Tokyo Ravens [Light Novel]

[Iron Maw]

Originally Posted by Used Can

To be honest, I'm not sure if Yakotora is what Bakatora would have normally become 10 years later (i.e. if he never had to partially break his seal against Shaver, and he never awakened as Yakou).

Well I always felt this would be inevitable as long as he continued stand by Natsume. If he didn't break part of his seal against Shaver, it would have happened elsewhere given the kinda of people they're up against.

For one, Yakotora has 2 OP shikigami (plus a who knows how many other shikigami in addition to those fucking OP Spiders), and being the father of modern Onmyoudou gives him quite an in-depth knowledge in this craft - and I remember Imperial Onmyoudou wasn't well-documented, so he probably knows a fuckton of stuff other Onmyouji have no idea about.

Thus, whilst I can agree Bakatora would definitely have grown as an Onmyouji (and as a person) in 10 years time, I doubt he would have been able to casually waltz into the SST and do as he pleased (even less remain as fresh and collected), despite having Jougen and his cronies against him like Yakotora did - not to mention something that helped Yakotora was the fact he understood how the barrier of SST worked, since he's the one who placed it, so he knew how to deal with it beforehand. In fact, he came prepared for that.

I'm only speaking more in terms general personality traits, rather than being exactly him. The kinda of things come from age: maturity, experience and most importantly his passion for magic. That said, as you pointed out Harutora is Yakou under different name and (re)living a different life. So what we are seeing are aspects that are inherit rather added.

Anyway, that aside, is this REINCARNATION album releasing the full track for the TV-version of X-encounter? Considering the 90sec PV I suppose it is.
I don't like the current one (i.e. the full version of X-encounter available right now), because it's too high pitched. I liked the anime series' version better.

Unfortunately this kinda of thing we won't know until album drops.

Yakou is considered the father of modern Onmyoudou, because he's the one who revitalised and recreated it (we're told he added so many things from other sources that Imperial Onmyoudou is only referred to as 'Onmyoudou' because Yakou was an Onmyouji, however, you could hardly call it Onmyoudou in the original sense).
This is, at least, the information we've got from the LN.

Don't forget that he also remove most of religious and abstracts concepts that was integral in the old Onmyoudou which one of the other primary reasons for its difference.

[Used Can]

Originally Posted by Iron Maw

Well I always felt this would be inevitable as long as he continued stand by Natsume. If he didn't break part of his seal against Shaver, it would have happened elsewhere given the kinda of people they're up against.

Who knows? They never even began to suspect Natsume was a girl, and even less that Harutora was the real reincarnation of Yakou.
That being said, I suppose Yasuzumi might have had his own plans regarding when Harutora should have recovered his own memories, but he kinda sucks at planning.

Originally Posted by Iron Maw

I'm only speaking more in terms general personality traits, rather than being exactly him. The kinda of things come from age: maturity, experience and most importantly his passion for magic. That said, as you pointed out Harutora is Yakou under different name and (re)living a different life. So what we are seeing are aspects that are inherit rather added.

Ah, then I agree. Harutora would have likely become a good Onmyouji - how good, I don't know, since by the time Harutora was seriously trying to improve himself, shit happened and he awakened as Yakou.

Originally Posted by Iron Maw

Unfortunately this kinda of thing we won't know until album drops.

The PV has given me hope it'll be a full version of the TV song.
I really want to listen it.

Originally Posted by Iron Maw

Don't forget that he also remove most of religious and abstracts concepts that was integral in the old Onmyoudou which one of the other primary reasons for its difference.

Indeed, though I wonder if he was as strict on the "no religious/abstract concepts" part as the ones who elaborated "General Onmyoudou" were.
I mean, considering the Taizan Fukun Ritual seems to be part of Imperial Onmyoudou, I would suppose he might have been more relaxed about those aspects.

[Iron Maw]

Originally Posted by Used Can

Who knows? They never even began to suspect Natsume was a girl, and even less that Harutora was the real reincarnation of Yakou.

The antagonists didn't really have much bearing on Harutora breaking his seal the first time around since it happened primary due to desperate situation was only indirectly linked to Twin Horn. Any similar opponent or other dire situation could have cause it.

That being said, I suppose Yasuzumi might have had his own plans regarding when Harutora should have recovered his own memories, but he kinda sucks at planning.

Actually, I'm under the impression that Yasuzumi had always planned to lift the curse, but through Natsume, which is why he taught her the spell (without telling her what it actually was of course). He was probably well aware of her feelings towards his son and that she would eventually make him her shikigami as per tradition too. Things most likely happened earlier than expected, but the result (Natsume's death aside) was as he wanted, or rather in his expectations.

Indeed, though I wonder if he was as strict on the "no religious/abstract concepts" part as the ones who elaborated "General Onmyoudou" were.
I mean, considering the Taizan Fukun Ritual seems to be part of Imperial Onmyoudou, I would suppose he might have been more relaxed about those aspects.

Yeah, it's very likely that Imperial Onmyoudou was more flexible in that area. Another way to look at it is that souls are probably not considered a religious concept in Imperial Onmyodou, but rather part of natural order of nature and as well being no different than any other part of a living being. Gods like Taizan Fukun are probably view in the similar fashion by have their existences acknowledged, despite not being worshiped.

[@GEMC]

was baka tsuki not working again?

[Iron Maw]

It's down? AGAIN?!

[Zilch_Saber]

Originally Posted by Iron Maw

It's down? AGAIN?!

Good grief ....

[InfinityDragonGod]

Actually baka tsuki came back some time ago

[wandering-dreamer]

Originally Posted by Iron Maw

Actually, I'm under the impression that Yasuzumi had always planned to lift the curse, but through Natsume, which is why he taught her the spell (without telling her what it actually was of course). He was probably well aware of her feelings towards his son and that she would eventually make him her shikigami as per tradition too. Things most likely happened earlier than expected, but the result (Natsume's death aside) was as he wanted, or rather in his expectations.

I agree here, if he's a seer he must've known it was fruitless to try and prevent the future from happening but wanted to delay it long enough that Harutora could handle it (which he's doing surprisingly well now actually).

[tuckersister]

There is gonna be powerful antagonist that much stronger than anybody can think off. The antagonist will just drop in, beat the shit out of everyone, get what was needed and than leave. An enemy that no one even knows is very dangerous and mysterious.

The past will always come back to haunt you. Though it depends on what past.

[Frontier]

Originally Posted by Iron Maw

Actually, I'm under the impression that Yasuzumi had always planned to lift the curse, but through Natsume, which is why he taught her the spell (without telling her what it actually was of course). He was probably well aware of her feelings towards his son and that she would eventually make him her shikigami as per tradition too. Things most likely happened earlier than expected, but the result (Natsume's death aside) was as he wanted, or rather in his expectations.

Originally Posted by wandering-dreamer

I agree here, if he's a seer he must've known it was fruitless to try and prevent the future from happening but wanted to delay it long enough that Harutora could handle it (which he's doing surprisingly well now actually).

That actually makes a lot of sense, especially considering Yasuzumi's abilities and how extensive his reading of the stars are supposed to be. It doesn't completely redeem or absolve him in my eyes, but I'll at least say my opinion of Yasuzumi may somewhat soften if this turns out to be the case.

[DarkDooM]

Originally Posted by tuckersister

There is gonna be powerful antagonist that much stronger than anybody can think off. The antagonist will just drop in, beat the shit out of everyone, get what was needed and than leave. An enemy that no one even knows is very dangerous and mysterious.

The past will always come back to haunt you. Though it depends on what past.

A good story doesn't necessarily require a "bad guy", you know.

[bakato]

Chapter 5!

[black prince]

"They were originally things I made, so it's more accurate to say that I'm 'taking them back'."

To Harutora who casually said that, Hishamaru replied:

"These things must be very happy right now as well."

"Those things are armaments, not you."

Kakugyouki rebutted.

LOL


oh Yakou, you still want to play Shogi after lossing 100 games

[Shorya]

Wow the chapter 5 was really good.....!!!
especially the last part the revealed Akino's from Souma family....!!!!

[choopo]

finally finished Vol 10 and thanks to Lygophile-sama
Look like vol 11 will take alot of time until fully translated

[Used Can]

Man, it feels odd that we're finally at this point in the story.
Lygo has come quite a long way.

Either way, I think some parts of the translation can be fixed.

"Harutora-sama, you're a different person, but I can see in you the appearance of Yakou-sama when he was your age."

"It's obvious that we'd be similar, since we're of the same bloodline."

Spoiler for Volume 10:

In the Japanese version they say:

「春虎様は、別の人だというのに、夜行様の面影がありますな」
「同じ血族だからな。にてるんだろ」

The first line is best translated as: "Although Harutora-sama is a different person, Yakou-sama's appearance remains there." There's no age context in this sentence.
As for the second line, a better translation would be: "It's the same bloodline, after all. Quite the resemblance, huh?"

"I have other reasons!"

"Then why don't you spend some more time with me?"

Spoiler for Volume 10:

In the Japanese text they say:

「理由がある！」
「なるほど。・・・・・・ぞれで・・・・・・他はよろしいのかな？」

For the first line: "There's a reason!" or "I've got a reason". There's no "other" in this sentence.
The second sentence is actually rather different from how it was translated. Sennou actually says: "I see... In that case... Would you meet someone else?

[Iron Maw]

Thanks again Lygo, very good climax and ending.

Yeah... Tsuchigumos are definitely OP. Harutora didn't even need use Hishamaru or Kakugyouki for this. Those things alone would have been enough. Hell you would think that massive near god-level lightning attack would taken it down, but nope.

"Thunder, fill the sky for nine days!"

Missed opportunity that anime did not keep that bit from Chizuru during her fight with Marin in vol 8. Would have had been a great throwback when Natsume perform the same spell like in the novels.

Originally Posted by black prince

LOL


oh Yakou, you still want to play Shogi after lossing 100 games

The best part was that letter.

I've taken quite a liking Sen, hope he'll show up again sometime.

Originally Posted by Used Can

Man, it feels odd that we're finally at this point in the story.
Lygo has come quite a long way.

Either way, I think some parts of the translation can be fixed.

Spoiler for Volume 10:

In the Japanese version they say:

The first line is best translated as: "Although Harutora-sama is a different person, Yakou-sama's appearance remains there." There's no age context in this sentence.
As for the second line, a better translation would be: "It's the same bloodline, after all. Quite the resemblance, huh?"

Spoiler for Volume 10:

In the Japanese text they say:

For the first line: "There's a reason!" or "I've got a reason". There's no "other" in this sentence.
The second sentence is actually rather different from how it was translated. Sennou actually says: "I see... In that case... Would you meet someone else?

I also felt this part from the spoilers was a little clearer in the JP version:

"Priest, how many 'feats of the ancients' do you think I crushed and how many 'long-lived techniques' do you think I severed in the past for the nation? I'm the person who melted and recast the things that you always prized, forging them into things sharp as sabers. Things I ought to protect, you say? Have you gone senile from old age? I'm the madman who once muddied the nation's magic into chaos and then reorganized them with no misgivings, you know?"

Spoiler for Volume 10(JP):

"Instructor...Do you know how much 'legacies of our forefathers' I destroyed? How many 'traditions that withstood generations' I killed? All these things you held so sacred, was perverted for the sole purpose of military power of our dear country. You want me to protect it? Do you know who I AM? I am the madman who forcefully merged this land's magic into this mess and reintroduced it!"

I suppose he could merged them all like he did with quote at beginning of chapter 1.

[Zilch_Saber]

The time Natsume shouted " Bakatoraaaaaaaaa".... I also almost shouted and re-enact it in here! (in my house).

Chapter 5 is just superb awesome! Just see much clearly how much BADASS Yakotora is

Even though, he doesn't have a divinition just like his father. It almost like he could foresee the future. I like that part when Sen said those things. Damn, If Yako just also good at shogi, but 100x? LOL

[DarkDooM]

Spoiler:

Yakou-sama - Harutora-sama, did you always realize what would happen today? He couldn't imagine getting the upper hand over that genius in anything other than shogi. Maybe he could try for longevity.

Is this sentence translated correctly? I'm not sure here if Sen is questioning whether Yakou knew what would happen here someday and therefore gave him that contract or not...

Amazing chapter again. With this, the "setup" volume for part 2 is finished. I'm looking forward to see those twin-seers, that were said to be far above even Miyoshi when working together, in future volumes. I wonder if they're female or male, and how old they are. Do they show up in volume 11 already?

[The One-way Road]

Wonderful chapter, captivating from start 'till finish.

Spoiler for Vol 10 Ch 5:

"Are you fine?"
"Of course, Harutora-sama."
Hishamaru waved her fox tail, replying pompously.
Kakugyouki shrugged his shoulders at the two, showing a fed-up expression.
"What Harutora wants to hear about is the condition of your 'stability'. It's normally a pretty bad condition, and the magical array just now could only have impacted it negatively. Why don't you just obediently stay on the sidelines?"
"How foolish. Defensive shikigami are supposed to always stay by their masters. How can I alone stay uninvolved?"
The fox spirit frowned and rejected the one-armed oni's proposal. But Harutora also looked troubled.
"But what Kakugyouki says is reasonable. Hishamaru, you don't need to force yourself that much."
"What! H-Harutora-sama, even you're saying such things? Harutora-sama, are you saying you no longer need Hishamaru!?"
Tokyo Ravens Volume 10-326.jpg

"I never said that kind of thing at all."
"T-Then please don't say such heartless things. My current condition definitely isn't as severe as Kakugyouki says. It's my natural responsibility to move alongside you as a defensive shikigami."
Hishamaru desperately spoke to Harutora with a despairing expression. Tears welled up in her clear blue eyes and the ears on her head and her elegant fox tail trembled pitifully. To be honest, it had been fine when she had her child form, but Harutora was pretty troubled every time he saw her do this kind of thing with her stifling beauty now that she had an otherworldly gorgeous appearance. He smiled bitterly, just replying to Hishamaru with an "I understand". Actually, he felt more at ease letting her follow him by his side than forcefully ordering her to leave and ending up with her secretly trailing him.

So she's still like that, huh. "Cute as a kid, but awkward as an adult." Can it have something to do with her breaking of the seal. Poor Harutora, in any case.

We might not get a translation of volume 11 anytime soon, but there's always hope for the side story novels. They would definetly give new depths to the characters and the TR-universe.