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yelpDear creator,
Thanks for taking a look at my small animanga fandoms letter this year! I'm thrilled that someone else may be enjoying these same characters with me, much less creating fanworks about them! For the latter 4 fandoms, besides some prompts about mediums, I've largely copied the rest from my previous exchange letters (in case that saves you a read!). I also have a general likes/dislikes post here.
Golden Kamuy
Mediums
Art-wise, I’m obsessed with all the visual gags of Ogata as a cat. Would love to see more cat memes with Ogata subbed in. Cat jumps away from cucumber. Cat squishing into smaller and smaller boxes. Trying to pick up a cat but it’s boneless. All with Ogata’s soulless deadpan eyes.
I also think a lot of the drawing/sketchbook/journal freeforms would be excellent for Vasily’s art skills. Maybe a journal where he starts out sketching Ogata from a tactical perspective and devolves into him deciding to leave Russia and hang out with his enemy, as you do.
Ogata /& Vasily
Love their sniper battles, how hard they go to out-think and best each other. I’m devastated that they literally never meet face to face. Ah, such is the life of a sniper - developing an incredibly intense and homicidal relationship with another equally skilled individual across vast distances.
Also I’m sooo into Vasily following some randos around for ages hoping for a sight of Ogata, his impeccable little doodles, and finally when Ogata appears he’s so flustered he’s like picking up spoons and doesn’t know what to do. Please give me more shows of competence and appreciation of competence - maybe even where they get to actually cooperate, unlike canon? Maybe Vasily gets the drop on Ogata but can’t stand the thought of killing him after all this time, so patches him up? (Meanwhile Ogata through his entire convalescence is goading Vasily to just do it already, with that smug little grin on his face.) Maybe circumstances have them needing to team up briefly, and it’s actually pretty nice to have someone who understands exactly what you need when you’re hunkering down for a day-long sniping wait, even if they don’t even speak the same language. (And then Ogata busts out some flawless Russian, and Vasily is like “why didn’t you say anything before now??”)
Ogata /& Yuusaku
I’m so happy Ogata had his realization in the end, but that was definitely not the ending I wanted for him. Would love for him to be able to realize what he has in Yuusaku early enough to experience and appreciate it. Maybe a time-travel story where he gets to relive those days knowing what he knows now. Yuusaku is shocked that Ogata’s acting so differently now, but Ogata actually becomes the worldly, protective older brother he briefly pretended to be. Takes Yuusaku out on the town, shows him things, stands up for him when Yuusaku would be too naive to fend for himself. (Maybe saves Yuusaku’s life, and wrestles a sliver of grudging appreciation from their father for once?? And experiences what it might have been like to be born the favored brother??) Maybe the same way Yuusaku acts as the flag bearer for his regiment, he can be Ogata’s soul and conscience somehow, when Ogata has none of his own.
Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru
Mediums
What do you think about a bestiary for in-game monsters?? Otherwise, any art of Eita being his adorable self would be amazing!
Eita &/ Yamada
Eita & Akane
I love Eita’s personality, he has such cute energy most of the time, but he can be so serious about protecting his guildies! I enjoyed the reveal that he’s the one behind the super cute Rurihime avatar in game. I don’t necessarily headcanon that he’d be into crossdressing IRL, but I also don’t NOT headcanon it. It would be pretty fun to see him exploring that with either Yamada or Akane (one would definitely be more helpful than the other). Maybe just something he’s just starting to try out in private, or maybe going all out with cosplay for a convention or something. I’d certainly enjoy art of him in pretty, decadent dresses (the butterfly one worn by Momo to her serious group dates comes to mind!)
I’m also really into Eita and Yamada’s senpai-kouhai vibes. Eita is the only one who calls him Akito, and he’s always guiding Yamada on various real-life things. But Yamada is the pro gamer, and so talented academically, I’m sure there’s a lot to admire about how well he’s got his life together. (Only thanks to Eita’s guidance, of course.)
I’m not fully caught up on the manga but I don’t mind spoilers for it. In the time that I spent procrastinating on this letter, I have caught up with the manga. I love that Eita thinks of the guild as a place he created for Runa, and that’s why he’s so selective about members! Also the whole thing about Eita and Yamada being FOS partners (and known across the server for it) and went through what Eita himself described as a lovey-dovey ceremony for it… I’d love to see that ceremony, whether in a shippy way or Eita just teasing the hell out of Yamada and enjoying the pretty graphics!
PS. I enjoy the gaming elements of the manga a lot, and would enjoy more inclusion of video game mechanics!
Chihayafuru
Mediums
Not a playing card exactly, but it would be fun to see these characters on their favorite karuta cards! Also, Chihaya’s recruitment poster for her karuta club is iconic - would what it look like if the other characters made one too for their respective organizations/Youtube channel?
Sudou/Taichi
Sudou/Chihaya
Sudou is such a strange duck, I want to know more about him. He can be so nasty during a match just to get the slightest edge (I laughed when he said he stands up during matches just so he can look down on his opponent), but he’s also a man of his word - even conceding his spot in the finals of an important tournament just because he lost his bet to Mashima. He’s so domineering with his underclassmen, and also silently trying to undermine and overcome Suou by taking his recordings and practicing with them… yet is completely earnest about supporting Suou during his Meijin match, and goes to extraordinary lengths to keep him playing karuta. His goal isn’t like anyone else in the manga - to become some great player, or a certified reader - but instead to work in the Karuta Association and keep this niche sport going for everyone. I picked a couple characters that would be fun to ship with Sudou - either in his sadistic way, or building each other up via their differences. I’m looking to see a softer side of him, or a darker side, or just what in general this character would look like if we lifted him from side character to the spotlight.
Sudou/Arata
Arata is so great. I like his calm, clean manner of taking cards, how he never contests takes, and I also love how intense he can get when he plays the right person. (Plus he wears his grandfather's kimono so well!) He’s so straightforward, and Sudou is so underhanded, it would be fun to see them clash - in karuta or in real life.
Arata/Shinobu
He and Shinobu are great foils for each other too! Even though they’re both quite solitary people, Arata actually had, like, friends at some point, and Shinobu was deliberately kept away from any risk of that. No wonder Shinobu is so standoffish and resistant to let others even remotely close to helping her. Maybe only someone as independent as Arata, and someone she respects so much, could push through that.
I’m intrigued by how she personifies the karuta cards, and her eventual realization that they’re a manifestation of her own feelings (and loneliness). I’d love to see what the little gods think of Arata, and what that reflects about her feelings for him. Also, I’m obsessed with Shinobu’s Youtube channel, and would love to see more collabs between her and Arata! How does it go with her dream of turning karuta into a career? And what role can Arata play in that?
20th Century Boys
Mediums
A propaganda poster would be so good for this fandom! Or an advertisement for Haru’s next concert, with sinister Friend undertones in the background?
Haru Namio & or / Maruo
Haru Namio, the voice of the evil totalitarian government, and his manager Maruo. Both have devoted their days and their talents to the service of the people they hate most - one downcast in the shadows, the other standing in the public eye with an inscrutable, perpetual smile on his face.
I became obsessed when we got that scene where Maruo is planning to bomb said evil totalitarian government, and Haru's only response is, "Don't worry about killing me in the crossfire." I would absolutely love to see some of the early days of their acquaintance, when neither is completely sure whether the other is completely on the same page, as well as more of this grim resolution they’ve both settled into. Regardless of how hopeless their cause seems, it must be comforting to have at least one other person who feels the same way you do.
Some outsider POV would also be wonderful here. Haru has made his wealth and fame by turning his passion to the service of the Friendship party, and it would be a natural to assume he's a true believer. I'd love to see this pair come across some rebel on the run, who naturally distrusts their motives for helping, but needs to rely on their discretion. Maybe the rebel initially believes they are devoted followers of the Friendship party, and plan to immediately report in, but through observing their relationship, gradually understands differently…
Dr. Stone
Mediums
Obviously this fandom would be perfect for sketchbooks and technical blueprints - not necessarily from Senkuu. (I bet Ukyou is also trained to at least make competent maps and diagrams!) Also, I would love Tsukasa on a propaganda poster for his kingdom. To, uh, boost morale and cohesion and such.
Senkuu &/ Tsukasa
Senkuu &/ Ukyou
Tsukasa & Ukyou
The various relationships between these three in the Stone Wars arc had so much unexplored potential! There's just all this trust and betrayal and power dynamics flowing between them, and I'd be delighted to see a darker, more serious take on it than the relatively light-hearted tone of the show had room for.
Tsukasa is the first person Senkuu revives, and there is such an instant connection and wariness between them at the same time! Tsukasa declaring his loyalty and friendship (his first!!). Senkuu instantly understanding his potential, and the danger he poses. It's a shame how quickly Tsukasa proves him right, and Senkuu has to actually go to war to take him down. Given how Tsukasa turned on Senkuu and tried to kill him, one might expect Senkuu to try to get revenge in the course of the war - or once he finds out about Tsukasa's greatest vulnerability, his sister. Instead, after he defeats Tsukasa, he even goes so far as to help him. I'd love to see Tsukasa's perspective of events there!
Ukyou, likewise, was revived by Tsukasa, and should theoretically owe him his loyalty - but because he doesn't approve of Tsukasa's methods, Ukyou ultimately defects. I'm very fond of that boy in general, for standing for his principles and being willing to act against authority, even at great risk to himself. What would have happened if Tsukasa had caught him before Senkuu's arrival, or actually defeated Senkuu's army? Is there any resulting tension between them about the betrayal after they get folded into the same side again? It would be cool to see their first one-on-one interaction afterwards, and how they manage to form a working relationship again.
The dynamic between Senkuu and Ukyou is also great. They're on opposite sides of the war, which makes them enemies, but Ukyou is willing to gamble on Senkuu being a better leader than Tsukasa, and Senkuu needs Ukyou's help to succeed. It would be fun to see an AU where Senkuu has been captured by Tsukasa, but Ukyou secretly sets him free? (Is that when Senkuu wins Ukyou over?) Or, after Senkuu's victory, some of his eccentric personality may make Ukyou wonder if he's really any better than Tsukasa, or if Ukyou has just traded one ruthless dictator for another - but eventually, hopefully, he sees Senkuu's true nature.
Eyeshield 21
Mediums
I would be delighted to see meta/ship manifesto for any of these ships. I also think Hiruma’s various schemes would involve a lot of horrifying in-universe documents…
Hiruma &/ Takami
During matches, I loved seeing these two go head-to-head between plays, in their personal quarterback mind-game showdowns. Out of all the other opponents Hiruma tried to psych out during games, Takami was the only one who tried to psych him out right back. In that sense, I feel they were on the same wavelength (of evil...?)! One thing I find interesting about Takami's backstory is his leg injury, one that he doesn't let stop him from pursuing football despite the disadvantage it gives him. I could imagine this being the sort of juicy tidbit that falls into Hiruma's ear - but instead of adding it to his blackmail book (as one might expect), he somehow helps Takami come to terms with it (in his own chaotic way).
Hiruma &/ Habashira
The power imbalance in this relationship! Habashira having to run these errands and act as free transportation, until one day Hiruma has a heart and lets him go. What else did Hiruma make him do before that happened? :) Also, my heart broke when Habashira asked Hiruma what the difference was between them. They both motivated their teams with fear and threats, but what worked well for Hiruma totally failed for Habashira. I would love if Hiruma actually had some kind of response for that, e.g. flying in and kicking his whole team into gear.
Hiruma &/ Sena
I love how unassuming Sena, who never really thought much of himself, actually develops such a remarkable role in the team and also in Hiruma's eyes. Hiruma learns to place his trust in someone else for a change - that moment when we find out he doesn't have any schemes or plays left of his own, and is just going to hold on and wait for Sena to come through, is so uncharacteristic of him, and really shows how much he's developed. I'd love to see more about that bond between them. Hiruma is hardly the type to express it verbally, so how does it come through? Maybe Sena is in trouble (kidnapped?? Football is serious business!), and is shocked when Hiruma helps him out! Maybe after the craziness of the tournament, Hiruma doesn't have to keep pushing Sena anymore, and they can just peacefully coexist... until, with a bang, Hiruma's next scheme sucks him right back in...
Hiruma &/ Kid
Kid is brilliant, talented, and has zero self-confidence. Meanwhile Hiruma isn't particularly outstanding, but makes up for it with iron determination and a willingness to go to extreme measures to get the win. They are such different people, and I could easily have seen Hiruma mocking Kid for giving up on his passions - but instead they just chill together and throw darts and chat calmly and dispassionately about the upcoming opponent that will probably kill them both. And Hiruma has zero qualms about tooting Kid's horn for him in front of Agon, when Kid can't conceive of doing it himself. Let me see more of Hiruma standing up for Kid! Let me see poor Kid, with his zero self esteem, get a boost from the very last person anyone would have expected... and finally unleash some of that ridiculous potential, with Hiruma cackling in the background!
Hiruma &/ Shin
They have a conversation in the manga, from when Hiruma first founded Deimon as a team and immediately challenged Oujou, only to lose spectacularly. Undaunted, Hiruma promised that he'd find a light-speed runner for Shin, and Shin promised to beat that runner if so. Over the course of the manga, through competing with this runner Hiruma found, Shin discovered an actual love for football, as well as new motivation to improve his game. I love the idea that even back then, Hiruma noticed Shin's ennui and wasted potential, and decided right there to do something about it. Taken in that light, Sena's whole existence on the team is a tool for Shin's development, rather than the other way around. Alternatively, wouldn't it be fun if stoic Shin had to deal with insane Hiruma as his team captain for a while? How would he cope? Or would he appreciate being pushed even further to his limits?
Alice in Borderland
Chishiya Shuntarou/Kuzuryu Keiichi
What a pair, these two! Two genius intellects that surpass all those around them, yet they couldn't have turned out more different. Chishiya, who has zero care for the sanctity of human life (even his own??), while Kuzuryu turns out to care way too much. I love that Chishiya grasps exactly the question that Kuzuryu has been wondering for so long, and ends up being the one to give him the answer. And, I love that it seems the answer shocked even Chishiya, and seems to have changed him a bit too, given his selfless act in the end.
I think the age difference between them is neat, in that Kuzuryu might see Chishiya's thinking as immature, still under development, needing mentoring? They could have met back in the real world, maybe one of Kuzuryu's clients is in the hospital and Chishiya is part of their care team. Or maybe Chishiya gets into some kind of legal trouble and Kuzuryu ends up defending him?
In the Borderlands, it would be interesting to see some of their interactions at the Beach, maybe some of the previous games they played together. They both probably knew there was something more than met the eye about the other, both probably testing and probing at each other even as they pretended to cooperate for now. I'd also be interested in a canon divergence AU, like Chishiya being one of the face cards and Kuzuryu playing his game? Or the two of them pairing up for games together (instead of joining The Beach, Kuzuryu decides to just follow one player along to study him?) and bonding over many trials.
Thanks for taking a look at my small animanga fandoms letter this year! I'm thrilled that someone else may be enjoying these same characters with me, much less creating fanworks about them! For the latter 4 fandoms, besides some prompts about mediums, I've largely copied the rest from my previous exchange letters (in case that saves you a read!). I also have a general likes/dislikes post here.
Golden Kamuy
Mediums
Art-wise, I’m obsessed with all the visual gags of Ogata as a cat. Would love to see more cat memes with Ogata subbed in. Cat jumps away from cucumber. Cat squishing into smaller and smaller boxes. Trying to pick up a cat but it’s boneless. All with Ogata’s soulless deadpan eyes.
I also think a lot of the drawing/sketchbook/journal freeforms would be excellent for Vasily’s art skills. Maybe a journal where he starts out sketching Ogata from a tactical perspective and devolves into him deciding to leave Russia and hang out with his enemy, as you do.
Ogata /& Vasily
Love their sniper battles, how hard they go to out-think and best each other. I’m devastated that they literally never meet face to face. Ah, such is the life of a sniper - developing an incredibly intense and homicidal relationship with another equally skilled individual across vast distances.
Also I’m sooo into Vasily following some randos around for ages hoping for a sight of Ogata, his impeccable little doodles, and finally when Ogata appears he’s so flustered he’s like picking up spoons and doesn’t know what to do. Please give me more shows of competence and appreciation of competence - maybe even where they get to actually cooperate, unlike canon? Maybe Vasily gets the drop on Ogata but can’t stand the thought of killing him after all this time, so patches him up? (Meanwhile Ogata through his entire convalescence is goading Vasily to just do it already, with that smug little grin on his face.) Maybe circumstances have them needing to team up briefly, and it’s actually pretty nice to have someone who understands exactly what you need when you’re hunkering down for a day-long sniping wait, even if they don’t even speak the same language. (And then Ogata busts out some flawless Russian, and Vasily is like “why didn’t you say anything before now??”)
Ogata /& Yuusaku
I’m so happy Ogata had his realization in the end, but that was definitely not the ending I wanted for him. Would love for him to be able to realize what he has in Yuusaku early enough to experience and appreciate it. Maybe a time-travel story where he gets to relive those days knowing what he knows now. Yuusaku is shocked that Ogata’s acting so differently now, but Ogata actually becomes the worldly, protective older brother he briefly pretended to be. Takes Yuusaku out on the town, shows him things, stands up for him when Yuusaku would be too naive to fend for himself. (Maybe saves Yuusaku’s life, and wrestles a sliver of grudging appreciation from their father for once?? And experiences what it might have been like to be born the favored brother??) Maybe the same way Yuusaku acts as the flag bearer for his regiment, he can be Ogata’s soul and conscience somehow, when Ogata has none of his own.
Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru
Mediums
What do you think about a bestiary for in-game monsters?? Otherwise, any art of Eita being his adorable self would be amazing!
Eita &/ Yamada
Eita & Akane
I love Eita’s personality, he has such cute energy most of the time, but he can be so serious about protecting his guildies! I enjoyed the reveal that he’s the one behind the super cute Rurihime avatar in game. I don’t necessarily headcanon that he’d be into crossdressing IRL, but I also don’t NOT headcanon it. It would be pretty fun to see him exploring that with either Yamada or Akane (one would definitely be more helpful than the other). Maybe just something he’s just starting to try out in private, or maybe going all out with cosplay for a convention or something. I’d certainly enjoy art of him in pretty, decadent dresses (the butterfly one worn by Momo to her serious group dates comes to mind!)
I’m also really into Eita and Yamada’s senpai-kouhai vibes. Eita is the only one who calls him Akito, and he’s always guiding Yamada on various real-life things. But Yamada is the pro gamer, and so talented academically, I’m sure there’s a lot to admire about how well he’s got his life together. (Only thanks to Eita’s guidance, of course.)
PS. I enjoy the gaming elements of the manga a lot, and would enjoy more inclusion of video game mechanics!
Chihayafuru
Mediums
Not a playing card exactly, but it would be fun to see these characters on their favorite karuta cards! Also, Chihaya’s recruitment poster for her karuta club is iconic - would what it look like if the other characters made one too for their respective organizations/Youtube channel?
Sudou/Taichi
Sudou/Chihaya
Sudou is such a strange duck, I want to know more about him. He can be so nasty during a match just to get the slightest edge (I laughed when he said he stands up during matches just so he can look down on his opponent), but he’s also a man of his word - even conceding his spot in the finals of an important tournament just because he lost his bet to Mashima. He’s so domineering with his underclassmen, and also silently trying to undermine and overcome Suou by taking his recordings and practicing with them… yet is completely earnest about supporting Suou during his Meijin match, and goes to extraordinary lengths to keep him playing karuta. His goal isn’t like anyone else in the manga - to become some great player, or a certified reader - but instead to work in the Karuta Association and keep this niche sport going for everyone. I picked a couple characters that would be fun to ship with Sudou - either in his sadistic way, or building each other up via their differences. I’m looking to see a softer side of him, or a darker side, or just what in general this character would look like if we lifted him from side character to the spotlight.
Sudou/Arata
Arata is so great. I like his calm, clean manner of taking cards, how he never contests takes, and I also love how intense he can get when he plays the right person. (Plus he wears his grandfather's kimono so well!) He’s so straightforward, and Sudou is so underhanded, it would be fun to see them clash - in karuta or in real life.
Arata/Shinobu
He and Shinobu are great foils for each other too! Even though they’re both quite solitary people, Arata actually had, like, friends at some point, and Shinobu was deliberately kept away from any risk of that. No wonder Shinobu is so standoffish and resistant to let others even remotely close to helping her. Maybe only someone as independent as Arata, and someone she respects so much, could push through that.
I’m intrigued by how she personifies the karuta cards, and her eventual realization that they’re a manifestation of her own feelings (and loneliness). I’d love to see what the little gods think of Arata, and what that reflects about her feelings for him. Also, I’m obsessed with Shinobu’s Youtube channel, and would love to see more collabs between her and Arata! How does it go with her dream of turning karuta into a career? And what role can Arata play in that?
20th Century Boys
Mediums
A propaganda poster would be so good for this fandom! Or an advertisement for Haru’s next concert, with sinister Friend undertones in the background?
Haru Namio & or / Maruo
Haru Namio, the voice of the evil totalitarian government, and his manager Maruo. Both have devoted their days and their talents to the service of the people they hate most - one downcast in the shadows, the other standing in the public eye with an inscrutable, perpetual smile on his face.
I became obsessed when we got that scene where Maruo is planning to bomb said evil totalitarian government, and Haru's only response is, "Don't worry about killing me in the crossfire." I would absolutely love to see some of the early days of their acquaintance, when neither is completely sure whether the other is completely on the same page, as well as more of this grim resolution they’ve both settled into. Regardless of how hopeless their cause seems, it must be comforting to have at least one other person who feels the same way you do.
Some outsider POV would also be wonderful here. Haru has made his wealth and fame by turning his passion to the service of the Friendship party, and it would be a natural to assume he's a true believer. I'd love to see this pair come across some rebel on the run, who naturally distrusts their motives for helping, but needs to rely on their discretion. Maybe the rebel initially believes they are devoted followers of the Friendship party, and plan to immediately report in, but through observing their relationship, gradually understands differently…
Dr. Stone
Mediums
Obviously this fandom would be perfect for sketchbooks and technical blueprints - not necessarily from Senkuu. (I bet Ukyou is also trained to at least make competent maps and diagrams!) Also, I would love Tsukasa on a propaganda poster for his kingdom. To, uh, boost morale and cohesion and such.
Senkuu &/ Tsukasa
Senkuu &/ Ukyou
Tsukasa & Ukyou
The various relationships between these three in the Stone Wars arc had so much unexplored potential! There's just all this trust and betrayal and power dynamics flowing between them, and I'd be delighted to see a darker, more serious take on it than the relatively light-hearted tone of the show had room for.
Tsukasa is the first person Senkuu revives, and there is such an instant connection and wariness between them at the same time! Tsukasa declaring his loyalty and friendship (his first!!). Senkuu instantly understanding his potential, and the danger he poses. It's a shame how quickly Tsukasa proves him right, and Senkuu has to actually go to war to take him down. Given how Tsukasa turned on Senkuu and tried to kill him, one might expect Senkuu to try to get revenge in the course of the war - or once he finds out about Tsukasa's greatest vulnerability, his sister. Instead, after he defeats Tsukasa, he even goes so far as to help him. I'd love to see Tsukasa's perspective of events there!
Ukyou, likewise, was revived by Tsukasa, and should theoretically owe him his loyalty - but because he doesn't approve of Tsukasa's methods, Ukyou ultimately defects. I'm very fond of that boy in general, for standing for his principles and being willing to act against authority, even at great risk to himself. What would have happened if Tsukasa had caught him before Senkuu's arrival, or actually defeated Senkuu's army? Is there any resulting tension between them about the betrayal after they get folded into the same side again? It would be cool to see their first one-on-one interaction afterwards, and how they manage to form a working relationship again.
The dynamic between Senkuu and Ukyou is also great. They're on opposite sides of the war, which makes them enemies, but Ukyou is willing to gamble on Senkuu being a better leader than Tsukasa, and Senkuu needs Ukyou's help to succeed. It would be fun to see an AU where Senkuu has been captured by Tsukasa, but Ukyou secretly sets him free? (Is that when Senkuu wins Ukyou over?) Or, after Senkuu's victory, some of his eccentric personality may make Ukyou wonder if he's really any better than Tsukasa, or if Ukyou has just traded one ruthless dictator for another - but eventually, hopefully, he sees Senkuu's true nature.
Eyeshield 21
Mediums
I would be delighted to see meta/ship manifesto for any of these ships. I also think Hiruma’s various schemes would involve a lot of horrifying in-universe documents…
Hiruma &/ Takami
During matches, I loved seeing these two go head-to-head between plays, in their personal quarterback mind-game showdowns. Out of all the other opponents Hiruma tried to psych out during games, Takami was the only one who tried to psych him out right back. In that sense, I feel they were on the same wavelength (of evil...?)! One thing I find interesting about Takami's backstory is his leg injury, one that he doesn't let stop him from pursuing football despite the disadvantage it gives him. I could imagine this being the sort of juicy tidbit that falls into Hiruma's ear - but instead of adding it to his blackmail book (as one might expect), he somehow helps Takami come to terms with it (in his own chaotic way).
Hiruma &/ Habashira
The power imbalance in this relationship! Habashira having to run these errands and act as free transportation, until one day Hiruma has a heart and lets him go. What else did Hiruma make him do before that happened? :) Also, my heart broke when Habashira asked Hiruma what the difference was between them. They both motivated their teams with fear and threats, but what worked well for Hiruma totally failed for Habashira. I would love if Hiruma actually had some kind of response for that, e.g. flying in and kicking his whole team into gear.
Hiruma &/ Sena
I love how unassuming Sena, who never really thought much of himself, actually develops such a remarkable role in the team and also in Hiruma's eyes. Hiruma learns to place his trust in someone else for a change - that moment when we find out he doesn't have any schemes or plays left of his own, and is just going to hold on and wait for Sena to come through, is so uncharacteristic of him, and really shows how much he's developed. I'd love to see more about that bond between them. Hiruma is hardly the type to express it verbally, so how does it come through? Maybe Sena is in trouble (kidnapped?? Football is serious business!), and is shocked when Hiruma helps him out! Maybe after the craziness of the tournament, Hiruma doesn't have to keep pushing Sena anymore, and they can just peacefully coexist... until, with a bang, Hiruma's next scheme sucks him right back in...
Hiruma &/ Kid
Kid is brilliant, talented, and has zero self-confidence. Meanwhile Hiruma isn't particularly outstanding, but makes up for it with iron determination and a willingness to go to extreme measures to get the win. They are such different people, and I could easily have seen Hiruma mocking Kid for giving up on his passions - but instead they just chill together and throw darts and chat calmly and dispassionately about the upcoming opponent that will probably kill them both. And Hiruma has zero qualms about tooting Kid's horn for him in front of Agon, when Kid can't conceive of doing it himself. Let me see more of Hiruma standing up for Kid! Let me see poor Kid, with his zero self esteem, get a boost from the very last person anyone would have expected... and finally unleash some of that ridiculous potential, with Hiruma cackling in the background!
Hiruma &/ Shin
They have a conversation in the manga, from when Hiruma first founded Deimon as a team and immediately challenged Oujou, only to lose spectacularly. Undaunted, Hiruma promised that he'd find a light-speed runner for Shin, and Shin promised to beat that runner if so. Over the course of the manga, through competing with this runner Hiruma found, Shin discovered an actual love for football, as well as new motivation to improve his game. I love the idea that even back then, Hiruma noticed Shin's ennui and wasted potential, and decided right there to do something about it. Taken in that light, Sena's whole existence on the team is a tool for Shin's development, rather than the other way around. Alternatively, wouldn't it be fun if stoic Shin had to deal with insane Hiruma as his team captain for a while? How would he cope? Or would he appreciate being pushed even further to his limits?
Alice in Borderland
Chishiya Shuntarou/Kuzuryu Keiichi
What a pair, these two! Two genius intellects that surpass all those around them, yet they couldn't have turned out more different. Chishiya, who has zero care for the sanctity of human life (even his own??), while Kuzuryu turns out to care way too much. I love that Chishiya grasps exactly the question that Kuzuryu has been wondering for so long, and ends up being the one to give him the answer. And, I love that it seems the answer shocked even Chishiya, and seems to have changed him a bit too, given his selfless act in the end.
I think the age difference between them is neat, in that Kuzuryu might see Chishiya's thinking as immature, still under development, needing mentoring? They could have met back in the real world, maybe one of Kuzuryu's clients is in the hospital and Chishiya is part of their care team. Or maybe Chishiya gets into some kind of legal trouble and Kuzuryu ends up defending him?
In the Borderlands, it would be interesting to see some of their interactions at the Beach, maybe some of the previous games they played together. They both probably knew there was something more than met the eye about the other, both probably testing and probing at each other even as they pretended to cooperate for now. I'd also be interested in a canon divergence AU, like Chishiya being one of the face cards and Kuzuryu playing his game? Or the two of them pairing up for games together (instead of joining The Beach, Kuzuryu decides to just follow one player along to study him?) and bonding over many trials.
