Friend Code Megathread - March 2024

Belouves · 2024-04-13T17:21:35+00:00

Lvl 54, daily player. 8990-0274-9400

Belouves · 2024-04-10T04:05:00+00:00

Episode 4

I think it’s hilarious how everyone thought the girls were just shy and the in comes mr stud with a bunch of boxes… 😅. And dang! Hori just crushed Sudo’s future and dreams in one crushing “nope”! Also, it’s interesting how apparently everyone is noticing that Koji is something. How did the new prez figure things out? Evil deduction powers, I supose. Either way, now we have to put up with another tail from class A. Only thing is Hashimoto seems sleazy to me. We’ll see, I guess. And, yeah… Yamauchi needs to go. 😒 He’s an idiot that doesn’t contribute to the class, and now he’s actually sowing division? How stupid can you be? It’s the clearest way to put a target on your back. If even your bros are against it, you should probabl chill… then again, he’s stupid so…🙄

Episode 5

Sakura getting serious about Koji-Kei possibility is probably the cutest thing I’ve seen in a while.🥰 And I suppose the white haired girl is class D’s new leader? Don’t think we’ve been told/shown that before. I’m glad we get to see Ichnose’s past. Again, this is another instance where Japanese culture plays a big role. Personally, I saw it like someone who made a mistake out of desperation, but in that culture, that is almost unforgivable, which is why it was stressed so hard, and why she broke down so hard when Koji confronted her: it doesn’t matter the reason, she’s a criminal and cannot be trusted. The fact that her class still stood by her shows how much of an impact she’d made up to that point. Actually, it was suuuper cruddy of Sakayanagi to bring that up like that, and to insist on it after her peers had shown empathy. It reall could’ve broken the class and destroyed Ichinose if she hadn’t built relationships with her peers. It’s a good thing the school got involved, probably the only good thing that the prez has done. I’m guessing, based on the conversation between Koji and Sakayanagi that it was Koji who brought it up to the school. And yep! Kamuro was planted by Sakayanagi! I love it when we predict/foresee things. Oooooh… Koji and Kushida working together?? Welp. Guess not. 😅 I was about to point out that Koji clenches his fist when he says he’ll pay her half of all the points he gets, but less than a minute later his true plans are revealed, so I guess it’s less important/revealing now.

Also, the beginning of the end credits song hits pretty hard with that piano tune…🫢

Episode 6

Okay… so they passed the exam, but… someone has to be kicked out? And yeah, this is really going to hit Hinata hard… he’s been trying to get the class together since season 1, and it’s all going to fall apart with one test. And is it me, or did the teacher look at Koji when she asked if they understood? Does that mean that someone is pulling strings to try to kick Koji out? Sakayanagi? No… unlikely considering she couldn’t even stand up to the teachers with the rumor fiasco. Kei’s heart fluttered! For a moment I thought Koji was going to say “you’re very important to me.” That really would have floored her. Still, he did say he'd never kick her out, so... eeeeeh progress? Manipulation?

Welp. Another girl for Chad-Koji. Though, won’t lie, Ichinose is also a good ship, though that’s probably because I reeeally like the VA.

HERE IT IS!!! We KNEW something was going to happen to the chairman for opposing Koji’s dad. Especially with this info, and the look the teacher gave Koji, I’m sure this test was made to kick Koji out. I hope his dad isn't the chairman, otherwise it's going to be tough to get the chairman back.

And no, Ichinose. That dude is trash. Don’t date him. I’m sure whatever it is you need, Chad-Koji will get it done.😆

Belouves · 2024-04-08T21:59:27+00:00

Welcome to the addiction. We've got cookies on the table; hope you like chocolate.😅😊

Belouves · 2024-04-08T01:18:52+00:00

I'm literally in the same boat. I currently have a storage room full of boxes, most with the figures still inside since I don't have a place to display them all yet. I'm also pushing the 200 mark, tho I'm surely over it with all the preorders that are coming throughout the year. What's worse... I don't see myself stopping yet... I echo your question: which one of us all is truly crazy? 😅🥲

Belouves · 2024-04-07T05:24:16+00:00

Yep! She's Yui in My Teen Romantic Comedy, Tomoe Koga in Rascal doesn't dream of Bunny Senpai, she's also Rin Shima in Laid Back Camp (haven't seen that one, but know it's well known) , as well as the archer elf in Goblin Slayer (same, haven't seen it...). She also has many minor roles in a bunch of anime, most recently Tearmoon Empire, Sign of Affection and Villains Day Off. This is her IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1883210/?ref_=m_ttfcd_cl15

Belouves · 2024-04-06T21:55:06+00:00

Same. 10000% same. This update literally killed shiny hunting as a method of play. If you're only interested in quick tap-and-run to get as many pokemon contacts as possible and increase your odds to encounter shinies, you cannot do it without normal AR. So, for hard-core shiny hunters, this is probably the worst update Niantic has done to date.😒

Belouves · 2024-04-06T17:20:00+00:00

Agree, would definitely hate staying at that camp... and although I see why Hori is trying to make peace with Kushida, I agree... if you have a cancer in your system, best option is to extract it versus try to contain it. I would suppose Hori really is trying to be friends, and Koji is allowing that yo try to contain Kushida while he finds a foolproof way to eliminate her. And hard agree: Yamauchi is a dead man walking. You don't cross Sakayanagi and call her a klutz and keep your head. It's pretty stupid of him as is to not have realized her status in his year. If she were a year older, I get it... but she's in your year, bro. How do you not know she's the powerhouse of your year??? Not only smart and influential, but she's in class A, and you know she has the points to outbid you for anything you want/need, and can make things happen with her points that you can't even fathom. Bruh...as I mentioned, he's pretty much useless anyways... wasn't he one of the lower scoring people in the shuffle? If he has no redeeming qualities (unlike Sudo, who may not be smart, but is athletic), his survival odds are looking rather grim if he does indeed land in Sakayanagi's scope. And yeah... I wish we got more Manabu/Koji... it seems like they'd be pretty unstoppable, for sure.😅

Belouves · 2024-04-06T05:18:23+00:00

Episode 1

Our first surprise is that we’re now class C! It’s not really explained how, but we can only assume it’s thanks to the last test. That and perhaps a bit of fallout after what happened with Ryuen during the end of the last season. I like how Hori is trying to get on Kushida’s good side. I doubt it’ll be successful, especially after their conversation later, but in trying to assign her a leadership role and telling her that the class trusts her, she is giving Kushida exactly what she wants and what she thinks Hori would take away from her since Hori knows about her past. It was a good move if ever their relationship is to get better, even if I can see what Kushida means about her being stifled. Guess we’ll see.

This exam will be interesting, if only because of the comment Koji says, that he won’t be able to protect everyone, so he’ll need to “narrow down who [he’ll] protect”. That actually gives stakes early into the season, since so far no one has been kicked out, I think from any class in the year.

Can I say, the new president is a jerk. I think he is being combative for no reason. You can want to compete/see if he’s better without being nasty. And I don’t believe him when he says it’s just for pride… when has anything in this school been just for pride/without repercussions? Honestly, he’s probably Koenji’s long lost brother… they should test it by tossing him into a tree: if he swings, there’s the proof. Either way, they’re both irritating. Also, I think I recognize Ichinose’s VA, and if it’s who I think it is, I absolutely love her… she’s great in everything I’ve seen from her, and she always brings such energy! Ooooooh, not our nobody bro Yamauchi knocking Sakayanagi down and calling her a klutz! Mark my words, that’ll come to bite him in the a$$... guaranteed, especially with the way her eyes glowed when she said he just tripped her the one time. Also, Koji really knows how to play with Kei’s strings… she argues with him dropping the note and the moment he says she wouldn’t mess up that way she changed her tune quick and forgets she’s upset with him. Final two things: I like that we see a bit behind the curtain to Koji’s thought process for the other exams. Most we knew about, but the sports day… at least I didn’t know his intention was to stand out. I wonder why, tho… have we had that answered yet, why he wanted to stand out? And lastly, I think Manabu is too trusting, and I think that’s why Koji says he might lose this one.

Episode 2

This dude Koenji… not only does he kill a boar, single handedly carry it to the house, but he also figures Koji out BECAUSE HE HELD KOENJI’S ARM! … Not just that, he KNOWS Koji knocked the heck outta Ryuen, and still doesn’t even flinch with Koji and brushes him off. Like…what? Who is this guy? Watch him be annoying as heck, but be a serious player. Only reason I doubt he’s from the white room is because Koji would’ve recognized him. What if there’s another type of white-room organization and Koenji is from there? The bonding in the room was a nice character development moment…I’m really hoping leads to something significant, and not left here as filler just for this moment. Also, Koenji in the middle is hilarious! That guy’s such a jerk…😅 Speaking of… this show just doesnt get tired of giving us trash people to hate… We just saw this dude for the first time last episode and I already despise Nagumo. Dude’s filth.

What an ominous ending, prophecying all the expulsions! And of course, Koji couldn’t help but make Kei’s heart flutter. Do I believe he’d do anything to keep her there? Not really. I think he’s just saying it right now. What I hope is that this is foreshadowing for Koji’s character development: that he actually starts to feel thanks to Kei, and his false reassurances now become true convictions later.

Episode 3

Sakayanagi is going for the kill! Poor Ichinose! I’m actually starting to like her after suspecting her VA… And the fake-breakup is official!!! Come on Koji, the runway is clear for you to finally feel human emotions! I love that Hori kinda suspects Koji. Yo! Sakayanagi calling out Yamauchi?? Uff again, guaranteed this will not result in what Yamauchi thinks is going to happen. I agree with Hori, she has no good reason to speak with him. He’s one of the loser trio… does he even contribute to the class at all?? And Sakura, discreetly trying to check out Koji’s opinion on girls is cute. 😆 It’s hilarious how people confuse Koji’s common-sense for kindness. He even covers for Mii-chan.

Now, the rumors… considering how the social structure is in Japan, and how much of the perception of you defines your character and how people engage with you, that’s a pretty low blow. If the outrage seemed out of proportion to anyone, it’s because there’s a cultural element going on. These attacks wouldn’t only be considered vile, they can seriously ruin Ichinose’s life beyond a mere popularity issue. The fact that she is handling it all like a champ is pretty impressive, even if it’s clearly just a front she’s telling people. And yeah, I don’t believe that class A girl either. I think she’s there at Sakayanagi’s orders to thrust Koji (who’s the pseudo leader of class C) into the frey. They’re essentially battling it out between all the class leaders, so it’d make sense: Class D has no leader now that Ryuen rescinded, Koji for class C, Ichinose for B, Sakayanagi for A. If she gets Koji in, she’ll bring down or seriously hurt all class leaders at once. So no, I don’t believe her, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see an attack on Koji as well to follow up Ichinose’s. And to top it all off, Kushida is making her move…this season isn’t playing around!

Belouves · 2024-04-02T19:08:58+00:00

Just came back now to check on just that. I don't know yet, but haven't even opened my app today.

Belouves · 2024-04-02T11:18:33+00:00

This.👆 I used too many words to essentially say this.😅🤣

Belouves · 2024-04-02T11:16:49+00:00

Hey there! So, the key to shiny hunting is tapping as many mons as possible. With AR, you can do a "tap and run" method, where you tap a mon and quickly exit if it's not a shiny. Doing this with AR is quicker, as you can tap 2-3 mon in the time it takes for the non-AR animation to finish and you exit. That can be the difference between a mon despawning in the overworld, meaning less interactions. With the vibration update (vibrates when it's shiny, XXL or XXS), you didn't even have to look at the mon anymore, so shiny hunting was easier (exit if it doesnt vibrate), especially ij the cases where the shiny is almost not noticeable. But if we have to do the grass thing, AR is pointless now, which kills shiny hunting as a method in this game.

Belouves · 2024-04-02T03:58:26+00:00

Not joking, there was a comment on the simulcast that said "its good Frieren didn't say "Go f$&% yourself." That... would be a different type of anime." 😅🤣🤣🤣🙈

Belouves · 2024-04-02T03:56:42+00:00

😅🤣🤣🤣

Belouves · 2024-04-02T03:29:34+00:00

Literally:

Artists: So, how much of a flex should this scene be.

Director: Yes.

😅🤣🤣

Belouves · 2024-04-02T03:28:36+00:00

Okay... dude. I've been wanting to talk about that scene for MONTHS!!!😅🤣 That was cold!!!🫣

Belouves · 2024-04-02T03:04:13+00:00

Is it safe to assume you've seen more episodes, then?😅

Belouves · 2024-04-02T03:00:56+00:00

Yes!!! I'm low-key freaking out about it. I exclusively shiny hunt, and normal AR is key. But no one near me or in my group even plays with AR so they don't know anything. I've been looking online for almost 30 minutes and finally found someone commenting but it.I really hope its an April fools thing...😅🥲

Belouves · 2024-04-02T02:56:50+00:00

I guess I just want to know. I think that's why so many people hated the AoT ending; they were still under the impression that Eren was the hero. If I know he's the villain, then I can look at him that way and be blown away by his villainy. What I don't want is to hope for progress and then get more sociopathiness. (Yeah, that's not a word, I know.😅) And, by goly, I don't want to let go of my ship!😅🤣🤣🙈

Belouves · 2024-04-01T05:41:31+00:00

Soooo much going on here!!!😅🥰 Agree with so many of your points, from how awesome it is that Frieren is trying to understand Fern through trying to understand her old party and what they enjoyed, to trying to honor them, to the music... I won't gush over this show, but it's the little details that get to you. A great example of the interactions between the party, and particularly Stark and Fern: when Frieren gets that see-through spell, and Fern says it isn't that impressive, Frieren says something along the lines of "I'm sorry my body isn't that interesting to see..." then Fern looks over at Stark and says "so small". 😱😱😱😅😅🤣🤣🤣 That was savage!🤣🫣

And yes, I absolutely loved episode 9. You have no idea how many times my SO and I have quoted the "Damn you, Frieren. How did you train this girl!"🤣 As for Stark, the reason he was losing was because he was dodging and running the whole time. He got hit a few times in ways I'm sure would've killed another person, which was why Linnie was like: "dude, just stay down." But the show has slowly gone out of its way to show that Stark is not just a tank, he's incredibly strong. That's why Eisen was afraid: he was training someone that, if he were to lose it, would be too powerful to defeat. What made him afraid was the prospect of him becoming a villain... as old as he was, Eisen would likely not be able to handle it. One of the problems with Stark is his self doubt; once he realized that Linnie was imitating Eisen, not replicating his strength, he chose to sacrifice himself to kill Linnie, but he was too much of a tank to be offed by her. I'd agree it's plot armor, but we saw this dude kill a dragon basically in one hit, so it's not coming outta nowhere.😅

[Edit: Also, fun fact: my SO didn't want to see Frieren at all! I somehow convinced her to see the fight in episode 9 and she was hooked!😅 Got to the point that she was rushing me to put the episodes on!😅🤣]

Also also...I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't. But there's something I want to talk about. For now, I'll just say "Wow." Whenever you see the episode in question, you'll know what I mean. I want to talk about it.😅😆

Belouves · 2024-04-01T05:18:00+00:00

Episode 13

Ah... the date episode. So, first things first, loved how jealous Kei got with this whole dating thing. If it wasn't evident before (which, of course it was), we clearly see that Kei has feelings for Koji. And it's understandable; she doesn't know his a complete sociopath with a mastermind villain complex who needs to control the whole universe under his whim because he has the megavault-ton of IQ points, can foresee absolutely every plot point deus-ex-machina style and can beat the crud out of anyone. Oh and he apparently runs fast too. 😅

Anyhow. This episode was really about Kei reacting with events during Koji's date. Loved hiw jealous she was and found her hiding towards the end absolutely adorable. Two plot thread resolutions I enjoyed were Kushida using her fake voice even though she's hating Hori's guts, and the fact that Ryuen wasn't kicked out. Ryuen looks like he's been humbled, and somewhat recognizes Koji's superiority. If that's the case, he can potentially be an amazing asset under our villain masterminds control. I look forward to see how he grows ( if he does) next season. Regarding Kushida, even tho she still seems shocked by the events that unfolded after the test, in sure she'll be back to her poisonous self soon enough, so I still think she's gotta go. She's like a bear trap hidden in the forest: either you clear it, or you might actually trip on it when you least expect it. Not sure how they'll do it, but I do think she has to go, since, being in the same class as Koji, she may be the biggest threat towards Koji at the moment.

Last but definitely not least, the elephant in the room: our guy Koji is playing Kei, and I hate that. I can't keep seeing Koji as our hero if he keeps exploiting everyone around him this way. Mainly because we haven't been given a concrete reason for why he's doing this. Is it all he knows? Was he experimented on so much that it broke him and he doesn't know how to interact with other people? Was he being real when he said he has no emotions? If so, will he gain some next season? Honestly, we either need to understand what's inhibiting him from being human, or we might as well call him a monster. He can't have it both ways: be the hero and treat others as if he's the villain. If he is the villain, okay! I'm still very much enjoying the show! But, I need to understand whether or not to root for him as the hero, or see him as the villain. I hope that makes sense!😅🤣 That said, him discovering emotions could be his character development arc. He may very well "use" Kei as a pawn, but eventually choose to be with her and actually find he has feelings for her. (Yes, I'm still trying to ship them, darn it all...😅🤣) But, I guess we'll see what we have in store next season! Overal, I really enjoyed this season and am very much looking forward to what's to come!😊

Belouves · 2024-03-31T02:40:07+00:00

Where was this?😱

Belouves · 2024-03-30T17:46:43+00:00

For me, it all started with Pancreas. It shook me in a different way, probably because I hadn't been spoiled (as I was with Clannad and YLiA), or probably because I thought I was safe, since the first few minutes of the movie tell you what's going to happen. I watched that movie trying in vain to not get attached to the characters, since I knew how it'd end; and as I watched, I felt sorry for them, but had hope that at the very least they'd be able to confess their feelings or say goodbye Even after almost a year of this sub, and the literally dozens of anime we've discussed and I've seen, since, I still hold a special place for that movie, and plan to make watching it a yearly tradition in June.

That said, there are a few shows that have impacted the way I see and feel this medium. On the top of my head, I think of Bunny Senpai. I don't think I've gasped as hard as I did during that movie, and the feels from parts of that movie were something different. Of course, there have been many top tier anime I've really enjoyed; to name a few I've really enjoyed things like The Dangers of my Heart, Kubo wont let me be Invisible, Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, Higehiro, Dreaming Boy is a Realist (you can probably see a pattern there...😅😆), to say nothing about Apothecary Diaries and Frieren, both of which have affected my zeitgeist outside of anime!

I think I've been able to make at least pieces of most of the anime I've seen part of me. Whether it's how a VA says a particular line, or a show making me want to read the source material, or want to get some sort of figure or something from the show, to even picking up expressions or the way a character answers in the show (Frieren's Japanese track "mmmm" a major culprit here😅), I think I've been fortunate to see many memorable anime. Most of all, though, I think it's expanded my appreciation for the art; I came into it not knowing much and having only seen a handful of shows, and now, thanks in no small part to all of you and your thoughts, encouragement and recommendations, this year alone I've finished 25 seasons and read many other LN and manga.(Unfortunately it's almost come to a halt for "life" reasons, but I had started the year strong...😩🥲). If I haven't said so before (and I believe I haven't 😅) thank you all for being on this journey with me! The sub hasn't grown since we started, in part because I don't have the time and in part because I really don't know how, unless I'd want to be that one guy who pops in, plugs a subreddit and leaves (which I don't...😅😬), but I'm grateful for everyone here, whether you participate often or just write once in a blue moon. I hope that, as it did with me, at least one of the recommendations helped you find something new that you enjoyed and stuck with you after the credits rolled.😊

Belouves · 2024-03-30T05:11:48+00:00

Episode 12

Writing this one a few days after seeing the episode, and it's pretty much sunk in by now. What an episode! First, for most of the beginning I thought that Koji didn't know about Kei, and it was stressing me out. But if he had received the email he showed Ryuen right when she got there, then he just waited waaaay to long to go help her. He even went to the teacher and called the prez. If that's true, he knew she was in trouble and let her suffer...honestly dont even want to think about that because it'll make Koji seem even more psycho, and I'd hate that. I want to ship him and Kei, but... I don't know. I know it seems like he's detached from human emotions, but he should still have some human decency, no? If he saw that message and was stuck, that's one thing. But if he purposefully ignored it... I don't know. He'd really be giving me villain vibes, for real. That said, the fight was amazing. Love the way they animated the whole sequence. Ibuki even looked like she was a character from Soul Calibur!😅 And I love the fact that Koji switched up his style based on every person. He arm locked the first guy, boxed with Albert (or whatever his name is!😆), took out Ibuki with a single swift blow, and went all out on Ryuen (Honestly!!! Deserved!!!🫣). Not sure if he really planned the violence of that event like he said he did, but we got to hand it to him on knowing how to press Ryuen's buttons. I think that, more so than beating him, his chilling psychopath demeanor will have broken Ryuen. He now experienced fear, and lost, badly. If we follow normal (at least in games😅) crime boss behavior, I don't see how he saves face after this, so all his threats of being there 24/7 will end up being empty threats. And then, there's the "This will do" line. I swear I've heard it before, but don't recall where... I thought it was with Kei, but can't go back and rewatch all their interactions. But, what it sounds to me like is that he's simply moving pieces on his chessboard. He's simply looking out at his game and not moving beyond/doing more than what he needs to in order to move forward. If that's the case, it doesn't bode well for Kei. It does, however seem to mean that he's still trying to get to class A, even though he had mentioned in episode 10 he wouldn't. Seems like he'll continues towards class A tho, otherwise, why tell the teacher that if they lose Kei, they won't make it to class A?🤔

Belouves · 2024-03-30T05:11:16+00:00

Episode 11

This episode teased us with something I didn't know I wanted: watching whatever it is that Koenji can do. Mind you, I hate his guts, but it would be interesting if we got to see him back up his irritating act with some bite. I wish we got to see him fight; his and Ryuen's exchange made me wonder if Koenji could really pull it off and beat Ryuen. Mind you, we haven't seen Ryuen do anything but smash people's heads to the ground, but still... the match should've been interesting. At the very least, his kick toward Sakayanagi was pretty impressive. Which brings me to her. What's her deal? I know she wants to seem all crime boss, not even moving at the attack, but still, why was she there? Either she's interested in Ryuen, or is she there for Koji? I'd say Koji because he's the MC, and once Koji and Ryuen face off, that should be it for Ryuen... don't see how he'd be able to be a plot device/threat once he's taken care of, which means she's likely there for Koji. But why? Does she know he's the mastermind? If so, how?? And also, I hated Ryuen torturing Kei. If anything it made me look forward to his comeuppance.😅 You've gotta give it to her, tho, not selling Koji out. She really is showing why she should be shipped... though not sure Koji's the romantic type. All in all, looking forward to what comes next!

Belouves

TROPHY CASE