at the very beginning; first of all; first and foremost; before anything else
conclusion; decision; end; settlement
defeat; loss; reverse; setback
(not) even when using ...; (not) even with the help of ...; (not) even by ...
contest decided by a single round (bout); contest decided by a single roll of dice; one-shot game (contest); make-or-break game
shivering; feeling chilly; shuddering (with fear); feeling creepy; thrilled; excited
beforehand; in advance; previously
to bear a grudge against; to resent; to blame; to curse; to feel bitter towards
stealing a march on; getting a head start; secretly acting before others; solo raid on an enemy's camp (for glory)
(cannot) possibly; (not) by any means; (not) at all; utterly; absolutely
equal (in ability); even; evenly matched; well-matched; on par (with)
young man; young woman; young people; young employee; young manservant; young follower
flaring up; burning hotly; flying into a rage; losing one's cool; opening suddenly and widely (e.g. eyes, mouth); (arch.) acting resolutely
hearty; tremendous; magnificent; glorious; splendid; heroic
tasks; things to do; errand; business (to take care of); affairs; engagement
to be indebted; to be under an obligation
duty; obligation; responsibility
husband; groom; (one's) son-in-law
hard; solid; stiff; tight; strong; firm (not viscous or easily moved); safe
manner; demeanour; demeanor; bearing
vulgar; indecent; coarse; crude
eh?; what?; yes; that's correct; (arch.) strengthens a question, assertion, etc.; (arch.) hey
to blurt out; to let slip; to say inadvertently; to come out with (e.g. nonsense)
dull; uninteresting; insignificant; unimportant; absurd; foolish
incompetence; laziness; worthlessness; good-for-nothing; loser; weakling
promptly; immediately; quickly; indifferently
weight; weight (e.g. of someone's words); burden; importance; significance
hot spring; onsen; hot spring resort; hot spring spa
thought; imagination; mind; desire; wish; love
requital of a favour (favor); repayment (of an obligation, kindness, etc.)
to help each other; to cooperate
opinion; point of view; visual point
intelligence gathering; information gathering
to not take seriously; to take lightly
to strip a person of all his or her clothes; to leave someone with nothing; to leave someone penniless; to steal someone blind
to smash up; to defeat crushingly
leader (of an alliance); leading power
since one was born; (in) all one's life
young; youthful; immature; green; low (number); small
ambition; aspiration; sinister designs; treachery
luxurious; magnificent; extravagant; sumptuous
balance of power (in a relationship); power dynamic