fruitless effort; wasted effort; abortive scheme; futility
habitual criminal; recidivist; recidivism; habitual criminal activity
to strike each other; to come to blows; to fight; to say (useless things, facetious remarks, etc.) to each other
stand-in; proxy; substitute; second serving of noodles (to add to one's remaining ramen broth)
to be loyal to; to serve; to offer allegiance
the king and his feudal lords
crackling (of fire, fireworks, etc.); sparking; sputtering; to fight; to argue
following (in the footsteps of); catching up with; coming level with
flash; instant; lightning (speed)
lightning; thunder; thunderbolt
sorcery; black magic; netherworld; world outside the six realms where evil spirits roam
sake cup; cup for alcoholic beverages; counter for cupfuls, bowlfuls, spoonfuls, etc.; counter for boats; counter for octopuses and squid; cup
to show one's age (e.g. to start creaking at the joints); to wear out (e.g. machinery)
outspoken; forthright; frank; direct
something said for politeness' sake; diplomatic language; honeyed words; lip service; empty compliment
defense; defence; guard; policing; security
though; even if; whether ... or ...
criticism; blame; censure; attack; reproach
uninterested (in); having no interest (in)
no matter for; without regard to; whatever the ...
conspirators; faction; cabal; clique
(great mental) resources; quick brain; resourcefulness; good wits
economic strength; economic power; economic might
to weave together; to interweave; to intermingle
confrontation; opposition; antagonism
down quilt; feather quilt; feather duvet; eiderdown
cushion; cushion (to soften the blow); mitigation
longing; strong desire; aspiration
willpower; faith; telekinesis; psychokinesis
to fall ill; to become indisposed; to have one's physical condition deteriorate
combined use; using together (with); using jointly; using at the same time
rascal; villain; scoundrel; ruffian; crook
being already (well) aware
long time; several hours; long spell
to conceal (oneself); to hide; to abscond; to deceive; to dissemble; to fool
important matter; matters of weight