Conception

In Case You Missed it 2019 #4

Posted on January 27, 2019January 26, 2019 by Karandi

My Roommate is a Cat Episode 2 Cute Moment

Here we are at the end of week 4 and things couldn’t be hotter (both for the Winter anime season and the general weather in Australia). As always, here is my weekly round up of anime related content from the community and from my blog this week. Please send me a link if you find a post that you feel needs a shout out, I always love finding new content to read.

Posts from the Community

Ya Boy Jack has an interesting post this week about politics in anime. This one isn’t preaching but is more just looking at why everything is political and yet why that shouldn’t stop people from enjoying what they enjoy or being part of the anime community. Definitely one to check out this week.

LynLynSays takes a look at how Goblin Slayer addresses trauma, specifically in episode 9 with the Sword Maiden. There’s definitely spoilers for the episode if you haven’t watched it and are concerned about it, but it is a great look at one of the more grounded fears in Goblin Slayer and the idea of living with trauma.

Goblin Slayer Episode 9 Goblin Slayer and Sword Maiden

Sakura Sunrise has a review of the first couple in a series of short anime films by Bones that I’ve never even heard of but after reading this review I’m certainly going to try and find it to watch. Towa no Quon’s first two stories are reviewed here and while the review isn’t glowing this certainly made me interested in finding out more about these stories.

Arthifis is starting to run out his impressions posts for the season as episode 3’s are watched. Here we have his thoughts on Boogiepop wa Warawanai. If you are still picking a watch list or were waiting to see what was worth the effort, Arthifis is doing an excellent job of taste testing and I’m certain his season guide when he finishes it will be well worth the read.

Boogiepop wa Warawanai Episode 1 Boogiepop

LofZOdyssey reviewed Skeleton Bookseller Honda San from last season and looks at the context and pace of jokes as well as character designs and voice acting. For a brief review it hits the needed points and clearly they had fun with this anime. If you were curious about Honda San last season this one might be a post to check out.

Lyn Sheridan shares their thoughts on Conception with a series review. Conveniently this came out the same day as my own review of Conception and now I’m wondering who enjoyed the show less. If you want to know what went wrong with Conception check out the reviews.

Irina gives us 5 life lessons learned from blogging. A fun little list of things to remember when blogging that can be applied to your everyday life. Who doesn’t like a post that makes them feel good about themselves and also potentially gives them a pointer they can use?

From Atelier Emily we have a nice breakdown of the use of camera in The Promised Neverland over the first three episodes. Yes there are some spoilers here if you’ve not started watching it, but for those who have it is a really great post to read to sink your teeth into just why it feels so nicely put together at times.

The Promised Neverland Episode 2 - Norman and Emma

PeregrinePrincess has another fantastic Natsume post, this week looking at Natori’s introduction and the relationship that forms between Natsume and Natori during Natori’s first appearance. It’s a really great discussion about the episode and the motives behind the characters though it does spoil the episode if you’ve never seen it and want to go in cold. Still, a definite read for Natsume fans and if you are just curious about what makes the show great this series of posts have been a pretty fantastic in highlighting why the series speaks to so many people.

Pick of the Week

There Goes My Kokoro managed to really get my attention this week when they revisited and finished Re:Zero but amazingly found Subaru still an unlikable idiot. The number of people who have told me I should go back and give that anime more time because it gets better is more or less uncountable at this point in time and yet no matter what the plot might do later, the main reason I’ve never made it beyond the double opening episode is a deep seated irritation with every single thing Subaru does. After reading this post I’m finally crossing Re:Zero off my watch list for good because clearly I will not like watching any more. This post does a great job of breaking down Subaru’s flaws as a character and even though I didn’t watch far this post really did speak to me.

Karandi’s Posts

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SEISHUN BUTA YAROU WA BUNNY GIRL-SENPAI NO YUME WO MINAI WALL SCROLL: BUNNY GIRL-SENPAI WATCHES OVER US

Conception Anime Series Review

Posted on January 24, 2019January 23, 2019 by Karandi

Unrestrained Power Fantasy Involving 1 Guy, 12 Girls, and 1 Tanuki

Every season there is that one anime that I know I’m not going to like, that it isn’t my genre or there’s an annoying character or idea, and yet there’s something about it that manages to catch my attention and I’m unable to just walk away. After watching 12 episodes of this, I’m convinced that I need to learn to drop shows early on even if there is that small carrot of potential. Conception was that title in the Autumn 2018 season

I’ll admit, I watched this through to the end when other shows were dropped along the way. So it isn’t unwatchable. But that is more because of the sheer weirdness of some of what happens. And I’m not just talking about the premise of Itsuki having to make children with 12 maidens and that changing to 13 before the end in order to save a fantasy world.

Conception does a couple of things right. Things that make viewing a poorly scripted, comedy that relies heavily on innuendo and smut jokes to carry episode, something that still seems to hint at being better than it actually is.

One thing it manages is pacing. Just when the comedy elements or the dating the star maiden parts became a little too much, this anime would dangle the story about the labyrinth and fighting the impurities in front of the viewer. By cycling through the different aspects of the show and making sure they never stayed absent too long, no matter what drew a viewer to the anime, just when they got to a point where they might drop it that part of the story would come back.

The other thing that saved this anime from a complete drop is that despite the premise and the incredibly borderline visuals, Itsuki technically doesn’t actually have sex (on screen) with the maidens (maybe Mana, not sure). It is probably just as well given the age of some of these characters and just how weird that would be for all the maidens to happily get along, but the anime does everything but actual sex and it sure implies intimacy so for some people there will still be more than enough reason to walk away.

However, these minor positives can’t overcome the overwhelming negatives that this series is carrying with it.

Because there are 12/13 girls to be seduced and only 12 episodes, we barely get to meet some of these girls that Itsuki seems to woo some of them in an instant. The few that get a whole episode devoted to them are interesting enough but they essentially get seduced, go through the ‘ritual’, produce a child and then they more or less get forgotten outside of group shots.

There’s a lot of fourth wall breaking ‘comedy’. Some of it is kind of amusing but most of it is the eye-roll worthy kind of humour where the writing seems to think it is more clever than it is. The episode that more or less spoofed ‘The Bachelor’ really was the low point for me though if the humour hits than it might work better for you.

Itsuki himself is about as bland a protagonist as any isekai power fantasy protagonist. Though, he seems even more dense at times. His acceptance of his role, or Mana’s advice, and the way he just plays whatever role is currently assigned means his own personality is pretty much absent for the vast majority of the series. He’s very clearly a blank-slate waiting for self-insert.

But, the worst part of this anime goes straight to Mana as a character. Wow, I don’t know how many times I wished death on her during my episode reviews. She most definitely gets the title for the single worst character and most annoying creature of the entirety of 2018.

All and all, I really regret not dropping this. It wasn’t really a genre I am fond of and the small elements that could have been interesting just didn’t get enough time or development to really deliver. While I won’t say this is the worst anime ever, and it isn’t even my worst anime of 2018, it is an anime that you would have to be a very specific audience to enjoy and for everyone else you’d be better off steering clear.

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CONCEPTION ORE NO KODOMO WO UNDEKURE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK

What Were The Worst Anime of Autumn 2018?

Posted on December 30, 2018December 29, 2018 by Karandi

I’m going to say, this is the last Worst Of the season list I’m going to do. While I do like looking at the other side of the coin, I made my blog to celebrate anime and I kind of feel this particular vote and round up doesn’t really contribute to that all that much. Still, it is fun sometimes to look at the mis-fires of the season so perhaps I’ll just need to figure out a different way to go about it.

In the meantime, here are my picks for worst of the season and at the end you will see the results of the poll and the reader’s choice. The rule is really simple, I have to have watched the anime without dropping it to declare it the worst. I don’t make judgements about shows I don’t finish.

Still, if you read my best of Autumn 2018 post you would have seen my rankings for the season already and know what my least favourite anime was.

Worst Story – Jingai San No Yome

Alright, I’ve watched all of this short anime and other than the premise I still don’t know what the story is with this one. It probably doesn’t actually have one and is meant to be a slice of life or something, but nothing is ever explained and things don’t really go anywhere. What was I expecting from three minutes a week? Probably about this, but it doesn’t change the fact that this is the most pointless thing I watched in Autumn in terms of story.

Worst Visuals – Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary

Okay, I like Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary, but there is no denying it is ugly to watch and the animation is just this side of terrible, when it isn’t actually throwing hideous CG at us. Fights suffer particularly and given we’re watching a show about a war between the empire and rebels, the fight scenes kind of need to be solid. There’s not a lot more to say about this one other than wishing it had been given more attention and more of a budget because the story was actually pretty interesting.

Worst Opening – Release the Spyce

Don’t get upset with this one. This is my personal list and honestly when an opening is so flashy with its visuals I actually have to walk away from the screen or turn down the lid of my laptop until it is done to avoid a serious headache each and every week, I don’t care how good the song is. This one is an eyesore (quite literally) and well and truly became the thing I hated most this season (even more so than a certain show that took out my worst of the season). Honestly, this opening was nearly grounds for dropping at the mid-season but I was kind of curious about where the show would go. Knowing now where it goes, I wish I’d just dropped it.

Worst Character – Mana

Considering I threatened this character with a paper shredder fairly early in the season, and I may have suggested using a nail gun on her (though I may also have sensibly edited that out of my ~~rant~~ review), I’m pretty sure I hate this character. The rest of Conception is at times slightly amusing, a little bit interesting, largely bizarre and unfocused despite setting up a potentially interesting plot, but Mana manages to make each and every scene a pain to watch. Forget worst character of the season, Mana may be the character I hate the most out of any character ever (and that includes Excalibur from Soul Eater who used to be the single most irritating character I could think of).

Worst Anime of Autumn 2018 – Conception

Yes, no doubt about this one. Conception was the worst anime I watched this season. Part of that is because it isn’t exactly a genre I’m a big fan of. And it relies on fourth wall breaking comedy, which I’m not a big fan of. And it has the single most annoying character I can think of as a major character who is with the protagonist in almost every single scene. But, I did watch this show from beginning to end. Even when I decided A Certain Magical Index was boring me too much to continue, I kept this one on the list. So while it was the worst anime I watched, I think for people more into this genre, while it still doesn’t exactly stand out as particularly good, there’s probably a lot more entertainment to be found in it.

Reader’s Choice

This one also had a clear ‘victor’ this season with one anime title being both fairly well watched and being riddled with problems. Yes, that was Conception.

The rest of the votes were kind of scattered, though part of the problem is that I ask people to have actually watched the show they vote for and most people are sensible enough to drop anime that aren’t very good (I really should learn that skill at some point – I drop boring anime but not bad ones).

However, that wraps up the final ‘worst of’ anime post for the blog, but just remember the best of the year poll will open on the 1st of January and you will have two weeks to vote. The top three choices from the best of polls each season will be available to vote for and I’m looking forward to seeing what wins best of the year.

Thanks for reading
Karandi James

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Bye Bye Conception! And At Last It’s Done!

Posted on December 27, 2018December 27, 2018 by Karandi

Conception Anime Episode Review Title Image

Conception Episode 12 Review

Reminder: the poll is now open for you to vote on the best and worst anime of the 2018 Autumn Anime Season. Be sure to jump in and have your say. Voting closes on the 29th of December.

There’s very little left to say about this anime that I haven’t already said, but if I was hoping for an ending that would somehow make it seem worth while then I would have been left fairly disappointed. Though, let’s throw in a positive, they did at least conclude the whole labyrinth thing with the impurities. The fact that the conclusion makes no sense, logical or otherwise, is more or less par for the course and I guess if you watched 12 episodes of this you can hardly be surprised.

I think what really sets this one apart from other bad anime that end badly, is that this one doesn’t even commit to its terrible ending. After giving us an illogical and fairly pointless final fight, all of the characters who we just waved good-bye to show up again and they all jump through the portal to earth. Because that makes sense. Then cut to the credits where we see all the Star Maidens living happily working in their jobs on earth without any issue whatsoever. Sure.

Conception Episode 12 Itsuki fights the impurities

Of course that is only the end point of stupidity. Firstly we have Itsuki deciding he isn’t going to sacrifice himself. Then the King asking the Star Maidens to perform the ritual to sacrifice him. Then the maidens deciding not to. Then some random fight sequence where various declarations of wanting to help each other somehow power things up so the star children fuse into robots, and then Itsuki joins them, Alfie is killed, Alfie’s oddball star-child joins them as a weapon and that’s the end only the star children are apparently now being used to seal the impurity.

Like what? Which part of any of that made sense and how was it better for 13 children to get left behind to seal the impurity rather than one Itsuki. My eyes very nearly rolled clean out of my head trying to watch this one. Okay, I’m going to have to review the whole series of this and I’m going to have to figure out how to be nice (or at least not rant) but in the meantime, I’d suggest avoiding this one.

Thanks for reading
Karandi James

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CONCEPTION II: CHILDREN OF THE SEVEN STARS

The Day Ituski Had Sex With Mana and Why Am I Still Watching This?

Posted on December 20, 2018December 27, 2018 by Karandi

Conception Episode 11 Review

I’m not sure if this counts as getting my wish or not, though episode 11 of Conception did at least address the issue of the 13th Labyrinth and what Itsuki will need to do to save the world. So I guess that is technically developing a plot that for large chunks of this series feels like it got jettisoned as inconvenient in amongst all the dating and off-colour jokes.

But, then there’s the episode beginning which brings us yet more sex jokes at the expense of seemingly underage characters (though it turns out Alfie is older than she looks). Follow that up with the climatic centre piece of this episode, Itsuki going to be with Mana, and this episode if firmly reminding the audience of what its actual focus has been.

Still, as the penultimate episode of an anime with a large cast, Conception did at least try to remind us that these girls weren’t just disposable commodities to cater to all audience fetishes (sure they weren’t). After hearing the news that he’s unlikely to survive saving the world, Itsuki decides to go present shopping for the girls and what follows is a montage of Itsuki having a cute Christmas moment with each and every one of the previously used and swiftly forgotten Star Maidens. Some of these moments are kind of cute but it doesn’t make the fact that the show is relying on still images and music to convey an emotional narrative that none of the rest of the anime has actually supported.

My money is still on Itsuki surviving this but it is almost irrelevant at this point. If he does survive I’m guessing the final moments of this anime will be Itsuki with all the girls and the guys because this anime keeps feeling the need to one up itself and they’ve done pretty much everything else at this point except actually show the characters having sex.

This is definitely what happens when you know an anime is not going to be something you like but because of one minor bit of curiosity you stick it out. You get to episode 11 and think the next episode can’t come and go fast enough so you never have to think about the anime again.

Thanks for reading
Karandi James

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100 Ways To Remove an Obnoxious Character

Posted on December 16, 2018December 27, 2018 by Karandi

Conception Episode 10 Review

On watching Conception this week I was initially reasonably happy because for the first time in awhile the focus seemed to be on Itsuki beating the labyrinth and the fight sequence, while clearly not on par with an action focused anime, was entertaining enough. Itsuki would be a terrible action protagonist but in the role of high schooler thrown into life or death situation he works well enough as he stumbles about with the Star Children and tries to protect them from harm even while he isn’t some kind of juggernaut of destruction.

However, any enjoyment I may have derived from this episode quickly evaporated as we moved into the second half where we focused on finding the thirteenth Star Maiden. Alfie has been hanging around since nearly the beginning and the reveal makes sense, and as Mana points out in a fourth wall breaking moment it was perfectly set up by the OP, however a little of Alfie is a good thing. This focus on her just kind of puts her character in the worst possible light and by the end I just didn’t care whether she and Itsuki ended up together.

More of a problem though is my increasing rancour toward Mana. From the beginning Mana has irritated me but their presence in Conception becomes more irksome with every episode. Even with Alfie not exactly being a stellar heroine, Mana’s intrusive ranting outside the window made what was already a tiresome scene significantly worse.

Which leads to the post title as I started wondering just how many ways the writers could use to remove Mana from the picture (they won’t, and it is clear next week is going to focus on the obnoxious vermin, but I can dream). I’ve suggested several times Mana needs a close encounter with a paper shredder, but maybe it is time to get more inventive. Regardless, I can now say with absolute certainty that Mana is topping my most obnoxious character ever list (forget just this year) taking out even Excalibur from Soul Eater.

Thanks for reading
Karandi James

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Play Asia Exclusive

Autumn 2018 Week 9

Posted on December 8, 2018December 8, 2018 by Karandi

Update: This will be my last weekly overview post. I’m not sure what will replace this but I feel like the post in its current format has outlived its usefulness.

Here we are at week 9 and with only three weeks to go on some of these anime we know it is time to start voting for the best and worst of the season. The polls are now open and I’ll soon put out a post with more details about the vote, but just remember the top three from this round of voting will join the top 3 from the rest of the seasons this year to be voted on for anime of the year.

I’m excited.

But for now, let’s look at what happened this week in each of the shows and as always I’d love to know your thoughts on the anime that aired so leave me a comment telling me what you liked, what you hated, and what just made you ask ‘what’.

A Certain Magical Index Season 3

Episode 8

Almost as much as Conception, this anime is the one where as we continue along I just wonder why I am watching it. I’ll admit, this one is still more appealing in terms of content than Conception, but from a narrative execution point of view, it is more or less on par. Really not enjoying this right at the moment.

Banana Fish

Episode 22 – Not Reviewed

I’m heart-broken. I’m a crying mess. I kind of knew this couldn’t end well but with two episodes remaining I didn’t expect to have my heart ripped from my chest and then stomped into the ground this week. Oh wow, that was harsh. This show makes no logical sense but it hits you in the feels every single time and I love it for that.

Episode 9

The sports carnival really got our characters fired up, but more than that it made it clear where Yuu is standing. Her firm denial of her own emotions, or at least her misunderstanding of them, is incredibly heartbreaking to watch and I’m really wanting to know how this will end. Patrons can access the post using the link, password on Patreon.

Episode 9

Conception seems to realise that it isn’t really playing its A game. Or even it’s B or C. And while it might be fine to focus on humour, that might be easier to take if I actually found it amusing. Then again, I guess someone is finding it funny. I’m committed to finishing this one but it is getting a little harder each week to muster enthusiasm for viewing.

Dakaichi

Episode 9- Will be reviewed with Arthifis

Episode 9 takes us back to Japan and Takato’s play is now on. However, he’s starting to feel a change in how he is performing and it all comes down to his relationship with Junta. Really loved this episode even if it looks like it is leading to an upsetting episode next week.

Goblin Slayer

Episode 9 – Will be reviewed with Arthifis

The brave adventurers have attracted the attention of the goblins after their explosive end to the beholder last week. High Elf Archer is visibly shaken but the team come together to repel the hordes in a fairly understated and matter-of-fact kind of battle. But then it is time for Goblin Slayer to figure out what was actually going on and the episode gets a little less interesting.

Jingai-San No Yome

Episode 10- Not Reviewed

Another fairly pointless episode. Apparently it is white day and so the various ‘wives’ are receiving various gifts and being all happy about it. And as usual, that’s it. There’s nothing else going on in the three minutes we have here. So, cute enough but fairly pointless, as normal for this one.

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Episode 10

This anime just remains consistently solid. While this episode did feel like it had a bit more roughness to its story, it also feels very much like it was supposed to. There’s a lot going on with these characters and they continue to be consistently interesting and the writing here continues to be fairly impressive. A definite must watch from the season.

Release the Spyce

Episode 9

I think the problem with episode 9 is it gave us a taste of what this show could have been if we hadn’t spent so much time just fluffing about. However, this one does give us some fun moments with the current cast as well as a flashback of Hanzo’s mentor so all and all it was pretty fun.

Run With The Wind

Episode 10

Who would have thought that Kakeru would finally get caught by team spirit? It was a marvellous transformation and one that actually feels kind of earned, even if we did have the cheap plot ploy of another character collapsing to trigger it. It worked, it was fantastic, and Prince is most definitely still the MVP.

Skull Face Bookseller Honda-San

Episode 9

Skull Face Book Seller Honda San continues to be entertaining enough without actually having much in the way of substance. Still, those who love books will find plenty to relate to this episode and will probably have a great time with it. While not overly memorable, this one remains pleasant enough.

Sword Art Online Alicization

Episode 9

The Eugeo focused episode is really welcome as I’ve been wanting Eugeo to get a chance to spread his wings a bit. While at this stage he is still very much guided by Kirito, it is cool to see the gears starting to turn in his head and I wonder just how far Eugeo will go as a character. Really looking forward to finding out as the series progresses.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Episode 10

New characters keep pushing this story along but at the same time it feels like we’ve barely gotten anywhere. I know, that’s a weird contradiction, which seems to be what this show is full of tonally. It feels like stuff should seem dire but it is so casual about it all. I’m enjoying it but it is a bit of an oddity.

Tsurune

Episode 7

This show hits some fairly solid emotional notes this week as they team go into their fist match. While there’s lessons to be learned by all the characters, this episode still tries to maintain the sedate tone, though that actually makes each moment somewhat more poignant and uncomfortable to watch. It is an odd mix, but one that works.

Voice of Fox

Episode 8

The drama continues this week but I’m really enjoying it. Hu Li continues to be a character with just enough tragedy about him to be sympathetic, without crossing the line into completely pathetic. Not to mention, he’s working hard even though he doesn’t believe he deserves anything. I really just want him to have a happy ending at this point. Really enjoying this.

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary

Episode 10

I finally caught up and these past three episodes have really been something. Very much enjoyed the turns in the plot and wondering now how this series will end (fingers crossed it does end and doesn’t just stop mid-story for a season two that doesn’t exist). While this one is hard to recommend due to the rough animation, the story has really been great so far.

Character of the Week

Dakaichi Episode 9 Takato — I’ve been loving Takato as a character since the beginning, but episode 9 really did an excellent job with him. Dakaichi has its issues, but Takato is fantastic.

Episode of the Week

Bloom Into You Episode 9 Yuu and Nanami — For the second time this season, Bloom Into You has delivered an episode I just can’t fault and it even managed to over take Bunny Girl Senpai in my personal enjoyment ranks. Beautifully done.

Dropped or On Hold

Anime Yell!
As Miss Beelzebub Likes
Bakumatsu
Between the Sky and Sea
Himote House
Hinomaru Sumo
Merc Storia
Ms Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood
My Sister, My Writer
Radiant
Space Battleship Tiramisu Zwei
SSSS.Gridman
The Girl in Twilight
Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight
UzaMaid
Zombieland Saga

For those who want to follow my rambling thoughts during the season: https://t.co/dwY6ZcFmzy
— Karandi (@100wordanime) November 18, 2018

Thanks for reading
Karandi James

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NENDOROID NO. 1041 RELEASE THE SPYCE: YUKI HANZOMON

Conception

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Unrestrained Power Fantasy Involving 1 Guy, 12 Girls, and 1 Tanuki

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Worst Story – Jingai San No Yome

Worst Visuals – Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary

Worst Opening – Release the Spyce

Worst Character – Mana

Worst Anime of Autumn 2018 – Conception

Reader’s Choice

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Conception Episode 12 Review

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Conception Episode 11 Review

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Conception Episode 10 Review

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A Certain Magical Index Season 3

Banana Fish

Conception

Dakaichi

Goblin Slayer

Jingai-San No Yome

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Release the Spyce

Run With The Wind

Skull Face Bookseller Honda-San

Sword Art Online Alicization

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Tsurune

Voice of Fox

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary

Character of the Week

Episode of the Week

Dropped or On Hold

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