorum

Kelimelerin Ötesinde, ilk bakışta okura huzurlu ve yumuşak bir yaşam kesiti sunar. Fakat bu sakin yüzeyin altında, bir yankı gibi duyulan başka bir şey vardır: derin bir duygusal titreşim.

Eserin asıl gücü, satır aralarına gizlenmiş bu sessiz titreşimde yatar. Karakterler arasındaki iletişimsizlikler, adı konmamış ilişkiler, kelimelerle ifade edilemeyen bağlar... Birbirine alışmış iki ruhun arasında süren bu dans ancak dikkatle bakan, satırların altını görebilen gözlere hitap eder. Çünkü bu hikâyede en çok konuşan şey, söylenmeyendir.

Görünürdeki sıcaklığın ardında, okuru içten içe sarsan sorularla baş başa bırakır. Bu yüzden eser, sadece keyifli bir okuma deneyimi değildir; aynı zamanda bir içe dönüş çağrısıdır. Sükûnetle akan her sahne, okuyucunun kendi duygusal arka planında yankı bulur. Hangi bağlar unutmaktan korunur? Hangi ilişkiler tanım gerektirmez? Bir insanın hayatımızdaki yeri, ne zaman kelimelerin ötesine geçer?

Kelimelerin Ötesinde, iki katmanlı bir anlatıdır. İlki, herkesin görebildiği o sade ve huzurlu yaşam portresi… İkincisi ise, o portrede gizlenmiş çatlaklardan sızan duygular, korkular, arzular ve kaygılar. Ve ancak dikkatle bakanlar, kelimelerin ötesinde yatan asıl anlatıyı hissedebilir.

Together we can have our voice heard! Please join here and share.