Basara Volume 2 ver2.1 () indicate lines not spoken [] indicate lines in handwriting ** indicate flashbacks {} indicate translator notes P.4 Table of Contents Indigo Chapter 1 - Start of a Journey - 5 Indigo Chapter 2 - Kanmon Tunnel - 48 Sprout Green Chapter 1 - Two Tataras - 92 Sprout Green Chapter 2 - Reunion - 139 Summary At the end of the 20th century civilization is destroyed. Japan is ruled by a family of kings, and for 300 years the people have suffered under oppression. In Byakko Village in the Sanyou region, the people's hopes were entrusted to Tatara, the foretold Child of Destiny. However, Tatara was killed by the forces of the Red King. From that time forward, his twin sister Sarasa took up the fight as his replacement. Shuri and Sarasa, who met at a hot spring, are charmed by each other without knowing their true nature as rivals... After the failed attempt to save the villagers, the despairing Sarasa searches for the land of her grandfather's dying wish, Sakura Island in Kyushu, alone. Character Introduction Sarasa A 15-year-old girl She fights in the place of her brother who was killed. In truth, she is the "Child of Destiny". The Red King Last son of the Emperor He is charged with the Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu provinces. His name is Shuri. Ageha A desert nomad He lost his right eye to the Red King to save Sarasa. P.5 Indigo Chapter 1 - Start of a Journey P.7 Sarasa: Yato! Come on, Yato! Sarasa: I know you hate me, but, just walk a little farther. P.8 Sarasa: It's the capitol of Suou. It's huge! P.9 Sarasa: (Nagi... Everyone, sorry.) Letter: *Please let me be alone for a little while. I'm sorry.* Sarasa: (leaving with only a letter...) Sarasa: (But "Tatara" shouldn't be with everyone. I don't want to lose anyone else.) Elder: *Go to Sakura Island. Obtain the Suzaku Sword and search for allies, Tatara.* Sarasa: (I'll take a look on my own, Nagi.) Sarasa: (I heard that I have to cross on a boat from Suou to get there.) P.10 Sarasa: (A checkpoint!?) Sarasa: (They're searching for Tatara.) Sarasa: This is the Red King's headquarters, after all. Sarasa: (Calm down, it's okay, Sarasa. Now I look like an ordinary girl...) Troupe girl: Hurry up and walk, we're tired back here! Madam: ...hey, don't you have a passport? [You look upset.] Madam: They won't let you pass without one because of this Tatara business. P.11 Troupe girl: The Madam's picking up waifs again. Troupe girl: Let's hurry to the city, Madam. I'm exhausted from walking. Madam: How can you say such things? This little girl... Sarasa: (Wh... what is it with this gaudy troupe!?) Kichou: It's fine with me, Madam. We can bring her as my attendant. [chuckle] Sarasa: [Wow!] (She's gorgeous!) Sarasa: Th... Thanks. P.12 Soldier: Yearly passage for Madam Butterfly and her party of 15. Madam: ahem... Soldier: Hey! You're one over, aren't you? Kichou: I had this brat on the way. Soldier: You're Kichou-san! Your dancing is the best! Soldier: All right, pass. Soldier: Hey, don't you think that girl looks kinda like him? Soldier: Really? Soldier: Not at all. Soldier: For one thing, that's a female. P.13 Madam: Are you headed anywhere? Sarasa: U...um, to Kyushu... Madam: That's impossible. Commoners can't ride ships right now because they're scrambling to find Tatara. Mario: That Tatara's cool, huh? Madam: Mario! In this town, talk like that will get you killed! Madam: Look, red banners are flying over the Red Palace. The Red King is here. Sarasa: (The Red King... For me right now... He is further away than the shores of Kyushu.) P.14 Citizen: It's Madam Butterfly and her troupe! Madam: H~i! We came this year too! Citizen: Kichou-san! Kichou: Enjoy the show! Sarasa: (The buildings are...huge!) [I feel like a country bumpkin] Sarasa: (Full of people... full of green plants...) P.15 Madam: Hold on, you, no time to stare open-mothed. There are tents to put up, so help out. Oh, what's your name? Sarasa: It's... It's Sarasa. Mario: Onee-chan, here. Pull on this. Sarasa: L-Like this? Madam: Mario! Don't make trouble! Madam: Go buy groceries for dinner! You too! Sarasa: Y...yes! Mario: [kyahaha] Madam: Mario! Don't pickpocket anyone! Madam: H...Hold on! This troupe is basically a gathering of war orphans, so go ahead and stay as long as you like. Sarasa: ...Thank you very much. Sarasa: (She reminds me of Ma-kun's mother.) P.16 Merchant: Come on, buy these miss! They're cheap! They're cheap! Merchant: How about these tomatoes! Merchant: Ours are the freshest! Merchant: What are you talking about! Our fish are the best in the world! Merchant: Nothing but freshly caught snapper. Take that, you robber! Sarasa: Gya! Sarasa: What IS that? You eat something like that!? [Grotesque] Tamura-sensei: [Sarasa's never seen fish before.] Mario: You don't know about Snapper either? You must be poor, nee-chan. Sarasa: (phew... That the Red King's capital is so busy and prosperous is a little surprising...) Sarasa: (I would've liked to fix this for Onii-chan...) P.17 Mario: Kyaaan! Soldier: You wallet snatching little brat...! Mario: I don't know anything! Uwaan! Sarasa: (Red...armor.) Soldier: I'll crush you! Mario: Uwaan! Soldier: Pht Soldier: What are you doing! P.18 Sarasa: I thought you'd like a ripe tomato because of your red cape. Soldier: What... Pht! Citizens: [Nya, nya! That's the way, nee-chan!] Soldier: I'll kill her! Shidou: Now, now, stop that. That behavior is childish. P.19 Soldier: P... Pardon me. Shidou: Are you alright, boy? Mario: I think my head's gonna fall off. Shidou: But you shouldn't steal other people's things. Mario: Eh! Shidou: Let's return this. Sarasa: Excuse me for stirring up trouble... Shidou: Hm...? What's that you... Kichou: Ha-i, Shidou-chan. You have business with our girl? Shidou: Kichou! You're in town? P.20 Kichou: I expect your usual patronage. Shidou: Come back to Kyushu some time! [Later.] Kichou: ...fool, you should know better than to make scenes, Tatara. Sarasa: Wh... Kichou: You idiot, you still haven't realized? It's me, me. Narration: Me Sarasa: AGEHA!? Ageha: Ha-i! P.21 Narration: Red Palace Messenger: "...and so, the Emperor is exceedingly angry that Tatara eluded you again. The Red King's land is forfeit! Return to Kyoto at once," concludes the message. Messenger: Henceforth, this land will be under my care. Do you understand, Red King? Shuri: A horse kicked me the other day and I can't hear you. P.22 Messenger: Then look at this! It is the Imperial decree. Shuri: I can't see, either. Messenger: Damn you... It was from the Emperor's own hand... P.23 Shuri: Kazan! Cut him into bits and throw them out! Kazan: Yessir. Messenger: I... I am an official envoy given full authority by the Emperor! Shuri: Envoys can get lost and die in the desert. You never made it here. Messenger: The Emperor knows of your many illicit actions! Someday you'll destroy yourself! Shuri: [hahahahaha] What would fear of my dad accomplish? Shidou: You never change, Shuri. P.24 Shuri: Shidou! What brings you here? Shidou: I came to make a request of the sour-faced king who can't deal with Tatara. [chuckle] Shuri: All you have to do is protect Kyushu. [Who can't handle him?] Shidou: [chuckle] As you wish. Shuri: [What's with that look?] Shuri: Hmph. Very well, take this. Let's work up a sweat. I've been bored here without any good opponents. Shidou: What sort of person is this Tatara? P.25 Shuri: I really don't know. I can't tell which one is real or what he looks like. No, if he actually exists at all... Shuri: He does something unexpected and then suddenly does something stupid. Shuri: I've been taking stock here. Shidou: Hmmm, he's a big deal. Shidou: Shuri, will you let me deal with Tatara? P.26 Shidou: It's always been my dream to die for you. Shuri: ...... Live for me. I would prefer it that way. Shuri: Hey! Sake, get the sake! Shidou: Oh, by the way, Shuri... What happened to those olive seeds I gave you? Shuri: I gave them to someone. [Sorry.] Shidou: To a cute girl? That's just like you. Shuri: But she turned me down. Shidou: Hm, there really is someone who can turn you down? P.27 Shuri: Well... she said she was going to avenge her parents. I wonder if she made it back... Shidou: Hmmm... Madam: Go ahead, Sarasa-chan, Eat as much as you want. Mario: And then, Onee-chan hit him, wham! Madam: Oh my! Thanks for saving Mario. Sarasa: That man's breathing fire! [shocked] Madam: Save it for tomorrow's performance! Ageha: You've popular. Sarasa: Ageha. Isn't there some way I can get to Kyushu? Ageha: Not at the moment. I linked up with the troupe to wait since I can't cross either. P.28 Ageha: Crossing by boat isn't the only way, but... Sarasa: What? What is it? [Didn't you say "there's nothing I can't do"?] Ageha: No, it can't be done, leave it at that. Sarasa: What's this? How cute. Ageha: Oh, Shinbashi. You've been forced out again? Ageha: Kagerou's children were born but, Kagerou: [feeling awkward] [Yanagibashi, Takebashi, Nihonbashi, Mother Hotaru] Ageha: This one is weak and can't reach the food. Ageha: He won't live much longer. The parents can do nothing for such a child. Narration: Shinbashi Shinbashi: [pi pi] Sarasa: *Am I an unwanted child? Am I the leftovers?* Sarasa: There are no unwanted children. P.29 Sarasa: Can I have him? I can look after him. Please? Ageha: ...... Tatara, Ageha: You're disguised too well as a female. Sarasa: (Another guy who's not so bright.) [I AM a female.] Ageha: I'll take you to a nice place tomorrow. Goodnight. Mario: (Tatara?) Sarasa: (Probably, it would be easy living as an ordinary girl. I could probably live without hurting anyone.) Sarasa: (What do you really want to do, Sarasa...) P.30 Ageha: Look, Kyushu is across this. Ageha: Is this your first time seeing the ocean? Shinbashi: [asleep] Sarasa: [dumbfounded] Nagi: *The ocean is... well, it's like a big well.* Sarasa: (Nagi is such a liar!) Sarasa: [Wa-i wa-i!] Ageha: [Just like a little kid.] Sarasa: Ageha, Ageha! Do you why there are waves? Ageha: What? P.31 Sarasa: Because this planet is alive. It's proof that this country isn't dead yet. Ageha: Of course, Nagi told you that. Sarasa: [Right!] Ageha: Foreign ships are watching from over there. They always stop there, observing us. At any rate, they intend to attack this country. P.32 Sarasa: (Onii-chan mentioned that too.) Tatara: *This country's old hierarchy won't be able to cope. At any rate, there will be suffering.* Ageha: The Emperor foolishly underestimates them and plans to ally with them but, rumor has it that the Red King is secretly building battleships to oppose them. Sarasa: Battleships... Ageha: Well, that's enough. I'm going for a swim. Sarasa: (Ah...) Sarasa: I need to apologize. You lost an eye for Sarasa... Ageha: It's said that that which is flawed is more beautiful than that which perfect. P.33 Sarasa: (On his back... there. Some kind of...symbol...?) Shidou: The remnants of his time as a slave. Shidou: Hello. Sarasa: From yesterday... Ah... Thanks for yesterday. Shidou: There was a time when all the nomadic peoples were hunted. Shidou: It was probably before you were born. Shidou: Most of them were killed or enslaved, then branded. Sarasa: Ageha... Shidou: Slavery is still practiced in Kyoto and the east. That it's abolished in the west is the Red King's achievement. P.34 Sarasa: Achievement... Sarasa: The Red King's achievement!? Sarasa: (That bastard's!?) Shidou: Ah...well, I'm a little curious about your charm. Sarasa: This? Um... It was given to me. There are seeds inside, but... is something wrong? Shidou: Not at all. [I knew it.] Shidou: (You haven't been turned down yet. Be glad, Shuri.) Sarasa: Um... Shidou: Yes? Sarasa: Suddenly asking things of strangers is kind of strange, but, you seem to be an acquaintance of Ageha. [And it's easier to ask since you're a stranger...] P.35 Sarasa: If there is something I must do, something I want to do, but it forces me to make a terrible sacrifice, should I still do it, even if I could lose my loved ones? Shuri: *Avenging her parents...* Shidou: (Ah...) Shidou: This is what my dearest friend would probably say. Shuri: *What you should think about is not whether or not you should do it. How you do what you've decided to do is what matters. That way you can sacrifice the least.* P.36 Shuri: *Always ask yourself, am I not hesitating? Am I doing my best?* Sarasa: (What caused the sacrifices was my... weakness and... hesitation...) Sarasa: (Even though I decided to cut my hair and live as Tatara that day. P.37 Ageha: Why are you making my woman cry, Shidou? Do you want a fight? Shidou: If I fought you we'd kill each other. [chuckle chuckle] Shidou: Later. I'll come see you at tonight's performance. Ageha: Yeah. Ageha: What did you talk about? Sarasa: Nothing much... Is he your friend? Ageha: He is the son of the man I served as a slave long ago. Ageha: He's the Red King's cousin and right-hand man charged with protecting Kyushu. The people call him Saint Shidou. P.38 Ageha: He's normally the saintly, kind onii-san you saw, but if a battle should arise,he literally leaves a mountain of bodies in his wake. {This is a pun on hotoke, meaning both Buddhist saint and dead body.} Ageha: You must defeat him before you can reach the Red King. P.39 Merchant: Here, boy. Take these for your trouble. Mario: [Tsk, tsk] I'm not a little boy. Mario: 'Cause, see... I know Tatara. Mario: Oww! Soldier: You're that little pickpocket. What was that about Tatara? Ageha: What!? Ageha: Oh... excuse me? Kazan: We received word that you were harboring Tatara. Kazan: [I'm one of your fans.] I'm sorry but we'll have to search the tents. P.40 Madam: Just a minute. The performance is about to start. Ageha: Madam. Madam: A lot of customers are already seated. Kazan: Postpone it. Hey! Break them open and investigate! Madam: Wait! This is no joke. Madam: For performers, the stage is life! Don't disrupt it but unnecessary investigations! Shidou: Do as she says. Soldier: Shidou-sama. Shidou: We'll postpone the search, Madam. Ageha: Madam... Madam: Oh, no, you don't have to say a word. I thought something like this would happen. Where is she? P.41 Troupe Girl: Say, have you seen my earrings? [Dressing room] Troupe Girl: Oh no, I tore my dress! Ageha: Hey! Sarasa: Ageha. Ageha: Wear this. You'll be on stage. Sarasa: What!? [I barely know how to dance!] Ageha: We've been found out. Understand? It's best if you dance behind me. I'll signal to you later. P.42 Performer: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Madam Butterfly's performance. Performer: Kichou, the top star of our troupe will now perform the Sword Dance. P.43 Shidou: (It's her. I should've brought Shuri.) Ageha: I told you there was a way to cross to Kyushu. Sarasa: Yeah. Ageha: But you'll have to walk. Sarasa: Over the ocean? Ageha: Under it. Ageha: Once this place was connected with Kyushu by a tunnel around Hikoshima. Probably, it's still there. Go! Sarasa: But, I don't want to cause trouble for the troupe... Ageha: We can manage without you. Ageha: I'll add it to your debt. P.45 Ageha: When the lights lower, change places with her. Ageha: Go! Sarasa: Kanmon Tunnel... {Kanmon = gateway.} Ageha: (However, Tatara, that path is the "Path of Trial" that leads to hell.) Ageha: (None have ever passed through and survived.) P.46 Sarasa: Yato! Let's go! Sarasa: Shinbashi, you should go back with your family... Sarasa: ...... You want to... come with me? Shinbashi: Pi. [I'm coming.] Sarasa: I understand. Spectators: Kichou-sa-n! Kichou-san! Ageha: (Go, Tatara!) P.47 Ageha: (Pass through Kanmon Tunnel and reach Kyushu.) Madam: South down the coastline there's a No Trespassing sign posted. Take these candles and matches. Sarasa: Thank you, Madam. Madam: Slip out with the customers! Ageha: (But Tatara, be prepared.) P.48 Ageha: (That path is the "Path of Trials".) Indigo Chapter 2 - Kanmon Tunnel P.50 Ageha?: (Once criminals were left there.) Ageha?: (A land of punishment.) Ageha?: (None of those who entered ever returned. It is said that not one could make it through.) P.51 Sarasa: They've probably noticed by now. Let's hurry, Yato... Sarasa: Yato! Sarasa: What's wrong, it's only a tunnel. Sarasa: You are the proud and noble horse of Tatara that refuses to carry me. Calm down and don't be so skittish. Okay!? P.52 Sarasa: Even Shinbashi... It'll be alright. This is the only way. Sarasa: Watch your step. Sarasa: It's okay. Where the fire burns there are no strange gasses. Nagi said... Sarasa: UA!? P.53 Kazan: Where is Tatara! Mario: I dunno! Mario: I just said I wanted to eat ta...tara. {Tara = cod.} Kazan: Don't toy with me, brat. [You think this is funny?] Mario: [Waah] Shidou: Now, now, general. You should be friendly with children. Kazan: Shidou-sama. Shidou: The Tatara affair has been transferred to me by the Red King. You secure the boat check and the city entrances. Kazan: Yes. P.54 Shidou: Would you like some tea? Mario: Even if you're friendly, I don't know what I don't know. Shidou: I see, you don't know anything about Tatara. Shidou: You were just showing off hen you said you knew him, then? You shouldn't trouble adults with that sort of lie. Mario: It's... It's not a lie! Shidou: Hm? Mario: 'Cause Ageha called Sarasa Tatara. That's why I... Shidou: But Sarasa is a girl. And Tatara isn't a girl, right? Mario: Huh? That right. That's weird... Shidou: Let's ask... Ageha. P.55 Sarasa: O...uch. We sure fell a long way. Are you okay, Yato? Sarasa: Ca... Candles... Shinbashi: Pi. Sarasa: Thanks, Shinbashi. Sarasa: (Split paths...!?) Sarasa: Oh no... Wa!? Sarasa: Aphft! P.56 Sarasa: Uwaaaa! Nagi: *Bats live in places like caves. Some of them drink blood...* Sarasa: Yato! Run! Sarasa: (Which one... right... left...) Sarasa: Eei, left! Soldier: Lots of bats milling around. Soldier: We're searching for Tatara, not bats. P.57 Sarasa: Wait... It went out. I'll ...make a light. Shinbashi: Pi... Sarasa: What... [Waaaa!] P.58 Sarasa: [Pant pant] How did that spot get so weak...!? Sarasa: What is this---!? P.59 Sarasa: (A trap... and so old!? Someone made this..) Sarasa: They're shaved bones. From animals? Sarasa: (From a person...!? There are... 3 paths... ...as if it was purposely made a labyrinth.) Sarasa: (What on earth... Is this place... This is no ordinary tunnel.) P.60 Ageha: (Tatara. If you are truly the "Son of Destiny", you will make it through that path.) Sarasa: No! We've passed here before. Sarasa: (Or... is this the first time...!? I don't know, I don't know.) Sarasa: Wa! P.61 Sarasa: (Was that a pitfall?) [Huff, huff, huff] Sarasa: (It was probably dug to create confusion. For what? What was it guarding?) Sarasa: (How far have I walked...!? The candle is almost out.) Sarasa: (Where is the exit?) P.62 Sarasa: I'm so... tired... [Huff, huff] Shinbashi: Pi... P.63 Sarasa: Uwaa! Sarasa: (A person...!?) Sarasa: U...um... P.64 Sarasa: ha... a... u... Sarasa: [Uwaaaaa!] Sarasa: u... ku.... P.64 Shinbashi: Pi Sarasa: u... Shinbashi: [Lucky!] Sarasa: Ha... u... Nagi: *Like everyone else, you aren't afraid of the dark, are you Sarasa?* Sarasa: *Because, Nagi, there are birds, and I hear bugs, And there is the wind, and I smell the grass. So I'm not afraid.* Nagi: *That's true. I am the same way.* Sarasa: *Nagi too? Even though you can't see?* Nagi: *Yes, I am not afraid.* P.66 Nagi: *There is no empty darkness. If there was, it would be hell.* Sarasa: (Bats and snakes and bugs live here. This isn't hell.) Sarasa: (This isn't hell.) Nagi: *Think about the order of things when you're in trouble.* Nagi: *The first thing to do is the red symbol, then yellow. Think carefully about the green symbol...* Sarasa: (The red symbol is...first...?) Sarasa: Yes, Nagi, I'll make a light. P.67 Sarasa: (Yellow is...?) Sarasa: I'll use obako leaf because my feet are tired. Sarasa: (And green that I should think over carefully...?) Sarasa: I'll make markers so we don't get lost. Sarasa: We'll go left. Sarasa: Yato! Let's go. Nagi: *People have one sense beyond the five. When you cannot use your eyes, use the others to their fullest.* P.68 Nagi: *Sense with your whole body.* Sarasa: (This feels like a pitfall!) Sarasa: To the left. Sarasa: This is a trap. Sarasa: We're back at the beginning. To the right this time. Sarasa: (I'll make it out. I'll make it out to Kyushu!) P.69 Sarasa: (To Kyushu.) Sarasa: It's wide. Sarasa: The right path...! Sarasa: [Huh?] P.70 Sarasa: It looks like a natural chasm. Sarasa: (It's deep...) Sarasa: If I fell, that'd be the end. Sarasa: Yato, stand back. Sarasa: 3 or 4 meters. Yato, you can jump it. Sarasa: Okay? That is the crossover point. You can make it. Sarasa: Go! Yato! P.71 Sarasa: It's my turn. Stay in here, Shinbashi. Sarasa: (The light... went out.) P.72 Sarasa: (It's not enough.) Sarasa: Wapu (?) Sarasa: (Am I going to fall? I'll make it. I'll make it.) P.73 Sarasa: (Tatara is going to Kyushu - to Suzaku Village to search for allies.) Sarasa: Yato... Shinbashi: Pi! P.74 Sarasa: (What...) P.75 Sarasa: (What is... that!?) Sarasa: Yato, stand back. Sarasa: (After coming this far, you think I'll let you eat me?!) P.76 Sarasa: (The essential thing is to get in the first blow.) P.77 Sarasa: (The air is clearing. I can smell... the sea.) Sarasa: Come on! Kaku-jii: *Both Humans and animals have the same soft spot.* Kaku-jii: *In a fight,* P.78 Kaku-jii: *Hit 'em square on the nose!* P.79 Sarasa: [Huff, huff] Rashou: Warrior. I see the Treasure Sword of Byakko in your hand. P.80 Sarasa: (The wall... talked...) Sarasa: (A person!!) Rashou: You have come. You have come... Sarasa: (Tears...!? He looks like a wrinkled old man. In a place like this...) P.81 Rashou: Even though a you are warrior has come as far as the end... Is my appearance so terrible? Rashou: I am Rashou of Suzaku. Sarasa: (Suzaku...!?) Rashou: Long ago we opposed the tyrant of the time, Shishiou. {Shishio = Lion King. I was either going to remind you of Disney or Ruroni Kenshin and I chose Kenshin.} Rashou: Battle, defeat, a vow to return, 4 swords rose and scattered to the 4 directions. Sarasa: My grandfather... told me this story... Rashou: Genshou of Byakko? Sarasa: That was my great-grandfather... Sarasa: (He knew my great-grandfather..?!) [That was a long time ago!] Rashou: One of the swords is the Sword of Byakko. Another is my Suzaku in the current of Sakura Island. P.82 Rashou: The village was built in secret. Rashou: *We will rise again someday!* Rashou: But, one of our allies informed on us to Shishiou. Rashou: Betrayal; I was delivered to the king, and abandoned here. Rashou: Sakura Island is dead. It will never blow again. Rashou: (Without food, bound as I am,) Rashou: (But still, I...) P.83 Rashou: (Eating moss, licking stones, to live, to survive, to strike down the traitor, and defeat the Emperor.) Rashou: (My greatest wish realized.) Rashou: Shishiou is cruel. Lions were released with the prisoners left here. They were happy to be eaten. Sarasa: (The traps and the labyrinth were made by the prisoners to avoid the lions...) P.84 Rashou: One night, their entrance was submerged by an earthquake. One lion was left. Rashou: We've been here 3 days and 3 nights. No, 7 days... 10 days... a month... Rashou: I didn't move when we encountered each other. Rashou: He was the one who ran out of patience. Now, we are friends. Sarasa: (Such a thing...) Rashou: Always watch your steps here. Sarasa: (I can't stand this. Darkness... ugliness,) Rashou: If you run, you are finished. Sarasa: (A futile, miserable, pitiful existence...!) P.85 Sarasa: (But still admirable.) Rashou: I thought you would come. Someday... Rashou: A warrior carrying one of the 4 swords. Rashou: Go forth, to the world of the living. And take my... ring. Rashou: I heard my family was imprisoned in Dazaifu. If they live, meet them. Sarasa: Come... Sarasa: (with me... but, I can't say it. Not in his condition...) Rashou: Think only about escaping yourself. P.86 Rashou: Please... Go to Suzaku Village. Sarasa: (This is the path I have chosen.) Rashou: Warrior, what... are you called? Sarasa: (I took the role of Tatara, a long road.) Rashou: Your name... Sarasa: (My name is...) Sarasa: Tatara. Rashou: Named for the stars... Rashou: Live true to your heart. Rashou: Farewell. P.87 Yuki Kurete Having worked hard, Ki no Shitakake o Tadoseba Lodging in the shadows under a tree, Hana ya koyoi no Flowers and the Evening Aruji Naramashi Become my hosts. P.88 Sarasa: (My blood is hot, like it's boiling.) Sarasa: (A fighter's blood is flowing in my body...) Sarasa: Yato, this part is submerged in the ocean. I don't know how to swim, but we have to go. Sarasa: (--to Kyushu.) P.89 Sarasa: Shinbashi, stay in here. Sarasa: (The ceiling extends underwater. We can't leave without diving.) Sarasa: Wa! P.90 Sarasa: (I don't know how to swim at all! I've never been in so much water.) Sarasa: (Yato! Shinbashi!) Nagi: *Sarasa...* Nagi: *Before being born, in their mothers' wombs, humans are calmly swimming creatures.* Nagi: *Thus, it is impossible that you can't swim.* P.91 Sarasa: (Yato, hang on. Because I won't let go.) Sarasa: (I won't let go.) Sarasa: (Let's go together. You are Tatara's horse...!) P.93 Sprout Green Chapter 2 - Two Tataras P.94 Child: Somebody go beat up! Child: Maybe he's dead. Child: Yeah, maybe he's dead. Child: Waa! It's a horse! Run away! Child: Looks like the horse is protecting him. Child: Yeah, looks like it's protecting him. P.95 Sarasa: Yato... we made it through the tunnel... P.96 Rashou: *Take this ring. I want you to meet my family that was caught in Dazaifu... if they live.* Rashou: *And, go to Suzaku Village.* Sarasa: It's a crest of a hawk. I wonder if it has a meaning... Sarasa: Hey, boys! Which way to Dazaifu? Is it far? Child: [He IS alive!] The grown-ups in the village know, but... Ah, I got it, you're going to see Tatara-sama! Sarasa: (What!?) Child: You came after seeing this bulletin, right? P.97 Flyer: Gather to Tatara, the Son of Destiny! To those with courage: Wait at Tatara, northeast of Dazaifu. TATARA Sarasa: What is this... Sarasa: (Someone is trying to trick people by using Tatara's name! Another Tatara...!?) Sarasa: (I will find out.) Sarasa: Is there a place that can supply me with water and rations? Child: Can you come to the village? Child: Oba-cha-n! Sarasa: Uh... but... I don't have any... Old Woman: What? You've got no money? And wearing those tattered clothes. P.98 Old Woman: Tatara is a beach downstream on the Tatara River. 2 or 3 hours if you run your horse. [That way] {The name of the river is rendered in kanji, while the name of the Child of Destiny is in katakana.} Sarasa: Thank you very much. Tamura-sensei: [ Sarasa: This area doesn't seem prosperous either but... there are good people here. Sarasa: (Well... since Yato won't let me ride him, I'd better start walking...) Yato: Hin Hin Sarasa: ...... You want me to... ride? P.99 Sarasa: (You recognize me as Tatara!?) Sarasa: But... but you're tired too... Ow! Okay. It's just that you were such a pain. Sarasa: Okay, let's go! Sarasa: (We made it to Kyushu...) P.100 Sarasa: (For some reason I expected to find the number of plants growing, but this place is a desert too.) Sarasa: (But, but, around this Tatara River should be water... and grass...) P.101 Hayato: Hey, that's a nice horse you're riding. Did you come to see Tatara!? Sarasa: That's right. P.102 Hayato: Then take this!! Sarasa: Yato, get back! Hayato: Pretty good. Okay, you can join my allies. I'm Tatara. P.103 Sarasa: (He, he's the one!?) [He's just a kid.] Hayato: What's your name? Sarasa: ...... Hayato: Well, it's fine if you don't have one. Wow, this really is a nice horse. Hayato: Let me borrow him for a bit. Sarasa: Yato won't let anyone ride him. Hayato: I can ride any horse! Followers: [ha-hahaha] Hayato: Don't laugh! I'm Tatara you know! P.104 Hayato: [patpat] I'm the Son of Destiny who took treasure from the Red King himself at Doudan Fortress. Sarasa: (He's shameless...!) Hayato: Everybody! A new member! Hayato: All these people gathered when they saw the bulletin. Sarasa: (They look like a gang of thieves.) Hayato: Come, have a drink. Where are you from? Sarasa: [I don't drink.] Sanyou. Hayato: My... my birthplace. Uh, I-I didn't leave so long ago. Hayato: There was a guy from around there. He was bald. Follower: He came begging just to see Tatara-sama's face. Follower: Suke-san? Follower: [hahahaha] No, no. It was Kaku-san. Sarasa: With a moustache? And a scar here... Follower: [a-ha-ha] Yeah, he fits that. [You know him?] Sarasa: Kaku-jii!? P.105 Sarasa: (He's alive!? He's alive!? Kaku-jii...!) Kaku-jii: *I'll meet you at Suzaku Village if I can. See you at Suzaku Village...!* Hayato: Everyone, listen. The governor of Dazaifu is an understanding man. I heard he'll split guts with us because we want to talk to him about the future of the country. {Split guts = talk earnestly.} Followers: Isn't that dangerous... Tatara-sama said it's safe. Hayato: Tonight! We all march into Dazaifu! Followers: [O--h!] P.106 Follower: Perhaps if we do well the path into the government will open. [heeheehee] Sarasa: (Talk...!?) Follower: [hahahaha] No, no, if this becomes the 1st step of reformation... Sarasa: (Unbelievable!) Sarasa: (This guy, what's he trying to accomplish by calling himself Tatara!) Narration: Meanwhile - Capital of Suou, Red Palace Soldier: In the end, Tatara was not there. The other occurrences are two bar fights, the missing dancer and... Tamura-sensei: [The Red King's office] Soldier: [Ah] This is unimportant, but it was reported that bats were milling around as well. Tamura-sensei: [It's a signature stamp.] P.107 Shuri: When? Soldier: Well... it was about 10 o'clock last night. Shuri: When did you receive the report? Soldier: Well... at that time. Shuri: Who made the report? Soldier: Well... My subordinate Sakaki. God, he's worthless... Shuri: I doubt it was your subordinate. I've decided you are worthless. I have no use for ears and heads like yours. Soldier: W... Soldier: Guha! P.108 Aides: [waaa! hii!] Shuri: Idiots have no place in my army. Shuri: Kazan! Make that Sakaki he mentioned his replacement! Kazan: I have no excuse... It was my mistake to make that one captain... Shuri: Kazan! I heard recently that a beautiful lady is being held here. Do you finally want to take a bride? Kazan: No... sir... [How can you ask that?] Ashou: Red King! You still have paperwork... Shuri: It can wait! Where's Shidou! Ashou: Yes... in the interrogation room. P.109 Soldier: [huff, huff] Stubborn isn't he? [What a shock that Kichou was a man!] Ageha: Done... already? Shidou: Ageha. Ageha: Boil me, burn me, lead me about, do what you will. If you say dance, I'll dance. P.110 Ageha: However you humiliate me, I'll endure it. Shidou: ...your pride is endearing, but at least tell me where that girl called Sarasa disappeared to. Shidou: Ageha. Ageha: How about you call me by number, Shidou? Like the old days. Ageha: Slave No.31... Ageha: Uh! [ouch] Shuri: Shidou! Soldier: M-my lord! P.111 Shuri: Shidou, return to Kyushu. Tatara is there. Shidou: During the ban!? Shuri: There are ways. Such as going through the tunnel. Shidou: ...impossible! The Kyushu exit is flooded! Shuri: Tatara likes to do the unexpected. Shuri: Isn't that right? Shuri: Hmm, I recognize your face. Shidou: Ageha! Soldier: How dare you! Ageha: Hmph, a tyrant's appearance? P.122 Ageha: Perhaps you and Shidou intend to be the founders of a new age. In the end, having been supported by the pride of the royal family, you won't exceed mere tyrants. Ageha: You don't think about the people. Shidou: Ageha, stop! Ageha: You won't create a new country, just a kingdom for your own sake, the same as the current reign. A dictatorship. Shuri: So? P.113 Shuri: Shidou, take him with you. And hurry. Ageha: (Though I though that would upset him, he laughed... As I thought, he is no ordinary man.) Shidou: Shuri, if he did cross to Kyushu finding him should simple. Shuri: You have a plan? Shidou: It's an old saying but, summer bugs fly into the flame. P.114 Narration: Dazaifu. Surrounding the government office of foreign and military affairs, an olive grove and city streets spread. Hayato: Well, meet at Dazaifu's South Gate at the end of the day. Sign: [Keep Off!] Hayato: It reached! Hayato: New recruit! How about you? This's the place for communication. P.115 Sarasa: Why do you call yourself Tatara!? Hayato: Because I'm Tatara. [Let me do what I gotta do!] Sarasa: What do you intend to do when you take them all to the Dazaifu Office? Hayato: Like I said, talk! I thought the situation would be better if... Sarasa: I want to hear the truth. Hayato: For a new recruit, you're good. I got it, come with me. Hayato: This's my house. [It's poor, but...] Hayato: I'm home, Okaa-chan! P.116 Hayato: How do you feel? Hayato's Mother: Um, pretty good. Hayato: Have you eaten anything? That's bad, you have to eat. Hayato: My mother has an illness of the liver... Hayato: Shidou-sama, the governor of Dazaifu, said he'd bring reward gold and good medicine from foreign countries if I did a job for him. Shidou: *Gather people using the name Tatara. I want you to bring them to Dazaifu, that's all you have to do.* Sarasa: (Shidou...) P.117 Sarasa: Are you... an idiot? What do you think will happen to the others! The group that have gathered around Tatara will be arrested or killed! Hayato: Shidou-sama said he wanted to talk. Shidou-sama is a kind, well-loved man! Sarasa: I'm going to warn them. Hayato: Stop! I won't get the medicine! Hayato: First, they all think I'm Tatara. They won't believe the words of a new recruit. Hayato: I... want to save Okaa-chan. P.118 Hayato: My great-grandfather was a famous rebel criminal, and was punished long ago. Hayato: Because of that, his son my grandfather lived out his life in the prisons of Dazaifu. Hayato: My dad was made the lowest of the slaves, and after slavery ended he was still treated like a slave. Hayato: Okaa-chan always had hardships. Wouldn't it be good to make it easy on her soon? P.119 Sarasa: (Okaa-san... Okaa...san...) Sarasa: What was your great-grandfather's name? Could it be... Rashou of Suzaku...? Hayato: It was something like that. Hayato: Got it !? So don't get in my way. Sarasa: That Rashou-san gave me this. He said to meet his family if they were alive. Hayato: Why'd you?! Wha!? Sarasa: Do what you want, I'm not leaving Dazaifu. P.120 Sarasa: (I thought he would fight with me.) Sarasa: (Hey, Rashou of Suzaku... Your relatives are now pawns of your enemies.) Hayato: (With that girly face, he's not like other wanderers. Who is that guy!?) Hayato: ...... Hayato: (A ring... with a seal of a hawk...) Hayato's Mother: Hayato, has your friend gone home? Hayato: Uh...yeah! Hayato: Okaa-chan, I'm going to be a little late tonight. Hayato's Mother: Come back... as fast as you can. Tonight I... Hayato: Yeah, gotcha. P.121 Hayato: Is everyone gathered? Follower: Where's the new recruit? Hayato: He ran off. Come on, go in, go in. Soldier: All of you, please wait in the courtyard. Hayato: Where is Shidou-sama? P.122 Followers: Oh... Wa... Ah! P.123 Soldier: The disruptive element that gathered in the name of Tatara is placed under mass arrest in the interest of Shidou-sama. Hayato: I'm different. I'm different! Soldier: I'm not listening. Fire! Hayato: Where is Shidou-sama!? Soldier: He is away. P.124 Sarasa: (I though so. Look! Isn't this what I said?) Sarasa: (I should leave him alone. Forget that idiot!) Sarasa: (I have to go to Suzaku.) Hayato: (Okaa-chan...) Sarasa: Eei! Yato! Don't throw me off! P.125 Sarasa: The gate's open! Hurry and escape! P.126 Sarasa: Hey! Hayato: u... Sarasa: Hey! Get a hold of yourself! You have to save the group you brought here. I said get a hold of yourself! Sarasa: A weakling like you isn't fit Sarasa: (to take Onii-chan's) Sarasa: To take Tatara's name! P.127 Hayato: Ta... P.128 Hayato: (Tatara!?) Hayato: Tatara!? P.129 Hayato: (A hawk...) Hayato's Mother: *Hayato... Remember the "Yuriwaka" legend passed down in Kyushu.* Hayato's Mother: *During the Mongol invasion, there was a very strong commander. But, a subordinate betrayed him, and he was left on a solitary island.* Hayato's Mother: *Soon he came home, defeated the traitor, and became Japan's greatest general.* P.130 Mother: *He corresponded with his family using a hawk. A green hawk.* Hayato: I'm supposed... to take it. Hayato: (My great-grandfather's grudge is supposed to be lifted by me. It's that what this means!?) Hayato: I hate this way of life - like dad's and grandfather's. I want to have it easy and make my way in normal peace. Mother: *Your great-grandfather was a hero like in Yuriwaka!* Hayato: But-damnit! P.131 Hayato: Where is my mother's medicine!! This's dirty, Shidou! Hayato: Damnit, let me go!! Sarasa: Hurry! Let's escape! P.132 Sarasa: Looks like some of them escaped. You... um, what's your name? Hayato: Hayato. Sarasa: Hayato, you should take your mother and run. Hayato: Okaa-chan. Sarasa: Hayato! How can we take her... Do you... Hayato: Okaa-chan... P.133 Hayato: Why... Okaa-cha... Hayato: I said I'd be back soon, I... Hayato: To leave me alone like this, to leave me all alone like this...! Hayato: Okaa-chan! [Uwaaaa] Hayato: Okaa-chan! Okaa-chan, I'm sorry! P.134 Sarasa: (Okaa-san, Okaa-san...) Sarasa: (Everyone... so many... are gradually scattering away...) Sarasa: (Such a country is not right. Such a country is not right.) P.135 Letter: Hayato... Thinking I haven't much longer, I write what remains. Letter: Enclosed is a map to Suzaku village. Letter: Hayato... Letter: Children born on Thursday are said to be travelers. I was thinking that someday you would go on a journey. Letter: Be wary of the Shoujou Clan, who betrayed your great-grandfather and stole the Sword of Suzaku... {Shoujou = orangutan.} P.136 Hayato's Mother: (Hayato, God...) Hayato's Mother: (God hasn't imposed on any limits on you.) Hayato's Mother: (Trust your blood and walk straight ahead.) Hayato: Tatara... Hayato: I... is it okay if I go with you? Hayato: I want join you. P.137 Hayato: I'm pretty strong - at archery and horsemanship... and cooking, and laundry, and sewing. I think I'd be useful, anyway. Sarasa: As long as you don't get under Yato's feet. Hayato: Ah, how mean! He--y, wait up! Soldier: Shidou-sama, a report from Dazaifu. Tamura-sensei: [On the way home.] Soldier: The persons believed to be Hayato and Tatara seem to be heading south. Shidou: Suzaku, hm? Next time, it's my turn. P.139 Sprout Green Chapter 2 - Reunion P.140 Narration: --Dazaifu-- P.141 Senju: Our father in heaven, please... Please protect him... P.142 Mother: Senju? Ah, you're here again. Senju: Okaa-sama. Mother: Shidou-sama is here. Senju: He is!? Has he returned safely? Senju: Oh... wait. I, do I look alright? [Mirror, mirror] Okaa-sama, perhaps I should change... Mother: Now, now, dear. Shidou: Senju-dono, you are lovely as always. [Chuckle chukle] Mother: Come now, in such a place! Go ahead into the hall. Senju: Shidou-sama! P.143 Senju: Congratulations on your safe return. Shidou: You need ask if I'm safe? I only went to Suou for a few days. Senju: But there is the desert and the ocean in the route. Shidou: [Chukle chukle] From now on you'll be worrying your whole life. Shidou: Ah, these are from the Red King. Gifts for my fiancée. [He sure is lavish for a pretty girl.] Senju: From the Red King... Mother: Goodness, we are always, always blessed by his generosity for what we lack. Senju, you must write him a thank you note. Mother: Is it alright to announce the wedding? Shidou: I just discussed that with my father at the government office. I would like to postpone the ceremony. P.144 Shidou: I must go south for 2 of 3 days. Senju: To chase down Tatara...? Shidou: I will soon finish and return. Well then, I have business to attend to. Senju: Shidou-sama... Mother: Senju, don't hold him from his work with your selfishness. Senju: ...yes. Soldier: Shidou-sama, the group believed to be Tatara's has passed through the town of Hida. Should we persue with soldiers? Shidou: No. If they're going to Suzaku we'll let them. P.145 Shidou: A messenger is already passing through Suzaku. Shidou: If Tatara intends to regain some of the old rebel army's image, he'll be quite surprised. Narration: Dazaifu Government Office Senju: Um... Excuse me. Soldier: If it isn't the mayor's daughter. Here on business with your father or Shidou-sama? Senju: No...um, have any of you seen Tatara? What sort of person is he? Soldier: He seems to be a 2-meter tall giant. Soldier: No, no. Soldier: He was a delicate, handsome boy. Soldier: Anyway he and his horse can become like one body. He's agile like the wind. Soldier: That sounds like an oni or tengu! {oni = ogre, tengu = crow-demon.} Hayato: Achoo! Hayato: Somebody's spreading rumors about Tatara. Sarasa: When your belly sticks out it's because you're asleep. [I'm Tatara!] {In Japan, sneezing is a sign that someone is talking about you behind your back. Sarasa's reply just has me baffled.} P.146 Hayato: Hey, I'm hot. Let's rest! Sarasa: We just took a break back... Hayato. Someone's coming. Hayato: All right! Let'em come! Hisha: Tatara-sama! Sarasa: ...... Hisha!? Hisha: It has been some time. Sarasa: How did you...!? Hisha: Tatara-sama is the talk of all the towns since Dazaifu. Noting that... Sarasa: Are there persuers? Hisha: No, I did not see any, but, Hayato: Hey! I'm Tatara's no. 1 follower, Hayato. If you want to talk to Tatara, you have to go through me! P.147 Sarasa: How are Nagi and the others? Doing well? Hisha: Yes. Hisha: After ship movement normalized, we crossed to Kyushu and landed near Beppu. Sarasa: Beppu? Hisha: Currently in Beppu Bay the Red Army's warships seem to be entering the port for launch ceremonies. Sarasa: Warships. Sarasa: (The Red...) Hisha: Nagi-sama suggests you take a look at them. Hayato: Beppu! A hot springs town! Their scorpion fish and sole is delicious. Sarasa: Hisha, will you protect Nagi and the others for me? Hisha: Understood. Well then, be careful. Sarasa: Hayato, shall we take a look? P.148 Narration: Beppu Bay, The warship Kurenai P.149 Hayato: Wow! Amazing! It's huge! Those are...cannons! Amazing! P.150 Sarasa: (Always... Always, always,) Sarasa: (The Red King overwhelms us.) Sarasa: (How can I defeat him? How can he be defeated...) Worker: It runs on a steam engine and sails huh. Wow, the Red King is amazing. Worker: But the center kings don't come up with anything as interesting. The Emperor and the other son-kings, I mean. Worker: That's true. They're all getting outwitted by the youngest son. P.151 Hayato: We'll outwit that Red King and burn him to death in this ship. Sarasa: There are fools who have said that before and failed. Sarasa: (I won't repeat that foolishness. Attacking the Red King is the final goal.) Sarasa: (After increasing allies... and preparing for the conditions.) Sarasa: Let's go. Hayato: ...huh? Aren't we meeting your allies? Sarasa: For now... I give up. Sarasa: (If I met up with Nagi they'd rely on me completely. And I still haven't accomplished anything on my own. I shouldn't meet with them.) Hayato: Oh, no, I already have an inn picked out. [It's small.] Soon sun's gonna go down soon and we can eat tasty fish. Sarasa: Can we afford that luxury?! We're camping. Cancel it! [And eat lightly!] P.152 Sarasa: But Yato can have a soak in the hot springs. Shinbashi: [Me too.] Sarasa: (Actually, saying "hot springs" makes my heart pound.) Sarasa: (Shuri... I can't see you anymore...) Sarasa: I don't think anyone has come in this far. It's really boiling up everywhere. P.153 Sarasa: Wow, there are monkeys in there. Sarasa: Yato, thanks for your hard work. Take your time. Sarasa: What? Sarasa: (That's a huge monkey...) Sarasa: (...no... It's a...person.) P.154 Sarasa: (There's a symbol on his back. The same as Ageha's... the slave brand...!) Sarasa: Shuri! Sarasa: (Shuri was a slave too...!?) P.155 Shuri: You must really like hot springs. Sarasa: You too... Sarasa: Gyaa! Sarasa: (He, He did it again--!) Shuri: Trying to escape!? P.156 Sarasa: Wh... cough, what're you... Let me go! Shuri: Hahaha! I wanted to see you. Shuri: Why are you in Kyushu? Sarasa: Um... I have relatives here. Shuri: I see. I bet it was tough going with no ships sailing. How's your revenge going? Sarasa: That was a big failure... P.157 Sarasa: (I don't really mind, but we're naked...) Shuri: Would you like me to lend a hand? Sarasa: [No thanks.] (But we're naked...!) Tamura-sensei: [Shuri's hand.] P.158 Shuri: Shit- Shuri: Was that a threat? The warships didn't seem to bother them. Shuri: (More importantly, which of my brothers was it? To encroach on another's territory...) Sarasa: Shuri! This arrow's poisoned! Sarasa: Hold still. Sarasa: (Can I get it all out?) Shuri: It's fine. I have tolerance to some poisons. Sarasa: This isn't some! Tamura-sensei: [People with cavities shouldn't try this.] P.159 Sarasa: I don't know what kind of poison it is, but rengyou or suikazura should work. Sarasa: Take kanzou too. Shuri: Are you a medicine peddler? Sarasa: Nagi gave me a lot of these, you see... Shuri: Is Nagi a medicine peddler? Sarasa: Nagi's a teacher and a priest and a prophet. Shuri: A prophet, huh... Shuri: I hate prophets... Sarasa: Shuri! No, don't die! Sarasa: (Please, no more people I know.) P.160 Sarasa: (Don't die...!) Senju's Mother: Goodness! I wonder if rain is coming. Senju: Please protect Shidou-sama on his journey... Senju: Kya- Senju: The water jug was... Senju: (It can't be... Shidou-sama!) P.161 Shidou: Wet weather is unusual in this season. Shidou: (Is it a sign... that I'll meet Tatara...?) Shidou: (I want to know his connection to that Sarasa.) Shidou: Who's there! Senju: Shidou-sama! Shidou: Senju!? P.162 Shidou: What's wrong? You're so lightly dressed on a rainy night like... Senju: I had a... bad premonition. Shidou: Hm? Senju: While I was praying, a water jug was broken in half. Shidou: Haha, Was it a message from God? Anyway, come in. Senju: It's ominous! I... I have a strange apprehension that no matter what, you'll... Shidou: ...that I'll lose...? Senju: It is possible, isn't it? This Tatara is a mystery to us! P.163 Shidou: ......at any rate, engagement aside, you shouldn't go into a man's bedroom alone this late at night. Shidou: [chuckle] If our parents knew, they'd strike me dead. Senju: Then, please make me your wife right now. Shidou: Senju... Senju: Until morning, until you depart, let me stay with you. Senju: I know I'm being selfish. Senju: I was chosen as your fiancée by our parents and you love the Red King more than me. Senju: Oh... I, what am I saying? P.164 Senju: I am so immodest. I'm sorr... Shidou: ...I'm surprised that you have such a passionate side. Senju: I'm sorry! Shidou: Senju! Shidou: Wait. You'll catch a cold. I can't let you go home in this state- Senju: It's fine! Don't look at me! Senju: It's no matter if I catch a cold. It's fine if I am struck down in thunder. I am so ashamed! Shidou: Senju. I am the sort who will say no if I don't like something. Shidou: And further, my ideals of women are very high. I wouldn't have accepted anyone but you. P.165 Shidou: Our fathers didn't decide it. You are the one I wished for. Shidou: I don't always say the sensible thing, but, Shidou: It's true that I would give my life for the Red King, but, I would wish to die for you. Senju: There is no glory in dying. Senju: Please... don't be a hero. Senju: To see a bronze statue of you built in the arena, I'd... P.166 Sarasa: Shuri! Hold on! Sarasa: He has a fever - I need cold water. Are you cold? I need to warm him up. Sarasa: Water... But first I need to move him where no one would come. P.167 Shidou: Here. I meant to give you this at the ceremony, but... Senju: My... it's lovely. Shidou: It's popular at the capital of Kyoto now. I give it as a charm and a symbol of our marriage. Rubies because you were born on Sunday... Senju: And you, Shidou-sama? Shidou: I am Monday, I believe. Isn't it pearl? Senju: Then take this with God's blessings, my husband. Senju: Shidou-sama... P.168 Shidou: Before he was born, Shuri was... given a curse. Senju: A curse...? P.169 Shidou: (A prophet informed the King,) Shidou: If the child is born a boy, he would bring calamity to the Kings. Shidou: (The child was born a health boy, like any other.) Shidou: With his own hands, the King... marked the infant with a brand. Emperor: *This is not my child. It is my slave.* Shidou: (At that time my father was in the capital, and took custody of him until manhood.) Shidou: (So Shuri and I studied together and were raised together.) P.170 Shidou: It's like I'm confessing. Shidou: [Are you cold?] Senju: [No.] Shidou: I am also a member of the royal family but not directly. I thought it was foolish that my blood kept me from standing at the top. Shidou: (Because I was older... Because I had always excelled at everything...) Shidou: (He was unrefined in every way; arrogant, but eager.) Shuri: *As far as penmanship, being able to write my name is enough. The sword is my one concern. I want to learn by challenging everyone.* Shidou: (Suddenly, I was quoting those lightly spoken words.) Shuri: *There's something like this here?* Shidou: A fortune-teller said his palm showed misfortune. Shuri: *Then what shows good luck?* Fortune-teller: *A clear, long destiny line, for example.* Shuri: *Is that so.* P.171 Shuri: *Then how's this!* Shidou: (Bluffs and elaborate lies became his specialties.) Shuri: *Shidou! I will get this country. Japan will be mine.* Shidou: Before I know it, my little cousin had charmed me. Shidou: (At his coming of age, the Emperor allotted him with the deserts of Chugoku province to govern.) Shidou: (Pestering, teasing or making jokes...) Shidou: For 3 years, he did nothing but play. P.172 Shidou: He didn't do a single thing. Naturally, the country was in chaos. The court retainers did whatever they pleased, accepting bribes. The people lamented, and the government was thick with corruption. Kazan: *Majesty, have you heard these stories? 'There is a bird in the heights that in 3 years have neither flown nor called'.* Shuri: *'Whatever is that bird?'* Shuri: [hahahahaha] *That's good!* Kazan: *Your Majesty!* Shidou: (Then after 3 years,) Shuri: *It seems that gradually some sores have welled up.* Shidou: (He made a clean sweep of the corrupt retainers that were piling up.) P.173 Shidou: (He waited, and then chose the true subordinates who were loyal only to him.) Shidou: I thought I had seen a person on a different level than myself. Shidou: (Surely he is a king among kings!) Shidou: (Was the prophet reckoning for this!? Without that curse, he would've been raised as a spoiled, cowardly youngest son...!) Shidou: Soon he held all of western Japan. Shidou: I thought I wanted to run with him. Shidou: To confirm what I had seen. P.174 Shuri: *I have a dream of crimson flames running everywhere. A dream of only one king...* Senju: Why- Senju: (Did you tell me this?) Senju: (It's as if... he can't help it. Like he is saying) Senju: (don't interrupt.) Shidou: He was wise... Shidou: Tatara was also cursed by a prophet. Justice is with him as well. Shidou: When the 2 justices collide, a war will begin. P.175 Shidou: (And in war there is no such thing as a partial victory.) Sarasa: Ah, you're awake. How do you feel? P.176 Sarasa: Last night it thundered and there was a strong wind. Probably it rained somewhere. Sarasa: Those ships must've been tossing. Shuri: You saw the warship? Shuri: Splendid ship, isn't it? Sarasa: Yeah, but I thought it was foolish. Sarasa: If they fought the foreigners, they'd lose for certain. Shuri: ...why? Sarasa: Because those people came here from the other side of the earth. Their weapons and technology must be totally different. Japan is 100 years behind. [Nagi's opinion.] P.177 Sarasa: Also, in times of war, you shouldn't put your country on display, because having your land and family destroyed is painful. Sarasa: Long ago, there was a great country that was always strong, because there was never a battle on it's land. Shuri: There are no women around me who say things like that. Sarasa: When there is no one around you, it's your own fault. [Nagi said that.] Shuri: [ha ha ha] That's the truth! Shuri: That's why I want you. Shuri: I want you with me. Come with me and stay at my side! Sarasa: I'm not a trophy. [hmph] P.178 Shuri: Every time you defy me. Shuri: Well, I guess I'll wait until you grow in this area. Sarasa: Let me go-! Sarasa: I said... let me go... [I was worried about you!] Ah jeez, you must be fine if you have this much energy! Shuri: I have to repay you for saving my life. Sarasa: [What's going on here?] Shuri: What do you want, Sarasa? Sarasa: (He called me Sarasa... somehow...) Sarasa: People don't get what they really want, Sarasa: So let me go! Shuri: I don't want to. P.179 Sarasa: You... LECH! Shuri: ...She- She did it again. Shuri: You're the only woman who's bloodied my nose twice. Sarasa: [Moron, you're too hot-blooded.] Shuri: I kind of like that. Shuri: Hey! Wait right there, okay? Sarasa: Hold on! Watch your feet! Sarasa: ...... [jeez.] Sarasa: (Should I ask no not about that symbol his back?) Sarasa: (If I told him... what then? I am Tatara. Won't you fight with me?) P.180 Shuri: This is for you! Wherever it flies, it returns to my place. Tamura-sensei: [A bright red parrot.] Shuri: So we can start an anytime anywhere romance though correspondence. Sarasa: What romance!? Sarasa: For one thing, I'm always moving. Shuri: So have this whistle. Sarasa: ...... It doesn't make a sound. Shuri: Only birds can hear it. Shinbashi: [What is it? It's like you were calling me?] Shuri: When I have your reply, I'll fly one to you. Shuri: Well then, I'll be waiting. See you later! Sarasa: (A 'going my way' sorta guy.) P.181 Sarasa: (But what will I do, I'm falling for him...) Senju: Shidou-sama. Are you going now? Shidou: I will return soon, but if you worry, this is a good luck charm. Shidou: Please tie a yellow ribbon to a tree branch until I return. Senju: Yes... P.182 Shidou: Also, I want lots of children because I was an only child. I'm in your hands. Senju: My! Senju: (Don't become a hero...) Senju: (Please, don't become a hero.) P.183 Sarasa: Hayato, is that Sakura Island? Hayato: That's not it, it's supposed to be in a bay. Sarasa: But jeez, this is Kinkou Bay, we should see it soon. Hayato: Hey, Tatara. Hayato: You've been in a good mood since we left Beppu. Hayato: Almost like you fell for a cute girl! Did you do anything that night? Heehee, Am I right? Sarasa: More importantly, this Suzaku Village, what sort of place do you think it's become? Hayato: Who knows? If the Shoujou Clan who served the Emperor and betrayed my great-grandfather are in charge it's probably not a nice place. If we can find out what happened to the Suzaku Sword... Sarasa: Ah, there's someone. Let's ask him. Excuse me-! P.184 Sarasa: Is it still far to Sakura Island? Traveler: Sakura Island? It's right there. Sarasa: Right...there... There's nothing but ocean... Traveler: No, I should say it was there. Hayato: ...what!? It couldn't be... Traveler: As for the village on the slope, it sunk. 2 - End