the mere shadow of one's former self; the ruin of what one once was
Artiodactyla; order comprising the even-toed ungulates
beautiful maiko or geisha
blighted love; disappointed love
middle stage; middle phase; middle game; midfield (in soccer)
on the light side (weight); (relative) lightness
to have a meal; to eat; to make a living; to earn one's bread
what one desires; what one hopes for; suits me well; could ask for nothing better; bring it on
party; banquet; reception; feast; dinner
secret ceremony; ritual; sanctum sanctorum
mastery; learning through experience; realization; realisation; comprehension
Chinese martial arts; kung fu; wushu; kenpō (martial arts); kempo
fondly; admiringly; with fascination; with adoration; with enchantment
to throw into; to toss into; to drive (a nail, etc.) into; to hammer in; to fire (a bullet) into; to launch (a missile) at
reading aloud; recitation
white horse; unrefined sake
beating (of the heart, with joy, excitement, etc.); palpitation; throbbing; pounding; fluttering
heart attack; myocardial infarction
attacking a passerby with a sword (to test its sharpness or one's skill); samurai who tries out his sword on a passerby
fair and square; open and aboveboard; bold and forthright
I couldn't care less; not caring less
last time; last inning; last part; final episode (of a television program)
young elephant; baby elephant
choices; alternatives; options
heinous criminal; vicious criminal
sharp-eyed; keen-eyed; easily awakened
unable to back down; unable to withdraw; stuck in a position where one cannot pull back; committed
clean; clear; pure; honest; clean
taking turns; relieving the guard
given the situation; now that it has come to this; if it comes to this
insipid; flat; dull; lifeless; listless
to be sacrificed; to become a victim (of); to fall victim (to); to lose one's life
to declare; to assert; to state definitively; to finish saying; to say everything; to tell all
feeling of tragic heroism; feeling of grim resolve; sense of determination