Natsume Ono Livres

A many-sided tale of faith and betrayal, drama and intrigue, set in the world of old Edo. Reads R to L (Japanese Style) T+ audience. Masterless samurai Akitsu Masanosuke is a skilled and loyal swordsman, but his naïve, diffident nature has time and again caused him to be let go by the lords who have employed him. Hungry and desperate, he becomes a bodyguard for Yaichi, the charismatic leader of a gang called "Five Leaves." Although disturbed by the gang's sinister activities, Masa begins to suspect that Yaichi's motivations are not what they seem. And despite his misgivings, the deeper he's drawn into the world of the Five Leaves, the more he finds himself fascinated by these devious, mysterious outlaws. Just as Masa is settling into his new life as part of the Five Leaves, the gang’s spy, Matsukichi, vanishes. After discovering that the reticent Matsu’s disappearance is linked to an unresolved difficulty in his past, Masa decides to try to help him. To do so, he enlists the aid of the samurai Yagi. However, Yaichi, the head of the Five Leaves, is not at all pleased with Yagi’s involvement. It soon becomes clear that the two men share a common past—and that something dire has shattered the bond between them.

Complex, powerful, and emotionally wrenching, not simple is a novel told in visual form by one of the most acclaimed creators at work today. Ian, a young man with a fractured family history, travels from Australia to England to America in the hope of realizing his dreams and reuniting with his beloved sister. His story unfolds backwards through the framing narrative of Jim, a reporter driven to capture Ian’s experiences in a novel: not simple. A story within a story, a book within a book, a tale about the search for family, for an emotional home.

Exploring the theme of alienation, this collection delves into the experiences of being a foreigner, even within familiar surroundings. Through quiet and contemplative narratives, Ono presents a selection of his finest short stories, each reflecting the nuanced emotions and complexities of identity and belonging.

"The chief officers. ACCA's elite. Five of the most powerful men in the nation... Although their story has ended, the question remains--how did it begin? Take the chance to peek behind the veil of secrecy and intrigue to find out the origins and relationships of the final five chief officers."--Provided by publisher

A best-selling series from one of Japan's most respected authors. R to L (Japanese Style). A best-selling series from one of Japan's most respected authors. Masterless samurai Akitsu Masanosuke is a skilled and loyal swordsman, but his naïve, diffident nature has more than once caused him to be let go by the lords who employ him. Hungry and desperate, he agrees to become a bodyguard for Yaichi, the charismatic leader of a group calling itself "Five Leaves." Although disturbed by the gang's sinister activities, Masa begins to suspect that Yaichi's motivations are not what they seem. And despite his misgivings, the deeper he's drawn into the world of the Five Leaves, the more he finds himself fascinated by these devious, mysterious outlaws.

"Supplementary investigations into the conspiracy of the five chief officers reveal new information regarding the covert roles persons such as Chairman Owl, Internal Affairs Agent Nino, and Furawau Inspection Department Agent Canarii played in the coupd'état. Furthermore, Inspection Department personnel files have been updated to reflect their post-centennial anniversary status. Release of files--approved."--Provided by publisher

ACCA vice-chairman, Jean Otus, would much rather talk about bread, but everyone around him seems intent on talking about the coup. And when Jean's audit in Suitsu goes sideways, he lands smack in the middle of open rebellion. Will the swirling rumors about him gain credence?

Like a wisp of smoke, political intrigue entwines around ACCA vice-chairman Jean Otus and those both near to him and far. What secrets from the past connect Nino to the royal family? Why is Lotta's life threatened by a shadowy assassin? And who is the true mastermind behind the coup that threatens unrest upon the people of Dowa? Thoroughly embroiled in all the drama, Jean alone holds the key to the future of ACCA...

ACCA vice-chairman Jean Otus would much rather be talking about bread, but everyone around him seems intent on talking about the coup. When his audit in Suitsu goes sideways and Jean lands smack in the middle of open rebellion, will the swirling rumors about his involvement with the plot gain credence?

As the day of the coup d'état arrives, the future of all those who have been embroiled in it hangs in the balance, not least that of ACCA. ACCA Inspection Department vice-chairman, Jean Otus, holds the key to it all, but has he fully grasped the truth about the intrigue bleeding into his life or the strange developments around him? One thing is certain: Regardless of the outcome, the Kingdom of Dowa will never be quite the same again...