even so (expressing frustration, etc.); still
dubious; puzzled; suspicious
in short; the point is; the important thing is; in a word; basically
neck; bottleneck; obstruction; neckline
even; for starters; so; therefore; judging from; based on
cartoonist; comic book artist; manga artist; manga author; mangaka
pricing; (price) positioning
name recognition; established reputation
severe; strict; tough; hard
presentation; exhibit; suggest; citation
process; course; mechanism
sampling food; tasting; trying
getting poised again for charging; toeing the mark again; starting again; getting a fresh start; going back to square one
the person in question; prominent figure; distinguished person; that person
to respond; to satisfy; to accept; to comply with; to apply for
makings (of); aptitude; talent; nature; character; temperament
achievements; actual results; accomplishments; past results; track record
present point (i.e. in history); at the present time
self-esteem; self-respect; self-importance; conceit; pride
this and that; this or that; one thing or another; this way and that
seeming; giving the appearance of; giving one the feeling of
a round; a turn; going around; first anniversary of a person's death
to have an eye on; to zero in on
to be too numerous; to be too much
collusion; conspiracy; common-law marriage; illicit intercourse; liaison
to weigh on one's mind; to trouble one's heart; to be concerned about; to worry about
gauntlet (used in Kendo); bracer; fencing glove
sharp (blade); pointed; sharp (pain); stabbing; perceptive; keen
nailing on; nailing down; being stationary; being rooted to the spot; (price) pegging
custom; practice; said; aforementioned; instance; example