critical moment; do-or-die situation
outfield; outfielder; outfield bleachers; third party; outsider
covert action; covert operations
figure; design; twill weave; pattern of diagonal stripes; style (of writing); figure (of speech); design
vanguard; advance-guard point; advance detachment; vanguard; pioneer; avant-garde
to examine; to check; to inspect
to be entrusted with; to be asked to
attractive middle-aged man
long and narrow; lanky; gangling; spindly
certificate (usually of proof of something); credentials
final part; last bit; end
rivalry of local warlords; a number of powerful (talented, influential) persons standing by themselves in a given field
intimacy; friendship; friendly relations
green pheasant (Phasianus versicolor); Japanese pheasant
fresh wound; fresh bruise
emerging market; emerging nation; emergent nation; developing country; developing nation
oath; vow; pledge; covenant
to exchange; to interchange
firm-sided backpack made of leather, etc. (used by Japanese elementary schoolchildren, often red for girls and black for boys)
to smoke (a cigarette); to behave as ...; to accelerate; to rev up
number two; mistress; concubine
to cross over (e.g. mountain); to go across; to get over (e.g. hardship); to pass time (e.g. a winter); to surpass; to be better than; to move house
clop clop; rumble rumble; sound of something being boiled
to enquire; to inquire; to seek information
personal security; personal protection; provision of a bodyguard
establishment; founding; organization; organisation
establishing; founding; setting up; organizing; establishment
iron pipe; steel pipe; metal pipe
bōjutsu (art of using a stick as a weapon)
at a disadvantage; in an unfavourable position; having poor prospects; standing little chance
joke; pun; jest; smartly dressed; stylish; fashion-conscious
coating of snow; blanket of snow
(at) a glance; (judging from) appearances
brethren; brothers; fellow countrymen; fellowman; compatriot
roleplay (e.g. in computer RPG games)
putting life into; animating; cheering up
to be smart; to be cool; to be sharp; to be stylish