great rival; powerful enemy; archenemy
to cave in; to become depressed; to sink
two sheets (pieces) (of paper)
diamond dust; ice crystals
fantastic; magical; wondrous; whimsical; fairytale-like; romantic
to take the time (to do); to set aside time (for)
dramatic turn-around; major reversal; great comeback; game changer
returning to one's (war)ship
being irresistible; being furiously vigorous; being intensely forceful
activity (esp. energetic); great efforts; conspicuous service; to flourish; to participate actively; to play an active role
based on; built on; made from
chaos of war; war turmoil
right in the midst of; right at the height of
planning; devising (a plan); drafting; drawing up
blitzkrieg; lightning war
passenger seat; assistant driver's seat
shivering; feeling chilly; shuddering (with fear); feeling creepy; thrilled; excited
leather strap binding the plates of traditional Japanese armor (armour)
fierce battle; hard-fought battle; hot contest; severe fight
to wrinkle up (one's eyebrows, one's nose); to furrow; to crimple
memories; recollections; reminiscence
to mix; to stir; to blend
but then; although; though; reasonable; natural; just
to continue to do; to persist in doing
to hurry (up); to press; to urge on
eating strange food; eating bizarre things; simple diet; plain food; eating meat (thus breaking Buddhist rules)
to take the initiative; to forestall; to beat to the punch
volley firing; fusillade; broadside
marine products; seafood; fish and shellfish
cold and warm; low temperature
All Seats Sold, Thank You; full house; sell-out crowd
exactly right!; indeed; damn straight
no problem; all right; not an issue; unobjectionable
left-hand radical of a character
pole; climax; extreme; extremity
sword skills; swordsmanship