Mod Preface:
The purpose of this thread is to house discussion that seek to compare the novels with the way the content was adapted in the anime, and to speculate on how future novels may be adapted.
If you are going to discuss major plot developments from unanimated novels, please use spoiler tags.
The post below was moved from another thread, and discussion picks up from that point.
The adaptation of Nisemonogatari has its good and its bad, but the bad points are more than I expected. Frankly I am a bit worried about the future adaptations. The problem is that whereas Bakemonogatari was more focused, in Nise there is an increasing amount of inner thoughts that not only offer some exposition but also offer the context for the gags. If you cut them all you end up with something that is not so funny and yet you can't cut because it is referenced elsewhere.
And while in Bake the amount of gags was relatively low, so you could cut them here and there and manage to make it appear more serious, this absolutely didn't work in Nise. At the core it's a slice of life comedy. Cutting most of the comedy is cutting the strong point. It is undeniable that Tsukihi Phoenix has a simple story, but that doesn't mean that you can simplify it to this extent in the adaptation. The adaptation feels as weird as if they changed the main character. Things are the same yet they are not.
Some people explained it to themselves thinking Nise is the worst book in the series (something that got stuck from when there was only Bake, Nise and Kizu out). The truth is that if they continue like this Bake will be better than many other stories in the series. Books whose strong point is the inner thoughts of the main character (like NekoShiro and Otori) will be butchered. Kabuki and Oni will receive the same fate of Tsukihi Phoenix probably. Only those books where there are plenty of interactions between characters like Hana and Koi will avoid to be overly compressed, and even then there will be some people who will find them too long like Nise1
Last edited by relentlessflame; 2012-03-11 at 13:17.
The adaptation of Nisemonogatari has its good and its bad, but the bad points are more than I expected. Frankly I am a bit worried about the future adaptations. The problem is that whereas Bakemonogatari was more focused, in Nise there is an increasing amount of inner thoughts that not only offer some exposition but also offer the context for the gags. If you cut them all you end up with something that is not so funny and yet you can't cut because it is referenced elsewhere.
And while in Bake the amount of gags was relatively low, so you could cut them here and there and manage to make it appear more serious, this absolutely didn't work in Nise. At the core it's a slice of life comedy. Cutting most of the comedy is cutting the strong point. It is undeniable that Tsukihi Phoenix has a simple story, but that doesn't mean that you can simplify it to this extent in the adaptation. The adaptation feels as weird as if they changed the main character. Things are the same yet they are not.
Some people explained it to themselves thinking Nise is the worst book in the series (something that got stuck from when there was only Bake, Nise and Kizu out). The truth is that if they continue like this Bake will be better than many other stories in the series. Books whose strong point is the inner thoughts of the main character (like NekoShiro and Otori) will be butchered. Kabuki and Oni will receive the same fate of Tsukihi Phoenix probably. Only those books where there are plenty of interactions between characters like Hana and Koi will avoid to be overly compressed, and even then there will be some people who will find them too long like Nise1
Let's just hope the Blu-ray version will have added scenes for this episode. It was way too rushed this time.
The adaptation of Nisemonogatari has its good and its bad, but the bad points are more than I expected. Frankly I am a bit worried about the future adaptations. The problem is that whereas Bakemonogatari was more focused, in Nise there is an increasing amount of inner thoughts that not only offer some exposition but also offer the context for the gags. If you cut them all you end up with something that is not so funny and yet you can't cut because it is referenced elsewhere.
And while in Bake the amount of gags was relatively low, so you could cut them here and there and manage to make it appear more serious, this absolutely didn't work in Nise. At the core it's a slice of life comedy. Cutting most of the comedy is cutting the strong point. It is undeniable that Tsukihi Phoenix has a simple story, but that doesn't mean that you can simplify it to this extent in the adaptation. The adaptation feels as weird as if they changed the main character. Things are the same yet they are not.
Some people explained it to themselves thinking Nise is the worst book in the series (something that got stuck from when there was only Bake, Nise and Kizu out). The truth is that if they continue like this Bake will be better than many other stories in the series. Books whose strong point is the inner thoughts of the main character (like NekoShiro and Otori) will be butchered. Kabuki and Oni will receive the same fate of Tsukihi Phoenix probably. Only those books where there are plenty of interactions between characters like Hana and Koi will avoid to be overly compressed, and even then there will be some people who will find them too long like Nise1
Hmm. I do think in Nise it's been harder to follow the interactions and development of the characters. If I hadn't been spoiling myself, I'd probably be a bit lost with this story. Only last episode, for example, did I realize how this season/these novels have done a huge degree of setup for the future developments with Mayoi and Hanekawa's characters. But I wouldn't have realized it without some spoiler knowledge and your very detailed chapter summaries.
One of the things Shinbo has said is that SHAFT's primary goal with adaptations is to satisfy fans of the original series. Perhaps by focusing too much on that, they've sacrificed a large part of the story's appeal/coherency for mainstream, unfamiliar-with-the-source-material audiences.
I think the basic issue is, like you've pointed out, a more limited access to Araragi's internal monologues. On the one hand, I can appreciate that anime is a visual medium, and that it would probably be extremely difficult to include all of the dialogue which was written in the novels in a more complete manner (because talking is slow, and even Bake had to cut out a lot in order to fit the adaptation into 15 episodes). On the other hand, I do think that this final arc, as well as early episodes such as for example episode 2 with Nadeko, could definitely have used more time, extending the season by maybe one or two extra episodes.
I'm still excited for the next episode though, anyway. We are certainly scheduled to finally see some
Spoiler:
short-haired Hitagi
, which has been teased in the promo materials from before even the start of the season.
As for the future of the series, I am fine if SHAFT does it in whatever way which will keep up sales. I don't know if the somewhat compressed method of Nise that they used here will necessarily be the best one for that, but I will be satisfied just so long as SHAFT keeps the series healthy enough to do a complete adaptation. In the end, with the light novels more quickly beginning to be translated and myself planning to learn Japanese, I am prepared to go to the novels themselves in order to get the full story if that is necessary--so, I just hope that all the really amazing scenes which fans are looking forward to will be successfully animated.
About your comment within the spoiler tag. We are wayyyyyy past that point.
lol, you guys did mention that it was supposed to have been in the previous episode but I am still holding out that next week they will stuff it in. Otherwise, the whole preview thing would turn out to be a complete troll, which I admit could be potentially hilarious. However, I'm still hoping that it will be there.
One of the things Shinbo has said is that SHAFT's primary goal with adaptations is to satisfy fans of the original series. Perhaps by focusing too much on that, they've sacrificed a large part of the story's appeal/coherency for mainstream, unfamiliar-with-the-source-material audiences.
Honestly, I don't know what Shaft wanted to do. It is obvious that it's not entirely their fault, as the novels themselves were not written with adaptation in mind, and there are points that definitely show that. Perhaps the problem is that Shaft tried to use with Nise the same template they used with Bake or something like that. It simply doesn't work. All the novels are different beasts. This or maybe there are misunderstandings between Nisio and either his fans or Shinbo. For example if you read the books you can see Nisio's specialty is the anticlimax, yet Shaft cut most gags of that type.
-Araragi was going home after leading Karen to Kanbaru, but Kanbaru's grandmother invited him in so he ate there. His parents work every day, anyway.
-Araragi thought at the irony of having Shinobu giving him the silence treatment when he wanted a reaction from her, and now that he wanted to study she came out nonchalantly. Then he went immediately back studying, ignoring her. Shinobu got his attention with a choke sleeper. Araragi had to give up. "If you let me go you will understand" <- a reference to Prime Minister Inukai's last words ("If we talk you will understand". The verb is a homophone). Then Araragi realized Shinobu observed him getting cozy with his sister that morning. Shinobu received Araragi's anxiety from when Karen hugged him and he feared for the bones of his neck. Araragi realized even that the damage he was receiving from Shinobu's choke sleeper was getting transmitted back at her. In the end Shinobu had to stop to catch some breath. Araragi also explains the feedback works only one way, so if he rubbed Shinobu's breast he wouldn't feel anything (Araragi chose this example because it was easy to understand).
-Araragi complained that Shinobu interfered with his innocent skinship with Hachikuji. Shinobu replied that she just couldn't let it pass as owner of the same attribute (being a loli?).
-The secret information Shinobu mentioned was an advertisement on a newspaper. Araragi saw it too.
-It seems Araragi got no reaction from Shinobu when he met Ononoki because at the time Shinobu was dozing off. After all she normally sleeps during the day.
-Shinobu said that if Araragi doesn't accept her request she would always interfere with his meetings with Hachikuji. Despite being angry about it, Araragi had to recognize Shinobu was trying to protect Hachikuji after all. Anyway, Araragi remarked that in that case Shinobu should always be awake during daytime, which would be difficult for her. Shinobu then changed it with an offer of cooperation, she would have helped Araragi to do with Hachikuji as he pleased. Araragi noted how in a certain room of a normal house the human rights of a girl were nicely violated. Shinobu added that with her help Araragi could do ero things with all girls, not just with Hachikuji. Araragi noted how Shinobu was a bit like a succubus. She was fundamentally slave to her passions, so even sexual desire is included. He grieved Shinobu was less aware of certain things even as an adult during Spring Break. Anyway, Araragi remarked that Shinobu had lost most of her abilities as a vampire, so she couldn't do that. Shinobu thought about it for a little, then she said she could do thing like looking inside Hachikuji's skirt from the shadow and then leak the color of her panties to Araragi. Araragi felt pity for Shinobu and then agreed to take her to Mr. Donuts.
-Shinobu said that the sun is her enemy, and that one day she will defeat it.
-Shinobu said she would wait while playing with her DS. Araragi felt like his shadow had become a 4dimensional pocket. Shinobu explained that it's not like that, she just created it using her matter creation power, which she can use only inside his shadow. She copied the DS from the one Araragi borrowed from Sengoku. Araragi once mentioned to Sengoku he would have liked to have a DS because he heard there are several softwares for studying, and the next day she lent him one which looked brand new. As thanks for that Araragi promised to take her to the pool (this was covered in Nadeko Pool).
-Araragi told Karen to get home before dinner, but he doesn't know if karen listened to him. In the worst case Karen would pass the night at Kanbaru's and climb up the steps to adulthood, or at least to girlhood. Anyway, he doesn't care anymore.
-Tsukihi is so full of gentle curves it reminded Araragi of Tarepanda.
-At a certain point during the conversation Tsukihi came out with a word that doesn't make sense. Araragi: "Chao?" Tsukihi: "Chuchu!". This exchange, a corruption from Kansai dialect "Chau?" "Chauchau" is presented as sibling speech. Not even Araragi is sure they were understanding each other though.
-Araragi said he started be on bad terms with his sisters after he became a middleschooler, and started to see his sisters as children. He acknowledged he was a bit conceited.
-Tsukihi says that after they became teens the police can't overlook her and Karen anymore, so it would be a good time to quiet down.
-Tsukihi was afraid that if Karen started bullying her, all the balance that existed before would crumble and she would cry in her pillow every day.
-Araragi thought Tsukihi looked determined when she decided to talk with Karen about breaking up the Fire Sisters, but he knew that when Karen was back home Tsukihi would only be able to think about her missing ponytail. He planned to let Shinobu suck more blood from him just in case.
-Araragi explains Tsukihi had changed haircut another time after that morning. Araragi feared sooner or later he would have found her with cornrows. He also thought her current hairstyle made her look more grown up. If she still had the bobcut maybe she would have attacked him and Karen with an electric drill instead of an awl.
-After he undressed Tsukihi, tied up her hands and mounted over her, Araragi thought that if someone entered the door (ie: Karen or his parents) it would be the end for the series. He felt like his good impression on the readers had fallen under the graph.
-This wasn't mentioned in the anime, but Araragi once explained that in the past Tsukihi jumped from the roof of the school building and fell on the canopy of a truck. She got her scar then. Besides, since she wasn't as strong as Karen she got plenty of bruises from her activity as Fire Sister (or from her fights with Araragi).
-When Araragi touched her sister's breast with his foot, he repeated "puyo puyo puyo puyo". "Puyopuyo" is the onomatopoea of something jelly-like, but also the name of an old game akin to Puzzle Fighter and Tetris. Araragi starts saying the name of the chains in that game: "Fire" Tsukihi: "I don't do chains" Araragi: "Icestorm. Diacute. Braindumd. Jugem. Bioen" Tsukihi: "Batankyuu!" (Batankyuu is what the game says when you are defeated). Araragi felt like a huge number of puyo blocks where going to fall his way, but he wanted to try at least once in his life to do a 7-chain combo for real.
(This scene had the potential for something crazy. I was imagining Araragi tapping Tsukihi's breasts like they were a controller, while on the screen pinkish monoeye puyos were falling)
-Araragi commented as of now no good impression remained of him. At this point he was like an evil fiend. Tsukihi said the if Araragi continued like that she would really have to report it to Hanekawa. Anyway, Araragi said that he had standards though, there are people he can touch and people he can't touch.
-When Tsukihi said that her brother was getting too physical on her, Araragi remarked that Karen probably was receiving the same treatment (from Kanbaru).
-Araragi reflected that if his behaviour with his sisters were to be discovered, Senjougahara might send him a letter of divorce. He can't introduce her to his sisters. In fact, just the fact their sisters know Hanekawa is troubling enough.
-Araragi thought nothing remained of the old character of Shinobu. He reckoned Kaii receive a big influence from surroundings. Even the first Black Hanekawa was different from the second, possibly reflecting Hanekawa's change. He concluded Shinobu's change must come from his influence.
-At Mr. Donuts, Araragi thought Shinobu had brighten up so much she looked like a super saiyan.
-When Shinobu said it could be a good investment to curry her favor, she once again mentioned the contents of girl skirts. Araragi replied that he doesn't need any leak, he can do it on his own. Shinobu commented Araragi was alpha. Anyway, Araragi didn't need any cooperation, but he wished at least Shinobu didn't interfere in his meetings with Hachikuji. As a secret motive though, he treated Shinobu because he wanted to ask her about Kagenui and Ononoki.
-Araragi would have liked if Shinobu at least thanked him. The money he was using was the one he was thinking of using to buy reference books for his studies.
-In the end Araragi let Shinobu chose his share. It took her 30 minutes to choose. And she even chose 3 Flocky Chou, a chocolate one, an apple one, a blueberry one (no variety).
-Shinobu revealed in her 500 years long life she thought of destroying humanity several times, but she sweared to Araragi she won't do to humanity something that could hurt Mr. Donuts.
-Shinobu says that she is on Araragi's side, but not humanity's (or kaii's). For this reason, she won't answer all the questions she is asked to. She told him about the bee last time to help him, not his sister.
-Ononoki Yotsugi was a fake name, said Shinobu with a posed look.
-Shinobu said that she wouldn't like to violate Ononoki's privacy, much like Araragi wouldn't like to have Shinobu talk to others about his personal inclinations. Araragi agreed.
-"Specialist" (senmonka) in this series is a keyword for people like Oshino. Here it means specialist in occult things. Kagenui in particular is an "onmyouji" (specialist in yin and yang).
-Araragi thought it was like Shinobu waited exactly for him to drink his coffee to tell him about Kaiki.
-Kaiki was eating muffins and pies (the ones Araragi didn't buy), and also an expresso.
-Araragi said that Kaiki should have left the city -- and yet. And yet. "And yet why are you here!?" Kaiki: "Did you think I would have kept the promise? Then you are a fool. The lesson you earned this time is that promises exist to be broken". Araragi noted that Kaiki managed to be ominous even while eating a blueberry muffin at Mr. Donuts. Kaiki explained he actually meant to keep the promise and Senjougahara and he wanted to never come back a second time in that city. A second time that is, he will come back in that city just once. Araragi thought that if he started saying that possibly he has visited that city three times already.
-Kaiki said he came back because he had a discount coupon that could be used only there (later he says there is also another reason). Araragi asked if that was a lie, and Kaiki replied he never lies.
-When Kaiki drank his expresso, Araragi noticed it was not on Mr. Donut's menu (custom ordination). He also wondered why even what Kaiki drinks must be pitch black. He felt like Kaiki was so ominous it was like he breathed in oxygen and exhaled black smoke. The muffins he was eating seemed mismatched.
-Kaiki said that for Araragi he was an odious person, but for him the odious person was Araragi.
-Kaiki noticed Shinobu. He said Araragi was not to be underestimated. He himself was bad, but Araragi was bad too. He was taking around that golden hair loli girl as if he owned her. Kaiki even asked Shinobu if he could take a photo of her for 500 yen. He said it could earn him 500000 yen, but Shinobu refused to sell herself cheap. Kaiki then offered her one muffin, and Shinobu told Araragi Kaiki was unexpectedly a nice guy. Araragi noted Kaiki didn't seem to notice Shinobu was a vampire, possibly because of his ideology.
-Kaiki also said he wasn't the type to comment about other people's tastes, if Araragi gave him money he wouldn't tell Senjougahara about Araragi's date with the little girl. Araragi wasn't worried that Senjougahara knew about Shinobu though (although the situation was different for Hachikuji).
-Araragi said to Kaiki he really looks like a crow. Kaiki took it as a compliment. For him the crow is a strong and smart bird. He recently saw a crow eating a pigeon, it was sublime for him, there were feathers everywhere. Araragi concluded it was not worthy to do casual conversation with Kaiki, he just couldn't do the gag part.
-Araragi told Kaiki that blond loli girl could recognize lies. Kaiki commended Araragi for having the courage to lie to swindlers. Shinobu to him looked like a foreigner, so she probably didn't have a great listening comprehension in Japanese.
-After Shinobu saw Kaiki snatching Araragi's purse, she started nodding saying that she could get a lot of donuts if she did the same thing. Araragi noted that as a kaii who was easy to influence, she was receiving only negative influence.
-Kaiki explained that for him there is no such thing like peanut money. He was the one who invented the saying "A penny at a pinch is worth a pound". Araragi noted Kaiki had started telling even falsehoods. He wondered what kind of life he lived.
-Araragi couldn't read Kaiki's emotions. He said Kaiki has a poker face. As explained by Hanekawa, poker face wasn't originally meant to be an emotionless face, but a face that expresses a different emotion from the one the person was feeling. Araragi noted Kaiki was not simply hiding his feelings, he was forging them. For this reason, Senjougahara was second rate as swindlers go, because at most she could just conceal her facial expression.
-Kaiki wanted to ask one thing (though he wasn't going to pay for it). He wanted to know why Araragi knew Kagenui and Ononoki's names. Araragi replied they just asked him the way. Kaiki was doubting Araragi had really met them, but he described them and Kaiki agreed they were the real ones.
-Araragi noted he had met by chance three occult specialists in the same day (he thought that could even be foreshadowing for Oshino's return). Kaiki replied that more than a chance it seemed like there was an evil intent behind. And then, while staring suggestively at Shinobu she told Araragi Kagenui and Ononoki were specialized in immortal kaii.
-Kagenui's nickname is "Kaii Korogashi" (one who knock down kaii). It sounds similar to Kissshot's "Kaii Koroshi" (kaii killer).
-Before leaving Araragi asked Kaiki to give him back one thing from his former purse: a photo of Senjougahara with her new haircut (taken with Kanbaru's digital camera) that Araragi kept in his purse as good luck charm for his exams. Kaiki gave it back saying that she looked like another person altogether. For him a cheerful Senjougahara had lost all her value. Araragi felt like Kaiki and Senjougahara's relationship was something more than a con man and a conned girl, but he didn't probe because he wasn't interested in the past.
-Araragi concluded that Kagenui and Ononoki called him brute and demon because he was partly vampire, which means his behaviour with Karen and Hachikuji was OK.
-Shinobu wanted to see how the world looked like during daytime, so she rode back with Araragi in his bycicle. She thought sitting in the basket would have made talking easier. Araragi called it the "Reverse ET riding".
-It seems that kaii and gods are basically the same thing. The Japanese call god everything unknown. In Japan it is said there are 8,000,000 known gods, which make them more common than one could think.
-Araragi thought it would be best to deal with Kagenui and Ononoki quickly, if possible even in the same day. He was not thinking of fighting though, he just wanted to talk. Negotations, like the ones Oshino did.
-Araragi resigned himself to take a rest from study that day.
-Araragi thought of going directly to the ruined cram school, but he used the money Kaiki left him to buy some donuts for his sisters (with Shinobu that kept pestering him if it was for her).
-Kagenui at first thought Shinobu was Araragi's younger sister. She thought Araragi was a lucky guy. Ononoki corrected her, saying Shinobu was actually a vampire, and in fact it was quite the old woman. Shinobu reacted badly at that word. Araragi noted he witnessed many times at night Shinobu rubbing her own chest looking miserable, but while she had her dissatisfactions with her current form, she still didn't like to be called an old woman. Despite being 500 years old. Shinobu called Ononoki a young newcomer. She then tried to jump off the basket in a cool way, but got stuck inside and had to struggle her way out. Araragi offered to help her but she refused, made the bike tumble down and then finally got out of the basket. Now she was pinned under the bycicle.
-Araragi noted that Kagenui had really a great balance for standing still over the gate without shaking. He noted that it was easier to keep balance while moving.
-Kagenui said that people who are easy to ask the way to are like mentors. They have an aura that can guide other people (Kagenui added she disliked a vague word like "aura" though). She said that nobody ever asked her the way, maybe her aura can't come out. Ononoki added that for that reason Kagenui doesn't walk on the streets. Behind and in front of Kagenui there are no paths (in Japanese it was the same word). Araragi couldn't understand well what she said, he thought it was another sibling lingo.
-Kagenui smiles more in the novel (and she had even a friendly smile to boot). For example, when she said Araragi was misunderstanding things, she was laughing. Araragi then thought he had been tricked by Kaiki (and he paid even money!). He started to think that for Kagenui and Ononoki he must look like someone weird in the head. The thought of them coming there to kill him now looked like megalomania. He thought he now was in a pinch, and the next person he negotiates with might be a doctor.
-Araragi said that even he would get angry if someone kept ringing the door, but he complained that because of Tsukihi the awl's image has been getting worse lately (and it was such a useful tool).
-Tsukihi managed to say they got guts to do such terrorist action to Fire Sisters' home where Justice dwells, but she then stopped puzzled at the scenery. There were three unknown persons (plus her brother) in front of her. Actually, she remembered the blond girl being together with her brother in the bath. Araragi complained she should have explained it to herself with a hallucination.
-"Unlimited Rulebook" is furigana for "Every exception has many rules".
-When Araragi jumped over Ononoki, Shinobu who was bound to his shadow was dragged over the asphalt.
-Araragi felt like Kagenui folded him like a bellows.
-The novel says even Tsukihi's hair ornaments were destroyed.
-Ononoki said Araragi's sister was "violated" (okasareteiru) by the phoenix.
-At the beginning of chapter 10 there is a part where the phoenix is explained, but chronologically it happened later and I think Shaft is saving it for the next episode, so I'll skip it for now.
-In the novel, Kagenui jumped over Ononoki's shoulder (this referenced Araragi's earlier riding over Karen's shoulders).
Just one question. Till this point of Tsukihi arc, Senjougahara hasn't physically appeared yet. Is that right?
That's correct.
__________________
Kudara nai na! Sig by TheEroKing.
Calling on all Naruto fans, One Piece fans, and Shounen-fans in general... I got two words for you: One-Punch Man!
Executive member of the ASS. Ready to flee at the first sign of trouble.
Geez, I see they cut a ton of content from the latest episode. There are so many scenes I would have loved to see animated, particularly the ones focused on Shinobu.
Does anybody know why they alloted seven episodes to Karen Bee and only four to Tsukihi Phoenix? Since both novels are roughly the same size, 6 episodes each would have made more sense, or 6-5 if they really couldn't afford to make a 12th episode.
Quote:
Originally Posted by teja208
@Shikijin
That's exactly my impression of him after reading the above novel content.
It's good to know that Araragi (and by extension Nisio himself) is aware his image has been completely ruined in Nise
-Araragi said he had a good news, although he admitted that for a certain group of maniac fans it was a sad news. Anyway, Senjougahara has been rehabilitated. Senjougahara, the one whose catchphrase was "spin three times and die, or die three times and bark like a dog", the second coming of the mad tiger Tiger Jet Singh. Senjougahara had lived two years as a highschooler without talking to anyone. Even if Araragi did managed to get her problem solved, the fact she has been hurt didn't disappear. Senjougahara's personality fundamentally became the one she ended up with after the crab. While before she feigned friendliness though, now that the crab problem was solved she lost her motivation to do so, and so she was found out by Hanekawa. She received from her a personality rehabilitation program. Araragi didn't know this, as he didn't know Hanekawa was giving him the strengthening version. Anyway, for Araragi what really rehabilitated Senjougahara was the fact she faced Kaiki. Araragi had complained Kaiki had been useless, but in the end he gave Senjougahara a sort of shock treatment, although it was her who wrested her rehabilitation from him. That said, Senjougahara became dere. She was so dere Araragi had to fire her as her tutor. She started sending him idle mails full of emoticons and giving him cute nicknames. She doesn't pluck flowers and crush insects anymore. And she uses stationery in the way it is supposed to be used. She started wearing shorter skirts and lighter dresses. She finally laughed more. It seems she wasn't like that not even in middle school. More than dere she was doro (syrupy). Tsundoro. He felt like it could all be an elaborate form of harassment. And she also cut her hair. She said that if there are people who cut their hair for a broken heart, there could also be people who cut their hair for love. It could be that Senjougahara took Hanekawa (who turned into a more normal girl) as role model. Anyway, both Hanekawa and Senjougahara couldn't continue to be extreme like that forever. Senjougahara managed to overcome her complex. Hanekawa once said that Senjougahara had become an ephemereal beauty in high school, but she added that the current Senjougahara was the one she liked the most. Araragi agreed. He thought this day would have come. He prayed for this day to come. He believed in this day. And finally it's here. Congratulations. Leaving aside the fact a life-threatening danger has disappeared, he is really happy for her. In fact, he is a bit envious because he still hasn't overcome his complex with the kaii.
Spoiler for chapter 10 (phoenix):
-The phoenix is the kaii of the cuckoo (lesser cuckoo), although in Japan people associated the phoenix with the image of the peafowl. The cuckoo was once considered a bird that migrated to the underworld. In Japanese poetry, where it is emphasized the season, the cuckoo was a symbol of summer, well fit the period Tsukihi Phoenix was set in. The Japanese are very familiar with the cuckoo, and gave him dozens of names (really), among which "shide no taosa", where "shide" is "death, and entering the hereafter". When Shinobu mentioned the myth of the phoenix involves old birds throwing themselves into the flames, Araragi was remembered that the cuckoo was also a bird associated with moon (the Japanese cuckoo, or hototogisu, is often shown flying across the face of the moon. This image signifies honor and advancement in status, and refers to the story of the samurai Yorimasa, who, while being awarded for slaying a monster, saw a cuckoo flying in the night). Moon + Fire = Tsukihi. Araragi thought it was a stupid pun. Araragi also remembered the urban legend of the Rolls Royce which never breaks down as told by Hachikuji. He though it was just idle talk, but it was a pertinent metaphor of the phoenix. Shinobu asked Araragi if he ever thought there was something strange with his sister. He did. He even noticed that very day she had no scars anymore. Shinobu explained the phoenix increases the regeneration according to the gravity of the wound, so small wounds heal more slowly, while big wounds heal instantly. This also on the purpose of blending with the surroundings. Araragi had noted Tsukihi's hair grew too fast, as did her nails, so she kept going to hair salons and bathing. He never minded because it was family, but he felt something he couldn't quite point the finger at. Not even Shinobu realized the true nature of Tsukihi though.
Spoiler for chapters 11-12-13:
-Karen had just said that that was a very memorable day in her life, and from now on she won't have any surprise anymore... until she saw the entranceway of her house has been destroyed.
-Karen complained her key now could only be used to cut vinyl tape. Araragi thought her brain was like a bee's nest (i.e.: full of holes).
-Karen said she left Kanbaru's house early because being with Kanbaru-sensei made her too nervous, and she felt her head was boiling and she was starting to stutter.
-Karen said Kanbaru had a strange habit of puffing her cheeks, for example when Karen got her face close or when they had a little skinship.
-Karen and Kanbaru played street basket at a public park. Kanbaru was strong a basket, but weak at rock-paper-scissors.
-Araragi thought he was right in hiding Kanbaru's peculiar inclinations, Karen might have really offered her her virginity. He was also thankful to Kanbaru for restraining herself.
-Karen then noticed it would be better to talk about the destroyed entranceway. Araragi reprimended her saying that Kanbaru would certainly feel disappointed if Karen changed topic midway while talking about her. Karen agreed, and added that they played a game of tag at the jungle gym... then pointed out that the destroyed entranceway was way more important (noritsukkomi, playing along with the joke at first).
-Araragi felt like the faithful dog Hachiko for guarding the house like that.
-Araragi first answered that syndacate pursuit teams really came. Karen cussed at them. Then she thought she was talking like Korosuke (a character created by the author of Doraemon). Then she started wanting to eat korokke (croquette). Then she decided she will have oden for dinner. In the end she realized she didn't know any syndacate.
-Araragi thought that in the end he did study that day, if one includes life as subject.
-Karen said that she would have guarded the destroyed gate as Cerberus, or as Dekamaster. Araragi commented she really liked Dekaranger. Karen said she aimed at entering the Fire Squad, although since she can do the handstand well she is probably Green.
-When Karen answered immediately saying she would die for him, Araragi thought he would fall in love if she weren't his sister.
-Araragi not only carried the unconscious Tsukihi to bed, but he also changed her clothes. He says changing clothes on an unconscious person was very difficult, although a Japanese yukata made it easier. He ended up tucking in the right side under the left (which is done only for the dead), he thought it was ironic, considered Tsukihi was the bird of the afterdeath (shide no tori).
-Araragi thought it was also ironic that until now he called many times his sisters fake, and yet his sister Tsukihi was really a fake.
-Araragi said this development was too sudden. Just this morning he was playing piggyback with Karen, and now his sister had been assaulted.
-Araragi said that the kaii in the end are just a transient phenomenon. Tsukihi's will and consciousness are her own. She thinks of herself as a human. If she didn't, she would be incomplete as a fake. She was born and raised as the original Tsukihi would, and she will live and die as she would. She was a fake that was the same as Tsukihi. Araragi asked himself where was the difference with the real thing. Everything was the same as the real thing, yet she was a fake. She was like an artificial diamond. Hanekawa taught him about the uncanny valley, robots that are scary because too similiar to humans. Hanekawa doesn't know everything, just what she knows; in comparison, Araragi doesn't even know what he knows, he didn't even know of his sister. In Spring Break, after he became a vampire, he did everything he could to turn back into a human, even though he didn't completely return a human. Tsukihi though had nothing to turn back into, she was born a kaii. Just by existing, she was deceiving him and Karen. And then he kissed her.
-Araragi said that the way Tsukihi immediately woke up was like the princess in Sleeping Beauty, although in the fairy tale the prince is not thrust away with all one's strength.
-Tsukihi was crying that her first kiss she wanted to give to her boyfriend had been stolen by Araragi. Araragi commented Tsukihi's reaction was the same as Karen. Tsukihi had thought the relationship between Karen and Mizutori-kun recently had become complicated, but she never thought that was the reason. Araragi said she should mind more the fact her reaction has been the same as Karen. Tsukihi replied it was natural since she they were sisters. Araragi, hearing it was natural because they were sisters couldn't bear it anymore and started laughing. Tsukihi got mad at him laughing, saying he certainly assaulted Karen while she was sleeping too. Araragi corrected her, saying that unlike Tsukihi he took advantage of Karen's illness. Tsukihi announced there was a brother who sexually abused her sisters in her home. Araragi replied that he would properly explain things to their boyfriends. Tsukihi remarked that if he really explain it to her boyfriend she would break up with him.
-Tsukihi doesn't remember anything of what happened at the entranceway because her brain was destroyed. Araragi thought it was better if she didn't know things like the blond loli or the dangerous duo, or the fact she was a phoenix.
-When Araragi tried to get out, Karen stopped him saying she couldn't let him pass even if he was his brother. "If you want to defeat this place, you'll have to pass through me". Araragi was wondering what she meant. In what way should he pass through her, and if he defeated that place, wouldn't the home be completely destroyed? Karen said it was just a line she just wanted to try saying since Karen Bee. She did a bridge once again. "If you want to pass through this place, you'll have to defeat me". Araragi fondled her breasts. It was very effective. "Very well, you defeated me! First trial passed! The guard on the second gate won't be as soft as me though. Be surprised, he is our brother!" Araragi replied that he has no brother, just two little sisters. Karen replied he should have gotten along the joke by saying things like "I-Impossible! He died five years ago while protecting us!".
-Araragi said to Karen he was going out buying reference books. Karen trusted him. He thought her faithfulness to him was scary.
-Araragi asked Karen what was justice. Karen replied it was being right. Araragi then asked what was the enemy of justice. Karen said evil, like the ominous guy met recently. Araragi agreed, but said that villains as easy to understand as Kaiki are a minority. There aren't that many people that persist in being evil. The majority of people can't bear being a villain without aesthetic or legitimacy, so they try to assert their own righteousness (Kaiki in this regard didn't try to assert his own righteousness, saying things like "those who are tricked are at fault"). Araragi said that the enemy of justice is then another justice. Wars are a prime example of that. Even the Fire Sisters one day might become enemy of justice. Karen for example dislike cowards, but for weak people strength is cowardice (the word used mean also unfairness and meanness), and the reverse is true. Even being right for the evil is cowardice. Only evil is not coward because he fights with nothing to start with. Karen complained she couldn't understand, but for Araragi this was a wall she would have hit sooner or later, so he explained in the most simple terms he found. "Just by living, people make someone their enemy". Karen asked then what one should do after becaming an enemy of justice, while still thinking of being right. Araragi replied that if you can find an answer to that you are an ally of justice. In the end not even Araragi knew the answer. He is not on the side of justice, of humans, or the kaii. He is just on his sisters' side. Araragi left her saying to not let anyone in. Karen said she won't disobey his brother's order. Because Araragi was the one who both created in her a heart that hate the evil inside her and a heart that love the justice inside her. Araragi wanted to say to not push responsibilities on him, but he could only smile. She was receiving his influence, like Tsukihi. Araragi also told her to not let Tsukihi go out; in case she should put her to sleep with a judo technique.
-Shinobu was saying if Araragi wanted to fight she would have had to fight too to protect herself, so she was forced to help him. Araragi told her her tsundere was annoying.
-Shinobu said she was not like her early character anymore, and she wasn't taciturn like in her middle period either. Her current self is a mascot character who loves any kind of donuts.
-After saying she wanted to repay the moon, Shinobu added that was her official stance. Araragi offered to buy her donuts to thank her, but she said it wasn't needed since she was doing it of her own will. She resented Ononoki who called her an old person and wanted to teach her their difference in status.
-Now that she lives in his shadow, Shinobu doesn't need to drink Araragi's blood that often, but if he refused to do it she would die and he would then turned back into a human.
-Araragi and Shinobu bit each other's neck and tried to such each other's blood several times until they managed to find the best balance.
-Araragi noticed that Kagenui wouldn't tread on streets, but she could stand on the floor of rooms. He even noted her way of standing was unnatural, the axis of her body was a straight line, like it was fixed. Now that he had become stronger he could also assess better Kagenui's real ability.
-Shinobu's 18 years old form was partly copied from Karen. She had her hair in a ponytail, and she was wearing high class clothes resembling a tracksuit and high class snickers.
-Shinobu told Kagenui to not stir her up because she could kill them on the spur of the moment. She didn't want to betray Araragi. Ononoki here said her resolution was poor, they were full of killing intent instead. Kagenui said that Araragi and Shinobu didn't understand how much of a brute they were (the word brute is written "outside + road". It also means heretic). Araragi thought he understood it from seeing how they attacked his house. They were justice, but nothing else.
-It seems the room where Shinobu was fighting was the same Araragi used when fighting Kanbaru.
-Araragi noted that even if Shinobu said that she would make so that Ononoki couldn't have a posed look anymore, Ononoki didn't have one to begin one.
-Araragi said that Shinobu using his blood as battery was not bind to his shadow anymore, although there was a limit to how far she could go away from him. Fighting on the same coordinates, just on different floors, was fine. Araragi compared it to Nadeshiko and the Aestivalis.
-Ononoki said she was off taking care of the elder, and Kagenui replied she will leave it to her. Ononoki said to not rely so much on her. Then Ononoki spoke to Araragi and asked him what he thought of this world, but without giving him time to answer she continued saying that this world full of fakes should perish. Then she went out of the room. Araragi was reflecting on what Shinobu and Ononoki's battle would look like, when midsentence Kagenui closed in on him saying he shouldn't look away, their battle had started from the moment they were born. Kagenui kicked his knee with her right heel, and Araragi's leg was cut like with an electrosurgical scalpel. Araragi's surprise was bigger than his pain. He could accept to take a blow because he was careless, but he didn't thought the blow would have such destructive power. "Did you think I would have exploited vampire weaknesses? Did you think I would have attacked internal organs? Did you think I would have brought cross and holy water? Did you think I would have sprayed holy water with a water gun?" Kagenui punched him in the chin with her left. Araragi said her punch would have decommissioned a light motor vehicle. It was like taking at point blank range a strong fast ball throwed by a major league player. His brain wasn't shaken though, it's just that his jaw was taken away. Kagenui said she was Japan's first battle onmyouji. It seems she doesn't like incantations. Then Kagenui hit him on his right shoulder with her left palm. His right arm was pluck off just from the pressure. Araragi thought she was not on human level. She was not an onmyouji or anything, it was like they remove from a human everything but the fighting ability. It was no wonder Shinobu was vague about her, there was no way to describe her. Araragi jumped back with his remaining leg. Kagenui didn't chase him, because she was a pro. Araragi thought that Kagenui's power was so strong it saved him though, there was so much pain that it wasn't painful anymore, and then the regeneration kicked in. As he is not able to regenerate his clothes, he felt he looked a bit like a punk. Araragi tried to calm down, thinking that tomorrow he could fondle her sisters' breasts as much as he wanted, so it was worth it. Kagenui then said that the reason she specialized in immortal kaii was that there was no overdoing it. Araragi had calmed down in vain.
-Araragi tried to remember. He thought that even Oshino was supposed to be able to do the same things Kagenui does, he just didn't do it.
-Kagenui said that with Oshino, Kaiki and a senpai they played four people shogi. Araragi remembered Kaiki talked about shogi before. Kagenui said Kaiki wasn't the type that made moves to win, but to make a profit. He loved to arrange his pieces so that they form a column. Araragi commented Kaiki was even pointlessly ominous (forming a column of pieces is considered ominous in shogi. Maybe it's because if you capture a piece in the column you are captured back). Kagenui said Oshino loved shogi problems. He bullied her with problems in which there are both kings under threat. He often created problems that required close to one thousand moves to solve. Araragi commented he didn't seem to have friends.
-Kagenui said that Oshino and the senpai were the ones really studying occult things, they trascured the others because they played shogi too much. She said that the occult club have been probably closed after they left. With that she meant Kaiki and Oshino left university midway, she was the only one who graduated.
-Araragi noted that Kaiki took money out of him but didn't leave him with accurate information.
-Kagenui said that Kaiki fetched a big sum from her for the information about the phoenix, but surpisingly the information he supplied was true.
-Araragi remembered that Kaiki told him that more than a coincidence it seemed like there was an evil intention behind. His evil intention. Possibly Kaiki didn't even meet Araragi by chance, but he knew Araragi would have visited Mr. Donuts. He wasn't petty, he was more like a a biohazard. It became reasonable for Senjougahara not wishing him to become involved with Kaiki. He lauded her for facing him a second time.
-Kagenui said that the "ki" character of Ononoki comes from Kaiki's name. Unlike Oshino, she didn't have the courage to bind a kaii with her name. Araragi was thinking Ononoki was just his name stuttered.
-Araragi said that Kaiki had not met Tsukihi yet, so he shouldn't know she is a phoenix. Kagenui said that Kaiki excelled at seeing the hidden side of things. Just by seeing two siblings, he would be able to know the third.
-Kaiki didn't just hide the fact Tsukihi was Araragi's sister (Araragi was made known as a harmless vampire by Oshino), he purposely misled Kagenui into thinking they just had the same surnames.
-Kagenui said Kaiki specialized in fake kaii. The phoenix overlaps with both Kagenui and Kaiki's field. The best occultist was Oshino though. He was surrounded by girls and nobody ever saw him studying, but everyone was calling him a genius. Even Kaiki couldn't deal with him. Araragi reconsidered Oshino for the fact he made Kaiki uneasy. Kagenui said he missed Oshino, so she visited this building.
-Kagenui said that that place was a power spot. It felt like a room where Oshino lived. And even Araragi felt like a person saved by Oshino (yeah, Kagenui knew even the usual Oshino catchphrase "you saved you by yourself"). She wondered if Oshino ever knew Araragi's sister was a phoenix. Araragi didn't know. No matter what he said on his sister though, if it came to it Araragi would even make an enemy of him. After all since Spring Break he always made an enemy of himself. He never forgave himself. The battle was starting once again.
-Kagenui thought it was funny a cuckoo (the phoenix) associated with an araragi (Japanese yew tree).
-Araragi wasn't thinking Kagenui could have had even an incredible defensive power. She restrained him while even chatting nonchalantly.
-Kagenui kicked him with her tiptoe. He managed to dodge it somehow by swaying, but his face was scraped. Then Kagenui's foot came down in an axe heel. It was the same technique once used by Karen, but speed and power were totally different, besides she was holding his wrists so he couldn't dodge back. She gouged his clavicle. By then his face had regenerated, but then Kagenui hit him with a headbutt. Then she released his wrists, swept him and while he was in midair hit him with a countless number of fireworks-like attacks. Araragi felt like he had become a drum. He felt like he was pushed into a hand mixer and turned into a smoothie. If this was a beat-em-up game, the letters "YOU WIN" would have appeared over Kagenui.
-Kagenui quote a proverb from Confucius that says that one must estinguish a fire while it's small, or it will eventually become too big.
-Araragi thought Kagenui wasn't angry, she was just raising her voice to strengthen her blows. He thought some of his words had stirred her up. He didn't know which though. He also thought it was paradoxical for Kagenui to take along with her the kaii Ononoki. It was a situation similar to his (Ononoki calls Kagenui "big sis"). At this point Kagenui actually said "Sho-ryu-ken!". She smashed his heart while lifting him up and making him knock the ceiling. The concrete of the ceiling received his body print. Araragi even thought he would have broken through the ceiling. For a short while he was stuck on the ceiling, then he fell down on the floor face up. Araragi felt like he had been cooked on both sides. Then Kagenui wanted to see how Ononoki was doing, and she started punching him. The punches were piercing through him and hitting directly the floor. He compared it to Lupin's Goemon Ishikawa cutting floors with his sword, although Kagenui was less refined. Araragi was hit by roughly 500 blows (he had nothing to do so he started counting them midway).
-Araragi arrived on the second floor. "Second floor, battle scenes".
-Shinobu felt all the punches that hit Araragi, but it seems it was no problem for her.
-Ononoki's clothes and hair were all torn, but Shinobu didn't have any wound. Shinobu appeared to have toyed with Ononoki, who had teary eyes. Araragi thought that if it was like this Shinobu could have come helping him.
-Shinobu refused to fight Kagenui because she said her master was drawn back from the fact she bullied Ononoki too much, and she didn't want to be disliked more. And her master still hadn't lost.
-Araragi said that no brother would leak a little sister's embarassing secret. As said by Hachikuji, the courage to keep a secret.
-Araragi wanted to talk with Kagenui while striking a cool pose, but his body still wasn't moving.
-Araragi said that he doesn't need to leave to others a good impression. He is fine with being the lowest of humans. He said with a posed look.
-Kagenui explained a bit the theory of innate goodness of men developed by Chinese philosopher Mencius. From wikipedia:
The feeling of commiseration is the beginning of humanity; the feeling of shame and dislike is the beginning of righteousness; the feeling of deference and compliance is the beginning of propriety; and the feeling of right or wrong is the beginning of wisdom.
Men have these Four Beginnings just as they have their four limbs. Having these Four Beginnings, but saying that they cannot develop them is to destroy themselves.
-Kagenui at first pulled the worn out Ononoki by her hand, then she thought it was better to carry her on her back.
-Araragi asked her where she is going. She said that there are as many immortal kaii as one likes, so she can allow to overlook one.
-Kagenui was annoyed at being ripped off by Kaiki, but she also seemed happy somehow.
-Araragi explained that with Oshino there was an atmosphere where it seemed silly to become serious.
-From her pronunciation of "sayounara", Araragi thought Kagenui didn't really come from Kyoto.
-After getting out of the building Kagenui walked on fences and the like while carrying Ononoki on her back. Araragi then sucked blood from Shinobu turning her into her usual child form, then he returned home with Shinobu in the basket of his bike. Since Araragi's clothes had been destroyed during the fight and he didn't want to come home naked, before returning a little girl Shinobu used her matter creation power. It took time to compromise with Shinobu's fashion sense. Araragi insisted for normal clothes, while Shinobu said that her pride didn't allow for casual fashion.
-Once returned home, he found Karen disputing with their parents. She wouldn't let them pass, only her brother. It took Araragi some other time to explain his parents why the entranceway was destroyed. Well, while Karen seemed to not have swallowed his story, his parents had a more realistic approach and they wouldn't be able to imagine supernatural monsters. In the end they seemed to think it was all a prank by Karen (even Araragi was puzzled at that). In fact, their parents appeared more bothered by the fact Karen lost her ponytail. Karen had already forgot she once had a ponytail though. While her parents were scolding Karen, Araragi sneaked out to see Tsukihi. Tsukihi had changed with the yukata she used as a pajama. She had her right side tucked under her left, copying what Araragi did before.
-If Tsukihi were to receive a big wound, her secret will be discovered, but until then Araragi won't tell it to anyone. He thought Tsukihi had lost the requirements for justice being unfairly immortal. He thought Kagenui was probably right. He himself had a bad impression of the cuckoo and his brood parasitism. There was a difference between a cuckoo and Tsukihi though, Tsukihi never pushed them out of the nest.
-Araragi was once asked by Ononoki what he thought of the world. He answered here, he said that even though the world was full of fakes, he still finds it wonderful. He had to agree with Kaiki.
-Tsukihi said that she was thinking of stopping his eventual kiss with her tongue. Araragi commented she would be like a monster (there are Japanese monsters with long tongues).
-Tsukihi asked him how long she should sleep. She said she persisted in sleeping because Araragi told her so. Araragi told her to sleep until tomorrow, and then wake him up as usual.
Spoiler for addenda:
A bit of things about the themes of Nise had been lost, either because of the translation or the adaptation, so I felt like I have to add some explanations.
-The kanji of "nise" (fake) was used in many words here, like hypocrisy (fake + virtue), or artificial. This is lost if you don't read the books, but overall it's very minor, and I think it can be inferred (though I don't think people who watched the anime can infer Kagenui was faking her accent).
-Justice was the other main theme of Nise. In particular, the Fire Sisters were pretend-play (i.e.: fake) "allies of justice", whereas Kagenui was the real "ally of justice". In the CR translation, Kagenui was called "good guy". Justice was also involved in many dialogues and monologues. For example while talking with Hachikuji (first episode of Nise), Araragi said that being an ally of justice fundamentally means being an enemy of everyone else (you can't ally yourselves with all the people).
-Nisio has also a bizarre sense of foreshadowing, which matches his sense of metanarrative humor. In the middle part of Tsukihi Phoenix Araragi wondered if all the occultists he met that day meant he was going to meet Oshino once again. In fact, he discovered the foreshadowing was there, just in the most unexpected places. Tsukihi talking in Kyoto dialect was foreshadowing for Kagenui. Araragi riding Karen piggyback was foreshadowing for when Kagenui was standing on Ononoki's shoulder (scene that got modified in the anime). The phoenix was foreshadowed by the Rolls Royce urban legend told by Hachikuji (cut in the anime). Even the fact he abused his sisters was referenced when the told Kagenui he didn't care about making good impression, or to be right. Well, I think the idea of disseminating foreshadowing in the midst of nonsense came off as a bit weak, and dragged the book too much, but nevertheless it cannot be denied Nisio tried to do something original. The scene of Hachikuji making lots of pointless talk and then saying that since Araragi didn't like pointless talk it was time for her to leave was master trolling. Also Nise1 and Nise2 referenced each other. In the end Araragi managed to kiss both sisters. In Karen Bee Araragi also said Tsukihi was a follower of the latest fads, foreshadowing the mimicry of the phoenix.
-More importantly, the theme of the mentor. Although it could be thought as an outshoot of the theme of justice, this was the real main theme of Tsukihi Phoenix. Kagenui said that people who are easy to ask the way (like Araragi) are like mentors. Conversely, nobody ever asked her the way, a sign she is not fit to guide people, and that's why she doesn't walk on roads. The novel made a point of how Araragi was having an influence on people near him, like Shinobu. Karen ended up loving justice (after being bullied by him) and Tsukihi ended up copying Karen, showing that Araragi after all had a good influence. Xun Zi said that people are inherently selfish so they need rules from above to become good, whereas Mencius said the people are born good but they can then be misled by society so they need mentors to learn how to bring out their original goodness. Mencius and Xun Zi's ideas are fundamentally similar, as for both ultimately people need guidance, regardless of whether they were born good or bad. Kagenui recognized Araragi as a worthy mentor, as proved also from the fact he taught her the way once, so she will leave his sister be.
Overall Tsukihi Phoenix was actually a deep book, despite being over the top in some parts. I liked how Kaiki was somehow rehabilitated with a piece of neat philosophy in the end despite being still a lying bastard, and I like the reason Araragi kissed Tsukihi, to prove she was indeed his sister because he felt nothing from a kiss with her. It still had its flaws as a book, but I think its merits have been downplayed. The anime in this regard was not able to truly make it shine, although I have to say I liked how they rearranged the plot in the chronological order, making it easy to understand (compared to Karen Bee which had a convoluted plot in the book that didn't work well in the anime). I still wonder how came Tsukihi Phoenix was only 4 episodes. Maybe because it had no Hitagi?
If anything, the anime feels somehow consistent with itself, but the books took their own path, and now the adaptation felt a bit like turning Gintama into Rurouni Kenshin.
I don't think watching the anime necessarily means missing the theme of fakes. I picked up the word "nisemono" in the dialogue multiple times.
I am talking about a different thing, the kanji 偽 (nise). It's used in two kanji words, where it's read "gi". Then again it was not that important (and in some cases maybe it was not even intentional).
Quote:
Also, Mayoi did mention the Rolls Royce legend in the anime.
Did she? I checked episode 9 of Nise, but I can't find it anywhere.
-Araragi said he had a good news, although he admitted that for a certain group of maniac fans it was a sad news. Anyway, Senjougahara has been rehabilitated. Senjougahara, the one whose catchphrase was "spin three times and die, or die three times and bark like a dog", the second coming of the mad tiger Tiger Jet Singh. Senjougahara had lived two years as a highschooler without talking to anyone. Even if Araragi did managed to get her problem solved, the fact she has been hurt didn't disappear. Senjougahara's personality fundamentally became the one she ended up with after the crab. While before she feigned friendliness though, now that the crab problem was solved she lost her motivation to do so, and so she was found out by Hanekawa. She received from her a personality rehabilitation program. Araragi didn't know this, as he didn't know Hanekawa was giving him the strengthening version. Anyway, for Araragi what really rehabilitated Senjougahara was the fact she faced Kaiki. Araragi had complained Kaiki had been useless, but in the end he gave Senjougahara a sort of shock treatment, although it was her who wrested her rehabilitation from him. That said, Senjougahara became dere. She was so dere Araragi had to fire her as her tutor. She started sending him idle mails full of emoticons and giving him cute nicknames. She doesn't pluck flowers and crush insects anymore. And she uses stationery in the way it is supposed to be used. She started wearing shorter skirts and lighter dresses. She finally laughed more. It seems she wasn't like that not even in middle school. More than dere she was doro (syrupy). Tsundoro. He felt like it could all be an elaborate form of harassment. And she also cut her hair. She said that if there are people who cut their hair for a broken heart, there could also be people who cut their hair for love. It could be that Senjougahara took Hanekawa (who turned into a more normal girl) as role model. Anyway, both Hanekawa and Senjougahara couldn't continue to be extreme like that forever. Senjougahara managed to overcome her complex. Hanekawa once said that Senjougahara had become an ephemereal beauty in high school, but she added that the current Senjougahara was the one she liked the most. Araragi agreed. He thought this day would have come. He prayed for this day to come. He believed in this day. And finally it's here. Congratulations. Leaving aside the fact a life-threatening danger has disappeared, he is really happy for her. In fact, he is a bit envious because he still hasn't overcome his complex with the kaii.
Ah so this is how Hitagi called Hanekawa her master...
And the end of fascination...
Nisio Isin really kills Hitagi's character...
I am talking about a different thing, the kanji 偽 (nise). It's used in two kanji words, where it's read "gi". Then again it was not that important (and in some cases maybe it was not even intentional).
Did she? I checked episode 9 of Nise, but I can't find it anywhere.
Many thanks for your hard work, Shikijin.
Can you tell us if Senjougahara and the fire sisters' meeting if ever mentioned in the new novels?
Can you tell us if Senjougahara and the fire sisters' meeting if ever mentioned in the new novels?
Spoiler for answer:
It is mentioned (really mentioned, not portrayed) in NekoShiro. Nothing particular happened, but we get to hear the impressions of both Senjougahara and Karen&Tsukihi.
It is mentioned (really mentioned, not portrayed) in NekoShiro. Nothing particular happened, but we get to hear the impressions of both Senjougahara and Karen&Tsukihi.
Whether you'll be buying the Japanese releases or an eventual Western release, prepare to go broke:
i.e. "Entire Monogatari Series: Anime Adaptation Confirmed!"
Apparently, they're thinking along the lines of
The second series, Neko-white until Koi, as a 2 cour adapatation
Neko-black isn't part of the second series, so they're thinking about how to do that
Also came with bad news, unfortunately: 2012 release for Kizu difficult, so it's being postponed.
source: yaraon
Good stuff. Glad to hear that this is coming so quickly. If they were gonna do the whole adaptation, I was worried it would take them something like 5 years.