“I already have a child with another man.”... more>>

It was a lie made in order to refuse the proposal of the leader of the most feared mercenary company in the entire country. But his response was unexpected.

“It doesn’t matter who the child is. You can just give birth. In exchange, I’ll take you, Princess.”

She couldn’t understand.

What could this man possibly want with the princess of a failing nation? <<less

The father finished himself by jumping off the building, and the mother fell and became a vegetable. After that, Zhong Zhen was forced to raise... more>> a massive amount of medical expenses for surrogacy. She slept with a strange man, successfully making herself pregnant. Later she gave birth to a pair of babies. Yet she was in pain again without knowing the reason! It turned out that there was still a baby left! She was overjoyed and left the city behind along with that remaining baby. She only dared to return in three years. Most unexpectedly, the machine of fate was to run again... <<less

Talent, appearance, power.... more>>

No matter how hard I try, I can't beat the people born with these things.

But, within this dungeon, I can overcome them. <<less

“Honey… Must you be engaged to her?” ... more>>

A man stood by the bed and pulled the chain off his pants in a hurry, “Yes, the marriage was the command of our parents. I could not disobey them. Baby, let’s hurry! The engagement starts in an hour…”

When my bestie and fiance were shown on the large screen at the engagement party, I became a joke…

So what, I will pay him injustice for his heartless!

I looked around for a week, 'Well! Here comes the target!'

“Hey! You! Will you marry me?”

He smiled slightly and followed a short silence, “Yes!” <<less

He Yun Zui said, “Little white rabbit, since you’ve entered my heart, you’re not allowed to leave.”... more>>

Chi Ran replied, “Big tiger, I hope my heart can belong to you alone.”

Chi Ran is a simple white rabbit, small and white, who makes He Yun Zui’s head hurt. As soon as Chi Ran was taken over by He Yun Zui, he knew that his acting career was no longer ordinary. After He Yun Zui brought Chi Ran to his side, he knew that this person would definitely belong to him.

But when the little white rabbit with emotional disorder was approached purposefully by the domineering tiger, he couldn’t understand his heart.

The tiger confessed. As long as the little white rabbit could stay by his side, then that was enough. He Yun Zui finally plucked up the courage to confess his love: “I like you.”

Chi Ran blinked his eyes, puzzled: “I don’t know what like is, can you… teach me?” <<less

Jiang Mo, the big shot of Xuanqing world, failed to pass the tribulation and was forcibly bound by the unscrupulous system. After crossing ninety nine worlds become cannon fodder in different worlds, Jiang Mo, who finally killed the system, became the master of his fate again.... more>>

Therefore, all kinds of cannon fodder that sent experience and wealth to the protagonist in the small world changed into a person who can control the life and death of the protagonist.

Jiang Mo: I’m delicate and pure, gentle and really gullible. I’m just a fated cannon fodder. I was bullied by the protagonists in all kinds of ways

Protagonists:… I’m not, I don’t have it. Don’t put this pot on my shoulder.

Love acting will make you feel white and black shou x Always spoiled shou, love at first sight gong. <<less

In the post-apocalyptic age, men were damned.... more>>

On a fateful day, one ordinary man found a black mystical crystal in a mine.
The crystal gave him the opportunity to change his life forever.

Could he escape from his predetermined fate and create a destiny for himself? <<less

Betrayed by his lover and abandoned by mankind, the race he saved, Rohen gave up all hopes in life.... more>>

Returning to the past, he laid down his sword and allowed the world to perish as he stood in the side. Just as man turned his back on him, he, too, will do the same.

This was his pledge.

But, his view changes little by little when he meets a girl wielding the same scars as him.

She changes him… heals his broken scar without notice.

***

Looking at Rohen, his body torn and mangled, she burst into tears and asked, “Why… why didn’t you run away?”

He heard her sweet voice. It calmed him. She protected him.

Rohen laughed. “Because you’re here.” <<less

On the outskirts of the Pleasure City of Midas lies the Ceres special autonomous area, commonly known as the slums. Gang leader Riki, looking for an easy pocket to pick in the nightlife districts, gets caught red-handed…by none other than one of the highest-ranking, golden-haired android elites ruling from the capital Tanagura: the “Blondy” Iason Mink!
By all rights, a Blondy standing at the pinnacle of aristocracy and a slummer should have never crossed paths—their chance encounter marks the beginning of a love twisted by obsession, soon spiraling into a karmic chain of events...... more>>

⬇️ //// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////
⬇️ //// About the English translation ////
⬇️ //// Current translation status ////
⬇️ //// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

//// About the Japanese novel and anime adaptations ////

Originally serialized in the bimonthly magazine Shosetsu June (小説ジュネ) spanning six chapters from December 1986 to October 1987, the novel was released with minor revisions into a hardcover edition in 1990.
This first version of the story received a two-episode/OVA anime adaptation in 1992 and 1994.

Between the years 2001 and 2007, the original story was greatly expanded upon and released in six paperback volumes. After a change of Japanese publisher, two more volumes were released between 2009 and 2010, completing the series (the six aforementioned volumes were released as volumes 1-4 in the newest Japanese edition).
This second version of the story was meant to be adapted into a twelve-episode OVA anime—initially planned to release in 2010—but was postponed to 2012, only to be discontinued after the fourth episode’s release.

//// About the English translation ////

The English paperback expanded edition is made up of eight volumes: the six first volumes (Seibido/Crystal edition) + the two later volumes (#7 and #8 in English, but #5 and #6 in the newest Tokuma/Chara edition).
The change in Japanese publisher led to a change in translator for the English edition between vol1 to 6 and vol7 to 8: it is highly recommended to read the fan translations of #7 and #8 as opposed to reading the licensed edition, due to the massive loss in translation (expect a 50% word count difference between the two).

//// Current translation status of the different editions of the novel (as of April 20th, 2024) ////

. Shosetsu June edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation.
. 1990 hardcover edition, unlicensed: 2/6 chapters, ongoing fan translation. An older fan translation had 4/6 chapters translated but the project was dropped.
. 2000’s expanded edition, English licensed: fully translated, complete.

//// Drama CDs, prequel and side stories ////

– The Shosetsu June story was adapted into a drama cassette and a drama CD (Dark Erogenous).
– The expanded story was adapted into three drama CDs (Destiny, Nightmare, Resonance)
– A prequel called Midnight Illusion was serialized in Shosetsu June between December 1992 and April 1993, and released as a hardcover in 1996. 3/6 chapters have been fan-translated into English.
– The 5 side stories have all been fan-translated into English (Kizu/Wound, File-0, Cal’s Sighs, Musk, Illusion Night) and are based on the expanded version of the novel.

Look up online “Ai no Kusabi Master List LiveJournal” to find the links to all the material listed above and more.

[This page was updated as per an anon’s request, all credit goes to the AnK community where credit is due.] <<less

The end of mankind and its doom was right around the corner. Narvas, a giant asteroid, was on the path to colliding with earth. To avoid mankind impending doom, Kiwoo broke through the miraculous odds and  journeyed through the ages of time.... more>>

"...Native Americans?"

However, much to his expectations, Kiwoo arrived in the native lands before the discovery of the New World! For man to survive, civilization needed to develop faster and quicker before the collision of Narvas occurs. Under his guidance, the native land was reborn as an empire of the natives and not as colonial land ruled under eurocentrism. <<less

“Nice to meet you, I’m Yoon Hwayoung.”... more>>

The man, more beautiful than a woman, smiled like a flower. Gyuwon, his bodyguard, flushed up to his ears with his head bowed. Nearly two meters tall, lean muscles, bronze skin, tall nose, pronounced cupid’s bow, thick eyebrows, and narrow eyes… This shy man’s appearance was too hideous despite being a bodyguard. Born with an athletic physique and senses, he made a living as a mercenary, but stopped because had such a complex that he planned on getting plastic surgery.

Compared to him, Hwayoung was beautiful. With an amazingly beautiful face, fantastic body, and a well-paid job, he was the third son of the Yoon Group, a nationwide gang syndicate. He was being stalked for his exquisite charm. The Yoon Group hires Gyuwon to protect their beloved, youngest family member and reluctantly welcomes him, but Hwayoung’s eyes immediately shone. To Hwayoung who wanted to raise a big, strong, pretty cat, Gyuwon was the ideal man he had been looking for.

One day, he followed Hwayoung into a gay, exclusive SM club, “DUNGEON,” while guarding him.

“Do you know what I’m best at? Recognizing masochists. Must be instinctual.”

Hwayoung looked at Gyuwon with a kind but cruel smile. Seeing at a glance that Gyuwon was an SMer with an inclination for being a gay sub, Hwayoung suggested that they be play partners… Gyuwon realized that the ideal type he’d always wanted was right in front of him, and felt that he would unconditionally obey Hwayoung. He weakly resisted, but when Hwayoung’s hand touched him, a groan escaped his throat.

“Your crying voice is really lovely, Gyuwon.”

Gyuwon’s back felt sweetly numb. The oncoming pain from was just a prelude to sweet pleasure. <<less

In the near future when VRMMO games become commonplace, the main character is suddenly transferred to a world similar to the game he was playing.... more>>

The game was of the genre “Nation Strategy Simulation Game”, and it was based on the concept of a human king leading a demon nation.

NPC demons who had suddenly gained an ego.

They had tremendous strength and paid no heed to the grave threat a whole different world posed.

However, on the other hand, the main character they followed was the “weakest king” who had no fighting power.

This is a story about the weakest hero who can’t even beat goblins, leading the demons as the dictator of military power in another world… <<less

He shall call forth the bone dragon! Summon the lich and the grim reaper! Li Jiayu, the dark summoner, has been reborn and everything returned to the moment before the outbreak of the devastating apocalypse.... more>>

Spaces tremble violently and dimensional cracks connected to various worlds appear! In an instant, never-seen-before civilizations invade our homeland. Insects the size of humans and walking corpses sweep through Earth in legions. An imminent crisis is approaching humanity and billions of human lives are at risk!

In regards to Li Jiayu's uncorrupted soul, his summons shall no longer be limited to creatures which lurk in the darkness. They will also include the entities that bask in the light.

Under the lingering shadow of death, he vows to prevent a repeat of past tragedies!

Struggling within the exhausting apocalyptic world, he chooses to trudge on the bloody path of slaughter.

Walking hand in hand with death, he no longer lives under the cold embrace of the darkness. He shall embark on the bright path towards glory.

'This is an opportunity to make a comeback... I will put everything on the line to right the wrongs and to protect the loved ones that were once lost.’ <<less

In April, on the day of the teacher training began, a special guest visited Eunjo, a high school Korean language teacher.... more>>

Se-ah was the class president who was in charge of her class when she first became a teacher. Except for her exceptional appearance and her role as a class president, she had no choice but to remember it in particular.

Eunjo who had closed her heart well because of the miserable farewell she had just gone through, and Se-ah, a reckless younger woman who boldly goes straight to Eunjo.

The story of two people ripening with spring during a month of teacher training. <<less

In the world of fiction, Ariel finds herself mysteriously transported into the pages of an adult novel she had kept hidden, assuming the role of the tormented female protagonist who had suffered at the hands of the male lead.... more>>

But Ariel refuses to accept her fate and decides to rewrite her own story. Determined to break free from the male lead's control, she resolutely declares, "Your body belongs to me," as she confronts the charismatic antagonist.

As Ariel embarks on her quest to reshape her destiny, she is willing to embrace the reputation of a merciless and captivating saint if it means seizing control of her own narrative. <<less

Song Qian was the famous "Sesshomaru" in the underworld, the top assassin in the Red Lotus Assassin Hiring Center.... more>>

On her eighteenth birthday, she sneaked into the presidential suite to enjoy a night! She met a hooligan with great fighting capacity...

"You know who I am? Carefully I kick your ass!"

"pu*sy cat, maybe you are the one!"

An hour later, "From now on! You are my Enemy No.1!"

...

Six years later... She pretended to be a male bodyguard to get her daughter back. Her daughter was addicted to handsome boys.

“Why you are blushing? Why you don't pee?” He approached her slowly.

"Emm... Boss Pei, you didn't wash your hands after..."

"Bodyguard Song! If I change my s*xual orientation because of you, you should be responsible for me!" <<less

“Baccano”, which Narita translates as “s*upid commotion”, is Italian for “ruckus”. Each of the stories in the series involves several unrelated plots intersecting and crossing each other as events spiral farther and farther out of control. Immortal alchemists, mafia operated speakeasies, and many other elements of pulp fiction mashed together for a world straight out of the movies.... more>>

It all started 300 years ago on a boat where the alchemists summoned the “demon” in order to obtain the method of immortality. The demon gave the alchemist the liquor of immortality, the only way to die is to pass down the way to produce the liquor.

But the following night, one of the alchemist started to devour his companions. To escape the threat, the alchemists scattered all over the world. In America during the temperance movement, centering around the liquor of immortality, the “s*upid commotion” starts! <<less

Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller envisions a nightmare scenario: a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part... more>> of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are provided arms and forced to kill until only one survivor is left standing. Criticized as violet exploitation when first published in Japan—where it became a runaway best seller—Battle Royale is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, a potent allegory of what it means to be young and (barely) alive in a dog-eat-dog world. <<less

When the kingdom of El Pasa fell into abysmal ruins, Princess Beatrice of El Pasa assumed the identity of Chloe to survive.... more>>

But then, a man known for his exquisite appearance and coldness appeared and stirred up the peaceful life she led in s*avery.

That man was Alexandro Graham — the same man who was the sole reason of her kingdom’s downfall. <<less

Sleeping with him for three years, she received nothing but a check and a letter of dismissal. How could he know she required nothing but... more>> his love... <<less

ML: Xi Nianchen, the mysterious CEO behind the scenes of the business empire, with his noble status and arrogance, he is surrounded by beautiful women, but he only treats her differently.... more>>

FL: Gu Shengxia, a poor girl tripped by the arranged marriage controlled by her father, in low status, unpopular, she always tries to get rid of the oppression of men.

Three years ago, they got married under the arrangements of their parents, they were set up to sleep together by someone tricky. The next day after the wedding, Xi Nianchen confirmed that Gu Shengxia was the one who have planned all these stuffs, so he elope with another women!

But the thing he said completely broke her heart and made her decide to leave: “This is your true purpose, right? Having another child so you can inherit Xi’s property! ”

Five years later, the tender woman turns into a noblewoman in uppertendom, coming back to the country with a cute kid, she smiles proudly and says: “Haven’t seen you for a long time, Mr. Xi.” <<less

A near future, where humans have been defeated by the viral parasites named Gastrea. They have been exiled into a small territory and live in despair, side by side with terror.... more>>

In this world trapped in darkness—

Rentaro, a boy living near Tokyo and member of the "Civil Security" – an organization specializing in fighting against the Gastrea – is used to accomplishing dangerous tasks. His partner is Enju, a precocious young girl. They fight thanks to their peculiar powers until one day, when they receive a special assignment from the government. This top secret mission is to prevent the destruction of Tokyo...

Set in a near future, this thrilling heroic-action story... starts now! <<less

Rock (Okajima Rokuro) was just a normal Japanese businessman, but through a series of unlikely events, he found himself part of the "Lagoon Company," a group of transporters who do a little pirating on the side. Together with Dutch, Revy, and Benny, he sails the seas of Asia aboard the modified torpedo boat "Black Lagoon."... more>>

Their base, the lawless city of Roanapur, is just barely balanced on the brink of outright war, controlled and occupied by criminal organizations from across the globe. At the head of the pack are Balalaika of Russia and Chang of Hong Kong.

Our story finds Roanapur just a little while before Rock, with Revy in tow, is due to head back to his old home of Japan.

It is a tale about soldiers who once fought united under a cause in a land of sandy winds, the strictly personal reunion of a captain and her one-time subordinate... <<less

This is a typical story of love and betrayal between a mafia boss and an undercover cop.