Notices:
A. FAQ about the Blog
1. If you're going to post any of the content here on other sites, please credit by at least putting a link back to this site.
2. Do not hotlink the images!!
3. I won't upload the pictures if the photobucket album 'exploded' because of exceeding bandwidth. Just wait for a month or until it is reset by photobucket.
4. Scans are in the title links below, just click the title of the series. If it isn't there, then it isn't uploaded in public sites yet. Those that are not in public sites are usually found in BW Forum = membership required.
5. This is an old blog so no tags nor feeds. Just use the search engine provided below and hopefully, you'll find the past summary you are looking for. Google helps, too ^^
6. Teasers are from Jap raws, not meant to be accurate because I can't read Japanese.
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About this blog:
I usually write about the manga that I'm currently reading. At times, I write about the anime I watched. Since it is hard to share and talk my thoughts about a certain manga series when people don't know about it, I tend to summarize them from Chinese scanlations so beware, this blog is filled with spoilers and they are not 100% perfect. Feel free to point out my mistakes. Occasionally, I would blog about myself and other misc. things.

Layout Credits:
Vampire Knight picture is from BW. Quote is by Josh Billings. Edited in Photoshop CS2. The background is from GRSites. Fujoshi Kanojo's Yuiko is from Tuku.cc Pleinair by Takehito Harada is from JumpC. Gin and Pleinair edited and animated in Photoshop. Moyashimon germ and Rabi gif are taken from ikunlun forum. Onion is from BW forum. VBR's Ageha is scanned by Amyangel19910323. SB! gif from lynncomic in baidu and Yoru Cafe chibis are from Petit official page. Akuma to Love Song pic in latest entries is from Margaret official page

Venus ni Arazu

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Past Dreams:
2009

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

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Manga pics from
Sky-fire, 17kk, hrcomic, 89890& BW Forum.

Most of the Quotes are from
Quote Garden, ThinkExist & Our Daily Bread

Free Talk: FYI
Saturday, August 8, 2009

Manga dump has begun so I’ve decided to cut off/archive already. So, there will be no summary this weekend to give time for those who haven’t read the recent summaries until the cut off on Monday. My tentative schedule will be to summarize Weekly Jump first then, chapters 42-43 of KKwH. ^^

PS. Sorry about some of the pictures being down. I guess the albums can't handle the number of visits = bandwidth ^^;

Word of the day:
Don't lose sight of your priorities. Spend time with the Lord. He will lift your load and give you the right perspective. ~ Dave Branon

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta [Chapter 27]
Friday, August 7, 2009

Kotori is shock by what Risa meant by going steady while Risa is clinging on Yukito like a leech. She is also shock that Yukito isn’t saying anything about it. Risa’s boyfriend holds up her hand exclaims what Risa is talking about when they are already going steady. He tells her that she is acting weird so just let go of that other guy. Risa tries to pulls away from him and shout for him to let her go. Yukito holds the shoulder of the boyfriend and tells him not to make a fuss in that place, how about they go talk in some other place. Yukito just looks at surprised Kotori and walks away. With a somewhat sneering smile, Risa apologizes to stunned Kotori before following Yukito. Kotori can only stand there and watch as Yukito and others walk away. At home, Kotori is moping in her bedroom while waiting for Yukito’s call. She gloomily wonders where they went, what they are doing and why is it with Risa. She mutters that he could have at least write her a message because if he didn’t contact her quickly, her imagination will go wild and if Risa really likes Yukito and right now, the two of them are alone then maybe Yukito might be fickle and.. She imagines the two being lovey-dovey. This made Kotori gloomier so she hugs her dog stuffed toy and mutters that she will also be lovey-dovey with Ken-ken. Her phone suddenly rings. She shouts, “Yukito!” That hurts Yukito’s ears. He tells her not to shout else she’ll destroy his eardrums. Kotori sweatdrops and thinks that she currently feels a little bit happy right now. She is a bit embarrassed and tries to explain but Yukito apologizes to her about what happened earlier – he just left without saying anything to her.

Yukito explains that it is because he is pretending to be Risa’s boyfriend so if Kotori is with him, it might be exposed. He says that he just got Risa and her boyfriend to properly talk to each other and after it is settled, he left. Kotori thinks that she is really anger and wanted to say a lot of things but still, even if Yukito seems like he is just making an excuse, she already feels happy upon hearing his voice. Kotori smiles and thanks him for specially calling her. “Are you concerned about me?” Blushing, Yukito says that he wasn’t but rather, he thinks that she probably has lost her temper. Kotori denies she lost her temper and says that she is okay because she is playing with Ken-ken so there is no time for her to lose her temper. This surprised Yukito that he asks who this so-called Ken-ken is. Kotori tries to explain but upon looking at her stuffed toy sitting proudly on the bed, Kotori stutters that Ken-ken is her childhood friend who is a bit wild. Yukito looks flustered and he says that is nice. He wonders who Ken-ken is, then imagines him as some good-looking guy. After hanging up, Kotori gloomily says that she can’t say that it is just a dog [toy]. Yukito is then called out by smiling Risa who asks if he just called Kotori. She thanks him for helping her and she knew that if it is him, he will definitely help. Yukito tells her not to do that rude thing again. Even if she wants to break up, she can’t just say that kind of alibi out of the blue because the other person won’t believe it. Risa says that even so, she is still a bit concerned. Yukito asks what it is. She then tells him something. Kotori narrates that the truth is, the unhappy feeling in her heart has not yet disappeared.

During lunch, Yukito exclaims that her Doraemon-themed [Suneo and Shizuka chars] lunchbox for him is really great and if she really made it. Yukito is a bit concern why the bento box is like that. He says that he’ll take a picture of it first to show it off to Abe and others before eating it. Kotori says that will be embarrassing but Yukito still takes a picture of it. Kotori thinks that she had made the bento box like Yukito’s brother’s and since Yukito likes it so... She sadly looks at Yukito who is busy wondering which one he will eat first. She is really bothered by what happened yesterday, what happened with Risa, what they talked about, there are many things that she wants to ask but if she asked, he’ll probably think that she’s being annoying and seeing him happy like that, she can’t bring herself to ask him. Yukito is surprised when Kotori suddenly holds his arm tight. This made Yukito blush and call out her nickname. She also blushes. Yukito then tells her that if she is too near him, he can’t eat. Kotori quickly lets go and apologizes. Yukito tries to touch her but when Kotori turns around, he pretends that he is catching some mosquito. He tries to ask about Ken-ken but when Kotori says, ‘huh?’, he drops the topic. In the classroom, Kotori looks at her hand and thinks that she unconsciously held on Yukito’s arm just like what Risa did before. The students are leaving as the homeroom teacher tells them to review for the exam. Kotori sadly sweeps the floor when Yukito tells her that he’ll be waiting for her at the gate after she finished her cleaning duty. She then overhears some guys talking about a pretty girl at the gate and she seems to be from a different school. Kotori only becomes interested when they say that Yukito is with that girl. She looks out the window to see that it is indeed Risa with Yukito. Kotori clenches her fist.

Afterwards, Kotori goes to the gate and Risa says that Kotori is here. Risa tells them that she is sorry about what happened yesterday and as an apology, she is going to treat both of them out to anything they want to eat. This surprises Kotori. Risa asks Yukito if she can. A bit flustered, Yukito agrees. Kotori angrily thinks that Yukito is like that again, no matter what Risa says, he agrees. While they were walking, as usual, Kotori is being left out since Risa and Yukito are talking together and walking ahead of Kotori. Kotori thinks that she is getting used to this kind of situation and she feels that Risa’s apology is insincere. She wonders if it is just her imagination. Risa then asks Kotori why she doesn’t look happy since the start. She says that Kotori is really quite mature that it is quite surprising that she is going steady with Yukito. [Mature about not making a fuss even if Risa is doing all those things?] Yukito says why she is saying that as if it sounds bad [= made him look bad]. He tells Risa that she said that she is going to treat them to anything, right. Risa exclaims of course not and tells him to have mercy on her wallet. Kotori closes her eyes and thinks that it is the same as before, she feels like a third wheel. “I do not want to be in this place but then, I don’t want to leave those two alone. I do not want that there will be a time wherein those two are doing something that I do not know. There are many things that I should say..if she said something that I can’t reply to, then it will just repeat everything all over again. I already know this but, my feelings are becoming heavier and heavier. I can’t do anything..I really hate..the current me.” Yukito looks back and notices Kotori looking gloomy. He is about to say something when a promo girl who is giving coupons, calls out to Risa and address her as ‘the couple’ [meaning Risa and Yukito]. She invites them to go check out their place since there is a buy-one-take-one promo. Risa happily takes the coupon and tells Yukito that they go eat there since she got a lovers’ coupon. Risa giggles that girl thought that they are lovers and wonders if other people think of them the same way, too. Kotori finally has had enough. She forces a smile and quickly tells them that she has something to do so she’ll go ahead. She quickly runs off. Yukito tries to call her back but can only watch Kotori leave. Risa is smiling. Kotori mopes in her bedroom. She calls herself useless for running away again because she doesn’t want to see those two having fun. She hugs Ken-ken. She wonders why Yukito didn’t notice it at all. She hates this matter concerning Risa even if this same situation has happened before. She then thinks, no it’s because she didn’t say it clearly before for Yukito not to talk with Risa nor see her. “The two of them does seem to be more like lovers compared to when he is with me. They look more natural..”

In school, Abe and friend are shock to see Yukito’s bento box – skull with bones. Yukito gloomily wonders why it is like that. Abe happily exclaims that from now on, he’ll eagerly anticipate what Yukito’s bento box will be like everyday. Yukito exclaims what’s to expect [about it]. Yukito’s other friend [whose name I still don’t know ^^;] asks if this bento box is made by Kotori and maybe there is something that Kotori is unhappy about. Abe asks Yukito what he did to Kotori that she can’t openly accuse him about it. Yukito asks what he meant by that. Abe says that he heard it from others that a girl from another school came to see Yukito twice. Yukito says that she is just a junior high friend. Abe says that even if it is a friend, one won’t just go to their school. Yukito says that there are just some things that they talked about. Abe says that it would be better not to attract any misunderstanding and Kotori would also feel uncomfortable about it. Yukito lamely says that they are really just friends and there is nothing beyond it. Abe says that it’s good if there is no other thing. Outside, where they usually eat lunch near the clock, Kotori holds her bomb onigiri and wonders if Yukito opened his bento box by now. She begins to regret making that kind of bento box that she wonders how is she going to return back to the classroom. She thinks that she put in that bento all her frustrations and not being able to say anything. She is surprised when someone calls out, “Kuja--I found you.” Gloomily holding the bento box, Yukito gloomily says, “This-- Thank you.” Yukito sits down and asks where Natsume is. Kotori says that she is off to work so Natsume didn’t go to school. After they ate lunch, Yukito says that Risa is quite concerned when Kotori suddenly just left. Kotori clenches her fist and wonders why he came there to talk about Risa. Yukito asks why Kotori left yesterday. Kotori just repeats, ‘why’. Yukito says that maybe there is something that Kotori wanted to say. Kotori is flustered yet didn’t say anything. Yukito explains that he already told her before that there is nothing between him and Risa, they are only friends. Kotori says that maybe it is for him but what about Risa. “Before and yesterday too, it is too obvious that she likes you. Will it be..always like this?” She wonders if she will always feel uneasy. Yukito rumples her hair and says what’s up with that look and asks if she is okay. Kotori tries to say something when Yukito suddenly hugs her and kisses her.

That made Kotori’s eyes look blank. [She’s allergic to force affection ^^;] Kotori pushes him away and shouts his name. She tells him that she doesn’t want to do that right now and she doesn’t want him to change the topic [get away with it] using his kisses. Yukito is surprised that he asks her what she meant by that. Kotori realizes that Yukito doesn’t understand her feelings. She asks him until when is she going to endure that thing concerning Risa – Risa holding his arm, the two talking and forgetting about her, forgetting that she even existed, can she only just look at them with her eyes wide open. Yukito tries to explain again but Kotori interrupts by saying that he is just going to say again that they are only friends. She says that if they are just ordinary friends, would they be able to just calmly be ‘lovey-dovey’ in front of one’s girlfriend. “And, if I clearly bring it up and say you shouldn’t..do not see Matsushima-classmate again, will you be able to do it?” Yukito looks at her in surprise. Kotori says that he can’t answer and maybe it would be better if he just go steady with Risa because he should be happier with Risa and the two of them are more suitable. Yukito grabs Kotori’s hand and exclaims that if she said that again, he’ll get angry because he just told her that he and Risa are only friends. “Aren’t you the same? Like before, I thought that you wanted to get close to me but in the end, you avoided me and being like this. Isn’t that also very confusing?! Why don’t you explain that to me.” Yukito realizes what he is saying that he tells her to stop and not talk about that topic anymore. Kotori says that she now knows why there are times when he kisses her and hugs her and her heart doesn’t beat a special way and it’s because their way of thinking is different. Kotori is stunned with this realization and thinks, “Yes, that’s how it is..so..” After some pause, Yukito darkly smiles and says, “...really..then, let’s break up, right?”

And, another couple on the rocks caused by another party even when the couple really likes each other. I think Kotori is in a lose-lose situation. She brings the matter concerning Risa up, they will quarrel but then, if she didn’t, she feels awful upon seeing this so-called friend flirting with her boyfriend who is totally oblivious of what that friend is doing. I think even if Kotori isn’t timid like that, the imminent break-up/fight will happen sooner or later. It’s like a choice between friends vs. lover. Of course, Risa can easily get away with it because Kotori can be easily intimidated. Yukito is already agitated so I guess it is pretty bad timing when Kotori finally realizes why she doesn’t feel anything at times when he hugs and kisses her. I’m not sure how he interpreted that ‘way of thinking is different’ but from his reaction, I guess it is somewhat like ‘we aren’t suitable with each other and our feelings aren’t the same’. Where is Natsume when we need her? ^^; Amusing scenes in this chapter are: 1. Yukito is somewhat jealous over an imaginary rival who turns out to be just a dog stuffed toy. How amusing is that..very ^^ 2. The bento boxes ^^ Hehe, Yukito can’t complain much because it is Kotori who made it. It’s amusing that he didn’t have much adverse reaction to it as compared to when Masaya made them. =P As I mentioned way before, Yukito stands to lose more than Kotori in this break-up. What does Kotori have – there is Masaki, she has Natsume and for good measure, how about Masaya. What does Yukito have – Risa, Harada and other flirty girls. ^^; In case you are wondering why I’m so sure that they broke up, well, I have seen the raws of the next chapter. After this and a few pages in the next chapter, Yukito has dyed his hair back to its original color. I think you know what that means.. Scans by zhu520/fema for BW

Quote of the day:
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. ~ Dorothy Nevill

Stardust★Wink [Chapter 6]
Thursday, August 6, 2009

After school dismissal, while walking at the school hallway with Sou and Hinata, Anna is crying that she doesn’t want to have a home tutor. Sou sweatdrops and says that Anna is still talking about that. Anna angrily shouts because she really hates to have a tutor. Anna narrates that after her mother found out about how she messed up her mock exam, she is made to suffer from a never-ending sermon. “Last night, my mom turned into a demon and announced that she will force me to have a home tutor.” Sou asks her shouldn’t an extra class be better. [It said ‘training class’ so it’s either extra class or cram school] Putting her hands on her face, Anna says that it would have been better if it is extra class. “Studying one-on-one is very stressful to death, mom doesn’t really love her daughter..” Looking at Anna, Hinata says, “It’s alright, Anna, I heard this saying.. ‘The more a child is a good-for-nothing, the more one loves [that child]’ So, cheer up!” Anna becomes gloomy and says that she can’t become happy [from what he said]. She then angrily shouts that Hinata thinks that she’s an idiot. Hinata just makes an ‘ah’ while Sou tells her that she is really an idiot. Narration: “I’m not an idiot, I’ll do my best for the midterm exams! So, mom! Please stop home tutor!” Standing in front of the elevator then walking back and forth, Anna tells herself that it will be okay even if it’s her mother. “I only need to properly explain it to her so that she’ll understand. It’s better to tell her when she is in a good mood! Today, ‘Rival’, mom’s favorite police-detective drama will be shown on tv. Usually, I would fight for the remote control. Then, I’ll do this..” She plans to happily tell her mother that her mother can watch her favorite program because she [Anna] is going to study. Pointing her arm up and posing, she exclaims, “That’s it!” Someone behind her laughs and asks what she is doing in front of the elevator. She turns around to see Masshiro smiling at her and say, “You’re quite lively, Anna.” Anna is starstruck then shouts, “Masshiro-kun!” Masshiro flashes a v-sign and says, “Yes!” Anna exclaims her disbelief and asks when he arrived. Masshiro says yesterday because it’s GW [Golden Week]. Anna happily exclaims that it has been a long time since they saw each other because ever since he went to college, she didn’t see him anymore. She says that it must be nice to live alone without his quarrelsome younger sister. Masshiro asks if she is now in third year junior high. Anna confirms that it is so. He then tells her that she has become quite cute. This made Anna blush. She is very happy that she did her best in fixing her hair today.

Inside the elevator, Masshiro presses the button for the third floor where Anna lives. Masshiro says that it has been such a long time and he wanted to see Sou and Hinata. He suggests that they go out and have fun just like before. This made Anna remember what happened before: Masshiro shouted that they are going to play soccer. Hinata and Sou shouted that they will go, too. Anna shouted for them to wait because she wants to go, too. She tripped and fell down. Hinata and Sou are running ahead while playing with the soccer ball. Masshiro noticed that she fell down so he returned to ask if she is okay. He asked if she can stand. After Anna stood, Masshiro looked at her bruised knees and said that it is good that there is no blood. “Does it hurt?” He noticed that she is holding her skirt tight. Masshiro held Anna’s hands and told her that she endured it well and she is really great. To his surprise, Anna started to cry. It is only then Sou noticed that she is crying. End flashback. Anna smiles and thinks that made her quite nostalgic. “From the very start, he isn’t the same as Sou and Hinata. He’s really like a grown up. Then, he became her first love.” Masshiro rings the doorbell and tells Anna that they are already at her house. Anna apologizes for not noticing since she is busy thinking about some things. Anna then says that his house is on the 5th floor. Masshiro smiles at her and tells her that he has something to do at her house. The door opens and Anna’s mother comes out with a huge smile welcoming Masshiro. She is surprised to see Anna who is also there. She also welcomes Anna home. Anna asks if what Masshiro came to her house for, has something to do with her mother. Her mother says that is true and it’s good that Anna is also there. “Masshiro-kun agreed to be your home tutor.” Anna goes into shock. Anna’s mother tells Masshiro that Anna has a problem concentrating on her studies. Masshiro laughs and says that he doesn’t know if he can be of help but if she thinks that he is okay, he will do his very best. Anna’s brain is still processing the idea that Masshiro is her tutor. She couldn’t believe it until Masshiro tells her that he will be under her care. At school, Anna happily tells her friends that her first love is her tutor though it will be only until GW because he is currently a college student. She says that Masshiro has overheard her mother talking with his mother about looking for a tutor for Anna. With glittering eyes, Anna says, “Then he said, ‘I’ll do it if it’s okay with you.’ and, since he is an old neighbor, so it is free of charge. Isn’t it great, he unexpectedly will do this without any compensation...he’s pretty cool inside [personality], too.” Princess says that it sounds fishy. Ryuu agrees for why a college student would be wasting his precious GW [vacation] to take care of an idiot girl without anything in return. “Is he really into volunteerism? Or, he is a lolicon?” She sighs and says that it is okay because it is doing good to the person in question. Sitting on her desk, Anna holds out her pen and exclaims that she will study in advance for her tutor.

In Anna’s room, Masshiro is holding some notes and tells Anna that they are going to study now. He says that he heard from her mother that her weak subjects are Math and English so he will focus teaching her in those two subjects because midterm exams is coming soon so they are going to study this scope.. Anna stares at him then starts to wonder when Masshiro started to wear glasses and it suits him because he looks cool with them. She is embarrassed when Masshiro asks her if she is listening. Masshiro sighs and tells her that he wants to know which parts she isn’t good at so she should answer first a question sheet within 30 minutes. Masshiro times her while she answers. After 30 minutes, Masshiro looks at her answers and comments that she did well. Anna exclaims if it is true. Masshiro laughs and says that it is true because her mother said that Anna is really bad so he thought that she is really, really bad. Anna scratches her head and lamely says that maybe it is because she did some advance studies. Masshiro is surprised that she studied in advance for today. Masshiro laughs and pats Anna’s head while saying, “You unexpectedly studied in advance for your tutor. You’re such a nice kid~~” Anna happily thinks that if Masshiro is her teacher, maybe she’ll always get 100 in her tests. Then, the door bell rings. Anna wonders who it is and her mother would have answered it. The door to Anna’s room opens. Sou, together with Hinata, enters and says, “Sorry for disturbing--” He greets Anna who goes into shock. Masshiro happily greets the two boys. Aghast, Anna shouts why they are there and they should go home because she is currently studying. Sou says that it is okay because they also came to study. Anna is surprised to see the two boys showing their notebooks, books and pencil case. Masshiro says that they are quite enthusiastic. “Then, everyone should study together ♪ I’ll go ask Anna’s mother if there is a small table ♪” Anna is surprised by this that she tries to protest that even if Sou and Hinata didn’t study, they will still be able to get good grades in their tests.. But Masshiro has already left and Sou, together with Hinata, went inside. Anna mentally exclaims, “Why did things turn out this way-?!”

Later on, Masshiro says that is enough studying for the day. Exhausted Anna gloomily puts her head on the table. Just then, Masshiro’s cellphone rings. He excuses himself and goes out of the room to answer his phone. Sou stretches and says that his neck hurts [stiff neck] because they were using a small table. Anna angrily looks at him and mentally tells him that he came there on his own yet he would even dare to complain. Sou asks Anna what’s with that ugly small monster look. Anna shouts who he is calling an ugly small monster. Sou imitates her face and says that it is like that. Anna cries that Sou is an idiot and shouts that he is so awful because even if it is a joke, he shouldn’t call a girl as an ‘ugly small monster’. “You should learn to become more like Masshiro!” Sou asks what she meant. Anna exclaims that Masshiro told her that she has become cute. Hinata is just watching and listening to them. Sou sighs and says that is just polite talk. [= Masshiro is just being nice so he told her she is cute] Anna shouts that even if it like that, it made her feel happy and for someone like Sou, who is always surrounded by screaming girls, won’t be able to understand. Hinata then asks Anna if she wants people to scream because of her. Anna is a bit surprised by this. She explains that it isn’t like that. “I also worked really hard [in fixing my hair] and if someone said it’s cute then, of course, I’ll be very happy.” Pointing to her hair, Anna says, “Look at my hairstyle today. It’s not the same as yesterday. Did you notice it?” Hinata says, “Yes, it’s very cute.” This surprises Anna. Sou tells Hinata that he is something to be able to say that without being embarrassed. Hinata says that it is because Anna says it will make her happy if one says that and he really thinks that it is cute so he said that. Sou says, is that so. Anna finds herself blushing though she looks puzzled as to why she is blushing. Masshiro opens the door and happily says that they’ll end it there for today. Silence. Masshiro goes to Anna who is fixing her things on the table. He asks her what happened to her face. [It’s so red.] Anna just thanks him for today. She says that she will properly review today and she’ll be under his care tomorrow. “Then, see you tomorrow!”

Masshiro and the other two guys find themselves out of the apartment [since they are pushed out by Anna]. Masshiro happily asks the guys what is it, what happened. Sou says that he doesn’t know and speaking of that, that is his question. Hinata notices that Coco is on his shoulder. While Hinata is playing with Coco, Sou asks Masshiro what he is plotting. Masshiro is surprised. Sou explains that he heard from Beni that he volunteered himself to become Anna’s tutor. “It’s impossible for you to just agree to this without anything in return.” Masshiro smiles and says, “And then? If I’m indeed plotting something, what do you plan to do?” Sou says that he doesn’t care what Masshiro is plotting. “If you dare do anything to Anna, I’ll slaughter you.” Patting Hinata’s shoulder, Sou says, “Together with Hinata.” Hinata asks, “Huh?” It turns out that Hinata wasn’t listening to them. Hinata apologizes to Sou and asks, “With me what?” Aghast, Sou exclaims that Hinata should at least listen when people are talking. Hinata tries to protest that it is because Coco is there. Sou tells him that compared to a squirrel, Hinata should pay attention to people. Masshiro starts laughing that Sou angrily asks why he is laughing. Masshiro says that the three’s relationship is still very good. With an evil look, Masshiro says, “But, isn’t it a bit over the top? Anna is too pitiful.” Sou asks what he meant by that. Smiling Masshiro says, “But, just relax, I won’t go too far as to do anything with a kid and I’ve also decided not to look for a girl beside me [girlfriend?]. It’s only..because I feel very bored lately ♪” In her room, Anna is holding her red blushing face. “Even if I don’t look at the mirror, I also know that my face is really red just because of one sentence, ‘very cute’.” Narration: “Turbulent GW starts.”

So, it turns out that Anna can really study if she wants to. From what happened in this chapter, I think it is more like she needs ‘an inspiration’ for her to study. Hehe, it seems that Anna would easily for guys like Masshiro who are nice to her, says nice things to her and is good-looking. Since Masshiro is doing those things, Anna doesn’t suspect that there is something wrong when he volunteered to be her tutor without any compensation. I’m amused that Ryuu did consider that Masshiro is a lolicon. Is the author poking fun of her Chocolate Cosmos? ^^;; Actually, even Anna’s mother didn’t find it suspicious. Most of Anna’s friends find it suspicious. I don’t know what Hinata thinks of it. I guess Sou and Beni are a bit similar in a way since they don’t think highly of Masshiro and they are fiercely protective of the ones they love. I thought Sou threatening Masshiro is a bit cool ^^ Even if Masshiro is older and everything, Sou isn’t a coward though I guess getting Hinata to ‘fight’ with him is for insurance of a win. =P I guess Masshiro is ‘going to rock the boat’ because he is bored ^^; He does seem to be a S[adist] for teasing kids like that and it seems he is leading Anna on. I wonder what he is planning to do and it seems like helping break up their friendship or testing their friendship. Anyway, Anna’s reaction pretty much confirms that she will fall in love with Hinata. I’m a bit curious what it will be like if they go steady since Hinata isn’t the ‘emotional’ type like Sou and he’s looks bored most of the time ^^; And, lastly, once again, chibis are really cute ^^ Scans by tongyanen for iieye.

Quote of the day:
To acquire knowledge, one must study. To acquire wisdom one must observe. ~ Marilyn vos Savant

Reimei no Arcana -Dawn of the Arcana- [Chapter 5]
Wednesday, August 5, 2009

In the castle, Caesar is moping near a window. Belias asks him if he has given up on continuously giving gifts to Princess Nakaba. Caesar lamely tells him that Belias is quite annoying. While bored Caesar is looking away, Belias asks if Nakaba is the type of princess who doesn’t become happy if one does that kind of thing. “..but, as a married couple, it might make up for [fix] the misunderstanding..” Ceasar stands up and smiles. He says, “That’s right, we are a married couple so there’s no need to be concerned about anything. Let’s go, Belias.” Surprised Belias just says, “Ah..” Standing in front of Nakaba’s room, Caesar mutters, “We are a married couple..married couple [3x]” Belias just smiles and sweatdrops over what Caesar is doing. He enters the room and Nakaba greets him. Blushing a bit, Caesar says, “We should..be a bit more..[lower tone] like a married couple, so..” An arrow notes that Ceasar becomes timid when he is in front of Nakaba. [Not hearing what he said clearly,] Nakaba just tells him to wait for a moment. Ceasar is puzzled when Nakaba is looking for something on her bed and then, near a fireplace-type of structure. Nakaba tells hiding Lito, “Lito, I found you.” [Leith is actually Lito (the half-human kid) I found his name ^^] To Caesar’s shock, Lito jumps on Nakaba and hugs her. Nakaba tells Lito that he surprised her when he did that. Speechless Caesar starts to look dark and angry. Lito laughs and calls Nakaba’s name. He hugs Nakaba and says it’s very soft and warm. [I think he must be rubbing his face on her chest ^^;] Belias seems amused that this is angering Ceasar. [Hehe, jealous over a kid ^^;;] Ceasar grabs Lito’s shirt and picks him up. Cesar tells Lito, “Do not let it get over your head, brat...I wasn’t able to [do that yet].” Lito scratches Ceasar’s face so Caesar lets him go. Lito jumps on to Loki’s shoulders. Lito says, “Loki, I hate that guy--” While Berias is sighing, Ceasar angrily shouts, “What..brat!” Taking Lito from Loki, Nakaba reprimands Ceasar not to bully Lito since he’s a kid. Ceasar can’t answer back. While sitting on a chair to mope, Caesar asks if she is happy ever since that kid came. [Half of his sentence is in a low tone.] Nakaba asks what he said because she can’t hear it clearly. Ceasar shouts that it is nothing. Loki whispers something to Nakaba. While Loki has a teasing look, Nakaba innocently tells Ceasar that is true, she is very happy. Ceasar is flustered since those dog ears of Loki are sharp in listening. Blushing a bit, Caesar says, really..that’s nice. With a nostalgic look, Nakaba smiles and says, yes. Caesar then looks away and sighs.

While playing with Lito, Nakaba narrates that while she was in Senan, living in that damp room where no one would willingly enter, only one child would go in and the other person is this child’s mother, Lina. “Aside from Loki, these two people are the only ones who treated me nicely.” [She meant the time during her stay in Senan’s palace.] Nakaba asks Lito if his mother is doing well. Lito’s face is facing away from her. He didn’t reply immediately. He then turns around with a smile and says, “Yes.” At Senan palace, a man and a woman are playing chess. [The woman is Nakaba’s grandmother but I’m not sure if the guy is her grandfather or just an adviser] Moving the black horse piece, the woman says, “I still don’t know how that child is doing in Belquat’s palace...” The man laughs and says, “After giving her in marriage to the Belquat’s prince as if she is just a chess piece, you are now worried about her?” The woman replies, “..do not say it like that, since no matter what she is still my granddaughter.” The man laughs again and says, “The way you said it sounds nice..if that is how it is, why didn’t you love her a bit more, taking care of her more properly?” The woman says, “..but, she isn’t part of the royal family.” The white queen chess piece is now beside the black horse piece. The man laughs once more and says, “How heartless of you, but it has nothing to do with me, because those children who has my blood flowing in their veins will continue the line of the king.” Holding the white queen chess piece, the woman says, “It would have been better if that girl has black hair.” She puts the queen chess piece near the king. The man thinks about the move. The woman says that even if it is like that, she wonders what Belquat is thinking. Holding the rook piece, the man says that she is right for there should be some hidden agenda/plot for the marriage set-up for peace this time around. With the chess pieces fallen down on the board, the woman says, “If the war had continued, the loser will definitely be my poor country but the one who suddenly propose this ceasefire is Belquat, a country richer than our own. Something has definitely happened in Belquat...and this important matter certainly needs [costs] a huge amount of time and money..”

Back at Belquat’s castle, the royal family, with some other people, is eating dinner. The mood seems serious. Loki is standing behind Nakaba’s seat. Caesar notices that while Nakaba is cutting the meat, there are some meatballs [I think] which Nakaba left untouched on a small plate. Caesar asks if she hates eating them. To Nakaba’s surprise, he starts eating all of it. Caesar’s family is staring at them – Caesar eating happily while Nakaba is speechless and flustered. Looking away, Nakaba mutters that she likes them rather than hate them. [She’s saving the delicious ones for last] Caesar then takes one of his meatballs and tells her that he’ll give his to her. Nakaba seems hesitant to eat it even as Caesar is feeding Nakaba with it. Loki is looking at them. Then, Nakaba thanks him. Before she can eat it, Loki quickly slaps the fork away which surprises both Caesar and Nakaba. This angered Caesar that he shouts what Loki just did. Pointing his [steak] knife at Loki who is picking up the meatball from the floor, Caesar calls Loki a dog slave and shouts for him to face him. Loki eats a bit of the meatball then coughs out blood. This surprises the couple. Nakaba quickly goes to Loki. Loki looks at their direction and says that there’s poison in it. This shocks Cain and his fianc‚e, Louise. Nakaba is shaking upon seeing Loki’s drops of blood on the floor. She mentions this but Loki tells her that he is fine because he only tasted it to prove that there is poison in it because he felt that there is something wrong with its flavor. [The word said flavor but I think it should be smell because how would he know of its flavor prior to eating it. ^^;] Wiping the blood from his mouth, Loki tells flustered Nakaba, “But..while knowing that there is someone who attempted to harm Prince Caesar, please pay attention to your own safety..” That night, in her bedroom, Nakaba wonders who would suddenly put in that poison. Noticing Loki beside her, Nakaba asks if the color of her hair is like blood. Loki assures her that having him beside her [as an attendant], there is no need to worry. He made her lie down on bed and pulls up the blanket. He tells her that is enough, she should just rest. Nakaba says that she doesn’t want to sleep. With a smile, Loki says that if she doesn’t want to rest.. Nakaba apologizes and bids him goodnight. Nakaba wonders what’s up with her for suddenly saying those childish things but she really knows that her current self is very anxious.

Nakaba opens her eyes which looked clouded. She wonders what she is seeing. She sees Caesar in his night gown facing away from her. Then, there is a swing of a knife. There is blood on Caesar, a bloodied knife and blood on the floor. Seeing the blood, Nakaba sits up and shouts, “NNNOOOO!!” She then thinks that it is just a dream. She looks at her hands which are covered by blood. This shocks Nakaba. Caesar suddenly goes in her room and asks what happened. He is taken aback when scared Nakaba kept on shouting about blood. Shouting her name, Caesar hugs her tight and tells her to calm down for it is only her red hair. Nakaba calms down and wonders what is wrong with her. She then realizes that Caesar is hugging her. She pushes him away and quickly apologizes. Flustered, she tells him that she is alright and she is just half-asleep. Holding her head, Caesar asks, “Want to sleep together?” This embarrasses Nakaba and she says no. He gently pulls her head near him and says, “If there is anything wrong, just quickly call me. Good night.” He leaves the room. Nakaba seems stunned and thinks, “He has become..a nice person..[the person who was] here a while ago, that kind of contempt [when Caesar used to harshly pull her braided hair] is nowhere to be seen.” She looks at the full moon outsider her window and wonders who put in that poison, who wants to hurt Caesar. She hopes nothing bad will happen. Her eyes become cloudy again and she ‘sees’ her mother happily telling them to fully enjoy their playing. Nakaba is a bit puzzled because she is wide-awake yet she can see her mother clearly. She then sees her mother protecting her and Loki that she got killed. Nakaba thinks, “Don’t die!” then sees the moon out her window. Her eyes seem to have become cloudier that the pupil isn’t that distinct anymore. She calls out to Loki who comes out of the shadow and says, “Yes, Princess Nakaba.”

Nakaba exclaims if her mother is killed by some Belquat soldiers in that snowy mountain while trying to protect her. “I obviously don’t have those kinds of memories but somehow I knew. I saw it!” Nakaba thinks that it isn’t a dream because she really heard her mother shout, ‘no’ when she tried to save them. Loki tells her, “—it’s a kind of power. Past, future, passing through time and space, [one can] see the truth of things. It is ‘Time’s Aracana’.” Nakaba looks surprised as Loki continues to explain that since a long time ago, there is a legend about a clan, previously ruling the world, possessing that precious ability, time’s arcana. “Your mother...Princess Titania...has fallen in love and elope with her lover...so, one could say that your father is a descendant of that clan. Princess Nakaba, you have inherited that ability. Princess Titania is killed because someone fears that ability. So, you should absolutely do not let anyone know about this..” Nakaba says that it isn’t good. It seems that Nakaba has slightly fallen or going to leave when Loki holds her up and asks what the matter is. Flustered, Nakaba says that it is because in an instant, she saw Caesar being killed. Her eyes become cloudy again and she mutters that she’s seeing it again. Loki holds her and tells her that her power isn’t stable yet so it would be better if she just lie down and sleep. Nakaba ‘sees’ herself running in the hallway. Nakaba says no, she wants to continue on seeing it so that perhaps, she’ll know who put the poison. Nakaba ‘sees’ herself quickly running in the hallway. She wants to save Caesar. She opens the door and realizes that someone is in there. She wonders who is going to kill Caesar. She sees Caesar’s back, facing away from her and a knife which is probably aimed at Caesar. Nakaba shouts, “You—‘Stop’!”

Caesar is getting cuter and cuter every each passing chapter. I guess just like me, Nakaba can’t help herself but like Caesar. =P It’s really amusing that Caesar would be jealous of a kid. ^^;; It does seem like he is an outsider when those three seem like a family. We finally got an insight about Nakaba’s grandmother. Just like what Nakaba mentioned before about both royalty being the same, they do prioritize ‘appearance’ more than blood family relation. Just because Nakaba isn’t black haired, she isn’t part of the royal family ^^; I think that is just somewhat like an alibi so that Nakaba can be used in times like this – ceasefire marriage for peace. It is interesting though that it is Belquat who asked for the ceasefire. It does seem suspicious as if they are up to something but then, what could it be. From Lito’s reaction, I think something happened to his mother. I do consider him as one of the suspects who wanted to harm Caesar. Aside from him, maybe someone from Caesar’s family like his brother, Cain. This isn’t the first time that Nakaba saw Caesar’s life in danger. During the duel, she saw him being stabbed behind the back. I assumed that because Loki joined the duel, the future changed. I do think that Cain is insecure of Caesar especially since Caesar has black hair. If that’s not it, maybe someone is trying to frame Nakaba of trying to kill Caesar. I don’t think that it is Loki because it doesn’t seem Loki’s style to do that after all the ‘attempts’ he did, it is too obvious that he can easily kill Caesar if he wants to. I really like the part when they are eating in dinner. Those two are acting more like lovers/married couple and also the time when Caesar comforts her after that ‘nightmare’. I wonder if it is a coincidence but it seems aside from her mother’s death, she has been seeing a lot of ‘future’ centering on Caesar. It does seem that she is unconsciously falling in love with him. I wonder what Loki will do if that happens. Regarding Nakaba’s wondering where is all that contempt that Caesar had for her before, I wonder if Caesar was acting that way because he is forced to marry her – enemy and from some backward country. Since he is bored and has no purpose before, I guess because of Nakaba he found something to really ‘live’ for and of course, he found love which is sorely missing from his family. ^^ Regarding the power which can ‘rule’ the world, I’m a bit happy with that because I hope that this trio will help in building lasting peace in their country especially since they pretty much represent all three classes of people. I mentioned that before in the previous summaries. Lastly, I think the chibis are cute ^^ and Loki’s explanation of the ‘arcana power’ seems like a script he has been memorizing for the time he can say it to Nakaba..he pretty much said the same thing during his monologue in chapter 1 ^^; Scans by zhu520/fema for BW and tongyanen for iieye.

Quote of the day:
A danger foreseen is half avoided ~ Proverb

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, Beelzebub, Reborn, and PSYREN
Monday, August 3, 2009

It turns out that Hisagi is a bit na‹ve in Bleach [c. 368] because after thanking Tousen for everything he taught him, he hopes to bring Tousen back to Soul Society. Gin is just happily watching the monster that Wonderwice likes, defeated. Before Wonderwice can attack with a cero, he got kicked in the face by Mashiro. Hitsugaya suggested about leaving the fight to the girls so he can get a crack at Aizen but he ends up being reprimanded by Hiyori which ended in a word fight between the two. Lisa decides to leave the ‘kids’ and attack Haribel. Hacchi greets SoiFon who doesn’t acknowledge him. Thinking that he can ‘seal’ in Barragan, Hacchi puts Barragan in a barrier but it turns out that it is useless against Barragan. Hm..I guess Aizen has a lot of patience to watch everything unfold. I do wonder why he doesn’t just break those pillars himself and get it done with while everyone else is busy. Maybe he is just lazy. ^^; Hisagi is pretty na‹ve and I think he will be beaten up so Komamura would have to take over. I don’t think that Wonderwice is defeated yet. It seems that Mashiro can retain her mask longer than the others and it seems she doesn’t have any weapon except her ‘legs/feet’. I guess she does compliment Kensei who specializes in close hand combat. I guess Hitsugaya and Hiyori provide the humor for this chapter. Honestly, I don’t think that Hitsugaya is in no condition to fight because iirc, his bankai has a time limit. Lastly, I guess it won’t be such an easy fight against Barragan after all. I think it will be interesting how they defeat Barragan.

In Naruto [c. 458], the kage meeting didn’t went in a smooth start. Tsuchikage thinks that Gaara is a bit offensive in the way he talks especially since the way he acts/thinks is contrary to the old way of thinking. They talk about how hard it is to control a tailed beast and those who were successful are Madara, the first Hokage, the fourth Hokage named Yagura and Killer Bee. Since Raikage punches the table, probably because Killer Bee is mentioned, everyone goes on defense but the little squabble is broken off by Mifune. Hoping to clearly know everyone’s loyalties out in the open, Raikage says that he doesn’t trust the others because the Akatsuki members are part of the other’s missing nins and they are probably using the Akatsuki for their own purposes. Since Gaara is clueless about it, they told him that some ninjas become mercenaries to perfect their skills during times of peace. Raikage mentioned about the Konoha attack by Orochimaru who might still be a part of Akatsuki then. It seems that Raikage suspects that it is all Danzou’s doing. Raikage accuses the Mist as the birthplace of Akatsuki. Mizukage admits that the fourth Mizukage might have been manipulated by Akatsuki. Tsuchikage then accuses Raikage’s seek for power that forces the others to depend on Akatsuki. Danzou interrupts and tells them that he suspects that Madara is the head of Akatsuki. Mifune suggests that all five villages form an alliance until they finish off Akatsuki. To everyone’s shock, Mifune suggests that the Hokage be the one who head the alliance since the last tailed beast is in that village. At Konoha village, Sai tells Sakura about Naruto trying to ask Raikage to forgive Sasuke, that promise between Sakura and Naruto, Naruto likes Sakura and Naruto is carrying the promise like some cursed seal. He tells crying Sakura that it is Sasuke who is hurting Naruto but then, it seems that Sakura also part of the reason why Naruto is suffering. Hm..I wonder if Naruto will smack Sai for talking since he’ll notice that Sakura might act differently with him after that little ‘enlightenment’. I don’t think Sakura can just tell Naruto like hey, don’t mind that promise before. Maybe if this development, Naruto won’t be so ‘martyr’ in suffering for Sasuke’s sake. Regarding the alliance, I do wonder if the others will agree to it and that might cause more resentment and distrust. I guess it also depends on how that alliance will work. Will it be like just obey and no complaints to the head of the alliance? Will each village retain their autonomy? I guess Danzou already knew about Madara in Akatsuki but kept quiet about it and will use that information when he can benefit from it which this alliance just did. I think such an alliance would make the head into a ‘ruler of the world’ type. Haha, maybe Naruto can dream big and become the ‘head’ later on for his world peace. I wonder when Sasuke will make his move.

While in One Piece [c. 552], Ivankov is talking about the possibility of Dragon coming because his son Ace is captured. To Ivankov’s shock, Luffy tells him the secret – Ace is Roger’s son. Whitebeard then causes a tsunami. Then, there is a long flashback of Ace leaving Luffy to become a pirate by forming a group called Spade. He then quickly became famous that Sengoku wondered who he is. Whitebeard also noticed Ace’s quick ascension to notoriety and his rejection to become Shichibukai. Ace then met Shanks to thank him for what he did for Luffy. Then, Ace met with Jimbei who didn’t want him to see Whitebeard for Jimbei thought that Ace will try to take Whitebeard’s life. After 5 days of fighging, the two collapsed. Whitebeard appeared then Ace fought him but lost. Whitebeard invited him to be part of his crew and be his son but Ace refused. After regaining consciousness, Ace found himself on Whitebeard’s ship, along with his crew. He tried a hundred times to kill Whitebeard but it all ends in failure. Marco told Ace that they call Whitebeard ‘father’ because they are his sons = he took them in when the world hates them. He told Ace to finally decide if he is staying or starting anew. Soon, Ace got to command second division since Teach/Blackbeard isn’t interested in it. Later, Ace confessed to Whitebeard who his father is but Whitebeard doesn’t mind it. Then, Ace insisted on punishing Teach/Blackbeard for killing a crewmate even if everyone is against it. End flashback. Ace shouts why they are saving him when it is his entire fault why he ended up that way for not listening to their warnings. To his surprise, Whitebeard claims that he did let Ace go and they are going to teach anyone a lesson for hurting anyone of their crewmate. Then, there is a loud noise and shaking of the ground. Garp says that it is the tsunami that Whitebeard created since he ate the ‘earthquake’ devil fruit. Sengoku shouts not to take Whitebeard lightly for he has the power to destroy the world. Then, the war has begun with a huge wave encircling the whole place. Ah..if Whitebeard got every devil user wet, won’t that be over for them including him? I wonder if that wave can hasten Luffy’s arrival to that place. Wow, the power of Whitebeard is indeed something and the powerful ones’ power seems to be about elements and ‘nature’. I guess because Ace is taken care by Garp so his personality is like that but what will explain the appetite? ^^; So, Luffy already knew that they weren’t blood related. It is really amazing that he is doing all this for Ace. No wonder Ace kept on telling him to not save him. He probably felt that Luffy need not risk himself for him. Well, Luffy is just like that so I really like him ^^ Hehe, he is a bit like his grandfather, telling a shocking secret then later on, saying to not tell anyone about it. ^^; I guess Whitebeard is pretty much like the missing father figure/replacement for Ace. His crew does seem like family. Given the kind of upbringing he had, just like Luffy, Ace can be fiercely loyal and persistent. =P But then, from the flashback, I think Whitebeard and his crew aren’t that bad at all. Chopper’s cover story is about some natives wanting to eat him.

Furuichi’s family returned home after the vacation in Beelzebub [c. 23]. They find Furuichi with Alaindelon who wanted to stay at his house. Because of the way Alaindelon phrases his words, Furuichi’s family think that he’s gay. ^^; Meanwhile, Oga is complaining about the summer heat. Hilda pinpoints the reason for the heat as BL’s summer cold. Oga’s sister tries to cool BL off. Then, Furuichi visits Oga to get him to find Toujou quick so that Alaindelon would leave his house but his focus changes when Oga’s sister mention about getting an inflatable pool for BL and swimsuit for Hilda. Later, they failed in making BL cool since he just made the water really hot. In the beach, Toujou has beaten up a lot of people and his underling suggested that he fight Oga who had defeated the other 3 head of the delinquent school. On his shoulder is the mark of BL which is slightly larger. Hehe, I guess that first part is Furuichi’s ‘punishment’ for what he did last chapter =P Poor guy. I think it will be a running gag that he can’t get any girls even if his weakness is girls. =P I think it will be pretty amusing if Furuichi becomes Oga’s brother-in-law. After re-reading it, it seems similar to when Hilda managed to ‘live with’ Oga. I think unlike Oga, Toujou is the type who’ll fight just for the sake of fighting and he is more ‘evil’ than Oga so there might indeed be a higher chance for BL to latch himself on to Toujou. BL was interested when he passed by them before. I wonder if Toujou will come to Oga or they will go to Toujou since they might want to cool BL off in the beach. Oh..it seems that Oga forgot to blame the ‘cold’ on Furuichi for ‘drowning’ him and BL earlier on =P

While in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 252], Irie is still alive. After Hayato put Irie’s glasses on, Tsuna informs Irie the bad news that they lost. Irie becomes frantic that they should win and shouts to Byakuran that he can still fight. Disturbed that Irie wants to win even if he dies, Tsuna asks Irie the reason for Irie’s desire to win against Byakuran. They feel disconnected with Irie’s desire for this when they only want to go back to their own time. After everything that has happened, Irie tells them that 11 years ago, he is living quietly in Namimori when he got a gift from Lambo as thanks. They are the shells of 10 year bazooka. Flashback: Irie accidentally dropped one and got exchanged with his future self who is studying engineering in an American university. He was shock over the incident when he found where he is that he ran away and bumped into Byakuran who thought he is Irie’s brother. Irie just ran and later on, went back to the past. Byakuran is a normal person then. End flashback. Irie tells them that upon learning that he didn’t become a musician just like he wanted to, he decided to change the future which in turn created parallel worlds. Reborn and others arrive to treat Spanner and Irie. While Ryohei is healing him, Irie wanted to finish explaining first. Reborn explains the things regarding parallel worlds = many possible futures depending on a single life-changing event. Irie tells them that he burned his school books and wrote on the career guidance form that he wanted to become a musician in order to ensure of a parallel world where he is a musician. Then, he travel through time again but he ended up being in musician alright but in some rundown bar of a foreign country. Since he is in debt, he was chased by some gang. It is then Irie realized that he wasn’t meant to become a musician. He bumped into Byakuran who recognizes him from their meeting before in a different parallel world. Irie freaked out when Byakuran remembers his name and when they met before. Irie ran away then returned to the past. After deciding to go back to the university, Irie went to the future again but only to find the world in war and the dictator is Byakuran. He travelled again and again but no matter what Byakuran in all futures, the world is controlled by Byakuran. End flashback. Irie explained that Byakuran used the power which Irie awakened to control the future. Byakuran's ability is being synchronize with all his knowledge and thoughts in all of his parallel selves at a certain point in time. So, with that, he has more knowledge than anyone else and he used that to get advance technologies to ‘rule the world’ in all possible world parallels. That is very unexpected. Okay, how can they defeat that when Irie is already triggered it. Maybe they can go back in the past then try to defeat Byakuran again. That is if they can get away from this future. Well, Irie is indeed at fault for everything that has happened. Now, I can understand why he doesn’t care about himself as long as they can at least defeat Byakuran once to change the future that is controlled by Byakuran. I’m somewhat amazed that gift before actually has something to do with all of this. I don’t know if the author actually thought of it before or just invented all of this based on that incident before ^^; With Byakuran being powerful like that, I really do wonder how they are going to defeat him.

Then in PSYREN [c. 81] , remembering that he plans to beat the one who sent them to play this game, Yoshina mentions about wanting to talk to her for a long time. The woman [creator of Nemesis Q] just said something telepathically that Amamiya quickly tells Yoshina that they should quickly get some help for the woman else she’ll die. The water from the tube is removed as the life support is taken off her. Little Nemesis Q gives Yoshina a nightgown. Kyle and others prepare to go back and make Van heal the woman. Usui plans to escape but he was caught by Taiga. Taiga wants to kill him but Okugou tells him not to because Usui should finish what he started. He credits Usui for saving the people’s lives so he just threatens Usui to become a good leader while he watches Usui’s every move. After biding their new ‘friends’ goodbye, Yoshina and others return back to Root. At Root, it seems that Van is healing Oboro who supposedly revived from the dead. Upon hearing that the others are back, Van quickly goes to greet them and vent his anger for leaving him. Oboro’s body starts to ‘glow’ and ‘smoke’. Elmore seems to have forgiven the creator of Nemesis Q for killing her husband. After stroking Van’s ego, he finally decides to heal the woman. Van tells Yoshina and Amamiya that the woman will be okay after some time. Amamiya thinks that the woman still retains her consciousness so that her programs, Nemesis Q won’t disappear. Yoshina holds up the woman’s hand to look at her bracelet which has ‘NO-O7’ on it closely. To Yoshina’s irritation, the woman tells him to quit touching her. While calling him a virgin, she accuses him of lusting over her. Hehehe..is that what you would say to the one who saved you? I guess it was Amamiya who dressed her up. Because the creator of Nemesis Q is like that and is a woman, I guess Yoshina can’t beat her up. It seems her personality is a bit like Amamiya so I think Yoshina will be easily wrapped around her little finger. =P Hehe, Van’s pretty cute and easily manipulated, too. I wonder if we will see Usui and others again later on in the series. I’m a bit surprised that they recovered Oboro. We might have a little flashback about how they got him later on.

Quote of the day:
When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what happened. ~ John M. Richardson, Jr.

Skip Beat! [Chapter 144] Teaser
Sunday, August 2, 2009

日出东方圆 has shared the latest chapter in baidu. I’m lazy to summarize so I’ll just write my comment + slight summary of this chapter. It is only based on what I understand from the raws ^^; So, they might not be accurate. ^^;; Look at the scans first before reading: Congratulations Kyouko, you just successfully made Shou into a demon..before we knew that it is him when he somewhat looked like a demon in chapter 140 but now, the transformation is complete =P At first, I thought it is 風神 'fu-jin' because of his surname 不破 'fu-wa' but I guess the author meant that he is a guardian of 'Kyouko'. Would that mean the other Nio would be Ren? =P According to worldvisitguide, Nio are two wrath-filled and muscular guardians of the Buddha which are placed in both sides of the temple gates. According to Japanese tradition, they travelled with the historical Buddha to protect him. That’s the statue that Shou is imitating. From the way things are going, Ren will be following the path that Shou went down to. Hehehe I feel sorry for Shoko, what a big headache this is becoming to be. A manager has to make the talent happy so that he'll show a 'happy' face during shows/tapings. Don't worry Shoko, I'm sure Yashiro will be having the same worry as you. Unfortunately, Yashiro has a harder time dealing with Ren because the faces that Ren makes are really scary...darker than black and as the akuma king..no other demon can defeat him..he's no. 1 ^^ It seems that Shoko was the one who suggested the flowers..hehe, mentioning 'love' especially relating to Kyouko has become a taboo. Shou just becomes a 'demon' if that is mentioned. Jealous? Who me? I guess what Shoko told him has gotten through him. =P He is changing especially with an 'imaginary/different' kind of rival like Reino. He is starting to move...it's like a chain reaction, will Ren move next? Like next chapter, please.. The author is really trying the readers patience when we are also eager to know what's his birthday gift. It obviously now takes the backstage because right now, there are more important things to deal with. =P Hmm..will Ren show his gift to Shou to gloat? I don’t think he will stoop to that level.

Back to the other poor manager, Yashiro..I'm amused..he's so cute practicing his greeting with Ren but it all ends to fail because it seems that Ren is okay. I wonder what does dog gifts are for? Is it for Yashiro because he is like a dog, loyal guy always following Ren? He mentioned about something ‘last year’. Hehe, it seems that Ren is no longer hiding his dark side to Yashiro. I think Yashiro's heart just stopped there. =P And it doesn't end there..Kyouko is causing much damage and making Ren angrier. Yashiro has totally forgotten that she is just giving Ren a birthday gift...strange, it seems that she refuses for him to open the gift in front of her. Why? It will be too embarrassing? Ren's 'godly' smile might kill her? Then, the 'hit'...why does Yashiro have a valentine choco and he doesn’t? I don't think it is a coincidence that Ren turns away and putting the gift on the table. I'm sure he is seething in anger but try to keep it in control. Yashiro must be wanting her to stop and don't leave him alone with angry Ren..hehe but, Kyouko has vday chocolates to give away. This brings Ren into the next level of anger..sparkling, gentlemen smile. Uh oh, one more and then..yes, Shou came with a huge bouquet of flowers. [Edit: it costs 150,000 yen.] I guess it will be soon when Ren goes into real akuma king. Poor Ren, he is anticipating this day and yet, everything isn't turning out as he expected. Is it time for everyone in Dark Moon to see his akuma king side? Will he just hide away? I think if Reino made Shou misunderstand things with him (Reino) and Kyouko, Shou is going to make Ren misunderstand things with him (Shou) and Kyouko. If I were Ren, I would think that giving that 'hate' chocolate is a way for Shou and Kyouko to reconcile. But then, what will be Kyouko's reaction? What will Shou say? If he did that, doesn't it mean that she has 'defeated' him = regret dumping her and he wants her back? [Edit: Unless the flowers are like for congratulations for Dark Moon since iirc, it is the last taping] Will Shou tell Ren about the chocolates that Reino got? I think that will be a great blow to Ren who was content with the way things were and he thought that he is already special in Kyouko’s heart. If only he and Shou didn’t get chocolates, it would mean that they are in the same level of ‘hate’. The good thing that I can think which might happen here is for Kyouko to slip why Ren doesn’t have a chocolate..he’s ‘special’. I wonder if this arc will set things up to cause a rift between Ren and Kyouko for the next arc which is hopefully going to deal with Ren’s past. Hehe..well, if that happens, it would seem that the series is going to end soon though with the pacing of this series, it will be a very long time. Oh wait, maybe not because there is still about Kyouko’s mother ^^; Anyway, hoping for some fireworks and huge progress for the plot in the next chapter ^^ The author is really setting things up, can't wait for the climax ^^ Scans by 欣子-凡 for BW.

Word of the day:
A trial may be God's good gift in disguise. ~ Our Daily Bread

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 25]
Saturday, August 1, 2009

Fumino narrates that because of her, sensei is injured since the hollow block thrown is aimed at her. It is indirectly caused by some guys who hate her uncle. Tomo shows Fumino and bandaged Kazuma the threatening letter which was sent at the martial arts club/place. The letter which was signed by two bunnies, warned Tomo to bow down and prostrate to them as an apology if he is concerned about his niece. Tomo apologizes to Kazuma and Fumino. Kazuma says that he should be the one who should apologize since the students are giving him trouble. Kazuma asks what Tomo plans to do since the culprits just want an apology. Looking angry, both Fumino and Tomo shouts at Kazuma, “Eh?! Whoever said [we’ll] apologize, idiot!” Fumino decided not to forgive them because Kazuma got hurt. Tomo starts laughing about capturing the culprits before the next dinner. Speechless Kazuma just smiles. He thinks that this is the first time those two are similar and it seems that those who have the Kaji family bloodline are easily provoked. Then, he notices some leaves falling from the tree. He looks surprised then shouts at Tomo about something above. Kazuma and Fumino are surprised to see a girl in a sailor suit trying to tackle/flip over Tomo. It seems that Tomo is too heavy that the girl wasn’t able to do it so he is on top of her. Tomo calls the girl, “Tomoe..?” Tomoe then grabs the dirt/sand on the ground and throws it on Tomo’s eyes. “Ouch!” Tomoe exclaims that this is the chance to win against coach. “I’m going to make you fulfill your promise to marry me!” The couple and a few members of the judo club are shock as Tomoe tries to flip over Tomo. Unfortunately for Tomoe, Tomo is too heavy that he ends up falling down on her. [Squashed like a bug ^^;] Tomo shouts that Tomoe is so persistent. Someone is shouting that he just pressed down-injured a girl. Fumino wonders what this is all about. Tomo quickly carries Tomoe in a piggybank style to the practice hall/gym [I think]. They didn’t notice a delinquent watching them and is laughing about something.

Tomo apologizes to everyone about the disturbance earlier. Tomoe is already awake and eating because she’s hungry. I think Kazuma bought the food since he is holding a plastic bag. Tomo introduces everyone to Utsugi Tomoe, an athlete whom he coached while he is in France. Everyone is shocked by this [athlete when she’s small] but then, they think that Tomo is also small. Kazuma asks what Tomoe meant by marriage. Tomo says that it is just a joke when Tomoe is still young. [The scans are blurry but it seems that during a contest, Tomoe asks if she can marry Tomo so] Tomo tells her that if Tomoe can throw him [and pin him down on the floor = defeat] then he’ll marry her. Tomoe exclaims that she has always been very serious about it. She tries to jump and push him down but Tomo quickly evades so she crashes on the floor. Tomo says, “That’s how it is.” He tells them that maybe it is because he said ‘you can use any method you want’ so to his surprise, things gradually escalated to that level. There are some scenes of Tomo always ‘throwing’ herself at Tomoe. Tomo says that if this continues, she’ll definitely get hurt so he doesn’t want to assume the responsibility of being [or give up as] her coach. Tomoe shouts that she won’t bungle it up again. She exclaims that she won’t do any sneak attacks or throwing sand on his eyes again. Tomo shouts for her to please go back to France. The couple watch them fighting and think that it seems Tomoe isn’t going to give up just yet. Tomo pins down Tomoe and angrily shouts what she doesn’t understand and she should just forget about him. Tomoe shouts, “I don’t want to! I want to become a ‘real family’ with coach--” This surprises Fumino. Grabbing her arm, Tomo shouts, “Why don’t you wake up! For me, you are only an ‘important athlete’...that is all there is to it!” This surprises Tomoe. Tomo tells her that if she doesn’t have a place to stay yet then she can stay at his house. He also tells her to wait with Fumino until the club activity ends. The couple are just watching them and Fumino thinks, “True family..”

At the English faculty room, Fumino tells lifeless Tomoe that they will wait there together for Tomo. Thinking that Tomoe knows Japanese, Fumino introduces herself and tells her that she is Tomo’s niece. Very depressed, Tomoe apologizes for the disturbance earlier. Fumino slightly panics and there’s her it is okay. Just then, Kazuma calls out to her. She didn’t notice that Tomoe has opened the window and seems to be carrying her heavy backpack. [I think] Kazuma is going to see Teppei tonight at his school regarding the transfer of guardianship. Fumino apologizes for the trouble. Kazuma says that it is alright. He tells her that she can forget about her [Tomoe?] problem just now and Fumino should focus on her own problem [probably referring to the threat letter]. Fumino blushes then says that she wasn’t able to properly apologize to him about getting him involved in it that he got injured. Kazumi just smiles and says that it is nothing. He pulls her to him and whispers, “I really welcome this kind of involvement. Because my body exists [only] for you.” Kazuma breaks away and smiles while telling her that he is going to fix some things before going. Blushing, Fumino is holding her ear and thinks that she can’t say anything. Holding on the door to support herself, Fumino thinks that the impact is much greater because lately, they haven’t been talking to each other in such a close distance. She looks in the room to find Tomoe missing and the window is wide open. Tomoe is walking alone and a couple of delinquents think that they are lucky since Tomoe is all alone. Later on, Kazuma has changed clothes. Tomo calls out to him at the hallway. Kazuma asks if the club activity is finished. He says that it finished ahead of schedule. Just then, Kazuma’s phone is ringing. He says that it is Fumino. When he answers it, Fumino shouts that things are bad because she can’t find Tomoe. “I’m currently in the park near school— I don’t know if she went out alone or she went with someone!” The guys look surprised.

Outside school, Fumino’s friends are leaving when they encountered a sudden strong gush of wind. It is caused by Kazuma and Tomo running out in full speed. Tomo asks him why he is also running out as if his life depended on it. Kazuma asks what he is talking about for wasn’t that threatening letter, obviously directed at his niece. Tomo has totally forgotten about it. Kazuma tells him that he’ll protect Fumino in Tomo’s place so he can be at ease about it and Tomo can properly think about the thing regarding Tomoe. Blushing a bit, Tomo asks Kazuma if he isn’t embarrassed for liking someone who is a lot younger than him and it is someone whom he teaches [his student]. Kazuma smiles at him and says, “If you want to cherish someone, is it necessary to be concerned about one’s status?” Tomo shouts that he won’t be fooled by him. Tomo narrates that Tomoe’s relationship with her family is bad and compared to other people, she is extremely small so she doesn’t have any self-confidence. Tomo pulled her up and asked if she is Japanese. He told her not to mind her small stature and he’ll change her into a weapon. Then, there is a scene of Tomo teaching Tomo. End flashback. While running, Tomo thinks that Tomoe went alone to a foreign country and quickly absorbed everything that he taught her. “Her existence also gave me self-confidence and peace.” He admits to himself that Tomoe is important to him. [I think] he thinks that for Tomo to be free from the binding of ‘that marriage [promise]’, he left and he hoped that with him gone, she’ll forget all about him but she unexpectedly chased after him up to this place. At the park, on a bench, Tomoe is sitting alone until a couple of delinquents shout that they found her. At first, she thought that it is Tomo but it turns out to be the delinquents who were breathing hard because Tomo run so fast. [Hehe, they are really out of shape ^^;] They ask if she is that short wintermelon’s younger sister. Angry Fumino gives one of the delinquents a flying [two feet] kick on the face. The other delinquent shocked by it. Fumino angrily shouts if they are the idiots who threw that hollow block. Grabbing the delinquent whom she kicked, Fumino shouts “I recognize you guys! I’ll absolutely cannot forgive you! Unexpectedly hurting sensei..” The other delinquent grabs Tomoe and runs screaming his head off.

To Fumino’s surprise, someone grabs her hand up. Kazuma tells her that is enough. “I’m very honored that you are very angry because of me but if you dirty your hands, I won’t be happy.” Fumino blushes and apologizes. Fumino shouts about Tomoe. The delinquent who is holding Tomoe shouts for them not to come near and if they move one step closer then he’ll make the kid cry. The delinquent is suddenly hit by his conscience upon seeing Tomoe crying. This shocks the couple and the other delinquent. Fumino shouts that Tomoe is already crying. The delinquent quickly apologizes. Tomoe is surprised and tells him that it isn’t so, she is just moved [by her feelings]. To her surprise, Tomo jumps down on the delinquent and pushes him down on the ground. The delinquent has already passed out when Tomo angrily tells him not to touch Tomoe again else he’ll slaughter him. To everyone’s surprise, Tomoe cries even louder. Tomo apologizes and asks if he scared her. Tomoe exclaims that it isn’t so. “I like, is because I like coach. Even when I obviously know that I’ll be causing trouble to you, even when I decided to go home..but I still want to wait for coach. I’m so embarrassed that I have no face to look at you! But, I like you—” Tomo rumples her hair and shouts she’s an idiot. “How could you return back to France now. [since it’s late] You should just be good and stay at my house.” He lightly smiles at her. The couple just watches them. I think Kazuma is helping the poor harassed delinquents ^^; Narration: “No matter what others think, this is the decision I have chosen and for me, that is what’s true to me.” Fumino and everyone else went to pick up Teppei at school. Teppei who is carried by Ryuu goes into shock upon seeing bandaged Kazuma. Teppei goes to him and exclaims that Ma-kun is injured and asks if it hurts. Kazuma says that it’s alright and if Teppei recites, ‘Hurt, hurt go away’, it might heal faster. Teppei exclaims that he will. Blushing, Tomoe asks Tomo what’s the relationship between Fumino and that teacher. Tomo asks what it looks like. Looking at Kazuma who is carrying Teppei and smiling Fumino pointing to her cheek, probably about Kazuma’s wound, Tomoe replies, “It’s like a very harmonious ‘family’.” Tomo thinks that it is obviously like that yet why does it feel like he is making some mistake. Tomoe looks slightly surprised since Tomo seems flustered as he shouts that is enough and he doesn’t want to think again about complicated stuff. Tomo calls out, “Hey, sensei!” Kazuma asks what it is. Tomo declares, “Have a judo match with me!” [to determine who’s the winner.] All three asks, “Eh?” Narration: “Just like that, Ojiro Kazuma’s hellish kind of week starts.” At Satoshi’s house, to her shock, Fumino learns that Tomoe is already 18 years old.

Honestly, this chapter disappoints me. It is like a deja vu of Meg and Shoma wherein another girl, in this case, Tomoe comes out of nowhere and claims to ‘like’ the obstacle, Tomo. It seems like the author is trying to prolong the series. Will the two lead help the two get together later on? Of course, Kazuma needs to prove himself to Tomo. I guess that is what he wanted a match for or he is just stupid that he decides that a match is a way to deal with it rather than be bothered by his conscience. I don’t quite understand what a duel would accomplish. Does he just want to know how powerful Kazuma is in protecting Fumino? Isn’t it so obvious already that Kazuma is really serious with Fumino and ‘family’? He even got himself injured because of Fumino!! How could he even challenge an injured guy?! Oh well, at least we can see Kazuma fight again..hehe, maybe see his crazy side. Raw-delinquent style fighting vs judo will be something I would anticipate unless Kazuma has to do it the judo way. Do they really need to rush and help Tomoe? Isn’t she a judo athlete? Shouldn’t she be able to defend herself against some weak delinquents? I recall that Fumino with no fighting background can defend herself and even beat up guys so how can Tomoe not be able to do it? Isn’t Tomo a good coach? I would have wanted her to at least be able to beat up one of the guy and not cry like that. Okay, maybe she is just depressed since it wasn’t Tomo who went to save her. Lastly, Kazuma..that is one of the cheesiest lines I have heard as of late. It doesn’t sound romantic to me when he said that, it actually made me laugh. Kazuma, if you don’t take care of yourself, you might end up with more than just bandages. ^^;; Oh well, since Kazuma is superman, it is all okay. Jumped off a cliff -> okay. Getting hit by a car -> okay. Hit by a hollow block -> okay. Fumino, maybe you married to a superhero in disguise =P Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW.

Word of the day:
A strong family is one of life's most precious gifts. Let's do all we can to make ours a place where each member feels loved and respected. ~ Our Daily Bread

Koibana! Koiseyo Hanabi [Chapters 38-39]
Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Hanabi is surprised when Chikai bows down and says “I’m sorry” to Mii. Chikai stands up again and says, “--..because I can’t do it. You should continue on focusing on Oyama [Shinichi].” Mii mutters why everyone is like that as if they are making some sort of mistake. She angrily kicks the garbage and scatters the pieces of paper all around. Hanabi and friends are shock while the other boys are happily looking at Mii because of the ‘panty shot’. Mii angrily shouts what’s up with that. “Why is it like I’m rejected when I obviously haven’t even confessed?! I..” Shinichi quickly goes over and stands in front of Mii. He exclaims at Chikai about what he is doing with his Mii. Chikai wonders why Shinichi is thinking that he did something to Mii. To everyone’s shock, Mii pulls Shinichi to her and kisses him on the cheek. Holding deflated Shinichi, Mii tells everyone, “And that’s..how it is!” Mii looks both ways then looks down as she remembers Mei/Ami warning her that one day everyone would leave her. Mii says in a soft voice, “..So..Hanabi..afterwards, let’s get along with each other.” Everyone bends with hands on the ears to hear what Mii is saying. Hanabi is flustered. Before Mii leaves, Hanabi shouts, “Of course, we will!” Ami looks at Hanabi from behind. She smiles and says that girls should aim high. Hanabi thinks that she cannot accept things that she can’t understand but then, it is because she doesn’t understand so she can’t accept it. A guy calls out to everyone to clean things up. Hanabi panics when a guy tries to help her with something. She just nervous thanks him. She wonders if this is good. She remembers what Ami said earlier about not understanding some things but still knowing the truth of things. Hanabi thinks that even if she isn’t an expert with guys but she can accept everyone a bit. She laments that it is because she isn’t very fair and considerate. [Okay, based on this, I guess Hanabi is still a bit hesitant about Chikai even if everything is okay now because he is a guy. Maybe about all those cannot understand stuff is about she cannot really understand why she likes him when she is scared of guys which is also something she can’t really understand why. Yet, in reality, she does know what she feels and somewhat understand what it means - why she likes Chikai among all the other guys.]

Some teddy bear products fall down the floor while store boss is putting them in a bag in his car. Atsumi picks them up for him. He calls her cotton candy girl. [No idea why because Atsumi works in a crepe store ^^;] Atsumi comments that the boss bought a lot. The boss tells her that the handmade products by the students there are very good/well-made so every year, he goes there to patronize the products. Atsumi thanks him for patronizing the products. The boss just laughs. Atsumi then asks him if he is close with Sasa. The boss just looks at her. Just then, Ami arrives and asks if they know each other. This surprises Atsumi. While walking home, Masato tells Kareshi that Chidori came today. Kareshi asks if it is the one whom he works part-time with. Masato says that’s the one. Kareshi says that there are many female customers so she didn’t notice. She asks if Chidori went there along with his other co-workers. Masato says no, she came alone. While Masato is still talking about groceries, Kareshi looks at Masato and asks, “Alone?” Masato says that’s right which is surprising since it is a huge event and it seems that Chidori really likes it. Walking home with Mii, Shinichi is in a ‘flowery mood’. Mii says him that she wants to tell him something clearly and that is, right now, he has slightly gotten hold of the key but if he careless did something stupid, his victory will become defeat. Shinichi becomes gloomy about this but he blushes when Mii wishes him in doing his best. Shinichi happily calls out her name. [Then, I think there’s a blood splatter ^^;;] Chikai goes down the window and sees Hanabi waiting from him in their secret path. They walk together in silence. Hanabi is blushing a bit and probably wondering what to say. Chikai lightly knocks her on the head. Hanabi is teary-eyed then shouts at him that it hurts. She thinks, “There are some things that one will definitely cherish even before obtaining it.”

In cooking class, Atsumi happily exclaims about the delicious looking [chocolate] desserts and the enticing smell of cocoa that can melt one’s heart. “Welcome! Sweet Valentine’s Day!” A couple of girls call out to Atsumi to give them a taste test of their chocolate since Atsumi’s tongue is really great. Atsumi happily agrees to do so. Hanabi praises Kareshi’s cake. Kareshi says it’s just the same type of cake as the others and she is just practicing. She iced her cake with lots of hearts and a chibi face of Masato. Hanabi happily exclaims that if she gives that to Masato, he will definitely be surprised. Kareshi asks if she is trying too hard. Hanabi says that it’s really good and beautiful. Kareshi blushes a bit yet she seems a little nervous. The teacher asks Mii if that is.. Mii says that she melted the chocolates and made it into one piece. It is a chocolate bar with an icing drawing of a pair of glasses. Hanabi blushes a bit upon seeing it. Mii says that she is going to give that to Shinichi so what about hers. Hanabi just smiles. At the forest path, Chikai, who seems to be waiting for her, asks if Hanabi is going to give him chocolates. Hanabi feels tense and thinks, “Here it comes. Yes, yes, I want to give them to you!” [Hehe, the author probably made her daughter draw Hanabi again =P ] Chikai says that it is going to be Valentine’s Day soon and today, the sweet smell has drifted at their side [of the building]. Hanabi tells him that it is just a school assignment and she’ll give him the real one on the day itself. Chikai tells her that he’ll accept it if it can be eaten and she should feel grateful. Hanabi blushes and sweatdrops as she gives him a bag of Cleo-shaped and designed chocolates. Hanabi waits for his reaction. Chikai’s eyes widen. He shouts, “Can this be eaten? This kind of things! Idiot!” This shocks Hanabi that she asks, wha-what. She is surprised to see Chikai blushing while looking away. He asks, “Can this be eaten?” This made Hanabi smile. Just then, her cellphone rings. She says that it is her older sister. She excuses herself and answers the phone. Hanabi becomes tense so after hanging up the phone, Chikai asks what the matter is. Hanabi tells him that Nanpa is missing. She begins to wonder where he could be since this has never happened before. Chikai grabs her wrist and tells her if it’s doggie then they should quickly go.

While running around town to look for Nanpa, there are only two things in Hanabi’s mind – Nanpa who is missing and Chikai who is holding her. Then, they find dirty Nanpa running around by the river bank. Hanabi angrily shouts, “Nanpa! What are you doing?! Quickly come here!” Hanabi runs to get to him but Nanpa also runs. When Hanabi stops, Nanpa stops. Hanabi runs again and Nanpa runs again. Hanabi is too tired and angry that she can’t chase after Nanpa. Holding up a piece of Cleo chocolate, Chikai shouts, “Nanpa! Look, dog biscuit!” This surprises Hanabi. Chikai pretends to eat the chocolate while shouting, “‘Ah’ ‘Delicious’ ‘Ah, yum yum’” Nanpa thinks that it is some sort of catch ball game. He runs back so the two tries to catch him. Hanabi hugs Nanpa and says that she finally caught him. She opens her eyes and finds herself on the ground. She realizes that they are on top of Chikai. Hanabi freaks out. Breathing hard, Chikai says, “Very..agile..” Blushing, Hanabi looks away and apologizes. She gets off Chikai. Nanpa just look at the two. Walking home together with Hanabi, Chikai is carrying Nanpa. Hanabi asks if Nanpa is heavy. Chikai replies that he’s unexpectedly heavy. Hanabi blushes as she looks at both Chikai and Nanpa. To Hanabi’s anger, Nanpa pukes water on her. ^^;; At Hanabi’s house, holding on to Nanpa, Minato [Hanabi’s older sister] exclaims where did Nanpa go. “I was looking all over the place for you, you idiot, Nanpa! But, I’m sorry for not realizing that the collar is loose.” Looking a bit concerned, Hanabi’s mother asks Chikai if he also helped look for Nanpa. Chikai says that it is just a winter exercise since he perspired a bit. Her mother exclaims that he is such a nice kid. “Thanks for being so enthusiastic [in searching]!” Hanabi is a bit embarrassed that her mother is in such a high mood. Her mother exclaims that they have become very dirty. Chikai tells her that he is fine. Her mother exclaims, “What are you saying! Quickly take it off!” To Hanabi’s horror, her mother starts to take Chikai’s coat off him. Hanabi shouts for her mother to stop. Her mother exclaims to Chikai that it will be her disgrace as a woman if she lets him go back home wearing such dirty clothes when they are the reason for it. Chikai tries to say that even if she say that.. Minato tells her mother that it’s quite rude to be always standing in the courtyard. Their mother exclaims that is right. She then quickly invites Chikai inside. This totally shocks Hanabi. Nanpa thinks he is lucky because he doesn’t have to take a bath.

Inside, Hanabi’s mother is taking pictures of Chikai in different outfits – Western suit, golf clothes, summer yukata and formal wear [black suit]. Hanabi’s mother blushes and says that Chikai looks great in all of them. Chikai is posing in accordance to the clothes he is wearing. Minato is taking a video of it. Hanabi shouts for them to quit playing dress up with her father’s clothes that they even brought out his summer clothes. She exclaims that they are extremely rude. Later on, while ironing a shirt, Hanabi’s mother apologizes for doing those things on her own. She explains that it is because they don’t have any boys in the family and even if there was, ‘he’ won’t be as good-looking as Chikai. Hanabi exclaims why she is smiling when she is talking of such depressing things [I guess her mother really wanted a son]. Her mother says, “The most important thing is that Hanabi unexpectedly brought home a guy.” Blushing a bit, Hanabi tells her not to exaggerate. Hanabi thinks that perhaps what is harder to endure is that a guy is wearing her father’s clothes and being addressed by her family. [I think she meant that she will have more hope about Chikai since it seems that he is now part of the family.] Minato arrives back and says that according to the laundry shop, it will be done tomorrow evening. Drinking a hot beverage, Chikai thanks her. He asks if they should wash Nanpa. Hanabi tells him that they’ll do that later on. Chikai asks won’t the mud be hard to remove if it dried. To Hanabi’s aghast, with Minato’s approval, Hanabi’s mother suggest that both Chikai and Hanabi wash Nanpa. Hanabi thinks, “There’s a guy beside me.” In the bathroom, Hanabi wets Nanpa’s fur. She explains to Chikai that she made the water pressure from the shower head very small to wet Nanpa’s body so that he won’t hate it so much. Nanpa thinks that there is no escaping taking a bath. Chikai says that it seems that Nanpa hates the sound of the shower though it isn’t from experience. Hanabi asks why. Chikai says that it is because Cleo likes to take a bath and occasionally, they take a bath together. Hanabi blushes and exclaims, “Bath together?!” It seems that Cleo is in a dish while Chikai is in the bathtub. Hanabi exclaims that must have felt nice. Chikai says, kind of. Hanabi happily says, “It surely is.” She thinks, “I have Chikai beside me..”

After washing, Nanpa shakes off the water. Hanabi exclaims since the water splashes on them. Chikai comments that the absorption of water is also totally different from Cleo. [Bigger dog = more water] While Hanabi is apologizes since they are all wet, wet Chikai looks at her so she wasn’t able to finish what she is saying because she is blushing really red. Probably because Hanabi shouted a while ago, her father comes in and asks what happened. Pause. Behind Hanabi’s father is his family and they are looking at Hanabi + Chikai + Nanpa. Back at the living room, Hanabi’s father and sisters are drying up Nanpa. Hanabi’s mother gives Hanabi and Chikai another glass of drink. Hanabi’s mother explains that it is because Hanabi is the second daughter. Her father has a resistance to this kind of thing even if it isn’t stubborn resistant type but still, his feelings are more or less complicated. “Especially towards his daughter’s boyfriend ♥” Pause. After explaining, Hanabi’s mother exclaims out loud, “Wha! What! It’s not so?!” She says that it is because before, Hanabi is thoroughly enthusiastic while making the bento boxes and is thoroughly enthusiastic in dressing up before going out. Hanabi shouts for her to stop saying those things because it is very embarrassing. Her mother continues, “Isn’t today the same?! I thought that it is really like that! What is the meaning of this?” Chikai says that he did thought that perhaps she was thinking like that so from the start, she has been doing all those things. Embarrassed, Hanabi shouts for her mother not to quickly jump into conclusion. “It’s totally not that!” Hanabi thinks, “Enough! But, I also wish it is true.” Her sisters lost their enthusiasm about all this. Her father seems very happy about it that he is whistling a tune. Misato says that for Hanabi to unexpectedly be with a guy is already a miracle in itself. Anzu, her younger sister, says that she thought that this will never happen in Hanabi’s lifetime. Hanabi’s mother tells Chikai, “This really puzzles me. That’s right, if you are able to this type of things then it also means that you don’t hate Hanabi, right?” Hanabi’s father and Nanpa look at Hanabi’s mother who bows to Chikai and exclaims, “So! Please be Hanabi’s boyfriend!” Chikai just looks at Hanabi’s mother while Hanabi is stunned.

Hehe, with this development, the author obviously isn’t going to make us wait a long time for Chikai to recover from his break up with Yukine before he goes steady with Hanabi. It does seem like Chikai is going to be ‘given’ to Hanabi in a silver platter. =P Everything is about opportunity and Hanabi is so far grabbing everything to get close to Chikai and win his heart. Hehe, Chikai is actually easy to please. Just give him something delicious to eat and dog-related things, he’ll probably agree to anything =P Well, obviously, one thing let to another and then, finally, the time has come. ^^ I wonder if Chikai is feeling as if he is in a ‘shotgun marriage’. It seems to be a situation wherein Chikai can’t refuse or have no reason to refuse. I think it is quite nice that Chikai went along with what Hanabi’s mother is doing. Is that part of his being a ‘playboy’? I think he is doing it to make Hanabi’s mother happy. I’m guessing that is the part of the reason why he is apologizing to Mii. He will treat her nicely but he ‘rejects’ her so that she won’t have any ideas that he is interested in her. I think part of the reason is also Shinichi. This event of course gives Shinichi a great opportunity to win Mii’s heart as long as he doesn’t do anything stupid = troublesome. I wonder what Atsumi learned about the boss. I’m guessing that the boss is probably Ami’s husband/boyfriend. If that is so, then, it will give her a chance with Sasa. If that is so, I think they are an interesting pair since Ami deals with the ‘hearts’ of girls and he sells stuff aimed at girls. Both are also connected with the school. ^^ Lastly, Kareshi learns about her rival. It seems that Masato is oblivious about it. I think it is making Kareshi uneasy especially since she is currently prioritizing her family over him. Hehe, and we have 4 love stories in one series. ^^ Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW.

Quote of the day:
Be grateful for the doors of opportunity – and for the people who oil the hinges ~ Author Unknown

Ouran High Host Club [Chapter 73] Teaser
Monday, July 27, 2009

BW’s 豆芽豆芽 has also scanned this series ^^ Yay, it’s so good that I really want to read the scanlations asap to know all the things that they are talking about. The chapter starts with Kyouya still sleeping at 8am. It’s the first day of spring break = ‘spring’ = great timing for romance. ^^ Tamaki is calling him but of course, no one answer. Tamaki laments about his friend who is still sleeping when he desperately needs to talk to him. He thinks about what happened yesterday then remembers the accidental kiss. He goes to a panic and is talking about some legend/story about accidental kiss on the corner with a girl, then falling for the guy, then marriage?! Lol, I love the way you think Tamaki. Blushing, he goes to his laptop and talk nonstop to Antoinette then he calms down and goes back to bed. He then probably wonders what Haruhi is doing –eating breakfast- and she’ll probably forget it all. He is interrupted by Shima who came in to talk with him about something. At 8:30am, Haruhi is busy reading some shoujo about accidental kiss in bed. Lol, they think the same way -> stories as guide to real life ^^; Her father calls her to eat breakfast. I think he said something about the graduation ceremony that made Haruhi surprised/flustered so she spits out her miso soup. I think Haruhi asks her father about his first kiss with her mother. I think her father probably asks if something similar had happened that it made Haruhi so embarrassed that she quickly runs off. Finally, Kyouya wakes up and sees the multiple missed calls of Tamaki since 730am. He wonders why Tamaki would call him 22 times. Kyouya is surprised to find Kaoru reading a book on his bed, probably waiting for Kyouya to wake up. There is a lot of talk between them while Kyouya dresses up and eats breakfast. From the kanji that I can read, it is about investigation, Haruhi, Kousaka and probably Tamaki’s father and grandmother.

The next part is Kousaka talking with her male secretary. It seems to be about her food = mayo and fish stick that looks like a hotdog. Then, talk about Tamaki’s grandmother then it overlaps with Kyouya and Kaoru’s talk. Whatever it was, I think it is very important. I’m slightly amused about Kaoru mentioned Tamaki and Haruhi’s father being compared, I think. They both have happy faces and I guess they aren’t really any hindrance or they are oblivious about what’s happening. ^^; It’s 3pm. Tamaki visits Haruhi in her house. While Tamaki is still saying about the suddenness of his visit, Haruhi slams the door on him because she is so embarrassed/can’t face him. This panics Tamaki and it seems that he is about to cry. Tamaki tells her something that made her open the door but she bumps his head with the door in the process. ^^;; Hehe, Haruhi ends up apologizing to him. It seems that Tamaki told her the good news which I think is about going to the main residence. Haruhi tries to invite him in but Tamaki declines because the car is waiting for him. He pats her head and probably saying about meeting the next school year, etc. After Tamaki left, it seems that Haruhi’s father saw everything and he looks quite dark. Then, it’s 330pm. Hikaru has went to Mori’s place to talk with Honey and Mori. I think he is furious that Kaoru is talking with Kyoya about something without him. Mori says that maybe it is about Tamaki. Then they talk about some stuff probably about Kyouya’s suspicion regarding Kousaka. Honey and Kyouya talking about Tamaki overlap with each other. I guess they are hopeful about the new school year and hope there are no obstacles. Kyouya bid goodbye to Kaoru. After Kaoru left, Kyouya checks cellphone and listens to a voice message from Tamaki who tells him the good news of probably going to the main residence. Kyouya seems tense about the news. Tamaki’s father learns about it and he seems pleased about it. Wearing a business suit, Tamaki bids goodbye to his servants from the second residence. Before Tamaki goes in the car, the driver asks for Tamaki’s cellphone and it must be some order from his grandmother. Tamaki gives it to him. Finally, at 5:15pm in the main residence, Tamaki’s grandmother is informed that Tamaki is coming. She gives some orders. I think that Tamaki’s movements are all going to be watched and reported to her from now on. Tamaki’s father seems to say that it is all according to plan. Kyouya is getting really nervous because he can’t contact Tamaki on the phone which is kept in the car’s glove compartment. Looking eager, Tamaki rides the car into the gates of the main residence.

I like this chapter - lots of hilarious stuff and foreboding which also progress the plot a bit. Hehe, Tamaki and Haruhi are so funny because they are basing what happened on what they read/hear about -> shoujo manga. =P They really had no idea how to handle it. ^^; It seems that Kyouya is the only one whom Tamaki can talk about it. Hehe..too bad that he is sound asleep. Then, Haruhi just made her father more suspicious when she tried to ask about it to him. I guess it is somewhat confirmed when Tamaki visited. Their reactions pretty much say it all that they like each other. I really hope that won’t be their last meeting. I had a feeling that it seems that they are going to ‘lock up’ Tamaki. It’s too bad that Kyouya can’t contact him to probably warn him or something. I’m pretty tense yet eagerly anticipate what’s going to happen in the next chapter. There is also a sense of countdown with all the mention of the time. Indeed, something life changing is going to happen soon. Lastly, I like their Lala cover pic ^^

Word of the day:
Whatever season we’re in, it’s always the season to trust in God. ~ David C. McCasland

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, Beelzebub, Reborn, and PSYREN
Monday, July 27, 2009

Before he can cut down Aizen in Bleach [c. 367], Shinji has to quickly evade Tousen’s attack. Tousen tries to attack him again but Komamura blocks it. Komamura declares that he is going to help Shinji on the basis that he is an ally because they defeat those gillians. With that in mind, the other vizards are going to team up with the shinigami temporarily because they have the same enemies. Harribel tries to attack Hitsugaya but Lisa and Hiyori stop her. Hacchi is going to help Soifon with Barragan. Kensei and Mashiro are against Wonderweiss and that huge monster. Mashiro kicks the monster until it bleeds. Rose and Love will fight against Starrk. Love explained that their mask lasts only three minutes so they are removing it. Komamura tells Tousen that he never thought that they will cross swords while Tousen already knew that this will happen. Hisagi wants to be in the fight against Tousen, too. Match up seems quite convenient. I mean like ‘girls’ + kid vs woman so it is more or less even fight. Also, Hacchi can easily defeat Barragan since he doesn’t have to go near him. He can enclose whatever gets thrown to him with a barrier. Ah, what about Shinji? Also, against Tousen? I somewhat have a feeling that Tousen might not survive this arc. I hope it’s not another scene of main villain leaving/abandoning loyal underling because he/she is useless.

In Naruto [c. 457], with the help of Juugo, Sasuke and group are going to find the easy way in. Then, with the help of Zetsu, they can identify who Danzou is. On his way to the meeting, Danzou gets a standard report from Sai about Naruto. Raikage’s group manages to meet with Samui’s group. They realize that they were followed so Naruto and others show themselves. Complete with prostrate and bow down, Naruto begs Raikage to forgive Sasuke. Kakashi and Yamato put in a few words about it but Raikage didn’t grant his request. Inside the building, Sasuke learns who Danzo is among the kages. Later on, Raikage arrives at the meeting where all the kages meet. Mifune is presiding over them. Back at Konoha village, Sai can’t sit still as he remembers about talking with Naruto and his crush on Sakura but he can’t confess because he can’t even keep a promise. Sai then goes to Sakura to tell her something. I wonder if he is going to tell her about Naruto leaving or what he is doing for Sasuke to fulfill his promise to Sakura which iirc, is bring Sasuke back in one piece. But then, the context of what he was thinking can also be interpreted that he is going to tell Sakura that Naruto likes her. In my opinion, I think Sakura should know Naruto’s feelings for her. I am a bit amused that Sai easily realized that Naruto likes Sakura based on books. ^^; I feel sorry for Naruto because of what he is doing for Sasuke. Hm..I do hope that he is doing it for Sasuke as a friend rather than just doing it for his promise to Sakura..well, maybe it is a case of two birds with one stone. I somewhat agree with Raikage’s reasoning. It made me imagine the family of a criminal saying that ‘he/she’ was a nice kid, etc even if the evidence is obvious that person did the crime but then, I don’t recall Sasuke killing an innocent/someone from the good side yet for him to be a real criminal unless betrayal and attempted capture which would lead to ‘death’ of Killer Bee is a grave crime. Now, will Naruto keep on asking Raikage about it or will he go home empty-handed? Now, if Sasuke try to kill off the kage-s, I guess Raikage can rest his case.

Then in One Piece [c. 551], everyone are shock upon learning that Ace’s father is Roger. Garp remembers the time when Roger asked him to care for his unborn child, he found Ace whose name was given by Roger if the child is a boy and introduced Luffy to Ace and Ace insisting that his father is Whitebeard in Impel Down. Sengoku says that Ace changed his surname only two years ago and becoming notorious at such a short time so they realized who he is. Sengoku claims that Whitebeard realized it, too so he took Ace in for him to become the next Pirate King. Ace protests that he was trying to make Whitebeard the next Pirate King but Sengoku says that only Ace thinks that way. He tells Ace that they weren’t able to get to him because Whitebeard is always protecting him so the execution will take place in order to stop Ace’s ascend in leading the new age of piracy even if they will have to fight against Whitebeard. Suddenly, there is a report that the gates of justice is opening on its own. Luffy and others are surprised by it. Buggy thinks it’s a sign that he will become pirate king and pretends to be the one who made the miracle happen. Whitebeard’s allies have arrived to rescue Ace. Shichibukai are ready for them. Then, the three admirals notice something. From under the water, Whitebeard’s ships came out. It turns out that it has been coated in order to move under the water undetected. Whitebeard greets Sengoku then calls for Ace to wait for him. Ace calls out to him. Hm..I guess while they are all fighting about, Luffy can rescue Ace. Since everyone else is insanely powerful and Luffy exhausted/injured from last time, I think that’s the only thing he can do. Hehe, I do seem to be underestimating him though. ^^; Contrary to what Buggy claims, I think the gates opened because of Luffy’s luck and great timing. I do wonder about what Sengoku mentioned that Ace being groomed to be pirate king. Does this mean that it will be Luffy vs Ace later on for pirate king? I actually couldn’t imagine it and I highly doubt it will happen. I think Garp’s pretty nice to do that for an enemy. It does seem that Luffy ‘inherited’ those traits from Garp. Lastly, cover page, Usopp overstuffed himself so he became fat. Just like Sanji’s story, I don’t quite get the purpose of it. ^^;

While in Beelzebub [c. 22], Takashima’s underlings gang up on Furuichi after he threw some soda on Takashima. Takashima accuses of Furuichi trying to show off in front of women. There is a flashback of beaten up Furuichi made to bow down to him while a girl is looking on. It seems that Takashima also has a habit of making Furuichi lose face in front of girls. Furuichi tickles Takashima and gives him a headbutt. This surprises everyone because they thought Furuichi is weak especially without Oga around. While mentally thinking that the headbutt hurts, Furuichi confirms to them that he is weak so he is going to escape. He runs off and jumps into the crowded pool. Nene muses that Furuichi isn’t a man at all. Takashima tricked the lifeguard to make everyone get out of the pool because a friend is drowning. With everyone gone, Furuichi finds himself surrounded by Takashima’s goons in the pool. Luckily, Oga is still there but then, he is still in shock over not going to the resort. So, Furuichi uses his last card, Baby BL. He pulls Oga down with BL into the water. Just as Furuichi expected, BL cried and electrocuted everyone. Furuichi’s laughter ends when angry Oga wants a word with him. =P I guess that was like Furuichi’s revenge on Oga for bringing him back. When Furuichi mentioned about his last cowardly resort, I can already guess what he is going to do but I was wondering if the swimming tube will explode or melt because of the electricity in the water. Well, I guess Furuichi isn’t worried about Oga since he survives the electric shock. =P This chapter shows that Furuichi is more intelligent and why should one suffer physical harm if one can escape and use other means to defeat the enemy especially since he has a low tolerance of pain in comparison with Oga. Unfortunately for him, in this series, it seems that girls go for ‘manly’ (fighting even if the odds are against him) ones like Oga =P

In Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 251], Irie tells Tsuna to go finish the enemy rather than be concerned about him but Tsuna insists on going to him and leaving the target to Takeshi. Kikyou thinks that Tsuna will not make it. He quickly finishes off Irie by shooting him with something. Just then, Takeshi is able to destroy the barrier and hit Daisy. Tsuna arrives to see Irie bleeding. He tries to attack Kikyou who tells him that it is over so there is no need to fight him. Tsuna wants to go to Irie but the Cervello stops him to confirm if the flame is indeed out. At first, it seems to be a draw until Daisy revives because he is an ‘undead’. Well, Takeshi doesn’t plan on killing Daisy, either. Cervello declares Millefiore family the winner. Tsuna couldn’t care about that now because he is more concerned about Irie. That is fast and surprising. I wonder if Irie is really dead though even if he is dead in that era, they can still hope that they can change the future so he won’t end up that way. I do wonder how they are going to get back home without Irie unless he left some sort of video. ^^; Actually, can they go back home since they lost that important battle? I wonder if there might be some blaming scene later on between the Vongola as to why that happened. I think Hayato might get the blunt of it because in the team, he is the one who ‘failed’ in his duty. Actually, I wonder if Byakuran is just playing with them. I mean, really, in that roulette Daisy was chosen and it turns out he is some sort of immortal. It seems unfair. Well, what can be fair if all the rules and decisions are made by the enemy? ^^; So the purpose of the game is getting rid of both Genkishi and Irie then getting all the rings? Since there seems to be no second chance/game, does this mean they will hand over everything to Millefiore?

Lastly, in PSYREN [c. 80], Taiga and Okugou are captured. Yoshina tells them that Usui is using them. It turns out that Okugou already knows about it. Frederica senses that something made Marie really angry. From below, Marie used everything to pin Usui within a ball she created. It turns out that Usui attempted to delete all of Amamiya’s memories even as Marie pleads him to stop. This made Marie furious so she gathered everything there and squashed Usui. Marie says that Amamiya and the creator of Nemesis Q are down below. Yoshina goes down and informs Marie that Amamiya’s okay. Marie apologizes to Usui for being rough on him. Kyle decided to free Taiga and Okugou. Okugou realizes that if Yoshina and others were serious, they wouldn’t have survived. Yoshina and Amamiya go to where the creator of Nemesis Q is. Yoshina approaches the woman inside the tube and to Amamiya’s surprise, the woman smiles upon seeing Yoshina. I think I read too much shoujo because I was thinking, is that love at first sight? ^^;; Do they know each other before? Yup, it seems that these ‘bad’ guys in this part will become friends. Maybe they can help each other to defeat WISE. Hehe, it does seem that Marie is the type one shouldn’t mess with or else.

Quote of the day:
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent ~ Marilyn vos Savant

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! [Chapter 40] Teaser
Saturday, July 25, 2009

BW’s 豆芽豆芽 has bought Lala and shared this series ^^ Unfortunately, not much lovey-dovey in this chapter. The colored spread is Misaki ‘playing’ with a water hose. She’s all wet and so is Usui who looks sexy <- fan service =P Three idiots hurry to the caf‚ with their gifts. They are all wearing cat ears in the caf‚ as Misaki’s fans give her gifts. The three idiots’ gift is a figurine but the head fell off. At the backstage, Aoi is screaming his head off at cat-ears Usui <-fan service? After the caf‚ closed, everyone decide to continue the celebration at a karaoke bar. Misaki is aghast that it is that Yumesaki school band that is playing on the television. [I don’t know the name of their group ^^;] Erika starts by singing a song from that band called Scent Rose, I think. Aoi has dressed up as a girl and started to sing. Misaki said something to Usui about him and flowers that made him really embarrassed. The two are flustered which irks Aoi that he suddenly slams his gift on Misaki’s face. While Satsuki and Aoi are fighting, Misaki opens the gift and it is a Lolita-type gown – lots of lace and frilly stuff. Misaki was forced to wear it. Later on, she is singing some magical witch anime girl song which I think she learned from their witch cosplay before at the caf‚. Embarrassed, Misaki shouts that Usui is now going to sing. To their shock, Usui is singing nursery rhymes. ^^;; Misaki seems embarrassed by it or doesn’t want to be traumatized or his singing makes her laugh so she is covering her ears but Usui just kept singing to her. =P

Then, Honoka notices that Aoi is in a bad mood. She takes off his wig then they had a talk while Aoi tries to take it back. I think Honoka is trying to make Aoi realize if he’s a boy or a girl and about love, also about he’s cute. Then, Aoi says something long about his father or someone’s father. Honoka comforts him. Later on, Erika decides that they do a recording cd with 3 songs. The first song is Erika singing a duet of the Yumesaki school band song entitled Innocent Rose. There are some English words in the lyrics. Misaki kept on getting embarrassed by it that Usui decides to tease her and sing it to her again. She covers her ears and shouts out loud some things so that she won’t hear him sing. Until the end of the song, the others just watch as the two are ‘playing around’. The next song is a duet of Honoka and Aoi while the others play music accompaniment. The last song is the magical girl song sung by everyone with Usui playing music accompaniment. After that, they give Misaki the cd with some dedications written on the cd case. Then, there are some more gifts from her co-workers. Misaki is touched by this. Last part, Usui carries the bag of gifts and walk Misaki home. Misaki seems embarrassed and I’m guessing because they didn’t get to have time together. Usui said something important about her birthday to Misaki that made her blush. From amyangel19910323’s comment in BW, it seems that Usui’s birthday gift for Misaki is a one whole day date with him tomorrow ^^

Yes, you’ll have to wait another month to know what Usui plans for her date birthday gift. I know nothing what he is planning because I think he will just call her up tomorrow about the time and place where they will meet. From the way Aoi is acting, it does seem that he is interested in Misaki and he’s just jealous so he is acting that way. I think it’s nice that Usui seems quite patient and everything. Most boyfriends, I think, would want to be alone with his girl on her birthday but he just decided to be with her while she enjoys the day with everyone else. Hehe..of course, the next day, she’ll be all his =P Ah..another whole month wait for lovey-dovey and probably progress in their relationship. I do wonder if it will indeed happen, the date or something will come up. I hope not because I’m sure Misaki will be eagerly anticipating it just like we all are. ^^ As usual, just wait for the scanlations for the details.

Word of the day:
Reflect often and deeply on the riches you have in Christ. If you feel joyful, you will want to praise the Lord. ~ Author Unknown

Akuma to Love Song [Chapter 50]
Saturday, July 25, 2009

[This is the start of a new arc with a new character who I think has a major role in this series based on his name and being in front of the cover page of each chapter from this chapter up to chapter 53. His name is Kurosu Shintaro. Kurosu can mean ‘cross' though different kanji from VK’s Yuuki and the symbol cross in his whole name is in his name ‘SHIN-ta-ro’ just like Shin’s. It’s like a double cross in his whole name. If you are a Maria x Shin fan, this arc can be quite frustrating that you’ll want to hit Shin with something. Shintaro is no Yuusuke who is pushed in the sidelines as if he is no longer a love rival for Maria. ^^; Shintaro is pretty much the opposite of Shin from the hair color to how he courts a girl. I actually started to wonder, as to, what are the odds that Shintaro is actually the lead guy. ^^; It is either that or he is the one who’ll get things moving between Maria and Shin. For easier summary, I’ll be using Shintaro’s name already even if his name isn’t known yet until the end of this chapter.]

At a crowded train, a glasses middle-aged man is standing behind a high school girl who blushed and feels a bit uncomfortable yet she didn’t say anything. Shintaro, a male high school student, grabs the man’s hand and lifts it up. “Stop it, you dirty old man.” Flustered the man denies that he is doing anything. Shintaro calmly says that it isn’t easy to get out of this ordeal. To the man’s shock, Shintaro grabs the man’s organ. There is a drawing of an arrow pointing up. Shintaro smiles and says, “See, there’s the proof. Your body is so honest--” Embarrassed, the man shouts that Shintaro is just picking a fight with him and he won’t easily be teased by a brat like him. Looking down on the floor, Shintaro says, “Ah, it seems that something has fallen off your pocket, ouji-san. Huh? This a miniature type of video camera.” The man is surprised. While holding up the small camera, Shintaro smiles and says, “You shouldn’t secretly film- What I really hate is..an obscene and filthy guy.” Shintaro’s smile disappears and he snaps the camera into two with just one hand. [Ah, can such a camera be destroyed that easily? If not, I guess Shintaro is strong.] In school, it is already a new school year so Maria and others are now in second year high school. While Maria is looking at the bulletin board to know where her class is, Tomoyo happily tells Maria that they are classmates again. “We are together again in the second year!” Tomoyo sweatdrops when Maria’s reaction is that she didn’t know that they might separate and be in a different section every year. Tomoyo blushes and smiles at Maria who also blushes. Maria says that she can’t help but to look after her again. Tomoyo exclaims that is her line.

Yuusuke calls out to Maria. While putting his arm around Shin, Yuusuke tells them not to forget them. “We are all together once again in the same class!” Tomoyo happily says that the four of them are together again and it’s really great to be in the same class since during second year, there are many school activities. [Ya, I’m feeling that I just typed this before..in KnT ^^;] Maria says, “Really, and it’s still those same old faces.” Yuusuke says that it appeared again, Maria’s ‘conceal-ability’. [Ah, I think it meant ‘doesn’t mean what she say’ ^^;;] Maria says that she isn’t concealing anything and she is very happy. Her three friends smile at her. Ayu puts her hands on Maria and Yuusuke’s faces to separate them. She angrily says that there’s her, too. The other two guys of ‘failure club’ say that they are in the same class, too. Ayu is happy that Yuusuke is her classmate again. Yuusuke laughs and says that it is really the same old faces. Maria looks at Shin and calls out his name. Holding her hand out, Maria says, “I’m in your care, once again.” The two blushes but Shin walks away and asks why she is so serious, it made him feel uncomfortable. Still holding up her hand, Maria asks what’s bad about it when it is just a greeting. Shin stops walking and gives Maria a hi-five. Maria looks at her hand and smiles. Behind Maria, Shintaro is watching them/Maria. Maria thinks, “I like Meguro. It’s enough that we are together. Fearing that it’s ‘friends only’ is alright. I’m already conscious that it just a lie.”

During the opening ceremony, the freshmen are talking about Maria, the one whom they saw on the television before. The guys are blushing and say that she looks really beautiful yet it seems like she’s a scary person. While Maria and the gang are walking at the open corridor, a couple of guys who are holding out their cellphones say that they take a picture and spread it around as ‘Kawai Maria’. They plan to take a picture then make a run for it so they won’t be caught. “Ready..” They quickly take Maria’s picture with their phones. This startles Maria. The two guys quickly made a run for it. Yuusuke and Shin are running after the two guys. Yuusuke shouts if they are freshmen and tell them to wait/stop. The two guys are worried since Shin and Yuusuke are about to catch up with them. They pass by Shintaro who trips them with his foot. Shintaro smiles and says that he made them stop. “What now, sempai?” Yuusuke and Maria are surprised. The freshmen say that they don’t have any bad intention. “Sorry, it’s only a joke.” Maria grabs the collar of one of the freshmen and makes him promise that he won’t do that kind of thing again. “No matter if it’s me or my friends, even if it’s just because you feel it’s interesting [fun] or it’s a practical joke [mischief], it isn’t easily forgivable [or won’t let you off easily]. Do you understand?” The freshman quickly nods. Her friends are somewhat surprised. Maria is saying that since he promised, she’s going to let them go when everyone is shock because Shintaro takes the other freshman’s cellphone and snaps it into half. [It’s a flip phone]

Dropping the pieces of cellphone, Shintaro says, “Although it’s true that it doesn’t seem to have any bad intention but if you don’t sever the source like this, it might perhaps become a huge problem later on. It can be used as a ‘midnight snack’ for the pleasure of one’s naked body...and such things.” [I think ‘midnight snack’ is like fantasies at night..hope you already know what that means ^^;] Maria is surprised and asks, “Midnight snack?” Tomoyo is stunned embarrassed. Yuusuke is nervous and embarrassed. Shin is just plain surprised. [Somewhat amused that Maria and Shin’s reactions are somewhat similar.] Shintaro continues to say, “Someone as beautiful as sempai, if it is printed into a photograph, a piece can be sold for probably 1,000 yen.” Shintaro then asks the other freshman for his phone. The freshman nervously tells him that he just erased the picture. Shin quickly grabs Shintaro’s collar and exclaims, “You..” With droopy eyes, Shintaro asks why Shin is angry with him. Looking at the escaping freshmen, Shintaro says that he just made those guys escape. Maria also asks Shin why he is doing that when that person just helped them. Shin is just flustered and can’t say anything. Shintaro looks at him then says, “Ah, so that’s how it is, you like Maria-sempai that is why you acted like that.” This surprises everyone. Then, Maria and Shin blushes. Just before Maria can say anything, Shin quickly denies it. Shintaro says, “Ah, was I mistaken? I thought that you were angry because the person you like is going to be a ‘midnight snack’.” Flustered, Shin exclaims that he is angry about Shintaro’s imagination. Yuusuke tries to calm Shin down. Shintaro tells Shin that he is just citing an example of mischief. Maria looks disappointed [probably because of Shin’s reaction]. Maria says, “If you are talking about mischief then you, too, freshman.” Everyone is surprised. Maria continues, “What you are actually concerned about isn’t who Meguro likes, you just find people who are losing their cool [in a state of panic] interesting. A side of you is leisurely just watching and enjoying it all. This has nothing to do with you so you don’t need to meddle.” Shintaro just looks at her. Maria leaves while Tomoyo tries to run after Maria. Maria thinks, “I’m angry.”

After school dismissal, there are a lot of freshmen of both genders looking into the glass window into Maria’s classroom just to get a peek at Maria. Yuusuke comments that they all came to look at Maria. Ayu shouts for the freshmen to quickly go away. Maria says that it is not only now but it will be quite annoying later on. Yuusuke suggests that they go home together in the meantime. Maria says that Yuusuke and Tomoyo ride on the public transportation. She just assures them that she’ll be fine going home alone. Someone says, “Then, how about I accompany you on your way home?” Maria looks up and sees that it is Shintaro. Maria and Yuusuke are surprised. Yuusuke mutters that Shintaro suddenly just barged into a second year classroom. The couple of guys [from failure club, I think] are wondering if Shintarou is a freshman and he’s quite tall. Shintarou apologizes to Maria about what happened a while ago. “I came to apologize and at your convenience, perhaps you’ll let me become your bodyguard. I’m an expert in fighting.” This stuns Maria that she says, “That..about that, but..you..” Shintaro smiles and says, “I’m Kurosu Shintaro. I’ll be under your care, Kawai-sempai.” Shintaro grabs Maria’s hand and pulls her. “Then, we are going.” Maria shouts, “Wai..okay, wait, let me get this straight. Ah? Is it okay? Do I have a reason to refuse?” Shintaro looks at her with his droopy eyes look then burst out in a smile. “I’m so happy—the answer is unexpectedly okay. Then, let’s go. I don’t have any plans to tease you. This is my nature. Perhaps it is like what you said, but rather than saying that one side of me is leisurely just watching and enjoying it all, it is more like I want to maintain the safe surrounding.” This surprises Maria. Shintaro continues, “so I thought of going in a dangerous area to look, and as a result, I got interested in you.” Maria replies back, “But, I’m not interested in you.” Shintaro looks back at her and says, “Then, from now on, I will make you gradually be interested in me.” This surprises Maria and Yuusuke. Later on, Shin enters the room to see Yuusuke looking out the window. Shin noticing something is wrong so he calls out to Yuusuke. Then, Shin sees from the window, Shintaro holding Maria’s hand as they walk out of school. Shin asks Yuusuke what is that..what happened. Yuusuke just says that he wasn’t able to fully object/stop it. “..it’s because I feel that today, I have lost.” While Shintaro is pulling Maria as they walk, Maria wonders, “Why is it like this? I’m obviously very angry yet, this person attracts me. I feel that there are some things about his nature which is very much the same--”

I think Maria means that there are some things wherein Shintaro is the same with her own character. Iirc, didn’t Maria used to be mean to an old lady who was snatching a wallet? I think Shintaro’s introduction is pretty much like that. At first, I was planning to call Shintaro, the device destroyer but it seems that he is a woman’s protector from perverts. Shintaro seems to be the type to speak his mind – no ifs and no buts and, most of all, no hesitation. Just like what KnT’s Ayane said, love is about opportunity, Shintaro seems to be the type to grab whatever opportunity he has to get close to Maria. He stops the culprits taking pictures, agitates a rival and offers to be a bodyguard. How smooth is that? He’s pretty good and I would really laugh if he manages to steal Maria from those other two guys who from the looks of it will just be doing what they did in the end of this chapter, just watching as Shintaro takes Maria away. They better be careful especially Shin because Shintaro might steal Maria away right before his eyes. Shintaro is quite clever to suggest to be Maria’s bodyguard, he now has an excuse to be always with her and somehow be ‘in’ the gang. I’m not too sure of Shintaro’s motives with Maria. Was it really just attraction/interested in her or he knew her from before? And, I don’t mean the time when they were doing that marathon thing..I’m sure that’s him. He would sometimes have that cold sinister look on his face but then, at times, he would be goofy looking with those droopy eyes that I wonder which is which. I guess future chapters will reveal that. It’s a bit amusing that for Maria who can pretty much read through other people’s motives, she didn’t easily notice Shin’s feelings for her. It seems that Maria is just like HdBwF’s Sumi who believes words rather than actions..well, in Maria’s part, she only has that problem with Shin. I think Shintaro knows what Shin really feels for Maria and well, I’m sure he’ll be doing a lot of things to agitate Shin..is that good or bad? =P Nevertheless, the author created an interesting and different character and he can really ‘rock the boat’. ^^; Scans by §星空ツ泪 and yukitokaji in BW.

Quote of the day:
Life`s up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals - Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want. ~ Marsha Sinetar

Vampire Knight [Chapter 52] Teaser
Wednesday, July 22, 2009

零新一点 shared the scans taken with a camera in this site. With the help of some of the comments in baidu, it still continues after what Yuuki told Kaname last chapter. Yuuki seems to be saying that she doesn’t have the right to be his sister. She quickly walks away but Kaname chases after her. He holds her hand and she tries to refuse + lots of talk. Then he says, “Even if you kill me, I’m still be very happy...because you bring back the color in my heart.” <-M(ashochist). Lol Then finally, Yuuki finally sucks his yummy blood. Ruka and Kain are tasked to observe things but met a new character, dark skinned girl who attacks them. It seems that she is the protector of a pureblood vampire and that her master has ‘chosen to go into eternal rest/is dead’. There is a scene of a guy who seems to be in some room with with lots of debris. He seems to be in anguish as he crushes the pieces of mirror from the mirror he is kneeling on. Ah, that door he is in is the same door in front of where Kaname and Yuuki are because of the symbol. Okay, not sure if it’s the same door or just a similar door. Yuuki is looking at that door and says something which made Kaname hold on to her. His face isn’t shown but Yuuki hugs him back and looks determined. Zero has decided that they do not announced that he is the new association head at the party/night meeting. Sara and Takuma also receive an invitation. Sara burns hers? and is holding another one. She asks why Takuma’s invitation is brought to that/her place [as if knowing where Takuma is]. Takuma says, “Because he’s Kaname.” Last scene, Yuuki is practicing some etiquette of walking with a book while going down the stairs. She slips but lands perfectly downstairs. Kaname holds out his hand to help her up. It seems that she is practicing for the night meeting so as not to embarrass Kaname. “I can finally see it clearly, the path ahead of me.” As usual, this isn’t confirmed, just wait for the English scanlation.

Lol, what..is Kaname now the suicidal guy? Didn’t Zero say that before? This is one reason why I don’t want him to be with Yuuki. Oh well, maybe M Kaname is fun, too. I think that rises up the death flag that it made me worried about him. Should I be worried? Someone says that Takuma has betrayed Kaname but it seems that Kaname already knew where he is so no need for saving. What is Kaname thinking? Spy within the enemy? Maybe Takuma betrayed him because he wasn’t saved. =P I’m curious about the new characters and what role they are going to play. For a while, I thought the new girl is a vampire hunter because of her weapon which is like an ax-scythe. I guess the new girl is a bodyguard of her master just like what Seiren is to Kaname. Ah, so Sarah's bodyguard is now Takuma? That is if all purebloods have 'bodyguards'. This chapter has slightly revived my interest in the series especially since Yuuki is smiling and looking determined in the end. At some parts especially the end, it made me think that the two are a couple. Hope Yuuki doesn't waver again later on. And, I hope the author won't disappoint me later on. Colored cover is of Ruka and Kain ^^ Official couple soon, I hope ^^ A Chinese script is out in baidu after I typed this ^^; Almost got myself typing a proper summary ^^;; Lol, Kaname is such a M now. There’s lots of sappy lines of ‘don’t leave me’ by Kaname. About the kill part above, he is just saying that after the meeting wherein he’ll help her get ‘hunting goddess’/artemis? back, she can kill him personally if she wants to leave him ^^; Huh, did they lost Artemis? I think the summary above is more or less right. Anyway, let’s just wait for the English..I’m lazy to read the Chinese script in detail.

Koi, Hirari -Addicted to You- [Chapter 11]
Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Holding hands, Sumire thinks that happy times shouldn’t end so fast. Kazuki offers to walk her home. Sumire says okay. Kazuki asks if she still wants to stay. This made Sumire blush and move her hand up and down. Haruka is observing them and he looks very displeased. Sumire thinks that nevertheless they will have plenty of time later on and it will be definitely okay now because no other person would interfere with them anymore. At school, Umeko is relieved that the two had made up because she was so worried about them. Sumire just smiles at her. Umeko says that in order to celebrate the occasion, she is going to give her something. She gives Sumire a small square packet with a circular thing inside. Sumire has no clue what it was so she asks Kazuki what it is. Surprised, Kazuki tells her that surely she has seen it before. He whispers that it is used for safety in order not to get pregnant while doing H. He tells her if she wants to know how it is used since she seems interested. A loud scream is heard in school. During chemistry class, Umeko is surprised that Sumire hasn’t done it before. Embarrassed, Sumire tries to ‘shh’ Umeko since the other students are staring at them. Umeko nervously says that it is because the other party is Kazuki so she thought that they did it earlier on. Sumire nervously laughs about it. She then bends down and starts poking the condom on the table. [Good thing the teacher isn’t looking/is not there ^^;;] Umeko says that it is definitely because Kazuki cherishes Sumire so much. Umeko smiles at her. Sumire tells her that he attempted it before but he stopped when her heart stopped beating. Umeko laughs and says that is why Kazuki stopped because he doesn’t want to force himself with the person he likes. Umeko says that it’s very good and it’s totally different from her and Haruka. Sumire looks sad for Umeko. Umeko changes the topic and asks Sumire if she knows how to use a condom. [The words are pretty small but the ones I read are] Umeko telling Sumire that even if guys use it, [girls should also know, too?] and Sumire asks if she can call Umeko ‘sensei’.

It’s school dismissal and Sumire is waiting for Kazuki near the school doors. Sumire happily thinks that Kazuki is cherishing her. Flashback: Earlier, Umeko asked if Sumire is going home with Kazuki since she’ll also go home with Haruka. Kazuki had told her to wait for a while since is going to see a teacher in the faculty room. End flashback. Sumire is surprised when Haruka asks if she is alone. Sumire exclaims why he is there for wasn’t he going home together with Umeko. Haruka tells her that he made Umeko go home ahead. Sumire stares at him because Umeko was quite happy when she said that she’s going home together with Haruka. Sumire angrily tells him that she has been thinking before about this but why doesn’t Haruka cherish his girlfriend once in a while. Haruka is puzzled and says that sooner or later, that girl will be his so why would he be bothered with that. This irks Sumire that she instinctively slaps him. Sumire is shock by what she did and Haruka looks surprised. Sumire tries to explain that is her unconscious reaction. While Kazuki is getting his shoes from the lockers, Haruka corners her on the wall and says that he really doesn’t understand her brother as to why he likes a girl like her. “But, for my brother, right now, you are the one whom he cherishes most.” Sumire nervously clenches her fist and asks him if he wants a fight. Haruka asks, “If you were stained, I wonder what my brother’s reaction will be?” He kisses Sumire on the lips in front of Kazuki. Kazuki quickly grabs Haruka’s collar and pushes him on the wall. Seeing Kazuki’s furious face, Haruka says he is okay even if at least he can see that kind of expression on Kazuki’s face. “The position of being heir, talent, father’s love and the person you like. You better not think that you can have everything.” Haruka slaps Kazuki’s hand away as the couple just look at him as he leaves. Some people are wondering what had happened. Umeko seems to have seen everything and she looks a bit sad.

While walking at the streets, Sumire shouts at Kazuki who is roughly pulling her along. She is surprised when Kazuki looks at her then pulls her to him. He kisses her then Sumire is surprised when Kazuki is lifting her skirt to touch her leg and his other hand is under her shirt. Flustered, she pushes him away. A bit embarrassed, Kazuki says that seeing Haruka kissing her has made him muddleheaded. He tells her that Haruka is hostile against him and he thinks that Haruka might also transfer his hatred for him [Kazuki] to her. He also says that since Sumire easily lets Haruka kissed her then what will happen if he did something more than a kiss. Sumire darkly thinks what he just meant by that. Sumire tries to explain that it was so sudden and Haruka already has Umeko. Kazuki says that if it’s Haruka, he’ll be able to do it and he is ‘that kind’ of person. Sumire asks, “...that’s why you want to ‘do it’ right now? So that you’ll be first before him?” Kazuki is surprised then tries to say that isn’t what he meant. Sumire shouts if he doesn’t trust her. “I’ll definitely not let any other guy except you to do that kind of thing to me! Because I know that you really cherish me..” Kazuki blushes a bit. Sumire says that before, he would have quickly done H with his girl. [I guess Sumire has already accepted the fact that Kazuki had H with other girls before ^^;;] This made Kazuki angry that he tells her that is already in the past so there is no need to mention it anymore. Sumire exclaims if Kazuki still don’t trust her. Kazuki says that it isn’t about trust but he’s worried. Sumire answers back that it is the same and he wants to do it first so that he can be at ease. Kazuki is flustered as he says, “doing first..? Don’t say such foolish words!” Sumire angrily shouts, “Foolish?! I had enough!” Sumire runs off. Kazuki is slightly flustered then bends down. “...I’m the one who’s foolish..” Why did it turn out this way? Later on, Sumire is standing at the gate of Misaki residence. She walks back and forth then decides that she should go home. She wonders what she is doing. Before she can leave, Haruka comes out of the gate and says that if she is looking for his brother, he has already arrived home. “Do you want me to help you call him? Or, is there something that you want to tell me?”

Remembering Kazuki’s warning about Haruka’s hatred for him transferring to her, Sumire says that it is nothing and she is just passing by. Before she can leave, Haruka grabs her wrist and tells her to wait. Sumire is surprised by that and shouts for him to let go. She then thinks that he is quite strong that he is hurting her. Haruka says that looking at her like that, it seems that she had a quarrel with his brother and this is a good thing. “This is proof that brother has started to waver.” Sumire exclaims that he is too weird and why would he do that kind of thing. She asks why he hates Kazuki so much when they are brothers. Haruka pauses with a slight sad look. He then says that at the start, everything belongs to him but his brother snatched it all away and no one bothers with him so if only that guy isn’t here/doesn’t exist.. Kazuki promptly kicks Haruka away. Haruka falls down on the ground. Kazuki tells Haruka that if he thinks that he’s a hindrance then come at him. “Do not involve Sumire. You said that I took everything away from you then you should just get it back in a fair and honorable way. You aren’t able to do it so that is why you are resorting to this kind of method.” Haruka laughs as he stands up and pats the dirt off him. He says a fair and honorable way so how about finally deciding who the winner in a contest wherein they will bet everything. “If I win, will you be able to abandon everything? The position of this family, the talent in Japanese dance and your lover.” Kazuki replies, “It’s fine by me.” Sumire is tense about this. Haruka says that they will use their father and the audience’s reaction to the upcoming public performance to determine who the winner is. Kazuki slightly smiles as he holds Sumire’s head, and says “Okay, but, my chances of losing are zero.” This made Haruka displeased as he goes back into the house. After Haruka left, Sumire nervously asks Kazuki why he easily agreed to that. Kazuki asks, “Do you doubt my ability?” Sumire didn’t reply back. Kazuki slightly bows and says, “I’m sorry about a while ago. I clearly said that I will protect you, ..but just now again, are you scared?” Sumire is moved that she quickly shakes her head. She holds on to him and says, “..me, too, I’m sorry, Kazuki..” He tells her not to worry because that contest is a good chance to keep Haruka in check. Then, something drops from Sumire. Kazuki picks up the condom and asks if she really wants to do it with him. Embarrassed, Sumire denies it. That night, Haruka is practicing and Kazuki is meditating. In her room, Sumire remembers what Haruka said earlier about the contest. She thinks, “—Kazuki, you said that you won’t abandon me so I shouldn’t feel uneasy. There’s no problem at all. I believe [in you].”

This chapter feels like a slight deja vu of Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu. Stolen kisses and forcing on the girl by the boyfriend but then, this author isn’t going to drag things because she quickly has a resolution for it. Good thing that Kazuki steps in before things become a worst case scenario. Haruka can be quite low to try to do that. He really does seem to have a death wish. ^^; I guess it is somewhat understandable since he is really jealous of his brother. Since he is so fixated about everything that Kazuki ‘took away’ from him, he didn’t see that there is someone near him who loves him as he is. I guess that since he is ‘blind’ to Umeko who is still sticking around for him, he doesn’t know how to cherish and be content with what he already has. I don’t know if it is a coincidence or not but lately, there are a lot of virgins and condoms in some other series that I’m reading ^^;; The next chapter will be the finale. ^^ Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 and Amyangel19910323 in BW

Lastly, if you are interested in Mitsuki Miko’s new series. I recommend that you read her one shot series called Mitsu Aji Buraddo which means Honey Flavored Blood in mangafox. The story is about Hinata, a human girl who has a vampire author boyfriend, Junya. The oneshot is about Junya risking being ill because of going out in the sun just to make Hinata happy because she wants a normal date with him. I think it is pretty good –sweet and romantic- so I’ll be anticipating what the series will be like because it has been serialized. ^^ I can’t get it off my mind but Junya reminds me of somebody. The closest that I can think of is Gintama’s Shinsuke. I don’t quite like the drawing of the Hinata ^^; I do like the motif which is like Jigoku Shoujo – butterflies, kimonos and red spider lilies. ^^ Anyway, since it is a vampire series, I think maybe some English scanlation group will quickly pick this up but if/when the Chinese scans are out and there is still no group who is doing this, I’ll summarize it if the series is good. ^^

Word of the day:
When you turn green with envy you are ripe for trouble. ~ From Our Daily Bread

Hadashi de Bara wo Fume [Chapter 30]
Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Soichiroh and Sumi are shock when Eisuke happily tells them that he’s going to work there from now on. Soichiroh says, “What..” while Sumi thinks, “What is brother saying?!” Takemoto asks Soichiroh if Eisuke is an acquaintance/friend. Flustered Soichiroh quickly shouts for Takemoto and Natsuki to go out of the room. Grinning, Eisuke tells Soichiroh to hire him. Soichiroh shouts how could he and does he think that everything will become just a waste of effort after all this time [if he did that]. Eisuke is puzzled. Sumi tells her brother that if others learn that she is his sister then she will be thrown down the sea. Eisuke angrily asks what that is about. Soichiroh stutters that it is just an analogy. Eisuke exclaims how he could make such a mistake. “If I and Sumi are strangers, will that be okay?!” Sumi looks flustered by this. Soichiroh still refuses and says that he doesn’t want to take that risk. Eisuke exclaims that he is going to work for the children. “Please, give me a chance!” Upon realizing this, Sumi also asks Soichiroh to let her brother work there. She says that if Soichiroh works there then maybe he can become a new person [change his ways]. Eisuke exclaims that he will thoroughly turn over a new leaf just to be able to work there. With teary eyes, Sumi pleads, “Please..” Soichiroh seems to look as if he is going to waver. As they go out of the room, Takemoto exclaims his disbelief that Eisuke will be hired. Natsuki is just smiling. Soichiroh says that Eisuke will be put in the trading department for the meantime in order to train there. Takemoto protests if that is suitable because that kind of person [Eisuke] doesn’t seem to be guy with a good moral character. Eisuke exclaims what he meant by that. Sumi is tense since Eisuke is answering back. Takemoto shouts how he could say those things to him who is a division head. As they walk down, Nozomu are watching them or rather, Sumi.

At Ashida residence, Soichiroh sits on the chair and says that he is very tired. After putting away her coat, Sumi quickly goes to him and gives him a shoulder massage. Then, she thanks him for hiring her brother. Soichiroh says that just a shoulder massage isn’t enough. He grabs Sumi’s hand and makes her sit on his lap. Soichiroh tells her that since he accepted her request, she should also return the favor in the same manner. Blushing, Sumi asks, “Return..?” Soichiroh says, “Like this.” He then kisses her on the lips. [I think Soichiroh is giving her a French kiss] Sumi wonders if this is so-called returning the favor. Sumi thinks that this is quite passionate. Soichiroh holds her tighter and to her surprise, he kisses? her chest. Soichiroh says that aside from a kiss, he will make her feel more comfortable. Sumi is puzzled by what he meant by more. Sumi asks him to let her go but he has started to kiss her chest. Then, there is a commotion below. A maid is calling for someone not to just go in the room without permission. The two were interrupted by Atari who is holding a letter. Atari is also carrying a small bundle [of clothes, I presume] behind his back. Sumi asks why Atari is there. Atari gives Sumi a letter from Komai. Sumi had a bit of hard time reading it so Soichiroh takes the letter from her and starts reading it. “Please let Atari go to school so that he’ll get a top quality education. He’ll definitely become a useful young man [in the future.]” Atari asks what’s education and is it good to eat. Sumi promptly asks Soichiroh to enroll Atari to school and let him stay there. Soichiroh protests about letting a kid stay at their house. Sumi pleads, “Please, Soichiroh-kun! No matter what it is, I’ll listen to you, please let Atari go to school..” Blushing, Soichiroh asks, “No..matter what..?” Sumi exclaims, “Yes!” Soichiroh replies, “I guess it can’t be helped..” Sumi happily hugs Atari and exclaims that’s great. Soichiroh says that Atari has to abide by the rules of the house. Sumi assures him that Atari is really capable [of obeying] kid. After taking a bath, Soichiroh goes to their room with a grin on his face. “Hehe, ‘no matter what’ right..” He goes into shock when he sees Atari sleeping in the bed with Sumi. “Why is that kid sleeping on my bed!” Sumi has woken up and says that he’s back. “Only today, will you please let him sleep with me—please--” [with cherry on top Lol] Soichiroh can’t seem to decline. =P

The next day, Sumi, together with maid A, goes to the company. A couple of guys greet her and ask if there is another activity in the shogi division. Sumi says yes and she hopes that they will attend. Sumi is surprised when someone shouts, “Kitamura, come here!” It turns out that a man is telling Eisuke to get the compilation of something and follow him. Eisuke alertly exclaims, “Yes!” Sumi is tense. Her maid seems to have been smitten by him. The two guys say that good-looking guy started to work today and at first, they thought that he is only good-looking but they never thought that his comprehension is really good and he knows how to work hard. While watching her brother leave, Sumi is happy that Eisuke is working hard. Later on, Sumi finishes the activity and hopes to see them again next week. A man thanks her for teaching them. After they left, Sumi decides to put things in order while waiting for the maid who’ll fetch her. There is a knock on the door. She opens it and asks if he forgot something. She is surprised that it is Nozomu. Sumi looks flustered and tense. Nozomu asks if he can bother her for a moment. Sumi thinks that it will be strange if she refuses so she lets him in. Inside, Nozomu suddenly calls out her name. This surprises Sumi that she exclaims, yes. Nozomu bows and asks her to forgive Miu’s behavior a few days before. Sumi nervously tells him that this isn’t something about forgiving or not because Miu was angry at her.. She wasn’t able to finish what she is saying because she bumps on the table and made the box of shogi chess pieces scatter all over the floor. Sumi quickly tries to pick the pieces up. Nozomu offers to help her. Sumi apologizes for making him help when the two realizes that they are close to each other. Sumi wonders why like this, she is attracted to Nozomu’s beautiful eyes. Nozomu can’t hold it any longer that he drops the pieces that he had picked up. He hugs Sumi and exclaims, “Miss Sumi!”

Why did that made me think incest? ^^;; Hehe, Nozomu can be quite daring when it comes with Sumi. I guess with her, it is more on emotions than brains which does make him slightly more dangerous since it makes him more unpredictable. This chapter is more fun if you read this with thoughts of Soichiroh becoming a ‘yes man’ =P Sumi’s charms have started to work on Soichiroh. She only needs to put that pleading face and he will say yes to anything. I’m amused that she was able to get away with her requests with no ‘return favor’ because of the constant interruptions. =P I think Soichiroh has to be careful about that because he does seem to have a tendency to force himself which might make Sumi remember her past which I think in the flashback, someone is forcing himself on her. It’s so obvious that Soichiroh has fallen for Sumi. Hehe..so much for that no love policy of his before. Unfortunately, Sumi ‘believes’ his words more rather than his actions. ^^; She still believes that he is going to throw her off the sea ^^;; Well, what I hoped before has happened here. Eisuke and Atari [part of the children] are now ‘in’ so Sumi now has more allies. Eisuke can help Sumi with the company part while Atari at home. Of course, it is a double edge sword because it can also expose Sumi’s background. Well, it does seem useless now at home because Keiko isn’t causing trouble anymore. It’s nice that Eisuke is doing well and hopefully, he will be more useful like thwarting Natsuki’s plans. Oh ya, as others in BW mentioned, I think Sumi’s outfit in the first part doesn’t fit the time setting because it seems to be a bit too modern that I thought it is like gothic Lolita fashion. Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW.

Quote of the day:
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. ~ Anatole France

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! [Side Story - That Early Morning in the Student Council Room]
Monday, July 20, 2009

[This happened before Misaki won the elections when Kanou and other freshmen saw Misaki sleeping with Usui, around chapter 36. How that happened? This is the story.] Lately, Misaki’s friends are asking why she is always staring off. Yukimura tells her that today Usui comes to school in the afternoon again and lately, Usui is coming to school late. Misaki blushes and thinks that even if she doesn’t want to admit, she is also acting strange and the reason is.. At the cafe, Satsuki can’t believe that Misaki hasn’t gone on a date yet with Usui because she thought that today she can finally hear about their love story/lovey-dovey. Misaki says that it isn’t like that but Satsuki doesn’t believe her. Misaki tells Satsuki that it is going to be election season soon so she isn’t free like Satsuki to be overly excited about such things. Flustered, Misaki says that it is good that Usui hasn’t been going there as frequently as he used to. Satsuki has glittery eyes and thinks that Misaki still loves to pretend to be strong. [I think pretending that she doesn’t miss Usui.] Misaki returns home and tells her mother that Hinata said that it is delicious. Her mother asks if it is okay if Misaki is the one who is bringing the bento box when she was the one who said she’ll be giving Hinata a bento box. Misaki says that she doesn’t mind since she is also eating the vegetables from Hinata’s house.

Her mother says aside from that, she fears what other people who doesn’t know the situation would think. Misaki assures her mother that she doesn’t give it to Hinata in front of others and Hinata said that he won’t tell it to others. Misaki leaves it in Hinata’s desk early in the morning. Her mother asks if Usui said anything about it. Misaki looks surprised and says that he didn’t because he totally understands the situation. Her mother seems tense about it. Shana offers to be the one who’ll give it to him then takes it back because it is troublesome. Misaki tells her to not say it from the start [if she isn’t going to do it anyway]. Misaki goes into her room. Her mother and Shana are speechless. Shana darkly comments that no wonder Misaki is a girl with a deep scar/trauma? Her mother sighs and asks Shana what she won this month. Shana says an exsiccator. I think Shana is good at winning the lottery. In her room, Misaki is working on her assignment. She looks at a box then opens it. Inside, it is the necklace that Usui ‘gave’ her. She dreamily looks at it. Upon realizing what she is doing, she blushes and quickly tosses it inside the box. She rumples her hair and curses about what she is doing. The next day at school, she is very sleepy. She goes to the student council room and tries to work there. She wasn’t able to sleep last night because she has been thinking of those things and there are still many things to be done aside from the upcoming elections. She looks at the clock and it is still 730. She decides to take a nap. She puts her head on the table when she hears someone walking to the room. She quickly sits up and blushes upon seeing Usui coming in and saying, “Ah..so you are here. Good morning, Kaichou!”

He goes to her and sits on the table while saying why she is there so early in the morning, then he falls asleep so he wasn’t able to finish what he’s saying. Misaki asks him about discipline? or probably being late in school but he just chews a bubble gum and blows a balloon. This made Misaki angry since he is ignoring her question and she has told him not to eat there. Usui says that chewing gum is just a ‘stimulation’/like eating? Misaki exclaims that isn’t a reason. Usui looks at her then asks if she is minding about things concerning him that is why she wasn’t able to sleep well. Misaki blushes then denies it. Usui says that her eyebags are quite dark. Looking away from him, Misaki tries to say that it is because of many other things about school, etc. Usui smiles and says, “Really..” He holds her hand. Misaki blushes and exclaims what he is doing. Usui says that it is nothing and this is just something that he wants to do. Misaki says that this is embarrassing and she can’t work like this. Usui tells her not to work. Misaki shouts for him to quit joking when she is very busy right now. Usui says that just now Misaki planned to nap. He apologizes for disturbing her. Misaki backs away and says that he is really like an alien. Usui entwines his fingers on her hand and tells her that he’ll wake her up on time. Usui moves his head closer on her left shoulder. Misaki is blushing really red and calls Usui an idiot, a pervert, sexual harasser alien. Usui then puts his head on her left shoulder. Misaki angrily gets him off and shouts that he is heavy and she knows already, she’s going to sleep. “[wake me up]..after ten minutes.” Usui smiles and says, “As you wish- my great ojousama!!” Misaki mutters that he’s an idiot and his hand is quite warm. Usui smiles and blushes a bit. “..Sleep well, Ayuzawa.” Misaki says, “..ah..I’m going to sleep now.”

I honestly don’t know when this was serialized and I just accidentally found this on some other Chinese sites. I’m wondering why they updated this series when there is no new one yet. I thought it is just an old release by a different scanlator but I saw a new side story so I checked it out. This is what it is. ^^; [Edit: According to victoria, this is from Lala special] This chapter is nice and more lovey-dovey scenes between the two. I like Usui’s great timing ^^ He really does seem like an alien because he seems to totally read her mind. =P It does seem that he is the only one who understands her because for the other guys, they have a different impression of her. Haha, she can’t just say no to him and it goes vice-versa ^^ Scans by gougouzhizuozu group.

Word of the day:
Because God never sleeps, we can sleep in peace. ~ From Our Daily Bread

Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu [Chapter 41]
Monday, July 20, 2009

Everyone is busy preparing for the school festival. Tsubaki is the one in charge so if someone needs more materials, she tells them where to get it. Holding a can of paint spray, someone asks if that is the last green color spray. Tsubaki says that it isn’t. She tells him that there are more in the bag under the table. Tsubaki turns around and is flustered since it is Haru. Haru tries to smile and tells her not to be too nervous because he isn’t going to do it again. “After trying to do that, I realized that is not something a normal person would do. I’m sorry for giving you a scare like that.” Haru mutters about the spray can under the table and before he leaves, Haru says, “But, Kyouta was able to do it..” Tsubaki is startled when Kyouta who is standing at the door calls out her name. Kyouta tells her that they need to talk. After thinking of an alibi, Tsubaki tells him that she can’t because she is busy. This made Kyouta angry that he grabs Tsubaki’s arm and shouts, “I’m the one who’s looking for you!” He then drags her to some secluded area near the stairs. He corners her on the wall and asks her why she is ignoring his calls and emails and why did she email him about wanting to distance from him a bit. “What did I do? Even though, I myself have no clue what it could be about.” Tsubaki looks flustered but she can’t say it because even if she is quite confident about being okay whatever Kyouta’s past is, but knowing from Haru about what really happened before, in the end, she can’t accept it. Looking away from him [obviously lying which made Kyouta angry], Tsubaki tells him that it is not related to him. It is because she is busy with her work as the person in charge and she isn’t too enthusiastic about her studies so when she was feeling really anxious, she wrote that email. Kyouta holds her face up and tells her to look at him. He shouts that if it isn’t about him then why since yesterday, she won’t dare look at him. After saying that he’s angry, he starts to forcibly kiss her. Tsubaki tries to stop him but Kyouta tells her that if she wants him to stop then she better give him a reason that he can accept.

Kyouta goes for her neck and Tsubaki suddenly remembers what Haru tried to do to her before. Kyouta stops when Tsubaki asks, “..is it like this, what you did to Halstead Mao*’s girlfriend..forcing her to do this very cruel thing..?” [*According to am-am, his name is Halstead Mao and his nickname is Haru. Hal can be read as Haru in Japanese.] Kyouta asks where did she heard about that and is that the reason why she suddenly starts to avoid him. Tsubaki tells him that she not only heard it but.. While shaking, she pulls down her sleeve so that he can see the hand mark bruises on her wrist. Kyouta looks tense that he asks if Haru did that. Tsubaki tells him that she was really scared because no matter how hard she struggled, she can’t move. “It’s as if my throat has frozen over that I totally couldn’t even call out for help...That cruel thing, why..” Kyouta gets angry and calls Haru an idiot. Kyouta is about to go find Haru when Tsubaki exclaims, “Why was Tsubaki-kun able to do such a thing..?!” Kyouta looks back at her in surprise. Tsubaki tells Kyouta that Haru said that he can’t do such a cruel thing and he even cried while saying that. “Aren’t you Halstead Mao’s best friend? Why did you do that to his girlfriend..” Kyouta tries to touch her and explain but Tsubaki instinctively holds up her hands and looks away as if she is afraid of him. Kyouta seems tense that he puts down his hand and just clenches his fist. Kyouta says that after everything until now, she unexpectedly still condemn him for something that has happened a long time ago. This surprises Tsubaki so she quickly apologizes to him and says that it is just because his past is more shocking than she had imagined. She tells him that she needs time to put her feelings in order so she wants a little distance from him, that is why she emailed that message. “I’m really..sorry..” To Tsubaki’s surprise, Kyouta tells her with a smile, “Ah, if that is how it is, then there is no other way. Let’s break up.” Tsubaki asks why they have to do that. Smiling [all throughout this part], Kyouta asks weren’t she very afraid of him and he won’t force people to go steady with him. Tsubaki tells him that she isn’t afraid, she is just confused. Kyouta says that it doesn’t matter which is it but liking an annoying girl is still annoying and he doesn’t want to be troubled/annoyed because of a girl. He starts to leave and while waving back, “Then- Byebye.”

Tsubaki shouts for him to wait then grabs his coat and pulls it off him. [Lol scene =P] Kyouta angrily tells her that she just ruined his really smooth and natural break up. Tsubaki holds his coat tightly and says what he means by that smooth and natural. She exclaims that they were already going steady for half a year so how could he just easily end it like that. She says that yesterday, she has lend her umbrella to him and there is still that three year sky projector plan. She exclaims that there are still many other unfinished things so he better give her a good reason that she can accept. Kyouta tells her that it is because he is annoyed. Pulling the sleeve of the coat, Kyouta says, “I’m tired of you so we are breaking up.” Tsubaki is stunned and weakens her grip so Kyouta takes his coat then pats her head. He smiles and says “Sorry. While going steady with me, I gave you a lot of unpleasant memories.” Tsubaki then looks surprised. [I don’t know if it is because of what he said or she noticed that Kyouta’s hand is shaking.] Kyouta is going downstairs when Tsubaki tries to call him, “Tsubaki-kun.. just now..” She then sees a lot of girls happily telling Kyouta that he has finally dumped Tsubaki and they have been waiting for this moment. A girl asks if he will go to her house. Another girl tells them to wait a minute and asks Kyouta if it is hard for him to answer because he is in front of his ‘ex-girlfriend’. Kyouta looks up to Tsubaki and then looks away. He tells the girls that it doesn’t matter whom he goes out to have fun with because they [he and Tsubaki] don’t have any relationship anymore. This flustered Tsubaki as she clenches her fist. At some karaoke bar, Kyouta is with a girl [whom Tsubaki always caught having sex; don’t know her name] who is flirting with him. She removes his necktie and thanks Kyouta for choosing her. She hugs him with her full chest on his face. Pause. This made the girl furious that she gives him a G-cup whiplash attack. =P She decides to just play darts. She tells him that she eagerly anticipated this because she thought that after half a year, she’ll get to have sex with him again. She complains that if he is listless like that, he won’t be able to do it. Kyouta mutters that during that half year, he has decided to really cherish [her].. The girl tells him then he shouldn’t have broken up with Tsubaki. Kyouta says that he also planned that no matter what happens, he will absolutely not let go of that girl’s hand. “..But..unexpectedly, the one who made her scared like that is me so how could I continue to stay by her side.” Kyouta seems to be in anguish while Tsubaki sadly looks at her Santa bear.

Too bad, he tries to explain but she is acting as if she is scared of him. They really do need to cool off but then, he is thinking that she can't forgive him for it so he thought that maybe a break off is much better and he thinks that it is his entire fault. Geez, if only he explained what really happened between Haru and Rika. How can he be so timid in crucial times like this. ^^;; At least empathize with her especially since she almost got violated twice because of him. He obviously didn’t realize that what happened to Tsubaki is still fresh on her mind and forcing himself on her is a no-no at this time. He should have been more nice and console her. I guess he wanted her to move on by pretending that he doesn't love her anymore and he is just a playboy. Well, what he thinks is right because no matter what the reason is whether he really did raped that other girl or not, he is the 'indirect' cause of why she is now afraid of him. Well, that’s what he thought. It goes to show how much he had cherished her that he would rather be misunderstood and hurt for her sake. If he explained then maybe she will understand. I think she can forgive him no matter what he did..hehe, I actually thought at first that she wanted the jacket as a souvenir =P Well, she does need time to sort things out but unfortunately, she is busy with school work. I think she is just confused about her resolution of accepting everything about Kyouta’s past and couldn’t accept it after knowing about the ‘rape’ thing. As I mentioned before, misunderstanding like this when the couple still loves each other is easily resolve and that will happen in chapter 44. Scans by tongyanen for iieye.

Quote of the day:
Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up. ~ James Baldwin

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, Beelzebub, Reborn, and PSYREN
Saturday, July 18, 2009

In Bleach [c. 366], after it’s mask on for Shinji and others, it is taking out one’s zanpaku (except for Mashiro) and overkill the gillians. After most of them displayed their fighting styles, Oomaeda and Hitsugaya are stunned by their sheer power that they wonder who these guys are. Shinji asks Aizen if he liked what they did using their hollow forms. Wanting to finish everything, Shinji takes off his mask and swings his zanpaku at Aizen. Is it wise to remove his mask before he does that? Aizen isn’t moving at all and still has the same expression as he usually has so I’m thinking that someone will intervene like ever loyal Tousen. Maybe that Aizen is just an illusion or just his zanpaku, just like what he did before. If I were an espada like Harribel, I would have used this opportunity to attack Hityugaya while he is watching the gillian massacre. ^^; Well, it’s nice that someone goes to attack Aizen immediately because I’m really expecting for a long fight scene with the other enemies here before they actually get to Aizen. ^^;;

Danzou easily finishes off his would-be assassins from a certain clan in Wood country in Naruto [c. 456]. Danzou hopes the conference will go smoothly so that he will be recognized as hokage. Back at the village, Sai is about to send a report when Kakashi tells him to write that Naruto is staying put in the village. Sai thinks that he wasn’t trusted but Kakashi says that he is a spy for Danzou yet he has faith in Sai because he is part of Team 7. That gave Sai a good feeling. While Naruto and Konohamaru are competing and talking with each other, Kakashi made the two spies get a taste of his sharingan. He realizes that Root doesn’t trust Sai anymore. Samui and others have finished copying the files. They left not knowing that Yamato used his seeds to track them. Several scenes of different groups arriving or has arrived in the Iron (snow) country which has no ninjas because they have samurais. Soon, Naruto, Kakashi and Yamato arrive, too. Danzou has too many enemies that I think he won’t become a good hokage if he’ll be too busy silencing them instead of ruling the village. That is unless, he is already used to that. =P Kakashi already knows how to handle Sai, praise him and put in a good word, Sai is pretty much a ‘yes’ man. He’s obviously easier to handle than Sasuke. I wonder what’s with all the hints about the Mizukage being old and need to marry soon. Is it just for a joke or by the time this conference is over, she’ll be able to get a ‘boyfriend’. I can’t help think that maybe whoever saves her from whatever that might happen, and then she might fall for that guy. I’m actually thinking of Yamato. ^^; I think Naruto and others should really be able to meet the Raikage quietly and leave quietly because if Danzou learns that Naruto is there, Sai will be so dead. I guess we might have a little reunion of Naruto and Sasuke while they are there.

Then, in One Piece [c. 550], everyone around the world is tense or wondering if Whitebeard will appear. Some think he isn’t powerful anymore while others think that he still is. The people living in the Marine headquarters have evacuated. The execution will be televised in nearby Shabondy. This is a huge event that reporters and cameramen are covering it. Ace appeared and made to kneel on the platform. Three hours left before the execution. The author then gives us a statistics of the marines guarding the area including cannons, Shichibukai and three admirals. Luffy and others have arrived at a gate but they don’t seem to have a clue as to how to get in. Sengoku goes to the platform and decides to everyone the importance of Ace being there. Ace is surprised when Sengoku asks the name of his father. Ace says that it is Whitebeard. Sengoku tells him about trying to find a child bore by ‘that man’ and then learning that a certain woman named Portgas D Rouge doing a certain trick that she carried her child for 20 months. Sengoku says that he was born after one year and three months of ‘that person’s death and that person is no other person but Gold Roger. Just like everyone, I’m surprised. It seems that Garp took Ace in because Roger told him that a child is innocent of his ‘crime’. Ace seems to be in anguish because he doesn’t want this to be known. Way before, it was thought that Luffy is Roger’s son but it turns out that he was Dragon’s. I forget all about it and now, it turns out that it is Ace who is the son of Roger. I guess this makes some sense regarding the things that happened before. This is why Shanks is really worried about Ace being sent after Blackbeard. This is why Buggy feels at ease with Ace. Because of this revelation, Dragon appearing here is out of the question. Garp is quite nice for a marine of his stature to take Ace in. I guess Ace become a ‘rebel’ after knowing who his father is. I doubt that this revelation will make Luffy just leave Ace there. I’m actually curious how Luffy or others will save him with such impossible odds like that with full media coverage. If Luffy or whoever pulls it off, their bounty will surely shoot up. I think it’s nice that Smoker is there, too because I think this time around, marines won’t have their way with Roger’s son. Hehe..it’s good that Ace already knows else this whole part would be like in Star Wars. ^^; Oh ya, if Ace did manage to escape, I wonder how he will continue on ‘living’ now that everybody knows who he really is. Opps, forgot to mention that in the cover page, Usopp is hungry for the ramen that beetle guy is eating even if he currently have 'I don't want to be alone' illness =P

It’s summer time in Beelzebub [c. 21]. Furuichi is having the time of his life in an expensive beach resort with his family. He is already tired of Oga and the delinquents so this is a nice change of pace until he sees Alaindelon floating in the beach. Alaindelon captures him and sends him back to ‘hell’ back home where Oga greets him and says that they are going to a public pool because it’s summer. At the public pool, Furuichi is the one who has to pay for their tickets. He isn’t pleased at all for being brought from paradise to a crowded pool like this. He is shock that Oga is just a killjoy who believes in ‘misery loves company’ that is why upon learning that Furuichi left, he got Alaindelon to bring Furuichi back. Furuichi asks Oga why he didn’t just go to the resort where he is. Oga goes into shock for not thinking of this. Furuichi decides to get a drink and luckily for him who is wishing to see girls in swimsuits, he meets with Aoi’s underlings. They had a talk. Furuichi asks where Aoi is and he was told that she is under training to re-discipline herself – meditation. Nene complains that because of Oga, their luck is really bad that Aoi is quitting their group. Furuichi is about to go call Oga who is stunned silly from what Furuichi said earlier when Nene says that they don’t approve of them guys. To their surprise, Furuichi sits down again and tells them that they should have fun together. They were interrupted by some guys led by Takashima who were Furuichi’s sempai in middle school. Takashima and others tell the girls that Furuichi is a pervert and starts getting to near the girls to their discomfort. It is stopped when Furuichi throws the contents of his drink at Takashima and says that it’s quite hot. Furuichi being bullied like this reminds me of Suzumiya Haruhi’s Kyon. ^^;; I didn’t realize that he is really rich so why would a rich kid be in a delinquent-filled school? He obviously isn’t stupid so maybe he is also a delinquent in some way or he can’t fit in other schools or he is always bullied. Maybe Furuichi will be lucky with Aoi’s underlings this time around. It’s ironic that Furuichi seems to have everything yet Oga gets the ‘girls’. =P I’m curious how he became Oga’s friend. Baby BL looks really cool with shades ^^

While in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 250], Takeshi tries to hit Daisy but there is a barrier. Kikyou hopes that it can keep Takeshi for about two minutes so that within those two minutes, he is going to finish Irie. While trying to escape, Irie uses all sorts of traps but they were useless against Kikyou. Tsuna is still trap in the illusion and Irie is frustrated that the enemies’ strategy is better than theirs. Hayato arrives in a motorcycle and manages to stall Kikyou for a few seconds but he ends up being blasted away by Kikyou. Kikyou then attacks the ship that has Irie in it. Spanner is unconscious. Since Irie doesn’t want him harmed, Irie tries to run on foot. Irie tries to reassure Tsuna that he’ll be able to escape but obviously, Tsuna doesn’t believe him so he just blasted the whole illusion thing to free himself and plans to help Irie while Takeshi can just keep on trying to get to Daisy. Ah, how far is Tsuna from Irie? Maybe he can just use his flames to get where Irie is or maybe, Hayato isn’t out of the game yet. This chapter slightly surprised me because things happened fast since I thought there will be more fighting. ^^; Is Irie too much of a positive thinker or he just doesn’t want Tsuna worried and just get to Daisy? I guess Tsuna is thinking that he can get to Daisy but then, even if they win, that doesn’t guarantee that Kikyou won’t kill off Irie. I feel sorry for Irie and I was a bit tense when Kikyou is going near him. I don’t think he will be killed off yet because he has a lot of explaining to do like who is Byakuran really, what he did to him that he became like that and how he knew future Tsuna and others, etc. Oh about Torikabuto, is he did or not? If he isn’t, I don’t think Tsuna can easily get to where Irie is. Well, I’m sure Byakuran is entertained by what just happened =P

After a brief flashback of Usui stealing psyren telephone cards from others and messing with their brains in PSYREN [c. 79] , Marie tries to attack Miyage by tossing things at him but Miyage was able to defend against it. After seeing who Nemesis Q is, Amamiya is attacked by Usui. Marie tries to use her telekinesis to take the gun from Usui but Usui is able to cancel it using his ‘irregular’ left hand which disrupts power. Usui explains that he messed up his own telephone card to escape the game and together with Miyage, they steal other people’s cards who were close in solving the mystery of psyren. His purpose is only to create a country where he is a ‘prophet’ and everyone listens to him even if he tells them to kill someone. Miyage tries to attack Amamiya and thought that he had captured her with his octopus powers but it turns out to be just an illusion since Amamiya has hacked his brain. Amamiya tries to attack Usui but he makes a web using both hands which can cancel the power and ‘delete’ a person’s brain/memories. So, if Amamiya attacks it, her power will be useless and memory delete. Hm..maybe while Usui is focusing on Amamiya, Marie can use something to hit Usui with. Actually, I think ‘Nemesis Q’ is pissed off when she learns that Usui is messing up with her grand game to change the future. I think it is more appropriate that ‘Nemesis Q’ be the one to finish Usui off.

Word of the day:
Are you in life's springtime? Trust God's timing to fulfill your dreams. Are you in life's summer or autumn? Face your daily challenges head-on. And if you feel winter's chill, draw close to the Lord. His presence can make every season of life one of strength and beauty. ~ Dennis J. De Haan from Our Daily Bread

Papillon -Hana to Chou- [Chapter 26]
Friday, July 17, 2009

Title: The Meaning of Kiss. Hayato is shock that the twin who’s crying in front of him is Hana and not Ageha. Hana asks how he knew. Hayato is aghast as he tells her that Ageha doesn’t suppress her tears like that when she’s crying. Hana is displeased to learn this while Hayato is flustered about what happened. Ageha is quickly running to Hayato’s apartment. She notices that the lights are closed in his apartment. She wonders if he hasn’t arrived home or that worst possible situation has happened – they are having sex. Inside, Hayato asks why Hana is crying when he should be the one who should be crying. [I can’t quite read the text but it seems that] Hana is asking if Ageha always get those gentle-like kisses. Hana apologizes for tricking Hayato. She says that she always think of him but he totally has ‘no eyes’ [not interested] in her so she is very sad. Hana cries again and Hayato is about to comfort her by touching her when they hear a loud knock on the door. Ageha shouts, “Sensei!! Open the door!! Sensei!!” Ageha tries the door knob and realizes that it is open. She goes in to find the two standing together. Pointing at Hana, Ageha shouts to Hayato not to be mistaken for that is not her, it is Hana. Ageha roughly bumps Hana [pushing her using her shoulders like in American football] away from Hayato. I think she shouts that she won’t let Hana have her way with Hayato. Ageha then realizes that Hana is wearing her clothes, her pendant and her cellphone is on the table. Ageha is furious as she grabs Hana’s collar and pulls her up. “Ha..Hana~~” Ageha notices a piece of paper on the floor. She wonders why it is there and a part of ‘kiss ticket’ is torn off. Hana looks sly at her and tells Ageha that she has used it. Hana is then surprised when there is a lightning which made the room dark..and scary.

Ageha gives Hana a good slap on the face. Hayato is surprised. Hana gets angry and gives Ageha a slap back. “What are you doing!!” The twins angrily glare at each other that they went on a slapping spree. Lol Hayato tries to tell them to stop but he ends up getting punched. This made Ageha look worriedly at Hayato but Hana uses this opportunity to get another slap in. The twins are now breathing hard as they look at each other with swollen cheeks. Ageha asks Hana why she did that. Hana says, “Of course..to have a secret affair with Kyuu-chan.” The two are stunned. Ageha is furious again. She is about to pounce on Hana but Hayato stops her by holding her from behind. Ageha shouts if Hana hates her that much. Hana asks, huh?! Ageha shouts that Hana can’t bear seeing that she [Ageha] has found happiness. Hana says that she didn’t do this kind of thing because she hates Ageha. Ageha shouts, then why?! Hana shouts, “Because I like Kyuu-chan!!” Ageha is surprised as Hana looks away. Ageha shouts that Hana is just lying for how she expects Hayato to like her when she is pretending to be her. Hana shouts that she plans to tell Hayato midway. Hayato says that even if it is him, he will be surprised if she did that. Hana shouts that Ageha doesn’t understand anything because just with a kiss, she hopes that maybe her feelings will transfer to Hayato because other than this, she has no way of getting close to Hayato. The two are surprised at Hana’s outburst. The cellphone on the table starts ringing. Hayato looks at the cellphone and says that it is from ‘home’ again. Ageha says that it is her phone. She answers it and it is her father who shouted, “Stupid daughter!! Where are you right now!?” Ageha can’t quite answer. Her father asks if she is with Hana. Ageha looks at Hana and says yes. Her father tells her that they should quickly come home and be careful on the road because it is starting to rain. Ageha is speechless. Hana and Hayato have overheard everything. Hayato says that there is no way of escaping that order so they should go home first. Ageha doesn’t want to go home yet because there are many things that she wants him to explain. She says that she can’t go home with this kind of feelings. Hayato holds her head and tells her that it is much better if she calms down a bit for the meantime and they will take their time tomorrow to talk. Ageha agrees. Hana looks displeased.

Since it is raining hard, Hayato calls a taxi. He goes in at the back. To Ageha’s shock, Hana goes in to sit beside Hayato. Ageha shouts why she is sitting there. Hana says that she wants to sit there. Ageha shouts that she wants to sit there, too. Hayato just tells Hana to sit in the front. Even if she isn’t happy about it, Hana still did as told. Ageha looks at Hayato who seems to be tired since his eyes are closed. She looks downcast until Hayato holds her hands. This made Ageha blush and she grips his hand. During the ride home, Ageha looks sad while Hana is just grumpy. Hayato walks them to their apartment’s door. He bids them goodbye and tells them not to quarrel anymore and just go to sleep. Hana looks back at Hayato and says, “Kyuu-chan, I’ve concede for now but one day, I’ll be the one sitting by your side.” With that, Hana leaves with pout ‘hmph’ look. The two are just surprised by her declaration. Ageha realizes that Hana is really serious about Hayato. Ageha goes to her room and finds it messy [from looking for her necklace before]. Ageha is so tired so she goes to bed. She is holding her cellphone and the tickets that Hayato made for her. She thinks that she’ll just clean up her room tomorrow. Remembering Hana telling her that she used the ticket, Ageha thinks that since Hayato totally cannot distinguish them from each other, maybe he really did kiss Hana. She goes to sleep with the thoughts of what Hayato thinks of her now. [If you recall, before this happened, the two had a quarrel and Ageha thinks that Hayato doesn’t really like her since he can easily let her go if she finds someone else] In Hayato’s place, there is a table with two glasses and a kiss ticket on it. Hayato is sitting at one side while the Ageha is sitting at the other side. Ageha says that she has a mountain-load of questions to ask him. Hayato gives her the go-signal. After gulping her saliva, Ageha asks if Hayato really kissed Hana. With a tense and embarrassed face, Hayato says he did. Multiple imaginary arrows hit Ageha. She tells herself to just endure this. Hayato looks regretful and downcast as he apologizes to her. This moved Ageha. She wonders how she can not forgive him if he’s like that. Ageha asks if it is just a kiss. Hayato says that it is. Ageha asks how many times. Hayato becomes tense. He dreamily starts to count with his fingers from 2 to 5. This made Ageha angry that she shouts why he can’t say how many kisses there were. Hayato says that he can’t help it because he thought that she [Hana] was her. Ageha shouts that he is a pervert and he is very disappointing. Hayato exclaims for her not to be annoying because he is also hurt and since she is his girlfriend, the least she can do is comfort him. Ageha shouts that she is the one who needs comforting. Holding the ticket to him, Ageha shouts how a single ticket could be exchanged for many kisses. Hayato can’t answer as he just looks flustered. Frowning Ageha has a tear in her eyes. Hayato takes the ticket and flicks it away. “You are asking me why...” He hugs her then gives her a kiss, and another one and some more lovey-dovey. Ageha blushes and cries with joy as Hayato smiles at her. They hug again. “Of course it’s because I like you.”

So, I guess that caps that part of the problem. ^^ It only takes a kiss or a few kisses for the two to make up with each other. =P I think this can more or less confirm to Ageha that Hayato now likes her, too. Hana is one desperate girl though I give her credit for her perseverance which is misplaced. ^^; From the way she is treating Ageha, Hana doesn’t seem to think of her as a twin or sister but like some rival stranger. I hope that with Hana’s declaration of not giving up, Ageha will be more vigilant. She is indeed quite thick-faced to slap Ageha like that when she is the one who is trying to steal Hayato from Ageha. Luckily for her, Ageha isn’t that violent and is still quite nice. If it was some other girl, I wonder if Hana can just get away with a swollen face after what she tried to pull. It seems that Hayato has forgiven Hana, too. Hehe, it does seem that Hayato and Ageha are pretty compatible in some ways ^^ Now, I don’t know when there will be a summary again because this series is no longer updated every month. I would have to wait for the Chinese volume to come out. Actually, I’ve checked and it is out so the problem is that no one scanned it. I got this chapter from baidu . Haha, I only found it recently ^^; So, don’t ask when it will come out because unless the Chinese scans are out, I don’t know when I will be summarizing this again. I did saw some Jap raws of the preceding chapters in BW. The new arc is about Hayato’s past. I’ll write a full summary when the Chinese volume is scanned. For those who want to know what happened and is patient enough to wait until the next update, read on.

Teaser for the next 4 chapters are based on what I recall was mentioned in BW: It started with Ageha and Hayato going to the hospital because Hana got into an accident. Hayato sees a nurse whom he recognizes. Because of Hayato’s depressed reaction, this made Hana curious so she asks the nurse what’s her relation to Hayato. The nurse claims that Hayato killed someone. Later on, the twins decide to confirm things by going to Ran. Apparently, this isn’t the first time when Hayato got in a love triangle between sisters. ^^; Hayato’s ex-girlfriend is that nurse’s older sister, Ran’s friend. I think he was originally interested in the nurse but ended up with the older sister. During a trip, there is an accident because the nurse let go of her sister’s hand, her sister got carried away by the strong current of the river. The nurse can’t seem to accept this so Hayato decided to take the blame instead. This is the reason why Hayato decided to become a guidance counselor. Later on, the nurse is recalling some parts of what happened so she went to see Hayato. He probably counseled her a bit in his apartment but Ageha came and she caught him with the nurse. Ageha is jealous as Hayato tries to console her with the upcoming trip that he is planning. They made up because of that. Ageha is very excited about the trip but Hana learns about it. At the hospital, Hana goes to meet with the nurse. They talk and when Hana grabs the nurse’s hand, she is reminded of that past. The nurse can’t handle it so she slaps Hana’s hand away and goes down the stairs. She loses her footing and falls down. No one seems to have noticed what happened – the nurse is unconscious on the floor after falling one flight of stairs. The stairs is outside – not like a fire escape. While cleaning the toilet at the caf‚, Ageha’s necklace falls on the ground. After picking it up, she is excited over their trip. I was thinking that Hana might blame this on Ageha but it is unlikely because the people at the caf‚ can easily say that she is there. I wonder if this will make the two lovebirds cancel their trip because Hayato is worried about the nurse. As usual, Hana has caused trouble for the couple. I do wonder if this will make Hana realize her ways. She really do need to find her own happiness else, she’ll always be wanting to ‘get’ Ageha’s. Scans by 星子的下落 and yukitokaji.

Quote of the day:
Kissing is like drinking tea with a tea strainer, you can never get enough ~ Author Unknown

Skip Beat! [Chapter 143] Teaser
Thursday, July 16, 2009

My only comment for this chapter is ah..no..I want the next chapter!! ^^ Anyway, based on what happened by just looking at the pictures, Kyouko is surprised then puzzled by what Shou said. Kyouko explains something that made Shou freak out – I think it is why Shou knows about the chocolates. =P I think Kyouko explains the ‘words/characters’ that he saw in Reino’s chocolates. They are soon quarrelling about those ‘words’. And, they were interrupted when Reino and friend, forgot his name, are standing there. After some talk, Kyouko and Shou are quarreling again even if Reino and friend are there. Shoko arrives and sees the scene. She thinks that this is a nightmare – probably since all of them are there. Reino said something which made Shou furious. Shoko quickly gets Shou and takes him away. Kyouko seems a bit shaken because this is the first time she has seen Shou look angry like that. For me, I think it is his demon-jealous face and probably because he didn’t get homemade chocolates =P Reino and friend talk with each other. Kyouko becomes furious about the way Shou treated her. She is about to shoot away a huge amount of demons but they quickly hide back since Reino is there. =P So, Kyouko gives the ‘ruined’ chocolates to Reino. Reino doesn’t seem that satisfied with the chocolates but he is forced to accept them when Kyouko namedropped Ren. ^^

From someone’s comment in BW, she basically told him that she can’t bring the chocolates tomorrow, because she is shooting for Dark Moon. If Reino wants them, then he is more than welcome to go to Dark Moon set and get them from her in front of Ren. I like the scene of demon Ren on the background - the only Ren scene in this whole chapter. Hehe, pretty clever of Kyouko ^^ Reino retreats and probably vows to try again next year. Kyouko arrives back home exhausted because of those two guys. She is somewhat relieved that Ren has somehow saved her (indirectly). I think she got her demon back since there is one hugging her. She talks with the inn woman then goes to her room to open a package. In her room, the posters of both Ren and Shou are still there. On the corner of the box, there is the word, ‘C-ing’. It's a fancy font and somewhat gothic-style to me. Since the Vie Ghoul problem is solved, she can happily prepare the gift. She made a small bouquet for the gift and ties a ribbon on the gift container. She hopes that Ren will like his birthday gift. She looks up and it is 12 o’clock. Finally, February 14th. The next chapter will be out in Japan on 8/5. Happy waiting and guessing what will happen next ^^ Some are thinking that Kyouko is so dead because Ren didn’t get chocolates. How will he receive that gift? He has to be smiling though because Kyouko will be totally clueless why he is angry. I'm not sure if he still can't afford to 'scare' her away. Since I think this arc will end in a few more chapters, maybe it will be just a quick solution just like what happened in this chapter. Unless, the author would want to carry over the next arc how Ren would react to this. Plotwise, I do think it is needed because their relationship is currently somewhat 'stagnant'. I wonder what the gift is. I estimated the box to measure around 20L x 10w. Since I’m not imaginative with gifts, the only thing that I can think of is a bag. ^^;; Hehe, this chapter has lots of amusing expressions =P Do you think that she will specially deliver it tonight or wait until they see each other at the set? As usual, this is not accurate, just wait for the English scanlations for the details ^^ Scan by 欣子-凡 for BW.

Quote of the day:
When the solution is simple, God is answering. ~ Albert Einstein

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapters 29-37] Part A
Wednesday, July 15, 2009

[Hehe, this will be a long read ^^; I cut it into two parts because it won't fit in a single entry. Please bear with some inconsistencies because at times, I’m interchanging words that has the same meanings like ‘feel sorry’ and ‘pitiful’. Also, ‘Sadako’ is also Sawako..I sometimes use it to refer to how people are calling her. ^^; Tell me what do you think with the ‘climax’ if you’ll either laugh at what happened or cry from frustration. =P Then, you’ll understand why I had stalled summarizing this series. Most (except for one chapter) of the scans are from BW scanlation group. Anyway, Enjoy! ^^ ]

It’s April and they are all in second year now. Sawako looks at the bulletin board and learns that she is in section D. Chizuru happily bumps Sawako and exclaims that they are classmates again. After exchanging greetings, they head to the school. Sawako thinks that it will be quite lonely if they parted in the new school year. She sees Shouta laughing with his friends. She thinks that it is like a dream. Some new students from other classes are a bit scared of the rumored Sadako as Sawako tries to greet them a good morning. She notices Shouta smiling at him. Pin comes in and tells them to line up for the opening ceremony. As they line up, Chizuru comments that she didn’t expect for all of them to be classmates again. With a scary look, Ayane laughs about it. Chizuru asks why she is like that. Ayane thinks that there is some other thing which she is more concerned about and that is about Sawako not giving the chocolates to Shouta. There is a scene of the two girls surprised upon learning that Sawako didn’t give Shouta the chocolates. Ayane thinks that it could be because Sawako is conscious of her feelings because if it was the former Sawako, she would have given the chocolates to Shouta. Shaking her head in frustration, Ayane feels that things are not too encouraging when obviously, their feeling for each other are quite good yet what are those two doing especially since that day is a turning point. Chizuru wonders what’s happening to Ayane. Ayane mentally tells Sawako that love depends on opportunities. At the gym, Sawako notices Ume who is in the other section. Sawako remembers Ume telling her that she was rejected by Shouta and it seems that Shouta doesn’t accept honmei-chocolates [love]. Glancing at Shouta, she thinks that the reason can only be because he doesn’t want to go steady with anyone or he already likes someone. Sawako then felt pain. She thinks that if it is true then, it’s over for her and she’ll feel quite sad. She understands why Ume wants him to be ‘Everybody’s Shouta’. She wonders about what Ume said, if Sawako has that ‘happy’ feeling. Sawako thinks that being able to be in the same class as Shouta and being greet a ‘good morning’, it is really like a dream but, she will never forget the times when they were together. [Referring to the shrine visit] “I..I’m really still quite greedy..” [Basically, she doesn’t want to monopolize Shouta for herself because he is everybody’s Shouta.]

A light-haired guy enters 2-D section and spots Sawako. He remembers her as the one who holding the chocolates before in Valentine’s Day. Sawako is surprised when he points at her and shouts, “Ah--!!” He sits beside her and says, “You are Sawako, right!!” Sawako is surprised that he knows her. The guy introduces himself as Miura Kent, her neighbor [= seatmate] and greets her ‘I’ll be under your care’. He vigorously shakes her hand and Sawako also introduces herself and says, she’ll be under his care. I think Sawako is imagining Kent as some famous basketball player or something. Sitting behind the class, Shouta notices them. Sawako is surprised when Kent lifts her bangs up and says that she has eyebrows. [Because her hair covers them up, it made her look scary, I guess] This made Shouta stand up from his chair. Sawako has turned into stone because Kent is too near her. Poking between Sawako’s eyebrows, Kent says that it’s strange for her face to look a bit scary and girls shouldn’t scowl. He laughs out loud. The other students are shock by what Kent is doing. Shouta can only say nothing while he is shaking in anger. A classmate asks what’s up with Shouta. Pin says that they should now quickly decide on the class’ committee. He asks if he is going to decide who’ll become class monitor. Everyone becomes tense and Sawako thinks that it is that ‘tense’ time again. Holding up her hand, she is about to volunteer herself when Kent raises his hand and says that he’ll do it. Sawako quickly puts her hand down and thinks that she almost deprived someone’s anticipation of being a class monitor. Pin asks Kent if he is going to do it. Still smiling, Kent explains that it is because it is flashy. [Something like, it makes him popular or something] Pin says that Kent can’t become flashier than him. Chizuru nervously tells Ayane that Sawako’s seatmate is ‘special’. Ayane asks if he is a new guy type. Then, Tomo nominates Sawako to ‘life’ committee because Sawako is an expert in taking care of plants. She tells Sawako that she is always taking care of the flower bed. Sawako is moved because Tomo has noticed that she is the one responsible for the flower bed. With a tear in her eye, Sawako smiles and thanks Tomo. Kent notices this. He smiles and thinks that Sawako can actually smile. Shouta isn’t pleased with this.

After class, Chizuru bids the other girls goodbye. Ayane tells Sawako that she’s going to the library so Sawako should to her best. Sawako says yes. She then sees Shouta coming out of the classroom. They look at each other then Shouta asks if she is going home. Sawako says that she is going to stay at school to plant in the flower bed. Shouta is called by his friends so he bids Sawako goodbye. This made Sawako a bit sad and she runs off. At the stairs, Shouta changes his mind and tells his classmates to go on ahead. At the library, Ayane sees Pin. She thanks Pin for something that puzzles Pin. Ayane explains that she is talking about making all of them classmates again in exchange for her chocolates last Valentines’ day. Pin claims that he didn’t listen to her favor but rather, he thinks that it is normal to have more fun in doing various activities during 2-3 year high with people whom one has a good relationship with and with such a manly teacher like him. Ayane tries to tell him that he wasn’t even their teacher for a whole year before but Pin kept on saying about a manly teacher like him so Ayane just leaves him and thinks that it was a waste giving him a chocolate. Just as she is walking away, Pin tells her that their relationship is really good so they should enjoy their second year. Ayane looks back at him and wonders why he is saying that after praising himself to her the whole time. She goes back to the classroom to find Shouta looking out the window. She calls out to him and says that he hasn’t gone home yet. He looks away from the window and says, yes. Ayane looks out the window and sees Sawako planting seeds in the flower bed. To Shouta’s shock, Ayane asks if Shouta plans to have a girlfriend because he is quite popular. She says that he definitely likes some girl. Flustered, Shouta says that she is quite tactless. Ayane asks who is it and if she knows the girl, she’ll help him. To Ayane’s surprise, Shouta tells her that it is more appropriate if she doesn’t do that. “..I don’t need any help and regarding ‘whom I like’, I would like to tell it to the person herself. I won’t tell you.” Ayane leaves the school and thinks that things aren’t good because Shouta is the type of guy who would get angry if some third party interferes. This is something that only those who are involved can do something about it and if one made a mistake with another opportunity again, it might be over. She wishes Sawako to do her best.

Some guys think that Sawako is a witch since she is saying that it is finished and she has planted medicinal herbs there. After planting, she happily goes back to the classroom and is surprised that Shouta is there because she thought he went home. Shouta asks if she planted a lot. Blushing, Sawako says she did. Sawako feels like she is going to stop breathing because she is alone with Shouta again. Sawako is tense as she wonders how she got along with him before. Shouta then says that it is really good that they are classmates again although it isn’t convenient that they sit faraway from each other but they will be together until graduation. After saying yes, Sawako wonders if Shouta is worried about her. She thinks that Shouta is such a nice person and she is really happy that she will be with Shouta until graduation because she wants to be with him for a longer time. Sawako nervously asks whom he is waiting for. Sawako is surprised when he said that he was waiting for her. He says that he always assumed that among all the other guys, he is the one who is the most closest to her and it seems that isn’t so. He asks her if he is ‘getting ahead of himself’ [The idiom is ‘fancy oneself as attractive to the opposite sex/her’..can’t think of a proper way to write it ^^;] Sawako is stunned and flustered. She struggles to say something but Shouta just smiles and apologizes for suddenly saying those things that troubled her. He bids her goodbye and Sawako mentally thinks that it isn’t like that. Kent sees Shouta coming out of the classroom. Kent looks in the classroom to see Sawako standing. Sawako thinks that she didn’t know what to say because if she says something, it might change into a different meaning. While remembering Sawako holding the chocolates before, Kent puts two and two together and comments that is quite unexpected. Later on, in the toilet, Sawako has successful frightened a couple of girls when she comes out from behind and tries to smile at them while they were looking at the mirror. She thinks that this is really bad so everyone is running away. She remembers what Shouta said that he doesn’t seem to be the closest guy to her. She thinks that he is telling her to quit acting like that -> she was stammering because she was overly conscious about him. She smiles on the mirror again, trying to act normal like before. Chizuru enters the toilet and exclaims what she is doing. Sawako wonders how she used to act before with Shouta.

In class, someone asks Shouta where he is going in the afternoon. Shouta says that he is because the weather is nice and fifth period PE will be held on the field. He then calls out to a couple of guys who are in the soccer club. Soon, they are talking about playing with those two guys and teaching them how to play. Sawako enters the room with Chizuru. She is startled when Shouta greets her a good morning. Sawako stutters her good morning. Sawako thinks that no matter what, Shouta treats her and the others the same. [I think Shouta mentioned those two from soccer club because they used to be from another class. By doing that, they are ‘in’ the group/class and Sawako probably thinks that Shouta is doing this just like how he did it with her before. ] Upon entering the classroom, Kent notices Sawako looking at Shouta. He comments that Shouta happily smiling at Sawako has made her stare at Shouta. He thinks that Shouta is making Sawako expect and traps her in a cycle like that. [He thinks that Shouta is leading Sawako on when he has no feelings for her so she can’t just let him go and move on] Kent greets Sawako a good morning. Staring at Kent, Sawako gloomily greets him. Kent says that she is too stiff. With loving eyes, Kent gives her an example how to greet someone a good morning. Surprised, Sawako tries it but she is too stiff. In the end, Kent is teaching Sawako how to say a good morning. Kent feels sorry for Sawako especially since she is such a honest girl. Ayane and Chizuru wonder what’s up with that. Shouta sees Sawako and Kent talking. He lets out a long sigh that made his classmate wonder what happened to him. Shouta says that it is nothing. Sawako thinks that her and Shouta’s meaning of ‘like’ is definitely not the same. During lunch period, Sawako overhears a girl telling her friend that her stomach hurts because of constipation. When her friends come to eat together, they notice that Sawako is missing and wonders if she went to the toilet. They were surprised when Sawako returns with some herbs and gives it to the girl, saying that it helps constipation. The two girls wonder what they are going to do with that plant. Her friends apologize for it [because Sawako seems to be doing some scary thing to them]. Ryu notices that Shouta is looking at Sawako just as they are going out.

During PE, Ryu asks what’s up with Shouta lately because he looks listless. Shouta just says is that so. Shouta says that he was thinking of being the one who is helping her blend in class instead of the new classmate and he shouldn’t said some things to her that troubled her. Ryu asks who he is referring to. Shouta says Sawako. Ryu asks what he said. Shouta asks him not to ask. Ryu says that he is quite stubborn. Shouta says that is true because he is a stubborn and insists on wanting to do it on his own type of person so he has been enduring and he is almost at the limit. He tells Ryu that the truth is that he knows that this will trouble Sawako yet he feels that he should say it. Ryu thinks that Shouta is still enduring. Shouta says that he doesn’t want to make Sawako feel troubled especially since she is trying her best until now to make friends/become close with everyone -> referring to what she told him before. Ryu is puzzled and asks doesn’t Sawako like him, too. Shouta says that she doesn’t seem to hate him. He looks at Ryu and thinks that Ryu got chocolates and he didn’t. He becomes gloomy when he remembers Sawako telling him that he’s ‘fresh’, she admires him, etc. Shouta stands up and shouts that he isn’t ‘fresh’. Ryu says that no one said he is. Ryu tells him to calm down and asks why he is impatient. Shouta says that he is impatient because that person seems to have already appeared. He tells Ryuu that he can’t sit still because he thinks that pretty soon, there will be a guy who likes Sawako would appear. Ryu asks if she is really that good [attracts guys] since he thinks that Sawako is like a doll. Ryu pats Shouta’s back and says that even if he doesn’t understand, but Shouta is really working hard. This infuriates Shouta. During a class break, Sawako’s friends notice that Sawako is going somewhere. Sawako tells them that she is going to the flower bed to write the uses of the medicinal plants so that the others will know how to use them. They accompany her to the flower bed. In one stick, she writes, “Constipation•Diarrhea” then in the other stick, she writes, “Diuresis”. Ayane asks shouldn’t she be putting the name of the plant. Sawako says that she wants everyone to know the uses of those plants. Chizuru laughs and says that if she writes it like that then, it would seem that those plants are used for curses. So, Sawako decides to write ‘use for’ underneath. While she is writing, they were surprised when someone reads, “Used for Diuresis”. They turn around to see Kent. Sawako’s friends call out Kent’s name and he smiles with sparkles. He says that he is quite happy that they remember his name. Chizuru is surprised when Sawako starts calling Kent as ‘master/sensei’. Kent likes the sound of that. Sawako is quite nervous for no other guy talks to her so she thought it is Shouta. While she is telling herself not to expect that, Kent says that she was expecting just now that he is someone she likes. Sawako is shock that she drops the stick that she is writing on because he was right on target. Kent smiles and says that his ‘feeling’ [like sixth sense] is quite good.

Kent invites the girls to sit down on the bench and consult him about anything so that they can ‘deepen their feelings’ as classmates. The two girls wonder why things turn out that way while Sawako is amazed by his ‘sixth sense’. Sitting down with the three girls, Kent tells them that usually everyone says that ‘he’s a good guy so he has many girlfriends’ type of guy but he is more into ‘universal love’ ideology type. [Haha, the excuse of most playboys =P] His girlfriend doesn’t understand so during spring break, he broke up with his girlfriend. Kent happily says that he is just easily misunderstood and he doesn’t know why. Sawako is crying about his story - being misunderstood. The other two girls think that when he said consult means about himself. Kent turns around to Sawako and tells her that her expression looks stiff and it is not good for a girl’s expression to be stiff like that. Laughing Kent says that since he is into ‘universal love’ ideology, he cannot just abandon and not care for a girl who has let go of her happiness. The two girls think who cares about him while Sawako is puzzled what he meant by let go [or I think she is wondering who that girl who has let go of her happiness] . Kent tells Sawako to smile more like the time when she smiled at Tomo. The two girls are surprised that Kent is suddenly trying to encourage Sawako. Kent gives her a ‘playboy-type’ smile [with a gun-hand gesture under the chin] and tells Sawako to imitate him. Chizuru protests about it because it gives a different kind of feeling. Kent starts calling the other two girls by their first names though he got Ayane’s name wrong. He is asking if Ayane is a model somewhere and Chizuru’s legs look great. He then flashes that ‘playboy-type’ smile and says, “Right, Sawako-chan!” After looking at him, Sawako is startled then tries to smile. Kent tells her that it is still stiff and she should relax. Ayane tells him that if he forces her to smile, Sawako will look scary. Sawako tells Kent that she will change and make it more natural. She says that she will do her best. She mentally thinks that if this continues, she will be hated by Shouta. Kent says, her eyebrows. This surprise Sawako and she tries not to scowl. Looking at Kent, Ayane wonders what Kent is planning. At the hallway, Kent thinks that it is quite unexpected for a stiff girl like Sawako to prepare chocolates for Valentines’ day. Some girls call out to him and ask how his new class is. Kent says that it’s quite fun. They ask if there are any cute girls. Kent pauses and says, “..Cute..how should I say it..there’s a girl whom I am quite concerned about.” The girls say that is great and asks what kind of girl she is. Kent says she is a gloomy stiff girl. Ayane, who is passing by, overhears this and thinks that he is referring to Sawako. After waving goodbye to the other girls, Ayane asks Kent what he is doing. Kent calls out her name wrong again. Ayane wants to correct him but gave up. She just asks him what he is planning. Kent exclaims his surprise about what Ayane is implying and says that he is just a ‘pure’ [what he expresses is the same inside and outside/ he’s not a hypocrite] type of guy. Ayane says that it seems that he likes to tease Sawako. To Ayane’s surprise, Kent says that it is because Sawako likes Shouta. He tells her that he estimates that Sawako’s friends are only Ayane and Chizuru and there is a possibility that she has an unrequited love with a guy so naturally, he [Kent] is curious what kind of girl Sawako is. Ayane nervously asks if he is doing too much because right now, is a crucial time for that child (and Shouta). Kent smiles and says that he is class monitor after all so leave everything to him. As Kent leaves, he exclaims that he will help Sawako blend in class because friends are important and girl friends are great. Ayane wonders if everything will be okay.

In class, while writing on the board, the teacher says this part will come out in the mid-term exam so they should remember it. The seatmate in front of Shouta talks with him about being ‘lazy’ since it will be midterms soon and about the curse notes that Sadako made for 1-D. Shouta explains that it isn’t curse notes but rather a really high grade reviewer. Kent overhears this and asks Tomo and Sawako about it. Tomo explains that Sawako made notes for the mid-term exam before and they are really useful. To Sawako and Shouta’s surprise, Kent shouts to the others that Sawako said that after school, there will be a mid-term review seminar. Sawako is still in shock when Kent asks Sawako if they can. A note says that he should have asked first before telling the others about it. The teacher tries to tell Kent that he is still teaching class. Sawako looks around to everyone and says if she can, she’ll also tell 3 ghost stories as a way of responding to their anticipation. Kent tells her that the others aren’t expecting that. After school, a guy tells Shouta that they are going home. Shouta says that he is going to the seminar. Others are saying that they are going, too because Shouta is going and that the review helped the others during first year. In the classroom, there are only four girls including Ayane and Chizuru who stayed behind. Chizuru wonders if Kent is coming since he did organize it. Sawako thinks that not many people are coming. Sawako is surprised and happy when Shouta comes in. Soon, many others are coming in because Shouta said that he will go. While wondering if she can help everyone, Sawako thinks that she will do her best. Kent looks in the room and is pleased that there are many people who came. A friend says that it is because Shouta told a lot of people about going there. His friend tells Kent that he heard that Shouta has no way of letting Sawako alone/be isolated. Kent says, “So, that’s it.” Kent invites his friend to listen. On her desk, Sawako is nervously teaching everyone but some of the students can’t see her illustration so they tell her to write on the blackboard so that they can make notes. Soon, Sawako is teaching them using the blackboard. A girl answers on the board and Sawako says that she got the right answer. Shouta and Kent are just mesmerized by her. Chizuru and Shiro got the answer right. Note says that they are stupid. Sawako is surprised and happy when everyone understands how easy to solve those equations and it is all thanks to her. A girl then asks her how to use those medicinal herbs next time. It seems that Sawako is looking at Kent’s direction. Kent shows her a v-sign. Everyone is shock to see Sawako smiling sweetly. Others are shouting that she smiled while some say that they already saw it before and Chizuru shouts that she has seen it many times. Everyone is happy they stayed because they saw a good thing and they now understand the math questions. Sawako smiles again. Kent exhales and says that she really does know how to smile. Shouta is just slightly smiling [happy for Sawako].

Afterwards, everyone bids Sawako goodbye and thanks her. Sawako then says that she should be the one thanking them. She thanks them even if some are puzzled why she is thanking them. Kent tells Sawako that even if it is something that doesn’t suits her, she still did her best. Sawako thanks him for what happened today. Shiro shouts to Shouta for them to go home together but Shouta tells him to go ahead. Staring at Sawako, Kent says, “Ah..what..it is totally possible..” Sawako is puzzled. Ayane wonders if there is a problem with Kent and if he will really give her many problems. Going out, Kent mutters to himself that it totally feels like she is a normal cute girl. His friend asks who he is referring to. Kent just says that about this, that ‘bright’-kun [Shouta] also.. Inside the classroom, Shouta tells Sawako that he wants to talk to her. Ayane tells Sawako that they are going ahead. When they went out, they see Kent standing outside the door. Ayane nervously asks if he isn’t going home yet. Kent says that he’ll walk them halfway because he is waiting for Tsuru, his friend, at the gate. He thinks that Tsuru would have probably left already. This is making Ayane really nervous and wonders if this is really okay. Alone in class, Sawako thinks that she feels natural and that she should thank him naturally. The two both say, “About that..” The two are surprised since they talked at the same time. Thinking that she has interrupted Shouta, Sawako apologizes to her. Shouta says that it is okay, she can go ahead. Sawako stutters as she thanks him even if she feels that she isn’t suitable in standing in front of others. She thinks that she wants to naturally thank him to convey that she is really happy. Sawako is surprised when Shouta says that she is suitable..it suits her to teach people other things. Sawako thinks that she absolutely doesn’t want Shouta to hate her. Shouta says, “About what I told you before, don’t mind it. ..Forget about it.” He leaves the room and this stuns Sawako. While remembering how happy Sawako is earlier, Shouta sees Kent at the shoe lockers. Kent tells him that he was waiting for him. Later on, Sawako takes her shoes from the locker and heads home. She wonders what Shouta meant by ‘forget it’. Does it mean that what he asked before if he is the closest to her among all the other guys doesn’t have any deep meaning. Sawako thinks that is right and that is how it should be and even if it is, she has been thinking about it every night before she sleeps to think of when and how to answer him but in the end, she hasn’t found the answer. Feeling like she’s about to cry, Sawako tells her not to be so dismayed about it and it is very embarrassing for her to think that there is some other meaning to what he told her before.

In a bench, probably near the flower bed, Kent is sitting and laughing while Shouta asks him what does he want to talk about that they have to go somewhere else. Kent says that they rarely get to talk to each other even if they are classmates. Kent tells him that there isn’t much opportunity to talk yet he really wants to talk with popular Shouta. Kent exclaims that Shouta is probably more popular than him then dismisses it as a joke. Shouta asks him how he should reply to that. Kent tells him to forget about that and invites him to sit down. Shouta sits down. Kent asks Shouta how many girls have confessed to him and if he has a girlfriend. Shouta says that he doesn’t have one. Kent thinks he is joking so Shouta tells him that it is true, he doesn’t have one. Kent asks him if Sawako is very isolated during first year. Shouta just looks at him. Kent says that maybe not being concerned about Sawako is much better because he has heard that Shouta cannot just let Sawako be isolated like that but he [Kent] thinks that there is an opposite effect to that. Shouta asks what he meant by that. Kent says that it is because Sawako is isolated that he cannot just let her be isolated like that. [Seems redundant but it seems like Kent is implying that Shouta is doing it out of pity/concern] Shouta says that he never thought of that in the first place. Kent starts laughing and says that he must have angered Shouta and asks him not to get angry else it will trouble him [Kent]. “Come, bright smile, bright smile!” Shouta is aghast that he cannot endure this anymore. Shouta stands up and prepares to leave. He says that no matter what, he doesn’t need Kent to tell that to him. Kent says that he feels sorry for Sawako and Shouta shouldn’t be too concerned about her. He tells him that Sawako cannot easily blend in with the class and if Shouta meddles too much, the other girls will hate Sawako. “Does saying that to you also have no meaning?” Shouta remembers telling Sawako not to mind what he said before. Kent says that there is also about Sawako’s matters of the heart that he cannot tell Shouta. Shouta exclaims why he has to listen to Kent saying those things and if that did happen, he will think of a way [to solve that]. “I will act in accordance to what I think. What do you know!” Kent says that Sawako will be quite pitiful if she has to always be envied and isolated and perhaps all that anticipation is all in vain. Shouta says that Kent just said that Sawako is pitiful but what is pitiful about that when Sawako is doing her best. He remembers Sawako teaching in class and smiling. He tells Kent how he could say that it is all in vain. Kent says that is something that Shouta doesn’t understand and what Shouta and Sawako are thinking isn’t the same. [And, I think they aren’t talking about the same thing. Shouta thinks that Kent is talking about that teaching and I’m thinking Kent is probably talking about Sawako’s crush on Shouta regarding the things in vain and anticipation ^^;]

Kent notices that Shouta is just looking at him that he suddenly slaps Shouta hard on the back and shouts that is enough because he isn’t looking for a fight with Shouta just because of Sawako. Holding on his shoulder, Kent laughs and says that it is alright if Shouta doesn’t understand because he feels that Shouta and Sawako’s distance is quite far apart so it is obviously Shouta doesn’t understand. Clenching his fist, Shouta is getting really pissed off as he thinks that Kent is really looking for a fight with him. Kent says that no matter how Sawako tries her best, he hopes that Shouta doesn’t causes any trouble to her. Removing Kent’s hand from his shoulder, Shouta angrily shouts that he knows that. Kent says that’s good and he is asking this favor from Shouta. Kent thinks that Shouta is quite impatient that he already left. Kent remembers something and he shouts to Shouta that there is something he forgot to ask Shouta. “You’re so popular and you don’t have a girlfriend. Do you like some girl?” Shouta turns around and shouts that he does [like someone]. Thinking that this will help Sawako not to keep on waiting on Shouta, Kent tells him that they [Shouta and the girl he likes] should go steady and he’ll even help Shouta. Shouta shouts that there is no need..absolutely no need [for his help]. Shouta angrily walks away and wonders what is that all about. He remembers Kent saying about Shouta not understanding something and there is a distance between him and Sawako so it is obvious that Shouta doesn’t understand. After mentally protesting to what Kent is saying, he stops walking and wonders about things. [as if there is some truth to what Kent said] On the way home, Shouta meets with Chizuru who is on her way to the convenient store. After learning that Sawako has already left for home, Chizuru comments that Sawako is really happy that she was able to help everyone. Shouta just says, yes..she should. Chizuru is a bit puzzled why he answered that way. She asks him if he has already met Kent. Chizuru thinks that Ayane is in love with Kent because she is always complaining about Kent. Remembering what Kent told him about not understanding something about Sawako and being different from her, Shouta asks Chizuru if there is something about Sawako that he doesn’t understand/know. Chizuru is surprised by his question then exclaims, “Ah? Didn’t you know?” Ouch, Shouta got stabbed by an imaginary arrow. Chizuru is actually referring to Shouta not knowing that Sawako likes him. While thinking that Shouta is really slow, Chizuru asks him why he looks awful like that. Shouta says that it is nothing and he really didn’t know this himself until someone told him about it since he thought that there is no one except him would know more about Sawako. Chizuru says that it is the same even if the situation is different from Sawako’s, just like her, Ayane has experienced times when she is being misunderstood and people talk bad things behind her back. Ryu is always like that and it happened four times being reprimanded by his sempai-s so he also had hard and enduring times. Shouta says that he didn’t hear anything about that. Chizuru says that Ryu and Sawako are the same although they do not lie, they won’t hear them say about those things happening to them even if lately, those things do happen. She says that from what Kent said, it could mean that the farthest away from Sawako is in reality, Shouta. This somewhat made Shouta look sad. They bid each other goodbye. While walking, Chizuru is puzzled with Shouta’s behavior because he usually listens and talks but now, he just listens. She wonders what could have happen between him and Sawako.

At school, in the hallway, Sawako sees Shouta. Sawako tries not to mind too much what happened before and tries to greet him a good morning but she has a hard time doing it. Sensing that Sawako seems troubled, Shouta just slightly smiles and says good morning. Shiro and friends call out to Shouta so Shouta quickly looks away and smiles at his friends. Sawako is stunned. She just stands there and thinks that it is all just something ordinary, no big deal but then, for a moment, it seems like he wants to get away from her. Ayane and Chizuru saw the whole thing. They were pretty nervous as Ayane asks out loud, what’s up with that situation. Ayane brings Sawako to some no entry place and corners her at the wall. She angrily shouts at frightened Sawako, “What the heck has happened!! Yesterday, after you talked with Kazehaya, the mood has now become very awkward!! Quickly spill it all out!!” Chizuru is standing behind and thinks that others will think that Ayane is bullying Sawako. Afterwards, Sawako told them about what Shouta said about thinking that he was always the guy closest to Sawako then later on, telling her to forget it. Chizuru thinks that Shouta is quite impatient. Ayane then asks why Sawako didn’t give the chocolates to him on Valentines’ Day when their relationship is really good. Ayane pinches Sawako’s cheeks and tells her that the two of them went to the first shrine visit, everything will be okay if she just give the chocolates and says that it is a thank you gift, didn’t Shouta told her his phone number, etc. She basically reprimands Sawako that she should just have given the chocolates with no excuses. Sawako says is that so then starts crying. Chizuru tells Ayane to just forgive Sawako. Ayane exclaims why she is blaming her. Ayane tells Sawako to wait, she isn’t bullying her so don’t cry. Sawako says that isn’t it but rather, right now, she doesn’t know what to do anymore. “..chocolates..I have no way of giving it with just thankful feelings [because she now likes him]..and then, there is no way, I can communicate with him..since I’m always conscious..that I can’t even greet him well anymore..I’m very scared..” Sawako thinks that it is very embarrassing and she doesn’t want Shouta to hate her because she is very greedy [want to monopolize him]. Ayane tells her that she isn’t the only one who is afraid. Ayane reminds Sawako that she said before that she is satisfied with the current situation and she won’t think of moving/making progress but that implies that afterwards, it will always be like that – continuing that kind of situation. “If you want to change this kind of situation, then you should do something about it, Sawako.” Chizuru starts crying and says that always wanting to maintain the situation could also make the situation deteriorate. She remembered being dumped by Tooru. Ayane apologizes for reminding Chizuru about it and about things becoming complicated. Chizuru says that is true and she is conscious about it because she likes Tooru. Ayane apologizes again and says that will make things complicated. Sawako realizes that she is being reprimanded by others. She tells Ayane that she will engrave all this in her heart. Ayane just says yes and she thinks that Sawako didn’t get it because she is basically telling Sawako to confess to Shouta.

Sawako has to go to the school administration office so the other two girls go first to the classroom. Ayane sees Shouta happily talking with his friends including Ryuu and Shiro. To their surprise, Ayane gives Shouta a good kick on his butt. Shiro and the other guy are muttering that they saw Ayane’s underwear. Shouta angrily shouts that it hurts and why did she did that - suddenly kicking him. Ayane shouts that is what she wanted to say. “Do not do what you just did as if you are avoiding Sawako.” At the side, Ryu asks Chizuru why Ayane did that and Chizuru is also clueless..she thinks that maybe Ayane has a skin problem. [Acne? ^^; and she’s venting her anger on him? ^^;] This shocks Shouta and denies that he is avoiding Sawako and why would he do that. Ayane tells him that she isn’t asking what he is thinking but rather, she is saying that even if he isn’t, don’t act as if he is [avoiding her]. She warns Shouta that Sawako thought she is being avoided so he should not do anything that will make Sawako misunderstand. She leaves while Chiziru runs after her asking what that is all about. Shouta is shaking in frustration as he shouts why everybody is like that, speaking their mind at him. Ryu feels sorry for Shouta. Walking at the hallway, Chizuru tells Ayane that it seems her mood is really bad today. Ayane looks exhausted as she says that things are really bad even if honestly, she feels sorry for Shouta but she still feels angry. Chizuru asks why Shouta is pitiful. Ayane says that it is because the girl that Shouta likes is afraid of him so he is really pitiful. Chizuru is shock as she exclaims that Shouta already likes someone. Ayane just looks at Chizuru. Chizuru is puzzled then she exclaims that this is dangerous/bad for Sawako. Chizuru starts crying and tells Ayane that Shouta has always been quite concerned about Sawako and even yesterday.. Ayane tells her to wait. [Here, a light bulb should have appeared] Chizuru exclaims, “The one Kazehaya likes is Sa..!!” Shouting to drown what Chizuru shouted, Ayane quickly covers her mouth and shouts that her voice is too loud. Some girls are passing by and wonder what that is about. Chizuru exclaims that there is no problem at all. Ayane says that there is no problem at all since the start. Chizuru exclaims for Ayane not to be mean and just tell Shouta and the others about the good news so that Shouta can relax. Ayane stops her and asks if Shouta is the type of guy who would be happy if the third party [bridge] interferes. Chizuru remembers the time when she is always used by other girls to tell Shouta that ‘girl’ likes him. Flashback: During junior high, Chizuru told Shouta that Ali[?] likes him because she was asked by Ali to tell him so he should go see Ali. Shouta asked if she is pulling his leg. Chizuru said that she isn’t, it’s true. Shouta said, “Then, why is the one telling me this is you and not her.” So, Chizuru told Alley about it who cried as another friend comforted her. End flashback

Ayane says that it is what she thought will happen. Chizuru exclaims that she can’t tell Shouta because he will definitely think that Sawako had asked her to tell him and this will make what he thinks of Sawako crumble into pieces. Chizuru then plans to go to Sawako and tell her the good news that Shouta likes her so she only needs to confess. Ayane stops her again and tells her Chizuru has suffered enough from meddling [sorry, I forgot when that happened before] and this is Sawako’s affair/problem. Chizuru agrees with her. Ayane explains that if she tells Sawako about it and Sawako confesses, and they would go steady but is that okay especially since Sawako is still quite afraid of Shouta. Ayane thinks that even if they went steady like that, the relationship will not move on. She doesn’t want Sawako to still have that kind of ‘cowering attitude’ towards Shouta when she goes steady with him. She would rather want Sawako establish her self-confidence then would want to confess to Shouta so that she won’t be that awkward. She says that since the two of them mutually like each other, then Sawako will think that Shouta is going steady with her in good faith. Chiruzu blushes and agrees with this. “When I really think about it, even if I told Sawako that Kazehaya likes her, she will not necessarily believe it..” Ayane says that is true. Chizuru starts to become nervous because yesterday, she has told Shouta something that she shouldn’t have said – everyone including Ryu is closer to Sawako as compared to Shouta. Chizuru goes into shock when Ayane asks what she was saying earlier about yesterday with Shouta. Chizuru nervously says that it is nothing, she doesn’t know anything, and what is Ayane talking about. Ayane looks at her intently that Chizuru nervously thinks that she shouldn’t say anything about it else she’ll be killed by Ayane. At 2-D, Sawako overhears some people talking about how great the cursed notes are. A girl says that she lost 5 kg in just 3 days [probably because of the herbs]. This made Sawako nervous and wonders if it is some illness because she can’t curse people. Kent stands behind her and tells her that they are praising her. Sawako is surprised when Kent gets her in the classroom. Everyone looks at her and then starts praising her that she’s really great. Kent winks at her and tells her to have more self-confidence. A girl then thanks Sawako about the herb and they learn that Sawako is planning those herbs in the flower bed. Shouta sees that scene and remembers what Kent said about Sawako being pitiful. Shouta mutters that he really doesn’t understand. Their friends are coming in the classroom. Ryu is looking at Shouta while Chizuru is nervous.

Soon, mid-terms are over. The grades are out. The two girls tell Sawako that their ranking/grades have improved. It will soon be school festival and the theme is fantasy. During PE, some guys are wondering what their class should do. They overhear some girls exclaiming over Sawako’s flower bed and about the supposed curses and stuff that ‘Sadako’ can do. This gave them an idea so they suggested in class that they make a ‘Sadako’s Black Magic Caf‚’ using the strange plants/herbs brewed into tea. Another person suggests that they make a small booth for Sadako’s consultation. To Sawako’s surprise, that idea wins hands down. At the flower bed, Sawako is teaching the other girls what are the uses for the plants. Because it is hot, her friends are fanning themselves while sitting on the nearby bench. Then, Shouta and others pass by. One of the girls calls out to Shouta about ‘Sadako’s herb, Perilla frutescens. Sawako is nervous and seems to want to say something but Shouta just smiles and says, “Ya.” Then, Shouta and others walk away while Sawako is still looking at his direction. Since the other girls ask Sawako what the other herb is used for, Sawako focuses her attention to them. Ayane says that it seems like Sawako wanted to say something and compared before, Shouta seems to be lacking toughness [or isn’t forceful anymore]. She wonders out lout what is happening while Chizuru is becoming really nervous. Sawako thinks that she wanted to say something to Shouta but she doesn’t know what she should say and is it just her but it seems that compared before, their distance is becoming farther from each other. “Am I..the one who caused it?” While everyone is busy with the school festival, Chizuru corners Ryu. She is asking him a favor but Ryu doesn’t want to do it. Chizuru exclaims why when she just wants him to talk to Shouta and say one sentence that Shouta 100% understands Sawako. Ryu says that he can’t say properly something like that and he doesn’t want to say it either. Since Ryu is worried about Shouta, he says that he can listen to what Shouta will say. This made Chizuru happy until he tells her that this isn’t because of her but because Shouta is acting strange and even if he listened to what Shouta has to say, he won’t tell Chizuru about it. At the flower bed, Sawako is watering the plants in the flower bed. Kent appears from the window and greets her. He says that he has always been looking for an opportunity to talk with her. Pin sees the two talking.

At the cafeteria, Ryu calls out to Shouta who just ordered a bowl of ramen to tell him that there is still a free seat on his table. While Ryu is thinking of how to talk to him, Shouta has already sat down and started eating. Ryu then says, “Did you have a showdown/confrontation with Kuronuma?” Shouta spilled the soup that he was drinking. Flustered, Shouta asks what’s up with that sudden question. Ryu says that it is nothing and he just wants to know. Shouta says that he has become someone who doesn’t know how to contact/communicate with her. Until now, he has been acting towards Sawako in accordance to what he thinks how he should treat her and not for the reason of ‘just for Sawako’. [He isn’t doing it because of pity or he is doing those things because he is interested in her] There is that puppy scene. Shouta wonders out loud if he could have caused any trouble to Sawako because of what he has been doing. Ryu says that if he doesn’t know then why he doesn’t ask the person herself. Ryu asks if he would ask her. Shouta asks if Ryu thinks that Sawako will say that she is ‘troubled’. Ryu says that she probably won’t say she is even if she truly is. Shouta says is that so. Carrying his meal, Pin exclaims, isn’t this Shouta, unexpectedly eating here in such a leisurely way. This made Shouta angry that he shouts if eating at the cafeteria is against the rules. Pin asks if it is okay for him to say those things. “Your wife is having an extramarital affair with Miura Kent!” To Ryu’s surprise, this made Shouta stand up. Shouta realizes something then sits down again and says that she isn’t [his wife], and that isn’t an extramarital affair. Pin starts laughing at Shouta and asks if he was dumped. Shouta shouts that he wasn’t. Pin says that means, he hasn’t confessed yet. Pin says that it would be better to just ‘refreshingly’ say all of those love feelings/words. Pin taunts Shouta that his weak courage is like an ant that he can’t even say those words properly. This infuriates Shouta since even Pin has seen through him. Shouta is relieved that Sawako herself has not realized this and maybe she does know that is why she seems troubled. He thinks that he really doesn’t understand. Shouta says out loud that he doesn’t know a thing about Sawako. Pin looks surprised and tells him, “So, what of it. Isn’t that obvious? Who do you think you are.” This made Shouta realize something. He stands up and says that he is right. “Where did you say it was?” Pin is puzzled. Shouta says about Sawako. Pin says she is in that flower bed with the strange plants. Shouta runs off. [I don’t quite get what Pin and Ryu are talking about but it seems] Pin is wondering what happened to Shouta all of a sudden – having that youthful glow while Ryu is saying that it reminds him of some Motarou feeling. So, Shouta heads to the flower bed where Sawako and Kent are..now talking while sitting on the bench.

Kent tells Sawako that it is great because she has totally blended with the class. Sawako is surprised by this. She remembers that she is teaching the class, talking with students and telling some girls how to use the herbs. She realizes that she has indeed blended with the class and this is her legendary dream of dreams. Kent laughs and asks if she wasn’t conscious of it. He tells her that there is no need for her to consider herself as ‘the one isolated from the class’ and even if Shouta didn’t think of a way, Sawako can still do it really well. Sawako looks stunned that Kent asks if she isn’t happy about that. He asks her if she wants to be always isolated so that Shouta will come and look after her. Sawako mutters, “..no..” While remembering that since she was a kid, the other students are scared of her, Sawako thinks that it has always been her desire to blend in with the class and it’s only because Shouta has always been naturally treating her like that [being nice to her] so she forgot the most fundamental thing [wanting to blend in class]. She remembers someone saying that Shouta can’t leave her alone and Ume accuses Sawako for being dark so she needs to be looked after by Shouta. Sawako says that it is the advantage of being ‘dark’ . Kent says that is right. This stuns Sawako and thinks that even she was very happy [about blending with class], it is still a shock to her because she has been longing for the place where Shouta is. Kent says that it can’t be helped if she misunderstood and that will be what Shouta will tell her. Sawako is shock because Kent has seen through what she is thinking and no wonder he is ‘sensei’ since he has that special ability. Kent says that is the same with Shouta but he has no bad intention about it though he got the nerve [get angry] for still doing it even if he knows. [I guess, Kent is saying that what Shouta is doing is leading Sawako to fall for him even if it isn’t true, thus Sawako is just misunderstanding Shouta’s good intentions.] Sawako protests that it isn’t true because Shouta is normally lively and straight-forward with everyone and he would even smile when greeting her. “..The things that I said..he also believed in me..so..I..towards Kazehaya-classmate, since the first time there is no barrier..” Sawako thinks that is right because Shouta is that kind of guy so she likes him but then, since the start, she can’t become satisfied by that until to the point that she has no way of believing it [that she’s greedy?]. Sawako stutters that it is her fault for not being careful that she had misunderstood. Kent is speechless and comments that it seems that she knows that she has misunderstood. Kent feels sorry for Sawako and thinks that even if it is all Shouta’s fault, yet Sawako still tries to protect him. Kent says that maybe it is better for her not to get close to Shouta again for the good of both of them. Sawako is surprised by this and exclaims that it is the opposite of what Ayane said. She asks what he meant by both of them. Shouta says that Sawako is now starting to enjoy her youth on her own and Shouta will also be able to relax since he finished his mission [to get Sawako blend in with the class]. “Shouta already has a girl whom he likes. Although, I don’t want to tell you..but shouldn’t you stop being infatuated with him?”

Sawako is stunned and thinks that she was already dumped early on. She remembers what Ume was telling her before. Kent is still saying that Sawako also doesn’t want to cause trouble to Shouta and this is quite an important feeling which can’t be casually talked to others. Kent is surprised when Sawako suddenly stands up while he was saying that after today, there are still many other interesting things.. Sawako goes to a nearby tree so Kent follows her and asks where she is going. He is surprised to see Sawako crying because Shouta really likes someone else. Kent is nervous as he apologizes to her because she is really serious about Shouta. He says that he doesn’t plan on making her cry and she will definitely find someone who will be a match for her. This made Sawako cry louder. Kent becomes tenser and tells her that a smiling Sawako is cuter and it will be alright. While remembering what Ayane told her to think of a way and not wanting to trouble Shouta, Sawako can’t stop crying. She mentally tells Ayane that she can’t do it because until now, she is quite dependent on Shouta and in the end, she knew that she should use all her effort in not thinking of that [she has hope]. Kent pats her back and tells her that it will be okay and this [without Shouta] will help her gain more self-confidence. Trying to comfort her, Kent says that there are still many guys out there. Sawako is still crying that Kent holds to her arms and says, “..what if you choose me? I have no problem if it’s Sawako.” Sawako looks at him then notices someone has arrived. She turns around to see Shouta who is breathing hard from running. Shouta looks surprised as his brain processes the scene of Sawako crying and Kent is holding her arms. [The scene is ripe for a ‘jumping into conclusion’ which will be happening a lot later on.] Furious, Shouta grabs Kent and asks what he did. Kent is surprised and tells Shouta that he didn’t do anything. Shouta shouts why did he make Sawako cry. Sawako is surprised by this. Kent looks at Sawako then apologizes. Crying, Sawako says that ‘sensei’ didn’t do anything wrong and in fact, he is cheering her up. Sawako starts crying again because the two guys are worried about her. She cries that no one is at fault, but her. Shouta asks why she is crying then. Kent says that is enough and asks what’s with Shouta for suddenly coming there and Sawako tends to boast that Shouta is usually lively and ‘fresh’. [So why he isn’t like that now, I assume is what Kent is thinking] Shouta looks at him and asks, “..Usually..?” [I just realized that when Shouta is angry, he doesn’t look angry, he just stops smiling and being cheerful like his usual self.] Three of Shouta’s friends call out to Shouta [Is one of them Shiro?] and asks what are they doing. They freeze upon seeing Shouta angry, a playboy type seatmate of Sawako and ‘Sadako’ crying. They were speechless as they look at the trio. They start laughing and joking around that it is like a scene of a guy being jealous at the rival over a girl. They say that Shouta is fighting with a guy who’s going to steal ‘Sadako’. Still laughing, they tell Shouta that there are other girls who would like him because he’s popular. Sawako thinks that she can’t even laugh at that kind of joke. From Shouta’s expression, he doesn’t find it amusing. They were all stunned when Shouta says, “That’s right.” The three guys are still laughing and ask him what it is, does he mean that he likes Sawako. Kent looks surprised. Shouta says, “I like.” The three guys stop laughing. Shouta looks at Sawako and says, “I like Kuronuma.” Pause. “Is there anything strange about that?”

The three guys nervously says that there is nothing strange about it. Unfortunately, Sawako is in denial for she thinks that it is some other girl whom Shouta likes so she says that it is just a misunderstanding. “..If you say it like that, we will be misunderstood..” [I guess she is thinking that Shouta is just trying to protect her from the teasing of those guys and he isn’t serious.] Shouta is surprised. Sawako thinks that she was mistaken about their relationship because of the times she was with Shouta. She can’t bear this kind of misunderstanding. The three guys ask if Sawako is thinking that they will misunderstand her and Shouta’s relationship [as romance]. They start laughing again and say that there is no way they could misunderstand it and is Sawako saying that it is more like ‘I don’t hate you’ meaning of ‘like’. Shouta asks what’s strange about that. The three guys become silent again. Kent is just looking nervous all throughout this. Shouta slightly smiles and tells Sawako, “Kuronuma..if you feel troubled then you should have said so.” Shouta turns around and leaves. Sawako calls his name and quickly runs after him. The three guys just stare at them leaving. Kent tells the three guys that the bell will ring soon so they should quickly go. The three guys say that he is right. Kent puts his arms around the three guys who were also nervous because Shouta was angry and they wonder who Kent is that he would put his arms around them. Kent nervously thinks why Shouta would say it was strange. “Ahahah?! Could it be that it’s true..?!” Sawako has chased after Shouta behind a school building. Sawako thinks that even if she can’t control herself from chasing after him but what should she say or do..she totally doesn’t know. She is bothered by what he said ‘if she is troubled, she should say so.’ She remembers Kent telling her that she also doesn’t want to trouble Shouta. She thinks that she didn’t know that Shouta likes someone else yet she would even think of ‘monopolizing’ Shouta for herself. “I even made him say those words ‘I like Kuronuma’ and made everyone misunderstood.” Tears are falling again. Shouta asks her why she is crying. “Is it because of Miura?” Sawako says that ‘sensei’ is just comforting her with good intentions. Shouta asks, “..Is it me?” Sawako looks surprised that Shouta realizes that it is him. Sawako starts crying again and apologizing over and over again for making him worry about her. “I’m really sorry..giving you troubles..” Shouta says, “ ‘worry’..? You feel Miura is ‘good intention’..towards me, you feel ‘giving me trouble’, right?” Sawako remembers someone saying, “If you say it like that, you’ll be misunderstood.” Shouta covers his face with his hand [as if he was rejected/about to cry]. “..I was serious about that..I’m not the kind of person that you think I am. What do you mean by usually ‘fresh’. I do not want you to look at me like that. ..what is usually” He takes his hand away from his face and says, “..I never once treated you like that..” Sawako is surprised. Clenching his fist, Shouta says, “I like Kuronuma. Kuronuma, do you like me?” Sawako closes her eyes and nods. Shouta says, “..but my ‘like’ isn’t the same..as Kuronuma’s ‘like’.” Sawako is surprised, “…ah…” Shouta looks down and leaves her.

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapters 29-37] Part B
Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Sawako thinks that from the start, she already knew but when he said those obvious words..even if she knows it herself that it is so obvious. Sawako starts crying and kneels on the ground. During class, the teacher is doing a roll call and learns that Shouta and Sawako are not in class. Sawako’s friends are puzzled and wonder if Sawako, together with Shouta, would even skip class. Ayane looks at Kent who is looking nervous at Sawako’s empty seat. “Isn’t this bad..?” Shouta is on the roof, looking up the sky. “Like you..like you..” echoes in her head as Sawako is moping behind the building and remembers the time when Shouta is talking with her in front of her desk. After class, while everyone is busy with the cultural festival, some guys are talking about the confrontation between Shouta, ‘Sadako’ and Kent. They say that upon seeing ‘Sadako’ crying, it made Shouta angry and he said that he likes ‘Sadako’. They aren’t sure if it is a confession or not because ‘Sadako’ says that they might be misunderstood. Ume is surprised when she overhears this. Ayane and Chizuru are asking the other girls if they have seen Sawako. They didn’t know so they ask Kent who says that he didn’t know where she is right now but the last time he saw her she was outside…at the flowerbed during lunch, they were talking. Ayane darkly asks him if he overdid it. This made Kent nervous but Ayane tells him to forget it since they are going to look for Sawako first. Kent wanted to help but Ume holds him back and asks him about the confrontation. Kent says that news travel fast. Ume asks him what happened. “Properly explain all this to me.” Kent thinks and says that it seems that he overdid things. Behind a school building, Sawako thinks that classes are over. She tells herself that she shouldn’t be listless like that since it will be school festival soon and everyone is preparing. She doesn’t want others to think that she’s the lazy one but she fears what people will think upon seeing her face like that. Her eyes are swollen from crying. She hears some noise. She looks up to see Pin who got scare of her. Scream. Pointing at Sawako, Pin shouts if she wants him to kill him because he thought she was a ghost. Sawako apologizes. Pin exclaims what she is doing in such a dark place. Pin asks if she and Shouta didn’t go to class afterwards because they have a quarrel. Pin laughs and shouts, “What is it, you dumped him without even a slightest hesitation, didn’t you!!” Sawako tells him, “ was dumped by..” Pin says, huh? Sawako says that she was dumped by Shouta even if it is something that should obviously happen. Sawako is surprised when Pin suddenly shouts out loud that jerk suddenly going to where she is, as if his life depended on it, only to dump her. Pin pats her shoulder and tells her that Shouta is such a disappointing guy but she shouldn’t mind him and she should just forget that kind of guy. Ayane and Chizuru kick Pin at the back and shout what he is doing. Pin angrily shouts why they suddenly kick their homeroom teacher. Ayane shouts what he told Sawako and tells him to leave. Pin angrily leaves as he wonders what that is about when he is cheering Sawako up. The girls tell Sawako that they were looking for her. Sawako apologizes. Ayane asks what she just said a while ago about being dumped and what happened to her face. After the explanation, a loud scream of “What did you just said~~!” echoes in the air.

Aghast, Ayane grabs Sawako and exclaims how this could happen in such a brief time when she wasn’t paying too much attention to her. Sawako apologizes for being dumped without authorization. Ayane is angry that Kent really messed things up. Sawako says that she thinks that she’s so full of herself [as if she has a lot of sex appeal] and she thought that Shouta treats her the same way, just like how he treats everyone else. She says that in the end, it wasn’t [true] and she was just too mindful of herself. She remembers Shouta saying what she meant by ‘usually’ and he never once treated her like that [she thought same as others]. She becomes teary-eyed again and says that she thought that Shouta has always concerned about her [but it’s really pitying her]. She thinks that because of that maybe she come to like Shouta more and she became greedier so Shouta realizes this yet he can’t say it. Sawako tells her friends that Shouta said that ‘it isn’t the same’ and ‘not like what I think it is’ so she feels that he just said some obvious things to her. She is very embarrassed since he has to bluntly tell her about it. Chizuru just looks at Sawako. Ayane tries to tell Sawako that it isn’t like that and-. But Chizuru interrupts by saying that really makes her angry. Ayane tells Chizuru to calm down though she understands why she is angry and that isn’t what Shouta meant. Chizuru says that isn’t what she’s referring to but Sawako is the one making her angry. “Did you also feel that we’ve became friends with you because we pity you?!” Sawako goes into shock and exclaims that she never thought of that. “Is that true!?” Chizuru sweatdrops and shouts, of course, it isn’t true. Chizuru shouts that she is saying that if Sawako thinks that way, she will get angry. “The one who made Kazehaya take that kind of attitude is you! Sawako! What do you mean by ‘it’s obvious’.. even when there’s still us.. until when do you plan to belittle yourself..” Chizuru is already teary-eyed. “Don’t get used to your slow-wittedness!!” [as if Sawako is making a habit out of it.] Chizuru leaves as Ayane tries to tell her to wait. Ayane remembers talking with Chizuru before that Sawako has already gotten used to people avoiding her and maybe this way, it will be more normal. And, that kind of thing is really sad especially since Sawako is such a nice kid. Sawako is still stunned from being called slow-witted. Ayane tells Sawako that if Chizuru is angry and hurt, she will ‘go wild’ and it is possible that she is really worried about Sawako. Ayane admits that at first, they think that Sawako is a very gloomy and isolated girl but because she did her best, right now, they know that she has a lot of good sides to herself and she can be cute that they really like her. “I also think that it is because of you, we are doing our best and we have become stronger.” [Not to sure about this part but] Ayane says if it is okay with Sawako, they will also stop and also, Shouta. “Basically, there is no difference..it’s only Sawako yourself who is thinking that it isn’t the same.” Ayane tells Sawako that she is worried about Chizuru so she is going ahead first and Sawako should go wash her face. Sawako thinks that it seems that she is mistaken about some things. “..that time, I really should do my best in order to do it. …And I, what are the things that I did to my very best…for Kazehaya-classmate?”

Walking at the hallway, Ayane calls out to Chizuru. Chizuru turns around. While vigorously shakes her hair with her hands, Chizuru says that she wasn’t careful and she ‘went wild’. She calls herself stupid. Ayane tells her that it is okay. Chizuru apologizes for interrupting midway while Ayane is talking to Sawako. Chizuru asks what is it that Ayane is about to say. To Chizuru’s shock, Ayane is going to say that ‘the person Shouta likes is Sawako’ and currently, she doesn’t know if she should or shouldn’t say it. Chizuru exclaims why Ayane didn’t say it. Ayane says that she thinks what Chizuru said is more proper in this situation and even if at the start, there was a problem and things have gotten worse. “..Furthermore, Sawako will definitely think of a way to resolve it! After all, this is how she arrived to where she is now. She’ll definitely do her utmost best!” Chizuru smiles and says that Ayane is right. Outside, Ryu praises the work of some guys with a flower cart. They need to ask something to Shouta about what to do next. Ryu walks away and meets with Shouta. Shouta apologizes for not working when everyone has already started. Ryu says that it seems that they are going to ask him something. Shouta says okay and walks away. Ryu asks him if he went and clarified things with Sawako. Turning around to Ryu, Shouta looks surprised and says yes…he was dumped and it seems that he is making things difficult for Sawako. Ryu looks surprised. Shouta says that Sawako doesn’t want others to misunderstand their relationship and it seems that Sawako is thinking that he is treating her that way because he was concern [pity] about her. “…I confessed to her to try to clearly tell her [about my feelings] but I wasn’t successful..but I already have no way of repressing my emotions. ..I totally feel hurt compared to what I had imagined..I never thought that..she would be so troubled that she would actually cry that way..” Shouta walks away and Ume overheard everything. She is angry as she runs off and thinks, “..that girl..” At the shoe lockers, Sawako takes out her shoes. She is surprised when someone said that her face looks awful. She looks up and sees that it is Ume. She remembers asking Ume if she is a friend but Ume answered that they are rivals. Sawako tells Ume that she has been dumped by Shouta. Ume looks at Sawako then asks if Sawako is thinking that she is her ‘comrade’ and Sawako shouldn’t lump the two of them together. “You were never a competing rival!” Sawako goes into shock and grabs hold of Ume’s shoulders. Ume tells her to get away from her and she’s troublesome. Sawako asks if it is because she was dumped. To Sawako’s surprise, Ume says that it is because she basically didn’t so her best. “Because you hurt Kazehaya!” Letting Ume go, Sawako goes into shock again and tensely exclaims, “..hurt..me?! Ah..because he obviously likes someone else and I still made him take care of me always, right..?! I always give him trouble…” Ume can’t bear it anymore that she pinches Sawako’s face with her hand and angrily shouts, “Because you are so slow-witted!!” Sawako remembers what Chizuru told her about getting used to being slow-witted. Ume tells her that it is only Shouta who didn’t feel sorry/pities Sawako since both Chizuru and Ayane did felt Sawako is pitiful [at the start, I guess]. Ume asks her what she saw in Shouta. [What she liked about him] Sawako is puzzled-surprised. With tears in her eyes, Ume shouts, “Do not think that I’m just like you..I had clearly told him..although I was dumped by him..I said it accurately in a way he won’t misunderstand!! Don’t lump me together with you!!” Sawako is surprised and speechless as she just looks at Ume walking away.

At night, Shouta’s group plan to bring out the flower cart in order to finish it but they were caught by Pin. They ask Pin to let them off after all, he is their homeroom teacher. Pin says that he isn’t really interested in that so they can do what they want but they shouldn’t let the other teachers know else it will be quite problematic. Relieved, they take the cart out. Pin calls out to Shouta and put his arm around Shouta’s shoulders. Pin nervously says that Shouta turned out to be worse than he thought and how could he have grown up to become like that. Shouta asks, ha? Pin exclaims what he is ‘ha-ing’ for [faking innocence]. He accuses Shouta of pretending to be interested in someone then making that person like him. “You’re such a scary guy!! I heard that you dumped her!! You dumped Kuronuma!!” Shouta exclaim that he was the one who’s dumped. Pin continues to say that Sawako was tricked by Shouta and he never imagined for Shouta to quickly run as if his life depended on it only to dump a girl. “What do you want to become in the future!! A playboy? Gigolo? Or..” Shouta angrily says that he was dumped. Pause then Pin becomes confused. Shouta angrily says for the third time that he was dumped. Pin asks didn’t he specially run just to dump a girl. Shouta angrily shouts why he would do that. “..I went to confess! Although..I wasn’t successful.” Pin remembers Sawako telling him that she was dumped. Pin exclaims, is that so. “So it’s like you confessed and you also said some awful things to her!! Hahaha You’re such a useless guy!” This made Shouta angry that he shouts that he said what he should have said. “Geez—that’s enough. Don’t mind me!!” Pin says that he is right even if he said something that made Sawako not understand a bit, but the truth is he already did everything that he could. Pin smiles and says, “Isn’t this very good? Then, you can just simply give up on it!!” Shouta looks surprised. Shouta walks away as if he is thinking of something while his friends call out to him that they are leaving. Pin walks away, sticking his tongue out. At Chizuru’s place, a couple of girls are puzzled because the cloth doesn’t match even if they measured it right. Sawako teaches them how to do it. Then, she goes into shock since they are looking at her. She thought that she is meddling in their work. The couple of girls happily say that it now matches and thank Sawako. Ayane and Chizuru are watching her and smile. Chizuru goes out of the room when Sawako calls out to her. Chizuru asks what it is. Sawako says, “..about..today, thank you!! You also called me to come to your house to prepare for the school festival…even though..after school..I..am very happy.” The two girls look at Ayane who comes out of the room. Sawako says, “..I..was able to become friends with Chizuru and Ayane..I..I..for the first time I felt that there are people who likes me!” Sawako blushes as she thinks that she has finally said it. The two girls are surprised. Chizuru laughs out loud then slaps Sawako hard at the back. Chizuru tells Sawako, “You better not forget it!” Chizuru happily goes downstairs to get some drinks. Ayane puts her hand on Sawako’s shoulder and laughs to say that Sawako did well for what she said has made Chizuru extremely happy since Chizuru is really simple-minded. Sawako thinks that just one sentence using words. She remembers Ume asking her what she sees in Shouta and telling her to clearly tell Shouta in a way that he won’t misunderstand it. Sawako wonders if she had told it to him already.

Actually, this is the first unsuccessful confession because of other ‘problems’ that I have read. The next one is in Akuma to Love Song which made me thought, what another one. And then, by the time it happened in The One, too, I’m numb to it already. In three different series, the lead girls react differently, too. Sawako is crying her eyes out, Maria tries to act as if everything is normal and Lele is furious. So, back to KnT, this is what I call the ‘mother of misunderstandings’ and a nice case study of how things can go really wrong even if the couple likes each other. What’s nice about this ruined confession is that there is no single person to blame for it. Everyone has a hand in it. Sawako started the rift when she didn’t give him the chocolates. Ume contributed to it because of what she said to Sawako thus confusing Sawako over the intention why she is giving the chocolates to Shouta. As Chizuru pointed out, she looks down on herself so she didn’t realize that the one whom Shouta likes is her. Sawako was successfully ‘brainwashed’ by Kent whose meddling with good intentions messed things up for them. I do credit Kent for single-handedly help in making Sawako blend in class. Kent and Shouta are a bit similar yet different. Kent is doing all this to Sawako because he feels sorry for her. He assumed that Shouta is also doing the same thing to Sawako because of the same reason. Shouta also has a ‘no third party should intervene’ policy so the other girls weren’t able to help much. Just like Akuma to Love Song’s Yuusuke, Shouta’s popularity and being helpful to everyone works against him that people had misinterpreted the reason why he is helping and paying special attention to Sawako. He also had a bad case of wrong timing. When he suddenly confessed in front of others – guys who are joking about it isn’t possible for Shouta to like Sawako- , it does appear that he is just defending Sawako. His flip-flopping about the question before to Sawako that he is the closest guy to her also helped confuse Sawako. Chizuru had also unintentionally rubbed it in that he is probably the farthest person from Sawako and there are things that he doesn’t know about Sawako. I do think that Ayane did the most that she could do in that situation though I feel that she could had done more since it seems that she did just shoo away her instincts that things will go bad because of Kent. Then, Ryu will probably represent the people who are just there for you and will not meddle in your affairs even if things aren’t going well. So, what’s done is done. The rest of the chapters after the confession are what I call ‘damage control’ chapters. =P I do agree with Ayane that what Chizuru said is much better than saying it outright to Sawako that the one Shouta likes is her. Ume did somewhat redeemed herself by reprimanding Sawako and I think that will help Sawako do something – be the one to confess. I guess Ume can’t bear to see Shouta like that and she isn’t that mean because she could have just let things be. I’m not sure if what Pin said to Shouta will help him or not. It works both ways because Shouta could give it up if he did think that he did his best or he can try again. After all, there are those who keep trying even after a rejected confession. The next chapter will be 50 pages long. From the raws, it is another ‘damage control’ but it ends in a cliffhanger..it seems that Sawako is going to confess. I hope it goes well this time around though I wonder if this will still be romantic after the ruined first. Lastly, it is a school festival and the confession will be in the classroom. It really reminds me of what happened in Kaichou wa Maid-sama! Will there be a kiss with fireworks? =P

Quote of the day:
Be not disturbed at being misunderstood; be disturbed rather at not being understanding ~ Chinese Proverb

Free Talk: Hapi Mari 6 + Other Blahs
Monday, July 13, 2009

For those who want to read Hapi Mari chapter 6, the Chinese scans are out. Check out the link of the title below, at the side. My teaser is more or less right. She bought the lingerie because he hasn’t done anything romantic before so she thought that night is the NIGHT. ^^ Too bad, she didn’t know that it is Taeko’s suggestion to Hokuto. I find Taeko venting her frustration on the flowers somewhat amusing. She isn’t happy that now Chiwa won’t trust her and Hokuto anymore because they lied to her. That is why Chiwa is consulting Hiroshi. At the dinner, Chiwa wanted to know if she can believe him when he said that ‘she belongs to him’ but she fainted because of high fever, not overwork. For the final part, Chiwa is crying bitterly because she heard that Hokuto will do everything to get this goal so he is maintaining the marriage in order for him to still be president and that includes making Chiwa happy. Chiwa realizes that all those comforting and kissing are all just part of making her happy so that she won’t divorce him. She hopes that the feeling she has now for him would disappear. Well, that is what Hokuto said but somehow, maybe he does have some feeling towards her.

Haha..I’m four chapters away from finishing Kimi ni Todoke (summaries from Chinese scans) but I needed a break so I watched some new anime yesterday instead. CANAAN is okay but I like the animation. I need to watch a few more episodes to probably like it. Bakemonogatari is wow. The animation is really something even if the story is a bit confusing, the beautiful art/scenes makes the series worth watching. Then, there is the intriguing Umineko no Naku Koro ni that has a catchy opening though upon learning that it is Studio Deen..my heart sank a bit. ^^; But, the plot got me interested so I’ll keep watching it. So, I hope to finish KnT as soon as I can because manga dump has started even if only two series (Hapi Mari and Reimei no Arcana) are uploaded. As expected, there will be only one Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu chapter this month. What I didn’t expect is for Akuma to Love Song and Koi, Hirari to only have one chapter this month. Anyway, lots to read in the coming days ^^

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, Reborn, and PSYREN
Monday, July 13, 2009

In Bleach [c. 365], Tousen and Gin mentions that they recognize those faces of Shinji and others. Aizen seems to be just smiling. [Still part of the plan, huh?] Shinigami-s are surprised with reactions from ‘who they are’ to ‘it’s you’. Hisagi is having deja vu because he just saw Kensei again who saved him before when he was in trouble. Shinji asks the others whom they would want to greet among the shinigami-s there. None wants to except for Lisa who beats up Sensui and reprimands him for ‘playing dead’. Sensui is okay with that because he is glad that she is okay. After that, Shinji talks with Yamamoto. Yamamoto asks if they are out for revenge. Shinji says yes but revenge on Aizen. It turns out that they were late because of the barrier put on the place. It is only when everyone is beaten up when Sasakibe let them in. Yamamoto asks if they are allies. Shinji says that they aren’t. They are on Ichigo’s side that is against Aizen and his group. Shinji cuts their talk short because the enemies especially Wonderweiss are getting impatient. He calls out the huge monster which starts spewing gillians all over the place. So, finally, it’s ‘mask on’ for the vizards. So, there is a perfect reason why they are late. I’m satisfied with what happened in this chapter except for Sensui who is bumming around as if there is no cause of concern for Ukitake..hm..maybe there isn’t really any cause for concern. ^^; My guess is that after they beat up most of the espada and other hollows there, they will have a hard time with Aizen and company. As usual, Aizen is cool as a cucumber as if everything is still within the scope of his plans. Surely, he knows of the possibility of Shinji and others being in the human world and of course, a high possibility of them attacking him if he ever dares go there.

Then in Naruto [c. 455], Danzou picks the two bodyguards who are going with him to the meeting. Fuu will take care of the weapons needed while Troune’s underlings will keep an eye on Naruto to make sure he doesn’t escape as a precaution because he has doubts regarding Sai. After Karui has beaten Naruto black and blue, he still won’t talk about Sasuke so before he got beaten up again, Sai decides to intervene because he can’t stand Naruto doing this to Sasuke who doesn’t deserve it. Ormoi tells Karui to stop it because Naruto isn’t the type who’ll sell out a friend. This made him admire Naruto. Samui arrives and reprimands Karui’s rashness which will lead them nowhere. They are only to get information and tell it to Raikage. Naruto insists on wanting to help them and let him see Raikage. They refuse and left him since they have to copy the information they obtained from the village files. Naruto asks Sai to bring him to Kakashi and Yamato. While Sai is treating him, Naruto tells the two about his desire to see Raikage to get him to forgive Sasuke. First they refuse until Naruto mentions about meeting the 4th Hokage and about a certain person behind everything. Kakashi guess that it is Madara. He asks what the 4th told Naruto. Naruto says that the 4th believed in him so that made Kakashi do what Naruto wants with Yamato accompanying them. Yamato is surprised. Somewhere else, Danzou is attacked by some people and he takes out the bandage on his right eye which turns out to be a sharingan. Naruto is such a good friend which I kind of think Sasuke doesn’t deserve. Naruto is quite clever to mention the two things that could get Kakashi to do what he wants..okay, I don’t know if he really thought of the effect by saying that but nevertheless it is effective. I wonder what Sai will do now. Will he go along with Naruto? If he objects then they will realize that he is helping Danzou but then, I think they understand Danzou’s ‘hold’ on him. I wonder if there are any other ‘curse/seal’ on Sai like if he doesn’t obey orders, he’ll be killed. Then, Danzou..what are the chances that he is Madara? Because Tobi seems to be just some sort of ‘hologram’ since Sasuke passed through him, maybe like what Itachi does at times when meeting Naruto and bk1 mentioned that Madara used to be/is Mizukage, I thought that way, he can always be behind the scenes and pulling the strings of everyone. Maybe, he is some sort of shape shifter or can possess people. If true, it’s ironic that Nagato/Pain helped him. If Danzou isn’t, I think there are too many Uchiha’s – villain-types running around in this series ^^; I thought Sasuke and Madara are the ‘last’ ones. Oh ya, unless that sharingan is planted, just like Kakashi’s that is why he needs Orochimaru’s notes/Kabuto. =P

While in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 249], after Genkishi’s defeat, Tsuna and Takeshi head to where Daisy is but Tsuna notices something. Daisy informs Kikyou that the Vongola are heading her way but Kikyou informs him that this is all just a ‘show’ to entertain Byakuran when they seem to be in a pinch because he is tired of always winning easily. Spanner notices that Tsuna is heading in a different direction so Irie assumes that there is something wrong with his contact lens’ navigation system. Kikyou goes to Hayato but after hit-and-run, he just seals Hayato’s boxes with his plants. This just infuriates Hayato and amuses Byakuran. As they concentrate on finishing Daisy, Tsuna informs them that his navigation system is working and he is still trapped by Torikabuto’s illusion. It makes me think that Byakuran is like Aizen but unlike Aizen, Byakuran likes sweet and fun/playful. Just like what Kikyou implied, I think if they are serious, they can easily accomplish their goal but it seems for Byakuran’s entertainment, they gave themselves a handicap. It seems that the author doesn’t want to show off Hayato’s new weapon yet. If he wasn’t able to help in this game for Tsuna, I think his ego might take a beating ^^; I did think that Torikabuto seems to be too easily defeated by Tsuna and I thought he is just a fluke but I guess he isn’t and Byakuran knows what he is doing when he chose the Six Wreaths =P So, all of this elaborate scheme is just to finish off Genkishi? ^^; And, while doing it make Vongola think they have a chance and for Byakuran to have fun watching the ‘show’ while eating caramel popcorn or marshmallows. =P

In PSYREN [c. 78], Yoshina is able to defend against Taiga’s attacks but he realizes that he can’t fight if he is too busy defending. Taiga realizes this so he decides to attack Yoshina out front. He gained confidence with what he is doing since Yoshina is confused and panicking when his ‘discs’ start to change from just absorbing attacks to attacking. Yoshina tries to warn him not to get closer but Taiga thinks that Yoshina is just trying to fool him. Taiga only realizes that he wasn’t tricking him when he was almost skewered by Yoshina’s attack if he hadn’t stopped it. Since Yoshina has to force it to stop, he is tired and drained but he still has enough energy to reprimand Taiga for not listening to him and that Usui is just using him because killing Nemesis Q won’t solve anything. Kyle manages to trap Okugou and threaten to roast him courtesy of Frederica so Okugou gives up. Usui tells Miyage that woman, creator of Nemesis Q, is already at her limit and has only enough power to maintain her life and Nemesis Q. Since she isn’t useful anymore, Usui orders Miyage to kill her but she was saved in time by Amamiya. Yes, it’s nice to have fast action but then, regarding Okugou, it seems too easy. Maybe except for WISE, the other probable enemies are in no challenge to them. I guess Okugou and Taiga will be part of their ever growing group of resistance. Hm..two grown up guys vs two teens/girls..doesn’t sound fair but it might end up with 2 vs 1 since I don’t think Miyage has any powers. Usui does seem to be the type of guy who doesn’t want his hands dirtied so I wonder if he is going to fight or just psyche the girls then when they were confused, he attacks. Hehe..I wonder if Amamiya will get angry at Yoshina because of how I assume he will react when he learns how the creator of Nemesis Q looks like =P

Quote of the day:
To will is to select a goal, determine a course of action that will bring one to that goal, and then hold to that action till the goal is reached. The key is action. ~ Author Unknown

Hapi Mari -Happy Marriage!?- [Chapter 6-7] Teaser
Saturday, July 11, 2009

Chiwa has become quite nervous around Hokuto upon realizing her feelings [based on the last chapter]. Hiroshi has become her drinking buddy and it seems that she is using the ‘I have a friend who has a problem’ tactic again to ask him something. And, Taeko is reporting all this to displeased Hokuto ^^; She informs him about Chiwa’s upcoming birthday and suggests that he prepare something else, she’ll probably become more close with Hiroshi. Then, Chiwa comes home drunk and she was shock that Hokuto is waiting for her. =P He then probably asks her to keep the day of her birthday free because they are going to celebrate it. Chiwa is totally shock by it that she got a nose bleed. ^^;; Then, at a bar again, Chiwa is once again telling Hiroshi about her friend’s problem that it made Hiroshi angry at her for asking those things when he is a guy. So, she asks her officemates and their suggestion to whatever it was sexy lingerie. She returns home to see Hokuto sleeping on the sofa. She puts a blanket on him and tries to kiss him but Hokuto wakes up. Chiwa is embarrassed and says some lame excuse before quickly retreating away. It is only later that she realizes that she left something. Hokuto picks up the sexy lingerie then puts it back into the bag. He exhales and smiles. Finally, on her birthday, Chiwa is running to Hokuto who is standing outside his car. She is late by 10 minutes so Hokuto reprimands her about it. They went to some expensive restaurant that Chiwa can’t even read the menu. French, I presume. They had a talk. Chiwa is nervous and Hokuto seems pleased until Chiwa collapse on the floor. They talk about something before Chiwa loses consciousness. Overworked? She wakes up to find an IV attach to her. She overhears Hokuto talking with the doctor, I presume who seems to be Hokuto’s friend. Whatever they talked about regarding the marriage made Chiwa sad and cry. =( From the comments in BW, it seems that Hokuto married Chiwa just for himself/company – his advantage.

Since this shook Chiwa very much, she has become quite listless. She manages to say some alibi to her officemates who are probably asking about the lingerie thing. She starts researching about Hokuto’s background which I think are mostly about the company. After talking briefly with Hiroshi, she manages to perk up when she finds Sakuraba sempai in the library or some part of their company. They chat for a while and he gives her his calling card. Then, there is a little background on who is Sakuraba. Back at home, Hokuto finds the gift, I think that he gave her on his door. Chiwa tries to hide but Hokuto finds her. After quarreling a bit with Chiwa, he returns the gift to her. This made Chiwa start crying and left. Hokuto is just puzzled over this. Then, Taeko overhears something from Chiwa’s officemates about some guy problem I guess and reports this to Hokuto who thinks that it is Hiroshi. Taeko seems to be reprimanding Hokuto about something that Hokuto can’t believe she is doing that even if he is the president. At home, Hokuto talks with Chiwa and it didn’t ended well because this made Chiwa angrier at him, I guess. Then, ring..ring..sempai is calling. Over an okonomiyaki meal, the two talk with each other and it seems he is offering her a job at his company. Chiwa seems hesitant at first because of the people she is going to leave but in the end, that night, Chiwa is already writing her letter of resignation. Outside her room, Hokuto wanted to talk to her but ended up just leaving, probably not wanting to rock the boat even more.

That is based on the raws I read in BW. As usual, with teasers, they may not be accurate and just wait for the English scanlations for the details. The common reaction to the two chapters are not much progress. I think the nice wallpaper and magazine cover are just a tease..just like Skip Beat! colored pages =P Because what’s on the cover isn’t happening in the chapter itself ^^; This is what shuro’s who scanned chapter 7 wrote: “Not much progress and things has gotten worse in this chapter. It seems that from love triangle [3 people], it has become a love square [4 people]. Hiroshi must be complaining that his importance is only for one chapter. During business period[?], suddenly a nice sempai has appeared so conveniently?! Chiwa, let me ask..is your fate with men really bad? In my opinion, it’s pretty good. Why didn’t your feelings for him blossom before!? [Probably because she is too busy paying his father debts. ^^;] Hokuto, you are so indecisive. Be careful else ‘your wife’ will be stolen either by another company or by another man. But, Hokuto’s love experience seems to be not much. He has to ask Taeko about everything. Or were your feelings deceived by some woman before?” End comment. I doubt she will find a different lover or divorce him else, she will be in debt again..hm..I wonder if that sempai is rich, maybe he can be the one to pay Hokuto what Chiwa owes him for the debt =P Whatever happens, from the way things are going, Hokuto will be forced to realize his feelings for Chiwa. As I wrote before, Hokuto seems to treat her as ‘wife’ and not really as a person. Hehe, indeed, he has to be careful and learn to communicate or else. =P

Word of the day:
To pledge your life to another is indeed an act of faith that requires belief in miracles. Thankfully, God is in the business of creating marriages. ~ Julie Ackerman Link

Free Talk: Endings + Other Blahs
Friday, July 10, 2009

I forgot to mention that Venus Capriccio is already updated = completely English scanlated so I won’t be summarizing that, too. Basically, what happened in the end, after Julian arrived and heard Akira playing the piano, he informs Takami that Akira’s father will be coming to Japan on Akira’s mother’s death anniversary. Takami went to see his father and make him see Akira. Akira played for his father and later on, his father praises his playing and told him the story why he isn’t with them – piano is more important than family. ^^; Soon, Akira is winning competitions and he is due to go abroad but he is hesitating because of Takami. Takami tells Akira that she wants to be a piano tuner and confesses that she likes him. Finally, Akira left and in the last scene, after two years, Akira comes back to show off his reward before heading off again. It is somewhat like a ‘convenient’ ending and felt rushed. Just because Julian ‘challenged’ him, Akira now can play magnificently and not dependent on Takami. I guess it is good that Akira has become independent and since he is secure with his standing in Takami’s heart, he can finally spread his wings. =P

Because of this ending, it made me think what would be a great ending for a shoujo that makes you really like it. Lovey-dovey in the end? Marriage or proposal? Sex/bed scene? Moving on in the end like Shuukatsu! Time skip like in Yoru Cafe? With family later on like Fushigi Yuugi? Or, everything is pretty much the same before from first chapter like in Special A? For me, it is the first two. It somehow feels more satisfying. A few days ago, I was curious how Kitagawa Miyuki ends her series so I checked out the last chapter of Seisei Suruhodo, Aishiteru even if I didn’t read that series. I think that it was pretty good..the ending, that is. From what I understand, the girl had an affair with her married boss, vice-president, so, in the end, she quit the company and works in some restaurant as a waitress. The last part, she got an invitation from the guy’s wife to their wedding..I guess the second time around, they had divorced. The girl is really hesitant to go but she still did. In the church, there is no one there except the guy. It turns out that the ex-wife has finally stopped clinging on the guy and let him go free since she knows that there is no longer any love between them though he will still support her since she is sick or got into an accident and give her shares to the company, I think. The girl falls on the floor and can’t believe that this is happening. The last part, the guy asks, “Will you marry me?” and she says, yes while he is carrying her. Aw..so, I’m hoping something similar with Majo wa Nido Aegu. It seems that her series is somewhat like a J-drama ^^ I can totally imagine those scenes happening in live action.

Chou yo Hana yo ending is pretty okay, too..well, more on it is quite hilarious – the girl ended up trying to get the guy to sign a marriage contract but when he kept on not wanting to because I think he doesn’t want their relationship to change, she gives up. Because he doesn’t want to apart/break away from her, he ends up accepting the marriage proposal. =P It was really funny how she was chasing him =P Unfortunately, I didn’t get to start this series and it is only very later when I realized who the author of this series was. It is Yoshihara Yuki..well, I don’t know her name but I have read her older series before and only belatedly realize it when I noticed her chibi art. I think she is really good in sex comedies which are high on slapstick ^^ So, I’m sure to read her new series, Venus ni Arazu when it is out in Chinese. I think Aerandria will be scanlating it. According to baka manga, the story is about a third-rate model who poses for art class and a guy wants to teach her to become a great model. The supposedly fun part from what I saw in the raws is the guy is some sort of pervert who tries to strip her in any chance he gets ^^;; And of course, the girl always sends him flying by punching him away. ^^;;; Off with a bleeding nose..What an idiot. Another ending that I’m speculating is Shinobi Life. I had browsed through volume 6 in Chinese and I definitely need to re-read it in English because I got lost in the story ^^; From what is happening, it turns out that Kagetora’s first love is Beni who got his first kiss. =P It made me think that since Kagetora loves her when he was younger, what are the possibilities that Beni is that princess he supposedly protect and is in love with before. Correct me if that isn’t possible because I’m just browsing this series. All these going in the past and changing things which makes it complicated that is why I’m not too fond of time travel. Soon, everyone are jumping into the past including that fianc‚ ^^;; I’m thinking that maybe they will end up in the past as the ending or hopefully not, caught in a time loop which is the ‘best’ ending in Shadow Hearts game. The lead character keeps on repeating everything over and over just like his mother. That is sad even if it is nice since it is like they will be together/repeating those happy memories over and over again until forever. As usual, this series’ cover art is really nice ^^

I have browsed through four volumes of Strobe Edge in Chinese. I think the story is okay. I like the part when the childhood friend confessed and that other girl says she likes him and also when the girl thought that the ‘other guy’ is dying..that was pretty amusing. I don’t like it when getting the guy would mean taking him away from his girlfriend and I’m beginning to like the other guy ^^; The stealing boyfriend part is just like what happened in Koibana! I guess it doesn’t have much impact because in Koibana! Yukine is showing her mean side at the end. In this story, the girlfriend is really nice and everything. I feel sorry for her because Ren has fallen for someone else. Ah, Ren is the only English name of the characters that I know ^^; It is such a harsh reality indeed when the person you like has fallen for someone else. It does seem okay since they are just lovers but what if they are married. Divorce would seem convenient so that they will be happy with the ones they like but it can have its consequences just like what happened in Kimi ja Nakya Dame Nanda. Orphaned Nabana was told by her grandfather to find her brother just before he died. Sounds like Teppen! And, in that house, she finds to guys – Beni and Aoi. Which one is her brother? In chapter 6, it is already known that Aoi is her brother..or rather half-brother. The complication of a divorce is the possibility of falling for one’s half-sister ^^; So, the story is becoming like a love triangle[?] between Nabana’s half-brother and a guy who has a girlfriend though not really a girlfriend because she is just forcing herself on Beni. ^^; The question mark on the love triangle is because Nabana is a sweet, nice girl and she is not looking for romance but I’m sure it will end up in a love triangle that made me wonder what are the possible ending. It is either Beni realizes his feelings and finally frees himself from that supposed girlfriend or Aoi isn’t really a blood-related brother unless the author is going for incest. I’m somewhat betting on the former. So far, the author manages to get me to keep on reading along the story even if I wonder if this series will be a short one. Oh ya, Beni is the dark-haired one while Aoi is the light-haired one in the picture below.

Another Margaret series that I was browsing is Fine!. It is basically the story wherein a new transfer student got her dorm burned down and she ‘harassed’ a guy whose flyer made her want to transfer to give her a place to stay especially after her wallet and cellphone got stolen. In the end, the guy offers her to be the ‘maid/in charge’ of the male’s dorm. That premise reminds me of Crimson Hero without the volleyball. ^^; Because there is a group of guys around her and she is always quarrelling with that guy, it is like a reverse harem. Good thing about this series is that it is funny as they try to keep her being in the male’s dorm a secret. Haha, I wonder what’s the ending of Crimson Hero - who she end up with or did she end up with somebody even if I ended up not liking either guys for her, based on the last time I read it. ^^; I better check out the ending some day. The Margaret series that I will be summarizing is Toshi Densetsu and that means ‘Urban Legend’. Based on the title, it is obviously horror. So far, there are 5 different stories out in Chinese and I think it is pretty good. I don’t plan to write detailed summary about it but more or less, the basic idea. It is a nice break from the usual shoujo. I’m still thinking if I’m going to summarize Cherry na Bokura. I read that the first three chapters are prologues of three different couple. Since the two Chinese chapters are out, the basic impression I got are the leading girls just wanted to get laid ^^; The first one is a virgin girl who had no boyfriends before and her partner will be her ‘cheerful-type’ kouhai. I think the second one is the friend of the virgin girl and she has fallen for a ‘cool-type’ guy working at a video rental store. And, the third story is the girl falling for the second girl’s brother, an ‘average’ type of guy. I want to know what the main series is like but maybe, I’ll summarize the ones out if I’m in the mood or I have time for it. Scans by tongyanen and xiuxiu.

PS. I’m currently summarizing Kimi ni Todoke so there might be no new updates for some time, maybe except Weekly Jump until I finish. I can’t really say but I’m really hoping to finish this weekend ^^; Hehe, so far, no new Chinese scans yet so I’m really taking advantage of it ^^ Honey Hunt and Ichigo Jikan will be on hold for the moment. Well, I might just write two chapters of Honey Hunt when the new one is out. The same goes with Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru.

Quote of the day:
Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending. ~ Lazurus Long

Free Talk: FYI
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

After a lot of thinking, I decided not to write full summaries for series that are updated or series that are one chapter behind the English scanlations. These series are Ouran High Host Club, Kaichou wa Maid-sama!, Teppen, Hapi Mari and Nana. I would probably just mention teasers or short summary+comment just like what I have been doing with Vampire Knight, Hana to Akuma and Skip Beat!. You can still tag comments about those series in the tagboard, if you want, even if I’m no longer summarizing them. It’s okay ^^ Let’s make that a ‘standard rule’ for series that I’m summarizing. So, if The One, Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu and other series are updated in English scanlation, I won’t be writing full summaries about it anymore. I think that saves time and energy. ^^

There is no manga dump (when people starts scanning various series from Chinese translated comics) yet so I’ll take advantage of it and try to catch up with the other series that are pending. ^^

Majo wa Nido Aegu [Chapter 4]
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Nene can’t believe that Nao has come to see her. When Nao asks if he can come in, Nene exclaims that he can’t. “Absolutely not! Stay right there. Don’t move!” This surprises Nao that he wonders what’s up with her. Nene wonders if this is some kind of joke because of all the possible time, why is Nao there. She had woke up to find herself naked except for a camisole and at her side is Ryuu. Because it’s bright [since it’s morning], Ryuu wakes up. Nene greets him a good morning. Since he blushed a bit, Nene wonders if something happened between them last night. At the gate below, Nao notices a pizza delivery guy going in the apartment. [The apartment is those expensive high security type] He decides to go in with the pizza delivery guy. Then, there’s another narration about Ryuu being her hostess mother’s lover and she has an unrequited love for Ryuu which has nothing to do with him being a celebrity. Then, last night, she finally said that she doesn’t want to be just the daughter of his lover because she is also a woman. She thinks that she has just confessed and she had remembered Ryuu’s smell. Ryuu asks if her burnt injury still hurts. Nene shakes her head to say no. Then, Nene remembers that Ryuu is helping her with her wound last night. Flashback: Ryuu helped her bandage her wound. He told her that he’s going to leave her there [at her house] and he’s leaving. As he is about to leave, flustered Nene clung on him and shouted that she doesn’t want him to leave. Holding on her pillow while sitting on the bed, Nene cried that they sleep together. She then whined to Ryuu to take off his shirt for she wants an arm pillow. End flashback. Nene is aghast when she finally remembered what she did. She looks at the floor and finds her pantyhose along with her panties. She holds up the pantyhose and thinks that it is the reason why she didn’t have any underwear. Ryuu puts his shirt on. He tells her that she took off both her pantyhose and panty together and so, of course, nothing happened between them last night. Nene is embarrassed that after telling him to look at her as a woman, she had done those things.

Just then, Nao enters the room and is shock to see his father there. Nao looks flustered and asks why his father is there. Nene says that she told him to wait downstairs. Ryuu says that upon seeing him [his father], Nao won’t even greet him. He then says that he forgot to lock the door last night. Nao grabs Ryuu’s collar and is about to punch him when Nene shouts for Nao to stop. Ryuu tells Nao that he wants to ask first if his [Nao] and her [Nene]’s relationship is something that Nao has a ‘right to punch’ him. Nao is really angry but he lets his father go. He is about to leave when Nene shouts for him to wait. He only stops when Ryuu tells him to wait and he heard that Nao has passed the audition. “Congratulations- quickly catch up to me.” This made Nao leave with a loud banging of the door. Nene tells Ryuu that she’s going to chase after Nao so if Ryuu goes out, just put the key in the mailbox. Before she can leave, Ryuu holds her hand and asked if she did cry about she’s not Takako and not her mother’s replacement last night. Nene says yes. Ryuu smiles and asks, if he can remember her as someone who also cried and said that she is also a woman. This made Nene blush. Looking at her, Ryuu says that he’ll leave the key in her mailbox and she can go ahead chase after his stupid son. She goes out the door and falls down on the floor. She thinks that compared to stripping and using his arm as a pillow, she is more embarrassed when he is looking at her. She reprimands herself for feeling weak [can’t stand up] when she should be chasing after Nao. Later on, Nene is running after Nao who is heading to the subway station. Nene is frustrated that Nao is deliberately snubbing her and just kept on watching. She then realizes that she left her wallet and cellphone. She finds that she only has 300 yen. Nevertheless, Nene jumps inside and hugs Nao before the train doors closed.

Blushing, Nao says that is dangerous and what is she doing. Breathing hard, Nene says that it is because he has been snubbing her. Nao tells her that the train is already filled yet because of her, it has become quite crowded. Embarrassed, Nene says that he’s the same, too [since he went in even if it is already filled]. They end up apologizing since the other passengers are angrily/unhappily looking at them. Because the train sways, the passengers are complaining that it hurts when they bump into each other. Nene is wondering why she even chased Nao when it should have been okay if she just let him go at the train station because the train is obviously filled up. She then realizes that she doesn’t feel hurt inside the train and it could be because Nao is protecting her. She looks up to him then looks down. She thinks that didn’t they just have a quarrel and shouldn’t she honestly say, ‘thank you for coming to see me.’ Nao tells her to stop blinking. Puzzled, Nene looks up at him again. Nao tells her that her eyelashes are tickling his neck. To his dismay, Nene starts to keep on blinking on his neck. This made him angry that he holds her tighter and curses that one day he is totally going to rape her [for that; ah, an expression, I guess]. Nene thinks that she is feels like she’s going to be suffocated but not because of the crowd inside the train but rather, because of she’s inside Nao’s embrace. Nene breaks the mood when she tells him that there’s nothing between her and Ryuu. When the train is already less crowded, Nene asks if Nao is going off the train. She exclaims that she’s going off, too. She then realizes that her blouse is caught between the doors of the train at the other side. Nao tells her that door won’t open until the last station. Nene tries to pull her blouse but she can’t get it out. Nene shouts where the last station is. “I didn’t bring any money, don’t..don’t leave me, Nao!” In the end, Nao goes back and frees her then gets off the train while carrying her. Nene thanks him. Her blouse is a bit torn. She remembers what Ryuu did to her blouse last night – ripping it and thinks that it is the same what Nao did. Nao says that she belongs to her father. Nene tries to explain that she said that there is nothing between her and Ryuu. Without looking at her, Nao says that even if he [Ryuu] doesn’t have feelings for her, she still likes Taiga Ryuuichi. Nao gives her some money to return back. He tells her that he isn’t like her club’s customers since he isn’t going to waste money so would 1000 yen be enough. Nene says of course and she’ll return it next time. Nao tells her that there is no need because it is separation fee. Nene laughs and asks what kind of joke is it. She is surprised when Nao just smiles at her and says, goodbye. He walks away. Nene thinks that looking from his back, it seems like this will be the last time they’ll see each other.

In emperor hotel, there is a movie publicity banquet. [Ah, it’s like press release about the movie in production.] Nene thinks that today is Saturday and they, all of the hostess in the club, are using their free time to entertain people there. A glasses guy comments that thanks to Ryuu’s recommendation, the party has added glitz with them acting as muse in that party since it will be quite dull if it is only reporters who are there. The club’s mama-san? [handler of the girls] tells the man to give her greetings to Ryuu. The man says that such parties are usually rewarded by Ryuu to their club. Nene is mentally thanking Ryuu for helping them. Nene overhears Motomi, one of the hostesses, being asked if she is a Ginza hostess and where her club is located. Another guy asks her when she was born because he wants to give her a gem. With sparkling eyes, Motomi says that she is born on April so her gemstone is a diamond. Nene thinks that no wonder Miu is the number 1 hostess in their club because in reality, her birthday is on February so her birthstone is amethyst. Since it is a movie publicity party, Nene wonders what the title of Nao’s movie and she should have asked about it before. She then spots a man who looks similar with Nao’s back. She calls him and asks if he wants a drink. It turns out to be some other guy. Nene calls herself stupid for she is really bothered about those strange things that Nao said before. It turns out that party is for ‘Fighters Ghost’. Someone is talking with the producer about focusing the attention to a young charismatic guy [for more publicity] since the focus there need not be on the main actor/actresses. While Nao is thinking about his father’s challenge, he thinks that he will definitely catch up to his father one day. He is surprised when the spotlight is shone in his direction. Nene is surprised when Kiyoshi introduces Nao as the lover of her character in the movie. Glasses guy says that the queen has already stake her desire for him and Nao should just ‘sell/promote’ himself well. Kiyoshi says that it is the boss’ order which she can’t refuse so things turn out that way. Nao introduces himself, who’ll play Masato in the movie. A reporter asks if Kiyoshi and Nao are lovers in real life. She tells them not to ask questions that are not related to the movie. Some reporters ask them to move closer to each other as if they are lovers. Kiyoshi says that she eagerly anticipate Nao acting like her lover. Nao goes along with it by saying that he also eagerly anticipates it, not only as Masato. [He’s implying that there is more to them than what it seems.] Nene is flustered while watching all of this. In the end, she just closed her eyes.

Afterwards, mama-san thanks them for their work and probably the salary for the job will be for the current month, Nene is busy trying to contact Nao but she can’t reach him. She turns around to see Nao going in the elevator. She looks up and waits to see which floor he got off. It stops at the 43th floor. She wonders if it is a restaurant, a bar or rooms on that floor. She goes in the elevator and thinks that she isn’t chasing after him. She tells herself that she is merely returning the money he lent her and she doesn’t care what he is doing there with whom. “It has nothing to do with me.” The elevator door opens and she sees Nao about to enter the room with Kiyoshi. She is stunned while Nao looks at her then goes in. The door is locked. Inside the room, Kiyoshi is touching Nao’s face and says that it seems he isn’t just handsome but he’s quite intelligent, too. [She’s probably referring to the hint of being a lovers during the publicity] She suggests that if they go steady, everyone will think that they are a hot item and his name as a newcomer will quickly rise up. “The most important of all—- you can have sex with me.” Suddenly, there is a loud ‘thump’ on the door. Nene has kicked the door. Kiyoshi wonders what’s with that sound on the door just now. Nao blushes a bit while looking at the direction of the door. Nao smiles a bit and tells Kiyoshi that he went to her room to tell her that a cheap guy who accepts that kind of condition doesn’t suit her. He bids her goodbye and left. Outside the hotel, Nene is limping with one shoe missing. She is surprised to see Nao waiting for her and holding one of her shoes with a broken heel. Nao says that she is quite a thick-faced Cinderella to hang her high heel shoe on the door. Nene tries to run away but Nao grabs her hand. Nene shouts for him to let go. Nao asks her why she kicked the door. Nene shouts, of course, since she hates him and she told him that she likes Ryuu. Nao says he knows. While telling herself mentally that she doesn’t want to be like this, Nene exclaims why Nao makes her uneasy and she needs to stop while she’s ahead because whenever she is with him, she isn’t acting normally. She shouts that she obviously doesn’t want to do that [kicking the door] as if she is in some jealous rage. Nao tells her that he should be the one who saying that ‘he needs to stop while he’s ahead’. Nao hugs her from behind and says, “Until what degree are you planning to make me crazy until you are at ease? With a confession like that, how could I just let you go like that?” Nene says that she said that she hates him. Nao kisses her ear and says he knows. Nene tells him to listen what she’s saying. Kissing her near her eye/head, Nao says he heard that she said that she likes him. Nene thinks that she hates it, hates it yet she can’t hate him. Nao touches her blushing face and tells her, “Why don’t you accept it, Nene, you’ve lost but I’m the one who has lost first.” The two hug each other and kisses. Nene thinks, “I like Nao--”

Hehe, they obviously can’t stop falling for each other even when their heads are saying no. Nao is thinking that he shouldn’t because Nene likes his father while Nene thinks she shouldn’t because she has been always declaring that she likes Ryuu. In this case, I guess it is more of the heart ruling over the head. It does seem too easy that she throws away everything about Ryuu and goes with Nao. It isn’t dragging, yes but I find it a bit too fast. I do wonder if Ryuu really has feelings for Nene or not though I feel like he does not. What Nene said before to him, I think he can interpret it as not to treat her like a kid but can he, really especially the way she acted that night? If he likes her, he wouldn’t have encouraged her to run after Nao. I don’t think he’s oblivious enough to not realize what Nene really feels for Nao contrary to what she says. Also, since he is the one giving jobs to their club, I think he would know that is Nao’s movie publicity party. Did he plan for Nao and Nene to make up? Then, there’s Kiyoshi, I guess she is really attracted to Nao and would even dangle the possibility of being famous if he becomes her lover. I wonder if she will give up after this. Hm..if Nene didn’t do that, I wonder if Nao would really decline Kiyoshi’s offer. And, lastly, there are some nice scenes here especially at the train and I’m amused with the chibi scenes.

Quote of the day:
We choose those we like; with those we love, we have no say in the matter. ~ Mignon McLaughlin

Koi, Hirari -Addicted to You- [Chapters 9-10]
Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Kazuki is surprised when Sumire tells him that she wants to break up with him. Sumire’s mother calls them to eat. Sumire says that she’s coming. Sumire tells Kazuki to go home else his father gets angry. Kazuki grabs her hand before she leaves. He asks her what’s going on. Sumire lies that she finds everything tiresome and troublesome because their relationship isn’t going smoothly because she is an ordinary person and he is a young master of a traditional Japanese dance clan. While saying that, Sumire thinks that it isn’t true because she is already conscious of wanting to fight every obstacle since he is her first love. “I don’t want to leave you..nor do I want to lose you.” Sumire closes her eyes and pulls her hand from him. She apologizes and says, “Goodbye..Kazuki-classmate.” She pushes him out of her house and closes the door. Sumire’s mother asks her where her boyfriend is for they had made a special dinner. While thinking that this is for the best since they are all saying that Kazuki’s dancing skills had declined, Sumire tells her mother that he isn’t her boyfriend but a heir to a Japanese dance clan. “He is someone whom I shouldn’t get involve with.” Outside, Kazuki is just speechless but he decides to head back home. At school, during lunch time, Umeko is shock upon learning that they broke up. Umeko is speechless. While eating her bento box, Sumire just says, yup. Umeko asks why when they obviously like each other. Sumire notices a ring on Umeko’s finger. She asks her about it. Umeko says that it is a birthday gift from Haruka. Sumire asks if it is a legendary treasure..[probably because it’s huge]. Umeko says that it is just because of the situation wherein Haruka, as a heir, wants someone who is suitable to be the ‘marriage partner’. Umeko sadly says that Haruka doesn’t like her. Sumire says that even if that is so, she still likes Haruka. It is confirmed with Umeko’s blushing. Sumire smiles and says, what is this so-called love when obviously it isn’t smooth sailing and it hurts but still, even it hurts, she still wants to be with him because she knows if he is far away, it hurts even more. Umeko says that she doesn’t understand Sumire because if she really likes Kazuki that much then why did she break up with him. Sumire smiles and says that it is because she likes him. Haruka is sitting behind a tree, probably eavesdropping on the girls. Sumire thinks that she must forget Kazuki so that she won’t be a burden to him.

At the training hall, Kazuki is practicing his dance. He then shakes his head and thinks that is wrong so he has to do it again. He tells himself that the steps/pacing isn’t strong enough which is quite fundamental. He is then surprised that his father is watching him. Kazuki asks since when was he there. His father tells him to at least say, ‘I’m back’. His father says that he got the house empty to know who has been practicing since morning till night. Kazuki says that maybe it is some evil spirt or a ghost. Kazuki feels hot and curses [because he was found out?]. His father says that he has heard from Haruka that Kazuki was dumped. Kazuki looks at his father who tells him that it seems Haruka heard it from school. His father says that it is good that it is over because their door sill is too high for that type of girl. Before leaving, Kazuki’s father says that letting her stay by Kazuki’s side will only cause pain [for her] so it is better to let her go and if Kazuki wants Sumire’s happiness, he should not get involved with her again. After he left, Kazuki just says, “..happiness..” At home, Sumire’s mother tells her to take a bath. Sumire is busy reading a book about Japanese dances. She learns that there are different schools and Miyako school is famous for.. She then drops the book and wonders what she is doing. She then sees on the book, the outfit that Kazuki was wearing the other day during his dance. She learns that the dance is about a person who lost his lover and afterwards, he was so hurt that he has gone crazy – do not want to love again, the heart is already empty. Sumire starts crying as she remembers Kazuki dedicating that dance to her. She mutters that she always wanted to see him dancing until the end but now, she can no longer see him. “Why..when they like each other..yet, they have no choice but to separate.” Holding/kissing her finger, Sumire cries while Kazuki kisses his fan.

At the street, Sumire is surprised to see Kazuki walking with Yurika. She looks away and walks on ahead. Yurika looks at her then pretends to trip so that she falls on top of Kazuki. She exclaims that she isn’t careful. Kazuki tells her to quickly get up but Yurika is shouting that she is embarrassed. Kazuki notices that Sumire is hurriedly walking away. He says, “Sumire”. This made Sumire stop and turns to look. He is actually saying a pun for violet flowers. He is holding some on his hand and says that violets/sumire are blooming. This irritated Yurika that she stands up and says that they should hurry else they will be late for stage practice. Sumire walks away. Kazuki stands up and says that he’ll quickly go. Sumire is sadly walking when someone puts some violet flowers on her hair. She turns around to see Kazuki, smiling at her. He then puts something in her hand then he left. She looks at it. It is a ticket to his performance. Memories of the times when she is with Kazuki starts to flood her mind. She thinks that he shouldn’t do that when she has decided to forget him. Yurika tells Kazuki not to postpone the wedding announcement in the next performance. Kazuki asks her if this is really okay for her because he likes Sumire and even if they married, that fact won’t change. This surprises Yurika. Kazuki starts walking away that Yurika shouts where he is going. Kazuki says that he is going to buy a ring. That night, Sumire wants to throw away and tear up the ticket but in the end, she goes to the performance the next day. She is wearing a kimono. The usher doesn’t want to let her in because her ticket has a lot of tape to attach the torn pieces. After Sumire insists that it is still whole in a way, she was let in. Inside, she falls on the floor because she can’t believe she went. She goes to her seat and thinks that the set is the same as before. She overhears some people talking that Kazuki will announce whom he’s going to marry at the end of the performance. She just thinks that she has already decided to let him go. She then cries as she watches Kazuki dance because her first love is over. She thinks that Kazuki danced that performance of someone losing one’s love and becoming crazy is because of her and it is his way of saying ‘goodbye’.

After the dance, Kazuki thanks everyone. Sumire is happy when the others are saying that Kazuki’s performance is really good in contrast to the other ones before. He then introduces to everyone his fianc‚e, Yurika. Sumire notices the Yurika is wearing a ring. The people are now muttering about Yurika’s background. Kazuki says that his father suggested that he announce this sooner. Sumire covers her ears because she already knows what he is going to say and she doesn’t want to hear it. To Sumire’s surprise, Kazuki says that the one he likes is someone else and she had thought about his position so she left him. Yurika shouts what is Kazuki saying. Kazuki tells Yurika that he is indeed responsible for ‘her first’. It turns out that one year ago, Yurika tripped and they kissed lips to lips. Yurika shouted that he be responsible for taking her first kiss. Kazuki’s lips are bleeding from what the impact. End flashback. Yurika shouts why he is saying that there. Sumire is just stunned for that ‘first’ is actually just a kiss. Looking at Sumire, Kazuki says that it isn’t love if his father is forcing him to get engaged. “Even if I get married to Yurika like this, my heart still belongs to Sumire.” Sumire blushes. Kazuki gives the microphone to Yurika for her to say something. Sumire wonders why Kazuki knows her feelings and the reason why she left him. Yurika says that her family background and breeding makes her suitable for Kazuki. Pointing at Sumire, Yurika shouts that girl is nothing but a burden to Kazuki and she has no use whatsoever. Sumire thinks that is the truth. Taking the microphone from Yurika, Kazuki asks Yurika what she thinks of his performance earlier. Yurika says that he is quite enthusiastic about it – very beautiful, etc. Kazuki says what if he says that it is all because Sumire. While walking down towards Sumire, Kazuki says that if he hasn’t loved, he would not know the happiness and pain it brings and it is only after one experienced it when one can bring out a really great performance. Facing Sumire, Kazuki says, “Sumire, if I don’t have you, I wouldn’t have progressed like this.” The audience is whispering that the person whom the future heir likes is that girl, not the fianc‚e. They also say that Sumire seems ordinary and doesn’t look outstanding but to take the initiative to let go, she must be a good girl and is quite suitable for Kazuki. This makes Yurika flustered.

Kazuki asks Sumire if she has something to say. Sumire wonders what she can say for she was the one who let him go so she can’t just say that she likes him. Kazuki tells her that it is okay for her to say it. “Say it..please...,” he whispers to her. “Don’t lie to yourself anymore.” Sumire tries to say, “I..I..” Yurika shouts that she had enough. She throws the ring on the floor and tells Kazuki that he’s quite cruel for he doesn’t know what kind of feeling she had when she’s wearing it. Kazuki says that he didn’t expect her to notice it. Yurika says that is impossible and she can at least read ‘that’. Inside the ring, the word ‘TO SUMIRE’ is written in English. Yurika says that even if it was like that, she wore the ring with the hopes that Kazuki will know her true feelings. She has a small hope about it and this is all a gamble for her. “Ah—I’m really such a fool, I’m going to break our engagement. Take care of yourself.” While Yurika is walking away, Kazuki tells her to become happy with someone who truly loves her. Yurika just covers her mouth, about to cry and leaves. Kazuki picks up the ring and goes to Sumire. He says that even if it is a lie, if she refuses him then it will really be the end. “If you accept me, I will definitely make you happy. Stay by my side.” Sumire is crying and says, “Don’t leave me..” Kazuki smiles and puts the ring on her finger. She mentally apologizes that even if she left him, it still hurts and when she is with him, she wants to stay by his side. “I won’t let go again.” The two hold hands. She mentally asks forgiveness for her stubbornness. The audience is all clapping their hands. At backstage, Haruka asks his father if this is okay when he should be performing next. He is dressed up as a girl. Kazuki’s father sighs and says to forget it since in that kind of public place, Sumire is already recognized. “..idiot, let them do what they want..”

Later on, at Kazuki’s house, I think, in a certain room, Kazuki notices that Sumire is sitting far away from him. He asks her what she is doing. Sumire says that she isn’t doing anything. Kazuki says that he won’t do anything to her and after a while, he’ll walk her home. Sumire blushes and just stares at him. Kazuki thinks that she doubts him. Sitting at the wall across her, Kazuki says that it is the first time he saw her wearing a kimono though he did saw her picture. “You’re so cute that one can easily let one’s imagination go wild.” This made Sumire blushes and moves away from him. She thinks that this is really dangerous. Kazuki tells Sumire that it has been a long time when her face is quite reddish [from blushing]. Sumire asks what it is since he is smiling at her. Kazuki says that he really likes her. To Kazuki’s surprise, Sumire starts crying. He approaches her and asks what happened. Sumire hugs him then apologizes. She thinks that she is quite a despicable woman since she already knew that Kazuki’s relationship with Yurika is not that deep yet she easily believed that about ‘that first’ when it all turns out to be just a kiss. Smiling at him, Sumire says, “I also like you. Like you very much.” The two hug each other. In a different room, Kazuki’s father is looking at the picture of Kazuki’s mother and young Kazuki. When Haruka knocks if he can come in, his father puts the picture inside his kimono. He asks Haruka what it is. Haruka asks his father about his comment regarding his performance that day. His father apologizes that other than Kazuki’s performance, all the others didn’t left an impression on him. Haruka says that it is always like this, he is only concerned of Kazuki. He tells his father that he said before about making him the heir and it is perfectly justifiable heir should be.. His father tells him that he doesn’t remember saying such nonsense things. This made Haruka frustrated/angry. At the room, blushing Kazuki says that right now, he feels happier than Sumire. This made Sumire blush, too and says that is not right, for she is definitely happier [than him]. Kazuki bends to kiss her.

I wonder if it is a trend or coincidence in shoujo for break ups to happen even if they still like each other. This is the third one I’ve read..or rather, this is the first one then there are two others. I’m actually not too concerned about such break-ups because if they still like each other, there is a high chance that they will make-up again after they sort out a ‘little’ problem. It’s like ‘lovelier the second time around’. What Kazuki did is quite romantic and everything for Sumire but even if Yurika is very irritating, I don’t think what he did to her is right. It’s like he is publicly announcing that he doesn’t like her and he even gave her a ring which has Sumire’s name on it. I guess Kazuki should be thankful that Sumire doesn’t have brothers or other relatives who might beat him up for that. She is from a well-known family right? Also, it is good that Yurika knows to quit when she obviously has no chance of getting Kazuki’s heart. I have read that it is always a no-no to break up in public because things can become quite messy. Hehe, so it only takes Kazuki to ‘wow’ everyone with his performance then says that it is inspired by Sumire for them to be accepted. Actually, Kazuki is quite clever to bring the situation out to the public/his fans for if they approve of his relationship with Sumire, Kazuki’s father will eventually be forced to accept it. I think he also accepted it because he remembers his Kazuki’s wife and probably thought it is better for this to happen rather than be in an unhappy marriage like he had. Actually, he should have been more understanding before ^^; Of course, because of this, his bias towards Kazuki is obvious. Poor Haruka, always in the shadow and always trying for get recognition but Kazuki has ‘everything’. It is more awful that he is always performing women roles – kinda submissive, I think. ^^; Didn’t he think that if he really likes Umeko, maybe his performance might also improve? But then, such things can’t be forced. Anyway, the last two chapters will be wrapping this series up as they overcome the final obstacle - Haruka. Scans by zhu520/fema for BW.

Quote of the day:
Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it. ~Thomas Fuller

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, Reborn, and PSYREN
Monday, July 6, 2009

In Bleach [c. 364], Komamura realizes that big monster is that big eye/mouth before when Aizen and others left for Huenco Mundo. Then, things happen fast, Wonderweiss stabs Ukitake then Ukitake tries to finish off Wonderweiss. Unfortunately, Starrk manages to blast him first. He comments that Aizen is already fed up. The two captains fall as Yamamoto can only shout for the two’s names. Wonderweiss shouts and frees Harribel and Barragan. Kira shouts for Komamura to fight and not just play bodyguard. Big monster frees Aizen and others. It all seems so hopeless but finally, much to Aizen’s displeasure, Shinji and others has arrived. Yay..it’s been a long time. They sure know how to take their time arriving there and making a grand entrance. As for the two captains who have fallen, I can imagine their popularities plummeting down if there are any character polls in the near future just as it is joked about in Gintama. They didn’t even manage to show their bankai. I guess the author is saving it for later. Kira might be busier healing those two. I’m actually expecting that their former ‘nakama/vice captain’ would at least help them ^^; I guess they just want a piece of Aizen right now. Komamura will probably be bodyguard to the ‘injured’. Aside from Yamamoto, I think none of the others who are still conscious knows about Shinji and others. So, we are in for a long fight again but honestly, I doubt Aizen will be defeated. Unlike the other shounen series wherein the hero has a goal/ambition, I think Ichigo doesn’t have one. The only goal that I can see which will mean the end of this series is the defeat of Aizen. Also, if Aizen is finished, we won’t know the history of Isshin and why he knows Aizen. Since Isshin is too powerful, I think it would be more proper if he is the one who’ll fight Aizen because currently, Ichigo is still not that powerful enough for that. Well, I’m getting ahead of myself. I just hope that in the next chapter, it won’t be back to Yammy vs Rukia and others because it will ‘destroy’ the anticipation/momentum of ‘finally, they are here’. Oh ya, I just noticed that Yamamoto’s vice-captain is missing. ^^;

While in Naruto [c. 454], the three other kages of different villages made their debut as they head out to the meeting. At Konoha, Naruto ends up being beaten up because he won’t tell Karui and Omoi about Sasuke. Sai is just watching/spying over Naruto. Meanwhile Danzou is after Kabuto because he might know about him and Orochimaru. It seems that Danzou plans to use Kabuto’s knowledge to ‘heal’? his right arm and eye. So, Danzou is indeed shaping up to the villain aside from Tobi/Mandara. I feel sorry for Naruto for being made into a punching bag but I guess it is needed to be done to ‘break’ the cycle of revenge. I do wonder if after they do that, they are willing to let Sasuke go. I would want Sai to help but I guess that will make the spying pointless. So for the kages, we have a old man, lady, over-energetic guy, teen and lastly, shady guy. Sasuke is going to crash in their meeting soon. I do wonder if Sasuke is just overly confident or something but can he and his group really defeat all of the kages?

Then, in One Piece [c. 549], Blackbeard and others survive the poison thanks to Shiryuu who has given them an antidote and joined their group. At the ship, Ivankov has healed Inazuma but doesn’t want Inazuma to overexert himself because he is important to the revolutionary army. Buggy wants to celebrate because they escaped and also BonClay’s funeral. This made Luffy and Buggy fight because Luffy believes that BonClay is still alive. After Jimbei and Crocodile about merfolk can talk to marine animals, Jimbei thanks Luffy for giving him a chance to rescue Ace. Jimbei also wanted to avenge Arlong but then, he thinks that saving Ace is top priority at the moment. Jimbei introduces himself to them and says that he will do his best to assist Luffy in saving Ace. This made Luffy shock that he is a shichibukai. Buggy is shock that they are going to the headquarters. Then, there is a call from the marines about blaming Luffy and Buggy as the main culprits for the jailbreak. Everyone learns that Buggy used to be in Roger’s ship and is a friend of Shanks. The marines tell Luffy that they are not letting them in the headquarters. Luffy shouts back that he’ll definitely save Ace. Soon, everyone is talking about Buggy being in Roger’s crew. Luffy confirms it when he said that Rayleigh mentioned it to him before. Buggy tries to convince them that he isn’t what they think but he realizes that he has a chance to defeat Whitebeard and become pirate king. Buggy decides to use the people there especially since their bounty is higher than his. Instead of causing a mutiny just like the others wanted, Buggy got them to join in the rescue mission with the promise of being great by taking Whitebeard down and ‘rule the world’. Elsewhere, three hours before the execution, Ace is brought to the execution platform as he remembers telling Luffy about living a life with no regrets and being free. It’s amusing how easily things turn out to be – they are actually going to join Luffy’s rescue mission. It is all thanks to Buggy’s ambition and ‘charisma’ to ‘lead’ people. I do wonder though if Jimbei will fight Luffy later on regarding Arlong. The cover page is Franky discovering Vegapunk’s former house. I guess he’ll know more about being a ‘mechanic’ there. I guess the author is going to prepare for the next arc since he is going on a break.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 248] is probably the last time we’ll see of Genkishi alive. Takeshi had spared him so Genkishi swears that he’ll be back. Unfortunately, Kikyou has already planted some things/plants in him to kill him off as ordered by Byakuran. Genkishi wasn’t able to talk to Byakuran to confirm it because of the rules. It turns out that Byakuran saved Genkishi from an incurable illness thus made him super loyal to Byakuran that he thinks of Byakuran as a ‘god’. Unfortunately, his ‘god’ is the type who will dispose of him if he no longer has any use for him. To Tsuna and others’ shock, Genkishi is really killed off. Tsuna decides to stop Byakuran, not because of saving the world or 7^3 but because Byakuran is ‘hurting’ people – causing pain. The strategy is for Tsuna and Takeshi finishing off the target while Hayato and the rest are on defense against Kikyou who is looking for Spanner. Even if Genkishi should be finished off, being killed off like that especially by Byakuran in an indirect way is really awful. Byakuran has taken advantage of that rule that Genkishi can’t call him so in some way, Genkishi still believes in Byakuran. Maybe it would have been better if Takeshi finished him off but then, well, this is a fitting end to a traitor..being betrayed in the end and he is oblivious about it. Byakuran seems really quite ‘evil’ that I do wonder if Tsuna can stand a chance against him. I think that most of them will probably be hesitant to really ‘kill’. So, I wonder if in the end, it will be Mukuro vs Byakuran rematch. After all, Takeshi got his rematch. =P That is if there is another round after this game. Haha, what are the odds that in the end, Byakuran ends up in their group because former enemies has somewhat ‘switch’ sides. ^^;

It is mostly fighting in PSYREN [c. 77] . Kyle and Frederica take on Okugou with Kyle on defense and Frederica on offense. Yoshina shows his new technique – using disc to ‘erase’ Taiga’s attacks. Then, Frederica’s monster is hit so Kyle prepares to do some special move. I guess Yoshina’s technique can take any form from bow type into disc type. Hopefully, by next chapter or two, the fighting is over so that we’ll get to know more about Nemesis Q.

Quote of the day:
If we fill our hours with regrets over the failures of yesterday, and with worries over the problems of tomorrow, we have no today in which to be thankful ~ Author Unknown

The One [Chapter 60]
Saturday, July 4, 2009

Eros arrives home and Angus is surprised by his new haircut. Angus asks if this is what Eros said about bringing ‘something interesting’. While eating, Angus asks Eros why he did that. Eros says that this will give those kidnappers have a harder time in getting to Angus. Angus protests that if they grab the wrong person then Eros will be in danger, too. Eros holds him behind the neck and calls him a kid. Eros tells him that he isn’t like Angus who grew up in as a gorgeous and respected playboy. “I told you that I’ll protect you! You should just thoroughly believe in me!” Angus is aghast and nervous. Lele’s narration wonders what Eros is thinking. At their apartment, Leo is all dressed up as a girl and ready to go to some party. He is surprised when Lele is cursing and venting her anger on the poor table by banging on it. She shouts what was that ‘I know’ about, is he fooling with her or what. “If you like, then say you like! If you don’t like, then say you don’t like! What kind of answer was that? That was my first confession in my whole life!” Leo wonders what’s up with Lele that she is ‘having a tantrum’. He asks her if she isn’t feeling good. Lele exclaims that she’s feeling good for how can she be not feeling good when her ZAC advertisement is coming out soon. She then kicks the table over. Lele narrates that she didn’t realize that liking someone can be so hard and she can’t help but doubt if the ‘unrequited love’ in novels will actually happen to her. In some other apartment, Yang can only watch Angus packing his luggage. Yang asks if he is going somewhere far again. Yang is puzzled when Angus says that he is going to move to somewhere else and for a short period of time, he won’t be returning to that place. “Later on..you do not need to come back here either!” Flustered, Yang asks why. He says that he can do some housekeeping while Angus is away. Angus says, “Yang, You should know that I have never loved you, right? Even if it takes forever, I can never love you! So, do not wait for me.” [Ouch!] Yang says that he never dare ask Angus to love him for he just wishes to be the one who’ll be there when Angus needs someone. “I just want to be by your side..even if you want me to accompany you until death..I’ll also agree to it!” Angus looks at him then looks then closes his eyes. He makes a sound like ‘hmph’ then says, “Really..?”

At some other place, Leo is reprimanding Yang that he told Yang that Angus was always such a heartless guy and yet Yang suddenly says that he will die for Angus. Leo shouts if there is something wrong with Yang’s head because in the end, after Yang said that, he just got sneered at. With a sad look, Yang says that he was serious about it and whatever Angus says, he will really do anything for him. Yang says that he is frightened about the idea that he’ll go crazy but then, he can’t control his heart. “Perhaps, loving a person, really makes one lose one’s reasons..” Yang is crying so Leo just holds his shoulder to comfort him. At the airport, Lele fetches Xiao Qui. They hug each other. Her friend exclaims that Lele got taller again. Lele is now 176.5 cm tall. Lele narrates that since it’s Xiao Qui’s vacation, she went to see Lele in New York because she is quite impatient to see how Lele is strugging as a ‘part of the virgin club’ overseas. While walking, Xiao Qui asks Lele how is her progress with those twins. Lele is aghast while trying to keep smiling. At the hotel[?], Xiao Qui exclaims her shock that Lele was rejected. Lele says that it’s not like it’s complete. [not a complete rejection?] Lele sighs and thinks that she doesn’t know how to answer Xiao Qui’s question. She wonders in her head about the possibility of meeting Eros again, what kind of face will she show him and how should she act – should she persevere or.. Later on, some media people and photographers are taking pictures of Lele, Angus and Marshal. Lele narrates that because of Angus’ popularity and it’s a collaboration between ZAC and Marshall, they easily attract the attention of the media. Even if they haven’t even seen the photographs yet, they were already swarmed by the media men who were taking pictures and interviewing them. From behind the crowd of photographers, Lele has spotted someone familiar. It’s Eros. She wonders why he is there. She is surprised that Eros is there where there are a lot of media men because he hates the limelight and rarely goes out together with Angus. She thinks that there is something not the same about him today. She notices that he is silently looking with those cold eyes of his around the people there then he would watch Angus’ every move. Holding her drink, Lele thinks that it seems she’s the only one whom he didn’t see. When the wind blows Eros’ hair, Lele realizes that he isn’t wearing the earring that she gave him. That was the first time Lele felt ‘anger’ towards him. She realizes that she can’t bear for him to ignore her. The reporters are asking Marshall if he can discuss about his work since it is different from before. They ask him if he can explain what he is trying to convey with the pictures. Marshall tells them that he doesn’t like explaining his own work. He says that there is no definite answer to it and what you feel about the picture is what you feel about it. “I would like everyone to use one’s own way [of interpretation] in trying to explain my pictures.” Meanwhile, Lele is still furious what it all means since that damn silver-eyed monster won’t look at her and he’s not wearing the earring she gave him. Xiao Qui is looking at one of the pictures and asks Lele if she has seen it. Lele turns around. Xiao Qui tells Lele that among the pictures, for her, this one is the best of them all.

So, Eros is in full gear ‘protect Angus’ mode. Even if Angus protests about Eros being endangered, what Eros wants will be followed. =P I can only imagine what will happen if they kidnapped Eros instead of Angus. Hehe, will they be in for a shock. Actually, I’m amused Angus didn’t take a hint from it. Eros saying that he isn’t like some pampered playboy like him didn’t make Angus think as to why Eros would say that. Angus didn’t even bother to ask what Eros will do if he was kidnapped. But then, I doubt Eros will tell him that that he’s going to beat the living daylights out of those guys either. =P So two jilted people because of Angus’ problem. I feel sorry for Yang but then, because Angus did that, Yang will not entertain thoughts that there is a possibility of Angus loving him. Well, Yang seems to be okay with ‘unrequited love’. The twins are really different in rejecting someone. One is with finality while the other is vague. Well, it is understandable with Eros because I do think that he likes Lele. It is just that Angus takes priority. When Yang mentioned about giving his life to Angus and be with him until death, I wonder if that will come true later on. I think there is a good chance for it like witnessing Angus be taken or something and Yang might do something reckless. Nevertheless, I hope there will be no sappy scene wherein Yang is dying and Angus holding him with some mushy stuff like that. ^^; Leo is such a good friend since he does know when to stop reprimanding and start comforting Yang. With all that snubbing and Lele being vex by Eros, it immediately reminded me of her mother before. Lele’s father has been snubbing Lele’s mother in that India photo shoot. I wonder if there is a high possibility of what happened there will happen here though with some variations, of course. Maybe what will ‘wow’ Eros is that picture Xiao Qui mentioned. Too bad that Lele didn’t know the reason why Eros is acting like that. It is indeed not something Eros can tell Lele about because knowing him, I’m sure he doesn’t want to involve her especially because he probably knows what his father is capable of. Anyway, the next chapter will be out in Taiwan on 9/5. It seems that a new volume is coming out so the author will be busy by then, hence the ‘break’. Scans by Yukiru for BW

Word of the day:
Yes, love is vulnerable, and there are no guarantees that it will be returned! But God continues to love, and in His strength we can do the same. ~ Herbert Vander Lugt from Our Daily Bread

Ouran High Host Club [Chapter 72]
Friday, July 3, 2009

While playing shouji, Honey’s father tells Mori’s father that he has heard that Mori has challenged his son to a duel. Mori’s father that it was reported to him that it seems Mori wanted to say something to Honey. Mori’s father asks why Mori don’t just say it rather than, having a duel. Maybe Mori is jealous of their Honey because he’s so cute that Mori wants to bully him. Mori’s father says that speaking of bullying, maybe it is Mori who is being bullied. Mori’s father asks him if he has forgotten during kindergarten, Honey gave Mori some kind of food [I think mochi] and told him to eat. Mori ate two. Then, at midnight, Mori had a stomachache that they have to call the emergency and bring him to the hospital. [Overeating?] Honey’s father says that is just a cute way of kids playing. Mori’s father says that during junior high second year, Honey said that he wants a Japanese beetle that isn’t store bought. Mori went to the mountains and got lost for two days that he has to mobilize 200 people to look for Mori. There is a scene of Mori’s father freaking out that Mori is covered with wounds and Mori saying that it can be found at the top of the mountain. Honey’s father says that it is just a kid’s stubbornness and if he didn’t want to do it, he should say so. Mori’s father says that it is in their blood to follow their [Honey’s] family. He thinks that Mori is planning to say something that Honey won’t agree to so he decided to think of a way that won’t go back against his loyalty [to Honey]. Mori’s father says that is probably why Mori decided on a duel for whoever wins will have the right to say it/power over the other. Honey’s father looks at his watch and says that it is 3 o’clock, time to eat some sweets. Mori’s father agrees with him. There is a scene of Mori writing something on a paper using ink.

At school, the duel is big news. The newspaper club is selling newspapers about the hot news. Haruhi thinks that even if they are graduating, they are still doing things for their club. Kaoru asks why is the duel being held on the day before graduation for isn’t it better to finish this quickly. Kyouya says that they are already second year and yet they still don’t understand. It turns out that Kyouya is taking bets as to who will win in the duel. Holding an accounting book, Kyouya says that it is better to delay it for a longer time so that the bets will become bigger. The trio thinks that as usual, Kyouya is earning money until the end. Tamaki is crying that they are quite cruel since they are that interested in such a duel. Hikaru calls Tamaki their number 1 emo boy who is quite troublesome. Kaoru tells him to calm down since he is the referee/judge of the match. Tamaki says that he will do his best. Hikaru says that after the declaration of the duel, Honey and Mori aren’t talking to each other. Kyouya informs them that Mori isn’t talking until night in order to temper himself through meditation. Kaoru is shock that Mori is writing [Buddhist] scriptures. Kyouya says that in Honey’s side, according to Yasuchika, Honey will go to his room in the middle of the night to sharpen a weapon since ju-ju sounds are heard. The others are freaking out about this. [I finally got the joke. ^^; It seems that Mori is preparing for his death so he is into meditation and writing while Honey is preparing to finish Mori for going against him.] The others are freaking out about this. Kaoru then says that he thinks that Mori can’t defeat Honey. He tells them to imagine how 162 cm Mori can throw down 148 cm Honey. They think that no matter how Mori does it, it seems like he is bullying Honey. [They must be thinking that Mori can’t do that to Honey.] Kyouya says that means Kaoru will bet on Honey. Hikaru exclaims that he will also bet on Honey. Tamaki shouts that they are quite rash and it will make Mori quite pitiful. Tamaki cries that if they are like that then, he will make 10 bets for Mori. Haruhi tells him to calm down for he is the one who’s rash here. The twins shout that they make 20 bets then. Then, Tamaki freaks out and tries to raise the stakes. Elsewhere, Honey is looking out the window and tells Mori who is coming in the room if he has seen how passionate everyone is about the fight. Mori says yes. Honey seems to comment about not having feelings of graduating [nostalgia] before the ceremony and the graduation party afterwards because of this. Mori says, you too. Noticing that Mori is looking at his bunny, Honey then says, graduation, huh.

Everyone looks tense and there is even a camera to film the event. Haruhi sweatdrops about doing this in a windy mountain area. Tamaki tells them the rules that they are going to do this according to the Mitsukuni way of fighting = anything goes. The winner will be who can make the opponent’s shoulder touch the ground for 20 seconds and they should stay within the assigned area. Start! Honey attacks first but Mori grabs him and kicks him away. Haruhi and twins are shock. Honey manages to land on the ground. Then, Honey looks serious and manages to throw Mori away. The twins are shock by the two’s strength. Then the two are clinging together, Haruhi sweatdrops because the girls are blushing [probably from thinking bl ^^;] Honey takes a stick from the ground. Mori also takes out his. Honey throw rabbit-styled throwing knives [like a ninja’s] Yasuchika realizes that is what Honey is sharpening at night. Mori uses his stick to block but the knives impact has destroyed/crack his stick. Honey manages to kick Mori’s stick away and kicks him away. Honey shouts, “You’re finished, Mori!” Haruhi and twins are shock and calls out to Mori. Honey jumps up and is about to kick him when Mori grabs him then puts him down at the other side. Mori says that the one who is finished is Honey. Honey is surprised then he realizes that he step over the line/assigned area. Tamaki shouts that Mori is the winner. Honey is stunned. Mori takes out an envelope and opens a long piece of paper. Mori reads from it, “First, before going to the college, you should not forget to brush your teeth. Second, in order for prevent disease [probably diabetes], you are to reduce your cake intake from the current nine. And one more condition,..Honey, you are already 18 years old. You are not to bring Bunny [toy] with you in college.”

With tears in his eyes, Honey shouts that he will absolutely not agree to that. Using his new authority, Mori holds down Honey’s head and says that he will not bring it. Honey cries and says if he can bring it once every three days. Mori seems to approve of this and pats Honey’s head. They realize that Mori wasn’t writing some scriptures but his requests to Honey. While Mori is following him behind, Honey happily goes to Kyouya and asks how the fight was. Kyouya says that thanks to them, they managed to earn money for the club. Taking the bunny toy from Haruhi who is caring for it, Honey asks if everyone is ‘agitated/excited’ about the fight. The twins say of course that Tamaki even resorted to praying on a shooting star for Honey and Mori to be in good terms again. Looking at the girls, Honey says that it seems that the girls are also quite happy about it. The girls are crying because they are moved by Mori who fought really hard for Honey’s well-being. The boys seem to plan to use/copy those moves they saw. The twins shout if it is all just to fool them and everything is just pretend. Honey tells them that the fight is real because he has already guessed what Mori wanted to say so he shouldn’t lose. Honey says that he guessed it because Mori is always looking at Bunny and not him. The twins are shock about this. Honey tells them that about it, they should also know that one day they will not be walking on the same road but they shouldn’t be troubled about it because honestly before, he never thought that his third year high school will be this much fun. “Tamaki-chan invited me to this club. I was able to eat cake everyday and do all sorts of strange things.” While Mori is carrying Honey behind him, Honey flashes a v-sign and says, “Thanks to everyone, I really had so much fun so it’s really great to be able to have fun with everyone, one last time...♥” Tamaki cries and hugs Honey while the twins cries and hugs Mori. Kyouya just sighs and Haruhi smiles at them.

At the graduation party, Honey’s father tells Mori’s father that it turns out that everything is all because of a stuffed doll, Mori really likes to make such a big deal. Mori’s father says that it is all because of Honey who won’t listen unless they have to fight. Honey’s father says that Honey has grown. Mori’s father says that he doesn’t seem any taller. Honey’s father says he meant inside, idiot. The two agree that it is such a good high school life. Honey’s father then decides to eat some desserts and Mori’s father accompanies him. Tamaki is crying and congratulates Honey. Honey then congratulates Nekozawa. Ritsu gives flowers to Mori. Honey shows to Hikaru his graduation certificate. Hikaru exclaims that it is really a high school graduation certificate and not an elementary’s. Kyouya tells Tamaki that he should stop crying already. Tamaki says that those are tears of happiness in congratulating them for graduating. Mori pats Kaoru who is also teary eyed. Kaoru says that he also wants to cry because even if they can still meet outside, they won’t be seeing each other in the third music room anymore. To the others’ shock, Honey tells them that they will still go to the club even if they graduated. And, even if it isn’t everyday but they will take some time from college and go there. Mori agrees to it. [I don’t understand the note but I guess from after class club, it has become an ordinary club. I don’t know what’s OB. ^^;] The twins say that if it is like that then they shouldn’t say words/things as if it will be their last time [at the club]. Honey says that it is because high school life is really over. He asks if Haruhi is still in the kitchen. Tamaki cries and hugs Honey while saying that he should have said about this sooner. Honey apologizes. The twins ask why Haruhi is in the kitchen. Honey happily says that to commemorate his graduation, he has asked Haruhi to make some ginger cookies for him. Hikaru? sweatdrops and says that if Haruhi knew that they will still be coming to the club, she wouldn’t have made the cookies.

Running at the hallway, Tamaki is happy that after April, he can still do all sorts of club activities with Honey and others. He plans to inform this quickly to Haruhi. At the other corner of the hallway, Haruhi is holding a basket of cookies. She thinks that it has been a long time she made it so she hopes that they are okay. The two ended up bumping to each other, causing Haruhi to spill the cookies. Tamaki apologizes to her then realizes that the cookies are all over the floor. Haruhi tells him that it is okay because there are still some left in the kitchen. Tamaki exclaims that he will eat all of the cookies that have fallen on the floor. Haruhi tells him that it is better if he didn’t. [Because it’s dirty, I guess.] With their backs away from each other, Haruhi and Tamaki start to pick up the cookies. Haruhi asks Tamaki how was the party and why he is there. Tamaki turns to face her and says that after he went to the toilet to wash his face, he went to find her. He tells her to be happy because Honey and Mori will still go to the club after April. Haruhi exclaims if that is true. She turns around to him and unintentionally, she kisses him on the lips. Haruhi apologizes and Tamaki apologizes, too. Pause. Tamaki stands up and says he is going back to the hall first. While still sitting and holding the basket of cookies, Haruhi tells him that she will quickly go there after getting the new batch of cookies. Tamaki says, see you. Haruhi says, okay. Tamaki is walking and walking. He touches his lips. Haruhi also touches her lips. Delayed reaction is over. The two suddenly blushes really red and freaking out over what happened. Narration: “After April, how are we going to see each other again? Will the club activities continue on like before? At that time, I was thinking of all sorts of things.” In some place, talking with three people, Tamaki’s grandmother says that she understands. “Tamaki will enter the main residence.” Blushing Haruhi is still touching her lips. Blushing Tamaki is still running around that a couple of girls wonder why his face is so red like that and he has already ran 20 laps. Narration: “But, it has no meaning to think about those things. Although April greets a new school term, the doors of the third music room will not open again.”

Just when I think that everything will be okay and things can go on like before, the author drops the bomb at the end. I guess the author doesn’t want to drag this series anymore and this will probably lead to the series evident end though maybe not that fast yet since the problem with Haruhi-Tamaki can easily be prolonged. The accidental kiss is cute especially the delayed reaction ^^ The duel is pretty good and how Mori won is quite unexpected. Hehe, they managed to fool everyone and had one last fun before graduation. I’m amused about the reason why Mori is doing all this..just because of a doll. I think Honey can get away with it because he looks like a kid but then, Mori doesn’t want that. I’m mentioning that because I have seen people carrying dolls in college..though they are girls. ^^; I wonder if they grow up, they would be like their fathers. =P Well, the next chapter will be interesting. I wonder what are the new changes and their reaction to what will happen soon, thanks to Tamaki’s grandmother. Scans by 天下第一肉丸子制作组.

Word of the day:
Although circumstances will change, God will never change. We can be confident that He will always be faithful. Therefore, we can be at peace. ~ David C. McCasland from Our Daily Bread

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! [Chapter 39]
Friday, July 3, 2009

At Miyabigaoka High School, in Tora’s office, there is a cup of tea on the table. Tora asks, “--Is that your answer at this time? Do you think that I will agree/approve to that?” Usui stands up and says, “Who knows? I never did..expect you to understand.” Usui then leaves the school. Misaki narrates that the elections is over and just like Usui’s style, he totally fulfilled their agreement for him to not go near her temporarily. It is glasses and suit day in Caf‚ Latte. Hinata is surprised by this so Misaki explains to him that they do this occasionally. Misaki asks about Hinata’s work. Hinata takes out an envelope and informs her that he got his wages. Using his wages, he is planning to drink tea with Misaki in that caf‚. Misaki tells him not to waste his precious wages there for shouldn’t there be other important things that he should use the money for. Blushing a bit, Hinata says, “For the current me, there’s nothing more important to me than to be able to see you.” Misaki looks flustered and tense. She tells him that next time after class, she has something to tell him. Hinata just says okay. [Oh..could it be..you know what..I guess Hinata knows based on his expression.] At the back, Satsuki mentions about Misaki’s 17th birthday party and maybe, they should wear cat ears for the event. Misaki seems flustered about it. Aoi comes in and exclaims that it seems that it is ‘obasan’ [aunt] birthday soon and Misaki’s girl side didn’t develop at all. Satsuki tease Aoi that if Misaki is an ‘obasan’, then Aoi is an ‘old grandma’. While they were quarreling, Misaki tries to ask why they have to wear cat ears. Hanoka explains that it is related to her birthday on 9/29. [I think it’s like a pun; just read the English scanlation for clarification.]

After the others left, Misaki is eating and asks Aoi if he is in a bad mood. Aoi says he isn’t. Misaki asks if he wants to eat but he refuses. Aoi asks her who that guy is – the guy at the caf‚ whom Misaki is happily chatting with. Misaki says that he is Hinata, her classmate. Aoi asks if Hinata is really only just her classmate. This surprises Misaki. Aoi says that it seems that Misaki knows how Hinata looks at her. [Basically, Misaki knows that Hinata likes her.] Misaki laughs and says that Aoi is quite sharp. Aoi says that it would be stranger if one doesn’t know the situation. “Are you going steady with that guy?” [He’s referring to Usui.] There’s an image of Usui’s back so I’m not sure if Misaki remembers him or Usui is there, eavesdropping. Misaki stammers and tries to say no, it isn’t like what he thinks it is. This made Aoi angry that he shouts that at this time, Misaki hasn’t say it clearly yet with him. Before he leaves, Aoi reprimands her that a customer who is waiting like an idiot is quite pitiful and she’s so stupid that it infuriates him. Misaki looks flustered and she scratches her head. She thinks that she can’t be like this anymore. At school, the girls’ PE class is over. Sakura is praising Misaki over her ball shooting [I guess basketball]. The guys’ PE isn’t over yet. Hinata sees Misaki and he happily waves at her when he saw her. Sakura says that Hinata is cute. Misaki just smiles at him. Shizuko comments that lately Hinata isn’t trying his best to get close to Misaki and could it be because Hinata fears Misaki will be troubled by him. Misaki sweatdrops. Shizuko says that it is natural to do that because Misaki doesn’t have any feeling towards him. Misaki looks sideways and sees Usui [looking great as usual with his hair tied halfway up] playing soccer with the other guys for PE. Then, some guys are praising Usui being cool. Sakura asks Misaki if that is true. Misaki turns her head and says that guy isn’t bad. Sakura says is that so. The two girls are puzzled when Misaki keeps on scratching her head as if she’s thinking what she should do about something.

After class, Misaki goes into the classroom where Hinata is waiting. Misaki tells him that what she wanted to tell him is. Then, she asks him to wait for she is thinking of a really good way to say it and yet, after thinking about it for many times, it is still quite complicated. Hinata tells her that it is okay for he already knows what she wanted to say. This slightly surprises Misaki. Hinata says, “Let me be the one to say it for you. Misaki..likes Usui. Usui also likes Misaki. For the current Misaki..she cannot accept my feelings. Am I right?” Misaki is flustered then apologizes to him. Holding his fist tight, Hinata tells her not to apologize for he hasn’t given up yet. He says that although right now, he won’t do but maybe in the future, there is a possibility for her feelings to change. He is already aware of the possibility of things not going smoothly before he came there. “I will wait, even if you get angry, I will still wait. There is only one question that I want to know clearly, are you two going steady?” Misaki is speechless. Hinata looks at her. [I can’t describe his expression ^^;] He then hugs her. He tells her that if she hates it then, she should drive him away else he won’t let go. Misaki pulls away from him and says that she can’t say that she ‘hates’. Hinata tells her then it is alright even if she just scolds him. This surprises Misaki. Holding her again, Hinata tells her to do it else he’ll always complicate things. Misaki asks what’s up with him today. Hinata looks as if he is forcing himself to do that or he knows the outcome. In the end, Misaki must have hit his head and shout, “Stop it!!” After a pause, Hinata just says, bu, or ouch. Misaki is puzzled and she sweatdrops. Hinata takes his bag and smiles at her. He apologizes and says that he is just teasing her. He left and Misaki decided to go home.

Misaki is walking in the hallway then stops at the stairs. She looks up then goes out the roof. Someone says hi to her. It is Usui, eating a lollipop. He is standing on top of that structure that leads out to the roof. [Argh, I still don’t know what that is called ^^;] Misaki heads up to that place to join Usui as they look at the sunset. [I’m presuming it’s a really pretty sunset ^^] Usui congratulates her for winning the elections. Misaki just says, ‘ah’ to acknowledge it. She looks at him and remembers Hinata asking if they are going steady. Misaki is about to tells Usui something but when he looks at her, she becomes embarrassed and looks away. Misaki becomes flustered when she remembers Aoi reprimanding her for not saying it clearly with Usui. Usui stands up and says that it is quite windy and it might become cold so maybe they should go inside. Usui is surprised when Misaki calls him and holds his sleeve. Misaki is blushing and wonders how she should say it – are they going steady, is this a situation wherein one would say they are going steady, etc. In the end, Misaki’s brain explodes. She lets go off his sleeve and Usui asks if she is alright. Misaki says that her brain just went blank. Usui smiles and says that she’s really like that. Misaki is walking ahead when Usui calls out and asks, “Can I go near you now?” Misaki looks away and blushes. She says, “...Yes...” Usui blushes. He approaches her and says, “..this..I give it to you..” She turns around and opens her mouth. Soon, she is eating his lollipop while Usui is hugging her from behind. [and, hopefully, looking at that beautiful sunset =P ] She has already dropped her bag. Blushing, Misaki says that he’s too near. Usui says that if she hates it, it is alright even if she tries to escape. This surprises Misaki. Misaki blushes and seems to use her hands to make him hold her tighter. [The teaser before probably means that Usui is holding Misaki’s chest ^^;] Blushing, Misaki says that she doesn’t hate it. Usui smiles, sighs and blushes. They hug tighter. Then, Usui has a serious expression. Usui exclaims, “..I also..don’t plan to let you escape, Ayuzawa!!”

Aw..as they say, actions speak louder than words. It hurts but then, it has to be done. I really feel sorry for Hinata. It seems to be Misaki’s bad habit of making the guys wait. I was thinking here is Hinata using his money to drink tea at the caf‚ just to be with her and she is eating inside. ^^; Maybe, she can’t face him or it is her break time. Well, it’s actually nice that she does know Hinata’s feelings and did try to tell him about it. Since I like Hinata, just reading those scenes is really breaking my heart. Ugh, I think that hug is to try to make Misaki realize her feelings for Usui especially since Misaki does seem surprised/realized something when Usui asked the same thing, or maybe, it is like Hianata’s farewell hug to her or both. I do hope that Hinata won’t wait or rather, if he does find some other girl or some other girl finds him, so that he can move on. Hehe, isn’t that what we always wish if we like the ‘other guy’ in a series? =P As for Usui, we didn’t know what he talked about with Tora and I’m no longer guessing since there aren’t much clues to go with. Is it blackmail? Is it regarding himself or Misaki? And, at the end, the lovey-dovey scenes are really nice ^^ So, next chapter has 40 pages concerning Misaki’s birthday. Hopefully, a nice colored spread, too ^^ Scans by gougouzhizuozu group.

Quote of the day:
Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility...It is therefore able to undertake all things ~ Thomas A. Kempis