A Dreamer on Drugs 2

While a woman is sleeping on the bed, Machanyuta is eating a fruit. He wonders out loud if this time around, they’re able to meet. Fixing his bow, Suria asks who. Machanyuta says that guy’s fated person. “It will be good if that guy Jamalta hurriedly marries that girl who showed up.” Suria sighs and says that anyway, doesn’t he just want to see that kind of excitement.

Machanyuta says not really, and it will immediately have a result, right. Holding the seed[/stalk] of the fruit he finished eating, Machanyuta says that he doesn’t want to see that guy’s preoccupation on being stinky virtuous.

Wondering if something is already wrong with Machanyuta’s head, Suira says that what Jamalta is doing right now is already quite good yet what else is he thinking of. Machanyuta says that it is simply on the outside that Jamalta’s in a bad mood, right? “Ah, that guy didn’t mention it to you too?”

Suria says that indeed, he didn’t hear Jamalta say it with his own ears yet unexpectedly, he recalled that there was this one time. “When group leader had just come back with him, he and I were using the same tent. At that time, he lay in bed for several days and he is always murmuring to himself.”

Flashback: Young Suria woke up and thought that ill Jamalta is so noisy. Jamalta is muttering, “I’m sorry.. sorry, Rim [琳] I made a mistake.. Brother made a mistake.. Rim.. do not leave..” End flashback. While testing his bow, Suria says that perhaps that guy doesn’t hate women.

Machanyuta says that perhaps, he is simply intentionally avoiding, that’s all. Machanyuta laughs and says, “It’s so-called guilt..” Then, it is shown that there are actually two women on the bed. ^^;;

Meanwhile, outside a small hut, Jamalta is talking with Foxy and the man with him. The man says that Jamalta had secretly took two people out from the palace and even asked them not to ask. “You didn’t even consult with us first.” Foxy asks if Jamalta have thought about what will happen if Machanyuta knows about this.

Jamalta says that perhaps, he’ll kill him. Foxy and the man look at each other. They start to grin. Suppressing his laughter, Foxy says that Machanyuta won’t kill him, his darling [/treasure]~ The man agrees for Machanyuta fairly loves him and it’s jealousy, right? This irks Jamalta. The man tells him not to be so engrossed.

Waving goodbye, the man says that looking at Jamalta, it seems that he has awareness of his responsibility so he’ll pass it on when he gets back. While leading the horse, Foxy points at Jamalta not to run away or else, he’ll really be put to death and he’ll [Machanyuta] always look for him.

After they left, Jamalta wonders, responsibility..who’ll run away.. “I charged into this disaster by myself so I can only fix it up by myself. Tsk *heads back into the hut* Wanting to hold on to the princess’ secret has been somewhat aborted.” [<- he probably didn’t want to tell them about it]

Inside the hut, Saga exclaims why he is angry! “We can only just escape out! Or else, brother will kill you! If you die, I can go crazy because of grief. Like that, will you be satisfied? How come you don’t understand! Didn’t you already know!” Mino says that it isn’t that. Saga asks what.

Mino turns to her and says that she doesn’t know anything at all about the world and it is very dangerous outside the palace. “Days will be difficult from day after day.” Saga exclaims that any place is better than that place! “In that place, I would even encounter that kind of thing!” Mino asks what kind of thing.

Saga recalls the masked man saying that they do some fun things so come, princess. Saga trembles and clenches her skirt. Saga just says that it is because..she won’t be able to go and see him again. “If you come to look for me, you’ll be whipped. Those wounds..” Mino looks puzzled.

Saga looks at his wounded back then looks away. She bites her lips. She starts to go out and exclaims, “In short, I won’t go back in the palace. I absolutely won’t! There is a place where we can go so there’s no need for you to worry!” Then, Saga meets with Jamalta who just entered the tent. Giving the medicine to Jamalta, Saga asks him to please put some medicine on that guy. Then, she heads out.

Jamalta thinks that it seems that she is ordering someone and as expected, she is a princess.. As Jamalta enters the room, Mino is staring at him. Recalling the first time he met the two, Jamalta thinks that in short, he saved these two. Jamalta tells Mino that he owes him and he’ll just pay him again next time. This made Mino scowl and bite his lip.

Outside, Saga thinks that those wounds.. “I really want to help put the medicine on him but I already cannot face him just like before. Mino, that big idiot.. why didn’t he tell me.. *recalls Mino telling her that she doesn’t know anything about the [outside] world* Of course I don’t know anything for I’ve always just stayed in the house..

...I’ll start knowing about it from now on so it will be okay. I always dreamt of going into the outside world and now I can. One step..at a time.. Huh? *notices a boy looking at her* Is it a child from a neighboring village? *waves at the boy but he quickly leaves* Ah, he already left when I still want to chat. Okay! *smiles* I’ll do it bit by bit!”

Dressing up in Han clothes [I presume], Jamalta asks, “Want to go to the town?” Saga exclaims yes, since she’s thinking of surviving outside, shouldn’t she know how people lives. She says that it is better to see it and someone directly telling her about it!

Jamalta says about that, actually, he can bring her along to get medicine.. Saga excitedly asks him to please bring her along and she’ll cover up her face. She says that doesn’t he need to go on a mountain road and it is a village that very hard to come into.

Jamalta thinks that anyway, he’ll go to town to buy something to eat..and this girl is unexpectedly quite excited as if she is going to play, but bringing her along can be very dangerous.. Then, he notices that she kept on looking at him. Saga says, “It’s blue..” Thinking that she unexpectedly found out about it now, Jamalta quickly looks away.

To his surprise, Saga holds his face and made him look at her. She happily says, “It’s a blue eye! It’s so beautiful! *Jamalta thinks, ..what?* It’s the color of the sky! It’s more beautiful than any gem that I have seen! *gazing steadily* How come I always didn’t notice it? How magical! Is it your real eye? Is it originally like that? How is it? Is the world you see blue?”

Jamalta remembers Rim saying, “Brother, is the world you see blue? Do I look blue just like the sky?” Saga is surprised when Jamalta says that it totally isn’t like that because it is simply the color of the pupil. “Let go of me.” Saga quickly pulls her hands away and apologizes. She looks uneasy.

He sighs and says that he only wants to ask something. “What if I’m not trustworthy person, what should happen to you again? *This surprises Saga* Do you know that you are doing a lot of careless things? This isn’t in the palace so please, always keep on guard if you don’t want to return back to the palace.”

As he walks away and leave Saga surprised, Jamalta thinks, “Beautiful? What the hell..anyway, sooner or later, it has to be said.” Soon, in the town, wearing a scarf to cover her hair and a mask to cover her face, Saga is looking around left and right. Carrying a sack, Jamalta sweatdrops. Apparently, in the end, he agreed to bring her along since she is wearing that.

Jamalta tells Saga to quit looking around like that for it will get the people’s attention. Saga apologizes. He warns her to be careful and do not let anyone see her face. He tells her to properly watch over how he buys things. She says okay, okay. Saga notices a boy and thinks that it was the one she saw earlier.

Jamalta tells her to hurry so she catches up to him. The boy watches them. Soon, Jamalta shows her the grains they bought and tells her that this much will last for half a month. He gets irritated when Saga is pointing to a stall that sells frogs and other snacks. Jamalta thinks that they still need to buy drug ingredients and a knife.

Saga is having a hard time carrying the sack of grain. Jamalta goes to ask someone where the drug store is. The man says that it is a bit far from here. Saga puts down her sack when some kids are playing around her. A boy falls down.

While Jamalta is busy listening to the man’s directions, Saga asks the boy [who was following them] if he is alright. The boy suddenly grabs her scarf and pulls it down. It is caught with the mask so her face is revealed. The boy says that he is okay and quickly runs off.

Panicking Saga immediately puts the scarf back on. The man asks Jamalta what’s up with his eye. Pulling up his fringes, Jamalta asks what, does it look good? The man exclaims that it is bad luck. Jamalta sighs and thinks that is the normal person’s reaction.. He turns around to see Saga putting the her mask back on. He asks what she is doing.

Flustered Saga says that it is nothing. He tells her that they’ll quickly leave because if they waste time, it will be sunset soon. She says okay. A freckled man with bandana is watching them. He laughs and tells the boy that this time around, it is a big discovery, brat. The boy says that there are only the two of them.

The man says that from her appearance, he knows that she is definitely an ojousama who secretly ran away. “She’s young and beautiful so she’s definitely valuable. You little brat have finally did something good.” Jamalta asks what’s up with Saga. Saga finally admits that the sack is too heavy.

The boy asks if they are going to tell the leader. The man says ya, there’s no need for he’ll first go [probably with a few others] and give their greetings. “This time around, you [/we] can get your mother to see the doctor. “I really anticipate for night to come.” Carrying two bags, Jamalta complains geez, she couldn’t even carry this much things. Saga apologizes.

Soon, it is dark. At the hut, Mino asks where they are going. Saga looks surprised. Mino says that didn’t she say that there is a place where they can go. “Is that place safe?” Saga says yes, don’t worry and when he is a bit better, they can leave. Mino asks where is it and who told her. Saga says that..

She recalls Cheongye saying that she knows where they can go. [<- Sorry, I made a mistake in the last chapter. I was debating whether it was Jamalta or Cheongye but settled for Jamalta. It turns out to be Cheongye who said that ^^;;] Saga puts her hand on his head and says, wait a moment, does he still have a fever. Mino tells her that she is fine.

Saga exclaims how can that be, when he is perspiring all over. “Quickly lie down!” Watching them, Jamalta thinks that it seems that Mino [/they] can really talk. Jamalta says that if the wound gets infected, the blood [<- not my typo; I assume in the past they think that way] temperature raises so quickly drink the medicine. “Before the pursuers come and find us, *polishing the knife* we must quickly leave..”

Jamalta stops and looks towards the door. Saga asks what is it. He quickly gestures for them to be quiet. Jamalta nervously wonders if they have already been catch up to. “I clearly covered up all the traces. How can it be?” There seems to be a light outside the hut.

Comment: And, Saga did leave with them. And, Cheongye didn’t. So, Cheongye decided to stay for her revenge. Well, if that is her priority, she really cannot go with them since she won’t be able to get close to the Third Prince again. I would expect that the place where she is going to lead them isn’t some sort of trap because Mino is with them.

For now, Jamalta would have to babysit two people. One who has zero knowledge of the dangers in the outside world and another who is still recovering from his wounds. Saga does seem to trust Jamalta too much yet Mino is suspicious of him. Of course, that is inevitable. I do wonder what Mino will think when he finds out what Cheongye did and had stayed behind.

Anyway, there seems to be some cracks between Saga and Mino as they keep secrets from each other in the hopes that it won’t cause the other to worry. Apparently, Saga doesn’t remember Jamalta anymore but I’m sure she made an impact on him for saying that his blue eye is beautiful just like his younger sister.

I’m not sure how to view that though. Will Jamalta think of her as a ‘younger sister’ later on? Is she the reincarnation of Rim? It will definitely make him unable to refuse her and he’ll most likely keep on doing things for Saga probably as a way to atone for whatever happened before with Rim.

For being always serious and straight among the Malgals, Jamalta tends to easily become someone they love to tease. ^^; Those two obviously know of the special treatment that Machanyuta bestows on Jamalta. Machanyuta seems to wish for his happiness too. Okay perhaps, he just wants Jamalta to know the love of a woman or being in bed with one. ^^;; I’m not sure if he did it with two women or one of those women is Suria’s ^^;;;

Hopefully, if ever Jamalta cannot go back to the Malgal after bringing the two to that certain place, Machanyuta won’t think that he deliberately ran away. If that happens, well, those three will really be going on a long journey together. Honestly, I think it is better if they have more allies so I prefer that Machanyuta won’t become an antagonist. Scans by 水神汉化组

Word of the day:

To succeed in a new field, make a new discovery, or do anything new in life, you have to be willing to fail. ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)’ ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine

Flashback: Looking at Sawako, Ume thought that Sawako puts her in a bad mood. She’s a hindrance and can she just disappear. End Flashback. At Sawako’s house, during dinner, her parents greet the girls ‘good work’[/otsukaresama] for studying.

The mother asks if the taste of the food is okay. Ume says that it is delicious. The father comments over Sawako unexpectedly having such a cute friend but no, Ayane and Chizuru are also very beautiful. The mother says that he is overly excited.

The father asks the two what they usually talk about. Sawako says that they talk about studies. This shocks the mother. She asks if they don’t talk about love. The father tells her not to such a private question.

The mother says but female high schoolers would talk about love topics and when she was in high school, she’ll chat about love gossips. This shocks the father that he asks, is that so!? The mother asks if Ume has a boyfriend or someone she likes. The girls look a bit awkward as they look at each other. After all, they both like the same person.

Ume tells them no for right now, her mind is filled with high school exams and she can only think of studies. This made the parents exclaim that she’s amazing when she is obviously seems very popular. Ume affirms that she is popular. They ask how many had confessed to her.

Ume says that she couldn’t clearly count it anymore. The mother squeals and says that Ume had bluntly refused them all, right. She asks what is Ume’s type and for her [mother], she likes Yutaka Takenouchi [a Japanese actor].

Sawako is surprised that her mother would even say such a sensitive thing. The mother says yes, she still really likes sensitive people. While Sawako tries to tell her that she isn’t talking about that, Ume says that she likes a person who is her complete opposite.

The mother is puzzled that she asks won’t it be a funny relationship. Sawako is surprised when Ume says that it is possible that it can be considered that kind of meaning but rather, she likes a frank person..and not a complete opposite. Sawako thinks that compared to anyone, more frank, and always only looking at Shouta.

Later on, the girls decided that they have enough studying for the day. Sawako asks if Ume can also study tomorrow until night. Ume asks if it is no problem. Sawako exclaims of course. She suggests that Ume go take a bath first.

Sawako offers to accompany her. Ume asks if she isn’t going to take a bath first. Sawako says that while Ume is taking a bath, she’ll be in charge of spreading out the futon. This made Ume scold her and says that won’t it be faster if they do it together. Sawako thanks her.

Ume asks her where the futon is and doesn’t Sawako sleep on the bed yet she plan to sleep on the floor. Sawako says that she spreads out and folds up the futon everyday.[?] Ume exclaims that is so much her style!! Soon, they fix the futons.

Ume looks at the photographs of Sawako with her friends on the table. Then, she looks surprised at Sawako. Ume suddenly grabs Sawako’s collar up and asks what is this, a necklace, did Shouta gave it to her. Sawako is shocked that it was exposed.

To Sawako’s shock again, Ume has noticed that lately she had been wearing shirts with collars. Then, Ume says that her room has many pictures in it. Relieved Sawako says yes. To her shock once more, Ume asks how come there are no pictures of Shouta.

Ume asks if she has some apprehensions towards her. Sawako admits that it is true. Ume shouts for her to quit doing that for she really hates that. Sawako says okay. Ume exclaims that she knows that they had been going steady a long time ago and someone had reported it to her!! Sawako says, okay.

Ume tells her that no matter what she does, Sawako didn’t lose so she [Sawako] is just and honorable [/no tricks]. Sawako says ya. Sawako thinks that Ume is telling her that they can develop this kind of

relationship.

Soon, Sawako tells her where the towel, toiletries and hair blower is so she can take her time. Sawako wonders if it is okay for her to think this way. In her room, Sawako looks at the clock and it is 10 minutes past 11pm. She thinks that Ume ought to be almost done so she must prepare some drinks and snacks. [<- replenish water after a hot bath]

Ume meets with Sawako’s mother who asks if they finished studying. Ume says yes. They talk a bit of liking to have salts in the bath to make them feel cool. The mother tells her that when cold days come again, she’ll let her use a secret thing.

The mother always hoped that Sawako’s friends would come over to sleep. Ume asks if this is the first time. The mother says that before, Chizuru came over for the night but she is only borrowing the bed so this is the first time.

She is glad that Sawako got a friend/s in high school. “Everyone are really good kids.” Ume recalled how she spread rumors about how Sawako supposedly thought of Chizuru and Ayane. Just when Sawako is carrying a tray of drinks, she sees Ume talking with her mother.

Ume says that she isn’t a good kid, she is..actually, she..she.. towards Sawako, she.. Sawako interrupts by calling out to Ume then says that she really likes Ume. This made Ume blush. Ume exclaims in disbelief. The mother says ah, the feeling [between them] is really good..

Ume tries to protest but in the end, she exclaims that she’s going to sleep first so please go take a bath. She shouts good night. Sawako calls out to her and tells her to first have some drink. [<- so that she won’t be dehydrated] Ume grumbles as she takes the tray into the room.

The mother tells Sawako that a lot of things had happened between them [girls] and when she [mother] was young, she also encountered a long of things. Sawako recalls her various encounters with Ume like Ume saying that she isn’t her friend, she hates her and calling Sawako too slow-witted.

It is because so many things had happened so there is ‘right now’. Sawako goes in the room and finds Ume already lying on the futon. Sawako goes to bed when she hears a sound. She opens her eyes to see Ume looking at her. Ume says that Sawako is very frank..so.. Sawako recalls Ume saying that she likes a frank person during dinner.

Ume says that she is always envious of her. “It’s infuriating. ..I always..wasn’t able to say it out.. hat..time..before.. *Sawako looks surprised upon seeing Ume teary-eyed.* ..I’m sorry about that time.. I’m sorry..”

Sawako realizes it is the time when Ume spread rumors about Sawako saying bad things about Chizuru and Ayane. Sawako wonders if Ume always felt guilty and ashamed over it. Ume tearfully says that she won’t dare say that they are friends for how can she possibly say it out and just forget the things she had done to Sawako. “I won’t forget it throughout my life..”

Sawako also starts to cry. Sitting up, Sawako holds Ume’s hand and says that Ume did a bad thing! “..Afterwards,..I’m also quite insensitive! So, the two of us are at fault!! So.. you can..already forget about it.. I already attained.. a lot more benefits compared to that.. we..

..already.. had experienced a lot of things together.. (Even if Ume-chan didn’t forget it ..she’ll also remember.. remember that she already felt that there are some things that she can already forget..)”

The next day, Ume bids Sawako goodbye. Sawako tells her to take care on her way. With a clenched fist, Sawako says that also for today, they’ll start studying early in the morning. Ume smiles and also clenches her first.

Then, Ume suddenly hits her fist on to Sawako’s fist. Startled Sawako exclaims that hurts. Ume laughs and says goodbye. After some distant away, Ume turns around to face Sawako. She thanks Sawako for teaching her. Shaking her head, blushing Sawako says that there’s no need and it’s mutual. Thank you!!

Embarrassed Ume says bye again. Sawako exclaims yes. After walking again, Ume suddenly stops. To Sawako’s surprise, Ume suddenly runs back to her and exclaims, “..Sawako! Come and test for the Normal University!! Together with me, ..let’s go and test for the Normal University! Let’s go..!” Sawako looks surprised.

Comment: I feel like laughing that Ume is going to ‘steal’ Sawako away from Shouta for about a few years as they go to the normal university together. Anyway, it is nice that Sawako and Ume’s relationship is turning for the better. After the apology and what Sawako said, Ume will no longer have some guilt and apprehensions towards Sawako. She can probably really be friends with her as Ume took courage and frankly tell Sawako what she wants.

In a way, about the necklace and photos, Ume wants Sawako to be herself and not ‘keep things’ from her in consideration for her feelings. It seems the parents are very fond of Ume. So, from the looks of things, if the two girls went and passed in the Normal University, they will be the best of friends there ^^ Scans by 夜莺工作室

Quote of the day:

Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends? ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Free Talk: Since there seems to be people who still read the summary and I don't feel easy about 'unconfirmed spoilers' being considered as summaries so I've write this up based on Impatient Scans. I'll categorize this and probably others as 'review' if the summary isn't in detail. Those categorized as 'preview' are summaries in detail but I'm not yet committing to keep on summarizing them. ]

Kyouko thinks about what Sawara told her and thinks that it might be related to the new role that Kanae hates. She couldn’t confirm it because Kanae doesn’t talk much about herself. She isn’t quite convinced that story about the role being stolen is true. Upon arriving at the room, Kyouko happily goes into her excited Kanae greeting but no one is there.

Kyouko realizes that she came too early. So, when Kanae arrives, Kyouko burst into her excited greeting only to have Kanae immediately closing the door on her. Kyouko goes out to complain about the treatment. Kanae comments that she doesn’t seem to have any worries. Kyouko happily says that she doesn’t for they have all gone away. Since Kyouko isn’t using her fake face, Kanae decides that she is really telling the truth. She starts to think that Ren’s gloomy face earlier has nothing to do with Kyouko.

Kyouko invites her to go in to talk about what Sawara told her which she claims is worrying her. From Kyouko’s fake face, Kanae realizes that she isn’t worried at all. <- most likely, she just wants to spend some time with Kanae. With some chamomile tea, Kyouko talks about a certain role being stolen. Kanae confirms that there is indeed a female ninja role in the movie but they have to redo the audition. They find it strange that they have to redo it when usually there is a back-up actress who was chosen during the first audition.

Kyouko and Kanae wonder why the client is saying that the role was stolen from her when there is a new audition for Momiji [female ninja]. With the clue of ‘stolen role’, Kanae says that when she was auditioning for Chidori, her role as the daughter of the samurai, there was someone trying to forcefully take her role but miserably failed. It was here when Kyouko realized that Kanae still has to audition for that role. She thought that it was ‘given’ to her by Lory.

Kanae couldn’t say no even if she hated the role since the character is a stalker and she is so in love to the point of having no dignity. She is determined to get it since she’s greedy and Lory chose it for her. Kanae still has to pass the second audition. To prepare for it, Kanae is being trained by Hiou’s grandfather, Kotetsu who is good in swordsmanship. Her role had learned it while stalking the wandering samurai/ronin.

Kanae thinks that the girl who wanted to get the Chidori role would now want to audition for the Momiji role. Kyouko got very excited since she wants to see Kanae up close in a sword fight. Since the Love Me request is also not a prank, Kyouko plans to audition for Momiji. They go to Kanae’s manager who panics at first for he thought Kanae wanted to audition for Momiji. He is relieved that it was Kyouko. Kyouko is dreamily thinking of protecting Kanae in her role as the ninja.

The manager comments that Kyouko is in the talent division so she didn’t get this information. The manager gives Kyouko the flyer. The title is ‘The Scared Lotus in the Mire’. Kyouko stares at it for a long time. [<- In case you didn’t know, Ren is Lotus 蓮 in Chinese/kanji] Kanae asks her why she is staring at one spot. After some pause, Kyouko assumes the title refers to Chidori for being pure while in a filthy surrounding.

Irked Kanae reminds her that Chidori is a slave to love, a stalker and had fallen to her desires. Kanae thinks that the title refers to the wandering samurai, Shizuma. Kanae offers to lend to Kyouko the books about it. She tells Kyouko to get it today since she’ll be busy in the next two days. After Kyouko bows in thanks to Kanae’s manager, the two are walking when Kanae mentions about something troubling Ren. She assumes that it might be about work.

Kanae asks if Kyouko told Ren about her relationship with her mother. Kyouko says that she didn’t. So, this made Kanae decide that it really has nothing to do with Kyouko. At home, while holding the books, Kyouko start to feel guilty over how she responded to Ren on the cellphone after everything. She starts to wonder what is troubling him, perhaps it is about her. Or, it might be about work like Kanae mentioned.

While helping out in the restaurant, Kyouko keeps on thinking of approaching Ren as Bo to know what’s bugging him since it is only with Bo when she can ask him anything without restraint. Soon, it is 1:15am. All of the customers had left. Daruma wife thanks Kyouko for the help. While putting down the signs outside the restaurant, Kyouko isn’t at ease over letting Ren go to Guam tomorrow night when he has something troubling him.

Unfortunately, she also has work for Box’R tomorrow. Just when she is pulling the noren [door curtain] down, she accidentally makes it fall on her. She braces herself to be hit by the rod but only the cloth hit her. She notices a hand holding the rod. And yes, it is Ren who smiles and greets her.

Comment: The title of the chapter is the same with the title of the movie.. or was it drama? Since I saw it is ‘lotus’, I immediately thought that it will be about Ren. Since Kyouko will audition for the movie and Kanae will also be in the movie, will the mangaka be so nice to also cast in Ren as Shizuma, the samurai?

It would be fitting since he is ‘Ren/lotus’ and the title supposedly meant to be the samurai. ^^ If not, we can at least hope that aside from Kotetsu, Ren will teach Kyouko some action scenes ^^

Hm..from the looks of things, the new movie/drama can be interesting. I like this mangaka’s action scenes so that’s something to look forward to. Kyouko and Kanae will also be likely acting together in the movie/drama. I wonder how the antagonist will be like. In a way, I think that antagonist like the previous ones will once again push Kyouko’s acting to a new level ^^

Anyway, just when I was about to dismiss that Ren will not show up, but no, he did since the ‘night’ is not yet over. He is worried so he’ll be there. In a way, Kyouko had already met with Kanae who is also worried about her. I wonder what excuse Ren will come up with since he supposedly doesn’t know about her awful relationship with her mother. Will Kyouko as herself get the courage to be more frank with him like how she was when she is Bo?

Well, at least, we’ll get to have 1-2 chapters with Ren before he ‘disappears’ again for some time since he is going back to Guam. But again, because of the title, I think this arc will be about Ren. Hopefully. Maybe, more about his past?

Quote of the day:

Consider the past but don't dwell in it. Dream for the future, but don't sleep on it. Concentrate the on the present moment. Snatch every opportunity. ~ Collins Hasty

Ah, there were no summaries lately due to a miscalculation and I was a bit busy last week. ^^;

I’m currently working on Kimi ni Todoke while waiting for ~~Namaikizakari~~ [it is out] and Last Game to go out in public. It is already out in their forum. These two will be prioritized if they came out even if KnT isn’t finished.

The rest that are out with one chapter each are: From Five to Nine, Kasane and Suki-tte Ii na yo.

Regarding Ookami-heika no Hanayome, it is supposed to be exactly two weeks since the Chinese scanlation is out last Friday but the thread to request for reprinting/republish vanished and the download for chapter 79 [<- can be reprinted] isn’t uploaded yet. I had messaged the scanlator to ask permission to use the pictures and ask what had happened. It seems that she won't allow re-posting anymore based on the script moving around even if what was written about two weeks after release is still there. ^^;

She briefly answered that it is okay but wait until Sunday, she is busy and cannot use the computer. I’m not sure what she meant is I should wait for her to upload the ‘can be shared to public’ version. To be sure, I've asked again now and I hope she won’t get too annoyed. ^^; So, depending on her answer, etc..you'll just have to wait some more. And yes, that chapter is already done so I'm just waiting for the go signal. [Her answer is indeed waiting for the download version so I'll post it when it is out.]

Anyway, since I’m not sure how she wants to do it yet, just in case, for the next chapter, OnH readers, is it okay for you that I'll just post up the summary, then post the pictures later on when it is okay to do so? Or, do you want both summary and pictures up at the same time? I'll use your replies as basis for the decision on what to do next time.

Happy Easter Sunday, everyone ^^

Smiling Reishou asks Yuulin that she shouldn’t have been doing those cute actions because she is suspicious that he’ll have an affair. Yuulin nervously denies it. As Reishou goes towards her Yuulin backs to the wall and says that it isn’t like that. “Ah, no, even if, indeed there is someone suspicious but that is just a guess. I didn’t take it seriously.”

Holding her hand while cornering her to the wall, Reishou says yes, for he did clearly tell her, ‘There’s no need for you to worry about me having an affair’. She says yes. Reishou asks that so-called ‘countermeasure against affairs’ is? [<- the term used from last chapter is changed ^^;] Yuulin couldn’t answer.

He tells her, “Wasn’t I able to make you believe my feelings for you? Regarding the way of expressing it up to now, does it still need to be upgraded once more?” This made Yuulin dizzy and blush really red. “Going to once again up-..!?”

Yuulin exclaims no, no way, there’s no need to upgrade!! “It is already expressed quite clearly!! *Reishou stares at her* It’s true. It isn’t like that. *heart beating fast* I said that it is countermeasure against affair but actually I heard that this is very important for married couples. It totally doesn’t mean that I’m concerned and suspicious about..about.. (Ah ah ah, how come it seems like I’m making excuses!?)”

Reishou looks at flustered and teary-eyed Yuulin. He turns away which puzzles Yuulin. He looks at her again with a smile. He says really, how come she did it like that. Narration: “Because the princess from Enha came, a harem’s ‘countermeasure against an affair’ meeting has been called. Eventually, this brought about a subtle deadlock between the happy married couple..”

Looking gloomy, Yuulin wonders how come things became like this. Holding her head, worried Yuulin thinks that even if Reishou is smiling but it is shown clearly that he’s angry. “Even if when he left, he said, ‘It’s alright already’ but from the looks of it, it is basically not a bit like it is alright...

...*imagines Kouju saying, ‘Lady Princess Consort, carelessness is love’s vulnerable spot!’, Ranyou saying, ‘The king is a living creature that easily becomes unfaithful’, Gen happily showing v-signs and exclaiming, ‘That’s right, that’s right’ and the court ladies are smiling* Isn’t this what Kouju and the others said. A very little dissatisfaction.. mistake in interpretation..something..!

...Could it be that, on contrary, the ‘countermeasure against an affair’ has created a crisis in the married couple’s relationship..!? *holds her head and trembles* Ah ah ah, a huge failure..” While Reishou is walking at the cloister, he asks what’s the situation of the diplomatic group? Walking behind him, Houen says that right now, in accordance to the schedule, everyone is deployed to handle it and there should be no remarkable problem.

“It is just that it seems that there is a group of our country’s officials who are harboring resentment towards this time’s goodwill exchange. There is also a dispute that was brought about by it [between Hakuyou and Enha officials, I presume] Luckily, Minister Han came out at that time and brought it into a satisfactory conclusion.”

Reishou says is that so. “I’m afraid that there will still be many conflicts between Enha which refused to have any exchange until now, and our country’s officials whose brains can be compared to the stubborn rocks on a stream. Even if it is like that, it is good if we can make this exchange become a step towards a turning point.” Houen says yes.

Reishou asks about Shuon. Scowling, Houen says about that one, during the past several days, she had participated in the exchange meetings all over the place. She would even passionately participate in the discussion. Reishou smiles and says is that so, okay, good job on the report and he’ll leave the follow-up to them. With a gong shou, Houen says that it is as he ordered.

Then, Reishou says, also, occasionally, make Suigetsu come and report. “It has been a long time since that youngster showed his face.” Surprised, Houen says yes, definitely! With a sparkle, Houen thinks that no wonder it is His Majesty for he is always quite full of vision. “But it seems that he is somewhat tired..?”

Several days after, at Shokei Palace, smiling Yuulin greets Shuon that it has been a long time since they’ve met. Yuulin says that Shuon must be very busy lately due to her participation in the study meetings. Smiling Shuon says yes, Lady Yuulin, and she learned a lot about Hakuyou’s culture and local conditions [/social customs]. “But as a noble who is above everyone else, it is also essential [in contrast to Yuulin whose background is unknown]!!”

Yuulin just smiles over that remark. There is lightning flashes behind them with thunder. Shuon is obviously treating her as an enemy. Yuulin narrates that there is regularly held exchange between them and the diplomatic group along with Shuon. And just like as Jun said, they are to deal with the guests as a married couple but right now, it is still stiff. Flustered Yuulin looks at glum Reishou.

Shuon asks Reishou that actually during the time when she is studying his distinguished country, there is some issues related to her country that she wants to consult with him. “If it is possible, can we discuss about it with just the two of us alone?” Yuulin nervously looks at Reishou to wait for his response.

To Yuulin’s shock, Reishou says if that is how it is, they can walk to the side of the pond and talk on the way there. Shuon excitedly exclaims okay, thank you very much! Reishou tells Yuulin that he’ll be back soon. Yuulin can only mentally call him and ask that weren’t they supposed to act as a married couple, wait-!!? And soon, Reishou is walking away with Shuon.

Suspicious and uneasy Yuulin thinks that even if they say that it is only the two of them but Jun and the princess bodyguard immediately follow after them. “The country’s problem..can also be said as work.. But still, what are you thinking, Your Majesty!? Is it because you are still angry!?” Seeing Reishou together with Shuon, Yuulin recalls Ranyou saying that if that country’s princess is married to Reishou, she’ll definitely immediately become the ‘queen’. This scares Yuulin.

Just then, Hiroku and a few officials bow and apologize to Yuulin for Shuon’s sudden rudeness. Yuulin says that it is alright and she is admirable for actively studying for her country. Yuulin smiles and thinks that it is no good, she has to properly work so calm down.

Yuulin asks again if he is Hiroku, a civil official. Hiroku says yes. He tells her that his clan had served the royal family of Enha from one generation after another. “Starting from childhood, I am the princess’ conversation partner and caretaker [/attendant]. The one acting as the bodyguard is also like that..”

Yuulin says ah, so no wonder everyone relationship is quite good. For goodwill exchange, Yuulin smiles and asks what is Shuon like most of the time since she also hopes to be able to get along better with Shuon. After a pause, Hiroku says that day and night, the princess will rack her brains for their country and she is very outstanding. Looking surprised, Yuulin thinks that today, Shuon is properly complimented. [<- because they only talked about her bad points before]

Hiroku says but, from the start, she is a princess who always loves to do things that will completely mess things up for the people around her. Yuulin thinks that apparently, he isn’t complimenting Shuon.

After a pause, Hiroku smiles and says that it is good if Shuon can make good friends with Yuulin and can learn to become an earnest lady.. This made Yuulin blush for it is a beauty [Hiroku]’s smile and besides she is being complimented for being an earnest lady. Yuulin is very happy that she successfully learned it. “There’s no problem. There’s no problem. *smiles* I can do this well.”

Later on, Shuon happily says that she passed a very meaningful time! She gives her deep gratitude to Reishou for it. “For the two countries’ friendship, the things that I should learn directly through experiencing [/understanding] are still quite a lot. From today on, please definitely let me continue on asking for your opinion! *snorting at whimpering Yuulin* Then, I’ll first take my leave for today.”

The court ladies tell the couple that afterwards, the two can freely.. Soon, Reishou and Yuulin are walking at the courtyard. Flustered Yuulin says that Shuon looks very happy so what did they talk about. Reishou glances at Yuulin and asks if she is jealous. Pouting like a puffer fish, Yuulin denies it.

Continuing to pout, Yuulin thinks that this is bad when obviously they are still talking stiffly yet this kind of attitude..! “I’m an idiot--!!!” Touching her face, Reishou says that he only have to see her talking with some other man, his whole body would feel like it is set ablaze by jealousy that is resolutely burning him up. This made Yuulin blush that she exclaims that isn’t he the one who ran off as he pleased!

Reishou sheepishly smiles and says that there are some things about Enha that causes him to be very curious [/concerned]. “Li Jun is also very angry. ..I’m sorry for making you feel uneasy.” Blushing Yuulin denies that she is uneasy and all the more she isn’t worried about him having an affair-something. Reishou laughs and says is that so!

Teary-eyed and flustered, Yuulin thinks that Reishou is so cunning, darn it. Looking gloomy, Yuulin timidly asks him if she can hug him for a while. This made Reishou look surprised. Yuulin screams in shock when Reishou suddenly glomps her. Then, he carries her up and swirls her left and right.

Yuulin exclaims that obviously she was the one who first said it and her hair is now all messed up. She asks what is that, besides, why he is swirling her around non-stop. Reishou exclaims that it is because his wife is actually so cute! This made Yuulin blush and scowl. She says about that ‘countermeasure against an affair’..about that.. “I’m really sorry if you really hate that. If it is okay, I want to properly and clearly talk about it with you..”

After looking surprised, Reishou seems to recall some past which had some shadowed figures. Reishou says no, that is nothing much, it is simply, he is a little bit astonished that she’ll also hide some things from him. He smiles and says that actually, it is very normal. This seems to puzzle Yuulin that she calls out to him. Reishou continues, “Compared to that, Yuulin, what are you talking about with Enha’s civil official. *wolf mode with ears erecting up* Can you tell me about it in detail?” This startles Yuulin and causes her to become shiver.

She nervously says that it is just a normal conversation, that’s all!? Smiling Reishou says, “Eh? But I saw you smiling quite happily.” Yuulin exclaims if he can see her expression in that kind of distance!? Narration: “I want to say, whether or not I had successfully evaded the ‘married couple crisis due to the countermeasure against an affair’, there’s a new spark come flying again from somewhere else.” Rabbit Yuulin is trembling and looking aghast.

Comment: Hehe, it’s one problem after another. After the slight falling out due to being suspicious of him possibly having an affair later on, now, it is Reishou being very jealous of Hiroku for talking with Yuulin. It isn’t good that Reishou supposedly saw her smiling while talking with Hiroku. Very good eyesight or he is bluffing. =P

I do wonder what Reishou had thought regarding that affair thing. Was it still about his father or someone else? I’m assuming it is his older brother who wasn’t shown yet. I mean what he looks like and how big of a role did he play in Reishou’s life. I think he oblige to Shuon’s request since he wants to probe what’s going on in her country due to the unexpected actions of Shuon as well as the sudden change of her country’s foreign policy. From what Hiroku said, something is up and Shuon’s goal is usually related to her country.

It is already obvious that Houen doesn’t like Shuon that he won’t even properly address her =P There is no escape for Suigetsu since he’ll have to go see Reishou whether he likes it or not. =P And, I’m not sure if Houen will be there with him. Hehe.. Maybe Reishou wanted to talk with Suigetsu since his family is the one that specializes on foreign affairs.

For now, it seems that Shuon is getting cocky for she assumes that she is getting her way with Reishou. Yuulin is so cute when she’s jealous. Reishou is so cute when he suddenly hugs her and swirls her around. Anyway, how is Yuulin going to convince Reishou that there is really nothing to be jealous about with Hiroku and I wonder if it might jeopardize the goodwill exchange. =P Scans by 水月梅漢化

Word of the day:

Avoid misunderstandings by being open and honest with others about how you feel. ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor (Ephesians 4:25)’ ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine

The alarm of Shou’s cellphone is ringing at 5am. Still in bed, Shou turns it off. He groans a bit and says that he unexpectedly woke up. At the club room, Tonomura says ..so, even if there is some uneasiness factor. Kanda says that it isn’t just some, it is eighty percent uneasiness.

Tonomura protests that looking back at the competition during the day before yesterday.. Shouji says that sure enough, the new captain—IS THAT GUY HUH.. Yuki is speechless for that is the conclusion that they have arrived on for the very last activity day of the third years.

Pfft— At the gym, Yuki shouts that during defense, they are to lower their waist a bit, they are not to stop with their footwork and concentrate their energy. The others shout yes while some groans. Catching his breath, Hatori comments that it is already the retirement day yet she is still merciless.

Also catching his breath, Abe says that he can feel the head [Yuki]’s anger and compared before, it is stronger and more amazing. Amamiya calls out to Abe and whispers if that thing that will be given to her, did he hide it well. Thinking that it is an AV [adult video], Yuki tells them to talk about receiving private materials outside of practice time. Amamiya says okay.

Two days after they were defeated during the prelims-- There are this time’s morning practice and also a night practice after school dismissal. For them third years, it is the last training-- Kanda complains that it is so hot.

Nishiyama? complains that after the retirement, he’ll absolutely become fat. [<- no more exercise] Yuki thinks before that..there is this some kind of meeting regarding a big issue that has to be done. While leaving, Abe and others complain about being already hungry when it is just morning practice. Yuki calls out to Shou.

Waving for him to come, Yuki tells him to come over for a while. Shou asks if they are going to do some shameful thing. Yuki says that no, they’re not. With her heart beating, Yuki wonders why she is so nervous. She tells him that taking of advantage of the morning practice, the captain and vice-captain has something to tell him.

While the school bell is ringing, Shou asks, “New captain? Me? Captain Naruse?” Yuki thinks that calling him as ‘Captain Naruse’ really doesn’t feel a bit real.. Shouji says yes, after the third years talked it over for a long time, everyone felt that this is the best choice.

On tomorrow’s morning practice, they’ll leave it up to him to tell everyone. Regarding the successor for the vice-captain, they’ll leave it to him to decide within the year. “How about it?” Shou says, “..ah---yeah yeah..” Shouji and Yuki exclaim what is it?

Turning around to leave, Shou says, okay..yeah, okay-- Angrily pointing at Shou, Shouji shouts that in the end of the end, what’s up with that, ‘okay—yeah, okay-’ and he still have that kind of attitude. Tonomura says that is saying that Shou had accepted it. Quite Yuki becomes tense for it really makes her feel uneasy.

In her class, she thinks, no..that’s wrong..if it is that guy, she thinks that perhaps, he is afraid of annoyance or perhaps he is forced to accept it. That reaction is that type, yet how can he make such a meek response..!? She recalls what Shizuka said that even if Yuki retires now but from today on, he’ll continue to defeat Ryuhoku and Shou.

Yuki thinks that Shizuka’s declaration of war causes her head to become sober and believe that he [Shou] is the person who can guide ‘the Ryuhoku from today on’. In the club room, Himiko reads from a newspaper that Misuzu Academy got in the Winter Cup in 7 years.

Holding a grudge, Yuki tells Himiko that it is better to also file away and tidy up that news article. She apologizes to her for making Himiko help her out in tidying things up during lunch break. Yuki is separating the third year’s clothes that will be washed later on.

Himiko says no..it is alright..but then, there is a very big possibility that Misuzu and Ryuhoku are so well-matched. Yuki agrees and says that even if their generation is up to this day but next year, they can definitely continue to advance so she’ll leave it up to her [/yoroshiku]. This made Himiko flustered. She suddenly stands up and says that she’ll go and see if the towels are dry or not.

Yuki says okay. Himiko goes out of the room and cries a bit. She wipes her tears and tells herself to pull herself together. Back inside, Yuki thinks that Misuzu’s new captain is most likely Shizuka and if it is like that, starting next year, Misuzu’s attack against Ryuhoku will become more difficult to deal with.

even if she is in no position to say it to someone else but Misuzu has that kind of abnormal consciousness of wanting to knock down Ryuhoku. She recalls Shizuka saying that perhaps, he always wanted to see that kind of expression on her. Yuki wonders if she is hated by Shizuka. The door opens.

Thinking that it is Himiko who came back so quickly, Yuki turns to ask if she forgot something.. To her surprise, Shou suddenly kisses her. Yuki backs away and angrily exclaims what he is thinking. Shou says that it has been a long time since they’ve kissed and her lips feel super soft. Yuki exclaims how is that and by the way, he unexpectedly specially came over here during lunch break.

Shou says that after he finished eating lunch, he wanted an afternoon nap but the classroom is so noisy and there are people at the roof so he wondered if the club room is empty or not. After sweatdropping, Yuki says bu..but..if he wants peace and quiet then do as he wish.

So, Yuki continues to tidy up the shirts while Shou stares--stares--and stares at her. Irked Yuki shouts isn’t he going to sleep. Shou urges her to continue on and there’s no need to mind him. Yuki asks what’s up with him for he is always staring at her ever since from the start.

Continuing to stare at her, Shou says that he is filming her working as a manager. Yuki starts to look around. Shou says no, he is using his eyes and not a video camera. “..I feel that this should be the last time I’ll see it. *Yuki looks surprised* If we won the preliminaries two days ago, the time when I can see Yuki-senpai at the basketball club can be prolonged a bit...

...thinking of that, I cannot easy say it out. *lies down and turns away from her* That kind of words of wanting to become the captain.” Yuki recalls the time when Shou asks why she gave her number to the captain [forgot if it was Tonomura or Kido] and he also want to become the captain.

Yuki thinks ah, it’s like that. “It is different from that time. Naruse also uses his own way of seriously reflecting on things-- I..I..definitely has to say something.” Yuki says that as captain, even if it is definitely very hard..but.. gam [batte../good luck] but she stops.

Turning towards her, he asks gam..gum? [<- the pun is in Chinese so I made this up. In the translation, it is ‘snack’] Yuki thinks that it is no good..she couldn’t say it out, ‘gambatte’-whatever, she couldn’t say it. At the gym, Shou makes a slam dunk. Fangirls squeal over it.

Shouji tells Kanda that thinking that he’ll be saying goodbye to that kind of squeals today makes him feel very refreshed. A girl asks if he is Shouji-senpai and right now, he is on a break. Shouji says yes, and she’s looking for Shou, right. Just when Shouji is calling for Shou, the girl holds out a card, with her name and contact information, to him.

To everyone’s surprise, the blushing girl says that if it is okay, please contact her..about that..during the prelims, he is really totally cool..!! The girl rushes off to her friends who exclaim that she did well, Akira [guesswork from 希] Amamiya and others exclaim in shock if this is for real, that gorilla!

Crying Shouji holds the card and says it..it is really great that he..always did his best to play.. They shout that he cried and compared to losing a couple of days, he is crying even more today!! The guys toss him up and shout ‘introduction’ [/got introduce to someone?] Looking at the clock, Yuki thinks that it is so fast, practice time has less than two hours..

Soon, they play some more, rest some more, got teach some more and had fun some more. Afterwards, the third years are giving their last words. Amamiya introduces himself and says that even if it is hard these past three years but it is also very fun.

He says that in a while, he planned to do an enema/sausage stunt on Shouji, who wanted someone to take the initiative to be his girlfriend, and then, he’ll retire. [<- I think that is a kancho = poke finger in butt, since a lot of the stuff here is from Slam Dunk] Shouji shouts for him to quickly shut up and don’t use that kind of vulgar way to tease him.

Tonomura says the last one is the manager who’ll say something. Yuki bows and says that she is always under everyone’s care and thank you very much, everyone. Someone shouts that it is so quick and short. Yuki thinks no..even if she has to say something, she still has a pile of stuff that she wants to say..

Himiko mutters to Abe and they are all smiling. Then, they call out to Yuki. Abe and Himiko holds a Ryuhoku uniform number 3 and says that the entire basketball members want to give this to her. Holding the uniform, Yuki asks, number 3?

Amamiya says that everyone raised the money to have it custom made. Abe says that even if the numbering starts at number 4 in high school, but because Ryuhoku has a big sis boss so, she is Shohoku’s number 3 member.

Wearing winter clothes, Shouji, Amamiya and Abe tell Yuki okay, go ahead with that heartless violent snow [response] for they have already anticipated that she’ll do that ‘useless declaration’ when she got the whistle before. To their surprise, Yuki says that her intention to get in the basketball club is not at all worth being proud of.

Recalling the time when Shou said that actually, she doesn’t want the captain [/Kido] to retire and Yuki exclaimed what about it. “—but, right now, I feel that it is really great that I’ve come here.” Yuki thinks that she couldn’t say ‘gambatte’ because everyday, being in a place so close to everyone and keep watch of everyone, who is striving hard as they struggle. [<- probably couldn’t say it because it is goodbye to all of that]

Yuki says, “For me, the time that had passed here, along with the memories with everyone, *covers face with the uniform* and the Ryuhoku basketball club are all my treasures.” Himiko is teary-eyed. The guys are moved and Shou looks surprised. Yuki looks up to them and slightly smiles. She says, “No matter where I go, I’ll always cheer everyone on.”

Soon, Yuki leans at the stage side of the gym when someone calls out if she isn’t going back. Shou says that everyone is making a ruckus while talking about where to hold the farewell party.

Yuki thinks that this is bad and it would be good if she wasn’t lost in thought and immediately went home. Looking away, Yuki says that she won’t go and if he wants to go, he should hurry.. He asks if she cried. She denies it. He says that her nose is a bit red. She says that it isn’t.

To her surprise, Shou sits up on the stage and says that she’s retired. She says yes. He comments that it is really quiet. Thinking that this is so awkward, she says ya. Shou says by the way, it is about one year ago when he confessed to her in this place. She says is that so.

Shou says yes, and her face had become very red like an octopus. Yuki tells him that she already remember it so don’t say it anymore. Shou says that he decided to become the team captain. “Even if I don’t know whether or not, I can [do it], but for now, I’ll try it out. This is senpai’s treasure so how can I possibly give it to someone else.”

Wondering what to do for she’s really quite happy, Yuki blushes and says ya. He says, yes, there is also something else. Puzzled Yuki asks what is it. He says to forget it. Yuki insists that he tell her since he mentioned it, and he ought to finish what he is saying.

To her surprise, Shou suddenly jumps down the stage. He bows to her and says, “Manager Machida, thank you very much for these past two years.” Yuki is stunned as Shou looks a bit embarrassed. Then, it seems that Shou is bending too low that he slipped and fell over Yuki. Offt!?

Hugging her, Shou says that is super embarrassing. “Not only is it super embarrassing, it is also super lonely. ..I will properly do my best and senpai will also cheer on, right.” This moved Yuki to tears. She thinks, I..I..

Shou continues to say, “..it..is really great that I was able to meet Yuki-senpai in this place.” Shou looks at Yuki who is already sobbing. Yuki wipes her tears on her sleeve and says that she..also think of that a bit.. Shou pulls her hand away from her face. He kisses her. Then, he complains that her tears are salty.

Narration: “Along with non-stop advance of time and things that will eventually end, we also constantly change. But, from now on, I can still be at his side. I can attentively watch him and he can still let me attentively watch him. We are together. Gambatte, Naruse.” While walking home, Shou asks if starting from December she’ll be going to cram school.

Yuki says yes, and she had found a good one. He asks if there is meaning in taking extra lessons. She says there is. He asks again if there is no meaning, right, and don’t go. Irked Yuki shouts that he’s annoying to death. He suddenly grabs her hand and says that it is because it seems that there will be many guys [there]. Noticing that he is tightly holding her hand, Yuki mutters, ah..about that..

Shou says that’s right, speaking of guys, because she smiled in front of other guys again, the compensation kiss will be prolong for 60 seconds. “60 + 60 altogether is one minute and a half.” Yuki asks how is he counting that when it is two minutes. Swinging Yuki’s hand, Shou says, then, two minutes it is. This surprises Yuki. [<- he most likely fooled her into saying 2 minutes =P]

Comment: So, this ends Yuki’s stint as a manager of a basketball club. It is a job well done for her. It is good that Shou has finally taken up the baton to keep up what she did for the team. Whether he and the new team can still progress and everything else like what Yuki wanted, what matters is that through the basketball club, Shou and Yuki met. And from that, this is how things reached up to this point ^^

Also, it is nice that everyone is very appreciative of everything that Yuki did for the team that they gave her a uniform. It is nice that in the end, Yuki became honest with her feelings. I’m actually surprised that Shouji was actually the vice-captain. I was like, he was?! It must be a Slam Dunk reference to call him a gorilla. ^^; Anyway, good for him that finally, there is a girl who came to like him.

The last part between the two is nice. So, from here on, Yuki will be busy with cram school. Shou hinted on other guys so will that be the next problem later on? Aside from the other Ryuhoku guys, the other guy who might be in cram school is Kira.

I’m not sure if the mangaka will tackle that as a way to curb Shou’s jealousy especially since it will be more difficult to handle when Yuki goes to college. He won’t be able to keep an eye on her a lot like how he does now. So, let’s see if the mangaka will go through that or we’ll just assume that things will just go smoothly for them.

The other thing that wasn’t tackled yet is meeting each other’s family and well, with December, it will be Christmas soon so something nice might happen around that time. ^^ Hehe..2 minute kiss? ^^ Oh ya, I guess revealing their relationship will probably be done during graduation. Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

A flower blooms in the spring, and dies in the fall. A tree wakes up in the spring, and sleeps in the fall. A life starts at the beginning, and dies at the end. In between is what makes it matter. ~ Amber Hope

Final arc start-!! It is already the new year since that night when Yanagi hugged Kujou and said, “After I finish sorting things up, --will you listen to what I’ll say?” Walking in the streets with Kujou and Tachibana, Fujimoto exclaims that she was able to buy it.

She got to buy a good fukuburo [lucky bag; is a Japanese New Year custom in which merchants make grab bags filled with unknown random contents and sell them for a substantial discount. Source: Wiki] to welcome the New Year. She thanks Kujou for the help. Kujou says that she doesn’t mind but is that really cost-effective.

Fujimoto says that this kind of thing is primary for the festive atmosphere. She comments that lately, Kujou seems to be in good spirits. Kujou is puzzled. Fujimoto ribs her by saying that it is about Yanagi for she got earrings and got hugged.

Tachibana asks if there is already a confession. This surprises Kujou. Fujimoto says that’s right, isn’t what Yanagi wanted to tell her a confession. Kujou asks how can that be, when he already likes someone. Tachibana thinks that she is saying that again.

Fujimoto protests that in a situation wherein one will hug a girl, isn’t that really almost that? Fujimoto shouts, “Con-fess, con-fess” Realizing it only now, Kujou comments that Fujimoto is using her for amusement. Fujimoto denies it.

Kujou says that she doesn’t know and starts to walk away. Fujimoto tells her to wait. Kujou thinks, confess huh.. At Yanagi’s place, Michiyo asks his son to watch a relay race together with her. Writing something on the table, Yanagi exclaims that right now, he doesn’t have time to watch it.

Yanagi curses for he wasted a month’s time before deciding to study abroad. In the end, when he noticed it, the time for the application for studying abroad is already less than a month. He has a lot of necessary documents that he needs to submit. Aghast, he thinks that the significance to those words [to tell Kujou] are already gone..and that is a confession..!!

Kujou arrives in school and thinks that it has been a long time since she came here. She muses that about the confession, she already failed at the hotel, as well as at the railway. And, if she were to think of it in detail, every time, she takes advantage of the exit [/run away from it?]

Perhaps, she must first make a firm resolution to prepare for it so that she relatively won’t easily fail. “In doing anything, one must inevitably have a plan. [<- forever using theory to resolve things.] Even if it is like that, I must properly schedule it in advance with Yanagi.. ..but, after the confession, what will then happen..”

Seeing Yanagi carrying a huge envelope and running towards her, Kujou is about to greet him a good morning when he passes by her. He exclaims, ‘see you’ and rushes off. This puzzles her. The next day, Kujou sees Yanagi by the vending machines. She thinks that this time, she’ll definitely succeed.

Just when she is about to call him, Yanagi is on the phone saying, so he’s saying that he wants him/her to give that data to his father, no, it isn’t that one, not that one that is folded into two..so he’s saying.. Seeing him quite jittery, Kujou decides to come to him again next time. At the library, Kujou spots Yanagi studying on the table.

While Yanagi is sleepy, Kujou quietly sits beside him. She turns and says, “Ah, Yanagi, let me say!” And, he is sound asleep. ^^; Later on, Yanagi wakes up and thinks that he had fallen asleep and besides, he still totally doesn’t have time to talk with Kujou..

While walking, he thinks forget it, it is inevitable, for it is better to wait until everything has been totally done, and there are still all sorts of things that he must prepare.

“After all, this is the personal confession of the great me..! *becoming increasingly arrogant* Generally, Kujou’s tears should warmly flow. Then, at one side, she’ll say, ‘I already like you the most..!’-type of words. And, she’ll pounce on me to hug me tightly..that kind of exceptionally good scene..! *not at all probable* He he he.”

Looking at his documents, Yanagi notices that he forgot to bring the data from his father’s computer. Just then, a woman calls out to him. It is his father’s secretary who was asked by Yanagi’s father to bring these documents to him.

Meanwhile, Kujou thinks that it always feel that Yanagi is very busy when he obviously said that there is something that he’ll tell her. “Could it be that it isn’t something important? *recalls Fujimoto saying that it is like a confession and it is almost that meaning since he hugged her tightly* I cannot treat what Fujimoto said as the truth!...

...But what she said is also right for one cannot just casually hug anyone like that. How should I say it. It is because of that, the person he likes..” From the corner, she is shock to see Yanagi hugging a woman. He says, ah, are you alright and the woman thanks him. <- she also calls him by his name.

Kujou is stunned for it is a sweet pleasant, beautiful and seemingly quiet woman which has the characteristics of Yanagi’s past girlfriends. She didn’t hear a couple of girls saying ah, hugged by a DD. What is a DD? A male college student. That kind of person is unexpectedly very capable. Then, when Kujou can hear things again, she heard one of the girls saying, that’s thoroughly disappointing, can guys stick like glue with a girl he doesn’t like?

The other girl says isn’t guys that kind of creature..really a scum! While waving goodbye to the secretary, Yanagi wonders why he is feeling a chill.. Kujou is thinking that it turns out to be like that..so it is like that..

“So many things that he has to resolve = confess to the person he likes; has something to tell her = introduce his girlfriend to her. *recalls how Yanagi introduced to her his ex-girlfriend/s* So, it is like that..” <- a very huge misunderstanding. She kept on thinking that it turns out to be like that and for Yanagi, what he wanted to say isn’t a big issue.. And, she becomes very depressed.

At Yanagi’s house, Michiyo congratulates his son for successfully attaining the application. Scratching his head, Yanagi says that it is nothing and it isn’t something that has to be exaggerated. Michiyo happily decides to make a huge meal for celebration. Holding his phone, Yanagi thinks that this is good, he can now contact Kujou.

Kujou has just arrived home. She drops her bag and rests her head on the table [/kotetsu]. She totally doesn’t have the mood to do anything else. Her cellphone is ringing. She looks at it and it is Yanagi. She just stares at it then bows her head. Yanagi is puzzled for unlike before, she should have her cellphone at her side. He decides to call again.

Kujou thinks that it is fortunate that she didn’t confess and it is alright. Teary-eyed, she thinks, “We can be forever friends.” Her cellphone starts ringing again. She got annoyed that she flips it open. She turns off the phone and tosses it away.

On the other side, Yanagi freaks out that Kujou had hanged up on him [<- when flip phone is opened, the phone is being answered] and the cellphone has been turned off. He wonders what she is thinking for it isn’t that she couldn’t answer it but rather, she doesn’t want to answer it. He curses and decides to send her a message.

Yanagi’s father arrives home. Michiyo informs him that Yanagi had successfully attained the application. The father says is that so and congratulates Yanagi. Yanagi thanks him but the time is very pressing. The father says that it doesn’t matter for anyway, he is at ease regarding the things that Yanagi does.

Blushing a bit, Yanagi says is that so. His smiling father says, “Then let us go on our way.” This puzzles Yanagi that he asks go on their way..go where? His father says that didn’t he decided on it earlier that he’s going to the US. While Yanagi is puzzled and shock, his father says that he successfully attained the application so there is already nothing else left that he needs to do.

“After talking about you, my [business] partner’s executive secretary also said that he definitely will personally take care of you. Actually, everything has already been prepared.” His father holds up a luggage and two plane tickets. Yanagi exclaims that isn’t that plane tickets for tomorrow. “No..wait..ah..” The father asks could it be that he still has doubts?

Holding his cellphone tight, Yanagi says no..it isn’t about doubting something. His father seriously tells him that he had already decided to succeed his business, right? “Then, you should clearly know what is the utmost priority. That’s what there is to it, to want to succeed my family business.” Yanagi looks tense. Kujou is still depressed.

The next day, Fujimoto arrives at the club room [I presume] and says that she couldn’t get through on Kujou’s phone. Realizing it, Kujou takes her phone and apologizes to Fujimoto. Kujou has forgotten to turn her cellphone back on. She is shocked to see that she had 6 missed calls and 9 messages.

Sitting down, Fujimoto says that Yanagi also called her and annoyed her about what had happened. “What’s up with you?” Kujou closes her cellphone and says, actually.. Time skip and she says that is what happened. Fujimoto sweatdrops for they are already at this stage yet there is such a foolish misunderstanding.

Fujimoto says but about that.. Kujou says that if she calmly think about it, if she were to have this kind of thinking wherein that person is Yanagi’s girlfriend and he wants to talk so that he can introduce his girlfriend-type..then everything is just a wild goose chase for her [Kujou; it was all in vain].

Fujimoto thinks that she is really so calm. She tells Kujou then, there is no problem at all. Kujou says but.. She thinks that seeing that scene, even if her heart had already accepted this ‘person whom Yanagi likes’, and this time, she had clearly realized that it is true..but..

Fujimoto says that she understands her feelings but could it be that she won’t take action again. [/giving up] Kujou says that she also knows that she cannot always keep this up. She thinks, but in the end, she is still afraid. Souma suddenly flings the door open and calls out to Kujou. This startles the two. Kujou asks what’s up.

Scratching his head, Souma says that it turns out that they didn’t know.. “Mikoto-chan, about that.. I hope that you’ll calm down as you listen to what I have to say.” Kujou asks what? Souma says that just now, because of something regarding the exams, he called Yanagi.

“In the end, he told me that right now, he is on his way to Narita airport.. *this puzzles and surprises Kujou* It seems that he is going to study abroad. He’s going to the US.” This stuns Kujou. Fujimoto tells Souma to wait, she doesn’t understand what he meant, what is going on and Yanagi would suddenly study abroad.

Souma says that he also didn’t know since the signal got bad and it got cut off midway. Fujimoto asks Kujou. Kujou wonders if the phone call yesterday is about telling this to her. “On my own, I misunderstood his meaning. I hurt him and ignored him. So, without saying anything, he’ll just leave?”

Kujou looks at her cellphone. She opens the flip and reads one of the messages. Yanagi wrote, “There’s something that I want to tell you.” Looking flustered, Kujou thinks that she also has something.. “Yanagi, I also have..” To the two’s surprise, Kujou immediately runs off.

Comment: And, you guys have around one month to imagine what will happen next. ^^ Will there be finally, finally be a confession? Who’ll confess first? My bet is it will be both at the same time. What’s yours?

I’m kind of sure that it won’t be like what Yanagi envisioned it. That will be a shoujo cliché and this manga seems to be making a spoof of that..or rather, making fun of shoujo. For the climax for the series, I hope that it will be awesome, different and of course, make us all go ah—sweet, etc and it will be worth all this wait. ^^

Honestly, after first reading this, I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry over this two. ^^; Sometimes, I do wonder if the father is just pulling something. I mean, suddenly Yanagi has to leave after completing his requirements and making him realize his priority as the successor. Is he really serious or he is just giving him some sort of helping hand with Kujou? That was so fast that it seems surreal as if it was intentional whatever the motive is. Hehe, unless the purpose is to lead to the confession.

Nevertheless, this time, Kujou is indeed going to chase after Yanagi. And, for Kujou, it is just a short time compared to the long time that Yanagi gone through what she had gone through. So, definitely within a few months <- if the confession doesn’t happen in the next chapter, we’ll finally get to read/see the most awaited scene we’re always waiting for ^^ Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. ~ Marilyn vos Savant

PS. I found this comic strip in the Chinese scanlator’s weibo. This must be from the mangaka’s Twitter. They scanlated it into Chinese and I scanlated it into English. Since this is ending, maybe some of you haven’t read it yet so here it is: The narration of the male lead’s unfruitful ten years of unrequited love story.

[Free talk: For Skip Beat fans who are interested in the 'Skip Beat! Official North American Release', there is a petition going on to raise funds for it. Go here. ]

Ume had asked Sawako to go to the Normal University with her. She tells Sawako that she doesn’t have this kind of thinking wherein she wants to split them up, nor forgetting everything that happened in the past to get along with her. Sawako says, ya. Then, she nods. After that, Ume goes on her way.

Sawako thinks that Ume has already acknowledged her. Sawako clenches her fist. In her room, Ayane cannot study because she is busy thinking about Pin. She wonders if she’s too anxious and she couldn’t stand this. She looks at the throat lozenge that Pin gave her.

She starts grumbling that it isn’t the type she likes, whether it is the exterior appearance or even the flavor, such a hindrance and what is she going to do with it. Then, her phone beeps. It is a message for Ayane and Sawako from Chizuru who asks if they are studying on Obon Festival day. She asks if they can meet each other somewhere nearby.

At a park, Chizuru happily exclaims that it has been a long time since they saw each other. She starts to cry if they’re studying and she’s so lonely since the two of them are together. She tearfully worries that Ume will take her place. Ayane tells her that Sawako and Ume already spend the night [/camp] together.

Chizuru screams that’s too cunning and she couldn’t forgive Ume. Sawako asks if she wants to join the study camp. Chizuru refuses. They ask her how was the camp. Sawako tells them that Ume apologized with all her might regarding that rumor before. Sawako says that actually, Ume felt very guilty about this issue and she is always reflecting on it by herself so..

Chizuru says that Ume didn’t tell that to her. After a pause, Sawako exclaims that Ume is very apologetic and is she being too talkative. Sawako says that she hesitated before but this is about everyone so she also hopes that they can understand Ume so she’s saying this.

Chizuru says that those are two [different] things. Sawako[?] says that this is very important. Ayane says that it is alright, it is only Chizuru who really likes this kind of scene, that’s all. Ayane muses is that so, Ume finally said it out because after all, during the usual times, she always have this want to say it but couldn’t.

It is because what she did is considered awful so she is also very afraid of apologizing. Ume wanted to overcome this hurdle and properly get along with Sawako and it is because Ume has come to like Sawako. This made Sawako blush. Chizuru complains that it always felt that their relationship with Ume had become very close and when the phone hanged up..

Ayane says what about it, anyway, the misunderstanding has been resolved and it is known that Shouta isn’t unfaithful. Chizuru says that she is also very lonely but in order not to disturb them as much as possible, she endured not calling but they completely forgot her so in any case, there will be a day when they’ll hide from her to become a three person comic sketch, a group of bad people!!

Sawako is very happy by that. She tells her that she didn’t forget for look, she brought Chizuru’s favorite rice crackers. This immediately made Chizuru hug Sawako tightly. Then, Chizuru asks how about Ayane. Ayane apologizes and says that she forgot about her. This shocks Chizuru. Ayane laughs. She says that she’s lying for she is always thinking what’s up with Ayane and she really wants to see her.

Sawako is very happy to be liked by the person she likes. They ask Chizuru how she is spending summer. Chizuru says that it is the usual, working at Ryu’s place. Ayane asks if Pin also comes. Chizuru says that he always comes and he’s super annoying. Ayane asks if she calls up Ryu for this is the first summer when they’re apart. Chizuru says that they do call each other.

Ayane says that it’s good that they get to occasionally talk. Chizuru timidly says that they talk every night. The two goes to tease her by whistling that it embarrasses Chizuru and tells them not to be like that especially Sawako who cannot even whistle.

Ayane says if they are talking about ‘like you’ and ‘want to see you’-type of stuff. Chizuru exclaims in shock and says that they talk about ramen or rather, the ramen store. Chizuru starts telling them that before she always thinks that flow is the life of a ramen store so she considers the long table as super important.

She felt that the whole store having just a long table is just perfect but while working, she saw some people bringing children along so that she thought how about a Japanese style box-seat [/I think that is a four-seat table] and that isn’t bad.

So, she starts to think that having a long table + Japanese style box-seat is god-level pairing. But Ryu says that it is enough that the ramen is delicious so they are always arguing about it. Ayane says no, it is only Chizuru who is saying it on her own and getting angry on her own. She teases Chizuru that it is great for they can talk about long-term [things?] and this is conjugal love.

Chizuru nervously says that it isn’t so and was that conjugal love? Ayane muses that in the end, Chizuru is very much at ease and fortune has come. This made Sawako ask her if she is actually very uneasy. Ayane admits that she is and her heart has a bit of anxious but how can she say it, seeing their faces, the effort became a pile of expressions. This puzzles the two.

Sparkling Ayane says that actually there is someone whose mood is more unstable than hers, yes, she [Ayane] is a lot better and compared to Chizuru, she is calmer. Chizuru asks Sawako if Ayane isn’t the same as usual. Sawako says that it is stable’s unstable.

Chizuru asks what does that mean and she is thankful to Ayane for coming since during this kind of time, Ayane will immediately lock herself up in her house and immediately refuse. Ayane says yes, if she sent the message earlier, she might refuse but she doesn’t know why but thinking of Pin’s foolish face, she decided to come out for some air! Sawako looks surprised over Ayane’s smiling face.

Chizuru says that Ayane unexpectedly thought of Pin. It is a rare summer vacation so there’s no need to see him. Thinking of Pin, Ayane says that she wasn’t thinking of him that much. Chizuru laughs and says that she didn’t think of him even in a tiny bit. Ayane says that it is because she sees him practically everyday.

Chizuru laughs and says that she didn’t think of him even more, just thought of him [unconsciously]. Sawako is quietly watching Ayane’s expressions. Soon, they say goodbye. Sawako seems to have realized something about Ayane. While walking, Ayane is thinking of Pin. She passes by the convenient store where he found her all wet. This made her blush and quickly run off.

Ayane is surprised to see Pin at the station. She screams loudly that Pin has to cover her mouth. While Pin tells the bystanders that he isn’t some suspicious person, the others are saying that he must be some pervert and quickly call the station officer.

Soon, the officer came as Pin continues to insist that he didn’t do anything. Blushing Ayane tells the officer that is isn’t so..this person..is just her teacher that’s all. She was startled..sorry..he didn’t do anything. Pin tells the officer that isn’t it what he said. The officer asks if he didn’t threaten her. This irks Pin.

Soon, the misunderstanding is resolved. Flustered Ayane asks why he is here. He says that he is going to take a ride back to his hometown. Pin laughs over her expression of ‘don’t want to see you’. Ayane looks surprised and says that yes, she doesn’t want to see him but from a while ago, she was thinking of him.

He puts his hand on her forehead and asks if she has a fever since her face is so red..strange, she doesn’t seem to have one. She quickly slaps his hand away. She shouts that she is just embarrassed and she’s fine so let go!! Pin says that she talks as if he is a germ. Ayane says that isn’t what she meant. This puzzles Pin.

Ayane couldn’t pull herself together that she starts shouting ‘no good, no good!!’ Pin comments that she seems to be in such an excited mood. He says that there is something that he wanted to ask her. Does she have an older sister? Ayane says yes. He asks how old. She says 20 which is too young for Pin and 24 which can be considered.

Realizing his intention, Ayane exclaims that she won’t help introduce him. He shouts for her not to be so petty. Ayane exclaims that her oldest sister already has a boyfriend. Pin shouts that he is betting on opportunity but the 20 year old is no good for she’s still a brat. This made Ayane flustered and pout. She looks away that made Pin think that she’s angry. Ayane asks if he wants a girlfriend.

Pin says yes, and how come he still doesn’t have a girlfriend, this is quite baffling. She mutters that 20 years old is too young.. Pin exclaims that it’s too young!! Ayane says forget it.. He calls her an idiot. She says yes, she really feels that she is big hopeless idiot.

Pin comments that it feels like she is very honest today. Pin leans to her and says that there is definitely something troubling her so is there something he can help her win. She says that he couldn’t help. Pin exclaims that there is nothing that he cannot help her with. She insists that he couldn’t help. Pin says that he also have unusual days so if something is up, tell him.

Looking at him, Ayane says then, hand..hold..shake hands!! She holds up her hand and says that it is for her to strive hard to prepare for the college entrance exam. He tells her to hold up both hands. He holds both hands and tells her that there’s no need to worry, it will be alright, and she can definitely do it!! Then, the train arrives. Pin asks if she isn’t getting on it.

Ayane says that there are too many people so she’ll ride the next one. She watches him leave on the train. Later on, Ayane arrives home. Her sister asks if she has a throat lozenge for her throat doesn’t feel well. After a pause, Ayane says that she doesn’t have one. Then, Ayane goes into her room to tightly hold on to that throat lozenge.

Comment: Well, this confirms the obvious that Ayane does have a thing for Pin. The problem will be Pin. If Ayane is older, will she be okay? For now, he seems to have zero romantic interest towards her. Ume seems to have won Sawako over.

I’m not sure if Chizuru is just being emo about being left out or she isn’t happy over Ume getting into Sawako’s life. ^^; Still, things are doing well between her and Ryu. Even if they aren’t talking lovey-dovey stuff, it is still something that they are talking on the phone every night ^^ Scans by 夜莺工作室

Word of the day:

Remember, the ultimate source of encouragement is not people but God. Go to Him for fresh encouragement— then go out and encourage others. Even if you have nothing else to give, you can give encouragement. ~ Our Daily Bread

Before Shibaken can get out on the stage, someone shouts, “That hurts!!” This made Shibaken stop. Holding up her hand while using the other to hold her reddish cheek, a girl shouts that this man hit her.

Everyone looks at her and a guy who had a sheepish expression. Riko stops singing as the girl shouts loudly again that she was hit by a man just now. The band also stops playing. Everyone is asking what happened and if there is an accident. The man shouts in disbelief and denies that he hit her.

The girl shouts that it is common sense that it is prohibited to shove during a performance. The man continues to deny it. The girl shouts at the staff members for not protecting the order [of the place] properly. The staff members are startled and flustered by that.

Removing her earpiece, Riko calls out to the girl if she is alright. Still holding her reddish cheek, the girl exclaims how it is possible that she would be okay!! “I have seen that it is written on the board, ‘Please sing one more song to end it.’ It is because you didn’t stop!!” This surprises Riko.

Another man exclaims, ha, what nonsense she is saying. Her seatmate exclaims how she can say such words to Mush, apologize! The audience at the back are wondering what’s going on in front. Aki watches on. Shibaken watches on. To the staff members’ surprise, Riko jumps down the stage.

They try to tell Riko to go back on the stage and ask the people not to crowd in [to Riko]. Riko apologizes as she asks the people to let her through. They all call out to her.

The injured girl is surprised to see Riko in front of her. The staff members continue to tell the people to please don’t push around for this is very dangerous. Facing the girl, Riko says, “I’m really very sorry. As I kept on singing, all the more I get excited that I got immersed into it.. *formally bows to the girl* I’ll think over my shortcoming. I’m very sorry.”

Riko looks flustered. The girl seems surprised as the others watch on. Yuu exclaims what is happening just now. Sou says that it seems that Riko is directly apologizing.. Yuu asks for real, and is she okay. Aki looks slightly flustered. Standing up again, Riko apologizes to everyone that they’ll have a bad memory because of her..when it is obviously a rare LIVE..

A man says that it is alright and don’t mind. A girl tells her that there’s no need to apologize. The others agree. The injured girl looks flustered that she starts to cry. She shouts that anyway, it is her [girl] fault anyway! Riko says no, no. The girl insists that it is her own fault.

Kyoko is on the backstage. Shibaken asks her if suitable for him to go out right now. Kyouko says no, if he makes an appearance, all the more there will be a riot. Soichiro asks them to hand over the microphone to him and like this, they can only announce ‘It ends here’.

Shibaken and Kyoko look unhappy about that. The other people in the audience start wondering what’s going on and they couldn’t see Mush. They wonder if the LIVE will still continue, where is Mush, and by the way, it’s really hot.

The injured girl keeps on sobbing. Riko is at a loss over what to do. Everyone is surprised when Lucca starts to play the drums. The catchy beat starts to make some of the audience clap along. The other band members also join in to clap their hands.

Soon, everyone is happily clapping their hands along with the beat. Riko noticing that the mood of the audience had returned when they call out for Mush. Riko asks the injured girl if she is okay. The girl tells her to please continue the performance.

Riko bows to her. She puts on her ear piece and heads back on the stage with the help of the staff members. Kyoko is delighted over what Lucca did. As Eliza’s drummer, Lucca had gone through 8 years on road shows and polished by indoor LIVEs so she is already very mature. She has ample experience with LIVE performances.

With the audience clapping, Riko goes back on the stage. As Lucca goes into the climax of her drumming, Riko seriously looks at the audience. She jumps up and starts singing again, “Moved overwhelmingly, surpasses unrivalled perfection♪” Aki mutters that drummer is so amazing. This made Sou become flustered as he looks at Lucca.

After the concert, Kyoko happily hugs Lucca and thanks her. The staff members are happily clapping and saying ‘good job’ [/otsukaresama]. Lucca happily laughs and admits that she is really frightened but it’s really great that it corresponded with the audience. Riko faces Kyoko. She bows and apologizes to Kyoko.

To Riko’s surprise, Kyoko also bows to her and says that due to their operational mistake, they have given her a bad memory. “I truly apologize.” After looking surprised, Riko freaks out and says no..not at all and it is because she is too excited so she’s really very sorry.

Riko notices her looking sideways. Kyoko looks at her again and says that at that time, she is definitely very scared, right. Riko says no.. Then, she starts to become teary-eyed.

As Shibaken watches on, Kyoko asks if she knows why she didn’t listen to the instruction to end the concert. Riko becomes flustered and mutters that is..because..she didn’t considered.. Kyoko smiles and says that it is because she is a real artist.

While Riko looks surprised, Kyoko says that she couldn’t restrain the desire to sing. “Do not criticize yourself for being like that. Do not let the experience this time become a reason for you to repress your feelings of wanting to sing onstage...

...It is my job for the artist to perform as much as one likes and yet at the same time, ensure the safety of the audience watching the performance. *the audience is dispersing while saying that it was amazing and they enjoyed it* Today, I’m the cause for giving you a bad memory. *bows* I truly apologize for that.”

Another tear forms on surprised Riko’s eye. Riko wipes it off. While Sou and others are looking for Riko, Kyoko says, “But, can you please think it over for a while. If there are no very good performers around, how would the situation today turn out to be.”

As Sou finds Riko, Kyoko folds her arms and says that if the people behind Riko are only just her amateur friends, how the situation today would turn out. Riko becomes flustered. She looks at the side to see her friends behind Kyoko. Aki is behind them.

There was a pause since they all heard what Kyoko said. Sou suddenly shouts to Lucca that she is so amazing. Shaking Lucca’s hands, Sou exclaims that she’s really super amazing and he got all excited seeing that. Lucca thanks him. Lucca notices that he is holding her hand tightly.

Sou says that he also..he’ll also definitely play as good as her, gambatte [/strive hard]. Riko looks a bit glum over this. Yuu looks surprised while Aki looks flustered. Kyoko says that even if he strives harder, it cannot guarantee that he can definitely do it, right.

To her surprise, Sou says that if it is like that, then it is inevitable but right now, he will still strive hard as if his life depended on it. “Before I can persistently try to strive hard always until I succeed, you shouldn’t deny my capability like that.” Kyouko looks at Yuu and asks, “What about you?”

Surprised Yuu says, me? He becomes flustered as he recalls his father saying that he should properly study and get into a good college for the music club activity’s limit is two years. Yuu suddenly becomes nervous. He mutters, “I.. I I will also.. do my best.” And, Aki looks flustered over this.

Comment: Well, there was no stampede but it turns out that someone was accidentally hit by another person. It doesn’t help that girl made a huge issue about it and puts everyone in an awkward position. Riko did great for asking if the girl is alright and even apologize for what happened.

The rest of the job is done well by Lucca who helps bring back the audience’s mood for the concert so that they can end it on a happy note. Perhaps, it is for the plot but I would think that Lucca is quite young compared to the guitarist and bassist yet she acted quickly. ^^;

It is nice that Kyoko apologized to Riko for what happened. Even if she did that, she is still insistent about Riko should have better band members. As always, Sou managed to say the right things and has a positive attitude about it. Though, that can be viewed as being ‘naïve’ but true, one will never know unless one tried. Even Kyouko couldn’t refute him anymore after saying those things.

The weakest link for now is Yuu who isn’t as confident as Sou. In a way, he might be similar with Aki who will waver if it is shown that they aren’t good enough. Will that cause trouble later on? Riko couldn’t defend her friends either based on Kyouko’s hypothetical question. Will reality catch up to this band just like with CP? Time will tell. Scans by 红莲&wink炖蘑菇汉化组

Quote of the day:

APOLOGIZE. It brings healing, provides closure, and frees your mind. ~ Stephanie Lahart

Keeping watch by the door, Jamalta thinks that they were followed. “Are they people dispatched from the palace? How can that be!? What to do, I cannot just sit here and wait for death like this!!” Saga is quickly putting a blanket on Mino’s head to hide him.

At the palace’s throne room, the servants inform the king that that the princess is indeed no longer in the palace. “Not only that, but the Third Prince had provoked a Han noble to anger. All of the palace’s officials are anxious.” Choewi holds his head and asks what the Han noble is asking for. The servant says that if he can be bold to say, they [king and others] think of a way..regarding delivering [/sending] the princess..

Choedal curses about those useless people. He tells his father to look at the mistake that extremely arrogant Third had done. “An offense has been committed against a Han, what is the best thing to do? Everyone who has something to do with this incident has to be punished.”

Choewi calls out to him and says that the Hans whom they serve only wanted to get their princess yet he’ll [Choedal] unexpectedly wanted to kill the innocent. This infuriates Choedal but he couldn’t do anything about it. The king orders his servant to find Saga and do not let the outside world know about the princess has gone missing. “Capture her alive and bring her back.”

Later on, Choedal is still furious over what happened. An older man tells him not to be so troubled. Choedal calls him, Jindagong [鎮大公; I’m not sure if the two ending characters is his title or his name. It can mean Archduke but I don’t think they have such a title during those times ^^;]

He tells Choedal that the king is already very weak and the Third Prince has an illness that has not yet been cured. “It is better to just search for the princess. In all likelihood, the Han also cannot dignifiedly release this. [<- attack them or news about it to spread around?] Prince, you only have to wait and see and do not be overly anxious.”

Choedal exclaims that even if he doesn’t say that, he also knows [that]! After a pause, Choedal asks what’s up with Jingeumgong for he heard that wound had persisted that he is still bedridden on his bed. [Jingeumgong is the guy whose eye was injured by Choedal when he had a fit of anger before when the Third is getting all the stuff from Han. The scanlators changes his surname from 真 to 鎮]

Jindagong asks forgiveness for his son’s shortcomings. “It is a monstrous crime of insubordination that even if a lowlife [/little man] will lose his job for a million times as an apology, it still cannot be compensated.”

Choedal says that he cannot believe that such a small wound would cause him to fall in just one blow. Jindagong continues to bow and says that it troubled him [Choedal]. Choedal says that is enough, if there is anything up, he’ll call for him again. “That’s right. First deliver the medicine to the Third. Even if it is like this, this is also the eldest’s duty.”

Jindagong says yes, your highness the prince. He looks up and seems to be glaring [have dead eyes] at Choedal who is walking away. At Choegeum’s place, Choegeum angrily tosses the things around while he tightly holds on the bed. He mutters, “..that woman unexpectedly dared to go against me.. That woman.. has the audacity to.. Absolutely going to find you.. Sa[ga].. you woman..

...*trembling all over* After I find you, I’ll definitely tear you to shreds.. Eh..ah ah- *Cheongye watches him from the door.* Quickly call the doctor! Leg.. My legs!! (This damned curse!!!) Ugh ah ah-”

Cheongye smiles as Baldie holds her to him. She laughs as he loosens her blouse. Back at the hut, Jamalta immediately pins down the man earlier [who is interested in kidnapping Saga]. While Saga is hiding Mino under a blanket, Jamalta asks who he is and from where did he come from.

The man shouts that he’ll say it, don’t kill him, he’ll say everything. Saga thinks that Jamalta’s skill [/kung fu] for doing that in a wink is so amazing since he immediately captured that guy and it is true that the Malgal-s are very good with military force [/fighting]!

The man says that this place is originally their territory..and the ones who casually came in are them. “Who are you people? How come you people are idling your time away and strolling around the village!” Thinking that it is just a villager, Jamalta asks how many are they for he unexpectedly said ‘their’..

The man screams when Jamalta grips his hand tighter. Saga tells Jamalta not to be like that for they are just villagers, that’s all. Jamalta shouts, do not move! The man shouts that right now, he isn’t moving. Saga freaks out when a man suddenly punches himself in through the wall near her.

Holding Mino tight, Saga shouts no. Jamalta is forced to let the man go and rush to Saga’s side. Jamalta is poised to stab the other man with a knife when the man hit his forehead with a rock. As Jamalta holds his head, the man says that it seems that he isn’t an ordinary person but then, it isn’t the same when he has something to protect.

“There is anesthetic smeared on this sword. In a while, it will take effect.” With his head bleeding, Jamalta notices that he got slashed on the left arm. He immediately swings his sword at the bonfire causing the dust and debris to blind the two men.

Jamalta tells Saga that they’ll head towards the forest. Saga says okay. As they run off, the man and his companion laugh and shout that it is useless for they know this place inside out. Upon seeing a third figure, the other man says what, there is someone else with them. The man exclaims to get the others. Meanwhile, the boy is watching Saga and others from a cliff above.

He thinks that in the end, that man wants to keep everything for himself. “I must go and tell the leader.” Then, Mino’s blanket got stuck on some branches. Saga shouts for him not to get it anymore for they have to quickly go. So, Mino left the blanket and runs off. The boy looks surprised.

Later on, Jamalta falls on his knees. Saga worriedly asks if he is okay. While holding up his hand to her [to show that he is okay], Jamalta curses for he had unexpectedly fallen into this kind of situation. He wonders Machanyuta’s reaction if he were to know this.

Jamalta imagines Machanyuta will seriously look at him with a scowl and say who said that he can die without his permission, does he want to die? Holding his head, Jamalta curses for his consciousness is getting hazy.

Jamalta tells Saga that he is fine so they first go find a place to hide. Saga tries to protest for he.. Jamalta asks if she still doesn’t understand, their goal isn’t him but the princ.. Then, there is some rustling ahead. The boy comes out and tells them that he knows of a place where they can hide. Saga and Mino look at each other while Jamalta look surprised.

Saga tells Mino to help support Jamalta up. Jamalta tries to protest and tells her to wait, for them to easily trust.. Saga exclaims that this isn’t the time to think over that. Jamalta thinks, what? “Of course, we have to make sure, this woman! Darn, I cannot muster any strength!”

He mutters for them to stop but they still helped him walk to the place where the boy is leading them. Mino is looking around that Saga asks what it is. Mino tells her to look at that side. He says that there was a fire on this mountain. Saga asks if this mountain was burned. They see burned trees all over the place. The boy says that this place had suffered a curse. “The black curse.. so nothing will set foot on this place.”

He looks at Mino. Mino is puzzled by that. Soon, they managed to bring Jamalta inside a cave. Mino holds Jamalta’s forehead. Saga asks Mino if Jamalta is alright. Gesturing quietly, Mino tells Saga that even if he doesn’t know what medicine to use but he knows what can ease the symptom so he’ll go find some herbs.

Saga exclaims what, he’ll go find, no! “You’re still not well! Don’t go! What will I do if you were caught?” Mino slightly pokes her forehead. He says that for now, there is no other choice. Saga holds his hand and says no [it isn’t that], it is already enough that they can be together. “If it is like that, we can go through anything. Everything will be okay.” Mino slightly scowls and looks sad. The boy watches them then looks away.

Soon, everyone is sound asleep. The boy goes to Mino who is sitting while sleeping. The boy recalls their leader saying, “The black curse. Brat, if this is the black curse that people are saying then, it is fine for you to just find the opposite, someone who got the white curse. It is said that a miracle drug is hidden inside them.”

Flashback: The boy asked the leader if that is true. The leader told him to believe him for if he got it, he’ll attain happiness. End flashback. Smiling while holding a dagger, the boy thinks, “What leader said is true. I have found..a white person! The white curse!” He holds up his dagger and holds it down towards Mino.

Recalling what the leader told him, the boy is now going to stab Mino. To his surprise, Mino grabs hold of his wrist causing the boy to drop the dagger. Holding a small knife, Jamalta says, “Very lucky for it appears that you are of use compared to your master. But this plan is also very reckless, right? *Mino didn’t reply* Not bad. Come, let’s ask what is his reason for doing this.”

Saga wakes up when the boy is shouting for them to let him go. While the two are beating the boy down to tie him up, Saga exclaims what they are doing. “Huh? What?” Soon, the boy’s wrists are tied up. Someone asks, “To undo the curse?” Jamalta says that the ones who raided them are certainly villagers. “Are you part of that group?” The boy didn’t answer.

Jamalta thinks but he can be certain that they are not dispatched from the palace. Jamalta asks the boy why he would do such a thing. Trembling, the boy says the black..curse.. “My family lived at this mountain. For a long time now, the spirit has been confining the flame within for us. Everyone always firmly believes that they only have to offer a sacrifice to the spirit and it will protect us. But one day..”

Flashback: The people shouted that there is a forest fire. With their packed things, the people shouted to quickly escape for the fire is huge and the situation isn’t improving at all. “If we’re not able to contain the large fire, its flames will make everything go up into smoke.”

A shaman shook his tambourine while holding up a knife. He shouted, “The spirit is angered! There is someone who dared to get a glimpse into the spirit’s appearance!! Find a person who has black on its body!!” The boy exclaimed, “No, mother.. Mother, she..!”

The boy quickly ran while the mob with torches is behind him. The boy shouted and clung on to his mother who had black [birthmarks?] spots on half her face and wrist. The mother is shocked to see the angry mob. They held the boy while they burned the house down with his mother in it. End flashback.

The boy tearfully cried. Jamalta thinks that he has never heard of that.. He is surprised when Saga goes to the boy to comfort him. The boy says that it wasn’t easy for his mother to continue to live on but like before, she is still trapped by the black curse. “Have..to undo..the curse..”

Saga tells the boy not to cry anymore for there is definitely a way. “Let us think of a way together, okay? You’re really afraid of losing your mother, right? *hugs the crying boy* I know that it has been difficult for you..” Jamalta is displeased that Saga had immediately forgotten what that brat is going to do a while ago and she also don’t think of her own plight.

He notices Saga looking puppy-eyes at him. It is an expression of asking Jamalta to do something. Irked Jamalta has an expression of ‘You’ll even say that *points at Mino* Do you want to sacrifice that white face?’ Saga scowls and thinks that he’s despicable. She looks at Mino.

Upon seeing Mino’s sad face, Saga quickly looks away and seems to be tense. Mino sighs and tells Saga that they have to leave this place first. She says yes. This surprises Jamalta. He angrily thinks, “These people, really!” And, the two are heading out the cave with the boy.

Soon, they are walking around the mountain. Saga is having a hard time climbing up. Jamalta tries to help her but Saga says that she’s fine. Saga notices that her hand is injured but she just tightly clenches it to bear with it. Mino holds out his hand to her. Slightly flustered Saga takes Mino’s hand.

Jamalta sighs and thinks that before he[?] gets thoroughly fed up, they[?] must quickly leave this place. While catching her breath, Saga thinks that Mino is still angry. “While we are in the palace, he will always welcome me with a smiling face but after we got out of the palace, he never once smiled...

...The one who wanted for us to be together isn’t only me so how come he doesn’t understand that just like in the past, we can be very happy together. Here..outside the palace.” In a hut, the boy calls out to his mother. While timidly looking at them, the boy shows them his mother.

The mother still has black marks on her body but she is badly burned. The others are shocked. While Mino checks her, the mother slightly moves and starts muttering, hu hu hu. Saga is horrified. Also bothered by this, Jamalta thinks that it is such a serious burn yet she can still live on, it’s really..

The boy asks Mino to help him for he can save his mother, right? Mino looks slightly surprised. He looks serious and walks away. Holding his mother’s arm, the boy says that he knows that he can so why? “Look! My mother is black and you are white! Aren’t you also cursed! The white curse!”

Saga is puzzled by this ‘curse’ thing. Jamalta interrupts by asking for him to say that, then, how should it be done, stinky brat. “Are you saying that there has to be an offering in order to save your mother? It will be okay if he dies?” The boy says, “No..it isn’t that..I..” Jamalta asks, “What isn’t? It is the same reason the people of your village used..

..sacrificing other people just like what your mother had encountered.” This shocks the boy. He recalls the time when he shouted for his bandaged mother to pull herself together. The mother said, “Hurts..it really hurts.. So painful.. Kill me.. Kill mama..”

The crying boy turned to the others who said, “Kid, don’t look at us with that kind of expression. We are appeasing the spirit or else, all of us will be killed. You’re mother suffered the black curse..” End flashback. Saga shouts at Jamalta over what he wants to do by saying those things!

Jamalta sighs and says, “Those words? You heard them yet you don’t understand? Compared to other things, think of your own plight first.” This puzzles Saga. Pointing to Mino, Jamalta says, “Look here, what will happen to that person.” Slightly scowling, Mino looks serious then looks away.

Saga thinks, “Huh? Wait.. Wait a moment.. Mino, he.. Always after getting out of the palace.. Could it be..” Saga seems to have realized something. They were surprised when the man calls out, “Hey, stinky brat, are you inside?!” Looking at the boy, Jamalta thinks that it is those men, and as expected, he [boy] is part of the group!

Jamalta peeks out of the door and curses for there are more people compared before. “It is truly insane that we unexpectedly came here!” Saga asks what to do for there is no place that they can hide there. Jamalta curses that he didn’t think of it when they came here. “First, hide behind the door.”

Saga says okay. Jamalta worriedly looks at the boy. Soon, Jamalta and the others are standing behind the door on both sides. The boy is standing in front of the door. There is a sound of the men coming towards the house. The three are tense when the boy opens the door.

The man exclaims, “Brat! Where did that couple [in an illicit love affair] went to! You’ve unexpectedly even told the leader! You are always keeping a close watch on those guys so where did they run off to? Huh?” Jamalta and others realize that it is all the boy’s doing. After a pause, the boy answers, “I don’t know. I don’t know where they went.”

Comment: It will dawn to Saga soon that the outside world isn’t exactly nice either. This world has a lot of superstitions especially towards people who are different in their physical features. I’m inclined to think that what Jamalta is hinting is that Mino will be in major trouble outside the palace. When she first found him, he was thought to be a sacrifice to lead the dead. Now, it is to remove some curse. In a way, Jamalta should also know of those since people think of all sorts of things regarding his blue eye.

And, even if Saga isn’t part of those superstitions, her beauty attracts too much attention that men will have undesirable intentions towards her. So, it is indeed understandable that Mino isn’t too happy with the turn of events. But then, are things better within the palace? It seems pretty much the same though Mino didn’t know what happened to Saga that night.

The boy suffered a lot. The mother’s fate is really awful and that doesn’t even start to describe it. In that flashback, she can still sit and move but now, she is just a ‘shell’ that couldn’t move at all yet suffering from pain. I guess the boy is also desperate because he really love his mother, and he was totally helpless to stop the others from doing that to his mother.

Since he is lying about the others in the house, did what Jamalta say to him made him have a change of heart? He practically told the boy that what he is doing is the same what the others did to his mother. So, if he approves of that way of doing things, he has no reason to be angry at the people who had done this. They are all the same.

Somehow, I think either the boy or the leader might be important for this little group. The boy is smart and can be a very useful spy ^^ The leader might be an enemy though. Not quite sure about the reason why he is telling that story to the boy. Is it to find a ‘white person’ whom they can sell for an expensive price? The leader’s vague character design makes me think that he’ll be important later on. ^^;

Things are happening in the palace. What happened to Saga seems to lead to Nakrang’s downfall. The king is sick and old. His decision is more on appeasing the Hans. The Han noble’s pride as a man had taken a beating that he probably wants to get Saga back to pay back for that humiliation. The eldest is too aggressive and rash to punish people.

That Jindagong seems submissive and everything but he seems to be also waiting for a good opportunity to do something. I get a feeling that his son is in very bad condition. Probably the eye got infected? The Third is indeed sick which seems to be connected to his mentality. Cheongye must be very happy and satisfied to see him in that state. Though, I’m not sure why she is with Baldie. Has she also gone crazy? Is it an exchange to let her see the Third in that state? Who is using who? And, the fourth prince is in seclusion.

Anyway, Jamalta got his work cut out for him. He has to babysit two kids who’ll attract other people’s attention. It doesn’t help that one is very naïve about how the real world works. It doesn’t help that if he makes a mistake, his life and the others hang in the balance. ^^; It is amusing though that when the anesthetic is taking effect, he’ll think of Machanyuta =P Just like with these two and Machanyuta, even if Jamalta tries to resist, in the end, he tends to end up doing what they want. ^^;;

Quote of the day:

Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom. ~ Bertrand Russell

Everyone is shocked when Haruto kissed Yu on the lips. Blushing Yu thinks, wait..why, don’t.. Takumi pulls dizzy Yu away and says okay, that’s it for now. “Even if you don’t care to be seen but consider Yu’s feeling for a bit.” The other girls had become stone over this. Haruto says that it doesn’t matter to him because he’ll do what he wants to do. This made Yu bite her lip and think ah, is that so?

While the other blushing girls think that it is like a television drama, Takumi asks them not to cause too much of an uproar. The girls say okay. Takumi complains to Haruto that he really is the type who doesn’t go and ponder over his actions. Haruto asks can’t he?

Yu takes a glass of drink and shouts, “Of course, you can’t!” Haruto evades. Coming in to ask Haruto to eat with him, Kaji ends up being splashed by the drink. Yu apologizes to him. Haruto calls her really stupid.

The headmaster arrives when Takumi is trying to calm Yu down and stop her from throwing another drink on to Haruto. The headmaster asks what is this ruckus? At the headmaster’s office, she tells Haruto and Yu that even if she doesn’t know what had happened but they cannot cause trouble for everyone, understand?

Embarrassed Yu says yes.. She couldn’t tell the headmaster what happened. Haruto apologizes for causing an uproar. Sparkling headmaster tells Haruto that it is alright, and that’s right, in a while, there will be inspections for the air conditioners [and other facilities] so if there is a problem, immediately inform her.

Yu asks what about her. Holding her cat, the headmaster tells Yu to properly listen the vice-dorm head. Just when Haruto is leaving, Yu immediately catches up to him and blocks his way by putting her foot on the wall.

Haruto smiles and says that her imposing manner today is quite good. Yu thinks that if her heart always beat fast, she won’t be able to measure up to him. Yu says that even if she knows that he hates her but don’t do that kind of thing again.

To her shock, Haruto says, “I like..like your ‘bad mood’ expression.” Before she can say anything, Haruto grabs up her leg and says that she’s quite interesting when she rebel by baring her fangs to threaten him. This made her blush. When he lifted her foot higher, Yu shouts what he is doing. In the end, she fell down on the floor. She shouts for him to wait for she is still not.. To her irritation, he tells her that her leg is really thick.

Blushing red upon recalling the kiss, Yu felt very frustrated and very angry. She hopes to quickly calm down. Yu returns to her room to find Meiko getting her things. She tells Yu that she’s back and she’s late. She suggests that they go take a bath since she had perspired a lot. This puzzles Yu for Meiko is unexpectedly very normal.

Inside the public bath, Meiko comments that it is very spacious. Yu explains that because everyone’s bath time is fixed, there are few dorm students [here right now]. Meiko says is that so. Meiko asks Yu if she is going steady with Haruto. This shocks Yu that she exclaims how can that be!!

Meiko says but, he kissed her just now. Yu says that is just his prank. Meiko stares at Yu which made her uneasy because she isn’t wearing make-up. Meiko says that even if it is a prank, she also wants to be kissed by Haruto. Yu admits to herself that at that moment, she did think of ‘don’t do that [kiss] to others except for me’. Yu apologizes to Meiko.

Meiko tells her that they go and look at Haruto’s room. Yu says that they can’t go to the guys’ side. Meiko says that didn’t Tarako went to Kaji’s room? Yu says but the other party is black devil.. Meiko says that Yu’ll help her right and she’ll cheer her on right? This made Yu says okay and since it is like that they are going for the assault.

At the vending machine, Haruto buys a cold drink. He curses over bathing for too long that he’s dizzy. A girl passes by and asks him if he has seen the head master’s cat for it hasn’t come back when it is already time to eat. The guard was also asked to find the cat. Walking down from the male’s dorm with a net, the guard wonders when their dorm started having a pet cat.

Yu and Meiko are behind the stairs. When the guard left, Yu tells Meiko to quickly go. They reach the male’s dorm. Meiko says that her heart is beating quite fast. Yu thinks that even if it will be tragic if they are found out but if she didn’t put effort at this time, she cannot be considered a friend!

Meiko tells Yu that they have to quickly go. To Meiko’s shock, Yu tells her that she doesn’t know where Haruto’s room is. At the corner, Yu says that there are still other students here so they cannot search in every room.

Hiding by the trash bin, Meiko asks what they should do. Yu tells her to wait while she goes look around. Meiko says okay. Yu meets Takumi who just came out of his room. He calls out to her and she greets him. He asks her why she is here when girls are prohibited here.

Yu nervously says that she lost her way and what’s up with him [since he is teary-eyed]. Takumi says that when he returned to the room, he suddenly became allergic. He tells her that he made her see that side of him again. While he is scratching his itchy eyes, Yu thinks that he’s sparkling and looks so cute. She says that before he had a cat allergy so maybe the cat is hiding in his room.

This made Takumi have a headache and become dizzy. Yu offers to help him find the cat. Surprised, he asks if she will. She says wait a moment. Bringing Meiko with her, Yu says that she also have a helper so leave it up to her. Sparkling Meiko says that it is like a dream for she can also go in White Prince’s room.

Takumi comments that it turns out that she isn’t by herself. He says that he’ll leave it up to them even if he’ll apologize for the things inside his room. There are many gifts all around the place. Yu exclaims that there are a lot. Takumi sheepishly says that he isn’t good at tidying things up. When Yu is looking for the cat at some boxes, everything fell down on her.

Helping her, Takumi asks if she’s not hurt. Yu apologizes for it seems that the cat isn’t there. Soon, the girls are saying that there are many girls who wrote their cellphone numbers and one even attached a picture. Takumi says that he has already decided not to receive them anymore. Yu says that’s right or else, his room will be all piled up with gifts.

Meiko tells Yu to look at this, this person is beautiful and she’s in third year. Meiko compliments Yu that she should be proud of becoming the White Prince’s ex-girlfriend. Yu tells her to seriously look for the cat. Yu apologizes to Takumi.

While a cat is walking around the gifts, Yu suggests that they open the window for some air. After Yu opens the window, Takumi says that it’s great that she can still be in good terms with Meiko. He tells her that he is a bit worried since Haruto did that kind of thing a while ago. Flustered Yu says that it is because she already decided not to say it.

Yu wonders if it is really okay to keep hiding it like this. Just then, the cat jumps on Takumi’s shoulder. Takumi starts sneezing that Yu asks if he is okay. While the cat is on Yu’s face, Takumi mutters that he is always interrupted by a small animal. While Yu says that they hide it for a while, Meiko asks what they are talking about for the mood is very profound.

Just when Takumi is saying that it is about Yu’s love [life].., Yu tells him if he wants to hug the cat and it is very cute. Takumi immediately apologizes for he only want to pull a prank. Yu says that even if it is her, she’ll also occasionally counterattacks. This surprises him. The cat immediately runs out to the open door. Takumi thanks them for he’s alright when the cat is gone.

Yu says that is great. Takumi says that they have to quickly go back to the female dorm before they are found out. To Takumi’s surprise, Yu asks where is Haruto’s room. Meiko says that it is rare for her to come and stay at the dorm so she wants to get closer to Haruto. With hands together to ask for a favor, Yu asks Takumi to tell them.

Takumi sighs and says that it is next door. While Meiko is blushing, Yu thinks that they are really in front of the door and it is only now that she realized that they really don’t have a plan. To Yu’s shock, Meiko knocks on the door. There is no answer. Meiko says that he’s not here.

Yu says that she really has a lot of guts. To Yu’s shock again, Meiko opens the door. Yu tells her wait..don’t.. Meiko says that it isn’t easy to come here and it is alright for they got White Prince’s permission. Yu says that perhaps, he is just sleeping.

Inside the room, Meiko says that he isn’t around and his room is quite neat. Yu thinks that it feels a bit monotonous. Walking around inside, Meiko says that there are no displays [/decorations] inside and no wonder it is the Black Prince. Yu tells her that they quickly go back for they cannot casually go inside.

Yu is surprised when he heard Kaji telling Haruto that it is great that Haruto found the cat and it was returned to the headmaster’s place. Haruto says that it will be bad if the cat didn’t eat less. Kaji laughs and says that if Haruto were to take care of it, it will immediately become thin. Yu quietly closes the door.

Meiko asks if it is Haruto. Yu says that if they go out now, they’ll be found out. Before Haruto goes in his room, Takumi calls out to him and asks if he found the cat. While the girls are busy hiding, Haruto says that it seems to have run off from the headmaster’s room and, it ran into his room.

Takumi confirms it and asks him to come to his room. Haruto says that on contrary, Haruto come and temporarily stay at his room. Kaji says that he’ll be intruding. Haruto tells him to go back. Kaji asks him to let him go in too and it is a rare Saturday when they can talk. It is a dreamlike guys’ meeting.

Kaji sneezes. He says that he sneezed because he was the one who got wet at the canteen instead of Haruto. Soon, the three guys are in the room. There are drinks and food on the table brought by Kaji. Kaji comments that it feels very spacious. Lying on the bed, Haruto tells him not to make the place dirty.

Yu mutters that it is good for it seems that [they are] not here. Haruto asks what is it. Takumi says that it is nothing and by the way, there is nothing that he’ll talk about with Kaji. Kaji says that this is a rare opportunity so he wants to ask them something, how to become skillful in kissing. Takumi tells him to go to sleep, okay.

Kaji says that even if he started to go steady with Tarako but before, it didn’t go smoothly and Haruto saw that right. He tells them that after all, he is also a guy who wants to become cool..so teach him.. Haruto says who’ll know that kind of thing.

To Takumi’s surprise, Kaji wants to practice his kissing on him. Takumi exclaims what he is saying. The girls are hiding inside the closet. Meiko asks what they should do. Yu tells her not to keep on moving for the door won’t firmly close. She thinks that if caught, she’ll [/they but most likely she’ll] be killed. Her hand is becoming numb from trying to close the door.

Takumi tells Haruto not to sleep and help him out here. Haruto says that Takumi is still not good in dealing with Kaji. In the closet, Meiko says that it seems very noisy outside. Yu comments that unexpectedly, Takumi is the type who cannot find a way out towards unyielding types who’ll take the initiative. [/ weak against persistent people]

Haruto tells Takumi that it is nothing and it isn’t like he’ll lose a piece of meat. Pin to the bed by Kaji, aghast Takumi says that he’ll lose it and since Haruto is saying that, then he do it. Haruto refuses. With his lips pouting for a kiss, Kaji says okay, get ready..

Haruto smiles and tells Takumi to give it up. Yu is surprised to see Haruto smiling. Takumi shouts for Haruto. Kaji says that Takumi is actually very handsome upon seeing him so near. Yu thinks that it seems that Haruto is very happy. Meiko asks Yu to open it a bit for she wants to see Haruto and the others. Yu tells her to wait for if she move now..

Haruto notices something that he sits up. Suddenly, Yu falls out from the closet while Meiko looks surprised. Haruto is surprised. Takumi calls out to Yu. Kaji asks why, is she playing a surprise game!? Thinking that this is very bad, Yu nervously says that she’s intruding. Haruto looks dark and says, hey.

Knock. Knock. It is the head master who wanted to come in for it is time to inspect the facility so can he open the door for a while. Meiko asks Yu what to do for this a bit not reassuring. Yu mutters that it is considerably not reassuring.

Haruto clicks his tongue and tells Kaji to obstruct the closet. This surprises Kaji. Takumi tells Yu to quickly come over this side. Kaji immediately sits in front of the closet. Haruto opens the door. The headmaster holds up a list and apologizes but this will be over soon.

While they go over the things to be inspected, Yu is hiding on the bed with Takumi with a blanket over them. Takumi tells her to be quiet. She whispers okay. While Takumi is looking at her from behind, Yu thinks that she didn’t think that it will suddenly become like this and can the headmaster quickly leave.

Comment: I start to think that Meiko is indeed quite irritating. She is getting Yu into all this trouble without thinking that it will be Yu who’ll be punished if they are caught. And, that is whether because of Haruto or by the headmaster. I mean, Haruto would most likely not want to have anything to do with Meiko as much as possible. For the headmaster, Yu is the one directly responsible for her guest. Will she be kicked out of the dorm for this?

It is somewhat annoying that Meiko kept on asking Yu what to do when she was the one who got them in that predicament. Instead of helping to look for the cat, she is busy looking around Takumi’s gifts. ^^; They are also found out because Meiko is too curious over Haruto. ^^;;

Consciously or not, I’m beginning to wonder if Meiko is just using her friendship with Yu just to get close to Haruto. It doesn’t help that Yu is very eager to please her as her friend. Right now, I’m starting to think that Yu is better off not having this kind of friend. ^^;;

In this chapter, Yu can use Takumi’s weakness to stop him from teasing her. I wonder when she’ll be able to do that with Haruto who still has the upper hand even when she confronted him twice.

Hm..I’m still wondering if it is better to just put Yu in the closet again with Meiko but perhaps, they won’t fit in or the headmaster might be suspicious over a slightly open cabinet so it is a better idea to be under the blanket. Still, why would Takumi also hide? I think it is a set-up for Takumi to pull something off. Scans by Draw Club同萌绘汉化

Word of the day:

Life is a school. Those who learn to love and help others graduate with honors. ‘And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise (Luke 6:31)’ ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine

Episode 61 – She’s All That. While they continue to hug each other, Junko says that it is really unexpected that he really loves to be pampered. Thinking that this side of him is really cute, Junko tells him that in the past, it is also a pampered way when they also hugged like this. “Not knowing what we should say that we don’t want to let go. Ah, I don’t mean to tease you but it is better to say..”

Holding her shoulders, Takane says that it is because of this that he feels she is careless. Junko is surprised when he pushes her down on the floor. Takane tells her that right now, he is suppressing his rationality as if his life depended on it. “That violently surging up sexual desire! Right now, I also want to greedily kiss your lips!! Unexpectedly, you’ll calmly say something about being pampered.”

Looking at him, Junko says that it is also okay to kiss. Takane says that he cannot do it right now since he is still in training and tonight is just a requested leave of absence, that’s all. Takane scowls as he is currently enduring it.

Pushing her away, he asks her to please stay further away from him for a bit and for her to be like this, he really cannot meditate. He insists that he is still in training. Junko says no, he was the one who came to her and won’t let her go.

Looking away, Takane says that he really doesn’t want to part from her, so how come she doesn’t understand this. “I’m obviously still in training. Finally, to be able to meet together but at this time, it is really not allowed to have an intimate relationship with a woman..” To his surprise, Junko holds his face to her. Before she can kiss him, Takane uses his hand to block her lips.

He says that it is not allowed to KISS. “I’m still in training and I’m still angry. By the way, how come you are at the temple? Why did you move out from the apartment into the dorm.. And afterwards, YOU--” He looks surprised when Junko had kissed and licked his hand. He asks her what she is doing. He tells her not to such an indecent thing.

Junko says that she is just kissing [and licking] his finger..and like this, she is only disturbing his training that’s all and he didn’t do anything wrong. “Yes, so, you just go and restrain yourself and I’ll also do that. Okay.” After blushing red, Takane holds up her hands and says that she is arousing him like that.

Holding up her wrists behind her head, he says, let him say, if he is a man who can endure her, then there’s no need for him to go into training. He hugs her and says that if she can endure, then can she try to endure it. Wincing in pain since he’s quite strong, Junko tells him to let her go. Using one hand to hold her down, Takane says no, he won’t let her go and he is already angry. They won’t kiss until she promises [to endure]. She tells him to wait a moment, he looks quite scary.

Takane denies it. Junko says wait, didn’t he say a while ago that he is still in training that he can’t.. Takane claims that she aroused him using her body figure wrapped in a kimono. Groping her chest, Takane says that she’s really cruel that she’ll do that indecent thing yet she wants him to endure. Junko is aroused for it was a long time since that kind of thing is done [to her].

Takane says that he noticed that in wearing the kimono, she properly didn’t wear underwear and who helped her dress, is it is mother? As he pinches her nipple, she tells him no, not there. Takane urges her to answer him. He pinches her hard and asks why she is in the dorm. Junko groans.

Takane says that even if right now, everyone is doing evening devotions but they’ll soon come back. “Even if we are in the remote area [of the house] but grandfather’s room is just at the opposite room. Don’t let your cute voice be heard by grandfather.” Takane starts to grope her chest again. Junko says that that after all, there is that Amane incident and she already feels that she already can no longer stay at his side anymore but she didn’t do it with that person.

Takane says that he knows. Junko is surprised when he pulls down the sleeve to expose her chest. She says that if he were to strip her like that, she won’t be able to properly wear it. He assures her that he is good in helping someone wear a kimono. He tells her that doesn’t it feel very comfortable when the cloth is rubbed together.

He kisses her nape and says look, the change of wrist [position?] is very good. [/her body is rubbing on him according to another translator] Turned on, Junko tells him to please..in a while.. He says no, he couldn’t. To his shock, Junko apologizes. He asks why she is easily giving up and does she really want him to play with her nipple although indeed, her breasts are big and sensitive.

Junko says, geez, enough of that kind of talk, and that isn’t want she meant when she was apologizing. Hugging him, she says that it is because there is a strange relationship between her and Amane that it led to disturbing his training and as a result, the temple is also.. “I’m sorry, Hoshikawa-san. *teary-eyed* it is my fault that the temple is also.. You won’t be able to succeed the temple.. But, but, once again, I have caused you trouble..”

To her surprise, Takane hugs him to her and chuckles. Puzzled, she calls out his name. She tries to say something but he kisses her forehead then her nose. Hugging her again, he says that for her to miss him and unexpectedly cry like this, it is worthwhile even if he won’t succeed as the young abbot.

Junko asks how can he easily.. He says that there’s no such thing because for him, life is like that. “Or rather, I’ll say you and the temple are equal [/equally important] and if that is the price for me to have you then that is inevitable.” He pulls down her kimono further. Junko says that unexpectedly, he wants to continue.. She groans that he says her voice.

Junko says that she wants it. He kisses her and says then, he’ll go start to enjoy it. After some French kisses, he starts to grope in between Junko’s legs. They were interrupted by Tokiko who calls out to Takane from outside the room. She informs him that the devotions had ended well and dinner will be ready at 19:30. She tells him to greet the abbot and his grandmother before going down [for dinner].

While Takane reaches out to a small drawer, he calls out okay. After Tokiko left, Takane says that because Junko is here, his mother made him come here first, and he is very happy that it has undone that kind of despicable misunderstanding. [<- thinking that his mother has also abandoned him]

Junko says that she is really ashamed for making his mother..and also the temple..and it wasn’t easy for his mother to help her wear it properly. Holding a condom, Takane starts to loosen up his clothes. He says but the more she feels ashamed, the more it feels FRESH THERE. “Such a cute person.” He pokes her inside that she groans. She tells him not to be like that saying that kind of words.

Tearing open the condom, he says that he can no longer endure it. Junko says that it is alright, to be like this. Blushing, she says that he can keep it as is. [<- from the other translator, this part meant that it is her safe period using rhythm method; no need to use a condom] Takane hugs her tightly.

Soon, they have sex while sitting up. He tells her to bite his shoulder because of the sound.. Soon, they are doing in on the floor. Later on, Takane is resting his head on Junko’s lap. While patting his head, Junko asks if he still remembers what she told him when they first met today as to the reason why she meets with his mother and why she wore a kimono.

Takane apologizes and says that he was so stunned to see her so he wasn’t able to hear it through. She says that if she were able to attain pardon, she wants to ask them to let her formally stay here to train. “I have decided to formally face this thing of becoming the temple’s head mistress. Until now, I don’t thoroughly understand this kind of things and from the start, I only wanted to run away...

...But right now, I don’t think that way. The same with work. I want to give up all-out effort in these two things. If you cannot become this temple’s abbot, perhaps, these things are also not necessary for me. Not only that, perhaps it is because I will concentrated on my work too much so it will caused you to become angry. ..but, even if it is like that, I still want to be together with you. *Takane calls out her name* And you? Would you also make a sacrifice like this in order to be together with me?”

Junko waits for Takane’s response. Takane smiles and says that his miniscule boast of saying something like it is okay if that is what the abbot had decided-type of thing. “Words of wanting to be cool by pretending to give up, I already won’t say that again. It is fine whether I have to bow my head to the abbot or even Amane. I’ll become an abbot here who can match up to you.”

Comment: Well, I guess it is to be expected that they are going to do that after a long separation. Takane tries to resist but in the end, he gave in though a little ‘punishment’ for Junko for tempting him. ^^; I’m wondering though if the mother knew what they are doing inside so she didn’t disturb them by going inside =P

It seems that they are putting aside the Amane incident and still believe in each other’s love. They are now looking ahead for them to stay together even if it will be hard. Junko will have to bear the overbearing grandmother as she’ll train for him. Takane will swallow his pride to succeed the temple. In the end, that incident and separation made them closer and help progress their relationship. ^^ Scans by 月球坑组

Quote of the day:

A strong passion for any object will ensure success, for the desire of the end will point out the means. ~ William Hazlitt

[Free talk: I’ll be going to my sister’s place tomorrow until Sunday and I don't think I can find time to summarize so most likely, there won’t be any summaries during that time. I’m mentioning this since I’m expecting Namaikizakari to come out around this time. As of this writing, it isn’t out yet in the Chinese scanlation forum.]

Yoshio is sitting in one of the seats in the theater. A man calls out to him and asks what’s up when the play is going to start soon. Yoshio says that he knows. Standing up, Yoshio says that even if this isn’t the first time anymore but he is still very afraid of leaving here.

The man says that a big shot like him would also be afraid during the official opening [of the play]. Yoshio says of course, he’ll be afraid. “Just from the start, it is already something that cannot be intervened by directing. What I’m afraid is I had personally built up that embodiment of performance [wherein everyone gave it their all].” At the department store, there is a huge billboard about Macbeth.

During the play, with bloodied hands, Macbeth exclaims, “What hands are here? Ah! Even if it is the waters of the boundless ocean, it cannot wash off the blood from these hands? ..No, but rather, these hands will stain the turbulent seas red. Will make that dark blue into scarlet.” Lady Macbeth appears and her hands are also blood stained. She says, “My hands are also of the same scarlet. But I absolutely won’t make my filthy heart become filled with dejection like yours.”

Watching the play with Nogiku, Kingo nervously thinks that the white color is of key importance in the monochrome costumes and background for it made the blood seems like black as ink. The Macbeth couple intertwined their hands when there is a loud knock. Lady Macbeth says that she heard someone knocking at the southern entry. “Let us return to our chamber.”

Kingo muses that with a background that consist mostly of black and white colors, and with just Lady Macbeth’s feelings being distinctly expressed and quite realistic, these two’s remarkable acting became more outstanding. “Sure enough, Fujihara is a person who can bring out each performer’s talent to the limit. *Macbeth is talking with the three witches*...

...Not only that, the other actors also really understood the things that Fujihara wanted to be expressed. This is Fujihara’s capability. That ojisan [uncle] really still refuse to grow old [/give in to old age].” Narration: “And like this, from the first day, waves of the whole audience standing up to cheer started to upsurge. *scene of everyone doing a standing ovation during the curtain call* The Macbeth play has already started--”

In a car with Kasane, Kingo tells her that even if yesterday is just the first performance but it seems that the expectation has become greater. “The assessment will also go up. Basically, with merely just a little bit of tickets left to be sold out and delivering a more urgent correspondence with the audience, it will also raise up the industry’s attention.”

Kasane smiles then says that even if she wasn’t able to grasp the reason why Yoshio didn’t use his connections to publicize the dress rehearsal but it seems that yesterday, there are some public figures related to the stage industry or perhaps, the movie industry. Kingo asks if she know who are the other guests who will be coming from today on. Puzzled Kasane says no.

He informs her that on the last performance, the people who’ll come are movie director, Suzuhiro Riyuuji as well as European’s important figure in the acting industry, Quibass Garcia. [<- the first name is guesswork from 奇貝斯/qibeisi in Chinese or Kebesu/ケベス in Japanese. I’ve assume that it is a full Spanish name instead of it being Kebesu Garcia ^^;]

“These big shots will not only come to check out the stage effect and the story. All the more, they will conduct an assessment of the performers that were chosen by Fujihara especially you and Uno Nobuhiko. It can also be said, regarding your fate from now on, this final performance is of utmost importance. *Kasane looks tense*...

...Whether it is the industry or even the ordinary masses, everyone’s gaze will gather on you at that time. This is the unprecedented challenge. *Kasane is silent* What’s up? Are you afraid?” Kasane smiles and says no. Holding her hand to her face, she says that her blood is boiling up. “I knew early on that Fujihara-san’s play will attract a lot of people’s attention.

...And, right now, I’m unexpectedly standing at such a high place. *teary eyed* I’m so happy.. Of course, I still don’t feel satisfied just because of this.” Kingo says yes, she can still go to a higher place. “Do not be negligent. Go perform with your utmost ability.” Wiping her tear, Kasane says, of course. After a pause, Kingo says, “By the way, Saki, regarding something, do you want to make a bet with me?” Kasane asks, a bet?

Later on, Nogiku is waiting at the storage area of the theater. She looks at her watch when Kasane as Lady Macbeth enters. They greet each other ‘good work’ [/otsukaresama]. Nogiku says that there is nothing that she did for her to greet her ‘good work’. Putting her purse on the stand, Kasane says that each day Nogiku will come and wait for her in this kind of damp and gloomy place.

Putting on the lipstick, Kasane says that she has to perform twice a day 12 noon and 7pm. “If you’re not around, I won’t be able to keep on performing. Just like this, before the start of the second performance, we’ll first do the ‘switch’. *puts the lipstick back into the purse and kisses Nogiku* And I can concentrate on acting without any apprehensions.”

Nogiku thinks that Kasane trust her completely that she didn’t even hide where she’ll put the lipstick. “It is fine for you to just always trust me like this.” After the kiss, Nogiku wishes her good luck for today’s performance and when she is acting, it also encourages her. This made Kasane slightly smile.

Going out of the storage room, Nogiku sees Kingo outside. She thinks that not only Kasane, after that incident with Youji, this man’s attitude has also changed. Kingo greets her and apologizes to her until now [for all the trouble, etc]. Nogiku says that it is nothing. Narration: “I’ve already finished the preparations. Because Fujihara’s play time is accurate to the second, the time from the start to finish of the play is almost the same.”

While everyone is doing a standing ovation, Nogiku looks at her watch and thinks that until now after 12 performances, the time between the curtain opening and closing is almost the same. “In this kind of ultimate chase [/choice] and intensity, the drama as a whole is in its totality and following the drama, Lady Macbeth’s acting is also increasingly more proficient...

...*The performers hold hands and bow* Hearing Kingo particularly mention that in the last performance, the whole industry’s gaze will be focused on Saki. But, if.. the gathered attention during the curtain call is.. *imagines Saki standing up again after the bow, her face become Kasane’s and everyone looks shock* If making ‘Saki’ become that ‘Saki’s...

...The lipstick’s magic is undone. *claps with the audience* There are still five days before the last day. *smiles* The prerequisites are already ready and I’ll just have to wait for the moment to implement it. Condition one: ‘The interval of from the start of the play to the curtain call is almost the same. *Smiling Yoshio watching the people cheering*...

...Condition two: ‘Because there are two performances in one day, Saki must have a second switch’ *Kasane looks happy over the audience’s response* Lastly.. perhaps is this thing *holds which seems to be a lipstick tube with a chain* which can become my dagger.”

Comment: It turns out that Nogiku’s revenge is indeed exposing Kasane’s true face in front of everyone. I wasn’t able to guess how she’ll do it before but it seems that she’ll use a fake lipstick to pull it off. There would be no problem at all if someone isn’t still suspicious of her. The hint is Kingo wanting to have a bet with Kasane. Does Kasane really trust Nogiku that much to show her where she put the lipstick? The two women’s fate depends on the success of the plot. Scans by RAD汉化组

Quote of the day:

You will face your greatest opposition when you are closest to your biggest miracle. ~ Shannon L. Alder

[Free Talk: There are no pictures yet since there is no photo editor in their computer. I'll put them up when I go home.]

Narration: “In the dense autumn of November, the totally new Ryuhoku basketball club is ready and waiting.” At the gym, Shou waves his hand up and says, “..So, from today on, I’ll serve as the captain. Yoroshiku [/I’m under your care].”

Hatori shouts that is totally unreasonable. Another one shouts, if the captain can stretch his hand a bit!? [<- probably hoping that it isn’t Shou or he cannot see properly since he is sitting behind Hatori]

Clapping his hands, Noda shouts, wow..so amazing and it’s so incredible!! “I’ll follow you, Captain Naruse!” While the coach is smiling, Abe says that Noda’s respect for Shou is a bit too much and is that alright.

He fears that after some time, Noda will also get his ears pierced. Himiko is back to her stuttering self as she tells everyone to ten [then], they are going to quickly start, everyone dine..no..line up..

Someone shouts that Himiko is also in a flurry and is it really alright!? “Will Ryuhoku Basketball Club be alright?! Just like this, if someone like Naruse from the first year were to join the club, it will lead to a huge chaos. Peeffff <- whistle. And, Naruse just watches them.

Narration: “Yes, it is already November.” In a meeting with a teacher regarding her aspiration inquiry, Yuki was told that yes, but if she were to maintain the current situation, and if she were to always strive her hard, it is very hopefuly that she can actualize her first aspiration.

“After entering the second term, your situation had also became very good. Is there still any area that you feel uneasy about?” Yuki says no, she’s fine.

Narration: “It has already been two days since I’ve retired from the club. I have formally entered ‘preparing for exam’ mode. Looking at a paper, she thinks that from today on, she must concentrate her energy for the dash. “In short, I’ll first go to the library to borrow some materials..”

Then, she hears someone shouting that she wants raw yatsuhashi [Japanese confectionary]. Clinging on a guy, the girl shouts for a souvenir, he has to definitely bring back raw yatsuhashi, definitely. The guy says that she’s noisy to death and he knows already for she kept on saying those words for a hundred times today.

The girl whines that she also wants to go to the school trip. Looking at the happy couple, Yuki remembers that it is already the school trip around this time so Shou will go on a two day trip to Kyoto on the day after tomorrow.

“That is inevitable since right now, I’m already retired from the club, and we are not in the same grade level. If we do not agree on seeing each other, then it will be difficult to see each other...

...In these two days, I wasn’t even able to meet with Naruse. But, he recently become the captain so he is definitely in a flurry and I also must properly study. It isn’t the time for the two of us to go flirting around.. but-- how should I say it.. Like this.. Actually, there is no..”

Lying his head on the table, Shou says, “There is no feeling that we’re going steady.” While studying in the library, Yuki darkly glances at Shou beside her and thinks that he just helped her said it. “The words that I think that one must absolutely not say out.. Using that kind of ‘ruined raw egg’ disposition of saying it..” [<- perhaps like crying over spilled milk?]

Yuki says what about it and by the way, how is club activity. Shou says that it started from 4:30 and there is still 30 minutes. “By the way, we totally haven’t been doing any things that lovers should do lately.”

Yuki says that it is because she is already retired so it is inevitable that the times when they meet has decreased. Raising up his head, Shou says not that, they are obviously going steady but when eating lunch or going home, they are still doing it by their own so isn’t that strange?

Yuki says that it will be strange for the retired manager and new captain to be going home together and people will start to gossip. Shou asks how about meeting the parent. Holding up her hand, Yuki refuses by saying that it is too early for that kind of thing and it will be okay until they have gone steady for at least half a year.

“~~~no, it isn’t that. “Honestly speaking, right now, there is no time for that.. During preparation for exams, I also have to use up my utmost consideration for other things like the future, friends, basketball club, Hakamada..” Shou asks, Hakamada? Yuki immediately goes quiet.

Shou asks, “Shizuka? Did something happen between the two of you again?” Thinking that it is no good, Yuki nervously says that no, there is nothing, it isn’t a huge issue..she is still going to study..

Shou grabs her arm before she can leave with some books. [<- probably going to return the books] He leans to her and says, “Hey, are the two of us going steady..?” She asks, wha..what.. And they kiss once and twice..

Yuki drops her book and holds on his back. After thinking for a while, Shou suddenly extends his tongue to her mouth. This shocks Yuki. Bam.

At Misuzu gym, Shizuka asks, ha? Kira says that regarding next month’s Winter Cup official games, it is a rare opportunity to bluntly ask Yuki to come to cheer for them. Shizuka says to forget about it, it would be very strange for him to ask her to come besides..

Kira playfully asks what happened. Shizuka stiffens. He recalls telling Yuki that perhaps, he always like that kind of expression of hers. Shizuka feels that what he did is actually quite awful. “No..after the competition, I got careless that hot blood rushed into my head. Seeing that person having that kind of expression, I couldn’t help..”

He nervous asks Kira if there was a time when he has seen someone’s crying expression or perhaps, sad expression..how can he say it, on contrary, he becomes perfectly satisfied...”

Kira asks what’s going on, one constantly has that..[kind of feeling] Looking at him in disbelief, Shizuka asks if one constantly have that and what’s up with him.. Kira says but, today, Shizuka totally doesn’t have a perfectly satisfied expression.

Shizuka asks what is his expression.. Kira says that is is an expression wherein he got excessively excited that he carelessly kabedon a girl/sister. [kabedon is forcing a woman against the wall usually to confess, etc =P]

Narration: “--At that time, the first time I saw that person crying in front of me, it seems like seeing the scene of what’s behind the impenetrable defense. -But, I always felt that there is something not right.”

With a facial mask, Shou’s sister [I presume] in the bathroom calls out to Shou and says that he’ll be going to Kyoto on the day after tomorrow so buy some raw yatsuhashi back since she’ll share with her colleagues at work [in the company].

Rubbing his head, Shou says that if he remembers. She asks what happened, did he hit his head. She is puzzled when Shou says that he got punched.

At her bedroom, Yuki is looking very nervous and at a loss. She wonders if she should apologize or not. “..a while ago, that mishap happened so abruptly that it startled me so I carelessly use a ‘want to break your head’ strength to viciously hit him. Ob..obviously I’m the girlfriend but I came out with that kind of reaction.. that is too..

...*recalls Shou saying that there is no ‘going steady’ feeling, pauses, quickly picks up her books to concentrate on them* If I have time to sulk over this kind of thing, then it would be better to learn more words [for vocabulary]. In short, right now, I should first concentrate on preparing for the exam..

...*pause and looks at the Ryuhoku number 3 uniform* ..wrong, *recalls Shou saying that he’ll strive hard and she also strive hard* I cannot just engross myself in studies. I’ve already decided to strive hard. ..strive hard in balancing love and studies!!”

Sitting on the bench outside of the street near Ryuhoku gym, Yuki is flipping through her notes for vocabulary. She thinks that it is already 6 o’clock. “The club activity is almost over and it will be time for them to come out...

...When there is no one at Naruse’s side, I’ll quickly grab him. He’ll be going to a two day school trip tomorrow.. so at least, for today, I can go home together with him. No, we should go home together. In any case, I can study here.”

Then, someone calls out to her. Yuki looks shocked. It is Shizuka. Shizuka asks what is she doing in this kind of place. Immediately backing away from him, Yuki says no..why did he come here..

Thinking that she is in fighting pose, Shizuka says, “..I about that..I want to apologize..to you about that thing before..” Recalling the time when he cornered her to the wall, Yuki nervously asks if that refers to that ‘seeing her twisted expression, he’ll feel refreshed’ thing..

Shizuka says that he didn’t say it like that. Yuki says but..but..she..thought that she is hated by him.. Recalling Kira saying that right now, he totally doesn’t have a perfectly satisfied expression, Shizuka says, “..I don’t hate you at all. Not at all. It isn’t like that. I only..”

After saying hi, Shou kicks Shizuka’s butt with his knee. Yuki is startled when Shizuka shouts that it hurts. Angrily facing Shou, Shizuka asks what is he doing. Shou says that is his line. “Unexpectedly dare to flirt with someone’s girlfriend. Quickly get lost, little virgin bastard.”

Shizuka replies, “Ha, what, getting angry, are you already afraid? Afraid that not only will you lose to me in the competition but also lose to me in love.” Shou pinches Shizuka’s cheek. Shizuka pinches Shou’s cheek.

As they try to out-pinch each other, Yuki asks if they are kids. Noticing that some girls are getting curious over the ruckus at their side, Yuki tells the two that’s enough and quickly stop it..

Shizuka asks her if she is going steady with this guy. Feeling a sharp pain, Yuki wonders why she wasn’t able to deceive her way out of this. Yuki mutters, “We..are indeed..going steady.” Shou looks surprised while Shizuka just looks at her.

The guys are speechless when Yuki darkly apologizes for obviously he advised her so many times..but indeed, she finds it very hard to believe that she’ll do something reckless and impulsive..

Holding her hand, Shou says that is enough and so, that thing is like that. Yuki shouts for him not to pull her. Shizuka calls out to Yuki and asks her to please watch December’s Winter Cup. “I’ll definitely make you regret choosing that guy.”

After looking surprised, she says okay. This make Shou go !? And it causes him to have an indifferent reaction. Yuki asks up to when is he going to sulk. He asks couldn’t she not answer ‘okay’ in that kind of situation.

Yuki says so she’s saying that she had explained it to him so many times that ‘okay’ is an answer directed at ‘please watch the competition’ [/not watch Shizuka]. Shou says okay, forget it, anything is good, after all, it is the first time she told someone else that ‘we are going steady’.

Blushing a bit Yuki thinks how can she say this, it seems to be really like that and it is because she always felt that she cannot lie to Shizuka. Shou comments that school trip-something has become boring since she isn’t there again.

She tells him that it isn’t easy to be able to go so properly enjoy it or else it’s wasteful. Shou says then, give him something to use for the lonely night/s, something that is her double.

Yuki says that there is no such thing and she is already home so like this.. Shou says that he’ll watch her go in the house because that jerk Shizuka might perhaps come out again from somewhere. She tells him that she is already in her house.

Wanting to get in the house before her sisters come out, Yuki says then take care tomorrow. He says ya. She suddenly stops and goes back to him. She whispers for him to quickly hold his hand out quickly. He did as told.

She snaps a hair elastic band on his wrist. He says that hurts. “What is this?” She says that it is a hair elastic band. He says no, he obviously can see that. She says, “Even if this is totally not my double, even if it is totally not..*blush* ...that..use..use during lonely times...” To her shock, Shou suddenly hugs her tightly.

She mutters how..how troubling..hey..my family will come out..” Shou says, “Yuki-senpai, ..can I say something troublesome again? *Yuki worriedly wonders if he’ll say it right now* About that..aspiration-whatever, exam-whatever, right now, for you, it is a totally important time and I know this very clearly.

In the past, it is your nature to immerse yourself in studying day after day like an idiot. I also know that very clearly...But, can I fill the gap in your heart..?” Yuki wonders what is this guy saying about gap-something when earlier on, that gap-whatever isn’t there anymore.

Realizing that he is leaning to her, she closes her eyes. Shou kisses her forehead. They were interrupted by a loud shout. “Ah- my potato chips are gone! Who took it? It’s you, right!” “No, it isn’t me, monkey!” “Then, how come there is seaweed in your lip, how do you explain that!” [<- it must be seaweed flavor potato chips]

Immediately going towards her house, blushing Yuki says then, see you tomorrow, no, see you after three days..! He calls out to her. She angrily asks what, his voice is too loud. Shou says, “Later on, you’ll find a place to study again like today, right....

...After the club activity, I’ll go look for you. ..but I probably won’t be able to do so everyday. Simply, from here on, let’s go home together. I want to go home together with you.” Blushing Yuki says, “..understood.”

Then, she goes inside to be welcome by her sisters who ask where is Shou. After a pause, Shou starts to walk away and wonders what’s going on for she looks blushingly cute with flowers all around when she said that <- in his own view.

Narration: “Such a negligible agreement yet it seems like a response to an incomparably important promise. In the end, up to what degree will we mature?” Shou wites a message to her to say that even if he’ll call her tomorrow but what kind of souvenir will be okay. She blushes and recalls him asking about letting him fill the gap in her heart.

Narration: “Gap-whatever. It is no longer there earlier on. This feeling is already on the verge of overflowing from my body.” Yuki replies, “Raw yatsuhashi.” He writes, “So ordinary.” She answers, “What.” He writes, “By the way, after I come back, let me properly kiss you.” No reply from Yuki.

Comment: Well, things are indeed progressing a bit slowly yet surly for our couple. Yuki tries to stop her bad habit of evading the problem by studying too much and she even took the initiative to spend some time with Shou.

Most of the time, Shou is doing his best to restrain himself if he can help it =P He knows of her current priorities yet it seems that he feels that he isn’t really that secured in her heart. Well, he’ll also be busy with the club especially since almost all of the members don’t have confidence in him as a captain and they got Himiko as their manager.

Apparently, Shizuka’s role in the story isn’t over yet. It is amusing that he has that kind of senpai to guide him. The pinching cheek...that is one of my favorite scenes in Slam Dunk ^^ I guess asking Yuki to watch it is his last hurrah as the rival? Maybe it will fire up Ryuhoku for next year?

Anyway, at the end, Yuki shows some affection and it really turns Shou on. Actually, he’ll probably lap it up since those are quite rare from Yuki. So, at least from here on, they will make an effort to spend more time as a couple while balancing the other things that they have to do. ^^ Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:
Always remember that striving and struggle precede success, even in the dictionary. ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Narration: “In the previous first high school summer vacation, when I recall those memories, all of them are Kazehaya-kun. Whether it is winter vacation or even summer vacation, if I unexpectedly weren’t able to see him, no matter what I also cannot stop myself from thinking of the person I like..”

Sawako recalls smiling Ayane saying that thinking of Pin’s idiotic face made her decide to go out for some air. Sawako thinks that smile of Ayane is very cute. Her mother asks if she isn’t going to eat. Sawako says that she is already full.

Her mother asks her husband who says that it is because they ate so early that his stomach is already full and it was really delicious. Sawako excuses herself to go to her room. Her mother tells her good luck with her studies. In her room, Sawako looks at her cellphone and she really wants to listen to Shouta’s voice.

And, the phone rings. She answers it and it is Shouta. He calls out to her then shouts that it is so hot. This freaks Sawako out that she asks if he is alright and did he get a burn. Shouta apologizes for he just got some oil splashed on him. He explains that he is cooking.

Touta asks his brother if the food isn’t ready yet when he’s already hungry. Shouta tells him to wait a moment and it will be done soon. Sawako asks if it is Shouta’s turn to cook. He says yes, since his mother got hospitalized. This surprises Sawako. Soon, Shouta and Touta meet with Sawako outside of the hourse. Shouta thanks her.

Holding a bag to them, Sawako says that even if it is just some leftover food but she’ll be glad if it is okay. Touta says that it is great that he doesn’t have to eat fried rice that has been burnt black. Shouta calls out to him. Sawako greets Touta. Touta tells Sawako to come in. The two are shock for Touta is calling Sawako directly by name. [<- rude]

Pinching Touta’s face, Shouta says that it is sister Sawako. This made Sawako blush and can she really be called that. Sawako asks if she isn’t giving them trouble since it is dinner time. Shouta shouts that it is totally no trouble at all. “..Come in. It is rare for us to see each other!!”

Sawako says then, she’ll be intruding. Touta asks, “Are you going to lovey-dovey? *the two are shock and embarrassed* I know it more or less that coming into the house means you guys are definitely going to lovey-dovey!! Right!!” Shouta shouts what nonsense he is talking about. Touta asks what, no lovey-dovey? Sawako says no..they won’t..?

Shouta shouts for him to quickly finish up the leftover fried rice. Touta runs off and laughs that he is recklessly venting his anger. Shouta denies that he is doing that. Then, he apologizes to Sawako who says that it is alright. Then, they smile at each other.

Going in the house, Sawako asks how is his mother. Shouta says that it is her chronic illness and he should say that it is because the weather is so hot that she got a bit tired so it’s alright. Sawako asks if that is true. He assures her that it is. She thinks that he must be very worried.

Shouta says that he’ll go to the hospital tomorrow and would she want to go with him. She asks if it is okay. He says that it is okay for her [mother] vigor had improved a lot. Putting the food on the table, Sawako says that she put the food on the bento box so they can just directly take it out and eat.

Shouta says that is quite sumptuous so how about he gets some plates to divide it. Sawako says that she thinks that they need a bit bigger plate and bowls. Holding the dinnerware, he asks if these are okay. She says yes, that’s perfect. After observing the two, Touta asks, “..Are you guys newlyweds..?”

The two blushes and almost drops the plate and bowls. They were surprised when Shouta’s father say, “Newlyweds..huh..? Unexpectedly taking advantage of the time when mother isn’t around to bring a girl here to fool around with..” Shouta mutters if he is already finished with work. Sawako apologizes.

Touta asks his father if that is what a newlywed couple is like. Shouta shouts that they are not. Sawako mutters that they aren’t. Shouta tells his father that Sawako came to bring them food. The father shouts in disbelief that Shouta made Sawako bring over food and he is really taking it easy.

While Sawako tries to say that it is just some leftover food, Shouta shouts what he is talking about. “I’ve made food!! Look here!!” The father is speechless upon seeing Shouta’s burned fried rice and Sawako’s sparkling delicious looking food.

Sitting down, the father apologizes to Sawako and says he is indebted to her. Sawako tells him that it is okay and how can he be [indebted to her]. He asks if she arranged the bento. She says yes. He says that it is beautifully done. Shouta is shocked that his father apologized and what about his fried rice.

To Shouta’s shock, his father asks where the miso soup is, didn’t he make some. [<- the Chinese word is stewed vegetable but based on the picture, it is miso soup so I’ll go with the picture. ^^;] Shouta shouts that it is fine if he didn’t make the soup. The father asks what foolishness he is talking about.

Sawako volunteers to do it if it is okay with them but then, she doesn’t know if it will suit their taste or not. Shouta tells her to forget it and just sit. “I’ll go and do it!” Sawako asks if she is being meddlesome. Shouta says no, it is totally not that, actually, he is very happy but if he doesn’t do it, his father absolutely won’t be satisfied.

The father looks at the burned fried rice and the food that Sawako brought. To their surprise, the father says that he’ll leave it up to Sawako. Sawako says okay. Shouta exclaims huh, why!? After cooking, Sawako brings out the soup. The father asks if Sawako’s mother made this, it is really delicious.

Sawako says yes, and she only made the picked radish. The father tastes the pickles a bit. Then, he looks at the miso soup that Sawako made. Shouta thanks her and says that it is really delicious. Sawako asks is that so because actually she is very nervous. The father says that it doesn’t taste the same as his wife’s.

This made Sawako nervous that she says that’s right, she’s sorry. The father says but of course, he hasn’t eaten it before so the taste isn’t the same. “..this is also very delicious.” Shouta exclaims if it is delicious [for him]!! The father asks if she isn’t eating. Sawako says that she already ate before coming over. Standing up, the father asks, what!?

This shocks Shouta that he quickly goes in front of Sawako and says if he dares do something to Sawako, he won’t let him off!! Sawako is amazed for Shouta is like a hero in a television drama. Shouta is puzzled when his father walks away. He returns with an ice cream flower roll for Sawako. He says that this is dessert so eat it.

Sawako says that this is his favorite. He tells her not to mind that and quickly eat. Sawako says, itadakimasu. Shouta thinks that Sawako is amazing for she unexpectedly got his father’s favor that way. Recalling the time when she says that she wants to be good friends with everyone, Shouta thinks that scene doesn’t seem real..in the end, she didn’t notice it.

The father says that it is very delicious. Sawako confirms that it is cold, sweet and very delicious. For Touta, he looks at Shouta = husband, Sawako = wife, his father = the husband’s father. “This is newlywed!!” After dinner, the two tidy up the table. Shouta thanks Sawako for dinner is really delicious.

Sawako says that’s great and can she help wash the dishes. She assures him that she’ll pay attention not to break them. Just when Shouta says that they wash it together, his father tells him to come over and help him finish up the work at this side.

This made Shouta flustered but he just tells Sawako to wait for him since he’ll bring her home. She says okay, thanks. Touta calls out to Sawako to come over since he is going to play Taiko no Tatsujin [rhythm games wherein players simulate playing a Taiko drum in time with music Source: wiki].

The father shouts for him to quickly do his summer vacation homework. Touta whines. His father says that in a while, he’ll check his work. Touta whines some more. The father tells Shouta to quickly come over. Shouta apologizes to Sawako and says that he’ll come back. She says okay, good luck. Then, she looks at pouting Touta opening his books.

Sawako tells Touta that they do the homework together for she ought to quickly finish wash the dishes. She tells him when they finish the homework, they can play the drums. Sparkling Touta asks if she’ll play with him. While washing the dishes, Sawako is talking about playing drums even if she never played before that he asks if she is misunderstanding something.

While fixing the merchandise at the store, the father asks him if he still thinking of not leaving the family in order to succeed the store. Shouta says that he is and because he is thinking of it so he is doing this right now. His father tells him that he is using the family as an excuse. “Do you plan on always depending on your parents to live on?”

Shouta wants to answer back but he clenches his fist and tells himself no, if he were to answer back right now, it will be just like before. Remembering what happened with Sawako, Shouta decides to listen to what he’ll say until the end.

The father says that even if his wife has fallen ill, even if there is no Shouta, there is still him. “At best, you can make some burned stir-fried food. As a result, didn’t you depend on Sawako for everything today? Obviously you are in a situation of leaving it unfinished [/giving up halfway] yet you still want others to approve of you?...

...You don’t know what you want to do yet you plan on pushing all of that responsibility to someone else. Relying on someone to indulge you and you just go with the flow? I still don’t plan on retiring. The store doesn’t need two people!!” Shouta tells his father to turn around. His father didn’t. Shouta stands up and says that he wants to get approval.

“I want to strive for vindication. No matter what I do, you won’t look at it nor approve of it. When I start thinking of ‘succeeding the store’, it is like what you said. I really only just think of that but right now, it isn’t the same anymore...

...It isn’t at all due to your restriction [/ties] that I’m saying this! *his father looks at him* I want to go to college to study sports [/physical education] specializing as a trainer [/sports coach]. The father shouts that he is saying that he’ll succeed the store yet he is saying something contradictory..

Shouta shouts for him to listen until he has finished talking! “You and I have this bad habit of not properly listening to what other people is saying! I want to succeed the store and also become a trainer..!” Flashback: At the counselor room, Pin asked Shouta if he isn’t going to play baseball again. Shouta said that didn’t he played this morning.

Pin said that he can say that and he is thinking if Shouta has been away from baseball for a while, doesn’t he think of playing. Slightly flustered, Shouta admitted that at times he does when he looks at Ryu and the others. “..at that time, I also want to play together [with them], but I have already decided to help out with my family.”

Pin said that is why he going to get in a local college. Pointing to a book, Pin suggested that Shouta go study here. It is sports education for a trainer-type of thing. Shouta asked, concretely saying, what a trainer does.

Pin said about that, it is sports medicine-type of thing..there is also knowledge about mastering and thinking over the training menu. There is also specialization in consultation, massages, rectifying bones-type of thing.. Shouta asked if he can get in touch [/has access] with high school students playing in a club.

Pin said yes, he can. “Actually, our school also wants to recommend [/get] one. Look, Intense [<- ?; nickname of Shouta’s father] also came to our school to unload sports goods before. At that time, he’ll occasionally show his face during the club activity...

...That uncle understands this side of things really well that he even noticed the things that I have overlooked. Even if I’m really frustrated but in this kind of rural area, there is also a lack of talented people.” Shouta exclaimed that that he wants to do that. “I want to take a test in that school!” End flashback.

Shouta tells his father that whether it is the store or as a trainer, he won’t just go with the flow. “When I was thinking of what I wanted to do, I’ve found out that you were there. Because I’m quite grown up so I wanted to do these things. Whether wanting to stay here or worried about mother, all of this is my feelings. I want to succeed this store...

...I want to become a trainer. I want to stay here. These are all the things that I want to do! If you say that I’m relying on everyone to indulge me, perhaps, it is like that. *bows to his father* ..I beg of you, let me rely [/lean on] for a while! Please let me go to college!”

After a while, his father just turns around and walks away. Hearing the door close, Shouta clenches his fist. Later on, Shouta goes in the living room to see Sawako and Touta playing Taiko. Shouta apologizes that he has finished late and he’ll walk her home.

Touta tells Sawako that they play again next time and he’ll lend it to her. Sawako thanks him. Shouta smiles over that. While walking, Shouta thanks Sawako for today and it is really delicious. Sawako says that it is fine and it is good that it suits his taste. “Kuronuma, I have told my dad what I wanted to do...

...Even if I didn’t get an answer ..but until now, I wasn’t able to get his approval on anything. Because it is embarrassing and I didn’t say it out, the things that I want to say yet always wasn’t able to say. It is thanks to you, I was able to say everything out.”

Comment: This is a nice chapter. The first part is amusing thanks to Touta. I also like how Sawako easily wins her future father-in-law’s heart. Yup, it is always through the stomach =P As for the lil bro, playing games is always the way to go ^^

Shouta does seem to be overly protective over what his father might do to Sawako. It didn’t occur to him that perhaps, his father is just overly rigid and strict with him but not with the others. Thanks to their previous quarrel, Shouta realize his mistake on jumping into conclusion and not listening to the other until the end.

In the end, it does show how Sawako had influenced him. I think it will take some time for the father to accept Shouta’s decision. And, he should be proud for Shouta is pretty much following his footsteps. In a way, it is amusing for this couple will be ‘teachers’. =P

Quote of the day:

If speaking is silver, then listening is gold. ~ Turkish Proverb

At the harem, Yuulin says, “So I’m saying, Your Majesty, I’ve told you so many times already that during ordinary times, speak a bit normally.” Reishou replies, “Ah ah, isn’t this very normal, my beloved princess?...

...*leaning down to Yuulin as she tries to stop him with a book* But I feel that you need to have more self-awareness regarding your own level of cuteness.” Yuulin says, “Let me say this clearly, Your Majesty. The one who’ll say that kind of words is only you and no one else!”

Reishou smiles and says, “..what are you saying. My beloved princess is the whole world’s cu•te•st.” Yuulin pukes blood for it is the wolf!! Yuulin blushes as she falls on the floor due to her knees weakening. Puppy Reishou is very doki-doki over Yuulin’s current expression.

Narration: “After the secretly testing the countermeasure against affairs of Tei Yuulin, the Wolf king’s princess consort, had been exposed and had annoyed His Majesty, ah, then after this *Shuon sparkling* and that *hugging Reishou from behind*, is it considered resolved?..

...But because I’ve talked with some other man, it caused him to feverishly burn with jealousy ..the situation has become like that feeling of going back to being newlyweds.”

While hugging blushing Yuulin, Reishou says that sure enough, he’s so worried since she’s so cute that it’s quite troublesome. Clenching her fist, Yuulin wonders what’s up with this person! “Is he really no longer angry over that ‘countermeasure against affair’? Ah--that's enough!!”

As counterattack, Yuulin pushes Reishou away and shouts, “Let’s not talk about me first! I’m more concerned about the things that you and Princess Shuon talked about! Weren’t you chatting very∙hap∙pily!?”

Holding his chin, Reishou says, “Huh--? It is because I want to find out the internal situation of Enha so we had a somewhat long conversation. ..in the end, I got a peculiar request.” This puzzles Yuulin. Narration: “-that ‘peculiar request’ is for goodwill exchange and it led to an unforeseen situation.”

At the courtyard, Yuulin watches the soldiers crossing swords. Shuon goes to Reishou and says that today, she want to first thank him for agreeing to listen to her bold request! Reishou says that she didn’t think that she’ll say about wanting to see the soldiers doing a work out.

Shuon laughs and says that actually, she is a person who really hopes that he, who has a famous reputation regarding his military exploits, to come and guide her swordsmanship. “Too bad that I wasn’t able to get your consent.”

Looking surprised, Yuulin thinks that based on Shuon’s status, that is indeed very peculiar.. “She is really a very lively princess!” Then, Yuulin notices Shuon looking at her. Shuon smirks at her. Yuulin just smiles and thinks that Shuon is also filled with hostility [towards her].

Reishou[?] says that afterwards, Enha’s soldier bodyguards will also join and they’ll conduct a simple competition. Shuon exclaims that’s right, her country’s soldiers also considerably anticipate this! Yuulin watches Shuon pointing at something and happily talking with Reishou.

Yuulin wonders if this hostility towards her show that Shuon has fallen in love with Reishou? “But, from the start I feel that the princess didn’t plan on including me in the ‘goodwill exchange’. –Hm, I’m not at all worried about him having an affair...

...Sigh— as a ‘princess consort’, what is the best thing that I should do.. *confused* I cannot put in all my effort... since it might have an effect on the goodwill exchange...” Then, Kagou is showing his skills in fighting with a sword. Reishou says that is Shuon’s bodyguard. “His movements are very nimble.”

Shuon says that’s right, Kagou is the best among the youngsters in her country. Sparkling Shuon thinks that Kagou is doing well and he just has to continue on maintaining that in order to properly supply her with a topic [to talk about with Reishou]!! “You’re not allowed to lose!”

Kagou continues to fight but he is scowling and frowning. Shuon recalls Haru telling her that the Wolf king’s vigilance is very strong. “First, you must create an opportunity to naturally have a chat with him and for him to understand you. Doing a surprise attack won’t do at all.” End flashback.

Shuon thinks that even if it is annoying that it’s slow but it is this kind of feeling, Son-san!! “Ku ku, this is a step by step luring of the prey. I’ll wait until the moment that I’m very close then I’ll seal off all the exits. *imagines winning over Reishou* A common topic increases the chances for the two of us to be all alone♡ *looks at the Reishou* Captured!!”

Reishou gloomily glances at Yuulin and wonders about this sort of chill [in the air]. Yuulin wonders if he is alright. Shuon thinks that like this, everything will definitely go very smoothly..!” Everyone is excited as they watch Kagou fighting with another soldier. Just then, a female servant [from Shuon’s country based on her outfit] tells Shoun that there is a letter for her.

Shuon asks what, at this kind of time-- She reads the letter and becomes shocked. After a while, she calls out to Reishou to apologize for she seems to feel a bit hot that she cannot tolerate it. “Can I leave for a while to rest?” Hiroku says that he’ll go with her.

Shuon says no, they just watch and enjoy Kagou’s heroic demeanor. “I’ll immediately come back.” Yuulin quietly watches her. Holding the letter, Shuon thinks that it is in that building.. She tells the female servant that she can leave and let her be alone.

Running in the building, Shuon asks, “Are you the one who called out to me? Saying that [royal older] sister’s secret agent had come with a very urgent report. What is this all about!? Could it be that something happened to sister and the others..”

The hooded person immediately swings his/her sword at Shuon. Shuon immediately evades it but bumps her head on the wall. As she falls on the ground and holds her head, she asks, wha..

The hooded person says, “Princess, there is no report. I would want to ask you to disappear here right now.” Shuon asks what’s going on.. The hooded person says, “Don’t you understand? Your actions up to now had also made someone disapprove of it.”

Just then, Cat ninja calls out to Shoun. He jumps down with his claws ready to attack. The hooded person was surprised by that. Totally furious, the cat ninja asks who is s/he. “Whose pawn are you?”

The hooded person immediately escapes. Cat ninja is about to go after him but he notices the princess looking aghast while sitting on the floor. Cat ninja asks if she is injured. He keeps calling out to her but Shuon isn’t answering. Walking to where Shuon went, Yuulin wonders if this degree of conversation ought to be okay.

Together with Jun, Yuulin calls out if Shuon is in there. “If you have calmed down, we have prepared a room where you can rest. Please go this way-- Princess?” Cat ninja suddenly goes in front of Shuon. Yuulin says isn’t he the one before.

Upon seeing Shuon, Yuulin calls out to her and asks what happened to her. Cat ninja shouts for Yuulin not to come over! Surprised Yuulin thinks that this child is protecting the princess.

Cat ninja wonders, “Who would think that the princess is a hindrance? Who has given that order!? Who is the enemy!? *recalls Shuon telling him, ‘The princess consort is the enemy! Go gather intelligence for me and see what kind of woman is she!’* The ‘princess consort’ is the princess’ enemy.” Jun tells Yuulin to please draw back for it is very dangerous.

To his surprise, Yuulin goes in front of Jun and shouts, “It is alright! *holds out arms* I absolutely won’t bully the weak!! Come over here!” Cat ninja looks surprised and recalls the time when Yuulin took care of him when he was sick. He looks at Yuulin’s outstretched hand.

Later on, at some other room, Reishou asks afterwards, the princess’ situation? Holding his head, Jun says that while evading the assassin’s attack, she hit her head but at present, she has already calmed down.

“As for this time’s assassination plot, she herself said that she doesn’t want others to be confused [/bring about disorder to others] so we are only going to tell the diplomats that she isn’t feeling well and she had fainted.” Reishou sighs and says is that so. “..Li Jun, what do you see this?”

Jun shakes his head and says that suddenly during a competition between military trainees ..when the bodyguard will just have to leave the princess for a moment... While everyone is paying attention to the competition’s climax, the princess is called away. Not only that, the contents of the letter is an urgent matter that the princess cannot help but take the bait.”

Reishou says that no matter how he thinks of it, it is someone who really understands the princess that s/he was able to carry out this assassination plot. Yuuli looks worried.

Jun says that in reality, upon knowing that the news of the princess suddenly coming to visit this time around, that person must have also done some investigation on this [their] side. “At present, it seems that she and this diplomatic group who travelled together here have not obtained the unanimous approval within Enha...

...There exists a very high possibility that the traitor incident is related to someone within the diplomatic group. Right now, it is somewhat dangerous to make her go back. I also mentioned this to the person herself and it seems that she can comprehend it.”

This surprises and saddens Yuulin for coming together with Shuon here, someone who is her country’s compatriot.. Yuulin worriedly looks at Reishou. He sadly smiles and says, “Sure enough, no matter which country, there is a troublesome issue.”

Jun sighs and says anyway, how they are going to correspond with this. After looking flustered, Yuulin holds Reishou’s sleeve and says, “—Your Majesty, about that.. There is something that I want to ask of you.” Narration: “A princess who came from far away..”

In the room, Shuon glares at Yuulin and asks if something is the matter. Holding a tray of food, Yuulin asks if she isn’t going to eat. Shuon scowls. In a bad mood, Shuo asks, “Huh? How come the princess consort will carry that kind of thing over here. Make the court lady do that.”

Thinking that Shuon is now showing her true colors, Yuulin says no, it is because she said, ‘[she] won’t bully someone’. “Before you regain your vigor, I’ll be in charge of properly taking care of you.”

While Cat ninja comes out from behind her, scowling dark Shuon thinks that Reishou also permitted this. Chibi Reishou says that it is quite troublesome since Yuulin used that kind of expression to ask this of him..

Shuon angrily says, “-Mana [guesswork from 瑪那], what have you done? Are you selling me out!?” [<- Ah, I’m not too sure if that is his name or it is just an expression. I’ll just revise later on.] Surprised Mana apologizes to her but about that.. “That..food, delicious..eat up.”

Holding the tray to Shuon, Yuulin says that’s right, the food is very delicious and she should eat up in order to regain her energy! While she is advancing slowly, Yuulin assures her that it is properly tested for poison. This made Shuon totally aghast.

Shuon shouts, “What’s up with you people, quit calling out like that as if you’re sympathizing and giving to charity! How infuriating-!!” The two sweatdrops. Yuulin says, ah ah, she’s really energetic! Narration: “This time, what the Wolf king’s princess consort has retrieved [/picked up] is the neighboring princess.”

Comment: In the first part, it seems Reishou is trying to remind Yuulin how cute she is so she has to be aware of that. But, what Yuulin said is true. Throughout the series, I don’t recall anyone else besides Reishou saying that she is cute. So, that’s the lovey-dovey for this chapter.

Reishou has slightly leveled up his praises that Yuulin blushing to death. It is inevitable for no one has ever praised her that way. As expected, Reishou is trying to probe things out with Shuon so he is talking with her. Apparently, Shuon is betting on a common topic of ‘fighting skills’ to win Reishou.

Even if Reishou obliged with the competition, he is drawing the line on personally teaching Shuon. Shuon is overly confident that she can easily win Reishou that way. Luckily for Shuon, Yuulin is nice enough not to stoop down to her level. Yuulin also has to be the gracious host towards the hostile visitor.

Apparently, it wasn’t wolf mode Reishou who sober Shuon up but unexpectedly, it is an assassination attempt. There is someone who doesn’t like what she is doing and she is obviously trying to use Reishou/Kouka to get involve in their domestic dispute. Luckily, Mana is there to protect her. I don’t think the assassin is an expert in fighting since s/he immediately backs off upon seeing Mana.

What Yuulin did is a bit reckless since it was shown that Shuon ‘brainwashed’ him into thinking that Yuulin is the enemy. I guess Yuulin bet on Mana being good at heart or think that she isn’t a threat after how she nursed him back to health. Now, these two will really ‘annoy’ Shuon. Hehe, this would be fun especially since Yuulin can be very persistent and nice. I guess she is also trying to win Shuon through her stomach =P Well, it worked with Mana ^^

Now, the culprit might be part of Shuon’s diplomatic group. I wonder if it is one of the three Shuon is with. If that is true, then that will be a blow for her since they have been together for a long time. Well, it is already a blow that someone in her group tried to kill her.

Based on Reishou’s smile, I guess he knows what that feels like. After all, his half-brother tried to kill him, iirc, a lot of times. And his stepmother tried to oust him recently ^^; Perhaps, with this, we’ll get to see a few more flashbacks regarding Reishou. Hmm, Yuulin also has her share of assassination attempts ^^;; Anyway, I guess in the end, they’ll team up to catch the culprit. Scans by 水月梅漢化组

Word of the day:

Kindness and courtesy can make an average person superior; indifference and lack of concern can make a superior person average. ‘Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12) ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine

[Free talk: This summary is made possible by MioAVANT’s translation + raws posted by 祁幽希 in baidu.EDIT: By the way, for those who read Akatsuki no Yona, fyi I just found out that it is on a hiatus because the mangaka is living in Kumamoto where a major earthquake happened. She is fine but I guess she is shaken by the incident. For those who can read Japanese, this is the note about it.]

Smiling Ren happily greets Kyouko good evening. Kyouko darkly scowls and asks what’s with that smile which is bright as a clear day in May. She doesn’t need that and please, stop that kind of totally no reason to have a favorable smile, okay!!

“This face!! I’m referring to that face!! When I was basically worried whether or not you’ll be engulfed by your negative energy.” Removing his mask and putting another one on Ren, she angrily shouts that he is fine, then, she can at least be at ease and no need to worry about him. And, all that was just Kyouko’s imagination.

She calmly tells Ren that she is startled and what’s up that he came to look for her at this time. She says that didn’t he tell her that except for last night, he doesn’t have any more free time. Ren tells Yashiro if he heard what Kyouko said, her heartless argument [/excuse].

Yashiro says that he heard. This puzzles Kyouko. Holding up his cellphone to Kyouko, he says that she answered him with that kind of mail that is entirely made of dots [/periods], 3 dots ellipsis yet she’ll ask him ‘what’s up?’ [<- the message wasn’t translated but there are a lot of ‘...’]

Basically, it is saying ‘you’re quite worried about me’, and he can almost feel her nagging. Kyouko denies it though she admits that indeed it feels like that and she used too many dots. She nervously says that when she sent the message, her mood is very relaxed.

Kyouko thinks that she is actually making use of Ren’s tendency to make a ‘situation wherein he is incapable of escaping that he’ll loathe himself’ so she unconsciously put in too many ellipsis. [<- I guess she is probing for his mood?]

Ren asks, feeling relaxed? Then, why didn’t she use an emoticon to express that feeling. He asks if she can be called an actress who can act other people’s lives. After all, she doesn’t know the meaning of the emoticon’s existence. Kyouko goes into shock that he is angry and would even demand that.

She thinks that isn’t it common sense not to send one’s boss or senpai any mails that has emoticons. Kyouko asks Ren in this industry, isn’t it very rude to send an emoticon to a senpai. Ren says that he means, it depends on who the other party is and it is based on the situation.

So, this time, it is her fault that she didn’t use an emoticon that caused him to misunderstand. Kyouko says, yes. She thinks that it is because he is Ren that she won’t dare send an emoticon. She tells him that she’ll pay attention to it next time. Ren says that’s good.

Yashiro wonders why it became about being insistent on Kyouko’s need to put emoticons in mail. He assumes that Ren is still furious about Kyouko sending an emoticon to Kijima yet Ren won’t directly say ‘send me one every time’ and he would resort to this petty trick.

Even if he is stubborn but Kyouko can only agree to Ren. Yashiro wonders if he is once again taken advantage of for Ren’s goal. A strategy of pretending to be a good person. Ren says that it’s great that the situation isn’t like how he misunderstood it to be.

After a pause, Kyouko says that sure enough, he has seen through her. She is feeling gloomy because of her mother so he specially came to see her, right? Ren says, yes, it is more or less that.

At that time when she acted as his manager, seeing her like that when she is studying for the entrance exam, it gave him a deep impression that her parents are very strict towards her. Kyouko says that she doesn’t have ‘parents’, she doesn’t have a father and the one who is strict with her is her mother.

When she was a child, she couldn’t have a harmonious relationship with her. On top of that, after a long time, they have no communication. Yesterday, she got a [psychological] shock so on that night, she cried loudly and caused him trouble. Ren says that her mood is better now so could it be that something happened that caused their relationship to ease up.

Kyouko recalls putting her head on Saena’s shoulder. She looks at Ren and happily says, “Yes.” Kyouko informs him about joining the second audition for a period drama. She also tells him that Kanae will also be there to play the female lead of a samurai ojousama.

Having a ninja pose, Kyouko says that she will play a female ninja protecting that ojousama, Momiji. The two guys look surprised. Ren says that actually, he would think that she would want to play the ojousama compared to the ninja. Kyouko exclaims no for Chidori has to be played by Kanae.

She starts raving about Kanae being an ojousama whom she’ll bet her life on to protect. Yashiro asks if it is ‘Lotus in the Mud’. She says that it is. Yashiro says as expected for he felt that he heard the names of those roles before. Kyouko asks if he already read the original novel [/work].

Yashiro says that he had more or less seen it when it was given to him as material to be skimmed through. It was asked whether or not Ren can play that ronin [wandering masterless samurai] role. This surprises both Ren and Kyouko.

Kyouko mentally doesn’t want that to happen for Ren doesn’t suit playing a ronin. Yashiro says that was a long time ago. At that time, Ren has decided to play crazy actor X. The schedule is earlier and Ren won’t have the energy to accept it anymore.

That is because the schedule is compact and there will be an overseas shooting. Imagining a Japanese style Cain as the ronin, Kyouko scowls that preferred image totally crashes [/matches?]. Yashiro thinks that it is still in audition stage, in other words, the shooting has not yet started, right.

Kyouko thinks that’s right, perhaps, they can still barely able to catch up and persuade [/mention it]. “Why did you have to refuse in place of Ren, Yashiro-san!! Aren’t you a capable manager who has good taste?”

Yashiro notices that Kyouko is scowling at him -> appears to be an expression of ‘blaming you’. Yashiro glances at Ren who has a disappointed expression <- Yashiro’s imagination since Ren has a neutral expression. Yashiro gloomily says that he feels so useless, sorry.

Ren asks what he is saying, what he is referring to. Yashiro says that as the manager, he declined that period drama because there is no energy to accept it. Shocked Kyouko immediately says that Momiji’s audition has already been decided yet suddenly, they are going to re-do it. So, she’ll be able to join the audition.

She tells them that she also didn’t know clearly what happened and it is possible that this is the reason why the filming hasn’t started yet. Ren says that it is rare to have another audition and something big ought to have happened.

Thinking that there ought to be a very bad side to it, sparkling Kyouko says, but whatever happened has nothing to do with her and she must get this Momiji role to protect Kanae’s Chidori. Yashiro says speaking of that, he wants to spoil it to her just now, Momiji won’t go protect Chidori.

This made Kyouko’s smile freeze. She looks at Yashiro and asks why, she has fallen in love with her? Yashiro says no, and it isn’t about love. “The one whom Momiji will protect is the male lead’s ‘ronin’ and her relationship towards Chidori is hatred.

It is because Momiji and Chidori are rivals in love with the male lead. And, Kyouko becomes petrified. The Daruma couple comes out and wonders what happened. In the car, Yashiro asks if Kyouko will back out from the audition. He wonders out loud if he has such a big mouth.

It feels like he saw with his very own eyes the instant on how a girl’s dream can become a pottery figure [/usually put with the dead]. Ren says that Kyouko borrowed the original work from Kanae so sooner or later, she’ll know the truth.

And besides, in order to be able to act together in a series with Kanae, Kyouko definitely won’t back out from the audition. Yashiro says that it is good if it is like that and by the way, if Kyouko can really grab this Momiji role, it will be her first public performance in a role of falling in love with someone.

Ren keeps on smiling. Yashiro starts to look aghast. Yashiro apologizes for his incompetence. Ren acts dumb by saying what is Yashiro referring to, and really, there’s no need to apologize for he is actually not angry at all.

Yashiro mentally calls Ren a liar for he won’t be deceived by him since he can see what is Ren’s real mood behind that smile. It is the fake gentleman smile that Kyouko mentioned. That night, looking like an Arahabaki [<- in the Persona games/anime], Kyouko lies in her bed.

She has totally become a pottery figurine. She thinks that it is very difficult to [have a chance and] act together with Kanae that she became overly happy about it. She had already roughly flipped through all of the books. Momiji -> for generations, she waited upon the lead’s clan but she is simply treated as the younger sister of the lead.

Chidori -> an ojousama who was born in a noble aristocratic family, protected, and she’s the type of sparkling girl whom people couldn’t bring themselves to hate. Momiji -> hates # Chidori.

Kyouko groans how come it is like this??? Why is she playing this kind of oppressive female lead role again. She can already imagine that woman’s [Saena] grudging expression. She imagines Saena scowling while saying that Kyouko is playing another disagreeable role and that’s the result of her talking big?

Kyouko thinks that she’ll be well known in whole Japan as the one who specialize in that kind of disagreeable roles. She also doesn’t feel that it will make her [mother] be proud of her. She recalls talking with Ren. She loosens her grip on the pillow and sits up.

She seems to have realized something. [Mangaka’s note: I wasn’t able to go on a hanami [/watch cherry blossoms] but I was able to go and look at tulips with friends. Even if it is very late but I can feel spring’s air yet I’m still be very happy.]

At TBS TV station, wearing her Love Me uniform, Kyouko is helping someone carry some sakura [/cherry blossoms] and other props. Shoko notices the pink colored uniform that she calls out to Kyouko and asks what she is doing. Kyouko greets Shoko back and says that after her work is done, she is asked by the staff to help in some odd jobs.

The cart couldn’t carry so many things so she is carrying this one. <- huge bouquet of sakura blossoms. Shoko protests that Kyouko is already an actress. Kyouko says that she is probably considered as helper [/doing odd jobs by the staff member] somewhere and this always happens.

Shoko says that even if Kyouko said that but she came here also for work.Kyouko says that her job is to open a brief meeting but it is immediately over. And her work is just to bring the flowers to its designated studio, that’s all. She’ll only walk a bit for a while.

Noticing the sakura, Shoko says that they are really beautiful when open but Tokyo’s sakura has already started to wither. Kyouko says that these are specially brought from the Northeast so they are just opening. Shoko says that seeing sakura, one will think of that.

Unconsciously think of the lively hanami and drinking beer by mouthfuls. Kyouko says that she won’t for she is a minor so she cannot feel it happening to her as Shoko imagined. Shoko exclaims that is true. She tells Kyouko that when she was a student, she is quite carefree and normally, she won’t naturally talk about this topic with a minor.

Kyouko thinks that it is because she is living together with that person all year round so she has gotten used to it. She has totally forgotten about the scale of integrity.

She imagines Shou saying that he was once again informed that there is a cute girl so he went [to see?]. Kyouko thinks that with Shoko, he has become more stylish, right. He’ll make the mistake of only eating what seems to be cool. For pride, he won’t even dare to eat his beloved pudding.

Kyouko recalls Shou telling her that because right now is hanami season, the inn is very busy. Then, he also tells her that his parents will personally come in a while and she doesn’t have to think too much. And, he tells her that it is fine for her to just go towards the future that she wants. Kyouko seems to have realized something.

Shoko thinks that it has been a long time since she went to hanami and she would want to relax and quietly go to that. As the staff member goes to studio B5, Kyouko says that it seems her work is over there. Shoko says then, she’ll go over here. As the staff member goes to Kyouko [to get the bouquet], she says that for Shoko to be in TBS, that means that guy is also here.

After looking puzzled, Shoko says of course, he is. Kyouko says that if it is possible, there is something that she wants to ask of her. Shoko asks what it is. At a lounge, Shou lazily lies down on the coach. He complains about not being used to an early morning broadcast so he’s so sleepy and hungry.

He wants to eat TBS TV’s famous anpan [bread with sweetened bean paste]. He wonders if Shoko hasn’t bought the spicy chicken sandwich yet. There’s a knock on the door. Shou immediately sits up. He says, welcome back, and sorry for returning to the lounge first. He asks if the next work is also in TBS. He is surprised to see Kyouko with Shoko.

Recalling Kyouko’s aghast expression when he last met her, Shou worriedly calls out to Kyouko and asks how she is afterwards. Shoko thinks that something happened between them. Flashback: Kyouko asked Shoko to let her see Shou for a while. “Anyway, I want to thank him.” End flashback.

Shoko thinks that Kyouko would unexpectedly say those words. Klok. Kyouko looks cold as Shoko and Shou looks stunned. Kyouko has just kicked Shou’s shin really hard. I think Shou is screaming. Shoko is freaking out.

Comment: Ah, the mangaka is so mean to tease us like this. It is Kyouko’s first romance drama and it is a role that Yashiro on behalf of Ren has turned down. Can’t they use Lory’s powers to get that role for Ren?! Actually, I’m thinking that if Ren cannot be in this drama, it will take another year or so for us to finally see them together in a drama. ;_; Oh well, as long as the shooting hasn’t started, there is still hope.

Anyway, Ren has secured an agreement that Kyouko will also send some emoticons to his mail. ^^ He also got Kyouko to tell him more about her family without revealing how much he actually knows. It seems that Ren’s cunning/acting is really rubbing on to Kyouko. She managed to fool Shoko to bring him to Shou on the pretext that she wants to thank him. Then, the surprise attack =P Is that payback for the stolen kiss?

I wonder what Kyouko thought that made her want to go and see him. I’m thinking that she might be also be angry at Shou for being pretentious and bothering his parents during the peak season for inns/hotels. Anyway, we’ll know in the next chapter.

On a side note, the title is Sakura-something. Sakura is the symbolism for spring. And spring = start of love. So once again, hopefully, something big is going to happen in this arc regarding that side of the story aside from the acting department. ^^

Oh ya, Shou seems to have gotten a haircut ^^; Or, the mangaka forgot how to draw him since it has been a long time since he made his appearance. And, Kyouko no longer needs her demons to make Shou scream. =P

Word of the day:

Just as the winter turns to spring, our lives have changing seasons too; So when a gloomy [/disappointing] forecast comes, Remember— God has plans for you. ~ Sper from Our Daily Bread

Warning: This is a Major Major Spoiler Teaser. Do not click the link if you won’t want to be spoiled. I think this is the climax of the chapter. It is just one picture.

This is posted in 红莲汉化组’s weibo and also available in baidu.

Close your eyes. Huh? I want to steal your kiss. <- what is written on the post though I’m not sure if that is what he said ^^;

Narration: “Private Himesaka Girls Academy’s koto club. There are a total of 36 members of third year senpai-s who retired until now. It is a super strong prestigious school that possesses the record of playing in the Nationals for 10 consecutive years...

...It can be said that in Kanagawa, they are without rival. Kanagawa’s unmovable absolute king. For us, this is inevitable. This is our absolute glory. Always until that day.”

Flashback: At the competition, it was announced that in Kanagawa, the outstanding school goes to Hakuto High School. The Himesaka girls are shocked. Watching someone from Hakuto holding up the trophy, Kazusa couldn’t believe it, it’s a lie for Himesaka lost.

In a room as everyone sat in seiza form, the club president asked everyone what they thought of today’s results. Wakaba raised her hand and said that honestly speaking, she doesn’t think that they are lacking compared to Hakuto even if Hakuto’s performance is also very outstanding. “It is just that their chosen piece is more suitable for the judges’ taste.”

The president asked if others have any other thoughts. Someone said that indeed, until now, Hakuto doesn’t have any achievements that it gives one have this kind of coincidence feeling about it. Yae said that she doesn’t think so. She said that they’ve lost and she thinks that they should confront and accept this result.

“Losing is not at all a coincidence and we definitely had gone lax somewhere. Because WE ARE HIMESAKA so we cannot lose. Victory is inevitable. It is because of this so we have slacked off.” The club president says yes, she also has the same feeling.

“Our Himesaka’s victory had become inevitable. But, that ‘inevitable’ must be paid by a corresponding hard work. We should re-examine our practice and attitude. –Besides, honestly speaking, we third years also want to get revenge on Hakuto during the Nationals preliminaries but after next week’s Tokyo performance, we are going to retire...

...So, I’ll leave it to you second years. It won’t be easy to participate in the Nationals CONTINUOUSLY FOR 11 YEARS. This burden is very heavy but you guys can definitely do it.” Everyone said, “..yes!!”

As the president told them to re-asses their attitude, Fumi noticed Kazusa looking glum. While walking home, Fumi asked Kazusa if she is still depressed over the shock of defeat so she is listless the whole day today. Kazusa said no, even if their lost is a fact and indeed it is a huge shock but compared to that, she basically didn’t properly listen to Hakuto’s performance.

Fumi said that’s right, after Tokize’s performance, where did she immediately go to-- Kazusa said that she went to complain to THAT GUY from Tokize. “Complain about the performance.. Satowa-chan has been snatched away so I felt particularly frustrated. I especially cannot accept it. Whether it is Tokize or Hakuto, I’ve totally despise them but..”

She recalled Chika saying that compared to the first time he heard Satowa’s timbre, he likes her current timbre. She also recalled the announcement of Hakuto winning. Kazusa bit her lips when she recalled Yae saying that it is because they are Himesaka so they cannot lose and winning is inevitable so because of that, they’ve slacked off.

Kazusa called out to Fumi. On the verge of tears, Kazusa said that she felt that she [Kazusa] was specially...awful.” Fumi [karate] chopped Kazusa’s head and told her not to display such a loser expression!!

While Kazusa is shocked by that, Fumi sternly said that isn’t it very good that ‘right now’ she is able to find out about this thing and it can be considered as luck. “Like this, we can be in a complete mode to go and confront the preliminaries. This time, we’ll absolutely not lose...

...*put arm around Kazusa* Okay, pull yourself together! Starting tomorrow, we still have to continue on working hard to practice!! Our senpai-s had accumulated a 10 year record of performance in the Nationals. How can we allow that to stop in our generation.” Wiping her tear, Kazusa said, ya.

The next day, Yae [current president] called out to everyone that they’ll be handing out the musical score of the piece that they’ll play during the National preliminaries. It is some 1973 piece. Kazusa asked ‘Three Adaptations’?

A girl asked Kazusa if she knows this piece. Kazusa said yes even if she hasn’t played it but this piece, she remembers that indeed-- Then, everyone is shocked upon seeing the complicated musical score. There are so many pressed fingered tones and all of it is sixteenth notes.

Isn’t the plucking at the latter half a bit too much and there’s too many tuning. Someone asked afterwards, how many people are going to perform this as an ensemble. Everyone started to look flustered yet fired up. The adviser said that everyone should already have the musical score.

The first and second’s sound division arrangement will be posted in advance so they go and confirm it by themselves [as to who’ll play in what division]. Afterwards, she has a suggestion. Before, ALL OF THE MEMBERS will play DURING THE PRELIMINARIES. It is only when performing in the Nationals when they’ll have a selection through election system to choose the top 25 performers.

But if they don’t come up with any changes, they’ll definitely not be able to smoothly win next time. She believed that everyone also knows clearly that will already be the end of Himesaka’s era of being champions. “Thus, I consider the preliminary stage and Nationals as the same. Through selection, we’ll decide the performing members!”

Everyone looked tense. She informed them that it won’t be the top 25 but rather, considering the second sound division, the balance has changed into 24. “Of course, the selection will be based on strength and it also has nothing to do with year level...

...This is for members that will charge into the Nationals. –how about it? If anyone has any objection, then say it out.” Yae raised her hand and said that she approves for she absolutely want to participate in the Nationals and selection is a must. Wakaba also approved of it. The others were a bit hesitant but they think that they have to do it.

The adviser said that since there is no objection then they’ll do things according to that method. “The selection will be one month before the preliminaries! Then, let’s start today’s practice! Okay, go prepare!” A girl looked nervous as she looked at the music score.

Another girl jumped on her and called out, Hozumi, how come she looked quite pale. Hozumi said that she felt that the piece is a bit difficult and all of it is complex pressing [notes], and besides, the selection will eliminate 12 people.

The girl exclaimed what’s with that demoralizing talk that she’s saying and there’s still time. “You’ll just have to go all out in practice! This is our last chance to advance to the Nationals as second year students! Let us climb the stage together.” Hozumi smiled and said yes.

Narration: “Altogether, Himesaka’s everyday practice is 4½ hours. After each club activity, they’ll definitely have a meeting wherein they’ll share to everyone the things that concern them in order to improve the ‘common’ [/collaboration] awareness. For Himesaka, ‘common’ is the ultimate beauty. It is the highest assessment.”

In her room, while listening to music, Kazusa thought that as a whole, it is falling apart especially the pressing notes that aren’t coordinated. “Actually, it is too awful. Like this, we’ll definitely lose to Hakuto. Also, what’s up with listening to Hakuto’s performance!! *hugged her pillow and jumped on the bed* I cannot help but think that it is a totally ‘correct’ performance!!...

..Also.. I don’t know why but whether it is my head or even ears, I couldn’t forget it. Tokize’s performance made my heart in a complete mess then it is scattered to allow it to develop into a semi-finished product. But, I totally has no way [of forgetting?]--.. *sat up* Ah- this is really no good. It is useless to be always quite bothered by the other schools!! Himesaka won’t lose again. Won’t lose again. Absolutely.”

During a meeting, Kazusa proposed that they should increase their practice time. Wakaba asked what she is talking about when their practice time is already enough. Kazusa asked what, she wasn’t able to totally play it yet. Wakaba said that she had already totally remembered the musical score. Kazusa replied that her technique is still very crude, isn’t it so? Irked Wakaba said what did she say, and she’s acting as if she’s so amazing.

Kazusa said that she’ll definitely go to the Nationals and for that, she’ll do everything that she can do now right now. Sitting behind the two, Hozumi told the two not to be so anxious. “Everyone wants to go to the Nationals. Let’s talk about this again, okay.”

While Kazusa called out to Hozumi, Wakaba is scowling. Later on, Kazusa had forgotten her musical score so she’s returning to the club room to get it. She overheard Wakaba complaining to the others that Kazusa infuriates her.

“Even if I don’t know what’s about her being an ojousama at home but no matter when, she’ll use that kind of despising look as if she is some big shot. Always praising that ‘Satowa’ from another school that it gives a feeling that it is better to go to that side. She is definitely despising our side, right?” Kazusa looked tense over this.

Just then, Hozumi asked is that so but she thinks that Kazusa is only working hard as much as she could and she really wanted to participate in the Nationals. “She only said it somewhat bluntly, that’s all. It is definitely like that.”

Wakaba said that she is also seriously considering going in the Nationals as her goal. Hozumi exclaimed but of course and she understands! “But, both you and Kazusa are first years yet so skillful. *smiled* The two of you are doing it in order to participate in the Nationals. I think that it is quite unfortunate if you guys were to have a dispute.”

After a pause, Wakaba thanked Hozumi’s concern. Hozumi wanted to call out to Wakaba when she turns but Hozumi’s friend said that’s enough, don’t mind her. Kazusa also left.

Soon, they practiced more. The adviser keep on making them repeat it since it is so messy. “Pay attention to the beat! Don’t play it so fused together! Ah- no good-stop, stop! First sound division! Play it one by one!”

As they play, the adviser scolded Hozumi for the pressed tone isn’t enough since that is just a half note! “Not enough! Do it one more time!” [<- basically, Hozumi cannot play it fast enough] At the toilet, Wakaba’s friend said that Hozumi is lectured again.

Wakaba said that honestly, Hozumi’s playing isn’t good. Kazusa went in the toilet and asked if Wakaba always say bad things behind other people’s back. “If you have time, then go and practice some more, how about it?”

Wakaba asked, “Ha? How about you quit randomly saying bad things about others? I’m only just honestly saying things, okay.” The two glared at each other then, turned away with a hump. Soon, after practice, Kazusa noticed that Hozumi is still sitting in front of her koto.

She went to Hozumi to ask if she is still going to practice. Kazusa smiled and said yes, for look, she played awful compared to everyone and she totally couldn’t play the pressed notes. Kazusa commented that Hozumi’s left hand fingers have very deep marks.

Hozumi said that is the same with Kazusa. Kazusa exclaimed that it is a lot more than hers. Hozumi laughed and said that only her fingers became experienced and it’s so embarrassing. “Strength must also increase. I’ll do my best!”

Kazusa said about that, can she also practice together with her. This surprised Hozumi who said, “Of course!” Soon, more training, more disputes between Wakaba and Kazusa, more practice for Hozumi and more meetings.

During one practice, the adviser looked at Hozumi playing. She thinks that Hozumi had progressed a lot and she must have practiced a lot but--.. She noticed Hozumi’s unsteady hand. Afterwards, one month before the competition, the adviser said that like she said in the very beginning.

Today, they are going to select the participating members for the preliminaries. She’ll call out one from first sound division and one from the second sound division to form groups of two then they’ll play the first movement’s second page...

...Those who were called are to come forward. She called out first division’s Yae and second division’s Jun. They go in front and play. The adviser evaluated the performances. Next, it is first division’s Hozumi and second division’s Rui. Rui patted Hozumi’s back and told her to relax.

Hozumi said yes. Hozumi thought that it will be alright for compared to anyone else, she always strived hard to practice the koto. “I can assert that even in the club, I definitely practiced hard compared to anyone. So, it will definitely be okay--” The adviser watched the performance.

On the second day, everyone is nervous for those who’ll be chosen will be announced today. Standing beside Wakaba, Kazusa said that she looks quite relaxed. Wakaba said of course, she is one hundred percent sure that she’ll be chosen unlike her.

This made Kazusa face-off with Wakaba. Fumi commented that lately, those two’s relationship is quite good. Someone asked what part of that is good? Hozumi is very nervous. The adviser said then, she’ll start announcing the people who’ll play in the preliminaries.

She warned that before the official competition, she’ll be stricter with the ones she called so they better be mentally prepared. She’ll start calling from the second year. She called out the names.

Hozumi wondered if all the second years will be chosen. To her shock, the adviser didn’t call her name and said next, the first years! Rui called out to the adviser and shouted that only Hozumi wasn’t called among the second years!

The adviser said that even if it is regrettable but this time, Hozumi won’t be participating. “Her hands are very skilled and she worked really hard to practice but no matter what, the pressed notes aren’t stable and that is the reason for it.”

Rui protested how can that be..but how can only Hozumi be excluded out! “For us second years, this is the last prelimina--” Hozumi told Rui to forget it, this is inevitable because from the start, it was mentioned that it has nothing to do with year level but rather, in accordance to strength.

Hozumi smiled and said that she already gave it her all so there is nothing very regrettable about it. On the verge of tears, Rui can only mutter Hozumi’s name. Kazusa also felt sad over Hozumi.

Soon, everyone is leaving. Rui asked Hozumi if she isn’t going home yet. Hozumi smiled and said, yes, she’ll leave later on. Rui said is that so, then see you tomorrow. Hozumi smiled and said, yes. Soon, Hozumi quietly looked at her koto.

She recalled the teacher saying that it is regrettable for this time, Hozumi won’t be participating. Hozumi quietly laughed and muttered that of all the second years, only one didn’t get chosen..it’s really sucks to death. A tear formed on her eye. She wiped it away. Soon, her tears started to keep on falling down.

Hozumi recalled Rui saying that this is their last opportunity as second years to advance in the nationals and they climb on stage together. Hozumi is already sobbing. Upon seeing this, Kazusa also felt like crying. She is about to go to Hozumi but Wakaba stopped her and started pulling her away. At the hallway, Kazusa shouted that hurts and let her go.

Wakaba asked if she is an idiot, for if she were to go and talk with Hozumi right now, it will cause their senpai to become more miserable. “Because senpai couldn’t play well so she wasn’t chosen. *this surprised Kazusa* It is a fact that senpai wasn’t able to pass through this selection.”

Kazusa retorted how can she say it that way.. Wakaba continued, “So, we definitely have to advance to the Nationals. *Kazusa looked surprised* If we who were chosen were able to smoothly get the ticket to get into the Nationals, then, there will still be a selection before the Nationals...

...Then, there is still one more chance. Right now, the thing we can do for senpai is only to ascend into the Nationals. Isn’t that right?” Kazusa said that she thought that she hated Hozumi. Turning to leave, Wakaba said that even if she said that Hozumi didn’t play well but she didn’t say that she hated her. “The only one I hate is you.”

Kazusa called out to Wakaba and shouted, “I also hate you! But this time, I approve of your suggestion. We will absolutely get the ticket to the Nationals!!” Wakaba smiled. Narration: “Cannot let it end here. *Hozumi sobbing* We will open the path to proceed towards the next stage. *Kazusa and Wakaba facing the same direction* Definitely.” End flashback.

As all the Himesaka girls are ready to play on stage, it is announced, “Third [to play], Private Himesaka Academy’s ‘Three Adaptations’.” Chika and others look tense. Hozumi and the others are nervous, too. Dong-- They start to play.

Comment: This chapter let us know what is the drive of the Himesaka. Actually, they have a lot in stake. There is that 10 years record of participating in the Nationals. That is a reputation they want to protect at all cost.

Then, they must win for Hozumi, too. I mean, if they lost, the others would start to think that perhaps, it would be better to at least let Hozumi play for the last time. I feel for Hozumi. It does seem to be a contrast with Tokize.

There are weak players but no one gets left behind in Tokize. With a lot of practice, they somehow managed to play in an acceptable way. With a reputation to protect, Himesaka cannot afford to let weak players play especially since they have recently lost to an unknown school.

In a way, they seem to be more for the ‘common good’ that it is okay to sacrifice a few to advance. It is very realistic and brutal just like real life. Tokize is more on the idealistic. But of course, Tokize isn’t focused on difficult pieces, technique and other formal stuff but rather, their timbre as a whole which moved people to the point that one couldn’t forget about it as Kazusa acknowledges.

Just like real life, in Himesaka, even if you’re nice, always smiling and worked really hard, if you do not reach the desired level, it’s over. It is one thing to be not chosen but to be the only one not chosen in one’s year level. That would really feel awful but somehow, Hozumi managed to pull herself together and cheer for her school.

Just when I thought Kazusa is just a typical annoying girl, she showed a different side of herself here. She realized her faults. She can actually be nice and helpful. Even if she can disagree with someone and attack others weakness to get what she wants, she can also accept a good suggestion when it is given. She didn’t reject Wakaba’s suggestion even if she hates her. That means, she can push her ego aside and re-assess what she can do.

It makes me think that what drives Hakuto to want to win this will also be portrayed. It assume that the mangaka will make us want to feel that any of the three groups deserves to win for their goals and of course, those who didn’t win...get ready to take out the handkerchief? ^^; Scans by 二次元秘店汉化

Quote of the day:

Be too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful, and too determined to be defeated. ~ Author Unknown

Flashback: Pointing at her, young Yanagi exclaimed, “You’re just a transfer student who’s quite arrogant!” In high school, Yanagi said, “As expected you plan on still not having friends when you go into high school, right?” There’s a scene of Yanagi holding Kujou’s hand while in the car. End flashback.

Narration: “Thinking back, your figure exists in a huge part of my memories. Hey, Yanagi. Right now, there is something that I want to convey to you.” Kujou is rushing out of the club room when Souma calls out to her.

Holding her things, Souma shouts that she left something. Fujimoto tells her to go and carefully look for Yanagi in front of the security check. After getting her bag and coat, Kujou thanks them. The two smile.

While running, Kujou thinks that she is always very slow-witted. “I always feel timid towards the feelings that I have. It is always like this. Waiting until the time it is almost gone when I’ll notice the important thing at my side. At that time.. *scene of Yanagi calling out to her* And also that time.. *scene of Yanagi who seems to be surprised*...

...Yanagi would always come to my side so this time around, let me..let me take the initiative to go to his side.” At Narita airport, Yanagi looks behind him. His father calls out to him and asks what’s up. Yanagi says that it is nothing. “Nothing is up and it is just my imagination.” Holding out his cellphone, he says that he’ll go and buy some battery charger so his father can go to the waiting area to wait for him there. His father says okay.

Kujou has arrived at the airport and starts to look around for Yanagi. Narration: “—it doesn’t matter even if you already have someone you like. It is also alright even if I’m rejected. *notices Yanagi’s figure walking ahead of her* Even if I’ll cry and even if I’ll get hurt, even if it is like that, I’ll also want to tell you that I like you.”

Kujou calls out, “—Yanagi!” Yanagi turns around and looks surprised. Kujou goes to him and catches her breath. Yanagi calls out to her and asks how come.. Kujou drops everything and holds on to Yanagi. She says, “I like you.” Surprised Yanagi says, “-huh..”

Kujou says, “Ah, I made a mistake about the sequence. It isn’t like that. *Yanagie goes huh!?* About that, I totally didn’t know that you are going to study abroad in United States. Ah, but for me to say that, I’m not rebuking you. That is your life and basically you should decide it on your own...

...I should say, actually, it is just that because you didn’t tell me so I got a shock. *Yanagi asks huh* Also, I finally understand why you are quite angry when I told you that I wanted to be an accountant. *Yanagi asks huh* Ah, of course, I won’t say something like I beg you not to leave-type of words...

...From the bottom of my heart, I also really hope that you can strive hard and do your best. *flustered* ..but, just thinking that it is possible that I won’t be able to see you again, I’ve become worried and scared that I couldn’t sit still--..” Gesturing with his fingers, Yanagi tells her, “Wait..wait a moment, about that, I’m just going there for two weeks then I’ll come back, okay?” It is Kujou’s turn to go ‘huh?’

Yanagi explains that it is because in going to study abroad, one has to handle the procedures regarding the application. “Afterwards, there is still half a year of preparation time, and that’s when I can go abroad. This time, it is just going to understand the situation [/checking out things] in advance. *scratches head* Even if from the start, I was also very anxious. It is because my dad suddenly said that we’ll go right now--”

Kujou says but, but Souma he..he said.. Yanagi says Souma? “Ah- It is because while I was talking with him on the way, my phone suddenly went dead.” [<- no battery charge] Kujou is surprised by that. Souma sneezes. [<- he is being talked about]

Looking aghast and stunned, Kujou mutters so he’s saying that it is only because of some strange mistake that she ran all the way here.. Yanagi says, “By the way, about that, perhaps it is just my imagination or maybe..no, no, I think I have probably heard it wrong. But just now, Kujou, you..”

Kujou looks at him and says, “—I like you. *Yanagi looks surprised* I like Yanagi.” Yanagi’s eyes widen. Narration: “--Ten years ago, a girl, who’ll make my life a complete mess, suddenly appeared in front of me. Because she puts me in a bad mood, because I hate her to death, I want her to turn around and notice my existence. Always, always, always.”

Kujou is surprised to see Yanagi crying. He mutters, “..why..why are you always like this..” Kujou says, “Huh. Huh. You’re so averse [about it] that you’re crying? This is quite a shock.”

Yanagi exclaims that he isn’t crying. “I! Basically plan to wait until I come back when I’ll take the initiative to confess to you by saying I like you!” Surprised Kujou says, “Wait, but the one you like is..” Yanagi says, “It is you.”

Kujou looks surprised. She says, “Huh. You told me that she is cuter than anyone else and if it isn’t that person, it won’t do at all, right?” Yanagi says, “The one I’m talking about is you. *Kujou looks surprised*...

...In my eyes, you are cuter than anyone else. Except for you, anyone else won’t do. Ten years ago, starting from the first time that I’ve met you, I always.. (--That’s right. For 10 years. *Young Yanagi holding out his hand to call out to young Kujou who is busy reading* Always, always, always)...

…*holds both of Kujou’s hands* ...Always, I’ve always like you. *slightly touches her face* ..go steady with me, Kujou.” Pause. No reaction. Gloomy mood. Yanagi says, “Wait a moment, how come you’re not saying anything.”

Snapping out of it, Kujou apologizes and says that it is because she is harboring the awareness of being rejected so actually, this really surpassed her anticipation that her brain won’t respond.

Aghast Yanagi shouts, “You•this•girl ah ah ah ah! How many plans of wanting to confuse [/upset] me do you have!” Kujou asks, “Yanagi, do you like me?” This surprises him. He blushes and mutters that for her to ask one more time makes him embarrassed. “..I, Didn’t I just say it just now?” Kujou asks if that is for real and he isn’t deceiving her.

Yanagi says, “So..so I’ve said..” Kujou says that if she doesn’t ask one more time, she won’t dare believe it a bit. “Is it true? Really? Really?” Blushing really red, Yanagi shouts, “Ah- It’s true- I’ve said that I like you. Do you have any objections? You id—iot!!”

Kujou smiles and says that she’s so happy. To his surprise, Kujou hugs him. He closes his eyes and hugs her back. Narration: “—ah ah, I finally have you in my embrace.” Then, Kujou thinks that it is because she is so moved for a moment that she threw herself into his embrace but she almost wants him to let go of her [now]..

Yanagi calls out to her. She asks, yes? He asks, “Can I kiss you?” <- in everything, plans to ask her consent. Looking surprised, Kujou backs away and says, “Huh..” Yanagi is shocked that he asks what’s with that reaction. Blushing really red, Kujou says, “..so, it is like this. Talking about a so-called going steady is doing that kind of thing right.” Yanagi is shocked to see Kujou’s face really red.

Kujou asks him what’s up and what is he crying for. Covering his face, Yanagi weeps that it wasn’t easy to reach this point. He mutters, “No, I’m just suddenly.. I felt that reaching this point has been really quite long..” Looking away, Kujou shyly says, “But, that..” Yanagi asks if she doesn’t want to. Kujou says that it isn’t that she doesn’t want to.

Yanagi holds her face that she says wait, wait, first, wait a moment. He says that he couldn’t wait and he couldn’t help it anymore. She continues to tell him to wait.. He tells her to close her eyes. Surprised Kujou did as told. Yanagi kisses. Kujou looks at him then they kiss again [or she kisses him back]. Blushing Kujou says, let me say, you.. Blushing Yanagi chuckles.

To Kujou’s shock, Yanagi happily carries her up and exclaims, “It’s so awesome--!!” As he swings her around, Kujou is becoming embarrassed over the people looking at them. She tells him to wait a minute. But, upon seeing his happy smile, Kujou also smiles. Then, Yanagi’s father is laughing as he says that it’s really great to be young.

With a bandage on his head, Yanagi goes into shock for he had totally forgotten about him. <- because Yanagi is swinging her around too much that in the end, he got karate chopped on the head by Kujou. Kujou says that he is also here. Yanagi’s father apologizes for interrupting them but it is almost time to board the plane. “Ah, it’s alright, Naoto. Papa didn’t see it. Yes, it is because I have just returned here. Yes. That’s right.”

Shocked Yanagi believes that his father is lying. Kujou greets Yanagi’s father. Yanagi’s father greets her and says that he’ll leave his son to her. Covering his face, Yanagi thinks that he’ll definitely be teased throughout his life..! “They will absolutely use it during the wedding speech as gossip..!” <- impatient.

Kujou calls out to teary-eyed Yanagi and says, “Bon Voyage, Yanagi.” He looks at her that she asks what’s up with him. Yanagi says that even though..even though it is quite good that Kujou took the initiative to confess.. “It’s nothing.. I always felt this way.. How can I say it. I have this ‘impossible to get rid of feeling’ that it is like I’ve won the match but I have lost the contest...”

Puzzled Kujou asks what he is talking about. He says, “Forget it. *points at Kujou* When I come back, you better get ready [be conscious of it].” Kujou asks what he is referring to and quickly go already. Meanwhile, to Ryouko’s !?, her mother squeals in delight-♡♡. “Nicely done, Nao-chan-!!” <- Papa actually took a picture and sent it to mama.

Comment: And, aren’t you curious which part of that the father took a picture of? Was it the kiss? And so, finally, due to a misunderstanding and fear of losing Yanagi all of a sudden, Kujou has confessed, explained and confessed again.

It is quite ironic that it is thanks to a misunderstanding that they finally got together after all the misunderstandings that caused them to be apart. ^^; Well, ‘misunderstanding’, you did a good job in redeeming yourself =P

As some Chinese readers mention, it is rare to see the lead guy crying over a confession. Thankfully, before Kujou misunderstands again, Yanagi clarified his feelings to her and confessed too. And, he followed it up with asking that they going steady and then, a kiss. Nice job ^^ Hit the iron while it is hot.

Since his father has some sadistic tendencies, that picture might indeed be shown on the wedding. We don’t know how long he has been there watching the two. Anyway, Yanagi is really thinking way ahead to think of the wedding when they just got together =P

It should be noted that for this climax, we didn’t just get one confession line from the two, and there are also two kisses as reward for the long wait ^^ So, what could Yanagi be planning when he gets back? Lots of lovey-dovey? Since he isn’t leaving yet, will Kujou also follow him abroad? Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... 'How did I get through all of that?’ ~ Author Unknown

Blue Glass [Chapter 14]

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapter 106]

Review: Skip Beat [Chapter 234]

Free Talk: Blog Stuff

Ookami-heika no Hanayome [Chapter 79]

Namaikizakari [Chapter 41]

Last Game [Chapter 53]

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapter 107]

Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru [Chapter 77]

Blue Glass [Chapters 15 - 16]

Kurosaki kun no Iinari ni Nante Naranai [Chapter 25]

From Five to Nine [Chapter 61]

Kasane [Chapter 70 - Dagger]

Namaikizakari [Chapter 42]

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapter 108]

Ookami-heika no Hanayome [Chapter 80]

Skip Beat [Chapter 235]

Last Game [Chapter 54]’s Major Spoiler Teaser

Kono Oto Tomare [Chapter 45]

Last Game [Chapter 54]