Free Talk - Hi, it's Watsuki, it's been a long time. I've been having tough times, since the workplace has run out of hot water, I've got to pack my things and move within a year and I can't find anywhere my figure of Zombie Spawn Repainted version. But, nevertheless, I'm doing fine. So, let's talk about the two topics I mentioned in the previous volume: 1st, my comments written in volume 14: There were several complaints because in the end I mixed up things and I sounded like I was treating a wife as a housewife. I also agree that the text is confusing and may sound like that. I was worried about the little space I had to write that, and so I didn't think much about the words. I'm really sorry for the people who got offended. 2nd, about Shinsengumi's Souchou ("Counselor"), Yamanami Keisuke: This time I didn't write things properly. To make things right, Yamanami would be the evil guy "only when Hijikata Toshizou is the protagonist", and to better it even more, not the evil guy, but the "antagonist". I'm really sory. When it comes to tell a story that involves matters of life and death, the antagonist is essencial. And the antagonist changes when the protagonist changes. (it's an extreme example, but if Shishio were the picaresque romance protagonist of Ruroken, then Kenshin would certain be his antagonist) Although Shinsengumi can't be considered a fruit of imagination for telling stories, since it was real, I believe no one can deny the fact that people got fond of Shinsengumi because of its stories (I've never seen a person who started liking Shinsengumi because they were featured in a calendar, for instance). So, I ask you to change my words and then read again the original text. And if you still can't over with it, I have nothing else to do. I won't deny your opinions or feelings, so let's love the Shinsengumi from different places and points of view. For those who are relieved from their anger, let's love the Shinsengumi together. - Here's Free Talk Part 2. As I've got lots of things to write (although all of them are stupid talks), let's do it concisely. - At last the "Poligon Samurai Spirits" is being slowly unveiled. I don't like that there will be fewer characters, but the number of ninja characters (Hanzou, Galford, Sougetsu, Kagetsu) has finally surpassed the number of samurai characters ! (Haohmaru, Ukyo, Genjuroh. Hanma and Shiki are out, because Hanma uses no swords and Shiki is too strange for a samurai) Nevertheless, I expect a lot from the game. Oh, but I do expect a lot for 2D versions also... - The "Gekka no Kenshi" ("Last Blade"), from SNK, that appeared out of nowhere. I've heard that the scenario was Bakumatsu and so I dreamed about the Bakumatsu version of "Samurai Spirits" (I'm telling you seriously. Haohmaru's descendant was a Shinsengumi member, Genjuroh's was a Hitokiri, Nakoruru was Nakoruru (strange as it may seem). I was SO disappointed when I woke up before playing the game. But I have high hopes. I hope that both the "Gekka no Kenshi" and the "Samurai Spirits" will improve as a natural consequence. - Lately, I noticed that some fan letters come with "purikura". (note from Serizawa: "purikura" comes from "purinto kurabu", "print club". For those who don't know what the heck that is, it's those small photos taken in cabins, where usually you can choose a background. The photos taken are printed as stickers.) I got some of them from my friends also, and at first I thought, "where's the fun in this?" But I realised that it is fun, after all, provided that I don't make an appearance in photos. I hate having photos taken of myself. But I am interested in taking photos. The people and the landscape are good as reference materials, and although I have neither time nor skill for that, I'm sure I'll get hooked into photography. Please, I want someone beautiful to pose as a model for me. - About things that get me hooked, I still can't stop loving night sights. However, a higher flat was built just in front of my workplace, so I see NO night sights now. I was about to curse "Damn you, you sonnuva...", but at night, that flat displays some neat lights, providing quite an illumination effect. So, I was in a good mood, thinking, "whoa, this world really comes with good things!", when I was informed I should be moving soon. "Damn you, you sonnuva..." - And at last I saw the Evangelion movie (I'm writing this in August). I was a bit disappointed because I felt that the people involved in making that movie didn't love at all the piece nor the characters. But the acting, the animation and the camera angles were superb. I was almost unable of realizing that the story became a seminar about the enlightenment of the self. I don't know if most people liked it, but as an artist, it was good as a reference. - In the Shonen Jump, Ruroken is entering its first turning point. As the story will get deeper and deeper from now on, it's giving me lots of pain, but I won't be able to draw the theme of Ruroken if I can't get over this. I believe that a happy end and smiles are the basis of entertainment, so I beg for your support. So, let's meet again in the next volume.