This story read like being underwater: it muted everything around me. It felt like I was infected with Jin's state of shocked detachment. It is also so well researched, and the little details just add to the immersive experience. Of course I wish that the story went on and on and on (poor yukimaru, going from this to what we see of him in the show, what happened...) but even as it is this is a masterpiece.

It's 2016 and this story is just a breath of fresh air. I really hope you find time to continue the arc, as I would like to see where you go with this. But even if you don't, at least one of the arc is finished and I'm pretty satisfied with that.:)

Ah… That was one of the best Samurai Champloo fanfiction I’ve read. You’ve retold a character’s back-story in such a succinct and melancholic manner, that it really exemplifies who Jin is. More importantly, I’m really impressed by the research that have gone into it – character analysis, historical and cultural knowledge… even extending to the swords themselves!

The story also captures the uneasy zeitgeist of the Edo period very well. I like the simple but idyllic style of writing. The words and pacing is like the sword style Jin himself practices – restrained and unadorned, but cuttingly efficient.

I really like your portrayal of Jin, with his raw feral desires locked inside this ghostly shell of a man. Disciplined and spontaneous, fragile yet strong, wretched but woefully innocent. The title says it all. He’s but a man sleepwalking with his eyes wide open. And the last chapter really reflects that.

Although the story’s planned for an update, I think it (somewhat) comes full circle with the starting and ending ‘dream sequences’, as well as for the conspiracy surrounding Mariya Enshirou himself. However, I suppose it’s like an arc, with loose strings fraying here and there right now.

I wish you well in the continuation of this story, so ganbatte! : )

Ahh this is so intriguing and well-written and in-character and just GOOD. There definitely seems to be a shortage of good Champloo fic, you have no idea how excited I was to find this. Faving for future reading.

Oh my god I freaking LOVE YOU. This has easily been the best Samurai Champloo fiction I have yet read. I swear. jesus. Love you. *worships*

You are such a talented writer. I love the authenticity you've achieved with all your research and the tone you've chosen for the story. Jin's character is very well done.

I am once again reading your wonderful story. I read it the first time a while ago when I first discovered this site. I am looking forward to reading more of your work.

I haven't had much time to read fanfic in the past year, so it's an extra pleasure to return to so many new chapters of this excellent story. I love how you handled the murder - Jin's fragmented and confused thoughts are perfect, and, as with every single detail in this story, gut-deep believable. Linking Jin's glasses with this night is masterful, and adds an extra depth of significance to his lack of regret (or need) for them at the end of the series. And your imagining of the intricate politics that led to Jin's tragedy continues to impress. I'm glad you decided to continue with a second story arc - keep writing!

I don't even know where to begin. Your characterization of Jin is exquisite. He's - he's fragile and broken and so precariously held together by these gossamer threads that are snapping one by one... a sleepwalker. You captured so well Jin's ability to distance himself; how he withdraws into some other part of his brain, and then he's not entirely human - he's cold and detached and analytical, giving himself time to process and heal before he thinks, before he feels.

"He has no idea where he's going to go, but he feels fairly sure he'll need shoes." Lovely. It's Jin - pragmatic, and yet not.

And Yukimaru's reaction: y'know, I didn't really even notice Yukimaru, much, until your story... It's odd how there's something fundamentally childish to Yuki's love: "-I trusted you! How could you do this to me?" That's ... is that selfish of him to think like that? It's such a beautiful contrast to that thought of "was Jin hurt?" in parentheses. Is Yuki, in the end, more focused on self than on onii-san?

Oh, but I am so happy you're continuing this. I heart your Jin, who is teh awesome.

::nods::

I am so glad that you have continued this! I really do love it! My offer to make you a book still stands.

~FS

I just came across this, and I'm very impressed! Very, very nice work.

Such a great story well written and a joy forever

Beautifully written. I had a feeling the boy Yuki might end up to be the boy who attacked Jin at the waterfall, the one he referred to as his "little brother". I have truly enjoyed reading this and look forward to your next story.

Once again I'm tranfixed by this story. Unfortunately it is 2:36 AM and I'll never get started tomorrow. Cannot wait to finish reading this.

Really enjoying this, creating understanding. It is like entering another world. You are very gifted.