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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 engines provided below and hopefully, you'll find the past summary you are looking for. ^^
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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:
Diamond Beat pic is from Betsucomi's Official page. The quote's author is unknown. 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. I no longer know where I got the picture in the latest entries. ^^;

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Past Dreams:
2010

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

Image hosting by Photobucket, Imageshack, and Xtupload.

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

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

To God Be the Glory!

Sengoku Danshi Hana no Ran [Chapter 6]
Saturday, June 5, 2010

The door opens and Grandpa sees Ran sitting formally in the room. Grandpa asks why he is so reserved. Ran tells him that he wants Grandpa to bring them back to their original time. Ran says he knows that Grandpa said that it is impossible for him to create that time whirlwind machine. He insists that no matter what, they should go back so that Nobunaga can finish the great task of unifying the country. Grandpa looks tense and troubled. He asks even if what awaits them at the other side is death. Ran looks surprised. Grandpa explains that even if there is a possibility for them to go back, they will be back in that burning place which happened during that time. He says that it isn’t easy to go back into that time and it will be troublesome if they choose some other time to return them because there is a possibility that it will change the reputation of Nobunaga from being the character in that time era which had captivated him [grandpa]. Grandpa says that is why that time is special. Ran asks if they can really only return ‘during that time’ and can they be brought to the time just before the assault happened. Ran blames himself for being the one responsible that kind of betrayal had succeeded. He knew that they lacked guards in that place so he should have thought of a way to handle it and he obviously knew that there is a possibility of that happening. Shaking in frustration, he asks Grandpa to at least return them to the time before the assault happened. Grandpa can only say, “But..I..” Outside the room, serious looking Nobunaga has been eavesdropping on them. Hana narrates that Nobunaga and others are brought to their Tokyo residence. Reading a magazine, Bou complains that there is no one to compete with when Nobunaga is not around. Hana says that it cannot be helped because there is a meeting. Bou still complains that they should have been brought along for it is boring since he cannot go out. A note says that Bou got lost before. Riki just watches tv. A note says that he really likes watching it. When Hana asks where Ran is, Bou says that he is probably at that place. There is a scene of Ran is in Grandpa’s book storage. Hana comments that she usually sees him there. Bou explains that it is his brother’s nature to not allow himself to not know things.

Carrying some books, Ran comes out and asks what they are talking about regarding him. Hana exclaims that there are many books and if he can actually read the current language. Ran tells her that he only chooses the ones that are easy to read but *sighs* the words in some books are really small. Hana sweatdrops and wonders if he is an ‘old man’. Still watching the television that is showing an amusement park, Riki exclaims that he wants to go there. Bou says that it looks luxurious because of all the colors in this present era. Looking at the magazine, Bou comments that even the clothes that are worn have brilliant colors. Hana asks if they would want to try wearing them. Bou asks if they can. She smiles and tells them that they cannot be always be like that [looking old fashioned] and they should also change their hairstyle. Bou asks what she is suggesting. Hana wonders out loud what would look suit them and how about cutting a little bit for more movement then add a bit of hair wax. They were startled when Ran closes his book loudly. Ran tells them that they cannot cut their chonmage for that is the life of a samurai. Hana asks isn’t it the same because after all, it will grow back again. Ran is about to lecture about what Nobunaga always say about the chonmage when Nobunaga/Grandpa exclaims that they are back. Grandpa gives a thumbs up to Nobunaga who had a makeover = new haircut and wearing a casual suit. Hana and the two younger brothers are pleasantly surprise while Ran goes into shock. Grandpa says that they passed by a friend’s house and with ease, they dressed Nobunaga up. While Nobunaga is posing, the two younger brothers say that it suits Nobunaga. Hana agrees that Nobunaga looks handsome in it but what about his chonmage. Sparkling and showing a thumbs up, Nobunaga says, “Do not worry! This is very good and also, it seems that one can wear a wig.” Ran still looks shock. Hana looks at him and thinks that his soul just went to heaven. The two younger brothers exclaim that they want to be like Nobunaga. Hana smiles over this and calls Akitsu to bring some things to her house tomorrow.

The next day, Aunt Nijiko and Akitsu [I cannot tell if this person is a girl or a boy ^^; I’ll just assume that Akitsu is a boy.] arrive and ask where Grandpa is. Hana tells them that he is in an investigative meeting. The two are disappointed because they wanted to see Nobunaga. Ran, together with his brothers, darkly asks what happened to Nobunaga. Nijiko is surprised to see them and asks who they are. She goes around them and says that it is really amazing and cute, like a model.. Hana stops her aunt by saying that they won’t do because they don’t even understand this present world. Hana asks Akitsu about the stuff she asked her to bring. Akitsu shows it to her. While the guys change their clothes [with the help of Akitsu, I think], Hana serves her aunt some tea. Nijiko asks her if she is interested in becoming an actress again. Hana seems hesitant. Nijiko tells her to listen to her [and try it?]. Hana asks if there is no one else. Nijiko says that their family is small and they don’t have any prominent people and they cannot do some kind of work [Ah, cannot do other jobs well?]. She also says that if anyone gets a name/reputation just like Akiko*, it would be great. [*光子; This is guesswork because I can only base on kanji. There are a lot of pronunciations for that kanji and I don’t have raws so that’s the name for now] Hana looks sad for her mother used to be an actress. She says that her mother has passed away 10 years ago. Looking at her watch, Nijiko says that it is time for her to leave. She then bids Hana goodbye and seems to ask her to also help in scouting for new talents. Hana looks worried at her aunt who has become thinner. Then, Akitsu tells Hana that it is really tiring just to make them wear it properly. He asks what else they are going to change. Hana tells him that she wants to bring them to a beauty parlor and probably buy some more clothes to make them look as if they are ‘guys of this era’. She asks Akitsu to accompany her. At Shibuya, they walk in the busy streets. Seeing a lot of people around, Bou asks if there is a ‘memorial service’. Akitsu shouts that this is common. Hana tells him not to keep looking around else he’ll be left behind. Seeing some foreign-looking people, Bou exclaims if they are missionaries. While grabbing Bou’s shirt to lead him away, Akitsu says that those are Japanese people. At the hair salon called Essence, Hana tells the stylists that she’ll leave them in their hands. The hairstylist for Ran is puzzled over the dark aura that he is emitting. Hana quickly tells the stylist that for Ran, just cut it so that it would look neat and keep the hair long so that he can still tie it up.

Then, Hana and Akitsu sit at the waiting area. Akitsu asks out loud why Ran is so rigid. Hana laughs and says that something Ran likes it like the old times or he is just like that. [I don’t get it ^^; since the sentence says that it is alright no matter what original time he returned.] Hana continues to laugh about him being petrified. Akitsu says that he is relieved that Hana is quite lively contrary to what he expected. Hana sadly smiles and says that it is thanks to those guys that she hasn’t been thinking much of Ryou. She thinks that even if she cannot forget it immediately, she hopes that she will do so gradually and she can change back [to what she is before?]. Hana tells him that she is really concerned about her aunt’s business and is everything really bad. Akitsu sighs and says that he cannot say because Nijiko doesn’t tell anything to him who is a part-timer and Nijiko is always like that. I think Ran is looking at them. Akitsu slaps Hana’s back hard and tells her not to worry. Akitsu tells her that they ‘package’ these guys for it has been a long time since they did that. Hana agrees. They then look at the magazines. Then, they go shopping for clothes. Soon, the guys are all dressed up that Hana and Akitsu are pleased about the outcome. After the guys look over how they looked like, Bou thanks Hana and Akitsu. He comments that it is like they used some sort of sorcery. He says something about being worried if he is made to wear that black shiny thing. Akitsu asks what he is talking about. This made Hana smile/laugh. Just then, Aunt Nijiko, together with a photographer, arrives and asks if they would want to get their pictures taken. She adds that they are from a men’s fashion magazine. Hana and Akitsu look at each other. Then, the photographer takes pictures of the guys and Nijiko says that it looks good and they are a natural. [The change scene is a bit abrupt so I wonder if Nijiko didn’t know who they are or she is talking with some other person first then Hana and Akitsu tell her to take the guys’ pictures.] Nijiko then asks the three guys if they are interested in modeling. The three siblings are totally clueless as to what she meant by ‘modelling’. Hana tries to tell her aunt that it isn’t suitable/convenient for them. Akitsu asks do they know what will be really awesome. Hana exclaims that they are going to the amusement park. The younger siblings are happy about that.

At the amusement park, Bou says that he had eagerly awaited this. They then start to stroll around. Hana quickly gets Akitsu who is walking ahead to wait since Bou and Riki went to that other side. They are staring at a souvenir shop. Hana goes to the two and tells them that if they want to buy, they ought to do that later on. Holding a bunny toy, Bou says that it seems that Ran has also bought something for Momo*-denka before. [* That is another invented name. The kanji is ‘百’ and there are many ways of calling that name ^^;] Hana asks who this Momo-denka is. Bou says that she is Ran’s fiancee. Hana and Akitsu go into shock. Hana exclaims that this is the first time she heard of this. Akitsu exclaims that he is just 18 years old. Holding a frog toy, Ran asks why they are so shock since it isn’t strange to get married at that age. She then thinks that he is buying a souvenir yet he obviously said before that [romantic] love isn’t interesting. Bou wants to buy the rabbit for himself. Akitsu tells him that they can do that later on for they should go already. He grabs him and Riki and lead them away. Hana then tell Ran to hurry. She is surprised to see Ran looking serious-sad as he put back the toy frog. Akitsu came back and grabs Ran. He shouts that it is rare for them to have fun so Ran should quit having such a dark face. Soon, the three guys are on a merry-go-round. Hana and Akitsu try to suppress their laughter. Bou keep on exclaiming that it is a horse. Akitsu laughs that a grown up guy is riding that thing. Hana comments that he also used to ride that. Akitsu says that they should have fun to the max and forget all of the unpleasant stuff. They ride a roller coaster, free fall drop ride and spinning ride. Soon, Ran is feeling awful as he sits on a bench. Akitsu shouts that those rides are nothing. Hana remembers that Ran has motion sickness. They left Ran on a table while they buy some food. Hana is a bit worried about Ran since she feels a bit strange about him [regarding his mood] and if the rides are too much for him. Bou and Riki start to order a lot when Akitsu asks them if they brought their money and have they even thought about who will pay for them. Hana tells Akitsu not to worry about that since Grandpa told her that they can buy whatever they want. Akitsu says that Grandpa and Hana are spoiling them. Sitting on the table with the food, the younger brothers are depressed because what Akitsu said is right. Hana tells them to eat first. Bou thinks of something and says how about they do some bodyguard job for them. Akitsu says that at this age, it isn’t needed. While they were eating, a man recognizes Hana and calls out to her. Hana exclaims that it is Saitou-san. Akitsu doesn’t recognize him so Hana explains that he used to be in their company but he has already moved to action [side of showbiz]. He ‘prays’ to her and asks for her help because Mono chu Corps [Think Power Rangers LIVE on stage] lack members because they suddenly got a cold. This surprises Hana and Akitsu. Posing ala some sentai [Power Rangers] action moves, he says that they only need to do that and she should have thought of doing that when she is in the elementary. Crying, he pleads with Hana since the kids are already there. Bou and Riki’s ear enlarged when they heard that there will be a reward for this. Bou, together with Riki, quickly offers to help Hana-denka’s friend. “Please let us resolve your problem!” Hana and Akitsu are shock-aghast. Ran is still sick that he doesn’t know what’s happening. Saitou happily thanks them. Then, Hana is all dressed up [probably as pink ranger]. Hana wonders why she is also part of it. Akitsu laughs his head off. Riki is pouting since he is too small for the part. Onstage, the five rangers which included Hana and Bou are getting ready to attack a villain. On the villain, there is a --? And, I think that’s Ran. =P The children are happily shouting. Hana wonders if things will end peacefully.

I think Ran is way too closed-minded and old-fashioned that he is acting like an old man as compared to Nobunaga. I like Nobunaga since that haircut and new clothes is obviously a way of telling Ran to not be constricted with the past and just adapt to this new time/world. He is obviously moving on. I guess it is also a way of telling Ran to let go of his guilt that betrayal before happened and that Nobunaga has no regrets that he is enjoying living his life there. I wonder what he and Grandpa are always meeting about. I guess Grandpa is probably getting Nobunaga to talk with historians or something since he has first-hand knowledge. I’m hoping that Nobunaga will be part of the showbiz, too. I like his snapshots in the cover page. Honestly, I’m not that impressed with their makeover. I’m surprised though that Hana’s aunt wants her to go to acting. It made me wonder if I would rather have her as a manager or as an actress with them but from the way things are turning out, she might be an actress later on so that Ryou will really have a ‘eat your heart out’ moment. That seems like ‘The One’ though wherein the aunt wants the niece to fulfill the part left behind by the mother and also the other showbiz type shoujo manga. I’m also surprised about Ran having a fiancee. I wonder if he really loved that girl or it is just a case of Nobunaga > fiancee because of what he said before to Hana. Anyway, I haven’t thought of it but I think it is a good choice to make Ran into a villain-type of character. =P Oh ya, about acting as a bodyguard as repayment, I thought that it still doable but then, since they don’t have talents to begin with who would need to be guarded, it is not needed for them to be bodyguards. =P Lastly, I feel that the author is forcing to move the story’s pace faster or something because it seems the scenes transition is a bit abrupt and jumpy at times. One minute the aunt appears, they take pictures then suddenly they went to the amusement park. It seems as if there is no flow and the author is trying to pack a lot of things/elements into this one chapter. The author seems to also skip the part wherein they are surprised about these visitors from the past because it seems like it is nothing really shocking. ^^; Scans by 莫、小軒 for 動漫花園S組

PS. Faster than a Kiss 35 is out so I'll be doing that next. ^^

Word of the day:
Rich treasures of God’s truth are waiting to be discovered. ~ Author Unknown

Skip Beat! [Chapter 158]
Friday, June 4, 2010

Oh yeah~ Because of the ‘noise’ in the street, the sealed beast has awakened. ^^ Setsuka asks Cain if she can go out with those guys. When those guys heard her call him ‘brother’, they started saying things that it would be easier if he is her ‘lover’. One of the guys is saying about ‘oneself’ is still the most important person. I think he is implying that Cain should just leave Setsuka to them so that he won’t get hurt. The black haired guy asks Cain to lend his sister to them but Cain just tells Setsuka that they should go. As they walk away, the guys talk that the other guy is snubbed. Another light-haired guy decides to punch Cain from behind and wow, Cain evaded it without even looking behind. Setsuka is surprised because the guy just stops mid-pose of punching. It turns out that Cain is ready to counter him. The guy is surprised when Ren glares at him then the guy smiles. He says that’s very good. The guy put on a brass knuckle weapon and tries to attack Cain but Cain easily evades it. The other guys are surprised since this is the first time someone can evade that guy’s attacks. [Sorry, I won’t bother knowing what that guy’s name is.] Setsuka’s soul is already floating as Kyouko is now concerned about Ren. She is scared that it might be exposed that Cain is Ren and it will mess up the movie, planning and etc. She also fears that because of this violent incident, Ren might be censured especially since he is a showbiz celebrity. The bystanders wanted to call the police but then, they begin to wonder if this is a shooting for a movie. Kyouko begins to think that she shouldn’t have said what she said earlier so that this wouldn’t have happened. They should have just quickly avoid them and leave/escape.

The guy looks tense as Cain continues to evade him and Cain even stared at him. Kyouko is at the end of her wits how to stop this and get away with Ren. She wonders what she should do. I’ll leave it to the scanlation group why Rambo is mentioned there ^^; The two other guys stare at the black haired guy then to Kyouko’s shock, the black haired guy takes out an extendable rod. Meanwhile, Cain manages to grab the foot/leg of the attacker. The attacker tries to stab him with a knife but Cain flips him to the ground. Kyouko shouts for him, ‘Brother, behind you--!’ Cain quickly jumps away as the two other guys try to hit Cain. Cain sees Kyouko holding the rod of the black haired guy to stop him. Kyouko is shouting that they are so mean for they are ganging up on one person and they are really pathetic than Shou. The black haired guy says, ha? Kyouko just keeps on shouting some stuff about them being shameless and he should just let go of this weapon. They should just be friends and eat together. The guy swings the rod away and shouts for her to go away. Kyouko hits the ground. The guy looks surprised to see Cain looking at him as he stops the guy trying to stab him by holding his wrist. Cain hold him tighter and twirls him around [as if that is humanly possible] like he’s some sort of top – horizontally. All the other guys including Kyouko freak out over this. The guy has passed out on the ground. Cain looks seriously pissed off. The two guys from behind stop and got scared. Black-haired guy and Kyouko are freaking out as Cain is going/running towards their direction. Kyouko has three ‘Hate/Ren is angry’ antenna standing on her head. Lol. That’s only 25 pages. Next chapter June 19...this will be exciting ^^ Scans by 凡 for BW scanlation group.

PS. Manga dump has begun. ^^ I plan to finish Sengoku Danshi Hana no Ran this week and start the new chapters next week. Right now, only Reimei no Arcana is up. Since a lot of people are waiting for Faster than a Kiss. If that is up, I’ll do that asap. I’m hoping to update Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru and Akatsuki no Yona this month. I might be able to do the other pending series after I’m done with the other series. They might not be that too detailed though but will see. Regarding Mishounen Produce, I decided to write about it because I assumed that it will be just one chapter per month but suddenly, a Chinese scanlation group picked that up and it is almost updated..like, I think one chapter behind. So now, it’s 8 chapters behind. Ah..it’s somewhat discouraging but I’ll do my best to catch up with that one soon..the new guy is good-looking =P

Quote of the day:
As you sow so shall you reap ~ Proverb

Akatsuki no Yona [Chapters 12-15]
Thursday, June 3, 2010

[Once again, thanks to di, Alyzzahp, Isa, Joycee Lemoon, Bubu, and Me for the help regarding the name ‘Junam’. This is of course made possible by the scans of filion and the Chinese translation of seiryou for BW. I used the Japanese titles used by filion and then, I used babelfish to translate it. If there is anything wrong, just tag me about it, thanks. ^^ And, yay, Haku is on the volume 2 cover.]

Chapter 12: 神の声が呼ぶ谷 (The valley which the voice of God calls) Yona asks Ikusu if he is the shinkan [Shinto priest]. She explains that it is because she heard that her uncle Yuhon has suppressed the shinkan so he should be an older grandpa-type of guy. Ikusu explains that is the former shinkan and he is the successor. Yun thinks that Ikusu is already old = 33 years old. Yona asks if he already knew that she is going there. Ikusu says yes because his job is to convey to everyone what he heard from god since the god taught him everything what’s happening in the world with hopes that everyone would become happy and healthy. Yun asks what kind of job is that when it doesn’t earn him any money. Yun says that he just kneels everyday and for them shinkan to claim to hear god’s voice is really suspicious so no wonder they are driven away from the capital city. Yun then takes off Ikusu’s dirty clothes and tosses a new one to Ikusu. Yona then asks why Ikusu is driven away. Yun looks irritated that he tells Yona that she has always been staying in the capital city yet she didn’t know anything. Yona is speechless because it is true. They were interrupted when Haku starts to groan. Yona goes to him but Yun tells her to move because it seems that Haku has a fever because after all, he is gravely injured. Yun says that because he did a surgery, the fever won’t leave for a while but it seems that tonight is crucial. Yona thinks that she doesn’t want Haku to die. She shouts to Yun to save Haku. Yun tells her that he is doing that and it will be troublesome if he dies. Yun says that he isn’t a doctor and don’t assume that helping them is what he should do. He complains that Yona hasn’t even said a word of thanks. “Have you ever said thank you to this guy? It seems that he risked his life to protect you.” Yona looks stunned. Ikusu comforts Yona as a tear falls down her eye. Ikusu tells her that it will be alright for Haku is not yet greeted by shinigami [death god] so he will stay by her side. Ikusu then tells Yun to say things nicer. Yun says that it is because he hates anything related to the royalty. Ikusu tells him that Yona has her own way of fighting.

Later on, while Yun is grinding some herbs, Yona thanks him for saving them and she hopes that he would tell her about the shinkan. “I do not want to be always being ignorant of things as if living like an idiot.” Yun clarifies to him that he isn’t a shinkan and he is just taking care of that naturally stupid shinkan who doesn’t have any capability of having a livelihood. Yun tells her that when Ikusu is driven away by from the royal city, he is still a young shinkan trainee. At that time, the shrine has been destroyed and some people were captured and punished. Regarding her question about why they were driven away, it is because the shinkan have an absolute authority that cannot be hindered by the king. Yona asks if that means the king is related to it. Yun tells her that is true because the shinkan is an ambassador of god and he is highly esteemed. Shinkan and the country’s sacrifices [to gods and ancestors/religion] and politics are closely interrelated. It is so much related that at times, it causes conflicts to the point of ‘provoking the dieties’ and also recall/impreachment of the country’s shinkan. [Ah, I think the shinkan can get their gods to punish the king if what they want isn’t done and in turn, the king can recall the shinkan.] Doing that kind of thing, the king naturally looks unfavorably of the shinkan. During Iru’s father, Junam’s reign, Kouka’s territory had at that time extended to the borders of another country. That is the rage at that time [to conquer countries]. It is when Yuhon’s contributions to the country have been great. At that time, for Yuhon, the shinkan that can threaten the power of royalties is an eyesore. Yona says then that is why her uncle has driven away the shinkan. She asks Yun is it really hard to live in this barren land. Yun says no, though originally he [Yun] is bothered by that village and here, Ikusu is comparatively more naive [happy go lucky that it doesn’t bother him]. Yun tells her that in the village and everywhere else, there are a lot of poor people. Those who are rich are only a part of the capital city. Since Ikusu is too nice and want to help people yet he couldn’t do anything, Yun cannot just let Ikusu be because Ikusu has suffered a lot. Yona thanks him for telling her and asks him to please tell her more. She then hopes for Haku to quickly wake up.

Later on, Yona suddenly wakes up to find Haku not in his bed. The others are sound asleep. She quickly goes out to the forest and tries to find Haku. She then trips and falls flat on her face. ^^; She imagines wounded Haku before that she starts to cry and shout, “Haku, you big idiot..!” She is surprised to see Haku standing behind her with his halberd. Haku says that is quite unexpected. He smiles and angrily says that for her to sit where no one is around and the first thing out from her mouth is bad words. “Isn’t it already a miracle that we managed to survive but still it is quite good that you are energetic enough [to say bad words]. What is it? Could it be that you had a nightmare?” Flustered Yona wipes her tears and says that she won’t cry because of a nightmare. She asks him where he went. Haku tells her that he just went to get his halberd. She then shouts for him that he should have woke her up. Haku teases her and says, “...is that it, you cannot sleep alone? Do you want me to accompany to sleep~” Yona calls him a blockhead for going somewhere when he is gravely injured. “After being injured from head to food, you still doing things recklessly..I really thought that you had died..! Don’t just leave..without permission! *crying again* Only Haku..you should always be at my side.” Haku looks surprised and mutters that he feels like dying. Yona asks, huh? Somewhat covering his face, Haku comments that seeing her like that makes him want to die again for he wants to see what it’s like for her to cry for him. “I really..want to see.” He holds her face and leans to kiss her. Suddenly, Yona gives him a headbutt. Soon, the two are holding their respective heads in pain. =P Haku tells her that if she doesn’t want to, can she please just avoid it. Yona is confused and says that she thought he wanted to check his temperature [putting forehead together] so she did that. She asks if she is wrong. Haku sweatdrops and tells her that she is right and he feels that because of his fever, his brain had a short circuit. Yona holds his face and puts her forehead on him. She tells him that it seems that his fever had left. Haku looks at her and touches her hair. He apologizes for her hair and says that it is his entire fault. Yona tells him that it is alright and it feels lighter now compared before and also, she originally really hates her red hair. Haku seems to recall Suwon saying that he likes Yona’s red hair. Yona asks him that it doesn’t look that bad. Haku just says that’s true for even if her brain is really terrible, but the hair doesn’t have any fault at all. Yona tells him to be careful else she’ll sew up his mouth. Haku thinks what’s with her casually saying that ‘you should stay by my side’. “When you obviously cannot pull up your long hair anymore yet you still haven’t thrown away that hairpin, right?” That night, Ikusu had a dream.

While eating some fruit, Haku asks if that place is actually the shinkan’s home. Yona says, ya. Taking another fruit from the basket that Yun is carrying on his head while picking up some other fruits, Haku comments that it is such a great coincidence and even if the shinkan is suppose to live in seclusion, he [Haku] always thought that it would be a shrine type of place. Yun shouts at Haku to please stop eating as he pleases. Haku takes another fruit and tells him, “Ah, thanks shinkan-sama for your grace.” Yun shouts that he isn’t the shinkan. Yona wonders where Ikusu went. Yona walks around to find Ikusu near the waterfall. She asks what happened. Ikusu says that he had a dream and it is a dream about her and this world. “Do you want to hear the god’s voice?” Yona tells him that Mundoku told her to see the shinkan to show her the future path that she should go. “This so-called path..is it something that someone can help show it to me? From the start, I cannot do anything and it is okay to just stay clueless about things. But in the end, I was hunted like a criminal and Haku is almost killed. I almost died during that time.” She thinks that her blood is heating up as if it is being boiled. “I also want to depend on my own feet to stand and move forward.” Looking determined, Yona says, “I want to live on. Regardless if it’s mine or Haku’s life, I won’t give it to anyone. Right now, this is my one and only desire, so there is nothing that I can ask about shinkan-sama..” Ikusu says that she is mistaken for ‘wanting to live’ has a different meaning from living a quiet life. “If you want to live on, it can cause the ground of Kouka to shake violently and setting off into the tempest.” This surprises Yona. Just then, Haku and Yun arrive to where she is. Ikusu says, “If you want to live to the fullest, if you want to live in this unavoidable scorching hot scene of carnage, then, I will convey to you the voice of god.”

Chapter 13: 天命 (Destiny) While praying Ikusu says, “Darkness descended to the ground. The dragon’s blood has regenerated. Follow the aged old treaty. The time when the four dragons are gathered, in order to protect king, the sword and the shield have been recovered. The scarlet dragon will finally return to dawn.” He stops then he promptly falls to the ground. He says that conveying god’s voice really uses up one’s energy. Yun pokes him and says that he is such a troublesome old man. Haku darkly says what’s with that dragons and gods. It is really baffling that no matter what Ikusu says, he isn’t going to buy their pots. Yun says that they aren’t selling pots. Yona asks if the scarlet dragon in the prophecy is referring to the legend on how the king appeared. Ikusu asks if she knows about the legend on how the country is made. Yona says yes and it is the story about the scarlet dragon that became a human and descended on earth to govern a country. That is Kouka’s first king, Hiryuu. [The name of their castle/capital] Yona tells them that before, her father will always tell her about it. Ikusu says but that King Hiryuu who turned into a human, in the end, started to fight against humans. Story: Because the people’s hearts begin to have evil thoughts, and started to forget the existence of god, the country started to decline and become weak. Hiryuu is also captured by the people who thirst for power and he is nearly killed at that time. The four dragons descended and called out to Hiryuu. They urged him to return to heaven and destroy those people who forgot to believe and love [gods?]. Hiryuu didn’t listen to them and told them that he is already a human. “Even if I’m hated by humans, and betrayed by humans, I can still love humans.” Because the four dragons love Hiryuu, they do not want to lose him. Hence, in order to protect Hiryuu, the blue, green, yellow and white dragon gave their blood to human warriors and bestowed them strength. One of them possesses the power of the claws that can easily rip everything apart. One of them possesses has given sharp eyes that one can see from a faraway place. One of them possesses a strong body that cannot be injured. One of them possesses legs that can jump high and reach the sky. From then on, they are their ‘doppelganger’ who will offer themselves to Hiryuu and give importance to him. Throughout their lives, they are to protect him, respect and love him, and never betray him. After attaining the dragons’ strength, the warriors lead their tribe to protect King Hiryuu and pacify the civil war. In the end, weary from the campaign [fighting], Hiryuu has fallen into an eternal sleep. So, the mission of the four dragon warriors has also ended. They stayed beside the king’s side and cried for they longed/missed him. They weren’t sure but maybe reason that they are so sad over the lost of an important person is because they have dragon blood in their bodies that is grieving over Hiryuu’s death. Later on, the four dragon warriors realize that their strength exceed what an ordinary person should possess. They left their tribe and who knows where they disappeared to. End story.

Ikusu says the tribes that they left behind progressed on their own and has become the current five tribes. Yona asks what this ‘founding of the country’ story has something to do with her. Ikusu says that if she wants to keep on living on. Yona says that is true. Ikusu tells her that alone, she cannot survive. “If you leave this place, you would be chased and killed. Beside you, you have Haku-sama who is supporting you. But if this keeps up..Haku-sama will die.” This shocks Yona. Serious looking Haku tells him to wait a minute and not say such things so easily [/saying he’ll die]. Haku says that he didn’t hear god’s voice. Yun punches his wound that made Haku lie down on the ground in pain. Haku still darkly says that even if he is threatened, he won’t give any money to it.. Ikusu says that it is because it is like that [Haku injured], which is really not encouraging so Yona should find some other comrades. Yona asks who. Ikusu advises her to find the four dragon warriors. With twinkle in her eyes, Yona asks if those really exists since they are only from the legend. Haku says it is impossible because it is during the legend era. Ikusu says that there are and currently they are somewhere in the country in an absolutely quiet place, inheriting the dragon’s blood. Ikusu tells her that those warriors will agree to assist her. Yona tells him that she doesn’t want Haku to die but will those dragons in the legend agree to help a person like her. Ikusu tells her that she had miraculous survived that night and miraculously escaped from the capital city. Falling down from an overhanging cliff to a seemingly bottomless place is a miracle as if nothing can hinder her. It isn’t just a miracle but it is destiny that had brought her to this place. “I believe that if you find the four dragons in the legend, it isn’t because about your own business [/situation] but rather, it is destiny. But the heavens can only point the path which you will go since how you are going to go about it, depends on your own self. I have said a lot, I’m very tired..” He then lies down on the ground again. Yun comments that god and this old guy said a lot of stuff.

That night, Yona looks up into the sky. Haku calls out to her, ‘Little princess’. Yona suddenly pushes him down and shouts no, you should lie down. Haku tells her that it is alright now and he won’t die. Yona tells him that she will go and find those people who have dragon blood. Haku asks what happens after seeing them. They don’t even know if such people really exist and even if they do, they might not stand on their side. Yona says that they’ll deal with that afterwards and if she doesn’t leave this place, she cannot do anything. “No matter what, I want to move forward, I also want to do my best to become strong. Teach me to use a sword and also a bow, whatever it is. I will do my best to learn. I do not want to die without knowing anything. Furthermore, I do not want to lose you. *looking serious* For this reason, even if it’s god’s strength, I’ll attain it.” Haku looks at her and says, “Didn’t I say that I won’t die.. *smiles* But, since it is Her Highness’s order, then, I’ll bet on that whatever destiny.” Yona smiles and pats his head. She says that lately, Haku is quite obedient. A bit tense, Haku asks her to please not stay too close to him. Clueless Yona asks why. Haku is speechless and aghast. He then says because it is annoying. Yona angrily asks what he just said. While Yona is twisting her knuckles on Haku’s cheek, Ikusu appears and says that it seems that she has decided. Yona says, yes. Ikusu says that he has a favor to ask them. The next day, Yona is dressed up in a dress and asks if it is made by Yun. Yun says that luckily there are a lot of excess cloths but the satin used might be dissatisfying for a princess but it is definitely better than her thoroughly damaged clothes. Yona says that she really likes it and it is an interesting outfit. Yun is amused with her description. Yona then asks him to lend her something that can be used to cut because she wants to fix up her hair. She is holding some huge axes that Yun freaks out. Soon, Yun cuts and fixes her hair. He complains that this is too troublesome that is why he hates princesses. Yona thanks him and says that he can do anything. Yun says that it is a requirement to take care of the shinkan. Since Ikusu is always injured, he learned how to do medical operations. He is also good in cooking and his only fault is that he is a bishounen. Yona says that she didn’t ask that. She comments that he’s very nice and this isn’t just confined to what he just said a while ago but rather, he obviously hates royalty yet he agreed to help her cut her hair.

To Yona’s surprise, Yun tells her that he will be asking for a corresponding payment for all the things he did like medical fee, outfit fee and fixing hair fee. Yona just blurts out to put it in Mundoku’s bill. Yun shouts Mundoku, is that Wind tribe’s hero. Yona asks if Mundoku is a hero. Yun calls her an idiot for not knowing that Mundoku is a really strong general who is at par with Yuhon. Yona asks why he knows everything. Yun says that it cannot be helped for he is a genius especially since he can remember what is written in books just by reading it once. But then, he only read a small section of books and out there in the world, there are a lot of books that he doesn’t know. It seems that he is finished cutting Yona’s hair. Yona tries to say something but Yun tells her that it is okay and it fine if he only collected a few books and generally, it is okay as long as he has this dirty book. He holds out a book to show her. She asks him what it is. Yun says that Ikusu is such an idiot that he said that he found this from a garbage dump when he slipped at some place. Yona agrees that he is surprising stupid. Yun repeats that Ikusu is stupid and just from hearing that, no one would really believe but that guy doesn’t lie and he [Yun] really knows this. Yun then notices that Yona is listening intently to him. He then shouts that in short, if they are going on a trip then they should quickly leave for he doesn’t have time to take care of them. He leaves and Yona smiles. In the house, Yona calls out to Ikusu. Ikusu says that her outfit is really nice and it suits her. He also says that Yun must have made it and that child is really amazing. He then asks what Yun said. Yona says that he is really the same as her father who is unreliable, a cry baby, brains are full of flowers/always happy but a very cute person. While holding a book, Yun sees Yona talking with Ikusu. He stands outside and eavesdrops on them. Yona says, “Even if Yun tends to badmouth but he really likes you. I cannot break apart a family so I won’t bring Yun with us to the journey.” This is Ikusu’s favor that he asked the two before. Yona continues to say that Ikusu wants her to bring Yun along but if Yun doesn’t want to go then she won’t bring him along. Ikusu says that she is right and this should be something he should be telling Yun. Yona calls out Ikusu’s name as Ikusu goes out of the house. Ikusu stops to see Yun standing outside. Yun glares at Ikusu. Ikusu says that it’s a good thing that he is there and just now.. Yun grabs his collar and pins him on the wall. Yun angrily asks what were they talking about a while ago and where does Ikusu want him to go.

Chapter 14: 選んだ扉 (The Door One Chooses) At the waterfalls, Yun is really angry at Ikusu for doing things on his own. Flashback: Yun angrily asked Ikusu if he wants him [Yun] to go with the others. Ikusu told him that he should leave this place and help the princess and the others. Yun angrily shouts why he would do that and quit joking around. Yona has came out and realized that Yun has overheard them. Ikusu told Yun that he shouldn’t be a child who’ll just stay in that place. “Go see the world.” Yun seems touched by what he said but he is infuriated when Ikusu said that it doesn’t matter even if he doesn’t have Yun. End flashback. Ikusu tries to rip the book as he thinks, “That idiot..!” He remembers Ikusu telling him to look and read this medical book. He stops from tearing the book. He can only curse as he remembers Ikusu telling him to go see the world. Flashback: Seven years ago, in the eastern village of the fire tribe, someone shouts for help. There are a lot of poor people around as a boy runs away. Yesterday, he only ate tree roots. There is no need to talk about the crops in the field because even insects cannot find any. Today, Yun stole some food. After stealing, he is almost killed so he must do this properly. He thinks that he should always fighting to win and it doesn’t matter if he killed the other. One day, he hit a man with a rock. The man fell down and he quickly went to the fallen guy to search for money or food. The man, Ikusu, held his hand and apologized to him for he doesn’t have anything. This made Yun screamed out loud. I think he punched or hit Ikusu. Later on, Ikusu woke up and found himself leaning on the wall of an old shack. Yun is holding a sickle at him and told him not to move. He said that everyone in the village is saying that lately, there is an outsider with a golden pearl that is dazzing all over the place. He asked if it is him and quickly bring that golden pearl out. Pause and [I think] Ikusu sniffed. Yun shouted that it is useless to cry. Ikusu apologized. He cried while saying that he already given that golden pearl to some other kid and that is the last one. “But if I’m able to find anything else, I’ll definitely give it to you!” Ikusu then wiped the blood for his head where Yun had hit him. Yun is somewhat surprised and then he blamed Ikusu that it is his entire fault for being stupid because this is a place where someone who doesn’t eat will be eaten instead. Ikusu told him that it is alright, it doesn’t hurt so he doesn’t have to worry. Yun denied that he is worried and that he almost killed him. Ikusu said then, he’ll go on his way. Yun asked if he is listening to what he is saying. Ikusu tried to walk away but he is swaying left and right. Yun called out to him to wait for they haven’t finished talking about the golden pearl. He told Ikusu to say at his house for the day. Ikusu quickly turned around and said that he is really happy because honestly, today, he is supposed to sleep outdoors. He introduced himself as Ikusu.

That night, Yun touched Ikusu’s head and thought that he is hot so he is still alive. He then put some ointment on his head. Ikusu has awakened and noticed what Yun is doing. He smiled. The next day, Yun is really cold and hungry that he thought that he is going to die there. He is surprised when Ikusu hold a sweet potato in front of him. Ikusu told him that he is giving it to him. Yun asked where he got it, did he steal it. Ikusu said that someone gave it to him. Yun happily said that it has been a long time since he ate a sweet potato. He then noticed that Ikusu is barefooted that he asked where his shoes are. Ikusu told him that he exchanged them for a sweet potato. Yun asked why he did that for him and if this is some sort of plot. Ikusu said that it is thanks for the medicine he put on his head. Yun blushed and exclaimed that he is awake. Ikasu said that the medicine is really useful that his heart is really overwhelmed that it feels like his eyes are welling up. Yun asked why he is crying and he is such a strange person. He asked if all outsiders are like that. Ikasu told him that there are many sorts of people from outside although there is no way for him to go to the capital. Yun exclaimed, “Capital?!” Ikasu asked if he wanted to go to the capital. Yun said yes, for he wants to leave this place and go to the capital and all sort of places. “Wait until I grow up, I still want to read a lot of books. Go to a place where I can freely study.” Ikusu commented that he is amazing for he can read books. Yun said of course, though he can only understand simple books but even if there are difficult ones, he will definitely one day.. Ikusu told him that next time, he’ll bring books to him because he goes to all sorts of places. Yun asked what kind of person he is. Ikusu told him that he is a person who prays to god, favored by the voice of god, visit people who are listless and help them to find the courage to live on. Yun doesn’t believe god exists but Ikasu doesn’t seem to be lying. Yun asked where he is going and will it be okay for him to be barefooted like that. Carrying a lot of straw, Ikusu said that it is okay for he will just make some straw sandals which someone taught him how before. Yun exclaimed for Ikusu to teach him, too. After a few hours, Ikusu praised Yun for being able to do straw sandals really well that it is like a ‘product that can be sold’ even if it is Yun’s first time to do so. Yun told Ikusu that the sandals Ikusu made are pathetic so he gave Ikusu the ones he had made. Ikusu asked if he really can have it for they are really well-made sandals. Yun said that as an exchange, he wants Ikusu to teach him some other things. Ikusu bid him goodbye. Yun thought that he wanted to talk to Ikusu again, say a lot of things and ask a lot of things. He obviously doesn’t want Ikusu to leave yet he couldn’t say it. He decided to try to say it, ‘stay here’, the next time Ikusu come back and they meet again. He wondered if Ikusu will find it troublesome but then, it doesn’t matter to him. He hopes for Ikusu to quickly come back and he wondered why he felt lonely as if it isn’t a good thing ever since he met Ikusu when he obviously been always alone.

Yun now earns a living by selling straw sandals. One day, while he is putting away a boxful of sandals, he saw Ikusu all bruised and dirty. He asked what happened that he is covered with injury and is dressed lightly. Ikusu apologizes for coming there after a long time. He had gotten a lot of things that would want to give Yun but it is all stolen by the people who wanted the golden pearl that he doesn’t even have books left. That golden pearl is something he brought out from the capital city before. His master had gotten a few but right now, not a single one is left. He went to a faraway place and wanted to be with people but people only thought of him as a person who brings golden pearls. It seems that he had awaken something bad in their hearts. In the end, he just wanted to see Yun’s face. Ikusu said that he really had fun making straw sandals with him. Ikusu bid him goodbye [probably because he has to be in seclusion for people are after his golden pearls that he no longer have] but Yun hold his robe and shouted that he wanted to go with him. Ikusu told him if he do that, from then on, he can no longer go outside nor go to the capital, also the books.. Yun said that it doesn’t matter whether he couldn’t go to the capital or don’t have the books, for it is okay for him if Ikusu just teach him all he knows. Yun said that that it is dangerous for Ikusu to walk wobbly like that. He hugged Ikusu as he said that he is the only one who could put medicine on him. End flashback. Yun looks at the book that Ikusu has given him. He mutters, “The outside world, huh..” Just then Ikusu is standing behind him. Yun says that even if he said that princess doesn’t know anything about the world but honestly, for him to just rely on knowledge [/books], he cannot really understand the true ‘reality’ so being like that is generally embarrassing. There are some flashbacks of Yun asking Ikusu to tell him of heroes from the past dynasties and of Yun reprimanding Ikusu for being troublesome that he is injured again but he’ll go get some medicine for him. Yun looks up with his eyes closed as if he decided on something. He then says that Ikusu probably doesn’t know but for him, whatever Ikusu says is absolute that when he said it, it is like Ikusu is commanding him to go so, he’ll go. “This is definitely what destiny has bestowed on me. And about you, it seems that even if I’m not around, it doesn’t matter to you.” Ikusu says that spoken language has power that it can become a ‘word spirit’ so for him to say that it doesn’t matter, it might become true and perhaps, it might really be ‘doesn’t matter’ but then, he cannot..no matter what he does..he’ll be very lonely. Yun is surprised to see Ikusu crying. Soon, Yun is also crying. He wipes his own tears and says that Ikusu is so troublesome and it isn’t like they can no longer see each other again for the rest of their lives. Yona peeks out from the tree then smiles upon seeing Yun comforting crying Ikusu.

Chapter 15: ふるえる覚悟 (Shaking Resolution) At the mountain path, Yun, accompanied by Haku who is carrying a huge bag on his shoulder while holding his covered halberd, meets with a man [trader?]. The trader says that it has been a long time and he always longs for the medicine that Yun makes. Yun asks if he has some rice. The trader comments that it is quite rare for him to be with a companion. He asks how that tall guy is. While Yun is trying to think of what to say, Haku says that he is a business partner. Somewhat tilting his hat down, Haku says that they are doing business near the national border/frontier. While walking through the forest, Haku calls out to Yona who is walking ahead. “Little princess, little princess- what are you angry about? Is it because you are put in a bag and I’ve carried you on my shoulder? Or are you angry because I said that inside the bag are clothes and personal items that you were treated roughly? Or perhaps, you are angry that I took advantage of you by teasing [/flirting] while you are pretending to be a bag?” Yona angrily shouts, “All of that! What’s with that attitude of yours!” Whistling Haku just climbs up the tree to escape Yona’s wrath. Yun says that she has to pretend to be a bag of personal belongings so that they can move around freely. He really feels like his heart is going to explode if they were exposed. He then shouts at the two who were ‘playing around’ to listen to him. While the two are listening to him, Yun shouts, "Red haired princess! Wild beast ex-general! And also, genius bishounen! This group is really conspicuous so you guys should be more serious!” Haku corrects him that he is ‘Raiju’ = ‘thunder beast’ not ‘wild beast’. Yun continues to say, “This place is close to the fire tribe and the capital city. If we are discovered then, it’s really troublesome. Understand?” The two say, “Yes--!” Haku then says that regardless if it’s the shinkan or the four dragons, both seem to live in really troublesome places. Flashback: They asked Ikusu if he has any clues as to where these four dragons are located. Ikusu told them that those that have the dragon bloodline are currently scattered all over the place and lived their own respective lives so it is hard to be certain on where that place is. Haku and Yun shouted that it is too troublesome. Ikusu said that according to the legend, there is one person whom he knows to live in a mist and cloud covered mountain. This clan is quite inconspicuous but surely has inherited the bloodline though this clan doesn’t receive outsiders. Ikusu showed them a map and points to some mountains near the capital and near the Kai empire. Ikusu said that it is near the border so it will be dangerous since they will have to move from the fire tribe, cross above the capital city to get to the mountains. End flashback.

Haku grins and says that not only the capital city but they are also very near the Kai empire. Yun happily says that he finally manages to go see the outside world and he is really anticipating this. “~Fantasy village~~ I want to travel around the world and write a journal about it.” Haku says, “Ha? Then, why are your eyes all red.” Yun chases after him and shouts for him not to talk nonsense. His eyes are red from crying as he bid goodbye to Ikusu. Yona puts on her hood and asks if those soldiers would come after them again. Haku tells her not to worry for he’ll think of a way. Yun tells Haku to protect him, too since he is a weakling. Yona tells Haku that she wants to learn swordsmanship. “Haku, didn’t you say that you will teach me? You can teach me while we are on this journey! If someone comes, I want to be able to drive them away..” Haku looks at her and says, “Little princess..can you kill a person?” Yona looks surprised. Haku continues to say, “Even if you say about driving them away, but we cannot give the enemies the opportunities to escape. You have to kill them and make them fall into the ground till they can no longer stand up. Can you do that?” Yona is flustered as she says that at that time, she had a sword yet she totally wasn’t able to make use of it. “Even if I cannot win against them, even if I cannot kill them, I still wish to at least make an opportunity for me and Haku to escape..” Haku thinks for a while then says that maybe it is necessary for her to know some defensive swordsmanship skills. Yona asks if he is willing to teach her. Haku gives her the bow and arrows. He says, “I will fight up front while little princess should just hide and shoot the enemies.” Yona says okay. She insists that he also teach her how to use a sword. Haku tells her that for now, he’ll only teach her how to use the bow. “His Majesty Iru has always forbidden the princess from touching a weapon. Right now, this is pretty much like I’m betraying His Majesty’s command. Why His Majesty hates weapons, please think well about it.” Yona just grips the bow tighter in her hands. While they continue walking on the mountain path, Yun suggests that Yona practice her archery skills while they are on their way. Haku says that that if they aren’t in a journey, he would have make her do target practice 200 times a day. This shocks Yona. Haku tells Yona to start practicing by killing birds or rabbits. Yun approves of this idea for it is two birds in one stone. “This will also resolve the problem of our dinner. So, will you please, Your Highness.” Yona looks at him blankly and says, “Ha?”

After an hour, Yona still fails to hit any bird. Embarrassed, Yona asks Haku what she should do so that she can hit something. Haku says that it is like this. He takes the bow and arrow then hits a bird which promptly falls dead on the ground. Haku tells her to just aim. Yona says that she doesn’t understand. He asks what she doesn’t understand. Yona realizes that a genius cannot understand the feelings of an ordinary person. Yona walks away and says that Haku totally cannot become a ‘master/teacher’. Haku calls for her to wait. He tells her to listen well. It is basically, her strength isn’t enough. He aims the bow together with Yona and tells her to steady the bow while it is being pulled. “Put all of your strength in and then, let your body remember this.” They then shoot down a bird. He tells her that it is said that an expert archer can still shoot his target even if his eyes are closed so what the eyes can see is only a facade. He suggests that for now, she should just learn to how to shoot the arrow straight. Soon, there are more walking and archery practice. It is night and Yun wakes up from a sound. He finds Yona practicing archery on a tree and comments that she is practicing even if it is very late. He seems moved by Yona’s dedication. The next day[?], Yun is cooking some rice in a bamboo. He tells Yona that she starts to have the posture of an archer. Yona is extremely happy about this and asks if he can also do some archery. Yun tells her that he usually use traps to hunt. He says that having half-hearted feelings, it is better not to use weapons. Yona is puzzled. Yun explains to her that is about the problem of killing someone. “Although wanting to protect, but for us people, who have no strength, can we stand in the battlefield with no misgivings about the enemies’ standpoint? We want to survive so we should be relentless at killing someone regardless who it is. Using such despicable methods, ought to be used here. It is a battle of the brains. Looking for a mistake and easily doing clever tricks, that is what that Raiju [only him] is capable of doing.” Yona looks thoughtful about what he said. Later on, she then tries to hunt a young wild boar. She thinks that it is cute but even if it is a human, in the battlefield, she should be able to shoot it. She becomes tense. She thinks that by pulling the bow, it is only a choice of killing or be killed. She shoots but her arrow is slanted that it only grazed the boar which run away. She goes and gets her arrow. She thinks that her father detested it so much. “But, father (king), if I don’t kill, if I don’t kill, right now, I won’t be able to survive.”

Haku stands behind her and says that’s too bad for she wasn’t able to seriously injure it. He says that more than for it being cruel but rather it is more likely because her heart is confused. Haku tells Yun to go ahead. Yun tells them to hurry up because they will quickly be arriving at the area/border. Haku says, okay. Haku tells Yona to show her master [him] how much she had progressed. He tells her to hit the tree first. Yona manages to hit the tree. Haku happily congratulate her that for being amazing and for the time being, she managed to hit it. Yona tells him that she isn’t too happy regarding how he said it. Yona is surprised when Haku tells her to try hitting him. Yona shouts that she cannot do that. Haku tells her that it will be okay since he can avoid it. “Let’s practice hitting a moving object. No..rather, this is practice in hitting a person. I will be moving about so just aim and shoot.” A bit tense, Yona prepares to aim and shouts that she will not be responsible if she hits him. Later on, Yona shouts at Haku to quit running all over the place. Haku tells her that she totally doesn’t have any desire to shoot him. Haku runs off again as Yona misses him. Infuriated, Yona shoots at Haku and Haku easily catches the arrow and breaks it in half. Haku says that she is still far from there because her killer chi [intent to kill] is not enough. A bit tense, Yona exclaims how she could have killer chi. Haku tells her to think of him as a chasing solider. “It’s fine if it is from the fire tribe or soldiers from the capital. Just think of me as someone whom you want to kill.” Yona shouts that she doesn’t think that way regarding those people. Haku looks serious then says, “How about this, just think of shooting me as Suwon.” This stunned Yona that she holds the bow tightly and then shoots at Haku. Haku is surprised as quickly tilts his head. The arrow wounds/grazes his face [causing it to bleed] as the arrow is stuck on the tree. Haku looks somewhat sad as he takes the arrow from the tree. Yona is crying as she says that she really hates that side of Haku. “But..if it is for protecting you, even if I have to sacrifice other people, I’m willing to take up a weapon!” Haku holds her and kisses her head. This surprises Yona. He tells her not to keep on saying about protecting him. She asks why. Looking away, Haku says, “Because it will make me greedy.” Yona is puzzled. He holds her hand and says, “In short, it is my job to protect you. Didn’t I tell you to treat me as a ‘support’ [props]? So you don’t have to worry over a ‘support’.” While still walking, it started to become foggy that Haku says that it is hard to see. Yona asks where Yun went. Haku says that clouds and mist linger around that fantasy village so he thinks that they must be nearby. He wonders where a village like that would be. Yona then shouts for Haku that this is bad. Haku shouts that he cannot see anything and where is she. Yona shouts that she is here and tells him to quickly come for Yun has disappeared. She has seen Yun’s coat and things near the tree.

It is indeed such a queer group that I’m curious what the other dragon warriors will be like. Haku is still playful as ever and it is never boring to be with this guy. I really think that Yona is one lucky princess to have these people helping her. It is nice to see that Yona is trying her best to be useful. She can now shoot straight but I guess hunting is still out of the question since she is uneasy about taking a life. For Haku to dare her to shoot him as Suwon, I wonder if aside from target practice, Haku wants to confirm her feelings for Suwon. I’m somewhat confused as to why Haku looked sad after the target practice. Is it because Yona only injured and not kill ‘Suwon’? Is it because she now knows how to use a weapon to harm someone? Or is it because he forced her to do that? I find it sad that he feels that for him to have her is being greedy. It does seem like he is in some sort of ‘cliffhanger’ happiness since Yona is saying and doing those stuff that he wants to hear and see but then, it is all in a different context for her. I wonder what it takes for her to realize his feelings since it is obvious that being in a near death situation isn’t effective. ^^; Maybe Yun will hint about it. Well, I really like the Haku x Yona moments ^^

Quote of the day:
The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance. Proceed, and light will dawn, and shine with increasing clearness on your path. ~ Jim Rohn

Skip Beat! [Chapter 158] Teaser
Thursday, June 3, 2010

Thanks to filial for the info that this is out. I was checking it the whole night yesterday ^^;; This is from 2ch posted by whitesunnie in baidu and translated into Chinese by someone with ip address 124.160.32.*. Violence mission phase 5. Setsuka ignored those ruffians and walk towards Cain. One of those ruffians tries to pounce on Cain but Cain easily dodges it. Suddenly, Kyouko realizes that it could be because of her that Ren will get involved in this violent incident. Fearing that she will be blamed for all this, her face turned white. One of the ruffians takes a weapon and plans to attack Cain. Kyouko grabs the weapon of the guy and try to take it away but [I think] she fell down. Cain sees this. He quickly pounces on the guy and throws him away. [I think] that guy’s head is hit on the head that he lost consciousness. Then, the black aura has totally open or like spreading out. The continuation will on the 14th issue so that will be 6/20 or earlier like 18 or 19 since the 20th is on a Sunday. I can’t wait to see the scans ^^ Finally, there’s action. ^^ Oh..I’m also curious what Kyouko’s reaction to this kind of dark Ren.

Chitose Etc. [Chapters 9-12]
Tuesday, June 1, 2010

After the hospital visit, Chitose and Shun walk quietly in the streets. Shun suddenly remembers to call Midoriko and Kanata about what happened. He apologizes to Midoriko for calling so late and it turned out that Saaya just had anemia. He says that Yuki got a taxi to bring Saaya home while he and Chitose are going to ride the train so they should just hold their celebration some other day. Chitose sadly thinks that this is the first time she has seen Yuki that nervous. Remembering Saaya hugging Yuki, Chitose thinks that it is something that no one can get in between and compared to Saaya staying at Yuki’s place, it seems that the two have a really deep bond with each other. It made her chest hurt. She tells herself not to be like that for she already knows that and she should forget about it. She doesn’t want this to continue wherein she will still have feelings for Yuki. She suddenly calls out to Shun, “Akaishi-kun! Go..steady with me!” This surprises Shun. He says that she still has a week so has she really decided on this. Chitose says yes and she will try this out because she wanted to change the way she thinks. Shun looks at her then pats her head. Shun says, then, that’s decided. Chitose asks him again if it is really okay if the other party is her. Shun says, yes. Chitose admits that she doesn’t like him yet. Shun says that he knows and she is still saying this until now. Shun admits that he isn’t really serious when he asked her to go steady with him so she doesn’t have to mind it. “Let’s just gradually and slowly get along with each other.” Chitose says, okay and she’ll be under his care. Shun just says ya. Chitose has returned home. Tadashi, her brother asks her if she had fun during the celebration. Chitose tells him that it has been postponed because a girl got sick. Tadashi says is that so and that should be the reason why she is late. Before going to her room, Chitose tells her brother that from then on, she might be out more frequently but she will still do the household chores so there is no need for him to worry. Her brother says that is okay but then, why would she be out frequently. Tadashi goes into shock when Chitose tells him that she now has a boyfriend. While Chitose is already in her room, Tadashi tries to ask her who it is for this is too sudden. “Is it Yuki?” Chitose says that it is one of the guys in the matsuri/festival club. Tadashi insists that she come out and tells him about this in detail. Chitose isn’t in the mood for that. She just thinks that temporarily, she’ll just do what Shun proposed for if she didn’t do anything then nothing will change.

The next day, during lunch break, Shun greets Chitose a good morning. Chitose tells herself that from today on, this guy is her boyfriend. She thinks that even if it isn’t that real, but she feels a bit awkward about it. Shun says that there is something he wants to talk about with her so is she free. Chitose says yes so will they be going to the clubroom. Shun says no, since it is far away so how about they go to the roof because the weather is nice. At the roof, Chitose is puzzled when Shun asks what to do about it. Shun asks what does one do when one goes steady because he doesn’t have any experience so he isn’t sure about it. Chitose tells him that she also doesn’t have any experience. Shun asks him what does she wanted to do, like what does she imagined she’ll be going with her boyfriend. A bit flustered, Chitose says that she would imagine a date. “The two of us would go to all sorts of fun places. We will be together during Christmas, birthday and other holidays. In school, he will be eating the bento I made. We will study together in the library before the exams. After school, we will go home together. Occasionally, for a change, we’ll go drink tea. When we are together, we will talk about a lot of things like the things when we were young, during junior high, future dreams and also about everyone and friends. *happily imagining being with Yuki* Then, there are hobbies, favorite music, favorite books, there are a lot of things that I want to ask him, and there are a lot of things that I want to tell him..” Somewhat unhappy Shun looks at happy Chitose, then asks if she is thinking of Yuki just now. She quickly covers her mouth and apologizes that it is a habit. She wonders how he knew. Shun tells her to forget about it, it is alright. Chitose then asks him what he wants to do with his girlfriend. Shun looks at her then admits that it is something that happens after much progress and much later in the relationship. Shun says that what Chitose wants to do is pretty much dating and conversation. Chitose affirms it. Shun says okay, now he knows. Then the school bell rings. Chitose is surprised that everyone is gone and classes is starting. She exclaims that they should quickly go down. Before she can go, Shun holds her arm and tells her that he thought of something he wants to do together with his girlfriend. “Let’s goof off together at the roof ♬” Chitose looks at him in surprise and asks if he meant not going to class. She seems a bit hesitant that Shun asks if she hasn’t skipped classes and she is really such a nice kid. Pointing to the upper roof, he happily tells her that they lie down there [structure above the stairs]. Chitose calls out to him as he climbs up the stairs.

Soon, the two are lying down. Shun then asks her, “Don’t you feel comfortable?” Chitose smiles and agrees with him. She says that the clouds floating by are also really nice. “The sun is bright and beautiful, and warm. It really feels like spring.” Shun then looks at the side to see Chitose sleeping. He sits up and thinks that she actually slept. He looks at her lips then bends down to kiss her. He stops and thinks that it is better to kiss her when she’s awake. Suddenly, Chitose sneezes on him. Lol, his face is covered with saliva. =P Chitose sits up and shivers. She says that the cement [floor] is really cold and she’ll catch a cold if she sleeps there. She then happily asks what happened to Shun. Shun looks dark as he wipes his face with his handkerchief. At the club, Saaya apologizes to everyone for the trouble and she’ll eat a lot of liver next time. Midoriko asks if she is really okay. Saaya happily says ya and her cold is also well so she has totally recovered now. Saaya tells them that as consolation gift, she bought some animal-decorated cupcakes for everyone which they can have with tea. While Saaya shows the cakes to Midoriko, Chitose is relieved that Saaya is energetic again though she thought that from what was said before, she had a grave illness. She wonders if it is really okay now. “Is it really alright just because the doctor said that it is alright?” Chitose blushes really red when Shun announces to everyone that he already got Chitose’s answer. Midoriko and Kanata are really delighted over the news. Saaya looks surprised and Yuki’s face isn’t shown. Then, when Yuki’s face is shown, he is smiling and congratulates the two. Shun then asks how about Midoriko and Kanata try to go steady, too. Midoriko shakes her head and says, ‘she doesn’t want to’. Kanata shakes his head and says, ‘it is impossible’. Midoriko angrily shouts at Kanata what he meant by impossible. Aghast and scared, Kanata says that it is what she thinks it means. Midoriko happily exclaims that they should go and use this energy to plan out for the Christmas program because it will be December soon. They discuss if there will be a cosplay again. Someone wants to do exchange gifts and last year, they have a favorable evaluation. Then, there is also about where to rent a Christmas tree. Chitose thinks that it is only Saaya who didn’t say anything about it [her going steady with Shun]. “She said before that she isn’t good in dealing with Akaishi-kun, could she be against this..” Soon, Kanata and Midoriko happily says that more or less, they had integrated it all. Shun stands up then shouts to Chitose to hurry for they are going. This surprises Chitose. She quickly and nervously finish what she is writing and packs her things. Shun goes ahead while Chitose bids the others goodbye. Midoriko asks what’s with them that they are in a hurry. Saaya just look at the two while Yuki looks very displeased.

At the hallway, Chitose chases after Shun and tells him to wait for her and why he is in such a hurry. Shun asks her didn’t she want to go home together with her boyfriend. Chitose says, ya. Shun asks her what it is like normally after club activity. Chitose says that everyone will walk out together and then, they will go their separate ways at the station. “And then, I will be walking to the apartment together with Yuki..” Shun says that is right, and they should quickly leave like this, so that they can walk home together. Chitose agrees with him. Shun asks if she wants to try out a ‘change of pace’. Chitose says it is okay if it is just for a short while because she still has to prepare her brother’s dinner. Shun suggests that they walk around/window shop at the train station. Chitose is surprised to see that there are bazaar stores in the train station. Shun asks if she hasn’t come here before. Chitose gloomily says that it is because she won’t dare go near the train station after an earlier trauma. She then goes to look at some hair accessories in a store and exclaims that they look cute. She looks at a crystal-flower hairpin and it costs 1200 yen. She is surprised when Shun asks if she likes it and he’ll buy it for her. Chitose tries to refuse but Shun says that it is alright and let it be their commemoration of their first day of going steady. “In exchange, make and bring a bento box for me tomorrow. I want it to have an Okinawa taste.” Chitose smiles and says, ‘no problem’. She happily says that this really feels like they are boy/girlfriend. Shun smiles and says, ‘that’s true’. While they were walking, a colored[red?] hair lady is looking at the couple. Her friend calls out to her as Nami [成實; ah, if it is a name then Nami but if it is a surname, it is Narumi/Narizane. Since I don’t have the raws for this, I cannot say for sure what it really is since I’m just basing it on the kanji]. Her friend asks what it is and is it someone she knew. Still looking at the two, Nami says, “No, I don’t know that person.” At school, Shun opens the bento box to see a cute designed food in it. Shun asks what that is. Chitose happily says that it is a three layer: streaky pork, tempura, bitter melon, etc. She explains that Okinawa tempura has different contents and it is much thicker. Shun says that he doesn’t mean the top but the bottom part. Puzzled, Chitose asks isn’t it cute that girl and bear for she thought that she did it really well. She then explains what she used to make those figures. Shun sweatdrops and says that isn’t what he meant and he knows that it is a girl and a bear but why are there faces in his bento. Chitose happily says that it is her first time to make a bento for an outsider [not family] and she doesn’t know how to do it so she looked for recipes on the internet and there are a lot of bento made that way and because it is cute, she decided to try and do it on her own. “..that, even if I faintly feel that it doesn’t suit you..isn’t it okay?” Shun exclaims, “Do you even have to ask! I’m also not a kid!” Chitose promptly takes the bento box from him and says if it is like that then there is no need for him to eat it. She mutters that it is a waste after putting a lot of effort to do it. This shocks Shun that he shouts, “Wait! I’ll eat it! I’m hungry.” Chitose shouts back, “No! I won’t give it to a guy who just complains!” Shun apologizes that it is his mistake. While Shun tries to get the bento box back, their other classmates, who were watching them, ask if the two are going steady. Chitose smiles and says, ‘Ya.’. Then, there is a loud scream from their classroom.

In the club room, Saaya says out loud [probably to Yuki who is beside her while using the laptop computer] that she heard from section 2 that it is publicly acknowledged that Chitose and Shun are a couple and that they eat the bento box that Chitose made everyday. Yuki says that he also seen them before to be happily chatting at the roof and Shun even said that they will go on a date this Saturday. Saaya comments that it is quite unexpected that things are going smoothly. Yuki asks why she said it is unexpected. Saaya says that it is because they aren’t compatible. Yuki says, “Ah, even if that is so..but isn’t it really good that they are progressing smoothly.” Saaya says, “Ya.” Midoriko and Kanata watch the two and feel the dark mood emitting from the two. The two look at each other and think that it doesn’t seem good at all. At an open-air ice skating rink, Chitose who is wearing her new hairpin tries to skate but ends up falling down. Shun helps her up and leads her to the railing. Chitose says that it is really hard to skate on ice. Shun happily tells her that she has gotten a lot better now than when she is just starting. Chitose says that Tokyo is really amazing to have an ice skating rink in the middle of the metropolitan. Shun explains that there is a time limit for it to be there. Chitose comments that if it is like that then, it is truly amazing. Shun tells her that he thought she might not have ice skated before so he brought her there. Chitose admits that it is indeed her first time for even if there are ice rinks around, she hasn’t gone there before. She happily tells him that she’s having fun. Shun smiles and thinks that Chitose is so cute and honest. He then offers his arm to her so that he can accompany her while skating. They skate together as Chitose happily exclaims that this is so relaxing. She says that Shun is really good in skating. Shun tells her that this is only his third time. While they are skating, a suspicious guy who is wearing a bandanna, sunglasses and dark coat is watching them. A sign says that it is Tadashi. He thinks, “So, that is Chitose’s boyfriend.” The other people around are scared of him. Tadashi thinks that Shun looks really good from the outside appearance and the festival club members are his readers and that should be very meaningful. He is worried that Chitose would just let herself be depressed because Yuki rejected her but it turns out that Chitose found a really good guy. “Good, good, no wonder she is my younger sister!” He starts to walk away and thinks that he should go to the bookstore first before going home. It turns out that Chitose knows that her brother is watching her. She glances at him and is relieved that he is finally leaving. She thinks that he is like a parent worrying over one’s kid and what’s with that suspicious disguise.

Shun then tells her that they should go eat something. Chitose happily says that she brought bento. Shun thanks her. At the table, Shun is displeased to see that there are ‘faces’ again in the bento. Chitose just happily says that this time it is easy because she just used seaweed [nori sheet] to decorate the rice [to look like faces]. She tells him that she really had fun doing that and the taste is also the same so would he forgive her for this. Shun just tells her to forget about it for he is just a bit troubled about food with faces that he doesn’t want to eat it. Chitose looks at him in surprise then she burst out in laughter. “So that’s the reason! You’re really cute--” Shun tells her not to laugh. Chitose says okay and apologizes. She tells him that she won’t make the food that way anymore so she’ll just change it into flower and star shapes/designs. Shun can only say, ‘Hey you-” She asks how about fish, like roasted types. Shun tells her that even if he doesn’t eat food with faces, and accepts the fact that those things exists but it is best if they are in pieces [not whole ones]. While eating, Shun tells her that they go skate again after eating. Chitose says that they should rest a bit first. Chitose thinks that she finds it interesting, this cute side of Shun. After getting used to it, she doesn’t feel scared of him and unexpectedly, he is a very kind person. She also finds their honest word fight fun. They skate again and Chitose is getting used to it. She thinks that everything will be alright, they can get along with each other. While walking home, Shun tells Chitose that she will experience muscle pain tomorrow since she used the muscles which she didn’t use before and contrary to what she thinks, it will be more of a back pain than leg pain. He then asks her if she had fun today. Chitose smiles and happily says that she did. She then thanks him for bringing her home. They then bid each other goodbye. Just then, Yuka, Yuki’s sister arrives. She greets Shun and says that it has been a long time since they have seen each other. Shun greets her back and bids her goodbye. After he left, the two enter the apartment together. Yuka asks Chitose if it is a date since she learned from Yuki that they are going steady. Chitose looks embarrassed as she confirms it. Yuka apologizes and says that she obviously liked Yuki before and it is because he and Saaya are going steady for such a long time.. Chitose exclaims that there is no need for that [no need to apologize]. She then wonders if Yuka knows. She takes this opportunity to ask Yuka about Saaya’s serious illness before and is it alright now. She admits that it is hard to ask Saaya herself about this. Yuka tells her that there is no need to be nervous and worried about it. Saaya had a major surgery before and the surgery is a success that there are no after effects so right now, she is like a normal healthy person. Chitose is relieved to hear that. Yuka continues to say that the possibility of reoccurring is almost zero. “But, for an added precaution, the two of them would always go for a regular check-up.” Chitose looks at Yuka in surprise and asks, “The two of them..?” Yuka looks in surprise as she asks, didn’t Chitose know. She is referring to Yuki and Saaya for Yuki also have the same illness as Saaya. This surprises Chitose that she asks if they met each other at the hospital. Yuka says that is right, for they were hospitalized at the same time and because their age is the same, they quickly got along. Looking serious, Yuka says, “Yuki and Saaya, and also, Misaki-kun.” Chitose looks surprised upon hearing a new name. Yuka then turns around to Chitose and happily apologizes for obviously Yuki hasn’t talked about this to Chitose so she cannot just recklessly say things. She tells Chitose that Yuki probably doesn’t want them to worry so would Chitose please help her in keeping this a secret from the others. Chitose just looks at her.

At school, in the library, Chitose is in deep thought. She remembers asking Yuki where he first met with Saaya and he told her that it is a secret. She realizes that he won’t say because they met at the hospital and no wonder that doctor called him ‘Yuki’ as if they know each other and surely that doctor is the same one who is in charge of Yuki. She thinks that they look healthy now but then, she couldn’t ask them what was their illness and she should pretend that she doesn’t know. She is at least relieved that they are totally healthy now. She then wonders how that Misaki person is doing right now. Her thoughts are interrupted when Shun calls out to her and says that she isn’t studying for she is lost in thought. A note says that this is the ‘studying together before the exams’. Chitose says that she doesn’t understand this part and how is it translated to. While Shun is telling her about it, they feel that everyone is glaring at them that they should keep their voice down. The two decide to go to the club room. They enter the club room to find it complete empty. Shun comments that this is quite rare for normally, even if there is no club activity, someone is in the club. Chitose says that maybe everyone went home to study. Chitose puts her bag on the table and says that they should continue their studies there. While she is taking out her notes and telling Shun that after exams, it will be Christmas soon and she eagerly anticipates the party, Shun is looking at her back from head to foot. He then asks her if she came to like him a bit. Chitose looks at him in surprise and says, ya, gradually, a bit. “Because I’m already used to it, and also I don’t feel scared of you, spending time with you and chatting with you is quite fun. I feel that this kind of feeling is not bad at all.” Shun smiles and says, “That’s good. Then more or less, it should be okay.” Chitose looks surprised when he locks the door. She asks him why he locked the door and what does he mean by ‘it should be okay.’ Shun leans toward her and asks, “Do you have to ask? Of course, doing the lewd stuff.” The side story is basically about losing one’s soul after being shock. The Kaneshiro and Furuya siblings are talking about this during their dinner in Chapter 4. This supposedly happen when young Chitose suddenly fell into the water and got sick that she won’t get well but they brought her to some healer to get her ‘soul’ back. Then, Yuki asks Chitose if she lost her soul from the shock of kissing her before. Chitose says that she didn’t though she wonders if it is possible because she is acting differently after that. Also, there are a lot of times she is shock while in Tokyo so maybe that superstition works only in Okinawa.

Back to the story, flustered Chitose asks what he is talking about when they are suppose to be studying for the exam today. Shun holds her arm and tells her not to mind that for a while and a kiss should be okay even if it isn’t her first. Chitose tries to protest but Shun insists that lovers would do this kind of thing while going steady. He kisses her then she looks surprised. He continues to kiss her and not letting go that this is shocking Chitose. [I assume that it is a French kiss.] Chitose then slaps his back then starts hitting him with both her hands. Shun finally lets go and shouts that it hurts. Chitose looks aghast and shouts, “Yuck!” Shun asks what’s up with her. Chitose quickly backs away from him and hits the lockers. Shivering from fear, Chitose asks him what that was a while ago. Shun is puzzled and says of course, it is a kiss. Teary-eyed Chitose shouts that it isn’t a kiss for it is like she is going to be eaten. Shun tries to explain but Chitose tells him that Yuki’s kiss isn’t like that for it is very gentle and beautiful. Shun is shock and asks what nonsense she is talking about. He tells her that what Yuki did is just like a child and an animal level of kiss. “Between a boy and girl, this kind of kiss is normal!” Chitose becomes pale in shock. Shun realizes that he is careless so he apologizes to Chitose for what he said is too much or rather what he did is a bit too much. He tells her to forget about what happened just now, and they start again one more time. This surprises Chitose who isn’t thrilled about it. Shun tells her that this time, he will definitely be more gentle. Chitose tries to protest but Shun asks if they can since they are going steady. Chitose finally relents and agrees to what he wants. Shun thanks her and says, “One more time..” She closes her eyes as Shun kisses her. Chitose thinks that this is indeed different from the first one and this is really warm. She suddenly opens her eyes and looks down to see Shun’s hand on her chest. Chitose screams in shock and quickly sits down near the lockers while covering her chest with her arms. She couldn’t believe that he touched her chest. Shun bends down to her and tells her that he did and this is normal since she is his girlfriend. Chitose is in shock and aghast. Shun smiles and tells her it is alright and there is nothing to be scared about. Shun holds her wrists and happily tells her that he will absolutely make her feel comfortable. Blushing Chitose then shouts for him to stop and she finds all of this suspicious. Shun asks what is suspicious. Chitose accuses him of being a liar for he said that this is the first time he had a girlfriend and he hasn’t gone steady with anyone before. Shun says, that is right. Chitose calls him a liar. Shun asks what she is saying for he isn’t lying. She exclaims then why is he so experienced with this. Shun just tells her that it is because he had a sex partner. Chitose is totally shock and thinks, “Momma mia!” He smiles and says that he has experience so she should just relax. Chitose tries to run away but Shun grabs her sweater and she falls down on his lap. She says that hurts. She goes into shock when Shun holds her with one arm while the other hand is removing her necktie. Aghast, she shouts his name but Shun tells her to calm down. Chitose shouts, “No, stop!” Shun tells her that it is alright and this isn’t something to be scared about and she will feel comfortable. Chitose tells him to stop again but Shun tells her that everyone does this kind of thing. He starts unbuttoning her blouse. Chitose tries to free herself but Shun is holding on to her tightly. Flustered Chitose thinks that she couldn’t break free and she couldn’t escape. She decides that there is no choice and she’ll just give in to Shun because after all, he is her boyfriend and no matter what, she’ll go through this experience one day. Realizing that Chitose has given up, Shun tells her to relax. He puts his hand under her bra and starts groping her breast. Chitose looks uneasy about it then she suddenly exclaims. Shun says that is a nice lewd sound and he wants to hear more of it.

They were surprised when the door knob suddenly twists. Yuki is twisting it and wonders out loud why it is locked. Chitose realizes that it is Yuki and quickly realizes that Shun has loosened his grip. Chitose quickly uses this opportunity to stand up and get away from him. Chitose uses her hand to pull her blouse close. She quickly grabs her school bag and apologizes to Yuki that they will quickly open the door. Yuki asks if it is Chitose and asks what she is doing. He says that he wants to do some assignments but he left his textbook in the clubroom’s cabinet/locker. He is shock when the door suddenly opens. He notices Chitose is holding her blouse tight as she runs off. He looks in the clubroom to see Shun standing up and patting off some dirt from his pants. He notices Chitose’s necktie on the floor. Yuki asks Shun what he is doing to Chitose. Shun looks at him and says that Yuki is troublesome. Yuki shouts that he is asking what Shun did. Shun shouts, “You’re so annoying, it is just like what you do with Saaya, doing it until you are tired-type of thing!” This somewhat irks Yuki that he shouts, “You idiot..!” Yuki grabs Shun’s collar. Irritated, Shun asks Yuki if he wants to fight. “Let me go!” Yuki lets him go. Shun gets his bag. Yuki just tells Shun that it is still too early. “I hope you won’t do things to her that will make her disgusted to the point of wanting to run away, you should cherish her--” Shun tells him to mind his own business for this isn’t related to him. “You should just focus on Saaya.” Shun leaves a somewhat irked Shun. He curses then kicks the lockers. Then, he bends down to hold his leg that it hurts. He then wonders what the heck he is doing. Chitose’s necktie is still on the floor. The next day, Chitose goes out of her house to find Shun waiting for her downstairs. Chitose happily greets him and says that it has been a long time since she has seen him during the morning. Chitose thinks that she is avoiding him so she usually goes out very early because she should forget about him. Yuki smiles and says that he is waiting for her. He gives her a small package and tells her that it is her necktie. This made Chitose blush really red and she apologizes for making him specially bring it to her. She then thanks him. Chitose mentally calls Shun an idiot for not taking it with him so now, Yuki also knew what happened. She is so embarrassed. Since she couldn’t face Yuki, she just smiles and tells Yuki to go ahead for she is going to bring it back to her house. Yuki then tells her that about Shun, if she doesn’t like it, she shouldn’t force herself. Chitose looks surprise then tells him, no, it is alright. She apologizes and tells him not to worry. She tells him to go ahead and she goes back to her house. Somewhat worried Yuki looks at her.

At school, Shun gets an email from Chitose telling him that she wants to talk with him at the roof. At the roof, Chitose is waiting for Shun. Shun tells her that he won’t apologize. He is surprised when Chitose slightly bows and apologizes to him. She apologizes that about what happened before, she really couldn’t do it because she is really scared. “So, until I can feel from the bottom of my heart ‘it’s totally okay’, can you wait for me?” After a pause, Shun asks how long he has to wait. Chitose says that she doesn’t know and maybe it won’t be long. Shun is aghast as he says, “Ha? Don’t you..seem to really belittle the desire of a male high schooler?” Flustered, Chitose says, “So..so what I’m saying is! If it is compulsory for you to get your ‘girlfriend’ to do that kind of thing, and I cannot respond back, then you should just find some other girl!” Shun is shock. Chitose says that he said before that he wanted to mutually build a really cherished relationship so he should go for that goal first. Still unnerved Shun says that he also has that goal. He shouts, “But for me, the physical aspect is very important, you should more or less consider my feelings!” Chitose shouts back, “Then, you should also consider my feelings!” Shun quiets down and thinks that she is right. Looking away, Shun complains that it is so troublesome for he just touched her and it should be very comfortable. “I haven’t even progressed it to the point that it caused you pain, right?” Flustered and shock Chitose shouts, “No! I’m afraid so I’m afraid!” Shun asks her how about kiss. Chitose uses her fingers to display an ‘X’ and says that temporarily, it isn’t allowed. Shun goes into shock again. Chitose sweatdrops and explains that if she allowed that, there is a possibility that things will escalate to that stage again. “If I won’t do, then regretfully, you should just find someone else..” After a pause, Shun says, “Okay, I’ll wait.” Chitose happily exclaims, “Really?! That’s great, thanks..” Shun sighs then covers his face. “It’s so cruel, I obviously have a girlfriend yet I cannot do anything with her, ugh, keep on waiting, I rather die.” Chitose sweatdrops and says if it is really painful[/hard], she feels sorry for him. Still covering his face, Shun says that if she feels sorry for him then she should quickly prepare herself. Chitose says that is impossible. After a pause, Shun quits acting and asks Chitose if she isn’t interested in it for girls should have some curiosity about it. Chitose says that he’s right. Chitose then exclaims that she wants to know with whom he did those things before. Shun sweatdrops and asks, “Eh?” Chitose asks how did they met and why their relationship became like that. Shun says that she is his sister’s friend and he caught her eye while she is having fun at their house. Chitose asks if they are still seeing each other. Shun says no because she already has a boyfriend. Shun sweatdrops and says that this doesn’t seem to be something that should be talked about with one’s girlfriend. Chitose tells him that she really wants to know. “When did you two started to do it? Does your sister know?” Shun says that is enough, don’t ask anymore. Yuki sees the two wherein Chitose is happily talking with surprised Shun. He thinks that it is useless to worry. A girl then calls out to him to be quick in going to class for the bell is ringing.

Soon, after the term exams, it is 10 days before Christmas. At the club room, Midoriko happily says that in order for the Christmas party to be a success, they should do the last sprint/part. Gambatte-! She then asks Chitose if she is alright for she is all bundled up. Feeling ill, Chitose says that it’s cold. Saaya asks if she had a cold and is she alright. Yuki says that it is because the temperature suddenly dropped. Chitose says that she doesn’t have a cold and it is just cold since it is totally different from the winter in Okinawa. Someone says, “Is that so.” Shun then offers Chitose a can of red tea. Chitose holds it and exclaims that it is warm. She happily thanks him. Kanata complains that once again, only Chitose is given a drink. Midoriko says that it is because she is Shun’s girlfriend. Saaya is looking at some books while Yuki just looks at the two. Shun asks Chitose if her legs are cold and she should wear some wool pants. Chitose says that it is alright for she bought a woolen shorts. Shun asks what it is like, let him see it. There is a loud ‘bang’. Kanata and Midoriko laugh and say that they are so sweet. Without expression, Yuki look at them. At home, next day, Chitose is shivering while bundled up in a blanket. She then wonders why it is so cold and she feels that she is going to be frozen that she is awake even if it is still 6am. She looks at her close curtain window and notices some sort of special light outside. She pulls open the curtain. She is delighted to see that the neighborhood is covered with snow. She quickly runs to her brother’s room and calls out to him that there’s snow. Gloomy and sleepy Tadashi tells her that he has been staying there for a long time so he doesn’t feel anything for it anymore. “Please, let me sleep.” Chitose says, “Is that so! I’m sorry! Then, I’ll go out and have fun!” She goes out and happily looks at the snow-covered neighborhood. She then takes some and makes a snowball. She walks around carefully. She then happily thinks that this is snow, this silver-colored world, it’s so beautiful and amazing! Yuki then calls out to her and says that it is quite early. Chitose turns around and calls his name. She then laughs and shouts, “Yuki-kun is in yuki*!” [*snow] Yuki sweatdrops and asks could it be that this is her first time to see snow. Chitose happily tells him that they should have a snow ball fight for she always wanted to do that. Yuki says okay after he brings the things he bought [milk that his sister asked him to buy] back to his house. Later on, Chitose is chasing after Yuki while throwing a snow ball. Chitose comments that it turns out that there is a small park nearby. Yuki looks away and says that rather than a park, it is more of a resting place. Chitose smiles and shouts, “An opportunity!” She promptly throws a snowball on Yuki’s face. Yuki shouts at her for suddenly throwing a snowball on his face. He shouts for her to wait but Chitose just runs away and keeps on laughing. She happily smiles as Yuki looks at her. Then, to Chitose’s surprise, Yuki hugs her from behind.

Haha, Yuki finally couldn’t resist Chitose and I can see why. I really like Chitose. She is so cheerful and curious about everything. Her smile is really something. I did fear that Chitose might just let Shun do whatever he wants with her but luckily, she can be quick thinking and knows where to draw the line. I guess she can think rationally about it since she doesn’t really love Shun yet. It makes me wonder if it is Yuki who is doing that stuff but then, Yuki doesn’t seem to be the type to do that by force. Hm..from the looks of things, it seems like we have one really great girl and the two guys aren’t that good because of some hindrance or differences. It does seem that these guys really play around with girls. One flirts with girls even if he has a girlfriend while the other would do H stuff to someone who isn’t his girlfriend. I guess the Nami girl is the one whom he did it with before. I’m wondering if Shun really plans to be serious with Chitose because as what Chitose said, he can just find some other girl to do the things that he wants but why would he insist on her. Is it to make Yuki and Saaya jealous enough to break up? If Shun does fall for Chitose, I feel that Saaya will be the loser in the end. Scans by 草莓defer for iieye and 玉/wdsjznl for BW.

Quote of the day:
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. ~ Mother Teresa

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta [Chapters 36-37]
Saturday, May 29, 2010

At the arcade, Yukito goes nearer to the stalker. He thinks that it is really the guy whom Risa used to go steady with. He then grabs the stalker’s shoulder and shouts, “Hey!” Meanwhile, while clasping her hands, Kotori looks at the Chupa Chups dispenser for she has entrusted her decision to it. “If 5 pieces come out, then I won’t let go of Yukito. If it didn’t come out then, I’ll let..” She prays hard while closing her eyes. After a pause, she is puzzled that nothing came out. She starts shaking the machine and asks mentally why nothing came out and could it be, that is the answer. Then, five pieces of Chupa Chups come out. She looks surprised as she takes the lollipops. She couldn’t believe that there are actually 5 pieces. She holds it tightly and looks flustered. She is surprised when suddenly Yukito passes by and shouts, “Hey, wait!” Kotori turns around and thinks that is Yukito’s voice. She looks out and sees someone running off. Just then, Keigo calls out and says that she hasn’t returned after a long time since going to the toilet so he got worried if something happened to her. He asks her what she is doing there. Kotori just apologizes and looks at the lollipops again. She wonders if it is just her imagination. Outside, the stalker is running and panting while standing below some wall. He wonders why that guy is chasing him. He is surprised when Yukito jumps from above and shouts for him to stop right there. Yukito falls on top of him. Ryosuke shouts if Yukito is alright and he also jumps down. Ryosuke falls on top of Yukito who is on top of the stalker. =P Yukito angrily shouts at Ryosuke not to jump, too. Ryosuke can only smile sheepishly. The stalker angrily shouts that it hurts and asks what his problem is. “Who are you?” Yukito is surprised by his question then he realizes that he had dyed his hair before when he met this guy. Yukito laughs and says, “That is true.” He then grabs the guy’s collar and demands to know why he is following Kotori. The guy pushes Yukito’s hand away and says that he doesn’t know for he is just following orders. He is told that ‘I just want to frighten her a bit, so it’s fine if you only follow/stalk her. If you do that right, then I’ll make up with you.’ Yukito asks if the one who told him that is Risa. When Yukito stands up in disbelief that the one who ordered the guy is Risa, he winces in pain. This made Ryosuke worried about him. At home, Kotori looks at her 5 new lollipops. She thinks that it is the same as before and it might just be a coincidence but nevertheless, she wonders if she can cling on this teeny tiny hope.

At the store, Kotori learns from Haruna that Yukito is absent today because he got injured. Haruna assures her that when Yukito gets well, he will be back at work so it will be alright though Yamagami is furious that Yukito isn’t taking care of himself. Kotori begins to wonder what happened to Yukito after work. Haruna teases Kotori that she is worried about Yukito because she called him ‘Yukito’ instead of the usual ‘Kaji’. Everyone is surprised when Keigo greets Kotori by saying that he is really happy about yesterday. The other guys begin to ask shocked Kotori if they are going steady and this isn’t something to hide, and what happened. Blushing Kotori calls out to Keigo to explain but Keigo just smiles and says that it is a secret. Haruna then quickly tells everyone that they are too loud and Yamagami is coming. They quickly disperse and go back to work. At the storage room, Keigo asks Kotori if she is angry. Kotori says that she’s not really angry but rather it is troublesome. Keigo asks why. Kotori repeats what he said. She then says it isn’t and why he asks ‘why’ but she is really troubled if he says that in front of the others since they might misunderstand. She is surprised when Keigo’s face is right in front of her. He then smiles and says that she’s cute even if she’s angry. He takes a box and asks if she is concerned about Yukito. Kotori didn’t hear him say when he mutters that he’s trying to strengthen his ‘line/hope?’ Meanwhile, gloomy Yukito is stuck in bed with a bandaged foot. Abe happily greets him that it’s been a long time. Yukito leans on his arm and asks why he is suddenly greeting him now. Abe asks if he doesn’t like it and it has been a long time. He drops the topic and asks what happened to Yukito’s foot. Putting on a smiling face, Yukito says that it is nothing, he just happen to twist his ankle and it will heal up soon. Abe asks Yukito what’s happening with him. He just got a fever earlier to the point of being bedridden and now, he got himself injured. Someone says, “It is definitely girl-related. It really cannot be helped that he is really worried about the stalker, right?” It is Ryosuke who is standing by the door while eating an umaibou. Abe and Yukito looks at Ryosuke as he just casual goes in and read some magazines at the side. Abe says that it seems that he has seen that guy before who is currently treating Yukito’s house as if it is his own house. He asks if it is Yukito’s friend or others will be coming. Yukito just tell Abe not to mind Ryosuke. He asks Abe why he came there for. Abe says that it is nothing special and he just wants to see him then casually ask if he would want to go to the festival. Abe then whispers that before that, is the girl Ryosuke referring to is Kotori. This made Yukito blush in surprise. Abe asks how come he got injured like that. Yukito seems to try to blame Ryosuke for it. [This part is blurry] Ryosuke asks why him. Yukito seems to say that it became worse because of him. Abe asks Yukito to explain things in detail and did he make Kotori cry again. Yukito is shock. Ryosuke offers to explain things to Abe about what happened. Yukito shouts that he doesn’t even know what’s really happening. Soon, Masaya enters Yukito’s room to find it really messy. He becomes dark and seems to ask Yukito what just happened. Yukito can only apologize and said something like he is helpless to stop it.

Later in the day, Yukito is really bored. He thinks that it will be time to go home after work and surely, Keigo will be walking with Kotori home. He berates himself for being depressed over it when he was the one who asked Keigo to do that. I think he remembers Ryosuke telling him that Keigo has a tendency to move fast on Kotori and it might lead to other things. Yukito thinks that Ryosuke is right and Keigo tend to think of lewd things and things might become dangerous for Kotori. Yukito begins to go crazy over his imagination of some censored stuff that they might be doing. =P He is flustered over the possibility of Kotori going steady with Keigo. “If that happened, what should I do? *He grips his blanket tight* In the end..I do not want that..I do not want her to smile like that with Keigo, no..even if it is some other guy and it isn’t Keigo..I do not like it.” After work, Keigo is depressed that Haruna is going home with them and she is standing between him and Kotori. Haruna calls him rude and if he has any complaints, he should just go home alone. Keigo doesn’t want to do that either. Kotori apologizes to Haruna but Haruna assures her that it is alright and didn’t she tell Kotori to just inform her if there is something troubling her. Kotori thinks that the stalker doesn’t seem to come today but then, being alone with Keigo also makes her uneasy. Keigo asks what they were talking about. Haruna tells him to be nice and good. Keigo is infuriated by that. Haruna then asks Keigo about what happened to the DVD he lent from her because the contents has been switched. Keigo claims it is a surprise that Haruna angrily asks what he meant by surprise. Kotori then gets a message. She wonders who it is then upon reading, she smiles. At a cafe, Kotori happily meets Natsume who has now dyed her short hair black. She mentions that Natsume changed her hairstyle again and it suits her. Natsume happily greets her back and apologizes that it has been a long time for she doesn’t have much free time. Kotori says that it is alright and she is really happy and thankful for the email. Kotori is sitting down on the table together with Natsume. Sitting on the opposite side, Abe asks about Kotori’s work and if she is used to it. Kotori says she is and it has been a long time since she has seen him. Kotori then says that it seems to be just her imagination but it seems there is another one whom she hasn’t seen for a long time is also there. Sitting beside Abe, Ryosuke greets Kotori. Kotori just greets back. Natsume then kept on saying that she really, really wants to know of the reason why that guy [Ryosuke] is there. Abe says that he has seen Ryosuke before while hanging out with Yukito and yesterday, he bumped into Ryosuke at Yukito’s place. Yukito seems to be a bit irritated for some reason. This surprises Kotori that she quickly asks if Yukito is alright. Abe looks at Ryosuke. Ryosuke then says that it is serious that it seems he has broken his bone and it is complicated that it is broken into pieces. Worried, Kotori asks if it is really that serious. Abe says it is very serious, of course, it is serious, it’s super duper serious that he can no longer get out of bed.

Suddenly Natsume kicks/steps on the two guys’ foot hard and they are wearing sandals. Kotori is puzzled why they are wincing in pain while Natsume is staring at them and somewhat smiles. Kotori becomes depressed that Yukito is badly injured. Abe changes his story that it isn’t very clear but then Yukito is very energetic that it will quickly get well. Natsume says that is right for didn’t her co-workers told her that he’ll get back to work once he’s recovered. Kotori says she’s right but does a broken bone heal so fast. Ryosuke says that one cannot say for sure when it comes to Yukito because after all, idiots get well quickly. Natsume corrects him that it is about idiots don’t catch colds. Abe says that even so, he wonders if he can go to the festival. Natsume tells Kotori that they talked it over and on Saturday, they will go to the festival together with Abe so can Kotori come with them or she is busy at work. Kotori says that she can come on Saturday. Natsume is happy about this. Abe says that as the saying goes, the more the merrier so how about Kotori bringing along the one whom she really wants to go with. They all look and smile at her as Kotori realizes whom they are referring to. She blushes. They then bid each other goodbye and they’ll just contact each other when they are going to meet. Before they separate, Abe is shock when Ryosuke calls out to Kotori that he and Yukito has already resolved her stalker so she can now relax. Abe reprimands him that Yukito told them not to mention that. Ryosuke asks if that’s true but then, forget it, this is good. Ryosuke then tells Kotori, “Back to what I’m saying, you should thank me, right?” Abe still cannot believe that Ryosuke told her and just says goodbye. Kotori blushes upon knowing this. At some playground, Risa asks Yukito why he called her out. Yukito says that she should know the reason. Risa asks what it is, did he come in the name of justice. Yukito says, “I’m sorry. I hasn’t realized it that things had come to the point for you to do this kind of thing, I’m sorry.” Yukito thinks that he also had not noticed Risa’s uneasiness. This made Risa surprised then she looks serious. She says, “What do you mean by that..are you belittling me? Are you misunderstanding something?” Yukito looks at her. Risa looks away and says, “The way you said it is as if I like you and it seems that you are sympathizing me. That really puts me in a bad mood.” Yukito looks somewhat surprised. With a haughty look, Risa says, “Ah ah, forget about it, slow-witted Yukito cannot understand.” Risa tells him that from her point of view, she is indifferent with Kotori but only, it feels that Yukito can easily be ripped off. Yukito asks why. Risa informs him that during junior high, popular Yukito doesn’t notice or watch her no matter what she does yet he is easily stirred up by this old fashioned otaku girl. “I had never been rejected by anyone so it made me really in a bad mood that I lost to that kind of girl.” Yukito looks surprised then says she is really amazing to say all sorts of meaning to it that he is speechless. Risa tells him that sentence doesn’t seem to be a compliment. He asks her if what she just said is true. Risa says that it is true. Yukito laughs and says really, so that’s it. Risa asks why he is laughing and if he is belittling her again. Yukito looks serious and says no, he is just laughing over his misunderstanding and how slow-witted he was. “—Matsushima.. *he holds her shoulders* there won’t be a next time, right? If it happened again, I will absolutely not forgive you. *sad smile* ..but, it is me who made you do that kind of thing..sorry.” He then leaves. Risa looks down and flustered.

At the fastfood chain, Kotori thinks that she got the 5 lollipops and everyone else is helping her so what’s left is for her to be honest and get the courage to invite Yukito to the festival. She is surprised when Yukito enters the room. They greet each other. She stares at his food and thinks that he walks in a balance way and it is really surprising that he healed up really quick in such a short time. She wanted to ask about his injury but he told the others not to tell her about it so maybe it is because of her that he is hurt. Then, they talk at the same time which made them feel awkward and embarrassed. She then tells him to say it first but Yukito insists that she say it first. Yukito then says, “No! It’s better..I’ll say it first!” Blushing while looking away, Yukito asks, “...this coming Saturday, do you want to go with me to the festival? But then, let me say that there are some people coming along..” Kotori thinks that is what she wanted to say and they were thinking of the same thing. She also thinks that this is no big deal and she shouldn’t think of it as fate but then, at that place, the two of them might be together again. Yukito asks what Kotori thinks about it. Blushing Kotori says, okay. Yukito blushes over this, too. He then asks what she wanted to tell him earlier. Kotori looks down while telling him that it is the same thing. Yukito says, really. He looks away and thinks that he seems like a girl for blushing like that. Holding her wrist with the bracelet, she tells him that she wanted to say something to him until then. She thinks that even if she isn’t ready yet, she is going to tell him what she thinks. Yukito tells her that he also has something that he wanted to tell her. The two look at each other. Outside the door, Keigo is eavesdropping over them. Haruna then calls out to him and asks what he is doing. He changes the topic by pushing her aside and says that there is something he wants to talk with her about. Keigo looks somewhat sad. At home, standing at the door, the two Kaji-s wonder if they should anticipate about ‘have something to tell you’. They are both scared if it is something about the other will be going steady with someone else/Keigo. They both become gloomy if that is what the other will say. Kotori thinks that even if it is like that, she is going to tell Yukito what she is thinking right now and it might be just for her own satisfaction but she want to be honest in front of Yukito. Flashback: Human Kenken pats her shoulder. Kotori tells him that she has found the answer and the answer to what he said before is, ‘just be honest’. Kenken smiles and says that since she found that answer, it should be correct. Kotori says ya, I know. While dog Kenken is speechless, Kotori is aghast that it is bad if she always do that [play pretend with Kenken]. End flashback. The two Kaji-s decide to cheer up and hope for the best. Kotori thinks that she should think of what to wear for she wants to look cute and have a smile when she sees him. Yukito doesn’t want to encounter the same failure after confessing. Masaya tells him what he is standing in front on the door for, why doesn’t he come in. Yukito decides to be someone who has the right to stand beside Kotori. They both think, “We would be more honest!”

At MK burger where they work, Yukito is reading a book about riding a motorcycle. Haruna pats his shoulder and darkly says that he’s really doing his best. He suddenly screams when she is there then he is relieved that it is just Haruna. Haruna says that he’s quite cruel with that kind of reaction and it is nothing to hide about. “Is it for Kotori?” Yukito blushes red and denies it. Haruna says that he’s quite cute since his face is really red. Yukito asks if she is teasing him. Haruna denies it and says that she just wants to know if he would want to get his license before his birthday. She suggests that he go practice in a driving school a week before his birthday so that it would be much easier for him to master it. When it seems that Yukito didn’t get what she is implying, Haruna explains to him, “If your girlfriend learns that you are doing this for her and on your birthday, you got your license, won’t she be really be moved by it? That’s why I’m saying this ♥” This surprises Yukito that he blushes really red again. Haruna then tells him to do his best. Still blushing Yukito wonders if Haruna is teasing him and what does she know, for she just made him anxious since all of what she said is true. Soon, it is Kotori’s break time. Keigo takes the opportunity to talk with her. Outside, Kotori timidly asks what he wants to say. Keigo apologizes and tells her not to be nervous but he just has something important to ask her. While thinking that made her more nervous, she asks him what it is. Keigo smiles and invites her to go to the festival that will be held on Saturday. Kotori apologizes and says that she has already made an appointment with some other person. Keigo’s expression isn’t shown but he is frowning. He then smiles and tells her to forget about it. Kotori is puzzled when Keigo quickly leaves and goes back in. She wonders what happened for it seems that he isn’t the usual Keigo. Her thoughts were interrupted when Abe calls out to her. He asks her what happened that it seems her mood is heavy. Kotori asks why he is there. He tells her that he just happened to be nearby so he’ll just tell her the time and place where they’ll meet for the festival. He asks if it is convenient for her to talk right now. Kotori says that it is her break time. Smiling Abe says that is nice so how did it go regarding her invitation with the person whom she wants to go with. “Who did you invite?” Blushing, Kotori says that he already knows who it is. Abe laughs and says that is true. She smiles and thanks him. She says that she has made them worry and if it weren’t for their push from behind, she wouldn’t have quickly resolved as to what to do. “So, thank you. *smiles* Even if I do not know of the outcome, but I will do my best in order to make up [with Yukito].” Kotori is surprised when Abe smiles and pats her head. He says that it is really good that she can now say the things, that she has been thinking. He advises her to use that kind of attitude when she faces Yukito. Kotori says yes and there is something important she wants to ask him. He asks what it is. Blushing, Kotori asks what Yukito’s favorite color is.

At the festival, Abe happily says that in the end, girls wearing yukata are really beautiful. Ryosuke says that it really makes one feel relax and carefree. Kotori and Natsume are all dressed up. Kotori feels a bit embarrassed. Ryosuke asks Natsume how she could grow her hair so fast. Natsume tells him that it is a wig. Kotori looks at Natsume and thinks that she is really beautiful that everyone is looking at Natsume. Kotori is depressed that she had used up all she had for this somewhat expensive yukata yet she thinks that she might look childish in it. She is surprised and embarrassed when Abe exclaims that is the reason why she asked what is Yukito’s favorite color..that guy likes white. Flustered Kotori asks why he is suddenly saying that. Abe laughs and hopes that Yukito can go to the festival. Ryosuke then asks where Yukito is. Abe says that Yukito still has another job and will be there around 18:30 so he will catch up or be late a bit. Someone says that couldn’t be helped then they should wait for him. Kotori thinks that Yukito will be a little late and it must be hard for him to do a lot of work. She touches her bird pendant and thinks that she wants to see him soon and make him see her yukata. She is also a bit embarrassed to be thinking of Yukito this way. Meanwhile, Yukito has just finished his work and looks at his watch. It is already past 18:30 but he hopes to quickly change and run so that he can catch up with the others. Just then, a man calls him and says that it is good that he hasn’t left yet. It turns out that one of the men suddenly got sick. He apologizes and asks Yukito if he can go overtime. While the others were waiting that Yukito is too slow, Natsume mentions that it seems that it is going to rain. Kotori looks up the sky and says that she is right. Abe’s phone starts ringing. He says that it might be Yukito. After Abe is finished talking to Yukito, Ryosuke asks what Yukito said. Abe says that there is a bit of a problem at work and it will be very late when he finishes. They ask each other what they should do, if they should wait or just leave Yukito and have fun on their own. Kotori is depressed when she notices everyone is looking at her. She tells them to go ahead and she’ll just continue to wait for Yukito. Natsume offers to accompany her. Kotori insists that there is no need for that, and it might rain so Natsume should use this rare occasion [free time] to enjoy herself. Abe doesn’t want to leave a girl by herself. Ryosuke says that they should go because if they are there, it will just make Kotori and Yukito uneasy. Natsume is relunctant but Kotori tells her that there are many people there and she can call them if something happens. Natsume asks if she is sure, and she better call when there is a weirdo around. Ryosuke says that before they come back, she isn’t to reckless go/do anything. Kotori says, ya. Abe then whispers to Kotori that Yukito said that even if he is late, he will definitely come. “He wants me to tell you—‘wait for me’.” This made Kotori blush. Before leaving, Abe tells her to pay attention to her safety. Kotori looks up and hopes that it won’t rain. Soon, it is already 20:17. She looks depressed and she really wants to see him soon. She tells herself not to be depressed. Suddenly, it starts raining. Everyone scrambles for cover. Kotori continues to wait and soon almost all the people had left. She holds her arm and she looks sad. Then someone holds her shoulder. She turns around and calls out Yukito’s name. Someone is holding an umbrella to her. “Won’t you catch a cold?” Kotori is surprised to see Keigo.

With the stalker and Risa resolved, I guess it will be all about resolving things with Keigo then it will be smooth sailing for the two. I think those two are really lucky to have such friends who would go out of their way to help those naive lovers get back together. Of course, it also takes their own initiative to fix things aside from fate and their friends helping. Those two are really the same that I cannot help wondering if they are twins separated by birth. =P I’m still amused at how Ryosuke manages to get into this circle of friends. Does Ryosuke know that the girl he likes is actually Natsume? I’m thinking he does that is why he is still hanging around with them but then, he isn’t making any moves with her. I’m curious how it will turn out if those ended up being a pair because obviously, Natsume isn’t a nice timid girl like Kotori. Natsume is an interesting character on her own. The two girls are actually a contrast with each other and of course, share the same hobby =P I guess Keigo is preparing himself for the inevitable but he is a nice kid that he won’t go to lengths like Risa to get Kotori. Well, I think for Risa, it is more of her pride rather than love. Well, it is only a matter of time before those two get together and this break up arc closes. I wonder if Yukito will do what Haruna advised him to. Hehe, I’m also curious when Yukito meets with Kenken. =P Scans by xiuxiu and wangachong for BW.

Word of the day:
Praising God’s greatness puts hope in our troubled hearts. ~ Our Daily Bread

Free Talk : Kaichou wa Maid-sama! [Chapter 50]
Friday, May 28, 2010

Okay, I’ve just browse through the chapter in Chinese. I’ll just focus on the talk between Misaki and Tora. Somehow, I wonder if Tora is serious about going steady with Misaki or he is testing her because he obviously knows that Usui is standing outside or maybe, it is both. It all seems like a trap. Usui told Misaki that he won’t be in the party. Tora seems to try to make it a point to Misaki that the people there are really way out of her league. She ends up confessing that she is just high school student from an ordinary family to everyone. Tora of course, laughs his head off over her very truthful answers. He mentioned that he is indeed watching her closely because he really likes her and of course, Misaki doesn’t believe him at all. Tora claims to be hurt that she thinks he’s joking. He fixes his tie and seriously tells her that it may be sudden but he always thinks of her in a special way and he feels good to have her in his otherwise hollow world so would she go steady with him. She becomes nervous to see that kind of face on Tora but she rejects him. He asks the reason. She can hardly say, ‘I have some other..’ Then, Misaki gives him an alibi that his world is different from hers. Tora doesn’t believe it and asks her what the true reason is. Misaki claims that it is true for she cannot melt in the crowd but Tora insists that she can get used to it. He asks what about him goes to her instead. Misaki says he couldn’t because of his and his family position. Tora asks isn’t love enough. Misaki tells him not to say irresponsible things and being together will just be troublesome. Tora says he’ll do his best not to trouble anyone. Misaki insists that is impossible and he should think of his future and position. And ya, Usui is eavesdropping over all of this and Tora is smiling as he glances at the door.

Tora asks if she is saying that even if he thinks about the future after he has gone steady with her, it is all just a waste of time. So in short, a rich person cannot be together with a poor person. “Is that the final outcome of your analysis?” Usui looks serious. Misaki asks if he is just saying those things. Tora says that he knows she is that kind of person who is naive and cannot be bothered with trifles. He asks if she also hasn’t said those things clearly with Usui. He tells her that compared to his world, Usui’s is much distant. Usui hasn’t returned back here and even if he plans to deceive Misaki, there is a limit to that. Even if Usui didn’t say that they are ‘lovers’ but what is holding Usui back is Misaki. He says that while she holds on to Usui, she gets closer to this kind of world and who knows, she might blend in. Tora laughs and says that he really finds them interesting. This irks Misaki and asks if he finds it interesting that is why he did that role and even if his acting is good for someone who has such a huge ego/pride like him, it is really unexpected for him to say those lies. Tora says that perhaps, he doesn’t have any pride for her. He looks dark and serious as he says that he doesn’t want to weigh the value of his pride using her narrow-minded values. Then, outside, Misaki ponders about not prepared to blending in these people. Even if she wants to know what’s her real relationship with Usui, but she wonders if being hit by reality scares her. Flustered, she wonders if it is her who is making Usui restrain himself. And when she has decided on something [talk with Usui?] and prepares to leave, she bumps into that black-haired guy. Well, I think things will become messy later on. I think Misaki made all the wrong answers to his questions. ^^; I do hope Usui don’t take it seriously or something since Misaki might be thinking of Tora and not him but still...I hope Usui doesn’t take what Misaki told Tora too personally. Scans by www.maid-sama.com group. [The url doesn’t seem to work ^^;]

Quote of the day:
Without love, the rich and poor live in the same house. ~ Author Unknown

Reimei no Arcana -Dawn of the Arcana- [Chapter 15]
Thursday, May 27, 2010

Nakaba walks in the forest as she follows the path where she ‘sees’ Lamelia went. She also ‘sees’ that Lamelia has hurt her left foot. Then finally, in the cave, Lamelia sees two red glowing lights. It turns out to be Nakaba’s eyes. Nakaba says that she has found her. Back at the castle, Caesar is worried that he complains out loud that they shouldn’t have let Nakaba go since she isn’t back yet. Loki tells him that she will be back along with Lamelia. Caesar asks him how he could say that and who could actually predict that outcome. Belias is standing outside the castle. He looks at the forest and mutters Lamelia’s name. He wanted to go find Lamelia but then, he is worried about Caesar and the others would escape while he is away. Flashback: King Cain told Belias to keep a close eye on Caesar and the others. “Even if you used to watch over Caesar when he is young, but don’t forget that you are still my vassal.” Belias just assured him that he always kept that in mind. He thinks that he is such an extremely restrained [no freedom] person. End flashback. He then snaps out of it to see Nakaba carrying Lamelia on her back [piggybank style]. Nakaba puts Lamelia down and Belias takes her. Belias is surprised to see Nakaba’s bleeding arm. Nakaba can only mutter for him to quickly save Lamelia. Upon seeing Lamelia groan, Nakaba is relieved then her strength leaves her that she faints. Belias can only wonder what kind of princess this is. Flashback: Belias found some kids teasing his younger sister. After the other kids left, Belias asked young Lamelia if she is alright. Lamelia just sadly muttered that everyone, all are bad people. She broke into a smile and said, “But Lamelia has a brother.” Belias patted Lamelia’s head and said that it is because she is his very important younger sister.” End flashback/dream.

Nakaba wakes up and thinks that she just saw Belias and Lamelia’s past. She is surprised to see Caesar looking down on her and calling her name. She quickly sits up and says his name. She asks where they are. Caesar says that it is their room. Belias has removed them from custody. Nakaba just says really, then fells unwell. Caesar tells her not to force herself because she had a fever. Then, Loki enters and expresses his relief that Nakaba is alright. Lamelia also enters and is happy that Nakaba is alright. The last one to come in is Belias who expresses his thanks for saving his sister this time. Nakaba says that there is no need for thanks. She then tries to hold on to Lamelia to ask if her foot is alright. She then winces in pain. Belias says that compared to that, her wound is.. Nakaba looks at her bandaged arm. Loki suddenly restrains Belias and asks Belias as to what he plans to do afterwards. This made Belias tense. Nakaba calls out to Loki. Caesar confronts Belias that he unexpectedly betrayed him and what is it that he is trying to protect. Lamelia looks surprised as she calls out to her brother. Belias just apologizes. Caesar tells him that he doesn’t need his apology. “Are there still something else you ought to say?” Nakaba tells Caesar not to blame Belias and orders Loki to let him go. Everyone looks at Nakaba. Nakaba says, “Intention and position..are very hard to compromise. You really wanted to protect, right? Protect Lamelia.” She thinks, “Because they are siblings who are deeply concerned for the other.” Lamelia looks somewhat confused and Belias looks tense-sad. He then hugs Lamelia and apologizes to her. He thinks, “I really wanted to protect Lamelia, ..but, I’m afraid of provoking the king’s anger. I’m just a gutless brother, I’m sorry.” Lamelia looks surprise then she looks at her brother. She tells him, “Brother..Lamelia understands. *She cups his face with her hands* When you realized that I’m alright, at one side you are relieved, yet at another side, you regret about not coming to rescue me. And, lately, you feel quite guilty and ashamed of facing Caesar-sama..it is as if someone is forcing you into a desperate situation. I’m very worried about this kind of brother, so I came along in this trip. *Lamelia smiles* Regarding everything, Lamelia knows all about it.” Belias is moved that he hugs his sister. The two other guys are speechless while Nakaba smiles over this.

Nakaba then notices Belias breaking away from Lamelia. Belias faces Nakaba and says, “Princess Nakaba..I’ve decided to be of assistance to you. Please prevent this meaningless war.” Belias thinks, “I’m going to gamble on this princess. This princess who is already bleeding yet will still save someone else. It will become a reality. That is definitely like the dawn’s clarity and radiance.” Outside, from the mountains, Nakaba watches the view. She is surprised when Caesar puts his arm on her head. He tells her that she just got well so she shouldn’t be reckless. Nakaba apologizes and says that is because it is really beautiful outside. Caesar worriedly looks at her arm that has already healed. He asks if she still doesn’t long[/care] for life. Nakaba looks surprised and turns to look at him. “-What?” Caesar remembers Nakaba’s bleeding arm, injured face before and when he tried to strangle her during the first meeting. He asks, “You always do things without thinking of the outcome. Is this the reason? When you’ve just arrived in this country, you said that ‘It’s only a change of place where I’ll die.’ Do you still think that way?” Nakaba thinks, “Red hair, being despised and living an imprisoned life, unsure of the situation that is happening, then decided by my royal relatives to be given into a political marriage. It is like waiting for death, not having anything [/nothing to live for], everyday. *She looks at Caesar* But..” Nakaba tells Caesar, “..no..” Caesar asks, “Huh?” Still looking at him, Nakaba says, “Right now is ‘a change of place to exist’..” Caesar holds her face and calls her name. He leans to her and [I think] kisses her. She thinks, “I also have someone I like.” Caesar smiles and asks, “Is it only that?” Blushing, Nakaba says, “..No, there is also a place that makes me want to live on--” She moves closer to Caesar. Narration: “Tightly connected by real bonds.”

Well, I guess Nakaba has won over an ‘enemy’ though this one is easy since he is really a good guy. I wonder if Lamelia can read her brother’s thoughts that she can whole-heartedly say that she knows what’s going on. It is either that or she is a really intelligent girl who can put two and two together to realize what’s going on. The power that Nakaba showed seems to be really strong this time. Is it because there is a lot of blood? Is it because it is her own blood? Maybe that is why it is dangerous since it can cause the user to become anemic or die from massive bleeding. =P Well, she also got a fever though that could be more the bleeding, if not, probably from being in the snow storm. I guess we can safely say that Nakaba is a healthy strong girl that she can carry Lamelia like that. Hm..maybe it could be adrenaline, too. I wonder if that talk with Caesar will make her more conscious of her own safety. From what she is saying, it seems that Loki doesn’t really have an impact on her life as compared to Caesar..to the point of finally wanting to live on rather than waiting for her death. Since Loki has known her since she is young, I think he already knows about this. Well, they are now safe from possible internal conflicts, so what lies in the half-human village ahead, will be the problem especially regarding what Nakaba has seen regarding ‘the stabbing of Lamelia’. I wonder if after this trip is over, they will know of Nakaba’s power. I don’t think Caesar will be pleased that he wasn’t trusted enough to be told about it. Scans by xiuxiu for BW.

Quote of the day:
When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world. ~ Harold Kushner

Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru [Chapter 11]
Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Narration: “When I was young, I can hum and compose in the minor key but the time when I really become serious at it, is when my father gave me a bass guitar. I was so excited then that I tested playing a lot of music with feelings, even if I feel that I couldn’t get the exact feeling of it. With thoughts of really wanting to play and express into music this ‘frolicking’ feeling, with that kind of thinking, I’ve started composing.” Young Aki looks in a book while playing then finally, he writes the note ‘fa’ in the music staff with C on top on the music sheet. He looks at the sheet and says that it is finished. The title of the music: ‘My Father Gave Me a Bass Guitar’. Narration: “No doubt about it, it is Sagawara Aki’s maiden work.” Aki giggles over it. [It seems the other sheet is based on dots and depends on how it is played on the bass guitar. It is like the guitar music computer game. Too small to see ^^;] Narration: “The time when we win in the basketball tournament, the time when the usually angry math teacher turned out to be wearing a wig, the time when my sister Haru got married, and the time I quarreled with Shun, and the time when I made up with him. *Aki is now in high school composing with his bass guitar* From the very start, I just use the bass guitar as accompaniment and randomly sing a tune. Then, gradually I wonder what if Shun and Kaoru will be here and play their guitars. Much later on, I wonder what if Teppei’s drums are here. *He is beating the table with his pencils as if playing the drums* I start to create these kinds of thinking. But even if it is like that, I don’t have thoughts of letting others listen to the music I’ve composed.” While looking at a Mr. Children Band Score book, Aki then tells the others how about they play the ‘Nameless Poem’ [Namonaki Uta; 名もなき詩] next. Everyone happily gives him a thumbs up and says, “Su-re!” Narration: “Because, including me, everyone really likes Mr. Children songs. That guy named Kazutoshi Sakurai is a genius for he composed soulful and moving songs that sounds good whether sang or played. It’s a music that cannot be ignored. And to force everyone to play my amateurish music, that I cannot do. Because as expected, playing the music well is more fun. *Aki is playing his guitar while listening to Nameless Poem using headlphones.* When I think of ‘want to change this to something that can be played’, then I practice hard my skills in order to become better. The more I think of this, the more I cannot talk about it.”

At school, Shun sits on Aki’s desk and greets Aki a good morning. Aki takes off his headphones and greet him back. Shun asks if he has finished the music. A bit flustered, Aki tells him to meet him in the music room after school. Shun just quietly looks at him. Narration: “I have spent the whole night being troubled about choosing which tune/song will be good. But honestly, what I’m really troubled about is I will be playing and humming in front of Shun. It is totally embarrassing.” Aki is freaking out last night over this. Then, at the music room, Aki prepares to play the piano and warns Shun that this is something he just wrote casually. Shun says, ya-ya, just play already. Aki starts playing even if he is bit nervous. Narration: “What a liar. The truth is I have a song that I’m very confident about. This is the music that I have composed when Haru-neesan got married that day. *In a wedding party, Haru is smiling* Ogasawara family’s oldest daughter, Ogasawara Haru. She is a scholar and soldier [Good in studies and sports = black belt in karate] Ya..in the eyes of the younger brother, it is like the best of both worlds.” Young Aki looked awe at her sister who is happily chatting with her friend. While drinking and eating the family, their father laughed and wondered whom Haru is like and it is like ‘a good bamboo shoot came out of a bad bamboo’. Aki’s mother commented that he’s saying that again. Narration: “No doubt about it, she is the pride of our family.” Aki then pulled his sleeping brother[? I know they are only 4 siblings and Aki is the only boy] to the room because father and the others are going to talk. Aki’s other sister is already sleeping in the living room. Narration: “So, when Haru-neesan reached her third year high school, it is a big deal for the family.” Haru told her parents that she will be working after she graduates. Their father slammed his tea cup of the table and exclaimed that he had said it many times already, she is going to college. Everyone is listening in the conversation except for the younger sister who is sleeping. “Is it about the school’s expenses? What do you think of your father? [= it’s like I’m a father so I can provide it] No matter if I have only one daughter or a hundred daughters, I’ll sell my kidney just to get you to college.” Haru said that she is really happy over his suggestion. Their father commented that this college is a certificate and it is better compared to not having one no matter how intelligent a person is. Haru confirmed that in this world without ‘college’ certificate, one cannot easily find work but regarding the work that I want to do, doesn’t need to have this kind of certificate. “I don’t have any interest like how Aki likes music. I also don’t have this idea of ‘wanting to do this work’ in the future. But, those types of ideas like ‘I want to give my father a new pair of socks’ *Their father’s socks has holes in it* ‘I want to buy a bathtub with constant warm water’ *A scene of their youngest sister screaming that the water is cold and she’ll catch a cold* In my mind are all ideas of that type.” Their father is touched and looks teary-eyed over what Haru said. Haru continues, “I’m very sorry that I cannot fulfill your aspirations for me. Even if I can just ordinarily apologize like this, but I would want to work for this family.”

Narration: “In a cutthroat situation wherein even if one graduates from college, it isn’t definite that one can get a job, Haru-neesan got a job at a supermarket. Starting from being in the sales cashier, she has moved up to becoming the head of the purchasing department. And from there, she met and married a nice-looking guy. *Everyone looks really happy during the wedding especially the newly-wed couple. Aki cried.* Hey, uncle, the woman you are taking as your wife is undoubtedly a really great woman. If you don’t properly cherish her, I will definitely going to send you flying. If you don’t properly make her happy, I’ll absolutely send you flying. This song is filled with this kind of feelings.” Aki has finished playing. She then notices someone come in the music room. It is a glasses girl who is teary-eyed. [Check chapter 0 for this scene.] Narration: “After I finished playing, I don’t know why Nagahama Miwako from the same year is always crying. Shun also has a fully satisfied smile.” At a sound studio, Shun gives the music score to Teppei and Kaoru. He tells them that it is a new song and they should say their thanks. Aki looks nervous and flustered while the other two scans the music sheet. Aki’s heart beat loudly when Kaoru exhales. He says, “..how can I say this..it seems like tears are going to come out..if I played this first song of Aki’s.” Both Kaoru and Teppei thanks Aki. This made Aki extremely embarrassed. He exclaims why and for them not to say it like that. He bows to them and shouts, “I should say, I’m really sorry for making you guys play my music!” Shun looks surprised then says that it seems Aki is misunderstanding something. “We are very happy that we are able to play Aki’s music. Do you know why? Because you are our pride.” Aki looks surprised. Kaoru admits that he isn’t really good in music and he is just poorly playing with the group unlike Aki. Teppei says that basically they are just gathered by Shun and the fans are also there because of word of mouth by others. “But what really helped it is, ‘Ah but Aki’s bass is a different thing’. Pointing towards Aki, all three guys grin and say, “It turns out that you would actually go to the studio first so that you can play your own music! We have noticed it early on about you writing your own music!” Aki looks flustered and surprised. “We had always been discussing among ourselves about wanting to play the music that you made. We always say that if we can get to play your music early on, we could practice hard for it.” There is a scene of Aki playing by himself in the studio while the others are listening and talking outside. Aki then realizes that he is crying. They were all teary-eyed as Shun puts his arm around Aki. Narration: “It ended up becoming a band of crying grown-up guys. So before the live that is coming in a month’s time, we practiced really hard.” The scene changes to Aube Shibuya. The fans have already gathered in the concert hall. Narration: “Shun, who is usually not nervous in front of audience, is always very nervous from the start of that live.” Shun breaths out then exclaims, “It will be tragic if Aki’s music sounds horrible because I played poorly..” This surprises Aki. He then smiles and says that it’s okay. “Shun, you only need to look cool!” And, hence, they perform. Narration: “I felt an incomparable happiness when I first played the music I’ve written onstage. So, I wouldn’t even dare believe that there will be a day when I will leave Crude Play..”

[This is the part two of chapter 11. If you read Nana, it seems to be the similar style of splitting a long chapter into two chapters.] In this long narration, it is a picture of Shinya with his bass guitar. Narration: “Have you heard of Simmons’ Shinohara Chuya [篠原中也]? Ah, that’s right. That bassist. After Simmons disbanded, it’s the one who changed profession to make his own studio for professional musicians. Speaking of that, that guy is the son of the owner of the fruit-vegetable store that my father goes to. I forgot from whom I heard that he’s going to inherit that family business when he grows up. It isn’t something that one should be surprised about, right? When the son of an office worker grows up, there is also a high probability that he’ll also become an office worker. There are only few who would do something else in contrary to what their parents do. Hm, in short, it is really just that basic reason so right now, I’m also a bassist. Regarding that studio, since in the elementary, [Shinya, I suppose] will go to there to play around. And, getting the first reward when...ah..it seems that it is when still in the elementary. Ah..isn’t this normal?” Cover narration: “Their year, February, approaching graduation. The day that has changed our lives. And the day of meeting that guys’ timbre/tone has arrived.” Story narration: “One day, Takagi-san wear a proper business suit and came to our house.” Soichiro is in the living room talking with Aki’s parents with Aki sitting beside them. Soichiro asks them to please give Aki’s talent to him. He tells them that the music industry can take advantage of youth as a selling point for only a brief period. “There are only a miniscule number of people who can always continue to be a success. Honestly, there is also a number of people who can only sell one single and it’s over. There is only a few people who can be stately called a ‘musician’ but I think I can make Aki into someone who can survive depending on music for the rest of his life.” Aki’s father looks surprised by this. Soichiro looks serious. Aki looks down[?]. Aki’s father somewhat smiles and says that speaking those things aside, since he is young, Aki is a kid who really loves music. Aki looks a bit flustered as he looks at his father. His parents prostrate to Soichiro. His father says, “I’ll leave everything up to you. We’ll leave Aki to you.”

Soon, the four youngsters are brought to a studio. They are awed by the cool looking studio with lots of gadgets. They happily take pictures of it in their cellphones and pose with the headphones. Everyone is in a good mood including smiling Soichiro. Soon, it is time for the photo shoot. The photographer takes Aki’s picture but to everyone’s amusement, Aki is become really stiff. The photographer tries to make him at ease by asking him to smile with some teeth. Aki is really nervous as he tries to do as told but in the end, he says that he couldn’t do it. Of course, Shun is a natural in this and he can easily pose to the photographer’s approval. Aki claps his hands and say that no wonder it is Shun. In class, everyone congratulated them as they celebrate Crude Play’s upcoming debut. Aki returns home to find a lot of people outside his house. He sees his father proudly sticking the band’s poster/flyers on their house’s wall. His father welcomes him home and tells him that Soichiro has given him a batch of posters that has come out today. Aki asks why he is sticking them outside the house. His father says that it is for the Cd’s publicity and what use is it to stick it inside the house. Aki says that he is right but for him to stick it on the wall outside their house, this isn’t an election.. He is interrupted by an old lady who taps him and asks if Aki is going to be a band member and that is amazing. His proud father tells the others that with everyone’s luck, they will officially debut on February. The housewives and old ladies congratulate Aki’s father. Aki cannot help but laugh in happiness over how happy his father is. Narration: “Everyone is very excited. Soon, the sound mixing of the debut song is finished and we were contacted a few days later. After the music is played, Soichiro stops the recording and asks what they think of it. The two exclaim that it is truly awesome and did they really play super cool like that. Shun agrees with that. Soichiro tells them to be prepared as he change their lives that within half a year, to the point that they can no longer to go McDonalds. Everyone laughs when Kaoru pouts and says that will be troublesome. Soichiroh then notices that Aki is looking stunned. Soichiroh says that that he has to chat with Aki regarding some printing tax[/impression stuff? Not sure.] and it will be a tense situation so it would be better for the rest to leave. Aki says that there is something more important he wants to talk about other than printing tax. Someone says that this is very important so it is better for him to ask these things properly. Shun asks how much time it will take. Soichiroh says that it will probably take around one hour. Shun laughs and tells Aki that they will wait for him in McDonalds because soon, they won’t be able to go there.

After they left, Soichiro lights a cigarette while Aki still looks downcast. Soichiroh then says, “I’ve thought that if the secret will be out, it will be only you who’ll find out about it.” Aki asks, “Who played that? We weren’t the ones who played that, right?” Soichiro happily says that it is just an assembled top-quality professional musicians. “Conveniently saying, it is for you guys, though I spend a lot of money on them. You must remember to happily thank [me for this]!” Aki looks flustered and angry over this. Soichiroh notices this as he puts out his cigarette. He tells Aki that Shun’s face looks good so it will later on add to the image of ‘but exceptionally and unexpectedly has strength/talent’ because first impression is crucial. Soichiro lights another cigarette and says, “Especially AKI, compared to who[/anyone], need to have this ‘skills really good’ kind of impression. So, let me ask, Aki, do you think that your playing is really that good?” Aki looks really flustered that he grips his fist. Soichiro continues, “But, you who have very sharp ears should know.” He plays the music again and Aki looks more flustered. Narration: “‘The truth is I wanted it to be played like that’ This sound is the sound what I thought it should sound like.” Aki mutters by asking who played that. Soichiro asks if he wants to see for himself since that guy has just come in the studio. As Aki follows Soichiro, Soichiro greets some old guys that their playing is great as usual. One of them asks Aki if he’s a newbie and wishes him gambatte. Aki just nods. Narration: “Generally, I thought that if it is like these old guys then I’ll forget all about it. ‘If it is like that’ and ‘after all, [comparing to someone] having all that experience isn’t the same’, those kind of words can pacify my vanity.” They enter studio A and Soichiro calls out, “Shinya!” Aki looks in total shock since it is a glasses guy wearing a high school uniform. Shinya turns around and greets Soichiro. Aki’s brain went blank. Soichiro says, “He’s Shinohara Shinya. [Check out the surname from the earlier narration as to why this guy is really good.] It seems that he’s at the same age as Aki. You are also 18 years old, right?” Shinya says, “Right now, I’m still 17. Oh..you said Aki, as in Crude Play’s? Are you not satisfied with how I played it? In short, I just listen first to your playing and then, I feel that it seems like you want to play it with that kind of feeling so that’s how I played it..” Aki is shock and flustered. Shinya then asks if it is better for the rhythm in this part to be given a bit of pressure, this kind of feeling. Shinya starts playing to demonstrate. Soichiro seems to approve of it. Narration: “That overwhelming difference in strength. Using those fingertips as if enthusiastically playing a piano, Shinya imitated the music that I played.” There is a scene of Shun and others telling a happy Aki that Aki’s bass is special. Aki is shaking and flustered as he thinks what’s so special about it. “It isn’t excellent and isn’t even special if it can simply be copied. That is the degree of my timbre [/tone].” Shinya asks Aki what it is. “You only need to say it and I should be able to do it.” Aki then says, “...Can..I ask you a great favor?” Narration: “What I have already thoroughly thought of from here on has disappeared. *Picture of Crude Play album with four members including Aki* Perhaps others will say that it is only because of frustration but for me to choose to leave is the only thing that I can do as a dedication for music’s conscience.” The last picture is of Crude Play with four members but this time, Aki is replaced by Shinya.

What the first thing in my mind is when did Shun and others know that someone else is playing in that cd? Yes, Aki might be dedicating it to his conscience regarding music or perhaps that there is some sort of frustration and jealousy in it even if he says that isn’t the reason but still, Aki left the band because it turns out that a kid around his age can play better than he does. Did they ask him why he left and thus learned it from there? It seems like everything is ready for their debut. Will that be the only time when Shun and others know about it? Even if that is the case, it does seem to be too late to back out. Was it released with them fully knowing that they didn’t play it? Soichiro is really such a cunning weasel because no matter what, if it is near release or whatever, Shun and others might not want to fail their fans and family’s expectations. It is like being engaged and on the wedding night, you learn something about the other party which is bad and it is against your conscience, will you still marry that person? I think for Shun, reputation is very important especially since he is from a rich family background. What I’m getting at is, I hope the others know what they are getting into and it isn’t only Aki who knew the truth until everything is released with only him getting out and only saving himself from future embarrassment. Anyway, I can understand Aki’s frustration. If Shun has good looks but cannot play well, Aki has talent in composing but doesn’t play really well. It is not established if Shinya is good at composing but then, no one here has a monopoly of ‘I have everything’. It is Aki’s bad luck that the one who actually plays his part is a young guy somewhat younger than him. Talk about a crushing blow after being pampered by the family and friends that he’s great and amazing but it turns out he is just a frog in the well. The substitute players of the others might be the old guys but ya, it is really, really bad luck that Aki’s substitute is a talented young guy who has a musician background who probably hangs around his father’s studio with professional musicians as a kid. No wonder the difference is huge.

The question is was this deliberate on the part of Soichiro to choose Shinya to play bass for Aki? As chibi from BW mentioned, it does seem that Soichiro can be brutally honest and crush the pride of his talents so that they would be submissive to him since it happened with CP and Riko’s group. From a business side, I think Soichiro is doing it right and ya, it is quite brutal. The music industry is really a cutthroat world. If you cannot handle the pressure and the fact that there are others who are really better than you, then you can just ship out which what seems to be what Aki did. Soichiro doesn’t want his talents to have huge egos as if they are somebody when they are not because those types are, of course, not profitable in the long run. He is after all, running a music business empire, I assume and you don’t go to the top by being nice. If one cannot handle his brutal criticisms, what more of the others especially your competitors or critics? It does seem a kind of ‘tough love’ but then who can argue, Soichiro is currently really famous and his ears are sharp enough to find the diamonds out there which he can profit from. Now, that’s a guy who knows what to do with his talent to become rich and famous. Actually, what can happen is both ways. You can strive harder and hopefully one day, you will be great in playing just like what Shun is doing or you can just give it up and stick to composing or whatever you are good at like what Aki seems to be doing. Anyway, maybe it is for the best for Aki to be a ‘behind the stage’ type of guy like in composing or as Soichiro proposed, a producer. He cannot handle and doesn’t like the limelight. Just from the photo shoot, he is uneasy about it. He enjoys the simplicity of life and probably a huge reason why he decided to become ‘anonymous’ that no one, except for the insiders, knows how Aki really looks like. I still think that Soichiro has a favoritism for Aki in contrast to Shinya. Just basing on Shinya’s music background of knowing the in and out of the industry, I think he will be also a good producer and can help train young musicians. I guess Soichiro somewhat feels Shinya as a threat. Shinya isn’t that naive and everything compared to Aki and his group. He can also be brutally honest since Riko has a tendency not to like the things he says like about her boyfriend even if it is well, the truth. Shinya isn’t the type to be easily manipulated by Soichiro so..maybe that is part of the reason why he isn’t first choice. Scans by 豆芽豆芽 for 動漫花園S組.

Quote of the day:
Change breaks the brittle. ~ Jan Houtema

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 34] + Teasers
Tuesday, May 25, 2010

[Teasers: Yay! Finally...Yukito and Kotori are back in each others’ arms in BwSS chapter 39. So cute and if only I knew what the stuff they are talking about and that pinkie promise is for. Hopefully, I can this back into track soon. The upload is late = no chapter last month so I now have two chapters of this series ^^; And, yes, in KKwH 63, it is Kyouta’s birthday again. Guess who’s coming to visit? Why, it’s his mom whom Tsubaki accidentally met when she went shopping for his gift. This will be fun. If I cannot catch up with the previous chapters of this series, I might skip them and start from this chapter when the Chinese scans are out. Scans by Amyangel19910323 and 豆芽豆芽 for BW.]

Narration: “In the last Sports Day, in order to stop a ball that can hinder Shoma-kun, I, Kaji Fumino, hurt my right hand. *30kg guy stepped on her hand* Then, I went to the hospital to get it checked up on.” With a bandaged hand, Fumino tells them that it turns out to be a grave injury and it will take 10 days to heal. Kazuma and Teppei are surprised by that that they ask Fumino if she is alright since they didn’t expect it to be that serious. Fumino tells Teppei that she’s alright. Ryuu says that there’s no abnormality with the bone. Ryuu substituted for Kazuma as Fumino’s relative for her to be checked by the hospital. He gives the tab to Kazuma. Fumino apologizes to Kazuma for she always made it a point not to get sick or be injured so that he won’t spend money. Kazuma tells her not to mind that and they should go eat since she should be hungry. He brings the food on the table and tries to tell Ryuu to go home but Ryuu doesn’t want to. Then, Fumino realizes that she injured her right hand, her dominant hand so how is she going to eat. It turned out that she has nothing to worry about because Kazuma is more than happy to feed her. He puts her on his lap. While holding a spoonful of food, Kazuma says “Here, Fumino! Say AH--” Flustered Fumino exclaims what kind of position is that and she can eat on her own. Kazuma asks what she is saying for she cannot do it alone so here, open her mouth. He finally manages to get a spoonful in. “That’s how it should be, such a nice kid..is it delicious?” Thinking that he’s too close, Fumino says, “Ya..” Kazuma then says, “Then how about acting spoiled and say, ‘I want more’, then, I’ll continue ♥” Fumino nervously and angrily says, “I will not say that, you super S[adist]!” Kazuma replies that he won’t feed her anymore. While Teppei is feeding Ryuu, he says that those two are romantic. Ryuu agrees. Teppei is puzzled when Ryuu says that he feels lewd when those two quarrel because his heart is fallen. [Ah, because he used to be a host so he thinks of obscene stuff]. Fumino goes into a panic if it will be like this for 10 days until her injury is healed. At school, Kazuma mentions to the students to help Fumino for her injury should be very grave. Fumino angrily thinks he can actually say those things without being embarrassed. Her friends offer to help her write the notes. Fumino thanks them. She thinks that her life has become quite inconvenient and it is such a hindrance with her studies especially since she is late in reviewing some references. She tried to write but she wasn’t able to.

During lunch break, Fumino screams out loud how annoying this is. Her friends decide to take Fumino outside where she can conveniently shout out loud. Outside the building, there is an announcement for the ballet club to congregate so Sayo and others say that they will be leaving for a while. Meg will go and buy something. Gloomy Fumino just waves back and says that it is alright since her lunch is made for her convenience [like onigiri] that she can use her left hand to eat. Then, Fumino notices that her braid has become a bit messy so she tried to fix it to no avail. Then, Shoma stands near her and asks what she is doing. He tells her that if she doesn’t use her right hand, she’ll be slower in doing that. He then notices that her hand is bandaged. He stares at it that Fumino asks what it is. Shoma then holds her head and shouts for her to continue eating while he fixes her hair. Fumino asks if he can do it. Shoma says that he’ll just put them all together. He asks who braided her. Fumino says that it is Teppei who is an expert/king in that. Fumino finds it strange that Shoma is being really nice. Shoma looks at Fumino’s neck while fixing her hair. He says, “...your injury..[I heard] is it because of me? Why are you too meddlesome..” Then, walking out the corridor facing the window, Kazuma notices some students murmuring about something. Shoma tells Fumino, “I don’t want to owe you because of this so while you are still recovering, I’ll do my best to help you.” Fumino tries to say, “About that--” Shoma continues, “So, when it is time to go home, I’ll wait at your classroom and help you carry your bag.” This surprises Fumino that she exclaims that there’s no need for that and it’s troublesome for him. Shoma says that he refuses her objection. He then teases her, “Hey, do you want me to help you with your bento, too?” Flustered Fumino shouts that geez, there’s no need. Kazuma seems to be staring at them and he’s lost in thought. He snaps out of it when someone calls out, “Hey, Kazuma!” Kazuma is surprised to see Meg standing beside her. He greets her. Meg says in English that even if she didn’t say it, they [Kazuma and Fumino] are also very romantic. “But, you must hold on tightly to your missus, please! [or I’ll leave that up to you]” She lightly touches Kazuma’s shoulder then runs towards the other two. Meg then teases Shoma that his technique in doing the braid is awful. Shoma exclaims for her to shut up. Kazuma pushes his eyeglasses up when some students call out to him that they have a question to ask.

Fumino thinks there is nothing wrong for Shoma to treat her nicely and she is very grateful for this. After the school bell, Fumino, together with Shoma and Meg, goes to fetch Teppei from school. Ryuu comments that it is rare to see all of them there. They went to the grocery together and carry the bags together. When they are about to reach the house, Shoma screams why does he have to bring her to his brother’s house when he objected about their marriage. Fumino is surprised that objection has come out again. Meg is carrying Teppei and the two just watch the two quarrelling with each other. Shoma calls Fumino an idiot for having the nerve to say that. Fumino furiously retorts back, “‘Idiot’?! No matter what Shoma-kun says, this is my home!” Shoma calls her shameless [skin so thick] for saying that and he won’t recognize it. Fumino shouts stop and threatens him to stop quarrelling with her else she is going to throw away that premium ice cream for Kazuma which Shoma had a hard time choosing. While Shoma cannot answer back, Fumino takes the bags and happily tells Shoma, “Sorry about that, Shoma, thanks!” She turns around and her hair fly near Shoma’s hand. Shoma seems to be in a daze then he suddenly grabbed Fumino’s hair. Meg and Teppei are surprised even Shoma himself as Fumino shouts that hurts. Fumino angrily shouts why he is stopping her. Flustered Shoma tries to think of an alibi then slaps Fumino’s ponytail on her face. Ouch. He shouts that hair of hers is such a hindrance. “It’s too long! The fallen hairs are dirtying my brother’s house, that it’s so disgusting! Why don’t you simply shave it bald!” Fumino is totally shock by it. Shoma turns around and shouts that they are leaving. Meg says yes. Meg notices that flustered Shoma is muttering that is too arrogant and what’s with that. Meg just sighs. Teppei is worried about Fumino who is shaking in anger. In the house, Fumino is cleaning the window. She gloomily thinks that Shoma is too cruel but then, what he said is true that she couldn’t retort back. [Too small but I think] She believes that Kazuma is too nice so he never mentioned it. She thinks that even if she cleans everyday, she still has to clean the bathroom drain but now that her hand is injured, it will be more difficult for her to tidy up her hair. She also wonders how she is going to wash her hair for yesterday, she didn’t wash it. She then says out loud, “..okay, then I’ll cut it.” Teppei turns around from his book to look at her. Fumino puts a trash bag on herself, newspaper around herself and takes a pair of scissors. She is having a hard time cutting her hair with her left hand. Teppei freaks out and shouts for her not to do that. While Teppei is shouting that, Kazuma arrives. He says that he’s home and what’s with that greeting. He then freaks out upon seeing Teppei holding Fumino’s arm whose hand has some scissors. He shouts what the heck they are doing. Teppei cries for Bu-chan not to do it. Kazuma exclaims, “Fumino?! Could it be that you..” Fumino says that it isn’t like that.. And so, Fumino doesn’t know how it suddenly ended up into this kind of confusion.

Afterwards, Kazuma says with a smile, “So that’s how it is, in short, since Shoma told you to ‘shave your hair bald’ so you now want to cut your hair..this is really, this is really..*hell Kazuma* Maybe I should bring some hair clippers to school tomorrow..” Fumino shouts for him to wait/stop, for it isn’t like that. “Look, my hand is currently injured, it is too much hassle to wash my hair..” Kazuma screams back why she is still saying that as if she is an outsider. “I’ll help you right now! Go to the bathroom!” Fumino is in total shock as she imagines herself in the bathtub together with him. Later on, in the bathroom, Kazuma asks Fumino if she feels comfortable. Blushing closed-eyed Fumino tells him not to keep on asking about everything. Kazuma says, “But I’m afraid of hurting you, here? How does it feel?” Fumino answers, “Ah, yes, ..very comfortable! It really feels good so please stop staring at my face! It’s too embarrassing--” It turns out that Kazuma is shampooing Fumino who is in the bathtub with Teppei. Kazuma laughs and says that it is because he is worried about putting shampoo on her eyes and this is his first time in washing someone else’s hair. “And, what is there to be embarrassed about? You are wearing a swimsuit.” Fumino says that isn’t the problem. She is embarrassed over Kazuma’s long and slender fingers caressing her head. Kazuma tells her that it will be a waste to cut off Fumino’s beautiful hair. She asks if he likes long hair. Fumino gets angry when Kazuma says that the truth is it really doesn’t matter to him. Teppei slashes the water and exclaims that he wants long hair. Fumino blushes while looking up to smiling Kazuma who tells her, “..what I’m saying is I like you no matter what hairstyle you have.” He tells her that he is going to wash her hair now. While he is washing her hair, Fumino wonders what she’ll do for she feels her heart is beating fast and she’s feeling hot. Kazuma gives Teppei the shower head and tells Fumino that he’s done. Kazuma and Teppei are shock to see that Fumino has passed out and had a massive nose-bleed. The two guys scream out Fumino’s name as they go into a panic while trying to get Fumino out of the water. Ryuu is puzzled over the ruckus next door.

After a lot of tissues scattered on the floor and Teppei sleeping [probably from the overexcitement that happened today], Kazuma tells gloomy Fumino to lift up her head so that he can blow dry her hair. Fumino tells him that she doesn’t know how to apologize for this. Kazuma just smiles and tells her that he is so happy and there is no need for her to mind that. Fumino shouts how she can not mind that. Holding her hair, he tells her that this is the first time he strokes her hair like that. “This long hair that has been with you while you pass your life.” He asks if she hasn’t cut her hair while her parents were still living. Fumino says that it becomes long every year and usually she just cut the tips. She remembers the time when her parents are braiding her hair. She thinks that she hasn’t thought about that [regarding her hair]. Fumino looks up to him when he asks how long is her hair when they got married. “I should thank your parents from today on until eternity..I will make some of this hair from the tips to the head to be happy. Because they..had brought you out into this world--” While Kazuma hugs Fumino, Fumino thinks, “I will keep on living. And make those moments, when it seems that time has stopped, become the past, so that one day I can return to those times and smile to say, ‘I’m very happy[/lucky]’. I’m accompanied as I live on towards a changing and confusing world...” Kazuma holds her hair and tells her to properly blow dry her hair. Fumino says yes. As Kazuma blows-dries her hair, Fumino blushes since he’s too close. She then happily tells him, “Oh right, this afternoon Shoma-kun..” She is surprised when Kazuma suddenly pushes her to the wall and covers her mouth. He seriously says, “Do not mention Shoma. It’s obviously not easy for me to remove Shoma’s scent from your hair..” Fumino realizes that Kazuma has seen them. Kazuma then holds her bandaged hand and continues, “And also, this injury, in the end, whom is it for..” Fumino just blushes and looks at him. Kazuma puts his head on her shoulder and says, “..although this is what I have resolved [to do], but if I cannot get it[/you] whole in my hand, makes me really..” Fumino remembers that he said before that ‘I’m enduring’. “We obviously mutually like each other, and together with this sweet intimate ambiance, as well as this nervous and rising mood. If a little bit more..move a little bit further more, then it will be like a flood bursting from a dam--” Kazuma still holds her bandaged hand. He holds her hair and kisses it. Fumino blushes while Kazuma blushes a bit. They are really close to each other. Kazuma is about to hold her face [about to kiss?] and says, “...Fumino. Sorry. We’ll leave it here for the moment, I’ll wait until your hand is totally recovered, then we’ll go lovey-dovey again.” Fumino becomes beet-red as Kazuma puts his hand on her lower face. Fumino exclaims in disbelief that she’s nose-bleeding again. Kazuma laughs and says, ya. Narration: “Gradually pulling and closing the distance. Regarding this gradually changing world, at one side, I’m at my wits’ end, distressed, confused, while at the other side, anxiously happy..as I continue to live on.” That night, in the Ojiro residence, Shoma couldn’t sleep. The next day, while Teppei is braiding Fumino’s hair, Kazuma is testing out a hair clipper and comments that it actually works. He happily says that he’ll go ahead to school. Aghast, Fumino exclaims in surprise and [I think she] asks what he is going to do with it. Kazuma says that he got it from Ryuu. Fumino shouts for him not to change the topic.

Hehe..jealousy and everything over hair. =P Well, it seems that Shoma’s ‘like’ for Fumino is becoming increasingly obvious even if he still masks it with his brother complex. I think Kazuma’s suspicions had been somewhat confirmed by what Meg told him. Meg, who is always with Shoma, should know him more than anyone else. From the others’ point of view, it does seem that they are having lover’s quarrel or too intimate when he is helping her with her hair. I guess Kazuma is also frustrated that he isn’t the one doing those things for Fumino since their relationship is a secret. But really, I wonder for how long Kazuma can hold out with Shoma lurking nearby and well, Fumino is totally clueless about it for she still thinks of Shoma as a pesky younger brother who still hates her. She tried to happily tell Kazuma that she is now getting along with Shoma but didn’t realize that Kazuma could be that jealous. Well, Shoma has finally realized Fumino’s charm and kindness that made Kazuma fall for her. Unfortunately, he is also falling for her. I don’t know if Shoma will go for underhand tactics like exposing their relationship if he will really pursue Fumino. Well, there doesn’t seem to be anything to worry about regarding Kazuma x Fumino but the problem will be more on Kazuma and Shoma. Scans by xiuxiu for BW.

Quote of the day:
Chaos in the world brings uneasiness, but it also allows the opportunity for creativity and growth. ~ Tom Barrett

Teasers: Kaichou wa Maid-sama! 50 + La Corda D'Oro 66
Monday, May 24, 2010

Hehe..it turns out that entry in 狗狗的鏡花水月’s blog is about chapter 50 and not just a preview of the volume 10 cover which are Usui and Tora, by the way. Well, the full chapter scans are already out in yuu_Chan’s blog. This teaser is based on wangachong’s translation based on the pictures in 鏡花水月’s blog. The rich kids of Miyabigaoka school had opened their butler cafe. They will be holding a reception. Kaichou and all the maids went to the store.[?] Usui asks Misaki if she wants to go. Tora has given Misaki a full gown so afterwards, Yukimura and Tora saw Misaki at the party. Tora is very happy about it that he said that he is very happy that Misaki came. But, Misaki says that she only came to return the dress. Tora insists that the dress suits her. Then, Tora looks really serious as he says that from the start, he has been paying close attention to Misaki. He asks Misaki to go steady with him. (Not sure if there is an ill intention to it, but definitely it is to ‘control’ Usui and Misaki) [Well, based on the full scans, Usui is eavesdropping over their conversation and it seems Tora knows that Usui is listening.] Afterwards, it seems that Usui’s brother who is a super handsome black-haired guy has appeared. Then while the black haired guy is going away with some people, the black haired guy Misaki [thanks for the correction, yuu_Chan and Bubu] then mutters ‘Usui’. That’s it and things are becoming interesting. Anyway, as usual, wait for the scanlations for the details and stuff. Scans used are from yuu_Chan’s blog.

Edit: I also casually checked out La Corda 66. It is somewhat amusing. Len still doesn’t want to confess and thinks that it doesn’t matter even if he will be leaving soon..one week left. Haha..unfortunately for him, it is too obvious to the others specifically Ryoutarou and the long haired guy [Edit: Azuma according to Sa, thanks]. =P Hehe, Ryoutarou made him give out that ‘slip of the tongue’ when provoked about courting Hino while he isn’t there. I’m guessing that Len doesn’t want anyone to know his true feelings for Hino and pretends it isn’t his business anymore since he’s leaving. Sorry, I don’t read this series on a regular basis and I hope I got the names right. Not sure if Len will be performing in that competition but somehow, I feel that what’s happening with the love triangle might affect the performance since obviously, Ryoutarou is bothered when that girl before (last chapter) mentioned that ‘Len is the first choice’ during his piano practice. I’m curious how things will turn out. Scans by 鏡花水月 for 琴音翻译组

Quote of the day:
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance ~ Proverb

Koibana! Koiseyo Hanabi [Chapters 56-57]
Saturday, May 22, 2010

Chikai opens the door and Yukine greets him by saying that it has been a long time since they have seen each other. The door opens then closes. Chikai had come out but it seems Yukine is surprised that she wasn’t invited in. She lowers her head and stutters while saying that she tried emailing him but it won’t send so he must have changed his email. Chikai just says, ‘ah ah’. [It’s like a yes] This seems to surprise Yukine that she looks somewhat sad. She looks up and says, “..that..I already know..my shortcomings, and also..I couldn’t forget about you..about this. *looks flustered* ..is it already too late?” While looking at Yukine, Chikai says, ‘ah ah’ Yukine asks, “..because of Hanabi?” Chikai lowers his eyes and says, ‘ah ah’. Yukine replies, “..is that so..I understand..I’m sorry, for saying such strange things now..I’m sor..” She suddenly turns around and starts running. Chikai chases after her and manages to stop her by holding her arm. He asks if she is alright. Yukine says, “..alright..that is impossible..*she turns around crying* it’s impossible for me to be alright..” This surprises Chikai that Yukine manages to break free and run off. At home, Hanabi looks at Chikai’s phonebook contact on her cellphone. It turns out that Chikai changed his email from Yukine’s birthday of ‘1223’ to ‘qoo’. She is surprised when her cellphone rings. Chikai replied back that there’s no need to thank him. Hanabi holds her phone tight and blushes. Meanwhile, at the mall, Gen looks at the Atsumi and others. Atsumi seems to remember what Sasa said that if it’s ‘ordinary friends’ he feels it isn’t that. It is as if time had stopped as they all look at Gen. Gen breaks into a smile and greets, hi. He says that Gummi [like gummy bear or any soft candy; his nick for Atsumi] is also there and also *pause* those strong-looking guys. Atsumi just greets him with a ‘good work’. The two other guys greet him back. Still smiling, he waves them goodbye and left. Atsumi looks a bit flustered as Sasa looks at Gen while he leaves. A bit teary eyed Atsumi turns around to apologize to the two guys. She tells them not to mention about that matter again. The two guys then agree.

Atsumi watches the two guys walk on the street from the window while Sasa is sitting nearby. Atsumi says that it is a mistake to invite them for the reception that they misunderstood things. Sasa asks her why she invited them. Atsumi says that it is because they seem to be the type who’ll eat anything. Sasa is speechless. Atsumi admits that honestly, she wanted to invite Sasa but she is still only..only become from super fat to chubby. Atsumi shows the fat on her belly that she can pinch whereas before, nothing can be pinched. Pointing to Sasa’s side, Atsumi exclaims, “So! That place, I feel that the current me still doesn’t have the qualifications [to stay there]. *Sasa looks surprised* but if you ask, ‘is it alright to be at those two guys’s side’..Ah-! I’m super rude! I’m sorry, Shirotori-kun and Sotome-kun. But back to what I’m saying! *looking sad as she remembers Sasa looking at Gen’s direction* I’m really, still the difference is far..” She is surprised when Sasa gives her a little package and says, “Happy White Day.” She opens it and it is filled with French macaroons. Flustered and teary-eyed Atsumi says that these sweets will bring her farther from the goal that she’s working hard on. Sasa just gently looks at her. [Not too sure but I think] Sasa puts a macaroon on her mouth [or she ate one herself]. She then says, “See..Because it’s too sweet, it made my heart beat wildly..” The next day, Hanabi and Chikai are walking to school. Hanabi thanks him for the candies yesterday. Chikai says that if she would want to thank him then at least look at him. Hanabi apologizes that she won’t look. They walk on quietly. Hanabi seems to be walking with her eyes closed as she berates herself to at least talk about something. Chikai looks at her like that then looks in front. Chikai tells her that he won’t be walking her to school after this because from tomorrow on, she can go to school on her own and he already finished his school work so it is also unnecessary for him to go to school. “And also you, to be like this, there is also no meaning for you to be together with me.” Hanabi thinks there is a meaning. Looking flustered, she tells him without looking at him that she wants to be with him. He looks at her as she closes her eyes and says, “But, being like this, is also..you don’t want to be with the me who is like this.” She thinks, “There is..definitely, a meaning! Perhaps..” Chikai admits that he doesn’t want. This surprises Hanabi.

Flustered Hanabi says to forget about fetching her and she still has school work to finish and well, it has no meaning for him to go to school if he already finished his. “Not even daring to look at your face, it is also no meaning to be with me who is like this.” Chikai’s expression isn’t shown but he bluntly says, “None--” This stuns Hanabi. She becomes flustered again and thinks that she won’t dare look at him and if she doesn’t look at him, she won’t understand. But then perhaps, even if she looks, she still won’t be able to understand. “No matter if it’s Uno Chikai’s expression..or even his heart.” Hanabi is frustrated as she holds her bag tight while Chikai walks on ahead. Later on, the four friends ask about each other’s White Day. Emotionless Mii says that it’s nothing special. Somewhat blushing, Kareshi says that it’s the usual. Smiling Atsumi says that she received macaroons in return. Gloomy Hanabi says that it’s really good that she got something..and also some words that pricks like a needle [like having an acupuncture]. After a while, someone shouts, “K..kissed?” Aghast Hanabi shouts, “Idiot! Ah! You’re too loud!” Atsumi exclaims, “But..you feel it’s disgusting? What does that mean!” Kareshi says that it is possible and it’s normal at the start for this is Hanabi they are talking about after all. Everyone is surprised when Mii says, “Kiss..is really good.” She explains that it is very easy for she just have to tightly close her eyes then she can convey the feeling to the other. She then admits that it is to lessen her disgust with Glasses [nick for Shinichi] that is why she’s doing it. Everyone is speechless. Hanabi timidly says that closing one’s eyes then convey the feeling is useless for her. She thinks that if she won’t dare look then she couldn’t convey. Gripping her fist, she says, “Even if I provoked him to anger, but this romance shouldn’t end like this! I also don’t want it to end like this!” The next day, Hanabi goes out of her house. Nanpa barks to tell her that Chikai didn’t come again. Hanabi is somewhat sad even if she knew he won’t be coming. She decided that she should just groom/train her love during the time when they cannot see each other. She then seems to pep herself about a very good TOKIO [Japanese band] song about taking a big leap and go just like what a father should do to feed his family. “I don’t let it end this way!”

In school, Hanabi looks really disgusted as she tighten her ponytail on her bangs then starts walking through section B. She greets the guys while keep on walking with her head up. The guys are looking at her. Whenever a guy says, ‘it’s a girl’, she’ll greet back, ‘How are you’. Arashi and Soutaro, Chikai’s friends, see her. Hanabi thinks, “Why? Even if I still feel that disgusted behind my back, but there is a ‘like’ that will soon come from my heart.” At the sewing room, Hanabi falls on the table and gloomily greets Atsumi a good morning. Hanabi says that for training, she took a detour. “If I can overcome this guys phobia, I can dare look at Uno Chikai, dare come close to Uno Chikai.” With determination, Hanabi says that during the time she’ll go to school alone, she’ll keep on taking a detour to the other classes and she will try to do some other things, too. She then asks Atsumi to recommend a manga to her that can make her think ‘guys are not bad at all’. Atsumi just calls Hanabi’s name. Hanabi thinks that she wants to once again see that miracle in front of her eyes. Meanwhile, Chikai is walking his dog when he spots Yukine while walking beside her bicycle that has a lot of groceries. Cleo sees her that she barks. This has surprised Yukine that she loses her grip on the bicycle. Chikai comes to help her keep the bicycle steady. Chikai asks why she bought a lot of things. Yukine says that it is because her mother has been hospitalized and she has to prepare things. Cleo is happily wagging her tail at Yukine. While Yukine is telling Chikai that it isn’t really heavy, he gives her Cleo’s leash. He then walks along with the bicycle. Narration: “As if my life depended on it, I walked through school where there are all guys. Then, I borrowed some manga and understood different types of guys from shounen and shoujo manga. Even if I’m not resistant with manga guys and it isn’t the same with real ones. Then, it’s now the graduation day.” Hanabi looks at the doorway. Nanpa tells her that Chikai still didn’t come. She pats Nanpa’s head and bids it goodbye. She thinks that this is nothing and she’s just testing about waiting for him. “How could he come when we haven’t reconciled yet. I should quickly overcome this guy phobia! And then, become the me who has the right to reconcile with him. Hey, Uno Chikai- walking through the road to school alone is quite far. Does Uno Chikai also think so?” Chikai is walking alone to school and reads his email on the phone. It is from Yukine. “It’s really nice that you told me your email address..Thank you, it makes me feel really relieved.”

So, I’m thinking that Chikai is indeed being just a gentleman to a damsel in distress but still, she is an ex-girlfriend. That will be very awful for Hanabi especially since she has a predicament right now. From the very start, Chikai isn’t your usual nice guy who is understanding and all that. He has a huge ego and thinks highly of himself like a pampered cat so if the other isn’t stroking his ego and showing disgust over him, I think that is hard to bear. I think even if one isn’t too proud like him, it does feel awful if someone won’t look and feels disgusted as if one has some sort of disease or something. Actually, maybe he is sparing Hanabi the agony like if you cannot stand being with me or rather, you won’t even dare look at me, why bother and force yourself because it isn’t making you happy either. It is indeed frustrating for Hanabi that she got it this far and now, this happens. I do commend her for trying to get over her phobia and well, too bad, it seems that she won’t have the luxury of time because Yukine is back. With the tears and being in trouble, Yukine might get Chikai back if she kept on doing that and kept on being dependent on him. I’m not sure if Yukine is doing it deliberately though. She has the edge because she knows Chikai more than Hanabi knows Chikai. So, the problem would be what Chikai is thinking or feeling for either girls right now. Maybe, this is the time to introduce another guy for Hanabi so that things will be fair but I think the author isn’t going for a shortcut like that and well, I do hope and is interested in how she resolves it with what is given in this situation. Scans by玉/wdsjznl for BW.

Word of the day:
Life’s troubles are too tough to take on alone. Get some help and find in Jesus a place to stand. ~ Our Daily Bread

Vampire Knight [Chapter 61] Teaser
Friday, May 21, 2010

Thanks to Sasha for pointing out to me that the raws are out. I browsed through the scans and well, I’m just elated over the last part. My wish has come true..Kaname’s original body indeed had long hair. Woohoo! Now, if the author can just give me a flashback with classical European costumes and we are now back in business with this series. Lol, ya, I know that will be like a different series all together but still, one can wish =P So, what happened in this chapter. The cover is Zero and Andou, the poor guys who were left by Yuuki after her little adventure. =P Then, Kaname is beating the heck out of Touma as punishment for hurting his darling Yuuki. Then, Kaname goes back at home to nurse over weak Yuuki who is lying on the bed. After he sucks her blood, she talks about being frustrated over her uselessness. I’ll skip the other parts of the talk since it is in VK lj anyway, but in the end, Kaname finally reveals that he isn’t really her brother. He brings her to that secret chamber and let her bite him to see what happened in his past. We see that baby blood dripping on ancestor Kaname scene then Kaname attacks back but couldn’t kill him because he is now under his control. I remembered that wasn’t the purpose of ‘bringing up’ Zero is to finish off Rido but Rido is still alive in a way so..mission fail? Does it mean that Kaname has to do that all over again if he lives for a very long time since Rido will surely resurrect again. But then, the purpose of protecting Yuuki through Zero is a success though. It seems that Kaname is willing to risk anything for Yuuki. A pureblood vampire just threatened war. Somehow, I don’t think that should be taken lightly but then, so far, Kaname has gotten away with it. I wonder what Yuuki would say if there will indeed be war and everything because of her? Well, Touma indeed has to be punished but shouldn’t it be taken into the proper course of whatever justice system they have if there is any? Ah, whatever, it is actually hard to say. If he did it indirectly, there will be retaliation and it would seem cowardly. Kaname probably decided for a swift punishment so hope that there won’t be a next time.

So, that monster thing before turns out to be Kaname. What sharp teeth you have. Well, it’s good that Kaname finally told her about it. Now, I’m wondering. Kaname obviously had an adult body so how come it shrunk to a kid and now a teen. Is that within the powers of a vampire or there is some sort of transplant? I’m always curious about people in a ‘younger-looking’ body even if they are older. Do they act based on how they look and others treat him? Is Kaname acting all throughout as if he is their age? I’m going to mention that Kaname might show her his true form and that he is like a beast but then, at first it seems like he is monster like but in the last part, he has lips so he might not really be a beast. Anyway, for discussion purposes, let’s say he looks like a beast and it will be like if Yuuki can still love him if he looks like that. I suddenly thought that it will be like Beauty and the Beast. I’m basing this on the Disney version but the elements are actually there. The beast is of course, Kaname. You know, he tends to be secluded, overly protective of the girl to the point of entertaining to lock her up and talks about ‘I’ll die without you’ stuff. Beauty is Yuuki, being the nice girl and all. I hate to do this comparison on Zero but then, the other guy in Disney, he’s a ‘hunter’. We also have a rose..you know, the one in the resin. We also have a ‘curse’ that Rido bound on Kaname. Just think of Kaname’s friends as those teacups and other stuff for they are ever loyal to him even if everyone else fears and doesn’t understand Kaname. Haha, of course if we based it on that, we will have a Kaname x Yuuki ending though before, I thought of it as the King Arthur love triangle. Of course, that is for the Zero x Yuuki ending. =P Well, those are the things that I thought of after scanning the raws and fast-reading the summary, it seems that there are other topics being discussed about the chapter elsewhere. ^^;

Quote of the day:
The truth is rarely pure and never simple. ~ Oscar Wilde

Free Talk: Strobe Edge 32 Reaction
Thursday, May 20, 2010

Hehe, I should have read this thoroughly before chapter 33 teaser. ^^; This chapter made me realize as to why Andou is ever so persistent to the point of desperation in getting a ‘yes’ from Ninako. 1. He regretted giving up so easily on Mao just because she kissed Ren even when he obviously really loved her before. This is why he is going to do his very best to get Ninako. And, 2. What he told Ninako before they went to the competition. “Always doing one’s best until the end.” If that is his philosophy then ya, he is going to keep on trying even if he looked pathetic and pitiful. It is really inspiring for me because this way, he will really have no regrets that he didn’t do his very best. So, the only time he can finally move on is when he reaches the end that is for Ninako to finally end up with Ren. It got me thinking that the sooner they do, the better for Andou. Yes, Andou will be sad and everything but this is something that I think deep down he already knew will happen. Given his personality, I think he can easily bounce back and become stronger. From his talk with Mao, it seems he had forgiven her and he told her to move on from the past if it is giving her pain. Wow, advising that to someone who really hurt him. This is indeed the best for both they are finally having a closure to what happened between them before. It is confirmed that Mao went to that school for Andou because she couldn’t get him out of her mind. It does seem more like she just wants to apologize to him but from the way Andou is acting towards her, she realized that he won’t forgive her so she went for the other thing which can somehow lighten her burden. That is of course to try to break Ren and Ninako apart for Andou. Well, that kiss is just a spur of the moment thing. It reminded me about Andou’s warning to Ren not to smile. Well, when Mao met Ren then, Ren somewhat giggled and in a spur of the moment thing, her ‘like’ for Ren surfaced and she cannot help but not kiss him. ^^;

Lastly, I’ll miss Toda. Even if he said that what he has been telling Ninako is just for himself but still, he took the time to listen to her and give an advice. He put in the proper perspective that Ninako’s problem is important since that is what’s preoccupying her at the moment. He could have easily vent and lecture her harshly that he got heavier problems but he didn’t. You see, Toda is going to quit school. This is his last school activity so he is doing his outmost best. His father’s job isn’t doing great and no matter how hard her mother works, it isn’t enough for the family. Since he still has younger siblings, he has to quit school and work thus, giving up his dreams for himself. Too bad they lost but Toda still seems to be optimistic about doing his best next time even if he is a bit down. I like this guy even if he is loud and everything at the start. It is indeed a case of don’t judge a guy from first impression. Well, even if he is just a ‘convenient’ guy to make Ren jealous to the point of wanting to confess and he will soon be going way since his purpose is served, I’ll say he’s one great sempai. ^^ He’s somewhat like Andou in a way so I’ll hope the best for him. Scans by filion for BW

Quote of the day:
Gain happiness by living in the present - without regret for the past or fear of the future. ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Hadashi de Bara wo Fume [Chapter 34]
Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Soichiroh looks in surprise over what Nozomu said regarding the one in the painting is the one whom he deeply treasures. [Ah, the translator changed it from deeply love from the last chapter to deeply treasure but it basically means the same, right? =P ] Flustered Soichiroh shouts, “Sumi is my..” Soichiroh is stunned when unfazed Nozomu asks, “Wasn’t your marriage originally without love? I love Miss Sumi.” Nozomu looks at Soichiroh and says, “So, Soichiroh, can you give Miss Sumi to me? *smiles* If it’s me, I can love Miss Sumi throughout my life..” Really flustered Soichiroh interrupts by shouting, “Quit joking around! Sumi is my wife!” Soichiroh then promptly leaves. With cold eyes, Nozomu watches him from the window as Soichiroh walk away from the house. “With that..then there’s no escape route to retreat.” Soichiroh is then running hurriedly to the house shouting Sumi’s name. Sumi and Atari are surprised to see him when he came in while shouting her name. They are still eating dinner. Sumi looks at him and asks what’s up. Soichiroh just turns away and says that it is nothing. He slams the door before going out. At night, Soichiroh is in the bed. Sumi opens the door and asks if she can come in. After she enters, somewhat flustered Sumi says that it is hard to tell him but Nozomu already knows about their contract marriage. [He looks surprised by that.] “Since it has already been discovered, I..cannot stay here anymore, and originally, I don’t like you either, I want to move to where Nozomu is.” With that Sumi goes out of the room, flustered Soichiroh can only shout for her name. Then, he wakes up. It turns out to be just a dream. He is breathless and flustered when the real Sumi enters his room. She asks him what happened to him. He looks relieved then he frowns. He tosses a pillow at her which she evaded and tells her to leave. Sumi apologizes and left. Soichiroh then scowls over what he had done then covers his face with his hands.

Outside, Sumi just looks at the door and worries about the fact that Nozomu already knows about their contract marriage. She also fears telling this to Soichiroh. Atari goes to Sumi and greets her a good morning. Sumi greets him back and asks if he brought his textbooks. Atari just says perhaps. Sumi tells him not to say perhaps, for he should properly confirm it. While Sumi is teaching/listening to Atari read a book, she thinks that if Soichiroh knew, he won’t let Atari go to school anymore and she can no longer continue on staying there. At a board meeting in the company, the others are shocked that Soichiroh wants to dismiss/fire Nozomu. Someone exclaims why. Another person reminds Soichiroh that because of Nozomu’s work, their company’s performance [/profits] had grown so much and he should know this. Natsuki says, “Please, tell us the reason, president, a clear reason why you want to fire Mr. Ijuin...!” Flustered Soichiroh can only say, “That is because..” Natsuki sighs with a scorn look. Natsuki says that he doesn’t know what happened but for Soichiroh to unexpectedly want to fire a capable and talented man, they cannot approve it especially since it is only one person (the president)’s suggestion. Soichiroh is flustered. After the meeting, he seems depressed as he walks on the corridor. Still in the board room, the other board members are talking about Soichiroh suddenly saying that he wanted to fire Nozomu that made them feel awkward. Another one says that the president doesn’t seem to know the situation of their company. The other one says that if the past president knew about this, he would have sighed. Natsume tells them that it is inevitable because in the end, this president they have is just a ‘decoration’. In the small shack, Komai is hanging clothes to dry when he sees Soichiroh standing at the side. Inside, after Komai served some tea, Soichiroh informs Komai that Nozomu knew about the contract marriage. Soiciroh says that he doesn’t know what to do and he wants to hear out Komai’s opinion. Komai blushes [= he’s touched] and says, “Young master..” then he looks away and adds, “That matter is no longer in the scope of my concern!” Surprised Soichiroh says, “What..” Komai firmly tells him that he is no longer Soichiroh’s butler. He then says that it is already time for him to prepare dinner for the kids. With that, he pushes Soichiroh out and closes the door at him. Soichiroh just leaves, depressed. Inside, Komai is looking serious.

At the company, a couple of men are looking for Soichiroh as to what to reply to the other party but Soichiroh hasn’t returned yet. With Nozomu walking behind him, Natsuki overhears the fuss and asks what the matter is. He tells them to let him look at it. One of the men gives the portfolio to Natsuki and he looks over it. Natsuki asks them how they plan to raise that huge budget. The man says that is what they are going to talk about with the president. Nozomu tells them that there is no need to worry about the financial aspect for he’ll just ask his father and he can help them finance it. The two men are elated by it since it is a big help. As the two men leaves, Natsuki says that with Ijuin tycoon’s assistance, they have a lot of confidence but in turn, the president lately.. Nozomu interrupts and asks if he can take his time for a moment. As they walk out of the building, Natsuki asks if he already heard about what is discussed in the board meeting. Nozomu says that he didn’t and what happened. Natsuki sheepishly smiles and says that the truth is the president suddenly wanted to fire Nozomu. Seeing that cold expression in Nozomu’s eyes, Natsuki nervously mentions that of course, they all unanimous oppose it and made him give up on that idea. He is surprised to see Nozomu smiling. This made Natsuki ask what happened between them. Natsuki is miffed when Nozomu says it is nothing special. Natsuki says that lately Soichiroh is absent-minded and doesn’t he think this is a bit strange. Nozomu agrees with him. Natsuki complains that even if Soichiroh is the pioneer’s grandson, but he is getting to know about the company for the first time and with him like that, he cannot give a good appearance/good model to those below him. While Natsuki is saying that Soichiroh is making them feel awkward, Nozomu asks, “Mr. Natsuki..do you want to become president?” This made Natsuki blush and with a smile, he asks, “President..?!” Nozomu just smiles at him. Soichiroh is still on his way back to the company, clueless of what just transpired.

Nozomu is indeed making his moves and has driven Soichiroh into a state of helplessness and depression. You got to give to Nozomu that the guy is really cheeky. If he can get away with something with simple gestures/talk, the better for him but obviously, he is not going to back down just because you said no to him. I tend to think of Nozomu as a quiet nice guy who snapped and those types of people can become ‘monsters’ or ‘huge headache’ later on, that you’ll be sorry that you messed with them. Well, it is Soichiroh’s fault to use Sumi to seduce him. Nozomu took the bait and boy, he isn’t going to let go ever. I think Nozomu has a lot of vent up pressures before this happened like his parents who don’t want him to pursue what he really likes to do. It probably led to an obsession of his deceased mother whom he probably thought might ‘free him’. Well, thanks to Soichiroh, his mother is now personified by Sumi so that is probably why he is so obsessed to the point that it is creepy at times. That’s just my theory regarding his character. It seems that Natsuki is nothing before Nozomu because of how scared he seems to be with Nozomu. Nozomu indeed has power after all, money is power. He is pretty much still the main antagonist. So, I think that he is now going to help Natsuki become president wherein he can easily blackmail Soichiroh with a choice: the company or Sumi? Hehe, amusingly, Soichiroh who willingly did everything to get the company is now not paying too much attention to it because of Sumi. He obviously shifted his priorities but still, his pride won’t let him admit his feelings. I think Komai did the right thing to force Soichiroh to fix things himself and be independent but I’m sure that Komai will help him in some way or another. Hopefully, he gets to fix his problems with Sumi soon so that he can focus on the company again. About Sumi, well, she is still keeping things to herself and I notice that her hairstyle seems more ladylike here than childlike before. Scans by xiuxiu for BW.

Quote of the day:
When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you. ~ African Proverb

Stardust★Wink [Chapters 16-17]
Tuesday, May 18, 2010

[I did this series first because it is suppose to be just one chapter only for this month which is scanned by wangachong/emma in BW but then, when I’m about to finish, someone posted the latest chapter also in BW. This other one is scanlated by a newly formed Chinese group all★wink汉化组 with scans by karen870509. They did chapter 16 so I get to cross-check some stuff but their chapter 17 is done by different translators. It is a bit of difficult since they seem to be using some slang or ‘sounds alike’-stuff so I think I made some mistakes. I do hope that they are minor ones =P Since it is also uploaded in other sites, I doubt the other one that is usually scanned would still be uploaded just like what happened with KwUwA so there is no use waiting for it that I summarized all two while I’m at it. Anyway, these two chapters cap the junior high arc. ^^ PS. There is a new Kaichou wa Maid-sama! side story in Chinese but the story is just for laughs. Imagine all the guys are girls and the girls are guys. Maybe it is Kaichou wa Shitsuji-sama! (The President is a butler.) It’s amusing and lol, they also did that kiss. =P I wonder if you won’t think of the characters the same way again like sexy female Usui =P Edit: For convenience, it is in this link. It's actually in the link below of the title but unless you can read Chinese, you might not find it since they used the title of the story which turns out to be what I mentioned above ^^;]

[Chapter 16]: While walking to school, Anna is reading some English notes. [what certain words in English means in Japanese or in this case, Chinese] Her female friends call out to her. Rui* comments that Anna is really diligent to study while walking to school. [*Ah, I’m really sorry but it turns out that other friend is called Rui not Ryuu who is Sou’s sister. ^^;;] Anna says that it is because she has entrance exams the day after tomorrow. Rui has already been confirmed and recommended [by the school]. Princess feels that the one she tested in earlier is quite good and of course, Anna is nervous about hers. Rui says that until now, she is still isn’t used to it – the situation of Anna going to school alone. Anna looks surprised and says that she is still talking about that when she started going to school alone since second semester. Rui says that even so, she is still not used to it. Princess happily says that she understands for there is still a tendency to think, ‘there’s Sou-kun and Hinata-kun’ [with Anna] even until today. Narration: “Since we were young, I grew up with Sou and Hinata in the same building so this kind of thing is also a first. Ever since that day in summer, I didn’t say a word to Hinata. Even if I usually see Sou and Hinata together, but that place doesn’t have me anymore. Before I knew it, seasons have changed and it will be graduation soon.” At the gym for some graduation practice, Anna says that it is cold there. Rui says that the graduation ceremony is tomorrow and the entrance exams will be on the day after tomorrow so if Anna gets a cold now, she will be in real deep trouble. While Anna is holding to Rui and shouting that from her point of view, rather than say that the entrance exams are on the day after tomorrow.., Princess suddenly exclaims how cool/handsome Sou and Hinata are. Anna looks at the direction of the two guys who were chatting. Someone says that Sou will be going to Shinkoshi [新越] High and she heard that he got confirmed. Another one exclaims her disbelief for she thought that he’s going to Seisha [星瀉]. Someone replies that she thought so, too since Sou is really intelligent. Anna just looks at them and thinks that they are actually nearby. Princess comments that it turns out that Sou is also going for Shinkoshi. She asks Anna if that is the same school as the one that Rui got in. Princess comments that school seems to be in their school’s recommendation list.

A couple of girls are talking about which school Hinata tested in. The other girl says that she heard that Hinata has enrolled at high school in Tokyo. The girl exclaims her disbelief and that the entrance exam is held very early. While Sou is pointing something to Hinata, Anna looks sad as she thinks that Hinata has already enrolled in that school. “Why? Why is it like this? Why do I have to hear this news from someone else?” Then, the two boys look at her direction. This quickly made Anna look away from them. Anna is aghast as she thinks this is bad for she had impulsively looked away from them. Sou angrily mutters, “That idiot.” Hinata’s expression looks blank. Sou is somewhat surprised when Hinata looks away. Sou looks serious and somewhat irritated. Back at the apartment, in Anna’s room, Sou comes in and tells Anna who is studying on her desk, “The awful girl over there, you should definitely come tomorrow morning.” Anna looks at him in surprise and says, “..Ha?” Pointing at her, Sou shouts, “We should at least go to school together on the last day so you better come!” Anna replies, “No..about that, Sou-kun? I already said it many times, I..” Sou darkly says, “I don’t care, idiot. The two of you decided on your own to go to school alone, and you guys won’t even give me a definite reason. You won’t even listen to my persuasions- Even if things are like this until now, I just bear it all and didn’t do anything but I’m really angry! Since the two of you are doing things on your own then in return I’ll also do things on my own! The day after tomorrow, Hinata will be riding the Shinkansen at night for Tokyo, so tomorrow is the last day.” Anna is stunned then looks somewhat sad as she remembers Hinata. She bows down and mutters, “But..” Sou angrily says what she is still saying that at this time. He is surprised when Anna shouts, “But, I’m afraid!” Anna thinks that she doesn’t want to see that kind of expression on Hinata’s face again, that expression which she saw for the first time on that day. Sou says, “Ah, I cannot give any advice because I don’t know what happened. Anyway, what I wanted to know is no longer that! What I want to know is do you want to mend things with Hinata?!” Anna is flustered and mutters, “about that,” She then shouts, “Of course, I want to!” Sou says, “Good, then it’s decided!” Anna then tries to protest again but Sou says, “Tomorrow, at 7:50am. If you dare not come, I’ll kill you in a gruesome way ♥ Bye!” With that, Sou leaves and slams the door. Anna thinks that he’s such a dictator. She becomes nervous as to what she should do tomorrow. She tells herself to calm down and she should think that this is something good since she can patch things up with Hinata. “Okay--,” she thinks.

The next day, in bed, she thinks that it is too noisy. Her cellphone is ringing. She answers the phone. After a pause, Sou asks her if she just woke up. “It’s already 8am.” Anna’s eyes widens in shock. She goes into her mother’s room and shouts what time is it. Her mother wakes up from her commotion and goes into panic since it is already 8am. Anna apologizes to Sou that her mother has overslept. “You guys should go on ahead, okay? If you guys wait for me, the three of us will be late.” There is a long pause that Anna asks, “Sou?” Sou replies, “Idi—ot” then hangs up the phone. Anna looks dark and aghast that she has been called an idiot. [and probably because it is true.] At the gym, the diplomas for section 1 is being given out. Sitting beside Anna, Princess tells Anna that she really surprised her for she thought that she is going to be absent on graduation day. Anna says that she just overslept. She laments why she has to oversleep on that day. Then, Hinata is called onstage to receive his diploma. Anna looks in surprise as she thinks that everything doesn’t seem to be real. With memories from childhood to the time when they are always together, Anna thinks, “We were always together...Is today really the last day..?” After the ceremony, Rui asks Princess where Anna is for they were supposed to take a picture together. Princess says that Anna suddenly dashed out and she doesn’t know where she is head off to. Running at the hallway, Anna thinks, “If it is like that, I do not want things to end this way..Even if Hinata will be going to Tokyo, but..” She sees Hinata in front of the door. She is about to call him but she freezes upon seeing Mari talking with Hinata. Mari notices her and calls out to Anna. She congratulates Anna for graduating. She happily asks Anna if she wants a picture with Hinata and she’ll help her take one. Looking down, flustered Anna says, “..No, I..” Mari tells her not to be shy and lend her the camera. Anna wonders what to do for she won’t dare look at Mari’s face and she also won’t dare look at Hinata’s face. “Please stop, don’t come close to me again--..” Anna and Mari are surprised when Hinata says that he’s going ahead. Hinata then starts walking away. Mari says that it seems that it is true that according to Hinata, since summer, he hasn’t talked with Anna. “Sorry, okay? It is because of me--” Anna backs away and shouts, “Stop!! ...Please do not touch me..” Hinata turns around to see Anna running at the opposite direction. Anna thinks, “No good, just from seeing this person, I felt like I’m being swallowed by a black vortex wherein I cannot control my emotions. That day will happen again..towards that kind of me, Hinata will definitely..”

Someone calls out to Anna. It is Sou who holds her hand and exclaims that he finally found her. Sou tells her that he went to her classroom but she wasn’t there so he thought she already went home. He then notices that she is teary-eyed that he asks what happened. Anna wipes her tears and says that it is nothing. She changes the topic by asking what happened to him for his uniform is all messed-up. His coat is open and there are no buttons. Anna asks if he plans to go home like that and even if he wants to be stubborn [/easygoing], he shouldn’t dress up like that. A couple of girls then arrive and one of them asks Sou for his button. [It is a tradition to get the buttons of your crush during graduation.] Sou darkly turns around and apologizes that there are no buttons left. The girl cries while her friend tells her that is why she said that she should have told Sou earlier. Sou turns around to Anna and asks if she has seen Hinata already. Anna says that on the last day to the last moment, she is still one step slower. Anna stops as tears keeps on falling. While thinking of the moment when they are together, she says, “Already..it doesn’t matter anymore..today is really the last day.” She is surprised when Sou holds her face and pulls her towards him. [I thought he’s going to kiss her ^^; but it turns out, he didn’t.] Sou tells her not to say any ‘last/end’-type of words again and if she dare say that again, he’s going to kill her in a gruesome way. The two are standing at the corridor near the window so everyone including Hinata who were outside the building can see them. The girls are exclaiming to look at Sou and Anna there and what are they doing. They wonder out loud if those two are going steady because if not, they won’t be acting like that there. Another girl exclaims, “Ah~ but no matter what is said, I totally think that Koshiro-classmate and Sou-kun are quite suitable for each other [as compared to Hinata]. Don’t they look as if, they really getting along with each other?” The other girl agrees. Sou is pinching Anna’s cheek and tells her to remember that. Anna mutters that it hurts. Hinata just looks at them then walks away at the opposite direction.

[Chapter 17]: While Sou is holding her face, Anna wonders why Sou [is like/saying that] when their [three of them] relationship has already reached the point of no return. Anna then pushes Sou away and shouts for him to distance a bit because his face is too close to hers. Anna is shock over Sou putting his face so close to her. Sou giggles and asks if she actually thought that he’s going to kiss her. “Too bad~ Sorry~ For making you anticipate it. Anna-chan is a H~” [H = pervert] Anna looks flustered as she can only say, ‘Darn it’. Sou says that is what he wanted to say because yesterday she obviously wanted to patch things up with Hinata yet today she is saying ‘it doesn’t matter anymore’. He tells her that she is like a cloudy weather that is undecided [whether to be sunny or rainy]. Sou sighs and says, “Anyway, you’re always going back that this is all ‘Mari-chan’ sensei wrong doing--” Anna is shaking in anger as she shouts what he meant by ‘anyway’. Sou tells her that Mari seems to want to get married. “When she reaches a certain age, she is also going to say bye-bye to this school. Hinata also knows about this.” Anna asks, “..Eh?” Sou adds, “What I’m saying is that Hinata and that woman aren’t going to get married. From the start of summer, fundamentally, that is what those two are saying.” Anna is totally shock. She feels dizzy while thinking, “Wh-wh-wha-wha-what?! Doing that kind of thing to Hinata then she’ll get married with another guy? Which planet did that person come from? Mari-chan planet? No no no, compared to this, what could Hinata be feeling..” Her thoughts are interrupted by Sou who says, “...really, it would be best for that woman to die.” Anna is speechless as Sou darkly explains that Mari’s boyfriend ran away from marriage [cannot commit] and became a jobless drifter. “In that kind of situation, he still couldn’t find a new job. Later on, this has been very much discussed in the neighborhood.” Anna is stunned and can only mutter, “Sou..?” Sou then shouts,“If this keeps up, won’t you lose to that woman?! It is really infuriating that we are being broken apart just because of those people’s moods!!” Anna got in the mood that she also shouts, “Da-darn it!! That person is saying some ‘it’s my fault, I’m sorry’ type of..” Sou darkly asks, “Ha ah--? That’s too fake.” Anna shouts ‘darn’ again. Sou exclaims, “Are you going to cower down to that person’s distorted wickness!!” Anna shouts back, “I absolutely won’t cower down!” Sou then exclaims, “Okay, go to where Hinata is!!” At that, Anna backs down and says not today. Sou reminds her that Hinata will be leaving to Tokyo tomorrow and if she didn’t go today.. Anna says that even if he said that, she still has entrance exams tomorrow so if she didn’t go home quickly to study, she will be in big trouble. “Isn’t Hinata going to ride the Shinkansen at night[/dusk]? I’ll just quickly go to the station afterwards. I will absolutely send him off!! Sou, you’ll be going too, right? Then, see you at station..” Before Anna leaves, Sou says, “You should absolutely come. Hinata definitely also wanted to mend things with you. Don’t disappoint him.” Anna smiles and waves goodbye. She wonders if Sou will still say that, if he knew that she deliberately tried to evade it. “I couldn’t say it even if I obviously don’t have time to worry about it.”

At a school, Anna seems to be in a good mood that she talks out loud to herself, “Preparation complete. Power up. All systems, go-!!” Her smile freezes when Princess comments, “This is the Anna who really looks cheerful on the outside.” Princess tells her even if it is just on the outside, it’s still very good that Anna is in the mood for the test. She is worried about Anna if she is okay since she is always pacing back and forth at the lines. Princess gets something from her bag. She says, “Here, gambatte!! It can definitely help!!!” It is a small bar of KitKat [chocolate-covered wafer]. Flustered Anna holds the chocolate and asks if she specially bought it. Princess happily tells her that today is Anna’s birthday so it is a ‘gambatte’ and ‘happy birthday’. Anna is teary-eyed then hugs Princess tight while exclaiming Princess’ name. While everyone is watching, Anna exclaims, “Thank you!! I thought that because everyone is busy with their studies that my birthday has been forgotten (cry)!!” Princess says that she isn’t too busy studying. That is 90% true. Anna continues to shout, “Thank you!! As expected, friends are indispensable!” Princess says ya but she doesn’t really like being sticky with another person so would Anna please move a bit. Anna lets her go then her cellphone rings. While Anna is checking her cellphone, Princess reminds her to turn her phone off during the test. Anna says ya. She then reads a message of ‘Happy Birthday’ from some unknown email. Princess says that someone else also remembered it. Anna replies, ya but she doesn’t know who send it. Princess wonders out loud that it could be Hinata. Just while Anna is thinking about this, a guy calls out, “Hinata!!” [It sounds like Hinata (ヒナタ).] Anna instinctively turns around but it turned out that guy is calling out some black-haired guy. The guy asks why ‘Hinata’ is late. ‘Hinata’ says that there’s traffic. Turning around again, Anna just laughs and says that surprised her and there’s no way Hinata will be there. “No, Hinata doesn’t even have a cellphone and he won’t also be sending me a message..” She is surprised again when Princess screams out loud that they are in the wrong testing area. Anna exclaims in disbelief and asks where it is. Princess then points while shouting where it should be. Looking at them, ‘Hinata’s friend comments what’s with those two who were so loud. ‘Hinata’ glances at them. And, the testing starts as Anna did her best.

Soon, the exams are finished. On the way home, Anna is talking with her mother on the phone. Her mother asks how the exams are. Anna tells her mother that she answered all the questions. She just thinks that she isn’t sure if her answers are right though. Her mother is very happy about it and tells her to come home quick for she’s going to buy some cake [for celebration]. Anna sighs and thinks that it is finally over. She then remembers the email message earlier. “It doesn’t seem okay to answer it with a ‘who are you?’ so maybe I should write some polite words.” She types back a message, “Thank you for your message. I’m very happy that you remembered my birthday.” She holds up her cellphone and sends it. She then thinks, “If I don’t hurry, if I don’t quickly go to the station, Hinata will leave already. But, what will happen when I arrive there? Will he turn around if I call his name?” Then, her cellphone rings again. She wonders if it is from the person she just emailed. She is surprised to read the answer = “I’ll remember Anna and Sou’s birthday-- throughout my life.” She finally realizes who it is. Someone then asks if it is alright for her to just stand around there. She turns around to see Sou on his bicycle. Sou darkly asks if she isn’t going to seriously send Hinata off and it turned out she is still dilly-dallying there. Sou asks if it is about not being in time and she doesn’t mind, he can give her a lift. Anna rides behind Sou on the bicycle and shouts for him to fly. At the station, it is now time to board the 16:13 train for Tokyo. Hinata’s mother[?] tells a somewhat reluctant Hinata that he has to ride that or else. Hinata follows his mother to the train as Anna and Sou are climbing up the stairs. Anna sees Hinata about to enter the train that she shouts, “Hinata!” Hinata turns around and looks surprised. Anna thinks, “There is something that I wanted to tell him. Something that I should tell him. It isn’t about ‘like’[/love] or ‘sorry’. I finally realize it.” While Hinata is standing at the door of the train, Anna shouts, “The three of us should still go out and have fun!!!! I and Sou will always be here. We will be here waiting for you!!” While teary-eyed and smiling, Anna continues, “So, even if you went to Tokyo, you should still do your best!!” The door has closed and Anna runs beside the train to see Hinata. From the window on the door, Anna is taken aback when Hinata smiles back and waves goodbye. With that, the train leaves. As tears are falling down, Anna is also smiling. While riding the bicycle with Sou back to their apartment, Anna asks when Hinata got a cellphone. Sou says two days ago and it seems that his parents said that he should have one since he’s going to Tokyo. Sou informs her that Hinata made him tell Anna’s email address. Anna then looks somewhat flustered. She then breaks into a smile and thanks Sou. She tells him that she’ll be under his care and she hadn’t asked him about that school [so they will be going in the same school]. Sou tells her that she hasn’t passed it yet. Anna can only shout that he’s a killjoy. Anna is surprised when Sou tells her that Hinata gave him her birthday present. She goes to Sou’s place. Sou then gives her a painting. Anna is delighted to see that it is a picture of the three of them posing in a classroom in their junior high uniform. Narration: “At first, for the three of us not to be together, spring is quite lonely. At present, he is very reliable. Something that won’t change exists here. Forever.”

It’s nice that things ended that way and Anna is really in a nick of time there. I think this junior high arc is all about friendship and moving on as we have different goals but of course, we are still connected in some way. I am somewhat bothered as to why it took so long for them to make up. They lost almost a year’s worth of more memories with each other. Anna is an easy-going type who needs people to prod her to get her to do what she has to do. That is the same with her studies and about reconciling with Hinata. But, what did it took a long time for Hinata? Why didn’t he reach out to her just like what he did on her birthday? I guess the problem would be who’ll take the initiative. It is either that or I’m thinking that Hinata is also giving her space and well, to concentrate on her studies. Of course, it’s really good for them to have a ‘connector/mediator’ that is Sou and that role used to be Hinata. I’m curious what will happen though if it is the two boys who are quarrelling, will Anna be the ‘mediator’? Another thing is, should Anna reconcile with Hinata before or after the entrance exams? What she did is risky for she might not reach Hinata in time and well, if she didn’t, she will be in for regrets and of course, Hinata won’t be leaving with a smile. Well, studies are also important but I’m curious though, what if Anna failed the exams? Is she going to repeat the grade? Hehe, there is no junior high in our country so I actually don’t know that there are entrance exams to high schools ^^; But then, it seems that Anna isn’t good with pressure since she tends to be reckless about it like forcing herself to have a boyfriend and she ended up breaking hearts, left and right. When she wanted to do something, it goes naturally like the stuff that she shouted to Hinata before he left. Well, hopefully Anna would mature a bit since she seems to be the one who isn’t among her friends and find what she really wants to do which obviously, isn’t studying =P As for Mari, I wonder if she will still appear in the series to redeem herself. It does seem her ‘punishment’ that she wanted to marry but her would-be husband doesn’t want to commit and became a bum. So, I guess in the high school arc, the light-haired Hinata will be replaced by the dark-haired Hinata. I’m curious if Hinata will still have a role later on even if he is already in Tokyo. Well, hopefully, the author won’t disappoint with how she plans to continue this story ^^

Quote of the day:
A friend is a hand that is always holding yours, no matter how close or far apart you may be. A friend is someone who is always there and will always, always care. A friend is a feeling of forever in the heart. ~ Author Unknown

Free Talk: Strobe Edge 33 Reaction
Monday, May 17, 2010

I’ve read the latest chapter in ankemaybe’s blog and I’m not pleased. It is really infuriating when the character I like in the series is being treated awfully by the author and doesn’t get the ‘prize’ which is of course, in shoujo, the leading girl. Does he have to be beaten up like that? Why does he have to confess again? And, that is like the third time. Is he that desperate? Andou, are you a super M? Hehe, of course, it doesn’t help that I don’t think Ninako is worth it. =P Hehe, for some reason, it seems like VK’s Zero but then, at least Zero has some sort of 50% hope. =P I’m really, really hoping Andou to move on and of course, still not end up with Mao. For the former half to happen, I guess Ninako and Ren have to finally get together but depending on what Ninako’s answer is, if she doesn’t admit her feelings because she pities Andou then, this can drag on a bit. Hehe, I might not summarize this for the meantime because Cinderella stories are nice but I don’t want to sit through the ‘bullying’ especially if it is the character that I like =P

Hyakunen Renbo [Chapter 4]
Saturday, May 15, 2010

[Hehe, I’m recovering then suddenly things turned for the worse ^^; What I thought to be indigestion became what seems to be an infection. Anyway, I’m a little better again and hopefully, I’m now taking the proper medication. =P Thanks for the get-well wishes ^^ I finished this a few days ago but when I’m doing the finishing touches, the unexpected happened. Anyway, this summary is made possible by the scans of yuu_Chan and the translation of BW’s seiryou. PS. Bubu tagged that Aaliyah's name should be Maria so I revised it. Thanks Bubu. ^^ ]

Narration: “Coming in this world for a hundred or so years, I thought that there is nothing that I do not know about.” In the greenhouse, Louis tells Eva about the festival that is held every year for three days in their place is starting today. Narration: “This place is Fernest Kingdom which the fifth prince, who smashed the tradition of the first prince attaining the throne, inherited.” Eva just tends to the plants and says, okay. Louis exclaims as to why her reaction is only like that when there are fireworks on the third day. He knows that she is very happy upon seeing those fireworks because he always thought that she’s ‘very cute’ while he is looking at her [watching the fireworks]. This made Eva blush. Louis happily whistles. Narration: “And this guy who is saying such frivolous things is the country’s king, Louis. And, also, I’m his lover, Eva. I belong to the witch clan who possess extensive medical knowledge and have a long life expectancy compared to humans.” Louis says that she hasn’t really gone to a festival. “So do you want to go with me this year?” Eva protests that she is a witch. Narration: “The sign that one is a witch is one’s hair that is black which people look on with suspicion.” Louis suggests that she wear a disguise. Even if Eva wanted to go, she just says that it is no big deal and surely Louis is busy. Louis holds her hand and says, “I want to go with you. How about Eva? Will you be going? Or you still don’t want to go?” Eva blushes. She smiles and says, “Then- ” They were interrupted when a lively guy charges in and calls out to Louis. The guy hugs Louis. Louis shouts, “Edgar-niisan~~!?” Narration: “Trials always suddenly comes out when one least expect it.” Edgar introduces himself as the fourth prince of five, who is currently going around the world to learn more about [/investigate] it. Louis says that Edgar is a playboy who likes to wander around. Eva just nervously smiles at him. Edgar notices her looking at him that he asks, “Miss witch Eva? I have earlier heard rumors about witches.” This made Eva tense but to her surprise, he holds up her chin and says, “But you can relax. Whether it is human or a witch, as long as it is a woman, regardless of age, she is my type.” Louis quickly pulls his brother away from Eva and shouts that he can’t [do that]. Edgar tells him that he isn’t going to steal Eva but he’s only just going to cause trouble [stir things up]. Louis shouts again that also he can’t [do that/that is much worse]. Eva thinks that Edgar is such a weird brother but it seems that he isn’t a bad guy. Louis asks what brought Edgar back. Edgar says that no wonder it is Louis [to know that something’s up]. Somewhat nervous, Edgar says that honestly, he has a request.

Together with Eva, Louis enters the meeting room where Gilbert and Ian are sitting. Louis asks Gilbert if he was the one who called Edgar back. Gilbert says, ya. Eva narrates that Gilbert is the country’s first prince who wasn’t able to become king because of his arrogance. “Right now, he’s like a tiger, always watching and gazing towards the goal of becoming king which he passionately desired and longed for.” Eva comments to Ian that his complexion looks good. Ian smiles back and says that it is thanks to her. Eva narrates that Ian is Gilbert’s trusted aide whom she had cured from his illness so lately, he is quite sincere towards her. Eva isn’t hopefully that this will continue for a long time. Just then, Edgar enters the room and apologizes for being late. Gilbert grabs his collar and darkly asks about how dare Edgar made him wait and he’s really gutless. Edgar sighs and tells Gilbert that it is because he is such an arrogant bully that he wasn’t able to become king. Gilbert can only become furious but he cannot rebut what Edgar said. Edgar tells them that as he is about to head back to the country, a daughter of the chancellor expressed her interest in his country so he came back with her. Edgar shows them the girl. Eva thinks that the girl is very cute. The girl introduces herself as Maria. She hopes that the interaction between their two countries would deepen and during this short time, she will be under their care. Edgar says that it might be inappropriate but could Louis accompany her to the festival. This surprises both Eva and Louis. Louis exclaims why him and should it be Edgar who is doing this. Edgar says of course he would want to accompany her but he already had an earlier commitment. Louis is totally speechless. Edgar then says how about Louis asking this favor from Gilbert. Louis says that it is impossible since a while ago, Edgar just stepped on a landmine. [= made Gilbert pissed off] Maria says that regarding their good relationship from today on, she also wants to talk about a lot of things with Louis. Eva thinks that she really wants to go, but Louis is very busy. Also, it won’t be easy for her to spend time alone with him. That truth is she really wanted to see the fireworks, just like what Louis said. Wanting to go but cannot go, she can only blankly gaze and just listen to the sounds of the festival until it gradually dissipates. She thinks that before Louis is her lover, he is a king so the priority shouldn’t be her. Louis looks at Eva and calls her name. Eva just says that it is okay, he can go with Maria because after all, they don’t have any commitment to each other [no date]. Louis looks surprised and asks if there will really be no problem. Eva tells him that she can go to the festival alone. Louis says that isn’t what he meant but rather, is it okay for him to go alone with her [Maria]. Somewhat uneasy, Eva just says ya, why should there be a problem. She wonders what Louis meant. Maria asks if she has troubled them. Louis says no. Eva is surprised to see somewhat sad Louis kissing Maria’s hand. Louis breaks into a smile and apologizes for snubbing her. “As my brother’s important friend, I’m going to accompany you to some sight-seeing.” Eva wonders what that faint pain [in her heart] that she felt.

At the greenhouse, Eva is busy digging into the soil to put in some pots. She tries to rationalize that kissing of the hand is just a common etiquette. She remembers what Louis asked if it will alright if he goes with Maria. Eva just tells herself that this is inevitable because this is work. She then imagines Maria holding Louis’ arm. This further infuriates Eva that she tosses away her shovel and shouts that this is annoying. She decides to take her mind of it and for that annoying feeling to disappear by going to the festival and eat something delicious. Eva disguises herself as a boy and walks around the festival. She finds it really astonishing and she always wanted to go there. She then unconsciously calls out to Louis that she will start in that side. She is speechless since a family was looking at her in surprise. Eva tries to pose to cover her mistake as the family of three just passes by. She thinks that all of these are the things she wanted to see, always wanted to see yet why she isn’t happy at all. She passes by all the people. Then, the scene changes to Eva moping in the greenhouse. She gloomily thinks that it has been two whole days wherein she hasn’t seen Louis. She hears a sound and thinking it is Louis, she happily smiles but it turns out to be just Gilbert and Ian. Eva grumpily looks away and says that it’s just Gilbert. Gilbert says that is what he wanted to say and what it is, isn’t Louis around. Eva just replied, who knows where Louis is because since that day, she hasn’t seen Louis so don’t think that the two of them [Louis + Eva] will always be together. Gilbert looks at her in surprise. Gilbert says that it seems that Eva is in a really bad mood because of the girl that Edgar brought back. Edgar tells Ian that they are going. Eva just shoos them away and tells them to quickly go. Ian smiles and says that it seems that Eva actually have times when she is jealous. Eva looks puzzled-surprised. “Jealous?” While walking at the corridor, she tries to convince herself that it isn’t jealousy. She then sees Maria holding Louis arm as they both smile at each other. They say something to each other and laugh together. Maria then whispers something to Louis. Eva looks stunned-sad by it. When she takes a step backward while thinking she hates [to see that], she bumps into Gilbert. Gilbert looks surprised to see Eva a bit flustered. Then, Louis notices Eva so he calls out to her. Louis happily says that it is quite rare for her to be with Gilbert and he’ll get jealous. Eva thinks that it is obviously that they haven’t seen each other for a while yet that is all Louis can say. Eva throws back what he said by saying that he looks quite happy while chatting with Maria. Eva is surprised when Louis says ya, for Maria asked him if he would want to watch the fireworks for tonight together. Then, Louis is shock when Eva says ‘if that is so’ and ‘isn’t that good’. While holding on to surprised Gilbert’s arm, Eva says, “The truth is, I also accepted and will be watching together with Gilbert.” Looking uneasy, Gilbert says, “hey..” Teary-eyed, Eva asks this favor from him to go along with her after all, he owed her one for saving Ian. Eva felt like crying. Her face isn’t facing Louis. Gilbert smiles and then holds Eva to him. Louis calls out to his brother. Gilbert puts on his arrogant expression and says, “You shouldn’t be angry, right? You have already taken a lot of things that’s mine. It won’t be too much if I occasionally also take something from you, right?” Eva thinks, “Eh..?! Wait a minute! Why did things turn out this way!? I’m just frustrated that Louis is bragging that girl invited him so I just want him to look at me so I..ah ah, this is like being a kid who is provoking the other...” Louis smiles and says that indeed that is true but he doesn’t plan on giving anything of the same worth to him. Gilbert asks what he meant by that. “Does it mean that it doesn’t matter if I made this woman mine?” Louis says, “Of course, you cannot have Eva either. Eva is mine.” Gilbert says that Louis is still quite greedy for he wants all. Louis asks if that is true but actually, his desire is quite simple. “Eva is the most important [person/thing] to me. Other than her, I don’t want any of it. But, I need position and reputation so that a weakling me can protect her. That is why I won’t give that to you. That’s all there is to it.”

Eva thinks that no matter how she attempted to throw a tantrum, she still couldn’t and she still couldn’t win against Louis. Louis tells Eva to come to her. Eva goes to him and hugs him. Gilbert looks away and says, “..Hmph. How boring.” Before he leaves, he glances at the two and adds, “There will be a day when that will cost you your life..” While Louis is hugging Eva, Eva mutters, “..you big..” Louis asks, “Huh?” Eva then gives him an uppercut and shouts, “You big idiot-!!” While Louis is wincing in pain, Eva shouts what he meant by most important and besides her, he doesn’t want any of those. “Then from the very start, you should have come and see me! Don’t leave me alone..Because I haven’t seen you the entire time, I thought that you are really getting along with the girl. When you just touched that girl, I felt this indescribable anger..this..this kind of jealousy, living for a hundred year, this is the first time..!” Louis’ expression softens as he sees that Eva is crying. While Eva is thinking that it seems that this is the reason why she isn’t happy at the festival, it is because Louis isn’t beside her. Louis hugs her and apologizes. Eva becomes embarrassed and shock upon seeing Louis laughing. He says that right now, he is really very happy because he wanted to see Eva jealous so he deliberately made her angry. “I’m really sorry.” Louis suddenly becomes dizzy and feels that the world is going around and around before he faints. Eva thinks that if something is always by one’s side as if that is meant to be, then one would notice when it is gone. On bed, Louis laments at how inferior he is to have suddenly fainted. He is really a failure. Taking the wet towel from his head, Eva says that she has heard that he has always been in the room working. Eva blushes when Louis says that it is because he wanted to go to the festival with Eva. He then sits up and asks where Maria is. Eva says that because she really wanted to see the fireworks, they’ve asked Gilbert to accompany Maria. “Regarding you, she just said, ‘Unexpectedly, he is quite indifferent to my sex trap, such a boring man. Because I’m a super S, so a guy who cannot be bullied is boring.’ – But, she also said that she’s envious of me.” That made Louis blush. Eva then says, “..Louis..I--” She is interrupted by the fireworks that can be seen on the window. Louis says that it has started. He then asks what she was saying a while ago. Eva looks at him then looks away. She says that it is nothing. “It’s just that I feel really happy that I can watch the fireworks with you.” Narration: “Louis..I—seem to like you even more, contrary to what I thought.” Edgar sits by the door and thinks that when he heard that Louis has fainted, he quickly came back but thankfully, Louis is quite lively. “Because Louis is such a cute younger brother, as an older brother, I’m very worried. So this time, I tried to cause some trouble but..if you are happy, then there is nothing bad about this. Okay, as an unwanted third party, I should take my leave. I wonder if everything is alright with oni-sama?” Narration: “Because of the fireworks, I wasn’t able to say those words. It won’t matter if I tell you about it next year on the same day. But regarding what happened earlier, treat this as punishment so I absolutely will not tell you!” There is a scene of Eva and Louis sleeping together on the bed while holding hands. Then, there is a last scene of aghast Gilbert and Ian as Maria giggles and says, “Please keep on scolding me..!” It seems that Maria is a fake S but is really a super M. It seems that Edgar knows about this. End narration: “There’s a huge problem.”

I don’t really have much to say since it is a typical love quarrel over jealousy. Not much character development in this chapter since it focuses more on Eva’s loneliness and jealousy. I’m amused though that Gilbert is actually letting Eva ‘order’ him around by doing favors for her. The first one is a return favor but what about accompanying Maria? I think Gilbert can also be an amusing character since he isn’t really a bad guy through and through. Well, thankfully, everything turned out alright with the love game that Louis is playing. Hehe, he did somewhat deserve that punch. Hm..I wonder if in the next chapter, another brother will come out and cause some sort of trouble. Actually, I think that Louis can just temporarily hold on his title then together with Eva, change their perception about witches, improve things, etc then, after they got everyone to their side, Louis can just retire and everyone will be happy =P

Quote of the day:
What is uttered from the heart alone, Will win the hearts of others to your own. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Mermaid Witch [One-Shot Chapter]
Wednesday, May 12, 2010

[This is from Cheese! by Sakurada Hina. The title in Japanese is 魔女になった人魚 which means the mermaid that has become a witch, according to babelfish. I like this person’s art and I think this tragic story is pretty good. It is, of course, somewhat based on the Little Mermaid. PS I’ve summarized this before I got sick.]

Girls throughout the world would always cry and grieve over the mermaid princess but there is another part of the story that people don’t know about and it is something that cannot be just casually be told. Once a upon a time, there is a mermaid who had fallen in love with a prince. They always meet at night until morning to confirm their love for each other. The mermaid wished to have legs like the prince and soon, this longing made her heart ache. Her beautiful song has become a sad one because she loves the prince deep down in her heart. But one day, she is attacked by a shark which disfigured half of her face. Still longing to see the prince, she exchanged her hair for a pair of ugly legs because she doesn’t want to exchange her voice for a pair of beautiful legs. With thoughts of the prince telling her that she’s cute and wanting to hear her beautiful singing voice, she wakes up and goes to see the prince. She opens the bedroom door to find the prince in bed with another woman. She realizes that the prince only liked the mermaid who looks beautiful on the outside. Seeing her disfigured face, almost hairless and ugly legs, he shouts, “Monster!” This made the mermaid cry in anguish that she kills the prince. She vows never to love anyone again and heads back down into the deep sea. After a hundred and so years, a mermaid says, “Hey, granny witch, please use your magic..and grant me legs just like humans.” The witch shouts for the mermaid to not call her old. Narration: It turns out that the transformed mermaid before has nowhere else to go so she ends up living with the witch who gave her legs. She doesn’t know when but she ends up learning some magic. Then, when the witch whom she lived with, died, she is now all alone again. As time passes, the eccentric mermaid has fallen to become an unreasonable, cruel witch. End narration. She asks her client mermaid if she has fallen for a human so she wants to have legs and she will help her grant her wish. She tells the mermaid to swim near the beach before the sun rises and drink the potion. Just as her tail becomes legs, she will also lose her voice. The witch tells her that she will be in pain when she starts walking on legs that used to be a tail. “There’s nothing to be afraid..even if you cannot speak, you still have your beautiful appearance that you can captivate any man.”

The witch looks up as the mermaid heads above water. She laughs and says that girl really went. She comments that girl really doesn’t know anything about the surface for she is just depending on her looks to captivate men. She smiles in glee for she wants everyone to have the same pain she suffered. Narration: “Ah, such a pitiful witch.” The witch says that is the 32th female fish [what she calls mermaids] who wanted to have legs. Outside her cave/house, there is a sign ‘making your dreams come true’. The witch giggles as she exclaims how cruel for that mermaid was turned into a sex slave. She always watches the lives of those mermaids [in her crystal ball] until their last moments. She feeds her hungry eel and happily says that being alone, she lives such a carefree and happy life. She is surprised when someone screams out loud. She peeks out to see a young handsome merman asking for help since a shark is attacking him. When the merman sees her, he lets out another scream. The witch looks stunned and asks if she is that scary that he would scream upon seeing someone’s face. The witch thinks that if she looks young then he wouldn’t have screamed like that but on the other hand, she also hates sharks. After killing/driving away the shark, she goes to the young man and asks what bring him to that place to see a witch. The man winces in pain while trying to say something that she realizes that his fin is injured from the shark’s bite. She says that the fin is a fish’s life so he’s quite pathetic that it is torn. She thinks that she really hates guys like him who judge people based on their appearances. She smiles and tells him that before hearing his request, they should fix that injury. She thinks that this kind of male fish [merman] should be made into feed for kewpie [her eel]. She holds out her hand to him but to her surprise, he ends up hugging her. He apologizes and says that he couldn’t quite swim and that granny witch is really a good person. He says that he heard of bad rumors about the deep sea witch but then, rumors are just rumors. He apologizes for screaming like that a while ago for he is really frightened that the shark would once again atta... He looks at her in surprise to see her blushing. He asks why her face is all red. The witch screams for him to shut up. She tosses the medicine to him. She tells him to have it and quickly scram. While walking away, she tells him never to come back again. The guy puts some of the medicine on his tail and says that it is great for it doesn’t hurt anymore. Before swimming away, he looks back and smiles to say, “Thank you.” She berates herself for unexpectedly palpitating when she is just touched by a young man. “This feeling is the world’s first nonsense.”

Later on, while the witch is eating some wakame [seaweed], the young merman comes back and shouts for the witch to think of a way since her pet eel kept on following him. The witch looks at him in surprise and asks why he is back. He brightly smiles and says that he has a purpose now and yesterday, he just got lost while playing hide and seek with his friends. The witch then asks, “So, what is it?” As thanks for the medicine yesterday, he brings an anemone which can bring her luck. He looks surprise again to see her blushing. He says that he thought yesterday that granny is such a shy person that he thinks she’s quite cute. The witch shouts if he is blind for how can he call her cute upon seeing such an ugly face like hers. Letting the anemone float, he says that she is hiding her face so much that he cannot see it clearly. He tells her to put down that hood of hers. As she tries to tell him to stop, he has already pulled down her hood. Narration: “While the witch is still a beautiful mermaid, the witch had a grave injury on her beautiful face and it is because of that, her beloved prince left her. So, the witch vowed never to let anyone see her face again.” She is surprised when the young man kissed her scarred face. He tells her that he doesn’t think it’s ugly, not one bit. The witch starts crying and hugs him. He hugs her back. And so, the witch who had given up on love has started to gradually find her heart again and spend her two years like that. When the merman became 18 years old, he goes above the sea surface and fell in love with a princess. The witch isn’t too happy to hear the young man telling her that he is serious about this. He likes that person and he wants granny to use her magic to make him a human. He is willing to give her whatever it is of equivalent value to it. “Please give me legs so that I can walk beside her.” The witch asks how much he knows about that girl. The merman exclaims that even if he doesn’t know, he still likes the princess and he couldn’t sleep the whole night because he is thinking about her. “This is the first time I have this kind of feeli..” The witch holds on to him and shouts that he couldn’t, for there is a huge difference between humans and mer-people. She tells him not to want to become a human just because he is infatuated. She warns him that as a useless guy who doesn’t know the ways of the world but only has good looks, humans won’t treat him nicely. “Humans are very filthy, that person is also a slut!”

This irks the merman that he shouts back what she is saying and he doesn’t understand why she would call the princess a slut and it is her [witch] who is filthy. This surprises the witch that she becomes teary-eyed. She asks if she is filthy and compared to her whom he spend time/lived with, why he is covering up for a girl whom he knew for just a few days. She cries that he still cares about physical appearance but then, why would he treat an ugly old woman like her so kindly. The witch is totally shock when the man tells her that it is because he feels that she is so lonely being alone by herself. The witch drinks something. When the merman asks what it is, the witch kisses him and gives him the potion through the mouth. He pushes her away and shouts what she is doing. She asks if it is disgusting to kiss lips to lips with an old woman. She tells him that she gave him the potion wherein he will gradually lose his voice but by tomorrow morning, his tail would become legs. “Since you feel that girl is really great, then if you want to see her, then go see her. If you want to go to your death then just go ahead.” She is surprised when the merman holds her hair. He kisses it and sadly thanks her. This flustered the witch that she shouts that she really hates a guy like him. The merman swims away then gives one sad glance at her. The crying witch touches her lips and mutters that she really hates.. Narration: “And later on, how many months had passed? The time that flows on the surface and deep in the waters isn’t the same. In the sea, it is a year but on the surface, it is ten years. Deep in the sea, the witch always watches that merman [in her crystal ball]. Whenever the merman is treated harshly, she would think that he deserved it. That is how the pitiful witch watches on.” The scene has changed to an almost naked bald old man lying on the beach. The witch mutters that he unexpectedly became very old [from age] and ugly. She tells him that she has seen that he is already dead in her crystal ball that she decided to see him. “You’re also dirty, smelly, haha, disgusting. Even if at first, you were doted on but for someone who couldn’t speak, walk properly, and doesn’t know anything about the world, she will quickly treat you coldly. As a stranger beside the princess, for the princess’ reputation, you have become a nuisance whom they would want to throw away yet they couldn’t. The older you become, the harsher they treated you that you ended up as a miserable man who is already dead yet no one cares..” The old man turns toward her. The witch asks if he is still alive. The old man stares at her. The witch asks what’s with that look. “Hate me? Isn’t all of this caused by your wish? It’s fine if you wanted to hate me! I also..” She stops when she sees him smile like he used to when he was young. He holds out his hand to her as he mouths the words, “Thank you, granny..” She quickly holds his hand and holds on to him. Her tears won’t stop falling as she cries out loud. “Uwahhhh..I love you..I love you I love you, I love you..” Narration: “Stupid witch..pitiful witch, sobbing for a very long time as she goes back into the deep sea...” The end.

It's so sad just like the original Little Mermaid story. She let herself gloat that he deserved his fate but in the end, she still loved him and obviously, this ended with a lot of regrets on her part. She should have helped him earlier on and perhaps they would have been happier but she is till vengeful that he left her. Well, hope you like this story ^^ Scans by wdsjznl/玉 in billwang

Quote of the day:
Hatred paralyses life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

The One [Chapter 66]
Tuesday, May 11, 2010

[Hehe..sorry for missing in action for the past few days. I actually got sick ^^; Still recovering though but thankfully, this chapter is quite short. I actually thought there should be an English scanlation around this time. ^^; Well, thanks for NadaS28 for the link..even if it wasn’t meant for me =P Scans by cute_maggie for baidu] Some guy informs the twins’ father about the recent news about Angus. Early in the morning, Angus went to California for a new advertisement work. The father is displeased as he thinks that Angus doesn’t plan on going back to Sweden for suddenly taking a new job. Obviously, he realized that Angus doesn’t plan on following his order. Then, in California, Angus does some modeling work. During the break, Eros comments that An Bai is a great help since she is able to find this work in such a short notice and totally looks after Angus’ ‘well-being’. Eros recommends that An Bai be given a salary raise when they get back. Seeing Eros with a bottle of beer, Angus asks if he is drunk. Eros denies it and just says that he just feels like relaxing upon arriving at a sunny city. Angus holds Eros’ hand and worriedly asks if this plan will work. Eros put his hand over Angus’ hand to reassure him since they haven’t seen their father’s men around the place yet. Two days after he finishes the shooting, Taylor will get them and soon, Angus will be safe. Still shooting, Eros overhears a staff asking some guys if they are the assistants that the company had send over. Eros looks at them and they look back at him. Eros realizes something in surprise. Then, Eros calls to Taylor to tell him that they move up their plans since the other party made their move earlier than expected. Taylor asks if he really have to do this and if there is no other way. After a pause, Eros says that there is no other way and he can only ask for Taylor’s help. “Please, you must help me protect Long.” Angus comes out after taking a shower. He sees a note beside a glass of milk. Eros wrote that he’ll sleep first. “Drink the milk and quickly sleep for you still have work early in the morning.” Angus drinks the milk and the scene shows that Eros is wide-awake. And soon, it is morning. Next chapter June 5th.

This shows how clueless the father knows about his son. He is still surprised that Angus isn’t going to obey him. ^^; How many would bet that there is a sleeping pill or whatever on that milk? Since Taylor is somewhat hesitant about the plan so I guess Eros is indeed planning on some sort of switch between them as in Eros will be the one who’ll be going to work as Angus. Well, I’m thinking of the worst case scenario but I think that somehow Eros will be ‘shipped’ to Europe in one way or another and from there on, the story moves on with Lele who will also be in Europe around that time. ^^ Hehe, I think the author will still play on the destiny factor between these two so where s/he goes, the other will follow. =P

Quote of the day:
Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you ready or not, to put this plan into action. ~ Napoleon Hill