"Flesh&Blood" Vol. 2 - Pirate Series Reading Club 🏴‍☠️ ⛵

[NicoleIsEnough]

“Flesh&Blood” series home thread

Welcome to the “Flesh&Blood” Vol. 2 Reading Club!

Back to Vol. 1
Forward to Vol. 3

Participants

• I am planning to read this book
• I am currently reading this book
• I have finished this book
• I am taking a break and will return
• I have dropped the book and will not return
• I don’t plan to read this book

Please update your status accordingly whenever it changes.

Chapters

Chapter	Kindle %	BookWalker %	Page Numbers
Chapter 1	0%	1%	5
Chapter 2	13%	13%	32
Chapter 3	24%	25%	57
Chapter 4	38%	38%	86
Chapter 5	46%	46%	103
Chapter 6	62%	63%	137
Chapter 7	73%	73%	162
Chapter 8	91%	90%	198
あとがき	99%	98%	218

Discussion Rules

Discussing anything is fine, be it about language questions, about the contents or about real historic events! Please state clearly which chapter (or roughly which percentage) you’re referring to, and please hide spoilers. Also, don’t forget the forum etiquette, of course.

Buying the Book

If you’re planning to buy the book on Bookwalker or Amazon and if you’re outside of Japan, you will need a VPN to buy them. Afterwards, you can download it to the app without the need for a VPN. I think you cannot read it in the browser without VPN, though.

Vol. 2 on Bookwalker
Vol. 2 on Amazon

Vocab sheet

~ FLESH & BLOOD ~ Volume 2 ~ Vocab list

Artwork from volume 2

Full color extras

Vol 2, ch 1, p 7

Vol 2, ch 2, p 41

Vol 2, ch 4, p 91

Vol 2, ch 5, p 127

Vol 2, ch 6, p 153

Vol 2, ch 7, p 187

Vol 2, ch 8, p 215

松岡なつきのあとがき

Historical Figures, Events and Places

The book mentions a lot of real (as far as we know ) historical figures and events. Here are some information resources on them. (Please be aware that if you want to go in 100% blind, these lists will contain some spoilers for you)

Please add Chapter, Page, if possible, when something is mentioned in the story.

Historical Figures

Catherine de’ Medici (Ch 3, p. 57) Wikipedia article
Diego Pérez [de la Torre?] (Ch 4, p. 86) Wikipedia article?
Elizabeth I (Ch 2, p. 33) Wikipedia article
Francis Drake (Ch 5, p 113) Wikipedia article
Francis Walsingham (Ch 6, p. 146) Wikipedia article
Guise, Counts and Dukes of; ギーズ公 Wikipedia article
John Hawkins (Ch 3, p. 78): Britannica article
Joseph, son of Jacob (old testament) (Ch 5, p. 112) Wikipedia article
Henry II (Ch 1, p. 16) Wikipedia article
Henry III (Ch 4, p. 87)
Henry VIII (Ch 3, p. 59) Wikipedia article
Mary Stuart (Ch 6, p. 146) Wikipedia article
Matthew (the Apostle) 馬太 マタイ (Ch 2, p. 53) Wikipedia article
Oda Nobunaga (Ch 3, p. 60) Wikipedia article
Philip II (Ch 6, p. 147) Wikipedia article

Places

Andalusia (Ch 4, p. 90) Wikipedia article
Bay of Biscay (Ch 2, p. 34) Wikipedia article
Brest (Ch 2, p. 33) Wikipedia article
Charente (Ch 5, p 103) Wikipedia article
Cornwall (Ch 7, p. 177) Wikipedia article
Española Island (Ch 3, p 76) Wikipedia article
Flanders (Ch 3, p. 62) Wikipedia article
Languedoc (Ch 5, p 103) [Wikipedia article about wine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languedoc-
Lizard Point, Cornwall (Ch 7, p. 177) Wikipedia article
Roussillon_wine) Wikipedia article about the historical region
Lorient (Ch 2, p. 33) Wikipedia article
Lübeck (Ch 4, p. 96) Wikipedia article
Oléron Island (Ch, 2, p 51) Wikipedia article
Panama (Ch 3, p. 76) Wikipedia article
Plymouth (Ch 1, p. 8) Wikipedia article; Local histories article; and History of Plymouth Wiki-article
La Rochelle (Ch 2, p. 34) Wikipedia article
Saint-Nazaire (Ch 2, p. 33) Wikipedia article
West Indies (Ch 3, p 76) Wikipedia article

Historical Events etc

About the history of bathing Medieval bath habits and 16th century filth
St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre (Ch 3, p. 58) Wikipedia article
ハンザ同盟 / Hansa / Hanse / Hanseatic League (Ch 4, p. 96) Wikipedia article
Huguenots (Ch 3, p. 58) Wikipedia article

[ekg]

As mentioned, this is when I have time to read, so I’ve opened up vol 2.

Minor spoiler for vol 2. yaoi-hand warning!

Summary

The yaoi fingers are even in the text! XD

I also must confess to not being a fan of Jeoffrey in a hat.

[eefara]

Piiictuuures. I hear the physical volumes of the books have pictures; the Kindle edition sure didn’t (for volume 1, at least).

Gotta say, I kinda like the hat. Nice and simple, at least. Maybe there’s a huge ridiculous feather on the top of something, haha.

[ekg]

@eefara

I hear the physical volumes of the books have pictures

They do! I’ll try to add them to a post and then maybe @NicoleIsEnough can add them to the OP post of each volume discussion thread?

[eefara]

Are you reading the physical volumes, then?

[ekg]

Yes, but then scanned to read on the computer. It’s just easier for looking up words or historical facts etc. if it’s all on the computer. Maybe not as nice, but still more practical in this age. ^^’

[eefara]

@ekg

Yes, but then scanned to read on the computer.

Dang, that sounds like a lot of work. Physically scanning each page?

[ekg]

Best way to do it. And waste time at work! XD win-win

[ekg]

Artwork from volume 2

Full color extras

Volume art Beware of SPOILERS!

Vol 2, ch 1, p 7

Vol 2, ch 2, p 41

Vol 2, ch 4, p 91

Vol 2, ch 5, p 127

Vol 2, ch 6, p 153

Vol 2, ch 7, p 187

Vol 2, ch 8, p 215

松岡なつきのあとがき

[NicoleIsEnough]

Added the pictures to the OP (didn’t double check though, because spoilers ). Thanks!

[ekg]

Chapter 1 thoughts:

I can really sympathize with Kaito and how terrible it is to be seasick. That being said, he does come across as a spoiled brat: very demanding! lol Jeoffrey has the patience of an angel, imo.

It’s a very dramatic start to the journey, which I think works great. It hammers in the many dangers sailors faced on the sea.

And, yeah, those who are a bit squeamish might not enjoy this chapter much. = like me. Let’s just say that the Drama CD adaption is terrifying! so I did myself a favor and skipped the more explicit descriptions this time round

But, finally we get to see Kaito rise to the challenge and put someone else before himself, so that’s a good thing. Showing he’s becoming part of the crew.

[eefara]

It’ll probably take me another week or so to start. >.< I wanna start really bad, though! Can’t wait to read your thoughts! You leave just enough un-spoilered to get the imagination going, haha.

[ekg]

Chapter 2 thoughts

Chapter 2, page 44: question
So, anyone speaking French here? How well does Kaito do translating the phrases Nigel picks out for him to test his French?

Drama CD comments (a bit long so hidden, but no spoilers:

I still remember vividly the absolutely terrible French Jun Fukuyama managed! And lets not forget the English in the first CD-release. it was not great, let’s put it like that. He did his best, as it’s not easy to fake being fluent in a language you simply do not speak. And yeah, while the audio production is really good for this adaption, I have yet to hear about Japanese voice actors getting actual language or dialect coaching. From what I’ve gleaned in interviews, they simply help each other to the best of their ability and that’s it. It’s nothing like the language coaching Hollywood actors get. Seiyuu just do what they can, in a much smaller budget.

I think for the most part Ookawa Tooru doesn’t have to speak much Spanish as Vincente, though he does say some lines in Spanish as I remember it. All in all: this is a very challenging Drama CD adaption for sure for the cast! XD

Interestingly, they use an audio overlap technique at times, so that you in the audio background, so to speak, hear them speak French, English, Spanish etc. while in the audio foreground, they speak Japanese. It works surprisingly well. But, it takes a bit getting used to, which you have little chance of, since it doesn’t get extensive use. But, it’s a good way to show the switching of languages for the listener for sure. Though there are examples of just butchered French as well.

Anyway, there’s a more understanding feeling between Jeoffrey and Kaito as of this chapter. Well, on Jeoffrey’s part at least, as to how important it is for Kaito to be able to contribute onboard Gloria, and feel needed. And who doesn’t relate to that? I certainly do!

Here Kaito really does save the day with his ability to speak French!

Also, I wonder about which Bible quote from Mathews Kaito used (Ch 2, p. 53). I tried googling a bit, and found

> Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. – The Bible. Matthew 7:13.

Not sure it’s a good fit though. I guess it’s also possible Natsuki-sensei has completely butchered the above quote.

In any case, Kaito comes across as quite the scholar! As they say, the pen is mightier than the sword!

[NicoleIsEnough]

@ekg

That being said, he does come across as a spoiled brat: very demanding! lol Jeoffrey has the patience of an angel, imo.

Oh yeah I wanted to comment about that at the end of Vol. 1 already but totally forgot!

I must say that (in Vol. 1) Kaito really behaves incredibly arrogantly, demanding and like a spoiled kid. And he is so impolite towards Jeoffrey (who is his boss!). It’s incredible how much Jeoffrey lets slip wrt. Kaito! After all he is the captain so he cannot afford that his crew (which Kaito is part of) misbehaves or goes against him because when they are at sea and misbehaviour turns into mutiny, it will cause massive issues.
I just keep thinking, Kaito you really Japanese? How can you be so rude?

Vol. 2 Chapter 1

I agree with you that Jeoffrey really behaves like an angel, taking care of him in all possible regards.

@ekg

It hammers in the many dangers sailors faced on the sea.

And also the many dangers that people in general faced, with the knowledge regarding medicine back then…

@ekg

Let’s just say that the Drama CD adaption is terrifying!

OMG! I can’t even start to imagine these scenes being enacted…

@ekg

But, finally we get to see Kaito [spoiler]rise to the challenge and put someone else before himself, so that’s a good thing. Showing he’s becoming part of the crew.

Yeah, I really liked that too, also that Marcy called on him to help with the operation. Some real growth! And he got praise for how he handled the situation, so there’s that.

In all secrecy I had hoped that Kaito would somehow know something about medicine and how to save the poor chap from having his leg amputated, but that was probably too much to ask in the given situation and also regarding the hurry they were in… Maybe Kaito is able to suggest some improvements at a later stage. (But of course he cannot invent disinfectant out of the blue…)

[ekg]

@NicoleIsEnough

I just keep thinking, Kaito you really Japanese? How can you be so rude?

lol, I guess he has lived for years in the UK, so he might be more British in attitude? A possibility at least, though I’m certainly reminded of the type of arrogance that a lot of male shounen leads have in older anime, the original Macross and especially Gundam comes to mind for sure. And, perhapes even more, the male lead in Captain Harlock. Very much self-centered masculinity, which I don’t really care for.

But, let’s give Kaito the benefit of the doubt, he’s put through a very shocking thing and pushed into a situation against his will, so some acting out might be warranted?

That being said, it’s nice to see him growing up a bit in chapter 1.

[NicoleIsEnough]

@ekg

So, anyone speaking French here? How well does Kaito do translating the phrases Nigel picks out for him to test his French?

My French is not very refined either, but I think I can keep up with Kaito
The hardest part for me was to first translate the katakana to French, though

Ok, here’s what I got:

ジュ・プランドレ・ロウ・エ・ビエール

“Je prendre l’eau et bière” - “I (to take) the water and beer”
(he didn’t conjugate the verb correctly and he didn’t know how to say unspecified quantities)
I think the correct phrase would be
“Je prends de l’eau et de la bière” - “I take water and beer”

No matter what, this sounds more like an order in a restaurant than an order at a merchant’s to me, but who knows

セ・シェール。メルチャンタージュ、シルブプレ

“C’est cher. Marchandage, s’il vous plaît.” - “This is expensive. Bargaining, please.”

It’s a pretty unrefined and plump way of speaking. I think one could say “Baissez le prix, s’il vous plaît.” (lower the price, please) which sounds a bit more sensible to me.

Corrections to my French musings are welcome, by the way! I’m just a lousy amateur (with a dictionary ) myself.

[ekg]

Chapter 3 thoughts

Some more history learnt at the beginning of this chapter St. Bartholomew's Day massacre - Wikipedia basically another example of how bloody and ruthless the religious conflicts were at the time, especially in France where Catholics murdered thousands of Huguenotes, both in Paris and in rural areas. From what I read on Wikipedia about Catherine de’ Medici she comes across as a power hungry and rather ruthless woman, who ruled from the shadows behind her sons during the religious wars. An interesting read regardless.

Okay, let’s not get lost in the historical name dropping of this light novel. Jeoffrey and Kaito get to go to La Rochelle on their own, since the town is under quarantine and the crew is down with fever due to the bad water they brought from Plymouth.

I love how lively the market feels, as Kaito takes in the sights and smells. XD There’s some serious talk about slavery and especially, how Kaito’s looks would at the time make people assume he is a slave. Thankfully, Jeoffrey is not sharing in the general sentiment of discrimination due to skin color. So while he’s not particularly progressive regarding sex and consent (though he’s certainly willing to learn), he at least stays clear of looking at Kaito as an inferior human being. Not especially realistic, historically speaking, but who cares. This is BL after all! XD

Oh, and Kaito is also starting to move emotionally, reflecting on what he actually wants from Jeoffrey. dun dun dun

Bonus:
So, I had to look up 船頭 せんどう ferryman, boatman, boatsman on Jisho and underneath that entry I found this glorious proverb:

船頭多くして船山に登る 【せんどうおおくしてふねやまにのぼる】 too many cooks spoil the broth; too many captains will steer the ship up a mountain

[ekg]

Thanks for making the effort of trying to parse what Kaito was saying. I guess, even if Fukuyama Jun was talented in French, this script would still be quite the challenge! XD

But, I guess, even attempting multiple languages outside of Japanese is pretty impressive in a light novel?

[NicoleIsEnough]

@ekg

Thanks for making the effort of trying to parse what Kaito was saying.

Usually I already struggle to parse English-based katakana, so I was quite surprised I got somewhere at all

@ekg

But, I guess, even attempting multiple languages outside of Japanese is pretty impressive in a light novel?

Yeah, I thought so too! (I mean, he could always ask somebody for help, but the idea already is pretty great.) In Vol. 1 we already had a few words of Spanish, which was perfectly correct iirc, and I still love it so much how the author represented it with the furigana in the other language. Of course the French sentences were much more difficult, but still. Curious to see if we get more Spanish or French!

[NicoleIsEnough]

Chapter 2 thoughts and replies

I thought that Kaito was well on his way to find his position among the crew and to earn respect by the others, which I really liked. So he did have and could apply some basic medical skills after all And looks like he also started to get into a position where he can eventually win Nigel over…

The intermezzo with the French guys was really badass - I liked how he held their own weapons against them to get what he wanted

@ekg

Also, I wonder about which Bible quote from Mathews Kaito used (Ch 2, p. 53). I tried googling a bit, and found

> Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. – The Bible. Matthew 7:13.

I think you were close, but this one seems to fit better:

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

From Matthew 7:7 NIV - Ask, Seek, Knock - “Ask and it will - Bible Gateway