Japan, 1996. After graduating from high school, Ito Kaiji moves to Tokyo to get a job, but he fails to find steady employment because the country is mired in its first recession since World War II. Depressed, he festers in his apartment, biding the time with cheap pranks, gambles, liquor and cigarettes. Kaiji is always thinking about money and his perpetual poverty frequently brings him to tears. Kaiji's unrelenting misery continues for two years until he is paid an unexpected visit from a man named Endo, who wants to collect an outstanding debt owed to him in Kaiji's name. Endo gives Kaiji two options - either spend ten years to repay this outstanding debt, or board the gambling ship Espoir ("hope" in French) for one night to clear the debt. Using a con, Endo pressures Kaiji into accepting the deal, believing he will never come back from the voyage.
Two normal office workers, two lovers. After years of friendship and more than friendship, Homura and Takase go together on a trip. Though their trip is fun, it is also tinged with sadness. After they return home, Homura and Takase plan on ending their relationship. But, can they end it that easily?
In a world of swords and magic, where the Goddess is revered, Lyell Walt was fortunate enough to be born the first son and heir to an earldom. That is, until his parents disown him for losing pitifully in a fight with his younger sister, Ceres. Lyell had once been hailed as a prodigy—a wonder child—but the birth of his sister changed everything. After Ceres wounds him in their duel, an enigmatic old man swoops in to rescue Lyell and bestows upon him a necklace containing a jewel that has been blessed by the goddesses and passed down through the last seven generations of Walt leaders. As Lyell sets out, necklace in hand, will he be able to prove himself despite his humiliating loss to his sister? And moreover, will he be able to solve the mystery behind Ceres's monstrous strength and the strange sway she seems to hold over his entire family?
Ling Jian Chen, the master of the God-Emperor , is reborn as a mortal, and he has started an unbeatable life that defeat everyone against him! Genius? Even the God-Emperor is my student. Talking about genius and masters? Even the God-Emperor serves me with respect in order to receive my words of guidance, are you as unbeatable as me? Beauties? Have you ever heard of the most beautiful goddess in the Divine Realm? She has tried everything to stay with me … Everyone in heaven, listen to my orders, I’m the one and the only in all the eight realms in heaven. Emperor Ling Tian
Xu Liangjin, a loser in real life, happened to arrive in mysterious planet Sacred Frontier by mistake. From then on, he rewrote all his life. After meeting four female knights with different personalities and specialties, i.e. Cat Knight Forsythia, Fish Knight Orise, Bear Knight Bao and Wing Knight Wenfly, hey joined their team and experienced a series of life-and-death battles, dangerous traps and companions'mutiny... Everyone's fate has his or her own fate. Where to go? That's a question that only future knows.
Gion Kenji's height consistently irks him, while Iwashimizu Sumiaki is tall but lacks confidence. Despite their differences, it takes bullies to connect this improbable duo on their initial day of high school. In due course, their unity is cemented by the rugby club.
from fictiondb: OVERTHROWN BY PASSION Crown Prince Alexander Thorne's honorable intentions were overturned when he rescued a red-haired siren from the sea and gave in to the chemistry raging between them. Alex had sworn he would never again be ruled by a woman, yet lovely Sophia Dunhill might be carrying his heir, and duty required she be kept very close at hand. Sophia valued her freedom and had no intention of remaining in Prince Alex's island kingdom for longer than it took to repair her boat -- royal command or no. Despite his fiery kisses and their heated nights, Sophia wanted more. Could her love transform her duty-bound prince into a man ruled by his passions?
Eunuchs, the only men allowed to serve in the secret garden known as the harem. When a young eunuch named Jafar encounters three beautiful sisters there, their meeting shakes the country to its foundations! Brought to you by the tag-team of Kotaro Shono, the artist of World's End Harem, and Kei Saikawa, the creator of Hero Organization, a tale of suspense in a beautiful, otherworldly country unfolds!
Liu Feng, a self-described internet addict, found himself transported to a world filled with swords and magic. Unfortunately, he lacked any magical powers and was mocked as a useless “Sword and Magic Wreck”. Initially, he believed that his exceptional gaming skills would enable him to reach the pinnacle of success as a master swordsman. However, the local inhabitants quickly disabused him of this notion and left him questioning his own abilities. In this tumultuous continent, can Liu Feng rise to the challenge and become the architect of his own destiny?
Kim JaeHan's narrative starts with the passing of his beloved father. This saddles him with a new responsibility: shielding his daughter, DaHyun, from an unrelenting group of bullies. Channelling his skills as a skilled webtoon artist, Kim JaeHan takes on the role of a protector and will stop at nothing to keep his daughter from harm. His unwavering commitment to DaHyun means that he will not tolerate any form of bullying, and those who cross his daughter will suffer the consequences. Anyone who dares lay a finger on Kim JaeHan's precious child will surely regret it.
For the third time this year, a student has confessed their attraction to Fujimura Kaoru, the nurse at an all-girls school. Despite the flattery, she has kindly declined each offer. However, Isechi Mikoto, who shares a resemblance to Kaoru's past lover, has been shunned by the school due to rumors of her potential homosexuality.
A collection of oneshots Hoichi the Earless: A surreal story about a boy who writes disturbing songs and who sees the spirits of the dead. Read this if only to see the intense illustration on page 27. Paradise Cabin: A group of entertainers is plagued by the spirit of a deceased fellow entertainer. Other oneshots not translated.
Midori is a high-school-aged lesbian who has just been rejected, driving away one of her few friends. In the world right now, there are creatures called "Extraneous" that appear out of nowhere, kill people, and disappear again. No one remembers when they started appearing, but the chance of being killed by one is about the same as the chance of dying in a car accident. Midori's mother was killed by one a year ago, and not only is her father rarely around, he's also deeply in debt. She gets attacked by an Extraneous on her way home, but is saved by a mysterious girl who claims that she's a god. Midori names her Hitsuji (sheep) because of her horns, and takes the girl in. They start a website, Hitsujiya, an Extraneous-fighting service provided by Hitsuji.
With the face of an angel, Sasha Tartt possesses a life-altering secret - she's the only one who knows the true ending to this romance novel that relegates her to a side character. When the story's antagonist takes a particular interest in her, Sasha is faced with a difficult choice: help the clever and beautiful Rebecca achieve a happy ending or side with the sweet-natured protagonist to ensure her own survival. As if that weren't enough, Sasha must also navigate the affections of her bespectacled love interest and tame a dragon boy. Will she be able to master the art of winning over the main characters' hearts?
What happens when the scariest kid in school asks you out on a date? YuGeong struggles to survive what may just be the worst day of her life.
True tales collected on Twitter about users' experiences working in cabaret clubs, hostess bars, concept cafes, and more! Original art by Kayahara Kurese, and testimonials from various Twitter users.
