A Dreamer on Drugs 2

Yumi narrates, “Hello, everyone. Let’s start the screaming class. By the way, lately, I’m into this. *video of two ghosts on the monitor* It is uploading videos in the [mytube] website. Here, I can upload into the internet the videos that I’ve recorded for viewing. *turning towards her computer* Huh? You’re asking which video is my favorite. Hee hee, that is..” Lesson 12: Unseen View.

The school bell rings. In class 6-2, a girl calls out to her friends and asks if they saw the ‘Exploding President’ video yesterday. Her friends say of course, and the quantity[/component] of 1000 balloons is actually quite pitiful and it’s always exploding. Another friend says that she doesn’t know what kind of new video will be up tonight. The girl’s friend shows to her the video that she likes.

Narration: “My name is Maida Kae. Lately, I’m so crazy about Mytube. There are a lot of tubers that I like! Compared to the performers on the television, everyone is chasing after these people who are shown as more daring and interesting on Mytube!!!”

A friend says that she also wants to become exploding president. The other friend says that there are 2 million views. “So amazing~~ He’s so hot!!” Kae smiles and agrees. She thinks ACTUALLY, she had already become a tuber♡Her Mytube account is under the name Mai♡Kae.

Holding her laptop at home, Kae giggles and is quite proud of herself for doing all of this by herself. She already finds it quite worrisome if she becomes an internet celebrity like the others. Her mother asks her what’s going on for the rate of her internet usage is quite big. Kae tells her mother that she is playing a game, sorry..

Her mother tells her to pay attention. Kae decides to keep it a secret from her mother because if her mother knows, she’ll definitely make her stop doing that. This is her sole secret. Having said that, the number of times it is played always hasn’t gone up.. It is currently at 12 views. She obviously felt that it is a lot more interesting than the other similar type of videos.

Her video is about introducing her favorite product which is a checkered design pouch. Then, she got one comment. She is very happy about this until she reads from XXX, ‘Such a boring video ww’. During dinner, Kae’s father asks where Kae is. Kae’s mother says that Kae said that she doesn’t have any appetite then she locked herself up in her room. They wonder what had happened.

In her bedroom, Kae is moping in her bed. In tears, disappointed Kae wonders why would that person say that.. She’s so frustrated. Grabbing the bed sheet tight, she wonders what she should do for everyone to watch her videos. What should she do to become an internet celebrity--..

The next day, Kae looks determined. She decides to try and copy some popular videos! There is a video about a boy opening his room to the public. Pressing the recording button, Mae exclaims about Mai♡Kae’s room revealed!! At the school’s cafeteria, girls are talking about watching ‘otouto [younger brother]-sama’s video.

It is very interesting for the progress of the game is broadcast live especially the locking up part!! They ask Kae isn’t it so. But Kae looks totally gloomy for her number of views didn’t increase at all and it seems that she better give it up already.

Then, Kae’s cellphone vibrates. She is surprised that there are now 502 views on her ‘room revealed’ video. She exclaims in surprise for how can it be..it increased.. She happily thinks that she has succeeded. She reads 70 comments wherein people say that it’s so cute, really anticipate her to do more appearances in front of the camera (^v^), it’s quite healing, etc.

Kae thinks so that’s it, showing oneself in front of the camera has a good effect. And speaking of that, actually a huge number of tubers show their faces in the video. Okay. So, she puts up a ‘fashion show’ which has 628 views.

Kae shows her make-up and she gets 790 views. She shows her grades in exam papers [<- which has the school name, her class section and full name] and she gets 1021 views. And, she gulps for she now reaches 11,251 views.

Becoming dizzy, she tells herself that like this, she had surpassed the 10,000 mark of people watching her videos and how many are 10, 000 people. So if this keeps up, she’ll also become an internet celebrity..!? Her mother calls out to her about watching some Wind Combo’s Sannomiya [三之宮?] guy on going to appear on the television. Sae shouts that she’ll watch it later. Soon, her video views are now at 78,290. She is very happy that the number of views is always increasing.

Then, Sae notices a video in her uploaded video list that has no title. She is puzzled. She wonders if this is also her video and did she filmed this kind of thing. She clicks the video. She thinks that it is a nearby park here. Then, Kae is laughing while running by the park. Kae thinks that it is her. Then, the video ends.

She wonders what this is. Could it be that she didn’t notice that her cellphone kept on recording while she left it at the side. She decides to delete the video. At school, her friends ask Kae if she is Mai♡Kae who is on Mytube. Kae is surprised that someone had noticed it. She sheepishly says that they saw it.

Her friend says that they saw it earlier on and how come she didn’t tell them, she’s so amazing~~ Another friend says that the number of views are always rising rapidly. Kae is surprised when one of her friends say that she also released a new video today, right. Kae thinks that she didn’t upload this morning. Her friend plays the video to show it to her.

In the video, Kae is walking to school and greeted a grandma a good morning. The grandma also greeted her back as Kae happily walks away. End video. Kae wonders what this is. Her friend asks if someone helped her record that because for she couldn’t film it by herself from that angle. Kae thinks that it wasn’t her and her cellphone is still in her hand so who took that video.

Returning home, she wonders what’s going on. She immediately deletes the video and thinks that it is some pervert. Then, she notices that there are other new videos uploaded. She wonder when they were.. She clicks one video. It is a video filming her and her friends talking about her being Mai♡Kae from behind a locker in her classroom.

Trembling, Kae wonders who it is. She sees that her views are now at 103,021. There are 108 comments saying that it is a new and it feels like was it was secretly filmed that it makes gives one the creeps, it is a lot interesting than ordinary videos, it seems getting closer and closer to the girl, what will happen at the end of the program? Kae deletes the video.

She locks up her door, and closes the window’s curtains. She wonders who is using her computer to upload the videos..!? Then, she hears her mother saying that she’s home. She is about to call her mother but she stops herself. She thinks no, she cannot tell it to her mother for she doesn’t want to be scolded. She decides to depend on herself to catch the culprit.

Late at night, Kae is already very sleepy. It is already 2am. She looks at her laptop computer and in the end, there is no surveillance. She looks out the window and there is no one outside.. She looks at her video upload list and there is no videos uploaded. Then, her computer beeps. She looks at the monitor.

It is a LIVE recording of her house. She wonders what is this for this is the front of her house.. Then, there is a video of her from the window outside. Kae thinks that it is her room. In the video, someone tries to pull open the door. Kae becomes nervous for she heard a noise outside her door. She realizes that the onsite live broadcast here is happening right now. The video shows that someone is walking upstairs.

After standing up, Kae takes her laptop computer and opens the door. Kae realizes that someone is coming upstairs. That person kept on muttering, “Near. Near. Near..” Kae calls out if it is her mother or a classmate had come over. The other person kept on saying, “Near.. Near..” Kae calls out who is it.. Then, she goes back in her room and locks the door. Kae wonders what to do..

Then, her computer is ringing. The views of this LIVE broadcast are quickly increasing from 1,402 to 7,008 to 25,210. The comments are saying that it is a LIVE, it’s an act that’s all, in the end what will happen, GO to the house!!, this shouldn’t be real right.

To Kae’s shock, she hears the door clicking open and someone is peeking inside. The broadcast is focused on horrified Kae. She asks, “Who are you, who.. Quickly stop.. Why would I encounter this kind..of thing..” The comments are going while over what will happen next, really anticipating, continue on for s/he really wants to know the ending!?

Then, there is a clapping sound from the computer for the video reached 100 million views. Ding. There is a message from Mytube which says, ‘Congratulations Miss Mai♡Kae for reaching 100 million views and you’re a BEST Mytuber’. Kae isn’t rejoicing over that because the door suddenly swings open.

Starting to cry, Kae looks really terrified. She sees a smiling man. Kae says, “Save..” Then, the video focuses on her eye wherein a hand reaches out as she leans to the side. And, everything became black. There is a couple who just finished watching that video on their television.

The man complains how come it ends here when obviously, it is at the crucial moment. The woman asks if the video is real. The man asks how is that possible but then, there are a lot of people who likes attention. “Just looking at the video, it confirms that there is really someone who had already infiltrated in her house...

...In the videos, it showed her house’s address and her personal life. There are people who’ll casually divulge information like that. If that isn’t stupid then what is that?” The woman says forget it, look, didn’t they hide theirs really well.

The man asks what video they are going to upload next. They didn’t notice that there is someone watching them from the cabinet shutters. The man inside the cabinet is breathing deeply and he is holding a huge cleaver.

Yumi’s narration: “What did the young girl do wrong? Does everyone able to understand it? But then, when she realizes it, it is already too late. What one should do or what one shouldn’t do, everyone has to clearly distinguish it...

...In the goal, dream and happiness that people yearn for, the place that is packed with delight yet it is also frequently a very deep place where darkness is hidden. Then, I’ll continue watching my favorite video so I’ll go ahead. What kind of video it is? Hee hee, after you’ve seen it, you’ll definitely regret it. Class is over. We’ll see each other in the next lesson.”

Comment: One lesson is obviously do not put up too much personal information for everyone to know because you’ll never know you’ll use it for malicious intention. But then, she wanted to immediately become famous.

In this case, it seems to be a psycho murderer who is also good in hacking/computers. If I were to put a background on the killer, the guy probably hates mytubers ^^; Perhaps, ironically, he makes the mytuber famous at the last moment.

Another lesson is about being too happy over the positive results in one’s goal that one became careless. There are small signs that should be red flags but Kae decided to ignore them. She could have also informed her mother rather than dealing it with herself. In the end, it was too late. Scans by 离境汉化组

Quote of the day:

On Twitter [/other internet sites], we get excited if someone follows us. In real life, we get really scared and run away. ~ Author Unknown

Chapter 35: A couple of grandfathers are talking in a bar. One of the grandfathers had to move to a different place due to a reversal of fortune. The other grandfather wanted to help him out.

On the train, a black haired girl is sitting beside Minato and Yuuma. She suddenly stands up to let a woman with a bandaged foot sit on her seat. To their surprise, another woman suddenly sat on the seat and thanked them. This made the black haired girl apologize.

And, to their surprise, Minato stands up and says to please sit down. After they got off the train, the girl wants to apologize to Minato but he said that it is nothing. Yuuma is puzzled about this since he was sleeping in the train.

In school, the girl immediately gets the attention of some guys. The girl informs them that she isn’t an ojousama anymore. She introduced herself as Aoi-chan. [Her surname is Madenojouji] Some girls aren’t too happy about that.

Later, those girls inform Aoi that she was told by the teacher to tell Aoi regarding her cleaning duty. During lunch, the girl had a laugh over how Aoi easily believed her and isn’t she an idiot. She isn’t happy for whether Aoi is nobility or something, she’s just a sly to get so close with guys when she just transferred.

While walking at the courtyard, Yuuma asks how Minato named the cat [<- Minato’s pet that was originally found by Ririko’s younger brother and made the younger brother have a better perspective of Minato].

There is a scene of Minato dictating all sorts of name for the cat to react if it likes the name. In the end, the cat name is Charlotte which it had picked for itself by pointing to a paper with that name.

Yuuma is really amused by that. Sweeping the courtyard, Aoi bumps into Minato who immediate catches her to stop her from falling. She immediately backs away and apologizes. Yuuma recognizes her as the girl this morning.

Aoi recognizes Minato and starts to apologize about this morning. Yuuma asks what she is doing. She informs them that her classmate told her that the teacher wanted her to sweep the courtyard. The guys realize that she is being bullied and she just transferred in their school.

Yuuma informs Aoi that they have cleaners so the students don’t have to clean the school so she was deceived. Aoi says is that so but she continues to sweep the grounds. Yuuma tries to tell her that there’s no need to do that but Aoi says that she wants to finish the job.

She asks if there’s something wrong with that. That kind of attitude reminded Minato of Ririko that he smiles and says that no, it’s quite good. Aoi blushes over this. When Yuuma asked her name, Aoi thinks that her surname isn’t easy for others to call out so she just said, Aoi-chan.

Yuuma tells her that if someone asks her to do something, confirm it with them first. Minato said that if she is familiar with someone in school, then the chances of others deceiving her would lessen. Aoi asks if it won’t trouble them. Minato says no.

In class, much to the envious girls’ dismay, Aoi was approached by other girls who are amazed that she talked with Minato. They talk about wanting to go steady with Minato but it seems he had a girlfriend from another school but then, they heard they already broke up.

At the train station, Aoi finds herself looking at Minato and friends. Then, she stops herself and rushes into the train. At the supermarket, Aoi is having a hard time buying some products on sale.

Ririko helps her out by giving her share. Aoi is moved to tears. Aoi informs Ririko about her family’s economic status becoming bad so she isn’t used to normal stuff like this. Her mother had also collapsed lately but then, it cannot be helped since there are a lot of things that she isn’t used to.

Ririko offers to help her shopping if she goes to this supermarket. On the way home, Aoi meets up with her grandfather who helped her with the groceries. To her surprise, her grandfather is setting her up to a miai [arranged marriage] with his friend’s grandson.

Aoi tries to decline for she is still a junior high student [third year]. Grandfather says that of course, the marriage is after they graduate so if she doesn’t want to, he can refuse it but he just wishes for her happiness.

That night, Ririko informs Minato about meeting a girl at the supermarket, giving her share of the dinner and becoming friends. While playing with the cat, Minato asks if that is okay for won’t that person be too dependent. Ririko says it shouldn’t become like that and she looks honest and cute. Ririko thinks that the outfit is somewhat similar with Minato’s school uniform.

Jealous Minato says that Ririko couldn’t leave that girl be yet she obviously left him without a care. Ririko frantically says that it is because of Etsuko and he saw it right, when she strictly said that Ririko has to study since it will be final exams soon so she’ll temporarily stop her work for Minato.

Minato apologizes for that person is talkative ever since before when it obviously should be fine. Ririko laughs and says that for Etsuko to say that, it made her a bit happy because that would be the tone her mother would have if she is still here. This surprises Minato then he smiles.

At school, Aoi is gloomy for she reluctantly agreed to the miai which made her grandfather happy. She thinks that it should be okay for if she got engaged then their family will be saved. Anyway, marriage is still quite far off.

Then, someone calls out to her as Aoi. It is Minato who asked if she is okay. She blushes and says that she is just thinking of something. Yuuma isn’t around since he rarely wakes up early. Minato comments about Aoi riding the wrong train yesterday. Aoi is embarrassed for he saw her.

Minato laughs and says that it turns out to be her and if he saw it earlier, he could have stopped her. Then, he greets her a good morning before joining his friends.

While her heart is going doki-doki, Aoi doesn’t feel like going to a miai and he even called her name. On the weekend, at a nice Japanese restaurant, Aoi is all dressed up for her miai. Aoi asks how come it is set today. The grandfather says that it is because everyone is free today.

Soon, the other party has arrived. The other grandfather greets them. Aoi’s grandfather calls the other as, Suou. This surprises Aoi. She looks up and is surprised for the other party is Suou Minato.

Chapter 36: When Aoi called out to Minato, Minato calls out her name. It made the grandfathers happy that their relationship is quite good that there’s basically no need for them to match them up.

After the grandfathers talk for a while, Minato’s grandfather perform some ceremony in preparing the incense that he just received. Aoi couldn’t believe that the other party is Minato that it is all like a dream.

After the ceremony, Minato’s grandfather says that they are taking their leave so the youngsters take their time. Minato tries to call out to him but Aoi’s grandfather holds Minato’s hand.

He bows and says that he’ll leave his granddaughter to Minato. While walking at the courtyard, Aoi is saying how shocked she was for it turns out that the other party is Minato.

Then, she notices that Minato is no longer walking with her and he is in deep thought. Minato says that even if he can somewhat guess it but what did she come here for. She says that it is a miai. Minato is shocked.

He covered his face then looks really furious. There is a flashback of Minato’s grandfather who recently returned to Japan fetching Minato from school. He talked about Minato quarreling with his father but Minato said that isn’t the reason he came here to talk with him.

His grandfather said that he got some expensive incense and he wanted Minato to come to the incense ceremony [<- something like tea ceremony, I guess] since the number of people there is few. End flashback. Aoi says so he didn’t know that it is a miai. Minato said that if he knew, he won’t come for obviously, he already has a girlfriend.

Recalling what she heard, Aoi asks if the girl is from another school and she heard that they broke up. Minato says she is from another school but they didn’t break up. <- the others are referring to Serina. Minato says that it turns out that Aoi is her name and not her surname.

Slightly scared Aoi tells him her surname. Minato reprimands her that she should have said so that it made the grandfathers misunderstand and think that their relationship is quite good. [<- he is calling her by her first name] Wondering what to do for Minato is angry, Aoi apologizes. Minato couldn’t believe that she’s just a third year junior high yet she’ll agree to this.

She says that her grandfather is worried about her and she knew that he is doing it for her own good. She wanted to refuse but couldn’t do so. Minato is going to continue reprimanding her that at this time, it would be hard to refuse but she is already crying. She apologizes for causing him trouble.

Minato apologizes for his mistake and he should be angry at his grandfather. He apologizes and wipes her tears with a piece of paper [kaishi]. He warns that it is good that it is him so he can properly refuse for what if it is some old geezer, she might immediately be married off.

Aoi wonders how things will turn out if Minato doesn’t have a girlfriend. At home, Minato angrily protests at his grandfather for setting him up for a miai. His grandfather explains that he is friends with Aoi’s grandfather and he is a nice good guy but he just easily believes others.

So, after being deceived, he lost his company and property and they are now living at a relative’s house. The grandfather is still worried about Aoi so Minato’s grandfather wanted to help him out. Irked Minato says that even if that is how it is, don’t casually decide his life and he already has a girlfriend.

The grandfather says that the marriage is for the future and he isn’t saying that he break up right now. This irks Minato again. Minato’s grandfather mentions about how cute Aoi is, etc and won’t he look at Aoi in the far future. Minato says no.

The grandfather laments about wanting to have a connection between their families for this is good for both families. [<- I think for them, it would be the ‘name/lineage’ of Aoi’s family] At school, Aoi starts to avoid Minato. Minato also pretends not to know she’s hiding from him.

Then, Aoi’s new friends wanted her to introduce them to Minato. Aoi informs them that Minato has not broken up with his girlfriend. This made the girls leave. Minato overhears some girls talking about that girl whose surname they couldn’t remember well.

On the way home, Minato rides on the same train as Aoi and said that he told her not to ride the wrong train. <- he calls her Aoi again. Minato apologizes and says that he didn’t know what happened to her family. Aoi is moved by the gesture.

The train suddenly stops and falls on him. She apologizes and backs away. She notices the cat keychain on Minato’s bag. She says that it is so cute and does he like it. He smiles and says oh, that. She asks if it is given by his girlfriend. He says that it isn’t a gift but something they bought together as remembrance. He becomes embarrassed and tells her to keep that a secret.

Then, after Minato left, Aoi gets a message from Ririko to inform her of a sale at that supermarket. Ririko apologizes to Aoi that she is concentrating on her exams so she couldn’t go to this supermarket but it is okay, there is a meat sale here and she’ll just use this time as rest time, too.

Aoi thanks Ririko for the help and teaching her to cook. Ririko says that it seems she is having a hard time but don’t force herself too much because she looks listless. Soon, Aoi admits to her the reason.

It is because she has an unrequited love yet she hasn’t confessed. It is only because she knew the guy had a girlfriend. She hopes that these feelings would quickly disappear.

Ririko says that it is fine since just having feelings can make one happy and lively so she doesn’t have to immediately want it to disappear, just take it slowly. Aoi wonders if there’s no need to make this feelings disappear. Aoi asks Ririko if she has someone she likes. Ririko smiles yes, someone she really likes.

At the train, in the next morning [?], Ririko happily greets Minato. He comments that she looks quite lively even if today is the start of the exams. Ririko says that it is because even if she studies in school and home, she really anticipates up to what degree she can do. He comments that she’s relaxed.

She says that his exams will start on Friday so was Etsuko annoying him. He says that his grades are good so she doesn’t say much to him but then, he was forbidden to work. Ririko laughs and says that it is fine for it was mentioned to his father. Ririko says that she’ll go make meals for him after exams. He says, ya.

He holds her hand and their fingers intertwine. The two smile together. After Ririko got off, the train passes by Aoi who is busy studying but she couldn’t memorize well. Then, the train door opens. She greets Minato. She talks about forgetting to study when she was busy learning to cook because she is in charge of their meals.

Minato recalls that Aoi’s family lost everything. Minato says that if there is something that she doesn’t know then come and ask him. Aoi thinks that means he is willing to teach her. She blushes over this. She thinks that she likes him and she doesn’t want these feelings to disappear.

There is a scene of Ririko taking an exam. That night, Minato is surprised that Charlotte can open the door. The cat jumps on his table. Minato smiles and throws it on the bed for it is a hindrance to his studies. Charlotte gets even by playing and biting the cat key chain on Minato’s bag. That night, while sleeping, Ririko hears a sound.

It is 3:23am when her father is sound asleep on the dining table. Ririko welcomes him back and tells him to go to bed to sleep. His father mutters that he has to wake up early. After putting him in bed, Ririko finds his father’s complexion doesn’t look quite well.

Comment: Well, we have another female love rival who isn’t exactly as aggressive as Serina. This type is more difficult to deal with since she doesn’t have malice and she’s a ‘damsel in distress’.

Since our couple is nice, they’ll definitely cannot help but help her out given her family’s situation. But then, Aoi will be vulnerable into thinking that Minato’s kindness towards her mean something else. Or, we can say, it will make her fall deeper in love with him. Oh ya, Charlotte is very cute ^^ I like that cat. Scans by all★wink汉化组

Quote of the day:
There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. ~ John Holmes

Sawako calls out to Shouta and says that there is something that she wants to ask of him. Shouta asks what it is. She asks him if they can go out somewhere. Narration: “..one day, please give me your one day’s time.”

Soon, the two are happily smiling while riding the train. Flashback: Sawako said that even if it is willful of her to say it since it will hinder his studies. “About that.. just this once! Just one day is fine! *Shouta looked at her* ..is it no good..” Shouta asked, “..one day?”

Sawako asked if he is really willing to give her his time. “Let’s go to some place that is a bit far away!! (Somewhere farther than the usual--)” End flashback. And, they arrive at an amusement park. Sawako exclaims that they’re here. Shouta says yes, so what does she want to ride on.

She asks what type does he likes. He says roller coaster-type. Sawako exclaims that kind!? Shouta says that it’s okay if she’s scared and no need to force herself. Sawako exclaims that she wants to try riding it. She tells him that she hasn’t ridden much those types before so she wants to ride them together with him.

Smiling Shouta holds her hand and says okay. He happily tells her that they are going to ride all of the rides once!! Soon, they are strapped on the roller coaster cart. Sawako asks if this is okay. After saying yes, Shouta takes her picture for a remembrance. She exclaims not to suddenly ‘attack’!!

Shouta smiles over the picture he got of her on his phone. Trembling Sawako says that she also wants to take his picture but she couldn’t move anymore. Shouta laughs then assures her, “It’ll be okay. I’m at your side! It’s not a bit scary at all!” Somewhat moved, Sawako says, okay.

Then, to her shock, Shouta says that he’s kidding. Soon, the roller coaster starts going downhill. Later on, Shouta comments that she’s walking wobbly. She informs him that her [trembling] legs are unexpectedly like this.

Shouta holds her steady and suggests that she holds on to him. She says okay and thanks. Upon realizing that Sawako is holding on his arm, Shouta looks at her. To her surprise, he suddenly looks over his shoulder. He starts exclaiming if they aren’t around like Pin, Joe, or his father, they’re not around right!!

Surprised Sawako asks if they came!? Shouta exclaims no, it isn’t that, he absolutely does not want those people to disturb them today!! “I..don’t want to be disturbed by anyone!! Because today— is time that belongs only to the two of us!!”

After agreeing with him, she holds his arm tightly. He blushes and smiles. After a while, Sawako informs him that actually, she is already okay. [<- no need to hold her steady]. Soon, they are riding on a spinning teacups ride.

Shouta asks if she easily gets motion sickness. She says not really. He says is that so, then.. That is his cue to twirl the teacup really fast. Sawako calls out to him that he’s mischievous. Shouta just grins. Sawako is thinking that she’s so happy for the two of them are always together at a place where they don’t usual go.

Then, Sawako takes Shouta’s picture. Shouta takes her phone and they have a selfie together. Narration: “Today, it’s just the two of us together--” Shouta happily points to a haunted house and says that they go there next. Sawako agrees.

As they entered inside, Sawako exclaims that this is the first time that she isn’t pretending to be a ghost upon entering a haunted house. She says that there’s no need to work, so what should she do, ah, reference from here on..

Shouta exclaims that she just have fun to her heart’s content!! “Because you’re always happy in making everyone have fun so you also go and have fun to your heart’s content!!” She asks if everyone had fun.. Shouta exclaims that they did and she also really frightened him.

Teary-eyed Sawako says that’s great..and can she say that’s great. Shouta says yes, she can and today is her turn!! Holding her hand, he says that even if they’ll spend some time—but he finally he can take a stroll together with her..

While they are walking, Sawako says that even if she isn’t scared while pretending to be a ghost..but right now, her heart is beating so fast.. He holds her hand tight and assures her that it will be okay! Then, Shouta screams in fright over a long haired mannequin.

Sawako wonders how many more times will Shouta be at her side to tell her, ‘It will be okay’. Sawako starts to recall all sorts of memories with Shouta. Shouta turns around and asks her if she is okay. He finds her sitting on the floor crying. She apologizes for she was just startled a bit.

She assures him that she’s fine. Shouta holds her face and kisses her cheek twice. Sawako calls his name on her mind. The two holds hands and smiles. Then, Shouta heads out the horror house. As the daylight shines into her face, Sawako mutters, “..like you the most..”

Outside, Shouta asks if she’s scared. Sawako claims that she wasn’t and she’s totally fine. He asks if she wants to go through it once again. Sawako wails and says that they don’t go to such a stimulating ride for next one. Shouta laughs. He looks at his watch and says that time is almost up. “..should we go back already..?”

Shouta notices Sawako’s hesitating expression. He suddenly calls out to someone and asks if he can take their picture. Shouta thanks the person for agreeing to it. He offered to also take the other person’s picture. Then, Shouta calls out to Sawako to come over and show her best brilliant smile today!!

Shouta shows her his smile. This made Sawako smile. So, their picture is taken along the bench while they have very huge smiles on their faces. Shouta exclaims that lastly, they’ll ride the Ferris Wheel! Inside the carriage, they sit at opposite sides. Sawako asks if he won’t be sitting beside her. He asks, huh. She repeats for him to sit at her side.

Shouta suddenly stands up then sits back down. He says no, he’ll still sit over here. Disappointed Sawako says that he went back. He says no, how can he say this, if he goes to her side, it feels like he’ll go sticky [/lovey-dovey] with her...right..so..

To his surprise, she says that she’s very happy [/willing]..!! Shouta asks if that is for real, ah, he isn’t referring to that..and she used such intense wording. Sawako says is that so. Shouta says that it is a bit..how can he say it..he loses to her. Sawako asks if he’s very embarrassed [/awkward]. Shouta is about to deny but admits that he is very embarrassed. This made Sawako nervous.

He says speaking of that, today, he feels that sitting over here. “I’ll be able to look at your face while talking...” She says ya.. Then, Shouta takes out his cellphone and shows to Sawako the picture he took of her at the roller coaster. She asks can she get a good look at it. He says of course.

He shows her where to push the button to see the other pictures. Shouta laughs that it feels that he is always flustered. Sawako looks at their pictures together. Soon, they look out the window. They are already at the top. Sawako says that Kitahoro is over there.

Then, she mutters, “..I don’t want..to go back..” Shouta says, “Okay, I’ll abduct you.” Sawako nods. She looks at him and becomes teary-eyed. While crying, she says, “..I know that you won’t really do that.. but I’m still very happy. Kazehaya-kun, I--”

Then, she suddenly recalls him saying that he wants to sit at the other side to see her face while talking. She realizes that he is probably already aware of what she’ll tell him today...earlier on.. Shouta quietly watches her seriously.

Sawako finally says, “I want to go take the exam for the normal university. Shouta says, “..ya! Kuronuma, gambatte [do your best]! Kuronuma gambatte! You can do it! Gambatte!!” Narration: “Always, always can hear [that?]. Always, whether or not at my side, always--”

Shouta goes to her side and kisses her. And, Sawako recalls the time when Shouta called out, “Kuronuma gambatte!” And, the last scene is the Ferris Wheel that is moving slowly.

Comment: While reading this chapter, I have this sort of ‘calm before the storm’ feeling and it came at the end. This is nicely done. It seems like a a metaphor of the different obstacles in life. It can be thrilling, scary, slow yet they’ll always go through with it together while creating wonderful memories while they’re at it ^^

I’m really not sure what Shouta is feeling. I mean after the quarrel before wherein Sawako insisted to think about going or not, and Shouta should not assume things. Yet, it turns out that Shouta really knows her really well in this case. Actually, it is already somewhat obvious to everyone. It is also what’s best for Sawako’s future career.

Still, it is really nice of Shouta not to say anything like ‘I told you so’, etc. He has always been supportive of her though a bit too much at times that it can lead to misunderstandings. ^^; I don’t know what’s with the ‘abduct you’ line but for some reason, it moved me. ^^;; Perhaps, it is because of what he is willing to do for her to make her happy. Scans by 夜莺工作室

Quote of the day:

Encouragement requires empathy and seeing the world from your spouse's [/other person’s] perspective. We must first learn what is important to our spouse [/loved one]. Only then can we give encouragement. With verbal encouragement, we are trying to communicate, "I know. I care. I am with you. How can I help?" We are trying to show that we believe in him [/her] and in his [/her] abilities. We are giving credit and praise. ~ Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate

Akira looks towards Chiharu’s room. She recalls Satowa telling her that she did a willful thing onstage when she only wanted her mother to pay attention to her. She also remembers Chiharu saying that even if Satowa is driven away, she is still her daughter, and that she already have no right to listen to Satowa’s performance.

Chiharu is startled when Akira opens the room’s door and apologizes for the rudeness. Chiharu asks what is it. Akira tells her that she is going to the venue of the Nationals’ preliminaries. Akira says that she had mentioned it to her before that Satowa will also perform there so she plans to drive the car over there so has she considered..

Chiharu asks how she can go when Satowa is already a person whom she had driven away. “Won’t it be very strange if I go and listen to her performance as the head?” Akira says that it isn’t strange at all because before they are master and disciple, they are first and foremost, mother and daughter.

After looking surprised, Chiharu asks if Akira thinks that she can still call herself Satowa’s mother. “I’m the one who had driven her away and caused her to have no association [/group] and become homeless. I’m only looking after myself and didn’t go to understand her feelings...

...Using a scornful look..totally rejecting.. (recalls telling Satowa that the koto is simply a lethal weapon in her hands) ..the call from within her heart--.. *Akira looks surprised* --she only wanted to borrow a musical instrument yet she needs to kneel down to me to ask for it. Far more than the right to go listen to her performance, my right being her mother is--”

Akira interrupts by apologizing for her rudeness. To Chiharu’s shock, Akira pulls her up and takes her hand as they head out of the room. Chiharu tells her to wait, what she is doing. Akira apologizes but they already do not have time and she can only force her to go with her. Chiharu asks what.

Akira says, “I know that I’m being meddlesome and I also know that I’m acting as I please but I can no longer take this anymore. *pulling Satowa along while walking at the hallway* Whether the association’s rules or the painful past, whether it is the me who is bounded by these things or looking helplessly as I see other people being bounded by these things, I already had enough of all of that.”

Opening the door, Doujima asks what’s this noise. Upon seeing Akira grabbing Chiharu along, Doujima nervously asks what she is thinking of doing this time-- Akira says that she came out just in time. “Grandma, you’re also coming along. *uses her other hand to grab surprised Doujima* You should also listen to those kids’ performance.”

Akira tosses the bewildered women into the car. Doujima says that she is so ru[de].. At the driver’s seat, Akira exclaims, “I just got my driver’s license not long ago. The two of you, please hold on tightly!!” Broom. The car speeds off.

Clank. The can of black coffee drops down the vending machine slot. Just when Suzuka is taking the drink, Taishin calls out to him. Suzuka says that he is Hakuto’s.. Suzuka forgot the name so Taishin introduced himself again. Suzuka asks if they are heading to the tuning room. Taishin says yes, and his heart is starting to thump thump jump.

Suzuka is speechless then he says speaking of that, Taishin is Hakuto’s coach, right. Taishin says that he is temporarily regarded as that. Suzuka asks if he is a music teacher. Taishin says no, he usually teach math. Suzuka thinks that it’s the same with him. Taishin says but it is because he really loves music!!

Suzuka comments that he’s amazing because he isn’t a professional yet he can actually coach like that. Taishin is puzzled. Suzuka explains that he watched the video of Hakuto’s performance in the National Music Festival and the level is so high that it amazed him. “This way of speaking might not be quite good...

...I think not only the piece but also the performance has gone through perfect calculation that the audience can get into the music the moment they hear it. Ah, that’s right, what kind of person is Toujou Miyabi, Hakuto’s composer. Obviously, she can create such an advanced piece but I totally wasn’t able to check out this person--”

Then, he notices Taishin blushing really red and trembling. This made Suzuka back away and gloomily asks if he said something wrong. Taishin nervously says no, not at all. “Whe whe whether it is the performance or the piece, it is the first time that they are evaluated like that by someone. I’m just so happy for a moment.”

Before Suzuka can say anything else, the club president scolds Taishin to hurry up for they don’t have a lot of time. Taishin apologizes. The club president tells her to hurry up. Taishin apologizes to Suzuka and says if it is possible, they go and slowly chat again next time. Suzuka says yes, certainly.

While being dragged away, Taishin waves at Suzuka and says that they do their best together even if actually the ones who have to do that are the students. Suzuka recalls what Taishin told him about ‘whether the performance or the piece’ and ‘normally teaches math’.

Suzuka smiles and mutters, math..it turns out that. “No wonder I wasn’t able to check [Miyabi] out.” As the club president brings Taishin back to the group, she scolds him for being the same with Mio. Taishin apologizes again. The club president asks what’s with that silly smile on his face.

Still blushing, Taishin says about that, haha..it is because it is the first time someone praised him and he’s so happy. The club president is puzzled. Taishin says that his coaching as well his composed music is both praised. Mio and the club president look at Suzuka who is walking at the opposite direction.

Looking at smiling Taishin, the club president wonders if he is a kid. She tells Taishin congratulation but then, what’s up with name, Toujou Miyabi. A girl says that she recalls Taishin saying that he used his mother’s maiden name and [older] sister’s name. He tells them not to mind that for a bit.

Back at the auditorium, Suzuka tells Takezou that it is almost time to go to the tuning room. He says okay. The three nervously says that they are going already, wait for a moment, their heart suddenly tightens up. Chika asks the panic group if they aren’t embarrassed [by what they are doing]. Soon, they all head out.

Isaki notices them and says that they are going to prepare to go onstage. She asks Tetsuki if he’s going over to greet them. Tetsuki decides not to for he doesn’t want to disrupt their attention. Isaki isn’t saying anything so Tetsuki asks what. Isaki says that it is nothing, she just feels a bit angry for he is unexpectedly more mature than her. Tetsuki asks what she meant by that.

They were interrupted by Mashiro who asks if there is someone sitting at that side. Tetsuki says no, please go ahead. Mashiro takes her seat beside Isaki. Looking at the program, Mashiro is glad that she was able to make it. She reads that Takezou’s group's performance will be at the last two. “The piece’s title is..how do you read this..Tenkyuu..sky..is crying.. what kind of piece is it?”

As she heads out of the auditorium, Satowa looks around the audience then leaves. Sane groans out loud as he tells his heart to calm down. Dazed Kouta is in lala land. Michi is muttering that he is currently nervous, he is currently nervous.. Hiro scolds Michi what he is saying and why he is saying that. Michi says that he heard that it is very useful to admit that one is nervous. Suzuka complains that they are noisy to death.

Takezou thinks that as expected, everyone is quite nervous..no good, he has to be calm and not influenced them [with his own nervousness?]. Hiro suddenly pinches his cheek and asks what’s up with that scary face! “Isn’t it a kind of reward for oneself, who had always worked hard until now, to go on stage!? Isn’t it a place where one can enjoy as much as one likes!?”

After looking surprised, Takezou comments that her hand is also trembling. This made Hiro blush and says, for him to say!! Then, she walks away teary-eyed for that is embarrassing to death. Takezou smiles while holding his pinched cheek. Chika asks Satowa that for them to go to the tuning room now, then they won’t be able to listen to the other schools’ performance.

Satowa confirms it. Except for Hakuto, they won’t be able to hear the others ahead of them. She asks if there is a school whose performance he wants to listen to. He says yes, but forget it. Recalling cheering the glasses girl, Chika thinks that even if he wanted to hear the performance of that girl’s school but it seems that it is inevitable. “It is fine for that girl to put her energy on the performance even if in the end, we’ll be the winners.”

Backstage, together with her club members, Kinoshita is really nervous. She wonders what’s with this situation, what to do, they are doing to perform next but starting from a while ago, her hands and feet are already numb. “Hands are so cold as if my blood had frozen. They’ve become cold stiff. So scared. Like this, I basically couldn’t play. –ah, wait a moment, which string am I going to play from the start. Heavens, what am I to do. I don’t know. I don’t remember it. What to do. What to do.”

Her thoughts are interrupted by Kagari’s yawn. Fujimoto asks Kagari what’s up with that, her yawn is so crude and is she even considered a girl. Kagari asks on what basis he is minding her, shut up. “I’m sleepy to death from watching television until late at night. Ah- I really want to quickly go home-”

Kinoshita asks the two if they aren’t a bit nervous. Fujimoto calls her really stupid for why must they be nervous when they don’t plan on entering the Nationals. Kagari asks what is there to be afraid of when there won’t be anyone who’ll seriously listen to them. Kinoshita is speechless and aghast. Then, Kinoshita becomes nervous when a girl tells them that they’ll go onstage after the group ahead of them goes offstage.

At the auditorium, Tsukaji looks at the program and says that the next school will be playing ‘Spring’s Dream’. Komaki asks if it is very difficult piece. Tsukaji calls her stupid for it is the opposite yet unexpectedly, not only is it a very simple piece, three people are going to play a solo piece. “They totally have no intention of entering the Nationals.”

Komaki says that there are schools like that and one will get tired if all of them sound amazing. Tsukaji says whatever, whether the piece is simple and a solo piece, it doesn’t matter as long as it is pleasant to listen to. On the stage with the others, Kinoshita feels her back is so hot and it turns out that the spotlight is this hot.

“But even if it is like that, my hand is still cold stiff. That’s right, the starting sound. The starting sound is- *sound of Ting* What!!? *looks at Fujimoto playing* No way, it has already started!? It’s over. I basically didn’t see Fujimoto-kun’s signal!!! I’ve missed the timing [where she’ll start playing]!!!”

Looking at Kinoshita, Fujimoto bites his lips and angrily wonders what Kinoshita is doing. Kagari had forgotten a part but decides to let it be and play a different note. Fujimoto is becoming jittery for Kagari is suddenly playing randomly as she pleases.

Since the two’s music isn’t matching together, Kinoshita got confused on what part to start playing and what part are the others playing. Komaki comments that this is very crude that even if it is her, she knows it. Tsukaji says that basically, they didn’t seriously practice for the koto’s sound is sincere. The audience wonders what is that, the sound is totally messy.

Fujimoto thinks that it is enough, what’s up with those two, that the sound is coming out quite strange..okay, then by himself, he’ll.. Then, [I think] Fujimoto wonders, what’s the next note.. Everyone is stunned for the performance had suddenly stopped. Kinoshita starts thinking that she really wants to disappear, do not want to continue on being at this place, really want to run away.

Tsukaji thinks that the koto’s sound is sincere. “During an official performance, a person who practiced might not be able to play remarkably but a person, who didn’t practice yet is unexpectedly in an official performance, would absolutely not be able to play it well. That’s all there is to it.”

Kagari looks at Kinoshita and wonders what to do next. She thinks that it is already no good for Kinoshita has become stupefied but then, a club that didn’t properly practice will in the end become like this. Fujimoto is getting fed up for this is totally messed up.

“From the very start, because I’m not a bit the same with others, people would look at me strangely. *guys are saying that Fujimoto is obviously a guy yet he is so girlie, how disgusting* I really hate that kind of look so I joined a club with the fewest people, the most discreet club. Then, why am I still on this kind of stage and being looked at by people with that kind of look!?”

Fujimoto whispers to Kinoshita that they won’t play anymore. “I don’t want to continue on being humiliated. Are you listening!? Kinoshita!” Kinoshita thinks of giving up the performance. “Ah, that’s right. If we do that, then there’s no need to continue on being tormented, right? That’s right. Anyways, there is already no one listening. I also want to quickly go home. From the start, it is impossible to advance to the Nationals. That dazzling world, it cannot be for someone like me. Give it up. Quickly leave this place-”

She is bending down again when she recalls Chika asking if she is feeling uncomfortable for she is looking so down. “In the performance later on, let us do our best.” Kinoshita starts to cry. She thinks that even if she cannot go to the world that she longs for and have no way of doing it all over again but even if it is like that.

“At least, I don’t want to abandon those words that someone told me for the first time.” Kinoshita starts to play. Soon, the other two plays with her. After the performance, Mashiro applauds. This made Isaki and Tetsuki clap, too. Tsukaji thinks that finally, they played it until the end..but, youth is really cruel [/merciless].

While Chika and others are waiting outside a room, a girl calls out to the people from Kawayama High that time’s up, please leave the room. Then, she tells Tokize group to go inside. Upon entering the room, Sane says that arriving here makes him feel that he already couldn’t run away, no, basically, he won’t run away.

Takezou tells them okay, they quickly tune their koto up then practice a bit. Sane says that Akira has not yet arr[ive]-- Then, Akira suddenly goes in the room to apologize for being late. Sane smiles and says that it’s alright for they also just went in.

Kouta comments that it is rare to see her suddenly coming in [the room]. [<- probably without knocking first?] Akira says that she didn’t think that there will be a traffic jam so they have to quickly— Satowa suddenly calls out to Akira and says that this is Akira’s so if it is okay with her..

Akira is surprised to see the koto bridge charm with her name on it. Holding the charm, Akira asks if Satowa made this. Blushing really red, Satowa says if she doesn’t want it then it’s okay to throw it away. Akira smiles and thanks her. “I’m very happy.” This made Satowa blush.

Then, Chika says, speaking of that, where’s hers? Satowa says that she didn’t make one. Scowling Chika says that she unexpectedly didn’t make one and he really cannot do anything about her. He takes out his charm and starts writing on it. Satowa tells him to wait, what is he-- She is surprised to see that Chika wrote her name on top of his name.

He looks at her and says, like this, it would-- He is surprised to see Satowa slightly blushing. Kouta suddenly goes in between them and exclaims, “Wow! It’s like being lovers!” This shocks and embarrasses the two. Kouta tells Chika that his writing is so ugly. To Chika’s irritation, Satowa agrees that his writing is really ugly.

While Hiro thinks that’s really nice, Suzuka tells them to quit playing around and quickly get ready. Chika angrily shouts that he knows already!! He curses then thinks, “Just a while ago.. *recalls Satowa’s blushing expression* it’s a happy expression, right?” He blush a bit.

While Satowa is helping the others, Akira looks at her while holding the charm tightly on her chest. At the auditorium, Komaki whines that she is almost at her limit. She says that even if Himesaka’s performance is really amazing but afterwards, no matter how she listened to them, it’s all the same..or rather, she is really fed up with listening [to koto music] already..

With a popped vein, Tsukaji says why you.. Then, he thinks, but what Komaki said has reason because currently, Himesaka outplayed the others. “Most of the others are mediocre that it is hard to distinguish one from another. Will Himesaka be chosen for the Nationals just like before? Or.. *looks at the program and sees Hakuto High’s name*...

...Come, let me listen.. *scene of Taishin overseeing the tuning while Mio seems to be charging himself with sunlight from the window* ..to your strength that defeated Himesaka in the Kanto National Music Festival. Whether or not, it is the genuine thing.”

Comment: I like the first part. ^^ It makes me want to cheer Akira on, go Akira Go! I guess she must have also partly seen herself being tied up in the past and wasting time in stagnation instead of moving on. I feel like she really wants to say quit being emo and let’s go already. =P

It helps that Akira knows that Satowa still loves her mother even after everything. It is amusing how Akira can dominate her grandmother and forced her to go along to the concert. So, it’s a great job on Akira’s part ^^ We can say that there’s definitely a reunion of sorts at the end of this competition. I wonder if their group will take in Chika and others?

Anyway, it turns out that Taishin is the composer for Hakuto. It makes me think that just like Suzuka, his real love is music. Ah..unless math has something to do with music ^^; Taishin is obviously the lively type in contrast to Suzuka who is so serious. I wonder what Suzuka thought upon seeing Taishin blushing like that so he backed away. ^^;;

Takezou x Hiro scene is cute. Chika x Satowa is really cute-sweet. Ah..those two clueless guys. ^^; As for Kinoshita’s group, at first, I thought they will at least play well assuming that there is a strict criterion before joining the preliminaries. It turns out that they are below mediocre and their piece is probably a beginner’s piece.

In a way, thinking about it, they probably won’t put that strict criterion because the organizers would assume that most youngsters won’t cherish looking like idiots and embarrass themselves like what happened with Kinoshita’s group. Also, there are probably very few clubs who are into koto so everyone is welcome to join. It will also be a good experience, win or lose. Of course, it depends on the person.

For Kinoshita, she managed to pull through in the end thanks to Chika’s encouragement. Kagari is just goofing around and probably forget all of this later on. Fujimoto did try to play well but apparently, the guy has some issues. Hm..I guess it also takes guts to want to play, continue to play and still finish it in front of an audience especially when they didn’t seem to practice that much.

Like what Tsukaji mentioned, it is one thing to play in an average way but it is totally different if they didn’t practice at all..or maybe just a few times. Anyway, it will be Hakuto’s turn next chapter so Chika and others’ performance might be for 2-3 chapters afterwards. Scans by 二次元秘店汉化

Word of the day:

Forget the past; it’s dead and gone. Live for the future; it’s alive and full of potential. ‘Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. Philippians 3:13’ ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine

The black masked person hears a sound and says even if there is some sound, wasn’t it said that after the investigation, they are to go back. The other masked person says s/he did say that. Tapping his/her head, the other masked person says that s/he changed his mind and s/he give him/her share.

The other says then s/he’ll take that share. [<- don’t really understand what they are talking about ^^;] Soon, the two are off running. In the hut, trembling Saga wonders what to do. It is all quiet outside so she starts to wonder why they didn’t come in.

“Could it be that they are afraid of the curse that they won’t dare come in?” *looks at the boy’s mother and remembers Mino* ..curse..? It is simply looking different from the others.. Cough.. Cough.. Eh? Smoke? *looks surprised to see the flames* Fire?! Could it be that they want to burn this place?!”

Outside, the two men are holding torches. They laugh and shout that if she doesn’t want to die then quickly come out. “Anyway, sooner or later, this place is going to be burned down. Woman, if you do not want to burn to death here, quickly come out! There’s no fire at the door so quickly escape there! Ha ha!”

Coughing Saga sees the boy’s mother also coughing. She thinks that those men really want to burn them to death because of a so-called curse! Meanwhile, the freckled man and his goons are chasing after Jamalta and the others. He shouts for them to stop and it’s useless to run away.

“Our men have already caught that girl! Do you want to her to get hurt? Huh?” Surprised Mino looks back but Jamalta grabs him and tells him not to stop for even if they caught the princess, they won’t kill her. “No one had thought that it will become like this.”

Mino scowls and slaps away his hand. This really irks Jamalta for Mino did that again. He is getting fed up with the master [Saga] and even the servant over their untrusting [/suspicious of someone] demeanor that it is best to just to leave the princess be.

“Simply, just cast them aside and go back then that’s it! *recalls Rim calling out to him, ‘brother’ which causes him to click his tongue* It is for you, Rim!” He continues to run with them. Soon, the boy looks back and sees that the freckled man is having a hard time catching up to them. The boy shouts that they’ll be able to lose those guys soon and they are about to reach the black soil.

Jamalta shouts in front! And, the boy goes through some shrubs. He quickly runs through in order to get out but he finds himself at a cliff. The boy shouts. Mino grabs his collar and pushes him backwards but Mino falls down the cliff.

Going to the edge, Jamalta calls out to Mino if he is alright. He is surprised to see Mino facing a huge fire. The heat is so intense that Mino backs to the wall. Freckle man shouts that it is mountain fire..it came again, god’s curse.. His companion is also scared.

Soon, they shout and run away. Jamalta wonders how come the soil would catch fire..ah! The boy suddenly calls out for Mino not to touch it! Holding the soil in his hands, Mino looks it for a while. Jamalta asks Mino if it is coal for he heard that there is a stone that can light up a fire. Mino nods.

Jamalta says that all of this land is coal. The boy asks what he means by that. Jamalta explains that it isn’t some curse but rather, it is simply idiotic to build a village on top of this tinder. The fire intensifies so Jamalta holds out his hand and shouts for Mino to quickly come.

Mino scowls at him which irks Jamalta. He shouts, “How come you always hate me so much?! The one who should be angry is me, okay?! Who wants to do this kind of thing? It is really serious! Have you heard? That bastard wanted to hold a tennyo [heavenly maiden] that he lost his mind!...

...But, that isn’t a tennyo, but rather, your master! Darn it! Do you know already? I also just got involved!” Mino starts gesturing to him. Jamalta asks if he didn’t hear about those things and he doesn’t know anything. Mino nods. Jamalta curses for that girl!! <- Saga told him that she’ll explain to Mino so please do not tell him anything.

Holding out his hand again, Jamalta shouts in short, they’ll talk about the details later on and right now, grab hold on to him! “Your most important task is to protect that girl! *Mino looks surprised* What? Come on!” Mino reaches out his hand but Jamalta couldn’t reach him.

Jamalta curses for he has to find something that will help him pull Mino up. Just then, the boy screams that there is smoke from the direction of his house. “The mountain fire is burning at that side! Ah, no! Mother!” The boy runs off. Jamalta sees Mino gesturing sideways and trying to tell him something.

Jamalta shouts, “What are you saying! Go ahead? Ah, okay! I’ll go then come back for you!” Mino nods and Jamalta leaves. He and the boy arrive at the burning hut. The boy mutters, mother..ah..no.. He tries to rush in but Jamalta stops him and says that it is dangerous. Freckle man has re-joined his companions.

The boy shouts at Jamalta to let him go for he’ll save his mother. Jamalta tells him to calm down for if he goes in, he’ll get hurt and don’t keep on moving! The freckled man shouts for Jamalta to let the boy go so that they’ll simply burn to death together. “Maybe, he and his mother are both being cursed already. Just let him burn to death together with her. Quickly let him go!!”

Setting the boy aside, Jamalta says that they are heartless people..it isn’t decided who should say those words. Freckle man and companion say that Jamalta is really a violent man and he’s scary. Holding his knife, Jamalta says that they are getting scared all over yet do not have any idea..not knowing where they got that god or [why] building a village here.

“Even if there are many people are killed, it is predestined for the fire to continue on burning here. Then, next, whose turn is it? *freckled man are surprised that the fire will still burn* The fire won’t stop then you’ll always kill, right? Then, one is cursed right? *swings knife at freckled guy who fell down when he tries to avoid it* Wake up, foolish people! From the start, this place is--”

While holding the freckled man down, Jamalta is surprised to see Saga coming out of the hut while carrying the boy’s mother on her back. Saga shouts that there is no curse! The boy shouts for his mother. Saga repeats that there is no curse so no one has to die. Jamalta and others look surprised.

Meanwhile, Mino looks at the raging fire in front of him. He is startled for the fire at the side is getting close to him. He becomes tense and he looks up to the moon above. At the hut, Saga puts the mother on the ground, she tells them that’s enough. The boy rushes to his mother. Jamalta still looks surprised.

Freckled man’s companions help him up and ask if he is alright. Saga says that they want to burn the mother to death and even if they don’t do that, she also wished to commit suicide.. “Don’t you feel that’s quite cruel?” The man asks what she is saying.

Gently holding the woman’s hand, Saga says that the woman simply looks different from others and it isn’t like she wanted her body to become like this. “Please do not conclude that they’re the problem just because they’re different.”

The freckled man shouted that they are born like that clearly shows that it is a curse! “So, we definitely have to get rid of them! Maybe you are already infected. You are also..” Saga tries to explain that there are many people who don’t appear the same from others.

“For example, Mino.. that’s right?! *looks at Jamalta* Mino..where is he?” The hut starts to collapse so the freckled man and companions move away. Saga continues to ask where Mino is. Holding her arm, Jamalta tells her that they first leave this place.

He calls out to the boy to quickly stay away a bit! But the boy is crying. He sobs that he always firmly believe the existence of the curse.. “My..excuse is for my mother to firmly believe it without a doubt. I’ll.. (but I didn’t believe mother.. Mother, she..) take away the curse.”

Just then, the burning debris falls down. Surprised Saga shouts, No! Back at the cliff, Mino is having a hard time coping with the heat from the fire. Then, he hears someone saying, “If there is really a god, would he look like that?” Mino looks up to see two figures in black.

The other masked person answers, “Who knows but it is impossible for god to be engulf in a sea of flames, right. Hey, are you a human?” Mino starts opening his mouth to say something. The masked person says that he wants them to help him. The other says that he didn’t hear a sound.

The masked person says that his mouth’s movement is saying to help him out. “..this is quite rare.” The other person agrees. They toss down a rope and helps Mino up.

The masked person faces Mino and says that if one is to say that he is ghost, someone will believe that. “Is it because you grow up like this that you cannot talk? Bumadal [傅瑪达] also hasn’t seen this kind, right.” The other person says that master said that s/he knows everything.

Looking directly at Mino’s eyes, the masked person says that it’s like he [Mino] can see through others. “Are you also probing people’s hearts? Go. Repay the favor afterwards.” After hesitating a bit, Mino looks back at the two before running off. The masked person [seems like a woman] says that her luck is really good that she can even meet up with god.

Back at the hut, Saga and Jamalta seem to have been separated from the boy and the mother. The freckled man and companions surround the boy and his mother. The boy cries and apologizes to his mother for not believing her and it will be okay.

The freckled man says that before the curse spreads, they have to dispose of these two. The boy tells his mother that he’ll accompany her. Just when the man is about to burn the boy with his torch, Mino hits his head with a rock. The freckled man asks what’s going on.

Upon seeing Mino, he shouts, “Gh..ghost?!” Mino grabs the crying boy’s collar and tries to say something. Someone shouts to let him [boy?] go! The crying boy says that he won’t go for his mother cannot take it anymore. “I want to leave here together with her then I will be forgiven by god. Believing that it is god’s curse..but never believing mother. That sin..”

Then someone says, “Who did you say will forgive you?” The boy looks surprised and he looks at Mino. Mino says, “Sorry, but I don’t think so. *stands up* Don’t think that death will free you. There’s no place for you there.” And there is a scene of Saga worriedly looking back.

Comment: And, that chapter’s end makes me think who the hell are you? ^^; Where’s the timid Mino? Reading the Chinese comments, it was mentioned that Mino did talked before in chapter 10.

After re-checking, yes, he did when he told that man who is whipping him to stop when he started to vent his ire on Cheongye. So, Cheongye knows he can talk though he seems to rarely talk at all. The question is why he hid that fact from Saga. Is it because that is Saga’s attachment to her?

I mean, it is because he is weak and everything that Saga would want to protect him so that’s their bond? If she knows that he isn’t that weak as she thought he is what then? I guess we’ll know that later on. Anyway, I think Mino only talks when there is a really need to do so. Here, I guess he got irritated over the boy’s intention. When he was at that age, Mino wanted to live no matter what.

In a way, it is interesting how different people view Mino in different ways. He was a ‘white curse’, then the usual ‘ghost’ but those two view him as a ‘god’. I think based on those perception, they can take control of the situation by taking advantage of that.

Still, that makes one wonder, is he the ‘god’ in the legend? This chapter shows that he can be male lead material. Apparently, Mino didn’t know what happened to Saga. So, that will definitely change his view towards Jamalta whom he probably assumed just whisked Saga and him away just because Saga wished for it. It will help a lot if they work together to protect Saga.

Well, it’s good that in this case, Saga doesn’t need any rescuing and has saved someone while she’s escaping from the burning hut. I’m not too sure why Jamalta is surprised there. It might also be his lapse that he is busy wanting to slice up the goons instead of helping the ones inside. ^^;

The two masked people turn out to be ‘good guys’. I think they’ll meet up with them again later on. So, were they investigating the place whose soil is actually charcoal? It makes me wonder if they are related to the leader of the goons. Since their boss supposedly knows a lot just like the leader. Scans by 水神汉化组

Quote of the day:

What matters most is how well you walk through the fire. ~ Charles Bukowski

At Hakuyou’s harem, Hiroku calls out to Shuon and says that he, this small official, had come to get her. Shuon says that he came just in time. Scowling Hiroku asks what had happened for they were only told that she fainted and the other information is..

“Today, they also wanted me to come alone to get you at the harem--..” Turning around, Shuon says that it is because there is something’s up that she cannot let others hear so she called, only him out, her most trusted [person]. “..From where should I start.. *Hiroku looks dark and serious* Ah, ah..that’s right. First of all--”

Shuon clenches her fist and viciously punches Hiroku’s face. Shocked Hiroku calls out to her. Dark Shuon says, “..Hiroku..you should already clearly know what I want to say, right? THAT had really given me a fright.”

Hiroku scowls and asks how come she knew that he did it. Shuon says that it is very simple for there are only the three of them who knew that Mana isn’t at her side that day since he is gathering intelligence.

“..but, thankfully, he came running back to me because he is worried so I was able to survive. Only the person who is closest at my side will use my royal sister’s name like that to call me out and knows that because of that, I’ll lose my calmness...

With that, I’ll just have to BEAT UP all of you. My luck is considered good that I guessed it right on the first one.” Hiroku is speechless. Along with cold-sweating Mana and bored Dai, Yuulin are standing by the other room [to probably help Shuon out if things get messy].

Aghast and tense Yuulin thinks that this princess is a SUPER MILITANT [/violent] since rather than opening her mouth, she’ll rather punch [the other person]-!! “My name is Tei Yuulin, the princess consort of Hakuyou’s Wolf King...

A few days ago, the princess from Enha had encountered an assassination so we are offering her protection. Even if she said that the one who planned the assassination is definitely one of the three, who are at her side, she absolutely wanted to personally catch the other party..

...But, she is unexpectedly merely relying on her imposing manner to make the other person admit his guilt..! It’s such an astonishing speedy resolution! So, it is that person. Wasn’t it said that he knew the princess since she was young..” Shuon asks Hiroku if he has anything to say to her for tentatively, she can listen to his reason.

Scowling Hiroku says regarding this plan to strengthen the alliance with Hakuyou, Enha shouldn’t trust the Wolf King. While Yuulin is bothered by that, Hiroku says, “Even if right now, the Wolf King had put away his fangs, no one knows when he will become a threat to my country’s existence...

...Even if you said that it is fine for you’ll only take advantage of that strength but with just a small mistake, we’ll immediately be devoured. You are pressed down by the opposing clamor that you stubbornly came to this place. You do not have a bit of intention of giving it up. Unable to hinder you, I also have no other way...

...Thinking of Enha compare to anyone else, the princess is going to give her hand in marriage to the Wolf King but on contrary, it will cause the country to fall into crisis. I really do not want to see that kind of thing.”

Shuon grabs Hiroku’s head and gives him a head butt. This shocks Yuulin and Mana. Shuon says, “Idiot. What can change in a country that is always closed [/isolated from foreign contact]? Didn’t I say that I’ll protect everything? It is enough for you to just believe in me. You’re really such a big idiot.”

Hiroku just bows his head. Yuulin thinks that even if Shuon got hurt, she will also raise her head and hold up her chest to immediately stand up once again. “I don’t know why but for a moment, that kind of attitude seems like the ‘Wolf King’ who stands at the very top, above all of the people.”

At the harem, while serving some tea, Yuulin tells Reishou that in this assassination, it turns out that there is an accomplice within Enha so the princess said that she must go back as soon as possible.

Reishou says that’s very good. “Even if I earlier knew of the situation at that place but right now, it seems that their unstable internal [affairs] is already more serious compared to how it appears. *Yuulin is puzzled* Enha’s king only has daughters. The future king is Princess Shuon’s older sister...

...she seems to be a refined quiet princess. I heard that starting from the time when the future queen is going to choose a husband, the nobles of Enha carried out a series of power struggle. *Yuulin looks surprised* I’m afraid that that country’s biggest problem is the royal family’s check and balance powers on the ministers had excessively weakened...

..because of this, Princess Shuon had thought that through marriage with Hakuyou, she’ll get rid of the external factor that is causing unrest. In spite of that, it is a risky gamble that only she can do.” Yuulin recalls Shuon saying that it is to protect everything.

At the gazebo, Yuulin says that Shuon have already prepared to go back to her country. Shoun says yes, from the intelligence they got from interrogating Hiroku, they have decided to set off earlier than the diplomatic group. Yuulin is puzzled when Shuon is looking at her with a frown.

Flipping her hair, Shuon says that she’s letting Yuulin off that she escaped death[?]. This puzzles Yuulin. Shuon tells Yuulin that she is busy over so many things that she has no alternative but to return back to her country. “It isn’t that I lost to you as a woman so you better not be ‘mistaken’ about it.”

Thinking that Shuon’s so lively, Yuulin smiles and says, yes, yes, yes. “Take care on your way back. Did you forget anything? Do you need anything? Ah, I’ve prepared the snacks that you like as souvenirs. *sparkles* When you are hungry, you can eat them but do not eat it all up by yourself. Mana also..”

Shuon angrily interrupts, “You’re so called time limit for ‘being responsible towards the people whom you picked up’ is quite long. Am I a brat? Tsk. Let me say it first, until we meet again.” After looking surprised, Yuulin happily smiles and says, “Yes, one day.” Mana appears behind Shuon.

Narration: “Through the Hakuyou and Enha’s goodwill exchange, I got my first foreign friend.” Later on, Jun sighs and says, “How can I say it, it is really great that we are able to send her ‘smoothly back to her country’.”

Reishou muses that they almost got entangled into a pile of trouble like connected through marriage, supporting Enha, involved in a power struggle and there is even a plot [/conspiracy], etc.

Jun angrily complains that Shuon should go solve her own country’s problem by herself when they [Reishou and others] are already quite busy on this side already. Yuulin worriedly says what would happen to Enha afterwards.

Reishou says, yes, there is definitely a lot of worrisome factors but if Princess Shuon can use her power to act and boldness to support and assist the queen by becoming Enha’s backbone.“Perhaps, we’ll unexpectedly have an interesting neighbor.”

Yuulin looks surprised then she pouts then scowls. Reishou nervously calls out her name. “Yuulin? *puzzled* What is it? Are you angry?” Yuulin denies that she is angry but she continues to pout. “I’m just really envious that Princess Shuon got praised, that’s all! Hmph, that’s really nice! Ya~~”

Surprised and tense Reishou exclaims, “Eh, you’re jealous over that?! I didn’t think that [you’ll]!!” After sighing, scowling Jun says that he’s going back to work. Yuulin thinks that Shuon definitely can hold fast her valiant willpower and go fighting all the way.

“Looking straight up ahead in order to protect her beloved country and to support her important person. If I can also become that strong, I would be able to help this person more, right.” Reishou tells her, “Wanting to become [my] wife and staying at my side. No matter what, you won’t lose your passion [/enthusiasm] and even winning people’s hearts. All that I want to possess is forever, only you.” This made Yuulin blush really red.

She says, “I I I I’m not telling you to amuse me with sweet and honeyed words..” Reishou laughs and says is that so, so he guessed it wrong? Yuulin scolds laughing Reishou for that. <- something like he was teasing her.

In a carriage, Shuon tells the others that when she was alone with the Wolf King, she really wants to run off for she couldn’t stand it. “He is obviously very upright [/honest] and calm when he’s with the princess consort. It’s simply a deception!”

Handcuffed Hiroku says that didn’t he told her that earlier on. Someone asks how come Hiroku joined in the conversation as usual. Shuon shouts that this traitor! “After I get you to spit out all of the information regarding the assassination, I’m going to make you a servant throughout your life so that I can enslave you as much as I want!”

Hiroku bows down and becomes quiet. Haru comments that there isn’t much difference from what he [Hiroku] is currently [doing]. Kagou comments that they are so leisurely. “Ah, so, in the end, the princess consort isn’t a youkai?”

Shuon thinks of chibi Yuulin climbing a tree, chibi Yuulin bringing food for her to eat, chibi Yuulin asking if she wants a snack.. Shuon says, “No, she is..” And, there is a scene of Mana on top of the carriage and holding up his hand [/waving?].

Narration: “After this goodwill exchange, Hakuyou and Enha will continue to maintain their good diplomatic relationship. Simply looking at the result, one should be able to say that the exchange is already a success for we were able to reach our goal.” Holding a paper, Jun sweatdrops and says what’s up with this gossip among the people.. “What’s going on with this, Lady princess consort.”

Yuulin looks tense, dark and surprised. Narration: “For some unknown reason, my reputation as the ‘youkai princess consort’ ..had unexpectedly spread abroad." Freaking out, Yuulin shouts, “Wh wh why-!!? It obviously [should be] cleared up-!!!” Jun is speechless and displeased while Reishou can only go feel for Yuulin.

Comment: Poor Yuulin, her ‘youkai’ reputation has spread out to the other countries. My theory is probably the people in Enha realize a bit of change in Shuon’s personality and attributed it to meeting with Yuulin. That change might be using Yuulin’s ‘winning hearts’ strategy on others =P Unless of course, there is someone spreading rumors again with ill intention.

There is also a possibility based on what Shuon are talking at the end that only a youkai would want to marry and be with the Wolf King. Basically, no girl in her right mind would want to be with him. Nevertheless, that reputation might work in their favor for no other countries will mess with Hakuyou since not only do they have a Wolf King, they also have a youkai. =P

From this chapter, we know that Shuon and others will show up again. Surely, it will be as allies next time around, though probably against something else. Catching the traitor turned out to be fairly easy. Hehe, just punch all of the suspects and hopefully, one talk too much or makes a slip of the tongue like what happened to Hiroku.

In this case, both care for the country but don’t agree on how it should be done. Of course, an attempted murder won’t sit well with a royalty. Perhaps, because of his reason and being with each other for a long time, Shuon is lenient with him. That is being a slave throughout one’s life is considered a better alternative than death. ^^;

Due to what’s going on with her country, I guess it is more understandable what Shuon tried to pull. In a way, she is sacrificing herself for the stability of her country externally. It would have been a good idea but then, Wolf King is already taken, has no interest in her and her countrymen do not approve of the idea because they don’t trust the Wolf King.

Apparently, everything is in disarray over their country due to Shuon’s sister ascending the throne soon and the nobles wanting to become more powerful by marrying the sister. I think another reason might be because Shuon’s sister is a female and seems ‘weak’ based on Reishou’s description. She seems to be the total opposite of Shuon.

So, the nobles are probably trying their luck to gain control of the country. If I recall, other bordering tribes must think that this is an opportunity to cause trouble. Changing of rulers can be troublesome if the heir isn’t deemed ‘strong’. Well, Yuulin did get Shuon as a friend. Like what the scanlator mentioned, Yuulin seems like a mother over how she fusses over Shuon if she got everything ready for her journey back =P That’s not surprising for that is her role towards her younger brother.

And, after a bout of jealousy, Reishou throws in the lovey-dovey scene of the chapter by saying something really nice to her. ^^ So, after the visitors left, maybe the couple can get back to lovey-dovey though Yuulin might have to work harder now that her reputation isn’t that favorable. Scans by 水月梅漢化组

Quote of the day:

Remember that setbacks are only challenges in disguise. Look at them as lessons . . . don't waste time beating yourself up. Just get back on track and focus on what you want. It's up to you , and you will do it! ~ Jorge Cruise

While Jelly drives the van, Lory is surprised to learn from Ren that Kyouko has also decided to participate in that ‘rustic’[/troublesome] audition. Ren is puzzled by his comment so Lory tells him not to mind that for he’s just talking on his own.

Lory asks if it is the ‘female ninja’. Ren says it seems so. Lory recalls that there is indeed such a role [in that drama] and it is the drama that he forced Kanae to accept.

Ren says that Kyouko is very depressed upon knowing that that she’ll be the rival of Kanae’s role but in the end, she is still defeated and enticed by ‘getting to act together with Kanae’ so he thinks that Kyouko won’t say that she won’t go to the audition.

Lory muses that before he is always worried about the mother-child relationship and even if right now it is very small but he can see a bit of light. “That girl can really draw a lesson from a setback. She simply acts [/keeps on moving] to definitely grab some thing.” They arrive at Narita airport.

Jelly tells Ren that she’ll catch up to him immediately so go on standby until they can meet up together. She says that they are at the final dash and she’ll give her whole all out effort to support him so gambatte [/good luck]!!

Ren smiles and says okay, he’ll leave it up to her. Lory waves at him. Ren smiles and gets off the van. In the airport, it is announced for the passengers for the flight 126 for Guam at 22:45 to go for safety check-- Ren notices that he has a message on his phone.

It is from Kyouko. He reads the message telling him that he’ll be going tonight for the last shooting so she wholeheartedly wishes that everything including the actors’ work and filming will finish smoothly and for Tragic Marker and Ren to become successful. Ren smiles over this then sees ＼(^o^)／＼(^o^)／＼(^o^)／<- she’ll be the first yell out ‘Long Live’!

For some reason, Ren feels that using that seems to show that one’s life is about to end based on the meaning of emoticon. <- it seems to be ‘the end’ X 3. Ren doesn’t seem to clearly understand it even if he is anticipating for a long time to receive an emoticon from her. Then, he smiles.

Back at the van, Jelly comments that compared to the last time when Ren went to Guam, he is more relaxed now. She asks if she was not mistaken by that. Lory smiles and says yes. He thinks that indeed, the body became lighter and had become free.

“Whether it is Ren or Kyouko, from here on, they have already decided on their own course [/direction to go]. Then, go, lambs, charge into the sky as you please!!” There is a scene of a female ninja uses short blades to block the swords of two samurais. She immediately twirls around like a whirlwind and arrives at some distance from the samurai-s that she had slashed.

With her heart beating, Kyouko is reading the books. She thinks that is so cool and honestly speaking, it is only the fighting scene that she basically couldn’t imagine just by reading the novel so with the help of drawings, it is easier to understand!!

She is reading the manga form of the novel which had good reviews. She wonders if she can really do that. Then, she recalls Ren saying that no problem, she can do it. She re-reads Ren’s message sent on April 12 at 22:05.

Ren thanks her for her gambatte message and he is already leaving. He also wishes her gambatte on her audition for Momiji. “No problem. You can do it. ლ(゜д゜ლ)” Kyouko wonders what’s up with that emoticon at the end.

She has been curious about it since yesterday. Actually compared to that, she is extremely shocked that he’ll use an emotion. She imagines that emoticon like Shou getting angry with raised hands shouting are you belittling me, jerk!! Give me better [quality?] goods-!! Something like that.

Then, she wonders could it mean, “COME ON!! Good news come on!! Better news!! Except for good news, I won’t accept it. I’m hungry!!!” Kyouko thinks that it is saying that aside from going on the offensive, there is no other skill [/way?]...

...It looks very cute but it has a big blasting power..!? It is then shown that Kyouko seems to be in a [manga] library. Kyouko salutes at the phone and thinks that she’ll do her best [/gambatte]!!! Then, she notices the time is already 14:38.

At the gazebo of a huge Japanese complex, Kanae looks at her watch when Kyouko comes running to ask if she is late. Kanae says no, she is just in time. Kanae asks her if she went out of the house wearing that kind of outfit.

Wearing a track suit, Kyouko says that during class, they always have to change clothes so it is good to just wear it. Kanae decides to drop the topic for it is already good that she isn’t wearing a dress even if it is a leisurely outfit and during jogging, it isn’t as flashing as wearing the LME uniform.

While walking with Kanae, Kyouko thanks her for helping her get permission to join the class. Kanae tells her that it was Hiou who got permission so he is the one whom should be thanked. Kyouko asks if he is coming. Kanae says no, for today is not like the usual for there is only two hours and it seems that he has something to do.

Kyouko muses that if Hiou doesn’t have anything to do, he’ll always come and he’s really working hard. Kanae warns her to pay attention a bit regarding etiquette and she must definitely do the basics since Kotetsu is very strict with that.

Kanae says but then, if it is Kyouko, there should be no need to worry about it. Kotetsu starts screaming at two younger men about the proper way to greet upon meeting someone older using the ‘gyou’ [行] etiquette. He angrily points out how their hand, waist and head should be like.

The two apologizes and thanks him for his instruction. Kyouko asks is gyou etiquette the basics of commonly known etiquette that Japanese people would know. Now, wearing a track suit, Kanae says that it seems that it is a samurai greeting.

‘Gyou’ etiquette is when meeting a superior within the castle and there are different ways of gyou etiquette which changes depending on the other party’s position. Kyouko is intrigued that the samurai world has this kind of thing.

Kanae says that in THIS PLACE, the elders, etc are the superiors and that is the premise of this artificial experiential class. In passing, there are times when a person playing the shogun would suddenly appear and at that time, it can be quite confusing [/people are flustered] and also quite cruel [/disastrous].

Referring to the three guys who are being taught by Kotetsu how to properly bow, Kyouko asks if these people are also actors going to play in a period drama. Kanae says yes.

Kanae says that usually, he is called ‘killing/fighting classroom’ teacher [<- referring to assassination classroom?] and occasionally, he’ll come here as an assistant teacher for period drama’s etiquette practice and film’s killing [/fighting] teacher. [<- acting as the mentor in the movie?]

This place is frequently used as period drama shooting and before, she had seen Ren here. He seems to be shooting a CM [commercial] which she just learned. Kyouko is surprised. Kanae says that it seems that he is shooting at the kyudo [Japanese archery] dojo so he’s probably practicing kyudo.

Kyouko scowls and mutters, kyu..do..what’s up with that, she really wants to see it. She imagines Ren getting ready to shoot an arrow. The girls were surprised when someone angrily shouted, “hey--” He scolds some people for stepping on the tatami’s edge.

[<- common etiquette since this is the weakest part of the tatami; sometimes the family’s crest is sewed there so that’s a no-no. Source: wiki] He tells the two to sit in seiza [formal way of sitting] at the corner for an hour while the other can continue on moving inside the room.

Then, Kotetsu looks at their direction. To Kyouko’s surprise, Kotetsu happily smiles and greets Kanae. He apologizes for making her wait. Kyouko is shocked by the difference of attitude. Kanae tells Kotetsu that they have just arrived.

Smiling Kotetsu says is that so, yes, yes, then who is this girl. He scowls and gloomily stares at Kyouko. While Kyouko is aghast by the change of attitude towards her, Kotetsu says isn’t she Kanae’s friend who had a plot of taking advantage of Hiou to suddenly get in the class for him to teach her about killing [/fighting]. Kyouko mutters yes.

Kyouko bows low and apologizes for mentioning such an unreasonable request. He tells her that compared to an apology, she should be thanking [him] for he isn’t happily accepting this request but because Hiou asked him, he convinced himself to accept it even if he is unwilling.

Turning around, he says that they shouldn’t talk here and quickly go inside. Kyouko and Kanae are speechless. Inside, Kanae bows and says, ‘I’ll be intruding’ then enters the room. Kyouko thinks that shouldn’t it be ‘gyou’ etiquette.

Kyouko looks down at the tatami mat and recalls Yayoi teaching her when she was young not to step on the tatami’s edge. Kanae notices Kotetsu looking behind her so she looks at the door. Kyouko prostrates down and says that she’ll be rude for intruding. [<- it is something more formal than what Kanae said] She sits up straight and stands up to walk inside.

As Kanae looks at Kyouko, Kotetsu tells them to sit down. The girls did as told. Kotetsu says that the name of the etiquette that Kyouko just did is ‘shin’ [真] etiquette. Kyouko says yes. He says that for the samurais, ‘shin’ etiquette is the highest respect given to the host [/master/king] so she studied chado [tea ceremony].

This surprises Kyouko for he knew it just through her behavior. Kotetsu slightly smiles and says that originally, chado is viewed as samurai’s elegance and where culture has risen. Not only ‘sou’[草] ‘gyou’ ‘shin’ etiquette, but it isn’t at all baffling that right now, samurai spirit behavior [/manner] is connected to the world of chado.

[FYI: Sou is the lowest form of etiquette/informal like slight bow. Gyou is medium/semi-formal like 45 degree bow. Shin is the highest and most formal form like 90 degree bow. It is also about styles in other forms like in calligraphy, ikebana, design of the house, etc.]

Kotetsu says that it [way of chado] is deeply ingrained in Kyouko’s actions but her impeccable behavior isn’t a bit of help on the ninja role that she is going to play. It is simply ‘having a good thing but couldn’t use it’ and that kind of degree can be done by a commoner woman. This is a shock to Kyouko.

She thinks that speaking of that, indeed in the books, there is no scene of Momiji acting as the rich family’s spy to pretend as a maid or geisha and get spy intelligence using her sex appeal. [<- this is one Chinese translation, the other says, ‘no spying but there is pretending as maid, etc’ so I’m not sure on this part.]

It is like Homura [炎?], a female ninja from a long running drama. She obviously really anticipates using her past experience to come in handy but this time, it won’t be the same like at that time with Ruriko. [<- her rival at the drama with the tea ceremony contest]

Kotetsu asks her name. Kyouko tells her showbiz name and real name. Kotetsu coldly says that he’ll call her Kyouko [showbiz name]. Kyouko says okay.. She thinks that he obviously calls Kanae in a more fond way with Ka-chan.

He starts to reprimand Kyouko that her voice is too soft as if she is some small time actress with 18 lines and use more force from her abdomen. Kyouko says okay..please whip her a lot and coach her!!! He shouts that she’s noisy to death and there’s no need to shout in such a loud voice for he can still hear since he’s be a 500 year old long life old geezer and don’t reduce the volume of her voice, you blockhead!!!

Kyouko is totally aghast. While walking out with Kanae, Kyouko thinks that it seems that no matter what she say, she’ll suffer as he’ll just gracefully give a counter punch. Gracefully = overthrow what was just said. Counter punch = fierce attack.

It started from the first greeting. She thinks that if she were to thank him first, she believes that he’ll say that compared to thanking, she should first apologize for she is a girl who suddenly appeared that he has to waste his time and effort on her.

Kyouko thinks that from the looks of it, no matter how she thinks of it optimistically, she is hated by him. She thinks that it cannot be helped, since the reservation is too sudden, a day before the visit and she asked for someone’s favor. For a magnate of the showbiz world, that is quite rude.

Kanae tells her that she thought that with Hiou’s intervention, Kyouko can happily receive his coaching but in a while, he strongly counters her. Kyouko lamely says yes. She thinks that even if he isn’t willing but it seems that she’ll be properly coach and like that, it is quite..

Kanae looks at Kyouko and says that it’s great that Kyouko was admired by Kotetsu. This shocks Kyouko that she says that she was given a harsh treatment yet she is to feel that she is admired. He obviously gracefully gave her a counterattack. And after that, there is 2-3 times more.

Kanae explains that just now, Kotetsu asked her name. Kotetsu basically don’t remember the names of short time students and besides, he’ll always just say, ‘hey you, you girl, miss’-that type of name calling. So, asking the other person’s name can show that she is brought in as his subordinate [/people].

So, perhaps, it is because her ‘samurai style that penetrates deeply into the marrow’ is very remarkable. This made Kyouko happy. Kanae smiles and says that they should hurry to the dojo for if they are a minute late, Kotetsu will be very terrifying. Kyouko happily says yes!!

Comment: For a while there I thought Ren is going to tell Lory about getting him in that movie. ^^; It turns out that he is just telling Lory that Kyouko is doing fine and is getting ready for her new role. Lory is definitely pleased how these two had seemingly overcome their past issues and now, can more freely move ahead towards their goals than before.

It seems that emoticons can cause a bit of misunderstanding. ^^; I’m not quite sure why Ren would think of that regarding Kyouko’s emoticons but googling a bit, his emoticon to her either means confusion or a shrug. Thankfully, whatever it suppose to mean, in the end, she interpreted it as something positive.

Momiji in the manga is really good. I start to wonder how good Kyouko is in action. I can only recall her being good in pedaling the bicycle. If ever she needs help on that, I’m sure Ren can help her with that ^^ If it’s Kuon, maybe give her some ‘magic’ like fairy dust =P With that, Kyouko can believe that she can do anything.

Of course, in real life, it won’t be like that. ^^; So, maybe if he does teach her action, he might slip out on why he is good at it. How about that Corn’ flip? <- hoping for progress regarding knowing who he really is.

Kotetsu apparently is very strict with Japanese culture. Hehe, for a while there, I feel like I’m typing up some Japanese culture lesson instead of a shoujo manga. ^^;; Kotetsu’s bias is very obvious. He probably sensed Hiou’s ‘feelings’ for Kanae so he acts that way to her.

Of course, it is a different with Kyouko who seemingly used her connections with Hiou to get what she wanted. But of course, knowing chado gives her some points with Kotetsu. So, now, it will be up to Kyouko’s usual perseverance in winning Kotetsu’s favor and prove to him that she is worthy of being trained by him. In short, he’ll be very impressed later on.

So, at the end of this chapter, I wonder if we’ll have a time skip or we are going through that training on how Kyouko can convincingly become a female ninja. If it is the latter, we won’t see any romance/Ren in a while.

Actualy, if Ren isn’t in this drama or he has no significant contribution to the drama, I’m guessing that we’ll have to wait for another year for any progress in their relationship. Still, it is inconclusive if Ren has already finished his kyudo lessons there. ^^ For now, anything can still happen.Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. ~ Thomas Jefferson

Flashback: The teacher introduced young Kujou as the new transfer student and she hopes that everyone get along with her. Yanagi thought that she is so plain and gloomy that as a whole, she looks so shabby. Narration: “—That is the day when we first met and who can predict that we’ll welcome a day like this.”

At a church, Souma goes to the reception desk with his invitation. He says that today is a celebration. [<- congrats greeting] The receptionists thank for attending. At the waiting area, Souma is greeted by Fujimoto and the others.

While following the others to the garden, Souma says that it is really such a long time since everyone gathered like this and what’s up with Yoshida’s glasses. Yoshida says indeed, even if they always have small gatherings among themselves and doesn’t he look elite with his glasses. Fujimoto asks when they gathered all together before.

She says that she really didn’t think that the first would be Kujou whereas she [Fujimoto] is almost 27 years old. This surprises Miyabe. <- a researcher of a private company. Yoshida says that he thought that they will do it earlier [than Y&K]. Miyabe timidly says that it is because he took doctorate studies so it hasn’t been two years since he’s at work, so his income is quite grim.

Holding Miyabe’s hands, Fujimoto tells him that she’ll wait for him and she’ll also save money for the wedding!! <- works at a business [/economy] newspaper. Miyabe apologizes and says that he’ll do his best. Yoshida comments that Miyabe didn’t have it easy either. Fujimoto tells them not to just talk about others, how about them senpai-s, do they have a girlfriend..

Yoshida and otaku senpai became timid as Fujimoto says ah yes, she didn’t say anything. Yoshida is in a company that cultivates bacteria colonies while otaku senpai is a robot manufacturer. Yoshida angrily exclaims over that kind of observation when perhaps, he’ll also get a girlfriend!!

And even if he is cultivating bacteria, but that is for a residential environment engineering project! Unfazed Fujimoto says so, does he have a girlfriend. Yoshida finally admits not yet!! Miyabe asks is it true that the two senpai-s are co-renting. The two timidly admits that it is true for, one cannot avoid loneliness when living alone.. Fujimoto says that the two of them are no good for they are dashing towards the main avenue of ‘unable to get a girlfriend’.

Then, she says that Souma is an employee at a corporation and he’s definitely very popular. Souma blushes a bit and says not really. Yoshida exposes him by saying that when Souma just got in the company, he would only say there words, ‘I really cannot go on already..’ ‘I want to go back to my hometown..’. Flashback: Drunk Souma is sobbing. Yoshida looked on. Yanagi is feeling very happy. End flashback.

Souma shouts for Miyabe that he talks too much!! Fujimoto asks if Souma has a girlfriend. Souma says about that..right now, he still doesn’t have.. He becomes gloomy and says, how can he say it— and it is like.. it feels that he wasn’t always able to properly maintain [the relationship]..

It always feel that half-way through the relationship, there would be this ‘it seems that it isn’t quite the same as one imagined it’ feeling and afterwards, he doesn’t know what he should do..which part is wrong..and besides, upon mentioning that he is a farmer’s eldest son, the other party’s face seems to have this ‘you fraud’ look..

...when obviously, his family plans to make his younger brother the successor.. Sharp Fujimoto figures that from the looks of it, it seems like he appears to be a totally handsome guy but actually, he harbors this ‘just graduate from college yet feeling inferior due to having a countryside background that he psychologically thinks that he isn’t popular...’

Tachibana arrives and says so, she told Souma earlier that he made a mistake about the type that suits him for he obviously likes that ‘unfazed tennen boke [natural airhead]’ type. So, at the goukon [group dates], it naturally influences him when he pursue corporate people [as partners]. Souma scowls over that.

Tachibana says that Souma pretends that he is that kind of handsome [/cool] so it is natural for him to fall into this situation. Some women exclaim if it isn’t that female TV anchor[/host], Tachibana. They then ask to take a picture with her. Tachibana happily obliges. Souma says that he’ll rather die than be lectured by her.

Fujimoto thinks that their relationship is as vile as it was before. Souma asks Tachibana if she didn’t know that others’ say [about her], ‘that girl is absolutely two-faced’ [/outwardly kind but inwardly evil]. Tachibana says that is part of her image so shut up. Souma says that speaking of that, he’ll laugh to death if she is still hoping that someone can accept her most real self.

Tachibana tearfully cries that she also didn’t think that she’ll be chosen and she also has no other way!? <- totally failed from being chosen [during the goukon]. With a slight crazed look, she starts to chuckle and says that since it is like that, she’ll just take the first one as the target because she really hates losing. Then, afterwards, the target is getting married to an athlete..!

Souma tells her not to be always so whiny for he isn’t interested in knowing the extent of a female anchor’s dark side. Tachibana asks what, thanks to her, he got to participate in female anchors’ goukon. Souma shouts as if that kind of goukon is held several times...

...and besides, she is really awful in holding her alcohol that every time, at the very end, she’ll cry at one side and at the other side say, ‘I don’t think that I can get married’-something that it’s annoying to death! Tachibana shouts that he’ll even have the nerve to say to her and can he dare to quit calling her on the phone and talk endlessly nonstop [without getting to the point] every time he broke up with someone!?

Amused Fujimoto suggests why don’t the two try and see, about going steady with each other. The two darkly looks at Fujimoto. Both of them say, “Only this person is absolutely impossible.” Wondering if they are ‘bad friends’, Fujimoto looks at her cellphone and thinks, okay, even if they mutually repel each other but in the end, their nature[/character] is very similar—

Otaku senpai exclaims for Momoko-sama to do her best. With a thumbs up, Yoshida says that even if lately everyone says that her popularity is on the decline, and her age is also injuring her image but they will support her from start to end!

While Souma lets out a laugh over this, Tachibana shouts that they are really annoying. <- nowadays, she is deeply distressed over these things. They were interrupted by Yanagi who tells them not to make a big fuss by quarreling here and there at someone else’s wedding. “Can’t you guys calm down a bit?”

As Miyabe congratulates Yanagi, Fujimoto says that Yanagi came in time so give him a glass of juice. Souma asks him to give him a cup of coffee. After thanking Miyabe, Yanagi gloomily says, you people.. As Yanagi starts to mope at the side and mutter that it is simply a mistake to call this people to come, Fujimoto starts to say that she is saying that casually and congratulations-

Souma says as the groom, how come he is still wandering around here. He asks if Yanagi was driven away from the preparation room. Yanagi denies it. He was walking around in front of the bride’s preparation room to wait for Kujou to finish up. <- uneasy as he walking back and forth.

Someone calls out to Yanagi that looking at him makes one feel too distracted so go somewhere else. Yanagi says that is what he was told and it wasn’t being driven away.. Souma whispers to Fujimoto if it is really okay that this person is going to succeed the family business, the Yanagi clan’s corporation..

Fujimoto says that it is alright, it is only with things related to Kujou that he become so disappointing. Yanagi shouts, hey, he can hear them!! <- Yanagi, 27 years old taking advanced studies under the banner of the company.

Yanagi blames it on Fujimoto who said that they cannot let Yanagi see Kujou wearing the wedding gown until the day itself. <- wasn’t able to go together with them in choosing the wedding gown. Flashback: Fujimoto said goodbye to Yanagi and Kujou said that she’ll be going with Fujimoto. Yanagi sweatdropped and asked if he isn’t going? End flashback.

Teary-eyed Yanagi says that if it isn’t like that, it is possible that he’ll calm down a bit or he should say that he obviously wanted to see her selecting the dress very carefully then try wearing it.Fujimoto thinks that Yanagi would do that whenever Kujou ignores him.

Fujimoto comforts Yanagi and says okay, okay, isn’t this anticipating it until the very last moment and that side should almost be ready already. “Besides, we also want to immediately see Mi-chan♡” Yanagi says, eh--.. Fujimoto thinks that right now, Yanagi really doesn’t want them to see Kujou and he’s so petty [/narrow-minded]..

In front of the room, Yanagi’s father says that it seems that they are already ready inside. Fujimoto congratulates the father who thanks them for coming. After fixing his tie and his heart beat is beating fast, Yanagi tells everyone that he’ll be the first one to see so for the meantime, they are not allowed to go in.

Fujimoto thinks that he is so petty. Yanagi knocks and asks if he can come in. Kujou says yes. With her mother behind her, Kujou is sitting on the chair fully dressed up as a beautiful bride. She calls out to him. Yanagi looks surprised. To Kujou and the others’ surprise, Yanagi goes back out and closes the door behind him.

Fujimoto asks him what’s up. Yanagi says how to do, from the start, always until now, he felt that it is like an endless dream that he totally couldn’t believe that this is for real. <- really not used to being so happy. Thinking that it was a wrong decision to conceal from him the bride’s attire, Fujimoto says, okay, quickly go in for they also want to see the bride.

While she is pushing Yanagi in, he says, ah, hey, la. Kujou slightly smiles upon seeing him. She asks what he is doing. Stunned Yanagi feels that until now, everything is a revolving lantern. Holding his face, he mutters that it turns out that he isn’t dreaming..

Kujou mutters that he cries too often and she is almost had enough of that kind of reaction. Yanagi’s father laughs and says that the bet still has no winners. Yanagi’s mother says that it is because everyone bet that Yanagi will cry. Ryouko asks if he can’t occasionally go beyond the expectation. Yanagi thinks this kind of family..

Fujimoto, together with the others, others comes in and congratulates Kujou. Kujou thanks them for finding time to attend the wedding. Yoshida wholeheartedly congratulates Kujou. Fujimoto says that she is really quite beautiful! Holding a camera, Souma tells Kujou to look at this side. To Yanagi’s surprise, Souma takes Kujou’s picture. Yanagi calls out what did he just took a picture of.

Souma says that he is the one in charge of taking the pictures so after he’ll make it into a photo album at the club[?]. “Do you have any doubt? *pleased with oneself* This is for congratulating you guys.” Yanagi can only curse for that kind of look makes him furious..

He snaps out of it when Fujimoto asks Kujou to tell them about the proposal. Kujou says that Yanagi made her seal her mouth about that so she cannot tell them. Someone asks what Yanagi said. Yanagi won’t tell them. Souma says that in any case, it is similar to the confession.

“In advance, he’ll do all sorts of preparations in wanting to make it play out as a nice surprise so that will be engraved in one’s heart but in the end, Kujou was the one who first proposed to him. It is probably like that.” The others gloomily thinks, ah--.. Yanagi shouts why they easily acknowledged that!! Yanagi says in the end, how is it possible that kind of idea about marriage would be in this girl’s head.

“Being shy is only at the start but after becoming an accountant, work is her sole focus. *everyone is uneasy for the groom exploded his complaints towards the bride on the wedding day* I had been hinting about it but she totally wasn’t aware of it-- I pretended that it is alright and left the O stone in the room but she unexpectedly thought that it is a pickling stone...

...*someone wonders if he is a girl* And the same goes with this wedding.. Even if I ask her if she has any wish. *scene of Kujou said that she doesn’t have any special request so do things as he sees fit* How can she be so stubborn. The wedding venue, the food, the music accompaniment, the souvenirs, I’m the one who decided it all!!”

The guys shudder over that. Kujou says that he looks so happy when he is deciding that and he’ll go from one wedding exhibit to another which is very tiring. Yanagi denies that he is happy and who made her not move a bit. “Then, my most anticipated choosing of the wedding gown has been snatched away by Fujimoto..”

Yanagi looks gloomy as he talk like a broken record that he managed everything for this wedding.. Fujimoto thinks that look, in the end, he’s quite enthusiastic about it. Kujou tells Yanagi that this dress is the one that Fujimoto helped her decide so how about it?

Yanagi says that it is good, and looks not bad at all. <- even if he is frustrated that Fujimoto’s taste is truly original.. Kujou asks if that is all. She stares at him that he thinks, this girl. He leans to her and whispers, “..this is the most beautiful that I have seen you.”

Kujou says that he is also very handsome. <- casual praise. Yanagi laughs and says isn’t that undoubtedly so..!? She finally became aware of it. The others thinks that Kujou already totally got him running in circles.. Then, a girl calls out an apology for the interruption but it is almost time to go to the auditorium.. Fujimoto says okay, and they’ll see each other again later on. Kujou says okay.

Kujou tells her mother that she’ll leave it to her when they walk on the red carpet. Her mother is so nervous that she wants to go to the toilet. Yanagi says that they [others] are still making a ruckus like before. Kujou says that everyone looks very lively so it’s really great. Yanagi agrees with her.

After a pause, he asks her if she can pinch his face for a while. Puzzled Kujou says sure, she can. She pinches his cheek hard. Yanagi shouts that hurts, she can let go!! Angrily holding his cheek, he shouts what she is doing when he has to show his face to others in a while!!

Kujou says that she obviously didn’t put in a lot of strength in it. Yanagi says that her so-called ‘not put in a lot of strength’ is considered a normal person’s full strength. Yanagi says, ah, but right now, he knows that he isn’t having a dream.. Kujou asks what he is saying. He says that because she thinks..

Pulling her to him, he asks, “Kujou, today, you’ll become my wife, right?” Kujou replies, “Yes. And to say it precisely, isn’t it today rather, the day when she enters his family’s registry.” Yanagi asks that she’ll become Yanagi Mikoto? Kujou says yes, and actually, it doesn’t matter to her if their surname isn’t the same but he insisted that they definitely have the same surname.”

Yanagi angrily shouts how come she is always like this, ruining the mood every time!! “Every time, it is like that!!” Kujou asks what did she say wrong and even if he say that but simply calling the surname is indeed very strange. She notices that his hair is messy.

Yanagi goes huh that she tells him to try calling her name. He says, okay. “Ah.. Mikoto.” Fixing his hair, she says, “..Naoto?” After a pause and blush, Yanagi says that feels so strange. Kujou agrees with him. She holds out her left hand to him and says, “..but, I believe that we’ll quickly get used to it because from today on, we’ll be calling each other like that, won’t we?”

After looking surprised, Yanagi smiles. He takes her hand and says, “..indeed!” Narration: “I don’t know since when Kujou started to take the initiative to extend her hand towards me.” At the church, Kujou’s mother calls out to her and puts on the veil on her face. She tearfully congratulates Kujou. Kujou smiles and thanks her.

Narration: “On the day when I first met you. *Yanagi waits at the altar with the priest. Everyone else happily looks on as Kujou walks to the altar with her mother* who’ll ever thought that this kind of day.. *Kujou looks up to see Yanagi teary-eyed* you’ll expectedly come to our side.”

Kujou happily smiles. The priest says, “Groom Naoto, do you willingly promise to take the bride Mikoto as your wife? Whether in sickness or in health, never leaving or forsaking her. Support her and cherish her. Offering your life for her always until death.”

Yanagi says, “Yes, I do.” The priest asks for Kujou’s answer. She says, “Yes, I do.” Their friends happily look on while Tachibana is crying. Narration: “In all likelihood, it is certain that like this, there are all sorts of encounters between people. Knowing and becoming aware of each other, then becoming inseparably close and connected.”

The priest says then, it is the exchange of rings between the groom and the bride. Yanagi puts the ring on Kujou’s left ring finger. He says, “..finally.” Kujou asks what he is referring to. Flashback: Yanagi told Kujou, “If I win, you’ll let me put a ring on your ring finger”. End flashback.

Narration: “—it started from that day, no, it is much earlier on than that day, *young Yanagi pointing at Kujou* I’m constantly chasing.. Constantly pursuing.. *various flashbacks* Always chasing after only you alone.” Yanagi holds the veil and puts it over Kujou’s head. Then, they kiss. He smiles and says that he’ll answer her question just now.

She is surprised when he suddenly hugs her and exclaims, “I’m saying that it’s already game over!” Soon, balloons are floated up the sky as the newly married couple goes out of the church to meet the people. Holding up her cellphone, Fujimoto calls out for Kujou to look at her side so she can take her picture.

Crying Tachibana says that this wedding is really amazing and so moving. Kujou’s mother couldn’t stop the tears that Yanagi’s mother gives her a handkerchief. The senpai-s shout so amazing~ Ryouko’s rival gloats to Ryouko, that she is pregnant and she feels so heavy. Holding a camera, Souma calls out to Kujou to please smile. After looking surprised, Kujou happily smiles and gives him a thumbs up. This made Souma laugh for what is that action.

Souma calls out to Tachibana and says that it can really makes one happy upon seeing the person whom one liked having such a happy smile. Still sobbing, Tachibana says that she also wants to get married.. Souma comments that she really doesn’t listen to what someone is saying. Then, someone shouts for everyone to gather for the souvenir photo.

While they all group together behind the couple, Yanagi calls out to Kujou. Kujou asks what is it. He looks at her and says, “-Let’s have a contest, Kujou.” Kujou asks what he is suddenly saying.

Yanagi says, “After getting married to me, if you are at your happiest, then I win. How about it?” Puzzled Kujou tells him that even if she doesn’t feel that this kind of thing can be considered a contest.. “Then, if you win, what will happen then?”

Narration: “—Afterwards, let’s continue it on.” Yanagi replies, “—if I win, *holds her hands tightly* you’ll forever stay at my side.” Then, to everyone’s amusement, Kujou falls backwards and Yanagi tries to catch her. Narration: “While holding hands, the two of us will go through this never-ending happy life together.” ♥Happy End♥

Comment: Well, that’s the final chapter. ^^ The first half is dedicated to the others for us to know how they are doing. And, they are pretty much the same as before. Among all of them, it seems that Kujou is the one who has changed. ^^;; Maybe it is the haircut or how she doesn’t seem that overly clueless or overly irritated over Yanagi’s antics that it makes me wonder, is this Kujou? =P

The most amusing part is even if Yanagi and Kujou are super slow in getting together, they beat everyone in getting married. =P Fujimoto and Miyabe have money issues but the others, they just haven’t found their partners. For the senpais, I guess they are seemingly too ‘nerdy’. Even if it is practical to live together, it might not be viewed positively by some women. Actually, they might become too satisfied with the arrangement.

I guess it is an open ending for Souma and Tachibana. They cannot stand each other yet they are probably the only ones who know the other’s real selves. ^^; It’s actually something that even if their relationship is like that, they still keep in touch. So for them, the search is still on.

Yanagi is pretty much the same as before in regards to Kujou. It really makes me think that he is the ‘girl’ in this series. He practically did everything for the wedding when usually, the girls are the ones who are excited about that. =P For Kujou, it seems like a hassle and she isn’t fussy about it.

Still, Yanagi is the type who’ll complain over whatever Kujou wants so it is a wise decision to let him do everything. Anything will do for Kujou and this is a very special day for Yanagi. Apparently, it was also a lot of trouble for Yanagi to propose to Kujou. ^^; I think he should have directly told her than go for hints. ^^;;

Anyway, I think he can rest easy for there won’t be any more of that in married life. It helps that Kujou is slowly becoming aware of such things. So, it is a ‘dream comes true’ for Yanagi. He wins the ‘Last Game’ and to cap things off, he decides to continue the ‘game’ but this time around, Kujou knows about it. But like before, they both ‘win’. ^^

Overall, I think this series is more on comedy with the usual antics repeating over and over until the end. The romance is pretty nice when it appears. It can seem a bit dragging at times especially Kujou’s cluelessness. But as I said, it is more on comedy so that will be quite entertaining if you’re into that kind of thing.

For me, I cannot help think that it is like that Looney Tunes cartoon of the Coyote and the Roadrunner. That seems appropriate with all the chasing. =P The coyote’s antics kept on failing that I start to feel sorry for it. ^^; It is the same with Yanagi. It does seem like they were all mean to him but then, at times, he is asking for it. ^^;

Nevertheless, unlike the cartoon, Yanagi gets his dream come true like any other shoujo series wherein the girl finally gets the guy. In a way, it is a gender reverse and can make things different than the usual. It isn’t always that we get to see a guy crying over a confession, asked to be pinched for it must be a dream and crying on the wedding day. ^^

So, thank you everyone for reading my summaries for this series ^^ Scans by 红莲汉化组

Word of the day:

“For better or for worse,” we pledge, through sickness and through strife; and by the help and grace of God We’ll keep these vows for life. Love is more than a feeling; it’s a commitment. ~ D. De Haan from Our Daily Bread

Flashback: It is the fourth quarter in the game. The score is 75 vs 73. The kids shouted to young Shizuka that there is still one point left to win the game, go for it Shizuka! Shizuka shot the ball but it fell short from hitting the basket. Eh. End flashback.

Surprised Shizuka asks, “Captain? Me? It isn’t..? *huge eyes looking at Kira* Vice captain?” Kira says it’s captain and because of that, his eyes are about to pop out. “By the way, a person like you definitely became the club’s head when you’re in elementary, right? You’re really showing the most interesting expression that I have ever seen.”

Still looking surprised, after a pause, Shizuka admits that he have not. Narration: “And that was three days ago before the competition.” Walking at the stadium’s hallway, Shizuka is still in a daze. “‘Captain’, honestly speaking, I totally didn’t considered it.. When there’s no training, I feel that there’s no one who worked hard twice as much as I did...

...I’m always thinking that it is for my contribution for the team’s victory. -But 'captain', me? Shouldn’t the so-called commander be more..commanding and popular.. a more charismatic leader..” Then, he is surprised when Yuki suddenly appears in front of him and calls out his name.

Shizuka screams in shock which made Yuki muse that is quite a nostalgic reaction [from Shizuka]. Shizuka exclaims how come Yuki is here. Yuki asks why she is here, didn’t he ask her to come...come to the Winter Cup. At the audience benches, Shou pats his lap and calls out to Yuki that his side and lap are free [/empty for her to sit on]. Ignoring that, Yuki just greets back.

Sitting beside Shou, Abe greets out to Yuki. Yuki says that everyone came. Abe says yes, they would at least watch the first day when Mizusu will play. While taking her seat, Yuki thinks that if he’s coming, he could at least contact her so why he is hiding it from her, is his head making some wild speculations..?

Pfft! Shou says the game is starting. Shizuka has the ball. Audience is cheering for Mizusu and Shizuka. Kira passes the ball to Shizuka. He shoots and scores. Audience cheers as his teammates shout that they do that one again. While playing, Shizuka is actually distracted. He recalls protesting to Kira that there are a lot more qualified people than him so why him..

Kira smiled and said yes, indeed, and Shizuka just reflect about that question by himself.. End flashback. Shizuka thinks that it is no good, right now, compared to that issue, he must concentrate on the game for this is a totally important game since that person is watching him. <- referring to Yuki.

Soon, it is game over. Mizusu wins 73 points vs the opponent at 68. Abe complains over how easy for Mizusu to breakthrough this game. They’re so strong that it infuriates him. Himiko says that they won’t be able to watch the game tomorrow because of practice.

Shou looks serious and quiet. He suddenly stands up and says that he’ll go out in a while. Yuki asks where he is going. To her shock, he says that he is going to look for Shizuka. Yuki tells him to wait, why would he go.. At the locker room, someone throws a bottled water on Shizuka’s head. Holding the bottle, he turns around to see Shou saying that is for him, though he drank the rest [of it].

Shizuka refuses for this [bottled water] is basically trash. Yuki shouts for Shou to quickly stop. She thinks that Shou is once again doing some unnecessary provocation. Shou says about this competition just now.. Shizuka asks what.. Shou asks if he is a bit naïve for doesn’t it feel that his actions are a bit clumsy.

This surprises Yuki that she starts to think that indeed Shizuka doesn’t have the vigor he had during the preliminaries. Shizuka’s actions are indeed a bit odd earlier. Shizuka denies it and says that even if they didn’t specially come to tell him that, he’ll also properly adjust before tomorrow’s game.

Shou says that he forgot to tell him something. “I already became the captain.” Surprised and aghast Shizuka shouts, “Who!?” Shou says, “Me.” Shizuka shouts, “Becoming what!? Ryuhoku has just gone through a really big risk..!!!” While Yuki is ‘no comment’, Shou says, it’s captain and by the way, Shizuka unexpectedly didn’t become captain?

Shizuka says, “...! ..I.. I..” Shou says that he won’t be a captain, what, then they are basically not rivals..ha..so..boring--- This made popped veins appearing on Shizuka’s face and hands. He clenches his fist and thinks, “..who..who said, ‘I’m not going to become captain’.”

Shizuka calls out to Yuki who exclaims, yes!! He asks if she can help pump him up. Yuki is puzzled. Shizuka says that it is the vicious slap [on the back] that she did during the preliminaries. Yuki asks eh, that!!? He asks her to please do it since he won’t continue this kind of situation tomorrow..

Then, Shizuka snaps out of it. Putting the towel over his head, Shizuka wonders why he is asking that of her when she is the former manager of another school and even Shou’s.. Turning around, he says no..it’s nothing at all, sorry.. Then, Yuki calls out to him.

He looks back to see Yuki holding up her hand. She says, as a student of Ryuhoku, she also doesn’t want to see Mizusu lose.. Shizuka thinks, yes..I..I-- Yuki says then, she’ll be a bit gentle, okay. He says okay. Just when Yuki slaps Shizuka’s back, Shou also hits Shizuka’s back really hard.

Holding his back, Shizuka shouts at him over what he is doing, that’s quite strong.. Shou claims that it is more effective if it is strong. Shizuka angrily shouts, why you!! Flashback: Young Shou asked moping Shizuka in class if he’s going to quit the club. Shizuka said yes.. Shou asked if it is because it became boring.

Shizuka said that it isn’t that at all..rather, it is like this game earlier, because his shooting is slanted that it caused them to lose. “No matter how hard I practice..there is totally no improvement at all..” Shou turned around and said isn’t that’s nonsense.

Shizuka angrily stood up and shouted what he means by that. Shou said that because his level is bad that he’ll just noisily say wanting to give up, so how can he possibly improve? “If you want to give up, then quickly give it up.” This shocks Shizuka. So, at night, Shizuka starts to practice. He shot the ball and it bounced on the ring. He lost his footing and fell flat on his face. He went to the bench to drink some water for his throat is so dry..

Shaking his thermos, he realized that it is already empty. Then, he noticed another thermos at the side with a note, ‘For you. (I drank the rest).’ It made Shizuka teary-eyed as he recalled what Shou told him earlier about noisily saying want to give up because his level is bad so how can he possibly improve. End flashback.

Narration: “The first time when I almost give up, he was the one who kicked me on the back with his foot. How frustrating. Really hate him but.. –yes, starting from that day on, I’ve always just look ahead.” The next day, at the locker room, the coach tells everyone that they had perspired a lot and even if today’s opponent is quite terrifying but they should remain calm.

Everyone shouts, yes. In the court, Shizuka looks at the benches and thinks that she [/they] didn’t come today but then, she is a high schooler so she doesn’t have no free time to watch the game. “How come I’ll be made the captain. ..if I don’t go try it, then no matter how I thought about this kind of thing, I won’t know.”

He jumps and shoots the ball. It is in. Then, the opponent steals the ball from him. “Today, and also the future, the thing that I can do is just look onwards--” The score is now 87-83 with the opponent winning. Yet, there is still three minutes left. The coach comments that it is almost but they always couldn’t catch up.

Someone says that it will be bad if at this time, they don’t immediately grasp the rhythm again. Someone curses the discrepancy of points. While spraying his knee with a pain reliever, Shizuka asks what they are saying for didn’t this kind of situation already happened so many times already. “..this small setback is basically superficial..”

The others are surprised for he was obviously putting a lot into the game. Kira quietly smiles then says that this fellow is really an idiot. This shocks Shizuka. Kira says that he always thinks that since the time Shizuka entered the club.

Flashback: In summer, Kira asked if Shizuka considered it is his goal to become an official member during first year high school. Shizuka said yes. Kira asked if that is why he practices by himself during vacations. Shizuka said yes. To Shizuka’s shock, Kira said that he’s really an idiot for Mizusu is not like his junior high before.

He obviously have the strength but there are a good number of third years who don’t have anything to do no matter how hard they tried, and just got sidelined-- The first and second years would have to wait until next year. Shizuka said but if he always think that way, no matter if it is next year or the year after that, the opportunity won’t come. Kira looked at him. End flashback.

Kira says, “One-track mind, stubborn, refusing to lose, you have one-fold perseverance compared to the others-- *pats Shizuka’s shoulder* This kind of idiot can definitely make Mizusu become stronger.” Shizuka looks surprised. Pfft- The game starts again.

Narration: “Beside me, there are mature teammates who always watch over me. *Kira and others cheering/teasing Shizuka* There is also the guy who always pay attention to me. *Shou’s thermos on the bench*” Everyone cheers on as the game becomes intense with the opponent lead with 95 vs 91 points. There is one minute left! Then, Shizuka hears Yuki cheering for him.

Narration: “There is also the person whom I wish to always pay attention to me. ..ah, yes. Whether it is teammates, Shou or even that person, it’s all the same. *Shizuka jumps and does a slam dunk* They are the road signs [guides] that made me become stronger.” And, the opponent wins with 102 vs 100.

While walking out of the stadium, Yuki says that it’s really too bad that Misuzu lost and by the way, it is already past 11am and right now, there is still time to catch up on afternoon training. She tells Shou that obviously, it wasn’t necessary for him to come and watch with her..

Shou says no, it is a bit baffling if she were to cheer for Shizuka alone. While keeping her basketball notebook, Yuki says no, rather than cheering for him..ah.. Shou asks what. She says that it seems that she left her pen at the bench so he can go back first. Shou calls out that she is always forgetful.

Then, a bottled water hits Shou’s head. Shou looks up to see that it is Shizuka who says, what, he also came. Flipping the bottled water, Shou says ya, anyway, he is very idle in the morning and his girlfriend wanted to come. Looking away, Shizuka tells him to quickly get lost. “..ah, there is also something I forgot to say.. I’m also going to become captain.”

Shou says ‘eh’ that made Shizuka angrily shout if he won’t say something a bit different and he really infuriates him. Shou says, “..then, finally, I can compete with you. Let’s see whose team can advance first to the Nationals.”

After a pause, Shizuka replies, “..are you an idiot? *smiles* Mizusu and Ryuhoku are basically not on the same level.” Shou frowns over this and throws back the bottled water. Shizuka angrily shouts that hurts. Narration: “Like that, starting here, continuing on towards a higher goal. Constantly struggling, we welcome a whole new season.”

Comment: Obviously this is Shizuka’s chapter. The Winter Cup turns out to be just reinforcing the sports rivalry of the two rather than anything related to Yuki in any romantic way. Though, of course, they’ll try to outdo each other because of Yuki.

Shizuka find his way back to his first love and he is acting more himself in this chapter. Also, in this chapter, he once again reminds me of SD’s Hanamichi minus the self-confidence. And, their bickering is like Hanamichi and Rukawa, Naruto and Sasuke, and whatever other shounen series there is that has ‘friends’ yet rivals.

Just like how Shizuka reached this point, there are many factors that finally led him to take the challenge of becoming the captain. I think that will help him mature a lot just like it had been with Shou. And, he seems quite confident at the end of the chapter. Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

Don’t be impatient if your dreams haven’t come true. What’s important is you keep working at it. ~ Bo Sanchez

Walking out the rain with Kasane to the car, Kingo says, “Just now, you said, ‘using the lipstick in order to exist in this world’. Izana-san is also the same at that time..but, THE THING IS that person isn’t allowed to BE BORN INTO THIS WORLD.” Getting into the car, Kasane asks about that ‘BE BORN INTO THIS WORLD..?’

Inside the car, Kingo says that’s right. “There is a social custom in the place where Izana-san was born and that is, ‘an ugly child born on the 43rd year of the sexagenary cycle [1966; year of the fire horse, renowned for disasters and the birth of women destined to kill their husbands. Source: Tangorin] has to be killed’...

...Even if it is already at the decade of a century, that kind of horrifying but true thing exists. So, she basically should have been killed when she was born. But the person who helped Izana’s mother in giving birth saved her. That person is an outsider who came there to get married...

...In order to retain Izana-san’s life, she claimed, ‘The baby that was born is already dead’. Then, she secretly brought her up while hiding her from the villagers.” Kasane is speechless that Kingo says that it’s quite inconceivable, right. Kasane asks how come he knows of her mother’s past.

Kingo says that it is because they are from the same village. “The person who brought up Izana-san had also once taken care of me for a period of time. She let me see Isana-san and told me everything. But, hiding her from others and secretly raising her up is not at all such a simple thing...

...Aside from her foster mother, Izana has never seen anyone. She is separated from society. Even if she is at the sensitive stage of more than ten years old, she also can only spend time by staying at home in that cabin located at the deepest mountain. *scene of Izana wearing a yukata with books around and a flashlight for light.*...

...For many years, she is always tormented by the fact of “because you are ugly so you shouldn’t live” but, the power of the ‘lipstick’ caused that person’s fate to have an earthshaking change.” There is a scene of Izana reaching out to some red powder and puts it on her lips then she became beautiful.

[<- that is the original form of the lipstick that Izana found, iirc, deep in a river where the murdered babies are buried. It is supposedly the power of the Red Witch. She first became aware of the power when she tried to save her dying adopted mother. That is from the novel about Izana.]

“Izana-san stole the face of Namino, a young beautiful girl from the same village.” [<- They are of the same age. At this time, while plotting, learned of the ‘lipstick’s limitation – time limit regarding the exchange. Later on, due to ‘mistaken identity’, Izana had sex with Namino’s boyfriend, Kaido Nagi, whom Izana also loves.

Nagi is a researcher and it is through him Izana learned about the red powder. Izana had sent Nagi away before she accomplishes her revenge plot.] “She killed all who thought that she is a person who shouldn’t exist in this world. She left after burning the village.” [<- she killed them by poisoning the water. There is a custom after some festival about the Red Witch, they are to have a toast/drink. She warned Kingo not to drink.

At that time, Namino is the actress of the Shinto festival’s play/kagura. Everyone is mesmerized over ‘Namino’/Izana’s performance which Izana copied by just watching Namino practice. Afterwards, Kingo’s father tried to rape ‘Namino’ but she was saved by Kingo -> unintentionally kill by hitting him with something. Kingo is still confused knowing the this isn’t the same Namino]

“That is called as the Akeiwa incident that caused a sensation at that time in the news. Of course, the culprit was never found. Altogether, 14 people were killed. I’m the only survivor of that incident.” [<- then he got adopted by the Habuta-s] Kasane asks if he watched his own family being killed. With a slight smirk, Kingo says that even if he has blood relations with those people, but they are also guilty and deserves to be punished.

“I didn’t realize how happy I can be to be able to leave that family. To me, Izana-san is a benefactor who opened up a brand new road for me. *Kasane quietly watches Kingo* But, even if she escaped out of the village.. it isn’t considered ‘birth’. *scene of Izana carrying her bags while walking in the snow* Because she had killed Namino whom she exchanged face with. [<- that’s the first step to the revenge]...

...The lipstick’s effect can be maintained at most for just five days. Although this is also a magnificent life’s journey..but for you, the story afterwards is perhaps more important. Not as the ugly woman unknown to anyone, but how she became ‘Fuchi Sugeyo’ the actress--”

Flashback: At a park, Izana sat on the bench while quietly observing the women passing by. She stood up and thought that this place called ‘street’ that unexpectedly have so many beautiful women.. “But even if it is like that, I already don’t have anyone to depend on nor to talk with. I totally do not have the opportunity to set things in motion..” She looked at the small bottle containing the red powder.

Soon, she is walking some quiet road. She can no longer move and like this, she’ll only just die on the street.. “If I cannot become ‘someone else’ then I couldn’t attain things, whether it is money or family... I can only take along this ugly face that people despised and scorned then die..

...*held face* it wasn’t easy to escape out from that damned place.. *then, she saw a beautiful girl running in front of her.* That is the most beautiful creature that I have ever since until now. Like a moth attracted to light, I cannot help but chase after her.” Izana stood up and picked up her bag. She ran and followed that beautiful girl. She saw the girl go upstairs. Catching her breath, she saw the sign on the building, ‘theater’.

On the billboard, a poster about the Little Mermaid play is displayed. She went in the building. A cashier is about to welcome Izana but upon seeing her closely, he asked if she is a bum. The cashier apologized for right now, he still hasn’t eaten and he doesn’t have anything to give her.. Izana exclaimed that it isn’t that.

After a bit of hesitation, she tossed some coins on the table. The cashier is puzzled then asked if she is a customer. He scratched his head and said that this money aren’t enough and they’re quite filthy but..about that, ah..forget it.. He says that anyway, it isn’t the official thing..so just this once! He told her to get in for it has already started. Izana thanked him.

Inside, Izana is mesmerized upon seeing the floating lit jellyfishes at the stage. Someone narrated, “From the ocean’s shore, swim to the very deepest place where the water color becomes azure like the loveliest cornflower, clear like glass, pure and clean. *on the stage, there is a mermaid sleeping on a shell*...

...Altogether, there are six princesses. *Izana looked tense as the mermaid sat up* And among them, the youngest princess is the most beautiful one.” Narration: “That is the meeting of Izana-san and Fuchi Sugeyo-- Furthermore.. *Izana watched the play when the mermaid met the prince to the point where she couldn’t kill him and the play ended* it is also her meeting with the stage and play.”

Izana’s heart is beating fast. She thought that it is like the kagura at Akeiwa.. “Obviously it is merely a fabricated world but my hunger..and fatigue..I’ve forgot about them as they went up to cloud nine..” Then, someone called out to her. It is the janitress telling her to quickly leave for the other customers had already left.. Standing up, Izana apologizes but suddenly fainted. She can only hear the janitress calling out to her.

Later on, Izana is lying down a futon. She groaned and wondered where she is. She thought that just now, it seems that she is watching ‘Little Mermaid’.. “Ah, that’s right. *suddenly sat up* that beautiful girl..!!” Izana is surprised to hear someone screamed in surprise. She turned around to see the beautiful girl apologizing to her for she was a bit startled when Izana suddenly sat up..

Comment: So, we now meet the real Sugeyo. She seems to be the timid type to be suddenly surprised by Izana sitting up and even apologizing for it. Apparently, Izana had really stained her hands with blood that it really pales in comparison to Kasane who was hesitant about such things.

Regarding that superstition in Akeiwa, the fact is, Izana is the product of rape. It seems that there is some tradition of some sort, from what I can understand wherein men from certain families would sneak in other houses and rape their women. And use some superstition as a reason for killing the babies.

When dying, her adopted mother told her the truth which made Izana angry. The final straw was when she learned from Kingo after it was hinted by Namino, that her adopted mother was ‘cast out’ from the town and suffered indirectly because of her. I forgot how they knew Izana is around and if they knew, why they didn’t bother with her. ^^;

Anyway, I think she’ll meet up with Nagi later on which might lead to Kingo’s ‘sin’. Interestingly enough, Nagi’s surname is the same with Atae. I guess with that experience, Izana had become cunning and clever as she tries to find her next victim. As fate will have it, Sugeyo just pass by in front of her and that lead to the theater, her future career.

Based on the play, I guess Izana is the sea witch here who is going to do some ‘exchange’. ^^; Interestingly, I guess the mothers had ‘switched’ with the daughters. When Izana was young, she was secluded but now, it was Nogiku. Both are out for revenge and had killed people. Before, Sugeyo is ‘used’ by someone who wasn’t supposed to exit whereas now, Kasane is ‘using’ someone who ‘doesn’t exist’. Scans by RAD汉化组

Quote of the day:

Survivors aren't always the strongest; sometimes they're the smartest, but more often simply the luckiest. ~ Carrie Ryan, The Dark and Hollow Places

As the head master goes in the room and asks about the air conditioner, Haruto keeps on looking at his bed where Yu and Takumi are hiding. Yu hopes that she won’t be found out and that the head master would quickly leave.

Takumi looks at Yu and was about to touch her when she whispers to him that he obviously doesn’t need to hide. He smiles and says that he got excited because it seems quite fun. Yu muses that no wonder it is the White Prince, he’s so calm.

The head master asks what Kaji is doing in front of the cabinet. Nervous Kaji claims that he is doing yoga. Yu says since Takumi is so calm, she feels at ease. When she starts to wonder if Meiko is okay, Takumi admits to her that he isn’t calm at all for his heart is beating so fast.

Suddenly, the cat jumps on the bed which causes Yu to scream. The head master asks who is hiding there. Haruto says yes, who it could be. As Haruto grabs the cat, the cat grabs the blanket. Yu tries her best to pull the blanket down to her so that she won’t be found out.

Takumi tells her to calm down. Hakuto pulls up the blanket a bit and calls out to Takumi to give it up. Takumi quickly sits up. He apologizes to the head master for startling her.

The head master says that it seems she heard a girl’s voice. While Takumi tries to cover Yu with the blanket, he says that it is because he’s scared of cats so he’ll make that kind of sound when he’s frightened. He asks her to keep that a secret. The head master agrees. Haruto asks if there are any other things that need to be inspected.

The head master says none, and she’ll go to the next room. Then, she tells Kaji to go back to his room. Kaji wonders how come the two are so calm. After the head master left, Takumi tells Yu that it is alright, she can come out. Haruto grabs Yu’s shoulder and reprimands her for playing around by hiding in someone’s room without permission.

Thinking that the crisis isn’t resolved yet, Yu apologies to him. Grabbing Haruto’s hand off Yu, Takumi says that this is revenge and it is because he always bullies Yu.

Haruto seriously tells him not to be a hindrance. Unfazed Takumi says that he was the one who told them the room number so if he’s going to punish someone, he should include him, VICE-dorm head.

Yu tries to protest but Haruto moves away and tells them to quickly get out. Outside the room, Takumi tells the girls to be careful and go back while they are still not found out. Yu thanks him. Before Yu leaves with Meiko, Takumi whispers to her that at any time, she is welcome to his room. Then, he waves goodbye. Yu looks surprised.

Lying on the bed with Meiko, Yu asks if she feels crowded. Meiko says that it is alright. Yu feels that this is quite fun. Meiko thanks Yu and just now, she was nervous to death. Yu says that Meiko is unexpectedly quite bold that she was scared to death. Meiko apologizes for it is quite bad to enter someone else’s room without permission but thanks to Takumi, it is a relief that Haruto isn’t that angry.

Yu says no, no..if Takumi isn’t around, she doesn’t know what kind of punishment will the black devil give them and they might not be able to come back alive.

Meiko says that chatting with guys is really fun and she still wants to have fun since there are many things that she wants to ask. Yu becomes aghast that Meiko laughs and apologizes.

Then, she says, good night. Recalling Haruto’s smile, Yu thinks that even if they came back caused her to sigh in relief but she couldn’t sleep-- She and Meiko are wide awake. The school bell rings. The teacher tells the student that the exam is tomorrow so properly review.

Sleepy Yu thinks that it is bad for she totally wasn’t able to listen to the lesson. There is a scene of Haruto lying around and Takumi studying. Soon, second term’s midterm exams are over. The fangirls are squealing over the Black and White Princes being number one in the grade ranking. Yu is looking very gloomy.

Meiko tells her to cheer up for she can get back during the term exam. Yu is envious of Meiko for being intelligent for in the end, she totally wasn’t able to concentrate in reviewing her lessons.. Just then, Kanei appears and says that it is a shocker that Yu turns out to be very stupid.

Since Kanei ranked number 3 in the grades, Yu thinks that she is so far from everyone who is quite intelligent. Then, noticing a bruise on his face, Yu asks what happened to Kanei’s face.

Kanei says that he got involved with some bad delinquents and he seems to easily get their attention. Yu tells him to cheer up. Opening her pouch, Meiko gives an adhesive bandage to Yu. Yu tells her to give it to Kanei herself but Meiko says that she isn’t good at talking with an unfamiliar boy.

Meiko then says that she’ll go ahead. Yu gives the bandage to Kanei and says that her friend gives it to him. Upon seeing Meiko, Kanei is moved and tells Yu that it will be cultural festival soon. While walking away, he mumbles, speaking of that, there is love..

The others wonder what Takumi’s class will be doing for the festival. Yu overhears Kaji also has red marks that he screams for Haruto to help him. Yu thinks of him as her comrade. In Yu’s class, their theme is dressing up. Kaji says that they are going to discuss the program scheme so what ideas do they have.

Girls are screaming with different suggestions like butler café where they can watch Haruto, Shinsengumi for they want him to wear a kimono, a vampire, a shiny Haruto like an idiol, be together with Takumi.

Haruto seems to be looking at Yu who is lost in thought over not being excited over that. The teacher tells everyone to calm down a bit for they have to get Haruto’s permission first. This made everyone apologize and tense as they wait for Haruto’s answer which they think is ‘no way’.

To everyone’s surprise, Haruto says that he can dress up but he wants Yu to be the one in charge of his outfit. Soon, everyone starts to pester Yu even as Yu tries to refuse for her grades in home economics is bad and she won’t participate this time around.

Meiko just quietly glances at Haruto. At the shoe locker’s area, dazed Yu couldn’t believe that Haruto would unexpectedly take the initiative to join the festival..no, this is absolutely punishment for going to his room without permission.

Takumi calls out to Yu and asks if they can go home together. The other girls want to go with him but Takumi declines. The other girls think Yu is cunning and they are envious of her. When Yu asks if that is really okay, Takumi assures Yu that he wants to go home together with her.

Takumi asks her what those girls told her. Recalling the harassing girls before, Yu says that it is nothing. She asks what his class is going to do in the festival. He smiles and says that it is a secret since he’ll be held accountable and they just anticipate the festival. Yu says yes.

At the music room, the girls give Yu a tape measure and a note to write Haruto’s measurements. Aghast Yu asks if it is now, by herself!? The girls say that they are going to start a meeting about Haruto’s outfit and after deciding it, they are going to reserve some cloth materials at the store.

Kaji says that Haruto is waiting. Since the girls are very eager, Yu decides to agree to it. She asks Meiko to help her out but Meiko refuses by saying that the one Haruto asked is Yu.

While Yu is surprised by that answer, Meiko urges her to quickly get in the room for things can be seen clearly at the hallway. Kaji shoves away the other girls to get out of the room because they wanted to see Haruto being measured.

In the room, nervous Yu says that she’ll be taking his measurements. To her surprise, he takes off his coat. She asks why he is stripping. He says isn’t he going to be measured. Yu think that even if it is like that, this surpasses her expectation. Haruto grabs her head and tells her to quickly do it. She says okay, but at least, keep his shirt on.

Haruto says who’ll strip down to bare, does she want to see it. This made her blush and get angry over what Haruto is implying. The girls are making a ruckus outside. Kaji shouts for Yu to do her best. Meiko looks a bit flustered. Haruto sits on the table while reading a Bach music book.

Yu tells herself to calm down and first the arm. Then, after thinking for a while, she asks him if he can measure himself and there’s no need for her.. He coldly tells her that since she accepted the duty, she should properly do it so quit complaining.

Yu thinks she knows already. She climbs up the table and measures his arm. Then, she becomes nervous for how is she going to do the chest measurement and she cannot do it from the back. Maybe she get him to take off his shirt and measure the shirt..no, he’ll be naked then.

Yu holds her face and tells herself to gambatte for everyone is waiting. She calls out to Haruto that stop reading for a while and help her out for she’s going to measure his chest. He puts down the book and tells her to quickly do it. Yu tells herself to calm down and quickly measure it.

As she tries to put the measuring tape around Haruto, she wonders if she must stick to him so close and she hopes her heart’s beating wouldn’t be so loud. Haruto suddenly asks her why she suddenly went to his room without permission for it isn’t what Takumi said. He asks if it is because of Meiko.

Flustered Yu says no, yes, it is Meiko accompanying her in going there together, that’s all. “..it is my revenge.. *blushing really red* It is I who trespassed into your room without permission..” Upon staring at Yu, Haruto suddenly holds up some of her hair. This surprises Yu.

Comment: And, the falling out has started. Since Haruto is obviously favoring Yu, Meiko doesn’t want to help Yu out anymore. Of course, it is one thing for Haruto not wanting Meiko to help Yu out. Even if it was like that, Yu won’t ‘sell’ Meiko out and went with Takumi’s alibi as to why she is in Haruto’s room. She’s such a nice friend.

Anyway, that face-off between the princes was a bit intense but then, Haruto blinked and left them off. I’m not sure if that is a hint from the mangaka about pairing off Meiko with Kanei.

As for Haruto’s request, I guess it might be partly wanting to punish Yu as well as wanting to know the real reason for going in his room. Maybe he wants her in the festival, too.

As for the last scene, it seems that Haruto gave in to his emotions over seeing Yu’s blushing face. Turned on? We’ll know for sure in the next chapter. Scans by Draw Club同萌绘汉化

Word of the day:

Your mind can be your enemy or your friend. It can cause you to lose faith, or it can boster you and help you to keep going. ‘As he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7’ ~ ~ 101 mottos for success by J. Richards and M.S. Fontaine.

At the dressing room, Izana says, “..that mermaid..” The girl says huh, ya..compared to that, is she alright? The janitress comes in and says that since she’s [Izana] awake, quickly get out of here and quit hanging around here.

The girl calls out to Takemi [janitress since she’s being rude]. She says that there’s no need to be so anxious, she’ll bring her [Izana] back home. Takemi calls the girl a real idiot for no matter how one looks at her [Izana], this person is a homeless.

Izana says about that..she understands..she’ll quickly leave.. Takemi warns Izana that even if Shiraito let her come in but she isn’t allowed to come back again.

After Takemi left, the girl asks Izana if she doesn’t have a home. Puzzled Izana says ah, yes. Sugeyo says, “Is that so.. *thinking* I heard that you also don’t have any money on you. How pitiful.. Ah, that’s right, aren’t you hungry? *takes something from her bag* When buying a snack, I bought a bread..”

Thinking that this is an idiotic girl, Izana exclaims there’s no need!! The girl asks re..really? “Sorry..” Quickly putting her scarf on, Izana goes out the door. The girl timidly asks why she suddenly became angry. Izana didn’t answer and just left. It is already snowing outside.

While walking, Izana thinks that not only her appearance, but even her actions, bearing and way of thinking, she is totally a person from another world..

“She doesn’t even know a bit what is it like, the feelings of someone who isn’t only ugly but also poor. Even if I can go near to this kind of beauty, as expected, with her, I still don’t want.. *becomes dizzy and falls on the ground* But, if I took that bread just now, perhaps, I can still-- No..I won’t do such a humiliating thing..”

She is surprised when the girl calls out behind her as Miss homeless..abo..about that.. Izana asks if she was following her. The girl apologizes but if she were to sleep outside on a snowy day, she might die.

Izana tells her not to mind her.. The girl suggests that she come to her house and at least, stay for a day..okay? Izana bites her teeth but she couldn’t refuse.

In the apartment house, the girl invites her to come in. She introduces herself as, ‘Fuchi Sugeyo’, it’s a strange name right. Then, Sugeyo introduces her cat, Zunda. “About that..can I ask what’s your name?” Izana says, ‘Izana’.

Narration: “Izana-san said that that girl is like this, a timid, people-pleaser [/honestly softhearted], stupid girl-- It's like she picked up a filthy stray cat on a whim. *Sugeyo looking happy as Izana eats dinner with her* By simply sympathizing with someone, she’ll be satisfied with herself over this very small accomplishment. Besides, she completely lacks awareness.”

That night, Sugeyo tells Izana who is sleeping on the futon at the floor that she can sleep on the bed. Izana declines. Izana thinks, “Not only she has beauty, she also have a good livelihood [/financial status], and her upbringing seems to be also very good.. if I can become this kind of girl..”

Sugeyo calls out to her and asks if that was beautiful..the little mermaid’s outfit! Izana turns around and is surprised to see Sugeyo showing her a drawing of the mermaid’s outfit on a sketchbook. Sugeyo tells her that the prince and also the other fishes are all of her designs.

“It is only this that can be called my strong point. Doing some Western-style outfits.. Not only I don’t have a bit of acting skill, I even easily get stage frights. Actually, I don’t want to become an actress.. But I also have no way of refusing others...

...*holds her sketchbook to her chest while looking sideways* ah, sorry for suddenly saying this kind of things when obviously, we just know each other.. but..” Izana thinks, so that’s why..she obviously has this kind of astonishing beauty but she’s buried in this unknown theatrical troupe.

Izana tells Sugeyo that the clothes..each one of them..are very beautiful.. Sugeyo’s eyes brighten up and she asks, really? Izana says yes. Narration: “Izana-san thought, in order to wait for the opportunity to once again steal a beautiful face, she ‘should maintain this kind of relationship with Fuchi Sugeyo’.”

At the theater, a man asks if Sugeyo wanted him to hire this person as a janitress. “Sure.” This made Sugeyo very happy for she had just introduced Izana to him. Takemi protests to her husband but the man says that this is good for Sugeyo had asked them, and Takemi should be happy for her amount of work will decrease.

Sugeyo happily says that’s right and before, Takemi said that while living at the ‘grit’ [house], she has to sweep but she won’t let her. Takemi says that she won’t dare let a clumsy person like her [Sugeyo] to go and do it! Then, Izana takes her cue to bow and says that she’ll be under their care [/yoroshiku].

Narration: “Like that, Izana-san started to stay at Fuchi Sugeyo’s house at one side while working as janitress at the theater. *after cleaning, Izana would go to the auditorium to watch the play. She saw Sugeyo having a hard time while the director is lecturing her.*...

...Passing the days in darkness at one side while surveying for the light on the other side, finally, after a long wait, the opportunity arrived--” At Sugeyo’s place, Izana calls out to her and tells her to wake up quickly for today is the official start of the play.

Lying in bed, sick Sugeyo mutters, ya--.. She asks Izana what to do for she is feeling cold all over.. Izana asks if she has a fever. Sugeyo says that it is 38 degrees..but she must go..so she hates being an actress. “I really do not want to go..”

Izana starts to think of something. She tells Sugeyo that it seems that there is still some time so until then, she’ll call her. “In the meantime, go to sleep for a while longer.” Sugeyo asks is that true.. Looking down on her, Izana says, yes. Sugeyo thanks her and says that she’ll leave it up to her..

Sugeyo promptly goes to sleep. Izana glares at sick Sugeyo. She takes out her bottle of red powder. She recalls the first time she switched faces with Namino. Izana nervously pours out a bit of the powder then wipes it on her lips.

She bends down to kiss Sugeyo. Then, she looks up and smiles with Sugeyo’s face. Narration: “—like that, she is once again born into this world as ‘Fuchi Sugeyo, the actress’--”

Comment: It turns out that Sugeyo is the typical shoujo heroine who is nice and everything including being clumsy. But then, in this kind of series, a girl like her will be ‘eaten alive’ by someone like Izana.

It makes me wonder if it is because of her personality that Sugeyo doesn’t seem to have a grudge over what happened to her later on. Iirc, she simply told Nogiku to live her own life rather than revenge.

Izana was at first disgusted over Sugeyo’s personality but still, she needs her and bears with it for soon, she’ll have that opportunity which did happen. It seems a bit easy for Izana since Sugeyo’s true love is costume designing rather than acting.

Hm..I guess the 'horror' lesson here is be careful of an unknown stranger whom you are nice to/picking up with good intentions to help since they might end up stabbing you in the back. In this case, that person will be taking everything from you. Scans by RAD汉化组

Quote of the day:
Opportunities are on every hand; what we need is, not a new chance, but clearness of vision to discern the chance which at this very hour is ours, if we recognize it. ~ Katherine Krieger

[Free talk: Some of the names might be wrong since I’m just guessing them based on the kanji.]

Chapter 5: Ever since before, Riko is like that. Her friend forgot to bring her writing materials and she’s scared of the teacher reprimanding her. So, young Riko gave her own writing materials. Kai called her stupid for their next class is also writing. She told him not to mind her.

That day, Riko quietly accepted her punishment for not bringing her writing materials at school. So, compared to herself, she’ll prioritize others. Even if she currently has feelings for Suwa on one side, she’ll twist herself over this unfruitful longing. But as this keeps up, Kai feels very perplexed. End flashback.

Holding Riko’s wrist, Kai tells Riko to close her eyes. She asks why. He tenderly touches her face and says, slow-witted girl. He leans to kiss her but she immediately puts her knuckles on the side of his head. While pressing her knuckles on his head, she furiously tells him that in this starry sky, in this slightly romantic scenery, as long as it’s girl then it is okay, right, you super jerk lewd wolf!!!

Kai tries to explain but a blushing girl arrives and says, about that... Riko grabs Kai’s collar and shouts, see, that girl is calling him and has come to confess to him so regarding this kind of thing, it is better for him to do that to the girl he likes..

Riko quickly kicks him towards the girl. After Riko left in a huff, it turns out the girl came to tell Kai about some school stuff. Kai’s friends are watching from the bushes. They feel sorry for Kai regarding this kind of progress. Taka tells them that it is bad to peep.

After a bit of argument about that, they start to realize that the one Kai likes is Riko and is that okay. Taka informs them that when Riko was sick, Kai secretly visited her. Miki asks if that’s true. Taka just tells them that he only help brought the medicine but from the looks of it, Kai is pretty much serious about this so don’t do any unnecessary things..

Miki exclaims that Kai is too inexperienced for he got the sequence wrong. He suddenly started to kiss when it should be the confession first. Could it be that he’s too serious that he was anxious. Tarou says that it is because Kai is just theorizing and doesn’t have real experience so it is inevitable that he totally doesn’t know. Miki agrees.

Taka tries to tell them to do it secretly but the two guys had already decided to help their cute friend by doing their best to support Kai’s first love. Taka can only sigh.

At school, Kai is super gloomy over what happened and why did it become like that. He thinks that even if until now, it was like that wherein he is very happy no matter who the cute girl is but right now, his heart only has Riko. He looks at her but she looks away when their eyes met.

This made Kai wonder why it became like this..she is really angry.. Later on, Tarou calls out to Kiyo [紀世], then holds out some tickets. He asks if she is free next Sunday. Kiyo goes to Riko and friends to tell them about the tickets to an amusement park from Tarou.

Kagura [神樂] immediately protests and tells Kiyo not to go with that monk. Kiyo couldn’t because she already agreed. It is because she was so happy that she got invited and no one has treated her as a girl like that since she’s so tall. <- 172 cm. She was told to bring three other girls so Kagura says that it is like a goukon [group date]. To help Kagura out, Riko decides to go.

Wanting to protect her friends, Kagura also got one ticket. Kiyo tells them the four guys who are coming, Tarou, Miki, Taka[ya] and Kai. Since they lack one girl, a glasses girl suddenly grabs the last ticket. After taking the girls’ picture, she asks if they can give the ticket to her.

At the living room, Kai is moping that his sister tells him to go to sleep already. His niece asks if he is sick. Kai says yes, in some sense. Kai thinks that he is probably rejected and it is his first time so he really doesn’t know what to do. It is also the first time he had seriously fallen in love so how come it is that person, why did he want to do that kind of thing—

Then, he screams, ah-- His niece tells her mother that Kai said that he’s sick. Kai’s sister tells Kai that all the more he should quickly go to sleep. Kai’s cellphone beeps. Tarou invites the guys to the amusement park at 10am tomorrow. Everyone agrees.

Kai is a bit hesitant but in the end, he decided to go for a change and forget about his unrequited love for Riko. Kai arrives at the amusement park and his friends greet him. Kai tells Taka that it is a surprised that he came. Taka sighs and says that he told them to secretly—

Kai is surprised that Tarou would go here when there is no girls. Tarou says who said that it is all guys. And, the girls have arrived. Surprised Kai asks what’s going on. Tarou says that it is as he sees it. Miki says that it is enjoying high school life.

Obviously, the two friends want to help out their cute friend’s first love. Tarou is surprised that Kagura came and it turns out that she is in good relations with Riko. Kagura exclaims that she is their bodyguard and he won’t let a temple’s lewd Buddhist monk get away with his plot.

Taka asks what’s with that. Miki explains that it is son of a Buddhist monk vs daughter of a Shinto priest and it seems that Kagura one-sidedly hates Tarou. Miki says that there is one whom they don’t recognize.

Glasses girl introduces herself as Shimura Ayumi from 1-F, part of the newspaper club. She heard that the girls are going to have fun with the school’s handsome guys so her reporter’s soul tremble that she offered to go with them. Kagura says that she comes to eavesdrop.

Kiyo thanks Ayumi for the help or they’ll lack one person. Ayumi offers to be their photographer but Riko says that it is more fun to have fun together so she’ll also help in taking pictures. Ayumi and Kiyo are moved by that. Ayumi starts screaming that even if she wants to write a handsome guys’ report but she super likes cute girls especially Riko whom she is already getting information about.

Taka comments that the girls’ aura is strong. Miki agrees and he doesn’t want to lose to them. Tarou tells Kai to have fun and good luck. Kai thinks that even if he says that, he is currently snubbed by Riko. Kai is shocked when Riko snubbed him again. He wondered if he’ll have fun in this kind of situation. So, the amusement park date begins..

Chapter 6: Kai feels strange for if his memories are correct, it should be a happy thing when he goes to the amusement park with a girl and it shouldn’t be this kind of feeling. Kai is getting scared of snubbing Riko. He is now thoroughly hated after he carelessly did that kind of thing.

Since she is always snubbing him, he really wants to go home. He is startled when Riko glances at him. Riko says that everyone came here to have fun so she doesn’t want the mood to be so serious and she’ll just forget that thing by considering it as being nipped by a dog.

As Riko joins her friends, Kai doesn’t like being considered as a dog. Soon, everyone is riding all sorts of rides and Kai is getting angrier over that comment that he’ll let her know of his manliness..just wait..

Soon, Tarou thinks that things are off since the girls are hanging out together with Kagura protecting them when their goal is to help out Kai and Riko deepen their feelings. So, they decided to go to a haunted house with a male-female pairing.

Tarou grabs shocked Kagura and walks in the haunted house with her. On cue, Miki invites Kiyo. After a pause, Taka goes in with Ayumi who considers it an honor to be invited in by a handsome guy. Riko says then, she is paired up with hesitant Kai so let’s go. Inside, Kagura is quite scared while it was nothing to Tarou.

When asked if she is scared, Kagura denies it. Tarou says that just like before, she loves to act strong. He takes her hand but she quickly slaps it away for she’ll get pregnant. She refuses to be touched by him who couldn’t restrain himself because she’ll be dirtied.

Tarou tells her to relax for he absolutely don’t look at her that way. He grabs her hand again but she pulls her hand away again. She walks ahead and says that she doesn’t need his help. Then, she is startled by a head jumping up the box.

Then, it is Miki-Kiyo pair who are both scared. He thinks that even if it is convenient but he really feels nervous alone with a girl in the dark.. Kiyo wonders why Miki chose her. Miki wanted someone shorter than him. Kiyo wanted someone taller than her. Then, the head jumps out the box.

The two screams in fright and hugs each other. Miki tries to comfort Kiyo that it is a fake so come and hold his hand so that she won’t be that afraid. She says yes. Miki thinks that she is unexpectedly cute. Kiyo thinks that even if Miki is short, he is very manly.

Then, they hug each other in fright when there is another ghost came out at the corner. Then, it is Taka and Ayumi pair. Ayumi observes the haunted house then writes in her notes that Taka isn’t scared of ghosts. She asks him his other favorites that he asks what she is doing.

Ayumi says that it is an interview for it is rare to interview their school’s number one mysterious serious beauty so she won’t let go of this opportunity. She asks his answer to her questions. He says that there’s nothing special. She asks how long he knew Kai. Taka says since elementary.

Ayumi notes that they are totally the opposites yet have a great relationship though lately, something is off with Kai for there are many girls being rejected by him lately so could it be their school’s number one playboy has found his true love and it is one of the girls here. Taka says who knows.

Ayumi says that she’ll continue to secretly investigate it. She starts to contrast the fans of Kai [more obvious] and Taka [more covert] with the latter’s fans being more than Kai’s so the baffling thing is no matter how she trace back to the past, he also won’t say a word. No reaction.

Ayumi asks if he also has a true love who he doesn’t want others to know. Taka looks at Ayumi when they are surprised by a scream. Ayumi says that she didn’t think that there are still someone would get scared.

Taka tells her to put away her pen for she might drop it. She did as told and says that data gathering is over. He tells her to enjoy the haunted house. And, to the last pair, while Kai looks scared, Riko says that this is quite messed up. She turns around and asks how come he isn’t walking.

Acting fine, he tells her not to be nosy and don’t mind him. He suddenly shouts in shock when the head pops out of the box. After seeing Kai’s expression, Riko asks if he is scared. Trembling Kai tries to deny it as he wonders if Riko is really a girl for she has this ‘it’s nothing’ expression which isn’t cute at all.

Then, a ghost appears at the corner that Kai suddenly hugs scowling Riko. Kai becomes nervous for he’ll be killed but to his surprise, Riko puts a handkerchief on his eyes to blindfold him. He starts to wonder if this is some kind of new punishment.

Taking his hand, Riko says that if he cannot see then he won’t be afraid, right so come let’s go. It’s alright, she’ll properly bring him to the exit. Kai blushes over this for she is so manly. Later on, the two are resting at the bench. Riko says that it is unexpected that he’s so scared.

He tells her not to be annoying since he isn’t good at it ever since before. That is because when he was young, for some reason, his older sister would tell him scary stories. <- he was 4 years old. Riko laughs and says that his sister is amazing.

Kai angrily tells her that it isn’t funny from his side. Riko apologizes and says that having a bit of weakness is quite cute. While blushing, Kai says that guys don’t need to be cute. Riko says okay, and where did everyone go. He tells her to go and join the others for it’s very boring to stay here with him. This made Riko smile.

Riko stands up and says that for him to be able to say that, he has almost recovered. She offers to buy some drinks. While leaving, Riko is surprised when he thanks her. After Riko left, Kai takes off the blindfold and wonders what he is doing for don’t talk about making her see his manliness, he even made her see his humiliating side.

On contrary, he has fallen for her again upon seeing her cool side and being treated nicely by her. He covers his face and wonders why it became like this in front of that girl. How come she likes some other guy. Then, he sees Suwa passing by. He sits up and wonders if he hated Suwa so much that an illusion appeared. He rubs his eyes and thinks, yes, it is Suwa for real..and who’s that girl with him!?

Chapter 7:Reading his cellphone, Taka learns from Tarou that everyone went their separate ways for a while. Miki replied okay for they’re having fun on his side. Carrying a couple of drinks, Ayumi asks where everyone went. Taka tells her that it seems that they went on their own for a while and they’ll meet up again.

Taking the drink from Ayumi, Taka is worried about Kai being in the haunted house. Then, there is a flash. Ayumi apologizes for taking his picture and says that it is because he is so handsome. Meanwhile, Kai is freaking out that Suwa appeared and there is some other girl at his side. Suwa did tell him that he wasn’t popular so he ought to be siblings with that girl. Yeah right, as if siblings would have fun alone together at an amusement park.

Riko calls out to Kai and asks what he is doing. Kai nervously look at the side where Suwa was then at puzzled Riko who is giving him his drink. He suddenly pulls her away and says don’t ask, just go with him. Suwa suddenly turns around. His companion asks what it is, he says that it is nothing.

Behind a vending machine, Kai is glad that Suwa are leaving. Riko hits Kai’s head with the drink and says what he is doing and is he alright. Kai nervously says yes. He wonders if Riko knows that Suwa has a girlfriend.. He thinks that it is impossible because if it is, she ought to have a painful unrequited love until now.

Then, he freaks out upon seeing Suwa and companion passing by in front of him. He starts to whisper that they go walk around and have fun in order not to waste the ticket. Riko asks why he is whispering. As Kai pushes Riko away, he wonders what he is doing, hiding Suwa’s girlfriend as if his life depended on it and isn’t it better for him.

That way, Riko can give up on that guy and in that kind of progress, he-- It is like that, there’s no need to hide it, it is good for him if it is exposed, for he wants her to face reality and he’ll help her give up this nonsense unrequited love!!! But..doing that, this girl, she—

Riko suddenly turns towards Kai that he immediately pushes her to the wall. He looks back and thinks that’s dangerous, and what the, they’re [Suwa and companion] just strolling around. He snaps out of it and thinks that he doesn’t have to hide.. He notices that Riko is furious. She palms his chin and says that he is acting strange a while ago so did his head short-circuited..

Kai denies it. Riko angrily asks why he suddenly corners her to the wall and if he wants to do that, pick a cuter girl, idiot!!! Kai asks back what she is saying, is her self-awareness in excess. He says that as long as it’s a girl, it is okay. Riko angrily asks what. Kai wonders what kind of common sense says that one has to be cute, but rather, this is because of her so it’s her fault.

Riko shouts if he thinks that a girl likes being cornered to the wall and did he read too much shoujo manga. Kai shouts that he doesn’t read that because he’s a guy. Due to the shouting, Suwa’s companion calls out, Riko? Kai thinks that they were found out and they know each other.

Riko calls out, Akemi-sister. Akemi says that it is indeed Riko so are they dating. While thinking that they are ‘sisters’, Riko explains that she’s just strolling with friends. Suwa says that Kai is from their class. Akemi says but just now, Riko is cornered at the wall.

She glances at Kai and gives Riko a thumbs up for he’s handsome. Riko protests. Akemi tells Suwa that they are going and they shouldn’t disturb the youngsters. Riko tries to explain but they are already leaving. Then, Akemi mentions about an uncle catching fish and invites Riko to eat with them. After a pause, Riko says that she doesn’t know what time she can go back.

Akemi says that it’s dangerous if it’s very late. Riko says that it’s fine and she isn’t a child. Akemi pats her head and says that she’s still a child. Suwa bids the two goodbye. Riko smiles as Kai just looks at the side. Somewhere else, Kagura tries to stop Tarou from going somewhere else since she wants to get together with the others again. Tarou says that everyone is having fun.

Kagura angrily shouts that she isn’t having fun and her heart feels that it will burst out just thinking that her important friends might have already been preyed upon by hungry wolves. Grabbing her wrist, Tarou pulls her away and says that it is alright, they’ll just ride the Ferris Wheel.

Kagura starts screaming that it isn’t alright and that is a dangerous cell space. She calls out to her friends. In the Ferris Wheel, Riko quietly looks out while Kai looks at her. Kai thinks that the mood is so serious that he isn’t good with this. Kai says that he thought she is an only daughter yet that was her sister a while ago. Riko says no, that is Suwa’s girlfriend but for her, she is like a sister.

Kai looks surprised. Riko tells him that from the time they [she and Suwa] know each other, those two are already going steady. Because of her parent’s work, she is always watching over the house so from then on, she is always under their care. Just like a while ago, she is invited to come over and eat dinner.

When those two are dating, she is also brought along with them. There is a scene of young Riko holding both Suwa and Akemi’s hand. Riko happily says so for her, those two are like her real brother and sister. Kai looks flustered. He thinks that she is really an un-cute girl when obviously it isn’t a happy thing yet she is smiling.

Obviously, she only has to be a bit gloomy so that he can comfort her. He recalled her telling him that if there is a feeling that will ruin her precious thing, she’ll bury it in her heart. Kai thinks that it refers to those two, her feelings for Suwa would affect them so compared to her own feelings, those two are more important-- "This girl is so stupid, but I--”

Riko calls out to him and says that actually, she already noticed Suwa and Akemi are around yet Kai’s afraid that it will be a shock to her so he is always hiding it from her. No wonder his actions are so strange, so stupid when she obviously already knew about it. Kai is furious that she’ll call him stupid. Riko smiles and thanks him. Kai mutters, ya.

Kai thinks that he always felt that Riko who sacrifices her own feelings, prioritize her precious things is an incurable idiot but he is the same with her. It would be good if she can give Suwa up but thinking that Riko will get hurt, he couldn’t say it. “So-called falling in love with someone is, ‘compared to oneself, one would wish that one is able to protect the other person’, this kind of insuppressible feeling.”

Soon, the two meets up with the others. Kagura goes to Riko and asks if she is okay, and did Kai do something strange to her. Riko says none at all, and she’s a worrywart. Kagura asks how can she say that when they are worried that they don’t know what to do. Kagura turns to the other but Kiyo says that she had great fun. Miki agrees.

Ayumi says that she was able to stay close to Taka and get some data so it’s a meaningful day. Kiyo thanks Ayumi who says that it is alright for she got a lot of pictures. Ayumi plans to sell the guys’ pictures to the other girls so that the newspaper club can have funds.. Overhearing her murmuring, Taka asks Ayumi to let him see the pictures on her camera. He says that they are quite good.

While Ayumi is happy over that compliment, Taka says that he pushed the wrong button. Ayumi freaks out that everything is deleted from her camera. Taka apologizes but Ayumi knows that it is deliberate. So, Tarou says that they’ll go back home. While everyone is walking by the river, Kai looks at smiling Riko.

Taka asks Kai what’s up but Kai says that it is nothing. Taka asks if he did something silly in the haunted house. Kai denies it and even if it isn’t that, how should he say it.. He looks at Riko and becomes flustered again. Taka tells him to arrange his thoughts and he can say it to him anytime he wants. Kai says ya.

Taka says even if he wasn’t able to arrange his thoughts, he can still say it to him when he wants to. Kai thanks him. Kai thinks that it is because he always thought that love should be won over by effort and he obviously know what to do that he never question or become perplexed about the meaning of love but right now, it is the first time he has become perplexed that he doesn’t know what to do regarding the question on how is it to be in love with someone.

Comment: And, that is the amusement park arc. From here, it is obvious who is paired up with who. Based on the haunted house’s scene, we have different type of pairing on who’s afraid/not afraid of ghosts. =P Unrequited love is really hard. Riko has been particularly strong to have that kind of attitude.

Kai also knows what she is feeling for he is also in that kind of situation. As he mentioned, knowing more about her makes him fall deeper on love with her. In a way, being in that kind of situation, it somehow makes one more mature that one will start to think of the other instead of solely oneself. That is especially true for Kai. Scans by Draw Club同萌绘汉化

Quote of the day:

Why hide your feelings to the one you love? Why love the one who loves another? Why give everything if only pain comes in return? Why wait if there's nothing to wait for? I guess the answer is love. ~ Anonymous

Blushing Yu is puzzled and nervous when Haruto caresses her hair. She asks, wh..at.. He tells her not to move. Then, he says that she has a wound on her forehead and is that an old one. Yu asks why he is suddenly asking that. Haruto threatens her that if she won’t tell, they’ll always be like this.

Still puzzled over what’s happening, Yu tells him that it is an accident when she was young. She unexpectedly bumped against the tree while on her tricycle. <- It was when her parents are on a hanami picnic. Yu says it’s enough and don’t look at it anymore. Yu is surprised when Haruto lets out a laugh and says that she’s too silly.

Ding-dong-dong-ding The school bell rings. Haruto snaps out of it and looks surprised. He quickly turns away and writes on her measurement notes. He tells her that knowing these should be enough and she better do well, that’s an order. Taking his coat, Haruto leaves the room. While Meiko looks at Haruto, Kaji asks Haruto if it is over. Haruto didn’t reply but seems to be blushing a bit.

Inside, Yu mutters that since he knows his measurements, he should have told her from the start. While her heart is beating fast, she thinks that he even gently caressed her. Yu comes out to see Meiko outside the room. Meiko says that Yu is blushing and what happened between her and Haruto. Yu shakes her head sideways.

Meiko asks her if she likes Haruto. Yu tries to deny it but Meiko says that it can be seen with just one look at Yu and lately, she is acting very strange so why did she always hide it from her. Meiko asks if it is because she was the first who said that she likes Haruto.

Yu admits that they are obviously friends but this thing of liking the same person, she couldn’t say it out. Meiko looks surprised. Yu protests but she wants to cheer Meiko on. Meiko says, wait..Yu thought that if she heard that, she’ll sever ties with her [Yu]. Yu couldn’t reply. Meiko calls her stupid and quickly leaves.

At the dorm, Takumi greets Yu but Yu just quickly walks in. She bumps into Haruto who asks what’s with her. Yu timidly bows and apologizes then quickly goes to her room. In her room, depressed Yu thinks that is the first time Meiko reacted like that to her. She felt that she [Yu] is truly awful..

So, it is class dismissal preparation for the cultural festival. Guys are in charge of making the large props while the girls are in charge of the clothes and making small objects. Kaji cheers everyone with hopes that they’ll win with their exhibit. Tarako is leaving that the others beg her to stay since they need staff and she’s good at home economics.

Kaji tells the others that it is alright for there are still some days left and he’ll go do that. They ask if he can sew. He says that he can start learning from now. Tarako apologizes for she couldn’t help today. Kaji says that it is alright and she ought to have some urgent matter that she has to quickly leave.

Blushing, he declares that it is the boyfriend’s mission to protect one’s girlfriend. Tarako’s eyes open up and she thanks Kaji. Kaji blushes then passes by Haruto. Kaji shouts to him that this cultural festival ought to be lively. Haruto tells him to pipe it down.

Kaji screams for him to quickly look at this, it is the mascot outfit that he borrowed from the school’s storage and they can use it for publicity. While everyone is excited in their preparation, Yu thinks that she didn’t get to talk with Meiko since this morning. When someone asks Meiko to help them throw away some things in a box, Yu uses this chance by asking to help Meiko out. Meiko tells her no need, then left. This saddens Yu.

Someone puts a mascot’s head on her. Yu shouts what, it’s heavy. Haruto tells her to wear that and go publicize their class. Kaji agrees because if they publicize right now, they can attract the other class and everyone is in school because of the preparations. Haruto orders Kaji to put the props at the gym. Thinking that she isn’t in the mood to wear it, Yu gloomily says that she still has to make his outfit.

Haruto says that the cloths for his outfit isn’t delivered yet so quit frowning [having a long face] since it’s really annoying. This made Yu says she knows already and asks Kaji to also.. Sparkling Kaji tells her that this is the body, gambatte. Yu is surprised to know that there is a body. Devil horns appear on Yu’s head as she thinks of something.

Later on, the girls are asking what that is. Wearing the mascot outfit, Yu is holding a placard that says, ‘Cultural festival D class is Kurosaki-kun’s Celebration!!’ Girls start chasing after Yu while screaming what it means. They’ll definitely go to D section and C section where Takumi is.

Then, Yu sees Meiko but Meiko asks if it is Kaji. Yu nods that Meiko laughs and says that it’s cute and good luck with the publicity. Yu is happy for Meiko smiled and cheered her on..even if it is for Kaji. Then, she hears someone screaming for Takumi to try over some rented clothes. With a totally unbuttoned shirt, Takumi tells them to calm down and if this keeps up, he’ll catch a cold. <- always trying out clothes.

Suddenly, a huge paw comes in front of him. Soon, the girls couldn’t find Takumi who turns out to be hiding behind Yu the mascot. At the balcony, Takumi buttons his shirt and thanks the mascot. Yu thinks that it is hard to move in this outfit.

Then, she spots Meiko going out to throw the trash. Yu looks at her that Meiko feels that she is being watched. Takumi asks the mascot what happened with her and Meiko. Yu says that nothing escapes his eye. Takumi says that it is because no matter what happens, it is always on her face. Yu says that obviously he couldn’t see her face right now.

Yu tells him that she hid it from Meiko because she felt that they are friends but in the end, she hurt Meiko. Takumi says that it is it is better not to say the truth and all the more so with a friend and even if there is a contradiction, one will only just hurt oneself. Yu asks if he and Haruto had quarreled over something. Takumi says that there should be none.

Yu says that obviously their relationship is quite good so when one quarrels, there is no way to go back to how it was before..-that type of thing. Haruto says yes, he thinks so. Then, he apologizes for obviously, she is talking about her problem with Meiko.

He assures her that it is no problem for a person’s feelings can easily change. He suggests that she takes off the mascot’s head since it might be uncomfortable. While taking off her mascot’s head, Takumi says for example, maybe tomorrow, Meiko doesn’t like Haruto and in turn, likes him.

He stops upon seeing Yu crying. She sobs about there’s no chance of reconciling with Meiko. She apologizes and asks him to let her wear that. Takumi pats her head to comfort her. Yu recalls the first time she met with Meiko, her first friend.

Flashback: During school opening, Yu looked at the class list and learned that she has no ex-schoolmates in section D. At the shoe lockers, she noticed Meiko having a problem going to her shoe locker since some guys are chatting in front. Yu wanted to ignore them but she has decided to change and those guys are nothing to be afraid off compared to Haruto.

Yu went to one of the guys and asked them to move for the other students are troubled. The guy asked, ha but the other guy apologized and said that she’s cute, what’s her section. Then, Meiko immediately grabbed her shoes and left. Yu felt gloomy for she could have been meddlesome. In class, Yu is surprised that Meiko is sitting behind her. She wondered if she should talk to her or not.

Meiko broke the ice by taking her and apologized for running off. Meiko explained that she is quite nervous with people different from her and actually, she is very happy. Then, they introduce themselves and Tarako joined them. End flashback.

At the gym, Haruto is sitting on top of a ladder and reading the directions while watching Kaji is fixing the rope ladder that is tied to the gym’s second floor. There are some girls screaming their anticipation for D’s exhibit and how handsome Haruto is.

Yu passes by and wonders what’s up with the tired guys..it’s too scary for Haruto made the rope ladder quite professionally. Haruto calls out Kaji to try it out. Just then, Kaji sees Meiko at the door. He goes to ask her to try climbing up the rope ladder. They need to check it out since it will be used on the festival. Meiko declines for she doesn’t have motor nerves and she isn’t good in that kind of thing.

Kaji says that it is because of that, she is more suitable to do the testing. He begs her for Haruto is waiting. Meiko continues to decline. Yu is anxious that she decided to help Meiko out by raising up her hand to volunteer. Kaji says that she will, that’s a great help. Puzzled Meiko asks wasn’t it Kaji inside.

Yu has forgotten about that so she covers Kaji’s mouth before he tells Meiko that it is her. She thinks that if it is exposed, Meiko will hate her for lying and like that, she can only climb it while wearing the mascot outfit. Haruto grabs the mascot head and says that if Yu is going to climb then quickly do so.

Meiko realizes that it is Yu but Yu immediately runs away. While removing the mascot outfit, Yu wonders why Haruto has to deliberately say her name. Takumi passes by the gym with fangirls clinging on him. They say that their preparation for today is finished so let’s hang out. Takumi declines. They ask her to walk together with them on the festival.

Yu is climbing up the rope ladder. She thinks that even if there is a mat below, it is higher than she imagined but then, she is obviously not good with high places. Struggling to climb up, Yu wonders what she is doing and she’s so stupid. Meiko and Takumi look surprise as they watch Yu struggling.

Takumi tells her not to climb at either sides but go nearer to the middle. She asks how come he is there. He says that he’s the overseer. She thinks that since he has the energy, why he didn’t climb it up himself. Haruto asks why she is being sneaky with Meiko and that’s so humiliating. This made Yu embarrassed.

Yu says that she also knows that herself. She thinks but if she is hated again.. Haruto asks what she is afraid of for it isn’t like her to turn tail and run away. Yu slightly loses her footing. Meiko suddenly calls out to Yu if she is alright. Teary-eyed Yu tells her that she used the alibi to say because they are friends, [it is?] because she doesn’t want to get hurt so she ran away..

Takumi looks surprised. Yu says but right now, she wants to tell Meiko everything without reservations, she thinks.. Then, Yu loses her balance since she is already at the edge of the rope ladder. She falls down. Haruto looks surprise and seems ready to move while Takumi calls out to Yu.

Comment: At the start, it seems that Haruto doesn’t know what he is doing..or he just got interrupted by the school’s bell. So, was he blushing unconsciously? Apparently, he is into some ‘tough love’-type of thing with Yu to cheer her up. And, it seems quite effective for Yu in some ways. ^^;

Whether Yu/Haruto (in case he tried to save Yu) gets hurt here, I think Yu will make become friends with Meiko again. I guess for Takumi to look surprised over what Yu said, that is the same issue brewing between him and Haruto. That is probably why Takumi said that to Yu. He feels it is better not to talk about it and if they quarrel, it won’t be the same as before.

I’m glad that there is no prolonged hardship/guilt for Yu. Meiko doesn’t seem to be that bad and got hurt that Yu is belittling their relationship. On a side note, Tarako looks beautiful when she opened her eyes there. Scans by Draw Club同萌绘汉化

Quote of the day:

It takes two to quarrel, but only one to end it. ~ Spanish Proverb quotes

At the streets, Izana starts running then she hesitates. Then, she starts running again [towards the light that she always longed for since she was young]. Narration: “It is like Izana-san’s feet are attracted towards the theater where she quickly went. *Izana climbs upstairs and goes in the theater’s back door* Actually, even if she snatched away Fuchi Sugeyo’s face, it wasn’t necessary for her to go and substitute for her--”

Izana catches her breath. She is startled when someone calls out that she’s so late. The director says that there are only 15 minutes left. A co-actress tells her to quickly go backstage and she’ll help her dress up. Izana recalls that the guy is director Shiraito Daijirou and the actress is Tama Tomoko.

Since ‘Sugeyo’ isn’t answering, Tomoko calls out to her. Daijirou says that her face looks awful, is she alright? Putting on her best imitation of Sugeyo’s smile, Izana apologizes and says that she has a bit of cold but she can still bear with it so she’s going in now.

After Izana got dressed up in a kimono, she starts to walk onstage. She thinks that it is very dangerous to be so close with the people who are familiar with Sugeyo and besides, even if she usually watched them during practice but as a novice, can she really act well..?

Narration: “The moment she saw the [stage] light, the uneasiness in her heart has completely vanished.” Izana recalls the excitement of ‘being alive’ [/truly exist] when she attained Namino’s beauty for the kagura dance—

“Ah..that’s right. So, I’ve returned to this place. From that stormy night of the 43rd year of the sexagenary cycle [when she was born] as well as the month end’s lightless darkness [/night of the lunar New Year’s eve; not sure what happened here as Izana? was holding a flashlight]...

...*a scene of Izana swimming to reach something [It is the red powder]* Envy, jealousy, longing, from the death’s deep darkness to being born into the world--” A glasses girl as the narrator says, “Ai holds up the candle on her hand to light up and see the person who came. The one standing there for a long time is the merchant’s wife who slightly showed her fair face...

...The wife’s appearance is actually too beautiful. She is obviously extremely beautiful that she makes one feel one’s heart is gently stroked. One cannot help but shudder for a while..” ‘Sugeyo’ leans closer with an alluring look that Tomoko notices something. Daijirou mutters what’s going on.

Narration: “The play seems to be the narrated drama of Muro Saisei’s ‘Moth’.” After a bit of pause, the narrator continues to read, “‘Can I borrow your candle for a while? *‘Sugeyo’ gestures to the other girl* I have lost something very important’.” Narration: “It was said that Sugeyo’s acting is bad that only her lines are being read aloud by the narrator but..”

Somewhat surprised by ‘Sugeyo’, Tama manages to recite her lines, “Ah.. that is quite a headache. Can I ask what you have lost?” ‘Sugeyo’ gestures to the floor as the narrator recites, “It is a small thing that isn’t worth mentioning. It seems that I have dropped it over here.” Tomoko looks aghast and shock by ‘Sugeyo’s acting. Even the director mutters if that is Sugeyo.

“From the movement of that kind of [meaningful] glance to the fingertips are just perfect that even if she doesn’t have lines, she was also able to express out the story’s acting.. What’s going on..?” Soon, the audience applauds.

Then, Izana rushes back to Sugeyo’s house to find her still asleep. Isana heaves out a sigh of relief. Just in time, her face returns to normal. The next day at the theater, someone asks if Sugeyo didn’t remember her performance yesterday!?

Flustered Sugeyo explains that it is because she had a high fever yesterday and she basically couldn’t even open her eyes. “When I woke up, I noticed that it is already night!” Daijirou says that she indeed said yesterday that she has a bit of cold.

A woman wonders out loud if it is because Sugeyo had such a high fever that a miracle happened. Another man says that perhaps, it is just a fluke [/occasionally showing her acting that exceeds the usual]. Daijirou disagrees for if there is no intention, it is impossible to have that kind of acting.

“Perhaps, she obviously has talent but she just doesn’t know it herself. True gold has to be refined by fire. Next time, you’re going to act a role that has lines.” This made Sugeyo very nervous.

That night, Sugeyo tells Izana how she can she possibly act in a role with lines. “Besides, I obviously told them before that I only makes clothes when they kept on inviting me to join the theatrical troupe~~ What am I to do..” Izana quietly listens while Zunda is being cozy with her. Izana touches her lips then she stands up.

After sitting beside Sugeyo at the bed, Izana says that it is her fault. Sugeyo asks what? Izana says that this is very hard to explain. “Don’t move.” Sugeyo is surprised when Izana suddenly holds her head and kisses her. After the kiss, Sugeyo says, how.. Izana covers Sugeyo’s mouth and tells her not to shout. “Calm down a bit, then listen to what I’ll say.”

Sugeyo looks surprised upon seeing Izana with her face. Just as Izana let go of her, Sugeyo sees on the mirror that she has Izana’s face. Sugeyo suddenly screams out loud. Izana tells her that she said not to shout too loud. Sugeyo says that it is be..because..because her face..

Izana assures her that it is okay and after the time is up, it will change back. Grabbing on to Izana, Sugeyo asks if that is true, but she’s scared since this kind of thing is too.. Izana angrily glares at Sugeyo and tells her not to talk and just listen to what she’ll say. This made Sugeyo scared that she says, okay..

Standing up, Izana explains that it is like this, she can ‘switch’ her own face with another person’s face through a kiss. “That is saying that I kissed you yesterday to substitute for you, who has a fever that you cannot move, to become ‘Fuchi Sugeyo’ and finished the performance. I’m really sorry for suddenly doing this kind of thing..”

Sugeyo says that is alright and it is because Izana doesn’t want the play to be suspended so she helped her out, right? “..besides, isn’t it really great, Izana-san. *happily smiling* Everyone praised you. They cannot help but praise you! Izana-san definitely has talent!”

Izana says, no..not really besides, after her acting, it will be very difficult for Sugeyo [to act] from now on. “..like that, from here on, we’ll use the power of this ‘switch’..” Sugeyo interrupts by shouting, “That’s right! From today on, if there’s a need to perform [/go onstage], please become ‘Fuchi Sugeyo’. How about it?! *Izana says, ha?*...

...That way, I can only concentrate on making clothes. You can also show your artistic talent as an actress! Right!! *Izana hesitantly says, ah..ya..* Then, it’s already decided! This is great~~” Izana is speechless and surprised by Sugeyo’s reaction.

Comment: And, I wonder how come no one noticed why the ‘Sugeyo’ during that night’s performance has Izana’s hair. ^^; Was it just because it is a Japanese play and thought that Sugeyo made her hair black or it was a wig? ^^;;

Anyway, Izana really has talent to be able to perform well by just looking at someone’s acting. I guess it is a genius talent like memorizing a book just by reading it once. I’ll say that Sugeyo’s acting must be quite bad that they easily notice that this Sugeyo is different from the usual. Hm..perhaps, one has to also factor in stage fright that someone else has to read her lines. So, in the end, she’s the lead of the play just because of her beauty.

Sugeyo is quite naïve that she assumed Izana is doing it all for her. I guess that is her personality that she would think of the positive sides so she thought that the ‘switch’ is advantageous to her. That probably caught Izana off guard.

Perhaps, she is surprised how easy Sugeyo agreed to it or as Kingo was narrating what Izana told him, Sugeyo is probably surprised over how stupid and naïve Sugeyo is. ^^; Still, this is a win-win situation for both. So, what happened later on that Sugeyo has to be locked up? Was it a betrayal or the like, just like what Nogiku did to Kasane? Or was it something else? Scans by RAD汉化组

Quote of the day:

Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. ~ Chinese Proverb

It is morning at Nakrang. People at the servant quarters [/stable] are gossiping that it has been five days since the princess and the slave disappeared together. “Clearly, she was charmed by that white skinned boy.” “I said before that boy is like a demon [/ghost].”

Bruised and dirty Cheongye wakes up. A man calls out to her to come with him since the Third Prince has pardoned her. “I had pleaded for his leniency by saying that you have nothing to do with Mino. Do you understand? Right now, be good and make yourself beautiful a bit.”

Cheongye slaps away his outstretched hand. While the man holds his hand in pain, Cheongye goes out. By the watering area, Cheongye fills a pail with water. She looks into the water and thinks, “Five days..”

Flashback: Cheongye told Saga that they’ll go to a land called ‘Bul’ [/Fire] which is located at the Northeast, south of Okjeo. “Deliver this to a herbalist [/medicine merchant] called Hongmun [弘文]. They will help you out.”

Saga opened the cloth that Cheongye gave her and said that it is medicine. End flashback. Cheongye grabs the pail and pours the water on her face. She recalls how she quickly ran back in the palace upon seeing Saga and the others leaving the gate.

She called out to Baldie, “Hey! You said that you’ll help me, right? Help me send a letter!” Baldie asked what to write. Cheongye exclaimed, “Someone will go over there to bring medicine. Save the white skinned boy and kill the girl!” End flashback.

Cheongye looks up the sky with a smile as she imagines Saga being killed. Recalling her hanged brother and family, she thinks, “It has just started, brother. The day when Nakrang pays its debt of blood for everyone with blood is already near!”

At the forest area, Jamalta is lying down as Saga watches over him. She gently strokes his hair when he suddenly opens his eyes. He looks up to see Saga looking down on him. This made him suddenly sit up which surprises Saga. Jamalta scolds her not to stare at his eye for it puts him in a bad mood.

Saga tensely says, no..she isn’t, she only wanted to put some medicine on his forehead. Holding up his fringes to show his forehead, he tells her that it is already okay earlier on, so there’s no need for her to worry about it. Saga says is that so, then that’s great, that is quite..

Saga thinks that actually, she is just bored that she wanted to look at his eye.. She holds up something and says that they use up the leftover medicine. Jamalta thinks that speaking of that, he unexpectedly has not yet completely recovered.

Holding his left side, Jamalta thinks that it seems that the wound isn’t light. Holding a bowl to him, Saga asks if it really hurts, here’s some medicine. Jamalta refuses it. Saga apologizes regarding that time. Flashback: Saga shouted for Jamalta to wait, don’t leave that child behind and also, Mino..

Then, Jamalta suddenly bent down on the ground. Saga went to him and exclaimed that there’s blood. “Could it be that you’re injured when the house’s collapsed?!” Then, Saga heard the rustling bushes. It is Mino. End flashback.

Saga says that she is to blame. Jamalta tells her that is enough, no need to apologize. Jamalta thinks that in the end, unexpectedly, it is because of him that they’ve slowed down. “What’s worst is we have been delayed for two days already. *recalls Machanyuta and Suria* It is no good when I’m alone, huh. *tsk* No, simply alone..”

He is startled when Saga holds out the bowl to him. She urges him to quickly drink it so that his injury won’t hurt anymore just like how it was with Mino. Jamalta’s head is heating up that he ended up taking the bowl.

While he holds the bowl, Saga bends down to look at the bandages. She says that it looks better from the outside but there is definitely internal injury since the log to hit him. “It really hurts, right? I’m really sorry.” Pulling his robe, Jamalta tells her that it’s fine already.

Saga tells him that she can do it. This puzzles Jamalta. She tells him that later on, he shouldn’t easily mind about other things again.[? not sure what exactly she is referring to] Jamalta didn’t reply. She says that it is good if he knows so be more careful. He says, fine. While drinking the medicine, Jamalta looks at Saga who is holding her bandaged foot.

He thinks that she never complained about being tired and until now..she never mentioned it. Jamalta asks where that boy is. Saga asks if it is Mino, he went to find food. Mino and the boy watch the villagers passing through the road. Some of them are bowing and praying to Mino. Then, they leave some food offering before they continue to leave.

The boy tells Mino that they are the last people. “The villagers listened to your words and all have already left the village. “They believe that you are god.” Mino looks at the boy and reaches out to him. The boy looks scared that Mino hesitated.

He tells the boy, “I’ve said that I’m not god. That night’s situation is special that I’m forced to say that.” The boy says that luckily, people left the village like that. Those hoodlums are very scared of you that they spread to the others what you have said. At that time, you..”Flashback: The boy looked mesmerized as Mino looked up and walked towards the freckled man and others with the fire blazing behind him.

Mino stretched out his hand and said, “Immediately leave this place or else, I’ll burn all of you. Anything that is left behind will be burned down.” This made freckled man and others really scared that they immediately ran off. Then, Mino looked at the boy and said, “You have to live on. Your mother had already passed away.”

The boy looked at his mother. He hugged her head and cried. Then, Mino left. End flashback. The boy clenches his fist and says that that for him to come to this place definitely has a reason. “You can talk but you won’t talk. Your body is also white. In short, this is god’s features, god’s order.”

Mino looks at his hand then clenches it to a fist. He turns around and tells the boy to think what he wishes to think but don’t follow him. “You, together with the others, leave this place.” The boy looks surprise as Mino walks away. The boy sighs.Later on, Mino sees someone who calls out to him, “Hey-- we meet again.” Mino looks surprised.

Back in Nakrang, Cheongye drops a bowl and says, “What did you say?” Baldie says that the Third Prince issued an order throughout the various regions to find the white skinned boy and there will be huge award money. “In addition, anyone hiding them will be put into ‘family execution’.” [<- that is literally nine familial exterminations which is like what happened to Cheongye’s family because of her brother.]

Cheongye angrily says, you! Baldie grabs her wrist and holds her to him while she trembles in anger. He asks her if she still remembered what he said. “You should also know that upon finding that white skinned boy, the princess will naturally come back...

...*there is a scene of Choegeum holding a knife with the servants calling out to him and looking scared* But, the most important thing is..there will be a lot more people coming to find the white skinned boy and the others.” Cheongye looks worried.

Meanwhile, Choegeum says that his legs don’t have any feeling. There are deep gashes on his legs. While his legs bled, he grabs the curtain then there is the sound of laughter.

Back at the mountains, a woman with a box backpack asks Saga, who is with Mino and Jamalta if she is looking for the herbalist, Hongmun. “Hello, I was sent from there. Upon receiving the letter, I’ve come to look for you, Princess of Nakrang.” Saga looks puzzled. Mino looks tense. Jamalta looks tense and puzzled.

Comment: Much to my dismay, it turns out that Cheongye is really bent on her revenge that she is pretty much doing what Choegeum did to her family. That is death to all as long as you’re related to the culprit.

I guess she is really pushing her luck to expect things will go her way when she asked for Baldie’s help. Based on her reaction to him at the latter part, I think he betrayed her by probably suggesting catching Mino first then Saga will follow. In a way, it won’t be obvious that the princess is missing. Those two are quite inseparable. Choegeum did use Mino to force Saga to do what he wants.

If Mino knew what Cheongye tried to pull, he’ll probably sever ties with her. Hehe, I’m not too sure how Mino would react if he’s really angry. ^^; In this arc, Mino seems to have leveled up to ‘god status’. He did great in fooling everyone to leave. Even the boy, who knew everything, still thinks that he isn’t an ordinary person.

At least we know that Mino isn’t stupid that he manages to use the superstition to his advantage. In a way, this is the first time he has that kind of ‘power’ on people when usually, it is the opposite. As for Jamalta and Saga, things are good between them. I think she won some points since she took care of him and wasn’t complaining about the situation.

Now, the woman at the end, is she friend or foe? She got Cheongye’s letter but it seems that she also know of Cheongeum’s orders since she knew who Saga is. They definitely won’t kill Saga like what Cheongye wanted. The question is, would they give the two to Nakrang or help them escape. But definitely, the chase is on since Choegeum has ‘recovered’. Getting caught is definitely not an option for them. Scans by 水神汉化组

Word of the day:

It’s how you handle your problems and troubles that counts, not the troubles themselves. ‘You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine

Yu starts to fall down. Haruto grabs the rope ladder and swings towards Yu’s direction to catch her. Takumi and others tensely watch as the two falls at the corner of the cushion. Flustered Meiko and Kaji calls out to the two. Yu wakes up and says that she is fine.

Then, she notices Haruto beside her. As Yu sits up, unconscious Haruto isn’t moving. Meiko says that if he hit his head, it is better not to move him. Yu nervously says, no..it’s a lie..quickly wake up..Kurosaki-kun.. Meiko looks surprised over Yu’s reaction. Yu is already on the verge of tears when Haruto sits up and says that she’s noisy to death.

Then, he scratches his head. Yu and Takumi look surprised. The others are relieved. Attempting to hug him, Kaji exclaims that it’s great that he’s still alive.. Stopping Kaji from going near him, Haruto asks if Yu isn’t hurt. In relief, Yu steadies herself on the floor.

While Meiko asks if she is alright, Yu says yes. Meiko tearfully hugs Yu and says that it’s great that she isn’t injured. Haruto sighs as he watches the two girls. Teary-eyed Kaji asks if Haruto wants to go to the clinic. The fangirls are raving that how cool Haruto was for he would go and save someone that no ordinary person could do.

They also want to be saved that way once and they’re so envious of that girl. Takumi is in deep thought when his fangirls ask what it is. He snaps out of it and says that he was startled that he couldn’t move. Takumi is surprised when they say that he isn’t suitable for that kind of dangerous thing and he shouldn’t do it.

Takumi casually says that’s right and he’s going back to the classroom. After Takumi left, Haruto climbs up the rope ladder and tells Kaji that they are going to re-do it for a little bit.

Aghast Kaji asks, right now, when he just fell down.. Haruto darkly orders him to climb up. Putting a positive spin to it, Kaji exclaims that it is to toughen up the weak. He calls out to the others to come and help. Aghast Meiko comments that he is ‘immortal’.

Yu comments that Kaji’s way of thinking is too optimistic. Meiko giggles. Yu asks her if they can go out and talk. At the balcony, Meiko asks Yu why she is wearing the mascot outfit again. Yu says that it is because she was asked to publicize. Meiko comments that Yu is clumsy at strange areas, and it is the same with romance..

Yu prostrate down to her and apologizes for always hiding it from her. Meiko says that she knows and no matter what, please remove that mascot head first. After doing as told, Yu says that she’s telling the truth, and even right now, she also..doesn’t really understand..like he saved her just now..but..it is always because he is a devil so she hates him..

Yu confides that she was always bullied during junior high and considering that kind of guy, she obviously should hate him very much..but, when Meiko went to the dorm, she felt unhappy if Haruto kissed Meiko when she obviously said that she’ll support her.

Yu admits that she is really awful but.. Meiko says that it is the same with her. Before, she isn’t good in talking with guys and after falling in love, she thought that she couldn’t do anything except look at him. But thanks to Yu, she was able to have a lot of memories with Haruto and the others.

Meiko admits that she has not yet sorted out her feelings that are somewhat complicated but she still thanks Yu. She sighs and says that if she also has willpower just like Yu’s, she’ll just blindly rush to climb up that kind of rope.. She is surprised to see Yu crying ala waterfalls. Meiko admits that she cannot immediately support her..

Yu shakes her head sideways and says that she’s very happy that Meiko still wants to be her friend.. This made Meiko teary-eyed as she wipes Yu’s tears with her handkerchief. Meiko says but of course, and geez, she is obviously so brave towards guys. Yu tells her that hurts.

Soon, there is an announcement that after school dismissal, everyone are to leave immediately.. Haruto and Kaji go back to their class to find Yu and Meiko still there. Kaji says that everyone go home together. Meiko suggests that they [Kaji and Meiko] leave first. Surprised by that, Kaji apologizes to tell Meiko that he already has a girlfriend.

Surprised Meiko exclaims that isn’t what she meant. Yu calls out to Meiko but Meiko bids her goodbye. Yu blushes and greets her back. Yu felt that there is some nervousness compared before when she talked honestly with Meiko..

After putting his coat on, Haruto holds Yu’s head and asks if she is really not injured. She backs away and says that she wasn’t. Haruto is puzzled but just dismissed it by saying that it is almost curfew time. She asks if he’s in[jured]..

After saying no, he heads out of the room. Going after him, Yu says wait, just now, thanks..but for him, that is acting strong.. Walking downstairs, Haruto says that she’s the one who is acting strong since she let herself move out [the ladder] that way, so she’ll definitely fall, stupid..stupid dog. Yu retorts back that the one who calls someone stupid is stupid. Haruto darkly glares at her and says, ha?

Then, he continues to walk downstairs. Aghast Yu thinks that it became like that again..enough already. She calls out to him says that she wants to thank him because thanks to him, she got to talk with Meiko [<- telling her not to run away since it isn’t like her]. She smiles and says, so today, she is really grateful.

Haruto looks surprised and mutters, rebelling, complying, then thanking [him]..really don’t understand her. He gestures with his finger for her to come to him. While there is another ‘leave the school premises’ announcement, Yu goes to him. Haruto suddenly corners her by the window.

Flustered Yu asks what..move away.. Haruto comments that she had regained her vitality, and it is enough for her to solely becomes busy [/frantic] because of him [/his affairs]. Surprised Yu asks what he meant.. Haruto says that a while ago, she was sobbing, ‘quickly wake up, Kurosaki-kun’. This made her blush and say that he heard that.. He holds up her chin and looks at her.

Yu’s heart is beating fast as she thinks that he is going to deliberately give her a detestable kiss.. To Haruto’s surprise, Yu leans close to him and bites his ear lobe. She pushes him away. He says that she unexpectedly dare to bite him. Pointing to him, Yu says that she already won’t let him make her run around in circles again. Then, she quickly runs off. Haruto smiles and thinks that he’ll just intensify [it].

Outside the school, Yu catches her breath as she couldn’t believe that she bit his ear. She wonders what will happen if it is exposed that she likes him.. She imagines Haruto saying that since she likes him, then listen to whatever he says.

Aghast Yu mutters to Meiko that the prospects of this romance is also rather quite difficult [/bad].. At the dorm, Yu comments about Kaji’s good appetite due to his large serving of food. Sparkling Kaji says that it is because he was severely trained by Haruto. Yu thinks that Kaji looks very happy.

After taking a bath, Haruto hears Takumi’s door closing. He calls out to Takumi who just came back and says that it’s quite late, what’s up.. He is surprised to find Takumi’s door locked. Takumi apologizes for not obeying the curfew and he’ll write a reflection paper. Then, he asks if Yu wasn’t injured. Haruto says ya. Takumi says that’s great then, good night. There is a scene of the two guys in deep thought.

There’s one more week before the cultural festival. The fangirls give to Yu the design for Haruto’s costume, the expenses, etc. They urge her to definitely make the outfit well.

Looking at the book, Yu thinks that even if they gave her the basis of the costume, they’ll also make her buy all the accessories [/decorations] for her to do..this side is also quite difficult.. Meiko pats her shoulder and cheers her on. Smiling Meiko looks dark as she tells Yu that everyone are fully anticipating Haruto’s cosplay so she’s not allowed to complain [/vent her frustration]. Yu timidly says okay.

Heading out the classroom, Yu thinks that Meiko is quite forceful.. Then, Kaji, together with Haruto, calls out to Yu and asks if she is also going to buy something. He suggests that they go together since they need to buy more rope.

After Yu and Haruto look at each other, Kaji laments over Tarako leaving early today again so he’s so lonely. While walking with the two, Yu is relieved that Kaji is with them. At the streets, Kaji is puzzled for the store should be near this place. He apologizes for they must have gone the wrong way.

Yu tells him that it is fine and the handicraft store where she is going is also there.. Then, she informs Kaji that the store that Kaji is looking at on his cellphone is wrong. Haruto orders Kaji to quickly find it. Kaji apologizes for not knowing how to read maps. Yu tells Haruto, how about waiting for a while.

Then, Haruto notices Takumi passing by with the women blushing over him. As Kaji learns the right store to go, Yu turns to Haruto to tell him that perhaps, it is at that side so let us go and see-..

To her surprise, Haruto is already quickly walking away. Yu calls out to Kaji that she’ll go get Haruto back. Kaji is busy looking at his cellphone to know which way the store is. At a bookstore, Takumi is looking at a music sheet book at the music sheet section.

Then, Haruto grabs the book from him. He asks Takumi why he is avoiding him. Takumi says that he is so straightforward just like before, and ever since before, he [Haruto] can do anything. After Haruto slightly perks up over that, Takumi continues to say that no matter how hard he tries, Kuro would always..

Yu is wondering why Haruto would go to a bookstore when she sees Haruto with Takumi. Yu smiles and asks if Takumi is also going to buy something. Takumi looks slightly flustered. He grabs the book back from Haruto and seriously says that he temporarily won’t be going back to the dorm so he’ll leave it up to him, vice-dorm head. This surprises Yu.

Comment: It seems that the falling incident has triggered some inferiority complex in Takumi. I guess it is good for him not to stay at the dorm for a while to calm down and re-assess himself in some way. After all, those two are also in the dorm. Haruto might let things be but Yu might not. This time around, I think it won’t be easy to resolve just like what happened between Yu and Meiko.

At least for now, things seem to be back to the usual with Yu and Haruto’s relationship. He taunts her and she fights back. And based on that, it is unlikely for Yu to confess anytime soon since she thinks that she’ll be at the shorter end of the stick in that kind of difficult relationship. Of course, Haruto doesn’t seem to like that either since he is turned on by her ‘fighting back’ antics. ^^; Scans by Draw Club同萌绘汉化

Quote of the day:

In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins. Not through strength, but through persistence. ~ Author Unknown

Narration: “It has been around 5-6 times the other party who is going steady with me said that kind of words.” While having a drink, Shou says that he wants to spend New Year with her. Looking at her watch since it is time to go to cram class, Yuki says no.

Narration: “Thus, I also replied like that 5-6 times. This is the winter of a student going to take college exams.” Shou complains that obviously they didn’t get to see each other during Christmas. Yuki says that they did see each other and didn’t they go bowling together.

Shou says that the basketball club members were also there and besides, she suddenly immediately went home. Yuki says that is inevitable for she has to study. There is a scene of Yuki leaving the others after the bowling since she has to study. Narration: “Rather than ..saying that it is winter, it is already the end of the year.”

While vacuuming the floor at her house, Yuki thinks but, since they weren’t able to spend Christmas together alone, even if she also thought that they can at least spend it together on New year but with her boyfriend..how can she explain that kind of thing to her parents..

Ding Dong. The twins exclaim that he’s back. They open the door and happily greet their father. Their father says that he’s back and tells the twins that when opening the door, act a bit gentler and he has been saying that every time he comes back.

The twins and the triplets ‘attack’ the father as they ask for their gifts. The brothers [minus black haired triplet] are asking for that water sprouting lion-thingie. Yuki calls out to her father and welcomes him back. Her father looks surprised so she calls out to him again.

Snapping out of it, her father says ah..what’s going on, it’s Yuki. Yuki is puzzled. She asks how Singapore is. The father says that it has already been three years and he had already gotten used to it. He asks where the mother is. Yuki says that she just woke up and is currently washing her face.

Yuki explains that it seems that she spent the night writing a special column. The father tells her to call their mother over for they have something to tell everyone. That is, after Yuki passed the college exam, she is going to live by herself. This surprises Yuki. At the living room, two of the triplets exclaim what’s that and it is always biased towards Yuki, so unfair-!

The father ignores them and tells Yuki that of course, they aren’t forcing her, it is just that she needs a place where she can concentrate more of her energy in studying after going to college.

The father assures her not to worry about the costs in case of an emergency. “Isn’t that right, mama.” Munching on some chips, the mother agrees and it is because before, she always left everything for Yuki to do-- The father tells the mother to sit down and eat since Yuki just vacuumed the floor.

Yuki is excited over this for she did thought that sooner or later, she’ll use the money she saved to move out..but then, is it really okay to depend on her parents.. Black haired triplet asks their father if this is okay for right now, Yuki.. One of the twins exclaims that’s right, in case Yuki is living alone, she’ll definitely be intimate together with Naruse Shou every day!!

This made Yuki scowl and think, hey..wait a moment before talking about that guy.. The father says, ‘Naruse Shou’, is he an idol-type. The twins squeal that he doesn’t know, yes, yes, he is an idiot (a lie), and also a model (a lie), and he is also a sports club member~~ “He’s sister’s boyfriend♡♡” This made both the father and Yuki look serious.

Yuki thinks ah, in the end, she should leave this house. That night, while Shou is clipping his toe nails, Yuki called him on the phone to tell him to go to her house. She tells him that it is fine for him to just show his face though if it is no good, then it is also okay to refuse..

Shou says that her voice is so low. He asks wasn’t tomorrow New Year’s Eve. Yuki says yes, then on New Year, they are going to see their relatives, on the second day, they must prepare to go abroad.. Shou asks, abroad? She explains that her father works overseas since he is a staff member of a trading company.

Yuki says that starting this spring, she is going to move out so if it is okay, she hopes that he can at least come and greet [her father] within the year.. Shou says okay. Then, Yuki becomes nervous for it suddenly became –> Shou is going to her house. Shou says by the way, since she is going to live alone..might as well do THE FIRST in her apartment rather than on his bed.

Scowling Yuki shouts for him to listen well. Shou asks what. Yuki begs him to not say that kind of words in front of her father. Shou says that he’ll do his best, then he laughs. This made Yuki nervous for it made her heart really uneasy.. The next day, it is already almost 5 o’ clock. Someone is waiting for 7 o’ clock to arrive so first watch the television.

The father is looking really serious that the mother calls out to him what’s up that he has such a scary expression. She tells him that there’s no need to be so serious while waiting for Yuki won’t fall for some frivolous exotic-type of guy. And isn’t he the captain of a basketball club with exceptionally good grades. Won’t he be a distinctly serious nice youth?

The father imagines a timid guy saying that he’ll be intruding. This made the father says yes. Sipping his tea, he claims that he isn’t worried. Then, nervous Yuki comes in with Shou who slightly bows and says that he’ll be intruding. The father immediately spits out the tea.

The mother blushes and squeals like a fangirl. The twins in fangirl mode shout that he’s here. They immediately cling on to Shou to welcome him, their brother-in-law. The mother clings on to Yuki and says, geez, how did she do it, geez, he is obviously a super handsome guy.

Yuki says that she didn’t do anything. The father is still stunned. The mother greets Shou and says that Yuki has been always under his care. Shou bows and says no, he’s the one [under Yuki’s care]. Yuki thinks that he’s using polite words, and from watching his actions, how can she says this, it seems quite good, but..isn’t this proof that it is considered as the first ‘seeing the girlfriend’s family’..!?

One of the twins calls out to the father not to stare off somewhere and come over. The father becomes dizzy and immediately fell stiff on the floor which worried everyone.

Later on, at the living room, the father pushes up his glasses and apologizes for that. He explains that he wasn’t able to sleep enough that he got a bit dizzy when he stood up. After coughing, he asks Shou how old he is a while ago. Shou says that right now, he is in second year. [<- don’t know why he answer that way or it is a typo from the scanlator.]

The father asks in what grade he is now. Shou says that he is in second year high school. The mother exclaims that it is hard to believe that he is the same age as their family’s three idiots. She calls out to the three to quit hiding and quickly come out to greet Shou. The three are hiding behind the stairs. They are surprised for they are found out.

Yuki says that they’re here. The black haired triplet says that he is going out now with Shintarou [guesswork from 晉太郎]. Shintarou exclaims that’s right. One of the twins says that the two are going to hatsumode [first shrine visit for the New Year]. Shintarou points at Shou and exclaims, same age. Yuki says yes. Shintarou repeats, same age!!?

Yuki tells him yes and after introducing himself, quickly get out. The black haired triplet introduces himself as the eldest son, Koushirou [guesswork from 光史郎] and if he were to bring something to a deserted island, he’ll choose a photo journal.

Shintarou introduces himself as the second son, and he is very good in sports even if he is currently in the soccer club. Kinjirou exclaims that he’s the youngest, and his motto is th-at, th-at, th-at.. Yuki finds them very embarrassing that she hopes that they quickly shut up.

The twins quickly push Koushirou and Shintarou out the door for them to quickly disappear since they’ll pollute the rare handsome guy’s cardon dioxide. The brothers shout that they’re noisy to death, stupid, etc. Yuki thinks that her heart is constantly perspiring [/tense?] The mother winks and says that she’ll prepare the food so do as he pleases, Shou-kun. The sisters shout for her to shut up that’s disgusting, don’t call him Shou-kun.

Yuki thinks that her father totally didn’t say a word and doesn’t move except for drinking tea. <- she is also doing that. She thinks that as expected, a person like Shou is ‘knock out’ just by looking at his outer appearance.. The twins grab Shou and tells him to come over and watch Red vs White program [<- New Year program with the male singers vs female singers]

Kinjirou calls out to Shou and says that he just got this from upstairs. He shows an album that has young Yuki’s picture during the Shichi-Go-San. [traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for three- and seven-year-old girls and three- and five-year-old boys, held annually on November 15 to celebrate the growth and well-being of young children. Source: wiki]

The father is surprised when Yuki shouts, stupid, what is he making Shou see. Looking at the other pictures, Shou says that Yuki totally didn’t change. Kinjirou laughs and says that it’s really bad for she always have a stiff expression. Shou asks when this one is. Kinjirou says that it seems to be an award for her practice writing and even so, she totally didn’t smile.

Shou says that she is smiling happily here.. It is a picture of Yuki with an older woman. Yuki says that is their granny [father side]. Shou says, granny, so it’s like that. He asks where it is taken. The father says that it is at Kamakura.

When Yuki was three years old, they went to spend time at a beach in Kamakura. She stepped on a shell that caused her to almost cry but after granny carried her, she smiled.. Shou says, ah.. Then, Shou asks what about this one. They tell her that it is a picture of Yuki playing a mortar in a play [<- the Monkey and the Crab folk tale].

Yuki looks at Shou and thinks that Shou is talking with her family. “The person I like had come to the house where I grew up. Even if it is very unnatural, but it makes me feel happy.” After eating, the mother says that it is almost 9pm already. Shou says then, it is almost time for him..

The twins scream for Shou to stay over so that they can watch the first sunrise together. Yuki shouts no, what nonsense they are talking about. Then, Yuki notices something. She calls out to Shou that he’ll stain his sleeve on the soy sauce. The father watches intently. Kinjirou teases that isn’t this like a married couple and there should be no problem for Shou to stay overnight.

The mother opens a can of beer and calls Kinjirou stupid for it is exactly the opposite. It’s very problematic. It is no good to stay overnight because it is a rare New Year’s Eve but if it is the hatsumode, they can go there right now. The father says no. Everyone looks surprised. The mother says that the two are already high school students.

The father suddenly shouts that they are STILL high school students so it is an absolute no!!! Pause. One of the twins calls out to their father so he snaps out of it. He says, no..he quickly rushes out and says that he’ll go buy a box of cigarettes. The mother shouts that he doesn’t smoke.

While everyone is puzzled, Shou stands up and says that he go over and look. Yuki tries to protests but Shou already left. The mother says she’s so proud. Puzzled Yuki says that she’s talking strange. The mother says that he’s such an amazing child who deeply likes Yuki.

Yuki mutters, no..not really..that kind of thing..who knows.. The mother says that it’s alright, the father would definitely be able to understand her. Flashback: Young Yuki is kneeling in front of granny’s altar. While the others are making a ruckus, the father sat beside her.

Yuki said that she isn’t crying. Her father told her that when she’s lonely, even if she cries out, no one would get angry. He assured her that it’s alright. Yuki said that would make granny always worry about her. She recalled granny calling out to her to come over and is she alright.

Yuki said that for granny in heaven not to worry over her again, she will bear with it and won’t cry. Upon seeing Yuki clenching her fists, the father said, “..Listen well, Yuki..” End flashback. Outside, Shou sees the father moping at the corner. Shou leans down to him and asks if he’s crying. With a tear in his eye, the father sniffed to stop crying.

He immediately stands up and says how he can possibly be crying. It is because the heater is too hot that it made him a bit uncomfortable so he went out to breathe some air outside. Shou thinks that they are indeed father-daughter.

The father tells Shou that he mistook Yuki as the mother when he came home yesterday. “It feels that her expression had become completely earnest.. At first, I thought that it was because she grew up already. When I saw her together with you today, I understood..

...It is thanks to you, that child has started to show all sorts of emotions. But then, speaking of that, how come it is you.. *tightly grabs the post* You are totally not the type that Yuki likes..! When she is five years old, she would say non-stop that ‘I’m going to marry an older guy’, where did that child go..”

Flashback: The mother asked her how about, papa. Yuki said okay. This made the father blush. End flashback. Shou tells him that even towards him, Yuki also hasn’t totally revealed herself. “During important times, she never depends on me. Even if it is very painful, she’ll also act calm...

...But, it is because I felt that this kind of Yuki-senpai is very amazing so I want to gaze at her from the closest place [to her]. Whether she is biting her teeth or perhaps, clenching her fist, I don’t want to miss any of it.”

The father blushes a bit then turns around to say that even if it’s the same with her daughter but he is truly an inquisitive and high-spirited person. Shou smiles and thanks him. The father says that he isn’t praising him and by the way, he’s so tall, so are his parents also very tall. Shou says, kind of.

Narration: “While I’m all flustered, a year had once again ended. This is a year wherein a lot of things have changed. *everyone greets back the father, together with Shou, who came back with some snacks* Full of ends and starts. *father points to the clock and Shou nods* A year of crying and laughing. *mother and twins save the two goodbye* An irreplaceable year.”

At a shrine, Shou says that it’s great that her father agreed to let them go to the hatsumode together. “But then, we have to go back at 1am so we can’t see the first sunrise. Senpai, can you take off the mask? We won’t meet any acquaintance since the shrine at this side almost doesn’t have high schoolers coming here. It is all grandpas and grandmas.”

Yuki says that it is just in case and by the way, she apologizes for her family for being so noisy. Shou comments that they are super interesting. Yuki asks what he just talked with her father a while ago. Shou says that it is nothing.

Yuki tells him that saying, ‘it’s nothing’ would make her more curious.. Shou pulls her mask down and kisses her. Blushing Yuki immediately pulls up her mask back up. Shou says that’s right, here, for you.. It is an amulet [omamori] for studies. He tells her that he bought it when buying the drinks.

Yuki thanks him. Shou says that it’s good if she passes the college exam. “That way, in the next New Year, *leans on Yuki* we can watch the first sunrise together from the window of Yuki-senpai’s house. *Yuki blushes* It has that kind of meaning.”

Yuki asks what does that refer to. He tells her they’ll always be together always until dawn--... She darkly tells him that is already enough. Shou holds Yuki’s hands. She blushes and recalls something.

Flashback: Her father told her, “..Yuki. Listen well, Yuki. Cry when you are hurt. Perhaps, wishing for someone’s help during painful times, this isn’t at all a humiliating thing. Whether it is strong Yuki or weak Yuki, there will definitely a day..” End flashback.

Tong. Shou says that the bell rang. Shou calls out to Yuki and says, “Senpai, Happy New Year.” Tong. Tong. Then, they kiss. Narration: “..when a person, who can notice and see this kind of Yuki, will appear in front of you---”

Comment: And, Shou get to meet Yuki’s family on New Year’s Eve. I’m amused that the father is a male version of Yuki. In a way, he seems to be the only one who can understand Yuki but Yuki is a closed ‘shell’ especially since she believes that any show of weakness especially crying will make her granny worry.

I think that seems like a ‘curse’ for her. Because of that, she let others do whatever they want and she would always ‘give way’ for others. It wasn’t easy to break the shell but with Shou around, she is gradually opening up. And, what her father said came true.

I know that this is just a story but it seems odd to see one’s sisters including mother clinging/fangirling over one’s boyfriend. ^^; I actually find that more annoying than the triplets whose fault is being ‘inferior’ compared to Shou. I think it’s a great idea that the father is going to let Yuki live alone. Perhaps that way, the rest can be more independent rather than making Yuki do almost everything for them.

So, we are already in January. In 3-4 months, Yuki will be graduating. The mangaka skipped Christmas so will she also skip V-day since that was already shown before? I think we’ll get to see Shou’s family soon. These chapters seem like coda/epilogue wherein things are wrapping up. Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

Each year of your life is a wonderful ride, with the most hopeful time being when December turns the keys over to January. ~ Efiosiugbore Adebayo

Flashback: Taishin pointed to himself and asked if he is going to be the koto club’s adviser? Narration: “It is the first year after graduation. The math teacher life that I’ve been thinking of day and night has started but at the same time, I still have one more title [/position].”

The principal[?] said yes, he’ll leave it up to him. Taishin scratched his head and said, yes.. Though he doesn’t know what a koto club is. Narration: “That is when I heard that I’ll be the adviser of a club that I had never heard of before. Since I was young, I really love math. *scene of young Taishin reading math books*...

...I don’t even have a least of concern regarding other things. So for me who has thoroughly immersed myself into the world of math, don’t even say koto, since even music is a totally unknown world.”

Taishin arrived at the room that has a small taped paper ‘Koto Club’. From the note, he found that it has a weak inexpressible feeling and it seems that there are only two members right now.

He clenched his fist and wondered if he can become a good adviser. “..no no, do not cower away, Taishin. Anything is a challenge!” He opened the door. Narration: “And, that is the start of everything.” End flashback.

In the tuning room, Taishin says, okay, it’s almost time, everyone prepare to go onstage. The club president exclaims in surprise that it’s so fast!? Another girl says what to do, so nervous, her hand is trembling. Then, Taishin notices Mio still sitting down. He immediately goes to tell Mio to quickly get ready.

Then, he asks how the situation is. Mio says that it is okay. Taishin exclaims that it’s rare for him to suddenly say, ‘okay’. Mio asks is that so. Taishin exclaims yes, because normally, he would just have a ‘oh’-type of reaction, ah, but at the National Music Festival before— Mio is in deep thought as he recalled Uta telling him, ‘Did you know that, actually, sensei, he--..”

Puzzled when Mio held his hand, Taishin asks him what’s up. Mio says photosynthesis because the cloud is obstructing the sun. Puzzled Taishin asks if he is using him for photosynthesis. Mio says, “Sensei, you are like the sun who is capable of giving me strength.”

Taishin is moved. He holds Mio’s hand with his hands and exclaims that he is bestowing upon him Taishin [/his] power. “Okay! *smiles* With this, there’s no problem!!! You can definitely play the most amazing piece today!!” Mio smiles and says, so strange. This surprises Taishin. The club president shouts at Mio to properly carry out his own instrument.

Standing up, Mio asks her to help him move it. The club president angrily shouts if he is an idiot. Taishin smiles and thinks that speaking of that, it is the first time he saw Mio having that kind of smile. He stands up to leave the tuning room. Narration: “From that time (going into the koto clubroom), it has already been 10 years. Afterwards, today is the last day.”

Flashback to 10 years ago: Taishin is sitting together with two female students. He exclaimed, ah, so that’s how it is, this is how the koto’s music sheet looks like, so amazing! Taishin apologized for he is obviously the adviser yet the students are the ones who are teaching him about it.

The girl told him that it is no big deal and the former adviser also seemed to have no interest at all. Taishin exclaimed is that so, but in the end, he already had interest in it. The girl asked that he hasn’t heard of a koto performance before, right?

Smiling Taishin said yes, but look at the koto’s music sheet, in one sheet, there is a combination of 13 numbers and notations. “I always think that it is very similar to math so I feel that it’s very interesting.” <- the koto musical sheet has numbers which represents 1-13 strings of the koto. The two girls are puzzled.

Narration: “I’m really just a math fanatic. The reason why I became a math teacher is only because-- *a friend said that math is so hard to learn and what’s so interesting about it* After I told some things to my friend about the interesting aspects of math as if my life depended on it...

...*friend said that he felt that after listening to him [Taishin], he seems to feel a bit interested in math* And those words became an opportunity. *sparkling Taishin thought that he’ll definitely become a match teacher..* I considered it as my mission in life. Math is an expanding romance and the probability’s ensemble. At first, it is simply the arrangement of numbers and notations but therein, it has a boundless unlimited universe.”

Soon, Taishin bought a second hand music player. He planned to study it by first listening to this ‘classic’. He imagined the girls exclaiming in disbelief that Taishin unexpectedly knows koto, so amazing. Taishin started to laugh and wondered if they will say that or not. Then, he pressed the play button.

Narration: “Like that, I casually sound the doorbell of the koto world’s gate but what has unfold in front of me is slim [/tender] and meticulous. It is like a world of perfect calculation that was made. With merely 13 strings, there is a hidden unlimited possibilities— That is the world of math itself which I love.”

Taishin thinks, “At first, it is merely an arrangement of numbers and notation but each notation has a meaning. As long as one takes a step inside, it seems like it has a life’s pulse. It starts to throb lively. It has life. *blushing* Ah, right now, I’m currently listening to math. Ah- Ah- so amazing. It turns out that music is math’s sound! How come I haven’t noticed it until now!!!”

Narration: “Afterwards, I seem to have fallen deeply into the music world. I started to listen to a lot of music and even get books to study it. *Taishin thought that he still likes koto music the most since it is a combination of number notes arranged in a combination..and the arrangement is so beautiful, and besides, there is no unnecessary parts*...

...Afterwards, because I really love classical koto music, I slowly start to write my own piece. *Taishin started to compose* But, it wasn’t welcomed by the students since they totally do not want to play my piece.” The girl said that she finds it so old fashioned that it’s so boring. This made Taishin depressed.

Teary-eyed, he thought that’s right, students likes modern pieces more [than].. Narration: “Even if it is like that, I also still stubbornly chase after what I think it a beautiful sequence of numbers. Even if because of work, I have gone to a different school. Even if I went to a school that has no koto club, I also didn’t stop composing-- Afterwards, I finally got into Hakuto’s koto club.”

Taishin happily thought that there are so many new club members this year. “It’s such a bumper harvest— Furthermore, there is a good number of people who have playing experience. *clenched fist*...

...Perhaps, there will be a person who is willing to play my composed piece-- Ah ha ha, I’m just saying that!! But it should be impossible, right!! Student’s evaluation was never good!!! –In the end, always until now, there was no one who would play my piece. Even if I say that I can play it.. but it feels that there is something wrong.

...Perhaps, it is because my playing is awful. *heard music from the room* Eh? Ah.. Who is playing the koto in the club room--” Taishin looked surprised for this piece, it is his.. Blushing Taishin opened the door and saw a boy [Mio] playing the koto. Taishin thought that it is his composed piece..he can hear it’s pulse.

“Yes.. this is how I wanted it to be played. This is the perfect form of my composition. By the way, this kid’s technique is so good that I want to cry--!!??” Then, the boy noticed him and asked who he is. Taishin introduced himself. He remembered the name of the boy as Mio [<- ah, he is calling him by the surname Kanzaki], a first year student who joined the club this year.

Taishin told Mio that the piece he just play is his composition. Mio said oh, the music sheet was on the shelf so he cannot play it? Taishin exclaimed, no, no, actually, he is very happy. “Thank you for playing this piece!! There are still a lot of pieces!! If it is okay, can you--”

Mio stood up and said that there’s no need. Teary-eyed Taishin asked, what..why.. Mio said that he doesn’t quite like listening to the music that he himself played. “The music that I play is very boring. Very detestable.” This puzzles Taishin but he exclaimed that he really liked it and just now, his playing is really exceptionally amazing!! Mio says, oh.

Taishin couldn’t believe it for obviously Mio had talent. He went to find Uta since he recalled that she is Mio’s cousin [from mother’s side]. “There is something that I want to ask you--” Uta told Taishin that Mio comes from a dual earner family [both parents are working]. “His parents always let Mio come to their house because my mother studied koto. Due to her influence, we started playing koto together at around 6 years old.”

Taishin exclaimed then, their koto experience is also the same no wonder he can play so well! Uta corrected him that no, Mio is special. “..Mio, he CAN SEE MUSIC. Upon seeing a piece, he’ll know how to play it in the best way it can be expressed. It is like knowing to play the piece’s correct answer..”

This surprised Taishin for he did thought that is how he wanted it played and it is his piece’s perfect form. Taishin said that is such an amazing talent. Uta agreed but it seems that Mio really hated that.

“The music played based on the correct answer is very boring. Because it is playing according to the already determined way so it isn’t a bit interesting. So, he hated the music that he plays. Rin is always searching for the music that SURPASSES THE CORRECT ANSWER.”

Outside, Mio is lying on the ground with his socks removed. [<- the other one is partly removed] Taishin called out to him. Mio asked who he is. Taishin introduced himself again. Mio said, ya.. Taishin confirmed with Mio if he can see music and he knows how the piece should be played..

Mio said so what if he knew.. Taishin exclaimed that he hopes that he can play his composed pieces!! “I was very, very moved when you played my piece before. The world that I imagined has been portrayed out and like that, it started to move in its entirety. It really shook me that I still want to hear it one more time.”

Mio said that ‘started to move in its entirety’ isn’t enough, he wants to MOVE FORWARD. “I never felt moved by the music that I played.” Flustered Taishin said that he’ll write a piece that will enable to him to MOVE FORWARD.

“I also want to listen to the ‘music that surpassing the correct answer’ that you are saying. *Mio sat up to listen to Taishin* So, can you lend me your talent!!” Mio said, no. While Mio walked away, Taishin shouted that shouldn’t the next part be for them to tightly shake hands enthusiastically. End flashback.

Narration: “—-Like that, we walked until today.” While walking at the hallway with his students, Taishin says that he’s so nervous. The club president says that as a teacher, how he can be this nervous. Taishin says that Aragaki, is so calm and no wonder she is the club president.

Aragaki scowls and says, geez.. “By the way, sensei, after this tournament ends, you’re going to resign, right.” This stiffens Taishin that he exclaims how come she kn[ows..] Aragaki says that everyone knew and it is only he himself thought that it wasn’t exposed. Taishin groans. Aragaki tells him not to belittle the student’s intel and he is going back to succeed his family’s inn.

Taishin says that they unexpectedly also know that. Aragaki says that they know and they also know that during the National Music Festival, he didn’t get the flu but rather, his father has fallen ill so he couldn’t come. “Are you really going to resign?”

After a pause, Taishin says yes, for that is the decision that he came up with after distressing over it for a long time. Aragaki says is that so. The others look sad. Aragaki admits that actually from the start, she really hates Taishin because he is excessively enthusiastic and also very annoying.

“Besides, your compositions are very old fashioned that it even made first year Mio as the center. Honestly speaking, it isn’t a bit interesting. *Taishin looks tense* --but, I understand it now. This is actually, as far as this club is concerned, it’s best form.” Taishin looks surprised.

At the auditorium, Doujima tells Chiharu that they should more or less leave already. “This is just a high school clubs’ performance and basically, it isn’t necessary to go and listen to it. They are just some insignificant performances. Looking at it like this, Satowa’s group is also no better.”

Chiharu looked flustered as she recalled the harsh words she said to Satowa that Satowa had to kneel down to borrow the koto. Chiharu stands up and says that she’ll leave for a while and breath some air outside. Doujima says that she’ll also-- Chiharu says no, she stay there for she [Chiharu] wants to think things alone.

After Chiharu left, Doujima also stands up and thinks what kind of joke is this. “I don’t want to stay in this kind of place again for a single second. *recalled Akira telling her that she should listen to the kids’ performance and for a long time now, it is only she [Doujima] who didn’t regard koto playing sincerely* Even if someone would say that, I am already no good. It is already too late.”

At the tuning room, Suzuka calls out to everyone that they have to leave the room five minutes earlier so prepare to go onstage. Freaking out, Sane and Michi cling on to Kouta. Sane screams that it has come. Michi shouts that he’ll die!! Kouta asks what to do for his breathing is labored.

While Chika holds on to Suzuka, he tells Kouta to calm down and take a deep breath. Suzuka tells Chika that he should calm down a bit. Trembling Hiro hugs Satowa and calls out her name. Takezou calls out to everyone to listen to him. “After leaving this room, they cannot talk out loud. So, how about we huddle right now?”

Sane says that is a good idea. Kouta is all go for it. Michi says that he feels empowered already. Takezou asks the teachers to also-- Suzuka says that he won’t do it even if he dies. Akira declines and says that there’s no need. Sane admits that it is quite embarrassing. Kouta says that it makes him feel so happy. Satowa is blushing a bit.

Chika thinks that feeling the warmth of someone beside him makes him calm down a bit... It is all quiet that Chika shouts at glasses to say something. Snapping out of it, Takezou says right, that’s right. “I still want to continue to play koto together with this group. I don’t want today to become our last. So, today, with all one’s”

And, Chika karate chops Takezou’s head. Takezou shouts what he is doing!? Chika angrily shouts, “Obviously, you are the first to suggest it, yet what kind of demoralizing talk is that!! Say something more encouraging words!! Anyway, just bluntly say the words that you normally won’t say out. Say it more happily!!! Like a man!”

This fires up Takezou that he shouts, “We will definitely advance to the Nationals!!!!” This made everyone blush and happy. Akira looks surprised while Suzuka looks at them with a smile. Everyone shouts in agreement.

At the auditorium, a group of students had finished playing. The audience applauds. Looking at the program, Isaki says that next, it is finally Hakuto. Tetsuki asks if it is the one who won before. Isaki says that’s right.

Isaki thinks that if just like before, they still PLAYED IT LIKE IT IS JUST THE CORRECT ANSWER, then Chika and others can absolutely win. “But, if they have changed--...” A girl informs the Hakuto group to go onstage after the other group got off the stage. Taishin tells everyone, okay, do their best.

Aragaki says that even if he didn’t say that, they’ll also do their best-- "..even if sensei’s piece is very old fashioned but we can use our performance to prove that it is actually a very amazing piece. *smiles along with the others at Taishin* As a farewell gift, we are going to get the right to go to the Nationals. Please listen to it with anticipation!”

Taishin happily smiles. Mio looks at Taishin then he notices Chika and others going backstage. Mio and Chika’s eyes met. Mio smiles. Then, Hakuto High’s students are in position for their piece, ‘Katakago’. Mio lifts up his hand and places it by the koto’s string. Dong-- Chika is startled. Tense yet excited Tsukaji thinks that it is such a deep first note..

Narration: “I always hated my own music. Obviously, it is outstandingly correct but it is also somewhat lacking. Obviously, there’s no mistake but it’s monotonous. I’m always searching for something that I’m lacking. *scene of Taishin telling him that he’ll compose for him* But. *recalls Chika playing* thank you everyone. Thanks to you all, I can finally MOVE FORWARD.”

Comment: And since this is shounen, I was thinking that was like, ‘Himesaka, you think that you’re the only one who leveled up but guess what, Hakuto also did’ then proceeds to surprise/overwhelm the opponent/s. And from Mio’s recollection, that might be thanks to Chika.

I guess what he is lacking is the feeling since he tends to be bored and also hate his own playing. So, if with that kind of playing can make them win against Himesaka, what if he finally found what he is always searching for to make him love his own playing?

Hakuto’s current edge is Taishin. In a way, his name which literally means, ‘big heart’ really suits him. Like what Aragaki said and the others noticed, all the compositions are centered on Mio which makes him stand out which is good for them since he is the most talented one.

If it is some other teacher or composition, I don’t think they can reach this point or even win against Himesaka in the previous competition. This chapter shows us what drives Hakuto to really want to go to the Nationals. For Himesaka, it is their pride as number one and to give a chance to Hozumi to play together at the Nationals. For Tokize, it is for them to still be able to play together. For Hakuto, it is a farewell gift and perhaps thanks to their adviser, Taishin who really enthusiastically worked for them to be there.

So, based on that, it’s really hard to choose who really deserves to go to the Nationals. But then, this isn’t about one’s motive but their performance. The two groups have to have something different to win against Himesaka. I’m curious though why Isaki would say that if Hakuto is the same, Chika and others can win.

She has heard Himesaka play so does that mean Chika and others’ performance is better than Himesaka’s? Or, it is just between the two? I guess that it is Chika’s performance that made Mio felt that he lost to him so when they entered the building, Mio said that he won’t lose again. Hopefully, when Hakuto finished playing, Tokize can keep their enthusiasm up and nervousness down. It will definitely be an amazing performance.

Perhaps, it will help Tokize if they know that Chiharu is there. So, they will also be helping Satowa with her mother. It seems that Doujima has already bailed out. But for her not wanting to stay there again, it seems that she had some trauma regarding playing koto or perhaps, something related to the Nationals, or playing while she was a high school student? Perhaps, she used to be a judge and something happened? We’ll probably have a backstory for that later on.

For this chapter, Taishin’s backstory is quite inspiring. The guy is quite enthusiastic and willing to learn something that he doesn’t know. And upon finding that person who’ll play his composition well, he won’t let go of him. After everything, things start to fall in place. So, they are currently here and even became a threat to the undefeated champion, Himesaka.

It’s too bad that Taishin has to resign due to family responsibilities. Hopefully, he’ll still find time to compose for Mio later on. In a way, running an inn involves math, well, practical math so he can still do what he loves. I think Taishin is from the provincial area so his music is old fashioned. So, perhaps, he can play some of the club’s music in the inn ^^

Anyway, I think Taishin will be in tears after their performance. I think for a teacher like him, it will be very memorable and touching that the students appreciate what he did for them so, they are going to pay him back in a way that they know how. ^-^ That’s a nice way to cap his teaching career. Scans by 二次元秘店汉化

Word of the day:

A wise man will take stock of his life once in a while by asking, “What am I doing to help people? What will I be remembered for? Am I making a difference by making others’ lives better, richer, or happier?” ‘I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives. (Ecclesiastes 3:12)’ ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine

Narration: “Upon attaining Fuchi Sugeyo’s collaboration, Izana-san used Sugeyo’s beauty and her own talent to attract a large audience. *Izana ran through the stage while playing with a paper ball* As the word of mouth becomes better, her reputation quickly spread-- *audience happily applauds*...

...After a few years since Izana-san acted and appeared as ‘Fuchi Sugeyo’, not only did the patrons increased, she also became the theatrical troupe’s trump card actress—- but” Izana meets with her audience who happily praise her. Tomoko assists her. Then, she notices Daijirou looking glum. This also made Tomoko look sad. Daijirou turns around and leave.

Narration: “[but] the one who used to be the lead has been pushed aside to become the supporting role. The leader of the troupe also noticed that what people are giving praise is actually not the work that he had written and directed. This is originally an unpopular small theatrical troupe. Her own talent and Fuchi Sugeyo’s beauty had brought about some kind of estrangement among them.” End flashback.

Kingo says that it is just around this time when he once again met with Izana. Kasane asks how he was able to find her. Looking at the side, Kingo says that it isn’t a big deal for he was just travelling far and wide looking around for her and in the end, he found her.

Kingo tells Kasane that compared to that, they go back to the original topic. Kasane quietly glares at him for it seems that he doesn’t want to talk about that. Kingo says, “Because of Izana-san’s reputation, in the end, she caught the attention of A CERTAIN MAN--”

Flashback: “Daijirou and another person are acting as receptionists for the play. Daijirou asks the patron if he has an advanced ticket. The man says yes. Daijirou looks surprised upon seeing the man. After the man left, Daijirou’s companion asks what’s up. Daijirou asks if he didn’t know who that man is.

“After leaving Misa, a big theatrical troupe, he used his own written and directed stage play to win people’s attention. Not only stage fans but also ordinary people gave him a very high evaluation. Young handsome director, Kaidou Atae...!!!”

The companion exclaims in disbelief for why would that kind of person come here..? Atae glances at the program sheet then notices a woman looking at him from behind the curtain. When he looks at her, she quickly hides. Izana nervously thinks that it is KAIDOU ATAE...!!!

At the dressing room, Daijirou tells ‘Sugeyo’ that he’s afraid that Kaidou came over for her. “I heard that this Kaidou Atae person would scour around stage plays in search of capable performers and backstage crew. Then, he’ll establish a totally new form of theatrical troupe..”

Tomoko nervously asks if Atae wanted to scout out Sugeyo. Daijirou says that he’s afraid so. “So..I want to ask this favor from you, Sugeyo-chan. Today..no, for the time being, I hope that you won’t go onstage. Coincidentally, Tomoko used to play the lead role for this play so she can substitute for you. *Izana looks surprised*...

...If Kaidou were to see your acting skill, he’ll definitely want to scout you out..but, this place is no good without you..so I beg of you.” Tomoko quietly glances at ‘Sugeyo’. Then, she calls out to Daijirou and says that is not good for everyone came to see Sugeyo. “Isn’t that a betrayal to our patrons?”

Daijirou protests that he originally also didn’t want the people to come and watch one actress for they should come for the work itself.. ‘Sugeyo’ calls out to him that she still wants to act. She scowls and says, “No matter what others say..!” This surprises Tomoko and Daijirou.

‘Sugeyo’ quickly apologizes and says that it is because she felt that what Tomoko said is quite reasonable.. Takemi calls out to them that the play is about to start so what are they dillydallying for. Daijirou says that it is inevitable so Sugeyo go act just like before..

Tomoko nervously looks at Sugeyo and wonders if she is really ‘Sugeyo’. Takemi is sitting at the reception desk when someone comes in to apologize. It is Kingo who asks if there are still seats. After sighing in relief, he says that it’s great that he wasn’t late.

Takemi says that he is still a student yet he always come here during daytime. Kingo says that he skipped class. He goes inside and sees ‘Sugeyo’ acting. ‘Sugeyo’ says, “If you agree to become mine, I’ll make you happier than any god in heaven. Even the angels will be envious of you.”

Kingo and Atae watch the play. Then, both men along with the audience are mesmerized by ‘Sugeyo’ as she happily smiles towards them. Narration: “After going through the baptism of Akeiwa’s kagura, she is right now below the spotlight’s stage. This place is that woman’s home [/final destination] where she should be. This figure is the reality that this woman should exist--”

Atae intently watches ‘Sugeyo’ says her lines, “Because I deeply love you, so I want to take you away from god’s side..” Later on, at the bedroom, Sugeyo confirms to Izana that she might be scouted out so they’ll have to leave that theater. Fixing her hair, Izana says yes, but anyway, since she seldom went to the theater, then it has no big difference from now and before.

Sugeyo protests that she doesn’t want the bonds that they have with everyone to disappear like this. “Besides.. lately, I started to feel a bit perplexed. It has already been four years since the two of us were always deceiving everyone... Even if from the start, I think it is good that everyone is happy..but..”

Izana tensely grinds her teeth. She sits beside Sugeyo on the bed. Izana agrees with Sugeyo. She apologizes for not considering her feelings. “But I.. *covers face* without your appearance, I won’t be able to continue on acting..”

Sugeyo asks if it is really like that. “Ah, Izana, before I always think that someone like you can definitely go and act well onstage even if you use your own face..” Izana shouts what foolishness she is talking about. “Someone like you who was born having everything cannot possibly understand!! *Sugeyo looks surprised* So, you can say that kind of hasty words.”

Trembling Sugeyo apologizes. She says, but, ‘born having everything’..it isn’t like that at all.. “I I actually understand your feelings.. *tears falling* It is because I also don’t have anything at all [/cannot attain everything]..”

Izana tells her that there’s no sense in talking with her and forget it. Izana goes out of the room. [<- to probably go to the bathroom]. Sugeyo looks sad about this. The scene changes to an alarm clock ringing at 9am. Izana turns it off and is surprised that it is already 9 o’clock. She wonders why it rang so late. She realizes something and looks at the made-up bed. She calls out to Sugeyo but she’s gone.

Quickly rushing out to the theater, Sugeyo wonders what that person is thinking of doing. “Could it be..” At the backdoor of the theater, Sugeyo mentally apologizes to Izana for she is going to tell everyone that she doesn’t want to become an actress anymore. Sugeyo holds the door knob when someone calls out to her, ‘You--’.

Sugeyo nervously looks down to see a man [Atae] asking if she is Fuchi Sugeyo. Izana has just arrived at the corner to witness this scene. Atae tells Sugeyo that it is great that he can actually see her. “My name is Kaidou Atae. Can I have a little chat..with you?” Surprised Sugeyo looks flustered [/blushing]. She agrees. Hiding at the corner, Izana looks tense.

Comment: So, as expected, with Sugeyo’s face and her own talent, Izana becomes very popular to attract a ‘scout’. Anonymous was right that he was a director. Though, he found her as a patron in their play. I think Sugeyo somewhat noticed the cracks in everyone’s relationship because of ‘Sugeyo that she is becoming hesitant on lending her face to Izana. Perhaps, that is aside from feeling guilty for deceiving everyone.

I think Tomoko wanted Izana to be scouted out so that things will go back to the usual. I guess as artists, it can be quite a predicament. Give the audience what they want for fame and fortune yet it isn’t exactly the appreciation that one wants to get. Doing what one wants it to be yet there won’t be a lot of audience = profit.

How Kingo met with Izana again was skipped. I guess that will be saved for later in the series. And, I was wondering if it can be confirmed that dead person was Nagi. It’s quite sad that after four years with Sugeyo, the two never deepen their relationship.

It is most probably because of Izana who had closed her heart. She also totally envies Sugeyo and well, she does treat her as ‘something’ to be used for her own happiness. Hm..maybe it also had something to do with what happened between Sugeyo and Kingo?

Sugeyo is right about Izana can still act with her own face but then, let’s face it, her talent isn’t just for some minor role. And, the roles given to her will be limited with that kind of face..perhaps the witches in Macbeth-type of roles.

Anyway, Sugeyo now wants out. Can we say that she’s naïve or reckless to do that? Just go to the theater and call it quits? She really doesn’t know Izana and what she might do to her afterwards. This can be counted as a betrayal, I guess.

This can be considered the horror part of the story. One naively agreeing to something yet not knowing the full extent of its consequences. Then, when one wants out, it is no dice. One will have to be very lucky to get out unscathed. Of course, we already know what happened to Sugeyo.

So, Atae has met the real Sugeyo. I don’t know if she is flustered or blushing over Atae but from this point on, he had already met his two future ‘wives’. He doesn’t seem that perverted yet..maybe later on or he finally flipped after Izana is ‘gone’. Scans by RAD汉化组

Quote of the day:

Jealousy is the great exaggerator. ~Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller, The Conspiracy of Fiesco, 1783

Zekkyou Gakkyuu Tensei [Chapter 12]

Review: Rere Hello [Chapters 35-36]

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapter 110]

Kono Oto Tomare [Chapter 47]

Blue Glass [Chapter 19-20]

Ookami-heika no Hanayome [Chapter 82]

Skip Beat [Chapter 237]

Last Game [Chapter 56] -Fin-

Namaikizakari [Chapter 46]

Kasane [Chapter 75 - In the Midst of a Rainy night①]

Kurosaki kun no Iinari ni Nante Naranai [Chapter 26]

Kasane [Chapter 76 - In the Midst of a Rainy night ②]

Review: Hatsu Haru [Chapters 5-7]

Kurosaki kun no Iinari ni Nante Naranai [Chapter 27]

Kasane [Chapter 77 - In the Midst of a Rainy night ③]

Blue Glass [Chapter 21]

Kurosaki kun no Iinari ni Nante Naranai [Chapter 28]

Namaikizakari [Chapter 47]

Kono Oto Tomare [Chapter 48]

Kasane [Chapter 78 - In the Midst of a Rainy night ④]