>>50938476
>Readalong
Well then, why aren't you posting the text?

>>50939481
I immediately fell asleep after making the thread, whoops :>

File: extra_of_the_wind_01.jpg (384.5 KB)

Starting off with Extra of the Wind, a manga that came alongside BAiJR

File: 018Marisa.jpg (89.3 KB)

Season 118, Hazuki issue #4 (est. 2003/08/28 ~ 2003/09/26)

In a String of Successive Midsummer Burglaries, the Culprit was Photographed in the Act.
That makes the 5th time this month, said an exasperated resident.

On the day of X the Xth at about half past noon, another burglary occurred at the Scarlet Devil Mansion, located by the edge of the lake. Ever since the Scarlet Mist Incident (*1) last month, there has been a surprising number of successive break-ins; not even a month has elapsed since the incident and yet more than ten break-ins have occurred.
Our newspaper, as a result of a three-day stakeout, managed to obtain photographs of a burglary in progress. Regrettably, the crime could not be stopped, because the journalist in charge was completely devoted to photography.
The criminal appears to be Marisa Kirisame (human), who lives in an unkempt house in the Forest of Magic. When the victims of these crimes, the residents of the mansion, were questioned, they were evasive in their reply: "But we already know who the culprit is." It wouldn't be unreasonable to think that there's some relationship between this and the earlier Scarlet Mist Incident.
The crime was very simple: after casually sneaking in through the back entrance, the criminal acted as if she owned the place, and walked about inside the mansion. She then left with whatever books she felt like taking. It's hard to believe that the palatial Scarlet Devil Mansion would ever be completely unoccupied. I couldn't help thinking that they must have slackened their security to allow these thefts to happen while surely somebody was present. In that case, since the mansion wasn't empty, it might not be accurate to call it a burglary. However, it seemed to be neither mugging nor swindling, so it seems to be the most appropriate name. For that reason, this article has settled on the term burglary.
According to the resident who was robbed, the criminal left the following words:
>"Me, burglar? That's just mean. Just 'cause I snuck in didn't mean I stole anything. My life is way shorter than yours anyway, so can't you just take back everything after I kick the bucket? I'm just borrowing until then. It should be good for the stuff I'm taking that way, too."
The contents of the excerpt are very human-like and childish, but it is more surprising that the culprit and the residents regularly converse.
(Aya Shameimaru)

1: This summer, a scarlet mist temporarily engulfed Gensokyo, blocking all sunlight. The details are uncertain, but it is known that last month, the incident was resolved by a human and the strong sunlight of summer was restored.

File: 019Marisa.jpg (684.0 KB)

M: What is this third-rate rag?
A: It's the "Bunbunmaru Newspaper", reporting the most wonderful information with the fastest speed in Gensokyo. I can't believe there's anyone who hasn't heard of it.
M: Yep, third-rate. The contents are just awful. What kinda idiot would write stuff like this?
A: Sometimes overly accurate information is criticized.
M: Yer the idiot who wrote this, aren'tcha?
A: Even if I am criticized, I shall not stop writing.

M: There's nothin' more annoying than an active idiot. 'Sides, you said it's the fastest in Gensokyo, but when did this story here happen?
A: Since it was around the same time as the Scarlet Mist Incident... I guess it's only 20 years ago? Or maybe it was 12?
M: It was two years ago. Yer internal clock is what's fast here. What's the point in writin' 'bout ancient history?
A: This newspaper itself was published two years ago. You saw my camera and said, "I wanna see an article with my picture in it." That's why I found it for you.
M: Ah, Guess that does sound like me, all right. Don't really see many workin' cameras in Gensokyo... Hey, waitaminit! You wrote an article about me without askin' permission, and you didn't tell me about it fer two years?
A: My duty is to report the true form of Gensokyo.

M: Yer sure one sly crow, huh. Wonder where you've been hidin'...
A: We tengu have always been watching all of Gensokyo from the sky and we can hear gossip on the wind. No matter where you commit a crime, you can't keep it a secret!
M: You mean you tengu have super-powered eyes and ears, and nothin' better to do. Can ya smell as well as dogs?
A: No comment.
M: Come to think of it, there was a rumor that when we have a feast outside fulla good food and drink, your friends will come out of nowhere and join in. So yeah, about as good as dogs?
A: That's a baseless rumor. You shouldn't spread rumors like that!

M: Oh, ya don't say? Still, considerin' the article hasn't been criticized for two years, it don't look like ya got too many subscribers.
A: I've got to popularize my newspaper more.
M: I think your paper's quality matches its popularity. By the way, I heard I could get sake, detergent and amulets by readin' a newspaper in the outside world. How about yours?
A: No, you cannot.
M: I think at least sake would be good.
A: I said no. The "Bunbunmaru Newspaper" gives top priority to its contents.
M: Too bad the articles aren't that good. Still, I'll take this one, since it's a pretty good shot of me.
A: No, this one is for my archives! I can't just give it away!
M: I'm just borrowin' it. 'Til I kick the bucket.
A: You really seem like a human who'll live for a long time.


Profile: Marisa Kirisame
One of the protagonists of the Touhou series, and an ordinary magician. She has an obsession with collecting things.
Appearances: Embodiment of Scarlet Devil, Perfect Cherry Blossom, Immaterial and Missing Power, Imperishable Night, Phantasmagoria of Flower View

File: 020Sakuya.jpg (92.8 KB)

Season 119, Hazuki issue #3 (est. 2004/09/14 ~ 2004/10/14)

Treasure Hunter Races the Night
A pipe, a spinning top and a snapping turtle... Why did she steal such strange things?

At dawn on X the Xth, a human snuck into several places and collected various strange objects, as revealed by a report from a victim. The criminal snuck into the victim's house and tried to steal a tool called the Hakkero, which was the victim's treasured possession. Fortunately, the victim hadn't fallen asleep yet, so the theft was foiled.
The criminal was Sakuya Izayoi (human), the head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion which stands on the edge of the lake. When the victim caught her, she had several odd things in her possession, so the victim followed her to the Scarlet Devil Mansion, suspecting something was amiss. The criminal made the excuse below:
>"These items are for a spell to go to the moon. The mistress insisted that she wanted to go there before dawn, so I gathered the materials required for it. I would have returned everything when the sun rose."
The day this happened, there was an incident that extended the length of the night to be longer than usual, which caused a rash of unusual occurrences. The criminal also seemed slightly confused and appeared to not fully understand her words.
>"A pipe is a substitute for a rocket, a spinning top is for a gyroscope and the blood of a snapping turtle works as a liquid fuel. It certainly looks similiar, does it not? Of course, the Hakkero is a rocket engine... However, I really have no idea what 'Armstrong' meant."
The criminal is a sensible and reputable maid among the humans in Gensokyo, so her unusual behavior was beyond conspicuous that day. Yet, she has a habit of gathering unusual items like bamboo flowers, blue diamonds and the like. I think that led her to commit this strange crime.
The victim, Marisa Kirisame (human), made the following comment about the incident:
>"Her takin' whatever she wants gets on my nerves. She said she'd give it back later, but she was obviously lyin'."
This time, the Hakkero was returned safely, so the victim didn't pursue further. The criminal maid and the residents of the Scarlet Devil Mansion also declined to comment. That's why their motivation and purpose are, in the end, uncertain.
(Aya Shameimaru)

File: 021Sakuya.jpg (136.6 KB)

A: It has already been more than half a year. May I please ask you about the truth behind this incident?
S: Ah, may I have your name please?
A: Please don't feign ignorance. I suppose you're involved not only in this, but the Eternal Night incident as well.
S: Yes, I can stop time, but not the night.
A: But why did you collect all those strange things?
S: Those were Milady's orders. I cannot talk about the details. Please leave the premises.
A: Where is your mistress? I have some questions to ask her.
S: The lady doesn't remember such trivial matters. It would be a fruitless effort to ask her.
A: I guess that's that. Speaking of which, do you really not remember anything at all?
S: I do not remember. Have you not heard enough?

P: Those were items needed for the magic spell to reach the moon.
S: Ah, Lady Patchouli. I shall prepare the tea at once.
P: It's already tea time and yet you haven't brought me tea, so I came to check.
A: Wait, a magic spell to reach the moon... You're going to use those items to go to the moon?
P: Who're you?
A: I'm a newspaper reporter, and I seek only the truth. So how did it go? Did you go to the moon?
P: In the end, we failed. The magic of the outside world is too complex. It would be futile unless we concentrated all of the powers in Gensokyo. But what Sakuya ended up bringing me was not liquid fuel, but the message of the turtle, which I understood instantly.
S: ...I've put something unusual in today's tea.
A: The turtle's message? You mean like the proverb "a difference like that between a snapping turtle and the moon"?
P: Do you understand the meaning of that proverb at all? It doesn't really mean "things that are similar looking but can't be compared." It means illusions and reality, the palpable and the abstract. So as soon as she showed me all that was needed, I knew we couldn't go to the moon.
S: We will be having tea time now. Will you be joining us as well, Miss Aya? I believe this conversation will take some time, so you are welcome to stay.

(Note from Shameimaru: The incident where dawn would not break, and the movement of the moon had completely stopped. The youkai easily influenced by the moon as well as the humans who sleep at night were quite confused. Of all the recent incidents, it was the most perilous. At the moment, the cause and offender are both unknown. In the end, the moon suddenly disappeared and morning came. Several denizens stick to unconfirmed information that the resolution started with the Hakurei shrine maiden and Sakuya Izayoi, but the entirety of the incident remains in the rumor mill.)


Profile: Sakuya Izayoi
A human working as the head maid at the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Has the ability to manipulate time.
Appearances: Embodiment of Scarlet Devil, Perfect Cherry Blossom, Imperishable Night, Immaterial and Missing Power, Phantasmagoria of Flower View

I will be posting a small section of BAiJR each day until autosage. I hope more anons will learn more and appreciate the printworks.

>>50939990
The speech bubbles imply the flashback panels existed in a previous work, no? Seems likely considering Haniwa's Store's breadth of work but I don't think they're in what's been translated and uploaded to Mangadex.

>>50939999
I think I've never seen this one, pretty cute. Love simple and day-to-day works like that. Thank you anon!

>>50940059
Yeah I like this approach way better then just dumping everything all at once

>>50940797
Given that it was written by ZUN, I doubt that there were anything made prior and I see it as merely giving the illusion of depth kinda like the other depictions of the games in the later manga.

>>50938476
Ah, good old Bohemia. Honestly, while not as obviously out of place as PMISS it's still very much a obvious example of a VERY different take on Gensokyo. A weird middle ground between the PCB "All humans are badass" and PMISS "Not all humans are badass but everybody genuinly has a good time" when viewed from that angle. Mostly because unlike PMISS it really doesn't focus much on human villagers.

Still, I do think it did a lot to really lay the ground work for Youkai characterization as mostly just petulant manchildren. It also allows me to say Yukari physically abuses Ran, which is great for me as somebody who wants to portray Yukari as unapologetically evil.

File: BAiJRKaguya1.jpg (97.1 KB)

Season 120, Shimotsuki issue #1 (est. 2005/12/02 ~ 2005/12/31)

Eientei Hosts Lunar Capital Expo
>Lunar rovers, moon rabbit mochi-pounding show, etc.

From this month on, the "Lunar Capital Expo" is being held at Eientei to share knowledge about the moon. Current exhibits include: moon rocks, the flag the humans planted on the moon, and other relics that represent the peak of moon civilization. A show demonstrating the traditional methods moon rabbits use to pound mochi was also being planned. From the first day, a huge crowd of guests have come to visit, including humans and youkai that have a high level of interest in the moon, with many repeat visitors.
The organizer for this event, Kaguya Houraisan ([self-proclaimed] human) explains its intended purpose.
>"Here at home, I have many items related to the moon. For some reason, I felt I needed to keep them to myself at first, but... Now, I don't mind anymore and I wish for everyone to come pay to see then, since it would be a waste to just hide them away. If I am able to instill even a little bit of interest in the moon through this expo I will be just filled with elation."
One of the showpieces is the Moon History Building, where you can learn about the previously unknown history of the Lunar Capital alongside the fascinating tools and vehicles from back then. There is also an old cart that would fly in the sky despite being pulled by oxen, kimono that continue to shine even now, and a lunar rover that that can travel over any sort of lunar terrain. It's one of the charms of the Lunar Capital Expo that you can't tell exactly how genuine the exhibits are.
And starting from today, they are holding a moon rabbit mochi-pounding show. Here, all the participants are given mochi pounded by the moon rabbit. Two hours since the show started, the queue for the show already resembles a long snake.A (self-proclaimed) rabbit from the moon, Reisen Udongein Inaba (rabbit), said this when she saw the line:
>"It doesn't matter who pounds it, mochi still tastes the same. Just let me take a little break... I told them this plan wouldn't work, since I'm the only moon rabbit here..."
If it becomes too disorderly due to the popularity, they may have a different event for tomorrow. On the other hand, if they do plan an exciting new event, it may help keep visitors from getting bored. The Lunar Capital Expo is like a fantastic virtual tour of the moon. Before winter comes, why not come over and see it?
(Aya Shameimaru)

File: PMiSSKaguya2.jpg (107.5 KB)

A: The Lunar Capital Expo ended with great success, but what did you think of it?
K: It went so well, I wouldn't mind having it every year.
A: Since the rabbit's mochi was so extremely delicious, I'd like to write a review of it next time, seeing as the article on the expo was well received.
K: Well, we haven't decided if we're going to hold another one, but if we do it, I'll let you know.

A: Anyway, you had many strange things that have never been seen before on display. How did you get a hold of all of them?
K: I just all of a sudden remember that I have them. My house is full of ancient things that haven't even been touched since the time when I last saw them.
A: So how long ago would that be?
K: Very, very long ago.

A: Let's see... you said these were all items from the moon, but they don't look that out-of-the-ordinary to me...
K: Oh, are you saying that I was deceiving people?
A: Well, that's how exhibitions usually go. These kinds of events are good times to use deceit and trickery.
K: There are a lot of people like that these days. They just have to see through the cheating with your own cheating to enjoy the fabrication. A story is a story. But if there are unbelievable truths mixed in with the lies, would they still see through it?
A: In certain situations, you can.
K: Well, then, what is your honest opinion of the expo?
A: Well, I can't say for sure, but there seemed to be some fake items mixed in.
K: I see, it looks like you suspect everything unless you see it with your own eyes. You seem like the kind of person who doesn't believe that humans went to the moon, or thinks the Earth is flat.
A: That's a cruel way of wording it.
K: Regarding the Lunarians descending to the surface, does it matter if it really happened?
A: To begin, the part where I felt was kind of fake wasn't that.... or maybe it was?
K: Hmmm, it would be nice if it were.

A: Let's leave that topic aside, why do you have so many things that relate to the moon?
K: Good question...
A: What was on exhibit at the Lunar Capital Expo is about average among others with similar tastes for the fantastic.
K: Yes, that is true. A taste for the fantastic has been part of my lineage for a very long time.
A: However I think of it, nobody would even think of collecting such strange things. Normal people, that is.
K: Really? There were several times where we were almost robbed during the exhibition, you know? Though our rabbit security force prevented that from happening.
A: Those with fantastic tastes are everywhere....
K: It's because Earth is like a place where the curious gather.


Profile: Kaguya Houraisan
Princess of the moon that lives in hiding on Earth due to the crime she has committed. In order to avoid contact with the Lunar Emissaries, she made Eirin Yagokoro hide the full moon, but...
Appearances: Imperishable Night

File: PMiSSEirin1.jpg (79.1 KB)

Season 119, Shiwasu issue #1 (est. 2005/01/10 ~ 2005/02/09)

A New Dream Medicine for Modern Gensokyo
>Good news for the stressed contemporary youkai

Gensokyo's master of medicine, Eirin Yagokoro ([self-proclaimed] human) has developed a new dream medicine for modern troubled people that lets one "enjoy sweet dreams".
The name of this new drug is Butterfly Dream Pill. It takes its name from the dream it induces, where one becomes a butterfly and enjoys oneself. A few doses of the red pill before bed will prevent nightmares and create an enjoyable dream for a good night's sleep. Yagokoro explains the specifics of what led to the development of this medicine:
>"See, in Gensokyo, everyone are either youkai or demons or ghosts or such, so they're all fit and robust. There isn't really much of a demand for medicine for physical illnesses. These kind of beings are comprised mostly of spirit. Therefore, if they need any sort of care it would be for their mentality. The origin of the dream medicine was sparked by this realization."
The Dream World is another self, says Yagokoro. If the dream is too enjoyable, there's a chance that the real world and the Dream World may switch places, so one must be careful of overdosing.
>"The medicine itself has existed since ancient times. In the past, there were many humans who took the medicine and could not return from the Dream World. In this new formula, I've weakened the potency and reduced the side effects."
However, there are people who say that good things happen in nightmares as well. For those people who enjoy a little thrill in their dreams, the 'Butterfly Dream Pill Nightmare Type' is also available. This one is a black pill, and when taken, causes nightmares to occur.
(Aya Shameimaru)

File: PMiSSEirin2.jpg (112.6 KB)

Advertisement:
>For gifts, try Moon World brand rice liquor (100% glutinous rice, vacuum-fermented)

A: It's been a while. How are the Butterfly Dream Pill sales going?
E: Just a little here and there. This minor newspaper doesn't seem to have much exposure.
A: I'm trying my best to improve that.
E: In which areas is this newspaper distributed?
A: Most of those who want the latest news in Gensokyo the fastest are reading it.
E: Gensokyo is full of those who don't care what happens in the world as long as their personal surroundings are fine. Exactly where would there be anyone who needs information enough to get a newspaper?
A: ...Mostly fellow tengu.
E: So it's like a school newspaper.
A: There are other readers. For example, Kourindou's owner is a loyal subscriber.
E: He's not the target audience for Butterfly Dream Pills. I doubt he's worried about nightmares.

A: By the way, what kind of people buy Butterfly Dream Pills?
E: I can't release personal information for the sake of privacy.
A: I don't think who bought what is really personal information.
E: That might be so. Since the purchase and selling of things is a system humans established, prevention of the flow of information reduces the efficiency of the system. Without information, a healthy market isn't possible, and shady businesses can get away with cheating. In the first place, the reason merchants say "I won't leak your information" is because it's just another form of advertisement, to appeal to their customers. I'm guessing what you're trying to say is that unless information is more open, the only ones making a profit will benefit, yet they do not realize in doing so, the whole system will collapse eventually, right?
A: Well, no, I didn't say that much. But I do agree that information shouldn't be hidden.
E: Like how in the past, saying "Dat ting? Da lady o'er der bought 'em all jest now, don'cha know." and making the whereabouts of the products as clear as day, they may have been hoping for a possible economical development.
A: Why the accent? But really, let's get back on track. You don't seem like you want to tell me about your customers, after all.
E: There's the puppeteer from the forest, for one.

A: I've tried the Butterfly Dream Pill myself, but I don't really understand the effect.
E: Huh? Is that true?
A: I did dream of becoming a butterfly flying gracefully through the air, but whether that's an enjoyable dream or not is...
E: You seem to be carefree, after all. You weren't having any problems with your dreams in the first place, right? You're not mentally exhausted enough to need therapy.
A: That's also true, but... I guess what I mean to say is there wasn't any sense of speed. I haven't flown that slowly since my feathers grew.
E: So that's what you meant. Well then, for you, please give the Nightmare Type a try. It's so fast it might even be enjoyable.


Profile: Eirin Yagokoro
A former resident of the moon in the service of Kaguya. A genius apothecary, she is even able to concoct the 'Hourai Elixir' which grants the user eternal youth. For some reason, she hid the real full moon and replaced it with a fake not-so-full one.
Appearances: Imperishable Night, Phantasmagoria of Flower View

File: BAiJRAlice1.jpg (84.6 KB)

Season 119, Minazuki issue #3 (est. 2004/07/17 ~ 2004/08/16)

Large Number of Straw Effigies Found in Forest Behind Shrine
>The still-living tradition and the artisan

On X the Xth, a great quantity of human-shaped dolls made from straw were found nailed to trees behind the shrine. The act of affixing human-shaped dolls to trees where others can't see them is an ancient ritual. It was a surprise to see this still being practiced in modern times. However, calling them mere dolls is not an accurate depiction of their craftsmanship. They were practically works of art.
I wanted to learn more about the craftsman bringing this ancient tradition into the present. Since I first had to ascertain their identity, I conducted a stakeout over the area behind the shrine. After three days, the doll maker Alice Margatroid (magician) finally appeared. Margatroid was happy to give me a brief statement despite her surprise.
>"These straw effigies are a type of doll. You can't cut any corners while making them. So, when do you think their finest moment is? It goes without saying that it's when they're nailed to a tree. That's why I secretly come here to put them up."
The artisan began affixing the figures to the trees using nails. This time, I tried to ask why she decided to use such relatively minor traditional art form such as straw figures.
>"Obviously, because they say if you make one according to certain rules, you can place a curse on someone's soul. I believe that led to the creation of the doll. People ask why dolls are in the form of humans. I believe it's because it allows for a mystical connection to a subject. If you pierce the effigy with a nail, the subject will feel pain as well. If I can understand this dynamic better, I believe I can come a step closer to my goal of creating an independently moving doll. That's why I'm creating these straw figures. Oh, it's not like I hold a grudge against anyone, honestly."
And so the artist began hammering the dolls again. Though she said it was only for research, she returned to her performance so vigorously and with such a terrifying expression that I decided not to bother her any further and ended my questioning.
Traditional crafts such as this are lost as the ages pass. The only ones who can preserve them are not the humans, who try to hide them, but youkai. This is because it's easier for youkai, who often live alone for long periods of time, to leave remnants of the past as they were in olden days than it is for the humans, whose society can change in the blink of an eye. To all youkai living today, perhaps it would be best not only to keep an eye on the future, but to occasionally stop and turn to examine the past.
(Aya Shameimaru)

File: BAiJRAlice2.jpg (141.2 KB)

Alice: Oh, no. You saw me?
Aya: I did, and I even interviewed you.
Alice: It really won't work if I'm seen nailing the dolls to the trees. And I went to all that work picking just the right place and time.
Aya: I had been hiding for three days.
Alice: So that's why the effects were so weak...
Aya: The... effects?

Alice: Oh, nothing. So, what did you come for today?
Aya: There were some things I didn't have the chance to ask you, so I thought I'd come and write an article about your workshop while I was at it. I'd really appreciate it.
Alice: My workshop? Well, I suppose. I've been meaning to do some cleaning, so be careful on your way in.
Aya: ...You certainly have a lot of dolls. Did you make them all yourself?
Alice: Well, not all of them, I think, but most of them are my work.

Aya: I think I asked you something similar the other day, but the dolls you have here look much more like your subjects than the straw ones, don't they?
Alice: Well, it's not just about how close the likeness is to the original. For example, if I made a doll of you and did something to it, then I've just done something to a doll, right? But what if it was to a piece of paper with your name on it? It's indirect, but doesn't that signify you, instead?
Aya: I see, so in other words, when you use straw dolls, it's like you're not pounding nails into the dolls, but into the person the dolls represent.
Alice: Well, a piece of paper with somebody's name on it isn't as useful as if you've got a bit of their hair, or something like that. But you know, it's really not like I'm holding a grudge against anyone.
Aya: Just who were those dolls of?
Alice: Let's move onto the next question.
Aya: Okay, okay, I understand, so please put down that hammer and those nails.

Alice: So, where were we?
Aya: W-Well, let's see... Can you please tell us about your stated goal about an independently moving doll?
Alice: I'm sure I've seen something like that, a long time ago. An independently moving and thinking doll. I've poured my soul into making one, but I've never been successful. I mean, it's easy enough to make a doll that will do something if I command it to, but beyond that... there's just so much more I need to learn.
Aya: Have you really seen such a thing as a doll that thinks and moves on its own?
Alice: Who made it, and how? It certainly appeared to be moving by its own devices. In any case, I'll have to continue my research until I succeed. It looks like it'll be a long road.
Aya: Thank you for your time and cooperation.


Profile: Alice Margatroid
Though she doesn't look any different from a human, since she is a member of the race of magicians, she is not human. As she is an avid collector like Marisa, a large number of dolls and other magic items are scattered throughout her house.
Appearances: Perfect Cherry Blossom, Immaterial and Missing Power, Imperishable Night

>>50943069
I have a theory the doll she's talking about is the one supposedly used in the "Phantom of the Grand Guignol" spellcard
"This doll is purely bizarre and really weird, so she seals it most of times.
This doll can self-indulgently shed tears, its hair grows, and is capable of even more"
Cause it sounds like an independent doll already, so the only answer is she didn't make this one

>>50939965
>Distributing news that's over a week old
So much for the fastest in Gensokyou...
>>50939970
KAGUYA SPOTTED!!!
>>50939975
Reimu's life sure is carefree it makes me really jealous.
>>50939978
>>50939981
I wonder how often she does stuff like that

File: BAiJRLetty1.jpg (147.8 KB)

Season 119, Satsuki issue #1 (est. 2004/06/18 ~ 2004/07/17)

Spring-Summoning Ritual Held to Counter Prolonged Cold Wave
>Similar to an incantation to drive away the cold

Currently in the month of X, due to the temperature being significantly lower than the average at this time of year, the days of extremely cold weather continue.
In this snow storm, traces of something believed to resemble a ritual have been spotted. A magic specialist says this is a ritual to summon spring.
In a spring-summoning ritual, acting as if spring has come creates an incantation that invites spring to come in actuality. The specifics aren't known, but signs of a person related to the cold wave being assaulted were found, which may or may not be related to this ritual.
The victim of the assault was a youkai of winter, Letty Whiterock (youkai). Judging from the scene of the scuffle, she was completely beaten. Perhaps the ones who started this fight felt it was a more reliable method than the spring-summoning ceremony. After she recovered from being buried in the snow, she spoke critically of the event.
>"Summoning spring? I don't know what that is, but it was a human who attacked me, despite their fear of youkai. I was just flying around, enjoying the long winter. Blizzards are an uncommon occurrence, so you'd think they would be more eager to enjoy it."
The youkai who was attacked for her perceived connection to the cold wave did not agree with the idea of a spring-summoning ritual. Most likely, the youkai celebrating the snow storm passed by the human-centered ritual or a place that was irritated by the cold, and then impulsively brought attention to herself.
However, the spring-summoning ritual is not complete once winter has been driven off. Specialists say that after winter is driven away, there must be a ceremony to welcome spring. For the spring-welcoming ceremony, one makes things that look like cherry petals and then scatter them, making a cherry blossom blizzard, for example. It's possible that the spring-summoning ritual will continue until spring comes.
(Aya Shameimaru)


Other Articles:
6 — Ice Fishing Rising in Popularily With the Extended Winter
31 — Ice Huts Appearing All Over Gensokyo, Brewing Sake
32 — Caution! Contagious Bird Flu Spreading Among Crows

File: BAiJRLetty2.jpg (97.7 KB)

A: Spring still hasn't arrived, huh?
L: This year has been so wonderful.
A: Is it because of the long winter?
L: That's right. It'd be better if it would stay like this year-round. There's nothing good about spring. Just a whole lot of pollen floating around, that's all.

A: Anyway, I wonder why this year's winter has been so long.
L: Ah, do you suspect I'm behind this? It's beyond my abilities, I'll have you know.
A: That was just a guess on my part. But since they've finished the spring-summoning ritual, it ought to be here soon.
L: What kind of ritual is that? I'm just flying along, enjoying the weather, and suddenly I get attacked, for no reason whatsoever.
A: I imagine even the humans are getting irritated. It's cold, and the blizzard shows no signs of stopping. If not for that, I doubt you would have been assaulted, since humans attacking youkai are practically unheard of.
L: I guess you're right...
A: ...Well, among the humans I know, there's one that would come at you for no reason.
L: This human... You can't mean...
A: The one who was welcoming spring... I mean, attacked you, wouldn't happen to be all red and white, by chance?
L: Boo-hoo-hoo...
A: There simply wasn't anything you could have done. Just think of it as a stroke of bad luck, and...
L: Does it even make sense? I was having so much fun playing around in the snow, and thought I'd tease the human that showed up just a bit, that's all.

A: By the way, what do you do during the other seasons?
L: I go into a deep sleep during spring, stay inactive through summer, and nap during autumn. I stay hidden and rest in places out of reach of the sunlight. I don't move or breathe much...
A: It sure is a tough life...
L: That's why I must enjoy winter for all it's worth.
A: But it gets treated as a scapegoat during the spring-summoning ritual. Clearly, spring is more favored by everyone else. Can you really enjoy it?
L: Sigh. Winter is supposed to be cold. It's wrong to treat it so cruelly!

A: Wouldn't everyone be happy if you tried to stay active in summer and reduced the heat a little?
L: Oh, that's a good idea. Well, that's what I'd like to say, but I manipulate the cold. Don't confuse it with manipulating cold air like a certain fairy.
A: They sound similar to me...
L: Those fairies are just minor anomalies of nature. I, on the other hand, am a great youkai that lives in nature. When it's chilly out, making it even chillier is my greatest joy.
A: A youkai that has become complacent is a problem. A youkai's job is to attack humans.
L: But I did attack that human from before...
A: But that doesn't work if you only come out as a sacrifice for a ritual. Anyway, I'm starting to feel cold, so maybe I should leave now.
L: That's so cold of you. I thought you said it was almost spring...


Profile: Letty Whiterock
Winter youkai that appears out of nowhere. Has the ability to manipulate chill.
Appearances: Perfect Cherry Blossom

File: BAiJRYuyuko1.jpg (190.3 KB)

Season 119, Satsuki issue #3 (est. 2004/06/18 ~ 2004/07/17)

Mysterious Flower Petals Beneath the Cherry Trees
>Is this the work of a new religious organization?

I heard reports from the inhabitants of Gensokyo that around 4 P.M. on Xth the X, a great number of cherry petals lay scattered beneath the cherry trees, which had not yet begun to blossom. As petals that have not blossomed cannot fall, I decided to investigate the matter further. As a result, I was able to establish that the petals were from a type of cherry tree that doesn't grow in Gensokyo. Finding this unusual, I decided to keep watch under the cherry trees, and after three days I met somebody who seemed a likely suspect.
That suspect was the mistress of the Netherworld, Yuyuko Saigyouji (ghost). When I found her, she was walking together with a servant who was carrying a large basket filled with flower petals, which I pointed out as implicating them in the current incident. The suspect responded:
>"You wish to know what we are doing? As you can see, we're returning Gensokyo its spring. When we scatter these petals around, these cherry petals should bloom right before your eyes."
Then, when I asked her if there was something special about those cherry blossoms, she replied,
>"Of course, they're very special. If we spread them around, spring will come to Gensokyo."
Saying this, she reached into her servant's basket, took some cherry blossoms, and threw them into the air. The blossoms on the cherry trees hadn't opened yet, but the petals slowly fluttered to the ground as if spring had visited that spot, and the suspect spun about dancing among the falling cherry blossom petals.
It was extremely hard to understand, but the flower petals she was scattering about appeared to be natural flower petals, so it's likely there was no inherent danger in this incident. Spring's coming this year has been late compared to previous years, and the cherry blossoms haven't opened yet, leaving all of Gensokyo's inhabitants impatient. Perhaps this sprightly ghost was impatient for the arrival of spring, and thought that she could at least enjoy a fabricated spring in that way.
However, it is still a mystery how she obtained natural cherry blossoms, where they were from, and what sort of cherry tree produced them.
(Aya Shameimaru)

>Ms. Saigyouji replying to our interview.


Other Articles:
2 — This Year's Cherry Blossoms Blooming Delayed Drastically
7 — The Failure of Gensokyo's First Radio Broadcast Test
34 — A Fairy's Prank? The Localized Downpour of Invisible Rain

>>50945744
It's kind of odd that Reimu used to be treated like seemingly just another human where she's so obviously an outlier compared to other humans these days.

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Y: Oh my, the ghost in this article looks so elegant.
A: Please don't talk about yourself like that
Y: Oh, this is about me? I was just returning spring. The cherry blossoms opened soon after this, didn't they?
A: When you say "returning"... it makes it sound like you borrowed it.
Y: I was borrowing it, from that shrine maiden.
A: The shrine maiden? What did she have to do with this? Hm, that could make for another article...
Y: If you're interested, why not interview me? You can interrogate me to your heart's desire.
A: No, thank you.

Y: But, isn't the freshness of the news important for newspaper articles? This is too old.
A: Even if they're old, interesting things are still interesting. If no one reports on them, no one may ever realize the truth.
Y: But you might let something new and interesting get away.
A: It's important to learn from the past. You can learn new things by examining the old.
Y: Who are you calling old?
A: I wasn't talking about you.
Y: How rude! I'm still a pert young soul!

A: Getting back to the matter at hand... why were you scattering about those cherry blossoms? I'd like to know the truth.
Y: Yes, I agree that the truth is the most interesting thing. And as everyone is interested in different things... you could say the truth varies, too. For example, these two buns...
A: Look, now, no changing the subject. I'm asking you about the truth behind this matter.
Y: My, you're so impatient. What happened last year is ancient history; I've already forgotten all about it.

A: Weren't you just about to tell me something?
Y: Do you know the story of Old Man Hanasaka, who made an old, dead tree flower by scattering magical ash on it?
A: Old Man Hanasaka?
Y: How rude. I'm not that old.
A: No, we weren't talking about you.
Y: What I was scattering about were magical flower petals full of love and affection.
A: But that wasn't ash.
Y: Maybe it was?
A: Don't tell me you were trying to make the cherry trees flower by scattering cherry blossoms around?
Y: I was returning the spring I borrowed from the shrine maiden, with interest. Isn't that what you're supposed to do when you borrow things?

A: ...In any case, from where did you get those cherry blossoms? There weren't any cherry trees in bloom at the time.
Y: Well, Gensokyo's cherry trees bloomed after that, didn't they? The cherry blossoms were just what I'd borrowed. So, I had to return them, of course. By the way, are you going to eat that bun?
A: Ugh! This doesn't look like it'll make a good article. Please stop speaking so nonsensically!


Profile: Yuyuko Saigyouji
As princess of the dead, she has the power to control death. She had her gardener, Youmu, gather Gensokyo's spring in order to try to lift the seal on the youkai cherry tree, the Saigyou Ayakashi. She has a very simple and straightforward personality.
Appearances: Perfect Cherry Blossom, Immaterial and Missing Power, Imperishable Night, Phantasmagoria of Flower View

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>>50945756
To be fair they're both youkai, and the spellcard rules are only recently being used. But even then she's still somewhat standing out: "The Evil Red & White Miko who beats you up for no reason"

>>50945756
PCB implied most humans could fight youkai. Something that didn't really change until Pmiss.

It also makes sense if you look at the PC98 games.

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>>50945744
This article is still the most Letty has ever gotten in canon since PCB

>>50945712
this is so fuckin' funny
>did you SEE what she was wearing? she was asking for it!
and Aya only mentioning Marisa by name when it's to besmirch her
ZUN spent all this time going after Big Newspaper only to about-face with Nina after 20 years

>>50946429
I mean, it's funny but it also makes sense.

>Big newspaper is bad!
>Oh shit, turns out the alternative is way worse.

>>50946157
She's not really a character you can do a whole lot with unfortunately.

>>50943095
The
>I'm sure I've seen something like that, a long time ago
part makes it hard for me to buy that. It sounds like she's seen it, but can't quite remember.

>>50947163
To me it sounded like something that came from PC98 but I looked through the races of all the characters and didn't find squat. Might be something that's literally from Alice in Wonderland, I dunno.

>>50943027
>Kaguya Houraisan ([self-proclaimed] human)
>>50943050
>Eirin Yagokoro ([self-proclaimed] human)
This is the first and only time as far as I'm aware of that they have been referred to as humans. Do they still pretend to be immortal humans to this day or does everyone nowadays know they're moonies? Also why pretend to be human and not anything else?

>>50947644
iirc Lunarians are humans who've ascended, just like Celestials.