| “ | That bright moon of yore was the most beautiful of sights. | ” |
Bio[]
A refined and genial youth who always seems to be thinking of others. He claims to have no real combat ability, but the smile on his face gives people the feeling that there's more than meets the eye.
Food Introduction[]
In Japan, the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar is known as "Tsukimi" or "Moon-viewing Festival", and that night is known as the "15th night". During Moon-viewing Festival, people eat a glutinous rice dimpling called a dango, i.e. "Tsukimi Dango". In Japan, during this festival there is also the custom of appreciating the moon, and some temples and shrines will hold special viewing parties. Over one thousand years ago in the Heian period, after the custom of Mid-Autumn Festival spread from China to Japan, locals began the practice of moon-viewing and holding feasts, which became known as "moon-viewing feasts". Since this is the harvest time for all kinds of crops, Japanese people hold all kinds of celebratory events as a way of saying thanks to Mother Nature.
Other Info[]
How to Acquire[]
Associated Events
Initial Stats[]
 Soul Power
|
1510 |
|---|---|
 Attack
|
50 |
 Defense
|
22 |
 HP
|
408 |
 Crit Rate
|
512 |
 Crit Dmg
|
512 |
 Atk Spd
|
1164 |
Skills[]
| Fantastic Fireworks | Basic Skill | |
|---|---|---|
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Tsukimi Dango throws his ball, healing the ally with the lowest percentage of HP by 134 (1742) points of HP, and granting him/her 15 points of Energy. | |
| Moon Song | Energy Skill | |
|
Tsukimi Dango’s ball floats in the air and turns into the moon, restoring 10% (34%) of missing HP to all allies and gives them a 30% skill damage reduction, lasting 5 seconds. | |
blue = lvl 1
red = max lvlVoice Lines[]
| JP | CN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract | Greetings, Master Attendant. Might I ask, do you like the moon? | ||
| Log In | Master Attendant, the wine is all warmed up. Want to go admire the moon with me? | ||
| Ice Arena | The temperature here is actually pretty similar to how the moonlight feels... | ||
| Skills | Quiet down. | ||
| Ascend | This familiar feeling... | ||
| Fatigue | My apologies for making you worry. | ||
| Recovering | At a time like this, just stay quietly with me. | ||
| Team Formation | So you’ve decided to entrust this to me in the end? Then look forward to a good result. | ||
| Knockout | In the end... I still just want one more look... | ||
| Notice | Oh? The main course can’t be a dessert? ...I thought you would quite enjoy it... | ||
| Idle 1 | You must find something to sustain you in order to give meaning to existence. | ||
| Idle 2 | Ghouls and goblins, demons and monsters-- it’s all as fleeting as the clouds. | ||
| Idle 3 | Hmm... I kind of want a drink. I think I’ll go find that old fellow... | ||
| Interaction 1 | Huh? You want to see fireworks? Come beside me. | ||
| Interaction 2 | The red sun will always set in the West, but that bright moon... it’s not a given that it will rise again. | ||
| Interaction 3 | Don’t you think, compared to that golden disc that can incinerate everything, the gentleness of the moon is more suited to us...? | ||
| Pledge | The Buddha’s stone bowl, a jeweled branch, a fire-rat robe, a dragon’s jewel, a cowry shell... whatever you want, I’ll give it to you. So, stay by my side and be my moon, shall you? [1] | ||
| Intimacy 1 | The moon and the stars fall and fade, but even if the moon loses its luster, then you will become my shining moon. | ||
| Intimacy 2 | Admire the moon? Might as well, your affairs are more important. | ||
| Intimacy 3 | No matter what kind of feathered robe, it won’t be able to take you from my side. | ||
| Victory | What are you thinking about? Come on, hurry up. | ||
| Defeat | No matter. We’ll just try again. | ||
| Feeding | I... I’m grateful for the gift. And for you. | ||
Skins
| Dance of Kaguya | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Fermented Rice Cup, Encore Party XV, Green-Tinged Mountains, No Room to Shine | |||||||
Notes
- ↑ Reference to the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, when Princess Kaguya asked five impossible things from her suitors.
| Food Souls | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Main[]
Sprite[]
Sprite Animations[]
Normal[]
Dance of Kaguya[]
Other[]
Illustrations[]
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Contents of this page has been fan-translated by BasilCosmo and may not be completely accurate. Official translations will be added whenever it's available. |
I. Boss
“Get out of my way!”
“Boss, you’re covered in wounds! Ow—!”
“I said, move!!! I’m so pissed off!!”
The loud commotion outside was all too familiar. That furious voice gave me a strange sense of resignation.
“What happened this time?”
I stepped into the hallway, and sure enough, I found Mentaiko covered in injuries. Without hesitation, I reached out and poked one of the wounds on his face.
“You got into another fight with Takowasa and his gang, didn’t you?”
“Hiss—ow, ow, ow! That bastard idiot who won’t stop hiding in his stupid jar! Next time, I swear I’ll beat him so bad he won’t even remember where his own jar is! Hiss—can’t you be gentler?!”
“If you know it hurts, then stop picking fights with him. Every time, you both end up badly injured.”
The short but incredibly hot-tempered guy in front of me made me sigh. His name is Mentaiko, and like me, he’s a Food Soul. Ever since the nights in Sakurajima grew longer, and the Food Souls became aware of their powers surpassing those of greedy humans, this land of blooming cherry blossoms was no longer theirs alone. Food Souls began forming groups and factions, claiming the night as their own. And because we looked different from humans and possessed strength beyond their comprehension, they began to fear us.
"Those who are not of my kin must have different hearts."
That’s what an ancient book from the Light Kingdom once said. It seems that no matter where you go, humans are creatures that cannot tolerate the existence of beings stronger than themselves. Here, they call us “yokai.” And when night falls, even something as simple as gathering under the cherry blossoms to drink and admire the view is enough to fuel terrifying rumors.
"At the twilight hour, the Hundred Demons march."
After the war ended, Food Souls who had demonstrated great power were either scattered to remote towns or had their Master Attendants taken and placed under house arrest. Amidst the chaos, I left the town I had been stationed in. After that, I settled in the underbelly of Kabuki-chō, where all sorts of people gathered. It was then that this loud-mouthed guy appeared before me.
“Hey! You’re that strong-looking guy, right?! Fight me! If I win, you have to be my underling!”
“Alright, then I’ll follow you.”
“Tomorrow at midnight, we’ll fight during the Hundred Demons Night Para— wait, huh?! ……? HUH?! You’re not gonna fight me first?!”
“No need. I’m not a combat-type Food Soul. I’d lose to you.”
“Hahahaha! I like you! You’ve got guts! From now on, I’ll be looking out for you! Hahahahaha!”
It happened a little sooner than I planned, but when an opportunity presents itself, I never let it slip away.
II. Scheme
Everything was going according to our plan. It’s just that, in my imagination, the person I was supposed to support should have been more composed, more decisive… hmm… well, at the very least, definitely not like the guy in front of me, who was biting and tearing at a pillow in frustration. I sighed and pulled the pillow from his mouth, then grabbed his cheeks.
“Mentaiko.”
“Call me Boss!”
“Alright, alright, Boss. Did you use the money that was supposed to be for buying weapons for everyone to order another jar again?”
“I bought a huge jar! Once the craftsman finishes setting up the mechanism, I refuse to believe I won’t catch that Takowasa this time—ow!”
After a brief commotion… Mentaiko now sat kneeling in front of me, rubbing his head where I had smacked him, muttering complaints under his breath. Seeing his sulky expression, I pressed my fingers against my temple, already feeling a headache coming on.
“Forget it. Just don’t do it again.”
“I will defeat that Takowasa once and for all!!!”
The slight throbbing in my forehead made me unwilling to deal with him any further. Instead, I started thinking about how to make up for the financial loss.
Should I go borrow money from that guy…?
Just the thought of his usual teasing smile made my fingers itch—the same ones that had just been pinching Mentaiko’s cheeks.
…Forget it. I’ll make sure to pinch him a few times later.
As I made my way to Junmai Daiginjo’s quarters, a few humans, taking advantage of the brief daylight to go about their business, noticed me.
“Ah, Tsukimi! You wouldn’t believe it—your little rascal, oh, he’s wild! He knocked down my shop sign again in his last fight!”
“Tsukimi-nii[1]! Mentaiko stole Kotomi’s jenzu[2]!”
“Tsukimi, I have a cousin… She’s almost twenty now… Maybe you could, you know, meet her sometime?”
I kept a polite smile as I reassured each of them, suppressing the irritation creeping up inside me. Then, with a gentle farewell, I continued on my way. Finally, I arrived outside Junmai Daiginjo’s place. At this hour, there was a good chance he’d still be asleep and would just kick me out.
I knocked lightly on the door. After a long while, a cold voice finally responded.
“Not time yet. Come back later.”
“It’s Tsukimi Dango.”
Silence.
For so long that I started attracting the attention of passersby. They began whispering about how I was standing outside this kind of place in broad daylight. Then, at last, the door opened.
“Reception room.”
Mackerel Ichiyaboshi, as usual, showed no particular fondness toward me. I didn’t take his cold attitude to heart and stepped inside toward the reception room. Sliding open the door, I was met with the usual sight. Junmai Daiginjo, as always, was lounging lazily, his clothes half undone, leaning against Ichiyaboshi with an air of indulgent carelessness.
“Oh my, Tsukimi, what brings you here so early in the morning? Could it be~ that you missed me?”
III. Partnership
I dodged the smoke curling from Takowasa’s lips as he gazed at me, his brows arched in amusement, smiling with unrestrained ease. As much as I hate to admit it, I have to acknowledge the truth. With such charisma, it’s no wonder humans look at him with such infatuated expressions. He enjoyed my attention and made no move to interrupt me, simply leaning against Ichiyaboshi with a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
“Could it be that you truly missed me? Now that would be quite the honor. Ichiyaboshi, go fetch some sake and snacks. I must properly entertain our esteemed guest.”
Though unwilling, Ichiyaboshi still obeyed his words, throwing me a sharp, warning glare before leaving the inner room. I responded with a gentle smile—the kind that never failed to win people over. Yet, against this particular "merman," it only made him more guarded. Seeing our exchange, Takowasa let out a laugh, slumping onto the table as he slid a cup of tea toward me, amusement gleaming in his eyes.
“You always tease him. Every time you leave, Ichiyaboshi tells me you’re no good and that I should be careful around you.”
“And yet, you tease him too. Besides, he’s not entirely wrong.”
We raised our cups, touching them lightly together in place of a toast.
“Alright, alright. So what urgent business brought you here? You know my sleep is precious. If I don’t get enough rest, my skin will sag, and this beautiful face will lose its luster. Could you really bear that?”
I downed the tea in one go, momentarily at a loss for how to respond to his playful complaints.
“I came for a serious matter. I need you to lend me some money.”
“Pfft—again, for that little brat? Tsukimi Dango, you’re really going all out for him. But my money doesn’t come so easily... how about...”
Ignoring his teasing, I caught the warning laced in his words and rubbed my temple.
“I haven’t forgotten our plan. But that brat is too unpredictable—I need to keep an eye on him.”
“Tsukimi Dango, you do realize... the way you watch over him, the way you tolerate him—it’s more than I ever expected from you. Are you sure... he hasn’t affected you?”
“...”
“If you can’t bring yourself to act, should I have Ichiyaboshi take care of it for you? Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he vanishes without a trace.”
“No need. His very existence is the best way to lower everyone else’s guard.”
Takowasa studied me with a rare serious expression, something about it making me oddly restless. But just as the tension thickened, he suddenly burst out laughing, collapsing onto the table.
“Pfft—hahaha!! Look at your face! You really are nervous about that brat!”
As his laughter filled the room, Ichiyaboshi returned, carrying the sake and snacks he had prepared.
“Alright, alright, don’t be so tense. Have a drink with me~ Once we’re done, you can follow Ichiyaboshi to the storeroom and take what you need.”
Wiping away the tears from his laughter, Takowasa raised his cup toward me.
“Come now, my ally.”
IV. Moon
Nightfall came so swiftly that it caught me off guard. The bright scenery from just moments ago was soon swallowed by a thick veil of darkness. Yet, within this night sky, the gentle moon was nowhere to be found. Nor would its soft glow be reflected in my cup. Standing by the doorframe, Daiginjo leaned against it, tilting his head slightly as he gazed at the pitch-black sky.
"You miss it too, don’t you?"
"Mm."
"We will see it again."
Before I could respond, a figure—one who was always by Mentaiko’s side—rushed over in a panic. He bent forward, panting heavily, his hands bracing against his knees.
"Tsukimi-Aniki[3], t-this is bad!"
"Hm?"
"The boss is fighting Takowasa again!"
"...Don’t they fight every three days, with a big brawl every five?"
"No, no! This time they’re really trying to kill each other! Please, you have to come quickly!"
"Sigh... Well then, Daiginjo, I’ll be off."
After bidding farewell to Daiginjo, I followed the panicked messenger away. I brought the heavily injured Mentaiko back to our hideout, carefully tending to his wounds.
"What happened? You and Takowasa usually hold back a little. Why did things get this bad today?"
"That bastard said it doesn’t matter if all humans die out! Sure, humans aren’t all that great, but..."
"Do you think humans are important?"
"No, it’s just... I don’t like seeing innocent people caught up in our fights, that’s all. Hmph. Bullying the weak isn’t something that the strong should do. Ow—be gentler!”
Once I finished wrapping his wounds, I tidied up the supplies and returned to the window. Outside, the scenery remained unchanged from when the moon still hung in the sky. The night cherry blossoms swayed in the breeze, while flickering fireflies glowed faintly between the blades of grass. Everything looked as beautiful as it did back then, as if nothing had changed at all. I lifted my head, gazing at the sky. Behind me, Mentaiko slowly scooted over, sitting across from me with curiosity in his eyes.
"Tsukimi, I heard that you were originally created because of that moon in the sky. It’s been so long now... I can hardly remember what the moon looks like anymore. What was it like?"
"…Yes, it has been too long. So long that even I am beginning to forget what it looked like."
"Tsukimi, do you like the moon a lot?"
"Yes, I do. So much that I’d be willing to pay any price if it meant I could see it again."
"Really? Then I’ll find a way to bring it back for you!"
"…Huh?"
"Hehe, you’ve helped me out so many times! This is just a small favor—I can definitely manage it! I swear, I’ll find a way to bring the moon back for you!"
"…Mm. Thank you."
I looked at Mentaiko’s determined expression, feeling momentarily dazed.
If possible, I’d rather you not get involved in this matter.
After all, the paths we believe in have been different from the very beginning.
No matter the price.
No matter the sacrifice.
I will see that bright, radiant moon in the sky once more.
V. Tsukimi Dango
The leader of Venerable Moon was a short-tempered man called Mentaiko. And their second-in-command was a refined gentleman, as elegant as jade. Whenever Mentaiko got injured or caused trouble, it was always Tsukimi Dango who cleaned up after him and treated his wounds. One could say that without Tsukimi Dango, Venerable Moon might never have grown so strong. Many had been dissatisfied with Mentaiko’s reckless ways. Some, both openly and in secret, had even approached Tsukimi Dango, expressing their willingness to follow him as their leader. However, Tsukimi Dango sternly rebuked them.
To the unaware human world, Tsukimi Dango was the gentlest and most amiable among this peculiar group. And yet, this man—praised by nearly everyone as a kind and virtuous soul—was someone who made Mackerel Ichiyaboshi unusually wary. Having followed Junmai Daiginjo for a long time, Mackerel Ichiyaboshi had encountered all kinds of people. But Tsukimi Dango alone gave him a sense of unease. He had once attempted to assassinate Tsukimi Dango as a test. To his surprise, this man—who always claimed to have little combat ability—had easily evaded his deadly attacks and even countered with practiced ease.
Many knew of Tsukimi Dango’s close friendship with Junmai Daiginjo. Some ignorant humans even whispered indecent speculations about their relationship. A refined gentleman and a courtesan of peerless beauty—two people whose identities should never have intersected, yet somehow, they had gravitated toward each other.
"Tsukimi, you know this plan might end up harming Mentaiko and your comrades, right?"
Clear liquor spilled from the cup, catching glimmers of silver light as Junmai Daiginjo leaned lazily against the railing, watching the constant stream of passing guests. He did not turn around. Behind him, Tsukimi Dango's hand, poised to pour more wine, hesitated for a brief moment.
"Mackerel Ichiyaboshi is the same, isn't he?"
"It's different. No matter what happens, he’ll always stay by my side. Even if it drags him down, he won’t regret it."
"Sometimes, the bond you two share makes me envious."
Junmai Daiginjo turned back with a smirk, reclining against the low railing. Tilting his head, he gazed at Tsukimi Dango, who continued pouring his drink, his usual teasing laced with an unexpected seriousness.
"I won’t hand him over to you."
Tsukimi Dango chuckled and shook his head. He raised his cup and drained the fragrant liquor in one gulp, his lips curling into a faint smile as he gazed out at the pitch-black sky beyond the window.
"Hm."
A match struck, and the flickering flame ignited a cigarette. Wisps of pale smoke curled into the air. Tsukimi Dango looked at Junmai Daiginjo and, for some reason, the word "enchanting" came to mind. To call this man "seductive" seemed too vulgar, and "elegant" or "splendid" didn't quite fit either. "Enchanted beauty"—yes, that was the perfect description. Junmai Daiginjo raised an eyebrow at Tsukimi Dango, who had been staring at him in a daze. Leisurely, he approached, reaching out to press a finger between Tsukimi Dango’s brows.
"I can see through everyone, yet you always make me feel like I’ve missed something. Just what is it that you’re after? Tell me, and I’ll grant you whatever you wish for…"
His husky voice dripped with temptation, and his fingers traced down along Tsukimi Dango’s cheek. But before he could go any further, Tsukimi Dango caught his hand, stopping his mischief. He smiled—so gently that for a fleeting moment, Junmai Daiginjo was dazed. That smile was just like the moon they once knew—its soft glow carrying a faint chill, distant yet tender.
"What I want… is for the day to come when I can once again hold the full moon in my cup."
Notes
- ↑ In Japanese, "nii" (兄) means "older brother" and is often used as a base word for honorifics like "nii-chan" (兄ちゃん) or "nii-san" (兄さん) to refer to someone else's older brother.
- ↑ Japanese for "jianzi". A "jianzi" (毽子) is a traditional Chinese sport and the weighted shuttlecock used in it, where players aim to keep the shuttlecock in the air using their bodies, except for their hands.
- ↑ In Japanese, "aniki" (兄貴) means "older brother" and carries a slightly more informal yet respectful tone than simply "oniisan" (お兄さん).