naoe!

[insaneneko]

I finally got around to reading the latest Mirage prequel novel and enjoyed it. I really like the demon slaying because the situations are always so complicated. I love the cover of this volume--I always want to pull their ponytails. :P In any case, it seems that the big bad guy has been revealed. I assume many books will be filled with Kagetora and co's struggle against a very devious and ambitious organization with creepy chimera monsters (part demon part human) and a hidden in plain sight leader. I can't imagine things finishing up in the next book. I hope she doesn't skip forward to Bakumatsu again. I really like reading their Sengoku period "lives" because it's so personal. For example, they gain an ally in the spirit of a daughter of a lord who'd sided with Kagetora. She'd join them to serve Kagetora, but also to get revenge for her family. She actually tries to take out Naoe, who'd served Kagekatsu, by helping out someone, but ends up saving Naoe when she realizes that someone wants to actually eliminate ALL the Yashashu including Kagetora.

Later, when Naoe is discussing her with Nagahide he admits that he can't help but be conscious of her. Her very cold gaze reminds him of his wife Osen. Nagahide tells Naoe that Naoe is the type to be drawn to those who are very cold to him. Nagahide goes on to say that Naoe prefers being treated badly because he doesn't have the confidence to feel comfortable being made a fuss of. He warns Naoe that a servile man will never gain a woman who loves him as he'll always distance himself first. When Naoe denies it, Nagahide asks if Naoe had ever lasted long in a relationship. When Naoe falls silent, Nagahide sees it as proof. He swears that Naoe will never in life be in love with another person who loves him back. Then he adds, oh sorry, your life's already over, isn't it? XD; Naoe thinks about his life and kind of has to agree. He'd somehow understood Osen's cold attitude toward him, one that had zero expectations from him, while never lasting with any other woman. He wonders if that's why he's drawn to Kagetora...Though he thinks there's something else there too.

I loved that exchange SO MUCH. Nagahide is such as ass! And Naoe is such a loser when it comes to love....I still chuckle when I remember from an earlier prequel book Naoe recalling Osen saying that being fucked by him was like sleeping with a log. Or something like that.

Comments

Cought It Up!

[uraniabce.livejournal.com]

The name of the prequel that is. Has it been translated yet?

Re: Cought It Up!

[insaneneko.livejournal.com]

It's called "Mashiroki zangyo kimera-hen."

Re: Cought It Up!

[uraniabce.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[meganinhiding.livejournal.com]

Ouch, Nagahide has a real mean streak. Its kind of endearing to imagine Naoe as a Charlie Brown-like loser in stark contrast to the ladykiller he is in the main series.

Um, I'd love to hear more details about this latest prequel novel; is the big bad anyone who's appeared in the series before?

[insaneneko.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine Naoe as "Charlie Brown-like" since he was probably an arrogant prick when he was alive. But he really did loosen up and learn to love the ladies over the years...

I think the big bad is new. The organization is called the "Kama Ichizoku" (Kama Clan). Does that name ring a bell?

Naoe

[uraniabce.livejournal.com]

He's still a bit of a arrogant prick. I think one of Takaya/Kategora's roles in Naoe's life, is to teach him humility. Real humility.

[meganinhiding.livejournal.com]

Kama doesn't ring a bell so sounds like they're new.

[fantasygirl49.livejournal.com]

thanks for the info on the new prequel.

[insaneneko.livejournal.com]

You're welcome!

[amarissia.livejournal.com]

I love when you give us prequel tidbits. Morrrrreeee!

Wow, Nagahide's dickishness sure goes back a long time...

[insaneneko.livejournal.com]

I really dislike Nagahide in the prequels, actually. He's an incredible asshole, especially when it comes to Kagetora whom he looks down on. He definitely improved over time, just like Naoe. XD;