Captain Momo's Secret Base (モモ艦長の秘密基地)

The Iceberg of Online Manga - A Reading List and Print Wishlist

We get a lot of manga in English, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. We get a hell of a lot of fan translated manga, but even that doesn't cover the whole thing. Separated by language and culture, the "untapped" potential of manga is foreign to a lot of readers, myself included really. But it's because of that deficiency that I decided to start taking a look at interesting fan translated titles to find series to recommend to publishers (and potentially read), so this is a sneak peek into my ever-growing list.

It's also an open request for people to share their favorites from the online manga sphere! As a single person it's impossible to find all the hidden gems, so being able to share titles between one another can really help widen horizons.

Sui and Neri of the Twilight Planet / Tasogare-Boshi No Sui To Neri

In a way, it reminds me of Girls Last Tour, a sunsetting planet that explores the oddity of a du in their life. Not quite as bittersweet or contemplative through what I've seen so far, but still very pretty and detailed. Lots and lots of hand drawn background art, and some really good layouts and paneling.

Poison Poison Forest Forest /Doku Doku Mori Mori

Mushroom on Mushroom violence, with a healthy side of grim visuals. It's got all the punch you could expect, and has a pretty novel approach to what you could consider a revenge story. Still early on so not a mountain of stuff to go off of, but at the very least what there is is good.

Captain Momo's Secret Base / Momo Kanchou No Himitsu Kichi

Tsuruta Kenji, the mastermind behind the art of Emanon (and other series), need I really say more? Regardless, with Tsuruta's art behind a lighthearted and curious series of a woman travelling through space alone with a cat, it's an undeniably enjoyable ride. Though do be warned, there is quite a bit of nudity featured as Momo prefers going commando to wearing clothes.

Every Every Night / Yona Yona Yona

An incredibly strikingly designed robin hood-esque story, Yona and her crew go on nightly missions to try and steal back art that was originally stolen by a corrupt police force. Creative, expressive, fun, and impressively detailed and unique, it's got quite a bit of potential!

The Feared Witch of Tasihou / Taishou Kitan Majo

Mixing the Western practices of Witchcraft with a Taishou-era Japan setting? A cultural combination that I'm truthfully surprised we haven't really seen yet. Add onto that the incredibly unique and sketch-like art style (and the wonderful color pages) and it's just a super easy pickup.

Welcome to Hotel Metsäpeura / Hotel Metsäpeura e Youkoso

A little hard to explain succinctly, but this is the story of a trio, two men and a teenager who they find standing outside their hotel in the Finnish wilderness in the middle of Winter. Characters with... interesting pasts, it's a story about providing not just a house, but a home to this young boy on his own.

The Ends of A Dream / Yume no Hashibashi

This is one that I'm really quite desperate to get in print. It's an emotional story of a pair as they retrace their forbidden romance through the years that have evaded them as they reach the end of their lives. A painfully beautiful concept that I really hope to see licensed someday.

Will You Clean This For Me? / Kirei Ni Shitemoraemasuka

Alright, something a little more light and fun! A story of a laundry (though it's really sorta general cleaning) shop as they go about their daily life, even offering a few tips and tricks to better cleaning things. Simple idea that has some pretty clear care put into it, and is just the right thing to relax with.

Amber Days and Golden Nights / Kohaku no Yume de Yoimashou

Let's keep the good vibes rolling! Another specific interest series, this time about craft beer. Kenzaki Nana's a burnt out employee at a Kyoto advertising firm, but happens to stumble across the Shirokuma bar. With just one night she ends up pulled into the world of craft beer, and our story begins! Very fun and light, and a really cool area to see explored by manga.

The Dragon, The Hero, and The Courier / Ryuu to Yuusha to Haitatsunin

Nothing like some good old comedy at the expense of someone else. Yoshida, a half elf, is a mail carrier for the Imperial City of Idazig that will deliver mail to anyone, anywhere. With the breadth of fantasy and middle-ages history expressed early on, there's a lot of creative potential for humor alongside the really wonderfully scratchy and sharp art.

Deep Sea Aquarium Magmell / Magmell Shinkai Suizokukan

My friend Phantom would kill me if this wasn't on the list. Anyways, it's a series about a deep sea aquarium employee in Tokyo. Very cool, very informal, and incredibly beautiful. I love how much they work with blacks and darkness in the art.

A Coffee Shop in the Unwaking Town / Samenai Machi no Kissaten

I love stories that are incredibly odd and quiet, and this is no exception. Suzume one day finds herself unable to wake up, stuck in the unwaking town Lutetia. It's in this town that she works at the coffee shop known as 'Quatre'. From the moment I laid eyes on it I knew I'd enjoy it, a unique concept paired with standout art, it has such a comfortable feeling to its experience (as well as offering a few recipes).

Living In an Antiquarian Bookstore of The Karakida Family / Karakida-ke no Kosho Gurashi

A simple story about three girls inheriting their grandfather's shop in the heart of the largest collection of used bookstores, Kanda-Jinbouchou. A very calm and borderline mundane story that is supplemented with some truly beautiful art.

And that's all this list has in it for now! Of course I've got more I can chat about, but I thought these to be the most promising in my perusing of the internet. Best of all though? All of these are available (to some degree) on MangaDex! If you want to give them a shot they're there. And really, do feel free to add to this list with your own online finds, I'd love to find all sorts of unique and creative manga that we don't get to hear about in the English sphere!

Just finished Momo Kanchou no Himitsu Kichi. For a manga with sooooo much nudity it was cool how not sexualized it was :0

essentially this is spaceman spiff if he was a naked woman. not much happened in it but it was cute and I liked it, the art especially

started reading Captain Momo's Secret base

Kenji Tsuruta brings an all-new saucy story to Dark Horse, Captain Momo's Secret Base

Kenji Tsuruta brings an all-new saucy story to Dark Horse, Captain Momo's Secret Base #comics #comicbooks #manga #graphicnovel

From the mind behind the realism and careful intricacies of Emanon, Wandering Island and Spirit of Wonder, Eisner Award-nominee Kenji Tsuruta, comes a “slice-of-life” adventure from the naked depths of space! Translated by Dana Lewis, Captain Momo’s Secret Base Volume 1 features action, humor, and a very ornery cat. Moshi-Moshi Momo works from home like many people—in a den crowded with books…

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Dark Horse Licenses the Captain Momo's Secret Base Manga

Dark Horse has announced that it has licensed Kenji Tsuruta’s Captain Momo’s Secret Base manga. The company will publish the first oversized 140-page volume on May 15, 2024. The manga is described as: Moshi-Moshi Momo works from home like many people—in a den crowded with books and papers, shared with a cat that’s got its own agenda. Except Momo truly does possess office space—because she lives…

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Do you have any manga recs? Preferrably yuri but anything you've been reading lately that you've enjoyed?

Definitely! I particularly love Arai Sumiko's work so I'll rec [gush about] some of that first. The big title there is "The guy she was interested in wasn't a guy at all" which is fantastic, and they also have an alternate tale with similar/the same characters in the oneshot "Hanabi". For other more mature stuff by Arai I love the oneshot "Makoto no Momoka" and "My female friend comes home to me every now and again" (only two chapters so far TRAGICALLY).

As I've evangelized before I really adore "Hanamonogatari" by Schwinn and I reallllllly hope more of it eventually gets translated to English 🥺

More yuri recs in list form (in no particular order)!

Otherside Picnic (if you've watched the anime DEFINITELY read the manga for a way more coherent and deep telling of the story and characters, the anime made some interesting reordering decisions...)

Our yuri started with me getting rejected in a dream by Hijiki (I adore this fluffy gay manga soooooo much)

Tadokoro-san (webcomic) by Tatsubon

Liberta by Tatsubon (kinda bonkers and scuffed and gory and also NSFW)

Asumi-chan is interested in lesbian brothels! by Itsuki Kuro (erotica! very good and fun story)

Does it count if your first time is with an android? by Yakiniku Teishoku (erotica! cw for some dubious consent and some general weirdness but it's hard to find decent yuri erotica with adults so I'll take it lol)

Non-yuri manga I'm reading!

Call of the Night by Kotoyama (honestly I'd recommend both the manga and the anime, both are spectacular vibes)

Fabiniku/Life with an ordinary guy who reincarnated into a total fantasy knockout (the definition of "they're LGBT? Damn, all at once?" I'm so fucking invested in these idiots)

Captain Momo's Secret Base by Tsuruta Kenji (vibes only, just picked this up from a Tumblr post and it's good and mellow)

Hope this helps!

Captain Momo's Secret Base vol. 1 by Kenji Tsuruta

The Most Dangerous Game

I

Momo woke up earlier than usual. She did her morning routine, put on her neatly ironed lieutenant uniform and armband, and went to the 5th squad dormitory to see if Marika was up. She saw her sitting on the bench in her usual uniform that consisted of a mini-skirt and a turtleneck with no sleeves, reading.

- Heyy! - Momo waved with a big smile.

Marika lifted her head and waved back. She closed the book - Hello, my dear!

- Oh! You look tired. Did you get enough sleep?

- It’s nothing - Marika brushed it off with her hand - I was very invested in this book so I forgot to go to bed yesterday; but I feel great! - she put on a wide smile, then got up, and started walking with Momo. 

- Oh, dear… You should be more careful. What were you reading anyways?

Marika lifted and tilted the book cover towards Momo. It read “Ryünosuke Akutagawa - Rashōmon and other short stories” in fancy golden letters on a dark red background.

- The Captain recommended this one to me - Marika said.

- The Captain always recommends the best books! - Momo exclaimed a bit over excitedly. She blushed - It’s no wonder you couldn’t put it down.

- Yeah, it is true that he knows a lot about literature, however, it seems to me that his library consists mostly of domestic books. I wanted to give this to you - she said as she drew a book out of her sack. It was Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë - I think you will like it. Let it be our little secret - Marika winked.

- Momo’s eyes widened. She hastily covered the book in her robe. Clearly, it was a book from the human world, and from Marika’s act, Momo understood that it was not obtained through legal channels.

Two young women approached the 5th squad offices. Momo knocked on Captain Aizen’s chamber doors. 

- Come in! - they heard him from the other side. Marika noticed Momo blushed as they entered.

Aizen sat at his desk with some papers and tea. He stood up and greeted them with a pleasant smile - Good morning, Lieutenant Hinamori, Officer Gato. Would you two lovely ladies have some tea?

- Good morning, captain. I’d like some black tea, thanks - Marika said.

Momo nodded in accord - I’d like some as well - she said. They settled side by side at the opposing end of the table and waited while Aizen poured hot water over leaves and decanted golden liquid into cups he offered them. 

- So, what brings you two here today? - he asked.

Marika noticed Momo’s fidgeting nervously, so she took a lead - I wanted to return the book you lent me yesterday… - she put the book on the table.

- Was it to your liking? You returned it rather fast.

- Oh, it was. I couldn’t leave it until I finished once I started reading.

- I’m glad to hear that - he nodded and opened his mouth to say something but decided not to.

He thought it would be inconsiderate, rude, or even dangerous to suggest meeting with Marika to discuss the book later in front of Momo. He felt a slight annoyance because the presence and existence of Momo limited him in the ways he wanted to act. Instead, he put on a gentle smile and turned towards his lieutenant. 

- Momo, today we have to go through the plan of training for the next month.

She nodded quickly, holding a cup near her face with both of her little hands. Aizen noticed that she hid something in her robe the moment she came in but now he was sure it was something she wants not to be unraveled based on the way she acted. He became interested in what it was.

Marika felt a bit of awkwardness in the air. She finished her cup of tea and stood up - Well, I’ll be leaving now. See you at the training site today - she bowed and approached the door.

Momo looked at her with horror because she was leaving her with the captain before she had a chance to hide the book. 

Aizen followed Marika with his eyes. As she walked he could see the movement of the muscles of her legs and butt in a short tight skirt. He did not dislike the view. It made him feel kind of… warm. He took it as a sign of aesthetic appreciation for a well-built female form.

Marika turned at the door  - Captain, I may come back later today to borrow another book. Momo, we too should see each other later if you want.

Momo nodded again, nervous and red in her face.

*

Aizen and Momo were left alone in the captains' chambers. Now he felt completely in charge. He extended his arm and lifted Momo’s head with a finger under her chin, so she had no other choice but to look at him. 

- Momo, - he looked her straight into the eyes - what do we have here, hm?

Momo, as if hypnotized by his gaze, took the book out of her robe and handed it to him. He glanced at the cover and smiled - I thought it must be who-knows-what! Do you think I would scorn you for something like this? Is that the image of me I project?

- N-no - Momo sounded unsure. Indeed, Captain Aizen was the last person to be angry because she came in possession of some unauthorized goods, and above all it was just a book and not something dangerous.

- But of course not! Out of curiosity, how did you come across it? - he supposed it was a certain someone, who had just left the office.

- O-oh, oh well, Marika gave it to me… 

- Is that so - this was more of a statement than a question.

- B-but, I don’t want her to get in trouble, please captain! - Momo was finally able to think again, and became aware that what she said could get her friend in trouble.

- Don’t you worry, my dear Momo, I’d never do such a thing. And also, I won’t tell her that you told me she gave it to you; just make sure you two tell me when you do such mischiefs - Aizen felt strange satisfaction because it was Marika who gave Momo the book. In fact, he couldn’t think of anyone else who could have. He was content that he had made a correct prediction.

Momo brightened up - Thank you, captain! - she fidgeted with her fingers in her leap. Aizen smiled and patted her upper arm, leaving his hand to linger on her shoulder for a second or so.

- It is adorable to me how flustered you get over such minor things. Now, let’s go to the office and get some work done before lunch…

- Yes, captain! - Momo felt a wave of happiness and warmth go through her body listening to her captain’s reassuring words and feeling his hand on her.

*

Marika was on her way to her post for today thinking about how Captain Aizen scanned them with his gaze when they entered his chambers and the look on his face when he noticed Momo was hiding something. 

"He might look all innocent and nice but I'm sure for a brief moment he had the look of a predator seeing a wound on his prey. It's very interesting".

She smirked, trying to contain her excitement in front of the mystery she wanted to unravel.

***

Here is the first chapter. Let me know if you liked it, if you're interested in reading more of this story, and what do you think of the OC/reader insert Marika Gato! I'm very interested to hear your opinions, dear readers!

Captain Momo's Secret Base (モモ艦長の秘密基地)

Dragon of the Yuyan Series

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender

Author: theawkwardpenguin @awkwardpenguinproductions

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Violence, Character Death, Child Abuse, Strong Language, Major Injury, Suicidal Thoughts, Racism, Colonialism, Alcohol

Word Count: 137, 313

Characters: Zuko,  Commander Toshiaki (OC), Kai, (OC), unnamed OCs, Ozai, Iroh, Azula, Commander Atsuko (OC), Yuyan Archers, Chihese Squad (OCs), Captain Hiroki (OC), Sergeant Mika (OC), Private Jiyoti (OC), Master Ryoichi (OC), Various tertiary OCs, Jet, Sokka, Katara, Aang, The Gaang,  Freedom Fighters, Smellerbee, Pipsqueak, Toph Beifong, Joo Dee, Haili Squad (OCs), OCs out the wazoo, Zhao, Appa, Momo, Bato, Pakku, Arnook, Yue, General Fong, Mai, Ty Lee, Bumi, Toph Beifong's Parents, The Dangerous Ladies, Wan Shi Tong, Professor Zei, Suki, Gansu, Sela, Lee, Than, Ying, Than's Sister, Piandao, Jin, Lao Beifong, Long Feng, Dai Li, The Blue Spirit,  Hakoda, Aang, Jee, Zuko's Crew, The Duke, Huu, Foggy Swamp Waterbenders, The Mechanist, Teo, Tyro, Haru, The Boulder, The Hippo, The Painted Lady, Order Of The White Lotus, Fat, Hama

Tags: POV Zuko, Yuyan Raise Zuko, Semi-Feral Child, Ozai is an Asshole, Flashbacks, some instances of suicidal thoughts, Zuko is a hurtin' puppy, Pre-Series, One F-Bomb, that might become a thing, because it amuses me, Inspired by MuffinLance's Tumblr, Alternate Universe-Canon Divergence, Discussion of child abuse and abandonment, Ozai Being a Terrible Parent, Zuko is an Awkward Turtleduck, OC-centric, Past Abuse, baby steps to badassery, OC is an asshole, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, bad days suck, but your Yuyan Archer squad always has your back, Zuko Angst, Panic Attacks, Hijinks & Shenanigans, this part is almost entirely "teenagers doing stupid shit", what did you expect when you put a bunch of highly skilled teenagers in a military base?, plot is minimal but existent, handwaving Fire Nation war tech because I can't find satisfying answers, Zuko-centric, Zuko meets Jet, and is completely turned off, S1Ep10 "Jet", slightly out of continuity, both in terms of canon and this series, but someone asked on tumblr, and this came out, Zuko's just joined the Gaang and is still figuring things outs, 2e14 City of Walls and Secrets, Ba Sing Se is SUPER CREEPY, and Zuko HATES IT, inspired by @muffinlance's lovely AU concepts, just a little peek into a new AU I'm working on, dear G-d what have I done, just in case, TW: military action, TW: Vomiting, TW: hunting animals for food, none of this is hugely graphic,  but just in case, if I miss anything please please please let me know, Zuko being a curious bean, is it treason?, or is it "reasonable response"?, based on a throwaway line in THAT episode, WARNING: this one's gonna hurt, sorry, No happy ending here, Beware ye who enter here, Hurt No Comfort, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat, TW: mistreatment of prisoners of war, TW: forced suicide, trauma aftermath, disillusioned former prince plots treason, Toshiaki unleashes his inner Commander Dad, Nightmares, Kai is a good bro, Midnight Rooftop Discussions, oblique references to canon events, based on MuffinLance's YuyanAdoptZuko Tumblr post, IT BEGINS, Episode: s01e13 The Blue Spirit, Zhao is a jerk, lots of f-bombs in this one, because Zuko is a soldier, and he's also really really done with Zhao's bull, shit, tried really hard not to just rewrite the whole episode, hope it worked, Zuko is actually really competent, Aang is a child, LITERALLLY, he's TWELVE, And tinybased on MuffinLance's Tumblr series #Yuyan Raise Zuko, in case I haven't said it before: THIS SERIES WILL NOT CONTAIN ROMANTIC SHIPS, I'm a little gen sailboat and like it that way, (apologies to maychorian for stealing her blog title), but it is EXTREMELY relevant, anyway, introductions, Sokka needs more sleep, dammit Aang stop picking up strays, Sokka is a nerd, Katara is conflicted, THIS IS THE ONE YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR, Zuko meets the Gaang, do I need to keep using that tag? it's pretty obvious at this point, Zuko loves animals, POV Bato, Episode: s01e15 Bato of the Water Tribe, another one I wasn't planning on writing but did anyway, Bato needs therapy, Zuko needs THERAPY, Everyone Needs Therapy, Guys. Sokka is actually an authority figure. He's the SON OF THE CHIEF, everyone can have a tiny bit of world building. as a treat, Post-Episode: s01e16 The Deserter, Zuko has ISSUES with Jeong-Jeong, and firebending as it is currently taught, LOTS of ASL grammar, Aang is still learning sign, he's not quite code-switching yet, Zuko talks to himself in sign, Sokka has no fear, short and sweet, nearly drove myself crazy with this bullshit, my beta reader is a goddess and she saved my ass, all the fish ever for all time to her, Firebending & Firebenders, Episode: s01e18 The Waterbending Master, it's been a whopping five minutes and Zuko already hates the North Pole, it's freaking cold, the people are not nearly as friendly as they first appear, Katara challenges the patriarchy and Zuko suffers, Katara and Zuko like to giggle at Sokka being a dork, Episode: s01e19-20 The Siege of the North, Zhao's here to fuck shit up, Zuko does not have a good time, nobody has a good time, get y'all some tissues, remember how I've been saying that I'm not changing major canon events?, Yeah I'm sorry, Pyrrhic Victory, all hail Koizilla, Episode: s02e01 The Avatar State, this is basically just a chance for Zuko to meet the disaster human that is Fong, not really much to tag here, honestly if I keep going the tags list might end up being longer than the fic itself, just let me know if you want me to tag anything here, Short & Sweet, ummm.... this might be really sad?, an interlude, very short, Episode: s02ep03 "Return to Omashu", in which Zuko's past comes back to kill him, enter the Dangerous Ladies, Aang is a dumbass sometimes, the Gaang has one braincell between them, most of the time Zuko's the one who holds it, he really would rather not thanks, Omashu is basically a ninja's playground, who WOULDN'T want to go parkouring through that place???, Episode: s02e04 The Swamp, Shor, tshort and weird, Zuko can't get over how creepy this place is, not much else to add, special guest star, TOPH SMASH!!!, Toph Being Awesome, Badass Toph Beifong, Episode: s02e06 The Blind Bandit, HERE SHE IS Y'ALL, i hope i did her justice!, Toph is done with everyone's bullshit, I tried really hard not to use visual descriptions guys let me know if it worked,   how does one communicate when one can't talk and the other can't see?, LET'S FIND OUT, Let Toph Say Fuck 2020, Episode: s02e08 The Chase, SHIT HITS THE FAN Y'ALL, Azula is her own warning, Major Character Injury, Sokka is sleep deprived, the babies are fighting, Zuko is done with everyone's shit, Episode: s02e09 Bitter Work, lots of talking, and Toph kicking butt, Zuko is the worst patient, commiserating about shitty families, finding yourself through getting your ass kicked by a twelve year old, Toph Beifong and Zuko are Siblings, i don't make the rules, Hurt Zuko, Zuko is a firebending master, and Toph is an earthbending master, Zuko Has PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, (need to think of an in-universe name for it), Episode: s02e10 The Library, I know it's been a while, but everyone should remember that Zuko is in fact a prince, with all of the training in diplomacy that implies, Wan Shi Tong isn't unreasonable, he just wants to be left alone with his books, Sokka's a moron but we love him anyway, yes y'all can have a little canon-divergance, as a treat, Rating for Language, (Zuko's a former soldier after all), Episode: s02e12 The Serpent's Pass, guest starring the family from Zuko Alone, enter: Suki!, hey hey the Gaang's all here!, honestly this is more exposition and backstory than real plot, but hopefully now things are a little more clear, TW: Profound Grief, tw: perceived character death, TW: suicidal thoughts, Iroh does not have a good time, at least for the first part, POV Iroh, Iroh is a Good Uncle, Iroh Loves Tea, Let me know if I missed any tags, Episode: s02e14 City of Walls and Secrets, or rather elements thereof, Iroh meets the Gaang, Iroh adopts the Gaang, honestly this one's pretty chill, not much going on past Zuko and Iroh catching up and Zuko dragging Iroh home to meet his friends, ONCE AGAIN: FAKE DATING AU, Fake/Pretend Relationship, I swear the Zutara is only like 30 seconds and neither characters are happy about it, Fake dating for infiltration purposes, someone want to come up with an ATLA version of James Bond?, cause this is it, Episode: s02e15 Tales of Ba Sing Se, fluff and nonsense, and a tiny bit of plot, wait, how did PLOT get into my FLUFF???, that's frustrating, Iroh's living out his teashop au, Aang and Zuko stop in to help, and get some wisdom, and some tea, everybody loves iroh, including the gaang, some dialogue taken from Episode: s02e09 Bitter Work, I'm sure you can guess what dialogue, Episode: s02e17 Lake Laogai, the Blue Spirit strikes again!, co-starring: the Little Badgermole!, Mission: IMPOSSIBLE (ATLA edition), Zuko finally puts his training to use, are you telling me Toph can SEE UNDERGROUND, and canon DIDN'T PUT THIS INFORMATION TO USE????, in an UNDERGROUND FORTRESS????, Toph gets her life-changing field trip with Zuko, Episode: s02e20 The Crossroads of Destiny, Canon Temporary Character Death, if you've seen the episode you know what happens, Protective Sokka,  Big Brother Sokka,  basically just Sokka processing the events of Sacrifice, which means run on sentences and a lot of cursing, honestly not super thrilled with this one but it's done and it needed to be written, Episode: s03e01 The Awakening, Episode Tag, remember how in The Awakening, Katara had said that Aang had been asleep for "a few weeks"?, I'm taking that literally, ie potentially murdering prisoners, Hakoda's a nice guy but he IS the leader of an army/nation, please let me know what else I should tag, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, also language, pretty much every character in this fic is some kind of combatant, and therefore there is swearing, a lot of swearing, Racism, Colonialism, Alcohol, Episode: s03e02 The Headband, what was the gaang doing while Aang was at school?, Fire Nation Cuisine, my inner foodie comes out in this, Mostly Fluff, there's a brief instance of Zuko/Katara but they're undercover and it's NOT REAL, Episode: s03e03 The Painted Lady, Pollution,  Effects of Pollution, Starvation, Ozai Being an Asshole,  Ozai is a BAD leader, this has effects on his nation, Protective Zuko, Zuko will be a GOOD leader, Zuko cares about his people A LOT, Environmental Terrorism, ecoterrorism, Episode: s03e04 Sokka's Master, that feeling when your friend walks up to a random castle, and knocks on the door, and the answering butler addresses him by the name that has a warrant out for his arrest, just a fun little thing, I love this episode, Let The Gaang Stay at Piandao's 2k21, Episode: s03e06 The Avatar and the Fire Lord, you cannot tell me that everyone just sat around while Aang was chatting with Roku, volcanic beach vacay, pure fluff, no redeeming nutritional value whatsoever, Episode: s01e17 The Northern Air Temple, zuko is conflicted, but only for a little bit, sokka and the mechanist are science bros, zuko gets to be a big brother, fist bumps are a fire nation thing???, one of those instances where I didn't expect the characters to react the way that they did, Episode: s03e08 The Puppet, mastertried to keep it creepy, dunno how well I succeeded, also this was really hard to write and if it's crap I apologize, like don't be mean about it but seriously tell me what I screwed up and how so I can fix it, this fic is not Hama friendly, it is not SUPPOSED to be Hama friendly, if you're here just to yell at me for not being Hama friendly then you can just scoot on out, Bloodbending,  Hama Is Her Own Warning, why is that not a tag?, Episode s03e09: Nightmares and Daydreams, Episode: s03e10 The Day of Black Sun Part 1: The Invasion, Aang is sleep deprived and aangsty, Zuko is a Good Brother, Toshiaki returns!, Episode: s03e11 The Day of Black Sun Part 2: The Eclipse, War, Canon-Typical Violence, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Badass Zuko

Inspired by MuffinLance's #Yuyan Raise/Adopt Zuko on Tumblr.

In which Zuko is fostered/adopted/raised/recruited by the Yuyan Archers of Pouhai Stronghold, and destiny hiccups.

Updates Saturdays, unless it doesn't

Now posted: Part 39- Rendezvous

Notes:

ALL CREDIT FOR THIS CONCEPT GOES TO MUFFINLANCE AND HER TUMBLR AND EVERYONE WHO ADDED TO THE TAG.

ALL NAMED OCS IN THIS SERIES BELONG TO ME (00AwkwardPenguin00 and @awkwardpenguinproductions)

Part 1: Anchor Point

Zuko is so freaking hungry, and the Pouhai Stronghold is the only sign of civilization he's seen in six months. Sneaking inside is hilariously simple, until it's not. At least he's not a pincushion (yet), but it'd be really nice if he could understand what the bow-toting security guards were saying.

In which Zuko is adopted by a troop of silent ninja-archers.

Inspired by MuffinLance's #Yuyan Raise Zuko.

Part 2: Conflict of Interest

Toshiaki, Troop Commander of the Yuyan Archers, has been a soldier for fifteen years. He has served his Fire Lord and his Nation loyally and faithfully. But when Commander Atsuko, CMO of Pouhai Stronghold, brings to light a shocking revelation, it opens the floodgates to questions Toshiaki isn't sure he knows how to answer.

Inspired by MuffinLance's #Yuyan Raise Zuko on Tumblr

Part 3: Melee

Zuko may not have had much going for him during those six months in the wilderness, but he had a knife. And now that he's eating better and more regularly, he's got fire. He's ready to start training with the Yuyan, but are the Yuyan ready for him?

Part 4: Camaraderie

Zuko's life seems to be turning around--things are really looking up, and life at the Stronghold is settling into a predictable routine. And then he looks at the mess hall calendar.

Part 5: Stealth

The first time is because of a prank.

The second time is because of a dare.

The third time is because of an injustice.

or

Three times Zuko wears the Blue Spirit mask.

Part 6: Mission

Zuko is finally going on a mission with Chihese Squad! Yeah, it's a simple (boring) escort mission, but it's his very first military action, and not even Kai's oversleeping is going to ruin it for him!

It doesn't, but something else does.

Part 7: Debrief

It's been two weeks since the events at Huzhen, and Zuko can't stop thinking. Commander Toshiaki helps, and plans are made.

Part 8: Rebellion

The prisoner is tiny, and Zuko is filled with rage at the sight. The time he's been waiting for has arrived.

Time to break out of the Stronghold, instead of breaking in.

Part 9: Alliance

Sokka and Katara are confronted with the idea that not everyone in the Fire Nation wants to destroy the world. Tui and La, Aang, stop picking up strays!

Part 10: Nemesis

Something about Jet is just off. Yeah, he's got skills, and a flair for the dramatic that Zuko can appreciate, but seriously, the guy is weird. Can they go now?

Zuko meets Jet, and is not impressed.

Part 11: Perspective

Bato is nearly healed from the skirmish with a Fire Nation patrol, and is just hanging around the Abbey until he hears from his Chief. Then his Chief's kids show up out of nowhere with the Avatar, and a mysterious scarred teenager armed to the teeth.

Part 12: Education

Aang asks a question. Zuko wants to strangle a man. A discussion on the nature of firebending ensues.

Part 13: Ascent

Teo and his people are pretty cool, even if they did completely screw up an ancient Air Temple. But opening doors reveals secrets, and presents Zuko with a conflict he hadn't quite anticipated when he'd left Pohuai.

Part 14: Confrontation

The North Pole is freaking cold, and Zuko is not enthused. Add in the fact that even the culture is as opposite to everything Zuko knows as anything could ever be, and he's in for a rough time.

It doesn't help that Katara's challenge to the patriarchy brings back some bad memories.

Part 15: Seige

In which the Northern Water Tribe is under attack.

Part 16: FUBAR

The fortress may be a joke, but Zuko's not laughing when the general in charge of it proposes a Bad Plan.

Part 17: Anniversary

Three years later.

Part 18: Occupation

Omashu has been conquered.

King Bumi is missing.

And of course now is the perfect time for Zuko's past to come roaring back.

Part 19: Mirage

The swamp is dark, and gross, and creepy as all get out. Zuko would really like to leave please.

Part 20: Miscommunication

Toph can't see.

Her new friend can't talk.

This may be a problem.

Part 21: Pursuit

There's a scary-looking tank train chasing them.

The kids are constantly fighting.

Sokka just wants to sleep, for spirits' sake.

Part 22: Exposure

In the aftermath of Azula, Zuko learns some stuff.

Part 23: Justification

Zuko would like to make it clear for the record that this entire thing is Sokka's fault.

Part 24: Escort

Zuko gets an up close and personal look at the effect the Fire Nation is having on the Earth Kingdom.

It's not pretty.

Part 25: Reconnaissance

Zuko hates Ba Sing Se. And the creepy lady that's following them everywhere is being disturbingly obstructionist. The sooner they do what they came here to do, the sooner they can freaking leave. Time to break out some of his special skills.

Inspired by MuffinLance's glorious #Yuyan Raises Zuko on Tumblr.

Part 26: Reconstruction

Three years ago.

Part 27: Contact

They've been in this dump for a week, and still no sign of Appa. Then Zuko stumbles upon a very familiar tea maker.

Part 28: Manipulation

A party. For a bear.

Zuko knows that the Yuyan are experts of infiltration and espionage, but this was NOT what he'd had in mind.

Part 29: R and R 

Where do you go when you need a break from the secret dystopian drama that is your life? Your uncle's tea shop of course.

Part 30: Extraction

They've spent way longer in this spirits-cursed city than they really should have, and Zuko's had enough. When Ba Sing Se's ridiculous bureaucracy shuts down their attempts to find Appa, he decides it's time to take matters into his own hands.

Part 31: Sacrifice

Their family is scattered, and somehow Azula has entered Ba Sing Se. Katara doesn't know how things can get much worse.

And then they do.

Part 32: Shock

Sokka is trying to wrap his brain around what just happened. He's not entirely sure he's successful.

Part 33: Recruitment

Gathering allies for a certain-to-be-suicidal attack on the capital of the Fire Nation is not a straightforward task.

Part 34: Infiltration

Katara didn't really know what to expect when they snuck into the Fire Nation, but somehow delicious food and a dance party were not it.

Part 35: Homefront

Zuko has known for years that Ozai does not have their nation's best interests at heart... so he's not sure why he's surprised to find a village in his own nation barely clinging to life.

Part 36: Materiel

Sokka wants to become a master sword fighter. Zuko knows exactly where to go.

Part 37: Message  

Avatar Roku has summoned Aang to join him for the Summer Solstice. The Gaang takes an opportunity for a break.

Part 38: Terrorism

In the forest on Kong Xin Island, no one can hear you scream.

Part 39: Rendezvous

Reassurances are given.

Preparations are made.

The Invasion is about to begin.

Part 40: Invasion

It is the Day of Black Sun, and the fate of the world comes down to a choice.

KENJI TSURUTA BRINGS AN ALL-NEW SAUCY STORY TO DARK HORSE IN “CAPTAIN MOMO’S SECRET BASE”! @DarkHorseComics #comics #comicbooks https://www.comiccrusaders.com/kenji-tsuruta-brings-an-all-new-saucy-story-to-dark-horse-in-captain-momos-secret-base/

MOMO-kanchou no Himitsukichi[モモ艦長の秘密基地]: "Captain Momo's Secret Base"