Hi there, it's me! These is the notes for Shinobi Journalist!
Terminology:
1.) Ainokoyō ( 間の子妖 'Ainokoyō' lit. meaning 'Crossbreed Yōkai'): Commonly known as the subspecies of the Hanyō (半妖 'Hanyō' lit. meaning 'Half-Demons'), much like the borderline beings (Witches) though not much is known about them except that they were found sometime during the mid-16th to 17th centuries.
- 'Ainoko' (間の子 'Crossbreed') is an short term for 'Ainokoyō (間の子妖 'Ainokoyō' lit. meaning 'Crossbreed Yōkai'), but due to their namesake, they're often mistaken as 'Outcast Ayashi'. Though unlike the Outcasts, the blood of the Yōkai progenitor(s) can either skip a generation or remain inactive for long periods of time.
Abilities: Exactly like the Ayashi, the Ainokoyō are capable of learning Yōjutsu and can heal much faster than the average Yōkai but with subtle exceptions:
- Demonic-enhanced Durability: Much like their ancestral progenitors (the Hanyō), the Ainokoyō possess tremendous amount of durability to resist even the most devastating blows than most Ayashi.
- Demonic-enhanced Senses: Similar to the S-class Ayashi, the Ainokoyō have advanced senses though pure-bloods are capable of detecting even the 'tiniest cry for help'.
- Immense Immunity: It's revealed that the Ainokoyō are blessed with immunity that enables them to resist any type of super-powered/supernatural-infused influence, such as concoctions and supernatural items but it can leave the Ainokoyō exhausted after a specific amount of time.
- Blood Transfusion: Much like the Ayashi, the Ainokoyō also possess the ability to inject their yōki-fused blood into a Human if they're severely weakened. According to Saki Lanterna, in fear of their power being abused, it is strictly forbidden for a Pure-blooded Ainokoyō to bestow their 'Kiss' to a Sakaiyō-born.
But much like Vampires, individual Ainokoyō abilities are relatively unknown but they're capable of performing either standard or high-level procedures of Monster Arts (妖術 'Yōjutsu'), Alchemy (錬金術 'Renkinjutsu'), Witchcraft (魔法 'Mahō' lit. meaning 'Magic') and Ninja Arts (忍法 'Ninpō').
Appearance: Like the Ayashi, the Ainokoyō doesn't differ that much from the average human with the exceptions of being characterized by their unusual hair/eye colors, immense longevity, retarded aging process and their unique birthmarks.
As true to their nickname, the 'Kaganyō' (華眼妖 'Kaganyō' lit. meaning 'Flower-eyed Demons'), the Ainokoyō have faint flower-shaped birthmarks located on the eyes but it varies differently:
For males, the marks are somewhat fair in complexion whereas the females' are of a lighter shade, almost transparent which isn't made apparent unless one makes a closer inspection.
It's also said that if an Ainokoyō were to succumb to a grand amount of emotional means, the birthmarks becomes visible as the eye color glows vibrantly and the sclerae becomes a lighter shade of gray when sensing impending danger.
2.) Kinkijū (禁忌獣 'Kinkijū' lit. meaning 'Taboo Beast'): Exactly how the Hanyō are considered as a 'taboo existence', the Kinkijū are considered to be an abomination due to their creation is a combination between science and black magic.
3.) Shikigami (式神 'Shikigami') is a being from Japanese folklore, it's been thought as some type of Kami or a representation of a small ghost and are considered as familiars that Taoist and the Onmyōji can control back in Ancient Asia until the 19th century.
4.) Shurui Kōtai (種類交代 'Shurui Kōtai' lit. meaning 'Category Alteration') is an rare phenomenal ability that allows one to recreate their Monstricity genes into different one (through a special conduit), causing the body to undergo little physical modification while leaving the user's personality intact.
In the story, it is revealed that as a descendant of the Kanaka Clan, Sasha is the 2nd female to inherit the Shurui Kōtai (the 1st being her previous incarnation, Sașa Reflectare Lacul).
Furthermore, the Shurui Kōtai grants its user complete access of the said Monstricity's powers and abilities, quite similar to the vampires' 'Wealth of Power'.
Despite being called as a 'half-assed ability' and 'incomplete form of shape-shifting', it's capable of extending the user's lifespan yet retards their aging process if it's been activated more than once.
However, there are drawbacks:
- When the Shurui Kōtai is activated, the transformation lasts for about 12 months' time and the user must undergo constant training to strengthen their mentality in order to properly hone the skills/abilities of the said Monstricity in question.
- Much like how the Jinchūriki and the Bijū correspond with each other through empathy, the user's emotions acts as a fuel source for each transformation.
- To prevent of becoming a danger to their surroundings, the user is voided of all contact and must be kept in complete isolation until their training is complete.
In Ch. 9, it's revealed that once the user has mastered each transformation by the end of 12 months, then they can activate/deactivate it by the latter's will (via incantation).
5.) Tsūkikō (通気孔 'Tsūkikō' lit. meaning 'Vent') is a rare phenomenal ability that allows its user to create a rift in space and linked to a different place stored in their memories but it can be thrown off if it's a place that he/she hasn't seen before.
In Ch. 11, it's revealed that being a descendant of the 1st Queen (Cassandra Reflectare Lacul), Sasha is the 1st child to ever inherit this miraculous ability.
6.) Shūsei (修正 'Shūsei' lit. meaning 'Alteration') is an ability to instill the user's Yōki into manipulating raw materials into anything, similar to the Shinsō Vampire's ability 'Creation'.
In the latest chapters, it's revealed that Saki Lanterna (and to some extent, Kabuto Yakushi) are only two males to inherit the powers of the 1st Queen (Cassandra Reflectare Lacul).
7.) Oniryōshi (鬼猟師 'Oniryōshi' lit. meaning 'Demon Hunter'): Exactly as the name implies, they are people who makes their living in hunting down Yōkai though there's been many different versions but unlike the stereotype, the Oniryōshi are of Junketsuyō/Hanyō descent and requires pair cooperation.
8.) Kasōjin (仮装人'Kasōjin' lit. meaning 'Converted One') is a term is used for humans who were bestowed with either the 'Kiss of Darkness' (blood transfusion) or the 'Kiss of Dark Awakening' (bathed in blood of 1,000 demons.
9.) Kakuseijin (覚醒人'Kakuseijin' lit. meaning 'Awakened Being'): This term is used for the Ainokoyō when they came of age.
However, if an Ainoko were to experience an premature awakening, their yōki is amplified by the latter's escalating emotions, up to the point where it nullifies yōki-infused items/chakra-infused techniques, leaving the said area exposed to an all-out assault.
10.) Junketsuyō (純血妖怪 'Junketsuyō' lit. meaning 'Pure-blood Yōkai') is an archaic term for Pure-blooded Yōkai.
11.) Sakaiyō (境妖怪 'Sakaiyō' lit. meaning 'Boundary Yōkai') is an archaic term for Half-breeds (半分の 'Hanbun no').
12.) Dōjutsu (瞳術 'Dōjutsu' lit. meaning 'Eye Techniques') are ninja abilities that utilise the eyes, a by-product of specific Kekkei Genkai or Kekkei Mōra.
The word refers to both the eyes, which have a number of passive abilities and any jutsu dependent on the eyes to be performed and requires little to no chakra to be used while the latter varies depending on the technique.
13.) Nōmumoguri (脳夢潜り'脳世 'Nōmumoguri' lit. meaning 'Memory Dream Diving') is a dream-diving technique similar to the Succubi's Mind Entering (精神入場 'Seishin Nyūjō' lit. meaning 'Mind Entering') but instead of invading dreams with seduction, it actually allow one to see their target's 'Memory World' (脳世 'Nōyo' lit. meaning 'Memory World').
14.) Kekkei Genkai (血継限界 'Kekkei Genkai' lit. meaning 'Bloodline Limit') is an anomaly of the DNA that allows the wielder to use unique techniques.
A kekkei genkai's name describes both the anomaly and the resulting technique. Most kekkei genkai are passed down between generations of a clan.
15.) Blood Transfusion (輸血 'Yuketsu' lit. meaning 'Blood Transfusion') is an ability for the Ayashi to inject their blood and yōki into another person.
This ability has been usually used on Humans once they've been rendered to a weakened state. When injected, it will not only heal them and give them power but also turn humans into Yōkai.
- However, if a human is injected one too many times then they will receive side effects from the inside and quite possibly die but if the recipient is able to survive and endure, then the human's body will degenerate into a Yōkai called 'Ghoul' (餓鬼 'Gaki' lit. meaning 'Ghoul').
16.) Yōki (妖気 'Yōki') also known as 'Spirit Energy' (精霊気 'Seireiki') is the source of power for the Ayashi. It what gives them their strength, speed, endurance and healing powers that exceed a normal human's though it varies greatly among the different Yōkai species and also allow to sensed the presences of other Yōkai.
There are some possible ways that Yōki can been used for:
Yōjutsu: The art of manipulating Yōki into barriers and working with seals.
Yōki Conversion: By channeling their Yōki into their musculature, Yōkai have been shown to be able to generate high levels of strength.
Yōki Detection: Some Yōkai have shown the ability to detect a Yōkai's Yōki and their emotions. This leads them to be able to pinpoint where an enemy is as well as predict when the enemy will attack.
17.) Magic (魔法 'Mahō' lit. meaning 'Magic') is the art of harnessing the forces of nature, such as the 4 elements (water, fire, earth and air) as well as from the flora and fauna via through a conduit (wands) to create a large variety of objects and weapons which require magical attributes in order to use magic.
Regardless of it being a wondrous art, it can still be proven dangerous so unless the user is a highly powerful witch, dangerous levels of magic can only be used as a last resort.
18.) Yōjutsu (妖術 'Yōjutsu' lit. meaning 'Monster Arts') is the art of manipulating a Yōkai's Yōki for offense and defense purposes. As the source of power for the Ayashi, Yōki is used whenever a Yōkai is using his/her abilities.
However, as Yōki is considered to be a Yōkai's 'Life Force' (生命力 'Inochiryoku' lit. meaning 'Life Force'), if it runs out from overuse, then they will die.
19.) Majutsu (魔術 'Majutsu' lit. meaning 'Witchcraft') is another name for Magic (魔法 'Mahō' lit. meaning 'Magic').
Also known as 'Black Magic' (黒い魔法 'Kuroi Mahō' lit. meaning 'Black Magic') is the art where the user can draw power from the forces of darkness and negativity depending on the caster.
20.) Alchemy (錬金術 'Renkinjutsu' lit. meaning 'Alchemy') also known as 'Transmutation' (錬成 'Rensei' lit. meaning 'Transmutation') is the ancient metaphysical science/mystical art of manipulating and altering matter by using natural energy (via tectonic movement and volcanic activity).
There is a 3-stage sequence that Alchemy can be used:
Comprehension: Understanding the inherent structure and properties of the atomic or molecular makeup of a particular material to be transmuted, including the flow and balance of potential and kinetic energy within.
Deconstruction: Using energy to break down the physical structure of the identified material into a more malleable state so as to be easily reshaped into a new form.
Reconstruction: Continuing the flow of energy so as to reform the material into a new shape.
Despite not being an all-powerful art, it can still be dangerous if left in the wrong hands or performed improperly so as a precaution, Alchemists would encrypt their work by something that only they can understand.
21.) Karino Ayashi (仮の妖し 'Kari no Ayashi' lit. meaning 'Temporary Ayashi') are humans who are injected with Ayashi blood, and depending on their bodies' reaction due to how many injections, they are bestowed with temporary Ayashi powers and physically become semi-Ayashi.
22.) Ghouls (餓鬼 'Gaki' lit. meaning 'Ghoul') are those unfortunate enough to have monster blood injected into their bodies forcefully, only to be unable to contain it and transform into an unintelligent killing machine.
23.) Ryūōjū (竜王珠 'Ryūōjū' lit. meaning 'Dragon King's Pearl') is an special medicine made from the Founder of the Reflectare Lacul family.
Unlike regular transfusion that causes the human body to degenerate into a Ghoul through many injections, a single pill helps the recipient's body into adapting to the blood transfusion, thus safely converting the subject into a Yōkai.
24.) Ochimizu (復ち水 'Ochimizu' lit. meaning 'Water of Life') is a special potion that gives the user extreme regeneration abilities and great strength, similar to a Vampire.
However, it has very severe side effects up to the point where it becomes so painful that you end up becoming a mindless killing machine with a thirst for human blood.
25.) Reitsukai (霊使い 'Reitsukai' lit. meaning 'Spirit Bearer') are Humans who are possessed by Spirit Entities, such as Guardian Deities (守護神 'Shugoshin' lit. meaning 'Guardian Deities') and the Bijū (尾獣 'Bijū' lit. meaning 'Tailed Beasts').
26.) Conjurer's Galley (コンジュラーズ • ギャレー 'Konjurāzu Gyarē' lit. meaning 'Conjurer's Galley') is a 3,000 ft. warehouse outlet specializing in global mythological trade similar to legendary 'Troll Market' in ancient myths.
It is an international global outlet that harvests and sells Retsukai's source of power (such as powerful magic Grimoires, Western/Eastern medicinal remedies and Alchemists tools).
Shinobi Journalist Monster Dictionary:
1.) Ainokoyō ( 間の子妖 'Ainokoyō' lit. meaning 'Crossbreed Yōkai') are the subspecies of the Hanyō (半妖 'Hanyō' lit. meaning 'Half-Demons') but there are many different varieties.
In the story, the Ainokoyō are also capable of Yōjutsu as well as converting Humans into fellow Ainoko by injecting 2 or 3 pints of Yōki-infused blood transfusion.
Known Varities:
- Karasai (カラサイ 'Karasai') are children born between the legendary Karasu Tengu (烏天狗 'Karasu Tengu' lit. meaning 'Crow Tengu') and the mythical Siren (サイレン 'Sairen' lit. meaning 'Siren').
While generally looking no different than a Human, the Karasai are characterized by their 'angelic aura of parenthood', meaning they have the appearance of a Siren but the presence of a Karasu.
The Karasai possess well-above average abilities than most Ayashi and inherit powers unique to the two races (Wind Manipulation/Flight and Hypnotic Voice/Scream).
Unlike their parents' respective species, the Karasai are immune to offensive sounds and can manipulate the wind currents up to the point where they can steal the attack from purebred Karasu.
It is said that if a female Karasai and a vampire were to mate, then their children will inherit their vampire heritage along with the Karasai's abilities, such as being immune to sonic-based attacks and wind manipulation.
- Rasetsuki (羅刹鬼 'Rasetsuki') are children born between a Rasetsu (羅刹 'Rasetsu' lit. meaning 'Fury') and a Oni (鬼 'Oni' lit. meaning 'Demon' or 'Devil').
Though generally born with features unique to both, the Rasetsuki possess 'sunset-coloured eyes' as well as lacking characteristic horns and the Rasetsu's weaknesses such as being affected by sunlight, having blood-lust and a short lifespan.
If a Oni (that was formerly a Rasetsu) and a pure-blooded female Oni were to have a child, that child will no longer be restrained by the Rasetsu's weaknesses and have a long life like a true Oni.
2.) Rasetsu (羅刹 'Rasetsu' lit. meaning 'Fury') is a man-eating beings with incredible strength, speed and recuperative properties similar to the Japanese Oni, they're commonly known as 'Rakshasa' (राक्षस 'Rākṣasa') in Hindu & Buddhist Mythology.
3.) Junketsuyō (純血妖怪 'Junketsuyō' lit. meaning 'Pure-blood Yōkai') are Pure-blooded Yōkai that have neither a single ounce of Human ancestry in their blood.
Due to the purity of their blood, the Junketsuyō looks down not only the Hanyō (半妖 'Hanyō' lit. meaning 'Half-Demons') but also the Sakaiyō (境妖怪 'Sakaiyō' lit. meaning 'Boundary Yōkai').
In ancient times, the Junketsuyō decreed that they must marry a member of the same race in order to preserved their bloodline but according to Inner Moka, the decree became so outdated that nobody follows it anymore and that the Ayashi are free to love whomever they want.
4.) Karino Ayashi (仮の妖し 'Karino Ayashi' lit. meaning 'Temporary Ayashi') are humans who are injected with Ayashi blood, and based on their bodies' reaction due to how many injections, they are bestowed with temporary Ayashi powers and physically become semi-Ayashi.
5.) Reitsukai (霊使い 'Reitsukai' lit. meaning 'Spirit Bearer') are Humans who are possessed by Spirit Entities, such as Guardian Deities (守護神 'Shugoshin' lit. meaning 'Guardian Deities'), Evil Spirits (悪霊 'Akuryō' lit. meaning 'Evil Spirits') and the Bijū (尾獣 'Bijū' lit. meaning 'Tailed Beasts').
When performing a sealing ritual, the host must be compatible with the spirit in question or they'll run the risk of having both their body and soul be ripped apart by the 'Rejection' (棄却 'Kikyaku' lit. meaning 'Rejection').
6.) Kasōjin (仮装人'Kasōjin' lit. meaning 'Converted One') are Yōkai who were bestowed with either the 'Kiss of Darkness' (blood transfusion) or the 'Kiss of Dark Awakening' (bathed in blood of 1,000 demons.
According to Date Masayuki, 'Kasōjin' is actually a degrading term for those that received the 'Kiss' were originally Human and as such, they're often seen as 'servants' to the Junketsuyō.
7.) Kakuseijin (覚醒人'Kakuseijin' lit. meaning 'Awakened Being') is term used for the Ainokoyō when they came of age.
However, if an Ainoko were to experience an premature awakening, their yōki is amplified by the latter's escalating emotions, up to the point where it nullifies yōki-infused items/chakra-infused techniques, leaving the said area exposed to an all-out assault.
8.) Hanyō (半妖 'Hanyō' lit. meaning 'Half-Demons') are children born between a Yōkai and a Human.
Due to their dual nature, the Hanyō are often subjected to prejudice from both societies (Human and Ayashi) because of the mutual hatred between the two.
9.) Sakaiyō (境妖怪 'Sakaiyō' lit. meaning 'Boundary Yōkai') are 'Half-breeds' (半分の 'Hanbun no') capable of using Alchemy (錬金術 'Renkinjutsu'), Witchcraft (魔法 'Mahō' lit. meaning 'Magic') and Ninja Arts (忍法 'Ninpō'), powers that were deemed impossible for normal humans to possess.
10.) Shūseijin (修正人 'Shūseijin' lit. meaning 'Modified Human') are Humans whose bodies have been modified to help the Karino Ayashi to gain better control of their powers and to use Yōjutsu through Tōhō Fuhai's Human Modification Technique (人修正の術 'Jinshūsei no Jutsu' lit. meaning 'Human Modification Technique').
11.) Ghouls (餓鬼 'Gaki' lit. meaning 'Ghoul') are those unfortunate enough to have monster blood injected into their bodies forcefully, only to be unable to contain it and transform into an unintelligent killing machine.
Theoretically, the actual Ghoul is technically a human corpse under control of an evil spirit but seeing how there's no evidence, this has led many to speculate that ghouls are of vampiric descent.
12.) Akutōgai (悪党怪 'Akutō-gai' lit. meaning 'Rogue Ayashi') are Rogue Ayashi who opposed to the very notion of coexistence with Humanity.
After spending countless centuries being persecuted and hunted down, the Ayashi view the humans in a similar light (such as food source and a inferior race) and they also despise their fellow Ayashi for siding with the humans back in the Ancient Times.
Story Line Information:
1.) Acasatara ('Acasăţară'/アカサタラ 'Akasatara'), also known as Mizūmi no Kuni (湖の国 lit. meaning 'Land of Lakes'), is a super-continent located southwest of the wetlands beyond the infamous 'Ryūjin-iriguchi' (龍神入り口 'Ryūjin-iriguchi' lit. meaning 'Dragon God's Gate') and within the heart of an endless sea stack maze called 'Ryūōnaiji' (竜王内耳 'Ryūōnaiji' lit. meaning 'Dragon King's Labyrinth').
Capital: Orascu Lumanari ('Oraș cu Lumânări')/Mizūmigakure (湖隠れ 'Mizūmigakure' lit. meaning 'Hidden Lake Village')/Rōsokutō-shi (ろうそく灯市 'Rōsokutō-shi' lit. meaning 'Candlelight City')
Population: 210,000,000 (50% Human, 70% Ayashi, 90% Ainokoyō)
Economy: 29/30 (Resource Extraction and Inter-dimensional Trade)
Military: 30/20
According to Katakura Kojūrō (Kagetsuna), after the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu had his allies conceal any information concerning the Reflectare-Mysteria family's ties to the Human World (i,e., Date, Sanada and Katakura).
Rather than to rely on the Ayashi, Tokugawa Ieyasu believed that conflict started by humans should end by humans, thus safeguarding future generations from centuries of abuse and prosecution.
With the help of the Dark Lord Tenmei Mikogami and the Dragon King, the Reflectare-Mysteria have founded Acasatara somewhere in the Shinobi World (忍び世界 'Shinobi Sekai' lit. meaning 'Ninja World').
In time, Acasatara became widely known by many names such as 'Ryūōseidō' (竜王聖堂 'Ryūōseidō' lit. meaning 'Dragon King's Sanctuary'), 'Komoryōiki' (隠領域 'Komoryōiki' lit. meaning 'The Hidden Realm'), 'Yūhi o Koeta Sekai' (夕日を超えた世界 'Yūhi o Koeta Sekai' lit. meaning 'World beyond the Sunset').
In Ch. 9, Yakushi Kabuto calls Acasatara's capital, Orascu Luminari, the legendary 'Mizūmigakure' (湖隠れ 'Mizūmigakure' lit. meaning 'Hidden Lake Village').
According to Sarutobi Daisuke, Acasatara is known as 'Tōketsu-ji no Sato' (凍結時の里 'Tōketsu-ji no Sato' lit. meaning 'The Land of Frozen Time') and 'Fukyū to Eien Seinen no Sato' (不朽と永遠青年の里 'Fukyū to Eien Seinen no Sato' lit. meaning 'The Land of Immortality and Eternal Youth') due to the Ainokoyō being descendants of Junketsuyō-Hanyō marriages.
Now despite the fact that having spend the past 517 years living in peaceful incognito, Acasatara still remains in touch with the growing times (such as international trade, medical care, etc.) and celebrate popular holidays, (preferably Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's).
It's revealed by Katakura Kojūrō (Kagerō) that Acasatara has a national holiday called 'Coronation Day' (戴冠式日 'Taikanshiki-bi' lit. meaning 'Coronation Day').
Government:
Much like the Crescent Moon Kingdom and other countries, Acasatara is also ruled by Monarchy.
According to Kaede Lanterna, unlike dictators which favors in undertaking underhanded methods, the Acasatara's Royal Family doesn't believe in the notion of sacrificing others for the 'greater good' however misguided they are.
And that's it for now! More will be added in due time, so please be patient with me!
- Yuugurefurl21