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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. ^^
6. Teasers are from Jap raws, not meant to be accurate because I can't read Japanese.
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About this blog:
I usually write about the manga that I'm currently reading. At times, I write about the anime I watched. Since it is hard to share and talk my thoughts about a certain manga series when people don't know about it, I tend to summarize them from Chinese scanlations so beware, this blog is filled with spoilers and they are not 100% perfect. Feel free to point out my mistakes. ^^ Occasionally, I would blog about myself and other misc. things.

Layout Credits:
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. Dengeki Daisy picture in latest entries is scanned by flavia for BW.

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Past Dreams:
2009

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

Image hosting by Photobucket, Imageshack, and Xtupload.

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

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

To God Be the Glory!

Free Talk: The One 61
Tuesday, October 6, 2009

There is already a summary in mellylemon’s site so I’ll spare myself some time and not summarize this anymore. Also, the scans are already uploaded in baidu. After a three month wait, I’m somewhat disappointed with this chapter. Eros is acting like a real jerk here. Oh well, I guess he is just trying to turn Lele off and probably a bit jealous about Angus but then, daring her for a one night stand as proof that he doesn’t have any special feelings for her. ^^;; Lele looks shaken and hurt when she just wants a clarification of what he meant by ‘I know’ response to her confession. Good job, Eros..you are almost there and if you keep this up, Lele will really start wondering what he sees in you if you keep up the pretense. I do think that Lele has pride so if things turn bad to worse from here on, she might be the type who’ll make Eros beg her to go back to him = make it a bit difficult for him. I don’t think she can keep on ‘chasing him’ like this especially since he doesn’t seem ready yet with all the problems he has to deal with first. Maybe she should concentrate on her work first.

Kudos to Xiao Qui for her interpretation of the story behind the pictures. ^^ Also, at least something did go well with Lele here since Angus accepted her and would want to collaborate with her again since he is glad he worked with her this time around. Hehe, she wants for them to be friends forever..well, that could happen if she keep her hands off Eros =P Or maybe, if Angus isn’t too possessive of his brother. Lastly, if Eros is giving Lele a ‘proposal’, Angus is going to receive one. Lol, the author loves to contrast this two =P A twist that could happen here is for Ulysses to offer Angus protection or something along that line in exchange of you know what. I think Angus might have a hard time resisting it because I don’t think he wants his brother to be in danger because of him. Even if for now, it’s better for Angus to be independent and everything, I don’t think he can still stand up on his own especially against his rich and powerful father. Also, I think he is traumatized by what had happened before and what his father can do. Well, it seems the series has hit a serious note again. Scans by yukiru for BW.

Quote of the day:
Love is like a rose. It looks beautiful on the outside...but there is always pain hidden somewhere. ~ Author Unknown

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, Beelzebub, Reborn, and PSYREN
Monday, October 5, 2009

[After watching Bakemonogatari 12, I must say that it is really good ^^ It does seem like it’s been a long time since I have seen something in anime so romantic and awesome as to how it is executed ^^ I love the last part when they were alone. ^^ Amusingly, from the start, I didn’t watch this series for romance ^^; Screencaps taken from Omni’s RandomC blog. Haha..so far, this is the only anime I’m updated with. ^^; I really need to fast track soon because lots of interesting new ones already coming out this season. On another amusing side note, I was quite surprised that they made an anime of the Korean drama, Winter Sonata. Wow, Japanese really love that drama, huh? Hehe, I actually haven’t watched that drama. I just knew the plot, watch some scenes and the final scene =P ]

As Harribel falls after being slashed by Aizen in Bleach [c. 376], he comments that he never thought that after going through the trouble of gathering the espadas, he turned out to be the most powerful of them all. Harribel isn’t going to die easily as she gathers her strength to stab Aizen. Aizen is unfazed by it because the one she stabbed seems to be just an illusion and the real Aizen has stabbed her from behind. After Harribel plummets down, Hitsugaya and others are shock. Aizen then challenges everyone there. Mashiro comments about Aizen killing the last espada when Wonderweiss try to attack her. Mashiro just kicks him away. Kensei tells Mashiro to take off her mask else she exhausts herself but Mashiro doesn’t want to since she claims that she can hold it for 15 hours. Wonderweiss attack again and so they fight. Just when Mashiro is about to attack, her mask vanishes. Wonderweiss is happy about this as he starts beating up Mashiro. Kensei saves her. He tells Wonderweiss that he isn’t going to go easy on kids. It’s so anti-climactic. I was really thinking, ya, fight of Aizen vs the rest..though it’s not really Aizen alone because I’m sure Gin and Tousen might help..well, Tousen will. I forgot about Wonderweiss. Could it be that Wonderweiss is actually stronger than the ranked espada? So, maybe after they deal with him, it will be back to Yammy and finally to Aizen. I do empathize with Aizen..ya, it is a waste of effort to find any hollow/arrancar when they have a difficult winning against the enemies. Well, no one died yet. I guess that is what Aizen gets for being lazy since he should just do everything on his own if he’s too powerfully and seemingly all-knowing. I get the impression that he is just a bored guy because of his tendency to ‘play around with other people’s lives’.

In Naruto [c. 466], Mizukage + others start their attack on Sasuke. Sasuke feels pain all over his body which he thinks is a side effect for using his Susanoo power for too long. Mizukage has locked herself up with Sasuke. Mizukage has the upper hand because Sasuke is already exhausted. He and Karin are saved when Zetsu has ‘trapped’ them by covering them with some stuff which drains their chakras. Zetsu then gives the stolen chakra to Sasuke. Since Mizukage is in trouble, Tsuchikage decides to help. After being freed by his underling, Tsuchikage hits Sasuke. Karin thinks he’s dead since she can’t feel him anymore. Gaara and Raikage arrive. Raikage is angry that Tsuchikage has finish off his prey but Madara appears and tells Raikage that he still has his chance. Madara carries unconscious Sasuke. Madara says that he is going to tell them about the moon eye plan. Hehe, Madara is in such a talkative mood. ^^; When did villains start yapping about their plans? Actually, they tend to do that in stories but still, it would be better if the protagonists just learn of it on their own. Where’s the element of surprise? Or, is it the ‘it will be too late when you learn about it, edge’ type? ^^;; Maybe they are just too confident that the protagonists can’t do anything about it or maybe make the protagonists be awed at the antagonists’ plans. =P Well, as expected, Madara saved Sasuke especially because Sasuke seems to be a part of his grand plan as he hinted to Naruto earlier. The blurb hinted Kages vs Akatsuki so would they actually fight? Maybe they don’t want to hear Madara’s grand plan =P

Then in One Piece [c. 559], after Luffy insisted on saving Ace, Ace has decided to stop resisting and just grab anyone’s hand who reach out to him or accept the judgment blade because he owes everyone for doing all this to him. Buggy’s group comments that Luffy is hogging the limelight and they should take down Whitebeard. Buggy is getting scared of all the powerful and famous people there. Whitebeard called his attention and somewhat challenge him to try and get him after they defeat the marines. Buggy somehow convinces himself that he can do it and imagines himself as the king of the world so he decides to join Whitebeard temporarily. Whitebeard actually doesn’t think much of Buggy but he is somewhat worried about the trouble that Buggy’s group might cause. Whitebeard contacts his group and they start splitting up to attack the battleships. Garp comments that Whitebeard seems to have figured out their plan but Sengoku is unfazed by the turn of events. Jimbei lets Luffy and Ivankov go ahead as he deals with Moria. Smoker then attacks Luffy and pins him down since his weapon is made of seastone. Smoker says that he now knows why Dragon saved Luffy. Fortunately, Hancock saves Luffy. Kuma is fighting with Ivankov. Ivankov asks Kuma if he doesn’t remember him and he will fight him seriously. To Ivankov’s surprise, Doflamingo tells him that Kuma is already dead. I’m a bit puzzled though why this is entitled destiny. Is it about destiny of meeting like Whitebeard knowing Buggy and getting him to help them? Is it Luffy meeting with Smoker again? Hancock helping Luffy? Ivankov vs Kuma? I guess Buggy is very gullible. It seems that this will be a long battle before they can finally reach Ace. I guess Ace has decided to just accept his fate whatever it maybe. It is true that it is best that he doesn’t dissuade them from rescuing him anymore because it will be like an insult if he doesn’t accept their help especially Luffy who had pretty much gone through hell for him.

While in Beelzebub [c. 31], after Hajime and Tatsuya have beaten up some delinquents, they realize that Oga has already finished the rest. They are somewhat irritated since Oga has beaten up more and he is walking ahead as if they are his underlings. Hilda and others are watching them. Hilda asks Foras if it’s okay for them to take their time when it has been three days when BL had that cold. Foras says that he is worried about BL’s condition but then, rushing things won’t do any good since the problem with Oga and Bl is something psychological. He compared what they did to Oga as changing of the batteries of a remote control but then, for it to work, the television has to be plugged in so only Oga can bring BL back. Lamia is still angry at Oga for spanking her. They mention about something that the akuma king said regarding BL. Foras and Hilda don’t seem to mind it so Lamia let it pass for Hilda’s sake. At school, Oga is met with many delinquents. They tell Shouji that this is war for they are fighting for the sake of their school since they don’t want to be ‘lord over’ by a freshman. Shouji nervously agrees and leaves to see Tora. Oga’s group is saved by Aoi’s group. Oga asks why she is helping them but Aoi just blushes a bit and tells him to go ahead, they will handle things there. Well, I did think since all three major heads of the delinquents had gathered so of course, Aoi will join in. Hehe..I wonder how Oga can get BL off Tora since Tora is really attached to the little guy. I hope they compromise or something especially since Tora isn’t really a bad guy. I’m entertaining the idea of what if they all go to hell or something and they would have to team up against akumas. =P Hehe, that will make this into a battle manga from a gag manga. Well, I would prefer gag manga but then, I think Tohoshinki will be his friends later on since they will be like enemies becoming friends type.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 260] starts with Kawahira telling the others that they are safe for now. He comments that Byakuran is really cruel for sending assassins just to get Uni back. Tsuna wants to know how he knew about them but Kawahira just tells them that he met a student headed towards the high school. Tsuna and others tell him that it’s Hibari who is going to fight against one of the funeral wreaths. Kawahira hints that the enemies’ powers should not be underestimated. Daisy has transformed into a part fish part human creature. Daisy informs them that now, his body is a weapon and he is going to beat them up until they tell him where Uni is. Tsuna communicates with Dino that the base is destroyed and they are currently hiding in Kawahira’s place. Daisy realizes that whoever Dino is talking with is with Uni. Dino tells Tsuna that he’ll contact him again. Dino uses his full power by making his horse have flame wings which can burn anything that it cuts. Daisy’s left arm is severed but instead of being burned, it wrapped around the horse and strangled it. Daisy’s arm regenerated. Dino gets ready to fight and uses his whip but Daisy manages to evade his attacks. Dino is surprised when he seems to see an image of Byakuran overlapping Daisy. He was stabbed by Daisy’s hand. Dino realizes that Byakuran has already informed his funeral wreaths on how to fight him because Byakuran has already fought Dino in a parallel world. Dino realizes that is how Squallo is defeated. Daisy threatens to destroy Dino’s internal organs but he is saved when Hibari sends Daisy flying away. Claiming that they are disturbing the peace, Hibari sends Dino flying towards the other who treat Dino’s wound. Dino comments that Hibari is like the first generation cloud guardian based on his character and that person also uses a handcuffs box weapon. Sigh..so it’s confirmed. All of Tsuna’s comrades are to be compared to the first generation. I guess it is like going back to the golden age. What are the possibilities that they are actually ancestors of the first generation? So, that would be like it’s destiny that they all meet again. Yup, Daisy mutated. I don’t like it when series make characters mutate especially if it’s on becoming uglier but then in this case, Daisy is ugly in the first place so I won’t complain much for now. Lastly, I now realize why Tsuna and others from the present have to be brought to the future. It’s because if it is Tsuna and others of the future fight Byakuran and others, they would easily lose since Byakuran knows how to win against them based on his knowledge of their parallel selves. They would have been defeated just like how Dino and Squalo had. So, since Tsuna and others are from the present, Byakuran has no knowledge about them. Of course, it is a real gamble since Tsuna and others have to be trained from scratch regarding box weapons and rings. Anyway, with what happened, I guess Hibari will win this battle.

Finally in PSYREN [c. 89], Yoshina and Amamiya brief Matsuri about what happened in their last journey. They would want to investigate the orphanage but Matsuri tells them to leave it up to them and they should rest especially since a lot of people are watching them including the police. Before Matsuri leaves, she asks them about watching the dvd. Amamiya seems to have forgotten about it. Matsuri didn’t notice this but she just tells her to watch what happened with the declaration of war. After Matsuri left, Yoshina asks if Amamiya is alright. Amamiya just runs off and locks herself in her room. She realizes that she is starting to forget things and it could be the after-effects of Usui’s hijacking of her brain. She then have a conversation with her other self who was produced by her greed and violence. Her other self advises her to forget everything and let the other self control the body because it would be easier for Amamiya especially since her parents don’t care/worry about her. When she snaps out of it, she finds herself at the pool with Yoshina beside her. Yoshina is worried about her. She thanks him but when he mentioned about their swimming before, Amamiya confesses that she can’t remember anymore. She cries that she wanted to forget the painful things but she doesn’t want to forget the happy things after she met him. Yoshina realizes what had happened so he takes her up and jumps in the pool with her. He assures her by saying that they can just make new memories and he’ll be there for her. Amamiya is comforted by that. Elsewhere, to Kagetora’s shock, Matsuri is asking a favor from him. He is tasked to investigate the orphanage and he forces Lan and Haruhiko to join him since they owe him. They arrive at the orphanage and Junas is there. Forgetting things is indeed scary. I guess she did get what she wished for before but now regrets it since she now has happy memories which she doesn’t want to forget. I guess that other self is somehow part of Amamiya who seems to have a split personality at times. Well, I did dismiss it as being serious when needed in contrast like what happened in this chapter, she seems really weak and helpless. I do have a feeling that other Amamiya will ‘get out’ later on. Unlike Yoshina who has a family who cares for him, Amamiya doesn’t have that so she is under more stress especially since she was in psyren alone before. I do think that Yoshina is a good boyfriend or even husband material. He is very likeable that I think could be a reason why there are many people beside him as in contrast with Amamiya who seemed to close herself from others before. Anyway, I hope Kagetora and others will be alright and there won’t be a repeat of what happened before when Yoshina would have to save him again. Of course, I don’t think he would let that happen because I don’t think his ego can take another beating about being saved by ‘kids’. =P

Quote of the day:
We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone. ~ Dr. Loretta Scott

Koibana! Koiseyo Hanabi [Chapters 42-43]
Saturday, October 3, 2009

[Thank you to all for your concern ^^ The typhoon has spared our place. It’s just somewhat windy and some rain here. I’m sure that it is thanks to everyone praying since a lot of people haven’t recovered yet from the last typhoon. ^^ And for those who are celebrating, Happy 中秋節! Now on to the summary..]

While holding hands, Hanabi happily pulls Chikai to see some other animal in zoo. She thinks that slowly but surely, she’ll increase her presence in his heart but then, she doesn’t have the luxury of time to do it very slowly because there is a time limit. She wonders how much she actually weighs in Chikai’s heart because before White Day, it is already less than a month. After work, Masato and Chidori walk home. Chidori asks if he isn’t going to see his girlfriend tonight. Masato says that he isn’t because she is definitely tired from work. Chidori comments that could be the reason why Kareshi gave her Valentine’s gift in the morning. Chidori happily smiles that the two of them [M&K] mutually think of each other. Masato somewhat sadly smiles and says that there are areas wherein they don’t mutually agree on. Chidori starts to frown when Masato says that he had proposed earlier to Kareshi and of course, they’ll marry after ‘graduation’. “In the end, she just told me that I’m ‘naive'. Ah, I also know the reason is that she has to think of her family. But it totally feels..like our feelings for each other has grown cold..so I’m very embarrassed and I won’t dare continue to talk more about it..and from then on, we never touched that topic again..” Suddenly Chidori grabs his collar and pulls him to her. She gives him a kiss on the lips. Holding on to him, Chidori says, “..If..you are with me, perhaps you’ll be happier?” Chidori looks at stunned Masato. She apologizes and tells him to just forget that. She waves goodbye and leaves, leaving still stunned and blushing Masato. Kareshi is holding the heart pompom that teacher Mei has given her. Mei has given everyone different colored hearts before and she said that everyone has chosen their own color. Kareshi checks the meaning of the color violet. It means ‘paralysis/numbness’. Kareshi wonders if she did something wrong. There is a narration about one cannot afford to do things leisurely.

The next day, Chikai is dressing up. While he is putting his tie, he notices the box of fortune cookies that Hanabi gave him. He eats one and the fortune says, “Today..you might encounter something happy.” Chikai is speechless. He decides to eat another one and it says, “Today..you might encounter something blissful.” After a pause, Chikai breaks into a laugh as he says that it is all about good things. At the auditorium, the principal tells everyone that the group which has the most outstanding performance is group 1-A. That is Chikai’s group. Atsumi tells Hanabi that it is because of the cosplay. Hanabi agrees that Mii looks cute. The principal then calls the representative for 1-A, that love team. Then, Shinichi shouts to the principal to wait and as an educator, he shouldn’t say such irresponsible things. Pointing to himself, Shinichi exclaims, “Mii’s better half is me!” Mii is silently angry. The students erupt in shouts with various reactions like they don’t know about it, they know, I’ve been beaten to it, etc. The principal tells Shinichi that during the Nanayo store, he wasn’t that prominent so he isn’t the representative. Shinichi cries that he’s quite cruel and he should at least remember him from now on. Someone laughs and wishes him luck [gambatte]. Blushing a bit, Hanabi wishes Shinichi some luck, too. She thinks that once one likes someone, one cannot be calm/go easy and as time passes by, she also cannot be calm. “—but, thinking about it..if I’ve reached the deadline and I wasn’t able to succeed in my goal, can I still do my best afterwards?” During lunch, Hanabi and Chikai are eating together in a secluded room. It seems like a storage room with all the stacked up desks and some boxes. Chikai comments that it is too quiet. Hanabi thinks that she found a subtle, slow way in order for her to take things leisurely. Chikai asks her if this is okay because the deadline is fast approaching. Hanabi nervously says that she has her own [way].. Chikai says that this is such a waste. “A room that no one uses, a private room. And the one in front of your eyes..me ♥ if you ‘attack’ me then that would resolve things.” Embarrassed, Hanabi exclaims that he obviously never imagined that she’ll do that. Chikai then says, “Forget it, even if there is still a month left, if something doesn’t bloom then in the end, it won’t bloom.” Hanabi asks him what won’t bloom. Chikai says, “If after a month, you can’t do it then you can’t do it forever, right?” Hanabi’s smile freezes on her face and she just lamely agrees with him. Hanabi thinks that she really cannot afford to take things leisurely.

Elsewhere, Sasa looks somewhat surprised at Atsumi who is giving him a small gift. Sasa accepts it and says if it is a Valentine’s gift. Atsumi stutters as she tells him that even if it is already over, and Sasa should have gotten a lot already. “..Because, I don’t want you to lump me together with the others...” Sasa laughs and says that it is okay. “Thank you!” This seems to have moved Atsumi that she gathers her courage. Blushing, she exclaims while closing her eyes, “Sasa-kun..you still have me..!” In section 1-I, Masato is looking away as he asks what’s up to Kareshi who came to visit him. Kareshi says that it is nothing, no special reason and it is because her friends aren’t around. While keep on looking away nervously, Masato says that she is right for Shinichi isn’t around and it is probably because of that announcement that they are now doing some lovey-dovey right now. He asks what about Hanabi and Atsumi, if they are busy and if something happened. Kareshi notices his behavior that she suddenly exclaims, “Masato, if you can’t even look at him, then we can’t talk properly! What’s going on?! You’re acting too strange! What’s up with you?!” Everyone is surprised by this outburst as Masato looks troubled and nervous. Later on, after eating, Hanabi and Chikai go out of the room. Hanabi salutes Chikai and exclaims, “Then, see you! After school, I’ll be waiting for you at that beautiful little road.” Chikai asks her where that is. They were interrupted when Arashi and Soutarou pass by. Chikai’s friends ask if they ate there together and this place is ‘empty’. It feels ‘naughty’ = they are doing some hanky-panky. Arashi then asks if they are going steady. Hanabi is surprised by this question and her feelings feel ‘flat’ when Chikai answered that they are not. She thinks that is true for this is allowed temporarily and there is no significance since ‘she merely got permission’ [to do this]. Arashi says, “but—will you do that, couldn’t there be a bit significance to it like you like her a little bit?” Hanabi goes into shock and thinks, “Don’t..don’t say anything more--!! I don’t want you to continue asking this question! I couldn’t even barely make this progress a bit! There is still a month left..make me do my best within the time period!!! ..why..at this time..” Hanabi waits for Chikai’s answer. The last scene are of Sasa-Atsumi, Masato-Kareshi and Mii who just scolded/lectured apologetic Shinichi.

In the next chapter, Chikai replies, “Ah...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~..perhaps?” Hanabi is surprised that she hears wedding bells..or rather, she imagined herself as a blushing new bride in a wedding gown. Arashi and Soutarou ask if that is true. They were surprised when Shinichi is crying [in joy] as he shouts, “Is that true-?!! Really, that’s great! From various aspects. Congrats to me.” While Shinichi is patting Chikai’s shoulder, Chikai just blankly says, “Ya—but--is it because of her decisiveness or is it because she makes one pity her a bit.” Hanabi is gloomy by that comment and an arrow points that she does make people sorry for her. Shinichi shouts, “What..What are you saying, Hanabi is really great! She’s such a nice girl, who turns out to be beautiful and she’s a good partner.” Chikai and other 2 friends wonder whom Shinichi is talking about. Hanabi exclaims, “I..I will..do my utmost best!” Hanabi thinks that even if it seems that the situation won’t change even if she did her best, but.. She realizes that they are all boys there. While Shinichi cries and says that Hanabi said it well, Hanabi quickly retreats and tells Chikai that she’ll see him after school. Blushing and a bit teary eyed, Hanabi covers her mouth and thinks, “..perhaps? That’s great! It isn’t zero.” Somewhere else, Sasa tells Atsumi that he already have someone he likes. Flustered and a bit teary eyed, Atsumi exclaims, “I know! ..I know..even if I’m not that great..but you also have me.” Then in section 1-I, Masato confesses, “..the truth is..I and Miss Chidori kissed.” Kareshi is flustered that she slaps Masato so hard that his glasses flew off. [Masato turns out to be somewhat good-looking and he looked somewhat like Soutarou except Masato’s bangs part in the middle ^^;] Masato is stunned as he holds his face where she slapped him. He is about to call her name but Kareshi says that he said before that he will wear ‘decorative/designer’* eyeglasses so that he will [look] the same as her. [*I know there is a term for it but basically, it’s eyeglasses with no grade] The other students are surprised to learn that Masato only wears decorative eyeglasses. Kareshi shouts, “When you obviously proposed to me!” Masato looks surprised.

Walking at the hallway, Hanabi is cheering herself up to do her best. Then, Kareshi bumps into her. Since Kareshi is carrying her bag, Hanabi asks if she is leaving. Kareshi says that she isn’t feeling well. Hanabi asks if she is alright and if she has a fever. Hanabi tries to touch her forehead but Kareshi lifts her hand for Hanabi not to touch her. Kareshi exclaims that she is alright. Looking away, Kareshi repeats that she is alright. Then, she leaves, making Hanabi a bit puzzled. Narration: “It’s only after things happened when I became conscious of it. I’m really like what Mii said, ‘a love idiot’. It is for seeing the important part the wrong way or perhaps [I’ve] ignored it.” Walking at the small path, Chikai asks why. Hanabi says there is no need to ask why, just don’t bring his bento tomorrow. Chikai says okay and he won’t ask the reason any more but he only eats delicious food. Blushing and looking away for Chikai has already guessed what she wanted to do, Hanabi just plays dumb and say that she doesn’t know what he is talking about. At the place where Masato works, Masato sadly looks at his phone but there are 0 messages and calls. Chiori somewhat smiles and says that Masato looks very listless. “Is that because of me?” Masato says that isn’t true. Chiori giggles and says that he’s so honest. She tells him that it is true and he shouldn’t be concerned about it, just forget it. Masato just worriedly says what he should do. Chiori’s smile vanishes [probably because he isn’t listening to her]. She then hugs him [well, his head] and says, “..Masato..” Masato seems surprised by this. Chiori’s face looks dark and emotionless. “Do you want to go to my house..?” The school bell rings. Hanabi and friends comment that Kareshi is absent since her seat is empty. Someone said that they emailed her but there is no reply so maybe she is very tired. They decided to visit Kareshi at home later on. Atsumi then informs Hanabi about the important thing she asked her yesterday. Hanabi asks if she got permission to use it. Atsumi says yes, the cooking room.

In the cooking room, Hanabi has prepared 10 dishes including rice and soup. She happily welcomes Chikai to her little restaurant. She tells him that she prepared most of it at home and just reheated them a bit. “Ah, I’ve used convenient and inexpensive ingredients, so don’t be shy, just eat up. ☆” [I think] she also said that her outfit is made in class [but the translation said bathrobe ^^;] While Chikai gestures his ‘itadakimasu’, he says that her motive is too obvious. “It’s ‘using mother’s taste [home cooking] to grab a guy’s stomach.!’” Hanabi admits that it is true but it isn’t just because of that. Chikai eats some and smiles. He says that one tastes delicious. Hanabi blushes and thinks, “See, I want you to show that kind of expression..but in the end, I basically did have that kind of motive. It’s alright! I’ll do my best!” Later on, Chikai can’t finish the food anymore that he seems to be nauseous. He tells her that even if he is in the growing stage, he still can’t eat all of it. Hanabi just apologizes to the ‘customer’. Pointing to a cabinet, Hanabi tells her that there are some empty bento boxes there and with those, he can pack and bring the food home. “Up there!” She points. Hanabi ends up apologizing again since Chikai has to stand on a chair to get the bento boxes. Chikai asks if he can get any of the boxes. Hanabi says yes because it seems that they are only used in preparation for the celebrations’ dishes. While taking one of the boxes, Chikai loses his balance. Hanabi exclaims, “Danger!” Chikai falls and Hanabi prepares to catch him. Narration: And, I, a ‘love idiot’ think like this, ‘Ah, love [is] happening?!’

After I read that, I was thinking oh..would Hanabi get some sort of romantic scene. The most I can expect is an accidental kiss or even a hug just like what happened in Skip Beat! But then, a girl catching a guy..well, nothing of that sort will happen which is somewhat hinted from Hanabi’s narration with ‘love idiot’ in a negative connotation. It’s like ‘in your dreams/probably in shoujo manga’. Hanabi is such an optimist. She is so happy just learning about that ‘perhaps’. Lol, with one word, she already thinks of marriage. ^^; Hope is such an amazing thing. I do think that she is slowly winning Chikai’s heart even if Chikai doesn’t seem to think/feel that way. Is it because he is still recovering from a heartbreak? I think she should continue on winning him through his stomach. Hehe, make him ‘addicted’ to her cooking. Actually, that scene made me think that Hanabi is showing him about her being a ‘wife potential’ since it seems to scream, ‘see, I can cook really yummy food!’ =P Of course, the more exciting part for me here is the Kareshi-Masato-Chidori triangle. Haha, is this some sort of trend lately in shoujo? Stolen kisses and stealing boy/girlfriends? I’ll say, Chidori is really daring because in contrast with Hanabi, Hanabi somewhat did it subtlety. Chidori is somewhat creepy and her scenes sometimes make me want to shout to Masato to quickly run away else she’ll ‘eat’ him alive or if he hooks up with her, he will have a real hard time getting away from her again. She seems the possessive-type and Masato seems to be the timid and nice guy type. I mean for him to wear glasses just for Kareshi so that they would look alike, I think that somewhat shows how much he cherishes her. From the earlier chapters, he does seem to be really crazy about her and doesn’t want anyone to badmouth Kareshi. Too bad he said it that way regarding the kiss. Too bad Kareshi didn’t wait for him to explain. Too many things are happening regarding Ami’s fortune-telling and as Masato said, they somewhat drift apart ever since she seems to turn down his marriage proposal. I guess hearing that kiss made her snap and retreat. She isn’t fighting back to get him back. There is also her priority for her family so maybe it is also a reason since she can’t promise Masato anything. Just based on the past few chapters, she is indeed timid for Chidori did get to glare at her and Kareshi didn’t do anything. By doing this, I guess Kareshi is like giving Masato to Chidori in a silver platter. I guess Kareshi now knows what it feels like for one’s boyfriend to be ‘stolen’ when she used to encourage Hanabi with Chikai who still had Yukine then. Well, Atsumi has gotten a bit bold since realizing something about the boss, she decides to take her chance. I wonder if Sasa got her hint or he just thinks that Atsumi is somewhat just ‘persistent’ who continues to like him even if he likes someone else. Lastly, Shinichi need to lessen his possessiveness and shut his big mouth because it always gets him in trouble with Mii. Hehe, I feel his happiness when Chikai mentioned about the ‘perhaps’ =P I guess Shinichi will be like Hanabi’s cheerleader regarding Chikai..of course, with ulterior motives =P Hm..I wonder if the author will also give Chikai’s other two friends a love life but then, maybe that will be too much for the author to handle with 4 love stories going on. I will be surprised if she does and she pulled it off ^^ Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 and yukitokaji for BW.

Word of the day:
No one is hopeless whose hope is in God. ~ Our Daily Bread

Skip Beat! [Chapter 147] Teaser
Friday, October 2, 2009

Notice: Hiyo! Just want to mention that news is spreading here about a new strong typhoon that is headed our way. It might be stronger than the last one. It is predicted to arrive tomorrow so if there is no post/tags for a few days, it will mean that there’s no electricity here = no computer/internet. Edit: Scans are out in baidu shared by chinglan1987. There are some slight mistakes so I edited the summary a bit. Oh ya, the cover is cute with lots of little fairies. The author is indeed going on a fairy theme and I'm really hoping for Kyouko to see her fairy prince again..soon ^^

This teaser is once again from 2ch. I’m just translating this from 阿伦wow who translated it from Japanese to Chinese in baidu. I added some stuff that 路痴有罪 shared in BW. Someone in BW mentioned that s/he heard that there are only 16 pages in this chapter. [Edit: it is only 16 pages] Well, here goes: Act 147= Valentine’s Day Weapon. “Isn’t this a little silly?” After hearing that, the two actresses are shock/don’t agree. “Even if you feel that you have to cry, it’s still very silly.” Yashiro is angry for Ren to say such things to crying Kyouko. (Although Yashiro’s inner feeling, he is already used to this ‘love play/game’ because Ren has used his nose [snort] to mock Kyouko who is crying over her first kiss. “I feel that it’s very silly. Very silly. Right, crying just because of this.” Ren repeats ‘very silly’ three times. [Is he trying to brainwash Kyouko or himself ^^;] As a response, Kyouko repeats, “Very silly?” Ren says, “Ya, because the kiss a while ago isn’t a first kiss. If it is just by that premise, it is just lips to lips contact. There is no exchange of feelings for it to be called a kiss. My first kiss is taken when I was in grade one. I was late in school and when I was passing through a corner, I hit an attractive office worker. That person probably doesn’t remember it anymore but I can still remember what that person has eaten for breakfast.” Ren follows it up by saying that he didn’t cry like that because of what happened. For a cute youngster, it is such a merciless first kiss. [Edit: It turns out that the office worker is a guy! That is indeed a worse case scenario for a first kiss @_@;; ] Kyouko in one side is crying for Ren said it’s no big deal yet the other side, Ren has comforted her (laughing face) since Ren said he won’t cry over it. “It is really just an accident and nothing more. I also didn’t regard it as a kiss. At that time, I secretly wanted to become an actor. For me to be heartbroken just because of this, I would lose the right to become a professional actor. If during work there is a kissing scene, even if one don’t like the partner, it is still essential for one to seriously act [make it believable] even if the other party is of the same sex. Just by looking at one’s acting performance over a kiss, it can make one lose one’s qualification as an actor.” [Not too sure about that last sentence but the idea is basically not to make a big deal over a kiss].

After that, Kyouko remembers her goal to be a great actress. In order to be a top quality actress, no matter if she is kissed 3 or even 4 times, it is no big deal. “If Mogami considers it as a first kiss, then it is a fist kiss.” Ren tells her that knowing that method, many people who making a living by acting uses this inner heart standard. Kyouko’s feelings and vitality is restored back. With Ren to be like that, for Yashiro and others, it seems like it is the gentleness and suggestion of a sempai but the truth is, Ren just wants Kyouko to delete the impression of Shou’s kiss from her mind. “But to use this inner heart standard for one’s own personal affairs, it can only be used once to the same person.” It’s obvious that is impossible/not true but Kyouko totally believes it. “So, next time, you should be extra careful.” Ren approaches her and made his face near Kyouko. “Don’t let there be a second time.” Kyouko is quite scared and Yashiro shock. [Edit: Lol, Ren emitted darkness when he told Kyouko that. No wonder they freaked out. =P] Yashiro clearly realizes that what Ren said is really what he felt from the bottom of his stomach, sincere of most sincere words. Even if he is worried about Ren’s anger won’t just end with ‘don’t let there be a second time’, that should cut off the thread to Ren’s feeling/the bomb...But! Then, Kyouko is looking energetic at the mirror at the lounge [maybe dressing room]. There’s a bag Putting a quadrilateral/rectangle? box, she writes, which has a note by the author saying ‘final weapon’. The arrow says, waiting for an opportunity to use. End summary. Hm..I wonder if that box thing is for Shou as ‘revenge’. I guess Kyouko is getting ready to ‘finish’ Shou. If that’s not it, maybe it’s for Reino. [Edit: Obviously, it is something prepared before the kiss so I wonder if that is Ren’s bag so it could mean the gift. From that, I do think that Ren did go in some sort of acting mode. Hehe, he just tosses in something about acting and Kyouko easily believes him. aven guessed it right. ^^ Of course, Ren also throws in some extra like the warning and I guess he is really resisting from kissing her. ^^; I guess he is also trying to psyche himself about all of it. I wonder if his first accidental kiss is true. This does seem like how Ren can ‘easily trick her’ like before. I’m curious if we get to ‘see’ that happen..young Ren..well, if Kyouko imagines it, he would have black hair. From Yashiro’s premonition, I guess we will really get to see Ren blow his top off soon and maybe, all of this is just a ‘preview’ because the author loves teasing the readers. ^^; Just like when Ren meets with Kyouko and Shou talking. The first time ala cowboy was a dud and it is only the second time when Ren confronted them and we get a lap pillow scene ^^ Lol, we don’t know Ren’s gift yet and now, there’s another box ^^;; I hope it is a different looking box, I don’t want any box switching. As usual, wait for the scanlations for clarification and stuff. And, the next chapter will be on out on Oct. 20th.

Quote of the day:
If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. ~ Mary Engelbreit

Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru [Chapters 5-6]
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Chapter 5: Aki looks bored then he looks at crying Mari. Aki feels conflicted inside. He wanted to bring crying Mari in the hotel but then, Mari isn’t suitable to be in a simple and crude hotel. If he did that, it will be quite troublesome so maybe the hotel’s toilet would be better. Mari is surprised when Aki suddenly stands up and holds up his hand to her. “I want to totally mess things up.” In the office, Souichirou asks a glasses guy [not sure if it’s Mari’s manager, the one in the restaurant before or someone else. This author has a tendency to go back and forth with scenes in the past and present ^^;] to see the music chart list to see how Mari’s single is doing. Mari’s YOU single has fallen two places from number 2. Souichirou comments that it won’t go up anymore. Glasses guy apologizes. Souichirou kicks him as he tells him that it isn’t something he should apologize for. Souichirou says that he told him already that even if a beautiful lady singing a heartbroken/break up song, it won’t sell well because it feels like [the listeners are being] deliberately stimulated. He believes that love songs should be sung by subtle [not distracting] person so that there will be more people who’ll listen to the song. [My take on what he is thinking is that if the person is ordinary-looking and singing love songs, it is more believable and people can relate whereas if it’s someone beautiful like Mari singing heartbroken songs, people can’t seem to relate and maybe, her beauty is distracting.] Even if it is a totally ugly girl, on the television, there is still somewhere [in that person] people will feel as beautiful and that is the so-called ‘subtleness’ point of view. He says that they don’t need someone who is ugly nor a beauty but someone with an indescribable charm of cuteness. The glasses guy apologizes again. Souichirou picks up Mari’s single and says that the type of songs which are suitable for Mari are songs about the world or peace but Aki doesn’t write those kind of songs. “So, I have found one, a special/unassuming child who can sing love songs.”

There is a focus on some mushrooms at Koeda vegetable store. Riko lamely says she’s home. Her father welcomes her back. Riko repeats that she said she’s home. Her father asks her what the matter is. Riko blankly says, “Papa, I..have been scouted to be a star.” Soon, her father, two friends and another guy are looking at Souichiro’s business card as if it is some sort of jewel. [With special effects of ‘glowing’ card =P] The house shook as they shout, “This is so amazing!” Her father is blushing as he holds the card. He exclaims that he even knew that person, it is that famous producer and the Crude Play that Riko likes is under that person. Riko blankly tells them that after she told Souichirou that she already have a band, he told her to go to his recording company this Sunday with everyone [her band]. Yuu and Sou exclaims, “Totally awesome!!” The ‘uncle’ from the fish store comments that the business card is really pretty. Sou agrees for it gives a ‘I’m big/popular guy’. Yuu then asks Riko, what’s with her since she [her feelings] doesn’t seem to be in a high. Riko shouts that it isn’t true and it is just because she is just stunned by what happened that she still can’t believe that it is true. She feels a bit strange that she wonders if she is just being tricked. Her father asks what the guy will get from tricking her. He then asks could it be that. Blushing, Riko says that it couldn’t be that. Laughing, fish uncle shouts that he knows what she is implying and it is like sweet talking her in order to have H with her. Riko is embarrassed. He tells her to quit talking nonsense because if that is true, he won’t be looking for a brat with no womanly charms/sex appeal but rather, he would talk with a sexy, beautiful woman. Riko’s father angrily shouts that fish uncle has no right to say those things even if Riko is flat-chested and ugly. Riko shouts that she doesn’t want to be told about those things by him when she only inherited those genes from him. Her father protests that he was popular when he was young that is why her mother is infatuated with him. Riko shouts that he is a liar for her mother let her see his letters to her mother. Yuu just laughs that they are moving away from the topic.

Under a bridge, at the esplanade, Riko and her friends are tuning up their guitars. Yuu asks Riko why she is in Yoyogi Park alone when she rode on the taxi with Aki. Riko just says that she doesn’t want to talk about it. Sou asks if they quarreled. Riko says that it would have been better if they did. There is a silence. Riko then shouts no matter what, they should now practice. Above the bridge, Aki has just gone out of a taxi. He looks at his wallet and tells himself that he had used up 2 10,000 bills for the day. Aki then hears some music as he thinks that the melody isn’t that harmonious. The melody seems to have stopped that Aki looks down the bridge to see that Yuu and Sou are looking at him. After the initial greet and surprise to see each other, Aki looks tense as he asks them what they are doing. Yuu asks if he can’t tell just by looking at them. He says that he totally don’t know because it is all guitars. He asks if they are a band, a guitar group. Yuu angrily shouts that they are a band. Aki goes down to them and asks if the band is all composed of guitarists. Yuu shouts what of it. Aki asks if they are serious because it would have been better if all three just use acoustic guitar so that it will be a trio. [The other translation said for one to change an instrument]. Aki exclaims that the one Yuu has is an electric guitar -> Telecaster guitar. Aki comments that it seems like an experimental type of thing and quite new though this kind of band doesn’t seem to be balance. Sou tells him that honestly, when they were forming the band while they were kids, everyone wants to play the guitar. There is a scene of Sou winning the jakenpon [rock, scissors and paper game] and he wants to play the guitar but the other two who lost also wanted to play the guitar. Aki comments that it is because of that, they didn’t seem to be a band. Yuu then changes the topic by asking Aki why he let Riko go home alone. Aki changes the topic by saying that it is so obvious that Yuu likes Riko. Flustered, Yuu exclaims what he is trying to imply. Looking around, Aki asks where Riko is. “Could it be that she is together in this band?” Sou is speechless but before he could say anything Yuu ‘kicks’ in the air at Aki and shouts that is impossible and he should just go home quickly.

Knowing that he’s unwanted, Aki takes his leave. Sou asks Yuu why he lied about it for Riko just went to the convenient store and she’ll be right back. Sou tells Yuu that Riko will be furious if she learns that Yuu drove Aki away. Yuu just tells him to shut up. Aki narrates that his heart feels heavy and because he is a pessimist, he cannot easily believe that lie. It is so obviously why Yuu wanted him to leave that place. “I pretended that I didn’t realize anything and just left. Now that I think of it, it’s really funny.” While still at the bridge, his phone rings. On the other line, Riko says that it is Riko, Koeda Riko. Riko is sitting in some place nearby. Aki says that he knows because he already recorded her name on his cellphone. He comments that even a JK [jyosi kousei/high school girl] will tell her whole name on the phone. Riko is puzzled so Aki says that he is just joking since she called him DT so he calls her, JK but it seems that his joke isn’t funny. Riko says that isn’t true and it is funny. Aki says that it isn’t funny that she even had to comfort him. He tells her to listen intently for the next one. Aki thinks, “Hey, Kinoko, it’s alright. I already know that you were thinking that I can’t remember your name. It made you uneasy, right?” Aki then says, “B’s KJ, Miss KR is very KW” Aki asks if she understands it. Riko says she does. He tells her to say it but Riko is a bit embarrassed about it. Since he insists, Riko replies, “My (Boku) girlfriend (Kanojo) Koeda Riko (KR) is very..” Then, a dog’s tail brushes on Riko’s back. She pats the dog and smiles. She says, “..very cute (Kawaii).” To Riko’s shock, Aki says that she is wrong in one part for it isn’t kawaii but kowai (scary). Riko shouts what, then Aki starts laughing and says that he is just joking, she is really cute. “My girlfiend, Miss Koeda Riko is very cute.” Riko blushes. The dog and its owner start to leave. Aki apologizes for startling her with the unexpected kiss and hug today. Riko says that it isn’t about being startled but.. Aki says that she hates him. Riko exclaims that isn’t it. Aki asks if she is angry. Riko denies it. Aki says, “Sorry, but I..will properly cherish you. Really cherish you.” This surprises Riko.

Flashback: Back at the restaurant, Aki takes the bill which surprises Mari. Aki tells her that the only reason for a guy to meet with his ex-girlfriend is just to have sex. It’s just about lust so he agreed to meet her because he was thinking of doing it for one last time. Mari just sadly says, yes. While some people are still taking their pictures on their cellphones, Aki says because he remembered their past and seeing Mari in front of him, it makes him really want to do it. “But regrettably, it’s already too late. I’ve already liked my current girlfriend.” Mari looks at him in surprise. Aki admits that even if he really wants to do it but he also thought that if he did that, Kinoko will cry. Aki also says that honestly, he would want to see what it’s like for her [Riko] to cry. Aki says that from the start, he has been thinking if he should bring Mari to the hotel and what would Kinoko’s reaction be if she learns about this. He thinks that she’ll probably dump him. He tells Mari that all this time, his brain is totally thinking of his girlfriend. The waiter gives Aki’s coat. Aki says that he even surprises himself by thinking that, ‘Ah, I don’t want to break up with her.’, ‘she’s very important/I want to cherish her’ and those type of thoughts. “We obviously just met twice..isn’t it unbelievable?” Aki says that unlike Mari, she doesn’t think of him/like him the same way. This surprises Mari and she says that it isn’t true. Preparing to leave, Aki says that he wants to cherish this girl who cherishes/thinks him just like how he thinks of himself. “Kinoko-chan told me that she will protect me. It also didn’t matter if I don’t compose music since she told me that she will protect me.” Mari quickly grabs his coat and calls his name. He just tells her that he has said this many times but if she likes his music, he can formally go and find him. He says that he also think that she is a genius for her singing is like the sound of a glass flower carving [crystal clear?] and he likes it as a musician. He holds her hand that is grabbing his coat and tells her that it is like a treasure that he doesn’t want to destroy. “I want to properly cherish it so if you ask me to compose a song for you, I’ll be very happy and I will gladly write one for you. If compared to the ones created by Takagi, you choose the composition of Ogasawara Aki.” Mari lets him go and starts crying. Flustered, Aki says, “See. Your tears didn’t flow because of losing a lover but Kinoko-chan will definitely cry only for me.” End flashback. Still at the bridge, Aki is still talking with Riko on the phone.

Chapter 6: It starts with a flashback at the Tower Records wherein Yuu is scolding Riko that she is stupid so she should just leave Aki. Riko shouted back that she isn’t stupid. Riko narrates that what Yuu said is true. She is stupid for her way of thinking is very simple. While she and the others were walking, she noticed two lovers. She thought that after having a boyfriend, there will be a lot of romance and occasional quarrels. She wondered if she will be having that kind of experience later on. She believed in love at first sight. It is like the first time she saw a kitten at a pet store and when she first saw it, she decided that ‘this is the one’. Young Riko suddenly started crying to her parents that she wants that kitten. Then, the scene changes to present Riko, changing her clothes. She thinks that she shouldn’t confuse the thing with Aki and the kitten [it’s not the same; love at first sight] but rather, it’s like she is confusing herself and the kitten [smitten by the other person]. Her cat purrs and walks by her foot. Riko carried Azuki, her cat and said that it is quite heavy now. Riko smiled as she put the cat on her face. Azuki looks happy, too. Riko narrates that Azuki also chose her and for her, Azuki is a part of the family. She patted its head and apologized since she has to go and practice. Riko narrates that just by patting her head, without any condition, it will make her feel really happy. “But, Ogasawara-san, he definitely..” Riko and others have already set up. Yuu said they are going to start – 3, 2, 1. Riko prepared to sing but she stopped when she remembered Aki telling her not to sing for he hates female singers. Her friends asked her what the matter is. After a pause, Riko just laughed and apologized about forgetting the lyrics. Yuu scolded her for it as Sou tried to be the peacemaker between the two. Riko then shouted that she needs to go to the convenient store. Holding her cellphone, she left. While walking, Riko thought, “From the very start, I’ve always been told that I’m very slow-witted but why..Ogasawara-san towards me..what am I to him. That person who hurt Ogasawara-san, he currently and still likes that woman and later on today [taxi], he also went to see her.” Near a building, Riko is getting ready to call Aki but stops before she can press the call button. She then berated herself that all of it is just her imagination but then, she praises herself for having a good imagination. She became gloomy and thought that she is really weird for wanting to hear his voice and give him a call. She wondered if he will hate her for it and would he think that she is an annoying girl. She is quite troubled for thinking of those things and since she is stupid and simple, she should just simply greet Aki on the phone and think nothing of it. She wanted to tell Aki everything about the band and Takagi because she doesn’t think it’s good to hide these things from Aki. She finally called him. Time skip. Then, she becomes giddy about liking Aki even if he uses a command-like tone of voice. [To tell him about the code he gave her earlier]. She is surprised when Aki apologized to her and Aki knew that it is because she is uneasy that is why she called. End flashback.

Aki then tells her to listen to what he has to say. He confesses that he is going steady with a professional singer for three years. Riko just says, “...ya.” Aki asks if she already realized that he isn’t a DT. Riko says that she somewhat felt he isn’t. Aki replies that she is quite sharp, and he shouldn’t underestimate her. “I have already neatly broken up with her because I want to cherish my current girlfriend. That is what I’ve told her.” Riko blushes and is teary eyed. She then thinks that she shouldn’t have called him because right now, she wants to see him and after seeing him, [she would want him to] say those things to her. She imagines Aki patting her head. Aki asks if she will really protect him. Riko wipes her tears and says she will. Aki asks, “From anything?” Standing up, Riko says, “Totally, even if it hurts you, everything.” Aki laughs. This made Riko shout why he is laughing. Aki tells her not to say that like how Yuming would say it. [Yuming refers to Japanese musician Yumi Matsutoya who is making music since 1973] Riko says that she just said what she thinks. Aki then asks if she knows Yuming. Riko says that it is the one who wrote the textbook. Aki thinks that it has come out again, the so-called generation gap. Then, Aki shouts that Riko asks what happened. Aki exclaims that there is a dog. The dog that Riko is petting earlier is ‘touching’ Aki as the dog’s owner tries to pull it away and apologizes to him. Aki tells Riko to wait for a while since he can’t handle animals. Riko says that it is cute and she just met one, too, a Golden Retriever. She realizes something. The dog is now on top of Aki and keeps on licking him. The owner is horrified. Aki shouts for the dog to stop. Riko asks where he is right now. Aki just says, ‘Tsukuda Central Bridge’ [The translator says that central bridge is most probably in Shinkawa] Riko looks at her side and sees the bridge. [Basically, she is in the other side of the bridge] She exclaims that she is also nearby. She quickly goes to the bridge with thoughts of wanting to see him. She is then stunned to see the dog hugging Aki who is already on the ground. Aki tells Riko to help him. Riko starts laughing that Aki shouts for her to quit laughing and help him. Afterwards, Riko is still laughing about Aki’s ordeal and says that it is so cute. Aki just says that it isn’t cute and he can’t be happy about that because he would rather be told that he’s cool. To his surprise, Riko says that he is cool. Aki then starts emoting that he is really depressed about what happened. He asks Riko to quickly cheer him up. Riko doesn’t know what to do but in the end, she just pats his head. [Hehe, cheer him up like she would with her cat =P]

After a brief silence, Aki says that he won’t be cheered up by that. He tells her to think of something else to cheer him up. Riko is blushing then she says that she doesn’t know. Aki tells her to kiss him. Just when he leans to her, Riko pushes him and tells him no because they have kissed a lot for the day. Aki is shock that he asks if there is a limit to it. Riko says yes, there is and it is strictly only once per day. Aki exclaims that they have already used it. He asks her to stretch the rules in order for him to feel better. Riko gives in and says that this is a special case. She tells him to close his eyes. Aki did as told. She holds his face and kisses him. The scene changes to Yuu who complains what’s taking Riko so long. Sou tells him to just call Riko on the phone but Yuu decides to go to the convenient store to check up on her. With thoughts that it might not be too late if he confesses now and to tell her that he likes her, she’s cute, and he always want to hug her, and want treat her nicely--, etc, Yuu starts running up the bridge. Then, he sees Riko kissing Aki. They didn’t notice him as Riko asks if Aki is feeling better now. Aki teases her that she kissed the wrong place but Riko exclaims that it isn’t true for she properly kissed him on the lips. Yuu is flustered upon seeing them laughing together. He turns around and leaves. Sou asks where Riko is. While packing his things up, Yuu says to forget it and they should just pack up and go home. Sou asks why for Yuu should help Riko carry her guitar home since he lives near her. Yuu didn’t reply and Sou notices that something is wrong. Yuu is flustered as he realizes that it was Riko who was kissing Aki. Riko arrives and apologizes for being late. Sou tells Riko that they have decided to go home. Riko says is that so. Yuu has finished packing so he bids them goodbye and left on his own. They bid him goodbye. Sou notices that Yuu seems depressed. Then, Riko happily bids Sou goodbye. Meanwhile, Aki has arrived at his condo unit room 4501. He opens the door, removes his shoes and heads straight to his room. He quickly opens his Mac computer but it is taking so long so he exclaims that it would be faster if he records it on his phone. He takes his cellphone and press the voice recorder. He hums a song on it. “For me, this is a rarely seen cute song.” The scene changes to Office Takagi. Riko and friends are really excited and they wonder if they’ll get to see Mari and Crude Play in person. At the lounge, a secretary gives them something to drink. Crowding in one sofa, the three thank her all at the same time. The secretary giggles and tells them that one of them should just sit at the other sofa, not all three in one sofa. Sou exclaims that there is no need for Takagi-san will be sitting there. Riko raises her hand and asks the secretary where she can go pee. The secretary giggles again and asks if she is talking about a toilet. Riko tensely tells her that is right, a place to pee. The two guys are embarrassed at what Riko is saying. Just as the secretary is leading Riko, a woman comes out and says, “Can you move aside?” It is Mari.

I’m not yet convinced that Aki has fallen for Riko. That kiss stuff seems like he is just trying to comfort his ego regarding what happened to Mari rather than the dog ‘attacking’ him. It is good for him to break it up with Mari because he’ll just be in a lose-lose situation = he can’t totally have her and she seems to be just using him. I’m sure he also compared the two girls and he would come up with the solution that being with Riko is a much better deal since Riko truly loves him whereas Mari, she is torn between two guys and the one who is really important to Mari isn’t Aki. Hehe, Riko even inspired him for his new music. Of course, I think he will re-evaluate this later on since Riko is into music and she is going to be produced by Souichirou if the deal pushes through. In one way or the other, I think Aki will help Riko with her music. He already gives some advice about their band through Yuu and Sou. So, it would seem like what Aki is trying to avoid will happened again but of course, the difference is Riko is really crazy about him and since Riko isn’t complicated, she will definitely stick with Aki no matter what. That is why I somewhat doubt that she will dump him even if he fools around with Mari. Aki easily controls the relationship and his age is his advantage. I wonder if she will give up on singing or even signing under Souichirou just because Aki said so. I’m also thinking if the third time is the charm for Aki since this will be his third collaboration with someone since Crude Play and Mari. Maybe this time, he can get along with them and he can satisfy his ‘music’ cravings along with proper credits to his talent. Ah but then, I don’t think he will agree if it is under Souichirou. I have a feeling that Riko will be singing that cute song he made. I feel sorry for Yuu but it’s nice that he isn’t going to let that ruin their friendship and band. He seems to have recovered quickly or he is hiding it really well. I hope they won’t be forced to break up if Soichirou only wants Riko. Anyway, I think Aki will find himself in a pickle later on because I’m sure Mari + Crude Play will have to compete with Riko’s band. Who will he side with? As for Mari, I wonder if she will resort to underhand tactics later on, or rather, I wonder what her reaction will be when she realizes later on that this ‘ugly-cute’ girl is going to take everything from her. There’s many ways to make this series really complicated and messy and I can’t wait to know what the author has in store for all these characters ^^ By the way, for those who have read this author’s former series, are her background art really this good? I’m amazed at the details of the bridge and buildings, even Aki’s room with all the gadgets. Scans by 豆芽豆芽 for BW and 動漫花園S組

Quote of the day:
Life is a song. Love is the music. ~ Author Unknown

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, Beelzebub, Reborn, and PSYREN
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Bleach [c. 375] starts with a flashback of Starrk meeting Aizen after defeating a lot of hollows. Aizen commented that he seems strong so he would want him to be his ally. Starrk said that they are also looking for allies. When asked if they are strong, Aizen invited him to go with him and see. Starrk agreed since he thinks Aizen is strong enough to not ‘leave’ them. End flashback. Starrk starts to fall down, bleeding. He apologizes to Aizen for not being able to repay him. Then, there is another flashback of Lilyneth and Starrk introducing each other and promise to be with each other forever. Starrk plummets down. Love thanks Shunsui who said that he is just glad they are safe. Love says that Shunsui hasn’t changed since he still lacks manners for he still interferes in other people’s battles. Shunsui doesn’t seem to care about such things because he believes as a captain, one shouldn’t waste time on those kind of things and there is no need to play nice. Next scene is Lisa + Hitsugaya + Hiyori vs Harribel. Aizen is watching what’s happening then tells Gin to stop fighting against Shinji. He decides to finish it which puzzles Shinji. Aizen goes to Harribel and kills her. Aizen says that Harribel isn’t strong enough to fight for him and tells Tousen and Gin that they are leaving. Okay, so, Aizen is a ‘user-friendly’ type of person. You are useless, then bye-bye. I guess the author has decided to fastforward what’s happening since Harribel’s fight is totally skipped. ^^; Well, it can’t be helped because if Starrk who is no. 1 espada is down, of course, Harribel has no chance against the others. Well, what Aizen will probably just affirm to the others that Aizen is such a despicable guy and there is no need for doubt regarding defeating him. I tend not to like bad guys who kill off subordinates who are somewhat loyal even if they seem weak/no more use. I do wonder why Tousen is still with him though when Kenpachi defeated him. I guess for Aizen being loyalty and strong are the two top qualities to ‘serve’ him. Anyway, good thing the author is doing this because all of those fights are becoming boring and dragging. I guess like the readers, Aizen has run out of patience. ^^; Oh wait..it might suddenly change back to Rukia and others vs Yammy. ^^;;

While Gaara and others are surprised about Sasuke’s Susanoo in Naruto [c. 465], one of Raikage’s men shouts for them to quickly retreat. Sasuke starts destroying the pillars of the place. The place starts to cave in. Sasuke saves Karin and asks her to lead him to where Danzo is. Karin asks what about their other comrades who are still alive. Sasuke decides to leave them. Karin just obeys him. Raikage, Gaara and others were alright. They plan to go after him. Juugo and Suigetsu manage to survive too. At the meeting hall, Danzo and others are waiting when Sasuke made his appearance. One of the people there attacks him and Danzo quickly tries to escape. Ao chases after Danzo. Sasuke wants to give chase, too but Mizukage stops him by blocking the hole that Danzou used to escape. Since she wants revenge for what Akatsuki has done to their village, Mizukage and others are getting ready to fight. Sasuke is really..what, a ‘traitor’ through and through. He is the complete antithesis of One Piece’s Luffy. How could he just leave his comrades? I do think that those two still think of him as their friend so they’ll probably go to Sasuke again and save him. Regarding what Mizukage did, I think it is somewhat like suicide because if Sasuke uses his black flames, they will all be roasted alive. Hm..if he keeps on using that power, I wonder if Sasuke will end up blind by the end of this arc. ^^;

In One Piece [c. 558], Luffy informs Whitebeard that the execution has been moved up and the marines are preparing something. Everyone especially Ivankov is surprised at how Luffy can confidently talk with Whitebeard as if they are equals. Whitebeard tells the other pirates not to panic because that is probably what Sengoku wanted so he leak information about their plans. Luffy starts running towards Ace. Kizaru tries to attack Luffy but Ivankov saves Luffy since he feels that it is his task to protect him. Buggy and others are either scared or stupidly hopeful when faced with these super strong people. Kuma attacks and Ivankov can’t believe that Kuma would attack him, his old friend even if he is considering his Shichibukai status. Hina tries to capture Luffy but he manages to get away. Moria is interested in Luffy again as he uses his zombies to attack Luffy. Ace can no longer take this that he starts shouting Luffy to leave since he had his own nakama and adventure so Luffy doesn’t need to meddle in his business. He also shouts that it is humiliating to be saved by a weakling like Luffy. Ace doesn’t want to drag Luffy in his mess but Luffy shouts that he doesn’t care about those pirate stuff since he is there to save Ace as his brother. The marines wonder if Luffy is also Roger’s son. Jimbei helps Luffy by splashing the zombies with salt water. Using a speaker, Sengoku reprimands the marines for letting Luffy defeat them. He informs everyone that Luffy is also a threat because not only did he grow up with Ace, he is also the son of Dragon. Then, there are various reactions to that. Luffy keeps on fighting as he shouts that he doesn’t care what Ace say, he is going to save Ace even if it kills him. This shocks and worries Ace. Whitebeard tells Marco not to let Luffy die there. I guess Luffy believes in ‘charity begins at home’. What he is doing is really admirable especially after it was announced that Luffy isn’t even Ace real blood-related brother. Luffy is after all known for his selflessness. It’s like giving up his own dream, etc, just for Ace since if he dies there, that’s the end. I guess it is thanks to ‘luck’, that he is still alive today after all the things happened. I guess it also helps to be ‘stupid’ in a way to keep on persevering especially if the odds are against him. Don’t think -> just do it (what you think is right regardless of the consequences). ^^ And, of course, I think that is also why Whitebeard is also giving him a hand and want to protect him aside from the fact that he is really determined to save Ace no matter what. Also, I wonder if this will inspire Garp to do something. It is quite ironic for him who is a marine who upload the ‘right’, isn’t doing anything to save his ‘grandson/adopted son’ while Luffy who is a pirate is.

Then in Beelzebub [c. 30], Oga is taking a shower when he heard some noise outside. He thought that it is Lamia who wants to get back at him for spanking her but it turns out to be just Shiroyama, pigtails underling of Hajime. Walking in the streets with Oga, Shiroyama apologizes about earlier and it is because he doesn’t want to frighten the people in his house that he didn’t ring the doorbell and it is already late at night. Shiroyama tells him that Hajime and Tatsuya approached Tora to join his gang so that way, they can probably defeat Oga because all of their underlings have sided with Tora who can defeat Oga. The two were irritated when Kaoru pointed out that they were weak and their problem with Oga, wherein their underlings have left them, has nothing to do with them. Tora challenges them to a fight so they attack but Kaoru also joined in. End flashback. At the park, the beaten up two now want to join with Oga to send Tora flying. They tell puzzled-surprised Oga that this is just a temporary collaboration. Oga blankly says that he doesn’t need help. After some thinking by Oga and more persisting by the two, Oga agrees to team up with them. They seem to be going to school when they meet up with Shouji who comments that they are a weird group. They plan to beat up Shouji first when some delinquents appear and want to beat up Oga’s group so that they will be recognized by Tora. Oga wants to win against Shouji but he doesn’t think that Oga and others can defeat the delinquents there. This made Oga and others angry since they are look down on so they are prepared to give those delinquents a lesson. Hehe, for the delinquents to team up is quite early than I expected. I’m not sure I would want Tora to be beaten up though because the guy is quite likeable. Maybe the ending with him is somewhat similar with Aoi. I think it would be nice if the author would give Hajime and Tatsuya more personality than the generic type so that there will be more jokes rather than for them to be the ‘two idiots’..unless that is the author’s intention. =P

While in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 259], they finally realize that the ramen guy is Kawahira whom older Ipin always delivered ramen to. Soon, they all hid and Kawahira helps them hide from Zakuro. Kawahira goes out of the store and seems to have created an illusion. Zakuro arrives but suspects Kawahira so he enters his store because he senses Tsuna and others there. Zakura wants to destroy the place but remembers Byakuran’s warning to them about Uni’s dislike for people who hurt people who aren’t involved in the fight and she would most likely sacrifice herself instead of them. So, Zakura decides to just destroy one building at a time to force Tsuna and others to come out. Kawahira protests but ends up tripping yet catching his ramen bowl. Something seems to be on Zakura’s forehead and Kawahira quickly does something with his chopsticks to make Zakura feel that there are some people elsewhere with killer intent. Zakura left. Reborn begins to wonder about Kawahira after seeing that kind of technique. In the school, Hibari and Dino easily overpower Daisy. Dino tries to make Daisy surrender but Daisy just threatens them that he’ll be angry if they don’t tell him where Uni is. Dino thinks he’s just bluffing. Daisy shows them his last ace, a box planted on his body which he called as carnage release. Kawahira seems to be a mysterious guy and his strategy is good. It is to lure the enemy away from the target since he doesn’t seem to be that strong. I guess the ‘weak’ here uses their own special talents against the enemy. Hehe, I do think Daisy is weak. Okay, box planted in the body does seem a bit lame but I guess it is like an excuse to morph or something. I’m guessing we will be up for something ugly next week unless it will be a reverse of how Daisy currently looks ^^;

Finally, in PSYREN [c. 88], Ageha/Yoshina has a nice reunion with the kids who are a bit puzzled by the way Ageha is acting. It is interrupted when his father, Asuka starts beating him up because Ageha broke his promise to not make his sister cry in exchange for being treated like an adult. Since Ageha won’t tell him why he went missing and everything, Asuka keeps on beating him up. Fubuki, Ageha’s sister, informs them that their father used to be a timid guy who only knows about work and research as an astronomer but he now tries his best to be an ideal father after his wife died. In order to discipline Ageha, Asuka learned karate online. Asuka seems to think that Ageha just wants to elope so he’ll disown him but then the word he used for disown can also be used for ‘touching’. Asuka gives him freedom to do what he wants. Fubuki protests but Asuka tells her to just support and trust Ageha. He also tells Amamiya to help Ageha, too. Amamiya then asks Asuka about the meteor uroboros. He just tells her to go to his research facility where he can talk about that. Ageha decided to track Miroku first since they now have clues about him. Soon, Matsuri has also arrived. Just when I thought the appearance of his father has no use. ^^; I guess he will inform them about the meteor that is going to hit the Earth soon and how to prevent it. I find the kids reunion with Ageha cute. They really have chemistry. ^^ Hm..I wonder if Fubuki will be involved with them soon since she might want to meddle in Ageha’s business to know what he is really up to if their father seems powerless to do something.

Quote of the day:
Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing. ~ Jim Rohn

Ichigo Jikan [Chapters 7-11] -Fin-
Sunday, September 27, 2009

Chapter 7: Ran has refused to tell Ichiko about that almost car accident. He just threatens Ichiko to study within a week to be number one or at least in the top ten in some sort of national exams else she’ll be booted out of the house. While Ichiko is being gloomy about this at school, she overhears some girls shouting that Ran is playing basketball at the gym. Ichiko goes to check it and see how the students are raving as Ran play basketball with some other students. She also overheard about raving comments about how great Ran is and it seems he is also a substitute teacher [in this case, I guess PE teacher]. They are all glad that they study in that school. Ichiko is amazed at how admired Ran is, in that school and how much work he did in order to achieve that. This inspired Ichiko. When Ichiko and Shin return home, Ichiko is surprised to see the house all messed up and Ran is looking for the kitten. Ichiko asks if there is a robber but Ran just claims that he was just looking for the kitten which took something valuable from him. Shin catches the cat and tosses the ‘thing’ he was looking for to Ran but it hits Ichiko’s head instead. Ichiko is horrified that it is a condom. Ran just tells Ichiko to clean up the place as he and Shin are going to talk about some guy stuff. Ichiko exclaims that she has to study but Ran and Shin just went into the room. Inside, Shin tells Ran about his investigation and reports about the incident. The culprit is Ran’s relative, the vice-director. Shin will continue on investigating but he is worried about Ichiko, if she’ll do well regarding the exams. The next day, Ichiko feel asleep while eating. Ichiko starts crying about not finishing her planned studies so Ran offers to tutor her at 8pm. Still studying, Ichiko feels that it’s like they are lovers if he does that. Ran arrives and starts teaching her. After three hours, Ichiko is really happy to learn all sorts of stuff that she didn’t know in such a short time. Ran says that it is all easy. While he was tapping the mechanical pencil on her hair to say that she is also an intelligent girl for quickly understanding things, her hair gets tangled up. Ran tries to untangle it but Ichiko becomes overly conscious since he is too near to her. In the end, she fell down and Ran seems to be on top of her while holding the pencil with a few strands of her hair. Ichiko apologizes and tries to get away but Ran holds on to her and says that she’s no good. He takes out a pen and writes 0 in her forehead. He says that she has 0 sex appeal and she should learn to act more like a girl. Ichiko is a bit embarrassed and wonders if that is true. Ran is also blushing. He glances at her and says that if she gets in the top 10, he’ll treat her out. This cheers her up since she thinks it is a date. Two weeks after, Shin is surprised that Ichiko has already left home after the exams. Clutching her exam papers, Ichiko is running home since she is really happy to get third place. She wants to call him but wonders if it will just trouble him. She passes by an alley when someone grabs her while covering her mouth.

Chapter 8: To Ichiko’s shock, it turns out to be just Ran in disguise if you call sunglasses and casual clothes a disguise. He sees her grades and says that’s quite good. Ichiko is going to protest why he did that but he just pokes her head and says that is punishment for going home alone. Ichiko realizes that he is worried about her especially after that car accident. Ran says that he is going to keep his part of the bargain so he is going to treat her out. Ran tries to help her up but Ichiko’s strength has left her so Ran ends up carrying her piggy bank-style. Ichiko can only apologize since he should be tired from work already. Ran says it is nothing. To Ichiko’s embarrassment, Ran comments that her legs are like a kid’s and she should eat more. At their apartment, someone asks if Ichiko is alright. It is her mother who came to visit. Ichiko tries to think of some alibi for her not to come in but in the end, Ran suggests that Ichiko let her mother stay and he’ll just live in some place for a few days. He just warns her not to let her mother know that he is her roommate. Ichiko’s mother looks at the place when Ran points out his shorts hanging out to dry in the balcony. Ichiko quickly takes it down. After Ran introduces himself when asked, Ichiko’s mother recognizes him as the school’s director and that even if his age difference with Ichiko is just one year, he seems more mature. Her mother then notices something on the refrigerator. There is a note for Ran from Ichiko telling him that there are sandwiches in the fridge which he can eat as midnight snack. Ichiko tries to explain but Ran decides to tell everything. Soon, Ran treats the two to a restaurant in a hotel managed by his father. He tells Ichiko’s mother that this is a promise to Ichiko so they are eating there instead of, at home. While Ran is ordering, Ichiko’s mother asks Ichiko if they have done it. Ichiko furiously freaks out about what she is saying. Ichiko’s mother says that Ichiko is already 15 years old and she was at that age when she met Ichiko’s father. Ichiko tries to explain that their relationship isn’t like that but Ichiko’s mother asks Ran, “Will you take up the responsibility?” Ran is puzzled then explains that they are just living together and they didn’t do anything that would warrant him to take responsibility for something. Ran explains about the dorm being renovated so she is staying with him. Ichiko is totally embarrassed by this. Ichiko’s mother holds on to Ichiko and asks Ran if her Ichiko doesn’t have any sex appeal/charm. With somewhat cold-looking eyes, Ran says that he thinks she is a very charming girl. Ichiko is a bit flustered by that expression of Ran. Ran then says that he likes it more if the woman is older so he thinks that Ichiko’s mother is more charming. Ichiko’s mother happily says that if only she is 10 years younger unless Ran doesn’t mind a 33 year old woman. She then happily tells Ichiko that Ran will be her new dad. This made Ichiko flustered and angry that she shouts that she is going home. Ran decides to go after Ichiko. He tells Ichiko’s mother that he heard a thunder on the way there so if Ichiko went out now, it will be difficult to find her. After Ran left, Ichiko’s mother muses that Ran knows Ichiko more than her and she is a bit jealous.

Outside the hotel, it is already raining and Ichiko wonders how she is going to go home. Ran stands beside her and frightens her when he pretends to make some thunder sounds. He calls her a gutless brat. Ichiko says that she is just a gutless and childish girl. Ran says that she is like a kid that way. Ichiko tells him to shut up. Ran says that she’s really annoying. She is about to shout back when she notices that Ran is leaving. She wonders if she is really annoying. Ran turns around and tells her that her favorite assorted prawns/seafood dish is going to be served soon. This surprises Ichiko and thinks that even if she is childish and he said she is annoying, she still felt Ran’s kindness and she wants to be spoiled by him. Ichiko goes back with him and asks how he knew that. Ran says that her eyes lights up when he was ordering. After Ran paid, Ran gives Ichiko’s mother a card-key for the hotel and tells her to stay there with Ichiko and he’ll be going home. After he left, Ichiko’s mother comments that Ran is such a good guy. Ichiko becomes gloomy that her mother pinches her face and asks if she is thinking of something else. She tells Ichiko that she is referring to [Ran as] Ichiko’s husband. Ichiko is flustered and explains that she is the one thinking of other things for how could her mother even think of marriage. Her mother asks why she is saying that. Ichiko explains that it is just a one-sided love and it is embarrassing to talk about love with her. Her mother tells her that while young ‘like/love’ is very important feeling and she got engaged when she was 15 years old then got married at 18 years and later on, Ichiko is born. Her mother happily exclaims that she is really happy until now so there is no need for Ichiko to repress her feelings. Ichiko is surprised when her mother happily bids her goodbye and says that she will be staying with her friend in Tokyo so she wishes her luck. Ichiko calls out to her mother who has already left. At the lobby, Ichiko wonders if she is going to stay in that place alone but then, she doesn’t have a key since her mother took it. She then finds Ran in front of her. He sighs as she wonders why he is still there when he should have gone home. He gives her the key which her mother gave him. He then tells her that they should go. Ichiko realizes that they are going to stay there together for the night.

Chapter 9: Flustered Ichiko asks Ran what her mother said about this. Ran says that her mother said that she has some urgent things to do so he’ll be her substitute and if he wants to take responsibility, he can do it tonight. Ichiko falls over as she is really furious and embarrassed at what her mother told Ran. As they go in the elevator, Ichiko says that it is impossible for her and Ran to do that kind of thing. Ran pulls her in the elevator and says that isn’t true for unlike at the house, they will be staying in one bedroom and it has been a long time since he has done it. He can also do it with any girl right now and he might even be able to do it without any feeling at all. Ichiko is flustered as she pulls away from him. While thinking that she can’t believe that, she asks what he meant by that. To her shock, Ran calls her stupid and sticks out her tongue at her for believing that it is true. Ichiko is furious. In room 3507, Ran tells her to quickly take a bath before the storm becomes stronger. Ichiko shouts that there is no need for him to tell her that. She angrily slams the bathroom door. Ran lies down on bed. He sighs and thinks that he should have gone home. Thirty minutes later, Ichiko comes out and tells Ran that he can go in. Ran is typing on his laptop computer and tells her that he has already taken a bath. Ichiko thinks that Ran is really great since he is working even if he is there and she should have brought her schoolwork. She climbs up to bed. Looking at the bed beside hers, she thinks that Ran will be sleeping near her tonight. Ichiko begins to feel nervous. She pulls up the blanket and hopes to see Ran sleeping, hope she doesn’t say anything silly while sleeping, etc. She then gloomily wonders if she will be like that until morning. Later on, Ichiko goes to the toilet and notices that Ran is still awake. She begins to wonder if he is getting enough sleep and he seems tired. Ran is surprised when Ichiko suddenly massage his shoulders. He angrily asks, wasn’t she sleeping. Ichiko says that she can’t sleep so she’ll massage him instead just like what her mother did. Ran looks really nervous until Ichiko presses a sensitive part on his neck that made him shout to quit massaging him. Ichiko apologizes and quickly goes back to bed thinking that she was unexpectedly rejected and she should just give up on Ran.

After some time, Ran looks at sleeping Ichiko. She grips her pillow tight whenever there is a thunder. He goes to her and pats her head. Thinking that she is sleeping, he kisses her on the lips. He then sits down on his bed and tries to psyche himself that he is being responsible if he wants to. Then, he is surprised to see Ichiko blushing and covering her lips. Ichiko asks him if he just kissed her. She wonders if he likes her too. Ran turns around and denies it by saying that any girl would do like what he said earlier. Ichiko clings on to his arm. Ran shouts for her not to think of other things regarding what he said. Ichiko is about to cry as she is about to confess since what Ran did is a ray of hope for her. Ran quickly hugs her and asks her not to continue what she is saying. His phone rings. He goes to answer it while Ichiko thinks that Ran’s heart is beating as fast as hers. After talking on the phone, Ran quickly packs his things up. Ichiko asks what happened. Ran tells her not to go to school for some time nor go to the house. She is not to leave that place. He’ll just tell the hotel staff to let her stay there for a while. He tosses her some menus and stuff which she can order whatever she likes. Ichiko tries to ask what happened but he just shakes her head vigorously with his hand and apologizes for kissing her. He hopes that she can endure the thunder. She looks puzzled and as the door closes, she sees Ran running off. The next day, it is still raining. Wearing a raincoat, Ichiko decides to check out what’s happening. A flyer falls on her feet. It is about Ran living with Ichiko with their pictures on it. Some parents are angry about this and are shouting at a guy. Ran comes out and just told them that he’ll explain things in the auditorium with all the parents and students at 1pm.

Chapter 10: Ichiko overhears some mothers who doesn’t want their kids going in that school if the director is doing that kind of thing so they would want him to resign. Ichiko thinks that if she knew this would have happen, she should have left his house earlier and this is all her fault. She is about to go out and explain but Shin quickly grabs her and covers her mouth. The mothers think that they are hearing things so they left. Shin tells her that it is useless because no matter how they explained it, it will have an opposite effect. Ichiko tries to protest but Shin tells her that they are already prepared for this and Ran has already thought of things so she should just believe in Ran. Shin sneaks Ichiko behind the stage as Ran prepares to deliver his speech to everyone. Ran admits that Ichiko is staying with him and it is only until the dorm is renovated. The parents start to say that it is impossible for it to be just that and something surely had happened so he should resign. Ran gets irritated when someone says that their child might also do what that stupid girl did so he shouts in the microphone for them to shut up. He tells them that he’ll resign if they want him to and they really didn’t do anything. He shouts if they only knew how much he had to endure everyday. Ichiko is surprised by this confession. Ran says how could he do such a stupid thing and of course, Ichiko is treated special because she is their national top 3 student so as director, he just did what he thought was best. He notices the vice-director laughing so Ran asks if he is satisfied with that. Ran accuses him of hiring people to take those pictures on the flyers and as the one who tried to harm Ichiko. The vice-director is also the one who made Ichiko who ranked first in their school to stay in his house while the dorm is being renovated. [Ah, it is a different person based on the first chapter but I guess the vice-director was the one who told the dorm guy to make Ichiko stay at Ran’s place.] Ran throws a lot of papers about the vice-director’s misdeeds as evidence so that he won’t be able to sit as director either. The vice-director can only curse in shock and depression. Ran starts to tell everyone that he resigns. Ichiko thinks that he doesn’t really want to resign based on his expression so she comes out of stage and says that she’s going to quit school. Ran is surprised to see her. Ichiko then shouts to everyone that it is all because of her whim since she is the one who likes Ran and wanted to say with him. She is the one who thought that all of this is just a simple thing and if there is anyone who should be sanctioned, it should be her. She starts crying as she shouts that she won’t be seeing Ran again. This made Ran grab her and pulls her back into the stage.

Suddenly, the students there start shouting that Ran is great and there’s nothing wrong for him to fall in love. Soon, they are making a ruckus to their parents’ shock. Backstage, Ran asks if Ichiko didn’t know for whom he is doing all of this. Ichiko replies that he isn’t responsible and people [maybe students] won’t want him to resign so just let her endure/suffer for all of this. Ran shouts that it’s not only her [who’ll be suffering] and can she really endure it for her not to see him again. Ichiko is surprised by his flustered reaction. Ichiko starts crying and says that she can. She thinks that she cannot let him resign just because of her. Ran hugs her and tells her no, for he can’t let her go. He tells her that she doesn’t need to suffer nor does she need to be stubborn. He pulls her to the stage and addresses the people. He apologizes to everyone and tells them to forget about what Ichiko said earlier and he also forgot to say something about the two of them which already has the approval of their parents. “It’s for us to live together before we marry so there’s no reason for us to live separately later on.” Ichiko is stunned by this announcement. Ran brings her backstage and the students are screaming their approval. The students also shout that if Ran resigns, then they’ll leave that school, too. Akane just groans at what’s happening and felt that she got a huge headache. She asks if that way, those two can’t separate. Shin just laughs and says that it isn’t bad for there’s nothing bad about getting married. Walking at the streets, Ichiko asks Ran what he meant earlier about the marriage. He looks at her then sighs. Ichiko gloomily wonders why he did that and maybe what he said earlier is just some sort of make-shift plan. Ran then tells her that he has something important to tell her which he hadn’t since before. Ran brings her to the hospital where Hayato is. Hayato is ‘sleeping’ while hooked on machines. Ran tells Ichiko that Hayato is his younger brother. He says that his brother is weak so he is always stays in the hospital but three years ago, something happened. They managed to save his life but he became a vegetable. Just when Ichiko notices a photo of herself and Hayato beside the bed, Ran tells her that Hayato had always liked her that is why he is stopping himself from liking her but he can’t do it. Ichiko blushes and looks in surprise at Ran. Holding Hayato’s hand, Ran says, “..Hayato, I’m sorry. I..when I’m 18 years old, I’m going to enter Ichiko in my register.” Ichiko is surprised and cries tears of joy. She touches Ran’s shoulder and thinks, “Ran-kun, I really like you..”

Final Chapter: Ichiko narrates, “It has been two days since Ran has proposed. I felt really happy to be able to stay at Ran’s side just like this.” Ran greets her a good morning as they brush their teeth together in the toilet. After dressing up, Ran calls for Ichiko to hurry it up. Ichiko exclaims that he is just too fast. Ichiko narrates that after announcing their marriage, they started going to school together. Ran originally wanted to quit being director but the students strongly oppose it that in the end, Ran has become the director once again. Ichiko sits and wears her socks. Ran offers to help her but Ichiko refuses. Ichiko notices that Ran is staring at her while she is putting her socks on so she asks what it is. Ran just comments that he feels that putting one’s socks on can actually be sexy. Embarrassed, Ichiko shouts what he is thinking as she calls him a ‘dirty old man’. Ran then starts to help her put on the other sock which really embarrassed Ichiko. She is then surprised when he pulled up the sock. Ran teases her if she felt something. Ichiko angrily shouts that they should quickly go to school. Ran then says that he forgot something. When Ichiko is about to ask what it is, Ran gives her a kiss. As he walks away, Ran whistles then tells her to lock the door. Ichiko just stands there while blushing. She thought her heart had stopped. Narration: “After that incident, living together now felt like I have flown to heaven.”

Change scene: At school, Ichiko looks at her diary and dreamily thinks that it will be September 9 soon. That is Ran’s birthday. The calendar is in Sept 2010. In a blink of an eye, one year and three months had already passed. The day has finally arrived and tomorrow is citizen’s day[?]/day to register. Her two friends look at her then tell her that they heard a rumor that since Ran proposed, it has been one year and three months already of living together yet they haven’t done H. “Is that true?” Blushing, Ichiko says that is none of their business. The two exclaim that it is because they are very worried about her that she might be given up on and it is because she is too slow. They ask her when they last kissed. Ichiko nervously asks why she has to answer that question. They insisted so Ichiko says three days ago. They ask if it is a French kiss. Ichiko blushes in shock. She wonders out loud why they weren’t embarrassed even if they are saying that kind of thing. She tells them that only adults do that kind of thing as well as H. She says that Ran also didn’t do those kinds of things. Her friend says that it is because Ran is just conforming to her speed and it seems that Ran really dotes on her. Ichiko is happy to hear that. Her friend says that at midnight today, it will be Ran’s birthday so why don’t Ichiko work hard on it occasionally. Ichiko blankly asks work hard, do what? Her friends start laughing while looking dark.

At their apartment, it is 10 minutes to midnight. Ichiko is wearing a sexy nightgown and lace stockings. She looks at the mirror then starts feeling uncomfortable about it that she can’t pull it off since they hadn’t even done a French kiss so what more if it’s H. Just when she is about to take it off, Ran enters her room to ask if she is still awake. After a loud scream, Ichiko tosses things around in a nervous fit as she exclaims for him not to look. She is so embarrassed as she hugs her rabbit stuffed toy. Ran asks why she is wearing that. Then, his mood changes when he sees her underwear because the nightgown’s cloth is quite thin. Ran darkly asks if she is trying to seduce him. Ichiko is startled and tells herself not to runaway because she likes Ran. Ran says he understands so he’ll go prepare himself and Ichiko should just wait for a while. Ran goes out of the room. Ichiko is really nervous and thinks that she should do her best. Afterwards, Ran sits down on bed where Ichiko is waiting. Ran tells her to give her hand to him. Ichiko is shaking as she holds out her hand. Ran comments that he didn’t know she has that kind of clothes. Ichiko says that her friends help her buy it today. Ran then points to the light. He tells her that if she is embarrassed, they can close the lights. Ichiko quickly exclaims that they should close it. She stands up but Ran pulls her down to him. Ran gives her a French kiss as Ichiko doesn’t know what she should do with that kind of kiss. Ichiko then breaks away as she coughs/can’t breathe. Ran apologizes and says that he is too fast and she should use her nose to slowly breathe. He asks her if she is okay. Ichiko starts crying that she can’t even respond to Ran with that kind of kiss. She apologizes. Ran hits her head and calls her stupid.

Walking away, Ran says that this had happened because it is all plotted by her friends. He tells her that before she graduates, he doesn’t plan on doing anything more [progress] than that and in any case, a child like her is troublesome. Ichiko is moved by what he said. She notices some papers on the bed. She notices that it is a marriage contract form and some wedding magazines [I think but there is a picture of a girl in wedding dress]. Ran puts a small box in front of her. He opens it and it is a wedding ring. Ran asks her to try it out first if it suits her. Ichiko starts crying. He tells her that he’ll finish his work early tomorrow and they can do this [register] together, then later on, they can put their signature on it and later on, they find a wedding hall and wedding dress. Crying with tears of joy, Ichiko hugs him. Ran asks if he should hug her back. [The word hug can also mean H so if it’s hug, he should and shouldn’t have asked so it might be H since he might not be able to stop himself if she is hugging him.] Ichiko says, “Ran-kun, in my whole life, I will stay by your side..” Ran smiles and says that is certain. Narration: “It is good to express this kind of feeling. Although right now, I’m too shy and I can’t say it but I believe that day will come when I can honestly say, ‘I love you’.” The last scene is a church wedding. Ichiko is all grown up. Looking really pretty and more mature as she is about to kiss Ran. The end. Yup, it’s over. Things are quickly wrapped up and conveniently finished that for me, it’s like enjoying the ride and before I knew it, it’s over that it felt a bit like, ‘what, that’s it’. It seems a bit fast since I think there are still many things that can make this series long. I don’t know if this series isn’t doing well or something but maybe it is because it is published in ShoComi. Most series published there except for KKWH and probably some others, ends within 10 chapters + a few more but enough for two volumes. I think this way because the scared of thunder and why she has to have honors are all relevant in the latter part of the story. Overall, the series is quite good and cute though I feel that it ended too quickly since there are still things that could have been explained like why he is a director of the school at such a young age but I guess he is just a prodigy-type. Well, I’ll probably read more of this author’s stories since I like her art. Scans by §星空ツ泪 and Amyangel19910323 for BW

Actually, the author already has a new series called Sorairo Ageha. I have seen the raws and the story is about a girl inspired by a tennis prodigy, while she is a 10 year old kid, to play tennis. Years later, lo and behold, he becomes her seatmate in her new school but he turns out to be a jerk who hates tennis that he even smashed and destroyed her racket. There is also another girl who shouted at her and probably mentioned why the guy quit tennis. The lead girl is a bit depressed but she isn’t going to let that damper her spirits. Next day in school, I think she declared to him that she is aiming to be world’s number one. He doesn’t seem to believe her though but I think she told him to just watch her do it. Later on, she realizes that there is no tennis club in that school. After learning about the requirements, she starts her work by removing the weeds from the tennis court. She ends up tired that she sleeps in the classroom. Five days later, she finally finished leveling and cleaning the tennis court on her own. She wants to practice but her racket is busted. Nevertheless, she keeps practicing even if the ball keeps on going out of bounds. The guy sees her from the building and sighs. He then notices some older classmen who seems to plan something with the girl. The guy goes to thwart whatever they were planning. It seems she is determined to practice even if she is alone. Her attitude starts to affect the guy that the next day, to her surprise, he is at the court waiting for her. He is all dressed up in tennis gear, complete with basket of tennis balls. She begins to wonder if she is seeing things until he pinches her to show she isn’t dreaming. He gives her a new racket and I think there is a competition in three days time. He starts to jog ahead with her so I’m not sure if he is going to compete with her or he is going to be her trainer. She runs along and thinks that everything is arranged by fate. The story is pretty good. Based on the first chapter, I like the female lead. The characters seems like the same as the ones in Ichiko Jikan especially Ran. The lead guy looks very much like Ran. The girl looks a bit more mature now than Ichiko. There are no Chinese scans yet and even if there are, I’m not yet sure if I’ll summarize this since it might end up being ‘delayed’ just like what happened to Ichgo Jikan. ^^;

Word of the day:
Because God gives us everything, we owe Him all our praise. ~ Our Daily Bread

Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta [Chapter 29]
Friday, September 25, 2009

Kotori is surprised when Yukito holds her hand. She calls his name as he looks at her then he closes his eyes again. He then says, “About..that..hmm..ah..” so Kotori thinks that he is just half-asleep. Kotori mutters what’s up with that. She realizes that Yukito is holding her hand tight. She tries to pull it in order to free herself but it is futile. She wants to get out of that situation before Yukito wakes up else it will be quite awkward/embarrassing. Kotori is surprised when Yukito pulls her hand and kisses it. This freaks out Kotori. *bang* Kotori has pulled her hand away aggressively that Yukito is flipped/turned over. [it would be funny if he also fell off the bed =P ] Kotori runs at the hallway and wonders what’s up with that, just now. “Is he just half-asleep? Is it just a coincidence? Surely, it just by chance, he didn’t deliberately do that..I shouldn’t mind it..” Next scene, Kotori gets her exam papers with grades – 30, 40, etc. Kotori becomes gloomy and slumps her head on the table. “This really sucks..” She wonders if there is some sort of lesson from that clinic incident when she doesn’t want to think about stuff regarding Yukito. “Yukito totally doesn’t care about me anymore—I’m the only one who’s being indecisive, it is also futile [to keep on thinking about this]..” At the hallway, Abe happily greets Yukito to ask how his exams were and can he see them. Yukito just lamely says that there is nothing to see about that thing. Abe learns why because Yukito’s grades are – 28, 22, etc. [Lol, they are indeed 2 Kaiji-s so the same ^^] Abe says that what he said is really true. Yukito tells him that he’s too cruel for saying that too honestly. Looking a bit tense, Abe asks if Yukito’s grades are like that because of ‘that’. Yukito asks what so Abe drops the topic and changes it by asking what happened to that important thing. Yukito doesn’t know what he is referring to so Abe tells him about that guy who gave that paper to Kotori. This surprises Yukito then he looks out the window. Abe says that based on the guy’s uniform, he is from Kousen [formerly translated as Kouzumi] High School so what does Yukito plan to do. “Is it okay? Are you just going to turn the blind eye?” After a pause, Yukito [face not shown] says, “…I don’t plan to do anything..it has nothing to do with me..” Abe laughs and says that even if he said that, Yukito really got a major shock at that time. Yukito looks flustered so Abe apologizes. Yukito tries to laugh it off and says that this is good since that guy is somewhat of a match with Kotori. [Hehe, and they think the same way, too =P ] Abe looks concerned and just says to forget it. “There seems to be some sort of significance to this but perhaps, this is a good thing. Although I’m not exactly sure why you guys broke up but Yukito really doesn’t understand Kaji’s feelings. You don’t know what kind of feelings Kotori had while seeing you together with your female friend--” Yukito just looks slightly thoughtful.

After school dismissal, Kotori peeks out from the gate to check if Yukito had already left. She gloomily thinks that she shouldn’t be doing this just because she doesn’t want to meet him on her way home. After thinking that it is okay to go home, she heads out and to her shock, she sees Risa there. Risa happily greets her. Kotori has a ‘what the--’ kind of look on her face. At a pedestrian overpass, Kotori asks what Risa wants to talk about. Risa turns around and asks, “I heard that you broke up with Yukito, is that true?” Kotori is taken aback by her question. Risa says, “I heard some rumors about it so I want to confirm it with you. ” Kotori is flustered as she wonders why Risa is peculiarly concerned about it. Risa asks if it is true since she didn’t deny it. Looking down, Kotori replies that she feels that she has no obligation to answer Risa’s question. Risa seems displeased with her answer. Risa then says, “Unexpectedly, you guys easily broke up.. I can still think of other kinds of troubles, I never thought that it is easy to ruin your relationship [with Yukito]. It can make one feel quite disappointment, don’t you think so? It’s so boring--” Kotori is stunned as she thinks, “What..what does she mean by that..could it be..that all those stuff that she has been doing until now..are all deliberate?” Risa continues, “[Because you guys easily break up, I] wasn’t able to fully enjoy it. [/doing those things]” That seems to have confirmed Kotori’s suspicions as she still looks stunned. It’s already dark when Yukito arrives home. He passes by the gate and remembers Abe asking him about what could Kotori be feeling when he is with a female friend. A bit flustered, Yukito wonders what’s with Abe for him to say that. He is surprised when someone behind him greets him a good evening and asks if he changed his route home. Yukito turns around to see Risa. He looks surprised then he asks why she is there. Risa whines, “what—of course, I’m here to see you.” Yukito asks, “Ha? See me? Why?” Risa pouts and says, “Ah..geez..you’re unexpectedly surprised..you are really slow[-witted]..” He is surprised when Risa comments that he changed his hair color back to its original color. A bit flustered, Yukito just mutters yes. Trying to touch his hair, Risa says that it seems that kind of look is more suitable. “I like you like this, I feel that this is more like Yukito..” Before she can touch his hair, Yukito quickly looks away. He looks flustered and Risa looks startled. Risa then points to the door and exclaims, “..ah, ghost..what is that?!” Yukito is surprised by that so he quickly looks at the door to see his brother, Masaya peeking out the slightly opened door. [Lol, it does look kind of creepy] Yukito thinks that his brother saw everything and wonders if what Masaya is doing is really frightening.

Inside the house, Masaya says that it is quite unexpected for Yukito to flirt in front of their house’s gate, out in the open. Flustered, Yukito quickly denies that he is flirting. Masaya tells him, “At our house’s gate, doing some lovey-dovey with a girl other than your girlfriend..you are one slick operator for a first year high student.” Embarrassed, Yukito exclaims for Masya to quit emphasizing ‘house gate’. Smiling, Masaya says, “Speaking of that..I seem to have seen that girl before..could it be that you have broken up with Kotori?” Yukito didn’t reply so Masaya asks if it is true and he was only thinking of teasing him like before. Masaya touches Yukito’s shoulder as if to comfort him then says, “..Yukito.” He put his arm around Yukito’s shoulder and says, “Bento..I [your bro] can still..make bento for you,” Yukito angrily says, “There-is-no-need- [for you to do that] You really infuriate me.” Masaya seems to be thinking as he says, “But, ah, really, break up already, so she is single again.” Still flustered, Yukito tells his brother, “I will not allow you to attempt to do something bad to that girl..I won’t allow you..to lay your hand on her.” Masaya looks surprised. He says, “Of course…………………not.” Yukito exclaims what’s with that long pause and does he really have some sort of bad intention since he [Yukito] is really curious. Masaya answers, “You are already with some other girl, and you are still saying that kind of words? Since you already broke up with her, then it shouldn’t matter anymore, right? Even if I lay my hand on her, what is it to you? Ah, that girl just now is totally the opposite of Kotori. It seems that she is the ‘strong’ [headstrong] type. Did you change your taste?” Yukito turns around and exclaims that Masaya doesn’t need to concern himself with that. With lots of sparkles, Masaya smiles brightly and says, “Don’t worry. I’m only happy just because you are now single so don’t misunderstand. In other words—as long as your relationship with girls isn’t superior to mine, I don’t care at all.” [Hehe.. =P] Yukito can only mutter that his stinky brother is harboring evil intentions. Masaya then asks what had happened for weren’t they [Kaiji-s] really in love. “Weren’t you still very happy a few days ago? You--don’t care anymore?” Yukito pauses then remembers Kotori telling him that even if he kissed her, she wasn’t moved and maybe it is because the way they think isn’t the same [not conveyed to each other]. Yukito says, “To care or not, [it doesn’t matter] anyway, it is all over--” Yukito thinks that everything has returned to what it was before. At home, Kotori hugs her pillow and thinks about what Risa said that they easily broke up because their feelings for each other aren’t in that [deep] level yet. “I wasn’t able to say anything to refute that..although I’m very frustrated [don’t want to lose], but what she said is true—the reason we broke up isn’t just because of Matsushima-classmate. If I and Yukito were able to interlink our feelings much more, much deeper, then it would have been okay…” Kotori notices Keshikeshi peeking at the door. She thinks that he is looking at her. She then imagines human Keshikeshi seducing her. ^^; He holds up her chin and says, “Cheer up..I totally accept..everything about you..” Kotori blushes and calls his name as he is about to kiss her. She then holds Keshikeshi dog and gloomily thinks, “Ah--..this is bad..this is very bad..if I continue on being like this, I will just become like an escaping ostrich..sure enough, Yukito will be going steady with Matsushima…if that is true then, I..”

At the hallway, Natsume asks Kotori how were her exams. Kotori says that it is so-so. Natsume says that it will soon be last term exams. Kotori agrees for only a month left. Kotori is surprised when someone calls out to Yukito. Yukito just passes by the two girls. Natsume looks a bit worried about Kotori. She then tells Kotori that tomorrow they will be changing to summer uniform. Kotori affirms this. Natsume smiles and asks if she is free tonight and would she help her out about something. The next scene is a fabulous-looking beauty parlor. Kotori asks Natsume about that place. Natsume says that it is her mother’s shop. Natsume says that her mother is quite big in the beauty salon industry and today, she already asked permission so there is no need for Kotori to worry. This surprises Kotori and she remembers Natsume suggesting to her about getting a ‘fresh’ hairstyle since they are going to change to their summer uniform. “—Natsume, although you just casually say that..but I totally feel that this place isn’t just an ordinary type of parlor..” Natsume and a hairstylist call Kotori to follow them. Sitting on the chair, the hairstylist asks what kind of haircut she would want. Natsume tells the hairstylist that she’ll leave it up to him but since it will be summer soon, it would be good to make it look fresh. “Don’t make it too gorgeous, just make it naturally look a bit cute and a bit mature looking.” Then, a couple of girls tell Kotori to give her hands to them as they will do her manicure. Kotori is a bit aghast as she thinks, “This really feels..it’s so obvious..that this isn’t as simple as a haircut..” Kotori calls out to Natsume but she is surprised when Natsume declares, “Make him regret!” [Operation Regret starts!] Looking really determined, Natsume exclaims, “We’ll make Kaiji Yukito see more of your cute side, [then/and] that guy only deserves to be depressed for the rest of his life! After seeing you, he’ll be ‘shock by your beauty’, be dumbfound, his heart to be totally shaken, then, he’ll fall over heels in love with you! [We’ll] definitely make him experience a rude awakening [that it’s too late for regrets]! Right.” Kotori seems to realize something about what Natsume is doing for her so she didn’t protest anymore. Soon, it is finished. Kotori’s hair is now a bit wavy and she has make-up. Natsume is totally pleased as she comments that Kotori looks cute. Giving her a thumbs up, Natsume says, “It’s good, Kotori, it’s really great!” Kotori looks at herself and thinks, “Make-up, a different hairstyle..my nails, too..[which are nicely decorated]. It feels that it’s not me anymore but in reality, I am still me.” Kotori blushes and smiles. Natsume happily says that it’s good that she can finally show her natural smile. Kotori is embarrassed about doing that kind of expression. Natsume smiles and says that girls doing that kind of thing [makeover] can uplift one’s spirits and she feels excited when she sees people go through a makeover. Kotori realizes that Natsume was worried about her and in order to cheer her up, Natsume did this for her. Blushing, Kotori holds Natsume’s hand and says, “I’m sorry for making you worry, thanks…”

In school, Abe rushes to the clinic and calls out to Yukito repeatedly. Yukito is sleeping/lying on the bed as Abe shouts, “This is really bad!” Yukito complains what’s with Abe for being so noisy so early in the morning. Abe shouts, “This isn’t the time for sleeping! That! It is definitely that!” Yukito shouts that he’s too close to him and what is it. Yukito is surprised when Abe says, “Kaiji..could have..already gotten a boyfriend..” Yukito sees Kotori. Yukito’s reaction goes: stare at her <- dumbfound/shock, blushing while looking left and right <- heart totally shaken, flustered and a bit agitated <- wavering and finally, gloomy <- depressed. [Operation success! ^^] While Yukito is standing in front of the door, a student behind him tells Yukito to go in the classroom if he is going in because there are a lot of people behind [wanting to go in]. Just then, the door opens and it is Kotori. The two are surprised to see each other. Yukito looks flustered but he quickly walks away. Kotori looks a bit sad about this. While angrily walking, Yukito thinks, “What is that..that is..when she’s with me [in front of me], she never put on make-up, why does she suddenly..?! Why would she do that..for whom did she do those things?” He then remembers the guy from Kousen High. He stands still and is speechless. After school, it is raining hard. Kotori overhears some students saying that they have no umbrella. Kotori thinks that she also doesn’t have one. She notices Yukito holding an umbrella then walks ahead of her. She just speechlessly looks at him. After walking a bit of distance, Yukito turns around and says, “Come here.”

This chapter is ultimate win for me ^^ I love it to bits ^^ Honestly, this is what I wanted to happen in KKWH but then, I’m really happy that this author did what I wanted to happen ^^ Of course, I love the ‘make him regret’ plan. I think this is a rather fun way of somehow making those two get back together again. I mean if Kotori makes the initiative again as in somewhat like ‘beg him and that kind of stuff’, then it would seem that she is desperate for him. Obviously, there are other guys who would be interested in her. And from the last chapter and in this chapter, Yukito becomes aware of that. =P Also, just like what Kotori is thinking, things will be the same as it was since Yukito has not realized what Risa did and why that made Kotori uneasy. Well, he is slightly realizing that now. ^^ In the end, he finally made a move, well, a couple of moves, if that hand kiss is counted, since he still loves her but I guess it is a bit of pride and always thinking that they are break up already that hinders him. I like how it is portrayed on how friends can help in a break-up. Those two are really lucky to have such great friends who give them advice and comfort them. They obviously think that these two are a great match even if they somewhat think they aren’t. ^^; Even Masaya indirectly helped by thwarting Risa’s advances on Yukito. The guy is really amusing. I feel his happiness that Yukito isn’t superior to him in regards with girls =P Even if there is some sort of sibling rivalry, it isn’t a total ‘hate’ type since I also feel that Masaya is concerned about Yukito that he asked what happened with him and Kotori. I don’t think Risa will get Yukito because this series is like a ‘you’ll get what you deserve/feel good’ type of story so I think that Risa will eventually suffer Harada’s fate. How can Risa fight against ‘fate’ when those two Kaiji-s seems to be fated to be together ^^ As for Kotori’s makeover, I actually like her plain and simple ^^; Maybe I’m not used to it yet. I guess it is through her mother that Natsume has access to all sorts of wigs =P Well, the next chapter seems to be a lot of fun, too ^^ Hope the author keeps this up. Scans be seta917 for BW.

Quote of the day:
Swallow your pride occasionally, it's non-fattening! ~ Author Unknown

Hapi Mari 9, Black Bird 33-35 and Dengeki Daisy 27-28 Teasers
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Since some are curious about what’s happening in these series, I’ll write teasers even if it is mostly guesswork especially for the latter two series since it isn’t updated in Chinese either. I hope it will satisfy your curiosity ^^ Scans by shuro and flavia in BW. By the way, good news, according to yukitokaji of BW, Ueda Rinko-sensei has given birth to a cute baby girl. Congratulations! She is currently still on maternity leave but she has already started to draw again so Hadashi de Bara wo Fume will hopefully resume again soon. ^^ Oh ya, finally, the VK 54 scans are out in baidu shared by biyoulijing. The order of the pages seems a bit messed up though.. It does seem that Kaito is out to destroy Zero or something since he is just watching over everything as that incident happened when he was the ultimate reason it happened. Another thing that slightly bothers me..why is Kaname touching Yuuki’s face while he is doing her pedicure? ^^; Sorry, I tend to think feet = dirty. ^^;;

Hapi Mari 9 is basically the cliche chapter of guy gets sick and girl gets to babysit him. It starts with Chiwa talking with her colleagues about marriage then some flashback with her sempai regarding what happened in the last chapter. She goes home to find Hokuto in the sofa, sick. She wants to call an ambulance but he just tells her to call his friend doctor. She wants to get him changed but his room seems to be so messy [not shown to readers] that Chiwa decided not to. In the end, I guess, they got the doctor to just go to their place. Lots of talk between Chiwa and the doctor who turns out to be cute in a way =P Later on, Chiwa cooks something but it seems that Hokuto doesn’t want to eat it. She asks Taeko about it. Taeko mentions the reason which I think is probably about Hokuto’s mother[?] or whatever. Taeko faxed the recipe. She cooks it. She brings it to Hokuto and they talk a lot. She bends down and they were about to kiss, I think her stomach is rumbling so she quickly leaves, very embarrassed. After taking a bath, she checks on him. She is happy that he finally ate. She fell asleep beside his bed. When it is 2am, Hokuto wakes up and sees her. He pulls her to bed. At 4am, Chiwa is surprised to find herself sleeping beside Hokuto. She blushes since they are so near to each other. She then hugs him. Hokuto soon wakes up and hugs her too. The alarm clock rings at 7am. The two are surprised at their position because Chiwa is clinging on to him too tightly – like a koala on a tree or according to Hokuto, like an octopus that Hokuto seems to be on the verge of being choked to death. After an apology, Chiwa and Hokuto seem to be in friendlier terms than before based on their expressions while they were talking. I’m not sure about the last scene but it seems Taeko is starting to help Chiwa with Hokuto..like telling his secrets, likes or something. =P The progress is slow yet I guess it is a major step regarding the mutual hug rather than the one-sided, usually forced, kiss. As for the clinging too tightly, I find that hilarious because I fear for Hokuto’s life if they continue to sleep together. Hehe, maybe she is the type of person who needs to hug a pillow while sleeping. =P

Black Bird 33-35 is an emotional roller coaster for Misao. After having H with Kyo, there are some talk, blushing and congratulation gift. At school, Misao is excited to see Kyo as teacher again but to her shock, Kyo doesn’t want to hold her hand. It seems that he is restraining himself. At his hometown, there is some talk and whatever it is, Kyo seems to be informed about it and he seems really displeased about it. Kyo and Misao talks again and when he is kissing her and such, he suddenly pulls away. Misao ends up crying and I guess it is some sort of side effect or something from H since they mention about Kyo becoming strong and something being weak. Misao feels that Kyo is slipping away from her. While walking home, she notices a man staring at her. [A man that you don’t want to meet in dark alleys] She runs and bumps into one of Kyo’s underling. The man is gone. Misao goes back home. Kyo and underlings are talking about something. At school again, a guy holding a knife suddenly threatens the students and he seems to be searching for someone. It causes a panic. Misao thinks he is after her so she lures him away. She is caught but Kyo goes to save her. Another guy tries to attack so Kyo beats him up. Some kind of spirit goes out of the guy’s mouth. I guess the demons are possessing people to attack Misao. Kyo carries her off. At his house, they hear the news about those two men and Misao begins to worry about her friends and family. She seems to feel faint so she is brought to bed. Kyo tries to comfort her but then when it comes to becoming lovey-dovey again, Kyo pulls away. This hurt Misao so she is teary-eyed when she left. Kyo seems to be in some angst mood. Outside, Misao meets with that demon hunter/killer guy. She runs away because she remembers that guy tried to kill Kyo. I forgot already but does Misao have a mother..her mother comforts her a bit when she finally got back to the house.

There are more news about the ‘possessed’ people doing bad stuff. I think that Misao starts to hallucinate that people are talking behind her back and probably blaming her for it. She feels faint but Kyo’s underlings are there so they helped her. Misao is in a daze in Kyo’s house. The little kids try to cheer her up to no avail. Kyo seems to be unhappy about this. I think he said something mean regarding humans that Misao leaves his house, dejected. I’m guessing like if she chooses humans or them, something like that. She meets hunter guy again who offers her to go with him or something. She is about to hold his hand when Kyo grabs her away from hunter guy. I think Kyo said that he isn’t going to let her escape. With his new power, Kyo can easily defeat hunter guy. Misao goes back with Kyo who seems to be explaining things to her. Misao now cries tears of joy and they had H again. Kyo seems to be acting normal again. Then, the last part ends with Kyo’s father appearance. Kyo doesn’t seem to want to acknowledge him or there seems to be a rift between them. And Misao’s last thoughts seem to indicate that she wants to know Kyo’s past through his father. I feel sorry for Misao for going through that and Kyo is quite mean to do that to her. It would seem like he just used her to power up that is why he doesn’t want to be lovey-dovey with her anymore. I guess I’ll appreciate this more if I know what’s really going on or else I think he is playing around with her feelings ^^; It does seem that Kyo only become like himself when he almost lost her ^^;;

Dengeki Daisy 27-28 is another series which can be appreciated more if I know what the heck they are talking about. Too many conversations and the Chinese is way behind ^^; It starts with a flashback of Teru punching and fighting with that evil nurse while in the water as Teru clings on the ladder. She heard people shouting for her name but she lost her grip. End flashback. Kurosaki touches Teru’s face who is laughing in her sleep. He and the others are talking and Onizuka is doing some S[adist] things to Kurosaki like wringing his neck and it seems she is furious about the mouth to mouth resuscitation. After some talk again, Kurosaki goes out to check on the other teacher. Outside the door, he seems to happily remember what she said before, thanking him and calling him Daisy according to some unconfirmed comments in BW. Onizuka and boss talk with each other then Teru is shouting in her sleep. At the teacher who kidnapped Teru’s room, the school director tells the teacher something and they talked about that evil nurse and probably what happened before. Basically, it’s like capping this arc = explanation of stuff as to why things ended up that way. Back at Teru’s room, she is awake and blushing really red when the boss told her about the mouth-to-mouth. Teru blows her top and Onizuka blushes when I think the boss tells Teru about Teru being stripped of her clothes to save her. Soon, Teru is writing all of this in her diary =P It seems that Teru has totally forgotten what she said to Kurosaki and only remembers beating up that nurse who seems to have escaped and the police are still looking for her. Then, Teru’s friends come to visit. That girl president even gives Teru a hug. At some convenient store, the school director talks with Kurosaki. Later, Kurosaki goes back to the hospital and talk with Onizuka. He didn’t go in Teru’s room because she is busy entertaining her friends. She seems to have noticed him. At the hospital park, Teru goes to play ‘peek-a-boo/guess who am I while I cover your eyes’ with him. The two happily talk and tease around just like before. Kurosaki is just relieved to see her smiling again. Then, Teru tries to get an ice cream[?] from him which Kurosaki doesn’t want to give. Later on, Teru goes with Onizuka. Kurosaki seems to be looking sad as she leaves. There is a narration with a picture of Teru crying.

Next chapter, it is autumn. Teru is busy sweeping the falling leaves and of course, Kurosaki is sleeping. She bends to probably kiss him or something but he opened his eyes. Teru is holding some spray that soon those two are ‘fighting’ again. She happily emails Daisy about stuff. It seems that Kurosaki drew on her face because of what she tried to pull off as punishment. It seems that Teru and friends are trying to decipher some sort of game from the internet. While playing Go board game, Kurosaki and Onizuka are talking in, I think, faculty’s room. They are talking about Daisy and Teru so I guess Kurosaki doesn’t want to reveal that he is Daisy yet. Then, at the boss’ resto-bar, Kurosaki and Onizuka are still playing Go while drinking. Teru talks with the school director who is there. He said something which stuns Teru that she unconsciously splashed water on him. Then, there are some more talk and I think Kurosaki is eavesdropping. Soon, they went on their way. Boss carries drunk Onizuka home. Kurosaki walks Teru home. They talk then Kurosaki went to buy some juice in softdrink-like bottle. They drink it while on top of the jungle bar in the playground. Teru shows him about the internet quiz with hints ‘6 18 9 5 14 4 19’ Kurosaki tells her that the answer is ‘FRIENDS’. Teru praises him and to her surprise, he put his arm around her and drops the bottle. He goes down and tells her to jump to him and he’ll catch her. After some teasing, she did jump and he catches her ala hug ^^ Then, some talk and thanks afterwards, Teru says that he reeks of alcohol. There are some talk between Onizuka and boss with Onizuka crying, probably something about Kurosaki regarding their conversation earlier. Last part, Kiyoshi seems to be angry at how Teru solved the internet quiz. Later on, while Teru walks away, probably going home, she is talking on the phone with Onizuka. She bumps into a hooded guy wearing a cap. He says something, probably sorry, then walks away. Teru finds herself staring at the guy but she snaps out of it when Onizuka asks if she is still on the phone. As she turns around to leave, the guy slightly looking at Teru and smiles. The guy looks very much like Soichiro, Teru’s brother.

So, could it be that Soichiro isn’t dead? My theory for that is maybe he is into hiding and not really dead. I think if I understood the partial Chinese translation before that Kurosaki did something bad regarding their company before and Soichiro took the blame for it. Maybe Soichiro needs to go into hiding hence he can no longer be with his sister or protect her so he tasked Kurosaki to do just that. Maybe because he did that for Kurosaki since he thinks Kurosaki is so full of promise and it will be a waste if he can’t have a future. If this is true, I think this way, it will be easier for Teru to forgive Kurosaki even if her brother suffered a lot because of Kurosaki. I guess it also depends on how deep her love for Kurosaki is. And, I don’t think that Soichiro is a vengeful type either. That internet quiz with the answer ‘friends’ made me think that he could be alive since maybe he created it knowing that Teru and friends would try to answer it and Kurosaki would know the answer. Maybe that is just for him to get a glimpse of her again in that area. But then, all of that goes into the drain if that guy isn’t Soichiro. ^^; Anyway, I do think that something needs to happen soon since the two doesn’t want to rock the boat in a way regarding Daisy because they know that it will somehow affect their current relationship. I think that they are satisfied with the current situation and want to just cherish that. In short, we need to progress the relationship. As for the ‘jump-hug’ there, some are just thinking that maybe that happened because Kurosaki is already drunk. Nevertheless, it is nicely done ^^

Word of the day:
Trusting God turns problems into opportunities. ~ Our Daily Bread

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, Beelzebub, Reborn, and PSYREN
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Starrk is totally shock as to who stabbed him from behind in Bleach [c. 374]. It turns out to be Shunsui who came out from Starrk’s shadow. Starrk accuses Shunsui of hiding his true power but Shunsui just says that his zanpaku named Kageoni wasn’t in the mood so he doesn’t want to play with it. Shunsui tells him that Kageoni forces people within its boundary to play children games including Shunsui himself. Shunsui tells him that in this game, whoever steps on the opponent’s shadow loses. Shunsui stabs on the floor that Starrk quickly jumps up high to prevent himself from being stabbed. Then, Shunsui changes the game into ‘hit the color’ game. Starrk catches on real quick that he manages to injure Shunsui. The greater the risk to the one who said the color, the greater the damage. Starrk starts to remember about the past about being alone that he has split himself into half in order not to be lonely. He wanted to be weak so that he would have companions or at least, have companions as strong as he is. They continue to fight and Starrk now uses a sword to fight. Starrk then slices Shunsui’s coat but it turns out that Shunsui has already removed it. While wearing all black, he says black and slices Starrk. When an espada starts to think about the past, I guess that means that espada is going to die soon. I wonder why Shunsui suddenly wants to fight again. Is it because Love and Rose are going to be defeated soon? I do think that it’s good that Shunsui is going to finish the fight that he started. It made me wonder how the gamer makers are going to use Shunsui’s attack in games..probably just that shadow game. I guess with Shunsui back in the fighting, this is going to be connect to Lisa vs Harribel.

In Naruto [c. 464], Raikage is about to finish Sasuke when some sand has blocked his attack. It’s Gaara. His siblings save the burning samurai. Gaara tells the samurai-s to stand back since this is something between ninja. Raikage asks why Gaara interfered. Gaara says that he would be gravely injured if he keeps on attacking and he wants to talk with Sasuke. Raikage cuts off his arm and asks his men to stop the bleeding so that he can attack Sasuke again. Gaara comments that Sasuke’s eyes are still the same, filled with hatred and revenge. He tells him that he can still go back. Sasuke replies that there is nothing to return to. Gaara’s siblings tell him that it is useless because of the ‘crimes’ that committed. Gaara tells Sasuke about a light in darkness but Sasuke insists that his goal is in the darkness. Gaara’s siblings tell Gaara to remember his position and not to be too personal about this. After Gaara said he knows, they all are poised to fight against Sasuke. Karin has found Danzou but Danzou’s underling realizes this. Danzou decides to stay put and escape when there’s a confusion. Ao tells them not to talk and he knows that the enemy has detected them but they’ll deal with the enemy when they arrive. With the help of Raikage’s men, Gaara and others attack Sasuke then there’s an explosion. They see Sasuke inside a huge demon-like figure which Sasuke calls Susanoo, third power of those who use mangekyo. Karin is nervous since the power is too cold and not like former Sasuke. So, it seems that Sasuke is a lost cause that even Gaara can’t convince him. I guess if there is anyone who is going to convince him, it is more likely Naruto but Sasuke seems to be the type whom one should defeat first before one can convince him. I do think that the odds against Sasuke is not that good since these people are kages and he is the only one who can fight more or less equally with at least one kage. I guess the kages might work together thanks to having one common enemy which is Sasuke. This can help Raikage and Gaara to have mutual respect for each other. I do wonder if Raikage will be forever handicapped like that because of his recklessness. If it’s Bleach, there is Inoue but in Naruto, can severed body parts grow back? Of course, I’m not counting the ‘monster’ factor like what happened with the past members of Akatsuki. Lastly, that Susanoo thing of Sasuke will be probably the equivalent of Naruto’s kyuubi when those two are going to fight again.

One Piece [c. 557] starts with a flashback on how Luffy and others fell down from the sky. Their ship is stuck on top of a huge wave when it turned into ice. Luffy wanted everyone to help out in getting them out. They are forced to quickly do it when they learned that Ace is going to be executed ahead of schedule. The frozen wave is destroyed and they fell down. End flashback. Probably thanks to Luffy’s luck, they ended up in the water instead of the ice. Luffy greets Ace and shouts that he will save him. There are various reactions from people who know Luffy from the past to Garp and the others reactions to his companions. Crocodile tries to take the opportunity to take out Whitebeard but Luffy stops him since Whitebeard is important to Ace. Whitebeard realizes who Luffy is based on what Shanks and Ace told him. He tells Luffy to not get in the way but Luffy insists on saving Ace his own way because he is going to be pirate king. Sengoku gives the approval to eliminate the intruders. I think that this might become like an impromptu fight between two as to who will be pirate king. Hehe, who’ll get to rescue Ace first and successfully? I think Luffy will have to hitch with Whitebeard and others because their ship is already destroyed. Anyway, I do think that they might end up teaming up. I also wonder if Crocodile and others who are after Whitebeard are just going to let them do their way. Things are indeed mess and the fights aren’t a simple pirates vs marines for there are also pirates vs pirates. One thing is for sure, Luffy’s bounty will really increase after this and he will become really famous. ^^

Then in Beelzebub [c. 29], Oga is indeed shot with the gun as some sort of drug to increase his bonds with BL as a parent. He has to find BL else, he’ll die in some sort of lala land in his brain. He meets the different people in his life in different forms and finally finds BL in a magical circle. Soon, Oga is screaming in pain from according to the doctors, rejection. After 6 hours, Oga wakes up just when Lamia is taunting him. He quickly grabs her and ready to give her some spanking. Hilda seems pleased and says that Oga now needs to get BL back. Elsewhere, Tora/Toujou then meets with some guy named Kaoru and tells him about challenging Oga to a fight. He thinks that Oga has skill for being able to hit him. Tora thinks that Oga will be back. Just when Kaoru is going to ask him about BL, Tatsuya and Hajime arrive and want to join up with Tora. About that in Oga’s brain-whatever, I wonder if that is how he thinks of the people around him. I find it amusing. I guess this is a super fast power-up chapter without the long training like in other shounen. It’s good though especially since this series is still new, too long training can turn off the readers. I wonder if Tora will accept those other two delinquents who lost to Oga. I somewhat doubt it because Tora seems to be only interested in the strong and those two guys are easily defeated by Oga.

While in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 258], everyone is surprised how Zakuro manages to find their base and break in easily. Zakuro tells them that he was thrown out after the transfer system blew up and his transmitter is also destroyed. He ends up just yawning and says that good thing everything worked out somehow. Squalo decides to fight Zakuro alone as he tells everyone else to escape with Uni. Squalo blocks Zakuro’s attack. Takeshi offers to help him but Squalo turns him down by shouting that he wants to go all out with Zakuro. So, Tsuna and others quickly escape. Giannini has made covers for the Acrobaleno so that they won’t be affected by the 7^3 waves. Since they can’t go back to the base, they decided to hide in town but then, all their houses are being monitored and a certain Nakayama Surgical Centre is already demolished. Haru suggests that they go to an old lady that runs a real estate agency. Bianchi suggests that they split up into smaller groups in order not to attract attention. They are forced to quickly leave since Squalo tells them that the fight ended quite fast so they should hurry and leave. Squalo is defeated and his arm cut off. Takeshi wants to go back but Reborn has to punch him and remind him not to let Squalo’s sacrifice go to waste. They leave and head to Kawahira Estate Agency, that Haru mentioned. Tsuna finds the name familiar. The place is closed. Haru shouts to the old lady when the door suddenly opens. A glasses guy eating ramen tells them that the old lady has already passed away and since they are being chased, they should quickly go in. They are surprised when the man says that he’ll do something about the real 6 wreaths. Okay, a new character who seems to know what’s going on. I guess that will be part of their hope in this seemingly hopeless situation. I wonder if Squalo is really maimed/killed because I’m sure with the future advancement, he can have some sort of robotic arm but of course, if they fix this future, it might become a parallel world future soon. Hm..something like PSYREN. Anyway, it’s good that Haru has some use by informing them where they could possibly hide and they found a possible ally.

Finally, in PSYREN [c. 87] , Ageha returns with a lot of trouble since he went missing for 10 days. It ranges from his sister who missed him, accused of ‘taking’ Oboro and questioned by the police and having to lie about Hiryuu’s whereabouts. In the end, Elmore decides to offer Ageha shelter along with his family in her house. The kids are excited. It seems that Ageha’s father is also there. I’m lazy to check but I really thought that those two are orphans so where did this father come from? Busy with work? I guess Yoshina is the most high profile among the group since the others don’t seem to have this kind of trouble. Well, it can’t be helped because of his close association with Oboro. I feel sorry for him and Hiryuu’s dad though..I guess for Hiryuu, friend > father. I thought Yoshina will also make up some sort of lie to at least relieve the worry of the father but then, I guess he doesn’t want to give some empty promise since he doesn’t know when/if Hiryuu will return.

Quote of the day:
When we truly realize that we are all alone is when we need others the most ~ Ronald Anthony

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! [Chapter 42] Teaser
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

[This paragraph is from an earlier post, I decided to put in all in one entry] As for Kaichou wa Maid-sama 42, it is confirmed Usui is from a famous family. Tora is making fun of Misaki for not being able to sit in a seiza position for a long time. He seems to be telling Misaki that she and Usui are from really different worlds and it made Misaki waver. Then, a new character will appear – female and seems to be the gorgeous type. She had talked with Tora but face isn’t shown. Could she be like Usui’s fiancee or something like that? But then, she seems quite older since she is wearing high heels and doesn’t look like their age so I’m guessing that she’s probably Usui’s relative. In this chapter, Usui seems to be playing butler to some really shock students, I think Seika’s male students since I think the glasses guy is Soutaro and that other one seems to be Yukimura. Usui looks great..polish look ^^ I only seen a few raws and that brief summary.

I finally saw the scans. Way too much text to understand what’s happening but in the school council meeting, it seems that the others are exhausted or something over work and they got an invitation to Miyabigaoka High School so maybe that is why everyone are aghast. Misaki is angry-nervous about this and when she goes out of the room, Usui is standing outside. I think he’s eavesdropping. They just look at each other and Misaki quickly left. At Miyabigaoka High School, Misaki and others are shown around. It is so classy that there is even a Japanese garden. It’s pretty much like Ouran High. They are all made to sit seiza-style in a Japanese hall. I guess it is like an exchange of information and stuff between student councils. After three hours, Yukimura and others are already relaxed and she noticed that the Miyabigaoka students still keep their posture and everything. Soon everyone is lead to the dining hall. Misaki stayed behind to witness Tora performing tea ceremony for her. They talk and Tora hand-chop her foot since her feet are already hurting for sitting seiza-style for three hours. Then, this is the part he probably told her about the difference between her and Usui. At the dining room, Seika students are tense with all the fine dining and how proper the Miyabigaoka students are eating. I think Misaki is wondering if Tora is testing them/her or something when the others pointed out that the butler serving them is Usui. They freak out and Usui says some things to probably cheer Misaki and then he leaves. Usui talks with Tora outside then after he left, that unknown woman appears and talks with Tora. Soon, Tora and others bid Misaki and others goodbye. Tora said something to Misaki which is probably something like a warning basing on Misaki’s expression. On the way home, they talk about the high class stuff that they witness. Misaki is thinking about what Tora said about Usui and she begins to wonder why Usui is living in that apartment alone. .well, maybe not but there’s a picture of his apartment. Misaki sees Usui walking alone in the streets. She bids goodbye to the student council and chases after Usui. Usui is surprised to see her as she grabs his wrist. I think her last narration is that she is a bit uneasy and she wants to know about the things regarding Usui. As usual, just wait for the English scanlations for clarification and details ^^ Scans by filion in BW.

I have to say that Tora looked really good while performing the tea ceremony and I realize that he’s the antagonist again when he showed that arrogant face of his. It made me contrast in this chapter these two guys: Tora = Japanese style and Usui = European (butler). I wonder if Tora’s family is friends with Usui’s family because why would Tora bother with him or the two since he doesn’t seem interested in Misaki. I’m thinking of that in connection of that new woman character whom Tora is talking with because I’m guessing she is a relative..now, I’m guessing maybe Usui’s sister-in-law because I recall before someone said that Usui has a brother. If that isn’t the reason, maybe it is Tora’s pride for being ‘dumped’ before. I guess in the last part, Misaki is finally going to ask about his background/past-whatever in order to assure herself of what she has to face. I hope Usui will tell her already because it will be hard for Misaki if she doesn’t know what she is going up against. It is also for the best for them to ‘fight’ or ‘overcome’ this together. On a side note, I notice that Lala series tend to have rich guy lead + poor girl lead just like in Ouran, Faster than a Kiss (though Kazuma is disowned) and Vampire Knight (for now) since I think Kaname is typical of the ‘rich guy’. I think La Corda is the same, too..I don’t read that series but I get the impression that the guys are also rich. Hm..and it seems that the lead guys have a ‘lonely’ tendency, too. ^^;;

Stardust★Wink [Chapter 8]
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Anna salutes and says, “Goodbye, Mashiro-kun, thank you for helping me study these past 5 days!” Sou and Hinata are also there. Carrying his bag as he gets ready to go to his car, Mashiro says that they did went out for a day but Anna really did her best. Anna happily says that she already understood the pattern so she can pretty much understand the rest so there will be no problem in her coming exams. Mashiro is really happy about this and he is about to say about anticipating the outcome of her midterms when Beni angrily says, “Quickly go, brother, and I hope you don’t ever come back.” Mashiro asks if she is still brooding over that amusement park trip and won’t she quit it already. Beni shouts that leaving her behind has a serious consequence that she won’t forget for the rest of her life. “May your forefathers suffer retribution!” Clinging on to Sou, she cries, “I also want to go with Sou to the amusement park—(cry)” Sou tells her not to say that because Mashiro’s forefathers are also her forefathers. “Don’t you know that?” Beni hugs him and cries that she didn’t know. Sou can only tell her that it is better for her to know that. Mashiro comments that is why he doesn’t want to bring her along, Beni is too noisy. “Sou is really nice— treating people, no matter who, seriously. If it is some other person, they would have quickly run away if a person is all clingy like that but it seems that Beni doesn’t realize this.” Anna just laughs. Mashiro turns to Anna and asks that maybe a type of person like Hinata who isn’t ‘strong’ is no good. Mashiro somewhat giggles as he puts his hand on his mouth. Anna looks surprised. Hinata notices this and asks, “Huh, me?” Anna suddenly points up and shouts that Coco is up there somewhere and tells him to catch/find it. Hinata then tries to look up where Anna pointed and asks where. Anna whispers to Mashiro that he is making some sort of misunderstanding because she doesn’t have any special kind of like for Hinata. Mashiro makes a face and asks, “Eh~~~” Anna asks why she is ‘eh~~’. “I do not doubt what you said. I only forgot that my first love could perhaps be Hinata but the things in the past and the present aren’t the same.” Holding up his arms [giving up] and sighing, Mashiro says that Anna isn’t being honest. Anna sighs and says that Mashiro is really into gossips. This shocks Mashiro and says that he is just telling it to her with good intentions but she is unexpectedly not grateful about it so forget about it. Anna slightly blushes and thinks that Mashiro is definitely lying and he is just teasing her. Mashiro goes into his car and sticks out his tongue at Anna. He says, “If it’s like this, it is off my hands if you cry about someone later on.” Mashiro drives away as Anna just looks on speechless. Beni still clinging on Sou says that Mashiro already left. Anna thinks, “Geez, Mashiro-kun. What is that about liking Hinata. I haven’t even thought about that. What is he [Mashiro] talking about..” She is surprised when Hinata is standing in front of her and says, “Anna. Coco isn’t here..” Anna quickly apologizes and says that maybe she is just mistaken. Hinata says that it is alright.

Narration: “More than ‘like’ or ‘first love’, the most important problem in front of me is—defeat [demon] mama. Defeat the midterm exams!” So, while going to school together with the two guys, Anna is reading some Japanese->English words. Ryuu tutors both Anna and Princess. Her parents are peeking in the room to see Anna diligently studying. And, Anna studies until she is dizzy. Then on May 14th, the school bell rings. The teacher tells them to put down their pens and pass their papers. Teary-eyed, Anna says that it is finally over and it feels great to be finally be free. While eating some Pocky [chocolate covered biscuit sticks] with Princess, Anna happily says that her grades should be really high and she can momentarily not study anymore. Princess tells her to say that after she has seen her grades. Some girls call out to Anna and ask her if Sou and Hinata has told her about the upcoming sports day. Anna just asks, “Sports day?” Ryuu says that they are trying to investigate as to who is more suitable to become ‘Oendan [Japanese cheerleading squad] group leader’. The three girls say that their batch, which will be one group during the sports day, has both Sou and Hinata. They want to nominate the two but they don’t know if they will agree to it. They dreamily imagined what the two guys would look like in that kind of uniform. Anna thinks that there isn’t much difference with their uniform. Everyone goes back to their seats when the homeroom teacher has arrived in class. The homeroom teacher announces that Sou is chosen to be ‘Oendan group leader’, the vice will be some student named Yamaguchi and the head of the arts/painting group is.. Anna didn’t hear it because the girls are already gossiping about wanting to be in the oendan because Sou is there. Ryuu comments that Anna’s childhood friends are like idols. Anna laughs and says that it seems that Hinata didn’t join the oendan. She thinks that it is because that isn’t Hinata’s thing. The teacher says that they will need two students each for both oendan and arts. Many students are volunteering so Anna thinks that it doesn’t matter if she joins or not. She promptly falls asleep and dreams that she got 100 in all her exams so her parents are very happy that they will give her a rise of 1 million for her allowance. Anna is really happy about this since her parents told her that she can buy anything she wants and there is no need for her to study anymore. She is really happy as her parents are laughing and everything. End dream.

[The scans in this part are a bit blurry so I’m not really sure about what they are exactly said] Anna wakes up when a book is dropped on her head by Ryuu. Anna asks if the election is over. Ryuu says that it isn’t only the election but classes are over. Anna laughs at herself about it and blames it from all the studying she did before. She goes into shock when she sees on the blackboard that she has been ‘forcedly’ nominated to help out in the arts committee. [I can’t read the reason but I guess it is because she is sleeping during class so the teacher punished her or no one wants to be in the art committee.] A glasses girl approaches her and tells her that the arts’ meeting is going to start soon. Ryuu tells Anna that Mochiduki is also nominated so she should go with her. While walking at the hallway, Mochiduki mentions if she really doesn’t know about being nominated because everyone in class are laughing about it. Anna is really embarrassed about it. Anna seems to talk to Mochiduki about Mochiduki being in the arts club and she is willing to teach Anna. Anna thinks that she is a cute girl. A female teacher comes out from one of the classrooms and invites them in. On the floor, there is a huge wolf painting. Mochiduki asks if it is last year’s group oil painting. [Oh ya, I still don’t know exactly how art is involved in sports day but I assume it is posters for their group/year level during that day] Hinata says that it is. Anna asks if Hinata painted it. Hinata says that he isn’t the only one who finished it all. The female teacher tells Hinata that she’ll leave everything to Hinata who is the head of the arts committee. She tells him to choose first the drawing art composition/theme then sketch it. Anna thinks that upon looking at it closely, the oil painting gives of a powerful presence. Anna wonders out loud if she can do that. Mochiduki tells her that it is alright because Hinata is there. She explains that last year, she made a lot of mistakes but Hinata has beautifully saved her [cover up her mistakes] that it made that painting as if it is alive. “Tokura-kun’s hands are like a magician’s hands.” Anna is weird out by that comment. A male student sheepishly tells Hinata that he has an activity so can he leave early. Hinata tells him that it is alright because he doesn’t need that many people while the art theme is being chosen so they can leave early. He also says that he’ll just let the others know if he needs help. Hinata checks the attendance of the first year and second year students who were there. Anna asks Hinata if it is really okay to go ahead. Hinata says yes and every year, it is the committee head chooses the picture so it is alright if he does it alone. Anna says is that so, and wishes him luck. Anna feels lucky since she can go home early. She bids Hinata goodbye when she notices Mochiduki asking Hinata if there is something that she can help him with. Hinata says that there is no need because surely, she has some other activity to do. Mochiduki tells her that her club activity is mostly individual work and there isn’t much difference with working on that oil painting or the club activity.

In the end, Hinata agrees to make her tag along as he looks for a theme for the drawing in the library. Anna overhears a couple of girls talking that girl [Mochiduki] is talking with Hinata and is able to do so for a long time when normally, Hinata doesn’t talk that much with girls though the special treatment he gives to his childhood friend is an exception. The other girl quickly tells the other that the person in question [Anna] is there. Anna then shouts that she will also help Hinata. In the library, Hinata wonders what has gotten into Anna that she is there. Anna just says that no matter what, she is part of the art committee. Hinata says that she always tend to quickly go home. Mochiduki then shows Hinata something in a book and tells him about using that theme. Hinata says that isn’t bad. He thanks her. Anna sighs and thinks that she also wants to know why Hinata doesn’t hesitate when saying that. Hinata excuses himself as he tells them that he’ll go borrow those two books. Mochiduki is smiling [happy to have helped Hinata]. She then asks Anna what’s the matter with her since she is staring off somewhere. Anna says that it is nothing. She asks Mochiduki if she used to be Hinata’s classmate last year and it seems their relationship isn’t that bad. Mochiduki blushes really red and exclaims, “What?! It’s too rude for Tokura-kun since you are ‘favoring’ me too much, that you’ll say that my relationship with him isn’t bad! Just to be able to breathe the same air as he does is such a pressure to me, he is that a great person!” Anna wonders if Mochiduki thinks of Hinata as if he is some holy being. Anna somewhat finds Mochiduki amusing since Mochiduki is that type of person. Anna is then surprised when Mochiduki says that it is only because they are in the same group so she talked with him occasionally and he gave her a feeling that she can talk with him. Anna asks what group is she talking about, is it the art club. Mochiduki says yes. Anna asks if Hinata is also part of the club. Mochiduki is puzzled but she says, yes. Anna seems stunned about this as she wonders when Hinata joined the club and why when he didn’t join the club when they were in first year. Hinata comes back and tells the two that he is finished borrowing the book and they can go back to the classroom to read it. Hinata seems to look surprised at Anna who also looks surprised but Mochiduki already goes to Hinata to talk with him. Narration: “Hinata would talk with a girl aside from me, as well as the Hinata that I don’t know...these things are essentially logical [not something to be surprised about]. But why does it totally feels..totally feels..” Anna looks surprised as she holds her chest with her hand. She remembers Mashiro’s warning, ““It is off my hands if you cry about someone later on.”

So, that finally forces Anna to re-examine her feelings for Hinata or realize what she is feeling for Hinata even if she hides and denies it for the sake of her priority of their friendship – friends forever. Mochiduki seems to be idolizing Hinata probably because of his talent so I don’t think that is love yet. We still don’t know Hinata’s feelings for Anna though I think it might be romantic after their pinkie promise before but then, nothing is certain yet and I think the author won’t be revealing it soon to keep us guessing. As for Sou, I do think that he might be doomed to be with Beni who is really ‘clingy’ on him. That will also be a problem when Sou finds out that Anna might have feelings for Hinata. So far, the author is consistent with Anna not liking to study which is probably a reason why she is always out of school after dismissal and I find her dream really amusing ^^ Lastly, Hinata is really good in drawing. Before, I thought he is just good with anime drawing because of that birthday drawing he gave Sou but that wolf poster is really something. The guy has talent. I wonder if he will talk with Anna since she is acting ‘strange’ and I think he might not realize what it is all about because he tends to come out as ‘clueless’ just like Anna is. And, if he realizes what it is all about, I’m curious about his reaction to it =P Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 and rukey for BW.

Quote of the day:
Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade? ~ Benjamin Franklin

Free Talk: About that VK 54 summary..
Monday, September 21, 2009

I admit that I’m puzzled when sarcasmkills asks if I got the VK ‘edit’ summary wrong. It is only now when I belatedly learned where that came from. I’ve quickly re-read 莉磨支葵 summary in baidu and it is only now she wrote that her Japanese isn’t that good. ^^; For the information of those who are just new here, teasers are usually inaccurate. See, notice A6. I can’t read Japanese except for the kanji parts! So for the names, I usually just use the online kanji-> romanji translator for it. I sometimes google to check if such a name exists but this time in VK, for the new character, I didn’t because I’ll just be basing it on the English scanlations later on since that comes out really fast. 莉磨支葵 wrote that she bought the magazine and she is from HK! I assume that those who post in baidu are right because their Nana and SB! spoilers are right. I can read a bit of kanji in the raws like ‘bait’ and ‘treasure’ so I thought that the summary is..ah, more or less right. So, if there is any inconvenience caused by the teasers, I’m very sorry. With good intentions, I just wanted to share what people in Chinese sites had wrote/spoiled. Since I can’t read Japanese, I can’t really verify it especially those with summaries only. So, next time, I’ll start writing ‘read at your own risk’ warning for the teaser entries.

Moving on..I’ve re-read the blog that shared the scans and since those 10+ pages aren’t continuous, I guess the last part is for the next chapter and not will happen within the chapter as I earlier thought. For next chapter’s blurb, “The night banquet’s tragic prologue begins..” The blogger hopes that Yori will be alright. Hehe, that got me excited so there will be a blood bath soon? ^^ My guess it is either something will happen to people who are still in the banquet or those who aren’t in the banquet. I wonder if this is the tragedy that the others tagged me before about the author’s plan for this series. Anyway, if it isn’t Yori, my other bet will be Kaname. I think this is a reverse arc of the first one so the awful things that had happened to Zero will most probably happen to Kaname. Guess who I think is the jinx? =P Of course, there is also the possibility of Yuuki. Enemies of Kaname might think that finally, Kaname has a weakness. Then, that will probably force Zero to what..*shrug* save her? I didn’t include Zero because the poor guy has suffered enough. =P

Quote of the day:
Good intentions are at least, the seed of good actions; and every one ought to sow them, and leave it to the soil and the seasons whether he or any other gather they fruit ~ William Temple, Sr.

Vampire Knight [Chapter 54] and Kimi ni Todoke [Chapter 39] Teasers
Saturday, September 19, 2009

I’m finishing up stardust★wink summary when I saw in BW forum, a chapter 54 of VK thread. I was thinking that maybe it is just a ‘what’s going to happen in the next chapter’ from the past chapter but to my shock, the raws are out..well 10 pages of it. Isn’t it way too early?! Then, there is also about KWMS. *shock* I hastily wrote this so I might edit here and there later on just like what happened with the Skip Beat teaser entry as I get more information ^^ First 10 pages of Vampire Knight 54: All of the vampires are looking at Kaname-Yuuki and Yuuki sees Zero. Then, she looks away while Zero is still looking at her, probably. Everyone seems to be talking and greeting Yuuki. They mentioned her mother’s name but I guess the vampires are lusting over her pureblood. She seems to grip Kaname’s hand tighter. Then, Sarah sees Yori and she seems to say that she is quite brave to go there. She is about to touch Yori when Zero stops her by grabbing her wrist. He mentions about pureblood while the other vampires are talking about what Zero did. Then, Yuuki touches Zero’s hand (above the wrist) which is holding on to Sara. I think Yuuki tells Sara that Yori is her friend. Sara introduces herself to Yuuki and passes by to probably greet Kaname because she mentioned Kaname’s name before leaving them and seems to be headed Kaname’s way. While the vampires are greeting Sara, Seiren reports to Kaname about a certain Kiri (Ki as in yellow and ri as in Rima) who is also a pureblood vampire. He’s probably that other guy who is locked up. I’m not sure if Kaname is looking somewhat sad because of what Seiren reported, Sara is coming to him or his date just left him and maybe all of the above ^^;; In that last page, it seems that Zero and Yuuki are talking or Zero asking Yuuki why she is helping. Hehe, of course, Zero, it is to make your heart waver since Yuuki is playing with your and Kaname’s hearts =P Well so much for Kaito x Yori, Zero is doing the saving when it was Kaito who brought her to that dangerous place. ^^;

Edit:Okay, I found a summary in baidu by 莉磨支葵. It turns out those 10+ pages scans are not continuous but highlights of what happened. ^^; It starts with Kaname nail polishing Yuuki. He tells Yuuki that Zero will be attending the party and it is because of work. Yuuki looks sad so Kaname asks if she is uneasy because Zero will point his gun at her. [Stupid Kaname..it’s more than that..why work and not for her, she’s probably thinking =P ] Yuuki seems to understand that Zero will be there just because of work. Then, the scene goes back to the party. Yuuki sees Zero and did a nod [oh, that was nod ^^;] then looks away as she continues to walk together with Kaname. A vampire approaches Yuuki and asks if she is Kaname’s younger sister. Yuuki seems to be just zoning out as the other vampires are really curious because they didn’t know about the existence of Kaname’s younger sister. They start to talk among themselves and give her the proper courtesy of her stature. Some others are calling her ‘imouto-kun’ and won’t stop asking her what her name is. Yuuki smiles and tells them her name. The vampires greet her again as ‘Yuuki-sama’. Then, they say that the two of them are like their parents, Juri and Haruka. Yuuki closes her eyes and remembers what Kaname told her while polishing her nails. [Sigh, really making a big deal about the nail polishing thing ^^;] He told her that the others will continue on chattering about their parents and he told her to endear herself to them in order to obtain their sympathy in order to gain their trust. He tells her to listen to what the other vampires are talking in order to gather some information [spy]. Kaname said some other things that Yuuki starts to cry. Kaname tells her not to cry. [I’m thinking that Kaname is telling her to be a hypocrite and manipulative like him =P Maybe she is crying because she can’t pull it off and ya, Kaname is better off with someone else to do those kind of stuff for him.] It turns out that it is just a standard warning to Yuuki about vampires being hypocrite. Back to present, a vampire said that Yuuki is the treasure of Juri and Haruka and the pureblood is like their king/royalty, their treasure. They swear their loyalty to her. Then, Yuuki remembers again that Kaname asks her to be a bait and use her strength to form a society. tells her that vampires are just waiting to pounce on them. It seems that Yuuki has understood what Kaname is telling her.

Later on, Yuuki felt the presence of a human. The other vampires also start to realize that there is a human there and they wonder why there is a female human in the party and if she is a tribute for both Yuuki and Kaname. They also mentioned some hard to understand words. Then, Sara appears and says some hard to understand words. After Yuuki felt the presence, she quickly tries to think of a way to conveniently go and help Yori but before she arrives, Zero has already grab Sara’s wrist to save Yori before Sara has grabbed Yori. When Yuuki arrives at the scene, she touches Zero’s hand and said some sad words then Zero accompanies Yori and leaves. While Yori is walking away, she says that it seems that Yuuki is doing well. Sara tells Yuuki that Yori seems to be really yummy. Yuuki tells her that she is her best friend. Sara said some things which are pretty much about friendship being useless. She then gives a short introduction of herself to Yuuki. She tells Yuuki that they are the same – the last few pureblood, and so on. Sara then goes towards Kaname. Yuuki thinks that Sara, just like herself and Kaname are the same. At the same time, Zero is one of the enemies. Afterwards, Hanabusa goes to Yuuki to tell her that Kaname still has to stay at the party so why doesn’t she think of a suitable reason to leave the party. In the end, Yuuki left. Kain and Seiren go to report to Kaname that there is a certain pureblood name Kiri Ouri has appeared. In Seiren’s opinion, Kiri can determine if the party will be a success or a hindrance. At that time, Kaname is aware that Sara and Yuuki have met and Zero and Yori have left the party. Yori asks Zero about Yuuki and Zero has carelessly said some things like Sara smells of blood while continue to pull Yori as they walk. Ruka brings Yuuki back to the room and tells her to stay there for a while. Yuuki is leaning on the door as she remembers the images of Zero and Yori. Then, she mentions about ‘having no choice’ kind of words making Yori go to her rather than vice-versa then she touches the part of her hand which had touched Zero. She lowers her head and that’s it. There’s nothing surprising here as I still believe that she is better off with Zero and Yori because I highly doubt that she can do what Kaname wants her to do. Since she isn’t a bit jealous of Sara, I guess there might really be no romantic feelings for Kaname and well, as someone I forgot tagged after the first arc/one year before in VK time, she is just forced to be with him because Zero ‘rejects’ her. A lot of things are going to happen in their world and Yuuki is still busy thinking about her Kaname-Zero problem ^^; I guess with what she did, it shows what are her priorities and I hope Kaname realizes this quickly. Honestly, I don’t want Yuuki to get away with that ‘half heart belongs to either guys’ alibi. I think Yori is lucky to get away from that place alive. I think Zero should make Kaito pay him back big time for the trouble he might get himself into especially since he is the future/current head of the hunter association. Maybe Kaito is after that position and tries to ruin Zero’s reputation =P Well, for details wait for the English scanlation.

Finally, in Kimi ni Todoke 39, I learned from a short summary that Shouta is in the room as Sawako confessed outside the door. ^^;; [What, not face to face?! Oh well, maybe she’s shy] After her confession, Shouta opens the door and hugs her, just like jac has predicted. So, the confession is a success. After Shouta lets her go, I think the two ask simultaneously when..[when they fallen for each other?] but unfortunately, some guys come and interrupt them. In the end, Sawako excuses herself saying that she has to do something. Shouta shouts at the other guys what they want. There is a part I don’t quite understand about three girls’ confession being a failure and someone passes by and becomes gloomy. Huh? In the end, Shouta emails Sawako to say, “I want for us to properly talk/chat with each other again.” I guess in the next chapter, Shouta will confess to her.

Word of the day:
Those who let God provide will always be satisfied. ~ Our Daily Bread

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 27]
Friday, September 18, 2009

Narration: “So, I have returned to sensei’s side and the winter that is filled with unexpected twists and turns is finally over--” There is a scene of an airplane flying. Kazuma and students including Fumino are now in the beach. Kazuma happily exclaims that it is the sea, blue-colored sea. Everyone seems excited except for Fumino who is looking glum. Fumino narrates that it isn’t summer season yet but rather, it’s spring break and they are on school field trip in the south of the country, 沖奈和 [‘chong nai he’ in Chinese. I’m thinking like Okinawa but then it seems to be a fictional place]. Teppei didn’t go with them so he and Ryuu stayed home. It seems that it is a choice between going to a place where it is snowing or south of the country. [Update on Fumino’s friends’ names: Sayo->black hair, Kooka->long hair, Hanai-> light hair] Sayo comments that the beach isn’t the same during spring break. While Ken is helping Kooka blow the swim tube, he asks why Fumino’s face is like that. Looking really angry complete with popped vein on the face, Fumino tells him to mind his own business. A guy bumps into her and she quickly snaps at the guy. Kazuma glances at her then goes to where some students who are calling him. Narration: “My mood isn’t as sunny and clear like here, in the south. The reason why I’m in a bad mood? That is because of the things that happened after we moved back in to sensei’s house from Uncle Tomo’s place--” Flashback: A few days after they returned, Kazuma arrived home and said that he’s home. Wearing summer wear [Fumino wearing a bikini and Teppei wearing a Hawaiian inspired outfit], they greeted Kazuma home. Fumino is embarrassed about what she’s wearing but then, she asked him what he thinks of it. The outfit seems to be chosen, courtesy of Ryuu. Narration: “When I think of it, it seems a bit strange since it reminded me of that that time when just started to live as lovey-dovey newly-weds.” Kazuma held her shoulder and exclaimed, “Fumino...You’ll get cold from wearing just that! While you still haven’t caught a cold, quickly wear something warm!” Fumino didn’t expect this reaction. Narration: “Perhaps, sensei, because he is living alone for such a long time, he has become really happy that we are going to live with them anew, that he totally became a pure hearted, no appetite ‘herbivore’!” In short, Kazuma is more of a ‘mother’ rather than a ‘husband’ to her. Happiness to be with his family is heavier than lovely-dovey with his wife. Kazuma is super ‘genki/happy’ as he served cocoa and dinner. He slept together with Teppei rather than Fumino. Kazuma hugged them together and probably don’t do anything with Fumino [because the scans are blurry in some parts ^^;]. End flashback

Fumino narrates that has been happening until now and there is one other thing that she is unhappy about. Fumino’s friends call out to her and tell her that they’ll go rent some water goggles. Wearing a bikini, Fumino thinks that she is also happy that they are back at sensei’s side but..! Fumino and friends go to Kazuma to ask him where they can rent some water goggles. Turning away from Fumino, Kazuma tells them which store rents the googles and that wearing the googles can enable them to watch the fishes close by. Fumino angrily thinks, “It•is•this!!! Even at school, he is like this, for countless times, he doesn’t want to get close to me! I know, I know that this is how it should be!” There are flashbacks of Kazuma snubbing and avoiding Fumino at school. While Kazuma is talking with Fumino’s friends, Fumino tosses a beach ball [? Or is that a round rock] at Kazuma’s head and quickly runs off. Lao scolds Fumino for doing that and what did Kazuma do to her. Fumino angrily thinks, “But it still infuriates me! When he obviously had already discarded that ‘genki/happy’ [nature] from before!” There is a chibi Kazuma skipping with flowery mood, calling out to Fumino. [She just doesn’t want him to act like a clown just like before =P] Looking into the water using the water googles, Fumino shouts, “Completely, not one bit romantic--!” [Since she shouted that in the water, she just made some inaudible sounds] Her friends are just watching her nearby. Fumino then sees a fish. Sayo asks her if she is going steady with Kazuma. Fumino is surprised and quickly stands up. “What!!? Did you just hear that!?” Sayo says that she went violent on her own and even if from the start, they don’t know what she is referring to [about what she shouted] but right now, she should more or less be frank about it [to them]. Fumino quickly denies it and starts to shout that it isn’t true and it isn’t like that. Sayo shoves Fumino into the water and shouts for her to spill the beans. Blushing, Fumino asks them not to tell anyone because she doesn’t want to cause trouble to Kazuma. “It..it’s only a one-sided affair.” Fumino narrates that it is true since it isn’t a lie because it is always she [who likes him more]. Her friends assure her that they won’t tell anyone. They say so, it is a one-sided love and liking a teacher is very difficult for her. Fumino embarrassedly says that is true. Sayo says, “But, right now we aren’t in school!” Kooka tells Fumino to value this ‘field trip opportunity’. Her three friends decide to help her confess during the trip. Fumino is shock and nervous about this because they are already married.

Later on, Fumino is telling her friends that this is very embarrassing. Kooka tells her that she reveals too much [with a bikini] and it is more sexy and cute to ‘hide a little, show a little’. Kazuma has just taken a picture for one of the students. Sayo calls out to him and tells him to come with her. She brings him to where Fumino is. Really embarrassed Fumino is wearing a really short beach sarong with hibiscus flower on the hair and wrist. Kazuma looks surprised as Sayo asks, “We dressed up Fumino like this ♥ What do you think? Sensei, it’s very cute, right? Very sexy, right?” Fumino nervously waits for Kazuma’s reaction. Kazuma says that compared to being sexy, he is more concerned about her sunburn protection since she is wearing that kind of outfit. Everyone is puzzled-surprise by his reaction. Putting a bottle of sunscreen lotion on Fumino’s hand, with a pure-hearted response, Kazuma tells her that the ultraviolet rays are becoming stronger so if her skin starts to hurt, she should put some sunscreen. Kazuma bids them goodbye and left. Ken then comes out from some hibiscus plants and tells them about their ball was hit there. He sees Fumino and faints with a bleeding nose. Sayo comments that is the normal reaction. Kooka exclaims that Fumino looks really cute. Fumino is gloomy and a bit teary-eyed as she thanks Kooka. Walking away, Kazuma sighs and says, ‘geez’. He looks serious-sad. Fumino narrates that from then on, her three friends did all sorts of attempts and rather than to confess, it has become a ‘get near sensei war’. During lunch, they got Fumino to sit with Kazuma but he is always talking to Lao who is sitting beside him. Fumino tries to offer him some bottled water but he already has his own bottle. Every time she tries to call him, he goes away. Narration: “And, in the end, all [attempts] has failed..” It will be sunset soon. Fumino darkly thanks her friends for doing so much for her but then, it is really enough. They just finished picking the garbage and heading to Kazuma. Fumino thinks, “But, this is good, thanks to sensei’s coldness, our relationship isn’t exposed.” She is then surprised when Sayo exclaims, “I have decided, Kaji, this is the last chance!” Sayo pushes Fumino down to Kazuma and tells Kazuma to catch. While Fumino is on top of him, Kazuma exclaims what they are doing and what if Fumino got hurt. Sayo just says that she just thought that Kazuma will definitely catch her. Kazuma says, “But of course, to protect an important student--” The others start blushing and starts shouting to Kazuma, ‘hand!’. Kazuma realizes that his hands are on blushing Fumino’s chest. To everyone’s shock, Kazuma says, “..So..Sorry, I thought that it is a type of kickboard..a soft and very sturdy thing.” Fumino sends him flying. Someone shouts that it is Kazuma’s fault and someone agrees. Fumino narrates, “This is really dreadful..”

In their room, Hanai feels sorry for Fumino who is lying down and gloomily moping. Kooka asks Sayo what are her plans for tonight. Sayo says, of course, night swimming and going out to those busy streets with lots of shops seems fun, too. Kooka asks if they are going to sneak out. Sayo says that they will because everyone does that and if Hanai finds it troublesome, she can just stay in the room with Fumino. Fumino darkly laughs and tells them that she is going, too. The girls are surprised as Fumino narrates, “Papa, mama, Teppei, I’m sorry. Tonight, only tonight, I’ll rebel [be bad].” Hanai stays behind as the three girls quickly leave. Fumino asks how they are going to escape the dorm. Sayo says that she has surveyed the place and found the east-side’s fence to be low and they can go over it using a secret weapon. Fumino wonders what that secret weapon. It turns out to be Ken who is 192 cm. = ladder. They stand on his shoulders so that they can go over the fence easily. Ken angrily complains about being tricked to go there since Sayo emailed him that ‘Kaji has something very important to tell you’. Sayo who is already at the other side of the wire fence, just laughs and says, “Good work, ladder-kun!” Kooka who is on top of Ken’s shoulders shouts for Ken not to look up or she’ll kick him. Ken blushes and angrily shouts that he won’t look. Ken then shouts for the next one to climb up quick. Someone says, “Okay! Then..I’m coming ♥” Everyone is shock that it is Kazuma who ‘hangs’ himself on Ken’s back. There is a scream of “Ojiro-sensei!?” Kazuma happily says that he has caught Ken. Ken angrily shouts that he isn’t the one who wants to sneak out but the girls. This surprises Kazuma as he looks at the fence to see Fumino quickly climbing up the fence and telling the other two girls to go ahead. Kazuma grabs her foot but Fumino repeatedly steps/kicks on Kazuma’s head as she shouts for him to let go. After shouting ouch, Kazuma says that it is obvious that this is some sort of private hate [for him] declaration. Fumino angrily shouts that it is inevitable because in front of everyone, he said that her chest is a kickboard. “I’m really angry right now, so don’t come near me..” Then, a shirt is thrown in Kazuma’s face that he let go of Fumino. Ken has thrown his shirt on Kazuma and holds his hand to Fumino for them to go. Kazuma has seen Fumino takes his hand as he removes the shirt from his face [but it is still on his head]. Ken helps Fumino jumps over the fence. He just sits there while Ken holds Fumino’s hand and shouts that they should go. The two run off. Carrying a couple of students whom he caught sneaking out, Lao asks Kazuma how is the situation in his side and maybe they should check out the streets [if there are more runaways/truants]. He is surprised when he heard a loud thud. Looking dark and serious, Kazuma has punched the ground [there’s dent on it] and says, “—that’s right, let’s go..!”

At the streets filled with stores, Fumino tells Ken that is enough. She apologizes to him for getting him involved and he can go back now. She quickly let go of his hand. Ken says that it is okay. He offers to walk her to where she will meet up with her friends. Fumino thanks him. While walking, Ken asks her what happened between her and Kazuma. Fumino blushes and stutters since she doesn’t know what to say. Blushing a bit, Ken cautiously ‘attacks’ by telling her that with her, he created a memory as a student and teachers should just standby and watch. They were interrupted when Lao shouts, “Kurosawa!” Ken shouts that they are easily discovered because he is tall so Fumino should run to that side first. Lao shouts for him not to run for he already sees him. Fumino thanks him and runs off. Narration: “Memories..that’s right, I want to make a ‘memory’ with sensei. A field trip is a big thing for students and together with sensei, it will definitely be more fun because there are many chances to talk.” She remembers how excited she was in preparing her things with Teppei. “Upon return, I want to tell Teppei, ‘I really had fun’. But right now, what am I doing--” Ken then meets with Sayo and Kooka. Sayo angrily grabs his collar and asks where Fumino is and if he left Fumino behind, that’s why he came there alone. Ken exclaims if Fumino hasn’t met up with them. He wonders if she is lost. He looks behind and Fumino isn’t around so he decides to look for Fumino. In an alley, Fumino catching her breath as she is holding on to some crates. Fumino wonders what she should do because she doesn’t have a map and she isn’t familiar with the place. She also forgot to bring her cellphone. Fumino mutters, “Sigh~~if I knew this will happen, maybe I should let myself be caught by a teacher-” To her surprise, Kazuma grabs her arm and says, “Then, you’re caught☆ The timing just now is good ♥ Let’s go!” Fumino blushes then pulls her arm from him. While shouting, “I refuse! The one who’ll catch me should be a different teacher!” Fumino wonders what she should do because she is being stubborn again and that isn’t what she wanted to say. Kazuma isn’t reacting/expression isn’t shown but it seems that Kazuma’s patience is already at its limit. Trying to run away from him, Fumino shouts, “You didn’t want to get involved with me, right..” She is surprised when Kazuma stops her by raising his leg up against the wall to block her path. She becomes a bit nervous-tense when she sees Kazuma’s really, really serious look. He bends close to her face and says, “Do not think that you can just leave and escape.”

Just then, Ken passes by the alley and exclaims if Fumino is there. Kazuma has pulled Fumino to the side and hid behind the crates while covering her mouth. Ken thinks that he has just heard her voice there so he goes in the alley. Fumino thinks that she is unexpectedly too near Kazuma that she can hear his heartbeat. Before Ken can go behind the crates, a hand holds his shoulder. He looks behind to see a really furious Lao saying, “Kurosawa-kun, I’ve found you ♥” Ken screams. Lao shouts for him to reveal where his friends are. Ken shouts that it hurts and for Lao to stop pulling his ear. After they left, Kazuma is telling Fumino about suddenly hiding like that when he is surprised that Fumino is hugging him tightly. He is about to ask what is it but Fumino angrily exclaims that she should be the one asking that. She cries, “You won’t touch me whether it’s at home or at school. It isn’t easy to return back, but it feels like we are getting farther and farther from each other, I’m afraid..” “I’m sorry..” <- not sure if it’s Kazuma or Fumino who said that. Kazuma smiles as he holds her head. He says, “It’s because after you guys returned, I’m very afraid of losing you guys once again so I had become extra cautious.” Blushing, Fumino exclaims, “Even if..I know you are doing that for us..but it is all your fault for making me like this!” Kazuma asks what she meant. Fumino says, “I..I’ll quickly have ‘sensei deficiency’..” [It’s something that she longs for him even more; can’t get enough of him.] Kazuma pushes her down a bit and serious says, “—me, too.” Fumino thinks that his eyes are the like the normal times. Kazuma tells her, “Looking helplessly as a guy in front of me taking you away as if there is no other way [but for you to do that]— I'm really crazy about you, crazy that I can’t help myself...how are you going to compensate me?” Kazuma then goes to her neck and gives her a hickey. Narration: “The formerly cleverly hidden teeth have revealed itself-- It's already too late...captured by [him], ‘attacked’ by [him], I can no longer escape.” [This author might be interested in writing a vampire series, maybe when VK ends =P] Later on, Kazuma tells her that it is time to go back. While holding out his hand, he tells her to give her hand to him. Fumino protests, what if others will see them. Kazuma claps his hand and says, “Okay! Starting now, we are ‘student-teacher’! Ojiro-sensei has caught traunt student Kaji, and so for her not to escape again..” Fumino smiles and they held hands. Narration: “But..since I can’t escape, then please, hold on to me tightly until forever--” While they are going back, Kazuma finds Fumino’s friends who are eating ice cream. “Ah, I also found Sayo and Kooka ♪” The two girls are surprised. Meanwhile at Ryuu’s house, they are having some sort of Hawaiian-inspired party. Retsu tells Teppei that even if they don’t go south, they can still make it like summer there. He shows Teppei the nice tuna sashimi that they have. Teppei is awed by it. Holding a watermelon, Tomo says that Ryuu is really amazing. Ryuu says that he likes doing that kind of thing.

This chapter is fun and pretty much like what a typical chapter of this series ^^ It does seem to be some sort of tag game with Fumino always ‘chasing’ then she stops and he goes to chase after her. I somewhat think that Fumino is trying to be a S[adist] at how she is trying to seduce Kazuma. Hehe, Kazuma really does have great self-control and well, he draws the line when he seeing her going with another guy. I’m really somewhat surprised that he showed that kind of face to Fumino because I think that is his ‘former delinquent’ face..the real Kazuma behind the facade of being a stupid, silly teacher. I can understand that Fumino is totally shock by it and maybe Kazuma is too angry that he doesn’t care about it anymore since he usually tends to hide it from her. What they are doing could have blown out of proportion but good thing that they set things straight before that happened. It has indeed been a long time since he gave her a hickey. =P I do wonder if they did more there than just for him to give her a hickey =P Anyway, I think Fumino might be in trouble later on if her friends learn her true relationship with Kazuma because they would have felt like a fool for trying to set her up when they are already married and of course, they would be angry that she didn’t trust them enough to tell them. Since this is more of a comedy-romance, I don’t think the author will dwell too much on that or that will not happen since maybe, they’ll just formally marry complete with ceremony later on =P As for Tomo, if only he asks and investigates the background of Kazuma’s friends, he might immediately learn about Kazuma’s past. For Teppei to hang around with them, hehe, he might really become a type of ‘delinquent’ probably like Kazuma was and Fumino is. =P Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW

Quote of the day:
Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you. ~ Author Unknown

Skip Beat! [Chapter 146] Teaser
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Chinese scans are already out in baidu by chinglan1987 and c_酒杯. It's pretty much what is in the summary ^^

This is an unconfirmed spoiler circulating and I do not know if it is true or not because there are no pictures. It seems the source is 2ch. Some people in BW are praying that it isn’t true because it seems that Kyouko and Ren are acting a bit out of character and it doesn’t seem to be the author’s style yet the ‘summary’ seems pretty detailed. The summary is in Japanese which is translated into Chinese by meijianxiao of baidu. Anyway, here is what is written for those who want to know about it: It starts with Shou asking Kyouko what did she give Ren which is not chocolates and Kyouko’s ears are reddish. Shou takes out a chocolate from his pocket and shoves it into Kyouko’s mouth. Since the chocolate is delicious, Kyouko said that it is very delicious. After hearing this, Shou says, “Then, let me also taste it.” He grabs Kyouko and kisses her. Kyouko grabs his head and tries to pull him away but Shou holds her waist to stop her. So for the others, it seems like they are in a deep kiss. The others’ reaction are: Yashiro -> really disgusted. Ogata -> really shock. Two actresses -> really moved. Ren -> furious expression. When Ren approaches the two, Kyouko manages to get away from Shou. Shou says that he is just letting her taste it and not for her to eat it so he just took it back. Then the piece of chocolate that he got from Kyouko are on his lips. Kyouko is angry at Shou for not wanting to part with/give away the chocolate. Shou says, “Because you still haven’t gotten your first kiss, even if it isn’t the original intention, you’ll complain about it too much and it will be too noisy. So just comfort yourself with that bouquet I gave you.” Kyouko is very shock after hearing that. [It seems she realized her first kiss is gone.] After seeing this, Shou smiled [happy about Kyouko’s reaction, probably]. Shou prepares to leave and passes by Ren. Shou smiles [most probably smirk] at Ren. After Shou left, Ren sighs which Yashiro heard. Then, he sees stunned Kyouko.

The scene changes to the car where Shou and Shouko are. In order to steal/get Kyouko back, he had prepared that bouquet and chocolate (one piece costs 5000 yen). Shouko thinks that Shou has confessed to Kyouko but Shou says that there is no reason for him to do that. Shou’s monologue – ‘VG is an excuse. The flowers are just to attract the people’s attention. The true motive is – to unable Kyouko from ever leaving me. So, she’ll only think of me.’ Change scene: Kyouko is crying over her stolen first kiss for such a petty reason. The other two actresses are trying to comfort her. Ren and Yashiro just watch them. Ren then smiles [What kind of smile, I wonder.] and says, “First kiss..huh..? I don’t understand..is that really important?” This stuns Yashiro and the other two actresses. Ren continues to say, “[Why are you] Crying like it’s the end of the world? Doesn’t it seem a bit too stupid/silly?” End summary. Okay, I’m somewhat reserving my comments until I see the scans and confirm what Shou just did. Just translating that makes me want to wring his neck like what Kyouko did to him during his PV shoot. What if I see the scans and it’s true? ^^; [Edit: Argh..I want everything that I mentioned below to happen to Shou.] I’m also somewhat patting my shoulder if I guessed right about Shou’s motive for kissing her/stealing her first kiss -> make her never forget him. That will be ‘in character’ for him to do. For Kyouko to cry is unexpected. I’m just consoling myself that Shou better beware when she recovered from the shock about the first kiss. I’m also consoling myself that Kyouko and Ren combining their ‘demon’ forces to ‘finish’ Shou or make him regret what he just did later on. Well, maybe Kyouko will go ‘Natsu’-mode on him, too. Anyway, it seems that Ren is really mature and calm about this as compared before. I did think that it is unlikely of him to go into demon king mode because it will be hard to follow up if that happens. I guess it is because Ren knows the context on why the kiss happened. Well, the next chapter will probably be about how Kyouko will react to what Ren said and I guess Ren is going to help her forget about Shou and not making her ‘chained to’ Shou which is what her revenge is doing to her. In short, help her move on and hopefully, this stunt backfires on Shou.

Edit: I have seen the raws in BW and the summary above is true. I really want to punch Shou for what he did and with that arrogant- always smiling face of his. Oh well, hopefully Kyouko and Ren will make Shou really, really regret for pulling this. He might be the winner for now but he will definitely regret it later on. He and Reino have successfully made a ‘bad impression’ on Kyouko this V-day and I guess this would pretty much guarantee that Ren will have Kyouko or he will be special in her heart ^^ Hehe, and we still don’t know what the gift is. There’s even a couple 2-page spread of everyone’s reaction to the kiss…I’m amused. Geez, the way Kyouko is trying to pull Shou off him and Shou is still forcing himself on her is pretty much what I would expect Reino to pull off and not Shou. I guess this seals my ‘dislike’ for Shou. So despicable when he knows how ‘pure’ Kyouko is and how Kyouko will react. While they were ‘kissing’, Ren did show his dark/demon side. I guess that was meant by ‘furious expression’ in the summary. He looks majorly pissed off as he approaches the two but fortunately for Shou, Kyouko manages to push Shou off her. About the sigh, it is Ren who sighed after Shou left. Yashiro heard it then Ren looks surprised at Kyouko’s super shock-aghast face. I already edited that part of the summary. As for Kyouko’s crying, it isn’t what I thought it would be like. She is like a lifeless ghost crying rather than what I imagined her to be sitting down and crying ala waterfalls. It seems that she is crying because her illusion of a first kiss has to be from a prince. Before Ren told her about the first kiss being no big deal, it seems that he already thought of what to say to comfort her because at first, he looks serious while watching the others comfort Kyouko, then he seems to go into some sort of ‘acting mode’ since he changed his demeanor. He first had a somewhat bored look as if it is no big deal. The smile is a different kind of smile which is like ‘it’s nothing’ soft smile. From Kyouko’s reaction, it seems that Ren can successfully ‘brainwash’ her. =P The raws in BW are strictly for BW only so no pictures for now. Next chapter will be out on Oct 5th. By the way, there's a color spread and Kyouko looks somewhat like a fairy there..though she reminds me of FtaK's Fumino ^^;;

Quote of the day:
Men are not against you; they are merely for themselves. ~ Gene Fowler

Akuma to Love Song [Chapters 52-54]
Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Peeking from behind the shoe lockers, Maria tries to psyche herself that it is no big deal to just go over and greet Shin who is getting his school shoes from the lockers. She tells herself that she’ll just lightly taps his shoulder and greets him a good morning. Just when she is about to call him, Shintaro comes out from behind her greets her a good morning. Maria is surprised by this and Shin notices them. When Shintaro sees Shin, he asks Maria if she is going to greet Shin. Maria looks a bit angry but she didn’t reply. Shin quickly looks away and leaves. Shintaro asks if he just hindered Maria. Maria says that it’s good that he knows it. Shintaro becomes gloomy. Maria tells him not to be depressed over a small thing because she isn’t that cruel to him. Shintaro tries to go to her but Maria pushes his face away and says that she isn’t that close to him either so he should maintain his distance. Blushing, Shintaro says that she is quite confusing so what does she want him to do. Maria shouts that he is the one making her act that way. Shintaro happily says since he is making her confused, that means she starts to care/notice his existence. This made Maria leave him and later on, he is following her again. Maria thinks that Shintaro is the same before, who tries to get near her and if he has an opportunity, he will try to touch her. Shintaro then tells her that he thought she is wearing something beautiful but it turns out that her hair is just well-maintained. Touching Maria’s hair, he says that it is really beautiful. Maria pinches his hand hard and walks away. Going in her classroom, Maria thinks that she also has started to get used to it or rather, she started to get used to the idea of one’s physical distance to each other can also shorten one’s thoughts/hearts [with each other]. In the classroom, Maria touches Tomoyo’s flyaway hair and tells her about it. Maria helps her fix it using a wet handkerchief. Tomoyo thanks her and Maria blushes. Tomoyo then tells Maria that Maria’s hair is always smooth and shiny and her curled locks are always perfect. Ayu appears and says that is not worth mentioning if compared to her perfect hairstyle which took her 2 hours to fix everyday. Ayu then points at Maria and tells her that her hairstyle makes her look like a mushroom. Mushroom as in Maria’s head is the mushroom’s cap while her body is the stem. Tomoyo giggles. Ayu offers to fix Maria’s hair like hers. Maria refuses. Tomoyo starts to suggest about giving Maria a ponytail style. She holds Maria’s hair to form a ponytail. Ayu says that Maria will look like a kid that way. Soon, the two girls are suggesting and fussing about all sorts of new hairstyles for Maria. Maria just slightly blushes and thinks that lately, she wants to touch other and for others to touch her. “Even if I don’t want to admit it, this is the influence of Kurosu Shintaro.” Shin watches them nearby.

In a secluded place in school, Shintaro asks why Shin brought him there and is it to lecture him. Shin asks why he is trying to get close to that girl. Shintaro asks if he meant Maria and there is no need for him to use that kind of method. Shin exclaims that he is asking if Shintaro likes Maria or not. Shintaro says that he is interested in Maria and after seeing her for the first time on television, he felt something for her. He tells surprised Shin that Maria will definitely become someone who is close to him compared to others. Shintaro says that he feelss that he is the only one who thinks that way and even if they are similar, their taste is different but one can say that they can mutually understand each other so he wants to understand more and that is what he is doing right now. “But, I still don’t know what will happen afterwards. Is it to treat her as a respected sempai? Or make her as my sole possession?” Shin tells him that if he is only interested then it’s best for him not to make any moves/do something to Maria. Shintaro asks why. Shin says that it will just cause trouble to Maria and if Shintaro is thinking of Maria, he shouldn’t go near Maria. Shin says, “Understood?” then prepares to leave. Shin is surprised when Shintaro tells him that he is very self-centered. Shin turns around. Shintaro says if Shin plans to continue on being like this, chasing away the guys who try to get near Maria. “You won’t do anything yourself. Are you trying to make Kawai-sempai be always alone like this?” Shin asks what does he knows/understand. Shintaro says that he doesn’t understand. “You don’t want Kawai-sempai to belong to other people. I don’t understand why you would want to monopolize her like this.” Shin looks flustered. Shintaro continues, “Honestly, you like her, right? Then you should just make her stay at your side, right? It is irritating for you to do these things behind one’s back. Doing this kind of thing is realy vile of [you]..” Shin then shouts that he just doesn’t want Maria to remember her past and question herself why she was always alone before. Shintaro asks what he meant by that. Shin has no choice but to tell him that Maria’s mother is tormented by something and for a long time, her spirit/mood is really confusing [like contradicting]. “She wanted to commit suicide with Maria but in the end, couldn’t bring herself to kill Maria so she died while hugging Maria so from then on, Maria is afraid of people touching her and afraid of people hugging her to comfort her. If that happens, she will just keep on crying and saying ‘sorry’. So, she is always alone in order to forget everything [that had happened]. It isn’t easy to forget the pain so it is best for her not to remember it again.” Shintaro says that he understands but then where did Shin heard this from. Shin says from the nun in Maria’s former school. Shintaro asks why this nun knows about this. Shin says that the nun and Maria’s mother are friends. Shintaro asks if he believes all of what this nun said and if there is any basis to this. Shin exclaims that he also investigated it and he found out that it isn’t a lie.

Shintaro says that Shin doesn’t seem to be an idiot who would just accept what other people say. “In short, you are still avoiding, avoiding Kawai-sempai but you also want to monopolize her. You’re really selfish.” Shin angrily grabs his collar and says, “Why you..” Shintaro says, “If it’s me, no matter what happens to the one I like, I will not keep a distance from her. I would want to hug her and have sex with her. No matter what happens, we will undertake it together. Worry about it together. Overcome this together.” Shin shouts that it is easy for him to just say things like that. With a cold, confident look, Shintaro tells flustered Shin, “Then, I’ll show it to you. I’m not the same as you who won’t say what is in your heart. That is not my style.” Shin lets him go. Shintaro asks Shin if only he and Shin knows about this. Still looks flustered but a bit tense, Shin didn’t reply. Shintaro says if it is so, then it is good because if Yuusuke knows then it will be quite troublesome because Yuusuke is really amazing since if he [Shintaro] is Maria, he would have fallen for Yuusuke. Shin can only grit his teeth in frustration. In class, Shintaro happily asks if they can go out and have fun this Sunday. Maria flatly turns him down. Shintaro complains how she could simply say that and she should at least pretend to think about it. “I’m really hurt.” Maria says, “Liar.” then calls out to Tomoe to give her the notebook. Maria tells Shintaro that basing on his tone of voice, it is his ‘it is alright if you reject me’ tone. Shintaro admits that is true. He mutters that honestly, he is also very nervous also about going to their classroom and also doing his best to ask her. Maria asks him what he said. Shintaro says that it is nothing and asks her about watching a movie on Sunday. To Maria and Shintaro’s surprise, Shin says that she can’t because she is going out with him on Sunday. Tomoyo, Shintaro and Maria ask if that is true. Shin is a bit surprised by the reaction. Shintaro asks why Maria doesn’t know about it. Shin nervously says that he is planning to tell her. Shintaro asks where they are going. Shin nervously tries to think of a place. Shintaro says that he hasn’t decided yet so he must be just trying to hinder them. Yuusuke quickly helps out Shin by telling them that everyone will be going to Shin’s villa. “I and Shin have already discussed about it. We’ll leave on Saturday so that we can stay overnight there.” Everyone is surprised by this. Yuusuke tells them that he wanted to consult them about it first but then, Shin has already rushed to tell them. Ayu raises up her hand and exclaims if Yuusuke is going and it will be an overnight stay then she will also go. Ayu grabs Maria’s collar and demands that she go, too. Shin calls out Yuusuke’s name who smiles at him and puts his finger on his lips – quiet/secret sign. The two guys were surprised when Shintaro asks, “Not bad—Can I go with you? Sempai” Yuusuke happily says that he can. Shin tries to protest but Yuusuke tells him that it is better this way rather for them [Shintaro-Maria] to be together alone. “More people can be more lively, and..don’t you also think that it is much better to ‘get along with everyone and be on friendly terms’.” Ayu happily tells Yuusuke that all the girls [of their group] will be going. Yuusuke goes to the girls. Ayu says that they will meet at Yokohama station on Saturday. She then asks where Shin’s villa is located. While they are talking, Shintaro tells Shin that it seems everyone is anxious including Yuusuke and at one side, he can see a side of Shin’s vague approach and anyone would be anxious [by it]. He stops talking when he notices Shin’s serious expression. Shin says, “Perhaps it is like that. I’m a coward. Or perhaps, I’m timid. I have already decided. I will always be protecting her like this, in secret.”

In class, Maria isn’t too pleased to hear Shintaro screaming out loud to her from below while he in his PE class. He excitedly asks if she is already prepared for their trip on Saturday. “The place is in Shonan [according to wiki, is the name of a region along the coast of Sagami Bay in central Japan.] So, it will definitely be near the seaside. I really anticipate the swimsuit that Kawai-sempai will be wearing.” Maria snubs him so he kept on shouting if she heard her. Shintaro’s classmates are whispering to each other. It turns out that Maria snub him because her homeroom teacher is still that awful homeroom teacher she had during first year. The homeroom teacher blames Maria for Shintaro’s shouting which disturbs the class so he is going to punish her by pulling the weeds in school yard. Tomoyo complains that the one who is shouting wasn’t Maria. Maria just says out loud that she knows already and she is already used to this kind of low-level relationship [with the teacher]. Some of her classmates giggled that the insecure teacher starts shouting who just laughed and for them to come up front. Maria thinks that Shintaro isn’t in the same grade level as they are so they see each other only occasionally but it seems to her that he is always alone. Shintaro goes to Maria and happily says that she came down just to talk to him. He apologizes for not receiving/welcoming her. Maria just says that he’s too noisy. Maria is busy pulling the weeds with her bare hands near the water fountain and behind the outside corridor. [It seems the teacher wanted her to pull the weeds right now instead of being in class ^^;] Maria thinks that Shintaro really likes to get close with people yet he doesn’t want to blend in with others. “When I was alone, I wanted to have a group of friends.” Shintaro offers to help her. Maria tells him not to skip his PE class. He tells her that it is okay for even if he isn’t there, no one will be bothered by it. Maria wonders if this kind of situation wherein Shintaro doesn’t have any friends is okay. While the two are talking, Shin passes by the outside corridor and sees them together.

In the classroom, Tomoyo comments that the villa is in Shonan and Shin’s family is really rich. Yuusuke says but of course, Shin’s father is a world-renowned conductor and they have a private beach. Ayu is really excited about this so she happily tells them that they should go buy swimsuits. She asks Yuusuke what color he would want her to wear. Maria says that if it is Yuusuke, he would say definitely say that ‘whatever color Ayu likes to wear would be the most prettiest’. The other two girls blush. Ayu exclaims over making her feel disgusted when Maria called her by her name. Yuusuke says that he wants Ayu to wear yellow, Tomoyo green and Maria red. Ayu happily says that she will buy a yellow suit. Yuusuke says that he is just casually saying that. He tells Maria to try it out, imposing on others what one likes. Maria says that it isn’t really imposing but if it is a suggestion, then it can be used as a reference later on. Yuusuke says that if it is a reference then how about asking Shin’s opinion. This surprises Shin. Yuusuke asks Shin what color of swimsuit he would want Maria to wear. Shin mouths, “Wh--" [no sound] then he looks surprised at slightly blushing Maria. Shin starts blushing that he quickly looks away and says that he isn’t interested. Maria asks if he was just visualizing it just now. This made Shin’s face redder. [Luckily for him, he is looking away.] Maria exclaims for him not to be embarrassed by that since in this situation, it is quite normal to visualize what kind of swimsuit a girl will wear. “No one will think that Meguro is a lewd wolf.” Tomoyo tries to tell Maria not to say it that way. Shin quickly leaves the room. Yuusuke laughs and says that Shin has escaped. Ayu comments that Shin is unexpectedly pure. Maria is blushing a bit and thinks that based on his mouth, Shin seems to be going to say ‘white’. [She can read lips] Yuusuke glances at Maria then tells them that they will meet at Yokohama station at 12 o’clock on Saturday. He asks how they are going to tell Shintaro. Maria offers to be the one to tell him. Tomoyo asks if she isn’t going to buy a swimsuit. Maria says that she will and just wait for her at the school gate. While walking in the hallway, Maria blushes and looks happy that everyone will be going to buy swimsuits.

Maria goes to section 1-B and she didn’t find Shintaro so she wonders if he already left but then, he always act as her bodyguard so now, when she goes to see him, he isn’t there. She notices a couple of girls and asks them what Shintaro is like during class. Maria is puzzled when the two girls look at each other. They say that they aren’t really sure but it seems that Shintaro doesn’t want to get close to them and it seems he really likes to be alone. The other girl says that it is more like it is hard to get close to him and Shintaro isn’t always in class. Soon, the two girls tell each other that they are concerned about him and always observing him. [I guess they are attracted to him.] Maria realizes that it isn’t a case of Shintaro not needing friends but rather, he is still choosing friends. She goes to the school gate to find Shintaro and her friends waiting for her. Shintaro happily says that today he is waiting for her at the gate. He wanted to go with them to buy the swimsuits. Maria sweatdrops. Tomoyo tells Maria that if they buy the suits according to what Yuusuke suggested then they will be like the colors of a traffic stoplight. Maria says that is true. She is still confirming to herself that Shin said white. At the swimsuit store, she decides to buy something white but she doesn’t know what kind of style Shin would like – bikini or one piece suit. Holding a one piece suit, Maria begins to doubt if Shin said white or maybe it is scarlet red or silver and maybe he is saying ‘I don’t know’. Her thought are interrupted when Shintaro calls out to her and tells her to try out this suit. Maria thinks that she is really concerned about this guy named Kurosu Shintaro. Holding a thong swimsuit, Shintaro says that it is a bikini that suits her and it is really great since it is also saves on cloth. Maria tells him not to hold that thing. Tomoyo comments that Shintaro is really straightforward. Ayu calls him a pervert. [I think the small arrow says that Shintaro isn’t embarrassed at all.] Shintaro tells them that he came to advise them on what swimsuit to buy. Shooing him away, Ayu tells Shintaro that there is no need because she is going to buy a yellow swimsuit. It seems that Tomoyo isn’t going to buy green. Holding a mannequin with a [black] bikini, Shintaro tells Maria to try it out. Maria tells him to quit joking around. Shintaro grabs her arms and tells her that he isn’t joking and it isn’t good to restrict herself. He exclaims that if one isn’t adventurous, one won’t progress and she should dare to find her new self. Maria seems to have accepted his suggestion for she wanted a ‘new self’.

In the dressing room, Maria tells herself not to be embarrassed by it even if it seems like one is wearing an underwear. She comes out for them to see. Everyone including the girls are blushing. [Yup, she looks great in it and Shintaro is one lucky guy.] Seeing their reaction, Maria thinks that it is really strange [on her]. Shintaro approaches her and quickly pulls the curtain to hide her back in. Shintaro angrily shouts why she is exposing herself like that as if she wants to tell others, ‘come eat me’ and all the world’s wolves would want to do that. Maria asks if he thinks that suit is.. Shintaro tells her to wait for he’ll go find some other suit for her to try. Shintaro gives her a one piece suit. Shintaro says that it suits her more. Maria says that it seems like her PE swimsuit uniform. Shintaro answers that this way, it won’t attract wolves to go near her and it will more or less gives her a ‘strong’ impression. Maria thinks that she should choose something that won’t make others unhappy. Maria is about to say that she will buy that when Tomoyo tells her that she doesn’t think that is Maria’s style and it isn’t the style that Maria likes. Maria says that it is because she wasn’t the one who chose it. Shintaro exclaims is that so then she should have said it earlier because it is no good if she doesn’t like it herself. He covers the curtain and tells her to change again. Ayu gets angry and asks if this is a swimsuit fashion show. She exclaims that Maria should just be the one to choose the swimsuit that she wants. “If you keep on choosing for her, it will just be troublesome!” Shintaro apologizes for this and asks Maria what kind of style she likes. Tomoyo tells him that Maria likes loli-style. Shintaro asks for something more concrete than that. Blushing, Maria tells him that it should give people a ‘dreamy/illusion’ feeling and most important of all, it has to be white. In the end, Maria wears a white bikini with lots of lace. Maria seems to like it because it looks cute. The other two girls give their approval that it is indeed nice and suits Maria. Maria has decided to buy that one and apologizes to Shintaro for keep on insisting on white color. To the girls’ surprise, Shintaro tells her that she is forbidden to wear a swimsuit for she shouldn’t just easily let others see her wearing that. Maria shouts in protest that he is currently there and looking at her. Shintaro says that he is different but it is forbidden for others. Maria shouts about not casually deciding things just because based on what he thinks. Shintaro exclaims that he has really changed his views. “Because I don’t want other people to see!” Shintaro covers his mouth and Maria looks surprised at him. The other two girls blush. Shintaro blushes and stutters as he tries to say something. Then he says that it seems that he is infatuated [fallen in love] with her.

That night, Maria is packing her things. Maria thinks that Shintaro is lonely by himself so he tries to get close to her and right now, she still doesn’t know if Shintaro wants to have a group of friends or not. Maria arrives at the station where the others are waiting. Tomoyo exclaims that it is good that it is a sunny day. Shin is about to say something to Maria but she goes directly to Shintaro and says that she wanted to say something to him about yesterday. Shintaro tells her that it is okay and not to mind it too much since he knows that Maria only thinks of him as a kouhai. He happily says that even if it is like that, she should stop him from liking her. Yuusuke asks them if Shintaro has confessed. Ayu confirms this and he did it in front of all of them. Just like Yuusuke, Shin is just slightly flustered. Shintaro tells Maria that it is okay since from the start, he is only a kouhai. “But I have a goal and that is to become sempai’s lover, not just be a kouhai or friend. Other than that, I don’t have any other demand.” Then, Maria realizes that it is okay for Shintaro to be all alone by himself but he wants to find that special someone who will belong only to him. While walking towards a beach house, Shintaro says that the waves are hitting the shore, the sky is blue, and at the side of the sea is like a flower blooming in spring, their home sweet home. “Let us spend together the first night that we can’t forget, Kawai-sempai ♥” Maria slaps his hand away before it can touch her shoulder. Maria says that she is going to turn hostile on him. Shintaro happily says that they coordinate together but Maria tells him that if she did that then, he will seriously do it. Shintaro nervously asks how she knew of his plan. Maria says that his body movement shows that kind of intention. [Sorry, that was a bit confusing but I guess Maria already knows the kind of tricks Shintaro will pull just to touch her.] Shintaro happily says that she really understands him and Maria says that she doesn’t want to understand him even for one bit. Maria thinks that she has already rejected his confession so why doesn’t Shintaro felt even a bit awkward. Maria wonders why she feels relax when she is with Shintaro. Tomoyo comments that the house looks huge. Ayu is talking with Yuusuke. While Shintaro is going to say something to Maria, Maria then turns to Shin and asks if he usually goes there. He looks away and says that he used to before. He tells her that when his father is going to conduct and he needs to find inspiration, his father goes there so when he was young, he usually went there with his father but since elementary, he studied abroad so he wasn’t able to go there again. Blushing a bit, Maria says, young Shin. Shin asks what it is. Maria looks away and says that it is nothing and he is definitely a gloomy kid then. Shin just angrily says, ‘hey’ then his expression softens as he blushes a bit. Maria is also blushing a bit and she thinks that talking with Shin makes her heart beat wildly. Shintaro watches them quietly from behind.

Inside the house, Ayu comments that it is also huge inside. Shin tells them to leave their things in the bedroom first. Shin opens a door inside and a lot of smoke came out. Ayu exclaims what’s with the smoke. There is an unkempt guy coughing or making some scary sounds near the grand piano with lots of music sheets on the floor. They were all stunned when Shin calls out to the guy as ‘father’. [And, I guess Shin got his looks from his mother =P ] The smoke is from Shin’s father’s smoking. Shin apologizes to him and says that he didn’t know that he is there. With a dizzy look, Shin’s father tells him that he’s noisy and he shouldn’t disturb him when he is really stressed out. Shin’s father seems to reach out that made Ayu quickly go back behind. Tomoyo is also scared that she is standing/clinging behind Maria. Shin tells him that he already told him days earlier that he will be going to use that place on Saturday and he [father] said that it is alright. His father kept on shouting that he didn’t hear it. [7x] Maria tries to tell him to calm down but Shintaro interrupts and tells Shin’s father what’s up with him for he should at least look at his son in the eye. Shin is a bit flustered that he tells Shintaro not to say it anymore because his father is always like that when he is feeling low because of work. Shintaro asks if he is thinking of himself as an artist. Shin exclaims that he isn’t because his father is already an artist. Shintaro says that even so, he doesn’t care how great Shin’s father is. “Is he an artist who doesn’t care about humiliating his own son in front of his friends? You’re quite pitiful, Meguro-sempai.” Shin tries to defend his father but to his surprise, his father apologizes for making them see him like that. He says that it is quite rare for Shin to bring his friends there so forget about it. He put out his cigarette in the ashtray and pats Shintaro’s shoulder. He laughs and says that Shintaro is such an interesting guy. Shin looks surprised while Maria is worried about Shin.

Outside, while Maria and others minus Shin are setting up the table near the beach and inflating some tubes, Tomoyo says that she is really surprised because she didn’t expect him to be the world renowned Meguro Seiji and she guess that a genius can also be a weirdo. Shintaro comments about Shin being treated like an outsider. Yuusuke says that it is because Shin’s father is really amazing so Shin would want to somewhat rebel/go against just like he would with his father. Maria asks if he meant that bearded monk. Yuusuke says that’s right for his father would always say that the ‘yuu’ from ‘yuusuke’ is from the ‘yuu’ of ‘yuuga’ [which means graceful or elegant. FYI, VK’s ‘Yuu’-ki is also that same kanji. If it is ‘yuu’ alone, it means ‘superior’ =P ] so it is very troublesome. Shintaro says that he doesn’t understand that because he really likes his father. [I think] Yuusuke says that to forget about it because each family’s situation cannot be fully understand by others. Shintaro asks if that is so. Maria is listening to them then tells them that she is going in the house to check on Shin’s situation. Shintaro looks displeased as she watches Maria running back to the house. Shin is picking up the music sheets and Maria offers to help him. She asks if those are his father’s music sheets and if they only need to arrange it in accordance to the pages. Shin declines her help. Maria insists that it will be faster if they do it together. Holding a music sheet, Maria then exclaims that she knows that piece, it’s ‘Ave Maria’ which they sang during worship service in St. Katria. Shin suddenly snaps that there is no need [for her to help]. This surprises Maria and Shin looks flustered. Shin apologizes for always making her see him make a fool of himself. He says that it should be very obvious that in front of his father, he has a very deep inferiority complex. “In front of my father, I will [instinctively] cower. I hate myself for not being able to continue my father’s artistic talent and I think that deep down in his heart, he has already given up on me.” Maria tells him that she likes his piano playing. “When you were playing before at the choir competition, you made me feel relax and calm.” Shin tells her that there is no need to comfort him. Maria says that is her real feelings. “I still want to hear you play, right now, I want to hear you play. That’s right, you should play this [piece] right now. Aren’t there a lot of music sheets here? I want to hear your music.” Shin blushes a bit then looks away to tell her that it isn’t ‘his music’ because essentially, it doesn’t have his style. [Ah, that meant that it can’t be called his music because there is no distinct style to it that he can claim as his own.] He tells her that is enough and she should just go out to swim where the others are waiting. To his surprise, Maria starts singing. She pulls him to the piano and in the end, Shin relents and plays. Maria narrates, “No, I can feel ‘Shin’s music’. That feeling of gentle, inner restraint, softly, quietly, watching over by one’s side. Yes. This is the music that makes one feel really at ease. I absolutely like this music...this is what Shin’s music is like.” Shintaro has seen them from the window and Shin’s father has heard the playing and singing. Blushing a bit, Maria is happily singing. Also blushing a bit, Shin smiles a bit while playing.

They were interrupted when Seiji goes in the music room and tells them to continue including that feeling they have. “The feeling of happiness. Ave Maria is a piece that makes one feel happy. Very happy--” So, Shin continues to play and Maria continues to sing. After they finished, Seiji says that he didn’t realize that Ave Maria can be played in a lively manner. The two are surprised [I think because he just told them to play/sing it that way]. He pats Maria’s shoulders and laughs to say that it is really like that and it is very interesting. [Approval of her singing or as future daughter-in-law? ^^;] He tells them that he is going back to Yokohama. Before leaving, he tells Shin that this is the first time he heard that unique and pretty good music from him. Shin blushes then he notices that Maria is happily smiling for him. He quickly looks away, embarrassed. Maria thinks that is a very impressive opinion/review about Meguro Shin’s music. Shintaro looks a bit sad about this. Soon, the sun is setting and they are all preparing the barbecue at the porch. Tomoyo asks Maria to get the bottles of beverage/whatever. [Too small, can’t read ^^;] While holding the bottles, Shintaro tells her that it seems she is really happy while she is singing a while ago. Maria apologizes and asks if it is too noisy. Shintaro exclaims that it isn’t so because it is really nice to listen to that he is surprised by it. He then thinks that isn’t what he wanted to say. He tells Maria that it is obvious that she likes Shin and from head to toe, she is emiting ‘I like Shin’ scent. Maria is surprised by that and says that she isn’t what she wanted/she didn’t intend to do that. Shintaro says that if she is like that, Shin might let that go into his head and Shin is already used to her treating him well. “He already knows that you like him but still he won’t respond to you that it seems like it is just a one-sided kind of ‘like’.” Maria suddenly shouts his name or rather surname out loud which surprises Yuusuke and the other two girls. Maria looking a bit angry tells Shintaro that she never thought that he would say it that way, not even once. Maria looks away and says, “I don’t know what you are fidgety about. I only know that you are just letting your imagination go wild about everything...” To her surprise, Shintaro holds her and made her face him as he leans to kiss her.

Hehe, I already know what happened after that almost kiss. Shintaro obviously doesn’t know when to stop pushing his luck so he got a slap-punch combo response. I’m mentioning that since Skip Beat! will be coming out soon and I’m expecting something different from that kind of response since this author has already done that. Back to the series, Shintaro may be cute and everything but I seem to feel like he is bordering to becoming somewhat annoying especially because of the way Maria have to keep on stopping his advances. Well, he is good in pushing Shin’s buttons but it seems that it is backfiring on him. ^^; He has forced Shin to do something and good for Shin that he has a great friend like Yuusuke to follow it up. I think that even if Shintaro is similar with Maria in some ways, there are indeed some things that they aren’t the same. He mentioned that if he was Maria, he would fall for Yuusuke but she didn’t. Shintaro is pretty much the opposite of Shin. He’s a kouhai, while Shin is a sempai. Their way of handling about Maria’s past is also different. It didn’t occur to Shintaro that Maria likes someone who is the opposite of him so Shintaro might not have much chance with her. I think that since Maria let him in the swimsuit shopping, she thinks of Shintaro as just a friend or something not boyfriend material else she will be extremely embarrassed to ask his opinion. Nevertheless, the guy is lucky and Maria looks great in all swimsuits ^^ I think Maria pretty much captured the essence of Shin based on the feeling of his music. I guess Shin is somewhat compatible with Maria in a way because of her strong personality. She will need someone who will just be there for her and not ‘force’ her into something. It’s pretty much like her singing is just being ‘accompanied’ by his music. Whether Shin ends up with Maria or not, I think they might work together in the future since both are into music and they are praised by Shin’s father who is, after all, world-renowned. Haha, that is one of Shin’s major edge from the other two rivals, he is into music. =P Regarding Yuusuke’s preferred color for swimsuits, it made me compare it to the way the three guys approach with Maria’s past -> Shin = stop (not go any further), Yuusuke = wait (for Maria to like him and tells him her past), and Shintaro = go (after Maria). I think all approaches have their own pros and cons. Anyway, for now, it seems like Shin is going to be ‘the one’ if we base it on the swimsuit that Maria chose ^^ Scans by yukitokaji and 星空ツ泪 in BW.

Quote of the day:
Encouraged people achieve the best; dominated people achieve second best; neglected people achieve the least. ~ Author Unknown

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, Beelzebub, Reborn, and PSYREN
Monday, September 14, 2009

Love and Rose quickly put on their masks in Bleach [c. 373] because Starrk’s wolves are heading their way to attack. They destroy the wolves but the wolves which are like flames kept coming. After a wolf bit Love and it exploded, Love shouts to Rose that the wolves are cero and they’ll be in trouble if those wolves get close to them. It’s too late because the wolves are already near them and exploded on them. Starrk corrects them that the wolves aren’t ceros but parts of himself and Lilyneth which they controlled. Starrk tells the injured two guys to run for it and he’ll let them go. Love turns down his request so Starrk prepares to finish them off. He steps down on a cylinder-structure then after his shadow casts on it, he is suddenly stabbed. Everything seems to be ‘okay/not much happening’ until that last part, which made me wonder who did that. Was it a ‘trap’ that those two did because of the somewhat emphasis on the shadow? Or someone else? As usual, I don’t think Starrk is going to die just because of that.

In Naruto [c. 463], Sasuke and Raikage are still fighting and it seems that Raikage has the edge. Then Sasuke uses Amaterasu = black flames. Raikage manages to evade. He tries to attack but Sasuke uses the black flames as a shield on his body. Raikage didn’t care about that since he punches Sasuke anyway even if the flames burn his left hand. In his fury, Raikage keeps on attacking. Meanwhile, Madara tells Naruto that he will make Sasuke fight him because by using Sasuke, he can make the world acknowledge the Uchiha clan. Naruto protests but Madara tells him that Sasuke won’t be easily influenced by Naruto unlike Nagato. Naruto defends Nagato by saying that Nagato is after peace though in a different way, unlike him. Madara agrees with that. Kakashi asks him why he still wanted the tailed beasts if he only want acknowledgement of their clan. Madara just mentions about something to be completed then leaves without an explanation. Hm..I wonder if that is the real Sasuke or is it just an illusion. If it isn’t an illusion, Raikage is really strong and he should be, given his age and experience. I guess he is really furious at what Sasuke did to his brother. He guess he is the type of guy who charges in and think about the consequences later on. Since I doubt that Sasuke will die, I wonder if Madara will savee him in a hick of time or someone else would interrupt them. From Madara’s talk of wanting the two to fight, I think it is to cause division within Konoha. Then, about the tailed beasts, I wonder if he is planning them for an all-out war and probably contrary to what Nagato planned to use them.

Then in Beelzebub [c. 28], Hilda tells Oga that the ghost-like guy is a doctor whom she brought to check up on BL. Inside the room, there is a girl in doctor garb who complains about the place where they are raising BL. Oga asks if the girl is the doctor when she is short like a lost kid. The girl then kicks him in the groin. This made Oga angry and he tries to get her for it but the girl easily evades him. She starts to berate Oga for being weak and poor. The ghost hits the girl and tells her to shut up. Hilda re-introduces the two as Foras, the doctor ghost and Lamia, girl assistant. Oga complains about the half-hearted character design of Foras but to his surprise, Foras can read minds. Foras clarifies that he is very good-looking and Lamia explains that Foras hates the human world so he used the mumu/ghost body to go there. Foras says that based on the symptoms that Hilda described, BL has king fever which is like a teething fever. He is growing hence his power has to be released but Oga would not be able to handle it so he cut off his link with Oga. Oga asks if that is why BL found a new parent. Hilda says that isn’t so because if BL did, he would have released the power and his fever would have gone down. She comments that she didn’t find any malice in Toujou even if he is very strong. Oga wonders about the seal on Toujou’s shoulder while Hilda wonders why BL has cling on to him. There is a flashback about Toujou who turns out to like animals but always fails to ‘take them home’ until BL came who becomes attached to him because Toujou reminds him of Oga. Oga isn’t giving up yet so with the help of the doctors, they are going to do something about it. In the end, Lamia is holding a gun. I think the gun is like their world’s injection/syringe =P Maybe that can be used for Oga to power up. As I thought, Toujou is really a nice guy who has a soft spot for animals and his angst is probably about animals being scared of him because of his appearance. I wonder if he will easily give up on BL when it is his first ‘pet’. I’ve noticed that the head delinquents tend to have an underling/assistant =P Anyway, I think Toujou and Oga will become allies later on. Since Foras hinted that it isn’t his true appearance, I’m sure later on, they will see each other – see Foras’ true appearance for comedy reasons if they will all be going to BL’s world in the future^^

While in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 257], Tsuna and others have arrived in Namimori after a rough landing. Irie quickly tells them to destroy the transfer system quickly so that Byakuran and others can’t follow them. Hayato blasted it away. While the transport system is fast descending down, Giannini asks where they were before. Uni tells them that it is an undiscovered island which Byakuran converted into his base. Then, the transfer system disappeared so they panicked since they might be heading that way. Just after Reborn asks what they should do, Kusanabe appears and thinks that they won but Tsuna informs him that the enemies are after them so he suggests that they all go in the base through Hibari’s base. Tsuna agrees with this. Tsuna and others are surprise when the transfer system is back again and some things [six wreaths most probably] shoot out from it. They suspect that the system isn’t working well so the enemies are teleported to different directions. Worried about the school, Hibari heads to that direction where one of the enemies has fallen. Kusanabe, Dino and Romario join him. Before going, Dino instructs Tsuna just to keep Uni safe in the base. Tsuna and others decided to head to the base and think what they will do next. Squalo asks to borrow their communication room to report to his boss and ask for back-up. In the base, they assure Uni that she will be safe in the base. Bianchi suggests that they have a change of clothes. In the communication room, Squalo is screaming his head off at Lussuria about wanting to need some reinforcements since the main force of Millefiore is going to attack them but Lussuria informs him that Varia is currently busy fighting the remnants of Millefiore. When Squalo asked about Fran, he was informed that Fran is visiting some woman named W— Suddenly, the communication is cut off. While everyone is dressing up, there is a loud siren and the screen flashes an emergency sign. Then, there are lots of explosions. They all go out and ask around what is happening when something exploded behind. They are invaded by Zakuro. Well, Byakuran is indeed very angry and serious now. Just as he said, he won’t let Vongola rest and would keep on pursuing them until they catch Uni. If it is all of them vs Zakuro then maybe they can buy some time for Uni and the girls to escape. An one-on-one battle will be disadvantageous to them since the six funeral wreaths seem to be insanely strong. Dino, Hibari + underlings will probably fight another enemy. Since Varia except for Squalo isn’t there, I guess we won’t see them in action for the ‘main’ event. Gamma and others haven’t shown up yet either. Right now, I think anything can happen in this series in regards to the fights.

Lastly, in PSYREN [c. 86] , Kabuto dreamt of some masked/tavoo like person who calls himself yoyo and tells Kabuto to call him if he wants to use a different power than ‘eyes’. He wakes up screaming which startles Yoshina and Amamiya. Later on, they fill up Kabuto as to what had happened. Kabuto asks about where Oboro and Hiryu are but Yoshina just tells him that they are going home. Yoshina has informed ROOT about what’s happening with them and he has decided to return to the present to stop the collapse of the world and find a way to stop WISE. Elmore assures him that they will still fight in their own way in their own time. Amamiya is a bit depressed about what the creator told Yoshina about changing the future. Elmore assures her that it is okay even if they will become a parallel world because of the change that will happen for they are all fighting to live and protect that sky. When Lan is ready to teleport them near the phone booth, the others start telling Yoshina what to tell their present selves. Yoshina said goodbye to the Elmore kids and promises to destroy WISE for their futures. In the end, Yoshina and others has teleport back to the present. I think what Kabuto dreamt is probably a preview of what could have happened to Oboro after he ‘awakened’. It does seem like what happened to Ichigo with his hollow form in Bleach. If that world will become a parallel world, what would happen to Hiryuu and Oboro? Lost in that parallel world? Well, unless, they are able to bring them back. This time around, it seems they are away for such a long time so would a lot of time has passed in their present time? I’m thinking that Yoshina’s sister will be the one who is waiting for him as hinted in the blurb. But then, it said ‘thing’ instead of ‘someone’ ^^;

Quote of the day:
Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised. ~ Denis Waitley

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapter 38]
Saturday, September 12, 2009

At the shoe lockers, Sawako is surprised to see Ume. She tries to greet Ume but to her shock, Ume snubs her and left. Sawako is really nervous and thinks that Ume looks down on her. Kent calls out to Sawako. Sawako greets her ‘master/sensei’ and nervously tries to apologize to him about making him see that ugly/embarrassing scene. Kent says that it is nothing but rather.. Before he can say something, Chizuru and Ayane stop him from doing his ‘good deed’. Angrily pointing at Kent, Ayane exclaims what Kent wants with Sawako and not to go near her. Sawako is shock by this outburst. Kent just laughs and tells Ayane that she’s too cruel. Ayane shouts that there is nothing good about what he does. “I told you not to do anything unnecessary!!” Sawako is totally puzzled about this. Kent nervously realizes something. He then says, “Sorry! Sadako-chan!! There is a possibility that the one Kazehaya likes is you!!” The girls are shock. Ayane angrily tells him to wait a minute for she can’t believe that he said it out loud. Some students are listening and wondering what’s with the commotion. Sawako exclaims that it is all just a misunderstanding and the rumor isn’t true. Her friends are shock as they realize that things have really turned out bad like this. Sawako says that their ‘meaning/connotation’ of ‘like’ isn’t the same. Her friends seem tense and surprised so Sawako turns around to see Shouta, looking a bit surprised. Ryuu is standing near Shouta. Sawako tries to say something to him but some students are asking what happened. Someone says that even if they aren’t really sure about it but Sawako seems to be negating/dissolving? her relationship with Shouta. Someone exclaims what that is all about, then starts laughing. When Sawako is going to call out to Shouta, a guys call out to Shouta and Ryuu that they finally arrive and they are late since everyone has already gathered together. Seeing all the people there, the guy asks why there are a lot of people there and what happened. Sawako’s friends become nervous when Kent tries to tell something to Shouta. They shout for him to stop and angrily grab him then drag him away. Kent protests that the atmosphere is really bad there. Ayane shouts for him to not mind that and just shut up. After they left, a guy asks what’s with those girls but Shouta just looks away and tells him that there is nothing happening. Sawako can only watch Shouta leave with his friends as they talk about the progress of finishing the flower car/t. The other students are talking about Shouta not greeting Sawako so couldn’t be the one whom Shouta likes as mentioned earlier. Ryuu passes by Sawako and tells her that even if he shouldn’t say anything but it seems that her way of expressing is lacking. Sawako holds her bag tight and thinks that if this keeps up, Shouta might not talk with her anymore and she will always be just looking at his back. While remembering all her ‘maybe-s’ of Shouta avoiding her, hating her etc, she thinks that she can’t even do something like greeting him a ‘good morning’.

At a place where there are a lot of vending machines, Kent nervously asks if he did something really bad. Ayane darkly says that one can at least say that he did. She exclaims that she should just sew his lips together. Kent says that is his nature. Ayane angrily shouts that she doesn’t care about his nature. They were interrupted when Ume shouts for them to go away because they are blocking her way. They step away as Ume buys something from the vending machine. Someone says that maybe they should do this somewhere else. Kent then asks Ume what happened regarding what she asked him before -> jealous stuff between Sawako and Kazehaya. Sawako’s friends are surprised that they shout if Ume did something bad again and what did she do to Sawako. While drinking some plum juice, Ume says that she just gave Sawako a piece of her mind so what of it. To the friends’ surprise, Ume admits that she just reprimanded Sawako regarding not daring to give that junk on Valentines’ Day. Ayane angrily grabs Ume’s collar and shouts that it is her doing that made Sawako not give the chocolate. Ume shouts that she did hinder them but what of it, the one who didn’t give the chocolates is Sawako herself and she never said ‘don’t give’. Chizuru seems to think that Ume is right while Ayane says that Ume is still wrong for hindering. Kent suddenly exclaims in shock that Ume likes Shouta, too. Ume admits that she does. Kent says that this is troublesome because he doesn’t know which one to cheer on. He happily points to himself and asks Ume if it will be her advantage, if he goes steady with Sawako. To everyone’s shock, Ume slaps him really hard on the face. Ume shouts for him not to be too meddlesome. Sawako’s friends are stunned and tense. While holding his face, Kent asks didn’t Ume want to hinder the two. Ume shouts that she just doesn’t want to lose to that kind of girl and she didn’t think that Sawako is such a ‘timid’ girl that makes her so really frustrated. Ume leaves as the friends try to call out to her. After she left, Kent seems to be thinking then asks if Shouta really does like Sawako. Ayane says that now that he knows, it will be troublesome if other people meddle so he shouldn’t meddle again. At the hallway, Pin meets Sawako who is carrying a stack of books. Pin asks her about the progress for the school festival. Sawako narrates the progress of the three groups. Pin exclaims for her to tell the two groups that are behind schedule to put their really best because they have to defeat the third years. It seems that he bet sushi if they win. Pin then tells Sawako that it seems that she has some sort of misunderstanding. This made Sawako nervous since there are more misunderstandings. Pin tells her that Shouta isn’t as great as she thinks him to be. He laughs and exclaims for her to just give up on Shouta.

Pin enters the classroom to check if the students are working. Sawako looks at Shouta who is working with some other guys. She thinks that [regardless what Pin said, she still thinks] he is still great. Then, Pin asks Sawako about the books she is carrying. Sawako says that it is data for the black magic cafe. While they are talking, Shouta looks at their direction. He remembers Pin telling him to just give it up. Shouta wonders what he should give up, give up on going steady with Sawako or give up liking her. [He remembers someone telling him that he already did his real best about this. I don’t recall it anymore ^^; Maybe something Kent said before about helping out Sawako.] Shouta keeps on watching her as Sawako teaches some of the girls on how to brew the herbal tea. [I think] he also remembers the past since there are scenes of Sawako raising her hand in class and a girl who is scared of her when she is offering a handkerchief/paper. Then, when he isn’t looking anymore, Sawako is looking at him and remembers someone asking her what she saw in Shouta. Sawako wonders if she came to like Shouta because he is really great. Soon, it is school festival time. 2-D’s classroom is made into Sadako’s Black Magic Cafe which serves herbal tea and desserts. Of course, there is also a consultation booth. Inside a small tent, Sawako wears a hood and lights up her face using a flashlight held under her chin. A girl customer darkly says that she is filled with hatred because the guy that she likes already has a girlfriend. She wants to get that guy no matter what so she wants to know of a way to get rid of the other girl. Sawako just tensely [or she’s perspiring ^^;] says that wanting to harm others will end up harming herself = kind of like karma. Pin is shock at the long line to their classroom. Ryuu, who is wearing a poster on his body to advertise their cafe and holding a sign [for people to know] where the line ends, tells Pin that it is all because of word of mouth and ‘dark’ people who wanted to use black magic. Pin is shock at how Sawako’s power. Some people are talking about the magic Sawako used during the exams. Then, the gloomy girl before comes out. She shouts her thanks to Sawako. She looks happy and bright as she shouts that she will try to compete fair and square so that if she loses, there will be no complaints or regrets. Ryuu comments that those ‘dark’ people usually come out looking ‘bright’. Pin is still shock about this and asks if there is really no cover-up to it. Inside the classroom, there is also a small cafe wherein the waiters/waitresses tell the customers the use of the tea. Inside the booth, Sawako exhales and thinks that there are a lot of girls wherein the person whom they like already has a girlfriend. She realizes that falling in love is quite troublesome. She takes out her fortune which she got from the shrine before. It has told her to offer/dedicate her love and she will be happy. [Basically, confess and be happy.] She wonders if Shouta doesn’t have any girl whom he likes, would she have done something already by now and would the situation change or maybe nothing will change.

She is surprised when the curtain opens. It is Kent who greets her for a job well done. He gives her a drink and says that she has a 10 minute break. Sawako looks disappointed so Kent asks if she thought that he is Shouta. He sits down and asks if he can tell her some truths. Kent confesses that before he thought that Sawako couldn’t get Shouta because after all, there are too many things that are different about them. “I also thought that the one, whom Shouta would go steady with, couldn’t be Sawako-chan. And, even if you said that you ‘don’t feel any rift towards Kazehaya’ but you gave me a feeling that between the two of you, there is a rift since there is none towards the others in class.” Sawako is shock by this. Kent says that Sawako is unexpectedly cute, so he thought that it would be better for her to just blend in with the class and just find some other guy to go steady with, even if it is just simply going to see him. Kent’s smile vanishes when he sees Sawako looking stunned about what he said earlier. Kent gives her a wink but there is no reaction. He slightly smiles and says, “Although I think when you smile is more attractive but at present, the one who makes you depressed and cry, [and also] make you smile..is Kazehaya, right? I’m going to cheer for you. Gambatte.” Kent goes out. Sawako remembers when she cried during the ‘misunderstood confession’ and happy when Shouta/she said thank you and Shouta is smiling. Sawako seems to realize something. She thinks that even if she found friends and blended with the class, she is still shy, doesn’t want to be hated, still can’t say the things in her heart nor smile honestly. She realizes that it is only with Shouta that she doesn’t feel any rift and she didn’t know when she unexpectedly started to build up herself [create a barrier] and [hide in] everything that she wanted to say from her heart. She thinks that Shouta has already 100% responded to her. [Ah, I think because of what she is doing, Shouta is reacting that way, too.] After going out of the tent, Kent calls out to Shouta and says that it is time is up, time to change shift. Dressing up as the waiter, Kent apologizes to Shouta about something that Sawako must have misunderstood although it is his [Kent’s] fault that she misunderstood. Shouta then says that he also thinks that Sawako misunderstood him. He tells Kent that even if Sawako continues on being misunderstood, she still doesn’t give up and continues to do her best. He admits that their natures/personalities are opposites since he easily gets angry and jealous. “I’m not that great as Sawako thinks nor am I the type of guy who is worthy of admiration..even if Kuronuma always says ‘it’s thanks to you [Kazehaya]’--.....but towards Kuronuma who keeps on doing her best and thinking of a way [to solve things], it is definitely just me who has this somewhat longing [/expectation for her].” Kent tries to say something but Shouta is already walking away. Shouta’s friends, who are lining up for consultation, call out to Shouta. This surprises Sawako inside. They start laughing and say that they came to see the black magic cafe for they heard that it is really effective. They then wonder out loud what’s her name, Sadako, Kuronuma Sadako, such a scary name. Sawako is surprised when Shouta corrects them that it is Sawako, Kuronuma Sawako. Sawako thinks, “At that time, I thought that he is some sort of god.”

Soon, it is getting dark. Narration: “Lively, bright/refreshing and the class’ center of attraction. Totally the opposite of me. I admire him. I long for him. ..But, the Kazehaya-classmate that I like, no matter when, is only a guy.” [I think she meant that he is just an ordinary boy as compared to how she thought of him before since the scenes are different expressions of Shouta.] Some students are gathered around and excited about now until tomorrow regarding the flower car/t and the girls dressing up/cosplay. Some students plan to go home first. Sawako is looking around for Shouta. Her friends find her. Chizuru happily tells her that they should go home, eat, take a bath then assemble at her house. Ayane just congratulates her for a job well done. Sawako asks if Chizuru has seen Shouta. Chizuru says that she didn’t and isn’t he around there. Sawako says that he isn’t. Her friends are surprised when Sawako says that it doesn’t matter anymore. Chizuru panics and asks what she meant by that and Ayane asks if she is giving up already. Blushing yet determined, Sawako says, “Whoever Kazehaya-classmate likes, it doesn’t matter anymore.” Turning around to leave, she exclaims for them to go home ahead. Chizuru calls out to Ryu who shouts to Sawako, “classroom!”. While running, Sawako passes by depressed-looking Ume. Then, Ayane passes by Ume and asks her if this is okay and won’t she hinder Sawako. Ume just holds her bag tight and didn’t reply. While running Sawako thinks, “It’s okay even if I don’t know some things. What am I afraid of? What am I shy of? Also what does he think of me. What am I confused and dejected of? ..I have many things that I want to say. His back [look from behind], shy/embarrassed expression, anxious expression, seriously angry expression, serious expression, pained expression and showing to me that full smile on his face. If I tell him that I want all of this, what kind of expression will Kazehaya-classmate show?” Sawako runs into the school and through the shoe lockers. “..I want to destroy this barrier that is built between me and Kazehaya-classmate.” Then she runs through the hallway and finally, in front of the door where Shouta is. [Ah, moping? ^^;] Sawako is breathing hard from all the running. “I want to tell him. I want to tell him all of my feelings. Tell him. Tell him. Tell him.”

So, we are now in confession attempt 2 after a few ‘damage control’ chapters. =P Hopefully, the author won’t exasperate us again and ‘ruin’ this again. Since we are in a school festival and everything, I do somewhat expect something like what happened in Kaichou wa Maid-sama but then, everyone is going home so we might not have any fireworks to celebrate the occasion. Well, maybe we might at least have a kiss. =P It’s nice that Kent has somewhat fixed the problem between the two even if I wonder if he is really interested in Sawako or he is just being ‘nice’ that he is doing that – offering himself to be her boyfriend. Well, for Ume, I guess it is mostly about pride for being dumped since she thinks that the one chosen is inferior to her. I guess she doesn’t want to hinder again because she ended up hurting Shouta in an indirect way like what happened. I do feel somewhat sorry for Kent for being slapped when she is just venting her frustration but then, I guess for Kent, it is an eye-opening event. With that outfit of Sawako, she gives me an impression of red riding hood rather than a ‘witch’. ^^; Even if those two are like sun and moon, I think they are similar in some ways like their mutual admiration for each other and unfortunately, they don’t think that they aren’t worthy for each other because they seem to look down on themselves. ^^;; Anyway, since Sawako has finally realized that she had build a wall between them ever since she failed to give the chocolates, I guess things will more or less go smoothly between those two. I’m also curious as to what kind of expression Shouta will have when she confesses =P Well, for those who still don’t know, this series is going to be animated and will be shown in Japan on Oct. 6. According to ANN, it will have 12 episodes so I think it will be just about Sawako-Shouta minus Chizuru-Ryu-Tooru arc. Up to this part –confession, would be a good part to end the anime. The production will be by Production IG which does really great animation so hopefully, it will be very good ^^ Scans by BW and PSS scanlation group.

Word of the day:
Some will hate you, some will love you; Some will flatter, some will slight; Cease from man and look above you, trust in God and do the right. ~ Macleod from Our Daily Bread

Reimei no Arcana -Dawn of the Arcana- [Chapter 7]
Friday, September 11, 2009

There is a flashback scene of Nakaba hitting away Caesar’s hand and telling him not to touch her. Caesar looks at the door where Nakaba went out. He wonders what’s up with her. He looks at his hand then cutely flops back to bed and pulls up the blanket. “Geez, that woman is really hard to understand.” Belias enters the room. Caesar asks him what’s up since it is rare to see him nervous like that. Belias apologizes and informs him that the others had suspected Nakaba as the one who put in the poison and the poisonous snake. At the throne room, Nakaba, together with Loki, faces the royal couple. The queen asks Nakaba is she is the one who tried to poison Caesar and put that poisonous snake in his room. Somewhat looking down, Nakaba says that she isn’t the one. Loki moves closer to Nakaba and tells her to dignifiedly lift up her head when answering the crown princess. [It is like princess of Princess Diana So, she isn’t the queen and I guess she isn’t really the ‘wife’.] “The crown princess’ goal is only to humiliate you [in front of everyone there].” While holding Nakaba’s shoulders, Loki tells her, “Without any evidence yet, [they] suspect you [as the culprit] and want you to clarify things. Please endure this nonsense game of royal family for a while..” Nakaba then looks straight at the crown princess. This must have irked the crown princess that she quickly stands up and shouts “I detest you! Those eyes..!” She raises up her hand and prepares to slap her but before she can hit Nakaba, Caesar holds his mother’s hand. Both Nakaba and his mother are surprised. Caesar says, “How can my wife do such a thing?” Her mother asks why he isn’t still sleeping. Standing in front of Nakaba, Caesar tells his mother, “If my wife would want to kill me, she won’t be leaving a poisonous snake. She will be facing me up front then attacks me with a sword because she is that type of woman.” Nakaba somewhat looks down and thinks, “Caesar, do not trust me that much. For Loki, there will be a day when I will betray you.” Loki seems to be looking down, too.

While Caesar walks ahead of the other two, he apologizes to Nakaba. “It seems that my mother doesn’t like you that much but, I won’t allow her to just discourteously say those things to you. So..” Nakaba looks guilty as she says, “..so..I hate royalty. So, I also hate you. So, I also might do such a thing.” Caesar looks at her as Nakaba somewhat timidly waits for his reaction. Caesar looks downcast and mutters something. Nakaba asks what it is. Caesar asks, “Do you hate? Me?” Looking at his sad face must have taken Nakaba aback that she looks down and exclaims, “Ah..no..it’s not like that..no, yes..that’s right. So, I said that I also might kill you.” Caesar holds her arms and puts his head on her left shoulder. “Nakaba..please do not hate me, I will protect you.” Nakaba seems to be in anguish then says, “I don’t hate you...” Loki is surprised. Nakaba is a bit worried/surprised about her slip of the tongue. Caesar’s eyes widen. He stands upright and happily exclaims, “Really! You don’t hate..” Nakaba quickly shouts, “Not so, I hate [you]!” A pause. Caesar starts playing with Nakaba’s braided hair and asks, “Hey—what are you, are you messing with me? You dare mess with me.” Nakaba didn’t react. Looking sideways, Loki just sighs and says that Nakaba is tired from the behavior of those arrogant royalties so please let them excuse themselves [so that they can rest]. While the two are walking away, Caesar says, “Nakaba, if..you don’t hate me, go and meet me at the courtyard tonight.” Nakaba nervously tells him that she won’t be going. Caesar exclaims, “No, even if you hate me, come, too!” As she and Loki enter the room, Caesar shouts, “Understand? You should go! Promise!” Inside the room, there is a scene on Loki but his expression isn’t shown. He asks Nakaba what she plans to do. “Aren’t you going? This is a good opportunity. A good opportunity to dispose of the prince.” Nakaba turns around and starts hitting Loki. “You are such a scoundrel! Shouldn’t I be the one asking you, what I should do? When I’m the one who doesn’t know...” Loki seems surprised and somewhat hug her. He looks up and says, “I’m sorry. I made it difficult on you when I obviously don’t want you to be in so much pain..” Nakaba wonders if she was this weak before. She remembers the time when she threatened to kill Caesar if he does anything to Loki. “The person who drew the sword and said that she’ll kill him. That me, where has she gone?”

Soon, it is night. Caesar sighs as he waits outside. Nakaba is in bed. Loki asks if it is okay not to go. “I’ve said that I wish your heart won’t forgive him but I didn’t say to make the relationship to become that rigid..” Nakaba says that she can’t be dishonest -> ‘mouth says yes; heart says no’. Loki slightly smiles and says that he’ll let her rest early. He closes the door and leaves. Nakaba tosses and turns around the bed yet she can’t sleep. She is startled when she starts to see a vision. She realizes that it is that power again. She becomes sad when she ‘sees’ Caesar still waiting for her when she told him that she won’t be going. She is surprised when he suddenly turns in surprise and falls down. She quickly sits up and wonders if he was attacked. She looks tired from using her power that she feels her consciousness is a bit fuzzy. She tells herself to snap out of it because she is worried about Caesar. She runs out to the courtyard and looks around for Caesar. She starts calling out his name. She begins to worry and think that she should have gone there earlier. She then notices a hole in the ground. Nakaba looks down in the hole that looks like a well before. She calls out to him. Caesar is sitting inside and looking irritated. He tells her that she’s so slow/late. Nakaba quickly stands up and exclaims that she is going to call for help but unfortunately, she slips and ends up in the well with Caesar, =P Nakaba is speechless as Caesar looks at her. He then looks up and tells her that this used to be an old well and it should have been covered/filled up. He wonders out loud who could have dug it up and who could have pushed him down. This surprises Nakaba. Caesar muses that it seems that someone is indeed following/watching him. Then, he asks Nakaba, “Do you want me to die?”

Nakaba looks down and after a pause, she says yes for she did told him that she might kill him. Nakaba is flustered when Caesar tells her, “Then, kill me right now. If you put the poison in the food and the one who put the poisonous snake in my room, isn’t it advantageous to kill me right now? This is a really good opportunity.” Caesar draws his sword and puts it in Nakaba’s hands. Nakaba says that she can’t but Caesar dares her to do so for she wanted to kill him. After Nakaba shouts his name in protest, to her surprise, Caesar kisses her on the lips. Caesar tells her, “You can’t do it.” Touching her lower lip, he says, “These lying lips, let me seal them.” He kisses her again and again that she drops the sword. Nakaba looks surprised when she realizes that his lips softly ‘bite’ her lips that it’s like he is denouncing her for lying to him. Caesar looks at her then kisses her again. Nakaba thinks, “Feverish hot..confusion..heart beat..breath..this kind of feeling is very painful..yet warm.” Caesar looks at her again then hugs her. “You are my wife, right..?” He holds her face and says, “Even though it’s a lie, I still don’t want you to say those words.” Nakaba’s narration: “So, this is the current me. The me who is overflowing with guilt-ridden feelings.” Then, there is a scene of Loki looking out the window while sitting by the window sill. Based on what Caesar said about Nakaba killing someone face-to-face, it made me think that Loki is also the same way. He did try to kill Caesar upfront and dare stand up to the king before that I thought he’s suicidal so, I think that remove those two from the list of suspects though I think Loki would know who is the one doing all those things. One of my suspects is Lito. Ever since he arrived, there are attempts on Caesar’s life and he also doesn’t like Caesar. Since Lito is a child, I guess that is why he can only depend on underhanded tactics. I’m still wondering how much influence does Lito have to know the cooks [who put the poison], maids [to put in the snake] and workers? [who know about the old well]. For someone like Lito to push him down, I think Caesar would know if it is a kid or someone older who did that unless Loki did that then goes back to the palace to think about things/moping which seems unlikely. Also, I think what they are doing, if both Loki and Lito are the culprits, is very risky because it could backfire on them.

Well, Caesar earns lots of points in this chapter when he puts Nakaba first before his own mother. Hehe, in real life, I think that is why there is a rift between mothers and their daughter-in-laws =P I find Nakaba’s flip-flopping about whether she hates him or not amusing. I guess for now, Nakaba’s feelings for Caesar has won over her feelings for Loki’s ‘brotherly?’ protection/love before. Even if she wanted to do what Loki wants her to do and feel, she can't because she has already fallen for Caesar. It can't be helped because Caesar is too charming and cute. ^^ I think both characters have changed because of each other. They melted each other's hearts. Nakaba is no longer the defensive and ready to kill type and Caesar is no longer the arrogant prince he was. I’m curious what Loki will do now because surely he knows that Nakaba can’t kill Caesar and probably won’t let him kill Caesar. I don’t think Loki is stupid as to not realize that Nakaba has fallen for Caesar and vice-versa. I wonder if he will leave Nakaba in Caesar’s care who openly declared that he will protect her. But then, who will protect Caesar? ^^; I guess Loki will have to re-think or factor in his uprising regarding this new development. I think that can lead the way for Loki not to generalize that ALL royalty are bad. Well, maybe Caesar is just an exception so maybe this way, he can quit thinking of things on how to kill/use Caesar for his own agenda. Also, he can think of him as a future ally because they will most probably team up for Nakaba's sake. Well, I’m curious how the story will progress now since Nakaba seems to have chosen Caesar. Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 and 豆芽豆芽 for BW.

Quote of the day:
Action speak louder than words – and speak fewer lies. ~ Author Unknown

Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu [Chapters 44-45]
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Tsubaki stutters as she tries to say something to Kyouta but she doesn’t know how to express herself when she obviously went there just to see him. Kyouta just passes by her. Clenching her fist, Tsubaki angrily shouts that he’s supposed to be suspended so he can’t just go out as he pleases. Tsubaki then berates herself for saying that when that isn’t what she wanted to say. Kyouta opens the bottle of softdrink and prepares to drink it. He tells her that she emailed him that she wanted to talk to him so what is it. “Whatever I do isn’t your concern. For you to come here and find me, it’s obvious that you are still reluctant to part [with me], so annoying. Just go home.” Tsubaki is stunned. She thinks that he doesn’t look at her and just a few days ago, they were so close yet now, they are like strangers. Tsubaki says, “Okay..I’ll go..” When Kyouta is about to look at the telescope to the moon, she stands in front with arms wide. Looking defiant, Tsubaki thinks that this is the last chance. Tsubaki exclaims, “But I want you to listen first to what I wanted to say then I’ll go! This is just a small request..there should be no problem, right?” Kyouta suddenly grabs her wrist, pushes her down on the bench and lifts up her leg while covering her mouth. He threatens her not to get involved with him again else he’ll do to her what he did to Rika. Tsubaki realizes that he meant Haru’s ex-girlfriend. Kyouta takes his hand off her mouth and lets her go. He says, “Do not come near me again,..weren’t you scared of me..” To his surprise, Tsubaki smiles and says that it is alright for him to do to her what he did to Rika. “I’m not afraid. Tsubaki-kun would not force people to do that cruel thing.” Kyouta becomes tense when Tsubaki starts to remove her bow tie and unbutton her blouse. Kyouta shouts her name and holds her wrists to stop her. While holding her wrists up, Tsubaki apologizes for saying such cruel things to him. “I’m obviously..your girlfriend..compared to everyone else..I should believe in Kyouta-kun more.” With a ‘weird out’ reaction, Kyouta lets her go and asks what’s up with her unexpected turnabout attitude. “I can really do it, ya? If I say that, you’ll definitely be scared again, right?” Tsubaki is flustered and speechless. Kyouta walks away a bit and tells her to just go home.

Tsubaki stands up and shouts that he definitely has some sort of deep reason as to why he did that [I think referring to being mean to her/lying] and he absolutely cannot do that kind of thing. Determined to believe in him, Tsubaki exclaims, “That is the Kyouta-kun that I know..!” Looking away from her, Kyouta asks what she is saying. “It’s already too late, idiot.” Tsubaki is flustered. She then smiles and closes her eyes. She says, “..Hey, Kyouta-kun, I want to correct something important.” Kyouta turns around to look at her. Tsubaki looks at him and says, “You said that you left me some unpleasant memories, I don’t believe that. ..Being able to meet you..then becoming your girlfriend..gave me too many to be counted happy and blissful memories. I think that it’s really great to be able to go steady with you..!” This surprises Kyouta. He is about to touch her while Tsubaki is looking down. Tsubaki then says, “Although, from me, whom you are already tired of..to say that, it will only just give you an unpleasant feeling.” Kyouta seems startled by this since he abruptly stops from touching her. To his surprise, Tsubaki quickly grabs her bag and shouts, “Sayonara! That is just some of the things that I wanted to say!” She quickly runs off. Kyouta can only shout, “Ha?! Hey..” Running off while crying, Tsubaki thinks, “..I’ve said it. This way, there will be no more regrets. This time, my love for Kyouta-kun is thoroughly finished.” She is surprised when Kyouta suddenly hugs her tight from behind. Kyouta tells her that there is also something that he wants to clarify. “I’ve said that I’m tired of you, that sentence, is a lie. Also about casually saying for us to break up, I take that back.” Kyouta is blushing a bit. Tsubaki is totally confused <- she was just crying and everything then now, it is okay. Kyouta admits that he is a bit weird. He holds her face. The two blushes. Tsubaki asks about that. He tells her that the day they broke up, wasn’t she afraid when he tries to do that [touch her]. She remembers her reaction then. He says that day, she wasn’t afraid of Haru who assaulted her but rather of him. In this current scuffle, he wasn’t able to endure Haru who has hurt her and it is also his pain that he wasn’t able to protect her. Tsubaki realizes that Kyouta did everything including that for her. Kyouta says, “I’m the one who proposed that we break up and I’m also the one who is canceling the break up. I don’t want to do this very embarrassing thing again-- But, things regarding you, I don’t care about these other annoyances.” [I think I didn’t write that right but basically, even if it is very embarrassing for him, just for her, he’ll do it.] He opens his arms to her and says, “Be my girl once more.”

This made Tsubaki blush really red. “You..?! What did you say..Do you know how difficult it is to accept the reality of breaking up..” [In short, give back my tears and embarrassment from those other girls back. =P] Kyouta says that he knows. He smiles at her and says, “But, you still like me, right?” Tsubaki continues to blush and can’t answer back since it is true. The two hug each other. He made her look up to him and asks if she is still nervous. Tsubaki says that she isn’t. He kisses her on the cheek. Before he kisses her on the lips, he says, “..I also still like you..” Narration: “Because, this, it seems like our first kiss..the warmth..from gradually touching each other..I..really have returned..returned to the position of being Kyouta-kun’s girlfriend.” After the kiss, Kyouta kiss her forehead. When he is about to kiss her on the lips again, they were interrupted by a call. Tsubaki has forgotten to call home that she will be late in coming home. After she answers it, Kyouta tells her to go home first. He is surprised when she holds her arm and tells him that she want to stay there for a while. She thinks, “I don’t want to leave.” Kyouta laughs while she blushes. Tsubaki suddenly remembers Kyouta’s father’s rampage in his room so she quickly pushes him away and exclaims that he should quickly go home because he is currently suspended. Kyouta is puzzled and tells her that it is alright and she shouldn’t be too concerned about that. He is surprised when Tsubaki tells him that she is concerned because his father looks really angry. He asks her if she has seen his father. Tsubaki says she did because she went to his house first. She wonders if she shouldn’t have mentioned that. Kyouta smiles and says that his father tends to destroy things whenever he is irritated so don’t mind him since he will be okay soon. “You shouldn’t mind that.” Tsubaki believes him. Pointing to his telescope, he asks if she wants to take a peek in it. Looking in the telescope, Tsubaki says that she can only see some fuzzy stuff. To her embarrassment, Kyouta tells her that the moon isn’t on the ground. It turns out that the telescope is pointed at the ground. Tsubaki just says that it is hard to use a telescope and she is surprised that he has one. She asks if he bought it and if it is expensive. [This part is a bit blurred but I think] Kyouta just says that it isn’t that expensive since it can’t see very far things, it’s only the moon that can be seen with it. Kyouta says that it is a gift when he was in first year junior high from his grandfather who came from the United States so all the instructions is in English. Kyouta smiles as he remembers that time. “Although it is just a cheap product, I’m still very happy. And, it is here when I decided to assemble it, where I met Haru.”

Flashback: Looking at the instructions, young Kyouta cursed that the instructions are all in English that he doesn’t understand it. He can’t figure out how to put the telescope on the tripod. Someone told him that it seems that he should turn the screw first. He turns around to see another boy covered with cats. [It’s the same way how they met on the day when Kyouta beat him up.] After being startled, Kyouta asked what’s with him. Removing the cat on his face, Haru apologized for making him feel uncomfortable because of all the cats on him. He also apologized for taking the initiative to talk to him. Kyouta exclaimed if he can understand English. Holding a couple of magazines about space/astronomy, he asked Haru if he can understand them. Haru said he can after all, he is mixed blood. [What’s the logic in that? ^^; Maybe it is translated wrong.] Kyouta is thrilled to know that so he offered to help him buy food for the cats [to get them away from Haru?] and in return, Haru will translate those books for him. “My name is Kyouta. What’s yours?” Haru blushes and says, “..Haru.” Soon, Haru read the instruction while Kyouta assemble the telescope. End flashback. Kyouta says that Haru is like Tsubaki since he is also bookish. Tsubaki isn’t happy with that comment. Kyouta says, “Haru is the only one, whom I talked with, regarding the future [what I want to be].” Tsubaki says that he and Haru are really good friends. Kyouta says yes but there is something important which they cannot agree on. Flashback again: At a fastfood restaurant, bored Kyouta told a girl that he is finished playing around with her and she is annoying so next time, do not talk with him anymore. The girl cried and ran off as her friend tries to comfort her and shout back at Kyouta. Bringing a tray of food, Haru asked Kyouta if he made another girl cry. Kyouta just said that it is the same as before, he no longer has any feelings for that girl. Haru told him not to continue on being like that for to love someone is to have whole-hearted feelings for that person. Kyouta replied that he doesn’t want to be lectured by someone who hasn’t kissed [a girl] yet. Haru giggled and said, “Too bad..I’ve already met her. My destined person!” Haru told Kyouta that because he easily attracted cats, everyone thinks that he is disgusting except for a girl who is in the same class with him this year. Flashback 2 [Haru’s]: There is a scene of everyone looking revolted at Haru as some cats are near him. A girl pats the cat on the table and said that he made her envious for cats liked him so much. “Halstead-kun’s past life is probably a cat’s!” End flashback 2. [Hehe, Haru is a romanticist. I guess like Tsubaki, he has a pure idea of love. Somewhat like a male version of Tsubaki?]

Kyouta can’t believe that someone actually said that. With hearts around him, Haru said that he wants Kyouta to meet her before they go on their date. He called out to someone. A cute girl introduced herself, “Nice to meet you, Kyouta-kun. I’m Kurose Rika, currently going steady with Haru.” Kyouta just lamely greeted her. Haru told Rika that they’ll go now. He then walked ahead to throw the trash that he and Kyouta probably eaten. Rika said yes and put a piece of paper on the table to Kyouta. He looked at her and Rika put her finger on her mouth <- sh, it’s a secret. Kyouta opened the paper and on it, Rika wrote, “Send me an email ♥ pear-chiffonXXX@XXXX.ne.jp ♥Rika♥” Kyouta didn’t look pleased about that. At the park, while Haru is translating stuff for Kyouta, Kyouta told him that Rika isn’t suitable for him. “She isn’t the type of girl that you think she is.” Haru asked why he said that and could it be that Kyouta likes Rika. Kyouta is surprised. Haru lamented who made Rika so cute like an angel but even if it’s Kyouta, it cannot be. Blushing, Haru told him that for him, Rika is the first girl that he wants to treasure. Pointing at Kyouta, Haru shouted, “If you dare do anything to her, I will not forgive you!” Kyouta just sighs. After school dismissal, Kyouta got an email from Rika telling him about wanting to see him to talk with him about something so he shouldn’t just snub her. It seems that she has always been sending him an email since Kyouta already thought that it is so annoying so he is going to delete it. Suddenly a girl exclaimed that he is going to snub her again. Holding a cellphone, Rika appeared from the gate and said, “Because you never once replied to my message, so I deliberately come to see you.” [Stalker?!] Kyouta looks irritated. At a roof shed-whatever [where people rest by sitting], Kyouta asked if she wanted to break up with Haru. Rika complained that it is already been half a year yet the only thing that Haru does is kiss her. “Because he is a mixed blood, I thought that he is a ‘loose’ type of guy so I went steady with him.” [Yes, she just wants to get laid ^^;] Kyouta told her to just break up with Haru so what does she want to consult him for. Rika said that it is because she can’t do it since Haru is really serious about this relationship that it is quite scary. She feared that if she tried to break up with him, he would become more ‘clingy’ on her and he won’t leave her be. “It’s really scary that he took it seriously when I said that his past life is a cat’s when I was just joking!” Kyouta’s eyes looked blank. [probably confirming to him again that girls are really..^^;] Rika started to unbutton her blouse and said, “So, I want you as Haru’s bestfriend to help me persuade him and if you’re able to help me, I can use my body as a thank you gift.” [Yes, she’s going for two birds with one stone ^^;] Kyouta coldly smiled and pushed her down. Kyouta stick his tongue out and told her, “I refuse! I don’t like a girl like you! And, I also cannot persuade him! I tried it once before but it is useless. In the end, it’s too annoying that he even misunderstood and thought that I liked you! It’s better for you to think of a way yourself! Goodbye--”

Before he can leave, Rika grabbed his coat and said, “If you don’t help me, I will make you regret it!” On cue, Haru has run to that place since he is breathing hard. He looked aghast upon seeing the scene as he exclaimed what’s up with that -> why she is with Kyouta and her clothes are like that. Kyouta realized that Rika has called Haru to that place. [It was a trap!] To his surprise, Rika started to cry and said that Kyouta has forced himself on her when she wanted to give her ‘first’ to Haru. Kyouta can’t believe she is saying that. He turned around to explain to Haru but Haru’s aghast face looked like he believed what Rika told her so Kyouta said, “..it is as she said.” End flashback. Flustered, Tsubaki asks him why he didn’t explain things when it isn’t his fault then she remembers Sakura telling her that it is hard to explain when the other person won’t believe in [them] anyway. Tsubaki asks if it is because Haru believes in Rika more so Kyouta is so shock by it. Kyouta laughs and says that it isn’t like that. “Even if it is like this, I cannot tell the truth because I know, that even if it is that kind of girl, Haru still likes her wholeheartedly.” Kyouta holds down her head and tells her to forget about it and not think about it because after all the things that had happened, they cannot become friends again and I even beat him up like that. Kyouta smiles and pulls Tsubaki to him. “It’s enough for me that Tsubaki is back to my side.” Tsubaki thinks that later on, Kyouta will still be like this, hiding the truth in his heart and making his important person leave him. “Is this really, okay?” In a different school, Tsubaki asks a couple of girls, “About that..can I bother you for a moment? I want to find second year’s Kurose Rika!” Hehe, so the two finally made up. ^^ I like his silly reaction when Tsubaki told Kyouta that he can do what he supposedly did with Rika. With a reaction like that, how can anyone believe that he is really capable of it =P Kyouta seems to be playing hard to get when he obviously wanted to be with her again especially when she is already saying that she believes in him and those kind of stuff. Well, he thinks he’s the only one who can play that game until Tsubaki unwittingly turns the tables on him by running off after she said that. That’s a good one, Tsubaki *thumbs up* It's good that he also chased after her so it isn't like Tsubaki is really desperate for him in a one-sided way. =P I like Tsubaki this way. After what happened, it must have awakened her for she is doing things she haven't done before and she's more stronger in doing what she wants and stick with it. Of course, she got what she wanted in the end. ^^

About that messy ‘rape stuff, I think I can blame all three parties to what happened and in the end, it resulted to Tsubaki's almost rape. Rika is the main reason. Geez, the only type of guys who would like her are probably the ‘bad’ ones and stupid ones. ‘Bad’ guys as in they are only after her body and stupid ones like Haru who easily believes and becomes infatuated with her. I think she has the making of a typical villainess in gangster or shounen manga who can use her body/appeal/brain/tears to her own advantage. A very scary girl. It can't be helped with Haru because everyone else is disgusted with him with all the cats and he isn't exactly that good looking if compared with Kyouta. I mean even if Kyouta's reputation with girls, girls still throw themselves at him. Haru wasn't jealous of that as long as Kyouta keeps his hands off Rika. I guess Haru is just way too unlucky for falling for a girl like that. Since Kyouta did mention he is bookish, I guess he probably believes in love at first sight; first love = true love, etc so he mentally thinks and believes that Rika is an ‘angel’, etc. Rika is also an actress so one has to work hard to expose her. It is indeed hard to see straight when one is really head over heels in love like that and knowing Kyouta’s ‘hatred for women’ or possibility of him doing that, I think it is unavoidable for him to believe Rika especially with all the crying and acting + Kyouta confirming it. Then, I also partly blame Kyouta. It turns out that it is Kyouta's fault to not tell Haru about that true nature of Rika. Why does he always say things half-way with no follow up just like when he broke up with Tsubaki. He should have explained everything and not just, I think she isn’t suitable for Haru. At least, explain why even if he won’t be believed. Even if he tried, I don’t think he tried hard enough. I don’t think he care that much for Haru to show him 'the light' and knock some sense in his love gaga brain for Rika. He ended up hurting himself and Haru more. Heck, he has evidence! See, this piece of paper with her written note of her email. See, this email message. It's already obvious that Rika has the hots for Kyouta. Oh well, being the type of girl Rika is, I guess Rika can still twist everything around so Kyouta thought, why bother. Maybe aside from that reason of just wanting to have H with Haru, she probably just used Haru to get close to Kyouta since he is rejecting girls left and right. That way, she has a chance with him. Unless, she is the type of girl who has a lot of those ‘send me an email’ type of notes in her bag ^^; Then, when it seems that she is going to get what she wanted, she destroyed their friendship. And, even knowing all that, Kyouta still went to talk with her. I guess he doesn’t want to be that rude but seeing her stripping like that, Kyouta should have run to the opposite way quickly ^^; Gah..and that happened which will haunt the lives of both boys in the future. I guess they haven't heard about the saying that the truth will set you free. Like I said before, I think Kyouta should have told him the truth and let it up to Haru to decide whether to believe it or not. I know Kyouta is probably just sparing Haru from reality but then, I don’t think what he is doing is good so I do agree with Tsubaki. Kyouta has been acting as if that rape is true so Haru being the gullible guy that he is, he will surely believe hence, things turned sour and messy. Thankfully, there is Tsubaki who is going to set things straight. She isn't going to just let that Rika ruin that friendship and just let it be as Kyouta wanted. I like this more determined Tsubaki. Hopefully, she manages to fix things between those two guys whom I think aren't really the type to hold grudges over something that didn't happen at all. So, how will Tsubaki do this? I’m curious. Scans by 星空ツ泪 and Amyangel19910323 for BW

Quote of the day:
Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. ~ Author Unknown

Honey Hunt [Chapters 25-26]
Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Haruka chickened out from confessing and just tells her about the probability of Qta just playing around with her. To Haruka’s shock, Yura thought that Haruka thinks that she isn’t compatible with Qta because she doesn’t have sex appeal. ^^; She stops herself from crying and tells him that even if she is scared of him a bit, she thinks that he is a good person. Haruka wasn’t able to explain properly since Yura has to hurry off to the dressing room. Shaken by what Haruka said, she got a call from Qta who apologizes for what happened. She told him that she’ll forgive him if he comes to see her. Even if Yura take back what she said about being angry, Qta says that he will try to see her as soon as possible if they meet, she’ll let him ‘have her’. She is blushing when she goes to meet Keiichi. It seems that the news regarding her relationship helped her and didn’t destroy her potential jobs. Yura is elated that Keiichi gives her permission to go steady with Qta with three conditions of not letting it affect her work, not to cause too much trouble like that one and not to go out at night on her own. And, her happiness is complete when Qta is waiting for her at home. Then, after some lovey-dovey words about Qta wanting to be with Yura the person and not the actress, they go to her room and had sex. In some karaoke bar, Haruka tries to call Yura but he can’t contact her. Shin tells him that it is unavoidable if someone else got her first but then, he can ‘steal’ the girl or just ‘wait’ which will end up hurting him. Haruka denies liking Yura. Shotaro teases him about being jilted. Shin suggests to Hiroto to contact Nanase to get Yura there but Hiroto said he already did that but he didn’t get a reply. Nanase wanted to see Hiroto but he is doing this favor for Yura and he doesn’t have the face to see Haruka. He is just relieved that Keiichi isn’t coming home today. Well, Keiichi has other plans. He decided to drop by before going out again. He sees the light open so he thinks that Yura isn’t sleeping yet. Then, he sees Qta coming out of the gate.

On bed, Yura hears a noise so she quickly puts on a coat and asks if he/Qta forgot something. She is shock to see Keiichi. Keiichi calmly asks why she is just wearing that [and he’s probably stopping himself from saying, hey, I can see part of your chest ^^;] Yura just makes up an alibi that she has just going to bed [and is about to change clothes, I guess]. Keiichi acted casual as if nothing is wrong and goes to his room. Keiichi composes himself as he is amazed with himself that he handled that well. Before he leaves, he tells some things to her about work. Yura actually thought that Keiichi didn’t realize anything had happened. ^^; Outside, Keiichi meets with Nanase. Keiichi is somewhat reprimanding him but Nanase ask Keiichi to just let those two getting along together. Keiichi says that he doesn’t approve of it. Nanases asks if he doesn’t approve as a manager or as a man since Keiichi isn’t treating Yura as an ‘important product’ but as an ‘important girl’. During some script reading, Yura learns that her drama will directly compete with her mother’s. Yura simultaneously thinks about winning against her mother and that night before with Qta. Then, she meets with her mother at the station and they talked. Her mother tells her that her father will be coming to Japan for work next week to discuss about Yura going to college and custody rights. His father doesn’t approve of Yura living alone. Yura tries to protest that she has lots of work. Her mother tells her if she is talking about those offers, it is all thanks to Qta and surely Yura knows that instead of being known as ‘the daughter of Onozuka couple’, she is now known as ‘Qta’s girlfriend’. Her mother tells her to just give up and live a normal life. Yura protests that it isn’t so for Qta chose her and she chose Qta unlike her parents, she didn’t chose them. She had used her own hands to get something precious to her. She tells her mother that she wants things to be like this wherein she can depend on herself in obtaining precious things to her so can she please tell her father that she doesn’t need parents. She didn’t realize then how much those words hurt her mother. Then, Qta calls her on the phone and tells her that he will be free next week so how about they meet in his house. She agrees. The last narration says that she is so happy that she forgot something important and later on, it will become something that she will deeply regret.

So, what is that thing she will regret? I’m thinking that she got herself pregnant and dooms everything =P I remember someone in BW who is furious at her because she quickly jumps into the bed with Qta after Keiichi gave her permission. So much for self-control and it can be quite irresponsible but then, most young showbiz stars in real life are doing that. ^^; Yes, they could have at least done it in some motel or something but then, maybe they are just daring enough to do it in Keiichi’s place with the thoughts of he’s not there yet. Obviously, Qta doesn’t care either about this being her really critical time in showbiz. I guess separating them has indeed backfired on Keiichi since they really ‘longed’ for each other that this happened. ^^; Okay, as a friend, what Nanase did is nice but then, I think it might be okay now but what about the future. I also don’t think it is right to tell Keiichi that he is thinking of Yura as a woman and doesn’t approve of the relationship. I mean, so what if he is, that doesn’t erase the fact that Nanase is an accomplice to this. Well, we can probably just consider this as nothing if like she didn’t get pregnant or something similar to that. My unsolicited advice to Keiichi is he better find some other stars to manage. He is putting all his eggs in one basket and that basket might turn out to be very disappointing. Of course, if it isn’t about getting pregnant since I highly doubt that will happen, maybe she’ll break one of his conditions and give Keiichi more headaches. Maybe it is because she rejected her father, Qta dumped her. =P Or if we are still following the Snow White plotline, her mother might produce the ‘poison apple’ soon. As for Haruka, the guy is too timid and there seems to be some communication problem with him and Yura that she totally misunderstood his intention. Maybe for her, he is forever the guy who looks down on her. ^^; Scans by zhu520/fema in BW.

Quote of the day:
Action expresses priorities. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Free Talk: FYI
Monday, September 7, 2009

In case you noticed, I’ve been putting my site’s name on some of the pictures. That’s because I’ve discovered that my pictures are being hotlinked so the album has been exploding faster than before. Even the ‘lastest entries’ and ‘happy reading’ pictures that got around 400+ hits each in other sites. Is there a site out there copying everything from my blog? As in a clone? So, after a lot of thinking yesterday, this is the only thing that I can think of doing to somehow prevent people from hotlinking my images or at least know who really owns the images. ^^; Hopefully, it doesn’t annoy you guys too much. ^^;;

Weekly Jump: Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, Beelzebub, Reborn, and PSYREN
Monday, September 7, 2009

After Rose and Love pick themselves up from the rubble in Bleach [c. 372], they talk about Hachi winning and the need to finish off Starrk asap. Love manages to hit Starrk and thinks that it is because Barragan’s death has affected Starrk. Starrk has become apathetic that he doesn’t want to fight anymore while Lilynette urges him to fight if he doesn’t want to see any more deaths since after all, he is number 1 among espada. Love attacks again and asks Starrk if he was grieving and it’s surprising since he is a hollow. Starrk tells him that he is also part hollow. Love uses his mask and hits Starrk but Starrk evaded it and reappears with a lot of wolves behind him. Even if it’s suppose to be 2 vs 1..so far, this fight is like 1 vs 1. It shouldn’t be that fast for him to finish off Starrk. I wonder if Harribel’s fight will also be like this.

In Naruto [c. 462], Sasuke’s group are still fighting against Raikage’s group. Meanwhile, Naruto and others learn the truth about Itachi from Madara. Madara tells them it was a risk to tell Sasuke about it but luckily for him, Sasuke chose revenge over forgiveness. According to Madara, the curse of hatred was born from the time when Rikudo choose a successor and chose the younger brother instead of the elder. Down the generation, it is like Uchiha vs Senju -> Sasuke vs Naruto. Okay, so that is basically telling us that it will be Sasuke vs Naruto in the end and probably with the ‘gift’ that Itachi gave Naruto, maybe that can somehow ‘pacify’ Sasuke. It does feel a little weird to make revenge like something to be inherited but then, it does seem to happen in real life, too so I can’t argue with it. Now, I wonder why Madara is bothering to tell Naruto and other about this. Maybe he is hoping that Naruto will think it is fate so he’ll have to fight with Sasuke but then, given Naruto’s current way of thinking about ending hate, I highly doubt that will happen though the fight will happen..at least get to know who’s stronger after the beating that Naruto got before. I guess in the end, they’ll just co-exist with no ill feelings with each other..if not, someone has to die and it’s easy to make Uchiha cease to exist since only a few as in 2, are left.

Then in One Piece [c. 556], after Oars has fallen, Whitebeard can only shout for his men to charge in the way that he gave them. Doflamingo is feeling happy for standing in ‘neutral’ ground wherein whoever wins will have the right to call what happened as ‘justice’. Coby and Helmeppo want to run away but Akainu is dissuading some men by telling them that if they do so, they will disgrace their family. It seems that Sengoku plans to execute Ace earlier than scheduled. Garps sits beside Ace and tells Sengoku that he doesn’t like pirates but he can’t say the same for their families. Teary-eyed Garp laments why Ace didn’t just live as he wanted him to. Ace seems to be in anguish to see him like that. Sengoku tells Garp not to pull anything. Garp tells him that if he would, he would have done so earlier. Then, Coby notice something falling from the sky. Ace also notices it. People are falling from the sky while complaining how they are going to survive the fall and whose fault it is that they are in that situation. It turns out that Luffy and others + the ship are falling down from the sky. As always, Luffy really knows how to make a grand entrance. ^^ I would love to see Ace and Garp’s reaction when they realize Luffy is falling down. It will be like a family reunion ^^ Yay, the moment I’ve been waiting for. It is nice to see Garp still worried about Ace after all, they are family. Regarding what Doflamingo said, I think it is true but rather than ‘justice’, it is more like whoever wins will write about the ‘history’ that they are the ones who are on the ‘right side’ in this war.

While in Beelzebub [c. 27], Oga and Toudou continues to beat up each other but it is more or less a tie. Oga gets angry when Toudou starts telling him about just picking up BL. Oga fights him again and manages to see the Zebub spell mark on Toudou’s arm. Toudou then sends Oga flying into the river. Oga returns home where he finds Hilda with a couple of ghosts. Oga is confused and asks that he should be the parent anymore but then, Hilda says that in this kind of situation, nobody but him can act as the parent. I guess Toudou does seem to be ‘special’ to withstand all those punches. Hehe, that is indeed some sort of slap stick comedy fight. It goes to show that those two are really similar and I think that Toudou might not be bad-hearted after all since he could have really finished off Oga. I’m thinking that the series might become like after Oga wins against all the delinquents, they will all team up and might be fighting against some residents in hell next time. ^^; That is typical shounen ^^

In Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 256], Tsuna realizes that this Mukuro is the one in the 10 year future. Mukuro attacks Byakuran head on then with his illusions but unfortunately, they don’t work on Byakuran. It seems that Mukuro is saved by someone from outside so he didn’t perish beause of Byakuran’s trap. Byakuran informs Mukuro that for him to defeat him, he has to at least escape from prison and fight him in person. Tsuna and Chrome seem surprised by this. Mukuro laughs and says that time will come soon since they have already started to move. Tsuna is puzzled as to how are the ‘they’ that Mukuro is talking about. Mukuro informs them that it is his victory if he can delay Byakuran there. He tells Tsuna to take Uni away and never to let her fall in the hands of Byakuran. For assurance, Tsuna asks if they will see each other again. Mukuro says of course since for he would want to be the one who’ll rule over the world. Byakuran stabs Mukuro. Tsuna and others quickly use their rings to return to Namimori. After they escaped, Byakuran tells Mukuro that he just extended the lives of Tsuna and others but Mukuro says that he doesn’t care about them for he just wants Uni away from him. Byakuran comments that it seems that Mukuro knows a lot but he will take Uni back like in a Mafia way that Mukuro hates. After finishing of Mukuro, Byakuran’s underlings arrive. Bluebell is whining why he didn’t just kill Uni, Byakuran almost killed her for saying that. It seems that other than collecting all of the 7^3, he needs Uni to create a new world. He orders them to quickly go after Vongola and not give them any time to rest and re-group. The way things are turning out, the final battle might be Byakuran vs Mukuro instead of Tsuna. ^^; Well, since Mukuro said that just to get Uni away from Byakuran is his victory, I’ll just count this as a victory for him even if he didn’t really beat Byakuran up. Also, I’m wondering why Tsuna and Chrome are so surprised upon learning that Mukuro is still in jail. Didn’t Irie mentioned that before or is it only now they come to really realize that fact? ^^; I guess even if Mukuro is always locked up, he does have some ‘friends’ helping him. And, since Gamma and friends are lurking around that place, I guess they will team up soon with Vongola. Well, Byakuran really looks angry so I guess he would be really serious next time, no more playing games.

Lastly, in PSYREN [c. 85], Yoshina is forced to accept that the others have separated from them. He has to be satisfied that they are still alive and hopefully, they will meet again. Yoshina talks about just going to the past after Kabuto is healed to stop Miroku and tell Matsuri what they have learned. To their shock, Van is listening to everything they have said. They try to erase her memory but it seems the creator doesn’t care about it and just tells them to get out so that she can rest. The creator asks Van if that place is the last hope to fight against WISE. Van agrees. Soon, Frederica fights with Yoshina to cheer him up. Lan is then attacked by the creator. Soon, Yoshina learns from Van that the creator is missing. Yoshina tries to find her when she uses telepathy to tell him about the future which they saw and hence, they can change. When he finds her, she has already used Lan’s power to get ready for her to teleport. She warns her of the danger regarding changing the future but then, if he aims to prevent the world’s destruction, he should re-create everything rather than repairing it. She has already put a program wherein game participants can talk with members of Root without being penalized. She tells him that Miroku might discover that place since they are twins and Yoshina reminds him of Miroku. She tells him to treasure his sister before leaving. Ah, so Yoshina is going to correct what Miroku has done wrong. Iirc, Miroku seems a bit interested in Yoshina so maybe he remembered his younger self. I guess Yoshina is somewhat lucky because of that since he is getting some special treatment from the creator. I finally realize who that other sick guy is..it’s Kabuto..totally forgot about him. ^^; I wonder how the creator is going to survive out there. Will she recruit new players since 2 are ‘missing’? So, the game’s goal is still to reach wherever Miroku is? With the sudden mention of Yoshina’s sister, I wonder if she’ll be in danger soon. I wonder what kind of future Yoshina will ‘create’ since he seems to want the ones in future intact.

Quote of the day:
The little choices we must make will chart the course of life we take; We either choose the path of light or wander off in darkest night. ~ D. De Haan from Our Daily Bread