Tatsumi

admin · Site Admin Joined: 07 Jul 2006 Posts: 1008

Somebody the other day asked for any information on Tatsumi saying there's very little, and I've heard others say there's hardly any knowledge given about Tatsumi, but I think there's enough to call it moderate, my response was:

His mother was of a royal family, ran off with some guy, but couldn't cope with the responiblities of normal class life and became frequently depressed, (he had a sister too but we know nothing about her), because of this Tatsumi took the burden of responisbilties off his mothers shoulers, thus his aloof organised side, he sorted things out and tried to do everyhing, hoping it would make her happy, but his mother was always sad, this mirrors his relationship with Tsuzuki who was always sad when they were partners and nothing he did could make him feel better, also we know Tsuzuki doesn't like the practical responisbilties of his work just like his mother-like orgainisng and filing and no doubt Tatsumi did pleanty of that, Tatsumi's mother died, he claims guilt for having murdered her but it's speculated whether he really murdered her to end her suffering or just takes the blame, again this mirrors Tsuzuki who he thinks should be allowed to die to end his suffering in Kyoto.

I know he is a shadow master and is one of only two shimigami to know this art, himself and his master who we know nothing about.

I do love Tatsumi and think his a great character. Totally under appreciated. I can relate to him on so many levels and can understand his pain which is always pushed aside in light of Hisoka and Tsuzuki's pain and it is really just as significant. It's only that Tatsumi doesn't show it often, how could he show or allow his pain to mainifest the way other characters do, when he always has to deal HEAD ON with other peoples suffering, knowing his actions to end it are hopeless whilst still doing them anyway because he understands they are important and have to be done.

Tatsumi is also a man of action, he expresses his love and affection minutely, in small words now and again but mostly through actions. Getting things done, paying for things, taking his partner out, giving not just random but sentimentally picked treats and food, he doesn't conern himself with everything though I don't think his cold to the suffering going on round him, he just doesn't let it absorb him and carries on until he knows the most important point to jump in and protect, guard shield and guide. He is the archetype of the adult and someone who had to grow up too soon. So I can see why he'd be attracted and warmed by the more childlike characters such as Tsuzuki, Watari and Hisoka-(who is essentially young and can not hide this fact, and probably even aims to be like Tatsumi). Tatsumi would love and give and not allow himself to care if the sentiments were returned, you don't have to know he did this and this and this for you because you were feeling blue or feeling sad or blah blah blah, he doesn't say 'you look kinda hungry you can have some of my cake if you like', or 'I never had anything to eat this morning but you look hungier then me have my cake', no, he'll just say, 'here' and that's it. That's all.

He is a very good character. And difficult to write especially in emotional situations. I hope this helps and good luck on anybody who aims to write him.

Anyway I just wanna know what others generally think about Tatsumi.
~Coco

Whispers of a Ghost · Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:34 am Post subject:

I have mixed feelings towards Tatsumi, but since I've ranted enough on this board, I'll make this short:

I hate his cold attitude toward Tsuzuki. Book eight changed everything for me. When Tsuzuki is going insane and being kidnapped, he's whining and angsting about the freakin' BUDGET. He doesn't save Tsuzuki in the fire because he HATES HIM (he actually admits this!), he admits to only having wanted to save Hisoka and not Tsuzuki, when Tsuzui wakes up in Kyoto, he instantly starts whining about Tsuzuki writing and apology letter and cutting his pay when when Tsuzuki's JUST COME OUT OF ACTUAL INSANITY AND A SUICIDAL DEPRESSION. And after book eight, Tatsumi's behavior towards Tsuzuki simply began to disgust me.

Bah, I guess I hate the man. I mean, I know why he's so screwed up, but he doesn't have to act like Ebeneezer Scrooge all of the time.
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admin · Site Admin Joined: 07 Jul 2006 Posts: 1008

I don't really remember Tatsumi angsting about the budget in book eight. But when he said he hates Tsuzuki he doesn't mean it, it was an emotional outburst, he hates the pain Tsuzuki causes him and the hopelessness, remember Tatsumi and Tsuzuki are alike in dangerous ways while being different in ways that mix very poorly together, on top of that there's all the issues with Tatsumi's mother and now Tsuzuki trying to kill himself, it's not just Tsuzuki that hurts remember, Tatsumi hurts too and it must have been all too much at once.

He probably saw allowing Tsuzuki to die as a way of freeing him from suffering. As I said before this mirrors his mother. And like his mother Tatsumi is also willing to take responsiblity for Tsuzuki's death as well, saying something like, 'let it be my punishment', even if he has to live with a whole life-time of guilt and pain it'll be worth it if Tsuzuki's suffering ends.

He can FINALLY do something to help Tsuzuki because it drives Tatsumi insane not being able to help the man and constantly seeing him crying. To not have any control over a situation. The conflictions everything causes. I think Watari's point hit the nail on the head, it's not hatred it just the both of them running away.

Then of course Hisoka runs into the fire so he has to save the boy.

In the end he decides to have hope and let Tsuzuki live.

I think Tatsumi is just a man of contradiction, in one scene he is comforting Tsuzuki, drying his eyes, tucking him in all motherly whilst at the same time telling Tsuzuki not to cry because his a man. Later in book eight he tells Tsuzuki to rest and get sleep, tucking him in again and telling him not to worry, THEN he starts rambling on about an apology letter and budget cut. It's just Tatsumi denying to himself how much Tsuzuki effects him. And despite seeming cold his a good character who truly cares and would kill for Tsuzuki as his battle with Muraki shows.

It's easier with Hisoka to say he acts cold because of his childhood and past, but I think interpretting Tatsumi can be more difficult because he's older and more better self guarded then Hisoka is. Which is often why I say his character is a little misunderstood. Though I understand where you're coming from.
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kis4me · Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 19

im still on book 4, so this is my opinion from just the anime. personally, he was my favorite character. don't get me wrong, i love tsuzuki and hisoka, but i thought tatsumi was one of the most interesting characters, and i wish there would have been more of him in the anime. you know, besides walking around with folders looking pretty and flying helicopters.

everyone is a little messed up, but you see tatsumi for the first time and you're like "well, there's someone who's a bit more stable than the rest..." and then you see him go crazy with the shadows on muraki. and then you're like "oh, yeah, he's just as messed up."

i think the point you brought up about him being a man of contradiction is right on, though. when hisoka is walking with tatsumi and watari and is ready to give up on hisoka, tatsumi chews him out for it, giving hisoka renewed hope that they'll get tsuzuki back. but then we see his actions later on, when he doesn't go to save tsuzuki himself. or could it be that he knew the little pep talk he gave would inspire hisoka to save tsuzuki? i think its pretty obvious that he cares deeply for tsuzuki, but he doesn't want that part of his life to get out of control.

also? those little armband things he wears are hot. lol, i swear i'll get through the books so i can say more....constructive things.

pyro_o · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 3:25 am Post subject:

tch. this is how I'd put it:

he's smart, concise, and exudes the sexy-secretary/Shadow King vibe.

end. XD
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Paurie · Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:54 pm Post subject:

I always "got along" with Tatsumi because of his relationship with/towards Tsuzuki. I can definitely admit I know how he feels(or felt) first hand. (Though I am not any where near as strong as his character to put up with someone like Tsuzuki. ;3)

My love for Tatsumi has grown alot recently, and I would even say that he's become my favorite of the bunch. (I pleasantly blame Rhea for this. <3) He and Watari were always a tie with my second favs. X3

P.S. I love random Tats moments. >D (Especially ones with Watari.)
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Rhea-sama · Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 5:57 pm Post subject:

admin · Site Admin Joined: 07 Jul 2006 Posts: 1008

Rhea-sama · Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 10:22 pm Post subject:

*bows* I try x3
Also... http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3140900/1/ *COUGHCOUGHOEDIPUSREXONFF.NETCOUGHCOUGH* XD :ninja:
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admin · Site Admin Joined: 07 Jul 2006 Posts: 1008