(L) Saki manga

[Sumeragi]

Like mother, like daughters, I suppose.




"Wai wai~"

[tsunade666]

^From ED of Side C Senriyama-hen.

[Myssa Rei]

I'm guessing we'll really be dealing with the fallout of Kiyosumi's match for all concerned next chapter. Hopefully it gives some closure for the Miyamori girls, as the way it left Toyone makes it seem like Saki cheerfully (mahjong wa tanoshii~) kicked her while she was down.

Speaking of which Sumeragi, surprised you didn't post that pick from Pixiv where Saki was taunting Teru with how she went two turns +/- 0. Or the strip that follows that comic, with Suzu giving Kyouko a smooch.

[Sumeragi]

Why would you be surprised? I only posted what I could type out fast, given the constant meetings I have. Furthermore, I try to keep the Saki/Teru or Saki/Sumire pictures to the minimum so I can do my original "story-telling through picture" posts. But since you said it.....


This cannot be good.....




Making Toki fall.

[Requiem-x]

Meanwhile, or rather, a little later, on the other side

Spoiler for The day when Saber, Caster and Lancer joined forces:

First thing you noticed: Kuro's Nodoka sized boobs.
Second thing you noticed: Kirame being awesome.

Why can't we have a mahou shoujo Saki spinoff, Ritz? Why?

[Myssa Rei]

I don't like how Kirame was turned into a two-weapon wielder.

Also, Kuro has always been stacked. Haven't you been paying attention to all those Megami/Nyantype spreads over the past 3 months? :P Heck, Yuu is pretty much at Nodoka's level.

At least we seem to have confirmation on the first extra episode, which looks like it will be bundled with the first DVD.

[Requiem-x]

Originally Posted by Myssa Rei

I don't like how Kirame was turned into a two-weapon wielder.

Also, Kuro has always been stacked. Haven't you been paying attention to all those Megami/Nyantype spreads over the past 3 months? :P Heck, Yuu is pretty much at Nodoka's level.

At least we seem to have confirmation on the first extra episode, which looks like it will be bundled with the first DVD.

Oh, you're right. I guess she's Assassin then. I'm ok with that.

Well, of course I've noticed, but this is the first time her size is so clearly shown in the manga. And in the cover to boot.

You bring great news. I honestly thought it would take much longer than that.

[Myssa Rei]

Does this mean that Kuro is a Lancer? Because being Lancer is suffering.

*coughs*

Really though, in Saki it's either you're stacked, you're "realistically proportioned" for your age, or as flat as a board.

[Requiem-x]

Originally Posted by Myssa Rei

Does this mean that Kuro is a Lancer? Because being Lancer is suffering.

*coughs*

Really though, in Saki it's either you're stacked, you're "realistically proportioned" for your age, or as flat as a board.

Explain further. No, really, I don't get it.

And about Kuro, well, her mom is dead, she sucks at mahjong because of it and she has gotten raped twice in less than a week.

You tell me.

[Myssa Rei]

I meant that they don't fall under the two extremes of "Iwato Kasumi" and "Usuzumi Hatsumi", meaning unrealistic balloons or DFC. :P Hisa's proportions for example.

For example, Shizuno is as flat as a board (even more in the anime), Ako is just right for her build and height, while both Matsumi sisters likely have stiff backs on a regular basis.

[Qilin]

Originally Posted by Myssa Rei

I'm guessing we'll really be dealing with the fallout of Kiyosumi's match for all concerned next chapter. Hopefully it gives some closure for the Miyamori girls, as the way it left Toyone makes it seem like Saki cheerfully (mahjong wa tanoshii~) kicked her while she was down.

Maybe, but assuming the anime finale of Achiga-hen is canon, it didn't look like there was anything wrong with their relationships as they went off to watch the semi final match of side A. That being the case, I guess that the foreshadowed conflict ended rather quickly or that it has yet to happen as of the Achiga finale.

[Requiem-x]

Originally Posted by Myssa Rei

I meant that they don't fall under the two extremes of "Iwato Kasumi" and "Usuzumi Hatsumi", meaning unrealistic balloons or DFC. :P Hisa's proportions for example.

Well, that's a very nice middle point if you ask me, so it seems Saki has all parts of the spectrum covered.

Also, I think what's unrealistic about Usuzumi is her inability to dress herself.

[The Green One]

Perhaps the so called conflict between Saki and Nodoka will be Nodoka's rising concern over Saki's moody brooding and Saki's unwillingness to open up about this to her which will cause a fight or distance to grow between them and mess up the teams symmetry and affect their performance in the semis.

[sandhy88]

I understand now!!!

until recently i don't understand what the meaning of chap.99.

Saki never lose point at official game. The worst point she get is plus/minus 0.

So, kyouko fear that event though Saki got the worst point for her, she still get 1 rank.

[Scarletknive]

Originally Posted by Requiem-x

Meanwhile, or rather, a little later, on the other side

Spoiler for The day when Saber, Caster and Lancer joined forces:

First thing you noticed: Kuro's Nodoka sized boobs.
Second thing you noticed: Kirame being awesome.

Why can't we have a mahou shoujo Saki spinoff, Ritz? Why?

Because you did not see the magic in mahjong. Take for example... This...

Spoiler for "This":

Hey at least Teru looks more shocked than in the anime. But Toki is more dead than in anime.

*Raiser Sword'd + GN Micro Missile'd by Trans-am Raiser and GN Armor Type D*

The 2 units: Thats a bad example.
Me: My bad.

Can't you see the abilities in mahjong is actually magic? First, you can't tell what hands you gonna get next. Yet someone does.

[Requiem-x]

Originally Posted by Scarletknive

Because you did not see the magic in mahjong. Take for example... This...

Spoiler for "This":

Hey at least Teru looks more shocked than in the anime. But Toki is more dead than in anime.

*Raiser Sword'd + GN Micro Missile'd by Trans-am Raiser and GN Armor Type D*

The 2 units: Thats a bad example.
Me: My bad.

Can't you see the abilities in mahjong is actually magic? First, you can't tell what hands you gonna get next. Yet someone does.

Wow... so Teru really is human.

Saki, you're losing credibility faster and faster.

Toki ;_;

Well, yeah, but I want more skimpy outfits (I mean just simpy, not Hajime tier).

[sandhy88]

If I remember correctly, Toki get "The Power to See Future" when she collapse in the past.

I wonder what kind of new power that Toki get now after collapse in semi final.......

[night_sentinel]

Originally Posted by Scarletknive

Can't you see the abilities in mahjong is actually magic? First, you can't tell what hands you gonna get next. Yet someone does.

Lol... I agree given the recent chapters in the manga - many of our mahjong players are already practitioners of magic or at least have the limited ability to bend reality to their whims.

Originally Posted by Qilin

Maybe, but assuming the anime finale of Achiga-hen is canon, it didn't look like there was anything wrong with their relationships as they went off to watch the semi final match of side A. That being the case, I guess that the foreshadowed conflict ended rather quickly or that it has yet to happen as of the Achiga finale.

I agree with Qilin, if Achiga-hen is canon there will be no visible friction with Saki and her teammates. If we expect some sort of fallout from Saki's action, it would have to come from beyond her team.

In fact, after getting over my initial surprise at the winners of the match, I believe that Kiyosumi has no room for complaints with Saki's performance in her match. Whatever Saki's intention on the match whether everything was intentional or just a "coincidence" the end result of the quarter-final match greatly favors Kiyosumi.

Spoiler for Analysis of Saki's intention:

Since we haven's reached a definite conclusion if Saki intentionally eliminated Eisui and Miyamori and allowed Himematsu to get second. Or even if Saki did play +/-zero consciously or unconsciously, I'll try to examine what would be the implications if Saki did play +/-zero consciously or not. That and I have a long break that I need to waste time on. I apologize in advance for the text wall.

This list is arranged on an increasing scale of Saki's agency on the match:


I.Everything is a coincidence
In this scenario, Saki's score just coincidentally manage to hit the +/- zero sweet spot. Kyouko was just reading too much and seeing connections that aren't there...
Evidence:
The laws of probability which in real life would be enough. Its just too bad that Saki-verse players eats the laws of physics for breakfast.

Implication:
None. Everything was just a coincidence after all.





II. Saki is subconsciously playing +/- zero
In this scenario, Saki did not know or intend to play +/- zero. Perhaps because Saki was tense or stressed due to this being her first match on the nationals and most importantly onee-chan being so near she subconsciously played +/- zero.

Evidence:
Saki played +/- zero for nearly a decade - starting as early when she was six years old. Thus, its probably an ingrained habit by now. If Saki is not concentrated enough or rattled enough she might slip into the +/- zero habit since its her personal comfort zone like Etopen is to Nodoka.
One of the evidence that supports this theory is when Saki was rattled by Maho doing a rinshan kaihou. The end result of the match is something like this:
First game = + 10
Second game = -10
Third game = +/-0
Notice that the third game score is +/- zero and coincidentally all the games taken together would give Saki +/- zero.

Implications:
If Saki did not intend any of the match result to happen like getting a plus/minus zero score, then she is very very rattled or uncomfortable with her situation that her bad habits are resurfacing without her notice. Kiyosumi team better give Saki a comfort hug or a lecture or both so she'll be back to her normal tanoshi self. It would be very bad for their team if Saki will not be able to play to her fullest on the semi-final and the final matches.

On the upside for Kiyosumi, even if the situation is true - Saki managed to defeat Toyone, Kyouko and Kasumi while being stressed/ uncomfortable enough that she is unconsciously playing +/- zero.

Just think about it... It meant Saki still managed to win the match despite being ridiculously rattled and distracted. So if they manage to cure Saki's nerves ... Saki will probably be far stronger than what is shown in the quarter-finals which is a bit ridiculous...








III. Saki intentionally played +/- zero
In this scenario, it meant that Saki did play +/- zero right from the start.

Evidence :
I think the fact that Saki can do +/- zero and the fact that her score happens to be two consecutive +/- zero is all the evidence you need. Getting two +/- zero score without consciously trying to do it is very unlikely especially in a game of riichi mahjong where the score is variable.

To get +/- zero you have to consciously change your hand to suit your targeted score. You have to win and lose an exact amount of points and that meant a lot of mental acrobatics.

Implications:
As I've stated above Saki seems to have a habit of getting +/- zero whenever she was rattled. I think everyone agrees that Saki has a good enough reason to be rattled considering her goals on the tournament. So, Saki might be using her +/- zero play style to hide her nervousness or to cloak her abilities to give her team a better chance to go to the finals.

You might be wondering what is the different implications between Saki consciously playing +/- zero and Saki subconsciously playing +/- zero.

If we compare Saki to archery with +/- zero as the bulleye.

Saki getting +/- zero subconsciously meant that Saki was so rattled that she was shooting without thought to the target but her play style is so ingrained to her that she keeps hitting the same exact spot(bullseye) even when she is shooting haphazardly.

Saki getting +/- zero consciously meant that Saki might be rattled that she resorted to using her old play style to give her some sort of comfort when shooting which is in this example is hitting the bullseye.
She might also be giving her self some sort of handicap so that her true abilities remain hidden which in this example is due to her trying to hit the same exact spot causing her to be slower or causing her to miss a lot of her chance to shoot.








Of course, Saki playing +/- zero consciously has also a corollary regarding the unexpected advancement of Himematsu:

III-A Saki did not allow Himematsu to advance. Its just a side-effect of her playing +/- zero.

Saki's +/- zero target needs Saki to lose some points. Himematsu was just the lucky beneficiary.

Evidence:
Its mostly Saki's personality since Saki likes to play against strong opponents, she won't eliminate Eisui and Miyamori to give herself an easier time.




III-B Saki intentionally allowed Himematsu to advance

Saki is intentionally playing +/- zero and she purposely gave Himematsu that win since she want to eliminate Eisui and Miyamori who potentially will give her teammates a lot of trouble.

Evidence:
The results is very coincidental don't you think?
Chapter 98 ends with Saki looking at the dora indicator then releasing a massive aura after she made a kan. We found out that this kan revealed a dora indicator which happens to be in Kyouko's hand. Then, the shift of drawing order also caused Kyouko to win a hand. This hand value is enough to overtake Kasumi for second but not enough to overtake Saki... really the coincidence is just staggering...

Implications:
I don't think I need to tell you guys how godly the table control needed for the above to happen intentionally. And then you have to factor that Saki is playing +/- zero so she's essentially handicapping herself too while doing this.

Spoiler for Why Kiyosumi team is perfectly okay with the quarter finals result:

We know from Achiga-hen that Saki is still in good terms with her teammates and after thinking it over, no one on her team will even complain with the result of her quarter-final match since this is the best result for them.

A. Saki intentionally playing +/- zero
Saki playing +/-zero is a perfectly valid strategy. Ok, we might not like it since in some ways if feels like Saki is playing with a handicap and not even bothering to use her full power. But, that is the exact point isn't it?

Considering there are teams who like collecting the opponents data and finding their weak points cough Senriyama cough Himematsu... giving them a free show of all your abilities is suicidal. Its better for Kiyosumi in the long run to show as little of their full power as possible.

Heck, Miyamori demonstrated this strategy with Toyone. They deliberately hid Toyone's abilities so that she can act as a hidden ace. Even, Eisui did this since Kasumi's hidden channeling powers were undocumented by Kyouko who probably analyze every single game her opponent is on.

B. Saki eliminating Eisui and Miyamori and allowing Himematsu to win

This is perfectly logical and a valid strategy. If Saki intentionally eliminated Eisui and Miyamori no one will complain on her teammates part.

Miyamori is a team of specialist and they've been actively hampering Kiyosumi's progress. Starting with Shiro who was the primary blocker of Yuuki's hands. Then, Aislinn is supposedly strong and she might figure out what is happening and counter Mako. Kurumi along with Haru stopped Hisa's recovery. Then, Sae has a blocking power which is dead useful, she also has a good timing in which she manipulated Hatsumi's attack so that Nodoka will pay the largest amount as a dealer. Finally, Toyone is supposedly the strongest and she may have six abilities.

Eisui is even worse that despite having been in a bad situation with Hatsumi being blocked and Jindai not sleeping enough was still leading before Saki took control because of sheer hax power.

Assuming that Kiyosumi will get first and Eisui second if Saki have not interfered. Then, Eisui will most certainly be gunning for Kiyosumi in the semi-final match. Hatsumi will not be blocked because Sae is not there and she might spam yakuman. Then, Jindai will probably sleep a lot which will be hard for poor Yuuki. And we can bet that Kasumi will be marking Saki very closely this time around.



So yeah, the quarter finals result is the best that Kiyosumi could have hoped for so they won't be complaining or lecturing Saki about it. Then, there is the fact that we don't know if Saki is acting alone on a whim or this is Kiyosumi's strategy for this match.

Kiyosumi seems to be avoiding showing their later players' capabilities. Hisa ended their first match on the lieutenant match before the Vice-captain and Captain matches. And then before Saki's match, Saki was seen talking with Hisa and Yuuki and who knows what instruction they gave to Saki.

It could be something like, "show as little of your abilities as possible and if the opportunity arise to eliminate Eisui and Miyamori do so."

I think that after some of my outrage is gone, I appreciate this sort of strategy. When you think about it, its not really arrogance but Saki and Kiyosumi is being dead serious about this tournament. They're not giving an inch to their opponents to exploit which is a sign of respect when you think about it.

[Scarletknive]

Originally Posted by Requiem-x

Wow... so Teru really is human.

Saki, you're losing credibility faster and faster.

Toki ;_;

Well, yeah, but I want more skimpy outfits (I mean just simpy, not Hajime tier).

There are no evidence saying that Teru is not human outside at all... So Saki assume she is a monster from the aura. *Waverider'd*

Call the ambulance, we got 1 to go. UWAH! *Mega Particle Gun'd*

Skimpy outfits? You surely want that? *Spear'd*

Speaking of which, the title for both anime and manga are different.

Anime: Promise

Whereas

Manga: Counterattack.(I got it translated by using Char's "Counterattack" as a reference.)

Is there something new in chapter 12 not shown in anime? Or is just because the Anime is original?

[King-Slayer]

Originally Posted by Requiem-x

Meanwhile, or rather, a little later, on the other side

Spoiler for The day when Saber, Caster and Lancer joined forces:

First thing you noticed: Kuro's Nodoka sized boobs.
Second thing you noticed: Kirame being awesome.

Why can't we have a mahou shoujo Saki spinoff, Ritz? Why?

My god i love this. Kirame looks so awesome and one of the few who will at least try to take down the monster.