author (usu. of a particular book); writer
celebrity; famous person; public figure; big name
the most; the best; the greatest; supreme; unrivalled; unsurpassed
sense of caution; wariness
to lend an ear to; to listen to
like; similar to; something like ...; someone like ...
plausible; believable; solemn; dignified; serious
restlessly; nervously; uneasily; in a fidget
telephone call; phone call; telephone (device); phone
miserable; wretched; disconsolate; helpless; cheerless; sorrowful
working adult; full-fledged member of society
suspicious behavior; acting suspiciously
secret method; secret process; secret formula; esoteric rituals (in Shingon Buddhism)
expression of appreciation (for someone's efforts); thanks
giving a loud pep talk; encouraging (someone) strongly in a loud voice
shout of abuse; jeers; boos
to speak words (of); to speak (to); to say (something); to say some (kind, comforting, etc.) words
to win; to gain; to earn; to spread (one's name, etc.)
televising; broadcasting; airing
optional; voluntary; arbitrary; arbitrary
one-eyed; first (in a series); initial
fee; charge; rate; material
beside a nobleman; close aid (of a nobleman, etc.); place where a high ranking person resides; one's own city (of a shogun, lord, etc.); place under one's direct control; one's own turf
journey; trip; travels; during the journey; on the way; while travelling
to steel oneself to; to brace oneself
a little more; a bit more
common; ordinary; fair (e.g. fight); gracious; frank; open
no big deal; no match; not worth worrying about
decoration; ornament; trimmings
to be honest; to be frank; honestly; if you want to know the truth
chance (of success); odds
taking refuge; evacuation; backup (of data)
now (while the time is ripe); while one still can
back; reverse; rear side; height; stature; ridge (of a mountain)
to collapse; to flop (onto)
terrible; awful; I don't even want to talk about it; without reason; inevitable; that's just how it is
to do with enthusiasm; to be excited to do; to throw oneself into
command; lead; generalship; leadership
miserable; pitiful; tragic; painstaking